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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &

Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

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

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine –

your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has

to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORFelicity Glover

DEPUTY EDITORKate Ginn

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

CONTRIBUTORS Matt BlackwellAdam Hurrell

Jerzy Wierzbicki

INTERN Deeba Hasan

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

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

@ytabloid /ytabloid www.y-oman.comFO L L O W U S O N :

,

Fast forwardThink of Salalah and it’s inevitable that most think of the Khareef season,

a time when the southern city welcomes cooler temperatures, rain and mist – and a whole lot of tourists.

But city officials want us to know that Salalah is so much more than rain and rolling green hills.

The annual Muscat Youth Summit, which is being held in Salalah this week, has brought together some of the country’s best young minds to brainstorm and put into action their ideas on how to best to promote the city.

In our cover story this week, Y’s Deeba Hasan reports from the summit and gives us a unique insider’s view on how our youth are planning to sell Salalah, which includes promoting the hospitality industry to millennials and even the possibility of holding a youth festival.

In the meantime, we check out the first phase of the new Muscat International Airport, look at Christmas traditions around the world and head to Lapland in Postcard.

Have a fabulous week – and enjoy those quieter roads as schools wind down for the end-of-year break. I know I will!

editor@y-oman.com

Want to read Y on the go? Scan our digital issue here:Download any QR reader from iTunes or Google Play to read Y on the go

Team Y has been cycling, spending a lazy day at the beach, putting in some hardcore training at The Engine Room and is preparing to welcome our new

photographer, Shakeel al Bulushi.

THIS WEEK…

THE BAROMETER

Still can’t decide where to go on Christmas Eve? Then perhaps you should enter our festive competition for a chance to win one of three dinners at Rumba Lattina in The Cave. Go to P12 for details.

GOING UPTRACKING SANTA

Millions of little ones around the world, not to mention Team Y, are already

visiting the Norad Tracks Santa website to watch the countdown to Christmas

Eve. But the best part is watching Santa’s progress as he makes his way

across the world. Check it out for yourself at www.noradsanta.org

GOING DOWNBANK BALANCES

As the Christmas gift rush continues, it’s safe to say that there are quite a few

bank balances heading into the red. Which brings us to a timely reminder: it’s the thought that counts – not how

much it costs.

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Yo u r O m a n06 Coffee With Deeba His Highness Sayyid Faisal Bin Turki Al Said

08 Voice Of Oman Sheline Clarke

10 News RO2.2 Billion Share Tumble

T h i s w e e k16 Movie Listings Young Ones

18 This Week You’re Having A Laugh

C a r s a n d A d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Wadi Indam Natural Park

40 Outdoors Pedal Power

42 Postcard From Lapland

44 Y-Fi Retro Chic

46 Car Of The Week Lincoln MKC

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Fe at u r e20 MYS 2014 Taking Tourism To Omanis

24 Muscat International Airport Phase I Cleared For Take Off

26 Christmas Around The World Expats in Oman Share Their Traditions

H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion Cream Of The Crop

34 Health Who Wants To Live Forever?

FOOD / FASHION / FILMS / FUTURE GADGETS /DESTINATION / TASTE TEST / EVENTS

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Deeba Hasan sits down with His Highness Sayyid Faisal Bin

Turki Al Said, the Chairman of the Organising Committee

of the Muscat Youth Summit, who shares his passion for

working with young people

HH Sayyid Faisal Bin Turki Al Said is an inspiration to the youth

of Oman. He’s heavily involved in several youth initiatives, but arguably the biggest of these is the annual Muscat Youth Summit, which started in 2009, with the 2014 edition taking place in Salalah earlier this week.

“When we first came up with the concept of the Muscat Youth Summit, very few people actually believed in supporting it, most people who we were expecting to support it were reluctant,” reveals Sayyid Faisal.

Although six successful summits later, we can safely say that any problems experienced in the early stages have been banished to the annals of history. Today, the Muscat Youth Summit has become one of the most anticipated annual events for the youth of Oman, bringing them together each year on a common platform, helping young people to make a difference to the society in which they live.

Initially, the summit consisted of just a handful of workshops that were closely related to youth issues, but now it has completely transformed, becoming a project-based event where participants form groups to work towards large campaigns that may be implemented in the near future. The focus this year was on marketing Dhofar as a year-round tourist destination.

Despite the summit’s expansion, Sayyid Faisal has even bigger dreams for it. “I want the Muscat Youth Summit to grow beyond the three to four

days it is now into a youth festival

which inspires the younger generation and triggers them to think,” he says.

Naturally, to execute a summit of this scale and to implement his visions, Sayyid Faisal needs a dedicated and reliable team around him.

“I talk to different people and attempt to convince them to work for a national cause. I am on the lookout for people who are forward thinking, open-minded and who can add value to this growing team.”

Sayyid Faisal is extremely passionate about working with Oman’s youth, saying: “It gives me great pleasure to work with young people, those who are passionate and have the drive to achieve regardless of the challenges that come their way.”

He believes that young people in Oman need to change their mindsets and divert their attention from merely accumulating numerous degrees to actually gaining some technical skills. “A lot of people think it’s purely about MBAs and

PhDs, but now we need people who are more skilled and have the technical knowledge because there are numerous opportunities

waiting to be explored in the private sectors.”

Sayyid Faisal also hopes to instill the values he is passionate about in his own children. “The way I deal with my kids is that education is the key, but they need to learn a set of values of respect. Because they are members of the Royal Family their responsibility is greater, they need to be close to the

community, to our society.” With this year’s summit

focusing on tourism, I thought it would be interesting to know what Sayyid Faisal’s favourite destination in Oman is. “When I get a chance to be away and secluded, I go to Nizwa,” he says. “Oman is blessed with rich history and architecture and I am very fond of that. I also like going to Jebel Akhdar and parts of Al Sharqiyah.”

In addition to the summit, Sayyid Faisal became the vice-president of the Oman Special Olympics Committee in 2012 and is also a patron of Outward Bound Oman, an organisation that helps young people develop skills that will prepare them for future careers.

In an attempt to empower SMEs, next year’s summit will be entrusted to an Omani event management company. “We want to hand the summit to a young Omani company who will organise everything while we only supervise.”

Sayyid Faisal’s advice to the millennials of Oman is to try different things, to fail but keep trying. He also thinks that the youth needs to be patient and less selective, perhaps venturing into different things, including volunteering, which he feels is extremely important.

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

0 6 D E C 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 4 9

His Highness Sayyid Faisal Bin Turki Al Said

P.O. Box: 44, Hai Al Mina, Postal Code: 114, Sultanate of Oman, Tel: +968 24730000,Fax: +968 24730010

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ANTISOCIAL MEDIADear Editor,

Ever since Facebook became a popular social media platform, the definition of friendship has been changed.

A few days ago, I received a friendship request from an unknown individual with whom I’ve never had any interaction. To my surprise, he called me on my mobile phone twice a few hours later. The completely unfamiliar voice turned out to be friendly while talking, but I was never convinced of his association.

For many, rather than having a good friendship and contact, they are keen on increasing the number of friends on Facebook. In reality, a genuine contact seems to be a rarity for a majority on the ever-increasing social-media platforms.

One of my “friends” on Facebook said he was keeping a distance from the daily browsing of the page as several of his friends had disregarded posts that he felt had some value. Often, I too felt the same, as friends on

Facebook are found to be very selective when responding to posts.

I also noticed one of my “friends”, who hardly posted anything, found joy in criticising others simply to draw attention.

For many, it is like a never-ending obsession with an unknown domain. I find true friendship is lost in this virtual world.

Best regards, Ramachandran NairRuwi

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

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WE ASKED: “This issue, we look at the potential effects of a ban on the sale of alcohol in public places. Do you think it should be implemented or not?”

AMMY MAAN Oman is a Muslim country so alcohol should be banned, but this will have

DEBATE OF THE WEEK

THE VOICE OF OMAN Social media saves the day, writes Sheline Clarke

NEXT WEEK: ALI AL RAHMA

Despite my advancing years, I still look forward to and enjoy celebrating my birthday, the day

when I can get away with just about anything and revel in the attention afforded by my friends and family.

Back in the UK, my loved ones are very generous gift-givers; every year the parcels come thick and fast, along with a wonderful haul of handwritten cards, all wishing me well on my special day.

When I told them Oman has no residential postal service and that we have no address or even a letterbox, the disappointment was palpable.

So we decided to rely on the communications channels we do have rather than dwell on the ones we don’t. I asked them all to send me photographs and messages via email or social media and the results were overwhelming.

Thanks to the 4G available in Salalah, I spent the day picking up messages from folks back home who had not only remembered my birthday, but had gone to some effort to send me special messages.

Some of the enterprising mums sent videos of their little ones singing happy birthday, while another filmed her lad making me a birthday cake and blowing out the candles.

I had photographs of some of them on the beach with my name in the sand, while others held up messages for me to cherish. My Facebook account was inundated and my inbox awash with e-cards. Modern technology triumphed and it didn’t even cost them the price of a stamp.

correspondence

a negative impact on tourism. The Sultanate should raise the price and tax on alcohol. Banning alcohol will not solve any problems, because people who are fond of drinking will find ways to get it. It will only ruin the image of Oman, but being a Muslim country it should not be available at every place.

GEORGINA BENISON Adults should be free to make their own lifestyle choices, and their own mistakes, even though these may not always be for their own good. If you want to live in a nanny state, try Saudi Arabia or North Korea. Where will it end – stop women driving, ban tobacco and fine fat people?

KAMAL GANATRA I fully agree with the initiative taken by the Government to ban alcohol, as it is one of the major risk factors for health, as well as community and family cohesion. Alcohol plays a huge role in abuse, crime and road accident deaths and places a huge burden on state

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resources. Admittedly, banning alcohol would severely limit Oman’s tourism potential by ruling out a large number of people who may be put off by a “dry” country, although it doesn’t take much to change a tourist’s mind, as they are a fickle bunch. The Government should strategically ban alcohol in phases.

ADAM COLLINS For me, it’s not about the alcohol; it’s about restriction of privileges and freedom of choice. I’m a responsible adult who drinks responsibly on occasion, I like the freedom of making my own decisions.

MONIKA KAUSHIK Yes, of course, as many people are misbehaving and fighting and many drivers drink alcohol and then have severe accidents. Nowadays, children are also likely to have alcohol as it is fashion statement, so it should be banned for the sake of the country.

HANNA-LIZE OBERHOLSTER BASSON Ban alcohol, cigarettes, women from football matches, make all women wear abayas, no women behind the wheel and Saudi is the way to go! No freedom of expression and choice might not be so bad.

JERRY AQUINO Banning alcohol would only spoil the good image of democracy in the Sultanate and it would also send trade underground, leading to a much worse outcome.

MIGUEL GUILA   Banning alcohol will just open opportunities to black markets, enriching criminals and decreasing tax revenue. It will also have a bad impact on the image of Oman to potential tourists. Yes, they don’t come here for alcohol, but this would definitely give the impression that Oman is like Saudi, a country that many tourists don’t want to go to because it’s ridiculously strict. Religion should be a choice and should not be forced upon people.

DEEPAK DJEY VGROOVE VELICHETY For all those people who support the ban, why are you not banning cigarettes, which are more harmful? Drinking occasionally keeps the heart healthy, you can check with doctors or research online for this. Also, I wonder how many people know or understand the impact of a liquor ban on the economy. You will only understand when people lose jobs and economy falls after the ban.

SUSAN HILDITCH If they introduce the ban there will be no need for expats to take taxis anymore. Also, I can’t see many cruise ships stopping overnight either with the ban affecting the sea too, as holiday companies won’t want to stop selling alcohol on board if they dock in Oman. There is much more to consider here for the economy other than just expats or tourists getting a drink. The ministers are educated and will surely look at the bigger socio-economic picture for the country and the impact this decision will make on the livelihood of ordinary Omanis.

INTISAR Q AL-BUSAIDI I never understood the link between tourism and drinking. I thought travelling was about exploring new cultures and customs? I can’t find halal food all over the world, so I adjust my diet to solve the problem. I don’t force my values on someone else. If you want to drink, visit your local pub, you don’t have to travel all the way around the world just to do the same thing you do back home.

MOHAMED ABDOULMAGUID Do you think banning on alcohol will stop people from drinking? Haven’t the Majlis heard of bootlegged alcohol? Any person can make their own alcohol far more powerful than that served in bars. Get citizens’ consent before deciding stuff, our votes should count and our voices should be heard as well.

SHAILEE SHINAIA ban isn’t the solution as there are lot of factors to be considered. The best option would be to take a middle ground to control drinking. There could be a daily limit on alcohol, linked to the resident card, which should be presented when placing an order with the bartender. This would help control excessive drinking.

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WALKING WITH DINOSAURSW hen organisers of the Muscat

Festival announced exciting new features

would be lined up for next year’s event, no one knew what to expect.

It certainly wasn’t dinosaurs and a Snow Village. But that’s exactly what we’re being promised for the 2015 installment of the festival.

This week, the festival committee showed visual presentations for the new family attractions, which will also include a Nature Village.

Apparently both the Snow Village and Dinosaur Village are being introduced by public demand, according to the committee in charge of running the annual four-week extravaganza.

Old favourites such as the Heritage Village and Family Village will return, along with the fireworks and laser show. The Tour of Oman bicycle race, now in its sixth year, is also confirmed.

For the first time, Azaiba beach will host some events, while Al Amerat and Al Naseem parks will continue as the main venues.

There’s no need to panic yet say experts after falling oil prices hit a five-year low this week, causing local and

foreign investors to lose a staggering RO2.2 billion over the past two-and-a-half months on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).

A fall in share prices came after the price of a barrel of oil slipped to US$60. On Tuesday (Dec 16), the Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) announced that the price of Omani oil had dipped even lower to $57.25, the Oman News Agency reported.

With the increased uncertainty and oil prices destabilising, the local bourse plummeted 25.5 per cent, or 1,900 points, to close at 5,572 on Monday, a figure that is down from a high of 7,484 ponts in September. In turn, billions of rials were wiped from the value of shares. From a total worth of RO10.6 billion on September 30, the price had fallen

by 20 per cent to RO8.4 billion on Monday (15).

The blame has been firmly placed on Oman’s crude oil prices dropping almost 11 per cent last week.

In the UAE, shares have lost AED65 billion (RO6.8 billion) in value in just one week, according to a newspaper in Abu Dhabi, sparking a dumping of stocks.

Experts, however, said there had been no signs of panic buying in Oman. “There is no need to panic as most of the countries have huge fiscal reserves,” said Jose Chacko, a financial expert based in Oman.

“Many of the countries will not be required to cut down state expenditure, including major projects. This is the high time to think of a post-oil era for the Arab region.

“We need to be prepared for the eventuality if the crude price goes below $60. Also for investors, it is a great buying opportunity.”

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A head of Rio 2016, the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) this week announced that Oman Olympic Day 2014 would take place on December 22 across five of the Sultanate’s key cities.

Olympic Day is the biggest annual sporting event in the country and the initiative, which is in line with the Olympic movement, is celebrated by Olympic committees across the world in to promote the core values of the Games, in particular fair play, sports for all and healthy living.

“For the first time in Oman, we are organising Olympic Day simultaneously across five areas, bringing the spirit of the Olympic Games to the citizens of Oman,” said Hisham Salim al Adwani, director of Olympic Solidarity at the Oman Olympic Committee.

“Our objective is to bring together the people of Oman in the spirit of the Olympic Games, creating more relevant and meaningful programmes aimed at raising awareness about the importance of active and balanced lifestyles through various sports activities.”

Events including running, basketball, volleyball and mini-tennis will take place in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, Buraimi and Nizwa and are aimed at everyone, from beginners to professionals. The Olympic Day will be free to attend and is a family friendly event.

Mr al Adwani added that the event, supported by McDonald’s, also reflected the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Al Said to encourage a healthy lifestyle among the population in terms of having sport in their day-to-day lives.

This year, the venues for Olympic Day have been chosen to make them as accessible to local communities as possible. Events will take place at Qurum Natural Park in Muscat, Sohar Sports Complex, Salalah Entertainment Centre, Buraimi Public Park and Nizwa Sports Complex.

OLYMPIC DAY ANNOUNCED

N E W S

STICKY ENDING

Drivers must remove celebratory stickers from their cars immediately or risk being fined, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has warned.

As part of National Day festivities, the rules were relaxed to allow vehicles to be adorned with transfers on windows, doors and bonnets that depicted elements of Oman.

This would normally have to be removed by the end of November, but with a tide of patriotism sweeping the country, the ROP extended this deadline to December 15.

Now it is back to normal, meaning it’s illegal to decorate cars. Erring motorists will have to pay a fine of RO35 if they ignore the law.

“Starting today, the police will fine the owner of any vehicle with stickers, irrespective of size,” a police source told a local newsaper.

The ROP also tweeted a warning about car stickers on its official Twitter account.

However, a worker at a vehicle decoration shop said that business in the past 45 days was booming, with some drivers paying up to RO200 to decorate their automotive pride and joy.

“Most customers are ready to pay any amount,” the worker, who was not named, told a newspaper.

This is only the third time that the ROP has permitted car decorations – the other two times were the 43rd National Day and when Oman won the Gulf Cup of Nations in January 2009.

Earlier in the week, the ROP also advised that coloured or tinted windscreens on vehicles were illegal due to fears it obscured drivers’ vision. Tints on side windows or rear windows are allowed, but only with tinting of up to 30 per cent.

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These aren’t anything new, why

are they in the news?

They’re not new, but one may be

coming to Oman. The Government is

currently conducting a study to see if a

new chartered airline in the country is

feasible.

But why are they doing it in the

first place – we already use Fly

Dubai, don’t we?

The idea is to maximise the potential of

the new airport at Salalah. If the nation

has a cheap airline, then travel between

the north and south will be easy and

affordable, which will benefit both trade

and tourism. People from Muscat will

be able to spend a long weekend on the

beach at Salalah and vice versa.

Actually, that sounds like quite a

good idea. Europe has done well

with similar schemes, hasn’t it?

That’s exactly right. Thanks to the likes

of EasyJet, Norwegian Air and Ryanair,

it’s now very common for people to

go away for weekend breaks to other

European cities. It’s even allowed people

to do more business in other countries.

It is not uncommon for people who live

and work in London to go to meetings

with international clients in Switzerland,

for example.

Let’s hope they get the uniform

right as a uniform can make or

break an airline.

Very true. Those British Airways staff

always look so smart in their tailored

uniforms. But it has to be said that the

great thing about Oman having its own

low-cost airline is that it will open up the

country for people who want to explore

but are on a budget.

Don’t say: It’ll never get off the ground

Do say: When do we take off ?

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

LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.

BUDGET AIRLINES

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMAN OMAN’S FASTEST GO-KARTER

After a month-long preliminary qualification period and hundreds of practice laps, Red Bull has completed its search for the Sultanate’s speediest

amateur behind the wheel of a go-kart.Twenty drivers were selected to go head to head

in a national final, which took place at the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) last weekend. From those hopefuls, Mohammed al Zadjali emerged on top and will now go on to represent the Sultanate in the Red Bull Kart Fight World Final in Austria next February.

Speaking moments after his win, Mohammed said he was “speechless”. The young Omani, who only took up go-karting a year ago, shared his disbelief, saying: “I wasn’t imagining I would get first, I thought I would do it for fun. It’s a dream to represent Oman in another country.”

After a spate of third place finishes, Mohammed revealed that he took a short break from the sport, but the lure of Red Bull’s Kart Fight was too much to resist. “I really love challenges and I love to be the best,” he said.

With a little over two months to go until he lines up against the cream of the international go-karting crop from 20 countries in Austria’s Red Bull Ring, Mohammed said: “Of course, I will practice more and more every day and I will just try my best.”

This year is the first time that Red Bull’s search for a top karter has extended to Oman and the past month has acted as a platform for enthusiasts

of the sport to show off their skills and share their passions.

Finishing in second place and also joining Mohammed at the World Final next year is Ehab Soomar. International travel is nothing new to Ehab, though, who works as cabin crew for Oman Air during the day. Motorsport also runs in his family and Ehab himself has won go-karting championships held in Muscat in the past. Just like Mohammed, Ehab will also be putting in plenty more hours on the go-kart track before February.

* Turn to P15 for a full gallery of the Red Bull Kart Fight National Final.

It’s fiesta time and Y Magazine has teamed up with Rumba Lattina restaurant at The Cave complex to offer three readers a chance to win dinner for two.

Rumba Lattina dishes up the authentic flavours of Latin America alongside warm hospitality in a perfect location nestled in the hills of Darsait, on the edge of Muscat.

To celebrate the season, the restaurant will be laying on a full Latin American Christmas menu with traditional games such as piñata and a special visit from Santa.

For a chance to be one of the three lucky winners, you simply have to answer this question: “What happens every Monday at Rumba Lattina?”

The photograph is a clue, but you can also check out Rumba Lattina’s Facebook page or go to www.rumbalattina.com for more hints.

Email your answer to info@y-oman.com by December 22. Winners will experience a traditional Latin American Christmas meal and games on either December 24, 25 or 26. Please make sure you are free to attend on one of those dates.

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

Armed police storm a Sydney café, ending a 17-hour siege after a gunman took up to 17 people hostage. The gunman was revealed to be 49-year-old Iranian refugee Man Haron Monis, who had a violent criminal history and was facing charges of being an accessory to his wife’s murder and multiple sexual assaults. Monis was killed in the raid along with two of the hostages.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

The German hockey team won the Champions Trophy with a 2-0 victory over Pakistan watched by 7,000 Indian fans in Bhubaneswar. Pakistan had two players banned for the final and one reprimanded by the International Hockey Federation.

190 UN member nations agreed the foundations for a new-style global deal to combat climate change amid warnings that far tougher action is needed to slow down the effects of global warming.

Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan has hit 12 million followers on his Twitter account, but it’s still some way behind his 18 million Facebook followers. The megastar told fans the news in a tweet.

Christmas and New Year gatherings have been banned by the government throughout Sierra Leone to stop the Ebola virus spreading to rural villages as people gather to celebrate.

Singing traditional Syrian songs helped Hazem Sherif from Aleppo win this year’s Arab Idol competition. The 21-year-old, who lives in Lebanon, won a hard-fought final in Beirut.

At least 130 children were among more than 140 killed in a Taliban assault on an army-run school in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Miss South Africa, a 22-year-old medical student Rolene Strauss, was crowned Miss World 2014 at the beauty pageant’s final in London, with an estimated billion television viewers watching around the globe. Miss Hungary was runner-up and Miss United States came third.

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N E E D F O R S P E E DAFTER WEEKS OF PRELIMINARY QUALIFICATION ROUNDS, 20 OF OMAN’S FASTEST AMATEUR GO-KARTERS CAME TOGETHER AT THE RED BULL KART FIGHT NATIONAL FINAL TO BATTLE IT OUT FOR THE HONOUR OF REPRESENTING THE SULTANATE IN THE WORLD FINAL THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN AUSTRIA NEXT YEAR

G A L L E R Y

Photos: Geoff Cruz

UNBROKEN In her second directorial outing, Angelina Jolie tells the unbelievable true story of Louis "Louie" Zamperini (Jack O’Connell), the rebel who grew up to be an American Olympic star. With the outbreak of World War Two, Louie enlists in the Air Force and goes on to survive a plane crash, 47 days at sea on a raft and then several years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, becoming a hero in the process.

Y’s Festive Favourite

Fort Bliss

After an extended tour of Afghanistan with the US military, decorated army medic, Maggie Swann (Michelle Monaghan), returns home and struggles to regain the connection with her five-year-old son. It’s a touching drama that sees a dedicated servicewoman and mother struggle with her allegiances between her Young Ones

MOVIES MOVIESfellow soldiers and her estranged son. Fort Bliss documents in detail the difficulty of being a woman in what remains largely a man’s world.

Paddington

In deepest, darkest Peru an explorer stumbles across a family of semi-intelligent bears and tells them about a place called Britain. After an earthquake destroys the family nest, young Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) travels to the UK in search of a home. After finding the bear at Paddington Station, the good-natured Brown family provide him with a temporary home. The only thing Paddington must avoid is the evil museum owner Millicent (Nicole Kidman), who has a penchant for stuffed animals. It’s been 56 years since Michael Bond’s furry creation first appeared in print and thankfully, the long wait for Paddington’s film debut has been well worth it.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1999) No Christmas is complete without a retelling of Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser who, on the eve of Christmas, is given the chance to mend his ways thanks to visitations from several ghosts. Patrick Stewart plays the miserable and twisted character of Scrooge perfectly, bringing real gravitas to the role.

In an arid, desert-like setting reminiscent of an old western, water has become a scarce and dwindling commodity. In this near-apocalyptic vision of the future, Ernest Holm (Michael Shannon) provides for his son Jerome (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and daughter Mary (Elle Fanning) by trading supplies with the water people who deal in the aforementioned precious resource.Ernest lives in the hope of returning his land to the lush green fertile fields of his memories through irrigation. Meanwhile, the son of a wealthy local businessman, Flem Lever (Nicholas Holt) has his own designs, for both

Ernest’s homestead and his daughter and is willing to achieve them by any means necessary.Glimpses of future tech, such as the robot walker and the machines that help Ernest’s hospitalised wife, pique the audience’s curiosity, but unfortunately extra plot lines somewhat dissolve the overall strength of the narrative and the central characters are thinly drawn out, relegated to easily recognisable archetypes. Overall, Young Ones is an intriguing, if slightly unfulfilling fusion of frontier western and futuristic sci-fi.

Review by Matt Blackwell

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CAKE HOUSE

T H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E

THIS WEEKD E C E M B E R

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE.

WHAT TO HEAR.

It’s time to get the little ones in the festive mood and what better way than a traditional Christmas treat? The Crowne Plaza Sohar has a Gingerbread House-making event for kids from 4pm onwards. Guaranteed wonderful fun for the little ones as well as parents, who might get to eat the house afterwards. The price is RO8 per house. For details, contact 2685 0850 or Facebook.com/crowneplazasohar

18D

ec

Meditation Time

De-stress and get some relaxation in before the festive season gets into full swing. The Art of Living Foundation can help you with a session to teach the techniques of a meditation programme called Sahaj Samadhi. “Sahaj” is the Sanskrit word for natural or effortless, while “Samadhi” is a deep and blissful state of awareness. Hosted by Kamal and Ajay Khimji, who trained at the Foundation’s Bangalore International Centre, the venue is the Mosaic Towers centre (next to Zakher Mall) in Al Khuwair. Meditation can help lower blood pressure, reduce tension and improve the immune system. Contact +968 9925 6472 for more details.

Once again the comedic talents of Oman Comedy Central will be on display in what promises to be a laugh-a-minute stand up comedy show. Taking place for the first time in an open-air venue at the Radisson Blu Muscat hotel to make the most of the beautiful weather we are enjoying at the moment, the show starts at 8pm and ends when the comics finish talking! Entry is free of charge. Join the Facebook group “Oman Comedy Central” to find out more.

18Dec

18-20Dec

Broadway on Ice, the Royal Opera House Muscat’s festive production, is proving extremely popular with most shows sold out already. There are, however, still tickets available for the matinee performance on Dec 27 (Saturday), but you’ll have to hurry. Check out www.rohmuscat.org.om for further details.

ICE ICE BABY

27DEC

You’re h

aving

a Lau

gh

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IN THE PICTUREHis work has captured life in some of the most challenging countries from Afghanistan to Burma and China to Yemen. Now the award-winning images of Steve McCurry are being exhibited for the first time in Oman in a show called South South East: A life in pictures at Bait al Zubair. His seminal image of the “Afghan Girl” will take pride of place at the exhibition, which is on until the end of February 2015. Bait al Zubair is open to the public Saturday-Thursday from 9.30am-6pm. To find out more about Bait al Zubair find them at Facebook.com/bait.alzubair or follow @Bait_AlZubair on Twitter and Instagram.

RIDE & DRIVE

Ford is offering fans of the brand a rare chance to ride and drive at a special event this month. There will be a whole host of activities on offer at the InterContinental Hotel, Muscat, including indoor games, a Ford quiz, test drives and sedan games. Exciting prizes will be on offer thoughout the day, with proceedings kicking off at 10am and running right through to 5.30pm.

Enjoy live Christmas carols at the Juweira Boutique Hotel, Salalah, during the season of festive joy. Join in with all your favourites with performances starting at 5.30pm. Contact 2323 9600 for further details, email info@juweirahotel.com or check out www.juweirahotel.com

DING DONG

16from

Dec

18-22Dec 20

Dec

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IT’S ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING SECTORS IN OMAN, but attracting young nationals into the tourism industry is proving more of A CHALLENGE. Deeba Hasan reports from the MUSCAT YOUTH SUMMIT 2014 IN SALALAH where they’re trying TO COME UP WITH AN ANSWER

TOURISMR e b r a n d e d

For a young man with aspirations to represent a nascent generation of Omani youth set on making their mark in the

future, Abdulaziz al Rawas appeared on the right path.

A job in the sales and marketing department at leading telecom company Ooredoo (then Nawras), offered a good salary, comfortable working hours – 9am to 3.30pm every day – and excellent prospects for a future career.

Yet after three years Abdulaziz walked away in search of something different.

Fast forward to the present day and he can now be found at the Hilton Salalah Resort where he’s the assistant sales manager and apparently loving every minute of it. Some would see him as a shining example of how Omani youth can meaningfully contribute to the Sultanate’s burgeoning tourism industry.

“Even though I have longer working hours, from 9am to 6pm, I really enjoy this,” enthuses Abdulaziz, who is now in his 20s. “I get to meet with people who come from different parts of the world and interacting with them is a wonderful part of my job. I am sent on courses to different places and that

helps me gain new skills and learn new languages.”

He’s just the sort of success story that Oman’s Ministry of Tourism want to see replicated all over the country,

along with the Ministry of Manpower. Ambitious – some might say over-optimistic – employment targets have been set for Omanisation in the sector – 85 per cent for 3, 4 and 5 star hotels and 55 per cent for 1 and 2 star.

The problem is that Abdulaziz’s enthusiasm is not shared by a lot of his contemporaries. Hotels and other sectors in the hospitality industry are beginning to realise that appealing to Omanis is a bigger task than first thought.

Marius Wolmarans, general manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat, says most hotels

are generally achieving somewhere between 40-50

per cent of the official 85 per cent Omanisation target.

WE HAVE GOT SOME FANTASTIC YOUNG

OMANIS IN THE INDUSTRY NOW,

BUT WE NEED MORE. IT’S NOT AN EASY

INDUSTRY FOR PEOPLE TO WORK IN

WORLDWIDE, NOT JUST IN OMAN

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As to whether it’s simple to recruit nationals, he says: “It’s not easy, there is a lot of stigma. Firstly, one of the reasons is that it involves alcohol, that’s usually the biggest detractor. That and the fact that you have to serve people, it’s not always seen as the most glamorous of jobs.”

Which his why Abdulaziz, who has been working at the Hilton Salalah for three months, was at the Muscat Youth Summit (MYS) in Salalah this week sharing his experience and encouraging other young Omanis to take the same path.

The theme of this year’s MYS, under the banner of “Opening Minds & Borders”, is the “outdoor economy” and how Oman can exploit the rapid rise of travel and tourism, as well as coming up with solutions on dilemmas such as ways to sell Salalah as a year-round destination, rather than just during Khareef season.

One of Abdulaziz’s colleagues who is involved with the tours department at the Hilton thinks Omanis are not drawn to the the hospitality or tourism industry because of lower salaries and longer working hours.

Students like Ishaq al Maskry, in his fifth year at Sultan Qaboos University, admits tourism as a career is not on his radar.

“I wouldn’t go into the tourism industry because I have spent five years of life studying petroleum engineering and it would be unfair to make the shift.”

He adds: “Also, given that Oman is a petroleum producing country and it’s a natural resource that is out there, I feel it’s up to me to cultivate it.”

A few days at the MYS summit, however, has changed his perceptions.

“If I were to pick a second job, if oil finished or if I got bored, MYS has given me the chance to explore the tourism industry and see the different opportunities in it,” admits Ishaq. “Now my alternate option would be to join the tourism industry, probably working as a tour guide because I like looking at the different tourist spots in Oman and showing people around.”

There are plenty of young people out there. Almost half of the population is aged between 15-34, 47 per cent in total, the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed last week. A further 22 per cent is under 15 years old.

The hurdle is persuading a section of youth who still prefer the idea of government jobs with fewer working hours and higher salaries, to enter the tourism industry.

“Before MYS 2014, I wasn’t very keen on joining the travel or hospitality sector. I wanted to get married and have children, so I wanted a job with lesser working hours. I would probably work for one of the ministries,” admits MYS participant Ikhlas al Wahaibi, who was among 100 of the brightest young Omani minds at the summit.

From not being interested in the sector, she’s now experiencing something of a change of heart.

“Now I really see that there are a lot of wasted opportunities because Oman has great opportunities in tourism and I think I would, maybe one day, want to have a business that is related to tourism. It is exciting and I could interact with people from different backgrounds and actually have an interesting job, not a boring desk job.”

Oman is certainly going to need these young people in the future as it seeks to move away from a reliance on dwindling oil reserves.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2014 Travel and Tourism Economic Impact Report, Oman will lead the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector in 2014 with 10.2 per cent growth, amounting to US2.8 billion (RO1.07 billion) compared to last year.

A new world-class Muscat International Airport will be capable of handling a capacity of 48 million passengers a year

one day and new resorts and hotel complexes are being built to accommodate the tourists.

“Oman is extremely well placed to drive an outdoor economy industry that offers rewarding career opportunities for young people today and into the future,” says His Highness Sayyid Faisal Bin Turki Al Said, chairman of MYS.

Yet at the moment, only 7,324 Omanis work in the tourism sector out of 18,531 according to Ministry of Manpower statistics from 2013. An Omanisation rate of just 39.5 per cent.

Without expatriate workers, the hospitality industry could not meet demand, but the Government is determined to press ahead with Omanisation.

So it’s not a question of trying to tap into potential labour, it needs to happen in order for the Omani tourism industry to grow and thrive.

Michael Moszynski, chief executive of London Advertising, an advertising agency based in London and a presenter at MYS 2014 says, “We are trying to find what can be done to attract more young Omanis to enter the tourism sector.

“At the moment the tourism sector employs around 79,000 people (in total over all sectors of

His Highness Sayyid Faisal Bin Turki Al Said, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Muscat Youth Summit

hospitality), which is about a third of the global average.

“What I have pleasantly discovered is how proud these young people are of their country. They have realised that if Oman wishes to develop its tourism industry, it’s important that Omanis are the people who the visitors interact with, because that will give them a much more authentic experience.”

Does he have any ideas how this laudible aim can be acheived?

“We have been working on a range of ideas to show how a marketing campaign can do this important task. Some of the barriers are that despite the exciting opportunities that exist in tourism in Oman, people have a slightly negative view about the sector. Also, there are some people who would like to set up their own business in this industry, but they don’t know how to go about it and think that there are too many barriers.”

To try and reinvent its image, Moszynski and his team at the

MYS came up with the idea of rebranding the tourism industry as, “The Excitement Business”, which certainly makes it far more appealing to the young.

“We’re calling it so because you can do many more exciting things in the outdoors working with people from all over the world, learning new languages and running your own business if you want to,” says Moszynski. “The other thing we need to do is to make people aware of where these jobs are. The team has come up with a very clever idea in the form of an app that will make it easier for people to look for jobs in the industry.”

Jobs such as hotel management, which is what Mohammed al Busaidi, a presenter at MYS, is aiming towards.

“When I graduated from high school, I had two options: either to become an engineer or to be a chef. Because my grades were low I couldn’t get into engineering and therefore enrolled at the National Hospitality Institute (NHI) for cookery classes. I studied that for one year and later got a scholarship to study hotel management at the same institute,” he says.

Mohammed is now striving for a career in hospitality and has no regrets. “I like working with my hands more than working with my mind. I am a practical person.”

Perhaps he could help change the mind of Qais al Farsi, a student at the summit who is interested, but has reservations.

“The main attraction is that the industry looks like a lot of fun, like the things I only normally get to do at my weekends, but then there are government regulations and the low salaries, which would probably keep me away from joining this industry.”

Rob McLean, principal of the NHI, says while perceptions are shifting there is still a lot of work to be done.

“We have got some fantastic young Omanis in the industry now, but we need more. It’s not an easy industry for people to work in worldwide, not just in Oman,” he says, speaking on the sidelines of MYS. “Customers like being served by local people because it is part of the culture, it is one of the reasons to come to Oman, otherwise they could go anywhere. It’s really important that we train more and more people.

“There are thousands of jobs available for Omanis and it’s difficult, but it’s doable. We all have to work together and we can really make a difference.”

Oman is famous for its generous hospitality and warm welcome. The hope is that in the future, young Omanis will be the ones leading from the front to make sure this reputation remains intact.

THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF JOBS AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT FOR

OMANIS AND IT IS DIFFICULT, BUT IT’S DOABLE, WE ALL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER AND WE CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

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Young Omani Author 2015Submit a short storyBecome a published writer*Other great prizes to be won! Open to young Omani boys and girls aged 15 - 18 years. *Conditions apply.

0 24 D E C 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 4 9

The first phase of the new Muscat

International Airport was

officially opened this week and here,

Y gives you a look at the new runway and

control tower

They heard the Airbus A330 before they saw it.

The first plane due to arrive at Muscat’s new airport runway signalled its imminent arrival with a low rumble.

The distinctive blue and white livery of Oman Air was spotted on the horizon as the aircraft begin its descent,

watched with anticipation by a crowd of select spectators.With landing gear down, the twin-engine jet airliner

safely touched onto the tarmac of the northern runway, marking a new chapter in the aviation history of the

Sultanate in the process.Muscat has waited a long time for this moment, with delays

pushing back the new airport project almost two years. There’s still quite a way to go, but the sight of the first aircraft taking

off and landing on the new runway at last gave a sense that the venture is finally turning into reality.

Three quarters of the new passenger terminal has also been completed, it was revealed and should be open by the end of 2016.Nor was it just the runway that we got the first proper glimpse of.

The 97-metre-tall air traffic control (ATC) tower, equipped with the world’s first 56-inch radar screens, is also open for business, along with

other buildings such as the firefighting and rescue station.There was no need for the latter’s services on Sunday (Dec 14) as the

Oman Air plane, with special guests on board, made a smooth landing on the 4km runway, which is long enough to accommodate an Airbus

A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.As expected, the inauguration of Phase I – which had a budget of

RO700 million – befitted quite an opening ceremony, with the Minister of Transport and Communications, Ahmed Mohammed Salem al Futaisi,

cutting the ribbon.Flights will be able to take off and land every two minutes on the new

runway, three times faster than the old one, which currently deals with one aircraft every six minutes.

“In an hour, 40 flights can land on the new runway,” says Mohammed bin Nasser al Zaabi, chairman of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA).

“This will bring in more flights and boost the air traffic network.”To test out the new runway, it will be open five hours a day (from 1pm-6pm) for

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three weeks, with the old runway still open in case of emergencies. After this, the old runway will be closed and undergo refurbishment for a year.

In the long run, it’s hoped to attract stopovers in Muscat for long-haul passengers heading to other destinations.

The Phase I expansion didn’t exceed its budget, according to the PACA.The millions of rials invested also paid for the smart new control tower, from where the Sultanate’s skies will be overseen with the aid of some of the most advanced technology the world has to offer.

Phase II of the airport includes the new main terminal building, which promises to be cutting-edge.

“Our competitiveness with the airports of neighbouring countries will be clear after opening the new passenger terminal, which is the first of its kind in the world,” says Mr al Zaabi.

“The design mixes modernity and authentic Omani architecture. As of now, 75 per cent of the passenger terminal has been completed.”

A new road that connects Sultan Qaboos Highway to 18th November Street, from which traffic can reach the new airport, was also opened this week. The shiny new headquarters of the PACA and a new home for the Meteorology Early Warning and Forecast Centre, which predicts weather conditions for the airports using forecast balloons, were also declared ready.

In Numbers

■ 1.85 billion rials is the total cost of the new airport project■ 10 per cent increase in air traffic at Muscat Airport every year■ 12 million passengers per an-num can be handled by new airport, eventually rising to 48 million ■ New runway is 20 per cent larger and 25 per cent wider than the old one■ 67,976 flights into Muscat this year■ 7.3 million passengers went through Muscat departures this year, up 400,000 from 2013■ 40 flights an hour can land on new runway■ 2016 when new airport should finally be fully operational■ April 2015 First commercial flight scheduled to land at the new Salalah Airport

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Y brings you the lowdown on the many ways Christmas is celebrated by different groups of expats living in Oman

Christmas around

KAREN WILMOT HOMETOWN: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA In South Africa, the weather is usually glorious in December and perfect for entertaining outside. Christmas in South Africa is all about getting family and friends together around tables that are groaning under the weight of the festive feast. Some people stick to the traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, including crunchy roast potatoes and the dreaded Brussels sprouts. However, many people use Christmas as an excuse for a big old braai (a barbecue in all other countries). In this case it would be steak, chops and our traditional sausage called boerewors (because a braai just isnt a braai without it), accompanied by lots of fresh salads and crusty garlic bread.

Dessert would be traditional steamed Christmas pudding or milk tart for those who go down the turkey route and malva pudding (a sweet, syrupy and spongy cake) for the braai-hards.

I will be travelling home for Christmas this year and having celebrated Thanksgiving with my American friends this year, I am all turkeyed out and rather hoping for the steak and chops option. As for dessert, well, I would never refuse the sticky sweetness of malva pudding.

DANY SALIBA HOMETOWN: CHRINE, LEBANONFrom the first day of December, the Lebanese people start celebrating the festive season by decorating their homes.

We plant chickpeas, lentils and wheat on damp cotton wool 14 days before Christmas Day. Additionally, every house tends to have a garden filled with various fruits such as apricots, figs and raisins, which are then dried by the family in preparation for Christmas. Furthermore, walnuts and chestnuts are picked from the garden to be used in dishes.

Traditionally, the most famous Christmas scene revolves around a stable, however, most Lebanese households have a decorated cave instead of a stable placed underneath a beautiful Christmas tree. This serves as a focus for the family members and friends to gather around and sing traditional Christmas carols.

On Christmas Eve, we go to Mass, an event that brings the Christian community together to celebrate the occasion. This is followed by a festive dinner where everyone gathers at a designated venue and brings a dish to complete the Christmas feast.

We also have lunch on Christmas Day and the table often displays an eclectic mix of dishes, such as roasted turkey atop a bed of rice with mixed nuts and raisins, kibbeh pie, spiced rosti, tabbouleh, fattoush and mezze platters.

We bring these traditions to Oman by decorating homes with Christmas stockings, wreaths and trees. We also attend Mass with the Christian community and visit each other’s homes to exchange cards and gifts.

JAANA RAISANENHOMETOWN: HELSINKI, FINLANDWe celebrate the build up to Christmas and on the day itself. Finnish people take Christmas very seriously, after all Santa, or Joulupukki as the Finns prefer to call, him resides in northern Finland, in Lapland. Offices and schools hold Christmas parties, with festive delicacies, carols and presents. Families purchase the Christmas tree and children decorate it. The Christmas Eve dinner is the most important meal of the festivities. Traditionally, it consists of a baked meat, carrot and rice casserole, sweet potato casserole, liver and rice casserole and beetroot salad. A selection of different cold fish would also be offered. In northern Finland, the festive fare would, of course, include sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes. We’ve had our Christmas tree up since November and Jasmine, my daughter, is having a little Christmas party for her friends. Let’s see if Santa finds his way to our house on the night of December 24. The Finnish community in Oman is really small – only about 20 people – and most go for holidays outside Oman. The group normally gets together on December 6 (Finnish Independence Day) for lunch hosted by the lovely Riitta and her husband, who have lived in Oman for nearly 20 years.

KATE GINNHOMETOWN: LONDON, UKWith our global workplace scattering people in different directions, Christmas is often the only time of year when families are all together in the same place at the same time. Growing up in a family of six, Christmas was a wonderfully traditional affair. I would leave a biscuit for Father Christmas in my room along with a carrot for Rudolph. We would wake at 6am, too excited to sleep, to see a sack of presents left by the side of our bed. Memories are of shiny Christmas wrapping paper being ripped and finding five pence coins in mum’s homemade pudding.

As adults, everything followed a reassuring routine: Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, presents in the morning and a Christmas Day breakfast of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, mum in the kitchen peeling Brussels sprouts and my dad carving the turkey with a theatrical flourish. It was always turkey and all the trimmings. My mum insisted we watch the “Queen’s Speech”, after which we handed out the small presents around the tree and the dog was then taken for his annual Christmas Day walk with tinsel tied around his collar. Later, it was cold turkey sandwiches for supper, a seasonal singalong and all of us gathered together to watch a festive movie.

Variations of the same format will be simultaneously played out in millions of homes across Britain.

This year, I’ll be spending Christmas with friends in Oman, but a little piece of my heart will be back in the cold of the UK.

the world

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FELICITY GLOVERHOMETOWN: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIAThe festive season means summertime in Australia, but when I was growing up, there weren’t many Australians

who’d let the searing heat get in the way of a good Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

But these days, the non-traditionalists rule. And by that, I mean the growing number of Aussies who have shrugged off the traditions of our colonial past and embrace a new way of doing things that sees families celebrate with seafood barbecues on the beach or by the swimming pool. It’s just so much cooler.

For a long time, we were one of those traditional families. But then my mother saw the light one extraordinarily hot Christmas Day and vowed to never again be cooped up in the kitchen cooking turkey for a family of seven on Christmas Day.

Our Christmas cards, proudly displayed all over the living room, always depicted snow-filled scenes, a world as foreign to us then as Mars still is today.

As kids, we knew Christmas was on the way when we heard the sound of cicadas croaking away in the heat of the late afternoon and the splash of somebody diving into the pool. Oh, and the aroma of mum’s homemade pudding wafting through the house as it boiled merrily away on the stove for hours. Christmas morning always started early with the unwrapping of gifts, not to mention getting ready to welcome family and friends into our home.

ERWIN ARIÑOHOMETOWN: SAN MATEO, THE PHILIPPINESChristmas is a very special occasion in the Philippines. “Pasko” as we call it, for most of us, is a time when the whole family can be on the same table for once.

No matter how small or big the house you live in, people always find a way to make a house a home through Christmas lanterns, lights or homemade decorations.

What makes it even more special is that you can feel the changes around you; the cold weather, peaceful environment, busy malls and night markets. Even people change – everybody seems to become generous – and Christmas carols play everywhere.

Filipinos love to eat and Christmas is no exception. Traditionally, quezo de bola (round cheese), lechon baboy, baka and manok (grilled meat such as beef and chicken) and hot chocolate drinks are never far from the table. Christmas as an overseas Filipino worker is difficult, I had no Christmas last year because I was in Saudi Arabia. This year will be different, though, and with the help of my Filipino friends, I plan to make it as memorable as possible. I was astounded to see Christmas trees for sale in malls here as, honestly, I was not expecting that at all. This is my first Christmas in Oman and I will stay at a friend’s house where we will be cooking food, dancing and exchanging gifts.

MELANIE MARIAN CRASTAHOMETOWN: KARNATAKA, INDIAChristmas in the Sultanate has always been a magical time of the year for me. Not only is the weather pleasant, but also, Oman is filled with Christmas cheer. From the magnificent Christmas trees in malls to beautifully decorated homes, Christmas spreads joy across all walks of life and is a time that is filled with mystique. I find there is always a certain

“jingle” in the air at this time of year. In Oman, I celebrate Christmas in a variety of ways. Since it is the season of giving, I go

about singing carols with my youth group and providing food and clothing to the poor and less fortunate people in Oman. These carols are also sung in churches and for me, epitomise the festivities of the season. If you’ve been good, you can expect Santa to arrive with a few treats, but of course it is also a time for family.

Christmas morning in my house is dedicated to preparing the Christmas dinner and the very delicious turkey that goes with it, while the evening involves my whole family taking part in the feast for a celebration of love, togetherness and prayer.

We, the Christians in Oman, are immensely thankful to His Majesty the Sultan for giving us the freedom to enjoy our most favourite season of all. Here’s wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

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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

COOL CUSTOMERThe humble ice cream

has been given a makeover with new

flavours and incarnations that include drinks and

even sandwiches.

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

FROZEN DELIGHTSGone are the days when ice cream was merely a softy cone and a few flavours. The market today is all about innovation, with new products that taste as good as they look. Deeba Hasan tucks in

It used to be that ice cream came in three flavours – chocolate, strawberry and vanilla – and was served in a dish with nothing more fancy than a wafer or two on the side.

How things have changed. Now, fancy ice cream parlours are super-cool (pun intended), selling all sorts of mouthwatering tastes and multi-coloured designer creations, from ice cream sandwiches to frozen yoghurt desserts. No longer can you satisfy a child, or indeed an adult, with a measly cone or an ice lolly. They will probably ask you for a Pinkberry, Ice Cream Mama or Baskin-Robbin in one of the trendy new flavours such as love potion #31 or rock ’n pop swirl sherbert.

To ensure you don’t get left out in the cold, here’s a rundown of the “must tries” of the ice cream world on offer from around Muscat:

Ice cream cakes Enjoy the twin temptations of ice cream and cake at the same time. In its basic form, it consists of a cake which has the ice cream in its inner layer. The most common variation is a three-layered cake, with two layers of cake (upper and bottom) and a layer of ice cream between them. Caramel, chocolate fudge, red velvet and vanilla flavours can be found at Ice Cream Mama.

Ice cream smoothies If you love fruit flavoured milkshakes and smoothies, this goes one step further by adding ice cream into the mix. Throw in a dash of yoghurt too and you have a healthy midday snack and a refreshing fruit drink all in one. A guaranteed winner with children too. You can find these at Ice Cream Mama, Baskin-Robbins and other ice cream or juice parlours.

Unique flavoured

ice creamsForget about traditional

flavours, it’s all about tasting something new

with ice cream these days. Your tastebuds can be tickled

by anything from hot chili to cotton candy. Ice Cream Mama

has recently introduced ice cream with a twist, mixing it up with traditional Omani flavours such as halwa, dates, coconut, karak tea and Omani Luban (Frankincense).

Strawberry ice cream shakeIngredients § 225g strawberries, hulled§ 300ml cold milk§ 3 large scoops vanilla ice cream§ extra strawberries, to serve (optional)

Preparation method● Tip the hulled strawberries into a food processor with the milk and ice cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.● Pour into tall glasses, top with sliced strawberries.

Ice cream sandwiches It’s all in the name, except this sandwich has no bread in it. Instead, ice cream sandwiches consist of a thick layer of ice cream in between two layers of biscuit. These specialities are available in various local supermarkets.

Frozen yoghurt Also known

as a “Froghurt”, this is a

frozen dessert made

using yoghurt

and other dairy products.

The dessert is a low fat option that is

similar to ice cream and consists of mostly fruit and berries in an effort to make it more healthy. The amount of ice cream in these vary and they can use milk instead of cream. Pick these up at Pinkberry, a frozen yohgurt parlour in Muscat.

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The National Hospitality Institute’s (NHI) classroom restaurant is a training space for the students enrolled there. When Team Y went along for our office

lunch, it was a hive of activity, with three other large tables also taken up by corporate parties. Festive music was playing and there was a feeling of cheer in the air.

Dining from a set menu, there was no need to order; the four courses would arrive when they were ready. First up was roasted pumpkin soup with paprika and croutons. It was full of flavour, with a definite kick in the aftertaste that added a second dimension. Lacking in temperature would be the only criticism of the first course. It was closer to lukewarm when we wanted piping hot.

This was swiftly followed by the main course – a festive feast of turkey with all the trimmings. Top marks should be awarded for presentation, as it all looked very appetising. When it came to the eating, it was only the roast potatoes that let the plate down. They lacked a crisp fluffiness and were much too small for my liking. Although considering that the trainee kitchen staff were cooking for upwards of 20 covers, I suppose that’s just me being greedy.

The slices of turkey we were given were large,

thick and, most importantly, moist. One of the biggest problems I often find with turkey is that it’s too dry, but what was served at the NHI was a million miles from this, with plenty of gravy, too. The winning part of the main was the cranberry jelly, which was excellent. A little bitter perhaps, but otherwise very good. The chestnut stuffing also went down a treat with my companions and me.

At this point, Father Christmas put in an appearance carrying a plastic bag filled with presents. Unfortunately, he wasn’t here for all the boys and girls, but for one table who had preplanned a “Secret Santa” among colleagues. So we didn’t get a present, but enjoyed watching the other table unwrap theirs. (Note to Team Y: next time organise a Father Christmas!).

Christmas pudding and custard was dessert, and I loved the icing holly leaf and berry on the top – a thoughtful touch. The pudding was rather tough on the outside, but this was remedied by a rich sponginess on the inside. Moist and flavoursome, this, to me, was Christmas in a mouthful. The accompanying custard was smooth and went very well with the mixed fruit pudding, although like the soup to start, it could have been a little warmer.

Tea, coffee and mince pies made up the final course. The pies were delightfully small and formed the perfect addition to a nice cup of tea. Throughout our time at the NHI, the staff were charming and attentive, despite committing a

small faux pas in removing the plates from the table before everyone had finished. Although admittedly, opinions on this matter do differ depending on where you visit in the world.

While at the NHI, I was very impressed with the standard of service, the appearance of the staff and the overall quality of the food. Our table’s waiter, Connor, was excellent (his mum was having lunch on the table with the Secret Santa), particularly as it was his first day in the classroom restaurant.

It was obvious all the students had put a lot of time and effort into getting things right and, for the most part, lunch at their classroom restaurant was a hit. Everyone there seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, whether diners or staff.

I will overlook any faults because serious credit must be given to the students of the NHI who were all trying their absolute best when we visited. It is important to remember that at the end of the day, the students who cooked and served our meal were just that – students. The NHI’s classroom restaurant provides them with the opportunity to put theory into practice and when a restaurant makes a tangible effort to give its customers the best possible experience, it deserves top marks in my book.

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 CLASS ACTIT’S THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN OFFICE FESTIVE LUNCHES BECOME THE KEY APPOINTMENTS IN THE DIARY. THIS YEAR, TEAM Y HEADED TO THE NHI, AS ADAM HURRELL WRITES

Info BoxNATIONAL HOSPITALITY

INSTITUTE 63 Street, Wadi Kabir, MuscatOpening times: December 1

onwards 1-3pm Christmas set lunch, minimum of eight

per table: RO6 per personFor bookings: Tel 2481 3141

www.nhioman.comVerdict :

8 / 10 Service 7 / 10 Food

9 / 10 AmbienceA largely satisfying lunch served by the professionals of tomorrow

Y Magazine reviews anonymously

and pays for its meals

WHILE AT THE NHI I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE STANDARD

OF SERVICE, THE APPEARANCE OF THE

STAFF AND THE OVERALL QUALITY OF THE FOOD

Budge

t

Dining

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

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

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WHITE HAUTE A white dress is always sultry

without being obvious. Even better, it illuminates tanned skin and gets

you noticed for all the right reasons. If your body is a little less toned at

the moment thanks to that mountain of mince pies, try a tux or a fluid

shift like this one from Wallis. The sparkly bits give it a fabulous, festive touch.

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CREAM OF THE CROPTake the pared-down approach to festive dressing with off-white, says Penny Fray

1. The LBD may get all the credit for classic cool, but there’s a lot to be said about the LWD. A softly tailored dress in a winter-white hue is both a soothing and elegant choice for the party fatigued. 2. If orchestrating a wardrobe and whiteout seems daunting, dip a stylish toe into a pair of cream mules. They offer just the right amount of fashion edge and can be worn either day or night. Top marks for versatility.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

Penny’s tips on the modern picks:

Every year, come December, twinkles, tinsel and teeny hemlines make a predictable reappearance, as fashion’s marketing machine persuades even the most

minimalist of us to buy something sparkly. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of

bling, but after overindulging in all things colourful and kitsch, a palette cleanser is always recommended. And what could be chicer than an all white outfit? Just ask Bianca Jagger or any well-dressed woman of a certain age.

The power lies in its simplicity. Invest in a classic cream coat or cashmere jumper and you’ll instantly look more groomed and expensive. Honestly.

Of course, part of my commitment to comfort during the party season is to avoid the cold. So, once the Muscat sun has gone down, it’s time to pop on a cream sweater. Okay, you can go the bland, classic route or you can ooze fun with a Christmas jumper complete with penguins, polar bears and snowflakes. After all, being playful is all the rage this season.

If the prospect of wearing something that a children’s TV presenter would covet brings you out in a cold sweat, stick to the classic cream tuxedo, worn with a gold and pearl choker for a clean and modern finish. And voila! You’re guaranteed to make an impact in a sea of LBDs and scarlet sequins.

Winter-themed sweaters like this one from M&S are playful but slot effortlessly into any wardrobe. And Penguins are particularly cool at the moment. From RO16

Fur-themed accessories are big news this season. If it’s too warm for a fluffy coat, try a shearling keychain instead. Attach it to the handle of your favorite bag for instant chic. This one is from e-tailer Very at RO6

Tap into this autumn’s western trend with Lanvin’s fringed leather bag. It’s been made entirely by hand and finished with burnished gold chain shoulder straps. Carry yours with tailored pants and flats. RO966 from Net-A-Porter

Proenza Schouler’s off-white skinny jeans are our favorite way to wear denim for winter in Oman. This mid-rise pair is cut from denim and blended with a hint of stretch for the perfect fit. Wear yours with a fun knit. RO112 from Net-A-Porter

Zara’s bouclé blazer encapsulates the label’s modern yet ladylike aesthetic. Perfect for dressing up jeans and t-shirts. From RO45

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

Humanity has an inherent fear of death. And with no one reporting back from the other side as to what comes next, that fear seems fairly substantiated. The quest to extend our lives is an age-old one and has been the subject of literature, films and folklore.

Contrary to popular belief though, there is no magical elixir and you don’t need to transfigure your soul into a painting à la Dorian Gray.

The average life expectancy in Oman is currently 76.59 years, when in 1980 it was a mere 60. So we are living longer than ever before. Thanks to improvements in health care and technological advancements, we are slowly adding years to our lives and by following a few basic tips, you can give yourself the best possible chance of reaching the magical one double-oh.

Stop searching for the fabled fountain of youth or trying expensive gimmicks promising to hold back time. There are more practical ways to extend your lifespan, finds Matt Blackwell

H E A LT H B e a u t y F a s h i o n

2 FRIENDSHIPSeveral UK-based charities have referred to

loneliness as the “hidden killer” of the elderly after it emerged that social isolation was associated with a higher rate of death in older people. If you find yourself distanced from your family, you can always attempt to boost your social network by pursuing one of your hobbies or joining a club. Research from the University of Chicago has also revealed that those who marry tend to live longer – roughly four years for women and 10 for men.

1 REGULAR EXERCISE This one is a given, but unfortunately many

people’s lives are becoming increasingly sedentary thanks to office based work and the rise of fast food chains. Don’t force yourself to slog it out for hours on the treadmill if you can’t stand running, instead try to find an activity you enjoy and pursue that instead. “Everybody should be aware that incorporating core-strengthening exercises, strength training, stretching, and high-intensity activities is essential for optimal health, strength, vigour, and yes – longevity,” says Steven Paul Wileman, COO of Horizon Fitness LLC, Oman’s largest health and fitness club chain.

4 HAVE REGULAR CHECK UPSJust as you service your car every few thousand

kilometres, your body needs routine attention too. Many people believe they only need health care when they are sick, but this isn’t the case. You should book in to see a doctor at regular intervals to give you a once over and check for any underlying symptoms of malignant diseases. With diabetes and cancer among the major killers in Oman, early detection, intervention and treatment can literally mean the difference between life and death.

3 GET ENOUGH SLEEPOften underappreciated by many who view it as

non-essential, the fact that withholding sleep from people is used as a form of torture should tell you all you need to know about its importance to a healthy life. A lack of quality sleep can badly affect your concentration and productivity, increase mood swings and actually shorten your life, according to experts. It’s unclear exactly how much sleep our bodies need, but studies appear to show that failing to get at least seven hours of quality sleep can heighten the risk of contracting diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

5 BALANCED DIETFood is one of the basic joys of life, but it is

important that we don’t eat too much of it and that what we do put into our bodies provides the fuel it needs to function properly. A balanced diet includes elements from all the different food groups, including (healthy) fats, oils, sugar and salt; meat and alternatives; fruit and vegetables and rice and alternatives. According to the World Health Organization, the benefits of a balanced diet are both wide and varied: “A healthy diet can protect the human body against noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer and skeletal conditions. The benefits of eating a wide variety of foods are also emotional, as variety and colour are important ingredients.”

6 KEEP YOUR MIND ACTIVELike your body, your brain also needs regular

exercise. Just because you’ve left school doesn’t mean you have to give up on learning altogether. Your brain requires constant stimulation and new challenges, so turn of the TV and hit the books from time to time. The internet also comes in pretty handy for this. Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles, actually found that silver surfers (all were aged 55 and up) showed increased activity in the parts of the brain associated with language, memory, visual ability and comprehension.

7 MANAGE STRESSStress is a highly negative force and frantic, busy

lifestyles are a sure way to put you in an early grave. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Multiple studies have shown that sudden emotional stresses especially anger can trigger heart attacks and even sudden death.” It’s not all doom and gloom though, there are several ways you can reduce stress and its effects, including identifying what is causing it, building strong relationships, walking away when you’re angry and resting your mind – meditation or yoga can be great for this.

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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

CARS ANDADVENTURES GREEN HEAVEN

The greenery and peace and quiet on offer at Wadi Indam Natural Park make it a welcome break from the hot, dusty and hectic

life of the city.

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CARS ANDOUTDOORS

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

WADI INDAM NATURAL PARK

Destination

THIS WEEK, WE HEAD BACK IN TIME TO 2010 TO EXPLORE THE CONTRASTING COLOURS OF WADI

INDAM NATURAL PARK

WADI INDAM NATURAL PARK

For a few weeks now, we’ve been rifling through former Y photographer Jerzy Wierzbicki’s collection of images, taken on hundreds of trips that span the entire

country. Amazed by what we came across, we decided to run a retrospective series for the benefit of our readers who may have missed these beautiful places the first time round.

This week, it’s the rocky outcrops and greenery of Wadi Indam Natural Park that’s in the spotlight.

“While the beach or mountains may first come to mind when planning a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city for a weekend, Wadi Indam provides an equally suitable oasis and somewhat of a unique location in this country.

“It’s a place of great beauty but can swiftly turn into an altogether more dangerous spot at the whim of natural forces. During unstable weather conditions, Wadi Indam is prone to flooding and can be turned into a raging river following heavy downpours, just like many of the Sultanate’s other wadis.

“Thankfully, the weather was fine for this trip. Clusters of green trees are what marks out Wadi Indam, providing shade and comfort for visitors, not to mention aesthetic pleasures too. The site is within easy reach of Muscat, so you won’t need to spend hours planning this trip. At a little over 150km from the city, all you need to do is take the Nizwa road to Sinaw, along which you’ll find directions pointing you towards Wadi Indam Natural Park somewhere between Izki and Sinaw. The park is just a kilometre from the tarmac road, so easily accessible for most vehicles, although a light SUV may be best suited.

“A small children’s play area is also on offer there, but in all honesty, it will most probably be the trees, rocks and shrubs of the wadi that will keep the kids occupied.”

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GPS location of Wadi Indam Natural Park: N22°45’59” E58°00’31”TRAV

EL G

UIDE HOW TO

GET THERE

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CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES

It’s been a while since I’ve experienced the fun and freedom of getting about by pedal power, despite recently

living in Copenhagen, one of the world’s friendliest cities for cyclists.

Cars are so expensive in Denmark (they are slapped with 180 per cent VAT on top of the purchase price!) that for the average Dane, they are considered a luxury – so it’s no wonder most get about on a bike.

Rain, hail, snow, wind and (occasional) shine, Danes cycle everywhere: to work, to the park, to the grocery store, to meet friends, to school. Basically, whatever we do via our cars, they do on their bikes.

That said, though, you couldn’t tempt me to get on a bike in Copenhagen for love nor money thanks to the weather. For the majority of the year, it was either too cold, too wet, snowy or windy for this Antipodean.

But the cooler months in Muscat, where I now call home, are perfect for cycling, although it has to be said that in a city where the car is king, there’s not much choice for cyclists.

Until now, that is.Thanks to a group of passionate

cyclists, Muscat now boasts its very own club – the Muscat Track Cycling Club, to be exact – and it is meeting every couple of weeks at the Oman Automobile Association’s go-kart track in Seeb.

Set up just last month, the club is in its infancy, but the numbers have doubled after just two meets to nearly 100 cyclists.

Matt Tipton, one of the club’s seven organisers and a teacher at British School Muscat, says the group’s aim is to create a safe, fun, family friendly cycling environment for all ages and abilities.

“The premise is to allow people to ride safely in a community and to allow children to do the same … to develop cycling skills and fitness,” Matt says.

Knowing that my daughter, Cia, was keen to give her new bike a proper outing, we joined the club’s most recent meeting for a few spins around the track.

It was the perfect day for a bike ride. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze and not a car in sight – on the track, at least.

The club organisers have thought of everything, from providing trained mechanics trackside for bike checks to ensuring marshals are scattered about the track for safety.

And if you, like me, don’t have your own bike and helmet, you can still join in the fun. Tim Fenton, owner of Global Edventure Travel and another one of the organisers, is supplying a range of bikes and helmets to rent for a small price on the day.

Helmets fitted and bikes checked by the pros, Cia and I slowly rode onto the track via the pit lane and headed down a hill and around a bend. The grin on Cia’s face said it all: she was finally free and her mum wasn’t stressing about the pitfalls of traffic.

Of course, there were rules we had to follow, such as keeping to the left unless overtaking. There wasn’t much chance of me doing that, but that’s not why I was here. Cia, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to get out of my eyesight

Bicycles rarely get a look in around Muscat, but a new club is on hand to change that. Felicity Glover swapped four wheels for two to find out more

Images: Kate Ginn

O U T D O O R SP o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i C a r s

● For just RO3 for adults and RO2 for the under-18 brigade, you can ride your bike in a safe environment for up to three hours● Bikes and helmets for both adults and kids are available to rent for RO3 on the day. You can also bring your own bike and helmet● Trained mechanics are available for bike checks● 1-hour group lessons: RO5● For more information, email muscattrackcycling@yahoo.com or you can like MuscatTrackCycling on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @muscattrakcycle

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and was way ahead by the time I’d finished my first lap with Matt. I blame it on the fact that we were talking.

You can go as fast or as slow as you like. Some of the cyclists brought their racing bikes along – one couple was spotted on a tandem racer, but more on that later – and were zipping past us, while others were happy to chug along with their kids, some of whom were riding with training wheels.

Cecilia al Hamadani, who was cycling with her husband, Salah, and their two sons, says it’s a great way for families to spend time together.

“We can’t ride around our neighbourhood,” she says. “But this is safe and something we can do as a family. We can also get back into shape.”

But back to the tandem racer.

Owned by British expats Geoff and Nicole Wilson, it caused quite a stir on the track as the couple whizzed by on their laps.

“Today is the first time we’ve had the bike out,” says Geoff, who flew the circa-1987 Dawes bike frame to Muscat and built it with spare parts.

“Starting is the hardest part and we have to be synchronised and communicate – it either makes or breaks married couples,” he adds with a laugh.

As the three-hour session drew to a close, the final lap was announced and the cyclists reluctantly called it a day. But it seems that the Muscat Track Cycling Club has succeeded in converting quite a few new members, including Cia, who has vowed to be back for the next session in the New Year.

And me? I’d like a bike for Christmas, please.

On your bike: Felicity (left) with Matt Tipton and her daughter Cia, 11

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TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO:1. Go for sleigh ride with huskies or reindeers

2. See the Northern Lights

3. Visit Father Christmas

4. Go skiing in award-winning resorts

5. Take some incredible landscape photographs

BRIGHT LIGHTSAurora Borealis,

commonly known as the Northern

Lights illuminate the inky darkness with fantastic colours.

CARS ANDADVENTURES

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P O S T C A R D S F R O MD 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 No trip to Lapland would be complete without paying a visit to Father Christmas. The exact location of his home remains a secret, known only by himself, Rudolph and all the little helpers, but he has an office in Rovaniemi, Finland, where he gets visits from girls and boys, big and small alike, every day of the year.

Highlights The best bits of Lapland depend on which part of it you visit, with breathtaking skiing, hiking and husky sleigh rides all on offer. Lapland in Finland is particularly famous for its reindeer and these animals still form a major part of the Finnish economy. Reindeer sleigh rides can last anything from an hour to a daylong safari depending on how far you want to go. It’s also possible to try your hand at guiding a dog sled and let’s face it, driving a pack of very friendly, very furry Huskies has to be a highlight in everyone’s itinerary. Also in Finland, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. This incredible natural spectacle can be seen almost every clear night of the season. You can either take guided tours or stay in special Northern Light igloos that have large clear roofs that allow you to watch the wonder from the comfort of your bed. For true petrol heads, the chance to drive fast cars on snow is an irresistible challenge. Luckily, Bentley Motors has come up with the brilliant “Power on Ice”, the ultimate winter driving experience. Here, you can learn how to drive and drift gracefully at speed without losing control, all under the watchful eye of professional rally and racing drivers.

Lowlights Lapland is extremely cold. Well inside the Artic Circle, this is not a trip for those who feel a chill when the mercury dips below 30ºC, especially as Lapland is capable of temperatures closer to minus 30ºC. Souvenirs Like all European destinations, Lapland has plenty of places selling mementos of your visit. If you take a good camera with you on your trip, the best souvenir you will bring back with you will be your photographs. The landscape is among the most photogenic on the planet.

Where to stay If it’s Lapland in Sweden you opt for, then embrace the snow and ice and stay in the world famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi. If you happen to be in Finland, there is another ice hotel you can stay at, this time called the Snow Village in Lainio. Both have standard rooms and individually sculpted suites, which offer you the chance to spend your Arctic nights encased in ice, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

LAPLANDAdam Hurrell recommends

D a s h i n g t h r o u g h t h e s n o w , i n a o n e - h o r s e o p e n s l e i g h , o v e r t h e h i l l s w e g o , l a u g h i n g a l l t h e w a y ! ” L a p l a n d i s c e r t a i n l y

t h e p l a c e fo r t h a t . W i t h s n o w - c o v e r e d l a n d s c a p e s , r e i n d e e r g a l o r e , h o t e l s m a d e o f i c e a n d t h e h o m e o f Fa t h e r C h r i s t m a s , L a p l a n d i s t h e w i n t e r w o n d e r l a n d t h a t i s s u r e t o m a k e a l l y o u r f e s t i v e d r e a m s c o m e t r u e .

J u s t t o c o n fu s e t h i n g s , t h e r e g i o n k n o w n a s L a p l a n d a c t u a l l y s t r e t c h e s a c r o s s N o r w a y , S w e d e n , F i n l a n d a n d R u s s i a . S i t u a t e d i n s i d e t h e A r c t i c C i r c l e , L a p l a n d i s a f a n t a s t i c p a r t o f t h e w o r l d t o v i s i t a t t h i s t i m e o f y e a r . I t ’ s a v e r y s p e c i a l p l a c e a s i t o ff e r s p e a c e , t r a n q u i l i t y a n d o v e r w h e l m i n g n a t u r a l b e a u t y , n o t t o m e n t i o n s o m e o f t h e m o s t l u x u r i o u s w i n t e r r e s o r t s o n t h e p l a n e t . W h e t h e r i t ’ s s k i i n g , s l e i g h r i d e s , h i k i n g , v i s i t i n g S a n t a C l a u s o r j u s t l o u n g i n g i n a n o u t r a g e o u s l y i n d u l g e n t c h a l e t , L a p l a n d h a s e v e r y t h i n g y o u n e e d fo r t h a t r e l a x i n g s e a s o n a l b r e a k . D o n ’ t b e m i s t a k e n t h o u g h ; i t ’ s a d e s t i n a t i o n fo r t h o s e w i t h d e e p p o c k e t s .

REINDEERS IN HARNESSES DURING A WINTER DAY

WINTER AIR AND A LOT OF SNOW

IN FINLAND

ICE SUITE IN LAINIO SNOW VILLAGE HOTEL

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

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

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RETRO CHIC

SHAKE IT LIKE A POLAROIDDON’T WANT YOUR PRIVATE PHOTOS HACKED OR LEAKED ONLINE? THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE – BUY A POLAROID CAMERA. IMMENSELY POPULAR IN THE 1980S, SALES OF THE CAMERAS, WHICH INSTANTLY PRODUCE A DEVELOPED IMAGE, HAVE RISEN BY THREE QUARTERS IN LESS THAN A YEAR, AS CELEBRITIES AND THE PUBLIC ALIKE EMBRACE THE GROWING DESIRE TO OWN PHYSICAL COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS. POLAROIDS DON’T HAVE THE MIND-BOGGLING ARRAY OF SETTINGS YOU'LL FIND ON MODERN CAMERAS, MAKING THEM EXCEPTIONALLY EASY TO USE; ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS POINT AND SHOOT. GREAT FOR SCRAPBOOKING AND PERFECT FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO STAND OUT FROM THE DIGITAL CROWD. THE BRAND HAS MOVED WITH THE TIMES AND OFFERS A NUMBER OF PRODUCTS TO SUIT THE MODERN WORLD, WHICH CAN BE BROWSED AT WWW.POLAROID.COM, ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN SCOUR SECONDHAND WEBSITES, SHOPS AND CAR BOOT SALES FOR AN ORIGINAL.

EDITO

R’S PI

CK

MOBILE REVIVALDemand for the old-school mobiles of the early 2000s has soared after a number of high- profile celebrities were papped using them. The likes of Rihanna and Kate Beckinsale have rejected the world of 4G and 12-Megapixel cameras in favour of old-fashioned durability, week-long battery life and an interface that even your great-grandmother could master. Some models of Nokias, Ericssons and Motorolas are fetching prices as high as RO488.86 online. An undisputed classic of the genre is the Nokia 3310; with over 125 million sold, it is one of the most successful mobile phones ever. Hours could be spent playing Snake II or Space Impact and there was scope for personalisation through interchangeable fascias and custom ringtones using the phone’s tone composer.

HOLD MEBefore the internet enabled gamers to link up with and play against other enthusiasts half way around the world, there were handhelds. It’s a market that is still alive and well today with the likes of the Nintendo 3DS XL and the Sony PlayStation Vita, but the daddy of all these is arguably the Nintendo Game Boy. Released in 1989, the 8-bit device had four operation buttons as well as a directional pad, a 6.6cm screen (diagonal) and a colour palette of four shades. The champion of hand-held gaming was discontinued in 2003, by which time it had amassed 733 games and spawned a number of successors. The original Game Boy was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2009, 20 years after it was first released. A slice of gaming history will set you back anywhere from RO7.31 to RO95.86 on sites such as amazon.com or ebay.com, depending on its condition.

A CLASSIC RETIRES

Initially released in 2001, the iPod Classic went through six generations before Apple quietly discontinued the product in September of this year. The first incarnation had a 5GB hard drive and was marketed with the slogan “1,000 songs in your pocket”. By the time the sixth generation was released in 2007, the iPod featured a colour screen, 40 hours of audio playback, the ability to play films and TV shows and 160GB of storage (double the capacity of any model still in production), which could accommodate 40,000 songs. The relatively recent announcement of its demise has sparked widespread panic buying among fans, with many clamouring to get their hands on the final few units in shops. Some have

since surfaced online on secondhand sites for anywhere as between RO211.23 and RO404.49.

With increasing numbers of celebrities and key trend-setters reaching into the past for their gadget fix, it seems that old is the

new new, says Matt Blackwell

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NEW LASONIC I-931BT (I931BTQ) WIRELESS BLUETOOTH GHETTO BLASTER BOOMBOX

App of the Week

FOR THE KIDS Having grown up at a time when smartphones and social media are the norm, the 80s will seem like ancient history to many of today’s children. The Classic Upright 60 gives parents the chance to introduce their kids to the magic of the simple, yet highly addictive games that dominated their childhood. With 60 different games on offer, including the likes of the legendary Pacman, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong, you’re looking at hours of entertainment for big and little kids alike. Prices start around the RO600 mark at ultimatearcadecabinets.co.uk

8MM VINTAGE CAMERA Do you have a penchant for the past and a love of film? Now you can combine the two thanks to 8mm Vintage Camera. This clever app enables you to record videos with sophisticated live effects such as dust, scratches, flickering, light leaks and frame shakes, all to give your filming an instant retro feel. You can also apply effects to existing videos. Available for RO0.77 at the App Store.

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

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There was a time in the not-too-distant-past when bigger was better when it came to gadgets and this is certainly true of boomboxes. An intrinsic part of popular culture and closely linked to the rise of hip-hop, they quickly became associated with urban society, particularly in America during their heyday. The Lasonic i-931BT (i931BTQ) Wireless Bluetooth Ghetto Blaster Boombox may be a bit of a mouthful, but it does act as your personal way to bring the 80s back. Designed for old school appeal, you can actually blast music via Bluetooth, USB, SD card, AUX in or through the good old radio over two 15w speakers, making this a pretty advanced piece of kit. Available for RO50 at amazon.com

VIRTUAL PETIn the age before smartphones came along

with an infinite number of apps to keep young minds occupied – 1996 to be

precise – children had Tamagotchis. Sporting just three small buttons, these egg-shaped contraptions played host

to your very own digital pet. The pixelated blob on screen depended

on its owner for feeding, playing and clearing up waste, and woe betide any who neglected those needs. The little critter could become unhappy with you and if sickness was left unchecked they could (heaven forbid) pass away. The good news for children and nostalgic adults everywhere is that they’re back for 2014; introducing, Tamagotchi Friends.

As one gadget blogger deftly phrased it: “The all new, revamped

version of the very first thing you ever killed.” Now with the ability to

grow into one of 24 adult creatures and send short wave communications to other

Tamagotchis, you can pick up your own digital pet for around RO5.5 from Toys “R” Us.

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There are cars and then there’s the MKC, a silky dream of a ride that ticks all the right boxes, finds Kate Ginn

Lincoln MKCSpecifications:

Engine: 2.0L AWD EcoBoost TurbochargedTransmission: 6-speed SelectShift Automatic

Transmission with Paddle Shifters

Horsepower: 2400-97kph: 7.0 seconds

(estimated)

I’ve been trying to think of an apt adjective to describe the way a Lincoln MKC drives. As smooth as silk sounds a bit

clichéd, as does saying it was like liquid gold or as sweet as honey. I contemplated saying it felt like you were driving on a fluffy cloud or wrapped in the softest cotton wool.

Nothing really captured the experience, however. All I can say is that it was impressive enough to immediately push the MKC into contention for the end-of-year review of the best cars tested by Y.

The MKC is the first small premium utility vehicle from the Ford-based Lincoln brand and it aims to blend the refinement of a luxury sedan with the functionality of a sport crossover.

Oh my, it has succeeded and then some. I picked up the test drive car at Lincoln’s new standalone showroom in Wattayah, a very sleek place with chic design touches, which perfectly mirrors the cars being sold there.

Now the MKC has some formidable competitors in the shape of the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5; established players in the compact market and it’s a brave, some might say foolish, car manufacturer who takes on such accomplished runners.

Let me tell you, the Lincoln almost outruns them both.

This sublime piece of automotive design is quite simply a joy to drive and it’s pretty smart, too. As you near the MKC with key in hand, in your pocket or your handbag, the Approach Detection system kicks in and interior and exterior lights fade up in anticipation of your arrival, door handles glow and – this is the best bit – an inviting mat with Lincoln logo is projected on the ground, illuminating your path to the car. It was some welcome. I’ve never had a car quite so pleased to see me before.

It looks gorgeous, too, elegant with a touch of raciness at the same time, always a compelling combination. I loved the bodywork colour, Tahitian Pearl, which looked black but shimmered a deep metallic purple in the sun.

Once inside, the MKC and I became better acquainted and quickly realised we were going to like each other very much indeed. The interior is wonderful; from the seats made of the finest buttery soft Scottish leather to the polished wood, everything has a luxurious and premium feel.

Leg and headroom is good and the sense of light and openness is helped by the large panoramic moonroof. However, I didn’t like the rear windscreen, which I found a little too small and hard to see out of at times. I was a fan of the

THX II audio system and the superb sound it pumps out through 14 speakers and the easy-to-use touch screen (although I couldn’t work out how to switch the navigation route off).

The centre console, apparently designed along the lines of a waterfall cascading down the dashboard, was also pretty cool. I’ve already mentioned how intelligent this car is and two more features demonstrate just what a smarty-pants it really is. Hands full of shopping bags and can’t lift up the boot? Don’t worry, simply swipe your leg under the bumper and it magically pops open.

If you can’t parallel park (no, me neither), the MKC will do it for you at the push of a button. While Park Assist is not new, the Park Out feature is.

As for the handling, it’s just faultless. Responsive and goes round corners like it’s on rails.

I persuaded Y’s managing editor, Felicity, who is not easily impressed when it comes to cars, to get behind the wheel and she was besotted within minutes.

You might subconsciously veer towards the BMW or Audi out of habit but trust me, the Lincoln could persuade you otherwise.

Will it make my list of the best cars of 2014? You’ll just have to wait and see…

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

Dual chrome exhaust tips LED signature lighting Premium leather seating 8” LCD touch screen Voice activated communication

and entertainment Rear camera and reverse

sensing system 19” premium painted five-spoke

wheels (Reserve) Hands Free Lift (Reserve) Branded audio system with

14 speakers GCC navigation Panoramic vista moonroof Park Assist with park out feature

They say: “Perfect Harmony”

We say: “How soon can we

order one?”

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