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Team Y enjoyed a short trip to Dubai to visit friends, escaped the heat of last weekend by going ice-skating

and indulged in a spot of retail therapy.

THIS WEEK…

Have you entered our Oman Automobile

Association Stars of the Track competition yet?

Turn to P24 for a chance to win cash prizes!

GOING UPSALARY EXPECTATIONS

It seems that a new study by Bayt.com has found that 55 per cent of

respondents in Oman are expecting a salary rise this year. Is this possible

considering the current economic conditions?

GOING DOWNWEDDED BLISS

The number of registered marriages in the Sultanate fell to a five-year low

last year, according to the latest figures from the National Centre for Statistics

and Information.

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THE BAROMETERWelcome to Y

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

There’s been a lot of confusion of late over the two-year visa ban for expats, with conflicting reports creating what seem to be more questions than answers.

In this week’s cover story, Team Y talks to a range of experts regarding the visa ban and that all-important No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is required if a person wants to change companies.

However, we find that it’s not such a clear-cut issue, while companies are not legally required to issue departing staff with an NOC, even if they have been made redundant. It’s a complex issue and we have found that people have had very different experiences regarding the ban and the NOC – some good and some not so good.

Elsewhere, we head to Savannah BBQ for a taste of home in Taste Test, head to Shanghai in Postcard From and check out the best activities to beat the summer heat in Indoors.

We also sit down with DJ Pulse in Coffee with Y, check out the latest nautical looks in Fashion and explore the lush oasis of Moquzeh in Destination.

Have a great week!

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contentsM A Y 1 9 - 2 5 2 0 1 6

Yo u r O m a n06 Coffee With Y DJ Pulse

08 Voice Of Oman Karima Farid

10 News Indian Expat Suicides

11 Gallery BSM Fashion Show

12 A Week In Pictures

14 Gallery PDO Honours Oman’s Cricket Heroes

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Marwan Al Busafi

T h i s We e k

16 #FYI 10 strongest earthquakes in history

17 Movies The Angry Birds Movie

18 This Week All In The Mind

H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion Cruise Control

34 Beauty Get Glowing

35 Health Yawning

10

33

Fe at u r e s20 The Big Visa Debate NOC Or Not NOC?

24 Stars Of The Track Win Cash Prizes In Our Selfie Competition

C a r s a n d A d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Moquzeh

40 Outdoors Summer Options

42 Postcard From Shanghai, China

44 Y-Fi Chill Out

46 Car Of The Week Alternative Power

45

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18Fo o d a n d D r i n k28 Food Feature Easy as Pie

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M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 6

Waiting for Prableen Singh, aka DJ Pulse, at a cafe in Oman Avenues Mall, I have to confess that I was a bit anxious. You see, I am a huge fan of the DJ’s mixes, so this going to be quite a moment for me.Nevertheless, I assure myself that I’m going to be professional, and sit down with a coffee to prepare questions for the interview. In less than 10 minutes, Prableen walks in and with the warmest of greetings, asks me: “Can I get you anything?” That’s weird; I should be getting him coffee.Slowly settling into our booths, it doesn’t take me long to realise that Prableen is not only generous but is also one of the most humble celebrities I have ever met.

So we start by talking about how he handles his fame and recognition. “I am still the same person I was in school, Alvin.”That’s right, I think to myself. Prableen was four years’ my senior at Indian School Muscat (ISM). Talking to him about his roots in music, it is evident that he holds his past close to his heart. “Music is my passion,” he says. “I don’t know where it will take me but when I was young, I assured myself that I would not let the fame change me. “The first time I played for a group of people was for our prom night in Grade 12.“Back then it was just me, my laptop and Windows Media Player. All I did was fade in and cue music for the audience. “But it was still a memorable night.” He remembers that it was during that night, one of his

fellow students complimented him, saying: “Hey bro! Nice DJing.” “I was shocked,” he laughs. “I did not even know what the term DJ meant.“It took a bit of searching on the internet to understand what it meant. But never did I think I would become a DJ one day.”News about Prableen’s successful prom at ISM spread quickly and he was booked to play gigs at the Sri Lankan School Muscat, The American International School Muscat and Indian School Al Ghubra in a span of just a few months.“These gigs gave me a boost to undertake professional DJing, at least as a part-time job,” he says.

Soon, Prableen flew back to his hometown of Chandigarh in Punjab, India, to undertake classes with the city’s number one DJ, Varun. “I quickly learned the art of mixing, scratching, looping and beat mashing from him,” he says. Flying back to Oman in 2007, he picked up his own mixers and CDJs. However, Prableen also enrolled in a Bachelor of Business Administration degree course at the Waljat College of Applied Sciences and it was during his time there that his DJ career took off. “There was a lot of free time during my time in college,” he says with a smile. Slowly transforming into DJ Pulse, Prableen started playing Hindi songs at Bollywood Nights, an event he still organises every month.

“Back then it was only in the ballroom of Grand Hyatt Muscat and Mumtaz Mahal restaurant,” he says.

“I have to be honest; when I started DJing, I never really fancied Bollywood songs. I was more into commercial house and electro pop music. “But I noticed that there was a strong market for Bollywood music in Oman and nobody was catering to it. It was an absolute dead scene.”By now, Prableen was almost exclusively operating as DJ Pulse. He further ventured into radio, where he enthralled his audiences with Bollywood-trance mixes.

However, while he was doing this, he also started working as a sales and marketing executive at a leading bank in Oman.In his five years of juggling work and music, he says he never once felt that he had to slow down. In 2012, DJ Pulse collaborated with two videographers and photographers to shoot an exclusive music video to help promote tourism in Oman. His video was well received, with more than 11,000 views.“Being in Oman for almost 25 years, I cannot help but think of myself as an Omani,” he chuckles. “I love Oman and I will do everything I can to let the world know about our beautiful country,” he says. An only child, Prableen’s father came to Oman in 1986 and runs his own construction company while his mother works at the Ministry of Health. “I believe all my success comes thanks to the blessings from my parents. Without their support, I really couldn’t have achieved so much fame.”

Have you got a unique story to tell or do you know someone who has? Contact us to have coffee with Y and be featured in Y Magazine. Email: editor@y-oman.com

DJ Pulse has come a long way since his first high school gig, but

insists that his success has not changed him. Alvin Thomas reports

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INTOLERABLE CRIMEDear Editor,

The story about dognapping made for shocking reading (Issue 419). I wonder how someone could do that, and it’s so hard to credit the motives behind such a crime.

There is nothing strange in people committing crimes for money but for youngsters to steal people’s pets for amusement beggars belief.

It could be a dog or a cat but any pet deserves a place that gives them comfort with their proud owners.

Since most people love their pets like they are a family member, one can only imagine the suffering owners must endure when their pets disappear. It is obvious that recovery from such an ordeal for anyone takes some time.

The trend doesn’t

appear to be stopping any time soon so the question is: who can put a stop to it?

Best regards, Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

The tip-off came in a telephone call giving details

of a possible address at a location in Muscat

where he was being held captive. After five weeks,

it was the break that Diane Read had been

desperately hoping for.

After calling the police, she set off to Azaiba with two

male friends to get back what had been stolen from her

home five weeks before – her three-year-old husky dog, Oz.

After weeks of searching for him, the trail had finally led

to a villa in the less than salubrious surroundings of a

rundown area close to the beach.

“When we got there, I knocked on the door but the men

who answered said they didn’t have a dog there,” says Di.

“I called the police and basically staked the place out.

We parked the car outside and just sat there patiently for 90

minutes waiting for the police, who never came.

“They people in the villa locked the gates. The police

never showed up. And then a woman came out and asked

what dog I was looking for. I showed her a photo of Oz on

my phone and then she showed me a photo of Oz that she

had on her phone.

“She took me to an outroom in the garden, it was

basically a shed. It was padlocked and when the door

opened, the smell just hit you.

“Oz was in there tied up. The floor was covered in dog

waste and the smell was overpowering. There were no

windows and no air con.

“There were two other smaller dogs loose in the room.

“Oz started crying when he saw me and I was crying; I

just wanted to get him out of there. He was filthy dirty, thin

and hungry.”Piecing together the story, Diane discovered that the two

men who had stolen Oz from the garden of her home had

abandoned him shortly after in Mabela. Oz is a well-known

dog in the local community as Diane takes him on desert

trips and adventures, and perhaps his kidnappers got cold

feet when they realised he was “famous”. More likely they

discovered that the dog was castrated and of no use to them

for breeding.Whatever the reason, Oz was out on the streets, alone

and 56km from home. He spent the new few weeks trying

to make his way back and miraculously got close. Diane

believes he was near the beach in Azaiba, when he was

taken to the villa and kept locked up for four days in the

filthy room.No one knows what the people who had him were

planning to do with him.

Diane paid the RO250 reward that she had put up for his

safe return to the other local men who had made the tip-off

call.Several weeks on and Oz is fully recovered physically from

his ordeal.His case became something of a cause célèbre, capturing

attention from around the world as a social media campaign

to find him went viral.

“I had people gunning for him from the States to

Australia and the UK,” says Diane, who got Oz as a

14-week-old rescue puppy.

“People just really got behind him and were following his

story. The way it took off was just incredible. When we went

out on searches to look for Oz, complete strangers would

join in, saying they had read about him.

“The kindness was overwhelming and I’m incredibly

grateful for that.”

What the tale of Oz also did was shine the light on the

sinister trade of dognapping, the crime of taking a dog from

its owner with the intention of exploiting the dog. In some

cases, ransoms are demanded for the safe return of the pet.

The dogs are often stolen to order or used to breed, a

lucrative trade that can pull in thousands of rials for each

litter. Pedigree dogs, in particular German shepherds and

Siberian huskies, are the most prized. A single German

shepherd puppy can fetch upwards of RO550. Other breeds

such as mastiffs and pitbulls are valued for fighting.

Cats are also stolen, mostly Persians, with the hope

M AY 0 5 - 1 1 / I S S U E 4 1 9020

DOG

-NAP

PED A new crime is on the rise

in Muscat with cases of

pedigree animals stolen to

sell on or breed. Kate Ginn

investigates

More often than not,

it’s been stolen for

money. They steal

whatever items they

can and to them, a

dog is an item not a

pet. It is something

to be sold online

M AY 0 5 - 1 1 / I S S U E 4 1 9 02 1

of breeding.So big are the rewards that dognapping is now

becoming an organised crime in some countries

with gangs turning huge profits.

It’s already a phenomenon in Dubai, where

the problem has become so bad that owners are

installing CCTV cameras in a bid to protect their

beloved pets as animal charities say a theft is

happening almost weekly. Now it seems to have

spread across the border to Oman.

“This is a huge problem that people don’t

realise,” says Diane Read. “I know of three people

who had their dog taken from their residences and

inside their garden. One was a quite old Jack

Russell and they never got it back.

MISSING

MISSINGFOUND

OzRuby

Alfred

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 8

THE VOICE OF OMAN KARIMA FARID ON THE JOY OF BECOMING A MUM AGAIN

NEXT WEEK: ALVIN THOMAS

Upon her arrival, so many emotions rushed in and everything else stood still. For a brief

moment when they gave her to me, I thought I was holding Mimi (my first daughter) so when I was asked: “What did you name her?”,I looked at the midwife blankly and said: “This is Maryam.” She responded: “What a beautiful name.” After a few seconds, everything – all the memories – rushed back in and Mimi’s smile took over my groggy world. But then I realised I was reliving that moment three years ago when I had given birth to Mimi and that this was now a new baby: Maryam’s little sister – Baby Reem; welcome to our world.

Every single day since finding out I was pregnant I wondered the same thing: will I love this new baby like I love my Mimi? I secretly decided it was impossible, simply because Mimi was my world and no other human would take her place. But guess what? I was completely wrong and instead it feels like I grew one more heart for Reem. The love I have for her is different but equal and is exactly how I feel for Mimi. I wonder if other mums can relate to this.

Now with the grace of God, my hubby and I are officially parents of two: a toddler and a newborn, three years apart. As overwhelming as it sounds, I’m assured by my amazing circle (of family and friends) that I can manage, so let’s see how it goes!

correspondence

DEBATE OF THE WEEK

WE ASKED: “With the intense heat of summer well and truly here, do you think the weather affects our moods?”

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE It’s a well-known fact that the weather affects our mood, and numerous research findings corroborate that. The psychologist Jaap Denissen has found that the weather’s daily influence has more of an impact on a person’s negative mood rather than helping one’s

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positive mood. Higher temperatures appear to be beneficial for a person with a low mood while factors such as wind or insufficient amounts of sun made a dejected person feel even worse. According to another study by the psychologist Kevin J Connolly, men responded to unexpected weather by simply changing their plans while women didn’t seem as likely to modify their activities. However, most Omanis and people from the GCC countries are used to extremely hot weather and understand the importance of keeping well-hydrated. People who are less accustomed to very hot weather may find it more of a struggle.

Therefore, weather seems to have a real and measurable impact on many people’s moods but is dependent upon many factors. In the end, it is our own choice if we let the weather affect our mood for the day.

PRACHI SHARMA Obviously, our mood depends on the weather. Hot weather can make us feel irritable and

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

control ourselves. We have to adapt to beat the heat and keep our mood under control.

SHEILA DSOUZA Global warming is bringing about rises in temperatures all over the world and this factor must have a direct effect on humans. Mood swings can affect some individuals in situations in which one should try and stay calm and relaxed.

ANTHONY CARLTON Hot weather can be a factor in the deterioration of our moods but it pales in comparison to other factors such as work pressure, family problems etc. Warmer weather doesn’t affect my outlook. Actually, it has a positive impact on most people who would be less inclined to be cheerful during periods of rainy or colder weather.

USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI It has been proven through numerous pieces of research that high temperatures during summer can have a psychological effect on people. It is certainly true, with Mercury rising to 48°C here in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Sweating, dehydration and skin surface warmth can cause mood swings and irritation. However, we should be aware of this and try to keep our bodies and minds healthy at this time.

SYED BOKHARI Hot weather can make our lives miserable and limits our daily engagements and outdoor activities as a result. This may have an adverse effect on our moods so we must recognise this and manage our lives, and ourselves, accordingly.

RODNEY WOODS Without a doubt, hot weather can make us uncomfortable and irritable and can also lead to dehydration. There may also be issues with concentration due to our sleep patterns becoming altered. We can’t control the weather but we can control the way we react. Using simple solutions like drinking more water, minimising outdoor activities and relaxing more will go a long way in making it more tolerable.

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AYESHA SIDDIQA Yes. It really affects our moods. Coming back home walking from school seems to be like walking in a desert with no oasis.

MOHAN ANANDAN No doubt, summer does bring its own miseries but then that is Mother Nature for you – and the phenomenon is beyond your control! It is a well-known fact that changes in seasons do cause mood swings in both humans and animals. Productivity and creativity also tend to decrease. That is because the in-built defensive mechanism is at work. The worst affected are people working outside, especially on construction sites and roads. Authorities should continue to support them by pacing out their work and allowing them extra rest time. After all, summer constitutes an important element of the season, so let us fine tune our moods to marvel at it!

uncomfortable. But we should be making efforts to keep ourselves cool and healthy by drinking more liquids than usual.

NISHANT BHATNAGAR The intense heat of summer takes most of our energies coping with perspiration, heat, itching and irritation. This makes it difficult to focus on more important things. Basically, when the heat is uncomfortable, we’re uncomfortable and as a result, we can become irritable. On top of that, though, heat can affect us in a variety of ways that only serve to exacerbate our irritation. If we live somewhere with prolonged periods of high temperatures the heat might not bother us as much because we have become acclimatised to it. But people from other countries with less hot climates may struggle a little.

MARIANNA PEREIRA Higher temperatures can affect our minds and behaviour, and can create discomfort. Hot weather can also make us act aggressively and result in negativity all round. Heat affects us biologically, socially, physiologically and psychologically..

SUSANNA DSOUZA The temperature affects us in many ways. We end up having to curb our outside activities and can’t chill out as we would like to. But, as the saying goes, there is a solution to every problem. We can adjust to the heat by keeping ourselves well-hydrated throughout the day. I genuinely feel that the climate affects our mood and, due to the recent rise in temperature, we go through mood swings.

WAFAA EL ANANY I don’t think hot weather affects my mood as much as it does my motivation; a cool, sunny day is such a motivator for me. I can get a lot done without getting too hot or cold. When it’s gloomy and rainy I just want to lay around. I love storms though so I’m still in a good mood but just not motivated to do anything.

JASON FELIX NORONHA Mood swings depend a lot on the personality of the individual. If you are prone to quick displays of temper then anything trivial, even slight changes in weather, can alter your mood. On the other hand, one can work around the heat, keep yourself hydrated and manage work during the cooler parts of the day. Yes, extreme heat can cause fatigue but the weather is not something you can control. However, you can control your emotions so stay cool, calm and collected, and don’t let the heat get to you.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT By all means, the weather has a strong impact on our mood, and hot weather can lead to irritability. However if we are aware of this then it should become easy for us to

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 1 0

N E W SYOUR OMAN

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w

The Indian ambassador to Oman this week pledged to offer more help to workers following the suicide of four Indian expatriates in 10 days.

Part of this will include improving outreach programmes in Muscat and the Interiors to reach workers.

In the past, the cause of suicides among Indian expatriates has been loneliness, debt, pressure in the workplace, family issues and depression.

“We will step up our current efforts, like reaching out to the community using all means, visiting workers’ camps and holding community meetings. Our door is always open to extend help to the needy,” Indian Ambassador Indra Mani Paney was quoted by a local newspaper in Muscat.

Regular visits are being made to workers’ camps in Muscat and further afield to reach those who may be suffering in silence.

In 2011, 25 Indian expatriates, including two women, committed suicide in Oman over a six-month period up to June 30, revealed the Indian Embassy’s community welfare department.

Since 2013, 123 Indians have taken their own lives in Oman, according to V K Singh, Minister of State of Overseas Indian Affairs. The highest number of suicides (541) happened in the UAE.

On average, five Indians had reportedly committed suicide every month in Oman in 2013, but the number came down to three in 2014, official data has revealed.

The latest suicides included a worker for a cleaning company in Al Hail. The man, who has been named as Rejimon Bhaskaran from the south Indian state of Kerala, was found dead in his apartment last Friday (May 13). He was unmarried and had been working in Oman for nine years.

“He didn’t turn up for duty on Sunday. When we went to his accommodation, we found him dead hanging in the room,” a close friend told a local newspaper.

On the same day, an Indian woman from Mumbai was found dead hanging in her apartment in Al Khuwair. On May 8, a worker at a bakery in Khabourah in the Al Batinah region was also reportedly found hanging from a tree near his workplace.

The fourth victim, a cleaner, was discovered hanged in his accommodation in Nizwa.

Experts believe the deaths could mark anther cycle of “copycat” suicides in Oman.

“Some four years ago, every six days one Indian used to commit suicide in Oman. I am afraid that kind of situation is returning,” said Rita Samuel, an Indian social worker in Oman for 19 years.

Speaking to a local newspaper, she added: “I have decided to visit workers to lend whatever possible help I can from today.”

In case you hadn’t realised already, the long climb to summer is well under way.

Brace yourself, though, because things are about to hot up with temperatures set to cross 40ºC on a regular basis.

Last week, Muscat saw the mercury hit 45ºC. Some weather experts were predicting a scorching heatwave to sweep across Oman this week, lasting until Saturday (May 21).

In March, meteorologists warned Oman could expect a hotter summer than last year, starting from May.

Last summer saw the country sweltering in 40-plus temperatures in May and June, brought on by a burning swathe of heat that spread from central Pakistan into India and then across the Arabian Sea to Oman and the

THE HEAT IS ON

INDIAN EMBASSY TO ACT AFTER SUICIDES

T he Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) has

announced that visits, camping and all marine sports at the Daymaniyat Islands have been banned until the end of October due to the start of the breeding season for protected birds and turtles.

The series of nine islands north of Muscat are a favourite destination for daytrippers and divers alike, who are drawn to the turquoise waters teeming with marine life, impeccable coral reefs and white sandy beaches.

The islands also come under the protection of Unesco as a safe haven for migratory sea eagles and osprey, and Hawksbill and green turtles, which return to nest every year.

MECA announced the visitor ban earlier this week.

“From May 1 until Ocober end, no visitor will be allowed in Al Daymaniyat natural reserve, as it is the nesting season for birds and turtles,” it said in a statement.

Only two islands, Al Jabal Al Kabeer and Al Joon, will be open for tourists throughout the year.

More than 7,000 people visited the islands last year, according to Sulaiman al Akhazami, the director general of nature conservation at MECA.

DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS OFF LIMITS

UAE. The highest daytime temperature in the world was recorded at Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, with 50.5ºC.

It won’t be getting quite as bad as that in Oman, but we can expect temperatures hovering around the mid-40s.

“There will be a strengthening high aloft over Saudi Arabia, causing the heat to build,” said Jason Nicholls, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather.

“I can see a spell of hot weather from Tuesday through to Saturday. The heat should be back to more typical levels on Sunday.”

Rather ominously, the signs are that we could be in for a repeat of last year’s searing summer. Southeast Asia and India are currently in the grip of a brutal heatwave, which is shattering records and has been blamed for more than 300 deaths and counting.

Thailand has set a record for the longest heatwave in at least 65 years, recording 44ºC.

If that wave of heat makes its way to Oman, we can expect another long, hot summer.

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

G A L L E R Y

CATW

ALK K

IDS

THE TALENTED STUDENTS FROM BRITISH SCHOOL MUSCAT (BSM) RECENTLY SHOWCASED THEIR FUNKY AND FUN DESIGNS AT THE BSM FASHION SHOW & AUCTION, SUPPORTED BY THE ZUBAIR CORPORATION, THE SHOW FEATURED A VARIETY OF LOOKS DESIGNED BY STUDENTS, WHO COULD ONLY USE RECYCLED MATERIALS. MEANWHILE, BSM’S PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ALSO GOT TO STRUT THEIR STUFF ON THE CATWALK AS THEY SHOWED OFF THEIR COLOURFUL T-SHIRT DESIGNS.

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 1 2

YOUR OMAN

What’s this about then?It’s seems that Finland’s obsession with saunas and spas has been taken to a whole new level.Really? How?Thanks to fast-food chain Burger King, people living in Helsinki, the capital, can now indulge in their favourite Whopper and sweat out their toxins at the same time. That doesn’t sound very appealing!We think you are right there, but apparently the Finns love the idea and can even order deliveries while sweating it out in the 15-seater sauna as they watch TV or compete against their friends on a PlayStation 4. Isn’t that better known as a man cave?Good point, but with one sauna available for every three people in Finland, we can only assume women will be flocking to Burger King, too.How much does it cost?Slightly more than a burger and fries. Converted, it costs about RO110 for a three-hour session, but that includes 14 of your friends. Don’t say: “I’ve dropped my fries.” Do say: “I’ll have a Whopper and a spa on the side.”

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SPA TO GO

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

Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, has arrived in the UK port of Southampton. At 361 metres long and 70m high, the ship took two-and-a-half years to build, features 20 restaurants and 23 swimming pools, and can carry nearly 7,000 passengers

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

Scientists are warning of a global climate emergency after recent figures released by Nasa revealed that last month was the hottest April on record around the world

At least 31 police recruits were killed and more than 60 people injured in the southern Yemen port city of Mukalla in an attack claimed by the Islamic State

A 23-year-old woman was rushed to hospital in Boca Raton, Florida, with a two-foot nurse shark still attached to her arm. The woman was reported to be in a stable condition, however, the shark died while it was still attached to her arm

Commemorating its fifth anniversary, the Royal Opera House (ROHM) is lining up a host of exciting performances over the course of the year.

Titled “Excellence in Diversity”, the ROHM’s 2016-2017 season will feature a range of performances from various international and local production houses.

Entering its sixth year of operations in the Sultanate, operas by prestigious companies from six countries – Monaco, Germany, France, Russia, Italy and Belgium – will be staged.

The new season will commence on September 29 with the poetic opera Romeo et Juliette by French composer Charles Gounod and performed by Opera de Monte-Carlo. Additionally, operas such as Lohengrin (Wagner’s great romantic epic), Don Giovanni, Eugene Onegin, The Italian Girl in Algiers and Les Pêcheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers) will also be staged.

Two classic ballets, Anna Karenina and Giselle, will also

be performed by the Eifman St. Petersburg Ballet and American Ballet Theatre respectively.

World-renowned tenor Placido Domingo will also grace the ROHM this year. He will be orchestrating a gala concert and also conducting the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) on a separate nights.

This year, the ROHM will also open its doors to the public to join in the festivities with concerts, exhibitions, interactive events and pop-up features, including a new “Coffee & Dates with Artists” series, where audiences will be invited to have informal meetings with their favourite artists.

In an exclusive interview with Merge 104.8’s Chris Fisher, His

Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahad al Said, a member of the board of directors of the ROHM, said: “The ticket prices in Tier 1 and Tier 2 will be reduced.

“We want all tiers to be accessible by the general public and it was a joint decision by the board to reduce the cost to help bring in more patrons to the ROHM events.”

Umberto Fanni, the director general of the ROHM also told Chris Fisher: “It is important to remind everyone that from September 2016 through the end of February 2017, all events will start at 7pm, and from March through the end of May 2017, all events will start at 7.30pm.”

Updates and additional performances will be announced throughout the year via local media and the ROHM’s website.

ROHM KICKS OFF NEW SEASON

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

Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

Welcome to Y’s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home

Name: Bader al Ghailani Age: 34From: MuscatOccupation: Deputy head nurse of an intensive care unitwith 13 years of work experience.

acesfOmanof

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G A L L E R YYOUR OMAN

BOWL

ED OV

ER

THE CRICKET COMMITTEE FROM THE RAS AL HAMRA RECREATION CENTER RECENTLY HONOURED THE OMAN NATIONAL CRICKET TEAM BY HOSTING A SPECIAL DINNER FOR THEM AT THE ROYAL CHINA RESTAURANT IN QURUM. THE TEAM MADE SPORTING HISTORY EARLIER THIS YEAR BY QUALIFYING FOR THE WORLD T20 TOURNAMENT IN INDIA, MARKING THE FIRST TIME OMAN HAS COMPETED ON ONE OF CRICKET’S BIGGEST STAGES.

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

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

With a degree in architecture from the Higher College of Technology in Muscat, Marwan al Busafi is the creative designer and co-founder of Busafi Design. He aims to make his company an innovator in the fields of film design, art and architecture. The 25 year old also hopes to establish the Sultanate as a player in the film industry

THE GENESIS IS A GREAT LUXURY CAR, WITH A FIT

AND FINISH THAT RADIATES SHEER OPULENCE. IT

ALSO HAS THE EASE OF DRIVING THAT COMES

FROM THE TECHNOLOGY UNDER THE HOOD

DRIVEN TOSUCCESS

Q: What drives you to success?As an architect, I aim to be creative. While

growing up, it was also my passion to create things. Moreover, I took part in a lot of competitions and that, I believe, is what has set the tone for me.

other people. I believe that anything is possible. As you know, Oman lacks a proper institution that specialises in teaching film and acting. My goal would be to start an academy that would focus on teaching Omanis, as well as Arabs from other nationalities. There are lots of challenges in attaining that, but creativity is the solution to everything.

Q: What do you like about the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company?The Genesis is a great luxury car, with a fit and finish that radiates sheer opulence. It also has the ease of driving that comes from the technology under the hood. The performance is thrilling for any car enthusiast. It also looks great and is really stylish. All in all, it is a fantastic and safeicar that my family and I can feel confident about.

Q: Who or what has been your inspiration?

I have taken inspiration from creative people such as (the late) Steve Jobs and Bill Gates in the world of technology, and Steven Spielberg and James Cameron from the world of films. I like how their work has helped to change the world and the way things operate.

Q: What is your biggest career success to date?

There have been a few. The first was when I went to participate in the 2012 Gulf Film Festival with my short film Shadow of Freedom. Everyone on the jury loved our idea because it was shot using one camera, and with my brother, Taha, and me as the actors, directors and editors. The story was portrayed by our shadows, using special lighting effects.

Q: What are your career goals?One of my goals is to make at least one

feature film and one short film that will be recognised internationally. I also hope to win an Oscar. I will strive to achieve that.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

One of the reasons I am working in a creative business is to inspire and influence

M AY 0 5 - 1 1 / I S S U E 4 1 90 1 6

strongest earthquakes in history

Valdivia, ChileMagnitude: 9.5Deaths: 1,665Date: May 22, 1960

❶❷ Great Alaskan earthquake

Magnitude: 9.2Deaths: 141Date: March 27, 1964

Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunamiMagnitude: 9.1Deaths: 227,898Date: December 26, 2004

❸

Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, JapanMagnitude: 9.0Deaths: 15,870Date: March 11, 2011

❹Kamchatka earthquakes, Russia Magnitude: 9.0Deaths: 10,000 (estimated)Date: November 4, 1952

❺

Maule, offshore, ChileMagnitude: 8.8Deaths: 525Date: February 27, 2010

❻

Ecuador-Colombia Magnitude: 8.8Deaths: 1,500Date: January 31, 1906

❼

Rat Islands, Alaska

Magnitude: 8.7

Deaths: 0Date:

February 4, 1965

❽

Northern Sumatra, Indonesia Magnitude: 8.6Deaths: 1,300Date: March 28, 2005

❾

Assam-TibetMagnitude: 8.6Deaths: 780Date: August 15, 1950

❿

(Source: w

onderlist.com

)

Are there any kids around who haven’t downloaded the Angry Birds app? This colourful, entertaining and energetic movie is based on the amusing game franchise, which is the most popular in mobile phone history. Red (Jason Sudeikis) is a bird with a bad temper who ends up being sent to anger management classes. Chuck (Josh Gad) is highly impulsive and Bomb (Danny McBride) literally explodes whenever he gets upset. Both join Red as he works through his issues when a greater problem rolls in to disrupt their idyllic

Bird Island – the piggies. While the swinish visitors seem like a nice lot by giving out gifts to all and sundry, their mission is to make off with the birds’ eggs. When it’s mission accomplished, Red has to lead the charge to get them back. By incorporating some of the gaming elements of the app, such as the catapult challenges, it’s a quick, hilarious, and fresh piece of animated folly for younger children. Review by Nikita Lobo

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 1 0 1 7

Bollywatch

The Trust

Stone (Nicolas Cage) and Waters (Elijah Wood) are two cops who are finding their desk jobs at the Las Vegas Police Department a tad on the dull side. However, the ennui of the evidence room throws up something

The Angry Birds Movie

MOVIES MOVIES

intensely unusual, which sets the duo on the road to something infinitely more exciting and dangerous. Directors the Brewer brothers deliver a stylish and well-crafted heist thriller with superb acting from the two leads.

The Perfect Match

Charlie (Terrence Jenkins) is a “player” who doesn’t believe in love and is convinced that all relationships are dead. When he meets the beautiful and mysterious Eva (Cassie Ventura), they agree to see each other but soon Charlie wants more. It’s a rom-com but lacks emotional interplay between the two leads and also comes up a little short in the laughter stakes.

AZHAR If you’re a cricket fan, this is a must-see. However, it certainly doesn’t skimp on a warts-and all window on the world of bat on willow. Emraan Hashmi plays Mohammad Azharuddin, India’s most controversial cricket captain, who admitted throwing matches for money and received a lifetime ban. Although the film makes a decent stab at portraying his chequered life and career, it almost feels as if its purpose is to exonerate Azharuddin for his actions, or at the very least show him as a man who simply lost the plot both on the pitch and off. However, the film gets away with it, thanks to Hashmi’s superb performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO:

City Cinema: citycinemaoman.netAl Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net

VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.comStar Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

BAD NEIGHBOURS 2

– SORORITY RISING

As a sequel to Bad Neighbours, this comedy revolves around the beleaguered Radners and a sorority living next door, which turns out to be even more of a disaster than the fraternity that preceded it. When things inevitably get out of hand. Mac Radner (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) are forced to seek help and team up with their former enemy and troublesome neighbour Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron).PR

EVIE

Wstrongest earthquakes in history

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN,just answer a question based on the week’s

cinema reviews and send your answer to

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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

FOUR CITY CINEMA TICKETS

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Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONWho plays Stone in The Trust?

LAST WEEK'S WINNERIndumathi Anand

Northern Sumatra, Indonesia Magnitude: 8.6Deaths: 1,300Date: March 28, 2005

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 1 8

THIS WEEKM A Y - J U N E

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE.

WHAT TO HEAR.

T H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E

Escape the city and head to the beach with old and new friends for this InterNations Muscat weekend break. Enjoy a relaxing time at the Millennium Resort Mussanah, sunbathing, swimming and hanging out around the pool. It costs RO24.50 for Basic Members and RO19.50 for Albatross Members. Price includes sharing a double or twin room (there’s a RO19.50 surcharge for a single room), dinner and breakfast, a Happy Hour discount and pool party. This is a prepaid event. The last day for booking is June 1. Check out internations.org for details.

Catch Badshah, Bollywood’s No.1 superstar rapper live in Muscat for one night only. Badshah, who is known for his Hindi, Punjabi, Haryanvi and English songs, will perform many of his favourite tracks, including DJ Waley Babu and Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai. Joining him on stage will be Aastha Gill, an Indian playback singer from Delhi. The venue is Qurum Amphitheater. The concert starts at 7pm. Tickets, priced at RO10 for Gold, RO15 for VIP and RO20 for VVIP, are available at LuLu Darsait and LuLu Bawshar. For more information, contact 9658 4858/9550 8620.

ALL IN THE MINDBolly Rapper

Want to achieve more results in your business or improve your own personal and professional success? This could be one event for you. NLP For Business is all about harnessing the full power of the mind. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) involves communication, personal development and psychotherapy, and can help business by reducing stress and conflict, improving customer relationships and staff productivity. Carol Talbot, an accredited NLP Trainer and author, will be leading the event in Muscat. To register or for more information, email contactus@manviconcepts.com

WEEKEND GETAWAY

26May

25MAY

03-04JUN

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

Learn how to compose photographs for the perfect shot with acclaimed Omani photographer Ahmed al Shukaili. The Composition Workshop will focus on improving visual interest and refining the photographic vision. Photographers of any level are welcome to join and no equipment is required. Age group is 15+ and the minimum group size is five and the maximum, 10. In English and Arabic. The cost is RO25 per person. From 6pm-8pm at MuscArt in Al Ghubrah. For details, visit muscart.net. To find out more about Ahmed al Shukaili, go to ahmedshukaili.com

25MAYIN THE FRAME

G a l l e r y M o v i e s

Bolly Rapper

The Women’s Guild in Oman’s End of Year Lunch will host a very special guest speaker, Mark Evans. Mark is a British explorer based in Oman and was part of a team that crossed the Empty Quarter desert on foot and by camel. Tickets for the event at Trader Vic’s in the InterContinental Muscat Hotel are priced at RO18 for non-members and RO16 for members. The price includes a three-course lunch and beverages. Tickets are available at the WGO’s Wednesday coffee mornings or by contacting Martina on 9944 5201. Check out womensguildoman.com for more details.

DESERT MAN

The Australian Business Group Oman (ABGO) presents another in “The Drum” series of seminars. This one features a panel discussion on “Doing Business with Iran”. It will be followed by a business lunch in the Tuscany restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel, the venue for the event. Among the speakers will be Gerard Seeber, Australian Trade Commissioner MENA – Austrade Dubai and Oliver Stevens, legal director and head of Addleshaw Goddard’s Oman corporate practice. The event is open to ABGO members only and is complimentary. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To book a spot, email admin@abgoman.com by May 22.

DRUMMING UP BUSINESS

31MAY

It’s a subject that touches everyone in Muscat and beyond. So find out why water is so important in Oman and ways to conserve it at the Oman Energy & Water Exhibition & Conference. To be held at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb, Muscat. Exhibition hours are 10am-7pm. Discover what it’s all about at energyandwateroman.com

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE

23 - 25MAY

May24

THE GREAT

The two-year visa ban has left many confused about their rights as employees – and if they qualify for that all-important No Objection Certificate. Team Y reports

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 2 0

DEBATE

THE GREAT Not so long ago, Adham Malik* was working as a product consultant in the credit-card section of an international financial institution in Oman.

Adham, who was born in Islamabad, Pakistan, had high hopes for his future when he moved to Oman in 2013 with his family. However, skilled jobs were hard to come by, so the 24 year old registered with a manpower company that outsources skilled workers to various international and local companies within the Sultanate.

“In less than a week, I was called by this multinational financial corporation,” says Adham. “I was interviewed for the position of product consultant and I passed with flying colours.”

At the time, Adham was considered an outsourced employee – a person who is issued a work visa via the manpower company, even though he worked for the financial institution.

“Joining the manpower company seemed like a good option at that time, as it gave me an opportunity to be exposed to various international companies operating from Oman,” he says.

Adham says that he enjoyed his new job and it didn’t take him long to settle down. A quick learner, he was named as one of the company’s most productive employees in the Middle East and North Africa region and regularly exceeded his monthly targets.

By now, Adham was also dealing with high-profile clients and there was talk that he could be promoted.

“Because of my outgoing character and superior client management skills, I was handling a lot of the company’s leading clients, ranging from healthcare to retail,” he says.

Fast-forward two years and Adham received a disturbing call from a superior regarding a case involving one of the company’s clients.

“I remember that my boss sounded very cold over the phone – almost like I had

done something wrong,” he says.It turns out that a client, a Muscat-based

firm, had contacted the company regarding transaction issues. The case was quickly traced back to Adham, who had finalised the paperwork.

Meanwhile, a formal investigation into the client’s details revealed a case of forgery – and it seemed that Adham was going to be blamed, with his superiors asserting that he was working in tandem with the client to commit forgery.

“I was made the culprit,” says Adham.Despite protesting his innocence and saying

he had documented proof that he was not responsible for the forgery, Adham was asked to resign, which he refused to do.

“I was not going to resign,” he says. “I worked so hard for the company; putting in extra hours and efforts to achieve targets.

“It just didn’t seem fair,” he says. “I was never questioned by the police and I wanted to go to court to clear my name.”

A few days later, he walked into his office building and swiped his company ID card into the security system but was denied access. His access card had been deactivated.

Adham, who says he was distraught, requested a meeting with the country manager to explain his innocence. However, the country manager declined to meet with him.

“Imagine coming into the office, to colleagues who see you as family and getting locked out.

“It was humiliating and disappointing. Needless to say, I was upset. I wasn’t even allowed to speak with anyone from the management.”

Adham says the company threatened to go to the police if he tried to

contact them again. Knowing he had to find another job quickly, Adham contacted his manpower company and asked them to intervene. But because of its longstanding relations with the financial institution, the company also let go of Adham.

“I begged the company to source me to another company. Pay wasn’t an issue to me.

“All I ever wanted was to be close to my family,” he says.

As it turned out, his company wouldn’t give him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) either.

Adham was forced to leave his father, mother and siblings behind in Oman and head back to Pakistan.

While there, he tried to re-enter the Sultanate on a visit visa, however, he says this was rejected by the Royal Oman Police’s (ROP) Directorate General of Passport & Residence after discovering that he was denied an NOC.

“I’m not sure why I was banned from entering the country again. When I left, the manpower company assured me that I could make short visits to Oman.

“That’s what kept me sane during my ordeal,” he says.

The recent tightening of the two-year visa ban for expats has left many

confused about their rights as employees and

whether or not they qualify for an

NOC. Adham’s story is a good

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

There is still a gap between what the market and employers need and what is available locally

And this will continue as Oman continues to try to diversify, which

will need more skills and experience in fields they currently don’t have

DEBATE

example of this.Tonia Gray, the general manager of

Muscat-based recruitment services company Competence HR, agrees that there has been a great deal of confusion surrounding the two-year expat ban and the NOC issue.

“We are finding that you can go to different people and they will tell you different things,” says Tonia.

“The rules are not clear. But the rules as we understand it, is that if you are working here and wish to go to another company, then you need to get an NOC and your company to release your visa.”

However, earlier in the year Brigadier Hilal al Busaidi, the Director General of Passport & Residences, issued a statement on the ROP website in an effort to clear up the confusion surrounding NOCs.

In the statement, he says: “Article 11 of the Residency Law still remains as it is and it states that a work visa will not be issued to the expatriate who has previously worked in the Sultanate for two years after the date of departure.”

This comes at a time when a number of companies in the Sultanate are shedding staff following the dramatic slump in the oil price that has hit the economies of all GCC member states, including Oman.

Samuel*, 32, was recently fired after his company took austerity measures to cope with the recent oil slump. But he says that he was issued an NOC by his company.

“I lost my job early in January,” he says. “Luckily, I can enter the country at my will and also look for jobs,” he says, adding that he is currently in Muscat on a visit visa, which was sponsored by his wife who is a nurse at a private hospital.

Samuel is one of the lucky few to be offered an NOC after being fired, even though he has yet to find another job.

However, Tonia says that the two-year ban for employees unable to get an NOC from their employer, as well as the green light to transfer their visa to another firm, has the potential to ruin careers.

If a company is not developing or training their staff to help them move up the career ladder, then it’s understandable people want to switch jobs, she adds.

“They are suppressing the potential of their expats to develop and grow in the companies they are in … or perhaps moving to another company.

“The amount of people I know who are going to other Gulf states as they are getting better opportunities than here is a shame.”

But if you look at the bigger picture, Tonia says this issue also has the potential to harm the economy as the country moves away from its heavy dependence on the petrodollar.

“There is still a gap between what the market and employers need and what is available locally,” she says.

“And this will continue as Oman continues to try to diversify, which will need more skills and experience in fields they currently don’t have.

“It will limit that diversification, limit growth and the economy.”

Earlier this year, Mohammed Hassan al Ansi, a senior official at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) was

quoted by local media as saying: “The new move will affect the market. Already it is struggling due to the oil price dip. Due to the new move, the market will be affected.

“We have tried to resolve the issue with the Government and the police. However, nothing has happened.”

An engineer from a contracting company in Muscat, who did not want to be identified, says he has been lobbying to leave his contracting company because he isn’t receiving proper training.

“I feel like my life here is stagnant,” he says.“I joined them [contracting company] in

2014, however, I was immediately assisting staff with works around Oman. I was not given any training or assistance.”

When he raised the issue with the management, he says that he was given the option to resign without an NOC, or stay with the current system.

Meanwhile, the general manager of an automotive showroom in Oman, who also did not want to be identified, says one of the reasons companies don’t issue NOCs is because it is harder for them to replace skilled workers with another expatriate workers.

“It is harder for companies to get clearances for visas, especially with the onset of Omanisation,” he says.

“My company believes in Omanisation. However, that means we have to keep our existing workforce with us for a longer period of time.

“The longer our workforce stays with us, the lesser hassles we have to face when it comes to lobbying for new visas.”

Simon Ward, a partner at law firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle who specialises in employment law in the Sultanate, states: “Ordinarily, if an employer grants an NOC, it will lose its clearance for that position.

“There is some uncertainty how this is applied in every case, and whether the clearance is always lost. However, granting an NOC carries with it this risk.”.

Tonia believes that there should be a system that prevents employees from jumping jobs every few months.

“I think it is vital that there is a system in place to stop people from jumping around, but if they have worked their two years and completed that they should be allowed to move,” she says.

“It is a problem and restricts an employee’s ability to move and share their skills.”

While Adham Malik faced a two-year ban,

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 2 2

Q: Is an employer legally required to provide a no-objection certificate (NOC) afterthe end of a contract term, such as two years?

A: No, there is no such requirement.

Q: If the employee is not provided with an NOC, can he/she challenge it? If so, can he/she take the employer to court? Is this a difficult/costly process that they risk not winning?

A: No, an employer cannot be compelled to provide an NOC under the law. In ordinary circumstances, any complaint to the courts would almost certainly fail.

Q: Is an employer legally bound to provide an NOC if they let go of an employee due to budget cuts?

A: No, there is no legal requirement to do so. We are not aware of any case where the court, when considering a claim against termination due to redundancy, has ordered that an NOC be granted.

Q & A with Simon Ward - Partner at law firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost

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

his story does have a happy ending.He says he made daily phone calls to the manpower company in Muscat, requesting that they

provide him with an NOC.His persistence paid off and five months later, he he received a message saying that he would

receive his NOC on the condition that he never contact the financial institution. Today, Adham is living with his parents, siblings, wife and two children in Ghala, and working as

a marketing and hiring officer for a construction company. “I am very happy that things worked out for me,” says Adham. “However, the current law

intimidates me to even ask my current employer for an appraisal,” he adds. “The duration of the ban must be reduced. “Oman is my home now, and it would be wrong to hold me, or anyone living here with their

family away from the country”.

* Names have been changed for privacy reasons

THE OFFICIAL LINEThe Royal Oman Police website recently published a statement by Brigadier Hilal bin Ahmed al Busaidi, the Director General of Passports and Residence, who addresses the visa-ban issue. Below are a few of the questions he answered:

Q 1: Could you give an overview on the Article 11 of the Foreign Residency Law?There are no changes in the Article 11 of the Foreign Residency Law. Only one new step was added to the procedure of obtaining an NOC - that the company’s owner or a legal representative is mandatory at the nearest passport and residences services centre. This is to avoid fraudsters and that the company owner has no objection with the employer returning for work.

Q 2: What are the special visa rules for foreign investors who want to invest in the Sultanate?There is no doubt that the authorities are concerned on providing a favourable environment for investors in the Sultanate. With regards to the laws related to investors and investment can be found easily on the websites of the concerned authorities, for example, on the site of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Q 3: Some foreigners say they are unable to visit the Sultanate. Could you explain why?With regard to tourist visas, all details can be accessed from the Royal Oman Police website. Interested can apply for tourist visas of different types specified by law and even pay the fee online. Tourist visas are two types: The first type of tourist visa is for a month for RO20, renewable for a similar period for a fee of RO20. The second type of tourist visa for a period of 10 days, is forRO5 and renewable for a similar period.

Q 4: What is the criterion for bringing in the family of an expatriate in Oman?Family visas are provided to expatriates working in the Sultanate, depending on their profession and monthly salary. A minimum of RO600 is required to apply for a family visa, so that he or she can provide a decent life to the family. Visas are offered to children below the age of 21, as well as for the elderly parents. There is no change in the cost of visas for bringing families to Oman.

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 24

H ave you entered Oman’s best selfie competition yet?

Up for grabs are cash prizes for the best overall selfies, while the best weekly winner will also win four tickets to a go-karting session around the Muscat Speedway at the Oman Automobile Association.

It’s simple to enter. All you have

to do is head to the grounds of the Muscat Speedway, the go-karting track at the OAA in Seeb, and get creative with your selfie picture.

Once you’ve taken your selfie, you just have to upload it to our Facebook page /ytabloid), tag us by using our @Ymagazine handle on Instagram /ymagazine) or tweet us your picture @Ytabloid,

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Arabian Car Marketing Co. LLCC.R.No:1052055

Wattayah-Tel: 99878311, Branches Tel: Barka – 99238728, Nizwa – 99385022 Salalah – 99443048, Seeb Al Mawaleh – 93320815, Sohar – 91394739, Sur – 92822738. For fleet enquiries contact – 91409395, e-mail: fordacm@omantel.net.om

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FORD OMAN ford_oman

FOCUS ECOSPORT

FOCUS ST EXPEDITION

FIGO ESCAPE

TAURUSEXPLORER

FUSION RANGER

MUSTANG F-150

1.5L, 150PS, EcoBoost® Engine1.5L, 112 PS, Ti-VCT Engine

2.0L, 250PS, EcoBoost® Engine 3.5L, 390PS, V6 EcoBoost® Engine8-Seater 4WD

1.5L,112 PS, Ti-VCT Engine2.5L, 171 PS, i-VCT Engine /

2.0L, 240PS, Ecoboost® I-4 Engine

3.5L, 288 HP, V6 Ti-VCT Engine /3.5L, 365 HP, EcoBoost® Engine 3.5L, 294 PS, Ti-VCT Engine /

3.5L, EcoBoost® Engine 370 PS 7-Seater 4WD

2.5L, 177 PS, i-VCT Engine3.2L, 200PS, I-5 Diesel Engine,

Available in 2.5L Petrol Engine & 2.2L Diesel Engine,Best-in-Class Towing Capacity - 3500 Kg

2.3L, 325 HP, EcoBoost® Engine /5.0L, 421 HP, Ti-VCT V8 Engine 5.0L, 385 HP, Ti-VCT V8 Engine /

3.5L, 385 HP, EcoBoost® EngineHigh Strength Aluminum Body

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

and include the hashtag, #OAAStarsoftheTrack, on all media platforms.

The last date for submitting and tagging us with your selfie is May 29.

Cash prizes of RO100, RO75 and RO50 will be awarded to the top three winners chosen by the judges.

The Muscat Speedway go-karting track is open from 6pm-12 midnight on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 6pm-10pm on Wednesday and is closed on Sundays. Entry to Muscat Speedway is free.

To take part in a go-karting session, you have to be over the age of eight and 135cm in height. An eight-minute session of karting costs RO5 for children and RO7 for adults in a 270cc Dino go-kart for a 15-minute session.

For further enquiries, contact the office at 2451 0239 or 9659 0300.

Good luck!

Congratulations to Chris King (pictured above), who is the weekly winner of a go-karting session for four people!

ASSURED CASH GIFT@

RO.2,500UP T

O FREE SERVICE^

5 YEARS/100,000KMS FREE GIFT* FREE INSURANCE+Don’t miss out on our best ever Ramadan offers on our widest ever range.

Offer valid from 15th May 2016 – 14th July 2016 on all models sold for personal use. This offer is not valid with any other promotions, on taxis, driving school, Rent-a-car usage, companies and any form of commercial usage and government purchases. @ Cash Gift: Up to RO 2500/- gift

amount varies between models and model variants. For more details please contact nearest Ford Showroom. Service: As indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. 3YRS /60,000 KMS (whichever is earlier) Service Package applicable on 16 MY Figo, 15 MY & 16 MY Focus, 16 MY Fusion,

16 MY Taurus, 15 MY & 16 MY Mustang, 15 MY EcoSport, 15 MY and 16 MY Escape, 14MY Edge, 15 MY and 16 MY Expedition, 15 MY and 16 MY F150. ^ Service: As indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. 5YRS /100,000 KMS (whichever is earlier) Service Package applicable on 15

MY Taurus and 15 MY and 16 MY Explorer. + Insurance: Comprehensive 1st year insurance (Oman only), applicable on 16 MY Figo, 15 MY and 16 MY Focus, 16 MY Fusion, 15 MY Taurus, 15 MY and 16 MY Escape, 14 MY Edge, 15 MY and 16 MY Expedition, 15 MY and 16 MY F150.* Assured

gift of up to RO 50/- Lulu voucher depending on model / model variants or RO 150/- petrol voucher depending on model / model variants. Images used for illustrative purpose only. Specifications mentioned may vary from model to model.

Arabian Car Marketing Co. LLCC.R.No:1052055

Wattayah-Tel: 99878311, Branches Tel: Barka – 99238728, Nizwa – 99385022 Salalah – 99443048, Seeb Al Mawaleh – 93320815, Sohar – 91394739, Sur – 92822738. For fleet enquiries contact – 91409395, e-mail: fordacm@omantel.net.om

Like us on

FORD OMAN ford_oman

FOCUS ECOSPORT

FOCUS ST EXPEDITION

FIGO ESCAPE

TAURUSEXPLORER

FUSION RANGER

MUSTANG F-150

1.5L, 150PS, EcoBoost® Engine1.5L, 112 PS, Ti-VCT Engine

2.0L, 250PS, EcoBoost® Engine 3.5L, 390PS, V6 EcoBoost® Engine8-Seater 4WD

1.5L,112 PS, Ti-VCT Engine2.5L, 171 PS, i-VCT Engine /

2.0L, 240PS, Ecoboost® I-4 Engine

3.5L, 288 HP, V6 Ti-VCT Engine /3.5L, 365 HP, EcoBoost® Engine 3.5L, 294 PS, Ti-VCT Engine /

3.5L, EcoBoost® Engine 370 PS 7-Seater 4WD

2.5L, 177 PS, i-VCT Engine3.2L, 200PS, I-5 Diesel Engine,

Available in 2.5L Petrol Engine & 2.2L Diesel Engine,Best-in-Class Towing Capacity - 3500 Kg

2.3L, 325 HP, EcoBoost® Engine /5.0L, 421 HP, Ti-VCT V8 Engine 5.0L, 385 HP, Ti-VCT V8 Engine /

3.5L, 385 HP, EcoBoost® EngineHigh Strength Aluminum Body

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 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

PIE IN THE SKYA delicious pie

teeming with fresh fruit of the season

is a perfect summer dessert and easy

to make from scratch.

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

W ith a variety of gorgeous fresh fruit at our fingertips in Oman, why not whip up a fabulous fruit pie or tart to surprise family or friends?

To save time, start with Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts for a flaky, tender base. Just unroll it into your favourite baking tray or tart pan, spoon in a delicious fruit filling, bake and enjoy. Pillsbury has updated the packaging with a fresh, contemporary look, and features a recipe for the perfect apple pie. For more delicious recipes, visit www.pillsbury.com/pie.

Crusts that aren’t cursedWhen making a top crust for pies, these tips can help you make

them look extra-special:

Glossy Upper Crust: Brush the dough with slightly beaten egg white (if desired, sprinkle with sugar, too) before baking.

Sweet Glazed Top: Brush the top pastry with a small amount of water, and sprinkle with granulated or coarse sugar before baking.

Pretty Cutouts: Cut shapes from the top crust with a canapé cutter or a knife before placing the top crust over the filling. With water or beaten egg, moisten the back of each cutout and set the design, moistened side down, on the crust.

* Family Features

From family dinners to impromptu picnics, enjoy some sumptuous seasonal fruit in the traditional way

EASY AS PIE

8 servingsPrep time: 30 minutesReady in: 3 hours

Ingredients: Crust § 6 box (400g approx.) Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

Filling§ 6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium)§ 3/4 cup sugar§ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour§ 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon§ 1/4 tsp salt§ 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg§ 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method:§ Heat oven to 220°C. Place one pie crust in an ungreased 22cm glass pie plate. Press firmly against the side and bottom.§ In a large bowl, gently mix the filling ingredients, and spoon into a crust-lined pie plate. Top with a second crust. Wrap the excess top crust under the bottom crust edge, pressing the edges together to seal. Cut slits or shapes in several places into the top crust. § Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Cover the edge of the crust with 5cm to 8cm-wide strips of foil after the first 15 to 20 minutes of baking. This prevents excessive browning. Cool on a cooling rack for at least two hours before serving. Tip: Two cans (600g approx.) of apple pie filling can be substituted for fresh fruit.

Perfect Apple Pie

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 3 0

Having grown up in South Africa, I was intrigued to try the relatively new African-themed restaurant, Savannah BBQ, in Panorama Mall. And who

better to invite along than my colleague from Merge 104.8, Neal Bowden, one of the fussiest foodies I know?

Heading up to the first floor of the mall, you can’t miss Savannah BBQ, thanks to its striking logo and modern, stylish African décor. In fact, the theme was so close to home, I almost forgot I was still in Muscat the minute I stepped inside.

As we arrived, our waiter, who told me he was from Kenya, welcomed us and gave us a choice of tables.

We chose a table under a picture of an African sunrise and were immediately handed menus. Gazing around the restaurant, I started to feel a little homesick. There were wooden beams around the walls, reminiscent of a kraal, or a rural communal eating area in a village in Mpumalanga, in the north-east of South Africa.

On settling down, we opted to start with drinks. I chose a pineapple and mint mocktail. Neal opted for the cherry and soda drink, both of which were delicious. While sipping, we eagerly browsed the menu to see what was in store for us.

The menu looked great and catered to a range of tastes, from meat lovers to vegetarians. I spotted some childhood favourites that I knew

Neal would also enjoy. For our starter, we settled on Pili Pili fries, thick-cut chips dipped in a tomato masala that were slightly spicy but very moreish. As the fries began disappearing at a fast rate, the next dishes started coming out.

First up was the babotie, a traditional South African feast that comes with raisin rice and baked minced beef topped with a savoury egg custard. This dish ranked as one of best baboties we had ever tasted, with its smoky flavours from the cloves and silky smoothness of the egg custard, which matched perfectly with a sweet apricot chutney.

Next was the vet koek and mince, deep-fried buns with savoury mince and apricot chutney. It’s a delicious, interactive dish as you have to build the buns yourself. This dish definitely made me homesick as my mum used to make it on cold, winter nights.

Of course, I was curious to see if Savannah had what it took to match my mum’s recipe. And it certainly did. My only complaint? There wasn’t enough chutney, but the waiting staff quickly rectified this. It was a delicious mélange of salty and sweet, layered into the crunchy, deep-fried buns.

Our final dish was the barbecued lamb chops, a favourite of mine that reminded me of Saturday afternoons sitting around the braai with family and friends at home in Johannesburg.

Delicious and tasty, I would have preferred them to have been barbecued a little longer to sear off the excess fat. The plump and juicy chops were accompanied by large, thick-cut fries and two sauces: one that was spicy and another with a tamarind base.

By this stage, we were feeling very full. Neither of us were sure if we could squeeze in a dessert but thought we’d take a look at the menu anyway. There were only a few options to choose from and the one that caught our eye was not available, probably a blessing in disguise as I certainly had no more room for anything else.

Overall, our experience at Savannah was very good and it certainly warrants a few more visits, especially for that delicious babotie.

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com

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

DRINKAND R E V I E W S

A TASTE OF AFRICA

Info BoxSAVANNAH BBQ

1st floor, Panorama Mall, Bawsher

Tel: +968 24591936Open: Weekdays 12pm to 11pm,

Weekends 12pm to 12amwww.savannah-bbq.com

@savannahbbqsavannahbbq

Dinner for two: RO24.6

Verdict :9 / 10 Service

9 / 10 Food 8 / 10 Ambience

Delicious food with a great African ambience

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

MATTHEW HERBST HEADS TO SAVANNAH BBQ, WHERE HE IS TRANSPORTED BACK TO HIS SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDHOOD AND THE DELICIOUS FLAVOURS OF HOME

Mid

Market

FOOD

STAYC O N N E C T E DW i t h

24/7

s C a N O u r Q r C O D E s W I T H a N Y Q r r E a D E r a P P

www.y-oman.com /yTaBLoID @yTaBLoID

/ymaGaZInE /yTaBLoID

F E B 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 4 0 70 3 2

Get The Look

HEALTH&BEAUTY

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

CRUISE CONTROLThere’s nothing more

tempting than setting sail and getting away from it all. This season’s nautical look is cool and chic and dominated by

breezy blues and bright crisp whites, such as this look

from Pure Collection.

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 3 2

Get The Look

From the high end to the high street,

Felicity Glover helps you to get the look

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

This navy-blue striped boxy T-shirt from New Look is a classic nautical look that never goes out of style. From RO5

Channel your inner sailor in these navy-blue dress shorts with brass buttons from H&M. Team with a classic striped T-shirt or dress up with a crisp linen shirt to give your look that added pop. From RO12.9

Crisp white linen shorts are perfect for a day out on the water, such as this tie-up-at-the-waist pair from M&Co. From RO8.9

You’ll find a treasure trove of sea-inspired trinkets in this three-pack bracelet set from H&M. Even Jack Sparrow would be jealous! From RO4.5

Not only is this soft straw bag from H&M versatile, it’s also big enough to carry everything you need for a day out boating. From RO7.9

These pink-mirrored pilot sunglasses from New Look will take your nautical-inspired look to the next level. From RO3.3

Try these slip-on espadrilles from Steve Madden for size. They are perfect for a sailing

trip or anywhere else for that matter! From RO12.8

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 3 4

Six ways to purify your skin

You’ve heard of detox diets and ridding your body of toxins but did you know the same is possible for your skin? Environmental toxins and pollutants not only cause breakouts but also bring out a dull, less vibrant-looking complexion.

Stress factors from the environment and your lifestyle can can cause redness, irritations and premature ageing, according to Claire Larsen, skin category manager for LifeSpa at Life Time

Fitness. She says: “Proper skincare goes beyond simply washing your face before you go to bed. Detoxing your skin

can help prevent oily and itchy skin and even age spots and wrinkles.”Here, Claire offers six expert tips for detoxifying your skin, and flaunting a natural, year-round glow.

1 Cut out acne-causing foods. Often, what you eat will show up on your face and body. Forehead breakouts are usually due to eating foods your body has trouble breaking down such as refined sugars, carbs, wheat and dairy. Between the brow, breakouts are linked to the liver so try cutting down on

alcohol and fatty foods, and adding in liver- supporting herbs such as dandelion root, milk thistle seed or yellow

dock root. No matter what you do, always be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

2 Identify hormone imbalances. Track the timing, location, shape, size and

sensation of your breakouts. Hormonal acne tends to flare up at predictable times and is likely to be located beneath the cheekbones and along the jawline. It’s also typically deep, cystic and sensitive. Talk to your dermatologist or health care provider if you think you might have hormonal-related breakouts.

3 Notice how your routine affects your skin. Are you noticing temple

breakouts? It could be from the products in your hair. Make sure you’re thoroughly cleansing your face each morning and night, making sure to concentrate on your hairline. It’s also important to change your sheets and pillowcases regularly. Studies show you should wash your bedding once every week.

4 Use detoxifying products. Serums with vitamins C and E, for example,

VivierSkin(R) CE Peptides Serum, help to neutralise free radicals before they can damage the collagen and elastin in your skin. Products with antioxidants will fight against the toxins and pollutants your skin faces every day. Additionally, a detoxing bath containing Epsom salt, such as Mio’s Liquid Yoga Bath Soak, will help to clean out your pores.

5 Try a skin detox treatment. When your skin feels as if it needs some

extra TLC, head to the spa for a HydraFacialMD(R). LifeSpa’s HydraFacial service deep-cleans with vortex extractions and a mild chemical peel while also infusing lots of hydration. A lymphatic drainage can be added for a special focus on detoxification and an LED light treatment can also help with the clarity and smoothness of your skin.

6 Get your sweat on. When you get your heart beating and your skin sweating, it’s easier

for your body to release toxins. Try to work up a sweat at least three times a week. You could even consider trying out a hot yoga class or heated spa session to encourage the sweat beads to fall..

If you notice a problem with your skin, a detox may be just the solution you’ve been searching for. Try these tips to purify your skin so you can radiate confidence.

* BPT

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

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

Yawning is a common part of everyday life yet this simple phenomenon has some rather curious features.

To help you learn more about why we yawn, Dr Sujay Kansagra, a sleep health consultant based

in the US, offers answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Why do I yawn?There is no easy answer. Yawning may increase the body’s oxygen levels and help get rid of

carbon dioxide. More recent theories suggest that yawning helps to cool the brain in

situations when it gets too hot. No theory has yet been proven correct.

Do I yawn only when I’m sleepy?

You may think yawning only happens when you are bored or tired but it is not uncommon to

see Olympic athletes yawning just before their events. A study of soldiers about

It’s as natural as drinking water but why do we do it?

to parachute out of an airplane for the first time showed an increase in yawning just before they jumped. Therefore, it’s not just boredom or sleepiness that brings it on. Yawning may trigger the brain to make a change in its state, either from bored to alert or sleepy to awake.

Why do I yawn when I see someone else yawning?

This is also a mystery. Even though children start yawning as early as during their first trimester as foetuses, they don’t experience the contagious yawn until they are about five years old. This is about the same time as they develop better social understanding and empathy. Interestingly, autistic children yawn just as often as other children but are much less likely to have a contagious yawn.

Why am I yawning right now?Either this article is making you sleepy or you have hit on

another common trigger for yawns. It’s not only seeing a yawn that can trigger one. Hearing, reading about or thinking about a yawn may also bring one on.

I frequently see dogs yawning. Do all animals yawn?

All vertebrate animals yawn. However, only humans, chimpanzees and possibly monkeys will yawn when others yawn. Humans are more likely to imitate the yawns of others when they know them well; a habit that has also been shown by chimps.

For more information about yawning, visit StopYawnTalking.info.

* Family Features

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M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 1 0 3 7

CARS ANDADVENTURES NATURAL MAZE

A gnarled tree at Moquzeh creates

an almost maze-like pattern, while its

ancient roots cling to the earth.

P o s t c a r d s f r o m O u t d o o r s Y - F i C a r s

M AY 1 9 - 2 5 / I S S U E 4 2 10 3 8

CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES

Destination

MOQUZEHA WRONG TURN LEADS SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI AND

FRIENDS TO A STRANGER AND A LUSH OASIS

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 O u t d o o r s C a r s

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

IIt was an early morning start for this week, which may perhaps have explained why we ended up going wrong.

However, this mistake turned out to be very fortuitous. Sometimes, you need a little luck to find your way.

I had left early Thursday morning with my travelling gang – my cousin, the “new guy” and “Head Man” – and it was still dark as we set off from Amerat around 2.30am. Our destination was a place none of us had ever been to before but one that had intrigued me for some time. On the way to Nizwa, I had been passing a sign to Al Afia many times and it had always interested me. I wondered about the name and what it might be like.

I was looking forward to finally finding out but fate, it seemed, had other ideas.

It started as planned. When we saw the sign for Al Afia, about halfway between Muscat and Nizwa (80km as the camel walks), we turned off the main road. We should have then turned right but inexplicably – perhaps we were still sleepy – we took the wrong turn and headed left. Always up for an adventure, our gang decided to stick with it and see where it would lead us. After about seven or eight kilometres, we came across some

mountains that were a startling black in colour. I’ve only ever seen mountains this dark in Oman once before – in Mazare. Onward we went until we arrived at an open wadi. The landscape around was arid and windswept, with the overriding colour a sort of muddy brown. I managed to capture a nice shot of an ancient tree, its gnarled roots exposed to the air, ripping out of the earth and leaning precariously towards the ground.

Earlier, we had passed a low-level homestead with corrugated iron roofs and a weathered Omani metal door, old palm trees and bits of discarded items and rubbish strewn around the dusty floor. I took one of my favourite photos of the shoot here – an abandoned bike, left casually on its side. It all had a slightly apocalyptic air about it.

A baby goat posed confidently for his moment in the spotlight as I snapped away.

As I took a close-up shot of a

From Muscat, take Route 15 heading towards Nizwa. Around halfway between the two, about 80kms of so, you’ll see a sign for Al Afia. Take this turn, then turn left at the roundabout and go straight on. After about 7km, you will see a signboard, take the right. This will take you to the open wadi. To get to the oasis, take the path straight.

GPS location to reach the turn: N23°01’31,8” E57°52’02.5”TRAV

EL G

UIDE

HOW TO GET THERE

small leaf on a rock that had crinkled brown in the sun and was beginning to curl up at the edges, I clocked someone walking towards me. It was an older man with greying hair and a beard, wearing a dishdasha. He greeted me warmly. As it was around 5.30am by then, I realised that he had probably just come from morning prayer in the small mosque we had seen not far back.

The man’s Arabic was very thick and heavy, different from the Muscat dialect that I’m used to, and I was having trouble understanding him as we exchanged pleasantries. Thankfully, my friends were able to step in and translate. We had to politely decline

his offer of coffee and halwa as we had other places on our list to visit that day.

However, the man urged us to take some time and head to an oasis with pools of water that he said wasn’t far away. Our

interest piqued, we jumped back into our trusty Jeep Wrangler and trundled off, travelling around 7km as the old man advised before parking and beginning our walk. It’s an easy amble; flat and relatively easy underfoot so suitable for all. Suddenly, we came upon the most beautiful and unexpectedly verdant oasis, vivid green from trees and shrubs, dotted with shallow pools of still, cool water. It was such a contrast to the barren landscape we had just come from.

This would be a beautiful place to come for a picnic with friends and family, or for the more energetic, some hiking.

Walking on, we saw green banks with bushes laden with delicate pink flowers, which are usually seen in a park, not in the middle of nowhere. The old man had told us that in the rainy season, the pools become deep and flow fast through the area. That might explain all the frogs that we found jumping around in the water and the rocks. I tried to get a close-up of one. However, fidgety frogs are not particularly easy subjects for wildlife photography. They never sit still for long!

We wandered around, drinking in the colour and enjoying the peace. Everyone was so glad that we had taken a wrong turn at the start and found this place. It was meant to be.

CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES

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WITH SUMMER WELL AND TRULY ON THE WAY, CHOOSING WHAT ACTIVITIES WE DO AND WHEN WE DO THEM IS THE NAME OF THE GAME. NIKITA LOBO CHECKS OUT SOME OF OMAN’S BEST OPTIONS FOR BEATING THE HEAT

ICE SKATING

Spend the weekend with a picnic and in the company of family and friends on this beautiful beach, which can be found in the heart of Muscat’s most-visited tourist area, generally referred to as ‘Shatti’ beach. It offers picnic spots with palm shades throughout, food and drink amenities nearby and a peaceful atmosphere.

SHATTI AL QURUM BEACH

While it might seem strange to pursue a traditionally winter sport in the height of summer, beating the heat by gliding on ice makes perfect sense. You don’t need to be Torvill & Dean and it’s one of the most exhilarating pastimes you can choose without wearing yourself out. There’s one ice skating rink in Oman, which can be found at Fun Zone in Qurum. It is always teeming with aspiring ice skaters and also serves as a practice rink for professionals. Opening hours are from 9am until midnight and casual skating sessions are available for 90 minutes, costing RO4. For those aged five and over.

Find your inner Fast Eddie with the game that is all about strategy, angles and potting balls. If you feel like clearing a few tables, there are venues in Oman to help you do just that. They include Gaming Planet in Shatti al Qurum (RO2/hour); Game Zone (part of Fun Zone), Qurum and the Oman Bowling Centre in Al Khuwair (RO3/hour).

POOL

TENPIN BOWLINGEven if you miss the bowling lane completely and end up

running a ball down the gutter, this is a fun sport for all the family. Tenpin bowling is also a good calorie-burner for parents. There are quite a few bowling alleys in Muscat: Oman Bowling Center in Al

Khuwair, Al Masa Bowling in Al Masa Mall, and the Star Bowling Centre at Fun Zone in Qurum. Admission prices vary.

A summer breeze makes you feel fine – especially if you are on the water. Why not enjoy a summertime cruise with friends and family as the sun sets? This cruise departs from Marina Bander Al Rowdha and takes you around Muscat’s rocky coast. Prices around RO20-RO25, experience the soothing sensation of the reflected city lights shimmering on the water and the delightful night sky.

DHOW SEA CRUISE

Dressed all in black with a hijab covering her hair, Nusaiba al Maskari is hanging upside down on a pole and has manoeuvred her body into an impossible-looking situation.

I’m about to find out how hard it is. I’m here to learn all about pole fitness, a health craze that is already hugely popular around the world, but is still relatively unheard of in Oman.

No longer relegated to the world of adult entertainment, pole dancing has spread to the fitness market and has come into a whole sport of its own. Using exercise and gymnastic moves, incorporating the use of a pole, it improves flexibility, muscle tone and general fitness among other things.

With the potential for a full body workout, it is a great way to shape up, have fun, develop strength and boost self-confidence.

It’s already been in Dubai for a while, but has only recently reached Oman’s shores. So, when I heard that there were classes in Muscat, I was up for the challenge and booked in for the very next session.

The first surprise was to see that our instructor was an Omani lady. An auditor by day, Nusaiba – also known as Nusa – seems an unlikely person to embrace the world of pole fitness. But it’s soon clear that the “pole” is her passion and any thoughts that her gentle, calm nature might not be suited to the sport are dispelled when she shows off her moves.

Nusa seems at home in her studio, which has several poles. Barefoot and in black jumper, leggings and scarf, she’s incredibly nimble and lithe.

Her friendly personality also immediately puts me at ease and calms my nerves.

Nusa has made it her mission to get the word out about pole fitness in Oman and is keen to dispel any myths still surrounding the activity.

Even with a full-time job, a young child, a husband and her studies, she still finds the time to practice her poles skills.

“I practice every single day, sometimes late into the night or first thing in the morning,” she tells me proudly. “Whenever inspiration strikes and I think up a new move, I am desperate to try it out.”

Being a pole instructor isn’t a common hobby for most Omani women, but Nusa beams that her family are incredibly supportive and make it all possible. She is especially thankful to her mother, who helped with funding the equipment, and her husband.

“My husband has been with me from the very first day with this and has helped me through all the pains and complaints along the way,” she adds.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is an easy sport. While anyone can join as a beginner, it requires skill, discipline and strength to make the moves appear so effortless.

You will use almost every part of your body when doing pole – from holding up your entire body weight with just your arms or legs to

I N D O O R S

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FUNTAZMOAny parent knows that

keeping the kids constantly amused in the summer is no mean feat. However, Funtazmo is the largest indoor family amusement centre in the Sultanate and it can be found at the Oman Avenues Mall. It offers kids a whole host of fun games and activities that will keep them entertained for hours. There’s a soft playground for toddlers, a jungle gym area and a big trampoline, for starters. Trained staff are on hand to ensure health and safety standards are observed. There are also restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Entry fee is RO3 per child for two hours.

Has your whole troop come over all competitive all of a sudden? Paintball may provide the perfect solution for the kids to channel their inner warrior. Not suitable for children below the age of six. MGLG Paintball Oman, in Al Hail South, provides an action-packed experience, which involves forming

teams and attacking opponents by shooting them with dye-filled, breakable, oil and gelatine paintballs. Safety goggles should be provided. Prices depend on the size of your group and we suggest an evening session during the hotter months.

PAINTBALL

LASER TAGFor smaller children who can’t really go in for

paintball, this is a game of tag played with lasers in which infrared-sensitive targets are worn by each player. Laser tag is available in Oman at Lazer Runner in Panorama Mall, Ghubra; MGLG Paintball Oman in Al Hail South and LaserBlast at Fun Zone in Qurum. At LaserBlast, the fee is RO3 per person and is limited to 14 players. At MGLG, the price of an individual depends on the number of players in a group.

Of course, any park is appealing for kids to let off steam in, but

this one offers a plethora of pleasure-filled activities for children of all ages. There are amusement rides on one side of the park while the other serves as a perfect picnic spot for families, along with slides and smaller play areas for tiny tots. Family outings, evening strolls and everyday exercise can all be enjoyed

here. The entry fee is 300 baiza per person, and children under five go free. Amusement ride charges range from 300 baiza to RO1.5 per person. It’s open daily up to midnight.

QURUM PARK

ALL SPORTSCan’t find a cool enough ground to play football

on? At the Ras Al Hamra Recreation Centre (RAHRC) at PDO, hotter weather won’t affect the sports played here in any way as customers will find an indoor sports hall that incorporates a basketball court, a table tennis area, a badminton court and cricket pitch. The centre also offers contemporary/ jazz classes for children (4-15 years) with an entry fee of RO15 per child. Members only.

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TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO:

1. Take a ride in the Shanghai Maglev Train

2) Stroll around the grounds of Yuyuan Garden

3) Visit Shanghai Museum4) Go shopping along Nanjing

Road5) Visit the Xujiahui

Cathedral and the Sheshan Basilica

EASTERN DELIGHTThe 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden in

Shanghai is a stunning park and well worth

exploring for its unique architecture.

CARS ANDADVENTURES

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P O S T C A R D S F R O M

SHANGHAI, CHINAAlvin Thomas recommends

SHANGHAI MAGLEV TRAIN

NANJING ROAD

XUJIAHUI CATHEDRAL

D e s t i n a t i o n O u t d o o r s Y - F i C a r s

My favourite place The Bund, a beautiful esplanade that opens up to the lovely Huangpujiang River, is mesmerising. There’s no denying that the Bund, a former settlement for Europeans in the city, is a legacy from the early French and British colonies. The buildings are old but gosh, they’re pretty! The Bund has also been proclaimed a “World Architectural Fair”. Many of these buildings now serve as restaurants, galleries and offices. Highlights Shanghai, like its rival Beijing, boasts a dense, urban environment and an amazing skyline, especially in the Puxi and Pudong districts. The city has a humid subtropical climate but is prone to cyclones in the summer and autumn. The temperatures range from 2°C to 26°C and occasionally, it can get so cold that it snows. Make sure you visit the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden and visit Zhujiajiao, which is the best-preserved ancient water town among the four ancient towns in Shanghai. It is said to have a history of more than 1,700 years. If you’re interested in the city’s history, museums such as the Shanghai Museum, The China Art Museum and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum will serve you well.

Lowlights Shanghai, like most Chinese cities, is falling victim to air pollution. It must also be noted that city traffic is unbelievable. I also found the quality of some food to be questionable, often drenched with over-generous portions of soy sauce and what appeared to be reused oil.

Souvenirs Shanghai is a perfect spot for souvenir hunting. Make sure you stock up on woodcarvings and calligraphy works from the Yuyuan Bazaar. Don’t miss the boutique shops in the French Concession area, where you can buy porcelain bowls, silk dresses and designer handbags.

Where to stay Shanghai is an expensive city. However, the Howard Johnson Caida Plaza Shanghai, in Yangpu, is close to the Bund and other tourist spots and therefore very convenient for tourists.

S hanghai is one of the showpieces of modern China. Take away the money and the skyscrapers and you’re left with a city that holds its culture close to its heart. Situated on the estuary of the

Yangtze River, the city was occupied as early as the 5th century, when the Kingdom of Wu established a settlement in the region. Shanghai was then in the hands of various Chinese rulers before it opened up to foreign powers after the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. Today, Shanghai is the world’s fourth-most populous city with more than 24 million residents. It is also a global financial centre and the world’s busiest container port. Shanghai is a magnet for tourists wanting to witness the best of the old and the new. Don’t believe me? Just drink in the stories of the Shikumen (traditional architecture) and the many skyscrapers. Shanghai is truly “The Paris of the East”.

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JUST COOLLast summer, one of the biggest Kickstarter successes was created in the form of a cooler. The Coolest Cooler managed to raise around RO5 million from more than 60,000 backers because it is rather special. This cooler not only keeps your drinks cold but also has a built-in blender and, of course, a stereo system. At coolest.com from RO153.58.

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

Y - F IO u t d o o r s D e s t i n a t i o n

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JUST CHILLThe scorching heat of summer has finally arrived. Matthew Herbst checks out what's

out there to keep you looking and feeling cool

TUNED IN If you’re slightly more old-school and not so keen to let streaming control what you listen to then take a look at Sony’s 4GB Walkman Sports wireless MP3 player. It is waterproof and holds up to eight hours of battery life. It comes in black, white, pink, orange, and blue. It’s the ideal playmate for an active summer in or out of the pool. At sony.com, from RO38.49.

EDITO

R’S PI

CK

COOL AS ICE THE AMBI IS A HANDHELD DEVICE THAT’S AN ELECTRONIC ICE CUBE. THIS NIFTY PIECE OF TECH INSTANTLY COOLS YOU DOWN JUST BY PLACING IT ANYWHERE ON YOUR BODY. IT WORKS ESPECIALLY WELL IF YOU APPLY IT TO THE BACK OF YOUR NECK TO COOL DOWN YOUR WHOLE BODY INSTANTLY ON A HOT NIGHT. AT MYAMBI.COM FROM RO15.50.

SPLISH SPLASHIf you can’t go anywhere without your music, not even to the swimming pool, then the iSplash Floating Speaker is just what you need. The iSplash sports a nine-metre range and can stream digital music in the pool, hot tub or the bath. Check it out at frontgate.com, from RO19.24.

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App of the Week

NEW ECOTERRA WATERPROOF BOOMBOX

FAST COOLING FOR ANDROIDThis great app is ideal for cooling, minimising and controlling the temperature of your Android device. It is also good to know that it cleans up the memory, thus accelerating your phone’s memory and battery life. Free at Google Play.

IN THE AIRSimilar to the Coolest Cooler but different. What’s different? Well, instead of just keeping your soft drinks chilled, this IcyBreeze Cooler actually acts as a kind of outdoor aircon by circulating cold water, then blows chilled, dry air out of a vent. A good investment if you want to brave the heat poolside this summer. At www.icybreeze.com from RO115.00.

It might not keep you cool this summer but it certainly will make you look very cool. This Eco Terra WaterProof BoomBox plays powerful music from your iPhone or MP3 player and also offers an ideal solution to store your phone safely as well. The compartment in the centre has been especially built to store smartphones, cash, keyrings and even credit cards thus protecting them from making contact with water. With its rugged build combined with the retractable handle, carry strap and two carabineers, it’s a comfortable device to carry to any destination outdoors. Enjoying your music by your side while cooling down in the water is no longer an issue because this super piece of kit can also float! Perfect. At ecoxgear.com from RO95.46.

THIRST QUENCHER There is nothing worse than being forced to drink what was once an ice-cold can of drink that’s gone hot from the simmering heat. Check out the YETI Coolers Rambler Colster, an evolution in can-insulating, hand-protecting technology, with stainless steel and double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your choice of beverage chilled. At yeticoolers.com from RO11.54.

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 O u t d o o r s Y - F i

With a range of hybrid cars now on the market, alternative power appears to be more appealing. Alvin Thomas investigates

With the ball on environmental pollution and sustainable development being dropped on manufacturers, more brands

have ditched higher displacement engines for smaller and turbocharged ones. Meanwhile, car manufacturers have also started investing heavily in alternative fuel-powered vehicles, such as hydrogen, liquefied natural gas and electricity.

This, coupled with the recent slump in oil prices around the globe, means we could soon expect vehicles running on alternative fuels on Oman’s roads.

Volkswagen e-Golf (100 per cent electric)

The Volkswagen Golf was a game changer when it burst on the scene in 1974 as a replacement to the legendary Beetle. It became such a big hit, VW decided to market it as a separate product. Now more than 40 years on, the e-Golf is part of the German giant’s plan to revolutionise electric vehicles.

The Volkswagen e-Golf looks like a regular Golf except for its unique LED headlights and running lamps on the bumper, and a blue line on the mostly blocked grille. Powered by a 24.3-kWh battery, the e-Golf ’s synchronous electric motor whizzes out an equivalent of 115hp and 270Nm of torque while providing a range of 150kms. The car also offers a regenerative-braking system (recovering kinetic energy during braking) to help extend the range.

The car can be charged to 100 per cent using a 240V wall-mount charger in less than four hours. But even more interesting is that the VW e-Golf

is quicker from 0-50kph than a Golf GTI – even with its one-speed automatic transmission!

Honda Clarity (Hydrogen Fuel Cell)The stylish-looking Honda Clarity is much

more than just a pretty coryphée. It’s actually a geek in a dancer’s outfit. Underneath all the bodywork, the mid-sized sedan boasts – cue drumroll – a hydrogen fuel cell. It provides a range of 750km from its electric motor that pumps out 174hp and 300Nm of torque - so it will be brisk. The only emission from the car’s exhaust is water, so it is also 100 per cent environmentally friendly. Honda is concentrating the Clarity in regions of high pollution such as Tokyo and California for now. But we’re guessing that as soon as the engineers develop high-pressure hydrogen tanks that can withstand the high temperatures in the GCC countries, we’ll be getting the car. After all, no one wants a hydrogen bomb on wheels.

BMW i8 (Electric & Combustion Hybrid)The BMW i8 is so revolutionary I want one.

The i8 is BMW’s answer to sensible petrol heads who have long demanded an alternative to high displacement coupés with large, bulky engines. The i8 contains, within its futuristic carbon-fibre and aluminium shell, a tiny 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged banger, which flushes out an impressive 231hp. If that were not enough, the Bavarian engineers have also added a second electric motor to the front wheels, coupling them to a set of batteries in the rear, for a combined output of 362hp. The i8 will do the 100kph run

in a mere 4.4 seconds before hitting its limit at 250 kph. This is the supercar of the future; more carbon-fibre, less carbon dioxide. I do feel old now.

Ferrari LaFerrari (Electric & Combustion Hybrid)

Bestriding the chart is the Ferrari LaFerrari (pictured above). If its name isn’t dramatic enough for you, maybe the 950hp and 900Nm of torque, 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds and top speed of 351kph will be. The Ferrari LaFerrari costs a mind-boggling, wallet-shattering RO500,000, so the term “economical” really doesn’t apply here. However, the car, with its 6.3-litre V12 engine and its all-carbon-fibre chassis, will still do 5.6km per litre of fuel – and that’s a steal. The hypercar is limited to 499 models, of which one already resides in Oman.

Tesla Model 3 (100 per cent electric)Elon Musk’s dream project Tesla reached

a milestone when the company’s Model S became the world’s second best-selling plug-in car. However, backing up the early success, the company unveiled its Model 3 this year. The sleek and futuristic-looking sedan will seat four adults in peace while rivalling the performance figures of most four-door super-sedans. The car will offer a range of 346kms, and supercharging capability that will enable the owner to charge the car in less than 75 minutes. With the mass market in mind, the Model 3 will cost roughly RO13,500, and is expected to make its way into GCC countries later next year.

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