Y Magazine #593, November 14, 2019

National treasures OMAN’S BEST HOLIDAY ESCAPES Y Portrait

By A Nation INSIDE THE SULTANATE’S BIGGEST PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE!

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NOV 14 - 20 2019 / ISSUE 593 • WEEKLY

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WHAT DOES THE 49TH OMAN NATIONAL DAY MEAN TO YOU? THE SULTANATE SPEAKS OUT IN TRIBUTE TO HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS BIN SAID AS WE TAKE STOCK OF THE REMARKABLE COLLECTIVE MILESTONES ACHIEVED UNDER HIS VISION AS OMAN LOOKS AHEAD TOWARDS ITS BRIGHTEST FUTURE YET.

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

I

f November is a month of thanks, then we’ve much to be thankful for indeed.

Standing on the cusp of the 49th Oman National Day this November 18, as a nation we look back on our achievements, our challenges, and our indomitable spirit as we rose up to face them with pride, humbleness, and gratitude towards His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Oman has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the GCC’s most friendly nations – welcoming tourists and expat residents alike with open arms, providing investment and business opportunities for entrepreneurs with its advantageous economic free-zones, and upholding sustainability and preservation of its blessed bounty of nature.

There is no place quite like our humble Sultanate and, in honour of the 49th Oman National Day, we’re paying homage to its traditions, its culture, its heritage, its ambition, and its unwavering vision for a prosperous future for all under the auspicious patronage and leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

And it’s with pride that we welcome you to the pages of our 49th National Day issue, where we delve into the major milestones the Sultanate has witnessed over the last year in our cover story, bring you a roundup of exciting events for National Day, and spread messages of hope, gratitude, and thanks to His Majesty on behalf of the many diverse people who call Oman their home.

Also in this issue, we bring you some gorgeous inspiration for your Oman National Day celebrations over in our Fashion pages, take you to the island paradise of Terengganu, Malaysia in our Postcard section, and give you a sneak peek inside Muscat’s hottest new sports lounge opening this month at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat!

Plus, as the sixth annual Y Portrait By A Nation competition kicked off across the Sultanate last Friday, November 8 in Nizwa and Salalah, and Saturday, November 9 in Sur and Sohar, we bring you our full re-cap and interviews with some of this year’s valued sponsors on Page 18. And, we look forward to seeing all those who registered at this weekend’s jam-packed event right here in the capital this weekend, November 15 and 16, at Mall of Muscat!

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

Team Y

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

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.

NOV 14 - 20 / ISSUE 593

03

contents NOV

Your Oman 08 Correspondence Are you this week’s lucky winner of a dinner for two at the Centara Muscat Hotel’s Tiptara Restaurant?

Flip to Page 8 and see if your response made onto our pages in this week’s debate!

08 Cars and Adventures 22 Destination

Mussanah 24 First Drive

The Lexus GX 460 – a

modern classic 28 Y-Fi

Ever-ready

emergency devices

28

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20

2019

This Week 06 On the airwaves We bring you your weekly dose of celebrity news and music with 100.9 Virgin Radio Oman’s ‘The Breakfast Show with Dan and Maya’.

07 Thanksgiving cheer Indulge in a holiday meal with all the trimmings at Al Bustan Palace’s Al Khiran Kitchen

07 Health and Beauty 29 Beauty A holistic retreat at Jnana – MindBody Studio 30 Fashion National dress – festive-wear to sport this November 18

Features 12 Pride of a nation As the Sultanate prepares to mark the occasion of the 49th Oman National Day, we take a moment alongside the people who make up its diverse population, to reflect on the milestone achievements met under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

16 National treasures The upcoming 49th Oman National Day holidays mean one thing: staycation time – and we’re rounding up some of the Sultanate’s best escapes!

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 celebrate its sixth edition of patriotism and portraiture this weekend at Mall of Muscat!

Food and Drink 32 Yummy Oman The Countdown’s on at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat!

34 Taste Test LiquidSky

Restaurant and Lounge

30

32 NEXT ISSUE...

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

Oman...

Our Identity.

Here’s to a glorious National Day and bright future.

Share your photo with the flag with us @MazoonDairy and #TasteForLife

/MazoonDairy

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

Twice bitten…

While filming his latest music video, rapper Lil Pump got more than he bargained for after bringing a live snake on-set. While he was sitting on a step, the serpent bit his hand as a handler was passing the reptile to him. In a behind-the-scenes Instagram video Lil Pump released shortly after, he showed fans his injuries – including his bleeding hand.

It’s been reported that the snake then went on to bite yet another crew member on the shoot. How’s that for something to chew on?

Tick-tock, Madge!

Madonna is being sued by a fan in Miami, Florida who was less than pleased when the music icon arrived late to her ‘Madame X’ concert, delaying the start of performance by two hours. Being fashionably late didn’t sit well with concertgoer Nate Hollander who is allegedly suing the singer for changing the time of her show without warning. Hollander allegedly paid $1,024 USD for three tickets to a show he wasn’t able to attend because of the delay. Madonna’s response to fans during her show in Las Vegas? “There’s something you all need to understand.

And that is, a queen is never late.”

Legal jargon Kylie Jenner’s catchphrase ‘Rise and Shine’ has been made into a viral meme in the wake of rumours that the young billionaire was allegedly planning to copyright the phrase.

Kylie allegedly sent a family-owned company in Australia a cease and desist notice to stop 06

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producing clothing items bearing the catchphrase that they’ve been allegedly producing since 2017. But, according to The Daily Mail, the star has responded to these allegations by denying there’s been any involvement in lawsuits or cease and desists requests and that the rumours are baseless. The Australian company has also since come forward to corroborate that they never had a problem with Kylie, reports The Daily Mail, and they don’t know how the rumour started. I guess we’ll all never know!

The West wing These are compelling times we’re living in indeed folks, as it seems that Kanye West if planning on making a run for President of the United State in 2024.

His candidacy is a promise he’s made before, but at a recent surprise appearance at the Fast Company’s Innovation Festival he made the announcement once again. According to USA Today, Kanye claimed that he would’ve created so many jobs by then with his company Yeezy by moving all production to North and South America saying that: “When I run for president in 2024, we would’ve created so many jobs that I’m not going to run, I’m going to walk.”

Not so ‘Fresh’ ABC has cancelled its hit show ‘Fresh off the Boat’ after six seasons. The popular series starring Constance Wu and Randall Park will conclude with a truncated final season ending on February 21. The series, which has been lauded for its focus on an Asian-American family, follow an immigrant Taiwanese family and the ups and downs the experience moving to the United States in the 1990s. The show is loosely inspired by the life of Chef Eddie Huang and has won several awards.

It’s unclear as to why the network has axed it.

Spotlight on Iggy Iggy Azalea is back on the airwaves with a new track called ‘Lola’ featuring Alice Chater.

The song is an upbeat buzz that samples ‘Mambo Italiano’ and is Iggy’s first release since her second album ‘In My Defense’. And frankly? We can’t wait to hear more!

A touch of soul Noah Cyrus (younger sister of Miley!) has brought soul singer Leon Bridges onto her single track ‘July’.

Known for his silky songs like ‘Mrs.’, ‘River’, and ‘Shy’, Leon adds more emotion and soul to Noah’s first foray into the industry. The video clip features them both transformed into cartoon characters who walk a lonely road.

Soulful indeed!

T-Pain teams-up Rappers T-Pain and Tory Lanez have clubbed up on a new track called ‘Jerry Sprunger’. This is the leadup single to Tory’s début smash album which boasts songs that sample some of our favourite classics from the early 2000s.

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.

49TH OMAN NATIONAL DAY

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE The annual National Day Parade and fireworks are back for another year of celebration in tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. The National Day parade will be presided over by His Majesty and other dignitaries and will be televised live on Oman TV on November 18, while later that evening the annual National Day fireworks displays will light up the skies in the colours of the flag in Al Amerat and Al Khoudh starting from 8:00 p.m. onwards.

THIS

WEEK

AN EVENING OF ARAB MUSIC

NOV

18

NOV

15 & 16 The Royal Opera House Muscat is bringing one of the most popular artists in the Arab world to Oman as Najwa Karam – also known as the ‘Sun of Lebanese Song’ takes the stage this weekend November 15 and 16. Admired for her vocal prowess in hits like ‘Ykhalili Albak’ and ‘Hayda Haki’, Najwa is also the main judge on ‘Arabs Got Talent’. Sharing the stage with Najwa is famous Lebanese singer, pianist, and composer Marwan Khoury who will appear with the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra playing his latest music. Khoury is celebrated for his original compositions such as ‘Kul Al Qasayed’ and ‘Qasr Al Shawq’. To book your tickets visit www.rohmuscat.org.om.

A THANKSGIVING TO REMEMBER WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

N O V E M B E R

Ongoing

Celebrate the warmth of the Thanksgiving season with Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. A sumptuous dinner at Al Khiran Kitchen, enriched with the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere, provides the opportunity to gather with family and friends and get into the festive spirit. Featuring a specially curated menu with a bountiful array of traditional Thanksgiving favourites and international delights, dinner can be enjoyed indoors or alfresco with a stunning pool and ocean backdrop. Al Khiran Kitchen is pulling out all the stops to indulge guests with a one-of-a-kind dining experience and unforgettable holiday ritual.

Savour the rich culinary heritage of the melting pot nation with some of America’s best-loved holiday dishes. From succulent roasted turkey with all the traditional trimmings and braised beef short ribs, to buffalo chicken wings and mac ‘n cheese. A live sushi station, international cheese selection, and live grill offer something for every taste and craving. For a sweet ending, indulge in quintessential spiced pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cranberry cobbler. Enhanced with the resort’s signature service and warm hospitality, Thanksgiving at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel is sure to turn into a timeless tradition. To book your table now call (+968) 2476-4444.

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07

correspondence

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WE ASKED: With the 49th Oman National Day approaching, what do you think has been the biggest milestone marker of success and growth under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said?

Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

DR. TAMANNA DALWAI

‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’. As this adage explains, great things are achieved over a period of time. Thus, there is no one major milestone but a combination of multiple milestones that have contributed to Oman’s success and growth over the last 49 years. Oman’s growth has been predominantly fueled by the contributions from the oil and gas sector.

However, the breakthrough in the country’s success can be attributed to its diversification strategy and associated achievements.

This diversification is helping Oman to become a post-oil economy.

There has

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N F MO 1st

A

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BER 2019!

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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.

NOV 14 - 20 / ISSUE 593

sustainable energy services and the sustainable management of water and sanitation.

Apart from this, enormous growth in tourism and hospitality, development in automotive industries in Duqm, innovative architectural construction, the Dhofar wind farm, rooftop solar panels, and many more milestones are marking the success and growth of Oman under the leadership of His Majesty.

Whether you’re an Omani citizen or a long-time expat resident, how has life in the Sultanate shaped your experience and identity?

/CentaraMuscat @CentaraH oman @Centara_muscat_hotel

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also been a considerable increase in the value-addition by the agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, transport, storage, communication, and tourism sectors. The contributions of these sectors are not distinct from the human resource development of the country. Oman’s investment in its citizens and diplomatic policies has helped transform the nation into one of the top-ten safest countries in the world. My sincere wish is that Oman and its beautiful people continue to have a bright future.

DEBATE OF THE WEEK

Oman has made tremendous headway in the area of health development – exerting great efforts to eradicate Dengue fever in particular. One of the most important e-health applications ‘Al-Shifa’ has also been implemented as the Sultanate strives to obtain a disease-free nation.

Well-improved road safety has been implemented by national road safety programs, and accident tolls have been reduced.

Innovative educational implementation which emphasises inclusive education, lifelong learning, and scientific research continues to lead the way towards a knowledge-based society. Oman ranks first among 126 countries in the proportion of graduates in engineering and scientific disciplines according to the 2018 Global Innovation Report – while another important milestone in its educational field is gender equality in terms of enrollment.

Technology also drives a big transformation in the development of the country – and it’s a sector in which Oman gives importance in developmental aspects.

The Sultanate is also achieving significant progress in women’s empowerment with Omani women occupying public sector leadership positions in ministries, as well as diplomatic bodies abroad. And lately, in the recent Shura Council elections, out of 767 candidates, 43 were women.

And, more rehabilitation services have been implemented for people with disabilities, alongside affordable access to modern, reliable, and

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PRIDE OF A

NATION

O

AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THE 49 TH OMAN NATIONAL DAY, WE HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SULTANATE UNDER HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS BIN SAID, AND FIND OUT HOW HIS VISION CONTINUES TO FASTTRACK OUR NATION’S PROGRESS ON A GLOBAL STAGE

ne dream. One land. One nation.

It’s one of the greatest modern tales scripted in the Arab world. A nation that gives to its people – both citizens and expats alike – an equal space for sustenance, a land to call home and, above all, a nation where peace, harmony, and unity lead the way.

And it’s the efforts of one man – His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said – that has led to the creation of the Sultanate of Oman that we know and love today.

Forty-nine years have passed since the promise was made – on a cool winter’s day on November 18 in 1970 – with the world looking on to a new era for Oman as our beloved Sultan took over as the ruler of the nation.

What ensued is nothing short of the promises made.

Even as we mark another National Day in Oman, peace prevails; and the glue that holds the nation together continues to help grow the country as it powers through the highway to development.

And development it has seen over the last 49 years – be it in the field of human rights, economy, religious tolerance, political openness, health, hospitality, and many other sectors.

Take for instance, the Majlis A’Shura elections that took place over the last week on October 27. Pegged the ‘most technologically-advanced’ elections in the GCC, the polls brought votes from over 700,000 Omanis – some of whom who were even residing outside of the Sultanate.

Sulaiman al Hajri, founder of a steel manufacturing plant of 35 years in Rusayl says: “When Oman puts its mind into achieving something, the country puts its heart and soul into doing what must be done.

(Photo credits: Selective images courtesy of Ismail Al Farsi)

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“That’s one of the greatest features about the country. It sets goals for itself and works really hard to reach the target.”

Take for instance the Sultanate’s transportation sector, which was headlined by the Oman National Transport Company (ONTC). Only five years ago, it embarked on a mission to revolutionise the nation’s public transport system.

Today, residents can hop onto a Mwasalat bus and ride it from Ruwi to Seeb, or even take a trip to Dubai in comfort – and all these advancements came to the Sultanate in just over two years’ time.

This is echoed by Ali al Barwani, the strategic planning manager for Oman LNG, in an interview with Y. He tells us: “Steadfast determination and a strong urge to develop themselves is what drives the Sultanate forward.

“If you look at all the real achievements of Oman, you’ll notice that they all come after the ascension of His Majesty as the Sultan. That is truly a testament to what he has brought upon this beautiful country and its people.

“His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said made a promise to the people of this country. And today, we reap the rewards of that. Of course, there’s also a collective commitment between the people of this nation to come together, join hands, and create a modern environment where the name of Oman is kept first.”

One example of that would be when the Sultanate came together for the trial runs of the new Muscat International Airport in Seeb in 2017.

More than 17,000 people took part in the preopening trial of the airport and, more importantly, helped the management iron out any folds in an otherwise classleading airport in the GCC. Jhanvi Kaur, 26, an Indian expat based in Muscat narrates her experience at the trial run of the new Muscat International Airport. She says: “Omani hospitality begins when you walk out of the flight and into the airport. And while we had no doubts about its success as a new [facility], we got a taste of it before it even opened its gates to the public.

“Everything about the airport is modern and an architectural masterpiece,” she adds.

“Even through its initial stages, we noticed how airport management 014

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was open to understanding the little things it could do to make the experience a flawless one.”

As India-based international travel vlogger Sohel Ahmed Khan who reviews airports around the world wrote in his YouTube video: “If you appreciate tiny details, you will appreciate this airport,” citing the use of natural lighting and designer lights at different locations around the airport.

Transportation aside, Oman has also made huge leaps and strides in transforming its economy from one reliant on oil, to a more knowledge-based one…and both the Ministry of Higher Education and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) are taking the first step by molding the students of the nation.

Earlier this year, the PDO organised an event titled, ‘Knowledge Management: Towards a Knowledge-based Economy’, that was held in a bid to create awareness on the importance of moving towards a stronger economy that revolves around creating goods and services in the most streamlined way, using a skilled workforce.

Falling under the agenda of the Oman Vision 2040, it debated on the importance of taking advantage of current resources and helping it shape the economy of the nation.

At the conference, PDO’s External Affairs and Value Creation Director, Abdul-Amir bin Abdul-Hussein al Ajmi was quoted by national media as saying: “We believe there are major opportunities for Oman to take advantage of Knowledge Management and to prepare us for the future knowledge-based economy outlined in the 2040 vision.”

Omar al Balushi, 79, a retired businessman of a used cars showroom in Oman is vocal about how life has changed since His Majesty ascended as the ruler of the nation. “The National Day of Oman is a day that is of great importance to us Omanis. It is the official birthday of our beloved His Majesty the Sultan.

“Before him, life was very different in Oman.

And while that has been touched upon plenty of times before, I would just like to add that this

National Day Parade

The annual National Day parade will be presided over by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said and other dignitaries. You can catch the action live on Oman TV. When: November 18

Fireworks

Catch the National Day fireworks as they paint the

country is where it is today because of the vision of His Majesty.

“We’re progressing towards becoming one of the most prosperous nations in the region, and through every step of the way, His Majesty is alongside us…holding our hand and walking us like a father would walk his children. It’s dedication of the highest order.

“Long live His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. Long live the people of this country.” ■

skies with colours of the flag.

When: November 18 Time: 8:00 p.m. onwards Where: Al Amerat and Al Khoudh

Strokes of Gratitude

An art exhibition celebrating the

National Day of Oman organised by the Embassy of India will continue over the National Day month.

When: November 8 to 30 Time: All-day event Where: Sheraton Oman, Hormuz Grand Muscat, Mysk by Shaza, and the Levatio Hotel

Celebrate Oman’s 49th National Day! Y Magazine is holding its annual painting competition “Portrait by a Nation” for children to create a unique piece of art.

PRESENTS

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National treasure W FORGET DUBAI, DOHA, AND ABU DHABI – HERE ARE THE HOMEGROWN PLACES TO HEAD THIS MONTH AS WE CELEBRATE THE 49 TH OMAN NATIONAL DAY. TEAM Y EMBARKS ON A STAYCATION ADVENTURE THAT’S WORTH YOUR PRECIOUS HOLIDAY TIME

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ith the Sultanate’s National Day just around the corner and the holidays looming in near sight, the fervour for the 49th Oman National Day is already revving up.

While this translates to colourful celebrations around the capital, it’s also a time when substantial number of people flock from the Sultanate to other GCC countries – think UAE and Qatar – owing to the long weekend that follows in the coming week after the November 18 National Day. But it also marks the beginning of staycation season – and parts of Oman will see their fair share of visitors from around the country who want to spend their quality time right here in this beautiful country we call home.

This week, we round up our five favourite escapes – all natural and wallet-friendly locales that will showcase the best of Oman, while ticking off the must-go places on your bucket list for 2019.

es

Khadda Beach

Hidden away from the prying eyes of tourists (who haven’t read this article yet, at least), Khadda Beach in Ash Sharqiyah Governorate takes us to a place you’d more likely expect to see in Europe.

A lush mountain back-drop, green moss-covered rocks, cool northerly breezes, and nothing but you and the crystal-clear waters of the sea to carry forward conversation. Its secluded nature allows you to completely detach from the clutches of the city. It’s a good three-hour drive from the capital, and is beyond Sur – but the journey, coupled with the setting is worth your time. Just remember to clean up after you leave. Remember: leave nothing but your footsteps on the sand.

GPS Coordinates: N 22°20’49.6”; E 59°47’54.1”

Al Meebam

The beauty of greenery in Salalah blended with the landscape of the mountains of Al Hajar, Al Meebam – a locale hidden away in the clutches of Wadi Shab – rakes in the best of both worlds.

Peppered with large boulders of rock and brought to life by the post-rain waters from Wadi Shab, Al Meebam takes credit for serving up some fun trekking and camping adventures along with friends or family. It also isn’t as secluded as you’d think and expect to make conversation with the friendly locals.

GPS Coordinates: N22°46’13.6”; E59°12’56.5”

Wadi Arbaeen

An idyllic wadi brimming with life, Wadi Arbaeen continues to be one of the busiest locales around the holidays – but as the Omani saying goes: “There’s space for everyone.” Its proximity to the capital (assuming 120-odd-kms is passable as ‘close-by’) and evergreen water system that turns into waterfalls post-rain, makes this a must-visit for anyone looking to snap up a piece of Oman’s natural beauty. If the time is right and the winds are calm, you can even capture the untainted reflection of the mountains on the water.

GPS Coordinates: N23° 2’ 42.665”; E58° 59’ 2.582”

Jebel Shams

Glamping can be fun. Essentially a more, shall we say, civilised and sophisticated type of camping in the open, glamping serves up all the niceties of camping but with the creature comforts of a hotel (eg: toilets, food, tour guides, and the like). And while the famous Jebel Al Akhdar may lead the way in glamping in Oman, our vote goes to Jebel Shams – the tallest peak in the GCC. With temperatures shy of just zero-degrees-Celsius and occasional snowfall during the winter months, the peak has gained a reputation for becoming a quick weekend stopover destination owing to its proximity to Muscat. There, you can opt for a hotel stay or glamping at one of the resorts up top, though our top pick would be the Jebel Shams Resort atop the summit.

GPS Coordinates: 23°13'41.4"N 57°11'53.0"E

Mrkhah Park

Going by the true definition of a park, Mrkhah Park is anything but. However, the mystique surrounding this ‘park’ warrants a visit for those with a penchant for exploration and adventure.

Whether this was a park a few decades ago or not, is a matter hotly debated today – but all that’s left here are a few stone houses that can be used as shelter for the night. The surrounding wadi brims with water just after the November rains, and is a great spot for a night or two away from Muscat… though it’s a good 220-plus-kms out from the heart of the capital.

GPS Coordinates: N22° 26’ 53.299”; E59° 6’ 32.009” NOV 14 - 20 / ISSUE 593

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Powered by

Presents

49

In Association with

Support Partners

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’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, in Association with Mall of Muscat, Minara, OSCO Shapoorji Pallonji, Staedtler, and with Support Partners Nizwa Grand Mall, My City Centre Sur, Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, and City Centre Sohar, 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.

As the competition kicked off across Oman’s interiors this past weekend on November 8 in Nizwa at Nizwa Grand Mall and Salalah at the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, and on November 9 in Sur at My City Centre Sur and Sohar at City Centre Suhar, hundreds of children flocked to take part. Using their utmost creativity and imagination to paint a portrait of His Majesty, the sky was the limit to the array of ways they chose to express their love for our nation through their art.

Many of our valued sponsors were on-site during the competition to show their support and encouragement for our nation’s batches of talented young artists – and stationery and art supplies brand Staedtler an Associate Sponsor of PBAN was one of them. We sat down with Bassel Farhat, Country Manager of Hoshan Pan Gulf, supplier of Staedtler in Oman to find out why community is at the heart of everything they do.

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: Why does Staedtler’s support for the 6th annual Y Portrait By A Nation hold an extra-special importance?

F: Staedtler has always been a non-profit company – all of our profits go towards supporting schools and children in developing countries across the world. And as their agent in the Oman and the Middle East, Hoshan Pan Gulf has always been supported

by Staedtler to seek out initiatives that give back something to the community.

Art is like poetry – and it’s important for people to express themselves through such mediums. And Oman and its people deserve to give something back to the country by celebrating this event as a community ahead of the 49th Oman National Day.

Y

: Can you expand upon that focus on community and how Staedtler continues to foster its roots here in Oman?

F: Staedtler has been around since 1935 when it started as a pencil company in Germany and has, over the decades, evolved into other types of supplies and art materials. We’re a company with principles and we always want to share with our community in any way we can. Whether that’s through donations of supplies or special rates

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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. for charities, we help the community as much as the community helps us. We strive to support access to our high-quality supplies for those who cannot purchase or pay. We are company that is committed to helping students worldwide.

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: What has your experience been here in Oman when it comes to a support for the arts in the nation?

F: Part of Staedtler’s vision is to transform ideas into art – to put something on paper or on canvas and it will be very nice to see this on the ground at PBAN. It’s astonishing how the Omani people have such a level of interest in the arts – encouraging their children to pursue them and keeping them busy through drawing, crafting, and more. There is a children’s centre in Qurum where Staedtler has a section of art materials for use, and there is also an artists’ community connected to the Diwan who orchestrate events outside of Muscat as well – in the remote areas of the interiors and in the villages, bringing art to them. People are committed to taking part in such activities and it also reflects on the community in a very nice way. And this is Oman.

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ith the second weekend of PBAN gearing up this Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16 at Mall of Muscat, we sat down with Lee Northmore, Director of Retail and Mall Operations to discover why Mall of Muscat, an Associate Sponsor of PBAN, has its sights set on becoming a pillar of our local community.

Y

: Why was it important for Mall of Muscat to come on-board and lend its support to the sixth edition of PBAN as both an Associate Sponsor and also a venue partner?

N: When Mall of Muscat was opened, we were focused on making it a real integral part of day-to-day life in Oman…a real fixture in the community – much more than just a home for stores and restaurants. We want to deliver something on a much more personal level to the local consumer, and everything we do going forward will be done with this in mind. We don’t want to simply serve the community – we want to become an integral part of it.

PBAN gives a great platform for the youth of Oman to showcase their talent and express themselves, and we see that as a great fit for what we’re trying to do in Mall of Muscat. There are limited platforms where the younger generations can freely express themselves whilst paying respect to the beautiful country in which we live, and we are pleased to be able to provide a venue for such an important event.

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emphasis on entertainment, food, and play. Nearly 50 per cent of our total space is dedicated to what you might call ‘non-retail activity’, and we see this as a natural progression from what Oman is used to. We’ve opened the first indoor public aquarium in Oman with nearly 30,000 animals and with a theme that has its roots firmly in Oman. It showcases Omani culture, Omani history, and the vast array of local species of fish and animals in Omani waters; and, in 2020, we will open the first indoor snow park in Oman with over 20 unique snow- and ice-based rides.

With such a prominent development, I’m very keen to develop a number of immersive CSR initiatives during 2020 which will allow us to give back to the community in a number of interesting and exciting ways. Our group believes in supporting, assisting, and working with the local community wherever we can, and we have focused so far on working with local schools and businesses, but will be expanding that across a more expansive and diverse platform in the months ahead.

Mall of Muscat will become the first choice for Muscat residents, whether it’s for shopping, eating, playing, or just somewhere to get out of the house for an hour or two, and we will continue to develop the project to keep it fresh and exciting in the years ahead.

Y

: As a valued Associate Sponsor of PBAN what are you most looking forward to at this weekend’s event at Mall of Muscat?

N: What really attracted me to be a part of PBAN was that it’s open to many different age groups and gives everyone an opportunity to freely express themselves in their work. The work, effort, and time that’s spent in painting portraits of His Majesty is humbling and extremely impressive – and some of the work that I’ve seen from previous years : Tell us more about how Mall of is exceptional. Every participant shows such pride in Muscat plans to usher in a new their finished work and, in my eyes, there are simply perception of what a mall can and could be? no losers. Everyone can be proud of their work and N: Mall of Muscat is very much a new the country can be proud of its people. generation of mall for Oman –which is far The participants of PBAN take a blank canvas and more than just a local shopping centre. I prefer the turn it into their own personal masterpiece, Whereas term ‘retail and entertainment venue’ to the word the subject matter never changes, the final delivery ‘mall’, because we’ve built Mall of Muscat with a huge of each piece is totally unique. This is, in effect, what we’ve done with Mall of Muscat. We took a blank canvas knowing what malls in Oman should look like and we gave ours a completely unique look and feel that makes it stand out from the crowd.

This mall was built on the basis of ‘What can I do while I’m there?’, rather than ‘What can I buy?’ – and we believe that this is the future for retailing in Oman.

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About Y Portrait By A Nation

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ne 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 years-old 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.

Portrait by A Nation Milestones: On-ground Competition The competition was held on Friday, November 8 in Nizwa and Salalah, and Saturday, November 9 in Sur and Sohar, and will be held 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 pre-printed 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.

Timings

Date Batch 1 Batch 2 Batch 3 Batch 4 Fri, 10am - 12:30pm - 3pm - 5:30pm Nov 15 12 noon 2:30pm 5pm 7:30pm Sat, 10am - 12:30pm - 3pm - Nov 16 12 noon 2:30pm 5pm

5:30pm 7:30pm

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 December 2 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 21 featuring the works of the young artists along with their interviews, and those from sponsors and eminent local artists.

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

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

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

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

and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College

of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital

(Emergency and

Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard

Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station

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International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol

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of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint

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• McDonald’s • Muscat Bakery • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol

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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 AND ADVENTURES

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

MARINE MAGIC A flower-like tendril of pink coral clings to a reef off the Damaniyat Islands

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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

MUSSANAH This coastal hamlet in the Sultanate’s Al Batinah South region is a gateway to tranquility – both on and off-land – as Ashlee Starratt discovers 022

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journey flowed smooth as we took in the snapshots of life along the roadside towns of the interior as they jetted past our windows. The further out from Muscat we travelled, the more rural the landscape became, with the signboards of commerce giving way to pastoral tableaux.

Cows, goats, and even the errant camel were all spotted on our drive down. On this road-trip, it was more about the journey than the destination. Mussanah itself is a sleepy hamlet that hugs the coastline – with the Millennium Resort Mussanah presiding over its most pristine stretch marina beachfront.

It’s from here where you can easily book at day-long boat-trip to the Damaniyat Islands – about a 45-minute water journey from Mussanah. This collection of islands is a protected marine sanctuary and a

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

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weekend drive from Seeb along the Al Batinah Coastal Highway is an idyllic one.

Windows down, breeze blowing in, radio turned up, you wend your way along shoreline road, passing through fishing villages and passing by date palms and the odd herd of wayward shaggy goats.

Having set out on a weekend excursion to stay in Mussanah, we thought we’d take the scenic route getting there. Our plan worked nicely until, about halfway into the hourlong drive, the coastal road came to an abrupt end. The new highway construction is contentious within the fishing communities it passes through, and at the moment it’s not possible to make the journey in full along it from Muscat to Sohar.

Connecting back onto the Sultan Qaboos Highway the rest of our

haven in which to spend an afternoon to explore the archaeological sites of snorkeling among its rocky coves and Rustaq and its plentiful array of wadis. inlets, where you can spot turtles, If you’re planning on doing a day-trip parrotfish, angelfish among the coral. excursion, a visit to the Ain Al Kasfah If you prefer to explore Mussanah hot springs, Wadi Hoqain, or Wadi proper, a stop at its iconic landmark Sahten should fight for top spot on your – Husn Al Tharmad Fort – is a itinerary. must. A strikingly large structure, So should the nearby historic Bait its three rounded watchtowers, and an-Nu’man Castle, constructed in fourth square-shaped tower make it the 17th-century by Saif bin Sultan a foreboding façade indeed. While al-Yarubi. Continue onwards from the fort doesn’t have official opening Mussanah for another hour along the hours (most times you’ll have to Sultan Qaboos Highway and you’ll make do with a selfie from the road), reach the port city of Sohar – also if you’re lucky enough to be able worth a detour with its impressive to peek inside, a massive interior grand mosque, historic fortress, and courtyard awaits with arch-doored bustling souq and craft market. rooms leading away from its interior Well worth a weekend road-trip, perimeter.

Mussanah may be a sleepy town, but If you make your weekend base its replete with coastal beauty and local at the local resort, then Mussanah is hospitality on the edge of one of the an ideal starting point from which Sultanate’s most memorable regions.

From Muscat take the Sultan Qaboos Highway towars the airport and Seeb and continue onwards for one hour, following the road signs for Sohar and, eventually, Mussanah. Take a right at the Mussanah roundabout to reach the village and the Millennium Resort.

GPS Coordinates: 23.7474° N, 57.6326° E

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CARS ADVENTURES

LEXUS GX 460

FIRST DRIVE

W

hether you think of it as a brand that carries luxury, or as vehicles with road presence, the name Lexus has a ring to it as a status symbol that very few auto-makers in the GCC market relish and dare to dream of.

Perhaps that’s what helps the brand collect customers in droves and lay the groundwork for its lineup of luxury cars – even those SUVs along the lines of the UX, NX, LX, and the vehicle we tested this week, the Lexus GX. For the mid-life and mid-cycle refresh that makes up the 2020 Model Year variant, the GX 460 undergoes a plethora of changes that completely alters its identity for the better – and it all starts up front with the grille.

The spindle grille – which is carried over in full form from its larger and grander sibling, the LX 570 – is finished up in bold satin plating and wrapped around by thick-rimmed chrome plates that give it an imposing look upfront. The fascia is rounded off with a subtle but tasteful satin-finished lip spoiler, Three-Eye Ultra Small LED projectors, and daytime running LED lights.

For the most part, it carries over elements from its previous incarnations, such as the side-hinged tailgate that opens long and wide, the wedge-shaped tail-lamp cluster, the easy-access window on the rear that allows you to stow smaller objects without needing to open the entire door, and the like. But it also throws into the mix a touch of sophistication, owed mostly to the high-contrast LED tail-lamps, smoky alloys, and sharper cuts and creases on the bumpers.

Much of the modern treatment is focused on the inside for this year. There’s the usual leather seats

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A modern classic is born as Lexus facelifts its GX series of SUVs with a touch of technology and safety – wrapped up in the tried-andtested design we’ve long loved

and padded surfaces up on the dashboard and areas your knees would brush against, and plastic covering around the large 8-inch screen that makes do with touch inputs – but it’s all packaged better than ever before.

The screen is now smoother and swifter, and you also get additional features such as blindspot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking system, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Crawl Control System, radar-guided cruise control, and a

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

LEXUS GX 460 Specifications: • Engine: 4.6-litre V8 • Transmission: 6-speed automatic • Horsepower: 292hp • Torque: 438Nm • Top speed: 200kph Four-wheel drive 360-degree camera Leather upholstery 8-inch touchscreen Lane Keeping Assist LED projector headlamps Rear entertainment system Lexus Safety System + 18-inch alloy wheels Daytime-running LED lights 17-Speaker Mark Levinson audio system Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System

FOR THE MID-LIFE AND MID-CYCLE REFRESH THAT MAKES UP THE 2020 MODEL YEAR VARIANT, THE GX 460 UNDERGOES A PLETHORA OF CHANGES THAT COMPLETELY ALTERS ITS IDENTITY FOR THE BETTER – AND IT ALL STARTS UP FRONT WITH THE GRILLE

its limits. Axle articulation is splendid, and it crawls through shocking levels of gradient with composure. There’s something eerily satisfying about pushing it through the elements and watching it tackle them without any hiccups.

There’s not much road and wind noise 360-degree around-view monitor – all of which are courtesy A six-speed automatic transmission takes care of all the at normal speeds, though body-roll of the ‘Lexus Safety System +’ we received in the ‘Sport’ can be felt in minor bouts before the shifting requirements. It’s a carry-over unit – but a trusty variant of the GX 460. air suspension sorts it out – but it isn’t one no less. The shifts are a tad clunky, but to us, the All of this is lathered on top of a range of standard safety reassurance of a good shift is one we’d rather have than the a concern at all. In fact, the GX 460 and comfort features from other variants – such as your rubber-band effect of a CVT, or the quick-shifting but hard corners harder and faster than any stock usual range of safety nannies and airbags, and a dynamic body-on-frame truck we’ve ever tested to maintain dual-clutch setup. drive-train that’s complemented by a Electronically Comfort is a primary focus on the GX 460. Even with the (this may change after we try out the LX Modulated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), 570). switch dialed towards ‘Sport’ mode, the ride is compliant a four-axle air suspension, and a TORSEN limited-slip For the 2.3 tonnes it lugs around, the and, frankly, enjoyable for what’s essentially a body-ondifferential. steering is light – and phenomenally so. frame SUV. You can dial it back a notch further with the Headlining its long list of pros is the cabin space. With City driving is a breeze and the added suspension set for ‘Comfort’. The air suspension system enough leg and headroom for seven passengers (with three weight at high speeds keeps the steering works in tandem with the KDSS to articulate undulations rows of seating), and plenty for luggage even with all the fairly unfazed by rough road patches. rather well without spilling much into the cabin – though, seats placed up, the GX 460 blows much of its Asian It’s evident that the GX 460 is going to the rewards of the two systems are reaped when you’re off competitors out of the pool. And, with a wheelbase of stay in the Lexus lineup for a few more the tarmac.

2,790mm and with either 328litres or 1,322litres of boot years, and these welcome additions along With 215mm of ground clearance to its long front space with the third row up or down respectively, it remains overhang, the GX 460 is more capable than your everyday the safety and tech avenues not only in contention with the mighty Europeans. runabout. It handles multi-terrain driving with intuitiveness elevate the SUV to newer levels of luxury Their might, however, is in no way a match for the we’ve long expected from the brand, – often judiciously channeling power through a mix of torquey and quick-to-respond naturally aspirated 4.6-litre they also pit it against a whole new and electrical nannies and, finally, putting down its score V8 motor that pumps out 292hp and 438Nms of twist. through the differential rather than leaving the mechanicals younger crowd of SUVs. Measuring zero to 100kph times may seem irrelevant for And, much to our surprise and the alone to sort out challenges. an SUV of its size and class, but at 7.5 seconds, it’s a point In fact, throughout our off-road test, we rarely came across delight of their nationwide fan base, it worth noting. has its competitors beat. any terrain that pushed the motor and the chassis beyond

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CARS ADVENTURES

CULTURAL SNAPSHOTS Islamic traditions of the

Malay community are retained in all their vibrancy in this idyllic coastal sultanate of Malaysia

1. View the scaled-down replicas of 22 famous monuments from the Islamic world at the Islamic Civilization Park.

2. Gaze at the pristine reflection of the famous Crystal Mosque near Taman Tamadun Islam.

3. Frolick with the playful orphan elephants at the Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village.

4. Relish some traditional local dishes such as nasi dagang sata (a fish pâtÊ) and a variety of local sweets.

5. Watch the nearly extinct leatherback turtle make its pilgrimage ashore at the Rantau Abang Turtle Information Centre.

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Aftab H. Kola recommends,

TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA O

ften described as the ‘cradle of Malay civilisation’, the sultanate state of Terengganu - perched on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, has contributed towards and shaped many strands of Malay culture and heritage.

Landing at Sultan Mahmud Airport in the state capital of Kuala Terengganu, you’ve arrived in the Malay heartland. Besides its myriad hues of culture, Terengganu offers up to visitors surreal beaches, breathtakingly beautiful islands, virgin rainforests, and nature in its most essential form.

From a sleepy fishing settlement, the capital of Kuala Terengganu has blossomed into a thriving city. Its Terrengganu State Museum, built in ancient palace tradition, houses a diverse range of centuries-old artefacts and artworks - including textiles, crafts, royal regalia, Islamic and contemporary art, manuscripts, and weapons.

The story of old and new Terengganu - from its ancient maritime tradition, to its modern-day exploration of petroleum, history reverberates inside its walls. It’s also here in Terengganu where the adept craftspeople and artisans of the region craft some of Malaysia’s best examples of brass sculpture, wood carvings, songket and batik weaving, ship-building, and traditional carpentry.

A coastal enclave, Terengganu is also endowed with renowned, picturesque beaches including Pantai Kemasik, Rakit, and Pantai Kelulut. Tourists flock in droves to the capital, using it as a home-base hub for island-hopping among the half a dozen surrounding offshore islands, exploring their sandy stretches of beach, crystal waters, and coral reefs with their deep red, pale pink and green hues.

Lakes, hot springs, cataracts and other bodies of water abound across the state, with nature finding abundant expression in places like Kenyir Lake, Saok and Lasir Waterfalls, and among a number of jetties with scenic backdrops perfect for that sunset boat ride.

For those who prefer to elicit a sense of place from sight, smell, and taste, a trip to Terengganu’s bustling Pasar Besar Kedai Payang market is a must. Wander through its labyrinth and you’ll be held in decadent thrall at the array of exotic herbs and traditional street foods to be found among its serpentine alleyways.

THE FL O A T IN G K U A L A N IG H T M A R K ET TEREN GGANU S OF

My favourite place Nearby Redang Island is renowned as a perfect leisure getaway. From Terengganu, it’s a one-hour boat ride to reach this picturesque island. It’s pristine coastline, caressed by the South China Sea, is well-suited for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and kayaking – though its main tourist attraction is, by far, snorkeling among its delicate coral reefs. For those seeking an on-land option, jungle tours are easily organized through local tour operators and offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s lush, tropical rainforest. Redang is fairly well-developed and offers guests a number of resorts at which to book their stay.

OL A T E D L A N D ’S IS R E D A N G IS P A R A D IS E

Highlights

Visit Terengganu’s Noor Arfa Complex and watch as local female artisans dip delicate ‘canting’ tools into hot, molten wax to etch out exquisite patterns on delicate batik fabrics. The complex is reputed to be the largest batik producer in Malaysia and, for visitors, it’s a treat to watch this hand-drawn batik painting – and you can even have a hands-on experience in making a piece of your own. Their showrooms display numerous batik designs of different creative styles, and it’s here you can learn how their craftsmanship and design have evolved over time – from the traditional technique of using metal blocks (batik terap), to the hand-drawn technique of ‘canting’.

Lowlights None.

Souvenirs Gorgeous hand-painted batik or songket fabrics, traditional brass betel leaf containers called ‘tepak sireh’,

and colourful woven baskets made from ‘mengkuang’ – or pandan leaf.

Getting there

Fly Oman Air from Muscat to Kuala Lumpur, where you can take a Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Terengganu.

Where to stay Terennganu’s Primula Beach Hotel is a laid-back beachfront retreat featuring cozy rooms and suites,

AN AR T IS A N P U S IN G A IN T S B A T IK A CAN T IN G T F A B R IC OOL

plus two restaurants and an outdoor pool. All other usual suspects for accommodation can be easily found on Trivago, Kayak, or Booking.com.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

EVER READY

With the close call of Cyclone Kyaar still fresh in our minds, the Y Geek Squad finds that having the right tools can spell the difference between life or death POWER ON When disaster looms, it’s best to brace for the worst.

With two back-to-back cyclones in the Arabian Sea – Kyaar and Maha – having passed on after leaving lasting impacts on the Sultanate, we’ve realised that there’s no other way around braving a disaster except to face it head-on. And for the hardiest of those out there, there’s the OUTXE Quick Charge to keep you company. Essentially a power-bank on steroids, this device offers you a water-, dust, crush-, and shock-proof body, solar panels for some additional juice, and quick-charge support – all of which completes the 20,000mAh battery pack. Having a smartphone to contact rescue forces is important – and this device has the capability to keep your phone and other gadgets charged for days on-end. Get it from outxe.com for RO23 (discounted price at the time of publishing).

RADIO-READY ALL-ROUND SAFETY

On the off-chance that the Sultanate’s internet broadband lines, and a handful of telephone and mobile towers are down due to an emergency, our last hope would be to rely on our vast network of radio stations to relay important news and warnings (as was the case in parts of Muscat during Cyclone Gonu in 2007). That’s where the Eton American Red Cross Hand-Crank Radio comes in handy. This device comes packing a battery that should have your radio needs covered for up to ten hours. However, couple it with the hand crank and solar panel, and you get a gadget that can keep the radio running for days, alongside USB ports that can charge your device when the need arises. Get it from amazon.com for RO27.2 (along with shipping charges).

A family that stays together can get through the most testing of times unscathed. But, in the heat of adversity, doing so can be a challenge. Life360 is an app that removes any uncertainties by connecting family members and other loved ones into a fool-proof GPS system. This means you’ll receive realtime updates on where your friends and family are, and relay messages with them if they’re lost. It also comes with a Driver Care Support feature that, with a single push of a button, connects you to a live representative over the phone for more comprehensive safety coverage. While you can download the free version from Google Play or iTunes, there’s also a premium version that gives you live call-centre help.

EDITOR’S PICK

WINDY

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AN APP THAT NEVER SLEEPS. THAT’S WHAT MAKES WINDY THE PERFECT COMPANION TO A MODERN-DAY SMARTPHONE. HAVING STUMBLED UPON IT BY CHANCE AT THE TIME OF CYCLONE KYAAR, WE FOUND THE APP TO PRESENT USEFUL INFORMATION ON WIND SPEEDS, TEMPERATURES, CLOUD DENSITIES, WAVE STRENGTHS OUT AT SEA AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, RAIN FORECASTS WITH TIME-BASED PREDICTIONS. THE APP WAS SPOT-ON IN ITS PREDICTIONS – AND SHOULD BE A MUST-HAVE FOR ANYONE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A RELIABLE APP TO MONITOR THE WEATHER IN YOUR SURROUNDINGS. DOWNLOAD THE AD-HEAVY VERSION OF THE APP FOR FREE FROM GOOGLE PLAY AND ITUNES.

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HEALTH

&

Health

BEAUTY

Fa s h i o n

Fa m i l y

Mind-overmantra

We recharge our batteries at Jnana – MindBody Studio, Muscat’s newest spa and wellness centre where holistic self-care goes beyond skin-deep

I

f our outer being is a reflection of our inner self, how many of us can truly say we’re happy with what we see in the mirror? Fine lines, tired eyes, dull skin, breakouts…superficial as they may seem, they can all be symptomatic of an inner rhythm that’s been knocked out of balance.

It’s not rocket science that when we nourish our body healthily and exercise it well, it heals itself; when we get enough sleep and take a well-deserved break, our mood improves; when we practice mindfulness, our thoughts follow peacefully; and when we give unto others – and ourselves– our soul is calm.

While the formula for balance in life is there in plain sight, following the many variables in its equation can seem a tall order in our daily deadline-driven, technology-obsessed world. And more often than not – we end up in burnout.

So, it was with self-care in mind that we headed to Jnana – MindBody Studio in Mawaleh for some inner realignment. Muscat’s newest wellness centre, what caught our eye about Jnana – making it stand out from the plethora of spas and beauty centres that dot the capital – was its holistic approach rooted in mindfulness to helping us, through a mind/body/soul approach, be the best version of ourselves we can be.

If you need an outer beauty fix, you can come

Home

to Jnana for a lush mani-pedi or massage; if your mood needs lifting you can come to one of their monthly wellness workshops, realign your chakras with a Gentle Flow Yoga session, or stretch out your tension in a Dynamic Pilates class.

Hailing from the Sanskrit word for ‘knowledge’, Jnana’s goal is to help their customers tap into the knowledge that comes from their own inner voice in the hopes of creating balance from within and promoting happiness and health on behalf of their clientele.

Step into their studio and there’s an immediate sense of calm that envelops you, with the interior bathed in warm earth tones and wood accents, while soft-focus lighting and strategic spotlighting lend a soothing glow to the surroundings. Splashes of colour come from the gold-accented fixtures, plush plum-coloured upholstery, and vibrant display wall with its racks of rainbow nail shades.

Pop art adorns the walls of Jnana’s pedicure area, where velvety soft, thick-piled reclining chairs embrace you while a smiling Marilyn Monroe looks on from her glass frame.

There’s also a dedicated massage treatment room, and a chic nail bar where you can choose

from their wide collection of Kinetics and Color Club Nail Lacquers – or browse their makeup display case where a select array of upmarket, organic products will soon be available for purchase.

Soon to come across from Jnana’s nail bar is a small grab-and-go café area which will soon serve up fresh coffee and juice blends as well as a coldcase packed full of organic and nutritious offerings.

But perhaps the jewel in Jnana’s chakra is its bright and airy yoga, Pilates, and Zumba, studio.

With a commanding view out over the Al Mouj Street area, its bank of floor-to-ceiling windows add a breezy flow to the space, while calming candles surround a large Buddha statue at the front of the space where you can grab extra yoga mats, Pilates balls, or kettle-bells.

With a schedule of classes that rotates weekly, Jnana offers an array of sessions perfect for beginners and pros – from swing or power yoga and barre-less Pilates, to Booty Sculpt and Barre classes. There are even options for kids’ classes too – ranging from Zumba Kids and Juniors, to junior yoga classes for youth ages 14 and up.

In a market that’s over-saturated with the status quo, Jnana offers a refreshing take on wellness that incorporates all elements of the mind/body/soul philosophy that help guide us on our unique and individual journeys towards balance and being. ■ Jnana – MindBody Studio

Location: Al Mouj Street, 2nd floor of the Magic Trailer restaurant & Cocoon Home Décor complex Contact: (+968) 2418-4220 @JNANA.OMAN (Facebook) @jnana_Oman (Instagram)

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

NATIONAL DRESS

As Oman gets set to celebrate 49 years of freedom and independence on November 18, we’re ready to mark the occasion in the most stylish way possible!

Ladies, only your best looks will do for the coming celebration – and we’ve gathered some pieces to help you shine and bring and out that Omani beauty, inside and out!

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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 ra hel h t te From ela Es a Mik

A beautifully-made ‘sirwal’ may offer up the most headturning impact when it comes to your ensemble – but adorned with just the right amount of gold accessories takes it to a whole other level. Complement your earring bling with an elegant gold necklace that lends your look that final touch of grace – like this Mamasika Tushi Kyra version from Candere. Buy it for RO108.5.

As per tradition, it’s common for Omani women to apply henna to celebrate special occasions – and National Day is no exception as it’s one of the mostloved celebrations for Omanis. Apply your intricate designs with Earth Henna’s Jagua Tattoos. This all-organic product is US-manufactured and gets its pigment from the jagua fruit – and did we mention it’s super long-lasting too? Order it online from Amazon for RO7.6.

There’s nothing more festive than a touch of gold – so keep the theme flowing from head-to-toe with a pair of gold earrings with major glint factor. Available from Candere, Kalyan Jewellers online store, this precious pair of dangling embellished earrings are sophisticated and gorgeously intricate in their design. Own them for RO72.7.

A good set of falsies helps you achieve that sultry, eye-batting look – and we especially love this set from Dubai-based English-Egyptian makeup artist Natasha Zaki from her Glossy Makeup Line. With proper care, these lashes can be worn up to 20 times – and their manufacturing is cruelty-free! Price: RO20.

‘Elegant’ and ‘eye-catching’ best describes the stunning Omani dresses designed by prominent local fashion designer Noora Karim, owner of Khalijia Boutique in South Al Hail, Muscat. Visit the brand’s Instagram page @khalijiaboutique to see Noora’s astonishing array of dresses embellished in various styles of decorative accessories and crafted in meticulously designed patterns. Rates may vary but are well worth the investment for her uniquely special designs and customized dresses.

A gem of a bag is what we consider this mini tote from Zara.

Stylish, cool, and oozing with elegance it’s available in a variety of festive shades – but we prefer the neutral shade of this ochre version that will let your colourful ensemble and gold accessories shine! Snag it for RO12.9.

A metallic heel that’s both comfy and fashionable might just be the perfect piece to boost your overall look. We love these timeless metallic mules from Bershka with just the right shimmer and height. Wear them for RO19.9.

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Tr e n d

YUMMY

New Restaurant

Reviews

The

Countdown’s on!

The new Countdown Sports Lounge at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat isn’t your average sports den – and we sit down with Head Chef Nicolas Madueno to prove it!

T

he words ‘sports lounge’, side-by-side, carry a in Muscat, come hungry and often! Their vast menu certain connotation all their own. For some, it’s features a tantalizing array of signature dishes served a den of boisterous cheer, big screens all round family-style – meant to be shared – but we promise you and free-flowing bevvies. A raucous place, a loud place you’ll be fighting over the last chicken wing! and, sometime, a place where not everyone may feel as All crafted under the tasteful eye and unique culinary though they fit in – even if they’re really, really, craving a touch of their Peruvian Head Chef Nicolas Madueno, heaping helping of loaded nachos. we’re coming back for the Fire Wings, Loaded Tacos, The Countdown Sports Lounge at the Kempinski Flamed Steak, Countdown Burger, and Succulent BBQ Hotel Muscat is about to shake things up. This soonRibs. to-open contemporary 260-seat lounge complete with Lip-smacking flavour and nail-biting sporting action? outdoor terrace is offerings sports fans in the capital Our (and yours!) Thursday night is sorted! a place to catch a piece of the big-screen action – in We sat down with Head Chef Nicolas to find out a setting that also caters to families and fans of sports what more hungry foodies can look forward to as The lounge fare.

Countdown is on – plus bring you a sample of goodful recipes from their new menu!

Set to be one of the largest new outlets of its kind

SPORTY TASTE

Muscat’s newest sports lounge is set to surprise both foodies and families alike!

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: Hi Nicolas! Tell us a bit about yourself and the unique culinary touch you’re bringing to The Countdown Sports Lounge here at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat?

M: Well, I am a chef with a passion for food, sports, and travel. I’ve been around the world and worked as a chef in South America, Europe, and the Middle East. When it comes to food, I love bringing cultures together through their flavours.

N Y N

: As a concept, what makes The Countdown stand out from other sports-themed lounges here in the capital?

M: The setup; it will be the house of sports in Muscat. The food menu and the vibe will make it one-of-a-kind.

Y N Y

Super-Food Salad Says Chef Nicolas: “To break the stigma that bar food should always be fatty and messy, we feel happy to provide healthy options. As a sports lounge we have options for the athletes too – and this salad is easy to make at home, very tasty and, most important, good for your body.”

Ingredients: § Red quinoa § Kale § Sweet corn § Tomato § Vinegar § Feta cheese § Avocado § Mustard § Olive oil § Honey

Method: § Cook the quinoa in boiling water for 12 minutes. § Cut the tomatoes, feta cheese, and avocado into small squares. § Mix in a bowl the quinoa, kale leaves, tomato, feta cheese, corn, and avocado. § Make a honey-mustard dressing by mixing one spoon of mustard, two of honey, and adding olive oil, a little bit of white vinegar, salt, and pepper. § Mix the dressing with your salad, serve, and enjoy!

: Is it a place where families can come too?

M: Yes, families can enjoy watching their favourite team play while eating good and fun food.

: You’re from Peru and we understand you’ll be bringing some culinary infusions from your home country to The Countdown. Tell us what your ideal menu would look like?

M: This menu is food that you find in different parts of the world turned into bar food – and there’s something for everyone.

N Y N

: What are some of the more unique items on the menu and how do they pair with your signature line of beverages?

M: We have classics like onion rings and fish and chips, to dishes like waffled chicken with maple syrup and sour cream. And then there are the heavy ones – like our own two-kilo BBQ Ribs and monster sandwiches like the Countdown Burger. Healthy options will be part of the experience too, along with crazy desserts like fried Snickers bars – the perfect food to have with a mocktail, a smoothie, or a milkshake.

Y N

: Tell us about some of The Countdown’s upcoming theme nights or promotions that customers can look forward to.

M: We will have a variety of surprises and promotions coming soon – both sports- and foodrelated.

Y N

: What chefs do you admire most and why?

M: Chefs that take risks and create something completely new. A great one is [Peruvian chef] Virgilio Martinez – he changed the game.

Y N Y N Y N

: What’s the one ingredient you can’t live without?

M: All types of chilis. : What’s your go-to meal that you whip up at home after a long day in the kitchen?

M: A good pizza.

: In your opinion, what’s the best recent food trend – and do you plan on incorporating it into your menu at The Countdown?

M: Always fusion – and I will play soon with different promotions and styles.

Green Stadium Smoothie “Here’s how to make the best Green Stadium smoothie!” says Chef Nicolas. “It’s a simple green smoothie that’s healthy, tastes amazing, and is made with four ingredients in less than five minutes – plus, a few of my tips on meal-prepping smoothies!”

Pro Tip: My favourite fruit combination is a half-cup of mango and a half-cup of frozen pineapple – but feel free to use your favourite fruits such as apples, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, oranges, etc.!”

Ingredients: § 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk § 2 cups spinach, frozen § 1 medium banana, frozen § 1 cup mango and pineapple Equipment: § Blender § ½ cup-size food storage containers § Spatula Method: § Put ingredients into the container of the blender in the order listed above. § Start blending on low speed and increase to high. § Blend on high speed for 50-60 seconds until mixture is smooth. § Pour into two glasses, garnish with an unpeeled pineapple slice and enjoy!

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New Restaurant

ge

an id-R

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REVIEWS

Info Box

LIQUIDSKY RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE Adjacent to Mumtaz Mahal restaurant, Shatti al Qurum, Muscat Opening hours: Daily from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Contact: (+968) 9529-9136

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

A posh nightclub-like atmosphere that’s brought to life by gourmet dishes and a wide selection of beverages.

LIQUIDSKY RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE WE TRY OUT AN OLD NAME ON OMAN’S DINING SCENE THAT’S BEEN BROUGHT TO LIFE WITH A NEW AND SOPHISTICATED MENU, FRIENDLY STAFF, AND A DÉCOR TO MATCH

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

We’re also offered up a plate of cheesy cauliflower.

Scrumptious to say the least, the zest of the meats are matched by the delectable sides – all of which are more filling than your average roast. The roasted butternut pumpkin isn’t too stodgy with he hustle and bustle of a nightclub oil, while the potatoes are crispy on the outside can often turn back those looking for and done just right on the inside. Meanwhile, the a peaceful meal – but the LiquidSky bread is crunchy on the outside and soaks in the Restaurant and Lounge has a bit of an mushroom sauce, presenting the perfect textured unexpected reputation among Muscat’s partytopping to the beef and chicken. going community with a healthy mix of reviews We thoroughly enjoy our meals and lick our plates from those looking for a bit of R&R on a clean, before giving the eager waiter a thumbs-up. weekday.

It’s hard to imagine a nightclub-themed space It’s not surprising: perched atop the hill by serving up the ambience and aura of a comfy Qurum and with an incomparable view of new lounge restaurant – but the newly-opened Muscat, LiquidSky does its best to blend the best LiquidSky does just that. And to our surprise, it does of both worlds – much to the satisfaction of its it well. customers.

Our trip here is the perfect start to our week – A part of its success, we imagine, can be and, much to our satisfaction, we’re also told that pegged to the décor itself. With an atmosphere the lounge is on the cards to begin rolling out a new that rivals some of the best in town with its brunch menu for weekends. Couple that with a illuminated tables, hanging glasses, and ambient thumping sound-system brought to life by a live DJ background lighting, the restaurant dials-in a Friday-Saturday weekends), we’re all game for it as and a lively crowd, and you’re enroute to crafting classy setting for a late-evening supper. your perfect Friday.

And while the rewards of a busy weekend can we head out to explore the weekday city life.

As for our Sunday roast – we can safely say Having opted for a beef and chicken roast – both often mean a quieter restaurant on weekdays, of which are priced at a competitive rate of RO8.9 that they’ve hit all the right notes – much like LiquidSky keeps its energy flowing through what they’ve done with LiquidSky itself. It’s – respectively, we begin our supper. The set meal the week – owed mostly to the plethora of à la comes with a beverage on the house, though it’s best the reincarnation of an old name, but with the carte options alongside a dose of set menus at to dive into the card for what is the widest range of atmosphere of a lounge that crowds of all types can competitive prices. enjoy. ■ in-house mocktails while you wait for your meals.

This is also why the writer and his brother We immediately take a shine to our roasts. head to the restaurant on a Sunday. While a Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see Generous in portions and set with perfection on the Sunday roast isn’t as popular in the Sultanate as it is in parts of the West (owing mostly to our plate, we find the medium-done Angus beef and the reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com. chicken to be world’s apart from what we’ve tried before.

The thinly sliced Angus beef is a delight to behold, offering up an easy cut along the grain while coupled with the sides. The added kick from the freshly made mushroom sauce adds to the flavour as we declare it one of the best we’ve had recently.

This can also be said about the herb-infused garlic chicken. And, even if chicken can be considered a cautious option when compared with the beef or lamb, there’s enough seasoning locked into the seared skin to keep the meat inside piquant and aromatic – and it’s worth a try.

The duo is accompanied by two hollow brioches, doused in flavoursome mushroom sauce, and done up on a bed of crispy roast potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, and wild mushroom Wellingtons.

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