Y Magazine #597, December 12, 2019

The chill factor FIVE OF OMAN’S COLDEST WINTER ESCAPES

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

Yummy Oman THE LIQUID GOLD OF OMANI OLIVE OIL

Correspondence: WIN DINNER FOR 2 AT CENTARA MUSCAT HOTEL DESTINATION: Yiti Beach TASTE TEST: L’Eto Caffé

Land of

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

DEC 12 - 18 2019 / ISSUE 597 • WEEKLY

PLENTY

PLUS!

AS OUR PLANET HEATS UP, CLIMATE CHANGE IS ALREADY HAVING DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES ON GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY. IN A REGION THAT RELIES HEAVILY ON IMPORTS, OMAN’S DETERMINATION TO IMPLEMENT A NATIONAL PLAN TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY AND SELF-SUSTENANCE IS NOTHING SHORT OF AMBITIOUS. BUT CAN IT BE DONE?

FIRST DRIVE: 2020’S HOTTEST NEW CARNOVEMBER MODELS 01 24 / ISSUE 258

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POSTCARD: PERTH, AUSTRALIA

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THE Y GEEK SQUAD: ‘TECH’-THE-HALL STOCKING-STUFFERS

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100% Omani.

100% Cows’ Milk.

100% Taste.

Choose your passion.

Choose Omani.

Whether you pour it, add it or drink it, you’ve got it.

Mazoon. Taste for life.

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

F

ood is the greatest unifier of humankind. No matter who you are, you’ll need to eat to stay alive. But, as millions of people around the world go to sleep hungry, we’re compelled to express gratitude to our living situation here in the Sultanate.

How long security in Oman’s food industry will last is a million-dollar question – but as we learn in this week’s cover story, Oman is taking steps to reinforce and brace itself should disaster strike. In the process, it’s also becoming a leader in the GCC’s longterm food security plan. With a plethora of new projects spread across different foodbased sectors implemented to spearhead the nation’s industry, experts say that Oman is on track to becoming a regional leader in food security – and our investigation into its ambitious plan it only assures us that they’re right. Flip to Page 12 to read on.

Also in this issue, we’re peering down the well of history – literally – in our cultural feature on Oman’s historic ‘zajarah’ wells and how they, along with the nation’s aflaj system, revolutionized the country’s agricultural leap forward.

Plus, we’re greeting winter head-on with a quirky round-up of some of the Sultanate’s most coldest spots to visit -- so pack your parka and prepare to chill out. And, just for good measure, we’re also taking you on a road-trip to Yiti Beach in our Destination pages, rounding up the New Year’s top new autmotive releases for 2020 that we just can’t wait for over in First Drive, bringing you some delicious recipes featuring local Omani olive oil in Yummy Oman, and helping you throw the ultimate ‘ugly sweater’ Christmas party in our Fashion section!

Until next week, happy reading!

Team Y

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

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

(Cover image for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: Shutterstock) FOLLOW US ON:

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DEC 12 - 18 / ISSUE 597

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contents DEC

Your Oman 08 News His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said travels to Belgium for medical checks 08 News The ‘King of Smartphones’ arrives in Oman

12

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18

2019

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

07 This Week Grammy-winning jazz legend Chick Corea brings his signature sound to the Royal Opera House!

08 Cars and Adventures 22 Destination

Yiti Beach 24

07 Health and Beauty

First Drive 2020’s most anticipated new models

28 Y-Fi

Tech the halls with

these gadget stocking-stuffers

28

29 Beauty Skincare tips to ward off winter 30 Fashion Festive looks for your office ‘ugly sweater’ party

Features 12 Land of plenty Global food security continues to remain a growing hot-button issue in the face of rapid climate change and dwindling natural resources. Yet, Oman is still earning its reputation as the ‘bread-basket’ of the GCC through an ambitious plan for selfsustainment that has the Sultanate on-track to lead the region as a food producer.

16 The chill factor From snow-capped Jebel Shams, to the frigid expansed of Muqshin – here are five of the coldest places in Oman to visit for all you winter warriors!

18 The depths of tradition How the ancient ‘zajarah’ well remains a crucial testament to the Sultanate’s historic ingenuity.

Food and Drink 32 Yummy Oman Liquid gold: Reaping the benefits of Omani olive oil 34 Taste Test

L’Eto Caffé

30

32 NEXT ISSUE...

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

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

The curse of Aladdin?

Actor Mena Massoud, star of Disney’s recent live-action version of ‘Aladdin’ has come forward to media saying in an interview with ‘The Daily Beast’ that he’s not had a single audition for a new role since starring in the Guy Ritchie-directed Disney reboot. And with plans for a spinoff in the works, Disney is already receiving some backlash from fans after allegedly selecting a minor character from the film, Prince Anders (played by Billy Magnussen), to star in the lead role. After Mena broke his silence about his frustrations in getting new roles, fans are calling news of Disney’s casting choice in bad taste. Actor Billy Magnussen allegedly approached Disney with this spin-off idea and is allegedly involved in the script writing.

A life cut short It’s been announced that rapper Juice WRLD has passed away on the morning of Sunday, December 8. Born Jarad Anthony Higgins, the hip-hop ingenue was best known for his singles ‘Lucid Dreams’ and ‘All Girls Are The Same’ – which skyrocketed him to fame. Over the course of his short yet meteoric career, Juice WRLD collaborated with artists such as Travis Scott, Lil’ Yachty, Ellie Goulding, Benny Blanco, and Future. His second album ‘Death Race For Love’ débuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 album charts and was certified gold.

Juice WRLD passed away six days after his 21st birthday after suffering an alleged seizure at Chicago’s Midway Airport.

Emma’s engaged!

Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone has just announced her engagement to fiancé, TV producer Dave McCrary on Instagram.

Sporting a sizeable diamond ring, Emma and Dave were recently spotted out and about in New York just days after 06

DEC 12 - 18 / ISSUE 597

their announcement broke. The pair have been linked up since November 2017 and we wish them all the best for their upcoming nuptials!

Justin speaks out Actor and popstar Justin Timberlake has finally spoken out to address alleged cheating rumours after he was spotted holding hands with his ‘Palmer’ co-star Alisha Wainwright during a cast and crew party in New Orleans. Stating he had a ‘strong lapse in judgement’ Justin took to social media to speak out, saying he wants to do the right thing in the eyes of his son and family. Justin’s been married to his wife, actress Jessica Biel, since 2012. It’s been alleged that Biel has also opened up about the situation, allegedly telling a source close to the pair that she’s focused on working on their relationship.

Taylor’s on top Remember the drama between popstar Taylor Swift and music producer Scooter Braun? It was alleged that Taylor couldn’t perform her old catalogue of music because the rights now belonged to Braun’s Big Machine Records label after he acquired the company from its original founder, Scott Borchetta. Taylor also had a documentary called ‘Miss Americana’ coming out with Netflix that was also thrown into question if her old music could be used in its production. The documentary is slated to premiere in January 2020 at the Sundance Film Festival and, it seems that allegedly the documentary will indeed be able to include her full catalogue!

New Niall Former One Direction popstar Niall Horan has released his first single since October’s ‘Nice To Meet Ya’. ‘Put A Little Love On Me’ is a heartfelt ballad off his upcoming album new album – which he’ll be showcasing on his newly-announced ‘Nice To Meet Ya’ world tour starting April 20, 2020. While we’re excited for new music from Niall, he’s allegedly stated that the former One Direction boys should avoid releasing new music at the same time after he, Harry Styles, and Liam Payne all dropped new tracks in short succession of one another’s.

Harry’s on a roll Speaking of One Direction…former front-man Harry Styles is on fire as he gets ready to drop yet another new track.

‘Fine Line’ is set to hit the airwaves on December 13 and comes hot on the heels of his previous new releases for ‘Lights Up’ and ‘Watermelon Sugar’. The video clip for ‘Fine Line’ looks epic too – chronicling the story of a magic fish on a frown-shaped island called ‘Edora’.

The latest from Camila Camila Cabello has just released her second album, titled ‘Romance’ and it’s already been full of hits like ‘Shameless’, ‘Living Proof’, and ‘Liar’ making their way to the airwaves. Given the romantic title of the album it’s little wonder there’s speculation that it’s about being in love…and case in point? Her boyfriend Shawn Mendes makes a cameo appearance on it!

Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on The Breakfast Show with Dan and Maya.

THE COUNTDOWN’S ON AND OPEN!

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE Opening its doors on Sunday, November 24, the Kempinski Hotel Muscat’s all-new The Countdown Sports Lounge, is one of largest sports outlets of its kind in Muscat with an eclectic and contemporary spacious design accommodating 260 people an oversized outdoor terrace, with breath-taking views overlooking the sea. A dream venue for sport’s fans with its stateof-the-art projectors and multiple widescreen TVs, the lounge is located at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat’s Boulevard street in Al Mouj.

Muscat’s foodies will be spoiled for choice with a mouth-watering overload of hand-crafted dishes to tuck into such as The Countdown Burger, Flamed Steak, the not for the faint-hearted ‘Fire Wings’, sharing style ‘Nasty Nachos’, and the whopping 2kg BBQ Ribs. Book your table now and call (+968) 2498-5000.

Ongoing

LIVE IN CONCERT

DEC

12 & 13

Iconic American jazz virtuoso, fusion pianist, keyboardist and composer Chick Corea is bringing his incredible music to the Royal Opera House Muscat alongside the Castilla y Léon Orchestra for two nights only on Thursday, December 12 and Friday, December 13. With 63 Grammy nominations and 22 wins throughout five decades of stellar performance, Chick Corea has attained the status of a living legend.

At the Royal Opera House Muscat, in this exciting program with the Castilla y León Symphony Orchestra, Chick Corea will demonstrate his remarkable talent playing classics including Gershwin’s ‘Cuban Overture’ as well as a selection of Gershwin’s solo piano pieces including his famous ‘Rhapsody in Blue’. Corea will also present one of his own compositions, a brilliant original work titled, ‘Piano Concerto No 1’. Performances begin at 7:00 p.m. and to book your tickets now visit www.rohmuscat.org.om.

CHRISTMAS CHEER

THIS

WEEK

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

D E C E M B E R

Ongoing

Get into the festive spirit as Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel pulls out all the stops for the ultimate Christmas Brunch at Al Khiran Gardens. The restaurant’s lush outdoor lawn will be lively with merriment as the resort’s chefs prepare a sumptuous buffet of traditional classics and much more. Little ones will be surprised by a visit from Santa Claus himself as the whole place radiates with the joy of the season. Decked in all things merry and bright, the much-loved resort is the perfect setting to enjoy Christmas as it should be – surrounded by family and friends.

With the stunning beachfront and infinity pool as the backdrop, feast on a tantalizing array of cuisines from the traditional to the exceptional. From succulent turkey with all the trimmings, live cooking stations, international and Arabic delights, and a dessert display to impress even the most discerning sweet lover. Spend the afternoon soaking up the celebratory atmosphere while enjoying a leisurely meal at the hands of the resort’s dedicated Ladies and Gentlemen. For more information or to book your table call (+968) 2476-4444.

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HM THE SULTAN TRAVELS TO BELGIUM FOR MEDICAL CHECKS

T

he Oman News Agency reported that the Diwan of Royal Court had issued a statement over the weekend on Saturday, December 7, reading, “His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said will leave for the Kingdom of Belgium today, December 7, 2019, for some medical checks that will take a limited period, God willing.

“May the Almighty Allah protect His Majesty the Sultan and guard him in His divine care, as a source of inspiration and guidance for his loyal people, of which they are so very proud.”

THE ‘KING OF SMARTPHONES’ ARRIVES IN OMAN

H

uawei Oman Consumer Business Group has unveiled the ground-breaking Huawei Mate30 Pro. The king of smartphones has witnessed a growing local demand, and Huawei fans in the Sultanate can now register their interest in acquiring the much-awaited device online from December 1 at https://consumer.huawei.com/om/.

Demo displays of the HUAWEI Mate30 Pro are available in the Huawei Experience Stores in City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum, for those keen to experience the infinite possibilities of the award-winning phone including the new SuperSensing Cine Camera system co-engineered with Leica.

Setting new standards in every area from aesthetic design to hardware engineering and software innovation, the king of smartphones has received several accolades globally. Known as the pinnacle of mobile technological development, the Huawei Mate30 Pro comes with Huawei EMUI 10, which uses different open source codes, including Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The new device does not pre-install Google Mobile Services, and users will be able to download and enjoy the applications from the Huawei AppGallery preinstalled in the device.

Inspired by the design principle of minimalism, the Huawei Mate30 Pro showcases the perfect example of how aesthetic design fuses with technology and hosts the latest Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). All existing Huawei devices, whether sold or being sold in Oman will continue using Google Mobile Services such as Google Play and Gmail along with required updates.

“In a major milestone, the Huawei Consumer Business Group recently announced shipping of 200 million smartphones to date in 2019 globally – 64 days earlier than

the same period last year,” said Ian Li, Head of Huawei CBG, Middle East Multi Countries (Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain).

“This growth has been transcending borders. If we look at Oman, we’ve seen an almost 25 per cent sales increase up until November, an exciting prospect for us as we introduce Huawei enthusiasts in the Sultanate to the next era of smartphones. The Huawei Mate30 Pro, the king of smartphones is designed to offer users an unrivalled experience every step of the way from chipset to video to photography, as well as wired and wireless supercharger. We are bringing the most seamless technology into our customers’ lives, while welcoming them on our journey to building a fully connected and intelligent world.”

OMAN SME WINS PRESTIGIOUS INDUSTRY AWARD

T

he IRES Beauty Center in Al Khuwair has taken home one of the top slots at one of the Middle East’s most distinguished industry awards for esthetics – the PMU International Congress championship held in Dubai. Mrs. Kumari Dilanthi Perera, Managing Director of IRES Beauty Center won 2nd place in the Microblading Championship at the third annual edition of the competition.

The PMU International Congress 2019 was organized by Royal PMU and the Academy Royal – two of the most important industry names in Permanent Makeup (PMU). With 75 participants from18 countries taking part in the three-day event, 15 industry speakers from around the world shared their experience and latest techniques in the industry at workshop and networking sessions

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DEC 12 - 18 / ISSUE 597

aimed at highlighting how PMU is evolving in both the cosmetic and medical industries.

Mrs. Kumari Dilanthi Perera took part in the Microblading Master championship at the congress – taking home second place in an award program where industry professionals can roll up their sleeves and showcase their skill and expertise in action. Working in the industry since 2002 with a wealth of international experience, Ms.Perera has won several awards previously for her skill in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Oman, and Dubai.

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

In the wake of climate change, food security continues to be a hot button issue globally. How can Oman decrease its reliance on imports and increase the value of its in-country food production?

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While the government is supporting research initiatives to improve crop productivity, the Sultanate’s finite amount of arable land limits the extent to which output figures can rise. The country’s self-sufficiency in food might go from 70 per cent to 80 per cent, but I think future progress in the food industry is likely to take the shape of a transition from low-value to high-value crops.

A couple of key institutions are responsible for the bulk of the country’s agricultural research – namely the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) research centres, and the Diwan of Royal Court.

The introduction of agricultural insurance was the result of a working group in place since early 2016 and made up of representatives from the MoAF, the Capital Markets Authority, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and is intended to provide security to prospective investors in the sector. Initial policies will cover seasonal fruit and vegetables only – with coverage for other activities such as livestock and fisheries set to be introduced at a later stage. Policies will cover all major threats to crops, including natural fires and lightning, floods, and cyclones.

As a result of the government’s commitment to expanding fisheries and improving food security,

@YTABLOID

/YMAGAZINE

the growth of Oman’s agriculture and fisheries sector seems assured for the near-to-medium term.

Fisheries in particular is an area of high growth potential, with the opening up of fishing on a commercial scale likely to create associated downstream opportunities for the private sector in supply chain and processing operations. With Oman Investment & Finance Co. projects in dairy, meat, poultry, and fisheries set to come on-line by the end of 2019, the full effect of current initiatives on production figures is likely to be felt from 2020 onwards.

New Debate:

Is Oman ready to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup? Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

DEC 12 - 18 / ISSUE 597

09

YOUR

THE NEWEST HOTSPOT

OMAN

THE KEMPINSKI HOTEL MUSCAT WELCOMES GUESTS AND SPORTS FANS TO ITS NEW COUNTDOWN SPORTS LOUNGE DURING ITS RECENT GRAND OPENING EVENT

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MOVIES MOVIES Mardaani 2 Cast: Rani Mukerji, Shruti Bapna, Rajesh Sharma

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO:

Jumanji: The Next Level

City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 2479-1641

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black This consistent crowd-pleaser of a franchise is back once more to draw audiences in with its charming comedy and irresistible action as its star-studded lead quartet brings the laughs. The story unfolds when Spencer (Alex Wolff) heads back into the fantastical world of Jumanji and his pals Martha (Morgan Turner), Fridge (Ser’Darius Blain), and Bethany

(Madison Iseman) follow him into the game to try and bring him home safely. They soon find out that everything about Jumanji is about to change as they discover new obstacles and more threats to overcome – from arid deserts to snowy mountains – in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game. A great actionpacked flick, full of humour, for the whole family!

Bollywood heroine Rani Mukerji’s much-awaited cop thriller sequel will see her reprising the role of the fearless and committed Superintendent of Police, Shivani Shivaji Roy, in ‘Mardaani 2’.

With an outstanding performance in the widely acclaimed prequel ‘Mardaani’, in which her character of Superintendent Shivani took on the kingpin of a childtrafficking ring, this sequel brings the courageous cop face-to-face with a remorseless serial killer who is murdering young women. Equipped with superb fighting skills and a valiant heart to see the case through, our daredevil of a cop and her crew will keep your heart pounding with excitement throughout.

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AS OMAN WORKS TOWARDS A SELF-SUSTAINING ECONOMY, RADICAL CHANGES ARE BEING MADE IN THE FIELDS OF FOOD SECURITY AND PRODUCTION OF FOOD LOCALLY. Y INVESTIGATES THE SULTANATE’S FOOD SECURITY PLAN THAT’S EXPECTED TO UPLIFT ITS FOOD INDUSTRY ONE HARVEST AT A TIME

T

he primary source of human sustenance, food forms the basis of everything – from life and well-being to global economies.

And while some take liberty in throwing leftover food from delicious meals into bins daily, there are millions of people – 9.1 million as per the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – around the globe that die, excruciatingly, every year from hunger.

It’s a grim fact that highlights a vital point: there’s food everywhere, but not enough for everyone to eat.

The fundamental right of every living being – food and water – still scrabbles to find purchase in developing societies across different parts of the world; from countries in Africa to war-torn states in the Middle East.

Yet, here in the Sultanate we reap the rewards of a unified food network that’s sustained by global imports and, on growing levels, agriculture and in-house production aided by government and private sectors.

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But even as the nation grows in population and develops into a powerhouse in the GCC, many experts are now coming forward to ask the question: how would Oman deal with a worldwide food shortage crisis if one was to unfold in the coming decade?

To learn more about the topic, we sit down with Sayed Rahman, 26, a postgraduate in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security from the UK, who has now taken over his family business in the field of retail foodstuffs in Barka.

He says: “Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East when it comes to food security and equality, mostly due to factors such as its access to trade routes, the nation’s diplomatic stance in the region, abundant aflaj systems, a deep-rooted agricultural sector, and an ever-developing Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“That, however, doesn’t mean we’re immune from acute food shortage – just like no other country in the world is ever safe from it.

“Every country has its own set of challenges in the matter of food security – and it can depend on things such as the size of the nation, its overall produce, import values, taxes, and reserve stockpile that’s kept for scenarios such as trade embargoes and famine.

Sayed says he’s positive about Oman making decisions that’ll anchor food security in the coming years. He tells us: “I keep an eye on news relating to the agriculture and food industries – and food security is given the same importance in the Sultanate as renewable energy, pollution, and topics such global warming.”

Yet, defining food security goes beyond just having access to food.

As per the World Food Summit, food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active, healthy life.

Perhaps this is what led to the formation of Oman’s new flagship dairy company: Mazoon Dairy. Touted as the largest integrated dairy project in the Sultanate, the newly opened company came about under

the aegis of the National Food Security Initiative of Oman.

Ahmed al Ghafri, the Chief Strategic Officer of Mazoon Dairy, shares his thoughts with us, saying: “From the first day Mazoon Dairy was created and announced, the whole nation was excited about the project.

“Everyone was happy that the food security programme was started and that Mazoon Dairy was the first project. That national momentum, which was following us through all steps during the project and construction phases, we are proud of. That raised the bar and the expectations and put us under pressure in a positive manner.

“For us, we’re all a part of this society. And we earn trust by providing everyone – both expats and Omanis – with the highest quality and fresh products.”

All of this falls in-line with the company’s objectives to improve the nation’s self-sufficiency in dairy production and improve the per capita consumption of milk, while focusing on the well-being of children, generating jobs, and stimulating an environment for food manufacturing with high quality systems.

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And that’s not all. To complement existing efforts, the Oman Food Investment Holding Company (OFIC), is strategising a three-pronged approach by drawing up plans for an integrated fruit and vegetable marketing company, an improved logistics programme, and a food techno park – all of which are aimed at reducing the nation’s reliance on imports of foodstuff.

in sectors pertaining to dairy products, red meat, poultry, and eggs. It’s forecasted that Mazoon Dairy and Al Murooj Dairy will, together, add more than 96,000 tonnes of production by 2020, raising dairy self-sufficiency in Oman by 67 per cent – which is up from 31 per cent in 2015.

Charting trends from the last decade shows an increase in food production, as per a report

The overall goal is to make Oman more competitive and to make farmers capable of producing the right food, and to make consumers capable of accessing the right quality, quantity, and prices of certain types of food.

In an interview with local daily Times of Oman, Saleh al Shanfari, the Chief Executive Officer of OFIC was quoted as saying: “The overall goal is to make Oman more competitive and to make farmers capable of producing the right food, and to make consumers capable of accessing the right quality, quantity, and prices of certain types of food.”

He also added how the establishment of an integrated fruits and vegetables marketing company could help market locally grown imported fruits and vegetables.

Meanwhile, the food techno park is a bold move to bring food- and agro-sector service providers – including SMEs and large-scale producers – under one roof to share ideas, nurture them, and incubate it before unveiling it to international markets.

The state-owned OFIC is also responsible for companies such as the Oman Flour Mills, Oman National Livestock Development, Oman Fisheries, and Al Murooj Dairies.

In fact, projects that OFIC handles and promotes (including Mazoon Dairy) are singlehandedly expected to spike food security 014

DEC 12 - 18 / ISSUE 597

published by the Oxford Business Group, earlier this year. For instance, agricultural produce has risen from 1.2 million tonnes in 2008, to 2.6 million tonnes in 2017. Vegetable crops accounted for 814,570 tonnes of produce and was followed by fruit crops (450,819 tonnes), field crops such as wheat and barley (18,943 tonnes), and animal fodder (1.3 million tonnes).

“This growth is amazing,” says Narges Mohammed Mirza, the founder of the Pairidaeza Organic Farm in Oman. “This country continues to amaze us. Just a few years ago, we had people thinking that the dry, arid sands of Oman couldn’t sustain crops – but technology and hard work has changed the way we look at farming.

“We’ve been proving the skeptics wrong,” she proudly adds.

The farmers in her 11-acre organic farm are

able to grow everything from cucumbers, kale, beetroot, dates, potatoes, radishes, tomatoes, lettuce, capsicums, lemons, zucchini, bananas, spinach, rosemary, mangoes, and 60 other types of fruit and vegetables.

It’s an astonishing feat by itself, as the United Nations reports that Oman, with its limited average annual rainfall and topography, has a mere seven per cent arable land for agriculture.

However, as Narges rightly points out, strong research and development, and the increased use of technology is quickly changing the face of agriculture in Oman.

Oman’s heavy investments on agricultural research in recent years have been acknowledged internationally. In 2018, it received a maximum score (of 100) in the public expenditure for R&D on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Food Security 2018.

The nation’s efforts aren’t in vain, either. At the time of publishing, Oman has been ranked 29th in the world for its food security score in the Food Security Index list with an overall score of 74.4 – which is two and three places ahead of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

Sayed, who is confident of a strong future for Oman, says: “The nation’s greatest success is that it’s foraging into newer territories to reduce its reliance on imports from other countries.

“And while it’s true that a portion of highvalue crops grown here are also sold here, Oman must now focus on yielding as much as it can by reducing wastage and implementing sustainable and refined logistical systems.

“Get that right and we could be looking at reducing our reliance on imports and, more importantly, increasing our self-sufficiency to a point where we could then begin exporting to other countries to give our GDP a boost.” ■

Oman’s Top Dipping mercury levels mean it’s time to dust off your camping gear and veer away from the city.

Y rounds up five must-hit locations across the Sultanate for the perfect winter weekend escape

M

aybe you’ve already seen the videos circulating across social media – blanket- and sweater-clad Omanis and expats walking around snow-covered parts of the Sultanate like it’s a clip snipped straight from a foreign film.

But we assure you – it’s Oman.

For a country associated with mid-40-degree-Celsius summers and sporadic heat waves in the months of June and July, the winter bring with it a short but welcome relief to its residents, who wholeheartedly accept the seasonal vicissitudes… though, with layers of added protection for warmth.

Oman’s winters now bring in scores of tourists from all over the world who want to connect with nature – even if that means camping out in the open in the icy-cold mountain villages of the Al Hajar Mountains.

This week, we’re going one step further – rounding up the coldest parts of Oman from the mountainous peaks of Jebel Shams, to the village of Qabil near Buraimi. How many of these Omani winter wonderlands have you explored?

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SAIQ his humble plateau

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hidden away in the confines of Jebel Al Akhdar serves up winter temperatures that will even rival those in parts of Europe.

Having recorded a low of 4.9-degrees-Celsius last week [December 2], the region became the coldest in the country this month, with Jebel Shams – the nearby and tallest peak in the Sultanate – coming in close contention for second place with its sub-zero temperatures since November. Perched up on the cliff of the mountain, the green village of Saiq makes for some truly stunning shots – especially during sunset. It’s possible to camp here, though it’s best to bring a weather-proof tent and a battery-powered portable

heater to crank things up inside.

Also, stay clear of rain-bearing clouds, as Oman’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation predicts rain all

throughout the month of December.

Cold and wetness – it’s a chilly combo. Is it worth the long drive to Saiq? That’s up for you to decide.

p5 QABIL the Sultanate, but it’s now in the he desert town of Qabil may news for something different –

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be known for producing top-pedigreed racehorses for

becoming a stopover point for tourists looking to venture away

from the city. Complementing its strategic location (close to Ibra) are its vast, towering sand peaks. The lack of settlements in the surrounding areas mean there’s very little in terms of the ‘urban heat island effect’ (a phenomenon that causes air in cities to be warmer than in their surrounding suburbs). The results are temperatures that hover around the 13-degreeCelsius mark. Pack wisely when heading to the desert, and always keep a first aid kit in hand – there’s no short of creepy-crawlies and getting medical treatment may come as a challenge.

MUQSHIN argely untouched by humans, the Muqshin

L

oasis is a hidden gem in the desert sands of the great Empty Quarter. A seven-hour-long drive from Muscat, coupled with challenging dunes, put away even the hardiest of adventurers and dune bashers – though, many have been keen to take on the challenge of scouting the area and snapping up images. Temperatures here often drop below 15-degrees-Celsius, with the lowest marked at 14.1-degrees-Celsius by the Oman MET office this week. While night camping under the stars in the desert may be worth it, the arduous drive can quickly get the better of those planning on heading there.

BAHLA f you like to keep things simple, you can take

I

and if you thought driving up there was hard in the summer (thanks to the unpaved roads), roll the dice and pray to the heavens as you head there on an almost traction-less snowy surface on summer tyres during winter. At an elevation of 3,009 metres above sea level though, the peak is the tallest in the GCC and offers visitors sights unseen in this part of the world. The photos pasted up on Google alone speak volumes of its popularity as a tourist destination.

JEBEL SHAMS his mountain peak remains

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chilly irrespective of the season. Summers will treat you to mid-20-degrees-Celsius temperatures, while winters can bring about negative

a trip to the mystical town of Bahla. The drive there via the highway takes no longer than three hours, and temperatures in the city are currently marked below 20-degrees-Celsius.

With a multitude of ancient forts (including the famous 13th-century Bahla Fort) and time-worn settlements in sight, Bahla also remains the cultural hub of the region. Little wonder then that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It can be challenging to find camping spots here but, to tourists’ advantage, there are plenty of hotels in the vicinity.

temperatures and snowfall.

This makes for mesmerising pictures and videos to share on social media – which is what we did here at Y in November when the peaks were covered in blankets of snow. The snowfall only lasts a few days though, DEC 12 - 18 / ISSUE 597

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A bygone facet that’s nourished villages and sustained ancient agriculture in the Sultanate, the ‘zajarah’ well remains a relic of Oman’s historic ingenuity, as Aftab H. Kola reports 018

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f necessity is the mother of invention, then the zajarah well is its prime example. A relatively inexpensive traditional technology used to raise water from an open well via the strength of draft animals such as donkeys or cattle, today few of these historic wells still exist – though, displays of their use still take place each year at the annual Muscat Festival.

From the ninth through to the 16th centuries, the Islamic world experienced its golden age of science and technology – which, among the gamut, was the management of water using traditional methods that may seem rudimentary to the modern eye, but which once helped supply rapidly growing populations with potable water and also for agricultural usage.

Beginning as early as the seventh century in Arab countries and around the tenth century in Spain, early Muslim water engineers were pioneers of agricultural revolution – integrating, adapting, and over-hauling irrigation techniques and methods of water distribution.

Oman is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage status aflaj system which continues, through man-made networks of surface/ underground canals, to deliver a substantial portion of the nation’s rural water supply even today. Yet, in a bygone era, raising water from a well, river, or lake in quantities needed by local communities and their agricultural endeavours was a task that required strength – and thinking outside the box.

Animal-powered water lifts were often split into two categories – those designed to lift surface water and those designed to raise groundwater.

The first of these – ‘saduf ’ – is one of the oldest known tools used to raise well-water and was first widely used in ancient Persia and then Muslim-ruled Spain. A simple mechanism consisting of a pole resting on a fulcrum, with a counterweight at the short end of the pole; when the long end of the pole was pulled down, the bucket would be lowered into the water source, while the counterweight would haul the full pail back up to the surface.

The second method – ‘saaqiya’ – is also

known as the ‘Persian Wheel’ originated in early Persia around the same time as the ‘qanat’ (an underground irrigation canal). This animalpowered mechanism of interlocking wooden gears set at right angles to each other would have a donkey or mule harnessed to a pole that was fixed to a broad, horizontal wheel set with posts generally less than a metre tall – the teeth of the gear.

Oman too developed its own version to lift water from its ancient wells using draft animals – the main one being ‘zajarah’. While seldom preserved in use today, visitors to the annual Muscat Festival can see lively demonstrations of just how these historic well systems worked via built-to-scale models as part of the Sultanate’s commitment to preserving and showcasing elements of its traditional practices and cultural heritage.

In the Sultanate there are three types of traditional wells – ‘zajarah’ and ‘munzifah’.

Employing a counter-balanced pivot lifting device, the ‘munzifah’ well is limited to only a few locations across the country were the water table is nearest to the ground. While a ‘zajarah’ well employs animal muscle power to raise water from relatively deeper underground. How does it all work? A rope rests on a pivot with an animal pulling the rope that lowers the bucket into the water source, while the animals’ movement then hauls the overflowing bucket back up the well shaft.

Believed to be similar to the ancient ‘shaduf ’ method – one of the oldest known tools used to raise water – Oman’s ‘zajarah’ have several advantages. Being relatively low-cost to construct, they could be locally made and maintained with ease. They’re also easy to operate – able to lift water up to 20 metres of well-shaft, their peak point of efficiency is at depths of less than 7.5 metres.

And while no more such wells exist for modern purposes in Oman today, according to the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, the ‘zajarah’ well is still worth peering down for an insight into the life-lines that once sustained—and help build–our nation. ■

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

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

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

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

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(Splash) • SPAR • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s

Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming &

Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café

& Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut

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

Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s

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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

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Adventures

CARS AND ADVENTURES

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ROUGH & RUGGED

The mountains meet the sea along the craggy shoreline of Yiti Beach

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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

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Gaming

Destination

YITI BEACH

Enclaves of tranquility can still be found in and around one of the capital’s most popular beaches, as Ashlee Starratt discovers 022

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Though, recent crackdowns on beach barbecuing and fines for littering have been enforced by the municipality, Yiti is still a gem to go to with a picnic lunch (and bin bags to clean up with after!)

On the morning we arrived it was virtually empty – save for a couple of families out to make a morning start of the long holiday weekends. It’s onekilometre-long stretch of beach – a sheltered bay really with the salt-swept rock outcroppings that surround it – is known for its slightly coarser sand.

Beach due to its tendency towards over-crowdedness we thought what better time than now to make it our destination. The winding drive through the mountains and into the small villages you’ll pass along the way is nothing short of idyllic. And, if you crack the window an inch or to, the bracing mountain air will soon give way to salt.

With its picture-postcard slice of crescent sand, abutted by stunning rock formations, Yiti is a favourite fishing spot. It’s not uncommon on a busy weekend afternoon to rock up and see a line of 4x4s all in formation their owners casting their rods into the waves.

During Ramadan, the beach is also a popular locale to break your fast at sunset with an iftar on the beach – and still remains a hotspot for families coming out on the weekends to take a dip in its azure blue waters and barbecue some mishkak on the beach.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

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mid-week escape sounded good on paper – having been on our to-do list longer than we cared to admit. And, with the recent Oman National Day holidays stretching out before us, what better way to spend a Wednesday?

Wanting a nearby road-trip where we could spend as much time at our destination as sitting behind the wheel to get there, we headed out mid-morning from Seeb cutting a path along with Sultan Qaboos Highway towards the mountains of Al Bustan and beyond.

Traffic was light, with many folks opting for a long weekend abroad – meaning less crowds and more space for us to explore the beauty to be found closer to home. We didn’t have a plan in mind…having already been on excursions to Bandar Al Khiran and Jebel Sifah out this way.

Having previously bypassed Yiti

It’s also known for its mesmerizing interplay of light and colour as the sun’s rays sink into the deep blue sea – making it a popular spot for sundowners and even intrepid campers who choose to overnight under a sky blanketed with stars.

But for us, here on this tranquil morning holding our cups of coffee and digging our toes into the cool sand, it’s the clouds – each as puffy as a marshmallow – that blanket a sense of tranquility around us in nature’s warm embrace.

From Muscat, follow the Sultan Qaboos Highway towards Ruwi and Wadi Kabir – or the Muttrah Corniche towards Al Bustan and take the turn-off up into the mountains towards Muscat Hills and Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah. Once you reach the Shangri-La roundabout turn right towards Yiti and Jebel Sifah and keep on the road for about ten kilometres following the signboards to Yiti.

GPS Coordinates: 23.5298° N, 58.6659° E

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CARS ADVENTURES

TOP 5 CAR RELEASES FOR 2020

FIRST DRIVE

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rom the announcement of the scandalous battery-powered Tesla Cybertruck to the coming of the mid-engined Chevy Corvette that heralded the death of six decades of frontengine-d muscle car madness, 2020 is expected to script itself in a way the automotive industry least expected.

And, even as the electric revolution and global emission regulations continue to kneel mass manufacturers around the globe -- instigating a move towards greener alternatives, there are a handful of releases that are expected to create ripples around the industry in the months to come, from the electric- to the fossil-powered.

This week, we delve into the shoehorned world of cars to round up five upcoming releases that are worth their weight in gold.

As 2020 looms on the horizon, we put the brakes on test-drives to round up five cars whose steering wheels we can’t wait to get our hands around

wider, and meaner than any Corvette ever made; and the 495hp-breathing 6.2-litre V8 engine and its new placement means it’ll be faster in the corners as it will be in the quarter mile. Not to mention, it also has bigger brakes, stiffer springs and chassis, and an intuitive electronic limited-slip differential.

Chevy has also overhauled the interior to keep it in contention with its German counterparts. The result is a cockpit flush with high-quality leathers, slick tech, and sculpted sports seats. There’s no word of the launch date of the car in Oman, but we speculate that it could hit showrooms sometime next year.

Chevrolet Corvette

The recipe for a muscle car is simple: throw in a low-revving small-block V8 motor into the front, lubricate it with oil, and crank out power to the rear wheels to create a tyre-smoking show of rubber and grunt. So, when the makers of all things hillbilly went on to shove a full-blown V8 motor into the middle of the beloved ‘Vette’, the world went wild. Granted, the mid-engined car is sleeker,

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Aston Martin DBX

British carmaker Aston Martin marked the local launch of their most significant car release in its 90 years of existence with a secret ‘exclusive’ function in Oman. The DBX is the brand’s first SUV, and it cuts into the scene as a direct rival to Porsche, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and BMW – all while donning what must be the prettiest attire in all of the automotive industry. True, its looks can be deemed inspired, but the overall package –which is rounded off by a Mercedes-AMG-

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

sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is stunning to say the least. It pumps out the better part of 542hp and 700Nms of torque, and sends power to the rear wheels. Much of the car is hand-built, so expect it to set you back a few pennies…or more.

Polestar 1

To the untrained eye, the Polestar 1 may look like a Volvo S90 or S60 halved to accommodate just two large doors and a coupe layout. And that’s because it is indeed a Volvo – minus the badges.

The performance wing of the Swedish company – who teased the concept for the better part of two years – also trains the coupe to a blistering 600hp and 1,000Nms of torque. The figures are brought to life from a plug-in hybrid setup, which includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged in-line four-cylinder motor and three additional electric motors. The results are stunning: zero to 100kph is achieved in about 4.2 seconds and can cruise on battery power alone for 150kms. We imagine it’d be as perfect to daily-drive as it would be to look at.

This is Swedish engineering at its best.

Jaguar F-Type

At six years, the Jaguar F-Type may be the brand’s youngest sports car to undergo a complete mechanical and cosmetic overhaul. Spy shots from the Nurburgring in Germany galore, it seems like an F-Type replacement is due soon. Gone are the E-Type-inspired lines that the current car riffs on, and in comes a fresh new look that falls in line with the brand’s current design strategy. This brings in a larger grille, shorter and svelte head- and tail-lamps, and meatier bumpers. If the past is anything to go by, the cars will come packing a choice of V8, V6, or in-line four-cylinder turbo motors.

BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe

The executive sedan market will gain another contender when the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe hits showrooms sometime next year.

Poking around the car, we learn that it takes the guise of a touring sedan – making space for five adults and just about enough space for luggage.

Engine options can vary depending on the variant, with smaller three-

pot-bangers sitting on the bottom, and a larger four-cylinder one powering the M235i Gran Coupe. When launched, the car will become the smallest sedan they make but will bridge a gap in functionality and performance between the smaller 2-Series coupe and larger 3-Series sedans.

Performance from the range-topper is classleading, with the car hitting the early three digits in a mere 4.8 seconds.

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PLAYFUL PERTH The world’s most

isolated major city continues to stand out in more ways than one.

1. Take a dip in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe Beach.

2. Explore King’s Park and catch glimpses of seasonal blossoms.

3. Try to take selfies with the world’s cutest Setonix – the quokka.

4. Discover the city’s Aboriginal history with a local tour guide.

5. Take a trip to the fairy-floss-pink lakes of Perth.

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Destination

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POSTCARDS FROM

Paul Reddington recommends,

PERTH, AUSTRALIA W

here nature meets the urbane. Perth has long played the role of an underdog city in a country that boasts sights such as the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef by the coast of Queensland, and the great Uluru of Central Australia - all satiating views in a country chock-full of wonders waiting to reveal themselves.

In many ways, Perth is the ‘land down under’ the country that’s already famously touted as the ‘Land Down Under’ - given its location near Western Australia’s southwest tip.

THE That, however, doesn’t take away from the promise of a wondrous city. This state capital has much to offer - you just have to knock on the right doors. From the Swan River that meets the southwest coast, the myriad of beaches, parks, and gardens peppered around the city and, even, a pink lake and neon - coloured flora worthy of a place on Instagram, Perth presents a colourful and pulsating cultural image to its two million-odd residents and plethora of tourists who flock to the city - after they’re done with their mainstream Australian tour.

Perhaps that’s where the charms of Perth lay - in offering vacationers a taste of Australia that can’t be experienced elsewhere. Whether it’s something as simple as a stroll across the grand King’s Park, which is sizeable enough to envelop New York’s infamous Central Park; or a more enthusing trip to the Yellow Spires higher up in the Wheatbelt cordon of Perth, we found ourselves longing for more days to capture the true magnificence of a city that deserves to on your bucket list. Perhaps that’s why it was listed among the world’s most livable cities by ‘The Economist’ - and we couldn’t agree more.

C IT Y ’S

LONDO N ARCA COURT SHOP DE HUB P IN G

My favourite place

The 1,000-acre King’s Park in Perth’s city-centre vies with New York’s Central Park… and wins by a long margin. Thronging with flora and fauna that put wildlife reserves across the globe to shame, this Aussie park boasts 12,000 species of plants alone. There’s also a baobab tree that’s over 750 years’ old – a sight to behold against the colourful patches of plants and trees in the vicinity. Those planning on a trip should try to head there in September when the park’s annual festival coincides with the blossom season – and you can train your lens on some truly stunning (and Instagram-ready) photos. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can also try camping at designated areas in the park – or try soaking in the sunset vibes by the lake, whose calm waters reflect scenes from Perth’s bustling city skyline.

AND E WATERS THE AZUR OF STRETCH E X P A N S IV E H C A E B H IL L A R Y S

Highlights

Aboriginal Australian and street art, creative restaurants that serve up the best of Australia alongside Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, and soft-sand beaches galore, Perth has a lot going on if you’re looking to unwind for a bit. Just ask the 550,000 (plus) people who’ve extended their stays and now call Perth home. The city’s minimalistic approach towards life sets a pace that’s enviable to those from Sydney and Melbourne (though they’ll disagree), and outdoor activities make up much of residents’ weekends – take the Swan River for example, which is jam-packed with life on a hot summers’ day. While the mercury floats by the early 30-degree-Celsius mark in the summer months, winter can be rainy, making what’s left of the warm-weather days highly desirable. Mid-days are never as hot as here in Muscat, and the climate remains conducive to hikers, campers, and sailors. Those from the indoor generation can immerse themselves in knowledge at the Museum of Perth or the WA Maritime Museum – both of which are historic culture pots of the formerly colonial nation.

Lowlights Aside from little critters such as mosquitoes and flies, the outskirts of Perth – which are a long way away from the citycentre – are home to larger spiders, wasps, and snakes. Maintain a safe distance and you’ll be fine.

Souvenirs Memories aside, Perth is home to Aboriginal art originating from the Outback. These include sculptures, paintings, wood carvings, and artefacts – all hand-crafted by Australia’s indigenous residents.

Getting there

UAE-based airline, Emirates, has a codeshare alliance with Qantas airlines from Australia, and should facilitate hassle-free travel to Perth. However, Oman Air also operates flights to Perth – though, this may require you to switch operators via a stopover in Malaysia.

Where to stay While those with deep pockets can make do with five- and four-star hotels in the city-centre, those on

IC O N IC KOALA SYMBOL OF A PERC H E S IN U S T R A L IA , A A PER TH PA RK

a budget can opt for lodges or inns. Airbnb is also a great option for those looking to interact with the local crowd.

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Gaming

Y-FI

'TECH' THE HALLS

From the interstellar to the earthly, The Y Geek Squad rounds up four gizmos to mark the start of the festive season SWITCH TO LITE Kids love gaming.

But, let’s face it: the huge markups on consoles nixes our interest in buying into the gaming culture.

But, the folks over at Nintendo seem to have a solution – the Switch Lite. This bite-sized, budgetfriendly gadget builds on the existing Switch’s platform, and serves up a capable gaming product. At 5.5-inches, the 720p screen is a tad smaller than the original, but the 2,000-plus handheld-supported games from the store can be cross-shared and played on the Lite. The lack of Joy-Con controllers make this a versatile product too – though it’s marginally larger than PlayStation’s botched Vita handheld console. Get this from amazon.com for RO86.3 (shipping charges extra).

OLD MEETS NEW GREEN THUMB Afraid to get your free-wheeling bachelor mate to adopt a pet? Why not indulge them in something simpler – like gardening? Enter the Smart Garden 3, a gadget that can help them grow their own plants. The fool-proof device comes with a built-in reservoir that will take care of watering for an entire month and, also, its own LED lamps to provide vital light to the plants. It also comes with its own app.

You can buy it from clickandgrow.com for a discounted price of RO25 (as of December 1).

Style meets function with the allnew Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch HR Collider. The simple-looking timepiece comes with an analog watch face – but, get this, it also packs a retro-looking LCD screen on the centre of the device that displays notifications from your phone, plus heart rate and activity statistics, music controls, and other nifty wellness features. It also boasts a ten-day battery-life and a fashionable design unlike any other watch we’ve seen before – but is overshadowed by patchy software. But it’s still worth your RO75 from amazon.com.

PIXEL PERFECT

EDITOR’S PICK

GOOGLE ISN’T NEW TO THE SMARTPHONE-MAKING WORLD. WITH OVER NINE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE UNDER THEIR BELTS, YOU’D EXPECT THEM TO BE LEADERS IN THE GAME. AFTER ALL, THEY’RE THE PROUD MAKERS OF ANDROID – THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR OPERATING SYSTEM. YET, THEIR LATEST TAKE ON A PHONE – THE PIXEL 4 – LEAVES US WITH ONE THAT’S AS UGLY AS SIN. THAT, HOWEVER, IS IN NO WAY A TESTAMENT TO THEIR INCOMPETENCE. IT HAS ALL THE MAKINGS OF A GREAT DEVICE THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR GIFT LIST. AND IF THE SNAPDRAGON 855 PROCESSOR AND 6GB OF RAM ISN’T ENOUGH TO BOWL YOU OVER, PERHAPS THE ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY (TO CAPTURE BITS OF THE COSMOS YOU CAN SEE) AND STUDIO PHOTO MODES CAN. THE DEVICE, WHICH COMES WITH 16- AND 12-MEGAPIXEL CAMERAS IN THE REAR AND AN 8-MEGAPIXEL ONE UPFRONT, HAS BEEN FLAUNTED AS THE MASTER OF NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY. COUPLE THAT WITH A HEFTY 2,800MAH BATTERY AND 90HZ, 5.7-INCH OLED PANEL PUSHING COLOURS AT 444PPI AND YOU’RE LEFT WITH AN IPHONE KILLER. BUY IT FROM AMAZON.AE FOR RO356.

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HEALTH

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Health

BEAUTY

Fa s h i o n

Home

Fa m i l y

Ward off WINTER As our beauty routines change with the season, Swati Basu Das helps stave off the effects of the cold weather with some top tips that won’t leave your skin high and dry

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e’re more than ready to bundle ourselves up with jumpers, jackets, and all manner of winter wardrobe trends to kill the chill now that December is officially upon us. Though, let’s be honest, if there’s one thing we love about this time of year, it’s that nothing feels cozier and more Insta-perfect than a warm blanket and a piping-hot cuppa while the mercury plummets outside.

But comfort takes a back seat when chapped lips, red noses, and rough, dehydrated flaky skin rear their ugly heads – causing our skincare routines to go haywire. Welcome to winter, indeed – the season that wreaks havoc on us from head-to-heels with cold breezes pulling the moisture from our skin, leaving it lackluster and, sometimes, even painfully dry.

But beating the winter blues when it comes to warding off seasonal skincare hazards can be as simple as a few simple, yet important, changes to your routine.

Stay hydrated

If you think summer is the only time to keep well-hydrated, think again. Our bodies need water no matter what the season and the winter months are no exception. As a glass of cold water or juice quenches summer thirst – so does a cup of hot chocolate in December.

But hot drinks aren’t what our bodies require to stay hydrated during these cold, dry months. Our water requirement actually goes up in winter to help regulate body temperature and boost our immune system to ward off unwanted colds and flu. It also does the double-duty of helping

to protect our skin from drying out and becoming chapped. Drinking lukewarm water, green tea, or eating greens such as celery or broccoli (rich in water content) can all help take care of our daily intake of hydration.

Eat the right amount of dietary fat

It’s not just the creams and nostrums we apply externally that matter when it comes to boosting our skin’s glow – eating right is the key to looking flawless year-round. Seasonal veggies and fruits have no alternatives when it comes to nourishing us from within. Avoid sugary, starchy foods and reduce your intake of caffeine and, instead, pack your diet with healthy fats. Nuts such as walnuts, pistachios, and pecans – and oily fish like salmon and sardines not only help regulate our metabolism and provide our bodies with adequate amounts of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals – they also help our skin stay clearer and more supple.

Invest in a heavy face cream

Winter is the time to pamper your skin with the right skincare products to keep it well-moisturized and improve elasticity. Choosing the right cream or moisturizer depends on your skin type – if you have dry skin, an oil-rich formula is the way go. But, if you’re prone to breakouts or have combination skin, it’s an oilfree variety you’re after.

Heavy ceramide creams such as Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream or good old petroleum jelly like Vaseline work wonders on

dehydrated, red, itchy skin. Adding a few drops of essential oil to your cream can help provide a protective barrier and seal in hydration further.

Breakout-prone skin needs oil-free hydration – and we love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion, and Facial Cream for the job; while ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream penetrates deep into the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without any greasiness for a silky finish.

Use a gentle cleanser

During the winter season it’s especially important to maintain a daily cleansing routine – as our bodies don’t tend to sweat as much during the cooler months, which help remove the skin’s impurities.

Keep your face the focus as it’s often the most exposed part of our bodies during the cold months. We recommend Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash for normal-to-oily skin – or, their Ultra Facial Cleanser which is suitable for all skin-types.

Limit hot water and exfoliation

Nothing feels cozier and more rejuvenating than a long, hot bath on a cold winter’s day.

Yet, they can, in fact, have an adverse effect on your skin as excessive use of hot water and harsh scrubbing or exfoliation can slough away the skin’s natural oils – causing it to dry out faster. So, if you’re partial to a long winter soak in the tub, try to use mildly warm water and consider adding a few drops of essential oils to maximize hydration.

Then, afterwards, slather on a generous amount of body lotion while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.

(All products mentioned available on Amazon) DEC 12 - 18 / ISSUE 597

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Health

Beauty

FESTIVE FROCKS

FASHION

This year, we’re taking our holiday festive wear very seriously with some of our favourite looks to bowl them over at the office ‘ugly sweater’ Christmas party!

(Though, we have to admit – these Yuletide-inspired jumpers are pretty stylish!)

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, 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

Business blazer on the top, party underneath? You bet! We love this Santa’s surprise of a woolen vest from H&M that’s the perfect bit of fashion fun for the fellas this holiday season. Buy it for RO9.6.

Take your ‘ugly sweater’ game up a notch and impress your colleagues over the punch bowl in this Rudolphinspired shift dress from Matalan that will have you looking as festive as a Christmas cracker. Price: RO3.4.

This gent’s jumper from M&S may just be classy enough to get away with outside the Christmas party confines, with its sooty grey knit the perfect backdrop for Santa’s sleigh and vibrant frosty fringe of forest.

Wear it for RO9.7.

We get it. It’s your first ‘ugly sweater’ festive party and you want to dip your toe in lightly. This Santa-red, pom-pom polka dot sweater from Max is the perfect starter pack item – on-point with the season without being so overthe-top kitsch. Snag it for RO4.3.

Glitz up your ensemble with some ornamental accessories to match the occasion – like these pair of dangly earrings from Aldo Accessories that will have you shining as bright as the star atop your Christmas tree. Rock ‘em for RO6.9.

Glam up your party attire by adding a little bit of ice to your wintry festive wardrobe. We love this shimmery, icicle-fringed bag from Bershka in particular. Make it yours for RO5.9.

Prefer to keep your Christmas cheer festively subtle? This navy-blue tie from M&S gets its sparkle with a string-of-lights pattern that will catch your eye. Knot it up for RO6.2.

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New Restaurant

Reviews

YUMMY MADE IN OMAN

Liquid

Local Omani olive oil continues to give the Sultanate’s market of Mediterranean imports a run for its money

GOLD

A traditional superfood native to the Mediterranean region, olives – both green and black – are powerhouses of health. Yet Swati Basu Das discovers that the pit doesn’t fall far from the tree as local groves producing world-class oil can be found right here in Oman 032

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Fresh Kale Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Sounds simple, right? Well, the saying § Add one tablespoon of the lemon juice and taste – adding that ‘less is more’ hits this delicious more if desired. Season with recipe right on the nose. Super-food salt to taste. kale meets super-food citrus in hearty, § Toss the seasoned kale with yet delicious salad made all the more the grated Parmesan and flavourful by pungent Parmesan and nutty-sweet lashings of Omani olive oil. transfer to a large serving bowl or platter. § Sprinkle the green with Ingredients: toasted nuts of your choice § 3 Tbsp extra-virgin Omani olive oil and serve.

(Ex: Minara) (Source: www.weolive.com) § 10 cups packed, torn kales leaves, stems removed § 2 Tbsp freshly- queezed lemon juice § 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese § 1 cup chopped, toasted nuts (almonds, pine nuts, pecans, or local Omani walnuts)

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onsidered a blessed fruit – ‘zaitoon’ (‘olive’ in Arabic) – has been used as a vital source of nourishment across cuisines and cultures since time immemorial and is best known for its medicinal properties – from the green olives of Cyprus, to the Kalamata varieties of Greece and the black Liguria of Italy.

Rich in beneficial fatty acids, and vitamins K and E, the golden nectar of their oil has claimed a wide range of health and beauty benefits since 4,000 BCE. From treating excessive dry or flaky skin, to providing an abundant source of healthy dietary fat, this versatile liquid super-food and its silky-smooth texture drizzle nutritional richness into everyday life.

Far away from their usual Mediterranean climate, the olive orchards found in Oman have adapted hardy varieties of plant adapted to the climatic conditions of the mountainous Jebel Al Akhdar region where they grow abundantly alongside local pomegranates, walnuts, and roses. The Sultanate’s second-highest yielding produce after the humble pomegranate, the cultivation of local olives is nothing short of a Sultanate success story.

Delicately harvested in the warm month of August, fresh ripe olives hand-picked with care so as to ensure they’re not overmatured, are cleaned, pitted, crushed, and ground into a paste in machines that pump out every last drop of this liquid gold.

High-quality local Omani olive oil smells entirely ‘green’, fresh, and nutty when processed within 24 hours of harvesting. It’s this pungency, combined with its ripe flavour, that are hallmarks of its purity.

A sumptuous ingredient in any dish, this local liquid sunshine is so much more than just a nutrient-packed flavour enhancer. It makes a perfect accompaniment with a hunk of fresh bread and balsamic, offers up a subtle depth of flavour when drizzled over pasta or tossed with salad greens. Here are a few tried-and-tested healthy recipes that will help you make the most of your sensory experience with this hero ingredient.

Method: § Place the olive oil in a large bowl and add the torn kale – using clean hands to work the olive oil into the kale leaves until the leaves are well-coated and tenderized.

Butterflied Chicken with Herbs and Cracked Olives Whether it’s a special occasion dish or an upgraded weeknight dinner you crave, this juicy chicken dinner owes its succulence to – you guessed it – an array of olive-y goodness. §

your counter. Combine garlic, Aleppostyle pepper, rosemary, and ¼ cup olive oil in a small bowl. Rub chickens all over with mixture and let sit until room temperature for one to two hours.

Prepare a grill for medium-high, indirect heat (for a charcoal grill, bank Ingredients: coals on one side of grill; for a gas § Two 3 ½ - 4-pound chickens, grill, leave one or two burners off). Set backbones removed chickens, skin side down, on grate over § Kosher salt and freshlyindirect heat. Cover grill, placing cover ground pepper, to taste vent (if your grill has one) over chickens § 6 garlic cloves, finely grated so it draws heat up and over them. Grill, § ¼ cup Aleppo-style pepper rotating chickens as needed so that they § ¼ cup finely chopped fresh colour evenly, until skins are lightly rosemary browned, 15–20 minutes. § ½ cup olive oil, divided § Turn chickens and continue to cook, § 1 cup local Omani green covered, until skins are deep golden olives, or Castelvetrano brown and crisp, and an instant-read variety, pitted and torn thermometer inserted into the thickest § ¼ cup fresh lemon juice part of breasts registers 160° Fahrenheit § ¼ cup oregano (71 Celsius), 20–25 minutes. Transfer § ½ cup chopped parsley, plus chickens to a cutting board and let rest leaves for serving at least ten minutes before carving. § Mix olives, lemon juice, oregano, Method: chopped parsley, the remaining ¼ cup § The night before you plan to of olive oil, and any accumulated juices grill the chickens, place them from the chickens on the cutting board on a work surface, breast in a medium bowl. Season with salt. side up, and open them up § To serve, arrange the carved chickens against the surface as much on a platter and top with olive mixture as possible. Using your and parsley leaves. (Source: www.bonappetit.com) palms, press firmly on the breastbone to flatten breast.

You may hear a crack. This means you’re doing it right.

Set chickens, breast side up, on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Chill, uncovered, at least eight hours and up to two days. § Remove chickens from refrigerator and set out on

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FOOD DRINK

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New Restaurant

REVIEWS

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Info Box

L’ETO CAFFÉ The Walk promenade, Al Mouj Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. till 12 midnight, daily Contact: (+968) 2454-6770 Lunch for two: RO28

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

Fresh, artisanal fare crafted with presentation in mind, in an upmarket ambience with service that’s aboveand-beyond.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

L’ETO CAFFÉ

AL MOUJ’S NEWEST UPSCALE CAFÉ IS SERVING UP MORE THAN JUST INSTA- allergens. And, thankfully, as their pico de gallo is WORTHY DESSERTS AND LATTÉ ART CREATIONS – BUT REAL, WHOLE FOOD made fresh – the garlic can easily be subbed out.

What arrives on the plate is a succulent THAT CATERS TO THOSE IN SEARCH OF HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES

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all it social media fatigue, but it took two weeks of failed attempts before we finally made it over to Al Mouj Muscat to sample the wares at its new L’Eto Caffé located along its popular promenade, The Walk.

Having open its doors only a month or two ago, this London import is still among a handful of ‘new kids’ on the block at the upscale Al Mouj development.

Already winning points on social media with its decadent Insta-worthy offerings, the place had already been gaining traction and buzz online. The last few times we passed by Al Mouj on a Thursday or Friday evening, L’Eto’s canopied outdoor terrace was always buzzing and the restaurant was full – packed with foodies seeking good food and the perfect Insta-pic.

As we entered on a quiet Wednesday morning during the National Day holidays, we quickly saw why the café is so popular with the social media set. Pick a word to describe L’Eto and we’d have to say ‘lush’. Flowers adorn the décor – everywhere from the centerpiece by the entrance and the pots on every table, to the ‘living’ canopy of flowers that hangs above L’Eto’s decadent pastry display case, where colourful, sweet creations of their own await those with an intrepid sweet tooth.

Grabbing a table near to the pastry counter we spot a vibrant green pistachio mille-feuille, towering frosted cupcakes and strawberry tarts, a saffron cake sprinkled with purple edible flowers, and more chocolate than we can fill ourselves up with.

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It’s still fairly busy for brunch-time on a mid-week holiday, yet the service is friendly, fast, and attentive.

We’re quickly seated, and our drinks order taken while we peruse the menu. Offering up an eggy array of breakfast classics, healthy smoothies and bowls, scrummy salads, and indulgent mains – from pasta, burgers, and lamb chops – there sure to be something on the menu here that fits the bill for all foodies.

This was the first time this writer had ventured eating out after discovering that I had some pretty serious food allergies and intolerances – from wheat, dairy, eggs, and garlic, to ginger, curry, and rapeseed oil. I knew I was going to be one of ‘those’ customers – ordering something on the menu and then asking for it to have ‘X,Y and Z’ ingredients cut out…every chef ’s nightmare.

I felt self-conscious and an inconvenience to the staff – but they couldn’t have handled my dietary restrictions with more care and exemplary service.

Already L’Eto offers alternatives to those with allergies – there are gluten-free items and almond or coconut milk substitutes are readily available.

I ordered up a blueberry acai smoothie with coconut milk while my companion ordered up a classic strawberry milkshake. For our mains I was hungry and wanted something substantial but wasn’t sure what to order. Their menu has a handy little guide for the social media-inclined, with small Instagram logos beside those items deemed especially photogenic.

I’ve got my eye set on their Cali Burger with a side of sweet potato fries – minus the bun and eliminating any garlic in the pico de gallo that comes with it.

When I inform the waiter of my allergies, they immediately spring into action crossing-checking with the kitchen to make sure that my food will contain no

deconstructed Cali Burger with a juicy wellseasoned patty, topped with fresh avocado, piquant pico de gallo, with a side of rocket and pomegranate salad and a charred cob of corn. All utterly delicious, Insta-worthy – and safe to eat.

My companion orders up a portion of their egg white omelette with a side of smashed avocado on rye toast with basil and light green salad. Simple food made flavourful with the freshness of the ingredients. There’s ketchup on the table – but we don’t need it. The flavours speak for themselves without the need to mask them in lashings of tomato sauce.

Even the sweet potato fries aren’t oily and have clearly been prepared in a healthier fashion using an air-fryer. Delicately crisp on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, they don’t last long. We wash our meals down with our vibrantly hued bevvies. My blueberry smoothie is a gorgeous purple and topped with toasted flakes of coconut and green pistachio crumble, while my companion’s strawberry shake is reminiscent of a classic soda shoppe float completed with candystriped (paper) straw.

But the most standout part of our experience at L’Eto that speaks to its level of customer service – which in our case was above and beyond, is when the restaurant manager came to our table having been informed of my allergies and offered to prepare me a portion of housemade bread using rice flour made-toorder on the spot.

It’s this attention to care and detail separates the good from the great in any sector of industry. L’Eto Caffé is a case-inpoint example. ■ 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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