Y Magazine #407, February 11, 2016

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News: STRESSED PUPILS GET 10 SCHOOL EXAM COUNSELLORS

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DESTINATION: Wadi Uyun TASTE TEST: Shake Shack

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

FEB 11 - 17 2016 / ISSUE 407 • WEEKLY

HAS THE BUBBLE BURST?

PLUS!

RENTERS TAKE CONTROL

BRAND BECKHAM

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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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SWEET DREAMS

35

GET CREATIVE

44

COMPETITION

EDITOR’S

NOTE

Are you ready for our “Y We Are Soulmates” grand finale? Head to Panorama Mall this Saturday (February 13) at 7pm to watch us crown Muscat’s best-matched couple. For details, turn to P24.

THE BAROMETER GOING UP

TOURISM Great news to hear that the number of tourists visiting the Sultanate last year jumped to more than 2 million, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Imagine the increase when the new airport is open! See P11.

GOING DOWN

TEMPERATURES Is it just us, or is there still a chill to the air in the evenings and early mornings?

Don’t get us wrong, though. We are loving the temperature at the moment and hope it lasts for as long as possible.

THIS WEEK…

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

Fast forward

O

f course, I’m no economist, but I do understand that demand and supply are two simple market drivers that determine the cost of something. Perhaps the best example of this at the moment is oil – a serious glut in the market has seen the price of oil plummet over the past 14 months.

But who would have thought that we’d be facing a similar situation with Oman’s rental property market?

That’s right. It seems that the tables are beginning to turn and renters are finding that they are in the drivers’ seat – to a degree. For years, landlords have directed the market and the price we pay for the privilege of renting their properties.

But in our cover story this week, we have found that with more and more properties coming on the market every month, supply is now outstripping demand and landlords are struggling to fill their villas and flats. Where once they may have demanded a year’s rent up front, these days they are willing to entertain monthly payments or even the first month rent free, which is great news for tenants and their personal finances.

Elsewhere, we head to the newly opened Shake Shack in Taste Test, follow up on the fatal school bus accident in Nizwa and get an insider’s view of a local wedding from the groom’s perspective.

Have a great week!

Team Y has been enjoying the latest Alvin and The Chipmunks sequel, treating ourselves to a spot of retail therapy and prepping for a mid-term school break, which came around very quickly!

Ways to get your Y fix Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration.

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editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover DEPUTY EDITOR Kate Ginn ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst FOLLOW US ON:

SUB-EDITOR Matt Blackwell

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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FEB 11 - 17 / ISSUE 407

03

contents

Features 20 Room To Negotiate

Tenant Power

FEBRUARY 11 - 17 2016

Your Oman

This Week

06 Coffee With Y

Susan Rae 08 Voice Of Oman

Fahmy Al Ma’Awali 10 News

School Counsellors For

Exam Stress 13 News Feature

Bus Crash - Parents

Want Answers

10

24 Y We Are Soulmates

The Finalists

14 Gallery

City Centre Fun

16 #FYI World’s Fastest

Bullet Trains

26 Omani Wedding

Groom Time

17 Movies

Wild Horses 18 This Week

Salim-Sulaiman

18

20

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success

Baidha Al Sikaiti

Cars and Adventures 38 Destination

Wadi Uyun

Food and Drink

40 Outdoors

Shooting Stars

28 Food Feature

Sweet Endings

Health and Beauty

30 Taste Test

Shake Shack

28

32 Fashion

Wear It Like Beckham

42 Postcard From

Daintree National Park, Australia 44 Y-Fi

Get Creative

34 Beauty 46 Car Of The Week

Star Hair

Mini Cooper S Paceman 35 Health

Sleep Well

33 44

NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / FOOD / DESTINATION / HEALTH / FASHION / OUTDOORS

Oman, ess Group en in s u B n a li betwe Austra hair of the thening business ties c e th , e a R g n expat Susa ses on stren ting on Long-term association that focu with Felicity Glover ping and boa m ca as ch su l a who I fun, kends. an informa tries, sits down for te world e great people wee th e: n m u o h it c scat really is aere in w u o ay M , aw ow n t the tw n u “B ry easy perso et.” e en we were h

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ve wh have m anberra, th usan Rae is a easy, in fact, that city. Equally, to know the Omani ginally from C, Susan moved to ri o O t S . go to e w lk , r ta to 2000 stralia and to see the atting an hou capital of Au 00 with her husband, eir traditions had been for th , le p we were still chd at the café in eo p e way it Muscat in 20 her son and daughter, after I’d arriveganised to meet countryside thich was very special to and , w re d or e. h n d m w A e’ ti , w e centuries eight at th MSQ where rview hadn’t actually aged 10 and wyer and in the me.” putting her la a – and our inte is king at ays, Susan is as chair of the Andrew d or e w es as h w T . , n d er sa te h star good use nguage teac beginning, Sul Muscat (BSM) as a trade skills to siness Group Oman The former lain French, German, choo S sh ti u ri B B n ed Australia her. launched in who specialis English as a second language teacSM for two or three O), which was informal group, G B (A B Japanese and arm, friendly and at it is an “I was hing French, 2012. While promoting trade, language, is w d it feels like I have s and was teacish as a second ar on ye is s an cu – fo g its between Engl héd as engagin d business ties lia. Susan German and e says. “I really enjoyed an r years, as clic l fo ra u er lt h n cu ra ow st kn language,” sht want to work full-time anate and Au that sounds. course, that we are at the Sult y members are advisers idn’ d p I u t e m bu , ca it y it an e says m opportun It helps, of and have a natural work for larg and then the n vernment or Australian go in both Australia u can also tell that e. as d o ch Austra nge as I had n companies, suconglomerate affinity. But yoeeting people from t was a challe s, but it is all “I n io ct m s ru st ve s n it lo es co sin adm l as smaller Susan clue about bu and teachers are very e. She readily ped with arsons, as wel lif yP le of or ks W al w l le al about peop hich are transferable acher has hel businesses. networking that being a teills. But I suspect that personable, wthe next three months o a range of sual or d sk e le p “W r eo fo p t t er an ca h ight be skills. I spen e not knowing what I trade consult events that m are of interest to her roles as an Trade Commission I strad d u A an h d it at ke w th ic s cl ar en it ing that it is semin the Australia d then as the UAEdoing, but th san says, add as u S w ” s, an es e n e) d si d ra bu rT (Austra oup. in Oman, loved it.” mmissioner foave a non-profit grwe had someone talk ding six years in Abu h based trade co en d sp an sl er n ft A ee , u ar Q “Last ye offered a role al media, but & Investment to develop this skill Andrew was usan transferred to the ow to use soci and travel h t ou ab S helped SusanAfter all, negotiating s custom Dhabi and ce there, where she we also hold try to hold them three even further. ould not only need e offi ey d h ra T st . e u er A W on s. si w ar is e CEO of semin comm trade deals s acumen, but also a . In March, th. And this ecame trade E until mid-2013, b ar ye es a n in si es as m bu h ti e A tough ill give a talk were in the U ided it was time to go arm, which sh Sohar Port w udley [the Canadian whole lot of ch e er they dec h w en D h is w w h ble week, Dre ania, whic giving a talk.” spades. many remarka home to Tasmup. eaker] will beend of our sp D E T “I have had sousan tells me. “One ew e th Andrew gr any expats, they S As we come toSusan if she has any experiences,” s that I loved the trade like m r t, ei u k th B as I on , w on ie on si interv a diver of the reas ve meeting people. says yes. encountered road and their plans grets and shet shame, I think the re d le role is that I lome amazing people, as el w av tr w well“To my grea en’t done is Arabic, d when Andre I have met so ignitaries, but people ere put on hol job back in Muscat. w s e thing I hav eaks such good ie it on not just d al n their ed y sp p ip offered a dream from all natiosheep sh y ad but everybod ... e having alre d being in the it p es D e an English.” farmers be a problem belongings hom bt this would is clearly very ved European ou er d es I d lel w from a e e hile sh middle of ided they wer in for Susan. W languages, she has also Australia the couple dec int st t, n d u h n it ja co w se d a te r n tale al language ady fo who were e internation ks to more than re th d re te g as n oi m d an here d trade th Oman. uscat at the of business an d down-to-earth me back to Mys Susan, business. ca e an “W th m her war “Sometimes beginning of 2014,” sa many arm. iced ot n n Australian ch formation about ca ey th le p at s eo th ar p ye t in gh e adding ei or e For m man in th man.com confuse changes to O ne.

O, go to abgo G B A g go n n ti e or ee ee m m they’d b more traffic, tell or do you special people here was lots busier. There a unique story totact us to have “T t go u yo e av H as it w ho has? Con with royalty, e buildings anddo, with golf courses, know someone wd be featured in Y Magazine. to e an or Y . m but some of th se ith w as ou w coffee the Opera H y-oman.com nicest people e Email: editor@ activities and here before we had m d ed te have trea When we liv lf-reliant in making our hat like royalty. T ke been fairly se ta is what I will

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FEB 11 - 17 / ISSUE 407

THE VOICE OF OMAN FAHMY AL MA’AWALI ON TREATING EACH OTHER THE RIGHT WAY

correspondence BUS SAFETY Dear Editor,

I

n the course of human events, it becomes necessary for people to dissolve their feelings of animosity and constraints with another and to assume the power of feelings and understand the laws of emotion.

A decent respect for the opinions of mankind requires that they should try to be at one with each other’s emotional polarity.

Too often a person will suppress their emotional feelings due to society’s constraints, taunts or simply by not understanding oneself.

In actuality, we know balances are needed in life and if emotion is suppressed, the balance is disturbed.

How does one attain freedom of emotion? First, a person needs to understand what and how they feel. To do that they need to express.

To express they need to feel safe and secure. To feel safe and secure, they need to feel unjudged. To feel unjudged, the surroundings must feel safe from opinions.

Setting a fellow human free by letting them express their own emotions generates positive understanding of oneself. A truly altruistic world would be built and this system will assert itself as a matter of natural law.

There is a story where Plato said God was angry at the human race, so he split their polarity (the good and the bad) and because of that we lost our soulmates (instant love was to be searched for rather than instantaneous).

Know your good and know your bad so that everyone can be everyone’s soulmate and we can have the rights to truth and justice.

This would be a good step forward.

NEXT WEEK:

SAYYIDA MAYYA AL SAID

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FEB 11 - 17 / ISSUE 407

I read your article on the deadly Indian School Nizwa bus crash and I wondered about how similar the situation was on my transport bus.

I am a Grade 8 student at Sri Lankan School Muscat and while I do not actually go on the school transport bus, I go on many school trips in a bus provided by the school.

The Toyota Coaster buses are horribly unsafe; there are no seat belts at all, not even in the front passenger seat. In the event of an accident, everyone will be thrown around.

The Mario Andretti of a driver behind the steering wheel goes recklessly fast, overtaking all the other cars without even activating his indicator lights. Last but not

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“Is it better to be focused on today or tomorrow?”

It is better for me to focus on today, as the ultimate goal for me is to be better than yesterday, while planning to become even better tomorrow. Savour the present, but don’t forget your future.

Life is a balance of knowing when to enjoy the moment and when to plant seeds for tomorrow’s harvest.

We must definitely have a vision in life for tomorrow, but our focus must be on today and the present. Unless we carry out our immediate responsibilities and obligations, how can we ensure

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

a meaningful life now and a secure tomorrow? The present holds tremendous possibilities and let us not miss out on these in our preoccupation with tomorrow.

‪ ADEEBA FATIMA ‪

‪ KAMAL G ‬‪ ‬

‪ SOLLY R PHILIPS ‬‪‬

least, almost every child jumps and screams at the top of their voice. I am sure that this is extremely distracting for the driver.

I really hope that something will be done to improve the standard of safety before some calamity occurs to the children of my school.

Yours truly, Migara Rodrigo, Muscat

It is better to focus on today because if today is perfect, there is no need for tomorrow. Today is a gift, that is why it is called the present.

‪ ‪G-ME TANDEL‪

It is better to focus on today because who knows abut tomorrow? We should enjoy each day of life, make our today the best and hope tomorrow will be better.

Each day is an opportunity.

‪ ‪NITYA BALAJI‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬

It is better to be focused on today rather than tomorrow because the future is

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

uncertain. We should live each day and tomorrow will be taken care of when it becomes today.

‪ ‪PEREIRA F SAVIO‬

It is definitely better to focus on today as opposed to tomorrow, because only by doing our best today will a better tomorrow be created.

‪ ‪SYEDA KABIR

It is always good to plan things, keeping the future in mind. But according to my viewpoint, it is better to be focused on today and live it with satisfaction.

‪ ‪ARZOO BARIANA

There cannot be a valid answer to this question. Your answer lies in the gravity of your personal circumstances and situation. We strive today for a successful

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tomorrow. My personal opinion is to focus on today in respect to any aspect. Focus on how much you put in today and pray for its outcome tomorrow. Nothing lasts forever and nothing waits forever. Focus on today, for you are breathing and alive and happy and successful. It could be that fate that will take back what it gave and leave you to its mercy, so live while you can.

‪ ‪‪SHARAN NAMBIRAJ

It is always its better to focus on tomorrow. We always think about the future in that we plan, think and implement. Focusing on tomorrow is not only for us, but for our kids too.

‪ ‪‪SHAFAQ ASAD‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪‬‬‪ ‬

We should focus on today to make tomorrow better, not just focus on today and forget tomorrow.

‪ ‪‪‪KATHEINE SCHLEISER‬‪

My answer to the question is today. I am a girl of 10 suffering from asthma.

My inhaler is a lifesaver. If I don’t have my inhaler and get an attack somewhere in a remote area with no one beside me it means death. Then what will happen to the plans that I had for tomorrow? So we should all be focused on today and make the most out of our time, as “time and tide wait for no man”.

‪ ‪‪SADAF RUBAB ‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪‬‬‪ ‬

We should focus on today because we are never sure whether tomorrow will come or not.

‪ USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI ‬‪

Today is already in hand and it goes ahead as planned. Focus is needed for tomorrow to see how best it can be made more positive and successful.

‪ ‪‪ASMA SHABBIR ‪ ‬‬‪‬‬‪ ‬

According to my point of view, it is better to be focused on today. It should be our priority because tomorrow comes after today.

‪‪‪RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

It is better to be focused on today because I believe that each person controls his own destiny. What you do and establish today will become what you are tomorrow.

New Debate:

“Do measures need to be taken to make school buses safer for children? If so, how?”

Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

‪ ‪‪MARIANNA PEREIRA ‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪

We must focus on today because if we work hard and do our best today, then tomorrow will bring forth the fruits of our labour.

MR AVANISH, was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at Apollo Medical Centre in Muscat

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FEB 11 - 17 / ISSUE 407

09

YOUR

OMAN

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Gallery

until April 22, according to the Indian School Board.

“This is the 19th consecutive year that CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) will provide psychological counselling services to students at the time of preparation as well as during the examinations to overcome exam-related stress,” an official from the Indian Schools Board told a local newspaper.

Online counselling will be available, while principals from affiliated CBSE schools will also offer counsel to pupils.

It’s a big time of year for students as the exam season readies to get into full swing.

Thousands of students across Oman are preparing for important exams starting next month when more than 3,800 students sit for board exams of the Indian Schools, followed by the Pakistan board in April.

In May, 53,000 Omani pupils will sit for their Diploma exams.

Bangladeshi schools also have board examinations this year.

Dr Benny Varghese Paduvan, one of the counsellors offering teleservices, said study patterns, lifestyle and psychological factors can all play a part in stress.

“When you become stressed, you might start to have negative thoughts like: ‘I can’t answer this’ or ‘I am stupid’. If this happens, students should stop their thoughts,” he said in an interview.

The father of a 16-year-old student of Indian School Salalah who committed suicide last year due to examination stress, urged parents to keep an eye on their children during this difficult time.

“It is time parents should be extra supportive of their children and should help them in all possible ways as they are already nervous,” said the father, speaking to a local newspaper.

Nakshatra Sreekumar hanged herself at home as she struggled to cope with the pressure of exams.

“I don’t know what to say,” said her father. “I loved her and wanted to give her all the happiness in life.”

OMANI SAILOR

RO100M INDUSTRIAL HUB

LAID TO REST A

T

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FEB 11 - 17 / ISSUE 407

NEWS

COUNSELLING FOR EXAM-STRESSED PUPILS

tudents suffering from anxiety about exams will be able to turn to specially appointed counsellors at Indian School Muscat (ISM), it was revealed this week.

The school has taken the step to help stressed out pupils facing the pressure of make-or-break tests, which could decide their academic futures.

But it’s not just the children who can seek help to calm frayed nerves. Parents can also take advantage of the free pre-examination telephone counselling service offered by ISM. Four trained counsellors have been lined up to provide counselling for Classes X and XII. The service started February 1 and will run

he body of the young Omani sailor who was reported as Man Overboard in the waters of Croatia in October last year has been recovered and was laid to rest in Amerat on Monday.

The Croatian Coast Guard found Mohammed al Alawi’s body towards the end of January and Oman Sail has announced a three-day mourning period, with prayers for the 26-year-old taking place at Al Noor Mosque in Darsait.

In the early hours of October 7, 2015, Mohammed was part of a five-man team that was sailing a high-speed trimaran from France to Italy when it was struck by strong winds.

The vessel shook violently and although the crew were able to regain control quickly,

Interview

they soon realised Mohammed was missing.

His disappearance led to a six-day search by Oman Sail and the local Coast Guard using helicopters, planes and boats that eventually proved fruitless.

Selected to join Oman Sail by the Ministry of Sports Affairs in 2009, Mohammed showed great potential as a sailor, completing his training to join the race team and taking part in several events.

He was part of the crew that finished third in the Sail the Gulf regatta in Qatar and also participated in the Tall Ships Race from England to Denmark in 2015.

t a cost of RO100 million and spread over a huge 250,000 square metres, plans for Oman’s first integrated industrial park have been revealed.

Creating up to 9,000 jobs, the project will be located 5km from the Mabela exit of the Muscat Expressway.

A group of private Omani investors are behind the hub, which will be the biggest gathering of related industries in one area, with international car brands and offices, along with 2,200 workshops and exhibition halls.

Facilities such as residential homes, hypermarkets,

restaurants, a hospital and mosques are also included in the plans unveiled in Muscat on Monday (Feb 8).

The park also aims to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and help young Omani entrepreneurs set up businesses in the area.

“We expect between 8,000 and 9,000 jobs to be created from this project,” said Said bin Naser al Rashdi, CEO of Sandan Development, a newly formed company leading the hub.

Construction work is due to start in the middle of this year with a completion date of mid2018.

Gallery

Interview

NEWS

Oman Gets

Tourism Boost O

man’s popularity as a holiday destination continues to soar, with latest figures indicating that more than 2 million tourists visited the Sultanate during the first 10 months of last year, it was announced this week, representing an increase of 302,221 when compared to the numbers from the same period in 2014.

According to statistics issued by the Ministry of Tourism, the number of licensed hotels in the Sultanate rose by 7.1 per cent to reach 318 in 2015, meaning that potential visitors to Oman now have the choice of more than 16,500 rooms when it comes to laying their head down at night.

And the investments are set to continue, aiming to boost these numbers even further. To the north, Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) is planning to develop Port Khasab in Musandam Governorate into an upscale waterfront-based tourism and retail destination, with the hope of capitalising on the growing number of international cruise liners that dock at the port.

At the opposite end of the country, Muriya Tourism Development Company is ploughing ahead with projects intended to draw increasing numbers of tourists to Salalah. This week, Muriya completed the first phase of its flagship Souly Bay development, with the opening of the four-star, 218-room Al Fanar Hotel & Residences, making the company the largest contributor to the development of high-end hotels in Oman in the past five years.

Speaking at a celebration ceremony to mark the launch, Samih Sawiris, chairman of Muriya and Orascom Development Holding AG, said: “Today, we celebrate a huge step in turning into a reality what, for decades, has been a widely held belief in the potential for Salalah as a prime year-round destination.�

The second phase of the development will include a water theme park with a capacity for 1,500 daily visitors and is set for completion by the end of 2017.

FEB 11 - 17 / ISSUE 407

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YOUR

OMAN

TEAMS LINE UP FOR TOUR OF OMAN 2016

Bite Sized OUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.

HAVE A BREAK

Did somebody break something?

No. It’s a reference to that age-old KitKat slogan: Have a break, have a KitKat. Is somebody having a break with a KitKat? Not quite, but we wish they would! It seems that in this litigious world of ours, a British woman has decided to sue Nestlé after she bought a “waferless” KitKat from a supermarket.

S

ome of the world’s top cyclists will descend on the Sultanate once again as the country gears up to host the 7th edition of the Tour of Oman. Eighteen teams from around the globe have been confirmed to take part in the six-stage race that will run from February 16-21.

This year’s route is set to challenge riders more than ever before, with some stages extended to include demanding mountain climbs that will push the endurance of participants to its limits before a sprint finish along the Muttrah Corniche.

The race has spawned many Tour de France winners in the past and this trend could well continue in 2016. Among the big league

names taking part in this year’s Tour of Oman are Vincenzo Nibali, Richie Porte, Tom Dumoulin and Romain Bardet as the 2016 season gets under way, in what will be for many the precursor to the summer Olympics, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this year.

Riders from Britain’s Team Sky, including two-time Tour of Oman winner Chris Froome, will be not be among the cyclists hunting for glory, citing a desire to focus on key European world tour races instead.

Last year’s Tour of Oman was marked by severe weather, with sandstorms and temperatures reaching into the high 30s causing

A WEEK IN PICTURES

tyre explosions that eventually led to a rider protest and forced the cancellation of Stage 5 of the race.

The Tour of Oman has become a highly anticipated event on Oman’s calendar since launching in 2010, with residents often lining the streets to cheer riders on, but there have been whispers that the 2016 race could be the final instalment. The Tour’s contract has come to an end and Muscat Municipality will be entering negotiations to bring the event back in 2017, with an official announcement expected at the end of the race.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

Seriously?

Absolutely! Saima Ahmad, a 20-year-old law student at King’s College London, says she is suing KitKat’s parent company for “monetary and emotional loss”, adding that if she wanted to buy something that was “purely chocolate”, then she would’ve bought a Galaxy bar.

So how much is she suing them for?

Um, she’s not suing for money.

She’s actually demanding a lifetime supply of KitKats and offering to be the company’s quality controller.

At least 18 people were killed and more than 500 injured when a massive 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit the city of Tainan on the southeast coast of Taiwan. As rescuers pulled 221 survivors from the rubble, the developer of a 16-storey residential building that collapsed was arrested

That’s so funny!

Yep, we think so, too. And suspect she’s just looking for an easy opportunity to never run out of KitKats again.

What does Nestlé say?

So far, nothing. But we think that’s the right approach.

Don’t say: “Have a break.”

Do say: “Give us a break.”

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38 migrants, including 11 children, drowned off the coast of Turkey in two separate boat sinkings in the Aegean Sea as they headed for the Greek island of Lesbo. Hundreds more were rescued from the sea

Two passenger trains collided in the German state of Bavaria, causing several carriages to overturn. Reports say at least 10 people died and scores were injured in the crash at Bad Aibling, a spa town about 60km southeast of Munich

A male leopard attacked five people after straying into a school in Bangalore. The big cat was caught after a four-hour operation and reportedly released back into the wild.

The victims escaped with minor injuries

BUS CRASH

L

PROMPTS CALLS FOR ACTION

essons need to be urgently learnt from the fatal bus crash that killed three children and a teacher from Indian School Nizwa (ISN) to prevent another similar tragedy happening again. That’s the message from parents with children at ISN and other Indian Schools in Muscat.

In an investigation last week, Y reported on the January 28 accident, in which a school bus filled with 34 Class II students returning from a field trip to Bahla was hit by a truck carrying frozen fish. The force of the impact flipped over the bus, which rolled several times.

Three children, Siya Sabu, Mohammed Shammas and Ruya, died from their injuries, along with teacher Deepali Sandip Seth. Both the bus and truck drivers were also killed.

A fourth pupil, Jaden Jaison, remains in hospital in Nizwa with serious head injuries and hopes are fading for his recovery.

Our story prompted a strong response from parents, who paid RO2 for their child to attend the picnic trip, demanding action from the ISN and the authorities.

As the Indian Schools’ Board begins an investigation into the tragedy, questions remain unanswered. One is about whether the private bus – one of four used for the school trip that day – had seatbelts and if so, why the children were not using the restraints.

Y spoke to a worker from the bus company based in Izki, who told us that the bus was fitted with seat belts. Parents of children on the bus told us that the children were not wearing belts at the time of the crash.

There have been claims of overcrowding on the bus and concerns raised about the age of the Omani driver, after it emerged that he was in his late 60s and possibly older.

ISN could not comment on this and other issues while an investigation into the accident is under way.

“We want an independent inquiry into what happened and the role the school played,” says Akhilesh Kumar, a parent whose son was on one of the other buses on the trip and who has served on the school’s management committee in the past.

“Responsibility and accountability are two faces of the same coin. Some fundamental questions relating to the Indian School Nizwa bus accident are not yet answered.”

Mr Kumar, who works as a senior pharmacist at Nizwa Hospital where the injured children were taken, highlights areas such as a lack of proper protocols for school trips as a concern.

Justin James, an ISN parent, praised the community’s response to the accident – the first in the school’s 25-year history – which saw people from different nationalities rush to the hospital offering to donate blood for the injured children.

But he added: “We seldom learn any lasting lessons from such tragedies.

Had we had the capacity to learn and act, such tragedies won’t be happening again and again. Usually after a few days tragedies fade from public memories, but they remain as permanent scars on the families who lost their loved ones and thereby have lost their rightful happiness they deserve as humans in the world.

“Finally, who pays the price for the neglect and carelessness of some

who is responsible [sic] for such accidents? Only the families affected by them.

“Therefore, before the tragedy fades from our memories/time heals our wounds let me raise a few questions: Will those responsible for this tragedy come forward to accept their role in the accident and show to the society that they really care or if they fail to do so, will those in positions take action on the people responsible for the tragedy?

“As fellow humans of the departed souls are we not responsible to render justice to their untimely, tragic death?”

Another parent, Sireen, commenting on Y’s website, said: “We understand that accidents happen but not often. For the past one year these accidents are happening, what have you guys done to ensure the safety of our children? We are paying you fees to take care of our children not to say we are waiting for [an] investigation. I strongly advise Mr Chairman to take action and not just say. Allow us peace of mind that our children are going to school and not on a battlefield.”

In response to questions from Y Magazine last week, Wilson V George, the chairman of the Indian Schools’ Board of Directors, insisted ISN had safety procedures for trips, which were followed on the day of the accident.

Others believe that not enough action has been taken after a fatal bus crash two years ago that killed three students from Pakistan School Muscat in Darsait.

Planned measures, such as cameras and IVMS (In Vehicle Monitoring System), for all Indian Schools Oman, have only been introduced in two schools so far.

In response to a question from Y about the delay, Mr George responded: “Indians schools Board has come up with a programme called ‘Safe school transport system’ in June 2014. The safe school transport system has basic safety features such as seat belts, trained drivers, IVMS [and] attendants.

“The project has already kicked off in two of the city schools, Indian School Darsait and Indian School Mabela. More than 1,200 students are currently using it and this system is [in] line with the requirements of [the] Ministry of Education for transportation of students.

“The Board has plans to extend the same in phases to other schools.

Indian School Seeb is expected to start the safe transport system before March 2016 and a task force is working at Indian School Muscat to implement the system by April 2016. Since it is a new initiative and a big responsibility for schools, it is planned to be implemented in phases.”

He did not comment on the reasons for the delay in implementing the system.

This week, there have been reports that one measure being looked at is handing over the running of all school buses to a public transport company, according to the Royal Oman Police.

This is one step that could be debated at a planned meeting between parents of the Indian School Nizwa and school officials later this week, which a representative from the Indian Embassy is also expected to attend.

“There are angry parents who will be asking lots of questions,” says Akhilesh Kumar. “And we want answers.”

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YOUR

THRILLING ACTION

OMAN

AS PART OF MUSCAT FESTIVAL, AUDIENCES AT MUSCAT CITY CENTRE ARE BEING THRILLED BY AN INTERNATIONAL ROLLER SKATE SHOW AND TURKISH DANCE PERFORMANCES TWICE DAILY, AT 6.30PM AND 8.30PM, UNTIL FEBRUARY 13.

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GALLERY

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS In association with Genesis

After starting out in the airline and hospitality industry, Baidha al Sikaiti moved to the InterContinental Hotel Muscat’s PR department in 1988 and has worked for the hotel chain ever since. Y finds out about her career while she takes the new Genesis for a spin Q: What drives you to success?

I actually love what I do. When I wake up in the morning, I look forward to coming to work. It’s because my job is not boring and we are always up to something interesting. I think excitement and challenges are what keep me moving forward. We always meet new people and you learn to adapt to changes in the department. I am extremely busy and time passes by without me even realising.

Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career?

Two people actually – I love Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. I love them for their passion for people, because I have that too. I love their kindness and love the difference they bring

into people’s lives. I love Oprah’s wisdom, but most of all I look up to them because I wish all people who have money would do the things that they do. They always put a smile on people’s faces.

Q: What is your biggest career success to date?

When my boss gave me six months to prove myself and then called me into his office five months later, saying that he had decided to promote me based on my performance. This was in 1989 and he said that he was very impressed with the way I had turned around the PR department. This was an achievement for me, because I was not thinking of the promotion, but simply about doing my job. My current highlight is the birth of my granddaughter.

Q: What are your career goals?

My career goal is to become the first Omani female general manager in the hotel industry. My aim has always been to have my own restaurant, because I love to cook.

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

When I retire, I want to have my own

THE GENESIS IS A PERFECT EXECUTIVE CAR. IT HAS A GREAT DESIGN AND LOOKS NICE WHEN IN MOTION beachfront restaurant in Zanzibar, where you can sit outside with live entertainment. Saying that, my granddaughter is my life right now and I am just concentrating on her.

Q: What do you think of the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company?

The Genesis is a perfect executive car. It has a great design and looks nice when in motion. It feels wonderful when you are inside, with great cabin comfort and modern features. The best part is driving the Genesis – the engine is powerful yet smooth, sporty yet refined, It is the perfect luxury car whether you are driving yourself or your family.

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5

fastest bullet trains in the world

1Shanghai Maglev Country: China Top speed: 431kph

2 5

AGV Italo Country: Italy Top speed: 360kph

Siemens Velaro E/AVS 103

Country: Spain Top speed: 350kph

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Country: China Top speed: 380kph

3

4

Talgo 350

Harmony CRH 380A

Country: Spain Top speed: 350kph

Source: themysteriousworld.com

MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

Intruders When a trio of criminals invade the home of Anna (Beth Riesgraf), you think you know how events are going to unfold. After a brutal struggle, the vulnerable female will eventually find the strength to confront and overcome her aggressors, right? Wrong.

Intruders flips the home invasion formula on its head as the wouldbe thieves become the victims of an

Wild Horses Filled to the brim with gruff talking, Stetson-wearing Texans, Wild Horses sees Texas Ranger Samantha Payne (Luciana Duvall, who is married to the film's director) reopen a 15-yearold cold case when she suspects that a missing boy was actually murdered, with a local rancher playing a part.

Eighty-five-year-old actor-director Robert Duvall plays the rancher in question, Scott Briggs, who is in the middle of a heavy-handed reconciliation with the estranged son he ran off his property at gunpoint a decade and a half before.

The two plot strands run alongside

each other as the tone and editing both jump all over the place, the end result being a clumsily put-together film that actually feels like collected scenes from a much longer movie, or perhaps even a daytime soap opera. It’s an ambitious piece, which ultimately proves the film’s downfall, as everything from the plot to script and cast is stretched too thin.

This is the first time Duvall has been in the director’s chair since 2002, but for all intents and purposes, Wild Horses is a case that probably would’ve been better left closed.

Review by Matt Blackwell

P RE VI EW

THE BENEFACTOR After causing the accident that killed his two best friends, orphaning their young daughter in the process, Francis “Franny” Watts (Richard Gere) attempts to overcome his guilt by constantly interfering in the life of the now adult Olivia (Dakota Fanning), who has recently married Luke (Theo James). As the darker traits of Franny’s personality are revealed, it becomes clear that his help comes at a price.

IN W O T E C N A CH R U O Y B A R G TS E K C I T A M INE C Y T I C R U FO

agoraphobic woman with more than a few twisted psychological issues. The fast-paced action from first-time director Adam Schindler will have you holding your breath until the final scene.

Capture the Flag When a power-mad oil tycoon threatens to fly to the moon to plunder its mineral resources and prove the 1969 landing a hoax, the US Government jump-starts a mission to put astronauts back on the moon to stop him. Scott Goldwing (voiced by Toni Mora) is the man lined up for the job, but through a twist of fate his retired astronaut father (voiced by Camilo García) and kitesurfing son (voiced by Carme Calvell) are the ones who end up blasting off. The film is peppered with inside jokes and historical references that give this film enough multigenerational appeal for parents to enjoy as well as kids.

Bollywatch FITOOR

With a title that translates roughly as “passion” or “obessesion”, you can expect a suitably romantic drama when Fitoor hits cinemas later this month. The complicated love story between Noor (Aditya Roy Kapur) and his muse (Katrina Kaif) may seem familiar to viewers, as it’s actually an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, with Tabu taking on the Miss Havisham role.

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information.

Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher.

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Which US state is Wild Horses set in?

LAST WEEK'S WINNER Mohammed Mirshath

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

14

Nursery Time

WEEK

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

F E B R U A R Y The countdown to the debut Oman performance of superstar duo SalimSulaiman, a composing duo who have been making music for Hindi films for over a decade, has begun.

Catch their live show at City Amphitheatre, Qurum, for what promises to be an unforgettable night. Gates open at 6pm and the show starts at 7.30pm. To book your tickets and create a memory of a lifetime, visit lightandshadowllc.com

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Feb 19

THIS

Around

Soak up the romance with the “Love is in the Air” event at On the Rocks restaurant and lounge near the Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel.

Dress to impress with smart casual wear and serenade your loved one or find new friends.

Brought to you by Axis Events, tickets are priced at RO25 for singles or RO50 for a couple, which includes unlimited beverages and a variety of finger food. For bookings and enquiries, call 9779 8111 or 9241 7948, email info@axisroyal.com or search Axis Events on Facebook.

S&S Debut

Take a trip to the nursery, but this one is strictly not for kids. The Women’s Guild in Oman has arranged a guided plant tour around the Abu Imad Nursery in Seeb for green-fingered gardening enthusiasts or those who would simply like to learn more about plants. The nursery is one of the best and most extensive in Seeb and gardening expert Anne Love will be on hand to guide the tour. It’s a free event, but you’ll need to email events@womensguildoman.com to register your interest.

Love Is All

Feb 13

FEB

FEB

26

BE GRAND Shop for your favourite items at The Grand Shopping Village, which is brought to you

by Alpha Events, Oman. The exhibition will feature stalls with some very exciting products, live entertainment, free goodies and fun competitions for adults and children. The venue is the Al Bahja Hall next to the Jungle restaurant in Qurum. Shop until you drop from 10am10pm. For details and booking of tables, contact 9317 8436, 9868 4848 or search for “The Grand Shopping Village” on Facebook.

Gallery

Movies

DANCE STORY

In Symphony

FEB

11

You may still have time to rustle up a ticket for what will be a special treat for music lovers as the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra stages an exclusive concert tonight (Thurs) in the Royal Auditorium at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton hotel.

The first in a series planned for 2016, this night will have a romantic theme to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Conducted by Justin Bischof, with Martine Värnik on oboe, the concert starts at 8pm with a reception in the Bosher room at 7pm in the presence of the orchestra musicians, soloist and conductor.

Tickets cost RO10, which includes a beverage on arrival. For reservations call 2476 4000 or email boxoffice.albustan@ritzcarlton.com

Watch a breathtaking visual feast for the eyes and senses with The Silk Road, a dance spectacular enacting the story of an Arab sailor who discovers the richness of heritage and culture in an array of different countries as he journeys along the legendary Silk Road. Performed by Ornina Theatrical Dance, the show is on for two nights at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Curtain rises at 7pm and ticket prices start from RO5. To book or find out more, go to rohmuscat.org.om

Feb

25&26

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ROOM FOR I

Landlords have had the upper hand for years, but the balance is shifting with prices falling and properties sitting empty.

Have tenants got all the power these days? Matt Blackwell and Kate Ginn investigate

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n February 2013, Marwan al Asmi visited a plot of land in Mabela, Muscat, where construction work had just begun on the building that he planned to rent out to tenants once it was complete.

With a respectable job as a supervisor at a local oil company, Marwan saw the venture into property as a potential meal ticket to earn him and his family a steady income on the side. He invested heavily in the project and was full of optimism for the future.

At the time, the rental market in the capital was booming and landlords were enjoying a good deal of power, dictating terms to potential tenants who had little choice but to accept as demand outstripped supply.

But by the time Marwan’s building was ready to receive its first tenants in September last year, the rental landscape was quite different.

It seems that dozens of landlords-to-be had the same idea as Marwan and in that time, apartment blocks and new builds had sprung up all over Muscat.

New residential developments are mushrooming across the city, from Qurum to Mawaleh, as shiny apartment blocks and pristine villas with “For Rent” signs pop up on an almost daily basis.

Landlords, who once held all the cards in the residential rental market, are increasingly finding themselves at the mercy of tenants, who can pick and choose their new home, and are now the ones making the demands.

“Now it is difficult for landlords for a lot of reasons,” says a downcast Marwan. “Each neighbourhood has 30-40 buildings with flats and the number keeps rising.

“I am concerned for the future of the rental market. Since my last tenant left I have not been able to get any people to stay there. I have

tenants who want to stay for one month here and there and I agree because I need the money, but the market is going down. The number of flats is increasing and rent money is going down.”

Where Marwan had once dreamed of a stable future for his family, he’s now being squeezed financially. Instead of peace of mind, there’s stress and worry.

“The bank loan [to fund the building of the flats] repayments are taken each month from my salary whether the tenants pay or not,” he says.

“Now I have had to start dropping my rent prices, but I don’t want my current tenants to know that, so I have to do it secretly online. This is how the market is going now “They [tenants] have the power. They can control us because we are the people paying back our loans at the end of the day. If they don’t like the price they will just go and look at another flat and we cannot do anything about that. There are fewer people and more accommodation options all around Muscat.”

Some might find it hard to muster up any sympathy for landlords. After all, they’ve had it good for some time and didn’t go out of their way to help tenants struggling to afford higher rents.

Several years ago, Muscat Municipality had to step in with a four-year cap to protect tenants from forced eviction by greedy property owners trying to get in new tenants for a higher price. And in 2007, the Government capped rent hikes to 15 per cent for two years.

But all that is changing.

After five consecutive quarters of stability in the residential lettings market, rents across Muscat dipped by 4.7 per cent, according to Cluttons’ Winter 2015/16 Muscat Property Market Outlook.

Rentals for villas dropped by 5.9 per cent, leaving average monthly villa rents at RO1,100. Aside from Muscat Hills, which registered a minor decline in average rents of 3.4 per cent, the most significant rent decline of 13.9 per cent was registered in Azaiba and Ghubra North. “The primary driver behind the slide in rents in these areas has been the sharp upturn in what is considered to be poorer quality stock, which is undermining rents across several submarkets,” revealed the report.

Pockets of the lettings market where rents have remained unchanged are Al Hail, Mawaleh, Sur Al Hadid and Al Mouj, Muscat, says the report.

However, when Y called about a RO400 two-bed apartment in a development in Al Hail, the landlord admitted it had been on the market for “several months”. When we offered a lower rent of RO350 on just a six-month lease, the landlord agreed to drop the price if we signed up that week.

Another landlord refused to back down on price, but agreed that prospective tenants are thinner on the ground and more demanding than before.

One building in Darsait with around 20 flats is said to have been half vacant for more than six months.

In the desirable Al Mouj, Muscat development, which is growing at a rapid rate and where an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment fetches around RO650 each month, we’ve noticed that some properties for let are moving slower. Where once they would have been snapped up within days, the apartments and townhouses seem to be remaining on the market for longer periods.

There is no sign of rental prices dropping yet, however.

Some people, like Mohammed al Balushi, a Muscat resident, believe that the Government restrictions on expats are partly to blame for the lack of tenants.

“Expats are beginning to leave the country, which leaves Omanis. But as an Omani, why would you want to rent? It makes much more sense to take a short-term loan and build your own house. The money that would be used on rent each month can go towards paying your mortgage off,” he says.

Real estate agencies are also feeling the pinch with agents having to work harder and harder to shift the properties on their books.

Where once it was money for old rope – properties would have been rented out as soon as they appeared on the market by desperate tenants – the game and the playing field has changed.

“My job is getting harder,” agrees one letting agent working in Muscat.

“There are now many places with empty spaces, such as Qurum, and it is harder to find tenants.

“What is being offered is not being occupied. There are now more places than people.”

Rents are also dropping, with properties previously fetching RO300 a month, for instance, now going for RO250 or less.

He also points to the rising numbers of expatriate workers leaving the country as contracts are axed or not renewed as a factor in the shift.

“The oil prices have affected the markets and the big companies have been getting rid of expats. They were having the tenancy agreements and now those properties are empty,” says the agent.

“The Ministry of Manpower has to be more relaxed on [the] issuing of visas. It’s keeping the real estate empty and that’s not good for the city.”

On top of all this, landlords have also recently

WHILE AVERAGE RENTS MAY BE DIPPING ACROSS SOME PARTS OF THE CITY, WE ARE SEEING AN ENCOURAGING EMPHASIS ON QUALITY, WITH STEADY TENANT DEMAND FOR BUILDINGS, WHICH ARE WELL MANAGED AND MAINTAINED TO A HIGH STANDARD

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had to face a hike in the cost of registering tenancy agreements with the local municipality. Previously, the one-off fee was 3 per cent of the yearly rental, but a few weeks ago, this was raised to 5 per cent, meaning many landlords are reluctant to drop their rents and be further out of pocket.

Oman is not the only country in the region to see a wobbling rental market. Our near GCC neighbour, Dubai, witnessed a 1.1 per cent fall in average apartment rents in December last year compared with the previous month, with a 2 per cent yearly drop, according to a report by Asteco, a real estate consultancy company. It also predicted that the trend of falling prices, which began in 2015, is expected to continue during the course of the year, albeit at a more moderate pace.

A flood of new properties coming onto the market has been identified as the cause of the rental drop.

Even Abu Dhabi has been affected, with rents in the UAE capital reportedly dropping 3.8 per cent over the year.

Only Qatar and Saudi Arabia seem to be bucking the trend. In Saudi, people are being forced into renting after new government regulations stipulated that buyers needed a 30 per cent down payment in a market where most people cannot afford their own home.

The result is soaring rents in the Saudi capital Riyadh, which rose 6 per cent over a year. In Jeddah, the kingdom’s second-largest city, rents rose by 11 per cent over the same period.

Doha’s rental market is also expected to continue rising due to the “considerable” expansion in the blue-collar workforce brought in for the huge projects under way as the country gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Back in Oman, tenants are, of course, happily reaping the benefits of the downturn and enjoying suddenly finding themselves in the driving seat.

After years of being held to ransom over prices and demands such as rent in advance in cash or a year of postdated cheques up front, they can haggle over rental and terms.

David, a recently married South African expat, has just undergone his second lot of

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negotiations on accommodation after the newlywed couple set their sights on a three-bedroom villa in Mawaleh.

“There was very definitely a difference when it came to negotiating the second time. The biggest thing for me was not so much in the price, but more so in the terms that I wanted,” says David, who moved to Oman around 14 months ago.

“When I first got here, I managed to haggle the price slightly, but the landlord was not negotiable on the terms. I had to pay six months up front with a cheque and that was the only option. I had to take an advance on my salary to cover this.”

When recently looking to rent a new place with his wife, Natalie, they found a villa they liked but it was out of their budget. When he noticed it had been on the market for a number of weeks, he decided to try his luck with an offer.

“I asked the estate agent to make the landlord an offer. He came back and said he couldn’t go down to the price we suggested, but he said he could give us the first month for free. He also said he wanted a minimum of quarterly cheques to cover rent,” he says.

David had the confidence to stand firm and told the landlord he would pay his rent by cheque, but on a month-to-month basis. He told the landlord to take it or leave it and he soon agreed.

“Other people I’ve spoken to say that they’re finding this more and more.

The owners used to be set in regards to what they wanted, but now to make sure they are able to rent their properties, they have become a lot more flexible with the terms.”

David is not the only one to recognise that the tables have turned.

Ayman al Farsi, who is married, has been renting in Muscat for the past seven years and has noticed a profound change. After recently taking on a new job at a local bank, he wanted to move house to be closer to his work and realised there were bargains to be had.

“My last place was an apartment with three bedrooms on one floor. The building was old and needed a lot of work, but we were paying RO350 a month. Now in Mabela we have a brand new [four-bedroom] villa with all modern facilities spread over two floors and it is only RO370,” says a delighted Ayman.

“Rental prices have been up quite high for a long time, but I have noticed over the past two months particularly that they are starting to come down. I believe by the end of the year they will be down even more.

“I had a lot more options when I was negotiating with my new landlord.

Earlier I didn’t have that power. He told me he was expecting to rent his villa for RO450 per month. He started with a high price, but we said RO350 and eventually we settled on RO370.

“There are a lot of new villas and new places going for cheap prices.”

Incredibly, he was also given three months to test the house to see if he and his wife found it to their liking, an unthinkable situation a year or so ago.

But then, landlords in need of tenants are having to take even more desperate measures and compromise like never before.

“The owner of the villa I rent in Mabela has built three apartments on the back of the building, but he is stuck with them; he cannot rent them,” says Ayman.

“He told me he had to rent the second and third floor apartments for only two months because he needed the money. He couldn’t find anyone else to rent them to. I think he could be facing a serious problem.

“My landlord believes that he built his building at a very bad time. Once he began construction he noticed that there were a lot of places for rent, giving potential renters a lot more choices.”

It could get even worse for landlords in the summer when, according to the lettings agent Y spoke to, lots of contracts will finish. The rent is fixed until then, but when the agreement ends, tenants will be pushing for a reduction that some landlords won’t be able to afford. If they refuse, the chances are the tenant will just go elsewhere.

But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Cluttons

believes if the economy holds up, rents will remain fairly stable over the next six months, with only pockets of the market underperforming, particularly in areas of poorer quality stock, which will continue to register rent declines.

“While average rents may be dipping across some parts of the city, we are seeing an encouraging emphasis on quality, with steady tenant demand for buildings which are well managed and maintained to a high standard,” said Philip Paul, Cluttons’ country head of Oman.

We won’t be seeing the building cranes across Muscat stopping any time soon either, he believes.

“Developers are still keen to deliver new projects to meet the perceived gaps in the market. We believe they will be looking in more depth at the market situation and building in a more robust approach to the risk of lower occupancy and lower rents.”

However, this may not be good news for small landlords like Marwan al Asmi, who is already facing a rental fight in an increasingly crowded market, where tenants are proving more and more elusive.

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Presents

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A SHARE O F PRIZES WORTH RO 850!

W e re ve al th

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Te 10HcoEup leFs wI hoNwAill LbeIgoSinTg heSad -t o- he ad to w in a sh ar e of pr iz es wo rt h RO 85 0 Associate Sponsors

OUR 10 FINALISTS

Niveen Mahmoud Stacie Pung Mohamed Faraan Julius Fernandes Ayesha Rahman

A

s the day of love moves closer, our own Valentine’s contest is hotting up, with the live final of “Y We Are Soulmates” just days away.

We’ve whittled down dozens of entries from couples who think they’ve got the love factor and can lay claim to being the most well-matched pair in the country.

Now we have the super 10 who have impressed enough to book their place in the showdown and take a step closer to claiming a share of amazing prizes totalling RO850.

These special couples have already proved that romance is still alive and well in their relationships by telling us in 50 words or less who their soulmate is and why, but a harder challenge is to come.

Presented by Mitsubishi Motors and in association with Manara Global Investment, Panorama Mall and Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel, “Y We Are Soulmates” will see the 10 doting partners go up against other pairs to test how well they know each other at our grand finale on Saturday (Feb 13).

Our

Bhavna Sardana Shivani Bhide Sophiya Zafar Armee Perillo Pooja Kaushal Sharma

finalists will answer a series of questions about their spouses in a compatibility test like no other. Adding to the pressure will be a live crowd watching their every move.

The stakes are high. The winning couple will get RO500 worth of prizes, with the two runnersup winning RO250 and RO100 worth of rewards.

In our first two seasons, we found some amazingly well matched couples and this year looks to be raising the bar even higher.

“Congratulations to the 10 couples who made the final of ‘Y We Are Soulmates’!” says Felicity Glover, Y’s Managing Editor.

“We are very much looking forward to our live event on Saturday and hope they are ready for some tough questions as we search for Oman’s bestmatched couple. Good luck!”

Why not come along and feel the love by cheering on our 10 couples in the live finale at Panorama Mall on Saturday in the food court from 7pm.

Love is in the air and we’ll see you there!

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usband

Last September, we gave you a glimpse into the female side of an Omani wedding. This time around, Shaquel al Balushi goes behind closed doors to reveal proceedings through the eyes of the groom

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-to-be

S

at in his absolute finest white dishdasha, wearing a mussar of deep red and with an ornate khanjar tucked into the sash tied around his waist, Bader al Ghailani gives his hand to the mullah opposite him, who reads a short passage from the Quran before declaring that Bader is now married, much to the delight of the 200 onlookers.

After the initial proposal, the period of engagement and weeks of planning, it all comes down to this ceremony, held at the mosque.

For the bride, everything would have happened a few days earlier when the mullah, the groom, his father and a witness visited her house to get her agreement in the

arrangement. Once this has been done, the groom can focus on his own part, which will begin early in the morning on the day of the ceremony.

Once he has run around sorting out all the last-minute details, his family and friends will begin to drop by and help him to get ready for the big event.

This can be done at a nearby hotel or at a friend’s house; it’s all about helping the groom to prepare and the main thing is to have fun while doing it.

In the evening, when all the guests have arrived, the groom will get a call telling him they are ready for his arrival and will be driven to the mosque.

Surrounded by close friends and family, the groom makes the longest walk of his life into the hall of guests and takes his place opposite the mullah for the official part of the marriage ceremony. Nerves are often running high at this point for the soon to be married man.

While the sanctity of the mosque is respected at all times, the atmosphere is always jovial, with the older guests taunting the youngsters about being next in line to tie the knot.

After Bader is declared married, he takes a place next to the mullah and his father while halwa and kahwa are served, first to them and then the rest of the congregation.

Next, the party moves to an adjoining room for communal food eaten from shared platters and it is the groom’s duty to stand at the door and personally greet every guest as they give him their congratulations and best wishes for the future.

Obviously, it depends on the size of your network of extended family and friends, but the numbers often run into the hundreds.

On the menu will be a basic traditional meal of shuwa, or rice and chicken, and once everyone has had their fill, the occasion is at its end.

Typically, this all lasts a couple of hours.

As soon as this ceremony is over, the couple are officially married and the bride is free to move into the house of her husband in a tradition that is called naqlah, which translates roughly as “shift�, as the newlyweds start their journey into married life together.

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FOOD AND DRINK

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

PERFECT PUDS

Round off a meal with a delicious dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

SWEET ENDINGS Bring dinner to a close in style with mouthwatering desserts to tempt your guests

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nacks served before dinner were well received, your starter has gone down a storm and the main course was a huge hit.

Now, it’s time for the final course, dessert, which needs to bring the evening to a mouthwatering conclusion and end on a high note.

Whether you decide to serve up a sweet or savoury ending, a well thought out and homemade pudding is crucial to make sure your guests leave with their tastebuds still tingling.

Even if you aren’t confident about your cooking skills or ability to create a dessert, there are easy-to-make recipes that are straightforward to follow, but produce stunning results.

Remember, it doesn’t need to be a showstopper of a pudding or anything overly complicated to impress. A simple dish, beautifully presented and bursting with flavour will win over your fellow diners and allow you time to sit down and enjoy it with them.

To make things even easier, save time where you can by using ready-made pastry or pre-baked items.

Follow your plan and making your dessert should be a piece of cake.

This delicious recipe is light, refreshing and has a local flavour.

Happy cooking!

Pudding Omani Style This is a delicious lemon-scented milk pudding, garnished with pistachios for colour and texture.

Ingredients: § 1 tin (397g) sweetened condensed milk § 7 whole eggs § 100g butter § 250ml Puck whipping cream § 2 tsp vanilla powder § Zest of 1 whole lemon § 1 handful pistachios, crushed Method: § Combine all the ingredients except for the nuts in a large bowl. § Place the mixture in a large non-stick pot, stir over a low heat with a flat wooden spoon for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture starts to thicken. § Add the nuts and keep stirring for another five minutes or until the mixture is fully thickened. § Remove from the heat and place on a serving dish. Allow to cool briefly before placing it into the fridge to cool properly. § Garnish with crushed pistachios and serve with your favourite syrup.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

al u s Ca ning Di Info Box

SHAKE SHACK

City Centre Muscat Tel: 2230 0182 Opening Hours: SaturdayWednesday 11am-12am, Thursday-Friday 11am-2am ShakeShackMiddleEast Meal for three: RO19

SHAKE IT UP

Verdict : 7.5 / 10 Service 7.5 / 10 Food 8 / 10 Ambience Burgers that are a cut above the rest

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THERE’S A NEW BURGER JOINT IN TOWN AND KATE GINN HAD TO CHECK IT OUT, FINDING IT DID JUST AS PROMISED, DELIVERING HIGH-QUALITY, TASTY FOOD

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he sign had been up in City Centre Muscat for some time, with the tantalising promise that “Shake Shack is coming soon”.

It seemed to be there for ages and I was almost giving up hope when suddenly the announcement came that the famed American brand was finally open for business. Yee-haw!

It began serving on Saturday and by the evening I was there with two fellow burger addicts in tow to check out what the fuss was all about. Shake Shack began life as a lone modern day “roadside” burger stand in Madison Square Park, New York City, in 2004 and immediately became a neighbourhood fixture. Its burger goodness has spread all over the world, from Miami to Moscow and Doha to Dubai (where it has four sites), and now it’s finally reached the shores of the Sultanate.

Now I’m a self-confessed fast-food addict and love burgers. My munching companions, “The “Welshman” and “The American”, also know a good burger when they see one, so we felt quite well fixed to critique a (very welcome) newcomer in town.

I arrived to find the place absolutely heaving.

Hmm. Seems we weren’t the only ones who had been waiting for it to open. Luckily, The Welshman and The American had already secured a table in the open seating area, leaving me to tackle the long queue at the ordering till.

As every order is cooked fresh, you pay for your food and are given a “buzzer”, which will vibrate when your meal is ready for collection. While it’s not as “fast food” as the ubiquitous big brand outlets, you do have the reassurance of knowing that everything on your tray is cooked fresh.

There’s a huge menu to choose from, with everything from burgers to hot dogs, frozen custard to milkshakes and soda. All of which had our tummies rumbling in anticipation.

To cover all the bases, we went for the CheddarShack (for The Welshman), a cheeseburger (for The American) and a Shack030

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cargo hot dog for me, along with two lots of cheese fries. To wash it down, we settled on shack-made lemonade (sharp and intense) for the boys and a black & white (a combination of vanilla and chocolate) shake for me.

As we waited for the food, we took in the place. It was noisy and fun, with staff singing and shouting out orders, and customers milling around. Bearing in mind that it was opening day and a Saturday night, it will probably be a little quieter at non-peak times. But then, you wouldn’t want it too quiet. Shake Shack is all about the buzz.

The food was ready in a few minutes. My hotdog, stuffed with relish, cucumber, pickle, tomato, pepper, celery salt and mustard, and smothered with extra cheese sauce was delicious.

Hit number one.

The Welshman was less happy with his CheddarShack, topped with double hickory smoked veal bacon, saying the meat wasn’t to his

liking and neither was the processed cheese (it’s actually real cheddar mixed into the American cheese sauce). I took a bite and found it was okay, but nothing special.

The American’s cheeseburger, however, was the star of the show. He loved it and said it was as good as the burgers served up in the original Shake Shacks back home. The Welshman was also happy with it, saying the meat was tasty and well cooked, while the bun was perfect.

The cheese fries (Shake Shack uses crinkle-cut fries) were also good, crunchy with a soft centre and not too oily or salty.

As an extra, we took the advice of a member of staff, who recommended the ShackBurger, with its special signature ShackSauce, a secret recipe reported to include mayo, ketchup, mustard and spices. The American and I enjoyed it but not the grumpy Welshman, but as Meatloaf sang “Two out of three ain’t bad”.

For dessert, our diner from across the Atlantic was pleased with the Shack Attack – custard and ice cream blended at high speed with fudge sauce, chocolate truffle cookie dough and chocolate custard.

The customer service was spot on throughout (it will be interesting to see if the standard is maintained after the excitement of the opening), but the secret of Shake Shack’s success is not compromising on quality. We’re talking gourmet burgers, elevated above the usual fare from fast- food chains, with 100 per cent natural Angus beef and touches like Monterey Jack cheese.

Quality comes at a price, though, and some might baulk at paying RO2 for a single patty cheeseburger (cheese fries are RO1.75).

If you’re a discerning burger eater like me, however, and want something a step above the cardboard tasting offerings served up in some places, then join the Shake Shack party.

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

HEALTH& BEAUTY

WEAR IT LIKE BECKHAM

Since hanging up his football boots in 2013, former England captain David Beckham has taken a leaf out of wife Victoria’s book and has been focusing on fashion. His latest Bodywear collaboration with Sweden’s H&M fashion chain is all about affordable comfort and edgy style.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

licity e F , reet t s igh ok h e to th t the lo d n e These black sweatpants from David Beckham’s gh eou to g i Bodywear collection are made from jersey and h the lps y have a slight “scuba” feel. Available at H&M. m From RO20.8 Fro ver he Glo

T t Ge

A pair of “sweatshirt” shorts is perfect for workouts at the gym or simply lazing about at home. Available at H&M. From RO13.5

A scuba bag is a must-have accessory for guys and this one from Beckham’s Bodywear line will take you from the beach to the gym with stylish ease. Available at H&M. From RO15.6

Relax like Beckham in a pair of his Bodywear linen and cotton blend trousers. The tapered legs are seriously cool and on trend for guys at the moment.

Available at H&M. From RO18.7

Cooler nights mean that this sturdy long-sleeved sweatshirt will come in very handy at the moment.

Available at H&M. From RO18.7

Pair sweatpants with a soft cotton jersey T-shirt, also from Beckham’s range, to complete the look.

Available at H&M. From RO10.3

All this kit means you’ll need a pair of trainers, such as these with suede detail.

Available at H&M. From RO26

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

W

hether you want to mix things up or are feeling brave enough to change your hair altogether, Asgar Saboo shares tips on what looks you should be going for based on your favourite Bollywood celebrities.

Aquarius Long hair is a must for any Aquarius. You radiate health and beauty and like to choose a natural cut and stick with it. Whilst being adaptable and versatile when the time comes, your strong sense of independence allows you to choose the hairstyle that you want and believe it looks fabulous, with everyone else agreeing with you. Aquarian Shruti Haasan is well-known for her beautiful looks with flowing, healthy and nourished hair and her style will never go out of fashion.

Pisces Pisces love to embrace the natural texture of their hair and let their personality shine through. You don’t like to spend tons of time perfecting your hair in the morning but, instead embrace the effortless, bed-head look. With hair that is naturally thick and versatile, you can style it up or let it loose and it will always make a striking statement. Pisces Kangna Ranaut pulls off her natural curls (and just about any other style she can think of).

Aries Full of strength, discipline and self-confidence, Aries’ like an uncomplicated yet modern hairstyle that can steal centre stage. Your courageous attitude means you’re willing to change up your style and you know a chic new do can be both practical and beautiful. Lara Dutta is a leader in the game, opting for both contemporary cuts and styles that show maturity, elegance and class.

SCAN OUR QR CODES WITH ANY QR READER APP

Taurus Being stubborn at times, Taurus’ are often reluctant to change and prefer to stick with something classic and stylish. Elegant yet simple, a traditional clean cut is all a Taurus needs to shine. The bed-head look is perfect for a night out but in the end, you know what styles make you look and feel beautiful. A woman whose hairstyles are as iconic as her is Madhuri Dixit, who has found an impressive signature style.

Gemini Gemini’s look for something uncomplicated yet trendy. With a perfect mix of relaxed yet fun, you also like to experiment with styles and colours and are not afraid to brave the bold. On lazy days you are more than happy to rock the messy bun, but you know how to glam it up when the time comes. Gemini Shilpa Shetty’s hair is sophisticated yet stylish and is full of health and vitality. Choosing a simple up do or leaving it glossy, sleek and straight, she certainly knows how to turn heads when she wants to.

Cancer Creative and comfortable, a Cancerian loves the laid-back style and prefers long hair to shape her face and provide security. Soft feminine waves or sultry, sleek and straight hair is the perfect look for you. Intelligent, observant and courageous, you know what style works for you and know that fancy doesn’t always mean fabulous. Katrina Kaif embraces the cute and care-free look with style and confidence.

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Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

5NOT SLEEPING REASONS YOU'RE

We all know the benefits of a good night’s sleep, but sometimes we don’t get enough. Try these tips to help you with those ‘zeds’

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ossing, turning and constantly waking – it can be maddening when you don’t get the sleep your mind and body so desperately needs. If you constantly struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, you’re in good (albeit tired) company.

Millions of people around the world are chronically sleep deprived. In fact, the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that insufficient sleep is a serious and growing public health concern. What most people don’t realise is their lack of quality rest is often connected to bad sleep habits.

Are you guilty of any of these top five mistakes that reduce your body’s ability to sleep all night? Learn what they are and how to make simple corrections for a more rejuvenating rest.

Mistake 1: Sleeping on an old mattress An old, unsupportive mattress inhibits quality sleep, yet the cost and time it takes to purchase a new mattress deters people from upgrading.

Fortunately, the mattress industry is evolving so it’s easier than ever to get a new mattress. For example, order a GhostBed at ghostbed.com and it’s delivered in a compact box. Once open, it expands into a lush three layer, 28cm mattress. With a 101-night free sleep trial and 20-year warranty, it’s the easiest way to try out a new mattress without visiting different stores.

Mistake 2: Using electronics at bedtime Tablets, laptops, smartphones – digital devices make it easy to stay connected, but they mess with the brain’s ability to fall asleep. Light omitting devices disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms. That means when you’re checking your phone right before bed, you’re causing your brain to think it’s time to wake. The best solution is to avoid digital

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devices for at least an hour before bed. Instead of TV or tech, take a bath, read or do some gentle yoga to get your body into sleep mode.

Mistake 3: Ignoring phantom noise pollution Ticking clocks, beeping phones and buzzing electronics may not seem loud, but this phantom noise pollution is secretly robbing you of a good night’s rest. To encourage your body to get into REM sleep, try to eliminate as much noise as possible from the bedroom. If you’re left with other disruptive noises, such as a snoring partner or outside traffic, invest in a white noise machine or earplugs to block it out.

Mistake 4: Keeping the bedroom too warm If you crank up the heat and grab an extra blanket at bedtime, you might be disrupting your sleep patterns. America’s National Sleep Foundation identifies temperature as a key factor to sleep, recommending a cooler sleeping environment. So turn down the thermostat, reduce blankets and rethink your mattress. GhostBed mattresses keep sleepers cool because they are made with premium latex that allows for increased airflow and gel memory foam instead of conventional memory foam.

Mistake 5: Allowing inconspicuous light You flick off the light switch when it’s time for shuteye, but your room is probably not completely dark. Even a subtle glow from a nightlight, phone or muted TV disrupts those crucial circadian rhythms, causing your body to think dawn is near, which in turn triggers you to get up.

Try to remove or block all light in your room and if there’s some you just can’t eliminate, an eye mask is a helpful alternative. * BPT

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi showroom • Bentley showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College of Business and Science • Muscat College • Muscat Private Hospital (Emergency and Outpatients) • Oman Medical College CBD • Al Maya Hypermarket • Alizz Islamic Bank • Bahwan Travel Agencies • Bank Sohar • Copper Chimney Restaurant • Costa Coffee • HSBC • Lama Polyclinic • NBO • Oman Arab Bank • Standard Chartered Bank • Woodlands Restaurant Darsait • Indian Social Club • Khimji’s Mart

•

KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint (Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • Khimji’s Mart • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• • •

McDonald’s Muscat Bakery Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • The Noodle House • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Khimji’s Mart • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming & Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café & Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Papa John’s Pizza

• •

Pizza Hut Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat -3

•

Knowledge Oasis Muscat -4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of Economics and

Political Science Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best cars • BLS International Services • Chevorlet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom The Wave • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • The Wave Head Office •

Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint (Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Postcards from

Indoors

Y- F i

CARS AND ADVENTURES

SPECTACULAR SILHOUETTE The unique trees and vegetation are not the only interesting things about exploring the lands found to the south of Sinaw.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

Y- F i

Destination

WADI UYUN

What happens when a wadi meets the desert? Shaquel al Balushi finds out on a detour from a visit to Sinaw 038

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Indoors

for kilometres. Even when we stopped to explore on foot, the ground had a strange consistency; each step was cushioned, just as it would be with sand.

One thing that hit me straightaway was the sense of calm. It was still only 7.30am and so the sleepy mumblings of my friends were the only noises to be heard. Apart from this, it was absolute silence, which made for a pleasant atmosphere.

I couldn’t help but notice that there was quite a bit of rubbish strewn about, which always saddens me to see, and so I’m guessing that it’s a relatively well-known spot locally. I could find no reference to the area by name on any maps, so I’ll simply call the place Wadi Uyun.

The sky was the brilliant kind of blue you only get early in the morning and the trees were another thing that grabbed my attention.

Tall trunks rose up to the sky and had hardly any branches until they reached their peak, where they spread out in all sorts of directions. They were completely different to what I’m used to in Muscat and I made sure to get some shots, as I was intrigued by their uniqueness.

I imagine this would be a great area for camping, or even just a day trip. The potential for long walks exploring the area is huge, especially as we make the most of the last months of cooler weather.

This little gem was a completely unplanned find, but I’m glad we followed our instincts and went that extra distance. I’d recommend anyone to do the same!

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t’s 3am and my alarm has just gone off.

Twenty minutes later I am out the door and travelling south from my home in Amerat with the GPS set for Sinaw, roughly 200km away.

While I normally head out on my Destinations with just one other friend, this time around the group kept on growing and before I knew it, we ended up with five amigos piled into my friend’s Jeep.

Our journey was made in darkness and reaching Sinaw as the sun rose, a little before 7am, we stopped to take a small and simple breakfast from a shop that had just opened.

It was my intention to discover the famous Sinaw souk, but as we later found out, it wasn’t open just yet. Having some time to kill, the group decided to investigate another place and started driving further south beyond the town.

Having a quick glance on Google Maps, we noticed somewhere that looked potentially interesting just under 20km away, close to the tiny town of Uyun.

After passing through the town, we noticed some almost dunelike formations in the distance. Taking a turn off the road, we came across a track that led in that direction and followed it.

Minutes later we had stumbled across something quite beautiful. The “dunes’” turned out to be made from a strange mixture of rock and sand, perhaps something to do with the fact that we were edging towards Sharqiya Sands. It was a spot where wadi began to meet desert.

We were well off the beaten track, but I’m guessing that even a saloon car could manage the drive, thanks to the stones on the ground, which added extra grit and grip to provide more traction. Apart from the bumps ahead of us, the drive was relatively smooth and the landscape was so flat that you could see

TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE There are multiple ways to get to Sinaw, but the most straightforward is via Route 15 towards Nizwa. Take a left turn at Izki and stay on this road until it ends. Turn right and then left onto Route 33. Pass through Sinaw and join Route 32. This will lead you to the turn off, just after Uyun.

GPS location: N22º 20’ 54.557” E58º 3’ 53.294” FEB 11 - 17 / ISSUE 407

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

The National Basketball Academy is searching for the next Michael Jordan or LeBron James right here in Muscat, writes Matt Blackwell

F

rom humble beginnings in 1891, when a teacher invented the game using peach baskets for hoops, the popularity of basketball has skyrocketed. With an estimated fanbase of 400 million, it’s one of the world’s most popular and widely viewed sports, drawing people in with fastpaced, explosive action and high scoring, unpredictable matches.

As a wave of passion for the game drifts east from China and India, Oman is the set to become the first country in the Middle East to open The National Basketball Academy, an international offshoot of the hugely successful organisation that originated in the United States.

What started out as a training operation for youth basketball players in Cleveland, Ohio, soon took off, becoming the official provider of youth development programmes for 12 NBA teams. In fact, the academy’s popularity was such that operations actually had to be scaled back to maintain manageability and ensure quality control.

And now, that same academy is coming to the Sultanate to raise the profile and quality of the sport here.

“The idea is basically to deliver basketball opportunities for every kid, from four years old to 20. We want to foster their dreams and build a

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solid base of skill development,” says Jack Lutzeier, one of The National Basketball Academy’s owners, who has coached in 17 different countries.

“Our goal is not to manage players to get to the highest level, it is to make sure that every kid who wants to play ball knows how to play the right way and has the chance to play.”

Together with the help of the head coach of the Oman branch, Jerel Blocker, who has played professional basketball in Romania, Puerto Rico, Germany and Kuwait, Jack recently delivered five days of basketball camps to the youth of Muscat who were itching to play some ball.

More than 650 young people, ranging in age from four to 20, took part in 30 clinics, showing that the hunger for the sport is strong in Oman.

“The first thing I look for when I’m coaching is whether the kids are enjoying themselves,” says Jack. “Every kid, no matter whether it was a physical fitness or tactical drill, was loving it. They were smiling, they were learning and they were engaged. As a coach, you can teach anyone who is like that. “‘Potential’ is a good word for Oman. There is definitely a yearning for the game here. In all honesty, I think it is going to be the next big sport.”

Postcards from

The academy is set to offer a 12-week programme of training through a class-based schedule with sessions designed to enhance the skills of each player in areas such as ball handling, shooting, passing, defence, footwork, physical fitness and communication in a fun and safe environment.

Depending on the reaction to the coaching sessions, Jack has big plans for The National Basketball Academy, Oman, with the dream of moving beyond training development into club leagues with teams that will travel and compete throughout the region. There will also be the opportunity for players who show a high level of ability and commitment to travel overseas and play basketball at partner academies in the US during the long and hot Omani summers.

If the initial response is anything to go by, it looks like head coach Jerel could be in for a busy first year as the academy tests Muscat’s appetite for basketball. Nevertheless, he is enthusiastic about what’s to come. “I feel good about the next year, I think it’s going to be great. It’s a good opportunity for all the players joining our group and also myself,” he says.

“To me, everything about basketball is fun. Every aspect of the game is exciting and I want to pass on that passion to the kids.”

Y- F i

C a r s INDOORS

PLAY SOME BALL

If your children are interested in becoming part of The National Basketball Academy, Oman, email mosaicsports@ mosaic.om or call 2457 2700 / 2457 2711 for more information.

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

AMAZING SIGHT

The Great Barrier Reef is a stone’s throw from the Daintree National Park and with clear blue water and fantastic coral, warrants a visit all by itself.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. “Surf” the Daintree canopy 2. Take a boat cruise along the river 3. Visit the Great Barrier Reef 4. Head to Daintree Village for the markets 5. Join a guided “board walk” tour

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Destination

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Felicity Glover recommends

DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK,

AUSTRALIA T

u c k e d a w a y o n t h e Fa r N o r t h Q u e e n s l a n d c o a s t o f A u s t r a l i a , the Daintree National Park is a stunning Unesco World H e r i t a g e S i t e t h a t i s h i g h l y v a l u e d fo r i t s i n c r e d i b l e b i o d i v e r s i t y . I t ’ s a r a i n fo r e s t t h a t i s a l s o h o m e t o C a p e T r i b u l a t i o n , where you will find some of the country’s most pristine, deserted b e a c h e s t h a t o ff e r s o f t w h i t e s a n d a n d c r y s t a l - c l e a r b l u e w a t e r s .

But what makes it so interesting is that it is believed the Daintree r a i n fo r e s t i s o n e o f t h e w o r l d ’ s o l d e s t a t 1 1 0 m i l l i o n y e a r s . T o u r i s t s f l o c k t o t h e D a i n t r e e fo r a h o s t o f a c t i v i t i e s a n d s i g h t s e e i n g t o u r s , w h i c h c a n i n c l u d e a n y t h i n g f r o m a b o a t c r u i s e fo r a s p o t o f c r o c o d i l e watching to jungle “surfing”, camping trips, “board walking” tours on e l e v a t e d p a t h s ( t o a v o i d t h o s e c r o c s ! ) o r a n i g h tt i m e t o u r t h a t t a k e s in some fascinating creepy crawlies. Many visitors base themselves in nearby Cairns or Palm Cove and organise their tours from there, while the more adventurous pack up their 4x4s and head into the w i l d e r n e s s fo r a fu n - f i l l e d s e l f - c a t e r i n g h o l i d a y . B u t w h i c h e v e r o p t i o n you take, the natural beauty and incredible wildlife is certain to take your breath away.

My favourite place There’s so much to do and see in the Daintree that it is hard to choose just one favourite. From gentle walks along elevated pathways to take in the scenery and birdlife, to visiting the funky daily markets in Daintree Village and a tranquil cruise along the Daintree River, there are quite a few candidates. But it has to be “surfing” the deep green canopy of the Daintree on a zip line that is the most exhilarating.

“S U R F ” THE DA IN T R E E CANOP Y

D A IN TR EE VI M A R KE TS

LL A GE

Highlights

That would have to be the cruise along the Daintree River. As the boat meanders along the water at a relaxed pace, you will be treated to a unique wildlife show that includes crocodiles sunning themselves on riverbanks and a variety of birds and other animals. Be sure to bring your binoculars, but, as the guides warn, keep your hands, arms, feet and legs inside the boat – you don’t want to tempt the crocs out of their noontime naps! It’s also worth noting that the Great Barrier Reef is nearby and worth a trip in itself.

Lowlights This far north means you are in the tropics, so there’s only two seasons: wet and dry. Flooding can be a problem in the Daintree, especially around Mossman Gorge, which is at the entrance of the rainforest. And, of course, check for crocodile warning signs before you dip your toes in waterholes and other waterways. If swimming in the ocean, you should also be aware of the highly poisonous box jellyfish that is rife from November to May. Wearing a “stinger” suit is highly advised if you are swimming during these months.

Souvenirs From traditional Aboriginal arts and crafts to modern pottery and glass designs, there are plenty of options to cater for all tastes and budgets. It’s also worth checking out the markets at Daintree Village, where you’ll discover some great souvenirs to remind you of your trip to the tropics.

J O IN A G U ID E D “B O A WALK” RD TOUR

Where to stay As mentioned, many visitors choose to base themselves in Cairns, which is just over two hours’ drive

away from the start of the Daintree. I stayed at a resort in Palm Cove, but there’s a range of accommodation to choose from, from self-catering to budget-friendly hostels, family focused hotels and five-star resorts.

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-FI CREATIVE CONNECTION Indoors

THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

Technological developments are allowing creativity to flow more freely than ever before. Matthew Herbst brings you the tools every digital artist needs

JUST INK

BIG PICTURE Cintiq 22HD is the realisation of almost every digital artist’s dream. This gigantic tablet lets you sketch, paint, design and edit directly on the surface of the 21.5-inch HD display, allowing for almost limitless creativity. You can also adjust its position for your comfort just like an easel, but without all the mess. Available at amazon.com from RO770.50.

The Wacom Inkling Digital Sketch Pen lets you doodle away as you jot your ideas down on standard paper or in sketchbooks, all the while capturing a digital likeness of your creation for use in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. You’ll be able to store hundreds of sketches on the Inkling receiver before transferring them to your Mac or PC via the USB port.

Available at amazon. com from RO80.50.

CONNECTED Pogo Connect 2 is a league above your average stylus. The Bluetooth pen enables you to draw with different line widths and also includes full control over pressure sensitivity on your iPad. It comes with six interchangeable tips, which means you can use everything from fine lines to dynamic brush strokes to express yourself as best you can. The built-in Bluetooth beacon is also a handy feature for finding lost pens.

Available at tenonedesign.com from RO30.80.

EDITOR’S PICK

PAINTING PERFECTION

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IMAGINE PAINTING ON A TABLET WITH AN ACTUAL BRUSH. THATS JUST ONE OF THE OPTIONS THE SENSU ARTIST BRUSH AND STYLUS MAKES POSSIBLE AND WITH IT BEING DIGITAL, YOU CAN FIX MISTAKES EASILY WITHOUT WATCHING PAINT DRY. IT’S ONE OF THE ULTIMATE TOOLS FOR DIGITAL ARTISTS LOOKING FOR AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE. AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.CO.UK FROM JUST RO15.41.

JULY FEB 1103- 17- 09/ ISSUE / ISSUE407327

App of the Week

COPY CAT

If you're looking for the next step in digital printing, then look no further than the MakerBot Replicator 2. This refined 3D desktop printer takes art into a world of its own, allowing for unprecedented levels of planning before your 3D creation comes to life. Scale, move or rotate individual models or groups of models at once before dragging and dropping them right onto the virtual build space. Credited for starting a 3D printing revolution, you’ll have the power to create professional quality highresolution models in the palm of your hand. Available at makerbot.com from RO1,117.41.

NEW WACOM INTUOS PEN TABLETS If you’re a beginner looking for the best drawing tablet to get your career in digital art off to the right start, the Wacom Intuos Pen and Touch Tablet may be just the thing. Compared to other drawing tablets, you’ll have much more control and it comes with a textured drawing area that feels like you’re drawing on paper rather than a smooth surface. Various nibs are included and the stylus also has an eraser on the back to correct mistakes.

The package comes with Adobe Photoshop Elements, so you can easily manage art projects and paint your own creations or alter photos. Available at amazon.com from RO41.92.

PAPER BY FIFTYTHREE Paper is a favourite sketching app amongst creatives. Its ink and watercolours engine is easy to use and allows you to create measured drawings with precision. For stunning art that is simple to create, there are few better apps out there right now. Available on the App Store for free.

POCKET PICTURES Hunting for a larger display to showcase your creations on? No need, as the Optoma Pico Pocket Projector delivers a whopping 70-inch image in a package that connects directly to an iPad or iPhone. Best of all, it fits in your pocket and is easy to use with its plug in and play functionality. For less than RO110, the hours of fun it will provide are well worth the investment.

Check it out at optoma.co.uk JULY FEB0311 -- 09 17 / ISSUE 407 327

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Indoors

Y- F i

CARS

Mini Cooper S Paceman Specifications: Engine: 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo Horsepower: 190 Transmission: 6-speed Steptronic automatic 0-100kph: 7.6 seconds Top speed: 217kph

If you’re in the market for a fun drive, look no further than the Mini Paceman, which delights Matt Blackwell on a brief test drive

F

irst manufactured in 1959, the original Mini became the iconic car of the 1960s and its popularity quickly spread far beyond its homeland of Britian. Fifty-seven years and a number of parent company changes later, Mini is still doing its thing and the models are looking as stylish as ever.

I’d ridden shotgun in a Mini once, quite a few years back, but never had the pleasure of driving one myself until last weekend, so to say I was excited for my test drive would be something of an understatement.

It was the Paceman, Mini’s entry into the crossover market, that I would be driving and with slightly elongated doors and a gently slanting roof, it cut a unique and effortlessly chic silhouette that only heightened my desire to get behind the wheel and see what it was capable of.

Inside, the distinctive design continues with numerous quirky touches dotted around the cabin.

The first thing that struck me was the unusual placement of the speedometer, which occupies centre stage, curving its way around the infotainment system.

For those who find this a little confusing or distracting, there is also a digital display of your speed directly in your eye line, below the 046

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rev counter. Hitting the relatively quiet Muscat Expressway on a Friday morning, I found that the Paceman sticks to the road like a go-kart thanks to the optional ALL4 all-wheel drive. You’re quite low to the ground, which is not to everyone’s tastes, but you can have a great deal of fun picking your way between the monster-sized SUVs and 4x4s that dominate Muscat’s roads and have no fear of the Paceman going anywhere other than exactly where you want thanks to superb handling.

Sport mode is engaged by flicking a switch instead of pressing a button, which just adds to the racy feel of the overall package, and once you’ve done this, the 190-horsepower 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo engine kicks in, hurtling you forward with a smile on your face. To get the most out of the engine and for a more exhilarating experience, I’d recommend selecting manual and controlling the gear changes via the paddles behind the steering wheel.

It’s hard to put into words, but I just felt good driving the Paceman. The model I had was a striking electric blue colour, with a contrasting white roof and wing mirrors that made it stand out from the motoring crowd with ease.

The fact that I knew I was turning heads as I shot by couldn’t

help but give me a warm feeling inside and a broad grin on the outside.

It would perhaps be foolish to try and cram three people into the back of a compact car like a Mini, so the designers haven’t even tried. Instead, the Paceman offers two individual seats in the back, complete with two cup holders, a storage compartment and a 12-volt power outlet. The effect is that while from the outside you may have reservations on the interior space the car offers, climb in and you’ll be pleasantly surprised as even the rear passengers travel in luxury and comfort.

Officials at Mini say that “the legend is in the detail” and customisation is certainly one thing that the brand prides itself on (the website boasts 10 million potential configurations), which means almost everything can be tweaked to your exact liking. Ambient lighting packages, roof colour, steering wheel design, style of alloy wheels, inlay colour and the type of cloth used for the seats – the choice is quite literally yours.

Despite having only a short time with the Paceman, the overwhelming sense I got from it was one of pure fun. It’s a quirky, young and vibrant car that was an absolute pleasure to drive. I want one.

They say: “Design with bite” We say: “Puts the fun in driving”

17-inch alloy wheels 3-spoke sports leather steering wheel Air conditioning Radio MINI CD Individual rear seats Ambient lighting (optional) ALL4 all-wheel drive (optional) LED headlights Dynamic Traction Control Electronic Differential Lock Control