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Your top guide to the best of oman, everY week

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Oman To Buy Royals?: Bid For English Football Club

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

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Fast forwardhe twisted remains of cars involved in accidents can be seen peppered by the sides of some of Oman’s most dangerous roads almost on a weekly basis. Every evening, I’m forced to think fast and swerve to avoid distracted drivers who un-

apologetically veer into my lane. In the mornings, I face kamikaze white vans hurtling towards me unless I move out of their way. And then there are the 4x4 intimidators who flash and tailgate you until you give in to their bullyboy tactics. Challenge them and the chances are they’ll gesticulate and follow you home. I’m fed up of it. And I’m sure you are too. But this isn’t harmless high jinx. Reckless drivers are gambling with lives. Oman suffers from the highest number of fatalities caused by car accidents in the GCC. Things need to change – and fast. To illustrate the dangers of the Sultanate’s roads, two of our reporters recorded one typical journey to work. The video is littered with illegali-ties, stupidity and enough foolishness to merit its own TV show.

What do you think? Tweet us your experiences with the hashtag #dangerousdriving

Welcome to the new look 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 EDITORPenny Fray

SECTIONS EDITORKate Ginn

CONTRIBUTORTom Robertson

PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

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

@ytabloid facebook.com/ytabloid www.y-oman.comFO l l O w U S O N :

Team Y has been strategising, organising events and lusting over a

very lovely new Aston Martin car.

THIS wEEK…

TREND BAROMETERGOING UPBIRTHDAYS

This month, Y magazine turns six. To celebrate we’ll be throwing a birthday Tweetup at the Grand Hyatt Muscat on Sunday evening

(26th). There will be a camel, cake, mocktails and lots of other

cool stuff. Want to get on the guest list? Tweet us at @ytabloid #YBIRTHDAY. Places subject to

availability.

GOING DOWNTHE MANKERCHIEF

Silk numbers were draped around the shoulders of male models

at Burberry – but it’s a look that won’t transfer easily from catwalk

to closet. Not unless you want to channel Queen Elizabeth II walking

her corgis, that is.

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

Penny Fray MANAGING EDITOR

editor@y-oman.com

TADOPT A DOG

We’re suckers for a sob story, especially if it involves animals

in need of a home. Enter Fluffy, a beautiful two-year-old pooch that’s

free to a good home. Interested? Contact Elvira on 99776569

contentsj a N U a R Y 2 3 2 0 1 4

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Yo u r O m a n06 The Big Interview Fady E Abi-Khalil

08 Your Oman Rosie Malcolm -McEwan

10 News Reading F.C.

14 Gallery Azaiba Beach

44

Fo o d a n d D r i n k29 Food New Concept Restaurant

30 Food Review Tomato

T h i s w e e k15 Oman in 43 Objects Dates

16 Movie Listings Philomena

18 This week Road Runners

C a r s a n d O u t d o o r37 Destination Rustaq Fort

40 Indoors Fancy Futwork

42 Postcard From Lille

44 Y-Fi CES 2014

46 Car of the Week Ford EcoSportH e a l t h a n d B e a u t y

32 Fashion Playing The Grey Man

34 Fitness Barre Belles

35 Style Counsel Barbra Young

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Fe at u r e s20 Dangerous Driving Oman’s Crazy Drivers

24 Mommy and Me New Parenting Page

B u s i n e s s a n d c a r e e r26 Success In The City Making Friends

H o m e L i v i n g31 Pretty Tea Tea for Two

Y’S BIRTHDAY SPECIAL / YACHTIQUETTE / FAB PHOBLETS  / CONTROVERSIAL CROPS

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE...

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YOUR OMaN

Could you tell me about your career to date? I studied hotel management in France before joining the Golden Tulip. They were my first employer and I’ve been with them for 14 years now. When somebody takes care of you, you stay with them. I’m now General Manager at the Golden Tulip in Muscat, plus I look after the region’s brand performance.

Describe your typical day:I wake up at 7am, and spend some time with the kids before they go to school. I get to the office by 8am and start the day with a daily morning briefing. Then it’s a mixture of meetings, strategies, renovations and operational issues. I also have a staff meeting every Monday and Wednesday at noon, during which I listen to team members. This is really important as it gives me valuable customer and staff insight.

What inspires you?Making a difference and getting good feedback is very motivating. I have five groups to keep content – customers, employees, suppliers, owners and management companies. If they’re happy, I’m happy.

What’s your ultimate dream?That’s a difficult question but I’d like to retire in Florence. I had my honeymoon there and really enjoyed taking a bus to the mountains, taking in the scenery and silence, as well as learning to appreciate all the museums and galleries.

What do you like the most about Muscat? I love the people – their respectfulness and friendliness. I also enjoy the diversity of the landscape.

Describe your personalityI’m honest, patient and caring. (His PA added hardworking to the mix).

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?Give time to your family because at the end of the day they’ll always be with you and your job may not.

There are a lot of hotels opening in Muscat at the moment. Does that worry you? No. It’s a good thing. The pace of the openings here are healthy and competition makes you work harder.

What’s the unique selling point of the Golden Tulip here in Seeb?The airport location, space and facilities – we’re friendly and flexible when it comes to customer care, plus we have some exciting renovations coming up.

What do you do in your spare time? Sleep. No, I’m kidding. I spend time with the family. I also like calm environments and walking along the beach.

F A D Y E A B I - K H A L I L , G E N E R a l M a N a G E R O F T H E G O l D E N T U l I P S E E B

N e w s G a l l e r y I N T E R V I E w

PLANE PERFECTWords: Penny Fray / Image: Jerzy Wierzbicki

WHAT ARE youR ToP TIPS To SuCCESS? 1 Don’t change your personality because of your position. Be accessible to everyone because you never know what you might learn.2 Keep learning and stay on top of what’s going on in business. I’m currently studying online for an MBA. It’s great because you can do it in your own time and you have access to a huge library of real case studies. It’s also good for networking purposes.3 Don’t keep changing employers. There’s no point leaving for a small salary increase. 4 Don’t sell what you like but what your customer likes.

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Dear Y,

I thought your article ‘Standing Up To Street Harassment’ (Issue 303) was very brave. As a woman and an expat living in Muscat for almost six years, I can relate to some of the stories told by other women about being approached in the street or followed by car.

It’s an issue that needs to be talked about and, as you said, unless it’s out in the open, steps towards change won’t happen.

I’ve lived in several Middle East countries and while it’s true that Oman is not the only one with this problem, we have to look at ourselves and start the change from there.

Well done Y for starting the ball rolling.

Good luck.Best wishes,

Sara,Qurum

WOMEN’S RIGHTS

correspondence

This week, I want to ask you to just try a little exercise with me.

I want you to make a conscious effort to live in the now. By this, I mean not dwelling on the past or fretting about the future. The past is gone, we cannot change it, so don’t waste your time or energy going over what has been. The future is yet to happen. Why worry about what might or might not go wrong? Get emotionally and physically re-energised by starting to consciously live in each and every moment. Stop thinking, analysing, second-guessing and wasting time on idle thoughts and chitchat in your mind, and just get in the present. Learn to feel, touch and experience each and every moment in your body and mind. By doing this, it could take away all the possible potential stress you bring upon yourself. None of us has a crystal ball to see into the future. None of us have a time machine to go back into the past. We cannot change or control either the past or future. You will feel more powerful and in control of your life if you live in the now. This allows you to conserve your energy and focus on what’s important in your life right now, not last year or next year. So just let go and give my idea a try. For the next few days or week, make it your goal to live for the present and see what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised.

the voice of oman rosie malcolm-mcewan on why we should live in the moment

NExT WEEK: THE yuMMy MuMMy IS BACK

FESTIVAL FUN

SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive an InterContinental voucher. Guests may redeem gift vouchers from the hotel’s reception. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher.

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FESTIVAL FUN

Hi Y,It’s so good to be back in the festival mood with lights adorning the road as the city prepares for the Muscat Festival once again. Young people get to see the old customs and cultures, such as crafts, which are almost becoming extinct now. More modern things such as acrobats, laser shows, fireworks and music will also be showcased.

So people, get ready for a month of entertainment with discount shopping.

And keep smiling as a smile adds more to your lifespan.

Best wishes,

Dr Vijayalakshmi R Shetty,Mumtaz Area, Muscat

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 9

We asked: ‘Corruption: are we doing enough to fight it? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter.

JoMARI SoMoNTINA SAGAl No - and it will never happen. Why? Because ordinary people don’t have the power. Look at my country, the Philippines, for instance. Corrupt officials are alledgedly robbing everyone and nothing’s happening about it.

MoHAMMED MANSooR TARIquE Corruption is an incurable disease.

SADIA SHAMS Corruption is flowing everywhere, as blood flows in our bodies. I have experienced the sting of corruption. After finishing my studies, my college had to give me my latest certificate and return all my old certificates, which had been submitted at the time of admission. They made me run from pillar to post for one month and every time I returned empty handed. Then a clerk called me and whispered ‘Give me RO500 and you can take your certificates now’. I was shocked but had to do it because I was running out of time. Afterwards, I vowed that this would never happen to me again. I think if everyone took a stand against corruption, the devil would die one day.

KHuSHBoo uDESHI Corruption will never go away. I have been hearing, reading and discussing it but I haven’t seen anything change. The world is competitive and people will go to any extent to get things done. It’s at every level and it’s everywhere. If there are people willing to take a bribe, there are people willing to give them one. The government can only control it to a certain level.

MulTAFIT BHuTTA We need to stop corruption at the root level. This can be achieved when people from different races are given equal treatment.

RAJ SHENoy Though quite challenging, in my opinion corruption can be fought with effective whistleblowing policies, good governance and stringent anti-money laundering policies. We should understand that anti-corruption can’t be just a government policy or responsibility. It’s the duty of every responsible citizen to come forward and fight against it and report cases of bribery and corruption to the judicial authorities. I feel extremely proud of the fact that stringent measures have already been

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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 RYOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US

WINNER! Reply of

the Week

This Week’s debate:

The Muscat Festival starts

this week. What type of event

would you like to see held in

Oman? Tell us on Facebook or

Twitter.

taken by the judiciary and authorities towards achieving a corruption-free Oman.

SREENIvAS CHIvIKulA It can only be controlled but it can’t be eradicated. As along as greed exists, corruption will exist.

KIARA PEREIRA Oman is a peaceful place with a high happiness index. However, we can all still do our bit by not promoting or condoning corruption. If we come across any instances of corruption, we must report it to the authorities. The media is also responsible for bringing such cases to the fore. It’s always better to rectify these issues in the beginning before they become a way of life, as has happened in some countries.

JASMINE PRAJAPATI Corruption cannot be stopped. One big step is working on the foundation of society; by raising children in good home environments and families where honest values and character are inculcated in them. A free press is important. The judicial system needs to be led by men and women of integrity.

ABDullAH JBR AlBuSAIDI ‘As long as no one knows, nobody will get hurt,’ might apply (on some level) with family, friends and a partner. But it doesn’t when it comes to your employer or those exploited for a personal reason. It is up to the individual to stop such behaviour and we need to find the moral compass that lies within us.

JERRy AquINo As per the recent events published in the papers regarding the PDO projects, I think the Oman government is taking steps towards fighting corruption.

HEETRAJ CHAvDA Corruption is a dangerous medicine to a human

disease – selfishness, which makes a person weaker day by day.

PRATIBHA MISHRA Corruption may be an incurable disease, but it’s not impossible to stop. There are less corrupt countries, such as Denmark and New Zealand. The government should have a system by which employees or citizens can report corruption and other crimes. They should be allowed to complain anonymously without giving their personal details, so that they remain safe and fearless. An anti-corruption team should treat everyone equally; a crime is a crime, whoever commits it.

SHyAM KAlADI Corruption and bribery speeds up the development circle.

RoDNEy WooDS The government has taken a step in the right direction by taking action against corporate bosses awarding contracts unfairly. The fact that this was widely reported goes a long way towards tackling this menace. As for the common man, we do not come across corruption in Oman and this is partly due to the fact that the culture is generally against encouraging or abetting such acts. We hope such an environment continues to prevail and we must thank the government for taking bold steps, as this will also act as a major deterrent in the future.

I'M A READER

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

MOHaMaD HaSaN, was spotted with a copy of Y Magazine in al Hail North

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COME ON… READING!

NEw GENERAl MANAGER fOR zubAIR MusEuM ANNOuNCED

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

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E w S

Paul Doubleday has been appointed as the new GM and curator for the Bait al Zubair Museum and Foundation. The former regional manager for the British Council in North Africa and the Levant, who has been working in Oman for the past four years for a UK cultural organisation, will start his new role at the beginning of April this year.

Commenting on his appointment, he said, “The role is very exciting and I am proud to be involved in the future development of not only the museum, but the arts scene in Oman at this important time.”

Nurturing arts education in the coming generations of Omanis will be a focus: “Arts education is one area which I would like to see more focus and development in Oman.”

F orget cheering on local football sides Al Nahda and last season’s title

winners Al Suwaiq, there could be a new team on everyone’s lips in the near future.

If reports are to be believed, an Omani investor is poised to make a bid for English Champion League outfit, Reading F.C., after a series of secret meetings.

Talks are said to be at an advanced stage and Reading, who play in the equivalent of the second division, are hoping to conclude a deal by the end of the month.

The identity of the potential buyer and any backers remains a mystery.

But Oman faces competition from a rival bid by an American consortium. Both are said to want 100 per cent control of the club, currently owned by Russian businessman Anton Zingarevich, and have put offers on the table.

It might not be as outlandish as it sounds. Reading, known as The Royals, has built up strong links with the Sultanate in recent years and partners with the Oman Football Association’s outreach programme in Sohar.

Whoever takes over the club may need to be prepared to invest soon. Reading was relegated from the Premier League last season – said to cost

the club RO30 million in lost revenue – and will probably need more players to push for promotion back into the top flight.

Things are looking up though. Reading thrashed Bolton 7-1 in their last game to go into 6th spot in the league.

A qUick gUiDE tO READiNg F.c. :

The club was established in 1871 and is one of the oldest teams in England.

They are nicknamed The Royals due to the town’s location in the Royal County of Berkshire (they were previously known as The Biscuitmen – don’t ask).

Their ground is called Madejski Stadium (below), named after the club’s chairman Sir John Madejski.

Their current manager is Nigel Adkins.

The team plays in blue and white hoop colours.

Their big local rivals are Swindon Town and Oxford United.

P.s. Reading is a large town about 58km west of central London and has a population of approximately 232,000.

It has a university and plays host to the Reading Festival, one of England’s biggest annual music events.

wATERlOGGED MusCAT

Phot

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STOP PRESS: Oman has signed a contract for an air defence system as part of ongoing upgrading of the Royal Air Force of Oman. The deal is reported to be worth RO808,500,000

The owner of this car might have had a little trouble getting home from this watery situation.

Water levels are almost covering the top of the wheels of the red saloon, which was parked outside the Ramez Shopping Centre in Seeb, Muscat. Torrential rain after a storm over the capital on Monday night left

motorists facing flooded roads and long delays.

Delays on the Sultan Qaboos Highway going into Muscat due to water on the surface left some drivers facing three-hour waits stuck in gridlock. Some schools shut to save parents having to battle through the traffic.

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G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E w S

DOwN ON THE bEACHF or the first time in the history

of Muscat Festival, some of the action will be taking place

on the sand.Seeb Beach has been chosen as

one of the six venues for the annual extravaganza, which officially begins today (Jan 23).

The stretch of sand will play host to beach soccer, martial art shows, freestyle dancing, a marine festival and traditional boat races.

Oman Automobile Club will take a starring role in this year’s festival too with various four-wheel challenges, including a 24-hour Endurance Race and drifting.

Sport looks to be playing a bigger part than ever this year with an expanded programme of events.

Top names on two wheels will be returning to the Sultanate to take part in the hugely popular Tour of Oman cycling race. This year, 144 cyclists from 18 countries will compete in the gruelling six-stage, 938km race through some of Oman’s most picturesque locations. Tour de France winner, Sir Bradley Wiggins, is among those due to be on the start line on Feb 18.

Live concerts will be held on two nights at the City Ampitheatre in Qurum. Amerat Public Park and Al Naseem Gardens will remain the main sites for activities, with the usual mix of laser shows, a Heritage Village, arts and crafts and fireworks.

There will, however, be no Muscat Fashion Week this year. The next one is likely to be January 2015.

Organisers are predicting the festival, which ends on Feb 22, will break the two million visitor mark for the first time since it begin in 1998.

“Care has been taken to involve participants from different generations,” said Saif Suba al Rashidi, director general, Directorate of Information and External Relations, Muscat Municipality.www.muscat-festival.com for full programme and timings.

What are they?Otherwise known as the Oscars, they’re the highest pat on the back one can receive from the film industry.When were they founded?The first awards were presented in 1929, when Emil Jannings won the first ever Oscar in the Best Actor category, though he wasn’t actually present having decided he had better things to do.tell me about these little gold men.First off, they’re not based on C-3P0 from Star Wars though they do bear a striking resemblance. These heavy little chaps – 3.7kg - are actually gold-plated brittanium (pewter-type alloy) statuettes of a knight holding a sword and standing upon a film reel.can i get my hands on one of these?The awardee is legally prohibited from selling the statuette on the open market and, if it is to be sold at all, it must be back to the Academy for the princely sum of $1.isn’t there a way round that?A buyer with RO543,574 to spare and a long legal wrangle has managed to do it in the past.What exactly is the Academy?The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, an organisation comprising approximately 6,000 motion picture professionals.Why is this relevant now?Because the nominees for the 86th Academy awards have just been announced. Hot film picks include American Hustle and Gravity, each with ten nominations and also 12 Years A Slave, with nine.Do say: ‘Gosh, this is such a surprise, I didn’t really prepare anything to say.’Don’t say: ‘I’ve jotted down a ‘short’ list of people I need to thank.’… Zzzzzz

B i t e S i z e dOUR NEw wEEKlY SlOT TaKES a lIGHTHEaRTED

lOOK aT a NEwS ISSUE OF THE wEEK.

a w E E K I N P I C T U R E S

Egyptians approve new constitution with a 98 per cent ‘yes’ vote

HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND

UAE announces compulsory military service for young Emirati men aged over 18

Sunanda Pushkar, wife of Indian minister, Shashi Tharoor, found dead in a New Delhi hotel room after allegations her husband was having an affair

Tortoise beats rabbit in skiing race held for their pets and owners in China. A rooster and yellow duck also took part.

tHE AcADEmY AWARDS

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Beach revealer EN_Y Mag 34w x 24h + 5mm bleed.ai 1 12/15/13 3:50 PM

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P a R K l I F E A THREE-DAY FESTIvAL SAW PEOPLE FLOCKING TO THE PARK NEAR AzAIBA BEACH

YOUR OMaN

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OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

High in sugar, dietary fibre, protein and potassium, as well as

containing elements such as magnesium and zinc, this little fruit has sustained generations of Omanis for millennia. Incredibly versatile, they’re often eaten either as a snack with cardamom-infused coffee or included as a key ingredient in traditional dishes, such as sakhana, a thick, sweet soup, among others.

The date palms on which they grow, the majestic and iconic phoenix dactylifera, can reach up to 30 metres tall and yield a staggering 150kg of dates per season, depending on the variety. Here in Oman, varieties include khalas, khunaizi and fard, a dark brown date with a tender skin and sweet flavour.

While date palms are the most significant crop nationally, the Sultanate implemented a programme in November 2009 to plant a further one million palms in an attempt to stave off stagnating production levels.

DaTES11.

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RIDE AloNG Poor old Ben (Kevin Hart) just can’t seem to win the respect of his girlfriend’s brother and is desperate to earn it before asking her to tie the knot. Ice Cube takes the role of mean and bad-tempered older brother, James, a hard cop on the streets of Atlanta who’s unimpressed by his younger sister’s love interest. James decides to see if Ben has the mettle to protect his bride-to-be by taking him out for 24 hours on his detective duties. But Ben’s presence lands them in a whole heap of trouble and his incompetence ensures that it’s near on impossible to find a way out of their predicaments. Events spiral out of control and lead them into a face-off with the city’s most feared criminal.

Y’s Choice

THIS WEEK’S MOVIES

P R E V I E W

For more information and times, go to:

City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net

Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net

Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641

The Nut Job

You don’t always get bang for your buck, and South Korea’s most expensive animated movie to date is certainly evidence of that. Voiced by Will Arnett, a mischievous squirrel named Surly is banished from a park following a nut-heist gone wrong (you don’t see that written often) and leaving his companions’ stash decimated. In a quest to right his wrongs, he sets about planning an ambitious raid in order to provide a plentiful source of food for his furry friends. It’s a tale that just about succeeds in offering off-the-walnutty humour for the young ones but may be just too nutty for the adults.

Philomena

MOVIES MOVIESwEEKTHIS

Devil’s Due

What’s more horrific than knowing your wife is carrying the spawn of Satan? Quite right, nothing. So it’s with a certain amount of trepidation that audiences should approach this lost-footage horror film, not least because yes, it’s yet another lost-footage film. When Zach McCall starts to notice that his wife’s behaviour is becoming increasingly strange, almost devilish, the origins of her pregnancy are revealed as infinitely more sinister. Strictly not one for the kids, or indeed any happily expectant couples.

EUROPA REPORT A science fiction film set in contemporary times, this modestly budgeted film retains some hard science

to deliver a slow-burning thriller that’s reaped a healthy margin at the box office. A team of crack astronauts is sent on a mission to Jupiter’s moon, Europa, in order to determine whether it’s possible for alien life to exist within our solar system. It’s one of the better Sci-Fi attempts in recent years, one whose gritty intensity and engrossing feeling of discovery remind us that it’s not always necessary to have plasma rays blasting in outer space to create a cosmic spectacle.

Based on the book ‘The Lost Child of Philomena Lee’, British film and TV stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan team up to tell the true story of a mother’s search for her son. The big-hitting Dench plays the role of Philomena, a woman who in her younger years fell pregnant out of wedlock. Under the guidance of the Catholic Church in Ireland, she gives up her son for adoption and promises never to enquire as to his whereabouts.

But when she meets a BBC journalist (Steve Coogan) some years later in England, the two set about finding her long lost son in the U.S, where he’s believed to be living.

It’s ironic that just when Steve Coogan seems to be hitting a career

high, having co-written a Venice film festival-winning screenplay, his portrayal of a man whose career is on the ropes is so convincing. Opposite him, Dench’s honest interpretation of her character deals adeptly with a soul struggling to deal with the fallout of a past life. The portrayal of two central characters is so credible that the film strays close to buddy-movie territory, as much as it presents a sound comedy-drama. It’s both a heartbreaking and heartwarming affair that avoids a plethora of clichés on strict nuns and regretful mothers.

Director Stephen Frears, otherwise known for his previous movie, The Queen, manages to create yet another graceful film.

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SCHOOl MaTTERS

MATCH daYs

The Creative Center for Rehabilitation is hosting a workshop called ‘Autism in the Classroom’ to discuss educating autistic children. Open to both parents and teachers, the workshop will include speakers. Rehab Hotel, Bawshar, from 9am-2pm, entry RO13 with lunch. Call +968 95303700 for details.

Catch the last four football matches as the AFC Under 22 Championships draw to a close. The semi-finals are on Thursday (23) with the 3rd and 4th play-off on Saturday (25). Be sure to grab a seat at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium on Sunday (26) for the final, with kick off at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought at the venues, or Oman Oil and Ahlain Shops. www.the-afc.com

THIS wEEK

wHaT TO DO.

wHaT TO SEE.

wHaT TO HEaR.

j a N U a R Y

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Head to the Al Qurum Complex (CCC) for a sale of previously enjoyed books at bargain prices. Snap up two paperbacks for only RO1 and RO1 for a hardback, including both adult and children’s books. Proceeds from the Dar Al Atta’a Let’s Read Campaign sale will go towards Oman’s first mobile library, ‘Maktabati’. From 9.30am-12.30pm. If you would like to donate funds or books, contact letsreadoman@gmail.com.

Oman artist Yousuf al Nahwi is displaying over

50 pieces of his work, some dating back to 2011 and

others painted as recently as two weeks ago, at his

Tomorrow Was Beautiful exhibition at Gallery Sarah

in Old Muscat. Available to view now until Feb 11. Gallery

Sarah, part of the Bait Al Zubair Museum complex, is

open Sat-Thurs from 9am-6pm.

They’re the sharp young minds of the present and who could well be shaping the future of the country. Here’s your chance to find out what they’re thinking at the Youth Scientific Creativity Exhibition, which will showcase the smartest and most talented youth of Oman. Venue: The Oman International Exhibition Centre. Visit www.omanexhibitions.com for details.

NEED a NEw REaD?

It’s not too late to get involved in the largest

study of those living outside their country of

origin. Join the Expat Survey 2013 and you

could be in with a chance of winning RO630 for

having your say on life as an expatriate. www.

theexpatsurvey.com

Expat life28

Tuesday

RUN MUSCAT RUN

Friday

Friday

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26 28JANUARY TO

SONGTRESS EXTRaORDINaRE

25Saturday

Young Boffins

Time to get the trainers on again. Muscat Road Runners is hosting the third Muscat Marathon 2014. Al Qurum Beach Resort, Shatti is the starting point. Runners have the option of participating in the full marathon at 6am, half-marathon at 7.30am or the 10km run at 8.30 am. Visit www.muscatroadrunners.com for details on registration.

Popular Egyptian songstress, Sherine, will perform for one unmissable night at the Royal

Opera House Muscat, beginning with her most popular songs as well as her classical

Arab music. An orchestra, under acclaimed conductor Selim Sahab, will accompany her remarkable voice. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets and details www.rohmuscat.org.om

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TAIlGATING, SPEEDING, AGGRESSIvE ovERTAKING – All THESE AND MoRE WERE

CAPTuRED By y oN vIDEo oN oNE CAR JouRNEy IN MuSCAT. ARE WE Too READIly

ACCEPTING oF BAD DRIvING AND A lACK oF CoNSIDERATIoN oN THE RoADS AND IS ENouGH

BEING DoNE To SToP IT? KATE GINN AND ToM RoBERTSoN INvESTIGATE

ROUNDDRIVEN

THE BEND

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 2 1

As a white SUV bears down from behind, headlights flashing in a fury, another car swerves dangerously across lanes in front without indicating as traffic streams past. Another saloon car weaves at speed

in and out of the vehicles, with just millimetres to spare. A wrong move or misjudgement and you are looking at a serious crash with potentially devastating consequences.

This scenario, or one similar, is played out on Muscat’s busy roads every day. Anyone who commutes regularly will be all too familiar with this race-track mentality, which has given Oman the dubious honour of having the highest death rate from road accidents in the GCC and the third highest in the whole Eastern Mediterranean region. In fact, it was recently revealed by the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) that 12 per cent of road accidents in Oman result in deaths.

So Y set out to do an experiment and decided to record a typical journey on the capital’s busiest road, the Sultan Qaboos Highway. What we caught on video was shocking.

From tailgating at high speed and talking and texting on mobile phones while driving, to reversing down a slip road, we saw it all. In a journey lasting less than two hours, we witnessed dozens of traffic violations from simple speeding to drivers not wearing a seatbelt.

Most alarming of all is that this behaviour has apparently become an accepted part of the country’s culture, inherently part of the driving psyche. It’s become the norm to the extent that there’s a sense of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ attitude on the roads.

“The biggest concern is that we, as a society, tolerate high-risk driving behaviour even among members of our own family and caretaker drivers,” says Bernadette Bhacker-Millard, an Omani lawyer and co-founder of Sustainability, an Oman social entrepreneurship company campaigning in road safety.

We’ve become accustomed to having to be on tenterhooks on every journey, constantly checking the rear view and side view mirrors for potential trouble. As the saying goes, though, it doesn’t matter how well you drive, it’s the person behind or in front or at the side of you who really matters.

From aggressive bullying tactics to simply a lack of road awareness, the list is seemingly endless.

Yet, despite the grim statistics fom the NCSI that one in every ten accidents results in a death, it doesn’t seem to deter bad behaviour on the roads.

Nor do the unpalatable figures that 6,600 road accidents were recorded in 11 months last year, up to November 2013. 832 people died and 9,081 were injured, to varying degrees. Admittedly, it was better than the year before when there were 7,529 accidents with over 1,000 deaths and 10,700 injuries.

Less surprising is that most road accident victims are male, over 85 per cent. Over a quarter of deaths are of drivers of 4WDs.

It’s not just drivers who are at risk either.According to the World Health Organisation –

which claims that Oman has among the worst road fatality record in the world – 23 per cent of those dying in traffic accidents in the Sultanate are pedestrians.

Shaima Murtadha Al Lawati, chief executive officer of Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA), which works to educate drivers on good traffic etiquette, admits it is a big problem.

“Every day when I drive to work in the morning I count how many cars I pass by with drivers not obeying traffic rules and on average I find eight out of 10 not obeying, for instance by not wearing the seatbelt or using mobile phones while driving.

“I feel sad because they think they are smart by doing so and in fact they are increasing their probability of getting killed on roads by such careless acts.”

Y did a further experiment; recording on a daily basis for a week, incidences of traffic offences that we saw on the roads while on our usual commutes.

On average, more than 20 people a day were illegally using mobile phones, whether to talk or text. On several occasions, the distracted drivers were swerving out of their lanes, oblivious to the danger to other cars. One man had his smartphone balanced on the steering wheel, as he tapped on the screen, barely glancing at the road ahead.

Speeding is a regular occurrence, with dozens of

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cars failing to stick to the speed limits on the road, even with the deterrent of speed cameras.

We saw drivers with unrestrained children jumping on the passenger seat or even hanging out of open windows.

Compounding this is the high proportion of drivers who exhibit dangerous driving habits with undercurrents of aggression. In the wrong hands, a car can be a potentially lethal weapon.

Slide on to a busy slip road and the likelihood is that someone has pulled over in a potentially dangerous position, causing cars to swerve round.

If you manage to find your way out into the masses there’s every chance you’ll be trying to avoid the car going slowly in the middle lane, while the driver concentrates on texting his best friend. Make your way into the inner most overtaking lane (note: not ‘fast lane’) and you’d better be prepared to break the speed limit. Stick to the 120km/h there and it won’t be long before there’s a two- ton Land Cruiser bearing down, leaving nothing but a few inches between bumpers. Headlights will flashed in a demand to be let through.

It’ s not much better in the ‘slow’ right hand lane, either. Stick there and you’ll be dodging the taxis and mini buses randomly pulling out into your path without warning.

Al Lawati blames several factors for bad driver behaviour, including a lack of knowledge or information about consequences.

“People know they need to wear a seatbelt but they don’t know what will happen if they don’t wear it. They need to know that almost 40 per cent get thrown out of the car in the case of a crash if not wearing a seatbelt and get killed,” she says.

Young drivers are also an issue. A large percentage of drivers in Oman are aged between 18-30 years old, in some cases driving high-powered or customised cars, with less experience on the roads.

“There is no easy fix or magic bullet to reduce road

crash fatalities,” says Bernadette Bhacker-Millard. “The most effective interventions are setting and enforcing speed limits, comprehensive laws on seatbelts and child safety seats, rigourous driver and driver instructor testing standards and tackling distracted and impaired driving.”

The Royal Oman Police are stepping up their efforts – increasing traffic patrols and mobile radars. In one weekend last December, a staggering 14,554 traffic offences were registered in the Sultanate.

There is also talk of introducing a ‘black points’ system, similar to the UAE, given out for traffic offences. Any driver with 12 black points would have his licence revoked for a set period.

A spokesman for the ROP told Y that the proposed black points system had yet to be introduced but said: “Punishments are tough with drivers facing having their cars taken away and being put in prison for up to 48 hours for offences, such as jumping a red light.”

More needs to be done, however. Safety experts advocate, among other suggestions, sustained road safety awareness, through schools upwards, more

enforcement of existing laws and enhancing use of smart technology, such as traffic flow

systems.As al Lawati says, “We cannot expect

people to change themselves.”Change won’t occur overnight,

either. It will take a concerted effort from all parties – from the ROP and safety groups, to the Ministry of Transport & Communications and

regional municipalities – to make it happen.

ARMED WITH A VIDEO CAMERA, Y STAFF DROVE FROM OUR OFFICE IN SEEB TO QURUM AND BACK ON A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, SETTING OFF AROUND 1.30PM. WE WERE TRAVELLING IN AN ORDINARY SALOON CAR.

Even at low speeds on the beach road at Seeb, drivers have to be alert. As we move into the traffic, cars are pulling out in front without indicating and turning without

warning. We see lots of young children travelling unrestrained in cars – in one case while their father talked on his mobile phone as he drove.

By the time we reach the Sultan Qaboos Highway, our nerves are already shredded. It’s a mad scramble to get off the slip road with cars overtaking frantically. Cars sweep past us, clearly breaking the speed limit, while others criss cross lanes without any attempt to indicate or warn other drivers of what they are

about to do. A blue GMC Yukon 4x4 darts out of the slow lane and veers into our path, forcing us to brake suddenly.

Meanwhile, a taxi lurches off the shoulder, where it has been picking up a passenger, in front of another car, forcing it to veer into the middle lane dangerously close to another vehicle. A simple use of the indicator from the taxi driver – and checking the road is clear before pulling out – would have prevented all this.

Three out of every

four cars pouring off the slip road into fast-flowing traffic make no attempt to indicate.

Approaching the Azaiba turn-off, a white car steams up behind us in the ‘fast’ lane, tailgating and demanding a way through. We are maintaining the legal speed limit for this part of the road, 120km/h, but it’s clearly not enough for the driver behind. Near Madinat Qaboos, a car driven by a young guy shoots across all three lanes, darting in and out

of traffic, to get past ‘slow’ drivers in his path. Lane crossing is common, as is speeding, undertaking, tailgating and dangerous overtaking. In one of the worst instances, we see a Toyota Hilux pick-up reversing up the hard shoulder and slip road into oncoming traffic after missing the turning. During the two-hour journey, we see countless traffic offences and cases of dangerous driving.

By the end, we just feel thankful to have made it back in one piece.

fines for speeding ranging from RO10 to RO50.

If the car is going more than 75km/h over the speed limit, the driver can be jailed for up to 24 hours and the case referred to the Public Prosecution.

Driving carelessly or at high speed carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to a year and fine of up to RO500. If the offence is committed under the influence of drink or drugs, the punishment is automatically doubled.

A driver suspected of being under the influence of substances can be arrested on the spot.

Illegal racing, purposely delaying the traffic or driving a motor vehicle without valid insurance is punishable by a maximum three-month prison sentence and up to RO3,000 fine.

breach of the rules and ethics of traffic carries imprisonment up to 30 days and/or RO150 fine. This could include jumping traffic signals.

Any breach of the Highway Code – for instance, tailgating – can be punished with a fine up to RO100.

Drives convicted in court of a serious traffic offences can be banned from driving for up to year. Repeat offences can be up to two years.

under Oman’s Traffic law, the Highway (Traffic) Code sets out offences and punishments, which can be enforced.These include:

Ultimately, of course, it is down to the drivers to put the brakes on wrong behaviour for good.

In the words of Shaima Murtadha al Lawati from ORSA: “We can’t fully change the current situation without people starting to work on their bad driving habits and playing an active role in keep themselves safe on roads.”

Hell on the Highway: Watch Y’s video at www.y-oman.com, facebook.com/ytabloid and twitter @ytabloid

WHAT DO YOU THINk?

Tell us your views or experience of driving

in the Sultanate at /ytabloid, @ytabloid

or email us at info @y-oman.com

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If you’re a parent, there’s really only one play date to put in your diary over the weekend. In case you haven’t heard, the third Mommy & Me event is coming to Muscat for two days, Jan 25 & 26 (Sat & Sun), with pretty much something for everyone, whatever your age.

You’ll be able to find advice, entertainment and products all under one roof.

This year’s event emphasises breakthroughs in child healthcare and highlights the importance of early education.

Aimed at parents and parents-to-be, the Mommy & Me concept is the brainchild of lamya bint sinan al Kiyumi, ziana Qaiser and Nashia bint Yahya Nasib (above).

Over a hundred names in the infant and child industry will be at the venue, Al Bahja Hall, next to Qurum Park.

Among those are local small businesses – some launched by mums – given a chance to showcase their services.

“With over 61,000 new births every year in the Sultanate, we have been inspired to cater to growing families and others looking to maintain a balance between their homes and businesses,” says Lamya, chair of Mommy & Me Oman.

“The demand for infant and child products and services is booming and has made Mommy & Me a unique platform for families in Oman to share knowledge and purchase essential items.”

Among those exhibiting are Made For You, who can embroider anything from bibs and blankets to t-shirts, Bloom, a home-based studio, which offers baby yoga, and Mini Rainbows Crèche in Muscat.

Non-government organisations (NGOs) and support groups, including Muscat Mums and the Environment society of Oman, will also be on hand to offer advice and information.

During the two-day event, visitors can also take part in the ‘Mom of the Year’ competition.

This year will also see 100 per cent of all ticket proceeds donated to Maktabati, Oman’s first mobile library, which is part of the Dar Al Atta’a lets’ Read Campaign.

More information www.mommyandmeoman.com

Welcome to Y’s new monthly Parenting Page, where we look at issues that affect mums and dads. We’ll have topical stories, trends, fun tips and competitions, and speak to parents on the ground who know all about the ups and downs of having children.

Parentingpage

Oman’s only mother and child show is back with plenty to keep big and little ones amused

Mommy & Me

DID YOU knOw…? Babies smile in the womb. Ultrasounds have

spotted a smile on a baby’s face in the last trimester of

pregnancy.

TIP OF THE WEEk – FOR NEW MUMS

TAkE POwER nAPS. You don’t always need to do chores when the baby goes down. when baby has a nap, time take to have a sleep too. If

you can’t sleep, rest and read a book.

Words: Kate Ginn

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 2 5

Y TURnS SIx at the end of the month and we need your help to celebrate, or rather your child’s help.

We are looking for the best Y birth-day card designed by our younger readers. There will be prizes for the best three entries and a selection will be printed in the magazine. So let your child’s creative urges flow, whether it’s with paint, crayon, pen or pencil. Please take a photo (smart-phone is fine) of their efforts and send to us at editor@y-oman.com no later than Monday, January 27. Winning entries will appear in Y’s Birthday edition on January 30.

It is only a small gesture but it could save your child’s life one day.

Using a car seat or booster seat for children has been shown to prevent injuries

or death in the event of an accident. Don’t just take our word for it. The statistics are there to prove it.

Studies have shown that a child car seat can reduce the risk of death by up to 71 per cent for infants and 54 per cent for children aged from one to four.

With figures like these, it should be just a matter of routine for any parent to strap their child in safely for a car journey.

Sadly, this is not the case in Oman. More than 120 children lost their lives in accidents on the Sultanate’s roads in 2012 – 60 of whom were aged six or under.

If this doesn’t shock you enough, bear in mind that if you have an accident while driving at just 50km/h and the child is unrestrained, the force of the impact will be equivalent to dropping him or her from the fourth floor of an apartment block.

Car manufacturers are beginning to play their part.

BMW Group Middle East launched the ‘Stay Alert, Stay Alive’ campaign in 2010 to enlighten parents on the importance of using appropriate safety restraints for children travelling by car.

The initiative has been a resounding success with thousands of child safety booster seats distributed at public awareness events.

BMW will be at the Mommy & Me event in Qurum on Jan 25 & 26 spreading its message for safer driving.

And Y has teamed up with Al Jeniabi International Automobiles to offer readers a chance to win one of the special branded ‘Stay Alert, Stay Alive’ BMW booster seats.

Booster seats are suitable for children aged seven years and older, who are not big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.

Before then, child car seats are necessary to offer the correct protection needed.

The BMW booster seats usually retail for around RO50. A child should still ride in the back seat where it’s safer.

“Our aim this year is to educate parents on the importance of child restraints,” says Divyendu Kumar, managing director of Al

Jenaibi International Automobiles.“Apart from buckling them up, we also want

them to use the right booster cushions for their children.

“Last November, at the Oman Traffic Safety Expo 2013, parents were keen to learn more about how to keep their children protected. We are hoping to achieve an even greater interest in the upcoming Mommy & Me event.”

Last year, Y launched a campaign with the National Youth Commission calling for a law to make child car seats compulsory in the Sultanate for children under the age of six.

There is still no law requiring parents to use any kind of safety measures for children travelling in cars. We’ve also seen cars on the road with children sitting on their mum’s lap unrestrained in the passenger seat or jumping around in the back.

The campaign to force legislation through in Oman continues.

We asked three mums

in Muscat: 'What's the

one thing you wish

you had been told before

you became a parent?'

Buckle up with BMw with our fantastic competition to win a booster car seat

They are the most precious thing in your life – keep them safe

C O M P E T I T I O N

C O M P E T I T I O N

if you would like to win one of the 10 BmW ‘Stay Alert, Stay Alive’ booster seats, simply answer the following question:

Q. Using a child car seat can reduce the risk of death for infants by up to

a) 13 per centb) 71 per cent c) 54 per cent

Send you answer a, b or c with your name and contact number to editor@y-oman.com by Monday, January 27. Winners will be revealed in next week’s Y (Jan 30). Good luck!

TOP FACTS

mum's the word

* Marlow turns 2 on the day that Y

is due to come out (Jan 23). Happy

Birthday Marlow!

THERE ARE OvER OnE mIllIOn BIRTHS EAcH YEAR In THE Gcc

26 PER cEnT Of THE Gcc POPUlATIOn IS UnDER 10 YEARS Of AGE AnD 11 PER cEnT UnDER fIvE

THE Gcc HAS A GROwTH RATE Of 2.7 PER cEnT PER AnnUm; THREE TImES THAT Of THE US AnD 23 TImES Of THE EUROPEAn UnIOn

In OmAn, 293,000 Of THE POPUlATIOn IS UnDER THE AGE Of fIvE

AnnUAllY, THERE ARE 61,00 nEw BIRTHS In THE SUlTAnATE

Josephine O'Brien, mum to Marlow, two*: "I wish someone had told me that

not all kids will fit the recommendations of parenting books and that's ok. Just

have faith in your own instincts and do what's best for both of you."

Amanda Campbell, mum to Isabella,

21 months,: "I wish someone had told

me you won't sleep a solid eight hours

for months... if you're lucky."

Cherie Clark-Moore, mum to twins Mya and Zoe, 22 months:

" I wish someone had told me to be kind to myself. Try not to

be super mum and don't feel pressured by others expectations and judgements to be it all. Do the best you can at the time and try to enjoy the small precious moments

that can easily pass by without notice. Live in the moment and try not to stress about what's ahead."

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 2 6

BUSINESS

CaREER&

BE CONFIDENTPeople like to be around

others who are content and confident – not cocky. A

healthy level of assurance is knowing that you’re

pretty great, but that there are others better than you –

and you’re okay with that.

j a N U a R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 2 6

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 2 7

WHAT THE EXPERT SAYS: BE SINCERE

“Don’t fake charm. You need to be genuinely nice or people will quickly see through you. It doesn’t matter who someone is, always start and end your discussion with a smile. If it’s a difficult conversation, this will always help cool things down but it will also help to get things done.”

– Nicole Bassett, Marketing & PR Manager at the Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel

PENNY FRaY DISCOVERS HOw TO wIN FRIENDS aND INFlUENCE PEOPlE IN BUSINESS

NICET r e n d N e t w o r k i n g M i n u t e M e n t o r i n g

As Pie

Never trust a charmer. That’s always been my Mum’s number one advice - and while there’s a lot to be said about

being wary of people who are slicker than an oil spill, amiability matters. Scientists and self-help gurus alike have argued that popularity will not only save your life and make you US President but it can also help you get promoted.

So what’s the best way to get you to the top of the likeability league? Field expert and author Dale Carnegie claims that one way of increasing your popularity is to express a genuine interest in others. Other successful techniques include sincere compliments, matching people’s body language and being generous with your time, resources and skills.

Embracing professional charisma is something that our director of sales Feroz Khan swears by:

“Always smile, shake hands and make people feel important,” he reveals. “It’s also essential to understand people’s personalities and interests, then fine-tune your own in order to find common ground.”

Baidha M Al Sikaiti, PR & Communications Manager at the InterContinental Hotel Muscat agrees, adding that it’s vital to be approachable.

“To be professionally charming and influence people, you need to be well

dressed and polite, confidential and always understand other people’s needs and wants,” she says. “But most of all, it’s important to have a friendly and approachable character. All this brings TRUST’.”

Of course, there are subtler and more time efficient ways to help you win friends and influence people, and all it takes is a little advice from a great, historic figure.

Benjamin Franklin, the 18th century polymath and politician, proved that people like you more when they carry out a favour for you. Really. Understandably, the technique only works with small requests rather than big appeals that make people respond begrudgingly.

Finally, abide by Mama Fray’s advice. “Be respectful because it’s easier to see

what someone is really like by how they treat their inferiors, not their equals,” she says.

Remember to always interact with people nicely, request favours patiently, respond to others promptly and mind your Ps and Qs. Just because you are paying someone to do something, doesn’t give you the right to be rude. Treat them like you’d want to be treated if you were in their position because, like it or not, what goes around, comes around.

Here are some cool rules from Dale carnegie’s cult book How to Win Friends And Influence People”

1 Don’t criticise, condemn or complain

2 Arouse in others an eager want.Be genuinely interested in other people

3 Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely

4 Appeal to people’s nobler motives

5 Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers

6 Ask questions instead of giving direct orders

7 Let the other person save face

BUSINESS BUYA GIRL’S BEST FRIEND

When the going gets tough, the tough open their make-up bag before following

the late, great Elizabeth Taylor’s advice of putting on some lipstick and pulling

yourself together. And what better way to get focused than with this one from YSL (from RO20). The luxurious gold case doubles as a handy mirror before unveiling a SPF 15

moisturising formula that saturates the lips with intense, stay-true colour

“To be professionally charming and influence people, you need to be well dressed and polite, confidential and always understand other people’s needs and wants”

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 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

COOkING FOR kIDSFood forecasters predict a focus on local sourcing,

environmental sustainability and nutrition - children’s

nutrition in particular. Items gaining in popularity include root-to-stalk cooking, dark

greens and diabetes-busting dishes.

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 2 9

Do you remember life before children? There were mocktails at six, and then ten

beautiful, uninterrupted hours of sleep. A night. Oh, and dinners at restaurants. Repeat after us: “Long gone. O-V-E-R.” Just getting junior through supper at home requires a small miracle, let alone letting them loose on the public. Besides, there is a noticeable lack of eateries for mini people in Muscat – that’s why Saniya Chughtai, Founder and CEO of Pulse of Life, has come up with the ultimate idea.

The dynamic mum is preparing

herself, along with a dedicated team, to launch a whole new brand restaurant called ‘The Wadi Tribe’. The cool concept in cuisine will be located at the upcoming Panorama Mall in Al-Khuwair sometime in August.

Saniya’s goal to entertain children through a brand has been a work in progress for a while. It started with her writing a children’s book by the title ‘The Adventures of Chee and Dae in Oman’, reflecting the rich culture of the Sultanate. The book further inspired her to envision an exclusive brand that would

entertain and educate children.While the term ‘kid-friendly

restaurant’ might immediately bring to mind a colourful place with a play-gym and fried junk food on the menu, Saniya says: ‘The Wadi Tribe’ is not just any old children’s restaurant but a themed brand restaurant where the whole family can enjoy the unique experience of dining, entertainment, interactive games as well as shopping – and all under the one roof.

‘The Wadi Tribe,’ has a lot of connotations with the native community as it signifies the diverse population of Oman, explains Saniya, while the tagline to promote the brand is ‘Glocal Shopaurant’ which simply expands on the idea of going global while acting local. There might be similar brands abroad but Saniya asserts that ‘The Wadi Tribe’ will be the first of its kind in the Middle East. The brand, unlike many other children themed chains, will include not just one but many mascots. According to Saniya, the mascots will have their own identity and costumes and will be actively entertaining families as part of the experience. The shop will include brand souvenirs while the surroundings will appeal to both adults and kids alike. The menu, on the other hand, will offer healthy options along with the usual children’s favourites. And with mid-range prices, the place promises to give bang for your buck.

But Saniya’s vision doesn’t stop here; she also anticipates developing the brand further by including The Wadi Tribe in an animated series where children can actually see their favorite characters on television interacting with one another. As part of the long-term plan, the Irish expat even dreams of opening a theme park based on the brand.

While she has ambitious plans, for now Saniya is excited for the unique brand to take its first steps into the consumer market with the first ‘The Wadi Tribe’ outlet here in Muscat.

R E V I E w S

Meal Times, Squeal TimesMUSCAT AUTHOR FEEDS CHILDREN’S IMAGINATIONS (AND BELLIES) WITH A NEW CULINARY CONCEPT. SHISHIRA SREENIVAS REPORTS

“The shop will include brand

souvenirs while the

surroundings will appeal to

both adults and kids alike”

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 3 0

Located at the InterContinental Hotel Muscat in Shatti Al Qurum, Tomato has been

gifted a setting that immediately works in its favour. The outlook from the restaurant’s terrace is one of manicured gardens and a sun-drenched pool shimmering blue under equally azure skies. Looking at the palm trees striking their classic pose, it’s easy to believe that this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing settings to be found in town.

But with such an advantage comes an inherent danger. The world over, I’ve frequented rooftop restaurants and beach-side bars with stunning views and gorgeous settings, only to have been served sloppy food and poorly prepared drinks by inattentive staff. The prevailing business model in some of these places tragically seems to revolve around the arrogant tenet, “We’ve provided a great location so we won’t bother with attempting to please on any other front, sir”. Sad but, on a great many occasion in my experience, true.

I’m happy to report that the management and staff at Tomato don’t seem to have adopted this dire approach. Perhaps it’s because they

know the setting isn’t so great that it won’t carry the restaurant alone. Perhaps it’s because they’re set within a hotel brandishing five stars. Whatever the reason, our meal was a solid effort, tasty and enjoyable.

Perhaps quiet due to the cooler weather during the evenings, my two dining companions and I were just a few of the customers in the smattering that had ventured out for some al fresco dining at this time of year.

Our table set about deciding on a meal of a main and dessert each. That wouldn’t be too gluttonous given the day’s hike in the hills surrounding Muttrah. Or so we thought until we sampled the first main course. The ‘gorgonzola and speck’ pizza did exactly what it said on the tin – that is, if you can see past the random interjection of the German word for bacon on an English menu in an Italian restaurant.

Gorgonzola and bacon pizza was what had been ordered and by goodness, gorgonzola and bacon was exactly what arrived, in spades. It was a nicely cooked pizza base,

neither burnt nor undercooked, but you couldn’t help get the feeling that it was there as a means to an end, that end being the transportation of absurd amounts of cheese and bacon to the customer. Overkill? Perhaps, but it couldn’t be criticised for failing to deliver the goods. It’s a brazen customer who orders this pizza for while the taste was perfectly palatable, it is going to be considered rich and rigourously filling by some.

Next up was the prawn and saffron risotto. Arriving triumphantly on a huge white plate was a neat but lonely looking pile of yellow risotto that unfortunately lacked any type of garnishing to tart up its solitary demeanour. But while the presentation police may have been off on holiday, the cook wasn’t and had offered up an adequate

affair. ‘Not bad, but not great’, was the opinion,

of the dish’s recipient. It seems the bright yellow colouring portended an overpowering taste of saffron that boxed

T r e n d N e w R e s t a u r a n t R E V I E w SFOOD

DRINKaND

Deep in the pretty gardens of the InterContinental there’s a little slice of Italy, discovers Tom Robertson

the prawns into a side corner and regrettably took centre stage uninvited.

Things however were put back on course by a very solid effort of Salmon Tagliolini. A healthy but not burdensome portion appeared sporting a rich and creamy sauce layered over perfectly cooked strips of pasta. There was no skimping on the salmon either. It wasn’t awe-inspiring - this is a hard dish to get wrong - but there were certainly no compaints.

Reeling from their various heavy mains, and apparently stuffed to the gunnels, my dining companions showed a certain reluctance to hop on the dessert-train. This was no time to wuss out though, I had a review to write. Thus soon appeared a chocolate fondant and a pear and chocolate cake. The fondant erred on the side of bitter, suited to those who prefer the less artificial cocoa concotions. Served piping hot on

the inside it did, however, offer a warm and oh-so

chocolately finisher for those looking for a

sweetner. The pear and chocolate cake was equally obliging. Not a hint of dryness prevailed through its fruity centre that, when

combined with the chocolate,

sung with gooeyness that was immediately

satisfying. But, like their lonely-looking predecessor,

the prawn risotto, where were the accompaniments for these desserts? Cream? Ice cream? Anything other than a spoon?

Aside from a variety of culinary creations that hovered around the ‘good’ to ‘okay’ mark and that lacked a touch of finesse, one staggeringly fine aspect stood out during the course of the evening: the service. It was perfect, from the moment we sat down to when the bill was delivered to the table. Drinks were offered before we had made our meal choices, any table was put at our disposition – including those not already laid - drinks arrived without delay, staff were polite and friendly and had a good knowledge of the menu, the meals arrived in a timely manner and the table was cleared after a polite pause. Such unobtrusive attentiveness may have been due to a fairly quiet sitting but it was commendable all the same.

While the chef gets a polite nod, waiters and waitresses of Tomato, it is you who I salute.

Buona Vita

verdict:

A very pleasant setting where

adequate to good food is bolstered by

excellent service.

7.5 10

Info BoxTOmATO

RESTAURAnTInterContinental

MuscatHay As Saruj,

MuscatTel: 24680000

Dinner for three, including soft drinks: RO50

j a N U a R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 3 0

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 3 1

I N T E R I O R S T r e n d s S p a c e

RETRO TEA Who needs an

antique trousseau when you can buy this divine tea set from the dotcom

gift shop?

Everything stops for tea when it comes to these cute crockery pieces, says Penny Fray

POUR TASTE

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who drink coffee and those who drink tea. The former spring out of bed, ready to face the day after a vat of caffeine, then crash at noon. The latter enjoy the

benefits of a healthy brew. And what better way to do it than with these pretty, pastel pieces in retro silhouettes and prints? I know, I know, the whole granny crockery thing is getting a bit tired. But while demand remains strong, so does the market. Here are our top picks for an afternoon pick me up.

Gisela Graham Enamelware Caddies, RO15 from The contemporary Home

katie Alice Bird Song Blue Spot Mug, RO3

katie Alice Bird Song

Afternoon Tea Side Plate,

RO13

Sass & Belle Blue Floral Metal Tea Set, from RO10, from online store

mollie & fred

Retro Treats Tea Towel, RO6 from creative Tops ltd

lSA teapot, from RO10

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 3 2

SUITS YOU, SIR While the prevailing silhouette

is as tight now as it ever has been, suits still have to fit - pulling remains unflattering even if a jacket is cut like a

second skin. If an off-the-peg suit doesn’t sit quite right, it pays to get it altered for a

few rials at one of Muscat’s many street tailors.

HEalTH&BEaUTY

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

Check it out. This suit from Marks & Spencer features a subtle print. Oversized checks should be reserved for the sartorially audacious.

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 3 3

ClOSET UPDaTE1. Your go-to prints this season are floral, snakeskin and camouflage. Keep things subtle with neutral accessories. 2. Trainers go bright this season as statement footwear finally come to the fore. 3. It’s time to ditch the rucksack in favour of a chic man bag – in particular, the giant leather clutch. on how to get fashion forward for 2014

White may be the colour of the season but grey is still trending as the more practical alternative for men, says Penny Fray

GREY MATTER

Penny’s tips

It is a truth universally acknowledged (in fashion circles) that there is nothing quite as cool as taking a classic look and giving it a modern twist.

It is this style sensibility that menswear designers have championed this season as fashion’s pre-spring love affair with grey continues.

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again (sorry to sound repetitious) but a slim-fitting grey cotton suit should be your go-to when it comes to warm weather tailoring. However, this spring the suits we saw on the catwalks of everyone from Armani to Paul Smith, were lighter than ever before. But smoky, cement and off-white hues weren’t just seen on workwear but leisure clothes too. Jil Sander embraced it for her shorts, while Ermengildo Zegna went for pale grey sweaters over fluid trousers for a distinctly boho luxe look.

When it comes to texture, start mixing pale leather with silk, and cotton with cashmere. Reptilian references were also seen in various forms, from the grey snakeskin sweater at Hermès to the croc skin print at YMC. An alternative print is floral and geometric – just keep it subtle and fresh to update it from last season’s statement piece.

The high street stores that have fully embraced the 50 shades of grey philosophy include M&S and Zara, although Matalan have used it in its retro inspired collection. The pieces are best coordinated with the other colours du jour – pale pink and white. Good luck with the dry cleaning bills.

Everything about this outstanding Brioni blazer is pitched towards luxury. It has been crafted in Italy and comes unstructured for a relaxed feel. RO950

With a delicate botanical print, this Italian-made shirt by Paul Smith is a modern way to add elegance to your city repertoire. RO79

These David Beckham PJ pants are a more relaxed and stylish alternative to weekend jeans. From RO16 at H&m

A grey sweater is enduringly stylish, and this H&m version has got our vote. Constructed for a neat fit, this year-round staple will add a refined yet casual air to everything. From RO26

Thom Brown’s perfectionism can be seen in his design ethos with pristine pieces like these neat round-frame sunglasses from mr Porter. The RO306 price tag may be a bit steep for some wallets but it’s worth taking note of the shape for cheaper, high street versions.

These grey driving shoes from Zara, RO25.95 ooze easy Euro chic

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 3 4

What do Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman and most top models have in common besides hitting the genetic jackpot? They stay slim with ballet. Penny Fray investigates the cult workout after watching a performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat

HEalTH&BEaUTY

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

PROPPING UP THE BARRE

Ballet classes started popping up all over the place after Natalie Portman starred in the award winning film, Black Swan. Three years later, and the fitness craze shows no sign of abating with

everyone from ‘it’ girl Alexa Chung to model Doutzen Kroes slipping on the pink pumps. Why? Well, not only does it help you work on your posture and grace, ballet also torches calories.

There may be oodles of classes in and around Muscat but the hot new way of doing the dance is online.

Yup, Mary Helen Bowers, Natalie Portman’s fitness guru, now offers online classes at balletbeautiful.com – which is great if you are struggling to get out of your PJs and want some tough personal training from the comfort and convenience of your own living room in Oman.

“The classes give me a chance to connect with clients all over the world, anytime, anyplace, anywhere,” explains the professional ballerina (right). “The studio is interactive, which means I can see my students and they can see me. I can answer questions, give corrections and we get to

catch up on each others’ lives.”According to Mary, her method

is a highly targeted and effective approach to fitness. Not only does it stretch and tone but it also burns a lot of calories. And with e-classes starting from RO14 ($35), it’s more affordable than you think.

“When it comes to working out, you don’t have to kill yourself,” she says. “Your workout should make you feel energised and beautiful, hopefully. It should make you feel better about everything, and be something that you look forward to.”

According to the New York ballet veteran, the workout shouldn’t be about burning off whatever you just ate or what you did last night – it should be fun.

“One of our goals is to help people get into a lifestyle where they’re enjoying exercise and it’s a regular part of their lives, and they’re eating better and enjoying themselves,” she continues. “Everything loops together and it really changes the way you look and feel.”

As a Lycra loathing, gym-phobe, I’m a bit of a fan of virtual classes but found ballet tough going. Tall and broad, I felt like a dancing bear – and a clumsy one at that. But the benefits are obvious in that it keeps you in great shape without being too boring. Be warned though, it’s tough. And that, apparently, is a good thing.

“One of our goals is to help people get into a lifestyle

where they’re enjoying exercise and it’s a regular

part of their lives, and they’re eating better and

enjoying themselves”

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 3 5

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

Step away from the demure French polish because there’s a sassier nail in town. The squareletto is the latest trend to embrace. Halfway between a stiletto and a flattened off square, this new shape is already setting Instagram on fire. To get the look right, ask your manicurist to create a square tip, then taper the edges with a file.

STREET STylEArlette karam

spotted: Daiso Store, Muscat Grand Mall

wearing: Clothes from Beirut – a jacket by Elizabeth French, bag by Christian Dior, shoes from Repetto and Rolex watch.

Dear Barbra,I’m in PR and looking for an elegant office alternative to the ubiquitous trouser

or skirt suit. They’re just too hot and restricting. I’m tall and slim. Any ideas? K.M, Muscat.

Get all the comfort of a ‘onesie’ and the style kudos of a fashionista with a jumpsuit. There’s an impressive new wave

of modestly tailored pieces out there. I particularly love the flattering fit of this draped piece by Michael Kors. It makes a fabulous foil to a streamlined blazer - just add a pair of this season’s pointed court shoes and voilà - you’re office ready. Even better, it can take you from day to night with just a slash of red lipstick and some statement jewellery.

BARBRA YOUNG ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS

A cheaper alternative can be found in mango for RO32.95

Q.

A.

Rihanna is a huge fan of

both the stiletto and square-

letto trend

NAILING IT

If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email

info@y-oman.com or tweet #style @

ytabloid

TREND ALERT

STYLE COUNSEL

Zara court shoes

RO19.90 on sale

This michael kors jumpsuit is classy enough for work RO100

Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 3 6

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FO l l O w U S O N :

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 3 7

P o s t c a r d s f r o m C a r s Y - F i I n d o o r s

CaRS aNDINDOORS

TIME TO EXPLORE

After being closed for renovations, Rustaq Fort has reopened and is ready to be discovered.

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 3 8

CaRS aNDOUTDOORS

P o s t c a r d s f r o m C a r s Y - F i I n d o o r sCaRS aNDINDOORS

Destination

RUSTAq FORTIT’S AMONG THE OLDEST AND TALLEST FORTS IN OMAN AND HAS JUST BEEN RESTORED TO FULL GLORY, SAYS JERZY WIERZBICKI

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 3 9

Standing on the parapets of Rustaq Fort, the most wonderful panoramic view was spread out before me, making the

climb up well worth the effort.I could see a palette of colours,

from the dark green of the date plantations to the chocolate brown of the jagged peaks in the distance.

The last time I was here, the only view I had was the outside of the fort. The building had been closed for some time to allow for extensive renovation work and all I could do was gaze up at the imposing walls and imagine what was inside.

So when I heard that the fort had finally reopened at the beginning of the year, I made a mental note to head there as soon as possible.

My chance came this week when a gap in my busy Y working schedule opened up.

Before we go any further, however, let me give you a little history lesson on the fort and the town of Rustaq.

Lying in South Batinah, among the Western Hajar Mountains, Rustaq was once the capital of Oman during the era of Imam Nasser bin Murshid al Ya’arubi.

Naturally, the central city needed good defences to repel potential invaders. The answer was to

reconstruct Rustaq Fort – then known as Qalat Al Kisra - which had originally been built in 1250.

This redesign produced the fort you can see today: an imposing structure on three levels cradled by four watchtowers, and with its own armoury, prison and mosque.

A falaj once ran through the fort to supply water to its inhabitants. As a backup in case of contamination, there was also a well. In the past, the town also was at the centre of religious studies.

Anyway, that’s enough of the history for now. Let me take you on a journey inside the fort.

The entrance has heavy, reinforced doors, one with a smaller door for quick entry. Entry is free of charge, so just stroll in.

Once inside, the transformation is spectacular with the interior returned to pristine condition. The heavy walls, no less than 3 metres thick at any point, have been sympathetically restored with smooth plaster. The walls are cool to the touch. The interior is chilled and quiet, muting the noises from the outside world.

I moved slowly through the corridors and rooms with my camera, capturing the light dancing on the floor as it streamed through

open doorways and windows.Despite the outward newness of

the surroundings, there’s still a sense of history here. Whispers in the walls tell of how things might have been in times gone by.

Some of the many rooms contain insets, where books or decorations would once have been kept.

In addition to a ground floor, there are also living quarters and reception rooms.

One of the most outstanding features of Rustaq Fort is its four watchtowers: Al Burj Al Ahmar (The Red Tower); Al Burj Al Hadeeth (The Modern Tower); Al Burj Al Reeh (The Wind Tower); and Al Burj Ashiateen (which means, rather ominously, The Devil’s Tower). The tallest tower stands more than 18.5 metres high and has a diameter of 6 metres.

Wandering outside, I noticed the original canons, which would once have been used to defend the fortress from any unwelcome attention.

Up on the battlements is where you can get a true sense of perspective and scale of this mighty fort. I stood and breathed in the air, as a warm breeze blew gently. I took some shots of the vista with the dark, forbidding shapes

of the mountains in the distance contrasting nicely with the lighter, earthier shades of the soil and palm trees in the foreground.

I was lucky, the light was good and I knew that my photographs would capture the scene perfectly.

Sometimes, just the simple pleasure of admiring a good view can be so uplifting. With my job, I often see the world only through a camera lens, so for once, I lowered the camera and just took it all in with my own eyes.

I urge you to come here and do the same.

HOW TO GET THEREThe total distance from Muscat is 160 km, which is all paved road. The fort is in the middle of the old town and the route there is very easy. Go to Barka and turn left under the flyover to Nakhal and Al Rustaq. Follow the road and you will find Rustaq around 80 km from Barka. It’s a very picturesque route of wadis and greenery.

GPS Coordinates: 3°23’30.85”N 57°25’34.29”E

Fort opening times are: Saturday to Thursday, 9am-4pmFriday, 8am-11am and 2pm-4pm

TRAV

EL G

UIDE

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 40 4 0

On the ballTom Robertson discovers a game that’s about

to become pivotal in Omani sports

CaRS aNDOUTDOORSCaRS aNDINDOORS

In the cool evening air on a miniature floodlit football pitch, two groups of youngsters abound with seemingly

limitless energy. They’re all young, under seven, but the intelligence with which they read the game and the skills they exhibit appear beyond their tender age.

Only, this isn’t football, it’s ‘futsal’, and the junior players of this emerging sport here in Bawshar are concentrating on honing their skills at this school.

Opened recently by two brothers from Brazil, Paulo and Marko Koscina, it’s the first academy in Oman to exclusively coach the sport of futsal, a mini version of football with less players and

a smaller pitch. Together they bring their international experience to a game which is a well-developed sport in many other countries but is yet to become firmly entrenched in Oman’s sports society.

Marko has played futsal since the age of six but it was in Barcelona, Spain where he first started to study seriously the tactics of futsal specifically. It was there that he played in several tournaments and coached youngsters, having qualified as a Grassroots Football Coach with the Valencia Soccer Academy.

But it was while on a trip to Thailand in November, 2012, to watch the Futsal World Cup that the founder and manager of the Samba Futsal Centre, Paulo, was struck by a

Photographs: Jerzy Wierzbicki

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 4 1

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

that has so far blighted its development here.

‘The children in Oman have loads of footballing talent” raves Paulo. “But the problem is that they don’t start until they’re relatively old, at least in comparison to other countries. Some get to the age of 13 and haven’t even touched a football. In other countries, they start much, much younger”.

And it’s this problem that the Samba Futsal Centre has already started to combat with a multitude of training sessions for under-fives, under-sevens and under-12s and 17s.

“We’ve even had some as young as three and a half,” laughs Paulo, “but at that age they’re really just learning about balance, movement and coordination. It’s not until a couple of years later that they start to read the game. But I’m finding that these youngsters are as quick to read the game as anywhere else, if not quicker”.

Despite the rich pool of talent that Paulo believes there is to be found in Oman, there’s no getting away from the fact that other countries have had a huge head start in developing the game. And make no mistake, it is already a highly-competitive and well-developed sport. Regulated by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), it’s already global in reach and enjoys the kind of clout that only an organisation such as FIFA can bring.

Originally it was developed in Paraguay and Brazil during the 1930s and 40s and it’s in such countries that there’s a huge participation rate. In fact in Brazil, more players are believed to play futsal than standard football.

As well as cementing Brazil as among the best in the world

(the national futsal team is currently ranked No.2 in the world), it’s also had a huge influence on producing world class players known for their creativity and flare. Because of the smaller pitch, players have less time on the ball and they’re passing within tighter spaces.

It’s these characteristics of the game that are believed to encourage refined ball skills, such as improvisation, creativity and technique. And when a player excels in these areas, it isn’t long before their skills are in demand on the full-size football pitch.

Futsal is a game that’s been responsible for producing some truly world class footballers. Legend Pele and Lionel Messi, the three-time FIFA

World Player of the Year and Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, both developed their skills in the 5-a-side game.

Other megastars include Cristiano Ronaldo who won the coveted Ballon d’Or last week. When asked about his futsal experience, he said: “The small playing area helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal I felt free. If it wasn’t for futsal, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”

It’s these skills that the Samba Futsal Centre is hoping to encourage in Oman’s youth. Originally, Paulo, and his highly experienced head coach, Ahmed Ghaithy, offered a ten-week programme, but found that due to other commitments, some children weren’t able to attend the whole course.

“That’s when we decided that we had to offer a flexible approach so it wouldn’t matter if some of the players missed a week or so, and we always wanted to make sure that new children wishing to learn could join us at any time. That’s when we decided to make the school permanent”.

Samba futsalThe Samba Futsal

Centre trains at Bawshar Olympic Centre, Muscat.

sambafutsalcentre @gmail.com

for information in English,

Paulo Koscina +968 9558 0468for information

in Arabic, Ahmed Ghaithy +968 9731 4281

FUTSAL VS FOOTBALL

• Futsalisplayedonapitchfarsmallerthanthatofregularfootballatonly25to40metreslong.

• Footballispredominantlyplayedongrasspitches.Futsalisplayedonartificialsurfacessuchaswoodorrubber,ifindoors,orastroturf,foroutdoors.Thefutsalsurfaceshouldbesmoothandnon-abrasive.

• Teamsinregularfootballhave11playerswhereasfutsalonlyhasfiveplayersperteam.

• Unlikeitsbiggerbrother,inamatchoffutsal,anunlimitednumberofsubstitutionscanbemadefromabenchofninesubs.

• Iftheballgoesoutofplayinfootball,athrowinisusedtorestartplaybutinfutsal,a‘kick-in’isused.

• Futsalmatcheslastforonlyhalfthetimeofregularfootballmatches,comprisingtwo20-minutehalves.

• Thereisnodreadedoffsideruleinfutsal.

“The small playing area helped me improve my close control”

sudden realisation.“I was watching all these other

teams at the tournament and I simply thought to myself, ‘why can’t Oman be one of the nations competing at this event one day?’,” he says, recalling his moment of inspiration while all the time keeping a watchful eye on the boys training.

He now exhibits a quiet but enthusiastic determination that belies his ultimate goal: to develop futsal at the grassroots level in Oman in order to nurture a set of young talent from which a team can be picked to viably represent the Sultinate at the World Cup.

For Paolo and the others involved with Samba, the futsal centre represents a fundamental building block in achieving that aim and a means to overcoming the haphazard approach to futsal

—Cristiano Ronaldo

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CaRS aNDINDOORS

TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT:1.La Piscine Museum2.The Town Hall Belfry3.The Citadel4.The Hospice Comtesse Museum5. LaM, Lille Metropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary and Outsider Art

LOVELY LILLEImmerse yourself in french life in the city of lille,

where you can take in culture, great

shopping and even better food.

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My favourite place I absolutely love and highly recommend La Maison Folie de Wazemmes. Situated in the district of Lille, at the door of Wazemmes market, it was previously a textile factory, but now contains a theatre, studios, exhibition space, ateliers, offices, a foyer, a restaurant and a hammam. Both the architecture of this cultural complex and the fantastic mix of things to do will blow your mind. There is something for everyone and every taste.

Highlights You must go to the cinema when you’re in Lille. You’ll discover fantastic, authentic cinema halls with a world programme that will make you wish for more hours in the day. I have spent so many hours laughing, dreaming and crying with my best friends while watching so many good movies. I highly advise you to discover the Melies cinema and the Kino Ciné in Villeneuve d’Ascq, and Le Fresnoy in Tourcoing. If you time your visit to the first Sunday of September, you can enjoy the annual braderie, the largest flea market in Europe. Residents and traders set up stalls in the street and people come from all over the world to attend. Whether you stay one day or longer in the city, get the Lille Metropole City Pass. It’s the best way to save money and discover great sights, including guided tours in English. Perfect if you don’t want to miss any details of Lille and its beautiful surroundings. Seasonal sights include the annual Christmas market in Place Rihour, with its Ferris wheel and where you can also find the tourist office. Many high street shops as well as bakeries and brasseries are happy to welcome you all year round in this busy city centre.

lowlights Two words: the weather. It’s pretty chilly all year long in Lille. Summer can be very rainy too. If you forget your umbrella and scarf, it’s a fantastic opportunity to go shopping in old Lille where you’ll find luxury goods. Department stores and international brands are situated in the Euralille district next to the railway station. Go bargain hunting and ethnic shopping in the Wazemmes district. Former IMF boss and one-time favourite candidate for the French presidency, Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s scandal taints the image of Lille’s beloved Carlton Hotel located in the Grand Place.

Souvenirs Do you want to give an unforgettable gift to your friends? Then you must get them some Maroilles cheese. It is a cow’s-milk cheese made in the region of Nord-Pas-De-Callais. But be warned - it’s a very, very strong cheese and you will share the smell with everyone on your way home! Treat your loved ones to a box of famous ‘Chuques du Nord’ sweets and a paquet (packet) of brown sugar filled Flemish waffles.

where to stay You can easily find a nice place to stay in Lille with plenty of accommodation for all tastes. Find offers on www.lilletourism.com website. They offer packages for Lille flea market and the Christmas market seasons. For a luxury stay, go to Hotel Barriere, where reknowned architect, Jean-Paul Viguier created one of his masterpieces. Comfort and sophistication are standard. A fantastic B&B is ‘Au Troubadour’ in Hellemes district. They have three unusual, comfortable en-suite bedrooms, with access to a fully- equipped kitchen and you’re free to come and go.

P O S T C a R D S F R O MC a r s Y - F i I n d o o r s

THE CITY OF lIllE, FRaNCE As one of France’s liveliest and most urbane of cities, I feel particularly fortunate to have studied in Lille. I have so many wonderful memories of my time there. For the French, Lille is synonymous with freedom and culture. The best thing about the city is its unrivalled location at the centre of a triangle connecting Paris, London and Brussels.

Thanks to its brilliant transport network, considered one of the most modern in the whole of France, you are easily connected to one of Europe’s three major capitals in less than two hours.

With a population of 230,000 inhabitants, Lille is the principal city of the Lille Metropole, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in France after Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

Its heritage is represented within the ‘old city’, which proudly stands as a reminder of its history and geographical importance all the way back to medieval times. However, many new districts were developed with the industrial revolution in the 19th century. More recently, Euralille, the new business district, has been a symbol of economic renewal for the last 15 years.

In a nod to its erudite image, Lille was elected European Capital of Culture in 2004. It had a fantastic impact on the local economy and was the impetus for development of the city, giving the Flemish, Burgundian and Spanish influences that make Lille a truly European capital.

My advice is to just go and discover Lille and its refreshing way of life. Buy yourself a vintage coat from the Wazemmes market, the largest and liveliest market in France. Eat some moules- frites (mussels and chips), grab a rental bike and make your way to the remarkably restored Vieux Lille (Old Lille) and look up to appreciate the flamboyant architecture: At the corner of the Grand Place is the Lillois’s favourite meeting place, officially named Place du Général De-Gaulle, after Lille’s favourite son.

Sit at Monsieur Jean’s table, a charming restaurant on Esquermoise Street and enjoy a sugar tart, a custard cream or a waffle filled with ‘vergeoise’ (made from sugar-beet syrup). Then take the tram, the bus, or the metro and drop in at The Fine Arts Museum, which houses prestigious collections of 15th to 20th century European painting, 19th century French sculpture and ceramics. BIkES FOr HIrE

POrTE DE PArIS

LOuIS LEOn CESAr FAIDHErBE

Helene Hardy, recommends:

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

EDITOR’S PICK

It’s Show Time!Tom Robertson takes a look at some of the hottest exhibits and announcements from the latest Consumer Electronics Show in las Vegas

Y - F IP o s t c a r d s f r o m C a r s I n d o o r s

GAME CHANGERFOLLOWING THE LAUNCH OF THE PLAYSTATION 4 JUST TWO MONTHS AGO, A GLOBAL ARMY OF PLAYSTATION FANS WERE LEFT FEELING AGGRIEVED BY THE PS4’S LACK OF COMPATIBILITY WITH PS3 TITLES. JOYFUL NEWS GAMERS; AT CES 2014, SONY ANNOUNCED PLAYSTATION NOW, A NEW SERVICE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

THE DIGITAL PLATFORM WILL ALLOW USERS TO STREAM FULL PLAYSTATION 3 TITLES TO A MULTITUDE OF CONNECTED DEVICES, STARTING WITH THE PLAYSTATION 4 AND PS VITA. ROLLING OUT LATER THIS YEAR, IT’S A BRAZEN MOVE IN THE BATTLE OF THE NEXT-GENERATION CONSOLES VYING FOR SPACE UNDER YOUR TV. PRICE TO BE CONFIRMED. WWW.PlAySTATIoN.CoM

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iSEE YOU Strange that while our phones and credit cards have security locks, most computers are still relatively unprotected. So it’s no surprise that one of the products gathering the most attention at the show was the Myris from Eyelock. Second only to DNA as the most effective form of identification, 240 points of the iris are read by the USB connected camera and, if registered to the correct user, unlocks the computer. One to keep an eye on. Available first half of 2014 for Ro115 from eyelock.com

SONY XPERIA Z1 COMPACT Finally! High end features in a smaller more hand-friendly package for those of us who really aren’t convinced by the Phablet phenomenon. I’ve picked out this little beauty, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, because I’ve had my eye on it for a while. Why? Well, beneath its waterproof and dustproof casing is a whopping 20.7 megapixel camera making the X1 Compact the perfect companion for both staying in touch and snapping away happily while exploring Oman’s beaches. Available end February from sonymobile.com for Ro282

URB-E GOES TO MONTE CARLO Announced at this year’s show, Urb-E is the world’s most compact –e-vehicle. It features a massive lithium battery that will carry you up to 30 kilometres at speeds of up to 25 km/h on just one charge. It’s also incredibly quick to recharge, doing so in just three hours. With its handy luggage rack, it’s designed for those last few kilometres of your commute. Perhaps one for those who intend commuting to work on Oman’s incoming train service. Price to be confirmed. Pre-orders available from www.urb-e.com

SUN-THING FOR EVERYONE From Ascent technologies comes this nifty case for the iPhone 5 featuring both an integrated back up battery and thin-film solar panels that recharge your iphone by harnessing the power of the sun. Both slim and relatively light at 68g, the Enerplex Surfr offers a standby time for your phone of up to 250 hours. Could be just the thing to leave on the car dashboard while driving along under the Omani sun. Available from enerplex.biz Ro38

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NEW! PEBBLE STEEL

Available in brushed stainless steel or black matte, it’s a more fashion-conscious smartwatch in a bid to get people putting communications tech on their wrists. Also comes with a leather strap so you have the option of a more classic look.

The watch utilises a bluetooth connection to notify you of all incoming emails, alerts and messages from your Android or apple phone as well as allowing the wearer to control their phone’s music.

The Steel is waterproof and manufactured with a tough gorilla glass watchface so it is just the gear for tearing around Oman’s great outdoors, while still remaining connected to the world.

Also announced was a new Pebble App store, accessible from the existing Pebble apps on Android and iOs. EsPN and Mercedes-benz have already announced apps that will do everything from allowing you to check football scores through to checking fuel levels and the location of your Merc.

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

THE GIRLY GADGETWho said selfies were old news? Throw the Panono Ball Camera up in the air when you’re on a girls’ night out and the 36 onboard cameras will unleash a veritable photobomb at its zenith. Its software then stiches together all those images of half closed eyes, bad hair days and hilarious dance moves to give a 108 megapixel image of everybody around you. Available to pre-order www.panono.com for Ro210

A BOX OF PASSWORDSAware of the unending need to remember passwords for everything from paying utility bills to online banking, PasswordBox has stepped up to the plate with an online vault for all your passwords. Allowing you to store up to 25 separate logins, the PasswordBox account syncs across all your devices allowing you to say goodbye to multiple usernames and passwords and to sign in with just one. Would you trust it? One million users already do. Available for nearly all devices and browsers from iOS and Android apps stores. Free.

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App of the week

Last year, the Pebble Smartwatch won fans with its simplicity but critics rallied against its toy-like appearance. This year, manufacturers are plainly aware that we’re not going to be sticking anything on our wrist that resembles something you get out of a cereal packet. Striking back in the battle of ‘wearable-tech’ – the buzzword of this year’s CES – Pebble have announced the Steel. Available to preorder now from getpebble.com for Ro96. Shipping mid-February.

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It’s a mini SUV that looks like a full-blooded 4WD and it’s great fun to drive too. Kate Ginn is truly, madly deeply enamoured with the Ford EcoSport

CAR OF THE WEEK

ford EcoSport Engine: 1.5 litre Ti-VCT

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Horsepower: 109Top Speed: 170km/h

(approx.)Price: From RO6,300

check this out

Running Ground Clearance 150mm

Wheelbase 2520mm Cooled Glove Box SYNC with premium audio

including USB/AUX port and Bluetooth connectivity

Hill Start Assist Electronic Stability Control Leather Wrapped Steering

Wheel Alloy Wheels

CaRS aNDINDOORS

C a R SP o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i I n d o o r s

I guess you could call it love at first sight. At least, on my side it was. I think the Ford EcoSport may have taken a little longer to warm up

to me but that’s understandable, given the fact this baby SUV can pick and choose its drivers at the moment such is the demand for this dinky dynamo.

In India, where the EcoSport has quite a fan club, people are on a waiting list of up to a year to get their hands on one.

So I felt lucky to be spending time with one of these mythical vehicles, even if it was only for one day.

We met in the car park at the Ford dealer in Wattayah. The moment I clapped eyes on the cutie, I was a goner, swept up in a vision of alloy wheels, colour coded bumpers and twinkling headlights.

With a chunky body, roof rack and spare wheel on the back of the side-opening rear door, first impressions are that it’s a four-wheel drive. Looks, however, can be deceiving. This squat little sweetie is a two-wheel drive.

It comes with lots of big-boy SUV attributes, though, such as a high ground clearance (good for crossing speed bumps and going over potholes), excellent water wading capacity (handy for those

flooded Oman roads when it rains) and a solid feel.

We only had a few hours together, so I didn’t want to waste a minute. It was straight out onto the open road, just the two of us.

I loved the raised ride-height, which makes for an imperious driving position, giving a sense of more road control.

Inside it’s surprisingly spacious with plenty of head and legroom, belying its diminutive size. On the highway, the 1.5 litre engine felt a little laboured at times, though once it got going, we more than held our own among the slightly chaotic stream of traffic. At speed, the EcoSport is very well mannered, with hardly any wind noise.

Beyoncé was blaring out on the four-speaker stereo, the sun was shimmering in the sky above and the EcoSport and I were getting on very well indeed.

Where this bundle of joy really comes into its own is on side roads, where the lightest of steering and small stature allows you to navigate through narrow spots and park in the tightest of spaces without breaking sweat.

It’s such fun to drive. A smile kept unconsciously spreading across my face and I even waved cheerfully at a big bully 4x4, which tailgated me in the fast line

despite the fact I was doing 120 and then overtook angrily.

I loved the dashboard (instrument panel) with a central section and info display. Steering wheel controls for the stereo make life easy and the voice-activated Ford Sync system can pair with your smartphone allowing your own music to fill the cabin.

Apparently, there are 20 different storage spaces to keep things neatly tucked away. The sunglasses holder above the driving mirror is a nice touch, as is the cooled glove box, which can keep up to six beverage cans nicely chilled for those day trips out to wadis or beaches.

The boot space is very generous too and fuel efficiency, at 16.5km per litre, scores well. The 1.5 litres comes in two trims, Ambiente Value and Trend, which I drove.

What has made this car such a big hit is the features, wrapped up in a great-looking body at a price, which quite frankly is a bit of a steal in my view.

My brief flirtation with the EcoSport was enough to convince me that this could be a match made in heaven, if only I could get my hands on one that is. All the units in Oman have sold out, so you may have to wait a little while. It’ll be worth it.

they say: ‘Where imagination

becomes reality.’

We say: ‘Fabulous little SUV, which will capture your heart.’

J A N U A R Y 2 3 T O 2 9 / I S S U E 3 0 4 0 4 7

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