N O V E M B E R 24 / I S S U E 2 5 8 0 1

JAN

9 – 1

5 •

ISSU

E 252

• W

EEKL

Y

Your top guide to the best of oman, everY week

CheCk Mate

top Dogs (& Cats)

happy heartP

LU

S!

MAY 29 - JUN 04 / ISSUE 322 • WEEKLY

32 28 14

COMPETITION: Win Fabulous Fashion JewelleryDESTINATION: Dhofar Coast

News: Warning after spate of burglaries 10

FoodFashion Pet Idol

TODDLER TECH / BMW 7 SERIES / HONG KONG EXPLORED / MARJAN REVIEW / SALT WATER CLEANSE / MOVIES / RAMPAGING LOCUSTS

Splat Attack teaM y LoaDs Up on paIntBaLL power

THE CAMELCONNECTIONUnlocking the secrets of Mers

Free!EVERY THURSDAY

NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 3

Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &

Advertising LLC /Y is a SABCO Media product.

We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine –

your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has

to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORPenny Fray

SECTIONS EDITORKate Ginn

CONTRIBUTORTom Robertson

PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.

@ytabloid facebook.com/ytabloid www.y-oman.comfO L L O W U S O N :

,

online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration.

smart device: Catch up with Y on the go at y-oman.com/current-issue

Ways to get your Y fix

fast forwardGlobal diseases that come and go throughout the years can often cause alarm, but

when the likes of SARS and H5N1 appeared, they seemed somehow distant from our own shores.

But Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was different. Discovered in Saudi Arabia in 2012, the isolation of an unknown coronavirus signalled a new era, one in which the Sultanate found itself having to tackle a virus that appeared to be inflicting the most damage here in the Gulf region. It’s for that reason that Y Magazine now brings you a full report with all the latest information, including the part Oman has played in the most recent developments to solve this medical mystery - and the actions under way to halt its spread.

But set aside those concerns for a moment and you’ll find plenty to take your mind off such issues. Inside Y this week, we bring you the fury of a paintball battle in Muscat, discover the secrets to a healthy heart and check out the latest gadgets for looking after babies. Turn to page 40, where we unveil the winners of our Pet Idol competiton and publish a selection of adorable photos sent in by readers. Enjoy.

TEAM Y editor@y-oman.com

Team Y has been introduced to the joys of paintballing (great fun), sweating in the rising temperatures and eating lots

and lots of sweets.

THIS WEEK…

the BaroMeter

going upKEEPING THE FAITH

Technologies that help hip young things adhere to their faith are

currently big news in branding circles. Trending at the moment is Crescent

Trips, a free mobile app created to help Muslim travellers follow their daily prayer requirements. There’s also the Peace Mobile, an Android smartphone that contains curated Islamic content, including prayer-

based ringtones, wallpaper, e-books and videos.

EDUCATIONALISTS Private tutors have been turbo boosted

of late. These days, they don’t just create teaching plans, they find out

why youngsters are underachieving with neuropsychology and put them

on brain-boosting diets. I kid you not.

going DoWnHOTELS FOR HUMANS

Pampered pets are now checking in and chilling out in luxurious cat hotels.

Paris has got one and so has Dubai, both boasting soft pillows, playrooms

and à la carte menus.

BOTOX Darlings, we have swapped the frown freezing jab for vitamin

infusions now.

contentsM A Y 2 9 2 0 1 4

yo u r o m a n06 the big interview Samir Tabbah

08 Voice of oman Penny Fray

10 news Burglar Beware

14 Y’s pet idol Crowned Pet

Fo o d a n d D r i n k28 food Give Your Cardiac A Rest

30 food review Marjan Indonesian Restaurant

t h i s w e e k16 Movie listings Zulu

18 this Week Young At Art

C a r s a n d a d v e n t u r e s37 Destination From Sadh to Hasik

40 outdoors Y Does Paintball

42 postcard from Hong Kong

44 Y-fi Toddler Tech

46 Car of the Week BMW 740Li

30

speCial luXurY eDition – life of tHe super riCH / HoW to liVe tHe DreaM in oMan anD at Your serViCe butler / plus Couture fasHion

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE

44

25

h e a l t h & B e a u t y32 fashion The Square Scene 34 Health Salt Cure 35 trend alert Choose Your Shoes

10

Fe at u r e s20 Mers in oman Coronavirus Concerns

24 Y’s World Cup special On The Road To Rio 26 gallery OFA Awards

33

18

For Enquiries: +968 94029955 | /enhanceoman

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 6

Please tell us a little about your career so far?I came to Dubai in the early 1990s to buy some goods for my family’s hotel and was introduced to some people from the local travel industry. I decided to move to Dubai and in 1997 set up my own destination management company (DMC) with a local partner. I was very lucky to be intimately involved in the explosive growth of the destination (Dubai). In 2008, I sold the company to a global tourism powerhouse and I stayed on as CEO for the region until 2013. The entrepreneurial vein runs deep and I felt that I wanted to launch a new company, which honours traditional values with some great modern twists.You have more than two decades of experience in the travel and tourism business. What attracted you to the sector? My family is from Jordan. They were traders and operators of hotels. I suppose I was bitten by the hospitality bug early in my career. When I first arrived in Dubai, I fell in love with it and saw the amazing tourism potential. In life, it is about being in the right place at the right time and I was lucky enough to be on the crest of the first tourism boom in the region. I was captivated by the sheer, raw beauty of Oman and its cultural heritage.Tell us more about your company, Desert Gate?Desert Gate was set up in 2004 as

a supplier to many of the frontline tourism companies in Dubai. We opened our own camp, acquired our own vehicle fleet and from then onwards the company became known as a quality supplier in the sector. As my tenure was coming to an end with Kuoni, I took a long hard look at my life, my team around me and decided that I needed to expand Desert Gate in another direction. We decided to aim at the higher sector of the market and transformed to a premium DMC. Although we all know that the latest technology and systems are necessary, I believe very much in the human touch, something that a lot of people have forgotten about. Starting with myself as group CEO, and running throughout the whole company, we are totally “guest-centric” with a real emphasis on listening to our partners and guests and aiming to surpass even the highest of expectations. You are opening the second Desert Gate office in Oman in June. Why did you select the Sultanate for your next outlet?Oman is the next tourist hotspot in the region. I am enamoured with the Sultanate. It has so much to offer and is still relatively unspoilt. From day one, I knew our next office would be here.Tourism is booming

in Oman and competition is growing. What will make your company stand out in the crowd? The Desert Gate group is known for its service across all of our destinations. We want to connect guests with the real Oman, so we are focusing a lot of effort at increasing touch points between our guests and the locals in all our itineraries. In addition to our hallmark human service, we will also be the first Omani DMC to have a comprehensive online booking system.What destinations or attractions in Oman do you think should be on every visitor’s must-see list? Oman has such a wealth of things to see. Must-see’s that should be on everyone’s bucket list include Nizwa City, Grand Canyon of Arabia and Jebel Akhdar, Al Sharqiya and the desert camps and, finally, Sur to see the marvellous turtles.If you could wave a magic wand to make your dream holiday, where would you go, why and what would you do? My dream holiday is somewhere where everyone in my family is

happy, where there is a great mix of relaxation, sightseeing, history, nature and culture. For me to mix all these things is Utopia. I also love to try local food, experience local traditions and breathe in the local ambiance.What alternative career or job could or would you do? Apart from being a full-time father, that is a very difficult question. I love to work with people and help them fulfill their dreams (in this case their holidays), so I suppose anything that lets me do that.Lastly, you’re a very busy man but when you’re not dashing around making other people’s leisure time wonderful, how do you like to relax? As I mentioned above, all my spare time is spent with my wonderful wife and four children. That is the most relaxing thing for me. Of course, bashing a tennis ball around for a few hours is also good fun.

YOUR OMAN

S A M I R T A B B A H , C E O D E S E R T G AT E

N e w s G a l l e r y I N T E R V I E W

SAMIR’S BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY01 Business is all about partnerships – with your suppliers, business partners and internally with your staff. These partnerships all need to be in place to give the best possible experience to the guests. If any partnership breaks down, the guest experience will suffer.02 I believe greatly in transparent partnerships, relationships and the power to work together. Without these good relationships, all the agility, systems and innovation that we have will just not work.

DreaMDestInatIon

M AY 2 9 - J U N E 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 8

We asked: ‘You can choose to have any new sports or leisure facility for any hobby or pastime built in your hometown, no expense spared. What would it be?’

Debate of tHe Week

loaD of rubbisH

correspondencethe voice of oman Y’s former editor penny fray rediscovers the art of procrastination

NExT WEEK: AL SAYYIDA MAYYA AL SAID

PIYuSH VORA   I would go for a sports centre where different types of sports could be played and taught - but not only for children. All the sports would be for adults to enjoy too.

MERzIA VAJID   I would like to build a large water park in Muscat with long and curvy slides. There would be different types of rides, which both kids and adults could enjoy. It would be a fun way to beat the heat.

ANIA DANEcKI   I love all things to do with nature. It would be great to have some kind of ‘eco-dome’ that people could visit and where they could see

Dear EditorAlthough campaigns and media focus on issues related to disposal of waste, they’ve made little impact and are yet to be fully embraced by society.People aren’t careful or thoughtful when it comes to getting rid of rubbish because they’re either lazy or have a poor attitude.The attached picture clearly show the problem; despite clear signage, the leftover food and waste isn’t properly disposed of. This is the scene from a public park in Darsait. The increasing number of family and party gatherings sees large quantities of waste produced. In some countries, there are

certain guidelines that the public follow when disposing of the resulting rubbish. With these kinds of pointers and rules, a change in people’s practices can be seen. But the change should also come from within, and it is a long process that requires time and patience.

People might already be aware that paper, plastic and cans are all recyclable materials, if they are separated in the correct way. The concept of effective waste disposal must be encouraged in public places and people must be made aware of their responsibility towards the environment.

Best Regards,Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip. Vouchers must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

/GoldenTulipSeebHotel

@GoldenTulipSeeb

I’m currently working from home and have the emptiest laundry basket you’ve ever

seen. Even the stuff that sort of lives in there because I’ve run out of wardrobe space is clean. I’ve also developed a new skill of looking busy whilst secretly shopping for stuff online.

It’s not that I haven’t got anything to do. I have tons, including a relocation, a company to expand, dogs to train, articles to write and several clients to keep happy.

But the duller the task, the more displacement activities I come up with until deadlines start to loom, the adrenaline kicks in and I’m forced to stop fidgeting and complete the task at hand.

My PA has finally staged an intervention after catching me watching an island parish (the sort of programme people waiting for God watch) in the middle of the afternoon because I couldn’t come up with a creative concept for selling hearing aids. This sort of brain numbing behaviour doesn’t happen often but once in a blue moon, usually when something particularly mundane crops up, I find my mind wandering to places it shouldn’t - like the latest adventures of Kim Kardashian’s bottom. This, dear readers, is my dirty little secret. A streak of procrastination hampers my otherwise robotic ambition to work 24/7, morph into Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) and rule the world. But the thing is, putting things off for a couple of hours can be hugely productive.

According to research, daydreaming leads to higher levels of creativity - finally explaining why I have my best ideas whilst wallowing in the bath like a bubble covered hippo trying to recite the alphabet backwards.

Viva la diversión.

M AY 2 9 - J U N E 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 9

L E T T E R S E - M A I L S f A C E B O O K T W I T T E RYOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US

DeMeIter VaUBeLL was spotted with her favourite Y at Alila Jabal Akhdar

THIS IS YOUR PAGE! Just send us your picture

with the free Y magazine or pose with our photographer

and we will publish it on this page

Send it to:info@y-oman.com

lots of different tropical plants and animals. It could also show off all the latest eco-technology.

RAJ SHENOY I would choose to build a super secure ‘Jurassic Park’ style attraction, which would have living cloned dinosaurs created from prehistoric DNA. It would be one wild, wacky and adventurous experience to see these magnificent and extinct creatures being brought back to life.

SVEN FREDRIKSSON I can’t believe that with so many talented young skateboarders here in Oman, there’s no decent public skate park. This would be a great thing for the youngsters to have.

RAHuL cHAKRABORTY With so many beaches all across the country, I would love to see a water park in Oman, which would have lots of water slides. There would also be various swimming pools for people of different age groups. The park could have huge aquariums and a lot more. It would be amazing.

KHuSHBOO uDESHI I would have a huge leisure facility built with each floor allocated to different activities like indoor sports, yoga for all ages, a big park for walking and playing, a swimming pool, a huge library, fun zone for kids, and classes for self-development, music, art and dance. And all with the latest technology.

KAzI SAMIYA A well designed library because reading books are my favourite. They keep me enthralled and captivated.

RAJKuMAR VENKAT My leisure facility would be a great big custom-made beach for the garden. I would spend my evenings building sandcastles. Sunny Fridays could be spent swimming.

LIzzY cLOVER I’d like to see the town benefit from a massive baseball stadium. I simply love the game and would love to see more people swinging for a home run.

MARY HuBERT A theme park under the sea would be incredible. We’ve got plenty of coastline here to build it and all the technology available. It would be amazing. You could go on funfair rides but where there’s fish swimming

around you.

GARY KITELEY For me, it would be an indoor football arena. It’s such a massive game but it gets so hot here in the summer. We need some indoor training facilities - but with real grass. Like the New Zealand rugby team has for their training. That way we could train effectively and Oman’s national team would have a greater chance of getting into the next World Cup.

BuSHRA AHMED A yoga centre, as it has different advantages. A regular practice can offers all kinds of mental and physical health benefits.

SARAH HASHMII once saw a two-level ice rink with an outer ring for whizzing round but there was also a large central area. The really cool thing is that there was a ramp that linked the two. Going down was fun but going up was a bit of an effort. Something like that would be amazing.

BRYAN STOKESAn indoor snow dome! I love skiing and it would be great to get more people in the Sultanate involved in winter sports.

New debate:‘The first phase of

Muscat’s new airport is due to be completed

later this year – but what would you like to see included in the new

airport?’Tell us on Facebook or Twitter

and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 1 0

N E W SYOUR OMANPolice have advised residents to be on the alert

after a string of break-ins in different areas around Muscat.

Homes have been targeted in Al Khuwair, Ghubra, Wadi Kabir and Muttrah in the past month. There are reports that burglars have struck in Azaiba and Qurum as well.

It appears the thieves may be casing places and waiting for people to be out or away. In one instance, an occupant was asleep in the house when it was broken into.

Five homes in the Bait Hoor Building in Ghubra were recently hit within two hours one Friday evening. Thousands of rials worth of items were stolen from the empty apartments. Two flats on the third floor and three on the fifth floor were ransacked after the burglars forced open the main doors.

Among the haul stolen was gold, cameras, watches, tablet computers and other electronic items. All the residents were out at the time.

A house in the same area was burgled the week before.

Thefts do rise during summer months when expatriate and local families head abroad for long periods.

Yahya Rasheed, an Amerat resident, was sleeping when an intruder entered his house.

“It happened a few months ago,” he told a newspaper.

“The thief entered my house by unscrewing bolts on the guest room window grill.

“I woke up for a drink of water when I saw him walking across the family room. He escaped through the main door on seeing me. Luckily, nothing was stolen.”

The ROP is hunting the culprits and reassured that the total number of burglaries was not on the increase. However, an official said residents should “keep their money and valuables in secure locations.”

Keep Safe:Get a friend or neighbour to check on your house

regularly if you go away.Use burglar-resistant grills or shatterproof glass.Consider alarms and CCTV cameras.

RISING BURGLaRIES

Faced with swarms of locusts destroying crops across the Sultanate, ministry officials called in

reinforcements in the shape of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).

RAFO helicopters have been mobilised to wage an aerial battle against the pests in areas where they are munching their way through farmer’s livelihoods. Pesticides have been sprayed from the skies over affected land.

The destruction caused by the insects nibbling produce has left some of the country’s farmers facing one of the worst years for a while.

Oman’s farming industry, which is worth RO45 million, could be hit by losses running into millions of rials of damage due to the infestation.

One farmer, Faraj al Salmi, reportedly said: “Locusts are eating away almost everything in my farm. I had a total of about three tons of vegetables and fruits last year but this time around, I will have almost nothing.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has been trying to alleviate the crisis and help the farmers by spraying environment-friendly pesticides and chemicals from the air.

While this has killed the pest, there has been one drawback. Now, dead locusts are ending up in aflaj (water ways) used to irrigate farm and clogging up the channels, further damaging the crops. Bringing in water supplies to the farms has added to the increasing costs farmers are facing.

To detect the origin of the problem, the ministry has been on something of a locust hunt, trying to detect the insects’ nests and egg laying pattern.

Worst effected areas are Sharqiyah, Dhahirah and other nearby interior regions.

There could be one silver lining however. Dried locusts are a delicacy in countries such as Cambodia, so perhaps Oman’s farmers could move into a new sideline.

PLaGUE OF LOCUSTS

PLaGUE OF LOCUSTS

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 1 2

Eating in Muscat won’t ever be the same again from next month. The next big thing in dining is here, or rather, under the ground. A five star restaurant complex

in the form of a cave, the largest and the first of its kind in the Arabian Peninsula, is set to open at Darsait Hills.

The complex will contain eight different restaurants all offering various menus and spectacular views of the historic Muttrah port.

Due to open for business on June 5, The Cave has been constructed with soft rocks and boasts an entrance that resembles an old, rocky, naturally occurring crevice that fits into the natural landscape of the Sultanate. But the insides are in complete contrast to the outside.

Two years in the making, the RO7 million restaurant complex will cover a total area of 6,000 square metres.

The majestic structure is built to be earthquake-resistant due to its strategic placement on the hills.

Al Manjur, the Omani restaurant, will have a capacity of 120, while a 350-seater restaurant, Harbor, will serve seafood. For Indian and Far East cuisines, up to 180 diners can enjoy the Asiana restaurant.

For Mediterranean and Lebanese food, Clouds

The Garden and Clouds The Terrace can entertain up to 800-850 diners combined.

The Riox will will specialise in Brazilian fare and for a fine dining and dance experience, diners can head to the Rumba Latine. Those looking to satiate their craving for Italian can try Rossini.

While the descriptions sound pretty upscale, the restaurants are being deliberately kept affordable, despite the expensive investment in the project, to be available to all.

To cope with the expected demand, there is parking for up to 450 cars.

While the three-storey complex is quite an achievement for the developers, Falcon Tourism Investment (FTI), the plan is to expand the project by adding a mega resort at a cost of RO80 million next to The Cave. The resort will include 24,000 square metres of retail space, water attractions and commercial facilities.

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMAN

A W E E K I N P I C T U R E S

Narendra Modi takes the oath of office as India’s 14th prime minister

HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND

The son of the assistant director of The Hunger Games movies, Peter Rodger, goes on a rampage killing six and then turning a gun on himself. Elliot Rodger, 22, stabbed his three college roommates to death and went on a shooting spree

Real Madrid are crowned club champions of Europe after beating city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 to win the Champions League Final

Buildings in Dubai are evacuated on Tuesday morning as tremors are felt across the UAE from a 5.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Iran

What is it?Quite simply, it’s the act of selling goods from businesses to the end user. Yes, you are the final destination for that cute little pair of shoes. You are the last in a long chain of resale.Sounds lucrative It is. Open a shop or online business and you’ll be part of an industry that’s worth over RO250 million a year in the Sultanate.Maybe I should open a little store?Err, you could but you’re going to be up against some stiff competition from the big boys. You’ll be competing with the increasingly attractive bling of malls as people flock to the air-conditioned and artificial shopping wonderlands. How do you know people like them? Because some big players are making large bets that it’s exactly what people want as they scramble to add vast areas of shopping potential. New and imminent expansion projects will add close to a whopping 115,000 square metres of retail space. That’s a lot of cans of designer dresses and coffee shops. What else gives it away?Well the largest mall, Muscat Grand Mall, has backed a second phase of expansion that will take the total retail space up to a reported 250,000 square metres. Good grief ! Do we need it? What else is there to do in the hot weather?Perhaps you could try an indoor hobby?No thanks, I’d like to block out the sunlight, buy a new TV, eat some junk food in a ‘food court’ and then catch a movie to make sure I really shut out the sun’s rays.But there must be a reason for this expansion other than your sorry cynicism? Good point. It’s been spotted that Oman’s residents are heading over the border to the UAE, splashing out RO42 million and propping up our neighbour’s retail empires. If we could offer more goods here in Oman, that’s a lot of money that could be poured into our own economy.What would we do with all the extra money? Build more malls, I suppose. Do say: Mega retail consortium.Don’t say: Street market vendor.

B i t e S i z e dOUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED

LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE Of THE WEEK.

RETaIl

UnDergroUnD

CUIsIne

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 1 4

Frida and Diego, Yorkshire Terriers, owned by Yuri and Margarita Lipkov

Bailey, German Shepherd/Alsatian, owned by Yasmine Byrne

Sugar & Pepper, owned by Vaishali Ashok

Robyn, owned by Radhika Tandan Banks

WE’VE HUNTED HIGH AND LOW THROUGHOUT OMAN TO FIND OUR TOP PETS. ENTRIES FLOODED IN FROM READERS. ALL ARE WINNERS IN OUR EYES

BUT BELOW ARE THE TOP FOUR Y PET IDOLS. WELL DONE!

THE BEST OF THE REST. FROM CUTE CANINES TO FABULOUS FELINES, THE PETS OF OMAN HAVE PROVED THEY’VE GOT THE X-FACTOR

TOP 4 WIN

photographic

session with

pet/s & treats

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 1 5

HappiestDog

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 1 6

THIRD PERSONFrom the writer of Crash comes a new film of interlocking love stories where both passion and tempers run high. There’s a serious cast of current and former big hitters that includes Liam Neeson, Adrien Brody, Kim Basinger and James Franco. Their troubled characters weave spells and wreak havoc on each other’s lives. With some quality performances from Franco and Neeson and a return to form for Basinger, it’s one for those who like their amorous dramas on the complicated side.

Y's Choice

how to train your Dragon 2

Hiccup is back in glorious 3D as he steers Toothless through the skies

Zulu

MOVIES MOVIES

on another dragon-based adventure on the mystical island of Berk. This time the two are thrown into the thick of the action as they discover a secret cave in which they find hundreds of new dragons along with an elusive and enigmatic dragon rider. Glorious graphics, exciting action sequences and a charming script make this a great choice for a family outing.

alien abduction

A welcome twist on the found-footage genre, Alien Abduction is inspired by the "real life" events of a reported extra-terrestrial encounter in North Carolina. Facing hordes of aliens intent on capturing new subjects for study, the members of the Morris family struggle from one grim fate to another. A young cast makes the best of this low-budget but half commendable horror flick.

plusH Hayley, (Emily Browning) a rock chick leading the band Plush, is on a downward trajectory after the loss of her brother. But when new band member Enzo enters stage right, she’s given hope as the two set about creating new music. Things soon take another turn for the worst as the pair become romantically entwined and Enzo teaches her to dabble in the darker aspects of rock’n’roll. Soon,

Hayley is left wondering whether she’s responsible for having let a psychopath into her life.

Orlando Bloom and Forest Whitaker star as a pair of hard-hitting South African policemen on the township beat.

Selected to be the closing film at Cannes, the movie follows the adventures of Brian Epkeen and Ali Sokhela as they investigate a massacre in Cape Town. Having found traces of a mystery substance on the crime scene, the plot inevitably leads to a deeper conspiracy, one in which the perpetrators are plotting a sinister crime of epic proportions.

Set 20 years after the official end of apartheid, both men struggle through the investigation attempting to banish their own ghosts – Whitaker to dispel the harrowing images of his father’s violent death while Bloom deals with an ex-wife and neglected teenage son.

But the two attempt to put their personal lives aside and investigate an ethnic time bomb that threatens the newfound relative peace of the country.

It’s a film that ultimately rips open the wounds of a segregated era and heaps more shocking violence onto an already painful past.

While the crimson splatter may drown out the social questions that director Jérôme Salle is trying to ask about integration, the cinematography is gorgeous. From rambling shantytowns to bright sandy beaches, the viewers will find themselves being pulled into the perils of South African police investigations.

Review by Tom Robertson

PREV

IEW

For more information and times, go to:

City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net

al bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net

star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

TO BE IN WITH a CHaNCE TO WINjust answer a question based on the week's

cinema reviews and send your answers to

info@y-oman.com, along with your name

and contact information.

Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the

terms and conditions see voucher.

GRAB YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

TWO CITY CINEMA TICKETS

Brought to you by

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

THIS WEEKS QUESTIONWho directed the 2013 film, Zulu?

LAST WEEKS WINNERJeanette Salem

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 1 7

OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

SEA TURTLE26.

A regular sight in the Sultanate's coastal waters, the sea turtle

migrates to Oman's shores to lay its eggs on the beaches. Only the females come ashore, where they dig a hole and lay their clutch. Depending on the species, the eggs will hatch between six weeks and two months later, when the hatchlings run the gauntlet of crabs, birds, foxes and other opportunistic predators waiting for the vulnerable young to try to make their way to the water.

For those that successfully make it into the surf, the sea turtles may then be at sea for up to 10 years – a period known as 'the lost years’– before they return to coastal waters, where they continue to mature.

Oman is home to five out of the seven species of sea turtle, including the Loggerhead Turtle that nests in Dhofar and Masirah Island, and the Hawksbill Turtle that hatches on the shores of Muscat and the Daymaniyat Islands.

With World Turtle Day falling just last week, there's no better time to raise awareness of these beautiful and amazing creatures that, some scientists believe, can live for up to 100 years.

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 1 8

SENSATIONAL SINGERS

T H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E

The Transoman Expo and Logistics show, the most recognised event in the transport and logistics sector in the GCC is returning to Oman for the fourth time. The event, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb, Muscat, will address the latest projects and opportunities for regional and global investors. For more information, visit www.trans-oman.com

THIS WEEKM A Y — J U N E

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE.

WHAT TO HEAR.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be the best at five-a-side football? Here’s your chance to prove it at the Red Bull Winning 5 competition, taking place for the first time in Oman. Teams of five will battle it out through qualifiers to the grand final on June 20 in Muscat. The month-long event kicked off in Salalah on May 24. It’s football with a twist – there are no goalkeepers and a goal scored means a player eliminated from the opposing team. To register your team, email redbullwinning5@om.redbull.com or call: +968 92962357.

Join the Muscat Singers as they celebrate their 40-year anniversary with a spring concert, “And They Made Sweet Music”. Show starts at 6.30pm at The Bosch Center for the Performing Arts at TAISM, Azaiba. Tickets are priced RO3 and will be available at the TAISM main office and through choir members. Children aged over five only. For more information, visit www.muscatsingers.org

The Plan Works

FIVe TO WIN

03

Jun

e

31May

CRAfTY SHOW Crafty in Oman presents the Summer Craft Fair with unique crafts, arts and baked goods all exclusively handmade by a local group. The event is from 1pm-6pm at the Al Sindbad Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel. Admission is RO2, part of which will go to charity. For queries and information, contact craftyoman@gmail.com

NOWEnter

13June

05

-

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 1 9

JUNE22-26

Young at Art

Artists between the ages of 10 and 15 can enroll now in the MuscArt Young Talents summer programme, a painting workshop with art coordinator Heather Ford. During the five-day workshop, children can learn colour theory, pattern making and shadow effects. It costs RO70 and will be taught in English. For more information, visit www.muscart.net

AN IRISH AffAIR Irish residents of Oman are gathering for summer brunch and some casual craic at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel from 12.30pm-4.30pm. Costs are RO22 (soft drinks) and RO35 (with something stronger). To reserve a spot, contact Catherine on +968 93979685 or email irishinoman@hotmail.com06

JuNE

Reflection | Italian fashion & style | Al Maha Petrol Station , Al Mawaleh South | Tel: +968 24184604 | GSM: +968 96342525 | E-mail: reflectioneventsmuscat@gmail.com | /Melis Reflection | @Reflection | melisbyreflection

The Glamour of Italian Fashion

Italian High Fashion Now Has An Address in Oman

Opening Soon in Muscat

fair Time

30MAY

The Women’s Guild in Oman is holding a summer craft fair at Al Bahja Hall at Qurum Natural Park, adjacent to Jungle Restaurant. The event will be held from 10am to 2pm and admission is RO2. All proceeds will go to charity. For more information, visit www.womensguildoman.com

Earlier this month in Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia, a region snaking along the west of the country by the Red Sea coast, a two-year-old child was fighting for their life.

Stricken with symptoms of a cough and high fever, and struggling to breath, the infant’s parents were desperate.

In a laboratory, about 1,900km away in southern Oman, researchers were preparing to carry out more tests on camels to confirm previous results carried out a few months earlier.

The two events might not, at first glance, seem connected. But they were entwined, linked in a long chain of events that first began in June 2012. The young victim in the hospital in Saudi Arabia died of MERS, a new coronavirus that has infected 660 people worldwide, of which a third have died.

From the racing camels tested in Oman around the same time, five tested positive for the killer virus.

“We are not sure whether they caught the virus in Oman or from outside,” says Dr Fuad bin Ja’afar al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The Sultanate had, in fact, already played a big role in helping to solve the mystery of where MERS had come from. Results from tests in Oman and other parts of the world were able to prove conclusively that camels were the main source.

That was, in a sense, the easy part. The biggest battle is trying to stop the spread of the disease, which has cut a swathe through Saudi Arabia and spread across the borders into Oman, which has had two confirmed deaths, and the UAE, and crossed waters into Egypt and further afield to America and the Philippines, among other places.

The spread of the disease prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to hold an emergency meeting last September. Still, the

virus marches on unabated. Photographs of camel herders wearing surgical masks to cover their mouths and noses appeared.

So how did all this start? And what led to Oman becoming involved in the hunt for the source?

On June 13, 2012, a 60-year-old man was admitted to a private hospital in Jeddah. For the previous seven days, he had suffered a fever, coughing and shortness of breath, classic symptoms of a then unidentified lethal virus. Despite being placed in intensive care, the patient tragically died just 11 days later.

It was the first-ever case of a new kind of coronavirus. And so began the scrabble by scientists around the world to understand the virus, as the cases and the fatalities of the little-known disease racked up a tally of victims.

Using statistics from WHO, a MERS Corona map charts in real time the growing spread of the disease. According to the latest figures, there have now been 660 cases of people infected with MERS CoV, of which 200 have died, some as young as nine months old. That’s a mortality rate of one-in-three registered cases. But while outbreaks have predominantly

occurred in the Arabic peninsula, as the official name of the virus would suggest – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus – the number of cases reported are increasing.

The virus has now struck in Greece, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Philippines and even as far afield as the U.S. Two Omani nationals have died in the past eight months as a result of the virus.

It’s Saudi Arabia that has proven to be not just the suspected origin

of the first case but also the country witnessing the highest number of cases. The Kingdom, with 552 cases, now comprises four out of every five reported cases in the world.

In Hafr al Batin, a remote town in Saudi

Arabia’s northwest, relatives of four victims say no one in their families had ever heard warnings about the disease.

“We had no idea,” says Jawal al Shaly, who lost his 39-year-old brother, Fahd al Shaly, his mother and two other family members.

He speaks of how his brother, a government employee and part-time camel trader, bought a young camel in August last year. The camel fell ill, with watery fluid streaming from its nostrils, and Fahd sold the animal. Three days later, he fell sick and died 10 days after that.

With the disease’s “Ground Zero” on the Sultanate’s doorstep, authorities here have rallied to get one step ahead and take preventative measures. And those working at the centre of the issue are adamant that the Sultanate is well prepared.

The Ministry of Health’s MERS-CoV Task Force was set up swiftly at the end of 2012. Task Force member Dr Amal Saif al Mani, a senior consultant in paediatric infectious diseases has said: “There is absolutely no need to press the panic button. The country is fully prepared to combat the deadly coronavirus. The task force, set up by the Ministry of Health after MERS hit Saudi Arabia in 2012, is monitoring the situation closely.”

More crucially, the Sultanate put into motion a speedy testing programme that allows doctors to verify whether a patient has the disease. With a special hotline that’s been set up for doctors to call the Public Health Laboratory in Darsait, patients’ samples can be collected, tested and the results delivered in 24 hours.

But while patients can be told whether they carry the virus, serious questions still remain. As yet, it’s unknown just what route the virus took into the country.

It’s this and other serious questions that led a group of experts convening in Muscat on May 20 and 21 to call for greater monitoring and reporting of cases in the Middle East.

Speaking from the two-day Regional Technical Meeting on MERS-CoV, the UN

As a new strain of lethal coronavirus spreads further around the world, Oman has played a key part in helping to crack the primary source – camels. Tom Robertson and Kate Ginn put the latest health scare under the microscope>MERST

he Menace Of

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 2 0

The Sultanate

had, in fact, already

played a big role in helping solve the mystery of

where MERS had come from

Doctors suspect one or

more species of animals are

hosting the virus, sporadically

passing it on to

humans

A U G 1 5 – 2 1 / I S S U E 2 8 2 0 2 1M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 2 1

Food and Agriculture Organization's chief veterinary officer, Juan Lubroth, warned: “It is vitally important for the international community to increase our understanding of 'where' and 'how' the virus is transmitted, 'who' the source is – whether animal or human – and 'when' and 'why' certain people are spreading the virus.”

Doctors suspect one or more species of animals are hosting the virus, sporadically passing it on to humans. Tests on goats and sheep have found no evidence of the virus. Evidence points to Dromedary camels being the key carriers of the disease, although to date there has been no registered cases of camels with the virus dying. However, scientists are now turning their attention to domestic animals too, and plan to test cats, dogs and even rats.

Dromedary camels in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and the Canary Islands have all tested positive for the virus.

Now the disease may be more widespread in camels than originally thought, seeping into African countries.

According to the Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal, recent findings show that MERS-CoV was found in nearly all blood samples from 358 camels in Nigeria and 188 in Ethiopia. In a strange twist, it has now emerged that the samples were collected from 2009 to 2011, suggesting that the virus had existed well before it struck tragically in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Recent findings in Oman have provided evidence that some of the Sultanate’s finest camels, an animal synonymous with the country’s culture and history, are playing host to the virus.

“A few weeks back, we conducted a series a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on 76 sampled camels to detect if they carried MERS-CoV. These samples were sent to Vienna in Austria and results showed five camels had tested positive,” Dr Hadi Mohsin al Lawati, the Director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’

Precautions to protect yourself from MERS

>

Animal Health department, is reporting as saying. These findings helped scientists and doctors to pinpoint

the camel as the primary host of MERS. To date though, Oman has been unable to identify any cases of camel to human transmission.

With camels testing positive in the Sultanate for the disease, the UN's Lubroth said public education should be a priority: “Participants in the MERS consultation agreed that there is also a vital need to raise awareness among the public at large about the importance of seeking medical attention, the nature of the disease and ways to avoid it.”

Recent information distributed by the WHO highlighted that it’s humans who are being subjected to the fatal consequences of MERS-CoV, but are also mostly responsible for spreading the disease to one another.

According to their most recent advice, experts now believe that as much as 75 per cent of recently reported cases appear to be secondary cases, meaning that they are believed to have acquired the infection from another infected person.

Furthermore, it’s the Middle East that may be proving the hotspot for catching the disease. While the cases of infected people are now being registered worldwide, the WHO believes that all cases recorded outside of the Middle East recently travelled to the region.

Although the WHO has decided against declaring MERS a global health emergency, it expressed concern that cases will continue to be exported to other countries through tourists and temporary workers who might acquire the infection following exposure to the animal or environmental source.

And it’s hospitals that are also being cited as high-risk places for picking up the infection

The M

enace o

f M

ERS

>

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 2 2

Avoid people with flu-like symptoms Practise good hygiene by washing hands with soap and sanitisers containing 60 per cent or more alcohol. Avoid close contact with camels. When visiting a farm or a barn, follow general hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals, and avoiding contact with sick animals. Camel milk should be sterilised before consumption and eating raw camel meat should be avoided. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid contact (kissing or sharing a mug, for example) with people who are sick.

MERS Quick facts* Officially known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, abbreviated to MERS-CoV. A viral respiratory illness, it’s caused by a coronavirus. These are common viruses that most people will have at some point in their life. MERS has been shown to spread between people in close contact. The incubation period of the virus is two to 14 days, but the exact duration of infectivity is unknown. There is currently no vaccine for the virus. The Who is currently not recommending any travel or trade restrictions. *Source, WHO and US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

A person infected with the virus can be a carrier for up to 14 days without showing symptoms – that’s more than enough time for a

worker to fly home with the infection having contracted the virus in their place of work. It’s believed that up to 15 per cent of physicians working in Saudi Arabia are from Europe and

the U.S. and could fly home after contracting the virus in a healthcare setting.

Here in Oman, hospitals and clinics routinely advertise for expertise from abroad.

This is no time, then, to be complacent. The threat of MERS is very real for anyone and

everyone. “People might think (WHO) is crying wolf

because MERS is still primarily a problem in the Middle East,” says Michael Osterholm, an

American infectious disease expert who has worked in the Middle East.

“But if one of those infected people gets on a plane and lands in London, Toronto, New York or

Hong Kong and transmits to other people, everyone will have a different view.”

Symptoms of MERS

Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain,

fever, DiarrhoeaKidney failure.

Symptoms of MERS

Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain,

fever, DiarrhoeaKidney failure.

Symptoms of MERS

Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain,

fever, DiarrhoeaKidney failure.

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 24

GET YOuR KIT ON The best way to show allegiance to your chosen team is by wearing their colours. Whether you’re cheering on Argentina, Germany or Iran, replica kits are available in sports shops around Muscat and Oman. We found full kits at GO Sport in Muscat Grand Mall from RO26.

COUN

TDOW

N TO

RIO

You’re on the road to rio with Y and there’s barley two weeks to go before the big kick-off in brazil. it’s time to nail your colours to the mast, get behind your team and give them your support and here’s how:

B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y

Y’S WORLD CUP SPECIAL

Go upmarket with a polo shirt (Joe Bloggs RO18).

On a budget? R&B in Muscat Grand

Mall does some bargain team tops from as little as RO5.4 (far left). Brands For Less in Markaz

Al Bahja mall does a very cool Brazil top in bright yellow and green for women.

Of course, it’s not just about team kits or colours:

Cuddle up to the official World Cup mascot Fuleco when it all ends in tears for your team. Available from Amazon around RO3.

Carrefour also does a brilliant World Cup kit bag for your little strikers at RO2.

Get in on the action with a World Cup football. These cute ones are from Carrefour, RO4.4.

If you don’t want to go the full monty with the entire kit, you can be a bit more low key with a team T-Shirt. Check out Adidas shops in Muscat, where we found branded tops for RO12 (top right) Or opt for a cool version with the World Cup gold trophy (right).

Make some noise with a tambourine in Brazil colours (900Bz or kid’s horn (490Bz), both from Carrefour. The dreaded Vuvuzela (left) is back, too! Thought you had seen the last of it in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? It’s reappearing for Brazil. Snap yours up for under a rial from Carrefour.

Just under two weeks remain until the fans go wild and the whistle blows for the start of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. With so much pressure on the teams to perform in front of expectant crowds and a global audience, the coaches are in the final stages of preparing their teams.

ON THE ROAD TO RIO

WHO COUlD SPRING a SURPRISE? RUssIa

POR

TU

Gal

FIFa RaNKING: 3HISTORY: A relatively new entrant into the story of the World Cup (their first appearance wasn’t until 1966), Portugal have struggled to be regulars at the tournament.

Korea 2002 was only their third appearance. Their only real claim to World Cup fame is a spot in the semis at Germany 2006. It seems the best chapters in Portugal’s World Cup story are yet to be written PREVIOUS FORM: It was far from an ideal start to Portugal’s World Cup campaign as the team failed to produce consistent performances. The only road into the finals for the second time in succession was through the play-offs. They’ve fared better in European tournaments, making the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

STaR PlaYER: Is there any question? Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid forward, has twice been named as the best footballer in the world, winning the FIFA award in 2008 and the Ballon

d’Or in 2013.CaPTaIN: Cristiano Ronaldo COaCH: Paulo BentoCHaNCES? Fair at best. There’s a considerable gulf between the talent of their talisman, Ronaldo, and the rest of his team. An absence of quality wingers also limits the options for play and may undo the European team.

Group G with Germany, Ghana and USAOpening Game: June 16 v Germany

FIFa RaNKING: 18 HISTORY: Russia, in the country’s present form, have never really got anywhere in the World Cup. But they might have already started to spring a surprise. Russia didn’t just qualify – they topped their

group and even managed to put one over on Portugal on the way. Ranked in the top 20 teams in the world, they have built their success upon the foundations of a solid defence that will be difficult to get past.STaR PlaYER: There’s safe hands in front of the net with goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. Roman Shirokov and Viktor Fayzulin add some intelligent and creative midfield play that they’ve honed while representing the same club side, Zenit Saint Petersburg.CaPTaIN: Sergei Ignashevich COaCH: Fabio Capello (the former England manager)CHaNCES? They’ve been drawn with a group of long shots, so making it past the group stage should be a formality. The finishing prowess of Aleksandr Kerzhakov could sneak them through some of the later games. Watch this space.Group H with Belgium, Korea Republic and AlgeriaOpening Game: June 17 v Korea Republic

this week we continue profiling the 10 highest-ranked teams, with persistent portugal and uncertain uruguay.

UR

UG

UaY

FIFa RaNKING: 6 (as of May 8th)HISTORY: Once considered a global force in world football, Uruguay were a side to be reckoned with prior to the 1970s. They already have two World Cup titles, winning the first ever tournament in 1930 and their second legendary win crushed Brazil in the famous home game at the Marcana stadium in 1950. But since those glory days Uruguay have shrunk in status – although they have crept back up the ranks in recent years. PREVIOUS FORM: We may have seen the best of La Celeste (the sky blue) last century but there have been recent notable achievements. The South Americans won the 2011 Copa Americana and now have a very respectable FIFA ranking. They also finished fourth in the last World Cup. Their entry into the 2014 World Cup was less than convincing though with a terrible record in the South American qualifying competition. STaR PlaYER: Strikers Luis Suárez from Liverpool and Diego Forlan from Cerezo Osaka add some real attacking venom up front while Diego Lugano is widely regarded as one of the most cool-headed central defenders in the game. CaPTaIN: Diego LuganoCOaCH: Oscar TabarezCHaNCES? Lack of consistency is by far and away their greatest enemy and, to some extent, a ghost they seem unable to shake. There will also be some tough competition in the group from old footballing hands Italy and England. Group D with Costa Rica, England and Italy Opening Game: June 14 v Costa Rica

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 2 5

B r o u g h t t o y o u b y

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 2 6

O fA T O P A W A R D SBEST PLAYERS, TEAMS, COACHES AND SPONSORS WERE RECOGNISED AT THE OFA’S END OF SEASON CEREMONY AT THE CROWNE PLAZA, MUSCAT

G A L L E R Y

Y Magazine’s Kate Ginn accepts the sponsor award from OFA Chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi

MR YTabloid 24x34 E.indd 1 26/05/2014 11:35

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 2 8

fOOD

DRINKAND

T r e n d N e w R e s t a u r a n t R e v i e w s

happy heart Eat your way to health

with foods that are good for your ticker and the rest of your

body too.

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 2 9

N e w sT R E N D N e w R e s t a u r a n t

GIVE YOUR CARDIAC A REST

A double cheeseburger with a side of French fries may well tickle your taste buds, but it’s not having the same impact on your heart or waistline. While most

of us are aware of the effects of an unhealthy diet, many choose to ignore the full picture – often to their detriment. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.3 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2008 – that’s 30 per cent of all global deaths.

In Oman, people in their twenties are being diagnosed with heart disease brought on by a sedentary lifestyle and junk food diet.

Just small changes can, however, make a difference. A healthy diet is a major factor in reducing the risk of cardiac problems – by as much as 80 per cent, according to some research. So there’s never been a better time to stop the bad habits and kick-start a new eating regime.

But what are heart-healthy foods? “There really are an abundance of fruits and vegetables

in many colours, shapes and sizes that are good for your heart,” says Julia Zumpano, a dietitian who specialises in preventing heart problems.

“You can definitely reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by eating these foods every day.”

From asparagus to sweet potatoes, these super foods will be kind to your heart. The fresher the food, the better as this produce helps to wipe out free radicals in the bloodstream, protecting blood vessels.

“You want everything to be in its natural form, as it comes from the ground – the less processed the better,” says Zumpano.

So you are looking at foods rich in fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fats. Consuming these foods will not only keep your heart happy, but also help to maintain the rest of the body in tip-top condition.

Your shopping list should include fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, low-fat dairy, legumes, fish, lean meats and nuts, while limiting red meats, sugary foods and beverages.

It may surprise you to learn that foods good for your heart are not limited to exotic fruits, costly organic produce or bottled supplements. You can make heart-smart choices in your kitchen, supermarket or even at a restaurant.

Checking food labels is one of the best ways to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

“Product labels give consumers the power to compare foods quickly and easily, so they can judge which products best fit into a heart-healthy diet or meet other dietary needs,” says Zumpano.

When you’re at the grocery store, check food labels to opt for foods that are low in sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol and added sugars, but high in dietary fibres and minerals like magnesium and potassium.

When you dine at your favourite restaurant, opt for lean meats that are baked, broiled or grilled rather than deep-fried.

Be aware, though, that introducing good foods to your daily diet isn’t a quick fix, but will be a conscious lifestyle change that you will have to implement to protect your heart and health in the long term.

“Everyone’s looking for that one magic food,” says Suzanne Farrell, a nutritionist. “But heart-healthy is not only about oatmeal and omega-3 fats. You need to look for ways to get all the different nutrients. Plus, you’ll stick to a heart-healthy lifestyle longer if you have variety.”

● Join the “Go Red for Women” campaign this weekend at Majid Al Futtaim’s Muscat City Centre, where the Medical Simulation Center will be offering women free health checks for key cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Fast food and unhealthy eating habits can take a toll on the body. It’s time to give your heart a helping hand, says Shishira Sreenivas

Ingredients:l 3 Tablespoons wholegrain or Dijon mustardl 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrupl 1/4 Teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle pepper l 1/4 Teaspoon freshly ground pepperl 1/8 Teaspoon saltl 4 115g skinless centre-cut wild-caught salmon fillets Method: l Preheat oven to gas mark 8/450°F/232°C. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.l Combine mustard, maple syrup, paprika (or chipotle), pepper and salt in a small bowl. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mustard mixture evenly on the salmon. Roast for eight to 12 minutes until just cooked through.

Recipe

Smokey Maple-Mustard Salmon

top FIVe heart-heaLthy FooDs: ❶ Dark ChoCoLate Contains resveratrol and cocoa phenols (flavonoids). A truffle a day lowers blood pressure, but choose 70 per cent or higher cocoa content.

❷ saLMon Omega-3 fatty acids.Add grilled salmon to pasta or salad.

❸ aLMonDs Plant omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, fibre, heart-favourable mono- and polyunsaturated fats, phytosterols.Add to yoghurt, oatmeal or cereal.

❹ oatMeaL Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin, calcium and soluble fibre.Best eaten with fruits or vegetables.

❺ spInaCh Lutein (a carotenoid), B-complex vitamins, folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium and fibre.Opt for spinach over lettuce for your salads and sandwiches.SOURCE: www.webmd.com

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 3 0

It’s been quite a few years since I last visited Indonesia, let alone tasted the delights of its food. And so it was a

welcome surprise to discover that I’d inadvertently reserved a table for us at Marjan Indonesian Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel on a recent Friday evening.

Don’t get me wrong: I usually like to research a restaurant or at least rely on word of mouth for recommendations before I commit to a reservation. But it was a late Friday afternoon and we’d been sitting around the pool for a few hours when I decided that Marjan, which is poolside and overlooks the beach, looked like a good place to watch last week’s meteor shower.

We decided to dine al fresco for a ringside view of the night sky – perhaps a brave move considering the rising temperature and humidity.

The restaurant was quiet, probably because the sultry evening had driven the hotel’s guests inside. But this was to our advantage as the staff were welcoming and attentive, without, thankfully, hovering.

Our drinks order was quickly taken and a complementary bowl of krupuk udang, or prawn crackers, was swiftly placed on the table. Served with a small selection of condiments – a mild, earthy sambal, finely chopped green chillies, pickled vegetables and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) – the crackers were crisp, light and deeply flavoured with prawn.

Our drinks soon arrived and my dining companion – my 11-year-old daughter – decided that her mocktail, the strawberry blush, was the best of the evening. Freshly made, it was a refreshing concoction of strawberry and pineapple with background notes of creamy yoghurt and honey.

The menu is relatively small, but the restaurant also offers a selection of sushi and sashimi, as well as a rijsttafel menu. Rijsttafel is a Dutch word that translates roughly as rice table and was introduced by the Dutch during their colonial rule of Indonesia to impress guests with

a multitude of dishes that could number up to 40 in one sitting.

We decided to stick with the à la carte menu and ordered two starters and two mains to share.

First up was lumpia goreng, vegetable spring rolls with a sweet chilli dip, and ba’wan udang, deep-fried prawn fritters – both were served quickly and at the same time. The lumpia were hot, golden and crispy. Filled with julienned

vegetables and glass noodles, they were a perfect marriage with the dip. The ba’wan udang, which came with a peanut sauce, were large balls of batter mixed with thinly sliced vegetables and large prawns, deep-fried until golden. They weren’t as crisp or as flavourful as we’d hoped, but after experimenting with some of the condiments, we found that the pickled vegetables added a small explosion of sharp vinegar and a textural crunch that turned an ordinary dish into something a little more, well, extraordinary.

Our mains arrived with a flourish: the renowned nasi goreng –

Indonesian fried rice complete with unctuous fried egg on top, two satay sticks smothered in peanut sauce, a piece of chicken and krupuk udang on the side – and udang karang bakar, a grilled marinated lobster.

It’s hard to say which dish was the star of the show as both were delicious, but so very different. Like many kids, my daughter has a low tolerance for chilli and spice, so we ordered a mild nasi goreng and it

was up to me to add my own chilli from the condiment tray. This helped to bring out the flavours of one of Indonesia’s most famous rice dishes. But I have to say that the chicken was the standout in this dish – lightly spiced, it was tender and juicy with a slight crunch on the outside, not to mention more-ish.

The lobster, served with nasi putih (white rice) and a sambal sauce on the side, was well cooked and the marinade delicious. Rich and flavourful, it tasted of the sea and was as decadent as it looked.

All of our dishes were large portions, which didn’t leave much room for dessert. We settled on three scoops of sorbet – one lychee, another mango and my daughter’s favourite, lemon – as well as the dadar gulung, coconut and jackfruit pancakes with coconut ice cream. The sorbets were cool and refreshing, while the pancakes, rolled and folded to look like miniature lumpia goreng, took me back to my first visit to Bali as a teenager.

With the sound of waves crashing on the beach, the Indonesian music playing in the background and the sultry evening air, we could have been in Bali – only it was quieter.

And the meteors? We did see a few faint ones in the distance, but the star of the night was definitely Marjan.

T r e n d N e w R e s t a u r a n t

Ticket To StardomWith its friendly staff and delicious food, Felicity Glover finds Marjan is a star in the making

fOOD

DRINKAND

verdict:

Authentic food and friendly,

attentive service.

8.5 10

Info BoxMARjAn IndOnESIAn

RESTAURAnT Grand Hyatt Muscat, Shatti Al Qurum

Tel: 24641234Email: muscat.dining@hyatt.com

Timings: Open for lunch Saturday to Friday from 11.30am-5pm; dinner from 7pm to 10.30am, Monday to Saturday.

Appetisers, mains, desserts and beverages for two: RO72.7

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

Photos: Cia Glover

Indexing the media landscape

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 3 2

CheCk MateGuess what? It’s still hip to be

square with pastel gingham and cotton checks replacing autumn’s

weightier weaves. Geometric prints were seen everywhere

on the catwalks from Balmain to Oscar de la Renta this season. But for a quirkier (and cheaper)

take on the trend, try this affordable two-piece from

Matalan at Markaz Al Bahja.

HEALTH&BEAUTY

H e a l t h B e a u t y fA S H I O N

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 3 2

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 3 3

THE SQUARE

SCENECheck – the classic print every woman needs – has been refreshed and revamped for summer, says Penny Fray

CHECK LIST 1. If you don’t want to look like a cowgirl or embrace the grunge side of check, go ladylike with vintage inspired dresses as well as super-cute cropped cape tops and matching pencil skirts. The look is very Vogue cover circa the 1950s. 2. Mix your prints for a fresh take on the look but don’t clash colours. 3. Give your monochrome uniform a lift with a check bag, shoes or even faux collar.

Penny’s pointers on how to

wear all things square:

Tailored check works well for the office. This two-piece from M&S oozes quality and style. From RO100

Is it just me or is there something incredibly satisfying about filling your wardrobe with timeless pieces that will never go out of fashion?

I have more little black dresses and camel coats than that human coat hanger known as Victoria Beckham. But if you want to go for a print that’s truly timeless, you could do worse than embracing check. It’s more interesting than flowers and adapts to any silhouette. And this season, any pattern goes, from plaid to gingham, so long as it’s monochrome. Saying that, Carven’s pastel palettes looked pretty hot and Henry Holland’s clashing colours were très fun. Personally, I prefer the elegant tailoring of Oscar de la Renta and Derek Lam’s collection. But if you want to make a statement, consider Stella Jean’s more radical take on clashing prints. Alternatively, try Carven’s bright cotton-blend tweed shorts. Designed to sit on your waist and have a wide-leg cut, they’re more wearable than you think. Accentuate the bold pattern with a white shirt or neutral tee. In fact, testing the water by teaming checked separates with tonal trousers or vice versa is a good entry point into this trend. It won’t be long before you want to work it head to toe.

Oscar de la Renta’s cotton-blend shorts are a stylish alternative to summer skirts. This flattering pair has a slightly loose fit and is cut to sit high on the waist. Wear yours with a ladylike blouse and flat sandals. RO350

Crafted from black and white plaid jacquard, Oscar de la Renta’s pointed-toe slingbacks are the ultimate in feminine chic. RO330

E-tailer Simply Be comes up trumps with this super stylish pencil skirt. Who could resist the bargain price tag of RO18

This new Autograph top is guaranteed to jazz up your monochrome outfit. RO11 on sale

Check out this sleeveless dress crafted in a ponte fabric from Mango. The round neck, raw edges and cut-out detail on the back give it extra fashion kudos. From RO26

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 3 4

HEALTH&BEAUTY

For a fast-moving fix for digestive problems and well-being, it could be worth swallowing the latest trend, says Shishira Sreenivas

salt Cure

H e a l t h B E A U T Y f a s h i o n

You’ve tried it all. Juicing, fasting, lemon water breakfasts, a smoothie diet, pills, herbal tea and other outlandish fads in an attempt to

cleanse your body and rid it of all the toxins that have accumulated over the years.

However, there is another way. A simple, cost-effective method that many haven’t heard of or have overlooked. It’s a cleanse that has been the go-to method for thousands of years.

The salt water flush, traditionally known in Ayurveda as Varisara Dhauti, which translates as “washing of the intestines”, involves just two ingredients: sea salt and warm water.

You’ll need the constitution of an ox. This cleanse has to be performed first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. On the plus side, it’s easy to make. All you have to do is mix two teaspoons of unrefined non-iodised sea salt with one litre of purified warm water and then drink it all in one session. Unrefined sea salt is recommended as iodised salt contains chemicals and will not yield the same results.

Of course, to counterbalance the amount of salt ingested, you will have to continually hydrate yourself over the next few hours. The idea is to flush out the colon and any nasty toxins that might be lingering there.

Sounds a bit hard to stomach right? Well, it still has a strong fan following – superstar singer Beyoncé has been known to use it as part of a master cleanse process.

But here’s the TMI (too much information) part. After drinking the solution, allow half an hour to an hour for

“elimination” to occur. It is advisable to stay near a bathroom as there might be multiple “eliminations” that can last for up to an hour.

While the procedure and its aftermath could create an aversion towards the salt water flush, advocates of the method claim that it flushes out the entire gastrointestinal system efficiently and quickly, as well as providing relief from constipation or digestive issues.

Although it sounds relatively simple, many people are hesitant to give it a try for various reasons. Some find it impossible to ignore the natural gag reflex to the salt while drinking the solution. It might take a couple of attempts before your body adjusts to the unfamiliar liquid.

The downside to this straightforward but effective method is that it doesn’t work for everyone. The salt content could be too high or too low depending on the individual.

Also, if a person has a tendency to retain water when the salt content in their body increases, the excess salt could cause bloating.

According to some health experts, the high amount of sodium used in the solution could also have a negative effect on your health, especially if you are suffering from high blood pressure.

However, one expert points out that a good nutritional intake combined with a healthy lifestyle and exercise will help your body and bowels to clean themselves out naturally.

It is important to note that if you are thinking about trying the salt water cleanse method, it is highly advisable to consult your doctor.

Benefits of Salt Water Cleanse

1Balances MetabolismWhich will help you to slim down if you are

overweight, and gain weight if you are too thin. Your metabolism is what helps to break down your food into energy and also helps to cleanse your body of toxins.

2Improves the Digestive SystemOnce the toxins are removed from the walls of

your intestines, your digestive system can focus on eliminating the waste as soon as possible.The salt water cleanse will help to heal damaged intestines and an inflamed digestive tract. When the digestive system is healthy, the immune system is also improved.

3Improves Respiratory FunctionsSea salt is a natural antihistamine that helps to

open up the sinuses and reduces the symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

4Relieves PainPain is often caused by toxins in the body. But

once all the toxins are removed, your muscles can be more relaxed and less painful.

5Balances ElectrolytesElectrolytes are essential to the proper

functioning of nerve cells, muscle coordination, concentration and heart function. When they are out of balance, it can result in cardiac arrest, muscle spams or confusion. The salt water helps to restore the balance, so that the heart, muscles, brain and nerve cells can function properly.

6Improved Self ImageYour skin should be clearer, your eyes will

become brighter and your moods will be more stable and uplifted. You will find that you eat healthier and have less sleep disturbances. You will also have more energy.Source: Livestrong.com

* RememberThis cleanse is very effective and you may only need to do it for three to seven days in order to get rid of the toxins. Afterwards, you may only want to do it once a week or so.

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 3 5

H e a l t h B e a u t y fA S H I O N

TREND ALERT

YOUR SHOESMarilyn Monroe once said that if you give a girl the right pair of shoes, she can conquer the world. Well, I have good news for those intent on global domination: Jimmy Choo has just launched a ‘made to order’ service that allows customers to pick their dream pair from a choice of seven fabrics in a staggering array of 58 colours. You can even monogram the soles of your Choo’s for that extra dash of individuality. Prices from ro310

CHOOSE

WINSee below

A gold finish with sparkling embellishments will elevate the classic necklace to stellar status. Embrace the trend for statement accessories with this uber trendy jewellery set from Reflection, the new Italian fashion boutique (see Facebook/Melis Reflection). This designer necklace will take day or evening looks from basic to impact-making with a gold-plated chain and black cord. The co-ordinating earring’s floral design taps into this season’s obsession with black blooms. Monochrome has never been hotter, and guess what? We have one of these stunning sets to give away. For a chance to win, simply answer the following question:

Which of the following fashion houses is of Italian origin:a. Chanelb. Missoni c. Burberry

E-mail your answer and contact details to editor@y-oman.com by June 5, 2014. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

TOO LATE? DON’T WORRY. GET Y INSTANTLY ONLINE USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICES & PCVisit www.y-oman.com/current-issue/

No downloading required

GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE

GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS…

Al Mina’a• BaitalBaranda• BaitalZubairMuttrah• ShellSelectQantab• AlBustanPalace

Hotel• MarinaBanderAL

Rowdha• OmanDiveClub• ShangriLaSifa• SifawiBeachHotelWadi Kabir• AlMaya

Hypermarket• LuluHypermarket• MuscatPharmacy• National

HospitalityInstitute

• PizzaHut• ShellSelectMBD• BankDhofar• Centrepoint-

Splash• KhimjiMart• NBO• OmanOilAhlain• PizzaHut• PizzaMuscat• ShellSelectCBD• AlMaya

Hypermarket• AlizzIslamicBank• BahwanTravel

Agencies• BankSohar• CopperChimney• CostaCoffee• HSBC• LamaPolyclinic• NBO• OmanArabBank• Standard

CharteredBank• WoodlandsDarsait• IndianSocialClub• KhimjiMart• KIMSHospital• LuluHypermarket• MuscatBakery• ShellSelectAL Falaj/Rex Road• AlFalajHotel• BadarAlSama• GoldenOryx

Restaurant• KamatRestaurant• ToshibaShowroom

RUWI• ApolloMedical

Centre• KamatRestaurant• KFC• KhimjiMegastore

–SwarovskiShowroom

• Khimji’sWatches-Showroom

• KMTrading• OmanAir• OmanUAE

Exchange,OCC• OTE• SarwanaBhawanWattayah• AhliBank• Bestcars• BLS• FordShowroom• HatatHouse• HondaShowroom• Kia• Lexus• NationalTravel&

Tourism• OTE-Chevorlet/

GMshowroom• OTE-Hyundai

showroom• OTE-Subaru

showroom• PassagetoIndia• ShellSelect• Suzuki-Moosa

AbdulRahmanShowroom

• ToyotaQurum• AlAraimiComplex• BalanceGym• BankNizwa• BMWshowroom• BurgerKing• Chili’s• CrownePlaza• FinlandEyeCenter• FunZone• GloriaJean’s

Coffee• JungleRestaurant• LeftBank• McDonald’s• Mercedes

Showroom• MumtazMahal• Nandoos• NissanShowroom• OmanOilAhlain• PizzaHut• Qurum

CommercialComplex

• RasAlHamraClub• SABCOCentre• SecondCup• Starbucks• SultanCentre

Qurum• TchéTchécoffee

shopShatti Al Qurum• BareeqAlShatti

Complex• CarribouCoffee• Darcy’sKitchen• GermanEyeLaser

Center• IndusRestaurant,

ROHM• Intercontinental

Hotel• JawaharatAlShatti

Complex• KayaSkinClinic• MoreCafé,ROHM• MuscatEyeLaser

Center• OasisByTheSea• SecondCup• StarbucksSarooj• AlFair• AlMasaMall• AlShattiCinema

(DunkinDonuts)• AYANASpa• COSMECLINIC• EmiratesMedical

Center• McDonald’s• ShellSelect• VLCCMQ• AlFair• ArabOpen

University• BritishCouncil• CostaCoffee• Darcy’sKitchen• HanaSlimming

Centre• KargeenCafé• KFC• Mackenzies• MoodCafé• OmanOilAhlain• PapaJohn’s• PizzaHut• SaharzBeauty

Saloon• StarbucksAl Khuwair• BadarAlSama• BaitAlReem• BaitAlReem-

CoffeeShop

• CaféVergnano• Centrepoint-

Splash• DiplomaticClub• GrandHyatt

Muscat• GulfCollege• HarleyDavidson• HSBC• KFC• KhimjiMart• Khimji’sWatches-

Showroom• KMTrading• LandmarkGroup• McDonald’s• MuscatBakery• OmanBowling

Center• OmanOilAhlain• OmanUnited

Insurance• OMRAN• PizzaHut• RadisonBLU• ShellSelect• TGIfridays• TheKebabFactory• TheTikkaPlace• ZaharaTravel• ZakherShopping

MallMGM• CarribouCoffee• GloriaJean’s

Coffee• JustFalafel• Nawras• PaulPatisserie• TimHortonsBousher• Collegefor

Banking&FinancialStudies

• DolphinVillage• ModernCollegeOf

BusinessStudies• MuscatCollege• MuscatPrivate

Hospital-Emergency

• MuscatPrivateHospital-Outpatient

• OmanMedicalCollege

Ghubra• AlHayatPolyclinic• AlMaya

Hypermarket• AsterHospital• BankofBeirut• CoastaCoffee• CrepeCafé

• GMC-MoosaAbdulRahmanShowroom

• LuluHypermarket• Mocha&More

café• OmanOilAhlain• ParkINN• Porsche• StationeryHut• TheChediAzaiba• AlFair• AlMaha• Amara

Dermetology• CostaCoffee• GoldenTulip• Jaguar-MHD• JeepShowroom• McDonald’s• Mitsubishi

Showroom• OmanArabBank• OmanOilAhlain• Peugeot

Showroom• RangeRover-

MHD• Sayarati• ShellSelect• SkodaShowroom• SultanCentre

Azaiba• TowellAutoCentre

-Mazdashowroom• Volvo-MHD• WattayahMotors-

AUDIshowroom• WattayahMotors

-BENTLEYshowroom

• WattayahMotors-VWshowroom

• YamahaAirport• CarribouCoffee• MajanLounge• PlazaPremium

LoungeAl Murtafaa• BankMuscat• KFC• MuscatHillsMawaleh• Chili’s• CostaCoffee• MakkanCafé• NoodleHouse• Starbucks• TimHortonsThe Wave• AlMoujGolfClub• CostaCoffee

• OmanSail• Shakespere&Co.• TheWaveHOHail• BurgerKing• Caledonian

College• MarkazAlBahja• McDonald’s• Omantel• StarcareHospital• VLCCRusayl• KnowledgeOasis

Muscat-1• KnowledgeOasis

Muscat-2• KnowledgeOasis

Muscat-3• KnowledgeOasis

Muscat-4(ITA)• MiddleEast

College• Omantel• WaljatCollegeSQU• SQU-Diplomatic

Club• SQU-Collegeof

Commerce• SQU-Students

BankingArea• SQUH-Rception/

CanteenAl Khoud• ALFair• BadarAlSama• PizzaHutSeeb• McDonald’sBarka• AlNahdaSpaand

Resort• LuluHypermarketSawadi• SawadiBeach

ResortMassnaah• MillenniumHotelSohar• Centrepoint-

Splash• CrownePlaza• NationalGift

Market,FalajAlQabail

• Nawras• PizzaHut• SafeerMall• SoharBeachHotel• SoharPort• SoharuniversityNizwa• NizwaUniversity

@ytabloid facebook.com/ytabloid

fo l l o w u s o n :

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 3 7

P o s t c a r d s f r o m I n d o o r s Y - f i C a r s

CARS ANDADVENTURES

roaD to heaVenTake the less

travelled route and find shimmering seas and glorious beaches

in Dhofar.

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 3 8

CARS ANDOUTDOORS

D E S T I N A T I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - f i I n d o o r s C a r sCARS ANDADVENTURES

From Sadh to HasikExplore the coastal routes of Dhofar

for panoramic vistas of stunning shorelines and lagoons teeming with

birdlife, says Jerzy Wierzbicki

Destination

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 3 9

With a camera in my hand and a couple of different lenses, I stood on the

edge of a beautiful blue lagoon in the Dhofar region, gazing at the wildlife. This was just one of the stops I made recently on a trip along one of the most breathtaking stretches of road in the Sultanate.

Near Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve, the area between the small settlements of Sadh and Hasik is a staggeringly beautiful sweep of coastline.

Sadly it’s often overlooked by travellers on their way to the better-known destinations but is a shining example of wind-blustered beaches and dramatic panoramas. Far from being monotonous flat sands, it’s a bouquet of wavy oceans and high mountains punching up into the shoreline sky.

I first fell in love with this area when I visited last August and since then, so great has the attraction been, that in the relatively short time between now and then, I’ve visited five times.

The magical tour starts just after the southern coastal town of Sadh, which can be found heading from Salalah in an easterly direction.

The coastal road twists and turns through dark black rocks as you find fluid seas rolling on your right in stark contrast to the still and firm rock inland. To me the sea appeared restless, as though in a futile attempt to force the land to retreat.

It was 30km along the route that I found my small shallow lagoon, a veritable paradise for the many species of birds that gather there. It was the ideal place to gather some more shots for my growing

collection of wildlife pictures. I managed to capture an osprey

atop her nest, greedily tearing into a fish she had just caught. I also came across a flock of flamingos as a small group of them came into land, their legs almost cycling as they anticipated coming to earth.

Just behind this lagoon and away from the cawing of the birds is a perfect spot for camping. The wind and sand have conspired to create a huge white dune which spreads between the lagoon and the shore. I have been back to this campsite each time I have visited the area.

For those budding photographers interested in landscape, the relatively simple feature of the dune offers some interesting opportunities. There’s the contrast of the soft undulating sand as it circles around harsh rocks. Then there are the different plains of view, with blue waves or rough, brown mountains making up the background.

If you do have a wide-angle lens then make sure it’s packed in your camera bag as it comes in useful for taking sweeping scenes from the crest of the dune.

After a few hours of photography and resting in the area, I clambered back in to my trusty Toyota and hit the road, heading for the small settlement of Hadbeen.

Located half way between Sadah and Hasik, it’s a small, sleepy fishing village with just a few shops and a restaurant serving simple food. Our wandering takes us past this little settlement and continues up the coast towards Hasik. The route is fantastic. Smooth tarmac snakes along by the sea where the rocky beaches are punctuated by white sandy expanses.

Strong gusts can blow in off the

water. Where the wind meets the coast and suddenly strikes the shore, it’s as though the gusts are turned back by the land and sent screaming into the oncoming waves. Their form is confused, as they power on to the coastline but encounter resistance from the returning winds.

Standing on the beach, there is a distinctive smell of the ocean as the salty breeze rolls off the sea. But it is the huge rocky outcrop that reaches down the coast towards Hasik that really grabbed my attention when I was there. From where I was standing, the wind and waves over thousands of years had shaped a rock, which appeared to be the outline of a dog’s head, staring down into the water.

It was near here I once spotted a school of dolphins playing in the shallows, just a few hundred metres off the beach.

The wonderful thing about this stretch is also the pristine nature of the beaches, which remain relatively clean and free from the litter that blights many other beauty spots in the Sultanate. They make perfect places to grab some rest or to make camp for the night.

At the end of the route, once you reach Hasik, there’s one last major attraction – a cliff that looks as though it’s a huge sponge from which water is leaking out of it

into the surroundings. The cool and freshly filtered liquid creates interesting forms on the rock and the outflow collects in a large pool at the bottom. It’s a popular tourist sight and when I was last there I saw many people enjoying this spot.

It’s a great landmark which crowns a beautiful journey along one of the most stunning stretches of Oman’s shoreline.

HoW to get tHere

The route from Sadh to Hasik is approximately 70km. It’s an incredibly picturesque journey that is open to all as a 4x4 isn’t

required. The route starts 60km east of Mirbat in the village of Sadh and then proceeds along the Dhofari coast north on

Road 49.

gps location of the rocky beach near Hasik 17°21’42.77”N 55°17’36.67”ETR

AVEL

GUI

DE

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 4 0

CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES

Holed up in a watch tower, Y Magazine art director Matthew Herbst sweeps his eyes over the battleground before him, looking for a trace of movement.

Carefully concealed within the wooden structure, he had manoeuvred himself into an elevated firing position that commanded a significant advantage in the field of combat.

He wasn’t alone. Kate Ginn, Y’s sections editor, had fallen back behind some disused barrels to provide suppressing fire as soon as Matt gave the signal. Their fellow comrade and Y intern Shishira Sreenivas had melted away into the shrubbery and lay waiting, ready to dash forward and attempt to smash through the enemy lines that lay on the horizon.

But if they thought their advance would go unopposed, they could think again. Y’s new editor, Felicity Glover, and her daughter, Cia, had entrenched themselves into a fox hole in front of their base. The firing post would allow them to cut down any attempts to break through the defensive lines.

A tense stalemate had developed. Everyone held their breath. Fingers rested nervously on triggers as everyone waited for the opposition to blink. Someone has to make a move. I do. Error. All hell breaks loose.

I hear a “pop, pop, pop” as I’m spotted and rounds fly around me. Volleys

of fire are sent in the direction of our base, sending the defenders diving for cover. Shishira is dashing forward, leaving Felicity and her daughter to take her down.

Paintballs are whizzing through the air like angry pebbles of paint-filled destruction. With a “zing” and “pzz”, they thud into the grassy earth, ricochet off an old Land Cruiser in the killzone and slap into old wheels and barrels. It’s pandemonium and the fog of war has well and truly descended on Team Y.

“We were taking part in a session of paintball games organised by Paintball Oman at their centre in Al Hail.

Originating in the U.S. in the early 1980s, it’s a sport that has spread around the world, from Brazil to the Philippines. And suiting up in Paintball Oman’s modern premises, it’s easy to see why the phenomenon has retained its appeal.

Clean, pressed suits were handed out to the participants. Blue for one team, grey for the other. Then came the bits and pieces of essential kit: gloves to shield hands from the high-velocity paintballs and a body protector to provide some cushion against the impact of shots that find their mark. Full-face masks were also dished out to provide essential cover for the faces.

Less Chat, More SplatTeam Y try out the fast-paced and frantic chaos of paintballing

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 4 1

Give it a Go

Suited and booted and with visors pulled down, the menacing appearance would have made even the most timid of individuals look like they’re ready to unleash merry hell.

After being kitted out, there was just one vital piece of equipment missing. Rows of gleaming black metal guns were lined up ready to be handed out to the troops. Hefty and high quality, they rely on compressed gas to send the paint-filled balls into the enemy’s ranks.

When players head down to the arena, they can expect to encounter a number of different game modes. Though different paintball centres around the world have their own variations, Team Y was subjected to three exciting games, including Capture the Flag and Rambo (see info box).

While we had just a relatively modest group of eight, the games can be played by up to 30 players, says Askar Fuard, the centre’s manager.

“We have all kinds of groups, from classes from local schools to groups of Omani women. Whole families come and also businesses,” he says. Brought in from Dubai to set up the centre, Fuard transformed a patch of scrub into Oman’s only dedicated paintball centre.

“It was like a jungle here when we first started,” he laughs. But now the well-maintained 5,000-square-metre arena offers players the chance to experience the chaos of battle from 3pm to 12 midnight under the floodlit palm trees.

“People seem to come here and get hooked. We’ve got a strong reputation by word of mouth. People try it and then they recommend it to friends.

“I think they enjoy paintball because it’s energetic and also gives a taste of just how tiring running round like a soldier can be.”

He’s not wrong; looking at Team Y after just an hour of play, we’re a dishevelled and shattered bunch - perhaps we could have chosen not to play on the hottest day of the year, when temperatures and humidity were still steaming at night.

But no matter how exhausting it had been, it was an action-packed hour of fun. Though our coveralls were peppered with paint and sweat, it was our faces that were etched with wide grins as we recounted our tales from the frontline.

Different paintbaLL GaMeS

▲ MGLG Paintball OmanAl Hail SouthFrom RO5 per person including 100 paintballs (all equipment provided).Booking: 24544007 / 98500777info@paintballoman.comwww.paintballoman.com

▲ Capture the Flag – Each team has to commandeer a flag in the middle of the battlefield and then take it to their enemy’s base without the flag carrier being shot.

▲ President – One player from each team is nominated president. If the president makes it to the enemy’s base without being shot, that team wins. If the president is shot, the other team wins.

▲ Rambo – Each team member has unlimited lives. Simply try to hit as many people on the opposing team as possible. Fast and furious.

O U T D O O R SD e s t i n a t i o n P o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - f i C a r s

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 4 2

TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT:1. The Peak2. star Ferry3. Lan kwai Fong4. disneyland5. Big Buddha

hk hIghs Old meets new as a junk sails past the skyline of Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated

cities in the world.

CARS ANDOUTDOORS

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2 0 4 3

My favourite place The Peak. Home to the most exclusive neighbourhood on Hong Kong Island, this is where the rich and famous would escape the heat of summer during colonial times. These days, you can catch the Peak Tram up, gawk at the mansions along the way and, once you reach the top, take in a view that exudes nothing but money and power. The cityscape is pretty impressive, too.

Highlights The outlying islands, the biggest of which is Lantau, offer plenty to do and see. From the Big Buddha to Disneyland or even spending a relaxing afternoon in The Plaza at Discovery Bay – a residential resort with its own man-made beach, cafes and restaurants – you won’t be bored.

Lowlights As much as I love Hong Kong and all that it has to offer, the high pollution is a definite turn-off –

especially during the summer months.

Souvenirs The many markets, such as Temple Street Night Market or Ladies Market, offer great bargains for those with a sharp eye and a talent for haggling. But if it is something a little more upmarket that you are seeking, then head to the oh-so-chic Shanghai Tang on Pedder Street in Central.

Where to stay This depends on your budget. Kowloon has numerous hotels for tourists, including the renowned Peninsula Hotel. But if you want to avoid being harassed by hundreds of shop sellers hawking their goods as you take a stroll up the ‘Golden Mile’, otherwise known as Nathan Road, then head to Hong Kong Island. Here you will find a plethora of hotels such as the luxury Four Seasons on the harbour front, to smaller, more budget-friendly hotels that stretch from Central to the likes of North Point.

HONG KONG

BIG BUDDHA

STAR FERRY

Felicity Glover recommends

VICTORIA PEAK TRAM

T hink of Hong Kong and an overcrowded, concrete j ung le comes to m ind . As one of the wor ld ’ s most important bus iness centres , i t i s renowned for i ts mu l t i-m i l l i on do l lar dea ls , h i gh-end l uxury shopp ing and an i ncred ib ly expens ive

property market . W ith a tota l area of 1 ,042 square k i l ometres and a popu lat i on of more than

seven m i l l i on , i t ’ s easy to see why Hong Kong i s the wor ld ’ s th i rd most dense ly popu lated c i ty .

And i f you head to the popu lar shopp ing d istr i ct of Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Is land on any day of the week, you ’ l l know what I mean - the streets are teem ing w ith peop le e lbow ing the i r way through the crowds .

A perfect b lend of East meets West , there ’s no doubt that Hong Kong i s a 24/7 c ity where stunn ing skyscrapers overshadow the l i kes of trad it i ona l Tao ist temp les , co l on ia l-era bu i l d i ngs and ramshack le fo od and c l oth ing markets .

Spann ing from Hong Kong Is land , where the bus iness d istr i ct of Centra l i s l ocated, t o the Kow l o on Pen insu la (th ink Ts im Sha Tsu i ) , the New Terr i t or ies and i ts many out ly ing i s lands , the ‘ Fragrant Harbour ’ i s a d iverse me lt ing pot of peop le and, surpr is ing ly , landscapes .

Best of a l l , i t doesn ’ t matter i f you are there to shop , eat , exp l ore the great outdoors or d iscover trad it i ona l fest iva ls , art and cu l t ure - you w i l l have no troub le f ind ing your pass i on here .

But I have to say that the c i ty can be overwhe lm ing - espec ia l l y dur ing the summer months , when the temperature i s i n the m id-30s and the hum id i ty can h i t the 90s . Po l l u t i on i s a ls o h i gh year-round thanks to the many factor ies on the Pear l River De lta be lch ing o ut the i r t ox i c fumes .

To escape the concrete j ung le , I a lways try to head out to one of the many surround ing i s lands , such as Lantau (the b iggest) , the former p i rate enc lave of Peng Chau or even la idback Lamma, a tranqu i l haven for expats and l oca ls a l ike .

One of the best and cheapest ways to see the famous V ictor ia Harbour i s t o catch a ferry to one of the o ut ly ing i s lands , where you can start w ith a h ike , co o l off w ith a sw im on a deserted beach and end the day w ith a cheap but de l i c i o us seafood feast i n a sma l l seafront restaurant as you watch the sun go down .

P O S T C A R D S f R O MC a r s Y - f i O u t d o o r s

F E B 2 7 – M A R 0 5 / I S S U E 3 0 90 4 4

-FIT H E T E C H I N Y O U

EDITO

R’S P

ICK

TODDLER TECHRaising a child may be one of the oldest things known to man (or woman), but that doesn’t mean you can’t let a little smart

tech help out, says Tom Robertson

Y - f IP o s t c a r d s f r o m C a r s I n d o o r s

0 4 4 M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2

roCker buY babYAFTER A DAY OF RUNNING HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE, SPENDING TIME GENTLY ROCKING JUNIOR TO SLEEP CAN WELL SEE MUM OR DAD NODDING OFF, NEVER MIND THE BABY. SO LET THE roCkaroo HELP YOU TO AVOID COLLAPSING INTO THE SIDE OF THE COT IN A STATE OF EXHAUSTION AND DO ALL THE HARD WORK INSTEAD. EqUIPPED WITH FIVE DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND INBUILT SPEAKERS FOR YOUR MP3 PLAYER’S SOOTHING TUNES, THE ROCKAROO IS THE ULTIMATE IN LULLABY LOLLING. FROM RO61 AT sHop4MoMs.CoM

total surVeillanCe If the task of watching over a baby was undertaken like a military operation, this high-spec Motorola Mbp26 monitor would surely be the tool of choice. With a staggering 300m range, a high-sensitivity microphone and digital pan-and-tilt camera, it’s got everything you need to keep eyes and ears on your little soldier. Not only does it feature two-way communication but it also has infrared night vision. Pair the 2.4-inch portable monitor with up to four cameras for total coverage. RO65 from mothercare.com

WarM MeMories Trying to provide warm milk from a bottle while out and about has always been one of the greatest challenges for any new parent. Answering the conundrum is Yoomi, a range of self-warming feeder bottles. Simply ‘charge’ the warmer by pre-heating in the microwave for two minutes. Then while out and about just press the button to warm the feed to exactly the right temperature. Clever stuff indeed. The Yoomi On the Go Kit includes two 8oz bottles, warmers and charging pods and is available for RO30 from yoomi.com

a HealtHY balanCe Keeping track of a child’s growth is an essential part of parenthood. To provide a modern and highly accurate helping hand, Withings have developed the smart kid scale. Featuring a highly accurate balance that measures increments of 10g up to 25kg, the scales are ideal for youngsters from newborn to eight years old. The balance will also connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to iOS and Android devices to develop a chart illustrating your child’s development. www.withings.com

F E B 2 7 – M A R 0 5 / I S S U E 3 0 9 0 4 5

f I N D O U T W H A T ’ S H I P & H A P P E N I N G I N G A D G E T S

0 4 5M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 2

app-tituDe Hoping to marry classic baby toys with modern technology, Fisher Price have developed the iphone apptivity gym which includes the usual assortment of toys but also iPhone integration. Downloadable Apps encourage the baby’s interaction with the toys in the gym with lots of bright colours and moving images. From RO23 on amazon.com

CrY babYWhat do the ‘goos’ and ‘gaas’ mean? Here to help parents everywhere is the Cry translator. An award-winning app that claims a high sense of accuracy in deciphering whether your child’s cries of anguish mean ‘feed me’, ‘hug me’ or, presumably, ‘get that smartphone out my face and pick me up’. RO1.9 from iTunes

App of the week

neW! This is where the power of phones starts to get really scary. A U.S.-based company is currently in the process of refining their latest product, the owlet, which could be the next evolution of the tried-and-tested traditional baby monitor. Rather than rely on typical sound and vision, the Smart Sock measures other vitals and sends them straight to the parent’s smartphone. Priced RO97. Ships later this year. Pre-order now from www.owletcare.com

oWlet babY Monitor

His stuffIf Mum’s holding the baby and Dad wants to feign deafness when it’s his turn to take charge, it’s time to mischievously block out the world. These new Harmon Kardon Soho headphones will help him to plead ignorance. Crafted from stitched leather and stainless steel to give a sleek finish, they fold flat into a slim carry case so you’ve got more hands free for loading up with baby gear once you capitulate. RO 116 from harmankardon.com

A machine-wearable smart sock houses a water-resistant, silicon-covered monitor.

The monitor measures essential information such as heart rate, oxygen levels in the blood, temperature and can even let the parent know if the child rolls facedown.

Information is sent to your smartphone and can be placed on your home screen so it’s always visible.

M AY 2 9 - J U N 0 4 / I S S U E 3 2 20 4 6

It carries the BMW badge and delivers on all levels. The 7 Series is elegant luxury on wheels, finds Kate Ginn

CAR OF THE WEEK

BMW 740LiSpecifications

Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo, six cylinders

Horsepower: 320Transmission: Eight-

speed automaticAcceleration: 0-100kmh

in 5.7 secondsTop Speed: 250kmh

Price: From RO41,500

check this out

High-res 9.2” monitors for entertainment system in rear seats

Four-zone air conditioning 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen

premium surround system stereo (optional)

Model-specific exhaust pipes L-shaped rear lights Air suspension (adjusts rear

height according to load) Lane Change Warning system

(optional) Park assistant for parallel

parking (optional) Leather steering wheel with

multi-function buttons New design alloy wheels Adaptive LED headlights

Getting your hands on a BMW is an adventure in itself, says the German car

manufacturer. It’s the beginning of memories and moments of recurring beauty, as they put it.

There’s talk of passion, dedication and even love.

It’s quite a lot to live up to and such extravagant boasts for lesser cars might be something of a car crash in public relations. Not for BMW.

Handed the keys to a new 740Li, I felt the reassuring squeak of the finest leather as I slipped into the driver’s seat, breathed in the unmistakable smell of luxury and ran my hands along expensively finished lacquered wood.

Beautiful? Certainly. And that was just the interior.

The outside is just as wonderful, the sort of head-turning looks and sweeping bodylines that you could stare at for hours in a longing sort of way.

BMW has given its 7 Series little updates, nothing dramatic mind, just a few tweaks here and there. The famous double kidney front grille is fuller and wider, giving it a more edgy appearance. LEDs have been added and the body elongated to give it a limousine-like feel. This latter change may, in part, be a nod to the chauffeur-

driven market, of which the 7 Series has a share.

This, as you may already have gathered, is a serious car for serious drivers.

I felt my age (no, don’t ask) behind the wheel of the 740Li, a grown-up woman with places to go and people to see, and no time for frivolous matters. It would, I imagine, also appeal to professionals seeking to make a public statement of their intent.

One addition I really love is the model-specific exhausts, with subtle changes so that other BMW owners know exactly the one you’re driving at a glance. My eye was also drawn to the design of the entertainment screens for rear passengers, which appear to “float” in the back of the front seats (these are an optional extra, so you’ll have to pay).

Summer months in Oman will also be a breeze with the four-zone air conditioning, allowing every passenger to customise his or her own settings.

As you would expect, the level of finish and attention to detail is first rate. The leather steering wheel, which allows driver control at the touch of a button, moulded to my hands as if it was made for me.

There are all the usual hi-tech goodies of a satnav, hands-free

communications system and integrated electronic handbook. The optional night vision with pedestrian and animal recognition (does that include camels, I wonder?) uses a thermal imaging camera to detect objects. Driving at night will never be the same again.

So what’s it like to drive? It doesn’t disappoint. Smooth, powerful and quiet – wind noise has noticeably been reduced – it’s a joy to be in charge of.

It handled the turns of the winding road up to Al Amerat from Muscat like a pro.

A light touch on the accelerator and the 3.0L engine responds, not so much with a growl but a purr. This refined kitty is a no sloth though and can hit 100kmh from a standing start in under six seconds.

Should you want a bit more of a raw ride, you can always switch from Comfort to Sport mode, which, at the touch of a button, tightens up the suspension giving it a bit of a raucous personality.

So yes, my brief time with a BMW was an adventure. There wasn’t quite passion but dedication to duty was faultless. As for the promised love, I wasn’t head over heels. That was saved for the BMW 650i Grand Coupe, which I drove next. I’ll tell you about it another time.

They say: ‘Sheer Driving

Pleasure’We say:

‘Gorgeous German Drive’

CARS ANDADVENTURES

C A R SD e s t i n a t i o n P o s t c a r d s f r o m I n d o o r s Y - f i