Y Magazine #567, May 1, 2019 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

A taste of life

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MAY 02 - 08 2019 / ISSUE 567 • WEEKLY

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

Reflections

of Ramadan

PLUS!

WITH THE MONTH OF FASTING UPON US, Y BRINGS YOU OUR ANNUAL RAMADAN ISSUE – YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE HOLY MONTH IN OMAN.

THE Y GEEK SQUAD: 38 RAMADAN-READY APPS 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

SNEAK PEEK: TEAM Y TOURS THE NEW W MUSCAT!

YUMMY OMAN: HEROING THE HUMBLE DATE

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

here’s something undeniably special in the week leading up to Ramadan. The shops and souqs come alive as families stock up for the first iftar of the Holy Month; we raise our eyes to the sky each evening for that first official sighting of the new moon, and the city comes alive with Ramadan lights and decorations. There’s an energy in the air, everything buzzes with anticipation, and we’re reminded of our connection to one another and those we love. So, it’s with much excitement that we bring you our first issue of the 2019 Ramadan season as we celebrate the Holy Month in all its splendour – and trust us, it’s a jampacked edition! Our cover story this week explores the religious and cultural elements of Ramadan and the practices and traditions that are a part of its beauty. Plus, we highlight some of the top iftar and suhoor offerings in our events pages, round-up the top Ramadan apps and gadgets to help keep you on-track and onschedule throughout the Holy Month over in Y-Fi, and bring the latest skincare tips to keep you glowing and our top modest chic looks for the season in our Fashion and Beauty pages. And, over in Yummy Oman we’re introducing you to some of the top varieties of Omani dates to break your fast along with some luscious recipes to go with them for iftar and suhoor! So, from all of us here at Team Y, we wish you and yours a blessed Ramadan Kareem! Until next week, happy reading!

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

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

ADMIN MANAGER Yousef al Harrassi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

REPORTER Hassan al Lawati ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

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MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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contents MAY

Your Oman

2019

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Yamin al Balushi 10 News HM issues three Royal Decrees 12 News Seed paper pens launched in Oman

An Arab Opera ROHM’s season draws to a summer close with the finale performance of ‘Antar and Abla.

17 Movies The blockbuster event of the spring, ‘Avengers: Endgame’ brings the iconic Marvel Comics Universe series to an action-packed close!

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Tunis 34 First Drive Geely Emgrand GS 38 Y-Fi Ramadan-ready apps

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Modest mod

Features 18

Reflections of Ramadan We welcome the Holy Month, with your complete guide to its religious and cultural significance.

A taste of life ‘Kahwa’ culture in Oman isn’t just a tradition of hospitality – it’s a way of life. Team Y fills our cup.

Water wisdom Thinking of hitting the beach this weekend? We’re bringing you the summer swim safety tips you should know.

28 The disruptors Team Y tours the all- new W Muscat with its Director of B&F, Diego Padula

Food and Drink 44 Yummy Oman Omani dates: A taste of tradition 46 Taste Test Kargeen

42 Beauty Fresh-faced while fasting

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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

Offset’s emotional reunion

Rapper and husband of Cardi B., Offset recently shared a heartwarming moment when he was reunited with his father after 23 years. In a video he posted to Instagram, the two shared a long embrace and the tears started flowing as they hugged it out. In the video’s caption Offset had this to say: “Dreams do come true. Haven’t seen my father in 23 years and I still love him. The past is the past and the present is all we have to rely on. We not perfect in any shape or form. I love you Pops no matter what!” A happy reunion indeed. Rami to rock it as Bond baddie Rami Malek, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, has just been cast as the next Bond villain in the next upcoming film in the franchise. In a statement released this week, Rami said: “I’ll be making sure Mr. Bond doesn’t have an easy ride.” Other actors who’ve been signed on to the film are Ralph Fiennes as M; Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, and Daniel Craig who will return as 007. The film’s working title is ‘Bond 25’ and a release date has yet to be revealed. Oh, the suspense! Wedding bells for Idris!

Actor Idris Elba has finally tied the knot with model Sabrina Dhowre in a recent ceremony 06

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held in Morocco. The two lovebirds got engaged last year after Idris proposed before a screening of his film ‘Yardie’ in a cinema in East London. The pair exchanged vows at the Ksar Char Bagh Hotel in Marrekesh during a three-day celebration, with Sabrina wearing a gown by Vera Wang. Hollywood’s ‘it’ couple

New music from Marshmello Marshmello has teamed up with Tyga and Chris Brown on a new track called ‘Light It Up’. This isn’t the first time Tyga and Chris Brown have worked together on music; their last collaboration was in 2016. ‘Light It Up’ was written by all three artists and could easily be this summer’s party anthem! A summer hit for Martin Garrix?

Actor Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger made their engagement public earlier this year and the pair held an intimate bridal shower over the weekend to kick off the many celebrations leading up to their big day. With a ton of friends and close family present (even Oprah was there!), groom Chris even made an appearance at the usually ladies-only event, which was decorated with white flowers and candles. Not wanting to be the only guy at the party – his father-in-law Arnold Schwarzenegger even turned up! Britney reaches out After news broke that Britney Spears had checked herself into a recovery facility because she was feeling immense amounts of pressure in the wake of her father’s illness, she’s recently reached out on her social media to reassure her fans that she’s doing well and is ‘working on herself’. After rumours circulated online that she was being held against her will, Britney took matters into her own hands to tell us that she’s doing okay and will continue to seek treatment to better her personal well-being.

Dutch DJ Martin Garrix is back and he’s bringing Macklemore and Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump with him on his new single ‘Summer Days’. The song showcases a different side of Garrix’s production style and is about falling in love during the first heat of summer. Taylor’s all about ‘Me’ Swifties must have been very happy this past weekend as Taylor Swift released her new track called ‘Me’ featuring Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon Urie. The video for the song is super colourful and is already breaking records. According to YouTube, it now holds the record for the most views by a solo artist in the first 24 hours after it was released – clocking in at a whopping 65.2 million views in its first day online and breaking the record set by Ariana Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next’. 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

PHILANTHROPIST YAMIN AL BALUSHI DISCUSSES WHY GIVING TO THE NEEDY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OBSERVING THE HOLY MONTH

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: What does Ramadan mean to you? For those marking the occasion, tell us the importance and impact the observances of the Holy Month have had on your life. SANGEETHA SUDHEER

amadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims. The Prophet Mohammed reportedly said: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of Heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” We believe that it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam’s sacred text, to Mohammed, on a night known as “The Night of Power” (or Laylat al-Qadr in Arabic) – so it is marked strongly for us to follow. During the entire month of Ramadan, we fast every day from dawn to sunset and observe it as a time of spiritual discipline — of deep contemplation of one’s relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran. But, aside from that, there’s another very important part that we need to focus on: Zakat. It is the giving of a set amount of your wealth to charity. We pay Zakat as an act of worship, and although it is sometimes compared to a tax, it isn’t like taxes imposed by governments. Zakat is a spiritual duty, solely for the sake of Allah. It is the third pillar out of the five pillars of Islam and extremely important to all Muslims around the world. What this intends to do is to set a framework for us to learn to behave with honesty and to place less importance on material possessions. Practising self-discipline and freeing oneself from greed, the love of money, and the love of oneself is quite important. And as Muslims, we do wait for this Holy Month to do or participate in such events, which helps us collect Zakat and donations for orphaned kids and distressed families – it’s embedded in our blood through our beliefs.

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In my view and experience, Ramadan is the practice of observing the requirements of law, morality or ritual and “strict observance of the rules”. Moreover, it is the time to pray more and to do more acts of kindness. It’s also a really good time for selfimprovement, and the sharing of prayers and humanity with the same mind. For each person, fasting can mean something different. It brings out the best in people, but we fast because Allah commanded us to do so in the Quran. It is crucial that we remember those who are less fortunate than us. Living in a developed country, we often overlook our countless blessings and privileges. What may be considered the norm: basic shelter, food and water, would be a dream come true for those living in third world or developing countries. So for me at Ramadan, I remember to thank Allah for my blessings. Be mindful of our food, and do not waste or throw anything out. Give money to the poor generously and all sincere actions will be rewarded by Allah. Teach our children about the blessings of God, and the privileged life they lead; teach them to be mindful in everything they do. In short, Ramadan purifies our mind with blessings and patience. May Allah bless our children around the world. May He grant you all success this month, and may He be pleased with our fasting and worship.

MUTHUMARI PANDIAN

Fasting is the greatest way to purify our mind and soul. As all Muslim friends attempt to recite as much of the Quran as they can during this month, it is often called “Month of Quran”. The two main reasons are highlighted among several

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reasons behind the importance of Ramadan: 1. The Quran was first revealed during this month, 2. The gates of Heaven are opened. Our Muslim friends believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month. They also believe that it is easier to do good in this month because the gates of hell are closed and all the bad spirits have been locked in hell. And this is the right time to give up our unwanted habits and try to become better by praying more. This month is blessed by Allah. Fasting is a spiritual practice. It helps to develop and strengthen our powers and self-control. Thanking God, learning self-discipline, becoming spiritually stronger, extending sharing and charity; more and more special things are making this month a special one. This is the month for our soul.

PARUL JAIN

The month signifies not only the detoxification of the body but also the soul. The fast is not simply denying food and water but also the more taxing challenge of avoiding ill-speech, malicious behavior, loss of temper and arguments. The charity drives help all sections of the society to be uplifted. So this month is the best in all respects for everyone. A unique mental peace is obtained where a person finds himself closer to God. The feeling that tomorrow I will try and become a better human being becomes instilled in me.

GAUTAM GHOSH-DASTIDAR

To me, Ramadan is the greatest gift of God to all of us regardless of race, region, or religion! Ramadan is the month of self-control. Thus, I still spend the holy month of Ramadan with my brother Nasser Al-Ahdab

BBQ dinner for two at The Roof restaurant

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from Syria and my sister Gabriella Kusch from Germany. We were no more than classmates in Strasbourg, in France. We never knew, the biggest mystery of all time was awaiting all three of us on the day 1 of Ramadan that fell on Monday, April 18, 1988. We all three together found our root that day and we unearthed that we were siblings – children of the same Father! We regained our paradise that day lost once upon a time!

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month is an example of tolerance and forgiveness. If someone insults him, he says to him, “O God, I am fasting”.

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HUNAINA MURAD

The holy month of Ramadan carries great significance with respect to the practice of good deeds and adopting the attitude that Allah likes the most. In my view this Holy Month has great importance and impacts the observance we all have in our daily lives. The routine MOHAMED ABDOULMAGUID followed during Ramadan is also medically approved to provide a sense of a physically It is an opportunity for me to calm down balanced life. Moreover, by the end of one and rest near God, re-review myself and month we are trained to work and mould prioritise, and evaluate the outcome of our busy schedules in a way that is wellthe past years, in order to correct my accepted by Allah. We, as Muslims should mistakes and be a better person! This try our level best to praise the Almighty. As month is a manifestation of the solidarity a reward, Almighty has offered to celebrate of Muslims and their mutual support Eid with a note to continue these good through the provision of needs, and the deeds for the upcoming months as well. assistance of the needy. The fasting in this

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

PHOTO: KSK Rohana

MAY 02 - 08 / ISSUE 567

NEWS

HM ISSUES THREE

ROYAL DECREES

is Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said issued three Royal Decrees on Sunday, the ONA reported. Royal Decree 32/2019 appoints a Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Article 1 states that Dr. Hamad bin Said bin Sulaiman al Aufi shall be appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Article 2 says that this Decree shall be published in the official gazette and enforced with effect from its date of issue. Royal Decree 33/2019 appoints an Undersecretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Article 1 states that Dr. Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed al Habsi shall be appointed as Undersecretary for Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Article 2 says that this Decree shall be published in the official gazette and enforced with effect from its date of issue. Royal Decree 34/2019 appoints a Deputy for the Chairperson of the Public Authority

for Craft Industries. Article 1 states that Abdulwahab bin Nasser bin Rashid al Mantheri shall be appointed as Deputy to the Chairperson of the Public Authority for Craft Industries with Special Grade. Article 2 says that this Decree shall be published in the official gazette and enforced with effect from its date of issue.

OMAN AIR EXPANDS

Tbilisi in Georgia; Baku in Azerbaijan; Gassim in Saudi Arabia, and Beirut in Lebanon. The pact will see Gulf Air will place its ‘GF’ code on Oman Air flights from Muscat to Salalah and Khasab in Oman; Nairobi in Kenya; Zanzibar in Tanzania, Goa and Lucknow in India; Kathmandu in Nepal, and Jakarta in man Air has beefed up Indonesia. a business pact with Mr. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Gulf Air to serve their Chief Executive Officer customers even better. The airlines’ codeshare of Oman Air said: “Oman Air is very happy with the agreement will mean passengers will extension of this codeshare have greater flexibility when agreement with Gulf Air, choosing flights. which is a strategic and Oman Air is placing its ‘WY’ code on Gulf Air flights from Bahrain to important partner for

PACT WITH GULF AIR

Oman Air. “Through this codeshare, Oman Air offers its guests the opportunity to extend their travel from Bahrain to Tbilisi, Baku, Gassim, and Beirut. “The Gulf Air guests, in return, can travel to Oman Air’s destinations of Salalah, Khasab, Nairobi, Zanzibar, Goa, Lucknow, Kathmandu, and Jakarta. “We are sure the guests will find the award-winning services of Oman Air and the legacy services of Gulf Air a truly rewarding experience.” Oman Air currently serves up to 55 destinations worldwide.

MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

IS ‘BEST IN MIDDLE EAST’

uscat International Airport has been voted the best airport in the Middle East for the first time. Based on travellers’ choice, the airport outranked last year’s winner, Dubai International Airport, as well as others in the GCC region, Muscat Daily reported. The award was handed over at the 26th edition of the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2019, held in

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Abu Dhabi last week. Oman Airports, represented by senior vice president Saud Nasser al Hubeishi, accepted the award at a ceremony attended by travel and hospitality industry professionals. Sheikh Ayman bin Ahmed al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports, said: “On behalf of the executive management of Oman Airports, I would like to congratulate all the employees of Muscat International Airport and all the official and

commercial companies and airlines operating at the airport as well as all our strategic partners who contributed to this achievement. “This award recognises the exceptional efforts and services by all our staff and partners who demonstrate outstanding dedication to the betterment of Muscat International Airport as well as all other airports of Oman.”

TEAM SPIRIT

GALLERY

MEMBERS OF SABCO MEDIA, VIRGIN RADIO OMAN 100.9, MERGE 104.8, AL WISAL FM, AND Y MAGAZINE GATHER FOR A TEAMBUILDING AND NETWORKING LUNCH HOSTED BY OOREDOO AT AL MOUJ MUSCAT’S CAFÉ BATEEL.

MAY 02 - 08 / ISSUE 567

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YOUR

OMAN A

SEED PAPER PENS LAUNCHED IN OMAN

pen that contains the seeds of a rain tree has been launched by one of Oman’s most eco-friendly businesses. Muscat Green Leaves, with its sister company Muscat Garden Center, launched the Seed Paper Pen recently at Muscat Garden Center Plants Nursery. Seed Paper Pens are made of paper and contain seeds of the rain tree inside. Rain tree or (Albizia saman) is a species of flowering tree in the pea family. According to research, a mature tree can absorb 28.5 tonnes of CO2 annually. After use, one can plant these pens directly in the soil. Within ten days the paper degrades and it sprouts. The ink tube is later removed once the paper degrades. Some of the other biodegradable products made at the centre are paper straws, cotton bags, and floor mats. The main goal of the centre is to support the

biodegradation of organic waste and the reuse of non-degradable products. It also employs people with disabilities and those with cancer and renal issues. Headed by Sunny P Zachariah, Muscat Green Leaves is an established landscape and maintenance company with a vision to promote and sustain greenery in Oman. One of its goals is to plant more trees and support the environment in the country as well as creating awareness of the need for using biodegradable products. The Seed Paper Pens are freely distributed

to walk-in customers at Muscat Garden Center Nursery, located in North Ma’abela, near Lulu Hypermarket.

SULTANATE MARKS WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY

he Sultanate has marked World Intellectual Property Day, which falls on April 26 every year, the ONA reported. This year the theme was “Reach for Gold: IP and Sports”. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry prepared a program for marking the day, which included the inauguration of the Gulf Inventor Symposium and Exhibition under the supervision of Mohsin bin Khamis al Balushi, adviser at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

ROP CADETS PREPARE

TO GRADUATE

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he Royal Oman Police (ROP) was to celebrate the graduation of the officers of tomorrow, as Y went to press on Tuesday. The ceremony was due to take place at the Military Parade Ground at Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences in the Wilayat of Nizwa, in the presence of a number of senior ROP officers, military and security personnel, dignitaries, and citizens.

LUXURY LIVING

GALLERY

THE UPSCALE GHADEER VILLAS DEVELOPMENT AT AL MOUJ UNVEILED PLANS FOR ITS PRESTIGIOUS FAMILY HOMES DURING A RECENT MEDIA GATHERING

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YOUR

OMAN

SPONSORED BY PUCK AND MG MOTORS, CHILDREN IN MUSCAT GATHERED FOR Y’S ANNUAL ‘LOVE YOU MUM’ COMPETITION

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GALLERY

BRIDAL ELEGANCE

GALLERY

IN A SPECIAL SHOWCASE, THE BRIDAL INDUSTRY’S FINEST CAME TOGETHER AT THE KEMPINSKI HOTEL MUSCAT IN CELEBRATION OF THE PROPERTY’S INAUGURAL WEDDING FAIR.

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IFTAR AT AL TANOOR

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa welcomes the Holy Month of Ramadan with traditional iftar and sohour dining experiences, and family activities to mark the blessed season. Al Tanoor restaurant will serve a delicious iftar, offering the best of traditional Ramadan delicacies inspired by local and international cuisines, from Maghrib prayer. Available after sundown until 9:00 p.m. daily, iftar costs RO19 per person. The extensive buffet spread will showcase hot and cold mezzeh, Omani specials, mixed grill and classic desserts, along with traditional Ramadan beverages, including kamar al din, Vimto passion, kiwi lemon, laban, shalab, jelab, and karkadeh tea. For information call (+968) 2477-6242 or email events. slmu@shangri-la.com. Reservations are recommended.

DURING RAMADAN

DECADENT IFTAR The Grand Millennium Muscat is excited to welcome guests to enter into the spirit of Ramadan with a spectacular Iftar menu served at its family-friendly Taybat restaurant. The Grand Millennium Muscat offers many Middle Eastern specialties and beverages including hot and cold Mezze, slowroasted Oman shuwa with Oriental rice, levant kabsa, and fresh seafood, as well as four live cooking stations presenting tandoori, Arabic, and Persian grills, shawarma and fresh pasta, followed by Arabic sweets and desserts. For those looking for a special place to enjoy the celebrations it costs RO18 per person. Children up to six years-old are welcomed to dine for free, while kids DURING between the ages of 7-12 years-old enjoy 50 per cent off. RAMADAN For more information or to reserve a table, call (+968) 2234-2222, or email fb.gmm@millenniumhotels.

AN ARAB OPERA THIS

WEEK M

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

Based on a famous medieval tale passed down through the ages, ‘Antar and Abla’ is an opera in two acts, created and performed by Opera Lebanon with a dazzling cast of more than a hundred solo and choral singers, dancers, and musicians in dramatic costumes. Set in the desert domain of the Bani Abas tribe at a time of tribal conflict with the Tati Tribe, the plot revolves around the love and bravery of Antar, a poet and hero of mixed Arab and slave blood. Triumphant, Antar becomes a knight and valiantly proclaims the Arab world as a place of peace and prosperity. This amazing Arab opera, ‘Antar and Abla’ marks the Royal Opera House Muscat’s season finale performance and starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.rohmuscat.org.om.

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MAY 3-4

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

community whose town he filmed in. Directed by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam, it carries all the hallmarks you’d expect of his work: quirky, droll, hilarious, and intriguing.

Godzilla: Resurgence Cast: Hiroki Hasegawa, Satomi Ishihara, Yutaka Takenouchi

Avengers: Endgame Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner So it’s finally here. The denouement to possibly the biggest movie franchise of all time, although ‘Star Wars’ and James Bond fans may disagree. How do directors the Russo Brothers satisfyingly round off proceedings? Well, actually by keeping it simple. When we last saw the Avengers, the Earth was in tatters and all hope was lost. Some of the superheroes are now showing some reassuringly normal qualities, whether it be Stark looking

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote Cast: Jonathan Pryce, Adam Driver, Jose-Luis Ferrer

Toby (Driver) a director of TV commercials, has become increasingly frustrated with his lot in life.

to disaster. In this film, CGI and action has been curtailed, while hapless bureaucrats dance around the issues as well as the danger while their people suffer, and die. The director is making a point, we think.

for someone to blame, or Black Widow slinking around in a state of apparent torpor. Happily, the heroes turn things around. Here, the Avengers that started it all off are here to finish it. And that means scintillating action, excellent acting, and three solid hours of sheer, pulsating entertainment. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a game-changer for cinema. Is it the end for the age of the superhero? Never!

The location shoot for his latest ad is in the same area where he once made a version of ‘Don Quixote’, as a student. With a whiff of nostalgia, Toby takes a trip to the Spanish village and finds the man he cast as Quixote (Pryce). Unfortunately, ‘Don’ has come to believe he’s actually the fictional character in reality. As Toby finds himself being deemed Sancho Panza by the clearly deranged ‘Don’, he actually starts to find out that his original film had some serious repercussions for the

The Intruder Cast: Megan Good, Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy

The city of Tokyo wakes up one morning to find a skyscraper-sized lizard has risen from Tokyo Bay, with an appetite for destruction. This is a gigantic, hideous creatures who’s not going be felled by some ineffectual and hastily-marshalled government military weapons. Nope. People are going to come to a nasty end, and like in all disaster movies, there will be the naysayers whose carelessness helped contribute to the catastrophe in the first place And that’s where the interesting point is. Given Tokyo’s tsunami in 2011, and recent earthquakes, it’s certainly no stranger

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Chris Hemsworth, or Thor from ‘Avengers’, will star in which new summer blockbuster? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Ainsley Bevan Martis

Young couple Annie (Good) and Scott (Ealy) Russell have got family years in mind when they buy their new home. But there’s trouble ahead, when one day they find Charlie Peck (Quaid) the man from whom they bought the house benignly cutting their front lawn. It’s strange behaviour, yes: but perhaps understandable from a grieving widow whose whole family life was invested within these four walls. Who wouldn’t find it hard to let go? But when his interloping becomes increasingly sinister, the couple are forced to put their foot down. And that’s when things turn ugly. Pretty soon, the Russells find themselves in a battle for their soft furnishings, sanity, and survival; in that order. It’s a horror thriller that’s wonderful fun, with Quaid milking it for all it’s worth as a deranged villain.

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MAY 02 - 08 / ISSUE 567

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Reflections

of Ramadan THE HOLY MONTH IS A TIME FOR BLESSINGS, FORGIVENESS, AND SHARING, SAYS AFTAB H. KOLA

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month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have his sins forgiven and he will be saved from the fire of hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person without his reward being diminished at all”. It was in this month the Holy Quran was first revealed and thereafter the revelation was completed in a period of 23 years with verses revealed with the occurrence of events during the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) and was ordained to be followed as the Final Guidance for the whole of mankind till the end of the world. Lending a helping hand One of the most rewarding acts Muslims engage in this month is distributing zakat, which purifies them by removing selfishness, greed, and materialism. It develops compassion, care, love and kindness among Muslims and helps the needy and provides funds for good causes and for community projects. Although zakat can be distributed any time of the year, Muslims all over the world prefer the Holy Month of Ramadan for its distribution.

Y photographer Jerzy Wierzbicki

s Ramadan knocks on our doors, the sense of gathering and celebrating family while engaging in good deeds is uppermost in our thoughts. Ramadan is slated to begin in Oman in the first week of May. Fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan is one of the five main pillars of Islam. Its significance goes beyond the one-month obligatory abnegation of food and drink (sawm) as it is about strengthening one’s faith and spreading harmony while demonstrating that sharing is caring. Allah, through a cluster of verses in the holy Quran, has commanded Muslims to fast in order to attain God-consciousness. One such verse in ‘Surah Al-Baqarah’, Chapter 2, verse 183, says, ‘O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain taqwa’. Addressing his companions on the last day of Shaban (the month before Ramadan) Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said, “O people! A great month has come to you. A blessed month, a month in which is a night better than thousand months; a month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in this month shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time and whoever discharges an obligatory deed (in this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience and the reward of patience is heaven. It is the month of charity and a

Night of power God has gifted the Muslims a special night during one of the last ten days of Ramadan and it is called Lailatul Qadr, or the Night of Decree or the Power Night. Allah the Almighty says, “Verily, We have sent it (Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels including Angel Gabriel by Allah’s permission with all Decrees. (All that night), there is peace (and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn”. (Qur’an, 97).

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Abundance of prayers Muslims ensure that during this month prayers (salat) are performed in abundance. Besides the obligatory daily five prayers, ‘Taraweeh’ prayers are special voluntary prayers offered any time after Isha prayers and this component of worship is performed only in Ramadan while ‘Tahajjud’ is another voluntary prayer that may be offered any time of the year during the night but Muslims ensure that in Ramadan tahajjud is not missed. Suhoor and iftar Prophet said, “Make sure to have your suhoor meal, for suhoor is blessed.” From this we can make out the importance of suhoor, a predawn snack/ meal. Suhoor marks the beginning of the day’s fast. Iftar is the sunset meal with which a Muslim ends his fast. It is highly recommended that we break the fast with dates and zam zam water. In Oman, at several places including mosques’ courtyards, iftar mats/tables laden with fruits, dates and juices are a common sight. These community iftars are a good example of bonding. Host of health benefits Fasting overhauls the body and helps detoxify and declutter your system. It enables the body to have a very welcome rest which helps it to function better through the rest of the year. People can benefit from fasting if they follow a healthy and balanced diet and also continue it even after Ramadan.

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Defining moments in Ramadan Many historical events relating to the Muslims occurred in Ramadan. The first generation of Muslims accomplished great victories during this blessed month. Among the most prominent event is the Battle of Badr, which occurred on 17th of Ramadan which gave Muslims a victory. This decisive battle laid the foundation for the Islamic State and made Muslims a force to be reckoned with in the Arabian Peninsula. Eid Al-Fitr As a reward for month-long fasting Allah has asked Muslims to celebrate the first day of the next month after Ramadan as Eid Al Fitr. It is a day of rejoicing and a ubiquitous feeling of camaraderie. Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan! ■

to Remember

THE HOLY MONTH IS A TIME FOR CELEBRATION AND TOGETHERNESS. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE WAYS YOU CAN ENJOY SOME OF THE SEASONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST SPECIAL OFFERS AND PROMOTIONS! MAY 02 - 08 / ISSUE 567

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Ramadan Nights at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat

Enjoy a memorable iftar or suhoor by selecting from an array of sumptuous options across their five-star dining outlets! Opulent Iftar Gathering Enjoy an enticing iftar at The Kitchen, featuring authentic Levantine cuisine, live cooking stations, daily live entertainment, and a warm atmosphere to bring the family together. Every day during Ramadan Sunset to 10:00 p.m. Price: RO22 per person Inclusive of soft drinks and juices Kids age six to 12 dine half-price. Kids below six dine for free

Authentic Indian Iftar Experience the delicious flavours of India at Bukhara with a variety of tailored options from their Chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Iftar set-menu. Every day during Ramadan Sunset to 11:30 p.m. Price: Starting from RO15 per person

The Spirit of Ramadan at the Grand Millennium Muscat Indulge in a spectacular iftar buffet showcasing Middle Eastern delicacies throughout the Holy Month at the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Taybat Restaurant. Offering a myriad of Middle Eastern specialties and beverages, including traditional hot and cold mezze, slowroasted Omani shuwa with Oriental rice, levant kabsa and fresh seafood, as well as four live cooking stations presenting tandoori, Arabic, and Persian grill, shawarma and fresh pasta, followed by a delightful variety of Arabic sweets and desserts, dine against a backdrop of traditional melodies. Daily during Ramadan Sunset to 9:00 p.m. Price: RO 18 net per person, Children up to six years-old dine for free, while kids aged between 7-12 years-old enjoy 50 per cent off. For more information or to reserve a table call (+968) 2234-2222, or email fb.gmm@millenniumhotels.com.

Layali Ramadan Experience this Ramadan at the breathtaking beachfront lounge, Zale, featuring daily suhoor delights in their exclusive contemporary Ramadan tent, as well as live Arabian entertainment on the weekend for a sophisticated Middle Eastern atmosphere. Every day during Ramadan from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For bookings contact their culinary concierge (+968) 2498-5000, or email dining.muscat@kempinski.com.

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A healthy Ramadan at Knockout Gym Muscat

Put your health first and keep fit even while fasting this Ramadan at Knockout Gym Muscat with their special Ramadan membership packages.

Ramadan at the Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah Resort & Spa Welcome the Holy Month of Ramadan with traditional iftar and sohour dining experiences and family activities to mark the blessed and generous season. Shangri-La Layali Ramadan Tent Set on the resort’s private beach in a relaxed, air-conditioned setting, this unforgettable suhoor experience showcases the beauty of traditional Omani décor by Mosaic Events Oman, the tent presents an à la carte selection of local delights, hot and cold mezzeh, traditional Ramadan juices, and sumptuous grilled food to the sounds of Arabic oud players. Daily during Ramadan 9:00 p.m. till 1:45 a.m. Price: RO6 per person minimum spend on food and beverage For more information or to book, call (+968) 2477-6565.

1 Month RO30 – Standard (Only gym facilities) RO40 – Ultimate (Unlimited group classes) 3 Months RO50 – Standard (Only gym facilities) RO70 – Ultimate (Unlimited group classes) 6 Months RO80 – Standard (Only gym facilities) RO120 – Ultimate (Unlimited group classes) 12 Months RO100 – Standard (Only gym facilities) RO150 – Ultimate (Unlimited group classes) For information or to sign up call: (+968) 9745-6590 (+968) 2459-7417 (+968) 9321-3293 Or visit them on Facebook @knockout gym or Instagram @knockoutmuscat

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aste of life

Serving ‘kahwa’ is an important part of Arab hospitality in rural areas, and plays an even more prominent role during Ramadan, says Aftab H Kola

erving ‘kahwa’ is a key part of welcoming guests in small towns and villages throughout the GCC region. And Oman is no exception. The serving of ‘kahwa’ (called ‘gahwa’ in Saudi Arabia and the UAE) has a long tradition throughout Arabia. It is not just a drink, it brings people together. In Oman, ‘fowala’ constitutes succulent dates with freshlyprepared ‘kahwa’, or Arabic coffee, served to guests. Over the years, the delectable Omani halwa has become a part of fowala. With kahwa, dates are served with it to balance the bitterness of the Arabic coffee. At every Muscat festival, a segment is created to showcase how kahwa is prepared, using traditional tools. Tourists are often offered a free taste of kahwa – flavoured intensely with cardamom – served in tiny, eggshell-shaped cups. I can vouch for Omani hospitality based on the experience of numerous visits to the Omani countryside. It is quite commonplace, when simply asking your way in a village, to be invited into a house and to be offered kahwa. Refusing the offer is sometimes taken as an insult to the host. My first taste of kahwa was a disappointment but rather like my initial dislike of hummus, I slowly developed a taste for it. Arabs always carry a flask of kahwa made traditionally with

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them and keep sipping it throughout the day. Kahwa in the office is also available. And even some of the expats working in them have also become used to drinking it. Let’s take a look at some of the unique aspects of this timehonoured beverage: THE ORIGIN OF ARABIC COFFEE It is widely believed that coffee drinking in Arabia had its beginning in the 9th century AD when a Bedouin shepherd in Yemen named Khalid noticed that, while the noon sun in the

desert was making him drowsy, his flock was lively and were scampering around in the sunshine after nibbling the berries of a certain evergreen bush. Eager to find out more about the berries, Khalid ground and boiled them. The usually exhaustible Khalid became active and energetic as soon as he sipped the invigorating brew. Khalid’s wife suggested that he share his miraculous discovery with the local holy man. It is reported that the holy man, rejecting Khalid’s claim, flung the beans into the fire to discard them lest they should bring any misfortune. After a while, a pleasant aroma, as described by Khalid, filled the room and a gentle breeze wafted the scent in.

It produced such an aroma that it drew curiosity from other men wanting to know what the pleasant smell was. They soon discovered it was from roasted beans. Thus, Arabic coffee had arrived. When US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia in 2017, he was first treated to kahwa at the airport in Riyadh. King Salman, who also enjoyed a cup of coffee with the American president, taught him the traditional technique of asking a server to stop pouring. ■

Serving protocol

In 2015, UNESCO included ‘gahwa’ (kahwa) in the Representative List Arab hospitality demands that the host should serve his of the Intangible Cultural Heritage guests, although a servant may assist by holding the tray. of Humanity, underscoring the Kahwa is served in small china cups, which come without a importance of cultural traditions that handle. The host first serves the most important person in need to be preserved. UNESCO has the room. The cups are only half-filled but guests may have ascribed the origins of ‘gahwa’ to the several refills. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. Custom demands that it is polite to accept an oddnumbered cup — one, three or five. Juggling the empty cups from side to side is an indication that the person has had enough kahwa. Refusing the first cup is considered a bad sign of etiquette. Kahwa tastes a little bitter and is never sweetened with sugar. lnstead, fresh succulent dates are offered as the standard accompaniment to the exotic concoction. During Ramadan, in Saudi, UAE, Oman, Kuwait and other parts of the Arab world, kahwa and dates are offered at mosques for fast breakers.

Method of kahwa preparation

Preparing the aromatic brew takes considerable time and effort. In the past, Bedouins brewed their coffee over a simple fireplace dug into the ground. Over time, this was replaced by the kuwar, which is a clay pit with a stove made from pebbles and stone plates. A coffee pot, called a ‘dellah’, is kept close to the open hearth.

The coffee beans are poured into a ‘mahmasa’, a shallow iron pan with a long handle that is held just above the flames. The roasting beans are stirred regularly with a ‘yardal at mahmasa’. After the beans are cooked, they are left to boil for some time. They are then pulverised with a pestle on a mortar board called a ‘mahbash’. When pounding the beans, you must firmly tap the side of the mortar occasionally with the pestle so as to free the granules from sticking together. The freshlyground coffee is then transferred to the ‘dellah’ (coffee pot) containing the required proportion of water. The dellah is now kept over the fire for boiling. Meanwhile, cardamom seeds and sometimes a pinch of saffron is powdered in the mahbash and added to the boiling coffee. The coffee is transferred to a pot and is ready to serve. Nowadays, although instant kahwa powder is available in the market, Arabs still prefer the traditional homemade kahwa.

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WATER

WISDOM Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning coastline offers a chance to wade into those waves for swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing. But it all means being ocean-aware and safe, as Swati Basu Das reports

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project to get Oman swimming safely has had to be scrapped after a string of problems with red tape. No, we aren’t trying to reach out to wannabe Michael Phelpses or apparently aquaphobic celebrities like Will Smith and Sandra Bullock. We shall leave it to their counsellors to correct their techniques and ease out their panic. Instead, let’s talk about the rest of us. Yes, some of us may be ace swimmers pumping up for an aquathlon and already feeling like fish in the water while others may fear to tread ever-closer to the water. Whomever we are, a weekend by the beach always has a sunny side up, irrespective of the sea being either captivating or too daunting for a swim. Be it a barefoot walk on the soft sand, throwing a beach party or playing volleyball; the pristine, turquoise-blue sea soaks up the summer heat making you run to it on a weary weekend afternoon to recharge your batteries. The 3,165 kilometre Oman coastline is a real summer escapade. It welcomes a thousand visitors each day who can all enjoy a refreshing dip and a plethora of activities such as jet skiing, stand up paddling (SUP), windsurfing, snorkelling, diving and, of course, swimming. But little or no knowledge is a dangerous thing. Ignorance of the ocean tides and incorrect swim techniques in open water has led to several drowning causalities in the recent past. Shocking figures by PACDA reveals that the number of deaths by drowning has dramatically increased since 2016, both while in the sea and the wadis. But that won’t stop people from admiring the underwater wonders. Oman’s coasts are bestknown for snorkelling and diving. In a country with abundant marine life, the knowledge of swimming with all the correct techniques for a safe swim is a must for enjoying the corals of this vibrant oceanic plate.

And Alawi Swimming Academy does exactly that for anyone who wants to have a safe but exciting weekend ahead. It is a voluntary group that was founded by Dr. Rajendra Shanghavi in 1984, and aims to promote awareness among beach-goers and would-be swimmers to bring down the number of drowning causalities. A doctor, Dr Shangavi has taught more than a thousand beginners and novice swimmers. The coaches in his team impart their expertise to every learner for free at Kalbooh Beach, near Muttrah Souq. “The water doesn’t know how old you are”, and the saying fits this group of ace swimmers. Here, a five-year-old child to a middle-aged learner can all be trained to perfection. Dr Shangavi points out: “Swimming in the sea is entirely different to doing so in a swimming pool. It is endless, vast and sometimes unpredictable. The crystal-clear water and abundant coral life are best experienced only when you know to swim. A good knowledge of swimming can help anyone experience the beauty.” A high level of salt makes the seawater denser and our bodies more buoyant. That makes swimming easy in the sea than in fresh water, doesn’t it? Of course, it’s easier to float, but swimming into the deep and coping with the ocean currents is something where buoyancy doesn’t matter. Every Friday and Saturday morning, the calm and pristine pebbled Kalbooh Beach welcomes more than 50 swimmers. Each is busy learning the basics of swimming or fine-tuning their arm and breathing techniques. “There are 11 coaches and each offers personal attention to all,” says Dr. Shanghavi. “Familiarisation with the water is important to kill the fear of water before they swim. It is one step at a time. We never hurry any of our students or force them suddenly into the deep.” Dr Shanghavi’s experience over the years has helped many to learn the basics of swimming. Sanjith Keloth, swimming coach at Alawi Swimming Academy, says: “Learning from him has not only made me hone my skill in water but has motivated me for triathlons and diving in for a relaxing snorkel.” According to Dr. Shanghavi and his staff, what matters in the sea is a thorough understanding of the water and following a few simple rules. Having a pair of good quality goggles, a good

wet suit and an excellent warm up before the swim are as crucial as considering a few safety rules: Never swim/snorkel alone: That is perhaps the most dangerous thing to do if you are not an ace swimmer. Having a swim buddy will not only help but can double your enjoyment. Beware of rip tides: When in the ocean it is essential to respect the rules of nature. Don’t run the risk of drowning while enjoying it. Rip currents are beyond your direct control and deaths are quite common in one. They are the strong jet of waters that flow quickly away from the shore and can carry you off 25 metres in just a second. Avoid beaches with turbulent waters and when the weather is unfavourable. Don’t get dehydrated in the water: Yes, you hear that correctly. Dehydration in ocean water is quite common even though the water around hugs your body. Pay attention to symptoms like thirst, muscle cramps and dry mouth. Experts suggest drinking plenty of water and eating a few dates and a banana before the swim will help to keep your body fluid balanced. Learn to tread and back float: Treading or hovering in the water is to stay at one position in case you fear drowning and need help. It also helps to relax you if you are tired. Learning to float on your back is considered relaxing too..

The best beaches to swim at: ● Kalbooh Beach ● Bandar Al Khiran ● Yiti Beach ● Bammah Beach, Quriyat ● Qantab Beach

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T he Disr uptors 028

Team Y takes a sneak peek inside the W Muscat’s first five-star foray into the Sultanate. Our tour guide? Diego Padula – DJ by night, Director of B&F and the hotel’s Executive Assistant Manager by day!

f the name ‘W’ hasn’t been on your radar until now, let us give you a crash course! What began 21 years ago with the hotel that started it all, the W New York – a boutique flagship property designed by architectural icon David Rockwell in the heart of mid-town Manhattan, soon became hospitality’s fastestgrowing global name. With its funky ‘Whatever/ Whenever’ mantra, (as long as it’s legal!), and cutting-edge décor and design, it’s a brand that shook up our notion of what a hotelier should be, blending boutique character with a level of service reserved for the long-standing icons of the industry. With 279 rooms and suites, stunning beachfront views, and some truly inspired B&F offerings (seven total, in fact!) there’s lots to look forward to at this city-hotel that aims to bring the essence of Omani cultural and heritage to the capital in signature W style. We sat down with the hotel’s Executive Assistant Manager and Director of B&F Diego Padula for a behind-the-scenes glimpse and sneak peek of what to look forward to!

Q A

Y: So, you’ve got a pretty cool job title! Tell us how it came to be yours – we hear you’re a DJ too! DP: I’ve been with Marriott for 15 years now! I’m actually from Uruguay where I worked for a long time with Sheraton and then nine different properties since – all the way from Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, and

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now here in Muscat. I spent four and a half years at the W Mexico City – which was a fantastic property and also the first W to open outside of the US. I led their ten-year renovation project and, after that had the luck to open the W Punta De Mita in Mexico, one of the brand’s signature Escape hotels, before moving on to the pre-opening task force team of the W Panama – which was a fantastic opportunity as Panama is a party in itself, and W even more! And yes, DJ-ing is something I’ve always loved! [Laughs] My style is tropical house music – and I’m also a huge Michael Jackson fan. Being behind the decks is one passion I have and something I love about W is that they’ve always encouraged me to do it. In fact, they’ve pushed me to pursue it! They let you showcase your talent and now I’ve found a way to link my work with my passion.

Q A

Y: W is known as one of the funkiest names in hospitality. What makes its new Muscat property unique? DP: Everything we do is driven by our W Passion Points – Music, Fashion, Design, and Fuel. Everything from our B&F offerings to our programming activations are all tailored around them – and our talents are trained to deliver our services in line with these passions. ‘Fuel’ is the energy to look good, feel good, go longer, stay later. It’s W’s perspective on exercise, living well, and healthy eating. Our tagline ‘Detox. Retox. Repeat’ was crafted with this in mind – you wake up, have your breakfast, you’re feeling good, you to go work, you come home, you have your fuel, you party, and you sleep. We want to feed and fuel you so you can come party more!

Q A

Y: Muscat’s full of foodies eager for the next big thing. How do you plan to keep them coming back for seconds? DP: Here at W we’re not ‘F&B’ – we’re ‘B&F’, Beverage and Food. For us, the beverage culture is very important and we’re driving our B&F concepts around this. W is the only brand to have someone called a ‘Beverage Manager’ who keeps an eye on the trends in order to present a fantastic beverage culture in all our venues. Here in Oman we especially want to explore this using local products and ingredients. W Muscat has seven different venues that make the property a culinary destination in and of itself. For example, if you want to eat out but aren’t sure what you’re feeling up for, you can head here to the W and take your pick. Harvest, our all-day dining restaurant will have a focus on healthy Fuel – think acai bowls, organic offerings etc. While Ba Ban is all about the best of modern Shanghai flavours (Opening later this year) – then, you have CHAR, our signature grill restaurant; WET Deck and WET which are our poolside B&F offerings; the Living Room lounge; and finally, Siddharta

Lounge by Buddha-Bar which is all about Mediterranean fusion paired with an excellent beverage culture, to open at a later stage this year. Again, our W Happenings and Activations are very important – as they’re where we put our passion points into play. For example, Siddharta Lounge will be a fantastic point to activate our Music passion and we’re going to have a lot of stellar events coming up there – with our signature W twist. For example, we know we’re going to have a connection with Ibiza Global Radio who have some very good DJs. Actually, we have a lot of things coming up that I wish I could tell you about, but I can’t! [Laughs]. We want to present things in a different way here. We’re currently finalizing one fantastic brunch and can’t wait to show it off. We want to be a hotel that’s open for the city – we don’t like the word ‘exclusivity’. We’re not exclusive – and we’re reflecting this in our strategy around pricing and how present our offerings. We want to be part of the Omani culture and its people, and we want the hotel to be a place to come to not just for a special occasion – but rather any time you want.

Y: Speaking of Omani culture, there are quite a few surprises throughout the hotel’s décor that tie in with it we’ve heard... DP: You can see so much that’s related to Omani culture, inspired by the global nomad and wanderer. With a larger than life stainless steel frankincense tree on arrival signaling hospitality and welcoming guests to the property, to the slanted ceilings in rooms representing a desert tent, there are countless moments that can take you by surprise. From ancient trinkets and exotic finds, you can discover sheep tables (yes, you heard me) cat lamps, faux-fur detailing, and travel trunks that serve as your edge wardrobe. With nods to the Omani kumma, the desert, the sea, the stars, and the magnificent Al Hajar mountains, you can really explore Oman in W style through the design.

Q A

Y: You’ve recently held a very fresh and unique recruitment day drive. What makes the W Muscat a cool place to work? DP: You name it! Right from the very start we want to make our talents feel special. So, we don’t have a normal recruitment process –we do a ‘Casting Day’ instead. This is a chance for us to show you who we are and for our talent to show us who they are. For W Muscat we had a fantastic idea to do all our talent interviews inside our moving W bus with music – sort of like hey, your journey starts here! We want to get to know you in a different way and see how you feel about our unique style and if it’s a fit – because we’re like this all the time, that’s W! And while W is a very unique brand, we still belong to Marriott

– one of the biggest hospitality companies in the world and it’s just been a great company to grow with. If you work hard and you work with ethics and dedication, you’ll always be given the tools and training to learn and grow. So many of us in this hotel have started from the ground up; all of us have grown inside the company. We know how hard it is to style a room, we know how hard it is to give your all, all the time. We’ve all started from the bottom and have moved up thanks to Marriott. For us, they always say it’s people first – and it’s one hundred per cent true. Here, everyone’s voice is heard.

Q A

Y: What makes it all worth it for you, day after day? DP: For us, we only have one chance to open a hotel like this one and we’re very proud of our product and what we can deliver. Muscat is now on everyone’s bucket list and we are so excited to be part of this exciting time. Muscat has a lot to offer to both international and regional travelers and. Yes, we have a certain esthetic; yes, we have seven different B&F outlets – but how do we help the country? How do we help Oman and make it as a prime staycation spot or destination to come? We don’t want to show off that we have the best of this or that as a hotel…we’re more like, ‘Come to Muscat, stay at the W, and then go to Muttrah or go visit the wadis – but make W your base’. Because from here we can build a story and there’s so much of Oman represented here in the hotel. We’re just working on the narrative…we want to be the city’s beat, its pulse, its vibe and to share our light and bring people in. ■

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CARS ADVENTURES

Ad v e n t u r e s

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HOLY MONTH

Worshippers break their fast together at a group iftar during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

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

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Destination

TUNIS

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI WANDERS A SCARCELY-USED ROAD TO A LITTLE-KNOWN VILLAGE WITH A WELL-KNOWN NAME 032

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Gaming

Quriyat wadi that then stretches on for several kilometres. Avid adventurists can also venture from Tunis to the wadi on foot – but make sure you carry plenty of fluids on you as the temperatures are unforgiving. The lack of tall trees – most of the standing ones were cut down at the time of our arrival – also makes Tunis a very barren land for the most part; offering no real shade to rest in. We conclude that it would make the perfect ground for someone undertaking the Tough Mudder or Spartan race – giving contestants a blend of rocky and sloped terrain, adequate heat training for cardio, and a general space for endurance workouts. We leave Tunis with smiles on our faces. From a land that we initially associate with Tunisia to one that we find perfect for trekking and other extreme activities, we can’t help laughing about how much disparity a simple name can cause to the mindset of one person. For that very reason, Tunis deserves the award for the bestnamed hamlet in Oman… if such a thing existed.

TRAVEL GUIDE

eep in the heart of Quriyat lies a village you’d least expect to exist in Oman; one that’s relatively unknown – even to the populace around the area – and one that’s often overlooked by tourists: Tunis. In the Arab world, Tunis best describes the land that we fondly remember as ‘Tunisia’ – the nation that once was an oil and tourism powerhouse but was then reduced to bits by the civil war that started the ‘Arab Spring’. Today, however, the remnants of the past have faded, leaving behind a stronger and more tightknit community of Tunisians. Perhaps that’s what makes my trip to the village of Tunis in Oman more special. While it bears no association with the country itself, there’s a sense of wellness that comes from the people that we see going about their daily lives on the morning of my trip. Cleanliness, it seems, is the code that drives this small hamlet. Tarmac as dark as night and unsullied by dust, and mountains that reflect white to the naked eye; that’s what makes Tunis the adventure you shouldn’t miss out on. A quick push through the twisty roads that kick off from the village of Samkat before Quriyat will take you deeper into the heart of the village. There’s not much to see as there is to experience. It’s a place that reeks of history but doesn’t quite show that much on the face of it. By all means, it’s your run-of-the-mill village; there’s a contrast of mud houses and modern ones, broken roads and patched ones, and flora and fauna that are generally associated with a self-sustaining village. Goats that are looking for some grass to graze on, with their herders running behind them, are also a common sight during our journey. We depart from the comforts of our trusty pickup truck once we hit the foothills of the short mountains that pepper the area with white rocks. Possibly originating from a volcanic eruption and blended with fine quartz crystals, there’s a level of purity to the colour of the rocks that we’ve never seen before in Oman. In fact, we brush our hands on it to find that it even resembles chalkstone in many of its properties. While the rock can be brittle, the ones on the mountain are stronger –almost like the marble we use in our homes – meaning it’s also perfect for trekking. We take a quick walk around the mountain to find that the underlying areas are best captured when you make your way to the top. It also gives you a better peek of the (now) barren

HOW TO GET THERE Those travelling from Muscat can hit Samkat – take the exit towards opt for the Al Amerat Heights or Tunis. The region is well-marked the Route 17 to proceed to the road and can be explored with a sedan. leading towards Quriyat. Twenty kilometers into your journey GPS location: from Al Amerat – and once you 23°22’11.1”N; 58°30’30.8”E

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

‘

Underrated’ and ‘under-appreciated’ are the words that come to mind when we’re told of the Emgrand line of cars by Geely. Despite that, the brand has slowly and effectively carved out a niche in a market that’s driven ever-so-strongly by brand identity. It’s a story of resilience and commitment by one firm to penetrate an otherwise intransigent marketplace, and if anything, their journey has only just begun. As Geely takes this notion to the next level, they’re now entering a new and lucrative segment that has long been dictated by the Germans and the Asians: the trusty hatchback. As unexpected as that sounds, the new Geely Emgrand GS is the brand’s latest entrant into a sea of hatchbacks, and they’re doing it with a touch of style and panache to help make it stand out. And, stand out it does. It’s hard to pinpoint what sets the GS apart but we

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Team Y tries a handy hatchback that oozes understated style and space particularly liked the raised and almost crossoverlike profile that’s further complemented by the angular headlamps with projectors, the whacky three-dimensional grille, and the large gaping air intakes with plastics that imitate brushed aluminium trim. Meanwhile, the side profile is kept alive by a character line that runs through the length of the doors, a flared rear end that begins to gain structure from the D-pillar, and the drooping roofline. There’s also 18-inch alloys wrapped around expensive Bridgestone Turanza rubber for a more subdued ride. The posterior is minimalistic, and the attractive package is rounded off by cutesy tail lamps, a small tail gate, and faux dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips. Much of this chic carries over to the interiors too; it’s a neatly arranged cockpit as you’d expect from a premium hatchback, with soft plastics and leatherette flanking much of the top parts of the dashboard and the finest buttons and knobs taking control of the vehicular functions. On the tech front, you’ll also receive a responsive 8-inch touchscreen as standard to add to the 3.5inch multi-information display on the instrument cluster. Then there’s the three-spoke steering wheel that houses all the Bluetooth call and audio functions. The seats on our tester were wrapped in a dualtone leatherette and fabric attire, and were soft and supportive –as you’d expect from any other offering in this segment. We did, however, feel that the seats were raised ever so slightly to provide a feel to the driver as though they’d been driving around in a crossover vehicle. Standard features include AUX and USB ports

for your audio and charging needs, rear parking sensors with a reverse camera, a panoramic sunroof, an automatic a/c, one-touch up and down power windows, and a drive-mode selector to amp up the driving feel by altering gear ratios. On the safety front, you’ll receive the standard suite of features such as the anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, ISOFIX latches to affix baby seats, and as for good measure, six airbags as well. Cabin space is respectable for five adult passengers to fit in, with the driver and co-passenger receiving the class-leading leg- and headroom treatment.

D e s t i n at i o n

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

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Gaming

CARS

GEELY EMGRAND GS Specifications: • Engine: 1.8-litre in-line four-cylinder • Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic • Power: 130hp • Torque: 170Nms • Top Speed: 200kph Front-wheel drive Power-folding mirrors 8-inch infotainment screen Multi-information display 18-inch alloy wheels 330-litre boot capacity 18-inch alloy wheels Drive-mode selector Smart keyless entry Traction and Stability controls Rear parking camera assist Six-speaker audio w/Bluetooth Six surround airbags Parking sensors

The latter can be a bit restrictive in the rear for those passengers measuring more than 180cm. Despite the sloping roofline, there’s still an admirable 330-litres of boot space. It isn’t what we’d call groundbreaking but there’s just about enough to store three full-size bags in there. In true hatchback fashion, the Emgrand GS receives a conservative engine – a 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit pumping out 130 horses and 170Nms of twist. The frontdriven powertrain is further wrapped up – and rather surprisingly – by the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Whether the expensive tranny fits in with the character of the petite engine is for you to decide – but with a conventional

approach to gear shifts, the only noteworthy trait is the marginally quicker upshift timings. During our drive, we also felt that the gearbox was overriding our downshift inputs – often showing a lower gear on the display but shifting only when the revs would match up to keep fuel efficiency as a priority. The N/A engine is potent and rev-happy – it also happily hits the limiter at the 6,000rpm mark, though it remains a novelty as there’s not much torque that high up the range to eke out any steam from the crank. As it stands, the car also hits the 100kph mark from a standstill in about 10.5 seconds, while carrying onwards to its top speed of 180kph. Torque is prominent low down the rev range and it blends well with the linear power buildup from the motor. Owing to this, the

AS UNEXPECTED AS THAT SOUNDS, THE NEW GEELY EMGRAND GS IS THE BRAND’S LATEST ENTRANT INTO A SEA OF HATCHBACKS, AND THEY’RE DOING IT WITH A TOUCH OF STYLE AND PANACHE TO HELP MAKE IT STAND OUT Emgrand GS remains a fun hatchback for daily drives, as it finds nimbleness even through its gently-tuned suspension and high-profile tyres. Chucking the car into tight corners didn’t reveal any under- or oversteer, as the vehicle’s chassis stretches just enough to keep both traits at bay. The steering is responsive too and the brakes – of which all four are discs – are strong enough to bring the car to a halt even in emergency scenarios. The Emgrand GS fills a very crucial slot in the hatchback territory: it sits in between the sporty hot-hatchbacks from Germany and the cost-effective critters from Asia – and it’s a lucrative market flocked by young and first-time buyers. Coupling all of that with the attractive posterior and respectable powertrain, and Geely may just have come up with one of the best most inimitable hatchback offerings this year.

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CARS ADVENTURES

FABULOUS FLORENCE The Italian city is

brimming with art, architecture, and culture.

1. Enjoy panoramic views of the city at the Piazzale Michelangelo. 2. Meet your friends at the Neptune Fountain at the Palazzo Vecchio. 3. Spend a day with a stroll around the Pitti Palace and Buboli Gardens. 4. Treat your senses with a stroll down the Mercato Centrale, the food market. 5. Find some of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest names in Santa Croce, an art-filled mausoleum.

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G a m i n g POSTCARDS FROM

David Hughes recommends

FLORENCE, ITALY T

his year is a big year for Florence, as it marks the 500 th anniversary of the death of the genius that was Leonardo da Vinci, on May 2. Yes, even as pop fans gear up for superstar Ed Sheeran’s visit next month, no one is going to dislodge the legend of Leonardo from the calendar, as The Big One. Yet this city in Italy’s Tuscany region has always offered an embarrassment of riches for the traveller. Long before it was a stop on the ‘Grand Tour’ of genteel young English ladies like Lucy Honeychurch in the classic novel (and movie) ‘A Room With A View’, the city’s magnificent monuments to Renaissance art, its staggeringly beautiful setting on the River Arno, its jaw-dropping architecture, as well as its leanings towards la dolce vita have made it a favourite for travellers. It’s a veritable open-air museum where every cobbled street or winding lane is laden with historical and cultural treasures and traditional and welcoming trattoria offering tantalising Tuscan dishes. For a city (and particularly an Italian one), the atmosphere is relatively relaxed, unrushed, and unlikely to be ruffled by a few speeding Vespa scooters. Put simply, if you don’t like Florence you don’t like life.

A B IR D ’S P IA Z Z - E Y E V IE W FR ALE M IC H A E O M T H E LANGE LO

My favourite place While I detest that dreadful, overused word ‘iconic’; it really is apt when describing the Ponte Vecchio. The historical bridge is probably the city’s most photographed landmark, and most typical postcard views of the city feature it as a focal point (as they should). Strolling across the bridge through its graceful arches is just a sheer delight that captures the city’s wondrous beauty in all its gorgeousness; all you can do is just stop and drink it in. Of course, you can peruse the wares of the high-end jewellery stores that are placed cheek-by-jowl on either side of the bridge. Night time brings a different beat, as buskers abound amid the crowds (and some of them are really good!). Highlights A compact and highly walkable city, Florence certainly has a surfeit of tourist sites. Like most Italian cities, its venerable Piazza Duomo is where to grab the best vistas of the city, as well as the Chianti hills in the distance. The only trouble is, be prepared to trudge up a lot of steps to get to the bell tower. The steps are open-slatted so those who have a problem with heights should satisfy themselves gazing up at the spire from the ground. The Duomo is part of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore encompassing the cathedral, the baptistery, the bell tower, and a museum, which includes art by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. Talking of art, the Uffizi Palace and Gallery is one of the world’s best museums and art galleries. Even if museums aren’t your thing, you can’t fail to be astounded by the works of art on display here. The vast building that sits beside the river was once a palace owned by the ruling Medici dynasty (as was much of the art now inside it) of the Renaissance period, and its octagonal Tribena is a piece of art in itself. Here you’ll find some of the greatest works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Speaking of which, Michelanagelo’s five-metre high marble statue of ‘David’, arguably the world’s greatest sculpture, can be admired in all its glory in the Galleria Dell’Accademia (albeit in a glass case). There are also several smaller replicas dotted around the city, most notably in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and the Piazzale Michelangelo.

C H IO P ON T E V E C T H E IC ON IC NO R A R E R IV E SPANS TH

Lowlights None. Souvenirs Fashionistas should head to the Via E’Tornabuoni, which is lined with designer outlets including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Prada. More discerning shoppers might head for the hip neighbourhood of Oltarno (its name literally means ‘on the other side of the Arno’), where the city’s artisans, artists, and bohemians tend to work, play, hang out, and socialise. Here, you’ll find quaint and quirky shops offering ceramics, jewellery, wood carvings, and leather goods; all of which have been hand-made.

Getting there The two best options are with German airline Lufthansa and Oman Air. Both offer a service from Muscat, with one stopover in Frankfurt. The flight time is 9hr 30 minutes.

Where to stay You’d expect a city with abundant art treasures to have a pretty eclectic array of

places to stay. And you’d be right; you can choose from loft apartments in Oltarno on the city’s west side that are conversions within historical buildings or simply Airbnb offerings. There are also ‘pensiones’ that ooze traditional Florentine charm, or mainstream choices from the world’s leading hotel chains. Check out Trivago, Booking.com, Hotels. com, Kayak, Expedia and Airbnb.

THE IM POSING F UFFIZI AÇADE OF TH PALAC E AND GA E LLERY

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THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y- F I

RAMADAN READY

The Y Geek Squad tests some apps and devices to ensure this holy time of year is one of the happiest SHARING THE STORY Learning can be made fun with apps – and that’s exactly what Sira aims to do. Designed to teach kids the story of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the app takes children on an animated and interactive journey that focuses on his teachings and ethics. Complete with colourful illustrations and touch-interactive features, the app is a definite must-have for the Holy Month of Ramadan. Download this Emirati app designed by Alpha Apps from Google Play or iTunes for free.

PRAYER COMPANION

RAKAT COUNTER Keep track of your rakats with the Salatcard – a device that efficiently keeps track of how many rakats the user completes successfully during prayers. The sleek gadget takes the shape of a credit card – and is also quite handy with proximity sensors and two display indicators to show you how many rakats you’ve completed and another one to show you the correct praying body posture. This gadget comes as an aid to those who lose track of their rakats while deep in prayer. Buy this from salatcard.com for RO9.4.

Travelling during Ramadan can be challenging. The thought of being stuck in a remote land with no information on the closest mosque or prayer halls can be a terrifying prospect for devotees. But, as they say, technology is at its best when used to solve real-world issues. And that’s where the Salatuk comes into the picture. It may seem like your run-ofthe-mill prayer timing app but it hides a salient feature that we love: a mosque finder. Not only will the app alert you on prayer timings, it’ll also direct you to the nearest mosque, irrespective of the country you’re in. It also has a ‘Prayer Mode’ to keep calls at bay while you’re meditating. Download the app for free from Google Play and iTunes.

ON THE GO

EDITOR’S PICK

PRAYING WHILE ON THE GO CAN BE A TESTING AFFAIR – BUT THAT’S WHERE TECHNOLOGY CAN LEND ITS HELPING HAND. THE AMAZON KINDLE OASIS HAS LONG BEEN TOUTED AS ONE OF THE BEST E-READERS OUT THERE, AND IT MAKES PRAYER WHILE ON THE MOVE EASIER. IT CAN DISPLAY – AND EVEN RECITE – THE HOLY QURAN. ITS SEVEN-INCH SCREEN COUPLED WITH ITS SIX-WEEK LONG BATTERY LIFE CAN MAKE IT THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR TRAVELLERS WHO OBSERVE FASTING AND ABSTINENCE. THE DEVICE IS ALSO WATER- AND DUSTRESISTANT, AND AT 189GRAMMESS, AS LIGHT AS A SMARTPHONE TOO. YOU CAN BUY THE DEVICE FROM AMAZON.COM FOR RO62.2.

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Top May Releases

The Y Geek Squad hits the consoles with some stellar titles for the month of May

gamers against a hoard of blood-thirsty rats or murderous knights as they take control of protagonist Amicia. With a series of special talents – all within the realms of physics – under her belt, it’s up to you to guide Amicia and her brother through ambushes and tricky situations. The gameplay is expected to be challenging yet with a touch of purpose to keep replays fun and engaging. Couple that with a stunning graphical setup hree long months and a slew of drab – and namesake, if you and you’re left with one of the best game ask us – game releases later; we releases of the year. PLATFORMS: PS4, XBOX ONE, AND PC enter a promising month with just about enough to have a crowd of RAGE 2 anticipant geeks on their feet. Whether Rage 2 is the you’re awaiting a first-person shooter offspring of a or a traditional adventure title, the first-person month of May seems to be a bridge for shooter game developers to open their tanks meeting a and empty what they’ve been working thoroughbred on for several years. Rest assured, arcade racing you won’t be catching the gaming title. But even community anywhere in the public for as shambolic a great deal of time. Here are the top 3 as the concept games that are expected sounds, this neonto hit shelves in heavy graphical masterpiece brings more May: than just madness and carnage to fulfill your gaming needs. It paints a decent A PLAGUE story around it for the ultimate gaming TALE: experience albeit one that’s a bit cheeky INNOCENCE and comical in its approach. With just A fresh take about enough animation for us to hark on survival back to the good old times, when classic puzzles, ‘A titles such as Doom and Quake were all Plague Take: the rage (get it?), this title promises quite Innocence’, a lot. Initial reviews suggest that it lives intends to pitch up to its expectations.

PLATFORMS: PS4, XBOX ONE, AND PC ASSASSIN’S CREED LIBERATION REMASTERED Nintendo owners, rejoice! You can now play your favourite Assassin’s Creed games on your very own Switch. Released back in 2012 as a standalone for top consoles, the game features a plotline set between 1965 and 1977. It revolves around fictional history themed around real-world events, and the series’ first female protagonist, Aveline de Grandpre, will aim to capture and even rework the graphical prowess and gameplay achieved by the more powerful consoles of the time. Even if the game received mixed reviews upon its launch five years ago, the new title could sit as the console’s most engaging game to date. As an added treat, it will also include every downloadable content (DLC) from the time. This means you don’t have to spend valuable time and money downloading it to the handheld device. PLATFORM: NINTENDO SWITCH (2019) JULY MAY 03 02 - 09 08 / ISSUE 567 327

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

MODEST MOD

Comfort and cool are the keywords on our fashion wish-list this Ramadan, with pieces that are breathable enough to get you through the heat while fasting, and stylish enough to carry you right through until iftar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like this lovely lavender ensemble from The Modist.

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Anchor any look with a little black handbag. This cross-body version from River Island has gold tassels for a bit of extra bling and is perfect for stashing your gloss and moisturiser when you just need a little extra oomph. Snag it for RO13.9.

, 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 We love the breezy spring vibes this hemlock colour block printed dress by Ganni gives off. Lightweight in silk-blend chiffon, it’s the perfect afternoonto-iftar ensemble. Own it for RO204.1.

When it comes to covering up in style, you can’t go wrong with a versatile tunic. Slide into this ultra-comfy classic from Finnish design house Marimekko and pair it with a tapered trouser in a gorgeous spring shade. Buy it for RO104.9.

So, you’re fasting and already feeling drained from the heat? Don’t go for the gold; keep your accessories light and on the simple side. We love these pair of delicate crystal flower drop earrings from M&S that remind us of two summery slices of cucumber! Grab them for RO7.4.

With the additional prayer times during Ramadan, you’ll be slipping in and out of your shoes many times a day. Do your toes a favour and invest in a pair of stylish slide-on sandals that will work overtime with ease. This shimmery metallic pair from Aldo Shoes will do nicely. Price: RO19.2.

A comfortable yet versatile trouser in one of the season’s hottest hues? Yes, please! Pair this daffodil-coloured belted mid-waist set from Zara with just about anything. Make them yours for RO17.9.

This gorgeous dusty-rose turban from Layeur is the epitome of eye-catchingly modern modesty and can be dressed up with a kaftan or abaya for suhoor, or down with a pair of stone-washed denim jeans and tunic. Don it for RO81.1.

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Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

FreshFACED

With Ramadan upon us, Team Y puts our best face forward with these top tips for keeping your skin healthy and glowing while fasting

ur skin is our body’s largest organ and is also one of its most fragile. It is susceptible to everything we throw at it – from the climate we live in and to the temperatures we expose it to, to the cumulative effects of sun damage, and the latest cosmetic fads and crazes. What we sometimes forget is that as our skin works so hard to protect us, we also need to return the favour. A proper skincare regime should be a key part of our daily routine – and applies even doubly-so during the Holy Month of Ramadan when day-time fasting can exacerbate dehydration, leading to dull, dry, and more sensitive skin. Start making these skin tips and fixes a habit during Ramadan and keep the momentum going for a glowing complexion all yearround! Get your eight-a-day One of the biggest side-effects of fasting on your body is dehydration. Therefore, it’s a good idea that, in the month leading up to Ramadan, you try to drink at least two litres (eight glasses) of water a day. This will help your skin to store up the extra moisture needed to see you through day-time fasting hours during Ramadan with your glow intact. When we’re dehydrated, skin can become cracked and dry as collagen – which normally plumps it up, begins to break apart. Slather on the moisturiser You’ll want to keep a to-go tub or tube of heavy-duty moisturiser in your handbag with you at all times to reapply throughout the day while you’re fasting. To offset the effects of dehydration, the most effective way to lock in moisture is to hydrate your skin with moisturising cream directly after washing it with lukewarm water. We love: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. Price: RO13.1. Avoid the sun While fasting it’s best to avoid prolonged direct contact with those harmful UVA and UVB rays. (And, let’s face it, it’s just too darn hot to be outdoors anyway!). But when your skin is dehydrated, it becomes all the more susceptible 042

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to sun damage and can burn more easily. If you do have to venture out, make sure you’re armed with an SPF of at least factor 50 – and, wear a hat! We love: Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen. Price: RO4.2. You are what you eat WAs if we needed another reminder that a healthy glow comes from the inside out, in the lead-up to Ramadan following a balanced, nutritious diet full of essential vitamins and nutrients may seem like a nobrainer. We get it. But it’s all part-and-parcel of helping your body to be fighting-fit before fasting, and reducing or cutting out certain foods and beverages. These include caffeine, sugar, and dairy; all of which can speed up the breakdown of collagen, weaken our immune systems, contribute to bloating and puffiness, and lead to breakouts and inflammation. Instead, try to consume as much fibre and vitamin-dense foods as possible – such as nuts, fish, fruit, and vegetables; which can help to repair damaged skin cells. When to go pro? If you’re finding your pores are being too problematic during the month of fasting, then it might be worthwhile investing in a visit to a licensed cosmetic professional for a skin-boosting facial treatment. Often, these procedures can help pump your pores full of the enzymes and minerals it lacks when dry, damaged, and dehydrated. Procedures such as hydra-facials or facial peels containing mild glycolic and lactic acid should be your treatments of choice. Or, if you want to go the at-home route, make sure you have the right products on-hand to help you on the way – such as a pH-balanced ultra-gentle conditioning face wash. We love: Glossier Milk Jelly Cleanser. Price: RO6.9.

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HEART

OF THE MATTER Coronary heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death. Andrew Mason shares his experience with Y, and reports on how to avoid being one of its victims

iddle-aged people are more active and younger in spirit, attitude, and outlook than they’ve ever been. And while it’s all very well repeating that well-worn mantra that ‘you’re only as young as you feel’, the body can sometimes fail to get with ‘the program’. The fact is, those pains in the chest might not just be the sign of getting a bit puffed out after trying to show your kids you’ve still got it when it comes to kicking a football about. They might be indicative of an impending heart attack. And the worrying thing is, it can happen to anyone, at any time, at any age. Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries around the heart become blocked up by fatty material. When they narrow, they can’t supply enough blood to the heart, causing part of the heart muscle to die. A cardiac arrest will occur when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood around the body. A couple of years ago I woke up and realised I felt like I was coming down with a cold. By lunchtime, I suddenly felt a tightness in my chest I had never felt before. It felt a bit like a highly incisive form of indigestion. I suddenly felt breathless, and trying not to panic, I started thrashing around trying to find my phone to call for an ambulance. Having been rushed to hospital, I was hooked up to an ECG (a device that checks the heart’s electrical activity) I felt the pain again, only this time it was devastating. Suddenly I was thrust onto a trolley and hurriedly wheeled to another part of the hospital where I had a stent (a small mesh tube) inserted into one of my arteries, which was almost completely blocked. Although I survived, I’ve been wondering what I could (and should) have done to prevent it. I was 50, don’t smoke or drink, ate fairly healthily, and was reasonably active. Could it have been stress or overwork? Possibly, yes.

My doctor told me that people in sedentary jobs may undergo stressful periods during which the heart can be pushed more than usual, which makes it beat faster, requiring more oxygen. According to NHS UK, some of the warning signs of a heart attack include light-headedness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea and pain in other parts of the body. It can be a pain that feels as if it’s spreading from your chest to your arms, neck, stomach, back and neck. Common causes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, inactivity, stress, and an unhealthy diet. A family history of cardiac trouble is also a risk factor for coronary heart disease. So perhaps I needed to start paying more attention to my lifestyle and eating habits, even though I hadn’t thought they were that careless. And Dr. Stephen Kopecky, a cardiologist at the estimable Mayo Clinic, in Minnesota, United States, says there are four steps everyone can do to prevent a heart attack.

These are: ● Not smoking. ● Getting your body mass index (BMI) down to 25. ● Eating at least five portions of fruit and veg a day. ● Having at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. Dr. Kopecky says: “If you can do those four things, it has been shown to lower your risk of dying, having a heart attack, or a stroke by 40 per cent. “You may say ‘that’s not much’ but let’s compare that to stents. Stents don’t lower your chance of that at all. And with a by-pass it’s about half that. “These lifestyle things are incredibly important. These are not things that will cost you a lot of money. “We are more and more people suffering heart attacks in their 20s. “Now it could be a case of going back to basics, such as exercise and eating right. Some studies are showing us how effective these four things are.” It’s only when you get a jolt from the blue that you get the proverbial wake-up call. Now I take Ramipril, bisoprolol, and aspirin to help keep my blood pressure low and to hopefully prevent a repeat. So the message is clear, guys (and girls). When your Mum told you to stop eating junk and to get some exercise, she was right (again). 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.’ (Sources: NHS UK, The Mayo Clinic, Dr. Stephen Kopecky) MAY 02 - 08 / ISSUE 567

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YUMMY

SWEET HARVEST

The use of dates tracks a long history back through millennia as an indelible part of the culinary tradition of the Arab world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially during Ramadan

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New Restaurant

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A taste of

tradition

Dates never fail to satisfy as a snack, an accompaniment to coffee, or as an integral ingredient to tasty treats. Swati Basu Das finds some recipes that really deliver for this most delectable of dried fruits

or many like Badar Al Abri, who lives in a village near Quriyat, date palms are rightly considered to be the “tree of life” – a symbol of love and prosperity. A visit to the Sultanate’s date farms unfolds an exquisitely cultivated custom among locals. This ‘tree of life’, is planted in the garden and acquires a family status the moment a child is born in the family. Badar explains: “As our forebearers specified – Planting a date palm when a child is born in the family will bring prosperity and provide him/her with all nourishment through the lifetime. The date palm will grow to represent the child in this garden. Most locals follow the saying.” As we embrace this legend, let’s also consider a few more factors that make dates a ‘super fruit’. From dark or light brown to ebony black, the syrupy richness of the tender date fruits contains wholesome nutritional goodness. Holding its religious significance during the Holy month of Ramadan, this cardinal fruit is an energy-filled portion of a balanced

diet during the iftar. The nutritional facts: Apart from providing a high level of energy, dates help to maintain a healthy blood-sugar level. The probiotic fibre and phytosterol in date fruit absorb cholesterol. During the Holy month, having date fruit before consuming the complex food helps in the digestive process. Taken on an empty stomach, a date fruit nourishes, detoxifies and cleanses the body. Types of dates: Date palms constitute 80 per cent of all fruit crops produced in Oman. Khunaizi and Khalas are the most delicious table dates. The bright yellow khalas contains 65 per cent sugar and is the most delightful, followed by the dark red khasab and fardh. Eaten fresh during the season and/or half a day later, the yield comes from Ibri. The reddish-yellow qashtabaq, light-yellow hilali dates with 60 per cent sugar content, naghal and mebselli also make it into the chart. Let dates not only be your perfect starter during your fasting month but also a key ingredient in your sweet treats.

No-Bake Vegan Date Brownies Sticky-sweet and satisfyingly fudgy, these delicious vegan treats are a staple for iftar or suhoor! Ingredients: (one cup = 150g) § 1 cup chopped Medjool dates § 1 cup rolled oats § 1 cup almond butter or other nut butter ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ teaspoon salt Method: § Soak dates in hot water to cover in a medium bowl for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water. § Meanwhile, line a 20cm-square baking tray with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over two sides. Lightly coat with a cooking spray. § Process oats in a food processor until finely ground. Add the drained dates, nut butter, cocoa powder and salt; process until very finely chopped. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved soaking

water, one tablespoon at a time. Spread the mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate until cold, for about one hour. Remove from the pan by lifting the overhanging parchment. Cut into 16 squares. § To make ahead: refrigerate for up to 4 days.

(Source: www.eatingwell.com)

It’s a Date! Shake Recipe Cooling, sweet, and delicious, this summer thirstquencher offers up a delightful twist on the traditional milkshake. Ingredients: § ¼ cup soy, rice or almond milk § 565ml, dairy-free vanilla ice cream § 1 cup ice § 8 Medjool dates, pitted Method: § In a blender, combine non-dairy milk and ice cream. Blend until smooth. Add more non-dairy milk, if needed. Add ice and blend again until smooth. Add dates and blend until incorporated, leaving some chunky pieces remaining. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

(Source: www.oprah.com)

Baked Oatmeal with Figs & Dates

Breakfast never tasted so decadently good as with a heaping helping of this lushly sweet and satisfyingly crunchy oatmeal. Ingredients: § 3 Tbsp, finely-chopped pecans § ¼ cup, plus 1 tablespoon raw sugar § 1 Tbsp, arrowroot or cornstarch § 3 Tbsp, unsalted butter 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats § 1 tsp, baking powder § ½ tsp, ground cinnamon § 6 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped § ¾ cup milk § 1 large egg § 2 fresh figs, thinly-sliced Method: § Preheat the oven to 220°C. § Combine the chopped pecans, one tablespoon of the raw sugar and the arrowroot in a small bowl. Place the butter in a deep 20cm pie dish and put it into the oven for five minutes, just until the butter has melted. Swirl the melted butter around the pan to grease it, then scoop out two teaspoons of the butter and add to the pecan mixture. Stir the pecan mixture together and then set aside. § In a large bowl combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, chopped dates and remaining 1/4 cup of raw sugar. Add the egg, milk and remaining melted butter to the bowl then stir together well. Pour the mixture into the buttered pie dish and decorate with the sliced figs. Sprinkle the pecan streusel mixture over top. § Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until browned around the edges and set. Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature with yogurt and fresh fruit.

(Source: www.thekitchn.com)

MAY 02 - 08 / ISSUE 567

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

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KARGEEN Al Bashair Street, Madinat Qaboos Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. till midnight Contact: (+968) 9925-3351 Dinner for three: RO29.5

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

An Omani-themed restaurant serving up a diverse range of cuisines to tickle the tastebuds and appeal to a mass audience.

KARGEEN

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

TEAM Y FINDS THAT FARE FROM THEIR ADOPTED HOMELAND IS A require the sides or the curry to go along with the HEARTY WAY TO END A HARD DAY AT THE OFFICE dish. It was exquisite to such an extent that an

hotspot for shisha lovers and a haven for authentic Omani shuva seekers; the Kargeen restaurant in the heart of Madinat Qaboos has long been a staple for those looking for an all-out luxury dining experience – like you’d expect from an upmarket eatery in a starrated hotel in Muscat. While the latter presents plenty of luxe and frills to accentuate what you pay for, Kargeen offers customers a hearty journey through the history and heritage of Oman. With dining areas spread across the property – from outdoor seating swathed in verdant foliage to tables nestling in more secluded, cosy spots inside – Kargeen has something to offer every customer. Therefore, it’s not surprising that it draws back discerning diners, like us. Our needs, however, on the day of this outing were different. We required a calm (and dry) spot for a fairly substantial supper on an otherwise thundery evening. So, after waiting in the lounge, we were approached by our waiter – Bijoy – a soft-spoken Indian man who amenably talked us through the elaborate menu. With Western offerings to more regional dishes, Kargeen’s menu can be a bit tedious – especially if you’re visiting the place for the first time. But, upon the recommendation of our waiter, we began with a serving of hummus and boram (a

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mildly-spiced Yemeni soup). Meanwhile, our main course was a serving of the mandi dajaj and a serving of penne al funghi (penne pasta). It took a good 10 minutes for the starters to arrive, but it’s hard to fault the chefs, as the presentation of the dishes was beyond what we’d normally expect from a mid-range restaurant in the capital. Served in an Omani clay pot, the piping hot stew of mutton and spices sat very well with us. Strewn with tender meat that fell off the bone as we picked it up, and garnished with strong spices and a base of lentils, the tanginess of the soup is what kept us going back for seconds, and inevitably, thirds. The hummus, meanwhile, was gathered from a freshly prepared bunch as the writer – who considers himself a hummus expert – could say from the fragrance of the ground chick peas. Our only qualm would be the lack of added tahini, which gave the hummus a coarser finish and a sourer taste. It was still an absolute delight to devour though, with the hot and baked pitta bread. Next to arrive was the mandi dajaj from our main course. Presented to us in plates on a straw mat, and garnished perfectly with caramelised onions, and a piece of chicken so tender that the meat fell right off the bone, the dish hit all the notes you’d expect it to. Paving the way for its delectability was the fragrant rice that was brushed ever so slightly with expensive saffron and cashews. We didn’t even

Omani – who knows his shuva – would lick his fingers clean. This was also the case with the white sauce pasta. With its thick sauce and luscious bread baked around the bowl that locked in all the emanating flavours from the melted cheese, the penne pasta was cooked to perfection that then oozed into the dish itself. Each bite of the dish was a revelation of zest so aromatic and divine that we felt it a crime to break into a sliver of pasta and the healthy dose of mushrooms. We’re drooling thinking about it – which should be the ultimate testament to how well the chefs know their fare. Without any hesitation, it was a 10/10 in our books – and we’ve even come to setting it as the benchmark for pastas we’ll have and possibly eat from here on. We even skipped puddings to end on a high note on the night. At a time when restaurants are shutting up shop owing to tougher economic times, it’s important to keep in mind that Kargeen still hasn’t gone over to the dark side to cut corners since we last tried out their chow in 2010. Perhaps it’s because Kargeen pegs itself as a restaurant that offers customers an authentic Omani experience; truly scrumptious dishes with a dash of hospitality. ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com.