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N O V E M B E R 24 / I S S U E 2 5 8 0 1
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M AY 2 6 - J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 2 0 3
Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &
Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.
CEO Eihab Abutaha
We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please
email [email protected]
EDITOR’S NOTE
Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.
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
EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad
bin Hamood Al Busaidi
MANAGING EDITOR
Felicity Glover
DEPUTY EDITORKate Ginn
ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst
PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi
REPORTER Alvin Thomas
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Feroz Khan
Welcome to Y Magazine – your top
guide to the best of Oman every week.
It’s extremely positive that the Sultanate is moving away from its heavy dependence on the petrodollar and looking at other sectors in an effort to diversify the economy.
One of those sectors – tourism – is an easy choice. Thanks to Oman’s stunning natural beauty and its friendly people, it’s obvious that we have many unique sights and experiences to offer tourists, from wadis to mountains, the desert and sea.
But in our cover story this week, we ask a range of experts if the country is ready to host an influx of tourists from around the world. We received a mixed reaction, with some saying that issues such as extensive littering, lack of public amenities, non-metred cabs and expensive hotels could put visitors off.
It’s an interesting topic and well worth a read.Elsewhere, we continue with our Oman Automobile Association Stars of the Track
competition, check out the latest gadgets to help us sleep in Y-Fi and explore the city of Alleppey, India, in Postcard From.
Have a great week!
Fast forward
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in th
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contentsM A Y 2 6 - J U N 0 1 2 0 1 6
Yo u r O m a n06 Faces Of Oman Photo Portrait
08 Voice Of Oman Alvin Thomas
10 News Midday Break Hotline
11 Gallery Paris Gallery Opens
13 Gallery Dovecote Nursery
14 Gallery Oman Energy & Water Exhibition & Conference
15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Sumaiya Al Ghaithi
T h i s We e k
16 Movies X-Men: Apocalypse
18 This Week GCC Photography Competition
H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion Jumping Jack
34 Beauty In A Bottle
35 Health Ageing Gracefully
10
33
Fe at u r e s19 Ramadan Car Guide Entry Level Sedan
24 Destination Oman Is Tourism Up To The Job?
28 Stars Of The Track Win Cash Prizes In Our Selfie Competition
C a r s a n d A d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Daris Falaj
40 Outdoors Fahal Island Swim
42 Postcard From Alleppey, India
44 Y-Fi Sweet Dreams
46 #FYI Strongest Currencies
44
RAMADAN CAR GUIDE / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION
NEXT ISSUE...
18Fo o d a n d D r i n k30 Mango Mania Celebrating The King Of Fruits
30
24
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M AY 2 6 - J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 20 6
Photo: Shaquel al Balushi
Welcome to Y’s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home
Name: Sarah Jayne Dreyer Age: 27From: South AfricaOccupation: Teacher
acesfOmanof
A GRAND PRIZE OFMERCEDES-BENZSLK AMG
M AY 2 6 - J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 20 8
THE VOICE OF OMAN ALVIN THOMAS ON OBTAINING HIS WORK VISA
NEXT WEEK: HEATHER DUNCAN
There comes a time in the life of every expat resident in Oman to pack up his or her bags and leave the country to obtain a work visa. Last
week, it was my turn. After 12 years of being a resident here in Oman, it was my time to become a work-visa holder.
Our Public Relations Officer stated that if everything went according to plan, I wouldn’t be in India [Kerala] for long. However, just like most youngsters, I cannot keep my mouth shut. So, I spread the news to my friends, who recently received their visas, and asked them about their experience while doing the same.
One came back to me saying that his visa took a whopping 25 days to process; another scared me, saying that I would never be setting foot in Oman again. So with a heavy heart I bid my goodbye to Oman as I boarded the flight in case I couldn’t return.
After a three-hour and 40-minute flight to Kochi, the 60-kilometre car ride to my family home followed. I was eager to reach home to see if there was any progress on the visa from my PRO.
Wary from all the negative news I had heard from friends, I opened my email with one eye closed. I notice there’s a mail from Felicity, our beloved Managing Editor. It read: “Hi Alvin. Good news, your visa is ready!”
Breathing a sigh of relief, I can only look back at all the time I wasted and laugh about it. Alright then, it’s time to get some work done.
their hard work may not be rewarded, as their remuneration will be unchanged.
Many expats are waiting for the right time to leave the Sultanate, as Oman is subject to the same global worries as everywhere else.
Yes, the Oman economy benefits from talented expats. But many will not come if there is no chance of long-term stability to which this two-year visa ban is a serious threat.
HUDA KHAN This two-year visa ban is pointless because it does not fulfill the goal of controlling the influx of expats to Oman. Most expats are from Southeast Asian countries, which are extraordinarily overpopulated and do not lack skilled and capable human resources. If someone is stopped from entering Oman, somebody else will fill his shoes for two years. The most sensible option would be to force expats to hold on to the same visa for a pre-determined contractual period that can be legally terminated before its set date in case of labour law violation. This will allow for consistent
correspondence
DEBATE OF THE WEEK
WE ASKED: “What do you think of the two-year work visa ban for expats?”
NISHANT BHATNAGAR Two-year visa bans are not a problem for the diligent worker. If this visa ban is not lifted in due course then talented expats will move to other countries where they will find just as comfortable and rewarding an environment, if not more so. We can see now that expats are sending their families back to their home countries. Other people may take a dim view of the two-year visa rule through fear of losing the job for which they applied and also from a certain reticence in that
SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to [email protected] / @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 the Golden Tulip voucher.
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CHANGE IS NEEDEDDear Editor,
Whenever we come across some news about a road accident, we always blame the driver as he is responsible for the lives of his passengers.
While there are many rules in place to avoid accidents, I feel society should alter the way it regards the role of the driver.
Just as doctors save lives, our driver helps us to reach our destination safely and we often need them to ensure our day goes smoothly.
Before we consult a doctor we have to check his credentials and experience. The same could be said for teachers and engineers. So why don’t we do the same with drivers? After all, these are the people to whom we entrust the transport needs of our children and loved ones.
Therefore, it’s time to make a few changes
such as possibly setting up more rigorous driving courses and exams, particularly for taxi drivers, bus drivers or truck drivers. If those getting behind the wheel can succeed at a more stringent form of testing then this can only engender more trust and faith from the public.
Sincerely, Subbashini. M, Muscat
ABDULMAJEED ABDULLAH SALEH AL GHAZALI was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at Oman Tourism College
THIS IS YOUR SPOT! Just send us your picture with Y Magazine or pose
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M AY 2 6 - J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 2 0 9
Iftar buffet for your family and friends to enjoy the spirit of Ramadan at 10 OMR* for early bird bookings*Early bird bookings will be accepted until the 1st day of Ramadhan
We will be serving our à la carte menu from 9pm to 12am For corporate and group bookings, and more about our products and offering during the summer months call us on: 2471 1842 or 9457 9457
THE HOUSE OF OMANI HOSPITALITY
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progress in the work environment because it will not only protect the rights of all employees equally (which would lead to greater human resource productivity) but also save time and the costs to the organisation that will be lost in training newer expats who are unaccustomed to the company’s policies and goals.
SHEILA DSOUZA The two year-visa ban is a two-sided effect of the same coin. It’s a joyous moment for the nationals but it’s an insecure feeling for expatriates.
MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT While I respect the law of the land, the two-year visa ban leads to exploitation from either side. One must have freedom to choose if not satisfied. The presence of expatriate workers in the Sultanate would never come in the way of Omanisation, provided the employers are honestly ready to implement it. For sure this will lead to a shortage of skilled workers if continued for a long time.
SALEHA HAROON The two-year visa ban may be very good for Oman’s economy, and I respect that. However, it doesn’t deal with the rights of expats very well. There should be rights for expat workers who are unhappy with their current company. There should be freedom of movement and a peaceful working environment. I feel very sad to say that expats are experiencing a lot of pressure from their companies because of this rule.
SUSANNA DSOUZA The Omanis will benefit a lot as this will give them opportunities to showcase their skills in various professions, which were until now always occupied by expatriates. On the other hand, the ban may have an impact on the economy of Oman.
MOHAN ANANDAN Although the two-year ban is primarily to provide better opportunities to talented young nationals and discourage habitual job hoppers, the move can be assessed on many fronts. Firstly, it puts a break on deserving expats who wish to move on to a new job with better perks. Secondly, it puts them in a disadvantageous position against exploitation; they cannot leave their job for fear of having to stay away for two years. And on a larger scale, the ban may not attract better talent to the country as any skilled worker might think twice before accepting any job here.
DR RAO SUDDAPALLI I’m in favour of any move that helps to establish a level playing field but althoughthe authorities have their own reasons for wishing to regulate employment and keep in tune with
Omanisation; this causes undue hardships on employees, some of whom are taken for a ride by employers. So in all fairness, it needs to be lifted.
SYED BOKHARI There should be a relaxation in the two-year visa ban for expatriates as they have left their homelands and poor families to get a better salary. They are helping to boost Oman’s economy by toiling hard day and night. Omanis will undoubtedly benefit a great deal and will be keen to show that their own skills have been overshadowed by those of the expats. However, the expats will have earned their positions in various fields through their own hard work, experience and talent. Therefore, expats should be treated with leniency so that they may work with their Omani colleagues to further boost the Sultanate’s economy. This would also help the expats’ families who have had to give up the stability of home to come to Oman. Otherwise, the expats may look to other Gulf countries to make better lives for themselves and their families.
USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI While the laws of the land and sovereignty need to be respectfully abided; those who have completed their two years’ service agreement with their employer should be given a choice either to continue or to opt for a new sponsor with no ban of this kind. The ban opens up a whole can of worms that can, and should, be avoided.
New Debate:“Should
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A hotline number has been set up by the Ministry of Manpower to report mid-day break violations.
Violations can be reported to 800 77 000.The midday break is applicable to those
working in open areas and elevated areas, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm from June until August.
In a statement issued by the Ministry, it said establishments and private sector institutions were required to abide by the provisions of Article 16 of the occupational safety and health regulations, which states that workers must not work at construction sites during the specified time period.
The Ministry has also allocated a team to follow-up on the conditions of workers and the facilities they receive, as well as to ensure that the the midday break is enforced.
According to the Article 118 of the Oman Labour Law, fines ranging from RO100 to RO500 and/or jail time for not more than one month will be levied on
violators, depending on the nature of violation. The penalties will be doubled for repeating violators.
In 2015, 391 companies were warned by the Ministry for flouting the midday break rule in the Sultanate, which included 138 businesses in Amerat, 122 in Seeb, 98 in Bausher and 33 in Muttrah.
In 2014, the Ministry of Manpower inspected 700 facilities and cracked down on 172 violators.
M AY 2 6 - J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 20 1 0
N E W SYOUR OMANOman’s ambitious
Muscat International Airport terminal project,
which aims to cater to 12 million passengers annually when it commences operations, is more than 90 per cent complete and passengers could be using the new airport as early as mid-2017.
Speaking to local media during a recent visit to the new airport’s site, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim al Futaisi, the Minister of Transport and Communications, was quoted as saying that both the passenger terminal building and the structure would be ready by the end of this year, following which the Ministry and the operating companies – Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC), Royal Oman Police (ROP) and Oman Air –would receive the project from the contractors.
As per international standards, trial runs and other training processes could take up to six months, he added.
Dr Mohammad al Zaabi, the chief executive of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, said: “We can’t jump the gun and say exactly when the airport
will be operational because it is a huge project packed with modern technology, which needs training and familiarisation which takes time”.
The new state-of-the-art airport will span 580,000 square metres over five floors and can accommodate a maximum of 18 million passengers.
The new airport has also been built to accommodate heavy aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. The airport’s new four-kilometre long and 75-metre wide runway opened in 2014.
The complex includes three piers with eight to 10 gate lounges in each, which will be connected to passenger boarding bridges. There will also be 82 ROP check-in counters, 118 airline check-in counters, a number of e-gates, 40 aerobridges and 29 boarding gates.
According to Dr al Futaisi, the three regional airport projects in Sohar, Duqm and Ras al Hadd are also on track.
He added that the new low-cost airline project based in Oman was expected to begin operations sometime this later year, and that several other tenders had been floated by OAMC for a second operator for ground handling and air-freight services.
HOTLINE SET UP TO CURB MIDDAY BREAK VIOLATORS
NEW AIRPORT
TERMINAL ALMOST
COMPLETE
M AY 2 6 - J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 2 0 1 1
G A L L E R YFR
ENCH
TWIST
LUXURY RETAIL STORE PARIS GALLERY, HAS OPENED IN MUSCAT FOR THE FIRST TIME. SITUATED IN OPERA GALLERIA, GUESTS INCLUDED HE SAYYID SAUD BIN HILAL BIN HAMAD AL BUSAIDI, THE MINISTER OF STATE AND GOVERNOR OF MUSCAT.
M AY 2 6 - J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 20 1 2
YOUR OMAN
What’s this about then?OK, so we all know how much Aussies love their “barbies” right? Absolutely!But what if we were to tell you that some larrikin bloke was spotted driving down the M7 freeway in Sydney with flames shooting out of a wood-fired pizza oven on the back of his trailer? Was there a pizza in it?Absolutely, mate! Then we have to say that it would have to be the freshest pizza delivery ever!Hilarious answer! Is it a new business idea?Not that we know of. There was no sign of a logo on the car or the trailer. But a woman driving a car behind him caught all the action on her dashboard-mounted video camera and posted it to her Facebook page, as one does these days. Were there safety concerns?That’s a no-brainer. The M7 is a pretty busy freeway and flames shooting out of a pizza oven would have worried even the bravest of motorists.Where was he headed?Again, we have no idea. But one imagines he was racing home to get the pizza out of the oven – literally. Don’t say: “The pizza’s cold.” Do say: “I’ll have pepperoni with that.”
B i t e S i z e dOUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED
LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.
LICENSED TO GRILL
A W E E K I N P I C T U R E S
The EgyptAir MS804 flight that crashed into the Mediterranean last Thursday (May 19), killing all 66 people on board, did not swerve or change direction, according to an Egyptian official. The statement dispels previous statements by Greece, which claimed the Airbus A320 had turned 90 degrees and then did a 360-degree turn before disappearing off radar screens
HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND
The Mount Everest climbing season has gotten off to a devastating start, with four people, including a Sherpa, dying in the space of one week as they attempt to climb the 29,035-foot mountain
Manchester United’s beleaguered boss Louis van Gaal has been sacked because of the team’s poor performance this year, just days after United’s FA Cup win over Crystal Palace. Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is expected to take the top job
A fire at a boarding school in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, has killed 17 schoolgirls and injured five, with experts saying the blaze was caused by a faulty fluorescent light. Many of the girls, aged between five and 12, were from poor hill tribe families
With the UEFA Champions League coming to a close and the UEFA Euro 2016 about to take centre stage, football fever is at an all-time high around the
world, including in Oman. And on the back of this, the Oman Football Association (OFA) has launched the EFFECT Street League tournament.
What’s the difference? The EFFECT Street League will be played with some fun new rules – or rather, no rules.
The league format is designed to replicate the way teams play on the streets of Oman. Players will be encouraged to embrace the spirit of the street game and, as a result, there will be no referees, and the team
captains will agree to the rules and calls before the game kicks off.
Teams are invited to sign up with the OFA to take part in a three-week-long league format tournament. Thirty-six teams will grace the tournament and games will be played as per the
street league concept of matches following on from each other. If successful, the OFA may even implement the league rules in longer formats, with more teams.
Alister D’Silva, the OFA’s head of events said: “This is a fun new format and one we have decided to adopt after listening to the players who have been through our recent events.
“The OFA Events team will be taking inputs from teams playing in OFA events to ensure that the regulations followed are ‘Street Football’ focused.
“The event format will be flexible and allow changes if deemed appropriate.”
“It will be fun, and we are hopeful all our teams will love the format, and help us create a nationwide event
series in 2016/17,” he added.The OFA has partnered with EFFECT, the
world’s number one mental energiser drink, and Tanuf Water, which are distributed by National Mineral Water Company, for the Street League.
Information about the league will be posted on the OFA’S website, www.ofa.om, and across all social media platforms. You can also catch all the updated results on the website.
To take part, contact the OFA via Whatsapp on 9015 8158.
OFA LAUNCHES EFFECT STREET LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
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DOVECOTE NURSERY, WHICH WILL CATER TO CHILDREN AGED FROM ONE TO FOUR YEARS, RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS GRAND OPENING AT ITS LEARNING CENTRE IN SHATTI AL QURUM.
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G A L L E R YYOUR OMAN
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THE OMAN ENERGY & WATER 2016 EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE, AS WELL AS THE OMAN WASTE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE, WERE OFFICIALLY OPENED EARLIER THIS WEEK BY HIS EXCELLENCY MOHAMMED BIN SALIM BIN SAID AL TOOBI, THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE AFFAIRS.
ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
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After studying to be a nurse at the Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the US, and completing a Master’s degree there, Sumaiya al Ghaithi returned to Oman and worked as a Clinical Instructor. Having become the CEO of the Oman Nursing & Midwifery Council and obtaining an MBA, she gave it up to study interior design at the Chelsea College of Arts in London, UK. Now one of Oman’s top interior designers, Sumaiyafounded, owns and runs Taraneem Design in Muscat
THE DRIVE IS EFFORTLESS AND THE
ENGINE HAS PLENTY OF POWER
DRIVEN TOSUCCESS
Q: What drives you to success?My desire to help people. I value
customer service and I believe that I am great at facilitating change and improvement. I have a creative mindset.
given to me. I would like to have undertaken some worthy contributions in my field, especially in the hotel industry.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Ten years from now, Taraneem Design will have diversified its portfolio and have as many international projects as we have now on a national level. Also, I look forward to being recognised as a brand that is a master in its profession and one that has branched out into related fields such as textiles and lighting.
Q: What do you like about the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company?I seek functionality in my cars – and the Genesis offered me all necessary features, equipment as well as technology to make driving a real pleasure. The cabin is quiet, comfortable and luxurious. The sound system and the plush interiors speak of refinement. The drive is effortless and the engine has plenty of power. All in all the Genesis is a very nice combination of power and comfort. The car also has plenty of aesthetic appeal and I have loved my time with the Genesis.
Everywhere I go, I will always be looking at interiors and how things can work better. From studying interiors, I have become even more passionate about design and it has become the person I am.
Q: Who or what has been your inspiration?
I don’t think any one person has inspired me greatly. I have never thought: “Because of you, I want to do X.” However, I am lucky to have an amazing mother who always has my back and a handful of loved ones who are my safety net. More recently, my child inspires me to want to be as good a role model as I can possibly be. But overall, I get inspiration from a desire to be the best I can be, not from a desire to emulate someone else.
Q: What is your biggest career success to date?
Well, I have successfully run my own business as a consultant so in some respects I have achieved one of my goals. The biggest success to date would surely be designing for a hotel in Dubai. I had a complete team working for me and it was the hardest and the most fun I have had on the job.
Q: What are your career goals?I see myself as a vessel for new experiences that
encourage my growth. I am optimistic that I can exceed the expectations set by any project that is
The trouble with sequels is how to move the saga on while keeping the customers satisfied.Despite the worldwide success and critical acclaim of the first three X-Men films, director Bryan Singer has fallen a bit short this time. While boasting a terrific cast of characters and layers of suspense that Alfred Hitchcock would be proud of, the film never really catches fire. The quick-fire tufts of wit that peppered its predecessors has waned just a tad and it’s all beginning to look a bit samey. That’s what happens when money-hungry movie moguls want to milk a lucrative
franchise. Some old faces are here along with some new ones. With the emergence of Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel's X-Men universe; Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must save mankind from complete ruination. Some of the action scenes are splendid but it all feels just a little hard-going at times. It might not be the best in the X-Men saga but it still offers better-than-average entertainment value for your box office buck. Review by Nikita Lobo
Bollywatch
Ratchet & Clank
Two unlikely heroes Ratchet (James Arnold Taylor) and Clank (David Kaye) are struggling to stop a hideous alien named Chairman Drek (Paul Giamatti) from destroying all the planets in the Solana Galaxy. In
X-Men: Apocalypse
MOVIES MOVIESthis animated movie, all the scenes are awash with colour and unfold with a vibrant energy. It’s a delightful (if not particularly memorable) adaptation of the much-loved PlayStation series.
Our Kind of Traitor
Perry (Ewan McGregor) and Gail (Naomie Harris) are a couple who find themselves going through a rocky patch. When Perry, a lecturer, meets Dima (Stellan Skarsgård), a gregarious if mysterious Russian, he soon ends up getting caught up in an international web of danger and deception; the murkiness of which goes far beyond the safety of his academic milieu. It’s smoothly done and involving, as you’d expect from an adaptation of a John Le Carre novel. However, there are more nagging holes in this than a Dutch cheese, which, with this cast, must count as something of a disappointment.
SARBJIT Bollywood is clearly entering the era of the biopic. After Azhar and Neerja comes this effort, based on the life of Sarabjit Singh (Randeep Hooda), a farmer who was mistaken for a spy by the Pakistani courts and sentenced to death. Dalbir Singh (Aishwarya Rai) is the doughty sister out to prove her brother’s innocence. The film is bit sloppy and appears to be out to play with the audience’s emotions while trivialising a true-life story. More depth and sincerity wouldn’t have gone amiss. Still, an excellent portrayal from Hooda while Rai turns in a nuanced performance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO:
City Cinema: citycinemaoman.netAl Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net
VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.comStar Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
THE NICE GUYS
Licensed private eye Holland March (Ryan Gosling) is hired to find a young woman called Amelia (Margaret Qualley) who has mysteriously disappeared. Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe), is a hit-man-for-hire who hurts people for living. The two end up being thrown together to find Amelia, only to discover that there are darker, even less principled parties out to find her. Pretty soon, the unlikely duo have to dig deep, work fast and dodge more than bullets to pull off this job. This is slick on the action, with enough brutality for realism.PR
EVIE
W
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TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN,just answer a question based on the week’s
cinema reviews and send your answer to
[email protected], along with your name
and contact information.
Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the
terms and conditions, see voucher.
GRAB YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
FOUR CITY CINEMA TICKETS
Brought to you by
Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONWhat is Sarabjit Singh accused of in the
movie Sarbjit?LAST WEEK'S WINNER
Anirudh Anand
ec2016 Y magazine 24cmx34cm.indd 1 5/24/16 15:25
S C A N O U R Q R C O D E S
W I T H A N Y Q R R E A D E R A P P
T H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E
Join in the fun at the 2016 African Unity Ball honouring African women in a gala night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat. Evening starts at 7pm.Tickets priced at RO25 include a buffet, great music, cultural displays, raffle draws and lots more. Contact Edmond Iluyemi on 9512 5928 or email [email protected]
TEE OFF
03June
If you fancy taking up golf or are already in the swing of the game, sign up for a few months on a course with a sizzling special Summer Academy Package at Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club. For RO220, you can enjoy 10 half-hour lessons plus an hour’s screening, assessment and report. For more information or to book, contact [email protected] or call 9829 2580
AFRICAN BEAT
If you love food and photography then this is the competition for you. After a successful debut in 2015, the GCC Food Photography Awards are back, bigger and better. With support from Jamie Magazine, the official publication of British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, this season’s theme is “Celebrating good food”, with entries for original photographs capturing different forms, styles and preparations of food. The contest is open to both professionals and amateurs in all five categories, with a new category for juniors aged 17 and below. There’s a cash prize of US$1,000 (RO385) and gifts for the Grand Winner while the first place in each category will receive RO333 plus gifts. Participants must be citizens or legal residents of a GCC country. Entry is free and registration opens on June 1, continuing until October 2016. To register and find out more, head to photoawardme.com
Register from
June 01
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til Au
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CLICK HERE
M AY 2 6 – J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 20 1 8
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Y’S MUST-READ GUIDE TO
THE TOP AUTO DEALS DURING
THE HOLY MONTH
ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
ENTRY LEVELSEDAN
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The Nissan Sunny 2016 blends modern design, excellent performance and stylish comfort to bring a one-of-a-kind experience that is truly magnetic. The driving experience lives up in every measure to the styling. There is plenty of space, generous rear leg and head room, premium textures
and a focus on personalised comfort that ensures every passenger feels like a VIP.
What matters most: Your Safety.Our main focus is to design road technologies to help you avoid accidents. Safety is standard in a
Nissan Sunny.
“The Nissan Sunny 2016 is a family friendly, economical car that offers the latest technology, comfort and style. Safety is a priority, which makes it perfect for busy families.”
Y Recommendation:
FO L L O W U S O N : www.nissanoman.com Price Range: FROM RO5,360 (EMI starts from RO75)
The Sunny that debuted in 1966 heralded the ‘my car’ era in Japan and was a major driving force behind the rapid growth of the small car market
FEATURES● Nissan Connect ● Audio & Bluetooth Control● Rear Cooling Vents ● Intelligent Key With Push Button Start ● Class Leading Leg Space ● Class Leading Boot Space 490 L● Dual Front Airbags SRS
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SPECIFICATIONS NISSAN SUNNY 2016
sbanissanoman www.nissanoman.com/en/web/heritage/sunnyN I S S A N S U N N Y H E R I TAG E :
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Its modern design and attractive equipment package – combined with its low fuel consumption – make the new Renault Symbol the perfect saloon car for families looking for style at an affordable price. Its roominess, boot space, modern equipment and engine displacement ensure it has everything required to make it a hit in the region. Renault is a world-class brand that focuses mainly on safety, style, performance, value and reliability while keeping the French motoring giant’s heritage alive. Renault’s principle of safety is outlined in four basic points: prevent, correct, protect and educate.
“The Renault Symbol is an affordable family car that features a range of the latest technology, all the while offering plenty of comfort, space, style and safety features.”
Y Recommendation:
FO L L O W U S O N : /renault-me.com
The Renault Symbol is a status-enhancing yet affordable family sedan
FEATURES● LG Touch Screen ● Navigation● Cruise Control and Speed Limiter ● Reverse Camera with Sensors● ABS, EBA● Daytime Running Lights (DRL)● 510-Litre Boot Space● Audio Controls on Steering
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Engine Capacity: 1598cc
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SPECIFICATIONS - RENAULT SYMBOL
ENTRY LEVELSEDAN
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With its pools of cool clear water and little green oases, Wadi Khoud in Muscat is a
popular haven for locals and tourists to soak up the natural landscape of Oman.
It’s exactly the type of place that the Ministry of Tourism is so keen to promote as part of its new campaign, launched just last week, urging everyone to “Discover Oman’s Beauty”, a push to encourage nationals and residents to holiday in the Sultanate.
Had the Ministry visited the wadi recently as Y did, they might not have been quite so enamoured by the sight that greeted visitors, either from home or abroad. We found litter strewn around Wadi Khoud, scarring the Sultanate’s precious natural resource. Water bottles were
carelessly thrown in the water, where kids were paddling, and plastic bags were floating everywhere. There was even a shampoo bottle discarded on the ground. On the side of the water, the remains of a campsite fire were visible, the ashes blowing around in the wind and scattering across the wadi.
This is the side of Oman that the Ministry of Tourism would understandably not be quite so keen to promote.
What the authorities want to sell is the image of pristine beaches, mountains and wadis that were on show at the “Discover Oman’s Beauty” launch at Muscat City Centre last Thursday (May 19), all stunning scenery that the country should rightly be proud to advertise.
The reality is that littering remains a big problem in Oman’s beauty
spots, such as Wadi Khoud, along with other concerns such as a lack of proper facilities.
“It really irritates me when I see it,” says Y’s photographer Shaquel al Balushi, who travels all around Oman for assignments and regularly sees spoiled beauty spots.
“People can clean their house but when it comes to their country, they believe it’s not their responsibility. It’s sad.
“The Government works hard for the country and we have such beautiful nature. Why do they want to ruin that?
“Also if a non-Omani sees that an Omani doesn’t care about his country they think neither should I. We are giving out the wrong message to people who come here.”
Which does beg the question of whether Oman’s tourism industry
AS THE COUNTRY DIVERSIFIES AWAY FROM ITS RELIANCE ON OIL FOR ECONOMIC STABILITY, TOURISM IS BEING SEEN AS THE NEXT BIG THING. BUT IS IT READY? KATE GINN AND ALVIN THOMAS REPORT
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is heading in the right direction and ready to take on the not insignificant burden of holding up Oman’s economy in the future, bearing in mind that the country’s fiscal deficit is hovering somewhere around the RO4.5 billion mark.
In a wide-ranging report, Y has spoken to Ministry officials, industry experts and tourism insiders to gauge whether they believe we are on the right track in a bid to diversify away from our reliance on oil – the most pressing matter facing Oman.
What we received was a mixed response. All those we spoke to were in unanimous agreement that the “product” – Oman as a country – had so much potential and international appeal, but issues such as the littering, delays to the new airport, high hotel prices, non-metered taxis and a public transport system still lagging behind many developed countries, still need to be addressed.
“In my view, Oman has a long way to go before it gets anywhere near where it wants to be,” one source working in the tourism and hospitality sector succinctly puts it.
Others are more optimistic.“Oman is one of the ‘hidden
gems of the Middle East’ and there’s no better time to invest and promote tourism in Oman than now,” says a manager with Oman Hotels & Tourism CO. SAOG, a company in the tourism
and hospitality business with several hotels around the country, including Desert Nights Camp and the Sur Plaza Hotel.
“Even with the recent slump in oil prices, Oman has shown the world that slow and steady progress means there is development occurring even in the worst of times [with the new airport and real estate projects].”
Around 30 hotels have signed up to take part in the Ministry of Tourism’s “Discover Oman’s Beauty” campaign, which will run for three months and see a range of special deals and discounts on offer in Oman and to residents of GCC countries.
Speaking to Y at the launch, HH Sayyid Faisal bin Turki al Said, Director General of Marketing & Media at the Public Authority for Investment Promotion & Export Development (PAIPED), says: “It is very important [to have an event like this for Oman], it is good for the country.
“The whole idea is to create some interest in the local tourism, encouraging people to have a reason to travel around Oman.”
On whether tourism could be Oman’s future, he adds: “It is the most prominent and potential
TOURIST VISITS TO OMAN: ● 2012 – 2,063,956
● 2013 – 2,162,345
● 2014 – 2,223,600 Up 7% when compared to previous year.
● 2015 – 2,617,269 Up 17.7% when compared to 2014.
Cruise ship tourism according to recent statistics issued by the Ministry of Tourism:
● 125,375 in 2014
● 146,509 in 2015
● In 2015, the sector accounted for 2.2% of Oman’s GDP, as per NCSI figures, with inbound tourism generating RO250.9m last year – nearly double the amount earned in 2005.
● The industry’s contribution to GDP is expected to increase by an average of 6.1% per year through to 2025, to reach 3.3% of GDP.
Source: Ministry of Tourism
contributor to the economy. The ripple effect that it could create, the economic benefits at all levels that cascade because of tourism. Look at it. One hotel can generate easily 100 jobs, 200 indirect jobs and so on.”
But he does believe that Oman must broaden its appeal to attract different visitors.
“You cannot any more afford to lock up the country and say I will have to be very, very selective. Oman could be a niche tourist destination but there are other layers of tourism as well. As long as they are packaged properly, you will get them.”
Last year, GCC visitor numbers to Oman surpassed one million, the majority coming from Saudi and then the UAE. And the total number of visitors to Oman almost hit 2.5 million in 2015.
Which can only be good news for the industry.Recent statistics show that companies in the hotel and
hospitality sector had a rough first quarter this year, with revenues down due to the global oil price slump.
According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), revenues for companies in the hospitality sector fell by 0.6 percent to RO16.7 million in the first quarter of this year, down from RO16.8m
People can clean their house but
when it comes to their country, they believe
it’s not their responsibility.
It’s sad
believes Oman is on the right path.“I believe the political situation in
Oman is favourable for tourism,” he says.
“We’re starting to receive great support from the ministries, with the help of some great new projects, like the new international airport and the newly redesigned public transport system.
“We hope that with the implementation of these new projects, more people will be enticed to visit the Sultanate, and soak in the beauty that the nation has to offer.”
On the other hand, contradicting Akbar’s statement is Deepu, a reservation manager at Al Maha
International Hotel in Ghubra. He believes that the only way the country can expect to shift its focus on tourism is if they address the longstanding troubles relating to the issuance of visas for foreign travellers from Asia and expats from various parts of the GCC.
According to the manager, tour operators charge 10 times the rate for obtaining tourist visas for Indians and citizens from other Asian countries.
“The standard charge for obtaining a tourist visa is RO20,” says Deepu. “However, I see tour operators [in Oman] charging RO100 for the same.
“The visitors have to cough up almost RO200 per head, just to visit Oman.
“Of course, there’s no denying that the Sultanate has the beauty to enthrall visitors, but at this price, I don’t think any Indian or Singaporean tourist will cough up such an amount for a few days visit to the country.
“Certain star hotels also charge exorbitant rates in comparison to other GCC countries.”
In response, Akbar Abbas says: “It is true that the rates charged by star hotels and resorts in Oman are high.
“The reason for that is as simple as the demand and supply theory. In the UAE, there are a lot of hotels in close proximity and it leads to competition.
“Thus, the rates are considerably lower than a comparable star hotel in Oman.”
He claims that despite the fall in the hospitality sector, the boom in tourism in Oman is only beginning.
More than 20,000 hotel rooms are expected to open their doors in the Sultanate by 2020, as the
country hopes to achieve a target of five million visitors a year by 2040.
Which is all well and good but some argue that there’s no point bringing more tourists if the amenities are not there and the issue of littering remains a problem.
“Recently, I headed to the Jebel Shams for a camping weekend with my friends. We were loaded with food, water and safety equipment.
“However, it was when we reached there, that we realised there are no public toilets,” says Hunain Farooq.
“There are two resorts in the vicinity, but they had closed their gates in the night for obvious safety reasons. The only way to access a toilet was if we drove to the foothill [a 45-minute drive back].
“So we headed back home early morning, cutting out our plans for the weekend.
“We experienced the same situation at the Qurum Beach. There were no public toilets around, and we had to rely on the Starbucks nearby to get changed.
“We were also aghast that there were no lifeguards on the beach. One can only wonder how the authorities would respond if there were a case of drowning.”
Hunain also recollects witnessing a load of trash scattered across the beach, “almost like there was a beach party the night before”.
“I am not sure how the authorities can claim they’re ready to accept foreign tourists in huge numbers, when they don’t even have the basic facilities in the most sought-after tourist spots.”
When asked about the issue by
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HOTELS: ● Average room occupancy rates reached 55.7% in 2015, marking a substantial increase over the preceding years. More than 4,596 rooms were also added since 2011.
● National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) indicators for three to five star hotels for Q1 2016 show that although the number of guests increased by 11.7 per cent (from 113,296 in 2015 to 126,505 in 2016), the occupancy rate was down by 10.3 per cent from 65.9 per cent in Q1 2015 to 59.1 per cent in Q1 2016.
Source: Ministry of Tourism
in the same period last year. Occupancy rates at three to five-star hotels were also down by 10.3 per cent to 59.1 per cent.
“Drop in oil prices has affected the entire economy, including the tourism sector,” said Ubar Hotels and Resorts, owner of Golden Tulip Nizwa and Park Inn by Radisson Muscat, in its first quarter report.
“Weakened euro also has a negative impact… as it has resulted in Oman becoming an expensive destination for tourism. Travellers are diverting to other countries, especially Egypt, Iran and Jordan, which are cheaper destinations and once again gaining popularity among European travellers.”
Alarming reading, indeed, and one that an industry insider told Y was not surprising.
“Oman is ludicrously expensive. It’s expensive to get here and hotels have some of the highest rates in the region. Eating out and trips are not cheap.
“The problem with the taxis is also frustrating. They are holding the Government to ransom by refusing not to have meters. Tourists are being overcharged.”
It’s a view echoed by Hunain Farooq, general manager of a Muscat-based construction company, who has clients visiting from all over the world.
“My British client and his family, who were in Oman for a short visit, wanted to go around Muscat for some sightseeing.
“They decided to hire one of the taxi drivers in Oman for eight hours, to show them around the capital. They were charged a total of RO250 for the services.”
However, Akbar Abbas, the resort manager of The View Oman,
JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR: ● The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that in 2014, 44,500 jobs were directly generated by the sector – 2.8% of total employment.
● 2015 – direct employment in the industry is also set to climb, expanding from its present 2.8% of the workforce, representing some 44,500 jobs, to 3.7%, or 72,000 positions, by 2025, for an average increase of 3.8% per annum over the period.
Y, Fatma Ahmed Alsaleh, a tourism promotion specialist with the Directorate General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism, agrees that it’s a work in progress.
“That is a bit of a challenge but we are working closely with the municipalities. Some people don’t realise that these responsibilities don’t lie within the Ministry of Tourism; our job is mainly to develop tourism and get the people here but we do develop tourist sites.
“So, for instance, cafes, if it serves a tourism purpose, then we will take care of it. We get asked a lot about restaurants but that really is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Tourism. But we do work really closely with the municipalities in order to develop each area according to our plan.”
But Hunain Farooq also believes that promotional campaigns for the Sultanate are not strong enough, a view shared by others we spoke
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AIRPORTS: ACCORDING TO NCSI:
● In 2015, MIA – international flights: 5.21m and domestic flights- 499,553 and in 2014, the respective numbers were 4.65m and 454,079.
● Indicating 12% increase in international and 10% in domestic passenger numbers.
to. “Countries like Malaysia, the UAE and Australia have amazing campaigns that garner the attention of viewers around the world.
“We have no such campaigns running on a global scale; we’re literally non-existent in the social media scene.”
There is no doubt that the Ministry of Tourism is working hard to position itself on the world tourism map and doing its best to address the issues mentioned here.
“Honestly speaking, tourism, holistically, is still quite new to Oman and there’s no shame in saying that we have done things, we’ve tried things and we went wrong and there are still lots of learning to do,” says HH Sayyid Faisal.
“The other side of things as well is that Omanis need to accept what tourism entails and embracing what it comes with. There is good, there is bad, so it’s about how we minimise the bad and maximise the good.”
His Highness also calls littering a big concern.
“On one hand, we promote Oman as pristine beaches and a beautiful country, on the other hand, littering is the biggest concern that we have as well.
“I think that more campaigns are needed. On a volunatry side, there have been a lot of campaigns where schools are involved.
“I think going back to education is primarily important. We are talking about the generations to come. If you look at it, that there’s always going to be an expat who is going to clean up after me, there is a problem.
Once that person decides no more cleaning, it’s your responsibility.”
The world-renowned tagline the Ministry of Tourism uses to sell Oman around the world is “Beauty has an address”.
Let’s hope that this still holds true in a few years’ time.
Have you entered Oman’s
best selfie competition yet?STARSSTARSOF THE
Y readers are flocking to the Muscat
Speedway at the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) to enter our Stars of the Track competition.
Up for grabs are cash prizes for the best overall selfies while the best weekly winner will also win four tickets to a go-karting session around the Muscat Speedway at the OAA.
And there’s still time to enter! All you have to do is head to the grounds of the
Muscat Speedway, the go-karting track at the OAA in Seeb, and get creative with your selfie picture.
Once you’ve taken your selfie, you just have to upload it to our Facebook page /ytabloid, tag us by using our @Ymagazine handle on Instagram /ymagazine, or tweet us your picture @Ytabloid, as well as include #OAAStarsoftheTrack on all media platforms.
The last date for submitting and tagging us with your selfie is May 29.
Cash prizes of RO100, RO75 and RO50 will be awarded to the top
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STARS
OF THE TRACKTRACK
three winners chosen by the judges at a special ceremony.
The Muscat Speedway go-karting track is open from 6pm-12 midnight on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 6pm-10pm on Wednesday and is closed on Sundays.
To take part in a go-karting session, you have to be over the age of eight and 135cm in height. A registration fee of RO1 will be charged for the ID. An eight-minute session of karting costs RO5 for children and RO7 for adults in a 270cc Dino go-kart for a 15-minute session.
For further enquiries, contact the OAA on 2451 0239 or 9659 0300.
Good luck!
Congratulations to Fatima Akhtar, who is the weekly winner of a go-karting session for four people!
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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
TROPICAL TREATIt’s that time of the year again: mango
season! Super versatile, mangoes are perfect on their own or as part of
a dish.
I t’s official: mango season is ripe in the Sultanate. If you hadn’t already noticed, supermarkets and markets are stocking up with small, big, sweet, sour, yellow and green mangoes as the season gets into full swing. In Oman, the peak time for mangoes is from
May until the end of July. Once a minor fruit in the Sultanate, the humble mango took on
a new role in 1990. The Government launched an initiative to turn the nation from a mango importer to a mango exporter, and a much sweeter and better-tasting variety of mango was introduced.
You can now find mangoes growing on the lush terraces of the Sayq plateau atop Jebel Akhdar, along with pomegranate, olives, dates, oranges, lemons and apricots.
If you don’t want to troop all the way up the “Green Mountain” to get a mango, you can easily get your hands on the fruit in markets and shops in Muscat and beyond.
LuLu hypermarkets around the country recently marked the official launch of “Mango Mania”, a much-anticipated event celebrating the “king of fruits” with varieties sourced from around the world.
And the Yellow Chilli restaurants in Muscat are holding Mango Festivals while using the fruit in dishes.
Mangoes are versatile and super healthy to boot, with their juicy taste and texture working in everything from smoothies to curries. Dried mangoes make an easy and nutritious snack.
Not only are they delicious but mangoes are also good for you. They’re bursting with vitamins C and A, along with calcium and iron.
So try adding a bit of mango to your diet this week and see the benefits. You can start by giving these quick, easy recipes a go:
Add a tropical feel to your food with this super-juicy fruit, which is grown in Oman
MANGO MANIA Just three ingredients for this refreshing and cool summer sorbet.
Ingredients:§ 4 mangoes – peeled, seeded and cubed§ 1 cup simple syrup§ 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
Method:§ Place cubed mango in a food processor and puree.§ Pour in simple syrup and lime juice.§ Puree until smooth§ Place in an ice cream maker. Freeze thoroughly.
• Source: allrecipes.com
Mango Sorbet
This creamy, smooth lassi is made with yoghurt and mango and is absolutely heavenly.
Ingredients:§ 2 mangoes – peeled, seeded and diced§ 2 cups plain yoghurt§ ½ cup white sugar§ 1 cup ice
Method:§ In a blender, combine mangoes, yoghurt, sugar and ice.§ Blend until smooth.§ Pour into glasses and serve
Mango Lassi
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Get The Look
HEALTH&BEAUTY
H e a l t h B e a u t y FA S H I O N
JUMP FOR JOYThe jumpsuit has come full circle, shedding its 1980s’
stigma and reinventing itself as a chic summer look. From monochrome prints to tribal
themes and even “suedette”, this season’s jumpsuit is less structured and definitely more
fun, such as this look from River Island.
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Get The Look
From the high end to the high street,
Felicity Glover helps you to get the look
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A touch of the 1970s can never go astray, especially with this fringe shoulder bag from H&M. From RO12.9
Step out of the desert and into the jungle in this sleeveless tiger-patterned jumpsuit from H&M. From RO39.9
Add a hint of glamour to your jumpsuit in these flat gold sandals from Steve
Madden at Dune. From RO30.7
There’s nothing like a little sparkle to dress up your outfit, such as these limited-edition flower drop earrings from M&S. From RO6.9
Step back in time in these Jackie O-style oversized sunglasses
from Next. From RO8.3
Dress up this chic cut-waist white jumpsuit from F&F for a night out or a summery brunch by the pool. From RO15.6
A playful take on its “taller sister”, this tropical
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M AY 2 6 - J U N 0 1 / I S S U E 4 2 20 3 4
You may not have heard of Bella Berry yet but you soon will. The UK’s first mass market collagen-based “beauty drink” is about to hit the shelves in LuLu hypermarkets.
Made with 100 per cent natural ingredients, Bella Berry is packed with a whole host of vitamins, antioxidants, collagen
and green tea extract and a blend of goodness, all of which, the makers say, will promote energy, beautiful skin and happiness.
Bella Berry will be retailing at RO1.350 per 250ml bottle.Three members of Team Y tried it out over 12 days, drinking one bottle a
day to see if it made a difference:
Kate Ginn, Y’s Deputy EditorSuperfruit flavour (pomegranate, blueberry, acai)
As a journalist, I’m a natural sceptic about anything new, but on a personal level, as a woman of a certain age (don’t ask) I’m always keen on trying something that can help hold back Mother Nature. It’s fair to say that my body needed a bit of a boost; a hectic life had left me almost running on empty in the energy tank and feeling foggy-headed. So let’s say that I entered this experiment with an open mind.
I liked the colour of my drink (a deep purple/blue) and the ingredients, which was a good start. On the first day, I was like an eager beaver and was at the fridge at 7am ready to gulp down the 250ml in one go. It tasted nice but was a bit like a watered-down fruit juice, and less bursting with flavour than I had expected. I guess that’s because they use all natural ingredients. I was hoping for instant results – a bit like when Dr Jekyll downs his potion to turn into Mr Hyde, only a nicer version – but knew this was probably going to be more of a slow burner. By day three, I suddenly realised that I felt more energetic and my mind was clearer. That 4.30pm daily energy dip had been all but banished. I did have a minor surgical procedure in the middle of the trial, which left me very sleepy for three days but nonetheless made sure that I had my daily Bella Berry without fail. By the end, I was definitely more full of beans than usual and my skin was less oily; a couple of my friends even remarked that I looked a little younger – words, which to a woman of my age, are priceless.
Matthew Herbst, Y’s Art DirectorTropical flavour (pineapple, lime, mint)
I knew that being a man taking part in this was going to be interesting and I wondered what the effects would be, if any.
I noticed an improvement in energy during the first day of drinking it. Thankfully, I come from genes that keep me looking younger naturally than my actual age but I was still curious about the effects of the collagen. I was even more intrigued as to whether or not it would work at all with men. On days two and three, there was a noticeable difference in my energy levels; where I usually start to flag around 5pm, I felt better, more focused and less sleepy than I usually do.
Days four and five brought good news as I was on a video call with a friend, who said she noticed the dark rings around my tired eyes were looking lighter and my face fresher. I also began to notice that my skin was less oily. On day six, I made an error and forgot to take the drink in the morning only to end up gulping it down around 7pm. Much to my horror, I couldn’t fall asleep despite being tired. If it was the
drink that had helped my energy peak, then I was not going to get much sleep and was doomed for work the next day.
Over the further six days, my energy levels kept rising. My face definitely looked less oily and my skin clear. The dark rings around my eyes continued to lighten and the extra energy made me feel quite a lot younger. I think it’s worth a try, whether male or female, as I believe we all have skin and a body that works much the same. I’d like another 12-pack please, boss...
Nikita Lobo, Y’s InternSummer fruit flavour (raspberry, apple, pear)
Bella Berry is clearly aiming to cash in on the science behind the mantra that beauty comes from within. The London-based start-up makes a range of high-concentration liquid molecule supplements that target our body. The drinks provide collagen, zinc and other vitamins to enrich skin and hair while spurring healthy brain activity and metabolism.
I found out Bella Berry is an award-winning drink so there might be something in it. It isn’t meant to be sipped; you’re supposed to down the whole thing in one gulp. Normally, shots are
very potent but this tastes pretty watered-down. That sounds negative but it’s actually a nice change from what I’ve had before. I can’t really tell if this worked on my skin because I’m only 19 and have fairly good skin, so I think this drink is meant for older individuals. After the age of 20, one per cent less collagen is produced in the skin each year.
However, thanks to Bella Berry, I no longer walk around half asleep in the mornings as this drink makes me feel lively and fresh after I drink it and the effect endures well.
B E A U T Y H e a l t h F a s h i o n&
A fruit drink with a difference is about to be launched in Oman. It contains collagen and other vitamins for glowing skin and good health. Y tries it out
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GRACEFUL AGEING It’s one of the great ironies of life: your
reward for surviving the tumultuous teenaged years, establishing a career and bringing up a family culminates in dry skin,
an expanding figure and too many moments peppered with: “Now, where did I leave those car keys?” Once, that time of your life seemed so far away when viewed from a distance.
As the calendar pages keep turning, you may find yourself greeting this new phase of life with mixed feelings: a sense of accomplishment but perhaps also apprehension for the unknown and even surprise from unanticipated changes.
The American author of The Best of Everything After 50, Barbara Hannah Grufferman, acknowledges that age brings wisdom and experience.
“But it can also include new and unexpected signs of growing older that can impact your body and life,” she says.
Fortunately, in many regards, age is but a state of mind. With these practical tips, you can glide into the future by following some of these tips:
Stay true to your styleThere is no written rule that once you achieve
a certain age, your hair must be closely cropped, your wardrobe frozen in time or your favourite vibrant lipstick shade cast aside. True, with age you may have to make a few modifications such as a new hairstyle that accommodates thinner strands or one that shows off your gorgeous greys. But your personal style is an important aspect of your identity, and simply tweaking or
How to age with vitality, grace and confidenceEmbrace confidence
boostersChange is at the very heart of midlife, and
most of us can come to acknowledge, even appreciate, how life has a way of evolving. But changes can sometimes cause confidence to lag, especially when it’s your body that’s changing.
Grufferman says: “The loss of a job, upheavals in a long-term relationship, financial hardships and empty nests are just a few of the big challenges we frequently confront – not to mention the new health issues that we might face.”
One common confidence breaker, though, is a sensitive bladder. A recent survey found that women with sensitive bladders feel less confident than those who don’t experience leaks, for instance in certain situations such as travelling long distances or being in an unknown or unfamiliar area.
However, you don’t have to let your sensitive bladder stand in the way of living your life. In fact, the same survey showed that most women with sensitive bladders (72 per cent) who use bladder protection, such as Always Discreet liners, pads and underwear say they feel more confident because of these products. The full line of bladder leak protection products provides women incredible comfort, protection, discretion and odour control so you can get back to enjoying life, no matter what your age is.
To learn more about managing a sensitive bladder, including advice for how to talk with your doctor, visit AlwaysDiscreet.com
slightly evolving your look lets you remain true to yourself as you enter this new phase of your life.
Resist the urge to restFilling your time with low-demand pursuits
is a perfectly natural response to the liberation of an empty nest or the newfound freedom of retirement. You’ve earned a break, for sure. However, be wary of letting your brain languish to extremes. Find ways to stimulate your mind to help keep you sharp and ward off those “senior moments”.
Make your physical wellness a priority
For decades, you’ve heard admonishments about taking proper care of your body: eating properly, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and getting plenty of rest.
If you have ignored that advice, remember this: it’s never too late to introduce healthier habits. Taking care of your body will help ensure you have the stamina to continue enjoying your favourite activities, and it will give you the best chance of keeping your health condition at its best.
Not only does keeping in shape provide overall health benefits but targeted exercises can also help with other concerns, as well. For example, after four to six weeks of working out your pelvic floor muscles, you may start to notice an improvement in your sensitive bladder.
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COOLING DOWN Daris Falaj is a
hidden gem near Nizwa, where you’ll find swimming and relaxing is the order
of the day.
CARS ANDADVENTURES
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
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DARIS FALAJJUST A SHORT DISTANCE FROM NIZWA IS A FALAJ SYSTEM BIG ENOUGH TO SWIM IN, FINDS
SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI
Destination
CARS ANDADVENTURES
D E S T I N A T I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i O u t d o o r s C a r s
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DARIS FALAJ HOW TO GET THERE
From Muscat, take the main Route 15 to Nizwa. Head to the souk and Nizwa Fort area and continue straight on. After around 15 minutes, you will see a signpost on the right to Daris Falaj. Take this turn and
continue straight. You can’t miss the entrance to the park.
GPS location: N22°58’22.8” E57°32’57.0”TR
AVEL
GUI
DE
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shy about intruding and decided to be spectators only on this occasion, and just soak up the beauty of the place.
Wandering around, I snapped some close-up details of the leaves and flower buds with hints of pink pushing to burst forth.
I got my favourite shot of the day standing by the bank, of a young boy swimming past me below, floating just under the surface, his legs kicking out like that of a frog.
Whether swimming or simply relaxing, the Daris Falaj seems to be a little haven for locals to escape the dust and noise of Nizwa or Bahla for a day or even just a few hours. I’m also told that it’s quite a popular spot for young men trying to woo their future wives. I would imagine that it is romantic at night, with the moon shining on the water of the falaj and the trees moving gently in the evening breeze.
There is also a children’s park, although it looked a little dilapidated while a wadi is on the other side of the falaj.
You don’t need or want to explore much when you’re here; the calming nature of the place works its magic on you, leaving you feeling like doing nothing more exerting than ambling along the falaj or simply chilling on the bank.
My recommendation is to combine the Daris Falaj with a trip to Nizwa. It’s only 15 minutes’ drive away from Nizwa Fort. Do your fort visit in the morning before it gets too hot and then head to the falaj for a wonderful time cooling off. Take a picnic or return to Nizwa for lunch before making tracks to the souk, which opens for business after 4pm.
I’ll certainly be visiting again soon – and next time I might even be brave enough to take a dip in the falaj.
Although I’ve lived in Oman many years and have travelled extensively throughout the Sultanate, there are still lots of hidden places that I’ve never
heard of.This week’s Destination is one of those.Like many of you reading this, I’ve been to
Nizwa countless times, yet I never knew that a stunning falaj system known locally as a perfect getaway spot was nearby.
My friend, dubbed the “Head Man” in our gang for being a leader of sorts, was the one who had told me about this “secret” location. We assembled a group – “Head Man”, myself, the “New Guy” and “Thumbs Up” (so called because that’s what he does in every photo) – and set off from our homes in Amerat very early one Thursday morning.
The drive is not complicated. Simply go to Nizwa and the souk but don’t stop here, and instead carry on with the souk on your left, and you’ll be heading towards the Daris area. It’s quite an old part of the Nizwa environs, which you’ll notice from some of the houses.
You’ll come across a sign (you can’t miss it),
which points you right towards the Daris Falaj and takes you through a gate into a park area.
It’s actually been beautifully done, with the falaj integrated as part of the park and easily accessible. Another plus is that there’s a lot of parking for cars.
You can wander over to the falaj, which is a short walk away. It’s a huge irrigation system, wide and deep, and well-constructed with bricks and stonework. As the falaj is not used as a supply of drinking water to the surrounding area, it’s acceptable to swim in it.
It was quite busy with lots of locals, mostly youngsters; either lounging on the bank or taking a dip in the water. Glancing down, it did look very cool and inviting, particularly after being stuck in a car for a couple of hours.
We sat down to enjoy the peace, which was broken only by the joyful cries of the children jumping and splashing around in the water as older locals in white dishdashas conversed under the shade of overhanging trees.
The temperature was hotting up and we were very tempted to take a refreshing dip. However, for some reason we all felt a little
CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES
On the beach at PDO there is a rusting old plaque detailing the first swimmers who took part in the Al Fahal Island Swim in
1989. Some of the names have faded over the years but the winner can be clearly seen: Rolf Jensen, with a time of one hour and nine minutes.
Last weekend, 27 years later, 16-year-old Robin Turner won the same swim, completing the gruelling 4.1km in a record 57 minutes and 25 seconds, breaking his own previous personal best.
In all, 135 hardy souls took on the challenge last Friday; the youngest, 13 and the oldest, 60.
It’s not a swim for the fainthearted, and demands stamina and physical strength as much as swimming skills. Last year saw the swimmers battling through two large shoals of jellyfish, and many emerged with stings.
That didn’t seem to deter anyone as the largest ever field turned up for this year’s
event. The swimmers were taken across to Fahal Island by boat and dropped off to make the return leg under their own steam, each one guided by their own kayak.
It was quite a sight to see dozens of swimming caps bobbing up and down in the water with a flotilla of 120 kayaks, like a small fibreglass armada leading the way across the Gulf of Oman.
Back on the beach at the Ras al Hamra club adjacent to Fahal Island, families and supporters gathered to watch their loved ones take on the waves. We were told to expect the first swimmer back within an hour.
No one was expecting Robin Turner to be back quite as quickly as he was. The teenager’s feet touched down on the sand in less than 58 minutes after leaving the rock in the sea to huge cheers from the spectators. It was his third win in a row.
“I wanted to get under the hour but to break the record is great,” said Robin, who hardly seemed out of breath.
This year’s annual Fahal Island Swim featured 135 swimmers, strong currents and jellyfish. Kate Ginn watches the action (from dry land)
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TIME
Photos: Shaquel al Balushi
TIMEAFTER
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“It was difficult but good fun. I enjoyed it.”
Robin, who is a pupil at the American British Academy (ABA) but trains with the Marlins Swimming Club at British School Muscat (BSM), spends 16 hours a week in the pool.
Not far behind him and the first female back was Jovana Opricovic, 15, and also a Marlins swimmer, in an impressive time of one hour and three minutes.
“It was my first time at this event and I was just aiming to finish, to be honest,” said a delighted Jovana.
“The start was all right but it is just towards the end you really have to push it. I had pain coming from the neck. I just put my head down and followed the kayak.”
At just 13, Theo Clark was the youngest swimmer in the event, which makes his time of one hour and 11 minutes even more impressive.
“I found the start was really hard trying to find my kayak because there were so many other people around,” said Theo, also a pupil at BSM and a member of the Marlins. “In the middle it was about settling into a rhythm but it was quite hard because it was choppy and there were a few jellyfish. They stung me but it didn’t hurt.
“I was getting quite tired towards the end but I really wanted to finish it for all my friends.”
Another swimmer from BSM was teacher Matthew Tipton, who was taking part for the first time and showed the pupils that it wasn’t just the young ones who could handle a sea swim.
“I set myself a target of between an hour-and-a-half and an hour and 40 minutes so I was happy with 1.36,” he said at the end.
“At 2K, my energy dipped and I was all over the place but a bit of adrenalin and a few endorphins kicked in and got me through. The atmosphere was great.”
Since taking up sea swimming a year ago, Matthew has lost 12 kilos and dropped his body fat by 25 per cent, showing how all the hard work – and a bit of pain – has paid off.
On hand to offer any help, should a swimmer need it, were 18 support boats and first aiders.
A strong current saw quite a few swept off course, being dragged over to the left.
Another first-timer, Martha Jezak, a teacher, had to fight back across the current to make the finishing line at the beach.
“When I got close to the rocks, I felt like I wasn’t going to make it because I was looking at the sand at the bottom and I felt like I wasn’t moving at all. The current here is very strong,” she said.
“It was wonderful though. You are
out there, just making strokes and you see nothing; just the water, blue and your arms moving.”
Her coach Kelvin Bwibo, a lifeguard at the InterContinental Hotel in Muscat, was very happy with her time of two hours and six seconds.
“She did well. The performance was good. It was her first experience of this. We have been training for three months and she has performed miracles,” said Kelvin.
“We will set a goal now. Next time we are going to win it.”
Also happy with his time was Ian White, who lopped five minutes off his previous swim the year before, thanks to training swims with 5.30am starts.
“It was challenging. I did a bit better time this year. The current was strong pushing you across the bay so it was very difficult to get a straight line but my son canoed for me.
“There were a few jellyfish but you just go through it
‘It’s a great event and great organisation. I’ll be back next year. It’s an annual event so I have to do it. But you do wonder immediately afterwards why you do it!”
All the swimmers got back safely, including Omani triathlete Suleiman al Alawi, with the last being clapped in on two hours and 40 minutes.
Mike Reddy, one of the organisers of the swim who also took part (finishing in a respectable one hour and 25 minutes and a personal best),
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looked exhausted but elated by the end of the event.“It’s brilliant,” he enthused.“For me, I like the fact that you’ve got all those people doing exercise
and they train for it. “We have 40 to 50 volunteers helping out too. I love that it’s a real
community event.”
* To see more photos on this year’s swim, search for Fahal Island Swim on Facebook.
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TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO:1) Visit the Alappuzha lighthouse2) Take a stroll on Alleppey beach3) Visit the St. Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal 4) Go kayaking in the backwaters5) Cheer with the crowds at the Nehru Boat Race
TRANQUIL TIMESThe peaceful
backwaters of Alleppey are popular with visitors wanting to explore the area, either by a small
craft or houseboat.
CARS ANDADVENTURES
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P O S T C A R D S F R O M
ALLEPPEY, INDIAAlvin Thomas recommends
ALAPPUZHA LIGHTHOUSE
NEHRU BOAT RACE
ST. ANDREWS BASILICA
D e s t i n a t i o n O u t d o o r s Y - F i C a r s
My favourite place Hailing from the city, I never get tired of the backwaters of Alleppey. There are plenty of boating options for tourists looking to explore the Vembanad Lake; from boats, which can cost RO5 to RO10 for a day’s worth of boating to more impressive house boats, which can charge you anywhere from RO20 to RO50 for a night’s stay. If boating is not your thing, make sure you visit the Krishnapuram Palace, an 18th-century building that now serves as a museum. Highlights Alleppey is obviously an urban environment, albeit coastal. However, the rural areas of Kuttanad have low population levels. There aren’t any hills or mountains in the region, and the city is flanked with vast, fertile lands. The city has a humid and hot climate for most of the year due to its proximity to the sea. The temperatures in the city range from a high of 32 degrees Celsius in summer and 27 degrees in winter. Rain is common during the monsoon season, and certain areas of the city can be prone to flooding. The backwaters and wetlands of Alleppey also host ducks, teals and cormorants that migrate from the east.
Lowlights Most tourists visit Alleppey for its backwaters. However, some locals have been known to heavily overcharge unsuspecting foreigners for boating services.
Souvenirs Alleppey cuisine is by far the best souvenir to take from the city. The fish and duck curries are widely-known for their savoury tastes. Aside from the food, you can also buy wooden handicrafts from local stalls around the city.
Where to stay Alleppey isn’t an expensive city but you can opt for long stays in houseboats. Early booking is required. Modern houseboats offer everything from WiFi to air conditioning and satellite television.
T here’s much to love about Alleppey. With its coastal setting and sparkling, tranquil backwaters, the city nicknamed “Venice of the East” is a magnet for tourists visiting the southern part of the Indian state of Kerala. Alleppey - also
known as Alappuzha - is a 40-minute drive from Kochi, the state’s most happening city. The earliest members of the Chera Dynasty lived in Kuttanad (a taluk, or administrative division, in Alleppey), and their settlement can be traced back to the first century. Today, Kuttanad is known as the “Rice Bowl” of Kerala for its paddy fields and lush, green coconut trees. Alleppey was also once a trading zone for spices and pulses with the west from the Middle Ages.
The city was at the forefront of Christianity in the state, where the Portuguese and Dutch established themselves in the 17th century. Alleppey was a major driving force in India’s push for independence from the United Kingdom (won in 1947) and became an administrative district in 1957.
Currently, Alleppey district comprises of six taluks, namely Cherthala, Ambalapuzha, Kuttanad, Karthikappally, Chengannur and Mavelikkara, and is the 10th-largest city in Kerala, with a population of more than 21 million. It also has the third-highest literacy rate in Kerala.
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LIGHT WAVEDeveloped by Harvard Medical School professor Dr Herbert Benson, this NightWave device is based on relaxation techniques used and researched in cognitive therapy to help treat insomnia. To quieten your overactive mind, just sync your breathing to the flow of NightWave’s pulsing blue LED light. As it gradually slows down, the light silently guides you into a relaxed state — and before you know it you have drifted off into a deep slumber within minutes. At www.amazon.com from RO19.24.
-FIT H E T E C H I N Y O U
Y - F IO u t d o o r s D e s t i n a t i o n
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SWEET DREAMSAre you sleeping too much or are you a restless sleeper? Matthew Herbst checks out
what's available to help you get a good night's rest
JUST NOISEAmerica’s National Sleep Foundation has found that noises at levels as low as 40 decibels or as high as 70 decibels are likely to keep us awake. If you happen to live in a noisy area then investing in sound conditioners is a wise move. They have been proven to promote sleep by muffling noise. The Sleep Infuser masks sound but also emits a series of low pulsing hums that can coax the brain into sleep. At sleepinfuser.com from RO134.73.
EDITO
R’S PI
CK
COLOURFUL SLEEP THIS AURA ISN’T NECESSARILY JUST A NIGHT LIGHT BUT A CLEVER DEVICE THAT RECORDS YOUR SLEEP ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING NOISE POLLUTION, ROOM TEMPERATURE AND SOOTHING FREQUENCIES THAT ATTEMPT TO IMITATE YOUR BODY’S REGULAR RHYTHMS. MOST IMPORTANTLY, WITH THIS DEVICE NOTHING HAS TO BE WORN. JUST SLIP THE SENSOR UNDER THE MATTRESS TO MONITOR YOUR SLEEP PATTERNS, BODY MOVEMENTS, BREATHING CYCLES AND HEART RATE. THEN TURN TO THE APP TO CHECK OUT YOUR CYCLES TO FIND OUT WHAT WAKES YOU UP. YOU CAN ALSO PERSONALISE YOUR WAKE-UP AND FALL-ASLEEP PROGRAMS. AT WITHINGS.COM FROM RO115.50.
SHHHHHHIf you’re a heavy sleeper who never hears your alarm in the morning, then invest in the silent alarm clock by Lark. Lark is an app and wristband that wakes you up with a gentle vibration. It tracks your movements all night, after which it will then give you a full report about your restlessness, including quality of sleep, how long it took you to fall asleep and how many times you woke up. It also includes an action plan, which allows you to set goals while sending you reminders to keep you on track. At www.lark.com from RO18.86.
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App of the Week
NEW SENSE SLEEP TRACKER
SLEEP GENIUSThe Sleep Genius app was originally developed by neuroscientists for astronauts. It emits a pink noise (a soft variant of white noise) and neurosensory algorithms that trigger a motion-induced type of sensation in your brain, similar to a baby being rocked to sleep. All of which will ease you into a deep slumber. Free at sleepgenius.com
SLEEPING SCIENCEMeet Basis Science, a smartwatch that uses six sensors to measure your heart rate, skin electricity, sweat and temperature. The watch also includes software that breaks down your sleep patterns into light and deep sleep, and analyses the quality of how much sleep you’re getting. At amazon.com from RO76.99.
The Sense Sleep Tracker is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014. The Sense’s mission is to tell you as much as it possibly can about the environment you sleep in. It monitors the temperature, humidity, air quality, light and sound. Then combine that with the tracker that clips to the side of your pillow and you’ve got a comprehensive picture of the quality of your sleep each night. The smartphone app will then provide a breakdown of the data over time, while the app's Insights tool can give you advice on how to make improvements. At kickstarter.com, from RO50.
NIGHT LIGHT If you thought that kids were the only ones who used a night light, think again. This Wi-Fi-enabled LIFX light helps you fall asleep and wake up with the aid of colour. Its light purple colour slows your heart rate and helps you relax, the deep red helps you fall asleep and the light orange assists with waking up and getting your day started. An additional feature helps you wake up naturally each morning by gradually increasing light, and helps you drift off at night by slowly dimming light. At www.amazon.com from RO38.11.
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strongest currencies in the world
Source: profitconfidential.com* Currency exchange rate conducted on May 22, 2016
➋
➌ ➍
➎ ➏
➐ ➑
➊Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
One Kuwaiti dinar buys US$3.31
Bahraini Dinar (BHD)One Bahraini dinar
buys US$2.65
Euro (EUR)One euro buys US$1.12
Swiss Franc (CHF)One Swiss franc
buys US$1.01
Libyan Dinar (LYD)One Libyan dinar
buys US$0.73
Bruneian Dollar (BND)One Bruneian dollar
buys US$0.72
Omani Rial (OMR)One Omani rial buys US$2.60
British Pound (GBP)One British pound
buys US$1.45
Singapore Dollar (SGD)One Singapore dollar
buys US$0.72
Australian Dollar (AUD)One Australian dollar
buys US$0.72
➒ ➓
