N O V E M B E R 24 / I S S U E 2 5 8 0 1

JAN

9 – 1

5 •

ISSU

E 252

• W

EEKL

Y

Your top guide to the best of oman, everY week

PL

US

!

SEPT 18 - 24 / ISSUE 337 • WEEKLY

Free!EVERY THURSDAY

NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

Meet the CraftsMen keeping tradition alive

Sweet 60S

Smart timing

extreme adventure 4032 44

HEALTH: Tackling Back PainDESTINATION: Wadi Mayh

News: Drifting Danger10

FIGHTING

MANHATTAN FISH / AL HARTHY TRIUMPH / CAMEL RACING

Hobby With A StingOman’S buSy beeSSelfie ManiaWIN WITH CITy CINEMA

Back

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 3

Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &

Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine – your

indispensable guide to everything modern

Oman has to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORFelicity Glover

DEPUTY EDITORKate Ginn

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

CONTRIBUTORS Matt BlackwellAdam Hurrell

Ghada al HarthyJerzy Wierzbicki

INTERNS Deeba Hasan

Ailish Fleming Nabaa Baqir

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.

@ytabloid /ytabloid www.y-oman.comFO L L O W U S O N :

,

Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration.

Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go at y-oman.com/current-issue

Ways to get your Y fix

Fast forwardWe all know that global trade is an important foundation of every country’s

economy. But bilateral trade agreements between countries can also be a double-edged sword, as we discover in our cover story this week.

Y sits down with traditional Omani craftsmen and women, who say they are fighting for their livelihoods as an influx of cheap Chinese imports flood the market. From incense burners to handmade woven baskets to traditional khanjars, it seems that a lot is at stake.

But there are some new Government initiatives that are helping the craftsmen to fight back. These include the opening of the Omani Craftsman House and the setting up of the Public Authority for Craft Industries, which helps craftsmen to market and showcase their products around the Sultanate and the region.

Meanwhile, we go back to the 1960s in Fashion, put the impressive VW Beetle 2015 SEL through its paces and meet some interesting professional and amateur chefs who were competing at the recent Food and Hospitality Oman exhibition.

We continue our look back at some memorable journeys in Destination and meet Salim bin Shamis al Harthy, who shares the fascinating ancient art of beekeeping with us.

Have a fabulous week – and let’s hope the temperature finally eases!Team Y has been welcoming its newest member Adam Hurrell, who will be our Multimedia Journalist/Writer, opening

our long-awaited bank account and heading off to the desert for an extreme

weekend of sorts.

THIS WEEK…

the barOmeter

Be the star of your own photo in our latest

competition with City Cinema, which is giving away 10 pairs of

cinema tickets a week for the next five weeks.

Check out P16 for details. And don’t forget to enter our Box Appeal competition for a chance to win a BBQ for four people at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Go to P13 for details on how to enter.

gOing UPPOWER DEMAND

New houses, continued government investment in infrastructure projects

and a rise in income levels will combine to see power demand surge by 10 per

cent over the next seven years, says the Oman Power and Water Procurement

Company.

gOing DOWnDISAPPEARING INK

The Central Bank of Oman has warned banks and financial institutions to be on

the lookout for a new forgery scam in which a “disappearing ink pen” is used to sign documents. The ink, it says, can

disappear in an hour and lead to the overwriting of documents.

new COmpetitiOn

Want to read Y on the go? Scan our digital issue here:Download any QR reader from iTunes or Google Play to read Y on the go

editor@y-oman.com

contentsS E P T 1 8 - S E P T 2 4 2 0 1 4

yo u r O m a n06 Coffee With Deeba Oliver Pataray

08 Voice of Oman Shuena al Mayahi

10 news Drift Crash

15 Oman in 43 Objects Camel Racing

Fo o d a n d d r i n k28 food feature Muscat’s Master Chefs

30 taste test The Manhattan Fish Market

t h i s w e e k17 Movie Listings The Giver

18 this Week Feel The Beat

C a r s a n d a d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Wadi Mayh

40 Outdoors Extreme Desert Safari

42 Postcard from Lucerne, Switzerland

44 Y-fi Times Are Changing

46 Car of the Week VW Beetle 2015 SEL

2846

Fe at u r e20 trading Up Keeping Omani Crafts Alive

26 Busy Bee The Life Of A Bee Keeper

h e a l t h a n d b e a u t y32 fashion Into The Groove

34 Health Desk Damage

35 trend Pretty In Pink

rOaDS in griDLOCk / BeSt BBqS / SaVing OMan’S VULtUreS / faDe tO greY / Hit tHe gYM / LateSt neWS

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE...

12

33

2618

OMN_5961_BMW Exchange Carnival 2014_Y_Magazine_24x34cm_En.indd 1 9/16/14 5:36 PM

26

J U LY 0 3 - 0 9 / I S S U E 3 2 70 60 6

The winner of the recent Oman Barista Competition tells

Deeba Hasan the secret to making a perfect cup of coffee as

well as why he is dreaming big for his future

Watching Oliver

Pataray at work is

quite a lesson in

the art of coffee making. Full

of energy and light on his

feet, he’s masterfully working

with the ingredients for the

drinks he hopes will impress

the judges and earn him the

title of best barista in Oman.

Despite the heat of the

kitchen, the smile on his face

is omnipresent.

Oliver joined the cream

of Muscat’s coffee makers,

earning his place alongside

five other contestants in the

final of the second Oman

Barista Competition. The

battle was hard fought amid

steam and the aroma of

roasted beans, but Oliver’s

diligence paid off when he

was crowned champion coffee

maker. After the announcement,

Oliver, who works at the

Costa Coffee outlet in Bareeq

al Shatti Mall, sat down with

me for quick drink – a cup of

coffee, of course.

“I didn’t expect to win but

now that I have, I’m very

happy about it. I want to

be an inspiration to other

baristas,” he tells me.

The team from Costa

Coffee was proud of their

maestro barista and has

something special in the

pipeline for him. “My friends

are very happy for me and

have asked me to be part of a

celebration they’ve organised

for me, which I’m looking

forward to,” says Oliver.

Despite only being a barista

for two-and-half years, the

24-year-old Oliver is used to

winning – he’s already won

a latte art competition and

also won Costa Coffee’s Best

Barista Competition earlier

this year. He cites his passion and

creativity as the factors that

have enabled him to achieve

so much in a relatively short

time.When he was younger,

Oliver was fascinated with

cars, like many boys his age,

and he wanted to be an

engineer. However, while

growing up, Oliver realised

his passion for cooking and

later on his love for coffee led

to him becoming a barista.

“I like coffee and cooking

because they involve creativity

and I am a creative person.”

Since taking his first role as

a barista in Oman in 2011,

Oliver hasn’t looked back. He

enjoys his job and feels happy

when he is able to deliver

great coffee to his customers.

“I love to see a smile on my

customer’s face. To me, that is

priceless.” Oliver takes his inspiration

from the four-time Hungarian

barista champion, Attila

Molnár and dreams of one

day being the best himself.

“My proudest moment will

be when they will call out my

name for the best barista in

the world.” Keen to inspire those

around him, Oliver freely

offers advice to any budding

baristas, with patience and

persistence ranking high

among the qualities he

believes makes a top barista.

“Be patient and don’t hesitate

to experiment. Just try until

you get it right and most

importantly, never give up.”

As an award-winning

barista, you may expect

to find Oliver with a

cappuccino in hand at all

times. But Oliver admits that he

can’t actually drink more

than one or two coffees each

day. “The caffeine affects my

sleep and if I drink a lot of it,

I struggle to get to sleep and

wake up on time!”

As we drain our cups,

leaving only the remnants

of frothed milk, I ask the

million-rial question: what is

the secret of a good coffee?

“It’s all about the texture

of the milk, the balance of

flavours, and a good froth

with a velvet smoothness.”

Although you can’t forget the

most important ingredient

of all, as Oliver reminds me:

“There is no good coffee

without a good barista.”

Have you got a unique story

to tell or do you know someone

who has? Contact us to have

coffee with Deeba and be

featured in Y Magazine.

Email: editor@y-oman.com

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7

Oliver Pataray

More Internet YTabloid 24x34 E.indd 1 25/08/2014 18:17

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 8

DreSS tO inSPire

correspondencethe voice of oman Being a single mother is not something any woman asks for, nor does it come with an instruction manual, says Shuena al Mayahi

NExt WEEK: tHE WISDoM oF AlI Al RAHMA

Dear Editor, The story ‘Dressing Up’ (issue 336) was so inspiring. Naomi Betts and her ladies are exceptional individuals that understand the needs of people within in our community who are less fortunate than ourselves. It is wonderful that they are responding to the needs of others.

The work carried out by these ladies is of huge benefit to disadvantaged children, who mostly live in poverty. A campaign like ‘Dress a Girl’ highlights the cause of disadvantaged children who often go unnoticed in our society and makes us more aware about how much should be done to help them.

Children living in areas of the Middle East that are currently experiencing conflict will undoubtedly be adversely affected by the stress and trauma that living in a conflict zone brings. A campaign like ‘Dress a Girl’ can really change the way the youth in those countries perceive the world around them.

Children always have the potential to bring the best out of society, as they are endearing

and spread happiness and I wish the ‘Dress a Girl Around the World’ initiative all the success it deserves.

Best regards, Ramachandran Nair,Ruwi

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip. Vouchers must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

/GoldenTulipSeebHotel

@GoldenTulipSeeb

I was raised by a single mother and she is my hero. She is the strongest woman I know and I am proud to

call such an amazing woman my mother. I watched her juggle a job, four kids and a house, and not once did she give up. She taught me the value of hard work; the importance of being strong and she showed me that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

Single motherhood is no walk in the park, it means being a mother and father all at the same time and sometimes, we as children never understand how hard it is to do it all alone. I certainly didn’t until I was 18 and moving to university, it was only then that I realised just how strong she was. We often don’t show them the gratitude they deserve and I believe I speak on behalf of all the kids raised by single mothers when I say: thanks mum; I really appreciate what you do.

You have fought and won battles you never imagined you could, you’ve accomplished things you never thought possible, you light up my world, you can turn a frown upside down, you give without taking and I thank you for all that you have sacrificed, along with all that you have taught me. You are simply amazing and, although I know it’s hard work, I just want to tell you that you are doing a tremendous job.

Dear Editor,

Currently in Oman, educating a child post-Grade 12 Standard is beyond the financial means of many Indian middle class families. This is due to the really high fees and the common conception that further studies are not conducive to a prosperous career.

For example, a BBA or B’com, and other types of courses in a private institution frequently costs RO600-700 per semester for a three or four year course. Parents have no option other than to leave Oman and return to India with their families, or to pay for their child to return to India on their own, with neither option being especially ideal.

The Indian Embassy should draw up

plans for the education of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and bring more institutes and open colleges to Oman. The embassy should work to provide more options to families, while at the same time increase competition in the education industry in an effort to see fees more in line with those being paid in India.

I hope something will be done by the Indian Embassy to reduce the financial burden on NRIs as this will help families stay together and children stay in full-time education for longer.

Best regards, Habil Bhagat, Muscat

eDUCating inDia

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 9

YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US

New Debate:“In your opinion, how badly are the roads gridlocked in Oman?”

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

dalvir & Sarju, were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine at Subway in Al Shatti

THIS IS YOUR PAGE! Just send us your picture

with the free Y magazine or pose with our photographer

and we will publish it on this page

Send it to:info@y-oman.com

We askeD: “Would you rather have less work to do or more work that you actually enjoy doing?”

BADA Al lAWAtI   No matter how little work you have on your plate, if you don’t enjoy it, it will seem like a lot of boring work.

RoDNEy WooDS   More work for me please because when I do work that I actually enjoy, it doesn’t seem like work. It also means I can finish it faster and move onto the next challenge sooner.

AR SoFI I would prefer doing more work. Recently, I even asked my boss to include me in an activity that initially I was not part of. Although it doesn’t benefit me directly and it will increase my workload, it will provide me with a greater sense of involvement and immense pleasure.

JEMSHEER AcM If I enjoy doing something I don’t call it work. The fact that it is my job is only a perk. I would take doing something all day long that I enjoy for the rest of my life, rather than waste it doing something I don’t want to do. That’s why I never understand why people complain about their careers. They act like they aren’t in control of their future and happiness in life.

JoAN KRIStEl BElDA More work that you really love to do sounds interesting and I hope it does exist. People should remember that you are working to live and not the other way around.

PREEJI JAyASREE I would like to have a greater amount of variety in my work as I would love to learn new skills in new areas. Less work will make me lazy, dull and idle.

AFRAH ZAHID Working keeps us active and an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. I would say I would enjoy more work as it keeps me busy and utilises my time in a useful way.

DeBate Of tHe Week

RAHul cHAKRABoRty When we enjoy something, we don’t mind if there is a lot of it – be it work or play! Passion is important, we excel only when we have passion to do the work and if you are passionate about doing something then you will enjoy doing it.

ANtHoNy cARltoN More work gives you a sense of fulfillment, whereas less work makes you feel guilty.

SHAKIl NARMAWAlA It’s all about striking the right balance. Not less, not more.

MEEtA JAyESH KHIRA When you enjoy doing something there are no parameters of less or more. You just do it for the love of it!

KHuSHBoo uDESHI Less work or more work doesn’t matter as long as one is physically and mentally fit to take up and do any sort of work. Commitment of performance is important!

VIJAyAlAKSHMI SHEtty Work is fun. No work gets boring after some time. So it’s more work for me but my motto is “love your work”.

AWAIS KHAN More work does not matter so long as you love the kind of work you are doing. It makes you feel relaxed because you are doing something enjoyable, whereas less work in which you don’t have any interest can mentally torture you. Always choose work depending on your interest.

HAMISH McDouGAl I think the crux of this issue is this; are we being paid for the work in question? If we are enjoying it and being paid then great, more is always welcome.

L E T T E R S E - M A I L S F A C E B O O K T W I T T E R

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 1 0

Diabetes: The Joy Is In The Journey, Not At The Journey’s End

As any travel agent or stranded tourist will tell you, planning ahead is the key to a successful trip. And this is particularly true for people with diabetes - a little forethought will take you a long way and help keep you healthy once you are there. Having diabetes should not be a limitation to long and short distance travel. It needs a bit of planning to avoid complications related to diabetes. Preparation to travel:Diabetics should carry Medic alert / tag labels with a doctor’s prescription to support you while you carry insulin syringes, medicines, glucometer and lancets while passing through security, immigration and customs at airports or while crossing borders. It is also worthwhile having a comprehensive insurance while going abroad which covers pre-existing illnesses. People with diabetes should choose a destination that has basic facilities to manage diabetic complications.You should be relevantly immunized. Medications are better carried in your hand baggage to prevent the risk of loss. Insulin

Patients on insulin pump may carry extra insulin pens in case of pump or other technical failure. Glucometer usage can be

spare meter is always worthwhile. Appropriate footwear for protecting your feet and medicines for motion sickness may help.Visit your doctor weeks before you travel and update him about the itinerary and time zones and seek relevant tips about diabetes management during the trip.Travelling by air:Early check-in anticipating the delays in the security check makes your travel hassle free.If you have an insulin pump implanted, you should inform the

the pump in a private area if possible.

or medications usage according to the local time. Diabetic

on insulin while insulin users can consume a vegetarian meal to avoid hypoglycemia as it contains good quantity of carbohy-

Also you may have to carry short (glucose tablets/powder) and long acting carbohydrates (sandwich or biscuits) based food

Alcohol is best avoided as it may cause hypoglycemia (low sugars) and cause dehydration secondary to diuresis (excessive urination). Blood Glucose should be monitored by glucometer

can be kept at higher levels to avoid hypoglycemia (low sugars). Aim at modest glucose control (10-13 mmol/lit).Time changes of less than four hours don’t mandate any major

westwards will lengthen the day and biphasic / long acting insulin needs to be given according to the destination local time with a top-up with short acting insulin. For eastwards

biphasic / long acting insulin is needed. A time shift of more than 12 hours needs an extra dose of insulin along with the above mentioned. For those only on oral medicines, no additional doses are required.

Dr. Gowri SankarMBBS, M.D, MRCP (UK)

Specialist Internal Medicine (Physician) & Medical Director

Starcare Hospital

Will continue

N E W SYOUR OMAN

As a cloud of thick black smoke beings to rise up in the air, a body is catapulted into the sky after the

collision of two vehicles.Onlookers help drag injured

passengers out before one of the cars bursts into flames. Looking at the photographs, it’s amazing that anyone walked away from this. Unbelievably all three occupants did manage to survive and, miraculously, escaped with no major injuries.

The accident at Al Asra in the wilayat of Shinas last Friday has highlighted the dangers of unregulated drifting, a sport where cars travel at high speeds performing skids and wheel spins.

In one stunt, known as “Al Hajwalah”, two cars drive towards each other at speeds of up to 180kmh before swerving in the last few seconds.

Calls have been made for makeshift tracks that lack minimum safety standards to be closed down and official areas for youth to drift be constructed instead.

Drifting claimed four lives in 2013 and nine in 2012. More than 100 stunt drivers have been arrested during the last two years, it was reported this week.

DRIFTING DISASTER

HISTORY MAKEROmani racer Ahmad al Harthy has

made history at Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit, becoming the first entrant racing under an

Omani licence to win the Avon Tyres British GT Championship ‘GT3 Teams’ Crown. Furthermore, he’s also the first Arab to have won this particular title.

While Ahmad had a mild interest in go-karts at seven years old, it wasn’t until his early 20s that he really got into racing. In 2006 Ahmad took on the Bahrain based Thunder Arabia championship and was the first Omani-born driver to compete in formula racing. Ahmad took second place and his success inspired him to get into the British racing scene.

Eventual winner of the season, BMW’s Marco Attard, had to work hard to maintain his 10.5-point lead. Having secured pole position for the season finale, Ahmad was off to a good start and, after gaining a 1.3 second advantage in the first lap, things were looking good. Marco soon started to close the gap over the course of the race, but was forced to retire at the tenth lap. Ahmad managed to re-gain control of the race before handing over to partner Michael Caine and the duo

eventually finished fourth, in what Ahmad has since described as “an emotional rollercoaster” of a race.

Disappointment at failing to secure a first place finish is far from Ahmad’s mind though. “Wining the team title for the first time, in my first year at Aston Martin, is important for everyone in the Oman Racing Team,” Ahmad is reported to have said.

Encouraged by his success, he’s already looking forward to the next season of racing, saying: “We want to be stronger next year and come back faster and more competitive.”

Photos: Times of Oman

NEW COOKING CLASSES FOR THE FOOD ENTHUSIASTS

OTC’S Series Of “How To Cook

At Home” Classes

Traditional Omani CuisineA journey through the culinary history of Oman learning how to prepare local dishes true to the heritage of OmanDate: 1st – 29th October, 2014Duration: 4 hours every Wednesday (not 8th of October) Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Indian CuisineA true culinary tour of India learning how to prepare mouthwatering dishes from the regions of Punjab and Awadhi.Date: 13th of October – 3rd of November, 2014Duration: 4 hours every Monday Time: 5p.m. – 9p.m.

Lebanese CuisineFor the lovers of the true Arabian cuisine, learning a range of healthy and very tasty traditional Lebanese meals that are easy to prepare.Date: 5th – 24th of November, 2014Duration: 4 hours every Wednesday Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Italian Antipasti and PastaOur Italian cooking class will cover a wide selection of regional pastas as well as a selection of mouthwatering antipasti.Date: 10th November – 1st of December, 2014Duration: 4 hours every Wednesday Time 5 p.m. – 9p.m.

For more information please contact: jaana.raisanen@otc.edu.om 97628670 Short Courses Department scd@otc.edu.omTel: (+968) 24512312, 24512313 OmanTourismCollegeOfficialPage For registration please visit www.otc.ed.om and click new short courses

www.otc.edu.om

COURSE FEE

OMR 40

NEW COOKING CLASSES FOR THE FOOD ENTHUSIASTS

www.otc.edu.omFor more information please contact: jaana.raisanen@otc.edu.om 97628670 Short Courses Department scd@otc.edu.omTel: (+968) 24512312, 24512313 OmanTourismCollegeOfficialPage For registration please visit www.otc.ed.om and click new short courses

STARTING IN OCTOBER

GERMAN Beginner level 160 hrs, 100 OMR2 evenings per weekStarting 12th of October, 2014

New Evening Language Classes

New Evening Language Classes

SPANISH Beginner level 160 hrs, 100 OMR2 evenings per weekStarting 12th of October, 2014

FRENCHBeginner level 160 hrs, 100 OMR2 evenings per weekStarting 12th of October, 2014

Deadline for registration:

30-9-2014

The course curriculum for each language is based on the European Framework for Languages and it will be given through a communicative and action-oriented approach.

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 1 2

Do you have similar problems with rubbish or have you seen garbage horrors like this? Email us your comments and photos to editor@y-oman.com, post it on Y’s Facebook page and hashtag it #loadofrubbish or send it to our Instagram account – don’t forget to follow and tag ytabloid.

Ooh I love Mars bars – proper lush they are!No, alas not the chocolate bars, the big red planet. How come it’s in the news then? An Indian space probe is about to enter an orbit of the planet after almost 10 months travelling through space. Traveling for ten months! Ergh, I ask if we’re there yet after 10 minutes!Mars is roughly 54 million kilometers away from Earth but this varies depending on where each planet is in relation to the sun and their respective stages of orbit. But people have been launching rockets to Mars for years, why is this new one such a big deal? It’s a big deal because it has been launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It proves that despite not having the resources of the USA, India is still capable of playing a part in the global space industry. How much has it cost India to launch this rocket then? Well that’s a very good point. The latest NASA attempt cost $671 million in comparison to the ISRO effort, which cost $70 million. Can India really afford this space mission? I thought they were a relatively poor country? India is a developing economy that is growing at a vast rate. Although saying that, the space mission has been shrouded in controversy and many believe that the Indian government should be spending the money on activities that provide a more tangible benefit to its people.I see. How big is this rocket if it’s going all the way to Mars?The rocket weighs in at 1.3 tons and is unmanned. It’s currently travelling at about 22.2 kilometres per second but it will slow down over the next few days to allow for a smooth entry into the orbit of Mars. It is due to arrive on September 24. Do say: It’s a great achievement on a limited budget, but could the money have been better spent elsewhere? Don’t say: I feel like a rocket on the way to Mars after a really hot curry!

B i t e S i z e dOUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED

LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.

MaRS

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMAN

After being alerted by one of our readers to the piles of rubbish that are accumulating in areas around Muscat, team Y went exploring. Our findings were, well, they

were shocking.Rough bits of broken bricks from run down

buildings, as well as cement and other materials from newer constructions joined piles of rotting rubbish, creating an altogether unpleasant sight – not to mention smell.

Here at Y, we’ve decided that enough is finally enough and have launched our own campaign, urging everyone – individuals, companies and the authorities – to take responsibility and “Clean Up Your Act”. After all, these collections of garbage are not only an eyesore, but also a health hazard, attracting stray animals.

Y reader, Stefania Celano, shared a few photos with us, showing several month’s worth of build up of building materials in front houses in North Al Ghubra beach on Way 3632. At the time of publishing, the authorities hadn’t taken any action to clean up the mess.

In Ruwi and Hamriya, rubbish was located behind small coffee shops, restaurants, within car workshop compounds and other such places. Take a closer look at these heaps and you’ll see they’re made up of all sorts – tyres, plastic bags, cardboard boxes, broken chairs and other bits and pieces of furniture remains.

In most cases, the municipality rubbish bins are simply not being used in the right way, with people choosing to dump bags of garbage on the floor next

to them instead. In some cases, debris outside of the bins is not

collected and is left to rot. Gautam Chakraborty witnessed this, contacting Y last week with images of uncollected junk left for some time near his home in Al Hail South.

Muscat Municipality has recently introduced new underground bins in the Central Business District and Muttrah Business District areas. Different bins are being tested to collect certain forms of rubbish instead of gathering all types together in one bin. Because they are covered, they are expected to be relatively odour free and cut down on mosquito breeding.

Clean thiS up

A W E E K I N P I C T U R E S

Foreign ministers of 30 countries agree to support Iraq “by any means possible” in fighting the Islamic State (IS) group, which is estimated to have between 20,000 and 31,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND

Scotland goes to the polls to vote on independence from the UK with the result said to be balancing on a knife-edge.

Ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is charged with handing over national security documents to Qatar.

Oman’s National Parachuting Team wins the 15th Asiania Parachuting Championship.

0 1 3

Ever woken up and realised you’ve got no toothpaste? It’s a pain but a quick trip to the shop solves all. For others though, living without basic necessities is a

constant reality. Launched in 2008 by one of Dubai’s Radisson Blu

hotels, the Box Appeal quickly spread throughout the Gulf. The idea of the appeal is to fill a shoebox with a list of 12 essential hygiene items such as toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo, which will then be distributed to those that need them most in Muscat’s many labour camps.

The appeal will run for one month from September 15 to October 15 and Marius Wolmarans, General Manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat hopes they can collect up to 1,400 boxes. Marius has been keeping Y in the loop with story so far, saying “The appeal only launched three days ago so we’re still low on boxes, but we’ve had a great commitment from schools and businesses.”

Picking up boxes and spreading the word to friends, family and businesses is hugely important. The target for next week is 300 boxes, but Marius tells us “500 would be fantastic.” A little optimism can go a long way and with the participation of various schools and businesses, it’s an attainable target.

Boxes can be picked up from designated points, including Y’s offices in Seeb, the reception at Radisson Blu Hotel and The Flower Shop in Sabco Centre. Once full, they can be returned to the same points.

Y will be keeping you updated throughout the appeal along with media partners Merge 104.8 and Al Wisal 96.5.

SMAll bOx, bIG DIFFERENcE

N E W S

You may have heard of Big Fat Greek Weddings, but it seems the emphasis has shifted countries.

Now it’s all about the Big Fat Indian Dream Destination Wedding, the bigger, the better. And Oman appears to be the dream destination of choice for some couples.

The Sultanate will host three big Indian weddings in November with more than 1,700 guests arriving for, what promises to be, very grand events.

It’s good news for Oman’s tourism industry, which is keen to promote the country as a wedding hot spot.

Beyond stunning locations and warm hospitality, Oman can offer rugged mountains and isolated beaches as perfect locations for

big Fat indian weddingS – in Oman

C O m p e t i t i O nJoin the Box Appeal and be in with a chance to win four coveted spots at the Radisson Blu’s delicious BBQ Thursday. The hotel has teamed up with

Y to offer readers an exclusive incentive to get filling boxes for a good cause.To get involved, form a team of four and

try to fill as many of the boxes as possible. It can be a team of four friends, colleagues, students, siblings or a family. Register your team (giving team name, designated captain, team members and contact number) at editor@y-oman.com.

Filled boxes should be dropped at Y’s office in Seeb at the end of each week. We’ll keep a running tally of the best teams’ weekly progress and the one with the most boxes filled by October 15 will

win four tickets to BBQ Thursday at Olivos Restaurant, where you will enjoy freshly grilled meats and fish while overlooking the hotel’s lush gardens and swimming pool.

get yOur bOx

Pick up your empty box to fill from the reception at Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat, the offices of Y Magazine & Merge 104.8 in Seeb or The Flower Shop in Sabco Centre.

Once filled, boxes can be dropped off at the same points.

Email editor@y-oman.com for an office location map.

those all-important photographs.Tour Oman, a leading destination

management company, was instrumental in winning the wedding contracts.

The company has now set up a dedicated team to handle interest in the “Big Fat Indian Dream Destination Wedding” concept, which is gaining popularity in India.

“We are immensely happy to be able to promote the Sultanate of Oman to the Indian market,” Manoj Dass, Head of Tour Oman, told a local newspaper this week.

“When we received these queries, we brought the clients here on a recce, and they instantly fell in love with Oman’s impeccable natural beauty.” Reportedly, there will be themed parties and decorations, with entertainers flown in from international destinations. Henna artists will help at Mehendi parties, decorating the palms and feet of up to 400 guests each.

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 1 5

OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

CAMEL RACING40.

An intrinsic part of the desert lifestyle, the camel is symbolic of hardy Omani heritage. Known as “the ships of the desert”, camels have served the Bedouin

people well over the course of history and are essential sources of milk, food and transportation. They’re not exactly synonymous with speed, but camels have been raced in Oman for hundreds of years.

Grace doesn’t come naturally to an animal with a hump. They can be a little lumbering to start, but once they get going camels make covering rough terrain in soaring temperatures look effortless. Their long stride allows them to reach speeds of up to 64 kilometres per hour, although sometimes a casual trot across the finish line is all a temperamental camel can be bothered to muster.

Races cover distances of anything up to 10km

and are often dependent on the camel’s size and age, with younger camels taking on the 3–5km sprints.

Omani camels are well known throughout the Gulf for their fine breeding and the prizewinners at large events can go home with up to RO40,000.

In order to preserve the tradition, HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said set up the National Camel Races Festival. In the lead up to the main event, there are a series of races, usually held over two days, in each of Oman’s 11 Wilayats. Some races are small and humble, while others can be a grand affair, with VIP seats, camel beauty competitions and even a feast to round off the day.

The racing season runs from September to March, although races can be found throughout the year. The Royal Camel Corps holds a big event in April, which offers a great day out for seasoned racegoers and newcomers alike.

S E P T 1 8 - 2 4 / I S S U E 3 3 70 1 6

C O m p e t i t i O n

F ancy playing a starring role in your own photo? Just give yourself a leading part in a selfie and you could be rewarded with prizes of cinema tickets and more. To be in with a chance of winning, you need to capture the glamour of the movies and Hollywood –

the more creative the better. Just make sure the selfie you snap has the City Cinema brand name in the background. To help you, there are seven City Cinema complexes dotted around Oman from Muscat to Salalah, where you’ll find lots of branding to be the backdrop for your photo.

Use the internet for inspiration, too. Be as inventive and original as possible to stand out from the crowd and capture the judge’s eye. The more fun and interesting, the better your chances of winning will be.

And remember that it’s a selfie, so you have to take your own photograph or it won’t be accepted.

We have 10 pairs of City Cinema tickets to give away each week for the next five weeks.

If you don’t get picked as one of the 10 winners, there’s still a chance to bag a prize. all participants will also go into a fortnightly draw for a goodie bag from Capital Store in Qurum, courtesy of City Cinema.

To enter, and to be with a chance of grabbing a pair of tickets in our first week, simply post your selfie on Y’s Facebook page and hashtag it with #citycinema or send it to our Instagram account – just don’t forget to follow the account ytabloid and tag your photos #ytabloid.

Entries must be in by Monday, September 22 (late entries won’t be accepted). Don’t forget to include your name and contact details.

Y Magazine will select the winners and the judge’s decision is final. Good luck!

’

UgLY The 10-year-old Kali (Anishika Shrivastava) is kidnapped during a day with her estranged father Rahul (Rahul Bhatt). Kali’s police chief stepfather, Bose (Ronit Roy) and Rahul both set out to recover the lost child with a constant desire to upstage one another.

S E P T 1 8 - 2 4 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 1 7

KRISty Justine (Haley Bennett) is a college girl enjoying the peaceful isolation of her empty college during the Thanksgiving holiday. Events take a turn for the sinister when it becomes clear that she is being targeted by a group of violent outcasts, forcing her to make the transition from innocent victim to proactive fighter in order to survive.

bollywatch

No Good Deed

The ever-charming Idris Elba shows his dark side as he takes on the role of Colin Evans, a mentally unhinged escaped convict. Colin arrives at the home of suburban mum, Terri (Taraji P. Henson), after a car

The Giver

MOVIES MOVIES

accident in a storm. Allowing him in to use her phone, Terri initiates a cycle of terror as the out-and-out evil Evans plagues her and her family. Hovering between thriller and horror, No Good Deed is tense, but is largely run of the mill home invasion stuff.

Before I Go to Sleep

Nicole Kidman is back in fine form as she plays the amnesiac Christine Lucas, who wakes each day with no memory of her life beyond her mid-20s. With the help of her husband Ben (Colin Firth), the well-meaning Dr Nasch (Mark Strong) and her own video diary, she must piece together her own existence and the accident that led to her current condition. Paranoia is rife in this subdued British thriller that presents the audience with some enjoyable narrative puzzles.

In a perfect future world, emotional depth has been abolished and is monitored by daily injections – stop me if you’ve heard this one before.No, it’s not 2002’s Equilibrium; it is Hollywood continuing its current penchant for adapting young adult fiction to film, and this time it’s Lois Lowry’s 1993 novel that gets the treatment.Jonas (Brentron Thwaites) is chosen as the next “Receiver of Memory” and begins training with The Giver (Jeff Bridges), the only person who holds memories of the past, using them to advise the Chief Elder (Helen Mirren). Jonas struggles with the dark secrets of his seemingly flawless community and

sets about upsetting the established order with the help of The Giver. The film’s source material is held in high regard, having won several literary awards. However, as with any imagining of a flawed future, it owes it’s existence to the daddies of dystopia, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty Four, along with a long line of similarly themed sci-fi flicks. A nice idea executed relatively well, but does The Giver go far enough to distance itself from what has come before it? Probably not. Entertaining, but unoriginal.

Review by Matt Blackwell

prev

iew

TO BE IN WITH a CHaNCE TO WIN,just answer a question based on the week’s

cinema reviews and send your answer to

info@y-oman.com, along with your name

and contact information.

Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the

terms and conditions, see voucher.

GRAB YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

TWO CITY CINEMA TICKETS

Brought to you by

Contact: Movie enquiries 24607360

THIS WEEK’S QUESTIONWhat condition does Christine

Lucas suffer from?LAST WEEK'S WINNER

Georgina Benison

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES GO TO:

City Cinema: citycinemaoman.netal Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net

VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.comStar Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 1 8

Dress to ImpressDiscover the best of Indian couture at a three-day extravaganza being hosted by ShoSha events. Clothes and accessories, including ornate jewellery will be showcased at The Indian Ethnic Wear Exhibition, which will be held at the Al Raid Unique International Shop in Qurum, opposite the Bollywood Restaurant. Open 10am-10pm. For details, email shoshalabels@gmail.com, Instagram @shoshalabels or go to facebook.com/shoshalabels

IrishBreakfast

If you’re feeling homesick for Ireland, this could take the edge off. Join the chairde, an annual “Welcome Back” Big Irish Breakfast, taking place at Marina Bandar al Rowdha hosted by the Oman Irish Society. It’s a chance to reconnect after summer travels, to meet friends old and new and, of course, to ease any pangs for home with a good old Irish fry up. Doors open 11am. For tickets contact: irishinoman@hotmail.com or call John +968 95368431 or Ashling +968 99678017. Tis not to be missed!

THIS WEEK

WHaT TO dO. WHaT

TO SEE. WHaT TO

HEar.

19Sept

S E P T E M B E r

Sept

18-20

Want to study in the USA? There’s a chance to meet staff from 21 top institutions from America at the EduTraC Oman event being held at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb. The Higher Education, Training & Career Expo will feature, among others, Indiana State University, University of Nebraska, University of South Carolina and California State University Monterey Bay. Timings are 9.30am-1pm and 4.30pm-9pm. Check out facebook.com/edutracoman for more information.

EDUCaTION ON TRaCK

Sept

22-24

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 1 9

26Sept

feel the BeatThe Royal Opera House will host the international opera singer and Russian mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina, who will entertain the audience with her famous repertoire. Accompanied by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, she’s set to mesmerise the crowds with her famous voice at a one-off show at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced from RO5 to RO48. Visit www.rohmuscat.org.om for details and tickets.

CeleBRatION tIMeYou’re all invited to celebrate with fellow expats and gloabal minds at InterNations Muscat’s 7th birthday with a get-together at On The Rocks restaurant near the Golden Tulip Hotel in Seeb. There will be a free welcome drink on arrival and finger food served between 8pm-9pm. Dress codes is cocktail dress for ladies and a suit for men. Discounted entrance for Albatross Members. See www.internations.org/muscat-expats for more details.

26Sept

18-20

Meet new friends by becoming a member of the Women’s Guild Oman. Registration events are being held throughout September. Choose either Almouj Golf The Wave on September 21 from 6pm-8pm or More Café, Opera Galleria on September 24 from 9am-12noon. For details, visit www.womensguildoman.com. The American Women’s Guild is also holding a registration event at the Grand Hyatt on September 20.

gET rEgISTErEd

21 - 24SePt

S W E E T M A C A R O N STASTE & DISCOVER THE DIFFERENT KIND OF SWEETNESS

TRY IT NOW

AVAILABLE AT ALL OF OUR BRANCHES

follow us:

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 2 0

UpTT A flood of cheap Chinese imports is threatening the livelihoods of traditional Omani craftsmen and women. But now they are fighting back, reports Deeba Hasan and Kate Ginn

radingradingPhotos: D

eeba Hasan and

Om

an New

s Agency

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 2 1OMANthe pulSe OF

ent over her work, Layla al Balushi’s hands move deftly as she starts on another intricate creation, which could end up in a home in Oman or even further afield on another

continent as a memento of someone’s visit to the Sultanate.For more than a decade Layla has toiled away as a silversmith,

producing delicate ornaments and khanjars. She’s rightly proud of her skill and contribution in keeping the traditional art alive in a country where silver workers have passed down their knowledge over centuries.

How much longer this tradition will be able to continue however, is questionable.

Layla and other craftsmen are being threatened by cheaper imported products – most notably from China, on the back of trade agreements signed between the two nations. Now they are facing uncertain futures with some businesses already squeezed out and others struggling to stay afloat in an increasingly perilous financial ocean.

“Once I made a silver USB drive for a big company in Oman, but when they found out the price, the company rejected it because it too expensive. They told me they could get the same thing at a much cheaper price from China,” recounts Layla, sitting in her small shop in west Al Hail.

She is not alone.More than half of Oman’s cottage businesses have closed down

in the last 10 years due to stiff competition goods manufactured overseas, according to statistics by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a Muscat newspaper reported in June this year.

When Y investigated this week and spoke to local businesses, we discovered traders determined to stand firm against the flood.

Layla’s family business has enjoyed a new lease of life since progressing from a home-based operation. Her customers range from elite Omanis to various individuals from the GCC, along with large corporations and a few ministries.

There will, she asserts, always be demand for quality workmanship, but indubitable evidence proves that inferior products are starting to impinge on her market.

For a simple silver keychain Layla charges between RO10-RO15. “The same keychain can be bought for RO5 to RO8 from several dealers who sell cheap products from China,” she admits, before adding: “but mine is of better quality because it is handmade from pure silver.”

Not everyone, though, is quite so fussy about the provenance of their goods, as more and more items made in China are finding their way onto shelves in Oman.

Where once traditional souvenirs would have been made in Oman, cheap plastic imports have now taken their place.

On a quick trip to a local supermarket near Y’s offices, we found an Omani-style tea light holder for 850 baisa with a “Made

radingradingONCE I MADE A SILVER

USB DRIVE FOR A BIG COMPANY IN OMAN

BUT WHEN THEY FOUND OUT THE PRICE, THE

COMPANY REJECTED IT BECAUSE IT WAS TOO

ExPENSIVE. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD GET

THE SAME THING AT A MUCH CHEAPER PRICE

FROM CHINA

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 2 2

in China” sticker on the bottom hidden by the price. A similarly priced ‘I love Oman’ key ring looks like it should’ve been made in the Sultanate, but flip it over and its true origin is evident, a gold and black sticker reading “Made in China.”

Clearly this is a cause for concern in the eyes of the authorities, as two weeks ago, it was announced that the Sultanate, represented by the Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI), was actively promoting Omani craft industries, which are considered integral to tourism.

Omani Craft Houses, which showcase local products, have been rolled out to areas such as Nizwa and Ibri, following the success of the first one at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Marketing outlets have also been opened in hotels in Sohar, Musandam and Ras al Hadd, with more planned for various tourist sites around the country.

It’s all part of a strategy to reflect the Sultanate’s interest in maintaining its genuine culture and identity, says the PACI.

This will be manna to the ears of Fahad al Balushi, a silver craftsman who operates from a small shop in Seeb Souq making jewellery and decorative silver Omani pieces.

He has transfromed his passion and hobby into a business.

Fahad says that it was difficult for him to begin with, “I was new to the trade and didn’t know much about it, but later things fell into place and people started to trust me. This is why I have a loyal customer base now. People who buy from me once always come back for more.”

As yet, though, he has been unable to hit the jackpot and enjoy the security that would come with it.

“Until now I haven’t been able to get an order from a big company and it is getting a little difficult to survive in this market,” he admits. “I am looking forward to getting some training from the Public Authority for Craft

Industries in order to make some new designs.” Next door to Fahad’s shop is a store selling

similar products; only they are cheap Chinese imports – rings, pendants, bracelets and the like. Fahad says that it’s not silver that they’re made from, but a cheap metal instead.

“Some people buy those products because they are looking for cheaper alternatives, but I can’t compete with those prices because my pieces are all silver. Plus they’re handmade, whereas the cheap imports are produced in bulk by machines.”

Fahad, just like Layla, buys his raw silver from Muttrah souq.

No one from PACI has approached him yet with an offer to sell his products at the craft houses, but he remains hopeful.

PACI currently works with 14 types of crafts including weaving, pottery, silver

and bronze. “We advise the craftsmen

on redesigning their products for the market today, both in Oman and abroad,” says Ahmed

Abdullah al Hashami, Director of PACI’s Media and Public Relations.“Customer demands have changed

over the years. Most products today are used for decorative purposes and not for use at home. Therefore they have to look more creative and

SOME PEOPLE BUY THOSE PRODUCTS BECAUSE

THEY ARE LOOKING FOR CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES,

BUT I CAN’T COMPETE WITH THOSE PRICES BECAUSE

MY PIECES ARE ALL SILVER. PLUS THEY’RE HANDMADE,

WHEREAS THE CHEAP IMPORTS ARE PRODUCED IN

BULK BY MACHINES

appealing to the eye.”Younger traders have been more receptive

to new ideas, he adds. “They are willing to adapt to the new market trends unlike the older craftsmen. It is a little difficult to convince the older craftsmen because they have been involved with these crafts for a very long time and do not want to change sometimes.”

Mansoor al Nabhani is one older craftsman who has adapted well and embraced the changing times.

At his home in Al Hail where he lovingly crafts handmade brass and woodwork, Mansoor still uses chisels in an art he has been practicing for nearly 50 years.

The craft has been passed down through the male side of the family for generations and Mansoor’s son; Mohammed al Nabhani, will ensure that the legacy continues for now.

Mansoor talks eloquently of the past and reminisces about selling one of his pieces to someone from Los Angeles in 1970.

His designs fetch upwards of RO800 and he does not see cheaper imports as a huge threat. “My work is all done by hand and what comes from outside is done by machines,” says Mansoor. “What I do is something that nobody else does, my craft is unique. So I am not worried about the cheaper imports as far as my craft is concerned.”

His work is mostly decorative these days and he’s been happy to adjust his supply to fit the new demands of a changing market.

Others have not been so lucky, pushed to breaking point before being washed away in the sea of cheap imports.

Mohnsin al Lamki, a carpenter in Rustaq, told a local newspaper in June that he had no choice but to shut up shop at the beginning of the year.

“I’ve been making solid wooden doors and windows since 1971 and business was good for 25 years. But then came cheap imports from China, made from compressed wood and aluminium that forced me out of business.”

Silversmith Khamis al Abdulsalam in Mussanah also told the newspaper he was

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 2 3

1 chinese-omani relations stretch back over centuries but it was only in may 1978 that the two countries established official diplomatic ties.

struggling, saying: “There is not much of a market for my handcrafted silver products, they are not in demand anymore. People prefer machine made ones which are much cheaper but inferior in quality.”

Traditional potters in Bahla are also seeing business dwindle as people turn to cheaper materials or imports.

Y approached the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for a comment, which referred us to the Al Raffd Fund, an initiative to help Omani youth develop small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) or other projects.

The Al Raffd Fund, which was established through a Royal Decree last year, offers loans to new craftspeople and at-home manufacturers of up to RO100,000. No one from the Al Raffd Fund was available to speak to us.

Whether local tradesman like it or not, business with China is growing.Reports last year revealed that bilateral trade volume between the two

countries has reached $23 billion (RO335 million), seeing Oman become China’s fourth largest trading partner in the Middle East.

Moreover, China’s exports to the Sultanate account for more than 4.5 per cent of Oman’s total imports. In contrast, 30 per cent of Oman’s total exports are sent to China, according to a report by The Diplomat in May this year, which quoted the Sultanate’s Ministry of National Economy.

Trade agreements give bodies like PACI little room to manoeuvre. But the authorities, like the Omani craftsmen, are fighting back.

“We are aware that there are cheaper craft imports coming from outside but there is not much we can do about it,” Ahmed Abdullah al Hashami of PACI tells Y.

“We’re currently in the process of registering special Omani products with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), so that no one else can create imitations.

“We have already registered the five types of khanjars made in Oman and we are going to register more soon. After we register our products with WIPO, their imitations cannot be legally brought into the country.

“There are things done illegally and it’s very difficult to stop them, but our registered khanjars cannot be brought into Oman from other places, the custom officers are aware of this and they will stop any imitation products coming from outside.”

Meanwhile, craftsmen and women like Layla, Mansoor and Fahad continue to ply their traditional arts – as has been done in the Sultanate for hundreds of years – in the unshaken belief that quality will ultimately win the battle in the end.

ma

de

in

Ch

ina

Y visited a small supermarket near our office and browsed the “Omani”

products on sale. We found these cheap items – both 850 baisa – bearing “Made in china” stickers.

History of trade with China

2 in 1983, oman became the first arab nation to export oil to china.china is the world’s largest customer for oman’s oil, accounting for more than half of its petroleum exports. china has invested approximately $600 million dollars in several sectors in oman, including oil and petrochemicals, spending money to train omani engineers and upgrade the efficiency of petroleum extraction.

3 the two countries have organised several business delegations and signed a number of trade deals. more than 40 chinese enterprises operate businesses in the sultanate and the omani-chinese friendship association was formed in 2010.

4 oman and china have also signed a number of construction deals, encompassing a power plant, roads, water management, and shipbuilding.

5 oman is attractive to china for its consumer market and its lucrative investment opportunities. besides oman’s free trade zones, its relatively flexible investment policies and its strategic geographic location also appeal to chinese investors.

6 moreover, ties with oman give china a platform from which it can extend its influence in the wider middle east. china’s unprecedented economic growth has made trade with the gulf central to its foreign policy. accordingly, beijing has plans to boost its investment in the region with the recent signing of the 2014-2017 china-gcc strategic action plan, which oman fully supports.

* Source: Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, an independent researcher based in the uK and Qatar.

S E P 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 2 6

Slipping out of his protective gear momentarily, Salim bin Shamis al Harthy poses for a photograph holding up the possessions that are his pride and joy.

Bustling on a wooden frame are hundreds of bees. But these are not just any old bees. As Salim will tell you, Omani bees are producers of some of the best honey in the world.

As the swarm starts to buzz around him, he gently lowers the frame back into a white wooden hive, one of several lined up in a tree-lined grove.

The tradition of beekeeping has a rich history in Oman and can be traced back hundreds of years. The sweet, amber nectar produced by the honey bee is a staple part of Omani life, used in everything from cooking to natural remedies all over the country.

With the Sultanate’s perfect climate for beekeeping, Omani honey is renowned around the globe for its superior taste and quality. The ranks of Omani beekeepers continue to swell each year, with many flocking to the age-old practice for either pleasure, or to provide a solid source of income.

Beekeeping is something that has been in Salim’s

BUSY Bee Some people keep chickens or goats, others prefer camels, but Salim bin Shamis al Harthy’s first love is bees. Ghada al Harthy finds out more about the ancient art of beekeeping

Photos: Ghada al H

arthy

family for several decades now, although he has elevated the tradition to new heights. Starting out 12 years ago, Salim owned a modest five hives, which produced nine kilograms of honey.

Today, he proudly manages about 400 hives, each with 3,000 domesticated bees capable of producing six tonnes of three different types of honey, which he sells not only in Oman, but in other GCC countries such as Qatar and Kuwait.

It’s clear that bees – and honey – are not just his livelihood but a labour of love.

Dedicating his life to the production of honey has not been an easy ride, though, and it has taken a huge deal of commitment. “When there is a good food source available, the beekeeper should try to move his hives to where this food is,” Salim says.

“For example, Khareef is one of the most important seasons. Beekeepers can take their hives to Salalah for better-quality honey. On the other hand, during seasons that food is scarce, the beekeeper needs the knowledge of how to feed his bees using sugary liquids and other methods.”

As you can imagine, moving 400 hives around the country can be somewhat of a logistical challenge and detailed planning is essential. “I use trucks to move my bees anywhere. I never cover the whole truck and I ensure that they have the food and water needed to help them adjust to the process.”

Although beekeeping dates back centuries, the methods have changed over the years in order to bring the practice into the 21st century. Salim uses electric

methods of honey collection and buys the frames for his hives readymade, filling them with beeswax himself, which the bees then use to house infants or honey. “If I let the bees produce the wax themselves, I will produce less honey,” Salim says, a reminder that while the bees are beautiful and the honey delicious, this is a business at the end of the day and his entire livelihood depends on it.

As a beekeeper, Salim receives some help from the government. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has offered a great deal over the years, from essential equipment such as masks and gloves, to general guidance on the best beekeeping practices in an attempt to ensure this important art not only survives, but also thrives in the Sultanate.

But when you live your life surrounded by bees, surely all the masks and gloves in the world can’t protect you from the odd sting or two?

“Yes,” he laughs, “I used to get stung and I still do. It’s very painful, but keeping bees you get used to it.”

Salim suffers from rheumatism and, amazingly, goes on to reveal, “When I am exposed to bee stings, I actually feel much better”. This could perhaps offer some evidence to support the medicinal properties that many attach to bee venom and honey.

As my time with Salim comes to an end, he imparted these words of wisdom to any would-be beekeepers: “Always be aware of your hives and anything related to the bees. Be quick to diagnose any diseases and pay attention to their needs.”

And with that, he goes back to tending his beloved bees.

S E P 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 2 7

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 2 8

FOOD

DRINKANd

T r e n d N e w R e s t a u r a n t R e v i e w s

taSte-bud tiCklerA stunning way to

start a meal – poached langoustines with roast

capsicum syrup, rock melon and micro green salad, from

the winner of Oman’s Professional Chefs

Competition.

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 2 9

N e w sT R E N D N e w R e s t a u r a n t

From fine dining to family cooking, three days of culinary competition put more than 70 professional and 15 amateur chefs to the test. Ailish Fleming meets the winners

MUSCAT’S MASTER CHEFS

khabeeSaingredients • 3 tbsp milk powder • 1 cup all purpose flour • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 150g sugar • 150ml water • Cardamom• Rose water • Saffron • Mixed nuts

Method1. Make a simple syrup by placing sugar and water in a pan, bring to the boil and then simmer very gently over a low heat – stirring to ensure it

doesn’t crystallise.2. Add cardamom (pods or powdered), rose water and saffron to taste.3. Combine the remaining ingredients separately and brown in a pan, over a low heat, without oil. 4. Let the flour mixture cool before adding the sugar syrup (remove cardamom pods if used) to create a paste.5. While the mix is still hot, pour it into a piping bag and pipe into multiple small circles.6. Garnish using chopped mixed nuts. Go to y-oman.com for Rahma’s recipe for delicious chicken skewers in yogurt marinade

Recipe

The stage at the Food and Hospitality Oman show was set and first to the hot

plate was the Professional Chefs Competition, which would see contestants demonstrate their skills in categories ranging from wedding cakes to five-course gourmet menus. BreadTalk claimed first place in the Three-Tier Wedding Cake category and Oman Air were the high fliers of the Petits Fours, taking both first and second place. The final event of the competition, the Five-course Gourmet Dinner Menu was a mouth-watering medley of the chefs’ most beautiful creations. Of course, there could only be one winner and with his precise and creative presentation, Prasad Francis of the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa took the top prize.

Prasad Francis grew up and learned to cook on the Keralan coast, with its bountiful seafood, which, appropriately, is his favourite cooking ingredient. Just as his gourmet presentation was clean and elegant, so is his ideal Keralan style fish curry. “I like to keep it natural and fresh. Simply add some spices like coriander, chili, turmeric and coconut milk to the fish,” says Prasad.

Organised by the Oman Chefs Guild and the National Hospitality Institute (NHI), the professional competition was aimed at getting chefs to strive for excellence. “Competing encourages chefs to raise their standards, the quality of food and also public interest,” says Rob MacLean, principal of the NHI.

Similarly, the amateur Best Chef Oman competition was geared towards raising the profile of cooking in Oman. “It’s a great way to present Omani cuisine, whether through dishes or just ingredients,” Zuwaina Ali al Fazari, of Oman College of Tourism, says. “It also encourages people to learn about food and hygiene while improving their passion.”

Over the three days, home cooks prepared either international or Omani dishes, with the competition narrowed down to three from each category for the final round. The winners were Rahma al Namani and Maisa al Makhary and both ladies were more than willing to share a simple dish with Y readers.

Oman ‘beSt CheF COmpetitiOn’ reCipetry Maisa’s traditional omani Khabeesa to satisfy your sweet tooth:

S E P T 1 8 - 2 4 / I S S U E 3 3 70 3 0

Welcome!” five friendly staff cried in unison as we stepped into The

Manhattan Fish Market. Never in my life have I seen a group of people so happy to see me.

Caught slightly off guard by their almost overwhelming enthusiasm, my two dining companions and I followed the smiliest of the five to our table, which was close to the kitchen, enabling us to watch the chefs in action.

An open plan and monochrome décor suggested a mix of fast-food joint and family restaurant. And that’s exactly what The Manhattan Fish Market turned out to be – fish for families; fast.

Simple, unadulterated seafood is what I was after, but as I watched chip shop-style baskets of fish fried in heavy batter leave the kitchen my heart began to sink somewhat. This wasn’t the sort of fish restaurant I’d been expecting.

The selection of chowder sounded enticing and so to start, one of my companions settled on Manhattan’s seafood chowder, which sadly wasn’t available; nor was clam, leaving only the salmon chowder. I opted for the mussels in tomato sauce, while the final member of our party chose the fried calamari. Mussels are a personal favourite

of mine so my expectations were high, but unfortunately, the shellfish were not half as plump and juicy as I had hoped. The accompanying tomato sauce was thin and overly salty. On a more positive note though, the calamari was perfectly cooked in a light batter.

Moving on to the mains, the hot whole fish was recommended to share and came with the option of either bread or pasta as an accompaniment. The poached Barramundi was tender and the calamari it was served with was once again light and fresh tasting. But big appetites beware: there was just about enough for two hungry fish lovers, although we could’ve easily sunk more. The sauce was verging on watery and while it was hot, there were few additional flavours to cut through the chilli and give the heat a sense of purpose. The vegetables were cooked perfectly, though, and I was pleased to see the broccoli had retained its vibrant green hue and wasn’t mush before it met my mouth.

Our final main was one of Manhattan’s specialities, the grilled salmon. The presentation was award-worthy with the pesto-crusted fillet resting on a circular bed of sweet potatoes and sautéed vegetables. The creamy garlic herb sauce that had been drizzled over the salmon had infiltrated as far as the vegetables below, mixing with their own sweet, sticky glaze to create a somewhat bizarre medley of flavours.

Slightly underwhelmed by the array of dishes thus far, we moved on to dessert. Tiramisu was top of our sweet-toothed wish list, but our hopes were dashed when we were informed that they had run out. So, default safe option of chocolate brownie, it was then.

We were presented with a beast of a brownie, served on a red-hot platter, topped with a pearl of vanilla ice cream. The caramel sauce sizzled, spat and hissed as it was poured over the brownie and for a moment I feared we would be leaving with bits of brownie burned onto our skin forever.

Health and safety issues aside, the brownie was pleasant

enough but did little to redeem the meal. The caramel was slightly burnt and the brownie itself lacked that fudgy glue-your-mouth-together consistency you’d expect. It was abundant in size, but lacking in overall flavour. As a keen baker myself, I’m the first to admit that my standards are high and I just feel that local bakeries, family and friends do things with a little more love and affection.

Our bill came to a very reasonable RO25, which was pretty good value considering the amount we’d eaten.

For the friendly staff and speed of service The Manhattan Fish Market cannot be faulted. It offers great value and a healthier version of the fish and chip supper that is perfect for families. It isn’t, however, the kind of fish restaurant seafood lovers will appreciate.

I know it’s always easier to complain as opposed to compliment, but as a somewhat fussy foodie, The Manhattan Fish Market didn’t quite tick the right boxes for me.

T r e n d N e w r e s t a u r a n tfOOd

drINKaNd r E V I E W S

Info BoxTHE MAnHATTAn FISH MARkET

Way 6855, 18 November Street, MuscatTel: 2449 9621

Facebook.com/MFMOmanEmail: mfmoman2012@gmail.com

www.manhattanfishmarket.com Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-12am

Dinner for 3: RO25

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THE MANHATTAN FISH MARKETDROP IN FOR A FAST FISH FIx, BUT DON’T ExPECT TO BE WOWED BY THE SEAFOOD SELECTION, SAYS AILISH FLEMING

verdict:

Great for fast, family

friendly fish, but

seafood connoisseurs

are advised to steer

clear.

6.5 10

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 3 2

HEALTH&BEAUTY

H e a l t h B e a u t y FA S H I O N

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 3 2

Sweet SixtieS Autumn’s retro remix is in

full swing. Cue short shifts, pointed flats and maximum

leg. This monochrome dress from online retailer La Redoute is a bargain

for RO21. Just keep things modest for Muscat with

opaque tights or a pair of leggings.

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 3 3

INTO THE GROOVE The 60s are swinging back our way with mini skirts, knee high boots and accessories that remind Penny Fray of yesteryear

1. Keep your mini chic with an oversized roll-neck and point-toe flats. 2. Prefer a dress? Update your shift with denim or toughen things up with brogues and a blazer. 3. Consider the Peter Pan collar a replacement for the statement necklace. GROOVY, BABY Penny’s tips on

giving the retro trend a modern edge:

The reason why those ’60s girls were able to skip so chicly around town? They weren’t toting a huge shoulder bag along with them. They slipped their cash in cute box clutches like this one from It’s Vintage Darling for RO22. Alternatively, try your Mum’s accessory drawer.

H ave you got decent legs? I don’t. And that’s why I’m feeling a little nauseous right now. Of course, this is completely the wrong attitude,

because if there is one thing we need to be embracing this season, it is the mini.

Yup, the decade of leg exposure is back, with the swinging 60s flooding the runways in New York and London, before reaching a peak in Milan and Paris with Gucci’s pastel A-line silhouettes and Carven’s prim swing coats.

I feel your pain, if like me, you have been cursed with curves and log-like legs. But don’t panic, we can navigate this trend together. After all, Oman has standards and flashing too much flesh is a no-no. That’s why you need to be grateful that Saint Laurent has brought back opaque tights and go-go boots which, thankfully, hide a multitude of sins.

To keep the look ultra chic and less mutton dressed as lamb, start channelling Jackie O or this season’s Gucci collection. Think A-line shifts in mint, duck egg or marron glacé, falling mid-thigh and worn with putty or black patent boots. Alternatively, go monochrome. I personally love the Holly Golightly look of a roll neck with ankle grazers and a pair of pointy flats. So easy. Okay, it’s early rather than mid-60s but hey, not all of us have Twiggy’s boyish physique.

Classic, versatile and elegant, J.Crew’s black cashmere turtleneck is a wardrobe essential. It’s designed with ribbed trims and a smart, slim fit. From RO125.

Tailored into a short shift, Cath Kidston’s spotty dress is an instant classic. Wear it day or night with minimalist sandals and a box clutch. From RO40

Jimmy Choo’s Creative Director Sandra Choi is inspired by texture play and contrasting fabrics – these point-toe flats have been crafted in Italy from flocked mesh and trimmed in suede. The low heel and buckled strap make them a comfortable option for all-day wear. From RO266 at net-A-Porter

Top of our wardrobe refreshing wish list? A must-wear mini. Try this one from Mango, from RO16

Choose the ScandalEyes Thick & Thin Eyeliner for a super dramatic 60s look. From RO4

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 3 4

HEALTH&BEAUTY

Damage

H E A LT H B e a u t y F a s h i o n

Are you sitting comfortably? Then we will begin. Musculoskeletal disorders, related to back and neck pain, are the second largest cause of disability

worldwide. A study published in the British Medical journal has shown that increasing incidence is directly correlated to a more sedentary lifestyle.

“You sit at school, at university and then in your professional life. The trouble is we are not designed to sit,” says Dr Hakim of Muscat’s Finland Osteopathy clinic.

Sitting places an enormous amount of pressure on the vertebrae of the lower back, concentrating all your weight in that area. It also decreases blood circulation and discourages us from engaging our core muscles – a combination that can lead to accelerated deterioration of health over time.

In fact, the very act of sitting puts us atop a health time bomb, according to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The study stated that men who spent longer than six hours sitting were 17 per cent more likely to die during that time than men who sat for less than three hours. For women that risk increased to 34 per cent.

Introducing the sit-stand desk. Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway both did their best work standing up and now they’re slowly being introduced into workplaces.

Offices in countries such as Finland and Denmark have already implemented them across the board and having seen them in action, Dr Hakim firmly believes they’re a great way to address back pain problems.

Asked if they are a viable option for Oman, Dr.

Hakim said that he’d already found some in Ikea, although he admits, “They aren’t as good as what I’ve seen in Finland.” Problems posed by cost and space are surpassed by long-term benefits. “People will save more money, and their lives, by protecting their health now,” according to Dr Hakim and so it seems like a no-brainer.

While standing also causes back pain, it’s the lesser of two evils, Dr Hakim explains, “standing means weight is more evenly distributed, your blood also circulates and you have more control of your body. Most importantly you have a tendency to move more and this is the key.”

In addition to improving our health, standing desks have the potential to increase productivity among employees as Dr Hakim highlights, “standing is more socially interactive. You’re more likely to move around and talk to people when you’re standing. You’re more productive in your interaction with people.”

In a study called ‘Get Up, Stand Up’, researchers found a non-sedentary workspace enhances the extent to which people engage in “collaborative information elaboration”, which can only mean good things for employers.

“Stand, get up and move. Printers should be at the opposite end of the office so you have to move around to pick up material,” says Dr Hakim, “movement is essential to maintaining muscular strength, which in turn protects our spines.”

While deterioration over time is natural and unstoppable, there are ways in which we can slow it down. Physical activity is the answer – walking is great exercise for all ages, but to really tap into your muscles’ potential and protect your spine, try and incorporate the following into your daily routine:

1. Back extensions: 90 per cent of us lean forward during the day, which accumulates a lot of pressure and causes stress to the spine. Back extensions reverse this, particularly the cobra pose. You don’t even have to sit, just push against a wall, while pushing your hips forward.

2. StretchHug your knee to your chest and then repeat on the other side. You could also add in a twist to the side to release pressure.

3. HydrateWater is essential for our muscles to function and our blood to circulate properly. Living in such a warm climate means an increased consumption of water is essential to keep our bodies functioning at their full potential. The more the better!

Desk Back pain is one of the most common reasons for people missing work, or being unable to undertake routine tasks. Our desk jobs might be filling our pockets, but at what cost to our health? Ailish Fleming investigates

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 3 5

H e a l t h B E A U T Y F a s h i o n

TRENDThiNk PiNk

Marc Jacobs took things to another level at London Fashion Week with models sporting all natural faces. However, if the thought of leaving the house without even a smidge of mascara makes you quiver, you can always keep up to date by playing down either lips or eyes. Pale pink and neutral nudes were the colours of choice among most designers.

Frec

kle

Face

:The natural beauty of freckles is finally being realised by the fashion world. Lightly penciling on freckles is a trick often used by makeup artists to achieve a youthful look and has been adopted by designers at various shows this season. Topshop have even come out with a ‘Freckle Pencil’ so that the freckle-less aren’t left out.

Forget the bold blues of summer skies and seas, autumn is all about the natural beauty and barely there makeup

Dewy skin is in, so forget the powder altogether. If you just can’t resist, the Dolce & Gabbana luscious blush range has a pink to suit every skin tone.

Darker skin tones may be better suited to the moody mauves sported by models at Derek Lam. For those who just can’t bear to part with a standard smoky eye, update it with a splash of purple as seen at Vera Wang.

Keep lips neutral or paler shades of pink to complete the look. If you’re feeling a little more daring, go for a berry pink, but keep it soft and smudgy.

TOO LATE? DON’T WORRY. GET Y INSTANTLY ONLINE USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICES & PCVisit www.y-oman.com/current-issue/

No downloading required

GRAB IT BEFORE IT’S GONE

GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Y AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION POINTS…Yiti• SifawyBoutique

HotelQantab• AlBustanPalace

Hotel• MarinaBanderAL

Rowdha• OmanDiveClub• ShangriLa-Barr

AlJissahWadi Kabir• AlMaya

Hypermarket• KhimjiMart• LuluHypermarket• National

HospitalityInstitute

• ShellMBD• BankDhofar• MooreStephens• NBO• OmanOilAhlain• PizzaHut• PizzaMuscat• ShellCBD• AlMaya

Hypermarket• AlizzIslamicBank• BahwanTravel

Agencies• BankSohar• Centrepoint-

Splash• CopperChimney• CostaCoffee• HSBC• LamaPolyclinic• NBO• OmanArabBank• Standard

CharteredBank• Woodlands

RestaurantMuscat• Muscat• BaitalBaranda• BaitalZubair• Diwan• ShellDarsait• CaveRestaurant• IndianSocialClub• KhimjiMart• KIMSHospital• LuluHypermarket• MuscatBakery• ShellAL Falaj/Rex Road• AlFalajHotel• BadarAlSama• GoldenOryx

Restaurant• KamatRestaurant

• ToshibaShowroom

RUWI• KamatRestaurant• KFC• Khimji’sWatches-

Showroom• KMTrading• OmanAir• OmanUAE

Exchange• OTE• SarwanaBhawan• SwaroskiHamriya• ApolloMedical

CentreWattayah• AhliBank• Bestcars• BLS• Ford• GM(Chevrolet)• HatatHouse• Honda• Hyundai• Kia• Lexus• NationalTravel&

Tourism• PassagetoIndia• SABCOGroup• Shell• Subaru• Suzuki• ToyotaQurum• AlAraimiComplex• BalanceGym• BankNizwa• BMWshowroom• BurgerKing• CapitalStore• Chili’s• CrownePlaza• FinlandEye

Center• FunZone• GloriaJean’s

Coffee• JungleRestaurant• LeftBank• McDonald’s• MercedesBenz• MumtazMahal• Nandoos• Nissan• OmanOilAhlain• PizzaHut• Qurum

CommercialComplex(OldCCC)

• SABCOCentre• SecondCup• Starbucks• TchéTchécoffee

shop• TheSultancentre

(TSC)PDO• PDO• OmanOilHead

Office• PDO• RasAlHamraClubRoyal Opera House• IndusRestaurant• MoreCaféShatti Al Qurum• BareeqAlShatti

Complex• CarribouCoffee• Darcy’sKitchen• GermanEyeLaser

Center• Intercontinental

Hotel• JawaharatAl

ShattiComplex• KayaSkinClinic• MuscatEyeLaser

Center• OasisByTheSea• SecondCup• StarbucksSarooj• AlFairS/M• AlMasaMall• AlShattiCinema

(DunkinDonuts)• AyanaSpa• Cosmeclinic• EmiratesMedical

Center• McDonald’s• ShellMQ• AlFairS/M• ArabOpen

University• BritishCouncil• CostaCoffee• Darcy’sKitchen• EmiratesAirlines• HanaSlimming

Centre• KargeenCafé• KFC• Mackenzies• MoodCafé• OmanOilAhlain• PapaJohn’s• PizzaHut• SaharzBeauty

Saloon• Starbucks• TBWAZeenahAl Khuwair• BadarAlSama• BaitAlReem• BaitAlReem-

CoffeeShop• CaféVergnano

• Centrepoint-Splash

• DiplomaticClub• FriendiMobile• GrandHyatt

Muscat• GrandHyatt

Muscat(Saloon)• GulfCollege• HarleyDavidson• HSBC(OldOIB)• KFC• KhimjiMart• Khimji’sWatches-

Showroom• KMTrading• LandmarkGroup• McDonald’s• Ministryof

Information• MuscatBakery• MustafaSultan

Enterprises• OmanBowling

Center• OmanOilAhlain• OmanUnited

Insurance• OMRAN• PizzaHut• RadisonBlu• Shell• TGIfridays• TheKebab

Factory• TheTikkaPlace• VLCC• ZaharaTravel• ZakherShopping

MallMGM• CarribouCoffee• GloriaJean’s

Coffee• JustFalafel• Nawras• PaulPatisserie• TimHortonsBousher• Collegefor

Banking&FinancialStudies

• CostaCoffee• CrepeCafé• DolphinVillage• ModernCollege

OfBusinessStudies

• Moka&MoreCafé

• MuscatCollege• MuscatPrivate

Hospital-Emergency

• MuscatPrivateHospital-Outpatient

• OmanMedicalCollege

• StationeryHutGhubra• AlHayatPolyclinic• AlMaya

Hypermarket• AsterHospital• BankofBeirut• GMC• LuluHypermarket• OmanOilAhlain• ParkInn• Porsche• TheChediGhala• NationalMineral

Water• TAISMAzaiba• AlFairS/M• AlMaha• AlMeeraH/M• Audi• Bentely• BrandOman• CarribouCoffee• CostaCoffee• GoldenTulip• InfinityService

Station• Jaguar• Jeep• LandRover• Mazda• McDonald’s• Mitsubishi• OmanArabBank• OmanOilAhlain• Peugeot• SevenSeas

Complex• Shell• Skoda• TheSultancentre

(TSC)• Towell• VolksWagon• Volvo• Yamaha• ZubairAutomotive

(Sayarati)Al Murtafaa• BankMuscat• DHL• KFC• MuscatHillsGolf

Club• OmanAirMawaleh• Chili’s• CostaCoffee• MakkanCafé• NoodleHouse• Starbucks• StarcareHospital• TimHortons

• VLCCHail• AlMoujGolfClub• Amouage-Oman

PerfumeryLLC• BaitalHail• BurgerKing• Caledonian

College• CostaCoffee• MarkazAlBahja• McDonald’s• OmanFootball

Association• OmanSail• Shakespere&Co.• TheWaveH.O.Rusayl• KnowledgeOasis

Muscat-1• KnowledgeOasis

Muscat-2• KnowledgeOasis

Muscat-3• KnowledgeOasis

Muscat-4(ITA)• MiddleEast

College• Omantel• SQU-Diplomatic

Club• SQU-Collegeof

Commerce• SQU-Students

BankingArea• SQU-Hospital• WaljatCollegeSeeb• McDonald’s• SABCOMediaAl Khoud• BadarAlSama• AlFairS/M• PizzaHutBarka• AlNahdaSpaand

Resort• LuluHypermarketSawadi• SawadiBeach

ResortMassnaah• MillenniumHotelSohar• Centrepoint-

Splash• CrownePlaza• NationalGift

Market• Nawras• PizzaHut• SafeerMall• SoharBeachHotel• SoharPort• SoharUniversityNizwa• NizwaUniversity

@ytabloid facebook.com/ytabloid

fo l l o w u s o n :

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 3 7

P o s t c a r d s f r o m O u t d o o r s Y - F i C a r s

CARS ANdADVENTURES knOCk, knOCk

The village at the centre of Wadi Mayh has long been abandoned, but many original features

remain intact.

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 3 8

CARS ANdOUTDOORS

D E S T I N A T I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i O u t d o o r s C a r sCARS ANdADVENTURES

Destination

WADI MAYHWE cONTINuE OuR RETROSpEcTIvE THIS

WEEK AND REDIScOvER THE DElIGHTS OF WADI MAYH, A luSH vAllEY THAT FORMER

Y pHOTOGRApHER JERzY WIERzbIcKI ExplORED IN FEbRuARY 2012

Our Managing Editor, Felicity Glover, has spent the past week rifling through old copies of

Y Magazine and stumbled on one of Jerzy’s journeys to Wadi Mayh. Photos of cool, refreshing streams, incredible rock formations and the ruins of a long forgotten village captured her attention. Because of its close proximity to Muscat, it is an easy trip for newcomers and seasoned travellers alike – and she plans to visit there soon.

But let’s see what Jerzy has to say about Wadi Mayh:

“Wadi Mayh is located not very far from Muscat. This delightful valley has many interesting things to

see, more so for landscape admirers with a keen eye for detail.

“The good news is that you do not need a 4x4 to make this trip. There is an asphalt road and a gravel track that is in good condition, making it safe for small SUVs and saloon cars. But always remember to check the weather conditions and try to avoid making trips during the rainy season.

“Wadi Mayh is a long valley that lies between Yiti and Sifah, along the highway to Quriyat. I reached the wadi early in the afternoon. In the western part of the valley, I noticed an enormous mountain range that appears to have been naturally engraved with many layers created during different geological periods.

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 3 9

There are two ways to get to Wadi Mayh: The first one is from the road to Yiti and Sifah. Go to Barr al Jissah and head down the road to Yiti. Before Yiti, you will come across a road sign directing you to Wadi Mayh – turn right onto the gravel track.

The second route, which takes you directly to the wadi, is from the west. Stay on the road to Quriyat until you reach a village called Al Khufaygi and turn left from the main road. If you look carefully, you will also see a road sign directing you to Yiti and Wadi Mayh.TRAV

El G

UIDE

Now, it looks like a massive display of rock art.

“This picturesque landscape is dotted with small streams and pools of fresh water, which are an intense turquoise blue in colour. Two villages are conveniently situated on the edge of the wadi in the middle of the valley and reminded me of the many tiny forts we see in Oman. This would make an ideal location for a movie, especially if it was historical.

“I found some ruins in the centre of the wadi – old mud-brick houses with their handmade sculptured wooden doors still intact. Behind one of the houses stands a large tree, providing perfect shade and colour for some great shots. From the looks of it, Wadi Mayh appears to have been inhabited for quite some time. There are many date palm trees and traces of water on the ground that local farmers probably used to irrigate their fields.

“In the distance, you might notice that the rocks bear some resemblance to a sphinx, only much smaller. This unusual formation is located opposite the mountains and looks like a rock ‘watchman’, having kept a close eye on its surroundings for countless centuries.

“Last, but not least, the Tropic of Cancer crosses Wadi Mayh between the ruins and the stony sphinx, creating one of the most magnificent sights you will witness in the country. I really like this place.”

HOW tO get tHere

S E P 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 4 0

CARS ANdOUTDOORSCARS ANdADVENTURES

Golden dunes rise and fall as far as the eye can see. Their height and shape dictated by the wind that whips across the arid landscape. Deep in the heart of the desert, the tranquillity is undisturbed.

The sun beats down ferociously and the only sound is a low rumbling growl, which steadily grows in resonance until the sand begins to tremor. Suddenly, a heavily modified Jeep Wrangler roars over the crest of a dune with thunderous force, sending great orange clouds high into an otherwise unblemished sky. Another 20 vehicles follow, adding their own unique sounds to this glorious orchestra of engineering. Welcome to an Extreme Desert Safari.

My first introduction to navigating across a desert was certainly going to be memorable.

I was booked to travel with the first crossing of the season. The meeting point for our two-day, self-drive trip into the desert lay 250km southeast of Muscat, in Al Kamil.

The first formality of our desert adventure was to slightly deflate the tyres of the Jeep in which we would be travelling. Desert driving requires you to deflate your tyres to between 14 and 18 psi for

increased traction and improved weight distribution, increasing your ability surf the sand. Having done this, we travelled, in an easterly direction towards the coast, 75km along a Bedouin highway to our first night’s camp.

Dark shapes were masked by the inky blackness and passed by in a blur, meaning that I couldn’t get a proper sense of my surroundings until the sun rose the following morning.

Repeated blasts of a car’s horn dragged the camp into consciousness at 7am, announcing that breakfast was served. After filling up on hearty, wholesome food, the crew delivered a driver safety briefing instructing us on the essential dos and don’ts of desert driving. Once completed, we were off.

We hit the dunes at 9am, with challenging inclines and steep drops found mere metres from camp. This is where the fun began.

Toyota Land Cruisers, Mitsubishi Pajeros and Jeep Wranglers are a common sight on the roads of Muscat, but to see them in their natural habitat, doing what they were designed to do – as opposed to transporting shopping back from the mall – was absolutely awe inspiring. It was great to see first hand just what these vehicles are

oman is home to some incredible deserts. Matt Blackwell, a novice sand explorer, climbed aboard a Jeep to discover the beauty of the omani desert

Phot

os: M

att B

lack

wel

l

O U T D O O R SP o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i C a r s

capable of. The convoy consisted of 25 vehicles all snaking off into the distance. The power of these machines was at times breathtaking, as they scaled seemingly insurmountable heights, dragging out every bit of torque from their roaring engines. As expected, the ride was far from smooth and at times it was more akin to a rollercoaster, the angles were so acute.

While the desert can be wonderful place to explore, the terrain can also be treacherous and unforgiving. By the time we stopped for lunch at 1pm, a handful of cars had been forced to head home due to mechanical difficulties.

The dedicated kitchen crew served up some five-star food and, despite the fact I hadn’t actually been behind the wheel, the morning’s drive had still been mentally demanding and the rest was a welcome one.

Fed and watered, my experience in the afternoon was to be very different to that of the morning. I had been invited to be a passenger alongside the founder of The Guide Oman, Mohamed Issa al Zadjali.

With more than a decade and a half worth of desert driving experience, he’s the frontman, responsible for blazing a trail through the sand, creating a track that the vehicles behind will follow.

This led to some genuine heart-in-mouth moments as we powered up dunes, with only blue sky visible through the windscreen, having no idea what lay on the other side.

Mohammed demonstrated his immense off-road driving skill, sometimes having only seconds to react to a situation and choose a path that would be challenging, but safe for the rest of the convoy.

With powder fine sand in parts, vehicles would regularly become stuck in the dunes. It was at this point that our mini off-road family would rally round to extricate the stranded car, using winches and tow ropes in a touching show of camaraderie.

The convoy covered roughly 70km of desert over the two days, exiting in Khuwaymah on the Saturday just after 1pm and in perfect time for a well-earned lunch.

Desert crossings offer you the perfect opportunity to drive your 4x4 to the limit of it capabilites. They allow you to safely push both the car and your driving skills in a controlled environment, with medics and a trained recovery crew close by at all times.

I can’t wait to get my own 4x4 and give it another go – this time in the driver’s seat.

● The Guide Oman offers two different Desert Safaris, one suitable for beginners as well as the more challenging Extreme Desert Safaris. ● Desert Safaris cost RO45 per adult, RO20 per child (7-12 years) and children 6 years and under go free. All food and drinks are included. Just bring a suitable 4x4, spare fuel and yourself!● Next Dates: Sept 25-27, Oct 23-25, Nov 6-8, Nov 27-29, Dec 11-13, Dec 25-27● For further information and bookings, contact Rebecca Mayston at Rmayston@theguideoman.com or call Mohamed Najeeb on +968 9900 0129 ● /TheGuideOman● @GuideOman

S E P 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 4 1

S E P T 1 8 - 2 4 / I S S U E 3 3 70 4 2

TOp FIVE THINGS TO DO:1. Visit Chapel Bridge2. Take a train to engelberg3. Treat yourself to lunch at the cheese factory at the engelberg kloster4. Indulge in delicious bread and cheese from a local bakery5. stock up on chocolate before you leave

WaY UP hIGhMount Pilatus offers

stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the snow-capped

mountains.

CarS aNdadVENTUrES

S E P T 1 8 - 2 4 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 4 3

P O S T C a r d S f r O Md e s t i n a t i o n O u t d o o r s Y - f i C a r s

My favourite place Switzerland is a cheese lover’s paradise and being one myself I felt like a kid in a candy store. I embarked on a day trip from Lucerne to Engelberg by train in the hope of finding a monastery (Kloster) known for its cheese. The 45-minute train ride took us through iridescent green valleys and past villages boasting typical Swiss chalets, climbing at an almost 40-degree angle until we hit the snow line.

The end of the line revealed the breathtakingly beautiful village of Engelberg that is perched on the slopes of the Urner Alps in central Switzerland.

I was there in early November – the start of winter – and snow had already fallen. At the height of the season, it offers what many people consider to be some of the best ski slopes in the country.

From the village is a cable car that runs to Mount Titlus, but with plans to visit Mount Pilatus the following day, I chose not to ascend this peak and to rather spend the day wandering around the village.

Highlights My meandering led me to an imposing assortment of buildings that date back to the 1300s and form the Benedictine Monastery.

Simple buildings along with the church are grouped around a courtyard and in one unobtrusive corner is a cosy haven. Stepping through glass doors one is welcomed by locals who will not only feed you sturdy fare to beat off the cold, but will also help you select an exotic assortment of cheese made by hand at the monastery.

In addition to this, you can watch the cheese-makers at work as they churn the cheese in great vats. Lowlights There is no cold quite like Alpine cold and despite having worn the prescribed layers of clothing, I froze. Eventually, I threw all sense of fashion caution to the wind and bought a heavy-duty Swiss Army beanie from a tourist shop at the top of Mount Pilatus. The shop assistant assured me that this woollen cap would solve all my hypothermic problems and I proceeded to cough up a small fortune for something I didn’t really think would help. How wrong I was! For the rest of my time in Switzerland my beanie and I were inseparable. Souvenirs Switzerland is famous for a whole host of things, from chocolate to Swiss Army gadgets and these are all readily available at every turn. For chocolate-lovers, giant Toblerones are a must and then of course there are the famous Swiss Army knives. Stores offer huge selections of these timeless gems to suit everyone’s taste.

Where to stay I stayed at the gorgeous Renaissance Lucerne Hotel – a stylish boutique hotel complete with Juliet balconies. Situated in the town centre, it was within walking distance of most attractions – the railway station included. Rooms were small but comfortable and the staff friendly.

LUCErNE, SWITzErLaNdKathy Whitehead recommends

T h e t h o u g h t o f S w i t z e r l a n d i m m e d i a t e l y c o n j u r e s u p a l l t h o s e o l d c l i c h é s o f a f a i r y t a l e , p i c t u r e - p e r f e c t w i n t e r w o n d e r l a n d . I t ’ s o n l y w h e n y o u v i s i t t h a t t h e s e c l i c h é s m a k e s e n s e .

M y t r i p t o S w i t z e r l a n d w a s p a r t o f a w h i s t l e - s t o p t o u r t h r o u g h E u r o p e a n d s a d l y I w a s o n l y a b l e t o s p e n d a f e w d a y s i n t h i s w o n d e r fu l c o u n t r y . M y b a s e w a s i n L u c e r n e a n d i t w a s , s i m p l y , w o w !

B u i l t o n t h e s h o r e s o f L a k e L u c e r n e a n d s u r r o u n d e d b y t h e S w i s s A l p s , t h i s c i t y i s p r o b a b l y m o s t f a m o u s fo r i t s K a p e l l b r ü c k e - o r C h a p e l B r i d g e .

I t s t r a d d l e s t h e R e u s s R i v e r , w h i c h f l o w s i n t o t h e l a k e , a n d w a s o r i g i n a l l y b u i l t i n 1 3 3 3 . S a d l y , m u c h o f i t w a s d e s t r o y e d i n a f i r e i n 1 9 9 3 , b u t i t h a s s i n c e b e e n r e s t o r e d .

A l o n g w i t h t h e b r i d g e i s t h e t o w e r , w h i c h o v e r t h e y e a r s h a s b e e n u s e d a s a p r i s o n , a t o r t u r e c h a m b e r a n d , l a t e r , a m u n i c i p a l a r c h i v e . I t i s t h e o l d e s t w o o d e n c o v e r e d fo o t b r i d g e i n E u r o p e , a s w e l l a s t h e w o r l d ’ s o l d e s t s u r v i v i n g t r u s s b r i d g e .

ThE pICTuRESquE vILLAgE of EngELBERg nESTLEd In ThE fooThILLS of MounT TITLIS

TRAdITIonAL SwISS fonduE houSES

ARE pLEnTIfuL And ARE REALLy

woRTh TRyIng ouT

KApELLBRüCKE, oR ChApEL BRIdgE, wITh ITS wATER TowER, ovER ThE REuSS RIvER In LuCERnE.

J U LY 0 3 - 0 9 / I S S U E 3 2 70 4 4

-FIT H E T E C H I N Y O U

Y - F IP o s t c a r d s f r o m C a r s O u t d o o r s

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 4 4

keePing PaCe

The galaxy gear neo 2 is a lighter and cheaper version of the Galaxy Gear and the Galaxy Gear 2. Although it comes with slightly less functionality, it has a Tizen-based system, giving the watch an improved battery life of between two and six days, depending on usage. For music lovers the 4GB storage has been retained, although it performed poorly when being used for fitness purposes with an inaccurate GPS and an inaccurate pedometer. Where the Neo 2 does perform is its capability to make and receive calls and even works when held away from the face, making it ideal to use when driving. This smartwatch is certainly a premium product without an especially premium price, but it is let down by its cheap plastic finish. rO91 from www.expnsys.com

TIMES ARE CHANGING

Bang On tiMe THE MOtO 360 PROVES THAT DESIGN CAN BE BOTH EXTREMELY FUNCTIONAL AND EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL. THE UNIQUE CIRCULAR DESIGN IS CHARMING AND EVEN WORKS WELL IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT. LEATHER STRAPS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM LAUNCH FOR THE UK AND US MARKETS AND COMBINED WITH THE STAINLESS STEEL FINISH, THE MOTO 360 HAS A PREMIUM FEEL THAT REALLY SETS IT APART FROM ITS COMPETITORS. BATTERY LIFE ON THE 360 IS ALSO IMPRESSIVE, LASTING OVER 12 HOURS DESPITE HEAVY USE. CHARGING IS DONE VIA A QI CHARGING BLOCK THAT DIMS THE DISPLAY, MAKING IT IDEAL FOR PLACING ON BEDSIDE TABLES. THE MOTO 360 MAY NOT BE THE BEST SMARTWATCH ON THE MARKET BUT IT IS THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AND IN A WORLD WHERE AESTHETICS CAN MAKE OR BREAK A PRODUCT. WE PREDICT SERIOUS COMPETITION FOR THE APPLE IWATCH. ARRIVING AUTUMN 2014 WWW.MOtOrOLa.COM

rigHt On tiMe This is the first Andriod watch by LG and it’s not a bad first effort at all. The amount of apps currently available is limited, but expected to dramatically increase over the coming months. Where the LG really wins is that it will work with any Android device, so owning an LG phone is not essential. It’s just a case of downloading the Android Wear platform and following the set-up process. It is IP certified, meaning it is dust proof and water resistant to a depth of one metre for up to 30 minutes. The g Watch is a fun little gadget that allows you to customise the face, giving you the option of 24 different designs. It is by no means the complete package but the G Watch is certainly heading in the right direction. rO85 from www.amazon.com

SOnY SMartWatCH 3 The Sony Smartwatch is possibly the least attractive watch on the page, but don’t let that put you off because it is a strong performer and, in running Andriod Wear, has a lot of functionality to offer. The claimed battery life of two-five days is also impressive, although to be honest, this does seem to be rather ambitious. Possibly the most intriguing feature of the Sony Smartwatch 3 is that it can detach from the strap, which according to Sony, is so that it can be used with other gadgets, but personally I’m not sure which gadgets you would use it with. Despite this oddity, the Sony is one of the most powerful watches here with a quad-core CPU and 512MB of RAM. The Sony Smartwatch 3 is an impressive performer with a strong list of features, but it doesn’t grab the attention in the way that some of its competitors do. Arriving autumn 2014 www.sony-mea.com

gone are the days when watches only told the time. today, they make phone calls, send text messages, review our exercise efforts and take

photographs. adam hurrell brings you the smart timepieces you need to watch out for

EDITO

R’S pI

CK

J U LY 0 3 - 0 9 / I S S U E 3 2 7 0 4 5

F I N D O U T W H A T ’ S H I P & H A P P E N I N G I N G A D G E T S

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 7 0 4 5

neW Set to hit the shops in 2015, Apple lovers will have the choice of the apple iWatch, the apple iWatch Sport and the apple iWatch edition, with each version available in two sizes. Upon initial testing it appears Apple have done a better job with the interface than most of its competitors with the crown acting as a zoom function that lets you zoom in and out, making apps easier to access. An ergonomically designed curved back makes it comfortable to wear too. The Apple iWatch is a lightweight, nifty little device that can be used to make and receive calls, as well as send simple pre-written messages. Available in 2015 from www.apple.com

aPPLe iWatCH

App of the Week

One fOr tHe kiDS Smartwatches are not just for grown-ups and the Vtech kidizoom proves that. It’s a sweet little watch that features educational mini-games, camera and video, as well a choice of over 50 digital and analogue designs so that your little darlings can learn both the 12 and 24-hour clock. The Kidizoom is also dust and splash proof, making it perfect for wearing while playing outside. It’s a charming beginner’s smartwatch and a great way to let children engage with technology while learning how to tell the time along the way. www.vtechkids.com rO23.1

tHe Bare eSSentiaLSAlmost all of the apps featured on these pages are Andriod and require you to download Android Wear. This is technically not an app in itself, but a software platform that the watches need in order for the apps that are available for them to work. Once this platform is installed the watches will be able to run apps such as runtastic, which is an excellent fitness app, and evernote, an app that allows users to pull up notes made on their smartphone as well as dictate new ones. Available for free from Google play.

nePtUne Pine

The neptune Pine is a serious bit of kit. The screen alone is 2.4 inches across and it features a full Qwerty keyboard for text and emails. Equipped with front and rear cameras and an LED flash, the Pine is also capable of playing videos and even films. It also includes a music player, voice recorder, calendar, alarm, telephone and more. It’s a powerful beast with 512MB RAM and up to 32GB of storage as well. While this all sounds very impressive, you can’t help but think, this is not a watch. Firstly, it is a massive thing to have on your arm, but it also fails to offer anything that your phone doesn’t already do. It’s not especially stylish, it’s not in anyway discreet and it’s totally unsuitable to use for sport. It seems to be clever for the sake of being clever, not because it’s what the smartwatch consumer actually wants. rO135 www.getneptune.com

S E P T 1 8 - 24 / I S S U E 3 3 70 4 6

This beefed-up Beetle makes every trip an exhilarating journey that you won’t want to end, says Kate Ginn

VW Beetle 2015 SEL Specifications:

Engine: 2.0L with turboHorsepower: 210

Transmission: Six-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox)0-100 kmh in 7.6 seconds

Top Speed: 227 kmh

There was open road ahead of me on the Sultan Qaboos Highway – a rarity indeed on Muscat’s

main artery – and it was too good an opportunity to pass up. I lightly pressed on the accelerator and sat back, letting this Beetle do what it does best. What a job it was trying to keep to the speed limit. The 2.0L turbo engine was begging to be unleashed and it seemed almost cruel to deny it the indulgence.

Still, even at low speeds, the pedigree of this vehicle is undeniably impressive. Let’s start with the design.

The latest incarnation is new for 2015, but remains true to its roots and retains the instantly recognisable iconic Beetle look, with the addition of some masculine traits such as a noticeably more chunky body. Gone is the dashboard-mounted flower cup – and with it the connotations of being a “girly” car – to offer something a little more sporty and substantial.

That’s not to say it’s lost its appeal to women, it’s merely exhibiting a bit more testosterone than before, which is no bad thing at all.

My test Beetle was the top of the range SEL, which came with leather seats, sunroof, touchscreen and parking sensors. A bright shiny red with very chic alloy wheels and a rear spoiler made it look the real deal,

prompting one friend to wax lyrical about how “beautiful” it was.

It’s fair to say that the Beetle – the original Type I version of which first rolled off the production line in 1938 – has grown up. The question is whether those who have grown up with the Beetle will like the latest changes. Lovers of the model need not despair or fear that Volkswagen has taken the heart out of the little Bug, though, as it still has super cute touches with a Bug-like roof, bug-eyed headlamps and cartoonish bulging fenders, lending it an air of fun and lightheartedness to contrast all that manliness.

Another nice touch is the LED daytime running lights, which make those Bug eyes look like they’re winking at you.

The interior has grown up, too. Last time I was in a Beetle, which was a few years back now, the inside was soft and unassuming, promising cuddly comfort. Slip into the driving seat and cast your eyes around the 2015 model and you’ll find that it’s a very different beast altogether, with hints of the serious fun that is to be had.

I absolutely loved the two-tone black and red leather upholstery, matching the glorious polished red of the sweeping dashboard, offset by red touches around the cabin. Instrument gauges mounted on

top of the dashboard might seem superfluous but it works with this car. When the meaty roar of the engine kicked in, I rather liked seeing the turbo counter’s pointer flick up and down in time with the ebb and flow of the revs.

The flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, similar to that of a racing car, is the same as the VW Golf (which I voted my favourite hot hatch of last year), which incidentally also shares the same engine. Sturdy pedals in polished silver metal along with stainless steel sills continue the overall feel of quality.

A decent touchscreen panel offers navigation and takes you through the entertainment system, though this can all be accessed via the steering wheel controls, as can the Bluetooth and telephone syncing features.

VWs always feel well built and solid and the Beetle is no exception. For added peace of mind, it comes equipped with dual front airbags and combination side/curtain airbags, along with stability control and a host of other technology to keep you in control and safe.

The top two trims (SE and SEL) have a sunroof. Simply slide it back to allow the sun and heat to flood the front, crank up the superb premium Fender music system with eight speakers and just go. You’ll want to keep on driving.

CARS ANdADVENTURES

C A R SD e s t i n a t i o n P o s t c a r d s f r o m O u t d o o r s Y - F i

CAR OF THE WEEK

4 airbags Anti-lock Brake System

(ABS) Leather seats Bi-xenon headlamps

with LED Dual temperature control Front and rear parking

sensors Keyless access and

starting system Cruise Control Navigation system with

touch screen, DVD and Media-in

Panoramic sunroof Multi-function steering

wheel

They say: “A legend grows up”We say:

“Beautiful to look at and drive”

Visit your nearest branch• Wattayah • Barka • Sohar • Salalah • Sur • Nizwa

Now in Showrooms across Oman

www.honda.com.omScan to download

the Honda App

HondaOmanConnect

*Conditions apply. Features & colours may vary. Vehicles may also include some dealer installed features. Images shown above are only for illustrative purpose. Actual vehicle may vary.

Bumper IntegratedChrome Twin Silencer Electronic Parking Brake Honda LaneWatch LED Map Light

Rear Window Power Sunshade

New2015

New Direct Injection i-VTEC 2.4L Engine /i-VTEC 3.5L V6 Engine

ACCELERATE

For HONDA Generators, Water Pumps & Tillers, Contact Binu Mathai - Mobile: +968 99483678

Ozone launch ad (Y).pdf 1 9/16/14 3:27 PM