Y Magazine #561, March 14, 2019 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

‘Oman’s Best Mum’

ENTER AND WIN WITH Y’S MOTHER’S DAY COMPETITION! Tides of history EXPLORING THE HERITAGE SETTLEMENTS OF BAUSHER

News: FIFA EYES OMAN, KUWAIT 10 FOR 2022 WORLD CUP MATCHES

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DESTINATION: The Muttrah Geo-Trail TASTE TEST: Soi Soi YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

MAR 14 - 20 2019 / ISSUE 561 • WEEKLY

PLUS!

HOW DANGEROUS IS YOUR CAR? WITH THE 2019 GCC TRAFFIC WEEK UNDERWAY, Y UNCOVERS HOW MORE RESIDENTS ARE FALLING VICTIM TO THE IMPORTED CAR SCAM IN OMAN. WE INVESTIGATE IF WHAT YOU’RE NOT PAYING FOR IN COST, YOU COULD BE PAYING FOR WITH YOUR LIFE

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

ow often on life’s daily commutes do we stop to think about the vehicle that’s actually carrying us? As we fumble with the radio dial, adjust our safety strap, and try not to slosh our morning coffee, we take for granted the very real machine that makes it possible to go from Point A to Point B with ease. Until something goes wrong, that is. Be it a flat tire or cracked windshield, an unexpected automotive inconvenience can derail our day. But what if it’s something more sinister, more serious than a squeaky fan-belt that’s at play? Turning our family vehicles into potentially deadly accidents waiting to happen? To some they’re just a mode of transportation; but nevertheless, the humble car has come a long way since it became accessible to the masses as a commuting commodity. However, the very vehicle that’s become a part of your daily life can also take away your life without warning. This is becoming the case as more makes and models that are not compliant in the GCC are imported into Oman from international markets – some even rebuilt and refurbished after damage from wreckages and floods. With the annual GCC Traffic Week on now until March 17, and more of these ‘grey market’ vehicles hitting the roads throughout the Sultanate, we investigate to find out what the government is doing to tighten its import laws on cars as the death toll continues to rise. Also, in this issue, we’re stepping back in time and taking you along for the ride as we explore the Al Hammam heritage quarter in the heart of Bausher, where the ruins of old homes and an ancient falaj system tell a story of the past. Plus, we’re calling all children in Muscat to tell us how much your love your Mum this Mother’s Day by taking part in Y’s annual ‘Oman’s Best Mum’ competition. Just flip to Page 28 for details on how to enter! 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

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MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. MAR 14 - 20 / ISSUE 561

contents MAR

Your Oman

2019

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Ali al Barwani 10 News World Cup buzz for Oman 10

News Muscat Airport ‘most improved’ in Middle East

10 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination The Muttrah Geo-Trail 34 First Drive Six must-drive cars for 2019

14 Folk festival The first Oman World Festival of Folk Music brings a taste of global music to the Royal Opera House Muscat this weekend!

16 Car trouble As Oman’s ‘grey market’ for international car imports continues to see non-compliant vehicles hitting the nation’s roads, we examine the need for stricter regulations governing the industry as incidences of vehicular fatalities skyrocket.

20 Village voice We step back in time on an urban heritage trail in Bausher where ancient settlements 15 Movies offer insights into A magical garden the rich history of a leads to a bygone people. time-travelling adventure in the 28 Mum’s the word Oscar-nominated Want to show the world animated film ‘Mirai’. that you’ve got ‘Oman’s Best Mum’? Then grab our Mother’s Day card next issue and enter to win with Y’s annual Mother’s Day competition!

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Butterfly details

42 Beauty 38 Y-Fi Spring’s pastel Quirky polishes smartphones

Features

Food and Drink 44 Yummy Oman Street eats 46 Taste Test Soi Soi

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

w o L Low t l a S Fat

y o j n e o t s y a w w Delicious ne e s e e h C m a e Puck Cr

Celebrating the everyday chef

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

Wedding bells for J-Lo and A-Rod! Jennifer Lopez and baseball star Alex Rodriguez are officially engaged! The pair have been dating for two years, with Alex proposing to J-Lo with a massive diamond engagement ring estimated to cost between $1-$5 million USD, during a recent tropical vacation to the Bahamas. The couple broke the news on Instagram when Alex posted a pic of Jennifer and her ring, along with the caption – ‘She said yes.’ Taylor’s stalker scare Singersongstress Taylor Swift has been very open about her struggles with a stalker. This week, in a brush with danger that hit close to home, the man allegedly stalking Taylor climbed onto the roof of her New York apartment and broke down a door – which triggered an alarm. The intruder was caught and taken into custody. Swift was not in the apartment during the time of the breakand-enter. This isn’t the first time this has happened – in April of last year, the same man allegedly broke into her apartment, took a shower, and slept in her empty bed. At that time, he was sentenced to six months in jail. Oprah attacked over Jackson film

Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has come under fire from diehard Michael Jackson fans over her comments on the controversial ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary, which aired on HBO last week. Oprah says the film, which examines aspects of the late pop star’s private life, is ‘a moment in time that allows 06

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us to see this societal corruption. It’s like a scourge on humanity’. Oprah also hosted a special show called ‘After Neverland’ in which she interviewed two of the men involved in the HBO film. Meanwhile, fellow talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has Tweeted that she hopes everyone will watch the documentary.

Marshmello brings fans a new collab!

It must’ve been love…?

There have been reports that Kourtney Kardashian is falling head-over-heels for Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker and that their recent friendship is definitely turning romantic – taking the eldest Kardashian sister by surprise after being split from long-time partner Scott Disick with whom she has three children together. While Kourt and Travis are still insisting publicly that they’re just friends, sources close to the couple are allegedly claiming otherwise saying that she’s definitely fall for him. A life sentence for Kanye? Rapper Kanye West is legally obligated to record label EMI for the rest of his life according to his contract, he alleges. Back in January, Kanye filed a suit against EMI and Universal Music Group’s RocA-Fella Records in order to obtain his freedom and get out of his publishing and label deals. According to a clause in his contract, which was obtained by the press, it states: ‘At no time during the term will you seek to retire as a songwriter, recording artist, or producer, or take any extended hiatus during which you are not actively pursuing your musical career in the same basic manner as You have pursued such career to date’.

Marshmello has teamed up with indie-pop band Chvrches on his new single ‘Here With Me’ – a bouncy pop love ballad. The last collaboration Marshmello released was ‘Happier’ featuring Bastille. He’s also said that he’d love to work with Cardi B. next, so let’s see what could be on the way. That’s one collaboration we’d love to hear! Louis’s tribute to his Mum

One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson is back with ‘Two Of Us’, an emotional love letter to his late mother who passed away in 2016. It serves as the first single off his highlyanticipated début album. The song describes the bond the two of them have, even after her death. A day after its release, the track reached number one on the worldwide iTunes charts! Mariah Carey drops new track In true diva fashion, Mariah Carey is back on the scene to tease us all with a new track (a fun breakup pop song) off her latest album. ‘A No No’ is all about standing up for yourself and saying enough is enough when you’ve been mistreated in a relationship. It serves as the second official single off her album ‘Caution’ which was released late last year. Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

ALI AL BARWANI, AN ENGINEER AND FORMER HEAD OF THE OMAN ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, WARNS OF THE DANGERS OF BUYING AN IMPORTED CAR

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Car accident fatality rates owing to vehicle failures and fires are alarmingly high in Oman compared to its GCC neighbours, with a majority of them linked to injudiciously repaired used vehicles imported from outside markets. As more non-compliant vehicles hit the roads, we ask whether it’s important for the government to tighten import laws on cars? HUNAINA HADI

mported cars or ‘wared’ (pronounced “war – edh”) have always been on the roads here in Oman but the dangers of driving one are increasing by the day. What people fail to realise is that before a car is sold in Oman, it undergoes rigorous hot-weather

testing. This ensures that a car is fit for the hot conditions here in Oman. But, despite that, if you’re going to import a vehicle from the outside market then you’re taking a chance. The American market for instance is an open one, and vehicles being exported from there needn’t be inspected. This can be a problem for a country such as ours that only takes legal action when you reach the level of the Royal Oman Police, which issues the registration for these cars. Sometimes, this can lead to a buyer losing their money. But, I would consider that to be the least of their worries as you will see a difference as some mechanical components could be compromised during the summer months. Everything from the brakes, the fluids, and even the engine and its sensors will operate a bit differently. How that will translate in the long run remains to be seen but it could lead to a disaster such as an accident that can put you, your loved ones and commuters at risk. There’s no denying that an imported car is a great deal – initially. But if you were to think twice, you would realise that perhaps all that trade-off could amount to risking your life. And life is more valuable than any amount of money.

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As per the rise in the number of car accidents, I agree that the government should tighten the laws on importing refurbished cars. Moreover, a double check for all vehicles should be done to identify technical or operational issues, thus preventing a disaster. Moreover, it is the seller’s responsibility to inform the customer truly about any mechanical failure that can occur. Besides that, the public should be well aware of self-safety measures. This can be done by promoting safety campaigns, awareness seminars and ongoing pieces of training, which, I believe, are quite essential to save lives.

MUTHUMARI PANDIAN

Lately, we have seen so many road accidents with this issue. It’s so horrible, and road safety is very important. Everyone has a dream car in mind but has to settle for what they can afford. Oman has a big market for used cars as many people can’t afford a new one. As buyers, before choosing a used car, we must do a complete check up with the help of a trained mechanic. Then we must get it checked in a service centre. The authorities must inspect all imported cars before giving the road permit because just one accident can lead to loss of life. So the practice of importing cars needs additional rules and regulations to land in Oman to prevent these kinds of accidents in the future.

HABEEB MOHAMED

As mentioned, car accident fatality rates are high in Oman. The major reason for that is refurbished vehicle usage. The life span of any vehicle is limited and the spares including

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engine, clutch and wheels are aligned that way. The fabricated vehicles with the old parts definitely will lead to a higher risk of having an accident.

DR. MOHAMMED SHAFIUDDIN

Oman is a beautiful country. But it is sad to know that accident fatality rates are high here compared to its GCC neighbours. I strongly believe that used outside vehicles should be monitored to save the lives of many people. Import taxes should be tightened and the vehicles should be more tightly observed. First the licence should be given only for three months. After three months the vehicle should be re-tested and then it can be given a licence because within the first three months the hidden faults will be revealed.

New Debate: Adult children ‘abandoning’ their aged parents and asking them to fend for themselves has become a matter of concern in the GCC, with instances rising in Oman. What’s causing this disconnect towards the elderly and how can we stop it?

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YOUR

OMAN

WORLD CUP BUZZ FOR OMAN

MUSCAT AIRPORT ‘MOST IMPROVED’ IN MIDDLE EAST

man stands a chance of hosting a few Qatar 2022 World Cup matches if the event is made a 48-team affair from the current 32, Muscat Daily reports. According to international media reports, the football’s world governing body FIFA is looking to expand the showpiece event despite the concerns of some officials in Qatar, the host nation. Under the plan being considered, most matches will still be held in Qatar, which won the rights to a 32-team event, albeit amid much controversy. The recent visit of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his talks with top officials in Oman has led to speculation that the country is being looked at to host matches along with Kuwait. An agenda for FIFA’s ruling council says plans to expand the 2022 World Cup to 48 teams will be assessed at the March 15 meeting in Miami, Florida, United States.

E-REGISTRATION FOR HAJ STARTS

nline registration for this year’s Haj pilgrimage started on Monday, and will end on March 26, according to the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. Speaking to Oman Daily Observer, Abdulaziz al Ghafri, Head of Haj Mission said that along with Omanis, 500 expatriates will also be able to perform Haj this year in the government quota. He said: “We will be giving priority to the elderly as well as first-timers who have applied for performing Haj this year.”

uscat International Airport has been recognised as the ‘Most Improved Airport - Middle East’ by Airports Council International (ACI) World in its Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. The awards recognise the airports around the world that deliver the best customer experience, in the opinions of the passengers. “Muscat International Airport adds a global achievement within the ASQ in less than a year since the start of its commercial operations, as the Most Improved Airport - Middle East at the 2018 ASQ Awards. Well done Oman Airports,” Oman Airports Tweeted. Aimen bin Ahmed al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports, said: “We are delighted to express our great joy with this new achievement, added to the achievements of Muscat International Airport, which is headed confidently to achieve a bright global presence of Oman airports. It comes within our endeavours in partnership with all our partners to achieve the national strategic aspirations and objectives in the Travel and Tourism sectors.”

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Last year, the total number of registered candidates was 23,670 comprising 22,363 Omanis and 939 Arab expatriates and 368 non-Arab expatriates. A total number of 14,500 pilgrims will be able to do Haj this year. This includes 250 Arab expatriates and an equal number of other expatriates, according to Mr. Al Ghafri. Last year, the number of pilgrims who had applied online via the Ministry portal stood at 27,000, which included both Omanis and non-Omanis.

YOUR

BUSINESS-MINDED

OMAN

GENERAL MANAGER OF CAREEM GCC, KHALED NUSEIBEH, SPEAKS AT THE RECENT STARTUP GRIND EVENT IN MUSCAT

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GALLERY

A WARM WELCOME

GALLERY

THE KEMPINSKI HOTEL MUSCAT RECENTLY HOSTED THE 2019 OMAN OPEN WELCOME RECEPTION AS THE OFFICIAL HOTEL OF THE TOURNAMENT

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The Grand Millennium Muscat invites you to experience a new signature Friday brunch, where global delicacies are served in style. The Millennium Brunch offers diners the chance to indulge in a culinary trip across the globe, without leaving Oman. It’s an afternoon that combines live cooking stations, fun-filled activities, and face-painting corners. The Millennium Brunch at Taybat restaurant is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters and is on every Friday at the Grand Millennium Muscat. The brunch is priced at RO20 per person (children 6-12- years-old receive a 50 per cent discount; and below 6 years-old dine for free) from 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information or to reserve a table, call (+968) 2234-2222, or email fb.gmm@millenniumhotels.com.

14-16

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

Performers from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, join Omani musicians as the spectacular Oman World Festival of Folk Music takes ROHM audiences around the world in three days. Nine international groups represent the colourful history and unique traditions of their various homelands. Three international groups and one Omani group will perform each day during the festival in the maidan. In hosting this wonderful global array of talent, Oman is celebrating the remarkable artistry, technical prowess, and beauty of cultural expression through folk music. For details and to book tickets, call ROHM at (+968) 2440-3332, or email info@rohmuscat.org.om.

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More than 65 student-run companies will exhibit some truly unique home-grown products this weekend at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 14-16. This includes edible plates and more sustainable inventions. Running from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily, the exhibition is part of Injaz Oman’s 2019 Student Companies showcase which will feature innovations spanning across sectors of Tourism, Energy, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Technology. For more information visit www.injaz-oman.org.

MAR 15

THIS

OMANI INNOVATION

G LO BA L D E L I CAC I E S

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

MAR

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96024428 99533930 Qurum, beside KFC +968 24566857 +968 24566853 citycarpetoman@gmail.com citycarpetoman

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

Mirai Cast: Jaden Waldman, Victoria Grace, Rebecca Hall

Mere Pyare Prime Minister

Photograph Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Akash Sinha Rafi (Siddiqui) is a struggling street photographer in Mumbai under pressure from his grandmother to find a wife. His working day consists mostly of taking pictures of tourists at the Gateway of India, and selling them. When he takes one of an attractive young woman named Miloni (Malhotra), he uses her photo to prove to his Gran that he has found love. But, of course, his Gran naturally

Lizzie Cast: Chloe Sevigny, Kristen Stewart, Jeff Perry

This animated film is a glorious treat; with plenty of drama, pathos, and comedy skilfully woven together and paced well. It also nabbed an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, and deservedly so. It’s full of wit, wisdom and fun; and the kids will love it.

wants to meet her and tells him she is on her way to Mumbai. After Rafi finds Miloni (no mean achievement in a city of 18 million people), they hit it off despite the sizeable social gulf between them. Is it boy-meets-girl in a slightly far-fetched scenario? Well, yes, but it’s also a nuanced, quirky and well-acted movie that proves Bollywood can do drama and romance, without breaking into song and dance.

For those of you who don’t know, Lizzie Borden is something of a true, infamous legend of American folklore. Spinster Lizzie (Sevigny) lives in Boston in 1892, with an overbearing father and an ineffectual stepmother. One of the few comforts of her rigid, humdrum existence is her friendship with the family’s Irish maid Bridget (Stewart). But everyone has their breaking point, and when Lizzie snaps, she sure goes for it. Alas, this is another modern Hollywood attempt to portray a real person that just falls a bit flat. It’s artistic licence switched into overdrive, with attempts to put a modern, feminist take on proceedings. It just doesn’t work. How a portrayal of Lizzie and her story can be turned into a two-hour snoozefest devoid of suspense is beyond us but this film’s director has managed it.

Cast: Om Kanojiya, Anjali Patil, Syna Anand

Kun (Waldman) is a little Japanese boy who finds the new addition to his family a bit much. His new-born little sister is getting all his parent’s attention and he’s feeling a little bit jealous. When he comes across a magical garden that enables him to travel through time, he soon encounters his sister Mirai (Grace), who is now a teenager. With his now older sister leading the way, he ends up on an illuminating adventure encountering his relatives from the past and the future.

Kanhu (Kanojiya) is an eight-year-old boy living in the slums of Mumbai with his devoted mother. When his Mum goes outside to do her daily ablutions, something terrible happens. Kanhu realises desperate measures require deliberate action. He writes to the Prime Minister to complain over basic health provision i.e. where to go when you gotta go. And yes, it’s a little bit political given that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made better hygiene one of his flagship policies. But one scene of Kanhu on a western lavatory is a hoot, and he certainly has fun finding an alternative use for toilet paper. This is a heart-warming film that neither skimps on the drama nor attempts to sugar-coat the seriousness of the issue that underpins it. See and enjoy.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

‘Lizzie’ star Kristen Stewart skyrocketed to fame in which teen vampire trilogy? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Niaz Husain

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

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Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app MAR 14 - 20 / ISSUE 560

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means t a h t e menac car fires a m o r f ith orists eat t r W o h . t t m e r y e k are und t’ vehicle marts on how man result s t s i r o mot e as a epor mpor Oman’s s – the ‘grey i ate, Team Y r ty is on the lin s n busine n in the Sulta why our safe commo ing blind, and are driv from the passenger seat area and ran outside the

rom something that gets you from A to B to being a status symbol, a car is not just a car. No matter how vital your vehicle is to your life, there’s one factor we forget: it could be a ticking metal time-bomb waiting to go off. A grim statement, yes, but one backed up by facts. We could have unwittingly bought a second-hand, imported car without any knowledge of its history or if its parts are compliant with GCC regulations. Egyptian-expat Abdelrahman found this out earlier this year, after pulling up to the driveway of a bank, when his four-year-old German car burst into flames. His ordeal is not an isolated incident, either. In fact, his was only one among 2,411 vehicles that caught fire between 2015 and this year. And according to the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulances (PACDA) and the Royal Oman Police (ROP), several cars involved in these incidents were imported from 016

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outside markets. Thankfully, Abdelrahman lived to tell the tale – one that saw him scampering from his vehicle with his fire extinguisher and dousing the fire that started in the engine bay with CO2, in January this year. However, his perception of cars and his confidence in them has been dented. The collection agent now relies on public transport – and in his own words – has also become ‘extremely spiritual’. He says: “It was nothing more than a drive to the bank for me in my (make of the vehicle withheld) to deposit some invoices. “It hadn’t been more than 15 minutes since I started the drive but I did begin to smell burning plastic within the cabin. I presumed it to be the a/c that was blowing the smoke inside, and kept driving. “A few minutes’ later, I arrived at the bank,” he says, before adding: “The moment I stopped my car, I felt a strong heat from the pedals on my feet. That’s when I knew that something was odd. “So, I quickly grabbed the fire extinguisher

car. By then, the flames had gutted the front, and he couldn’t open the bonnet as the heat had already consumed much of the engine and its parts. “I basically approached the fire from the side of the wheels (from the wheel wells) and I got the fire under control. I also called the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and immediately asked for assistance. “The fire engine was 10 minutes’ away and firefighters sprayed the car with a foamy solution that completely doused the fire.” Initial analysis of the wreckage confirmed his doubts: glue holding the insulation from the engine had heated up the wires connecting the ECU and battery over time until it eventually led to an electric fire. The resulting blaze meant the car had to be written off, and scrapped. And as per the PACDA’s report, it was a combination of ‘neglect and non-compliant parts (from the US-spec car)’ that led to the fire. This is not uncommon as an ROP confirms. He explains: “[Buying US-spec cars] is a great deal when compared with taking a second-hand

car with GCC specs or even buying a new car. “But what the people don’t realise is that these cars fall under the bracket of ‘grey import’ cars – and they pose a lot of risks other than just fires,” he says. The official adds that the cars also come with speed readings in miles per hour (mph) than kilometres per hour (kph), lights that can be too bright for the Oman market, and rather worryingly, parts which are not rated for temperatures above 40-degrees-Celsius. A quick enquiry reveals that a ‘grey import’ or ‘parallel import’ is a new or used motor vehicle or motorcycle that is legally imported from another country through channels other than those of the carmaker’s official distribution system. Oman’s grey import market is heavily fed by countries such as the US and Canada where the steering is placed on the left-hand side of the car as in Oman. While the statistics of cars imported by car dealers that aren’t manufacturers aren’t known, we’re told by the ROP official that more second-hand car dealers are popping up with dealerships and through social media channels. We also stumble upon a website – americanautotrading.com – that claims to be the largest exporter of American cars around the world. As per the company, no vehicle inspection test is required to import a vehicle into Oman but cars above seven years of age cannot be imported into the country. While that may seem like one less hassle, the dealerships importing these cars can then sell them to unsuspecting buyers. Moreover, these cars can be marked 35 to 50 per cent lower than a

corresponding new car or second-hand car with GCC specifications. While this can stand as a cost-effective alternative to some, it has caused a crash in the market value of legitimate GCCspec second-hand cars and is continuing to put several lives at risk with cars unsafe for driving. The official validates this statement: “If the business is registered, it’s a legal process and bringing the car into Oman is also not a matter of concern if the vehicle is deemed accident-free and has a check by the ROP prior to its registration – but that doesn’t guarantee its safety. “And that’s why we call it the grey market. “We cannot prosecute them unless we find out that these cars’ past directly corresponds to a fire or an accident,” the official says before adding: “Sometimes, these cars have their history wiped off and most of the time, there’s very little evidence that can be procured post a crash, thereby meaning a lot of these dealers can escape prosecution. “We’ve also learnt that quite a lot of dealerships now understand the risks but want to continue as this trend takes money from the customer upfront and then places an order for the car they want – be it new or old – from the US or Canada and then brings it to Oman under the name of the owner. “That way, the middle man – the second-hand dealership – is nowhere in the picture. This shows how the greed of a certain few can change the lives of several unsuspecting people. “Car fires are common in Oman with more than one reported per day across the country. And while most of it relates

to the lack of maintenance, leakage of oil and fuel, and adding incompatible parts; a great many cars – nearly four out of all 10 – are imports.” The number takes up 40 per cent of all burned cars in the Sultanate and it’s the first time these statistics have been revealed to the media. In its crackdown on imported cars that do not meet Oman’s safety criteria, the ROP now reportedly uses specialised machines to check for damages in the chassis, floor, body, and also brakes, lighting, suspension and the engine (for emissions) – but some still slip through the cracks. While a handful of new-age second-hand dealers are making a mint from this practice, we take a trip to the streets of Baushar and Ruwi to find out what these dealers have on display for us. Surprisingly, several dealerships in these areas now claim to have stopped importing these cars to Oman but a bit of persuasion is all that is required to get them on their phones to check if cars can be brought in. One dealership offer us an American-import sports car worth RO21,000 when new from the dealership for a shocking RO12,000 – complete with a V8 engine and ‘zero-miles’ on its odometer. They are also able to knock off a further RO1,200 from the price as a “discount”, forcing us to question why anyone would ever bother with a new car at all. But our questions are answered when the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – a 17-digit collection of numbers and alphabets – is emailed to our salesman from their agent in the

How to spot an imported car ● American-spec cars (and some GCCspec American cars) will have amber turn lights in compliance with the US laws. But this cannot validate its origin as the car may have undergone modifications before the export. ● Open the door on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Inside of the doorjamb, you will find the FMVSS sticker or placard. This will display several pieces of information, such as the manufacturing date, as well as a legend affirming that the vehicle complies with all applicable standards, which were in force on the date the vehicle was manufactured. Only vehicles with US car specifications will have this sticker. ● You can the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is normally located on the bottom corner of the windshield on the driver’s side, to identify if the vehicle has US car specifications. MAR 14 -20 / ISSUE 561

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The biggest concern is that nearly all secondhand dealerships here sell imported cars. I don’t want to seem a bit pinchy when I say that but there’s a certain level of transparency that’s required when someone sells a car

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US. As per autocheck.com, the easiest way to view it is to stand outside the vehicle on the driver’s side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windscreen. The expat salesman then enters the number in a program on this computer and clarifies: “Sir, here is the complete history of this car. It was in a car showroom in Virginia in the US and the car is now being shipped to Oman. “It’s a very simple process and we can even get the loan for you and the car to you in less than two weeks,” he adds – but we click photos of the VIN from the printed email and head out after refusing the rather generous deal. Our suspicions are set straight when we enter the details on carfax.com and carhistory.com – both websites that offer car details for a very nominal cost. The car – originally a blue sports car that was then painted white – was originally intended for sale in 2018 in Maryland but was totalled in a flood that struck the US state hard in July 2018. It was then refurbished by local dealers and then made ready for export to the foreign market. When presented the records, the salesman first denies the allegations but then loses his cool, asking us: “Do you know how long we’ve been operating here (?) We’re very reputed and our arbaab (owner) has very good hold here. He then threatens us: “Where are you from – India or Pakistan (?) “Don’t come here to play games and waste our time. We’re here to do a business and a lot of people trust us. No one who has brought a car from us has ever had a problem with us.” While we cannot validate the statement, we learn that several other dealers in the area are now being prosecuted for selling accident -ridden cars to customers in Oman. A simple search on Facebook reveals the grievances of unhappy customers. One Omani writes: “I buy (sic) my car from [car dealer name withheld] and within six months, the engine seized. The garage tell (sic) me that I need 1,800 riyals to fix [the] engine head as it is (sic) damaged in accident from the USA.” Another interaction with a dealership ends on the same note, as we find them selling imported car parts such as alloy wheels, exhausts and stick-on spoilers that are non-compliant with GCC standards. This throws light on an earlier fire in Buraimi in 2018 that was pegged to the modified exhaust catching fire, leaving the driver to flee for his life. All of this, as per the ROP official, is a complete violation of Oman’s motoring laws. The current law suggests that flood- and accident-damaged cars cannot be imported to the country although one source at the customs department says that while cars can legally be imported, the ROP will only crack down on them during an inspection for registering the vehicle. The customs agent then says: “This is actually a problem as we have anywhere between 10 and 20 cars being shipped to Oman per week and a lot of it exits our customs with no problems. A reason for this is that Omanis can import as many cars as they want without any limit if they have a licence to sell used cars. “But, I’ve heard several reports of customers filing cases against individuals for selling them cars that the ROP just cannot register. One Omani came to the customs and asked us why his vintage British car couldn’t be registered – and we had no answer to that. “Importing such cars is completely at the risk of the dealership, the customer, and at the discretion of the ROP,” he adds. “The ROP is strict, yes. But, there are several ways some sellers bypass the system. One way is selling it directly to the buyer and then leaving it to them to have it registered and another is by using their contacts to conduct the initial checkup of the car. “It’s completely illegal but it is happening in Oman.” The official is right, as we learn that cars older than seven years cannot be imported into the country but this is still being practised by several sellers. In an interview with car safety expert Samuel Jones, who works with one of the top automotive companies in Oman as a Safety

Protocol Engineer, he says that safety must begin with full disclosure of the condition of the car. He says: “The biggest concern is that nearly all second-hand dealerships here sell imported cars. I don’t want to seem a bit pinchy when I say that but there’s a certain level of transparency that’s required when someone sells a car. “This must begin with the full history of the car; even if it’s a brand new one. And like you told me about the flood-damaged car you saw, there are plenty more and with even greater worries than that. “I remember dealing with a customer who came crying foul over the warranty of a car he brought from a second-hand dealer here. He was promised with a dealer warranty – something that is normally only provided when you buy a car from a registered dealership. “Moreover, after a careful analysis of the car, we learnt that its engine had been replaced and several panels replaced before being brought into Oman. I know it’s not funny, but the car was not even aligned properly and its bonnet was definitely not closing shut fully.” He then reveals that the customer had to pay around RO2,000 in repairs for the Japanese car that cost him RO5,000 to buy in full. “I suppose it’s also the mistake of the customer to buy a car of such sorts. But yes, it’s something the dealer needs to let the customer know. They can even take them to the Public Authority of Consumer Protection (PACP), if need be.” “The same goes for the non-compliant car parts. If you see local garages using cheap imported parts, then raise it up with the PACP. The problem with these parts is that they’re mostly engineered for lighter use in colder climates, and exposing them to the GCC temperatures would end up damaging the part,

and potentially, leave you without a car. Samuel then tells us how things are slowly changing here and the ROP are taking matters such as these very seriously. “Such incidents of people coming up to us for help with their US-spec cars and wrecked parts are slowly reducing as the ROP continues to crack down on dealerships as well as refusing to pass and register damaged cars. “The problems that arise from these cars can vary from something simple to even bigger ones. “One of the greatest worries that we face here are the tyres that are put on these non-GCC-spec cars: some of these would not be compatible with the summer heat in Oman that can heat up the air in the tyre to past 100-degrees-Celsius. “This can melt the insides and cause them to pop – especially if they’re winter tyres. And the ROP can overlook this fact as they primarily

The official is right, as we learn that cars older than seven years cannot be imported into the country but this is still being practised by several sellers

check for tread wear and the conditions of the tyres itself. “The next concern is the glue that holds certain parts together and the grease that’s added as a lubricant. These can heat up and catch fire – known as glue and grease fires – and eventually burn down the car. “An issue with fires in a car is that it can spread relatively quickly and can be difficult to put out due to the battery fluids and petrol in it. But, it can also turn deadly if the person is rendered unconscious due to fumes that may have entered the cabin. He then tells us why it’s dangerous to camp inside vehicles. “I’ve come across several Omanis who buy American-spec SUVs and head out camping in them. They also use it to sleep at night – but you could be left for dead if the car is left ‘ON’ and it catches fire. Besides, it can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.” To avoid losing money – and potentially their car – Samuel urges everyone to conduct safety checks before buying a car. “A simple RO40 will ensure that you buy a car that is not only of good quality but also one that will ensure safety for you and your family. “One very worrying trend I’ve seen in Oman is that people take the car first and then worry about the repercussions. It’s a mindset that must change – not only for their own safety but for others’, too.” “Fires, accidents, and car failures are all partand-parcel of imported cars with a bad history. And sadly, a lot of them only realise the value of a wise purchase after something truly tragic has happened. “And having been here for two decades, I can tell you that death is the common factor in a lot of these lessons.” ■

Maintenance and inspection are crucial in preventing vehicle fires. Doing the following might prevent one:

•Get your vehicle inspected at least annually by a trained and professional technician. •Check for any malfunctioning parts and hanging electrical wirings. If you see any, make sure you contact your service centre. Do not try to mend them yourself.

•Include a check of the fuel system in your regular maintenance schedule. Electrical and fuel systems or problems are the major causes of car fires.

•Watch for fluid leaks under vehicles, cracked or blistered hoses or wiring that is loose or anything that has exposed metal or has cracked insulation.

•Have your vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible if exhaust or emission

control problems are suspected. A blown exhaust will sound loud, and may also allow gases to seep into the cabin.

•An early indication of a problem is a fuse that blows more than once. The source of the triggered fuse could be either a faulty component or a wiring problem. Check your vehicle manual for the location of the fuse box.

•Check for oil leaks and always use a funnel when adding oil. Oil spilled on a hot exhaust manifold can cause a fire. If you, or a filling station attendant adds oil, double check that the cap is on securely.

•Clean the vehicle regularly. Do not allow your trash to settle in the vehicle. •Avoid throwing cigarette butts anywhere. Go as far as not smoking in the vehicle. •When driving, be alert to changes in the way your vehicle sounds when running, or

to a visible plume of exhaust coming from the tailpipe. A louder-than-usual exhaust tone, smoke coming from the tailpipe or a backfiring exhaust could mean problems or damage to the high-temperature exhaust and emission control system on the vehicle.

•Observe your gauge frequently. Check if your car’s temperature gauge is rising.

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Reminders of the past come alive in Bausher, speaking to a shared history that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d do well to preserve, as Swati Basu Das finds out Photography by Swati Basu Das

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desire to behold the charms of a panoramic vista comprised of some of the oldest villages in Oman is one that will never be in vain. In fact, while exploring the villages of our country one can see bruised and battered homes that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The abandoned dwellings of Wadi Bani Habib in Jebal Akhdar, Misfah Al Abryeen near Bahla or Sab Bani Khalid in Jebel Shams have always been a major draw for tourists and residents alike. But aren’t you eager to sneak into the remnants of residences from days gone by amidst the cityscape? If so, head right into the heart of the city, where contemporary homes and modernity predominates, and you will find little nuggets of a bygone era. In the Wilayat of Baushar, crumbled ruins bear witness to developments and are still humming their tales of yesteryear, to date. Cradled by the recent modern constructions around them, devoted villagers meticulously preserve their nostalgia with utter care and pride. Khalil Al Baloushi, an official at Baushar Wali office, says: “These ruined houses belong to the villagers, who are now residing in modern homes nearby. “These houses are more than 300 years old and we want to preserve their originality so as to retain the villages’ pastoral flavour. The villagers here shifted to their new homes in the 70s, and the homes have been untouched since then.” Located 20 minutes off Muscat Expressway are the old-world emerald hamlets. Here the breeze blows with the fresh smell of mud, the rustling of date palms, the tweeting of birds and the burbling of falaj water. Having moved a few metres away from their ruined mud houses around 50 years ago, people here are contented, and their cheery hospitality is palpable. Much underrated, the name of these villages are seldom explored or Googled. Holding a rustic appeal, the villages of Al Hammam, Al Misfah, Al Maqqham, Al Aqhbiah are no less of a tourist spot. Old houses back then were made of mud or clay and rocks from the nearby mountain, supported by wooden planks. Most homes were single-level and the number of rooms varied from two to five depending on the size of families. Mohammed Hamood Al Jabri, a 90-year-old Al Hammam villager may be getting on a bit but his memory is still razor-sharp. “I was born in those mud houses and the smell of the soil is still fresh. Our home had three rooms and an open porch,” he says. As the senior citizen’s eyes glint over with thoughts of his childhood, he recalls: “We used to climb up the hills and eat fruits from farms, and bathe in the falaj water running by. The towers at the top of the hill were used to keep

AS CHILDREN, WE USED TO BATHE IN THE FALAJ WATER AND EVEN PLAY. NOW THERE ARE CLOSED BATH AREAS FOR LADIES AND GENTS SEPARATELY. WE EVEN STORE THIS WARM WATER IN CLAY POTS AND DRINK IT WHEN IT COOLS DOWN. IT IS REFRESHING

an eye on trespassers in times of turmoil.” The Al Hammam village is famous for its geo-thermal hot spring. Used for irrigation and even for bathing, the warm water of this hot spring is a major source of the falaj system that has served the farmlands in this part of Baushar. Hammam meaning ‘to bath’ is therefore aptly-named. Travelling from deep down the Earth’s crust, the hot spring is celebrated for its therapeutic properties. Since time immemorial, villagers have benefitted from this hot water, not least in the treatment of skin and joint problems. Another villager, Nasra Saif Hamood Al Jabr, says: “It has a soothing effect on the skin and general health. The water is not only used for irrigation but also for bathing and drinking as well. “As children, we used to bathe in the falaj water and even play. Now there are closed bath areas for ladies and gents separately. We even store this warm water in clay pots and drink it when it cools down. It is refreshing.” A few kilometres from Al Hammam village, sits Al Misfah, an impressive relic amidst the Ghala industrial area. Cornered by heavy expansion, this petite village just radiates a certain enigma, even when in the lap of modern evolution. This small oasis has been a fertile boon from the hot spring of Al Hammam. The heritage homes and ruins of Al Maqqham village should also never be missed out on any trip. The common factor amongst all these antique houses and their tales told by the villagers is the willingness to exist in the face of adversity, and then later, development. So how long can the memories of Nasra and Mohammed be sustained? Will they remain as old relics or fade with time? Khalil says: “It depends on the owners of these houses, whether they want to sell them for personal gain or retain their legacy. There is currently no immediate pressure from the government on the villagers to commercialise the land. Meantime, visitors and tourists can enjoy their visit that recalls a bygone era.” ■

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HOW

BAZZAR! As Cirque du Soleil prepares to make its Oman début, Team Y talks to the man charged with creating the costumes worn by its talented performers

hether you’re a child or an adult, there’s a sense of excitement to be had when coming into a

circus arena. From the lights that illuminate the performers to the colours that scream ‘extravaganza’, everybody can enjoy the many marvels that the acts throw at the audience. The image of a trapeze artist’s backflip through the air is one to cherish for the ages – and it doesn’t matter if you’re five or 65. In short, visiting a circus is an experience; a form of art that encompasses creativity, colour and sound. It’s also one that Oman will witness soon as the world’s largest entertainment company – Cirque du Soleil – brings its current premier production, called ‘BAZZAR’, to the Sultanate, from March 28 until April 6. This week, we talk to James Lavoie – the costume designer of BAZZAR. Here’s an excerpt from our interview:

Y: Cirque du Soleil has set itself apart from global establishments with its striking colour tones and unique costumes and sets. What are the criteria adopted when designing for an event? James Lavoie: The costumes of each Cirque du Soleil production are different and unique. For BAZZAR, the visual connection between costume and space is important. I tend to draw my first sketches with a Sharpie (a brand of writing instrument) and heavy hand on paper, and it’s directly expressed through the costume design. For example, the chaotic energy of the After-Effect tableau is captured by scribbly patterns or “pen marks on paper”. Plus, the theme of Construction-Deconstruction is expressed through various garments (incomplete skirt; cut-out pants) to create a strong sense of building and breaking apart. It’s a bit like the creative process itself.

Q A

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Y: Cirque du Soleil makes use of in-house designers, seamstresses and machinists. How long does it take for you to conceptualise and then put the costumes into production before the event? JL: The production and creative process of each Cirque du Soleil show is unique. So, designing costumes introduces Cirque du Soleil DNA to a totally new audience. It pushes our creators to find our essence and articulate it in a way that is universally understandable. With its story centred on the creative process and the energy found in the unexpected, BAZZAR shines a light on what is uniquely Cirque du Soleil. The challenge is always the same: create a show that will be nothing like the audience has ever seen before. We have been successful in this matter for more than 30 years!

Q A

Y: What are some of the challenges that you face with cultural appropriation, especially when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re touring countries that the production takes inspiration from? JL: Cirque du Soleil creates shows that are universal. With our touring shows, our goal is to appeal to different audiences from different cultures and sustain the test of time without having to adapt the show to each market. For BAZZAR, as the history of Cirque du Soleil is rooted in street performance, my inspiration was coming from the works of contemporary 20th century artists, conceptual architectural clothing, and street style. I am thrilled to share Cirque du Soleil unicity with the Arabic audience.

Q A

Y: What are some of the safety precautions taken on the set during the show? JL: The safety of our artists and employees is always our primary concern in everything we do and something we never compromise on. The new format presented its share of creative and technical challenges but ultimately, it pushed us to innovate even more to deliver acrobatic and artistic performances as breathtaking as in our Wregular format. â&#x2013;

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e m i t e f i L A f O e g d Ple Children will write it and parents will sign it – let’s take the pledge together towards safer roads. In celebration of the GCC Traffic Week on now until March 17, Y calls out for families to join the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ and stand a chance to win a top prize

oad safety awareness plays a significant role in shaping the attitudes and behaviour of children and young people – guaranteeing they become responsible drivers, passengers and pedestrians in the future. With the highest number of deaths on the road in the GCC, figures for the Sultanate are staggering – with one death for every ten accidents, and 3,845 accidents occurring in 2017 alone, based on the latest available data. Of those incidents, 640 resulted in fatalities. To teach children from a young age to be aware of traffic rules and regulations, Y

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Magazine is once again conducting the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ competition in conjunction with the regional GCC Traffic Week. To participate in the competition, children will write a ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ on behalf of their parents in a custom-made card which you’ll find here in this current issue of Y Magazine. The ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ card has a space where children can pen the pledge on behalf of their parents. The Road Safety Pledge has to be countersigned by their parents as the purpose is also to promote the message of road safety to parents through their children. The best three pledges

will win a cash reward. Once the Road Safety Pledge is written on the supplied card, parents are requested to drop the card at designated drop-boxes coming soon across Muscat. Participants can also look forward to a soon-tobe-announced on-ground activation event where children will colour the cards and take the Road Safety Pledge, with the winners being announced at a special upcoming ceremony where they’ll receive their prizes. More details will be coming soon – so be sure to pick up your latest copy of Y Magazine every week at select locations across Muscat! ■

7 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE ON THE ROAD Besides teaching children road safety rules, parents should also keep in mind the following tips to ensure that their little ones stay safe on the road: ① Buckle up and ensure that your child always wears the seat-belt or is secured in a car-seat. ② Use the child lock feature to prevent your kids from opening car doors by themselves. ③ Teach them about the rules practically – take them for walks and cycling and teach them how to do it correctly.check if they are breathing. ④ Show patience when driving and set an example for your kids by being calm and refraining from rushing out on to the road. ⑤ Be punctual and disciplined to avoid speeding and rash driving. ⑥ Don’t use mobile phones or other gadgets when driving.

Here’s why you’re always safe in a Honda with Honda Safety and Driver Assist Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval from a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions. This significantly reduces the driver’s stress of driving in traffic. The system uses the millimeter wave radar and monocular camera to continually track the distance to the vehicle detected ahead, and then adjusts the Accord’s speed to maintain the set following interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected. When required, the Accord automatically brakes using the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator. Integrated Low-Speed Follow extends the automatic following capability to stop-and-go traffic situations down to 0 mph. A visual warning is instead included in the headup display on the Sport 2.0T trim. In Association With

Here’s how ACC works in a few different traffic scenarios: ● A preceding vehicle is detected in the lane ahead – Decelerates automatically, if required, and then controls the following distance. ● The preceding vehicle slows to a stop – Stops automatically and remains stationary. ● The preceding vehicle accelerates from a stop – Resumes following when the SET or RES switch or accelerator pedal is operated. ● Another vehicle merges in between the Accord and the preceding vehicle – Automatically switches ‘targets’ to the nearest detected preceding vehicle. ● The preceding vehicle exits the lane – ACC system continues at cruise-control speed previously selected by driver 30 to 180kph. A Driver Information Interface (DII) message and audible warning alert the driver when the ACC function is activated.

COMPETITION RULES:

● The competition is open to children ages 16 and under. ● Cards must be completed by children only and then signed by a parent or guardian. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Entries received after the closing date of March 30 will not go forward to the judging stage. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone.

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COMPETITION

d r o w e h t s ’ m Mu

Calling all children across Oman! Show us just how much you love your Mummy this Mother’s Day and enter for a chance to crown her as ‘Oman’s Best Mum’, as we kick off our annual competition once again!

others are the lifeline of the family – there’s no denying that, and it is high time we give our mums the credit they deserve. That is why Y Magazine has teamed up with PUCK to show the mums of Oman just how much they’re loved by their children, in a special competition to coincide with Mother’s Day in the GCC, which is celebrated on March 21. This is the fifth edition of the competition – and following trend, this year’s will

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Love you mum

even be bigger and better than ever! In 2018, we saw our boxes inundated with hundreds of entries as children across the capital put their feelings down on paper, proving why, in their opinion, their mum was the best in the world. It’s not just the title of Oman’s Best Mum that’s on the line. Thanks to PUCK, there will be several valuable prizes up for grabs for the top three entries. And, if this isn’t motivation enough to show your love, then we don’t know what is – just think of all the treats you could buy your Mum as a thank you for all that she does for you. The first real human interaction a child has once they’re born is with their mother. It’s a bond that’s strong and beyond what words can convey. But, every now and then, we must try and express our love for our beloved mothers. And Team Y is thrilled to bring our loyal readers a competition that will do just that! To enter, you’ll need to be age 16 or under. Just pick up a special card, which will be slotted into next week’s issue of Y Magazine and fill it with a heartfelt message of love for your Mum. Remember, our judges will be selecting the winners based on content and creativity so don’t be afraid to get artistic Last year, we received poems, drawings, touching words and simple displays of gratitude, so getting creative is a must. Look out for the A5 card in the next issue of Y. Complete your entry and be as creative as you like with words and pictures – good luck and remember to say it with love!

AND FINALLY: ● The top three entries will also be framed and given back to the participants for them to present to their mothers as a keepsake. ● The competition closes on March 30 and our winners will be awarded their prizes with their mum at a special ceremony.

COMPETITION RULES: ● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be decorated and written by children only. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Entries received after the closing date, March 30, will not go forward to the judging stage. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone. ● Winners and their mums must be able to attend the prize ceremony in Muscat on a date to be confirmed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E ST I N AT I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m

Y- F i

Outdoors

Destination

The Muttrah Geo-Trail Swati Basu Das tackles a trek that takes her on a voyage of discovery while a famous geologist puts her path into perspective Photography by Swati Basu Das

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Cars

by the Ministry of Tourism, making it hiker-friendly. It can be completed, on average, within two hours. The initial climb measures endurance, as the paved steps are on a strict vertical rise and are correctly paced for a hiker. On our way up we spot a rusty pipeline languishing en route. We soon find out that this pipeline, which has started its journey from Muttrah port to the Riyam, once sourced diesel to a nearby electric station. As the steps end, the view from this height is breathtaking. The colossal ornate Riyam Incense Burner and the view of the sea at the backdrop are just asking to be snapped. As we continue amid skipping loose rocks and chippings, the city cacophony and humdrum of daily life have been left very firmly behind. A few minutes later a peep through a viewpoint from in between the hills throws up a view of Port Mina Sultan Qaboos. Going gaga over the quaint terrain, we encounter an awe-inspiring descent. The incline meets a winding wadi, where a few abandoned homes and dried falaj are now in deep slumber. It’s a perfect spot to rest and snack after a 50-minute wander. A geological wonder, this trek is also a tread under the ocean. Don’t believe it? During my hike I am lucky enough to meet renowned geologist Dr. Peter Kelemen, who enlightens my companions and me on the rare ophiolite rocks

around us. On his 30th visit to Oman this March, he never fails to be engrossed by the rock formation during his hike. He says: “These are igneous rocks and are the result of submarine eruption. They are solidified magma flow along the ocean ridges and throw light upon the process of obduction. Over the period of time they have surfaced above the ocean bed.” It’s a Geo-Trek, all right! The rocky wadi is a wonderland, with white salt marks on the smooth grey rocks that reveal the oceanic presence. Water from occasional rain is preserved in potholes on this wedge of the hike. The time travel ends at a tarnished gate opening to an old cemetery. Leaving the graveyard behind, the walk now takes us through an alley that leads to the Muttrah Corniche. We chill out by scoffing some savoury snacks at the eateries by the Corniche, before getting back home. We have earned them after our efforts.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

ankering after an adventure through a passage as old as time? Let us take you to Old Muscat, via Route C38 (Capital 38). Also called Riyam-Walk, this popular mountain walkway is one of our most cherished destinations. The enchanting scenery around us unlocks the mountain route that once connected Muscat and Muttrah, long before the sea-road was built. Tracking its way up the rutted staircase, this course offers a spectacular view, and has had a foothold on the landscape for more than 50 years. Trekking the Muttrah Geo-Trail is to experience a parade through the past amid a round-up of its natural charisma. Its exotic, natural profile can never fail to beckon a fair few visitors. Located in Old Muscat, the trek starts from behind Riyam Park. The Muttrah sea-road offers beauty in abundance, and as we drive along its smooth bends beside the coastline and the craggy hills facing the blue and beyond, we leave behind the Port Mina Sultan Qaboos, Muttrah Souk to reach the Riyam Park parking area. We’re eager with anticipation as we stand by a hoarding erected by the Ministry of Tourism, which highlights the hiking path with detailed route markers. Our early morning hike starts with a series of climbs, descents, scenic views and surprises. Each important juncture on the trek has red, white and yellow track-marks

From Muttrah Souq, follow the route to Riyam Park. Park your car at Riyam car parking area and walk towards the brown board marked as Mountain Walkway and C38 marked well on the wall. The locals are happy to show you your starting point.

GPS Coordinates: 23°36’59.99” N 58°33’59.99” E

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

S I X CA RS W E DA R E YO U TO D R I V E I N 2 0 1 9

And the nominees are…

f the Oscars are designed for recognising the crème de la crème in film acting then the Geneva Motor Show is the equivalent for cars. Scooping up some limelight here augurs well for a car’s potential in a highly competitive market. Think of the motor show as a testing ground for seeing what critics and potential buyers think. Public perception is vital for laying the groundwork for a car’s launch. This week, we look at six of our favourite cars over various segments in the industry – from SUVs to sedans and even electric cars – that have stood out among a sea of new releases.

new one is no different. While you can opt for it as a bare-bones car with puny 1.0- and 1.3-litre turbocharged engines, we guarantee that it’ll still be a fun vehicle to scamper about town in. Moreover, it will also come with a bigger boot and a 9.2-inch infotainment screen. The orange paint tone copies those of cars sitting at much higher price points, too. Price: RO6,700+ (approx.)

Sub-compact hatchback: Renault Clio The Renault Clio has always been a showstopper in the sub-compact hatch segment, with many of its predecessors merging chic French design with blistering hot-hatch levels of performance that had enough pedigree to dethrone its rivals from Germany. This Sports car: Toyota Supra The legend has made a comeback after 17 years away from the market although it’s not what we expected. Taking a departure away from the almost F1-like nose and large aero wing in the rear, the new Toyota takes a safer approach in terms of design-language. However, there’s nothing customary about the capabilities of the car. So, even

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though the car comes with BMW-derived 3.0- and 2.0-litre in-line twinturbo engines that produce 335hp and 255hp, respectively, tuners can make use of the source codes of the ECU and work on the body to build race-spec cars that can break past the 1,000hp barrier, as its predecessor did. It’s a fantastic car, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it. Price: RO19,500+ (approx.)

CARS

will be able to experience the sheer fury of the 720 horses and 770Nms of mind-numbing torque. The resulting performance makes its predecessor look a bit – shall we say – unhurried? Either way, the fact that Ferrari has eked out all this power from the existing engine makes us question why they didn’t do it with the 488 in the first place. Still, we know it’ll be a 10/10 to drive. Price: RO100,000+ (approx.)

Super-SUV: Maserati Levante Trofeo Who would have thought that refitting a bone-stock Levante with a V8 and tinkering with its internals would result in the creation of a Lamborghini killer? As strange as that sounds, we’ve driven the Maserati Levante Trofeo already – and there’s no easy way to put it: it’s the meanest SUV we’ve ever laid our hands on. Its ludicrousness goes as far as the vehicle virtually lifting its front tyres from the ground as you slam the pedal to the metal. It achieves this courtesy the Ferrari-derived engine that breathes out 590 horses. The results are truly staggering. Keep an eye out for our magazine next week for the full coverage. Price: RO70,000

Luxury SUV: BMW X7 We’re a bit hard-pressed to say that the all-new BMW X7 could use smaller kidney grilles to complement the otherwise sharp curves of the seven-seater SUV. But, being the family hauler that it is designed to be, we doubt if the discerning customer will find the aesthetics off-putting. Already dubbed the finest three-row luxury ever made, the X7 is expected to hit the Oman market this summer. And when it debuts, it should carry BMW’s signature twin-turbocharged engines that should strike the perfect balance between efficiency and sportiness. Also, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a ludicrous X7M make an appearance in the lineup sometime later. Price: RO38,000+ (approx.) Supercar: Ferrari F8 Tributo As sharp as the Ferrari 488 but faster than its own

Electric Car: Pininfarina Battista Who knew that Pininfarina would be at the forefront of electric supercars at the Geneva Motor Show? Their new Battista, which – in some ways – adopts the Ferrari 488 GTB’s styling, will be a 1,874hp and 2,300Nms of torque blunderbuss. The hypercar will reportedly hit the 100kph mark from a standstill in a mere two seconds and it will whizz past your ‘Rarris and Lambos to its top speed of 350kph. It’s another case ‘electricity beats petrol’ – and we petrolheads cannot comprehend it… yet! Price: RO77,000

limited-edition maniacal 488 Pista, the Ferrari F8 Tributo is what happens when you let engineers and designers go wild with their imaginations. While the car certainly looks like it deserves to be pinned up on the walls of teens, those that can actually afford it

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CARS ADVENTURES

PEARL OF THE OCEAN The Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates centuries of heritage while cresting the wave of a modern tide.

1. Racing fans can visit during the March 2831 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. 2. Stroll through Adliyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elegant art and restaurant hub, Block 338. 3. Watch handsome Arabian oryx and Reem gazelles at the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve. 4. Learn about Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indigenous art forms at the Al Jasra Handicraft Centre. 5. Discover fascinating treasures and great bargains at the Manama Souq.

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Destination

Cars

Y- F i

G a m i n g POSTCARDS FROM

Aftab H. Kola recommends

BAHRAIN B

ahrain is a fine example of modernity weaving within a tradition. Known as Dilmun (one of the three great seafaring civilisations of the ancient world) in bygone times, the archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf has been a centre for international trade. The oil era took off in 1932 and its economy was preceded by a thriving pearling industry along flourishing maritime trade. With sea views all round, a glitzy skyline adorned with glass buildings and punctuated with heritage elements, Bahrain is an ideal destination for a visit. The major activities happen in and around Manama, and to a certain extent in Muharraq, Adliya and Juffair. Bahrain’s rich history is illustrated by its raft of archaeological sites, the most prominent of which is the Bahrain Fort site with a museum that is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Bahrain National Museum is the crowning achievement of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s constant endeavours to preserve the nation’s heritage and history. A great reminder of its ancient past are the famous A’ali burial mounds that dominate the landscape north of the island and date to the 3rd century BC. The restored Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort, commonly known as Riffa Fort due to its location in Riffa, served as an element in the defences of Bahrain. Like every Arab nation, Bahrain is home to spectacular mosques and the most prominent is the Al Fateh mosque built as a tribute to Shaikh Ahmed Bin Muhammad Bin Khalifa, who was known as ‘Al Fateh’ (the conqueror) and who died in 1795. Opened in 1986, the 25-kilometre King Fahad Causeway, Bahrain’s only terrestrial link, connecting it to the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia is not to be missed. Concert halls and art galleries, craft centres, cafes and libraries are dotted in the whitewashed alleyways around the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research. A lively yet peaceful place, Bahrain is full of surprises.

AN AD DAX A T W IL D L T H E A L A R E IF E P A R EN K

A G OO N T AMWAJ L LUXURY A

My favourite place The Pearling Trail (Pearling, testimony of Island Economy) relates to the fascinating journey of Bahrain’s

pearling era. The rich pearling grounds around Bahrain gave the island its first eminence as long ago as 2000 BC. Transport yourself to the pearling era by setting out on the three-and-a-half kilometre“Pearling Path” journey to view 17 restored historical buildings. These celebrate Muharraq’s heritage, while three offshore oyster beds — part of the seashore and the Bu Maher fort — form part of a string of local sites that were placed on UNESCO’sWorld Heritage List in 2012. One of the largest and most elaborate buildings on the trail, the two-storey Bin Matar House, reflects the importance of that family in the pearl business. Dig into authentic Bahraini cuisine at the Saffron by Jena at Muharraq’s Souq Al Qaysariya.

Highlights The world-class Beit Al Qur’an museum located a short drive from downtown Manama showcases a priceless and rare collection of Qurans and other manuscripts and artefacts collected, preserved and displayed under the patronage of Dr. Abdul-Latif Jassim Kanoo. A stained-glass dome, bathing the closed central courtyard in light; artistically carved mashrabiyyas, or latticed windows; and panels of tiny, kaleidoscopic tiles decorate this three-storey space. The exhibits range from different periods, starting from the first century AD, on parchments from Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, Damascus, Baghdad, India, Egypt, China, Africa and other countries. There is no entrance fee for the visit. Lowlights None. Souvenirs Exotic Persian rugs; Bakhoor and

(especially Bateel); Bahraini pearls, halwa, etc.

high-end perfumes from Asghar Ali and Syed Junaid Alam; dates

Getting there Gulf Air, the national carrier, flies to all major cities of the world. Where to stay The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain with a private beach, or the Al Areen Palace & Spa; plus, there are plenty

THE FO RMULA GRAND 1 BAHRAIN PRIX

of medium and budget options in Manama.

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-FI

THE TECH IN YOU RAZOR SHARP

Remember Motorola – the company that revolutionised the telecom industry in the 1990s? For all those modern millennials who don’t care to glance past Apple, Samsung and Huawei in the smartphone stakes, there might be another reason for you to turn your attention to Motorola – the Moto Razr V4. Essentially the successor to the iconic Razr phone from 2004, this smartphone comes with a foldable screen like the newlylaunched Samsung X. This means it will pack the razorsharp looks of its predecessor but with the style and panache of its longlost predecessor. When it launches, it is expected to pack the latest internals and camera setup from its other range of phones. Keep an eye out for more details on motorola.com. The device is expected to cost RO578 upon launch. upon launch.

D e s t i n at i o n

Gaming

Y- F I

QUIRKY SMARTPHONES

The Y Geek Squad takes a look at some models that deviate from the norm but still deliver KEEP ON GOING If you thought that foldable smartphones were all the rage, have a look at the outrageous Energizer Max P18K Pop smartphone. Keeping in line with its power solutions know-how, the device comes packing enough juice to power smartphones across a whole town. It boasts an 18,000mAh battery that can offer a whooping 50 days of standby, which gives the phone up to six times the battery life of a regular model. The downside is its size: the phone measures in at a thickness of 18mm and weighs in at about 400g. But, it still houses a 6.2-inches-wide screen and triple cameras (12MP + 5MP + 2MP) in the rear, while the front camera set up is a pop-up affair that gives about 16 and 2 megapixels to play with. All of this will be controlled by a Mediatek Helio P70 chipset – a leader in budget processors – 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of on-board storage. All that space, and it still doesn’t pack in a headphone jack. What a shame! Get yours from all leading electronic stores for approximately RO240 when it launches in June.

BUILT TOUGH Aside from building bullet-proof machinery and rugged shoes and bags, the American Fortune 500 conglomerate CAT also makes smartphones. However, these are far from your regular ones. The CAT S61, for instance, comes with a relatively small 5.2-inch 1080p screen and 4gigs of RAM, but it also has a built-in thermal imaging camera for building purposes, laser-assisted distance measure, indoor air quality sensor, and a free screen repair scheme to top it all off. As expected, the phone is also shock- and water-proof, and comes with military-grade specs to suit military use. Get it from catphones.com for RO385.

PURE VIEW

FINNISH PHONE MAKER NOKIA WAS SO FAR OUT OF THE GAME THAT WE NEVER EXPECTED THEM TO MAKE A COMEBACK AS GOOD AS THIS. YET, HERE WE ARE, SIX YEARS DOWN THE LINE OGLING THE BEST OF THEIR OFFERINGS. AND HERE TO STEAL THE THUNDER FROM SMARTPHONE GIANTS SUCH AS APPLE AND SAMSUNG IS THE NOKIA 9 PUREVIEW, WHICH COULD BE THE MOST VERSATILE CAMERA PHONE TO DATE. PACKED INTO THE BACK ARE FIVE 12MEGAPIXEL CAMERAS, THE TASKS OF WHICH VARY DEPENDING ON THE OBJECT YOU’RE SHOOTING. IF THAT WASN’T ALL, THERE’S AN EXTRA CAMERA IN FRONT THEREBY TAKING THE OVERALL CAMERA COUNT TO SIX. THE PHONE WILL COME PACKING A 5.99-INCH SCREEN WITH 2K RESOLUTION, A SNAPDRAGON 845 CHIPSET AND 128GIGS OF ON-BOARD STORAGE FOR ALL THOSE IMAGES YOU’LL BE SNAPPING UP. GET IT FOR RO270 FROM ALL LEADING ELECTRONIC STORES.

EDITOR’S PICK 038

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Top 5 March Releases

The Y Geek Squad is on the look-out for a few slow-burners to keep you on your gaming toes for spring

TOTAL WAR: THREE KINGDOMS We aren’t fans of turn-based real-time strategy games but we like what ‘Total War: Three Kingdoms’ stands for. It’s a complicated s we’re in one of the quieter tactical game that is set in ancient times months of the year for game (the year isn’t revealed) and it’s up to releases, many of us are you to take control of a faction. Once pinning our hopes on titles you’re all settled in, it’s then up to you such as ‘Dead or Alive’ and ‘Devil May Cry’ to salvage what is otherwise a rather to eliminate everybody that stands against you, and finally, unify China. As lifeless month. However, this lack of complicated as that sounds, the gameplay competition also gives smaller players is silky-smooth and the tutorials are so on the market a chance to punch above their weight. This week, we look at what thorough you won’t feel the need for the gaming clan has in store for us. Slow, any online help. The graphical interface complements the fluidic progression of yes – but the arena isn’t left for dead. the game – and it has already risen up the ranks as one of our favourites this year. LEFT ALIVE PLATFORMS: PS4 AND XBOX ONE Let’s just put it this way: the TROPICO 6 reviews from Simulation games the beta tests have a charm of are out and their own and the they aren’t Tropico series of favourable. games has always The game stood out for its revolves around controllability and a story set in the exciting gameplay. fictional country of As is the always the Novo Slava in the year 2127 and narrates case, the title takes you – the president the lives of three different protagonists. It’s a tad cluttered but the storyline isn’t – of a construction and management even the problem; it’s the execution. Still, company to the Caribbean island of it’s a great way to spend your time if you Tropico where you will need to manage the company through various eras: take the game for what it is; a stealth Colonial, World War, Cold War, and game that steals cues from Metal Gear Modern Era. The graphics have been and peppers it all around its gameplay. improved from the previous game and the Our gripes arise from the unstable AI that can spot you from 100 metres away gameplay is more in line with Sim City and Cities: Skylines. We’ll be reviewing to turn what is a stealth game into a the game after its official release later fend-for-your-life shooter that always this month. has you on your toes. PLATFORM: PC, PS4 AND XBOX ONE PLATFORM: PS4

THE SINKING CITY There’s a place in hell reserved for the makers of survival horror games – but if you, like us, have an affinity towards cheap scares then get your hands on the Sinking City. The story revolves around you – a private detective – who must investigate how the people of the city of New England are succumbing to a massive flood solely due to their ‘madness and doubt’ in tackling the situation. There’s an aura of mystery over the whole scenario and it’s up to you and your observational and clue-finding skills, to solve the crisis that looms over your city. PLATFORMS: PC, PS4 AND XBOX ONE DEAD OR ALIVE 6 ‘Dead or Alive’ holds a very important place in the evershrinking one-on-one fighting game arena. Firstly, it overshadows its competitors such as Tekken and Naruto, which rarely, if ever, receive facelifts; and secondly, it adds modernday physics to the mix. So, the resulting game is a minefield of violent moves, blood and gore. It’s a tough one to digest but rest assured, your 13-year-old child will be on it even before you know it. PLATFORMS: PC, PS4 AND XBOX ONE JULY MAR 0314 - 09 20 / ISSUE 327 561

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

MADAME BUTTERFLY

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Photo credit: www.vogue.com

The winged wonders were the inspiration for many a dreamy gossamer get-up, floating down spring fashion week runways. We love the silky strength of this eyecatching jumpsuit from Naeem Khan.

T t Ge

k o o L e h

, reet ook t s l gh e hi get the h t d to you to n e gh ps e hi att hel h t rr Fromlee Sta Ash

Sometimes we just want to stand out by going a little abstract with our accessories. This shimmery calfskin Rubylou Banquise bag from Christian Louboutin is as iridescent as a butterfly’s wing and you’ll want to keep it tucked under your own. Make it an investment for RO711.3.

Donning headto-toe prints can be a bold, putyourselfout-there move. Start with baby-steps by choosing a dress in a neutral base-colour that acts as a canvas for delicate dapplings of pattern. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner chrysalis in this transformative ruffled midi-dress from Chloé for RO256.84.

Feel as light as air in a silky and versatile cape scarf that will practically give you wings of your own. This stylish version from Ted Baker London ticks all the boxes. Drape it over your shoulders for RO72.49.

Give your cheeks a spring flush with a butterflies-in-the-garden palette. We love the natural tone of Chantecaille’s Philanthropy Cheek Shade which comes embossed with the conservation efforts it supports – in this case Monarch butterflies! Grab it for RO16.57.

Keep your look striking from top to bottom with a pair of chunky heels in a similar shade to your ensemble. We love this pair of slide sandals from Chinese Laundry in a buttercup accent hue. Snag them for RO53. Stay on-trend yet simplistic in a statement necklace that adds instant elegance to any ensemble. We’re sporting this tri-colour 10K gold filigree butterfly pendant necklace from Macy’s. Own it for RO360.40.

Anchor your look in a touch of pretty pastel and throw on that silky cape scarf over a pair of lightweight pink jeggings from Dorothy Perkins for RO10.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

Think pink Spring’s quintessential shade gets a ‘glow-up’ this season with coral and salmon hues dominating the digits of models on designer runways. Why we love it? It’s our favourite shade, reimagined. Think less ring-aroundthe-rosy, and more millennial mod. We’re gaga over Jin Soon Nail Lacquer in Muse. RO6.9, and it’s yours! Mellow yellow Remember back in 1995 when you were hardcore coveting that neon yellow bottle of Sally Hansen polish and your mom told you no daughter of hers would be caught dead wearing it? No? Maybe that was just us. Anyway, the times have changed, and today’s shades no longer have us on amber alert. Pair this daffodil dandy shade from Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Giallo Napoli with some of this season’s hottest floral prints and you’ll be sitting pretty. Price: RO11.6. Green with ‘zen’-vy Who says you can’t rock some seriously verdant hues this season? And this grassy-green shade is just unconventional enough to keep heads turning to all those you wave at! Fresh, flirty, and most of all fun, you’ll want to slather on a doublecoat. We guarantee it. OPI Nail Lacquer in How Does Your Zen Garden Grow? Snag a bottle for RO3.8.

From yolk yellows to posy pinks we bring you the season’s best palettes when it comes to keeping your digits perfectly polished!

s the winter weather wanes, we find ourselves drawn to the life-like colours of this season’s spring runways. And, from the collections to the front-row celebrity fashion, they didn’t disappoint! When it comes to beauty, spring means ‘Big’, ‘Bold’, ‘Wow’ – and the catwalk’s couture creations weren’t the only trends to catch our eye! From pink mascara to foil lips in neutral metallics, this season’s makeup looks were strikingly on point. One of the easiest ways to take a leaf out of spring’s book of palettes is to dip your brush into the season’s hottest pastel polishes. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of our faves – plus, some tips on how to keep your nails healthy and avoid those brittle breakdowns. 042

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Strong as nails Frequent or continual use of polishes over time can have a damaging effect on your nails, with certain preservatives and solvents – and even acetones in polish remover, causing nails to become brittle, crumble, break or turn yellow. Help keep yours healthy and hard by choosing polishes that are formaldehyde and paraben-free, and also by giving your nails a break every few weeks from any varnish or colour. If your nails are in especially bad shape, it might be worth your while to consider a nail treatment solution such as Sally Hansen Complete Care 7-in-1 Nail Treatment which helps strengthen even the most brittle damage. But, when in doubt – always consult the pros! Price: RO5.4.

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THE COLD Bullying can make your child’s life a misery. Mother-of-three Gemma Harrison reports on how to spot the signs and what to do when you do

hen I was growing up, life seemed a lot less complicated. At the age of six, I once had my bicycle taken away from me by an eight-yearold boy who lived in our neighbourhood. After drying my tears and plying me with practically a pint of orange squash and three fingers of shortbread, my mother told me firmly that I had to go out and get my bike back myself. So I found the boy, beat him up, and came back home as bold as brass, riding my bike as loftily as warrior queen Boadicea on her chariot. And that was the end of the matter. Of course, our approach to child bullying is way different today. Nowadays, a police officer might very well have turned up at the door wanting to know all the details. Bullying hasn’t changed but what has is how we deal with it and our knowledge and experience of what constitutes it. It could mean children simply being left out and insulted because they don’t have the right accent/clothes/sporting ability/ trainers or whatever. But it could also mean them being subjected to assault, theft, or intimidation; which could include name-calling, threats, abusive texts or emails. And social media trolls’ ability to say (and spread) practically anything they like about anyone is hardly helpful, especially when dealing with vulnerable, impressionable kids. So what can we do about it? Oman’s Ministry of Education has taken steps to counsel parents on what signs to look for if their child is being bullied. These include: changes in

behaviour, inexplicable injuries, a loss of belongings, changes in eating habits and sleeping patterns, feigned injuries or pretending to be sick to get off going to school. Since 2015, many of the Sultanate’s schools have conducted awareness campaigns for children, parents, and teachers. The ramifications of undetected long-term bullying can be serious, leading to mental health difficulties in adulthood. How can you help your child if you suspect he or she is a victim? Dr. Sarah Garwood, a US paediatrician with Washington University, recommends talking to your kids regularly and finding out how their day at school has been. Dr. Garwood says: “Try to get them to open up about experiences they’ve had. Ask them if there was anything that might not have gone that well for them. “Help them identify their allies at school: who they can talk to when things get really bad.” Dr. Garwood recommends that victims don’t engage with bullies, but that they calmly walk

away, and advises parents to “be ready to talk when they’re ready to listen.” But often the problem is knowing when to act, according to the British author Tanith Carey. Ms. Carey recommends listening sympathetically if your child complains of feeling hard done by, and assessing the situation. Unless your child is being constantly bullied, he or she needs to learn how to resolve conflict. She says: “If we keep jumping in, we send a message to our children that they are weak and need our protection when we should be fostering independence and teaching them the skills to handle flare-ups themselves.” And this approach can work when handling the opposite side to bullying i.e when your child is a cohort of a bully; rather than his or her victim. One of my sons once had a buddy whom I thought was a bad influence. And when my 15-year-old started coming home and giving me grief of varying degrees, I realised it was time to act. But instead of forbidding him from seeing the friend I didn’t like (thereby ensuring he would do just that) I steered him into fresh interests that led him to new friendships, and he did eventually drop the ne’er-do-well friend. There is one thing that has endured, though. That piece of advice my Mum passed onto me when exhorting me to retrieve my bike, which was “all bullies are cowards.” It was a truism then, and it still is whether it’s at home, at school, in the workplace, or anywhere else. (Sources: ‘The Friendship Maze: How to Help Your Child Navigate Their Way…’ by Tanith Carey, Dr. Sarah Garwood, NHS UK) MAR 14 - 20 / ISSUE 561

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FOOD TRUCK FERVOUR

Street foodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humble helpings keep on whetting our appetites!

he recent Sur Al Hadid Beach Carnival, held last weekend in Seeb, saw some of the city’s top on-the-go eateries gather to feed the hungry masses as families, friends, and weekend wanderers gathered to celebrate the waterfront spring weather. Live musical performances rang out, entertainment and watersport activities abounded and, most enticing – the rich smell of char-grilled barbecue filled the air. The city’s fleet of food trucks were out serving up a storm to Muscat foodies as the Beach Carnival – sponsored by Muscat Municipality, the Ministry of Tourism, the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), and managed by Muscat Eat – marked the first official ‘coming together’ of the capital’s street food scene. It’s not an uncommon sight to see their mishkak grills sending up plumes of fragrant smoke along the Seeb Beach Road; near Al Mouj; and also in Shatti Al Qurum – as these artfully-decorated mobile kitchens forge a new culinary identity, bringing local Omani flavours street-side. Here are a few of our most mouth-watering favourites!

Big T Grills As its logo suggests, this big yellow food truck is all about carving, slicing, and dicing the most prime cuts of beef that go into the mince for their seriously juicy burgers. Like we’re talking triple-napkin territory here! With a restaurant located in the Al Hail area, you’ll find the Big T Grills truck all over the Seeb area – as what once started as a one-man street stall has now become a staple on the capital’s dining scene. Must-try: Their loaded fries! We’re obsessed with the Chips Mishkak – crispy hand-cut fries topped with diced lamb, mixed salad, and drizzled in Big T Grill’s very own secrete house sauce. (They also offer a camel burger too!) Location: Seeb Area Timings: 7:00 p.m. till 12 midnight, daily Contact: (+968) 9787-1515 (Photo credit: Google Maps/Nawaf 91)

Santa Monica Street Tacos If there’s one street Prep time: 15 minutes food worldwide Cook time: 10 minutes that we dare call Serves: 3 iconic – it’s the taco. Ingredients: § 6, 6-inch white corn tortillas (you This Mexican staple can sub yellow corn if you can’t find has been adapted in every form white corn) and every cuisine to suit every § 1-pound beef skirt steak, trimmed of palate imaginable. We love this fat and sliced into thin strips classic Cali version that let’s juicy § ½ tsp salt § ¼ tsp cayenne pepper skirt steak shine amid a punchy § ½ tsp garlic powder cilantro-lime vinaigrette!

Chicken & Beef Sandwich Simple, straight-forward, no-frills. This street bites eatery located in Mabeleh is as it says – chicken and beef sandwiches. And boy, does it deliciously deliver! There was a line-up to get to their stall at the Beach Carnival over the weekend as hungry foodies clamoured for one of their satisfyingly crunchy, juicy char-grilled chicken and beef sandwich wraps. The ultimate hand-held street-eat, paired with a side of crunchy pickles, their fiery spicy sauce, and a sunset view of the sea – what could be better, we say? Must-try: Chicken or beef ? Beef

Salsa Park This homegrown food truck bills itself as Oman’s first restaurant on wheels, serving up heaping helpings of succulent burgers, loaded fries, finger-lickin’ chicken wings and more. (And their Instagram gives us food envy!) Just follow your nose to the Al Mouj area and the mouth-watering smell of grilling patties and that’s where you’ll find it parked. Must-try: We gone back more than once for their Smash Fries – § ½ tsp minced garlic § 1 tsp oil § 1 cup diced onion § ½ cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped § 2 cups thinly-sliced red cabbage Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette § ¾ cup cilantro leaves § juice of 2 limes § 1/3 cup oil § 4 tsp minced garlic § ¼ cup white vinegar § 4 tsp sugar § ¼ milk § ½ cup sour cream

or chicken? You know what we’re going to tell you – both! Location: Mabeleh, near the Al Maha Petrol Station Timings: 7:00 p.m. till 12 midnight, daily Contact: (+968) 9060-0083 @chickenandbeef_ (Instagram) (Photo credit: Instagram/@chickenandbeef_)

think freshly-cut and fried chips slathered in gooey cheese and topped with jalapeños, smashed beef, and a moreish mixture of house-made sauces. But it’s their signature Granada burger that seals the deal when your belly’s rumbling. A juicy smashed beef patty, topped with fresh pomegranate and pomegranate molasses, arugula, cheese, and their special Granada sauce – it’s all you need between two buns. Location: Al Mouj area Timings: 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight, daily 8:00 a.m. till 12 midnight, Thurs & Fri Contact: (+968) 9177-6648 or (+968) 9307-7070 @salsapark (Instagram) ingredients for vinaigrette. Add mixture to a blender and pulse 1-2 minutes until smooth. Add ¼ - 1/3 cup steak to each tortilla (if you microwave them for 30-45 seconds they’ll be easier to handle and super delicious) top steak with cabbage, onions, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve immediately. (Source: www.lecremedelacrumb.com)

Method: § Heat oil over medium heat. Season sliced steak with salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Add steak to pan and sauté until cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). Add garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes longer until garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and dice steak. § Whisk together all

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(Photo credit: Instagram/@salsapark)

Street

Grab-and-go grub is fast making tracks in the Sultanate with food trucks and street stalls popping up left-right-and-centre in Seeb and Shatti Al Qurum. Here, Yummy Oman takes some of our faves for a (taste) test drive!

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N e w R e s t a u r a n t REVIEWS Info Box SOI SOI

The Boulevard, Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Al Mouj Opening hours: 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., Mon-Sun (lunch) 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., Mon-Sun (dinner) Contact: (+968) 2498-5000 Dinner for three: RO43

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Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 9/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Comforting Thai street food in an elegantly casual yet unpretentious ambience

SOI SOI

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THE MARKETS OF BANGKOK COME ALIVE AT THIS THAI EATERY ON AL MOUJ WHERE STREET FOOD FLAVOURS ARE ELEVATED BEYOND EXPECTATION

nyone who’s been to Bangkok knows that the soul of the city lies along the Khaosan Road. The street food capital of Southeast Asia, its night markets and roadside hawkers form the backbone of a cultural and culinary identity as varied as it is iconic. And its sights, smells, sounds and flavours carry as diverse a profile as Thai cuisine itself – salty, spicy, sour and sweet. To say there’s something for everyone may be at the risk of generalising, but you’re guaranteed to find at least one grab-and-go dish to tickle your palate. And while street food often forms the bedrock of a society’s working population, it’s also its beating heart. Reproducing its essential form for the masses, in a different market, abroad, is no easy feat. In most cases it’s an ‘often imitated, never duplicated’ type of scenario. So, it was with rumbling bellies and high hopes that we headed to Soi Soi, the Kempinski Hotel Muscat’s casual Thai dining outlet along their Boulevard of eateries. A spacious indoor dining area replete with wood décor accents, vibrant floral table settings and hanging lanterns lends the space a bright and airy touch. While the restaurant offers a fairly popular three-course Express Business Lunch, tonight we’re here to sample its a la carte menu. Staking its name on the roadside cuisine of Bangkok’s bustling night markets – ‘soi’ means ‘street’ in Thai – the restaurant bills itself as offering ‘Thai street food with a twist’. We’re seated outside on its small patio terrace next to a small falaj-style water feature and garden that separates the outdoor dining area from neighbouring restaurant Bukhara’s. While indoors is empty, it’s a full-house outside as diners

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lounge and linger, enjoying the last of the cool weather. Perusing the menu, we make note of a diverse range of Thai favourites plus the restaurant’s own signature selections, with loads of seafood and vegetarian options thrown into the mix to suit those with dietary restrictions. We begin with a few orders of appetisers – a portion of Tom Yum Hed (a vegetarian version of the more classic Tom Yum Goong); a platter of Por Pia Pak deep-fried vegetable spring rolls with glass noodles; and a classic Som Tam Thai papaya salad. Service is fast and friendly, with the restaurant’s chef and wait-staff hailing from Thailand – in a nod to sustaining authenticity. The Tom Yum Hed is first to arrive. A fiery broth on this breezy evening, it’s fragrant with rich lemongrass and kefir lime while the tamarind broth adds that sweetly-sour depth of flavour. Each spoonful offers up a helping of plump button mushrooms – hearty and filling enough that we don’t miss the usual prawns. The Por Pia Pak spring rolls are also plump with mushrooms, sprouts, shredded carrot and delicate glass noodles. The paper-thin pastry is perfectly crisp and not overly greasy. After dousing a few in lashings of their sweet-chili sauce, we’re ready for more. Thankfully, the Som Tam Thai arrives next and offers up a filling and fresh accompaniment to the round of starters. All the flavour profiles of Thai cuisine become apparent – the sharp sourness of the green papaya; the saltiness from the dried shrimp; the spicy kick from the fresh chillis; and the sweetness of the light tamarind dressing. While all flavours are present, the dish is only

ever-so slightly out of balance as the tamarind dressing is a bit too sweet, and remains at the forefront of the palate. Appetites whetted for what’s to come, we soon tuck into our main courses – a round of pipinghot curries with a side of jasmine rice and freshlymade Thai rotis to sop up every last mouthful of flavour. There’s a rich Gaeng Phed Ped – a red curry with tender slices of duck breast bursting with Thai eggplant and caper-berries, and sweet morsels of pineapple and lychee. It’s the star of the show, followed by the Gaeng Kiew Wan Gai – a green curry with chicken, Thai eggplant, fresh chillis, and basil. While both curries have a creamy coconut base our only caveat is, while we asked for both to be spicy, they’ve still arrived a littler on the lighter side when it comes to packing a punch of heat. We chalk this up to the preparations being tailored to suit an international palate. Nevertheless, they’re both delicious. As is the Ped Markam that follows; Soi Soi’s signature dish, it’s a platter of lusciously-roasted duck breast on a bed of braised Thai kale and drizzled with a sticky-sweet tamarind sauce. Completely moreish – we have a hard time finishing it in one sitting and have to ask for a takeaway to go. Rounding off the night, we end with some sweet indulgences in the form of Khao Neaw Mamuang – a richly-sweet mango sticky rice; Tako Ruam Mit Sakoo – sago mixed in pandan leaf cups (but which tastes more like a palate-cleanser to us rather than a dessert); and Kuay Thod I Tim – a luscious fried banana spring roll with house-made vanilla ice cream. In a Muscat market that seems to have a hankering for Thai as more new restaurants clamour for purchase on an increasingly competitive scene, Soi Soi leaves us booking a oneway ticket to the Land of Smiles. . ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com.

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