Y Magazine #437, September 22, 2016 by SABCO Press, Publishing and Advertising

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YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

SEPT 22 - 28 2016 / ISSUE 437 • WEEKLY

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EDITOR’S

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

Fast forward W

hen we head off to work each day, it’s reasonable to expect that we will always be paid at the end of the month. But this is not always the case for a number of workers in the Sultanate. As low oil prices continue to take their toll on the economy, it’s becoming a serious issue as some companies start going bust and stop paying their employees. In our cover story this week, Y sits down with a range of people – from engineers to bakery workers – who are struggling to survive financially as they’ve not been paid for months. Of course, this is illegal in the Sultanate and the Ministry of Manpower has set up a number of strict procedures for companies to follow the law, while employees can also lodge cases against their employers. But this can take a long time to resolve – and in the meantime, with no income, many workers are stuck in limbo. Elsewhere, we head to magical Musandam in Outdoors, try a new neighbourhood café in Al Mouj Muscat and put the impressive Volvo XC90 through its paces. Have a fabulous week!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi MANAGING EDITOR Felicity Glover

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi REPORTER Alvin Thomas DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

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

CEO Eihab Abutaha We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please info@y-oman.com email Want to read Y on the go? Scan our digital issue here: Download any QR reader from iTunes or Google Play to read Y on the go

Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

contents

Features 20 Hard cash Workers struggle to get paid

SEPT 22 - 28 2016

Your Oman 06 Coffee With Y Mohammed Haris Aslam 08 Voice Of Oman Matthew Herbst

16 #FYI World’s top 10 cheapest cars

26 Online security Are your children protected?

17 Movies Snowden

10 News Muscat ranks high for quality of life

18 This Week Texas scramble

12 News Visitors flock to Al Hoota Cave

This Week

24 Meet BB Man Enter our superhero competition

13 Faces of Oman 14 Gallery Swarovski launch 15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Rashid al Barwani

Cars and Adventures

Food and Drink 28 Food Feature Fresh is best 30 Taste Test Richoux

38 Destination Izki 40 Outdoors Rocking Khasab

Health and Beauty

42 Postcard From Lisbon, Portugal

32 Fashion Going pro

44 Y-Fi Artistic gadgets

46 Car Of The Week 34 Beauty Volvo XC90 Taming tresses 35 Health Sleep apnea

NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / OUTDOORS

Join us for an

on September 27th, from 9am - 12:30pm Get to know our staďŹ&#x20AC;, see our amazing facilities and attend a talk by Ruba Al Sheikh from Nutrilife Oman on healthy eating. We will also present certiďŹ cates and gifts to the winners of our #DovecoteLunchboxChallenge.

TO REGISTER: +968 2460 4041 | infomuscat@dovecotenursery.org | www.dovecotenursery.org The Dovecote Nursery Muscat is a part of Evolvence Knowledge Al Khonji (EKA), a partnership between Evolvence Knowledge Investments and Al Khonji Group formed to administer a growing portfolio of schools and nurseries in Oman.

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development

Mohammed Haris Aslam tal ks to Alvin Thomas about th e struggles of being a junior graduate in Oman, an d founding Roumaan.com

ow often do you get to chat Pakistani telecom company. with the founder of Oman’s at the company. It is also here whe However, he didn’t take up the job, re he largest e-commerce website? dre w up the idea for Roumaan.com, and hea ded bac k to Om an Certainly not every day. So when to be with along with the support of his CE I his parents. O. got the chance to meet Mohammed “Back in 2013, I remember “I cam e bac k to Om an in 2009. Haris Aslam, the mastermind beh ind discussing with my CEO that we Leaving Karachi was not an easy Roumaan.com – the Sultanate’s largest decision but coming bac sho uld consider getting into online k to Oman as online portal for online shopping –I a juni or with sho ppin no exp g. erie nce was the was elated. hardest thing. I was looking for a “Th ere was one weekend where Our meeting spot was Caribou job for four or five months but to no I cut everything off and decided Coffee at Oman Avenues Mall – ava il. to an “I used to walk around the CBD outlet he operates in Oman. and dedicate some time into doing some Aza iba area – where there are a lot of And as I scampered in, Haris was research and analysing how such a companies – CVs in hand, looking already waiting for me. for website would work in Oman.” a sales job.” But with a gleaming smile he Toiling for 50 hours straight, he After months of searching, he land welcomed me and without further ed wor ked out a detailed feasibility study a job with International Software ado, we sat down with our coffees for Roumaan. and Labs, a software company with a base sandwiches, and got down to disc ussing office in India, working in To gain experience, he also took the Point the path that led Haris from bein up g of cou Sale rses in digital marketing. Today, he s divi sion and intr odu “Haris the Engineer” to becoming cing ERP (Enterprise Resource Plannin holds certificates from Google, and “Mr Roumaan”. g) is solu tion s in rest the aur only Facebook partner-manager ants . Born in Karachi and “shipped” in But after two years, Haris decided Oman. to Oman as a toddler, Haris has a to swit ch to a job more in line with Roumaan got the green light. The special bond with the country. He marketing. was educated at the Pakistan Sch web site and the entire architecture ool He soon joined an advertising Muscat (PSM), a school he absolut of the company took five months to ely agency based in Azaiba as an adores. form ulat e. accounts manager. Here, he gain “I studied in PSM till preed Des pite his achievement, Haris says: the exp erie nce and contacts that engineering [grade 11 and 12] and “There is a lot more to do.” help ed laun ch him into mainstream passed out in 2005. I was very mu ch an marketing. But when asked about how he judg introvert and a very average stud es ent. his success, he says: “I remember this Foll owi ng ano ther two-year stint, he “I didn’t do many activities such as took a deeper leap into marketing sports either but at that age, you and one night, during the Eid of 2014. Our really left the agency. shipment team was off the grid, and don’t care, you just carry on.” But once again, he was wandering we had just launched the iPhone Haris’s life-changing moment, 6 on across the capital without a steady however, came when his father insi job. our website. sted “Th e pre ssure was on and that he pursue a degree in enginee “It was my friend and I who had ring thinking of going back to I was Pakistan,” he taken on the task of deliveri in Pakistan’s capital, Karachi. ng these recalls. “With a heavy heart, I went to phones to the anticipating custom “Ho ers. wev er, that was the time, I came We Karachi. The culture is very differen started delivering phones at 9pm t acro ss a pub lica . tion call ed Med and people there are smart,” Har “But when we got to this one is tells SABCO Media publication iate – a me. – where customer, it was 2.30am. And inst I saw a company called Salman ead But lacking any passion for of asking us why we were late, he aske Corporation, which had the thirdengineering, he slowly moved tow d ard us whether we had had dinner. organising activities for students at s highest marketing spending in the the country. “He was so nice to us, and he Sir Syed University of Engineering and “I quickly checked the website of said that he could not believe that a Technology, where he was studying . company and decided to apply for the company in Om “That’s how this entire marketing a an could deliver the position in marketing there,” he says product in less than 48 hours. hoopla came into my head,” he . But, as they say, nothing comes easy exclaims. “That was the day when I realised . Har is had to convince Aqeel His communication skills landed that Roumaan had broken down a lot al Lawati – the CEO of Salman him internships with leading telecom of bar riers and enabled a relationship Corporation – for a spot intervie companies such as Huawei, Telenor, w. that is something beyond that of seller Bringing his A-game to the intervie ZTE and Ericsson. w, and buy er.” Har is bagged the task of optimising the He was also one of only three from com pan y’s “Piz za Inn” spending, a task his class to secure a job as a PSS Have you got a unique story to tell or do he achieved with ease. you know (Personal Support Specialist) trainin some one who has? Contact us to have coffee g The rest, as they say, is history. with engineer with Mobilink Pakistan Y and be featured in Y Magazine. mail – a Haris is now the head of marketi : editor@yng oman.com

SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

THE VOICE OF OMAN YOU CAN CHECK OUT BUT YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE, WRITES MATTHEW HERBST

correspondence WARRIOR MUMS Dear Editor,

t certainly is the end of an era at Y. I’m the last of the original team – having been hired at the end of 2012 – and will shortly leave the shores of Oman to head back to the UK. It has been a magical, wonderful yet challenging four years that I will never forget. More so, in that Oman is one of the most beautiful countries in which to live, explore and totally immerse yourself in. Its rich history, culture, people and various landscapes leave a lasting impression. I still remember as clear as yesterday being recruited for the position of Art Director, and the exciting adventures that lay ahead. Not knowing what Oman would offer added so much more to the excitement. It wasn’t going to be a massive culture shock for me as I had lived in the Middle East before. However, nothing would have prepared me for this great place. When I arrived it felt like home immediately and I knew I would fit right in. The bigger challenge was getting to know the new team and the new magazine. I was like a duck in water; all was well and I settled in just fine. During my time here, I have met great people from all walks of life, whether expat or Omani. To be honest, I am quite sad to be leaving as this is home and I feel like I belong here but there comes a time when you have to go and do things you can no longer put off in life. However, I will be back, either to visit or to live here again. You can count on it. See you soon!

NEXT WEEK:

AL SAYYIDA MAYYA AL SAID

SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t express my appreciation of Fatin al Zadjali’s article on single mothers (“Lone Warriors” [issue 436]). Single mothers have much to fight for and battle against. With about 16 per cent of the world’s children brought up by single mothers, this devoted, determined class of parents have a daunting task. There are some shining examples of people who came from single-mother households, such as Bill Clinton or Barack Obama. Both were brought up by single mothers and have proved that such parents are second to none. This blessed state of single motherhood, though fraught with demanding issues on the personal and career fronts, is the biggest undertaking a mother will face and she shouldn’t let things stop her. The message is: there is no need to worry. Hold your head high if people are judgmental. The essence of being a good, single parent can be served by refusing to compromise your parenting skills and keeping stress levels down to give your child the wonderful upbringing he

DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED:

“Are the ROP’s new traffic laws tough enough to cut back on the number of road accidents in the Sultanate?” AR-YU RANOLA

Yes. The new laws will have a huge impact, especially in changing the mindset of drivers

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or she deserves. Hats off to all single mothers, for they are the living examples of great sacrifice, love and willpower. They are indeed lone soldiers who can win both the battle and the war. Regards, Dr Suddapalli Bhaskara Rao, Ruwi because of the consequences they will face for violations. The most important thing is for the ROP to organise an extensive campaign to educate all motorists about traffic rules. The ROP should continue to review and monitor the situation to ensure that its policies are followed.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

Yes. To some extent, the new traffic laws with their hefty fines and jail terms should reduce the number of accidents. Since the violations will hit people where it hurts most i.e. in their pockets and, in severe cases, remove their liberty, those errant individuals whose driving is a threat to public safety may think twice before violating the rules of the road. However, a road safety

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awareness campaign carried out at schools and colleges and on a community level would be equally beneficial.

DEEPAK PAI

Yes. Prevention is better than cure. The ROP has taken major steps to control road accidents in Oman. The new rules prompt the motorist to drive more safely and strictly adhere to the new regulations. The ROP has made all the necessary arrangements to control the accident ratio. It is now down to the drivers. When accidents happen, in most cases it will be drinking and driving, overtaking, tyre blow-outs brake failures or speeding that will be the cause. Now, the new rules are so stringent that the fines are high, and jail terms await the most destructive offenders. So I feel that the ROP has given sufficient information through the media to all Oman’s motorists to drive safely. They should be mindful of other road users as well, such as cyclists or pedestrians. At the end of the day, nobody should be hurt in a road accident and calamities should not happen; for this we will pray to Almighty.

MOHAN ANANDAN

No doubt, the new traffic laws will have their own impact in curtailing road accidents in the Sultanate. Alongside them, the focus should also be on awareness. “Speed Kills” should be coined as the slogan of such an awareness campaign, and it should start from school. The consequences of an accident such as a crippling injury and even death should clearly be portrayed in hoardings at public places. Moreover, companies must conduct regular safety awareness sessions for their employees. These measures will send out the strong message that it is OK to be “better late than never”!

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to protect themselves from head injuries in the case of accidents. Safe driving comes from within, and concern for others rather than via any laws.

DEEPA PRABHU

Implementing tough traffic laws should definitely strike fear in the minds of those who have a tendency towards reckless driving, be it jumping red lights or using electronic devices while driving. These tough laws will not only bring down accident rates but will also ensure that innocent people’s lives are not blighted or destroyed. Drivers must change their driving habits for their own and everyone else’s benefit or else pay the penalty.

RADHAKRISHNAN SUBRAMANIAM

Yes. If the new traffic laws are relaxed, then road accidents in the Sultanate will multiply. Nothing is more important than one’s own life and those of other commuters while on the road. Let us appreciate the value of everybody’s life and those of their families and friends. Regulations that result in the imposition of a fine achieve little as they are only a fire-fighting exercise.

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CLARE HIBBERD

It’s definitely a step in the right direction. However, there should have been more changes to include car seats for children and the use of seat belts.

USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI

To an extent, yes, the ROP’s new traffic rules are tough enough to cut back on the number of road accidents in the Sultanate; seen in comparison to what was in force before. A quantum jump in the monetary penalties coupled with prison terms should, in all likelihood, effect some deterrence. Besides these new mandates being beefed by a Royal Decree, there should be total compliance and enforcement. Rules of this kind are prone for revision periodically and that is a global phenomenon. These mandates get reviewed with a better law coming up every now and then to suit the times. So given this, these new rules should meet with the required needs. At the end, the emphasis needs to be on seeing that money can not buy a reprieve.

PRIYA DADHICH

Yes. It’s the right step to take in reducing the number of road accidents because more and more expats are now trying to get licences. Tough laws are needed to ensure that everyone follows the rules of the road.

SYED QAISER JAFRI

Yes. The new traffic laws will help to change the behaviour of drivers who speed on purpose and skip signals. In overspeeding cases, when a person is caught their previous record should also be checked to enforce the imprisonment clause.

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GAUTAM GHOSH DASTIDAR

No traffic laws are tough enough to cut back on the number of road accidents anywhere across the globe. Einstein clarified it the best, I believe. He was never sure if the universe was infinite but human stupidity most certainly is. He had ample reasons for his belief. There are people with one direction alone. They are born to die. They drive without exempting themselves to the land of cold. Put them behind bars, not behind the wheel!

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JAYASHREE KRISHNAN

Of course, yes... as I have already heard about many of my friends talking about being cautious while driving. My husband has bought a Bluetooth connector to fix in our car to take calls while driving. I hope the new traffic regulations will have a positive impact and I also wish that hereafter we will not hear too much more of traffic violations and bad, sad accidents.

SUNIL D’CRUZ

The ROP’s tough new traffic laws are a step in the right direction. However, there is no stopping those who speed and slow down at cameras, tailgate and criss-cross lanes at high speed without signalling. Those who love to drive at 160kph would do better to wear helmets as rally drivers do,

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

Send it to: info@y-oman.com

SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

YOUR

NEWS

OMAN

uscat has skyrocketed into the world’s top 10 quality of life list, according to the recently released Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index. The index, which was broken down into subindexes, measures factors such as low-income inequality, demographics, excellent work-life balance, affordability and low crime rates. The quality of life sub-index was topped by Seoul, the capital of South Korea. This was followed by five European cities, while Muscat came in at 9th place. Montreal, Canada, rounded out the top 10 in the sub-index, which

ranked a total of 100 cities. Muscat is the first city in the GCC to rank in the world’s top 10 for quality of life. “Muscat tells another story of contrasts,” Arcadis said in its annual report on social sustainability. “It placed in the top 10 globally on the people sub-index, but ranked 85th in the world for economic sustainability.” Well-established European cities dominated the overall ranking of the Sustainable Cities Index, making up 16 of the top 20 positions. Among other cities in the GCC, Dubai was ranked at 52 in the main index, Abu Dhabi at 58, Kuwait at 70 and Doha at 72, followed by Muscat at 75 and Riyadh at 76. According to the report by the global design and consultancy firm, people, planet and profit represent social, environmental and economic sustainability, which is an “indicative picture of the health and wealth of cities”. Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Expat Insider ranked Oman as the world’s 17th best destination to work abroad – beating other cities in the GCC.

OPEN DAY AT DOVECOTE NURSERY

oin in the fun and learn about healthy eating at a special open morning at Dovecote Nursery Muscat. To be held next Tuesday (September 27) from 9am to 12.30pm, it’s a great opportunity for parents of young children to check out the top childcare facility, which offers a premium British Early Years Foundation School (EYFS) curriculum. The focus of the morning will be on healthy

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eating and Helen Cairns, the manager of Dovecote Nursery, said a food expert would be on hand to advise parents on how to ensure their children were eating a balanced diet. “Ruba al Shaikh from Nutrilife Oman will be attending to talk to parents and children about healthy eating,” said Helen. “She will also run a simple sandwich making activity as part of our open morning.” Dovecote Nursery Muscat is a huge supporter of healthy eating for children, having recently concluded its fantastic #DovecoteLunchboxChallenge competition in conjuction with Y Magazine. For details about Dovecote Nursery’s open morning, call 2460 4041 or email infomuscat@ dovecotenursery.org to book your place.

EXCELLENT EXPOS

GALLERY

IT WAS A BUSY WEEK AT OMANEXPO, WITH THE OPENING OF TWO LANDMARK EVENTS: THE 6TH OMAN HEALTH EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE AND THE 11TH FOOD & HOSPITALITY EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE. THE OMAN HEALTH EXPO WAS OPENED BY HE SHEIKH KAHLID BIN SAID AL MARHOON, THE MINISTER OF CIVIL SERVICE, WHILE FOOD & HOSPITALITY WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY HE MOHSIN BIN MOHAMED AL SHAIKH, THE CHAIRMAN OF MUSCAT MUNICIPALITY. A COMBINED TOTAL OF NEARLY 200 COMPANIES ARE INVOLVED IN BOTH EXPOS.

SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

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YOUR

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

I, ROBOT

A Is this about the movie starring Will Smith? No, this is much more amusing! How’s that? Well, this robot, known as Promobot, is somewhat of a famous rogue robot in Russia – where it has escaped its lab twice before. So it escaped again? You can say that again! So it escaped again? Very funny! What happened? Well, this time, Promobot was arrested by police at a political rally in Moscow, where it was apparently supporting Valery Kalachev, a parliamentary candidate. Seriously? That’s a bit lifelike! We have to agree with you on that. However, Russian scientists built Promobot to realistically interact with humans. It can also answer questions and remember every person it has ever met, including, we assume, the police who arrested it. So what happened? Despite the police trying to handcuff Promobot, the robot did not put up any resistance and has been returned safely to his lab. Don’t say: “Book em, Danno.” Do say: “Is that a ghost in your machine?” 012

SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

l Hoota Cave was one of the Sultanate’s most popular attractions over the Eid Al Adha break. More than 12,700 visitors flocked to the site over the nine-day holiday. And the impressive turnout was a welcome surprise for the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), which operates the recently opened cave complex. Kalid Mirza, the director of project development

A WEEK IN PICTURES

for Omran, said: “We have transformed the offering at Al Hoota Cave, making it a completely new experience for visitors. “The number of visitors over Eid was staggering and just goes to show how excited people are about Oman’s natural wonders and finding out what is new at the cave. “The feedback from visitors was fantastic and we are extremely pleased to have exceeded people’s expectations.” Mirza said Omran kept the cave open for an extra three hours a day to cope with the numbers. “The team wanted every visitor to have the best experience and they went above and beyond to make this happen,” he said. At more than two million years old, Al Hoota Cave can be found in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, in Tanuf Valley, and is the first show cave in the Arabian Peninsula that exceeds 4.5km. It also boasts a rich ecosystem that includes four lakes, which are home to Garra Barreimiae, or Bu Naseh, a rare species of blindfish. The cave had been closed to the public for renovation because of damage caused by major flooding.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

Investigators in the US have arrested Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, after a shootout in the streets of New Jersey. Rahami has been accused of setting off a bomb New York’s Chelsea area at the weekend, injuring 29 people.

It was a star-studded night as celebrities graced the red carpet at the Emmy Awards in LA this week, which saw Mr Robot’s Rami Malek, who is of Egyptian heritage, win the award for the best leading actor in a television drama series.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU ruling party suffered a “bitter defeat” in Berlin’s state election this week, winning just 17.4 per cent of the vote in its worst-ever result in the capital.

The joyful closing ceremony of the 11-day 2016 Rio Paralympics was tinged with sadness after the death of Iranian paracyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad last Saturday.

aces of

Oman

Welcome to Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly photo series that profiles the diverse characters who call the Sultanate home Name: Hussain al Maimani Age: 36 From: Oman Occupation: A clerk at the Oman Investment & Finance Co Passion: Spanish Guitar

Photo: Shaquel al Balushi

SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

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YOUR

SHINING BRIGHT

OMAN

IT WAS A GLITTERING NIGHT AT THE RECENT LAUNCH OF SWAROVSKIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FALL/WINTER 2016 COLLECTION. HELD AT OMAN AVENUES MALL, OMANI ACTRESS BUTHAINA AL RAISI WAS THE SPECIAL GUEST.

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GALLERY

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

DRIVEN TO

SUCCESS

Starting in the financial sector in Oman, Rashid al Barwani switched to construction engineering before moving to Canada in 1997 to pursue higher education. While abroad, he received a Master’s degree from the University of Bath in the UK, and returned to Oman in 2011. Today, he heads RX Fitness, one of Oman’s leading fitness providers. Q: What drives you to success? My key to success is my passion to make a change. I have lived a very interesting life on three continents – 10 years in Africa, the Middle East and North America. I have been able to see different things and live different lives in different environments. So I am not averse to change. I also like to improve things and the general well-being of people around me, which is why I started a fitness centre. It really does have an impact on the lives of others. Since I started my

business, I have been living people’s experiences as they overcome obstacles and get fitter; and that drives me on to do more. It becomes very personal. Q: Who or what has been your inspiration? I cannot credit just one person or one incident for my success. I base my business ideas on some of my experiences. But at the same time, my family and particularly my father and how he raised us, was enormously influential as well. I come from a family with 10 siblings. With an upbringing like that you encounter variations in outlook, and that was crucial in shaping me. Q: What is your biggest career success to date? Academically, I achieved a Masters of Science in International Construction Management and I see that as a huge achievement. Following that I initiated a business concept – RX Fitness – with very talented partners from scratch, and now it has grown to two branches in Oman. We are looking to expand more in the Sultanate. I am now also at the beginning phase of starting up a new concept to provide organic food to residents in Oman in a very interesting twist. It has drawn up interesting investors both in and outside Oman. Q: What are your career goals? My career goal is to expand the business that I have started and inspire others to do the same. There is so much talent, opportunity and resource in Oman and we need to tap it.

THE CAR FELT LIKE HOME RIGHT FROM THE MOMENT I STEPPED INSIDE IT. THE FEATURES, THE ACCESSORIES AND THE EQUIPMENT ARE SO THOUGHTFULLY CONFIGURED THAT I FELT AS IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING THE GENESIS ALL MY LIFE. Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? In 10 years’ time, I may be retired but I don’t particularly believe in retirement. I think I would feel useless and would be failing to contribute to the society that gave me success in the first place. I would like to reap the rewards of the seeds I have sown. Plus, I’ve always been into fitness and I hope to keep my health steady. Q: What do you like about the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company? The Genesis is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven. The car felt like home right from the moment I stepped inside it. The features, the accessories and the equipment are so thoughtfully configured that I felt as if I had been driving the Genesis all my life. It is a very welcoming car that envelops you in luxury. Furthermore, it is safe, powerful and has great road presence. A big thumbs up to the Genesis. SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

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SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

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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

Sully In this thriller, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) takes control of crippled US Airways Flight 1549 – that has lost both its engines – after a flock of geese strikes the flight mid-air. Sully may have pulled out the most miraculous story

Snowden Edward Snowden, the “whistleblower” who landed the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the United States government in a fracas may be the most controversial man alive on earth, so a film about him is only fitting. So is this movie as equally contentious? Perhaps, but there’s no denying that director and writer Oliver Stone’s fingerprints are all over this flick. Let’s put it this way: this movie would have hit the theatres even if there was no man named Edward Snowden. That’s just who Oliver is! And as expected, this movie barges into a haven of American honour films,

WIN CHANCE TO R U O Y B A R G TS EMA TICKE IN C Y IT C R FOU

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who plays Captain Sullenberger in Sully? LAST WEEK'S WINNER Suliaman Said Suliaman al Kulipi

you know, like JFK, Born on the Fourth of July and maybe even Platoon. Here, Oliver throws into the equation questions surrounding power, war and government secrecy, and does it all with a dash of politically charged elan. Edward (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) successfully pulls off his role of being a delusional idealist (or is he?), who is on a serious mission to let the world know the truth after he himself has come to terms with it. So is Edward a hero here? Or is he a traitor? That’s for you to decide. Review by Alvin Thomas.

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

of the decade but awaiting him is an investigation that threatens to rip his career apart. A must-watch!

Ice Age: Collision Course Talk about a violent trip down memory lane. This adrenaline-charged film revolves around a team of black-ops agents turned crime-fighters, led by a brooding anti-hero, known only as “The Vigilante” (Paul Sloan). The rescue, reconnaissance and revenge take the team all the way from Los Angeles to Iraq, Armenia, Russia and the United Kingdom. Don’t hold your breath for this one.

Bollywatch PINK

Talk about a girls’ night out turned bad! Pink tells the story of three girls in their mid20s. When one of them is harassed by a group of men with “big daddies”, this leads to a terrible accident that sees the girls facing the full weight of the law. They must come to terms with Deepak (Amitabh Bachchan), a lawyer suffering from bipolar disorder, to stave off certain jail time. This fine courtroom drama flick is worth every penny.

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Texas Scramble

SEP

WEEK

Are you a secret songbird yearning to be heard? If so, you could join the Muscat Singers at their next rehearsal session, which begins at 7.30pm at TAISM. The Muscat Singers is a community choir that presents a range of wonderful performances throughout the year. For details, search for Muscat Singers on Facebook.

FOR A SONG

Are you ready to join Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club’s first-ever Oktoberfest Golf Day? The format of the competition is the popular Texas Scramble, which means beginners can play without worrying about becoming a burden to their team. It’s a noon shotgun start, members pay RO3 and non-members RO25 while the evening will take on a traditional German-fest complete with all the trimmings. For details, email booking@muscatgolf.com or call 2451 4080.

THIS

SEP

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

SEPTEMBER Get your Rasta groove on and head to On The Rocks bar and restaurant for their Reggae Party Vol. 3. The fun kicks off at 10.30pm with DJ Infinity and DJ MO spinning the decks with a host of new mixes and a whole new sound. Reggae Party is fast becoming one of the most popular nights in the capital so be sure to arrive early. You’ll find On The Rocks next to the Golden Tulip Seeb Hotel.

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SEP

Reggae Pride

INTERN AT Y

re you a college or university student hungry to work with the best magazine in Oman? Y is looking for bright and ambitious interns to join us over the summer break and learn the journalism ropes. This is very much a handson role with plenty of scope to get your name into print. You won’t just be making the tea – we all take turns doing that on Y – but given exciting chances to get involved on real assignments, write stories

and take photographs. One day you could be attending a press conference and the next, trying out the latest adventure sport. Knowledge of social media is a must, as is a “can do” attitude and willingness to get stuck in. While the position is unpaid, the opportunities are huge. If you are up to the challenge, email your CV and cover letter explaining why you’d be the best intern to editior@y-oman.com

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Hard Cash When a company goes bust or falls on hard times, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the staff who face an uphill battle for survival, as Alvin Thomas reports

AN ENGINEER STARTING OFF IN THIS COUNTRY COULD NEVER EVEN DREAM ABOUT SUCH A PACKAGE.

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THE OFFICIAL LINEque: ● How to approach the Ministry of Manpower?

Both Omanis and expats working in the private sector in Muscat can only submit labour complaints against employers through the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) website. Written complaints will not be entertained.

● How do I access and submit a complaint on the website?

❶ Go to the Ministry’s new web portal, www.manpower. gov.om. The service is available in both Arabic and English. ➋ Click on the “I Want To” tab below the slideshow. ➌ Underneath the tab, you will find the “Wage Complaints” tab. Fill in the details and click on “Submit Complaint”.

● What services does the new web portal offer?

The new e-services include filing labour complaints, follow-ups on the status of registered complaints, complaints about private sector establishments violating labour laws, as well as filing complaints about violating the rights of labourers.

● Would it be a problem if I don’t complain against my employer?

As per Article 7 of the Labour Law, you must not delay in lodging a claim. It states that an employee’s right to make any claim under the provision of this law shall expire after the lapse of one year from the date on which such a claim arises.

● Can my employer take any action against me?

No, according to the portal, an employer cannot act against a worker who has lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Manpower.

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023

PROTEIN er

in association with

Pow

WITH

BB MAN

We’ve extended our Butcher’s Block competition!

reat news! We’ve extended our exciting competition with The Butcher’s Block, the premier butchery in Oman, so there’s still time to tap into your superpowers. To enter, all you have to do is head to one of The Butcher’s Block outlets – there is 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. The new closing date of the competition is October 8, and remember: it’s open to children aged 12 years and under. Good luck!

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“THE FRIENDLY, OLDFASHIONED SERVICE AT THE BUTCHER’S BLOCK IS RENOWNED WITH ITS CUSTOMERS, WHILE THE ‘PERSONAL TOUCH’ IS IMPORTANT FOR THEIR INTERNATIONALLYTRAINED BUTCHERS.” “AT THE BUTCHER’S BLOCK, YOU CAN FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ENSURE YOUR FAMILY IS EATING THE BEST, MOST NATURAL MEATS IN THE SULTANATE.”

QUALITY CUTS

“THE RANGE INCLUDES NATURAL AND FRESH CHICKEN, LAMB, BEEF AND TOP-NOTCH STEAK CUTS FROM THE US, SOUTH AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA.”

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 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

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PARENTS’ PROTECTION PROGRAM In the never-ending battle to shield children from cyber bullies, Twitter trolls and online villains, mums and dads are fighting back

s technology continues to advance to ever-higher levels, parents around the world are on a mission: to protect their children. From upgrading security systems to taking matters into their own hands by imposing restrictions, parents and guardians must protect the interests of their little ones from the darker corners of the internet. Tech giant Apple and the FBI, America’s domestic intelligence agency, are continually monitoring the effects of technology on our children. Both are creating and updating a range of measures to help parents. According to techies who follow such trends, it would seem that people have started protecting their children’s privacy by using encrypted communication. Encryption is where data is rendered difficult to read by an unauthorised party, which is basically being an undercover “middle man”. The argument against encryption is that it allows those who would cause harm to your children to “go dark”. While that is true, encryption is also a powerful tool that can help protect your

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children from those same predators; as well as cyber bullies and others who want to harm them. In short, encryption is not just for privacy and security but also for personal safety and peace of mind. Some parents in Muscat are obviously troubled about the issue, and two that we quizzed are keen to shield their children from any nefarious influences. A mother of twin boys, Salma, who did not want her surname published, said: “My sons are nine and there’s no denying they are more tech-savvy than I am or will ever be. “But I make sure that I use everything I can to take special care of their safety online. I have installed an app called SecureTeen Parental Control on their devices. It helps me locate them, as well as monitor their online activities and their downloads. “However, as they grow, they’re going to want to have their own privacy. But for now, I think I will keep this app installed on their phones. “Of course, many ask me why I have bought smartphones for my children. As a matter of fact, I bought them phones when

there was news of a child who had gone missing from one of the Indian schools in Darsait back in 2013. “Since then, I have felt that they have been safe. But like most things, there are two sides to this story. My kids spend most of their evenings on their phones, and both of them have WhatsApp.” Her parental control application is not effective in controlling the WhatsApp messenger service since it uses end-to-end encryption in its messages.

However, Salma says: “This is where being a responsible parent comes into play. I constantly make sure my children are aware that they mustn’t respond to anyone anonymous, and that there are devils out there who are waiting to take away their lives.” Parents are also concerned about the effects of new-age technology and peer-to-peer gaming that has taken over the gaming sphere. Children are now connected via the internet to various servers in which age isn’t a restriction, thus putting them at risk. Buthaina al Zadjali, the mother of a seven-year-old, says: “The major challenge is is aimed at protecting children’s communication such as talk, email, chat and the sharing of photographs, for example. It is aimed at eliminating opportunities for hackers and is therefore another step towards protecting our children. * NewsUSA (additional reporting by Fatin al Zadjali and Alvin Thomas) that we must remind ourselves that we are raising children in the digital era and they are exposed to so much more than we ever were. “Therefore, I believe it is important to help them understand the benefits and negative effects that electronic devices and game consoles have on them. “During the academic year, we have a noelectronic device or tablet rule. Naturally, the rule is debated. Also, I protect my child by creating my own password as he can’t access his Xbox without it or his name would be slightly altered, as most of the games made for children require online connectivity.” Another parent (who declined to be named) suggested that technological advancements can be a new way to educate their children on safety. Schools in Muscat, such as the International School of Choueifat, are slowly changing into a complete e-book, smart board system. There, students use a Samsung tablet daily and are tested on electronic computers. “If schools are teaching our children to be technologically proactive, then as parents we should follow the same path. I will protect my child during their earlier years but I will make sure that the communication between the school and parents enforces protection and standards.” Recently, Apple and Google have launched apps such as The Gabriel, an internet security software program. It

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FOOD AND DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

GREEN IS GOOD

Stick to farm-fresh produce and add deliciously healthy flavours to every mealtime creation.

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FRESH START Try these easy recipes to add new taste sensations to mealtimes – they’ll be a hit with the family!

utting fresh, nutritious meals on the table is easy with the vast array of fruit, vegetables and other farm-raised foods available in the Sultanate. With the help of these tasty recipes, you’re set for meal times packed with fantastic, healthy fare. Head to culinary.net for more recipe ideas. One sure-fire way to please everybody is to make pasta the centrepiece of your meal, such as linguini with honey-sauced prawns, which combines sweet honey with classic linguini pasta for a flavoursome dinner. Find more of the benefits honey provides plus some delicious recipes, at honey.com. Meanwhile, a sweet/savoury treat, such as a non-traditional take on pizza, will have your taste buds exploding, with savoury goat cheese and strawberries marinated in a white balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a great choice for a light lunch while research has also shown this farm-to-table superfruit is an effective way to help prevent and manage Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. For more information and strawberry recipes, visit californiastrawberries.com. * Family Features

Linguini with Honey-Sauced Prawns Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 4

§ 1/4 tsp crushed dried rosemary leaves § 450g cooked linguini pasta, kept warm

Ingredients: § 450g prawns, peeled and de-veined § 1/2 cup julienne carrots § 1/2 cup julienne celery § 1/2 cup green onions, sliced diagonally § 3 cloves garlic, minced § 2 tbsp olive oil § 1/2 cup water § 1/4 cup honey § 4 tsp cornstarch § 1 tsp salt § 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Method: § In a large frying pan, stir-fry the prawns, carrots, celery, green onions and garlic in oil over a mediumhigh heat for about three minutes or until the prawns start to turn pink. § In small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except the pasta and mix well. Add to the prawn mixture and stir-fry for about one minute or until the sauce thickens. § Serve over the pasta.

Strawberry and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe courtesy of the California Strawberry Commission Servings: 8 (1/2 pizza each) Ingredients: § 14g active dry yeast § 1 tbsp sugar § 3-4 cups all-purpose flour § 2 tsp kosher salt § 1 tbsp olive oil § 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar § 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil § 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar § 1/2 cup (114g) softened goat cheese § 4 cups fresh California strawberries, hulled and quartered § 1/4 cup (57g) crumbled goat cheese coarsely ground black pepper baby arugula frisee Heat oven to 2050C. Method: § To make pizza dough: in a mixer bowl, sprinkle the yeast and sugar over one cup of warm water and

let it stand until foamy. Add three cups of flour, salt and olive oil; mix with the dough, hook until stretchy and no longer sticky, and add more flour if necessary. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Refrigerate, and keep covered until needed. § To make white balsamic vinaigrette: in a small non-reactive saucepan, simmer white balsamic vinegar until reduced to one-and-ahalf tablespoons. Whisk in extravirgin olive oil. § To make aged balsamic reduction: in a small non-reactive saucepan, simmer aged balsamic vinegar until reduced to about four teaspoons. § On a lightly-floured surface, roll each piece of pizza dough into a 20cm circle. Place on to a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until firm and slightly brown. Spread the softened goat cheese on pizzas, leaving a 1.5cm border. § Toss the strawberries with white balsamic vinaigrette; arrange strawberries evenly on the goat cheese. Bake for 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven and scatter the crumbled goat cheese on top. Drizzle with aged balsamic reduction and sprinkle with black pepper. Garnish the pizzas with leaves of arugula and frisee.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

Midket r Ma Info Box RICHOUX

Al Mouj Muscat, Marsa 1 Tel: 9040 0400 Opening Hours: 8am-11pm Lunch with drinks: RO27.2

RICH RICHOUX

Verdict : 8/10 Service 8/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE A cosy café with friendly service and delicious food. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

FELICITY GLOVER DISCOVERS A QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD CAFÉ SERVING UP CLASSIC EUROPEAN FOOD DEEP IN THE HEART OF AL MOUJ MUSCAT

few months ago, we were walking around Al Mouj Muscat with a friend visiting from Abu Dhabi when I noticed there were a couple of new restaurants about to open. Even better, they were away from the hustle and bustle of the development’s very popular pedestrian street, The Walk, which can get crowded at weekends. They hadn’t yet opened but it looked as though it wouldn’t be long before they were ready to throw open their doors. And so it was on a recent Friday afternoon that I thought it was about time we returned in the hope we could get a late afternoon lunch – or early dinner (yes, it was just after 5pm!). Situated in Marsa 1, a short walk from the pedestrian street, we found that Richoux was open for business, while the other eatery – a burger joint – was still being fitted out. This made our choice that little bit easier. We were greeted warmly at the door and entered a dining room that was rich in a tapestry of colours and that old European café/bistro feel. We had our choice of tables and decided on a comfortable booth at the far end of the room. This is the second Richoux outlet to open in Muscat – the first, in Opera Galleria, has been operating since 2013, while this one officially opened in June. The menus arrived quickly and it didn’t take

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long for us (Y’s Art Director, Matt, and my daughter, Cia) to make our choices – I hadn’t eaten all day so was keen to get the show on the road, so to speak. Richoux is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so the menu is quite large. Many dishes have an Italian or French influence but there are also some Middle Eastern touches. I plumped for the chicken bruschetta and my usual sparkling water while Matt settled for the croque-madame and a raspberry and strawberry smoothie. Cia was a little more indecisive and was having trouble deciding between three dishes. In the end, she chose the seafood risotto with a cream sauce and a Tropicana mocktail. Our drinks were served quickly, with Matt and Cia both declaring their beverages delicious. We were also served a complimentary basket of thinly sliced, toasted bread and an olive tapenade. It was a nice touch, although the tapenade was a little bland. Our meals arrived not long after. The servings were very generous so it was a good thing we were hungry. My chicken bruschetta was nestled on top of two halves of a brown baguette. Mixed with Dijon mustard and gooey, melted cheddar cheese on top, it was the ultimate in comfort food. The tender, juicy morsels of chicken were complemented by the sweet tang of the mustard while the cheese added a sharp bite and the texture of the toasted baguette gave it a muchneeded crunch. It came with hand-cut French fries, which were polished off by Cia, and a salad

of crisp leaves, cucumber and tomato. Meanwhile, Matt was transported back to a long-ago visit to Switzerland thanks to his croque-madame, which came complete with a fried egg on top. Layered between two slices of perfectly grilled bread, he found the combination of béchamel sauce, turkey bacon and cheddar and Gruyere cheese a perfect balance despite the richness of the dish. A crunchy side salad and those delicious hand-cut fries also offset the richness. Cia was in heaven with her creamy seafood risotto, which was served with plump pink prawns, fish and calamari. She polished it off in no time and declared her favourite part of the dish was the crispy fish strips. The risotto was cooked to al dente perfection, as was the seafood. Richoux is a classic neighbourhood café/ bistro overlooking the marina area. When we were there, it was quiet and relaxing and you can imagine that it would be a great place to walk to if you wanted a night off from making dinner or even indulge in a lazy weekend brunch as you watch the boats sail past. We will definitely return – especially in the upcoming cooler months as the outdoor seating area is a great asset for daytime dining. 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

WORK IT

After the Eid break, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to bring fresh silhouettes to your wardrobe. White or cream reflects the heat, while black means business. Whatever your style, wear it with confidence, such as this look from Primark.

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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 This chic, cream tuxedo blazer from o t u d Very is long enough to be also worn as a o n e lps y h dress. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an essential element for your g i e h h i e collection and a classic for those earlyl th adja m morning meetings. From RO45 o Z r F in al Fat

T t Ge

Slim, loose-fitting slacks need not mean sacrificing style for comfort. These piped black and white trousers from River Island will complement tuxedo-style blazers or a blouse. From RO17.50

Spring-blue is an airy hue that is also light on the skin. This button-down number from Joy exudes understated elegance and will look great worn under a blazer or even on its own. From RO21.5

This monochromatic flow shirt from Oliver Bonas is mod and means business for the rigours of the working day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy-to-wear and makes a statement. From RO22.50

Good-quality accessories are essential. Splashing out on a pair of Ray-Ban sunnies is an investment and will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. From RO85

Neon-pink heels will add a burst of colour to your work outfit. Steve Madden offers an impressive array of heels for all statures. From RO25

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

BEAUTY

CRUNCH TIME

Understanding hair texture is crucial for beautiful, bouncy styles as opposed to that dreaded dull, limp hair

he best way to find the perfect texture for hair is to experiment. According to celebrity hairstylist Asgar Saboo, all hair types have different levels of texture, thickness and elasticity so the best way to get the look you want is to test different natural remedies and tips to lock in texture. This means that hair can naturally be textured every day without the use of damaging heat styling. Over a period of time this causes hair to become dry and brittle, making it harder to achieve texture later on.

Straight hair

Straight hair is the hardest type of hair to achieve texture with as the hair naturally falls smoothly without volume, with a risk of it looking limp and flat. How to: Detangle with fingers while damp and give an all-over spritz of volumising or salt spray. Put the damp hair up into a high ponytail 034

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Health Fashion

and wrap the ends around the band and secure into a bun. Leave in to dry overnight. Once dry, let it down. The hair will naturally look more volumised and textured with slight waves and movement. Finish with massaging texture power at the roots of the hair. For more volume and a long hold, apply hair spray all over to hold the waves..

Curly hair

For you lucky people who were born with naturally curly hair, you are at an advantage because curly hair already holds a lot of luscious texture and volume. The idea behind styling curly Wavy hair hair is to naturally Naturally wavy develop and mould hair already has a the hair into the style and texture that is degree of texture desired. so here is how to How to: After a shower, without towel enhance this and drying, as this will pull the texture and create more defined waves. waves out while causing frizz. Apply a How to: Run hair gel through damp curl-smoothing serum all over the hair, hair dividing the hair in half. Do not covering the hair from the root to the brush the hair as this will dull the end tip. Pull back into a low bun and leave result of the texture. Create braids all to dry. Brushing and touching the hair around the head securing into place. will lead to frizz so it is better to let After the hair is dry, normally the the hair dry before touching it. In the morning after, undo the braids and morning, pull the hair out of the low lightly comb through with your fingers, bun and the hair will naturally be more pulling the braids apart. Again, avoid defined with bounce. Avoid the crunchy using a brush. Keep dry shampoo on look by finishing the dry style with a few hand for an afternoon reboot, and avoid drops of hair oil, and deep-condition thick conditioners that can weigh hair the hair at least once a week to keep the down, giving strands a greasy look.. hair luscious.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

poor night’s sleep can leave you feeling exhausted and irritable but long-term sleep disruption can actually lead to serious health conditions. Not only is sleep apnoea a leading cause of disrupted sleep and daytime sleepiness but this disease is also a contributing factor to a host of medical problems. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), approximately 25 million adults in the United States alone suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea. This breathing disorder causes you to snore loudly and stop breathing up to hundreds of times a night for anywhere from 10 seconds to more than a minute. Despite the prevalence of sleep apnoea, many don’t realise they have it. Others can’t tolerate a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and mask, which is the most common treatment for sleep apnoea. However, an effective alternative treatment for sleep apnoea is a customfit oral appliance provided by a qualified dentist. Treating sleep apnoea can lead to better sleep and ease your risk of developing these five serious health complications:

1. High Blood Pressure

Sleep apnoea is common among patients with high blood pressure, and even more so among patients who have treatment-resistant high blood pressure. In medical studies, oral appliance therapy has been shown to help reduce high blood pressure. This treatment uses a custom-fitted, mouth guard-like device to move the jaw slightly forward and keep the airway open, without the need for a constantly running machine and face mask.

2. Heart Disease

Heart disease is a common affliction for those with sleep apnea, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin. The same study showed that the risk of dying from heart disease may increase by as much as five times among those who have untreated, severe sleep apnoea..

3. Depression

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US shows that women suffering from untreated sleep apnoea have a five times greater risk than usual for depression symptoms while men who have untreated sleep apnea are more than twice as likely as usual to exhibit signs of clinical depression.

4. Diabetes

Up to 83 percent of Type 2 diabetes patients have sleep apnoea and are not even aware of it, according to research published on Frontiers

in Neurology. Recent medical research suggests that glucose control weakens as the severity of a patient’s sleep apnoea increases.

5. Stroke

The risk for stroke also rises with untreated sleep apnoea, according to research published in The American Journal of Medicine. The study shows that the risk rises even if the patient has no other stroke risk factors. Obstructive sleep apnoea is also frequently found among those who have already suffered a stroke. Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you or a

loved one may be suffering from sleep apnoea. Common warning signs include snoring, choking and gasping during sleep. If diagnosed, a routine of consistent, nightly treatment, such as CPAP therapy or oral appliance therapy, is the best way to manage sleep apnoea and reduce the risk of developing serious health complications. Provided by an AADSM member dentist, oral appliance therapy is often easier to use on a regular basis for many patients. For more information, check out LocalSleepDentist.org. * Family Features SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

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GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS… Capital Region Azaiba • Amara Dermatology Clinic • Audi showroom • Bentley showroom • Costa Coffee • Al Fair • Jaguar Showroom • Jeep Showroom • Al Maha Petrol Station • Mazda showroom • McDonald’s • Mitsubishi Showroom • Oman Arab Bank • Oman Oil Petrol Station • Peugeot Showroom • Range Rover Showroom • Sayarti Auto Care • Shell Select • Skoda Showroom • The Sultan Center • Volkswagen showroom • Volvo Showroom • Yamaha Showroom Bawshar • College of Banking and Financial Studies • Dolphin Village • Modern College 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

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• • •

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

Outdoors

Y- F i

CARS AND ADVENTURES

NEW EXPLORER

Fatin al Zadjali discovers Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true spirit of generosity in the villages around Izki.

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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

IZKI Fatin al Zadjali explores Harrat Nazar and Jarnan Cave with Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photographer Shaquel al Balushi 038

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f there is one word I could attribute to this trip it would be “generosity”. The reason I stress this noun is that if you were to go to any destination around Oman you’d be very likely to find the most generous, humble, and contented people you could wish to meet. And nowhere are these qualities more apparent than in Harrat Nazar and Jarnan Cave. As an Omani national, exploring my own country is not something I do as often as I should. We left Muscat at 4.30am. There was a cool breeze blowing and the sky was shimmering, on the cusp of night-time and dawn. Driving towards the north-eastern town of Izki all we could see were pink, dim, resplendent skies and commanding mountaintops. It’s a stunning image to behold as Oman’s vast beauty and landscape unfolds before you. The routes might complicate you but trust in your handy GPS. I also discovered that brown road sign boards indicate historical sights or monuments, so on our road trip we made sure to keep a clear look-out for them as the sun was rising. As you reach Izki, the complex routes might just befuddle you. We got a bit bothered and bewildered, and just a little bit lost. We started to ask civilians for directions and at 6.30am we found a young Omani man ambling along on his morning walk. He said that taking a stroll was a great refresher, and served as a healthy reflection after Fajr (morning prayer). He seemed affable enough, and we suggested he join our carpool to help take us to our destination. During that time, he explained that the harra (the village area where people used to live before the pre-Islamic era) was always populated with people and over time, the houses couldn’t withstand changes in the climate. People sought better lives and so left the area. We reached the site, and our informative companion left us to visit his friends. Jarnan Cave is set in between Harrat Nazar. It’s a short walk up the stone hill but travellers should be aware of loose rocks. The cave is a bewitching and compact structure; in front of it lies an exquisite plaque

that explains the cave’s history. As written, it is said to have been formed by the changes in the earth’s structure over the course of hundreds of millions of years. It was also said that when Islam came into existence, a golden calf was hidden deep inside the cave so that no one could reach it, and the calf is placed on the other side of the cave. After viewing this gem, we hiked the pathway up to the village. We saw elements of faded grandeur between the ruins. Old hinged doors, houses made out of rocks and clay, and a deep man-made well that stretched farther than the eye could see. People still live in the villages here. Behind the harra, you can witness elderly women meticulously sweeping the dust with coarse palm tree hairs and as you approach them they will warmly welcome you with “Salam Alaikum (Peace be upon you)”. As a young person, I now feel like exploring Muscat a whole lot more as there are enticing corners of scenic splendour to be found off the beaten track, and communities where the simple joy of living are palpable and practised by those who live there. You don’t need an air ticket to explore the world. Start with your own country first, open your eyes and broaden your horizons, and I mean that in every possible way.

TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE

Take the road to Nizwa and continue driving for about two hours. Izki is well signposted along the route and is easy to find.

GPS coordinates: N24°20’16.6” E56°30’11.0”

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

ROCK THE KHASAB

In the first of a two-part series, Felicity Glover takes an epic road trip to Musandam, where she explores the pristine fjords of Khasab Photographs by Matthew Herbst

t was a beautiful, sunny day when we left Muscat for Khasab, the capital of Musandam. And even though we faced a drive of about 570km, going via the Khatami Mahalala border crossing, I was fairly confident that we’d arrive long before nightfall. But of course, even the best-laid plans can come apart at the seams – and having that all-important plan B up your sleeve is essential for any traveller, even if you are driving. But I’m getting ahead of myself here. Musandam has been on my bucket list for quite a few years now, so I was thrilled to receive an invitation from Dhiaffa, a subsidiary of the Oman Tourism Development Company, or Omran, to stay at their Atana Musandam hotel and to explore the Sultanate’s northern-most peninsula. It was smooth going until we hit the border crossing at Khatami Mahalala – because I was driving a rented car and didn’t have the original registration card with me, they wouldn’t let us through. This meant we had to divert to Hatta to make our crossing – and that’s where our travel plans began to unravel. What should have been about a six-hour road trip turned into a huge diversion that lasted 13 hours. But that’s my fault for not double checking what I needed to get through Khatami Mahalala. But once we arrived at the Atana Musandam, it was plain sailing and we 040

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were finally able to relax. The resort hotel has been built in the style of a traditional Omani village, while the rooms are spacious, comfortable and modern. We were up early the next day for a delicious breakfast at the hotel as we were heading out to the fjords, also known as khor, on a traditional dhow, which had been organised through a local company. On board, the sparkling sapphire blue water was offset by a myriad of towering limestone mountains in a variety of shapes and hues: light brown, dark brown, dusty pink, rusty orange and clumps of green bushes growing out of the cliffs. As we entered the khor we spotted two friendly dolphins, which happily frolicked in the wake of the dhow as we slowly wound our way deeper into the fjord. At 16km long, the khor snakes its way through some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen, with craggy inlets boasting deserted, white sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. Cliff faces as high as 1,000 metres soared above us – it’s no wonder the khor is known as the “Norway of Arabia”. The rugged beauty of this area, which juts out into the Strait of

The Atana Musandam is a great choice for a short break or even a longer stay in Khasab. For details and bookings, go to www.atanahotels.com Hormuz, was created thousands of years ago, when it was shaped by a massive movement of the earth’s crust. And while day-to-day living can be difficult, there are five villages to be found here, some of which boast just seven families, and the children have to spend the week in Khasab to go to school. Their livelihood is based on fishing but these days you’ll find electricity and a more modern lifestyle despite their isolation. Halfway through the khor, we came across Telegraph Island, which was manned by the British in 1864 and used as, you guessed it, a telegraph station. The crumbling foundations of the buildings are still here – although on the day we were there, there appeared to be a yoga photoshoot taking place, using the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and the sea. We moored the boat here for a spot of snorkelling in the refreshing, crystal-clear waters, swimming with colourful and curious zebra fish, bright blue and yellow angelfish and a whole

host of other sea life. It was a magical moment and the beauty under the sea was just as impressive as the scenery towering above the gentle waves. But it was time to head back to port and our next adventure: a mountain safari. Stay tuned for the second part of our Musandam adventure in next week’s issue!

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CARS AND ADVENTURES

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO: 1. Visit the Praca do Comercio 2. Take a ride in a vintage tram 3. View the city from the Santa Justa Lift 4. Wander along the banks of the Tagus River 5. Explore the ancient university town of Coimbra

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TREASURE TROVE

The Praca do Comercio is a popular square packed with funky cafés, shops and a large statue dedicated to King José, I.

Destination

Outdoors

Y-Fi

Cars

POSTCARDS FROM

Andrew Barrow recommends

LISBON, PORTUGAL

et against the Atlantic, this delectable, sun-kissed capital is teeming with time-honoured Latin traditions while serving up uber-urban culture at affordable prices. Here, you can live large for less, and not withstanding its magnificent maritime heritage, there is much to enjoy. The city has served as Portugal’s capital since 1255. Wondrous architecture, fizzing nightlife, myriad cultural attractions and a plethora of places to eat and drink make it one of Europe’s must-sees. Its ever-so-slightly shabby charm can be enjoyed through its sheer walkability. Its modest population of 550,000 makes it very manageable. And, although you wouldn’t guess from its architecture, Lisbon is a very old settlement dating from Roman times and was occupied by the Moors between the 8th and 12th centuries. Sadly, few buildings remain from Lisbon’s glorious past as the city was almost flattened by a massive earthquake in 1755, which killed many. The city’s setting is exquisite and stretches along the north bank of the Tagus River, which is, by necessity, crossed by two major bridges. One is the April 25th Bridge, built in 1960; the other is the very graceful Vasco da Gama Bridge, the longest in Europe. It was opened in March 1998 just in time for Expo 98, the World’s Fair that celebrated the 500th anniversary of the discovery (by Vasco da Gama) of the sea route from Europe to India. This bridge originates in the Parque das Nacoes (Park of Nations), an old area redeveloped for Expo, with the new bridge, a cable car and a new railway station, Oriente.

VASCO

DA GA MA

B R ID G

My favourite place

Lisbon positively bursts with attractions, sights and sounds for your pleasure: vintage trams struggling up and down cobblestoned streets, the warble of street-side fado singers (fado is the typical Lisbon song of homesickness and longing), galleries heaving with historical treasures, and avenues packed with funky shops or high-fashion emporia. I loved the wonderful square of Praca do Comercio. Once you’ve enjoyed the cafés, look out for the Santa Justa Lift, an ornate elevator that will reward you with the most commanding view of the city and the Tagus River.

ER T A G U S R IV

Highlights

As in most European cities there are now “hop on-hop off ” bus tours, which can be most convenient. Visit the Tagus waterside where you will find the Belem Tower. It’s a Unesco World Heritage site and an arresting monument to those intrepid Portuguese seafarers from the “Age of Discoveries” era. They toiled under the enlightened rule of the king known as “Henry the Navigator” (at this time Portugal boasted a sizeable empire, which included parts of present-day Oman). Take a train (they are punctual, clean and cheap) and travel out of town to the ancient university town of Coimbra. Stroll in the old, commercial centre of Lisbon with its interlinked squares and enjoy a cooling drink at one of the many cafes that stake out the pavement. The Metro is pretty nifty, too.

Lowlights Pickpockets. My wife’s small purse, mercifully containing little of importance, was lifted while we stood in a queue for a tourist bus. I hope the pickpockets put the eight euros to good use! Big city rules apply here so hang onto your valuables, or better still, leave them in your hotel room safe.

Souvenirs Portugal is well-known for leatherworking, so, if shoes are your thing, you should find plenty of outlets to tempt you. This country is the world’s largest producer of cork and the city abounds with cork-based souvenirs. Sample some Portuguese beverages – and it’s difficult to find much from other countries in Portuguese shops – and it will sport a genuine, corky cork, rather than a plastic one or a screw-top.

C O IM B

Where to stay

A versatile location is the area around the Parque das Nacoes (Park of Nations) in the east of the city. It has good public transport links and can easily be reached from Lisbon Portela Airport. My wife and I stayed at the VIP Executive Arts, an excellent hotel with a modern, mock-industrial feel to it. SEP 22 - 28 / ISSUE 437

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-FI

Outdoors

D e s t i n at i o n

Y-FI

SKETCH UP

THE TECH IN YOU

Today’s artists are using digital devices rather than paint and easels. Alvin Thomas checks some of them out READY OR NOT The Adobe Ink and Slide is Adobe’s first and only actual piece of hardware. The tablet-shaped device is a blessing for graphic designers and animators. The stylus is pressure-sensitive, with harder strokes producing thicker and darker virtual paint marks. There’s also a ruler that takes care of straight lines, circles and other shapes. But most importantly, the device is compatible with Adobe’s Creative Cloud, where you can save all your work and preferences. Available at amazon.com from RO40.7

ALL FOR ONE Is it a brush? Is it a pen? We can never be too sure. While the Sensu Artist Brush and Stylus may look just like what a painter may use, the device offers a lot of possibilities with its high-responsive, built-in “brush”. The device can be used on a standard device, such as an iPad or an iPhone, to create some mind-boggling designs. It has been well-received by graphic designers worldwide and is a step ahead of other devices in terms of user-friendliness and design. Yours for RO17.8 from amazon.com

SCRATCH THE SURFACE Sketching images on real canvases is so yesterday. Instead, why don’t you keep up with the times and get yourself a Microsoft Surface Pro 4? Its 30cm touchscreen is absolutely fantastic and a dream for most graphic designers. There’s also a Surface Pen for doodling on the screen. It weighs a mere 786g, so carrying it around in your bag won’t be a problem. Apart from that you can also get the Pro 4 with an Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. Yours for a steep RO1,120.4 from Microsoft.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CINTIQ

044

WACOM IS THE SORT OF COMPANY THAT LOVES ANSWERING THE PRAYERS OF ITS USERS. SO WHEN IT REVEALED THE WACOM CINTIQ 27 QHD EARLIER THIS YEAR, GRAPHIC DESIGNERS AND ANIMATORS GATHERED EN MASSE IN FRONT OF STORES TO GET HOLD OF THE NEW DEVICE. AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, THE CINTIQ COMES WITH A GENEROUS 68CM QHD RESOLUTION AND ANTI-GLARE SCREEN. ARTISTS CAN SKETCH, PAINT, DESIGN AND EDIT DIRECTLY, AND WACOM’S ADVANCED PRESSURE AND TILT-SENSITIVE PEN TECHNOLOGY REPLICATES THE NATURAL EFFECTS AND EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH CONVENTIONAL TOOLS SUCH AS PENS, MARKERS, AND BRUSHES. THERE ARE ALSO TIME-SAVING EXPRESS KEYS, A SCROLL RING AND RADIAL MENUS TO GIVE YOU CUSTOMISABLE ONE-TOUCH SHORTCUTS. YOURS FOR A WHOPPING RO693.1 FROM AMAZON.COM JULY SEP 2203- -2809/ /ISSUE ISSUE437 327

DOODLE FUN Tired of using your mouse to sketch on your computer? Well, look no further. The Wacom Intuos Pen and Touch Small Tablet lets you doodle using a pressure-sensitive stylus on a 22cm by 18cm pressure pad. It is compatible with software such as Autodesk Sketchbook Express and ArtRage Studio. You can also use your fingers to navigate, scroll and zoom your artwork with multitouch gestures. Importantly, the device can be connected to either a Mac or PC. Yours for RO24.8 from amazon.com

NEW NOTE IT Yes, the Samsung Note 7 has been recalled worldwide due to possible battery leakage, which could lead to overheating and, in rare cases, explosions. However, the Note 7 is still one of the best devices for the artist on the move. Its 14cm screen makes way for a great workspace and the companion S Pen is craftier than ever. This, coupled with Samsung’s great software and 4 gigs of RAM, make way for some superlative graphical design capabilities. If you’re in the mood for doodling on images, there’s a brilliant 12-megapixel camera, too. This is the ideal gadget for designers; if you can forgive the steep price tag of RO350, that is.

App of the Week

SKETCHBOOK It may not have the feature-set of Adobe Photoshop CC, but Sketchbook by Autodesk is certainly the best sketching application for budding artists. If you buy the app you will get more than 100 artist brushes, accessibility to gradients and curves, and even layers, for those intricate drawings. Download the app at itunes.com for RO1.9

WRITE ON Who says artists should have all the fun? This Wacom Bamboo Fineline 2 stylus is perfect for writers. Sure, you could use this for drawing on devices such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 or your iPad, but with its sleek design and pressure-sensitive tip, it’s more aligned for calligraphy writers who prefer using their smartphones and tablets, as opposed to paper and ink. Yours for RO30.5 from wacom.com

JULY SEP 03 22 - 09 28 / ISSUE 437 327

045

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Destination

Postcards from

Outdoors

The Swedish giant has found its style mojo and its German rivals should worry, says Alvin Thomas

hink Volvo and your mind immediately wanders to cars driven by large families, with four or five children in the back; or driven by the sort of soul who likes holding up traffic in the fast lane of the motorway. And you’re right! There was a time Volvos were solely bought by families to fulfill school runs and go for short drives, such as weekend shopping. Truth be told, there was a reason why families preferred a Volvo to, let’s say, a Nissan or a Honda: safety. These Swedish cars were immensely safe and in certain ways, a bit “beige” so they never really attracted much trouble on the road. Fast-forward 10 years and Volvo is still the best at the safety game. But the question that popped into my mind the moment I got hold of the key to the XC90 was: are Volvos still beige? Are they still boring? I really don’t think so. Mind you, Volvos have always been pretty but the XC90 breaks the contemporary Swedish design for some truly avant-garde styling. There are no real curves on the body but oh boy, it does possess a really mean stance. That’s partly because of the clean exterior profile, which is complemented by the “Thor’s Hammer” headlights and tall “Pirate’s Hook” rear tail lights. Increasing the street cred further are the 50cm alloys on my “Inscription” model. Much of the same design language is carried over to the interior. Everything is laid out neatly, and within reach. The interior is a very nice place to be: there’s a generous amount of leather and soft-touch materials everywhere.

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It’s all very Swedish, maybe a touch IKEA-ish inside. Carrying forward the motto of keeping things simple, the interior in the XC90 isn’t cluttered. Up front, you have a beautifully laid out digital dashboard and an iPad-like “portrait” touchscreen on the centre console. The latter takes control of almost every function, from the navigation, all the way to the vehicle dynamics, entertainment, seat controls and even the safety systems. The graphics on the screen are incredibly sharp and crisp but can get a tad annoying sometimes while driving since there are no real physical buttons to touch. Still, it is unlike any car I have ever driven and I enjoyed using it for the most part. My top-of-the-range variant also comes with a host of creature comforts such as integrated rear sunshades, a panoramic moonroof, a brilliant sounding 19-speaker sound system with USB/AUX inputs and a CD player, a four-zone climate control auto A/C, extremely comfortable power adjustable front seats and manually adjustable rear seats. And amazingly, it also boasts autonomous driving and parking. Everything inside is top-notch and very upscale. Moving on to the driving dynamics of the SUV. Underneath the hood resides a 2.0-litre in-line fourcylinder engine that has been both turbocharged and supercharged to produce a whopping 320hp and 400Nm of torque. This recipe makes way for a fuelefficient drive under normal driving. Of course, I wasn’t going to let the XC90 off that easy.

Y- F i C A R S

Volvo XC90 Inscription Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four cylinder turbocharged + supercharged engine Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission Horsepower: 320hp Torque: 400 Nm LED headlamps Post-collision safety system Semi-autonomous driving Panoramic moonroof Premium leather seats Four-zone climate control 10-way power adjustable front seats with memory settings 9-inch touchscreen

I headed to Quriyat to push the vehicle’s powertrain to its limits. I toggled into “Dynamic” mode using the drivemode selector here, and gave it the beans. Of course, the acceleration isn’t what you’d call savage but it really does shun you in the back. I managed to hit the 100kp/h mark from a standstill in a mere 7.2 seconds! That’s faster than most Japanese SUVs in the market today. More than the power, it is the low-end torque and the clever eight-speed gearbox that provides the vehicle with its much-needed grunt. It made climbing up the Quriyat roads really easy. The steering wheel is well weighted in “Dynamic” mode, inspiring me to push the SUV in the corners. However, there is no real feedback from either the steering or the brake and acceleration pedals but that’s the case with most vehicles nowadays. On my way back, I decided to try out the autonomous driving function of the XC90. It was a very eerie feeling, as it was my first time being chauffeured by an on-board computer (apart from aeroplanes). The system uses the lane-markings and speed restrictions on the roads to keep the car moving, and it works really well. But if you’re the sort of person who is sceptical about technologies such as this, then you should know that the XC90 is designed to protect itself from an accident even in the rare case of failure of the on-board computers. I didn’t get to spend much time behind the wheel of the SUV but I cherished each and every minute I did get. With the XC90, Volvo has done all it can to elevate its flagship vehicle into the luxury segment, and I personally think they’ve pulled it off. Germans beware; be very aware.