Y Magazine #582, August 29, 2019 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Coffee with Y BRINGING TOURISTS INTO OMANI HOMES Indoor active BEAT-THE-HEAT SUMMER RECREATION

OMAN SEES 12 PER CENT 8 News: GROWTH IN GDP REPORTS CBO

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DESTINATION: Nizwa Fort TASTE TEST: Fuel Café YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

AUG 29 - SEP 04 2019 / ISSUE 582 • WEEKLY

LET'S TALK

PLUS!

AS RATES OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG YOUTH IN OMAN CONTINUE TO RISE, Y EXPLORES WHETHER THIS SURGE IS ACTUALLY DUE TO SOMETHING POSITIVE – THE FACT THAT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE COMING FORWARD, UNAFRAID TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT THE TABOO OF MENTAL ILLNESS, AND FINDING A GROWING RESOURCE BASE TO SUPPORT THEM.

FIRST DRIVE: 2019’S TOP AUTOMOTIVE RELEASES 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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YUMMY OMAN: TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF FERMENTED FOODS

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Campaign Period: 21st July 2019 (Sunday) – 19th Sept 2019 (Thursday). Benefits are applicable for all purchases except Government Organizations & Ministries. ΩΩ Cash Gift: “Assured Cash Gift” is applicable on, 2019 YM & 2020 YM Corolla HEV, Camry HEV and RAV4 HEV models. The amount varies between model, model variants, model year and manufacturing year. “Cash gift in lieu of insurance” Cash Gift is given in Lieu of Insurance only as applicable for respective models. In case customer chooses Insurance (as applicable), he/she will not be eligible for “Cash gift in lieu of insurance” offer. 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, excluding diesel grades) on 19YM / 18PLT: Camry HEV, 19YM / 19PLT: RAV4 HEV , Camry HEV. 20YM / 19PLT: Corolla HEV. 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.**3 Years / 30,000 Kms Service (whichever is earlier) covering 3 services at 10,000 kms service interval for Petrol models based on normal operating conditions (Excluding DSL grades) on CamryHEV **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 (Excluding DSL grades) on Corolla HEV & RAV4 HEV. ^^Special Interest rate on all YMs of Camry HEV : 0% per annum upto 2years, 1.99% per annum for deals above 2 years upto 4 years, 2.99% per annum for deals above 4 years upto 5 years, for deals above 5 years normal rate will apply. For exact details please contact your nearest Toyota showroom. 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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MORE THAN

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

eaching out can be hard at the best of times. Even as adults, we tend to bottle our emotions and brush them under the rug when it comes to maintaining a façade over our mental health. It’s still a topic that’s laden with its own taboos and, when you’re facing the issue of anxiety or depression as a teen or young adult, mustering the courage to speak up and ask for help can feel doubly insurmountable. The internal fight against oneself can be one of the toughest life-long battles a person can face. The struggles of undergoing depression can consume us from within, often leaving behind remnants of a life that’s best left forgotten. But, to those of us who are in this fight, there’s a youth-led community coming forward to say: “You’re not alone.” It’s a message that’s gaining strength and, with that, comes a swell of knowledge and deeply personal experiences of those suffering from depression on how they succeeded in beating the mental illness. This is a story of hope – and it’s one we delve into in this week’s cover feature. Also in this issue, we’re meeting some locals who are making tourism their business – literally – by inviting visitors into Omani homes for an authentic taste of local hospitality that they won’t soon forget. Plus, we’re visiting two continents at once over in our Postcard pages as we head to the richly-historic and bustlingly-exotic city of Istanbul, Turkey. Plus, we’re rounding up some of the top ways to stay active indoors during these last long days of summer, taking the fear out of gut-friendly fermented foods over in Yummy Oman, and hitting the road to one of the nation’s most popular tourist attractions – Nizwa Fort, in this week’s Destination escape! 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

PHOTOGRAPHER Ismail Al Farsi DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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

@ytabloid /ytabloid

/ytabloid ymagazine

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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. AUG 29 - SEP 04 / ISSUE 582

contents

AUG 29 - SEP 04 2019

Your Oman 08 News Oman’s GDP grows by 12 per cent: CBO 08 News Omani microbiologist discovers new fungus

This Week 07 Live in Muscat Celebrity DJ Themba hits the decks at Liquid Sky 11 Movies It’s a dog’s life in the new animated family flick ‘Trouble’ opening this weekend in theatres across Oman

Features 12 Young minds If everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about, then these youth and healthcare providers in Oman want the world to know they plan to win the fight against mental illness. We meet the inspirational individuals who are taking charge and speaking out to build a community of support. 16 Around the table We meet two local entrepreneurs showcasing their heritage through a unique business concept that’s bringing tourists directly into Omani homes. 18 Indoor active Get fit and beat the heat with our round-up of indoor recreation ideas you can take part in right here in Muscat!

Cars and Adventures 22 Destination Nizwa Fort 24 First Drive The best new releases of 2019 28 Game Review The Observation

Health and Beauty 29 Health The risks of long-haul flights

Food and Drink 32 Yummy Oman Taking the fear out of fermented foods 34 Taste Test Fuel Café

30 Fashion Get shorty

32 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 e’ From e hits of the week, w gossip to your ultimat from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

Cautious Orlando After announcing their engagement back in February, actor Orlando Bloom and pop songstress Katy Perry have been open that they’re taking it slow. After going through the break-ups of their previous marriages – Katy to comedian Russell Brand and Orlando to model/actress Miranda Kerr – both have stated that neither wanted to rush into anything before they were ready. Now, Orlando has just opened up about his relationship with Katy and how he’s scared of having another failed marriage, telling People Magazine: “It’s important to me that we are aligned – I’ve been married and divorced and I don’t want to do it again.” Guess who’s making a comeback? ‘Lizzie McGuire’ is gearing up for a re-boot! The popular TV series which aired in 2001 starring Hilary Duff quickly became a tween obsession – spawning a subsequent movie and loads of Lizzie merch. Now, Hilary has announced the news on her Instagram that that the show is making a comeback by posting a compilation of some of her favourite clips along with the caption: “Surprise! I’ve been trying to contain this excitement for a long time while this has been in the world. I’m beyond excited to be home again, back with my girl into her 30s!” The show is set to hit screens on Disney+. The world is literally burning… In the wake of the devastating fires wracking the Amazon, the world is finally waking up and mobilizing. Pledges of money have been flowing in worldwide towards relief efforts and Leonadro DiCaprio has just

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pledged $5 million USD in aid. The Oscar-winning actor has long been a vocal environmentalist and announced the donation by re-posting images of the Amazonian devastation from the Earth Alliance Instagram feed. Let’s hope the rest of the world’s millionaires and billionaires follow suit. Top Rock We smell what The Rock is cookin’ – and it’s mucho dinero. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has hit the number one slot on Forbes list of highestpaid actors in the world for 2019. Since last year, he earned a whopping $89.4 million USD, beating out a slew of actors from ‘Avengers: Endgame’. To put that into perspective, he starred in just two films – ‘Rampage’ and ‘Skyscraper’— between June 1, 2018 and June 1, 2019. We’re just gonna let that sink in. He also got paid $700,000 USD per episode of ‘Ballers’ and has his own line of clothing with the fitness brand Under Armour. Wakanda forever! Fans of the ‘Black Panther’ film – uh, that’s all of us! – can start getting pumped for the second instalment in the Marvel movie franchise as the sequel release date, according to director Ryan Coogler has been announced for May 22, 2022. ‘Black Panther’, which starred Michael B. Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, and Lupita Nyong’o hit theatres in February 2018 and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning three of them. We’re not sure if we can wait two years for this sequel to hit our screens!

Charlie’s new single Charlie Puth has finally released his latest single ‘I Warned Myself’ after teasing fans with the song artwork for weeks. The first new music from Charlie since his 2018 album ‘Voicenotes’, ‘I Warned Myself’ is one of three upcoming singles off his new album that he’ll be releasing. Most recently Charlie dropped a remix of the 5 Seconds of Summer track ‘Easier’, which he co-wrote. It’s Missy’s world… …And we’re all just livin’ in it! In true Missy fashion, rap icon Missy Elliott is out with a new track called ‘Throw It Back’ off her surprise upcoming EP album ‘Iconology’ – which has just five tracks. The ‘Get Ur Freak On’ and ‘Work It’ hitmaker again reminds us who the queen is. Other tracks off her new EP include ‘Cool Off’, ‘Dripdemeanor’, and ‘Why I Still Love You’. ‘Why Don’t We’ all Boy band Why Don’t We are out with a new single called ‘What Am I’, written by Ed Sheeran. The boys are currently on their ‘8 Letters’ world tour and have been playing to sell-out crowds. The song is the perfect farewell to the summer, and we’ve got it locked on repeat as the boys serenade us on the beach in the song’s music video. Definitely top of the pops. 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 The Breakfast Show with Dan and Maya.

LIVE IN MUSCAT

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE Iconic South African DJ Themba will be storming the decks this Thursday, August 29 at Liquid Sky in Qurum. Themba burst onto the global dance scene in 2018 and his mixes have been featured on Pete Tong’s radio show, Apple Music’s Beats, and Ibiza Sonica. His latest singles ‘The Wolf’ and ‘iLEMBE’ are soaring off the charts and he’s in the running this year for ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ at the 2019 Ibiza DJ Awards. The show starts from 9:00 p.m. onwards and supporting Themba on the decks will be DJs Maitrai, AK, White Lion, Jonjay, and Carl MWA. For more information or to book your table call (+968) 9637-2727 or (+968) 9437-8706.

August

MINDFUL HEALING

August

For the first time in Muscat holistic performance coach and trainer Ishan Shivanand will be hosting a full day-long workshop on ‘Deep Healing through Mindfulness’. This interactive online holistic healing program will focus on a broad spectrum of techniques to encourage mindfulness such as physical exercises, energy training, deep meditations, emotional detox, and tapping into welcoming positive energy, peace, and restoration from within. The course will run from 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30 at the City Seasons Hotel, Al Khuwair. For more information or to register call (+968) 9627-9738, or visit www.ishanshivanand.com.

GET GRILLING THIS

WEEK

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

A U G - S E P Meat-lovers can get their grill on every Friday at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat as their weekly ‘Grill Society’ is firing up the weekend with an array of delicious prime cuts, succulent short ribs, and seafood grills at their all-day dining restaurant, The Kitchen. So, come and dig in from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. and also enjoy a complimentary game of bowling with your family reservation. Prices start from RO26 up to RO36 dependent on package. For reservations call (+968) 2498-5000.

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YOUR

OMAN A

RAYSUT INDUSTRIAL CITY DRAWS GROWING INVESTMENT

total of 32 new investment applications for industrial, commercial, and service activities at Raysut Industrial City (RIC) were received by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates – Madayn during the first half of 2019 with nine of those projects being localized. According to RIC’s Director General, Hamad bin Hamoud Al Qasabi, the study and analysis process of the remaining applications is underway before contracts are approved and signed. Additionally, he stated that a number of existing projects at RIC have received additional space for expansion and introduction of new production lines, with total investment in RIC reaching RO 422,368,159 by the end of 2018. “We’re working towards increasing

this number further,” commented Al Qasabi, “taking into consideration the expansion of the operating companies and factories in terms of space, production lines, and capital. All these factors are promising and reassure that their products are popular in the Sultanate as well as overseas markets.” Al Qasabi also noted that Madayn is currently implementing the infrastructure of the RIC development project which is estimated at a total cost of RO 4 million and is being built on a land area of one million square metres. The project will include an integrated 7.9 kms network of roads and drainage systems and water networks of up to 8.3 kms that include irrigation systems. The project is also slated to incorporate communication and gas networks, and a wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 1,000 m3 per day.

SULTANATE’S GDP INCREASES BY 12 PER CENT

he Sultanate’s nominal GDP grew by 12 per cent, while those from non-petroleum sectors expanded by 2.9 percent during 2018, according to the annual report of the Central Bank of Oman. The annual report was released on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, and contains the overall macroeconomic assessment and near-term outlook and analysis of the major sectors of the Omani economy during 2018. According to the CBO report, the broad money (M2) registered a growth of 8.3 per cent in 2018 as compared to 4.2 per cent during 2017, while CBO’s foreign assets increased by 8.1 per cent during the year, reflecting higher oil prices, whereas the ratio of CBO’s net foreign assets to broad money remained more or less constant. While broad money recorded robust growth, the money

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multiplier improved to 5.7 in 2018 from 5.0 in the previous year. Highlighting the important role of the banking sector in enhancing the Sultanate’s economy, the report also indicated that the banking and financial institutions continued to support economic activities, especially in the non-oil sector, and contributed to a surge in growth during 2018. Oman’s monetary policy remains anchored to the US due to the currency peg and, consequently, interest rates hardened following continued normalization of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. The report also indicated that banks in Oman continued to display resilience with adequate capital and low delinquency rates with the overall banking and financial sector performing satisfactorily to support growth in the economy while persevering its financial stability.

OMANI MICROBIOLOGIST DISCOVERS NEW FUNGUS

new type of harmful fungus has recently been discovered by an Omani microbiologist during his tenure with an international research team in Amsterdam, The Netherlands at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced. “This species of Fusarium was discovered while analyzing the lung samples of a female patient who was diagnosed with a lung infection in a South American country,” said Dr. Abdullah Al Hatmi, a senior specialist in microbiology and a

lab researcher at the Directorate General for Health Services in Al Dhahirah. When the sample was sent to the research institute in Amsterdam, Dr. Al Hatmi and his team found that the patient suffered from a serious fungal infection, which led to the discovery of the new fungal strain. Their research is soon set to be published in December 2019 in the ‘Fungal Systematics and Evolution’ medical journal. Dr. Al Hatmi has written more than 80 research papers and has been cited more than 883 times according to the Google Scholar Search Engine. Currently, he’s researching a species of fungal spores called ‘Candida Auris’, which was first discovered in a 70-year-old Japanese woman in 2010, and proved to be resistant to antibiotic treatment. Put forth in a statement by the MoH: “The cases involving Candida Auris began appearing all over the world, including Oman, and the fungus has proven to be a real threat to public health because of its resistance to treatment, and also because it appears during long healing periods to attack the human body.”

correspondence

SCAN THESE QR CODES &

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

With Oman’s new school year comes a rise in alternative forms of education, from online classrooms to home-schooling. Should parents and pupils be thinking outside the classroom? CHANTAL BLAKE

/YTABLOID

@YTABLOID

/YMAGAZINE

that every child is given the opportunity to attend the traditional environment of schools as it’s proven to benefit their adult life in future. With the overdependence on technology, human interaction has minimised while irresponsible behavior is on the rise. A child’s interactions in schools with teachers and fellow students acquaints with his or her behaviour and develops their understanding of human dynamics. Communication and listening are two important elements of human behaviour that are best developed in a school and, thereby, it continues to stride over the other forms of education. Online or home-schooling can supplement the traditional form of schooling but can never replace it or take lead.

SUNIL SETH

Education, much like shoes, are not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. The suitability of a shoe’s fit depends on the aims of the wearer and the terrain they hope to navigate. Similarly, to assume that all children universally need to receive the exact same education in the exact same way doesn’t honour the diversity of context, nor the variability in how education is best delivered. In Muscat alone, dozens of families have chosen home education and online education as the most suitable way for their child’s academic needs to be met. For some, reconciling the strengths, interests, and ‘weaknesses’ of their child’s learning skills into a single grade level leaves their child bored, overwhelmed, or inefficiently ploughing through the school year. For others, the personalized attention and low teacher-to-student ratio that home education allows is much more affordable than private international schools. To address socialization beyond family and neighbours, home-schooling communities (much like the one here in Muscat) organize field trips and learning co-operatives, while still participating in all of the usual after-school activities and camps that schooled children attend. As a home educator myself, it’s incredibly fascinating to watch my children flourish in the understanding that they’re

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not an empty vessel waiting for a product called ‘education’ to be poured into them. But rather, our children are already scientists, explorers, writers, engineers, and artists engaged in an ongoing process of pondering, observing, and experimenting with the substance of life itself.

DR. TAMMANA DALWAI

Alternative forms of education are best addressed by understanding their potential benefit to users. There are three prominent modes of education which include traditional, online, and home-schooling. It’s up to parents to consider the right form of education based on their child’s needs. In the bricks-and-mortar/ traditional form of education, students benefit through interaction with their teachers and peers, participate in activities beyond education and discipline themselves by adhering to school timings and regulations. Alternatively, online education provides the flexibility of learning, and recordings can be repeated for refreshing their understanding; while home-schooling gives academic flexibility in the comfort of a home environment and more personalised learning experience. In my personal opinion, it’s preferable

Win a Thai set dinner for two at Tiptara Restaurant

Alternative education like online classes and homeschooling offers conveniences and benefits in terms of flexible timings more-so than the traditional classroom, plus ease of access at home and no wastage of efforts and time for commuting , as well offering the advantage of learning subjects of your own liking and at your own pace. However, traditional classrooms have the advantages of face-to-face contact with the instructor – which, to many students, is essential for disciplined learning. One of the biggest disadvantages of alternative education is the lack of social interaction among youth who should be making friends – many of whom last a lifetime and help in future networking. Thus, make the best of both – choose a blended learning format where you can learn under the guidance of a qualified instructor in a traditional classroom methodology for personalised attention and support, and then supplement/ build on that by learning at home/ online.

New Debate:

With more entertainment options in development, is Oman on the brink of becoming a hub that offers visitors more than an escape to nature? Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

/CentaraMuscat @CentaraH oman @Centara_muscat_hotel

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / /ytabloid. The winning correspondent will receive a voucher for a Thai set dinner at Tiptara Restaurant,

Centara Muscat Hotel. Vouchers must be collected from Y’s Seeb office in person. Only one winner per week; editor’s decision is final. For other terms and conditions, see the Centara Muscat Hotel voucher.

AUG 29 - SEP 04 / ISSUE 582

YOUR

FRONT-ROW FUN

OMAN

TEAM Y WAS ON HAND AT VOX CINEMA AS MERGE 104.8 TREATED SOME LUCKY LISTENERS TO THE NEW ‘HOBBS & SHAW’ FILM

010

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MOVIES MOVIES

Angel Of Mine Cast: Noomi Rapace, Luke Evans, Yvonne Strahovski

Where Did You Go, Bernadette Cast: Cate Blanchett, Judy Greer, Kristen Wiig A loving mom (Cate Blanchett) who’s slowly losing her sense of self becomes compelled to reconnect with her creative passions and heads to Antarctica on a journey of selfdiscovery that she hopes will jump-start her career. Oscarwinner Blanchett depicts a character most women can relate

Trouble Cast: Jason Mraz, Colby Lopez, Kevin Chamberlin

to – taking viewers deep into the life of a mother who’s slowly being left out of the fast-paced lives of the family members she’s spent most of her life caring for. This film is a compelling character study of the boldness of character it takes for Bernadette to revive her life once more.

Think us humans are the only ones faced with the gripping realities of the world? Well, if they could talk our four-legged friends and family members might disagree! That’s exactly the premise of animated family flick as pampered pup Trouble is forced to learn the harsh realities of living in the ‘real world’ after her tries to escape from his former owner’s greedy children. Take the kids to this one, pass the popcorn, and enjoy.

This psychological drama based on the French film, ‘L’Empreinte de L’Ange’, takes audiences into the life of a grieving mother (Noomi Rapace), who loses her grip on reality, wrapped up in confusion and false hope after beginning to think a stranger’s daughter may be hers. The film is directed by Kim Farrant (‘Strangerland’, ‘Rush’) from a script written by Academy Awardnominee Luke Davies (‘Lion’) and David Regal. Rapace gives a stellar emotional performance, gripping and raw – you’ll want to bring an extra pack of tissues.

The Final Wish Cast: Lin Shaye, Tony Todd, Michael Welch

Aaron Hammond (Michael Welch) is the son of an antique collector who has just passed away. Forced to return home to help his grief-stricken mother, while going through his Dad’s belongings, he comes across a mysterious-looking urn that will turn his life into a living hell. Lots of jump-scares in this one, but whether or not it leaves you shivering all over is up to you…

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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011

YOUNG MINDS

012

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ITH W S N I G E B Y ECOVER R O THE T S D A , A D O R N A . M THE PROBLE A G N I S I WITH N D G E S O N RECO G A I UTH D RATES OF YON AND OTHER MENTAL DEPRESSIO RDERS IN THE NATION O SING U A C ’S HEALTH DISO T A H K AT W O L TER A E S O W , F E N S I A R C E HOW W D N ING A T E P K E I C P C S A R E THIS HAT’S EV T Y T I N U R BASIC I M E H T R COM O F G HTIN APPY H N I A M OF THOSE FIG E R O RIGHT T E H T – T H G I R

motions form the core of a human being. Being able to distinguish between good and bad, forming opinions, and justifying reality are just some of the prerequisites of the human body’s most complex functioning organ: our brain. And while emotions can be quintessential to co-exist in society, they can also pull you back – and, in some cases, cause severe life-altering trauma in the form of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety that can be a matter of life and death. Just ask Sophie* (name changed to protect identity), a 24-year-old expat student in Oman, who was a victim of depression. “You can fight this battle (depression) alone all you want, but just like everything on Earth, depression will cause you to put an expiration date on emotions, your struggles, and eventually, your life. It’s been two years since she’s come out of her fight with depression – but she reveals that it had been the toughest time of her life. “Remembering those days triggers a sense of anxiety in me even now. I still remember the day when I hit my first low point in my life. She recalls: “It was on the day my grade 12 results were published by the school. I had underperformed miserably and managed to get called out by several family members on how I had let my parents down. “I know it sounds very silly now. But back then, this was deemed the only purpose of my education – all those years of schooling and I had failed the only people I love. I couldn’t even face them. “Those around me were very hurtful and manipulative. Imagine a 16-year-old Indian girl being told by her uncle how ‘ashamed’ he was of her,” she adds, as the emotions in her voice clearly permeate through our conversation. Sophie’s life spiraled following this. Constant judgement from family members meant she stopped socialising with them. She says that she also gave up on her friends and began self-harming to ‘punish’ herself.

Her actions are in line with how the American Psychiatric Association defines depression. The health organisation defines it as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act. Depression has been associated with feelings of sadness, violence, anger, and a loss of interest in activities that a person once enjoyed. “There comes a point when the marks on your hands and legs are visible to everyone, and only then did my parents realise what was going on. Even I didn’t know what depression was. “All I knew was that I was taking every chance to harm myself. For the first time, pain became a great healer; a healer of my emotions at that moment.” By the age of 17, she was already on the influence of anti-depressants and was undergoing counselling – but has since recovered from her past traumas. Her therapy took nearly four years to complete. In reality, however, Sophie is only one among many youths who are suffering from depression and other forms of mental illness. While details are sparingly available in Oman, worldwide statistics of patients – as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) – stand at a staggering 433 million, of which 300 million suffer from depression and anxiety. That’s nearly 65 times the population of the Sultanate! More worryingly, WHO also estimates that of children between the ages of 10 and 19 who suffer from disease and injury, nearly 16 per cent of them suffer from mental health problems. Aisha al Barwani, a clinical psychologist and certified life coach, is among those who are tackling the issue here in Oman. She says: “Mental health conditions such as depression have become one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents around the world. “And what’s more important is that the numbers are increasing… and fast.” Globally, depression is the ninth leading cause of illness and disability among all adolescents, while anxiety takes the eighth spot. Speaking about the reasons for this, Aisha tells us: “A great part of why children – pre-teens and teens – undergo depression is due to bullying in school, peer pressure, pressures from the educational system, and even the family. “Each of those matters have an importance of its own and must be tackled individually –though issues such as bullying can lead to both physical and mental trauma that must be resolved immediately.”

As per Aisha, it’s vital for parents and teachers in schools to keep a close eye on children – especially if they’re showing signs of depression or anxiety. This is also a thought shared by Dr. Amira al Raaidan, Director for Health Education and Awareness Programs, and Head of the Mental Health Department in the Ministry of Health. She explains: “Signs of depression in children can range from bedwetting, biting nails, [to] aggression. In addition to that, children with emotional disorders can also experience excessive irritability or anger. “The issue is when symptoms can overlap – meaning, it can go unnoticed with other behavioural problems. In such situations, it’s important for parents to connect with their child. But, over the course of our research, we learn that sometimes the very individuals who help shape a child’s future are the ones that destroy it. As Deepali Kumar, a former student of an Indian school in Oman, puts it in an interview with Y: “As a little child, I loved school. But growing up, I was bullied into hating the institution that was meant to help me grow.” She was deemed by her teachers as being ‘slow.’ This also led to her being shamed by her peers of 40-odd students. “I blame my teachers for what I underwent in school. “I only broke away from this when I left school for university. I realised that college was where I could be myself and excel.” Deepali has since transformed her life; she’s now a successful Yogic philosophic teacher who also strongly supports impressing the youth of today of the strong values of love. She’s also a survivor of bullying and mental harassment. But, as Dr. Amira says, not all may be lucky enough to move on from childhood traumas. “You’re not alone,” she says. “We’re all here to help and there are clinics across Oman that can help you deal with your troubles. There’s no shame in coming forward to get treatment. “Anyone who thinks they’re undergoing depression should consult a doctor. It’s a very dangerous condition that needs to be treated on-time, else it can progress into something far more serious. “One should also

remember that depression is treatable if diagnosed at the right time,” she explains, before adding that by the year 2020, depression will take over as one of the biggest forms of mental illness. As per Dr. Amira, mental illnesses can worsen over time if left untreated. “The first step to a cure is in accepting or diagnosing the situation. From there, things will become much, much better,” she adds. Furthermore, Aisha al Barwani notes that more children and families are now coming forward to treat illnesses than ever before. “It’s amazing how youth have a stronger voice in Oman than many other countries. This can be attributed to the efforts of His Majesty, who has put children’s rights on top, thereby allowing everyone to express themselves. “The system is now working hard to treat those who come forward and want to speak about and treat their condition. “But, yes, the system is only a part of the process. Human interaction forms the rest, and that means it’s still up to individuals – from the parents to the children – to treat this matter with utmost care. “Educating people is key, and only then will we be able to see a change for the better,” she adds. Perhaps this is what Sayyida Basma al Said, the founder of the Whispers of Serenity Clinic, in Oman is advocating with their ‘Young Minds’ campaign. Essentially a mental health forum, it aims to collaborate with their ‘#NotAlone’ initiative, but with a focus on the youth of the country and will be held this October. At the press conference for the announcement of the event, Sayyida Basma was quoted as saying: “The forum aims at enhancing knowledge and awareness among youth on a variety of topics linked with child and adolescent health. “We are also giving a major platform to these youngsters to express themselves and discuss issues related to their mental and physical health and safety at an informal and friendly platform. “Our team has put in immense efforts in making this event a possibility and we will be happy to get the support and encouragement from the public who we hope will attend and benefit from the productive speeches and discussions.” This goes in line with a previous interview with Sayyida Basma, in which she raised the importance of having an informal and friendly platform for people to share their thoughts with one another while receiving support and love from everyone. The forum will also feature speeches from youth, panel discussions with experts, and workshops focusing on tackling bullying, promoting positive selfcharacter, anger management, and more. The event is free to attend for children, though adults will need to buy a ticket worth RO25. Talking about the initiative is Abdelrahman* (name changed to protect identity), parent of two children ages 12 and 8, who was also a victim of bullying at school. Expressing his thoughts, he says: “No amount of money can ever put a price on mental health. This was stripped off me back in school in Egypt, and I only found myself after moving back to Oman. “Back then, there were social stigmas associated with this. Families would brush this under the table and ask for their children to deal with it on their own. “Moreover, if you did receive psychiatric attention, it was kept a secret. Sadly, those with mental health illnesses were often believed to be locked up in asylums or kept in hospitals – but families didn’t know better back then. “Times are changing quickly, and this mindset is slowly being eradicated from our society. But for it to completely lose its stereotypes and gain public knowledge, we need the youth to come forward and talk about their problems – that’s why we’re in need of forums such as ‘Young Minds’ to take over and change the perception of looking after one’s mental health. “I pray to live in a time where mental health can be discussed in a professional manner with no stigma – not even a little bit – attached to it. “That’s the dream – a depression-free world that focuses on each other’s mental health. If such a thing can ever exist.” ■ (Selective images for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: Shutterstock)

Around

THE TABLE

COFFEE WITH Y MEETS TWO ENTREPRENEURS SLOWLY REVOLUTIONISING THE TOURISM SECTOR IN OMAN WITH A BUSINESS MODEL THAT’S BASED ON THE GREATEST UNIFIER: FOOD.

here’s no better way to create new opportunities than to knock on doors. It’s a guileless adage, but one that can outline the very nature of everything around you; from your career to the way you go about your daily life. But in the end, it’s what you make of an opportunity that counts. Case in point: two young Omani engineers-turned-entrepreneurs – Hamed al Amri and Sultan al Qamshoei – who have not only opened new doors to a business idea that arose from spending quality time with their families and their love for food, but one that sprung from a desire to promote their nation to the world. Their idea is simple: offer unique, heartwarming experiences to tourists by connecting people across cultures, languages, and seas through local cuisine through their company – Zayr. Its motto: ‘Great Food. Great People.’ Those visiting the Sultanate would not only experience the warmth of local Omani families, they’d also get a taste of local Omani cuisine as well – from the succulent meat of a well-cooked shuwa to delightful Omani halwa, there’s a lot to be experienced. As innovative as the idea sounds, the inspiration to set up such a firm comes from home, says Hamed. The co-founder and CEO of this one-ofa-kind startup tells us: “Our story started five years ago when I invited a

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few of my friends to visit my family and experience Eid celebrations. “My mother enjoyed the company of the visitors so much that she asked me to invite more people. After a while, I came to realise that my family and I were having the world come to our doorstep. “We learned a lot from the people that visited us. We made beautiful friendships that have lasted for years, [and] I realized how rewarding this was for both my family and [our guests]. “From there, the idea of Zayr was born. And we strive to let visitors stay with local Omani families, where they can experience traditional cuisines, or even head sight-seeing with their hosts. “What’s more is that they can interact with these families at their homes and learn to cook our local dishes. So, for Eid, some visitors were able to get a glimpse into what went into the making of an Omani shuwa. It’s incredible and they were mesmerized.” He adds: “Oman is a cultural hotspot that’s waiting to be discovered; Omani heritage and lifestyle is one that can be deemed a well-kept secret in the GCC. “The underlying goal is to travel like a local and do things that they would do.” With over 3 million tourists visiting the country in 2018 alone, it’s a business model that allows locals a chance to slowly claw into the tourism sector that was once monopolised by larger companies. The idea of hosting visitors isn’t one that’s particularly groundbreaking, but Zayr achieves a new level of innovation with a website (www.zayr.om) and a smartphone application to go along with it. “It’s everything that was missing from the tourism scene in Oman,” says Layla al Balushi, a teacher who tells us she’s interested in signing up for the service. In many ways, the technology they incorporate has (inadvertently) created an eco-system that encompasses services offered by third-party companies such as Airbnb (to an extent), Talabat, and even Google Trips. Hamed then goes on to say: “With Zayr, we aim to build a two-sided marketplace that can benefit both the economy of Oman with tourism, and the people with supplemented income from hosting a family.

“So, we enlist passionate locals that are capable of offering unique experiences to guests. The families get vetted through our strict process and are certified before they’re finally listed. “Then, visitors and tour agencies access and review host profiles, book a local experience by choosing a location, date, time, food preferences, and other interests; all of which are processed end-to-end by us. Having opened its gates to guests earlier this year, Zayr has managed to serve and appease 45 visitors, while the local families who have signed up to become a part of Zayr’s hosting team has already reached 75 (!) Zayr currently offers three packages to guests: local home dining; local cooking classes; and lastly, local food tours. While the former keeps interactions short (about two hours in total) with only dining and basic interaction options with guests, the local cooking class experience can see guests learning to cook dishes over the course of a four-hour interaction with a family. “With this, not only are [tourists] experiencing lovely food, they’re also breaking cultural barriers and instilling a level of trust in the minds of the guests.” The ultimate pack – local food tours – gives visitors access into the life of an Omani family for a whole day. As Hamed explains, the morning starts with a trip to the Souq (local market) and is followed by a tour of what sort of produce is found in the area. “After a three-hour-long tour, the visitor is then invited to the local’s home and a fully-detailed session on how to prepare the local dish is carried out. Finally, the visitor enjoys the meal prepared with the local’s family. The duration of this experience can vary from six to 12 hours.” While the rates of each of these experiences can fluctuate greatly, basic packages will only set you back as little as US$50 (RO19.2) – thereby making it one of the cheaper alternatives for those looking to experience the best of Oman for a cheaper price. A stroll through the website tells us how well the concept has worked. As Emme Haun, a Business Development Consultant, from the USA writes: “What an amazing experience – it’s a must-do for anyone living or visiting Oman! “I highly recommend this. I booked this tour as I wanted my family to fully experience the local traditions. My children, ages five and seven, were welcomed into Sultan’s home with open arms. “We were offered traditional foods. We enjoyed our discussions with all the family members, including the little ones,” she adds. While some may see this as an opportunity in an otherwise untapped market, Hamed says that his intention with the company isn’t just to make profit; it’s to show the world his nation. “Our intention is to build a strong business structure [with] core values based around human needs, great food, and great emotional connections. “That’s Oman’s greatest feature – and we’re now on a pursuit to let the world know.” ■ AUG 29 - SEP 04 / ISSUE 582

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IN D OOR ACT

It may be the end of August already, but the heat is still on. Why spend time outside getting burnt? Mikaela Estera rounds up some of the top ways you can stay active and sweat it out indoors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; right here in Muscat!

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1. Scale the heights

IVE

ndoor climbing is catching on in the capital with several centres and gyms offering wall-climbing facilities to help you along in your summer strength-training. We recently checked out the Muscat Climbing Centre in Al Ghubrah and put our stamina to the test on their 16 different top-rope lines, with three routes of varying degrees of difficulty for both kids and adults. Want to check it out without committing to a full package? The centre offers handy drop-in passes ranging from RO5-RO8 and there’s also a bouldering area and fingerboard to help you train and perfect your grip before scaling the heights. Want to know more? Contact them at (+968) 9344-4787.

2. Bounce off some steam

hoever said trampolines are only for kids has never experienced the sheer joy of nailing the perfect rebound – regardless of what age you are! Indoor trampoline amusement zones are becoming all the rage across the GCC with several chains opening in Qatar, UAE and, now, right here in Oman. Perfect for a weekend family escape, a team-building excursion, or fearconquering one-on-one sessions with their trained professionals, these indoor fun-parks offer up wall-to-wall trampolines, training grounds for freestyle athletes, obstacle courses and a multitude of fun yet challenging activities. Whether you’re young – or simply young-at-heart – there’s no better time than now to add a little spring to your step with a visit to either Bounce Oman ((+968) 2490-2772), or Trampo Extreme ((+968) 2250-7223,) both located in the Ghala area of Muscat.

3. Practice your aim

ancy yourself the next Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen? Perfect your hand-eye coordination with a session of indoor archery – one of the capital’s fastest-growing recreational pastimes. Whether you’re game for some friendly competition, want to go head-tohead with your colleagues for a team-building exercise, or just want to stimulate your body and mind’s level of focus, archery has longbeen the sport of nobility! Want to try your hand? Check out Bows & Arrows in Muscat Grand Mall, Oman’s first indoor archery range, and see if you can hit your target! Contact: (+968) 2206-3909.

4. Plan your escape

kay so this one may not move your muscles so much – but a harrowing trip to an escape room requires you to surely flex your brain cells! Not to mention it’s a fun way to spend a scorching summer afternoon, cool (albeit trapped!) indoors. New to the concept? Here’s the lowdown: Essentially you and your friends (or colleagues – it’s great for team-building!) are locked in a room and must race against the clock to uncover clues and solve puzzles that will set you free in a 45-minute to one-hour-long time limit. Most rooms are fairly bare except for a few objects that could either lead you astray in your quest for freedom – or are the big break you’ll need to stage your breakout. Sound like your idea of fun? You can visit Xcape Muscat in Mawaleh and try your hand at escaping from one of their different theme rooms. Just keep your eye on the clock! Contact: (+968) 9121-7447. AUG 29 - SEP 04 / ISSUE 582

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

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

• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-3 • Knowledge Oasis

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

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

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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

PICTURE-PERFECT

A minaret stands sentinel against the backdrop of the Al Hajjar Mountains in a quaint city-scape view out over Nizwa.

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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

NIZWA FORT History comes to life at this castle fortress where Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past is ever-present, as Ashlee Starratt discovers 022

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early development – from cropthreshing and date storage, to primitive craftsmanship of silver jewelry, and lovingly-preserved examples of traditional dress. Moving on to the upper floors, all (accessible) staircases lead to heart of the fortress – its 30-metrehigh drum-like main tower where 24 cannons dot the ramparts in a 360-degree protective circle. Here, visitors are free to climb the narrow staircases up the battlements and take in the birds-eye views out across the mountains and surrounding landscape, dotted with date palm plantations and lush with foliage. It’s a striking scene and well worth the price of admission – which is RO5 per person. Before entering the fortress proper, visitors can also wander its ground-level courtyard where some fine examples of the craftsmanship and beauty of ancient Omani doors, make them some of the most photographed in the GCC. There’s also a small canteen and restrooms for those in need, and a surprisingly extensive gift-shop filled with local products and Omani handicrafts. Whether Nizwa is your main destination on a weekend road-trip, or a welcome stop-over on your way to higher altitudes in the Al Hajjar, the Nizwa Fort remains a bastion of history in the heart of Oman’s old capital.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

f you’ve seen one fortress, you’ve seen them all; even I’m guilty of making this assumption during my peregrinations as a tourist to various desert strongholds throughout the GCC. Though, I’m often found reminding myself that, as you can’t judge the proverbial book by its cover, nor can you judge a castle by its ramparts if you haven’t peered over the walls. More often than not, what lies on the other side is an Aladdin’s cave waiting to explored. This happened to be the case with Nizwa Fort which, to be fair, has been one Team Y’s favourite local roadtrips to date. A two-hour drive from Muscat, the city of Nizwa lies at the

6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.) and you’ll also luck in to see the fabled Nizwa Livestock Market in full swing, as herds of sheep, goats, and cattle make their way to the auction block. Over it all, the Nizwa Fort stands, imposing. Built in the mid 17thcentury by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’rubi, it’s one of the Sultanate’s most iconic landmarks and tourist attractions. Reflecting Oman’s early advancements in military architecture, the fort is designed to deceive…the foothills of the Al Hajjar Mountains enemy that is. With its warrens of false doorways, cramped corridors, and is just 40 minutes away from Bahla with its UNESCO World turrets, and secluded shafts, it’s a Heritage Site fortress of its own (and virtual maze to navigate. status as one of the most haunted Thankfully, the authorities at places on Earth), and the ancient Oman Tourism have carefully towns of Al Hamra and Misfat Al reconstructed the fortress to its Abriyeen, on the doorstep to Jebel former glory in a tourist-friendly Shams. manner, repurposing the lower We started our journey early floors as a cultural museum – and morning so as to beat the midday with ample signage and cordoned heat and arrived in the Nizwa city off areas on its upper floors to avoid centre around 9:30 a.m. making any wayward wanderers going a beeline for the fort. The lively astray. Souq Nizwa sits adjacent to the fort Strolling through the exhibits compound and wandering through in its lower quarters and you’ll see its warren of shops and alleys makes displays of early Omani artifacts, for an enriching detour to the fort clothing, and structural implements itself. Arrive early enough (between that paint a story of the nation’s

From Muscat take the Burj Al Sahwa roundabout in Seeb and connect on to Route 15 past the Vegetable Wholesale Market and onwards towards Nizwa. Continue on Route 15 for two hours until you reach the exit for Nizwa. Once in Nizwa follow the signs towards the city centre where the route to the fort is clearly marked.

GPS Coordinates: 22.9171° N; 57.5363° E

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CARS ADVENTURES

TOP 2019 CAR RELEASES

FIRST DRIVE

ight months and nearly 50 new international car releases; 2019 is quite the time to be alive if you’re an autophile. Whether it’s the US$8.9mn Bugatti Centodieci hypercar that has your heart ringing, or the all-new (and frankly attainable) Toyota Supra, or even the Range Rover Evoque that’s got you on its hooks, there are plenty of options out there to satisfy even the pickiest of enthusiasts. This week we round up the best of what’s available here in Oman, and what’s rolling into the showrooms in the coming months ahead.

Toyota Supra

Perhaps the most anticipated car release of the decade, the Toyota Supra finally takes on the production moniker, following a debated collaboration with the Bavarians (BMW). Whether you like its quirky wide body and short wheel-base styling is up to you, but what we can tell you is that the Supra, despite its controversial styling (which we’ve grown to love), blows away its competition with the Bimmer-sourced 3.0-litre in-line sixcylinder engine that produces 335hp and 500Nms of torque. While the numbers may seem rather inconsequential given how stout modern sports cars have become, several say that the Toyota-

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We’re well over the halfway point of the year, but the motoring world is only getting started. Here are some of the best cars to look out for on Oman’s roads.

mapped engines can crank out anywhere between 350 and 400 horses. This secrecy and manipulated power figures may be to honour the Toyota-BMW contract that bars the Supra from undercutting the pricier BMW Z4. Either way, keep away the Toyota and Supra badges, and you’re left with a BMW; from the chassis, to the interiors, and even the fitment. With prices starting below the RO20,000 mark, we’d say it’s a steal. This may be a modern classic in the making. Engine: 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder Power: 335hp (estimated power ranges between 350 and 400hp) Torque: 500Nms Top Speed: 250kph (limited)

Range Rover Evoque

Having stolen the limelight back in 2011 for allegedly being designed by former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham (though the claims were rubbished by Land Rover designers soon after), the Range Rover Evoque spouted into the limelight and took over the market quicker than SoundCloud rappers from this era do. Though, there’s one stark similarity between the Evoque and a modern teenager putting out beats on the internet: they’re both hard to ignore. This 2020 MY crossover aims

D e s t i n at i o n to do just the same with an even edgier (if a bit smoother) design, peppy engine options with power ranging from 200hp to 300hp and, above all, more tech. The slow-to-respond screen from the previous generation has been replaced by two touch screens – one to operate the navigation and the other to control the A/C functions. The overall package is slick and is definitely one worth looking out for. Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder (different turbo tunes) Power: Between 200 and 300hp Torque: Between 320Nms and 400Nms Top Speed: 242kph

Suzuki Jimny

Call us crazy, but there’s no SUV worthier than the Suzuki Jimny to take the fight to the MercedesBenz G-Wagen. As silly as the statement sounds – the German costs ten times and has six times more the horsepower (!) – the Jimny possesses a level of street-smart tech and design that’s long been associated with the ‘Gelandewagen’. The Jimny, aside from looking like a G-Class, is also a focused off-roader, complete with a ladder-frame chassis, a low-range transfer gear, and a light 1.5-litre, 102hp motor. On-road performance, as expected, it’s a bit jaded, but there’s no stopping the Jimny off the tarmac once it gets its All-Grip system all warmed up. Engine: 1.5-litre in-line four-cylinder Power: 102hp Torque: 130Nms Top Speed: 160kph

Po s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y-Fi

Gaming

CARS

So, you now get the gorgeous 8.8- or (optional) 10.25-inch sweeping landscape iDrive screen from the X5 or X7, the nifty air gestures, and the comfy seats. The 330i that’s currently on sale here comes packing an in-line four-cylinder twin-turbo engine that blends in efficiency and sporty performance. Engine: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder Power: 258hp Torque: 400Nms Top Speed: 250kph (limited)

Nissan Altima

Nissan’s best-selling mid-sizer is back for 2019 after being re-worked from the ground up… this time looking even more so like its premium sibling – the Maxima. Boasting longer, wider, and lower dimensions over the previous gen sedan, the new Altima somehow manages to ditch the curvy exterior for an edgier one complete with sharp lines, muscular arches, and short overhangs. The interior has been spruced up as well – the car receives an 8-inch touchscreen, soft plastics, and equally plush leatherette surfaces, and a new steering wheel that’s lifted straight from the Nissan Kicks crossover. Taking the

tech game to new levels are features such as Apple CarPlay and 360-degree Around View Monitor (AVM). There’s no other way to put it: the Nissan Altima has matured into an all-rounder that gives its fellow siblings from the Western continent a run for their money. Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder, or 2.0-litre ‘turbo’ in-line four-cylinder Power: 188hp and 248hp Torque: 244Nms and 370Nms Top Speed: 223kph

BMW 3-Series

The Bavarians are on a roll this year. After collaborating with the Japanese on their Z4 sports car and reviving the long-lost 8-Series coupes/sedans, they’ve also gone on to heavily tinker with their original recipe – the 3-Series. The mid-sizer has grown larger – across all avenues including size – than the model it replaces. It also gets a re-worked cabin that keeps in line with BMW’s current design ethos.

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CARS ADVENTURES

TURKISH TREASURE Tradition meets

modernity in Istanbul, the charming city that spans two continents

1. Explore the 6th-century Hagia Sophia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Byzantine-era cathedral. 2. Marvel at the Blue Mosque with its 21,043 handpainted tiles and six minarets. 3. Visit the splendid Dolmabahce Palace museum which fronts a half-mile of the Bosphorus. 4. Buy exotic spices, caviar, dried herbs, honey, and more at the Ottoman-era Spice Bazaar. 5. Take in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, with nearly one million artifacts on display.

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Aftab H. Kola recommends

ISTANBUL, TURKEY S

traddling two continents astride the picturesque Bosphorus strait, the water channel that divides Europe and Asia, Constantinople has long been the cornerstone of three great empires - Eastern Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Renamed as Istanbul, the city wows its visitors with a range of sights, amazing food, and shopping. The city’s lifeline is charted along the Bosphorus, where its waters merge with the Sea of Marmara. In Istanbul, the Oriental ethos and gracious hospitality blends with West’s business culture. The trio of pinnacled edifices - Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace - along the skyline identify Istanbul to the world. Sultanahmet, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the iconic Hagia Sophia and the elegant Blue Mosque. Teeming with a sea of people, the cobbled streets of the Sultanahmet with its quaint shops, chic cafés, and interesting kitsch is distinctive of Turkey. The Grand Bazaar, or ‘Kapaliçarsi’ to the locals, dates back to 1461 and is a covered warren of more than 4,500 shops. Needless to say, it’s a great place for shopping. Ambling down the Istiklal Avenue through the heart of modern Istanbul that spans from the steep cobbled gradients of Galata, to the massive open space of Taksim Square - a part of Beyoglu, is a great experience. The city is a also a foodie’s paradise and Turkish cuisine, along with myriad others, is found almost everywhere, and do make sure to try out the iconic Turkish döner kebab and special salted yoghurt drink ‘ayran’. Istanbul is also a city of defining contrast, where Roman aqueducts loops across boulevards in front of a modern city hall. The Princes’ Islands, along with the many resorts abutting the Marmara and Bosphorus, represent the city’s waterfront boundaries. As the French poet and politician Alphonse de Lamartine wrote in the 19th-century: “If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.”

IS T A N B

U L ’S O T TOMA B A Z A N - E R A S P IC E AR

OF M OS A IC IO R D OM E T H E IN T E R BLUE G IV E S T H E T IL E T H A T S NAME M OS Q U E IT

My favourite place Topkapi, a sprawling hill-top palace that commands spectacular views of the Sea of Marmara, as well as the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus waterways. A museum since 1924, it’s rich in collections of jewels, weapons, silken gowns, and Ming porcelain, including Nadir Shah’s Peacock Throne and the famous encrusted Topkapi Dagger, plus thousands of rare treasures personally collected by the Ottoman sultans. The complex has splendid reception rooms, massive kitchens, and separate historic women’s quarters. Highlights Take a memorable cruise down the swift waters of the horn-shaped 32 km Bosporus strait, and bisect the ancient city at the point where Europe and Asia touch. Water-side mansions, large palaces, and plush villas can be viewed during the cruise.

Lowlights The Turkish cultural hub can be a bit on the pricier side. Souvenirs Hand-knotted carpets or kilims, pillowcases, bags, or boots; Turkish sweets called ‘loqum’ (Turkish Delight);

hand-painted quartz or ceramic tiles; spices and garments.

Getting there Oman Air operates regular flights from Muscat to Istanbul. Where to stay While all major hotel chains are represented in the Turkish city, the Yasmak Sultan Hotel in particular

is ideally-located on the fringes of Istanbul’s tourist heartland of Sultanahmet. For this and other bookings visit Trivago, Booking.com, Agoda or other travel accommodation sites.

T Y P IC S T R E E A L T U R K IS H T S ID E F IS T A N B A R E A T A UL EA TERY

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

The Observation

Info Box

Developer: NO CODE Publisher: DEVOLVER DIGITAL Designer: GRAEME MCKELLAN Platforms: PS4 AND PC

The Y Geek Squad heads to deep space for its thrills in a game that leaves us screaming into the void

andpicked from a pool of sci-fi thriller movies, The Observation packs a storyline that can jolt even the boldest of the lot, revolving around a rescue mission…in space. While the core of the story reminds us of the 2013 sci-fi thriller, ‘Gravity’, there are key elements that separate it from the film, giving players a sense of originality and purpose. At the heart of the mission is an artificial intelligence (AI) software called, S.A.M. (System Administration Maintenance) that is tasked to upkeep the safety of an international space station undertaking inter-planetary research. Think of it as a J.A.R.V.I.S. from the ‘Iron Man’ flicks.

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As expected, things go awry from the onset of a mission, leaving S.A.M. – who you largely control – to work towards a solution to bring back scientists, medical staff, and astronauts who are left to deal with an unknown and unexpected incident in space. The game takes a point-and-click narrative format and is largely seen through the eyes of cameras and other electronically-controlled equipment in the space module. Initially, the game limits your view to where the crew relocates you (S.A.M.) but you can soon see more as you jump between imaging devices and other computers, before finally being able to move freely with the help of a spherical probe. This poses several riveting puzzles to crack alongside a host of other problemsolving missions – all of which revolve around the well-being of the crew. The gameplay is forgiving, though the game can tap into your innermost fears and psyche with its near-lifelike graphics and frightening twists. Not to forget, you’re also forced to move around tight spaces and maneuver through time-bound puzzles to make your way forward. Human interaction is intuitive for the most part, with the most fascinating ones taking place between you and a medic, Emma. This interaction continues over

the course of the game, as the plot takes you through dark and gloomy turns that border on the inhuman. It’s a rough story to digest with plenty of lies posing as truths along the way, but the change from a standard jumpscare game to one where the user is given more control over the outcome results in a compelling title that can offer a solid 20 hours of hair-raising gameplay – if you’re into it.

HEALTH

Health

BEAUTY

Fa s h i o n

Home

Fa m i l y

FLIGHT RISK

About to take-off on a long-haul flight this summer? Swati Basu Das brings you some needto-know knowledge that could help make those in-flight health-risks a little less turbulent

n this age of modern air-travel and millions of flights a year –more airlines worldwide are adding long-haul destinations to their itineraries in an effort to attract more passengers and ease the hassle of multi-stop connections. But as we fly from one time zone to another, hovering at altitudes of 35,000 feet or higher can pose its own risks to our health – especially on long-haul flights of six hours or more. Tiredness, lightheadedness, headaches, pains, cramps, dehydration and the effects of jet-lag are symptoms that many of us experience during air travel and can have the potential to put a damper on the excitement of an impending trip. And they’re woes that can put down to one, sedentary fact – stationary sitting. The first effect we’re likely to notice while in air transit is the effect on our back muscles that sitting for long hours in a small, sometimes cramped airplane seat can have. “Long-haul flights can cause severe neck and back pain due to poor seating posture,” says Dr. Venkateshwaran Arumugham, an orthopaedic specialist at NMC Specialty Hospital in Al Ghubrah. It can be due to poor lumbar and headrest support on long-haul flights that trigger these symptoms of so-called ‘economy-class syndrome’ such as stiff neck and acute back pain – and even, more dangerously, deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). “Prolonged sitting in one place in one particular posture and falling asleep while seated in an uncomfortable position without a well-cushioned headrest induces pain,” explains Dr. Arumugham. “Keeping your neck in an odd posture or using gadgets throughout the flight leads to a sore neck. Muscular strains associated with cramps can spark up lower back pain, and ligaments and tendons that contract due to immobility can also increase the risk of strain and back injury.” So, what to do before you fly? Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and good posture before and after your flight is crucial to help ease and reduce the discomforts associated with long periods of sitting in a confined space – such as an achy neck mid-flight, as well as retaining overall better back health. Here are some tips to keep in mind before your next journey: Opt for multi-leg flights To avoid any negative impacts on health, some passengers may find it beneficial to consider booking a flight with multiple stops when travelling for more than 15 hours. “Breaking up a long flight helps those suffering from lumbar disc issues and acute cervical spondylosis,” says Dr. Arumugham. Focus on your core activation: Lack of core support due to cramped seating arrangements in the plane can add stress to

vertebrae and the surrounding muscles – which can lead to spasm. “Twisting your spine or sitting with crossed legs will make things even worse. Tackle the stiff upper or painful lower back by doing some stretches and walking up and down the cabin every thirty minutes. It helps to reduce the pressure on the lower back and activate the core as you sit down again. People with lumbar disc issues must use lumbosacral support belts while travelling and avoid carrying any heavy luggage,” Dr. Arumugham prescribes. Stretch out to relieve tight hips: Lack of movement and sitting for hours on-end during a long-haul flight increases the risk of tight hips. As some people are more prone to muscle tightness than others, it’s vital to relax the muscles by stretching your leg forward and doing a few front and side bends. “Flexors are the group of muscles around the hip connecting the upper leg and helping us to bend at the waist and raise our legs,” explains Dr. Arumugham. “It’s very important to keep the legs moving and bend them often while flying to avoid any tension in the flexor muscle. Rotating the hip joints and the ankles will help pump the stasis blood from the limb and will keep you clot-free.” Dealing with the stiff neck factor: Maintaining a sedentary position and sleeping in an incorrect posture like laying your head on the tray-table or leaning against the window during flight stiffens the muscles around the neck. Dr. Arumugham suggests isometric neck exercises while flying for those suffering from neck problems. “A neck-pillow allows you to sleep comfortably without bending your neck,” he says.

Dos and don’ts for a healthy flight • Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

• Stay fresh by doing breathing exercises. • Keep medication handy if you’re a patient of acute spondylosis.

• Use a travel neck-pillow. • Walking and stretching at regular intervals can reduce muscle tension.

• Keep rotating your ankles to avoid swelling. • Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. • Stretching exercises before and after the flight will help tone up cramped muscles.

• Avoid lifting and carrying heavy luggage. Keep it light.

• Eat light and healthy before and during the flight.

• Ask for help if symptoms of pain aggravate. Other risks to consider

• ‘Jet-bloat’ (a feeling of bloating and gas) is not uncommon during long-haul flights and can be quite uncomfortable. • Filtered cabin air can still transmit airborne infections like cold, flu, and even tuberculosis • Dry cabin air causes dehydration that can further lead to chapped lips, dry skin, headaches, and nausea. • Your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening embolism can increase due to lack of leg movement and poor blood circulation. • Tiredness due to jet-lag can result from a change in sleeping patterns while shifting time zones.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

GET SHORTY

When it comes to summer staples this season’s seen no shortage of abovethe-knee options for the fashionable fella. Here we round up some of our favourite pairs – and what to pair them with!

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Health

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 those brightly-coloured khakis the star of your ensemble by pairing them with a darker choice on top. This collared tee from Bershka is anything but muted with its subtle tropical pattern and black-meets-crimson hue. Wear it for RO14.9.

Got a weekend barbecue or dinner with the in-laws on the calendar? Keep cool (and chic!) by dressing up a classic top-and-bottom ensemble with a pair of vibrant-hued khaki shorts that can be paired nicely with a light-cotton collared shirt or vest if you want to go the extra preppy mile. We love this lemonade version from American Eagle Outfitters for RO17.2.

Let’s start with the basics. Denim never goes out of style – period. Dress it up or dress it down, the trick is to find new ways to reinvent it each season. That’s why we love the comfycasual vibe of these knee-grazers from H&M. The added touch of a drawstring and elasticized waist just add to the slip-‘em-on and head out charm! Price: RO9.6.

Keep the sundowners vibe on-point with a graphic tee that pairs perfectly with those casual denim shorts. We love the colourful print of this classic T-shirt from GAP that adds a pop of colour to a summer basic. Grab it for RO13.4.

Whatever your choice of shorts this season, no summer ensemble is complete without the right pair of shades to cap off your look. You can’t go wrong with a classic aviator style – like this tinted pair from MAX. Wear them for RO2.5.

Summer’s all about getting in as much beachtime as humanly possible. And for guys who live for Oman’s sand and surf will want to invest in a good pair of swim trunks to last them through the season. We love the robin’segg blue hue and saltwater durability of these pair of board-shorts from GAP. Snag them for RO13.4.

When it comes to summer footwear, less is more. So if you’re thinking of investing in a pair of sandals to last you the summer, go big or go home. These sport performance pair of Cyprex Ultra II sandals from Adidas go the extra mile whether you’re hiking in the Al Hajjar Mountains, or walking laps around City Centre. Make them yours for RO27.5.

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Tr e n d

New Restaurant

YUMMY

Reviews FUNKY & FERMENTED

Foods rich in healthy bacteria could help boost immunity and reduce inflammation

GUT-PUNCH! From kimchi to kombucha, the probiotics contained in gut-friendly fermented foods could have a far greater impact on digestive and overall health than we realize

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f you’ve ever lamented over its taste the first time you tried laban or wrinkled your nose at the smell of your grandmother’s jar of homemade sauerkraut – you’re not alone. Fermented foods are almost always an acquired taste. But they’re one worth cultivating, as the potential health benefits of fermentation continue to be spotlighted. And while we’re already walking around with billions of strains of so-called ‘healthy’ or ‘good’ bacteria in our digestive tracts that aid in promoting gut health, boost immunity, and help prevent disease, sometimes these ‘good’ colonies can get depleted. Illness, a poorly balanced diet, or certain types of medication such as antibiotics can all affect the robustness of the colonies inside us. This is where probiotics can help replenish what’s been lost – whether

by taking a probiotic capsule or powder supplement, or by choosing foods that contain naturally high sources of probiotics. And this is where fermented foods come in, as fermentation processes make them hotbeds for ‘good’ gut bacteria. According to the U.S.-based Mayo Clinic, in order to attain optimal health benefits from probiotics, a daily dose of around 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU) is needed. And while fermented foods can and do contribute to these CFUs, as of yet, researchers are unable to measure reliably exactly how much of a dose we’re getting through the various kinds of fermented food or cultured beverages we consume. That being said, if you’re of the mind that every little bit helps, here are a couple of easy, at-home recipes to start incorporating more of them into your diet.

German Meatballs A star combination, this bowl of comfort food gets a deliciously tangy kick from slow-cooked sauerkraut. Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients: § 1 ½ pounds ground beef § ½ cup finely-chopped onion § ¾ cup fine, dry breadcrumbs § 1 Tbsp snipped fresh parsley § 1 ½ tsp salt § 1/8 teaspoon pepper § 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce § 1 large egg, beaten § ½ cup whole milk § 2 to 3 Tbsp vegetable oil § 1 can (27 ounces) sauerkraut, undrained § 1/3 to ½ cup water, optional § Additional snipped parsley

Method: § In a bowl, combine first 10 ingredients; shape into 18 meatballs, 2 inches each. Heat the oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs. Remove meatballs and drain fat. Spoon sauerkraut into skillet; top with meatballs. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through, adding water if necessary. Sprinkle with parsley. § Freeze any extra cooled meatball mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring gently

(Source: www.tasteofhome.com)

Easy At-Home Kimchi You’ll want to toss this spicy condiment in absolutely everything – from quickand-easy stir-fries, to rice dishes, and noodles. It’s the perfect topper. Prep time: 30-45 minutes Serving: Makes 1 quart Ingredients: § 1 medium head Napa cabbage (about 2 pounds) § ¼ cup iodine-free sea salt or kosher salt § Water, preferably distilled or filtered § 1 Tbsp grated garlic (5 to 6 cloves) § 1 tsp grated, peeled fresh ginger § 1 tsp granulated sugar § 2 Tbsp fish sauce or salted shrimp § Combine the vegetables and spice paste. paste, or 3 Tbsp water Gently squeeze any remaining water § 1 to 5 Tbsp Korean red pepper flakes from the cabbage and add it to the spice (gochugaru) paste. Add the radish and scallions. § 8 ounces Korean radish or daikon § Mix thoroughly. Using your hands, gently radish, peeled and cut into matchsticks work the paste into the vegetables until § 4 medium scallions, trimmed and cut they’re thoroughly coated. Gloves are into 1-inch pieces optional but recommended to protect your hands from stings, stains, and Method: smells! § Cut the cabbage. Cut the cabbage § Pack the kimchi into the jar. Pack the lengthwise through the stem into kimchi into a 1-quart jar. Press down on quarters. Cut the cores from each piece. the kimchi until the brine (the liquid that Cut each quarter crosswise into 2-inch- comes out) rises to cover the vegetables, wide strips. leaving at least 1 inch of space at the top. § Salt the cabbage. Place the cabbage Seal the jar. in a large bowl and sprinkle with the § Let it ferment for 1 to 5 days. Place a bowl salt. Using your hands, massage the or plate under the jar to help catch any salt into the cabbage until it starts to overflow. Let the jar stand at cool room soften. Add enough water to cover temperature, out of direct sunlight, for 1 the cabbage. Put a plate on top of to 5 days. You may see bubbles inside the the cabbage and weigh it down with jar and brine may seep out of the lid. something heavy, like a jar or can of § Check it daily and refrigerate when beans. Let stand for 1 to 2 hours. ready. Check the kimchi once a day, § Rinse and drain the cabbage. Rinse the opening the jar and pressing down on the cabbage under cold water 3 times. Set vegetables with a clean finger or spoon aside to drain in a colander for 15 to 20 to keep them submerged under the brine. minutes. Meanwhile, make the spice (This also releases gases produced during paste. fermentation.) Taste a little at this point, § Make the spice paste. Rinse and dry too! When the kimchi tastes ripe enough the bowl you used for salting. Add the for your liking, transfer the jar to the garlic, ginger, sugar, and fish sauce, refrigerator. You may eat it right away, shrimp paste, or water and stir into a but it’s best after another week or two. smooth paste. Stir in the gochugaru, using 1 Tbsp for mild and up to 5 Tbsp (Source: www.thekitchn.com for spicy; set aside until the cabbage is Photo credit: Emily Han) ready.

Fermented foods to try

§ Kimchi – Korean spicy fermented cabbage. § Kefir – A sour, fermented yogurt drink with live cultures. § Kombucha – An effervescent black or green tea that’s been fermented. § Pickles – Not just a topping for your hamburger! § Sauerkraut – Shredded cabbage fermented with salt and lactic acid bacteria. § Miso – A fermented Japanese soybean paste used in soups and sauces. § Yogurt – The humble dairy product has always packed a probiotic punch!

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

an id-R

Info Box

FUEL CAFÉ Al Maha Street, Baushar Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight Contact: (+968) 9356-1619 (A heavy) Supper for four: RO32

Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 7.5/10 FOOD 9/10 AMBIENCE

The best of modern fast-food crammed into a setting that aims to capture a pop-culture theme that sets this eatery apart from the rest.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

FUEL CAFÉ AMERICAN AND ITALIAN FAST-FOOD COMES ALIVE AT AN EATERY THAT BLENDS THE BEST OF POP-CULTURE WITH SERVICE TO MATCH

t’s the most berserk ideas that go on to spawn successful businesses – being a bit bonkers can go a long way in setting you apart from the rest of the world. And, fitting into the realms of berserk – or even fashionably quirky pop-cuisine, (if there exists such a thing) – is what Fuel Café does best. This new pop-up in the heart of up-andcoming Baushar won us over with a striking Instagram page – one that revealed pics with those tasteful angles, contrast, and everything a foodie could ask for. It’s a social media campaign done right. So, there’s was level of distinction it had moulded in us even before we even walked through the door. Walking in, however, was an affair by itself. For the most part, Fuel Café is an experience – the restaurant packs bold pop-culture themes with some truly whacky wall-art. There are lifesized go-karts dangling on the wall, while graffiti livens up the nightclub-like colour palette. It’s a fun place to hang out with your mates. A business lunch, perhaps not. The waiters at the restaurant were quite busy on the Friday evening we walked in; tending to tables occupied by what seemed like young college groups in search of a fun setting to relax. Still, we were seated quickly on one of the (dusty) sofas. Our other seating options were car racing-inspired revolving and reclining seats, which seemed a bit too over-the-top for our liking.

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The (tablet) menus came soon after, pre-loaded with a slick yet intuitive layout to describe the list of options – which ranged from Italian all the way to American cuisine. The burgers looked enormous from the pictures in the menu, while their versions of dynamite shrimp, pastas and sushi looked delectable enough to warrant a taste. That’s exactly what we did – starting with a plate of their signature Maple Buffalo Prawns and Alternator Fries, along with glasses of Vimto, orange juice, and a Lotus milkshake. It must’ve taken only five minutes for the first of the dishes to arrive. The Maple Buffalo Prawns – which were essentially dynamite shrimps – were brilliant. Crunchy on the outside and fresh on the inside, we devoured the platter in full before licking the plate clean. The Alternator fries were loaded with chicken and cheese and, yet again, crafted to perfection. Tangy on the edges with a hint of jalapeño and doused in thick layers of mozzarella, and whole shebang was drenched with mayonnaise and ranch sauce and struck all the right (calorific) notes. On the drinks front, it was the crushed Vimto that stood out from the rest. The blended bevvie fused ice with the syrupy-sweet yet refreshing grape-based Vimto to cleanse our palate. The Lotus shake was sweet and refreshing, though not worth writing home about.

For mains, we asked for an order of Cajun shrimp pasta and a Fuel Burger. We found the service to be quick: all dishes made their way from the kitchen to the table in just over 10 minutes. But what it made up for in time, it partly lost in flavour – at least in the case of the pasta. Watered down a bit too much by the (overly) peppery base, the pasta didn’t do justice to the generous serving of Cajun-tossed shrimps. The zest just didn’t taste right either, with a base of overpowering Cajun spices creating a run-ofthe-mill dish – the first of its kind after the chefs pulled a stellar show with the entrées. This setback didn’t last very long: the burgers that soon came in were simply spectacular, with the Fuel Burger coming in to save the night. Each bite revealed a burst of flavours emanating from the beef patty, while the patty itself was flawlessly grilled – with just the right amount of char to give it a hint of smokiness. Couple that with a generous dose of cheddar cheese and their secret Fuel Café sauce, and our craving for an authentic American burger was more than satisfied. Fuel Café puts on a great show for the most part; everything from the overall ambience to the dishes and even the service is designed to bring out the best of what Oman’s roadside dining can offer. A simple idea that’s been tweaked to create something truly stunning. This is Omani entrepreneurship at its very best – and at pricepoints that would have you asking for seconds... and thirds. ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com.