Y Magazine #535, September 13, 2018

Flying high

5 COOL WAYS TO SPEND YOUR LAYOVER AT MIA

Fashionforward

OMAN’S TOP ONLINE APPAREL APPS!

DIABETES AMONG WOMEN ON THE 12 News: RISE IN OMAN

DESTINATION: Khadda Beach TASTE TEST: Ananthapuri Restaurant YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

CATCH THE LATEST UPDATES ONLY ON WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

SEP 13 - 19 2018 / ISSUE 535 • WEEKLY

TRUE

FALSE?

PLUS!

WHAT MAKES FAKE NEWS GO VIRAL? WITH ONE FABRICATED NEWS STORY GAINING TRACTION EVERY THREE DAYS IN OMAN, Y INVESTIGATES ITS IMPACT ON REAL JOURNALISM IN THE COUNTRY AND HOW SO MANY ARE FALLING FOR FICTION OVER FACT

Y-FI: GADGETS 38 FOR GALS 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

POSTCARD: HELSINKI, FINLAND

36

FIRST DRIVE: LUXURY WITH LEXUS ES300H

34

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

H

ow often do we re-share, re-post, and regurgitate what we see, read or hear online? And, after all, isn’t it this virtual trigger-finger that wields the power to make content go viral? When there are too many shades of grey it becomes impossible to tell fact from fake for those social media news consumers who don’t deign to delve a little deeper – an oversight global powers aren’t afraid to exploit.

In this week’s issue of Y, our cover story shines a revealing light on the issue of fake news right here at home in Oman. Fake news is a threat to real journalism – with an average of one fake news story propagated every three days in the Sultanate. We take a look at some of the most outrageous that have caused confusion and, in turn, have invoked new laws – ultimately asking the question, why are people falling prey to such news more often, and what can we do to stop it?

Also in our pages this edition, we take you inside Muscat International Airport with our top five coolest things to do at the new air hub that will help take the lag out of your layover. Plus, we round up the newest fashion-forward shopping apps taking the UAE and Oman by storm, hand-pick the best gluten-free offerings available for foodies in Muscat, take a trip to Helsinki and more!

Until next week, happy reading!

The Y Team EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi ADMIN MANAGER Yousef Al Harrassi ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

FOLLOW US ON:

@ytabloid /ytabloid

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

/ytabloid ymagazine

www.y-oman.com /ymagazine

Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

CEO Eihab Abutaha We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please info@y-oman.com email Want to read Y on the go?

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

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

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

03

contents SEPT 13 - 19

Your Oman

20 Beyond belief

Y explores how the

influence of fake news

has managed to gain a

foothold in the Sultanate

and the threat it poses

to real journalism in the country.

2018

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

P.M. Jabir 10 News

Ministry withdraws

M95 petrol 12

Features

News Diabetes among women on the rise in Oman

18

Oman Comedy Club Get the belly laughs in as the Oman Comedy Club returns to the Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC this Thursday, September 13!

26

Five things to do at MIA! Make every minute of your layover count with our round-up of some of the coolest features and outlets at the new Muscat International Airport.

20

19 Movies

Winona Ryder and

Keanu Reeves team

up as two sour

wedding

guests who’ve

lost faith in love, in

‘Destination Wedding’.

10

19

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Khadda Beach

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Lexus ES300h 38 Y-Fi

Gadgets for gals

40 Fashion

The best online

shopping apps 42 Beauty

Treating adult acne

38 40

Food and Drink 44 Yummy Oman: Food myths

debunked!

Is gluten really bad

for you? Are too

many eggs a

no-no? Yummy

Oman puts an

end to some of

the most common

food myths.

46 Taste Test

Ananthapuri Restaurant

NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

44

Is your nose blocked?

Are headaches a constant companion?

Do you have facial pain ?

Troubled by sneezing, runny nose or scratchy throat?

It could be

Sinusitis or

Allergic Rhinitis Walk in for

Free clinics

on all Thursday till Nov

Dr Sabarinath Vijayakumar

9:00am – 1:00pm 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Opp. OK Centre, Ruwi, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman e-mail: info@abeergroup.om

www.abeergroup.om

Free Valet Parking

OK Centre

MOH NO: 1025/2018

Specialist - ENT

9120 8277

For booking

24 X7 Service

MBBS, MS- ENT (JIPMER), OTO RHINO LARYNGOLOGY

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

Real-life rap battle Nicki Minaj and Cardi B are no longer keeping it civilised. At a New York Fashion Week event, Nicki and Cardi were both at the Harper’s Bazaar Icon Party and Cardi threw her shoe at Nicki and lunged at the rapper.

Security guards had to escort Cardi B out and she was seen rocking a giant bump on her forehead. Taking to Instagram that night, she wrote to Nicki saying: “I’ve let a lot of stuff slide... I addressed you once in person, I addressed you a second time in person, and every time you copped the plea!! But when you mention my child, you choose to like comments about me as a mother, make comments about my abilities to take care of daughter is when all bets are off!” Nicki has yet to comment.

Williams’ US Open disgrace The US Open tennis women’s final on September 9 was mired in controversy.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams was beaten 6-2 6-4 by 20-year-old Naomi Osaka, who became the first Japanese person to win a Grand Slam title. During the match, umpire Carlos Ramos took a point off Williams for smashing her racquet in anger. He also issued her with a code violation after seeing her coach Patrick Mouratoglu make a hand gesture towards her which he interpreted as on-court coaching and which is against the rules. Mouratoglu later admitted the offence but said his charge hadn’t seen it. When Williams shouted at the umpire Carlos Ramos and called him a ‘liar’ and a ‘thief’ and demanded that he apologise to her, the Portuguese docked a game off her. Plucky Osaka went on to win the match – however the crowd’s boorish support of Williams was such that the she was in tears during the victory presentation on what should have been the night of her life.

06

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

A quadruple threat John Legend is one of the few celebs in Hollywood to achieve an EGOT – an acronym for someone who’s won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Last night at the 70th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, John won an Emmy becoming one of 15 people to achieve EGOT status. He’s the first AfricanAmerican man to earn the accolade and, at the age of 39, has tied with Robert Lopez as the youngest man to gain this achievement, joining the ranks of Whoopi Goldberg, Barbra Streisand, and Audrey Hepburn.

Winter is coming!

Season 7 of ‘Game of Thrones’ came out last year, and fans of the series can’t wait for Season 8 – the last and final season.

A teaser has been revealed, and the release date is slated to be around April 21. The season will be six episodes long, which may seem short, but each episode is estimated to run anywhere between 60 to 120 minutes each. The makers of the show have promised fans bigger fight scenes, battles, and special effects. We’re already taking bets on which characters will make it to the bitter end!

Loss of a talent so young On Friday September 7, rapper Mac Miller – born Malcolm James McCormick, passed away.

He was found unconscious and unresponsive in his San Fernando Valley home. Mac Miller was 26 years-old and a beacon of kindness and talent.

His death was mourned by many fellow musicians and artists, including Chance the Rapper, Elton John, and Drake, who remember him as being innovative and loving.

Malcolm’s spirit will live on in his music.

Dua Lipa collaborates with Silk City Dua Lipa is back with another dance track! This time she’s teamed up with Mark Ronson and Diplo – also known as musical duo ‘Silk City’ on ‘Electricity’ a song with a 90’s throwback house vibe. Dua will be including this song on the deluxe edition of her self-titled début album ‘Dua Lipa: Complete Edition’ which will be available on October 19. This is also the fourth single Mark Ronson and Diplo have released from their collaborative ‘Silk City’ project.

MØ shares new track off new album ‘Neverland’ Danish superstar MØ is back with yet another new song.

‘Way Down’ will be featured on her new album ‘Forever Neverland’ which is set to be released on October 19! MØ says it’s a “semi-apocalyptic” song that talks about feeling scared about everything going on in the world today.

Camila Cabello teams up with Swae Lee Camila Cabello has enlisted the help of Swae Lee for the remix of her acoustic song ‘Real Friends’.

If Swae’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he makes up one half of the popular hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd. The original version of ‘Real Friends’ was on Cabello’s début solo album ‘Camila’, released in January.

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 INDIAN SOCIAL WORKER P.M. JABIR TALKS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF FAKE NEWS, AND HOW SEVERAL EXPATS IN OMAN FELL VICTIM TO DONATION AND CHARITY DRIVES DURING THE RECENT KERALA FLOODS

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Can you trust news that’s spread over social media in Oman – even from seemingly reliable sources? How worried are you about fake news in the Sultanate?

DR. TAMANNA DALWAI

F

ake news is a subject that has come into the limelight recently, by which I mean it has become more dominant after the inception of social media. But, like much of the content that’s published within the story, it too is wrong.

Such stories can throw normalcy out of order, and possibly also evoke a lot of panic within the communities in Oman.

It’s evident that those framing such news do so for personal benefit or just for the sheer pleasure of causing mass confusion. Thankfully, the Oman government deals with such issues immediately but sometimes, a few hours are all it takes for a story to blow up.

For instance, during the Kerala floods – which happened in August – there were several organisations that were sending out messages on WhatsApp and Facebook asking for donations.

This wasn’t something the Kerala government had asked for – and the chief minister of the state had specifically asked foreign organisations to keep away from such activities. Yet, several thousand Riyals and tons of goods were collected to be sent to Kerala.

Today, we aren’t even aware if all that has reached the needy. Where is the money and the goods? Only those involved with these organisations know.

Fake news and misinformation is the byproduct of an ever-connected social network, and it’s now up to us to reduce its impact. People like you and me should make it our goal to check the legitimacy of a story before sharing it. This is because not everyone would go beyond reading the headline.

And that’s what can cause a widespread confusion among the public. One such story floating around WhatsApp is the ‘Donate to Save’ campaign hosted by anonymous individuals.

These are the people who ask for online donations of RO1 from innocent residents of Oman, in the promise of helping the needy. Needless to say, all these unaccredited sources of news are scams – and many are falling for them.

This is against the interests of the community, and people sharing these news items should be wary of their consequences.

08

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

Oman does occasionally suffer from fake news circulating through social media. The latest examples were those relating to the weather or a false religious ruling. Circulating fake news in Oman is punishable under Article 61 of Oman Criminal Law whereby the offence is punishable as a jail sentence or a fine. Due to this regulation, news from social media of reliable sources can be trusted here in Oman. However, statistics from a Digital News Report suggest that only 24 per cent of individuals around the world trusted social media to separate fact from fiction. There is still a dearth of appropriate solutions to curb fake news.

Governments around the world walk a tight rope to avoid their regulations being called a violation of freedom of expression or speech.

Fake news can negatively impact public and individual well-being. Miscreants who intent to create malice can only be curbed by strict regulations. But those who indulge in unintentional forwarding of negative messages need to have proper awareness. Initiatives at schools, colleges and institutions need to develop ‘socially responsible citizens’ that understand the impact of their actions.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE

Not everything you see on social media is real.

Not everything is fake, either. In my seven years of living and working in Oman, fake news is not as rampant in the Sultanate as in other countries.

The authorities in Oman are doing their job well to check if the news to be published on social media is true or not. In order not to worry about fake news, there are ways to check about trusting the content that you can find on social media, such as thinking critically whenever you read news and see viral videos on social media. Check

WRITE TO US AND YOU COULD WIN

the source to see if it is a reliable or trusted website.

The best way of checking whether the content is true or false is to trace where it came from and to verify the person who posted it. To avoid spreading fake news, always remember to “Click and check before you share”.

MOHAN ANANDAN

The norm should not be to take the news that is spread over social media at face value. Fake news not only creates chaos and confusion but it could also lead to violence. The fact that fake news has the potential to shatter the very fabric of the society must make every social media enthusiast aware of the dangers of spreading unconfirmed news and accordingly refrain from doing so. The golden rule should be ‘No Forwards Please’! The authorities here in Oman have already taken cognisance of this issue and have taken several measures to rein in perpetrators.

PREETI ABHILASH

Fake news can take a variety of forms – at its most extreme, it deliberately spreads incorrect statements that are purposefully distributed under the guise of real news with the aim of deceiving for their own gain (whether that be political, financial or other).

In most cases, fake news is an unsubstantiated rumour posted on social media which rapidly gains momentum and thanks to being shared widely it becomes recognised as real news. These stories become accepted as the truth, whether this was the original intention or not.

CHAKRABORTY PINKY

In Oman, I have not yet been overly perturbed by fake news. Obviously fake news is a worry to everyone. The fear is that, rather than focusing on false stories published on social media, authoritarian

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

ebHotel /GoldenTulipSe eb @GoldenTulipSe

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / /ytabloid. The winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip.

Vouchers must be collected from Y’s Seeb office in person. Only one winner per week; editor’s decision is final. For other terms and conditions, see the Golden Tulip voucher.

SCAN THESE QR CODES &

FOLLOW US

leaders will use the new laws to target legitimate news outlets that are critical of them.

SUNIL JOHN MARTIN

During the last Eid Al Adha holidays, social media was buzzing with the news of a nine-day holiday, even before any official announcement.

In this case, the so- called rumour or fake news turned out to be true.

However, this is not always the case, since it is easy to circulate fake news on social media. Unlike the print or broadcast media, social media is free from controls and strict rules and regulations. So one cannot take news on social media seriously and get worried about it.

BRUCE O’CONNOR

Aah, fake news! Or shall I just say news? Really, is there a disparity? I challenge all of you reading this to open your Facebook profiles

/YTABLOID

WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

and go through your news feed – and keep it short; this experiment only requires five minutes or so. And while you’re at it, make a point to mark all the news stories that you’ve stumbled upon. I assure you that at least 10 out of the 15 news stories will either be fake or twisted in a manner as to which headline won’t make any sense to the reader whatsoever. That, sadly, is the world we live in. Quantity over quality: that’s the motto that drives journalists of today. And, we can’t simply judge them either – it’s what the people want. Short news with less than adequate research, and perhaps a dash of humour. We’re not alien to such news here in Oman, either – but thankfully, clickbait is a concept lost here. Yet, we’re still exposed to an act more evil than that: false information. A few weeks ago, I received a WhatsApp message that read: ‘Ministry finds plastic rice in Oman’. Now, being an avid consumer of the grain, I panicked. As a matter

MOHAMMED HAROON was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at the German Eye Centre

@YTABLOID

/YMAGAZINE

New Debate: How will Oman overcome its reliance on fossil fuels when the oil runs dry?

Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

of fact, I quickly went on the Internet to check if the news was true. That’s when I noticed that it was a story cooked up in China back in 2015. Somehow, it crept into Oman. Be that as it may, I’m surprised that people here in Oman share such information without cross-checking – it has the potential to cause mass panic, and maybe even violence. It’s evident that we need to be a bit sceptical and keep an open mind when we consume data online. Otherwise, we’re jumping onto a bandwagon that’s headed straight for the cliff edge. But then again, this is a world that believed that the world would come to an end in 2012.

THIS IS YOUR SPOT! Just send us your picture with Y Magazine or pose with our photographer and we will publish it on this page

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

09

NEWS

MINISTRY WITHDRAWS

M95 PETROL

T

he Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has stopped the sale of M95 petrol from several fuel stations in Oman after several people complained of its quality.

The petrol was withdrawn from fuel stations in the governorates of North Batinah and Buraimi.

However, the Ministry has confirmed that all other oil products including M91 and diesel will be available at these fuel stations.

A ministry spokesman said: “There has been a report of lack of supply and quality of fuel products M95 at some of the fuel stations in the governorates of North Al Batinah and Al Buraimi.

“We have immediately ordered the withdrawal

of stock of fuel products M95 due to lack of supply and quality of the fuel from these stations.”

The Ministry is now coordinating with several marketing companies and Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (ORPIC) to refuel these stations with new stock.

“As this process (refuel) may take some time, we request customers to go to alternative fuel stations during this period,” he added A spokesman from ORPIC said: “Orpic reassures the public that all its petroleum products are supplied to all marketing companies with the same quality as per the approved measures and specifications in the Sultanate of Oman.”

CAFÉ SHUT AFTER MULTIPLE

HEALTH VIOLATIONS

A

coffee shop in Al Khuwair has been closed down after food inspectors found an infestation of insects in its kitchen.

In a statement issued online, the Muscat Municipality has also urged restaurants

010

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

and coffee shops to adhere to health regulations.

“The Health Affairs Department at Muscat Municipality closed a coffee shop in Al Khuwair because of the spread of insects, and they also found other health violations in the place of preparing food.

“We would like to request all restaurants and coffee shops to abide by our rules and ensure proper hygiene is in place.”

Meanwhile, Dhofar Municipality has destroyed more than 2,000 kg of meat at the central slaughterhouse in Salalah.

“Dhofar municipality destroyed 2,981 kg of meat that was unsuitable for human consumption,” a statement said.

WINNRER’S CIRCLE

GALLERY

43 YEARS OF CRICKETING LEGACY MAKES AN APPEARANCE AS THE WORLD CUP TROPHY COMES TO THE OMAN AVENUES MALL.

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

011

YOUR

OMAN

LABOUR LAW ARRESTS TOP 100

F

ifty-nine workers have been deported for flouting Oman’s labour laws. In addition, the Ministry of Manpower has confirmed that a further 50 illegal workers were arrested in Buraimi. A Ministry spokesman said: “Forty of these workers were illegally working in commercial establishments, six in agricultural occupations and four in private professions.”

Oman has recently increased fines against those who hire absconding workers, from 100 riyals to 1,000 riyals.

DIABETES AMONG WOMEN IN OMAN ON THE RISE

GOLD SMUGGLING SUSPECT

M

ore women in Oman than ever before are suffering from diabetes, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed.

As per the 2017 annual report, out of the 6,360 new diabetic cases registered in Oman, women made up 51.8 per cent with 3,198 cases against 2,863 men. Interestingly, 14 per cent of these cases were in the age group 40-44 years.

“Around 13.5 per cent are from the age group 45-49 while 13.6 per cent is from the age group 50-54,” the report said. North Al Batinah reported the highest number of cases (1,515) followed by Muscat (1,164).

Sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices are to blame for the rise in the prevalence of diabetes, the MoH says, which is taking steps to educate the public and improve health care.

The report said: “We are conducting several classes for those who are diabetic and pre-diabetic, and we ask them to control their diet and avoid spicy and sugary foods.

Untreated diabetes could cause kidney damage, strokes and heart problems.”

A National Health Survey carried out in 1991 showed that the prevalence of diabetes was 9.75 per cent among adults over 20 years of age, while in the year 2000 it had increased to 11.6 per cent. In 2008, it rose again, to 12.3 per cent.

BOY, 8, DIES ON BUS ARRESTED IN INDIA

G

old bars weighing nearly 3kg have been seized by airport officials after being found in a passenger’s case.

A person flying from Muscat into Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi was detained

on Sunday.

According to a statement issued by IGIA on Sunday, customs officials seized 2,813 grams of gold valued at RO45,000.

“The passenger has admitted to having smuggled gold through Mumbai and Ahmedabad airports in India,” the statement said.

Details of the passenger have not been revealed.

India has recently enforced a record high 10 per cent import duty on gold as part of measures to offset the weakening rupee.

As per the customs rule, a female passenger travelling to India can only bring RS 100,000 (RO535) worth of gold while a male passenger is allowed RS 50,000 (RO 268) worth of gold.

An Indian customs official said gold smuggling had increased this year particularly from passengers coming from GCC countries.

“In July, a similar incident happened at Delhi airport when a passenger was arrested after trying to smuggle gold worth RS 3 crore (RO 54,000) into the country.

“There has been an increase in arrests this year of passengers from GCC countries smuggling gold into India,” the official added.

012

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

A

n eight-year-old boy has died after collapsing on a school bus in Ruwi.

The Sudanese school pupil, who was studying at Al Hadhara School for Basic Education in Ruwi, had been left alone on the bus for two hours.

He was rushed to hospital but died there.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has terminated the contract with a school bus operator, and has pledged to start legal proceedings against the driver and his employer.

In a statement issued on Sunday, MOE confirmed: “We have forwarded this case to the Public Prosecution. We will take serious action against the driver and the bus operator.”

EASTERN EATS

GALLERY

IT WAS A NIGHT OF FAR EAST FLAVOUR AT THE SHERATON OMAN HOTEL AS THE SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL GOT UNDERWAY

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

013

YOUR

BON APPETIT!

OMAN

MUSCAT FOODIES ENJOYED A TASTE OF PROVENCE WITH VISITING MICHELIN STAR CHEF JÉRÔME ROY AT THE SHANGRI-LA AL HUSN RESORT & SPA

014

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

GALLERY

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

015

YOUR

WILD WADIS

OMAN

OMAN’S VALLEY OASES TEEM WITH LIFE AMID THE LIMPID POOLS AND SHELTERING ROCKS THAT FORM THE FOUNDATION OF ITS SERENE WADIS.

016

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

GALLERY

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi

Location: Jabal Al Akhdar

Style: Landscape

Sometimes the sky speaks to us; to remind us of our relation to the Earth and our place in the grand scheme of things – for it’s up where our mind soars and our spirit follows.

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

017

OMAN COMEDY CLUB Laugh out loud this week with some of the best Omani comedians in town. Asian Events is hosting the Oman Comedy Club at the Crowne Plaza Hotel OCEC with participation from Omani comedians including Abbas al Lawati. The Club does a stand-up gig every Thursday with fresh content. For more information, log on to www.asean-events.com.

SEP

13

WEEK

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

SEPTEMBER After a memorable musical performance from Placido Domingo last week, Royal Opera House Muscat will host acclaimed Iraqi oud musician and composer Naseer Shamma.

Shamma, who founded Egypt’s prestigious House of Arabian Oud, has composed countless works for theatre, television and radio receiving high honours and winning several awards.

For his concert, the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra is led by Lebanese conductor Andre El Hajj. To book your tickets, log on to www.rohmuscat.org.om

018

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

SEP

13

Embark on a cultural journey of flavours and rich traditions with an exceptional Iranian Food Festival at National Hospitality Institute (NHI) in Al Wadi Al Kabir. The food festival offers a variety of exotic dishes to explore. Guests can sample Shish Kebab, Joddeh Kebab, Fesanjan, Baghali Polow and Zereshk Pulow. The festival will be held at Classroom Restaurant at 7.30pm. To make a reservation, contact 2481-6313.

MUSICAL NIGHT AT ROHM

THIS

IRAN FOOD FESTIVAL

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

SEP

14

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 2479-1641

U Turn Cast: : Shradda Srinath, Rahul Ravindran, Dileep Raj

Destination Wedding A Simple Favor

Cast: Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, Dj Dallenbach Going to a wedding as a single guest can be a drag. And that’s just being the person the bride’s mother doesn’t know where to place at table.

But in this, two such guests meet in a departure lounge, and find they have a lot in common.

Frank and Lindsay are socially inept, dour, and objectionable – and find out they’re both guests at the same wedding and hate the bride and groom in equal measure.

Inevitably matched up at the wedding ‘do’, they don’t exactly hit it off, and if love really moves in mysterious ways then this is it.

As Lindsay ponders if there really is someone for everyone, Frank ripostes that actually, there’s nobody for anyone.

This is a fresh, original take on the rom-com, and Ryder and Reeves have a subtle if irascible rapport that is a real delight.

Final Score

After terrorists kidnap his niece at a football match, ex-soldier Michael Knox (Bautista) not only has to find her but also has to stop 35,000 fans from being blown up at West Ham stadium in London.

Bautista may not be winning any Oscar nominations but he’s definitely on the ball in this.

He’s going for it in this good, spit-and-sawdust thriller. The in-your-face action just jumps off the screen with pace and precision if you don’t take it too seriously.

The whole film is borderline credible, but it’s a bit of a stretch to portray West Ham as being in a European Cup semi-final!

However, it’s nice to see Brosnan back after all that camping it up in Mamma Mia! Not sure about the accent, alas.

Good fun.

Cast: Dave Bautista, Pierce Brosnan, Ray Stevenson

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding

When young reporter Rachana (Srinath) stumbles upon a strange incident near a flyover bridge in Bengalaru, she gets caught up in a web of conspiracy and murder.

It’s all a bit much to take down in her notebook. If she’s going to get her story, it means playing with the big kids in the sandpit and that’s not something you learn at journalism college.

Rachana soon finds herself in over her head when someone frames her for a murder that’s the focus of her investigation.

With dirty cops breathing down her neck (maybe she dared to question the police press officer on something?!?), she finds journalism can be a dangerous game.

This is a top-notch thriller from Bollywood; and one headed up by a woman, for a change. In Telugu, with English and Arabic subtitles.

!

After small-town mother Stephanie (Kendrick) meets Emily (Lively), she’s bowled over by her fellow school-mom’s charisma.

Emily is a fast-talking, sharp-dressing character who isn’t the type to take all afternoon labouring over a lasagne when she can pick one up from Trader Joe’s.

As the two swap stories on their boys’ progress, share anecdotes, and invade each other’s kitchens; it’s clear that Emily is the woman who apparently has it all.

But one day, she just vanishes. Stephanie, an ardent vlogger, is not convinced by Emily’s husband’s explanation.

And the more she gets digging, she finds that Emily’s past is something of a Pandora’s Box. Even if she finds Emily, is she prepared for what she finds out?

Enjoyable mystery-drama.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

What other famous franchise does ‘Final Score’ actor Dave Bautista star in?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Priyasha Kash

WIN FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Read our movie section and answer the question to stand a chance to win two tickets to watch movies of your choice! Send your answers to info@y-oman. com, along with your contact information.

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

Experience more VOX Cinemas magic! Discover

Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

019

FAKE NEWS IS A GLOBAL PHENOMENON - AND IT’S ONE THAT OMAN ISN’T IMMUNE FROM. AS MORE FALSE INFORMATION IS FED TO THE MASSES ONLINE DAILY, WE ANALYSE THE SOCIAL MEDIA FALLOUT THAT THREATENS REAL JOURNALISM IN THE SULTANATE. TEAM Y REPORTS ON THE FAR-REACHING IMPACT ON THIS PROBLEM THAT CAN DISRUPT OUR LIVES

N

BEYO

ews garnished with a touch of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Everything but the truth. That’s what makes up the “fake news” that currently besieges our newsfeeds.

Fake currency, fake food products, fake apparel; and up to a point, fake photos – we’re hardwired to see right through it all.

A little vigilance is all it takes to realise that you’re buying into a bogus sham. However, when it comes to fake news, surprisingly, many people don’t think twice – and it’s jeopardising the future of journalism.

Propagating news on social media after diligent research is one thing but it gets sketchy when people are out there publishing unverified content – and even worse: fake news.

Oman is no stranger to such rumours and fake news, either. In fact, over the course of the year, several fake news stories have been floating around – some quirky but others with serious consequences.

One example was in July this year when, amidst all the FIFA World Cup fervour, news was spread through social media channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp that a decision was taken by the government that Omani men would have to take two wives in a bid to boost the population.

As silly as it sounds, several fell victims to the trap – and it became the talk of the country, and predictably, across the GCC region.

The rumour read: “Due to the lack of population growth, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has decided that every man must marry at least two women and the state will support them financially.

“A woman who tries to stop her husband from getting married again will face a penalty set by the ‘Department of Women Preaching and Guidance’ in the Ministry.”

Two wives, it seemed, was going to be the norm in Oman, and those

020

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

sharing the news were also backed by official documents – ones that were signed and stamped by ministries.

Nadir al Balushi*, a socialite and budding entrepreneur in the Sultanate says he was “deeply disturbed” to see such a law being passed.

“I was shocked to see this being passed around on WhatsApp. I initially raised my doubts about this story but there was an official document circulated along with the news, too.

“That’s when you begin believing the story.

“I’m happily married, and cannot think of leaving my wife.

But, what hurt me was to see that my sister’s husband came home intoxicated and with this piece of news, and began causing a scene at home – threatening to leave her if she didn’t serve him as a ‘better wife’.

“This caused an uproar at home, and they spent the week away from each other.”

What the people – including Nadir and his family – didn’t know, however, was how the document was doctored to cause an unwarranted confusion among the populace of the country, and possibly in a bid to upset women.

Nadir tells us that the news took a good four days to gain traction on social media before the government could act on it.

In a statement to the public, the Ministry said: “With regards to the rumour being circulated, the Ministry would like to point out that this decision has not been issued by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and legal action will be taken against [the person who started] the rumour.”

But Nadir believes the damage had already been done.

“By the time the news was debunked, people were already coaxed into thinking that this was real news. Though, many people like us

Ask questions. Think whether the news is plausible. Type it into Google before and check if it’s valid before you share it online. What a lot of people don’t realise is that social media is like a giant gathering, and everybody is connected to each other

OND BELIEF

were still sceptical about it, a lot of young people were pulled into it.

“It even went trending on Twitter,” he tells us, before adding that the incident was strong enough to cause a rift between his family and his brother-in-law.

Thankfully for Nadir’s family, things didn’t end badly – but if it hadn’t been caught at the right time, it would have most likely have caused a national furore.

Salma al Farsi, the chief accountant of a leading bank, tells Y that it isn’t the first time that such fake news is being propagated in Oman.

She says: “I burst out laughing and nearly fell out of my chair at work when I heard about the twowives rule.

“To be honest, it had the workings of a frustrated man written all over it. I wasn’t having any of it.

As a matter of fact, we [Salma’s gang of friends] discussed this over coffee that weekend, and we remember chuckling about it.”

The 28-year-old believes Oman is tailor-

made for those seeking to create a degree of misunderstanding among the public.

While Salma poses some valid points, the origin of the term ‘fake news’ can be traced back to the early days of yellow journalism and propaganda in the 1890s that consisted of the deliberate hoaxes or disinformation spread via traditional print and broadcast media.

What is ‘Fake News’?

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) defines fake news as false information distributed deliberately, usually for political or commercial purposes. But the term is a bit more complex than that.

As per the revealing of Cosmopolitan Civil Societies: An Interdisciplinary Journal published in 2017, fake news can be written and published with the intent of misleading the readers or damaging an agency, entity, or person, and/or gain financially or politically, often using often using sensationalist, dishonest, or outright fabricated headlines to

increase readership, online sharing, and Internet click revenue.

But fake news can also be set up for humour or to spread confusion.

Today, all of this extends to social media as well – and it can then be misinterpreted and covered by mainstream media sources.

Fake news in Oman

For instance, in 2016, a news agency in Oman confirmed that the no-objection certificate (NOC) that governs expats in the country would be removed by November 2016, thereby allowing them to shift jobs without the need for a permit from their employer.

This led to a mass celebration among the expat communities in the Sultanate – but the date came and went, and the NOC rule continues to exist. To add to their woes, a six-month ban was placed on expats in certain sectors.

“This was a cruel joke,” says Stanley*, an expat working in the petroleum industry in Oman.

“We had expected the law to be removed based on the report published by [name of media house withheld], and had already begun planning our next move. I even interviewed with an employer, and all they required was for me to get the release (NOC).

“Though, when nothing changed, we realised that everything said in the media was merely for the added clicks – clickbait, as they call it today.

“What’s funny is that it had us all – the two million-odd expats – talking about it.

And it’s exactly what we wanted to hear.”

The official line

Other fake news that rattled the residents of the country emanate from the depths of social media – particularly WhatsApp and Facebook. The reason for this, according to an official at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) who wishes to remain unnamed, is because of “gullible people who believe everything that is published online”.

He clarifies: “While I’m not challenging the people who share information online, I would like to request everyone to cross-check what they share publicly.

“Ask questions. Think whether the news is plausible. Type it into Google before and check if it’s valid before you share it online. What a lot of people don’t realise is that social media is like a giant gathering, and everybody is connected to each other.

“So, when you share information on such a public sphere, it’s generally believed to be true. This is because those who are receiving such information from you have a basic level of trust in your judgement – therefore, they’ll then take it upon themselves to share the news

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

021

Fake news can be written and published with the intent of misleading the readers or damaging an agency, entity, or person, and/or gain financially or politically, often using often using sensationalist, dishonest, or outright fabricated headlines to increase readership, online sharing, and Internet click revenue

further.

“Some of the stories that have gone viral in Oman are actually amusing. For instance, we had reports that there were new number plates being issued for cars in the country, and that cat meat was being sold in restaurants. Despite all that, the most quirky one has to be the one in which Omanis were mandated to marry two women.

“What’s upsetting is that a lot of people were actually talking about it and believed it. It went viral in the span of a few days, and caused several fights among families.

“This is the type of vile nature that fake news here takes,” he adds, before pointing out another news item that didn’t gain much traction here in the Muscat governorate.

As it turns out, fake news can take real lifealtering turns that can change the course of one’s life or the country’s future.

“In May, 2018, just before the Cyclone Mekunu made landfall in Salalah, a fake account of the meteorological department on Twitter, panicked the public by stating that the cyclone had intensified into Category 2,” our official says.

Following this, a warning was sent across to the residents of the Sultanate by the Public Prosecution, stating that indulging in such acts of sending or re-sending false news or rumours will land the perpetrators in jail for a minimum period of three years and also result in a fine of RO3,000.

This falls in line with the Article 61 of the Omani Criminal Law that dictates against using telecommunication devices or other means (social media platforms, broadcast media, and print media) to propagate incorrect messages, or messages that haven’t been verified by the regulatory authorities.

And why not? Our source at the ROP reveals that on average one fake story goes round on the Internet every three days in the Sultanate.

Thankfully, much of these don’t gain the traction required to go viral and simply dissipate into thin air.

For instance, last week [September 3rd, 2018], we received information from an anonymous source that several ATM machines in Oman were rigged to copy the users’ card data.

However, it didn’t go viral, and seems to have failed to result in any worry among the people

022

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

residing here.

Shaji, an IT manager working with a leading bank in Oman, assures us that it was indeed a hoax, and that residents needn’t worry about messages concerning the safety of bankers.

“The ATM machines of today are incredibly intricate, and cannot be rigged easily. Moreover, the article says that this is happening only in malls. That’s impossible, as there are cameras everywhere – be it at malls or at vestibules – and we’d know from the tapes if someone had attached a phishing device to our machine,” he explains.

Fake news to create awareness?

To get to grips with what motivates individuals to share unverified news from unreliable sources, we get in touch with an Omani man who calls himself “Abdul” (who refuses to disclose his original name during the interview), and runs a WhatsApp group called ‘Oman Today’.

During our investigation, several sources reveal that it is indeed him who has been sharing these hoaxes, arguably alongside several valid news stories as well, with the 256 unsuspecting group members.

One of his most notorious shares was the story of a seven-year-old girl kidnapped and murdered in Oman, and the sale of plastic rice in hypermarkets – both fake stories that have been debunked by the ministries and the ROP. Abdul tells Y: “My intention is not to share wrong stories, but rather share information that comes my way. I do not like to be questioned about it, and anyone who wants to leave the group can leave.

Our questions clearly upset Abdul. His tone soon changes, as he says: “I don’t like being questioned, and I’m not doing this for the money.

Media like you (Y Magazine) have the resources to verify news, but that’s not the case for the common man.

“We’re out here living life, and if we see something that can help one another, we will do it.

“The story of a girl kidnapped and murdered originally came from Facebook, and I simply shared it with my group of WhatsApp. They then went on to share it among their peers.”

Be that as it may, his share – as small as it may seem in the course of things – resulted in the GCC media picking up on the news.

It took the ROP quite a lot of damage control to resolve the misperceptions among the residents. Questions were raised over ROP hotlines, and several parents would enquire whether the “murderer” was caught and if it was indeed safe for “children to play outside”.

But on May 14, 2017 – two days since the release of the unsettling news – the ROP came forward to declare it a “rumour”.

The statement read: “All residents should refrain from spreading rumours on social media networks and only make use official sources for news.

“There are those who seek to spread rumours, and sow discord in society. Be a constructive tool in the community and don’t be a deterrent. You should not be a participant in the broadcast of rumours.”

WhatsApp as it turns out, can potentially have a dark side that

is fuelled by a lack of fair, factual, and wellresearched reporting. Yet, to a handful of its members, these stories seem accurate.

The victims of social media fame

Albeit, if you’re thinking that you’re invincible, then think again. Because just like fake news, there lies a greater worry for those connected through social media: falling prey to fake accounts of companies, celebrities, ministers, and other high-profile individuals.

This first came to light in 2016 when imposters created fake accounts of the minister of education, H E Dr. Madeeha bint Ahmed bin Nassir al Shaibaniyah, which was then used to propagate fake news.

Several innocent students took to following her page, but it wasn’t long before the sham was brought to light. The account has since been removed.

A year later, it was Oman Air that was found taking action against an imposter posing as the national airline. Details of the case weren’t revealed, but it is said that after gaining a substantial number of followers using the handle ‘@omanairline’, numerous videos were published discrediting the airline.

This profile, too, has since been deleted. It is not known if the “frauds” were punished for posing and defaming the brand.

Nevertheless, as more people adopt social media to their daily lives, the more the chances of falling prey to such imposters. As a matter of fact, simply typing in the names of several highprofile individuals like Sayyida Basma al Said – the founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic in Oman, Ali al Habsi – Omani goalkeeper, and Ahmad al Harthy – Omani racing driver, all have fake profiles; some with as many as 5,000 followers (!)

Though harmless in nature, several of these profiles (among several others) have been known to send back private messages to people posing as the individual.

All our efforts to connect with the fake profiles of Sayyida Basma and Ahmad al Harthy prove futile. However, one of Ali’s profiles (since deleted) responds to us when we reach out

asking for rate cards to pose in a television advertisement.

The imposter writes: “Yes, I am Ali’s manager.

I will send you [the rate card], but you must transfer the amount to us first. Only then he will (sic.) come for the ad shoot.

Our conversation lasts another 15 minutes as we try to get him to reveal his identity. But, soon, he realises that he’s being set up and leaves.

A few minutes later, he and the 4,264 followers disappear from the face of Instagram.

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr have a tight set of rules against the propagation of fake news, but sadly, they cannot monitor or alter the right and freedom of speech of an individual.

Who believes in fake news?

This means anyone can be exposed to fake news anywhere – and it’s up to you to determine whether the news is real or fabricated.

But according to Maher al Zadjali, a clinical psychologist based in Muscat, the failure to be able to determine real news from fake comes from the circumstances under which a child was brought up.

“Everything from your education, to religious, and political faith, to your character can determine how you perceive fake news.

“While the literacy rate in Oman stands at about 94 per cent, we must also understand that not a lot of emphasis is given on problem-

solving and not many have the opportunity to interact with peers that are non-Omanis.

“So, when they eventually come out into the world, they’re left with only knowledge they’ve received from book-reading, and a circle of friends that is limited to their own nationalities.

“That said, they say that being open-minded is one of the greatest gifts one can receive – and it goes to show.

“Today, if people are seeing through fabricated news, then they know that there’s an off chance that the story could go either way. But if you’re dogmatic and a bit rigid in your thinking, you’re more likely to believe fake news. It’s a fact.

“Open-mindedness comes hand-in-hand with analytical thinking, and it involves the cerebrum part of your brain that is associated with thinking, learning, and other emotions.

“So, there’s a higher chance that you’ll think and reason with yourself over the story that you’ve just seen. But, despite that, there’s another concern that can dictate what a person believes and doesn’t: perceived accuracy.

“Take for example a child that’s just entering school. They will more likely be able to follow patterns, such as following a set pattern during dance or repeating the lines of a poem, if their peers are also involved in it.

“This is exactly what we can apply in our daily lives. So, if you’ve just seen a news story that has been shared by multiple people you know and respect, you’re more inclined to believe

that story.”

How to tackle this phenomenon?

But, Oman isn’t the only country affected by fake news.

India has been in a constant battle – and one that experts say it is losing – against the propagation of fake news. In fact, false news has led to violence and murder in the country in the past.

To tackle this, the authorities from the district of Kannur in Kerala had organised 40-minutelong classes to identify fake news from real ones, in 150 schools.

Furthermore, all countries across the world are grappling with how to deal with the spreading harmful and false information. For instance, in 2017 Germany began fining social media platforms that didn’t remove hate speech.

Maher explains: “Social media is an amazing tool and it has opened up a whole new world to people – it really is uncanny.

“Today people are more connected about each other than they ever were before. But, in hindsight, that only means people are spreading information faster than ever. This brings us to the question: have we really grown as a species and travelled ahead in time, or have we just signed up to fall prey at the hands of our own kind?”

“Trust me, you know the answer. Fact or fiction – that’s what’ll decide our fate.” ■

Though, when nothing changed, we realised that everything said in the media was merely for the added clicks – clickbait, as they call it today

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

023

HOW TO SPOT FAKE NEWS? 024

VET THE PUBLISHER’S CREDIBILITY - Would the publishing site meet academic citation standards? Just because a site is popular among your friends does not mean its content is accurate.

- What is the domain name? Be wary of unusual top-level domain names, like “.com.co.” A second-level domain like “abcnews” may appear credible.

- What’s the publication’s point of view? Read the “About Us” section for more insight into the publisher, leadership, and mission statement.

Also, confirm that you have not stumbled upon a satirical news site, like the Onion.

- Who is the author? Has he or she published anything else? Be suspicious if the byline, which names the author, is a celebrity writing for a little-known site or if the author’s contact information is a Gmail address.

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

PAY ATTENTION TO QUALITY AND TIMELINESS - Do you notice spelling errors, capitalised alphabets, or dramatic punctuation? If so, abort your reading mission. Reputable sources have high proofreading and grammatical standards.

CHECK THE SOURCES AND CITATIONS - How did you find the article? If the content showed up in your social media feed or was promoted on a website known for clickbait, proceed with caution.

- Credible journalism is fed by fact-gathering, so a lack of research likely means a lack of fact-based information.

- Is the information available on other sites? If not, then it’s very likely that the journalistic jury is still out on whether this information is valid.

ASK THE PROS - Have you visited a fact-checking website?

There are many good ones, like FactCheck.org, International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), PolitiFact.com, or Snopes.com. Do your own detective work and feel more confident in being able to identify fact vs. fiction.

Source: Harvard

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

025

Forget the immigration line-ups and inevitable jet-lag – here are some top attractions at the new Muscat International Airport that will have you flying high during your next layover

W

e’ve all been there: you’ve just flown into an airport on layover and your next flight is a mind-numbing 10 hours away. For most – and by most, we mean those travelling in Economy – this would mean lying back on the wafer-thin cushioned seat and… well… catching up on lost sleep.

But, today, we aren’t talking about an average run-of-the-mill airport – we’re focusing on the new Muscat International Airport.

And, let’s be clear here: it’s designed with you – the avid layoverspecialist – in mind.

It’d be a shame if you slept through it and didn’t explore the many fun activities that you could partake in while you’re waiting to board your next flight.

Pfft! Long layover? We say, bring it on.

1) Get fit: hit the gym and swimming pool

No, we’re not pulling fast ones on you. If you’re up for it, you can head to the gym in the recreational area for a spot of cardio, and then top it off with a few hours by the pool. The Aerotel – a transit hotel – which is located at Level 5 in the Departures arena (behind the security checkpoint and immigration counters) is the place you’re looking for. It’s possible to avail yourself of these facilities without booking a room at the hotel but additional fees may apply. Either way, this should prepare you 018

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

for the long journey that lies ahead of you.

2) Shop till you drop

Spoiler alert: if you haven’t been to the new airport yet, you’ll be in for a wild surprise when you walk into the Muscat Duty Free outlets. It’s the ultimate spot for window-shopping (unless you’re open to buying exclusive watches worth thousands of Riyals), and it offers everything from chocolates and sparkling beverages, to electronics and toys. The experience begins when you walk into the ‘Departures’ area after your security check. Our personal favourite must be the electronics store, which offers everything from ear- and headphones, speakers, smartphones, hard disks, and much more. All that, and it’s all at remarkably low prices.

3) Binge-watch videos on Netflix or YouTube

The 21st Century marvel: Wi-Fi and a smartphone should help ease your nerves a bit. The new airport’s ‘Muscat Airport WiFi’ is free for everyone, and should provide you with super-fast wireless Internet. You can always use this to browse through your social media, or better, bingewatch your favourite Netflix shows.

Note: If you can´t receive an SMS with a code, passengers can approach one of the two information desks located on the left and

right sides of the central Duty Free (where they sell perfumes) and they’ll issue you a ticket with a code.

4) Get a massage

Ease your stress with a relaxing massage. There are walk-in-massage services in the West Pier (near the C-Gates) that’ll take care of your needs. But if you’re an Oman Air business- or first-class passenger, you can enter the Oman Air Lounge. This is a truly magnificent space for those looking to enjoy some quiet time. The lounge offers you relaxing long chairs, which you can separate with curtains or even a small suite with a sofa to lay down on. It also includes a spa-area upstairs – which should open its doors soon.

Needless to say, after a long, relaxing evening, you really won’t care if you’re sitting at the aisle or the window.

5) Grab a bite (or two) to eat

There are several eateries for you to choose from. Your only concern would be to keep track of your flight timings. Moreover, you needn’t be taking a layover to enjoy these services; they are available to all. Our favourites are the Tickerdaze and McDonalds – both offer a great view of the airside and have tables located directly in front of the windows. Other outlets include a Noor – which is famous for its Arabic food; Kahwaji; Tim Hortons, Mazoon Café, Caribou Coffee, and Nero among many others.

Note:

People are not allowed to sleep in the central Departures area. The airport has removed the softcushioned seats to stop people from sleeping there.

However, you can find resting zones at the end of each pier with comfortable seats wherein you can stretch your legs. The airport staff has been instructed to wake up people sleeping on the floors or any other seats in the terminal area. You can also find closed “lounges” in every Pier (marked with ‘reading a book’ signs), that can provide a quiet environment with sofas and chairs to read and relax. ■

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

027

COMPETITION

Presents

e m i t e f i L A f O e g d Ple Children will write it and parents will sign it – let’s take the pledge together towards safer roads. Y calls out for families to join the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ and stand a chance to win a top prize

R

oad safety awareness plays a significant role in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of children and young people – guaranteeing they become responsible drivers, passengers and pedestrians in the future. To teach children from a young age to be aware of the traffic rules and regulations, the Y magazine is once again conducting the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ competition.

To participate in the competition children will write a ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ on behalf of their parents in a custom-made card distributed along with this edition of Y. The ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ card has a space wherein children can pen the pledge on behalf of their parents.

028

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

The Road Safety Pledge has to be counter-signed by their parents as the purpose is also to promote the message of road safety to parents through their children.

The best three pledges will win gift vouchers of RO75 (first place), RO50 (second place) and RO25 (third place).

Once the Road Safety Pledge is written on the supplied card, parents are requested to drop the card at designated drop boxes coming soon across Muscat.

Participants can also look forward to an on-ground activation event where children will colour the cards and take the Road Safety Pledge, with the winners being announced at a special upcoming ceremony where they’ll receive their prizes.

In Association With

Exclusive Medical Partner

■ Approach the victims in a calm and composed manner. Discourage other helping citizens from handling the victims in a heavy manner as this can cause further damage. Shift the patient away from oncoming traffic, broken glass, leaking car fluids or any other hazardous material.

■ Inform the nearest medical centre or police station.

■ Any victim with a breathing difficulty, unconsciousness or damaged airway should be sent to the nearest hospital at the earliest opportunity – such victims should be given the utmost care and greater priority over other victims.

■ Immobilise the cervical spine by using two wooden blocks on either side of the neck (do not disturb the spine and head by shaking them). Shaking the head and neck while shifting the victim may cause major damage and paralyse the patient completely.

■ Do not try to remove the helmet until the victim reaches the hospital.

■ Bleeding can be stemmed by applying continuous pressure to the open wound with a cloth, or tying the cloth gently around the injury.

■ Inspect the limbs of the victim for any fractures, broken bones or other damage while being careful not to apply any undue pressure or force. Secure the broken limb by tying a small stick to either side of the limb with a cloth. his chest.

■ If the victim is in shock or is pale then loosen any tight clothing and wrap a blanket around him. Rest his legs on a raised platform or even on your knees.

■ Finally, make sure that the victim has a pulse until he reaches the nearest medical facility. cause more harm than good.

COMPETITION RULES:

● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be completed by children only and then signed by a parent or guardian. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone.

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

029

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 • SPAR

• 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 • SPAR • 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 • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint

(Splash) • SPAR • 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 MSQ • 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 • 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

TOO LATE? DON’T WORRY. GET Y INSTANTLY ONLINE USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICES & PC

Visit www.y-oman.com/current-issue/ No downloading required FOLLOW US ON:

@ytabloid

/ytabloid

www.y-oman.com

/ytabloid

ymagazine

/ymagazine

Adventures

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

STARRY NIGHT

On a clear evening, stargazers at Khadda Beach can revel in the splendour of the Milky Way. -P34

SEP 13 -19 / ISSUE 535

031

&

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

Gaming

Destination

Khadda

Beach

Crystal-clear waters, moss-covered rocks, and temperatures that’ll put beaches in Europe to shame, Team Y escapes to tranquility 032

SEP 13 -19 / ISSUE 535

A

grapples of summer.

The reason for this is the southern winds that emanate from the moistureladen clouds from Salalah. Once it hits the tall rocks at the beach, it creates a vortex, which leads to the recirculation and, subsequently, the cooling down of winds.

The results are, frankly, quite staggering.

The waters are cold and perfect for a dip, while the rocks make for a very good viewing arena for those looking to soak in the overall aura of the place.

Your only concern would be to keep an eye out for falling rocks.

But, it’s not something that happens frequently.

Besides, you’d want to camp on the soft sands rather than the rocky portions of the beach.

Night time is just as magical, too. It’s like someone completely switches off the lights.

Then, it’s just you and Mother Nature.

Don’t contain yourself:

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

A green beach: that would be a first for Y. Excitement prevailed as we decided to make our way to this mysterious, yet untouched beach hidden somewhere along the coastline of the Ras al Hadd.

A sense of qualm eluded us as we took to the wheel of our trusty SUV – albeit, it could’ve been due to the stream of warnings we received from our counterparts, asking us to stick to a destination within the city, and undoubtedly, one that would be easier to find.

And they’re right: Khadda isn’t marked on Google Maps, so you’ll need to get your atlases ready for when you inevitably lose track of… well… civilisation.

The travel isn’t stress-free, but then again, nothing worth having in life comes easy – right?

To head to Khadda, you’ll need to stick to Route 17 for about 280kms, and pass cities like Tiwi, Qalhat, and Sur. But it’s only when you get to the T-junction that’ll take you to Al Hadd when you need to begin keeping track of your surroundings.

Turn right from the junction, and proceed until you reach the point on the map using the coordinates that we’ve jotted down out below. Upon doing so, you’ll enter a village – a village with no name, apparently.

It’s incredibly deserted, and it’s unlikely that you’ll find any source of human interaction there. Moreover, there are no shops in the village either – so it’s best to stock up on water and snacks before you enter the final stretch.

Speaking of which, that’s also where things get a bit choppy. Because you’ll need to exit the village from the back, and follow the sandy trail towards the beach. Fix your eyes on the waters, because it’s very easy to lose track of your direction without a compass.

Once you enter the beach, though, make sure you park somewhere close by. The sands are softer than that of any other beach in Oman, and before you know it, you’ll be marooned.

Trust us when we say this: you don’t want to be spending hours digging your SUV out from the beach.

It’s a hassle, and besides, it’s even harder to get a solid footing on the sand.

Nevertheless, once you’ve made it there and have safely pitched your tent – hopefully towards the rightmost corner of the beach – take a look around.

What you’ll be gazing at would be one of the only “green beaches” in the country.

Dare we say: it’s like taking a stroll on a remote, rocky beach on a Scottish island.

It’s all here: white sands, moss-covered rocks, crystalclear waters and temperatures that would put those of Salalah to shame is what sets this beach apart.

During our trip, the mercury constantly hovered around the 16-degree-Celsius mark – an incredible phenomenon considering how we’re still within the

Take route 17 from Muscat and drive towards Sur. Once you reach Sur, follow the signs to Ras Al Hadd. Instead of going left to the main Ras Al Hadd reserve, take the right turn at

walk across the shoreline and indulge in some deep introspection.

And if you’re feeling a bit lonely, simply look up to the skies; they are sketched to perfection by the billions of stars floating around our galaxy.

It’s nothing short of enchanting.

Khadda isn’t for everyone; that’s the reality.

But for those taking time to draw up a trip to the far ends of Oman, Khadda offers something no other beach in the country offers: a chance to detach completely from the tribulations of city life. No mobile phone coverage, no fancy eateries, and clean sands.

Just like how life was always meant to be.

the T-junction. It’s about a twoand-a-half-hour to three-hour drive but make sure you do it in daylight in case you get lost.

GPS coordinates: N 22°20’49.6”, E 59°47’54.1” SEP 13 -19 / ISSUE 535

033

&

FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

T

LEXUS ES300H

This luxury sedan combines distinctive design with a takeno-prisoners performance. Team Y takes it for a spin

he problem with expecting a car to look like a million dollars, drive like a Lexus LFA, and be as frugal as, say, a modern-day hybrid supercar like the McLaren P1 or Porsche 918 Spyder, is that it’ll probably end up costing a million dollars.

But, Lexus – the boffins from Japan – seem to have struck a fine line that, while it does not aim to upset the performance levels of the aforementioned hyper cars we drew up, still ticks the other boxes… and for a fraction of the cost.

That pretty much sums up the Lexus ES300h but really, it would be unfair to leave it at that – after all, we feel that this is currently the finest sedan we’ve ever tested from the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.

As the saying goes: “If looks could kill, I’d be dead right now”. This can be attributed to the new design-language that the ES now dons: it’s

034

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

sophisticated yet homegrown. It’s much like the larger LS but distinctive in many ways, too.

It all starts with those sharp headlamps that are said to emulate teardrops, and what has to be the largest rendition of the spindle grille yet.

The 3-dimensional grille further cuts away into the bumper like it’s being wrapped up by the bodywork. If you’re opting for the hybrid variant, you’ll also receive blue Lexus logos around the car, and a few other badges to distinguish it from its V6 counterparts.

The rear end kills the radical approach of its predecessor – the sixth generation ES – and makes do with chisels on the bumper that are more AvantGarde than anything else. Simply put, the new ES is now Hollywood-worthy.

This spills over to the interior too – leather, gizmos, and design elements that could put the Sydney Opera House to shame. No, really! Stepping into the cabin is like settling into a Japanese Zen garden of sorts; minus the plants, of course.

But every crease, stitch, line, and cut is made to radiate a sense of Japanese architecture within – and from where we were standing, it all fell into place.

Speaking of which, the cabin is centred around the driver; meaning all the buttons are in the line of sight and touch of the driver.

Things only get better when you start comparing cabin space with its competitors. The ES300h will seat five passengers in absolute comfort but this time around, you’ll also receive more leg and head room as well.

Meanwhile, boot space grows about 42 litres to a sizable 473 litres – which is class leading. What’s better is that the loading lip is low and the trunk opening is big enough to make for three full-size

bags or seven small bags. Those looking to cram in camping gear can also make use of a pass-through in the middle of the rear seats.

High-grade swanky leather makes up much of the interior, and the seats are cushy and supportive. As long as you keep the car within the limits of grip during corners, you’ll find yourself at home and comfortable.

The ES300h also comes with a host of features, the first of which is the 12.3-inch multimedia screen that is controlled by the traditional Lexus mousepad. Call us crazy but we believe that it has become smoother and more intuitive over time – this may well be the best we’ve tested out in a Lexus car to date.

If that wasn’t enough,

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

LEXUS ES300H Specifications: • Engine: 2.5-litre in-line fourcylinder and electric motor • Transmission: e-CVT • Power: 215hp • Torque: 357Nms Front-wheel-drive Mark Levinson audio system Radar-guided cruise control 12.3-inch infotainment system w/ remote touchpad 10.2-inch heads-up display Lane-departure warning Seats with memory function Leather upholstery Selectable drive modes with EV capability Parking sensors 360-degree backup camera Pre-crash safety system Heated and cooled front seats Sunroof

you’ll also be treated with a 7-inch TFT screen on the instrument cluster, a 10.2-inch heads-up display, and other thingymebobs like a Qi wireless charger, a host of USB ports, and our favourite, the Mark Levinson surround audio system.

For a hybrid, the Lexus ES300h performs rather well on the economy and performance front. The 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engine and the accompanying electric motor pumps out a total of 215hp and 357Nms of torque. The latter comes is where things really takes shape because the torque figures rival that of V6-powered cars.

Still, acceleration is admirable, and it’s brisk when you need it to be. The e-CVT transmission is one of the best we’ve tried out in an economy-minded car, though the “rubber-band effect” can be prominent if you slam the

pedal to the metal.

But really, courtesy of the sound deadening materials in the cabin, the ES300h registers some of the lowest noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH) levels we’ve tested in a sedan.

Handling is a mixed bag – it handles well in ‘Sport’ mode thanks to quicker actuators that provide a heavier and quick-to-respond steering wheel but settles down and muffles the steering when in ‘Comfort’ or ‘Eco’. Much can be said about the transmission response and the accelerator pedals too.

Still, we did give the sedan the beans in corners during our test. The ES300h remains to be one of our favourite handling front-wheel drive hybrid sedans to date, offering plenty of grip before understeer kicks in.

This can be put down to a battery pack that’s placed below the rear seats to lower the centre of gravity, and in the process, also improve the weight distribution. We’d like to say that this makes a difference but really we assume the average buyer of the ES300h wouldn’t be interested in such details.

However, what they would be interested in is the

LEXUS – THE BOFFINS FROM JAPAN – SEEM TO HAVE STRUCK A FINE LINE THAT, WHILE IT DOES NOT AIM TO UPSET THE PERFORMANCE LEVELS OF THE AFOREMENTIONED HYPER CARS WE DREW UP, STILL TICKS THE OTHER BOXES… AND FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST soft ride with ample suspension travel that makes the sedan a dream to drive on the roads. We haven’t come across a vehicle with such levels of refinement at this price range yet – and that really is what makes this a formidable competitor to its rivals from the United States and Germany.

Back in the day, Lexus importers would term the ES with the backronym, “Elegant Sedan”. And while the term faded into the history books as the years went by, we really think that the current generation of the ES really steps up to the plate.

The Lexus ES300h has always been a top contender in the luxury midsize sedan segment but for the first time ever, we feel that it has vanquished its competitors. The question now is when the Germans will make the switch to hybrid power here in the Sultanate – because until then, it’s Lexus all the way.

Fuel efficiency that almost equals that of vehicles like the Toyota Prius, and in a wrapping this attractive? Way to go, Lexus!

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

035

&

CARS ADVENTURES NORTHERN LIGHT

We head above the Arctic Circle to find out why this Nordic nation tops the World Happiness Report.

1. Experience traditional Finnish sauna as a way of life 2. Go on a mushroom or berry-picking excursion at Teijo National Park 3. Take in the Midnight Sun Film Festival in Lapland 4. Wander through the Helsinki Zoo 5. Take a day-trip picnic to Lake Tuusula

036

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Jessica Somer recommends

HELSINKI, FINLAND T

he outer townships of Helsinki on a chilly Juhannus night in June. The midsummer revelries are in full swing - the grills are smoking, the drink is flowing and the food is plentiful. It’s 11:00 p.m. and the sun is still shining in this land of the Midnight Sun, on the eve of Finland’s most celebrated festival. Tonight, the light won’t leave us on the longest day of the year. Instead, she’ll keep her face above the horizon in what can only be described as a dim perma-dawn.

Summer is the season - for obvious reasons - to visit this ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes’. With more nature than people, Finland clocked in at the top of the World Happiness Report last year. And with more space per person than any other country on Earth, 188,000 lakes, 70 per cent of its landmass forested, and the cleanest natural water sources in the world, Finns have mastered the art of clean living amid a time-honoured connection to the wild.

While the capital, Helsinki, is a bustling seaside city with a vibrant foodie scene, ample culture, nightlife, and proximity to nature, its essence isn’t that of an overwhelming metropolis. With sprawling green spaces, no skyscrapers, and more than 300 islands dotting its coastal archipelago, it’s the best of both worlds - urban, yet idyllic.

You can easily spend an afternoon on its waterfront taking in the shoreside farmer’s markets, the art galleries and boutiques and, farmed or foraged, some of the best local cuisine you’ll find in Europe. Be sure to stop for some snacks and sips at Löyly along the harbourfront - this restaurant with built-in sauna boasts one of the most gorgeous waterfront terraces in the capital (be sure to try the reindeer tartare!)

While it has an excellent public transport system Helsinki is, ultimately, a walking city. Wander through its downtown core and take in the unique mélange of architecture from the Neoclassic and the Art Nouveau - to the contemporary modernism of Alvar Aalto, Finland’s prodigal architectural son.

Notable must-sees include the National Museum of Helsinki, and Temppeliaukio Church - better known as the Church of the Rock, a living monument hewn directly into the stone edifice. Or, with hundreds of islands to explore by boat, hop a quick ferry ride over to the largest and spend an afternoon exploring the 18 th-century Suomenlinna Sea Fortress that served as the epicentre of the city’s military and maritime heritage - and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

LAKE T UUSUL A

K Y L IN E H E L S IN K I S

My favourite place

The Lakeland region north of Helsinki, at a summer cottage that’s the hallmark of family life for every Finn.

It’s all about connecting with nature in the silent cathedral forest, sampling the freshest vegetables and pickled herring, and finding self-renewal in the cleansing embrace of the iconic Finnish sauna – a true way of life.

Highlights

Finland is one of only a few countries left on Earth to fully experience the four seasons, but heading there for Midsummer – or Juhannus, is a rite of passage. Head up to Lapland to witness the year-round eldritch glow of the Northern Lights, or take a tour of Santa’s Village at the North Pole – yes, it exists.

Lowlights

Even if you go in the height of summer, dress in layers and expect chilly temperatures at night – it’s not uncommon to still be able to see your breath in the air on a cool Midsummer’s eve.

Souvenirs Reindeer jerky (trust us – delicious), stationary or anything Moomins – the beloved troll characters that are the hallmark of Finnish children’s lit, a scarf or print from Marimekko, salted ‘salmiakki’ black liquorice.

Getting there OmanAir flies daily to Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport in conjunction with Lufthansa via Munich

starting from RO594 round-trip.

FINNISH SALM ON SOU P

Where to stay This is the city for Airbnb adventurers, with hundreds of quirky lofts and flats to be found throughout Helsinki. For those with more budget to blow there’s the Hilton Helsinki Strand – or, the Hotel Kämp which is just a five-minute walk from the Market Square shopping district.

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

037

-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

GADGETS FOR GALS

From the latest in wearable tech to a phone-charging handbag, the Y Geek Squad picks some of the coolest gadgets around WIRELESS HANDBAG

WIRELESS BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES If you’re regularly going to the gym, then the SENSO wireless sports headphones is the one gadget you must have. It not only offers you great sound quality but also gives you up to eight hours of battery life. As it is Bluetooth enabled, you can seamlessly connect with any device up to ten metres away.

With its noise suppression technology, you can focus on your favourite music and answer phone calls. Buy from Amazon for RO12.

If you’re looking for a handbag that is stylish and powerful, then buy the Everpurse Kate Spade Harmony Black Tote.

The main trick of the bag is to charge your phone while you’re on the go. Just slide your phone into the charging pocket and you will never run out of power. The bag can also fit in your laptop and other valuable items. It comes with a wireless matt that charges the bag. You can buy this beautiful bag from Everpurse for RO73.

SMART BRACELET Have you ever thought of a bracelet that does the job of your mobile phone or fitness tracker? Ringly has just introduced a smart bracelet equipped with features to help you stay connected with your friends. If there is an urgent call or a message, the Ringly Go bracelet gives you alerts, and at the same time, it also tracks your complete health activity.

It also connects with more than 200 apps on your phone. If you’re always spending time with your phone, then Ringly will pull you out of that habit.

Buy it from Ringly for RO65.

EDITOR’S PICK

MINI-CLUTCH SPEAKER

038

IT’S A SMALL HANDBAG BUT ALSO FUNCTIONS AS A WIRELESS BLUETOOTH SPEAKER AND HAS A SPEAKERPHONE FOR MAKING CALLS. IF YOU’RE PLANNING YOUR NEXT PICNIC, THIS MINI-CLUTCH SPEAKER FROM STELLE IS THE PERFECT CHOICE AS YOU CAN KEEP YOUR DAILY ESSENTIALS AND PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC. IT COMES IN FOUR DIFFERENT COLOURS, AND YOU CAN BUY IT DIRECTLY FROM STELLE FOR RO75.

JULY SEP 1303- -1909/ ISSUE / ISSUE535327

ARCADE GAMES THAT DEFINED A GENERATION The Y Geek Squad digs out those games of yesteryear that paved the way for today’s

PAC-MAN

dinosaurs – think the Tyrannosaurus Rex and velociraptors.

What’s better is that all you really got to defend yourself was a light gun. The chills and thrills you experienced, though made There wouldn’t be any games today if it all worth it. The game took you through some scenic places, it weren’t for Pac-Man. Sure, it wasn’t most of which resemble the lands from the original Jurassic Park the first arcade game to be released in movie, and your aim was to make it through to the end alive. its time but it did something crucial Since, VR gaming was only slowly getting a move on, you were than, say, what earlier titles did: it gave the people a taste of what gaming felt like – and ever since cocooned in a cabin protected by curtains while gaming in the then, we’ve enhanced our gaming skills. It’s funny how driving mall. This made it popular among teens (for different reasons), a yellow ball (Pac-Man) through what can only be described as but for geeks like us, it was 15 minutes of pure gaming. a dark maze has inspired some of the world’s greatest games.

Year of release: 1997 But, something about the gaming dynamics; escaping from the clutches of the ghosts – Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde – while gathering the pellets essential for its survival – poses a SEGA RALLY challenge that you just can’t seem to find in the titles of today.

Thankfully, you can now play the game online or even on your Ah! Sega Rally was a child’s ultimate dream web browser – just type in Pac-Man on Google Chrome, and and a parent’s nightmare. Simply put, it you’ll be taken to the game. was almost always – at least until the early 2000s – one of the most expensive games Year of release: 1980 you could play in a mall. Moreover, its dreadful physics engine, and disjointed steering and pedals made it feel like you were riding around on a horse cart. But, boy, it worked: The number of STREET FIGHTER II: THE WORLD WARRIOR smiles that it imparted on little kids would justify its two decades of existence. Not to forget, it was also the only way a little child could ever legally get behind the wheel of a car. Let’s just say Let’s get the facts straight: that we’ve spent more hours ogling the screen making car noises this game has wrecked more while yanking at the steering than we’re proud of. relationships in a shorter span than what one could ever imagine. Rewind the clocks back a Year of release: 1994 decade and you’ll be reminded of the classic (trashy) Euroelectro music blaring through the corridors, and children screaming from the arcade arena in malls. Well, it’s safe to say VIRTUA COP that most of those kids were hooked on Street Fighter II. The game redefined the concept of multiplayer gaming – it allowed If you thought playing cops gamers to fight against each other using a joystick control. Of and robbers was cool, get a course, there really wasn’t much to it. You won the game if load of this: the Virtua Cop not your hands were quicker than your opponent’s. Nevertheless, the satisfaction from knocking out (KO) your friend in the sight only takes the game to the next level, it also gives you laser-guided guns to shoot your enemies. of several bystanders was something to behold.

Granted, your luck in finishing the game relied on how many weeks’ savings you decided to put into the game – because, let’s Year of release: 1991 face it: the robbers were just too smart. Things get monumentally hard from the Level 4 mark, and you’ll be counting your lucky stars to make it through unscathed. Still, the 3D modelling was JURASSIC PARK: THE on top of its game, overshadowing nearly every other competitor LOST WORLD in the business. Something about looking a terrorist in the eye while slowly pulling the trigger has its own charm. Thus, it The virtual reality (VR) games of remains one of our favourite shooters. today have nothing on the Jurassic Park game from the late 1990s. The Year of release: 1995 game pitted you against some of the world’s most vicious JULY SEP0313 -- 09 19 / ISSUE 535 327

039

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

The

P

ower of Online Shopping

040

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

Beauty

FASHION

From the high-end to the high street, Team Y helps you get the look with these top digital domains that Omani fashionistas are going gaga over

❸

WWW.ALIEXPRESS.COM

Coming from the tech giant, Alibaba is Aliexpress.com. Although it operates out of China, Aliexpress has become one of the most soughtafter online stores in Oman. If you are buying fashion pieces, home and party decor, sports and outdoor items, this website has it all; from the smallest paper stencils to outdoor camping equipment.

Delivery time: 5-9 business days.

I

was first introduced to the world of online shopping when I was at university in the UK. When that first Amazon package containing my books arrived on my doorstep, I was more excited than amused. It soon became a habit or, rather, an obsession until I returned to the Middle East to join my parents.

Back home, I certainly missed the pleasure and convenience of online shopping as there were hardly any online outlets in the region then.

People still swore by physical shopping. Going to the shops can be great as you can touch, handle and feel a product before you buy it. Those who wanted to try the Western online stores were charged a bomb on shipping, and I wasn’t ready to pay more for shipping than the actual cost of a product, besides waiting for weeks for the product to arrive.

But not anymore. In today’s busy world, shopping scenarios have changed and online shopping is here to stay and forever, thanks to the recent home-based online stores in the UAE and Oman.

Words: Christine Karan hearmyshoestory

For the uninitiated, here are some online stores you can trust:

❶

WWW.UBUY.OM

Operating right out of Al Watayyah, Muscat UBuy offers a host of products from fashion, beauty and electronics to groceries.

The customer-friendly website is easy to navigate and you can choose products in a few clicks. Ubuy also has stores in the UK, USA, China and Kuwait, which means you can buy products available in those countries and which are exclusively available at Ubuy. They will be shipped directly to you.

Delivery time: 3- 5 business days.

❷

WWW.ROUMAAN.COM

Roumaan.com is a Dubai-based online shopping mall selling more than 200,000 selective branded products to select and buy from. It has a local presence and a contact in Oman if there are any issues with delivery.

Products are listed by authorised distributors and retailers based in the Middle East, which makes it 100 per cent authentic. All products are from the top brands globally.

Delivery Time: 5-9 working days

❹WWW.NAMSHI.COM Namshi is a fashion lover’s paradise – it’s a one-stop shop for everything fashion.

Born in 2011, Namshi – the UAE-based online retailer has a loyal following of buyers. It showcases some of the most popular high-street names as well as premium brands.

Delivery time: Depends on location and item of delivery.

❺

MENA.BOOHOO.COM

Boohoo, a global fashion retailer, has now spread its fashion love in the Middle East.

Operating out of the UAE, Mena.bohoo is exclusive for the Middle East, and delivers anywhere within the region. It’s virtually a fashion lover’s digital playground, as it offers some unique pieces online. It also carries a good variety of Plus-Size clothing that’s both chic and edgy.

Delivery time: Depends on location and item of delivery.

We have listed what we think is a starterkit, and there is more to discover. There are a few more online stores available in the region with their own exclusivity and niche products.

So happy online shopping! ■ SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

041

HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

SPOT ON:

WHAT TO DO WHEN ZITS RETURN

Hit with a fresh crop of blemishes that you thought you’d bid farewell to in your teens?

Here are some tips to help put your best face forward when dealing with adult acne

A

cne is mortifying when you’re a teenager but at least you can take comfort in knowing that, in a few years, you’ll never again get a big zit before a big event. Or will you?

Studies show that acne affects more than 50 per cent of women between the ages of 20-29 and more than 25 per cent of women between the ages of 40-49.

Adult acne, like teenage acne, is related to hormones.

Teens get acne during puberty, and many adult women experience breakouts linked to their menstrual cycle.

But adult acne and teenage acne may require different treatments. Teenage acne typically affects the T-zone, while adult acne afflicts the jaw area – and, it may be harder to treat.

“Women have drier skin than teens. It’s more sensitive and harder to treat (especially on the jaw), and some women may have difficulty tolerating the more drying over-the-counter topical acne treatments,” says Dr Hilary Baldwin, Associate Professor and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate in the United States.

Women should talk with their dermatologists about prescription acne treatments and be prepared for what may be an open-ended process.

“The combination of moisturising and anti-acne can be a tall order so talking with a dermatologist can cut down on the treatment trial and error,” adds Dr Baldwin.

“I also tell my adult acne patients to cleanse gently, moisturise when you need 042

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

to, and come and see me so we can find the right treatment.”

Here are some tips to keep in mind to combat the onset of adult acne and help keep you fresh-faced.

The hormone link: In women especially, changes in hormonal levels can trigger outbreaks.

If these instances are particularly bad, it might be worth discussing with your dermatologist the benefits of certain drug therapies such as Spironolactone, which inhibits hormones that stimulate the oil glands.

Ditch the carbs: We all know sugar is the enemy, and science has proven its link to acne. Foods with a high glycaemic index – pasta, rice, and white bread ¬– along with hormone-filled dairy products that can spur on oil-promoting hormones like testosterone, can all lead to a fresh crop of pimples. Consider reducing your intake of these foods or cutting them out of your diet entirely.

De-stress: Easier said than done?

Perhaps, but cortisol-boosting stress levels can play a significant contributing factor in adult acne by increasing poreclogging oils in the skin. So if you’re noticing more spots popping up, ask yourself – is there anything you’re stressing over? If so, identify it so that it can be dealt with in the interests of a happier, healthier you.

Selected sources: newsusa.com

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

READY REMEDIES The common cough can usually be cured at home, says a British health think-tank and watchdog. So before heading down to the doctor’s and dosing up on over-the-counter meds, try raiding your kitchen cupboard first

P

radeep Menon*, a marketing executive, found a persistent cough was beginning to disrupt his day.

When his cough started to break up his speech, and his throat became sore every time he had to swallow, Pradeep took himself to a doctor.

After being prescribed a dose of antibiotics, he found to his chagrin that the problem wasn’t clearing up.

Pradeep, 36, says: “I visited the doctor twice in less than a month, and the second time, I was asked to do a few tests, and they couldn’t find anything abnormal.

“I was asked to continue with a third course of antibiotics but each time, the medicines were making me weak, and I continued to cough.”

With antibiotics failing to give him any relief, Menon decided to avoid them, and instead chose a popular remedy that finally cured his cough.

He took honey, which is a traditional remedy for a sore throat. After a week of taking it, his cough cleared up.

According to a new guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, honey should actually be one of the first lines of treatment for people with coughs.

In a report last month from NICE, Professor Mark Baker, director of the centre for guidelines, said: “We are keen to highlight that, in most cases, antibiotics will not be necessary to treat a cough. We want people to be offered advice on alternatives that may help ease their symptoms.”

So in the time-honoured tradition of what your grandmother used in the days before Lemsip or Beechams powders, here are a few home remedies to help you get rid of that cough.

Honey with lime and ginger At home, you can create your remedy by mixing up to two teaspoons of honey with warm water, lemon, and ginger. The honey does the soothing, while the lemon juice can help with congestion. Ginger can calm your stomach or nausea.

Use peppermint Peppermint leaves make up a well-known remedy for cough relief. Peppermint contains menthol, which can help soothe sore throats and dry coughs. It’s also a decongestant that can break down mucus. You can either drink peppermint tea or inhale peppermint vapours from a steam bath. To make a steam bath, add three or four drops of peppermint to hot water. Cover your body with a towel or a blanket and take deep breaths directly above the water.

Drink water Staying hydrated is important for those with a cough. Research indicates that drinking water at room temperature can alleviate a cough. Two litres of water is the daily recommendation for the average adult. Water can help ease congestion caused by colds, preventing post-nasal drip that can irritate the throat, and keeps your throat from drying up.

The name in this article has been changed SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

043

Trend

YUMMY

TRUE OR FALSE?

When it comes to knowing what’s best for our bodies and the way we nourish them, it’s often fact vs. myth amid a nutrition information overload.

044

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

New Restaurant

Reviews

D ebunked!!

The truth behind 4 food myths

Whether you heard them from your mother or you follow every fad in cyberspace, at some point we’ve all been told that raw veggies are more nutritious than cooked…or we should avoid eggs because of their high cholesterol. Yes, we’re talking food myths – and it’s time to bust a few biggies

A

h, those self-righteous food myths! We’ve all heard them and many of us may even know at least one person who espouses them. And usually, they’re as certain they’re right as all those tech geniuses were about iPhones never replacing Blackberries.

Well, in some cases, people are actually basing their assumptions on either pure myth or the latest diet fad. You know, as in: gluten is bad for you. And listening to them can actually be risky as they can, in fact, deprive you of the benefits of a healthy diet.

Here are a few myths that deserve to be debunked.

MYTH: All yogurt is good for you.

C’mon, if you smother anything with enough sugary fruits and toppings, it becomes dessert.

MYTH: Fresh veggies are more nutritious than frozen or canned.

Lived on a farm lately? We didn’t think so or you’d know, as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’s Melissa Joy Dobbins explains, that veggies (and fruits) “are canned as soon as they’re picked so they’re at peak nutrition”.

There’s also been research showing that canned tomatoes, in particular, contain more of the heart disease-protective carotenoid pigment lycopene than fresh ones. And since statistics indicate that, for some reason, adding tomatoes to your diet is related to increased consumption of healthy vegetables of all kinds – hey, ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture why – maybe we should all consider stocking up on a few cans.

MYTH: Gluten-free diets are healthier.

Chalk this one up to the hottest new diet fad. Without even really knowing what gluten is – it’s a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye – people have somehow got it into their heads that the 99 per cent of Americans who don’t have celiac disease should also avoid it.

Problem is, such wholegrain foods happen to be rich in B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and fibre, and may even help lower the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

That explains why no less than Peter H.R. Green, the director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, told WebMD that going gluten-free “isn’t something that anyone should do casually”.

MYTH: Eggs are bad for your heart.

According to the Harvard Medical School, the only large study that addressed the issue, found “no connection between the two”. However, egg yolks do contain a lot of cholesterol, calories, and fat.

So, for a lean and healthier option, discard the yolk or switch to pourable egg whites-only – such as Egg Beaters.

Source: newsusa.com

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

045

&

FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

ge

an id-R

M

Info Box

ANANTHAPURI RESTAURANT

Near Modern Nursery in Darsait Opening hours: 12pm to 11pm Contact: (+968) 24781212 Dinner for two: RO6.200

ANANTHAPURI RESTAURANT TEAM Y’S HUNGRY HORDE HEAD FOR A TASTE OF GOD’S OWN COUNTRY AND DIG INTO THE DISHES THAT KERALA GAVE THE WORLD

W

e smell beef being fried even before we can see it. We are standing in front of Ananthapuri Restaurant taking deep breaths.

For a moment we can’t help but think we are actually in Kerala. At least, that’s what this restaurant reminds us of.

Located in Darsait, Ananthapuri Restaurant is widely popular among the Keralite community in the Sultanate.

TripAdvisor has rated it as the best authentic Keralite restaurant in Oman. Even the name itself is Keralite: Ananthapuri is the old name of Thiruvananthapuram, the Indian state’s capital.

The front view of the restaurant is stunning as it resembles a traditional Kerala house, with ornate interiors that remind you of some of the abodes you might find in ‘God’s Own Country’, as India’s tourist board likes to persuade us it is (we heartily agree)..

There are reproductions of an old coffee shop (chayakada), a post office, a sports club, and a bus stop. All these have been painstakingly put together, with rich and painstaking details and thoughtful touches.

The restaurant looks crowded even on a Sunday evening. As we wander through, a waiter

FOR US, THERE’S A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT THIS RESTAURANT, AND OF COURSE, MUCH OF IT HAS TO DO WITH ITS FOOD AND THE EXQUISITE INTERIOR. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN AUTHENTIC KERALA RESTAURANT IN OMAN THEN THIS IS THE ONE

SEP 13 - 19 / ISSUE 535

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

(Kingfish curry) and Irachi Puttu. Jijo brings us the food in five minutes.

The tapioca is grandly presented on a banana leaf, and the Kingfish curry is served in a clay pot, as the diners of yesteryear would have witnessed on many an occasion.

We try the Kappa and Meen Curry first. It’s a classic Kerala dish, cooked perfectly and one that goes fine with the fish curry. We try the traditional Kerala Porotta and Kadamattam Kozhi Masala.

Our Kerala Porottas are appropriately flaky and complement the Kozhi Masala, which is just yummy.

Irachi Puttu is our favourite, and is just delicious.

Puttu is a popular breakfast dish in Kerala that is made from steamed cylinders of ground rice layered with coconut and stuffed with beef.

“Most people in Kerala cook Puttu for breakfast.

It’s an easy preparation and can be served with any curry,” explains Jijo. Food nostalgia is all about reliving the experience of food and its memories.

We are reliving those moments here at Ananthapuri Restaurant.

For us, there’s a lot to like about this restaurant, and of course, much of it has to do with its food and the exquisite interior.

If you’re looking for an authentic Kerala restaurant in Oman then this is the one.

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

comes over to help us find a table. Our waiter, Jijo, is courteous and friendly. As a gesture, he brings us watermelon juice and hands us our menus.

The menu focuses on food that Keralites are passionate about, from the well-known beef fry to lesser-known items such as mutton fry and fish masala.

As the saying goes, the people of Kerala have an irresistible love for Porotta (delicate, flaky bread) and spicy curries, such as beef or chicken curry.

So, we go straight to the main course and opt for Porotta and Kadamattam Kozhi (chicken) masala.

We also pick Kappa (Tapioca) with Meen Curry 046

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE A great restaurant with value for money.

Detail obsessed like you.

The new A-Class leaves nothing to chance. The luxurious interiors and increased roominess make for a unique premium feel. And thanks to Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Natural Voice Control, innovative touchpad and the new touchscreen, interacting becomes more intuitive than ever. The new A-Class. Just like you.

To find out more, visit our website: www.mercedes-benz.co.om

C. R. 1054074

Muscat: Al Wallaj Street, Qurum. P.O. Box 58, Postal Code 100, Sales Tollfree: 80077333, Tel.: 24659222, E-mail: sales@mercedes-benz.co.om Website: www.mercedes-benz.co.om. Showroom opening hours: Sat-Thurs 8am – 8pm.