Y Magazine #589, October 17, 2019 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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VALUING OMAN’S LOCAL TOUR GUIDES Y Portrait By A Nation REGISTER NOW FOR THE SULTANATE’S BIGGEST PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE!

MAZOON DAIRY OPENS 8 News: REGION’S FIRST BIOGAS PLANT

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DESTINATION: Qalhat TASTE TEST: Tiptara

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

OCT 17 - 23 2019 / ISSUE 589 • WEEKLY

A SULTANATE SISTERHOOD PLUS!

IN HONOUR OF OMANI WOMEN’S DAY, WE MEET THE ORDINARY WOMEN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS WITH A FAR-REACHING IMPACT ON MAKING THE SULTANATE A BETTER PLACE. THEY’RE YOUR FRIENDS, MOTHERS, SISTERS, DAUGHTERS, AND COLLEAGUES. THEY’RE ALSO THE COMMUNITY PILLARS INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION.

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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

e all know her. The girl who goes the extra mile to follow her dreams; the sister who lends a helping hand to those around her; the grandmother whose desire to feed her family extends beyond the four walls of her home to nourish a community; the mother who leads by example for her children. Women who are, so often, the unsung heroes of our daily lives. The ones who give and give…and then give some more for the benefit of their families and their communities, without asking for anything in return. To these incredible ladies – we salute you. As the Sultanate marks Omani Women’s Day on October 17, we’re shedding light in this week’s cover feature on the stories of women who have defied all odds to create a supportive and empowering environment in Oman for women to work and live, while inspiring a generation of girls who will follow in their footsteps. They could be your mothers, sisters, cousins, colleagues – or even your boss. We’ve rounded up some truly uplifting stories of achievement as a way of honouring and paying tribute some of the Sultanate’s most inspirational women. Speaking of inspiring women, we’re privileged to bring you our colourful cover design courtesy of Oman-based digital artist Malvika Asher, to whom we offer our immense gratitude. Plus, Team Y is proud to announce that our annual Y Portrait By A Nation event is starting up once again ahead of the 49th Oman National Day on November 18. Registration is now open, so flip to Page 18 to learn more! Finally, we’re exploring the ancient mausoleum of Qalhat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – in our Destination pages, testing out the all-new Nissan Altima, and bringing you some of the fall season’s most warming soup recipes over in Yummy Oman! 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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PHOTOGRAPHER Ismail Al Farsi DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

(Cover image: Original artwork courtesy of artist Malvika Asher) FOLLOW US ON:

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. OCT 17 - 23 / ISSUE 589

contents OCT

Your Oman 08 News Over 200,000 citizens registered for public pension funds 08 News Mazoon Dairy inaugurates region’s first biogas plant

2019

This Week 07 Bollywood bash India’s biggest DJ, Aqeel Ali, lights up the decks for one night only at Liquid Sky 11 Movies Angelina Jolie reprises her role as infamous (and conflicted) fairy godmother in the Disney sequel ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’

24 First Drive Revving up in the all new Nissan Altima 28 Y-Fi 2019’s best new camera phones

Health and Beauty 29 Beauty Making the most out your lip-liner 30 Fashion Sweater-weather chic

12 A Sultanate of sisterhood This Omani Women’s Day we celebrate the inspiring women who form the backbone of our community here in Oman – the ones whose talent, vision, and spirit to never stop giving, is changing the face of our nation. 16 The ambassadors Exploring the far reaches of the Sultanate with those Omani tour guides who take showcasing the cultural heritage and natural wonders of their homeland to heart. 18 Y Portrait By A Nation In the lead-up to the 49th Oman National Day, Y’s Portrait By A Nation event gets ready to kick off its sixth edition of patriotism and portraiture.

Cars and Adventures 22 Destination Qalhat

Features

Food and Drink 32 Yummy Oman Warming fall soups 34 Taste Test Tiptara

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 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

Marvel mavens? ‘Captain Marvel’ star Brie Larsen was recently asked about the possibility of an all-female cast for an upcoming Marvel movie and her response? Been there, done that. Larsen told media she had already approached the Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Fiege about the possibility – along with several other of her ‘Avengers’ co-stars, including Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Scarlet Witch in the series, who has jumped on the bandwagon to reveal that she’s all for the idea. How awesome would that be, Marvel fans? Kevin’s recovery Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has been out of the spotlight for a while, we’ve noticed – making recent appearancs only to do some promotional work for his upcoming film ‘Jumanji 2: The Next Level’. Now, Hart has come forward to reveal that’s because he was involved in a near-fatal car accident last month in Calabasas, California that left the star with serious injuries of which he’s currently in recovery for. Hart’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, reported to CNN that Hart was ‘committed to the physical therapy regimen and is getting stronger every day”, but that it could be a year before he’s ready to return to work. Rihanna goes reggae Pop-star Rihanna has dangled another carrot for fans eagerly anticipating what to expect off her upcoming new LP. This time round, she says she’s branching out and that the album will be reggae-

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inspired and reggae-infused, stating to fans in an interview with Vogue: “It’s not going to be typical of what you know as reggae. But you’re going to feel the elements in all of the tracks.” We for one can’t wait for this to drop! The joke’s on Lorde You may have seen the recent hashtag on Twitter #freelorde – but it’s all an elaborate hoax we’re here to report. The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter was recently the subject of a rumour circulating on social media that alleged she was facing jail time in her home country of New Zealand after allegedly refusing to pay a $3,000 NZD fine, according to The Daily Mail. The hoax began when talk of an alleged proposed law in New Zealand was making waves that would see fines imposed on families with children who left school before the age of 16. The law was never passed. After her début album ‘Pure Heroine’ came out in 2013, Lorde didn’t return to finish her last year of high school. Elton tells all Prolific singer-songwriter Sir Elton John has just released his memoirs in an autobiography called ‘Me’. The book touches on many aspects of the Grammy Award-winning icon’s life – including his painful childhood and tumultuous relationship with his father, all the way up to the chronicles of his wild adventures in the 1970s in full detail. Taking readers down the dark period he went through for 16 years, and to door of redemption, Sir Elton also recounts his friendships and experiences – for better or worse – with close friends in his celebrity circle ranging from the late Princess Diana, Gianni Versace, and Michael Jackson.

Solo Styles One Direction frontman Harry Styles released his début album back in 2017 and how he’s just dropped another new track called ‘Lights Up’ – a song about being yourself and not dimming your ‘light’. It’s the first single from Styles in a while and fans should be pleased – Harry knows what his sound is and has made a conscious effort to mature it and let it grow into something undeniable. This song is proof-positive. Soundtrack superstars

The Black Eyed Peas have teamed up with J Balvin on a new track called ‘RITMO’ off the soundtrack for the upcoming movie ‘Bad Boys For Life’ starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, set to hit theatres January 17, 2020. On the single The Peas have sampled Corona’s iconic 90s anthem ‘Rhythm of the Night’ and is a total club hit! ‘Easy’ does it Songstress Camila Cabello has been dropping new tracks left, right, and centre off her upcoming new album ‘Romance’, due out in January. Her latest single ‘Easy’ is the third song she’s leaked off the album and it’s already getting serious airplay. Speaking about its subject matter, Camila says it’s a song about that feeling you get when you first fall in love – and fans are already speculating that it’s dedicated to her new boyfriend, Shawn Mendes. 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.

BOLLYWOOD BASH

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE India’s biggest DJ on decks is making his Muscat début this Thursday, October 17 as Aqeel Ali brings the Bollywood beats to Liquid Sky Restaurant and Lounge. Known for his prestigious nightclubs in Delhi and Mumbai, DJ Aqeel is Bollywood royalty in India’s dance scene with his club mixes eating up the airwaves. DJ Ibbi will be warming up the crowd ahead of the main event, and you want to make a reservation or book a VIP table call (+968) 9437-8706. Liquid Sky is located in Qurum, adjacent to Mumtaz Mahal.

FAR EAST FLAVOURS

Oct

Head over to the Kempinski Hotel Muscat this Friday, October 18 to catch the last day of their Taste of China Food Festival. This ten-day festival, in partnership with Qatar Airways, offers diners a chance to discover the legendary flavours of the Far East and celebrate the ancient art of Chinese gastronomy at the Kitchen Restaurant. Handcrafted by Chef William Gao and his culinary team from the Grand Kempinski Hotel, Shanghai, a fusion of invigorating flavours and Oriental aromas are freshly-prepared every evening from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For reservations call (+968) 2498-5000.

Oct 18

WEEK

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

O C T O B E R Moroccan songstress Samira Said brings her signature sound to the Royal Opera House Muscat on Friday, October 18. Samira enjoys a huge following across the Arab world and has sold 60 million copies of her albums, and has won over 40 awards for her contributions to Arab music – most notably the award for Best Video in the Arab World at the 2001 Cairo Arab Music Festival for her hit single ‘Lilah Habeebee, (One Night My Love)’, and the BBC World Music Award for her album ‘Youm Wara Youm’. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at www.rohmusct.org.om.

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THIS

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OVER 200,000 CITIZENS REGISTERED FOR PUBLIC PENSION FUNDS

ore than 2,000 Omanis have registered since the end of July, 2019 for public pension funds, bringing the total number of registrants in the Sultanate to 202,423, according to the latest statistics data released by the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI), reports Al Wisal 96.5 FM. The funds include civil service pension funds, the Royal Court, and the Central Bank, with registration numbers increasing by 0.1 per cent compared to June 20, 2019. The NCSI data shows that, of the

number of total registrants, Omani males made up 119, 117, while Omani females registered in the same funds made up 83,306.

MAZOON DAIRY INAUGURATES REGION’S FIRST BIOGAS PLANT

adopting environmentally friendly solutions through waste management, and we are so proud to inaugurate the first biogas plant in the region using cow waste. The biogas plant will be used to produce methane gas that will be used to operate equipment at the plant, with plans to power even more of the plant with an increased herd in the future. The first phase of the project will include 12,000 cows that are expected to produce about 225 tons of fertilizer per day.” Speaking about how the company will deal with azoon Dairy Company has commenced operations of the first-of-its-kind biogas the waste and convert it into gas, Engineer Hazza bin Abdullah Al Yahya, a member of projects plant in the region in Al Sunaynah, which uses waste from cows to produce gas that and maintenance team said: “The farm currently can be used as an alternative energy to operate includes 16 barns equipped with a special pond some of its facilities at the factory. to collect cow waste, which will be transported The switching on of the plant took place in the through special containers to the biogas plant on presence of His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Saeed a daily basis. As the number of cows at the farm increases, the plant will reduce its reliance on fossil Al-Awfi, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in fuel needed to operate some facilities. This will Oman and the Board of Directors. His Excellency toured the company’s facilities to vastly contribute to managing waste produced by assess operational readiness as production is slated daily operations and drive up operational efficiency. Mazoon Dairy is also committed to managing to commence later this month. Commenting on the start-up of the biogas plant, other waste produced at the site, such as plastic in the factory, and plans to recycle treated water from Yousuf bin Khamis Al-Fazari, Corporate Affairs the sewage plant for irrigation in the facilities.” Manager, said: “Mazoon Dairy is committed to

DUQM REFINERY PARTICIPATES IN KUWAIT OIL & GAS SHOW 2019

n Omani delegation from Duqm Refinery is currently in Kuwait City for the Kuwait Oil & Gas Show 2019 as part of a strategic partnership between the two nations. The Kuwait Oil & Gas Show 2019 was inaugurated at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre on Sunday, October 13 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. Commenting on the event, Dr. Salim bin Saif Al Huthaili, Chief Executive Officer of Duqm Refinery stated, “We are glad to take part in this event which is one of the biggest oil and gas shows in the region and are excited to learn more about the latest developments in oil and gas industries. In addition, participation in these kinds of events is important to build relationships with oil and gas experts and professionals across the world to benefit from their opinions and to explore the way

OCT 17 - 23 / ISSUE 589

forward in this industry. It also provides a platform for discussion among experts regarding their achievements in this field, the challenges that they face, and the solutions they’ve made to overcome those challenges.” More than 180 exhibitors from over 30 countries around the world are participating in this year’s event. Over 6,000 industry visitors are expected to attend, with more than 200 presentations held over the four-day-long conference.

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DEBATE OF THE WEEK In celebration of Omani Women’s Day on October 17, we want to know how the Omani women in your life have inspired you most? They could be your mothers, friends, sisters, daughters, or colleagues! About ten years ago I was expecting my second child and was the only caretaker at home for my family which included my two-year-old son, my husband, and my two brothers. My due date was during Ramadan and my baby was delivered via Caesarean section. My recovery period was extremely difficult as I struggled to manage a small toddler and a newborn. We were living in a small villa at the time and our homeowner was a lovely Omani lady who treated me just like her daughter. She sat with me during my recovery even though I could only stare at her as I couldn’t understand Arabic – but within a week I began to pick up basic words and phrases. Before I was due to go in for my delivery, she visited me, and I told her of my fears, and she hugged me like a baby and consoled me and told me to relax and be strong. The next day on the fourth day of Ramadan, I was admitted to hospital and she stood by my bedside all night reciting the Qur’an and helping me relax. Even the nurses would say to me how strange it is that I cannot speak Arabic, yet my mother is an Omani lady. When I told them she was, in fact, our homeowner, they were amazed at how someone could be so kind to someone they didn’t know. For seven days she slept in the room with me in the hospital and when I returned home to see our house in a very bad condition while I was in hospital – with the laundry full, the bathrooms smelly, and the place untidy and full of rubbish – I got so upset with my husband and told him to buy a ticket and

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understanding, and talented and I have only lots of love for all those Omani women who have touched my life here in the Sultanate. Happy Omani Women’s Day!

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send me back home to Pakistan. Then, during Isha and Taraweeh prayer time the men left for the mosque and my Omani ‘mother’ called her daughters and housemaid to come over and help clean the house. Within an hour everything was shining and she also prepared food for me and my family. Her actions moved me to tears and I thanked Allah for his mercy to send me an angel such as she. During my recovery after giving birth, she cared for me like her own daughter daily. When my husband would leave for the office, she would visit me to help with the household chores and cook food for me until I was strong enough to take up these tasks once more. Until this day I feel strong from her kindness – like I can handle all things. I will never forget her and I’m honoured that Allah saw fit to bless me with two mothers. I have never seen a lady like her – and I call her ‘Mama Safiya’. The bond that she created between us is very strong and she is an example of humanity. So, on this Omani Women’s Day I want to share my story in recognition of her – as she is the best lady in the world.

ARIFA KHURRAM

I appreciate the compassion, camaraderie, and inclusion of us expatriate women within the community of Omani women. Their friendship and love towards people from all walks of life is commendable – and as a result we feel welcome here. They’re simple,

Win a Thai set dinner for two at Tiptara Restaurant

As an expat Mum here in Muscat, adjusting to life abroad for the first time – with two young children in tow, was incredibly difficult. After my husband accepted a position here in Oman, I reluctantly agreed to uproot our life in the UK – where we were relatively near to grandparents, and our children (pre-school age) had their circle of friends and their routine. While we’ve fallen in love with the beauty of Oman, having lived here for the last year now, I was consumed by anxiety upon arrival – not knowing the language, the culture, or even if I could drive here. We live in a villa in Al Khoud and our Omani neighbours welcomed us with open arms. Inviting us over to take tea with them and even preparing food for us. If there’s one thing this last year has taught me is that Omani women are incredible allies, entrepreneurs (our neighbor runs her own small catering business!), talented artists, educators, and homemakers and, like women the world over, many of them wear all these hats at once and then some! But most importantly, the Omani women my family have become close to in our local community have made wonderful friends. Our children play together, we help one another when needed, and after a long year of settling in and adjusting I know feel like we’ve carved out a new home here in Oman. And for that I’m grateful for the support of these women who have become like family to us.

New Debate:

How can Oman better support the needs of its stray animal population? Rather than neutralizing feral dogs and cats, could a mandatory spay/neuter program be a humane alternative? Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

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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.

OCT 17 - 23 / ISSUE 589

YOUR

ROLL CALL

OMAN

THE PRESTIGIOUS LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS TARGETS STUDENTS FROM THE SULTANATE DURING A RECENT ORIENTATION EVENT AT OCEC

010

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MOVIES MOVIES Abduction Cast: Scott Adkins, Andy On, Truong Ngoc Anh

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Cast: Angelina Jolie, Michelle Pfeiffer, Elle Fanning This sequel to the hit Disney movie ‘Maleficent’ (2014), takes viewers back to the colourful hidden world of the Moors under the reign of Maleficent and Princess Aurora. But the harmonious relationship between the two begins to fizzle after Prince Philip proposes to Aurora – against the wishes of her protective godmother Maleficent. Unbeknownst to all, Prince

Zombieland: Double Tap Cast: Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Jesse Eisenberg

Philip’s mother – the powerful Queen Ingrith, plans to use the wedding as a catalyst to divide the race of humans and fairies. Maleficent and Aurora soon find themselves on opposite sides of an impending war – in a battle that has them questioning whether or not they can truly be a family. Fantasy fiction at its finest in this whimsical film.

The powerhouse cast of the first box-office franchise has reunited a decade after, to bring its audience more comical mayhem that stretches from the White House, through the heartland – as once again the four slayers face off against the many new kinds of zombies that have evolved since their last encounter. Put all assumptions about the far-fetched-ness of the plot aside and just go with the flow of this epic, smash-hit sequel. Braaaaains!!!

In a seemingly ordinary day, Quinn (Scott Adkins), a member of a SWAT unit steps out of a fountain in a park in Ho Chi Minh City with no memory of who he is. As he tries to recall what happened to him, mysterious figures start to appear and chase him, leading Quinn to recall fragments of memory of his young daughter who’s been kidnapped. At the same time, Conner (Andy On), a former military operative turned gangster-for-hire, discovers that his wife has also disappeared without a trace in the middle of the night. With little in common, the two men realize they must work together to defeat their mysterious abductors and bring their loved ones to safety. Expect loads of amped up action here, folks.

Jallikattu Cast: Antony Varghese, Chemban Vinod, Sabumon Abdusamad

In the hill ranges of a remote village in Kerala, India, a traditional spectacle called ‘Jallikattu’ is gearing up to take place in this Malayalam horror film. When a butcher’s buffalo breaks free, behaving uncontrollably, a group of villagers are challenged to hunt the wild beast down. Yet, what begins as a raiding party turns into something much more sinister that will leave audiences questioning the lengths man will go to in the name of greed and distrust, as the hunters become the hunted. An edge-of-your-seat ride not for the faint of heart!

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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A SULTANATE SISTERH (Original artworks courtesy of Malvika Asher)

AS WE CELEBRATE OMANI WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY, WE SHED LIGHT ON A GROUP OF LOCAL WOMEN DRIVEN BY SELF-BELIEF AND INSPIRED BY OPPORTUNITIES, WHO ARE TAKING ON THE TASK OF EMPOWERING A NEW GENERATION OF YOUNG OMANIS TO BECOME SELF-DEPENDENT ACROSS ALL WALKS OF LIFE. 012

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HOOD

magine a world where equality drives society to greater heights, and where peace and harmony take centre-stage. A world where both women and men have equal opportunity to showcase the true extent of their abilities. It’s a world we strive to accomplish over time, but it’s also one that Oman has successfully become over the last five decades – an achievement that, unambiguously, the Sultanate takes pride in as we celebrate Omani Women’s Day 2019 this October 17. It’s a day that celebrates the women in our lives and one that highlights all achievements they’ve gifted the country with through their contributions in various fields – from health and medicine, to the economy, research, and education. It’s also a day take stock of the progress brought about by those trail-blazing Omani women who have worked their way through the system to find success while going on to inspire a young wave of girls who have their sights set on a more prosperous and fruitful future – one that has them chasing their dreams. Dr. Lamya Adnan al Haj, an entrepreneur who set up Coach 4 Change and Jalasat Mulhimoon, and an assistant professor at Sultan Qaboos University’s College of Science is among those who are in the spotlight for the work they do to inspire girls on a grassroots level. She says: “Lots of people don’t believe in the concept of having a women’s day. “But I believe this is important for the women. I see it as a time for reflection. It’s very important that women look back at what they’ve been doing as a community and what changes have occurred over the course of years. “The topics of women and equality have been around for decades – but a day such as this is important for recognising where we stand today.” Dr. Lamya, who is also a mother of three, says she cultivated her dream to become a professor from her childhood. “I decided I wanted to become a professor the day I attended a class which my father was teaching. “He inspired me to become what I am today, and everything I did after that was to achieve my goal. And I would let nothing get in the way of my dream and my final goal to become what I am today.” This is also what drives Dr. Matlooba al Zadjali, a cardiologist at the Royal Hospital, the National Heart Center, and the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) department of the Ministry of Health who also set up her own hospital – the Specialised Centre for Heart & Vascular Disease – only a year ago. She tells us: “The drive to success came to me early but I never really saw it as a task. When you love something, you just do it. And in my case, I’ve always wanted to become a doctor who made a difference to the community.” That she does today with her hospital, which takes care of heart patients that must otherwise wait months for treatment. “A great part of what several Omani women, me included, do is driven by that very passion to make something out of ourselves while improving everything around us. We aim to be providers out of instinct. “And we owe it all to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said who has always supported women and given us the power and motivation to go and do whatever we want, with equal rights and a mutual respect for both genders staying the primary goal for the nation.” Since his ascension to the throne, His Majesty has ensured paramountcy for gender equality. For instance, Article 17 of the Basic Law of the State says that “all citizens are equal before the law and in public rights and duties. It goes on to add: “There shall be no discrimination between them on the grounds of gender, origins, colour, language, religion, sect, domicile, or social status.” This means that women in Oman can choose whether they want to work or run a business, drive cars (which includes taxis), talk to people they want to, flock to sports stadiums to cheer for their favourite teams, and enjoy roles

and responsibilities that several other states fail to offer their women citizens – rights that, sadly, not all women globally have access to even now in 2019. It’s also worth noting that Omani women can vote and campaign in elections, appeal against family objections for marriage, obtain passports without the need for a guardian’s approval, own properties, study their course of interest and, more importantly, impart knowledge to the future of Oman: its youth. Moreover, 8.9 per cent of Oman’s parliament is comprised of women, as per data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). This is probably what motivated professor Muna al Farsy, who is a senior lecturer at the Higher College of Technology (HCT) and an environmentalist who took over as the project manager of a solar house in Oman. She says: “It’s incredible how equality drives the nation. For that, we must thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Today, women such as myself are involved in several fields OCT 17 - 23 / ISSUE 589

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of life – those that we chose and decided to be a part of.” Today, her students – both men and women – see Muna as a role model. We even connect with one student who has, since graduating, started his own company that supplies solar products in Oman. Talking about being a role model to young girls, Muna says humbly: “Being a role model is quite an important job as it helps shape someone’s personality and mind-set. And by educating women in Oman, we’re not only educating individuals, we’re educating a future of young boys and girls that they will help to educate and train. “Several of the young ladies who I educated in the engineering field moved on after graduation and achieved great things. But to become a role model, you need to be an ordinary person. All I ever did was stay true to myself. I did simple things like coming early to work, interacting with everyone, and listening to others. “That’s how I connected with the youth.” But it’s not only engineers and doctors who are making a difference in the community. Enter Arwa Moosa al Musafir, a fashion designer turned entrepreneur who started her own company to provide jobs for young unemployed Omani women in Al Khoud. She tells us: “Women in Oman are very talented and there’s no shortage of potential here – be it in the field of arts and culture or even more specialised ones. That’s why I boldly started my own company that offers businesses traditional Omani handicrafts. “To do this, I met with ladies who had knowledge on Omani traditions so that we could educate the public about how great our skills are in handicrafts and arts. “Having seen responses from several of our international clients, I can attest that there’s a lot more potential here – and I hope to involve more women who have a passion for handicrafts. “What’s amazing is when I sit and talk to them about their jobs, I learn about how fervent they are about what they do. They love working in their spare time from their homes, and that’s what drives them to do what they do. “Aside from that, these women are also sustaining their families. The income they earn is used to supplement what their husbands or fathers make, monthly. This even motivated me more to work towards helping such women showcase their skills.” Even Muna shares a similar train of thought. Adding to Arwa’s statements, she says: “It’s not only about attributing women in the professional workfield, but all women who are giving their time and energy to make a living or run a family smoothly. “They could be working in grocery stores, agricultural fields, arts and handicrafts, helping their husbands, or running their own families. “All women need to be proud of this day. The only advice I have for the young girls is to not become set in their ways. Always keep exploring new things and do things that you want to do. 014

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“I ask my students to enjoy the period they live in. When I was younger, some 40 years ago, many things weren’t available to us; things such as internet or electricity. But, now, you have all these at your disposal, and more. So, you should also be able to do more. “Enjoy your time; and while you do that, work efficiently. We were told as kids to work very hard. But it’s not a matter of working hard; it’s about understanding how to work smart. That’s how you can grow to become a better person and a professional one who can achieve great things wherever you go.” Dr. Lamya, who offers talks internationally and has a media presence among both the Omani and expat population in the Sultanate, also believes in making oneself as ready for the outside world as possible. Advising girls in Oman, she says: “I would like you all to aspire high. “The only barrier you will face here in Oman is your own self. If we fail, it’s not the country that must be blamed. Everything is available and there’s no excuse for us to pin our failures on. My simple advice is to work hard and make something great out of yourselves. “At the end of the day, when you think about it, we’ve been blessed to be a part of a nation that not only recognises our talents, but also gives us an opportunity to apply ourselves and show the world that we’re a part of a self-sustaining and forward-thinking country. “Many women from Oman have gone on to become great names. Now, it’s up to you and me to do the same. Just remember this: the belief to succeed is in the root of all great and notable achievements.” ■

The

Ambassadors

FOR VISITORS WHO FLOCK TO OMAN IN HOPES OF EXPLORING THE SULTANATE’S RICH LANDSCAPE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE, THE AUTHENTICITY OF THEIR EXPERIENCE IS WHAT MAKES THE JOURNEY MEMORABLE. SWATI BASU DAS MEETS THE PASSIONATE LOCAL GUIDES WHO NEVER MISS A CHANCE TO SHOW THE WORLD THE COUNTRY THEY LOVE.

he most rewarding aspect of travel (aside from exploring a captivating new locale) are the people you meet along the way – and Oman is no exception. Be they locals on the street who point you in the right direction, or friendly faces that strike up conversation in a coffee shop, encounters with the people who call your vacation destination home can turn your travels into so much more. This is especially true of the local tour guides who walk with us along the journey of exploration. Much more than cultural ambassadors alone, they are storytellers and master craftspeople who skillfully carve an enduring legacy and sense of place, honing their culture to share with visitors to the Sultanate. Heritage banner-men and -women, local tour guides, whose personal interpretations of local life and historic traditions, foster the most memorable encounters as they showcase their nation and its cultural identity. And for many 016

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Omani tour guides, it’s an endeavor they undertake in their spare time – freelancing on weekends and holidays, as a labour of love and out of a sense of pride for their homeland. And with the national tourism strategy very much at the forefront of Oman’s Vision 2040, it’s an industry on which the government’s sights are firmly set on achieving new growth. Oman, with its 3,165-kilometre coastline, its Jebel jewels, golden honey dunes of Sharqiyah, and distinct cultural history, has been welcoming tourists worldwide for decades – and Omani tour guides remain an essential element to the Sultanate’s sustainable tourism development. Helping visitors get up-close-and-personal with their surroundings while on tour, a good guide is much more than a simple attendant – he or she can have the ability to transform a guest’s entire experience. A guide is a teacher of geography, history, and culture; they are a friend

who offers travelers every comfort and hospitality of his or her land; and they are a conduit to an understanding and appreciation of the local lifestyle that defines Oman as a destination. “An Omani tour guide is nothing less than an ambassador of the Sultanate,” says Ahlam Salim Al Harthi, Head of Tour Guide Section at the Ministry of Tourism. “They offer the best of Oman – especially while dealing with various nationalities. It’s through them that tourists can experience the traditional and natural richness of Oman. The Ministry of Tourism makes sure that any qualified tour guide meets certain criteria. An Omani [guide] must be multi-lingual to interact with people from around the world. Their cultural and historical knowledge about the Sultanate is a treasure trove for any traveler.” Omani tour guides are, assuredly, scholars. Aside from being multilingual and possessing comprehensive awareness of any given locale, many local guides use

(Ahlam Salim Al Harthi, Head of Tour Guide Section, Ministry of Tourism)

their profession as means of sharing knowledge and oral history passed down by elders in their community. Case in point – local tour guide Yasser Marhoon Salim Almammari. Hailing from Rustaq, he’s had a penchant for wanderlust and exploration since his childhood. “I travelled a lot with my father all over Oman and learned amazing facts and fiction about the different parts of my country,” he recalls. “I grew up listening to the fables narrated by my great-grandparents and their friends. Since then, it was my dream to be a tour guide and share information and stories to people who visit Oman. Since 1998, I’ve been living my dream as a guide – and there’s no looking back. It’s my passion to take my tourists across every corner of this versatile land of Oman.” Saleh Ali Nasser Al Harrasi, an Omani tour guide from Nizwa who works for Tours by Local,

is another guide who’s aware of every nook and corner of his country. “Books are my best friend, and they provide me with the information I want,” he says. “I get detailed facts about our rich history and our cultural evolution. I even travel a lot to know my land even better. Both reading and travelling open up the knowledge gate for me.” Language is another essential tool in Oman’s tourism industry, and the ability to converse in multiple languages is asset that helps local guides conduct tours efficiently for international visitors. There’s an increasing demand for multi-lingual tour guides in the Sultanate and, almost every licensed tour guide is proficient in Korean, German, and Japanese. “Tour guides play a crucial role in promoting the country,” says Ahlam Al Harthi. “They need to work in accordance with the set of regulations at the historical sites. Hence their evaluation is mandatory before providing them with the license. Language is one important factor. This year approximately 75 linguist Omani tourist guides got their license from the Ministry of Tourism. Last year the total number of licensed tour guides was 394.” Exerting the extra effort to learn multiple languages, local guides have a better shot at making guests feel at home during their stay in the Sultanate. A linguist tour guide, Saleh Ali Nasser Al Harrasi believes German, for example, is a “golden language.” “Our traveler friends are from different continents – mostly from Europe, the Far East, and the US,” he explains. “Knowing their language helps us to know each other better – and interacting with a tourist in their local language makes them comfortable.” An educational opportunity in its own right, tourism is crucial to imparting knowledge, historical significance, and a sense of places to those locales visited. And, all diligent tour guides –such as Saleh and Yasser – leave no stone unturned when striving to awaken a traveler’s enthusiasm and interest in Omani heritage and history. As a result, visitors gather comprehensive vital knowledge about Oman, while their guides receive an honourable token of trust and amity in return. “Every tourist considers Oman a safe tourist destination with no lowlights,” says Saleh with a smile. “They find the Omani people welcoming and friendly, and they leave with a promise to revisit with more friends and family. As a guide, this is the biggest gift we can hope to receive.” ■ (Photo credits: Selected images courtesy of Yasser Marhoon Salim Almammari, Saleh Ali Nasser Al Harrasi, and Oman’s Ministry of Tourism)

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Presents

In Association with

As the Sultanate gears up to celebrate the 49th Oman National Day, Y Magazine is bringing the nation’s young talent together once again to paint their patriotism with the 6th annual Portrait By A Nation competition.

’s Portrait By A Nation returns for its 6th annual competition alongside Presenting Sponsor Ahlibank in honour of the 49th Oman National Day on November 18. Powered by Mazoon Dairy and Asian Paints Berger, and in Association with Mall of Muscat, Minara, OSCO Shapoorji Pallonji, and Staedtler, young artists from schools across the Sultanate will come together to create a unique piece of art as a lasting tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. One of the biggest events of the year in Oman, Y’s Portrait By A Nation saw an impressive number of more than 2,800 entries received from children ages 5-17 yearsold from Muscat, Nizwa, Sur, Sohar, and Salalah last year. Children will receive a different sized canvas and a different portrait of His Majesty, across three age categories of competition: 5-9 years – Canvas size 20cm x 30cm 10-13 years – Canvas size 30cm x 40cm 14-17 years – Canvas size 40cm x 50cm Forty-nine (49) finalists will be selected from participants – 17 from the ages 5-9 category, and 16 each from the ages 10-13 and 14-17 age categories, with three winners chosen among them from each age category, for a chance to win prizes worth a total of RO2,550. Each winner will win a prize worth RO500 in each age category, while runners-up will win prizes valued at RO250 in each age category, and there will be RO100 for third place in each age category. Championing the patriotic heart of the nation through the artistic expression of the young generation, Y’s Portrait By A Nation will be featured across all of SABCO Media’s platforms, including Y Magazine, Merge 104.8, Al Wisal, and Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM.

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Portrait by A Nation Milestones: On-ground competition The competition will be held on Friday, November 8 in Nizwa and Salalah, Saturday, November 9 in Sur and Sohar, and on Friday November 15 and Saturday, November 16 in Muscat as, over two days, hundreds of children create their own special pieces of art on the canvasses given to them with a preprinted sketch of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. This initiative not only encourages talent but provides children with a platform to bring out their best artistic efforts while taking pride in their work. Judging Panel Judging will take place on November 18, and the Y Portrait By A Nation judging panel will include sponsors, eminent local artists, and representatives of Team Y. The panel will select 16 winners from each age group for a total of 49 finalists. Awards function Conducted in a 5-star venue, the Y Portrait By A Nation awards function will be held on November 25 and will see sponsors interacting with the 49 finalists from the three age categories. The finalists, along with their families, will be invited to be awarded commendation certificates and prizes. The event will be followed by dinner. Special Coverage in Y Magazine After the competition, there will be special coverage in Y Magazine’s issue on November 28 which will feature the works of the young artists along with their interviews, and those from sponsors and eminent local artists.

How To Register • Register online at https://www.y-oman.com/pban2019/ • Call (+968) 2442-6900. • Or scan the QR Code right here Registration for participants in the interiors (Nizwa, Sohar, Sur & Salalah) closes November 2, 2019. Registration for participants in the capital area of Muscat closes November 9, 2019.

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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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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 AND ADVENTURES

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

REFLECTING POOL

Still waters run deep amid the craggy cliffsides of Qalhat

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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

QALHAT Paul Reddington heads out on an adventure to Qalhat to unravel the mysteries surrounding the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prominent edifice: the mausoleum of Bibi Maryam 022

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HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

f Egypt has the pyramids and India the Taj Mahal, then Oman can proudly proclaim itself with Qalhat; more specifically, the mausoleum dedicated to Bibi Maryam that overlooks the desolate but proud UNESCO World Heritage Site just past Quriyat en route to Sur. Its overbearing structures have been splashed across the press countless times, but the walls of its tall frame still tell tales of a troubled past – it’s up to us to listen. In the face of modern Oman, the ancient mausoleum is a sight to behold – and is the defining character of the little town that Qalhat. Though its charms are plentiful, the history of the town dates back some 920 years –a long before the Sultanate’s formation. Rumour has it, explorer and scholar Ibn Battuta was among the first foreigners to visit

remain open to the elements – and the curious eyes of visitors. Here, we snap up images of the mausoleum and try to sneak a couple of shots of the interior where Bibi Maryam lays using our zoom lens, but in vain, and we didn’t push harder for photos as entry into the tomb is prohibited for obvious reasons. Pictures, however, only tell you half the story. Standing prominently over a myriad of time-worn edifices that date back to the 11th century, the resting ground of Bibi Maryam – who was the ruler of the city of Qalhat and Hurmuz after the death Qalhat and its surrounding lands. We assume he’d have taken a more of her husband Bahauddin Ayez – is seafaring approach, entering Qalhat currently at the crossroads of history, and a tad bit of controversy. by the sea that the town overlooks. It’s a stark contrast when compared These controversies surround with our arrival (in a gas-guzzling conflicting stories about the sport vehicle), but hey, this isn’t the mausoleum itself. Some say the 11th century. structure is a mosque that was built We park our car by the entrance to the wadi that leads to the mausoleum, before making our way up the steep slope that’s guarded by a boom gate. The offices by the tomb are closed on the day of our arrival, so we throw caution to the wind and make our way to the structure. While the sand walls that enclose it have been eaten up by strong sea winds, the structure remains remarkably intact for the most part. The mausoleum has lost much of its roof and parts of the sidewall, but its underlying girds and doorframes

by Lady Maryam herself, while others say that her husband, Ayez, built the tomb in the 13th century to honour his wife in death – but the truth remains buried in a shrine that measures in at about 30m in length and 25m in depth, with a basement or underground corridor beneath. Yet, there’s oodles of elements from the past that help us knit together a picture of the town in medieval times. Take for instance, the deep tunnels, watchtowers, and houses left at the mercy of nature; deteriorating by the day as the mausoleum looks on. Much of all else remains in tatters today; and, we head to the east of the mausoleum to catch a glimpse of the sea. Swatting away the bees that buzz around us on our trek down from the hill to the beach, we make our way through the thick bushes that currently keep people from mistakenly losing their way during a trek. The deeper we head to the beach, the sandier the hill gets, until finally we reach a point where we can smell the sea with each moving breath. It’s quite an intense feeling knowing how these very white sands and the rocky skyline once laid witness to Ibn Battuta and ancient dictators such as Bahauddin Ayez. Perhaps this is what motivates us to spend the evening exploring the confines of Qalhat itself – the town, the mausoleum, and the beach. The calmness of the air alongside the silence of the night is addictive – painting a serene picture of the Al Hajar mountains while keeping the mausoleum in perspective. There’s more to Qalhat than just the modern settlement and the beach. There’s an aura of romance lingering around the town that we find hard to put in words. Is it the time-tested superstructure that a husband built for his wife that defines this feeling? The answer to that we don’t know for sure, but we can tell you this: Qalhat offers you a peek into history in its rawest form.

Take the road to Sur, pass the village of Quriyat and then follow the road for 90kms to reach Qalhat. The tomb is on the left-hand side, several hundred metres from the asphalt road. You don’t need a 4×4 to see the tomb, but if you’re planning to go into a wadi, be sure that you have the right car. GPS Coordinates: N22°41’51.4”; E59°22’23.7”

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CARS ADVENTURES

NISSAN ALTIMA

FIRST DRIVE

e live in strange times: American car-makers – pioneers of the sedan industry – are killing off their cars in favour of crossovers and SUVs, while the Japanese and Koreans are fighting the change by developing more sedans than ever before. It’s not up to us to tell who will emerge victorious, but what we do know is that the industry is brimming with talent right now – and the all-new Altima may just be Nissan’s answer to the motoring world. Whether it’s an attempt at jumping the shark or not, there’s no throwing shade over the nameplate’s laurels. The Nissan Altima has – and, for the foreseeable future will remain – a sales success in the GCC. Perhaps it has more to do with what this sixthgeneration sedan has matured into: a stylish and charismatic vehicle with a few more tricks up its sleeve than its predecessor. For 2019, the Altima takes a U-turn for the better. Gone are the characterless cues, lines, curves, and

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Meet Nissan’s stalwart midsize sedan that now comes with a new turbo that dials in oodles of sportiness without sacrificing the benefits of a smaller, more efficient engine

lights – and in comes a Maxima-inspired exterior that plays hardball with its competitors. This adds an aggressive fascia that’s complemented by a low-slung, but large ‘V-motion’ front grille, and flanked by thin and sharp boomerang LED-laden headlamps and prominent lines on the swooping hood. Also, the hood extends into the fenders and breaks away into a large character line that passes through to just beneath the C-pillar. There’s a faint reminiscence to the cues from earlier iterations, but the execution this time round is nothing short of splendid; especially in the grey colour our tester came in. Different Altima variants come packing their own set of unique alloys. Our top-spec ‘VC-Turbo’ trim gained 19-inch alloys wrapped around trusty 235/40 Bridgestone Turanza all-weather touring rubbers. The package is rounded off by dual exhausts in the rear, a faux diffuser, Maxima-esque tail-lamps, and the floating roof design. There’s more good news: the newly designed cabin

is minimalistic but functional, and the eight-inch touchscreen is miles ahead of what its fifth-gen cousin came packing. The touchscreen head unit is smoother than before and comes with builtin navigation, audio functions, and even Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s a step up in the right direction too: for instance, there are premium-feeling padded surfaces all around the cabin with machine stitching to break up the interior tone. It also comes with leather upholstery which, coupled with Nissan’s ‘Zero Gravity’ seats, swaddle you in luxe – something some of its other rivals fail to achieve. For 2019, the Altima grows longer and wider and goes lower than ever before; its wheelbase has been stretched and front overhangs trimmed slightly to make it more aesthetic. This also adds to the cabin space, of which there’s plenty. At 436-litres, even the boot space is immense. Other add-ons in our tester included a brilliant ninespeaker Bose stereo system, Apple CarPlay, paddle shifters, and a sizeable sunroof. On the safety front, our car came with ESP, autoLED lights, blind-

D e s t i n at i o n

Po s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y-Fi

Gaming

CARS

NISSAN ALTIMA Specifications: • Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder • Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) • Power: 248hp • Torque: 370Nms Front-wheel-drive Leather upholstery Radar-guided cruise control Bose premium audio system 360-degree parking cameras Electronic parking brake 19-inch alloy wheels ABS, EBD, and TC Paddle shifters Auto hold assist 436-litre boot 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system

spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, a lane departure warning system, collision warning, 360-degree parking cameras, and our personal favourite – a radar-guided cruise control psyche that reportedly scans two vehicles ahead to determine impending danger. There are two engine options from the onset: a 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder for the econo-minded and a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder motor. The latter – which came fitted in our tester – put out a stout 248hp and 370Nms of torque. All engines, as expected, are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Nissan says it’s the latest

iteration of their trademark transmission, and we do feel it’s at home for the first time in an Altima. The engineers have eked out its shortcomings (i.e. droning and the rubber band effect) with virtual shift points that change ratios to mimic gear shifts at the redline. While this is also a concept seen in the Maxima, we feel the Altima does a stellar job in dialing down any of the ill traits associated with CVTs. The result is a responsive transmission that manages torque smoothly without much drama, and a zero to 100kph time of under seven seconds. We didn’t have the car long enough for a comprehensive economy or performance test, but the car repeatedly broke the previous generation ‘VQ35’ 3.5-litre V6’s efficiency readouts during our city runabouts. What we can tell you, however, is that there’s enough trickery in acoustics (with fake engine notes played through the speakers) to make you believe you’re driving a sports car. The new Altima isn’t a sleeper by any means, but slamming down can invoke

WHETHER IT’S AN ATTEMPT AT JUMPING THE SHARK OR NOT, THERE’S NO THROWING SHADE OVER THE NAMEPLATE’S LAURELS. THE NISSAN ALTIMA HAS – AND, FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE WILL REMAIN – A SALES SUCCESS IN THE GCC wheelspin; especially when the turbo spools up and torque kicks in. Torque steer seems to be kept to a minimum and, for the most part, the front-wheel drivetrain will hide any understeer. There’s plenty of grip on offer, and even the low-profile ones in our tester offered superior levels of on-road comfort. Brake force is strong for a car that weighs under 1.5 tonnes and is backed up by a well-weighted and reassuring brake pedal. Having driven the ‘regular’ Altima earlier this year and its previous iterations over the course of the last five years or so, we can safely attest that the VC-Turbo cranks things up a notch or two; even more so than the powerful V6 iterations it replaces. This all-new car is the most driverfocused an Altima has ever been in its 24-year existence – and it still maintains the perfect balance between sportiness, comfort, and fuel efficiency to warrant our bold claim: maybe sedans aren’t just dead yet. That, and turbochargers and more power, solves everything.

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CARS ADVENTURES

ISLAND IDYLL

Northern Cyprus beckons tourists as one of the last unspoiled corners of the Mediterranean.

1. Explore the 14th-century Augustininan monastery at Bellapais 2. Visit the Karpas Peninsula, a nature reserve and breeding ground for endangered turtles. 3. Grab a local taste of the produce found in Guzelyurt at the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. 4. Marvel at the grandeur of Soli and Vouni Palace in Lefke. 5. Go snorkeling in the clear waters of the Mediterranean.

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Aftab H. Kola recommends

NORTHERN CYPRUS B

lessed with spectacular beaches and weather that (almost mythically) boasts over 325 sunny days year-round, Northern Cyprus - also known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, isn’t necessarily on the average tourist’s radar. Comprising roughly 36 per cent of the island nation of the Republic of Cyprus, Northern Cyprus is a self-declared state whose land runs along the country’s northeastern portion and whose autonomy from the GreekCypriot southern Republic of Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey. While the history and politics of Cyprus have long been tumultuous, this Eastern Mediterranean escape continues to lure tourists with its pristine coastlines, majestic geography, indelible history, and cultural crossroads. Nicosia (known as Lefkosa in Northern Cyprus), is the world’s last divided capital. Cleaved in two by a UN-administered buffer zone known as the ‘Green Line’, while the majority of the city is under the control of the Republic of Cyprus, its northern partition falls under the jurisdiction of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. A quiet city, Nicosia (or Lefkosa) is an ideal base from which to branch out to tour its northern side. But starting with the north side of the city itself, its popular landmarks include the historic Arab Ahmet district with its great mosque, the bustling Lokmacilar Bazaar, the Kyrenia Gate, Venetian Columns, and the Great Caravanserai. This last, the Great Caravanserai were historic resting inns for traveling caravans - previously called ‘khans’ - are located in the traditional market centre within the city walls and were built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Muzzafer Pasha. The Selimiye masjid is another landmark of note; Built in 1326, its Gothic workmanship incorporates elements of Ottoman architecture and draws tourists in droves. Explore its stunning domes and frescoes before taking a stroll through the Arab Ahmet quarter with its well-preserved examples of Ottoman-era architecture. (resting inns for caravans, called khan previously) by the name Bayuk Han is in the traditional market centre within the city walls. The caravanserai was built by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Muzzafer Pasha, in 1572. Selimiye masjid, a product of the finest Gothic workmanship harmonious in its proportions, incorporating the elements of Ottoman architecture, and built in 1326, is nearby. Arabahmet Quarter is home to wellpreserved examples of Ottoman-era town-house architecture. Ambling through these urban channels one is sure to encounter the silent whispers of the bygone era. Heading north out of Nicosia (Lefkosa) and you’ll find unspoiled stretches of picturesque coastline for more than 160 kms. The island’s main port at ancient Famagusta or ‘Gazimagusa’ is prime stopping point for the historically inclined. The many ancient remains found here and also at Salamis, Ekonomi, and at St. Barnabas Monastery, reflect the wealth and importance that this area once held over the Eastern Mediterranean. The dilapidated castle of Kantara, which seems to hang in mid-air with its hundred chambers, dominates this corner of Northern Cyprus and is well-worth a visit.

THE SE A S ID E KYREN RAMPARTS IA C A S OF TLE

THE H S ID E OF T H E T U R K IS KA N IC OS IA , (A C A P IT A L OF L E FK OS A )

My favourite place

Go anywhere along the coast of Northern Cyprus where hotels, resorts, and dive centres thrive, and you’ll find chartered marine cruise operators ready to whisk you out to sea. Book a six-hour cruise and drop anchor near the rocky northern coastline where the crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and watersports. The perfect way to spend a Cypriot sunny day, most tour operators will also provide a continental lunch which you can enjoy with the cool sea breeze wafting in.

Highlights Girne (or Kyrenia in Greek) is Northern Cyprus’s answer to the nightlife hubs of Larnaca, Limmasol, and Aiya Napa found in the south of the island. A happening place, Girne’s delightful horseshoe-shaped harbour is bordered by old Venetian houses and lined with restaurants, lounges, and cafés that are great for people-watching. Standing sentinel amid this picturesque setting sits Kyrenia Castle; constructed during the Venetian period as a Crusader fortification, it’s also home to some of the world’s most important pieces of marine archaeology. The castle also contains a large cistern, a dungeon, chapel, and two small museums – though the real highlight is walking along the ramparts high above the harbour.

Lowlights Moving between the southern and northern parts of the island means navigating a UN border-patrolled area. Be sure you have all appropriate travel documents and visa requirements before embarking by land as entry regulations my differ and once you cross into Northern Cyprus you will not be allowed to re-enter the Republic of Cyprus. Souvenirs

Handmade leather jackets or shoes, Turkish loqum sweets, a bottle of rose-water, and Lefkaritika embroidered linen.

Getting there Fly Oman Air from Muscat to Istanbul, then from Istanbul you can fly Turkish Airlines to Ercan

International Airport.

Where to stay Boutique hotels abound in Northern Cyprus and can be booked via Trivago, Kayak, or Booking.com.

THE GO LDEN SA KARPA ND BEACHE S S PEN IN S U L A O F T H E

We recommend the Malpas Hotel – a splendid five-star property perched on a hillock overlooking the expanse of the azure-blue Mediterranean. OCT 17 - 23 / ISSUE 589

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-FI

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

TOP CAMERA PHONES OF 2019 The Y Geek Squad gets snapping with the latest and greatest camera phones that can give DSLRs a run for their money

THE TECH IN YOU

PRIME CONTENDER

PRO MODE

Not all smartphones will set you back an arm and a leg. The Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 is a… err… ‘prime’ example of a budget-friendly phone that packs all the bells and whistles of a flagship, but at a pricepoint that’ll have you gasping in disbelief. Get past the grips of the mesmerising emerald green or sapphire blue colour tones and the crisp, almost bezel-less 391ppi 6.59-inch 1080p LCD display, and you’ll quickly notice that its Kirin 710F chip-set, coupled with the triple rear camera set up – the 16MP (wide) + 8MP (ultra-wide), and 2MP (depth sensor) – will make for some stunning shots. There’s a pop-up 16MP camera upfront for selfie-takers as well. The artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm also allows objects to be processed in HDR for some impressive final shots, while the accompanying night-mode makes use of the f/1.8 aperture camera sensor to reproduce bright images without added noise. It also comes with 4GB RAM and either 64or 128-gigs of in-built storage. Buy this from SharafDG for RO89.9.

GALAXIES APART

Apple knows a thing or two about putting together a great smartphone – and its iPhone 11 Pro Max is no exception. The all-new phone may look and feel like the device released in 2018, but it’s got a couple of tricks up its sleeve – namely, a fresh Apple A13 bionic chip and a set of new snappers that will do all the photography heavy lifting. The oddly placed 12MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto) + 12MP (ultra-wide) sensors reproduce life-like images and, with the (natural) colour tones that we’re accustomed to in iPhones. It also has a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, Face ID, and storage options starting from 64GB and topping off at 512GB. You can order yours from LuLu Webstore for RO539.9 (as per prices from October 6).

The seven-month old Samsung S10+ joins the party as an underdog sporting specs from its release back in March 2019 (which translates to a decade in the tech world) – but we’ll tell you this: it’s no slouch. Packing an octa-core Exynos 9820 chip-set, 8- or 12-gigs of RAM, and a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, the device still sits as one of the best releases of the year. Couple with that 12MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto) + 16MP (ultra-wide) sensors in the rear, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic replacement for your bridge camera. As a bonus, you can also snap selfies using the two front-facing cameras – 10MP + 8MP (wide) sensors. It retails at all leading electronic stores, though you can order the 128GB variant from SharafDG for RO287.5 (as per prices from October 6).

CHECK MATE

EDITOR’S PICK

JUST WHEN WE THOUGHT WE’D SEEN IT ALL, HUAWEI WENT ON TO UNRAVEL THE MYSTERIES BEHIND ITS ALL-NEW MATE 30, MATE 30 PRO, AND MATE 30 PRO 5G SMARTPHONES. ARGUABLY THE MOST CAPABLE AND FEATURE-PACKED DEVICES OUT THERE, THIS TRIO WILL SPORT KIRIN 990 PERFORMANCE CHIP-SETS AND OCTA-CORE CPUS. IT’LL ALSO COME IN SCREEN SIZES STARTING FROM 6.53-INCHES OR 6.62-INCHES (MATE 30) – ALL OLED PANELS – ALONGSIDE EITHER 6- OR 8-GIGS OF RAM AND INTERNAL MEMORY STARTING AT 128-GIGS AND MAXING OUT AT 256GB. THE EDGES OF THE CURVED SCREEN ALSO SERVE AS VIRTUAL BUTTONS FOR CONTROLLING THE VOLUME – OR ADDITIONAL BUTTONS WHILE PLAYING GAMES. OUR FAVOURITE BIT, HOWEVER, IS THE FOUR-CAMERA SET-UP IN THE REAR: A 40MP (WIDE) + 8MP (TELEPHOTO) + 40MP (ULTRA-WIDE) AND A 3D TIME-OF-FLIGHT (TOF) CAMERA. THIS MAKES IT THE MOST VERSATILE CAMERA PHONE ON THE MARKET, AND ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CAMERA GURUS AT LEICA SHOWS US HOW MUCH CAMERA PHONES HAVE PROGRESSED IN THE SPAN OF A DECADE. THE DEVICE IS EXPECTED TO HIT ALL LEADING ELECTRONIC STORES SOON.

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HEALTH

Health

Lip

BEAUTY

Fa s h i o n

Home

Fa m i l y

SERVICE

Whether you prefer a precision pencil or swear by a creamy glide-on, Swati Basu Das is getting lippy with some liner hacks to help perfect your pout

hat goes around comes around’ may never be as true a statement as it is in relation to the whimsical, wanton world of beauty and fashion. The days when a nude or deep and heavily lined lip were considered the height of trend had been and gone – or so we thought. But, true to form, the love-it-or-hate-it lip liner is making a cosmetic comeback with bold lips vying for the spotlight for 2019. Whether it’s a stand-out sculpted pout you’re after – or a more blended, subtle effect that melds seamlessly with your lip colour, a good liner forms an essential base to any and every kind of lip product. The humble lip pencil has come a long way in maintaining that perfect Cupid’s bow, defining the natural shape of your lip for an enhanced effect that’s both flattering and flawless. The right formula can make your lips look luscious, plump, fuller, and more defined. It also acts as a primer to hold your lip colour in place all day and can increase the vibrancy and intensity of any shade of lipstick – be it nude or fuchsia pink. Fine lines around the mouth can make your lipstick crack or ‘bleed’ after just a few hours; but a good liner acts as a barrier between your lip that helps lock in colour for a lasting effect. So, whether you’re struggling to keep your colour going the distance throughout the day – or fancy perfecting that bold 90s pout, a solid liner will get you there. Here are few of our top tips for creating your desired sculpted look:

Light bright

When picking the hue that’s right for you, a word of advice – always go for a liner that’s a shade that’s slightly lighter than your natural lip colour. This helps you avoid that in-advertent Gothic vamp look – and, a nude or slightly rosy shade will help

your pout pop when blended in with a slightly darker shade or gloss in the same colour family. Product we love: ColourPop Lippie Pencil in ‘Oh Snap’. (RO1.9). This creamy shade is perfect for every-day use and just neutral enough to complement most shades of lipstick.

Less is more

Is easy to get carried away when trying to sculpt the best definition for your lip – but keep in mind that less is always more. When your lips are over-drawn, those exaggerated lines can detract rather than enhance the aesthetic you’re aiming for. The best results come from outlining the edge of your lips – but never extending past your natural lip line. Once the edges are lined, smudge them slightly onto the rest of the lip before filling them in with colour over top for an impeccable finish. Go for lip pencils that have a smooth, rounded retractable tip rather than those with a well-sharpened hard point for a more natural effect. Product we love: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella. (RO10.3). We love this pencil’s creamy consistency and smooth, fool-proof finish.

Clear as a bell

Finally, if you want your makeup not to budge, but just aren’t a fan of liner’s aesthetic, then why not opt for an invisible version and let ‘colourless’ lip pencils be your lifeline. These invisible liners will keep your lip-shade from smudging all day long and help keep your lips’ contours defined. Most come in waterproof formulas and are a must-have essential in any lip-kit. Product we love: Marc Jacobs Beauty Poutliner Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Invisible 312. (RO9.2). Swipe on this lush liner and forget about it – your lipstick isn’t going anywhere all day! ■

(*All products available for purchase and shipping to Oman on Amazon) OCT 17 - 23 / ISSUE 589

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

SWEATER WEATHER

Autumn ushers in the season of our favourite piece of fall clothing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the humble sweater. This cold weather closet staple proves its versatility time and again with pretty prints, bold knits, and comfy silhouettes taking centre-stage for 2019.

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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

These black paperbag-waisted trousers in a faux-leather from River Island add hardcore contrast with a feminine touch. Pair them with that gorgeous violet sweater or a bold-printed jumper and tuck in the hem for dramatic effect. Buy them online for RO21.7.

We love the feminine ruching and flowing hem of this M&S mini dress, printed in fall’s hottest shade of burnished gold. Slip that long-length cardigan on over it and you’ve got an ensemble that ticks all the boxes for style and comfort. Snag it for RO13.9.

This crimson-hued turtleneck dress from H&M screams ‘fall’ so loudly we can almost taste the pumpkin spice lattés! Versatile and flattering, pair it with a cropped leather jacket for a dressy-yet edgy vibe, or a stone-washed denim jacket for a more casual weekend wear. Own it for RO11.5.

Move over spring – violet is proving itself as a year-round hue. This freshly feminine colour is all over our fall faves, like this woolly knit from Bershka that you can dress down over a pair of ripped acidwashed jeans, or up with something a little more contrasting like a pair of leather motorcycle pants. Grab it for RO16.9.

Winter’s still just around the corner but we’re in love with these icy ankle-boots from Aldo anyway. Pair them with a colourful mini dress and cardi, or a pair of skinny slacks and call it a day! Wear them for RO49.9.

Stick with autumnal tones when accessorising your ensemble. Gold or amber hues will do, like this long statement pendant from Parfois which has colourful charms that are, well, simply charming! Get it for RO6.9.

Fall fashion is all about laying a foundation of comfort and warmth and building your wardrobe around it – so let’s start with the basics. Never underestimate the versatility of a simple grey cardigan that you can dress up or down. We love this oversize long grey version from H&M that’s perfect for the office, at home, running errands, a coffee date – you name it! Price: RO7.6.

OCT 17 - 23 / ISSUE 589

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Tr e n d

New Restaurant

Reviews SOUP FOR THE SOUL

As cold and flu season rears its ugly head, help stave off contagion with a hearty helping of immunityboosting soup

YUMMY

Bowled

OVER

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing more autumnal than a gorgeous serving of soup that heralds the fall harvest. Here, we bring you some of our most warming fall favourites

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Kale Tomato Tortellini Soup

cross cultures and continents, most culinary traditions the world over include at least one form of soup. From consommés, bisques, and chowders, to stews, bouillons, and broths, very rarely do we find such a consummate dish that simultaneously comforts, nourishes, warms, and heals us than a bowl of soup. From spicy South Indian rasam or a briny Italian cioppino, to creamy Thai tom

kha gai and the humble coldweather classic – chicken noodle soup – the varieties are endless. A good bowl of soup really is a one-stop shop when it comes to nutrition. It’s a dish where all five basic food groups can co-exist in harmony in a one-pot meal that anyone can get the hang of. Here are some of our favourite you should be swapping into your weekly meal prep ahead of cold and flu season!

Chicken, Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup Ticking the boxes for every culinary comfort criterion with its earthy balance of flavour, ladle this lush soup out for the whole family! Ingredients: § Melt the butter in the same pan § 1 Tbsp olive oil and fry the onions and celery § 3 medium-sized mushrooms, for 4-5 minutes until softened. sliced Add the flour to the pan, and § 2 Tbsp butter stir together using a whisk, until § 1 onion, peeled and finely the flour is incorporated with chopped the vegetables and butter. Turn § 1 stick of celery, sliced the heat up to high, and pour in § 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour the milk in a slow stream while § 1/3 cup milk stirring with the whisk, until the § 1 cup basmati and wild rice blend milk is completely mixed in. (or long-grain and wild rice § Add the rice and stir. Then, add blend) in the stock and dried thyme and § 4 cups hot chicken or vegetable stir again. Bring to a gentle bubble stock (water plus a couple of and simmer for 20 minutes – stock cubes is fine) stirring two or three times during § 1 tsp dried thyme cooking. Test the rice – it should § ¼ tsp salt be cooked at this point (give it a § ¼ tsp black pepper couple more minutes if it needs § Juice of half a lemon it). § 1/3 cup heavy cream § Add in the salt, pepper, lemon § ½ packed cup shredded Gruyère juice, cream, cheese, cooked cheese chicken, and the mushrooms. Stir § 2 cups leftover cooked, shredded together and test for seasoning. chicken If you prefer your soup a little § 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped thinner, you can stir in a splash of milk. Method: § Heat until the chicken is warmed § Heat the oil in a large saucepan through, then serve topped with and fry the mushrooms on fresh parsley. medium heat until browned. (Source: www.simplystacie.net) Remove from the pan.

Classic Italian undertones of § Add the remaining seasoning meet the nutrient ingredients, except the kale. punch of leafy superfood in this § Bring it to a boil and cook for healthful bowl of goodness. about seven minutes or until the tortellini is cooked through. Ingredients: § Add kale and cook for two to four § 1 Tbsp olive oil minutes more. § ½ cup onion, diced § Taste and add any extra seasonings, if § 2 cloves garlic, minced necessary. § 4 cups chicken or vegetable § Before serving, top the soup with broth Parmesan cheese. § 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced (Source: www.primaverakitchen.com) tomatoes, un-drained § 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini § ½ tsp dried basil § ½ tsp dried oregano § Salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste § 3 cups kale, chopped § 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese Method: § In a large pot over high heat, add olive oil. When the pan and the oil are hot, turn the heat down to medium. § Add onions and garlic. Stir occasionally and cook for about three to five minutes or until the onions are golden brown.

Coconut Curry Ramen The warmth of ramen meets the kick of curry and the creaminess of coconut in this vegan-friendly crowd-pleaser.

§ Vegetables: Heat the oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and bok choy and sauté for three to five minutes, Ingredients: until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Sauté for three to five Tofu: § 1 14-ounce package extra firm tofu minutes, until fragrant. § Noodles: Add the broth and bring to § 1 tsp cornstarch a simmer. Add ramen noodles and § drizzle of oil and soy sauce simmer until cooked (this usually § 2 Tbps hoisin sauce takes three to four minutes). Add Coconut Curry Ramen: coconut milk and season with salt § 2 Tbsp oil and lime juice. § 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms (2–3 § Serve ramen and broth in bowls, cups, sliced) topped with tofu, sesame oil, § 2 bok choy, chopped (2–3 cups, sesame seeds, and green onions and chopped) grab your chopsticks! § 3 cloves garlic, minced (Source: www.pinchofyum.com) § 1 1-inch piece of peeled fresh ginger, minced § 1 tsp curry powder § 6 cups vegetable broth § 6–8 oz. ramen noodles § 1 14-ounce can coconut milk § 1 tsp salt § squeeze of lime juice Method: § Tofu: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Press most of the water out of the tofu. Cut into cubes and toss gently in a bowl with the cornstarch until coated. Drizzle with oil and soy sauce. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden and crispy. Toss with a little bit of hoisin sauce. § Chopping: While tofu bakes, chop the veggies.

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

an id-R

Info Box

TIPTARA Centara Hotel Muscat Oman Building No. 352, Way No.5003, Ghala Heights Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Contact: (+968) 2423-6600

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

Traditional Thai cuisine that strikes the right balance between flavour and spice – all at reasonable prices and in a setting that takes us back to the ‘Land of Smiles.’

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

TIPTARA THE FRAGRANT SPICES OF ASIA COME TO LIFE IN THIS THAI-STYLE EATERY THAT SERVES UP TRADITIONAL FARE AT REASONABLE PRICES.

here’s more to Thailand than just its heritage in martial arts and meditation, its ever-hospitable locals, and steady stream of flavourful fare. Those who have been to ‘the Land of the Smiles’ will vouch for this: if done right, visiting the country can be an experience of a lifetime – and Thailand never disappoints. That’s quite a reputation to live up to. And if anything, the Thais have managed to uphold their values over time, sharing them with other nations that have longstanding relations with their country – nations such as Oman. These thoughts run circles on us as we enter Tiptara restaurant in the Centara Muscat Hotel Oman – a new establishment in the neighbourhood of Ghala, surrounded by a healthy dose of startups. It’s evident that the hotel – and its restaurant – have the upper hand in fine-dining. Traditional (and soothing) Thai music strums through its speakers as a fusion of aromas stemming from the dishes and the florid perfume elevates the ambience, taking us back to our time trundling along the streets of Bangkok. We’re seated in a silent corner by our waiter for the night, Tilak, who hands us our supper menus. Elaborate to the extent that each dish is illustrated, the menu is significant – with a range of dishes from down south in Pattaya or Phuket, to more familiar options from Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Phad Thai, Khao Phad, green curries, and Tom Yum soup – they’ve got it all. Orders placed, we’re quickly served up our mocktails which come topped up with apple juice, tonic water, and freshly cubed apples.

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Refreshing with just a kick from the tonic water, the drink holds all its flavours intact. Next to arrive are our starters: three bowls of Tom Yum soup, and portions of vegetarian spring rolls and chicken satays. The soup – a fiery broth enriched with fragrant lemongrass, zest from kaffir lime, and topped up with mushrooms and black tiger prawns – gets a reassuring nod from us as we empty our bowls clean. We extend our nods of approval to the spring rolls and the chicken satays, too. Deep-fried to perfection, the paper-thin spring rolls are plump with glass noodles, shiitake mushrooms, and veggies – and are devoured with sweet chilli sauce on the side. Meanwhile, the chicken satays are grilled just right, and go down well with the peanut-based satay sauce. The slow-cooked sauce has a hint of coconut and spice to it that helps add a depth of flavour to the tender cubes of chicken; each bite offering a burst of exotic but sweetly nutty balance you’d best expect from the Thai dish. Our mains arrive soon after. First up on our culinary journey is the wok-tossed Phad Thai noodles, of which the traditional noodles, spiced and sauced with sweet tamarind, muster up the right chords with plump prawns, crispy tofu, and egg. We deem it a masterpiece, with just the right kick from the peppers to complement the sweet Phad Thai sauce. This can also be said about the Phad Kaprao Gai that brings its own relish with minced chicken that’s done well in garlic, onions, red chilies and, finally, tossed in oyster and soya sauces. The chef crafts a delightful dish that leaves no taste-bud

asking for more. It’s rounded off with a serving of white rice and a sunny side-up egg that’s hidden under crispy basil leaves – all staples in an authentic Thai menu. Our final dish of the day is the Gaeng Phed Nuea – beef that’s done up with a traditional spicy Thai red curry. The soft melt-in-the-mouth slices of meat are cooked just enough to keep them juicy and tender, but also enough to sop up the remains of the delicious (and spicy) thick curry sauce left behind after wiping our rice bowl clean. We decide to venture into the unknown with our dessert options for the night and order up a plate of Fak Thong Sang Kaya, a steamed custard pumpkin pudding; Kuay Buad Chee, a glass of sweetened coconut milk with banana; and a bowl of ice cream just in case things didn’t pan out as expected. Fortunately, the puddings prove us wrong. The Kuay Buad Chee is a masterful mix of mushy banana that’s soaked in fresh coconut milk – and is a great palate-cleanser after all the chilies we downed with our mains. It ticks all the boxes: it’s sweet, flavourful, and above all is unlike anything else we’ve tried when it comes to Thai desserts. That brings us to the Fak Thong Sang Kaya; which is a truly unique creation. Stuffed in the crevice of a large cold slice of pumpkin (almost like a slice of pie), is a thick layer of custard. While it did ring all the right bells to create a stodgy pudding, we feel it could’ve fared much better if it was served hot. It’s hard to ignore the relevancy of Thai cusine in Oman’s foodie scene. And Tiptara manages to bat in a league of its own, leaving behind competitors in the mid-range segment to create a niche market for itself that has us keeping them on our radar for the for-seeable future. ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com.

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