Y Magazine #505, February 1, 2018 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Scent of Salalah

A SPECIAL FEATURE ON MUSCAT FESTIVAL Stunning Sedan

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EXPLORING THE NEW LEXUS LS 350

News: EXPATS MUST RENEW DRIVING 12 LICENCE EVERY TWO YEARS

DESTINATION: Hawana Aqua Park TASTE TEST: Karaz Lebanese Restaurant YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

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HEALING TOUCH

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EDITOR’S

NOTE COMPETITION Send in your answers for our ‘Movie contest’ and stand a chance to win two tickets of your choice from VOX.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

TRAFFIC FINES Fifty-four new traffic violations were added to the list of traffic laws in Oman. The new amendments – which includes mandatory child seats in the back and seat belts for all – will come into effect from March 1.

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

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INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS ON ROADS The Royal Oman Police has introduced a new temporary licence scheme and a ‘black’ point system that aims to push new drivers to drive safely.

THIS WEEK…

ith all good technologies, there comes a time when buying the alternative no longer makes sense. Think smartphones in the past decade, colour TVs in the 1970s, or even gasoline cars in the early 20th century. Predicting the timing of these shifts is difficult, but when it happens, the whole world changes, isn’t it? The good news is that a rapid shift in the automotive sector is coming. Electric vehicles, the long-anticipated cars of the future, are poised to dominate Omani markets in the next few decades. With fuel prices skyrocketing every month, the future of electric vehicles in Oman looks bright. Plummeting battery prices, longer-range models, and more charging stations are expected to drive forward electric vehicle sales. Already plans are in place to open 18 electric charging stations soon. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, electric vehicle (EV) sales grew 60 per cent worldwide last year and EV will account for 35 per cent of new car sales globally by 2040. But that’s not it. Here’s what we know so far: In the next few years, Tesla, Chevy, and Nissan plan to start selling long-range electric cars in the US. Other carmakers and tech companies are investing billions on dozens of new models. By 2020, some of these will cost less and perform better than their gasoline counterparts. In our cover story this week, we talk to experts who forecast the future of electric cars in Oman and the impact they can have on our lives. Happy reading!

This week, Y continued its adventures in the beautiful Hawana Aqua Park in Salalah and in the wadis around the capital. We also reviewed a new Lebanese restaurant in Azaiba and test drove the all-new Lexus LS 350.

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contents

FEBRUARY 01 - 07 2018

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Nishad Padiyarath 10

News Council of Ministers issues statement on job creation for Omanis

12 News New traffic laws in the Sultanate from March 1

This Week 18

Liquid Nation The biggest rooftop party will be set at the Sama Terrazza, in the Park Inn.

19 Movies Padmaavat splits audience in Oman.

Features 20

The future of motoring Y takes a look at the Electric Vehicles that are currently the talk of the town.

Muscat Festival 2018 Take a walk through the Heritage Village at Al Amerat.

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature Farm fresh

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Hawana Aqua Park 34 First Drive Lexus LS 350

Health and Beauty 38 Fashion Formal Wear

38 Y-Fi Retro Gadgets

41 Health Chiropractic relief

46 Taste Test Karaz Lebanese Restaurant

38 NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

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FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

A happy couple draws each other like the two ends of a magnet,” goes an old saying. And we’re back at our game of seeking out the most perfectly matched husband and wife team in Oman, as we approach the Valentine’s Day. If you and your partner think that you’ve still got the spark, then we want to hear from you as the call for contestants begins. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve just got together or have been married for 20 years; the most important thing is that you’ve got the right recipe for love and all the ingredients for a long life together. We will also be giving the couples a chance to test their compatibility in front of an audience with a live quiz show. But to qualify for the finals, you must prove your love for your partner to us. And here’s how you can do that: Interested participants are requested to write in 50 words or less why they think that they are soulmates. Keep in mind that we are looking for the most crazy, funny, romantic answers. These short stories must then be sent to us at editor@yoman.com. The last date for entry is 11th February 2018 – and the event will be hosted on the 15th of February. Entry is open now and we’ll be whittling down our couples to 10 finalists who will

answer a series of questions about their spouses to prove how well they know each other. If you think that you know your husband or wife well, this is your chance to show them in the most romantic of ways – and win some very dreamy prizes. In association with Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel, we’ve got some exciting prize vouchers up for grabs too. “The Valentine’s season is upon us and that means it’s time for us to begin hunting for the best matched couple with our much-awaited ‘Y’ We Are Soulmates competition,” says Nishad Padiyarath, Y’s editor. “It’s a very quirky show wherein contestants can show us how much they love each other. Mind you, it’s not easy, though. To win the competition, you’d have to have a deep understanding of your partner,” he adds. We’ll choose the best answers and invite 10 couples to be part of our exciting final to find out if they really are soulmates. Good luck!

FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

THE VOICE OF OMAN THE NEW LAW MAKING CAR SEATS A MUST FOR CHILDREN UNDER FOUR IS A RIGHT STEP, SO FOLKS GET ONE FOR YOUR KID AND MAKE SURE YOUR LITTLE DARING IS SAFE, WRITES NISHAD PADIYARATH

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Real estate transactions have dropped sharply in the last year, a Ministry of Housing report has revealed. Is there a drop in rents in Oman? What are your thoughts? NARENDRA SINGH

wo days back, I received a call from a friend asking if I know anyone selling used car seats for kids. Reason? They are compulsory for children under the age of four from March 1. According to the new law issued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP), residents in Oman who don’t secure their children in car seats while they’re on the road will be penalised. This is indeed a welcome move! The new law states that not using a car seat for children under the age of four will be a category four offence which could cost people a fine, and that would rise on repeat offence. According to researchers, a child safety seat can reduce the risk of death in infants up to the age of one by 71 per cent and in children between the age of one and four by 54 per cent. Until today it has not been mandatory to use a car seat for infants or children in Oman, and many families choose to hold their babies or toddlers in their laps, which has been a point of great concern for many. However, according to Article 217 of the Omani Penal Code, a person who puts a child below seven or a vulnerable person in a dangerous situation or abandons him/her shall be jailed for a minimum period of three months and up to one year. The punishment is doubled if the offence is committed by the child’s parents or guardian. While several parents have already rushed to shops to buy new car seats, my friend is in wait and watch mode. “I saw a used kid car seat for RO15 online in the morning and by the evening the person has increased the price to RO35 because it has become so much in demand now,” he said. Oman’s legal experts and road safety campaigners have been raising awareness on the issue for years and this new law by the ROP is a clear victory for them!

FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

Yes, it is true that rents in Oman have dropped and that too considerably. For example, most sought-after areas like CBD, Ghala and Al Khuwair have witnessed rents getting reduced by 20 to 40 per cent. Overall, real estate transactions have dropped sharply in the last one year mainly on account of recession triggered off by the low oil prices. However, new government initiatives and the recovering oil prices could boost the sector during the current year, but it could be a slow process because supply is a lot more than demand. Several residential units are lying vacant in CBD, Ghala, Bausher and Mabela areas and still many more are under construction. Reducing the salary limit to RO300 for expatriates to get family visas was a welcome step, but its results are yet to show up.

ZAHID SAEED

Most buildings are empty because the rents are still very high. In some areas the rents have shown a 20 per cent drop, but most owners are reluctant to accept the reality and offer their properties on reduced rates. The ministry concerned should ask the owners why they are not renting their units even when there are takers. Perhaps it is good idea for the government to announce fixed, area-wise rates. Most families are looking for cheaper options, so it’s good to have more low-rent flats.

MOHAN ANANDAN

Supply is outstripping demand, and the new curve is yet to firm up. This could be partly due

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to the reluctance of the landlords to reduce rents when the contracts are due for renewal, and partly due to the reluctance of the tenants to move out to cheaper alternatives owing to emotional attachments to the place or proximity to the place of work and availability of other amenities. But there are a few who take the plunge and go for the change, thus benefiting from drops in rents. However, as long as this number remains sparse, there won’t be any significant drop in rents across the board.

DHARA PAREKH

Rents have dropped in some areas by 20 to 30 per cent but people who are not ready to move their residence are seldom getting any benefit out of the low demand. Landlords or real estate agencies are not reducing the rents if they see an opportunity or excuse not to do so, and when they relent it is in the meagre 5 to 10 per cent range. We are seeing empty flats in buildings and the numbers are going up by the day, but there hasn’t been a corresponding reduction in rents, unfortunately. Moving out is not easy owing to a strange mixture of factors ranging from pure laziness to an addiction to the place in the name of a few conveniences such as proximity to schools, workplaces, malls, etc.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

It is true that rents have dropped but not in all the areas. At present, the benefit is enjoyed only by new tenants. The rents paid by old residents in a majority of cases have not been reduced. The rents of house near schools are still high and in demand. More buildings are coming up at the moment in Muscat than needed and there are many which are not fully occupied due to unreasonable rent demands. Rents will come further down if there is no inflow of expatriate population in the coming months.

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I think the rents are getting down to the pre-2005 levels when a decent two-bed room flat in Ruwi cost one less than RO150. Everything changed with the oil price crossing the $100 mark and marching forward to $150 post 2005, and what we witnessed was a construction boom beyond parallel. More expatriates flocked to Muscat for jobs, those who were getting something around RO150 started getting salary hikes to the extent that they were tempted to bring in their families. Companies were making good profits, so they expanded their businesses and that meant there were more job opportunities for locals and expatriates. The availability of work and good pay in Muscat lured many Omanis from interior to the capital area. The boom was seen to be believed, and everyone, from employers to employees, from locals to expatriates, from bachelors to families, were all earning well, spending without fear and positive about the future. The oil price fall in the middle of the 2010s and the crisis that built up in the ensuing years brought everything to a standstill. Now that the crude prices are moving up, I think it’s a matter of a couple of years or so for demand to outstrip supply. I am positive, I’m waiting for the bad phase to get over, and I am ready to take a cut in my rental income. That’s the only way forward at the moment.

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MULRAJ.U.DATTANI was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine in Muscat.

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FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

YOUR

OMAN

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ISSUES STATEMENT

ON JOB CREATION FOR OMANIS

man’s Council of Ministers has issued a statement regarding the provision of 25,000 jobs to Omanis, as follows: “The Council of Ministers is following up, with full attention, the execution of the decision on providing 25,000 jobs for local manpower in all specialisations, so that the number could be completed within a period not exceeding six months, as a first step. “Accordingly, the Council of Ministers is closely monitoring the progress of employment procedures on a weekly basis in order to have first-hand knowledge of what has been achieved, and deal with any challenges that might obstruct implementation.

“This attention goes hand-in-hand with the efforts being exerted by government departments concerned and alongside private sector establishments’ cooperation, which started to gradually yield fruit, an indication that efforts are continuous in fostering that type of full cooperation meant to serve the interests of all parties. “His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, said that the employment of sons and daughters of this country in all fields of work is a national duty that must be advanced by all means, noting that constant attention is being accorded to this objective by the wise

leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. “He said economic aspects are not the main hurdle, as Oman — thank God — is fine, but the challenge is the regularisation of the labour market, which the government is working hard to achieve so that the market can handle the needs of each stage of development. “Sayyid Fahd commended the excellent level of Omani youth and their noble aspirations, hoping that all executing parties will cooperate to facilitate the accomplishment of the mission towards the realisation of approaches aimed to let every citizen savour the bounties of this generous, resourceful country.”

OMAN TO TEMPORARILY STOP ISSUING EXPAT

VISAS FOR 10 PROFESSIONS

six-month ban on hiring expat workers in certain sectors has been imposed by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) in Oman. Minister of Manpower Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri issued ministerial decree 2018/38 on Sunday in this regard. The sectors include information technology (IT), media, air traffic management, engineering, accounting and finance, technicians, insurance, marketing and sales, administration and human resources.

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REPUBLIC DAY

GALLERY

THE INDIAN SCHOOL AL SEEB COMMEMORATED THE 69TH REPUBLIC DAY UNDER THE AUSPICES OF H.E. INDRA MANI PANDEY, THE INDIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE SULTANATE. THE EVENT WAS ATTENDED BY TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.

FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

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YOUR

OMAN

NEW TRAFFIC LAWS

The traffic laws have teeth now, with the ROP introducing new, heftier fines and fresh, stiffer steps to ensure safety of all, from kids to adults. Hasan al Lawati sounds the warning bells

he traffic laws in Oman are becoming stricter than before – and the residents should heed this piece of news as a warning to improve their road manners to avoid being fined or, worse, jailed. The process has been set in motion with the announcement of temporary driving licences. This means that new drivers will be issued a temporary driving licence for a period of one year (12 months) under a new probation scheme. The law will come into effect from March 1, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) 012

FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

announced on Monday, January 29. The licences will also be subjected to a new points system, which will keep track of whether the drivers are doing it right on the roads. According to the ROP, if a driver gets more than 10 ‘black’ points on their temporary driving licence, they will be sent back to the driving school to take more lessons. Temporary driving licences will furthermore be extended by one year against any new driver who clocks up more than seven ‘black’ points a year. However, good drivers get a full 10-year

driving licence if they don’t exceed six black points during their probation period. In addition, expats will now have to renew their driving licence every two years. “Those who already have a 10-year licence will not be affected until they have to renew them,” said Brigadier Mohammed Awadh al Rowas, Director General of Traffic. The ROP has also added new violations to the existing traffic law in an effort to make driving safer in the Sultanate. In all, 52 new violations have been added to the traffic law, said Al Rawas. The new amendments, first issued in August 2016, will come into effect from March 1, 2018. Moreover, fines for 13 traffic violations will increase, including parking in spaces reserved for the handicapped, overtaking trucks in illegal areas, covering the face in a way that prevents police from identifying the driver, and other offences. These violations will attract a fine of RO50. There are a total of 415 violations in the law: Thirteen of them will attract an increase in fines, four of which will go up from RO10 to 15. Using your mobile phone while driving will set you back RO15, and the police will confiscate the car or detain the driver if the driver repeats the offence within 90 days. The same applies to tinting the windows of cars beyond the recommended limit. Moreover, it is mandatory for drivers to instal child seats in the rear seats for children under the age of four, and all passengers in the car – even those in the rear seats – must now wear seatbelts. These rules will come into effect along with the other violations. More radars will be installed at traffic lights. On another note, women can drive taxis in the country, starting March 1. Salima al Kharusi, a driving instructor based in Al Khuwair, says allowing women to drive taxis can help bring in more funds to the household. “I’ve always been keen on driving taxis and I will definitely be enrolling for a licence to drive a taxi here,” she adds.

UP, UP AND AWAY

GALLERY

SEVERAL RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN THE AIRPORT TRIALS AT THE NEW MUSCAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL.

FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

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YOUR

GET IN ON THE ACT

OMAN

Registration for classes conducted by the Drama Scene is open, so get your act together along with a bunch of eager guys and girls ready to take centre stage

ights, camera, action… What comes after that is poetry – except that it’s in front of an audience and several cameras. The coming of the strong spotlights is a giving of the robust and versatile characters on stage. And it’s happening at the Drama Scene, which is a skill-based performing art school which has been in operation since October 2016 in Muscat. The Drama Scene offers group tuition to those children, teens and adults aspiring to become actors. The training will be across disciplines such as acting and musical theatre. The drama workshops and private classes will be conducted within the ABA (American British Academy) and A’Soud Global School. Registration for ‘Term 2’ (January-March 2018) classes is still open. Term 2 works towards a performance in March as well as the optional

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LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) examinations in May. The Drama Scene offers annual LAMDA examinations with certification to students with over five years of experience. It has also recently opened the first private LAMDA exam centre in Muscat. The first LAMDA exams took place in Muscat in 2017 and the results were outstanding – boasting a 100 per cent pass rate. “We believe drama is so much more than just standing up on a stage. We believe drama builds important life skills such as confidence, communication, co-operation and creative skills,” says founder and creative director Ferne Reynolds Lategan, who set up the Drama Scene in the UAE in 2008 out of passion to provide children and teens professional performing arts. Under her guidance, the school has grown

into the largest skill-based performing art school in the region. Ferne herself is no stranger to performing or presenting on stage, and her team of British facilitators are passionate industry professionals who continue to perform till date. Examinations are optional and enable Drama Scene students more than five years to benchmark their progress against an international standard and receive accredited certification for their efforts. Certain exam grades count towards UCAS points in the UK system. Many of the students have gone on to audition for – and also gain entry into – prestigious performing arts colleges and universities across the UK, the US and Europe. To register, email admin@dramascene.com, dramascene.com. Spaces are limited and will be on a first come first served basis.

GRAND OPENING

GALLERY

THE TURBINE & TAPS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE IN THE SHERATON OMAN HOTEL SUCCESSFULLY OPENED DOORS TO THE PUBLIC, LAST WEEK. SEVERAL SOCIALITES AND MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA WERE ALSO PRESENT AT THE VENUE.

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YOUR

FIRE DRILL

OMAN

IN THE ONGOING COMMITMENT TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF COLLEAGUES AND GUEST, THE INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT, IN COOPERATION WITH THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF CIVIL DEFENSE AND AMBULANCE, CONDUCTED AN ANNUAL FIRE DRILL TODAY WITH FULL PARTICIPATION AND SUCCESS.

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In a new series, we look for inspiration from a variety of influences around Oman, including its people, places and wildlife. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspiration: Simply enjoy life and the great pleasures that come with it.

Photo: Shaquel Al Balushi FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

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LIQUID NATION

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE The biggest rooftop party of 2018 will be set in motion tomorrow, at the Sama Terrazza, in the Park Inn. A lineup of handpicked artists will be mixing and spinning the tunes from the patio to deliver you a night of music and dance. The doors will be opened to the public at 8pm and the party will run wild until the early hours of the morning. You can reserve a VIP table if you’re looking to relax with your friends. Ladies enter for free until 10am, while stags will have to shell out RO10 (inclusive of one complimentary beverage). For inquiries, call 9779 8111

The EFQM Assessor Training is your passport to being an EFQM assessor and the first step to your entrepreneurial journey. This training is a two-day pass or fail course that will provide you with theoretical and practical in-depth experience of assessing an organisation with the EFQM Excellence Model. Passing this course will enable you to perform self-assessment, internal assessment and peer assessment of other organisations. It is a prerequisite to attend the qualified assessor training. The training will be hosted by EFQM Middle East. For more details, connect with @EFQMMiddleEast on Facebook.

FEB 02

THIS

WEEK

THE RIGHT WAY

FEB 07

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

F E B R U A R Y Good news, folks! The Boxtones Band are coming to Oman – and the show will be hosted tonight at the Grand Hyatt Muscat. Get ready for lots of fun as they will shake up the place like never before. The show will commence in the Garden from 8pm to 11pm and doors will open at 6.30pm. Tickets cost RO10 and it will include the price of one drink. There will also be an after party at the old night club. Entry fee will be RO5. For tickets call Joseph at 9507 7670.

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DANCE OFF

FEB

MOVIES MOVIES 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

Maze Runner: The Death Cure Cast: Rosa Salazar, Thomas BrodieSangster and Dylan O’Brien

Padmaavat

All The Money In The World

Cast: Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Jim Sarbh

uch ado about much ado. The creation and eventual release of Padmaavat may well make for a more dramatic and impassioned tale than the film itself. The offscreen narrative is complete with death threats, bounties on noses, altered spelling, digitally clothed bellies and, as I’ve written about before, politically shielded psychopaths encouraged by the media. What spectacle dare compete with a country gone bonkers? Not that this film doesn’t try. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, a man well versed with excess, lays it on thick to the point of being tiresome. This is an all-out assault on the senses, a circuitous take on an old legend that is now being flogged to breaking point. Based rather loosely on the epic poem of the same name by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, here we have a king and his lovely queen, interrupted by a barbarian who, on hearing that the queen is pretty, lays siege to their city. As you may probably be aware, all of this ends in a climax that, as the kids now say, is lit.

stranger (Vera Farmiga), Michael is blackmailed into finding the identity of a passenger on his train before the last stop. As he works against the clock to solve the puzzle, Michael is unwittingly caught up in a criminal conspiracy that carries life and death stakes for himself and his fellow passengers.

The film’s cardboard nature is exemplified by Shahid Kapoor, who plays Rajput king Ratan Singh, meant to be the unyielding moral core of the story. Kapoor struts around with that particular stiffness of a man sucking his stomach in, with his mouth forever in a soured pucker, lips seemingly sucking at invisible coconuts through imaginary straws. A man who believes pigheadedly in archaic codes of honour, this character holds no appeal. Yet he lands a Sinhalese warrior queen. Padmavati, played by Deepika Padukone, doesn’t need cupid to shoot down her lover. She does this herself, and then chooses to confront him, hostile and coquettish in turns. Still, there are some lovely touches in Padmaavat. The fluttering fabric of the palanquin the queen is carried in when her king brings her home, the way the villain’s shoulderplates bounce as he runs with feverish urgency, the sight of an imposing crown being used to weigh down and blind a fragile princess. — Raja Sen: NDTV

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Williams and Christopher Plummer

In the epic finale to the Maze Runner saga, Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary Last City, a WCKD-controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze.

The Commuter

A film based on true events that follows the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother Gail (Michelle Williams) to convince his billionaire grandfather (Christopher Plummer) to pay the ransom. When Getty Sr refuses, Gail attempts to sway him as her son’s captors become increasingly volatile and brutal. With her son’s life in the balance, Gail and Getty’s adviser (Mark Wahlberg) become unlikely allies in the race against time that ultimately reveals the true and lasting value of love over money.

Cast: Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson

In this action-packed thriller, Liam Neeson is Michael, an insurance salesman, whose daily commute home quickly becomes anything but routine. After being confronted by a mysterious

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Who is the music director of Padmavat? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Harilal Krishnan

WIN FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Read our movie section and answer the question to stand a chance to win two tickets to watch movies of your choice! Send your answers to info@y-oman. com, along with your contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher.

FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

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R E W O P AND N U R TO S S EEN E R L G T , S O W SC NE R E A H C T IS C O . I T E R B P T O C U L E D EL GE HE G R T A S H S RS? C O E S R I L C Z N A Z A U D OM EAR AS G H AS G E M M H O O T H O H T R V VIN DITC L O A T D CS E N IT TIM L LAWATI A TS AND CRITI A S HASAN TO EV OPTIMI TALK

ecked out in white and dark blue, the two cars that were proffered to the public turned every head. Normally, on a day like that, InterContinental Muscat would have been a haven for tourists looking for luxury accommodation or visitors trying to take a quick bite. But things were a bit different on the day. Everyone had their phones out to photograph the cars. Apart from the stickers on the bodywork, nothing about them was out of the ordinary. So what is it that compelled the bystanders and the journalists present there to click photos of a car? Well, the answer is simple: The cars – the highlight of the Global Electric Vehicle Road Trip (EVRT) – are believed to be the future of motoring. They’re electric cars straight from the stables of Elon Musk’s innovative company Tesla. And everyone said in chorus that these electric cars would take over the automotive industry. More astonishing was the fact that the EVRT was coined in an effort to revolutionise the future of motoring in Oman – the Middle East’s largest non-Opec (the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) oil producer. It may seem nothing short of a bold claim that electric cars will soon dominate the automotive market, although, as the first fleet touched the roads, people in the Sultanate were quite vocal in expressing their interest in becoming the first owners of the ‘groundbreaking technology’. Of course, we too were impressed by the looks and feel of the car.

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Evidently, Oman is moving forward with initiatives for sustainable sources of energy.

Renewable energy

Najeeb Al Rawas, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA), emphasised at the event that Oman “is developing energy policies and strategies that include renewable resources.” Unlike many other countries, though, Oman has not yet set a legal framework for electric vehicles (EV). Al Rawas stressed that electric vehicles could be a valuable addition and a driving force to ‘green’ business in Oman. Green business – or sustainable business – is an enterprise that has minimal negative impact on the local or global environment, community, society, or economy. Often, sustainable businesses have been known to follow progressive environmental and human rights policies. “Today, through the development and use of electric cars, we can see that the first steps towards clean energy in the automobile industry are being taken,” said Al

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Rawas at the Future Mobility Roundtable event at the InterContinental Muscat, which was part of the Global EVRT. “These steps can help the world meet its obligations to the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as contribute towards decreasing air pollution.” Oman was one of 195 countries that signed the Paris Agreement – an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance – in December 2015, vowing to adopt the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal. The agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to below 2°C. “The ministry encourages initiatives like these that work both nationally and internationally to minimise emissions that will help us achieve the international objective of a greener Earth,” Al Rawas said. “To realise all the benefits that energy-efficient systems can bring to Oman, we need not only consider environmental aspects, but logistical, socioeconomic, technological and legal aspects as well,” he explained, before calling upon both public and private sectors to benefit from anything that provides high quality energy efficiency, accessibility and mobility to people.

Pioneer

Sultan bin Hamad al Amri, the Chief Executive Office of Nur Majan, started research on electric vehicles in 2007 after he realised the potential they possessed in an ever-developing energy market. Nur Majan is also the Sultanate’s first (and 100 per cent Omani) automotive company – and his prototype vehicle has been featured in the media across the Sultanate. He created the first-ever electric car in 2013, and announced that he was building an electric car factory in Al Suwaiq with a production capacity of 850 cars a year. “Oman spends around $1bn (RO385mn) on subsidies on utility bills, housing loans, fuel and other goods per year. Lifting the subsidy will save the country around RO200 to 300mn,” Al Amri elucidated. Last year, the government scrapped electricity subsidy given to 10,000 ‘major power consumers’, but Al Amri said solar power and other alternative means of sourcing energy could be used as an alternative. Muna al Farsy, a lecturer at the Higher College of Technology (HCT) and project manager of the award-winning GreenNest Eco House, has similar views on the subject. In an earlier interview with Y, she had stressed how the country could make use of solar power to fuel its energy requirements. “Oman is looking to plug the hole created in its budget due to falling and unstable oil prices and now is the perfect time to cut the oil companies some slack,” Muna explained. “We knew about the scope of solar energy mainly from its success in the West,” Muna added. Nevertheless, solar power is still not considered a viable option in recharging the batteries required to run a sedan. Justin Thomas, an electrical engineer in Oman, explains: “Solar power is generated through photovoltaic cells that convert light into energy… slowly. This would take a lot of time to charge batteries that can run the electric motor in a car.”

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Power point This brings us back to plug-in electric vehicles. The theory of its operation is simple: there are only three components to an EV – an electric motor, a controller and an array of rechargeable batteries. It all begins when the batteries in the electric vehicles are charged through the grid via a wall socket or a dedicated charging unit. This electricity is stored in the battery packs – sometimes in several hundred batteries – for powering the electric motor. Since these cars do not run on petrol or diesel and are powered entirely by electricity, battery electric cars are considered ‘all-electric’ vehicles. The electric motor gets its power from a controller. This motor then converts the electrical energy into kinetic energy (movement) for the car to begin rolling from its position. From the outside – much like the Tesla – you wouldn’t be able to tell that a car is electric. However, because there’s no engine to cool down, most electric cars have no intakes upfront. One of the features that raises concern is the eerie silence when the car is in motion, so several manufacturers now provide artificial noise to the exterior to warn pedestrians that an electric car is on its way.

Big savings

A petrol engine, intake and exhaust manifolds, fuel lines, flywheel, coolant hoses and so on tend to look like a complicated plumbing project, so an electric car is often touted as a ‘wiring project’. This lack of complexity and greenhouse gases in turn reflects in big savings. As Al Amri pointed out: “We conducted a study in 2012 to compare the yearly expense of a Tesla electric car with that of a four-cylinder Lexus. “The ordinary gasoline car costs around RO2,820 in maintenance, fuel and other functions per year, while the electric vehicle costs around RO148 per year as it does not need any maintenance,” he added. But don’t even for a second think that electric cars are all savings. EVs have set faster 0 to 100km/h times than petrol-powered cars. The Tesla Model S P100D with ‘Ludicrous mode’, for instance, is bestowed with the title of the fastest accelerating production car in the world. It reportedly hits the 100kph mark from a standstill in a staggering 2.5 seconds.

Charging challenges

While there are several positives to EVs, some experts are questioning whether the time has come for the GCC to adopt electric cars. Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury, the Chief Executive Office of the GCC’s top automotive website DriveArabia.com, told Y: “I can afford an electric car, but I live in an apartment and there is no place to charge it. The only chargers are in petrol stations in some places where you are expected to spend an hour while the car charges.”

OMAN IS LOOKING TO PLUG THE HOLE CREATED IN ITS BUDGET DUE TO FALLING AND UNSTABLE OIL PRICES AND NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO CUT THE OIL COMPANIES SOME SLACK “This would become a daily ritual if you have to drive long distances. Also, many of these places only have a single charger, so imagine the wait,” he exclaimed. His concerns are proved right as an average electric car can take six to eight hours to charge completely. Of course, Tesla, with its supercharging stations, can cut it short to about an hour, although this could hamper the life cycle of the batteries. The range for an electric car is between 150km and 400km. Shijil Hashim, another expert from the motoring industry, chimed in: “There are three issues to tackle for the successful implementation of electric cars: One, proper supporting infrastructure; two, additional energy requirement from clean energy; and three, government subsidies and tax cuts to move users to adapt to electric cars. “It’s only a matter of time before these challenges are overcome, though,” he added. Against all odds, however, Oman is moving forward with its plan to ‘electrify its motoring industry’. In cooperation with Global EVRT and Nama Group, the Public Authority for SMEs Development ‘Riyada’ launched, at InterContinental Muscat Hotel, the first-ever electric vehicle charging station in the Governorate of Muscat. The charging station will be an addition to the efforts made to ensure economic diversification in the Sultanate as per the vision of the National Programme for Enhancing Economic Diversification “Tanfeedh”.

Factory plan

Al Amri says he is getting closer to unveiling his new factory. The Omani entrepreneur has already got the official licence to produce 120 cars every year. “We are expecting to open in two to three years,” he told Y. A quick research showed that a 324hp Tesla Model S would cost us 320 baisas to cover 160km if we charged the batteries at a standard 240V power outlet. On the other hand, a 300hp sedan (that we currently run daily) set us back a staggering RO3.4 to cover the same distance. Last year, the United Kingdom (UK) revealed that it would ban the sale of new petrol- and dieselpowered cars from 2040. By 2050, the UK plans to have only zero-emission vehicles on the roads. India, France, Germany and China have all vowed to phase out cars running on fossil fuels. The fuel cost in the GCC is the lowest in the world, so will the global trend catch on in Oman? We have to wait and watch. ■

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The ROP decision to allow men as well to take driving tests in cars with an automatic transmission is a dream come true for a lot of guys who struggle with or loathe the manual way ahead. Alvin Thomas shares their excitement

GEAR

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his is the painful story of a man “Even my car from 1969 comes with an who cannot drive a car with a automatic transmission, so I made quite a lot manual gearbox. Omar al Balushi of fuss when applying for a licence. But the is a 21-year-old college student with Royal Oman Police made it quite clear that only a simple dream – a wish women can apply for automatic cars to own a pure-bred classic muscle car during driving tests,” he adds. from the USA. Fast forward to today, and Omar The youngster says he dreamt has still not got his licence and is still about owning the car for the greater in his 13th attempt at cracking part of his youthful days. He even the test. put off getting a driving licence However, there’s a glimmer until he would be able to of hope for the youngster to THIS WILL purchase the car of his dream. avail an automatic licence So, when he fell in love with a ULTIMATELY HELP after the ROP made the 1969 Ford Mustang at a second- THE INSTRUCTORS, announcement that men could hand car dealer showroom in also take tests in cars fitted with AS WE CAN NOW automatic transmissions from the UAE, he thought it was time to apply for his licence. OFFER CLASSES January 1, 2019. But, little did he know the trials This came on the heels of WITH BOTH he would go through. a survey that showed that a It took him about 20 AUTOMATIC AND majority of driving instructors classes before he could even in Oman supported the move MANUAL CARS learn about the mechanical to allow both genders to choose synchronisation required to drive a car with a the transmission type. manual transmission. Brigadier Eng. Mohammed bin Awad Al “I didn’t know how to shift gears and Rawas, Director General of Traffic, had said the process of feeding in the clutch. It was in a statement that the decision came after something I had to learn from scratch,” he says. “demands from the community to allow

everyone applying for a driving licence to choose between automatic transmission and manual”. “The decision was based on the study conducted by the General Directorate of Traffic and included all driving teachers in all governorates of the Sultanate.” Arif al Zadjali, a driving instructor in Al Khoud, hails the decision of the ROP, saying: “It’s about time we made driving equal for all. Some people find it hard to drive manual cars, but no one buys them anyway, so why make them take the test?” He adds: “This will ultimately help the instructors, as we can now offer classes with both automatic and manual cars. This should also encourage more people – who were earlier scared of the tests – to come forward and try out for a licence.” Jishnu, a 32-year-old engineer in Oman, also asserts that this is a good move by the ROP. “Earlier, a lot of people used to shy away from sending their kids to the tests as they thought it would end up costing a lot. “Now, it’ll be easier as people who do not like driving cars with manual gearboxes can now try their hand at automatic. These cars are easier to drive, and that can reduce the stress on the learner during the test.” ■ FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

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Salalah As the Muscat Festival gets together crowds from various wilayats and the wider world, Alvin Thomas and Shaquel al Balushi meet some interesting people and soak themselves in incredible sights, sounds and smells

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Let’s Celebrate Together’: That’s the theme of this year’s Muscat Festival. And with Al Amerat Park and Naseem Gardens teeming with a slew of cultural and fun activities designed to keep everyone enthralled, the visitors are all coming together to chime in that the organisers have hit the spot. Making a comeback this year is our favourite frankincense makers from Salalah who are showcasing a wide array of scents from the Dhofar region. “The Muscat Festival is like home to us now,” said Yasir al Mahri who sells different types of bahur sandal and ouds. “It’s a great opportunity for us to make money but, above all, we like to show the people of Muscat the long history of perfume making that’s linked to us and that’s why we always come here,” he added. Moving on, we stumbled upon an Omani man and his camel. We could not speak to the busy camel herder, but several visitors were taking the opportunity to enjoy a ride atop the camel. Adreas, a Filipino expat, who rode the camel remarked: “I love the Muscat Festival because it’s one of those places where you can experience things that you normally cannot.

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“I work in the hospitality industry and can rarely make time to go out. But I just had to visit it and I can say I’m surprised by some of the activities going on here. I can finally tick riding a camel off my to-do list.” The ‘Heritage Village’ is another area that is flocked by customers. But some of them are greeted with the sight of some of Oman’s long-lost arts such as pottery, net making and knitting. These craftsmen and women show the people how the crafts are made, and also take the occasion to sell their handmade goods and articles. Doll maker Salma takes pride in showing us some of her latest works. She has been visiting the festival for years, and said she was incredibly proud of the interest that she has been able to garner through her work. “I remember coming to my first Muscat Festival years ago. Now, it’s like tradition; I’m always ready to come here and start preparing from November itself. That’s the beauty of the Muscat Festival – everything is organised and planned.” ■

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi Showroom • Bentley Showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda Showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen Showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • SPAR

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • SPAR • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• McDonald’s • Muscat Bakery • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • SPAR • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming & Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café & Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut

• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-3 • Knowledge Oasis

Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of Economics and Political Science

• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai Showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru Showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat Head Office Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Adventures

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

GRAND TOUR

The Lexus LS 350 is much more than your average luxury sedan; it’s drop-dead gorgeous and futuristic, but is also incredibly comfortable to ride in. – P34

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Destination

HAWANA AQUA PARK DRIVING MORE THAN 1000KM FROM MUSCAT TO SALALAH GETS MORE THRILLING THAN EVER: THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MORE TO IT THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYES NOW. SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI TAKES THE PLUNGE 032

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man is home to several natural elements: Mountains, fjords, valleys, sandy beaches, deserts, and much more – and I’ve featured several hundreds of them during my time at Y through this very page. But if there’s anything that we had missed, it was the opportunity to complement these natural formations with man-made structures. And that’s what makes this week’s Destination special: It comes to you straight from the adventurous Hawana Aqua Park in Salalah – a place that I got a complete tour of. Several media peeps in my convoy complained that it was a small water park, but it fit well with my optimistic belief that ‘something is always better than nothing’. It was nothing but amazement that took over me when I was given the opportunity to witness the opening of the nation’s iconic water park in Salalah. My initial thought was that the Hawana Aqua Park is the perfect location for a family tour. With its beautiful pools, water rides and wave makers, there’s plenty and more to do for someone visiting the place from afar. Sadly, in the name of photojournalism I couldn’t jump into the pool – but I surely will in my next trip to Salalah. The layout of the aqua park, however, is its strong suite: There are rides and spacious pools galore where you’d expect them to be, but keep walking and you’ll find several restaurant options for visitors to

dine at. The Hawana Aqua Park is definitely the perfect location for a day out with family or friends. Prior to this, sight-seeing was the only option for tourists visiting Salalah – and it was about time something of such sorts opened doors to the public. I wouldn’t even mind saying that it’s worth driving 1000+km from Muscat to Salalah to visit. And I would like to urge all the residents of Oman to give it a shot at some point during their stay in the country. It is a delightful place to spend your day. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go and plan out the dates for a trip to the water park with my friends.

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

Stunning attention to detail, exquisite material choice and splendid crafting: Alvin Thomas discovers how the Japanese luxury sedan leaves its famed rivals miles behind in interior dynamics

he automotive community is a waggish crowd: You have fanboys and girls lining up at clubs or meets – or, as is the case now, at groups and forums online – to discuss their love for their favourite cars. It’s uncanny, I tell you. I, for instance, am a (joyful) member of one of the lesser prestigious forums on the internet. Nevertheless, this is the point I’m trying to make: Segments of cars have a galore of forums for their members – and one of the stalwart clubs floating around the car scene is the one that houses the royalties – the ones that are proud members of luxury sedans. So, what sort of cars do you think feature in these forums? Well, it’s rather simple, actually: MercedesBenz, BMW and Audi – the Holy Trio, as I like to call it. What more can possibly be featured? That’s where things slowly start to change. One new entrant is beating (rather violently) its way

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into these clubs, and is darn nearly annihilating its counterparts from Germany. It’s the warrior from Japan – the Lexus LS – and it bows to everyone in the crowd with its shinjitsu; it stands for what it has always stood for: luxury – and that makes this one of the most desirable luxury sedans out there. The LS, ladies and gentlemen, is no longer the underdog; it’s the one that every car wants to be and the car you never knew you needed. Trust me when I say that. Let’s start things off with the exterior. The LS looks virile and like nothing else in the market; it makes cars like the gorgeous Aston Martin Vantage and even the Alfa Romeo Giulia (a car that I absolutely adore) look like they were designed in the 90s. The LS, with its oversized spindle grill and electricbolt-like headlamps, pushes car design to the very limits. Oh, and if you didn’t notice, the daytime running light splits into three separate strands to give the front a three-dimensional look (not that it needed it). Apart from that, there are several chisels and slits upfront that lets the car ahead of you know of your presence. From some angles, the LS looks like an elongated sports car. The rear complements the quirky design too. Sure, it’s not as razor sharp as the fascia, but it’s still out there, with its swooping (or shall I say drooping) tail lamps that continues to indent the bumper. The rear is completed with faux dual chrome-tipped exhausts. Jumping into the car reveals a whole different cosmos (you’ll see why I said that later) altogether. I was expecting it to be reminiscent of the one from the Cadillac CT6 that I tested a while ago; but the

LS – even in the base 350 variant – trumps it with room to spare. It’s hard to point at what makes the interior stand out, so I’m going to start with the 12.3-inch screen. It first comes to life when you push the start button, and it plays a short clip of the Lexus badge coming to life from among the stars – it’s to die for. Although, I suspect you’d enjoy that after playing it for the millionth time. Then there’re the metal elements – six chrome lines – that start from the driver door and all the way to the passenger door. The doors itself have accented panels on them – one finished in leather, the other in metal

Destination

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

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Gaming

CARS

Lexus LS 350 Specifications: Engine: 3.5-litre V6 Transmission: 10-speed automatic Horsepower: 311hp Torque: 379Nm Top speed: 250kph (limited) Rear-wheel drive 19-inch alloys Drive mode selector Push-button start Blind spot monitoring Radar-guided cruise control Electronic power steering Wood trim 12.3-inch infotainment screen 12-Speaker Lexus Premium Surround System Sunroof Pre-crash collision safety system LED headlamps Leather upholstery

(or real wood depending on trim) and and offer heating and ventilation. the last one in stitched leather. The My tester LS 350 came packing a 3.5-litre attention to detail is unbelievable – the V6 motor breathing out 311hp and 379Nm Mercedes-Benz S-Class, even with its of torque. The car definitely needs more dual screens, is light years away from grunt, but there’s a hybrid version and the Lexus. there’ll be a twin-turbo variant of this very The steering, meanwhile, is a engine in the future. THE TORQUE KICKS IN derivation from the Lexus IS, but The torque kicks in at about 4900rpm AT ABOUT 4900RPM AND and slowly revs its way to 6600rpm, it feels more plush and matured. SLOWLY REVS ITS WAY TO which is when the power takes over. Still, The buttons on the wheel, 6600RPM, WHICH IS WHEN acceleration isn’t what I’d call blistering, however, are easy to use. What will take some getting used THE POWER TAKES OVER. and it takes about 6.5 seconds to hit the to is the infotainment mousepad. STILL, ACCELERATION ISN’T 100kph mark from a standstill. WHAT I’D CALL BLISTERING, The engine is mated to a 10-speed It has a learning curve, but once AND IT TAKES ABOUT you learn where the menus and automatic gearbox that sends power 6.5 SECONDS TO HIT THE to the rear wheels. While 10 speeds on the controls are, and disable the 100KPH MARK FROM A haptic feedback, it’s rather simple a gearbox is overkill, it’s interesting to STANDSTILL to operate. see the gears shift seamlessly from one As expected, there’s plenty of to six, while using the other four for room upfront and in the back. Passengers above six feet overdrive. Ideally, this should improve fuel economy and can also enjoy sitting in the rear without any discomfort. also increase smoothness in the cabin. All the seats are finished in high-grade leather and are The smoothness and the superior comfort can also be well bolstered. The seats up put down to the brilliantly tuned front have great lumbar suspension support too and the

supple Bridgestone tyres. The Lexus’ strong suite has always been that it has never really tried to take on the giants from Germany in performance – and that’s what makes this generation of the car even more distinct. Its focus is completely on the interior dynamics: comfort, driving easiness and luxury that swathes the occupants. And on those fronts, the Lexus LS 350 delivers. I know I’ll be criticised for saying this, but I’ve driven the competing versions of all of the Lexus’ German and American rivals, and none can quite deliver the ride comfort and luxury as is seen in the LS 350 – and that tells you how chucking marvellous a car this is. That’s the mark of a trueto-the-core Japanese sedan.

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CARS ADVENTURES SILENT NIGHT

The view of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg during winter is absolutely breathtaking.

1. Meditate at the Saint Isaac’s Cathedral 2. Take photos of the prominent Palace Square 3. Visit the Russian Museum 4. Creep yourself around the Kunstkamera 5. Take a tour of the several palaces in the vicinity

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Destination

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Y-Fi

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POSTCARDS FROM

Alvin Thomas recommends

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

ou know you’ve hit your travel goals when you’ve finished exploring the Americas and begin looking for new places to visit. So, when I was presented with an opportunity - or rather a prospect - to visit Saint Petersburg, I didn’t hesitate. Of course, heading to the most-renowned and sought-after spot in Russia wasn’t my initial target, but hey, we all need to start somewhere. And besides, it was my colleague Hasan who tempted me into heading there first. In his own words: “There’s much to experience in Saint Petersburg”. There’s no arguing with that, right? Located west of the large country, this Russian city is also one of the most iconic places in the world. The ‘Bronze Horseman’ statue (of Peter the great), for instance, shares as much significance as the ‘Statue of Liberty’ in New York. There’s much to do in Saint Petersburg than stare at a statue, though. For starters, it’s a hub for tourists looking to indulge in adventure or a quest to blend with nature. Ironically, despite being the country’s second-largest city, it still embraces its cultural roots. Saint Petersburg houses some of the country’s largest museums and cathedrals. These grounds are teeming with tourists who try to soak in the cultures and traditions of this beautiful city. One spot that particularly struck a chord with me was the ‘Russian Museum’ which houses some rare paintings. The paintings of the Saviour Made Without Hands (1658) and the Angel with Golden Hair (12th Century) have been featured in several documentaries - and they were awe-inspiring to gawk at. Another star attraction is the Mariinsky Theatre - the 19th century theatre famed for hosting some of Russia’s most revolutionary ballets and operas in the 1860s. Sure, it’s not as advanced as, say, the Royal Opera House Muscat, but it still adds traditional value to the region. But dig deeper and into the history of this city, and you’ll come across something you would never have imagined: the Kunstkamera. As odd as its name sounds, I assure you that you’ll be treated to some gut-wrenching sights at this 16th century anthropology and ethnography museum. It’s the weirdest museum I’ve ever been to and it holds over two million exhibits. If you’re curious enough to visit the museum, do keep in mind that exhibits include jars with deformed human babies. Ugh! Hasan was right, after all.

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E PALACE

My favourite place

As strange as it may sound, the Kunstkamera was the highlight of my journey. Sure, it’s the creepiest museum I had ever been to, but the fact that it holds some of the world’s most sought-after exhibits is something of a quirk. If pickled humans aren’t your interest, then head to the Singer House, which is also known as the “House of Books”. As its name suggests, it gives you access to books, but only those that are of importance to the culture and heritage of one of the world’s first (formerly) developed countries.

Highlights

Saint Petersburg was designed with the future in mind, and in an effort to curb crowds and traffic, the roads are wide and the streets well-organised. This also means that you always have space as a traveller. I wasn’t exposed to any of the touristy things that you normally get to see in other parts of the world. The weather is lovely, with temperatures hitting the low 10°C in winter and peaking at 30°C in summer.

Lowlights Since this is the culture capital of the country, it’s best to keep your thoughts and beliefs to yourself – seriously! The residents can get a bit frisky if you commit acts that don’t necessarily align with theirs. Souvenirs There are several cathedrals in the vicinity, and you can purchase old books and other religious ornaments. If not, you can buy amber souvenirs from museums or even porcelain utensils from the markets. Getting there

Etihad Airways and Emirates fly to Saint Petersburg daily. Keep in mind that you’ll be transiting the UAE for this flight.

Where to stay Don’t hesitate to opt for a star hotel as accommodation is cheap. A stay in the four-star Oktiabrskaya Hotel only set me back RO18.8

THE M USEUM OF ANT AND E HROPO THNOG LOGY RAPHY KUNST IN T H E KAME RA BU IL D IN G

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

NOSTALGIA CLICKS

A bit of retro charm mixed with lots of nostalgia — that’s if you could possibly lay your hands on one for under RO300, writes Alvin Thomas LIKE A STAR Nothing shouts out retro like thick, meaty keys on a keyboard. Keeping in line with that philosophy is Planet Computers' with its new Gemini. Yes, you guessed it: It’s a mini-computer/ phone that aims to take the place of your slim and slick smartphone. This one has a trick up its sleeve though — it comes packing a 10-core processor, onboard 64GB storage, 4G and Wi-Fi that can put your RO400 iPhone X to shame. The device will run Android out of the box but, surprisingly, will also provide users with two weeks of standby time and two USB-C connectors. The accompanying screen is 5.99-inch wide and can display at 1080p resolution. Preorder this retro ‘90s outfit device from Indiegogo.com for a paltry RO230.

THROWBACK THURSDAY We all knew that the world was never really ready to give up on Game Boy – the handheld gaming console that first came out in the late ‘80s. To satisfy us gamers – or gaming geeks, as we address ourselves – Hyperkin is bringing out its iteration of the original Game Boy. The Ultra Game Boy is an enhanced version of the muchloved device, and should be able to read the original Nintendo game cartridges. The body of the device is crafted in aluminium and the buttons are more tactile. What’s best, all of this will only cost RO38.5 when made available in mid-2018.

READY… STEADY… CLICK… Sure, your smartphone can take amazing photos without any hassle, but there’s a sense of nostalgia attached to this Polaroid OneStep 2 camera. Inspired by the original OneStep camera from 1977, this is an analog instant camera for the “modern era” – or so they say. Nevertheless, here is what we can tell you: It comes with a high-quality lens and a built-in flash to aid with taking some stunning pictures. After clicking the picture, you will instantly be presented with the photograph. The camera packs an 1100mAh battery that can be charged via a USB cable. Buy this from polaroidoriginals.com for RO38.11.

BEAUTY AND SIMPLICITY

EDITOR’S PICK

HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED AT THE SPEAKERS IN YOUR HOME THEATRE SYSTEM AND MUTTERED, “BOY, THIS IS WAY TOO COMPLEX FOR ME”? IF SO, WE HAVE THE PERFECT GADGET FOR YOU – THE NEW LUCIANO NEWBLACK SPEAKER. THE CASING IS CONSTRUCTED IN THE ITALIAN TOWN NOVE, WHICH IS FAMED FOR ITS CERAMICS SINCE THE 1700S. BUT THE DEVICE COMES WITH A MODERN TWIST: FOR INSTANCE, DESPITE BEING FINISHED IN CERAMIC, IT COMES WITH BLUETOOTH, WHICH WILL ALLOW YOU TO PLAY DIGITAL MUSIC THROUGH YOUR SMARTPHONE OR LAPTOP. IT ALSO FEATURES COMPONENTS NORMALLY FOUND IN EXPENSIVE HI-FI STEREO SYSTEMS. BUY THIS FROM NEWBLACK.IT FOR RO277.1.

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Cricket Captain 2017

For cricket fanatics who fancy a swing to send Mitchell Starc and Co over the rope or knock Virat Kohli's middle stump down with a perfect yorker, here’s the chance to pitch it up, writes Alvin Thomas

imulation games can be quite fun to play – yes, somebody had to stick up for them. It’s a genre that continues to be left behind the likes of more famous action, adventure or even mystery gaming titles. One game – the Cricket Captain 2017 – received my attention late last year, and I’ve been hooked to it ever since. As the name suggests, it’s a game for cricket fanatics, though it isn’t your average sports game like Don Bradman Cricket or Brian Lara Cricket. You cannot control the movements of your players, choose your shots or even decide when to run; it’s completely at the mercy of the game's engine. But what makes Cricket Captain a formidable title is its versatility and diverse campaign mode. No, really! You start off by choosing your country and progressing as the captain and coach of the team. That means you can pick your team, provide training to your players, choose batters and bowlers, the field settings and even the aggression levels of the players.

This is what sets this game apart from other simulation games I’ve tried. Mind you, it’s not easy to simply jump into the game and score runs. You need to set a game plan and stick to it. For instance, if you’re playing as the Australian team, you need to choose your lineup and arrange them for batting and bowling. Let’s say you begin bowling and select Mitchell Starc as your opening bowler. Being the left-arm fast bowler that he is, your best bet would be to swing the ball away from the batsman to eke out the edge of his bat. For that, you can suggest him to pitch the ball in the ‘good’ area of the pitch and towards the middle stump. Of course, he’s not going to do it every time, but when it all goes well, you’ll see the wickets tumbling. Also dynamic are the pitches, which change along the course of a match. More often than not, as time progresses, you’ll find Indian pitches turning into spin traps wherein batsmen struggle to keep their wickets intact. Australian pitches, on the other hand, will invoke deadlier reverse swing for the pacemen. The downside of the game is its graphics. It does look like it was designed in the early 2000s – which probably was the case. But additional rosters with newer player lineups keep the game alive. The gaming engine can also get a bit annoying, especially in crucial times in a T20 game, when the batsmen simply decide to play defensive. The leg-before-wicket (LBW) system is far from perfect too. Cricket Captain definitely has a long way to go before it can become the best simulation game out there but, for now, it is one of the most engaging sports titles money can buy. And that’s a testament to how good a game this truly is. You can buy the game for Mac or PC for about RO6.5. JULY JAN 03 01 - 07 09 / ISSUE 505 327

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

TOP TRUMP

FASHION

Dressing isn’t just about looking presentable to peers. You must be comfortable in your wear and also let the designs narrate a story about you to the onlookers. It can get a tad expensive, but the more zeroes you dish out, the more confident you’ll be when it’s time for that board meeting

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k o o L e h

Don’t cheap out when it comes to cufflinks. The last thing you’d want is for you to constantly fiddle with your bronzecoloured cufflinks in the middle of a meeting. Instead, go for something simple and elegant, such as these circular cufflinks from Thomas Pink for about RO41

r p fo mere o h a st s erb k: from H thew our loo t a M y and sform s a an m Tho ould tr hero n i Alv that c super f stuf tal to a mor

T t Ge Suit up, but don’t overdo it. This simple and classic navy blue suit may set you back a fortune, but it will also make you look and feel like a billion dollars. After all, it’s a show of opulence, and as they say, the classier the better. This suit from DAKS will cost an astronomical RO352 and should leave onlookers amazed

Choosing the right tie for an occasion is crucial: The colour and design can reflect on how your peers judge you. The perfect tie must complement your shirt, without taking away the attention from your suit. This blue and yellow club tie from Charles Tyrwhitt is perfect to attain the look that you desire. Get it for RO30 from ctshirts.com

“Wow! Here comes the man.” That’s what the visitors at the party will be telling each other when they spot you in your designcentric Loake Brogue black shoes. The pointy-toe look isn’t for everybody but try it on before you throw them away from your wish-list.

A well ironed, wrinkle-free white shirt is the mark of a man who pays attention to detail. Yes, it’ll probably be hidden underneath your suit, but hey, every element adds to your persona. Buy this Ede & Ravenscroft shirt for RO21

Nothing tells the success story of a man than a watch. When you decide to purchase a watch, however, do it right. This Patek Philippe watch may seem expensive but think of it as an investment than anything else. The ‘Complications Automatic World Time Gold Men’s Watch’ tells you the world time, and also comes with a glass back through which you can appreciate the watchmakers efforts to craft this masterpiece. Buy it for RO14,600 from watchfinder.co.uk

Complete your fashion attire with the perfect belt. Break the monotony or go with the flow. Belts have the power to give you that chic sharpness, such as this Alasdair Belt from White Stuff from RO25

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

HEELING

TOUCH

Cracked heels are a common problem for people of all ages, especially during winter, but the pain and suffering can be managed with some simple home remedies, writes Alvin Thomas

he winter season in Oman lasts less than four months, but the “beautiful time of year” can often leave behind a trail of destruction on your skin. And this can take two to four weeks to completely heal. However, the breakage of skin on your heels – commonly known as cracked feet – can take longer, since they are a part of your body that are exposed to the elements (floor, shoes, grass, etc.) and can repeatedly suffer damage. To avoid suffering from cracked skin, it’s vital that you prepare the skin under your feet for the extreme dryness and cold – factors associated with the season. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your feet clean and crack free: ➊ Avoid walking barefoot Use socks to protect your feet. It doesn’t matter if you’re using sandals or slippers; just throw on a pair of socks while going places. This can help your feet maintain an optimal temperature without the chance of causing cracks. If you’re already suffering from cracked feet, socks can help keep away debris, unwanted moisture, dust and other elements that can cause abrasions on your feet. ➋ Wear the right shoes Yes, your khaki sandals look retro, but it only provides as much protection to your feet as a paperback book would in a gunfight – literally. When the temperatures drop low, opt for shoes that make your feet cozy and warm. The cold wind blowing outside shouldn’t affect the sensitive skin underneath your feet. If your feet are prone to injuries, wear shoes with soft insoles – like the walking shoe collection from Sketchers.

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➌ Use a moisturiser or exfoliate Smear some moisturiser on your feet before you go to bed. No, really! It makes a world of difference, as it helps moisturise your feet and also helps trap the necessary moisture to keep your feet soft. Caution: Do not walk on smooth tiles while wearing moisturiser. You’d be surprised by how slippery the floor can be. ➍ Give your feet a break Your feet can suffer from the stress received on a daily basis. Sometimes, it’s best just to kick back on a sofa and relax and, perhaps, let the cushions do the supporting for you. ➎ Keep them clean If you’re suffering from cracks, it’s important to keep your feet clean and safe. Blood can ooze out of these cracks and germs can lead to bacterial infection. ➏ Apply lemon juice Squeeze a lemon into a bucket of water. Now soak your feet in the lemon water for about 10 minutes. The acid in lemon can help dissolve dead skin and allow a fresh layer to form quickly. Use a foot brush to scrub your feet after soaking them. ➐ Vaseline Apply Vaseline directly over the dry feet to keep them moisturised. ➑ Coconut oil Coconut oil has healing properties. The oil can nourish the feet and help accelerate the healing process.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Chiropractic RELIEF Employees working while sick cost businesses 10 times more than those who stay away from work. Chiropractic could provide relief for both: employees and employers

here's a name for what may be ailing some businesses and their employees: presenteeism. That's when people show up for work but don't perform at full capacity, and – for one big reason – definitely not to be confused with those who routinely waste time at their desks, say, watching the latest cat videos to go viral. But what’s the reason for presenteeism? Underlying health problems – including chronic conditions like back pain, headaches, and arthritis – that leave them muddling through the day. “Underlying the research on presenteeism is the assumption that employees do not take their jobs lightly, that most of them need and want to continue working if they can,” the Harvard

Business Review reported. Many say the problem has only been exacerbated by the current opioid crisis, and that it's in employers' interests to see that their workers have access to safer options to such potentially addictive (or worse) prescription painkillers like OxyContin. One popular approach for relief from neuro-musculoskeletal issues like low-back and neck pain, drug-free chiropractic care, has actually been incorporated in on-site wellness programmes by companies like Google, Apple and Facebook. Doctors of chiropractic, who are highly educated and trained in the structure and function of the human body, use hands-on techniques designed to enhance flexibility, muscle strength, and range of motion. Most insurance

policies cover its use. “Chiropractic care is a win-win situation for both businesses and their employees,” said the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Sherry McAllister, from the US. So how much money does presenteeism cost businesses? According to a new report by Global Corporate Challenge, 10 times as much as the $150bn annually in lost productivity from absenteeism. There are several chiropractic clinics in the Sultanate – First Chiropractic Center, Optimal Spine & Joint Center, American Chiropractic Clinic Oman, etc. Schedule a session with a chiropractor if you feel any of the aforementioned symptoms while working. Source: NewsUSA FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

FARM FRESH

Fresh vegetables are key to preparing a wholesome meal that everyone at home can relish. Check out some of our favourite recipes.

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Baked Fish Servings: 4

SIMPLY Savoury I

A wholesome meal that the whole family would love to relish, along with a delicious side dish to complement the bonding and binging over the dining table

f getting your kids to embrace healthy eating habits feels like a constant uphill battle, take heart in knowing you’re not alone. There’s nothing more delectable than foods prepared with freshly harvested vegetables. It’s a liberty we – the residents of Oman – rarely get to enjoy. A part of that is because your landlord wouldn’t appreciate you growing crops in your balcony and partly because you’d rather shop for groceries than grow them. Nevertheless, it’s important to shop for fresh groceries even when you’re shopping at reputable outlets. Fresh vegetables are key to preparing a wholesome meal that everyone at home can relish. If done right, even little ones can enjoy the meal. And this flaky, baked fish and nutritious potato-based side dish seems to fit the bill. Find more farm-fresh recipes at Culinary.net. .

Ingredients: § Nonstick cooking spray § 450g fish fillets (whitefish, trout or tilapia) § 1 onion, sliced § 1/4 tsp salt § 1/4 tsp black pepper § 2 tsp vegetable oil § 1/4 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (optional) Method: § Heat an oven to 175°C. § Place a 12-inch piece of foil on counter. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. Place fillets in middle of foil. If fillets have skin, place skin-side down. § Spread sliced onions, salt, pepper and oil on top of fillets. Add lemon pepper seasoning, if desired. Fold foil over fish. § Place the foil pouch on baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake fish for 15-20 minutes until fish reaches a minimum internal temperature of 62°C on a food thermometer and is flaky when tested with fork. § Divide into four portions and serve.

Fingerling Potato Salad Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients: § 680g mixed Wisconsin fingerling potatoes § 2 large lemons, divided § 2 cups water § 2 tbsp coarse kosher salt § 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar § 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil § 1 1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds § 3/4 tsp whole coriander seeds § pepper, to taste § 4 green onions, thinly sliced § 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill § salt, to taste § 2 cups baby arugula

bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lemon slices are tender, for about 10 minutes. Drain lemons then coarsely chop. • Cut the remaining lemon in half and squeeze out 2 tbsp juice. In a small bowl, mix chopped lemons, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar and oil. Coarsely crush cumin and coriander seeds using mortar and pestle. Mix seeds into lemon dressing. Season, to taste, with pepper. • Cut lukewarm potatoes in half lengthwise. Place in a large, shallow bowl. Mix in green onions and dill. Pour lemon dressing over and toss to coat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add arugula and toss gently. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature.

Method: § In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook potatoes until just tender when pierced with fork, for about 15 minutes. Drain and cool slightly. § Slice one lemon into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. In a small saucepan, combine sliced lemon, water and kosher salt;

* Family Features FEB 01 - 07 / ISSUE 505

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

Mid et k Mar

REVIEWS

Info Box

KARAZ LEBANESE RESTAURANT

Ground floor, Azaiba Gardens, Azaiba, Muscat Dinner for two: RO22.7 Contact: 2449 2929

KARAZ LEBANESE RESTAURANT

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 6/10 FOOD 6/10 AMBIENCE Great service but food needs improvement. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

SKIMPY MENU, JUST A FEW ITEMS ON IT WERE AVAILABLE AND SOME OF THE SERVINGS TASTED PROSAIC. A BIT CHEESED OFF, BUT ALVIN THOMAS IS POSITIVE ABOUT TASTY DAYS AHEAD

ebanese restaurants are a harbinger of good food. I’ve never really come across a Lebanese eatery that has failed to satisfy my taste buds – they definitely are a class apart when compared with others in the region. So, when I walked into the Karaz Lebanese Restaurant in the Azaiba Gardens at… well, you guessed it… Azaiba, I had no doubt that I would walk out of there with a smile on my face. The restaurant is unlike any other Lebanese restaurant in Oman, though. The insides are spacious – a bit overly so – but there’s limited seating. It almost looked like the management decided to spread the chairs and sofas as far apart as they could to keep the privacy levels high. The lighting is strong and the chairs and tables are all finished in wood. It definitely would make sense as an American burger chain – but that’s not the case here. Nonetheless, our kind waitress quickly pointed out that only a few items on the menu – which only has slim pickings in it to start with – were available. This meant that Ninad (who was accompanying me on my trip) and I were limited to the grills and Lebanese burgers. So, we ordered both. To start off, though, we asked for a plate of Rakakat Cheese, hummus and a glass of carrot and mango juice. The starters arrived first. The juices were splendid, and Ninad particularly appreciated the fact that his mango juice was made of pure puree and not water and concentrate.

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satisfy everyone. In a few moments, the chicken kafta and mixed grill were presented to us. Both dishes were above OUR EXPERIENCE AT THE KARAZ average but not worth writing home about. The LEBANESE RESTAURANT WAS presentation, on the other hand, was splendid and MIXED, AND INCHING TOWARDS it added to the overall allure of the dish. THE NEGATIVE SIDE – THEREBY The beef in my mixed grill, to an extent, was a TARNISHING MY GOOD RUN WITH saving grace and the hummus was fresh, thick and LEBANESE RESTAURANTS ACROSS rich in consistency. THE CAPITAL After this, the waitress asked for the dishes to be packed and that’s when we told her about the salty appetiser. She immediately took it to the manager to ask him about it but he simply proceeded to tell her that it was prepared and that it couldn’t be exchanged. Bothered by that we told him that we were happy with the dishes except for the Rakakat cheese. He immediately replied that it was the characteristic of feta cheese to be “overly salty”. We simply nodded and asked for it to be included in the bill. Our experience at the Karaz Lebanese Restaurant was mixed, and inching towards the negative side – thereby tarnishing my good run We were soon in for the shock of our lives as the with Lebanese restaurants across the capital. Rakakat Cheese was unbearably salty. We took Still, it must be noted that this restaurant has a couple of bites to make sure that it wasn’t an just opened doors, so it could very well be a illusion, but it seemed the chef had dumped all the few months before everything is up and salt he could lay his hands on in the appetiser. We running smoothly. loathed it and didn’t take another bite. As polite customers, we hesitated from sending it back to Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see the kitchen immediately – but would wait until the reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com end to raise the issue. Next to arrive were our burgers – a ‘special burger’ for me and a chicken burger for Ninad. This definitely turned things around. The chicken burger – despite its small patty – was flavoursome and succulent, said Ninad. He also enjoyed the garlic mayonnaise (or paste) and the sliced pickles that were added to it. Much of this continued with my beef burger too. The patty had a very strong Arabic flavour – and that was the highlight of the burger. The mayonnaise and the pickles added to the overall aura of the dish. We were also happy with the size of the two burgers – it would definitely