Y issue 519, May 10, 2018

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SPECIAL FEATURE ON INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE TAKE OUR ROAD SAFETY PLEDGE

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News: PACP WARNS RETAILERS AGAINST WWW.Y-OMAN.COM

10 INFLATING PRICES DURING RAMADAN

DESTINATION: Al Jufnain TASTE TEST: Shanghai Kitchen YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK

MAY 10 - 16 2018 / ISSUE 519 • WEEKLY

BUCKLE UP PLUS!

CHILDREN RIDING WITHOUT SAFETY SEATS FACE FATAL RISK

MAGICAL PARIS

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NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

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DENIM DELIGHTS

40

MILKY MAGIC

44

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

Fast forward

S

afety of children is the primary responsibility of parents. Nowhere are the risks against children more lethal than on the roads. Which is why the traffic laws in Oman stipulate use of safety seats to transport children under four and impose a fine of RO50 on those who break the laws.

Still, despite the laws, and in spite of the campaigns carried out by public and private sector establishments, social organisations and safety experts, children riding in cars without safety seats are a common scene on the roads of Muscat.

Why is it so? Lack of awareness about the dangers or sickening irresponsibility on the part of the parents concerned? Sadly, both, and there are more reasons than these two.

One of them is the cost of the seats. Some parents say they are way too high for them, forcing them to look for used seats. Unfortunately, second-hand seats may not be safe unless the buyer knows the person from whom he or she purchases it.

Some of the used seats available online or otherwise may have been involved in accidents and hence faulty, and there is no way for the buyer to assess the usability of them.

Going for new seats is the safest bet, and road safety experts say a good quality seat is available for around RO30. That’s a bit of money, yes, but when it comes to the safety of our kids we should not compromise.

Read more about child seats in this week’s cover story. And then move on to closely know the ‘G’enius in town, or a host of other regular and special stories of your interest.

WOMEN’s Happy Hour Physiotherapy session Dental Scaling & Polishing Nutrition consultation Chemical Peel for Glowing Skin

Happy reading!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath

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

MOH.NO – 406/2018

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/REPORTER Hasan Al Lawati

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REPORTER Alvin Thomas

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

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MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

03

contents MAY

Your Oman

-

16

2018

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Sonia Ambrosio 10

10

News More than 70 illegal workers arrested in Oman

12 News

Work on Oman’s first

autism centre begins

18

This Week The Royal Opera House Muscat will host the popular musical play ‘On the Land of Gypsies this weekend

19

Movies You were never really here is set to release in Oman today

10

Features 20

Let it click Children riding without safety seats face fatal risk

26 Quilling Time

Meet Oman-based

Malaysian artist who

became an overnight celebrity

20 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Al Jufnain

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Ford Mustang 38 Y-Fi

Winsome Wallets

38

19 38 Fashion

Denim Delights 43 Health

Go Knutty!

Food and Drink 44 Food Feature

Milky Magic 46 Taste Test

Shanghai Kitchen

44

40

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COMPETITION

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s s e l e c i r p e h t r o f e g d e Pl Children will write it and parents will sign it — let’s take the pledge together towards the priceless: safer roads. Y calls out children and parents to join the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ and win fabulous prizes

R

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

To participate in the competition children will write a “My Road Safety Pledge” on behalf of their parents

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in a custom-made card printed by Y Magazine. The “My Road Safety Pledge” card has a space wherein children can pen the pledge on behalf of their parents.

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

Nishad Padiyarath, editor of the Y magazine, said: “The authorities in the Sultanate have come up with new rules and are ensuring their implementation to make roads in Oman safe. In our own way we want to

In Association With

support the government in fulfilling its mission to make the country’s roads safer. The intention of this competition is to make sure that children are aware of road safety from a young age.

The intention is also to involve the parents as they too need to be reminded of the importance of road safety. We want to make parents more mindful of their behaviour behind the wheel and we believe that parents taking the pledge along with their children is going to help fulfil the objective of this competition. Parents need to be more aware of their role, about crash and injury risk to children, and about behavioural strategies to ascertain safety on roads. Through this activity we hope to make parents better road safety role models for their children. We ask the children to make the pledge as creative and effective as possible as there are attractive prizes to be won.”

The best three pledges will win prizes worth RO75 (first place), RO50 (second place) and RO25 (third place).

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

■ Children should be taught the correct road crossing technique.

■ Parents or an accompanying adult should always hold hands of children when they are on the road. Children don’t have the understanding to cope in a traffic situation and therefore need to be constantly supervised on the road.

■ Parents or an accompanying adult should always hold hands of children when they are on the road. Children don’t have the understanding to cope in a traffic situation and therefore need to be constantly supervised on the road.

■ Make sure your child gets in and out of the car away from the traffic side.

■ Make sure all passengers including children wear a seat belt or child restraint as the new rules in Oman require back passengers too to wear seat belts.

■ Around schools be extra alert especially when driving past a stationary bus as children often run out in front of and from behind buses to cross the road.

■ As a driver, you should be very careful when reversing. Before you enter the vehicle, walk behind the vehicle to make sure there are no children behind the car and check for children and other pedestrians nearby.

■ As parents, set a good example for your children on how to be safe as a passenger, pedestrian, and driver by not speeding, by not jumping traffic lights, by not overtaking dangerously, by not shouting or yelling at other road users, or by not showing aggressive driving behaviours.

■ Instruct your child to always follow the rules for car safety – even if you are not present.

COMPETITION RULES:

● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be completed by children only and then signed by a parent or guardian. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Entries received after the closing date of May 26 will not go forward to the judging stage. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone.

MAY 03 - 09 / ISSUE 518

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THE VOICE OF OMAN ‘THE BENCH OF THE WHITE MAN’ ON MASIRAH ISLAND GIVES AN ENCHANTING VIEW OF THE OCEAN. SONIA AMBROSIO MAKES A HUNCH ABOUT THE MAGIC AND MYSTERY THAT SURROUND THE BENCH

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Muscat Municipality has been monitoring shopping centres to make sure tissue wipes or hand sanitisers are provided at entry points to ensure the health and safety of customers using shopping carts. What are your thoughts?

DR PRETTY TREASA PAUL

A

wooden bench with scribbles of love and hearts stand on a small hill from where one can be surrounded by stretches of beaches, white sand, and emptiness.

The people of Masirah Island know well the spot. Tourists make it a point to visit the place to take photos.

Folk stories tell about ‘the bench of the white man’, a landmark some 85km south of the city centre, Ras Hilf. It is believed that a European (Englishman) — who probably worked on the island — loved the place and used to go to sit there. The location gives an open view of the ocean; the eyes can get lost on the horizon of one of the most dangerous navigation corners off Oman.

I ask Tahil and Faisal, my friends from Masirah, what they knew about the bench and the white man.

I try to make sense of disconnecting information on ships sinking off Masirah waters. Probably the man would go there to pray for the souls of the ‘World Jury’ tanker that sank in 1961; that would make sense. No. That was not the case as no lives were lost.

The crew was rescued by British navy ship HMS Llandaff before Jury broke up.

Tahil doesn’t believe that whoever built the bench had anything to do with the sinking of World Jury. For him, writers and editors can imagine many reasons for the existence of the bench; but he adds fuel to the speculations saying the white man probably would have gone there with his wife or girlfriend and when she left or they left he kept a good memory of the place.

The bench is at the very south of the island, and that is as far as one can drive. It’s worth a visit.

Hand sanitisers and wipes are just as effective against germs as soap and water. It is not enough to merely apply sanitisers —public awareness about the harmful effects of unclean shopping carts and trolleys should be created.

It is also necessary that the shops wash the carts at regular intervals. Shopping carts in supermarkets are likely to have mostly E. coli bacteria. Some of these bacteria can cause diarrhoea, fever and vomiting while others cause urinary tract infections. Prevention is always better than cure.

PARUL JAIN

If wealth is lost something is lost but if health is lost everything is lost. An appreciable step again

by Muscat Municipality to spread awareness about various health hazards. When adults use hand sanitisers and wipes, children will follow suit and that will help improve personal and public hygiene. A number of communicable diseases that spread through contact, such as viral fever, common cough and cold and measles, can be avoided by this simple step. But we need to look at the other side of the coin too.

The cost incurred for implementing the project will be passed on to customers by commercial centres in some form. The authorities should pay attention to this aspect and take steps so that the common man’s monthly budget is not messed up again.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT

It is a good idea but not foolproof and not easy to implement. A majority of the sanitisers contain alcohol and thus carries the risk of abuse but the wipes would be free from the

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risk of misuse. Though the use of sanitisers in all forms is said to be good in preventing the spread of pathogenic micro organisms through hands, we should not forget the fact that these sanitisers and wipes could lead to skin irritation and dryness in many people. The indiscriminate use of sanitisers could also lead to reduced natural immunity and bacterial resistance. I am a frequent traveller and have not noticed the use of sanitisers in shopping malls or hypermarkets for general usage. The idea is novel but needs serious monitoring.

LIBA KHAN

It’s an excellent step taken by Muscat Municipality. Health should take priority over everything else. The initiative will help control many viral diseases. Wipes and sanitisers will be especially good to protect children against seasonal germs.

MOHAN ANANDAN

It is a thoughtful move and must be appreciated.

Shoppers must have the patience and willingness to make use of hand sanitisers and wipes, and for this they need to be aware of the role that such sanitisers play in keeping infectious diseases at bay. However, health and safety hazards faced by customers are not confined to shopping carts alone. The quality of foodstuff sold is a key factor that determines the quality of life and health.

Authorities must show the same enthusiasm to ensure that the products sold are safe and good and that there is no tampering with the expiry dates and usage of substances beyond the permissible limit, etc.

PRAMLIA PATIL

The handles of shopping carts pose health risks,

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

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especially in peak seasons of cold and fever. The one you are pushing at any shopping mall at any given point in time may have been used by scores of people suffering from cold or fever so it is easy for you to get infected with dangerous germs. It’s impractical for shopping malls to wash the carts after every use but they could wash them every hour or so, which is a better way of preventing communicable diseases spreading through the trolleys. People shop on week days in the evenings so the shops need to wash just two or three times but on weekends washing must be done in the mornings and the evenings.

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ERWELL MENDIS

While I appreciate the latest step taken by Muscat Municipality to ensure public hygiene and thereby helping prevent spread of communicable diseases, I wonder if the authorities check if the wipes and monitors are really good to kill the germs. Some of them could be just scented tissues that will only make your hands smell good but not kill the germs.

RAJEEV NANDAN

It is good to know now you could get supplies of hand sanitisers and wet wipes at the entrances of shopping malls. Are they really free of cost for customers or are there hidden costs? I am sure shopping malls will pass, quietly and cleverly, the extra spending on to the customers.

New Debate: A leading property development expert in Oman has predicted that, although the Sultanate’s visa ban on foreign workers has impacted property prices in the country, things are looking up in the longterm. What are your thoughts?

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MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

09

YOUR

OMAN

CITIZENS OF THREE MORE COUNTRIES CAN

NOW GET UNSPONSORED OMAN TOURIST VISAS

C

itizens of Iran, Russia and China have been added to the list of nationalities that can enter the Sultanate on a tourist visa without the need of an Omani sponsor, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has said.

The ROP said in a statement on Monday: “The Republic

of Iran, the Federal Republic of Russia and the People’s Republic of China are added to the list of countries that can benefit from tourist visa to enter Oman without a local sponsor.”

The number of the countries whose citizens can enter Oman with a visa on arrival now stands at 71, up from 68.

MORE THAN 70 ILLEGAL PACP WARNS RETAILERS AGAINST INFLATING

WORKERS ARRESTED

M

ore than 70 expatriates were arrested in Buraimi in April this year, the Ministry of Manpower reported on Sunday.

“The ministry, represented by the manpower department in Buraimi, managed to arrest 76 workers in violation of the labour law and regulations in April,” the ministry said.

Over 400 violators of the labour law were also recorded across the country between April 23 and 29, with the ministry’s labour inspection team finding 475 cases in violation of Oman’s Labour Law. Al Batinah Governorate recorded the highest number of violations during this period, at 162 cases, followed by Muscat Governorate at 132 cases.

PRICES DURING RAMADAN

T

he Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has warned retailers against inflating prices this Ramadan.

Any outlet caught violating this rule will be fined, authorities said.

According to PACP, “Any retail outlet caught violating the new rule will receive a fine rang-ing from OMR60 to OMR1,000.”

PACP has also launched a new product to help consumers during Ramadan.

PACP said, “For the Holy Month, PACP will also be launching the ‘Ramadan Basket’, a com-prehensive product that includes staples such as rice, flour, oil, sugar, dates, fruits and veg-etables. The baskets will cost between OMR 9-10 and will help save customers time.”

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HUMAN CLAW

GALLERY

OMAN AVENUES MALL HAS MOUNTED A HUMAN CLAW MACHINE AT ITS MAIN ATRIUM. THE MACHINE ACTIVITY CAN BE PLAYED EVERY EVENING FROM 6PM TO 10PM UNTIL MAY 15.

MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

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YOUR

OMAN

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SAYYID AYMEN TO HEAD FINCORP

AL AMAL FUND BOARD

he Fincorp Al Amal Fund board members have elected a new board and chairman for the fund.

Sayyid Aymen Bin Hamad Bin Hamoud Al Busaidi was elected chairman, Kasiraman Swaminathan vice chairman, Shikhar Dharamsey Nensey, Shaikh Khalid Abdullah Ali Al Khalili and Shaikh Nasr Amur Shwain Al Hosni board members at the AGM held on March 25.

Sayyid Aymen is the vice chairman at SABCO Group and holds top positions in other companies.

The fund ended the first quarter of 2018 with a gain of 7.80% compared with its benchmark gain of 6.01%. Fincorp Al Amal fund has achieved YTD return of 11.42% as against the benchmark return of 9.56%. The fund has been doing well and is among the top Oman-domiciled GCCmandated funds. The fund’s performance has attracted fresh investors and has collected 45% additional AUM during the last one year.

Aiman Hassan Al Balushi and Gaurav Ramaiya, the fund managers, commented: “The fund’s investment strategy seeks to build a portfolio of stocks with attractive fundamentals, valuations and dividend yields, while actively managing downside risk in case of further market corrections. Regional markets offer attractive valuations and some of the highest dividend yields among emerging markets and are attractive to equity investors seeking higher returns outside of developed markets.”

Mutual funds play a significant role in the development of capital markets. Investors need to look at mutual funds as a medium-to-long-term investment asset class with a three-to-five-year investment horizon.

WORK ON OMAN’S FIRST PUBLIC AUTISM

CENTRE STARTS, OPENING NEXT YEAR

O

man’s first public autism centre will be able to help more than 200 patients when it opens next year.

Work began on the National Autism Centre in Al Khoud on Sunday morning when Minister of Social Development Shaikh Mohammed bin Said bin Saif Al Kalbani laid the foundation stone for the building.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Oman LNG, which generously contributed RO2.3 million.

“The company has been operating for the last 20 years and supports large development projects every five years that serves the community at large, including Sur Hospital, Turtle Centre in Ras Al Hadd, the establishment of the sailing school and provided 26 ambulances to the Ministry of

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Health and the Royal Oman Police.” said Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Masn, CEO of the Oman LNG Development Corporation.

“This time, Oman LNG invested in the establishment of the National Autism Centre with the hope that it will serve a wide range of Omanis,” he added.

YOUR

CELEBRATION

OMAN

SABCO MEDIA ORGANISED A GRAND PARTY FOR ITS PARTNERS AND CLIENTS AT THE SHANGRI-LA BARR AL JISSAH RESORT, TO BRING THEM CLOSER TO THE NEW RADIO STATION -- VIRGIN RADIO OMAN.

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GALLERY

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

ENTRY LEVEL

SEDAN

O T E D I U G D A E R T S U M G N Y’S I R U D S L A E D O T U A P THE TO H T N O M Y L O H E TH

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ENTRY LEVEL

SEDAN

Unmistakable design elements make the BMW 3 Series the sportiest member in its vehicle class. Here’s our take on it!

T

he 2018 BMW 3 Series should make the short list for shoppers seeking a compact luxury sport sedan. Whether enjoying its blend of features and refinement or pushing its smooth power and sharp handling to the limit, you’ll be impressed. Today’s 3 Series advances the heritage that BMW established decades ago when it practically invented the compact luxury car.

FEATURES ●

equipment lines

The new BMW 3 Series model

range has four petrol units

●

State-of-the-art navigation system

●

Car variants can be linked with six-

●

Optimised driving dynamics

speed manual gearbox and an eight-

●

Sporty, agile and

speed Steptronic transmission

comfortable chassis. ●

●

Personalization aided by

Model variants:

● BMW 320i Sedan/BMW 320i Touring ● BMW 330i Sedan/BMW 330i Touring

Available with classical rear-wheel

drive, depending on the model

● BMW 330i Sedan/BMW 330i Touring ● BMW 340i Sedan/ BMW 340i Touring ● BMW 320d

SPECIFICATIONS BMW 3 SERIES ● ENGINE CAPACITY (BMW 320I):

Effective capacity 1998 cc ● HORSEPOWER:

135/184 kW/hp ● CYLINDERS Four Cylinder ● TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual (optional: 8-speed )

Y Recommendation:

(*To see specifications for other variants log on to www.y-oman.com)

It’s a truly fantastic all-rounder with no significant flaws; it’s simultaneously comfortable and sporty, small without being confining, and offers fuel-efficient and powerful engines. The 3 Series is one of the best in its category.

Price Range:

FOLLOW US ON:

www.bmw-oman.com

RO16,000 to RO27,000

BMWGroup

MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

27

The 13th Annual Australian Budget Review Seminar 2018 will be held on Sunday May 27 at Intercontinental Muscat 7 PM. The free seminar will discuss the 2018 Australian Budget and explain what new initiatives are announced in the 2018 Budget; all the important changes to the taxation system; the progress of changes to the capital gains tax exemption for expats former principal residences; the impact of any changes on Australian property investors and expatriates; how the Australian property markets may react; and changes to Australian lending conditions. The seminar will be presented by Steve Douglas is the co-founder and Managing Director of Australasian Taxation Services (ATS) and Chairman of SMATS Group. He is a Chartered Tax Advisor, Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia and a Registered Tax Agent. This is the 13th year in succession that Steve has presented this seminar around the globe, which provides a unique perspective of the current and historical aspects of the Budget and its influence on individuals and markets.

WEEK M

A

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

Y

Royal Opera House Muscat will host ‘On the Land of Gypsies: A Musical Play’ on May 11 (7:30 PM) and May 12, 2018 (7:30 PM). This impressive musical play was written, composed and produced by the extremely imaginative Ghadi Rahbani, and directed/co-composed by the renowned Director Marwan Rahbani. Marwan and Ghadi who are acclaimed throughout the Arab World for their outstanding quality of their productions appreciated for originality, imaginative innovation and finesse. On the Land of the Gypsies premiered at Lebanon’s Casino Du Liban Theatre and ran for a solid four months, then was presented for 3 nights in Dubai. The story is about a rich Lebanese-Brazilian expatriate who returns to Lebanon to build a villa for his fiancée on his ancestral land only to discover that Gypsies have established an entrenched community there and have no intention of leaving.

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MAY

17

ON THE LAND OF GYPSIES: A MUSICAL PLAY

THIS

The Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre will host Layali Ramadan once again with a variety of activities. Combining traditional celebrations with state-of-the-art facilities, Layali Ramadan will run from May 17 to June 6, providing a warm and welcoming place to families, friends and colleagues. Layali Ramadan is an event where you will find a warm and welcoming place for everyone - corporations, families, children, sports enthusiasts, shoppers and friends gathering to rejoice during the holy month of Ramadan. As part of Layali Ramadan one can book their corporate Iftar at OCEC which offers a dedicated private space for up to 1,000 guests.

LAYALI RAMADAN

BUDGET SEMINAR

MAY

MAY

11

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

Life of The Party Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph

Oman Release: May 10, 2018

You were never really here

Raazi

Cast: Alessandro Nivola, Ekaterina Samsonov, Joaquin Phoenix, Lynne Ramasy A traumatized veteran, unafraid of violence, tracks down missing girls for a living. When a job spins out of control, Joe’s nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what may be his death trip or his awakening.

You Were Never Really Here is a thriller film written and directed by Lynne Ramsay, based on the book of the same name by Jonathan Ames. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov, Alex Manette, John Doman, and Judith Roberts. The film tells what happens when a hired contract killer sets out to rescue a young girl, only to find himself weathering a storm of

Isle of Dogs Cast: Wes Anderson, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Edward Norton

Isle of Dogs is a 2018 stop-motion animated comedy film written, produced and directed by Wes Anderson. Set in a dystopian near-future Japan, the film follows a young boy who goes in search of his dog after the whole species is

violent vengeance when matters go awry.

Oman Release: May 10, 2018

banished to an island due to an illness outbreak. The film’s ensemble voice cast includes Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Greta Gerwig, Frances McDormand, Courtney B. Vance, Fisher Stevens, Harvey Keitel, Liev Schreiber, Bob Balaban, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, F. Murray Abraham, Frank Wood, Kunichi Nomura and Yoko Ono. Oman Release: May 10, 2018

by Murali Gopy and directed by Rathish Ambat. The story of Kammaran, the unsung hero who helped Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose through India’s freedom fight, as seen through different phases of his extraordinary life.

When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (McCarthy) turns regret into re-set by going back to college, landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna-now Dee Rock-embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected.

Oman Release: May 10, 2018

Kamara Sambhavam Cast: Rathish Ambat, Dileep, Siddharth, Murali Gopy, Namitha Pramod

Cast: Alia Bhatt, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vicky Kaushal

Raazi is an upcoming Indian period thriller film directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Vineet Jain, Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar and Apoorva Mehta under the banner of Dharma Productions.

It features Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. The film is an adaptation of Harinder Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat, about an Indian spy married to a Pakistani military officer during the IndoPakistani War of 1971.

Oman Release: May 10, 2018

Kammara Sambhavam is a Indian Malayalam-language satire film written

!

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION Who is the director of Raazi?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Mohammed Miraj

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

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MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

019

NO KIDDING Mandatory by law but we still spot children riding in cars without safety seats. Hasan al Lawati talks to experts to drive home the point: we must belt up the kids

T

he young couple bundled their three-yearold child into the car and were heading to the residence of one of their close friends living in Al Azaiba who invited them over for lunch.

The destination was just 400 metres from where they stayed. It was a lazy Friday afternoon and the roads were nearly empty.

As they were taking the turn just across the friend’s place another car appeared suddenly from nowhere, forcing the man to break hard. The lady sitting in the back seat not wearing the seat belt was thrown against the head rest of the seat in front.

The guy was wearing the seat belt so he was only shaken but safe. The kid, restrained in the child safety seat, looked at his mum who was massaging a small bump on her forehead, unaware of what was going on.

It took them a few minutes to recover from the shock but as they did they drove off slowly to the friend’s house, this time all the three buckled up even though the rest of the distance was hardly 100 metres.

A tragedy was averted, all thanks to the child safety seat.

Some are not serious about it Buckling up their children should be second nature to parents but a look around Muscat roads would reveal that not everyone is serious about it. This, despite statistics released by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) stating that one out of every eight traffic fatalities was that of a child.

“Parents must remember that the best way to protect their child is not in their lap or arms but in a properly secured child seat,” says Jonathan Cooper, a road safety advocate.

He adds: “I commend the decision of the authorities in Oman to make child safety seats compulsory for children under the age of four in Oman. Like how seat belt use is justifiably connected to reduced injuries and fatalities on the road, there is a strong link between the proper use of 020

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child seats and reduced injury.”

By law, motorists who do not secure their children in seats will be penalised. Since March 2018 motorists who failed to so have been fined RO50.

The World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention, launched jointly by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank, has shown that use of seat belts and child restraints has saved thousands of lives.

The report has emphasised with evidence that legislating and enforcing mandatory use of seat belts and child restraints is an effective intervention to reduce injuries and fatalities among vehicle occupants.

“It is important that motorists who are parents strictly adhere to the rule of using car seats. As a parent, everyone’s top priority should be their child’s safety; having their children and infants placed in a car seat is one way to keep them safe, and to prevent a possible fatal injury while a car crash,” says Cooper.

According to WHO’s manual launched to encourage the use of seat-belt and child restraint (car seat), “infants and children need a child restraint system that accommodates their size and weight, and can adapt to cope with the different stages of their development”.

The manual adds: “Appropriate child restraint systems are specifically designed to protect infants and young children from injury during a collision or a sudden stop by restraining their movement away from the vehicle structure and distributing the forces of a crash over the strongest parts of the body, with minimum damage to the soft tissues. Child restraints are also effective in reducing injuries that can occur during non-crash events, such as a sudden stop, a swerving evasive manoeuvre or a door opening during vehicle movement.”

Social responsibility Since legislation should be preceded by public information campaigns to get the best results, private and public sectors in Oman have come together to raise awareness of the significance of using child seats.

SIMPLY PUT, CAR SEATS SAVE CHILDREN. A CHILD’S BODY IS NOT AS DURABLE AS AN ADULT’S AND THEREFORE IS MORE PRONE TO INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN BUY A CHILD IS A CHILD SEAT

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Car Seat Size Variations Shell Development Oman (SDO), Shell Oman Marketing (SOM), Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and Oman LNG have partnered with the non-profitable organisation Oman Road and Safety Association (ORSA) to raise awareness on the importance of using a child seat and the know-how of using it.

An executive committee, composed of representatives from each company, will work closely with the ORSA to raise awareness on the importance of using child seats and to ensure that they are a driving force in enhancing the safety of child from injuries and fatalities in Oman roads, in line with government’s efforts and recently enacted legislation.

Endorsed by the Royal Oman Police, the three-phase campaign will advocate the use of child safety seats. Public outreach activities will be implemented across a number of schools, hospitals, and shopping malls throughout Oman to raise awareness on protecting children. The use of car seats will be re-enforced through company prescribed internal human resources (HR) and health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) policies of participating energy partners, immediately targeting about 10,000 families. All this will be underpinned by a multi-media communications programme that will focus on everything from the importance of buying child car seats to fitting them correctly.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our energy partners. By bringing the best minds together we can influence behaviour and change the driving culture in Oman to protect our children, make our roads safer for our children and for future generations,” said Ali Al Barwani, CEO of ORSA. Car seats save children “Simply put, car seats save children. A child’s body is not as durable as an adult’s and therefore is more prone to injuries in the event of a collision. Research shows that the only proven way we can protect our children is by putting them in properly fitted, purpose-made child car seats that are appropriate for their height, weight and age.”

He went on to explain: “But a good car seat is not enough. We need to make sure parents not only understand their importance and why they have to take it seriously but also know how to properly instal them to avoid common mistakes. The best gift you can buy a child is a child seat.

“We have been working on raising awareness about the importance 022

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The right car seat THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF CAR SEATS: REARFACING, FORWARD-FACING AND BOOSTER SEAT. Rear-facing car seat: This is your baby’s first car seat.

Forward-facing car seat: After age two and when a child

outgrows a rear-facing car seat by weight or height, move them to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and use the top tether.

Booster seat: Once your child has outgrown the forward-

facing seat with a harness, move him/her to a booster seat. It raises the child so the car’s adult lap and shoulder seat belt fits over your child correctly.

Read the label Before you buy, read the label carefully. Look for the weight, height and age limits to make sure the car seat is right for your child. If you are buying online find all related information in the product description. Look for a section called “specification” or “specs”.

Be wary of used car seats Don’t buy a used car seat unless you know the previous owner or the complete history of the car seat. A used car seat is unsafe if it was involved in a crash or if it is missing parts, labels or instructions. A car seat is also unsafe if the manufacturer has issued a safety recall and the seat has not been fixed. There’s just no way to be sure that a used car seat from a stranger is safe.

Source: www.safekids.org. Safe Kids Worldwide is a non-profit organisation working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries.

of child car seats and making them obligatory in Oman for more than a year. I am extremely happy to finally see it happen.”

Royal Oman Police is keen on raising awareness among people and is happy with the role being played by important segments of society.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the nationwide Child Car Seat Campaign, Brigadier-General Dr Mohammed Awadh Al Rawas said: “The signing of the MoU related to the Child Car Seat Campaign reconfirms the ROP’s commitment to involving the community in efforts to increase traffic safety and reduce automobile accidents. This comes in line with the passing of new traffic regulations which require drivers to ensure children under the age of four are in a car seat to protect them from injuries while riding in a car.”

Drive safe this Ramadan

K

eeping in mind the increase in road accidents during the month of Ramadan, parents need to be particularly careful to buckle up their children.

“The deadliest months for car drivers in Oman are looming. This year, Ramadan will take place between May and June and according to traffic experts, heat and hunger are not a good formula for safe roads.

Keeping that in mind, be extra careful about your children’s safety,” says Melissa James, a road safety expert.

Not just children’s safety, adults too must practise safety behind the wheel, especially closer to the end of the day. The ROP has urged drivers to stop and rest if they feel tired or sleepy.

In a press statement issued in previous years, the ROP had said: “If the driver feels sleepy, he should immediately engage in some activity to stay awake, such as opening the car window, speaking to a copassenger, changing the posture, or stopping the car and walking a few paces. The driver must also focus on other vehicles and note the way they are driving. If they are weaving or are not driving at a steady pace, then they are also on the verge of falling asleep.”

Experts urge motorists to be alert and conscious of their state of mind before driving; be aware about others on the road; expect the unforeseen and drive defensively; plan well to avoid the need of rushing and speeding and always wear the seat belt and buckle up your child.

But why are they so costly?

While parents and guardians in Oman are keen on following the rule some are complaining about the cost of child seats.

“The car seats are very expensive. I feel the manufacturers must make these life-saving seats more affordable. I am aware there are cheap seats available in the market, but are they safe?” asked Shalini Raj, a parent of three children.

Many parents opt to buy second-hand seats, but they are not very happy with their purchase.

“Since I couldn’t afford to buy a new one I opted to go for a used seat. But I am not sure if it’s safe enough.

I wish there was a body or a workshop that checks the quality of child seats. I wish the authorities would certify child seats as ‘safe to buy’,” said another parent Mohammed al Alawi.

Salim Kutty who chose to buy a second-hand car seat online was surprised to find that the seller had increased the price within hours of posting because of the demand.

“When I first checked he was selling it for RO15 but within hours he increased it to he ROP has been able to successfully reduce RO35 because of the interest buyers had shown. There is the number of traffic accidents through surely an interest among parents safety campaigns and strict implementation to purchase affordable car seats. I truly wish something can be done of regulations. about it and manufacturers can Since 2012, the number of crashes on Oman’s road has gone make car seats that are both safe and down, thanks to the great efforts put in by the ROP and society. affordable,” said the parent.

Road safety advocates say while it is natural So far in 2018, Oman recorded 597 road accidents (from January for people to be disturbed by the cost of car to March) compared with 895 accidents in the same period seats, they should remember they are available at affordable rates. In Oman car seats prices last year. start as low as RO15 and good quality ones are This shows a 33 per cent decrease in the number of crashes. available from RO30 onwards. Car seats are However, more people have died this year compared with that of available for the age group from zero to 12 years; zero to four years, and zero to last year. While 150 people died in the first quarter of 2017, one year. the death rate stands at 155 in the first three months of 2018.

THE SIGNING OF “Plans are also on to standardise child THE MOU RELATED seats in Oman,” says Al Barwani.

According to latest figures, 59 per cent of the accidents

Fewer accidents but more deaths

T

TO THE CHILD CAR

Shocking statistics SEAT CAMPAIGN According to the WHO, more RECONFIRMS THE than 500 children are killed every day ROP’S COMMITMENT in road accidents, and tens of thousands TO INVOLVING THE are injured, often suffering COMMUNITY IN lifelong disabilities.

EFFORTS TO INCREASE According to the data released by the TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROP in 2016, one in roughly eight road REDUCE AUTOMOBILE deaths involved a child. Out of the 692 ACCIDENTS deaths and 3,261 injuries documented that year, 82 deaths and 393 injuries involved children aged 15 and under. As many as 48 deaths and 183 injuries occurred among children aged six and under, while 34 deaths and 210 injuries involved children between the ages of seven and 15.

While it is not known whether they were car seat-related injuries and deaths, it is important for everyone to have knowledge about what works to prevent children from being killed or injured in traffic collisions.

Child seats in vehicles are intended to keep children firmly secured in their seat so that in the event of a sudden braking or collision the child is not thrown against the car interior or ejected from the vehicle.

So buckle up your child every single time even if it is just a 200-metre drive down the lane. ■

happened at night. There were 1,453,782 vehicles on Oman roads as of March 2018.

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Scan the QR Code to check out her video on y-oman.com

F

airous Hussain was blissfully asleep in her Muscat residence when Google reposted her artwork. It was midnight in Oman when the Malaysian artist living in Oman became —literally — an overnight celebrity.

As part of its weekly #MySuperG campaign, Google featured her paper artwork on its official Instagram handle, and Fairous’ Super Gcreation received more than 90,000 likes.

Her paper art looks simple, but it requires three elements, or, as she likes to put it, three ‘P’s: passion, patience and precision.

After burying herself in work in an insurance firm in Bahrain for years, she took a break in 2013 after the birth of her daughter, Balqees. It was then she stumbled upon a hobby that soon became a passion.

She started collecting coloured paper to create a scrapbook. Somewhere along the way the thin strips of paper got rolled into amazing shapes that soon drew eyeballs and she started receiving commissions from people who took a fancy to her filigrees.

Quilling involves the use of paper strips. The artist rolls, shapes, and glues the pieces to create shapes and colourful decorations.

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“I learned paper quilling from YouTube videos, Pinterest and other websites,” she says.

Responding to the popularity and interest in her works of art, Fairous began contributing her creations to magazines, colleges, websites and a new search engine service, with prices ranging from RO50 to RO120.

“This encouraged me to start my ‘Letter series’ in February,” she says.

Letter G grabbed global attention after it was shared by Google, but Fairous had already sold the work at a school bazaar a week before that.

“I do not have the student’s contact. The piece is gone,” she adds with a smile.

Fairous is a positive soul, and so are her artworks.”I try to spread positivity through art and my captions reflect my thought s.”

The ABC series is her favourite one so far and she does illustrative paper art as well. Her work has crossed borders and she has clients from Europe and the United States.

Her latest work was for a Tunisian University that just celebrated its 120th anniversary.

After her successful participation in a school bazaar, Fairous will take part in the Women’s Guild bazaar on May 10 at the Sundus Rotana.

She has more than 150 posts on her Instagram and often participates in online art contests to pepper her digital presence.

You may join Farious Hussain 1,600 followers at her Instagram @firose_art

The G that was chosen by Google for its #MySuperG campaign

Oman-based Malaysian artist became an overnight celebrity when Google shared her paper art.

Hasan al Lawati learns quilling skills from Fairous Hussain

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Brought to you by

PICTURE FROM THE PAST

AS THE CRICKET FESTIVAL GETS CLOSER TO THE END OF THE LEAGUE STAGE, AND AS THE POINTS TABLE GIVES A FAIR HINT AT THINGS TO COME, THE BIGGER PICTURE IS BEGINNING TO GET UNRAVELLED

T

he IPL 2018 is now past the half-way mark. The difference between the top four and the ones at the bottom is becoming more apparent now.

So what does the top four look like?

Well, we have Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad vying with each other for the top spot, while Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders giving the top two a hot chase. Mumbai Indians are still in the race as they look to topple either Kings XI Punjab or Kolkata Knight Raiders to make it to the top four.

Even though it’s still anybody’s game statistically, and there is room for stunning turnarounds in fortunes, we think the current table toppers shall make it to the play-offs. There is a good chance that it is how things will be when the league stage ends on May 20.

Two of these sides shall then face off in the final on May 27.

Why do we think so? Well, the form shown by these four teams are a class apart than those at the bottom. CSK have been in superb touch since returning to the IPL, but it is KXIP who have caught us by surprise. SRH have got out of jail a couple of times — proof that they are the dark horse — and KKR have just about ensured they stay in the top 4. Not that these guys have done anything different: they have just stuck to the basics in a different manner to reap the benefits. The main aim no doubt is to finish in the top two so that you have either a direct entry into the final through the playoffs or a second chance if you lose there as well.

So come May 20, when the league stage ends, will the points table at the top be the same? The odds are it will but let’s not write the

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others off. Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians have an uphill task, but it is by no means impossible. Well let’s wait and watch then. The action continues to unfold.

Brought to you by

SPOTLIGHT

ON IYER

W

IPL HIGHLIGHTS MUJEEB, THE ALL-WEATHER SPECIALIST

A

fghanistan’s 17-year-old spin sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman has bamboozled nearly $4 million worth of talent with a stunning spell in the IPL. Mujeeb snared three wickets in four balls and propelled Kings XI Punjab to a six-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.

Mujeeb’s 3-27 restricted Rajasthan to 9-152 as their multi-million dollar signings were baffled by the young Afghan spinner after Kings XI captain Ravichandran Ashwin opted to field.

Mujeeb’s victims included Ben Stokes ($1.95m), Jos Buttler ($687,000) and Jofra Archer ($1.125m), meaning the teenager dismissed $3.76m worth of talent.

His wicket of Archer was a thing of beauty, deceiving the all-rounder with a trademark wrong-un. The 17-year-old has the ability to bowl both leg and off-spin, and can produce a wrong-un with each discipline, resulting in him being labelled the ‘mystery spinner’ by fans.

hat is so special about a player who not only captains a team well, but also ensures his own form is unaffected? Well, it’s exactly that. If you’re able to do this in the Indian Premier League as a 23-year-old with just a handful of international games, then the type becomes all the more rare, and precocious.

Shreyas Iyer has already done some amazing things in his fledgling career, but his exploits in IPL 2018, both as player and captain for the Delhi Daredevils, will possibly be talked about as the phase that really shaped him. Iyer was not even 40 IPL games old when Gautam Gambhir resigned from captaincy and asked the youngster to try and fix a rapidly sinking ship. He’s been able to make his team a meaner machine - one that didn’t look as resigned to lose as it was under the previous captain. At the forefront, stood Iyer himself, with top notch performances to show his team the way.

For now though, he has eased Delhi Daredevils’ immediate concerns of their own future in IPL 2018. He has done his part to keep them in the hunt, and if he continues to deliver the way he does, he has all the makings of becoming a talismanic captain that paves way for teams to do great things. And that is precisely what Delhi are desperate for.

Predict the winners from the matches played in India from May 10 to May 14 to win a SIM with 2GB data pack worth RO 5 from Friendi Mobile. Email us your predictions to editor@yoman.com. *Names of the winners will be announced on May 31st.

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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 • SPAR

• KIMS Oman Hospital • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Bakery • Shell Petrol Station

Al Falaj/Rex Road • Al Falaj Hotel • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Golden Oryx Restaurant • Kamat Restaurant • Toshiba Showroom Ghala • National Mineral Water Ghubra • Al Hayat

International Hospital • Al Maya Hypermarket • Bank of Beirut • Costa Coffee • Crêpe Café • GMC Showroom • LuLu Hypermarket • Moka & More • Oman Oil Petrol

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of Engineering • Markaz Al Bahja Mall • McDonald’s • Omantel • Starcare Hospital Al Khoudh • Al Fair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Pizza Hut Al Khuwair • Badr Al Samaa Hospital • Bait Al Reem Mall • Caffè Vergnano • Centrepoint

(Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • SPAR • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Landmark Group

• McDonald’s • Muscat Bakery • Oman Bowling Center • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Oman United Insurance • Omran • Pizza Hut • Radisson Blu • Shell Petrol Station • TGI Friday’s • The Great Kabab Factory • The Tikka Place • Zahara Travel • Zakher Mall Mabela • Gulf College Oman Mawalah • Chili’s Restaurant • Costa Coffee • Al Makan Café • Starbucks • Tim Hortons • VLCC Wellness MBD • Bank Dhofar • Centrepoint

(Splash) • SPAR • NBO • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Pizza Hut • Pizza Muscat • Shell Petrol Station MGM • Caribou Coffee • Gloria Jean’s

Coffees • Just Falafel • Ooredoo • Paul • Tim Hortons Al Mina • Bait Al Baranda • Bait Al Zubair MSQ • Al Fair • Arab Open University • British Council • Costa Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • Hana’s Slimming &

Skincare Centre • Kargeen Caffe • KFC • MacKenzies Café

& Deli • Mood Café • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Papa John’s Pizza • Pizza Hut

• Saharz Beauty Salon • Starbucks Al Murtafa’a • Bank Muscat • KFC • Muscat Hills Golf &

Country Club Muscat International Airport • Caribou Coffee • Majan Lounge • Plaza Premium Lounge Mussanah • Millennium Resort Muttrah • Shell Petrol Station Qantab • Al Bustan Palace • Marina Bandar Al Rowdha • Oman Dive Center • Shangri-La Qurum • Al Araimi Complex • Balance Health & Fitness • Bank Nizwa • BMW showroom • Burger King • Chili’s Restaurant • Crowne Plaza • Finland Eye Center • Fun Zone • Gloria Jean’s

Coffees • The Jungle Restaurant • Left Bank • McDonald’s • Mercedes-Benz Showroom • Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant • Nandos • Nissan Showroom • Oman Oil Petrol

Station • Pizza Hut • Qurum Commercial Complex • Ras Al Hamra Club • SABCO Centre • Second Cup • Starbucks • The Sultan Center • Tche Tche Café Rusayl • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-1 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-2 • Knowledge Oasis Muscat-3 • Knowledge Oasis

Muscat-4 (ITA) • Middle East College • Omantel • Waljat College of

Applied Sciences Ruwi • Apollo Medical Centre • Kamat Restaurant • KFC • Khimji’s Mega

Store – Swarovski Showroom • Khimji’s Watches • KM Trading • Oman Air • Oman UAE Exchange • Oman Trading Establishment • Saravana Bhavan Sarooj • Al Fair • Al Masa Mall • City Cinema • Ayana Spa • Cosmeclic • Emirates Medical Center • McDonald’s • Shell Petrol Station • VLCC Wellness Sawadi • Al Sawadi Beach Resort Seeb • Golden Tulip Hotel • McDonald’s Shatti Al Qurum • Bareeq Al Shatti Complex • Caribou Coffee • D’Arcy’s Kitchen • German Eye Centre • The Indus Restaurant • InterContinental

Hotel Muscat • Jawharat Al Shatti Complex • Kaya Skin Clinic • Muscat Eye Laser Center • Oasis By The Sea • Second Cup • Starbucks • VLCC Wellness Sifah • Sifawy Boutique Hotel SQU • Diplomatic Club • College of

Economics and

Political Science

• Students Banking Area • Reception/ Canteen Wadi Kabir • Al Maya Hypermarket • LuLu Hypermarket • Muscat Pharmacy • National Hospitality

Institute • Pizza Hut • Shell Petrol Station Wattayah • Ahli Bank • Best Cars • BLS International Services • Chevrolet/GM showroom • Ford Showroom • Hatat House • Honda Showroom • Hyundai Showroom • Kia Showroom • Lexus Showroom • National Travel & Tourism • Passage To India Restaurant • Shell Petrol Station • Subaru Showroom • Suzuki Showroom • Toyota Showroom Al Mouj Muscat • Almouj Golf • Costa Coffee • Oman Sail • Shakespeare & Co. • Al Mouj Muscat

Head Office Other Regions Barka • Al Nahda Spa and Resort • LuLu Hypermarket Nizwa • University of Nizwa Sohar • Centrepoint

(Splash) • Crowne Plaza • National Gift Markets • Ooredoo • Pizza Hut • Safeer Mall • Sohar Beach Hotel • Sohar Port and Freezone • Sohar University

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Adventures

CARS AND ADVENTURES

Cars

Y- F i

Gaming

MIGHTY MUSTANG

We explore the all powerful Ford Mustang – P34

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&

CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N C a r s

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

Y- F i

Gaming

Destination

Al Jufnain

Back pain forces Shaquel al Balushi to retreat midway through his trip to a mystery house, but he soon discovers the blessing in pain taking a stroll on the farm with his childhood mate

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TRAVEL GUIDE

ast weekend was really bad.

On my way to Sur where I was planning to write and photograph our next Destination article, I suffered from a severe back injury.

I was heading to an abandoned house that sat alone in the middle of nowhere but the pain got worse to a point I could not take any further.

There was no way forward: I had to abandon the trip and retreat. Somehow I managed to get back in the car and rushed to my house in Muscat.

A bit of rest at home had its good effect. I applied a hot water bag on the injured area and popped a pain killer. With some more rest I was feeling all right to move out.

Going to Sur was out of question, so I settled for something closer, safer and physically not very tiring. That’s when I decided on revisiting one of my favourite places during my childhood.

During schooldays I used to sneak into a farm in Al Jufnain area with my friends to play with the falaj water and climb trees.

Going there alone with a sore back was not a good idea, so I set out to the place along with one of my childhood friends.

A surprise was in store for us. The farm was greener with more plants and palm trees now. We walked around it and ate under the shades while taking pictures. A cute cat was following us during our stroll down memory lane and she struck a pose when we photographed her.

I know it is not a tourist destination, but Al Jufnain, with its fruitful farms, has always been a special place to me. The warm memories, the cool shades, the green sights and the fresh air refreshed my body and soul. Back pain just vanished without a trace.

I shall head to some exotic locations and check out that solo house in Sur as soon as possible. But for now, it is time to relax and enjoy the clean air.

HOW TO GET THERE Al Jufnain is located near the Police Station in Al Amerat.

GPS location: 23.5067058, 58.3782941.12

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&

FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

A

F O R D M U S TA N G

Aggressive as ever but more sharp and snazzy, the beast turns heads on the street. Alvin Thomas revs it hard and loud to enjoy the noise and test the ponies under the hood

h! The Ford Mustang. There’s no other way to put it in words: The Mustang is – and has been – the muscle car of choice around the world for over 50 years. In short, every muscle car wants to be the pony, or – at the very least – beat the pony.

But there’s much more to the Mustang than just that; its successes run deeper than its will to keep on fighting its competition and its long-running cameos in Hollywood movies.

As a matter of fact, the Mustang may very well be the reason muscle cars continue to share driving (or shall I say living) space with other environmentfriendly cars of this age – and for that very reason, it marks an important place in the much-acclaimed “American Dream” that people have been bellowing about for decades.

History lesson aside, however, the current generation Mustang – the one we tested a few weeks earlier – has actually been around for a good three years or so. And, while its sleek and proportioned

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design had received stick earlier during its existence, the seas have now calmed, leaving behind what may very well be considered one of the prettiest Mustangs that has ever graced the roads.

I mean, just take a look at it: The sharp and almost dagger-like headlamps are nothing short of menacing, while the iconic ‘Galloping Pony’ sits boldly on the large grille. The fascia is further accentuated by the large hood, which has its own character lines for good effect. Let me put it this way: There’s no way you’d mistake the Mustang for any other car if you’re being tailed by one.

Meanwhile, the side profile is what gives the Mustang its characteristic pony car look. The almost fastback-esque roofline sits well with the proportions of the car, while the rear stays true to its three-line tail lamps to capture the essence of the infamous ’69 Mustang (you know, the one that was made famous in movies like Bullitt, Goldfinger, Gone in 60 Seconds, and so on).

Granted, the posterior has been restyled, and an ostentatiously large diffuser has been added to complement the twin exhaust pipes. I did find the former to aid stability during high-speed driving.

Where things really take shape, though, is inside the cabin, which has been completely redesigned and reworked for the sixth generation. Hands down, this is the best interior that has been fitted to a Mustang: Soft-touch and padded leatherette surfaces finished with contrasting stitching flank top portions of the dashboard and door inserts. But, lower portions of the cabin are still crafted in plastic.

The overall aura of the Mustangs from previous eras is captured with retro design elements throughout the interior. This is seen on the dashboard, which houses a thick metal piece and a

plaque commemorating 50 years of the Mustang; the unique fonts on the speedometer and rev counter on the gauge cluster; and the chunky stereo, a/c and vehicle control buttons.

Not so retro is the quick-witted and easy-to-use 8-inch multimedia touchscreen running SYNC3.The capacitive response of the screen is easily the best I’ve seen in recent years and the user interface is welcoming.

Depending on trim levels, you’ll also be treated with features such as blind-spot monitoring, power-adjustable leatherette seats with cooling and heating functions, a great dual-zone auto a/c and adaptive cruise control.

The cabin is spacious – very spacious, to be honest – upfront, and even the head room is remarkable.

However, things can become sketchy

Destination

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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS

FORD MUSTANG Specifications: Engine: 5.0-litre V8 Transmission: Six-speed automatic Horsepower: 435hp Torque: 542Nm Top Speed: 240kph (limited) Rear-wheel drive 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC3 Apple CarPlay enabled 19-inch alloy wheels with staggered tyres ABS, ESC, BA and EBD Line Lock system Adjustable steering modes Auto a/c Cruise control Limited-slip differential

if you’re sitting in the rear. There are two seats in the back but it’s best to reserve those for children or… well… friends you’re not fond of. Albeit, I must point out that I was able to travel 300-odd kilometres in the car with a 6-foot tall photographer perched in the back – and he made the trip just fine.

The current generation of the Mustang comes in different variants, with the iconic 5.0-litre V8 sitting as the cherry on the cake. Thankfully, that’s also the car I received this week. Conspicuous drivers can opt for a four-cylinder variant, if needed.

In any case, the naturally aspirated V8 pumps out 435 ponies and 542Nms of torque – and all of it is unleashed in the only manner the Mustang knows: with its trademark bellow that can rattle windows and undeniably upset bystanders. But to those of us who appreciate humble American engineering, it’s music to the ears.

Power is put down to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission (or a six-speed manual, if you want to take control of the shifts completely). My tester also came with

paddle shifters, but the transmission – even in complete automatic mode – is aggressive. During my (hot) midApril test, I was consistently able to hit 100kph in about 4.8 seconds.

For most parts, the engine responds and behaves like its predecessors; the flat-plane crank V8 throws torque to the rear wheels from as low as 2,000rpm before hitting its peak at 4,250rpm, while power kicks in at full blast at 6,500rpm (the engine is capped at 7,000rpm).

All of this translates to a lot of tyre-spinning action in lower gears. The acceleration is truly brutal and, more often than not, you’ll see your rear tyres begging for mercy as they waste themselves away leaving behind skid marks on the road and smoke that is thick enough to put military-spec smoke grenades to shame.

Nevertheless, thanks to the addition of a new independent suspension systems in place of traditional solid axles, the car remains stable during hard cornering.

Handling is balanced under normal circumstances, but poke the throttle and you’ll evoke oversteer like you’ve never seen before.

While the latter is no way to drive on the street, the

Mustang’s response to corners on a racetrack is phenomenal and almost awe-inspiring. Dare I say: The Mustang’s handling capabilities encroach towards European sports car territory.

The heavy engine upfront will require some getting used to initially, especially if you’re planning to push it to its limits.

The grip from the staggered 255/40 tyres wrapped around the 19-inch alloys (in the front) is superb, but I did experience whiffs of understeer midway through fast corners.

The Brembo brakes in my tester were strong enough to evade brake fade even after hours of abuse on the roads.

Braking force is distributed linearly and the pedal offers a great deal of feedback, as does the electric-assisted power steering system. The steering ratio feels marginally quicker than its predecessor, thereby making the Mustang quite nimble in city traffic.

Albeit, you can control the weight of the steering wheel, with the simple toggle of a switch on the dashboard.

Ford’s rendition of the sixthgeneration Mustang may come across as a tad controversial to some – but it has grown into an iconic muscle car; a modern-day classic of sorts. Sure, the 54-year-old car now possesses better driving dynamics than its predecessors and competitors, but I’ll tell you this: The Mustang is still as ‘Wild Wild West’ as it gets. It’s 435 horses on the rear wheels, and that’s America’s definition of fun. Didn’t you get the memo?

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CARS ADVENTURES

MAGICAL PARIS

Paris holds the title for being the number one tourism destination in the world receiving over 82.6m tourists annually

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower that stands in the heart of Paris.

2. Louvre Museum is a must visit.

3. March up the Champ Elysse and see Arc de Triomphe.

4. Visit the magical Disneyland.

5. Take a look at the museum of the army and tomb of Napoleon

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Destination

Cars

Y-Fi

Gaming

POSTCARDS FROM

Michelle Muthigani recommends

PARIS, FRANCE P

aris is the ultimate destination for families seeking to have a memorable time.

It is a place more exciting to see in real life than merely looking at it through the screen or photographs.

It is the city for everything: love, fashion, family, fun, culture...you name it!

Whether you want to go to Disneyland, the museums that offer intriguing historical CHAM information or go sight-seeing around the city on a tour bus, there is always PS-EL YSEES something for you to do to heighten your holiday experience.

A T N IG H T Paris is the capital of France and its largest city where the Seine river flows through. Paris holds the title for being the number one tourism destination in the world receiving over 82.6 million tourists annually. It is home to iconic attractions, including the Eiffel Tower which gets 7 million visitors a year and offers scenic views of the city and its historical buildings; the Arc-de-Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Other recreational activities include going on a cruise along the Seine river where you can dine as you gently bob along. Family activity that Paris is known for is the trip to the famous Disneyland - no one is ever too old or too young to go there - and Parc Asterix located 32km from Disneyland.

Paris is synonymous with culture. A significant part of Parisian culture includes cuisine and fashion. Along the streets of Paris, there is a large variety of restaurants and cafés that offer intercontinental dishes and exclusive French food such as escargots (snails) and pastries from boulangeries (bakeries) sourced locally to provide tourists with a complete French experience.

Art is seen everywhere, from walls (which display extraordinary graffiti, colourful posters and advertisements) to museums like the Louvre (where the Mona Lisa is put on public display) and Centre Pompidou (the largest museum for modern art in Europe.)

IS , A FE IN P A R Champs-Élysées is a high-end fashion district with designer boutiques and exclusive STREET C fashion brands located by the Arc-de-Triomphe.

Public transport such as the Metro is very reliable but it is quite easy to get by the city on foot. It is ideal to get a one-day sightseeing bus ticket: you can visit all the main tourist attractions as many times as you’d like paying just once!

The best time to visit Paris is the off-peak season: November to March.

My favourite place

I loved the trip to Disneyland, located slightly outside of the centre of the city. Getting there was easy as we went by train and got down at Marneé la vallée, located inside Disneyland. Disneyland ensures that your family takes part in a day full of activities — there are rides for anyone of any age, parades, musicals, photo opportunities, food stands and of course souvenir shops. Spending a day there brings everyone happiness.

Highlights

Everyone who visits Paris has to see the Eiffel Tower and take a selfie — otherwise, have you really been to Paris at all? For a fee, you can go along the structure in a large elevator to a viewpoint where you can overlook the beautiful city.

Every night, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated for five whole minutes every hour until 1am, making it stand out even better.

Lowlights As it is a popular city, you can be persuaded to buy souvenirs for a much higher price depending on the shop.

Souvenirs You can find a large variety of souvenirs ranging from tiny magnets to bags and clothing. You can also have

luxurious chocolates, coffee and antiques

Getting there

Fly with Oman Air and experience world-class hospitality. On a non-stop flight, it takes seven hours from Muscat.

THE L OUVRE MUSE UM PYRAM ID

Where to stay Accommodation is best booked a few months earlier than your travelling date as prices can go up

overnight. Hotels nearer the attractions and the centre of the city are likely to be more expensive during the peak season than otherwise. Take a refund option when booking, for less inconvenience.

MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

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-FI

Destination

Cars

Gaming

Y-FI

WINSOME WALLETS

Slim, smart and versatile, these wallets help you carry and use cash, cards, coins and the like with incredible ease, says Hasan al Lawati

THE TECH IN YOU EMPOWERING

This is not just a wallet-size tool— it is an actual wallet that can charge your phone using solar energy. The world's first smart wallet has an integrated solar panel and it has a bundled USB cable with three connectors (USB-C, Lightning, and micro USB). Features of the Lucca Bozzi Solar Wallet include intelligent charging, built-in RFID protection, and a battery that can store up to 10 hours’ worth of charge. It’s made from 100 percent soft Nappa leather. Buy it for RO38 from kickstarter.com

RAZOR-THIN Fan out your cards with a simple flick. With three sizes, the razorthin Fantom Wallet, which is just 8mm, will hold your cards, coins, keys, cash, and more. When you have the right things on hand, it becomes easier to adapt between work and life's adventures. Fan out the cards with a flick of a finger, all your cards are instantly available.

Everything you need is always ready at your disposal. Buy it for RO23 from store.fantomwallet.com

VERSATILE This slim modern wallet holds keys, cards, and cash for quick access. Minimise pocket clutter, and eliminate key jingles and scratches.

The MKC Wallet is the first leather wallet that organises your money, keys, and cards all in a single place. It is designed for ease of access and maximum comfort. You will be impressed how free your pocket feels!

Handmade in the US with full-grain leather which provides the best durability and wears incredibly well with time, you could buy it from www.mkcwallet.com for RO 23.

EDITOR’S PICK

WOE TO THE THIEF

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THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED AND STYLISH WALLET BRANDS IN THE WORLD. IF YOUR WALLET WAS STOLEN, THE THIEF WILL BE DOOMED AS THERE ARE HIDDEN CHIPS INSIDE WHICH NOTIFY YOU THAT YOUR VALUABLES ARE BEING TAKEN AWAY. THROUGH A DEDICATED APP, YOU CAN CHECK ITS LOCATION, TURN ON THE ALARM, RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS WHEN YOUR WALLET IS OUT OF REACH, AND LOTS MORE. WITH THIS, YOU CAN REACT QUICKLY AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING YOUR WALLET BACK. ALL THE TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING THE BATTERY, IS SEWN INTO THE WALLET. THE DEDICATED WOOLET APPS COMMUNICATE WITH THE WALLET THROUGH A BLUETOOTH INTERFACE. UNPACK YOUR WALLET, INSTALL THE APP, AND FOLLOW THE ON-SCREEN INSTRUCTIONS. IT WILL TAKE YOU NO MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES, AND FROM NOW ON YOUR SMART WALLET WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU. BUY IT FROM WOOLET.CO FOR RO40

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Overseers

Hasan al Lawati tries to strike a balance between good and evil, drafting, bluffing and deceiving on his way to stealing the winning traits

I

n this fast-paced card game you need to reach a deal amid the never-ending war between good and evil. Find the best balance, or completely crush it for your own good.

The forces of good and evil have been coexisting since humans were created.

In this bluffing and card-drafting game, you will control cards that represent three vices (greed, lust and anger) and three virtues (courage, hope and benevolence).

You play as an Overseer, and the objective is to use the traits to create the most dominant combination by striking a balance between the two opposing pillars that have different attributes — and both can grant you points.

In this threeto-six-player game, you will draft cards to achieve the best possible score and try to deceive your way during the game to convince the others you are not the strongest player.

In each

round, after drafting your hand combination, you reveal three cards and keep two face down.

After all players do the same, you proceed to the judgment phase.

Given the information available, players can discuss and decide which player has the strongest possible combination.

After voting, if the chosen player admits that he/she possibly has the highest score, he/she could choose any two cards of his combination of five and discard them.

If the chosen player denies the possibility of being the best-scoring player, all Overseers reveal their combination to start the showdown phase.

If the chosen player has the strongest combination, they lose the two cards that grant the most points. If not, they get rewarded with an additional card of their choice from what is left of the discard pile.

Following this phase, all players start counting their points and collect coins based on the result.

The twist is: Every

Overseer — Info Box which are Designed by randomly GUAN CHIH HUANG distributed Playing time: — has special 30 MINUTES abilities that Age: are activated +16 during the game's eight phases.

These abilities can change the outcome as they can cover your intentions, increase points from specific cards, steal cards from your opponents, and more.

The beautifully designed box comes with a rule book, 80 victory points, six voting tokens, 11 character cards, 36 game cards, and six player-aid cardboards.

The cards feature Asian-themed graphics of women in revealing clothes which may not be appropriate for kids.

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

Beauty

FASHION

DENIM DELIGHTS

Denim has never gone out of fashion and this year it’s drawing eyeballs in fabulous designs. Stores are stacked with evergreen denims for all the men out there to enjoy the latest trends.

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k o o L e h

st late e h t y, ring silentl a e n art w in pai m s r g fe okin you suf o l ith n w making o i s s bse ay be s o r You shion m thri Da a in fa s Gay e t wri

T t Ge

Grab this slim-fit denim shirt with a stylish buttondown collar and long sleeves which you can fold for a rough-and-tough look. It has a pocket on the front and button cuffs and a button-up front.

It comes in three colours: mid blue, light blue and black. Own this for just RO15.90.

Go for this pair of comfortable straightfit denim jeans. The jeans come with five pockets, including a coin pocket, along with belt loops. It comes with a top button and zip fly.

Available in dark blue, black, blue, light blue, and white. Go stylish spending just RO17.90.

Denim looks better with brown Chelsea boots. At H&M you’ll find a pair of imitation suede with a decorative welt seam around the soles, elastic gores in the sides and a loop at the back. Canvas linings and insoles and rubber soles. From RO26 Accessories aren’t just for women. Why not add a bit of cool to your wrist with this elastic bracelet in various styles with wooden and metal beads from H&M for RO4.5 Get the cool look with this basic denim jacket. Get stylish pairing it with a contrast tee-shirt. The jacket has a straight cut with shirt collars and long sleeves.

The two front flap pockets add to the style. The metal-plated button provides contrast.

Available in two colours — light blue and dark blue — you can have it for RO19.90.

If a denim shirt is too much in the heat then opt for this cotton jersey T-shirt with a deep, raw-edge neckline from H&M for RO4.5

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HEALTH& BEAUTY

Health

BEAUTY

Fashion

Home

Family

Hair we

GO AGAIN Nothing lifts a woman’s self-esteem like long, lustrous hair. Gayathri Das tries out home remedies for some of the serious hair issues

S

urveys say 80 per cent of women experience heavy hairfall from a certain age.

One out of five women is affected by severe hairloss and breakage in spite of the availability of a lot of haircare products in the market.

Among the reasons for hair loss are stress, illness, hereditary issues and poor nutrition. Junk food is another cause of hair loss.

Lustrous hair is synonymous with beautiful women. Hair loss could cause stress. Some of the hairloss issues can be controlled with proper care and home remedies. Here are some for you to try out.

Onion

Grate an onion and strain the juice. Apply this on your scalp and massage for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo after an hour. To remove the smell of onion, add 2 tablespoon vinegar to 1 litre water and rinse your hair after shampooing and conditioning.

Amla or gooseberry

Take 1 or 2 tablespoon amla powder and add a dash of water to it to form a mask. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to this. Leave it on for two to three hours and wash it off with a mild shampoo.

Essential oils

Mix five drops of rosemary oil, three drops of carrot oil, three drops of geranium oil, six drops of jojoba oil, 042

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15ml apple cider vinegar, 50ml rosewater and 50ml distilled water in a container and store the mixture in a refrigerator. After washing your hair and air drying, apply a few drops of the mixture on your hair and massage well. Do this at least twice a week for better results.

Garlic

Garlic has high sulphur content that can remove harmful toxins.

It helps in stimulating blood circulation and aids in hair growth and controls hair loss.

Crush a few cloves of garlic. Add coconut oil to it and boil for a few minutes. Once cooled apply this oil to your scalp and give a good massage.

Leave it for 30 minutes and wash it off with a mild shampoo. Do this two to three times a week and enjoy amazing results.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is well known for hair care. It is also known for regenerating hair in bald patches, preventing premature greying and nourishing hair.

Crush or grind a few flowers and add sesame or coconut oil to it to make a paste. Apply it on your scalp and hair and leave it on for two hours before rinsing it off with a mild shampoo.

Coconut milk

Coconut milk promotes hair growth. Boil fresh, grated coconut in water and let it cool down. Apply this coconut mix on your scalp and massage. Leave it on for half an hour and wash it out with a mild shampoo. Do this once or twice a week for lustrous hair.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

GO NUTTY! F

The shiny seeds with an earthy aroma have a bevy of health benefits. Just a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds could bring you amazing results, says Gayathri Das

laxseeds are considered as a cultivated super food. These amazing seeds can do wonders to your health. High in fibre and low in carbs, they help in weight loss. Flaxseeds help you have healthy skin, hair and nails.

Add a tablespoon of powdered flaxseeds to your smoothie, buttermilk or salads and see amazing results. One tablespoon of powdered flaxseeds contains about 1.8g of omega 3 and a good level of oestrogen.

Flaxseeds help in lowering cholesterol levels naturally and they are gluten free. They are anti-inflammatory compared to gluten containing grains that are inflammatory.

Flaxseeds are high in antioxidants that help your skin to keep the glow intact. These crunchy seeds promote digestive health as well.

However, higher doses of flaxseeds can be risky.

They might cause side effects such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and nausea.

Flaxseeds should always be taken ground, with plenty of water. If your triglyceride levels are high it’s better to avoid flaxseeds. Flaxseeds if taken in high doses can lower blood pressure. ■MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

New Restaurant

Reviews

MILK MANTRA

Milk is a major source of calcium which is essential for strong bones. Here’s how you can consume it in a variety of ways

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MAY 10 - 16 / ISSUE 519

Chikku milkshake Ingredients: § 1 cup chikku § 3 tbsp honey § 1 cup milk Method: § Blend the three ingredients till no lumps are found. Pour it into a serving glass and garnish with chopped dry nuts.

Serve it with or without ice.

MILKY Cleopatra took her bath in milk, but you don’t need that — just whip it up with seasonal fruit to get the looks, brains and brawn, says Gayathri Das

A

glass of milk is a powerhouse of health. You get a rich supply of protein, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates as well as fat that tone up your muscles and beef up your bones.

Milk is one of the widely used foods for centuries and the benefits it provides are incredible. Daily intakes help boost your immune system and keep the skin smoother.

Among the factors that make it one of the most convenient foods are its easy, year-round availability and simple ways for consumption. From a plain glass of warm milk to tasty milk shakes along with fruit, it’s consumed in a variety of ways Healthy bones and teeth Milk is a major source of calcium which is essential for strong bones.

Children need this in their growing stage and adults need it to keep their bones strong and to avoid osteoporosis. Milk is essential for strong teeth and it helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.

Muscles Milk is a good source of protein. It helps to rebuild muscles. A glass of milk after workouts helps fight soreness.

Weight loss Low-fat milk helps you lose weight by making you feel full for a long time.

Healthy body Milk reduces the risk of strokes. It can serve as an antacid and is rich in vitamin A and B which can help in good eyesight.

Glowing skin Milk has several nutrients that help skin to look its best. It contains lactic acid which can serve as an exfoliant and enzymes to help smooth the skin.

The amino acids keep the skin moisturised.

Apple milkshake Ingredients: § 1 cup apple § 1/3 cup dates § A pinch of cardamom powder § 1 cup milk Method: § Blend the ingredients well and serve. You can garnish it with chopped dates and dry nuts.

Serve it with or without ice.Serve it with or without ice.

Mango milkshake Ingredients: § 1 cup mango § 3 tbsp sugar § A pinch of cardamom powder § 1 cup milk Method: § Blend the ingredients into a creamy consistency.

Garnish it with chopped mangoes and dry nuts. Serve it with or without ice.Serve it with or without ice.

Banana milkshake Ingredients: § 1 cup banana § 10-15 cashew nuts § 3 tbsp honey § 1 cup milk Method: § Blend the ingredients well.

Garnish the shake with a slice of banana and cashew nuts.

Serve it with or without ice.

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FOOD DRINK

Tr e n d

New Restaurant

REVIEWS

TOPGE RAN Info Box

SHANGHAI KITCHEN

Near Al Nahda Towers Next to Savoy Grand Hotel, Azaiba Opening hours: 12pm to 3pm; 6pm to 1am Contact: 2 ‫ ‏‬4502344‫‏‬ Dinner for four: RO22

SHANGHAI KITCHEN

Verdict : 9/10 SERVICE 9/10 FOOD 9/10 AMBIENCE Pocket-friendly Chinese food with an Indian flavour.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

A CHINESE RESTAURANT WITH A PLEASANT HINT OF INDIANNESS WHERE OLDWORLD CHARM IS FUSED WITH MODERN WARMTH TO TICKLE THE TASTE BUDS. TEAM Y GORGES ON CANTONESE CUISINE AND GENEROSITY

S

hanghai Kitchen is a new Chinese restaurant which promises to bring inventive Cantonese cuisine to life in Muscat. Located in Azaiba, the restaurant’s bright red décor is inspired by the opulent old-world Art-Deco period which is about dark wood furnishings, ornate designs and low lighting.

Most of the tables were occupied when we walked into the restaurant on a Thursday evening.

At one end, they had a big screen live telecasting the Indian Premier League cricket match.

After having a look at the menu, we ordered chicken and prawn siu mai, pepper garlic prawn, egg fried rice, mix hakka noodles and wok-tossed king prawns. The menu has a decent list of appetisers, soups, main course in vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections.

The starters were nicely made and we quickly polished off the siu mai (dim sums) that were steamed and stuffed with minced chicken and prawns, and flavoured with sesame oil. It is served with a black pepper dip, mustard dip and pickled

For dessert, we had mango pudding which was out of the world (yes, this is the season of mangoes in Oman) and fried ice-cream which was a letdown. Ice-cream fried with a thick layer of shredded coconut was soggy and unappetising (upon conveying our disappointing feedback, the IF YOU ARE A CANTONESE CHINESE FOOD staff made sure not to add it in the bill).

LOVER, EATING AT SHANGHAI KITCHEN IS All the portion sizes were decent and filling. One WELL WORTH THE VISIT. THEY HAVE VALET thing we noticed was the ‘distinctive Indianness’ to PARKING TOO the dishes which, of course, was welcomed by us since it pleased our palette.

By the time we finished our dinner at 10pm, there were a dozen diners waiting for their turn.

Fresh food, affordable pricing and good hospitality can work wonders. The restaurant is licensed too.

When the restaurant is packed with families, it can get a bit noisy.

If you are a Cantonese Chinese food lover, eating at Shanghai Kitchen is well worth the visit.

They have valet parking too.

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

ginger. The combo was awesome.

The pepper garlic prawn was crispy fried prawns tossed with crushed black pepper, ginger and soy. Although it was slightly on the spicier side, it surely tickled our taste buds.

The main course of egg fried rice (rice with stir-fried egg whites and spring onions), mix hakka noodles (stir-fried soy-flavoured noodles with shredded vegetables and chicken) and wok-tossed king prawns (jumbo prawns and vegetables tossed in sauce) was flavourful and left us with a pleasant feeling. All the dishes were simple and non-oily with a distinct flavour.

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Amazing happens together.

Watch the World Cup 2018 with your Makasib points.

Enter the draw with 200 Makasib points and get a chance to win.

Dial *224*200#

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