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Your top guide to the best of Oman, every week
JAN 30 – FEB 05 • ISSUE 255 • WEEKLY
Solitary
Splendour Exploring Oman’s most reclusive village
PLUS!
News
muscat festival
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EDITOR’S
NOTE
TREND BAROMETER Welcome to the new look Y Tabloid- your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer. WHAT’S HOT With the imminent arrival of A-list stars Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif in Muscat, expect all things bling and Bollywood to be hotter than a Tandoor oven in February. We’ve already started our sari shopping and Hindi lessons. This is the year to find your perfect match – but we’re thinking less Brad Pitt and more established entrepreneur – as 2013 is set to be all about the business mentor in Muscat. WHAT’S NOT Gone is the grey grubbiness of 50 Shades and in is the rise of historical fiction, starting with Hilary Mantel. V-Day. The most romantic day of the year is fast looming and with it wilting roses and fullyexcestrunt, booked restaurants. Love Andis nusanis should never cometessinus with a price autem dolupta es et tag. fugiam il everi ommos sequodipsum quunt, siti andusci psamus, corrore rspienis ulpar
THIS WEEK…
Team Y has been tweeting about SMEs, Cat que velit ut laborum int self gifting insedi preparation of Valentine’s que discovering nest, aut veratur, torum Day and the best places 0971 1234 to party in Muscat. But5678 alas! We spent most, if not all, of our weekend in the office. Thank heavens for amazing sea views we say. At Team Y we love our animals, which is why we couldn’t say no when a reader contacted asking if we could help find a home for these little cuties. The pups haven’t had the greatest start in life after their mother was killed and they were found, scared and unwell, on a beach in Seeb. Luckily, things are now on the up after a dog lover rescued the furry brother and sister. They are now approximately eight-ten weeks old and are looking for their FURever home. These perfect pooches (the girl has the black nose) have been wormed and treated for fleas and ticks. They can be rehomed together or separately. If you would like to make one of those adorable doggies your new best friend, contact 94087835.
Fast forward O
ne way to get the most out of life is to look on at it as an adventure. Travel and the unearthing of new sights, sounds and tastes are an integral part of the process. But you don’t have to be a jet setter to find hidden gems – they can be found on your doorstep. That’s why I was blown away by the discovery of Kumzar. Located in the far north of the Musandam peninsula, this 500-year-old village oozes rustic charm. Images of women wearing burqas and fishermen surrounded by looming walls of rock seduce the eye, making us grateful for the societal preservation that comes with isolation. There are no ubiquitous coffee houses here – thank heavens!
Penny Fray
editor@y-oman.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eihab Abutaha CONTRIBUTOR Kate Ginn, Joe Gill, Tariq al Haremi
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JAN 30 – FEB 05 / ISSUE 255
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contents JANUARY 30 2013
Features 18 Kumzar A Forgotten Village 22 SME’s Making It Big
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24 Marine Life A Scientist’s View
Your Oman 06 The Big Interview Omani Manga 08 Voice of Oman Readers’ Letters 12 News Khan Comes To Town
Food & Drink 28 Restaurant Reviews Wasabi Sushi Candle Café 31 Gallery Oman Youth Rally
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This Week 13 Movies Listing Django Unchained 14 This Week V-Day Quiz Show 16 Gallery Omani Artists
14 Health & Beauty 32 Fashion Pretty Pastels 34 Shop of the Week Home Centre 35 Tried & Tested Pedicures 36 Health Sugar Addiction
24 Cars & Outdoors 38 Outdoors Peddle Power 40 Destination Bidiyah Museum 42 My Hood Madinat Alam 44 Y-Fi Coffee Makers 46 Car of the Week BMW Pearl
44 NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE...
BOLLYWOOD SPECIAL Laughter YOGA Sari Sari Nights Curry craze
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YOUR
News
Gallery
INTERVIEW
OMAN
OMANI
MANGA
Words: Tariq Al Haremi Photo: Raya Al Maskary
Raya Al Maskary, young artist Tell us briefly how you became interested in art? My childhood was spent in Turkey. I began drawing at the age of three. My parents supported me fully and encouraged me to keep going with art to the extent that my father introduced me to an Iraqi calligrapher, who gave me the push I needed to become who I am right now. Later we moved to Tunisia where I was introduced to a tutor at the University of Art, Layla Al Ellagy, who taught me the academic method of composition. After moving to Oman, I took a year’s break from my studies and joined the Society of Fine Arts, where Mr. Abdulhamid Al Zubaidi, another Iraqi, gave me the final encouragement to make me who I am today. Where has your art been shown? Have you won any awards? I won first place in the Virginia Commonwealth Art Competition at Qatar University in 2005 but before that I won a prize for my art at school. I joined the Oman Art Festival in 2010 and later I joined the Annual Youth Exhibition and the Calligraphy in Alphabetical Abstraction Exhibition. In 2012, I joined the first Muscat Art Symposium that was organized by the artist Nadra Mahmoud and the Ministry of Tourism. Do you sell your work? I have sold a few of my artworks and have a few clients that I deal with. How would you describe your work? My art is a mixture of everything. I try to experiment as much as I can with different techniques and artistic styles. Starting from the Japanese comic (Manga), graffiti, realism, abstract and Pop Art, I learned all those artistic techniques then blended them together and eventually broke all the rules to create my own type of art. It is art of my own world and imagination. What are you trying to portray with your paintings? Art is not a matter of pigment on flat surfaces or materials that are carved on rocks, it’s a dimension brought to you from an artist’s world. What I draw depicts what is in my world as an artist. I believe that every artist or rather each and every one of us is an ingredient of his own recipe. To which type of audience is your art aimed at? To all audiences, but I have to say mainly the youth because they are more tolerant of my artistic style. Are you currently working on a new project? I’m trying to write a story at the moment, hoping it will turn into a graphic novel. It is a fairy tale, which incorporates the Omani lifestyle. Writing the story is simple but transforming it into an Omani-style manga graphic novel will be a challenge. To see Raya’s work visit Y’s Facebook page
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RAYA’s Philosophy 1. Fear is an obstacle to success 2. Your mistake becomes the focal point, so try and make it beautiful 3. Never give up hope and do whatever is in your mind as long as you know it’s right. Never be afraid to share your talent.
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The Voice of Oman
Man about town Nadim Attieh discusses why minding your Ps & Qs really matters
correspondence A fighter for children
Winner! Reply of the Week
Dear Editor,
I
t’s interesting how many people go about their daily lives without the faintest idea of how to treat others – particularly strangers. It seems that the insularity of modern life has sent basic manners packing. And yet, three magic words can make such a difference in strengthening societal bonds. These are ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’. I think it’s time to reintroduce them into our vocabulary: Thank you: Not a day goes by without us taking favours. So, when they come our way, we must remember to express gratitude. It’ll make others more willing to help us next time. Please: We often take things for granted and order other people to do things for us, rather than politely requesting them to oblige. Just adding a simple and sweet ‘please’, could completely change their attitude towards us. Sorry: It can be easy to make a mistake but difficult to accept and apologise for it. But saying ‘sorry’ isn’t a disgrace. On the contrary, it puts you in a more respectable position. These three words may be small but they can have a big impact and none of us are too important to say them. By uttering these magic words, we can improve communication, make people happier and change the way others respond to our actions. So, why not say them? Basically, it’s mainly down to ego. I guess we need a sign saying: Caution – slippery when wet – our ego has spilled all over the floor. Next week: RUMAITHA AL BUSAIDI RETURNS FROM HER TRAVELS
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The article ‘Finding the right words’ (Issue 254) was an encouraging read. It emphasized that, as a mother and an educational psychologist, Dr. Kawthar Hameed Abdullah Al Balushi very well apprehends the psychology of children and teenagers with special needs. What disappointed me most was that the concerns of parents of children having this shortfall have not been given their due importance and priority in society. There should be a mechanism to monitor this with appropriate remedial steps – to start with counseling to both children and parents right from the very beginning. The critical aspect, however, is to foster a teaching community that recognises and values the need for delivering a special education scheme for children with special needs. I am confident that people like Dr. Al Balushi will be able to help promote this concept. I admire her dedication and wish her all the very best. Best regards, Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi
A different perspective Dear Editor, I am amazed and annoyed how people think so little about the environment and the neighbourhood where they live or work. On many of my walks round where I live I put rubbish bags in the governmentprovided bins, which are never full but where people tip their rubbish out of wheelbarrows and dump at the side, just because they can’t be bothered to lift the bag into the bins. I also notice that when people arrive at their homes, or any other destination to be honest, they empty their cars of tissues and fast food bags, cans, and anything else they don’t want in their cars, and can’t be bothered to walk to a bin or take their rubbish home and dispose of it there. I questioned a bus driver one day who I watched throw out empty bottles and rubbish while he was parked outside a hotel at the end of a trip as to why he wanted to
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litter his country and make so much mess for someone else to come and clean up after him. He then got out of the bus and picked up all the rubbish and I hope put it in a bin later. Just go to the top of the Carrefour’s car parks and see the rubbish offloaded out of cars after a fast-food takeaway. We do need more rubbish bins to be honest in these areas but why do people have such bad habits? We are lucky that there are men trawling the streets from 7am till late at night picking up after people, but if these men weren’t doing that job, would people still chuck their rubbish on the ground or throw it out of their cars as they go on their journeys? Yvonne Medhurst Muscat
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SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ ytabloid / http://www.facebook.com/ ytabloid. Impress us and we’ll send the winning correspondent a RO20 voucher to use at the Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat.
JAN 30 – FEB 05 / ISSUE 255
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YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US
Debate of the Week We asked:
With increasing numbers of expatriates working in Oman, what can be done to make Omanisation in the private sector a success? Rishikesh Chidhambaranathan Awareness only. Education increases the chances of finding channels to get a job. Ako Si Jomz Accept it please - Omanis don’t work as much as expatriates, and they demand too much salary. Arshi Sarfaraz I think private companies should offer more job security with high salaries.
LETTERS
E-MAILS
Plight of the dolphins Dear Y, It is sad to know that the so-called human beings of today are mercilessly slaughtering innocent animals just to fulfil their mercenary tendencies (Fin Shock, Issue 254). A documentary called The Alcove clearly shows how dolphins are wrangled and trapped by fisherman. The documentary was shot in Taiji, Japan, where the dolphins are slaughtered and used for various medicinal and culinary purposes. Poachers use powders from dolphins and other sea animals in medicines and even in cosmetics like face packs and body scrubs. Another shocking fact is that dolphin meat is
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FA C E B O O K
tinned and sent to schools in Japan for midday meals and school canteens. The students – absolutely oblivious of the truth – end up eating the food served and many fall sick due to stomach ailments. Dolphin meat contains high levels of mercury, which can be fatal to humans if consumed. The screeching and troubled cries of the dolphins as they are being butchered are heart-rending. When we buy tinned tuna we must check the label to see whether it has a “Dolphin Safe” mark. Likewise with cosmetics we must check that animals are not harmed. By taking these simple actions we can save many precious aquatic creatures from a cruel end. Best regards, Adeeba Suman Siddiq
ARPITAA BIJU was spotted with a copy of Y Tabloid at Wadi Kabir
Mahitha Roy I think more job-oriented schooling can help Omanis in their future. But I insist on giving due consideration to expat workers because of their hard word. Omani or expat - whoever it is - once they are in a job in this country they all work for the same thing: the development of Oman Poyal Don To develop Omanisation we would have to improve conditions in the private sector with good salaries. Vijayalakshmi Shetty Work is work. So why differentiate between Omani and expatriate. You pay the salary to an expatriate then pay the same to an Omani. So the government should encourage its people to work in the private sector too and not just look into working in the government sector.
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This Week’s Debate: Is Muscat Festival always the same year after year? Tell us on Facebook.
Just send us your picture with the free Y magazine or pose with our photographer and we will publish it on this page. Send it to: info@y-oman.com
JAN 30 – FEB 05 / ISSUE 255
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NEWS
Take a deep breath and say .om Oman’s online world is undergoing a quiet revolution, reports Joe Gill
F
or the native English speaker it is hard to imagine that for the majority of people worldwide, using the Internet means jumping into an unfamiliar world of foreign words. That’s how it feels for Arabic speakers who are not fluent in written English every time they go online. Although there are 340 million Arabic speakers in the world, only 2 per cent of the content on the World Wide Web is currently in Arabic. Many Arab users prefer to use Arabic keywords when looking for local products and services, suggesting there is a golden opportunity for businesses and marketers in tailoring their online presence in the local Arabic language. Oman, like many countries in the region, has seen rapid growth in Internet use in recent years. According to TRA data for 2012, household Internet penetration was just shy of 30 per cent last year, while mobile broadband penetration was almost 60 per cent. Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the government body that supervises web provision in the country, has been addressing this issue as part of its .om project, by rolling out both the Arabic . and .om domains to businesses and consumers. “Arabic is one of the major languages outside Latin, which include Chinese, Turkish and Persian, that is available for international domain name registration,” explains Hilal Siyabi, media and consumer affairs manager at the TRA. “Oman is not the first country to [introduce Arabic domains] but we are among the lead countries approved by ICANN [the international non-profit body that governs domain names] to use Arabic.” While companies in Oman previously had to use international domains such as .com, the TRA last year began the process of selecting new registrars to administer domain registrations for the .om and Arabic domains. “Our goal is to increase Internet use by nonEnglish speakers and also to help small and medium enterprises to reach more customers,” says Siyabi. The TRA announced in the new year that the first authorised domain registrars were Oman Tel, Nawras and Gulf CyberTech E-Solutions. The cost of registering domains is around RO30 per year. Mithesh Chandran, Gulf CyberTech’s manager of operations, says: “We started doing registrations two months ago and we have already had a lot of .om’s being registered. Clearly there is quite a bit of hesitance to take up Arabic domains - it’s only the major corporates that are doing this.” So-called country code top-level domains for different categories of organisation include .gov.om, .org.om .com. om, .net.om and .edu.om. Governmental bodies and
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Gallery
Interview
commercial companies in the Sultanate may directly register their websites under the domain names (.om) and [ . ]. “We have already started promoting the new domains on Facebook and in newspaper advertising,” says Chandran. Gulf CyberTech are developing a portal so that companies and organisations can simply register a domain online directly with a credit card. TRA regulations mean that not simply anyone can buy up a company name. If someone buys the domain from a known brand they will be open to challenge and if successful, the domain will be returned to the registered owner of the brand. “You can’t register a family name. Even if you have a company name that is a family name, you cannot register it,” explains Chandran. Siyabi says that by adding Arabic domains, companies can help improve their brand awareness among Arabic-only speakers. Some websites already have content in both languages and by adding an Arabic domain they will increase the value of their “intangible assets,” explains Siyabi. The benefits are not simply commercial. “First of all registering a .om shows your national pride and links you to the country,” says Siyabi. “It will highlight your local presence in Oman so someone inside or outside will immediately know you are an established, accredited company here. “One of the beautiful things about .om is that it is very close to .com, its phrenology is very similar.” By removing only one letter from an organisation’s URL, it suddenly becomes Omani rather than just another .com. “We want everyone to realise how important this is for the country,” says Siyabi. “This is a golden opportunity for companies to establish their brand names as 100 per cent Omani.”
Web Wonders Y set to launch a new look website as a Valentine’s gift to readers.
Here at Y Towers, we love what we do and curiosity is our driver. That’s why we relentlessly seek out what’s new, informative and interesting. We deliver views, news and weekly inspiration on everything from food to fashion and gadgets to travel. But now, dear reader, you can count on us for more. On February 13, we will be launching our new look website with all the techy trimmings. Expect instant access to the latest copy of Y, news alerts, exclusive extras and much, much more. Don’t forget to bookmark www.y-oman.com on Valentine’s Eve. It’s our love gift to you.
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to advertise e-mail: advertise@y-oman.com • for digital edition go to: www.y-oman.com
THE WAIT IS OVER The wait is almost over. Showtime is about to begin. Later this afternoon (Weds), the curtain rises on the Muscat Festival and the city prepares to welcome hundreds of visitors. The culmination of months of planning and behind-thescenes work will see areas of Muscat transformed into vibrant entertainment venues. With Amerat Public Park stepping into the spotlight as the main event site this year, the Festival promises another exciting mix of some old favourites with a few newcomers thrown in. Highlights such as the Oman Heritage & Culture Village and daily laser shows are back and will be joined this year by the Muscat Art Week, with Omani and international artists showcasing work at exhibitions and workshops. A first for Muscat will be the Architects of Air, giant inflatable walk-in sculptures for the ultimate sensory experience. The festivities, organised by Muscat Municipality, also include the Tour of Oman, an exciting sixstage bicycle race from February 11-16, before the Festival concludes on February 28 with what should be a spectacular finish. Here Y outlines the main venues and the attractions you can look forward to over the next four weeks of fun: Times are 4pm–11pm weekdays and 4pm–12am weekends unless otherwise stated. VENUE: Amerat Public Park DATES: January 30 – February 28 OPENING HOURS: 4pm–11pm weekdays 4pm–12am weekends EVENTS/ATTRACTIONS: Oman Heritage & Culture Village January 30 – February 28 International Festival for Arts, Heritage & Creativity February 1–23 Muscat International Folklore Festival February 19 – 28 (7pm–9pm weekdays and 7pm–10pm weekends) Entertainment Shows January 30 – February 28 Pyrotechnics/Fireworks/Laser Shows January 30 – February 28 Carnivals; January 30 – February 28 International Circus January 30 – February 28 Food Court January 30 – February 28 ENTRANCE FEE: Free
The Royal Opera House Muscat will be taking part in the Bawshar festivities exclusively for the Muscat Festival. February 7 – February 28 (4.30pm–10.30pm weekdays and 4.30pm–11.30pm weekends) Muscat Art Festival Theme – ‘The Creative Process’ February 2 – February 28 Various venues
VENUE: Al Naseem Public Park/Gardens DATES: January 30 – February 28 OPENING HOURS: 4pm – 11pm weekdays 4pm – 12am weekends EVENTS/ATTRACTIONS: International Shopping Fair January 30 – February 28 Electronic Entertainment City January 30 – February 28 Magic Shows January 30 – February 28 Acrobatics January 30 – February 28 Folk Dances January 30 – February 28 Pyrotechnics/Fireworks/Laser Shows January 30 – February 28 (8pm – 9pm Weekdays and 8pm – 10pm Weekends) Cartoon Characters January 30 – February 28 Live Concerts – Omani Singers Food Courts January 30 – February 28 ENTRANCE FEE: Adults – 200 Baizas Children (under 12 years) – 100 Baisa
VENUE: Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Bawshar DATES: February 7 – February 28 OPENING HOURS: 5pm – 11pm Weekdays 5pm – 11.30pm Weekends EVENTS/ATTRACTIONS: Oman Food Festival February 7 – February 28 (Dine In 7pm–10.30pm, Takeaway 5pm–10.30pm) Architects of Air February 7 – February 21 4pm–10.30pm weekdays and 4.30pm–11.30pm, weekends. Entrance fee: Adults – 200 Baisa and Children U12 – 100 Baisa. Muscat International Folklore Festival February 19 – 28 6.30pm–9.30pm. ENTRANCE FEE: Free (except Architects of Air)
Tour of Oman February 11 – February 16 Six stages, 875km and 128 of the world’s best cyclists For more information: Muscat Festival: www.muscat-festival.com Tour of Oman: www.tourofoman.com Royal Opera House Muscat: www.roh.org.om Muscat Municipality: www.mm.gov.om Ministry of Tourism: www.omantourism.gov.om
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Gallery
Interview
Image from Jat Tak Hai Jaan
NEWS
KING KHAN IS COMING Get ready to welcome Bollywood heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan and his leading lady Katrina Kaif
Words: Kate Ginn
They were rumored to be coming to Oman to perform last year but, to the disappointment of thousands of fans, it never happened. Now it has been confirmed that the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, and Katrina Kaif will be sharing the stage at an exclusive event in Muscat, the first time the two stars will perform together live. Fittingly, the man dubbed the ‘King of Romance’ is scheduled to appear on the eve of Valentine’s Day. It’s enough to make his most ardent fans swoon with anticipation. And Khan sent out a personal message to his fans: “Come and see me. “We are coming to Oman and are really looking forward to seeing everyone there,” he said in a video message with his co-performer. More than 25,000 people are expected to snap up what will be the hottest tickets in town for years. The venue for the event, called ‘Temptations Reloaded’, has yet to be confirmed
with several possible options being looked at in the city. Actors Preity Zinta and Ali Zafar are also expected to participate in the show. Event management company, Light & Shadow, based in Oman, is behind the February 13 event. “This event has been long due and we assure Oman it’s going to be by far the best they have yet seen,” said Rajeev Chowdhardy, Light & Shadow’s managing director. It is believed the idea of holding the event close to Valentine’s Day was to capitalise on Khan and Kaif ’s strong romantic image in the eyes of the public. They were recently cast together in the late Yash Chopra’s love epic, Jat Tak Hai Jaan. Still at the top of the Bollywood star tree and hugely popular in Asia and the Middle East, Khan’s stage shows have been sell-outs in almost every country in the region. In December, he wowed crowds at the ‘Temptations Reloaded 2012’ event in Jakarta,
CALLING ALL BEACH BECKHAMS Cash prizes to be won
It might often be nothing more than an impromptu knockabout on the sand but beach football is about to turn serious in a battle to be the best. Hundreds of beach footballers will descend on the pristine beaches of Shatti al Qurum next weekend (February 7 and 8) to show off their skills in the second Nawras Beach Football Tournament. Over the two days, 64 teams will face off in a knockout competition with the top three teams and highest scoring player taking home prize money totaling RO2,900. Taking place on the beach next to the InterContinental Muscat Hotel, the event will be covered by Oman TV, who will be broadcasting live from pitchside. The Ministry of Sports Affairs will provide referees and Nawras will kit out the teams. “The sandy beach provides an ideal setting for the thrilling action and in addition to the action on the pitch, there will be competitions and giveaways for spectators to 012
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Indonesia, when he arrived on stage astride a motorcycle. Rumours that he would appear at last year’s Muscat Festival with Kaif came to nothing. Khan, 47, informally referred to as SRK, has appeared in more than 75 films and is said to have a fan following in the billions. Earlier this week, he topped the inaugural Forbes India Celebrity 100 list with estimated earnings of RO14.5 million between October 2011 and September 2012, thanks to massive brand endorsements. Katrina Kaif also made the top 10. Kaif, 28, who was born in Hong Kong to an Indian Kashmiri father and British mother, is an actress and model. She began her modeling career at the age of 14 and made her acting debut in 2003. Despite mixed reviews from critics about her acting prowess, Kaif has enjoyed huge commercial success.
enjoy as well as entertainment on the day,” said Anwar Salim al Habsi, Nawras events and sponsorship specialist. “This is going to be a fun weekend for everyone, whether they take part themselves or simply soak up the atmosphere.” Registration will take place this Sunday (3) and is open to players aged 16 years and above. Team captains can enter their team name and list of players at a dedicated booth outside the new Nawras flagship store at Muscat Grand Mall. Each team can name up to seven players – five players including the goalkeeper and two substitutes. The winning team who dribble and tackle their way to glory will take the RO1,200 prize. Hot shots will be rewarded with an individual prize of RO200 for the highestscoring player of the tournament. Teams are invited to call 9407 8180 for more information.
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THIS WEEK
MOVIES MOVIES THIS WEEK’S MOVIES For more information and times, go to: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
Django Unchained Tarantino is back on top form with this brilliant and outrageous revenge western set in the Deep South two years before the American Civil War. Jamie Foxx stars as Django, a slave who is rescued from Texan slavers by an erudite German bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christopher Waltz). They form a partnership hunting down wanted criminals, and then hatch a plot to free Django’s wife, separated from him by former owners and sold down in Mississippi. This means entering the vicious world of Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), a dandyish and sadistic plantation owner, under a not very convincing ruse about acquiring one of his fighting slaves. Inevitably they come a cropper thanks to devious and loyal house slave Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson). From the opening credits we are immediately in a world soaked in Technicolor with a soaring
Sixties-era soundtrack and longing shots of men of horseback crossing breathtaking scenery. The original Django was a Spaghetti western starring Franco Nero, who makes a brief cameo. The director’s love of this genre is apparent everywhere, but he adds Tarantinostyle dialogue (Ku Klux Klan members complaining about their hoods) and a wicked score, jumping from country classics to hip hop. Amid gruesome portrayals of the cruelty of slavery, the script is pure black comedy, while the action moves swiftly, except toward the inevitable splatter-fest finale. Some might find it a ‘tad’ long (to use Schultz’s favourite word), almost as if Tarantino just doesn’t want it to end. But this has so much that is joyous, monstrous and irreverent that you have to forgive it and luxuriate in a director giving everything he’s got.
Matru Ki Bijli ka Mandola The Mandola village is bullied by a ruffian with a bushy mustache and a big gun, who craves the rewards of capitalism because, as a villain, there is no such thing as too much money. Directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, this should be a fine romp, but rather like Mandola’s alcoholism, it deviates when the director gets too full of himself. His aesthetic talent is on show, but he
Anthony Hopkins plays the great British film director and Helen Mirren his long-suffering wife Alma. The biopic focuses on the year when ‘Hitch’ made his most infamous movie, Psycho, with its unforgettable shower scene, while everyone including the studio was against the project. This is not quite as riveting as it should be even though the leads, especially Mirren, do their best to convince as the real-life couple.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK Deadfall
The Guilt Trip
Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters The classic fairy tale of getting lost in the woods is given a modern makeover. A grownup Hansel and Gretel are on a revenge trip against the people who ruined their childhood. It’s a new twist to an old tale, but ultimately it’s predictable Hollywood stuff. Still Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner have some fun in leathers.
Standing Ovation If you liked High School Musical, Standing Ovation is a blatant attempt to draw you back into the cinema. Five Atlantic City junior high students form a dance troupe to compete for a million-dollar prize in a national television music-video contest. Inferior imitation of the original.
Y’s TOP TWO Warm Bodies 1
Girl meets zombie love story that aims to do for flesh-eater flicks what Twilight did for vampires. It’s a post-apocalyptic world in which R, a callow indie kid zombie who looks a bit like Robert Pattinson of Twilight, rescues Julie (played by Teresa Palmer) from a zombie attack. Gradually R becomes increasingly human and they form a special relationship. If you like the young adult genre, take a bite.
PREVIEW Hitchcock
should re-learn the craft of story editing. The plot drags and only submerges his manufactured characters.
Gangster Squad
Sean Penn is a mob boss in 1949 Los Angeles, making a pile from drugs, guns, prostitutes and, if he can pull it off, all the betting west of Chicago. He has the protection of politicians and cops but not two LAPD outsiders, Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling, who are out to take him down. Violent, with a big cast but this isn’t LA Confidential.
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T H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E
Gallery
Movies
MR & MRS – LIVE QUIZ
January
30
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
Video gamers rejoice - this week marks the release of one of Nintendo’s biggest action adventures in book form. This amazing-looking tome is crammed full of information about the history of Zelda, the games
as well as interviews from the team behind the cult concept. There’s even an exclusive comic by the main creator of The Legend of Zelda manga – Akira Himekawa. Available from Amazon today.
The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said that it’s not a lack of love but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages. We’re adding fun and understanding to that list and inviting couples to Y Tabloid’s cool quiz show – ‘Y We’re Soul Mates’. The live event will take place at Muscat City Centre on Valentine’s Day. Both contestants and audiences will win some amazing prizes. If you want to show a loved one how well you know them and be rewarded for your knowledge, tell us why you should become a contestant at valentine@y-oman.com by February 5.
HAPPY NEW YEAR – CHINESE STYLE
THIS
WEEK
What to do. What to see. What to hear.
JA N 3 0 - F EB 0 5
Cheers to the new year and another chance to get it right. No, we’re not going mad. Fire up the crackers because February 10 marks the start of the Chinese New Year. It’s an important festival celebrated throughout the world with gifts, dancing and fabulous food. We love it because it gives us a chance to re-start our resolutions, which is just as well because 2013 is the Year of the Snake, which is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary.
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LIFE’S A BEACH
FEBRUARY
It will certainly be a fun day out at Shatti beach for the Australia New Zealand Muscat Mini Junior Surf Carnival on Friday morning. There’s everything for seven-to-11-year olds including beach cricket, relay races, something called ‘Boogie Board Paddle’, a sandcastle competition and, of course, a monster tug of war. Run-swim-run races will be held for all ages. Starts 8.30am and ends at 11am. Email anzioman@gmail.com for details. RO5 per child.
February
SPORTING CHANCE
As Oman seeks to take its place in the world of sports by encouraging a new generation of Omani sportsmen and women, The Ministry of Sports Affairs is hosting the Oman Sports Exhibition and Conference, a chance for international and Omani sports professionals and companies to come together. Exhibitors and partners at the event include global sports brands, professional clubs, sports associations, governing bodies, media companies, merchandise manufacturers and suppliers at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.
04-06
A treat of world-class Arabic singing is in store at the Royal Opera House this week. Celebrated Egyptian singer Ghada Ragab will be performing duets with award-winning Jordanian vocalist Ayman Taysir. Ragab is much
loved for her powerful voice and electrifying performances. She and Tasir will perform popular classics from the catalogues of Mohammed Abdul Wahab, Mohammed Fowzi and Fareed Atrash. Expect to be enthralled.
Festival Fare
If you want to sample some delicious traditional Omani specialities, Grand Hyatt Muscat is offering hot and cold dishes as well as sweets and desserts in the Mokha Café’s food courtyard, every evening during Muscat Festival from 30 January to the end of February.
1/27/13 2:50 PM
DUNE DISTRACTION February
After taking 56 children on the last Family Fun Desert Crossing, The Guide Oman is planning its next family event for February 6-8. This one includes loads of activities for children and mums, including face painting, henna ladies and, why not, cartoon characters going crazy on the dunes. Children under six years old are free, adults and over-12s RO40 and children aged 6-11 years RO20. For info email rmayston@theguideoman.com
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06-08
What Jim Knows
January
NIGHT OF ARABIC CLASSICS
Sunday
03
If you want to know which way the economic wind is blowing, there are few experts more sought after than Jim Rogers, the investment guru and author of Adventure Capitalist. Rogers, the co-founder of Quantum Fund with George Soros and creator of the Rogers International Commodities Index, is in Muscat for a rare visit to share his insights on the state of the world economy at the Treasury & Capital Markets Conference at Bank Muscat head office. Rogers will take a question and answer session with senior Omani business and government figures, and an audience of young Omanis.
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THIS WEEK
The What’s On Guide
Movies
GALLERY
Photographed by: Jerzy Wierzbicki
PechaKucha
Young OMani artists talk about their work at the grand mall The artists who presented work last Tuesday
Marwa Al Bahrani’s sketch book art (above, below left and centre)
Abdullah Al Zubair’s photo and graphic art (left, centre and above)
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umzar
THE people that the WORLD FORGOT Words and photos by Razan Alzayani
O
Village of
n the uppermost tip of the spectacular Musandam peninsula lies Kumzar, the most northerly inhabited village in Oman. Isolated and only accessible by boat, Kumzar retains its own unique language and way of living. An Omani enclave overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, it is separated from the rest of the country by the UAE. Kumzar has been inhabited for approximately 500 years and villagers speak a local dialect, believed to be a mixture of Arabic and the only Iranian language native to the Arabian Peninsula. Kumzaris practice Islam and have traditional folk values. Hemmed in by towering brown cliffs, which appear to be almost falling into the sea, the village is reliant on the water. Fishing is the dominant source of income, tuna and sardines being the major catch. In the summer, the extreme heat makes the village almost uninhabitable. Life is rustic and simple, far removed from the fast pace of modern life, which carries on only a few hours away in the sprawling cities. Only a tinge of the 21st century has encroached on the Kumzari way of life. In the main, things carry on as they have always done. Photojournalist Razan Alzayani made the trip to Kumzar to record the unique way of life.
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It is only a few hours from Dubai but this remote village preserves a way of life that was common across the Gulf more than half a century ago
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O
ur little fishing boat turned a corner and the village of Kumzar revealed itself to us in the most cinematic manner. Only a few hours from Dubai’s metropolis and I was approaching a tiny village hugged by mountains and peppered by modest blue fishing boats anchored along the bay. Hundreds of small fluttering Omani flags hung from red ropes that, when I squinted, created red, green and white lines that connected the rooftops to one another. What struck me as I began to walk around was the oddity of knowing I was in Oman yet hearing a language spoken around me that wasn’t Arabic. I had never heard anything like it and found it difficult to isolate the Arabic words in their sentences. But the locals were quick to welcome us and spoke to us proudly of their heritage and unique language. Although almost all residents in the village have access to Internet and satellite television, it does not have paved roads and most Kumzaris seemed to prefer to relax by the water or outside their homes and socialise
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with their neighbours in their free time. The children had also made toys and instruments created out of leftover scraps of wood or buckets – tangible testaments that this is not a PlayStation generation. Having partially grown up in the Gulf, my aim was to capture that nostalgic 1950s Arabian Gulf era that I personally felt still existed in the village. More importantly, as a photographer and observer of cultures, I truly cherished the trust and accessibility the Kumzari women unquestionably gave me, knowing that they would probably never see the photos unless I made the long journey back there to show them.
Razan Alzayani is a staff photographer for The National based in the UAE. The photos were first published on The NationalView blog, http://blogs.thenational.ae/ photography/national-view
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Making it
BIG Making a small business blossom can be quite a challenge. Here are some accounts of how to survive and thrive in Oman
Words: Kate Ginn and Tareq al Haremi
T
he time is right for anyone who has a bright idea or believes they could be the next big thing. A whole package of measures and attractive incentives are being put in place to encourage the growth of small enterprises in Oman. The race is on to foster a new breed of entrepreneurs armed with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. Help will come in various forms, not just monetary but with an emphasis on sharing, advising and helping. There will be an independent body to oversee the development of SMEs and provide assistance with finances and resources. Mentoring schemes will see top companies and established movers and shakers in the world of business pass on their invaluable know-how to others, while land will be allocated to build business centres and creative hubs. The art of business will be incorporated into school curriculums to promote an entrepreneurship culture within the youth of Oman. Several high-profile companies, such as Oman Oil Company, the Oman-India Fertiliser Company and Bank Muscat, have signed up to mentoring, vocational training and business support schemes. These projects and more were all announced at a three-day national SME symposium, which ended last week. Three days ago His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said revealed a RO70 million fund would be available for young men and women to develop SMEs. There is a real sense in Oman of a push, driven by the government under the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, to encourage people to set up their own businesses rather than just work in the private or public sector. Independent businesses and entrepreneurs are seen as the future, providing a stable backbone for the country and securing its
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economic future. According to Bank Muscat, there are over 100,000 small businesses in Oman. “The business environment in Oman offers tremendous opportunities and challenges for the SME sector,” said Ilham al Hamaid, head of SME, credit, marketing and regional corporates, at Bank Muscat. “Small businesses are a vital part of the Omani economy and Bank Muscat is proud to join the government in helping entrepreneurs to address these challenges.” Mohammed al Rahbi, an entrepreneur based in Oman, is a big fan of the power of mentorship. One of the the main ways to avoid tragic mistakes in business is to listen to older entrepreneurs. There is no such thing as getting too much advice. Ghada al Harthy, owner of Café G, a patisserie and café, which has two branches in Muscat, has her own philosophy titled, ‘The Martial Arts of Business - Competing to Win’. She draws parallels between martial arts, which she has been practising for many years, and being a business success. “In order to win, it’s not about your muscle power, but more to do with your mind power. It’s about using your opponent’s energy against themselves and exerting your own energy into one focal point,” says al Harthy. “I believe the same our careers. concepts can be applied to business and “In order to win in our endeavor to run a successful business or career, we need to learn the art of discipline. It’s all up to the collective efforts of an individual. “Do you see yourself as a winner? If yes, then go out and prove it.” Here Y speaks to small business owners about the challenges they faced and how to succeed.
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1.
4.
1. Modern Gulf Institute - Deidre Harvey
Founder and owner of the Modern Gulf Institute, Deidre Harvey, was driven by a desire to ‘do it better’ than anyone else. Her vision in 2004 has been turned into one of the most successful training institutes in Muscat. However, trying to bring her idea into full blossom has, she admits, been a struggle at times. In the early days, without connections, it was hard to get a foot in the door. Ministries and banks were not open to help and there was little or no support. “We would send a loan request to certain banks and they would say we will get back to you soon, but they never do,” says Harvey. She was forced to dip into her savings and continue to batten down the doors, something she still has to do today. Slowly, the interest began to build and the contracts started coming in. Now, she employs 25 staff and has a steady client base. However, her motivation still remains to be the best rather than financial reward. “Some students apply to institutes here having great expectations, but then leave unaware of what just happened. I’m proud to say that my students leave happy and still wanting to learn more,” she says. Support is all Deidre wanted and she got it, at least of sorts. She has international support from the International Chamber of Commerce yet still chips in from her own savings. The Ministry of Defense is one of her main clients but she is still “battling” with other ministries.
2. Café G - Ghada al Harthy
Ghada al Harthy’s big idea came when she was out with her friends, relaxing at a hotel and eating cakes. Fed up with having to pay expensive hotel prices for good quality cakes, she decided to open her own cafe catering for customers with a similar taste for upmarket patisserie fare. She sat down with a pen and notebook and sketched out her vision. Six months later, after one bank loan and lots of sleepless nights, Café G opened in Madinat Sultan Qaboos in 2008. “It was tough in those days, I really didn’t have a clue what I was doing,” says al Harthy. “When you’re a new business, you don’t have any credibility. People were like ‘Why should we give you money when you might fail?’ “But the word failure was never an option for me.” Having left a regular salary and job with Emirates Airlines, her gamble had to work. “I used to work day shifts and night shifts. I had to teach myself to cook after the chef ran away. I was so focused on making it work that I didn’t mind the hard times.” She says encouraging new SMEs is beneficial only if the groundwork is done. “The problem with SMEs in Oman is that so much is being seen through rose-tinted glasses. We do not have a clear sense of direction. “There is no point just saying ‘here’s a whole bunch of money, go open a business’. We need to understand our weaknesses as well as our strengths. “Would I tell someone to go for it if they asked me whether to start their own business? “Yes, do it! We are on a wave of success in the country at the moment, so you had better ride it.”
3. Infoshield - Yusuf al Harthy Infoshield, an information security company, began operating seven years ago. Yusuf al Harthy, the founder of the company, wanted to send a message to all Omanis that they too could start and run a successful business. His business idea, providing security to all web users against such intrusions as hackers, was inspired by his work in the government’s IT department. His path to success was strewn with obstacles and challenges, not least being unable to get any backing from the banks. “Back then, loans were denied for anyone involved in an SME,” says al Harthy.
3. 4. Penny Fray, managing editor of Y,
speaks about her personal experience of starting and running a small business.
Most people think that you’re a bit mad to launch your own business. On paper, certainly, it seems a little crazy to risk both time and money on a pipe dream, especially since more than half of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) fail in the first five years. Well, like a growing number of women I didn’t think so. I set up my own communications agency in the UK with less than RO300 and a fantasy of working anytime, anyplace and anywhere.Freedom as opposed to money was my motivator and I grew organically, surviving a recession and rivals with relative ease. There were no government handouts or wasta (an Arabic word loosely translating into ‘clout’ or ‘who you know’) – just the holy trinity of hard work, honesty and a pioneering spirit. My journalistic reputation for creativity kept clients coming, while my legal training dealt with the dull stuff. But after nearly a decade of being in business, I realised that freedom had a flip side. While running your own agency is educational and fun, it can also be relentless and lonely. You can’t switch off or truly trust anyone. Holidays are always working vacations and there is usually no one to bounce off apart from the walls. You need drive, determination and a certain inner steel to take an SME through the various levels of success. Then, at some point, all the effort goes into staying at the top. Like it or not – you need an exit strategy. Mine was to hand it over to associates, while fulfilling my ambition to work abroad. Saying that, I have learnt more about commerce than I ever thought possible. I’ve felt the pleasure of seeing staff succeed and clients soar. If you’re feeling inspired to flex your entrepreneurial muscles too, here is a 60-second master class in turning your idea into reality:
Instead, Yusuf had to rely on his savings and a loan from a friend. He decided the way forward was to start small and then grow later. In the early years, he invested thousands of rials into training candidates in their specialised field. He stresses that motivation was one of the most difficult aspects of managing the workplace; every worker has to feel motivated, from mentoring techniques to the general environment of the office. Infoshield has gained great support from the Information Technology Authority (ITA) and Bank Muscat, which was the first customer. Al Harthy’s philosophy is that when something needs to be done, do it yourself. “To run a business, you must think as a business owner not a technical worker and have a sense of discipline and dedication to make it work,” says al Harthy. “Think bigger than Oman,” he adds. “If you only think about providing the service in Oman, where the IT sector is the smallest in the Gulf, you will not be able to expand and have an advantage over other competitors.”
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ac yf m to na
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Hope
RAY OF
We must protect our marine heritage, says MARINE SCIENTIST DR LUBNA AL KHARUSI
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Manta Ray facts 1
Salalah Guitarfish
Rays (and sharks) do not have true bones like other fish. Instead, they have cartilage, which is lighter and much more elastic, allowing them to bend in very tight circles.
2 The largest ray is the manta ray, which
can have a wing span between three and seven metres. They weigh up to 1,300kg.
3
Banded Eagle Ray
Bowmouth Guitarfish
Manta rays are plankton feeders while others such as stingrays are carnivores. Honeycomb Stingray
I
n the last issue of Y we reported how four rays had been found dead on Azaiba beach with their fins sliced off in an apparent deliberate attack. The Environment Society of Oman (ESO) is investigating whether the act was isolated or part of more organised poaching. Rays are harvested for use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or as an alternative to shark fin soup. Scientist Dr Lubna al Kharusi PhD, director of the Marine Science and Fisheries Centre (MSFC) and director of fisheries research for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) Wealth, is responsible for research into aquatic life in Oman’s seas. The centre, on the coast near Sidab, was set up in 1986 with the support of UNESCO. Here Dr al Kharusi explains why it is vital to protect rays and, in turn, preserve the country’s marine heritage.
B
eautiful creatures such as rays and skates are prevalent in our seas, an underwater world that forms an important part of Oman’s natural culture. Rays and skates are a type of flattened fish that are closely related to sharks with their five-gill openings and a mouth located on the underside. It is these gills which are poached by fishermen from different countries. Such creatures have long been part of Oman’s natural heritage and this is why I believe we have to protect them. One of the MSFC’s recent studies looked at biodiversity in the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman during 2007-2011, funded by the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund.
The Sultanate is considered to be one of the more fortunate countries as three bodies of water – the Arabian Gulf, the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman – bathe its coasts. The study found that there were a total of 1077 species, belonging to 162 different families of fish, swimming in these waters. Rays and skates are referred to locally as Tebbaq. Both coastal fleets and the traditional fishing sector catch rays. Total landings of rays and skates during 2005 -2011 were 4,645 with an average catch value of RO500,000. The contribution was less than 3 per cent of the total landings and 0.4 per cent to the total value of the fisheries economy. (MAF, 2011). Rays and skates are mainly fished in Oman by traditional (artisanal) fishermen, who use basic fishing gear tangle nets and gill nets with smallmotorised fibreglass boats. In general, the catches of these species in Oman coastal waters have increased over the past decades, and this has been attributed to the effects of destructive fishing methods, over-fishing and the illegal behaviour of some fishermen. The fisheries sector has always been of great importance to the Sultanate of Oman, providing a significant contribution to the country’s socio-economic development in both employment and food resources. One of the most fundamental challenges in marine fisheries development and management discourse is to protect the marine resources. Substantial efforts by the Ministry and others have to be directed to ensure sustainable fishing. These species must be protected: they are part of Oman’s most precious resources.
Blotched Fantail Ray
Shortfin Devil Ray
Spotted Eagle Ray
Variable Torpedo Ray
Bigeye Electric Ray
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www.radiomerge.fm
It’s the dawn of a new musical era right here in Oman. Merge 104.8 is a celebration of cultures and a true reflection of diversity. Providing you with the best R’n’B, House, Rock, Lounge, 90s, and Pop music from around the world. Served with fresh local flavour.
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5/24/11 3:28 1:24AM PM 1/29/13
m
food and drink
Trend
New Restaurant
Reviews
I love mango. But I’m not talking about the clothes store here (although I am partial to a bit of retail therapy in their Muscat City Centre branch). No. I’m eulogising the fruit. Not only are mangoes nutritionally rich and superbly sweet, they’re also being touted as the new flavour in confectionery this year. Accessorise them with oranges, coconuts or pineapples and you’ll be bang on trend. We got ours from Al Mawaleh market but they’re currently in season and widely available throughout Oman.
Did You Know?
Chefs are moving out of the hen house and ditching chicken eggs in favour of their larger, richer siblings – duck eggs. See what the pros are quacking about by adding them to a curry – Burmese style.
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food and drink
Reviews
wasabi Oriental delights caught on camera makes for much to smile about, says sushi lover Tariq al Haremi
B
eing a sushi addict, I try to find and dine at every Japanese style restaurant available in the country where I’m visiting or living and mentally list the best of them. Wasabi Sushi, located in Bareeq al Shatti Mall, in the ever-so beautiful area of Shatti al Qurum, is one restaurant that I would definitely visit multiple times a month if time allows. It was six weeks after its official opening when I last visited. The restaurant cleverly incorporates the typical wasabi colour, green, to its walls and general texture of the restaurant, as well as reflecting the Orient with Japanese writings. The first thing you notice when walking through the door is the wide smiles from the staff, which never leave their faces the whole time you’re there. It makes for a very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Dining here is a very relaxed experience but the candle in the middle of the table could be used to create a more romantic ambience if wanted. What really makes this restaurant unique for me is the television screen installed behind the chef. Hidden at the chef ’s workplace is a camera, which feeds directly to the TV, allowing customers to see how the sushi is made through the chef ’s eyes. It’s quite something to watch how every sushi is made,
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Info Box
Contact number: 24699490 Address: Bareeq al Shatti Mall, Shatti al Qurum Opening hours: 12pm-11pm Average price: (for two people) RO20 Email: wasabisushi@mail.com
Photographed by: Jerzy Wierzbicki
Sushi
from compiling the ingredients to the final roll of sushi. I had the liberty of selecting three dishes: the the finished item about to go onto your plate. Chef ’s Special Roll, Kani Unagi Maki and Baby My friend, who has rarely eaten sushi, was eyeing Dragon. the menu with some confusion as to what to order. The Chef ’s Special Roll certainly lives up to its Since sushi is sort of a shared meal, he billing. Containing roasted eels, avocado, cucumber, entrusted me to choose for the both tagarashi powder, tempura (fried) prawns and of us, and as a result, was more teryaki sauce, it keeps your mouth watering and than happy with what I wanting more. ordered. Kani Unagi Maki (unagi means eel in Japanese) We started off with is just as delicious, with roasted eel, crab, cucumber, Edamame, a soy bean Japanese mayonnaise, avocado and black roe delicacy. With the pod allowing you to close your eyes and take your time still intact, covered enjoying the flavour. with a light layer of But the kicker of all sushi on the menu is the Baby salt, and roasted to Dragon. Don’t be alarmed, it’s not, of course, real perfection, the beans baby dragon, but fried hosomaki (thin roll) filled inside are as soft as with prawns, avocado, tagarashi powder, teryaki they can be. Dipping sauce and crab. Shaped like a dragon, it’s a fried the pod in soy sauce sushi delicacy that makes you want to stand up gives it that extra boost right there and then in the restaurant and clap your of flavour and the taste hands in appreciation for the chef ’s work. of the salt mixed with For the non-meat eaters out there, Wasabi offers the sauce remains in your a selection of vegetarian dishes suitable for vegans. mouth while you suck the For those who prefer the informality of eating beans out of the pod. at home, there’s a takeout menu, which can be It’s delicious and is, I believe, ordered and collected. Trust me, it’s well the perfect starter for a sushi meal. worth the drive. VERDICT: Of course, soups are available too, It is a shame that every time I head 10 such us the ever-favourite Miso to Wasabi, the restaurant seems empty Comfortable soup with its combination of tofu, while the establishment across the way, atmosphere, top food spring onions and seaweed with which caters for junk food connoisseurs, and friendly staff with the added touch fresh salmon. is always packed. of the chef camera, Now came the main event: sushi. Wasabi is healthy and filling and won’t disappoint. There is a wide selection of sushi, but I recommend this restaurant to Wasabi limits your choices to two to four all fish lovers or those who just love dishes, since each dish contains eight pieces of good food.
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Reviews Info Box
Candle Café
Contact number: 9600 2233 Address: Qurum Beach, directly in front of Grand Hyatt Muscat Opening hours: 7am to 4am Average price (for two people): RO4 (RO12 if eating)
Qurum Beach Words: Joe Gill
T
here are some places that just seem to be exactly what you have been looking for. When it is a pleasant, low-key café in the best spot in Muscat, where you can sip a coffee and watch the sun go down in a relaxed atmosphere, Candle Café in front of the Grand Hyatt on Qurum beach is the place. One of the strange things for a European wandering around the city is the ubiquitous down at heel ‘coffee shops’, which are nothing of the sort. They are shawarma shops – ultra-basic of a kebab houses with a five-star not so nice view of the meat hotel, and on the skewer and ugly plastic yet has an easy-going decor. Alternatively there are a and authentic Omani vibe that number of global coffee chains makes you instantly warm to it. that are fine for what they are, but With its very reasonable prices when you go there, you could be you’ll be paying much less than anywhere in the world. what you would be only a stone’s That is why it was such a happy throw away, ordering something discovery to find Candle Café similar in one of the hotel on the seafront at Qurum. From restaurants. the path in front of the Grand According to staff the menu has Hyatt it looks a bit like a public been refreshed and now includes convenience, but from the beach steaks and Arabic grills, as well it can’t be missed. The seating as hot snacks including falafel, area is open and looks directly haloumi, burgers and sandwiches. onto the beach. Staple Arabic appetisers are On my first visit we ordered available too. However, the drinks a mint tea and a Turkish coffee. are what Candle Cafe is really all Both were just as they should about. There is a great list of teas be – strong and sweet and served to satisfy every taste, while the quickly and without fuss. juice menu includes everything A mixed clientele of Omanis, from sweet melon to avocado. tourists and other The favourite seems to be the very international residents green lemon mint, which were enjoying the is definitely a refreshing VERDICT: shisha, or just hit. Candle Café caters 10 sipping a drink for early risers and Beautiful setting, and soaking up night birds, opening relaxed local the charming at 7am – with a atmosphere, quick setting and views breakfast menu – and friendly service, and great selection of of the beach. and closing at 4am. hot and cold drinks. Candle Café It’s the place where A must. is an unassuming locals come for shisha gem. It is located right and a drink and to catch up in the heart of an exclusive with friends in the best location neighbourhood in the shadow in town.
Photographed by: Jerzy Wierzbicki
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Presents
Lovebird
WIN big s prizes!
WE ’R E SO UL MA TE S’ ‘Y ow sh iz qu e liv e at tim ul e th th wi y t ili Te st yo ur co mp at ib
Answer a series of questions about your spouse to win prizes at Muscat City Centre on Valentine’s Day. Get a chance to become a live contestant by telling us why you’re well matched at
valentine@y-oman.com by February 5, 2013. Associate Sponsors
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Trend
Oman Youth Rally Cup
New Restaurant
GALLERY
Hamed al Wahaibi, international rally champion
LAUNCH EVENT FOR the FIRST YOUTH RALLY IN THE COUNTRY
Hamed al Wahaibi and HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said
Racing driver Ahmad al Harthy talks about the Youth Rally
Hamed al Wahaibi
Mohsin al Busaidi, the sailor, attends the event
Chris Hodgson, car designer for Al Wahaibi Motors
HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said, Al Wahaibi and Al Harthy unveil the car
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
Health
Beauty
FASHION
LADUREE LADY
The high-street continues to appeal to our sweet, sartorial tooth with patisserie pastels.
ink in p utfit y t o t Pre el wears s & k d r o a M M ing from er’s Spr n. nc Spe ollectio C
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THE NEW neutrals
This pale rose leather jacket from Marni lends a lick of futuristic chic with its metallic detail. Wear with a white or neon pencil skirt for extra fashion points. Available for RO600 from MyTheresa.com
Ice cream shades of vanilla, strawberry and mint have never looked cooler – especially when teamed with neon brights and iridescent layering, says Penny Fray.
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or those of you who want to indulge in the latest fashions but aren’t ready to dip your toe into the sea of neon stripes and statement squares currently doing the rounds, then an ice cream palette may be just what the fashion doctor ordered. Adding girly glamour to everything from pencil dresses to power prints, candy colours continue to look sweet in 2013. From the lady-like chic of Christopher Kane and Chanel to the sheer, shimmering creations of Antonio Berardi – pastels is one trend that isn’t going away in a hurry. This season, however, it’s become the new neutral, calming down neon shades, statement prints and sunset brights. In Erdem, Chloe and Celine, we saw sugar-coated colours in cool cuts and fashion forward finishes. While everyone from Victoria Beckham to Prabal Gurung went with crisp, tailored separates in white. If you’re on a high-street budget, however, don’t worry – try Gap for crisp cotton shirts, Monsoon for pretty separates and Next for cute, candy-coloured accessories. J’adore this embellished top from Miu Miu, RO520 from MyTheresa.com
Speckle popcorn jumper from Monsoon, RO33
Add texture and shimmer to pastels with these jeans from 75 Faubourg, RO97, Harvey Nichols, Dubai.
PASTEL POWER: Penny’s top tips for updating candy colours
These earrings, RO5, from Next, lift any outfit.
Candy coloured cotton shirt from RO20 at GAP
Two-toned foulard, RO12.95 from Mango.
1 It’s time for candy colours to shine, so watch out for pieces that have sequins or an iridescent quality. 2 Textured material is the modern way to wear pastels. 3 Add an embellished collar to a shift or top a la Miu Miu. 4 Calm down a neon piece with a tonal pastel top.
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p r o m o t i o n
SHOP
the week
HOME CENTRE W
arning! Sending your little ones to bed early may not be a punishment for much longer. Thanks to the Home Centre’s new home collection for kids, they’ll be behaving badly in order to get back to their bedrooms. With cheerful patterns and vibrant colours, this junior collection is amazing. Crafted with sleek lines and contemporary designs, this durable lineup is carefully created to help children manage their personal space. You’ll find everything from beds and soft furnishings to lighting and covers. Some of the best selling collections to choose from include Cars, Champion, Fun, Happy Daisy, Florid, Orazio and Allora. We especially love the crockery and cutlery – designed specifically for mummy’s little helpers. What’s more, Home Centre’s products are safety tested to stringent levels. The furniture and bunk beds are built to International Children’s Product Safety Standards and are BS EN 747-1 certified. All finishes are child-safe, lead-free and use formaldehyde-free coatings. The furniture line-up also focuses on quality of construction, making it one of the best choices for every self-thinking child. To surprise your children with a room of their dreams, head to Home Centre today.
For more information on design and the Home Centre’s new range please visit the stores at Muscat City Centre or Al Khuwair, call 24717381 or visit www.homecentrestores.com/en/kids
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Health
Beauty
Fashion
TRIED & TESTED
IN NEED OF A GOOD PEDICURE, KATE GINN DROPS IN TO TIPS & TOES SPA
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busy banker with a demanding career who never had the time to get a manicure and pedicure set up the first Tips & Toes nail spa. I know how she feels. Life with Team Y is pretty hectic and there never seems to be enough hours in the day for work, let alone time for personal grooming or a trip to a beauty salon. In the case of the busy banker who never managed to find a perfect spa, even when she did have a free moment to go looking for one, she took the radical step of opening up her own nail spa. Lucky for me that she did. As I don’t, unfortunately, have the time or energy to do the same, I can enjoy the fruits of her labour. Tips & Toes has now grown to three spas, at Muscat Grand Mall, Bareeq Al Shatti and Muscat City Centre. I opt for the latter as it’s conveniently on my way home from work and doesn’t require a lengthy diversion. The aim of T&T (as I’ve fondly dubbed it) was to create the ‘perfect place’, offering top treatments at reasonable prices with great customer service in a stylish and modern environment. I’m running late (as usual) for my prebooked appointment but the girls at T&T don’t seem to mind, ushering me in where Myla, the nail technician, is patiently waiting. First off is a soak for my poor neglected feet in the foot spa which has, if needed, a Jacuzzi option to massage with tiny jets of warm water. I’m ashamed to say but I hadn’t been for a pedicure for seven weeks and clearly more pampering was required than the standard pedicure (RO8 with polish). Myla suggested
the intensive foot cream to soften my hardened heels while she tackled the werewolf-like talons that were my toenails. I was bored of the nude colour from my previous pedicure so Myla suggested a dark, ruby red to add a touch of glamour and much needed style to my sad little digits. Myla’s nimble little fingers applied cuticle remover and, using an orangewood stick, she got to work while I flicked through the latest celebrity gossip in glossy magazines. Myla’s English was infinitely superior to my Filipino and we swapped stories about her six-year-old daughter back home in Manila and my family in the UK. Removal of the hard, dry skin from my heels required some serious elbow work from Myla but her efforts with the file paddle paid off. By the end, my newly exfoliated tootsies were as smooth as a newborn’s and just as soft. Well worth every baisa of the RO11 (which included a pair of foam pedicure shoes so the polish didn’t smudge). It’s not the largest of salons – there are three footbaths and four manicure stations – but the cozy feel makes for a friendly atmosphere, allowing you to trade banter with the other staff, who also shout over to their Filipino colleagues, or chat freely with other customers. My troublesome feet took longer than usual to coax back to health – it was almost an hourand-a-half before I stepped back out into the mall – but the downtime was a welcome relief and the perfect opportunity to relax. I left Tips & Toes with a new confidence to my walk and my perfect toenails back on display in strappy sandals. Shame I’m too busy at work to go anywhere to show them off.
STREET STYLE Name: HANIFA IBRAHIM OCCUPATION: GYM INSTRUCTOR AT THE CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, MUSCAT Wearing: STONE COLOURED SILK SHIRT AND WHITE VEST TOP FROM ZARA TEAMED WITH WHITE SKINNY JEANS FroM SALSA IN DUBAI, TWO-TONE BROWN SHOES FROM ZARA AND NINE WEST BAG Spotted at: MUSCAT CITY CENTRE MALL
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
DY CAN NOT D BA S
AR’ T SUG SWEE DES O U S INCL GAIN, E D I S ND GHT WEI ETES A ETH DIABTING TE ROT
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ADDICTED TO THE WHITE STUFF
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Beauty
Whether it’s fizzy drinks or sweets we increasingly need a boost to get us through the working day. Penny Fray investigates the rise of the professional’s sugar fix.
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HEALTH
we should be eating. And the potential health effects of excess sugar consumption are even scarier. Mounting evidence suggests that flooding your system with the sweet stuff can play a role in obesity, heart disease and cancer. It can also damage your skin and alter your mood. In fact, some say it’s addictive. In a recent study, researchers gave lab rats a 10 per cent solution of sugar water every day (the amount found in most soft drinks), and the animals experienced the same reaction as drug addicts going cold turkey. I can relate. I once tried to wean myself off sugary snacks. But I was so weak and snappy that my PA actually begged me to start eating chocolate again. Now, I haven’t got an addictive personality. I don’t drink, smoke or take drugs – but I do have a treat mentality, indulging myself with a bar of Dairy Milk or cupcake to make up for the long hours spent staring at a computer screen. Dr Krishna says that the reason why I love chocolate so much is that it leads to an enhanced secretion of endorphins – giving me a rush of pleasure every time I scoff a bar. Unfortunately, my bad behavior is catching. Colleagues doing coffee runs now crack open a packet of Kit-Kat to perk up meetings on my behest. There is no doubt that this kind of eating comes from an emotional component. In addition to stimulating the brain, sweet food markedly affects stress hormones in a way likely to provide a sense of temporary reprieve from anxiety So how do you break the habit? Well, it helps to understand that energy dense, nutrient poor and high sugar foods are going directly against nature, according to Dr Krishna. The next step is to keep a sugar journal and begin to face the truth of why you need a treat. Finally, change your diet. Try swapping refined sugar for the natural sugar found in fruit and honey. Research also shows that eating protein at breakfast may help reduce later cravings, compared to scoffing a carbohydrate rich option for your first meal.
I
have a confession to make – I’m addicted to the white stuff. I wake up in the morning and move through a blur of showering, cleansing and dressing – desperate for my first hit of the day. It’s only after a can of Coke and several chocolate bars that my senses sharpen and I’m able to function. Fuelled by sugar I can whizz through mountains of work. Without it I’m an ineffective monster. Forget the Devil Wears Prada. In this office, the Devil Eats Dairy Milk. Every day the cleaner raises an eyebrow as he empties a bin full of Kit Kat wrappers and empty fizzy drink cans. What he doesn’t understand is that I need these stimulants to help me survive and thrive in a busy media environment. And I’m not alone. Sugar consumption has tripled in the past 50 years, with Oman ranking ninth among countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world. According to the Oman Diabetes Association, around 17 per cent of Muscat’s population is living with the disease – and the figures are still rising. So is our increasing dependence on sugar driven by our full-on lifestyles? “It’s more to do with diet and a sedentary lifestyle,” says Dr Vamsi Krishna, a diabetologist from Sugar, an Apollo Clinic for Diabetics in Ruwi. “Economic changes mean that there have been drastic changes in diet here in Oman. It’s now fat and sugar rich. But because most people spend their time driving, they’re not burning off calories. We should do an average 10,000 footsteps a day, instead we’re doing less than 1,000 steps.” The Oman-based expert says that the more you eat and drink, the more insensitive you become to insulin, making you produce even more of this fat-storing hormone. By the diabetes stage, you’ve stop producing insulin altogether. Indeed, there is nothing sweet about how much sugar we eat every day. The average person takes in about 20 teaspoons of added sugar a day – that’s more than twice the amount
Fashion
TIPS TO BEAT SUGAR CRAVINGS
It all comes down to commitment. You need dedication to build selfawareness in your eating habits and the willpower to say ‘no’. Eat little and often. Many people, if they don’t eat regularly, suffer falling blood sugar levels and start craving sweet snacks.
Go natural. The closer a food is to its natural form, the less processed sugar it will contain. So eat plenty of fresh fruit and honey. Get spicy. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom will naturally sweeten your meals and reduce cravings. Keep sugary snacks out of sight. In fact, eliminate them completely from your house or office. It’s difficult to scoff on things that aren’t there.
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CARS AND OUTDOORS
Cars
Wi-Fi
OUTDOORS
Paddle Power
Stand Up Paddling – SUP – is a great way to get fit and learn a new water sport
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My Hood
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Wi-Fi
OUTDOORS
stand or swim Heather Duncan has fun TRYING THE NEW CRAZE OF stand up paddle boarding
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very year I have the same new year’s resolution, to lose weight and be fitter, but this year I added in a new one – to enjoy more of this beautiful country that we live in. And what better way to do both of these than with a new outdoor hobby. I come from a small town in the north of Scotland with snow and ice, so we don’t get many opportunities to try out a new sport in the winter sunshine. This week I tried my hand, or should that be balance, on a standup paddleboard or “SUP” as all the trendy people call it. The name itself is quite self-explanatory; you stand up on the board and paddle yourself through water. The concept is very simple but very effective. The idea began in Hawaii in the ’60s, allowing surfers to paddle further out to catch the waves, but it soon evolved to incorporate rivers and lakes anywhere there is room to paddle about is a good spot, making it a very versatile sport. It is claimed on SUP websites that you can burn a staggering 600
calories an hour, which is quite impressive when you only burn 200 calories an hour surfing. The sport gives you a full body workout, including the main groups of quads, abs, up to your chest and shoulders. Beach body here I come! Initially I thought to myself “how hard can this be?” and envisioned myself taking to it like a duck to water, so I threw myself straight into the challenge. It was actually a lot harder than I expected it to be but also very enjoyable. I can see why the health benefits would be amazing, as you are constantly having to balance yourself using your core and quads to keep you level, then your abs and shoulders to actually propel yourself. The strange thing is that you don’t feel like you are over exerting yourself either as the water is very serene. The sport is still relatively new here in Oman so you are limited in the places to find rental boards, although rumour has it the major hotels are starting to offer this service. If however you prefer to
purchase your own board and paddle then prices start from RO400. I consider this to be quite pricey but then all water sports equipment is expensive, as you are investing in both your health and your fitness. I thoroughly enjoyed the
challenge and I have a newfound respect for those people who make it look so easy. Maybe one day I will purchase my own board and join them out on the water regularly. If you fancy trying out Stand Up Paddle Boarding there is also a SUP’ing community Facebook page set up here in Muscat where fans of the sport can upload photos and make plans to head out on the water together. Find them on Facebook at “Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Oman” or alternatively email Omansup@gmail.com JAN 30 – FEB 05 / ISSUE 255
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CARS AND OUTDOORS
My Hood
Cars
Wi-Fi
OUTDOORS
Destination
The Bidiyah Museum On the edge of the Sharqiya Sands is a museum that illuminates the rich history of this region. Words and photos: Jerzy Wierzbicki
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My Hood
to find out more about Sharqiya’s history, especially as – surprise, surprise – the museum was actually open. It is housed in an attractive building and what is inside is impressive. Exhibits are lit with warm, low light from small lamps, creating an intimate atmosphere. The centrepiece of the museum is laid out like a typical traditional Omani house, with attractively decorated pottery and other typical elements of local culture. In another room were a group of mannequins dressed in beautiful traditional clothes. The next room was definitely for the men. Through a solid antique wooden door were old rifles and crossbows, knives and leather belts with the ammunition for the rifles on display. From the main room I went to a small courtyard where stairs led up to the roof terrace. Here was a display of many kinds of Omani wooden doors. At the centre of the terrace was a gazebo, which offered some shade from the heat of the day and a good view of the palm trees growing behind the museum. The final section of the museum is a round room with many archeological specimens illustrating centuries of habitation in this region. The exhibits were very informative about the history of the Sultanate. My desert adventure will have to wait for another issue.
Wi-Fi
OUTDOORS
HOW TO GET THERE
travel guide
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ost weeks I try to feature outdoor locations with great landscapes or other natural phenomenon. But for a change, I would like to invite you to Bidiyah, which is a well-known location on the edge of the Sharqiya Sands. It’s a place that people go to for desert camps, dune bashing or other desert activities. But for something a bit different there is a great museum containing many fascinating and beautiful artifacts from the Bedouin culture and the history of the A’Sharqiyah region. Don’t get me wrong – of course, I went to Bidiyah to enjoy the dunes. I was prepared to spend a few nights and days in the desert. I wanted to reach a place deep in the Wahiba, my own ‘special’ location just 70 kilometres from Bidiyah. Little did I realise that I would actually find the most interesting part of my trip in a museum. I reached Bidiyah in the early afternoon. The weather was excellent, just 26 degrees centigrade, soft sunlight and a gentle wind. Perfect for a desert trip. I was in a good mood and had two days to kill. Before I set off on the sandy track, I pulled my car over next to a large building with the sign ‘Bidiyah Musem’. The history of this region reaches back to the Stone Age, and so I was intrigued
Cars
Bidiyah is around 250 kilomoetres from Muscat. From Muscat drive toward Bidbid and there turn left toward Sur and Ibra. Pass Ibra and go straight to the town of Bidiyah. In Bidiyah turn right next to the Shell service station, continue for around two kilometres until on your left you see a big building ‘Bidiyah Museum’. As long as you are not planning to go into the sand dunes, you do not need a 4x4.
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CARS AND OUTDOORS
The LowDown Perched on high looking down on below is quite an apt description for the upmarket residential area of Madinat Al Ilam, which is home to the well heeled and well connected who can afford the elevated property prices. Due to its lofty position, the area has commanding views looking onto Shatti al Qurum and the rocky outcrop of Al Fahal Island in the distance. With its sense of open space, it’s one of the most popular areas in Muscat with easy access to main roads, services, schools and entertainment. It’s also known as Information City, as its home to the Ministry of Information and the Oman Radio and Television Studios. Photos by Jerzy Wierzbicki
EXPLORING MADINAT AL ILAM
With a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area and exclusive feel, it’s high on the list of coveted places to live in Muscat
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Its tree-lined streets, wide roads, substantial villas and detached location, all add up to making it a delightful little enclave with the feel of an exclusive club. It all comes at a price, of course, and only those with deep pockets should consider making it their permanent place of residence. The downside to this splendid isolation is the lack of amenities in the immediate area, meaning a car is essential. There isn’t anything in walking distance. It’s also a trek to the beach. Anyone looking for a lively neighbourhood might find it a little dull.
Living There The only noise to be heard in Madinat al Ilam is the birds tweeting in the tree tops and the occasional airplane droning overhead. The villas and apartments dazzle a sparkling white in the sun, the streets are broad, everyone seems to drive big 4x4s and the air, thanks to its high location, seems to taste somehow cleaner and fresher. No wonder it’s a draw for professional couples and families, who love the safe, relaxed environment. For amusement, there’s very little here – the odd restaurant, one grocery shop and one café but no hotels or supermarkets – yet everything is within easy reach. It is located between Sultan Qaboos Street and the Expressway, and Shatti al Qurum, with its myriad shops and cinema, is about 15 minutes away as the falcon flies. 042
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Cars Why I live here: I didn’t choose the area, my company placed me here but we really like it. It’s very quiet and safe. At night, we feel happy to take a walk without any worries. There’s not much here but with a car, it’s not a problem. If you want something livelier it’s not far away.
Wi-Fi
Outdoors
My Hood
Places of Interest The Asma bint Alawi Mosque, built in 1986, might not have the grandeur of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque but its ornate beauty is still worthy of a mention. With a golden onion-shaped dome and clock tower for a minaret, it’s visible from the main road. Nearby are the mosque’s gardens, which are open to all, with golden gates (said to be inlaid with real gold), lush grass, flowerbeds and fountains.
–Henry Yang, Occidental Insurance worker
Hang Outs Unless you work at the Ministry of Information or attend Al Zahra College, a women-only institution, there really isn’t anywhere of note to hang out during the day or evening, apart from the mosque’s garden. Most residents have private or communal gardens and swimming pools to unwind in or around, or choose to find their entertainment elsewhere. Beach lovers can pop to Shatti or Qurum, which also has the amazing National Park for wandering around in or enjoying a picnic.
Shopping There is one small grocery shop for basic needs. That’s it, I’m afraid. Buying anything of note means jumping into the 4x4 and heading off to shopping civilisation, albeit only a short journey away. With a car, you’re spoilt for choice with Shatti al Qurum, Qurum and a huge LuLu Hypermarket close by. For serious clothes shopping, the nearest mall is Qurum City Centre or the very chic Opera Galleria, Royal Opera House Muscat’s new shopping destination. JAN 30 – FEB 05 / ISSUE 255
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
My Hood
Cars
Outdoors
WI-FI
COFFEE COUTURE
If you’re serious about having really good coffee at home, you need to invest in the right machine, says Penny Fray DeLonghi Esam (RO1,200) Caffeine addicts with a healthy bank balance, rejoice – this super snazzy coffee maker offers touchscreen technology, a builtin coffee grinder, an auto cappuccino function as well as an electronic stirrer. Oh, and did I mention it makes fabulous, frothy coffee?
Nespresso Magimix Maestria (RO213) Coffee purists will love the authenticity of this elegant device. Not only does it please all five senses, it offers precision engineering too. It’s time to give your barista the boot.
MiniBru (RO12) A coffeepot and mug in one, this is a versatile little cup. Just add coarse ground coffee and hot water to the 12-ounce French press and then insert a filter that pushes the particles to the bottom for perfect coffee. No plunger required. Available from www.thinkgeek.com
MUST BUYS Fancy becoming a high flyer? No need for the CEO’s chair because you can now reach for the sky or plunge into the water’s DEPTHS with your own amphibious plane. The Icon A5 is amazing. It features fold-up wings, a 100hp engine and the capacity to be piloted by a novice. The catch? You have to have a high flyer’s wage to afford it at RO52,000. Join the waiting list at iconaircraft.com.
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FIND OUT WHAT’S HIP & HAPPENING IN GADGETS
MOVING ON FROM 3D The box has evolved. No longer just an entertainment portal – it’s now the ultimate home accessory with futuristic appeal. The Samsung 9 is about to cause a lot of excitement among TV fiends because not only is it one of the world’s largest ultra HD models, it also elegantly floats due to it’s easel stand. The price and release date are yet to be confirmed.
NEW! SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE II Make more of your ideas with Samsung’s latest smartphone technology. The enhanced S Pen lets you sketch, scribble and instantly cut out and paste images. Share your moments the smarter way by simply tapping the screen to share content, note memories on the back of photos and find the best portraits with Best Face Technology.
APP OF THE WEEK
Let your child’s imagination run wild with Creativium. This virtual paper theatre set, complete with various characters, animations and decorations, allows little ones to create their own magical world and stories with technological wizardry. Paint clouds, create rainbows and make castles in the air. Just don’t forget to take a snapshot of your mini genius’ creations. Available at iTunes for less than a rial.
Multi tasking is a breeze with pop-up note and video capacity as well as a 2GM RAM and 1.6Ghz Quad core processor. Images come to life with 5.5 HD Super AMOLED technology.
THE GIRLY GADGET
It’s a pain in more ways than one – but hair removal tops every woman’s daily to-do list. Make the process a whole lot less laborious with this discrete little device from no!no! Based on Thermicon technology, this hair removal system conducts heat down the hair shaft and into the follicle, reducing re-growth. The slim, sleek design even has a status screen to keep you informed about important things like when to replace the tips and how much battery life is left. Clever!
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CARS AND OUTDOORS
My Hood
Wi-Fi
Outdoors
CARS
BMW 7 Series Pearl 750i Top Speed 250km/h 0-100km/h: 4.9s Engine: V8 / 4 Horsepower: 449 Prices: 7 Series Pearl RO65,000 6 Series Pearl RO58,000
Check this out
Car of the week The BMW Pearl offers the chance to create your own luxury dream machine
The new BMW 7 Series
• Engine line-up ranges from a BMW
TwinPower Turbo diesel unit to the secondgeneration BMW ActiveHybrid 7. New Adaptive LED headlights featuring hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip New front and rear bumper, new kidney grille and indicators integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors Optimised chassis – with self-levelling air suspension at the rear axle – gives comfort a noticeable boost Drive highlights: Professional navigation system, BMW Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot, anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant, BMW Parking Assistant
• • • •
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W
ith BMW sales in the Sultanate up by 33 per cent last year, it’s a great time for the German car brand to launch the new BMW Pearl. This concept car was a challenge to the designers of the 6 Series and 7 Series BMWs to find a way of expressing the beauty of an ancient Middle Eastern object of desire. The Pearl is the latest outing for the BMW Individual series, which started life with a design by Chanel designer Karl Lagerfield in 1991. Perhaps, then, it was not so strange that the Pearl was unveiled at a series of exclusive Haute Couture fashion shows in the UAE last November. This unusual setting for a car launch reflected BMW Middle East’s message of luxury and style, and that this series was very much like a fashion designer’s new collection. The one defining fact about these elite cars is that they are brilliant white, just like
their namesake. The interior is upholstered with Merino Amaro Brown leather, with white piping and wood trimming in Ash Grain White. Both the 7 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupe – models in which the Pearls are available – are BMWs of the highest specification, offering ultra-high performance (see boxes). Remarkably there have been 88 models in the Individual series since its birth in 1991, including one for the artist David Hockney and another for the designer Hanae Mori, with butterfly patterned seating. The Pearl builds on this legacy by offering the driver a whole set of options to achieve just the look and feel they want. Customers can tailor their vehicle to a bespoke design using a range of premium materials and paints. They can even choose their favourite seams in the leather from a book of patterns for stitching and trim. This is not just a car. This is motoring couture.
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