Y Magazine #529

Art in contrast EXPLORING OMANI ARTIST ARWA MACKY’S UNIQUE ABSTRACTS Oman’s Top 5 OffLand Adventures ADRENALINE-PUMPING WATERSPORTS

News: TWO EARTHQUAKES RECORDED 10 OFF THE COAST OF OMAN

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DESTINATION: Muttrah Fish Market TASTE TEST: Taste of Korea: Amazing Chicken YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

JUL 26 - AUGUST 01 2018 / ISSUE 529 • WEEKLY

THERE’S NO PLACE

LIKE HOME?

PLUS!

BORN AND RAISED ABROAD, AWAY FROM THEIR HOME COUNTRIES, WE MEET OMAN’S ‘THIRDCULTURE KIDS’ TO FIND OUT IF A CRISIS OF IDENTITY LIES AT THE HEART OF THE QUESTION – WHERE DO YOU GO WHEN YOU CAN’T STAY HERE?

BEAUTY: 2018’S CRAZIESTNOVEMBER TRENDS 01 24 / ISSUE 258

42

Y-FI: THE HOTTEST SMARTPHONES

38

YUMMY OMAN: 44 WATERMELON REFRESHERS

VITAMIN

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Get your vitamin D test done at Burjeel medical centre

GP consultation + Vitamin D test OMR 45

OMR 19

IN THIS ISSUE…

S

ome of us, all of us, most of us… as expats we find ourselves building a life without borders abroad for one of two reasons – we chose this life or we were born into it. For me, I left the life I knew in Canada behind in the hopes of carving out a new career in the GCC. Seven years later and I haven’t looked back although there have been some close shaves with uncertainty. During the ups and downs the refrain from family and friends on the other side of the Atlantic was the same – “well, Ashlee, you can always come home”.

And, so I could.

But where do you go when you have no home to go to? Where do you go when home is where you are but it’s not where you can stay forever? In this week’s cover feature we shine the spotlight on those ‘Third-Culture Kids’ born abroad with few ties to their country of nationality and raised here in Oman. What are their experiences? Their sense of identity? Their plans for a future after the work visas expire and the NOC’s run out?

Where do they go or how do they stay? And how has growing up in Oman shaped their sense of self ? Flip to Page 20 to hear their stories.

Also in this issue, we meet Omani artist Arwa Macky, whose avant-garde artworks bring vibrancy to the medium of black and white. With several recent exhibitions in Muscat under her belt, she’s a new talent that we look forward to seeing more of. Find her story on Page 26.

Until next week, happy reading! editor@y-oman.com

MOH NO -868/ 2018

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi

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MANAGING EDITOR Ashlee Starratt

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/REPORTER Alvin Thomas PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

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DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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JUL 26 - AUG 01 / ISSUE 529

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contents

J U LY 2 6 - AU G U S T 0 1 2 0 1 8

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman

Fatima Hamayon 10

News Two earthquakes reported off the coast of Oman

12 News

Oman lifts travel ban to

Calicut, Malappuram

This Week 18 One Night in Amsterdam

World Tour Want to party with iconic Dutch DJ ROSH? Head to the Park Inn hotel on Thursday, August 2 for a rooftop bash you won’t soon forget.

19 Movies Christopher Robin offers up a heartwarming re-imagining of the AA Milne classic.

10

19

34 First Drive

Ford Expedition 38 Y-Fi

Must-have smartphones

20 Global nomads Telling the stories of Oman’s ‘Third-Culture Kids’ 24 Art in Contrast For Omani painter Arwa Macky, there’s more to art than black and white 26 Oman’s Top 5 Off-Land Adventures We hit the waters of Oman to bring you the best of the life aquatic!

24

Food and Drink

Health and Beauty

44 Yummy Oman: Wild for

Watermelon Add punch to any meal with our favourite summer fruit

40 Fashion

Fringe benefits

46 Taste Test Taste of Korea: Amazing Chicken

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Muttrah Fish Market

Features

42 Beauty Should these beauty trends stay or go?

38 40

44 NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th e’ From e hits of the week, w gossip to your ultimat from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

‘Cats’ the movie

We all know Taylor Swift is a major cat person so it only makes sense that she would land a role in the movie adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/TS Eliot musical, ‘Cats’. Jennifer Hudson, James Corden and Ian McKellen have also signed on for the project.

Hudson is reportedly to play the role of Grizabella, which means she would get to sing the classic track Memory. The roles for the rest of the cast currently remain under wraps. Production on the film is scheduled to start in the UK in November.

Wild about Harry It’s not every day that you hear of a young pop star donating money from their tours to charities.

Well, that’s exactly what Harry Styles has done.

He managed to raise $1.2 million (RO 460,000) for 62 charities around the world from his ‘Harry Styles: Live On Tour’ concerts. Styles donated a portion of the nearly one million tickets sold, which was supplemented by contributions from promoters. Did we mention that this was also his first tour as a solo artist?

Miley and Liam If you’ve heard celebrity gossip that Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth have called it quits, don’t believe it!

The two have confirmed that they are still 06

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very much together and in love. They are just trying to keep their relationship more private and, clearly, it’s working. The speculation started after Miley had deleted all her Instagram posts last week. But she did that because she is working on new music and is rebranding her image.

Sheeran’s ‘Songwriter’ trailer The trailer for Ed Sheeran’s documentary ‘Songwriter’ is finally out and it looks amazing! Ed will show us how he wrote his smash ‘Galway Girl’ and we will be getting a behindthe-scenes look at the making of his massively successful album ‘Divide’.

The documentary also shares childhood footage of Ed playing different instruments, and it takes you through the journey of his career over the past 10 years. ‘Songwriter’ comes out on August 28.

2018 MTV VMAs Cardi B. is leading the nominations at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards happening in New York on August 20. She could be going home with 10 awards for categories such as Video of the Year, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year! Coming in second place for the most nominations with eight, including Video of the Year and Best Collaboration are The Carters aka Beyonce and Jay Z. Childish Gambino and Drake have both been nominated on seven occasions.

Other artists up for awards include Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello.

Chance The Rapper’s fab four Chance The Rapper has surprised fans by dropping four new songs at the same time! These are his first solo releases since his 2016 Grammy award-winning album ‘Coloring Book’. ‘Work Out’, ‘Wala Cam’, ‘I Might Need Security’ and ‘65th and Ingleside’ will all be on his new album which he says is being produced by his mentor Kanye West!

You can hear the full songs on our website VirginRadioOman.com.

Zayn – Sour Diesel Zayn Malik continues to tease us with new music even though we still don’t have a release date or title for his second solo album. ‘Sour Diesel’ is a bit of a different sound for him as it has an 80s soul-funk vibe to it, but of course it still manages to show off his smooth vocals.

Zedd and Elley Duhé – ‘Happy Now’ After the massive success of ‘The Middle’ which spent 23 weeks on the billboard Hot 100, Zedd is back with yet another catchy track. This time he’s enlisted the help of Elley Duhé on his new song ‘Happy Now’. The song has a fun upbeat sound and we’re sure we are going to be hearing it everywhere this summer!

Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

FATIMA HAMAYON, AN OMAN-BORN SPANISHPAKISTANI EXPAT BUSINESSWOMAN, TALKS ABOUT HER LOVE FOR THE COUNTRY, AND OFFERS TIPS TO OTHERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE OMAN THEIR HOME

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: The generation gap is real.

What trends or values do you see changing in Omani society today?

Tell us your thoughts.

DIVYA HARIDAS

B

eing an expat in Oman is a privilege, and being born here is a blessing. When most children move to another country they find it hard to fit in. But this is a country in which many of the expats I’ve met have always stood by how much they love the nation.

This is also the case with me and if I were asked to make a move I’d always try to make my way back to Oman.

Of course, that’s not an easy task – as most of us here rely on visas to stay.

For that, I made the move to start a business – an event management company. That ensures I can stay here for as long as I can see the business as a viable option. This isn’t something that I would advise everybody who wants to stay here to do but I would always suggest to those who have a flair for running their own company to give Oman a shot.

The reason for that is simple: Oman has a young market that welcomes business ideas. The competition here is growing slowly and if you’re looking to make your mark, this is the perfect place.

All that’s left is for you is to find the right timing.

I’ve travelled across the world – east to west, and I’ve not found a place better than this to set up my company.

The respect and the support we women entrepreneurs receive here is incredible. That’s something I haven’t seen much in this region, either.

As for the others who have been residing here for more than 30 and 40 years – they can apply for permanent residency here. For that, you must go through the normal procedure with the authorities.

But if you’ve made up your mind that Oman is the home for you then it’s time for you to take steps to prove that you merit the title ‘Omani’.

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The generation gap is happening all over the world all of the time. Members of the younger generation are highly ambitious and intend to make something of their lives. The older generations used to depend on jobs that centred on agriculture whereas the new generation is comprised of young, qualified professionals employed in Oman and overseas. In short, today, the younger generation is qualifying and achieving technically, professionally and economically day by day.

SANDRA. S

Omani society is giving equal importance to all age groups irrespective of the generation gap.

The old generation and the new generation are entirely different and follow different lifestyles.

But both generations are strictly following Omani tradition and culture, even though it is becoming more modernised.

SANGEETHA SUDHEER

In today’s world, the ‘generation gap’ is between the younger generation and older generations.

Social media and technological change can cause conflict between the generations.

Confrontation can also ensue when the interests of young people are denied by their elders.

SUJITH K.S

The generation gap is visible not only in Oman

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but every where else. How this is happening? Many children are spending too much time on electronic devices and not enough time with their parents and families. By the same token, many busy parents are too quick to buy their offspring the latest gadgets. A bit of give-and-take on both sides wouldn’t go amiss in bridging the generation gap.

CHAKRABORTY PINKY

The generation gap is usually due to relationship issues that teenagers can have with their parents.

Although I have differences of opinion with my parents regarding our views on religion, politics and several other things, it has never caused any problems in our relationship. We just have healthy discussions about it and agree to disagree if it comes to that! So, from my experience, this is what I think the children should do: communicate openly with your parents!

JOANNE SINGER

I’m new to Oman, having just moved here end of April, and having worked across the Middle East for the last decade, I’ve noticed a distinct difference in how Omani culture differs from that of other GCC countries. No matter what culture you’re from there will always be a conflicting pull between the old and the new. What I love about the culture in Oman is that there’s a continued respect for the traditions that make up the core values of their society, while Omanis – both the older and younger generations alike are more forward-thinking and open-minded. Openly, at least, there doesn’t seem

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to be a visible undercurrent of collison between the two. Instead, I sense a healthy respect for the differences that make the contributions of each generation valuable to the overall growth of the nation. I think this stems from the humble nature I’ve encountered in many of my daily interactions with Omanis. What we can learn from our past generations we can carry forward with the new ones and Oman sets this example.

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JUL 26 - AUG 01 / ISSUE 529

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YOUR

OMAN

RENAISSANCE DAY: HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS PARDONS 274 PRISONERS

H

is Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has pardoned 274 prisoners, according to Royal Oman Police.

These prisoners were convicted for a number of cases. The Royal Pardon coincided with the 23rd Renaissance Day. Out of the 274 prisoners, 115 were expats.

In a statement online Royal Oman Police said, “His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s royal pardon coincides with the 23rd blessed Renaissance Day and in consideration of their [the prisoners’] families.”

THIS COOKING OIL IS NOW BANNED IN OMAN

R

esidents may want to take note to avoid purchasing the cooking oil – Leeza – after a recent ban was issued on it, this week [Monday, July 23].

The Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) barred the company from selling the product in the market because “it wasn’t up to standards.”

The PACP’s statement read:

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“Dr Saeed bin Khamis al Kaabi, chairman of PACP issued a decision to ban the pure cooking oil, Leeza for not meeting the standards [set]”.

For the sake of the public’s health, the consumer watchdog has ordered the withdrawal of the remaining products from all markets across the Sultanate.

Violators will be levied a fine of no less than RO50 and not exceeding a total of RO2,000.

TWO EARTHQUAKES RECORDED OFF THE COAST OF OMAN

R

esidents in northern parts of Oman felt tremors on Monday, July 23, after two earthquakes were recorded just off the coast of Oman, with the epicenter affecting Iran. The tremors caused significant damage to property in Iran, and 150 people were reported injured.

The first quake occurred in north-central Iran, and measured in at 5.7 on the Richter scale, while the second – at 4.8 on the Richter scale – was smaller, and occurred closer to the Sultanate,

in the Southern part of Iran.

As per the Earthquake Monitoring Centre (EMC), both quakes were detected 20 minutes apart.

The statement published online read: “A quake measuring at 5,7 [on the Richter scale] was recorded in north-central Iran at 12:39am. [The epicenter] was 479kms away from Kasab at the time of recording.

It added: “A quake of 4.8 magnitude [on the Richter scale] was recorded in southern Iran at 12:59am. [The epicenter] was 177kms away from Oman.”

FORTIFIED FOCUS

GALLERY

HUSSAIN AL LAWATI TRAINS HIS LENS ON THE RAMPARTS OF RUSTAQ CASTLE TO CAPTURE THE MAJESTY OF THE FORTRESS STRONGHOLD.

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YOUR

OMAN

O

SALAMAIR TO START SERVICES TO DHAKA

man’s budget airline SalamAir is to begin flying to the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka.

The service will start on August 28, and will run four times a week.

SalamAir is also planning routes to Iran, Nepal, Sudan, Kuwait and India.

The company’s CEO, Mohamed Ahmed added: “We are also in the process of exploring new destinations across Asia, including India and Pakistan.”

OMAN LIFTS TRAVEL OMAN RANKS BAN TO CALICUT, FOURTH IN MALAPPURAM CYBERSECURITY

T

he United Nations (UN) has ranked the Sultanate fourth in the world for its commitment towards cyber security, the Oman News Agency has reported.

Singapore, USA and Malaysia are ahead of Oman while Australia, France, Canada, Georgia, Estonia and Mauritius were placed in the Top 10.

In the Arab region, Oman has been ranked second on the E-government Development Index.

An Information Technology Statesman (ITA) said: “This is a greater achievement as far as the ITA is concerned. We will further strengthen our systems so that we are better prepared to stop cyber-attacks in future.”

O

man’s Ministry of Health has lifted the travel ban to Calicut and Malappuram following the end of the epidemic Nipah virus in Kerala.

A ministry spokesman said: “There have been no new cases reported in the past 42 days and health officials in Kerala have confirmed the end of the epidemic.”

At least 18 people died following the outbreak of the virus in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

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DESOLATE BEAUTY

GALLERY

THE DESERT ENCROACHES ALONG THE COASTAL HIGHWAY OF BATINAH.

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YOUR

LIFE ON CAMPUS

OMAN

HUSSAIN AL LAWATI AND SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI GO BACK TO SCHOOL TO BRING YOU A GLIMPSE OF STUDENT LIFE AT THE GERMAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IN OMAN (GUTECH).

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GALLERY

Selected photos: Hussain al Lawaty JUL 26 - AUG 01 / ISSUE 529

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YOUR

IN THE COMMUNITY

OMAN

SNAPSHOTS OF FAMILY FUN AT THE SULTANATE’S SUMMER SPORTS PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY OOREDOO.

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GALLERY

Photography by: Hussain Al Lawati Location: Batinah Coastal Highway Style: Landscape All roads lead somewhere, but this lonely stretch of highway enroute to Batinah seemed to go on into enternity, nowhere. How far you want to venture down it is up to you and your fueltank.

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

02

The Ministry of Sports Affairs, in coordination with Al Hail Cricket Academy, is organising a summer cricket camp for boys aged 5-19 years. Players from other academies, teams and clubs are also invited to join in. At the end of the camp, awards will be given to the winners and top performers in each category. Registration for the summer camp is free. Interested players can call 9697-2291.

Axis Events is back with the party of the summer, kicking off at the Park Inn on Thursday, August 2. Dutch DJ icon ROSH will be at the decks spinning his unique brand of technical mixology for your aural pleasure. Sharing the DJ booth with the likes of Martin Garrix, The Chainsmokers, and Hardwell, ROSH is the latest noisemaker from The Netherlands you won’t want to miss out on live! Tickets are RO 10 per person, and the event will be 21+. Ladies enter free before 10pm. Call 9779-8111 to reserve your tickets or VIP table reservation.

JULY

26

WEEK

5 SENSES MEDITATION & MANDALA WORKSHOP

THIS

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

JULY-AUGUST What happens when you combine meditation with artistic expression? Join 5 Senses Meditation this Saturday, June 28 for a guided meditation journey followed by mandala painting and colour psychology exploration. Stressbusting mindfulness at its best, this led workshop encourages participants to cultivate their inner connection between meditation and creativity. Open to all, it runs from 10.30am till 1pm, with a participation fee of RO30. Call 7190-6060 to book your spot.

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ONE NIGHT IN AMSTERDAM WORLD TOUR

CRICKET CAMP

AUG

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JULY

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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

Koode Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Parvathy, Nazriya Nazim

Christopher Robin

Shock and Awe

Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael So, the boy from the Winnie The Pooh books is now all grown up and has lost his sense of imagination, eh? Well, he has a full-time job, has got married and has had kids so no surprises there!

But seriously, in this, the AA Milne character Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) has become a family man in 1940s London and his childhood of Pooh, Piglet, Tigger et al are a

Fanney Khan Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao

distant memory in his post-war ennui.

However, a chance meeting with Pooh brings his enchanted childhood back to him, and pretty soon his old friends are taking him on an adventure that brings back his appetite for life. Hayley Atwell co-stars. In English, with Arabic subtitles.

Oman release: August 2

Oh dear, there’s nothing worse than the pushy parent who wants to make their child a star. You’d think people would have learnt from the legendary Noel Coward (Don’t Put Your Daughter On The Stage, Mrs Worthington) by now. In this, Fanney (Anil Kapoor) is the crooner who never quite made it, and wants to live out his dreams though his beautiful daughter (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). In a country in which the talent contest (X Factor India, India’s Got Talent) abounds, this shouldn’t be too difficult, right? But this is a movie, and anything can happen.

And lucky for us, these two Bollywood superstars are right on form in it. In Hindi, with English and Arabic subtitles.

Joshua (Prithviraj Sukumaran) who has been working in the Middle East as an oil worker for 20-odd years, returns to his home in the hills of Nilgiris to attend a family funeral. But his job abroad, which he was forced to take to support his family, has drained him and his mood is one of sorrow, anger and resentment. Meanwhile, his feisty younger sister Jenny (Nazriya Nazram), untainted by the burden of responsibility, forces him to step up to the plate and get with the programme of self-discovery and fulfilment. It’s a poignant and satisfying Indian family drama from director Anjali Menon, and the cinematography is outstanding. In Malayalam, with English and Arabic sub-titles.

Oman release: Aug 2

!

Cast: Woody Harrelson, James Marsden, Rob Reiner

Two reporters Jonathan Landay (Woody Harrelson) and Warren Stroebel (James Marsden) are bent on nailing President George W Bush over what they see as his abuse of power. After 9/11, the President declares war on Iraq after dubious reports of WMDs (weapons of mass destruction) are compiled. It’s up to the two reporters to find sources to prove it’s all a smokescreen, an ignoble abuse of power, and the worst US foreign policy decision since Vietnam.

What would have been nice would have been for the International Criminal Court in The Hague to feature, and to take action against those deemed responsible for war crimes. However, it is based on a true story (obviously)..

Oman release: Aug 2

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Who is the original author of Winnie the Pooh?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Ramsey Antao

Oman release: August 2

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019

GLOBAL Where is home to the children whose parents came to Oman for better lives but who don’t have an automatic right to stay? Is it a case of living on borrowed time in a place they call home? Alvin Thomas finds out

T

he world is a much smaller place than it once was.

Some of us think nothing of travelling to far-flung places, working abroad and sending money to our families back home.

But what happens to the people whose parents came to Oman, who were born here and whose heritage and culture can be vastly different to our own?

These are the stories of the expat ‘global nomads’ or ‘third-culture kids’ who were born and raised in Oman.

Most of their stories about their lives begin and end with smiles.

However, beneath it all lie these lingering questions: How long can they stay in Oman, and more importantly, can they survive in the country that they now call “home away from home”?

These, for instance, are the questions that led Abel Williams*, a 19-year-old American expat who was born and raised in Oman into a quandary as he made his way back into the car from Muscat International Airport.

He was returning back “home” from his college in New York. And as the memories of his dreaded time back in his dorm played in a loop in his mind, all he wanted to think about was how he was in a safe space – a safe space called Oman.

The boy had lived all his life in the Sultanate, and only got to taste life in his hometown in the US when he was offered a scholarship in the Mannes School of Music, in New York.

In a literal sense, Abel can be classified as a ‘TCK’.

A TCK or ‘third-culture kid’, in short, is a term given to adults and children that were raised in a culture other than that of the country named on their passport where they are legally considered a native for a significant part of their development years.

Abel says: “I had only been to the US twice in my 19 years, and those were for two-week long breaks. So, my experience of life back there was quite slim. However, my dad always wanted me to experience life there.

“So, when I got a call back from Mannes in 2017, I obliged. The first few weeks in the dorms were all about getting to know one another. But,

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NOMADS the more time I spent there, the more I realised that I wasn’t meant to be a part of the life in the US. “I studied in the American School here – and I was quite popular too. I could interact with my teachers and fellow students here so I never thought that I would find it hard to socialise with the local crowds there.

“But things turned around quickly,” he tells. “I found it hard to speak to the people there, and I also couldn’t interact with my peers. This took a toll on me, and by March 2018, it was reflecting on my studies.

“I was crying daily. There were nights when I would just hold my pillow against my face and scream into it. This wasn’t how life was supposed to be,” he says heavily.

“For the first time since I can remember, I cried on the phone to my mum and dad and asked them to get me out of the US.” To his surprise, his father responded with words that he says he can never forget: “Abel, you should pack your bags and come home.”

Home, according to Abel, is Oman, and he says that it was the first time in months that he slept peacefully.

The youth is currently taking a break from studies, and hopes to join the Sultan Qaboos University for a course in Music and Musicology next year.

“I understand that my life in the Sultanate cannot last forever. But, growing up here, I find life to be very different from that of other countries.

Life is very peaceful and civilised here – it’s what I have been exposed to from birth.

“It worries me to think that I am a 19-year-old man who cannot deal with his insecurities of living in another country, but if I could, I would strive to live here until I can.

“Oman has had a long-lasting and deep impact in my life. I’d like to think that I am an Omani by

heart,” he says.

In reality, this is a consensus among several expats living in Oman. And in a country which calls itself home to more than two million expats, there are TCKs aplenty in schools and colleges scattered across the Sultanate. With several now taking up jobs and starting families, we can only expect to hear more stories such as that of Abel’s.

The effects of Omanisation on TCKs

But with Oman taking a stricter stand towards ‘Omanisation’, and with more expats losing jobs owing to a “slowly-stabilising economy”, several TCKs and ATCKs (Adult third-culture kid: TCKs that are past their 20s are now having to pack up their bags and head back to their countries whether they like it or not.

As per recent statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the numbers of expats in Oman has dropped by over 97,000, TCKs abound.

Some of these worries are driving expat ATCKs into life-altering scenarios, which in some cases can also lead individuals into mental health troubles such as depression and anxiety.

Aisha al Barwani, a Muscat-based certified lifecoach, talks about how some expats can feel out of place when asked to leave their country – and it’s especially harder when it’s the laws of the same country that they love that are working against them.

“I deal with a lot of individuals who claim that they have no identity or meaning. They neither fit into their home countries nor their country of residence [Oman].

“Imagine being born in Oman, and spending the first 20 to 30 years of your life here. Your whole family and circle of friends probably reside around you. Then going back home just won’t seem like an option.

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“I had one ATCK come to me last year. He had just lost his job, and felt cheated after he was let go. He told me how he had contributed to the growth of his company but wasn’t even offered a no-objection certificate when he was let go, thereby forcing him to return to his home country.

“There are also several others who are willing to force their way back into the country illegally in order to continue living here,” she adds.

The whereabouts of her patient are unknown.

The laws of the land

Such is also the case of the several that have had to leave the country permanently. Currently, Oman’s laws suggest that an expat can only reside in Oman with their families if they are provided a visa by their sponsor.

Our source in the immigration department of the Royal Oman Police (ROP), says: “A work or residence visa is mandatory for an expat to reside in the country.

“And if the person wants to bring their families along, they must have valid family visas too.

“This is the law of the land – and anyone found breaking it can be punished with fines and deportation.

Dealing with TCKs is where things get difficult, he tells.

“These are people who were born and raised in Oman, and as much as they say that they can’t leave the country, if the situation arises, they must.

Oman’s work law also states that any expat working in the country must leave for a period of two years if they aren’t granted a non-objection certificate (NOC), be it whether they have lived here for two years or 20 years.

The only real solace for such TCKs then would be to apply for a citizenship – but this process can take several years and the chances of being accepted are slim.

Y tried to contact numerous expats – some who have been in the country for over 40 years – in Oman who had applied for citizenship, but they declined to comment fearing that it could affect their pending citizenship judgement.

Other investments such as purchasing a property with the International Tourism Complex (ITC) status or starting one’s own limited liability company (LLC) will also give an individual eligibility to hold a permanent residence visa.

Torn apart from their homes

According to Vivian Chiona, the founder and director of Expat Nest, a website that provides emotional support to expats and their families through online counselling services, a lot of TCKs detach themselves from investing in friendships and relationships, often asking “what’s the point?”.

In her analysis of the situation, she says: “They have already experienced the pain of leaving people behind or know they might move again. So, TCKs may learn to shut off their emotions to avoid feeling the same pain again.

She stresses that counselling is essential in any such scenario.

Aisha offers help to those who need help, especially those who find it hard to digest that they must leave the country soon.

“The recent figures show that the numbers of expats have been falling. That’s a worrying concern as a lot of children are being uprooted from their lives here in Oman, and planted elsewhere.

“And from the child’s perspective, this can be quite a challenge. The child must begin making friends and connections from scratch but all the while they know that they could be moving places again.

“Many children shut down their interpersonal or social skills up to a point that it may be too late for them to recover.

This, Aisha says, is why parents must talk to their children about how they’re doing in school.

“The parent must instill a sense of confidence that their child, no matter what, will not be alone, and that making friends is the best way to settle down in a new place.

However, that brings us to another big question: “Where is home?”

The answer to that is complex, says Aisha.

“There’s a saying that the home is where the heart lies. But most expat patients that come here say that their heart lies in Oman and they would love to become citizens of the country someday.

“Of course, I’m sure that a lot of people would still like to explore new countries someday, but for those who find it hard to part ways with the country must realise that they must begin to accept their home as a place where their family and friends lie.

The positives of being a TCK

“One of the greatest upsides of being a TCK is the ability to blend well with other cultures while following local cultures at home. It gives these youths a chance to experience the best of both worlds.

“This, in reality, must make them stronger when they travel outside Oman. For instance, I have friends from India who were born and raised in Oman, and even call themselves ‘Made in Oman’. These people can interact with people from most cultures with ease as they’ve been doing that all their lives.

“The ability to blend into their surroundings and with their peers has been embedded in

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them since childhood. They can also speak languages like Arabic, English, and Hindi with ease. This qualifies them to live in more than 10 countries within Asia alone.

“The world is shrinking by the day, and people are coming into contact with each other more so than ever before. The TCKs, who’ve already been exposed to various cultures throughout their schooling and work life have the upper hand than, say, locals who have only been exposed to circles around them.”

Majid Jamal al Rawahi, a 23-year-old Omani student and real estate entrepreneur, says: “It’s a fact that a lot of the young men and women in Oman are dependent on the country for benefits. I’m not saying all of them are but a few of them know how to knock down barriers and strive for success.

“But, I’ve always surrounded myself around expat students, as their thirst towards success is unlike any I’ve ever seen. A part of that is so that they can continue to reap the benefits of the country they’re living in but it also teaches us of the struggles that one must go through to attain their dreams.

“So, in some ways, I can say that the expats here are motivating us Omanis into working towards our success.

Moreover, it’s not fair to call them outsiders to our country.

“They may be living their lives on foreign land, but most of them love the Sultanate with all their hearts. If you don’t believe me, just look at the colleges around the country during the National Day, or after a victorious football match for Oman.

“They even decorate their cars to show their love for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said – and that’s the determination you see from a local. So, without any haste, I’ll call them my brothers and sisters.”

Asterix – Names changed to protect identity

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Sahara Hamayon, a Spanish-Pakistani UFC fighter, entrepreneur, globetrotter and a proud TCK who was born and raised in Oman, talks about her love affair with the country.

I like to classify myself as an Omani by heart. I may have mixed roots and I will always embrace it but my love for Oman knows no bounds.

My answer to anyone who asks me why I have such a passion for this country is simple: it’s the people here who make this country what it is.

A small situation that I’d like to talk about is how I was helped when I had a flat tyre when travelling on the Muscat Expressway.

I remember a man stopping his car to help me. He was with his wife, and was travelling to the airport for their honeymoon. But, he took the time to help me – and in the process also got his dishdasha dirty.

That’s how helpful and sweet the people are here in Oman.

I do travel a lot for training, competitions, and also for work. But, every time I head out of the country, I realise that I don’t particularly enjoy spending time away from Oman. I miss the smiling faces, the welcoming words, and the company of my friends here.

Even when I head to my hometown in Barcelona, I feel out of place and lonely.

I think the 28 years of my life here have made me feel that I am indeed an Omani girl – there’s no other rational explanation to this.

So, if I were ever in a situation wherein I would have to leave Oman, I think I would have a heavy feeling in my heart. At this point, I cannot even visualise the situation. It would be like ripping apart a huge part of my life.

And that’s why I think I would want to reside in Oman for as long as I can.

This is home.

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Zechariah Varughese, a 25-year-old Indian expat and entrepreneur in the Sultanate talks about how Oman stacks up as a peaceful place to live when compared with other GCC countries.

A lot of TCKs like me will talk about how Oman is a wonderful place to live. But there’s more to it than just that. For me, this country will always be home because this is where our family business started.

In short, this is where we have invested all our time, money, and resources. My father came to this country roughly 28-years ago, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Now, I am the one carrying forward the torch.

Of course, me being born and brought up here also has its perks, as I have a lot of emotional support from friends – both expats and locals – in my work life. And the fact that Oman, as a country, is quite welcoming to new business ideas helps too.

I’ve scouted almost all GCC countries for travel and business purposes, but none has come as close to Oman in terms of the local support – be it in your work or your personal life.

Most people in the UAE or Saudi Arabia travel to countries such as Georgia or Thailand when the going gets tough. But here in Oman, we just pack our bags and head to the mountains for a night out.

Oman’s call is one that stays with you forever. Sadly, only those who have left the country will know that.

Famous TCKs born in Oman 1) Isla Fisher: The Australian actress was born in Muscat, Oman in 1976 before moving to Australia with her Scottish parents and brothers.

2) Sarah Jane Dias: Bollywood actress and former beauty queen, Sarah, was born in Muscat in 1982. She has starred in movies such as Game, Angry Indian Goddessess, and Zubaan.

3) Samar Puri: The Indian guitarist was born in Muscat in 1987, and reportedly received education from the Indian School Muscat, in Darsait. He works in a pop band “SQS Supastars” with his younger brother Sanam Puri and two other friends.

4) Reem Sameer Shaikh: The Indian television actress was born in Oman, in 2002. She later moved to Mumbai in India, and became a television star by the age of six.

Top 5 tips for TCKs returning ‘home’ 1) Don’t isolate yourself.

2) Realise that all humans around the world have the same core needs and are longing for acceptance and affection.

3) Seek out relationships with international and mono-cultural people who “get you”.

4) When you are ready, dare to peel the plastic off your new furniture and live in it. Don’t just cling to your previous circles through Facebook but rather choose the present.

5) Be fully present in your goodbyes and welcome the process of grief related to leaving.

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Art in Contrast Strip away the colour from an image and you’re left with its most raw form – or, as some might argue, its most real. It’s a perspective Omani artist Arwa Macky asks us to confront in her stark black and white repertoire that’s nothing less than striking.

“Colour is descriptive. Black and white is interpretative”. These words – as told by the legendary black-andwhite photographer Elliot Erwitt – come to life as we gloss through Arwa Macky’s paintings… one piece at a time at her exhibition in the Sabco Centre.

There’s something almost avantgarde about her work – clearly, the theories of conventional sketching and painting don’t apply to her paintings. Then again, the young artist says her motivation to create such art work comes from her passion to create “gutsy” paintings.

Arwa says: “I do black-and-white painting because it’s strong, and can portray a story by provoking strong thoughts in the mind.”

Her words are further validated when she reveals that her works are now prized highly by staff and officials at the US Embassy in Oman.

But where did her passion for art begin?

“I began art when I was only six years old,” she says.

“Of course, back then it was mostly paintings and cartoons.”

It doesn’t take an art critic to deduce that Arwa’s paintings portray a whiff of caricature, and cartoon026

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inspired styles. But, her works are minimalistic – and “look to grab one by the soul”.

But before we can talk about anything else, she then tells us how all her works – which fall under her ‘Paint it Black’ theme – only came to life recently after she rekindled her love affair with painting.

“I stopped painting for a long time after my days in school,” she says, hesitantly.

Over the course of her life, she has put her feet into everything from animation, advertising, game design development (her game Red Ball, which was released in early 2006 [before the inception of smartphones] was a revelation at the time), and even a business in graphic designing.

Soon, however, she realised her dream, and in 2016, armed with a degree from the Monash University of Art Design & Architecture in Melbourne, Australia, she returned to painting for herself; throwing down all her works on a piece of canvas – her acrylic paint, ink markers and felt pens set – all becoming one as they work towards a goal in perfect harmony.

It took the young Omani artist

three long years to reach the goal of setting up her first exhibition but she says that it’s an achievement that she can “smile and be happy about”.

Today, Arwa puts down her inspiration down to the cartoonist Bruce Blitz, who created a lasting impression on her life.

“I used to watch his cartoons, and I was always fascinated by how he was able to portray such beautiful meanings with his simple drawings.”

Her works aren’t even close to repetitious, but rather follow the twists and turns that she has taken in life. It takes Arwa a week to complete a painting.

“My ideas for art – or rather my inspiration – comes from mixing life experiences, memories of the past, music, and travel.”

This is probably why she is pulling a lot of young people to her exhibition – with some proclaiming that her art works have touched them.

“I had one Omani teen come to me and tell me how she used to paint all the time but gave up on it. She took my story and my works as an inspiration and vowed to restart her passion.

“Nothing gives me more happiness

than being able to touch someone’s life through my art. I think that’s every artist’s goal,” she says.

“Sadly, sometimes we see that a lot of fellow artists are suppressed by society. That used to be the case before but the situation is steadily improving now. A lot of people here appreciate art, and that has led to many local artists flocking the scene.”

The Omani woman’s goal doesn’t end with this exhibition, though.

Arwa says that she’ll be collaborating with a few other artists in her future projects. Meanwhile, she’ll also be laying the groundwork for the latest

project this year.

Arwa says: “Creating art, expressing myself and life through art full-time is what I’ve lived for, and it’s still what I live for.

“I won’t stop until I reach my full potential. Till my last breath, this is what I will do – I will continue to live and breathe art, and hopefully one day transform lives through this gift I was given by the grace of God. “I’d like to thank everyone who has ever supported me and those who continue to do so.

“And God bless my mother who’s been my number one inspiration, my number one fan, and my greatest supporter.”

You can catch all Arwa Macky’s works on her website www.arwamacky.com, and on Instagram @arwamacky.

Arwa Macky

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OMAN’S TOP 5 OFF-LAND

ADVENTURES

Here are some of Y’s picks for water-filled activities that will keep you cool, while taking in some of the best coastline spots available.

Diving with dolphins

Have you ever fancied spending a day out with dolphins? Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa offers you a memorable experience with dolphins in Qantab, from 8.30am to 10.45am every day. For RO20 per person, you will get a magical experience with dolphins for nearly two hours. Want to book?

Call 2477-6825 for details.

Scuba diving

Oman has some of the most pristine beaches to relax on and has some of the best dive sites to explore. The Dimaniyat Islands, the Bander al Khayran in Yiti or the beautiful Fahal Island are some ideal spots for diving. If you’re an experienced diver or a learner, then visit Oman Dive Centre where you can choose from several packages that suit your needs. A dive centre is also set to open in Musandam in September, which will focus on underwater photography. For learning more about diving, contact Oman Dive Centre at 2482-4240.

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Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is one of the most popular watersports in Oman. A wakeboarding adventure in Almouj Muscat offers you spectacular views of Oman’s beautiful coastline for RO55 per person. You can also contact Watersports Oman, which organises regular sessions at the Azaiba beach. If you want to learn about wakeboarding, you can join short-term courses certified by IWWF (International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation). Call 9269-4962.

Snorkelling

If you want to explore Oman’s underwater paradise, then don your snorkelling masks and experience it at Bandar al Khayran. For RO20 per person, you can enjoy the underwater experience every day from 10am to 1pm. Contact 9411-0088.

Jet Ski

Jet skiing remains the most popular leisure water sports in Oman. Nearly every beach in Oman has a jet ski rental facility. If you drive along the Shatti road towards the Qurum beach, you can see jet skiers every day. It costs RO15 to hire one for half an hour. You can also take a jet ski tour to Dimaniyat Island for RO99 for two. To book, please call 9261-1222.

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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

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(Emergency and

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International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol

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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

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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 &

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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 • Chevrolet/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 Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat

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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Adventures

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

TO MARKET, TO MARKET...

A vendor pauses amid the remains of his catch after the morning rush at the Muttrah Fish Market.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

Y- F i

Destination

MUTTRAH FISH MARKET SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI VENTURES INTO MUSCAT’S NEW MUTTRAH FISH MARKET AND FINDS IT’S SO MUCH MORE THAN A CASE OF ‘CATCH AS CATCH CAN’.

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Gaming

A

n English friend of mine, John, who has now made his home in Muscat, was regaling me with tales of Billingsgate Fish Market; the UK’s largest, in east London.

We had just enjoyed a sumptuous meal of leek and prawn kedgeree that he had made for me, his wife Heather and some other dinner guests.

Over the food (and the myriad compliments he garnered) he had recounted stories of growing up as a fishmonger’s son in south London.

It all sounded very Victorian to me; with all the talk of whelks, cockles, mussels, oysters and so on. I thought he had just been watching the film Mary Poppins again with his two kids.

“Well, it all sounds nice”, I riposted, “but have you been to the Muttrah Fish Market?”

Surprisingly, for such a fish foodie, he had not.

So the proverbial lightbulb flashed, and instead of firing up the RAM 1500 and heading into the wild, I resolved to take John to Muscat’s Muttrah Fish Market, which was opened last year by the Muscat Municipality.

West of the city, the 4000- square metre market can be found in a landmark building commanding a chunk of the waterfront on the Corniche at Muttrah.

How apt it is that the building was designed by a Norway-based firm of architects, Snohetta (in Norway there is so much fish to be had even caviar is cheap there).

It has lent that unmistakeable feeling of Scandi modernism to house and update our country’s noble fishing tradition.

Here, buyers, locals, expats and tourists converge on 136 selling platforms, 36 cutting platforms, 48 platforms for selling fruit and veg and eight meat and poultry shops.

It also has facilities for fish landing, refrigeration, preparation and packaging. There are also cafes, and a roof top restaurant.

Here, traders and homemakers alike can vie for the same eyewatering array of prestigious, piscine delights. And yes, they are all fresh.

They are all here: Yellowfin tuna, squid, king fish, prawns, and more.

That whiff of the sea and the salty tang of the catch just assault my senses every time I go there.

Even John was impressed, and as a fishmonger’s son, the more authentic

signs of fish being gutted right under our noses didn’t faze him in the least.

He was wise not to bring his two kids though.

Doughty skippers with years of experience haul shoals of fish ashore at dawn but much of their business is done in the early hours of the morning, when we visited (the best time, naturally).

“If you’re looking to buy fresh fish for an affordable price then this is the place to visit,” says Ahmed al Musallami, a local fisherman in Muscat for the past eight years.

“We have customers coming from far-off places like Al Khoud and Barka on weekends. They come with families and spend quality time here.

“My father used to sell fish in the old fish market and I learnt the business from him. The new market is very spacious and neat as well.

People keep coming back to this place every weekend to buy fish and vegetables and that’s what makes this place special.”

The market is a muddy and slightly bloody place, and above all, authentic so don’t come in wearing flip-flops.

Even John was forced to concede that it make Billingsgate look slightly, well, sanitised.

“My old dad would have loved this,” he exclaimed. He ambled along the rows of tables groaning with the best of the day’s catch from the Indian Ocean.

A line of resplendent, silver-tinted sea bass reflected the bright light that the market hall’s architects have been quick to exploit.

Of course, John being British, is not always the greatest at haggling.

In his father’s shop, the wares were simply laid out with a price on and you either paid it or didn’t. I felt sure he had been bested after buying a couple of barracudas (ironic, really).

But it didn’t matter; he was thoroughly enjoying himself, and actually impressed a couple of traders with his insider knowledge.

To a bemused but friendly trader, he said: “We used to take our holidays in Ullapool, in Scotland, where my dad could fish to his heart’s content: salmon and trout, mostly.”

Muttrah Fish Market is a great day out where tourists and traders can chat, buy, sell, barter, banter, be themselves and have a good time.

I’m glad we have it and we should be proud of it.

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

I

FORD EXPEDITION

Y’s Alvin Thomas finds Ford has come up with a fresh take on the SUV with its new Expedition model – the best he’s sampled on the road

have questions – so many unanswered questions; the first of which is why a brand as big as Ford has only released the latest version of the Expedition in 2018, which they could have done a while ago.

While there’s no faulting the brand for keeping their flagship SUV under wraps for so long – 10 years to be precise – it seems that they were trying to get things right for the latest unveiling… a task that they have accomplished.

To do so, the engineers and designers went back to the drawing board and restructured everything, from its design to its construction.

Honestly, there’s not much carried over from the Expeditions of old. What you’re looking at here is a full-size SUV that’s new from head to toe, and down to the molecule.

In line with that, the Expedition takes on a new guise for 2018: the headlamps are now chunkier than before, and the chrome grille extends its way to either ends of the fascia, cutting through a portion of the headlamps to give it a clean C-shape.

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You’ll also get two large fog lamps and inlets on the bodywork under the grille to aid the intake of air to feed into the massive radiator.

The side profile of the car is rather uneventful, though, with just a couple of character lines defining the top and bottom portions of the SUV. However, the posterior is rounded off with a large strip of chrome on the tail gate, and a dual-coloured bumper. It all looks handsome, even with those awkwardly bulky tail lamps.

In terms of size, the SUV seems to have grown (we’re not even sure how that’s possible) but its greatest transformation can be seen if you scratch beneath the surface. The Expedition is underpinned by a new aluminium and steel-reinforced body-onframe chassis, which makes it a tad lighter, and the bodywork stiffer.

The full-grown exterior translates well to the interior too. The Expedition – even in the XLT variant we drove – comes with plenty of space to fit eight adults and their luggage.

With three rows of seats, and more room in the back for a pair of full-size bags, the Ford is by no means any lesser of an SUV than its competitors.

Even I – a 180cm adult – could fit into the third-row seats with plenty of leg and head room to spare.

Creature comforts also include six USB charging ports, a 110V power outlet, and a Qi wireless charging dock; for your charging needs. Aside from that, there are features such as a power-folding third- and second-row seats and power-operated front seats that make life easier inside the cabin.

The seats are all cushy, and well-bolstered for when you make sharp turns. Those attributes, combined with the commanding driver seating position, make for an excellent driving experience.

On the tech front, the Expedition takes a leap uphill. For starters, you now get the slick and easy-to-use 8-inch (20cm) touchscreen running on Ford’s SYNC3 software.

The latter is galaxies ahead of the version it replaces, thereby making it one of the best systems I’ve used in an SUV of late.

The dashboard, meanwhile, is carried over from the F-150 pickup truck but it has been

Destination

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Gaming

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FORD EXPEDITION Specifications: • Engine: 3.5-litre ‘turbocharged’ Ecoboost V6 • Transmission: 10-speed automatic • Power: 375hp • Torque: 640Nms Four-wheel-drive SYNC3 system w/ navigation Radar-guided cruise control 8-inch touchscreen Lockable differential Panoramic sunroof 20-inch alloy wheels Terrain management system Selectable drive modes Six USB ports and wireless charging station Lane departure warning Collision mitigation system Bang & Olufsen audio

THE POWER BUILDUP IS MORE LINEAR THAN WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM TURBO MOTORS SO OFTEN YOU’LL FEEL LIKE YOU’RE AT THE HELM OF A VEHICLE POWERED

BY A NATURALLY ASPIRATED V8. reworked to complement the user experience. The design is clean, and the buttons are all neatly labelled and well laid out.

All the buttons are accessible while driving while extra safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, a reverse camera, and radar-guided cruise control make driving the Expedition easier.

Mind you, it’s still quite a handful on the road. The sheer size of the vehicle means you’ll be wrestling for a spot on the road with other cars. However, the vehicle, with its light and responsive all-electric steering, and alert throttle and brake pedals, is still easier to drive

than its predecessor, or for that matter any Japanese or American SUV currently out there.

My Expedition XLT came packing a 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 ‘Ecoboost’ engine pumping out a stout 375hp and 640Nms of torque. The Platinum variant will reportedly receive 400hp and 10 extra torques, but the former can haul all 2,650kg of metal from naught to 100kph in a mere 6.4 seconds.

To put that into perspective, that’s quicker than the fourcylinder Jaguar F-Pace and the V6 Range Rover Sport.

Impressive indeed!

The power build-up is more linear than what you can expect from turbo motors so often you’ll feel like you’re at the helm of a vehicle powered by a naturally aspirated V8.

That coupled with the brilliant 10-speed (yes, that’s 10 gears!) automatic gearbox gives the Expedition quick feet. Kick-downs are instantaneous, especially if you set the drive mode in ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’, and somehow, it’s always in the right gear. In certain ways, it’s almost like the gearbox has a mind of its own – but a rather intuitive one.

The result of the turbo engine and the gearbox, however, is a fuel consumption rating that’s better than most V8 SUVs out there. I could achieve a reasonable 16.5litres/100km, with the levels dropping to as low as 10litres/100kms during certain sections of the highway.

The Expedition’s ride is quiet and composed, and the SUV sits unruffled during strong crosswinds. Moreover, the

well-tuned suspension, and the 275/55 high-profile tyres that are wrapped around 20-inch six-spoke alloys, makes for a soft ride on Tarmac, while providing just the right blend of road feel and comfort when off the roads.

I spent a good 45km off-roading in the Expedition and found the 4x4 system to be adept and in control of most situations, however, should things get out of hand, you can switch the dial that powers the terrain-management system to suit the conditions.

Back on the roads, the Expedition handles its weight well. I found that it could take corners at speeds of up to 60kph without much drama. But when the going gets a bit edgy, the traction control brings the vehicle back into line with an instinctive system that doesn’t simply slam on the brakes when it thinks it needs to.

The latest Expedition may have taken a good decade or so to reach us, but I’ll tell you this: It was well worth the wait.

It offers everything that an individual and his/her family would require from an SUV. Above all, it comes with the potential to forge grounds that most vehicles of its size wouldn’t dare to.

Well! The Expedition may very well be the best SUV I’ve ever tested in a really long time – and that’s a statement I’ll stand by.

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CARS ADVENTURES DESERT JEWEL

Sarah Brown hops over to the UAE capital for an easy weekend getaway amid a vibrant dose of culture.

1. Indulge in a day of fun at the amusement parks on Yas Island 2. Take an afternoon to explore the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi 3. Cool down and explore Eastern Mangrove Lagoon National Park 4. Sample the stunning architecture of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 5. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Observation Deck at 300

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Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Sarah Brown recommends

ABU DHABI W

hile glitzy Dubai has long been on the bucket list for many travellers to the UAE, the country’s capital Abu Dhabi is often overlooked.

A relatively short drive from Muscat via the Buraimi-Al Ain border, there’s never been a better time to visit, with the government recently announcing that children (under 18s) visiting the UAE with their parents will be given free visit visas every year from July 15 to September 15.

Over the past 10 years, Abu Dhabi has undergone a huge transformation, thanks to the Abu Dhabi emirate’s commitment to veer away from its reliance on oil and gas income.

Development has come to the islands of Yas, Saadiyat and Reem while attractions such as the highly-touted Louvre Abu Dhabi should play a leading role in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District.

While it might be a little too hot at the moment to swim in the turquoise waters alongside S H E IK H ZAYE the Corniche (the esplanade that stretches along the city’s north-western shore) D MOS QUE there’s still plenty to do to keep the whole family happy; from riding the world’s fastest rollercoaster ride at Ferrari World (on Yas Island) to letting the kids cool off on the tornado waterslide at Yas Waterworld. You can visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or delve into the city’s pearl heritage with a cruise on a traditional Jalboot boat. How about indulging your shopping addiction at one of five fabulous malls in the city? Why not top it off by taking afternoon tea in the majestic Emirates Palace?

Abu Dhabi is a much more compact city than Dubai and therefore getting around is straightforward. Taxis are relatively cheap compared to those in Dubai, and can be flagged down fairly easily. There’s also an excellent (and cheap) bus service.

Head to the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island and marvel at the museum’s floating, light-filled dome. Already an iconic site on the city’s skyline, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has a children’s museum as well as a range of interactive activities and artworks that cater to both young and old.

Another great way to stay cool is to head into the peaceful waters of the Eastern Mangroves, and explore the flora and fauna from a kayak. There are now a few companies that offer kayaking tours of the mangroves, where you’ll get the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife, including crabs, colourful fish, herons and flamingoes.

GE A Y E D B R ID Back on terra firma, if it’s a bird’s-eye view of the city and its surrounding islands you are S H E IK H Z seeking, then head to Etihad Towers, where you’ll find Observation Deck at 300. The 300 stands for 300 metres high; Abu Dhabi’s highest vantage point and a thrilling place to round out your visit.

My favourite place

It would have to be the kayaking tour of the Eastern Mangrove Lagoon National Park. As you wind your way deeper into the mangroves, the sounds of the city recede and you can literally feel the stress melting away. The best time to book is late afternoon as it’s so it’s much cooler.

Highlights Perhaps the biggest news this summer is this week’s opening of Warner Bros. World, a massive indoor theme park on Yas Island. It will boast six immersive “lands” and a host of wacky cartoon characters (think Batman, Bugs Bunny, The Flintstones and Superman, to name but a few).

Lowlights Because Abu Dhabi is an island, the humidity during the summer can be quite high – more so than in Muscat.

But that said, the city is well-prepared for the summer and offers a huge amount of indoor activities to help you stay cool.

Souvenirs From gold to more traditional-style souvenirs, such as hand-woven textiles and pottery, either head to the Gold Centre at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre or to Heritage Village on the Corniche Breakwater near Marina Mall.

Getting there

If you are driving, the journey should take just under five hours from Muscat via Buraimi-Al Ain. Otherwise, both Oman Air and Etihad Airways offer daily direct flights to Abu Dhabi.

LOUVR E MUS EUM

Where to stay There’s a range of hotels and hotel apartments to suit all budgets, from mainstays such as Le Meridian or the Beach Rotana, which are both close to the centre of the city. However, there are some great hotels on Yas Island or in the Two Bridges area, such as the Shangri-La Hotel.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

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Gaming

Y-FI

GET SMART Are you looking to buy a new smartphone? The Y Geek Squad brings you those solid contenders trending at the top of the tech world.

IPHONE X We all know that the iPhone X is the most expensive iPhone to date but is it worth all your money? The iPhone X not only has a stunning design but also has a fast A11 Bionic processor, Face ID and a brilliant dual camera. The performance and the battery life is what makes the iPhone X stand out compared to any other phone in its segment. While the Samsung Note 8 and the S9 Plus come closer, the iPhone X is the best smartphone you can buy.

Buy iPhone X 256 GB from Roumaan for RO459.

SAMSUNG S9 Which is the best Android smartphone in the world right now? There is no doubt – it’s the Samsung S9. With a 5.8-inch (14.7cm) display, the Samsung S9 gives you an amazing performance compared to any other Android device. The battery life is much better than that of the Samsung S8, and it comes with a 12MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera.

With all that combined, this is the best Android device you can buy. Buy from Amazon for RO270.

HUAWEI P20 PRO

EDITOR’S PICK

Are you looking for an alternative to the iPhone X or the Samsung S9? Then you should buy the Huawei P20 Pro, which has already been making waves ever since it was launched in Oman. If you’re a professional photographer, then this is the handset to buy as it comes with a triple camera. With a 40MP RGB, 20MB Monochrome and 8MP telephoto, Huawei has taken this smartphone to the next level. With a 6.1-inch display and a decent battery life, the P20 Pro is waging a tough battle on both the iPhone X and the Samsung S9. Buy Huawei 128 GB from Amazon for RO335.

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GOOGLE PIXEL 2L

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A PHONE THAT ALSO HAS AN EXCELLENT CAMERA, THEN THE GOOGLE PIXEL 2L IS THE BEST BUY. ON PERFORMANCE, IT MAY NOT BE AS GOOD AS A SAMSUNG S9 OR EVEN A HUAWEI P20 BUT IT BOASTS INTELLIGENT SOFTWARE THAT COMES DIRECTLY FROM GOOGLE. WITH DISTINCTIVE DESIGN AND A 6-INCH SCREEN, THE GOOGLE PIXEL 2L IS THE PHONE WORTH YOUR MONEY. BUY FROM AMAZON FOR RO280.

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Hotel Dusk: Room 215

Info Box

Developer: CING, NINTENDO Publisher: NINTENDO Genre: NINTENDO DS Platforms: ADVENTURE

Y Geek Squad’s Alvin Thomas tries a game with a hotel you can check in any time you like but can (almost) never leave

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t’s a proven fact – thanks to movies such as Psycho, The Shining, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and plenty more – that hotels make the best settings for murders. As unpleasant as that sounds, a hotel is also the setting for our game review this week.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is a murdermystery game that revolves around an alcoholic ex-NYPD police officer, Kyle Hyde, who is in search of his partner Brian Bradley from way back when.

But it’s not your stereotypical noir storyline: Kyle had shot Brian before it all (for reasons unknown, initially), and the ex-cop believes that he’s still alive somewhere. His search finally takes him to a beat-up hotel – Hotel Dusk – in an iffy part of Los Angeles.

It won’t take much time for the player to realise that there’s something oddly fishy going on here, and the graphicstyle does a great job in creating suspense across each of the shady characters in the game.

The graphical interface is, arguably, from the early 2000s but then again, the game creates a hook with its intricatelycrafted storyline.

As you progress through the game, you can interview numerous hotel guests but every move you make opens a can of worms you wished you hadn’t opened.

This is essentially what makes the game more challenging than many others of its era even if it’s a bit tedious at times.

But we’re not complaining.

If anything, this is one of the few games that we prefer as a slow burn. Every dialogue from your interviews is critical to solving the mystery, and there’s always a clue nestling in one of the corners of the room. So, it’s wise to keep your eyes open.

Also, during interrogation, you’ll be given many questions to ask a person.

The right answers will yield results but

the wrong ones will inevitably – and a bit abruptly – end the game. So, finding the right set of questions is vital to how you progress.

Be that as it may, we’re not taking the suspense away.

Just keep this in mind: there’s something sinister about Room 215, and it’s every bit as menacing as George Orwell’s Room 101.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

FRINGE BENEFITS

No longer the preserve of cowgirls and rodeos, the fringe trend has hit the catwalks with a bang this season. From chic dresses to funky tops, stylish skirts, sleek jackets, fun accessories and jazzy jeans; there’s a range of designs and colours to suit all ages and sizes, such as this look from Dorothy Perkins.

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, reet t s gh e hi h t to ion it up. h s s fa igh n style h From h Brow a Sar

T t e G

These classic black jeans from Next have been given a modern twist with a playful tassel hem. Dress up or down depending on your mood. From RO19.

M&S has taken the iconic textured fabric blazer to the next level with its understated fringe detailing and upmarket gold buttons. From RO28.

Soft and silky, this floral kimono from F&F will add a glam touch to a pair of jeans or luxe trousers, while the fringed sleeves are bang on trend this season. From RO12.6.

Round out the trend with New Look’s modern black tassel fringe box clutch bag – perfect for a night out. From RO9.

A pair of fun tassel hoop earrings from Accessorize will add a touch of pizazz to your fringe look.

From RO5.

Protect your peeps and add a pop of colour at the same time in these aviator-style sunglasses

by F&F. From RO3.

Put your best foot forward and keep it casual in these “Florence” fringed sliders from Accessorize.

From RO17.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

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F Dare To Be

Different

rom feather eyebrows to floral eyeliners, holographic hair and corkscrew nails; beauty trends this year appear to be moving from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Thanks to an army of YouTubers and Instagrammers, it’s all about experimenting to hit on a viral trend that will boost your subscriber base and put you on the road to fame and fortune a la Zoella or more current influencers such as Nikkie de Jager, Kandee Johnson and the Dubai-based Hudda Kattan.

Here, Y brings you some of the craziest trends to hit the beauty world this year:

Holographic Hair

Forget ombre and mermaid. This year’s hottest hair trend has embraced all things holographic. Think the usual pastel rainbow colours but with a silvery or gold twist that adds “shifting pigments” to your hair to create the holographic look. While the trend takes your hair to a whole new, almost 3D level, hair care companies have come up with a clever way to now get the look. This means the likes of IGK’s Foamo can give you shape-shifting, cosmic hair from the comfort of your own bathroom.

Corkscrew Nails

Just last year, one of the biggest fads with beauty YouTubers was to paint their nails with hundreds of layers of nail polish, creating an unattractive lumpy melange of colours. We are truly thankful that this trend failed to take off. But this year, in its place, we’ve got a twist: corkscrew nails, which were created by Kiara Sky Professional Nails.

Basically, a nail artist takes a small plastic straw, shapes a gel spiral around it and attaches it to your nail. They then paint the nails and the spiral the same colour, adding a dash of glitter for a 3D effect.

Feathered Brows

It seems our eyebrows haven’t escaped the crazy beauty trend. And to be honest, there’s some odd designs out there, from coat hangers drawn on foreheads as an extension of the eyebrow to even embedding a small garden in them. Perhaps the most intriguing is the ‘feathered’ brow. And yes, to answer your question, it means literally taking your eyebrow and making it resemble a bird’s feather. Created by Finnish make-up artist Stella Sironen, we’ll let the photo do the talking on this one.

Yellow Blush/Eye Shadow

Here we were thinking that the 1970-style blue eye shadow and coral lipstick were still the biggest beauty crimes these days. But it seems that yellow blush or eye shadow is now the thing, with some beauty influencers opting to look like they are about to be hired as an extra in Blade Runner.

While some experts say that it’s worth a try, we say it’s up there with nose hair extensions (unbelievably, another beauty trend in the social media sphere this year!), wavy brows (so last year) and pimple nail art – a trend we hope to never see again.

Floral Eyeliner

Beauty tips with few boundaries are banging this season’s fashion drum. Here, Sarah Brown suggests what’s on trend for you to try out 042

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This trend emerged on social media during – you guessed it – springtime.

Inspired by pretty spring flowers, it’s all about a steady hand as you draw colourful blooms along the top of your eyelid. It’s intricate work so takes quite a bit of practice and patience. We have to say that it’s one of our favourite beauty trends this year although the heat of summer could see your floral theme wilt and melt.

Beauty

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ALLERGIES ARE

NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

C

With its desert dunes and lush wadis, Oman is home to one of the most divergent ecosystems in the GCC – and for allergy sufferers this can mean a double whammy.

Here are some tips on how to cope amid its unique climate when there’s no shortage of dust and pollens

all it seasonal rhinitis. Call it hay fever. Call it by any name you like, but for the countless sufferers in Oman who endure itchy, watery eyes, ever-runny noses and scratchy throats that accompany the change in seasons, it means only one thing – allergies.

While most of us think of allergies as a spring thing, experts say that onethird of people suffer with them in the autumn.

That's because in autumn, plants like ragweed and late-blooming trees, flowers, and weeds release pollen. Couple these floras with certain moulds found on fallen leaves, dead plants and rotting wood – which also peak during the autumn season and release tiny spores into the air – and you have a recipe that can wreak havoc on the sinuses.

Although allergies are something to be tolerated, sufferers don’t have to be doomed to a season of Kleenex. The following tips may help reduce exposure to allergens and soothe allergy symptoms:

Minimise outdoor activity

certain camomile teas can set off symptoms in people who suffer from ragweed allergies.

Consider alternative remedies

If over-the-counter medications don’t seem to be bringing some muchneeded relief then safe, effective and nutritional remedies such as Efficas Care may be just what the doctor ordered. This non-prescription medical food is taken once a day – either by itself or mixed in with other foods – and is the first ‘nutritional therapeutic’ approach that has been clinically proven to help reduce allergy symptoms.

Use the dryer

While most people love the smell of the outdoors on their freshlylaundered clothes, it’s also a haven for pollen and mould. Better to throw your laundry in the dryer – which makes more sense here in Oman, as your laundry is likely to come in off the line covered in a film of dust.

IIn Oman, this is a no-brainer during the hot summer months. Pollen is at Keep the outside out its highest in the morning hours, so avoid doing anything outdoors until midThe air conditioner should be an allergy sufferer’s best friend – and here morning. Keep in mind that tasks such as raking or clearing the yard kick in the GCC, there’s one in every household. Leaving windows open, while up outdoor allergens like no other and may trigger an attack. If you must do refreshing, invites in pollens, moulds, and dust mites that can trigger an yard-work, wear a dust mask, and shower immediately after the task. attack. If you can’t stand to keep the house closed, an air filter or purifier will help reduce the presence of allergens.

Watch what you eat

Research shows that some foods like melons, bananas, zucchini, and

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Trend

YUMMY

SWEET REFRESHMENT

There’s no fruit more synonymous with summer than watermelon – and it’s diversity in your dishes might surprise you!

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New Restaurant

Reviews

MAKE A MEAL OUT OF MELON 45 Celsius summer calls for a refreshing dose of a childhood favourite – watermelon. Whether you like it fresh off the rind, or iced to perfection in a slushie, this juicy, hydrating slice of happiness isn’t limited to those sweet indulgences only

Watermelon Kebabs § 1 serving 2.5cm cubes of seedless watermelon § 1 serving smoked turkey breast § 1 serving low-fat or fat-free cheddar cheese § 1 serving coffee stirrers or beverage straws Cut watermelon, turkey and cheese in cubes, and skewer on stirrers or straws.

Source: newsusa.com

Watermelon Poke Bowl

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With childhood obesity on the rise and kids eating worse today than they did 20 years ago, it’s so important for parents to take their children’s diets seriously,” says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and author of Eat Your Way to Happiness.

But, as many busy mums and dads know firsthand, it’s not easy to pack a quality lunch at 6am – especially if your kid is likely to opt for a slice of cafeteria pizza, regardless.

Don’t worry – the war is not lost.

It’s entirely possible to get children to eat nutritious lunches, especially if you know your way around fruit and veg. According to Somer, watermelon should be a kitchen staple.

“Watermelon contains lycopene.

Lycopene is an antioxidant, and it’s the pigment that gives watermelon its red colour,” says Somer.

“Watermelon is free of cholesterol, fat, and sodium. You can’t get much better than that.”

The juicy fruit, often dubbed a multi-vitamin unto itself, has vitamins A, B6 (6 per cent), C,

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potassium (8 per cent) and fibre (4 per cent). It’s also great for staying hydrated, a way for picky kids to eat their water. Not to mention, it’s lipsmacking, finger-licking delicious.

For all of you about to harp on how much natural sugar watermelon has, wait just a second. Somer says this is largely a myth, and although watermelon may have a high glycaemic index score, it has very few calories.

“Watermelon just fills you up without filling you out,” Somer says.

“The nice thing about watermelon is that it’s chin-dribbling juicy and so versatile. You can eat it straight from the melon, blend it into a beverage, make popsicles out of it, make sweet salsas, grill it, put it in sandwiches, etc.”

Watermelon is often mistaken for a summer treat but it’s available all-year-round. It’s also surprisingly portable once chopped up and put in baggies or Tupperware.

Check out these quick and easy watermelon recipes perfect for onthe-go lunches:

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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 1/4 -1/2 cup watermelon juice 1 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 green onions, cut on the diagonal with whites and greens separated 3 medium cloves garlic or 2 large cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tablespoon minced gingerroot 1/3 white onion, thinly sliced 340g ahi tuna, cut into 1.2cm cubes 1 small avocado, diced 2/3 cup diced watermelon 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds serving pickled ginger (sushi ginger or gari)

In a medium bowl, mix the soya sauce, watermelon juice, chili sauce, oil, the white portion of green onions, garlic, ginger-root and the onion. Add the tuna; toss and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Ten minutes before serving, add the avocado and return to the refrigerator.

Plate as desired and top with watermelon and green onions then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with pickled ginger.

Source: www.watermelon.org

Greek Pitta Flatbread § 4 wedges seedless watermelon (bite-size pieces) § 1 cup diced cooked chicken § 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro § 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt § 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt § dash cayenne pepper § 2 whole pita breads, halved or whole-grain flatbreads § 1/4 cup prepared spreadable herb cheese § 4 large lettuce leaves Place the sliced watermelon on paper towels to remove any excess liquid.

Mix the chicken, cilantro, yoghurt, garlic salt, and cayenne. Spread inside the surfaces of the pitta bread

halves with herbed cheese and fill each with about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture.

Arrange the watermelon and lettuce in the pitta bread.

Source: www.watermelon.org

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New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Info Box

TASTE OF KOREA – AMAZING CHICKEN

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Adjacent to The Basil Restaurant, Al Ghubra, Muscat Opening hours: 1 ‫ ‏‬0:30am – 3pm, and 4:30pm – 11:30pm Contact: (‫ ‏‬+968) 2207 5558 Dinner for two: RO24.5

TASTE OF KOREA – AMAZING CHICKEN

Verdict : 8.5/10 SERVICE 9/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE Korea’s very best, now in Oman. A must-visit restaurant for anybody that enjoys fiery yet delectable Korean cuisine.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

MOVE OVER KIMCHI, CRUNCHY SPICY-SWEET KOREAN CHICKEN IS once our forks laid into the egg, there was nothing WHERE IT’S AT - AND THIS HIDDEN GEM IN AL GHUBRA IS SERVING stopping the towering bowl of rice from being UP SOME OF MUSCAT’S BEST. ALVIN THOMAS BRINGS HIS APPETITE. torn down and being permeated in a thick layer

N

aming your restaurant is quite a difficult task. You can’t come across as pretentious but you also can’t be vague with the name. Regardless, going ahead and naming your restaurant ‘Amazing Chicken’ – which is where I headed this week – is a bold step. It’s like naming your newborn child Taylor Swift or Lionel Messi.

You best expect them to grow up into somebody special or worth remembering.

In line with that theory, the Taste of Korea – Amazing Chicken restaurant isn’t just about the name; it’s got good game too. But I may be jumping the gun here.

Hidden deep in the dark shadows of the building opposite to the Omani school in Ghubra, this Korean restaurant is situated in the last place you’d normally look. So, arming yourself with Google Maps is advisable.

Nevertheless, once you’re inside, there’s no way to tell that you’re still in Muscat, save for a framed copy of Y Magazine’s past review of the restaurant from three years ago. The décor inside is tasteful and not too overpowering while the amber lights set the tone just right.

It’s exactly what one would expect to see from a Korean restaurant – or so I imagine.

That, coupled with the welcoming staff, and the unblemished and clean interiors, paved the way for a very enjoyable night.

The waiter was swift to bring us our menu card, and the starving bunch that we were, we didn’t spend too much time mucking about either.

We hastily ordered a diet cola, a pitcher of Korean green tea, and a dukbokki to set the ball in motion. As for the main course, we stuck to the basics: kimchi fried rice, a half-and-half platter of

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of yolk.

The piping hot plate of rice was so appetising that we didn’t even bat an eye at the servings of omelette slices, napa cabbage, garlic, broccoli, and shredded chicken that were on our table.

But at the request of the waiter, we decked our rice with cubes of well-done beef, freshly cooked mushrooms and onions. And boy, he was right: THE FRESHLY FRIED AND MARINATED CHICKEN SLICES DISAPPEARED FROM THE Mixing the four ingredients together split the PLATE WITHOUT ANY WARNING – AND flavours of the dish to take it up to a whole new BEFORE WE KNEW IT, WE HAD GREEDILY level.

LICKED THE PLATE CLEAN. That said, the star of the night wasn’t the fried rice, but rather the DakGangJungs chicken. Oh, how I crave for a serving of the dish while I’m writing this.

One half of the chicken in the dish was dipped in sweet and mild soy sauce, while the other half was smothered in a savoury chilli sauce. The result was simply staggering (!) and almost reminiscent to the soul food that’s served in the US. Needless to say, the freshly fried and marinated chicken slices disappeared from the plate without any warning – and before we knew it, we had GanJang and YangNyeon DakGangJungs, and two greedily licked the plate clean. The crispy outer beef steaks. coating, and the soft and steamy meat stood no The starter arrived quickly – in about five chance against our growing appetite and our minutes – and we found ourselves gorging into determination to devour it all. the delectable rice cakes that were smothered in The Taste of Korea – Amazing Chicken may Korean chilli paste and freshly baked veggies. not be situated in the most upscale – or for that The sticky rice cakes were spot on in consistency matter even the most accessible – part of town, and went well with the chilli paste, but the but it certainly struck the ball out of the park accompanying tofu had a seafood essence to it – during our night out. When it comes to the quality almost like it was dipped in a bowl of fish stock. of food, presentation, and overall ambience, we’re Still, we reckoned that it tasted quintessentially not sure there are many other restaurants in the Korean. city that can take Amazing Chicken on. In my The dishes from our main course arrived even books, this humble Korean restaurant is aces. before we were done with the dukbokki.

The beef steak was a live preparation and Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see would take a good five minutes, so the waiter set reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com an induction cooker on our table to begin fixing the dish. It only took a few seconds for the aura of freshly grilled beef, onions and mushrooms, to emanate from the cooker.

And before we knew it, our table became the focal point of the restaurant as the other customers all laid their eyes on the sizzling steaks.

Soon after, we were served our kimchi fried rice – which was topped off with sausages and a sunny side up egg. The presentation was top notch, but