Y Magazine #577, July 18, 2019 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Absolute altitude OMAN’S INTREPID PLANESPOTTING COMMUNITY Y Geek Squad

INSIDE THE 4TH OMAN PLAYSTATION TOURNAMENT

MUSCAT INT’L AIRPORT TO DEPLOY 10 News: NEW DRONE DETECTION SYSTEM

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DESTINATION: A royal rose in Bahla TASTE TEST: Volare Pizzeria YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

JUL 18 - 24 2019 / ISSUE 577 • WEEKLY

ONE NATION, ONE VOICE

PLUS!

IN CELEBRATION OF THE 49TH RENAISSANCE DAY, WE BRING YOU THE FACES AND STORIES FROM THE SOUL OF THE NATION – ITS PEOPLE – AS THEY REFLECT ON LIFE IN OMAN AND HOW THEY AIM TO GIVE BACK TO THE COUNTRY THAT, FOR MANY, SHAPED THEIR IDENTITY.

YUMMY OMAN: 01 NOVEMBER / ISSUE 258 MUSCAT’S TOP24TEA SHOPS

FIRST DRIVE: THE ALL-NEW AUDI A7

POSTCARD: KANDY, SRI LANKA

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE… W

hat is a nation without a people to build it? An idea; a dream; an abstract concept of what could be. It takes a society coming together under one flag, one nation, to build a community with diverse perspectives and experiences working together towards a shared goal. But who is the dreamer behind the noble vision we’re carrying out? As Oman’s 49th Renaissance Day approaches on July 23 ,2019 we’ve reached out to the nation in honour of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, and in tribute to his leadership and vision for the people of our country that has led the Sultanate down the road to greatness. From the foundations of development and infrastructure, to advancement and growth across the sectors of healthcare and education, and an appreciation for and adherence to the beauty of Oman’s cultures and traditions through the arts – all are reflections of His Majesty’s wisdom and effort. In our cover story this issue, we speak to locals and expats for whom Oman has shaped their life experience – both for those who were born in the Sultanate and those who have made it their home by choice. Their message is one of hope and gratitude as they herald our nation’s achievements. Also in this issue, we cast our eyes to the skies as we go plane-spotting with one very active group of enthusiasts here in Oman, meet a shop-owner and currency collector in Muttrah whose collection holds a special message of patriotism to the Sultanate, and head to Bahla to witness the cultivation of a unique rose from The Netherlands, dedicated to His Majesty. Plus, we slip behind the wheel of the all-new Audi A7 in First Drive, and pour ourselves a cup of karak chai at some of the city’s top tea shops over in our Yummy Oman pages. Until next week, happy reading!

Team Y EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi ADMIN MANAGER Yousef al Harrassi REPORTER Hassan al Lawati

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. JUL 18 - 24 / ISSUE 577

contents JUL

Your Oman

2019

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman Clinton Povo 10

News Muscat Airport to deploy new drone detection system

News Oman Logistics Center seeks fresh ideas from Omani youth

16 Artistic Renaissance Take in some truly unique works of patriotic art this Renaissance Day at the Oman Eco-Art Exhibition 17 Movies Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ is hitting theatres across Oman and we’re predicting its the weekend’s biggest blockbuster!

Features 18 One nation, one voice With Renaissance Day just around the corner, Team Y hits the streets of the Sultanate to find out how Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty, has shaped the lives of those who call our nation home 24 Absolute altitude Chasing contrails with Oman’s plane-spotting community 28 Love notes We meet a currency collector in Muttrah whose portfolio of rare notes contains a patriotic message

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination A royal rose in Bahla 34 First Drive Audi A7

Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Summer swimwear splash

38 Y-Fi The heat-busters

Food and Drink 44 Yummy Oman Muscat’s top tea shops 46 Taste Test Volare Pizzeria

42 Beauty Custom cosmetics

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

CMY

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

Ed’s wed! Ed Sheeran’s relationship status has been a source of speculation since he hinted at being married in August of last year. Well Sheeran fans, wonder no more. On his latest collaboration track featuring 50 Cent and Eminem, Sheeran sings the words, “Watch how the lyrics in the songs might get twisted / My wife wears red but looks better without the lipstick.” Asked if the lyrics meant Seaborn was now indeed his wife, Ed confirmed that two were indeed married at a secret ceremony last year. Sorry fangirls, Ms. Seaborn beat you to the punch - or rather, Mrs. Sheeran did. Birthday excess Cardi B and Offset just celebrated their daughter Kulture’s first birthday party. Paper hats? A few friends? Ice cream cake and a piñata maybe? Of course not! The couple reportedly spent over $400,000 on the bash for their mini-me. They rented out an exclusive venue in New York City, invited a horde of guests, and even spent ¼ of their budget on the cake – which was themed with characters and references to the Netflix children’s show, ‘Word Party’. If this is how they roll for a first birthday, can’t wait to see what they do for her Sweet Sixteen! Swift advice Taylor Swift, who’s upset about music manager Scooter Braun’s purchase of her song catalogue, has been publicly slamming the sale online, claiming it to be unfair. Enter Kelly Clarkson. The fellow pop singer who’s almost ten years Swift’s senior Tweeted some sage words of advice to the popstar: “@taylorswift13 just a thought, U should go in & re-record all the songs that U don’t own the masters on exactly how U did them but put brand new art & some kind of incentive so fans will no longer buy the old versions. I’d buy all the new versions just to prove 06

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a point.” Although what that point is, is still a bit unclear. But what we do know is that the embattled pop star has no shortage of talent, money, or fans and we’re sure she’ll be able to ’shake it off’. Battle of the popstars? English singer Noel Gallagher, one-time member of Oasis, part-time rock star, and full-time Grumpy Gus, has gotten into a war of words with Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi. Well - not so much a war of words, as an old man directing blind rage at a target who really doesn’t seem to mind. Capaldi is known for being goofy and silly and humble and for not taking himself too seriously - precisely the opposite of Gallagher. When Gallagher calls Capaldi a rude name, Capaldi wears a T-shirt with a picture of Gallagher’s face inside a heart. Gallagher says Capaldi looks like Chewbacca from Star Wars and Capaldi changes his profile picture on his social media accounts to match. It seems no matter what the aging rock star throws at him, it rolls right of Capaldi’s back. Making things tougher for Gallagher is his own brother and daughter have taken Capaldi’s side! Rough. Rocky’s in a hard place Singer A$AP Rocky is still in jail following his arrest in Sweden last week. The ‘No Limit’ singer is facing assault charges after an altercation in the streets between his entourage and a pair of young men. In a video posted to social media, Rocky addresses the camera and shows the young men in question, explaining that he and his crew want no trouble but that they’re being followed and harassed. Swedish law requires the charges to be explored thoroughly and for the case to be tried. Meanwhile Rocky has had to cancel his remaining tour dates. Singers from the US, as well as fans online have been vocally asking for Rocky’s release, with an online petition garnering over half a million signatures.

Billie’s new ‘Bad Guy’ The Billie Eilish song we all know and love has just gotten a new lease on life. Teaming up with Justin Bieber, Eilish released a remix of ‘Bad Guy’ over the weekend, and it features an all new verse by Justin himself! Eilish was clearly excited by the new version, posting a throwback photo of her and Bieber to announce its release. Whether the new version is better than the original, mixing Bieber’s sweet R&B vocals into Eilish’s minimal dark music is going to be divisive! Ed’s album-drop Ed Sheeran’s ‘No.6 Collaborations Project’ – from which a few songs have been drip-fed to fans over the last few weeks, is finally here. Over the weekend Sheeran dropped the full album, rife with unexpected but welcome collaborations including Camila Cabello and Cardi B, and a track called ‘Remember the Name’ featuring 50 Cent and Eminem! Bebe’s back! Bebe Rexha has just dropped a new song from her upcoming (as of yet untitled) album. The song, ‘Harder’, is said to be about female empowerment and about women making sure they get what they need out of a relationship. And she certainly got what she needed out of the musical relationship with British sensation Jax Jones, with whom she collaborated on the track. The minimal music video is really cool too, featuring cartoon versions of Jones and Rexha on a tin can. Sounds weird till you watch it! 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 Virgin Radio in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN CLINTON POVO, AN ENTREPRENEUR IN THE FIELD OF SUSTAINABILITY TALKS ABOUT HOW OMAN HAS DEVELOPED AND IS MOVING TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: As Oman prepares to mark it’s 49th Renaissance Day, we’re asking our readers what do you think has been the most significant growth or advancement the country has witnessed to date? SHAKIL NARMAWALA

s an expat who’s lived in the Sultanate all his life – that’s 26 years – I’ve seen this country grow and develop into a nation that’s truly great. Whether you look at its infrastructure – roads, buildings, hospitals, schools, and the like – or the overall outlook of the country’s economy, a lot has been done over the last 49 years. Combine that with the peaceloving attitude of the Omani people and a non-intrusive or aggressive attitude towards other countries, and we see a future that’s not just safe for us, but perhaps for all nations in the GCC who can follow on the footsteps of our country. This comes from the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said – a visionary by all means and a role model to millions. But, one thing that’s remained through the years is how Oman has maintained its culture and heritage. And, through that, comes a love for maintaining a sustainable attitude across all respects. This makes life easier for those of us who are trying to promote ecofriendly products that will reduce Oman’s carbon and plastic footprints, because its youth can understand the importance of changing tracks [towards sustainability]. Is it through education, or the way they’ve been raised? It’s a difficult one to answer. But, perhaps Oman’s youth want to erase any mistakes – no matter how small they are in comparison to the rest of the world – that their forefathers have created. This is precisely why Oman will be a successful nation across all avenues in times to come.

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Under the able guidance and leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the country has achieved new heights with progress and development in various areas. In parallel, there’s been a significant increase in the confidence and faith the country and people have shown in His Majesty’s vision, which is apparent from the growing patriotic spirit and their immense love for His Majesty and the country. One thing that stands out from all achievements, is that Oman’s has established itself as a symbol of peace and harmony – not only in the region, but in the entire world. In a time when neighbouring Gulf countries and other parts of the world are struggling with peace, the Sultanate has played a key role as a mediator and peacemaker to resolve conflicts. This truly is a highly noble achievement under His Majesty.

DR. TAMANNA DALWAI

In my opinion, Oman’s resplendent achievement of the 49th Rennaissance Day is its advancement in human capital development. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s vision has been inspirational and well-implemented to achieve educational development in the country. Through careful planning, every region in Oman is sourced with schools to provide free education. A significant

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percentage of the country’s annual budget is allotted to the education sector. Omani citizens are provided opportunities through sponsorships to continue with higher education. Additionally, the country has also ensured that quality higher education is available close to home through government-sponsored and private colleges/ universities. The outcome of these initiatives has resulted in a qualified workforce for the government and industrial sector. In 2018, Oman was ranked 48th out of 189 countries for Human Development Index by the United Nations. This is further evidence of the country’s successful planning and implementation towards human capital development. Finally, the best achievement indicator is 99 per cent Omanisation in 70 per cent government organisations and 80.4 per cent Omanisation in the financial and insurance sectors. The phenomenal growth of Omani citizens is the pride and prosperity of the nation.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

On the occasion of the 49th Renaissance Day, I sincerely congratulate His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said and the people of Oman from the bottom of my heart. The Sultanate has come a long way ever since His Majesty took charge in 1970. His visionary policies have established Oman’s credibility on the international stage as one of the most sincere and active nations in promoting peace, social justice, and

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universal brotherhood. Road development and connectivity, and health and educational facilities in Oman have also taken a big leap under the wise leadership of His Majesty and are truly world-class. Each and every village is connected with health centers and schools; all the big towns are connected with two-way highways and most of the villages are connected via pitch roads with nearby big towns. Oman has established itself as one of the safest tourist destinations in the Gulf and the tourist influx is increasing year-after-year. I sincerely pray His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said be blessed to always carry the nation to further greater heights.

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DARYLL ALTAMERA

Oman is a country that’s memorialized the great achievement of its people for the last 49 years under the courageous and wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, who has worked tirelessly to build our nation and a better life for its citizens. Oman has witnessed comprehensive development processes, efforts, plans, and programs in the areas of education, healthcare, social development, and culture and it continues to soar high in building the capabilities of its armed forces for the security of the nation. As part of the country’s growing economy, the Sultanate has continued its good efforts by enhancing the importance of diversifying sources of GDP growth that focus on the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It’s also renewed its commitment to ecotourism, protecting and supporting conservation endeavours in order to maintain unpolluted, uncontaminated, and undisturbed natural wonders. Meanwhile the government has introduced a new ‘sin’ tax on certain products to reduce its reliance on oil revenue, and the economy appears to be in good shape and should largely maintain its momentum of growth. As the country celebrates its 49th Renaissance Day, it brings a new milestone for achieving sustainable development across all fields in different parts of the Sultanate. Oman has been moving ahead with firm and carefully-studied steps to achieve its noble goals under the guidance of His Majesty great efforts; and its values of justice strengthen the pillars of its rule of law and institutions to achieve prosperity for the Omani people.

JACQUELINE V. MAPANAO was spotted with her favourite Y Magazine at KIMS Oman Hospital in Muscat.

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MUSCAT AIRPORT TO DEPLOY NEW DRONE DETECTION SYSTEM

uscat International Airport will soon be rolling out a new drone detection system, reports Muscat Daily. In an agreement signed on Sunday between Oman Airports, German firm Aaronia AG, and R&N Khimji, the drone detection system will use radio frequency to detect drones or other aerial devices in the nearby airspace. While other forms of drone detection that rely on radar technology can experience problems from interference, leading to low rates of detection and accuracy, the radio frequency technology soon to be deployed at Muscat International Airport will assist in improving air navigation and enhanced safety with take-offs and landings. “This falls within our priorities to ensure the highest degree of safety for passengers and airlines using Oman’s airports,” said Oman Airports CEO Sheihk Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni. “Aaronia’s unique solution, offered today at our airport, uses [the] latest RF detection technologies and emits no signals.”

NEW PETROL STANDARD SPECIFICATION TO COME INTO EFFECT A decision promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce on January 20, 2019 on the Omani standard of specification for unleaded petrol will officially come into effect on July 21, 2019 in line with the Gulf Standardization Organization, reports Muscat Daily. In a press release, Hiba bint Yasir bin Saud al Mazrouiya, a chemical product specification expert in the Directorate General of Standards and Metrology, said that the standard specifications will detail the requirements for unleaded petrol for engines

designed to operate with such fuel. Unleaded petrol is classified according to its octane number which ranges from excellent – with an octane number of 95, and normal – which carries an octane number of 91. High-octane petrol can also be produced up to 98, stated al Mazrouiya, which is the standard specification for unleaded petrol approved by Ministerial Order No. 205/2018 in relation to the upgrade of local technical specifications of petrol and to accommodate the requirements of new vehicle models in the market as of 2018.

JOINT OPERATIONS FOR MWASALAT AND NFC IN THE WORKS

he Sultanate’s integrated service provider, ASYAD Group has recently announced it will begin work on a consolidation of its administrative and operational functions between the Omani National Transportation Company (Mwsalat) and the National Ferries Company (NFC), reports Oman Observer. Joint efforts between the departments of customer service, contracts and procurement, finance, human resources, information systems and more come amid a bid to reduce costs, improve spending efficiency, and drive performance through the development of high-quality, integrated products. The decision to consolidate comes as part of ASYAD Group’s structured plan for integration of Oman’s public services sector that it’s been implementing over the last three years. According to ASYAD Group CEO, Abdulrahman al Hatmi, the move to consolidate reflects the aim of optimizing the group’s financial and human resources and improving operations with the goal of making the Sultanate a global logistics hub, creating more opportunities for employee growth and career development.

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PULSE OF OMAN

GALLERY

Y MAGAZINE WELCOMES AWARDWINNING PHOTOGRAPHER ISMAIL AL FARSI TO THE TEAM WITH A SELECTION OF HIS ICONIC IMAGES

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ultan Qaboos University (SQU) and Omantel will join hands toward the establishment of a stateof-the-art Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre on the SQU campus, reports Muscat Daily. The agreement was signed last week by Dr. Rahma Ibrahim al Mahrooqi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research at SQU, and Talal bin Said al Mamari, CEO of Omantel. The cooperation program will contribute to driving economic growth through the development of an innovation- and knowledge-based economy. Speaking to press at the agreement signing, Dr. Rahma said: “No two people will disagree on the importance of innovation in today’s world, as it’s the substance that leads to countless gains – whether economically, socially, or intellectually. On the economic

NEW VENTURE TO PROMOTE INNOVATION IN THE SULTANATE level, innovation is the key driver that contributes to enhancing and adding new value to existing resources and methods, and contributes to the development of new industries, products, and services, which in turn create jobs and multiple opportunities for young people, and will ultimately drive Oman’s economic growth.” “We’re delighted with this new partnership with SQU,” echoed Omantel CEO Talal bin Said al Mamari. “This partnership is one among many that Omantel has signed with the university which have proven to be successful – with the latest being the establishment of an Internet of Things Lab, in addition to the Omantel Fund for Scientific Research in the fields of ICT and nanotechnology.”

OLC SEEKS FRESH IDEAS OMAN’S CARGO HANDLER FROM OMANI YOUTH WINS ACHIEVEMENTS

he Oman Logistics Center (OLC), is call on the Sultanate’s youth to register their ideas for entrepreneurial innovation through the Ibhar Incubation Program, reports Muscat Daily. Seeking to promote young businesses and the growth of successful startups, the program was launched by ASYAD Group and offers space, business support services, training and mentoring, marketing, and networking opportunities for Oman’s young entrepreneurs. OLC has pinpointed several industries that could benefit from new ideas for improvement in an

effort to better serve the general population – including postal waste management, container maintenance, and plastic pallets manufacturing. Aiming to provide focused support for local startups to grow their business and sustain the jobs created by them, OLC has proposed to develop a supportive environment with strong industry ties where young entrepreneurs can capitalize on available business opportunities both within ASYAD Group and across the Sultanate’s logistics sector. To register with the Ibhar Incubation Program, young entrepreneurs can log on to www. asyad.om before August 1, 2019.

AWARD IN ITALY

he Oman Air SATS Air Cargo – the nation’s cargo operations handler at Muscat International Airport, has won the award for Best Enterprise and Business at the Achievements Forum 2019, in Milan, Italy, reports Muscat Daily. The Achievement Forum seeks to support, promote, and develop the best regional companies, institutions, and personalities in different fields by identifying and

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rewarding excellence in motivation to raise the standards of their product and service offerings. Their awarding body honours excellence across various fields including business and economy, science and education, healthcare, culture, and art. Receiving this international award has become a guide for consumers looking for the best offerings in various services and goods with Oman Air SATS Air Cargo now joining their ranks.

LITERARY LAUNCH

GALLERY

LUXURY HOTEL ALILA JABAL AKHDAR LAUNCHED ITS FIRST BOOK TITLED, ‘TALES FROM JABAL AKHDAR’

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PHOTOGRAPHER SAVIOUR PETER CAPTURES THE ACTION OF THE 4TH OMAN PLAYSTATION TOURNAMENT AT MALL OF MUSCAT

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THE GRILL SOCIETY

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE Our favourite foodie Friday is back at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat with the return of The Grill Society at The Kitchen restaurant. Devour prime cuts, succulent short ribs, and seafood grills at one of the most sensational dining experiences in town. Held every Friday from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., prices start from RO26 per person inclusive of soft drinks, and RO36 per person with enhanced package. Plus, families can enjoy a complimentary game of bowling with their reservation! For more information or to book call (+968) 2498-5000.

ARTISTIC RENAISSANCE Looking for a unique way to celebrate the 49th Oman Renaissance Day? Then why not head down to the Waterfront Muscat in Shatti Al Qurum and take in some truly unique works of art at Oman’s Eco-Arts Exhibition? Presented by Plasbex and under the auspices of The Omani Society for Fine Arts, participating artists have been asked to create a sustainable work of art by using recycled materials and their creative prowess to craft a portrait of His Majesty in celebration of Renaissance Day. The exhibition will run until July 28 and those interested can visit www.plasbin.com/plasbex for more details.

JULY 19

A TASTE OF MEXICO

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WHAT TO DO.

WEEK J

WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

Head out to the Crowne Plaza OCEC this Wednesday and revel in some true South-ofthe-Border flavours at their ‘Happy Cactus’ night! From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. guests can indulge in a specially curated Mexican food and beverage menu for RO15. To book your table now, call (+968) 9065-4364 or email dine.cpmuscatocec@ihg.com.

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MOVIES MOVIES about the film’s title, lead character Harry idolizes Steve McQueen and uses the name as an alias during the heist. As thrilling as the movie initially tries to be, it might as well be considered a rom-com given the plot’s strong focus on Harry and Molly’s relationship, as well as the comedic interaction between Harry and his gang. On the plus side the soundtrack is exceptional, and the spot-on cinematography captures that 80s-era vibe perfectly.

Kadaram Kondan Cast: Vikram, Abi Hassan, Akshara Haasan

The Lion King Cast: Seth Rogen, Beyonce Knowles, James Earl Jones The much-awaited remake to this Disney classic is definitely worth your money. Dive into the world of Simba once again in the African savannah as he fights for his true identity after the death of his father, King Mufasa.

Midsommar Cast: Jack Reynor, Florence Pugh, Will Poulter

Amidst the jealousy, betrayal, and tragedy that surrounds him, Simba finds true friendship and love that pushes him to stand up for his rights in the animal kingdom. The movie has spectacular CGI and

If you’re looking for a film that keeps you on your toes and gives you that quietly disturbing build-up that any true horror fan craves, then ‘Midsommar’ is probably for you – provided your stomach’s strong enough! Dani (Pugh) and Christian (Reynor) are a young couple with a relationship on the edge

the storyline is superb! Families with kids will most certainly leave the cinema with some valuable insights on “the circle of life”. Also, we’re absolutely hooked on its musical offerings!

of falling apart when a tragic event strikes Dani’s family and ends up keeping them together. Later on, a grieving Dani joins Christian and his friends on a trip to a remote Swedish village to take in a midsummer festival that only happens every 90 years. What was meant to be a promising, carefree holiday takes a sinister turn when they slowly discover that they’ve found themselves in the midst of a cult whose next sacrifice may just be them!.

Vasu is a young medical practitioner who’s just moved to Malaysia with his expectant wife. Their life is peaceful and idyllic until a home invasion and the subsequent abduction of his wife leaves him reeling. The perpetrator? A man named ‘KK’ – a highly-trained agent-turned-double-agent on the Malaysian police’s ‘Most-Wanted’ list for a high-profile murder case. Or was it murder…? As the film progresses with twist after turn, you’ll keep asking yourself ‘what’s next?’ With a top-notch score that captures the emotion of every scene spectacularly – be it in the middle of a chase, or on the verge of tears from some deep on-screen revelation, you’re sure to be on the edge of your seat.

Finding Steve McQueen Cast: Travis Fimmel, Rachael Taylor, Forest Whitaker

Inspired by the biggest U.S. bank heist of 1972 at Laguna Nagel’s United California Bank, ‘Finding Steve McQueen’ opens eight years after the robbery, in 1980, in a small Pennsylvania town where Harry (Fimmel) meets his longtime girlfriend Molly (Taylor) in a diner. Told during flashbacks as he regales her about who he really is, audiences witness the events that led Harry and his crew to rob what they suspect to be ‘dirty money’ donated to the re-election campaign of U.S. President Richard Nixon stashed in a safe deposit box. In case you were wondering

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

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ONE NATION, ONE VOICE IN CELEBRATION OF OMAN’S 49TH RENAISSANCE DAY, TEAM Y HIT THE STREETS OF THE SULTANATE TO BRING YOU THE FACES AND STORIES OF ITS PEOPLE AS THEY EXPRESS THEIR HOPES, DREAMS, AND ASPIRATIONS FOR THE NATION

he Sultanate of Oman: a haven in the Middle East for peace, prosperity, and unity. Forty-nine years have passed since the day the lantern that guides the nation towards these values was lit, set in motion on this momentous day – the July 23, 1970 – when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said ascended to its leadership. Since then, he’s taken the form of a guiding light who has shaped the basis of a country that holds with pride its status as a peaceful and diplomatic state in the Middle East and a light that we speak of today with love and respect. His benevolence and compassion have echoed worldwide. Perhaps, that’s why the Sultanate has since turned into a true global entity, embracing citizens and expats from the far ends of the globe. It’s also why residents such as Dr. Venugopal Rao have resided in the country for over 40 years and considers themselves to be Omani.

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“Indian by passport, but Omani by heart,” says the Indian-born pediatrician who first visited Oman in 1979 with his father, who was then a trader. Life, however, had other plans for him, and he has since resided in the country; visiting his homeland of Andhra Pradesh in India only for vacations with his family. “Oman [drew] me in pretty early and never let go. I still remember the day I first came to Oman: I’d

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“INDIAN BY PASSPORT, BUT OMANI BY HEART,” SAYS THE INDIAN-BORN PEDIATRICIAN WHO FIRST VISITED OMAN IN 1979 WITH HIS FATHER, WHO WAS THEN A TRADER

just taken a flight for the first time and landed at the Bait al Falaj Airport in a Gulf Air flight,” he reminisces. “I reached the airport; a small building with a customs office and officers. They were very sweet to us all, and immediately recognised my father. “They immediately offered us kahwa (Omani coffee), which the officers were sharing among themselves, and proceeded to check our bags and clear us through.

Ali al Barwani Professional in the oil and gas sector, and former CEO of the Oman Road Safety Association

orty-nine years have passed since His Majesty has ascended as the ruler of Oman. And what an amazing ride it’s been. From developing the education system, to the infrastructure, and building a strong economy, he’s done it all for the people of the nation. It’s because of all the planning, structure, and implementation that we could continue on this long and steady path to growth. Without his leadership skills, things may have been much different today. Today, Oman has a great reputation worldwide; standing as one of the most peaceful and diplomatic countries in the region. For that, we’d like to thank His

Majesty – it’s his vision to keep Oman as a place of peace that has resulted in us gaining recognition on a global stage. That said, his focus inside the nation has been vital too. Take his vision to create a safe place to live in – be it at work or home, or even on the roads. The latter is something I’ve been involved in, and I can tell you from experience that we’re moving closer to his vision – which is accident-free roads – by the day. All of this, along with the constant support from Omani citizens and expat residents alike, creates a country that can be considered one of the best places to live in the world.

the ethnicity of Omani – for example Omanis who came from Africa, Omanis who came from Baluchistan, Omanis who came from Iran, and the like – you can see that they brought with them different languages, traditions, and cultures. Still, His Majesty created a country and a system from scratch that would suit everyone. And regardless of that system, he managed to [have] people live together in peace. So, it’s not just the mix of Omanis, but this mix that we see today – of expats and Omanis living together – that’s simply beautiful. Muscat is essentially smaller than a city like Dubai, but just being able to see these many people from different nationalities, communities, and religions is truly amazing. I chose Oman for this and I feel like I’m at home even if I realise that I’m surrounded by people from all around the globe. So, what His Majesty built is more than just a nation that’s ever-developing in terms of its economy, politics, education, and health. He built a place that lets people from all over the world work and live together, and that’s unique. Giulia Cappellari Teacher and Italian expat

believe the extraordinary thing that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said managed to do was to create a country where everyone feels like they’re at home. If you think how many foreigners there currently are in Oman and how many nationalities constitute

Nowadays, there are a lot of challenges to keep this balance. And because the country is growing, there’s a lot of competition in this regard. But where His Majesty succeeds is in maintaining that balance while keeping this mix of Omanis and expats. This is why if you speak to someone who has left the country, they will say: “I miss Oman” or “I want to come back to Muscat.” I’m personally waiting to see the future that lies ahead for Oman. But from what we’ve seen so far, the Sultanate is on the right track. JUL 18 - 24 / ISSUE 577

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The journey that laid ahead was awe-inspiring for a young child of his age, he goes on to say. “Waiting for us outside was my father’s business partner, Sameer Sheikh, and his son Abbas – both Pakistani expats who had set up base in Oman. “It was strange for me; interacting with Pakistanis considering how the tensions had been between the two countries. My friends from India would’ve shouted at me had they known I had made Pakistani friends,” he laughs, as he looks at Dr. Abbas, who’s seated right next to him. Their friendship has lasted the test of time – and they peg it all to Oman, His Majesty, and its people. “Oman erases out every difference and unites people without boundaries,” Abbas adds. “If that is His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s goal, then he has achieved it. This is the only place in the world where everyone puts aside their differences to live equally.” If that wasn’t all, the Sultanate has also laid the foundation for the families of millions of people – both citizens and expats – who have found solace in the governance of His Majesty. Social, economic, and political rights alike – the Sultanate offers every resident in the country an opportunity to seize.

Since his ascension to the throne, Oman has witnessed nothing but growth. For instance, the GDP of the nation grew from a mere US$256.3mn in 1970 to a sizable US$79.5bn in 2018 (as per statistics revealed by the World Bank). Moreover, the road networks have transformed from simple, unpaved sandy paths to a world-class road system, with over 65,000kms of paved highways. His Majesty has also focused his efforts on matters of great importance, such as education, the empowerment of women in Oman, and forming strong cultural bonds within the nation that have helped it retain its identity as it forges ahead.

MY PEOPLE, I WILL PROCEED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE INTO A PROSPEROUS ONE WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE

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And, the story of Dr. Venugopal and Abbas Sheikh is only one among a countless number of stories of those who have come to the Sultanate in search of a prosperous life and safe living standards and have since resided here long enough to call Oman their home. This falls in line with His Majesty’s statement to the nation on July 23, 1970, nearly four decades ago. He said: “My people, I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your life into a prosperous one with a bright future. Every one of you must play his part towards this goal. “Our country in the past was famous and strong. If we work in unity and cooperation, we will regenerate that glorious past and we will take a respectable place in the world. “I call upon you to continue living as usual. I will be arriving in Muscat in the coming days and then I will let you know of my future. “My people, I and my new government will work to achieve our general objective. “My people, my brothers, yesterday it was Abdul Qader al Bulushi complete darkness and with the help of God, Former general manager of Al Yusr Islamic tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat, Banking, Oman Arab Bank Oman, and its people. “God bless us all and may He grant our hey say that it’s hard to remain objective about your own land – so, there’s efforts success.” no way I can talk down my land even though we’re on the cusp of tough As we clock 49 years of His Majesty’s economic times that [are] testing the best of us. reign in Oman, we speak to various Even so, I’ve lived in several countries in my time to know that the Sultanate is the residents to reflect on their emotions for place for me – it’s my home. Perhaps it’s the beauty of the place that’s coupled with the this country, their land, and their beloved welcoming nature of the people that allows me to love it even more. role model: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos They say that the people of a land follow the footsteps of their ruler. And, what better Bin Said. ■ role model is there than His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said? It’s a matter of pride for me to say that I live in a land where he’s the Sultan. Not only is he trying his best to constantly develop this nation – from its nature all the way to the economy and various other sectors – he’s also fostering a nation with loyal residents. The love and respect that the people have for His Majesty is a mark of his character and success as a leader. Even though 49 years have come and gone, one thing will always remain: His Majesty’s signature on the nation. We’re forever indebted to him.

irstly, let me take time to congratulate His Majesty on the 49th Renaissance Day. This is truly a great moment for us as it is for him. His vision and goals have made life in this country a peaceful one where we can all co-exist. It is because of him that we’ve received good education and can compete on a global stage. I can even speak in English when expat and tourist customers who can’t converse with us in Arabic come. There are several countries in the world – some even in the West and in Europe – where that wouldn’t happen. I work here in a shop to gain experience

Dhiaa al Haq 19-year-old Omani shopkeeper and cashier in a fruit shop in the Seeb Suq

hat makes Oman a desirable place to reside in? That’s the million-dollar question, if you

Mohammed Issa Canadian expat in Oman working as a researcher in an engineering firm

ask me. I’ve been in the country for only 30 days now, and I’ve already felt settled in and welcomed – be it at my workplace or even at home. I do miss my hometown of Québec and my second home which is in Dubai every now and then, but it’s hard for me to complain when the people of the nation are as polite, caring, and even modest. People who have been to and lived in other Arab countries will tell you how some people can come across as arrogant. But, I’m yet to find one here in Oman who seems that way. In truth, I feel more comfortable here than

Selected photography by Ismail Al Farsi. Additional images courtesy of Shutterstock for illustrative purposes only.

for my future, and its’ opportunities such as these – even though it may seem small to others – that have been created for us that lets us grow into a country with a wide variety of professions. Right now, there are no restrictions on the youth – the sky’s the limit. And, it’s up to you to go and grab these opportunities. It’s the way that the structure of our education system has been set that lets us do that. The goal is simple: you get to do whatever you desire and want to become. We’d like to thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said for that – and we wish him a long life and all the best for the future.

in both those places; maybe it’s the calmness and the pace at which the country moves that makes me feel that way. I’ve been told by my colleagues that all of this is because of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the ruler of the country. It’s truly amazing to see how much love there is for him in this country. His political and diplomatic standpoints shed light on how tolerance must be adopted as a major factor in international relations in the region. The Sultanate has a very long and successful path lying ahead of it. And I’m just glad that I get to be a part of it. Whether I’m here a decade from now or not, I can tell you one thing: I’m going to enjoy my ride while I can and soak in the beauty and culture of this beautiful country that is Oman.

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ABSOLUTE ALTITUDE COFFEE WITH Y MEETS ONE OMANI WHO HAS GAINED CELEB STATUS IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY – ALL IN THE NAME OF AN INSTAGRAM PAGE DEDICATED TO ‘PLANE-SPOTTING’

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aking the best out of an existing idea and tweaking it until it thrives on its own – that’s the mantra to success. To the average teenager, Instagram – the social media platform and image sharing app, is a great platform to showcase the various luxuries of life and share a few laughs with friends over the latest meme-of-the-day. Currently, it’s among the most-used platforms in the Sultanate; but the story of one 18-year-old Omani going beyond what your average ‘influencer’ achieves is nothing short of inspirational. This is how Hafedh al Ghannami rose from being a hardworking student to raking in enough followers – 12,100 and counting – to become one of Oman’s most-followed Instagram personalities. Today, his page, Aviation Oman, characterised by the handle ‘@aviationoman’, not only serves as one of the leading news portals for aviation news in the Asian region but also as a platform for him to interact and learn from airport management, flight engineers, pilots, and cabin crew. His dream: to become part of the managing team of an airline company. Whether his dream will be fulfilled is an answer that lies in the future, but the young student – who plans to pursue aviation management in university – is already partaking in the jet-set lifestyle, travelling with crew on delivery missions of flights and hanging out with the CEOs and managers of various airline companies. Speaking to Y, an enthusiastic Hafedh tells us: “My passion for aviation came at the age of 14 – which is only four years ago – but the intrigue I had in me when I just saw the flight fly over my head was great. “I was so mystified by how well everything was put together; the wires, the panels, and how the engines were thrusting the heavy object upwards. I also questioned what would be going through the mind of a pilot of an Airbus A380, which carries 400 passengers. “Would they find it challenging to fly a plane with so many lives on-board or is it just a part of their routine? “It was at that moment that I knew I had a flare in me for aviation.”

Hafedh goes on to reveal how his first desire was to become an airline pilot. But it’s one that he shelved in pursuit of a more grounded job that’s also close to his family here in Oman. “That’s when I thought of management. I’ve always had a penchant for managing – and even back in school I was heading eight departments – and I loved doing it. So, I’ve come to realise how that could be where I head with my career. Of course, managing an airline company is a whole different ball game – but it’s a challenge I’d like to take up.” Seeing a vacant spot on Oman’s Instagram scene in 2016, Hafedh then started his first Instagram page to cover everything aviation. His motto: provide Omani audiences with up-to-date and reliable news, interact with fellow plane-spotters, share images of Oman’s aviation with the world and, above all else, teach those interested in aviation about the various intricacies of the field. “In Oman, we don’t have a support for aviation as many other countries do. So, someone interested in this field would have to sign up for classes before they even realised if they wanted to do it or not. “That’s a gap I intend to fill when I restructured my thoughts on what this page would become.” To achieve this, Hafedh constantly publishes aviation videos and pictures with tutorial captions – a trend that has been well-received. “So, the idea is to post 100 per cent factual content that’s true and validated by officials in this industry. For example, when the Boeing 737 Max 8 grounding was happening worldwide, people were worried about whether the other variants of the 737 planes they’re flying in were also affected. “I put up a post stating why that wouldn’t be the case and explained – with inputs from officials and engineers – what was really going on.” Hafedh is also responsible for providing aviation news during the heavy rains that battered Oman in May; showing pictures of the airport and videos of how the winds affected the flights. “In aviation, it’s important to not only be putting out photos of aircraft. It’s imperative that you get the stories out – irrespective of whether they’re positive or negative – but it must be explained in such a manner that people understand

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and learn about it. Perhaps having contact with top CEOs such as Captain Mohamed Ahmed from SalamAir and various other flight engineers from companies such as Airbus at his fingertips also aids the cause. These are friends he picked up over the course of his tenure with his Instagram page. Despite that, his big break came when he was offered exclusive access to a ferry flight (flying an aircraft for returning

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to base or delivery to customer when new) from ToulouseBlagnac Airport in France to Muscat. Talking about his experience on the flight, he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something truly special about taking a ferry flight over a seven-hour-long journey. Being able to speak with the SalamAir CEO, the pilots who had kept their doors open for interaction, the quality control staff, sales manager, and commercial manager from Airbus and SalamAir just made it a

dream for me to be part of. “It was an immense learning experience, and a very insightful one too. At the end of the trip, the CEO even told me something that I will never forget. He said: ‘You can come with us on a delivery flight any time you want.’ And those were words of bliss for someone like me.” Despite the success arising from his Instagram page, Hafedh hasn’t forgotten his roots. He says that he still makes his way to the Azaiba Beach area early on weekends to catch glimpses of flights approaching the runway. He also snaps up images of the flights there. “I can’t go without a bit of plane-spotting every week. For this, me and my brother grab a cup of coffee and go to the beach area near Azaiba that’s safe for parking. We then talk about life and various other things as we spot planes line up for the runway. “It’s a very calming feeling,” says the young Omani. When asked about whether his Insta-fame and his links with top-dog management staff will eventually land him a job with one of the airlines, he says: “It’s important to keep in mind how much of a difference this Instagram page has made. Not only could I meet people who make decisions in airline

companies, I also learn a lot in the pursuit of facts “I won’t say I know everything. Maybe my knowledge stands at two per cent of things in the industry. But what I do know is that I have learned a lot over the last two years and that there’s a long way to go. “But, through it all, I have only one goal: to make a difference and a lasting impression on Oman’s aviation industry.” ■

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Love NOTES 028

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As the 49th Oman Renaissance Day approaches, Swati Basu Das meets one Bangladeshi expat whose love for his adopted homeland has led him to spend a lifetime collecting old currency that holds a very special message for His Majesty

ttam Kumar Shah’s souvenir shop in the Muttrah Souq showcases an array of collections highlighting Oman’s rich heritage and culture. From traditional Omani silver jewelry and artefacts, to Turkish lamps, his shop is nothing less than a treasure trove for tourists and locals. But little does anyone know about his most prized possession close to his heart. A Bangladeshi resident of Oman for last 30 years, and a businessman by vocation, Uttam cherishes one of the world’s oldest and rewarding hobbies – currency collection. A numismatist [a specialist in coins] and a notaphilist [a collector of banknotes] for the past fifteen years, his collection in this era of cryptocurrencies and bitcoin have a story to tell. Rare currency collection was considered a royal hobby in ancient times and originated in Rome during the 1st century AD – and it was a pastime that soon became an integral part of studying early economic and historical development through the use of money. Enjoyed worldwide, currency collection, otherwise known as the ‘hobby of kings’ continued to grow over the millennia. Notable coin collectors like Adam Eckfeldt, the chief coiner at the United States Mint often displayed his amassed collection of rare notes and coins during the 18th-century. Following in the footsteps of such renowned coiners like Eckfeldt and Virgil M. Brand, Uttam’s collection is a tour through time that spans nations and borders. His massive collection of international currencies documents an exquisite history. “My collection includes paper notes and metal coins from 120 countries around the world. It was not my childhood hobby. I started my collection over the past fifteen years, as I wanted to do something interesting other than just running my business,” he explains. He goes on to state that his collection of Indian currency notes is unique, rare, and extremely close to his heart. “The six-digit number – ‘181140’ and ‘001940’- on the currency notes exhibit the birthday and birth year of our esteemed and benevolent His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said,” he exclaims with a courteous gesture. From 1940 through to the present year his Indian paper note collection is a chronicle of birth year, month, and day of His Majesty –a labour of love that he’s spent the last 15 years sourcing and collecting with one of his friend Kailash Chandra Jinga , an Indian expat and businessman here in Oman. His rare Indian paper currency collection includes 1 rupee, 2 rupees, 5 rupees, 10 rupees, 20 rupees, 50 rupees and 100 rupees notes – all carrying the distinct six-digit serial number. “Some of the currency in this comprehensive collection dates back to 1950 and is very difficult to find with this unique six-digit number. Unlike metal coins, paper currencies can disintegrate, and their value has surged over past few years depending on various numismatic factors,” he says. As fellow numismatists and agents dealing in old or rare currencies scour the city looking for prized collections such as his, Uttam mentions that several buyers have already approached him. At his apartment near the Muttrah Souq, he shows us his collection. When asked if he would consider selling his pieces, he says: “I’m a buyer, not a seller. My collection is not for sale. It was real hard work to get this collection in order. Many people wanted to buy it and offered me huge amounts. But this prized collection is not for sale.” Uttam’s only desire is not to stack it or sell it for a vast sum, but rather to donate it to Oman’s National Museum as a token of love and gratitude for His Majesty and the Sultanate. Flipping through his currency album, he expresses his wish saying: “It’s my gift as a salute and admiration to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said who is a wise and a benevolent leader and respected worldwide. I will approach the National Museum and seek their help to donate it very soon.” Inspired by His Majesty and the beauty of Oman, Uttam explains, “The day I came to Oman I fell in love with its natural beauty and kindhearted people. The benevolence of His Majesty motivated me to collect these currencies. It’s my love and regard towards His Majesty, Oman, and the Omani people,” he says. His is a genuine love for the Sultanate that knows no political boundary. True love is not for sale and Uttam proves it well.

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Adventures

Cars

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Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

A NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BLOSSOM

The Sultan Qaboos Rose, a new species, grows in an Agricultural Research Station near Bahla

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

Y- F i

Outdoors

Cars

A Royal Rose Ismail Al Farsi heads to Bahla on a Destination assignment thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little out of the ordinary, to find a rose dedicated to His Majesty that is finally able to grow in the heartland of the nation. 032

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HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

rose by any other name…as the saying goes, wouldn’t smell as sweet. We beg to differ. In fact, there’s one growing in Bahla in a shade of red as rich and deep as the crimson of the Omani flag, and in honour of the man who led our nation to greatness. Known for its vibrant aroma and distinctive hue, the most unique feature of this intensely-fragrant flower is its name. The Sultan Qaboos Rose is a new species named after His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, by the World Rose Society in the Netherlands in recognition of His Majesty’s efforts and contributions towards world peace. Just a two-hour drive from Muscat, a little way past Nizwa, Bahla is already known for its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its iconic (and haunted!) Bahla Fort dating back to the 13th-century and drawing scores of tourists to this small town at the feet of the Al Hajjar Mountains. It’s also home to the Agricultural Research Station in Jamah where a team of horticultural scientists are trying to grow a hardier version of the delicate Sultan Qaboos Rose that can withstand the Sultanate’s extreme climate. “We’re growing this unique plant for research purposes only at the moment, in the hopes of utilizing it later for other purposes,” says Mohammed bin Said Al Kindi, Head of Production and Propagation Research at the station. After two years of intense genetic research on the rose species, according to Al Kindi, his team at the agricultural station have managed to cultivate a version of the rose that is resistant to the effects of hot weather. “The rose blooms in winter, but with the right care it can grow throughout the year,” he says. In the world of professional horticulture – especially with roses, naming a new species of rose after celebrities or world leaders is a common practice. According to HGTV, the John F. Kennedy rose was named after the U.S. President shortly after his assassination in 1963 – and hundreds of other roses have also been touched by fame, with other varieties named after the late Diana, Princess of Wales, actress Ingrid Bergman, and Elvis Presley to name a few. As His Majesty joins the ranks of the rose world’s honorary nomenclature, here in Bahla, delicate and humble blooms his rose – a reminder of how our nation, under his leadership, continues to flourish.

Coming from Muscat, take the Burj Al Sahwa roundabout and connect onto Route 15 heading towards Nizwa. Drive for two hours until you reach Nizwa and continue past it for another

30 minutes or so until you see the exit for Bahla.

GPS coordinates: N 22.9510° , E 57.2932°

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CARS ADVENTURES

AUDI A7

FIRST DRIVE

ising from the stables of Bavaria, Audi has soared in ranks of late – from being just another contender to Deutschland giants Mercedes-Benz and BMW – to taking the form of an icon in pop culture. Whether it’s making noteworthy appearances in Marvel movies – think ‘Iron Man’, ‘Avengers’ and the new ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’, or taking form in pop music – such as in rapper Smokepurpp’s single titled, ‘Audi’, where he famously (and explicitly) raps: “I don’t want friends I want Audis…”; the brand has skyrocketed into TV stardom that no other German car-maker has enjoyed in recent times. Deep marketing pockets and advertising gambits aside, Audi does deserve its newfound stardom and we’d even say that it’s range of vehicles – such as its A8, R8, and A7 – step it into the reels of Hollywood that were earlier reserved for its high-fashioned neighbours from Italy.

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Audi’s new stalwart sedan embodies the best of German engineering, but factors in a healthy dose of fun that none of its competitors can seem to peg down

Case and point – the exterior to our tester A7. A design-led ethos that grabs attention from the get-go, the A7 sports muscular character lines but with a hint of the razor-sharp edges and the sportback guise that made its way into the first-gen sedan from 2010. The variant you’d want to spec your dream car to is the 55 TFSI. So, out goes your run-of-the-mill LED lights and in comes the stealth fighter-looking (laser) Matrix LED lamps with animated lights that can put on a light-painting show at the push of a button on the smart-key, 21-inch multi-spoke alloys that fill out the wheel well, and a striking light bar to add to the drama. Audi usurps a busy front-end – a trait infamously allied to BMW’s ‘M Power’ cars – with its blackedout hexagonal grille that’s further accompanied by chiseled air intakes (some of which are fake to avoid over-cooling) on the bumper. Meanwhile, the ‘Quattro’ badge resides on the grille and on the

liftback-style boot lid in the rear. For good measure, they’ve also thrown a retractable spoiler into the mix – for when a driver feels adventurous. We made use of it in Shatti al Qurum to entice some car fanatics perched up on the footpath looking for their next Instagram and Snapchat stories. But really, what’s Insta-worthy is the interior: it’s the perfect blend of sumptuous leather (the kind that smells like dollar bills) and smartphone-rivalling technology. The former takes up much of the cabin. Everything you touch and feel is crafted elegantly; there are no panel gaps to talk of and there’s just about enough elements (including an optional TV) to keep rear passengers busy. To quench the thirst of tech-hungry, Android-gen millennials – who arguably are unlikely buyers of the A7 to begin with – Audi chucks in a dashboard that’s predominantly fitted with glass and screens. Physical buttons take the shape of a volume control knob, engine start button, a handful of switches to engage safety tech, and the e-brake and auto-hold features. The rest of the dashboard is flanked by two screens – namely a 10.1-inch media screen and an 8.6-inch control touchscreen. The larger unit takes care of the usual – maps and navigation, infotainment functions, and other vehicular functions;

D e s t i n at i o n

while the latter is predominantly for your A/C controls, auto start/stop button and the like. Our tester also came fitted with a 12.3-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital driver information display that can be customised to show you everything from a live feed from the map, to your speed and other vehicle readouts. We were also treated to the glorious audio system that was the Bang & Olufsen pumping out 705Watts of thump through the 16 speakers and subwoofer. Tight-fitting panels ensure no sound bleed or unnecessary panel vibrations in the cabin. Audi has done an excellent job with its latest MMI software. The UI is slick and the quickest we’ve tested in a modern car, and we particularly enjoyed the 3D animations of the 360-degree camera system that allows you to pan and zoom

Po s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y-Fi

into a simulation of your car when you’re trying to squeeze into spots you ideally shouldn’t drive your RO30,000+ sedan into. Our only gripe with the unit was how they’d removed the control knob; using the touchscreens while driving can be a challenge – especially in ‘Sport’ mode, when the suspension is in its hardest setting. Space inside the cabin is up there with the best – Mercedes’ all-new CLS being the obvious rival in terms of head- and leg-room in this case. Five passengers can seat themselves in comfort, though head-room can be a bit restraining for those six-feet tall or more, owing to the swoopy roofline leading up to the C-pillar. The liftback design does, however, add to the boot space: the Audi benefits from 535-litres of space in the boot with the rear seats in place. The magic continues with the engine – Audi’s tried-andtested 3.0-litre ‘twin-turbocharged’ V6 unit that pumps out a respectable 335hp and 500Nms of torque. This top-tune engine reaps the rewards from the accompanying sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic, with zero to 100kph times standing at 5.3 seconds. Drive modes dictate the response times from the throttle and gearbox. Snappy gearshifts and a poky throttle make the car lively in ‘Sport’ mode alongside the stiffer ride and heavier steering wheel, but flips things around with a mellowed-down ride in other modes (Efficient, Normal, and Comfort). The latter modes are where the car really belongs – it’s evident from the outset. Despite the low-profile tires and sporty looks, the A7 borrows the smooth-as-silk ride comfort from its larger sibling – the A8 – and the eagerness and exciting drive from its younger one – the A6. Even so, driving dynamics are passenger-

Gaming

CARS

AUDI A7 Specifications: • Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 • Transmission: Seven-speed ‘dual-clutch’ automatic • Power: 335hp • Torque: 500Nms • Top Speed: 250kph All-wheel drive Sport seats (optional) Ambient mood lighting HD Matrix LED headlamps 12.3-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ instrument cluster display Exclusive leather upholstery 10.1-inch media screen and an 8.6-inch control touchscreen Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound 21-inch alloy wheels Cruise control system with speed limiter

THE NEW AUDI A7 ADDS A TOUCH OF STYLE AND CLASS ALONG WITH A RESPECTABLE DOSE OF VERSATILITY AND SPORTINESS INTO A SEGMENT THAT HAS LONG LACKED THE FUN-FACTOR focused – cruising over bumps with ease and offering a smooth progression to the torque that we’ve become accustomed to in larger cars such as the A8 and even the Q8 SUV. Cornering ability is at par with the best luxury offerings from Europe, with not much oversteer drama from the ‘Quattro’ four-wheel-drive system. There’s plenty of grip to ride on, and corners are often devoured in grace and tackled with finesse. Understeer does rear its ugly head once in a while when you push the car hard into corners in ‘Comfort’ mode, but the stability and traction control systems are always on top of any action it deems unnecessary. Perhaps Audi is reserving all the hooligan-ness and astute engineering for its own sportier variants – the S7 and RS7. Rumour has it: the RS7 will pack as much as 580 horses under the hood when it debuts in Oman. All in all, the new Audi A7 adds a touch of style and class along with a respectable dose of versatility and sportiness into a segment that has long lacked the fun-factor. Add to that all the tech gizmos and you’re left with an over-engineered car that beckons a level of quality we just can’t fault with.

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CARS ADVENTURES

KANDY CRUSH Travelers have long

fallen in love with Sri Lanka’s sacred central city, whose mountainous surroundings and cultural history remain unblemished

1. Feast your eyes on Sri Lanka’s famed ‘Blue Sapphire’ at Amit Gems Store. 2. Spot Indian cormorants and white egrets on a stroll around Kandy Lake. 3. Have afternoon tea at the elegant 150-year-old Queen’s Hotel. 4. Take in an evening Kandyan dance performance – a traditional folk art. 5. Visit the Kadugannawa Tea Factory and learn what goes into every cup.

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Aftab H. Kola recommends

KANDY, SRI LANKA I

n Kandy, nature’s unspoiled beauty unfolds itself layer-by-layer. A quaint scenic hill city in Sri Lanka nestled in the mountain’s foothills, its stories of history, culture, religion, architecture, and heritage abound. Perched on the central plateau of the island nation, at an elevation of 1,600 ft above sea-level, Kandy was the heart of the last capital of the Sri Lankan monarchy. The Sri Dalada Maligawa - or ‘Temple of the Tooth’, an ancient shrine said to hold the relic of the tooth of Buddha, is the reason behind Kandy’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status. In the wake of the recent and appalling Easter Sunday terrorist attacks that shook Sri Lanka and the world, fears surrounding the impact on tourism and local livelihoods in the beleaguered aftermath saw global outpourings of support encouraging tourists not to walk away from this island paradise and its people. And, indeed, Sri Lanka should not be given up on. And Kandy is just one gem in its coterie of cultural jewels. The emerald waters of central Kandy Lake are placid, with abutting walkways under leafy canopies giving a sense of tranquility and breathing space. The city teems with graceful heritage buildings that include St. Paul’s Church - a stone’s throw away from the Temple of the Tooth. Established in the early 1850s, it was intended primarily for the British Garrison stationed in Kandy. Walk around the area and admire the white-washed edifices of the Bilimoria Building, along with Banbury Hall constructed in the late 1800s, along with local landmarks, the Independence Memorial Hall, Trinity College Chapel, the Museum of World Buddhism, Kandy Town Hall, the Bank of Ceylon and Cargills buildings. The Sri Dalada Maligawa - or ‘Temple of the Tooth’, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are the two major tourist sites in the lush central city. For those interested in shopping, the Kandy City Centre at Dalada Veediya, an embodiment of all that’s contemporary, is the right destination for you - while all resorts and hotels offer delectable offerings of local Sri Lankan cuisine. Don’t miss out its tangy, zesty condiments as seeni sambol (caramelised onion with dried fish and spice), pol sambol (with coconut), and khatta sambol (coconut and dried fish with spices) as they form the heart and soul of any traditional Sri Lankan dish. Also, fruits such as pineapple, papaya, avocado, rambutan, mangosteen, and wood apple are also commonly available in the markets or at roadside fruit stalls depending on the seasons.

A P IC T URE

-POSTC A T H E C IT R D V IE W O F Y

RS AL DANCE T R A D IT IO N LA A S E E H AT T P E R FO R M A PERAHER

My favourite place A replica of England’s famous Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, Kandy’s Royal Botanic Garden, Peradeniya sprawls over 147 acres of land with over 4,000 species under cultivation. Situated in the heart of the city, it’s a horticulturalist’s paradise ambling along the palm avenues, and exploring the gardens’ orchid house, fernery, bamboo collection, flowering trees, and the arboretum. Highlights Buddhism, the main religion of Sri Lanka, is more visible in Kandy, as it’s home to the Sri Dalada Maligawa or

‘Temple of the Tooth’ – the 17th-century shrine that claims to house the left upper canine tooth of the Buddha. The Kandy Esala Perahera, or the ‘Festival of the Tooth’ is a grand procession held in July and August where dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants parade through the streets – and a not-to-be-missed highlight of any summer itinerary in Sri Lanka.

Lowlights None. Souvenirs Exotic spices, gemstones, Ceylon tea, handicrafts, Batik fabrics, bottles of condiments. Getting there Oman Air and SriLankan Airlines have regular flights from Muscat to Colombo, the capital city. From

Colombo to Kandy, it’s around a three-hour drive by bus or hired car, and slightly less by train.

Where to stay Amaya Hills, where the mist emanating from the surrounding Hanatan Hills envelops the senses – with numerous other lodgings available on Booking.com, Trivago, Agoda, and more.

KANDY ’S F A ‘T E M P M E D 17 TH- C E LE OF THE TO NTURY OTH’

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

THE HEAT-BUSTERS The Y Geek Squad samples some gadgets to cool you down when you're gasping in summer’s grasp PERSONAL FAN There’s nothing even remotely ‘cool’ about walking around with a portable fan held at your face. But when the weather tops out at an even 50-degrees Celsius, beggars can’t be choosers. Thankfully the Peodelk Mini Evaporative Cooler is built with such extremes of temperature in mind – the lightweight device comes loaded with a powerful fan with a reservoir for cold water to cool the space around you. The resulting mist of cold air can raise the humidity in the room – which is a nuisance if you reside by the beach – but will effectively lower the ambient temperature in the room by about 4to 6-degrees Celsius. Adding to its cool factor, the gadget comes with seven settings of mood lighting, a low-energy mode and a one-year warranty. Buy yours from amazon.com for RO19.25.

COOL COVER Whatever happens in the state of Texas for the makers of the new Bfan to boast extensively of its American roots in its marketing videos is beyond us, but this contraption from the ‘land of the free’ makes complete sense to us here in the Sultanate. This bed fan slips right under the sheets and provides a steady breeze of cool air as you sleep. It comes with a remote control as well, which you can use to control the flow of air. The accompanying fans are strong, and it picks up enough air to keep the temperatures under the sheets close to the ambient temperature in the room. Buy this from bedfans-usa.com/cart for RO61.8.

SPIN IT The only thing worse than walking outside in the Oman summer heat is having to stay hydrated under the scorching sun with a (disappointingly) warm bottle of soda or water. Enter the Spin Chill – a gizmo that promises goodness in a nearlyinstant 60 seconds. It works by attaching itself to a can or bottle and spinning rapidly in a pack full of ice. This essentially forces the heat in the can to transfer upwards and into the ice bucket itself. Whether the thermodynamics is on-point as the boffins suggest is for you to figure out – but with over 1,000 positive comments on amazon.com, this one’s clearly a winner. It’s all yours from the RO5.7.

COOLEST COOLER

EDITOR’S PICK

THIS COULD VERY WELL BE THE COOLEST COOLER OUT THERE… LITERALLY! FOR STARTERS, IT’S BRANDED THE ‘COOLEST COOLER’ – BUT CORNY NAMETAGS ASIDE, YOU’LL BE LEFT WITH QUITE A CAPABLE GADGET. THIS 60-LITRE COOLER HAS A FOUR- TO SIX-DAY ICE RETENTION RATING THAT PACKS ENOUGH SPACE FOR ABOUT 10 TO 15 CANS OF SODA, AND COMES WITH A POWERFUL 20V BATTERY-OPERATED BLENDER; BLUETOOTH SPEAKER, USB PORTS FOR CHARGING YOUR PHONES, IN-BUILT STORAGE FOR FOUR PLATES, A CERAMIC KNIFE, A CUTTING BOARD, AND DIVIDER, AND AN OPTIONAL 8.4W SOLAR PANEL THAT WILL KEEP YOU SWITCHED ON AND CHARGED UP FOR DAYS ON END. BUY IT FROM AMAZON.COM FOR RO275.6.

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4th Oman PlayStation Tournament

The Y Geek Squad unravels the talents that form the basis of the nation’s gaming scene

friendly game between the French national football team and Italian football club Juventus F.C. would be a match to remember. Except, such a scenario would almost never happen given how one-sided the face-off would be. But the world of gaming is a funny one – and it’s probably the only place we can go to catch such a match unfold. That’s exactly what we did this week as we headed to the 4th Oman PlayStation Tournament at the Mall of Muscat, where more than 600 participants from Oman and an additional 50 from around the globe entered to vie for the top spot to become the Sultanate’s FIFA champion. It isn’t an easy feat; because, standing in the way of glory for Oman’s current champion, Abdul al Jabri, is the FIFA World Championship title-holder, Abdulaziz Alshehri, from Saudi Arabia.

The match proceeds as expected: the Omani opts for France, while Abdulaziz nonchalantly slips into the match with the world-class team from Juventus. Whether you call it a massacre or not is for you to choose – but what unfolds in front of the 150-odd participants and viewers is nothing short of that. Goal after goal, the eight-minute game soon turns one-sided (as we’d predicted) as Abdulaziz challenges and marks down each French player. The final score: 6 – 1. It’s a hard loss to digest for the Omani champion, but he vows to be back stronger than ever. Meanwhile, Abdulaziz has nothing but praise for his opponent: “It may have seemed like an easy game, but analysing his style of game-play was difficult – and he was definitely a difficult competitor.” This is also motivation for the youth of Oman to take up gaming more seriously – as it should be. Several games follow – from FIFA 19 to PES 2019 (Pro Evolution Soccer) and even survival-shooter game Fortnite. Matches unfold as the scorers keep track of each game. The stakes are high too, as each contestant who’s defeated gets

knocked out of contention and, by the end of the night, it’s only a handful of Oman’s best left. Fortnite players, on the other hand, take up online challenges with players who have signed up from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and even the U.S. and Canada. The electric atmosphere is met with fandom, too. Selfies and flashes going off takes up much of the players’ postmatch time, while other professionals offer advice on how to proceed in the tournament. Oman’s fourth tournament of this kind has been met with praise so far, with champion Abdulaziz even going as far as calling it “the perfect ground to hone new talent in the gaming world.” Whether his words will ring true down the line, remains to be seen. But, for now, the 200-plus contenders who have survived so far in this tournament continue their fight to win from the prize pool – which includes an overseas trip or smartphones. But for many, it isn’t about the fancy gifts. It’s all about the fight to become the Sultanate’s PlayStation champion. And that alone is motivating enough to grab the controller and begin gaming.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

SUMMER SPLASH

Don’t let the heat put a damper on that beach day you’ve been dreaming of! Hit the surf and dig your sand in the toes while sporting the summer’s latest and greatest in beachwear

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Beauty

FASHION

T t Ge

k o o L e h

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

Keep comfortable and relatively cover up in this frilly one-piece swim-suit from Dorothy Perkins. It’s buttercup-yellow shade will have you feeling like a ray of sun. Grab it for RO16.8.

A light, gauzy cover-up does double duty to protect your skin from the sun while keeping you looking stylish as you hit the ice cream shop for a post-beach cooldown. We love this maxi-skirt from River Island in the season’s hottest pattern – scarf-print! Snag it for RO12.5.

Keep the sun out of your eyes with a chic pair of shades that are equal parts function and fashion. We love these rose-tinted oval frames from M&S. Own them for RO2.8.

Why risk a surf-side selfie with your smartphone when you can bring along a camera that was built for the elements? The Olympus Tough TG-5 12 mega-pixel digital camera is waterproof, shock-proof, and dust-proof. Done and dusted we say! Price: RO153.7.

Throw ‘em some shade and keep the sun off your face with a widebrimmed straw hat. We love this version from Aldo Accessories, that’s more than a little island-inspired! Price: RO8.4.

Who needs footwear at the beach, really? But if you must, make sure they’re casual and comfy – like these rainbowhued flip-flops from Call It Spring. Walk away in them for just RO4.9.

Keep your belongings dry and those pesky grains of sand away from your valuables with an oversized work-horse of a beach-bag. We love this stylish and sturdy version from Scout that retails for RO16.9.

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HEALTH&

Health

BEAUTY

Fa s h i o n

Home

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Bespoke BEAUTY Why blend in when you can paint your palette to stand out? Team Y delves into the world of custom cosmetics with our brushes at the ready

he notion of ‘one-size-fits-all’ rarely ever finds applied success in real-life scenarios. From clothing lines, to diet and exercise programs, and even popular mainstream approaches to our overall well-being; if anything’s clear by now it’s that we as human beings refuse to conform. And rightly so! It’s our diversity, after all, that makes us shine. So, it’s only logical that our demand for brands to step up and do better if they want us to part with our hard-earned riyals has trickled over into the beauty industry. As more international brands turn to a new, customized approach to customers’ wish-lists, we’re bringing you a few of the top contenders at the front of the pack when it comes to personalized products!

Custom colour

We’ve all hemmed and hawed in the grocery store makeup aisle longer than we should have, debating which shade works best for the occasion and with our skin-tone. Enter Giella Lip Gloss. This fully-customizable virtual lip-bar allows you to pick the formula, aroma, and shimmer that works best for you. And with both light and sheer finishes, gold and pink shimmers, and luscious scents like peppermint and strawberry – these little tubes of awesome have us smacking our lips! Prices start from RO7.6 and can be ordered from www.giella.com.

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But iconic French beauty house Clinique aims to change that via its new Clinique iD line of products. These jellies, lotions and gels are all All-organic part of the brand’s customized hydration system For those of you with that uses targeted ingredients and trade-marked sensitive skin in search of custom-blend chemistry technology to deliver up a personalized product precise dosages of concentrates based on your for your face that’s also specific need. Sound too science-speak? Customize cruelty-free, add Astrida a bottle of your own and see the results. Price: Naturals to your beauty RO14.9. To order online visit www.clinique.com, wish-list. This U.S.-based or visit the Clinique counter in Salam Department company uses only plant- Store Qurum. based oils and extracts with ethically-sourced Scent identity ingredients that are Because picking your free from petroleum, signature fragrance is parabens, artificial about as personal as it colours and phthalates. gets, finding your perfect They’ll also let you perfume can sometimes customize their luscious be a case of trial and error. body creams to suit your What smells good on your skin’s preference. We’re in wrist at the department store love with their gorgeous shea sample counter, may change butter-based Lemon Verbena its notes when exposed to Hand & Body Lotion! Prices sweat in our hot Omani start from RO8 and you can climate. Thankfully Britishorder yours to ship from www. based company Sniph is helping take the guesswork astridanaturals.com. out of finding your fragrance Skin solutions via an online subscription Because the science of packages that allows you to pick healthy skin is based on the ‘theme’ of your scent profile every individual’s own – think Clean, Avant-Garde, unique body chemistry Aesthetic and more – and mails and pH balance, you a selection of samples that expecting miracles from match each month. Smells good the mass-produced is to us! Price: RO6.7 per month. To folly to your follicles. order visit www.sniph.co.uk. ■

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THE SOUND OF DROWNING people to miss the opportunity to take action in an emergency. “I hope this initiative can help educate people on how an actual drowning can happen and teach them to keep an eye out for the real distress signals,” he adds. With Oman’s summer beach The study also shows that the false perception of drowning resulted in an astounding 43 per cent of the season in full-swing, we bring you 1,009 respondents (aged between 18 and 79) to the study believing that victims would “flail their arms for some essential safety tips on how help”, while 39 per cent believed the victim would “cry to recognize a swimmer in distress for help”. Couple this with the 38 per cent that expect some that could just save a life form of splash and 27 per cent screaming from the victim, and we realise the extent to which our knowledge (All images for illustrative purposes only. Source: Shutterstock) on the topic is dangerously lacking. Shockingly, only one in five (19 per cent) of ou’ve probably seen it at the movies: the unintelligible and indistinguishable the sounds respondents answered correctly that none of these flailing arms and cries for help that are are. As per the audio file, the predominant options are common signs of someone drowning. generally associated with a drowning resonance of water overpowers the light Andreas adds: “When drowning, the body's instinct person. gasping of the victim. is to try and stay above the surface in any way possible, In fact, the very notion of trying to catch your In pursuit of gasping for breath, the victim and fully focus on maintaining breathing, which in turn breath while fighting for life invokes a sense also fails to scream or shout for help; saving the makes it hard to give distress signals and cry for help. of franticness long and loud enough to attract last of their energy for a long, hard breath when “In fact, common signs of drowning are that the attention and help from bystanders – if there are they eventually reach the surface and begin distressed person treads water, arms are by their side, any. their descent again. their head is leaning back, far into the water, and they're Yet, we couldn’t be more wrong, say experts Drowning has become a matter of serious trying to breathe through their mouth at the surface. who have spent decades learning the treacherous concern with statistics published by the World These signs are subtle and can be easy to miss – so put moments that could lead to an untimely death by Health Organisation (WHO) estimating that down your phone at the beach this summer and keep an drowning. 360,000 people died from drowning in 2015 eye on each other in the water instead.” ■ Drowning, as it turns out, has no sound or alone and accounted for 9 per cent of the total obvious telltale signs…and what we’ve seen at the global mortality. HOW TO SAVE SOMEONE USING A LIFEBUOY: movies is incorrect. Drowning is also the third leading cause of • The best lifesaving tip is to stay dry; don’t jump into the water if you’re not comfortable with it. A helping hand In a study published this year in the interest of unintentional injury death, accounting for 7 per from dry land or the dock is always safer than life saving educating a largely ill-informed society, Tryggcent of all injury-related deaths. in the water. Hansa, an insurance company based out of Further emphasising Joseph’s statement • Remove the lifebuoy from its stand. Pull off the rope Sweden recreated, using ASMR technology, the is Andreas Claesson, a paramedic with a container with the line inside and put the container on chilling moments before a drowning victim takes PhD in drowning, working at the Center for the ground and put your foot on it. their last breath. Resuscitation Science, Karolinska Institutet, in • Alert emergency services. Call 9999. Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response Sweden. • Don’t forget that the lifebuoy is heavy, so don’t aim (ASMR) technology tests largely take up space on He states: “There are many misconceptions directly at the person you’re assisting, aim next to them YouTube where people use these hour-long videos about drowning. One of the most common • Hold the buoy alongside your body and throw it with to recoup on some R&R, but the Swedish team and one of the most dangerous misconceptions both hands in a ‘swinging’ motion. Hold a loop of rope have used this very technique to emulate the sounds is that drowning is always accompanied by with your front hand to make it easier to control. emitted by victims to come up with an audio file screaming and splashing, as it causes many • Pull it in once the person in the water has grabbed onto titled, ‘The Sound of Drowning.’ the lifebuoy. If the person in the water can’t reach the Joseph Borenstein, the Head of PR and Media buoy, pull it back in using the line and throw it again. Relations at the company, comments on the topic, saying: “Unlike in the movies, drowning usually If the person is unconscious and showing happens fast and quietly. We’d like to make sure irregular or no signs of breathing, cardiopulmonary more people know what to look out for.” resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated immediately. “Listening to the sound of drowning may make you feel uncomfortable, but it doesn’t sound like Editor’s Note: This article is not intended to be a one would expect – it's a fairly low-key sound that's substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. easy to miss,” he adds. Please seek the advice of a medical expert if you have any An analysis of the tape released by the centre questions regarding a health issue. provides us with the chilling evidence of how

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Tr e n d

New Restaurant

YUMMY

Teas, please! CUP OF COMFORT

The most social of beverages, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing quite like a strong cup of tea and good conversation.

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Reviews

Double Pa’tea

Location: Al Ghubrah Contact: (+968) 2459-5500 @doublepatea.om (Instagram & Facebook)

Karak or kahwa? No matter which side of the debate you’re on, there’s no denying that Oman’s tea time tradition reflects the Sultanate’s delicious diversity

tonic when we’re feeling ill, a balm to calm the nerves; drink it black or with milk, sugar or spice -- there’s not much that can’t be set to rights over a piping hot cup of tea. Though it’s caffeinated cousin, kahwa (coffee) has long been associated with its deep roots in Arab culture and hospitality, tea has played an equally indelible role in the daily routine of the MENA region. Revered by the British as practically a way of life, honed to new depths of sweetly-spiced perfection by the Moroccans with their digestif mint tea, and the Indians with their lush masala chai; honoured as sancrosanct by the Japanese in their intricate tea ceremonies, and considered as a pillar of life in Chinese culture, tea is one of the world’s oldest beverages – warming us from the inside out for over 3,000 years. Here in Oman (and throughout the GCC), the beloved karak chai is often half-jokingly known as the national beverage of the region. A heady brew of loose tea leaves boiled and simmered with a rich blend of spices and sweet milk, you can always tell where a fresh pot’s brewing by the long line-ups of cars waiting to get their morning (or midnight!) fix. With roots in the Indian diaspora, as expats from the subcontinent resettled throughout the region back in the 1960s, they brought with them their culinary habits and traditions – and thus karak chai caught on. Here are a few of our top tea shops around Muscat where you can enjoy a steaming cup of comfort!

Tea Time

Location: Al Mawalah, Al Ghubrah Contact: (+968) 9183-4999 @teatimeoman (Facebook) @teatime.oman (Instagram) www.teatimeoman.com

ome of the original classic karak, this Qatari brand’s motto is literally ‘Everything is better with a cup of tea’ – and we’d tend to agree. With a Tea Time to be found practically on every corner in Doha and cars queuing up, karak connoisseurs in Muscat were thrilled when they opened their first branch in Muscat in Al Mawalah. Boasting dozens of varieties of tea from saffron to sahlab, coffee and fresh juice/mocktail creations, trying out a classic cuppa karak is a must. There’s just nothing like it! And, if you’re feeling peckish, they’ve got a mean menu serving up everything from sandwiches and burgers, to calzones, wraps, and grills. Lunchtime at Tea Time = sorted!

his Indian café is an institution, pouring more cups of their signature chai than we can count! Come for a comforting cup in this vibrantly-outfitted shop that has you feeling like you’re on a Mumbai street-corner and stay for the theatre that goes along with it. Order up a serving of their signature masala chai and watch as your server pours it tableside to a boil over hot coals in a golden tureen before serving it in a warming clay cup. Their ginger and saffron chais are also the perfect accompaniment to wash down a portion of their fragrantly-spiced mutton keema, or after popping back a few pakoras.

Chai Wala

Location: Al Khoud Contact: (+968) 9405-4063 @chaiwalaoman (Instagram & Facebook)

he perfect spot for an early weekend breakfast or a spot of lunch after a Friday morning drive, Chai Wala is Al Khoud’s answer to a Pakistani staple – chai and parathas! Because you can’t have one without the other, Chai Walas speciality parathas are worth a second trip back for as we guarantee you’ll want to try them all. With sweet varieties with Nutella or lotus, to savoury offerings such as chicken and mushroom, and cheese, these are comfort food’s finest. We also love their piping-hot samosas – and the chai? Ticks all the tea time boxes. For something truly unique, try a deliciously settling cup of their Peshawari kahwa for a post-meal pick-me-up!

Curried Chicken Tea Sandwiches Mix up your tea time nibbles and trade in something sweet for these savoury sandwiches that are both creamy and comforting – with a kick! Ingredients: § ½ cup flaked coconut § ½ cup chopped almonds § 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened § 2 Tbsp orange marmalade § 1 ½ tsp curry powder § ¼ tsp salt § ¼ tsp pepper § 2 cups diced cooked chicken § 12 (½-inch-thick) pumpernickel, wheat, or white bread slices § 3 Tbsp diced green onions Method: § Bake coconut and almonds in a shallow baking pans at 177° Celsius, stirring occasionally for five to 10 minutes or until toasted. § Stir together cream cheese

and next four ingredients; gently stir in chicken. Spread evenly on bread slices; trim crusts and cut each slice into three strips. Sprinkle evenly with coconut, almonds, and green onions. (Source: www.rivertea.com)

JUL 18 - 24 / ISSUE 577

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VOLARE PIZZERIA Shatti al Qurum, Muscat Opening hours: Noon till midnight Contact: (+968) 2460-1310 (A heavy) Supper for two: RO40.5

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

Delicious authentic Italian fare marred only by hefty prices that would leave even those from the affluent Corleone family grumpy.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

VOLARE PIZZERIA TEAM Y DINES AT A HOLLYWOOD-THEMED EATERY WITH ITALIAN FARE AND FLAVOUR FIRMLY ROOTED IN THE ICONIC PIZZERIAS OF NAPOLI

etting the tone for a great restaurant can be an arduous task taking months of hard work to finesse. Take that very notion and apply it to an Italian resto and things become trickier. Add to that those clientele in the Sultanate who claim to consider themselves pizza connoisseurs – even if they’ve only ever dined at a couple of fast food pizza joints in malls and perhaps, in a finer setting on the odd night-out. Going by that, anything less than a fat, crunchy crust accompanied by a dense layer of cheese would be considered unacceptable – unless, of course, you’ve seen Italian movies and caught glimpses of authentic pizzas – you know, the thin and crispy kind. Perhaps that’s the market Volare Pizzeria aims to tap into; those that know a thing or two about a genuine pizza. They’ve even themed the interior décor to resemble the red-carpet entrance to the Oscars, complete with a sign-board to snap those glam selfies. The interior is appealing with a blend of black furniture broken up by a handful of light brown-and-white tables and chairs offers a pleasing setting for diners. It isn’t as ‘done up’ as some other outlets around the capital, but its minimalistic approach is one that sits well with us. Having walked into Volare Pizzeria on a calm (and surprisingly quiet) Saturday evening, we were approached by a waitress. Dressed in black – in some ways even reminiscent to those gangsters from the iconic flick, ‘The Godfather’ – the waitress quietly made her way to the table with our menus.

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The names of the dishes are direct adaptations from various Hollywood movies and pop music from the 80s and 90s. Whether you’re ordering the ‘You Rock My World’ salad or the ‘Frank Sea-natra’ seafood pizza, there’s a healthy tally of theatre to the experience... and we loved it. Having worked up an appetite over the course of the day, we were quick to make our choices. For starters we asked for a plate of ‘Gone with the Shrimp’ and ‘Midnight’, alongside glasses of ‘La Guardia’ and ‘Paradise’ mocktails to sip on. The starters came in about five minutes, arousing a hint of suspicion on whether the dishes were pre-prepped. But, the ‘Gone with the Shrimp’ – which arrived with six jumbo shrimps marinated in a lemon and herb sauce – answered all our questions. Freshly-prepped and doused heavily with the in-house sauce, we found the dish to be delightful. The shrimps themselves, when scooped up with the light but flavoursome creamy sauce, were a treat and we found ourselves licking the plate clean. This could also be said about the ‘Midnight’ – a moreish bruschetta generously topped with a creamy mushroom sauce and thinly-cut mushrooms. Yet again, we found the thick gravy scrumptious and complemented by the buttered bread. We’d have asked for seconds if the dish didn’t set us back RO3.9. For the main course, we opted to split-order a ‘Heat-Shrimp’ and ‘Revenge’ pizza – one half of which was a grilled prawn pizza, with the other laden with chicken, capsicum, and our favourite kind of cheese – mozzarella.

We didn’t muck about and dove right into it. Each bite we took was an explosion of flavour – the seafood pizza, with the freshly-grilled shrimp, a mellow yet savoury homemade sauce, tbell pepper, and fresh herbs was splendid; but upon moving onto the other side of things, the roasted chicken along with the pepperonata tomatoes and capsicum sauce was in a league of its own. With space for more, we decided to indulge in a portion of their ‘Sea-lozzo Plot’ pasta. The white sauce penne pasta, plump with fresh mussels and shrimp was yet again scrummy. The sauce, as was the theme of the night, stole the show with its thick and creamy consistency broken up ever-soslightly by the briny (ocean-y) smell of the shrimp and mussels. An absolute ten out of ten. To wash it all down, we asked for pudding – a ‘Chocolate Revolution’… and, live up to its name it did. Filled almost entirely with cookies and cream ice-cream and large chunks of cookies and chocolate all wrapped up in a dark chocolate shell, the pudding is every sugar-lover’s dream. The 2,000-plus calorie dish sat well with us; the smooth and creamy ice-cream went down easy with the cookie chunks and sank any guilt we had with every spoonful. At the end of our meal, we mustered up enough courage to vouch for Volare Pizzeria to be the best Italian eatery we’ve ever tried for supper. But whether you’ll enjoy it or not depends on two factors – first, you’ll need to hone your fondness for authentic Italian food and, second, you’ll need to summon up the big bucks. ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com.

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