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YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK
SEPT 08 - 14 2016 / ISSUE 436 • WEEKLY
WONDER WOMEN
PLUS!
WE CELEBRATE THE STRENGTH OF OMAN’S SINGLE MUMS
COLLEGE COOL
01
NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258
32
POTTERING ABOUT
40
FIT TO WEAR
44
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
Fast forward
L
ife as a single mother can be difficult – you have to be a mum, a dad, the breadwinner , good cop, bad cop and everything else rolled into one. You have to be an expert juggler, the sole decision-maker and find the perfect balance between work and home life (sometimes easier said than done!). I know this from first-hand experience as I’ve been a single mum since the birth of my daughter 13 years ago. While there have been times when it’s been very hard, it is also the most rewarding, most loving experience of my life. It has shaped the person who I am today and my daughter has taught me so many things. In our cover story this week, we sit down with some inspirational single mothers in Muscat who talk to us about the highs and lows of sole parenthood, including the stigma of divorce. But if there’s one thing that they all agree on, raising their children alone has given them twice the love, twice the hugs and twice the rewards. Elsewhere, we put the Infiniti Q30 through its paces in Car of the Week, check out some cutting-edge wearable gadgets in Y-Fi and head to Mooyah, a new burger joint, in Taste Test. Have a wonderful Eid Al Adha – and remember, Y Magazine will not be published on September 15. But we’ll be back, bigger and better than ever on September 22!
editor@y-oman.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi
SHOP # 101, FIRST FLOOR, AZAIBA MALL, NEAR AL MEERA HYPERMARKET, AL AZAIBA, MUSCAT, SULTANATE OF OMAN
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CEO Eihab Abutaha We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please info@y-oman.com email Want to read Y on the go? Scan our digital issue here: Download any QR reader from iTunes or Google Play to read Y on the go
Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
03
contents
Features 20 Lone Warriors Single mums in the spotlight
SEPT 08 - 14 2016
Your Oman
24 Meet BB Man Enter our superhero competition
This Week
08 Voice Of Oman Alvin Thomas
16 #FYI World’s top 5 most expensive cars
10 News Tougher traffic fines
10 News 17 Visitors flock to the National Museum 18 12 News Eid Al Adha holidays announced
Movies Blood Father This Week Golf lessons
26 Dovecote Nursery Winners revealed
26
13 Faces of Oman
12
14 Gallery AGS opening 15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Ibrahim al Amri
Cars and Adventures
18
Food and Drink 28 Food Feature Home comforts 30 Taste Test Mooyah
28
38 Destination Samail 40 Indoors Pottery masterclass
Health and Beauty
42 Postcard From Bangkok and Phuket
32 Fashion College cool
44 Y-Fi Wearable tech
46 Car Of The Week 34 Beauty Infiniti Q30 Student bodies 35 Health Dance and deliver
33
44
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THE VOICE OF OMAN ALVIN THOMAS, ON THE HORRORS OF TAILGATING AND HOW BULLYING ON THE ROAD COULD LEAD TO DANGEROUS ACCIDENTS
correspondence WE LOVE OMAN Dear Editor,
A
couple of weeks back, I was with my friend to review the Jaguar F-Pace for Y’s Car of the Week feature. And for two kids who had just turned 23, it was one of those “dream-cometrue” moments. After all, it is not every day that one gets to drive around the roads of Muscat in a RO40,000 SUV. However, as they say: with great power comes great responsibility. In no time at all, what seemed like a blessing turned into a survival for dear life. Suddenly, everything and everybody seemed to want to run into us. I couldn’t be sure if it was just paranoia or if it really was that difficult to survive the menacing roads here. Being sedan drivers in Oman, we’re not the kind of people who spend much time in the fast lane (the left lane) but we expected things to be a bit different (with the big SUV and all). We had everything from Toyota Land Cruisers to massive Nissan Patrols flash their headlights at us to force us out of our spot. At one point, I also recall a small sedan pulling up so close to our rear bumper just to intimidate us! The guy even slowed down after we made way for him to pass! Mind you, it’s not like we were driving slowly. We were bang-on at the speed limit of 120km/h. This begs the question: How awful is it to drive here? Certainly, one would feel violated if he or she were exposed to such driving situations every day. The number of bullies on the road is just way too high. And maybe it’s time the ROP took tailgating into serious consideration.
NEXT WEEK:
SAYYIDA MAYYA AL SAID
08
SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
With reference to the article “The Many Talents of Oman” (Issue 435), the beautiful land of Oman is full of talented individuals from all professions. They are inspiring and know that how to win hearts is by aspiring to be the best. One can clearly see that the Sultanate is full of pretty people who have beautiful minds be they in literature, pottery, music or sports. In the older generation, who can forget Sheikh Khalfan al Essry for his wisdom and knowledge, then Tariq Hilal Barwani and Sheikh Qasim al Ajmi as they excel in the field of education. Many stars, like Fatima al Nabhani, Ahmad al Harthy and Ali al Habsi, are shining examples for the young generation to follow. Regards, Munawar Hameed, Muscat
DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:
“Should school starting times be staggered to help ease peak traffic in the mornings and afternoons?” SYED BOKHARI
Definitely. If school starting times are staggered, this would have a huge and lasting impact in helping to ease traffic at peak hours both in the mornings and afternoons. There should also be more efficient transport planning to ease traffic flow. However, simply staggering school timings might actually lead to further complications. The ROP should study any planned reforms thoroughly before giving any new system the green light.
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GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR
Changing school timings would not be a pragmatic approach to the problem as operational times in offices and schools vary enough in Muscat as it is. However, no problem exists without a solution. All schools and offices must have their own parking that should in no way bother the mainstream. Until an improvement in public transport helps the system overall, schools and offices must have their own transportation systems too. The unnecessary use of private vehicles must be discouraged, by hook or by crook. This way we can save the planet, too. Before we are at the wheel next time, can’t we give it a second thought?
SUNIL JOHN MARTIN
Just like offices have staggered times from 7am to 9am, similarly schools should follow suit. There should be at least 15 minutes’ difference between the timings of different schools, starting from 7am to 7.45am. There should be a 15-minute gap between the 5th to 7th class and the 8th to the 10th, standard in every school. Hence, there is no harm in arriving 15 minutes early
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HEALTH GUIDE ASK
for those coming by school buses or pooled cars. This would ease early morning traffic congestion on the road for those coming in individual vehicles.
BENSON CRUZ
No! I believe that the only way to solve the increasing traffic in Muscat is to build an efficient public transportation system so that the use of private or government or school vehicles will be reduced, thus resulting in relatively stressfree travel. Staggering school timings will only create other problems.
MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT
For sure, the staggering of school timings in the morning and afternoon, which is the peak traffic time on the Muscat roads, will help in easing out traffic congestion to an extent. However, at the same time, it is more important that the ROP deploys more officers, either in patrol cars or bikes, to monitor and solve traffic congestion problems. These can often be due to erratic driving from parents who are in a tearing hurry to pick up their children.
SHOBHANA MOHAN
THE
EXPERT
the number of vehicles on the road but will also help towards a reduction in pollution and a more economical use of natural resources.
AYASHREE KRISHNAN
Changes in school or office timings may help to ease traffic only to a minimal extent. Traffic regulations, road signals, control by ROP etc are all factors in organising traffic. However, unless we all assume some responsibility to adhere to road rules and have a measure of self-discipline while driving, any such control measures will be useless. If we all practise a degree of courtesy and patience on the road, we can avoid traffic chaos not only at peak hours but also at all other times of the day. It’s a case of our roads, our vehicles and our lives.
New Debate:
“Are the ROP’s new traffic laws tough enough to cut back on the number of road accidents in the Sultanate?”
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Although staggering school timings may help to ease peak traffic in the mornings and afternoons, parents can also chip in with some solutions to this problem. For example, parents who are used to taking their wards themselves to schools might think of opting for school/private buses. The instances of single children being driven to school and back by parents are many. Opting for pooled transport or buses will not only reduce
DIMPLE KANABAR AND HER DAUGHTER were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine in Muscat
MALE INFERTILITY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In three out of every five couples experiencing infertility, a male factor is involved. Male infertility is the primary factor in two out of five of these couples and furthermore, it is a combination of male and female infertility, in one out of every five couples struggling with fertility. It is prudent to exam both the male and female partner when dealing with this issue. What lifestyle changes can be made to improve sperm count and quality? Quit Smoking | Stop using recreational drugs | Reduce alcohol consumption | Avoid using lubricants while trying to conceive | Moderate aerobic and resistance exercise | Avoid high temperatures i.e. saunas and hot tubs | Take supplemental vitamins (antioxidants) When should I seek medical advice for Erectile Dysfunction? You should talk to Urologist if erectile dysfunction lasts longer than two months or if it is a recurring problem. He may be able to establish the cause. Successful treatment of erectile dysfunction is very common. What lifestyle choices can I make to help prevent erectile dysfunction? As with many ailments of the body the following steps can help prevent erectile dysfunction: Limit or Avoid alcohol | Stop smoking | Regular moderate exercise | Reduce stress | Adequate sleep | Cope with anxiety and depression | Seek regular checkups and medical screening-tests Do you have Urologist in Muscat? Yes. Dr. Hemnath Hardikar is the Urologist at Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Ghubra. Book your appointment today on 24618900.
DEPARTMENT OF UROLOGY Dr. Mohammad Sajid Bazaz MBBS, MS Surgery, DNB Urology AL RAFFAH HOSPITAL, SOHAR ASTER AL RAFFAH HOSPITAL Al Ghobra Roundabout, PO Box: 1262, PC : 133, Gubrah, Sultanate of Oman. Tel : +968 24618900/1/2/3/4 | Fax : +968 24497210 www.asteroman.com
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Send it to: info@y-oman.com
SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
09
YOUR
OMAN
NEWS
MOTORISTS
WHO PHONE AND DRIVE FACE JAIL
J
ail terms and hefty fines await drivers who phone or text while at the wheel. New traffic regulations in the Sultanate were imposed by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) this week. Drivers who use mobile phones or electronic devices while on the road could face 10 days in jail or fines of RO300.
NATIONAL MUSEUM A BIG HIT AMONG VISITORS
V
isitors are flocking to the National Museum in droves after it opened its doors to the public in late July. The museum said that a total of 7,113 visitors have toured the museum over a one-month period, from July 30 to August 30. This included 2,188 men and and women, or 30 per cent of the total number of visitors. the museum has been very popular with schools, with 3,329 children and students, or 47 per cent, also visiting the museum during the same period. The museum also announced that its social media platforms were growing in popularity with the public, gaining a total of 10,632 followers across all its channels. However, its Instagram
010
SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
This does not include those who go handsfree, using a Bluetooth headset or who wear headphones. The zero-tolerance laws have been imposed to help reduce accidents on Oman’s roads. Speeding motorists will also face stricter penalties. According to Article 50 of the traffic regulations, motorists who drive recklessly or endanger the lives and property of others face 10 days’ prison and a fine of RO100. Depending on the offence, the culprit could get up to two years in jail and be fined RO3,000. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will get a minimum jail term of one month and a fine of RO400. The maximum penalty is now one year in jail and a total of RO1,200 in fines. The new traffic regulations were unveiled by the ROP on August 4. account is the most popular, with 2,743 followers. Meanwhile, the Royal Court of Affairs (RCA) is calling on the public to donate a range of artifacts that have cultural and natural heritage value for the upcoming Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Nizwa, which is currently under construction and will open in 2019. The aim of the museum is to tell the story of the Sultanate from prehistory to the present day, with a focus on the period from 1970. The RCA said the artefacts could be anything from traditional handicraft products, old and rare photographs, correspondences, documentations and manuscripts, rare traditional navigational tools, falaj registers and ledgers. It is also looking for artefacts associated with falaj maintenance and management, traditional weapons and guns, architectural elements such as doors and windows, old Omani banknotes and coins, old postal stamps and any other objects related to Oman’s cultural heritage. For details, go to the RCA’s website at www.rca.gov.om.
SCHOOL DAYS
GALLERY
THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED OPENING OF MUSCAT’S NEWEST SCHOOL, A’SOUD GLOBAL SCHOOL (AGS), WAS CELEBRATED RECENTLY. CHIEF GUEST DR RAWYA SAUD AL BUSAIDI, THE MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, OFFICIALLY OPENED AGS AND WAS GIVEN A GUIDED TOUR BY HEADMASTER ANDREW HURST. WITH ITS CUTTINGEDGE DESIGN, MODERN CLASSROOMS AND OTHER WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES, THE BRITISH CURRICULUM SCHOOL, WHICH IS LOCATED IN SEEB, OPENED ITS DOORS TO STUDENTS LAST SUNDAY.
SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
011
YOUR
OMAN Bite Sized OUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.
SOS A Has there been an emergency? Not quite, but the woman in question would disagree. So what happened? Well, we all like a spot of retail therapy but one 32-year-old woman in the UK took it a bit far. What did she do? She spent an entire day shopping and ended up with sore feet. She called the ambulance for that? We’re afraid so. But she did tell the emergency dispatcher that her feet were burning and she was in pain. That’s no excuse! What if we added that she also had to walk another 3.2km to get home? She still doesn’t get our sympathy vote. To be honest, she doesn’t get ours either – more so as we are sure she could have used public transport or even hailed a taxi. What did the dispatcher say? The dispatcher was very nononsense – and for good reason. Here’s what he said: “If there is a medical reason why you can’t walk then we would be taking you to the nearest available emergency department”. That’s an excellent reply. Absolutely! And it goes to show that wasting the emergency services’ time is not in the best interests of the community. Don’t say: “Call an ambulance.” Do say: “Taxi!” 012
SEPT 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
s the Sultanate prepares to celebrate Eid Al Adha next week, the Government has announced that both public and private sector workers will receive a five-day break to mark the blessed occasion. As per the royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the Eid Al Adha holiday for employees at ministries, public authorities and other state departments will be from Sunday, September 11
A WEEK IN PICTURES
to September 15. Work will resume on Sunday, September 18. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nassir Al Bakri, the Minister of Manpower, also confirmed that private sector employees would receive the same five-day break for Eid Al Adha. This brings the number of leave days to nine if you add in both weekends – five more than in previous years. Oman’s neighbour, the United Arab Emirates, has given just three days of leave for private sector employees over Eid Al Adha, from September 11 to September 13. However, the UAE’s public sector will be off work for five days. Saudi Arabia has announced that Eid Al Adha will begin on September 12. Meanwhile, travel firms are reporting a last-minute rush in bookings from residents in Oman. However, airfares and hotel bookings have spiralled by as much as 200 per cent.
HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND
More than 1,000 people have been evacuated after three raging forest fires spread across Costa Blanca, 120km southeast of Valencia in Spain as 300 firefighters tackle the blazes.
A new generation of pro-democracy activists have won seats in the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo). Among those elected was Nathan Law, who helped lead the “Umbrella Protests” in 2014 for self-determination.
Leaders representing the world’s largest economies met for the 2016 G20 Summit in Hangzhou earlier this week, marking the first time that China has hosted the event.
Samsung has issued a recall on its flagship Note 7 smartphone after users reported the batteries exploded while charging.
f
aces of
Oman
Welcome to Y’s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Alston Rodrigues Age: 26 From: India Occupation: A patient services officer at the Aster Al Raffah Hospital
Photo: Shaquel al Balushi
SEPT 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
013
YOUR
GALLERY
CELEBRATE
OMAN
HAPPY TIME
BURJEEL MEDICAL CENTRE CELEBRATED ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY IN OMAN RECENTLY, AND ALSO INTRODUCED A MONTH-LONG “MAMA & BABY” INITIATIVE TO CREATE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN.
THE FIRST HAPPY BOX CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED AT FUNTAZMO IN OMAN AVENUES MALL, WHERE CHILDREN GATHERED TO SHOW OFF THEIR CREATIVE SKILLS.
014
SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
DRIVEN TO
SUCCESS
Ibrahim al Amri, 48, joined the General Telecommunication Organisation (GTO) in 1988 after graduating from his high school, Jabir bin Zaid, in Wattayah. However, in 1999, he set up on his own and now runs two companies: one in the furniture business; the other in the oil and gas industry Q: What drives you to success? I have worked honestly and have always been professional in my career. I keep in mind that customer satisfaction is the most important element of a business deal. You need to be loyal to the customers for them to
be loyal to you. I have also studied the market and learned that to succeed you need your ideas to be authentic and innovative. You always need to bring something new to the table. Q: Who or what has been your inspiration? There was one individual I worked with during my time at the General Telecommunication Organisation (GTO) who always encouraged me to start my own business because he thought that I was hard-working and innovative with my ideas and solutions. Thanks to that person, I took a huge leap forward and started my own company. Q: What is your biggest career success to date? Seeing my companies grow into what they are today, from nothing. Also, during the process, I have seen them shape themselves and become more established and well-known in the market. Q: What are your career goals? My career goal is for both my companies to emerge as two of the leading firms in Oman. Al Nibras Furnishing has already made a name for itself. My other company, Modern Equipment, opened its doors in 2005, and has established itself as the sole provider of branded equipment in Oman for the oil and gas industry.
IT IS AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AND A GREAT RIDE AS WELL. IT HANDLES BRILLIANTLY; ITS SUSPENSION IS WELL MATCHED AND GIVES A SPORTY FEEL WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON RIDE QUALITY Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? In 10 years’ time, I would like to retire on an island far away to enjoy the rest of my life with my family. Q: What do you like about the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? Korean cars are recognised for their quality and the Genesis is a great example of Korean excellence. It is spacious, luxurious and loaded with features. It is aesthetically pleasing and a great ride as well. It handles brilliantly; its suspension is well matched and gives a sporty feel without compromising on ride quality. The Genesis is a strong, spacious car and I have truly enjoyed my moments with the Genesis. SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
015
world’s top
➊
➋
Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita Price: US$4.8 million (RO1.8m) Top speed: 392km/h Country: Sweden
➌
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Limited Edition Bugatti Veyron by Mansory Vivere Price: US$3.4 million Top speed: 408km/h Country: Germany
most expensive cars
Lamborghini Veneno Price: US$4.5 million Top speed: 355km/h Country: Italy
W Motors Lykan Hypersport Price: US$3.4 million Top speed: 390km/h Country: Lebanon
➎
Ferrari Pininfarina Sergio Price: US$3 million Top speed: 321km/h Country: Italy
Source: Millward Brown – BrandZ (2016) 016
SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
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
Hands of Stone Roberto Duran (Edgar Ramirez) is a Panamanian fighter who made his professional debut as a 16 year old in 1968. Coaching him is legendary trainer Ray Arcel (Robert De Niro), who gives the young boxer some much-needed confidence and tactical tips. However, after taking on his
Blood Father Mel Gibson may have spent the past five years in the acting/directing wilderness thanks to his drug and alcohol addictions but it has to be said that 2016 could just be the year that he’s found his redemption. At the ripe old age of 60, there’s no doubting that Gibson tapped into his real-life experiences as John Link in Blood Father, which also stars Erin Moriarty as his wayward 16-year-old daughter Lydia, and the ever-brilliant William H. Macy as his friend, Kirby. Link is a recovering alcoholic and ex-con who spends his days running a tattoo parlour from the back of his trailer when he unexpectedly receives a call from Lydia, who’s been hanging out
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THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who plays John Link's friend, Kirby, in Blood Father? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Badru Zaman
with a Mexican drug cartel. What follows is a thrilling action film that sees Gibson back at his best, with hints of humour à la Lethal Weapon, as he fights to save Lydia being killed by the drug cartel. Link has to tap into his skills as an ex-con, as well as his contacts, as he and Lydia head off on a road trip like no other, with the cartel in hot pursuit. Also starring Diego Luna as Jonah, the head of the cartel and Lydia’s exboyfriend, Blood Father is packed with violence – but rest assured, Gibson has lost none of his talent during his years in the acting wilderness. Review by Felicity Glover
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN, just answer a question based on the week’s cinema reviews and send your answer to info@y-oman.com, along with your name and contact information. Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see voucher. Contact: Movie enquiries 2460 7360
opponent, world-class boxer Sugar Ray Leonard (Usher Raymond), he is now faced with the daunting task of rewriting history, by retracing his path and becoming the undisputed champion.
Kickboxer: Vengeance Kurt (Alain Moussi) and Eric Sloane (Darren Shahlavi) are descendants from a family of martial artists. Kurt has always been in the shadows of elder brother, Eric. However, when Eric loses to a pitiless Tong Po (Dave Bautista) with calamitous results, Kurt is left to seek revenge. He now has to go against all odds, and train himself to take on the monster of a fighter who took away the soul of his family.
Bollywatch MADAARI Madaari focuses on all the sins that are prevalent in the Indian political scene today. In this film, we follow the story of Nirmal Kumar (Irrfan Khan), a man who has everything taken away from him. As opposed to trusting the system, Nirmal takes things into his own hands and goes on a mission to seek answers, which leads him down a deadly path. While the story resonates the life of a motivated individual, the storyline is borderline unimaginable.
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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
09
Head to Laval and celebrate the end of summer at their fun Luau. It’s a themed night packed with performances by hula dancers, live drummers, tiki torches and tropical dishes and drinks. Dubai’s DJ Miss PM will be spinning the tracks while the dress code will be strictly enforced – Hawaiian shirts for gentlemen and tropical/floral dresses for ladies. For bookings, call 9699 4365.
30
THIS
WEEK
WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.
SEPTEMBER Fans of Dandiya music can dance the night away at the fourth annual Sticks Night 2016, which will feature a special workshop by Bollywood choreographer Kirit Helia. Leading Bollywood DJ Oscar is returning to rock the house with his music while there will be opportunities to show off your various dancing styles, including Dodhiyu, Popatiyu and Sanedo. It’s being held at the Majan Continental Hotel in Ghubra, and the fun starts at 8.30pm. For bookings, call 9238 0382.
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18
Star dancers
SEP
TEE OFF
Aloha!
SEP
Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s the perfect time to start learning how to play golf. The Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club is again kicking off its popular Ladies Lesson & Latte session. The six-week programme is a great introduction to the game. PGA professional Jade Lucas will host the lessons while it’s also a fantastic chance to meet new people. For details, email jade@muscatgolf.com or call 9829 2580.
Gallery
Movies SEP
08
Fiesta Fun
SEP 09
If you love food, music and shopping, then the Grand Music, Food and Shopping Fiesta is for you! The full-day event kicks off at 10am at the Al Bahja Hall in Qurum – and it’s sure to be a great day out for everybody. Sample some lovely food while you shop and don’t forget to cheer on the kids who will be singing in a competition. Call 9317 8436 for details.
Meet & Greet
GROOVE ON Sway to the cool beats of urban and club tunes at Rumba Lattina, courtesy of the internationally acclaimed, Dubai-based DJ Brooklyn and DJ Ahmed Pharaoh, Muscat’s favourite deck spinner. From R&B to reggae, hip-hop and house, it’s promising to be a night to remember. The music starts at 10pm and cost is RO10.
SEP 14
Are you new in town? The Women’s Guild in Oman (WGO) is the perfect group to join to make new friends and get to know more about living in this beautiful country. Join the friendly WGO group at its next coffee and registration morning, at the InterContinental Muscat at 9.30am.
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LONE
WARRIORS
Being a single parent is tough but for some women, necessity really is the mother of invention. Fatin al Zadjali reports
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here’s a spiritual saying in the Arab world that asserts that “Heaven is under the feet of our mothers”. Mothers are our beginning, adolescence, future and ending. They are the women who brought us into this world and have the strongest sixth sense that only mothers can describe. Mothers have true values, especially single mothers, who sacrifice all to protect and raise their children. Blessed with a baby girl just five months ago, Um Eliana (mother of Eliana), as she calls herself, is a “gratified woman” who is embracing her new experience of parenthood. However, she is a single working mother who is juggling her responsibilities with her daughter and as a full-time employee of an educational institution. “I was blessed with a beautiful, five-month-old daughter. Being a single mum is an extremely new experience that I love sharing,” she says. Being a mother has transformed Um Eliana’s life. “Firstly, motherhood has changed me,” she says. “My life is no longer mine. I feel that everything I do is for my daughter. From the minute I take my first breath every morning to just before I shut my eyes to sleep every night, my life has a different meaning with a depth of love that I have never experienced before.” While being a single parent can be quite a daunting task, Um Eliana receives a great deal of support from her family and peers. “I have never felt judged per se. On the contrary, I have always received support and encouragement to manage my life as a single mother. “With blessings from above, I have a family that pushed me to reach my career goals before marriage. Therefore, by the time my daughter arrived I had a stable career, which is extremely flexible as I can spend time at home with her and work my extra freelance jobs.” However, she explains: “I just wish that ministries would be more flexible for single mothers in retrieving official documents such as passports etc.” Being a single parent has also opened a new door for her, one that has taken her into the lives of other single parents undertaking the same journey. “I do not see motherhood as a competition. If anything, I love communicating with other mothers and sharing my experiences. “In addition, I’m a leader by nature so decision-
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making has never been a problem but at times I do get frazzled and I have the support of my family to guide me down the right path.” While Um Eliana is lucky to have the support from her family and peers, some have not been as fortunate. Um Faisal (mother of Faisal) has been the sole decision-maker of her household for 15 years now. “After several years of being a single mum, I truly believe I’ve overcome different adversities,” she says. “I became the sole person to decide on every angle of my children’s growth. From education, health, travel and financial responsibility. However, I am the mother, father and full caretaker of my children.” Talking about the ups and downs of being an independent, single mother, she says: “It’s always difficult when a woman doesn’t have any family support. “It’s an inexplicable feeling that exceeds limits, especially in this century and in this rising economy. “It is harder on a single person,” she exclaims. While divorce is not deemed as a “crime” in today’s day and age, Um Faisal says there are growing numbers of spouses who face extreme troubles that could affect their children down the line. “It’s emotionally safer for the children if the parents are apart,” she says. “It’s always nice to have someone to talk to but sympathy from others will not help us. We have to find a solution either way. “I believe that I should not have to prove myself to others but our society decides something else. “Society wants to see a single mother fail at what we can do best but otherwise we are proving that we can have a settled life with our children, be content and raise extraordinary human beings.” Um Faisal believes that society expects single mothers to fail without a spouse but reckons women can do it regardless, with motivation and willpower. “I advise all mothers to be thankful for the blessing they’ve received,” she says. She is a shining example of someone whose efforts and hardships have been rewarded, as her children are
After several years of being a single mum, I truly believe I’ve overcome different adversities
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DIVORCE STATISTICS: Total number of divorce cases registered in Oman in 2015: 3,619. Total number of divorce cases registered in Oman in 2014: 3,622. Total number of divorce cases registered in Oman in 2013: 3,550. Total number of divorce cases registered in Oman in 2012: 3,570. Governorates with top levels of divorce rate: 1) Muscat 2) South Batinah 3) Dhofar 4) South Sharqiyah * Source: Ministry of Justice
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older and will eventually take over as heads of the household. Um Faisal stresses that single mothers shouldn’t fear failure but believe that they can get back on their feet and be thankful as well as motivated. With less stigma surrounding divorce in the Sultanate today, more individuals are assuming the role of a single parent. According to Ministry of Justice, a total of 3,619 divorce cases were registered in Oman in 2015, with an average of 10 divorce cases every day. Deepa, 33, has been a single parent for eight years. An expat teacher, she thinks the reason why the divorce rate has spiralled in the Sultanate is because women can now step up and talk to their other half about the issues that they face far more than they could before. “When I was in the process of filing for divorce, in 2008, I received a lot of criticism from my in-laws,” she says. “They said that I couldn’t hold my own as a single mother in this day and age, and that my son wouldn’t grow up with the standards he deserves. “But I have been proving them wrong for the past eight years, and I have been happier since I made the decision to split. As a matter of fact, my son is now 10, and he sees me and treats me like a queen. “Perhaps, it is because he sees me working hard to make ends meet but he has been the most adorable son a mother could ever ask for. “I think the only reason I was able to move on was my son. Without him, I would have been left with nothing.” With tears in her eyes, she says: “Being a single parent hasn’t been easy at all. I have been under pressure from my parents and relatives to re-marry, and I don’t think I can ever go through that again. “I have proved my worth as a mother and an employee. And any doubts I had about myself no longer exist. And now all that’s left is me, my son and my career,” adds Deepa. Her experience is one that resonates with Buthaina al Zadjali. Buthaina, 35, is the deputy chief executive of one of the leading edutainment centres in Oman for children, adults and educators. But at home, she is the loving mother of her seven-year-old son, Muhannad. Buthaina has been a single parent for more than six years now. The thought of her failing marriage put immense pressure on her. At one point, she believed she was failing her son by making the decision to split from her husband. Just like any other woman, she too was extremely overwhelmed by her ordeal. However, the incredible support and understanding she received during her divorce period, from loved ones and “unexpected” people in her life, helped her with the “mourning process” (as she calls it) associated with her divorce. Soon, things fell into place for Buthaina. Between work calls and meetings, motherhood enriched a “different kind of love” with her towards her son, who she calls a gift from God. Buthaina’s journey with her son, she says, has made her a more patient, understanding and tolerable individual in the most “craziest of scenarios”. Her daily routine kicks off when her son wakes up at the crack of dawn, regardless of whether it is a school day or a holiday. Being the sole parent, she organises her schedule around that of her son’s.
It’s always difficult when a woman doesn’t have any family support
Sayyida Basma Fakhri al Said, the Founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic in Azaiba, talks about how she helps women deal with anxiety and post-divorce depression
S They wake up together, brush their teeth together and even compete over who has the brighter smile. It is during this time that she prepares her daily work schedule alongside all the preparations for Muhannad’s day at school. Her favourite part of the morning is their “conversation time”. “Muhannad has a fun imagination and creative style of thinking,” she chuckles. On their way back home at the end of the day, they discuss all the highs and lows of his day and she takes special care to reassure him in times of discouragement or demotivation. But being a single mother, Buthaina also takes special care to impose discipline when necessary. “Sometimes children wake up on the wrong side of the bed and it’s a downward spiral for them for most of the day. “But I make sure I will not buy his way out of a tantrum with gifts or toys. I want him to understand the value of earning and above all, to remember the rule: “‘I want’ never gets.” While single parenthood is a challenge, Buthaina finds it is vital to strike the right balance between her personal and professional lives. For her, the trick is to sometimes compromise one to take care of the other. “This is not a testament and protest on behalf of all single working parents but rather shedding light on the fact that work is work but your child will only be growing up once, and yes my child is more important to me than any employment package or position offered.” She also believes that it’s very important for her son to continue seeing his father, to work together and discuss all major decisions. “This way he’ll grow into an independent, respectful, loving and strong-minded decision-maker himself.” To young mothers who are stepping into the shoes of single parenthood, Buthaina has only one piece of advice: “Do not lose oneself in the ‘Mummy Bubble’.” “Children will always love you no matter what as long as you learn to love yourself,” she says. Meanwhile, advising all mothers (both single and married), Um Eliana says: “Listen to your mother’s approach [if in doubt] because they know best. “Being a single mum is twice the love, twice the cuddles, and twice as rewarding.”
ingle mothers who have just gone through a divorce are usually looking for some closure to move on with their lives, and that is precisely what Whispers of Serenity is trying to help them achieve. Mothers who come here usually suffer from types of anxieties and depressions. More often than not, they feel that they have let down their children, or their families, after obtaining a divorce. Children will be fine growing up with one parent. But, as it goes, not everyone who comes here has the same types of anxieties. So we have to deal with them – talk to them individually, to help them garner their confidence. To help them achieve this, we have support groups, which are essential, as they can share their thoughts, worries and problems. Here, they can also learn that they are not alone in this and that there are other women going through similar situations. But I feel that as women are educated further about all of this, they are now stepping up to protect themselves from the various issues that they face at home.
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PROTEIN er
in association with
Pow
BB MAN
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s Oman’s very own BB MAN!
I
t’s not too late to discover your superpowers and enter our fantastic competition, courtesy of The Butcher’s Block, Oman’s premier butchery. To enter, all you have to do is head to one of The Butcher’s Block outlets – one in Al Mawaleh, opposite The Wave, Muscat, and a new branch at Al Noor Plaza in Madinat Sultan Qaboos – and pick up an entry form. It’s a great chance to get creative and tell us what superpower you’d like to have. Once you’ve filled it out, take it back to The Butcher’s Block for your chance to win a RO350 cash prize and a RO150 gift voucher. But remember, the competition closes on September 10, 2016, and is open to children aged 12 years and under. Good luck!
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Beef, sundried tomato pesto and spinach wraps This wrap may sound a little sophisticated, but the kids we tried it on loved it. The pesto, spinach and pine nuts make it very yummy! Ingredients: § 600g beef strips § ½ tsp ground oregano leaves § 1 tbsp lemon juice § 4 sheets lavash bread § ½ cup sundried tomato pesto § 160g baby spinach leaves § ¼ red onion, cut into very thin wedges § 2 tbsp pinenuts, toasted (optional)
§ As the last batch finishes cooking, sprinkle with oregano and add lemon juice. Allow the Method: lemon juice to evaporate. Remove the beef from § Coat the beef strips in a little oil. the pan and allow to cool slightly. Preheat the pan to moderately hot. § Place the lavash breads on a clean work Keep the heat at moderately high. surface and spread each with sundried tomato § Cook the beef in 3 batches. Cook the pesto. Top with beef strips, spinach leaves and first side until the first sign of moisture red onion. Season to taste. Sprinkle over the appears on the uncooked side, turn and pinenuts. Roll up the lavash breads and cut cook other side of beef strips. each wrap in two to serve.
QUALITY CUTS
DON'T FORGET WHEN YOU DROP YOUR CARD INTO A DROP BOX AT ANY BUTCHER’S BLOCK BRANCH, YOU WILL RECEIVE A SLIDER BURGER, HOT DOG OR BILTONG BAG TO GIVE YOU BB MAN PROTEIN POWER SEP 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
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IN ASSOCIATION WITH
CONGRATULATIONS
to the winners of the #DovecoteLunchboxChallenge Competition!
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t’s been a challenge like no other – the #DovecoteLunchboxChallenge that aimed to motivate youngsters in the Sultanate to eat healthy food. And what we have discovered is that there’s a lot of parents in Oman who are passionate about teaching their children the importance of healthy eating, while the younger they are, the better it is to build strong foundations. Now we can reveal the winners of this fantastic competition, which was brought to you by Dovecote Nursery Muscat, a top childcare facility that offers a premium British Early Years Foundation School (EYFS) curriculum. Based in Shatti al Qurum, Dovecote Nursery values the benefits of healthy eating for children, which is why it launched the #DovecoteLunchboxChallenge to help motivate the country’s youngsters into eating a balanced, healthy diet. But on to the winners! Congratulations to our first prize winner, Zack Damien Noronha! Your very happy, cute picture as you enjoy your favourite fruit won the judges’ hearts over. Zack Damien has won an exciting two-week taster at Dovecote Nursery, as well as a lunchbox and a toy. We are sure you will make lots of new friends during your time at Dovecote Nursery. Congratulations also to our first runner-up, Gia Isabel, who was snapped by her mum, Marianna, enjoying a fruit salad in the great outdoors. Finally, we’d also like to congratulate our second runner-up, Saharsh Nigam Bartarya, who is the picture of happiness with his fruit snack. Gia and Saharsh have each won a one-week taster at Dovecote Nursery, as well as a lunchbox and a toy. “Congratulations to the winners of the #DovecoteLunchbox Challenge! It has been fantastic to receive such creative, fun and thoughtful responses,” says Ahmed AlKhonji, Chair of the Governing Board, Dovecote Nursury Muscat. “Thank you to all the children and their parents for participating and for inspiring others to eat healthily.” Helen Cairns, the manager of Dovecote Nursery in Muscat, said it was a great experience to see how many children and families embraced healthy eating as part of the challenge. “Judging the competition with my colleagues was so much fun and so hard. We just adored the pictures of children enjoying their lovely, nutritious snacks,” she says. “The creativity of some of the entries was amazing. Not only had people taken the time to prepare snacks that looked delicious but some had also even found outdoor backgrounds of Muscat’s beautiful scenery. “We were also pleased to see children enjoying snacks with their brothers or sisters. Eating together with friends and teachers is a big part of the day here at Dovecote. “We’re also looking into collaborating with local companies to provide us with healthy lunches, which will make preparations for nursery a little bit easier for parents and allow children and staff to enjoy a nutritious, balanced meal together.” Thank you to all the children (and parents) who entered the #DovecoteLunchboxChallenge!
THE WINNERS WINN
ER
Gia Isabel
ha
oron Zack Damien N
Saharsh Nigam Bartarya
BEST OF THE REST
Sent by parent – al Eleyedath Abdul Faiz
Sent by parent – Shyali Vishnu
Sent by parent – Elkar2006
Sent by parent – Khaled Alazem
Sent by parent – Aleem ul Islam
Sent by parent – Shareen S Nazim
Sent by parent – Swagat Patil
Sent by parent – Piyush Sinha
FOOD AND DRINK
HOME COMFORTS
Sweet or savoury, jarred or canned fruits can add a zest of flavour to your favourite comfort foods.
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Trend
New Restaurant
Reviews
FOOD FOR THOUGHT You get healthy eating but your own meals are nothing to write home about. Reboot your routine with these recipe tips
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ven if you’ve mastered the art of a smart, workday lunch and can pick the most nutritious items on a restaurant menu like a pro, eating healthily at home can be a challenge. When relaxing at home, it can be easy to over-indulge. Just remember that taking it easy should not mean going all-out on junk food. So, enjoy your downtime but keep your healthy-eating regime on track with these helpful tips. Sweet Treats Tickle your taste buds with these tricks that transform a kitchen staple like jarred or canned fruit into a tasty treat: ● Brighten up bland yoghurt or frozen waffles with a serving of jarred fruit, such as sliced peaches or mandarin oranges. ● Dip jarred pineapple chunks into melted chocolate and pop them into the freezer until hardened. ● Top a serving of jarred, tropical fruit with coconut flakes for an island escape. For more recipes you can enjoy at home, visit dolesunshine.com.
Pineapple Parfait Total time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 Ingredients: § 1 jar (660g) Dole Pineapple Chunks § 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt § 2 vanilla wafers, crushed Method: § Measure 1/2 cup of drained fruit. Spoon the pineapple chunks into a dessert glass. Spoon the yoghurt over the pineapple. Sprinkle the crushed wafers on top.
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Total time: 15 minutes Servings: 1 Ingredients: § 1/2 cup refrigerated cooked chicken breast strips § 2 Boston lettuce leaves § 1/2 cup Dole Mandarin Oranges, drained § 2 tsp slivered almonds § 1 tbsp light Asian salad dressing Method: § Divide the chicken equally inside two lettuce leaves, making two wraps. § Add 1/4 cup of Dole Mandarin Oranges and one teaspoon of slivered almonds into each wrap. § Serve the lettuce wraps with a light Asian salad dressing for dipping.
* Family Features SEPT 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
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FOOD AND DRINK
Tr e n d
New Restaurant
REVIEWS
al u s Ca ning Di Info Box
MOOYAH BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES
1st Floor, Panorama Mall Tel: 2423 0003 Opening Hours: 12pm-11pm Lunch with drinks: RO7.9
MOOYAH MAGIC
Verdict : 8 / 10 Service 9 / 10 Food 9 / 10 Ambience Scrumptious food and a service to match. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
MOOYAH BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES BRINGS THE VERY BEST FROM TEXAS TO THE SULTANATE WHILE PROVIDING US SOUTHERN-STYLE SERVICE, FINDS ALVIN THOMAS
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don’t generally use the term “Christmas in my mouth” that often. However, the food at Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes certainly had me saying just that. To understand why, I’ll just have to back up a bit. Last week, when asked to do the Taste Test, I had no idea where I would end up for lunch. I’m not the sort of guy who spends hours deciding where to dine but joining me on my adventure this time was my best friend and foodie, Jijin Thomas. He immediately suggested we try out the new burger shack – Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes at Panorama Mall, in Baushar. He had heard of it via an online food review forum on Facebook. We headed straight for Mooyah but the outlet appeared to be empty, as was the mall. However, greeting us with a big smile at the counter was Mooyah’s manager. At his suggestion, we ordered two of Mooyah’s “special” burgers alongside a tray of hand-cut fries with aged cheddar cheese, and a limitededition Maltesers shake. We quickly found a booth, and decided to do some research into Mooyah since we’d never actually heard of the outlet before. And that’s when we discovered that the brand actually originated in the Texan city of Plano, and that the chain boasts 72 outlets worldwide (so much for fast-food knowledge, Jijin)!
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By now, we could hear our patties sizzling on the pan and we were eager to dive in. First to arrive were our cheese fries. To my astonishment, I found them to be the best fries I had ever had. The portions were very generous but I found myself slapping Jijin’s hand when he leaned in to share the fries. I really liked them that much. The fries were crunchy despite the layer of cheddar cheese. I even found them to be freshly cut, as some of them still had their skins on. This added to their overall flavour and they also tasted better than fries from most other fast-food outlets. Our burgers were the next to come. Again, they were very generous portions of burgers, stuffed to the brim with two very-well-done patties of fine Texas-beef and lined with a layer of cheddar cheese and caramelised onions; garnished with more aged cheddar and barbecue sauce before finally being encrusted within two beautifully baked buns. And boy! They tasted as good as they looked. The large size meant we were searching for a “point of attack” (as Jijin called it). But none of that really mattered once we indulged ourselves. The beef was very succulent, with just the right amount of flavour. It didn’t feel too chewy, either. The thick layers of cheese and the caramelised onions kept things in check but that didn’t stop us from making a mess of our burgers. The manager came to our table to explain how we had to have our burgers: to ease in by slowly pushing down on the edges of the burger and forcing the meat out.
Needless to say, after that, the burgers didn’t last very long on our plates. We were absolutely raving about how good they were. Jijin even made sure he uploaded a picture of the burger on Snapchat and Instagram. Jijin ended his meal by saying: “I may have booked myself a ticket for a cholesterol check-up but this meal was totally worth it.” Last to arrive was my Maltesers Milkshake. Yet again, it was the manager who delivered the drink to my table. He explained to me how the shake makes use of 100 per cent full-cream milk and chunks of Maltesers, and nothing else. It did taste good but in my view it needed to spend a bit more time in the blender. There were chocolate chunks at the bottom of my cup and I had to resort to picking them out with a fork after I had finished the drink. On the whole, both of us really enjoyed our meals, and have vowed to go back to Mooyah again. It’s a shame that more people don’t know about this outlet. Next time, I’ll be bringing more friends. I’ve been dreaming about my Mooyah burger ever since. Maybe I should set it as my screensaver. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
COME TO TERMS
During college, your style should be comfortable and versatile. Here are some fashion-forward pieces to alternate during the year ahead, such as this look from Penneys
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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 Checked flannels from Zara are a o t u d favourite of mine. Lately, celebrities have o n e lps y h donned flannels to boost their outfits. g i e h h i e Why not throw on a flannel shirt or tie it l th adja m around your waist for a look that says o Z r F in al preppy but prepared? From RO17.5 Fat
T t Ge
A pair of reliable jeans from River Island can go a long way, especially in black, navy or dark grey. Search for a ripped pair to give yourself an edge. From RO20
A long T-shirt from M&Co is perfect to wear under a funky jumper or teamed with jeans. Play around with the separate pieces while you master your classes. From RO5.6
Lecture halls can be chilly due to air conditioning so take your favourite Superdry hoodie to class and continue your day in comfort. Don’t let the heat outside fool you! From RO30
A pair of Adidas Superstars is the final star-catcher. Comfy but cool, this is a great pair of shoes for a long, tiring day as your feet will find some relief in the cushioned inner sole. From RO60
A backpack from Monsoon is a must for carrying books, folders and laptop. Many YouTubers are sporting white backpacks while sharing their tutorial finds with the rest of us. From RO9.5
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
BEAUTY
Health Fashion
STUDENT
BODIES Follow these beauty tips to keep you looking good, feeling fresh and ready to tackle the world of college once more, writes Fatin al Zadjali
❶
Two words: BB Cream. It moisturises, protects, and corrects the skin with minimal tinted coverage. Start your morning with a fresh face, wash then add your trusted BB (beauty balm) cream and that’s all you need. Maybelline has a range of BB creams suitable for all skin types. Maybelline BB Cream, RO2.60
❷
MAC Cosmetics have a great range of lipsticks suitable for all skin tones. I love the shade Whirl. It’s a light, pinkish purple that can be applied throughout the day. Always keep one lipstick in your bag that you can’t replace. MAC Whirl, RO9
❸
Mascara. In the morning, instead of your usual eye makeup routine, stick to a fresh base and add some mascara or eyeliner and you’ll be good to go! Benefit supplies non-stick mascara that’s perfect for feathering out your lashes to create a dimension of mascara and eyeliner. Benefit They’re Real! Mascara, RO7.5 034
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❹
A highlighter will definitely highlight your day. Add a little glow to the inner corners of your eyes, cheekbones and nose, as this will give you a glow. Benefit also has a nifty range of highlighters. Benefit Watts Up! Highlighter, RO12.80
❺
While on campus you might need to go to an impromptu event that merits a quick freshen-up. Urban Decay has a neutral beauty pallet that adds definition and transition to the eyes and face. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette, RO22
❻
Refresh your hair between washes with this quick fix. It soaks up excess oils, and a little spritz between the strands will go a long way to avoiding a bad-hair day. Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo, RO1.50
Beauty
HEALTH
Fashion
DANCE AND
DELIVER
Pregnant mothers can dance their way to a healthy delivery, say Frincy Francis and Sheeba Elizabeth John
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magine if the last time you danced was at your friend’s birthday party, and you haven’t done so since seeing the positive sign in the pregnancy kit. Here is some good news: The American College of Obstetricians says you can do 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day during pregnancy. If your obstetrician has declared you fit enough for pregnancy exercises then dance can be an enjoyable alternative to walking and yoga. Pregnancy and the benefits of dancing The days have gone when being pregnant meant being confined to bed rest. If you are at a low risk or at no risk for pregnancy complications, then dancing could be the way to go, with benefits similar to those of any other moderate exercises. Here are some of the benefits of dancing: ● Swaying to your favourite music is a very good stress-buster. ● It helps you to relax and also calms down your baby. ● If you dream of a flexible body during pregnancy, dancing fulfills it. ● It helps to improve blood circulation and helps to provide a healthy heart and lungs. ● If aiming for toned muscles then dancing is a good option. ● It gives you relief from minor pregnancy-related discomfort and helps in maintaining normal alignment. ● It improves your stamina before, during and after labour. ● It may help to reduce the need for unnecessary medical intervention during labour and birth as it increases the required muscle strength to pass through labour. ● It can be fun and more sociable, especially if you are bored of your gym training and regular pregnancy exercises. Is dancing safe during pregnancy? Any form of exercise is unsafe if it is overdone. Remember the following guidelines before you start: ❶ Ask your body There is no one better than you who can understand the changes happening to your body.
So it is better to pay attention to how you feel about doing a dance and how confident you are to make the moves because the growing baby may affect your centre of gravity. ❷ Know the warning signs Your passion for dancing may result in overdoing it, which is not safe for your pregnancy. If you feel exhausted or drowsy after a few moves, it is better to stop doing them. This may occur because the heart rate during pregnancy would be on the rise because of the increased volume of blood. Therefore, it may take 15 – 20 minutes for you to settle into a resting phase. Other warning signs include vaginal bleeding or leakage, shortness of breath, uterine contractions, pains in the calf muscles and headaches. ❸ Take lighter steps Avoid doing dance moves that have jerky movements, backbends and big hip movements as these will add unwanted stress on joints and also have contain a high risk for falls and injuries. Always keep in mind that the body’s centre of gravity shifts as the tummy gets bigger so going for light, swaying music and stepping side-to-side should be more beneficial. ❹ Prepare the dance room Before you start the dancing session, ensure that the room you choose is well-lit and ventilated with a firm surface, perhaps with grip tiles or anti-fall flooring. Put a comfortable chair out for you to sit on and relax if you get tired. Have fluids handy to hydrate you. ❺ Warm up yourself Warming up the body to avoid strains to your ligaments and joints is essential before the dance therapy.
❻ Choose a trainer If you have been dancing previously, just go ahead but with modifications to the intensity of dance movements to ensure safety. However, if you are a beginner, you should choose a trainer close to your locality who could help you. ❼ Seek medical advice You should consult your obstetrician to be aware of the medical side of your course of pregnancy and seek advice before you begin any exercises. ❽ Believe it or not: belly dancing is best Centuries ago, this ancient form of dance with its slow, rolling movements were practised by pregnant women across the globe, especially in places such as Egypt, Hawaii, Morocco, New Zealand and India. The circular movements help in childbirth. It might seem impossible to do a belly dance but when you weigh up the benefits, you may feel like giving a try. Childbirth professionals recommend this dance not only during pregnancy but also during labour. The music can have a hypnotic effect and release stress, too. Other benefits of belly dancing include: ● Strengthen the pelvic and abdominal muscles, which aid in the delivery process. ● Relax the mind and body. ● Bring the baby into the forward-lying position, which is best for labour and birth. ● Improve self-confidence and body image. ● Help maintain good posture. ● Prevent remote complications such as uterine prolapse. Frincy Frincy Francis and Sheeba Elizabeth John are lecturers at the Department of Maternal & Child Health College of Nursing at Sultan Qaboos University SEPT 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
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OVER THE TOP
The stunning area around Samail boasts many groves of swaying palm trees heavy with ripe dates.
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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
Outdoors
Destination
SAMAIL
Shaquel al Balushi finds himself on an unexpected spiritual journey to Mazin bin Ghaduba’s Tomb 038
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Cars
Because Samail is an ancient area, there looked to be a route taking me back inside a mountain. So I headed off-road, which was completely deserted. Soon, I reached a very small bridge – it was so small that the width of two fingers could not fit in between the car and the safety rail of the bridge. After another 10 minutes or so, I spotted another man to whom I offered a lift and when I dropped him off, he told me that the tomb was in the opposite direction, from where we had come. I retraced my steps and noticed a very bright cherry-red Cadillac and nearby, a well-dressed Omani collecting dates. Again, I asked for directions. And this time, he said: “It’s here!” I was still puzzled as I couldn’t see anything so he kindly walked with me to a shaded footpath and told me to follow it around to the right. After feeling as if I’d been going around in circles for the better part of the morning, I suddenly turned the corner and there it was: Mazin Bin Ghaduba’s Tomb! Inside the open-air tomb were beautiful mosaic tiles in traditional Islamic colours. I stayed for an hour or so, immersed in my thoughts as I sat under a tree next to the tomb. The history and the connection to the Prophet Muhammad were very overwhelming and I just wanted to sit quietly for a while. It was a calm place to be and I’ve promised myself that I will return – but next time with Imran, who will also appreciate the spirituality of this historic place.
M
y plan for this Destination was to explore the route on the way to Nizwa as I knew there were a couple of castles that I hadn’t checked out before. As usual, it was an early start; this time 4am, and again I was travelling solo as my friend Imran couldn’t make this trip. But my plan changed when I instinctively stopped the car near Samail Village. Daylight was just beginning to break. I looked left and saw a huge grove of date palm trees, which were starting to take on the golden hue of the sun. And then it hit me: this was also an area that I had never explored before. I found the turn-off to Samail Village but at this stage I still didn’t know what I was driving towards. I wondered if I’d find a wadi or an interesting castle but there were very few people about so I didn’t stop to ask for directions. Instead, I continued to drive on and finally came to a sign for Mazin Bin Ghaduba’s Tomb, which was just 6km away. And it was at this moment that I understood why I had taken this route instead of sticking with my original plan. As you know, Sahabi Mazin Bin Ghaduba is the Companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and the first person in Oman to convert to Islam. He also built the first mosque in Samail, in the 9th century – the Mosque of Mazin. So I knew this would be a very special journey for me. But after driving for 6km, I couldn’t find the tomb. There were a few more people about by now so I asked a cab driver, who pointed towards a huge patch of very tall palm trees. He told me to retrace my steps for a short while and then turn right.
TRAVEL GUIDE
HOW TO GET THERE You don’t need a 4X4 for this trip. Take the road to Nizwa and take the turn-off to Samail when you see the sign. Continue driving towards the roundabout in Samail and you will find the sign for the tomb.
GPS location: 23°18’41.4”N 57°59’42.4”E
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IN A SPIN
CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
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POTTERY IS A GREAT WAY TO UNWIND AND BANISH STRESS, FINDS FATIN AL ZADJALI
D
uring the never-ending Muscat heat, new indoor activities that are creative, adventurous and relaxing can be hard to find. But if you haven’t tried the art of pottery, there is a place where you can use your hands to create something tangible and have enormous fun at the same time. Whispers of Serenity can be found in Azaiba. It offers a fresh, bright ambience and pottery classes to set you on the road to craftsmanship. Who hasn’t admired the texture, glazing and bright colours of beautiful pottery, not to mention the tactile pleasure of handling a piece? The studio is part of the Whispers of Serenity clinic that is dedicated to health and well-being. Pottery instructor Ibtisam Abdullah takes classes to give you the tips and techniques needed for the art. It’s my first lesson, and Ibtisam makes us wash our hands to clear out all the pigmentation from the clay. We spin the clay on a pottery wheel and as it centres, we shape it in whatever design we like. It’s a bit like making bread. Our handiwork then goes in to the sun for three days to harden. Once firm, out comes an array of paints, or glazes. I keep recoating my masterpiece as it isn’t sticking too well.
But never mind! I apply the glaze and put it into a kiln (a small stove) at a temperature of 1,200 degrees Celsius. What emerges is something I will be taking home, if not giving anyone as a gift. Whispers of Serenity is a health clinic with a holistic approach to mental well-being. Many of the people who come here find that pottery is a welcome therapy for them. The process can relieve stress, provide a sense of purpose and a true sense of clarity. I was more than happy to ditch my smartphone, get my hands messy and feel at one with Mother Nature. Ibtisam encourages adults to find their creative side. You do not need to be an artist; there are no mistakes in pottery. The clay is extremely pliable and it can bring all your senses together. Here, I sense a beauty of calmness, and a mellowness that enables me to realise that one can find solutions to any problem.
Get involved
Teacher: Ibtisam Abdullah Location: Whispers of Serenity, Way No 6855, Villa No 3086A, Azaiba, Classes: Monday and Tuesday, 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm Tel: 9935 9779
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CARS AND ADVENTURES LAND OF SMILES
The beautiful Wat Pho, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is the oldest temple in Bangkok and a mustsee for visitors.
TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1) Visit a Thai spa 2. Try the shopping at MBK 3. Head out to the islands in Phang Nga Bay 4. Take the kids to Safari World in Bangkok 5. Head to the Siam Niramit show in Phuket
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Felicity Glover recommends
BANGKOK AND PHUKET K
nown as the “Land of Smiles”, Thailand has long been a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, great shopping, culture, stunningly oornate temples, delicious food and friendly people. With a deep history that stretches back over many centuries, Thailand is a perfect holiday spot for families. And with Thai AirAsia X recently launching direct flights from Muscat to the capital of Bangkok three times a week, it’s just a sixhour, non-stop journey away. Our trip to Bangkok and Phuket last month was a great choice for the school holidays, while our AirAsia flight was comfortable and enjoyable. And because it’s a relatively short trip, there’s very little, if any, jetlag to deal with — a great plus if you are on a short break. Our flight arrived at Don Muang Airport at 6am, which meant plenty of S IA M N time for my daughter and me to recover and explore Bangkok on our first day. IR A M IT S H O W IN PHUKE T After checking into the well-located Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21, we had a couple of hours to rest and then headed out for what has to be one of the most quintessential experiences Thailand has to offer: a two-hour spa treatment at the tranquil Divana Massage and Spa, a short drive from our hotel. This set the tone for the rest of our first day, which included shopping at the famous MBK department store and then on to Asiatique The Riverfront to watch the thrilling Muay Thai Live stage show, which takes you on an actionpacked journey of the history of the martial art, which also happens to be the country’s national sport. We spent two days in Bangkok before heading to the island of Phuket, also a short flight with Thai AirAsia X. The popular holiday island has a much slower pace while the colourful Old Town, which boasts Sino-Portuguese architecture, is a great place to pick up some bargains.
My favourite place
No visit to Bangkok is complete without a dinner cruise along the famous Chao Phraya River – the lights are stunning and you sail past some of the city’s most famous and historical temples and palaces. These include the highly ornate Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho, the oldest temple in Bangkok.
I L IV E S H OW MUAY THA
Highlights
With so much to see and do in Bangkok and Phuket, it’s difficult to choose just one. We loved the spa treatment in Bangkok while a trip to the famous James Bond island in Phang Nga Bay, an easy boat trip from Phuket, is incredible. The lime cliff island was made famous in the 1974 Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun. Unfortunately, it poured with rain on the day we went out and we had to abort our trip after seeking shelter in a cave on the way. But we are determined to get back there. Another must-see in Phuket is the award-winning stage show, Siam Niramit, which takes you through a stunning visual history of Thailand. Featuring 100 performers, as well as special appearances by some amazingly placid elephants, it’s a great way to familiarise yourself with Thailand’s rich heritage and culture. Before the show, you can walk around the grounds of a traditional Thai village, which features a range of rural houses, watch how silk is made and even sample some delicious Thai desserts.
Lowlights
The usual tourist precautions apply, such as ensuring you don’t fall victim to pickpockets. We were there during the monsoon season, which is great if you are from Oman and haven’t seen rain for quite some time. All hotels provide umbrellas in their guest rooms but it can play havoc with your plans if you are heading out to the islands off Phuket.
Souvenirs From cute knick-knacks to beautifully crafted wooden statues, stunning artwork, clothes and traditional arts and crafts, there’s something for everybody. My daughter was happy with the selection at MBK and the Damnoen Saduak floating market, about 100km from Bangkok. Where to stay
From the high end to the budget-friendly, there are enough choices to suit everybody. We stayed at the sleek Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21 in Bangkok and the B-Lay Tong in Phuket, a funky boutique hotel overlooking Patong Beach.
SAFAR
I WORL D
IN B A N GK
OK
* Felicity Glover visited Thailand and Phuket courtesy of Thai AirAsia X and the Tourism Authority of Thailand SEPT 08 - 14 / ISSUE 436
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
Outdoors
D e s t i n at i o n
Y-FI
WEARABLE TECH If you’ve got it, flaunt it with this array of gadget garb, says Alvin Thomas
BE SMART Enter the world of augmented reality with the Vuzix M300 Smart Glasses. It may look a bit similar to Google Glasses but the M300 holds its own, thanks to its extended developer support, which empowers it with a host of applications. The glasses can be used on the left or right eye, runs Android 6.0 and houses an Intel Atom CPU to process all major functions. There is also 64GB of in-built memory for you to store your data. Pre-order the M300 at vuzix.com for RO231.7.
BATMAN Take on the imperative role of saving lives and beating villainous thugs as the World’s Greatest Detective in Gotham City with Batman Arkham VR. That’s right: the role has been passed on entirely to you. You can go around Wayne Manor, explore the Batcave, test Bruce’s high-tech equipment, smack Alfred for being too pretentious, and above all, fight crime. The game will be sold exclusively on PlayStation 4 and will make use of Sony’s Virtual Reality glasses. Will be made available at all retail stores for RO7.7, next month.
DEEP SLEEP Hoping to find a sleep assistant? Look no further as these headphones by Kokoon are developed with the sole purpose of getting you off to sleep. They help you sleep by detecting which part of the sleep cycle you are in and adjusting your music accordingly. The headphones also have a built-in cooling system, an ultra-low profile body and washable covers. The cushioning is also gel-based so you won’t feel the metal against your ears. Yours for RO88.7, from kickstarter.com.
EDITOR’S PICK
TAG HEUER
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LET’S BE CLEAR HERE: THE TAG HEUER CONNECTED IS BY FAR THE BEST-LOOKING SMARTWATCH OUT TODAY. THAT’S THE RESULT OF THE GRADE 2 TITANIUM AND FINE-BRUSHED LUGS. THE DESIGN IS FINISHED OFF WITH A CRYSTAL SAPPHIRE GLASS FACE. THESE WATCHES ARE ALSO KNOWN TO SPORT THE BEST WATCH FACES – BEING TAG HEUER – WITH THE INCREDIBLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL THAT TAG FANS WILL LOVE. THE WATCH IS POWERED BY A DUALCORE 1.6GHZ INTEL ATOM Z34XX CPU RUNNING ON ANDROID WEAR. YOURS FOR RO115.5, FROM TAGHEUER.COM JULY SEP 0803- -1409/ /ISSUE ISSUE436 327
FITBIT
Fitness freaks, rejoice! Fitbit has just unveiled its second-generation of smart-health watches. The new Fitbit Charge 2 sports a display that is four times larger than its predecessor, which also allows you to choose from seven different clock faces. The device is GPS-enabled, and also has multi-sport modes, allowing you to track up to 19 different activities (running, biking, tennis, weightlifting, etc). The watch can also automatically recognise that you are exercising and is, for the first time, water-resistant. Available at fitbit.com, for RO57.7.
NEW GEAR UP The Samsung Gear S3 is not for everyone. It’s big, and a tad too virile for some buyers who seek an elegant and sophisticated design. Underneath, however, the Gear S3 is nothing but sophisticated. New features include a 380mAh battery that’ll help the watch last for four whole days, an onboard GPS receiver, Samsung Pay functionality, and a speaker and microphone for making calls. A new 1.0 GHz dual-core Exynos processor takes care of handling all the tasks too. The watch is also IP68 water resistance, “military-grade” water, dust, heat/cold resistant. Available at all electronic stores, for RO171.
App of the Week
ENDOMONDO A hugely popular fitness platform, Endomondo has made its app available for Android wear users, which means it now classifies itself as a “wearable app”. The app allows you to tag your runs, cycles, hikes, climbs and so on. If your smartwatch is compatible with the app, you won’t even require a companion smartphone. It has its own GPS interface, and built-in music player too. Download from Play Store for free.
GLAM UP Fashion and luxury brand Kate Spade has released its new collection of trackers and smartwatches. These gadgets take the shape of everyday wear jewellery and accessories. For instance, its new fitness tracker is actually a bangle that is adorned with pearls. There’s also an engraving that says “seize the day” on the inside. The trackers can be used to track activity levels and sleep patterns, as well as change music, take selfies, and connect to a Kate Spade phone app. Available at katespade. com, for RO96.2. JULY SEP 03 08 - 09 14 / ISSUE 436 327
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CARS AND ADVENTURES
Destination
Postcards from
Outdoors
Y- F i C A R S
Infiniti Q30 Premium Tech Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre In-line four cylinder turbocharged engine Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch transmission Horsepower: 208hp Torque: 350 Nm Automatic parking assistance 360-degree around view monitor Intelligent cruise control Lane departure warning Nappa leather seating Infiniti InTouch navigation system Panoramic moonroof with the power 18-inch alloy wheels more effectively. Dual-zone climate control For all that, I could still Power adjusting seats manage to hit with memory the 100kp/h Heated front seats
The Infiniti Q30 perfects key features taken from German supergiants while serving as a sporty and luxurious sportshatch, finds Alvin Thomas
I
s it a hatchback? Is it a crossover? I can never be too sure. However, what I do know is that the Infiniti Q30, despite a split-personality, is a serious contender in the luxury cross-hatch segment. Despite its elevated looks and mellow-looking “Moonlight White” paint job, I quite fancy the exterior when compared to other hatchback offerings from Japan. There’s a definite touch of class and refinement to the exterior, with dramatic-looking lines and a wide stance that elevates its presence into the prestigious hot-hatchback territory. Even the lights look menacing, with their two-prong effect LED lighting and their chiselled edges, which further blend in with the Q30’s threedimensional grille upfront. Overall, the car really pulls it off in the looks department: there is really nothing conventional here in terms of design. However, I had a certain sense of déjà vu from the moment I hopped into the car. Everything from the dials on the console, the buttons, the instrument cluster and the light switches looked familiar. And that’s when it hit me: The Infiniti Q30 is the love-child from Nissan’s new venture with Daimler, which means the Q30 is essentially based on a Mercedes-Benz A-Class – a car I really love! The fit and finish is truly topnotch, and the overall aura in the cabin is pre-eminent. Considering the Q30 is based on the A-Class, the car can seat five people in comfort, and
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also carry three full-sized bags in the generous boot. As a blessing, my “Premium Tech” variant also came with a panoramic moonroof, an excellent and necessary “Around-View Monitor”, as well as a host of safety tech, including “Lane Departure Warning”, “Automatic Parking Assistance” and also “Intelligent Cruise Control”, which automatically adjusts the speed, all the way to a complete stop, in traffic. Starting the car, I was greeted with a very Mercedes-esque information dial on the instrument cluster, except, you now have Infiniti logos in them. Nevertheless, I delved straight into the driving dynamics of the Q30. To test the car’s chassis and powertrain, I took the car to the mountain roads at Al Amerat Heights. Underneath the curvaceous bonnet lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder pot banger pumping out 208hp and a stout 350 Nm of torque. The engine is extremely potent, and is mated to an evenly matched, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The gearshifts are super-snappy, and the turbocharged engine makes it a breeze to drive up the steep slopes at Al Amerat. Of course, when you floor it, there’s a slight lag (distinctive of turbocharged vehicles) for the turbo to spool up and get you going. But the power generated is a tad too much for the front wheels to cope with. Wheelspin was a common occurrence during the course of the test drive. To eliminate that, you can opt for the all-wheel drive variant, which I suspect will deal
mark from a standstill in an impressive eight seconds. As an added treat, I found the electric-assisted hydraulic steering on the Q30 to be extremely precise. It’s one of those point-and-shoot cars, thanks to a very spirited chassis (thank you, Mercedes). The steering is extremely light during city driving, and firms up slightly when you switch the vehicle into “S” (Sport) or “M” (Manual) mode. There’s no real feedback from the steering but that’s not a problem at all. The car eagerly changes directions, and with only minimal body-roll. However, it does suffer from snap understeer (typical with front-wheel drive cars), as the vehicle tends to plough forwards when you floor the accelerator while changing directions. The seats are extremely comfortable, and are moderately bolstered. The ride is very smooth and hushed too, with only a hint of road noise entering the cabin. After spending time with the Q30, I realise that all my initial impressions of the car bearing too much resemblance to the Mercedes A-Class were wrong. While the A-Class is one of the best hothatchbacks around, the Q30 borrows all the best characteristics from the Germans but boasts its own brilliant exterior and a top-of-the-line interior to do what the Infiniti does best: hold its own as one of Japan’s finest luxury cars!
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