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YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK
NOV 16 - 22 2017 / ISSUE 495 • WEEKLY
INSPIRING
OMAN
PLUS!
NATIONAL DAY FERVOUR CATCHES UP IN THE SULTANATE
MYSTICAL MUSANDAM
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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258
36
DARING DESIGNS
40
TASTE OF OMAN
44
PartyBox
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Oman’s Favourite Entertainment Centre If you’re looking to educate and entertain your family, Al Mazaar offers a range of creative, unique sports and art activities designed for kids of all ages. With indoor and outdoor facilities, we can cater for tailored packages as well as large group bookings, making this the perfect party place. There are fun activities for the whole family, so make Al Mazaar the destination of your next after-school adventure or weekend getaway. Bookings can be made at the Al Mazaar ticketing office or by calling +968 24 776 856 or emailing booking@almazaar.com
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EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
Fast forward
It has always been our endeavor to follow the vision of His Majesty to provide quality healthcare services to the residents of Sultanate of Oman. This dream has become a reality with Burjeel Medical Centre at Al Azaiba, Muscat. Providing primary healthcare facilities, Burjeel Medical Centre hosts a network of specialty and super specialty clinics to cater to various healthcare needs of the residents of Muscat and its neighboring areas. Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Azaiba, Muscat, brings the unique 'art of healing' closer to you.
MOH NO-804/2017
Yesterday, it was complete darkness, and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn for Muscat, Oman and its people.” In 1970, while addressing the people of Oman on the day of his accession, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said also declared: “I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your lives so they are prosperous and with a bright future.” Oman, today, is a testimony to this promise. Over the past four decades, the Sultanate has enjoyed rapid development, led from the front by His Majesty the Sultan. It’s once again the proudest time of the year for Oman, a time when you’ll see red, green and white overshadow all other colours in the Sultanate. But this year, National Day is all the more special as residents and citizens alike come together to celebrate 47 years of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s rule. From fireworks and horse parades to light displays and decorated cars and homes, the 47th National Day will be celebrated with passion and pride, and the festivities are set to stretch over the weekend and next week. More importantly, this is the year when we need to celebrate Oman’s development in all spheres. In 1970, there were only three formal schools with 900 students across the entire country; now, there are more than 2,000 schools. Even economically, Oman today is a force to reckon with. The GDP has risen considerably, indicating that the economy is strong and the nation is moving forward. This week, Y Magazine comes out with a special National Day issue. In our cover story, we talk to top personalities about what makes Oman different from the rest of the world, while we also feature Omani food, fashion and beauty. Happy reading!
editor@y-oman.com
Our other medical facility - Burjeel Hospital, Al Khuwair, Oman
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst
REPORTER Alvin Thomas PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan
Cover model: Feras Faisal albalushi Cover photographer: Shaquel al Balushi
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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
03
contents
Features 22
NOVEMBER 16 - 22 2017
Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Nishad Padiyarath 11 News Visa curbs eased for expats from more countries 13 News Omantel wins bid for 12.1% stake in Zain
This Week
28 Way back when How different are the roads in Oman, today?
18 National Day Witness the biggest bike show in Oman 19 Movies Meet the talented Omani vloggers and movie makers
Inspiring Oman Residents and expats talk about the 47th National Day of Oman
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19
13
Food and Drink 44 Food Feature Omani cuisine
Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Hinai 34 First Drive Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 36 Postcard From Musandam, Oman 38 Y-Fi Top Omani apps
46 Taste Test Ubhar
Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Arwa Al Musafir under the spotlight 42 Health Healthy Heart
44
40
39 NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE
LOVE
COLOUR OF
LOVE, RESPECT AND PURE ADMIRATION FOR THE BUILDER OF MODERN OMAN POURED OUT IN VIBRANT COLOURS AND VIVID IMAGINATIONS. ALVIN THOMAS JOINS THE CHILDREN TO SOAK IN THE PORTRAIT BY A NATION SPIRIT IN ITS FINAL PHASES
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NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
I
t was a cool evening outside but the tensions were running deep at the atrium in the Muscat Grand Mall (MGM). For once it had nothing to do with people running around trying to avail last-minute winter deals from stores; rather the children that were vying for the top spots at Y’s ‘Portrait By A Nation’ art competition. This year’s event – touted as the nation’s largest art event of its kind – witnessed a staggering 2,000 young artists take on each other to show their love for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said last weekend (November 11-12). They did so by painting and, in some cases, colouring and sticking cloth on a portrait of His Majesty. The portraits were of three different sizes and were handed over based on the age groups of the children. The talent was evident but so was the respect and the passion they have for His Majesty. For instance, one student was seen sketching a background of several landmarks of Oman, behind the portrait.
“I would like to call PBAN a I am trying to festival than a competition,” said show everyone Nishad Padiyarath, the editorial how His Majesty head of Y Magazine. “I am proud to say that it is the Sultan Qaboos Bin biggest art contest organised by Said has been the Y Magazine. The response from students participating in this pillar of this country the competition was so overwhelming. by showing everyone We had the highest number of entries compared some of the with that of the architecture previous years and more than 200 spot in Oman
“I am trying to show everyone how His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has been the pillar of this country by showing everyone some of the architecture in Oman,” he said before delving back into his painting. A child was seen getting creative by making use of coffee for the painting. Another participant also created a real ‘mussar’ (Omani headgear) for His Majesty. These are just a few examples of the artistry that was unleashed by the students during the eight sessions of the event that happened in the capital. The competition was also held in Salalah, Sohar and Nizwa. This year’s competition was powered by FRiENDi, and in association with sponsors Muscat Grand Mall, PUCK, IDdesign and Finland Eye Center. eXtra was the electronics sponsor for the event. The total prize pot is worth RO3,150.
registrations at the venue. This shows the popularity of this competition. “I was amazed at the kind of preparation done by these kids. Credit must be given to their parents as well,” he added. All that is now left is for our judges to pick the top 47 finalists. This will be conducted over the course of the week, and the winners will be announced at a special ceremony on November 22. Who will win is anybody’s guess, but you’ll get to meet the winners and the finalists in next week’s issue of Y Magazine. Stay tuned! ■ NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
07
THE VOICE OF OMAN
THE PACP HAS BEEN THE GO-TO PLACE FOR CONSUMERS TO GET THEIR GRIEVANCES REDRESSED, BUT DO WE EVER BOTHER TO APPRECIATE ITS EFFORT? WE MUST, SAYS NISHAD PADIYARATH
correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: The Royal Oman Police has warned the people of serious/ fatal consequences of leaving children alone inside vehicles. Do you think strict action should be taken against such parents? ELIZABETH JOSEPH
O
man’s Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) is one of the best government bodies that need to be appreciated for its efforts to protect the rights of the consumers. Administrative fines worth more than RO190,000 were imposed by the PACP in the first eight months of this year. The total administrative fines for violations recorded by the PACP from several commercial establishments around the country reached RO194,985 between January and August 2017. These fines were the direct result of efforts put in by the authority to keep tabs on anyone who violates the rules and regulations related to consumer protection. Violations registered by the PACP ranged from not issuing a bill of purchase to raising prices without obtaining approval from the authorities. This is not it — early this month, a vehicle dealer in Nizwa was jailed for six months and fined RO 1,000 for failing to repair a faulty bus after it was sold to the consumer. From faulty cars to phone complaints to bad customer service, the PACP is the go-to place to get your grievances redressed, but are the cadres at the consumer body appreciated for their efforts in protecting your rights? We always think of the PACP when we have an issue but what happens after the complaint has been resolved? Do you ever take a moment of your life to go to that official and thank him for his efforts? If not, you should, because they are the ones who are standing up for you!
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There have been incidences of child deaths due to the carelessness of parents leaving children alone inside the vehicles. In foreign countries strict action is taken against the parents who leave their kids inside the cars. Parents must be careful, especially at petrol stations and shopping areas. Strict action must be taken against those who leave their kids inside the vehicles to carry on with their work. Kids do not know how to act when a problem arises, so they should be under elderly guidance when taken out. Locking up kids inside a vehicle can cause suffocation due to poor air circulation and, with the automatic locks, fiddling with the keys can cause them harm. The issue should be part of road safety campaigns.
PREEJI JAYASREE
It depends on the age of the child, the temperature and how long the parent leaves the child alone in the vehicle. For example, it may not be an issue to leave a 13-year-old child alone in a car on an 18°C day while you run into the bank for 10 minutes. The scenario changes drastically when you leave a 24-month-old child alone in the car as you go grocery shopping for 30 minutes on a 40°C day.
JASON FELIX NORONHA
Before we dwell into fines and punishment, it is critical to understand that a vast majority of parents driving vehicles are simply unaware of the harmful nature of gases present when a car is shut off, especially in the summer heat. While
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children are our prime responsibility and it is a crime leaving them alone in the car, especially those below 10 years, it is also the responsibility of the ROP to educate people about the same. Awareness sessions must also be conducted in schools so that children themselves understand that it is not correct to stay alone in a closed car. Blame games after a tragedy occurs hardly resolves anything. Concerted effort from parents and officials should be made to ensure that fatalities are avoided by following basic rules. Do not risk your child’s life for the sake of saving two minutes at the supermarket or grocery. It’s simply not worth it.
PARUL JAIN
The ROP is absolutely right in taking strict action against those who forget children in their vehicles. It is a parent’s duty to ensure the safety of this precious gift of God. We do not forget our petty issues with people, nor do we forget our precious cargo — how can then we forget such a valuable treasure? In case parents are so forgetful, they must keep something that they normally carry or use on the back seat of the car so that they take the child too along with it. We also need to be cautious. In case we see any child or pet alone in a car, call the parking authority or the ROP. A child is more susceptible to heat than an adult. Hyperthermia is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths of children. The age does matter a lot. A child up to eight years of age cannot operate the door locks or the ac controls, whereas a teenager can handle such situations. But, again, they (teenagers) are also children. Any wrong handling of the vehicle will devastate the happiness of a family within seconds.
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MUNA ZAYED
No need of any law to tell the parents how dangerous it is to keep their kids alone in a car. It’s their responsibility to care for their children. They should always keep an eye on their children, anywhere and anytime. Any programme to raise awareness about this among careless people is always welcome
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SYED BOKHARI
The ROP has been issuing strict warnings to negligent parents. I don’t understand how a parent could be so irresponsible that he or she chooses to go shopping leaving the kid locked up alone in a car. Such carelessness has already claimed lives of small children, so warning is not enough. The car should be impounded for a reasonable period of time and heavy fines imposed on the parent. Such measures could act as a deterrent. Why don’t the parents carry their children in strollers?
BILAL MOIN
Leaving a child alone in a car amounts to leaving a life in danger deliberately. Those who do it must pay for their inhuman act. We now carry with us gadgets that make us forget the world around and distracted, so there’s no surety that you will be heading back to the car after that quick run to the grocery. Such incidents may not be many in Oman, but we have heard tragic stories from other parts of the world. Some parents have found their children dead inside the car and others saw police trying to break the glass to rescue the child.
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NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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YOUR
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IN FOCUS
OMAN
CELEBRATIONS
A PORTRAIT EXHIBITION TO HONOUR HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS BIN SAID —SHOWCASING 18 OIL PAINTINGS BY AWARDWINNING OMANI ARTIST, SHAKER JALAL — WAS OPENED IN TIME FOR THE 47TH NATIONAL DAY, AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE MUSCAT.
AL INJAZ PRIVATE SCHOOL CELEBRATED THE 47TH NATIONAL DAY WITH PRIDE AT THE OMAN AVENUES MALL, ON 9TH NOVEMBER. THE FUNCTION WAS GRACED BY MS. FATMA BINT ABBAS NOORANI, THE DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION. 010
NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
VISA CURBS EASED FOR EXPATS
FROM MORE COUNTRIES
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oreigners from more countries can now enter Oman on a year-long tourist visa, provided that their stay in Oman does not exceed one month at a time. The privilege has now been extended to 68 countries, including 39 European nations and 10 South American countries, besides 19 other states. Moreover, additional countries have been added to this list, provided that the citizens of these nations have a visa to enter the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or have a Schengen Convention State visa. The move is expected to boost the Omani economy by allowing tourists and foreign investors to spend more time in the country, along with strengthening the service sector. Brigadier General Hilal Al Busaidi, Director General of Passports and Residency, made the announcement recently. He said eligible foreigners could apply for a tourist visa through the ROP website (www. evisa.rop.gov.com) or upon arrival at designated locations. Foreigners should present a passport that remains valid for more than six months. Al Busaidi added that the new tourist visa, valid for one year, would cost RO50.
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NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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THE EMBASSY OF INDIA, MUSCAT AND THE OMANI SOCIETY FOR FINE ARTS CONDUCTED THE ‘EXHIBITION OF INDIAN AND OMANI PORTRAITS AND PAINTINGS’, LAST WEEK [FROM NOVEMBER 7-13]. THIRTY ARTISTS INCLUDING AWARD-WINNING PAINTER SHEFFY TATTARATH TOOK PART IN THE EXPO. HIS EXCELLENCY DR. ABDULMUN’EM BIN MANSOUR BIN SAID AL-HASANI, THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION WAS THE CHIEF GUEST.
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GALLERY
MEASLES CAMPAIGN COVERS OMANTEL 92% OF TARGET GROUP BEGINS 5G
TESTING IN OMAN
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he National Measles Immunisation Campaign has officially ended, with 92 per cent of residents in the target group vaccinated. HE Dr Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Saidi revealed that coverage of Omanis reached 98per cent while coverage of expatriates was 88 per cent. The target group for vaccination was residents between the ages of 20 and 35. Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children around the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Unicef have, therefore, decided to take action against measles. The two organisations aim to reduce measles deaths by 95per cent and achieve eradication in at least five WHO regions by 2020. HE Dr Mohammed Bin Saif Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Affairs, said: ‘’This celebration comes in line with the Sultanate’s celebrations of the 47th National Day. This campaign will remain an example of the cohesion and interdependence of the health system and other sectors of the state, the private sector and civil society.’’
OMANTEL WINS BID FOR
12.1% STAKE IN ZAIN O
mantel has won the bid for the acquisition of 521,975,416 shares of Kuwait’s Mobile Telecommunication Company (Zain Group) at a price of KWD 0.781 per share following a public auction at Boursa Kuwait. As announced on October 26, Omantel signed a share purchase agreement (SPA) with Al-Khair National for Stocks and Real Estate Company, Kuwaiti British Readymix Company, and Gulf National Holding Company for its proposed purchase of Zain Group shares, representing 12.1 per cent of Zain’s fully paid-in and issued share capital, for a total cash consideration of $1.35 billion (RO520 million). This announcement triggered a formal public auction process under Boursa Kuwait rules, which was completed on November 12.
When the share purchase is settled, Omantel will own, directly and indirectly, approximately 21.9 per cent of the total issued and outstanding shares in Zain Group. “This would result in Omantel becoming the second largest shareholder in Zain after Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund, (the Kuwait Investment Authority),” the statement said. This investment is a strategic move for Omantel in line with its Corporate Strategy 3.0 and aims to create value for its shareholders, diversify revenue, and raise its regional scale and reach, the company said. Omantel financed this transaction with a combination of term loan and bridge loan facilities. The bridge loan facility will subsequently be taken out through long-term capital markets instruments.
G
ood news, folks! You will soon be able to avail 5G (fifth generation) services in the country, and Omantel – the Sultanate’s first integrated telecommunications provider – has already started testing the technology in partnership with other companies this week [Tuesday, November 14]. “Omantel has started experimenting the fifth generation technology (5G) experience for the first time in the Sultanate in partnership with Ericsson MEA,” the company tweeted. Some of the features of 5G include: greater speeds, providing more than 1,000 times the capacity of 4G, reduced delays due to latency, larger bandwidth and multiple connections. 5G will also reduce the battery consumption, provide uninterrupted and consistent connectivity, allow access to parallel multiple services and grant access in remote locations. NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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BONA FIDE AFRICAN
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AFRICAN RESTAURANT SAVANNAH BBQ LAUNCHED ITS NEW AND EXCLUSIVE AFRICAN CUISINE MENU, LAST WEEK, AT THE PANORAMA MALL, IN BAUSHAR. THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE CUISINE CONCEPT EMERGED FROM OMAN’S RICH HISTORICAL TIES WITH AFRICA.
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GALLERY
PHASE 1 OF KHAZZAN FIELD
OFFICIALLY OPENED IN OMAN
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he oil and gas sector in Oman saw a major overhaul last week [Thursday, November 9] with the inauguration of the first phase of development of the Khazzan gas field. The development was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tareq al Said, the Minister of Heritage and Culture. The Phase One development started gas production in September 2017, ten years after the signing of BP’s production sharing contract with Oman, and almost four years after the development was approved. Speaking at the Khazzan field, Bob Dudley, BP’s Group Chief Executive officer, said: “It is an honour to be here in Oman on this momentous occasion. “Although this marks just the beginning of operations for Khazzan, we have already been working towards this for ten years, building close relationships with Oman and our partners. I expect these will continue to grow and deepen. “Visiting this huge project that we have together built here in just
DRAFT STATE BUDGET FOR 2018 DISCUSSED
M
ajlis Al Shura’s Economic and Financial Committee discussed the draft state budget for the fiscal year 2018, when the committee hosted Nasser bin Khamis Al Jashmi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance. The meeting, chaired by Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura discussed bases and assumptions on which the 2018 budget was based as well as the alternative plans in the wake of the current oil prices. It also discussed plans and programmes adopted by the government in the framework of diversification of sources of income. Committee members also presented their queries and observations on numerous aspects
related to the draft budget, including public revenues, public expenditure, efficiency of expenditure, estimated deficit and means of financing, evaluation of government investments and methods of development, and various support programmes provided by the government.
RO100MN TO HELP PEOPLE HIT BY FUEL
SUBSIDY REMOVAL
T
a few years, I can see why it has been described as ‘the city in the sand’. And this city will deliver benefits for Oman and BP for decades to come. With an estimated 10.5 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources in place in Khazzan, this is very much just the start of the journey,” he added. Meanwhile, Isam bin Saud al Zidjali, CEO of Oman Oil Company, stated: “As an investment arm of the Sultanate in the energy sectors; we in Oman Oil are honoured to be part of the Khazzan Project and help maximise the value of Oman’s natural resources. “I am delighted by the fact that the project has contributed to the sustainable development of the nation on many fronts, including human capital development, new technology applications and social responsibility, to name only a few.” Phase One of the Khazzan development will include a total of 200 wells feeding into a two-train central processing facility. At peak, the Phase One development involved a workforce of around 13,500. Phase One production is expected to plateau at 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day (bcf/d). When the second phase of development of the Khazzan field – known as Ghazeer – is fully onstream, the total production is expected rise to 1.5 bcf/d. In total, approximately 300 wells are expected to be drilled over the estimated lifetime of these two phases of development of the Khazzan field.
he Council of Ministers has decided to allocate around RO100 million in the state budget to help citizens affected by the removal of fuel subsidies. The decision taken on Sunday came within the framework of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ keenness to help the citizens maintain decent living standards. A competent committee appointed by the Council of Ministers will announce the details of the scheme, including that of identifying the eligible citizens, which will be launched from January 2018.
NATIONAL
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OMAN AIR
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o commemorate the 47th National Day, the Sultanate’s premier airline Oman Air is offering travelers with up to 47 per cent discount on air fares. The offers are valid for booking in economy class and business class until November 18, 2017 – the National Day of Oman – and only for outbound travel with booking dates between November 21, 2017 and March 31, 2018, as per the airline. “The discount is applicable on return journeys only,” the airline was quoted as saying, adding that the flights must depart from Oman only. The offer will be applicable for all destinations in Oman Air’s online network, excluding Kozhikode, Manila, Doha, Jeddah and Madinah. Discount is also not applicable to domestic, code share, interline and rail service sectors. But that’s not all: Oman Air is taking it a step further by providing free access to the business class lounge at the Muscat International Airport, an 18 per cent discount on onboard duty free purchases and allowing an extra 18kgs of baggage, to all travelers celebrating their birthdays on November 18. NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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Photos: Matthew Herbst
SOUQ ESSABT (WHICH MEANS SATURDAY MARKET IN ARABIC) IS A FARMERS’ MARKET CONCEPT THAT TAKES PLACE AT THE AL MOUJ, IN SEEB. AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, THE MARKET IS OPEN TO ALL ON SATURDAY, AND FROM 9AM TO 2PM. THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS.
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Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi
Today’s inspiration: A good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
In a new series, we look for inspiration from a variety of influences around Oman, including its people, places and wildlife.
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE Here’s your chance to witness the biggest bike show in Oman! As part of the National Day celebrations, Omani bikers will showcase their skills in front of SABCO Centre in Al Qurum on November 17 from 5pm to 9pm.
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BIKE SHOW
THIS
WEEK
LARGEST LEGO FLAG IN THE WORLD AT OMAN AVENUES MALL
On the 47th National Day of Oman, witness the largest national flag made of LEGO Bricks in an attempt to create a Guinness World Records record on November 18 at the Oman Avenues Mall as a gift to the nation.
NOV
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CITY CENTRE MUSCAT AND CITY CENTRE QURUM TO CELEBRATE
WHAT TO DO.
NATIONAL DAY
WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.
N O V E M B E R Visitors at City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum will get a taste of Omani hospitality all weekend as they will be treated to mouth-watering Omani halwa and coffee, a traditional way of greeting guests. At City Centre Qurum, a 16-troupe folklore ensemble will display the wealth and diversity of Omani heritage with performances every day from 4 to 10pm. Dressed in attractive traditional dress, dancers will use various percussion instruments and spread musical harmony from the different regions in Oman. They will perform the Tamboura, AbouZalaf, Al Manyour, Al Hattabat, Al Mzmar, Al Bar’aa and Al Maghayed, which will include singing, dancing and playing instruments.
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NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
MOVIES MOVIES Prolific profiles Two men and a woman who have wowed the nation and the rest of the world could break into the big league. Hasan al Lawati checks out the inspiring profiles
T
hree of a kind who represent the wealth of talent Oman has, the three personalities we have picked from a slew of popular Omani faces could make it really big if luck favours them with the right breakthroughs. They have proved their skill in their chosen fields, and they look destined to break into the big league. The sky, or Hollywood, is not the limit for them! They are two men and a woman, all well known in Omani society and with an awesome number of followers on social media platforms. Meet our Hollywood matrial: the Despacito guys who shot to fame with their Arabic vesion of Despacito, Abdul Hakeem Al Salhi who has 106,000,000 followers on his Instagram page and Shog Al Maskari who is the faceless inspiration on YouTube. As we clebrate the 47th National Day, Y presents the three Omani faces who could make it to Hollywood, thanks to their breathtaking production skills and charming personalities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
Abdul Hakeem Al Salhi The popular face on Instagram is also a blunt critic. The plain-speaking Omani actor has 106,000,000 followers on his Instagram page and is known for being very vocal about local trending topics like scam phone calls, telecommunication fees and cyber security.
The Despacito guys - Hanood (75,274 subscribers) 2017 was the year of YouTube in Oman, thanks to the Arabic version of Despacito which got international recognition and received 9.7 million views until date. The humorous song which highlights the high costs of marriage in the Sultanate has also been featured on BBC Trending. Mohammed Al Manji, the singer in the viral video, said they did not expect such a wide reach. “We were hoping for 100,000 views,” he told the Y magazine. Asked if the YouTube successes of Omani talents could evolve into a gamechanging experience in the local show business, the 23-year-old singer said: “I think the capabilities we have in Oman can do wonders. We have video editors and videographers who can come up with great content. They just need the will to do so,” he pointed out. Al Manji said he believed that Omani production companies can shoot movies too. Arabic Despacito was shared by hundreds of people on different social media platforms. The video shows a group of local young men visiting an older man to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. The father ask the suitor to provide his daughter with an apartment, a car, shabka (money and jewellery given to a bride as part of Omani tradition) as well as a dowry. “We came up with the idea during a meeting with Muhannad (actor) and Bin Dhuha (poet). We decided to address the issue of high dowries in Oman which we think is preventing many young adults from getting married,” Al Manji said.
Shog Al Maskari Probably the coolest YouTuber in Oman, the 24-year-old bookworm does not show her face to the viewers but shares colourful content and hosts popular figures to talk on hot topics. “I want to prove to everyone that a person, male or female, does not need to show his/her face to have influence in society,” she said in a video. She has 46,000 subscribers and is an avid Harry Potter fan.
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November 18 is an inspiring opportunity to celebrate the best of what Oman has achieved and the best of things set to unfold. Nishad Padiyarath and Alvin Thomas join the happy, hopeful crowd
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Tawfiq al Lawati, member of the Majlis Al Shura The day, 18th November, holds a special place in our hearts and historical significance in our memory because of the socio-economic transformation it brought to Oman, where pluralism, tolerance and goodwill formed the cornerstones and gave birth to economic progress that reflects optimism. “I am from a generation which saw Oman before 1970, when there was no schools, no roads, very less medical services and no electricity. “But what we have seen after the ascension of His Majesty is nothing short of a miracle. There was a complete transformation after that, and now, as you can see, there are schools, excellent roads, hospitals, leisure facilities, and above all, great social well-being of the people living here. “Today, Oman is recognised by His Majesty – he is on the forefront of our nation. He has aided in maintaining good relations with our neighbours and have tried to propagate a peaceful living with others without interfering with anyone. “Of course, as you know, apart from being known for its natural resources, Oman is also famous for its people who are generous and kind-hearted. “Nevertheless, this 47th National Day, I would like to point out that whatever we say or do, we can never give the right credit that His Majesty deserves; he has put his heart, mind and soul into the well-being of this country. “So, I think the only way we can thank him is by standing together to fulfill his plans and goals. “Ultimately, I pray to Allah to grant His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said a long and healthy life.”
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Photographer: Fai Faisal albalushi
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here’s no better time to be in the Sultanate than the days leading up to our 47th National Day. It is a time when national pride is at an all-time high, and the dazzling hues of red, green and white, representing the national flag, overshadow every other colour in the streets, all the way from Khasab in the north to Salalah in the south. This year, as the nation comes together to celebrate 47 years of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s rule in the Sultanate, there’s no lack of pomp. Car owners have already decorated their cars in the colours of the flag with slogans such as “Oman at 47”, “I love Oman”, “Long live His Majesty” and “I love my leader”, as well as adorning them with photos of His Majesty the Sultan. Thousands of colourful lightbulbs, flags and almost 900 decorative lights have also been switched on along the main roads. The lights will stay on until the end of November. There are six different shapes, all of them representing Oman’s rich heritage, natural treasures and music. This year’s designs include incense burner “Mirash”, musical notes and three types of flowers. Come tomorrow (November 18), fireworks are set to light up the skies over Al Amerat, Seeb and Salalah to mark National Day. Aside from the fervour on the streets, the residents and citizens of Oman are all elated to celebrate this glorious day, and also have a lot to share about their love for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. We speak to a few personalities, Omanis and expats, to shed light on the topic.
His Excellency Indra Mani Pandey, the Indian Ambassador to Oman Oman has made impressive achievements in economic, social and political developments of the country during 47 years of Renaissance, under the wise and dynamic leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said. “Oman today has a developed infrastructure, including roads, ports, airports, telecom, power and water supply as well as Special Economic Zone for the development of industries. “India has always commended and supported the role played by Oman in maintaining peace and security, both at the regional as well as global levels. Both India and Oman have always stressed – in their foreign policy – peaceful co-existence of the countries, negotiated settlement of disputes and cooperation for mutual development. “On the auspicious occasion of the 47th National Day of Oman, we extend our greetings to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the Government and the people of Oman. We wish His Majesty a long and healthy life, and success in all national, regional and global endeavours.”
Her Excellency Sharmila Parajuli Dhakal, Ambassador of Nepal to Oman On behalf of the Government of Nepal, the Nepali community living in the Sultanate of Oman and myself as the first residential ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, I would like to extend sincere congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said and the friendly people of the Sultanate on the auspicious occasion of the 47th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman. “I would also like to pray for His Majesty’s personal good health, happiness and well-being for longlasting peace, prosperity and welfare of the Sultanate of Oman and her people. “This year, Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman marked the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations along with the high-level official visit of the Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal on September 2017 that provided bigger stride in the existing relation between both the countries and their people. “It is a matter of great satisfaction that the Sultanate of Oman has made the outstanding progress under visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. “His contribution to make Oman as an ideal of peace and stability, progress and solidarity at the regional and international levels have been widely witnessed and praised.”
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Dr Amal al Hashmi, BSc, MD; senior consultant neurologist and head of the Central Stroke Unit in the Ministry of Health Under the dynamic vision of His Majesty the Sultan, our Oman witnessed an inspiring transformation. The visionary leader turned Oman to what we see around today. “The leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos brought in a burst of positivity and hope to every Omani, old and young, women and men. “And here I quote His Majesty’s words: ‘I will work as quickly as possible to make you happy for a better future and for each of you to help with this duty.’ “In the historical speech delivered by His Majesty on July 23, 1970, His Majesty brought joy and hope to every Omani, young and elderly, women and men. “The year 1970 has been dear and important in the lives of every Omani. It is the year His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said assumed power in the country. Since then our beautiful Oman witnessed a dramatic and an inspiring transformation. “Under the dynamic vision of His Majesty the Sultan, the visionary leader turned Oman to what we see around today. “The leadership brought in a burst of positivity and hope to every Omani, old and young, women and men. “We do not need to talk about the significant achievements that have been made; achievements can speak up for that.”
Oman National Football team and Al-Hilal Goalkeeper Ali al Habsi
PM Jabir, social welfare secretary of the Indian Social Club
First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to His Majesty who has been looking after all of us diligently for the last 47 years. Without him, whatever we see around us wouldn’t have been possible. “Today, we see such great advancements in various fields and we cannot help but think where this country would have been without his guidance and support. “Another field where I can comment on is how much His Majesty has aided in the development of sports in the country. You see many Omanis, including me, playing at international level and taking on some of the greats. “We’re now producing some really talented football superstars. Soon, I am sure that a lot more Omanis will also be heading to several leagues abroad; just like I did. “But none of this would have been possible without all the infrastructure that has been provided to us. Anybody who is looking to hone his talents has numerous opportunities, starting from school level. “His Majesty has made it very clear that he wants everyone to fulfil his or her dreams without any hindrances, and he has made that possible to us. “So, again, I would like to thank him for making that possible.”
I first arrived here in November 1982. I was only 22 years old at that time, and as a fresh postgraduate from Kerala, India. “It was immediately after the 12th National Day and the entire Oman was still bright with the illumination and His Majesty’s pictures. The airport was small but calm and beautiful. “I remember that the road from the airport to Ruwi was single lane. The remains of the runway could still be visible in the present MBD area where the vegetable market has been set up. Plaza cinema was the place where people used to gather and make small talk; everyone knew each other. The development had already started by then, though. The 15thnational day which coincided with the fifth AGCC summit brought about many changes: new dual roads came up from Ruwi to the airport and beyond, and the engineering wonder – the Qurum-Ruwi highway – opened. “The progress was quick, and I could see the stunning changes in the years that followed. “I am in love with this country. I wanted to retire and go back to my country, but decided against it. I would love to continue staying in Oman as long as the authorities allow me. “There are many reasons: the peace, the tranquillity, the friendly people and the world-renowned hospitality.”
Qais al Khonji, Award-winning Omani entrepreneur I think a lot has been accomplished, and as citizens and private sector we are always eager for more. I’m very happy with projects like Tanfeedh and the Duqum Free Zone. “But I’m also seeking that we turn to more and more industrial projects. Some neighbours are already ahead in certain industries. But that shouldn’t stop us from finding opportunities and areas where the region is lacking to manufacture. “The way forward in order increase the GDP is turning industrial.”
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Shaker Jalal, the ‘Da Vinci of Oman’ and development manager at an international bank in Muscat His Majesty has been the pillar to our nation for over four decades now, and it makes me proud to be a part of it all. Without his guidance, I cannot even begin to think where Oman would be,” Shaker Jalal said. “He has been at the forefront in Oman’s politics, economy and wellbeing. This is why our country remains at peace within the nation, and also with other neighbouring countries. “It’s also amazing how Omanis and expats all live in peace with one another here. This is why we call it a ‘National Day’ — a day where we all set aside our nationalities and express our love as a nation. “On a different note, I think it is His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ love for music and art that has resulted in the success stories of numerous artists, musicians and other talented individuals. “He has made it possible for us to work with our freedom and express ourselves. He has also given us numerous platforms to showcase our works publicly. Without the right medium, one cannot prosper; and what he has done is create the perfect medium for us to work with. “I am currently hosting my exhibition at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM), which has to be one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. And that itself is a true testament to how blessed we all are.”
Tonny George Alexander, the Director of Oman UAE Exchange I arrived here in 1995 and that time the place was serene and clean with a mixture of modernisation and rich culture. “But over the last four decades, I would say that the Sultanate enjoyed rapid development, led from the front by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. “In 1970, there were only three formal schools with 900 students across the entire country; now there are more
than 1,580 schools in the country. “My humble and simple words would not do justice to all the achievements we have witnessed over the last 47 years. “Another aspect is the wonderful people of Oman. They are extremely welcoming and friendly, and make the country the peaceful place that it is today.”
THE YEAR 1970 HAS BEEN DEAR AND IMPORTANT IN THE LIVES OF EVERY OMANI. IT IS THE YEAR HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS BIN SAID ASSUMED POWER IN THE COUNTRY. SINCE THEN OUR BEAUTIFUL OMAN WITNESSED A DRAMATIC AND AN INSPIRING TRANSFORMATION NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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Kurian Joshi, an artist and art director for an advertising agency I have been here for 25 years, and ever since I came here, I have felt his presence in every aspect of my life here. He is a great, great man, and an even wonderful ruler. I think it is through his leadership and direction that Oman has reached where it has today. “I had lived in Dubai before moving to Muscat. I had also received a lot of offers after I moved to Oman, but somehow, I never felt like leaving this country. That’s the charm Oman has. “My wife and family also love this country. I have seen the development over the last two-and-a-half decades, and I can tell you that everything points to a very peaceful life. It is very comfortable to maintain a family life here. “I have a daughter, and I am very confident that she will be safe. I think this is something His Majesty always wanted; a safe and secure environment for everyone to live and coexist. “Other developments I have seen are on the roads. I have been driving for over 17 years now, and I cannot help but notice how good they are. I am from India, and it’s a country where the roads have to be maintained very frequently. “Here, I have seen roads last even more years than I have actually stayed here. I think it was all in his plans for a great country when he drew up his vision.”
HIS MAJESTY HAS BEEN THE PILLAR TO OUR NATION FOR OVER FOUR DECADES NOW, AND IT MAKES ME PROUD TO BE A PART OF IT ALL
Adnan al Raisi, professional Omani cyclist touring across the Muscat region I started cycling when I was a kid. And ever since I began cycling and doing stunts professionally, I have been touring across Oman and many other parts of the GCC. “But, this time around, I am riding 40 kilometres from Muscat to the airport. “I am doing this only for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. I don’t know where to start but I hope my trips on the cycle are good enough to thank him for all he has done for us (Omanis) and the expats living here. “I have added photos of His Majesty, created designs and some flowers to celebrate this special day. “I want to dedicate this to him for his happiness. I hope someone will take a photo of this cycle and show it to him. Without him, I don’t know how or where our country would have been. “National Day is an emotional day for all of us, and we will continue to celebrate it in the most elaborate way possible. “Many people have asked me why I cycle around Muscat, and come and ask me for photographs; that’s a testament to how much people enjoy seeing this small parade on the road.”
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Mohammad Osama Rawat, the General Manager of Oriental Pharmacy The Sultanate of Oman is going to celebrate its 47th anniversary of an era of remarkable progress under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. “The visionary leadership of His Majesty has brought a radical transformation in Oman, in the life of Omani citizens and in the life of each individual living in Oman. “The lifestyle in Oman has evolved into a modern, forwardlooking society and the country is witnessing continuous overall development. “I came to Oman in July 1992 and have been witness to its infrastructure development like roads, hospitals, schools, universities, etc. “The healthcare facilities and the roads infrastructure in Oman are world-class. The state-of-the-art Grand Mosque, the supreme court building, the Royal Opera House Muscat, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (which opened last year) and the new airport (which will be operational in the coming months) are other unique jewels of development which I have witnessed in person during my stay in Oman. “However, what matters most to me is that in spite of all the developments Oman remains genuine, humble and authentic. Wherever you go in Oman, you will still find traditional Arabian hospitality and heritage. “At international level, His Majesty has been the guiding light and driving force behind Oman’s pursuit of global peace. He received the International Peace Award in 1998, but in my humble opinion His Majesty genuinely deserves the ‘Nobel Peace Prize’. “I sincerely pray to the Almighty to bless His Majesty with a long, healthy and active life to carry Oman and his mission of peace to further, greater heights.” ■
Spare a thought for the family — yours and that of others— as soon as you get the urge to do something reckless. The ORSA drives home the point in a quick chat with Alvin Thomas on ways to reduce car accidents
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e’ve all seen it: the video that goes by the title, ‘Oman 1990 Ruwi, Wadi Kabir’, which was uploaded by British expat Simon Cockerham. The one-minute-and-ten-second video gives viewers a clear idea of some of Oman’s most prominent landmarks, including the Star Cinema building, the Sheraton Oman hotel and some shots of driving past the Central Business District (CBD) area. Cars like Mitsubishi Pajeros, Toyota Cressidas and Corollas galore; the video takes me back to older times. Fast forward to today: As I roar past the traffic in my 300-horsepower sedan and en route to the Sheraton Oman hotel, I cannot help but notice the untouched road networks and the sign boards in the CBD area. But then, why should it be revamped? The roads in CBD continue to ferry scores of cars and other vehicles daily without any hitch. This goes to show how well the roads were made and, above all, how well it was all planned out. In short, if you drove across the Ruwi and Wadi Kabir area in 1990, you wouldn’t require the assistance of Google Maps today. What’s even more amazing is when you realise that this was one of the first roads in the country. The CBD (and Muttrah) was once the hub for all major activities in the country. Oman’s first airport was situated in the locale, and so was its first five-star hotel (and the tallest building in Oman). Today, however, Oman’s roads are ranked among the top five in the world. The report published by Singaporean website MICE earlier this year stated that Omani highways were up in the top with countries such as France, United Arab Emirates and Singapore. Despite all the laurels, the roads have actually changed over the last four decades, and for the better. Oman currently has a staggering 62,240 highways in total, and the network is growing daily. Just last week, a 27km-long stretch of road on the Al Batinah expressway connecting Saham and Sohar was opened to the public. Just to put things into perspective, a total of 1,426,350 vehicle (as of September 2017) are plying the roads of Oman every day.
“We have to applaud His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said for all these achievements,” says Gregory J, a long-term resident of Oman. “I started driving around 30 years ago, and the changes I have seen since that period of time are staggering. Initially, all we had was the Sultan Qaboos highway. Today, we are given more than three options when we are travelling places. “I remember having to spend more than one hour to get from Muttrah (where he stayed) to Seeb for a weekend getaway with my wife,” he adds, before going on to compliment the Sultan Qaboos highway, the Muscat Expressway and other roads that interlink parts of Oman. “All of this aids to cut traffic and also makes driving easier. But there are more cars on the roads today,” the 58-year-old businessman asserts. “What that means is that the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has a lot more work to do than ever before. “But I think that they’re doing a great job and, if you look closely, one aspect has been reducing road accidents over the years,” he points out. And he’s right. The number of road accidents stood at 2,738 from January to September this year compared with 3,480 in the same period last year, as per the statistics revealed by the National Centre for Statistical Information. A part of this can be attributed to the untiring efforts put in by a team working on its dream to make the roads of Oman 100 per cent safe: The Oman Road Safety Organisation (ORSA). “We have a lot to do. Such a change cannot be made overnight. Instead we must begin inculcating the thought of road safety into the minds of youngsters and the elder drivers,” tells Ali al Barwani, the CEO of ORSA in a video interview with Y last week. “Everyone is set in their ways. Today you may be confident of driving fast on the highways, or failing to buckle down your children using a child seat because you have never faced any incidents. But the reality is that one mistake is enough to change your course of life.” Today, the ORSA takes educating the masses as its responsibility to create a nation wherein no one is at risk while on the road. “Oman’s roads are one of the best in the world but there’s much for us to do as drivers,” Ali explains. “What is the point of having all the facilities in the world if the people are not making use of them in the right way?” he asks. “His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has spoken out about road safety publicly, and it’s something that has been discussed widely. And in recent times, the ROP has been much stricter in its approach to road offences. It’s something that has definitely helped to bring a wind of change in the country. “How amazing would it be to have the roads that we have here, and with the utmost levels of safety?” he asks. “So, don’t forget: make use of the roads, but not at the expense of another human’s life. Every time you feel like doing something rash, think about your family; think about all those people who are dependent on you; and, above all, think about the family that must be reliant on the other person who is on the road alongside you.” ■
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Hinai ON HIS WAY BACK FROM YIQA, SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI TAKES A DETOUR TO HEAD INTO A LARGE WADI AND GETS TRANSFIXED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE PLACE. BE ‘HERE’ AND GET HOOKED!
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amazing to see that the lands looked like it had just rained a few days ago. It was that damp and fertile. But the dry wadi gives the whole setting away. The weather was cool, too. The temperature stood around 24°C but the cold breeze had me shivering. Still, it’s one of those feelings that I loved and rarely got to experience. In any case, those of you looking to visit Hinai should definitely head there with an Arabic-speaking friend just so that you can blend with the locals. The village is a perfect spot for sitting down with your family and friends and relaxing, but it’s best to refrain from camping there lest you upset any locals. Still, Hinai is one of those places that get you hooked. The layout of the wadi and the lands surrounding it is unique and is unseen elsewhere in Oman, and the lush greenery in the middle of barren land is nothing short of a miracle.
HOW TO GET THERE
TRAVEL GUIDE
mpromptu trips are the best. How often do you plan extravagant excursions with your friends before they fail you by bailing out in the last second? Many of you may have had such crushing disappointment at some point in your life. This is the very reason why I refrain from telling my friends about my trips... at least until I reach my point of interest with them. I’m evil that way. And my latest Destination excursion to the outskirts of Oman was very much in line with that – but with a major twist. It was still early morning when Imran and I were heading back from Yiqa (which I wrote about last week), and I realised that we had adequate time for a quick detour. The area that caught my eye was Hinai – which was denoted by a brown board – on our way to Yiqa. For those of you coming from the capital, Hinai will be to your right, and only a few metres ahead of Yiqa. We quickly took the turn to Hinai. There’s a sudden dip in the road, which implied that we had entered a wadi. And that’s what Hinai is – it’s a gigantic wadi that feeds life on either of its sides. There are quite a lot of families residing there, so it is wise to not disrupt their day. I was pleasantly surprised to see many Omani women at work, running their daily errands. It was quite fulfilling to see people up early in the morning to do their chores. It’s something I practise myself and would like to see in more people in and around the country. As the saying goes: “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man (or woman) healthy, wealthy and wise.” My thoughts about that were overshadowed by the sheer beauty of the place, though. I understand that I do say that about every place I visit, but there’s a certain quirk about Hinai that I grew to admire – the people’s reliance on the wadi to fuel their lives. It’s almost like the wadi is the sole provider of natural resources for the sustenance of the residents of the area. The wadi itself is dry – currently – but the areas surrounding it is lush green; meaning that there’s likely an afalaj that is driven from the source of the wadi to feed the agriculture in the area. Oh, and before I forget, Hinai roughly translates to “here” in Arabic. Isn’t that amazing? I mean, I would love to tell people that I stay “here” when they ask me where I stay. Imran and I tried to dig a bit deeper into the roots of the land, trying to understand how it was eminent in the history of Oman. But, watching the people work there made me coy away from asking any questions. I thought it would be rude to interrupt them while they were at work. I’m sure the lands have been inhabited for a long time, though, and that it acted as an extension to the Yiqa village. I could find some ruins – though scarcely – of buildings and so on. I grabbed my camera gear and started clicking photos. I found it
Take the Muscat Expressway and head towards Rustaq. Keep following the road until you reach the end of the Expressway. From there, head left and follow the road to Al Qabil. Once you reach the roundabout it’s best to ask people for directions or switch on your maps and input these coordinates.
GPS location: 23°25’23.3”N; 57°17’58.0”E
NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
033
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FIRST DRIVE
CARS ADVENTURES
T
TO YOTA L A N D C R U I S E R P R A D O
It doesn’t matter if you don’t fall in love with this chunky beast at first sight – the history and pedigree comes alive as you bond with it sooner than thought. Alvin Thomas tames the third-generation monster in challenging terrain
he Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has to be one of the most stereotyped cars of all time. It became the vehicle of choice for millions of people, mostly expatriates in the Middle East, who revered it for its familyfriendly cabin, reliable drivetrain and off-road capabilities – and it soon became a household name. As a matter of fact, there’s a long-standing joke that every second Land Cruiser Prado on the road is run by a moneyed expat. My facts may be erroneous, but I’m sure readers can understand what I’m trying to say here; the Prado really is that loved by the expats in the Middle East. It’s so popular that the Prado was even the lead car in several Indian movies shot in the GCC. Keralites (from South India) should remember the scene where superstar Mamooty walks – in slow motion (obviously) – out of his Prado to beat up a bunch of baddies. This makes the Prado the Bond car of India (no jokes!). All of this gained the SUV its notoriety – in a good
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way – among the community but also overshadowed the scores of locals who have been worshipping the Land Cruiser badge and its affiliate Prado for decades. Yes! The Prado may be considered the smaller sibling; the car you buy before you step into the original Land Cruiser, but I’ll tell you this: it is no longer shadowed by its elder brother. This may only be the company’s fourth attempt at building the Prado, and even though there isn’t a lot to differentiate my test car from its predecessor, all the changes that have been made are quite striking. It’s still the wide, chunky beast that it always has been. But now it looks a tad broader (albeit it actually isn’t) thanks to its chunky grille with vertically slotted chrome ornaments. That’s not all: the headlamps are now chiselled, and is protuberated on either edge to give it a bulbous look. The fascia is completed by the bumper protector that also spells out “PRADO” in embossed capital letters so that you’ll know which car is (terrifyingly) tailgating you on the highway. All jokes aside, the side profile remains unchanged. As always, the SUV rides tall, so you get a strong plastic footstep and a ton of real estate for the windows. The A, B and C pillars are quite thin and unobtrusive compared to other SUVs in this class but the doors are heavy and have equally thick chrome strips on the sides. This should also protect your SUV’s overly-curvilinear doors from dings caused by other careless drivers. Thoughtful addition, Toyota. Kudos! The posterior keeps the classic stroppy tail lamps of its predecessor, but it is now enveloped in chrome. It’s easy on the eyes, though, which is good. My
TX-L model came with the traditional tailgate mounted full-size spare tyre with an embellishment, and a chrome-plated exhaust. The interior sees a lot of changes, too, beginning with the new 18cm-wide touchscreen. The new screen is easy to navigate through and extremely responsive. Other Japanese manufacturers should take note from Toyota, here. Sadly, my tester didn’t come with navigation or pre-loaded maps. Still, the stereo system was up to the mark, and only hampered when the bass shuddered the plastic panels on the doors (characteristic of most SUVs in this class). I couldn’t find much else in line of tech-features. But, I hear the fully loaded version comes packing lanedeparture warning, ventilated seats, driving modes (Sport, Normal and Eco), an upgraded infotainment and several safety systems. Space (leg and head room) is available
Destination
P o s t c a r d s Fr o m
Y- F i
aplenty, especially for the first and second row passengers, grip and stability off road. This linked with the (front) but the third row can be a little cramping for adults. Still, double wishbone and (rear) multi-link suspension allows I managed to haul myself in there as my friend took the Prado to achieve some truly amazing angles without me for a spin. The large windows alleviate any sense rolling over. of claustrophobia but thoughtful additions such as cup I was able to take a 30-degree sandy slope with ease. holders and a/c vents make life easier in the rear. Of course, I had to stay within the low gears and lock the Also incredible is how well the interior has been put differentials to conquer that hill. The 4.0-litre naturally together. Surely, it is plastic galore but there wasn’t a single aspirated V6 engine – producing a stingy 271hp but stout creak or squeak, or even a panel gap wide enough 382Nms of torque – provides enough gruff when for a credit card to go through (*cough* G-Wagen required. The powertrain is completed by a six-speed *cough*). Now that’s definitely something I automatic transmission sending power to all BEG YOU TO don’t come across every day. four wheels via a potent transfer box. ASK YOURSELF The seats are extremely cushy and The torque and power is available high THIS QUESTION, up in the rpm range, and is capitalised by pleasant, especially in the fabric form that REALLY: ARE YOU the gearbox when you slam the pedal to the the tester was fitted with. It gripped my fabric clothes very well, and made up for the BUYING A LARGE metal – especially if you find yourself stuck SUV OR A TINY in sand. lack of bolstering on the sides. At no point HOUSE? during spirited cornering did I feel like I Of course, it’s a very different story when was going to be thrown away onto the far you head back to the Tarmac. end of the cabin. On the plus side, the support from the The gearbox – which seems to be (rightly) tuned for lumbar is exceptional and the seating position upfront is efficiency – short shifts when you’re cruising along. What commanding; I’m assuming the engineers kept that as a this means is that you’ll be hitting third or fourth gear priority when designing the cabin. when you’re at 30 or 40kph. Though, this can make kick Further snowballing the driver’s prominence are the downs a very feisty affair. numerous buttons that sit neatly tucked under the storage Slam the accelerator pedal, and the gearbox takes a compartment on the dashboard. These take care of the good second or two to change the cogs and get the engine differential lock, traction control, hill descent control and to crank harder. But because all the power and torque lie a thrust mode when you’re in deep trouble. atop the rev range, the engine wheezes to about 6000rpm Now, it’s true: these are buttons you may never use before it flexes all its muscle. if you own a Prado (or any SUV for that matter). But, This means you’ll be hitting the 100kph mark from a I didn’t hesitate to head out for some wadi and dune standstill in about 10 seconds. bashing to see if the good ‘ol gal’s still got the Land Cruiser pedigree. And dear Lord, it does. You see, the Prado comes alive the moment it hits the sands. The 46cm alloys, wrapped around in high profile Dunlop tyres, offer tremendous
Gaming
CARS
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Specifications: Engine: 4.0-litre “naturallyaspirated” VVT-i six-cylinder Transmission: Six-speed automatic Horsepower: 271hp Torque: 382Nm Top speed: 200kph Four-wheel-drive 46cms alloys Cruise control Locking differential Traction Control Leather-wrapped steering Hill-descent control Dual-auto a/c 18cms touch-operated screen Bluetooth Rear parking sensors Fabric upholstery ABS, EBD and Brake-assist Backup camera Cool box
The engine settles into its speed rather than sprint there; like the Land Cruiser. But it is relatively silent at average speeds with very little vibrations entering the cabin when cruising. Meanwhile, the electric-assisted hydraulic steering is light and is a breeze to use in city driving. As is the case with most cars of today, the steering provides negligent feedback. The resistance, however, is mimicked well on sand and other rough terrain. The brakes are fabulous and offer strong stopping power. Cornering is a mixed bag, as a fair amount of roll creeps in while taking corners past speeds of 40kph. This will not be a problem for the top-loaded VX model that comes with Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which should reduce the issue. Set all the weaknesses aside, however, and you have a magnificent product with a great sense of character. It’s not a vehicle that you may fall in love with at first sight but is one that you bond with, share moments with your family, and spend hours in, before you finally realise that it has served you without a single hitch or complaint. The Prado is like Alfred – Batman’s (Bruce Wayne’s) reliable butler. Little wonder that the Prado was – and still is – a sales success.
NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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CARS ADVENTURES Crystal-clear inlets, peaking mountain ranges and top-class hotels; that’s what Musandam offers to tourists visiting the location. Scratch a little deeper, however, and you will find secrets that are more than two-million-years old!
1. Lean back in the dhow and adore the lakes 2. Enjoy the view from the window of your hotel room 3. Explore the great countryside 4. Climb every possible mountain 5. Take a peek into ancient fossils
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Photos: Matthew Herbst
MYSTICAL MUSANDAM
Destination
Cars
Y-Fi
Gaming
POSTCARDS FROM
Alvin Thomas recommends
MUSANDAM, OMAN W
hat’s a National Day without the nationalistic spirit, right? So, for a change, I’m going to talk about one of Oman’s best-kept secrets. No, I’m not thinking about Salalah, but rather Musandam - one of God’s many gifts to this beautiful nation. Musandam may not be the first location that comes to mind when you’re planning a tour of Oman. Sensible tourists will gait around the Muttrah Corniche with their thick hats and hefty bags, while the adventurous ones will undoubtedly head to Jabal Akhdar or Sur. But, there’s a very good reason to plump for Musandam over these other locales; it gives you an opportunity to detach from civilisation and dissolve all your worries. Don’t believe me? Well, I’m a living testament to this. Being the northernmost point of Oman, Musandam is predominantly enclosed by water. The only real land link between Musandam and the rest of Oman is through the United Arab Emirates. How ironic is that? You even have to go through four checkpoints. If you’re Asian, it’s best to check with the authorities if you’re required to procure a visa. What Musandam loses in accessibility, it makes up for in exclusivity. Most of the governorate is occupied by natives, so it’s best to go with an Arabic-speaking friend; but the residents are extremely friendly and helpful. And trust me when I say this: If you’re driving there, you will (and that’s ‘will’ with a capital ‘W’) require assistance. There’s no getting around the fact that Google Maps and Apple Maps (or whatever navigation system you use) are redundant there. Once you’re there, however, it’s sheer nirvana! The temperatures may be higher than that of Muscat, but nothing else comes close when you’re leaning back on your seat in the dhow while sailing across the beautiful lakes. The only thing that was then left from the setting was some slow, classical music. Well, luckily I had my iPod on me, so I cued Monroe with ‘On Days Like These’.
My favourite place There’s not much else to see in Musandam than the countryside. If you’re checking into a hotel, make sure you experience the rooms for a whole day before you venture into the locality. I say that because most of the hotel rooms are fabulous and have a great view. Once you’re out in the open, however, head straight for the crystal-clear waters. The dhows should help you get around efficiently, and will also give you a sneak-peak of the many islands that are scattered around.
FJORD
V IE W S FROM T OF THE HE TOP MOUNT A IN
K A T IN G B A C FO S S IL S D RS A M IL L IO N Y E SEVERAL
Highlights
Musandam etched itself onto the map with its strategic military base. It came into existence in 1983 and has been operational ever since. The topography of the location (i.e. the peaking mountains and the access to sea on three sides) gives Oman the upper hand during any conflicts. Needless to say, entry to the base is restricted, due to which you can only explore a portion of the mountains. Still, atop one of the peaks, you can see two-million-year-old fossils trapped inside rocks. The only way to see it, though, is to pour some water on it. It must be seen to be believed.
Lowlights Oh! The drive. It takes 10 long hours to reach Musandam, after which you will undeniably be exhausted. The roads aren’t too developed, either. But, the greatest shortfall is that you will require a sturdy 4x4 to explore much of the mountains in Musandam. Souvenirs There’s a village that primarily acts as a trading point with Iran. You can purchase local Omani handicrafts, Iranian foods and clothes from the souk. Your hotel will mostly house a souvenir shop but the prices of good will likely be marked up. Getting there
As I (vividly) mentioned before, you can opt for a 10-hour drive from Muscat to the governorate. But, there’s a better option for sensible tourists: ferries. The ferry ride should take six hours, and will have you covered – complete with food and entertainment – throughout the length of the journey.
Where to stay
Atana Musandam Resort, an initiative by Omran, is a great place to stay. The rooms are sizeable and the view is exquisitely beautiful. Apart from that, the hotel can also suggest – or sometimes provide – you with tour guides.
DOLPH IN W A T C H IN G FROM T HE DH OW
NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
037
-FI THE TECH IN YOU
Destination
Cars
Gaming
Y-FI
ALL-PURPOSE APPS
From paying bills to revisiting history to digging up key data, mobile apps launched by Oman are well designed and easy to use. Hasan al Lawati picks the best
SULTAN QABOOS And in the spirit of the National Day, we recommend you this state-of-theart application that celebrates the leader of the nation. The app allows users to see historic images of His Majesty the Sultan, old speeches and national songs, all at the tip of your fingers. Designed by Omani twins Al Harith and Faris Al Juma, the app was first launched in 2013. It had more than 1,200 photos, which could be saved and shared via Whatsapp, email, Airdrop and other apps.
BALADIYETI An award-winning app by Muscat Municipality, it is designed to facilitate various services to the residents in Muscat. You can pay your parking tickets and flick through latest news and projects in the capital of Oman. It also provides a direct contact with the municipality hotline number 1111. In 2016, the application has won the 16th Round of His Highness Sheikh Salim Al Ali Al Sabah Informatics Award for the best technology projects in the Arab world.
NCSI GEO The one and only app that provides you with accurate socio-economic statistical information about the Sultanate, it is designed by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. NCSI’s GEO mobile application allows users to access a wealth of up-to-date data quickly and easily through an intuitive and interactive map. You can navigate its interactive map to locate the nearest hospital, police station, school, bank, hotels, ATMs, mosques and more. Very practical for researchers and travelers.
TRAVELLER OASIS
EDITOR’S PICK
THIS IS EASILY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND COLOURFUL TRAVEL APP IN OMAN. WE CAN CONFIRM THAT THERE IS NO BETTER APP FOR YOU TO PLAN A STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY IN GREEN DHOFAR. TRAVELLER OASIS INCLUDES A RANGE OF FREE SERVICES, FROM HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TO CAR RENTAL.
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Get on board A test of skill, strategy and pure chance, board games are an exciting way to spend amusing time together. Hasan al Lawati sits around a table with the 'Geek Owl' founder to discover the fun
T
he first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "gamer" is an image of a jobless, socially awkward dude sporting thick glasses and smashing on the keyboard while his eyes are glued to the computer screen. But this group of geeks is defying the stereotype attached to gamers through challenging, innovative board games that offer rewarding experiences. "Board games had been a major part of my life while I was studying abroad in Melbourne. I always loved how they brought people from various backgrounds together. They were a fun way to relieve stress, have a laugh, and challenge our mind. Plus, the amazing social interaction and the creativity thinking," said Ahmed Al Kalbani, founder of 'Geek Owl', Oman's first board game club. Al Kalbani works at Khazzan, BP Oman. He graduated from Monash University in Melbourne in 2011 and 2015, and majored in telecommunication engineering and a PhD in electrical engineering. "Board games are a big thing in the West. From board game shops, cafes, competitions, Kickstart-funded projects to massive conventions. It is time for us to join in the trend. Our fellow neighbouring GCC countries already have a leap start over us," he said. The 30-year-old man wants to bring
and popularise this culture to Oman and share its values. "As Arabs, we are by nature very sociable people. I believe there is a big market for board games in the region, and people need to exploit it," he observed. But Al Kalbani is a "noobie" to the board game industry. "I started my personal collection back in 2015 when I used to play board games, including role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons during my Phd candidature. The same collection we use today with the group. From time to time I’ve been adding to the collection. We live at a time when we can buy anything from anywhere," he said. “There is a board game for every single one of us. You just need to find it,” Al Kalbani added, quoting a "wise friend". "Initially, word of mouth has helped us gain a lot of momentum and lured out some of the hibernating board game enthusiasts in Muscat," Al Kalbani told Y magazine. Al Kalbani and his group constantly encourage people to try new things. "Board games depend a lot on the personality. And what I have noticed is that it is a great tool to develop your character and major soft skills that we use on a daily basis, e.g. negotiation, communication, empathy and leadership. Board games have been an effective method for team building in many organisations and schools," he said. He is planning to raise awareness about board game culture in the region through
workshops and after-school curriculum. He believes that such interactive games are not only fun, but educational too. "You learn to follow rules in a fun environment, you learn to win, you learn to lose, you learn to listen, and you learn to focus. Something we need to further polish in today’s competitive world," The group currently has a session every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm, spicing it up with different games, themes and venues. "We also have been in works to host a heavy lore/narrative sessions for the hardcore enthusiasts," he said. JULY NOV 03 16 - 22 09 / ISSUE 495 327
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Health
HEALTH& BEAUTY
Beauty
FASHION
d
aring
designs
She fuses Omani culture and tradition with radical ideas to breathe daring freshness into her craft. Alvin Thomas walks down the ramp with Omani designer Arwa al Musafir
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fi r a s u
a a w lM r A
he CEO of watch manufacturer Officine Panerai, Angelo Bonati, once stated: “Luxury is attention to detail, originality, exclusivity and, above all, quality.” While these words have since become the byword for watchmakers internationally, one Omani clothing designer seems to be shadowing a similar motto to create fashionable and exclusive clothes that not only reflect modern design but also pays homage to Oman’s local traditional garbs. Her name is Arwa al Musafir, and she is part of a new wave of designers who are on a mission to put Oman on the international fashion map. Arwa’s clothing line – of which there are many – are inspired by Omani culture and traditions, mixed with a palette of vivid colours, fancy designs and even nature (!) “What I aim to do with my clothing is to show people the heritage of Oman while also mixing some new and radical designs. So, as a part of that, I design and craft abayas (Arabian women’s dress) and other dresses,” an enthusiastic Arwa tells me. “My aim is to modernise Omani clothing but also incorporate the rich cultural background that I have seen and am a part of. “Of course, being Omani, my designs are still acceptable by society. But my major design work transcends over the usual works that are usually done here. With my designs, I like to highlight the season, the festivals during those times and many other factors,” she says. Another factor Arwa keeps note of is the trend and demand for a particular set of clothes. This is probably why Arwa’s clothing store in Al Ghubra – which she opened in 2015 – is a huge hit among Omani women; she’s a calculative entrepreneur. “People love my clothes,” she says in a humble tone. But, what is it that motivated Arwa to become the fashion designer that she is today? Well, in short, her family. “I come from an artistic family,” chants Arwa. “My father – Moosa al Musafir – is a famous artist in Oman, and my mother has always inculcated a strong sense of artistry in me. She has also stood by my side and helped me throughout my time as a designer and
a businesswoman. “So, yes, I grew up in that environment,” she says. For the 47th National Day, Arwa tells me that she has designed some exclusive wear featuring the Omani national flag colours (red, green and white), and some other “distinctive and rare pieces”, which she keeps under wraps. “I do not limit myself to one type of product,” she explains. That fact is highlighted when I realise that Arwa’s clothes are accepted by expats in Oman as well. “My clothing may seem like it is for Omanis but it really is not. A lot of expats like what I do, and I’m surprised to see that the demand for it has grown over the last few years.” But before I can ask her any more questions, Arwa tells me that she has a fashion show – which will be conducted on a grand scale – on the cards, and that her works will all be showcased by models there. “The fashion show is on the cards. I cannot tell you when but I am incredibly keen on it and am planning it to be one of the best that has taken place in Oman,” she adds as we end our short yet fruitful interview. Catch Arwa’s fashion line at www.arwa.om or on Instagram @arwaboutique_om NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
ON THE
trail of
FRANKINCENSE Hasan al Lawati follows the enchanting scent and ends up at the door of an American entrepreneur who uses the famed resin in a range of healingstimulating applications as well as ice creams
T
he moment you enter her house in Shatti Al Qurm, the aromatic smell of frankincense wafting in the air will cast a spell on you. The source of the scent was a room where the sunlight reflects on the copper alembics. All the magic happens there. American entrepreneur Trygve Harris distils Dhofari frankincense to create pure and natural essential oil free from additives. "Our distillation is slow and seasonal. Using traditional copper alembics and low temperatures, the essential oil is coaxed and persuaded out of the resin," she says on her website. "This means the gum-oleoresin is immersed in water and heated to a slow boil. The liquid becomes steam and is forced through the pipes into a cooling vat called the condenser, where it changes back into liquid and separates into oil and water," Harris explained. The founder of Enfleurage Frankincense Distillery is also the inventor of frankincense ice cream and has been making it in the Salalah distillery since 2011. "We have an online store based in New York. It’s enfleurage.com and we also have a boutique where aroma enthusiasts can come try all our essential oils—we have over 130 different ones," she said. The Californian scent artist is now planning to open a new boutique in Muscat after being in business for 20 years in New York and six years in Oman. While Dhofari frankincense has been used historically in churches, mosques and houses to provide worshippers a calm and serene feeling, the aromatic resin is also known for having many other benefits. Here are some tips from enfleurage.com on how to use frankincense essential oil: Skin care Frankincense essential oil is great for skin care and nearly everything related to skin: burns, rashes, cuts, scrapes, and oozing sores. It’s also fabulous for mature, prematurely ageing, and environmentally challenged skin.
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To use it as a night (or day) cream: just add a few drops to the base of your choice. This can be as simple as something like a bottle of whole foods unscented lotion, liquid soap, shower gel, or moisturiser. Or it can be as complex as you like. If you are making your own creams or oils, frankincense will be an excellent and appropriate addition. Percentages will vary but a reasonable rule is about 6 drops per oz. That’s not set in stone! Feel free to experiment. Here are some general rules regarding use on the skin: You can use more drops in lotions meant for body – they can be stronger. Use less drops for facial creams – they should be less strong, as your face is usually more sensitive. Making a blend for massage of a specific (limited) area, such as feet, hands and lower legs, can be stronger in general than an all-around massage blend. Soaps, shampoos, conditioners (things that you wash off) can be stronger in general than products you leave on your skin. Frankincense oil can be added to pure water and used as a toner or refresher. You can add a little vodka to help it blend if you like. If you don’t have any way to mix them, don’t despair. The oil will float on top, yes, but all that means is you have to shake the bottle before you spray it. In the shower No need to add frankincense oil to your bath gel if you don’t want to, or have some other blend in there. Just add a few drops to your washcloth and run it over yourself during your final (hot water) rinse. The steam will infuse with frankincense and you will enjoy a quick and intense frankincense steam bath, refreshing and relaxing at the same time. As a facial steam Frankincense is a great mini-facial. Just take a pot or pan of boiling water, add a drop or two (no more) frankincense oil to it. Lean over it and cover your head with a towel, breathing deeply. Your lungs will be so happy! And your face will rejoice! You can also try one drop of frankincense and one drop of lavender.
Beauty
HEALTH
TAKE TO
STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE RISKS OF A HEART FAILURE
• Quit smoking
HEART Lazy lifestyles and lack of knowledge are leaving many in Oman with heart diseases. Alvin Thomas gets to the heart of the matter with Dr Matlooba Ayoub al Zadjali
H
eart diseases have become one of the most leading causes of all hospital deaths in Oman. Worrying statistics recently revealed that almost 25 per cent of all deaths in the Sultanate were caused by a form of heart disease. While part of this could be due to the ‘lifestyle we live’, experts suggest that it could be due to a lack of knowledge on the subject. The most common misconception about having heart failure is that your heart immediately stops beating. But the reality is that heart failure can be a slow process that happens over time, says Dr Matlooba Ayoub al Zadjali, BSc, MD, MPH, PhD, Dip Cardiology, CCT-OMSB, Fell HF; the public health cardiologist, board member of the Oman Heart Association and head of community group at the Oman Heart Association. “Heart failure is very prevalent and is gradually increasing over time in Oman. Life expectancy in Oman is now at 76 and that means the population is
Fashion
ageing. And heart failure is quite prevalent with the ageing population,” she points out. But other risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes could also affect the health of your heart. “The most common causes of heart failure, however, are hypertension and ischemic heart disease (which is caused by hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, etc.). It’s almost too late by the end,” she exclaims. “Often, a patient who is admitted with ischemic heart disease has already undergone a heart failure, or is in the late stage of diabetes and hypertension.These patients are left behind or are misdiagnosed,” tells the doctor. But if you thought heart diseases are strictly for the aged, then you would be wrong. The doctor explains: “Children are becoming obese due to their eating habits. This is a risk factor which leads to hyperlipidemia, which can then lead to ischemic heart disease at a young age. And by the time they settle into adulthood, they would already be exposed to a weak heart.” Children and adults can also be affected by cardiomyopathy (the diseases of the heart muscle), which could be genetic, Dr Matlouba adds.
Smoking affects the blood vessels directly. It can cause narrowing of the blood vessels, which can cause a heart attack. The walls become stiffer and affect the blood flow. • Reduce alcohol consumption • Eat healthy If you consume a lot of bad cholesterol it will affect the fat levels in your body. We should be aware of the bad cholesterol we take. I don’t recommend junk food at all. For children, the best way would be to encourage a portion of fruits and juice if they’re having junk foods (burgers, nuggets and fries, etc). But it is best to introduce junk food into one’s diet only after the age of 12. • Avoid soft drinks They contain a lot of sugar and your body requires a lot of time to burn it from your body. Also take fresh fruit juices but without using sugar. Eating fruits would be healthier, as it contains more fibres and nutients, and less natural sugar. • Prepare foods without trans-fats People at home can use very little amount of oil while preparing foods. A mistake many people do is that they switch to olive oil for cooking; that is really bad. Olive oil can turn into bad cholesterol when it is burnt. Meanwhile, ghee is very heavy for cooking. The ideal way would be to cook the food without oil. During the eating, you can add a small spoon of olive oil or even butter – provided it’s not burnt. • Get yourselves checked When you reach 40, it is best to do a general screening of your heart. Look at your blood pressure, your sugar, lipids and cholesterol levels and heed your doctor’s advice.
NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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AUTHENTICALLY OMANI
The Sultanate is home to some of the most delectable palates you can find in the Middle East. Check out some of our favourite recipes of all time.
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OMAN
Among the many wonderful things that connect you to this beautiful country and keep you bewitched forever are its amazing ethnic cuisines. Alvin Thomas explores some of Oman’s best foods
O
man is a diverse country with much to experience. Commencing from the prominent mountain ranges and the picturesque wadis, all the way to the peaceful and generous people, the country captivates you from the get-go and makes its impact on you if you sojourn here – it’s just one of those facts that’s now known by many. The Sultanate does so great a job in providing and making everyone feel at home that there’s one aspect of the country that is often glossed over – its wonderful cuisine. And that’s what we’re trying to promote this week. No matter where you hail from – you could be Asian, African, European or American – you’ll always have a soft spot for Omani food. That’s not a statement I just made up but rather something one of the leading chefs of a five-star hotel in the Sultanate revealed during a private chat. It could be the complex Qabuli with lamb meat or the simple chicken makbous; the Omani touch enhances the delight and the overall aura of the dish. And, as we celebrate the 47th National Day, we’re highlighting two of our favourite dishes with its recipes.
*Recipes by Nestle
Chicken Kabuli Ingredients: § 8 pieces (1½kg) chicken § 8 cups (2 litres) water § 1 tsp whole cardamom pods § 1 tsp whole cloves § 1 tsp whole black peppers § 1 tsp dried coriander § 1 tsp cumin seeds § 3 small cinnamon sticks § 3 tbsp ghee § 1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped § 3 tbsp Omani mixed spices § 3 cubes MAGGI® Chicken Stock Bouillon Cube § 2½ cups (500g ) basmati rice, washed and drained Method: § Put chicken pieces and water in a large pot, bring to boil and remove froth as it appears. § Add all whole spices and cinnamon sticks. Simmer over low heat for 25 minutes or until the chicken is ¾ cooked. Remove and set aside. Drain stock and set aside. § Heat ghee in a large pot, fry the boiled chicken from all sides for six minutes or until red in colour, then set aside. § Add and sauté ginger in the same pot. Stir. Add Omani mix spices, MAGGI Chicken Stock and 4½ cups (1.125 litres) stock. Add more water if stock is not enough. Bring to boil. Add rice and stir. • Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes or until rice is half cooked. Put the chicken over the rice and cover. • Simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes or until the rice and chicken are completely cooked.
Maho Halwa Ingredients: § ¼ cup (or 60g) butter § 2 tins (790g) Nestlé® Sweetened Condensed Milk § 1 tsp ground cardamom § ½ tsp saffron filament Method: § Melt butter in a deep saucepan, add 2 tins NESTLÉ Sweetened Condensed Milk, and cardamom powder and cook over medium heat with constant stirring until colour has become golden brown but not burnt. This should take about 40 minutes. § Once the halwa holds together and has a stretchy consistency, stir in saffron strands and remove from heat. § Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring into desired mold to fully cool. § Cut into shape and serve.
NOV 16 - 22 / ISSUE 495
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Info Box UBHAR
Bareeq Al Shatti Lunch for three: RO19 Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE
UBHAR
A perfect fusion of food and cultures. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
AUTHENTIC OMANI FOOD IN A WARM, WONDERFUL TRADITIONAL SETTING AMID AN INTERNATIONAL MIX OF DINERS — AND ALL AT A REASONABLE PRICE. HASAN AL LAWATI SIPS PAPLOU AND TUCKS INTO THE AL WALI PLATE WITH CANADIAN GUESTS
T
he Canadian couple I hosted last weekend wanted me to take them to the best Omani restaurant in town. Ten years ago it would have been easy to pick one, but now there are many eateries that serve really good local food. The competition is getting tastier than ever. At first I had Kargeen in mind. It’s always a warm, safe choice. And then Angham cropped up — but I had to dismiss the temptations after I got to know about their limited budget. Kargeen is flawless. I was sure that they would like the place but it is just too mainstream. Angham is very expensive. That meant we had to settle for something that fit the budget and still offered us a perfect taste of authentic Omani food. That’s when I decided to take them to Ubhar, a high-end Omani restaurant in Bareeq Al Shatti. It’s close to my house, but that’s only a small portion of the large reason that coaxed me into making up my mind. The other, main course of the reason was that it served paplou soup, a delicious meal from my hometown, Muttrah. The restaurant is located at the mall’s entrance and is only accessible from outside the mall. “This is amazing!” Megan said after her first sip of paplou. Her husband did not comment for some time as he was busy eating shuwa sandwich — my recommendation, of course. He thanked me by licking his plate clean. Ubhar is famous for its snug ambience and traditional-with-twist dishes. The restaurant is
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After lunch, we asked for some Omani coffee which was poured by the waiter from an Omani ‘dalla’. It was a bit strong for an Omani coffee, but just perfect after a long trip. Ubhar was the first stop in Oman for the Canadian travellers. Until date, I could not think of a high-end place other than Kargeen to have IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THEIR authentic Omani food in Muscat, but now I have SPECTACULAR HOSPITALITY AND interesting options. SERVICE, AND THAT’S WHERE I looked around to get a better feel of the place. UBHAR TOPS THE LIST There was an interesting mix of diners. Five tables were taken: one by a Kuwaiti family, another by an Omani couple, a big one by a group of foreign businessmen, two Arab ladies at another, and us. While Bareeq Al Shatti is kind of deserted (except during the Eid season), the restaurants there are keeping the place alive. And it all comes down to their spectacular hospitality and service, and that’s where Ubhar tops the list. The waiters were friendly and very professional. They served the meals in less than 15 minutes. When it comes to the bill, I believe that we got reasonable value for the money — RO19 — we paid for one main course, two soups, one juice, named after the “lost city of Ubar”, an ancient one dessert and one starter. archaeological site in the south of Oman where However, there were many items on the menu numerous expeditions worked for years to unearth that seemed to be expensive, but hey, it’s Shatti Al its story. Qurm. Back to food. I ordered Ubhar’s signature appetiser, Al Wali, which consisted of a meat Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see kebab, humus, chicken money bag, kachori and reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com salad. The plate looked small but the portions were not. I asked my guests to rate their food and they both said “excellent”. I then ordered Omani halwa puff and they loved it. It was a weird fusion of puff pastry and hot Omani halwa that melted in your mouth. But that was not the only deviant mix. The restaurant’s decoration too looked vibrant. The small window-like shelves with clay pots inside played up the traditional Omani touch of the ambience and atmosphere of the restaurant. On the other hand, the furniture was white and covered with flashy pink designs.
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