Y Magazine #417, April 20, 2016

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DESTINATION: Al Qabil TASTE TEST: Mamasan

YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

APR 21 - 27 2016 / ISSUE 417 • WEEKLY

Watt’s UP?

PLUS!

THE FUTURE OF SOLAR SHINES BRIGHT IN OMAN HEARTY FOOD

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward W

ith its year-round sunshine, Oman is the perfect place to harness the sun’s rays and convert it into energy. So it was great to hear recently that the Authority for Electrical Regulation Oman is planning to introduce solar energy into residential homes starting from the middle of this year.

In our cover story this week, Team Y takes a glimpse into the future of this clean energy solution that will also help residents and the Government to save money – something that is exceptionally important these days in light of record-low oil prices.

Experts agree that solar energy is the way forward for the petrodollar-dependent Sultanate, saying that less reliance on oil will open up a stronger and sustainable market – as well as giving oil companies breathing space to strengthen their footing in the country.

Elsewhere, we head to Jebel Akhdar for the annual rose season, put the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk through its paces in Car of the Week and dine out at Mamasan in Taste Test.

Have a wonderful week!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi

MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover

call: 2208 5252 www.bmcoman.com MOH-NO-147/2016#

DEPUTY EDITOR Kate Ginn FOLLOW US ON:

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

03

contents

APRIL 21 - 27 2016

Your Oman

This Week

06 Coffee With Y

Tareq Khorshid

16 Movies

The Jungle Book

08 Voice Of Oman

Al Sayyida Mayya Al Said

Features 20 The Sun’s The Word

Is Oman Ready For Solar Power?

24 Future Homes

Solar Living 26 The Stone Roses

Sweet Smell Of Success

18 This Week

Cultural Fiesta

10 News

Girl Abandoned In A Park 13 Faces of Oman 14 Gallery

COMEX 2016

12

20

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success

Saif Al Barwani

Cars and Adventures

18

Food and Drink 28 Food Feature

Heart to Heart 30 Taste Test Mamasan

28

38 Destination

Al Qabil 40 Outdoors

Wet and Wild

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From

Oslo, Norway

32 Fashion

Monochrome Madness

44 Y-Fi

Sound Streaming

34 Beauty

Quick Beauty Tricks

33

46 Car Of The Week

Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

44

NEXT ISSUE...

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

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orshid seems h K q e r a T , n r and musicia Thomas e g a n a m , r e A fath e, finds Alvin f gigs in Oman li m a e r d a more than 1,000 16 years,” Tareq e 8) O (R 20 to hav er a period of e was paid US$

ov club. H m which he tells me. s performances, fees. areq Khorshid fro hi r fo gs in the e th on “We have four gie,” he laughs.

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Tareq arrived ina manager at managed to keep ing musicians as ng ki . or Talking to budd areq says: “To ce w , 99 19 in r at a great pa te ,T ltan Cen Lebanon in the Sultanate u have to be the first The Su er, in 2006 he Tareq grew up in yo . l, an sfu m ev es O ow cc to H su . g in be Qurum before mov no point trying am in the UK from yourself. There’s hose voices you flew to Birminghaster’s degree in “I am originally “but my life w rs ys, to copy singe ” to complete a m agement from Palestine,” he sa moulded by my man n ai d ch an cannot capture. ing unique ly ed pp ap su . sh was mingham banon.” ir B Le of in s ity nd rs ie He says that be eate the ve fr ni d the U parents an man O a to d to recr ed le s rn ha tu d re He then e is like tryinglours of the rainbow.

H .

The 47 year ol hich he ce sin er ev re w different co and has been he ent of his life complicated life,ied for a degree ul,” he says. mom y er pl ev ap “It will be beautifif God has given e ys jo H . s en its hi d adm an ng h hi ra at itc Sa th sw fore “I believe here with his wife in architecture be ally political , you must d and Aya. He is ia Z fin – u a special talent d ds yo an ki g o in tw rs er ag to nu an e m th l g ra in e gene mplet utilise it.” science before coerican University currently th ods, a subsidiary of Fo m an A e Sw th r at fo s r latte e story to tell or do d Dawn Food .

Have you got a uniqu Switz Group an . o has? Contact us wh of Beirut in 1994 non where I e eon l BV you know som na ba io Le at in rn te d be featured in Y as an In ith w t Y w “I usic,” s ventures m hi have coffee with itor@y-oman.com r t to fo ou n io ab ss ng pa ki y al T ed realised m Magazine. Email: that it was more T-Band, he says grew. “We’ve had says Tareq. in gs gi ed of a hobby that Initially, he play of the music rt pa a as y sit er iv un

T

06

APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

THE VOICE OF OMAN AL SAYYIDA MAYYA AL SAID ON BEING A GOOD PARENT

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“Should airport taxi drivers be allowed to raise their fares?” ‪‪HUDA KHAN ‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪

I

was so touched by a video I came across a couple of weeks ago, in which parents were asked if they could choose anyone to have over for dinner, who would they invite?

So they each named a celebrity and they asked the kids the same question, who replied: “Our parents.” That literally brought tears to my eyes.

The truth is that children want nothing more but to be with us.

However, it’s unfortunate that parents these days choose not to spend time with their kids. Ask any mother or father and they will tell you that being a parent is the hardest job. I understand that we, as parents, may need a break from time to time. Being a good parent isn’t about giving in to what they want, or buying them the latest gadget. It’s investing what is most precious to you, your time not money! As the saying goes: “You decide what is important to you by what you dedicate your time to.”

However, when we do spend time with our children, let us be engaged with them. Talk to them and listen to what they have to say, encourage and advise them. We all love our children; let us show them what it means to be loved.

Remember to always have fun and create beautiful memories, which you will cherish for many years to come.

Let us be honest, if we don’t spend our time with them now, they may not want to spend time with us later on in life.

NEXT WEEK: JANE JAFFER

08

APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

Aren’t the hiked petrol prices coupled with a hike in charges by airport authorities to the taxi drivers? An increase in airport taxi fares is inevitable to some extent but it can be balanced by the operation of the new airport extension leading to greater air and passenger traffic that will considerably increase demand for airport taxis.

‪‪WAFAA EL ANANY ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‪‬‪

Taxi fares should not be increased for the sake of increase only. There must be rules to determine the fares. Taxi fares vary based on distance, location and time of travel. Additional charges apply if I travel on some public holidays, book in advance, make an electronic payment, use toll roads, or in a vehicle with four or more passengers. I can pay the lowest fares during the day, a little more for overnight and peak fares after 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Fares in urban and country areas should also be different.

RIDHIMA RAWAL GOKHALE ‬ ‪ ‬‬‪ ‬

Absolutely no – not at their own wish. Taxi meters/fares should be regulated by government rules and regulations. Then, even a periodical raise would not pinch anyone. One should prefer prepaid taxis or do a little internet research for first-time visitors so that you don’t end up paying more!

users with most expatriate users being not that affording. The spiralling fuel prices that affect the cab drivers, the ascending living costs that affect them and commuters equally need to be kept in mind before any well-considered decision is taken.

Last, but not least, the authorities vested with this profile need to review the airport taxi fare structures of some countries like those of GCC and middle where similar situations prevail. Let us not forget the impending need to stand by them and co-operate at this hour of slowdown, though commuters remain choiceless at the end of the day.

SYED BOKHARI ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

I think it won’t be fair for the airport taxi drivers to be allowed to raise their fares on their own. It should be the duty of the airport authorities to look into their matter to allow their fares to be raised or not as it will definitely cause problems for the passengers and they will be left with no other option but to act otherwise. I think it would be fair if their fare raising be attached with the regulatory fuel authorities – that is as to when the oil prices go up and down. The airport taxi drivers should calm down and show discipline to passengers by their soft attitude and improve their quality of service that is lacking and avoid any such situation that may result otherwise.

MOHAN ANANDAN

The demand of airport taxi drivers to raise their fares is quite unfair at face value. With a rate beginning from RO6, Muscat already tops the GCC region in airport taxi fares. The demand for an increase in fares is reportedly on account of Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) increasing the amount it receives from drivers from RO48 every two years to 700 baisa per trip or RO250 per year.

That is an enormously high

DR RAO SUDDAPALLI ‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

I feel that there is a need for a balanced approach in addressing this contentious issue of allowing airport taxis to hike fares, so that both the taxi drivers whose sole breadwinning is commuting passengers and the end

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increase and must be brought down to a reasonable level if not scrapped at all. It is also imperative that taxi drivers need to focus on improving the quality of their services to address the deficiency of trust and poor service perception that currently exists among a section of users.

JONITHA DCRUZ ‬ ‬‪‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‬‪ ‬‪ ‬‬‬‪

Tourists and other guests get their first impression of Oman after landing at Muscat International Airport. So it should be a hassle-free drive to their hotel or home without pinching their pockets. So airport taxi drivers should not be allowed to raise their fares.

LIBA KHAN ‬Wallah. No; not at all. Fares are already high

WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

at the airport, so there is no need of any raise or increment in taxi fares. Taxis outside the airport are cheaper..

/YTABLOID

@YTABLOID

/YMAGAZINE

SIMON BURKE was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine at the British Embassy in Muscat

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

The airport taxi fares are already on a higher side. In my humble opinion, it should rather be reduced

CHRISTOPHER LYDON ‬Certainly not. Fares are already too high!

SALEHA HAROON ‬Absolutely not. The decision taken for their

new fixed fares are already on a little higher side, but that’s OK. By allowing them to raise their fares will be too much; drivers should calm down a little bit.

New Debate: “Is social media responsible for destroying quality time with our friends and families?”

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

MICHAEL RAMIN ‬Allowed? Do they already have

a raised fare compared with the usual taxi fare in the first place?

Why the need to increase more?

It will make the public suffer more, especially the passengers who are new in Oman. It will definitely affect our booming tourism!

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

APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

09

YOUR

OMAN STARS

OF THE TRACK

I

f you like being around noise and speed, then you’re going to love our new competition.

We’ve teamed up with the Oman Automobile Association to launch “Stars of the Track”, a selfie contest with a difference.

We’ll be officially starting the contest in next week’s Y but we can give you a little taste of what it’s all about.

You may already know the go-kart track, Muscat Speedway, at the Oman Automobile Association in Seeb is the perfect place to let off steam in a safe and controlled environment. It’s great for little kids and bigger ones too (i.e mum and dad).

Which is why we’ll be asking you take a selfie at Muscat Speedway. More information will be released next week but we can tell you that cash prizes will be up for grabs for the best selfies submitted.

Who knows, you may even get a chance to take a spin round the track in a go-kart while you’re there getting a selfie.

Watch out for full details in next week’s Y about how you, your family or friends can become a “Star of the Track”.

010

APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

Gallery

Interview

NEWS

FINES INCREASED FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION VIOLATORS

C

onsumers will now be assured of higher quality services, with stricter fines being adopted across nine governorates in an effort to reduce health and safety violators.

Restaurants, cosmetic and barber shops, and slaughter houses will now face fines of up to RO500 for breaking a revamped list of health and safety regulations.

Speaking to local media, an official from the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR) was quoted as saying that very few changes were made to the health regulations and violations list since 1999. The revamped list now contains 29 new violations.

Hamad bin Saif Al Gharibi, the Deputy Minister of MRMWR, announced the new list of violations last week.

The new regulations have been introduced into the governorates of Musandam, Wusta, Buraimi, North and South Batinah, Dhahirah, Dakhiliyah and North and South Sharqiyah.

The tougher fine of RO500 is also a substantial increase over

the previous list, which levied a maximum fine of RO300.

The new law also dictates that violating restaurants must remain shut until investigations are complete.

Moreover, the fine will be doubled upon repetition of the violation, following which there will be a six-month ban on the owner’s permit.

Explaining the new regulations, Fadhila al Bahri, the director of Preventive Health Management at the Ministry, was quoted as saying that the new regulations will help to reduce the number of violators paying fines on the spot.

Al Bahri also said that the reason Muscat, Dhofar and Sohar were not included on the list was because these governorates already had tough sanctions.

Included in the new list of regulations is an increase in fines for employees working in an establishment without a

MYSTERY

OF THE ABANDONED GIRL

D

etails about the little girl who was found abandoned in Buraimi have surfaced following an investigation by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

In a tweet on Tuesday (April 19), the ROP said: “There are developments in the case and an investigation is on.”

Initial reports stated that the two-year old girl had been abandoned in a park in Buraimi last Friday (April 15) and found by an Omani woman, who took her to the local police station.

This week, more information came to light, revealing that the story was not as straightforward as first thought.

The ROP discovered that the girl had been staying with an

permit, which will result in a fine of RO50. Meanwhile, working without a valid health card will attract a fine of RO30, an increase of RO25.

Barbers who use “unsuitable” towels or “unsterilised” tools will now receive a fine of RO50, a tenfold increase.

Meanwhile, the slaughter of cattle and chickens in traditional kitchens and unauthorised places will now attract a fine of RO100.

According to the MRMWR, the rate of violations against the number of permits stood at 12.35 per cent in 2015.

The Ministry said it expected to see a reduction in violators following the proper implementation of the new regulations next year.

Omani man who was not her father and that it was her mother – a GCC national – who handed her over to him, stating that she would return to pick up her daughter but never came back.

On Tuesday (April 19) a report by the Oman News Agency quoted a police source as saying that the toddler had not been left in a park, as originally claimed by the Omani woman who handed her over to police. In fact, the girl had simply been given to the woman by the Omani man.

The Ministry of Social Development said that the child had been transferred to the Child Care Centre in Muscat, where she will remain until foster care is arranged.

In a bid to find the mother, police released images of the girl to the media. Offers to adopt the youngster after her photos melted people’s hearts have apparently been flooding in.

Families interested in caring for her can contact the Child Affair Department for details.

The ROP has appealed to relatives and members of the public with any information regarding the two-year-old girl’s parents to come forward and contact Al Buraimi police station, or to call the emergency hotline, 9999.

Gallery

Interview

NEWS

QUEEN OF THE SEAS

R

esidents of Muscat were treated to the impressive sight of two iconic ocean liners earlier this week, when both the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 sailed into Port Sultan Qaboos.

The port calls of the cruise ships, which are operated by the Cunard Line, are part of the the UK’s celebrations marking the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The first ship to arrive early on Tuesday (April 19) was the Queen Elizabeth (pictured left), which dropped anchor at 8am. With the huge liner as a backdrop, the British Embassy in Muscat held a party alongside the dock to mark the occasion. At 294m long and weighing 90,901 gross tonnes, the ship is the second largest in the Cunard Line, dwarfing many other vessels at sea. Only her sister ship, the Queen Mary 2, exceeds her in size.

The Queen Mary 2 arrived yesterday morning (April 20), having set sail from Dubai the day before. She is an impressive 335m long and weighs in at 151,400 gross tonnes.

Both ocean liners stayed for just one day before departing for Salalah. The Queen Mary 2 is due to arrive in the south of Oman tomorrow (April 22) and will set sail that same evening.

APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

011

YOUR

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

MARATHON

MAN

Is this about running?

Not quite. It’s about a man who binge-watched an incredible 94 hours of TV. He what?

You heard right. Alejandro Fragoso, a 25-year-old man from Brooklyn in the US, took up the challenge in a bid to break a Guinness world record for watching television.

What did he watch?

It seems he’s a fan of Twilight Zone, Game of Thrones and Battlestar Galactica, among other shows.

How many days is 94 hours?

That would be an incredible 3.9 days.

Did he sleep?

No. Alejandro was allowed to take five-minute breaks every hour, but the rest of the time, he had to be watching TV, according to the rules.

How did he feel afterwards?

We’ll let Alejandro answer that. “Throughout this process I learned that binge-watching TV for abnormally long durations can actually be quite physically taxing,” UPI quoted him as saying at the end of the television marathon.

What was the previous record?

That was 92 hours, which was set by a group of Austrians last month.

Don’t say: “Let’s watch some TV.” Do say: “Get a life.”

012

APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

OMANI TYCOONS IN FORBES

LIST OF BILLIONAIRES

T

wo Omani tycoons have broken into the big league of billionaires this year, according to the annual Forbes Middle East: The World’s Richest Arabs 2016 list. While the past year has been “unkind” to billionaires the world over, Forbes says Arab billionaires “saw their net worth drop by 23.8 per cent from a year ago”.

According to Forbes, Sheikh Suhail Bahwan started out as a small trader in Muscat before diversifying into several industries, such as automotive, construction and oil and gas services. He is ranked seventh out of 32 on the Forbes list of the World’s Richest Arabs with a net worth of more than US$3.4 billion (RO1.3bn).

Mohammed Saud Bahwan’s late father, Sheikh Saud Salim Bahwan, became Oman’s first Toyota agent in 1975. Mohammed took over the company in 2008.

The Saud Bahwan Group focuses on industrial equipment, real estate and automobiles. He is ranked

A WEEK IN PICTURES

28th with a net worth of US$1.3bn (RO500 million). In total, the Sultanate has three billionaires, whose combined net worth is valued at US$6.2bn (RO2.38bn).

Indian-Omani businessman and real-estate tycoon P N C Menon; who is the founder of Sobha Ltd, was ranked 23rd with fortune of US$1.5 bn (RO577m).

But holding the number one position in the Middle East is Prince Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia, with a total of more than US$17.3bn (RO6.6bn) despite a 20 per cent fall in his net worth from 2015.

By country, Saudi Arabia has six billionaires with a combined net worth of US$34.6bn (RO13.3bn), while the UAE is home to six billionaires worth $19.7bn (RO7.5bn); Egypt has six billionaires, worth $14.2bn (RO5.4bn) ; Lebanon has seven billionaires worth $12.5bn (RO4.8bn); Morocco has two with a net worth of $3.2bn (RO1.2bn); and Algeria and Qatar have one billionaire each.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

Scores of people are feared buried alive after two powerful earthquakes hit southern Japan a day apart, killing at least 41. Homes, roads and railway lines were swept away when thousands of tonnes of mud was dislodged by the thunderous seismic tremors

Talks to freeze oil production break down as the world’s major oil producing nations fail to strike an agreement during a meeting in Doha. The deal is said to have fallen down after Saudi Arabia – the largest exporter of oil – demanded that Iran sign up to the agreement

A $1bn (RO385 million) Warner Bros theme park is to open in Abu Dhabi in 2018.

Situated on Yas Island, visitors will be able to step inside Gotham City and Metropolis, home to Batman and Superman, in a project set to create 1,000 new jobs

12 Syrian refugees, including six children, were the lucky ones chosen by drawn lots to accompany the Pope back to Rome to start a new life after he visited a camp on the Greek island of Lesbos, the frontline of Europe’s migrant crisis

f

aces of

Oman

Welcome to Y’s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Ghassan al Yahmadi Age: 17 From: Bedeya Occupation: A student and in his free time watches movies

Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

013

YOUR

GADGETS GALORE

OMAN

FROM THE LATEST SMARTPHONES TO TIME-SAVING TECHNOLOGY, THERE WAS PLENTY TO SEE AND BUY AT THE RECENT COMEX 2016 SHOW IN MUSCAT.

014

APR 21 - 27 / ISSUE 417

GALLERY

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS

Following a period of study at the College of Banking and Financial Studies in Muscat, Saif al Barwani joined Bank Muscat as a processor before switching to the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), where he worked his way up to a branch manager’s position in Qurum.

At the same time he studied, via distance learning, for an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. Now, his current post is Manager – Partner Development at Bank Nizwa and he is still climbing the career ladder Q: What drives you to success?

For me, it’s about challenges. Where there’s a challenge, that’s where I belong. Normal situations are usually boring to me. I believe that going through difficult situations leads to creating a strong person. Whenever I look back, I know I still have a long way to go.

Q: Who or what has been your inspiration?

I have a few people who have been really inspirational to me. My mother has been a big influence. She has always been very supportive

to me. When my siblings and I were kids, we used to complain that she gave us so much pressure and she was very tough on us, especially when it came to studies. But now I’m grown up and looking back, I understand what she was doing and why. Now, we can see the result of her support. My previous manager at NBAD, Ahmed al Musalmi, was also an inspiration.

Whenever I used to feel down or feel lost in my career, I would go into his office and come out a different person. He believed in me and helped me believe in myself. He is now CEO of the National Bank of Oman. My six-year-old daughter is also a big inspiration. When I look at her, I know that I have to work harder, not only for me but also for her.

Q: What is your biggest career success to date?

My biggest career success is yet to come. I’m still working on it. I will get there.

Q: What are your career goals?

I want to reach high managerial levels in whatever organisation I’m working in. I want to be at the top of the ladder. I feel that I belong in banking. I have thought about doing something different but I always come back to square one, to banking. I feel very comfortable.

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

I don’t believe in working in one company for a long time. You need to move on to get

THE INTERIORS ARE SUBTLE, SOPHISTICATED AND TASTEFUL. THE REFINEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE CAR IS FANTASTIC, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITIES something new and start fresh every now and then.

In 10 years from now, I will be independent and running my own company. Nothing is impossible.

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

The Genesis looks poised and sharp from the outside, but in my opinion this car has to be experienced from the inside. The magic of it is when you take the steering wheel in your hands. It drives well and has a great road grip; the interiors are subtle, sophisticated and tasteful. The refinement and technology of the car is fantastic, especially when you look at the features and functionalities. In all, it is a great package and worthy of being on the shopping list of any luxury car buyer.

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

a lot more entertaining. Set aside your incredulity and accept that it’s far-fetched, and just enjoy it for what it is: a decent crime thriller with a great performance from Costner as he sets out to foil an international conspiracy. Gary Oldman and Tommy Lee Jones also star..

Criminal

The Jungle Book Rebooting old popular movies is a gamble. Do it wrong and you alienate the audience who loved the original but if it’s not freshened up enough, you risk losing potential new viewers.

Messing with The Jungle Book, Disney’s classic animation from 1967, might then have seemed a little foolhardy.

But this is one of those rare remakes that actually improves on the original.

It retains the charm but, with the latest visual effects, brings Rudyard Kipling’s book to life like never before. You're transported from your cinema seat right into a living, breathing jungle.

Watching it in 3D on an enormous 20m-wide screen was spectacular.

Director John Favreau, who helmed the hugely successful Iron Man and family favourite Elf, gives us an altogether darker take on the story of an orphaned boy, Mowgli (played by newcomer Neel Sethi), who has been brought up in the jungle by a family of wolves since birth.

Mixing live action with superb CGI

technology to create talking animals, we follow Mowgli as he sets off on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he meets a myriad of animals, all voiced by a quite stellar cast. Bill Murray makes for a fantastic Baloo, the bear who guides his young charge through each peril and gets to sing the best song of the movie, The Bear Necessities.

Other original songs are updated.

I loved Christopher Walken’s new version of I Wanna Be Like You, sung by King Louie, the king of the apes.

Scarlett Johansson (Kaa, a slinking python) and Idris Elba (the fearsome tiger Shere Khan) both make for marvellously voiced baddies.

Although the ending has been changed quite drastically – not to give away the plot here – the morality messages and theme that all of us are part of the circle of life remain as strong as ever.

Review by Kate Ginn

PREVIE W

DEMOLITION Jake Gyllenhaal plays Davis Mitchell, an investment banker struggling to cope after the death of his wife in a car accident. Help and a sympathetic ear comes in the shape of Karen (Naomi Watts), a customer service rep from a vending machine company, who responds to Davis’s letter of complaint. She is also coping with some emotional turmoil of her own. The two form an unlikely rapport and Davis starts to rebuild, beginning with the demolition of the life he once knew.

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

THERI (THE SPARK)

This Tamil-language action film written and directed

by Atlee and produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu has taken India’s box office by storm and has also done well in the US. Vijay is Joseph Kuruvilla, a baker and doting father who lives a peaceful life in Kerala with his daughter Nivi (Baby Nainika). His secret is that he used to be the deputy police commissioner of Chennai who faked his own death to escape the violent gang who had killed his wife (Samantha Ruth Prabhu). The past is about to catch up with him.

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

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

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In this comedy-romance-action flick, Pitch Perfect’s Anna Kendrick plays a young woman with a disappointing love life who meets the perfect man (Sam Rockwell). Or so she thinks. Her new beau Francis turns out to be a reformed professional hitman who now kills the people who hire him instead of the intended target. When he vows to give up his work for love, things inevitably don’t go as smoothly as planned.

With hints of Quentin Tarantino’s True Romance and Pulp Fiction, there’s much to like but it can be a bit too clever for its own good at times.

Bollywatch

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

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Mr Right

Wily old coyote Kevin Costner (yes, he’s still going strong and is still ruggedly handsome, if a little greyer) is the violent and dangerous death row inmate Jericho Stewart. He also has the memories and skills of a dead CIA agent (Ryan Reynolds), implanted into his brain in a mindaltering experience. The film has echoes of last year’s flop Self/less, which starred Ben Kingsley, but is

Brought to you by

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who job does Karen do in the film Demolition?

LAST WEEK'S WINNER Dexter Artieda

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

GOURMET GEORGE

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Cultural fiesta Jadvapur University Alumni’s Oman Chapter present Sanskriti 2016 at the Al Falaj Auditorium (Grand Hall) from 7.30pm onwards. On the cards for the event are Manoj Mitra’s Shotyi Bhuter Golpo, a one-act play and classic Hindustani musical voyage by India’s Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta team. The event is being organised by Majan Events and entry is by invitation only. For tickets, contact jualumnioman@gmail.com

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Go on a musical journey as German orchestra Bamberg Symphony shares its longstanding artistry with the audience. Conducted by Grammy award-winning Christoph Eschenbach, the night will also feature pianist Saleem Ashkar, with an exciting programme that includes Brahms’ Symphony No.3. Catch the performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat from 7.30pm. Ticket prices start at RO5. For details, go to rohmuscat.org.om

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In Symphony

Apr

Celebrate St George, the patron saint of England, in style with a slap-up feast at the National Hospitality Institute Class Room Restaurant at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. You’ll be tucking into delicious fare such as Beef Wellington served with sautéed vegetables, and Mulligatawny, an English soup spiced with curry powder. With selected drinks for each course. It costs RO26 per person.

Dinner served at 7.30pm. Check out nhioman.com or call 2481 3141 for details.

Gallery

Movies

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Creative Hands

Get down to Sununu Muscat to create personalised lampshades and fabrics using chalk paint. You can also learn about fabric-dyeing, block printing for fabrics and linocut (a printmaking technique using wooden blocks). The workshop will be held at the Sununu Muscat building in Mawaleh North. It costs RO55 per person. For details, search for Sununu Muscat on Facebook or call 9018 5174.

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Time to Talk In need of some inspiration or motivation? This talk by Helen Sayers, leading trainer at Oasis-Like Skills Training Services, could be the answer. Themed Exploring the Tree of Life, Helen will be looking at the ways to rediscover confidence, inner beauty and self-esteem. Interested? The event will be held at the Oman Cancer Association office in Ghubra on Tuesday, from 10am2pm. Find out more about the Association at oca.om

GO GERMANY! Check out the delights of one of the most popular European countries to visit from the Middle East. Destination Germany, a German tourism festival brought to you by Bahwan Tourism (in association with the German National Tourist Office), will give you the lowdown on all the attractions with great ideas for your summer holiday in the land of Bach, Black Forest gateau, Grimm’s fairy tales, castles, luxury cars and much more. You can also snap up on-the-spot discounts on all bookings and have a chance to win some great prizes. It’s all happening at the Bahwan Tourism Office, Al Rawaq Building in Al Qurum from 9am-5pm.

Email holidays@bahwantravel.com or find Bahwan Travel on Facebook.

GIRL’S RETREAT Ladies, escape for a day and take some time out for yourselves with an exclusive women’s wellness retreat organised by the Whispers of Serenity Clinic, based in Azaiba. Called More Than A Woman, the one-day retreat for modern women is being held in the enchanting surroundings of The Chedi Hotel. Events during the day will include Zumba, meditation and laughter yoga sessions. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be served. Total price for the whole day is RO120. Contact Whispers of Serenity for booking and information on 2461 4268 and visit whispersof-serenity.com

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P OF WER THE Oman plans to usher in a new generation of solar energy but are the rays of the sun really enough to power the country? Alvin Thomas and Kate Ginn investigate

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magine this: The year is 2030, it’s 32 degrees outside and you’re out for a stroll around the residential streets of Azaiba, enjoying the warmth of an April day. Glancing up, something catches your eye: the sight of row upon row of solar panels on top of house roofs glinting in the sunshine, sucking in the rays of the sun.

It’s a scene that’s repeated across the Sultanate, stretching from Salalah to Musandam, with solar panels harnessing the sun’s power to create another precious form of power: electricity.

If you think this sounds like some kind of farfetched scenario, then think again.

As Oman looks for ways to decrease its dependence on oil and gas, attention is turning to renewable energy. It seems that solar power will play a big part in this and be introduced earlier than you might think.

Just last week, the Authority for Electricity Regulation Oman (AER) – Oman’s power sector regulator – announced that it was taking steps to pave the way for homeowners to install solar panels on their rooftops and to channel any surplus electricity back into the national grid.

It’s not that revolutionary. After all, countries around the world, including Oman on a small scale, have been using solar power for years, so it’s nothing new. But what it does do is mark a significant shift in thinking in Oman. Decision makers are looking for other sources to power the country and they’ve looked up to the sky and seen the light, as it were. With pretty much year-

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round sunshine, it would seem foolhardy for the Sultanate not to cash in on that omnipresent sun in the sky and the potential that it offers for abundant clean energy.

Some prominent companies in Oman have already adopted solar power or piloted schemes.

Majan Electricity Company, a subsidiary of Nama Group, installed solar systems atop its head office in Sohar and a car park in the complex.

Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) and Sultan Qaboos University also dabbled in solar power.

And Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has been using solar power at a low level out in the oil fields.

But the new proposal would see solar launched on a much larger scale, pushed across Oman and used domestically, not just in business.

A study commissioned by the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) last year revealed that Photovoltaic (PV) systems (solar panels) installed on residential buildings in the Sultanate could offer an estimated 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of electricity; it’s estimated that Muscat Governorate alone could generate a whopping 450 megawatts (MW), similar to a mid-sized gas-based power plant. But the big question remains: is it feasible that solar energy could one day

power most of Oman?

Raman Kumar, an expert in solar energy and general manager of Oman Solar Systems in Oman, seems to think so.

Talking about the new solar initiatives in the country, he says that by reducing its dependency on oil, Oman is opening up a stronger and sustainable market while giving oil companies a chance to strengthen their footing in the country.

Raman says that some organisations in Oman have already adopted solar power.

His company has set up more than 7,500 solar power systems for the Government and private organisations in the country. One of his first projects was back in 1995 with Oman TV, which used solar systems for selfsustenance of its 150 relay stations used to broadcast around the country.

However, talking about the early challenges his team faced, Raman says: “Back in the early 90s, companies serving the oil and gas sector saw us as competitors.

“However, the onset of solar power in the late 90s led to companies adopting newer corporate social techniques to improve their status as an environmental player.”

This period, he says, changed the way people looked at solar power. “All of a sudden, the oil, television and telecom

PEOPLE WERE NOW CONVINCED THAT SOLAR POWER WOULD WORK AS AN EFFECTIVE MODE OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN THE COUNTRY companies were using solar panels in their offices to sustain their stations and offices.

“People were now convinced that solar power would work as an effective mode of electricity generation in the country.”

However, take-up for solar power is still slow in domestic homes on a commercial basis.

Now would be the perfect time to make that shift, according to Muna al Farsy, a lecturer at the Higher College of Technology (HCT) and project manager of the GreenNest Eco House (see P24), which is part of a Government-funded project to create homes of the future in Oman using green technology, such as solar and water recycling.

“Oman is currently looking to gap the hole created in its budget due to falling and unstable oil prices and now would be a perfect time to cut the oil companies some slack,” says Muna.

Her project, a standalone full-scale model of a house that incorporates 76 solar panels onto the rooftop to power the home, offers a glimpse into a potential future.

“We knew solar energy mainly from its success in the West,” Muna says. “In countries like Germany, it solved the energy crisis by bringing into equation local houses, which could harvest solar power during the days and feed it back to the grid later.”

Which brings us to another reason why the Government might be keen to push solar energy.

With a RO4.5 billion budget deficit, the Government is embarking on a range of austerity measures, lowering spending and slashing subsidies. In January, it was revealed that this could include getting the electricity price subsidies, which totalled an estimated RO450 million last year, by up to seven or eight per cent. Introducing solar energy would reduce the amount

of electricity consumed, thereby further reducing subsidies needed and seeing a drop in electricity bills for residents.

On average, one square metre of land in Oman can produce 200 watts of electricity per hour from PV power, which would be enough to power 10 lightbulbs for an hour.

And it would cost about 770 baisa worth of equipment to produce one watt of power.

Currently, it costs residential consumers 10 baisa to use 1kW in one hour, rising to 30 baisa if more than 10,000 units are consumed.

Muna says that her 1300-square-metre model house costs RO120,000 to build, three times the cost of an average Omani house, but she believes this could be cut by half, or even more, if more people adopted the system, or if the Government began providing incentives to people for upgrading to solar power.

It has to be noted that solar power has not really been taken seriously until the prospect of a feed-in tariff - getting paid for surplus power produced - was mooted.

Muna also says that a lot of controversies surrounding solar in the past, such as fragile panels and susceptibility to dust and heat, are no longer relevant.

However, even with recent advancements in technology, solar panels have limitations in functioning at full efficiency in the heat.

“On a 50-degree afternoon, the efficiency of a panel could reduce up to 35 per cent,” Raman Kumar points out.

This could translate to a 10MW PV panel producing only 6.5MW over a period of time. Although with the advent of “black solar cells” – which are more advanced systems – users can now expect higher output, higher temperature tolerances and reduced susceptibility to dust.

Solar power has developed in leaps and bounds over the years. New technology being developed includes “rollable” solar panels that can be laid out like a carpet.

Solar technology can be incorporated into new homes being built in the Sultanate, meaning the system is already in place for residents to use.

Bryan Richards, a technical director at Technic Group Oman, says his company is looking to start building “green” lowcost housing in Muscat within a matter of months.

A plot of land in Al Hail North has been identified for 15 villas comprising two to three bedrooms, with approval already given

by Muscat Municipality.

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Solar Power Generation By Region

“We’re at the design stage,” says Bryan.

“The houses will be as green as we can make them. They will be made with high thermal materials and have double-glazing.

“There will be high-efficiency air-con units running during the day off solar panels. At night, the power will switch seamlessly over to the mains.

“We hope to break ground in the next month or so. Our homes will take less time to build and cost less. We can have the shell of the house done [roof, windows, walls and doors] within three weeks.”

His company, which has a partner and supplier for solar panels, is hoping to ride the solar panel wave that seems to be gathering momentum in the country.

“It’s very feasible to one day see solar panels on all homes in Oman,” says Bryan.

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“It would be foolish not to, we know that it works.

“And every day that the sun is shining, you are getting a return on your investment.

“You just need to ensure that you have the right equipment and meters to measure power consumed and generated.

“The only reason it has not taken off here on a large scale before is that people like to see things tried and tested before taking a leap.”

On average, most homes would only need around 10 solar panels and it would cost about RO2,000 as a conservative estimate to have the equipment fitted, he adds.

Yet it could cut a household’s electricity consumption by up to 50 per cent.

Users would also get paid for any surplus energy put back into the main electricity

EUROPE The solar heating sector in the European Union in 2010 alone amounted for €2.6 billion (RO1.1bn) and generated 17.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy. More photovoltaic systems have also been connected to the grid since, and amounts more than €36 billion yearly. Germany is the second-largest producer of PV power in the world with 38.832 GW, accounting for 6.4 per cent of the country’s electricity production. Italy, France and Spain are the other major PV countries in the EU. AUSTRALIA Making a shift into Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems only recently, Australia manages to extract 4.860 GW of electricity from its PV, furthermore contributing to 1.1 percent of the produced electricity in the country. New South Wales and Queensland amount to a majority of the country’s output. Australia is currently 9th in the list of PV countries.

CHINA Solar power is incorporated both commercially and residentially and the industry is booming, with more than 400 PV companies. China remains the largest installer of PV and producer of solar panels in the world, quadrupling production over a two-year period. This year, China also became the world’s largest producer of PV power at a whooping 43 GW. GCC While a majority of the GCC countries have the potential to sustain themselves using energy from fossil fuels alone, a shift in outlook has made headway and new projects are being incorporated across the countries.

YEMEN Yemen has a standalone PV station with batteries producing 3kW.

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grid.

With panels able to withstand temperatures up to 65 degrees Celsius, an Omani summer shouldn’t be a problem either.

Oman, then, seems ready for solar power.

The only question is when it will happen.

“Powering residential houses around the Muscat Governorate in one phase would be impractical and expensive,” a spokeswoman from the AER told Y this week.

“We can start with areas in the outskirts first, where the concentration of houses are lesser.”

Government incentives to encourage people to take up solar panels would also be needed, she added.

Everyone seems to be in agreement that the time for prevaricating is over. It really is time to make hay while the sun shines.

INDIA The use of PV power in India is currently restricted to states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

However, several residents opt to use standalone systems for private PV production. India produces a total of 5.547 GW every year. Recent studies show that the country has a potential to produce 5,000 trillion kilowatt-hours per year, which would exceed the possible energy output from all the fossil-fuel energy in the country.

Muscat’s new international airport could learn a thing or two from the Cochin International Airport in Cochi, Kerala, which is the world’s first solar-powered airport. It makes use of 46,150 solar panels across a 45-acre complex adjacent to the airport. All the electrical and mechanical systems are PV powered, however, electrical systems from the grid are on standby should an outage occur.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Solar energy has the potential to produce power for the entire country throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi began Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) production in 2013, producing 100MW. Masdar City in Abu Dhabi was originally designed to be the world’s most environmentally sustainable city.

It produces a total of 11 MW from PV sources in the site, and from rooftops.

Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy proposed a 1000 MW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Seih Al Dalah that will provide seven per cent of Dubai’s energy from clean energy sources by 2020. The first phase providing 12 MW from its solar farm has been completed.

SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Arabia currently has one solar PV plant producing an output of 500 kW. A 200kW installation is expected to make headway in Riyadh, along with a massive 54 GW PV plant by 2040.

KUWAIT Kuwait plans to incorporate solar power into the main grid by 2030. The country is expected to set up a 4500 MW solar plant, with works scheduled to begin next year.

5

PROS AND CONS OF SOLAR ENERGY

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

① Renewable Energy Source

① Cost

Solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available everyday. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy. Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun. Sunlight will be available to us for at least 5 billion years, when according to scientists the sun is going to die.

②Reduces Electricity Bills Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be dependent on the size of the solar-power system and your electricity or heat usage. Moreover, not only will you be saving on the electricity bill but, if you generate more electricity than you use, the surplus will be exported back to the grid and you will receive bonus payments for that amount (considering that your solar panel system is connected to the grid).

③Diverse Applications Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes.

You can generate electricity (photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distill water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space. Solar energy can also be integrated in the materials used for buildings.

④Low Maintenance Costs Solar energy systems generally don’t require a lot of maintenance. You only need to keep them relatively clean. Most reliable solar panel manufacturers give 20-25 years warranty. Also, as there are no moving parts, there is no wear and tear. The inverter is usually the only part that needs to be changed after five to 10 years because it is continuously working to convert solar energy into electricity (solar PV) and heat (solar thermal). So, after covering the initial cost of the solar system, you can expect very little spending on maintenance and repair work.

⑤Technology Development Technology in the solar power industry is constantly advancing and improvements will intensify in the future. Innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology can potentially increase the effectiveness of solar panels and double, or even triple, the electrical input of the solar power systems.

* Source: greenmatch.co.uk

The initial cost for purchasing a solar system is fairly high. Although some governments have introduced schemes to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources, you still have to cover the upfront costs. This includes paying for solar panels, inverter, wiring and for the installation.

Nevertheless, solar technologies are constantly developing, so it is safe to assume that prices will go down in the future..

②Weather Dependent Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the solar system drops. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight to effectively gather solar energy. Therefore, a few cloudy, rainy days can have a noticeable effect on the energy system. You should also take into account that solar energy cannot be collected during the night.

③Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive Solar energy has to be used right away, or it can be stored in large batteries. These batteries, used in off-the-grid solar systems, can be charged during the day so that the energy is used at night. This is a good solution for using solar energy all day long but it is also quite expensive. In most cases it is smarter to just use solar energy during the day and take energy from the grid during the night (you can only do this if your system is connected to the grid).

Luckily our energy demand is usually higher during the day so we can meet most of it with solar energy..

④Uses a Lot of Space The more electricity you want to produce, the more solar panels you will need, because you want to collect as much sunlight as possible. Solar panels require a lot of space and some roofs are not big enough to fit the number of solar panels that you would like to have.

⑤Associated with Pollution Although pollution related to solar energy systems is far less compared to other sources of energy, solar energy can be associated with pollution. Transportation and installation of solar systems have been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases. There are also some toxic materials and hazardous products used during the manufacturing process of solar photovoltaics, which can indirectly affect the environment. Nevertheless, solar energy pollutes far less than the other alternative energy sources.

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The future

is now HCT’s GreenNest Eco House merges traditional architecture and modern technology, says Alvin Thomas Photos: Shaquel al Balushi

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here are many ways one can describe a dream house. But the students and technical staff at the Higher College of Technology have a dream that differs from most people’s – a selfsustaining house with a zero-carbon footprint.

The “house of the future”, as they describe it, contains everything from solar panels to energy-efficient appliances. I am getting an insight into the type of house we could one day call home, with a guided tour of the GreenNest house at the college campus in Al Khuwair, Muscat. There are four other GreenNest houses around the country at different colleges, including one at Sultan Qaboos University. The project is funded by the Research Council of Oman.

Crafted with traditional lines and curves, the HCT GreenNest may not seem very different from your average Omani house at first glance. But looks can be deceptive – the GreenNest Eco House is a thoroughly modern home from the ground up.

There are 76 solar panels on the terrace, which have been designed to act like an umbrella to reduce the effects of the sun on the house while improving output.

The results are evident when you step inside the threebedroom, multi-storey house. The temperature is a steady, cool 24 degrees.

My guide, Muna al Farsy, project manager of the HCT GreenNest, tells me: “Our house produces enough power to sustain itself at any given time. We even supply power to the grid on a daily basis.”

The 76 panels feed 3.2 MW of electricity back to the grid in a month. That is enough to power three averagesized houses for the same period. This self-production of

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power and supplying it back to the national grid could be a blueprint for Oman’s energy future.

During our tour, I also stumble upon some guests – a sparrow and its chicks nesting under the solar panels – further assuring its green credentials.

The house also incorporates solar heaters, advanced Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) cooling systems that increase ventilation to 50 to 60 per cent at any given time. They use heat exchange technology and a grey-water filtration system to recycle sewage water from the house, which can then be used for irrigation.

The 396-square-metre house is built using newly adopted Nudura blocks – a type of insulated material that aims to reduce the effects of the sun on the inside while providing superior load-bearing strengths using a combination of concrete and steel along with insulation.

“One of the milestones we achieved in the project was receiving the approval for new building materials,” Muna says. “It allowed us to complete the house in five months, as opposed to the usual six or seven months.”

The house has a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, a child’s bedroom, a majlis and kitchen and three bathrooms.

The GreenNest Eco House is also home to a variety of plants such as lemongrass, tomatoes, carrots, berries and papaya, among others. However, the highlight has to be the green wall, an eightmetre tall wall of shrubs growing on the side of the house. By the end of the tour, it’s clear the future isn’t a bad place to be, provided we nest in an Eco House such as this. For now, however, there’s only one drawback – its RO120,000 price tag. * Check out hctgreennest.com

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the

stone roses Up on Jebel Akhdar, the rosewater industry is in full swing with round-the-clock production

igh up on the slopes of Jebel Akhdar, the terraces are bursting with colour and the bushes are laden with pink flowers. A fragrant smell of roses is in the air.

The rose season is well under way on this mountain range.

Omani rosewater producers have only a picking period of one month, between April and May, to collect their precious harvest and make big money.

The rosewater industry is the most important means of a livelihood for many in the mountain villages, such as Sayq. It is also a huge draw for tourists, who make their way up the Green Mountain as soon as the first petals begin to bloom.

About 5,000 rose trees are spread across seven acres and it’s estimated that around 4,000 litres of rosewater are produced from each acre.

The finished product could make its way to kitchens in homes and restaurants in Oman and beyond, and can also be used in perfumes and cosmetic products.

One rose of choice is the Rosa Damascena (or Rose Damask), a species preferred for its intense fragrance.

Omani rosewater is exported around the world. It has a distinctive amber tinge and a unique smoky smell, which is particularly sought after in Gulf countries. It also fetches the highest prices, costing between RO6 and RO7 for 375ml.

Production has existed on Jebel Akhdar for hundreds of years and the skills required have been passed down through generations.

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There are around 15 to 20 rosewater operators working on Jebel Akhdar.

For one month, output continues for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s gruelling, labour-intensive work but well worth the effort. One acre of roses can make up to RO40,000 a season, according to government figures. That’s RO280,000 across the seven acres, a considerable amount.

Traditional methods are said to be behind the sweet smell of success for Jebel Akhdar’s producers.

One, Abdullah, and his family, has been making rosewater in the fertile ground for decades. He toils in a two-room mini-factory, which is a traditional mud-brick house with an old blackened wood-fire oven in one room and mounds of freshly picked roses in the other.

Roses – the whole flower including the stem – are picked by hand as dawn breaks over the mountain. They are then soaked and distilled at high temperatures.

Condensed rosewater is sieved into large storage urns with tops made from woven palm leaves and kept for up to 40 days to allow the sediment to settle. The pure rosewater is then bottled, ready to be sold.

But the onward march of progress is threatening the old ways. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has distributed machines for extracting rosewater as a substitute for the firewood method.

There is even an Aromatic Plants Distillation Centre, affiliated to the Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI).

Modernity is creeping in and producers are having to embrace the changes to survive and let their mountain rose farms continue to flourish and, quite literally, come up smelling of roses.

Photos: Oman News Agency

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FOOD AND DRINK

HAPPY HEART

To keep your ticker in tip-top condition, your diet needs healthy fats found in sources such as olive oil.

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Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

HEART TO HEART

The human body needs certain types of fat for heart and brain health. Try these heart-healthy recipes

I

t may sound contrary to your healthy eating plan but the human body actually needs some types of fat for heart and brain health. One common source can be found in cooking oils such as olive oil.

Of the cooking oils most commonly used – olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil and various vegetable oils – olive oil contains the most monounsaturated fat, which has been widely recognised for its potential role in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Experience the distinctive tastes of different varieties of olive oil in these delicious dishes and find more heart-healthy recipes at AboutOliveOil.org. * Family Features

Day Boat Cod with Melted Tomatoes Serves: 4 Ingredients: § Olive oil § Salt and pepper, to taste § 4 cod filets (170g each) § Olive Oil Melted Tomatoes (recipe below) § Orange, Fennel § 4 lemons, cut into eighths Method: § Heat oven to 200ºC. § Heat a medium-sized frying pan on high. Add the olive oil and heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper onto the cod. Add the cod to hot oil and sear on one side until the fish is golden brown and crisp. § Transfer the cod to a baking tray that has been brushed with olive oil. Place the cod in the oven until it starts to flake; about 12 minutes.

Remove the cod from the oven and keep it warm. § Using a spoon, portion Olive Oil Melted Tomatoes onto four large dinner plates. Allow some flavoured oil to puddle on the plate.

Carefully transfer the cod on top of the warm tomatoes. § Then top the cod with a colourful salad and squeeze a lemon wedge over the entire plate.

Olive Oil Melted Tomatoes Ingredients: § 8 large Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cut in half § Salt and pepper, to taste § 6 basil leaves, shredded § 3 tbsp parsley, chopped § 1 lemon, zested § 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thin § Extra-virgin olive oil Method: § Heat oven to 165ºC. § Place the tomatoes into a 22cm cake pan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Scatter the herbs, lemon zest and garlic on top of the tomatoes. § Drizzle the tomatoes with extra-virgin olive oil, which should come up about three-quarters of the way onto the tomatoes. § Cover with foil and bake until the tomatoes are tender; approximately 40 minutes.

CompetitionTime!

Trattoria invites everyone to participate & win RO 20 Gift Voucher. Send us the answer to this question to info@y­oman.com by 25th April 2016 +968 24210452 / 92892824

Which day is

Unlimited Buffet Lunch

for winning the O Sole Mio competition last week!

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

Midket r Ma

REVIEWS

Info Box MAMASAN

Behind Costa, at the Al Assalah Towers (Saud Bahwan Plaza), Al Ghubra.

Tel: 2421 0452 (bookings and takeaways) Opening Hours: 8.30am - 11pm Price: RO29.4 (two people)

ORIENTAL BLAST

Verdict : 9 / 10 Service 8 / 10 Food 9 / 10 Ambience Excellent food with great portions complemented by friendly staff Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

MAMASAN HAS ALL THE KEY ELEMENTS TO MAKE IT AN EXQUISITE DINING OPTION, SAYS ALVIN THOMAS. IF YOU CAN FIND IT, THAT IS

A

s a resident of Oman for 12 years, I’ve learned to enjoy the various luxuries provided by the quiet, yet happening small suburb of Azaiba. But, when I was asked to try out Mamasan restaurant in my locality, I was left asking my colleagues about its location. I had no clue as to its whereabouts.

In the end, I had to resort to Google Maps to pinpoint the location. Even that took me 30 minutes.

All I needed now was a dining companion.

And volunteering, without much drama, was my brother who had just flown in from Bengaluru, India. I saw it as a good opportunity for some sibling bonding.

Armed with our GPS, we skipped the option of taking a taxi and walked there instead. Twenty minutes later, there it was, hiding behind Costa Coffee at the Al Assalah Towers in Azaiba.

If you didn’t know where it was, you would struggle to find it, which is a problem.

Heading inside, we noticed a large dining space. Almost immediately, we were shown to our seats. The staff were extremely polite and friendly. The waiter even seated us at a table for four because we told him we were planning to indulge ourselves.

The overall ambience was comforting and it’s evident that everything inside was designed to be pleasing on the eye.

There’s even ample space for large families.

And if you’re not a fan of Oriental fare, Mamasan’s sister restaurant, Trattoria, will also serve you Italian cuisine at your table.

Mamasan’s menu isn’t cluttered. The options

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are quite clear. You get a choice of duck, chicken, fish or vegetables. And my younger brother, being who he is, took the upper hand in the selection.

Five minutes of squabbling later, we decided on a portion of Cantonese crispy seafood springrolls.

Almost immediately, we were served a plate of prawn crackers with a side of sweet and spicy sauces, on the house. The crackers were very moreish, with just the right amount of flavour.

The sauces were delightful, too. But the spicy sauce meant we were soon squirming in our seats.

We decided to wash it all down with glasses of fruit cocktail, which I didn’t really care for; it tasted a bit too orangey. So when our seafood spring rolls arrived, we gorged ourselves.

Wrapped in the rolls were fresh, boiled shrimps, stuffed with carrots and cabbage. They had just the right amount of crispness We decided to keep our main course simple: stir-fried beef and hammour, with a side of chicken fried rice.

We were served our dishes in less than 15 minutes, which was impressive. My favourite was the hammour. I liked the way the chef captured the flavour of the fish, without dousing it in too much schezwan sauce, like so many others do.

Even the beef, which was dipped in oyster sauce and black pepper, was scrumptious. Garnished with carrots and capsicum, I felt as if I could have had another serving but the portions were generous for two adults.

Our fried rice was also perfectly steamed and cooked. The chicken cubes were melt-in-themouth soft and the vegetables were fresh.

However, the waiter told us that the restaurant was famous for its duck and that we should try it

on our next visit. Then, we asked him to show us the dessert menu.

In a flash, he had a menu ready for us. But I noticed that the menu wasn’t from Mamasan, but Trattoria. This is because Mamasan does not serve puddings. We quickly got ourselves together and asked if we could head out to the live dessert counter in Trattoria.

Once there, the counter boasted pastries and ice creams. I quickly ordered a strawberry cheesecake and my brother, a slice of chocolate truffle. We were told that our pastries would take a while to be served so we returned to our chairs.

Both the pastries were garnished in chocolate sauce and tasted brilliant. The cheesecake, with its crumbly, crunchy, nutty base and consistent cheese was the winner here. I quickly declared that this was the best cheesecake I had ever had, as my brother looked on in envy.

By now we were stuffed. So, the waiter quickly got our bill ready.

Everything about Mamasan oozes quality, from the engaging staff to the pleasant ambience. But, as they say, “all good things come to an end”. So I thanked the staff and the chef for a delightful evening and promised to be back.

Mamasan isn’t an everyday dining option as it’s where you would go for a treat. But it sure is worth every penny.

For instance, it’s been a few days since I had that cheesecake. And writing this review makes me miss it even more.

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

HEALTH& BEAUTY

MONOCHROME MADNESS

Cool and chic, black and white make a classic colour combination that will never go out of style. Dressed up or down, there’s a timeless elegance about monochrome, such as with this casual look from East.

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Health

Beauty

FASHION

k o o L e h

, reet look t s igh t the h e th to ge o t end ps you h g l i e h ver he h t Glo From y t i c A classic pair of M&S white Feli

T t Ge

jeans will pair with all things black – in fact, any colour – and are a great wardrobe staple. From RO48.6

This monochrome “folky” embroidered kaftan tunic dress from Apricot is a popular style in Muscat’s malls at the moment. From RO13.1

We love the casual elegance of this H&M holeembroidered cotton blouse with three-quarter length sleeves. From RO20.9

Keep an eye on the time in this gold sunray watch with blackand-white striped strap from www.littlewoodsireland.ie.

From RO22.9

A classic black tote is a musthave accessory, and this one from M&S adds a fun touch with its curves. From RO30

Accessorize has some great black and white jewellery options, such as these “spinning world” short drop earrings. From RO4.3

These black peep-toe espadrille mules from M&S are bang on trend this summer, adding a touch of glam and height to any outfit.

From RO15.8

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033

&

BEAUTY

Health Fashion

QUICK

BEAUTY TRICKS

These time-saving tips will let you give your body the TLC it deserves, even when you’re in a hurry

W

hen you’re pressed for time, you may be tempted to ditch the pampering from your morning routine. No matter how quickly you have to dash out the door, you can always find shortcuts to your daily beauty regime that let you look and feel your best.

Be a multi-tasker.

SCAN OUR QR CODES WITH ANY QR READER APP

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You can do two things at once to save time such as applying a face mask or wash before brushing your teeth or letting a deepconditioning hair mask work while you shave your legs. Letting the facial wash sit on your skin while you brush allows you to get more of the skin care benefits without the added time, and pinning up your hair in the deep-conditioning mask while shaving then rinsing it out will help your hair feel softer and more hydrated.

Keep up with conditioner. You may

find it tedious, but hair care is no place to cut corners. Keeping your hair well-conditioned helps to keep it healthier in the long run. Well-maintained strands are easier to detangle and style, which ultimately saves time. Have an allin-one shampoo and conditioner on hand for days when you simply can’t do both, and save detangling time by using a wide-tooth comb in the shower.

Use products that do double duty in the shower. Using a multi-benefit

body wash can give your skin and senses necessary nourishment in the shower. One example is the new line of Softsoap Luminous Oils Body Washes, which contain a touch of luxurious oil, essence of peony or iris and an alluring fragrance. The sheer, non-greasy formula will leave your skin feeling radiant and soft.

Master a few simple hair styles. Whether your

hair is long or short, experiment with a few go-to styles you can rely on when time is short. Sleek ponies and messy buns can disguise a hectic morning. For shorter cuts, look for a style that lets you air dry for a carefree tousled look.

Lighten up when it comes to cosmetics.

You may be surprised by how pulled together you appear with a minimalist approach to makeup. Use a tinted moisturiser with sunscreen to even your skin tone then use natural shades to enhance your best features. Save complex eye makeup for a less rushed day and stick to the basics: mascara, a dusting of blush for colour and a pretty, nude gloss.

Speed up those busy mornings with these time-saving beauty tips. For more information, visit softsoap. com.

* Family Features

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

•

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

• • •

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

• •

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

•

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

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

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

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Postcards from

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Outdoors

Y- F i

WATER WONDERLAND

Jebel Sifah is fast becoming a paradise for fans of water sports, with a range of fun activities on offer to suit all ages, from jet skiing to kayaking and a newly launched water park.

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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

Y- F i

Indoors

Destination

AL QABIL

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI VISITS A NEW DESTINATION THIS WEEK AND ENDS UP HAVING A DIP IN THE WATER

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I

TRAVEL GUIDE

’m always excited to find new places to explore and introduce you to, so this trip was special in more ways than one.

My usual travelling companion, Imran, suggested Al Qabil, a destination he knows extremely well from his days as a tour guide (he’s now a chef). I was intrigued by his vivid descriptions of the area and was ready for an adventure by the time we left, despite the early 6am start.

Within an hour or so, we had arrived. That’s the beauty of Al Qabil; it’s only an hour-anda-half from Muscat, so there isn’t a long drive eating into the hours of the day.

It’s a straightforward drive, too, taking Route 17 towards Sur and turning off at the Wadi Dayqah sign. On the way to the dam, there’s a road to the left with a barrier, which is always up, and this is where you want to head to.

Trundling along the dirt road, we reached the first stop point within 10 minutes, a pool of water so pure and clean that you could see the pebbles at the bottom so

clearly. I took a photograph – which would end up being one of my favourites of the day – and the water is so amazingly crystal clear that you can’t see the water and it seems you are viewing rocks on dry land.

We took off our shoes and socks and paddled in the cool water, which was overlooked by a rocky outcrop. We had the place to ourselves; it was absolutely deserted and we revelled in the quiet stillness.

You don’t need a 4x4 to visit Al Qabil but you’ll have to park here and explore on foot.

Our Jeep Wrangler splashed effortlessly through the shallow water but we preferred to go further under our own steam, and set off for a hike for a few hours.

It’s an easy walk; you don’t need to be especially fit to undertake it. It’s well worth a little exertion to discover all the beauty of Al Qabil. We found different pools of water with varying terrains underfoot; from rocky to sandy and muddy.

The water was different, too. In one pool, it was as calm as a mirror, in another it “bubbled” as it swirled across rocks, and a third moved like a snake, curling and swerving. It was fascinating just to sit and watch the water.

I noticed the ruins of some mud-brick buildings, long since abandoned, across the

HOW TO GET THERE From Muscat, take Route 17 towards Sur and then the Wadi Dayqah turnoff, which is signposted. Continue towards the dam and you’ll see a road to the left with a barrier (which should be up). Take this road for 10

water of one pool. There was also a heron hiding in a nearby crevice, no doubt taking a break in between “fishing” in one of the pools.

Among the light brown rocky landscape, there were bursts of green with shrubs and bushes. A delicate white flower with a pale green stem also caught my eye and merited a close-up shot.

We wandered along at our own pace, stopping whenever the fancy took us, for a rest or dip in the refreshing water, which comes in a long silver trail down from the mountains.

At times, we had to wade through the water, but the deepest it ever came to was at a level just below the knee so nothing drastic to deter hardy trekkers.

In my view, Al Qabil is the perfect package for visitors. It’s great for hardcore hikers or those interested in a gentler stroll, and is suitable for friends or a family wanting a getaway picnic for the day with a swim. The first pool has shallow areas, where kids can splash around and collect pebbles quite safely within mum and dad’s sight.

My only advice is to arrive early and make the most of a whole day there. Have fun!

minutes and you’ll reach the first pool – the crystal-clear one. You don’t need a 4x4, but to go farther, you’ll need one or travel by foot.

GPS location of Al Qabil: N23°08’01.6” E58°53’43.4”

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

WET AND WILD

IN SEARCH OF A WEEKEND ADVENTURE, FELICITY GLOVER VENTURES DOWN TO MURIYA JEBEL SIFAH FOR SOME WATER FUN 040

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A

weekend away to enjoy the great outdoors – specifically, that classic combination of sun, sea and sand – sounded promising.

Having been confined to Muscat over the recent school holidays because I had work commitments, my daughter, Cia, 13, was excited to try something new at Muriya Jebel Sifah, particularly the water park that she’d heard so much about.

Jumping on board the water taxi at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, which would be taking us to our destination, was just the beginning of our adventure.

While we had driven this route many times before, we’d never done it by boat, and even Cia

would agree that the spectacular coastline was breathtaking as we flashed past the picturesque fishing villages of Al Bustan, Qantab and Yiti, and white, sandy beaches and majestic mountains.

After about 45 minutes, the water taxi began to slow down and we entered the calm waters of the small marina at Jebel Sifah. Cia’s eyes widened as she spotted the bright green, yellow and blue floating water park, which promised hours of fun.

Jumping onto dry land, we checked in and headed off to our holiday apartment to get changed, have a quick lunch and then plan our afternoon activities.

There were quite a few choices for the water

activities, from the water park to banana rides, dolphin-watching tours, kayaking, jet skiing, pedal boats and snorkelling, to name but a few. For something a little gentler, there’s also lazing by the pool or swimming a few laps.

But that was a little too tame for Cia, so top of her activity list was the water park (of course), followed by kayaking and jet skiing (which was later cancelled because of the rough sea).

The Sifah Water Park is operated by Marassi Al Jissah, the aquatic leisure company. The staff running the park are experienced and very safetyconscious – even we had to wear lifejackets despite being strong swimmers. We were also told that under no circumstances were we to swim under the structure if we fell in the water.

We jumped into the water and swam/floated the short distance to the start of the water park.

Thinking this was going to be a breeze, we were mistaken as we struggled to haul ourselves onto the mat that would mark the start of this aqua adventure. It didn’t help that the lifejackets were so bulky, but we had to follow the rules.

Thinking we had to wait for one of the instructors to take us around the large course, we watched a group of young children tackle the slippery obstacles, from running across hurdles, to swinging on monkey bars, desperately trying to keep their balance on the “wiggle bridge” and jumping over ramps and other hurdles.

The instructor with this group of children called out and told us to start alone. Not quite knowing what to do, we slowly stood up. First, it’s hard to keep your balance – while the water park is made of tough PVC, it’s not like being on board a boat.

And it’s very slippery – the wetter you are, the harder it is to keep your grip. We survived the first obstacle without falling overboard but knew that it was going to get harder and it was only a matter of time before one of us (or both!) would end up in the water.

Next up were the monkey bars, a favourite schoolyard activity of mine from years ago. In the intervening years, I’d forgotten just how much arm strength they required and was discovering muscles I’d forgotten about. I was going to be sore and sorry the next day!

So far, we’d managed to avoid a dunking. But that didn’t last long, thanks to the swing and the wiggle bridge, which tested us both. I was the first to fall in, while Cia was close behind when she tackled the wiggle bridge – six thin, round, very wobbly discs that you have to quickly run across.

Cia decided that the best course of action was to crawl across them but they were just too unstable and she hit the water as she tried to slide over to the second one. I ran across and made it halfway before losing my balance.

We didn’t make it to the trampoline in the centre but headed to the “action tower”, which looked like a cross between a rock-climbing wall and a slide on the other side. Cia started first but lost her confidence when she looked down and saw how high she’d climbed. She headed back

down, but started sliding and ended up with a small burn rash on her thigh. I took the plunge and headed up the tower. Success at last!

We finally finished the course and decided that it was so much harder than it looked – especially climbing back on to the frame after you’d fallen into the water.

As we headed off to get our kayaks with aching arms, the thought of spending the rest of the afternoon by the pool was suddenly appealing. But where’s the fun in that?

● You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the activities offered at Muriya Jebel Sifah.

Daytrippers are welcome and can either drive to the resort or take a sea taxi from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha or Almouj Marina. ● The water park is open from 9am-5pm, seven days a week, depending on the weather. ● For sea taxi bookings or inquiries, call the Sifawy Boutique Hotel and Resort on 2474 9111.

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041

CARS AND ADVENTURES SKY HIGH

Mountain climbing might be a favourite pastime in Norway, but visitors can also climb the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Take a trip around the Oslofjord 2. Go shopping around Aker Brygge 3. Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House 4. Visit the Viking Ship Museum 5. Go to Frogner Park and have a picnic

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Aathira Gissy Jose recommends

OSLO, NORWAY F

rom the busy thoroughfare of Karl Johan’s Gate to the calm and serene-looking sculptures of Vigeland Park, O s l o i s fu l l o f s u r p r i s e s . D u r i n g m y f i r s t v i s i t ( I n o w l i v e there with my husband, having moved from Kerala, India), I was told that Oslo was both a county and a municipality; very c o n fu s i n g i n d e e d . T h e c i t y s i t s o n N o r w a y ’ s s o u t h e r n c o a s t at the head of the Oslofjord, an archipelago made up of some r e a l l y e n c h a n t i n g i n l e t s , w a t e r w a y s a n d l i tt l e i s l a n d s . O s l o w a s fo u n d e d i n 1 0 4 0 b u t i n 1 6 2 4 w a s d e s t r o y e d b y f i r e , a n d m o v e d c l o s e r t o t h e A k e r s h u s C a s t l e ( s t i l l h e r e ) , a fo r t r e s s b u i l t t o p r o t e c t t h e c i t y f r o m fo r e i g n i n v a d e r s . T h o u s a n d s o f t o u r i s t s visit the capital’s world-class museums, galleries and artistic treasures every year (this is the home of Henrik Ibsen and E d v a r d M u n c h , a f t e r a l l ) . O s l o w a s r a n k e d f i r s t fo r q u a l i t y of life among large European cities in 2012 but is also one of the world’s most expensive. It is surrounded by greenery and due to its topography, gets close to 18 hours of daylight in the summer and never gets completely dark. In the winter, it’s the reverse. This is a city of extremes. Temperatures range from -1 to -3 degrees in winter to the mid-20s in summer.

T IG E R STATU E OSLO SENTR UM

T OW N H A L L

My favourite place

Some of the delightful little islands that make up the scenic gem that is the Oslofjord. They are perfect places to relax and have picnics, take boat rides and above all, release stress.

Highlights

Sheer proximity to wonderful green spaces, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without having to go too far afield. There are a number of parks within the city such as the Frogner Park (which contains Vigeland Park) and St. Hanshaugen Park. Holmenkollen offers beautiful scenery, an iconic ski jump, and plenty of opportunities for hiking and trips in summer or winter. It is also only half an hour from the city centre on the city’s metro system.

For such a compact, walkable city, the array of historical and cultural attractions is quite outstanding: Akershus Castle, the Storting (parliament) building, the Oslo Opera House, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Royal Palace, the Ibsen Museum and many more. Aker Brygge (the waterfront area) is replete with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants for you to refuel.

Lowlights Oslo is very expensive. That is reflected in the prices of groceries, clothing, housing and entertainment.

Also, sub-zero temperatures and the lack of daylight in the winter can be frustrating, to say the least.

Souvenirs The experience has to be the best souvenir you can have in Oslo. However, if you are looking for something to grab, you could buy a Dale of Norway sweater. But beware of fakes in tourist shops. Berry picking is also common in the parks and forests; grab a handful of berries for your loved ones, maybe?

Where to stay

Most of the international hotel chains are represented here. But you may find the city centre a little noisy at weekends and might prefer to stay in affluent Frogner or fashionable Grunerlokka, both of which are about five to 10 minutes away (by tram, taxi or bus) from the centre. The Cochs Pensjonat, at Parkveien is a great place to stay on a budget. Its proximity to the town centre and excellent service makes it a niche package.

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-FI THE TECH IN YOU

Outdoors

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

SOUND STREAMER

Whether you’re in the zone at the office or just partying, relaxing or exercising, it’s always nice to have some music to match the mood, Matthew Herbst checks out the best hi-fi streaming sound available

MU-SIC You feel the vibe and hear your tunes with a Naim Muso. Whatever you are looking to connect up, the Naim Mu-so has it covered. Whether you’ve got an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, just connect up with Apple AirPlay and stream your iTunes music collection straight to the Mu-so. Also standard is Bluetooth, which works with most smartphones and tablets, and supports aptX for enhanced sound quality. At johnlewis.com from RO489.50

IN STYLE

EDITOR’S PICK

Despite resembling a rugby ball the new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless is quite an unusual but beautiful and smooth-sounding network music player. It not only comes with a very powerful aural experience but is no longer just limited to Apple’s AirPlay. It now also rocks Bluetooth aptX support as well as Spotify Connect. At www.johnlewis.com from RO272.90

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SMALL BEATS You might recall that back in 2008 KEF launched the dynamic Muon speakers limited-edition aluminium towers. These were especially sculpted by industrial designer Ross Lovegrove at the enormous cost of RO77,000 per pair. This time, KEF has launched the pint-sized KEF Muo, which is easier on the wallet and more accessible. The KEF can be positioned upright or horizontally and paired through Bluetooth aptX. There’s also a 3.5mm auxiliary input for a wired connection. At www.kef.com from RO134.00

CAST IN SOUND CHROMECAST AUDIO ISN’T A HI-FI SYSTEM. HOWEVER IT ASSISTS YOUR OLDER HI-FI SYSTEM IF YOU’RE NOT YET READY TO REPLACE IT ALL. THERE IS A SMALL DEVICE THAT PLUGS INTO YOUR SPEAKER FOR STREAMING MUSIC THROUGH WI-FI, THEN USE YOUR IPHONE, IPAD, ANDROID PHONE AND TABLET, MAC OR WINDOWS LAPTOP, OR CHROMEBOOK TO STREAM YOUR FAVOURITE TUNES. IT’S AN AFFORDABLE AND A SIMPLE WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMER THAT DELIVERS A CLEAR STREAM. AT STORE.GOOGLE.COM FROM RO19.00 JULY APR 2103- -2709/ /ISSUE ISSUE417327

JUST GO

In an over-flooded market full of Bluetooth speakers, you’ll find that some are flashy; others more subdued. Then you meet a Cambridge Audio Go that has all the bases covered. It’s not just cool but also sports two 50mm woofers, two 19mm tweeters and a rear-firing bass radiator. On its back, it comes with three ports that are wedged into the body: a USB port for charging devices with the speaker’s battery, an aux port for wired listening and finally, an 18V port for plugging in the external power brick. At www.amazon.co.uk from RO97.91

NEW NAIM MU-SO QB The Naim Mu-so Qb set up comprises two dome tweeters and two mid-range drivers, as well as a single woofer. This helps the Qb take sound deep in the low end. This all then comes together to deliver a huge 300W of sound, which is ambitious for a speaker of this size. Fans who prefer high-resolution music are in luck, as it supports everything from MP3s all the way up to 24-bit/192kHz hi-res tracks in WAV, FLAC and AIFF. With all the connectivity available, connecting to the Qb is as simple as pairing via Bluetooth but you’ll get the most out of your sound by hooking it up to your home network via Wi-Fi and streaming it. At www.johnlewis.com from RO325.50

App of the Week

SPOTIFY Spotify is one of the most popular subscription-based music streaming services worldwide. It offers users unlimited access and streaming limits to an enormous variety of audio tracks, artists, genres, albums and playlists. With a free account, you can play any artist, album or playlist on shuffle.

Alternatively, become a paid subscriber and listen advert free. Free at www.spotify.com

AIR TUNES The new Airstream S200 Wi-Fi speaker concentrates on functionality, advanced digital processing and powerful amplification within a modern speaker design.

It is smaller than the average one-box system but packed with the latest tech to generate huge stereo sounds from any any streaming audio source. This S200 engages audio quality and lifestyle designs, which are beautifully compatible.

Connect with extraordinary entertainment and wireless living. At www.amazon. co.uk from RO164.50 JULY APR0321 -- 0927 // ISSUE ISSUE 327 417

045

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

Y- F i C A R S

Jeep Renegade Trailhawk Specifications: Engine: 2.4-litre Tigershark 4 cylinder Transmission: 9-speed automatic Horsepower: 180 Price: From RO9,990 (base trim)

The Jeep Renegade is the SUV to take you to places you’ve never been before and more, says Kate Ginn

C

resting over the top of a hill with sand spraying everywhere, I paused at the top to catch my breath.

An Omani driver in a Jeep Wrangler drove past and gave me a huge smile and thumbs-up gesture. Perhaps the sight of a woman behind the wheel of a Jeep indulging in a spot of low-key dune bashing in the beach area close to Al Mouj Muscat is not a common sight.

I was having such a great time that I was oblivious to most of the other drivers that I encountered during my mini sand bashing adventure. There’s something about a Jeep that just stirs up the adventurer in you. It’s the iconic 4x4 sport utility vehicle that has been transporting people around for the past 70 years with the promise of “Go anywhere, do anything”.

So, I took Jeep at their word, hence why I was careering round baby sand dunes, rocks and mud surfaces, having a whale of a time.

I’m familiar with the Jeep family, having driven a Wrangler and Grand Cherokee but not the Renegade, the youngest addition to the gang. My first impressions picking it up from the Dhofar Automotive showroom in Azaiba was how much fun it looked.

It’s like a dinky version of a Jeep but still looks very much like one of the family.

There are different trims available and mine was the Trailhawk, one of the more expensive of the range, which promises real off-road capabilities. This model is a right little bruiser, with big tyres and boxy design. I liked the dark alloy wheels, contrasting with the grey

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bodywork. It also looks quite funky and unique, attracting attention when you’re out and about.

I mentioned to the guy from the showroom who gave me the keys that it looked more feminine than other Jeeps and it seemed to be targeting women, which he agreed.

Inside, it very definitely feels like a Jeep. It’s solid and well-built with an interior that looks like it could withstand anything. A nice touch was splashes of red trim around the cabin.

A commanding driving position gives you a nice sense of security on Oman’s unpredictable roads.

Jeep used to be renowned for its nofrills interior but times have, of course, changed. Drivers, even Jeep drivers, want a little more comfort these days, so the Trailhawk comes with some decent equipment, including a reversing camera (which also beeps to alert you when someone is about to cross your path behind), parking sensors and blind spot detection.

There’s also a touchscreen to access navigation, media and entertainment.

Some of these functions can also be controlled via buttons on the leatherwrapped steering wheel. It’s easy to pair up your smartphone by Bluetooth or simply plug into one of two USB ports in the front.

Setting off down Sultan Qaboos highway, I quickly realised that the Renegade’s on-road performance might have been compromised in return for its off-roading ability. That’s not to say it’s sluggish on the open road. It’s just that the 2.4-litre engine takes a while to get going when you stamp down on the accelerator, as I

found when I tried to overtake a lorry swerving around the middle lane.

But then Jeeps are not built for excessive speed. These machines are meant for the mud and dirt. So who was I to hold it back?

I’d been told that you could do some minor off-roading next to Al Mouj Muscat near the public beach but had never ventured that way. But I didn’t have a Jeep Renegade Trailhawk then.

Off we went, discovering a veritable 4x4 adventure playground with small sand dunes, mud, dirt tracks and rocky landscapes. Here, you can make use of the Selec-Terrain feature, which allows you to switch between five different settings according to the terrain. We tried sand, rock and mud but alas we don’t get much snow in Oman for me to try out that one! The performance was excellent, thundering up dunes and slipping down steep drops without flinching. The car and I were having a great time!

I also discovered that when you drive a Jeep, you become part of a select club. Passing other Jeeps, either on or off-road, you get beeped, flashed at or given the thumbs up by the drivers as a way of saying “hello”. It made me feel very special.

For an introduction to Jeeps or off-roading, the Renegade would be a great choice.

After my off-road adventures I took my Jeep to the mall for some retail time. By then, the vehicle was dirty, covered with sand and splashes of mud but I was so proud of this badge of off-road honour that I wouldn’t let the car washers clean it. We Jeep drivers are hardcore.

They say: “The most capable small SUV ever” We say: “Go get one and explore!”

Selec-Terrain Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Roll Mitigation Hill Start Assist Steering wheel audio control 6-way manually adjustable driver seat 60/50 split-folding rear seats with head restraints 6 airbags 5” touchscreen Media Command Centre (optional 6.5 Uconnect Media Command Center) 16/17/18-inch wheels Parking sensors (Trailhawk) Reverse camera (Trailhawk) Bluetooth connectivity Push button start

VALID FROM APRIL 17 - APRIL 24, 2016

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