Y Magazine #572, June 12, 2019 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

Camping with caution Y’S OUTDOOR SUMMER SAFETY GUIDE Caves of Oman

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JUN 13 - 19 2019 / ISSUE 572 • WEEKLY

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

f time is relative and can’t be begged, bartered or borrowed back, then how we choose to spend our free moments should be carefully chosen so as to be all the more meaningful…right? In theory, yes; in practice, well, not always. From spending time with family, exploring nature or taking up a hobby that brings fulfillment – we often trade these experiences for the trap of consumerism. It’s no secret that folks joke about shopping being a national pastime in the GCC, and it’s one that we can well understand – with prohibitively hot weather nearly six months out of the year grinding most family-friendly outdoor activities to a halt. So, it’s the malls where people tend to gather to shop, dine out, pick up their weekend groceries, get some exercise or even take in a movie. And that’s a good thing. These are all good things. And yet… over-development without a population to experience it all is what Oman is coming to, say experts who have been studying the issue and who feature in this issue’s cover story. In just over a decade, the Sultanate has invested billions of riyals to turn its vacant lands into residential and commercial properties. But with a population of just over 4.6 million and an ever-diminishing expat segment, retail and housing sector developers have to head back to the drawing board – only this time, with thinner wallets and debts looming. This week, Y investigates if over-supply and a volatile market are fracturing development in the country. Flip to Page 18 to read on. Also in this issue, we’re staring down the barrel of summer with all the tips you’ll need to enjoy its blazing months worry-free with our guide to summer camping and outdoor safety. And if the heat is just too much, you can always join us underground as we take you spelunking in some of the Sultanate’s most unique cave eco-systems. Plus, we’re tucking into our nation’s summer harvest over in Yummy Oman, slipping behind the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz E200 Coupe in First Drive, and nipping over to Sharjah, UAE for a neighbourly getaway in our Postcard pages. Until next week, happy reading!

Team Y EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

ADMIN MANAGER Yousef al Harrassi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

REPORTER Hassan al Lawati ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. JUN 13 - 19 / ISSUE 572

contents J

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Sharifa al Barami 10 News Mwasalat resumes bus service after crash 12 News Nature Reserve visitors to face entrance fees

10 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination Muttrah 34 First Drive Mercedes-Benz E200 Coupe 38 Y-Fi Time-piece tech

Features

18 Building blocks? more retail and U N 1 3 - 1 9 2 0 1 9 With property development projects being put on hold across Oman due to over-development and lack of planning, Y investigates if the Sultanate’s current 16 A taste of Mexico population is enough to ‘Happy Cactus’ sustain this upsurge. Wednesdays are Or, has low market back at the Crowne demand turned rushed Plaza OCEC! growth into a sinking 17 Movies ship? The lizard king is back 24 Chamber of secrets to take on a freakish Oman’s underground group of titans network of caves is threatening to a spelunker’s paradise. destroy Planet Earth We strap on our safety in ‘Godzilla: King of gear and make the the Monsters’ descent into a hidden underground world.

This Week

17 Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Must-have summer dresses 42 Beauty The best clay masks

Camping with caution Thinking of heading out in the great wide open this summer? We bring you need-to-know safety tips, along with some of the Sultanate’s top camping spots to make your outdoor experience an ultimate one.

CMY

Food and Drink 44 Yummy Oman Savour summer 46 Taste Test P.F. Chang’s

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

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

Chris and Kat tie the knot ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ star Chris Pratt has officially walked down the aisle with fiancée Katherine Schwarzenegger. The two got engaged back in January after just seven months of dating, and celebrated their nuptials in an intimate ceremony in Monetecito, California with close friends and family. According to a source close to the couple, the two are head-over-heels in love: “You can tell today is the happiest day for Katherine – she hasn’t stopped smiling, and Chris seems giddy with excitement. The venue is beautiful – lots of flowers and greenery everywhere. It’s a very romantic setting for a wedding”. Splitsville for Bradley Breakups are tough – even for celebs – and Hollywood megastar Bradley Cooper of ‘A Star is Born’ has just confirmed his split from his partner of four years, Irina Shayk. Irina, a Russian supermodel, began dating Bradley in 2015 but the two have kept their relationship fairly low-key. Together they have a two-year-old daughter and, according to an inside source, the pair are trying to work out how to share custody of her. The ‘King’ of weddings? It’s been a week of weddings and breakups in Hollywood but thankfully Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’s nuptials were fit for royalty as they were married by ‘The King’ himself! Last month the two tied the knot in Las Vegas by none other than an Elvis impersonator. While this wasn’t 06

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their official wedding ceremony – rather just the legal one, it was supposed to have been kept under the radar. But news of the nuptials leaked after one problematic wedding guest – DJ and producer Diplo low-key live-streamed the whole ceremony, leading to Joe Jonas’s parents finding out about the Vegas wedding online. He said: “They did find out online. Well, in my mind, that was the legal portion of the marriage – so I was thinking like ‘Look, this is not the most important day. There’s an important day (yet to come).’” Iron Man goes green Robert Downey Jr., aka Marvel’s Iron Man Tony Stark, has just announced the launch of ‘The Footprint Coalition’ – an organisation that aims to use cutting-edge technology to help the environment, and will officially begin operations by April 2020. Making the announcement Robert said: “Between robotics and nanotechnology, we could clean up the planet significantly – if not totally, in ten years. Khaled kicks off After DJ Khaled’s 11th studio album ‘Father of Asahd’ débuted at Number 2 on the Billboard 200 album charts, coming in second didn’t sit so well with the megaproducer. When Tyler, The Creator’s album ‘Igor’ beat him out for the Number 1 début spot, Khaled threw a tantrum – allegedly becoming angry and yelling that his album hadn’t snagged the top spot. Reportedly, his ire was sparked over a bundle deal with an unnamed energy drink, and Khaled was mad that Billboard apparently hadn’t accounted for those record sales and felt his label should have fought harder to achieve a higher number of copies sold. Since the outburst, Khaled has clarified that his frustration was with Billboard’s methods for calculating album sales – and that he has no beef with Tyler, The Creator.

BTS tagteams it K-Pop supergroup BTS have teamed up with Charli XCX on their new single ‘Dream Glow’ – a track that will appear on their new mobile game ‘BTS World’, set to be released on June 25. In the game, players can take on the role of BTS’s Manager with the ultimate goal of launching the group into superstardom. The soundtrack will also feature other brand-new songs from boy-band – BTS Army unite! JoBros album drops! The wait is over for JoBros fans as the Jonas Brothers have finally released their highlyanticipated new album ‘Happiness Begins’ featuring the hit single ‘I Believe’ – which Nick Jonas has dedicated to his wife Priyanka Chopra, calling it a love letter to her after the couple wed in December 2018. The Jonas Brothers announced their official reunion after the release of the track ‘Sucker’ off the album – their first new music in six years. Rappers’ delight Chris Brown and Drake are out with a new single called ‘No Guidance’. Brown is dropping his 10th studio album, ‘Indigo’ later this month on June 28. The rap heavyhitters collaboration comes after a years-back feud between the two artists that was, ahem, very well-publicised. Now, they’re officially putting their beef to rest with this new single. Fingers crossed! Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

SHARIFA AL BARAMI, THE CO-FOUNDER OF ONLINE STORE MARKEETEX.COM, ADDRESSES THE FUTURE OF RETAIL IN THE SULTANATE

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: With a population of just 4.6 million in Oman is the advent of new retail spaces and residential investments feeding the Sultanate’s demand, or is it turning out to be a case of oversupply? Are our spending habits enough to sustain so many developments? SUDHEER MELEPAT

imes are changing and the mall culture is slowly coming to an end. This is a trend we’re witnessing across countries such as the US and those in Europe – and we here in Oman aren’t immune from that. While it would still take a few years for us to play catch-up, this is where we’re heading as well. And as statisticians show that 20 to 25 per cent of malls will close in the US alone in the next five years, I think it’s time for developers here to do their market studies. Technology plays a major part in this, and perhaps it’s the e-commerce sector that has more to do with these changing trends than anything else. The ease of ordering what you want with the push of a button is a lucrative thing – and people are slowly shifting their inclination towards it, even in Oman. As for mall developers, they see these malls as real estate investments. And another worry is that the real estate era is coming to an end as well. People prefer having communitydriven experiences as opposed to those that we’ve grown accustomed to in the past. So, people would prefer a trip tailored along the lines of a mall, but with the comfort and convenience of something they’re more comfortable with: their home, for instance. And as we turn our attention from having more of these experiences than going by our necessities, we learn that there’s less space for such projects. In the long run, it will show that newer players will have lesser returns on investments than ever before.

JUN 13 - 19 / ISSUE 572

Oman is one of the fastest developing countries in the GCC and it has made significant strides in the growth of retail spaces and residential investments. The first reason for this boom is the increasing demand from the growing interests of residents for new lifestyle experiences, as well as an influx of more tourists. It all means the country’s retail sector is well-placed to contribute to the GCC’s retail growth story. Secondly, the market confidence in Oman can be attributed to the country’s economic growth, projected to rise to 2.9 per cent this year from 1.1 per cent in 2017. Moreover, the rate of tourism is projected to increase at an annual compound annual grow rate of 13 per cent between 2018 and 2021. Despite this, it would appear our spending habits are not enough to sustain so many developments because the population is keeping a tighter grip on their wallets because of the recent crisis.

DR. SUDDAPALLI BHASKARA RAO

I have my fingers crossed in observing the viability of an ever-growing number of malls, shopping arcades, entertainment centres and even hospitals(Y-Oman, Issue #570). It’s a contentious ‘chicken-and-egg’ issue but it directly influences our country’s economy. If we remember what Oman was like 20 years ago, I feel there has been a disproportionate growth of all these amenities, especially when seen in real terms of the number of expatriates falling.

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Despite this, international tourism is picking up. I saw a huge demand for rental residential places in early 2000, but now at least 10 per cent of new dwellings are going begging, with not many properties breaking even for want of tenants. Many retailers are shutting down year after year in once-crowded places like Ruwi high street, after the advent of mall culture. Statistics indicate that, on average, about 35,000 building permits have been issued every year since 2016, but the population has doubled over the past 20 years. Though high-end malls are welcome, the number of brand-selling shops in malls is falling, as tourists prefer to shop in Dubai. I am sure this development is reaching a point of saturation and perhaps in the coming years, a balancing act will have to be made to make it more proportional to actual retail trends.

GEORGINA BENISON

Since I arrived in Oman in 2006 (when there were already a couple of good shopping malls) more and more and bigger and bigger retail spaces have been built while older ones have been expanded. The argument goes that they attract visitors to the country and provide jobs. Secondly, where on earth is all the money coming from for this increasing consumerism, if income from oil remains low? One should always live within one’s means and not build up debt through credit card purchases, as these will contribute to an an ever-tighter noose around one’s neck. Finally, residential expansions will not be prudent investments if they remain unoccupied

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or even incomplete. They definitely represent a case of over-supply if the finances or tenants are just not there in the first place. Spending habits are one thing, but sustainability relies on financial stability, and over-development is foolishly ambitious in the current economic climate.

SINTHIA CHAKRABORTY

The rush for new retail developments is primarily being driven by a growing interest of residents in new lifestyle experiences. Oman’s retail infrastructure has been expanding at a brisk pace as several small-to-medium scale

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retail project developments shape the population’s ever-increasing demand for a pleasurable shopping experience. The retail sector is undergoing significant changes with the emergence of e-commerce across the GCC countries. The rise in the number of millennials, working women and expatriate population is driving demand for consumer goods, especially international branded products and global food concepts. Consequently, the nonfood retail sales are anticipated to grow at an annualised average of 4.7 per cent between 2018 and 2023, while food retail sales are expected to increase at a CAGR of 2.8 per cent during the forecast period.

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NEWS ‘ALL NATIONS RESPONSIBLE

FOR TURTLES’ CARE’, SAYS REPORT satellite transmitters. Three of these were tracked from their feeding grounds off Bu Tinah Island, Abu Dhabi, and to Oman where they mated, nested, and found their way back home to Bu Tinah Island. The Ras al Jinz sanctuary in Oman is the favourite nesting site for green turtles in the Indian Ocean, hosting over 80 per cent of all green turtles nesting in the region. new study on green turtles in the region has The protection and conservation of turtles is of shown that the protection of turtles is the paramount importance in the marine ecosystem shared responsibility of all nations working and for societal well-being, as it safeguards many together, Muscat Daily reports. other species, supports ecosystems and local The Emirates Nature-WWF and its partners industries, the study stated. Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Jimena Rodriguez, manager of the Gulf Green Marine Research Foundation (MRF) revealed Turtle Conservation Project, said, “Being longthe results of their ongoing research on the Gulf living animals, turtles are indicators of the status Green Turtle Conservation Project. of the marine environment and require long-term The findings are unique in the Arabian Sea strategies that can benefit other animals, habitats, region. Over the past century, green turtle and human well-being. populations have fallen by 50-70 per cent “By recording a complete migration loop, worldwide. Turtles in this region have become we were able to better understand green turtles extremely vulnerable due to the threat of fishing ecological and conservation needs, and the nets, coastal development affecting habitats, importance of the UAE as being a critical feeding marine pollution, and climate change. site. By protecting turtles, we can contribute to In collaboration with EAD, Emirates Naturegreater conservation wins and marine stability in WWF has successfully tagged 36 turtles using the UAE and the region.”

MWASALAT RESUMES BUS SERVICE AFTER CRASH

wasalat resumed its bus service on the MuscatDubai route from Saturday as per an agreement with the

An independent team headed by Accident Investigations from Road and Transport Authority the Department of Transportation in Dubai. Safety in the Ministry of Transport The service was suspended and Communications is also after Mwasalat’s bus was probing the cause of the incident. involved in an incident in Meanwhile, the Embassy of Dubai last Thursday that led India in Muscat has offered its to the death of 17 passengers. condolences over the death of the The victims included 11 11 Indians in the accident. Indians, two Pakistanis, one An official from the Indian Irish, and one Omani. The Embassy said, “We are ready nationalities of the two others to provide any assistance to the who died are not yet known. families. We are in touch with our A team comprising UAE counterparts. specialists from Mwasalat “The repatriation of the bodies is in the UAE to investigate to India began on Saturday. People the incident alongside Dubai can contact us at 8007-1234 for officials. any information.”

‘SIN’ TAX TO BE INTRODUCED

The Sultanate had originally planned to introduce a 5 per cent value-added tax in 2018, which is now expected to start in 2020. Secretariat General for “Further delays in implementation, Taxation published by along with a scenario of lower oil prices, Oman’s state news agency pose downside risks to our assumption of on Saturday. narrower fiscal deficits relative to 2015Sulaiman bin Salim 2017,” said S&P Global Ratings in April, Al Aadi, Directoradding that it expected fiscal gains in 2019 General of Survey coming from the implementation of excise and Tax Agreements, taxes on tobacco, said: “The excise tax alcohol, and is a consumption tax energy drinks. and is considered to be Oman said at the indirect taxes. Thus, start of the year the final charge is on it expected its the consumers, but it’s budget deficit to collected in advance at a be 2.8 billion riyals stage of the supply chain, this year, or 9 per notably through the cent of its gross business sectors.” domestic product.

TO BOOST REVENUES

man will impose a new tax on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco products starting on June 15, as the Sultanate seeks to boost state revenues strained by years of low oil prices. A 100 per cent excise tax will be introduced for tobacco and alcohol products, energy drinks, and meat, while a 50 per cent tax will be applied on carbonated drinks, according to a statement from an official at the

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NATURE RESERVE VISITORS TO FACE ENTRANCE FEES

he Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs is to impose entrance fees for Jebel Akdhar Nature Reserve. According to a ministry statement issued on Sunday, Omani adults will be charged RO1 while non-Omani adults will pay RO5. For an overnight stay, the charges will be RO5 for Omanis and RO10 for non-Omanis. At the same time, Omani children under 16 will pay 100 baisas while non-Omani children will be charged RO1 for a daytime visit. RO1 will be charged for an overnight stay for Omani children while non-Omani children will pay RO5. However, the fees will not apply to military members, government officials, and academic researchers, or for residents of the reserve and their immediate relatives. Entering the reserve outside visiting hours or committing offences such as collecting fossils, building campfires, or littering will be punishable by fines ranging from RO50 to RO200, according to the statement.

SALAMAIR LAUNCHES FLIGHT TO TEHRAN

alamAir, Oman’s first budget airline, has launched its first flight to Tehran, Iran, Oman Observer reports. The airline will run three flights a week to the Iranian capital after its initial flight last week. This is the third destination to be added by the airline in June, after launching flights to Riyadh and Kuwait. The launch ceremony was attended by Mohammed Ridha Nouri Iran’s Ambassador to Oman; Shaikh Aiman al Hosni, CEO of OMAC; Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir and other executives.

OMAN REDS CELEBRATE LIVERPOOL FC WIN

man Reds, the Official Liverpool FC Supporters Club in Oman recently organised the match-day gathering for the Champions League Final between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur. The event witnessed more than 250 Reds joining together to watch the final at the Grand

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Hyatt Muscat. It was a night to remember as Mohamed Salah scored one of the fastest ever goals in a Champions League final and Divock Origi struck late as Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid, further cementing the club’s status as one of football’s most storied clubs by

winning their sixth Champions League Trophy. The club has now won more Champions League trophies than Barcelona or Bayern Munich, and twice as many as their rivals Manchester United. As the whistle blew for full time confirming another historic Liverpool FC win, the Oman Reds match-day gathering exploded with a flood of emotion. Flags and scarves were waved high and the entire venue was bouncing. There were fans crying, fans dancing, fans hugging one another and everyone burst into a chorus of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, the club anthem, as well as Anfield favourites such as ‘Allez, Allez, Allez’. As part of the event the Oman Reds also held a raffle draw for Liverpool FC prizes such as match-day programs from the 2018/19 season, Oman Reds Merchandise, and Liverpool FC home shirts. It’s free to join the Official Liverpool Supporters Club in Oman and e the committee can be contacted through ‘Oman Reds’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, or via email at omanreds@gmail.com.

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THE ULTIMATE BRUNCH

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE The Grand Millennium Muscat is inviting families on a global adventure of gastronomy, with a new Friday brunch at their Taybat Restaurant. The Millennium Brunch, held between 1pm and 6pm, features cuisines from around the world as well as live cooking stations and fun-filled activities. You can choose from delights such as freshly-caught Omani seafood or an Italian celebration of charcuterie and cold cuts. It costs RO20 per person, with children ages six-12 can enjoy a 50 per cent discount, while children under six dine for free. For more information or to reserve a table, call (+968) 2234-2222, or email fb.gmm@millenniumhotels.com.

A TASTE OF MEXICO Head out to the Crowne Plaza OCEC this Wednesday and revel in some true South-of-the-Border flavours at their ‘Happy Cactus’ night! From 7pm till 10pm, guests can indulge in a specially-curated Mexican food and beverage menu for RO15. To book your table now, call (+968) 9065-4364 or email dine.cpmuscatocec@ihg.com.

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

British food is some of the heartiest and delicious around, no matter what their European rivals say, and the InterContinental Muscat is offering The Great British Pub Brunch every Friday between 2pm and 5pm at their Al Ghazal Pub, which includes roasts, beef Wellington, and beef sausages and mash. With this buffet, do as the Brits do best: ‘keep calm, and carry on’. The open buffet costs RO15 with an additional enhanced beverage package of RO10. The offer is open to those aged 21 and over. For details or to book your table, call (+968) 9137-3243.

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MOVIES MOVIES and it’s up to them to save the world. The first MIB film starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith came out in 1997, and it’s clear Sony was eager to jump-start the franchise again by injecting it with some new faces and serious star power once again, and it doesn’t disappoint. The flick is packed with humour and is a solid two hours of edge-of-your-seat action!

Bharat Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Disha Patani

Godzilla: King of the Monsters Cast: Charles Dance, Millie Bobby Brown, Vera Farmiga A crypto-zoological agency faces off against a mini-army of mega-sized monsters helmed by the mighty Godzilla who fights with Mothra, Rodan and his ultimate nemesis – the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these legendary super-species who were thought to be a myth rise again, they all seek to gain control of the world. However, the catch is that humanity’s existence hangs in the

X-Men: Dark Phoenix Cast: Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence

balance. This is a spin-off based on the original ‘Godzilla’ film franchise and pays homage to the iconic dinosaur-inspired mega-reptile. The plot is interesting with a good amount of CGI effects and a slew of popular actors starring to boot. Audiences will be kept on the edge of their seats in this ultimate cinematic showdown of epic proportions.

When Jean Gray (Turner) heads on a lifethreatening rescue mission into space, she gets hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants in the X-Men brigade. Fighting her own demons with the unstable power she’s unwillingly received, she

loses control, threatening to break Professor X’s family of mutants apart and, worse – the world. The film is a culmination of 20 years of ‘X-Men’ movies and, with a power-packed star cast, it’s sure to be a blockbuster experience. After ‘Game of Thrones,’ you’d definitely expect Sophie Turner to come back in a thunderbolt of a role, and she doesn’t fail to deliver.

‘Bharat’ follows the story of a man over a period of 60 years from the early days of partition between India and Pakistan, as his family makes an arduous journey for the cost of freedom. As the once young boy, Bharat (Khan), makes a promise to his father that he’ll keep his family together no matter what, we follow his story through the years from the 1950s until the 2010s. As obstacles are thrown in his face, Bharat’s life unfolds – from him joining the circus to stake his claim on a life in the Middle East during the early days of the oil boom, where he falls in love and, eventually joins the navy while striving to keep the promise he made to his father. This Bollywood epic is a re-make of the 2014 Korean film ‘Ode To My Father’, and lives up to its inspirational aspirations.

Men in Black: International Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neeson

As future Agent M (Thompson) investigates the secret MIB organisation and demands a job, she’s soon paired up with Agent H (Hemsworth) in the face of an alien invasion. As they become more entrenched, M begins to question H’s work ethic but soon they become the only agents left in the fight 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 2479-1641

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BUILDING B L OCKS? THE PROPERTY GAME IS NOW A MINEFIELD FOR DEVELOPERS AND LANDLORDS ALIKE. AS MORE EXPATS GO HOME, THERE ARE FEWER TAKERS FOR FANCY FLATS WHILE SHOPPERS’ POCKETS ARE SHALLOWER. TEAM Y INVESTIGATES THE REASONS BEHIND OMAN’S EMPTY APARTMENT BLOCKS AND ‘GHOST’ MALLS, AND ASKS EXPERTS IF HOT PROPERTY SPECULATION IS REALLY NOW A MATTER OF BUILDING CASTLES IN THE SKY

tretching as far as the eye can see are hundreds of villas, enormous buildings with the signature of a shopping mall or fancy hotel, parks that have been created with families in mind, and beachfront apartments for those seeking the ultimate seaside lifestyle. The Blue City project in the Sultanate would have transformed the face of Barka – and essentially – the Sultanate. But, from where we are standing, there’s just one barrier between us and the multi-billion-dollar project: a barbed wire fence that runs through the length of the city. All of that’s not considering the even greater overriding obstacles it faced midway through its development: a cash crunch in 2010, corruption scandals, delays; and subsequently, a lack of interest from foreign investors. Today, the sights of the project that once stole the limelight in the

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region’s media lies in the dark – and as the sun sets over it, it’s clear that the project will remain a sprawling empty space for some time to come, waiting for only one thing: people. The fate of this US$20 billion-dollar (RO7.7bn) project continues to haunt the country to this day, and this ‘ghost city’ now foretells the greater struggles faced by both the government and investors alike as they face the future. Not all failed projects across the country make international headlines or stand unfinished with grey walls and barbed fences around them, though. Some are finished in fancy attire, complete with neon lights and lavish retail outlets, and are open to the public – but they remain largely uninhabited. Malls, residential complexes, hotels, and other projects alike – a simple stroll into the capital will reveal the extent to which investors are taking a hit.

And, while the reasons can span from anything from lack of demand to the oil crises of 2015 that the nation is still picking itself up from, experts are now concerned about whether the rate at which investments are going up are more detrimental to society and the economy than constructive. A total of RO18bn worth of investments across infrastructure development and tourism is expected to be set in train until 2040 under the Oman Tourism Strategy – but not all of it is expected to have a positive impact; at least not with immediate effect. The hasty arrival of new retail spaces in the form of malls, and the addition of new residential and commercial developments and hotels in the Sultanate is among the most prominent of worries, says Fahad al Kharusi, the business development manager of a leading bank and market expert, based in the Sultanate. Expanding on the former, Fahad says more retailers are shutting up shop in malls than ever before to create what several are now calling, ‘ghost malls’ or ‘dead malls’. “Simply walk into a mall in Baushar and you’ll realise how many retailers are struggling,” he explains. “Several shops remain empty throughout the course of the day, and even the staff know that it is only a matter of time before they’re sent packing.” The Wall Street Journal newspaper describes a dead mall or ghost mall as a shopping mall with a high vacancy rate or a low consumer traffic level, or one that is dated or deteriorating in some manner. Fahad says: “The issue at hand is simple if you look at it from afar. There are lots of malls and very few people to fill them with, so you’re left with large retail spaces whose potential is squandered because of investors jumping into projects without any long-term projections or goals.

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“Everything is done with quick returns in mind – and that’s the reason our retail spaces continue to struggle when compared with, say, similarlysized malls in the UAE or even Qatar. “It’s breaking the supply and demand chain. There are roughly 4.6million people in Oman currently, of which 1.8m people reside in Muscat. You’re essentially trying to cycle an even small number of people into these malls,” he adds. “Even your sensible readers will know how these numbers aren’t enough to be spread along each of the malls that operate in the country. And with spending power abridged following the recession, it’s only natural to see fewer people take to the malls than ever before.” Fahad believes that Oman was on the right track until 2014, when the retail bubble burst open for the better; thereby, spearheading newer players into the market. “If you analyse the retail culture in Oman, you can see an upward trend beginning from 2004 up until 2014, but factors such as the recession have put a cap on that,” Fahad explains. He’s right, as we learn from statistics revealed by the Alpen Capital, an investment banking advisory firm, that Oman’s retail sector has taken a hit, with growth slumping by 18.2 per cent between 2014 and 2016 – a period following the oil crisis. But, that’s not all. Katie Watson, a real estate agent based in Muscat, believes that the effects of the oil crisis were further accentuated by careless planning, changing trends and an oversupply of retail spaces. “To understand more about this,” Katie explains, “We need to focus on how the coming of mega-malls – retail spaces which can accommodate more than 1,000 outlets – has completely changed the face of shopping in Oman. “These mega-malls cost developers equally mega price tags to build, and that has led to relatively tall rental rates, which eventually boils down to the 020

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consumer shelling more out from their pockets to cover the rental costs. “This hurts the pockets of shoppers, who are already in discomfort following the recession of 2015. “The residents of Oman – as have those around the world – have begun recognising this, because of which, there are fewer people heading to malls. And this has led to lower footfalls, and overall, a negative impact on these multi-Million-Riyal investments.” Whether this is a contributing factor or not to the ‘temporary suspension’ of the construction of what was pegged to become Oman’s largest mall has yet to be seen, but experts such as Katie are confident that the end of mega-malls is near – as was seen in the US and countries across Europe following the upsurge of e-commerce and online shopping. The owner of markeetex.com – an online store based in the Sultanate – Sharifa al Barami is one of the beneficiaries and benefactors of this trend. But, she sympathises with local mall developers despite her firm view on how such a scenario could have been avoided. She says: “Several countries around the world are witnessing a shift from malls to online stores – it’s a tendency arising from growing needs. And it has more to do with the growth of technology and how it is impacting our lives in a positive way than anything else. “Oman is still a good decade or so from completely moving away from the mall culture – that’s a fact I point out solely based on trends we’ve witnessed in the country. “So, I would say that there’s still scope for it for now, but there’s a general lack of research that hinders any positive development in this sphere. “If you look at Baushar’s landscape itself, there are several malls in close proximity to each other. There are four malls – of which two are highly established among the expat community – placed within a five-kilometre radius.

“Not only has that increased the competition, it has absolutely destroyed the market for several others – and it all comes down to inept planning.” In fact, it is this very level of planning – or the lack of it – that is also hindering the development of the nation’s housing sector. Katie says that she is among a clan of real estate agents who have been affected by the oil price crisis. “Well, it’s all a circle, isn’t it (?)” she asks us. “Before the oil crisis struck down the region in 2015, the real estate market in the country was booming to a point where both residents and expats were confident in investing (renting and buying) in residential properties. “This also led to the coming of several properties across the country. I understand that some of these [projects] were in the pipeline for up to five years but it’s the timing of their arrival, combined with the coming of newer projects that is completely demolishing stability in the market. “It’s a clear case of oversupply – the demand-supply chain has been broken in this sector too, albeit, a bit lesser in extent than what we see in the retail sector,” she adds. This has been proven by facts revealed by Hassan Mohammed Juma al Lawati, the chairman of the Oman Real Estate Association (ORA). As per the official, the occupancy rate of residential

buildings in the capital stand at 70 per cent and as low as 50 per cent in areas outside the capital – the lowest recorded in the Sultanate’s history. In an interview with Y, a marketing specialist from Tibiaan Properties (who wishes to remain unnamed), points out another factor involved in this shift in market trend: the diminishing expat population. She says: “The market may be at its worst state now, but it has to do with the drop in the number of expats who rent out property. As per our calculations, the drop is quite substantial too – with the numbers standing as low as 2.03m people in May, 2019 when compared with the 2.09m people from May, 2018. “All of this corresponds to a falling market value for property. Statistics revealed by the Muscat Municipality backs up her statement. They reveal that a staggering 25.2 per cent of the total rental contracts in the nation were cancelled in 2017, while the signing of new rental agreements slumped by seven per cent in the same year. This has been extended into the hospitality sector, too. Our research shows that hotels show an occupancy rate of a mere 47 per cent, when compared with the 79.2 per cent in Dubai, UAE; and 61 per cent in Qatar. Meanwhile, the number of projects – in both the housing and hospitality sectors – is increasing, albeit with less alacrity than in previous years.

Oman has broken into what we call over-development. And, that’s not going to serve us well without a steady influx of foreign manpower and investors. So, our next step would be to relax the laws and open the market to have a stable population with strong purchasing power

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The Muscat Municipality statistics show that 443 new projects – including buildings for both residential and commercial purposes – were given construction permissions in 2017. While this translates to a 14.9 per cent dip in the number of new approved projects, it’s still adding to Oman’s supply chain – and all for ‘demand that doesn’t exist’. Salim al Zadjali, the owner of a 60-flat apartment block in the heart of Al Khuwair says that the arrival of new projects in the vicinity without careful forecasting has led to him losing over 80 per cent of his existing long-term tenants over the past three years, with current occupancy only standing at 38 per cent. “The losses that I am bearing currently is hurting my business so much that it makes more sense for me to sell my building to another landlord and leave,” says the landlord of 22 years. “Never have I experienced such turbulence in the property industry. The people just don’t want to spend money anymore, and those that can are afraid to do so.” Oversupply and a volatile economy means that the total value of property traded (rentals and buying) in 2017 dropped to RO2.6bn, which is an astounding 61 per cent drop from values in 2016. All this spells well for tenants, as per our research. Anyone interested in renting a 1BHK (bedroom, hall, kitchen) flat in Al Mouj will now only have to shell out

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between RO550 and RO640. This drops as low as RO310 per month for a 2BHK flat in Al Khoud, RO440 in Azaiba and RO400 in Baushar. This also translates to drops of RO20 to RO100 from the rents recorded in 2018. In an

interview with Y, Suleiman al Amri, the director of Al Amri Real Estate Management, says: “Desertion is a mere stage between construction and inhabitation or footfall in a residential unit or a mall. “Economists over the world compare Oman with more developed markets such as that of the UAE. “But, the reality is that the Sultanate’s market has always responded differently. Take for instance, the recession that struck the UAE in 2007. It didn’t impact Oman as much. This allows for us to believe in our investments and developments. While Suleiman remains hopeful, it must be pointed out that his company is building a 200-room residential complex in the industrial town of Al Mabelah. “Sustainable development has always been a part of Oman’s existence. And even as we continue to invest heavily in projects, it’s all with the future set in our eyes,” he adds. As encouraging as that sounds, it must be seen whether the empty homes and the stalled mall projects will indeed remain untouched to form the basis of the ghost cities that have been long associated with regions in China and Spain.

“Now, I don’t want to sound over-optimistic. Times are tough – it’s just how the market is. But, we’re currently juggling between falling behind and straying too far ahead. “It’s a fine line. “Yes, Oman has broken into what we call overdevelopment. And, that’s not going to serve us well without a steady influx of foreign manpower and investors. So, our next step would be to relax the laws and open the market to have a stable population with strong purchasing power. “It’s a far cry from today. But we must believe in knocking on all doors possible to see what serves us best. When one door closes another one opens.” Suleiman’s response to Y is one that’s met with much disapproval by Fahad. “Sustainable development is when a careful study has been made by the government and it implements a system that works in tandem with the private and public developers in the region; restricting oversupply while considering securing the future. “Our current outlook is haphazard to say the least. We’re investing in new properties and projects more so than ever before – and the best example to explain this situation would be the very one that led to the oil crisis: oversupply. “It did us no good, and it probably won’t either. Suleiman’s tale is quite an ambitious one, and it reminds us of the Sultanate’s greatest attempt at building a modern township back in the early 2000s: The Blue City.” ■ JUN 13 - 19 / ISSUE 572

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CHAMBER of secrets

The fascinating cave system of Oman is a fragile eco-system of wonder, fascination, and rugged beauty, as Swati Basu Das finds out

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ame any natural wonder and Oman has one right in front of you. Be it a pristine shoreline, rugged mountain range, hot water springs or the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands; each makes for a versatile landscape. Beyond this, there is more; something that lies hidden underneath. These are the veiled chambers carving an underground passageway that runs miles across the dry and fragile limestone surface of the Hajjar Range. Located on the eastern Hajjar range near the coastline, Salmah Plateau is called Khoshilat Maqandeli in the local language. And this is where one of the world’s largest and most intriguing cave systems is known to exist. With some of the most impressive and dizzying gorges, the plateau offers a panoramic view of the karst topography. A limestone surface shaped by the erosion of water and other weathering factors resulting in the cave system, this karst opened its gates deep down into Majlish Al Jinn, and the 7th Hole cave in the region. The Western Hajjar range, on the other hand, presents the tourist-friendly Al Hoota cave in Al Hamra and the Moqal cave in Wadi Bani Khalid. As fascinating as they are, Oman has one of the world’s topgraded cave systems which makes it a haven for spelunkers (cave explorers). Ali Husain, the founder of Husaak Adventure in Oman, explains: “The caves in Oman are unlike most of the caves around the world. They are not small dark, wet and neither do they require a lot of crawling. Rather, they are a massive network of underground limestone carvings although theoretically not real yet some are big enough to fly a helicopter inside them.” The many passages and channels inside Salmah Plateau and caverns within the Western Hajjar draw not only speleologists but also adventurers. Depending on the level of difficulty, there are five grades in spelunking. Caves with no or small pitches are considered safe for beginners, whereas professional guidance is a must where the drops are more challenging. The smaller caves of Western Hajjar Mountain are easily accessible on foot whereas abseiling the 170-metre vertical pitches of the caves in Salmah plateau is quite challenging and requires expert guidance. Ali suggests: “In general, we do not recommend inexperienced hikers to visit a cave without studying the map of the caves, its nature, and its vulnerability. Level five explorations need an expert to ensure the safety of the explorers. Oman offers a variety of options for both amateurs and experts.” The difficulty level can test your physical endurance and mental stability but once you enter these underground cavities, be sure to become amazed with what lies deep inside. These vast underground chambers have taken thousands of years to form. Depending on the area it is located and the agents of erosion, the caves shape this unique and fragile ecosystem. The dry river bed and reserved lakes inside these chambers get their water from occasional rain and a nearby wadi stream. The cave structure even includes draperies, columns and stalactites. The caves in the Eastern Hajjar range, which are closer to the coastline, are believed to have been formed by the constant pounding of ocean water on the young limestone rocks. Ali explains: “The water erosion has created multiple vertical holes in Salmah Plateau. The caves in this part are larger in comparison to those in the Western Hajjar range. Cave spiders and few insects are the only inhabitants. The caves in the Western Hajjar are home to various species like bats, mice and even blind fish in the underground lake.” It is essential to understand the ecosystem of the cave before venturing. Experts believe that caves are sensitive to human interference. According to Ali, a few caves where crystals, stalagmite, and stalactite formations are still in progress are vulnerable. Human intervention could put their growth back by a few thousand years. He says: “Many inexperienced adventurers in Oman are trying to violate the law of nature. The government should take steps to regulate the entrance to those caves before it’s too late.” An underground wonder to behold, these caves unfold geological evolution. The karst landforms offer the most exhilarating experience.

Majlis Al Jin Ranked as one of the ten largest caves in the world, Majlis Al Jin is the best in Oman. It can be found in Salmah Plateau. The presence of natural light within this cave is one of its distinctive features. It is one of the few caves in the world that has natural lighting. The 158 metres drop to the bottom of the cave from the opening, and it requires physical effort and abseiling know-how.

7th Hole Cave The 7th Hole cave in Salmah Plateau is reckoned to be the most challenging. The journey takes you 400 metres under the surface. The first descent is around 100m, and the second one is more than 200m. It is one of the most extensive cave systems in the world.

Al Kittan Cave Located in Ibri, this cave is known for its brightness. It is named the marble cave and is extremely challenging. The geological formations and carvings make this cave unique in the region.

Other exciting caves: ● Jarnan Cave in Izki ● Tahery cave in Salmah Plateau near Muscat-Sur highway ● Abu Habban in Dimma

Dos and Don’ts ● Cave environments can be dangerous. Study the cave before venturing. ● Your caving kit should include all required gear, headlights, helmets, ascend and descend devices like ropes and anchor. ● Never spelunk alone. You must be trained by a certified caver. ● Do not touch the rock formations. (Source: Husaak Adventure)

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Camping

with caution

A recent horrific tragedy has reminded residents of the Sultanate of how onerous outdoor recreation can be. Team Y takes a look at some of the hazards, and how we can avoid them

hether you decide to stay away from the scorching temperatures summer brings or engage with nature as a respite from the sun is up to you. But nature has to be respected. What can be a fun-filled outdoor adventure can turn into a pitiful disaster if necessary precautions aren’t taken. According to the Royal Oman Police (ROP), accidents can range from flooding wadis to fires, swimming accidents and even attacks from animals 026

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and insects. This brings us to the six souls – of which the four bodies of three adults and a four-year-old child – that were found recently after they tragically lost their lives in the recent rains. Their only mistake: being at the wrong place at the wrong time. In a few minutes, Wadi Bani Khalid – a wadi famed for its crystalclear water and peaking mountain patches around it – turned from an adventure hub into a search camp teeming with police officers and

bystanders. Life will never be the same for the lone survivor of the incident, but it also raises the question: why aren’t visitors to the wadis and beaches taking the necessary precautions despite knowing some of the horrors that can result? After all, the tolls of victims during the summer rains (from drowning, lightning strikes, car accidents) can be as much as 30 every year. Ali al Barwani, a safety expert and the former CEO of the Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA) says: “May Allah bless the people who lost their lives. We need to stay strong in this hour and united as a country to tackle this so that we don’t see incidents like this in the future. “The main reason why we see such unfortunate fatalities is because a lot of people don’t heed the ROP warnings. “The rains can bring about a lot of devastation to the wadis and the areas surrounding it. But, despite knowing that, you can see videos of people crossing wadis with their cars or heading out for leisure trips with their friends and families when they should be at home safely.” Experts have also called on campers to pay heed to the changing wave patterns – as the high and low tides can result in washing away tents. Moreover, Ali also asks adventurists to head out with at least one experienced swimmer to keep a watch on those only learning the activity. Statistics revealed by the ROP show that 19 fatalities from drowning were reported from February 2018 till April 2019. Flood and swimming accidents aside, the ROP also issued warnings earlier this year with regard to camping safety, especially in the case of fires and exposure to wild animals. Abdullah al Battashi, an official with the ROP says: “Oman is considered a no-risk country to live in. But, common sense is required when people head out of the city and into wadis or beaches. “The summer season means it’s time for people to head over to the beaches for late night

dips or the wadis like that in Wadi Shab and Wadi Arbaeen that have a perennial flow of fresh water. “But that doesn’t mean you’re protected from fires from occurring. The heat levels across the days are quite high that setting fire in camps near shrubs or trees can instantly start a blaze in the area. “This can be due to the dry twigs, bark and leaves that lose their moisture content over the course of the day. In fact, setting a barbecue or a fire in these areas can result in disaster if you’re not prepared for it. “Moreover, people should also not run lights off the car battery or keep the car running through the day or night for a/c, as it can cause the car to overheat and potentially catch fire.” Incidentally, Oman records more than 4,700 cases of fire accidents every year, of which Abdullah points out several are reported from wadis and overheating cars. In numbers alone, however, it was insect and reptile bites that topped the charts. The year 2017 witnessed 6,529 cases of bites and attacks after people encountered venomous snakes, spiders and scorpions – but health experts believe that stats remain largely unchanged due to lack of awareness. Dr. Aisha al Zadjali, an emergency doctor with a private hospital in Oman says that she deals with several cases of insect and reptile

WHILE SNAKE AND SPIDER BITES ARE A RARE OCCURRENCE, PEOPLE DO COME IN CONTACT WITH SCORPIONS,WASPS AND HORNETS – AND THEY’RE PERHAPS MORE DANGEROUS THAN SOME SNAKE BITES

bites every week. She says: “While snake and spider bites are a rare occurrence, people do come in contact with scorpions, wasps and hornets – and they’re perhaps more dangerous than some snake bites. “The issue is when people don’t scout the locations well enough and set up camp next to scorpion, wasp or bee nests. Most snakes tend to scoot when they sense human form close to them and rarely bite. “These bee, wasp, and scorpion stings, however, can cause allergic reactions, and because most wadis are away from medical centres and hospitals, there can be delays in receiving the necessary treatment. Worryingly, she reveals that allergic reactions can lead to swelling, which in turn can constrict the wind pipe and choke a person to death. “It’s a horrible way to go. Though, fatalities are rare. To reduce this, you can keep a first aid kit with you that’s stocked with emergency kit for treatment of insect and reptile bites – at least a basic one.” Other causes of concerns for campers include

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Top 5

amping spots during summer

1. Khadda Beach Cool water, moss-covered rocks, and temperatures that would put beaches in Europe to shame. The Khadda Beach is a difficult find, but one that’s well worth your time and efforts. GPS Location: N 22°20’49.6”; E 59°47’54.1”

2. Wadi Hoqain Wadi Hoqain has long been touted as the ‘waterfall village of Oman’ – harbouring life around a year-long cascade; something that’s uncommon in this (arid) part of the world. Yet, its far-reaching fame brings tourists from around the world. GPS Location: 23°32’48.2”N; 57°20’29.6”E

CAMPING AND ADVENTURE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A TIME FOR REST AND RELAXATION FOR ALL. BUT IF YOU’RE NOT PREPARED OR ARE NOT READY TO INVEST IN GETTING PREPARED FOR YOUR QUEST, IT’S BEST YOU HIT THE MALL a lack of cellular range for emergency services, failure to stock up on water and other essentials, and failing to top up on petrol, leading to being stranded in remote locations. “Help,” as per Abdullah, “Can be found in the form of locals who may travel the area, but this could take hours or even days.” He then recalls a group of Omanis that were left stranded deep in Wadi Taab after running out of water and food supplies, and with no cellular range to contact the emergency services but were rescued two days after by a group of trekkers. “It’s a gamble. Going to wadis and beaches where you know that there is a risk of being secluded from the outside world. It’s always good to keep a satellite phone in hand when you’re going to these places, should you need the help of the ROP,” says Abdullah. “Sometimes, the best experiences can also be the most challenging ones. It’s something that the people know of, but fail to keep in mind. This, and the lack of first aid and precautions, is what causes these incidents to happen.” “Camping and adventure is supposed to be a time for rest and relaxation for all. But if you’re not prepared or are not ready to invest in getting prepared for your quest, it’s best you hit the mall.”

3. Dimaniyat Islands A serenity unlike anything else you’ll ever find on shore, and a location that radiates a sense of mystique. The Dimaniyat Islands harbour colourful corals and a marine life that’s protected by crystal-clear water. GPS Location: 23°51’20.2”N; 58°05’17.2”E

4. Wadi Dayqah Predominantly a man-made attraction, Wadi Dayqah – a valley underlying the dam – has become a staple spot for adventurists and campers looking to experience cool and tranquil water year-round. Its distance from the city, coupled with the greenery makes for a nice weekend getaway. GPS Location: N23°05’21”; E58°50’47”

5. Ain Al Sahban No place in Oman may have water as pure and transparent as that of Al Ain Sahban. The baby-blue water is rich in minerals yet perfect for an afternoon dip – even during the summer months. Just make sure you protect yourself with adequate sunscreen. By all other means, the place is mind-blowing.. GPS Location: 24°11’45.4”N; 56°19’12.2”E

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❺ Protect yourself from the sun

Top tips to remain safe while camping ❶ Prepare safe food and water.  Bring safe and healthy foods along on your camping trip. Eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water can increase the risk of developing certain infectious diseases caused by germs. Follow these steps to keep your food and water safe: ● Pack foods in tight, waterproof bags or containers. Keep them in an insulated cooler. ● Wash hands and surfaces often. Use hand sanitiser if water is not available. ● Separate raw foods from cooked foods. ● Cook foods to proper temperatures ● Chill foods promptly.

❷ Adopt safe fire practices  Camping just isn’t the same without a fire. Take precautions before starting a fire. For example, don’t build a fire under low trees, never leave it burning without someone watching, and put the flame completely out before bed.

❸ Stay hydrated  Running around in the hot sun all day is a great way to stay active, but it increases your chance of suffering from dehydration. Keep a water bottle with you at all times, and drink your recommended amount – eight glasses – each day.

❹ Fight bug, insect, and snake bites  Insects such as mosquitoes can cause diseases such as malaria. To help fight the bite, apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin.  It’s best not to agitate insects such as bees and wasps. Stay away from hives and scout the area for them.  Snake bites and scorpion stings can be fatal. Make sure to wear hard boots and full-length trousers to reduce attack intensity. Contact emergency services immediately if you feel you’ve been bitten or stung.

 Protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important all year. Use a broad-spectrum (against UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15. Seek shade, especially during midday hours, when the sun’s rays are strongest.

❻ Plan for the unknown  Always prepare for the unexpected. Before you leave, check the weather report, learn about security at your camp location, and tell family and friends your plans. Know what to do when toilets are not available. Be sure to bring along a supply kit that includes a first-aid kit, compass or GPS, map, flashlight, blankets, batteries, food, water, clothes, and medications. Know who to contact at the camp to report issues that may come up. When you return home, check for ticks, skin rashes or sunburn, dehydration, and other problems.

❼ Avoid wild animals  Some wild animals carry diseases that are dangerous to people. Avoid touching, feeding, and getting near wild animals such as Arabian Leopards and cheetahs. Enjoy watching them from a safe distance in their natural surroundings.

❽ Protect against carbon monoxide poisoning  Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can cause illness or death in people and pets. Never use fuelburning equipment such as gas stoves, heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelter.

❾ Stay away from wadis during rains  The statement is self-explanatory. Always keep a check on the weather forecast before heading to wadis and never head out alone. Flash floods are common post rains, and fatalities are common.

❾ Always keep a first aid kit onhand  Even with all the precautions you take, you may still need to bandage a bleeding knee or clean a cut. Make sure you always have a first aid kit with antibacterial ointment and bandages. *Sources: www.active.com and www.cdc.gov

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Celebrate this ramadan w

THE XC60

THE XC90

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E ST I N AT I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m

Y- F i

Outdoors

Destination

MUTTRAH

THROUGH SHAQUEL AL BALUSHIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LENS, THE HEART OF OLD MUSCAT HEAVES WITH CROWDS, CULTURE AND COMMERCE DURING THE LAST LONG NIGHTS OF THE HOLY MONTH

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Cars

he epicentre of the capital’s tourism trade, on an average day Muttrah bustles; just before Eid it palpitates with people. As the shops raise their shutters after iftar, merchants lay out their wares and wait as the crowd flows like a river through its narrow crannies and thoroughfares. The smell of oud and frankincense is redolent as the glint of good gold at one kiosk draws the eye away from the glitter of cheap costume jewellery at the next. Jars of Omani honey jostle for space next to mounds of spices while trinkets and knick-knacks, magnets and toys, carved mementoes and curved khanjars all vie for purchase among the souvenir set. But it’s the fabric stalls with their bright pashminas and yards of cloth, the perfumers, and the kumma and abaya shops that see the most action during peak Ramadan hours – post-iftar and well into the wee small hours, with shops staying open until 4:00 a.m. during the Holy Month. Demand for tailoring rises as people begin preparations for the Eid celebrations – which usually begin a week or more in advance, as the garment merchants’ looms work overtime as customers seek to put the finishing touches to their Eid finery. Venture down on a weekend evening like we did, on a Friday to be exact, and getting to the souq becomes a journey all its own as parking – ever in short-supply in tourist central Muttrah, becomes even scarcer. We ended up parking all the way down near the port and walking along the Corniche to reach the thronged entrance. But not before taking a short stroll past the nearby fish market and

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

along its newly-constructed pier, the water below glistening like obsidian against the reflection of the night sky. With a cool breeze freshening the hot night air along the water’s edge, a stroll along the Muttrah Corniche, past its domed gazebos and frolicking fish statues, is a more than pleasant way to spend an evening working off a few iftar overindulgences. By the time we reach the souq, it’s already full of shoppers on the hunt for a deal and tourists seeking out the perfect token to take away from this immersive cultural experience. Rather that becoming overwhelmed by the crowds and fighting against the tide, we’re borne along with the human current. A multitude of languages floats past our ears: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Hindi, Tagalog, German; and the smells, sights, and sounds around us evoke a sense of the grand bazaars of old – true melting pots of commerce and culture. There’s a festive feeling that’s electric and, above, the moon hangs low. It’s a night for togetherness – and here in the heart of the Muttrah Souq, we’ve surely found it.

From Qurum, take the Sultan Qaboos Highway towards Ruwi and Darsait until you see the exit sign for Muttrah. Take the exit and follow the road straight through until you reach the roundabout at the port. Take a right and drive along the Corniche about one kilometre until you see the sign and entrance for the souq on your right.

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

ercedes-Benz isn’t shy about throwing in the word ‘coupe’ into what seems like a cosmic lineup of cars. In fact, you can find nine coupes on their roster even before you get into the nitty-gritty of sports coupes that don’t have the term etched on their bodies. For everyone else, there are just about enough coupes to pick from to suit your tastes – no matter how atypical they are. Thankfully and rather graciously, fitting into the realms of wonted auto culture is the E-Class coupe – a car that typifies an original coupe recipe: a fixed roof, two doors and a sloping rear-end that can turn envious heads. How many of those heads you can turn, however, will depend on how many cash cheques you sign. But, talking dosh around a product as focused yet as versatile as this is missing the point. That’s also where the E-Class coupe’s marketing

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M E RC E D E S- B E N Z E 2 0 0 C O U P E

The German giant offers tasteful style, luxury and performance with the heart and soul of its illustrious ancestors blueprint gets tricky. You begin with the same architecture you’d find in the larger S-Class and the smaller C-Class coupes, and you build upon it… sometimes all the way up to an E53 AMG, and perhaps even beyond that as the clock ticks on and more faster variants become available. But, as standard, you’ll receive the stock design cues: the clean and elegant lines of the S-Class coupe but with the proportions and dimensions of the C-Class coupe – all mashed up into one to form a rather flamboyant yet not so in-your-face-styled car. There’s neither a brash body kit here to take your eyes off the stock headlamps nor gaping air intakes on the bonnet to suck in air, leaves, and doomed insects while on the move. All body panels sit flush with the body, even as the wheelbase is longer and the track wider to provide what we’ve long expected from the E-Class: tasteful style and substance. It all suddenly begins making sense as you hop inside – everything is laid out as you’d expect in a Mercedes-Benz. Even our generously-specced base E200 Coupe variant came packing goodies such as two 12.3inch screens – one to take care of the instrument cluster needs, while the other was dedicated to the infotainment system. Even as individual units, the screens are so large in fact that you can cram in a full-size navigation screen and keep your dials on screen while driving. The graphics are top-notch when compared with the low-rent displays we’ve come across on several Asian luxe brands. The screens take charge of all in-car controls, save

for your a/c buttons and some physical buttons around the rotary knob that takes care of all functions on the screen. The screen itself is easy to use and can be mastered in under a day, albeit using it while driving can become a hit or miss affair. On the tech front, the E200 Coupe pulls every party trick in the book; enough even to put a sleigh full of Santa’s gifts to shame. There’s your usual head-up display – a bright unit that works wonders even during the day, a plethora of airbags, Active Parking Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Traffic Sign Assist with WrongWay Alert, Drive Pilot, and Evasive Steering Assist – a system that can supposedly save the lives of pedestrians in case of an emergency situation. It’s a Mercedes-Benz, so the interior dons a mix of leather and high-quality leatherette – all the way from the dashboard to the sport-bucket seats and even areas

D e s t i n at i o n

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

MERCEDES-BENZ E200 COUPE Specifications: • Engine: 2.0-litre in-line fourcylinder • Transmission: Nine-speed automatic • Power: 184hp • Torque: 300Nms • Top Speed: 240kph Rear-wheel drive Leatherette seats 425-litres boot space 12.3-inch instrument cluster 12.3-inch infotainment screen Stability and traction control 19-inch alloy wheels Multi-function control steering wheel 360-degree camera (optional) Harman Kardon audio system Active Parking Assist Drive mode selector Heads-up display

you’d normally encounter. As for the headliner and bottom panels, you’ll get a soft-touch velvety material that further ups the interior feel. Space upfront is lavish, while head room in the rear seats can be restrictive – owing to the sloping roofline – if the passenger is more than 182cm tall. Still, with enough and more leg room and space for four passengers, the E-Class Coupe does outdo some of its other rivals in terms of practicality. At a capacity of 425-litres, the boot is larger than what you’d get in an Audi A5, but owing to its high lip and narrower access, you’d need to reserve larger luggage with your seats folded flat. Specifying your car right is key in the case of the E200 Coupe but even so, and even in its most primitive form, the car shines through with civilised levels of sportiness, comfort and an added sprinkling of efficiency.

Underneath the pretty frock lies (surprise, surprise!) a 2.0-litre in-line turbo pot-banger producing 184hp and 300Nms of torque. Contrary to what you’d expect, it’s a peach of a motor that responds ever so ably to the ninespeed automatic tranny. Perhaps it’s the availability of torque at a slight tap at the revs, but there’s a sense of urgency from the turbo that keeps the grunt levels competent enough to have drivers content. It reportedly even hits the 100kph mark from naught in only 7.4 seconds. The transmission itself is smooth though it tends to shortshift to keep the drive smooth. Meanwhile, ‘Dynamic’ mode switches around ratios and holds gears, sharpens throttle response, and even tightens up the steering wheel. It’s still an agreeable ride for the performance you get, and the chassis dynamics is top-notch; the latter is tuned better than any econo-coupe we’ve ever tested and it works in tandem with the rubber and the coil stilts to provide a relaxing ride. Understeer can rear itself only if there’s too much weight pushing the car onwards, and there’s never enough power to get the rear end swinging (though you can if

E-CLASS DESERVES A SECOND LOOK FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH. IT’S A GREAT GRAND TOURER WITH THE HEART AND SOUL OF A THOROUGH-BRED MERCEDES-BENZ COUPE you really try) – so handling dynamics is nothing but neutral and in good taste. The steering is sharp and wellweighted in all driving modes, but a bit vague in transmitting feel as are all electric racks we’ve tested. If you’re gunning the coupe on a racetrack, you’d need to listen to the tyres to make out what they’re doing. Granted, the E200 Coupe was never intended to be a sports coupe. Still, the rubber and brakes combo do make for a very confidence-inspiring drive layout that we grew to enjoy as we passed the hours and crunched the miles. It’s not very hard to pinpoint what makes the E200 Coupe a great prospect for a coupe buyer. It blends the best of what Mercedes has been doing well for decades – style, luxury, space, technology, and a touch of efficiency to go along with it. The E200 Coupe enters the battlefield surrounded by rivals from within its own stable – the cheaper C-Class Coupe springs to mind. But, the E-Class deserves a second look for what it’s worth. It’s a great grand tourer with the heart and soul of a thorough-bred Mercedes-Benz coupe.

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CARS ADVENTURES

ECLECTIC EMIRATE

The UAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third-largest emirate, Sharjah, offers up its myriad charms for the culturallyinclined.

1. Stroll along the Al Majaz waterfront and enjoy its landscaped gardens, and many cafes. 2. View the Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, the largest of its kind in the development in the region. 3. Attend the Sharjah International Book Fair. This year it is from October 30 - November 9. 4. Dig deep into Sharjahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desert past by visiting Mleiha Archaeological Centre. 5. Enjoy the Khorfakkan beach, backed by the impressive Al Hajjar Mountains.

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Destination

Cars

Y- F i

G a m i n g POSTCARDS FROM

Aftab H. Kola recommends

SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES N

amed ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ by UNESCO in 1998, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, values its culture and heritage as two of its seven valuable treasures. Wedged between two lagoons, Sharjah has a vibrant art scene, is home to vibrant waterfront areas and leisure Islands. But what defines Sharjah from other destinations of the Emirates is the range of museums and its heritage preservation activities. The Sharjah Heritage area is known for its museums that include Bait Al Naboodah, Al Midfaa House, Al Hisn Museum and Souq Al Arsah. The fine architectural specimen of its time, Bait Al Naboodah is a two-storey heritage house (spanning 1,100 square metres) that offers an insight into the original architectural designs of traditional Emirati houses, as well as the lifestyles and values of our ancestors while spotlighting on Sharjah’s pearling history. Many stories of Sharjah’s history and culture of Islam unfold through its 26 well-maintained museums strewn across the city. It’s little wonder Sharjah was named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014 and the Capital of Arab Tourism in 2015. Al Noor Island is home to an architecturally breathtaking Butterfly House, Literature Pavilion and contemporary sculptures by some of the world’s most famous artists. Among Kalba’s many charms are the restored ‘hisn’ (fort), a historic former royal residence, and a charming seaside promenade. The Sahara Centre is home to Adventureland, an indoor theme park with more than 20 rides and attractions plus go-karts and a huge soft play area. Arabia’s Wildlife Centre is interesting while a visit to Souk Al Arsa with quaint stores and Souq Saqr is a must. Organised by Sharjah Art Foundation, the Sharjah Biennial fosters international artistic exchange and dialogue through exhibitions and experimentation. The 2019 edition is still on and concludes on June 10. The city’s food scene has always flourished with local Arabic fare and international cuisine.

A M IG R ATORY B IR D O AL NOO N R IS L A ND

GS CAN BE OF OF FE R IN Y A R R A N A SAH OU Q A L A R FO U N D IN S

My favourite place Al Qasbah is the premier canal-side first class family leisure and cultural destination. Among its

facilities are the 60-metre-high Etisalat Eye of the Emirates Ferris Wheel, Al Qasba Musical Fountain, Maraya Art Center, Kids Fun House, the 300-seat Masrah Al Qasba Theatre, Multaqa Al Qasba (Meetings & Conference Halls), fine dining restaurants and chic cafes and many more. Traditional boats are available for cruising along the canal if you want to savour the city skyline from the water and to the neighboring Khalid and Al-Khan lagoons. Alternatively why not just enjoy a romantic walk along the promenade.

Highlights Feast on the amazing treasure trove of 5,000 masterpieces on the history, culture and art of the Muslim world at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. The exhibits are segmented according to themes over seven spacious galleries and well-lit display areas. In this handsome building, you can see inventions and working models, beautifullydecorated metalwork, leather-bound and gold-plated manuscripts, ceramics, coins, carved wood, textiles and costumes neatly showcased with explanations in English and Arabic. Lowlights None Souvenirs Gold jewellery, dates, saffron, golden playing cards, antiques, carpets, etc. Getting there Air Arabia offers direct flights from Muscat to Sharjah, UAE – or, if you prefer to make the road-trip,

expect to make the journey in around five hours.

Where to stay Although all major hotel chains can be found there, the Hilton Sharjah Hotel offers impressive views

AL CUSTO OCAL VEND OR AW MERS A IT S T O H IS MARK STALL AT T HE ET

of the spectacular Khalid Lagoon and the city’s skyline from its rooms and facilities. For more accommodation options, try Booking.com, Trivago, Agoda, Kayak.com and more. JUN 13 - 19 / ISSUE 572

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-FI

THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

Y- F I

TIME-PIECE TECH

The deadline-driven Y Geek Squad needs watches that mean business. Here are some that have caught our eye GALAXIES APART Smartwatches are many things; they’re time pieces, calendars, fitness monitors, GPS devices, and call and music assistants. While these watches offer tech right at your fingertips, what they’re often not are visually appealing timepieces. That is, until the arrival of the all-new Samsung Galaxy Watch. Having perfected its looks since its inception in 2015 under the ‘Gear’ moniker, the current-gen device passes for a striking metal-bodied watch with a dial. The product is a watch that, surprisingly, resembles a Tag Heuer, while offering functions such as customisable watch faces, cellular connectivity, and even 4 gigs of on-board storage. What’s more is that underneath the metal lies 1.5GB RAM and an Exynos chipset, pushing Samsung’s Tizen OS. With additional features such as NFC, accelerometer, gyroscope, electro-optical sensor (heart-rate monitor), and a photodetector, the smart watch takes it to major players such as Apple’s Watch Series 4. Get yours from LuLu Electronics for RO96.2.

WATCH OUT

CHEAP AND CHEERFUL Amazfit A1612B sounds like the name you’d give a fax machine – but in this case, it’s far from it. This smartwatch by Xiaomi breaks the norm by offering features such as a great 1.34-inch LCD touchscreen, a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel, 4GB in-built storage, 512MB RAM, and the usual suite of health and fitness gizmos – all for a price of RO50. Moreover, it also boasts of 5-day battery life, an OS capable of handling messages and emails, and a shell that’s IP67 water- and dust-resistant. Available at the Xiaomi store in the Dragon Mart or from amazon.com.

The Apple Watch 4 is a posh product: it’s expensive to buy, offers just as many features as the Samsung Galaxy Watch, and comes with a smaller battery than its competitors – yet, it outsells all other timepieces by a long margin. For 2019, it also comes with larger screens (40mm or 44mm watch sizes), a built-in speaker, loads of fitness features, and iOS to top it all off. Whether the watch is worth its starting price of RO135 (rising up

to RO500) is yet to be seen but with build quality to rival brands such as Citizen and Seiko, and the addition of a (disputed) Sapphire crystal glass, the Apple keeps forging onwards. Buy it from MI Store.

CLASS WITH HERITAGE

EDITOR’S PICK

WITH CELEBRATED BRANDS, SUCH AS ROLEX AND RICHARD MILLE, ADOPTED BY SOCIAL MEDIA-MONGERS AND AFFLUENT INFLUENCERS, WATCH COLLECTORS ARE NOW LEFT BROODING OVER WHICH SWISS WATCH TO INVEST IN. ENTER THE

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IWC PORTUGIESER CONSTANT FORCE TOURBILLON EDITION – A LIMITED EDITION MASTERPIECE THAT MARKS

THE BRAND’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY. ONLY 15 WATCHES WILL EVER BE MADE; IT’S A FACT THAT EXPLAINS ITSELF WHEN YOU OGLE OVER THE 46MM PLATINUM CASE AND THE WHITE DIAL THAT ENCOMPASSES THE 94805-CALIBER MANUAL WINDING MECHANISM. THE LATTER TAKES SEVERAL MONTHS TO HANDCRAFT, AND IS PERFECTED BY A TOURBILLON THAT INTEGRATES A CONSTANT FORCE MECHANISM, MOON PHASE, AND POWER RESERVE DISPLAYS. ALL OF THIS IS THEN CAREFULLY SAFEGUARDED BY A SAPPHIRE GLASS, AND STRAPPED ONTO BLACK SANTONI ALLIGATOR STRAP. A TRUE CHEF-D’OEUVRE IN THE WATCH WORLD, THIS CAN BE HAD FOR AN EYE-POPPING RO90,590 FROM IWC.COM.

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Top June Releases

The Y Geek Squad takes the controls on some of the top new games hitting shelves this month

etween the much-awaited sneak peek of the powerpacked Sony PlayStation 5 console and the announcement of the all-new Assassin’s Creed game, there’s a lot of excitement in the air. In short, great times are ahead for gamers.While all that we’ve mentioned is only in the pipeline – with the PS5 expected to hit the streets in 2020 – here is a list of gripping games that’ll have you engaged for June. CRICKET 19 With nearly 3 billion viewers to its name, the game of bat and ball is one that encroaches into football territory (a sport with 4 billion fans). Despite that, cricket has long been largely ignored by game developers, with the last recogniseable one released in 2017, and one by a renowned creator – Electronic Arts – released as early as 2007 (!) But, that hasn’t curbed Australia-based Big Ant Studios in having a go at one. Enter Cricket 19, a take on modern-day cricket – complete with licensed teams, players, jerseys and

kit. Having had a go at the PC demo, we found the graphics to be on a par with multi-million dollar productions if with a glitch-ridden physics engine. The camera angles can be a bit tricky to navigate – especially when you’re batting – but once you’ve settled down with the game, it’s a rewarding title to spend hours with. PLATFORMS: PS4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH, PC CRASH TEAM RACING NITROFUELED What do you get when you merge the world’s most fervent ferret – Crash Bandicoot – and give it a kart to ride around in? You end up with destruction… and then some, too. The game follows the lines of the Super Mario Kart and Sonic Kart, which means you’ll need to navigate obstacles, navigate through tracks, and pick power-ups to outrun competition. This time around, you’ll also receive a F1style pit stop to purchase locked content using Wumpa Coins and stay ahead of the game. It’s a must-have for nostalgic fans from the early 2000s. PLATFORMS: PS4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH

elite status. Going by recent trends, the game’s Yakuza 0-style combat physics will sit well with ardent fans of this genre while its storyline will take players through the heart of Yakuza (the criminal organisation), which offers some insight into life in yesteryear Japan. The tale begins with private detective, Takayuki Yagami investigating a serial murder case. He is then pitted against a large environment to navigate and find suspects, and subsequently, to interrogate them for clues. The underlying concept is old but the demo gameplay blew us away with the sheer intensity of the combat scenes, and a simple yet sharp graphical interface that sits well during extended hours of gameplay. PLATFORM: PS4

JUDGMENT With the potential to dethrone all actionadventure, console titles this year, the Sega game – 'Judgment' – comes with all the bells and whistles that elevates it to JULY JUN0313 -- 09 19 / ISSUE 327 572

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

IN THE SUMMERTIME

FASHION

When the weather is hot, you can stretch right out and touch the sky with some summery dresses that pop, like these besties who are dressed in Dorothy Perkins.

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k o o L e h

aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g g hi th the to get n Insta m Fro s you tine o is help w Chr o Foll

T t e G

For those looking for a real pop of colour this summer season, this print, ultra-chic dress from Miss Selfridge is a must-have. Grab it at RO19.

The ruffles this dress has is what makes it fun and fabulous. Add a cute straw hat and it’s time to don the perfect #OOTD. Buy it from Dorothy Perkins at RO23.5.

Basic stripes never go out of fashion. We particularly love these bright fuchsia pink stripes, which just radiate femininity. Buy this dress from M&Co at RO14.

While your outfit is Instagramready, your make-up needs to be too. Add sparkle to your eyes with the new Inglot ‘Partylicious’ eye palette inspired by the colours of the season. Grab this palette at RO25.

Thanks to Kim K, plastic/ transparent shoes have become hot, and this trend has hit the high street too. Now, adding them to a bright purple stiletto, a pair becomes a star to step out in. Buy these shoes from ZARA at RO20.

Handwoven and very indie, this clutch is way ahead of a crowded pack. Trendy and sophisticated at the same time, this clutch is a sure-fire accessory asset for the summer. Buy from ZARA at RO20.

This fiery red dress from ZARA can be worn in so many different ways we think you won’t need another outfit this season. Drape over it with a pastelcoloured cardigan and complement with your choice of stilettos and you are good to go. Buy it at RO20.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

As an ancient beauty treatment, clay continues to find its way onto our faces. Gemma Harrison examines its ancient (and very modern) healing properties, and tries some leading products

t’s probably the oldest beauty treatment known to womankind, and shows no sign of being ignored any time soon. When it comes to warding off impurities and other skin ailments, clay has still got it. It was an integral part of beauty regimes in the ancient world 2,000 years ago or more, and I’m quite sure would have been deployed by Cleopatra, Boudicca, and numerous Roman Emperor’s wives. While slathering on the sludge might not seem very glamorous, there’s no doubt that the stuff is a serious, restorative substance that can help in treating blackheads, acne, and other skin complaints. Of course, now we can pick it up in highly-attractive packaging on shelves, but its main function is basically the same as it ever was. Clay helps to the control the skin’s general sheen and glow. People who are prone to zits tend to go for face-masks as they help draw out impurities and soak in the excess oils on the surface of the skin. You can buy one-off options in sachets or, just as easily, buy inexpensive treatments in 50ml or 100ml tubes. Then apply, covering most of the forehead; avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth, and especially liberally to both cheeks. I tend to leave mine on for a good 15 minutes, or until it’s hard but not too hard. As the clay dries, I can feel my pores tighten. According to some beauty experts, this is when it ‘soaks’ up anything clogging the pores and draws them to the surface. I then sponge it all off with lukewarm water, and pat dry with a towel. Of course, I’m not sure how much extra pollution, perspiration, and dirt (especially 042

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in summer) I’ve actually expunged – but my skin usually feels fresher, tinglier, and a whole lot cleaner. Undertaken twice weekly, it gives my face a deep clean without having to spend a lot of money. One thing, though. You should never let the clay dry completely on your face, and don’t leave it on overnight. If you do, you’ll wake up with paper-dry skin, which rather defeats the whole point of the exercise as your skin will be dehydrated and irritated. There are several types of clay that you can try. The most common is Bentonite clay, which is usually grey in colour and is great for tightening, spot-clearing, and getting rid of impurities. Another is Kaolin clay, which comes in pink, white, yellow, and red hues and is good for exfoliating and brightening. While putting on a mud-pack and a clay mask might seem one-and-the-same, they aren’t. Mud is a skin-healing agent while clay is a skin-drying agent. Women with oily skin and who are prone to spots and blemishes would go for a clay mask, while mud is a water-based substance, which hydrates the skin. Both have their place, though, depending on your skin’s needs. There are just heaps of clay-mask products out there for you to try, so here are my top five, which you’ll find at most good retail outlets and online. All prices are approximate. ● L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Glow Mask, 50ml, RO4 This is my fave, as it won’t break the bank and its blend of three pure clays combines with a

creamy texture that uplifts and illuminates my complexion, leaving it softer, smoother, and rejuvenated. ● Nivea Clay Fresh Shower with Ginger & Basil, 250ml, RO3 This deep cleansing shower gel is just the ticket to give your whole body, as well as your face, a ‘respray’ in the morning. The ginger and basil sets you up for the day, and your skin will feel smooth, supple, and fresh. ● Kypris Deep Forest Clay, 142g, RO60 This is real top-of-the-range stuff, and it’s Croesus-rich in minerals and exfoliants. It can be used as a cleanser or mask and leaves your skin as silky as a sculpture’s. At that price, it should do. ● Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, 28ml, RO10 Formed with Amazonian white clay, this one contains aloe vera and oatmeal to draw out the dirt, oil, and toxins that clog up your pores. It all feels highly natural and therapeutic as a result. ● Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask, 100ml, RO26 Umbrian clay has a high mineral content, and this also contains sandalwood and camomile. It can be used as a daily cleanser, or as a mask when left on for five minutes or more.

Beauty

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Family

BEHIND THE

SMILE Bell’s Palsy is a littleknown condition with symptoms similar to that of a stroke. It’s difficult to spot and highly distressing when you do, as Swati Basu Das found out

here are times when we fall victim to a sudden onset of disease that we are not aware of until it disables our precious facial expressions. Here is a typical case in point: Sipping his favourite hot chocolate, my eight-year-old son Ryan uncontrollably spilt it through the left corner of his lip. He cluttered it all, and continued while explaining his discomfort. That was the moment when my husband and I observed his impish smile was slightly distorted, and his speech slurred. His uneasiness was noticeable. The next morning his condition further deteriorated. His facial muscles were entirely out of his control, and the left side of his face had drooped. Ryan’s symptoms even included eye twitches and twinges in the lip. He couldn’t even shut his eye even while sleeping “Is this a cerebral stroke or a tumour?” I thought. Many such random apprehensions made things worse for all, including Ryan. My husband and I couldn’t handle the anxiety until we had seen the blood reports and MRI tests, as directed by his paediatrician. Both confirmed that Ryan was not a victim of ischemic stroke. He was released after a few checkups. As recommended, we took him to a neurologist, who was candid. Dr. Shaji Abraham at Badr Al Sama Polyclinic in Muscat, explained it to us. “Have you heard of Bell’s Palsy? If not, then this is it. No, it’s not a stroke. There is no need to panic. It is just that you and your child have to have patient. All you need to do is to be aware and let time heal it with regular facial massages and good care.” Anti-inflammatory medicines for seven days and a regular facial massage proved helpful. After six months, Ryan now smiles perfectly. So what exactly is Bell’s Palsy? With a sudden numbness or paralysis of the facial

to direct air conditioning or travel to regions of extreme cold can trigger Bell’s Palsy. Sometimes the herpes virus inflames the facial nerves resulting in Bell’s Palsy,” says Dr. Shaji Abraham. It is thus essential to know the symptoms and be patient with the healing process, which recovers with time.

muscles and nerves, Bell’s Palsy attacks one side of the face, making it droop. The eye of the affected part remains open even while you are sleeping. A crooked face and slurred speech might look similar to the symptoms manifested by a brain stroke. But it might not be the case. Dr. Shaji Abraham has since told us: “The facial nerves, which are responsible for carrying the messages for the brain to function, swell and are compressed. This results in temporary paralysis of the muscles, and that is what we commonly term as Bell’s Palsy. “As the nerves become compressed, signals from the brain fail to reach the facial muscle and movements are restricted. There can be some difficulty in closing the eyelids, a sensitivity to noise, smiling and frowning gets disabled, and there may be difficulty swallowing and even taste can be impaired.” Mostly connected with viral infections such as cold sores, flu, ear infection and even the immune system responding to such contamination, Bell’s Palsy can attack anyone at any age. “A sudden climate change, prolonged exposure

Symptoms: 1. Weepy eyes and blurred vision 2. Headaches 3. Facial numbness 4. Twitching in the eye 5. Difficulty in making facial expressions 6. The side of the face affected droops 7. Sensitivity to noise Time is the best healer

With the medical jargons hovering around, there may be a question like “How long the facial paralysis will last?” As the psychological effects of Bell’s Palsy sets in, all a patient can think of is facing the future with a deformed face. But that’s definitely not the case. Dr Shaji says: “Though it comes without any prior signals, it is healed to up to 90 percent within a span of either one, three or six months or till the facial muscle gains its strength. Regular facial massage and good physiotherapy sessions require patience.”

All facial paralysis is not a stroke

Symptoms might be similar to a stroke. Unlike Bell’s Palsy, stroke victims usually have weaknesses not only in the face but in their arms and legs as well. Unlike a brain stroke, Bell’s Palsy is a temporary paralysis of the muscle on one side of the face. It lasts as long as the virus and infection are active. The moment the swelling of the nerve goes down, the nerve starts renewing itself. Helping Kids cope with Bell’s Palsy Bell’s Palsy leads to a dry eye condition. As the eye on the affected part of the face remains open, it is crucial to secure it with an eye patch while sleeping. Eye drops help to lubricate the eye and prevent further damage. Dr Shaji says: “Avoid any outdoor activities, direct contact to pollution and cold breeze. Facial exercises and light massage help the nerves respond with time. Maintain a healthy diet and avoid chilled items from the fridge.”

Editor’s Note: “This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the advice of a medical expert if you have any questions regarding a health issue.” JUN 13 - 19 / ISSUE 572

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YUMMY

A FRESH HARVEST

This summer, embrace the bounty of Oman’s fields, orchards, and vineyards

Savour summer From juicy pomegranates and plump plums, to crunchy almonds and bushels of olives, Oman’s summer harvest means freshness and flavour. Here are some of our favourite recipes that will help you make the most of what’s on offer!

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Reviews

Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Grapes and Olives

Swap out your jarred imports and up the depth-of-flavour factor of this savoury dish with varieties of Omani olives grown locally.

Fig, Apricot, and Cherry Slump

This homely dessert heroes three of the Sultanate’s home-grown fruits and, topped with light-as-air biscuits, we can eat it by the bowlful! Ingredients: Filling: § 2 cups (about 450ml) grape juice § 1 ½ cups (about 300ml) water § 1 cup dried Omani figs (about 170g), stemmed, quartered § 1 cup dried Omani apricot halves (about 140g), cut in half § ½ cup dried tart Omani cherries (about 85g) § ½ cup golden raisins (about 85g) § ¼ cup matchstick-size strips crystallised ginger § ¼ cup sugar § 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice § ½ vanilla bean, split lengthwise Drop Biscuits: § 1 ½ cups (about 220g) all-purpose flour § 4 Tbsp sugar, divided § ¾ tsp baking soda § ½ tsp fine sea salt § 6 Tbsp (¾ stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into ¼ -inch cubes § 2/3 cup chilled buttermilk § 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon § Chilled heavy whipping cream Method: Filling: § Combine the first nine ingredients in a 30cm broiler-proof frying pan with 7cm-high sides or a wide stovetop casserole dish. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean and add the bean. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce

the heat to low and simmer for two minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand at room temperature. Drop Biscuits: § Whisk flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking soda, and sea salt in a medium bowl to blend. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until very coarse meal forms (butter pieces will be reduced to size of small peas). Add buttermilk and stir just until dough comes together (dough will be slightly wet). Mix remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to blend. § Return dried fruit mixture to simmer. Using generous ¼ cup biscuit dough for each, scoop 8 mounds of dough atop simmering fruit mixture, spacing apart. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over each biscuit. Cover the frying pan tightly and simmer over medium-low heat until biscuits are puffy and cooked through (tester inserted into centre of biscuits comes out clean), about 12 minutes. Remove the frying pan from heat. Let slump stand uncovered 15 minutes. § Meanwhile position rack in upper third of oven at least 15cm from heat source and preheat broiler. Broil slump just until biscuit tops are light golden, watching closely to prevent burning, 1 to 2 minutes. § Divide fruit slump among bowls. Pour chilled cream over each and serve.

(Source: Adapted from www.epicurious.com)

Ingredients: § 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (2 ½ to 3 pounds) § Kosher salt and freshlyground black pepper § 2 Tbsp canola oil § 3 cloves garlic, minced § 2 cups seedless red and/or green grapes § 1 cup pitted Omani olives, or Kalamata § 2 Tbsp capers in brine, drained § 2 sprigs fresh oregano § 1 cup chicken stock § 2 Tbsp unsalted butter § 2 cups quick-cooking couscous, cooked according to package, warm Method: § Sprinkle the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Heat the canola oil in a large, oven-proof high-sided frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, until golden brown, 3 to 4

In season in the Sultanate Stock up on the best summer in Oman has to offer! Here’s what’s ripe in harvest, coming up:

minutes. Then flip and brown the other side, 3 to 4 minutes. You may need to do this in two batches to avoid crowding the frying pan. Transfer the browned chicken and any juices to a baking tray or large plate. § Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic, 1 cup of the grapes, the olives, capers, oregano, chicken stock and ½ cup water. Stir to combine and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the butter. Add the chicken and any juices back to the frying pan, skin-side-up. Sprinkle the remaining grapes around the chicken. Continue cooking over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 71 degrees Celsius for 6 to 8 minutes. § Set the oven to broil with a rack set about 10cm from the broiler. § Place the frying pan underneath the broiler to crisp the chicken skin, about 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. § To serve, divide the warm couscous among 4 plates and top each plate with two of the chicken thighs and a large spoonful of the sauce.

(Source: Adapted from www.foodnetwork.com)

● Dates ● Pomegranates ● Peaches ● Apples ● Pears ● Plums ● Mangoes ● Bananas ● Walnuts ● Apricots ● Almonds

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Figs Cherries Grapes Pineapples Watermelon Guava Custard apples Olives Papaya Tender coconut

JUN 13 - 19 / ISSUE 572

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an id-R

Info Box

P.F. CHANG’S Ground floor, Oman Avenues Mall, Bausher Opening hours: Noon till 11:00 p.m., Sun-Wed Noon till midnight, Thurs-Sat Contact: (+968) 2230-3596 Dinner for four: RO45.8

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

Fresh-quality wok-fired Asian cuisine with hearty portions, fiery flavours, and streetstyle flair

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

P.F. CHANG’S FAR EAST FLAVOURS MEET THE MIDDLE EAST MARKET AT THIS NEWLYOPENED ASIAN CHAIN THAT DEFTLY ADAPTS ORIENTAL FAVOURITES TO PLEASE INTERNATIONAL PALATES

ull disclosure – though we may have come across one or two of its frozen ready meals on the supermarket shelves, P.F. Chang’s wasn’t on our radar until it made its first forays into the Gulf. With restaurants opening up in Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia; the brand that had long struck culinary gold among the midmarket foodie faithful in the U.S. and beyond had finally brought the wok-fired fare it’s famous for to the land of hummus and tabbouleh. And in a region of meat-lovers, going up against the mighty mixed grill is no short order. But if the packed tables at the chain’s Oman Avenues Mall location are any indication, P.F. Chang’s is up for the challenge. It’s around 7:00 p.m. on a busy Friday evening when we brave the traffic, with our appetites rumbling. Located on the ground floor of the mall near the main door, a giant carved horse statue greets us at the entrance to P.F. Chang’s like a terracotta army piece writ large. Splashes of colour emanate from the décor within and, as we approach the hostess, it’s not hard to see that practically every table in the house is full. Whether or not this is because the food is simply that good, or if the novelty of being the newest restaurant on the block has yet to wear off, remains to be seen. Luck ever in our corner, we snag the last available table for four near the entrance. While not one of the most comfortable locations given the foot traffic around us, at least

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we weren’t turned away as the line-up behind us looks on. The décor is vibrant and modern with the main wall above the back row of banquette seating painted in a vivid motif that looks like an animated Chinese scroll-painting, while round translucent lights hang like bubbles from the ceiling. After being seated and perusing their vast menu – the focus is on fresh, wok-fared cuisine from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and other corners of Southeast Asia – we settle on a starter round of their signature Dynamite Shrimp and Chang’s Lettuce Chicken Wraps. These two most popular appetisers are offered on every P.F. Chang’s menu worldwide, and both don’t disappoint. The Dynamite Shrimp are piled high in a mountainous cocktail glass and are instantly addictive. Plump, crispy, sweet and fiery all at once, they’re not overly oily and we end up sparring with our chopsticks to pluck the last morsel. The Chicken Lettuce Wraps are another perfectly-balanced starter with depth of flavour from the minced chicken, tossed with spring onions and mushrooms in a sauce that’s Philip Chiang’s family recipe. The kick of heat from the mince, coupled with the spice of the chili dipping sauce, is a knockout. Meantime, the crisp, cool freshness from the lettuce cuts through the most searing after-effects. Our waiter, Moon, is extremely attentive, friendly and helpful – in spite of being run off his feet during the supper-time rush. And when

we note that our portions of Hot & Sour Soup had yet to arrive even after the mains had already reached us, he was quick to rectify things tout de suite. However, we were slightly deflated as there was nothing really ‘sour’ about it, with both bowls needing more vinegar and acidity to balance them out. For the mains we ordered sharing portions – because, let’s face it, all dishes here are meant to be served family-style – of their Ring of Fire Shrimp, Wok Charred Beef, Pad Thai, and Crispy Spicy Chicken. All dishes were pleasinglypresented, fragrant, and appetising – and, most importantly, fresh! From our table we have a prime view of their open kitchen where the sizzling wokfires blaze in unison. All dishes went down a treat. Hot from the wok, they were well-balanced with flavour and spice with attention to detail in the cuts of beef, and the quality of the prawns. All veg was equally fresh and stir-fried to perfection. It’s all impressive for a brand that has franchises en masse, as maintaining an above-average quality can sometimes pose challenges, and often consistency falters. The only letdown was the Crispy Spicy Chicken, which contained virtually no spice and leaned heavily towards the sweet-and-sour side of the scale instead. But hey, who are we to quibble over an otherwise standout experience? We came to P.F. Chang’s with no expectations and were ignoring the hype. Instead, we let our taste-buds do the talking and – bang a gong – this restaurant has them all fired up! ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com.

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