Y Magazine #579, August 1, 2019

The pilgrim’s path

SACRED TRADITIONS OF HAJJ

From dusk till dawn ON THE PITCH WITH MUSCAT’S AFTER-DARK SPORTS TEAMS

360 JOB OPENINGS TO BE 8 News: CREATED AT NEW SALALAH RESORT

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

DESTINATION: Sohar TASTE TEST: OMNY Brasserie YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

AUG 01 - 07 2019 / ISSUE 579 • WEEKLY

WASTING, AWAY

PLUS!

OMAN IS NO STRANGER TO THE GLOBAL TREND OF OVER-CONSUMPTION. BUT AS MORE FOOD GOES TO WASTE ON A DAILY BASIS IN HOMES, RESTAURANTS, STORES, AND SUPERMARKETS ACROSS THE SULTANATE, WE’RE ASKING – WHAT IF THERE’S A MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY TO FILL THE BELLIES OF THE NATION?

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Cash Gift can also be used as part of down payment. For exact details please contact your nearest Toyota showroom. * Comprehensive 1 Year Insurance (Oman only) on 19YM / 18PLT, 19YM / 19PLT, 20YM / 19PLT Corolla model and model variants. Insurance benefit under the campaign would be given upto the extent applicable for Private vehicles only. Additional premium as per Insurance norms will have to be paid by the RAC / Taxi / Driving School Company. **4 Years / 40,000 Kms Service (whichever is earlier) covering 4 services at 10,000 kms service interval for Petrol models based on normal operating conditions on Corolla models. Vehicles may include dealer installed items. For further details & to ascertain availability of stocks, please visit your nearest Toyota showroom. Pictures and colours shown above are for illustrative purposes only.

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

W

alking through our local supermarket over the weekend, we somehow found ourselves gravitating towards the special offers display – that bulk food wonderland where family-size packs of all and sundry linger in the hopes of making the cut to your cart. But it was a massive wall of cookies that made us pause – and not for the sake of our sweet tooth. We were struck by the sheer size of the stock – pallet after pallet of the same three discounted brands of biscuits.

While surely tasty, we couldn’t help but dwell on the idea that after a week on the offer aisle these marked-down bikkies – perhaps close to their date of expiry – would no doubt find their way onto the trash-heap pallet or into the incinerator. At a conservative estimate, there must have been easily over 500 boxes of cookies on display. One display. In one store. Among many stores in the Sultanate.

Multiply that by the scores of other written-off products, ‘ugly’ fruit, or otherwise still salable foodstuffs that go to waste world-wide and we begin to feel a bit unsteady. What are we doing to our planet? If we remain on this path of catering to wanton consumption, the centre cannot – will not –hold.

In this week’s cover feature, we’re shining the spotlight on the amount of food – some of it perfectly good – that goes to waste in the Sultanate. Whether you’re dining at a humble eatery, a restaurant in a five-star hotel, or in the confines of your home, not many of us consider how far that food has travelled to get to where it is today – on your plate. And as more food is put in the trash every day, we learn that wastage has become a matter of concern in Oman. With that in mind, we speak to experts on how we can tackle these issues to create a more sustainable form of dining; one where excess food can be donated to those in need to ensure that it’s available to all.

Also in this issue, we take you on one local contributor’s personal journey of Hajj as Eid Al Adha and the time of the Holy Pilgrimage approaches. We also hit the streets of Muscat after dark in search of the makeshift cricket fields and football pitches of the city’s informal night teams to learn about how sport for them is a round-the-clock passion.

Plus, we make tracks to the seaside city of Sohar in Destination, bring you some of summer’s most stylish accessories in Fashion, and catch a taste of the deep at the Hormuz Grand’s new seafood night over in our Taste Test pages.

Until next week, happy reading!

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

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AUG 01 - 07 / ISSUE 579

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contents AUG

Your Oman 08 News Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi new Chairman of OOC 08 News 360 job openings to be created at new Salalah Resort

01

-

07

2019

This Week 07 Squash tournament The men’s leg of the Oman Open Squash Tournament kicks off on August 1 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex!

11 Movies The ‘Fast and Furious’s favourite twosome are back in the thick of the action in ‘Hobbs & Shaw’.

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11

Cars and Adventures 22 Destination

Sohar

Health and Beauty

24 First Drive

Volvo V40

Cross Country 28 Y-Fi

Viewing devices

worth shelling out for

30 Fashion

Summer accessories

you’ll want to wear all year-round!

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Features 12 Wasting, away In an effort to reduce food wastage in the Sultanate, Y investigates how perfectly good excess food from grocery stores and eateries across Oman could be used to feed those in need.

16 From dusk till dawn We hit the makeshift football fields and cricket pitches after dark to meet Muscat’s dedicated night teams 18 The pilgrim’s path Following one man’s personal journey of Hajj

Food and Drink 32 Yummy Oman

Picnic perfect

outdoor eats 34 Taste Test

OMNY Brasserie

29 Beauty Beat-the-heat updos

30

34 NEXT ISSUE...

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

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

Bitter battle Lengthy divorce proceedings between actress Amber Heard and husband Johnny Depp have been acrimonious to say the least, with allegations of abuse on both sides. Now, in a new court filing, Depp is alleging that, in 2015, Amber Heard put out a cigarette on his face during a flight. He’s also claiming that she allegedly threw a bottle at him and severed his finger. Whatever the outcome of these allegations, we hope that for the sake of both parties the divorce proceedings are over soon, and both Heard and Depp can both begin the long process towards healing.

Circle of… sales?

Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ is already in its second weekend in theatres worldwide and has raked in $142 million USD from international box offices – making it the fifth-biggest global of the year with total ticket sales (including domestic!) reaching upwards of $963 million USD, ‘The Lion King’ is on its way to joining ‘Avengers: Endgame’, ‘Captain Marvel’, and ‘Aladdin’ in the billion-dollar club!

Sprouse’s split?

‘Riverdale’ stars Cole Sprouse, who plays Jughead Jones, and Lili Reinhart, who plays Betty Cooper who have been dating for the last two years were allegedly thought to have split after rumours on Twitter began 06

AUG 01 - 07 / ISSUE 579

flying. Lili has now spoken out to lay any misconceptions to rest, calling out multiple sources who allegedly made false allegations about their breakup saying on Twitter: “Don’t belive everything you read on the internet, kids. And news sources should try a little harder to be less vile.”

Tyra speaks out Supermodel and actress Tyra Banks has recently opened up about her topsy-turvy relationship with fellow supermodel Naomi Campbell. After launching her modelling career when she was very young, Tyra says that Naomi was ‘evil’ to her when she was first breaking into the industry in the early 90s – and allegedly even tried to end Tyra’s career.

Speaking to ‘The Wall Street Journal’ Tyra recalled: “People didn’t know I was going home at night crying my eyes out because the woman I was looking up to seemed like she just didn’t want me to be there and was doing everything in her power to make me go away.” Why can’t woman simply support other women, we say?

Lil Nas X asked to pay up Lil Nas X is allegedly being sued for ripping off Bobby Caldwell’s 1982 track ‘Carry On’ for a track of the same name on his début album ‘7’. A claim

by Caldwell’s music publisher The Music Force, to the tune of $25 million USD, has been issued to Lil Nas X and Sony.

The claim is alleging that Lil Nas X was motivated by ‘greedn and malicious intent’ when he allegedly used Bobby Caldwell’s song without permission.

Let’s see how these claims develop in the coming days ahead.

New Chainsmokers’ collab The Chainsmokers, ILLENIUM, and Lennon Stella have teamed up on a new bop called ‘Takeaway’.

This is The Chainsmokers’ first collaboration with DJ ILLENIUM, with Lennon Stella joining them on their North American tour alongside 5 Seconds of Summer.

‘Caught Up’ in LA Majid Jordan and Khalid have teamed up on a smooth new track called ‘Caught Up’ – and it’s a single that brings the vibes in the duo’s typical fashion. The video clip for the song is, quite literally, out of this world – with Khalid teasing the single back in April, calling it one of his “favourite songs” he’s ever worked on.

Majid says the song is about their relationship with Los Angeles, saying: “[It’s] an amazing place to connect with artists – but an easy place to get caught up and lose sight of life outside the bubble.”

‘Big Day’, big album Chance the Rapper’s highly-anticipated fourth album ‘The Big Day’ is finally out! It’s also his début studio album and will feature 22 tracks with the likes of John Legend, Nicki Minaj, Shawn Mendes, and more collaborating.

Chance won a Grammy for ‘Best Rap Album’ in 2017 for his album ‘Coloring Book’.

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.

WEEKEND SPLASH

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE We can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend than beating the heat poolside. Sure to keep the whole family happy, you can head over to the Kempinski Hotel Muscat for their Friday ‘Plunge & Indulge’ promotion. Welcome the summer with refreshing Fridays by the infinity pool and treat yourself and your family to an endless, multicuisine buffet at The Kitchen restaurant. Held from 1:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m., the price is RO28 inclusive of beach and main pool access. It also includes complimentary access to Dippy’s Clubhouse for kids, and children between the ages of six- to 12-year-old dine for half-price, while children under the age of six dine for free. For reservations and to book call (+968) 2498-6000.

SQUASH TOURNAMENT AUG 2

AUG 1-3

The Oman Open Squash Tournament is set to kick off Thursday, August 1 and will run until Saturday, August 3 for the men’s match, and then from August 5-6 for the womens’ tourney. Organized by the Oman Squash Committee (OSC) and will be held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The tournament will feature four categories – senior, Under 17, Under 15, and Under 13. To encourage teams to take part OSC has opened up registration without fees and you can log on to www.squashoman.com to sign up!

BEST OF BRUNCH THIS

WEEK

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

A U G U S T Look forward to a tasty weekend as the Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC returns with their Big Chill Brunch this Friday, August 2! Enjoy live cooking stations, and a sumptuous buffet serving everything from tacos and fresh pasta, to carving stations and sushi from 2:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. And, the best part?

The Big Chill brunch includes pool access so you can cool off either before or after you tuck in! To book your table call (+968) 9065-4364, or email dine.cpmocec@ihg.com.

AUG 2 AUG 01 - 07 / ISSUE 579

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YOUR

OMAN A

SAYYID KHALID AL BUSAIDI NEW CHAIRMAN OF OOC

fter taking football in Oman to greater heights, Sayyid Khalid al Busaidi – Chairman of SABCO Group – will now undertake new challenges with the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) after he was successfully elected as its Chairman.

Sayyid Khalid won 10 out of the 14 votes during the elections held this afternoon at the OOC headquarters, before taking oath as the new Chairman of the committee.

Speaking to Y’s sister radio station, Al Wisal FM, Sayyid Khalid was quoted as saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank and appreciate all of the people who supported me during these elections.

The election was attended by 14 members that comprise the committee: the Oman Football Association, Oman Handball Association, Oman

Volleyball Association, Oman Basketball Association, Oman Swimming Association, Oman Hockey Association, Oman Tennis Association, Oman Equestrian Federation, Oman Shooting Association, Oman Athletics Association, and the School Union.

“We must all now come and work together to support each other and take the OOC to greater heights.

“It’s still early to talk about what will happen in the future, but I will work hard immediately with the OOC to achieve all the goals we have set,” he added.

Sayyid Khalid’s longstanding association with sports began in 1986 when he took over as Chief of the Fanja Sports Club. It was also under the administration of Sayyid Khalid that the Omani national football team brought home – in 2009 – its maiden Gulf Cup Title.

360 JOB OPENINGS TO WELL-KNOWN MOBILITY BE CREATED AT NEW PROVIDERS SIGN COOPERATION SALALAH RESORT T he Al Alila Hino Resort under construction in Mirbat is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020, bringing with it 360 new employment opportunities according to Abdul Salam Bin Mohammad Al Murshidi, CEO of the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF), reports Muscat Daily.

The project is owned and developed by Alil Salalah company of the Oman Development and Investment Fund,and is projected to be an important addition to Dhofar Governorate’s tourism sector.

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During a recent briefing between the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alil Salalah company and Murshidi, it was revealed that the project includes a five-star hotel, a number of luxury villas, and a range of recreational facilities. It will also have a number of restaurants, swimming pools, a heritage village, a handicraft market, and facilities for children. The resort will have 112 hotel units of different types with its design implemented in consideration of Omani tradition, modernity, and the region’s environmental parameters.

M

oosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co (MARH) has strengthened its presence in Oman in the car rental and leasing segment with a latest franchise agreement between its operating company, Moosa Car Rentals LLC, and SIXT, the German based international mobility provider.

SIXT is one of the largest car rental companies in the world with a fleet of 270,000 cars in 110 countries.

SIXT sealed a pact with Moosa Car Rentals in Oman as their franchisee partner, during a recent signing ceremony that took place in Munich, Germany. The franchise agreement facilitates SIXT, with an experience in mobility for more than 100 years, to extend its international network to Oman.

“We are delighted to be appointed as the franchisee for SIXT in the country,” stated Mustansir Lakdawala, CEO of MARH. “This is indicative of the company’s vision and the direction we’re heading in.

It’s an achievement of immense pride.

We will also be able to expand our client portfolio based on premium services and competitive pricing with the support of a globally-established brand as SIXT. We are proud of this partnership” The new partnership will take the rental and leasing business to Oman as Moosa Car Rentals will receive inbound reservations from all around the world, as well as generating outbound reservations for existing and new customers within Oman.

The agreement is part of Moosa Group’s expansion strategy to achieve sustainable growth and future success.

“We welcome Moosa Car Rentals as our latest SIXT franchisee in the Gulf Cooperation Council region,” said Ruediger Proske, Senior Vice President International Franchise of SIXT. “Oman is a fascinating travel destination and we’re glad to now offer our premium mobility services through a strong local partner.”

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DEBATE OF THE WEEK As over-consumption and global food wastage threaten environmental stability, how can Oman’s excess food that would normally get thrown away instead be used sustainably?

Food waste is a global issue, and it’s distressingly sad when you see or hear of people dying of hunger and starvation.

Some possible ways to recycle our food could be: 1. Bakery products that have expired on the same day or are set to expire the following day can be priced at half after Maghreb prayers so they can be sold at night.

2. Buffets should be replaced by a la carte, or order-as-you-like options.

3. All big hotels should give out their safe-to-eat excess food for free to workers and staff.

4. Hotels and restaurants could have contracts with labour camps to send them excess food that might be spoiled the next day, so can be utilised the same day.

5. Fruit and vegetable skins and peels can be used as animal food or for compost.

6. Rotten food can be used as fertilizer for plants.

7. Get online! There are so many DIY hacks available on the internet on how to use leftover food scraps.

8. Integrated efforts should be made by environmentalists , hotel managers, and recycling experts to promote teamwork and come up with good solutions to avoid wastage .

In the end we all need to learn and teach our children to finish their food and clean their plates and teach them to donate to the needy and keep the environment clean. It’s everyone’s responsibility and we have to give back to our planet what we’re getting from it by protecting and preserving it.

/YMAGAZINE

New Debate:

DR TAMANNA DALWAI

How to eliminate food wastage is an excellent question that needs to be pondered by every individual, corporation, and government agency.

Statistics suggests that 50 per cent of food wastage globally emanates from households. It’s scary to consider that we all are contributors to something which is morally wrong as many around the world die due to starvation. The following are solutions at different levels to tackle excess food. At an individual level, it’s important that sufficient planning be undertaken while purchasing and cooking food. Food should be stored smartly, and steps should be taken to consider preservation if applicable.

Food waste can be considered for compost or insect repellents based on their characteristics.

Excess good

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food should be shared. At a producer level, agricultural harvest wastage should be considered across the food supply chain. It’s important that measures such as recycling, avoiding soil erosion, and training on the usage of pesticides is provided to farmers. Commercial fishing should return the catch to the sea that’s not to be consumed.

At the government or community level, there needs to be specific organisations that can support the distribution of excess food to the less fortunate. Food banks can be created to collect excess food donations from every person or organisation. These banks can then redistribute the food to the needy and thereby avoid excess food waste. The combined efforts of different stakeholders are vital to efficiently create food sustainability.

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AUG 01 - 07 / ISSUE 579

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GRAND OPENING

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HOME FURNISHINGS GIANT PAN EMIRATES CELEBRATES THE LAUNCH OF THEIR NEWEST STORE SHOWROOM IN SALALAH

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MOVIES MOVIES Bring The Soul: The Movie Cast: RM, Suga, J- Hope, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin

K-Pop fans will want to be first in line for this documentary as world-famous K-Pop group BTS, invites audiences to peek into their lives behind the spotlight during their ‘Love Yourself ’ world tour. Watch as the bandmates get up-close and personal in expressing their feelings after experiencing new cities and performing in front of hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe. Viewers will also be treated with spectacular concert performances from the tour and insights into the strong bond and friendship between the members. So, if you’re a member of the BTS Army and are eager to learn more about your BTS ultimate crush, this doc’s for you!

Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba After eight successful and hugely-popular franchises, ‘Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw’ is ready to grace the big screen with another riveting, heart-pounding, and action-packed plot.

Starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham reprising their roles as Luke Hobbs, a loyal agent of America’s Diplomatic Security Service, and Deckard Shaw a former British military elite operative who’s turned into a lawless outcast. The two

Jabariya Jodi

form an unlikely alliance and join Hattie (Vanessa Kirby), an MI6 field agent and Shaw’s sister, to stop cyber-genetically enhanced Brixton Lore (Idris Elba) from threatening the world with a deadly virus. Expect tons of CGI-enhanced action sequences of vehicles colliding and exploding, as well as some wildly intense close-combat scenes! A slice of onscreen action that we just can’t get enough of !

Cast: Siddharth Malhotra, Parineeti Chopra, Aparshakti Khurana

This quirky, if not bizarre, rom-com is set in Bihar, India and follows a young thug named Abhay (Sidharth Malhotra) who helps round up young men as potential suitors for young ladies whose families are unable to wed them as they can’t afford one of India’s most controversial traditions – the dowry. In spite of the rather off-the-wall plot, director Prashant Singh uses comedic undertones to forge a compelling love story between Abhay and Babli (Parineeti Chopra) that holds a bigger reminder to audiences that love can’t simply be forced, arranged, or bought.

Margamkali Cast: Namitha Pramod, Bibin George

A Malayalam romantic-comedy, Margamkali is definitely one of this weekend’s new releases to watch out for – with a promising and unique storyline that will hold your attention from start to finish. Sachithanandan (Bibin George) has an innate talent in writing love letters that keep women swooning, despite his average physical appearance. But as he tries to win the heart of his love, Urmila (Namitha Pramod) will his letters still have the same power?

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

AUG 01 - 07 / ISSUE 579

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WASTING, AWAY AS OMAN’S POPULATION GROWS, SO DOES THE NATION’S FOOD WASTE. THIS WEEK, Y TAKES A LOOK AT A LONGSTANDING PHENOMENON THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED, AND SPEAKS TO RESTAURATEURS WHO ARE TAKING A STRONG STAND AGAINST THE SOCIETAL COST OF OVER-CONSUMPTION

F

ood is nothing short of a miracle.

The journey each ingredient takes – from a humble seed or sapling in a farm that requires constant care, to a fully-grown fruit or vegetable that’s harvested, prepped, and cooked for consumption, culminating in a delectable dish – is truly remarkable.

Food is sustenance; food is survival. Our very existence on the planet depends on its availability, while its scarcity can make or break a country’s development. Food security can be quintessential to a nation’s economy, while hunger itself is regarded as a great equaliser.

Yet to many, a dish is only appealing for as long as your hunger lasts – and every day, we throw away our food… as waste.

People all over the globe discard a staggering 1,600mn tonnes of food every year (as per statistics revealed by foodisforeating.org), and the Sultanate is no stranger to the act – be it in the form of food waste from restaurants, homes, and even smaller eateries.

In fact, reports show that in 2018 nearly RO57mn worth of food as discarded as waste in the Sultanate – that’s a vast 560,000 tonnes annually. The world is staring down the barrel of a grim global phenomenon (in lower income countries) – death by hunger – which claims the lives of 25,000 people, daily, and 9.1mn people, annually, according to the United Nations World Food Program.

While Oman remains exempt from this phenomenon owing to its food security, we learn from statistics revealed by the Oman Environment Services Holding Company (Be’ah) that wasted food can help meet 18 per cent of Oman’s annual demand.

It’s a large number when you factor in how ‘plate waste’ – a standard of measurement to better understand food loss, eating habits, and specific targets of nutritional programs in schools – contributes to much of the nation’s annual food wastage.

Talking about this issue is Mohammed al Balushi, Managing Partner of Chatni restaurant in Azaiba. He says: “Food wastage is an issue that we all need to consider rectifying immediately. “it all begins with how we treat this matter within our families. These values need to begin from our homes – be it if you’re Omani, Indian, British, or any nationality.

“I have on good authority that I make sure that my family only purchases

perishable foods that are necessary for consumption. And it’s always wise to raise your family with those morals. Only then will they grow to apply it when they go outside and into restaurants and other places.

“I personally get furious when I see food being wasted. I don’t know if it’s because I run a restaurant here, but I’ve taken that stance since a long time ago.”

Mohammed makes a strong case, as a report based on food wastage by families – by each member for lunch over one week – published by Sultan Qaboos University showed us how wastage was between 143g to 41g for children and adults, respectively.

It also showed that children between the ages of one and five wasted the most amount of food at 57 per cent, while wastage by adults above the age of 40 stood at seven per cent, and adolescents in the age group of six to 18 wasted about 56 per cent of the food on their plates.

Understandably, plate waste can’t be salvaged

for re-use in restaurants owing to hygiene reasons.

But several restaurateurs are striving to overcome this by preparing food solely to order – thereby offering a tastier and fresher meal and reducing food waste.

Mohammed’s restaurant follows this policy, and he proudly says that food waste is kept to a minimum when compared with some other eateries in the region.

It’s also a concept that’s adopted by Teeffee, a café owned and operated by Nafih Abdullah, and several other fast-food chains we speak with over the course of our research.

“Preparing food by the order makes complete sense and it was an idea that came to being here in the GCC by Western fast-

food outlets. Not only did they prepare the food only based on order and reduced wastage due to over-production, they also reduced the usage of raw materials such as cooking oil and brought down expenses.”

As ingenious as the idea sounds, implementing it can be difficult, especially in specialised food that requires time to prepare, says Nafih.

The 20-year-old entrepreneur tells us that the real challenge lies in preparing the ‘right quantities for buffets and while catering to large-scale events.’

“It’s hard to pre-determine how much food must be prepared for a large party. And to keep customers satisfied and not run out of food midway through an event, we must prepare more than what the head count usually is.

“Thus, catering became a challenge, but a brainstorming session got us through this: we realised that we could strive to make a difference in society by simply altering our goals when we prepare our food.

“Making a profit isn’t the only basis of running a restaurant – that was my goal. So, we packed up all the untouched excess food that we were getting from our buffets and began distributing them among those in a lower income bracket.

“We took a while to determine the areas where we

I HAVE ON GOOD AUTHORITY THAT I MAKE SURE THAT MY FAMILY ONLY PURCHASES PERISHABLE FOODS THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR CONSUMPTION. AND IT’S ALWAYS WISE TO RAISE YOUR FAMILY WITH THOSE MORALS could distribute these packets of fresh food, but we now have a very good route map on where people could benefit from our food… for free.

“By about 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – only a few hours from when the food was prepared – we get our drivers to distribute these packets to people. We treat them as our customers, and they get nothing less than the best.”

On a good day, Nafih says that his team distributes anywhere between 15 to 30 packets of fresh, delectable dishes to workers in camps.

“The smiles on their faces brings a smile on ours. That reminds me why I wanted to begin this business in the first place.”

Even though Nafih’s café is virtually waste-free, the (occasional) leftovers can be packed up by their employees and taken home or consumed at the restaurant for free.

This keeps Teeffee’s waste to the bare minimum, with only plate waste from customers making its way into the dustbins.

Meanwhile, another Muscat hotel takes utilising its food and making a change in the community to a whole different level – one that’s earning them praise from residents. It does so by feeding the animals on the street.

WE BEGAN BY ACCUMULATING ALL THE VEGETABLE AND FRUIT SKINS, AND THE NOT-SO-FRESH FOOD AND BEGAN OFFERING IT FOR THE DONKEYS IN AL AMERAT TO EAT. THIS CAN BE ANYWHERE BETWEEN 150KGS EVERY MONTH – THAT’S QUITE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF FOOD THAT’S GOING TO USE. Speaking about this initiative is Leon Salinel, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Centara Muscat Hotel.

He explains to us: “We have a companywide practice to serve the society in every way we can.

“While we do our share to contribute to people, we thought we’d go one step further and show our love to those who don’t have a voice: the animals.

“So, we began by accumulating all the vegetable and fruit skins, and the not-sofresh food and began offering it for the donkeys in Al Amerat to eat.

“This can be anywhere between 150kgs every month – that’s quite a substantial amount of food that’s going to use.”

Leon then goes on to tell how their next target is to mince the cooked food and offer it to the cats and dogs in Al Amerat.

“There are several places that we want to cover, but we’re now in the initial stages of creating awareness. If more people see this, then they’ll probably want to do this with the food that’s often going to waste at their homes or businesses too.”

Adnan Gabol al Balushi, another entrepreneur operating Oman’s oldest restaurant, Omar Al Khayyam, among several others, such as The View in Jebel Sifah, says: “I think we need to incorporate a law here, like France did, to ban wasting food. There, it’s forbidden for shops to destroy or throw away products approaching their sell-by date.

“If the food can’t be donated, it goes for animal feed or is composted to produce methane fuel. And big players here need to do something along the lines of that – nothing should go to complete waste.”

Our research reveals how several fastfood chains refrain from allowing their employees to consume untouched and hygienic food that a customer refrains from collecting.

Perhaps this is why Be’ah is setting up four bio-gas plants in the country – to persuade restaurants and eateries to not throw food into dumpsters without thinking twice. The sites for the plants are yet to be disclosed, but they’ll aid in production of bio-gas and electricity, while other byproducts can be used as manure for crops.

“My policy is that we shouldn’t waste any food. If it’s left over by a customer, we just give it to stray cats, or some people come and collect it for their livestock,” says Adnan.

“I believe it’s a sin to waste food in this time when people around the globe are struggling for it. Keep that in mind when you next waste your food.”

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FROM DUSK TILL DAWN

FOR OMAN’S INTREPID NIGHT TEAMS, SPORT IS A ROUND-THE-CLOCK PASSION. Y HITS THE PITCH TO MEET SOME OF THE AMATEUR PLAYERS PUTTING IN THE HARD WORK WHEN MOST OF US ARE ALREADY OFF THE CLOCK – ALL FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

F

ootball knows no boundaries.

Whether you’re playing professionally on a field at the Sultan Qaboos Sport Stadium, casually in the streets, or at the beach with your best mates – football is all about making the best of your time and having good fun.

At first glance, the group of eight adults sprinting behind the ball at a garden that passes for a small park in Azaiba, is doing exactly that; having a blast as they recoup with their friends after a day of work.

The darkness and the coolness in the air that the evening brings along is like gold – especially with the mid-summer temperatures hitting the 40-degree-Celsius mark.

Just as important as the time, is being able to find a spot to play. There are several teams here waiting to sweat it out on the field after this group finishes up their match, as nights can be the only time people pass the hours playing sports – irrespective of whether of the humidex.

But that’s not dampening the spirits of the team.

In fact, their hand-eye coordination and stamina are on-point, as the 30-something-year old men run and shoot the ball with the precision of much younger players. Also comparable is the joy on their faces as they guide the ball into the far corners of the nets.

“Got you,” shouts Sameer Khan, a player who hails from Pakistan; he’s clocked the first goal of the night against his mate Richard’s team.

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The players share a laugh; though, and we soon learn that the Sameer-Richard rivalry goes back three years to a Ramadan Football Tournament held in Al Amerat.

It’s 1–0 for all we know.

But for the two players, it’s far more important than just scoring a goal – it’s also about bragging rights.

A 30-minute duel ensues, and Sameer and his team can find the back of the nets three more times, with their nemeses only doing the same once.

The final score: 4–1.

As they retreat to the chairs they’ve placed in the park, we learn that no love is lost. In fact, not only do they keep the rivalry within the confines of the poorly chalk-drawn field, they resort to talking about work the next day.

Speaking to us after the game is Richard, an Indian expat.

He says: “When it’s summer and you’ve got nothing else to do in the mornings but work, it’s best to come here and sweat it out.

“The rivalry is short, and we all work together. But this 30 minutes’ fun is what keeps us going,” he says.

And, just like that, an intense game ends and retires into time for some chitchat… or so you’d think.

Yet, hanging back with their own set of gear are the next team of younger players for a match of their own – this time, it’s cricket.

Quickly, the six stumps are nailed in and the creases and boundaries marked – fearing another group of players will make their way and claim the play area.

“Hit the ball out into the trees and you’re out (Out: a term in cricket that ends a batsman’s stint at the crease as a player),” exclaims Roshan, as his mates are taken aback and mutter fervently about their dislike of the law.

“Don’t set the rules if you can’t play well,” jokes Roshan’s

brother, Nilesh, from the back of the group – probably ruining his chances to get picked onto his brother’s team.

It’s true as well. Nilesh is the last man to be selected by the two captains; though, by the process of elimination he ends up with his brother.

The game gets underway well past 8:00 p.m.

The players struggle to get bat on ball owing to the dark conditions in the park. Roshan’s team still manages to put up a stout 83 runs on the board in 10 overs before giving up the crease to their rivals.

The teams’ hopes for a decider, however, are stumped as two team members get called in for supper by their parents.

And by 8:45 p.m., the game is drawn to a close – there’s no winner.

Yet again, there’s no disappointment in the eyes of the players, leaving us to wonder if we were more invested in the match than those in the game themselves.

Nilesh is quick to tell us how night cricket has become part and parcel of summer life for him in Oman.

“We’ve been here in Oman for the last 12 years and we grew up embracing the heat,” says the 14-year-old.

“Another thing we embrace tightly is cricket. So, even if we can’t really see [the ball] we’re hitting – or where we’re hitting it – we love to come out to the pitch and play a good game of cricket.

“It’s become a tradition for all of the kids in our building to come together, keep all our studies aside, and play together.

Pointing at his brother, Nilesh says, “Some of us have only got a year before we head to college, and we’re trying to make the most of what we can.

“More than the game itself we just want to catch up and spend some time with each other that we can cherish before we all split up and enter another phase of life.” ■

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The pilgrim’s

path

Hajj embodies solidarity; Eid Al Adha reflects sacrifice.

As we enter the season of pilgrimage, Aftab H. Kola reflects on his experiences of making this spiritual journey ‘And Proclaim unto Mankind the pilgrimage.

They will come unto thee on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine.’

– Holy Quran, Chapter 22, Verse 27.

T

he Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj is a global journey into the heart of Islam. Each year, nearly three million Muslims converge on Saudi Arabia’s Makkah and Medinah – Islam’s two holiest sanctuaries to answer the divine call of performing the rite of Hajj. One of the five foundational pillars of Islam, Hajj – the pilgrimage to Makkah – is a series of religious rites that take place during the Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

The spiritual and humanitarian significance of Hajj extends beyond the act of the rites themselves, built on a foundation of tradition that date as far back as the records of the Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hagar, and son Ishmael.

The Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj reinforces and strengthens Muslim unity and solidarity as worshippers gather in Makkah and other holy sites dressed in the same attire and reciting the same verse – ‘Labbaik Allahuma labbaik, Labbaik la shareeka laka labbai’ (Here I am O Allah, at Thy service. Here I am, Thou art without partner, here I am. All praise and blessings are Thine, and Dominion. Thou art without partner). It’s a rite that seeks to teach the faithful the values, principals, and objectives upon which Islam molds the qualities and characters of an individual.

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The act of Hajj is an enjoined duty and a divine one made between the eighth and 13th days of the 12th month (Dhu alHijjah) of the Islamic lunar year. Muslims, if they can afford it financially and are in good health, must endeavour to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

I had the honour of performing Hajj several years back and have visited Makkah every year since for Umrah (a short pilgrimage). Before setting out on the journey, its rites and preparations begin even at home. I had to ensure that all wrongs are redressed; pay all my debts; had enough funds to

undertake the journey while setting aside enough extra for the maintenance of my family while I was away; and prepare myself for good conduct throughout the pilgrimage.

I landed first in Medinah a few days prior to the start of Hajj and, though a stopover here doesn’t fall on the pilgrimage route, a visit to Islam’s second holiest sanctuary is an equally immersive experience and is highly-recommended, with many pilgrims visiting it either before or after Hajj. Before departing Medinah to Makkah, we drape ourselves in the ‘ihram’ – the two pieces of unsewn, white cloth that each male pilgrim must wear prior to performing Hajj or Umrah – and make ‘niyah’, uttering our intention of performing the Holy Pilgrimage aloud.

After a four-hour coach ride from Medinah, we arrive in Makkah to perform Umrah first. This was on the seventh day of Dhu al-Hijjah, two days prior to actually embarking on Hajj.

Here, we spend our time in the Masjid al-Haram – the Sacred Mosque of Makkah – praying, reciting the Quran, and engaging in devotional ‘zikr’.

On the eighth morning of Dhu al-Hijjah, we join a concourse of worshippers chanting the ‘talbiyah’ – the Muslim prayer invoked by pilgrims as intention to perform the sacred rite of Hajj in the name of Allah only and his glory – and enter the valley of Mina, a tiny, uninhabited village about seven kilometres east of Makkah where we spend the night in fire-proof tents. It’s worth noting that there are now train services that will take you directly from Makkah to Mina and further, but we made the trek on foot.

The scene at Mina touches my heart deeply; I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life and thank Allah for providing me an opportunity to make this holiest of pilgrimages. All around me religious fervour is writ large on the faces of my fellow pilgrims as the valley reverberated with chants of ‘talbiyah’ as three million pilgrims from around the world converged on the tent city – their first stop on the way to the Plain of Arafat.

Saudi Arabia has taken the utmost care to arrange excellent facilities for the throngs of pilgrims that descend upon the Kingdom during Hajj in greater numbers each year. The time we spent on the Plain of Arafat was precious and devoted to prayer,

genuine repentance for one’s sins, prayers for the dead and the living, and prayers to be cleansed through Hajj. For it was here that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his last Hajj sermon 14 centuries ago.

The Plain of Arafat is considered the climax or pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage – yet it’s not the conclusion as a few days more remain. Though, speaking from my experience, at no other place and at no other location in my lifetime have I, as a believer, felt so intensely and confidently that I am approaching a merciful, responsive, and loving Allah and that all my prayers would be answered.

From Arafat, we returned enroute to Mina, spending the night at Muzdalifa, a valley between mountains in the north and south. Here, we engaged in worship and gathered pebbles for the symbolic ritual of stoning the devil on the following day. At dawn, we trudged, towards the multi-storey Jamrat Complex a kilometre away from our tent. Here we joined in throwing seven peasized pebbles at Jamrat AlAqaba – one of the three elliptical walls representing the devil.

It was a sight that stays with me until now.

Assisted by hundreds of ever-smiling security officials, the ritual – of which millions took part – was conducted in a peaceful and orderly fashion, with special assistance provided for the elderly.

On the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, we prepare to celebrate Eid Al Adha – the ‘Feast of the Sacrifice.’ Those who can afford it buy a sheep or goat, or a share of a sacrificial animal, sacrifice it, and distribute a portion of the meat to the poor. After celebrating Eid, we repeated the stoning ritual for a further two days, hurling seven pebbles a day at each of the three walls inside the Jamrat Complex before returning to Makkah for ‘tawaf’ – the ritual of circling the holy Kaaba seven times in supplication to Allah.

Hajj is now complete, and I leave feeling reborn; a sense of renewal and devotion prevail; a sense that my sins have been washed away. It’s a pilgrimage that will remain with me as one of life’s most essential experiences. ■

(All images for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: Shutterstock)

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

Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol

Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking

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of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital

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& Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol

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• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf &

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Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of

Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega

Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental

Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of

Economics and

Political Science

• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality

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Adventures

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

GRACE AND GRANDEUR

The ornate beauty of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Sohar, framed through an archway, is a vision in blue mosaic

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&

CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s

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

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

SOHAR Echoes of history reverberate on the sea breeze in Oman’s northern coastal port city, as Ashlee Starratt discovers 022

AUG 01 - 07 / ISSUE 579

beautiful drive, but with certain stretches closed amid construction we ended up make the lion’s share of our road-trip along the Sultan Qaboos Highway.

The blacktop slipping by under our wheels, we left Muscat in our rearview mirror, passing through the small townships of the coastal communities on the way to North Batinah. Reaching Sohar, you’ll pass through its monumental gate, and follow a lushly-manicured greenbelt road towards the city proper, passing by the stunning Sultan Qaboos Mosque Sohar with its cerulean-blue mosaic-tiled domes and minarets.

Driving through the city centre and past the Sohar Port, it’s evident that commerce is thriving in this port city, which has been designated as an economic free-zone within the Sultanate – playing an important

some fresh air along the Corniche promenade and stroll along the sun-drenched beach, before heading over to wander through the Sohar Coastal Market and then onward to the Handicraft Market. These lively souqs hearken back to times long gone and the ancient bazaars of old.

They’re the perfect place to watch traditional industries that still live on and pick up a hand-woven mat at one stall and lush frankincense or myrrh at the apothecarys.

Sohar is a city whose values of tradition and ancient roots run deep.

But, as its massive port development and bustling city centre will attest, it’s also a city that’s not afraid to build upon the institutions of its past, to shape its future.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

‘S

ohar’, as a word, carries an exotic inflection – rolling off the tongue in open vowels that trail off on the breath. Sohar as a place is equally so; carrying the same exotic resonance to match the timbre of its name.

Once the Sultanate’s ancient capital, it’s role in its history as a vital port city along the trade routes of ancient Rome and Phoenicia, as well as the spice routes of Persia and the Far East. Gold coins dating back as far as 1601 AD featuring the face of Roman Emperor Tiberius have been found in the bedrock of Sohar Fort.

Just a two-hour drive from Muscat, Sohar still remains an idyllic bastion of maritime tradition. We set out mid-morning from Muscat on a sleepy Saturday, aiming to travel along the Al Batinah Coastal Highway for as far as we could. A

role in Oman’s Vision 2040. With current investments upwards of $12 billion USD, it’s one of the world’s largest port developments.

Heeding the call of the coast, we drive away from the city centre towards the water and the small Corniche that overlooks it – not far from the Sohar Fort. Open from 8:00 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. daily, the white-washed fort – now converted into an archaeological and cultural museum – was once an important 14th-century stronghold during the rule of the Portuguese. Today, the museum is home to a variety of cultural artifacts and highlights the history of Sohar’s copper trade with ancient China.

After exploring its exhibits, we get

From Muscat, follow the Sultan Qaboos Highway towards Barka on the Muscat-Dubai route. Keep on the straight stretch for two hours until you reach the Sohar Gate. Follow the road past the Grand Mosque and follow the signs for the city centre. After reaching the city centre, keep an eye out for further signs to the Sohar Fort, about a ten-minute drive away.

GPS Coordinates: 24.3461° N; 56.7075° E

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CARS ADVENTURES

VOLVO V40 CROSS COUNTRY

FIRST DRIVE

T

he concept of owning a luxury hatchback is one that’s overlooked here in the draconian GCC market, with car dealerships often leaving sales to chance than spending dough on marketing it beyond its true potential – which rarely, if ever, goes above that of more practical SUVs and larger sedans in the market.

It isn’t hard to understand why that’s the case either: why would you shell out brass for a fourseater hatchback when you can fill out that parking space with a larger – and much more practical – vehicle?

By those standards, luxury hatchbacks are deemed to falter in this market; but one has stood the test of time among a sea of similar cars in the Sultanate: the Volvo V40 Cross Country.

A global sales success when stacked up to its competitors from Europe, the Swedish-born V40 has been in the market for over five years now with only a mid-cycle facelift distinguishing the first

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Style and practicality meets value as we take a spin in the V40 Cross Country – Volvo’s entry-level premium hatchback

generation of the hatchback that initially took over from the V40 sedan of previous years.

Yet, you couldn’t tell its age. From a design standpoint, the V40 Cross Country borrows all the bells and whistles from its bigger siblings – the S90 sedan and the XC90 SUV – and chucks in just enough wavy lines and character to help distinguish it as a stand-alone product.

So, in comes the Thor’s hammer headlamps and LED headlamps, alongside the familiar bold fascia that we’ve come to terms with. The grille maintains its distinctive character, with the Volvo logo running across from end to end, and the lower portions of the bumper housing curvy plastic panels as a part of the ‘Cross Country’ package.

This package also lifts the suspension to offer a tad bit more ground clearance – 145mm to be precise – and adds in large 19-inch alloys in place of the regular 17-inch ones from the V40.

The stance is aggressive for what’s essentially a

lifted hatchback with plastic panels on the lower portions of the car and is quite endearing – and daring-looking – when pitted against its rivals from Volkswagen and even Audi who opt for relatively conservative styles.

This can also be said about the posterior, which embraces its curves with trowel-shaped LED tail lamps and small tailgate. There’s also ‘Cross Country’ debossed into a grey panel and dual exhausts worked into the rear bumper.

The interior is unmistakably Volvo from 2012 – but with added tech (and frills) to keep the cabin in check with current times.

So, there’s no tablet-styled touchscreen interface to operate the infotainment screen or piano black gloss panels flanking the dashboard. Instead, Volvo sticks to their Scandinavian roots and keeps things simple. The leather and soft-touch plastic combo kept things in our tester well-rooted, while the brushed-metal finish on the centre console added to the overall appeal of the interior.

The centre console is laid out neatly, and there’s just enough buttons worked into the grey panel to help you control everything from the airconditioning to the music, and even your touchscreen unit.

We couldn’t find fault with the screen controller – it’s fast, efficient, and responded well to our touch.

Moreover, the screen also renders excellent graphics and allows you to

D e s t i n at i o n

control vehicular functions if need be. The UI will take getting used to, but the user-experience is still up there with some of the best currently in the market.

This can also be said about the instrument cluster, which displays graphics in place of the traditional dials. The graphics on the LCD screen are quite smooth, easy to understand, and customisable.

They can display anything from your speed in digital numerals, oil temperature, power delivery in digital bars, and your fuel readouts in LED dots. These can also be altered to your taste depending on the mode you’re in – Sport, Eco, and Elegance.

Space inside the car is adequate for five people – and it’s sizable when compared with its competition. Legroom and headroom upfront is excellent, while the rear can just about fit three adults in comfort. The seats are comfortable and unrestrictive with its side bolsters, but hold you in place when needed.

The V40’s cargo capacity is rated

Po s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y-Fi

at 335-litres, which is good enough for two full-size suitcases and a smaller bag, though it must be kept in mind that the aperture of the boot is quite narrow owing to the stylish boot lid.

Where the car really strikes gold is in the safety department; cramming in just about enough tech to keep it from an accident (even those that aren’t created by you).

Our tester came fitted with Lane Keeping Assist with a vibration emanating through the steering wheel when you veer off-track, Lane Departure Warning system, Road Sign Information system that reads signs to display speed limits, and City Safety technology that brakes automatically if it detects the possibility of a crash.

The powertrain is completed by a 2.0-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder motor that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic. It pumps out 245hp and 350Nms of torque, and routes it all to all four wheels.

Our tests helped propel the car from a standstill to 100kph in just above six seconds, owing to the low-end torque that kicks in at about the 2,800rpm mark. Impressively, the power band also extends across the rev range as the car red-lines at the 6,000rpm mark with nothing more than an enjoyable growl played through the exhaust.

On road dynamics it’s impressive, with no real understeer or oversteer creeping in from the all-wheel drive system.

Noise, vibrations, and harshness levels are kept to a minimum at speeds of up to 120kph, and the tune from the suspension is adequate for smooth and civilised driving.

The steering setup is light, with not much of the road surface

Gaming

CARS

VOLVO V40 CROSS COUNTRY Specifications: • Engine: 2.0-litre ‘turbocharged’ in-line four-cylinder • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic • Power: 245hp • Torque: 350Nms • Top Speed: 240kph All-wheel drive Park Assist Pilot 7-inch infotainment screen with Sensus navigation Panoramic moonroof HID headlights Leather upholstery Auto stop-start 335-litre boot space Radar-guided cruise control Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning System Harman/Kardon premium audio

FROM A DESIGN STANDPOINT, THE V40 CROSS COUNTRY BORROWS ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES FROM ITS BIGGER SIBLINGS – THE S90 SEDAN AND THE XC90 SUV – AND CHUCKS IN JUST ENOUGH WAVY LINES AND CHARACTER TO HELP DISTINGUISH IT AS A STAND-ALONE PRODUCT. relayed back to the driver. Yet, the 225/40 rubber around the alloys do a great job in translating some of the road surface details. The added ground clearance (10mm from the regular variant) also allows the car to partake in mild off-roading.

Body roll is prominent in corners but only to a marginal extent, and is only noticeable when you take corners at high speeds. Still, the balance between ride and comfort is balanced – with just a touch of sportiness sprinkled in to the mix when the gearbox and pedals are tuned to overdrive in the ‘Sport’ mode.

The luxury car market may be a difficult one to penetrate. Yet, Volvo’s V40 Cross Country blends the three elements that keep it in contention for the top spot in the segment: top-notch styling, technology, and functionality.

But it’s the overall value that the car offers that separates it from a myriad of hatchbacks that do no better than street-cruising. And for that very reason, the V40 is aces in our books and remains our choice of car in this niche segment.

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CARS ADVENTURES

DARJEELING, UNLIMITED At the foothills of the

Himalayas, this West Bengali jewel remains steeped with tea – and tradition

1. Take a Toy Train joy-ride from Darjeeling to Ghum, and back.

2. Join a rock-climbing class at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

3. Trek to Tiger Hills to capture the captivating sunrise.

4. Stay at a tea bungalow and relish a fresh brew.

5. Battle the currents of the River Teesta while rafting through its rapids.

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Swati Basu Das recommends

DARJEELING, INDIA

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ightly termed the ‘Queen of the Hills’, Darjeeling is one of the subcontinent’s most romanticized destinations, located in the Indian state of West Bengal, at the feet of the Himalaya mountain range.

Soaked in British colonial heritage, Darjeeling reflects the influence of its history at every turn. From Makaibari, the world’s first tea factory established in 1859; the gothic-style buildings; the functional locomotive track laid down in 1880; and the century-old eateries founded in 1911, the legacy continues.

With the majestic snowcapped Mount Khangchendzonga as the backdrop to its tea-green slopes, Darjeeling is a sleepy hamlet that borders Nepal and Bhutan to its north.

Perched in the refreshing foothills of the Himalayas, it lays at an altitude of 8,515 feet above sea level with a spectacular topography ideal for trekkers, campers, river rafters, bird-watchers and nature-lovers.

A narrow rail gauge running through the mountain road connects the New Jalpaiguri Railways Station and Darjeeling. Huffing and puffing between the thick pine forests and tea gardens, the mini steam-engine pulls its coaches up the winding mountain roads. The perky locals and children hopping on and off the slow-moving train add zest to the panoramic views.

VENDO Darjeeling Mall, also known as ‘Chowrasta Mall’, is the town square where THE CE RS SELL GR IL NTRAL C H O W R L E D C O R N IN Darjeeling’s population comes to stroll and unwind amidst the greenery.

ASTA M ARKET Darjeeling food is known for its extravagant culinary delights - an amalgamation of colonial British, Nepali, and Tibetan. Savour the classic scones, tarts, pies, jams, cakes, and chocolates at the century-old Glenary’s restaurant or head over to Keventers - a local landmark best known for its English breakfast since 1911 and is an all-time favourite of writers, filmmakers, and travelers who have trained their respective lenses on the region.. Or opt for a typical yet tempting local restaurant such as Kunga, which serves delicacies like ‘momos’ (chicken- and vegetable-stuffed dumplings) and ‘thenthuk’ and ‘gyathuk’ noodle varieties.

Once an extravagant escape for the colonial British, Darjeeling is a slice of paradise for travelers to the subcontinent seeking to beat the heat and hassle of India’s metropolises.

My favourite place Home to Sherpa Tenzing Norgay (the first man to scale Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary) this hill-town got its first mountaineering institute in 1954. Celebrating Norgay’s achievement, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is an educational and research centre for mountaineering researchers and trainees. A hallmark in the field of mountaineering training it’s a significant tourist attraction on the doorstep of the Himalayas.

The institute has one of India’s oldest mountaineering museums displaying a rich collection of photographs, manuscripts, and trekking equipment belonging to famous mountaineers. The institute campus is surrounded by the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Winner of the 2014 ‘Earth Heroes’ international award, the park is famous for conserving endangered species like the Himalayan red panda, Siberian tiger, snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and other animals that inhabit the region’s alpine conditions.

Highlights Accorded UNESCO World Heritage status, the snail-pace Toy Train in Darjeeling offers visitors a coveted

R A IN ’ FR OM T H E ‘T OY T M B OA S T S IN G T O G H U DARJEEL TATUS UNESCO S

experience. This ‘joy-ride’ through a two-foot narrow gauge is a two-hour roundtrip from Darjeeling to Ghum and back. Located at an altitude of 7,407 feet, Ghum is India’s highest railway station. The Himalayan Railway Museum (DHR Ghum Museum) exhibits the oldest toy train, the Baby Sivok, which dates back to 1818 and showcases the relentless heritage of Indian Railways. The towns of Melli and Teesta Bazaar are another captivating stopover near Darjeeling where the River Teesta gushes down the valley. It’s a challenging spot for adventurers keen on whitewater rafting the River Teesta with rapid levels ranging from Grades 1 to Grade 6 depending on the experience of the rafter and under the supervision of a trained guide. One of the world’s prominent tea provinces, the history of Darjeeling tea dates back to 1830. Cultivated across 87 designated gardens in the area, the flavourful Darjeeling tea is a GI- (Geographical Indicator) certified product.

Staying at a tea estate and delving into the aromatic world of Darjeeling tea is worth the trip alone.

Lowlights None.

Souvenirs Exclusive Darjeeling black, green, and white tea; Tibetan carpets, handicrafts and artifacts; or hand-knitted wool

items made by locals are abundantly available at street-side stalls on the way to Darjeeling Mall Road or Chowrasta.

Getting there

Passengers travelling from Muscat can fly Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, then take a domestic flight to Bagdogra International Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal. Or, Air India operates direct flights from Muscat to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi where daily flights to Bagdogra are available.

Where to stay

Heritage tea bungalows such as Glenburn, Makaibari, and Cochrane Place offer an exotic stay. Or, book your stay at luxury resorts, boutique hotels, tea bungalows, and economical guesthouses through online booking sites such as Agoda, Trivago, or Booking.com.

DARJ E E L IN G ’S HOME T O C E N R O L L IN G H IL L S A TUR RE T E A P L IE S - O L D W O R K IN G ANTAT IO N S

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

PURE VISION The Y Geek Squad takes a peek into the wide world of viewing devices to round up the best from the rest ULTRA-GEAR The advent of new display technology means the line between a good desktop monitor and a great one is quite small – until you throw into the mix an LG 38GL950G UltraGear gaming monitor. This beast takes viewing to the next level – quite literally!

With the sharpest clarity you’ll ever get from a monitor, a 21:9 ultra-wide Nano-IPS display, and a 1ms response time, the monitor allows you to experience content like never before. Add to that a 144Hz screen with 175Hz overclock ability, the 38-inch screen with a resolution of 3840x1600 (which in layman’s terms is QHD+) is as close to reality as you’ll ever get. Buy this from the LG store at Oman Avenues Mall for RO768.

IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT The joys of car travel can often be short-lived. Travelling in a confined space for hours requires some form of recreation (for passengers) to take your mind off the miles at hand.

That’s where the Pumpkin Headrest Car DVD Player comes in. This device fits straight into your car’s front headrests and effectively turns it into rear-screen DVD systems.

As the name suggests, you can load DVDs or CDs into the head unit, or alternatively, use an SD card or flash drive to stream movies. You can also sync up the system to another unit and display content for two passengers on the go. The 10.1-inch screen maxes out at 1024x600 resolution, which is underwhelming by today’s standards, but it’s still bright in the sunlight and offers great viewing angles. Buy it from amazon.com for RO48.2.

Sitting in the lineup as one of the largest home TVs ever made, the Hisense 4K Laser TV adds in plenty of fun in showing off a large screen – 100-inch – TV but dials out the cost of owning and maintaining one.

Sure, it’s a few bags of baisas away from being termed ‘cost-effective’, but at RO3,844, we’d say it’s a steal. The television itself benefits from a laser projector that can reproduce 4K footage at 100-inches and a viewing angle of 180-degrees. You’ll also receive 3,000 Lumens worth of brightness (so you don’t have to dim the lights in your room to watch TV), a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a 20,000+ hour rating on the laser projector. Sound is taken care of by a 110-Watt Harman Kardon system. Buy it from amazon.com.

SMART PROJECTOR

EDITOR’S PICK 028

LASER SHARP

BIG THINGS CAN INDEED COME IN SMALL PACKAGES. THAT’S EXACTLY THE CASE WITH THE BLACKVIEW MAX 1. THIS LARGE SMARTPHONE COMES PACKING ALL THE ESSENTIALS – A 6-INCH AMOLED SCREEN, SONY-SOURCED 16MP REAR CAMERA AND A 16MP + 0.3MP DUAL FRONT CAMERA, 6GB OF RAM, AND A FINGERPRINT SENSOR. BUT IT COMES WITH A STANDOUT FEATURE: A PROJECTOR. AND, NOT ONLY IS THIS PROJECTOR FULLY OPERABLE THROUGH THE SMARTPHONE, IT WILL ALSO DISPLAY PICTURE AT ABOUT 45-INCHES (WHICH IS LARGER THAN MOST TELEVISIONS) IN 720P RESOLUTION. THE PROJECTOR CAN DISPLAY ANYTHING THAT CAN BE SEEN ON THE SCREEN AND BE USED IN DARK ENVIRONMENTS FOR ABOUT FIVE HOURS BEFORE IT RUNS OUT OF JUICE. IT’S THE PERFECT TAG-ALONG FOR A NIGHT OUT IN THE WADIS OR MOUNTAINS, OR WHEN YOU JUST DON’T FEEL LIKE PICKING UP YOUR LAPTOP. IT’S ALL YOURS FOR RO111 FROM ALIEXPRESS.COM.

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HEALTH

&

Health

Fa s h i o n

BEAUTY

Home

Fa m i l y

Summer’s

ULTIMATE UPDOS When the heat is on, only an updo will do! Mikaela Estera finds five of our fave easy versions for summer that won’t leave you breaking a sweat

S

ummer in the Sultanate is a force to be reckoned with; and when faced with those extra strong heatwaves, the thought of going outside even just to run small errands is enough to turn us into cranky creatures. And for ladies – loose, sweaty hair seals the grumpy deal.

But fret not – here are five easy updos that you can do that can be done in five minutes before leaving the house. And, when you get the hang of styling, you can experiment and create your own fresh summer look that’s easy-breezy!

The classic pony

A no-brainer, the best thing about a simple ponytail is just that – its simplicity. Literally anyone can do it if hair is long enough.

Just make sure you apply some mousse or hairspray to keep it neat and slicked back to achieve that classy, sleek look.

Product we love: L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray – Volume 11 (RO5.3).

Topsy-turvy tail

Spice up that simple ponytail by turning it upside down – literally!

First, tie your hair up in a

full pony and loosen just enough hair at the base to create a partition. Pull the tail of your hair upwards and slip it into the partition, then pull downwards to lock in place. Voilà! Job done!

(Photo credit: www.parlordiary.com)

The bubble ponytail

While this may look complicated, it’s actually super-simple to pull off !

Just pull your hair up into a high ponytail and section off segments of the loose tail with hair bands.

Then, tug each segment slightly loose until you get that round bubble-like shape. The longer your hair, the better this style works!

Product we love: Avoid those pesky pulls from hair bands and ties with Scünci No Slip Elastic Hair Bands (RO1.1).

Big bun

For a more sophisticated look, our fail-safe hair hack is, in fact, a hair ‘donut’. Sounds complete whacky – but trust us, it’s not. These bunmakers are inexpensive and easy to spot in mall accessories stores, or in the ladies’ hair products section of the supermarket.

To use it, tie your hair up in a long ponytail and roll the loose end up the ‘stick’ of the hair donut until you reach the crown. Take the two ends of the hair donut and pull them together so they fan out and create a round shape. Gently pull your out

and into in a fan around the donut until it’s fully covered. Secure any loose ends with some bobby pins.

Neat, fresh, and cool for summer!

Product we love: Styla Hair Magic Bun Maker Foam Sponge Bun Shaper (RO3).

The French braid

Ladies don’t shy away from the humble braid.

Let’s take it to a whole new level with a summery French braid that’s actually fairly do-able! To start, divide the hair on the upper crown of your head into three strands (left, centre, and right) and pull them taut. Take the left strand and cross it over the middle piece to exchange their positions and then do the same for the right. Continue in the same pattern as you go down, gathering hair along the way until there’s none left to plait for that classic French style look. For ladies with longer hair, you can then twirl your braided tail in a bun if you don’t want it dangling down your back or against your neck – or, just let it hang for that Angelina Jolie/Lara Croft vibe!

Product we love: Keep those flyaways in place with a packet of Goody Black Roller Pins (RO2.4).

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

THE SUMMER MUST-HAVES!

Accessories can either make or break your look. So, to keep you looking chic this summer, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite must-haves that you’ll want to keep in your rotation from now until September – like this cute floppy hat from White Stuff.

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

T t e G

Giving us that summery Spanish vibe, this fiery maxi-dress from Dorothy Perkins is ‘mucho caliente’! Add to your summer wardrobe for just RO17.

The large sun hat is back on 2019’s trend list and many celebrities have donned it with style. Now, you can grab your limited-edition sun hat from ZARA at only RO20 and get clicking on those #OOTDs!

Mall strolls or brunch with girlfriends, this ‘Bluebelle’ satchel from Guess in luscious shades of brown will add that much-needed summer vibe to your attire. Snatch it for RO55.

A wee bit on the pricey side, but these statement earrings are totally worth it.

Monica Sordo’s Nautilus Earfan earrings are handcrafted with motherof-pearl and other exotic elements.

They’re an absolute must-have and you can buy them from The Edit at RO261.

Prefer to keep it simple? This silver bead bracelet from Guess is a musthave. The red tassels with the iconic Guess branding make it a super-stylish choice for your wrist. Shop it at RO16.

Protect your peepers from the harsh sun this summer while still looking fabulous in the heat with these gold-rimmed sunnies tinted a cool purple from Accessorize. Buy them for just RO2.

Off-white is very ‘in’ this season thanks to all the Instagram ‘influencers’.

These flat, creamcoloured mules from ZARA are light and breezy, which make them perfect for the summer season. Grab them for RO20.

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OUTDOOR EATS

We’re popping the lid on summer’s picnic basket to bring you some of our family favourites

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New Restaurant

Reviews

Picnic

PERFECT

No fuss, no muss – these easy onthe-go recipes are delicious, travel well, and pack up in a pinch!

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ridays are for friends and with the dressing on the bottom family, and when the heat and veggies and lettuce layered is on there’s nothing like on the top. packing up and heading 3.Avoid food going soggy to the beach, cooler in tow, for by storing dressings and an evening meal on the sand, al condiments in separate fresco. Whether you’re braving containers rather than mixing a beach barbecue at Yiti Beach before you go. or settling down for a snack by 4.Pre-make your ice-cubes with the sand with the evening tide in zesty infusions like mint leaves Seeb, picnics are a part of life in or raspberries and keep them in the Sultanate. a box in the cooler which will To make your hamper go the allow food packed around the distance here are a few functional container to remain cool. tips to help keep your food fresh, 5. Say goodbye to those soggy flavourful – and portable! egg salad sandwiches! Grab a crusty French baguette, slice it 1. Stick with vegetable platters lengthwise and hollow out the with slices of carrots, broccoli, centre. Layer it with your fave or capsicums which travel easy fillings, cut into segments and and are the perfect finger-food wrap in foil for later!

– rather than a boxed-up salad which will wilt quickly.

Want to put these picnic 2. If you just can’t pass up on hacks to the test? Here are some the salad, consider bringing a deliciously simple options for your version in a portable, sealed jar next round of outdoor eats!

Chicken Pesto Sandwiches A fail-safe flavour combo of succulent chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and zesty pesto made fool-proof between two slices of crusty ciabatta.

Loaded Salad in a Jar Layers of health meet off-the§ Shake the jar well before charts levels of flavour in this serving so the dressing picnic-friendly portable salad that’s mixes with all of the other sure to be a hit with the healthies. ingredients. § Empty the contents out onto a Ingredients: plate and enjoy!

For the syrup (Source: www.bitzngiggles.com) § ¼ cup cucumber, peeled and chopped § ¼ cup red onion, chopped § ½ cup croutons § 5–6 grape tomatoes § ¼ cup slivered almonds § ¼ cup cranberries § ¼ cup green peas (boiled and cooled) § 1 cup mixed greens § 1/3 cup salad dressing Method: § Add the salad dressing to the bottom of the mason jar. § Drop in the croutons, then the tomatoes. § Add the rest of the vegetables in no specific order. § Toss in the almonds and cranberries. § Top with the mixed greens.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cup Brownies Don’t even worry about these decadent desserts melting in the sun – they won’t last long enough to even break a sweat!

Serves: 24 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Ingredients: § 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips § ½ cup unsalted butter § 4 large eggs § 1 cup sugar § ½ cup cocoa powder § ½ cup almond meal § ½ tsp salt § 2 tsp vanilla § ½ cup creamy peanut butter § 12 mini peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped Method: § Pre-heat your oven to 176°C and line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper.

§ In a double boiler, or a bowl set over a simmering pan of water, melt the butter then add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted. Set aside to cool slightly. § In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar for a minute or two. § Add melted chocolate mixture a little at a time, whisking well after each addition. § Whisk in the cocoa powder, almond meal, salt, and vanilla. § Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. § Place small dollops of the peanut butter over the batter and then create swirls with a butter knife or small spatula. Scatter the chopped peanut butter cups over the top of the batter and lightly press in any larger chunks. § Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until brownies are just set in the middle. § Cool completely in the pan before cutting.

(Source: www.cupcakesandkalechips.com)

Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Ingredients: § 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken § ¼ cup homemade or prepared pesto § 3 Tbsp shaved Parmesan cheese § 1 cup baby arugula § ¼ cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil, drained, and rinsed § Freshly-ground black pepper § 4 ciabatta rolls, split in half lengthwise

and pesto. Divide chicken and pesto between ciabatta rolls. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly-ground black pepper. Top with remaining half of the bun.

Method: § Preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the ciabatta halves cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until toasted to desired crispness. § In a bowl toss together the chicken (Source: www.foodnetwork.ca)

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FOOD DRINK

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Info Box

OMNY BRASSERIE Lower level, Hormuz Grand Muscat, Airport Heights/Seeb Opening hours: Noon till midnight, daily Contact: (+968) 2435-0506

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

Seafood standouts with five-star preparation and restraint in presentation that lets the flavour of Oman’s maritime bounty speak for itself.

OMNY BRASSERIE TEAM Y TUCKS INTO A TASTE OF THE DEEP AT AN UPMARKET SEAFOOD NIGHT THAT’S SURE TO CATCH ON

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Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

and grilled to perfection – toothsome without the added chewiness that we found in the larger-sized Asian-style calamari served along with it.

For our mains, the two Omani lobster tails arrive in quick succession – one a classic grilled version, the sweet meat balanced with an earthy char from the grill; the other is marinated with Indian spices and is the hands-down star of the two. Both come served with delicate beurre blanc sauces – one classic, the other curried, and both sublime.

Last to arrive is the grilled whole sea bream, served with delicate cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, a side of earthy mushroom risotto, and a small portion of hand-cut chips. Our waiter gently filets the bream – which is fall-off-the-bone fork-tender.

The flavour is light and lush, with the beurre blanc bringing out new depths of flavour to the filets.

As we finish our maritime feast, we can’t help but feel as though we’ve done a complete go-round of all that Oman has to offer from its waters. All items were cooked fresh à la minute with simple yet elegant presentation that allowed the core ingredients to be hero-ed.

We cap off our meal with steaming cups of jasmine tea and a delicate selection of petit-fours – miniature lemon tarts, espresso chocolate cake, and a coconut cake with lemon cream. We find it hard to fault what’s been an exceptional dining experience, taking the best of Oman’s bounty and making it shine. ■

f there’s one thing foodies in Muscat have in aces, it’s appetite. And Oman answers this call by capitalizing on what nature has blessed it with in spades – rich, abundant seafood. From the deep maritime roots of its seafaring history, the Sultanate has long offered up its bounty to the region and beyond.

And, more often than not, that bounty makes its way onto the plates of Muscat eateries, prepared to perfection. Such was the case at the OMNY Brasserie’s new Ocean Treasure Night. Located on the lower level of the Hormuz Grand Muscat – A Radisson Collection Hotel, the restaurant has a lush ambiance with a plush indoor seating area that gives way to the outdoor terrace where tables are set up around the water garden.

Inside, the colour palette is redolent of the sand and sea with lush upholstery and table settings in rich shades of gold and teal. There’s a secluded private dining room at the back of the restaurant, As we’re shown to our cozy table near the while taking pride of central place is an open-air kitchen where tonight’s fresh catch is laid out on terrace door, Executive Chef Thierry Quintric is making the rounds, greeting diners and explaining display, ready to be cooked à la minute. the concept of their Ocean Treasure Night, which they host every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. Guests can select their choice of seafood cooked fresh at market price, and will receive an entrée of lobster bisque and a dessert along with it.

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see Our eyes bigger than our better judgment, our reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com. group orders up a sizeable selection – a selection of grilled prawns and calamari, lobster tail, and baked sea bream. Quick to arrive first is the warming bowl of lobster bisque – served pipinghot and topped with a garlic crouton crisp. The flavour is deep and briny without overpowering the delicate tomato broth and is the perfect way to whet our appetite for what’s to come.

Up next is a sampler platter of grilled prawns and calamari, marinated in a variety of ways.

There are the delicate tandoori-style shrimps, redolent with rich Indian spices, classic crispy calamari that goes down a treat with their housemade tartar sauce, and plump lemon-skewered Omani prawns, the puckering marinade off-setting their sweetness perfectly. But the standout from this platter was the pesto calamari – delicate rings of squid, tossed in a gorgeous homestyle pesto

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