Y Magazine #533, August 30, 2018

Oman through the lens

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AUG 30 - SEP 05 2018 / ISSUE 533 • WEEKLY

Immigration,

INTERRUPTED

PLUS!

IS OMAN’S TEMPORARY VISA BAN WORKING AS INTENDED? ARE MORE OMANIS FINDING JOBS IN NEW SECTORS – OR ARE LOOPHOLES BEING EXPLOITED? Y INVESTIGATES THE IMPACT ON EXPATS AND LOCALS ALIKE

YUMMY OMAN: CRAZY 44 FOR CAMEL PRODUCTS 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258

POSTCARD: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

36

Y-FI: 5 LIFECHANGING APPS

38

MOH No: 1025/2018

24

Free Valet Parking

EDITOR’S

NOTE

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

IN THIS ISSUE…

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

A

warm welcome back to the pages of Y after the Eid holiday break. We hope you enjoyed the time spent with family and friends, wherever your journeys may have taken you. In my case, I packed my bags and jetted off to India for a short escape. But for some expats in the Sultanate, this Eid exit was more than just a vacation — it was also an immigration necessity, marking a visa run.

It’s an experience nearly every expat to Oman goes through as they wait for their immigration process to be finalised – although, as more job roles that were once prioritised for overseas recruitment are curtailed in favour of Omanisation, it’s one that has grinded to a temporary halt for expats in certain job categories.

Six months after the Omani government announced a temporary halt to work visas for expats across 87 roles, and with the recent extension for a further six months issued this June, Y investigates, in our cover story feature, if the visa ban is really working?

Are more Omanis finding jobs as a result? And, what loopholes have been found to help expats buck the system? Flip to page 20 to find out and learn more.

Also in this issue, we bring you Oman through the lenses of our readers and followers as we put out the call this Eid for submissions of your best and brightest shots highlighting the beauty of our nation. Who knows, perhaps you’ll see your pics in our pages!

Finally flip over to our Yummy Oman pages as the taste test team gets adventurous with some very unique camel products and finds out where to buy them in the Sultanate!

Welcome to the Physiotherapy Department at Burjeel Medical Centre.

Specialties: Ÿ

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

Ÿ

Help and prevention in injury recovery

Ÿ

Relieve stress and muscle tension

Ÿ

Flexibility improvement

Ÿ

Mobility improvement

Ÿ

Complementary techniques and high technology modalities

Until next week, happy reading!

editor@y-oman.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi

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

MOH.NO – 107/2018

MANAGING EDITOR Ashlee Starratt

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/REPORTER Alvin Thomas PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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AUG 30 - SEP 05 / ISSUE 533

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contents

AUG 30 - SEP 05 2018

Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman

Tariq Hilal al Barwani 10

News Sultanate lifts ban on poultry products from the Netherlands

12 News

Oman to host World

Cricket League

10

This Week 18

Rooftop Party The sky’s the limit at Axis Events’ rooftop party at the Park Inn Hotel happening this Friday, August 31.

38 Y-Fi

Life-changing apps

Oman through the lens We asked our Y readers and followers to grab their cameras over Eid and show us Oman through their eyes. You won’t believe the results!

Pledge of a lifetime Y is back with the kick-off to our annual Road Safety Campaign – putting the pledge towards accountability in your hands.

Food and Drink

Cars and Adventures 34 First Drive

Five cars you need to

drive in 2018

20 Immigration, interrupted

Is the six-month

visa ban really working?

Y investigates the

hard facts and asks:

is the new ban effective

in helping Omanis find

jobs? Or are loopholes

all that we’re finding instead?

24

19 Movies

Melissa McCarthy

is back as a salty cop

on the beat who teams

up with a puppet 26

private-eye to catch

a killer in ‘The

Happytime Murders’.

19 32 Destination

Pebble Beach

Features

Health and Beauty

44 Yummy Oman: Crazy for camel

Our pick of the top

trends and products

from these desert denizens!

40 Fashion

Maxi-dresses for

maximum style

46 Taste Test

Lebanese Village Restaurant

42 Beauty

Sizzling summer

shadows

38 40

NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

46

brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th e’ From e hits of the week, w gossip to your ultimat from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’ on hold

The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise was released in 2014, grossing a combined total of 1.7 billion dollars (RO 650m) for both films at the box office worldwide, putting actors Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista on the map. But plans for the third film, meant for release in 2020, have been put on hold after director James Gunn was fired.

As the cast and crew prepped for preproduction they were soon let go and told they could look for other work – leaving not only Marvel fans in the air but the whole ‘Guardians’ family as well.

Drake’s hospital surprise Drake is currently on his ‘Aubrey and the Three Amigos’ tour.

During a stop in Chicago he disappointed his fans when he had to cancel his show due to reasons unshared.

Drake instead made a trip to the Lurie Children’s Hospital to surprise an 11-yearold patient.

Sofia Sanchez is a patient at the Children’s Hospital in Chicago and she sent Drake a video of herself doing the ‘Kiki Challenge’ out of her wheelchair after open-heart surgery and asked him to come to her birthday party.

Well, Drake surprised her in the hospital and the two discussed basketball, owls and Justin Bieber. The look of shock on her face was priceless and adorable.

An airplane mishap for Post Malone Post Malone experienced something pretty frightening this past week. The 23-year06

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old rapper had an airplane emergency when his plane blew two tyres on take-off and was forced to make an emergency landing. The plane flew for a few hours to burn fuel before it touched down with no tyres, just metal to the runway. Fortunately, they landed safely. A few days after the incident, and Postie was rocking the stage at the UK’s Reading Festival.

A close call for the Carters Beyonce and Jay-Z are on their ‘On the Run Tour II’. During a show in Atlanta after the last song ‘Ape’, a fan got onto the stage by casually climbing the stairs at the front and tried to follow The Carters back stage. In the footage of the incident, back-up dancers rushed and ran after the stage intruder and a little fight broke out once the security team got involved. In the end Jay and Bey were taken to safety and are going to perform again.

Cookin’ with Snoop We all know Snoop Dogg for his music and for his great collaborations, and, if you didn’t know he’s also been cohosting a show with celebrity cook Martha Stewart called ‘Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party’ since 2016.

Now he’s coming out with his own cookbook called ‘From Crook to Cook’ which will be released on October 23. It’s going to have 50 of his favourite recipes including Baked Mac and Cheese and Chicken and Waffles. The cookbook is a collection of “platinum recipes from the Boss Dogg’s kitchen,” – in his words!

Nick Jonas & Robin Schulz drop ‘Right Now’ German producer Robin Schulz and singer Nick Jonas have teamed up on dance anthem ‘Right Now’.

This is Nick Jonas’s second single this year and the song shows how true he is staying to his pop roots. The two are keeping the summer vibes alive with this fun, upbeat track.

Accolades for Ariana Grande’s ‘Sweetener’ Ariana Grande’s fourth album ‘Sweetener’, released on August 17, is one of the most highly-anticipated albums of the year. The album features the hit single ‘No Tears Left to Cry’ and débuted at number one on the Billboard 200 Chart. It also includes guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, Missy Elliot, and Nicki Minaj.

‘Promises’ from Calvin Harris & Sam Smith Powerhouse singer Sam Smith pairs his leather-lunged vocals with DJ Calvin Harris on the infectiously catchy track, ‘Promises’. In May, Calvin Harris released ‘One Kiss’ with Dua Lipa that was the soundtrack of the start of the summer – and ‘Promises’ bookends that nicely as the credits roll on the summer season. Both tracks are suspected to be off of Calvin’s upcoming sixth studio album.

Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

TARIQ HILAL AL BARWANI, ENTREPRENEUR AND FOUNDER OF KNOWLEDGE OMAN, TALKS ABOUT THE SCOPE FOR THE SIXMONTH VISA BAN TO BE USED AS A TOOL OF CONSTRUCTION RATHER THAN DESTRUCTION

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: In favour of Omanisation, the government has extended its visa ban on certain professionals seeking employment in the Sultanate. Do you agree with this move? Why or why not?

R. VAIDYANATHAN

T

oday, we hear of a lot of new laws being passed – one of which is the visa ban that will bar an expat from working in certain jobs. While I feel it’s a brave decision that can cause an impact, we also need to see how it will work over the coming months. There’s a chance that it will prove to be positive for the country, and there’s a chance that it can be negative.

I feel that, rather than making it a generic law that bans expats working in the 87 professions – one of which includes the Information and Technology sector that I focus on – we should focus on saving the people who do contribute to the development of the country.

That means we need to evaluate employees – be they expat or Omani – who are working for us and then ensure that the person is aligned with our nation’s goal, which is development.

We shouldn’t forget the path that we took to get here. There are expats who have worked hard to elevate the position of our beautiful nation, and we must always acknowledge that. So, simply asking them to leave would be wrong. We need to tap into their talents and perhaps, at some stage, also let them train our Omani youth.

Currently, we have a lot of young people who are driven towards success – and they deserve to get a job here. But someone who doesn’t really want to focus on our strategies and work hard with us; it’s better that they come back when they have finally understand the value of working for our country.

Working hand in hand – that’s what we need to do here. These are tough times, and we need a quality workforce here in Oman. Quantity just won’t cut it. So, everyone here needs to realise that to be a part of this machine, you need to work hard, and above all, work smart. And perhaps, that’s what the law should focus on – retaining those whom we need while politely asking those who aren’t productive enough to step up their game.

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I don’t agree with this move because the Omanisation policy is not helping the private sector in recruiting for some specialised jobs. Some sectors like Renewable Energy, Mechanical Designing/ Analysis, HR (Compensation and benefits) and Insurance Loss Mitigation Analysis require skilled and experienced Omanis who are simply not available on the job market. Companies are finding it difficult to fill these jobs. Banning expats in the sectors where nationals don’t have the requisite skills or experience is not an ideal solution. Omanisation should be based on competitive skills rather than numbers. Now it is moving with numbers. Moreover, nonOmani workers cannot be recruited in private sector entities for activities like carpentry, metal, aluminium and brick works. Omanis are not interested in these positions. Firms are finding it difficult enough to do business in Oman in the current economic climate as it is. This policy will adversely affect our country in the long run. New enterprises will not be ready to start businesses in Oman. Training opportunities need to be given to young Omanis for specialised jobs, which will improve their skill sets to meet the job market’s requirements. Then, automatically, they will be recruited.

SUDHEER MELAPAT

There are both positive and negative aspects to this decision. It is a highly positive one for the Omani community as a large number of Omanis are graduates, and they want to get jobs in their own country. Secondly, it offers these young people a chance to get jobs in the fields of information technology, accounting and finance, marketing and sales, administration and human

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resources. Thirdly, it is an opportunity for them to find employment in the private sector, which hitherto has not applied the Omanisation process very diligently.

SANGEETHA

This move is really beneficial to Omanis but this will really affect expatriates who will lose their jobs. Jobs should be given on the basis of education and skills.

This helps in the development of our country, and Omanis will get a chance to work with expats from all over the world.

SHIVAM

I am in favour of Omanisation as it will help reduce the unemployment rate and improve the living conditions of the locals. This extended period of visa ban in different sectors is long enough to hire Omanis so the Omanisation percentage can be met, and more employment can be generated. This will not only help in reducing unemployment among the locals but also help to increase the per capita income of the country. In this way, companies can show their support to the locals who are often denied employment. The Omani government is wise and visionary and this ban is based on the long-term interests of the nation. It is the duty of the government to create opportunities and jobs for the locals. The government will always aim for the betterment of its people so they lead a better life.

SHILPA B

Oman, being a developing country, must depend upon its human resources for its development.

Oman’s government has taken a lot of initiatives to train and educate Omani citizens and make them world-worthy. The visa ban on certain professions is also part of the government’s initiative to give a slight edge to local candidates. By doing so it will

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be able to restrict the flow of expat professionals into Oman and thereby give opportunities to local talent. I truly agree with the move. But the government should look at the other side of the coin, too. Due to the ban, private sector firms have to recruit locals whose minimum salary is lot higher than those of the expats. This definitely affects the private sector and thereby hits company budgets.

Because of the ban, the employer cannot choose the best employee for his company but has to opt for lesser talented locals at a higher cost. This not only affects the private sector but also overall economic growth. The best positive effect of the visa ban in Oman would be to see Omanis doing well in the Sultanate’s employment market.

DR. TAMANNA DALWAI

A visa ban by the government is a

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temporary fix to provide opportunities for its citizens. It does not necessarily lead to the value addition required for growth of the economy. A system needs to be built that does not require such conditions for the recruitment of available local talent. A major deterrent for recruitment is a lack of experience, which needs to be fixed. One solution would be to have every higher education institution give compulsory opportunities for every student in alignment with industry requirements.

Student training at the companies should expose them to real-life experiences that would make them more likely candidates for jobs in the future. Such a system would be a great investment in Omani graduates and would benefit companies as they could minimise expat recruitment costs and support the overall advancement of the economy.

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AUG 30 - SEP 05 / ISSUE 533

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NEWS RADCLIFFE A MARATHON

MENTOR FOR AL MOUJ

F

ormer world champion athlete Paula Radcliffe is to be the brand ambassador of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon next year.

The retired British runner is a former world champion in the marathon, half-marathon and cross-country distances.

She is aiming to encourage runners from Oman and the GCC region to take part in next January’s event.

Radcliffe, 44, still holds the Women’s Marathon World Record, a time of 2:15:25, which she set in 2003. She retired in 2015.

She said: “I am extremely happy to be the brand ambassador of Al Mouj Marathon.

“I hope I can inspire others, particularly women, to take on the challenge. The Al Mouj Marathon is a great opportunity for people to train, get healthier and take part in this event.”

Al Mouj Marathon has seen a record number of runners, with more than 6,000 taking part this year.

The two-day event, which will be held at Al Mouj in Seeb, will also have half-marathon and relay categories.

OMAN LIFTS BAN ON DUTCH

POULTRY AND EGGS

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O

man has lifted a ban on importing chicken and eggs from Netherlands, the Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

“Following a recommendation from the veterinary authority, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has decided to remove the ban on importing chicken and eggs from Netherlands,” said a statement from the Ministry. The ban was imposed following an alert from the World Organisation for Animal Health on a highly contagious H5N8 bird flu strain. “The imported chicken and eggs can now be sold across markets in Oman,” added the statement.

EID EXCITEMENT

GALLERY

FAMILIES TURNED OUT IN DROVES TO CELEBRATE EID AL ADHA IN MALLS ACROSS MUSCAT, HOSTED

BY AXIS EVENTS.

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011

YOUR

OMAN

OMAN TO HOST WORLD CRICKET LEAGUE

A

n international cricket tournament is coming to the Sultanate for the first time in the country’s history. Oman has been awarded the hosting rights of the World Cricket League (WCL) by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the first time. The six-nation event, which will be held at Al Amerat from November 7-21, will be played as a qualification round for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. Oman, Uganda, USA, Singapore, Denmark and Kenya will take part. Pankaj Khimji, an Oman Cricket Board member, said: “This is a historic moment for Oman Cricket. We have never hosted an international tournament before so this is an honour for us. I am sure cricket lovers in Oman will come forward to support our national team in this tournament and ensure that this is a grand success.”

PACP RECOVERS RO 10,000 FROM AUTOMOTIVE DEALER

T

he Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has reimbursed more than RO 10,000 from an automotive dealer following a complaint from a customer. According to sources at PACP, the customer purchased a new vehicle worth RO 10,300 from the dealer and later found it to be defective. “We tested the vehicle and found out that there are several defects including lack of stability. The consumer raised these issues with the dealer and they couldn’t come to an agreement. Following our detailed investigation and discussion, the dealer agreed to reimburse the full money,” said an official at PACP.

AIRPORT NUMBERS TOP EIGHT MILLION

E

ight million people have used Muscat International Airport in the first seven months of 2018. It means an increase of 11.9 per cent in passenger numbers year-on year, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). An Oman Airports spokesman said: “Last year there were only 7.2 million passengers in the first eight months of 2017.” The airport handled 52,000 passengers on a single day on August 16.

“This is a record number and this was due to the Eid Al Adha holidays,” said the spokesman.

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WADI BANI KHALID A

TOP TOURIST DRAW

M

ore than 10,000 people visited Wadi Bani Khalid during the Eid Al Adha holidays, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has confirmed. Located 200km from Muscat, Wadi Bani Khalid is Oman’s most popular tourist destination.

An MoT official said: “Around 10,590 people visited Wadi Bani Khalid and this is a record compared to last year.”

TEA FOR TWO

GALLERY

MATTHEW HERBST AND CAROLIN HEGER EXPLORE THE FINE-ART OF TEA TASTING AT THE KEMPINSKI HOTEL MUSCAT’S RECENT EVENT AT BOULEVARD TEA HOUSE.

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013

YOUR

SEA & SAND

OMAN

ONE NATION, ONE COASTLINE, BUT NO TWO BEACHES THE SAME, AS SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI DISCOVERS THROUGH HIS LENS.

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AUG 30 - SEP 05 / ISSUE 533

GALLERY

AUG 30 - SEP 05 / ISSUE 533

015

YOUR

ACTIVE NATION

OMAN

SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI SNAPS A SPORTY COLLAGE ACROSS OMAN THAT CELEBRATES THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

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GALLERY

Photography by: Shaquel al Balushi

Location: Seeb Beach

Style: Portrait

In a livelihood steeped in tradition the old ways live on, as, with deft hands, a local fisherman tends his nets in preparation for the morning catch.

AUG 30 - SEP 05 / ISSUE 533

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STUDY ABROAD

AUG

30

Are you planning to study abroad? Then here is your chance. The Ministry of Higher Education is holding a week-long session in Muscat for students planning to study abroad. During the session, students will be provided with important academic, college and living information relevant to the countries they will be studying in.

Students who have received scholarships from the Ministry can also attend the event. The session will be held at the MOHE head office in Muscat. For more information, log on to www.mohe.gov.om.

LEARN FLORAL DESIGN

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

SEP

03

Learn how to create floral arrangements for your own enjoyment and use. Vantage International will introduce floral design to participants, who will be taught classical types of simple floral decoration as well as freestyle techniques. The workshop will be held at the Vantage International office in Ruwi at 7pm. To register, call 9343-5226.

THIS

WEEK AUG

-

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

SEPT

Do you want to party all night? Axis Events is hosting the biggest urban rooftop party at Park Inn Hotel in Al Khuwair. You can get on the dance floor and groove all night to the best of hip-hop and R&B music. Entry fee for couples is RO5 and RO10 for singles. Call or use WhatsApp on 97798111 to book your tickets.

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AUG

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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 2479-1641

Kin Cast: : Carrie Coon, James Franco, Zoe Kravitz

The Happytime Murders Reprisal

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Banks, Maya Rudolph When the puppet stars of a 1980s TV show start being bumped off, washedup private eye puppet Phil Phillips teams up with jaded cop Connie Edwards (McCarthy) to find the killer.

It’s not the first time good-but-flawed human beings and salty-mouthed marionettes have co-existed (ex: Ted) so it’s not as absurd as it sounds.

This is a buddy-buddy cop movie

Super Troopers 2 Cast: AJay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Hefferan, Steve Lemme

mixed with the Muppets, except that it’s set very much in an adult world.

In this, McCarthy, as America’s go-to comedienne – one whose appeal will stretch beyond the coastal states, does her usual thing and is engaging enough. Directed by Brian Henson, the son of Jim, it’s an amusing romp for young adults to enjoy. This is not a movie for kids.

The 1948 After a border dispute arises between the United States and Canada, the Super Troopers are tasked with setting up a highway patrol.

It’s a job for which they are manifestly unsuited, to put it mildly. Not everyone speaks English in this Quebec border town, and the hapless beat cops don’t exactly endear themselves to the locals from the start. And then, there are those formidable Mounties they have to work with, who are not exactly thrilled about their new workmates, either.

This cuts it as a sequel even if it is 17 years after its predecessor, and with Brian Cox, Lynda Carter, and Rob Lowe camping it up in cameos (and clearly enjoying it) it’s a comedic fun-fest in which both Canadian and American movie-goers will get the joke.

We hope.

Cast: Frank Grillo, Bruce Willis, Johnathan Schaech

In this sci-fi thriller, a teenager (Myles Truitt) and his adopted brother (Jack Reynor) are forced on the run by a vengeful criminal (Franco). Then, some federal agents led by Coon are suddenly on their case as well. So, what’s the deal? Well, the brothers have in their possession a lethal weapon – one that may not be entirely of this world. So, who will get or keep hold of it, and who knows how to use it?

It’s a very Bond-ian premise for a film. I’m not sure if you need a whole gang of FBI agents, either. If Bond were on the case, he’d get it; no problem. But then the film would be over in about half an hour.

!

Just when we were wondering what had happened to Bruce Willis’s career, he pops up in this action thriller.

Jacob (Grillo) is a bank manager on suspension and is still traumatized over a heist that took the life of one of his staff.

However, the raid was so well-organized that cops think it was an inside job, and he finds himself in the frame.

The only way to clear his name is to find the mastermind behind it. Alas, as a habitual desk-man he’s not exactly got the experience. Ex-cop James (Willis) is the man for the job, and with his son needing expensive healthcare it’s a bit of work for which Jacob will ensure he’s amply rewarded. Nice to see Willis back doing what he does best, i.e. action hero.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

What is the name of the puppet detective in the movie ‘The Happytime Murders’?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Fakhri Dudhiawalla

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

Experience more VOX Cinemas magic! Discover

Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app AUG 30 - SEP 05 / ISSUE 533

019

ACCESS

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AUG 30 - SEP 05 / ISSUE 533

Oman’s visa ban on expats has forced many to return home while cutting the unemployment rate of the Sultanate’s graduates. But for business owners, staying competitive means hiring and keeping employees with skills and experience. And in a globalised, free-market economy shouldn’t they hire whomever they choose, anyway? Alvin Thomas assesses how the government’s move is working, and examines if it’s at a price worth paying Visa ban to be prolonged for another six months in Oman’, ‘Visa ban for certain professions in Oman extended’, and ‘Expats cannot work these jobs in Oman now’.

These are just a few headlines from July this year, when – as you would have known – Oman decided to extend its visa ban on expat employees working across certain sectors in the Sultanate.

The news was an unprecedented move that dented the hopes of several expats who had considered a move to Oman to further their careers – but at the same time, offered a glimmer of hope to those Omanis who had been waiting for a job for more than a year.

This is what embodies the pain, suffering and sorrow of the tens of thousands of young people and adults seeking jobs in the country – be it an Omani or a migrant worker.

It is indeed a double-sided coin but one that can make or break one’s career.

Despite all the mutual respect maintained among Omanis and expats living here in the Sultanate, the job market, it seems, is where the line is drawn.

At least that’s what Mitchell*, an Australian expat, seems to think. He resigned from his promising gig as a broadcast electronic technician in Dubai to move to Oman.

“It’s [the visa ban] shocking,” he says in a telephone conversation with Y; the frustration is evident in his tone.

“I’ve been living in the GCC for 15 years now, and I had just come to a point in life when I decided to settle down and save up for my retirement.

The idea was to come to Oman and spend a good five years before retiring and moving back to my wife’s home in the Philippines.

“So, when I received the contract from my employer, I was ecstatic. The overall package was handsome and I’d even be paid for my accommodation. I didn’t even think twice before signing it.

“Soon, I handed over my resignation at my work in Dubai – and I was even given a going-away party,” he tells us.

But little did he know that Oman had other plans up its sleeve.

The company’s intention of providing Mitchell with a work visa banked on the government’s decision to lift a six-month long ban that had been effected early in January 2018 on expats working in certain professions in the country.

However, Oman didn’t budge. And on June 24 this year, the ministerial decision was made to extend the ban for another six months, starting on July 30. This meant that Mitchell, like several other expats who had been promised jobs in Oman, couldn’t come to work legally on an employment visa.

The ban, which as of this August, has been in effect for eight months, initially came to light in January, when 87 professions in 10 sectors – starting from the Information and Technology to media, and even the architecture and aviation sectors – were banned from being handed over to expats.

The hiring freeze came into effect following the ministerial

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decree 2018/38, which was issued by the Minister of Manpower Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri.

“This tore me apart,” the 51-year-old expat says. “Everything had been sorted – and all that stood between me and this job was the visa. Who would have thought that this would be the reason I wouldn’t get to work in Oman?”

“The implications of this will definitely be seen in Oman, as they’re closing the door on several skilled workers who can help raise the bar here,” he explains.

Today, Mitchell cannot vent his frustrations or take legal action against the Omani employer since he was never legally in Oman and never began his service for the company.

As per company policy, he only becomes a legal employee from the day he starts work.

So, today, he too, like thousands of other expats, are limited to sharing their views on social media; the main ones being LinkedIn and Twitter, which have a considerable international reach.

This is also how we came across Mitchell before we set up an interview.

Despair, it seems, is what forced him to post negative comments on social media.

He then explains: “This isn’t something that anyone should go through; quitting one’s job in the belief that another one is waiting for them isn’t something you can believe in this part of the world.

“At my age, one shouldn’t have to go through such an upsetting scenario. It’s now highly likely that I may never get placed in a full-time job again. And more so, I don’t think I can ever trust an employer again.

This is a common voice on social media – as several expats, some of whom have been let go from companies in Oman without a NoObjection Certificate (NOC) on the pretext of the visa ban.

Our source at the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) who wishes to remain unnamed, however, debunks our findings: “While the ban is in place, it doesn’t affect anyone who is already working here. So, if anyone has been let go, it’s because the company has made use of their (the employees’) ignorance on the matter. They could have filed a complaint to us for an enquiry into the matter.

“If you have a visa and are working as a life insurance agent

PROFESSIONS THAT ARE CURRENTLY UNDER THE BAN Information and Technology 1. Information Security Specialist 2. Geographic Information System Specialist 3. Electronic Computer Networks 4. Programmed Machines Maintenance - Electronic 5. Electronic Calculator Maintenance 6. Graphic Designer 7. Electronic Surveillance - Equipment Assembly 8. Electronics Technician - Telecom 9. Electronics Technician - Control Instrument 10. Electronic Technician - Medical Equipment 11. Electronics Technician Broadcast 12. Electronic Technician - Programmed Machines 13. Electronic Technician - Computer Networks 14. Computer Programmer 15. Computer Engineer 16. Computer operator Accounting and Finance 1. Bank Notes and Money changer 2. Bank notes technician 3. Account Auditing technician 4. General accounting technician 5. Cost account technician 6. Costs accountant 7. Insurance collector Marketing and Sales 1. Sales specialist 2. Storekeeper 3. Commercial agent 4. Commercial manager 5. Procurement logistics specialist

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Administration and Human Resources 1. Business Administration Specialist 2. Public Relation Specialist 3. Human Resources Specialist 4. Administrative Director Insurance 1. Insurance Agent General 2. Real Estate Insurance Agent 3. Cargo Insurance Agent 4. Life Insurance Agent 5. Vehicle Insurance Agent 6. Factory Insurance Agent Information/Media 1. Media Specialist 2. Page Maker 3. Paper Pulp Machine Operator 4. Bookbinding Machine Operator 5. Decorative Books Operator of 6. Calendar Operator 7. Paper Dyeing Machine Operators 8. Bill Printing Machine Operator 9. Cylinder Press Operator 10. Rotating Press Operator 11. Offset Printing Machine Operator 12. Color Press Operator 13. Palnographic Press Operator 14. Paper Folder Machine Operator 15. Paper Coating Machine Operator 16. Advertising Agent

Medical Professions 1. Male Nurse 2. Pharmacist Assistant 3. Medical Coordinator Airport Professions 1. Aviation Guiding Officer 2. Ground Steward 3. Ticket controller 4. Airplane takeoff Supervisor 5. Air traffic controller 6. Aircraft Landing supervisor 7. Passenger Transport supervisor 8. Land Guide Engineering Professions 1. Architect 2. General Survey Engineer 3. Civil Engineer 4. Electronic Engineer 5. Electronics Engineer 6. Mechanical Engineer 7. Projects Engineers Technical Professions 2. Electronic Technician 3. Road Technician/Road Controller 4. Mechanical Technician 5. Soil Mechanics Laboratory Technician 6. Steam Turbine Technician 7. Construction materials lab technician 8. Gas Network Extension Technician 9. Construction Technician 10. Transformer Technician 11. Station Technician 12. Electrical Technician 13. Heat Operations Technician 14. Maintenance Technician 15. Chemical Technician

(which is one of the banned professions), then you can still renew your visa at the end of your two years. It’s only for those who are newly migrating to Oman or are looking to switch jobs.

“We need to give the Omanis a chance to work for their country and also prove themselves. They, after all, are the children of the nation and will remain even when the expats finally decide to end their services to Oman.

“And when they call out for our help, we need to extend our hands.”

In statistics released by the MoM in September, 2017, nearly 60,000 college graduates were looking for jobs.

Of the number, it is also believed that several had been waiting for a job for more than 12 months.

All of this now takes us to the other side of the matter: how expats are given preference over Omanis in private companies.

Mubashir al Balushi was one of several hundred Omanis involved in a peaceful demonstration outside the MoM office in January, 2018.

His demands were simple: he wanted a job in as an electronics engineer in the construction industry.

The 24-year-old Sultan Qaboos University graduate says: “I had been looking for a job since July 2016. I began my search by applying on the manpower website for a government job. A few months into the search, I realised that I wouldn’t get a call to the public sector due to my lack of experience.

“So I began applying on various web portals of private companies and on LinkedIn. I also tried using my cousins’ help to secure a job – but to no avail.

“By September, 2017, my father had retired from his service too. And it was then up to me to look after my family. I began by helping my brother-in-law in his furniture shop but that was only earning me a meagre RO150.

“And it was only when I got a message on Twitter that a peaceful demonstration would be held at the ministry when I picked up my CV and degree certificate and headed there.

“Everything was as per order at the ministry, and they even assured us that steps were being taken to help us procure jobs.”

Not long after, the government announced that it would “create 25,000 jobs for Omanis”. No further details were revealed after that – but in January 2018, the visa ban came into effect.

But did it work? Initial analysis of the data seems to suggest so: in a mere three months, the MoM hit its initial target of 25,000 jobs.

Even Mubashir, after 18 months of waiting struck down his first job as an engineer in a private firm.

His salary – RO600.

Our ministry source says: “Our stats showed that a total of 24,945 Omanis found work after the ban on hiring expats. Astonishingly, all of these were in the private sector too.”

This is great news considering that unemployment among Omani youth aged between 15-24 stood at 48.7 per cent in 2017, as per figures released by the World Bank. This had ranked Oman as a nation with one of the highest rate of unemployed graduates in the GCC region.

“We hit 97 per cent of our target in the very first quarter after beginning the six-month visa ban (January to June). So, in order to bridge any gap that was left, we decided to further enforce it for another six months (July 2018 to January 2019),” our source adds.

Omanisation grew too: in the private sector it increased to 12.1 per cent in 2017, from 11.4 per cent in 2015, according to MoM data. It’s worth noting that these statistics were revealed before the aforementioned visa ban on expats.

But even as the Sultanate shows some progression in Omanisation, some believe that there is a crisis looming within the community: the hiring of staff, irrespective of quality. In short, even Omani businessmen claim they now have to hire locals who lack the necessary skills and experience.

Ayman*, the owner of an architecture and interior design firm in Oman says: “I began my company back in 2012 so I’d consider myself a newcomer to the field.

“We were initially a team of 12 – of which three were Omanis and nine were expats. But, by about 2015, the pressure of hiring more Omanis began to mount on us.

As per the MoM, we had more expats than Omanis – and that meant we were constantly under the radar.

“By 2016, we weren’t allowed any more work permits, so we couldn’t hire experienced expat workers when we most needed them.

According to Shahswar al Balushi, head of Tanfeedh labour market lab and the chief executive officer of the Oman Society of Contractors, this has been the norm for companies that don’t maintain the ministry mandated Omani-expat ratio.

In an exclusive interview with Y, he says: “The Ministry of Manpower is keeping a very close eye on companies and is making sure that they are keeping up with the targets of Omanisation that has been mandated.”

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Ayman concurs: “We had to hire two Omanis last year in order to get back our permits.”

His frustrations, nonetheless, stem from the fact that, despite hiring Omanis, he cannot hire any expat architects at all because of the new visa ban.

This, inevitably, led to a problem. Because the Omani staff weren’t as well-versed with international designs as their expat counterparts from the rival companies were, they couldn’t compete.

“We lost out on several tenders,” the Omani businessman says, before adding that he pays the local staff on average RO900, while the expats only earn RO550.

However, expats at his firm are entitled to medical insurance, yearly flight tickets, and other perks that Omani staff don’t receive.

The basic salary of an Omani currently stands at RO325, but the amount must be incremented based on their qualifications and work experience. On the other hand, there is no minimum wage for expats in the Sultanate.

“Why should we – the small companies that struggle to stay afloat in Oman – be forced to hire fresh-from-the-college Omani staff?” he asks.

When we pose this question to our source at the MoM, we’re met with a stony silence.

All of this means, small- and medium-scale enterprise (SME) owners are now having to let their expat staff go to maintain the local staff that they’re forced to hire.

During our research on LinkedIn, we stumble upon an expat worker’s story: “I had been working with (company name withheld) for 22 years. As the chief accountant of the firm, there wasn’t a day that I would give anything less than 100 per cent.

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Dmitry Berkut / Shutterstock.com

You don’t simply bring in a law – you analyse it and look at how it will affect the market. And if the positives outweigh everything else, then it goes in place. At the end of the day, we want to bring in sustainable growth within the sectors that the law focuses on.

“I saw the company grow from eight employees in 1996, to 145 in 2018. But I was let go from the position because the company ‘has too many expats in the accounts department’.

“We, the experienced lot, were earning a salary lesser than what Omanis 10 years’ younger than us were raking in. And it’s funny, because it was us who were sanctioning their salaries – and we knew that we were working harder than them.

“But the budget cut happened, and I was let go. The company said that their hands were tied and that their only option to stay alive was to let go of a senior staff member.

Otherwise, they had to hire two Omanis to maintain the company’s ‘Omanisation ratio’.

“Sadly, another one of my other expat colleagues will be losing her job sometime over the next six months too – my last task was to prepare her termination letter. She doesn’t know about that.

“Well, onwards and upwards. What else can I do,” he says as he ends his post.

We raise the case with Shahswar. He explains: “What we’re trying for here with the visa ban is a sustainable Omanisation programme.

“In this context, sustainable means keeping as many of the resources [Omanis and expats] safe while also renewing businesses so that they can overcome this tough period of economic downturn.

“A cloud of economic instability still prevails here in Oman and we’re hoping for some relief over the next two or three quarters.

“We had seen the worst from, say, the end of 2016 and beginning of 2017 to the mid2018, and this has resulted in about 70,000 expats having to leave the country. So, we cannot really pin the blame on the visa ban alone.

“The economy isn’t allowing these companies to recruit any staff – let alone expats.

“Throughout 2017, a total of 55,000 Omanis were recruited in the construction sector alone, and that has now increased to 57,000 today.

“While this shows a growth in the Omanisation rate, the shift is still rather slow,” he says, further asserting how the expat visa ban would have ideally shown better results if the economy was stronger.

“You don’t simply bring in a law – you analyse it and look at how it will affect the market. And if the positives outweigh everything else, then it goes in place. At the end of the day, we want to bring in sustainable growth within the sectors that the law focuses on.

“For example, areas such as mechanical, civil, electronic engineering, etc. are all sectors in which a lot of Omanis are prevalent, of which several are also looking for jobs. This was a factor we took into consideration when I had a discussion with the MoM. “But the law did come in a bit late and at the wrong time.

“Still, we need to ask ourselves why this has come into place. And for that we need to look at which sectors this law is governing.”

“The government now needs to talk to local clients here and set up a ground in which they’re ready to hire Omanis. Some of these clients ask for Omanis with 15 and 20 years of experience in their fields, and it’s incredibly difficult to find such people.

“This is where we need to alter our thinking. We need to give our fresh graduates and budding workers opportunities too. That’s how they will grow and gain more experience.

“We will reap the benefits of what we sow today a few years from now.

Shahswar understands how expats are preferred over Omanis in some private companies.

He says: “Up to an extent, we need to work towards making Omanis attractive.

“As is the case with everyone – there are good and bad workers. And some of these bad apples tarnish the name of the whole community.”

He gives an example: “In the case of expats, hardworking employees are rewarded while those who are unproductive will be terminated. That’s the basic right of a company.

Fearing that, the expats – even the lazy ones – will change their mindset and try harder.

“However, in the case of Omanis, even though they

They’re not going to let go of their existing resources and hire new staff. So, they’ll simply continue to do what they do; hire cheap expat labour and keep them under the radar.

can be let go, they will need to proceed to the court for approvals.

“So, there’s a general thought that it’s harder to terminate them. In the coming years, only companies that are performance-driven will survive. And Omanis must strive to become a part of the team that achieves for t heir company.

“Nobody’s wants to hire an Omani – or any other individual – who doesn’t put in hard work.”

But all of this begs us to ask the question: The visa ban and the prevailing NOC system – is it really bringing in the desired effects to the table?

Our source at the MoM says: “Results? Yes. A radical change in employee management? No. We’re far from it.

Each of these laws comes with its own perks and flaws.

“As Shahswar rightly said, it has come in place a little too late and at a time when companies are trying to survive.

“They’re not going to let go of their existing resources and hire new staff. So, they’ll simply continue to do what they do; hire cheap expat labour and keep them under the radar.

“We come across such cases frequently.

“It’ll almost always be a no-visa transaction. It’s illegal, but business owners see it as a cost-effective option.

“At the end of the day, it’s basically Darwinism in action. The big players in the market will continue to survive, while the smaller ones will slowly wither down or dissolve away and into the history books.

“Don’t be surprised if the ban stays on after January 2019.” ■

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E

id Al-Adha: it’s a time for prayer, sacrifice, and for a fortunate few, the annual pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca. An occasion to remember for all Muslims, this Eid – as is always the case – was initially marked by bidding adieu to those selected pilgrims from the Sultanate to the Holy Land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Then, it was time for the sacrifice – which happened over the course of last week. Cattle were slaughtered and the resulting shuva devoured; it was then time for residents across the country to take time out and unwind from the weekday stresses that they inevitably piled up over the course of the year.

Some workers even received up to nine days of leave from work!

To commemorate the Eid celebrations, we called out readers online and asked them to submit some of their most memorable photos from their time spent here.

The response we received was overwhelming – and we were inundated with emails and messages on Facebook – all filled with photos and smiling faces. To snap the perfect Eid picture, we even had some of our readers taking a 12-hour-long journey to Salalah.

Aisha al Barwani, an entrepreneur and a follower of Y, says: “There’s no better way to wish His Majesty and all the citizens of this nation a blessed Eid Al Adha than by sending them love and greetings from a beautiful location in Oman.”

Here are some of our favourite snaps.

Deepa Rane, Salalah

Kalpana Pervez, Khasab

Ashish Ganatara, Al Ashkarah

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Sanjay MG, Qantab

Habibi Ya Nour El-Ain, Mirbat Fishermen’s Port, Salalah

J Raman, Salalah

Reema Tellis, Salalah Farzana Fathima, Salalah

Susitha Santhanam, Salalah

Vaisu Patel, Wadi Shab

Aisha al Barwani, Jebel Shams

Chakraborty Pinky, Jebel Akhdar

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COMPETITION

Presents

e m i t e f i L A f O e g d e Pl Children will write it and parents will sign it — let’s take the pledge together towards safer roads. Y calls out for families to join the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ and stand a chance to win a top prize

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, 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, Senior Online Editor of 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

In Association With

Exclusive Medical Partner

own way we want to 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 coming soon across Muscat.

Participants can also look forward to an on-ground activation event where children will colour the cards and take the Road Safety Pledge, with the winners being announced at a special upcoming ceremony where they’ll receive their prizes.

■ 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.

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

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

■ 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 it 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, and 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. ● 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.

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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

Station • Park Inn • Porsche Showroom • Al Raffah Hospital • Stationery Hut • The Chedi Muscat Al Hail • Burger King • Caledonian College

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

(Splash) • Diplomatic Club • Grand Hyatt Muscat • Harley-Davidson Showroom • HSBC • KFC • 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

Y- F i

Gaming

CARS AND ADVENTURES

A CURIOUS CREW

An inquisitive pack of mules made for some playful morning company at Pebble Beach. – P32

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&

CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

D E S T I N AT I O N CP ao rsst c a r d Ps ofsrtocma r d s Fr Y-oF mi

I Yn dFoio r s G a m i n g

Destination

PEBBLE BEACH A sunrise excursion to one of Oman’s plentiful hidden beaches finds Shaquel al Balushi on the rocks 032

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slip of rocky beach is easily accessible without the need for a 4x4. You can even take a taxi to get there – although it might cost you an arm and a leg!

With little shade, be sure to pack the factor 50 and don’t be afraid to take a dip or bring your snorkelling gear, keeping an eye out for the abundant marine life that makes the shallows their home.

Beachcombers will find a treasure trove among the jumbled rocks and sea-glass, and driftwood formations.

And for the rest of you? Well, how does solace among the swells sound?

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAVEL GUIDE

T

he beauty of living in a coastal country is that the pull of the water is ever-present. With 3,165 km of coastline, Oman is blessed with stretches of breathtaking shores that draw visitors and locals alike to bask in their tides. Yet, for those who dare venture along the roads less taken, the rewards of discovery are all the greater.

This was the case as we set out before the sun on a hazy Thursday morning, on the road to Pebble Beach – a remote strand of rock-strewn seaboard just past Wadi Shab, 150km south of Muscat, or about a two-hour drive. Don’t expect large crowds at this remote locale. In fact, don’t expect any crowds. On this morning, as the rays of daylight broke through the clouds, it was just us and a small family of wild donkeys to keep us company.

Early morning is the best time to go as the temperature is perfect for a leisurely walk or swim before the mercury rises. Just pack a picnic and a few flasks of coffee or tea and listen to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

If you don’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle, not to worry; this

Set off down Route 17 from Muscat heading towards Tiwi and Wadi Shab.

Take the exit past Wadi Shab Resort and be on the lookout for the road-signs for ‘Shab’. You can’t miss the beach as you’ll see the water twinkling from the distance.

Coordinates: N22° 50’ 40” E59° 14’ 32”

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5 C A R S Y O U N E E D TO D R I V E I N 2 0 1 8

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CARS ADVENTURES

We’re well over the halfway point in 2018 but the motoring world is just getting started. Y’s Alvin Thomas picks out the best cars to look out for on Oman’s roads this year

aking the decision to splurge your hard-earned cash on a car is a difficult one – but narrowing down the choice is even harder.

There are thousands of options available and choosing one can be a problem, especially if you’re not up-to-date about what’s new on the market.

But buying a car should be a pleasure not a chore.

Here, we have compiled the top five releases of 2018 that merge the latest technology with the attributes most motorists want. This has been a fantastic year for the motoring world, and it’s not done yet.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class “Daddy’s home”. It’s time for every other SUV to move over and make way for the master of the terrain: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. When it comes to heritage, none surpasses the iconic G-Wagen (short for Geländewagen, “cross country vehicle”).

Turn back the hands of time, and you’ll see that it

Specifications: Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 Power: 416hp and 577hp Torque: 610Nms and 850Nms

was the car of choice from rulers, movie stars, politicians, top businessmen and even the military; from 1979. This remains to be the case today as well… plus the Kardashians, who seem to

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have taken a shine to the vehicle. This new variant works on the existing 20th century design mantra, save for a handful of new cues peppered around the SUV to create the second generation of G-Wagens.

Scratch beneath the surface, however, and you’ll find a host of crucial changes – namely, independent suspension up front; two 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine options, each pumping out 416hp (G500) and 577hp (G63); a new chassis; and a swanky cockpit designed to keep it up-to-date with its competitors from the UK. Granted, this is probably the only vehicle that people will buy to swap the new front end for the retro one.

Lexus ES The ES has always been something of an afterthought for Lexus, even though it earned much acclaim for being a sales success in the Middle East.

Sitting in the lineup – remaining largely unchanged

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not fazed by the shared architecture, it must be seen if this soft-top roadster, which boasts 50:50 balance, a wide track, and a short wheelbase, can outrun the Jaguar F-Type S and the mid-engined Porsche Boxster it pits itself against. Our hunch is that it can.

Specifications: Engine: 3.0-litre straight-six Power: 340hp Torque: undisclosed

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Power, style, and a bit of sophistication: that’s what makes the Aston Martins of today so distinctive.

Its status as a Bond car aside, there’s a lot to like about the British carmaker’s latest fleet – and the DBS Superleggera, we think is the icing on the cake. Not only do we believe it to be one of the best-looking cars ever made, it’s also packing a monstrosity of an engine underneath: a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12. In its all glorious form, the motor will breathe out an astounding 715hp and 900Nms of torque. This puts it on a par with the best the Italians can offer. And by the way, Superleggera is Italian for “superlight”. At 1.6 tonnes, it’s no petite supermodel on wheels but at least it does look like one. It’s the type of car you’d want to pull out your smartphone to photograph.

Jeep Wrangler If the classic 1990s Honda Civic was the car young people aspired to own back in the day, today it’s the Jeep Wrangler. A Wrangler with beefed-up suspension, tyres that can put Jupiter’s moons to shame, and a custom cat-back exhaust system: that seems to be the dream. So, it’s not wrong to say that the SUV has gained

Specifications: Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 Power: 715hp Torque: 900Nms BMW Z4 A two-seater convertible sports car with a punchy engine and a BMW badge to go along with it?

That sounds like the perfect recipe for a fun-filled weekend on the twisty mountain roads of Oman.

That said, we still think that this is one of the most controversial cars on the road this year. On paper,

something of a cult status here in the Sultanate.

Nevertheless, for 2018, the Wrangler has some important quirks, the most important of which, according to journalists who have driven it, is onroad refinement. Sure, it still comes with removable doors, adjustable windscreen and a versatile roof but it’s the newly-designed interior and the added tech toys that have us waiting eagerly for its local launch. Engine options are expected to remain the same: you’ll still get the noisy but functional Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.0-litre in-line fourcylinder turbo motor.

Specifications: Engine: 3.6-litre V6/ 2.0-litre turbo four Power: 285hp/268hp Torque: 352Nms/400Nms

for about six years – it was about time the sedan had a revamp. The rejuvenated look that the new ES will come with, then, is exactly what the doctor ordered. Much like the design-language, the sedan is also expected to incorporate the latest infotainment gizmos and safety features from its larger LS sibling.

While no details have been mentioned about the powertrains yet, expect several options ranging from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a set of electric motors, and a rawer 3.5-litre V6.

Specifications: Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four cylinder/ 3.5-litre V6 Power: undisclosed Torque: undisclosed

the BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six engine producing 340hp sounds enticing but, underneath it all, it’s a Toyota – a Toyota Supra, to be specific.

While we’re

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The colourful streets of La Boca are home to some of Argentina’s finest steakhouses and vibrant nightlife.

1. Head into La Boca for a shopping spree 2. Meditate at the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral 3. Glance at the vintage artworks in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes 4. Spend time relaxing or interact with the crowds at the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden 5. Try to watch a game of football at the iconic La Bombonera stadium

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Alvin Thomas recommends

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA A

rgentina is the home of splendid steak and seafood, vintage architecture, spine-twisting dance moves and legendary football players. Clichéd traveller-talk out of the way, this South American country is splendid. No wait! It’s fan-bleeding-tastic.

To truly experience Argentina, you’d need to move there - and for the two weeks I was there, I thought I wanted to. Call it tourist-goggles or whatever but there’s a certain sense of aura that pins you down. It’s almost like you - the prodigal son – went back home to your parents after decades away. The country welcomes tourists like no one else.

It’s a feeling that deludes you, at which point, you’ll inevitably have someone come over and, in an almost programmed tone, ask you: “Hola, que tal?” That’s when you realise that being in Argentina poses a few challenges too - language being the primary one.

If you’re fluent in Spanish, you’re gold. Otherwise, it’s best you carry an ‘English-Spanish’ book on you to scramble with awkwardly for a few seconds, before finally answering with a nod. And trust me, a nod and basic knowledge on the locales will suffice to get you around LA BOM places in most Argentinian cities.

BONER A STAD Speaking of which, Buenos Aires - a wonderful city nestled in the heart of South IU M America - is where you’d want to start your Argentinian adventure.

It’s quite populous, which, depending on how you look at things, can be a boon or bane.

How, you ask? Well, its multi-cultural roots mean there’ll be several English-speaking residents lingering around the city centre at peak hours.

If they’re kind enough, they’ll even show you around the myriad tourist spots within an arm’s reach (figuratively, of course) for free.

The first spot you’d want to stop by would be the Plaza de Mayo - a city square that was formed after the great ‘May Revolution’ that led to the nation’s independence from Spanish royalty. Emotions run deep there, so don’t go around prophesising your love for Spain.

Other spots you’d want to visit include La Boca, an area famed for its street artists and some of the best steakhouses in town; the Teatro Colon, a grand theatre from the early 20th Century; the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral from the 17th Century; and MALBA, a modern museum showcasing artworks, cultural events, and films.

It would ideally take you a week to complete a tour of Buenos Aires, so it’s best to plan your trip accordingly. Also, the key to blending into Buenos Aires - and effectively most parts of Argentina - is to pretend like you belong. A bit of confidence is exactly what you’d require to OL IT A N fend off greedy taxi drivers and shopkeepers.

E S M E T R OP B U E N OS A IR AL If you’re flying there, though, don’t restrict yourself to the capital city. Make sure you hire a CATHEDR car and drive down to the beautiful alps of Patagonia. Trust me, it’s well worth your time.

My favourite place It’s hard to put my finger down on one particular spot in the city that caught my eye – everything comes

with its own charm. However, Tierra Santa – the world’s first religious theme park – is definitely in a league of its own.

At the park, you can walk the streets of Jerusalem, for a solemn experience of cultural references that highlight the early days of the Abrahamic faiths.

Highlights

The buzzing streets of Buenos Aires can come across as a shock for those born and raised in Oman. If New York is indeed considered the ‘city that never sleeps’ this Argentinian city would follow suit too – so prepare yourself beforehand.

All this dynamism comes from the multi-cultural populace that comprise 17 million people who live here. And why would they move elsewhere? With tourism booming more so than ever before, Buenos Aires is only etching itself further on the map.

Lowlights As is the case with most countries, it’s always best if you travel to Buenos Aires with someone who knows the city inside out. Temperate climates and a low crime rate mean the city is brimming with tourists all year round – but that also means goods are marked up and taxis overcharge you for short trips.

Souvenirs Leather goods and football items – these are the two items you must shop for while in Buenos Aires. Even though the goods are relatively expensive, it’s still three times cheaper than what you can buy here in Oman or in the UAE. Getting there If your name doesn’t begin with ‘Bill’ and end with ‘Gates’, then you’d want to begin saving up. The

BUENOS AIRES BOTANIC AL GAR DEN

average cost of a round trip to the city from Oman is RO850.

Where to stay This is where things get interesting – Hotels in the city are priced well. So, for about RO25 per night, you

can opt to stay in a decent 5-star property. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, you can make use of the strong Airbnb network.

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FIVE APPS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER Admit it, it’s hard to imagine a life without smartphones. The Y Geek Squad’s Chloe Lewis has rounded up a list of the best apps available for Android and iOS that you should be installing right now!

GOOGLE ASSISTANT Want someone at your constant beck and call? Google Assistant is a virtual aide that can do anything for you save carrying your groceries from the car to the kitchen. It’s basically Siri but better. It provides more accuracy in doing complex tasks such as making dinner reservations and pre-ordering your favourite meal, proving its superior artificial intelligence.

UPWORK Freelancers scouting for new gigs definitely should download the Upwork app.

It gives you access to the largest online workplace for an unlimited number of projects where you don’t have to commit to a full-time 9-5 office job.

Entrepreneur states that users are rated by former employers so make sure that you get every job done if you want to maintain a reliable reputation in the selfemployed community.

SPOON GURU In addition to Y Magazine’s list of must-try food apps, Spoon Guru is also worth checking out. It’s an app tailored for those with dietary restrictions for medical, religious or lifestyle reasons. It lists recommendations in the area as well as recipes that fit your diet. You can also use it to scan barcodes of grocery items to see if the product is appropriate for your diet.

HEADSPACE With a stressful life, meditation becomes an effective method of relaxing. Medical News Today notes that Headspace is one of the best apps for meditation as it uses a rewards system to encourage its users to progress their mindfulness practice. It can help get you through your fear of flying, work pressure, and help you sleep better at night.

EDITOR’S PICK

NEXTVR

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IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) IS ON ITS WAY TO CHANGING HOW WE VIEW ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS. A MEDIUM FEATURE LISTS NEXTVR AS ONE OF THE TOP VR SPORTS APPS THAT GIVES USERS AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE OF WATCHING SPORTS GAMES. YOU CAN BE SITTING IN THE CROWD OF A FOOTBALL GAME AND CHEERING FOR YOUR TEAM WITHOUT ACTUALLY HAVING TO LEAVE YOUR HOME. ALL YOU NEED IS A SPECIAL VR HEADSET OR YOU CAN USE YOUR SMARTPHONE AS A VR TOOL. VR IS AN AMAZING PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY THAT DIFFERENT SPORTS BROADCASTERS HAVE USED FOR THEIR AUDIENCES. CORAL REPORTED THAT VR WAS ALSO USED TO PROVIDE AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR RACING FANS AS THEY COULD WATCH THE DRIVER’S MEETING OF THE NASCAR CUP SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALE. VR OFFERS FANS A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK THAT REGULAR COVERAGE CAN’T PROVIDE. NEXTVR’S IDEA FOR VR IS THE SAME, AND IT’S A PRETTY REVOLUTIONARY WAY OF WATCHING SPORTS.

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Top 5 games to look out for in September Superheroes lead the way in our latest round of games for those forthcoming autumn nights SPIDERMAN Our web-swinging, wall-climbing action hero will be back next month after a long hiatus from consoles. And if the initial speculation is anything to go by, the anticipation has been well worth it. Not only is the game expected to feature slicker graphics, it will also come with stronger narrative and an equally gripping storyline.

Marvel is still tight-lipped about the villains Peter Parker will be up against this time around but if the trailer is anything to go by, the movie-styled game could see a newer take on Electro and the whole lot. As is the norm nowadays, more villains could be added later as well.

Platform: PS4

THE SHADOW OF TOMB RAIDER

FIFA 19 This game requires no introduction. We think the FIFA series comprises some of the best football titles out there – and we’d expect FIFA 19 to neatly fit into that clan too. The game won’t bring many changes for 2019 although if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it; as they say. But cut through the PR stuff and you’ll find that there’s a new Chinese Super League, ‘no rules’ and ‘survival’ modes, and some newly-added player skills. Irrespective of all those gimmicks, it will sell like hotcakes.

Oh, Lara! If only our lives were as exciting as yours.

Our favourite archaeologist, Lara Croft will be back this coming month at her job of venturing through Mesoamerica and South America, except she now must stop a Mayan apocalypse that she inadvertently unleashed. As always, you’ll be expected to Platform: Microsoft Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Android, iOS combat enemies, explore the environment, and scavenge for resources that can be used to craft weapons. The game is a sequel to the much-acclaimed Rise of the Tomb Raider, and will IMMORTAL UNCHAINED be the last chapter to her origin story.

We think Immortal Unchained is one of the coolest game names we’ve come across in a really long time (the last one being Resident Evil). That said, all the elements of this title, from the trailer alone, reek of generic action/role-playing games of old.

LIFE IS STRANGE 2 – EPISODE 1 We’re still keeping an open mind, though: The developers say that it will feature special weapons and armour that you’ll then Get ready to taste the need to use to fight your way across the nine worlds to “find the supernatural with Life heart of decay” – whatever that means. is Strange 2. This time around, you’ll play the Platform: Microsoft Windows role of brothers Sean, 16, and Daniel, nine, who are on the run after an unexplained paranormal incident leaves a cop dead. No further details about the storyline have been released, but the journey from Seattle to their home in Puerto Lobos in Mexico will be quite a daunting one. And with Unreal Engine 4 at the helm of the physics engine in the game, we guarantee you plenty of scares.

Platform: Microsoft Windows, PS4, Xbox One

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SKIRTING THE ISSUE

A fashion piece that was my Mum’s favourite during her youth is now my go-to. What can I say? Fashion comes around again and again, only with a twist; like with this printed, three-cut maxi skirt from Long Tall Sally.

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aran K e tin hris C , t ry tree esto s o h h g s e hi rmy h a t e o t H end e look. ram h g g hi th the to get n Insta m Fro s you tine o is help w Chr o Foll

T t Ge This black four-cut skirt from M&Co is one of the easiest and trendiest skirts to style. Pair it with a white top for the day or black top for the evening, add some chunky jewellery and you are ready to rock! Love it? Grab it for RO13.

When it comes to jewellery, we think one statement piece is all that is needed to pull everything together.

This gold funky earring is classy and fashionably edgy. Buy it from Parfois at RO5.

Even though you boast shoes in all shades of the rainbow, simple black sandals will always be a fashionable choice, any day. If you don’t have any like these squarefront suede mules from ZARA, then get them today, for RO10.

It may be our love for black-and-white stones talking but we are crazy about this envelope clutch from Guess. Buy this today, for RO34.

For those who want to keep it simple and bold, this black top from ZARA is just for you. With intricate embellishments only on the shoulder, this is a perfect top to style any way you want.

Buy it for RO16.

This olive green skirt from ZARA is all about fun. It’s perfect for when you go out with friends or when you just want to stroll around the mall.

Our eyes especially go to the light frills which make it very boujee!

Buy it for RO30.

The best feature about this white crepe-and black piping top is that it is versatile. You can tuck it in and pair it with your long skirt for an elegant look or wear it loose with your jeans for that casual chic look. We are loving it, are you? Buy it from H&M at RO8.

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As the summer heat continues, Y looks at the top 5 hottest beauty trends for our peeps this season – anybody for the ‘wet’ look?

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he long hot days of summer might be winding down in the northern hemisphere, but here in Oman, there are two more months of high temperatures to go before we can enjoy the cooler weather.

This, of course, means that the hottest summer beauty trends have a longer life here so it’s not too late to embrace and perfect the top make-up styles for our eyes.

rocks for grown-ups wanting to add a pop of shine to the smoky eye trend.

Adding a metallic glint to your peeps is easy thanks to the wide range of eye shadows and creams available on the market; from gold to silver, pink, purple and even blue. It’s a look best suited to a night out but there are some understated eye shadows to use during the day to add a touch of sparkle to your eyes.

1. Water works There’s nothing worse than taking a quick dip to cool down, and your eye make-up starts to run; leaving you looking like the proverbial panda. This season, however, giving your eyes a ‘wet look’ is one of the hottest trends in the beauty world. Best of all, it’s easy to incorporate into your morning routine to add a high-shine, glossy finish to your eyes. After applying your favourite eye shadow, simply pat a smidgin of eye gloss (yes, there’s now gloss for eyes!) on your eyelids.

4. Wing it The classic winged eyeliner look has taken on a colourful, simplified twist this summer. Forget the vintage Brigitte Bardot look; this is all about creating ‘baby wing eyes’ by using a coloured eyeliner to slightly enhance the outer edges of your eyes. From cool whites to soft lavenders, strong reds or breezy blues; there’s a colour to suit all eyes. Best of all, it’s also a nod to the more natural look that is beginning to take hold again – which, we have to say, is a relief !

2. Au naturel Keep it cool and simple and go au naturel this summer. Thankfully, that means saying goodbye to the heavy eye contouring that beauty influencers have been embracing for the past couple of years. Instead, it’s all about going back to basics and letting your skin breathe. To get the look, all it takes is a swipe of subtle bronzer to highlight your eyes, followed by a touch of mascara.

3. All that glitters OK, so we know that glitter eye shadow is a staple in the play make-up offerings for little girls wanting to emulate their favourite Disney princess. But this look 042

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5. True blue Once the preserve of the 1970s and ABBA revival nights, blue eye shadow has made a comeback as one of the hottest eye make-up trends for 2018. Admittedly, we are still not sure about this colour but have to say that some of the looks we’ve seen are pretty cool, especially the more iridescent blues.

The blue eye shadow trend is part of a bigger picture that is embracing brighter, bolder colours for our eyes this year – but the number one rule is to stick to one colour rather than blending a variety of hues together.

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GOLDEN OLDIES: HOW TO AGE WITH OPTIMISM

In a society that places a disproportionate amount of value on youth, the prospect of ageing – one that we must all face – can carry with it many mixed emotions. But it doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are six ways to embrace it

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aving a ‘glass half-full’ approach to life has long been considered important for overall wellness but evidence suggests that there may be some truth in this age-old wisdom.

In a recent US-based survey of 2,000 people aged 60 and over (by health insurance provider Humana), it was found that 87 per cent of seniors who identify themselves as ‘most optimistic’ reported their health as good to excellent – compared to 44 per cent for those who said they’re ‘least optimistic’.

Also, the most optimistic people reported nine fewer physically unhealthy and seven fewer mentally unhealthy days per month than their least optimistic counterparts.

Seniors who rated themselves as most optimistic also reported positively on other attributes linked to health, including sleep, confidence, and overall happiness.

Yet having an optimistic mindset is often easier said than done. The stresses of life, social stereotypes, and one’s natural temperament can all impede approaching ageing with optimism. Here’s some sound advice for anyone struggling to stay on the sunny side of life:

❶ Take ownership and recognise that your health is your own.

To achieve your best health, you need to set personal goals just for you.

❷ Engage with your doctor or other healthcare professional and build a trusting relationship. ❸ Find a higher purpose that makes you excited to get up in the morning. Humana’s survey found that most respondents (86 percent) who identify as optimists also rank a sense of purpose as an important attribute for ageing. ❹ Remain socially engaged, not isolated; and nurture close relationships. The importance of social engagement is recognised by those seniors who identify as optimists and get together with friends or relatives either monthly or weekly. Further, maintaining an active social life is an important motivator to stay healthy. ❺ Stay active and remember that physical activity is important. Find something that’s right for you and that you like to do.

Remaining physically active is a major motivator for retaining good health. ❻ Practise gratitude and make it a habit to look for and appreciate everything you’re thankful for in life.

Source: newsusa.com AUG 30 - SEP 05 / ISSUE 533

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CRAZY FOR CAMEL

Camel burgers or camel-milk chocolate?

Take ‘em or leave ‘em, we bet you didn’t know you could find products like these from our desert denizens!

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Camel Products

THAT WILL ROCK YOUR TASTE-BUDS! In souvenir shops, airport duty-frees, and upscale supermarkets, camel commodities are making a comeback. But throughout the region and here in Oman, these ships of the desert and all they can offer have never gone out of style. Here are five must-try camel products and where to find them

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hroughout the MENA region, since time immemorial, the humble camel has been a migrational masthead and purveyor of sustenance, sustaining civilisations at the crossroads of history. The earliest nomadic Bedouin tribes used their herds for transport, nourished themselves on their meat and dairy while Cleopatra bathed in, and had soap made from, their milk.

Today, camels still remain a cornerstone of tradition, re-envisaged for the new age. It’s not uncommon to see them used for sport and luxury – think races, pomp, and pageantry – and can warrant price-tags stretching into millions of rials. And, with their consumables becoming more widely recognised for their medicinal and therapeutic properties, the demand for camel products is on the regional rise.

Here are five of our top picks to get you over that hump!

Camel-milk chocolate

Does it really taste that much different from our favourite sweet indulgence made from good-ol’ cow’s milk? Not to get ourselves in a hump…but we think not. Chocolate is chocolate and all we know is that the camel-milk version still ticks all the boxes for creamy, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth nirvana.

Al Nassma’s variety is the most commonly-found brand, but expect a bar to set you back by at least RO11. Sinful goodness doesn’t come cheap. But with very little difference in flavour to other forms of chocolate, is the hefty priceTake your craving for tag warranted? Or is it inflated marketing? Let your taste buds camel milk up a notch be the judge. with a cold bottle of Find it: Spinneys Arabia’s favourite cooling yogurt drink.

While camel milk tends to have a more pungent aroma and taste not unlike goat’s milk – Really though – why let the goats have all the it’s a flavour profile that works well in fermented glory as the dairy world’s primo alternative cheese? curd form. Enter laban. Camelicious offers a line And with camel milk, or ‘dhahab abyad’ – ’white of pasteurised products ranging in flavour from gold’ as it’s known – earning superfood status due strawberry, chocolate, and date to the more fringe to its immunity-boosting proteins and cancerflavours of saffron and lemon-mint – not for the fighting antibodies, it’s little wonder manufacturers faint of heart! have found ways to maximise on its many forms.

Find it: Nesto Hypermarkets Camelicious White Gold brand will have you hankering for a salty-smooth hunk of their Nabulsi, Akkawi, and traditional white and labneh varieties.

Find it: Spinneys Not your traditional biryani or machbous, this version hero-ing the humble camel is popping up on many a menu The latest coffee craze to jump on in the Sultanate. The same the camel bandwagon, this caffeine fix fluffy basmati rice mixed is all about – you guessed it – swapping with a heady blend of spices out your usual dose of dairy for a hit is the perfect fodder to let of frothy, foamy camel milk. Adding a those unctuous cubed morsels new depth of flavour to your morning of camel tenderloin shine. brew, it’s a healthier option due to its Served with a cooling dollop of puckery raita, mop high Vitamin C quotient and lower fat content than up every last mouthful with a hunk of saj bread. cow’s milk. Better make ours a double!

Ubhar Restaurant, Shatti Al Qurum Find it: The Majlis, Oman Avenues Mall

Camel laban

Camel-milk cheese

Camel biryani

Camelccino

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THE LEBANESE VILLAGE RESTAURANT

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Baushar behind Dar Al Atta office Opening hours: 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Contact: 9911-3344 Dinner for three: RO15.530

THE LEBANESE VILLAGE RESTAURANT

Verdict : 8/10 SERVICE 8/10 FOOD 8/10 AMBIENCE Excellent food that is value for money.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

would have to wait a long time to get your food,” said my friend.

I quickly plopped the garden green salad on my plate and spooned out a portion of hummus on my plate. I have a penchant for hummus with tahini, especially when eaten with Arabic bread (Qubs).

I wouldn’t say the hummus was the best I have ever had but it was thick, creamy and thoroughly satisfying. The mixed grill (Lebanese Village grill, as mentioned in the menu) was unlike what you THE LEBANESE SHAWARMA WAS THE BEST would get in a Lebanese restaurant: there was I HAVE EVER HAD, NO QUESTION. THE no Arabic bread or hummus served alongside it.

CREAMY GARLIC AND CRUNCHY FRIES However, it was worth it for the portion of grill INSIDE THE SANDWICH ENDOWED IT WITH that was served. In true Lebanese fashion, you get AN EDGY CRISPNESS WITH EVERY BITE three pieces each of chicken tikka, shish tawook, beef kebab and a piece of lamb chop along with garlic sauce and fries. The presentation was topnotch and the meat, succulent.

The Lebanese shawarma was the best I have ever had, no question. The creamy garlic and crunchy fries inside the sandwich endowed it with an edgy crispness with every bite.

We also ordered fresh lemon mint juice but it turned out to be a little on the bitter side.

The total price of the dinner was RO15.530.

If you are searching for an authentic Lebanese restaurant, then check this place out.

WHEN LOOKING TO GO LEBANESE ON A NIGHT OUT, NISHAD PADIYARATH FINDS AN EATERY NOW EMERGING AS AN INSTAGRAM STAPLE

A

stellar location has to be a factor when looking for a place to hang out, have fun, and eat well.

Dolphin Village, in Baushar, not only has a great view but also a great vibe. This could be down to the fact that it has more than a dozen eateries here.

The newest eatery here is the Lebanese Village Restaurant, which really comes to life after dark.

It has been the talk of the town ever since it opened in June. Social media has been abuzz with fans posting Instagram images of some of the meals they have sampled and savoured here.

So, on a recent Sunday evening, my friends and I headed to Lebanese Village Restaurant for an early dinner.

Located, right behind Dar Al Atta’a charity office near the Dolphin Village, the restaurant can certainly dish up an amiable atmosphere that’s perfect for socialising.

“This is one place where you can spend the whole night chatting with your friends,” said my friend, casting his eye around.

Yes, he is right. Despite its moody lighting and striking décor, the restaurant radiates a warm and welcoming ambience.

Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com At one end of the restaurant, we could see people smoking sheesha (this place is slowly becoming a popular sheesha joint), while at the other end families were heartily tucking in.

We took a table near the window that offers a spectacular view of Baushar city.

The menu is impressive, with a variety of dishes to choose from. We ordered hummus with tahini, Lebanese salad, mixed grill and Arabic chicken shawarma with fries.

“Have we chosen well? Did we miss any special Lebanese highlights?” I asked the waiter. He gave a light nod with a smile. In less than five minutes, the food arrived. “Usually in a restaurant like this, you

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