Y Magazine #532, August 16, 2018

Eid insider

YOUR GUIDE TO THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE Great escapes

OUR TOP MINI-BREAK DESTINATIONS FOR EID AL ADHA

FOOD OUTLETS FACE HEALTH AND 10 News: SAFETY CRACKDOWNS AHEAD OF EID

DESTINATION: Al-Meebam TASTE TEST: Haveli Restaurant

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

Running

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

AUG 16 - 22 2018 / ISSUE 532 • WEEKLY

ON EMPTY

PLUS!

SINCE THE ROLL-OUT OF OMAN’S NEW WAGE PROTECTION SYSTEM, THE MOST VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF THE NATION’S WORKFORCE STILL REMAIN AT RISK OF EXPLOITATION. Y ASKS – IS THE SYSTEM WORKING?

FASHION: PUNCHY 40 TROPICAL PRINTS 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

YUMMY OMAN: A TASTE OF KERALA

44

POSTCARD: THE GREEK 36 ISLE OF RHODES

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

Win back your life with our state-of-the-art rehabilitation

A

s we gear up to usher in the Eid Al Adha holidays, for many residents in Oman that means a trip abroad. Whether you’re nipping away somewhere exotic for a much-deserved break, heading home to visit family or making the Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj – one thing you can count on is that there will be extra expenses involved.

By the time we’re back at our desks on August 26, we’ll no doubt be counting down the days until pay-day. The question we’re asking in this week’s cover feature is – are you receiving your salary on time? Six months on, and we’re assessing the impact of Oman’s ambitious Wage Protection System roll-out meant to ensure that employees across all sectors of industry – especially the nation’s most vulnerable blue-collar workers are guarded from exploitation.

Has it worked? Yes or no? And, most importantly – why? What loopholes, if any, have been found? And are those who need a system like this the most benefiting from it? Flip to Page 20 to find out.

Also in this issue, we’re bringing you our complete guide to Eid Al Adha – from special Eid escapes, to the top five fascinating facts about the Holy Pilgrimage, we’ve got all the info at your fingertips. We’ve also rounded up some of the summer’s hottest fashion and beauty trends – from tropical prints to an organic homegrown Omani makeup line. Plus, Yummy Oman is celebrating all things ‘sadhya’ as we bring you a delicious spread ahead of the Indian Onam festivities, which kick off on August 15.

Welcome to the Physiotherapy Department at Burjeel Medical Centre.

Specialties: Ÿ

Pain management (back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain etc .)

Ÿ

Help and prevention in injury recovery

Ÿ

Relieve stress and muscle tension

Ÿ

Flexibility improvement

Ÿ

Mobility improvement

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Complementary techniques and high technology modalities

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi

burjeel medical centre po box 1465, al azaiba, muscat, sultanate of oman call: 2208 5252 | e-mail: info@bmcoman.com www.bmcoman.com Our other medical facility - burjeel hospital, Al khuwair- 24399777

MOH.NO – 107/2018

MANAGING EDITOR Ashlee Starratt

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/REPORTER Alvin Thomas PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

03

contents

AUGUST 16 - 22 2018

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Bader al Lawati 10 News

Oman cracks down on

rogue employers 12 News

SalamAir announces

three new destinations

10

18

Eid celebrations Kick off the Eid Al Adha holidays at Muscat Grand Mall’s nine- day Eid festival with family entertainment until August 24!

19 Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Lexus NX300 38 Y-Fi

Smart home gadgets

38

20

All work, no pay?

More employees in Oman are facing delays in their salary payments.

Six months into the country’s new Wage Protection System, Y asks – is it really working?

24

Eid Guide Interesting insights into the Holy Pilgrimage as Muslims around the world prepare for Hajj.

26 19 Movies

Can Akshay Kumar

lead the Indian

national team to a

first-place finish in

the 1948 Olympic

period drama ‘Gold’?

Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Al-Meebam

Features

40 Fashion

Tropical prints that

pack a punch 42 Beauty

We’re loving Omani

makeup line Vanity Galore

Great Escapes Looking for the perfect mini-break this Eid? Here are five destinations to put on your radar…

20

Food and Drink 44

Yummy Oman: A taste of Kerala We celebrate the South Indian festival of Onam with a traditional ‘sadhya’

46 Taste Test

Haveli Restaurant

40

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e and is o N a y a M h it w e Tea Tim g Chad in the Mortenstin celebrity atch and the la From the artists to w e hits of the week, we’ve got at gossip, to your ultim from the pulse of the music se your superstar do dio Oman 100.9 FM world with Virgin Ra

Break-in at John Mayer’s Previously on Tea Time we spoke about how John Mayer had released a song called ‘One Night’, and we have just found out he’s been burgled.

Thieves broke a window and got into his home in the Hollywood Hills.

Up to $200,000 (RO77,000) worth of musical equipment and personal items were stolen.

The singer wasn’t home, and has yet to release a statement about the incident.

Dua Lipa gets keys to the city Not only is the 22-year-old songstress Dua Lipa making No.1 hits and winning awards all around the world she is making history in her hometown of Pristina, Kosovo. Dua Lipa received the first ever key to the capital city of Pristina from its mayor.

Dua’s parents, who are Albanian from Kosovo, left Pristina in the 1990s, and in 2008 she moved back to the city to study.

The ‘IDGAF’ singer has also said she’s been working on a second album, with Swedish songwriter and record producer Max Martin. The album, which she says is a new chapter in her life, is likely to be released next year.

Mel B to release Spicy tell-all Over the past few months, there has been speculation over a possible Spice Girls reunion. Now it has been revealed that Mel B, aka Scary Spice, is releasing a 06

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

tell-all book that could ruin any chances of a Spice Girls reunion happening.

The book will describe feuds between her and fellow band mates Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham. A source says that after the book comes out there’ll be no hope of the Spice Girls getting back together as it’s “going to dig up a lot of old dirt”.

Angelina Jolie divorce spat heats up Earlier this week it was reported that Angelina Jolie’s lawyer is quitting the star’s divorce case (against Brad Pitt) because it has become impossible to represent her as the actress has become too vengeful and hostile.

Angelina is now back making headlines this time for accusing Brad for failing to pay child support. However, people close to Brad say this statement is far from the truth. He’s paid millions of dollars for the kids since the couple split.

This hasn’t stopped Angelina from filing legal docs against him and demanding full custody of the children.

Lady Gaga heads to Vegas Lady Gaga has become the latest singer to take up a Las Vegas residency. She’ll be launching it at the Park MGM Resort on December 28, and is set to take the stage for 27 dates where she’ll be performing two different concerts –‘Lady Gaga Enigma’ and ‘Lady Gaga Jazz and Piano’.

Her ‘Enigma’ show will take you through her biggest hits and her jazz and piano concert will feature stripped-down versions of her songs.

Nicki Minaj drops new album a week early!

Nicki Minaj surprised us by releasing her much-anticipated album ‘Queen’ one week early! The album dropped on Friday and it features previouslyreleased singles like ‘Bed’ and ‘Chun Li’. It also has features from Eminem and The Weeknd. One song off the album that’s causing a lot of buzz is ‘Barbie Dreams’ because Nicki takes aim at many rappers including Drake, Desiigner and even her ex, Meek Mill. And although many think it’s a diss track, Nicki insists that it isn’t.

Chainsmokers team up with Emily Warren on ‘Side Effects’ The Chainsmokers are back with a new catchy track and this time they’ve enlisted the help of Emily Warren for the vocals. The guys from the group say ‘Side Effects’ is a funky, upbeat summertime record.

It’s definitely a nice change from the slower, mellower songs they’ve released in the past year such as ‘Sick Boy’ and ‘Paris’.

Travis Scott’s new album dethrones Drake’s ‘Scorpion’ There’s a new No.1 album on the Billboard 200 chart and it’s Travis Scott’s!

‘Astroworld’ has ended Drake’s fiveweek streak of holding down the top spot. This also means that Scott now has two No.1 albums under his belt. The album has 17 tracks including the previously released ‘Butterfly Effect’. It also has features from the likes of The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Drake and Pharrell.

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

BADER AL LAWATI, A NIKON-INSTRUCTOR AND CELEBRITY FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER, TALKS ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A WAGE PROTECTION SYSTEM AMONG FREELANCERS

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Are you receiving your salary on time? Tell us if you think Oman’s new Wage Protection System is working the way it should be.

DR RAO BHASKARA SUDDAPALLI

I

don’t think a Wage Protection System would work for freelancers as our payments are usually irregular and not scheduled.

But I do think that a simplified legal procedure is timely, and is the only thing that would work.

It is widely known that often, you will lose a lot of your time, at best, if you attempt to take your grievance to court. As a freelancer, that is time you could be spending on other projects so this is lost revenue. Therefore, sometimes it is simply not worth it.

Several clients make use of freelancers before “ghosting” on them when it comes to clearing payments.

For instance, a well-known hotel I worked with used my services for a small RO150 project and was constantly “unavailable” to sign off on my payment for 10 months.

They knew that it would cost me more if I took it to the legal system and I had no choice but to wait. I found out later that they have done this with quite a few of their suppliers.

Other companies use this as a way to pressure freelancers to give “freebees” or discounts. I once worked on a project for a local brand for which I spent five days shooting and as many days editing. However, when I came back with the final video, I was told that there were changes that had to be made at no extra cost; with the mistakes originating at the client’s side (their employees were not wearing gloves etc). They told me I had to pay for the re-shoot and the models/equipment and any other costs.

I refused as the mistakes had come from their side but I agreed to compromise and do it at cost. They refused and threatened not to pay, and rather than let them bully their way into things, I decided not to play along and they dropped the project refusing to pay for out-of-pocket expenses and work that had already been done.

Setting aside a Wage Protection System, we would essentially require a clearer and faster legal system that would also compensate for our lost time, in Oman.

08

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

I appreciate this laudable progressive proemployee ‘Wage Protection System’. It reiterates the continuing resolve of the Sultanate to leave no stone unturned in plugging the loopholes in the welfare process. Yes, I receive my salary on time as do my colleagues. We always have, even before the measure was thought of. In any step such as this, there will always be teething problems and breaches are inevitable. But some blue- collar workers, especially housemaids, have told me that though their employers deposit their salaries, as stipulated, into their bank accounts; the sponsors retain their ATM cards and withdraw the money.

As a result, their lives are back to square one and they get less pay than they are entitled to. They are simply at the mercy of their bosses and their families. Measures introduced to redress the plight of workers must be welcomed. But the reality is that it is simply impossible for many of these workers affected to report their bosses. So while we welcome the measures, let us continue to press for the rights of workers to afford safe and secure salaried lives.

MOHAN ANANDAN

The Wage Protection System (WPS) is certainly working fine in Oman, making it mandatory for employers to transfer their employees’ salary direct to their bank accounts before the given timeline. This is being monitored by the Ministry of Manpower and errant employees are taken to task as well. However, media reports have also raised the issue of unethical employers not extending this benefit to the intended employee by keeping custody of the bank ATM cards with them to withdraw the money immediately after the transfer is made. These misuses need to be tackled firmly so that the fruits of the reform reach the intended beneficiaries.

R.VAIDYANATHAN

Yes, I am receiving my salary on time. The wage protection system is 100 per cent working as it should be because it is directly paid by banks/financial Institutions. Moreover, the Ministry of Manpower can track payments and ensure that wages are paid fully and in a timely manner. Otherwise, strict action will be taken against the companies, which are registered with MOM. The advantages of the system include penalising companies who don’t comply with CHAKRABORTY PINKY the regulations, tracking wages can be faster, and No, I’m not receiving my salary on time.

Currently, there is a Wage Protection System that surprise audits can be carried out on companies who aims to ensure that an employee’s monthly salary fail to toe the line. is credited to his/her account on time. The need SRIDHAR RAJ* for such a system came in the wake of reports I have been working as a Marketing Manager of the sponsor either not paying employees on for a building materials company in Oman for time or holding on to wages without giving the the past eight years. For the first time this year, employees what is rightfully theirs. Previously, there has been a delay in receiving salaries there was no assurance. The sponsor was taking on time in my company. The last salary the wages and they were not reaching the paid to us was in April and we have not been workers. Now this practice has been prevented paid for the past three months. Due to the tough to some extent because of the wage protection economic conditions in the country, we know that system but the problem still exists.

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the company is facing payment issues from clients but most employees are living with their families here. I have reached a stage where I cannot meet the basic needs of my family. I am not sure the Wage Protection System has helped many expatriate employees living in Oman. The government rule says salaries must be paid before the 7th of every month and if the Wage Protection System has already been implemented, why is the Ministry not monitoring my company? This is just not my plight alone. This is the common case of every other expatriate workers whose salaries have been delayed for months.

[Editor’s Note: Name changed to protect identity]

SURESH KUMAR KS

I receive my salary on time and I must

WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

credit the management of my company for sending my salary in the first week of every month. The Wage Protection System is a great initiative from the Ministry of Manpower but is it really working? It says it secures the rights of the workers of both Omanis and expatriates but some of my close friends are not being paid on time. What will the Manpower do for such cases?

Will they take strict action against those companies who do not pay employees on time? My friend who works in a construction company has not been paid for two months. He and his colleagues have raised complaints with officials but in vain. No action has been taken by the authorities. The Wage Protection System should ensure that these things are taken care of and strict action should be taken against these companies.

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AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

09

NEWS

YOUR

OMAN

CRACKDOWN ON ROGUE EMPLOYERS

C

ompanies will be forced to submit a bank receipt to prove they have paid employees who have left the country.

The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) says the rights of workers have to be protected, and is introducing the move to that end.

Too many are leaving the country due to nonpayment of salaries, a spokesman confirmed.

Under regulations devised by Abdullah al Bakri, Minister of Manpower; Oman’s private companies must submit a bank receipt to prove an employee received a salary up to three months before he or she went missing.

An MoM spokesman said: “This is to ensure that both the rights of the worker as well as the company are protected.

“We are getting regular complaints of salary delays and most of the workers quit jobs due to this reason.”

However, any firm will need not submit bank documents if the worker is leaving after less than a month in the country.

PM Jabir, Social Welfare Secretary of Indian Social Club welcomed the move, and said: “I know of many cases of absconding workers and it happens mostly due to non-payment of salaries. This regulation will ensure that the worker gets his due payment and his rights are protected.”

EXPATS SPENDING MORE IN OMAN

E

xpats are spending more in Oman and sending less money home, according to the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

The amount expats sent home dropped from RO 3.965 million in 2016 to RO3.774 million in 2017, the CBO reported.

According to a report, the 4.8 per cent dip is due to “increased domestic spending” by expatriate workers.

Last year, Oman reduced the threshold wage for bringing in family members from RO600 to RO300, and the bank says this has led expats to spend more in the country.

The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) data showed private sector expat jobs grew 6 per cent last year.

In the report, the bank said: “In 2015, there was a significant growth in expat remittances amount of money is being spent on the families of but this has now declined in the last two years. these expatriate workers locally and this has become a “What we have observed is that a sizeable growing trend.”

SALAMAIR ANNOUNCES THREE NEW DESTINATIONS

010

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

O

man’s budget airline SalamAir has announced flights to three new destinations. The airline will operate direct flights to Khartoum in Sudan, Kathmandu in Nepal and Najaf in Iraq.

Mohammed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said: “Our plan is to expand our operations to more than 20 countries including those in the GCC. “And as part of that we are looking to operate flights to Riyadh and Kuwait by next year.”

Last month, SalamAir launched nonstop flights to Dhaka.

SalamAir currently flies to Dubai, Jeddah, Medina, Salalah and Sohar.

MOVIE MANIA

GALLERY

MUSCAT GRAND MALL WELCOMED THE OPENING OF ITS NEW VOX CINEMA WITH A LAUNCH SCREENING OF ‘THE MEG’.

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

011

YOUR

OMAN

F

ood outlets face a health and safety crackdown over the holiday period.

Supermarkets and restaurants flouting regulations on food hygiene can expect a visit from municipal inspectors.

The warning comes as officials were forced to destroy 350 packs of rancid cheese on sale in an outlet.

They were tipped off by an Omani citizen, and a spokesman for Sur Municipality said: “The Food and Veterinary

INSPECTIONS INTENSIFIED FOR EID Control Department at Sur Municipality destroyed 350 packets of cheese that were unfit for human consumption.

We appreciate the efforts of the citizen who raised the complaint. It helped us to act swiftly.”

“The health and safety of our people is of primary importance.

“In the last one-week we have received several complaints and based on that we have decided to conduct regular inspections at these restaurants and supermarkets.”

SULTAN AL TOUQI WINS SHOW-JUMPING EVENT IN THE NETHERLANDS

OMANI BROTHERS SACRIFICE THEIR LIVES

TO SAVE SAUDI TOURISTS

T O

mani rider Sultan Al Touqi won first place at a show-jumping event at Nijkerk, Netherlands where he rode Omani-bred horse ‘Taloubet Zeus’ to victory. This is Sultan’s debut season with Taloubet, with the pair putting up strong performances at two different competitions in the Netherlands –the Houten Grand Prix, and at Nijkerk. “We’re immensely proud of Sultan for the achievements he’s made while in Holland. It’s his first season riding ‘Taloubet’ and the pair has proven to be a great one,” said Hamood Al Touqi, Sultan’s father and guide. Sultan is currently training hard under the supervision of his instructor to excel at the Longines Masters event to be held in November in France.

012

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

wo young Omani men perished while attempting to save two Saudi Arabian girls from drowning at Wadi Darbat on Friday, August 10, 2018. Brothers Hamyar Al Hinai, 25, and Tariq Al Hinai, 21, both from the Ai Aishi village in the Wilayat of Bahla were spending time in Wadi Darbat when they heard the girls crying out for help. According to local sources, the girls slipped and fell into the water while trying to click selfies and, in a bid to save them, the two Omani men jumped into the water, though neither knew how to swim. While they managed to bring the girls to safety, the brothers were overcome by the water.

“They’re heroes and we are so

proud of them. This comes as no surprise as they would always offer help to others. May their souls rest in peace,” a sobbing Mustafa Al Hinai (Tariq’s brother) was quoted as telling local daily, Times of Oman.

Oman’s Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) announced Friday that they had tried to rescue two citizens from the wadi, stating: “The rescue teams at the Civil Defence and Ambulance Department in Dhofar responded to the reports of the drowning of the two citizens in Wadi Darbat, where they were rescued. The ambulance crew exerted painstaking efforts by providing emergency medical care, but they couldn’t be saved.”

PARTY CENTRAL

GALLERY

AXIS EVENTS’ ‘ONE NIGHT IN AMSTERDAM’ PARTY SAW DUTCH DJ ROSH LIGHT UP THE DECKS AT THE PARK INN HOTEL

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

013

YOUR

IN THEIR EYES

OMAN

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI CAPTURES THE FACES OF IMMIGRANTS WHO FORM THE COUNTRY’S BACKBONE.

014

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

GALLERY

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

015

YOUR

DIVINE PILLARS

OMAN

OMAN IS HOME TO SOME OF THE REGION’S MOST STUNNING MOSQUES. SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI HIGHLIGHTS THEIR BEAUTY.

016

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

GALLERY

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi Location: Al Halban Style: Portrait A young boy stands tall, observing tradition under the colours of the flag at a camel pageant in Al Halban.

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

017

ICE DANCE EID FUN

Where are you planning to celebrate Eid? Starting today, Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) in Baushar will kick-off a nine-day long Eid Al Adha celebration with a series of events that include an ice skating show. Visitors can experience a ‘fairy land’ themed ice show, which will be the first of its kind in Oman. It will run for nine days, with three shows daily between 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Customers can also meet the ice-skaters, and get selfies. The show ends on August 24.

AUG

16

THIS

WEEK

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

Feeling healthy?

Here’s a chance for you to check your vitals. Three top doctors are hosting a special health awareness session on heart, diabetes, and gynaecological problems at a workshop at Platinum Hotel, located in Al Khuwair from 10:00 a.m. to noon. You can also get a free blood- sugar test at the venue.

AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

AUG

17

AUG

16

Try your hand at interior design. For the first time in Oman, Sununu Muscat, a lifestyle management company, is hosting a workshop called ‘Paint with Me’ at their outlet in November 18th Street. During the workshop, you can paint your own furniture and take on other home projects under the guidance of a trained professional from Sununu Muscat. To take part, contact 9192-1803.

WORK AT STAYING WELL

A U G U S T

018

A DESIGN FOR LIFE

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

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

BlacKkKlansmen Cast: : John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace

Down a Dark Hall Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Uma Thurman, Isabelle Fuhrman Teenager Kit Gordy (Robb) doesn’t have to be an ‘A’ student to suss that her new boarding school isn’t like any she’s been to before.

For starters, as soon as she enrols she has to give up her mobile phone, which would be traumatic for any teenager these days.

As Kit has been sent there to get her life back on-track, there’s plenty of stuff for her to worry about, not least the sinister headmistress Madame

Gold Cast: Akshay Kumar, Mouni Roy, Kunal Kapoor

Duret (Thurman), whose approach to academic study is, well, a little different.

There sure isn’t going to be any cheerleading going on here, and what’s with the strange apparitions and demonic noises?

This supernatural thriller from the Twilight people should pack ‘em in; even the guys.

Oman release: August 16

The 1948 Olympic Games is coming to London as the first Olympiad in 12 years after the ravages of World War II. Tapen Das (Akshay) has to train India’s hockey team and he’s thinking big. It’s India’s first Olympics post-independence so he wants to win the gold medal AND beat the British on their home turf, for good measure.

Tapen has to battle officialdom all the way to get that gold medal for his country that has just been freed, as he says, ‘from 200 years of British subjugation’.

Based on a true story, this is a film that makes you want to cheer the protagonists on, and Akshay nails the barnstorming brio without overdoing it. In Hindi, with subtitles.

Maradona When rookie cop Ron Stallworth (Washington) becomes the first black police officer in the US town of Colorado Springs, he hatches a plan to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan by making one of his Caucasian colleagues wear the white sheet and go undercover. At the same time, the Black Power movement is bringing one of its head honchos into town. It looks like Ron and his fellow rozzers are in for a busy old time. Set in early 1970s America, this is like a throwback to the ‘blaxploitation’ films of that era. With Spike Lee in the director’s chair, we’d expect this comedy-thriller to be smart, funny and edgy; and it is. Also, Lee clearly has something to say about politics in the U.S. today.

Oman release: August 16

!

Cast: Tovino Thomas, Leona Lishoy, Chemban Vinod Jose

Firstly, this is not a biopic of the Argentinian football legend. Rather, it’s a tick-all-boxes kind of comedy thriller centring on Maradona (Thomas) who leaves his hometown when things start getting a little too hot for him (in more ways than one) and heads to Hyderabad to hook up with some distant relatives. But for Maradona, a change is not always as good as a rest. Pretty soon he finds out that life’s problems don’t just fade away if you don’t face them. He also learns a little about life and the importance of family and friends, along the way. There’s plenty of action, romance, music, and dancing in this so what’s not to like? In Malayalam, with subtitles.

Oman release: August 16

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Which year did India’s hockey team win a medal at the Olympics in the movie ‘Gold’?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Filomena Fernandes

Oman release: August 16

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ALL WORK, NO PAY? 020

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e r a te hem a n ta sees t l u S at e h h ed, t t n i s ystem work aid r e k ys r er nd p ifts o v a o w f rn-d ted: d a as l o s d ode ploi ly fe hom ill n a s am x bare n T at st e u o y Th s of lessl sed, . Alvi al th im ruth hou ing and ntry t c i v ly noth he sc cou r o ur po ally on t o u in virt the lid xists e

payments aren’t enough to keep the company afloat, and threatens to have us jailed if we were to go and complain or take any action against him.

“He has our passports, contracts, and even our bank card. All we have in our wallets is our residence card,” he adds.

These are ordeals that several migrant workers – and in some cases, even Omanis – go through daily.

But the Oman government has recognised the issue that is at hand, and has come up with a solution – and a rather ingenious one at that: The Wage Protection System (WPS).

The WPS is an electronic salary transfer system that allows companies in Oman to pay workers’ wages through banks or financial institutions approved and authorised to provide the service. The registered companies are monitored for discrepancies.

In short, the bank acts as a go-between – a governing body that regulates the timely payment of the agreed wages – between the employer and employee, and it covers companies across all sectors that are registered with the Ministry of Manpower (MoM).

An MoM official who declined to be named, says: “Implementing this system in Oman was an easy decision although a lot of work has gone into it. odern day slavery is real.

“We had studied all the necessary conditions so that when it went live, it Thousands of expats in the Sultanate are victims of a would actually protect the rights of workers. It doesn’t matter if it’s a man system the world thought had been abolished more than or a woman or an Omani or an expat. It’s helping everyone.

150 years ago.

“The idea is that every company should register themselves with us The stories of these migrant workers – those who came through the Central Bank of Oman (CBO). This process also includes to the country with high hopes and dreams – may disturb you unless you’re filling in the employee information, which includes the salary details. one of them.

“Once that’s done, the employer must then select a registered bank that The struggles of Nishant, Siddharth, Iqbal, and Sameer (names changed can dispense all the money to the employee. Everything is tracked, and so to protect identity) began late last year when they landed at Oman airport. we know if a company isn’t paying its workers on time,” he adds.

Promised jobs by the recruiting agencies back The WPS isn’t exclusive to the Sultanate, though. in their hometowns in exchange for large sums of The system has been in place across all GCC money, the four expats – the former two from India countries for several years now. Qatar, for instance, and the latter two from Pakistan – made their way implemented the system in 2015, and the United into this country.

Arab Emirates adopted it in 2016.

On arrival, they were told that they’d be While all that spells well for workers in Oman, representing a manpower company, and that they there lingers the greatest question of them all: is the would have to serve contracts with multiple clients THE LAST SALARY PAID WPS working in Oman? for as long as they were required to – a condition According to high-profile social worker P.M. Jabir, TO US WAS IN APRIL AND they weren’t too fazed by considering they were in it the WPS is a “welcome move from the government”.

WE HAVEN’T RECEIVED for the “easy money”.

ANYTHING SINCE. DUE TO But he has seen certain employers work around the But the money never came – not even after eight new system using vile tactics.

THE TOUGH ECONOMIC months of work.

“Unfortunately, there are certain employers who CONDITIONS IN THE They cannot leave either: their passports are in the COUNTRY, WE KNOW THAT either keep the ATM cards with them or take the custody of the company that they are representing. money back from the workers once they withdraw THE COMPANY IS FACING Moreover, they say that they cannot head back the salary. There needs to be a system to stop this PAYMENT ISSUES FROM home as failures, at least not until they pay off their practice.”

CLIENTS debts.

So, the answer to our question is justifiably quite There’s no time to lament over their misfortune, though. Because, complex, and to comprehend the situation completely, we had to take a trip even as we interview them, they’re busy digging trenches to to an ATM vestibule in Al Ghubra that has gained notoriety over the past lay internet cables for a contracting company operating few months for being a loophole in this newly-implemented system. on the requirements of the telecom industry in Oman.

It happens on the second day of every month, a day after all the Siddharth, one of the exploited expats who hails from employees of a construction firm have been paid their salaries in full. the state of Tamil Nadu in India, tells us: “I left my As per the new law, the company has fulfilled its duty to pay its staff so no home and family to work and make their lives better at discrepancies are flagged. the expense of mine.

However, by 6pm, a full-sized bus arrives loaded with migrant blue-collar “But now, I cannot even buy a single meal. I’m workers – all tired after a long day of work on the site. They’re soon queued fearing for my life. I work in this heat with no up in front of the ATM machine, and a public relations officer (PRO) protection or clean drinking water. We’re at the mercy of our contractors and engineers who, out of pity, sometimes buy us food and water.

“We’re forever indebted to them,” he says, before bursting into tears. Sameer quickly steps in to calm him down. This level of bond between Indian and Pakistani colleagues is unseen of today. But, struggles such as these bring the people closer together.

Misery, after all, does not discriminate.

Sameer goes on to say: “We keep following up with our arbab (boss) for our salaries.

But he says that the

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021

guides them to it one by one. which the manpower company originally withholds RO60 for housing.

What happens next beggars belief: the PRO diligently asks every worker This means they must receive RO90 per month for their expenses but to withdraw their salaries completely. He then takes a cut from it, which there’s no sign of any payment to date. according to our sources, will then be transferred back to the company or “If this persists, our company will be forced to act against the company, kept by the PRO himself. or maybe even terminate their services. But, skilled labour is hard to come The workers are finally left with only a portion of the salary that they’d by so we’re still hanging onto them for our manpower resources,” he adds. earned.

Be that as it may, the four expats cannot leave the country since their This is currently only one of the loopholes that hampers the WPS passports have been confiscated. This is against the law too. According system. to the ministerial decision 2/2006 issued by the Ministry of Manpower During our investigation, we learn that the labourers Nishant, (MoM) dated November 6, 2006, withholding an employee’s passport is Siddharth, Iqbal, and Sameer all face situations like this. against the interest of fair labour.

Their bank cards have been confiscated by their PRO, and they don’t This is also the case for daily-wage workers in Oman. Though illegal, have access to them. They also claim that he withdraws all their salaries, several workers have been seen lurking around the streets of Ruwi, Ghala, leaving them with nothing – not a single baisa. and Ghubra in search of work for a day’s meal.

This is backed by the Omani lead engineer who These workers can charge anywhere between is operating on the site. He goes on to tell us: “We RO7 and RO13 for a whole day but their sponsor pity the people who are made to work like this. can take a cut from it daily. In short, the rich get The employers don’t see these people as humans. richer while the poor gets poorer.

Instead, they’re made to slog until, eventually, This is the condition of Rashid ul Haq*, a their heart gives away.

Pakistani expat in Oman.

“They sign with a company, filled with hope Originally employed as a domestic worker by and ambition, but go back in a coffin. That’s the his sponsor, Rashid came to the country to tend to situation in some of the companies here. A lot SO, IF YOU HAVEN’T PAID 10 the gardening and other home needs of an Omani of these blue-collar workers from South Asia are EMPLOYEES, THE FINE GOES family. But, as time went by, the sponsor realised mistreated by employers up to a point where I UP TO RO1,000. HOWEVER, that he didn’t require a gardener and cleaner daily. would never suggest that they come here.”

So, he cut his salary by half and asked him to THE FINES CAN BE DOUBLED “I pay for their food every day. From the (name IF THE COMPANIES REPEAT branch out and look for other work on the side. withheld) hypermarket nearby, I buy them a We then ask him why he would rather stay in THE OFFENCE. THAT’S WHAT packet of kubus (Arabic bread), vegetable curry, THE ARTICLE 51 OF CHAPTER Oman than return home to Pakistan. He answers: and curd. It’s money from my pocket but it’s “It’s better to stay here and earn RO80 to RO100 ONE, PART FOUR OF THE keeping them alive. They’re my brothers, and than earn nothing back there. By staying here, I can LABOUR LAW STATES they deserve to experience the basic rights – send at least Rs 19,000 to my wife and mother.” access to food and water.

Fearing his master, Rashid refuses to speak to us on record any further.

“You shouldn’t steal from the poor. That’s not what our culture and But before ending our conversation, he points out that he pays RO2 for religion teaches us. We do so much every year – collect Zakat (mandatory every RO5 he makes doing chores outside the house. charity), send money to poor countries, and donate on the boxes placed in This means his wage of RO15 drops to RO9 daily… if the employer supermarkets P.M. Jabir – but do we look around us at the people around us who are decides to pay him the amount. in need?”

But it’s not just small-scale companies, manpower agencies, and local As per the engineer, the labourers are paid a total of RO150, from sponsors that are delaying salaries or breaking the laws. Several medium-

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and high-level companies are now reportedly suffering from cash shortages that have left plenty of their staff to work with little to no pay at all for months.

Our investigation reveals that a leading engineering firm in Oman hasn’t paid its staff in three months. Furthermore, one of the employees of the company wrote us an upsetting email: “For the first time this year, there’s a delay in receiving salaries on time in my company.

“The last salary paid to us was in April and we haven’t received anything since. Due to the tough economic conditions in the country, we know that the company is facing payment issues from clients.”

In reality, his company is just one among several that are facing payment issues from clients, and have gone on to delay employee salaries.

Y received multiple counts from employees offence or not. stating that their companies were struggling “So, if you haven’t because clients were taking anywhere between paid 10 employees, the three to six months to pay their dues – mostly fine goes up to RO1,000.

However, the fines can be owing to the aftermath of the oil crisis of 2014. doubled if the companies The email then read: “But, many of the repeat the offence. That’s employees in the company are living with what the Article 51 of their families here, and I have reached a Chapter One, Part Four of the stage where I am not able to fulfill their basic Labour Law states,” he explains. needs.

In an earlier interaction with Y, Salim bin “Due to this delay, I haven’t paid my Said al Badi, the director general of labour house rent and my kids’ school fee. Since the welfare at the MoM, said: “The ministry has landlord understands our situation, he has deployed a specialised team to conduct field not submitted my cheques at the bank yet. checks on private sector companies to make “So, I am not sure if the Wage Protection sure they follow the Labour Law. System has helped expat employees living “The ministry’s policy and goal is to THE MINISTRY’S POLICY in Oman. The government rule says salaries must be paid before the 7th of AND GOAL IS TO REGULATE regulate the labour market and enhance the relationship between employers and every month and if the system has already THE LABOUR MARKET employees.” been implemented, why is the ministry not AND ENHANCE THE Quoting the Labour Law, Al Badi added: monitoring my company?” he asks.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN “Delaying any payment for more than extra “This is just not my plight alone. This is the EMPLOYERS AND seven days is illegal, and the ministry fines case of several other workers whose salaries EMPLOYEES the violator. When it comes to holidays, every have been delayed for months.” worker is entitled to an annual leave with full While the employee’s plight is one of grave salary (for no less than 30 days). concern, his questions about the effectiveness of Al Badi then went on to stress how the ministry the system stays valid. has intensified checks on companies.

But all of these are still considered criminal “The e-portal introduced by the ministry has offences, and companies and sponsors facilitated everybody to file a complaint over caught committing such acts will incur heavy Labour Law violations. If a company does not punishment, including blacklisting and fines. comply with the law and does not correct its Our source at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) violations, the file gets transferred to the Public says a company flouting the laws could face Prosecution,” he adds. charges, and pay a fine of RO100 for every Filing a complaint is a relatively easy task too – employee that they’ve not paid for the month, and it doesn’t matter if you’re an Omani or nonirrespective of whether the WPS has caught the Omani. All you need to do is head to the MoM website at manpower.gov.om and search for the ‘e-services’ tab. Under that, you’ll find the section dedicated to labour complaints.

While the services of the website are being used extensively, our source at the MoM points out: “Expats can be a bit shy or scared to come across with their grievances. It’s not something that will help them in the long run. If you’re facing a problem now, it’s best to sort it out soon.

“They [expats] feel that their employer could

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023

BUT THE DAY WILL COME WHEN THE OPPRESSOR WILL BE ANSWERABLE FOR ALL HIS ACTIONS. AND WHEN IT COMES, I JUST HOPE HE WILL BE FORGIVEN. BECAUSE, NO ONE SHOULD SUFFER LIKE US

submitting a complaint to the MoM.” As iron-clad as the laws may be, this is affecting every possible sector in the market. And workers are now calling out for the WPS – irrespective of its effectiveness – to be implemented across all sectors.

Bader al Lawati, an Omani celebrity food photographer and a Nikon instructor, relates an incident that he faced recently: “I had just started work with a new high-end restaurant in Oman who wanted me for a whole range of photography services.

“A contract was signed and the clauses were mentioned clearly, as per the law.

“As part of that, I was also involved in strategic planning for the brand. I had executed some of our ideas for them, and as promised, also handed over to them the photographs that they had requested.

“But after the handing over, there was no word from them about the payments. So, I invariably tried following up with the manager of the restaurant. At first, he would ignore my calls, but would then fall victim to calls from my second phone number.

“He would then go on to tell me that he was busy with meetings. So, after a few weeks, I visited the restaurant. But, to my astonishment, he scurried away from the premises to avoid a confrontation.

“This went on and on… for a period of 10 months,” he says before adding that he had to threaten to take them to court before the payment of RO150 was made.

“Therefore, we require some

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form of governance that takes care of the payments of freelancers. But, I think that a simplified legal procedure that is timely would work as well.

“There are several companies that take advantage of people like us.

“But since we’re signing a contract, I think we’d really like to have some form of protection from clients who clearly go rogue after handing over the product or task,” he says before ending our conversation.

The government’s WPS may only be seeing a few results today but the ministry hasn’t given up on its efforts to patch any gap that it may have left open.

As of this week, the MoM has issued a ministerial decision that any employer filing a complaint against an absconding expat employee must also submit a salary certificate and a three months’ bank statement to prove that the person didn’t flee due to the non-payment of their salary.

Also, if a company files more than five complaints in one month or more than ten complaints in a year, then they will be subject to inspections to ensure that it is complying with the labour law.

This will undeniably help shed the light on the circumstances under which the worker fled, and perhaps also help in the rescue of other unpaid employees in the company.

As of today, however, all the workers we interviewed remain unpaid and penniless.

Sameer sums up his – and his friends’ situations by saying: “We hear a lot of steps being taken by the government to help us employees get our basic rights. But there’ll always be a loophole in it. And the employer will find that and use it against us.

“Our only real solace comes from our devotion to Allah. He’s watching over us and our families. At the end of the day, we’re all human beings who are living life and trying to live a decent life.

“But the day will come when the oppressor will be answerable for all his actions. And when it comes, I just hope he will be forgiven. Because, no one should suffer like us.” ■

OUR ONLY REAL SOLACE COMES FROM OUR DEVOTION TO ALLAH. HE’S WATCHING OVER US AND OUR FAMILIES. AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE’RE ALL HUMAN BEINGS WHO ARE LIVING LIFE AND TRYING TO LIVE A DECENT LIFE AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

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A matter

of faith

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AS WE STAND ON THE CUSP OF EID AL ADHA, Y BRINGS YOU SOME INTERESTING INSIGHTS AND LITTLEKNOWN FACTS ABOUT THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE OF HAJJ

A

time for a spiritual journey to cleanse the body, mind, and soul: that’s what Eid Al Adha signifies in the Muslim world. For a handful of selected individuals, this is also the moment they’ve always dreamed of: a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Just this week, a staggering two million devotees will descend on Mecca to perform one of the five pillars of Islam: Hajj.

Today, Hajj is the world’s largest annual pilgrimage, and it requires those faithful to perform a set of rituals first performed by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) centuries ago.

While Muslims around the world strive hard to make their way to Mecca, only those who can perform the rituals can attend.

Moreover, it’s not mandatory for everyone to perform the pilgrimage, especially if they’re financially or physically challenged. In such cases, you can have someone perform the rituals on your behalf.

For those observing Eid Al Adha around the world and can’t perform Hajj, though, it’s also a day of sacrifice (Qurbani) to show their obedience and devotion to Allah.

But, there’s a lot that goes into the world’s most attended pilgrimage – and you know what that means: there’s a lot of fun facts we could learn about.

So, here are the top 5 fascinating facts about the Hajj that you probably didn’t know:

1) Hajj will be “connected” for 2018 An astonishing 16,000 communication towers and 3,000 Wi-Fi hotspots have been set up in Mecca. No longer will you be required to wait until you get to your hotel or residence to connect with your loved ones back home. Oh, and for the first time ever, there’s a new initiative – ‘Smart Hajj’ – to provide pilgrims with helpful apps that can provide them with necessary information.

2) You won’t be fazed by the summer heat Let’s face it, you don’t want to be in direct sunlight; chances are that those attending Hajj aren’t too keen on the mid-August heat either.

But Hajj has been made easier for pilgrims than ever before. Now, when you arrive in organised groups, you’re greeted by a/c buses and accommodation in starred-hotels, if you opt for them. Once you’re outside performing the rites, you’ll find that the courtyards are sheltered, walkways air-conditioned, and the marble floors cooled.

3) Handling 2m people – all at once – is hard More than two million visitors turning up to a city at a given moment would normally spell disaster – but that’s not the case in Saudi Arabia.

This year, a total of 1,535 flights carrying pilgrims are slated to land on Saudi soil, and more are expected to enter through land and sea. To deal with the dense traffic, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has employed an extra 16,000 people to guide the pilgrims from Mecca to Mount Arafat – a 20km long journey. Pilgrims can reach the foothills by bus, car, or rail, but those that prefer to walk can do so too.

4) The cost associated with the pilgrimage Those travelling can opt for several packages. But, if you’re travelling from outside Saudi Arabia, you could be shelling out anywhere between US$800 (RO307) and US$1,600 (RO615). This has been mandated by the Saudi Hajj ministry. Nevertheless, you could be spending sums of above RO2,900 if you opt to arrive early and stay in starred hotels and be ferried in private buses. Don’t forget: as per the law, you cannot borrow money from anyone for Hajj either.

5) The Eid Al Adha sacrifice It’s not mandatory for every Muslim to perform Hajj. Those who find it hard to pay for their trip or are not physically fit for the pilgrimage are exempted from it. But, since Hajj coincides with Eid Al Adha, Muslims who cannot secure their trip to Mecca can sacrifice a large animal – mostly goats, sheep or cows – to signify the story of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. ■

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T

he Eid Al Adha holidays are almost upon us.

Our muchwelcome nine-day holiday, which begins on August 19, gives us the chance to spend some quality time with friends and family or even take a break somewhere.

But if you’re planning to fly out of Oman, we hope you have already bought your tickets.

According to travel industry sources, air fares to some destinations have nearly doubled since the holidays were officially declared.

Azerba

5

Destinations to visit this Eid

The highest increase in air fares is in key spots – mainly in India and Europe, where there is always a scramble for seats at holiday time.

For instance, a Muscat-Kochi (India) return flight now costs as much as RO400 instead of the usual RO120.

However, all is not lost, as there are alternatives; and one is the package deal, according to travel agent Arun Aravind.

“If you are looking for a packaged holiday deal, then this is the best time,” he says.

According to Arun, through the package deal some travel agencies in Oman offer flight tickets, accommodation and excursions. For many people, Turkey is a favourite.

“Most of the holiday bookings are to Turkey because of cheap air tickets and accommodation,” Arun says.

If you still haven’t planned for the holidays, then check out these places and packages that can make your Eid a memorable one.

ij

an

Azerbaijan is now a popular holiday destination among Omanis and expatriates. Popularly known as the Land of Fire, the country is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Its capital Baku is the largest city in the world below sea level. It is also the scientific and cultural centre of Azerbaijan and is among the top destinations for nightlife. If you’re planning to go to Azerbaijan, spend just RO219 for seven nights and eight days that include accommodation and a full-day tour to Baku, Gabala and Guba.

Gree

ce

This is the perfect time to visit Greece.

With its lush landscape, Greece can be so addictive you’ll want to come back again and again. For RO169, you can spend four nights and five days at this most beautiful holiday destination and visit places such as Athens, Crete and the famous Milos Island.

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Istanb

u

l

Most people from Oman will be heading to Istanbul simply because of the amazing deals. For RO169, you can spend five nights and six days in Istanbul and enjoy the famous Turkish coffee and shawarmas. The package also includes a tour to Istanbul, Princess Island and to the Bursa Mountain.

With most of the hotels offering up to 50 per cent off, you should enjoy your stay in Turkey.

Georg

ia

Over the past three years, Georgia has become a hot holiday destination for everyone in Oman, thanks to affordable deals from travel agents. It is also the cheapest European country to visit. Known as the land of mystery, Georgia borders Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, is the most popular city and a favourite among holidaymakers.

Ushguli, the highest village in Europe, is another captivating place to visit in Georgia. For RO139, you can get a package deal for five nights and six days that includes accommodation, tour assistance, and entrance fees during excursions and return airport transfer.

Bosn

ia

Have you dreamt of a place where there are rivers, castles and waterfalls?

Then Bosnia is right the place for you. For RO319, you can spend four nights and five days in this beautiful place and enjoy some mouthwatering culinary delights. There are no direct flights from Muscat to Bosnia and the total 16-flight time there can be tedious but Bosnia is well worth it.

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FOR THOSE ADVENTUROUS ENOUGH TO FORAY OFF THE BEATEN TRACK, THE MOUNTAIN PASSES OF AL-MEEBAM HIDE MORE THAN BREATHTAKING VIEWS – A HIDDEN OASIS LIES IN WAIT AT THE END OF ONE PATH LESS TRAVELLED, AS SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI DISCOVERS 032

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footwear is a must.

Where we emerged – at the crest of the waterfall, gazing over its lip to the roiling foam below was worth the effort of taking the path less travelled to reach there. With its crystal-clear waters, this hidden oasis is a cooling reward to the intrepid trekker willing to venture off the beaten path to forge new trails among the paths that have carved out their peregrinations through the Hajar Mountains since time immemorial.

waterfall where only the hardiest dared trek.

Our sense of adventure piqued, we hopped back behind the wheel and made off in the direction he’d motioned towards…only to find ourselves turned around once again about 20 minutes into the journey.

With little around us, we momentarily feared we’d lost the trail altogether…only to realise we had to follow a path where no cars go.

Somehow this seemed fitting; true exploration that lies at the heart of adventure is always best experienced on-foot.

In typical Bedouin style we stumbled upon a local Omani sabla, or camping hut, where an elderly local man was pitched up for the afternoon. Inviting us in for yet more qahwa and dates (it’s rude to decline!), we told him we were in search of a mystic waterfall known to those who frequented the hills.

The elderly Omani told us he knew the place and offered to take us onfoot via a shortcut through the passes. Winding our way carefully down the mountain, through a rustic village the name of From Muscat, take the Expressway towards Al Amerat. which time forgot, and Once at the city, follow the road on Route 17 towards crossing a falaj along the Sur. The roads are well-marked with directions towards way, we soon realised after Tiwi and Wadi Shab. Keep following the signs until you a 20-minute trek, that see the turn-off for Al-Meebam. this ‘shortcut’ wasn’t for the faint of heart. The Coordinates: N22°46’13.6”, E59°12’56.5” mountain is steep and the rocks slippery…so proper

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

Seek, and ye shall find’. Or, in this case, on a hazy weekend morning, the grime of the city still clinging to our wheels – adventure found us. We were headed about two-and-a-half hours outside of Muscat into the eastern reaches of Ash Sharqiyah, with the intention of going to Tiwi.

Ash Sharqiyah, which is split into two governorates – one north, one south – is a popular destination for daytrippers, and home to some of Oman’s lushest wadis (think Wadi Bani Khalid, for starters). Its capital is the seaside port city of Sur but today we were heading farther north towards the town of Tiwi and its late-Iron Age archaeological site.

We never made it there.

Pausing along our way to ask directions from a passing farmer, we instead found ourselves joining him, in the Arab tradition, for qahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates as he regaled us with tales of a hidden oasis about a half hour’s drive past Tiwi – of a hidden mountain

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

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LEXUS NX300

Y’s Alvin Thomas takes a spin in an SUV that lets him lap up the luxury and cut a dash on the driving front

Lexus is a thing of prestige, and owning one is like signing up to become a part of a luxury lifestyle – at least that’s what Lexus drivers will tell you. But it won’t take you long to realise they’re right and why it continues to stand out from its rivals.

Why it remains one of the Sultanate’s most popular luxury cars today is beyond us – but really, we’re asking the wrong questions here. You can’t convince a Lexus owner, at least one from the Arab world, to opt for something else; much like you wouldn’t ask a 10-year-old kid to take down his Lamborghini and Ferrari posters from the wall.

There’s a certain level of dedication required to join the elite club; that’s what keeps the brand moving. And for that very reason, the NX300 – the baby SUV in the brand’s lineup – works while

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refuting any qualms we’ve ever had about Lexus.

It may look much like any other SUV out there today. The designers carry forward the in-your-face styling and the edgy elements across the car. This works in its favour too and makes it stand out from its competitors, most of which hail from Europe.

The fascia is authentically Japanese. Upfront, you get the signature dual-headlamps completed by two Nike-esque daytime-running LED lamps and the gaping spindle-grille, all of which we’ve grown to like over the years. True, the Predator-like intake may split the audience but it looks like it just wants to gobble up cars ahead of it – and we love that!

Moving over to the side reveals sharp contours on the door that’s further complemented by bulging fenders. These contoured fenders then encroach on the wedge-shaped tail lamps. The rear is completed by chrome-tipped dual exhausts and black plastic bumpers, though, the latter may vary depending on the trim you choose.

What stays the same without any trim bias, however, is what’s inside. Yes, you can drape the interior in exclusive materials and technology but you must note that even the base trim of the car comes stacked with a plethora of features and highquality materials.

The seats were covered in some of the best leatherette we’d seen in a long time while the dashboard and the inserts on the doors are all made of soft-touch materials. Plastic flanks much of the bottom panels of the cabin but that’s the norm today.

That said, the seats are cushy and offer excellent lumbar support, and cabin space is one of the best in the segment – even tall passengers can feel right at home with adequate leg and head room in the

front and rear.

Boot space is respectable with just the right amount of room for a small family’s luggage. In our cargo test, we could fit three full-size suitcases into the boot. Still, the advantage of a square-shaped tailgate is dialled down by a high-loading lip that requires more effort while hauling in carbo on board.

On the tech front, our base model tester came packing a large, but rehashed, 10.3-inch (26cm) screen with astounding aspect ratio and highcontrast colours.

The screen is controlled via a touchpad-style controller but

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LEXUS NX300 Specifications: • Engine: 2.0-litre ‘turbocharged’ in-line four cylinder • Transmission: Six-speed automatic • Power: 235hp • Torque: 350Nms All-wheel-drive Triple-beam LED headlamps Cruise control 10.3-inch infotainment system Remote touchpad Dynamic voice commands 19-inch alloy wheels Leatherette upholstery Selectable drive modes Parking sensors Backup camera 4.2-inch multi-information display

THE NX300 MAY HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED ONTO THE MARKET AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE SMALLER CT HATCHBACK AND THE LARGER RX SUV BUT IT HAS SOMEHOW MANAGED TO BECOME ONE OF THE BEST PRODUCTS TO HAVE COME OUT OF THE JAPANESE STABLE OF LATE. it’s something you’ll need to get accustomed to operate while driving. Higher spec variants will receive maps and navigation but we still did get Bluetooth and USB connectivity among other thingamajigs.

Power is sourced from a 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that pumps out 235hp and 350Nms of torque. The powertrain is completed by a six-speed torque converter automatic that then sends power to all four wheels.

The resulting performance – 0-100kph in 7.2 seconds – is admirable for an SUV that tips the scales at 1.8 tonnes. What’s more, because the torque delivery is linear, the engine also serves up a burst of torque at engine revolutions higher than

2,300rpm. This makes overtaking and quick manoeuvres on the highway a breeze.

For those of you who want a bit more drama, there’s a rotary dial underneath the steering wheel that accentuates the engine noise in the cabin. By engine noise, we mean an audio file that is synced to the engine to play noise through the built-in audio speakers. We’ve tested such systems out in the past but none comes as pronounced as the one in the NX. At full blast, it sounds like Chewbacca (a Star Wars character, for those of you who don’t know) set on fire. The resulting sound is appealing, to say the least.

The NX300 drives like any other compact SUV out on the market today; refined when you want it to be yet powerful when you push it to the limits. The overall experience, as expected, is a touch above what you’d normally receive from a comparable American SUV. Putting your foot down will uncover a slight amount of turbo-lag but it’s masked quickly by an intuitive gearbox that shifts down to up the engine revolutions and eke more from the spooling turbo.

As is the

case with most Lexus vehicles, the NX comes packing an electric steering system. The resulting setup is on point during normal commuting and the vehicle shifts direction without any complaints. The overly light steering, which can be a bit unnerving at first, still won out hearts in city driving. It’s easily one of the best city-friendly SUVs we’ve driven in a long time.

The NX300 may have been introduced onto the market as a bridge between the smaller CT hatchback and the larger RX SUV but it has somehow managed to become one of the best products to have come out of the Japanese stable of late. This further asserts a principle we’ve been working on: Lexus’ unwitting efforts in bringing out a car yields the best products.

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CARS ADVENTURES ISLAND LIFE

On the isle of Rhodes, ancient civilisation lives on among a time-worn landscape striking in its beauty, as Ashlee Starratt discovers.

1. Embark a day trip to the northern port city of Mandraki 2. Take a walk through the Valley of the Butterflies 3. Try your hand at windsurfing at Kiotari Beach 4. Sample the moussaka at Artemida Taverna 5. Climb the Old Town clock tower for a breathtaking Aegean view

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Ashlee Starratt recommends

RHODES, GREECE

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n Rhodes, they like it big. The largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands, it perches like a monolith in the Aegean Sea just off the coast of Turkey. Its age-old harbour was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Colossus of Rhodes, a 108-metre-tall bronze likeness of the sun-god Helios erected in 280 BC which stood sentinel at its mouth until an earthquake in 226 BC felled it.

Today, Rhodes remains an island pock-marked by history - with the ruins of its acropoles and hippodromes, its temples and ancient fortifications standing cheek-by-jowl alongside the inevitable trappings of tourism amid the clap-trap of the modern age.

PALAC E OF TH Rugged in its natural beauty, its area is worth exploring if you don’t mind jostling among E GRAN OF THE D MAS K N IG H T TER the throngs of tourists that clog its central Medieval Old Town on this, the Island of S OF RH ODES the Knights - named for the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, a medieval Catholic military order that conquered the island in the 14th century.

Wander the Old Town’s brick cobbles from the fortified ramparts of the castle walls down to the harbour where Helios once kept watch. Like most medieval walled cities of Europe, its alleyways and back lanes are chock-a-block with the requisite souvenir shops, art galleries, cafés and eateries to tempt you.

At its heart you’ll find the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a medieval castle now converted into a museum and cultural centre. At once a palace, headquarters and citadel, it’s one of Greece’s only cases of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside you’ll find artefacts, mosaics, sculptures and interiors that showcase its Byzantine and Gothic roots, and the influence of Ottoman and Italian occupation in later centuries.

For those seeking an escape far from the madding crowd of the Old Town, a day-trip to the village of Lindos will reward visitors with cerulean views across the Aegean from its cliff-top acropolis and the Temple of Athena. Be sure to meander through the village with its signature white-washed buildings - indicative of the Greek aesthetic - and stop by the Virgin Mary of R E IN T H E Lindos Church to view its 15th-century frescoes.

TES SQUA H IP P OC R A CENTRE Cultures at every crossroad of history have left their mark on this ancient island - from the OL D T OW N Hellenic empire, to the Crusaders and the Ottomans, to World War II Italian occupation. If its shores could talk - who knows what language they might speak.

My favourite place

The beach-front walk along Ialyssos Avenue in Ixia with nothing but the sea and sky by your side for miles. Make a pit-stop along its stretch of beach and go for a splash in the Aegean – or haul up a chair at one of the myriad roadside restaurants and wolf down the best gyros you’ll ever taste in your life.

Highlights

Step back in time in the Temple of Apollo at the Acropolis of Rhodes, with its ancient theatre and hippodrome stadium; explore ancient Kamiros, climb up to the medieval castle of Monolithos, and fuel up on the exquisite seafood that’s been a hallmark of the Greek culinary archetype for millennia.

Lowlights Brits on holiday. Rhodes is the latest of the Greek isles to be overrun with the spring-breaker crowds and summer club kids whose budgets didn’t quite stretch as far as Ibiza. Be warned.

Souvenirs Gold and silver jewellery, Aegean sea sponges, Greek honey or olive oil, traditional Komboloi beads, a handmade backgammon set (practically the national board-game of Greece!) or a package of syrupy-sweet Greek baklava.

Getting there

Oman Air flies daily to Athens starting from RO420, where you can grab a connecting Aegean Air flight for the less than an hour-long flight to Rhodes. Once on the island, hotel shuttles and taxis are plentiful and most drivers can speak English.

Where to stay The Sheraton Rhodes Resort for prime beach-front luxury is just a 15-minute taxi-ride from the Old Town city centre. If you’re in the market for some character digs, give the Old Town Senses Boutique Hotel a whirl for ‘medieval-meets-modern’. Or, hit up some prime Airbnb options for a uniquely personalised stay that will make you feel like a local.

INDULG E IN TH E FRES STRAIG HEST S HT FRO EAFOOD M THE AEGEA N

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

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SMART HOME GADGETS Our busy lives need devices to deliver. Here, the Y Geek Squad picks a few gadgets to help lessen your domestic load

BOIL WATER WITH IKETTLE Are you too lazy to boil water in your kettle?

Smarter, a UK-based company, has launched the iKettle, which runs completely on Wi-Fi and can boil water whenever you want. Using the Smarter app, you can keep the kettle in wake-up mode and it will boil water when you wake up. It keeps the water warm for more than 40 minutes.

With the help of the app and your Wi-Fi, you can completely control the iKettle from anywhere and save your time. Buy this smart device from Amazon for RO58.

SAVE ELECTRICITY Do you want to save money on your electricity bill? Netgear has recently introduced a security light that runs fully on a rechargeable battery. The Arlo Security Light is wire-free and can light up your home or your backyard without wasting electricity. By using the Arlo app, you can also manage and activate the light from anywhere. The LED light comes in different colours, and is on sale from Amazon for RO58.

ACCESS YOUR HOME FROM ANYWHERE

EDITOR’S PICK

Keyless door lock is one of the smartest inventions this year. The Lockitron Bolt Keyless Door Lock allows you to enter your home without the use of your keys. With the help of your Wi-Fi, you can control your home by locking and unlocking the door from anywhere in the world. With the help of the Lokitron app, you can create a code that can be shared with friends and family to access your home. You can buy this device directly from Lockitron store for RO38.

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SMART PET-FEEDER

IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT FEEDING YOUR PET WHEN YOU ARE AT WORK THEN HERE’S A SMART SOLUTION. THE SMART FEED AUTOMATIC PETFEEDER WILL HELP YOUR PET GET ITS FOOD ON TIME IN YOUR ABSENCE. ALL YOU NEED IS A SMARTPHONE AND A WI-FI. WITH THE HELP OF A PET-FEEDER APP, YOU CAN SET UP DIFFERENT MEAL TIMES INCLUDING FLEXIBLE PORTIONS RANGING IN SIZE UP TO 4 CUPS. THE SMART FEED SYSTEM ALSO ALLOWS YOU TO DISPENSE FOOD SLOWLY. YOU CAN BUY THIS FROM AMAZON FOR RO70.

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Wilson’s Heart

Info Box

Developer: TWISTED PIXEL GAMES Genre: ADVENTURE/ THRILLER GAME Platform: MICROSOFT WINDOWS

It’s all about the horror when you peek into the world of VR. This week, the Y Geek Squad looks at one to put you behind the sofa begging for more

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et’s face it: the only reasons for you ever to want to own a virtual reality (VR) headset are for when you’re looking for the roller coaster experience but don’t dare do it in real life or when you’re hoping to earn a few screams with some horror titles.

Trust us when we say this – VR headsets are built for cheap thrills such as these.

And that’s exactly what the Wilson’s Heart game looks to capitalise on.

Arguably one of the better titles out there currently, this game does have a couple of tricks up its sleeve, namely a well-crafted storyline and graphics to match – both things most VR games of today disregard owing to production difficulties.

Wilson’s Heart sits in a genre of ‘psychological thriller’ games but you’d be wrong to think that they wouldn’t include a few hair-raising cut scenes and some startling moves that will inevitably have

you jump out of your seat.

Don’t forget that when you’re wearing a VR headset, you’re forced into the game so closing your eyes simply won’t help you factor out any of the action. You also won’t want to miss out any of the story while you’re swaddled in a pool of your own soiled clothes.

The storyline revolves around Robert Wilson, an elderly man – whom you control, by the way – who wakes up one stormy night inside an abandoned asylum. You know, much like what you’d find in an R.L. Stine Goosebumps novel.

Abandoned as it may seem, there are still several inhabitants that live within the confines of the room – all deranged and… well… crazy. Oh, and did we forget to mention that they all want to see you dead?

Your aim is to keep yourself alive and

find out what’s going on; all while being hunted down. After all, it’s not every day that you wake up in a mental asylum wearing a hospital gown.

Visually, Wilson’s Heart is truly striking – and even a black and white theme cannot hamper the overall experience.

It comes with its own perks too: the old-school colour scheme means you’re pulled into darker alleys that you’d normally rather your friend explore in a regular third-person adventure game. In this game, however, you have no friends to escort you.

Moreover, every room you walk into has several new elements to explore. It only gets out of hand when you realise that the item you’re examining is watching you.

Creepy, isn’t it?

Clichéd horror elements make up much of Wilson’s Heart but it lines it up in such a manner that we appreciate the overall presentation and production. If anything, it rounds off the perfect horror gaming experience.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

TROPICAL PUNCH

Dive into the tropics with bold, luscious prints that evoke the natural beauty of a rainforest.

Dubbed the ‘new florals’, this latesummer trend takes exotic plants to a whole new level with splashes of colourful hues that bring to mind warm breezes, swaying palm trees and clear blue skies, such as this look from Issa London at House of Fraser.

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, reet . t s k gh e hi the loo h t t to ion you ge h s fa s igh n help h From h Brow a Sar

T t e G

Make a stylish statement in this colourful palm-print jumpsuit from M&Co. With cooling greens and blues sitting on a black background, you’ll be transported to the tropics in no time.

From RO19.6

The maxi dress continues to shine on the catwalks, and this tropical print number from M&Co is a standout thanks to its bright hues and bold hibiscus flowers. From RO20.6

This coldshoulder palm-print dress from Matalan is on trend with a fun tropical design that features punches of colour to help you stand out from the crowd.

From RO7.8

F&F’s floppy straw hat is a chic statement that not only protects you from the harsh rays of the sun but also adds a touch of the tropics to your look. From RO4.9

Aloha, baby!

This basket weave tote from New Look packs a Hawaiian-style tropical punch with its pineapple design and faux leather handles – a perfect accessory to round out your look.

From RO12.7

Ad a pop of colour to your look with these leaf print sliders from Matalan. Cool, chic and comfortable, they will have you stepping out in style in no time. From RO4.9

These fun Marks & Spencer palm earrings are a clever take on the tropical trend while the circular bamboo effect gives them an earthy feel. From RO6.1

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Organic, cruelty-free and homegrown? Vanity Galore is the hottest new makeup line around, and the creative mind behind it, Mneeraah, talks to Christine Karan

E

very time I walk past the colourful and fragrant aisles of Salam or Sephora, I’m overwhelmed by the variety of brands on display, with each product boasting its own unique attributes.

As I pass by, I often think: “How did this product come into development and what was the actual thought, concept and inspiration behind all of this?”

I want to put these questions to the actual person behind a product so sitting down for a nice cup of Karak with Mneerah, the owner, creative director and the brain behind Vanity Galore gives me the chance.

Very down-to-earth, Mneerah greets me warmly, and I can’t help but notice her fleek and the chic matt lippe. Naturally, I have to ask her where her matt lippe is from. With a bright smile, she says: “From Vanity Galore of course!”

Vanity Galore started when Mneerah, a

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YOU’RE SO VAIN

young Omani banking professional, wanted to get creative and colourful.

After months of research, phone calls and e-mails and lots of support from friends and family, Vanity Galore was launched in 2016.

The main thing about Vanity Galore is that all the products are organic and are animal cruelty-free.

This has made the brand a favourite among socially- conscious beauty lovers. Packaged in understated monochrome shades, Vanity Galore keeps its portfolio simple yet bold.

The brand launched with three types of lipstick: crème lipstick, matt lipstick and a limited edition of matt lipsticks with scented aromas of mint and coconut.

Once Vanity Galore got its foothold with lipsticks, next came the highlighter range, which can be described as bright, blinding and blending. The formula on the highlighters is a unique balance of crème and powder, which makes the highlighter last longer. It comes well-packed in a round case but lacks a mirror, which is disappointing.

“When I go to work, I always mix lipsticks to come up with my

own shade, and everyone around me used to love it and ask me where I bought that colour from,” beams Mneerah.

“Hence, I came up with my line of matt lipsticks with shades that aren’t commonly available.”

Vanity Galore also carries a range of lipglosses that can be used independently or as lip-toppers. They are not your usual sticky glosses but are thin and give a wonderful sheen.

As you would expect, the brand has plans to launch a range of lip-liners and blushers.

When it comes to picking out her own favourite from the range, Mneerah says: “I love reds and I wanted to showcase a variety of shades of reds that my customers can choose from. So, Vanity Galore carries a range of reds that will suit everyone.”

You can follow Vanity Galore on Instagram at @vanityGalore and purchase the products from The LookOut at Avenues Mall and Boutique Muscat or even order through Instagram.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

MIND OVER MATTER

Staying healthy means keeping both our minds and bodies in sync.

Illnesses like depression can lead to diseases such as diabetes so it’s up to us to reduce the risk factor. Here, Y goes to the heart of the problem

W

e all have days when we can’t get it together, and don’t feel like doing anything even if we could.

Is it a ‘bad hair’ day? Are you feeling sluggish, with listless limbs?

If this is you then don’t panic. It’s normal.

Anything from a low mood to a more serious condition can stop us in our tracks not only mentally but physically as well.

Fortunately, mental health issues are being discussed more openly than ever before.

But their effects on our physical well-being are now also being addressed.

And according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Mental Health Disorders Fact Sheet for 2018, 433 million people worldwide experience some form of cognitive, mental, and social impairment.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that “[mental illness] is associated with chronic medical diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity”.

However, if behavioral

health problems are dealt with successfully, the effects of mental illness and chronic diseases can be minimised.

These goals can be achieved by tackling some of the barriers that prevent good mental health.

It could be a case of simply eating better, getting out more, getting a job or finding a hobby.

In more serious instances, it could mean visiting your doctor to obtain medication or even undergoing counselling or psychotherapy.

However, keeping your mind and body in good health might just mean overhauling your daily routine.

A few simple steps can get you started, and here are a few to try: Exercise There’s overwhelming evidence to suggest that exercise helps to lessen the effects of depression. This is due to the release of endorphins, or ‘feelgood’ hormones, in the brain.

Eat a healthy diet Diets high in sugar consumption have been linked to mental health problems. Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and limiting your

intake of processed foods are important habits to maintain.

Go outside Get enough exposure to sunlight to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels. Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Eliminate bad habits Both smoking and drinking alcohol can cause increased levels of stress and tension. Over time, both habits can lead to mental illnesses such as depression.

Get help when needed Getting help from a friend, family member or professional is highly likely to improve our mental health. Actively seeking guidance can lead to a quicker recovery from disorders and illnesses – and this will ultimately allow you to live a healthier, fuller life.

YUMMY

AS KERALITES GEAR UP AHEAD OF ONAM FOR THEIR JOYOUS CELEBRATIONS, Y TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE FESTIVITIES’ FABULOUS FOOD

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t’s that time of year when Malayalis prepare for one of the most popular festival of India – Onam.

The harvest festival, which begins on August 25, is celebrated over ten days.

Its highlight is the traditional ‘sadhya’ – or the vegetarian meal with more than 20 dishes served on a single banana leaf.

Although the sadhya is usually served for lunch on the day of Onam, the preparation for it begins the night before.

In Oman, many restaurants are gearing up to celebrate Onam by showcasing the best food that they can offer to customers.

Here are some of the most popular dishes you can find on an Onam sadhya spread: Kaya varathathu Kaya varathathu (popularly known as banana chips) is a popular snack in Kerala and is a must-have during sadhya. Made from thin slices of banana, it’s prepared by frying in hot coconut oil.

Inji curry (Ginger curry) If you’re enjoying the sumptuous sadhya, this is one item you should not miss. Inji curry is a form of pickle, and it’s a combination of sweet, sour and spice made with crushed ginger and green chillies. Experts say it is good for digestion.

Kootukari Kootukari is an exotic dish mostly made during Onam. It is prepared with vegetables, coconut and black pepper, along with cooked plantains and brown chickpeas.

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Where to get sadhya in Oman?

Craving a delicious Onam sadhya? No need to fly all the way to Kerala. You can find the best sadhya spread from some of the top Indian restaurants right here in Oman.

Horizon Restaurant, Ghala Horizon Restaurant, located in Ghala, will be serving more than 21 dishes during Onam for RO3 per person.

The restaurant is also hosting a Payasam Mela on the same day as part of Onam from 7.30pm onwards.

Ananthapuri Restaurant, Darsait Offering some of the best authentic Keralan cuisine available, Ananthapuri Restaurant is serving up to 26 dishes including four paayasams (sweet dish) for RO3.500 per person.

1947 – Indian Restaurant, Al Gubrah Located in the heart of Al Gubrah (near Indian School, Al Gubrah), 1947 – Indian Restaurant is offering up to 31 dishes for RO3.500 per person. The sadhya also includes four paayasams.

Palm Restaurant, Al Khuwair Palm Restaurant in Al Khuwair is offering traditional Onam sadhya for RO3.500 per person.

Kerala. Sambhar is thick gravy made of vegetables, tamarind and lentils.

Avial This is the most popular lip-smacking dish from Kerala. It’s a thick mixture of vegetables and grated coconut; seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves.

Parippu curry This is a must-have in your sadhya. It’s a simple lentil dish made in grated coconut, green chilli paste and curry leaves.

Sambhar This is one popular dish in South India especially in

Pachadi Pachadi is a sweet curry made with pineapple, pumpkin or grapes mixed in yoghurt. The masala comprises coconut with cumin seeds and green chillies.

Prathaman This is a sweet dish that is mostly served during Onam. The sadhya ends by having prathaman, which is made with white sugar and coconut milk.

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HAVELI RESTAURANT ALVIN THOMAS FINDS A PAKISTANI RESTAURANT OFF THE BEATEN TRACK AND DISCOVERS FLAVOUR WITH FLAIR AT THIS TASTE OF LAHORE

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HAVELI RESTAURANT

Adjacent to Oman Oil, behind SunTech auto detailing showroom, Al Ghubra Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Contact: 2459-5288 Dinner for five: RO15.700 Verdict : 7/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 6.5/10 AMBIENCE Delectable Pakistani food that we imagine captures the true essence of Lahore. Sorry vegans, this is a meat-lover’s paradise.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

too. True, on paper, it sounds like a disastrous combination but somehow, it worked.

The waiter could only throw me a reassuring smile – almost like it was alright that I was wiping his buffet plates clean – as he noticed me make my way to the station for more curry and rice.

Even the soup, which I must confess, I only saw and managed to grab a bowl of midway through my meal, was splendid. The thick yet smooth and creamy consistency of the base was further complemented by a generous serving of chicken.

My only concern was the sweet naan, which was a miss. Pakistanis take pride in being the masters in roti making but it just wasn’t their night.

Meanwhile, my parents were quite astounded by the generous portion of biriyani they received – and all for a mere RO1.9.

Granted, it didn’t last too long on their plates, as they dug into the succulent and well-marinated mutton and the evenly-flavoured rice like there was no tomorrow. They then went on to declare it a hit; high praise coming from the avid biriyani enthusiasts that they are.

The Haveli Restaurant certainly raises the bar for other Asian eateries in the city with its authentic, yet affordable fare. It’s a pity that it’s concealed and away from the eyes of lurking commuters.

Otherwise, this may very well have been one of the prominent Pakistani restaurants in Oman. But, you can’t have everything, right?

here are no tell-tale signs of a restaurant, but a sorry-looking McDonalds marked by a ‘Coming Soon’ signboard has been posted on the stretch of road that leads up to Al Ghubra THE HAVELI RESTAURANT CERTAINLY RAISES THE BAR FOR OTHER ASIAN from Al Ansab. It’s uncanny, but tucked deep in EATERIES IN THE CITY WITH ITS the heart is a restaurant that has etched its way AUTHENTIC, YET AFFORDABLE FARE. IT’S into the affections of the Asian community in A PITY THAT IT’S CONCEALED AND AWAY Oman – the Haveli Restaurant.

FROM THE EYES OF LURKING COMMUTERS Finding the eatery is a task, no doubt, and your success would rely on whether or not you can find the car detailing shop next to the Oman Oil petrol bunker in Al Ghubra. But once you’ve narrowed down the spot, make your way to the back of the building.

You won’t miss it. Marked with heavy neon banners, the restaurant summons to the inner Asian in you… even if you’re not really from this part of the world.

Neon lights – Asian truckers; you get the gist, right?

But that’s where the gaudiness ends. The insides are well-lit and the ambience is akin to some of the upscale Asian restaurants in Oman.

It looks nothing like what has been advertised on the outside.

Maybe it’s the locale or the timing but we – my family and I – were the only customers in the mutton biriyanis while I opted for the buffet. restaurant on Friday evening.

The latter was all set and ready for customers Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see My parents kept things simple, ordering two but sadly, there was no one to enjoy it. I was a bit reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com bemused but also well-prepared for a cold, perhaps even a stale meal.

But boy, was I wrong!

On offer were some of Pakistan’s delights: mutton gosht (mutton curry), chicken korma, dal tadka, sweet naan (oven-baked bread), fried rice, chicken and mutton tikkas, soups, and chats – all fresh, and piping hot.

If there was a winner, though, it would have to have been the mutton gosht. The melt-in-themouth soft mutton cubes doused in just the right portion of mildly spiced gravy gave the dish its edge. I was quick in declaring it the best gosht I’d ever had in Oman before shamelessly heading to the buffet station for seconds… and thirds.

This further extended to the fried rice and dal

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AUG 16 - 22 / ISSUE 532

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