Y Magazine #565, April 18, 2019

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ONE MAN’S 8,000KM JOURNEY FOR PEACE

News: HOT-AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL 10 HEADING FOR DHOFAR

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DESTINATION: Bait an-Nu’man Castle TASTE TEST: RocoMamas

APR 18 - 24 2019 / ISSUE 565 • WEEKLY

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

Beating the

Odds

PLUS!

HOW DO YOU FIGHT A BATTLE AGAINST A SILENT OPPONENT? WITH EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT. AS MORE PEOPLE IN OMAN BECOME STRICKEN WITH CANCER EACH YEAR, RATES OF THE DISEASE ARE EXPECTED TO DOUBLE BY 2025. TEAM Y INVESTIGATES THE CAUSES BEHIND THIS ALARMING RISE, AS THE DEBATE BETWEEN OUR GENES AND OUR LIFESTYLE RAGES ON

GAME REVIEW: LOCKED IN AT XCAPE MUSCAT 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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FIRST DRIVE: THE BOLD JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED

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POSTCARD: JEDDAH, KSA’S HISTORIC HUB

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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…

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here are some things you just can’t buy, barter, or beg back in life. Your health is one of them. ‘Health is wealth’, as the saying goes, and though it may afford you easier access to private care or treatments, being bankrich means very little if you’re health-poor.

And here in the Sultanate our nation is witnessing a rise in cases of one of the most feared diseases – cancer. Cancer can strike anyone and at any moment, indiscriminately. Like an obstruction placed into an individual’s daily life, it floods in; taking away their mental and physical health.

And it’s a public health issue of growing concern, as the Oman Cancer Association states that rates of the disease are expected to double in the Sultanate by 2025, with cases of more rare cancers not usually seen in Oman becoming prevalent – such a non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It’s a sobering projection that we’re striving to get to the bottom of, in this week’s cover feature. Flip to Page 18 to find out if there are indeed lifestyle factors contributing to this rise, as we attempt to debunk myths about the disease while also learning how to approach it with care, sensitivity and timeliness.

On a lighter note, we’re exploring an Omani castle that time forgot in this week’s Destination pages; taking the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited out for a spin in First Drive; and locking ourselves in a hostage escape room as Team Y heads over to Xcape Muscat for a Game Review we almost didn’t make it out of!

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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APR 18 - 24 / ISSUE 565

03

contents APR

Your Oman

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24

2019

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Nadir al Azri 10 News

Hot-air balloon festival heading for Dhofar 12

18

News More than 1,300 arrested for begging in 2018

10

16

Cuban vibes Grammy-winning

jazz musician Chucho Valdés live at the Royal Opera House Muscat!

34 First Drive

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 38 Y-Fi

Picture perfect accessories

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18

26

17 Movies

‘Hellboy’ is back

to fight against the

dark forces of the

underworld in

this supernatural

action romp in 28

theatres now

17

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Bait an-Nu’man Castle

Features

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion

Ravishing ruching

Beating the odds With health experts in Oman projecting rates of cancer to double in the Sultanate by 2025, Team Y investigates whether or not it’s our nation’s lifestyle that’s silently killing us.

Cycling for a cause Naresh Kumar is biking 8,000km from Tamil Nadu, India to Hamburg, Germany in an effort to spread his views on equality and peace.

We tagged along during his stopover in Oman.

Mum’s the word Want to show the world that you’ve got ‘Oman’s Best Mum’? Then enter to win with Y’s annual competition now!

Food and Drink 44 Yummy Oman

Low-carb delights 46 Taste Test RocoMamas

42 Beauty

Pedi-perfect

40

44 NEXT ISSUE...

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

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

An iconic voice Dynamic diva Mariah Carey is all set to receive the Icon Award at this year’s Billboard Music Awards. This has her batting in the same league as Celine Dion, Prince, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Stevie Wonder – all of whom have previously earned the accolade. You’re our ‘Hero’, Mariah! The 2019 Billboard Music Awards will be held on May 1, with Kelly Clarkson hosting the show for the second year in a row (we hear she’ll be performing her new single as well).

Billie Eilish: Superfan!

After the smash hit of her début album ‘When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’ which hit No.1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts, we just can’t get enough of the weirdlywonderful 17-year-old singer-songwriter.

Recently, she revealed to her followers just how much of a geek she is for the U.S. version of ‘The Office’ – even sampling a scene from the show on her track ‘My Strange Addiction’. The episode in question was ‘Threat Level Midnight’ where boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell) airs his finished ‘movie’ where he has a pretty memorable dance scene. Well, Billie just loved the beat from his dance scene track so she approached the cast of ‘The Office’ personally to get the okay to use a sample from it on her album. In fact, they loved the idea so much that BJ Novak, who plays Ryan Howard in the series, said the whole cast gave her the idea to use the dialogue from the scene as well as the music.

From reality star to…lawyer?

Kim Kardashian is planning to take the 06

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bar exam in 2022 to become a lawyer – without going to law school. The reality TV star recently revealed to fans that she’s thought long and hard about starting a four-year apprenticeship last summer with a San Francisco law firm as the state of California allows prospective lawyers to undertake apprenticeships in lieu of law school. Commenting on why she’s choosing to take the leap Kim said: “I wanted to be able to fight for people who have paid their dues to society. I just felt like the system could be so different and I wanted to fight to fix it.” Kim’s father, the late Robert Kardashian was part of the infamous legal team commissioned to defend OJ Simpson during his 1994 trial.

We’ve got chills!

And they’re multiplying at the prospect of a new ‘Grease’ movie! It’s just been announced that there’s a prequel to the 1978 musical that starred John Travolta as Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsson.

The prequel will be called ‘Summer Loving’ and will be written by John August, of ‘Big Fish’ and the new ‘Aladdin’ remake fame. The storyline will follow Danny and Sandy’s summer fling before their senior year in high school begins. The rest of the cast and crew are yet to be announced – but we can’t wait to see who’ll take on these roles and if John Travolta and Olivia NewtonJohn will have cameos!

If the shoe fits?

It seems that singer Camila Cabello is all set to portray the title role of Cinderella in an upcoming reimagining of the story, to be produced by the inimitable James Corden.

This will be Camila’s acting début, and while we don’t have an expected release date or any details on potential new plot twists – it’s confirmed that the movie is most definitely in the works!

Anderson’s new album Singer/songwriter Anderson Paak has just dropped his latest album called ‘Ventura’. The new collection of songs comes just six short months after his last album ‘Oxnard’ and will be the fourth and final chapter in his beach-themed series.

Produced by Dr. Dre, ‘Ventura’ will have 11 tracks and guest appearances by Andre 3000, Smokey Robinson and more. Speaking about his latest release Anderson says: “One town over I went further and found my depth. The duality of each place inspired me greatly and, from that, I made two albums at the exact same time but held one back because that would have been too many songs to perform live for you all! I like ending things on an even number so welcome to ‘Ventura.’”

Ellie drops latest single Ellie Goulding has just unleashed a new song called ‘Sixteen’ to the airwaves. After her smash hits like ‘Close To Me’ wit Swae Lee, and ‘Love Me Like You Do’, she’s back with her fourth album called ‘Flux’ – her first studio effort since 2015’s ‘Delirium’. About the new album, of which ‘Sixteen’ is the first track to drop, she says: “I’m so excited to share ‘Sixteen’ with everyone! That age was such a pivotal year for me in many ways. It takes me back to the reckless days of being a teenager and I hope it reminds us all about the innocence of youth.”

A K-Pop collab South Korean superstar boyband BTS is finally here with the collaboration we’ve been waiting for as they release their highly-anticipated single’ Boy With Luv’ with Halsey. The single dropped on April 12 on the same day as their new album ‘Map of Soul: Persona’ and YouTube has confirmed it’s the music video with the most views ever in 24-hours for a firstday upload. BTS also made history this week after performing on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as the first South Korean musical guests in the show’s history.

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

NADIR AL AZRI, THE ACTING-CEO OF THE OMAN CANCER ASSOCIATION (OCA), ADDRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCERS

A

wareness and regular examination play major roles in the early detection of cancer.

It’s a wellknown fact that an effective prognosis will lead to a complete cure of the illness in many cases – and this can have a very strong impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of the person and their family.

From this point-of-view, you’ll realise that when the detection is early, the treatment is less intrusive; milder on the body, and the overall chance of success will be much higher. Then there’s the important factor of time – it will be much shorter than a treatment that is intended for the later stages of cancer.

Economically speaking, the cost of the treatment will be much less compared with the amount facing someone who is diagnosed in Stage-III or Stage-IV – which are very late in the detection stages.

Even within the family, early detection can reduce (psychologically) the impact on members.

In Oman, a lot of awareness campaigns are breaking onto the scene – and this is helping to educate the people on screening and early detection.

The OCA has a lot of campaigns lined up, and one that we’ve just started is the ‘Public Day’, which is held every month for breast cancer awareness.

Then, we have the OCA, with the support of the Ministry of Health (MoH), conducting the national programme for breast cancer screening with our mobile mammogram unit (MMU). With it, we’ve covered the entire Sultanate and have detected several cases in the early stages and have got them immediately treated.

They are all doing fine – Alhamdullilah!

Early detection is the only way you can live longer and stress-free.

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correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: According to the Oman Cancer Association, cancer rates in Oman are expected to double by 2025. With this growth rate cause for concern, and with rarer forms of cancer being seen more frequently, is it our lifestyle that’s contributing to these diagnoses – or a lack of awareness on the importance of regular screening? Tell us your thoughts.

MUTHMARI PANDIAN

Breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer are the most prevalent forms of this disease in Oman. Unhealthy lifestyles, consumption of alcohol, tobacco and junk food are the main reasons behind this deadly disease. Breast cancer is very common in Oman. The awareness of breast cancer among women is very low and lots of barriers are being raised over delays in diagnosis. Due to a lack of awareness and cultural and social support, a diagnosis of breast cancer can lead to emotional distress. So, we should promote public awareness campaigns to change the public’s view towards women with breast cancer. Cancers can be treated if we diagnose at the earliest possible stage. It is possible to prevent cancer with certain changes in our lifestyles.

Healthy diet habits, exercise and regular health check-ups are mandatory in preventing cancer.

Diseases, is central to accelerating action on cancer prevention and control. It sets out some of the strategic milestones that countries need to reach if they are to achieve the nine voluntary targets to reduce the number of premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases by 25 per cent by 2025. The targets address risk behaviours, such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

DR. SUDDAPPALI RAO

It’s certainly a huge matter of concern that needs a multi-pronged and multidimensional approach of all stake holders, as we, the people playing a vital role, mostly skirt around for reasons obvious like carelessness, lethargy, addiction, poverty etc. Despite the Oman authorities and NGOs like OCA leaving no stone unturned to help prevent its incidence rate, the numbers are most alarming. Greater awareness of the disease must be generated by using pamphlets, bill boards, telecasts, broadcasts, meets, street shows, plays and SINTHIA BANERJEE exhibitions. The OCA is playing a vital role in this, Cancer ranks among the top four leading such as with its annual walkathon. So, in essence, causes of death in the Eastern Mediterranean it is an ongoing exercise. It advises one and all to Region, according to the World Health follow these listed measures to prevent and reduce Organisation (WHO). And, the rate has only cases of the disease. This means adopting healthy been projected to double over the coming lifestyles, eating healthy food, taking regular exercise, decades. The regional framework for action, a roadmap for countries of the region to implement cutting down on long hours in front of screens, using stairs instead of elevators or taking up hobbies like the United Nations’ Political Declaration on Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable yoga. As of present data, the reported cancer rate

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in Oman stands at 103.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, with the silver lining being a low rate in this region but one should not be complacent about this. There is still a 25 per cent increase in cases from 2011 through to 2015. To conclude, this decade saw mammoth efforts on the part of the Oman government to combat it. One point worth noting is government spending such as buying medicines for chemotherapy. For example Nexavar, the only effective oral chemo/imuno agent that can arrest some cancers like Hepatic cell carcinoma of liver.

Its patent holders Bayer and Onyx sell it at US$19,500 (RO 7,500) for 120 tablets that lasts just two months, with a minimum course of one year, so it amounts to US$ 117,000; that is astronomical by all global

WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

standards. Governments find it hard to spend this from their own exchequers, with most offering subsidies. People should grab all possible chances to follow healthy lifestyles and scale back their addiction to junk food, alcohol and tobacco to help themselves, their families, society and government.

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COACH RISTO DIMITROV AND CZECH FIGHTER JAN TRUCKA were spotted with a copy of their favourite Y Magazine at the UFC Gym Oman.

SUNIL JOHN MARTIN

With today’s lifestyle more inclined towards junk food, the chances of getting cancer are high. One cannot vouch for the quality of fresh fruits, vegetables and meats.

So, it is advisable to go in for regular check-ups. That is the best way to stay in control of your own body.

New Debate: How far would you go to adopt the pet of your choice? With more exotic pets being exploited on Oman’s black market for illegal animal imports, how can we work towards changing the mentality of those who would put the well-being of an animal – and sometimes their own lives at risk, for the sake of a status symbol?

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

THROUGH YOUR EYES

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

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

SHARE YOUR PHOTO WITH Y TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEW READER SECTION Y reader Paul Davis captures life penetrating deep to survive in the Sharqiyah Sands with his Canon 1200D.

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

PHOTO: Paul Davis

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09

NEWS OMAN SHOWING SOLID

GROWTH, SAYS IMF

spending.

Mr. Roudet said: “Preliminary budget execution data indicate an improvement in the overall fiscal balance last year.

The fiscal deficit is estimated to have declined to about 9 per cent of GDP from 13.9 per cent of GDP in 2017, reflecting higher oil revenues.”

He added that structural reforms were necessary to promote private investment and job creation, improve productivity and competitiveness, and advance diversification.

He said: “Further efforts to strengthen the business environment, including by reducing obstacles to foreign direct investment, fostering competition, man’s reform efforts are helping to strengthen its fiscal position, the and further easing trade barriers would help International Monetary Fund has strengthen external competitiveness. Accelerating diversification efforts under the Tanfeedh said. program could also help raise non-hydrocarbon The IMF said the Sultanate exports.” was enhancing private sector-led growth and The IMF expects Oman’s fiscal deficit to fall to job creation, and encouraging economic about 8 per cent of GDP this year, as the impact diversification. of lower oil prices is more than offset by a decline An IMF team led by Stéphane Roudet visited in spending, one-off revenue, and implementation Muscat from March 26 to April 8 to hold the of a new excise tax on selected products.

2019 Article IV consultation discussions with “Further efforts to curtail spending and Omani officials. the planned introduction of value added tax In a statement on the IMF’s website, Roudet (VAT) could reduce the deficit by another two said economic activity was gradually recovering in Oman, reflecting higher confidence driven by percentage points of GDP over the next two a resurgence in oil prices and higher government years,” Mr. Roudet added.

O

BURJEEL HOSPITAL OPENS

ONCOLOGY CENTRE

HOT-AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

HEADING FOR DHOFAR

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V

PS Healthcare has announced the opening of its Medical Oncology Centre at its premier Burjeel Hospital in Al Khuwair.

Dr. V P Shamsheer, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare Group said: “The focus on oncology has been initiated in the group level at VPS since the past few years. I am proud to announce the launch of the medical oncology service in Burjeel Hospital, a first-of-its-kind initiative.

“I am thankful to the Government of Oman for placing its trust in us to launch this service in the private sector.”

The centre was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Faisal bin Turki al Said, in the presence of Ministry of Health officials and other dignitaries.

chance to fly and float in the air is open to Dhofar residents and visitors this year during the khareef season, Muscat Daily reports.

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has joined forces with three private Oman firms to organise the first-of-its-kind carnival, from July 20 to August 25.

In a statement, the MoT said: “This hot-air balloon carnival is the first-of-its-kind in the GCC, and is organised

by Omani companies and supported by a number of government agencies.”

The three companies behind the event are Hemity, Awaan, and Sabeen.

An official said the carnival is expected to draw more than one million tourists to Dhofar.

The khareef season officially extends from June 21-September 21. In 2018, khareef attracted 826,376 visitors, a rise of 28.1 per cent over the 2017 season at 644,931.

LEADING INGENUITY

GALLERY

ENTREPRENEUR AND CEO OF EVENTTUS, MAI MEDHAT SPEAKS IN MUSCAT AT THE RECENTLYHELD STARTUP GRIND EVENT

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011

YOUR

OMAN

13 RESCUED AS FLOODS LASH OMAN

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hirteen people were rescued from flooded houses and vehicles stuck in wadis as rain lashed many parts of Oman last weekend.

The Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) has said that Izki in Dakhliyah recorded the highest rainfall at 52.6mm, followed by 52.2mm in Saiq and 46mm in Nizwa on Saturday.

As a result of heavy rainfall, several teams of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources were engaged in clean-up operations in wilayats such as Khasab, Liwa, Lima, Wadi al Ma’awel and Dhank.

MORE THAN 1,300 ARRESTED FOR BEGGING IN 2018

A

s many as 1,388 people were arrested for begging in different governorates in the Sultanate in 2018, figures from the ministry of social development have revealed.

Of the total number of arrests made by the anti-begging teams, the number of expatriate beggars stood at 1,276, while nationals reached 112 in the same year. The sum of RO30,829,191 was also recovered.

Most of the expat begging arrests were made in Dhofar, with 356 cases. The capital city of Muscat registered 344 cases, while Al Seeb and Al Buraimi had 341 and 56 cases, respectively.

According to the ministry, 489 expatriate beggars were found to have individual sponsors.

The anti-begging law in the Sultanate states that anyone found begging in a public place or in private faces a jail term of not less than one month and not exceeding one year.

Simultaneously, a fine of not less than RO50 and not more than RO100 can be levied. In the case of the beggar being a foreign national, he/she will be deported.

AFRICAN EXPAT ARRESTED

ON FRAUD CHARGES

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n African expat has been arrested on money fraud charges, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has confirmed.

According to the ROP, the accused convinced a citizen to hand over RO35,000 and receive a bag with forged papers, which was intended to help the victim receive RO2 million.

The victim was also asked to pay an extra amount of RO15,000 to open the bag Police found various tools used to practise sorcery during a raid at the suspect’s house in Azaiba following interrogation.

GALLERY

BAHRAINI ARTIST SHEIKH RASHID AL KHALIFA PRESENTS HIS EXHIBITION ‘PARALLEL’ AT BAIT MUZNA GALLERY

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YOUR

PLEDGE OF A LIFETIME

OMAN

CHILDREN ACROSS MUSCAT GATHERED AT MARKAZ AL BAHJA MALL TO TAKE PART IN Y’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY SHELL OMAN AND HONDA

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GALLERY

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T I C K L E YO U R TAST E- B U D S

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE The Grand Millennium Muscat is inviting families on a global adventure of gastronomy, with a new Friday brunch at their Taybat Restaurant.

The Millennium Brunch, held between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., features cuisines from around the world as well as live cooking stations and fun-filled activities.

You can choose from delights such as freshly-caught Omani seafood or an Italian celebration of charcuterie and cold cuts.

It costs RO20 per person, with children ages six-12 can enjoy a 50 per cent discount, while children under six dine for free.

For more information or to reserve a table, call (+968) 2234-2222, or email fb.gmm@millenniumhotels.com.

CHARITY FUNDRAISER A very special evening with all proceeds going to a good cause is sure to be one of this year’s best nights out.

A spring charity ball to raise money for the conservation of wildlife is being held at Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, on Friday, April 26 from 7:00 p.m. onwards.

Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner, and live entertainment in the Majan Ballroom.

It costs RO49 per person (including drinks) and RO4 per ticket will be donated to the Environment Society of Oman. Dress code: Black tie. To book, call (+974) 2476-4444.

APR 19

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CUBAN VIBES THIS

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

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Six-time Grammy Award-winner Chucho Valdés is taking to the stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat.

The Cuban musician is reckoned to be the most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz, with a career as a pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger that has spanned more than five decades.

Chucho’s most popular works include the songs ‘Mr Bruce’ and ‘Mambo para Roy’; and the 2003 album, ‘Live at the Village Vanguard’.

The performance is 80 minutes, without intermission and starts at 7:30 p.m.. To book and for details, log on to the ROHM website or call (+968) 2440-3332.

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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

English countryside.

He’s clearly got his hands full, and lovers of horror are going to relish this one as a lot of characters come to a sticky end, quite literally.

The CGI is terrific (as you’d expect), and the action moves along at a cracking pace, with enough demons and weird creatures to keep you satisfied.

After Cast: Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Josephine Langford, Selma Blair

Little Cast: Regina Hall, Issa Rae, Marsai Martin Jordan Sanders (Hall) is a hard-as-nails CEO of a tech company who has little time, or inclination, for a private life.

But beneath the tough shell is a woman who has shouldered a tough upbringing, which has clearly left a mark on her in adulthood.

When a spell is cast on her taking her back to her 13-year-old self, Jordan has got a bit of a problem, particularly as she doesn’t recall her teenage years

Hellboy Cast: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane

Hellboy (Harbour) is caught between two worlds; the human and the supernatural, and has to

with any great fondness.

Enter her personal assistant April (Rae) who turns out to be her rock on her rocky road to find herself.

OK, so this is a reversal of the child-to adult-and-back theme that has been done before, most notably with Tom Hanks in ‘Big’ or Jodie Foster in ‘Freaky Friday’ but it’s just as witty, touching, whimsical, and a whole lot of fun.

square up to an ancient sorceress with a sinister agenda.

He’s got two battles on the go: one against Nimue, the Blood Queen (Jovovich) who is preparing to unleash a deadly plague on medieval England.

Then, in modern-day New York, his father Professor Bloom (McShane) tells him he needs to head to England to kill three giants who have risen from their graves and are terrorising the

going on here than it looks.

Whether it’s Tessa’s soon-to-be-dumped boyfriend who says goodbye to her at college with a cursory peck on the cheek, or his replacement who clearly is not the tough guy he likes to think he is.

This is not a cheesy rom-com. Rather, it’s a relatively solid version of the genre and treats tweens with intelligence; both on screen and off.

Dragged Across Concrete Cast: Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn, Tory Kittles

Tessa (Langford) is a young college freshman who finds herself drawn to Hardin (Tiffin), a young student with a few issues.

It’s certainly a harmony-of-opposites.

She’s a sweet, ‘green’ young woman from the suburbs, while he’s a streetwise bad boy with plenty of attitude.

It all seems a bit of a well-worn cliché that’s been seen a thousand times in movies down the ages.

However, don’t be put off. There’s more

!

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Which actor starred as Hellboy in the first two films of the franchise?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Jonitha D’Cruz

Ridgeman (Gibson) and Lurasetti (Vaughn) are two grizzled cops who fail to follow due procedure when they make an arrest.

Well, if you stomp on a suspect’s head, tie his feet to a rail and pour water all over his girlfriend; that’ll do it.

Mercifully, the days of flying in the face of protocol on the force have long since gone.

The two are suspended without pay, and have no option but to start delving into the criminal underworld until they get their jobs back.

And having to support their families means poking their hands in the crooked cookie jar.

The movie title is pretty apt, given the earthy proceedings on offer here.

Gibson’s mouth has been a ‘lethal weapon’ to his career. But it’s good to see him out of the doghouse, and back into a dogged, gritty action role.

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Cases of cancer are on the rise in Oman, but fighting the deadly disease is not just a case of enduring long and rigorous treatment. The trials faced by patients, and the toll it takes on them and their families can be devastating.

Team Y reports 018

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T

he human spirit can be far more resilient than anything that can ever befall its owner.

But it’s the challenges that can have lifechanging consequences that can truly make or break you.

It’s something Steven Clarke, a British expat working as the lead health and safety inspector in an Oman oil plant, can relate to.

Steven, 55, says he only came face-to-face with his emotions and body when he was diagnosed with one of the rarer forms of cancer – acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

The news of the cancer, which had already reached the advanced stages, he says, devastated his family – his wife and four children – more than it affected him.

However, he decided to fight even as he was told by doctors that there would be less than a 25 per cent chance of survival and that he’d be required to fly to India for his routine chemotherapy every two weeks.

But it’s not just Steven who must now fly out of the country for routine treatments.

Several residents – both expats and Omanis – are now required to travel outside Oman for routine checkups and chemotherapies for rarer and more dangerous types of cancer due to a lack of availability of experienced doctors or treatments.

Today, Steven struggles to talk, and much of our conversations are conducted over email. He has undergone 14 chemotherapy sessions so far in his fight against Mature B-Cell ALL, and is bedridden.

His nails and hair, he writes in an email to us, have all fallen off and his teeth and skin have become dark.

“But I’m still here,” he adds, before typing out the answers to our questions.

“A human being can only determine his real strength when he fights against his own body and mind.

“It’s something I’ve learnt over the past few months,” he says.

Steven, who was diagnosed with cancer in September 2018, tells us

All images for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: Shutterstock

that he’d thought of pulling the plug on the “hardwearing chemotherapy” treatments several times – all a part of a personal battle he has had with himself.

“Sometimes, I wish I could turn back the hands of time while other times I just want it all to end, but I’m a fighter… much like my mother, who too fought cancer bravely but valiantly.

“But every time I come close to doing it, all I can see are the faces of my children and wife.”

Steven will have several rounds of chemotherapy in the month of April and May, in the city of Kochi, in Kerala, India, but he says that the news has been grim all along and that he’s hoping to hear about a remission.

Although as a British-born citizen of the UK, he would be entitled to treatment under that country’s National Health Service, which is publicly-funded by taxes, attending chemotherapy sessions every two weeks would mean funding flights to the UK every

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019

A human being can only determine his real strength when he fights against his own body and mind fortnight for both him and a family member.

The cost of that is prohibitive so going to India is his preferred option.

He says: “One of the toughest factors for us through all this, aside from all the medication is the cost and the fact that I’m away from my family.

“I’m being taken care of by my eldest son now – God bless him – but we’re struggling to make ends meet and I can’t do the chemotherapy in Oman as it would just pile on to the costs. Even my Omani doctor suggested that I do the surgery here in India.

“One reprieve is that a portion of my expenses are paid by my insurance from the UK but my Omani insurance won’t take care of serious illnesses such as this – and it’s a great shame.

“I even lost two weeks in running back and forth insurance companies, and the Royal Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University for diagnosis and treatment advise, when I should have immediately been given diagnosis and the treatment,” he adds in his email.

We also learn that Steven’s symptoms were often overlooked by doctors and cancer scares were warded off for a whole 020

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year when the initial tests were being conducted – until the day they decided to conduct a bone marrow aspirate test.

Shankar (name changed to protect identity), 54, is another patient symptoms were overlooked by doctors in Oman until he was diagnosed with Stage-IV bowel cancer in Begnaluru, India.

However, it’s not just Steven and Shankar that have been left wounded by the system. Several people are now complaining of a lack of support – from insurance companies coupled with a healthcare system that is still only developing – which is taking a toll on several patients who are now seeking treatments outside the country.

And this is a matter of concern as the report issued by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in 2018 (with statistics compiled only until 2015) titled, ‘Cancer Incidence in Oman’, states that there were 1,840 cases of cancer reported in the country in 2015 – which is a two-fold increase from the numbers in 2002. Of the total cases, 1,615 were Omani (749 male and 866 female) and 185 expats.

It (the sharp increase) is a trend that is expected to continue too in Oman, according to Dr. Wahid al Kharusi, the president of the Oman Cancer Association (OCA).

Speaking at a press conference to mark the World Cancer Day founded by the Union International for Cancer Control (UICC), he is quoted as saying: “Oman has been witnessing a growth in the number of cancer patients every year.

“And the number of patients is expected to double by 2025, so raising awareness is very important.”

This also brings to question whether Oman is actually ready to take on cancer patients and if its detection framework is in place and running.

Even Dr. Bassim al Bahrani, the director of Oncology and the head of Medical Oncology at the Royal Hospital, asserts: “There are more than 600 cancer patients for one million people in Oman (in 2016).”

Though, with only a handful of public and private hospitals, and the OCA’s early detection units operating with the necessary test equipment and having authority over issuing pathology reports, it’s clear that Oman is now witnessing a shortage of early detection facilities for some specific types of cancers.

Dr. al Bahrani asserts that in such a scenario (adjusting for population growth), the number could rise to as much as 3,500 cases of cancer every year – which is in line with Dr. Wahid’s disclosure.

Currently, and as per the revelations of Dr. Saeed al Zadjali, an oncologist with a leading government facility in Oman, only Omanis are currently offered free treatment for cancers, leading to great worry among expats – like Steven – for health coverage.

Steven has spent more than RO6,200 in hospital fee and treatments alone – all from his own pocket while RO2,500 has been taken care of by his ‘premium’ international insurance.

All our efforts to contact insurance agencies on the topic are in vain.

However, one insurance agent – who comments in return for complete anonymity – says: “A lot of the expats living here in Oman

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021

work under private firms, and they do not opt for insurance services that cover cancer.

“There are insurances in the country that do offer sums of up to RO10,000 and RO20,000 depending on the type of cancer. This can definitely be had but it’s a premium purchase for the company.

“That’s why a lot of expats complain about how they need to pay.”

All of this comes as a shock, as nearly 10.05 per cent of all diagnosed cancer cases are expats, and more importantly, the disease is quickly rising as a matter of nationwide apprehension as it quickly rises in ranks as one of the greatest causes of death in Oman.

However, Dr. al Zadjali also believes that the numbers of detected expat patients are low due to overseas diagnosis and treatments but goes on to reveal how “charitable doctors” help patients by slashing prices and making cuts in bills; sometimes even taking salary cuts in the process.

Today, cancer is ranked fourth in Oman among the leading causes of death – with a toll of 566, which is just a touch below the mortality rates arising from cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases and respiratory diseases.

The current mortality rate from cancer is 24.14 deaths per 100,000 of the Oman population.

The Sultanate is currently ranked fourth among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations in terms of registered cases of cancer – albeit, Dr. al Zadjali believes that the numbers could be higher owing to a growing number of Omanis who don’t frequent health centres and hospitals for treatment.

In Oman, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among females, followed by thyroid and colon cancer. Meanwhile, men are most prone to prostate and colon cancer.

However, we’re told that lung cancer – a disease in which 97 per cent of those diagnosed are smokers – is expected to become the most common cancer in Oman over the next five years.

Dr. al Zadjali then points out an alarming finding: the rise of rare cancers in Oman.

He says: “The rise of diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancers in the country meant everyone was focusing their

attention on them.

“However, we’ve been noticing some other mutations of the illness that can have very different and life-threatening complications by attacking different parts of the body that are often overlooked.

Some of the rarer forms of cancer being reported in Oman are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and liver cancer.

When told about Steven and his fight with ALL, Dr. al Zadjali says it is one of the cancers that is coming quickly coming under the spotlight in the Sultanate.

While no distinct cause of illness can be pegged with ALL, as per the doctor, it could be caused due to a person’s proximity to electromagnetic radiation released by mobile phone towers although we have found, in a separate investigation, that this has been disputed by foreign researchers.

“This is just one of the hypotheses surrounding ALL,” the doctor clarifies. “Cancer itself is an illness that is very easy to define but very difficult to understand. It is caused by the mutations to the DNA within the cells of a human being.

“It has a lot to do with the genes that categorise the DNA in each cell, too.

It is the DNA that then tells the cells what functions to perform. In short, cancer is caused when there’s an error in the instructions that are transmitted – these can be both man-made errors or natural ones.

As per the internet medical research portal, Mayo Clinic, a cancer refers to any one of many diseases characterised by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and can infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue.

Cancer often can spread throughout your body and is already the second-leading cause of death in the world.

But, the doctor then goes on to reveal that a great reason for the increase in cancer incidence is the change in lifestyle among the people around Oman.

He explains: “A change in your lifestyle is one of the reasons for the increase in cancer cases in the country.

“These include smoking, drinking alcohol, eating fast food laced with grease and other red meats, excessive exposure to vehicular exhaust gases, and the sun; and even excessive use of low-

A change in your lifestyle is one of the reasons for the increase in cancer cases in the country

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grade plastics that can leech in contaminants into the drink.

“Your family history can also result in you inheriting the condition. If, for instance, cancer is a common incidence in your family, there’s a slight likelihood of a mutation of the gene being passed on to different generations.

“However, there are so many ways you can protect yourself – like having regular screenings or even taking a gene test.”

While we learn that there’s a lack of general awareness among the public about early detection and its benefits, and a lack of resources, one organisation that is staying ahead of the game is the OCA and its sister wing Dar Al Hanan.

The OCA boasts one of the most advances early detection centre in the Middle East, currently, with a mobile mammography unit (MMU) – for the detection of breast cancer – that travels around the country offering free screenings to women over the age of 40.

With more than 22,000 screenings under its belt, the non-profit organisation has also saved over RO1.5m of the public’s wealth, since its inception in 2009.

Moreover, it also has an ultrasound unit for the screening of women under the age of 40.

Meanwhile, Dar Al Hanan offers free treatment to children diagnosed with cancer and stays for 14 families through the course of the care.

“Awareness is the key factor when it comes to early detection of cancer,” says Nadir al Azri,

the acting-CEO of the OCA. “We cannot force anyone to come for a screening. It must be done through their own accord.

“This mindset is slowly changing, and for implementing this in the minds of the people in the country, we organise regular events in public spots, talks with international panels of experts, and even have the annual Walkathon – which sees up to 9,000 people take part,” he says.

Early detection is a message that Steven is keen to convey too as he fights for his life, but it’s the words of his son, Justin, that paint a picture of the pain his father and the family is going through.

In a telephone conversation with Y, he says: “Many things in life come for free, and there’s a saying that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. But, how many of us look at life and think how lucky we are to have it (?)

“There’s nothing worse than having the feeling of losing your life and people you love behind – and that’s what my dad talks about. It is tearing me apart but we’re going to fight through this.

“He’s a fighter – and he’ll get through this. And to all those people reading this; please, please take your symptoms seriously and have your tests and screenings done.

“The saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’ only stands true if you actually act on it. So, take that first step and stop cancer from ruining your life. That’s the best form of fight against this horrible and all-consuming illness.” ■

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023

Wonder

walls A 300-year-old castle still packs a presence within the Muscat Governorate at Bait Al Maqhham.

Swani Basu Das hears some of the stories behind this bastion of bold wonder while enjoying the warmest of welcomes

I

t may not be easy to find the ‘Big House’ without a guide or a tip from the locals who reside in the Wilayat of Bausher.

Bait Al Maqhham is a massive castle that boasts a treasure trove of tales seldom told as well as a litany of little-known historical facts. All that makes for a most fascinating place to visit.

A 20-minute drive from the city-centre via the Muscat Expressway brings you to this 300-year-old historical edifice, which is a veritable tourist attraction in the Muscat Governorate.

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The Bait Al Maqqham signpost stands erect at the end of Boushar Street, directing you precisely to the right of the roundabout.

The collapsed mud walls, a few tattered houses, a dried date palm garden and a falaj system can all be witnessed on the way before you reach this fortified castle, and all contribute in spreading its historical flavour all around.

With its century-old, unknown legend, this ‘Big House’ also called Bait (meaning ‘House’ in Arabic) Al Maqqham opens its well-guarded gates to

the visitors to witness a majestic patio.

The two cannons on either side of the gate are well displayed. The wooden doors at the entrance are well carved, and exhibit the wooden architecture of Oman in the past and a fascination with wooden doors. Lovingly crafted, these old doors have a certain grace. Like all typical Omani doors, the front door here too is double-sided. Studded with ironworks and a protruding wooden frame, the gates of the castle are an ornate feature of the ‘Big House’.

The massive entrance door opens up to a courtyard. It is cobbled and neat, and the boundaries around it are built high. Part of the yard was once a stable and breeding ground for cattle.

Soon after entering the main entrance, I catch sight of a venerable and learned-looking guide sitting in his office at the corner of the patio.

Welcoming his guest (me) with a bright smile and a cup of ‘khawa’ (Omani coffee) and dates, he wastes no time in describing the 300-yearold castle.

His name is Khalfan Saleem Al Shabibi, and he certainly knows his stuff.

He says: “The site belongs to Sayyidah Thurayah Bint Mohammed Al Busaidiyah. She held an esteemed status in Al Maqqham village. The nearby land and the farms too belonged to her.

Most of it has been given away by her to the locals of this area.”

Khalfan clearly knows the castle inside out but declines to expand on what happened to the lady owner.

“The entire castle has nine rooms in total and three watchtowers for the guards to keep an eye on intruders. The first and the second floors have four rooms each, and the third floor has one room,” he says.

A narrow dark tunnel runs through one corner of the hallway

It is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Bausher, and we have more than a thousand visitors every year

and the other end of the tunnel has recently been sealed.

According to Khalfan, the locals used this 25-metre long tunnel as an escape route during the times of tumult and enemy attacks.

He adds that residents crawled, two by two, through this narrow tunnel whenever their lives were under threat.

The series of staircases to the other two floors is a bit like a maze. Watch your head as you climb; the roof here is low. There are small window openings by the stairs. Once used to keep a watch on potential intruders, these openings are now shelters for nesting parakeets and doves.

Each room on every floor has a small window. These offer a clear view of the verdant area around the castle. Light plays something of a shimmering, ‘hide-and-seek’ game through them in each room. Each offers an array of Omani artefacts and a display of decorative and useful items that have been really well preserved.

“The items once used by the family are at the terrace of the castle,” says Khalfan.

The third floor has only one room, which Khalfan says was the meeting room.

“Lady Sayyidah Thurayah held her official meetings in here,” he says.

The open terrace atop the castle offers a stunning view of the Hajjar Mountains, the lush green farms around it, and the new construction that is now encompassing the historical fortress.

Khalfan says: “The restoration work of the castle was done in 1993 and then again in 2010 by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture.

“It is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Bausher, and we have more than a thousand visitors every year.”

Khalil Al Baloushi, an official at Wali Office Bousha, says: “Located off the Bausher Street, this historical site is much underrated and we are working on promotional activities to attract more visitors.”

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We all dream of a life without strife but one young man has got on his bike to do his bit for a better world.

Team Y talks to the cyclist on a mission to kill ‘em with kindness, and all by the seat of his pants 026

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I

magine a world in which all living beings live in peace; one where equality and love for one another prevail over everything else.

It’s a dream that should ideally become reality, for, as they say, we’re all mere mortals waiting to pass on the baton to future generations.

But as the pressures of society mount and violence is all around us, some people believe there needs to be a change in our outlook in how we approach each other.

Enter Naresh Kumar – a 36-year-old Indian-born IT engineer hailing from the humble state of Tamil Nadu and now living in the US – who is pedalling his way, literally, to spread the words of love, peace and equality among all living beings.

Hit modus operandi is quite simple yet ever-so-taxing: pack a bag with all the essentials – food, a few clothes, water, shoes, a basic repair kit; and head out on a cycling adventure through various countries to spread his views and show everyone through his social media channels the goodness that exists within humanity.

Having started pedalling from his hometown in Tamil Nadu, he then made his way up to Mumbai before hopping onto a flight and making his way to the Sultanate, from where he intends to head to the UAE, Iran, and a handful of other European countries before he hits his destination: Hamburg, Germany.

An epic 8,000km journey through two continents and all with one question: ‘where is the kindness?’ In an exclusive interview conducted over the course of a whole evening, we get close to Naresh to understand more about his motives.

The name of his mission is ‘Freedom Seat’. He talks in an ever-so-calm voice without showing an ounce of exhaustion from the 50km-odd journey he has already completed on his tandem bike (which goes by the name ‘Kindness’).

He says: “This is a mission that’s intended to showcase to all the lovely people the message of peace, kindness, love, and finally, educating them on ending slavery.

“Now, ‘how I do that?’ is the question many people ask me.

“The answer is simple: I use a tandem bike and I pedal through places. That means I’m pedalling through places with a spare seat.

It’s something that catches the eye of the people who see me.

“This causes intrigue in their minds, and before you know it, they’ll hop on and pedal along with me to help me push my bike and the heavy bags on it forwards.

“And before you know it, you’ll realise that whether you’re from India, Oman or any European country, all the people have one common instinct in them: one to help me.

“That shows us all that there’s a lot of love in the hearts of everyone; it just needs an outlet such as this to help us showcase it.”

This isn’t his first journey either. Earlier, he rode across New Zealand, picking up a total of 140 strangers to ride pillion with him, and in the process raised more than US$55,000 (RO21,175); all to raise awareness and raise money to end child trafficking.

He has also conducted a similar

ride, named: ‘Indian Pacific Wheel Ride’ – a solo, single-stage, unsupported, 5,500km-long cycling expedition from Fremantle, Perth and finally to the Opera House in Sydney, Australia.

The change of location (to the GCC) and language isn’t hampering his efforts, though.

Naresh has never had a problem interacting with people, and proudly tells us how everyone is ready to use sign language to understand each other.

“Language is a mere barrier that can be broken down by signs – that’s how we all interacted at the beginning of time. Even people who don’t know sign language will somehow manage to interact with me through actions.

“This also shows the trusting nature of people. Pedalling alongside me is one thing, giving up control of the steering up in the front is another.

As a passenger, all you can do is pedal forward and leave me at the helm of the cycle. “And that’s one message I have for all the people: ‘There’s goodness in everyone. You just must look a bit deep inside you. This is also the reason why we all need to take a stand against slavery.

“For instance, what a co-passenger feels on my bike is probably what someone who is exploited feels. They will not have any control of their lives – it’s up to the people who govern things around them that have the last say.

“And human beings must not live like this. No one deserves this,” he says.

Naresh tells us that human exploitation isn’t a relic from the past anymore and that it is more prevalent today – we just should look around us.

He’s right, as we learn from statistics published by the United Nations, that nearly 40 million people are bound by slavery around the world.

Naresh’s mission doesn’t end with simply pedalling through countries, though. He makes new friends – some as young as two and others as old as 80.

While in Oman, and just a little way down the road to Sohar, Naresh experienced his first Middle-Eastern rains.

But help arrived in the form of an elderly gentleman who not only offered him assistance in gathering his bike but also gave him the keys to his fishing cabin on the beach.

He says: “When I saw an elderly gentlemen man driving, I asked him if I could pitch my tent along the shore.

“Instead he opens the door to his tiny shelter house along the beach, and says that I can rest there for the night. He then asks me to lock the door and leave the key in a secret location that he points to before leaving.”

He then tells us: “Faith in humanity restored. If this isn’t what I intend to show the world through my journey, I don’t know what is.” You can track Naresh Kumar by visiting his website at www.freedomseat.org/whereiskindness. His mission is funded by several private entities. ■

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027

Presented by COMPETITION

Y ‘s ‘Love You Mum’ Competition 2019 When: Thursday, April 18 Where: MG Showroom, Wattayah Timing: 6:00 p.m. till 7:30 p.m.

In Association With

d r o w e h t s ’ Mum 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! Join us on Thursday, April 18 at the MG Showroom in Wattayah for a chance to win!

M

oothers 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 and Morris Garages 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 028

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the fifth edition of the competition – and following trend, this year’s will be even 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 and Morris Garages, there will be several valuable prizes up for grabs for the top three entries. And,

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, April 20 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.

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 aged 16 or under. Just pick up a special card, which will be slotted into this 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 this 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 April 20 and our winners will be awarded their prizes with their mum at a special ceremony.

The all-new MG 6: Driven to be different

Create new experiences with the MG 6. Striking new design cues give the car a fresh new look while retaining its distinctive European design. The new LED Headlights offer brighter illumination, while added technical features such as ‘Cornering Lights’, ‘Auto-Leveling Headlights’, and ‘Headlight Washer’ also improve safety levels.

The new MG 6 with C-NCAP 5 Star Safety Rating brings you dual frontal, side-chest and side-head curtain airbags as standard.

Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), and electronic stability control (ESC) come standard for optimum security.

Advanced seat belt reminders are fitted for both front seats.

The SCS (stability control system) determines the vehicle’s travel condition via sensors and stabilizes the car by stopping the corresponding wheel, to prevent accidents caused by the loss of control.

The LED Daytime Running Lights provide the premium sporty car with modern esthetic looks and increased safety.

The stylish curves on the roof to the tail, the new rear lights, new rear bumper, and 18” dual colour alloy wheel enhance the car’s dynamic look.

Get more peace of mind with the Standard Active Safety Features like rearview camera and ISOFIX. APR 18 - 24 / ISSUE 565

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

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(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

Bait an-Nu’man Castle SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI TREADS THE COBBLES OF A 17TH-CENTURY STRONGHOLD WHERE ECHOES OF THE PAST CAN STILL BE HEARD 032

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Cars

nation, it was here at Bait anNu’man Castle where Imam Ahmad would spend days at a time in residence, taking rest on the long journey between Muscat and ar-Rustaq and holding audiences with people from the surrounding villages.

During this time, he saw fit to add more fortifications to the castle – turning it into a garrisonlike enclave by extending its encompassing walls and building two additional defence towers that provided a 360-degree range for protection.

Today it stands under the custodianship of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, and sightseeing visitors are free to roam its majlis rooms, and marvel at the historicallyaccurate settings and displays of artefacts.

It’s pushing noon on a Thursday when we arrive at the castle, where we’re greeted by a friendly Omani custodian guard who happily opens the ornate carved door to allow us inside the ground floor chambers.

Spread out over two floors, plus an accessible rooftop, we wander through the many rooms that once served an important purpose in its historic daily life.

On the ground floor there’s

the ‘sabah’ or guarded passage – the main corridor that opens up onto the great central hall and its adjacent ablution rooms. It’s here where the castle’s ancient date and food stores were kept in two additional enclaves off the main ‘sabah’.

As we make our way upstairs to the first floor, we pause to peek out the structure’s narrow rectangular windows – where pigeons have spread out their nests – with a view that spans the surrounding territory.

Upstairs, we wander through the ornate majlis rooms with their lush carpets and cushions, and the main reception hall with its glass displays of ancient jewellery.

There’s a small mosque just off the central hall, and the diagonallypositioned southeast and northwest towers are both accessible to tourists.

The last stop on our traverse throughout the castle is the rooftop, which houses the Imam’s private retreat, and commands spectacular panorama views.

It’s an interesting way to step back in time and get a feel and sense for how people lived during a period that, for most of us, seems longburied in the past yet is an intrinsic part of the heritage that shaped us.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

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arge or small, to call a structure ‘striking’ it must ignite our emotions – invoking a sense of time and place.

Equal parts castle and fortress, the fortifications at An Nu’man serve as a reminder of the strength of Oman’s dynastic heritage, as this unique residence-cum-citadel stands today much as it once did during its occupancy in the 17th-century Sultanate.

Located half-way between Barka and Mussanah, the castle was built by Saif bin Sultan al-Yarubi (1679-1692 CE) as a rural retreat and stopping point between Muscat and the royal bastions at al-Hazm and ar-Rustaq. One hundred years later it was strengthened and refurbished by Imam Ahmad bin Said (1749-1783 CE), founder of the Sultanate’s present ruling house, the Al bu Said Dynasty.

It was said he travelled at the head of a 2,000-strong procession, his gold and silver banners flying high by heralds on horseback; as scholars, judges, and dignitaries of the day walked among the company he kept.

Credited as an Omani hero who drove out the Persian occupation to lay the foundations for a united

From Seeb, take the Sultan Qaboos Highway past Barka and continue on for about an hour’s drive. At the half-way point between Barka and Mussanah you’ll see the signboards for Bait an-Nu’man Castle. Take the exit and follow the slip-road away from the highway until you reach your destination.

GPS Coordinates: 23°41’50.3”N 57°50’53.2”E

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CARS ADVENTURES

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED

FIRST DRIVE T

he Sports-Utility Vehicle (SUV) market is one that has been marred by its own success – with automotive purists pouring in rivers of hate on vehicles that have long served us with its true purpose: tackling rough terrain and hauling families around.

Still, it’s safe to say that the name of two SUVs – among a few select others – has lasted the test of time; like jewels in an otherwise thorny crown: the Willys Jeep (which has slowly and in some ways morphed to become the Jeep Wrangler) and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Both are undeniably leaders in their class but it’s the latter – the true blue-blooded superfluous offroader, the Grand Cherokee – that we got our hands on this week.

Sitting in the lineup as an entry-level luxury SUV that boasts of rivalling some of the more serious luxury contenders, the Grand Cherokee has always

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Team Y takes an American giant out for a spin and finds its bold, brash and allconquering persona as infectious as ever lived up to its panache – even if it keeps things a tad more modest than some others on the market.

Our ‘Limited’ spec variant came packing a few touches for this year to spruce up the looks of the fourth-gen vehicle that was revealed as early as 2011.

The mid-cycle refresh adds cosmetic features such as smoked HID headlamps with well-integrated daytime-running lights, chrome rings around the fog lamps, and larger intakes wrapped around chrome accents on the bumper that do not hinder the approach angle by much.

Aside from that, not much has changed. So, you’ll still get chrome door handles and window trim, 18inch rims, dual chrome-tipped exhausts in the rear and the same tail lamps.

Even so, it’s worth pointing out that the Grand Cherokee has aged well. The hunky looks, coupled with its utilitarian knack, make this a distinguishable and respectable name in the industry.

Where the long years have been spent is in tweaking the interiors.

So, gone are the small screens and cheap plastics.

In place, you’ll now receive what they call an ‘executive-class interior’, which comes with plush stitched leatherette seats that are both heated and ventilated, and soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and upper layers of the cabin.

We also received an intuitive 8.4-inch TFT touchscreen packing the latest ‘UConnect’ UI that we’d familiarised ourselves with from our time in other products from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Alfa Romeo). The interface is quite easy to use and the response times are above average. However, some heavier in-built apps take a few seconds to load.

The cabin is rounded off by a six-speaker audio

system with two tweeters, open-grain wood trim, a 7-inch digital screen on the instrument cluster that provides vehicle information, panoramic sunroof, and mood lighting – all features that complement the overall passenger experience.

Where the Grand Cherokee really takes the cake is in passenger comfort.

The armchairlike seats are large and offer little bolstering to keep all

D e s t i n at i o n

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED Specifications: • Engine: 3.6-litre ‘Pentastar’ V6 • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic • Power: 286hp • Torque: 347Nms • Top Speed: 181kph Four-wheel drive Cruise control 8.4-inch infotainment screen Electric power steering Digital instrument cluster Chrome exhausts 18-inch alloy wheels Leatherette upholstery HID headlamps 782-litres boot space Terrain mode selector w/ Panoramic sunroof Electronic limited-slip differential

five occupants relaxed. Moreover, the head- and leg-room are among the best in its segment, and there are several compartments to fulfill your storage needs.

We’d love it if Jeep had thrown in a couple of extra seats for an optional third-row seating for good measure but we suppose we can’t have it all. Without the added frills, the boot space stands at a very respectable 782-litres, which is well within the range of its Asian competitors.

The loading lip is relatively high and wide but there’s a full-size spare underneath the boot.

On the safety front, the Grand Cherokee comes standard with a backup camera with guide lines; collision avoidance systems; blind-spot monitoring; and front-, side-curtain-, and seat-mounted airbags.

Powering the Grand Cherokee Limited is a tried-andtested 3.6-litre ‘Pentastar’ V6 engine that’s mated to an adept eight-speed automatic tranny driving all four wheels.

The resulting 286hp and 347Nms of torque is adequate to haul the 2.1-tonne truck with efficacy on the highway; offering enough power to maintain high speeds and keep the stress levels of the engine low.

Stomping on the gas will reveal naught

to 100kph times of about nine seconds – but there’s an addictive wave of torque that floods in from about 3,500rpm that gives the SUV its steam.

While on-road character is comparable to its predecessors, we found the SUV to be more stable on the roads – especially during fast cornering. Body roll does creep in when making quick turns past the 60kph mark but it’s not intimidating.

Even the effects from the crosswinds have been dialled down from before, with the car barely flinching – even with strong gusts blowing the cross section of the SUV. Understeer has been fed into the wheels by the surprisingly responsive steering wheel; possibly to avoid a rollover accident. But, during our test, we found the ESP and traction control working its magic every time we pushed the vehicle beyond its limits on the road.

That said, the Grand Cherokee still belongs in the wild – there’s no other American SUV that we’d rather be in than this when heading away from the comforts of the tarmac.

Ride compliance is exquisite with the suspension and the high-profile rubber working in tandem to soak up much of the undulations with ease. It leaves out much of the severe jolts from the cabin but isn’t muffled to the point where the driver cannot feel the terrain.

Even the steering feel from the electric rack is communicative enough to let the driver know what they’re driving over. And the tough brakes are progressive over the surfaces – though, the latter can be possibly due to confidence-inspiring interference from the Selec-Terrain (terrain selector) that can help you master everything from rocks to mud and even sand.

At the heart of all this is the electronic limited-

THE JEEP TOOK EVERY CHALLENGE WE THREW AT IT; FROM THE ROCKY TERRAIN OF JEBEL SHAMS TO THE LOOSE SANDS OF THE SEEB DUNES. AND DESPITE THE (SLIGHTLY) LOW-HANGING DIFFERENTIAL AND FRONT LIP, WE COULD STILL TRAVERSE TALL AND SHARP ROCKS WITHOUT ANY NIGGLES slip differential that offers the SUV the off-road capabilities that you’d expect from a Jeep. Low- and high-range gearing is available, though, we found the traction control system kicking in gawkily during our off-road sessions.

Still, the Jeep took every challenge we threw at it; from the rocky terrain of Jebel Shams to the loose sands of the Seeb dunes. And despite the (slightly) low-hanging differential and front lip, we could still traverse tall and sharp rocks without any niggles. Nevertheless, staunch off-roaders can remove the lower portions of the bumper if required.

Often undervalued by customers due to competition from within FCA and even Jeep, the Grand Cherokee has been under scrutiny for quite some time.

But, with this new update, we must say that the SUV is at the peak of its form; standing tall against everything the motoring world is currently pitching at it. For that very reason, it remains one of our favourite SUVs of all time. And for everyone else who wants something more, there’s a V8 blunderbuss Grand Cherokee – the TrackHawk – that has about 700 horses under its hood to chew its competitors from Germany and even Italy to bits.

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&

CARS ADVENTURES

HISTORY LIVES ON Saudi Arabia’s cultural capital flourishes amid reminders of the past that are ever-present.

1. Visit King Fahd’s Fountain, which spouts water 260 metres above the Red Sea. 2. Feast your eyes on the glittering collection of sculptures that dot the city’s junctions.

3. Enjoy camel milk products, a speciality in Arabia.

4. Savour traditional Saudi cuisine at Al Seddah Restaurant.

5. Explore the unique marine life and go diving in the Red Sea.

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Destination

Cars

Y- F i

G a m i n g POSTCARDS FROM

Aftab H. Kola recommends

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA “

Praise be to God, who has made the port of Jeddah the best of ports-.”, wrote the Hijazi chronicler Ahmad ibn Faraj in his 16th-century history of his native city.

‘The Bride of the Red Sea’, Jeddah is the gateway to Makkah, Islam’s holiest sanctuary, and a busy commercial centre of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Although several swanky malls have made their entry into this expansive city, the place has retained its traditional charm.

With Umrah season now at its peak, visitors after the Umrah rituals A GENT LE PAC make a point to visit Jeddah, which is just a one-hour drive from Makkah.

E T H E A L O F L IF E P E R S IS T S A ALAWI The chief trading port of the Red Sea, Jeddah’s long coast is T SOUK the magnet.

A good part of the Corniche has superb recreational and picnicking facilities. On the Corniche is the Fakieh Aquarium. It is open to visitors offering an entertaining and educational experience, featuring more than 200 aquatic species - including sharks, stingrays, seahorses, dolphins and many exotic fish.

The beauty of Jeddah’s traditional architecture is a living memorial, and a visit to Al Balad must be your first priority. The city’s oldest markets such as Souk Al-Alawi, Souk Badu, Souk Kabil and Souk Nada add cultural and touristic value to this sprawling business metropolis. The city is embellished with about 300 eye-catching roadside/junction sculptures. Some of the more alluring ones include a seagull, an engineering compass, a huge bicycle, the cosmos, obelisks, mosque lanterns (lit in the night), a plane in the clouds, sailing ships, and Islamic calligraphy, etc. Some museums worth mentioning are Abdul Rauf Khalil Museum, Al Tayebat Museum, Darat Safeya Binzagr among others. The city is also home to a number of spectacular mosques such as the IN 13th-century Al Shafi’i Mosque, Othman bin Affan Mosque, Al Basha Mosque B U IL D IN G S H IS T OR IC D besides the Fatima Al-Zahra (Rahma) Mosque, which juts into the Red Sea. AL BALA Jeddah’s food scene is as amazing as its Red Sea marine wealth.

My favourite place

Al-Balad, the soul of Jeddah, is a warren of alleys comprising handsome heritage residences and souqs.

It’s a neighborhood frozen in time wrapped within a bustling cosmopolitan exterior that transports you to the Arabia that folklore was made of. The heritage structures here are made of coral stone and plaster and adorned with teak doorways and latticed balconies. The graceful bay windows or oriels, called rawashin, a Persian word meaning ‘splendid’ and ‘bright’, are the most striking feature on the façade of a typical town house in Balad. All eyes can feast on the Naseef House, which is now a museum and cultural centre. Other prominent ones include the houses of Jamjoom, Baeshen, Gabel, Banaja and Zahid.

The many souqs here take visitors back in time with their stunning treasures and merchandise.

Highlights The Jeddah Corniche is teeming with locals and tourists in the evenings. The waterfront is punctuated with, at frequent intervals, with small amusement play areas, parks, sheesha stations, beach cabins, sports arenas, resorts and motels, cafes, fishing areas, and cycling areas. The King Fahd’s Fountain, which jets out water 260 metres above the Red Sea, is a pleasant sight to behold. With its pristine aquatic underwater beauty, diving is a major activity in Jeddah.

Lowlights None Souvenirs Luscious Saudi dates, prayer beads (rosaries) and prayer rugs, framed khanjars (daggers), ladies’ designer abayas, wall hanging rugs with Quranic verses or photos of Makkah/Madina, and Oud perfume and oils.

Getting there Oman Air offers regular flights from Muscat to Jeddah.

Where to stay Oberoi Trident Hotels is Jeddah’s first-class deluxe hotel located on Mina Road, near the main

THE CORNIC JEDDAH HE MO SQUE

highway leading directly to Holy Makah, and a short hop away to the busy shopping malls of the downtown Balad area, the Industrial zone and the Islamic port of Jeddah.

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-FI

THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y- F I

PICTURE PERFECT

The Y Geek Squad tries out the latest tech for taking images to impress your Instagram followers ALL ANGLES

PRO EDITOR Turn your camera shots into something truly vibrant and Instagram-worthy with Google’s own photo editing suite, Snapseed. The free app comes preloaded with features you’d least expect from a smartphone software; like light curves, healing tool, perspective and expand tools, lens blur and even a paint brush. It’s truly the way to go for those looking to post images with a professional touch, while still sticking to a budget. Download the app for free from Google Play or iTunes.

With smartphones tipping the price scales as much as or even more than DSLR cameras, people have now come to realise the value of holding on to their existing gadgets until the time comes to invest in new ones.

While that means you’ll probably be stuck with old tech – including built-in cameras – here’s an inexpensive and simple way to up your photography game: the Xenovo Pro Lens Kit. Not only will the .45x wide angle lens attachment convert your smartphone into a scope for the ultimate full-range photos, it’ll also give you the option to get up close and personal with subjects for some Nat Geo-style macro shots. It’s up to you to see how creative you can get. Buy ALL-ROUNDER yours from amazon.com for RO15.4.

With a flurry of VR-oriented content flocking video sharing platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo, the 360-degree camera has transformed into an essential part of videography from the gimmick that it was first believed to be. Enter the Ricoh Theta 360 – which, as its name suggests, is a 360-degree camera that also specialises in still photography and videography. The resulting shots from the device make for some excellent images with about 14-megapixels worth of details. If you couple that with the 8GB internal memory and 175-minute recording time then you’re left with a winner. At RO68.9, it’s well worth the price from amazon.com.

FILM DIRECTOR

EDITOR’S PICK

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW AMATEURISH SOCIAL MEDIA STARS GET AWAY AND STRIKE BIG DEALS WITH TOP-DOG CLIENTS? THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE: PROFESSIONAL-GRADE VIDEOGRAPHY. THERE’S SOMETHING TRULY APPEALING ABOUT A WELL-DIRECTED VIDEO – AND IT’S A NICHE THAT’S BEING HONED BY BLOGGERS AND “INFLUENCERS” TO RAKE IN THOSE PRECIOUS VIEWS. ON THE FOREFRONT OF IT ALL IS THE NEW BUDGET PLAYER – THE

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ZHIYUN SMOOTH 4 3-AXIS HANDHELD GIMBAL STABILISER – A DEVICE THAT CAN HELP YOU REPRODUCE SILKY SMOOTH CONTENT WITHOUT EXPENDING MUCH EFFORT. IT DOES SO

BY MOUNTING YOUR SMARTPHONE INTO A HOLDER THAT THEN STEADIES THE FOOTAGE WITH ITS IN-BUILT GIMBAL AND GYROSCOPE. IT ALSO COMES WITH SWANKY FEATURES SUCH AS OBJECT TRACKING, TIME LAPSE RECORDING, FOCUS PULL AND EVEN STEADY ZOOMING, AND ITS VERSATILE BODY CAN HANDLE ADD-ONS SUCH AS FLASHES, CAMERA LENS, MICROPHONE AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF. IT’S ALL YOURS FROM ALIEXPRESS.COM FOR RO45.8.

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Xcape Muscat

Info Box

XCAPE MUSCAT Location: VILLA 503, AL MAZOON STREET, AL KHOUD Opening hours: 12 NOON TO 11:00 P.M. Contact: (+968) 9121-7447

The guys and girls from the Y Geek Squad get into a tight spot with an evil baddie in Seeb who kidnaps and blindfolds them in the ultimate escape room experience

O

ur hands are tied to a crate as we frantically peek through the creaks of our blindfolds to the sombre sight of our mates being chained to chairs by our kidnapper.

Next, we lie hostage in a cold and heavily-draped room inside an unassuming white villa in the heart of Seeb.

Any other day, the four of us would have panicked but we know that our brush with ‘danger’ will last only 45 minutes, and is a part of a heavilymonitored game devised by the folks at Xcape Muscat – the founders of the only Hollywood-themed escape room in the country and the directors of the ‘Hostage 2’ game.

While the game intends to brush upon – in a very light manner – the trauma of hostages as seen in Hollywood flicks and not beyond (think ‘Inside Man’ and ‘Hostage’), it does give us first-hand experience at solving nitty-gritty puzzles to break free before we’re slayed by the

(well-spoken) kidnapper.

Having freed ourselves, our next aim is to save our two mates, who are placed away from each other but just strategically enough to make them useful in cracking the brainteasers.

It is then we realise how one’s grip on numbers, alphabets, and arithmetic skills will dictate your fate in the game – and remember, we’re against the greatest enemy of them all: the clock.

Perhaps it’s the notion of being watched by the kidnapper through the camera in the corner of the room or the feeling of time ticking by but we find ourselves scrambling about like headless chickens around the clues that slowly tip us into the realms of embarrassment as we ask ourselves: “Oh! How could we not have cracked that?”

For all other blunders that you will inevitably create, there are clues – three in most cases or more depending on the mercy of the kidnapper – to help you advance through the stages.

So, whether you’re stuck looking

under chairs for clues or using magnets to force keys out of tubes, there’s always a final motive to strive towards: finding the master key to the main door.

In true fashion, there are also plenty of numbered locks to plough through to help you break free – most of which we are able to solve.

Forty-five minutes in, and just as we scramble to solve what we assumed would be our last riddle, the kidnapper arrives – of course, this time, with a smiling face and tips us off on where we have gone wrong.

More disappointingly, we then learn that we’re less than 80 per cent close to the finishing point – which comes as a slap on our smug faces.

It’s doubtful if our adventure is worthy enough of a heroic Hollywood flick but we all conclude that we’d fit into the general quota of ‘Saw- or Dead Silence’-inspired flicks where the actors meet their doom in a grotesque fashion.

10/10 for the brilliant concept, though. ■

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

RAVISHING RUCHING

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Photo credit: www.vogue.com

Millennials, forget those gathered taffeta birthday gowns of the 90s.

Ruching is making waves on the runways once again as designers embrace its classic form in fabrics gathered and folded for added texture and detail. Case in point?

This flatteringly-framed shift dress from Calvin Klein.

T t Ge

k o o L e h

While your bold ensemble’s doing the talking, keep your accessories au naturel, with this pair of woven hoop earrings from M&S. They prove minimalism does not mean less stunning.

Wear them for RO6.2.

, 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 As the weather heats up, keep your look light and ultra-feminine in this body-conscious white floral satin dress a la Brigitte Bardot, from Pretty Little Thing. We love how its ruching accentuates an hour-glass frame. The lacing detail? Va va voom! Snag it for RO21.1.

Throw this gorgeous coral ruched-sleeve blazer from River Island on over that tropical mini-skirt and hit the club; or, shrug it on over a pair of skinny white jeans for a look that’s as fresh as a summer breeze.

Price: RO27.5.

We love the shabby-chic elegance this blush pink shoulder-bag from Red Valentino. Its appeal lies in its versatility, as ruching easily allows you to take your tote from day to night – and we’re ready to wear this one all summer long! Own it for RO48.

Look prettyas-a-picture in the season’s delicate shade of daffodil with this sleeveless tunic-style top from Dorothy Perkins, with ruched buckle detailing that draws the eye downward and elongates your silhouette.

Grab it for RO12.

Keep your look on-track with a summery edge in a pair of earth-tone platform cork wedges with some metallic pops of silver. We’re loving this pair in particular from Nine West. Buy them for RO34.2.

Keep the island vibe coming in a figure-flattering ruched mini that will take you from the beach to the after-party in no-time-flat. This tropical version from Forever 21 is just the (stylish) ticket. Make it yours for RO8.4.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

Pedi-perfect When it comes to keeping our feet on their best form, a little pedicure goes a long way. Here are the tips we swear by for you at-home beauty warriors!

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inched and cramped into our favourite pair of heels, sweating our socks off in a pair of trainers, or going barefoot before the elements outdoors or on the beach – there’s no doubt our feet take the daily pounding we throw at them with aplomb. And when it’s time to take care of our cracked, worn, chipped and sore soles; shelling out good money for a pro pedicure can really add up. Here are our fave tips, tricks and products you can use to perfect your very own at-home foot spa – just in time for summer sandal season!

Soak it up Hydrate those (cracked!) heels and help keep them soft and supple with a lush foot soak that will help you ease off your feet after a long day.

We love Southern Hospitality’s Sweet Tea Foot Soak Set. Steep their five tea-bags in your tub or foot-bath and let their aromatherapy magic work its wonders on your foot muscles.

Pure relaxation! And with scents like Mint Julep, Country Meadow, and Georgia Peach you’ll want to try them all! Price: RO12.3.

Pedi like a pro No at-home beauty regime is complete without the ultimate nail set – and love Soigné’s six-piece ‘gold’ nail care tool kit which comes with a cuticle cleaner, nail file, nail and cuticle clippers, nail scissors and a cuticle pusher. Don’t set your foot out the door without it!

Price: RO13.

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Take the edge off File away those unsightly cracks and calluses with this little magic wand that we guarantee will be your beauty-saving best friend. The Amope Pedi Perfect Wet Dry Electronic Pedicure Foot File and Callus Remover does double duty – first, use it on dry skin to slough off and exfoliate away those dead layers, then, while you’re in the shower or foot bath use it while your feet are wet for a double whammy (and extra-soft tootsies!)

Price: RO23.

Polish pretty Forget about playing it safe and opting for colours deemed ‘seasonally-appropriate’. (What even is that anyway?) Your toes are where you can let your pedi-personality shine with the power and pull of a daring polish. We love the deep chrome heart hue of Nails Inc. Nail Polish in The Unfollower with its fine-grain glitter that’s as sophisticated as it is vampy.

Price: RO4.2.

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An ancient form of alternative medicine is making a comeback, with followers looking to it as a means of managing back pain and muscular disorders, as Swati Basu Das discovers

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magine muscular pains, itchy throat, scratchy skin, a series of sneezes, and neverending fatigue.

You find yourself slinking to the pharmacy to pick up a plethora of antibiotics and painkillers to get better,

faster.

Then the question arises of which medicine to take and what treatments to opt for as you review your symptoms.

Whether to get healed faster or to understand the root cause of illnesses is the choice that can affect our health.

And there is a form of alternative therapy, called Ayurvedic medicine, which more people are turning to. The treatment is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on the right balance between mind, body and spirit.

Case in point, back disorders and muscular spasms are both common in the Sultanate.

Dr. Dhanya Umanath, an Ayurvedic Practitioner based in Muscat, uses its ancient holistic techniques to help his patients suffering from these types of ailments.

Dr. Dhanya says: “Around 40 per cent of locals come to get treated naturally.

“In my 15 years of practice I have seen many mainstream medical practitioners prescribe Ayurvedic therapy to patients suffering from acute skeletal and muscular issues. Patients keep surgeries as their last option and want to get cured naturally.”

As probably the oldest form of medical science, this alternative source of medicine is enjoying a resurgence.

Dr. P. Maheswari, another practitioner in Muscat, says: “Ayurveda has gained its prominence over 6000 years in concentrating on the well-being of an individual as a whole. Many people and nations have now approved its natural healing powers.”

The priority here is not the disease but promoting good physical and mental health, be it through blood cleansing, regular healthy diet or soothing massages.

Let’s break down the treatment and consider four of its main components: Know your life energies: The five elements of nature – air, fire, water, earth and space – are considered to rule our body,

according to Ayurveda.

They combine to form energies or the ‘doshas’. Balancing these contributes to general good health. Pitta, Vata and Kapha are the three primary doshas that rule our body. Vata is the most potent and controls the blood flow and heart functions while pitta regulates metabolism.

Kapha builds immunity.

Dr. Dhanya says: “We treat individual cases based on their doshas to maximise the benefits.”

Streamlining doshas through internal cleansing is the initial goal.

By primarily cleaning the blood of its toxicity, it can help reduce initial symptoms and restore a healthy balance.

Follow a regular healthy diet: In Ayurveda, they say “the kitchen is our pharmacy”. Truly! This saying reminds me of several instant home remedies I was brought up with. Be it a spoon of honey or a glass of gooseberry juice; a part of Ayurvedic treatment deals with daily diet.

Let’s say you have had a sumptuous meal but end up swallowing digestive pills to calm your enzymes. Weren’t you always warned not to cook honey, combine sour fruit with milk or

avoid eggs with yoghurt?

The consumption of incompatible food combinations can lead to blood poisoning and other diseases.

Dr. Dhanya says: “Ayurveda simplifies the food facts for better digestion. What, when and how we eat marks our longevity and fitness. There is no strict diet. It is always better to have grilled instead of fried and spicy items.”

Get a comfortable therapy: From understanding and balancing your doshas to dietary changes for proper digestion; from body and blood cleansing to massages, yoga and meditation; this holistic therapy treats a range of disorders.

Dr. Dhanya says: “In most cases, doctors advise massage therapies to patients suffering from skeletal issues, or paralysis as an alternative to rigorous physiotherapy sessions.

“A good warm oil massage makes them feel pampered. It’s like a spa. Medicated oils like Dhanwantharam Tailam, Murivenna, Kottamchukkadi and Tailam are best known for lower back pain, sprains, joint pain and inflammations.”

Complement the treatment with Yoga: An age-old practice to maintain a balanced body and mind, yoga has always been a wellknown form of therapy. Practitioners advise a ‘union’ of body, mind and soul in their treatment.

Yoga in Ayurvedic therapy helps to de-stress a fatigued mind and works at strengthening weak muscles.

Mild stretches and asanas are highly recommended to gain maximum benefit. It’s teamed with thorough detoxification, diet and change in lifestyle. Yoga helps to relieve health anxiety.

So, stretch out, say ‘no’ to a sedentary lifestyle, and embrace some ancient health techniques to get you back on the road to wellness.

Editor’s Note: ‘This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Please seek the advice of a medical expert if you have any questions regarding a health issue.’

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Reducing your carb intake and following a glycemic index when it comes to mealplanning doesn’t have to be daunting.

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Low-carb I

n December, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and at just 35-years-old it was a hard pill to swallow.

After seven years of the GCC lifestyle, the extravagant eating that came with it, and a high-stress, mostly sedentary job; my pancreas simply decided to give up the ghost.

Staring down the barrel of Type 2 diabetes at such a relatively young age was sobering. People lose limbs from this condition, their vision can be impacted, and their immune systems dangerously suppressed.

The dark side of sugar was already having a damaging effect on my body, as the condition that had hit my father, my uncles and my grandparents in their senior years reared its ugly head in my own life decades too soon.

After much consultation with my doctor and dietitian we decided that my sugar levels were such that, if I made sustainable changes to my diet, I could get them under control through diet alone – rather than being put on a long-term first-line diabetes medication such as Metformin.

Sugar is one of the most addictive substances to kick, and it’s a hard habit to break by any stretch.

In my case, while it was all well and good to say ‘no more junk food, desserts or carby snacks’, I needed to understand the impact of so-called ‘hidden sugars’ and how carbohydrates come into play when managing diabetes and weight control.

It’s here where knowing the difference between simple and complex carbs is an important yardstick – as it’s essentially the length of time it takes for the carbohydrates to break down in your body.

Simple carbs – such as those found in processed foods with added sugar, and even in some natural forms found in certain fruit and vegetables – break down into glucose quickly, causing blood- sugar levels to rise quickly.

Complex carbs – such as those found in certain starchy vegetables, grains, and legumes take longer for the body to break down into glucose, and thus blood-sugar levels rise more slowly.

And while these are good choices for diabetics or those seeking to reduce their carb intake for other health-related reasons, be warned – complex carbs also refer to those found in highly-refined starches such as cakes or pastries, white bread, pastas etc; all of which have an adverse effect on bloodsugar levels.

A good rule of thumb is to stick to wholegrain versions of complex carbs that are nutrient-dense and contain more fibre.

But, proper blood glucose monitoring is essential to know just how much carbohydrate your body can handle and the overall effect it has on your blood-sugar levels.

And, if you’re worried, like I was, about no longer being able to enjoy food and treats – think again.

It took a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis to finally change my mindset towards food.

Now, low-carb doesn’t seem so much like a punishment and more like a lifestyle change, as my brain has weaned itself off its craving for sugar.

I think more clearly, feel less tired, am losing weight and, most importantly, I’m maintaining my blood-sugar levels within a safe range.

In other words, I’m eating to live. Here are some tasty tips, swaps, and recipes to help you kickstart your own journey to health.

Who said cutting carbs has to be an exercise in willpower? With loads of tasty substitutes and alternative options available, we show you how meal-times should mean more pleasure and less pressure, as Ashlee Starratt discovers 5 Low-Carb Meal Swaps We Swear By ● Swap carb-heavy breadcrumbs for crushed seeds and nuts as a crunchy coating for fish fillets, chicken or shrimp. ● Forgo rice in favour of so-simpleto-make cauli-rice. Just chop and boil a head of cauliflower, then blitz it in the blender until it resembles rice grains. ● Swap out the carb quotient found in tortilla wraps and swaddle your sandwich filling in fronds of lettuce leaf or even low-fat turkey slices.

Delicious and hand-held to go! ● When your sweet-tooth strikes, melt a bar of unsweetened chocolate in a double-boiler, add some cream and sugar-free sweetener (Splenda, Stevia), and dip in frozen fruit and nuts. Spread

them on the wax paper and let harden. Voila! Homemade candy! ● Eat your fruits and veggies whole whenever possible rather than juicing them – which can cause glucose to spike from the natural sugars, while leaving behind all the benefits of the fibre and phytonutrients found in plant skins or pulp.

(Source: Adapted from www.dlife.com.)

Cheesy Tex-Mex Cauli-Rice ‘Low-carb’ and ‘comfort food’ in the same sentence? With this family favourite dish, we kid you not!

Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Ingredients: § 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed § 1 medium onion, chopped § 2 cloves garlic, minced § 1 tsp dried oregano § ½ tsp ground cumin § 1 cup large head cauliflower, grated, or 4 cups riced cauliflower § Kosher salt § Freshly-ground black pepper § 1 Tbsp tomato paste § 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken § 1 cup (425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed § 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen) § 1 cup chopped tomatoes § 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced § ¼ cup freshly-chopped cilantro § 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese § 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese § Lime wedges, for serving Method: § In a large skillet over medium flame, heat oil. Add the onion and cook until soft, five minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and cumin and cook until fragrant,

one minute. § Put grated cauliflower in a clean dishtowel and twist to drain excess liquid. § Add a splash more oil to skillet if it seems dry, then add drained grated cauliflower and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, three to five minutes, then add the tomato paste and stir until combined. Stir in chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. § Top with cheeses and cover with lid to let melt for two minutes. § Serve with limes.

(Source: www.delish.com)

Editor’s Note: Team Y says: “This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a medical expert if you have any questions regarding a health issue.”

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Info Box

ROCOMAMAS Shatti Al Qurum, adjacent to Al Shatti Plaza Opening hours: 12 noon till 12 midnight, daily Contact: (+968) 2464-1066 Lunch for two: RO21.95

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 9/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE

Bold flavours for braai and barbecue-lovers with prices that won’t rake you over the coals.

ROCOMAMAS

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

WE’RE LICKING OUR FINGERS AND CALLING FOR SECONDS AT THIS SOUTH AFRICAN IMPORT THAT TAKES BARBECUE AND BRAAI TO A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL!

I

f you’ve ever met a barbecue aficionado, you’ll know they’re a special breed of foodie.

Chances are they’ve got their own woodsmoker working over-time in the backyard, they like to stuff their own sausages, and guard the family recipe for the ultimate dry-rub like it was a state secret. These people are our tribe.

For all its social and cultural significance – from the gaucho heritage of Brazil, to the mighty braais of South Africa, the hibachi grill culture of Japan’s street food, and the low ‘n slow American southern barbecue – there’s something intrinsically primal about eating a saucy rack of ribs or a mess of wings with your hands. It’s a pleasure that is both primal and delicious.

Vegetarians and vegans? Read on at your own risk.

So, it was with great expectations that we headed to RocoMamas in Shatti Al Qurum one lazy Friday afternoon to get our rib-on.

Our first time at the restaurant, it was. It wasn’t, however, our first time hearing about the place – its name having been mentioned more than once by friends.

Located in the Al Shatti Plaza complex, the restaurant, with its boldly brash orange and black colour palette, makes its presence felt by standing cheek-by-jowl amid a row of local startup eateries next to the Shatti VOX Cinema.

Given the complex’s fanfare of foodie options, it’s surprisingly lacking in foot traffic for a

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peri-peri. Served with a side of crispy handcut fries they are fall-of-the-bone, slow-cooked perfection with the perfect balance of smokey sweetness and a kick of spice. We’d go back just for another plate of these.

We follow up the ribs with a sharing platter of their buffalo hot wings, served sizzling in a skillet, on-the-bone, and with lashings of their house ranch dressing for dipping. After downing a few we’re glowing from the heat but thankfully, the restaurant provides the eater with disposable gloves to minimise the mess because, let’s face it – there’s no dignified way to down these bad boys.

So, it’s all in we go.

Somewhere in this entire fray we realise there’s nary a green leaf or veggie in sight. So we assuage our guilt by ordering the least healthy salad on the menu – their delightfully creamy chicken Caesar.

It delivers on all fronts, with a pungent tangy dressing evenly coating each piece of lettuce – no dry, boring, rabbit food here – and tender strips of char-grilled chicken that are fall-apart tender.

Capping off this epic nosh, we go for broke and order up one of their signature limited edition burgers at our waiter’s recommendation – the South Star. It’s a crunchy, spicy, southern fried chicken burger with a sweet chili sauce that knocks it out of the park.

RocoMamas has rocked our world – friendly fast service, clean, bright ambience and a mighty menu that heroes the best of barbecue and braai.

Just grab those extra napkins, ‘cause you’ll need ‘em. ■

weekend afternoon, and we reckon RocoMamas’ new soon-to-open outlet in the City Centre Muscat Mall will do a sight better turnover – and rightly so!

This Shatti location surprised us with one of the choicest meals we’ve had recently while dining out – and certainly some of the city’s best braai!

Entering the restaurant, it has all the feel of a big box franchise with a sports/wing-bar feel – exposed brick walls, graffiti-style art décor, simple bench booths, and brightly-painted aluminium chairs.

Elevating the aesthetic are raw wood elements, and delicate bird-cage-style hanging lamps.

There’s also an open-plan kitchen that allows Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see diners to see their food being prepared. A good reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com. sign we say, as we value transparency.

The lunch-time crowd nowhere to be found, we’re the only diners on the premises and take our pick of the virtually empty restaurant. It’s a shame, because what’s to come should have the crowds lining up outside the door.

Hailing from South Africa, the brand is known for its food with attitude – its juicy hand-crafted ‘smashburgers’, freakish milkshakes, turbo-charged fries and, of course, their lip-smacking, fingerlickin’ racks of ribs.

We start with a half-rack order of their famous beef ribs, smothered in their very own Flavour X sauce – a mixture of classic barbecue and punchy

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