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HAS PUBLIC TRANSPORT HIT A FORK IN THE ROAD?

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

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FO L L O W U S O N :

The introduction of the Mwasalat public bus service, which launched in Muscat in November, has been a boon for commuters, offering them freedom to travel the city at a great price.

But not everybody is happy, with taxi drivers saying their livelihoods have been affected as they’ve lost valuable business to the buses. For the past couple of months, they have been calling for transport services to be unified under one umbrella, in which fares would be regulated – in fact, they want bus passengers to be charged as much as they would pay if they took a taxi.

However, this could never work as taxis are not metered and many “unscrupulous” drivers have been accused of charging passengers different prices depending on their nationalities.

It has to be said, however, that taxi drivers have had the monopoly on transport in the Sultanate for a long time, competing only with the mini-buses that also ply the highways. And if you look at many other cities around the world and closer to home, such as Dubai, you will find that taxis and other forms of public transport are able to operate side by side without complaints that livelihoods are being threatened.

In our cover story this week, we investigate the issue and talk to taxi drivers, passengers and Mwasalat to find out whether or not there is a solution to the issue. But it has to be said that public transport belongs everywhere – and the sooner Oman has more choice, the better off we’ll all be.

Have a great week!

Fast forward

editor@y-oman.com

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EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

MANAGING EDITORFelicity Glover

DEPUTY EDITOR

Kate Ginn

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

SUB-EDITOR Matt Blackwell

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

@ytabloid /ytabloid www.y-oman.com

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,

Team Y had a great time ringing in the New Year at a variety of parties around town, had a lovely reunion

with our best four-legged friend after returning home from the UK and are

preparing to welcome family from London for their annual visit.

THIS WEEK…

The next round of auditions for Y’s Coolest

Fresher have just kicked off. Do you have what

it takes to be the coolest first-year college student in Oman? Stay tuned!

GOING UPPOPULATION GROWTH

The Sultanate’s population has crossed the 4.3 million mark, according to the

latest figures from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, with

Omanis making up more than 55 per cent of the total figure.

GOING DOWNLOW-PRESSURE SYSTEM

The skies opened and the rains came down around Oman this week, with

Muscat and the northern governorates experiencing heavy rainfall,

flashflooding and overflowing wadis.

C O M P E T I T I O N

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

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contentsJ A N U A R Y 0 7 - 1 3 2 0 1 6

Yo u r O m a n06 Coffee With Deeba Yousuf Ahmed

08 Voice Of Oman Ali Al Rahma

10 News Waterfront Project Unveiled

13 Gallery NYE At ROHM

14 Gallery Empty Quarter Crossing

15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Abdul Salam Al Balushi

T h i s We e k

17 #FYI World’s Youngest Billionaires

17 Movies The Big Short

18 This Week Lucia Di Lammermoor

H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion In The Bag

34 Beauty Making Waves

35 Health Life Lessons

10

33

Fe at u r e s20 Taxis Vs Buses Can They Co-Exist?

24 NYE Around The World Who Celebrates First?

26 Healthy Honey Visiting The Honey Market

C a r s a n d A d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Qalhat Beach

40 Indoors Reality Check

42 Postcard From Suzhou, China

44 Y-Fi What Will You Wear?

46 Car Of The Week Mercedes GLE

44

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH DEEBA / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / FOOD / DESTINATION / HEALTH / FASHION

NEXT ISSUE...

1824

Fo o d a n d D r i n k28 Food Feature Spice It Up

30 Taste Test The Crafty Kitchen

29

J U LY 0 3 - 0 9 / I S S U E 3 2 70 6 J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 6

Deeba Hasan meets Yousuf Ahmed, the creator of a Facebook page

pushing for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said to be awarded

the Nobel Peace Prize. He shares his love for Oman and The Sultan

With a level of humility bordering on shyness, Yousuf Ahmed was not at all how I expected

him to be. He is the man behind

the Facebook page “Support Nobel

Peace Prize for His Majesty Sultan

Qaboos Bin Said Al Said”, a group

that has garnered nearly 105,000

likes since its creation back in 2010.

The aim of the page is clear, but

the question on my mind was what

led Yousuf, who was born and raised

in India, to start the page.“Back in 2010, I lost my job and

was about to leave the country,

it was then that I thought of this

page,” he explains. “I had been in

Oman since 2004 and in those six

years I had developed a very deep

love for the country and for His

Majesty as well.”The page initially began as a

small-scale tribute, a way in which

Yousuf could thank the country that

had provided his livelihood and a

good life for six years, but it quickly

escalated beyond that.“I left the country and started

this page in March 2010. So deep

was my love for the page [that]

even when I was away from Oman,

I made sure to post something

interesting regularly,” he says.

Yousuf had been working for a

mattress manufacturing company

in Oman and despite his departure,

he couldn’t shake the call of the

Sultanate and returned a year later

to continue with the page.“At the beginning I got only a few

likes on the page,” Yousuf tells me.

“But I wanted to promote it and tell

the world how great our visionary

leader was and so I started asking

more friends to like and follow the

page, and people did.”Slowly the number of page

likes grew, as did interest among

the people of Oman and abroad.

However, not for a second did

Yousuf think that it would reach

a point where he had more than

100,000 likes for something he

started as a simple thank you.

“I did not even dream of it,”

he says. “I knew the page would

do well, but I couldn’t imagine

something that I just started as a

tribute would grow so big one day. I

am not surprised, though, because

everyone in Oman loves The Sultan

so much.”And it seems this love spreads

beyond the Sultanate’s borders as

well. With photographs that provide

a rare insight into His Majesty’s

life, the page has also generated an

international following. “I make sure that I am posting

something unique every second

day,” Yousuf says. “There are many

old videos, photos and illustrations

that people need to see.“When His Majesty returned

to Oman from Germany in early

2015, I made sure that my page was

one of the first to break the news to

people and then it grew viral from

there, as everyone was already so

excited about it.”Several dignitaries from around

the world also follow his page, but

Yousuf generally prefers to remain

in the background. This is the first

interview he has given.After diligently updating the page

for five years and continuously

researching and reading about the

country and The Sultan, Yousuf

says that his knowledge of the

country has grown threefold.

“Earlier I knew quite a bit, but

after managing this page for such a

long time and doing some extensive

studies about The Sultan and the

country, I have come across such

amazing information. It fascinates

me and I try my best to spread the

message to [the] followers of my

page,” he says. According to Yousuf,

social media has a lot of power and

if used in the right way, can work

wonders. “There are so many problems in

the world and a lot of it is because

of social media, as people are

posting wrong information on it and

that is outrageous because people

tend to believe what they see on

social media. “However, if it’s used for the

opposite purpose – to spread peace

and happiness – so much can

improve and I am glad that I am

posting positivity.”Judging from our conversation,

it is clear that Yousef is passionate

about peace and he strongly believes

that more people should come

forward to preach peace rather

than hatred. “The whole

world is in turmoil. At this

time, we all need peace in

our lives and we need the

ambassadors of peace to

spread the word and make

this world a better place to

live in,” he says.Yousuf feels that that

His Majesty is actually above the Nobel Peace Prize, but it is still his dream to one day see the

country’s exalted leader awarded the honour. “Oman is an icon of peace in the world, [so] maybe they could also start something equivalent

to the Nobel Peace Prize,

because it would fit if a peaceful country gave this

coveted award away.”

Have you got a unique story to

tell or do you know someone who

has? Contact us to have coffee

with Deeba and be featured in

Y Magazine. Email: editor@y-

oman.com

Yousuf Ahmed

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 8

correspondenceDANGEROUS DRIVING

THE VOICE OF OMAN ALI AL RAHMA’S THOUGHTS ON THE NEW YEAR

NEXT WEEK: FELICITY GLOVER

The start of each year is always positive for individuals with their respective New Year’s

resolutions. At this time of year, gyms are packed with people who would like to start a new life, but the positivity a new year usually brings is lacking from a global economic perspective. Oil prices have gone down, utility prices have gone up, and the whole financial cycle is becoming increasingly volatile.

We all heard about Oman cutting costs in public expenditure and ministries and other Government entities are freezing hiring employees, halting most of the Government projects until further notice. This forces private firms who are fully dependant on the Government to also slash their expenses.

Why is all of this happening and hitting Oman the most? The answer is simple. Dependence on oil. From a simple business perspective, no businessman would invest in just one basket. Oman is dependent on oil and oil derivatives for nearly 85 per cent of its revenue. Although the Sultanate has traversed previous crises with little effect, this isn’t the case this time around.

It is a wake-up call for all relevant authorities to start setting strict deadlines to complete projects that will diversify Oman’s economy dramatically, whether it’s in the tourism, agriculture or fisheries industries. Several countries that are non-dependant on oil and who have a weaker economy than Oman do not bother about the fluctuation of oil prices. They are becoming hubs in tourism or business.

Finally, having projects delayed in Oman pushes back foreign investment and will reduce trust in the Omani economy. Authorities should have stringent accountability for delays in all projects and must be proactive, and not reactive, to their decisions.

Dear Editor,

While going through the summarised year-end edition of Y Magazine, one of the most eye-catching articles was about the increasing trend of teenage drivers on the roads [Issue 400].

It’s a real concern that youngsters fully ignore the very basic rules in place. What amazed me a lot was that there are people who drive vehicles without valid documents. This is a real concern and sets a bad precedent, going against all the ethics in society.

While there are several reasons leading to road accidents, one key reason could be the

alarming trend of mobile usage, which is now widespread.

As far as youngsters getting behind the wheel, family members have a role to play in restricting them and controlling access. Ideally, it should start from home and children need to be well aware of the consequences. The passion to drive must not be at the cost of the lives of others and youngsters must realise that they are part of a responsible society.

Meanwhile, I doubt any of the road safety campaigns have called to alert the youngsters about the concerns of driving illegally.

Best regards,Ramachandran Nair, Muscat

Respected Editor,

I really appreciate Y Magazine’s attempt to expose us to the importance of financial literacy through the short and valuable interview with Keren Bobker [Issue 399].

Her interview is worth reading by one and all at this time of global financial crisis. Keren’s viewpoint on teaching financial literacy to the children both through parents and the school syllabus is quite appreciable.

Money matters a lot in everyone’s lives because our wants and wishes are fulfilled by money to a large extent. We all, right from our childhood, should be taught about the value of money.

Definitely one of the parent’s obligations is to let the children know about it in a positive way. It’s not that we should tell them “we cannot afford that thing”, which would in turn lower their confidence level and prevent them from dreaming of bigger things in life. Instead, we should teach methods to spend and save and later to earn and lead a loan-free life.

The parents at home and a part of the school syllabus simultaneously should help the children

MONEY MATTERS

to learn financial literacy. Such knowledge would be helpful for their future and would prepare them to face any odds in this world of global financial crisis.

Kind regards, Shahana Jamal, Muscat

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SYED IRFAN Yes, we want metered taxis.

RAHUL CHAKRABORTY Yes, it’s the need of the hour! At some point, things have to be stabilised. A standard mode of transport with set meters (as available in all major countries) should be implemented sooner rather than later. Oman is a developing nation and should work towards achieving international standards. Any foreigner who comes to Oman should not necessarily start bargaining or fall victim to illegal taxis. There has to be an internationally accepted mode of transport with set guidelines.

ANTONY VETTIYAZHICKAL JOSEPH A firm no from me, as metered taxis are expensive. Besides, such a mandated enforcement compromises on the safety of travellers, especially those single women like hapless housemaids. It even cuts into the daily income of taxi drivers, who will suffer if metered cabs are made compulsory. Last but not least is the fact that Mwasalat bus service can never be an alternative in offering support to the low-income travellers who depend on taxis that can be shared.

SYED BOKHARI I think metered taxis are a must in Oman, just to avoid any sort of bargaining and misunderstanding about the fares. In order to make things go smoothly, the authorities concerned should not waste time in pondering, but go ahead without any hesitation. Better late than never.

KELLY WEBB Tourist destination? Metered taxis are a must.

USHA DEVI SUDDAPALLI Yes, undoubtedly metered taxis are the order of the day in the Sultanate of Oman for obvious reasons, but the authorities need to tread a careful path. They should only be implemented in a phased manner after addressing the career interests of the taxi drivers, most of whom are likely to lose their livelihood. An alternate career path needs to be created for those who are solely dependent on

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2 0 9

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WE ASKED: “Should metered taxis be mandatory in Oman?”

DR RAO SUDDAPALLI There is no denying the fact that metered taxis are mandatory in Oman, but that mandate calls for lots of background work to implement successfully. The privilege of being driven by a metered taxi is rather a luxury to the blue-collar community, with safety concerns of travelling alone looming large. Having said this, there is no way that Oman can exempt itself from this world order, come what may. A congenial and safe environment that is acceptable to all stakeholders, particularly the taxi operators and driver whose bread and butter can be adversely impacted by this decision, needs to be created.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE In my opinion, metered taxis should not be mandatory in Oman due to the following reasons. First, a metered taxi has a starting flat rate once a passenger sits inside. Most of the taxi passengers in Oman are low-income earners, so they can’t afford it unless they share the fare with their friends or other passengers. The Ministry of Transport and Communications should release a circular on the exact taxi fares of the most common destinations in Oman and it should be posted inside taxis, so each passenger is aware. It should be implemented and followed by each driver instead of having metered taxis. Any taxi driver not following it should be fined.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT Metered taxis are always a good option for commuters to get a fair deal, but in Oman it should not be made mandatory in the near future, unless the Mwasalat bus services are extended on all the routes, as most of the taxi commuters are low-paid workers.

BILAL MOIN I don’t think that metered taxis would be a good option as the traffic is getting worse day by day and so far there is no better alternative option being implemented to avoid this rush. Metered taxis are going to start from at least RO1 and the meter will run from the time you sit in taxi, no matter if you take five minutes or one hour, as they charge for time taken, not for distance covered. If you got stuck in traffic then surely you will need to pay more than what you would pay in normal conditions through bargaining until the destination.

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taxi driving. On the other hand, not all commuters can afford to hire a taxi on their own and so until Mwasalat covers the majority of routes, a total clamping of this kind may not be appropriate. It calls for a guided and studied approach.

CHARLIE BLACKTHORN I honestly don’t understand how Oman can be pushing itself as a tourist destination and not have metred taxis. The country has long needed an overhaul of the transport system, which thankfully has started, with the new rebranded bus service. Now we just need metered taxis and a light rail system and then maybe getting from one side of the city to the other may not be a complete nightmare. It’s also incredibly frustrating and draining having to haggle with drivers on the roadside every time I want to make a trip anywhere. The exact same journey could cost completely different prices depending on the attitude of the driver who pulls over to pick you up, which is just ridiculous. I once visited a country that offered metred taxis with different starting rates for locals and tourists. While not exactly fair on the tourists, this may be a way to compensate the taxi drivers for any loss of income they may experience.

RAJ PATEL Taxis in Oman have flaws, but they are outweighed by the positives, therefore I do not believe that taxis need to have meters installed. All you need is the phone numbers of a handful of reliable drivers and all your problems should be sorted. From my experience, these drivers do not overcharge you and are often available at short notice.

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 1 0

A massive RO500 million project to develop a new waterfront at Port

Sultan Qaboos in Muttrah has been announced.

The development, the second-largest project in the Sultanate after the Muscat International Airport expansion, is expected to create 12,000 jobs when completed in 2027. Structural work is expected to begin in the middle of this year.

Modelled on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, the new waterfront was unveiled by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, the Minister of Transport and Communications.

Dr al Futaisi said the Waterfront Development and Operations Company would be established for the project, 51 per cent of which would be owned by the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran).

James Wilson, the newly appointed chief executive of Omran, said the project would be

built over 64 hectares of land.“It will include six hotels, a number of hotel

apartments and rooms, retail and offices,” Mr Wilson said in a statement carried on the Ministry’s website.

“The first phase of the project, which is located in the waterfront’s heart, facing the Muttrah area, will include a fishermen’s wharf which is integrated with the fish market that Muscat Municipality is already constructing. This integration came in order to provide an integrated environment … from stalls for selling fish, vegetables, fruits, seafood eateries, commercial shops, wharves for handling fishing boats and dhows, [and] lastly parking for multi-use.”

Mr Wilson added that the first phase would also include a five-star hotel near the wharf, a four-star hotel for families, hotel apartments and a mall that would also feature an aquarium.

The Sultanate’s famed Shabab Oman 1 ship will also lay anchor at the waterfront for tourists to visit.

The development, which is aimed at being the premier waterfront destination in the Middle East, will be will be built in four phases, with the first phase expected to be ready by 2019.

N E W SYOUR OMAN WATERFRONT PROJECT

UNVEILED

It was a wet start to the New Year in the Sultanate, with heavy rains falling in northern parts of the country, including Muscat,

Buraimi, Sohar and Musandam, causing some wadis to overflow.

Cooler temperatures and a haze settled over the north of the country as a low-pressure system, most likely brought on by a trough of atmospheric pressure over Iran, brought the first rains of 2016, just three days into the year.

According to the precipitation stations of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources,

the heaviest rainfall was recorded in the Wilayat of Seeb at 55mm, followed by 26mm in the Wilayat of Bukha in Musandam Governorate and 20mm in Barka. In some parts of the country, the rain was also accompanied by thunderstorms.

The Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance were on alert and safety experts urged citizens to exercise caution when driving on slippery roads. Impatient drivers attempting to cross overflowing wadis have often been the cause of accidents in the past, sometimes leading to loss of life.

Heavy downpours led to several rescue operations and thousands of rials of damage to both homes and businesses last year, but it appears that residents heeded the warnings of the authorities during the most recent rains and, as yet, no casualties have been recorded.

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2 0 1 1

AGE OF AUSTERITY N E W S

The cost of living is about to skyrocket in the Sultanate, with the Government approving the 2016 Budget that will see price hikes for the likes of petrol, corporate taxes and public service

charges.Raising the cost of petrol has been on the

cards for months after the UAE cut its fuel subsidies last year following the slump in the oil price, which is taking its toll on government coffers around the GCC.

According to media reports, motorists will start paying more for petrol from January 15, while the price will be linked to global prices.

HE Darwish Bin Ismail Al Balushi, the Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, said in a report carried by the Oman News Agency (ONA) that the price “will be announced three days before the date of implementation the next month”.

The ONA report added that a committee comprising the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the chief executive of Oman Refineries and Petroleum Industries would “decide the monthly prices to ensure that it is linked to global prices”.

According to media reports, fuel subsidies last year were estimated at RO580 million.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance said the 2016 Budget aimed to stimulate the economy despite the slump in the global oil price.

“In view of uncertainty in [the] oil market and future oil prices, the accuracy of assumptions and estimates of oil revenues and spending became very difficult to achieve, especially oil revenue is still the main source of budget revenues,” it said in another report carried by the ONA.

“According to initial forecasts, [the] actual fiscal deficit for

FY 2015 is expected to reach around RO4.5 billion, increasing by 80 per cent compared to estimated budget deficit.

“Such [a] high deficit is driven by lower oil prices realised in the same year. However, 47 per cent of the

deficit has been covered by borrowing from domestic and external sources, such as issuance of Islamic bonds, development bonds, Treasury bills and commercial loans.

“Additionally, the deficit also was financed by drawing on the Government’s fiscal reserves, which covered the rest of the deficit.”

Government expenditure and revenue for 2016 were expected to be RO11.9bn and RO8.6 billion respectively, while a deficit of RO3.3bn was expected, HE Darwish Bin Ismail Ali Al Balushi, said on January 1.

Financial experts are warning that 2016 will be a tough year for residents, with many having to “tighten their belts” as companies raise prices to factor in the hike in fuel.

“Naturally, the increase in gasoline prices will definitely have a spiralling effect as living expenses shoot up,” one expert was quoted as saying by local media.

Another expert added: “There will be

a short-term inflationary pressure on food products and other

consumer goods.”

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 1 2

YOUR OMAN

What’s this about?It’s a story about newborn twins who gave their parents a major New Year surprise.Really? How’s that?To give you some context, we have to say that, from experience, sharing your birthday with a twin can be a bit of challenge sometimes, especially as you have to share the limelight with them.That’s understandable, especially if you are a kid.Yep. But what if you were twins and even though you were born minutes apart, you were born on different days? Whoa! That’s cool!That it is. Even cooler, these particular twins were born minutes apart on New Year’s Eve, which means they were born in different years. What are the odds of that happening?We have no idea. But what we do know is that the baby girl and boy, called Jaelyn and Luis Valencia, were born at 11.59pm on New Year’s Eve and 12.02am on New Year’s Day in San Diego in the US, respectively. What a great story!Their parents are delighted – and even better, they will still share that wonderful twin bonding without ever having to share a birthday. Don’t say: “Come one, come all.” Do say: “Let’s party, baby.”

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

LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

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

Geopolitical tensions escalated in the Middle East earlier this week, when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Sudan cut diplomatic ties with Iran following violent protests in Tehran that led to the Saudi Embassy being set alight after the Kingdom executed well-known Shiite cleric Nimr al Nimr

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

Firefighters in Dubai battled a blaze that engulfed the 63-storey Address Downtown Dubai hotel and residential tower on New Year’s Eve. Fourteen people were slightly injured, while 60 people were treated for smoke inhalation

Armed members of a militia group in the United States have seized a wildlife refuge in eastern Oregon to protest against looming jail sentences for two ranchers, saying their aim was to “restore and defend the Constitution”

Faraday Future, the China-backed electric car company, has unveiled its hotly anticipated augmented reality concept car at the annual CES tech show in Las Vegas

Fans of Natalie Cole, the nine-time Grammy-award winning singer and daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, are in mourning after learning of her death on New Year’s Eve.

Cole, best known for the song Unforgettable, in which she sang a brilliant “virtual” duet with her father, was 65 and had been suffering from “ongoing health issues”.

“It is with heavy hearts that we bring to you all the news of our mother and sister’s family,” her twin sisters and only son, Robert Yancey, said in a joint statement.

“Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived – with dignity, strength and honour. Our beloved mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.”

Cole first performed with her father at the age of 11, however, he passed away when she was 15.

Tributes poured in from around the world for the singer, while her fans in Oman were looking forward to seeing Cole perform at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) on April 30 this year.

“It is with great regret that the Royal Opera House Muscat announces the cancellation of the jazz concert featuring Natalie Cole, which was scheduled for the 30th of April 2016,” the ROHM said in a statement.

“In a sense of respect, the date will stay empty.”The ROHM has asked people who have booked

tickets for the concert to contact its box office on 2440 3332/33/34 to arrange a full refund.

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2 0 1 3

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J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 1 4

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Q: What drives you to success?I think it’s the challenges that come my way.

At Kudos, we do new things every day and there are always new challenges to overcome. Besides that, my ambitions keep me motivated to do more. I want to own a big company by 2018 and that keeps me focused apart from the daily challenges.

Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career?

I haven’t really had a role model, but more recently it’s been our CEO, Marie Taylor, who has worked in different fields and is an expert in what we do at Kudos, so she is someone I look up to. She was in Oman in 1985, when she worked for the Ministry of Education, and now she is the CEO of this company and very popular.

Q: What is your biggest career success to date?

I think it’s managing a really large project where we were able to train about 90,000 employees to understand technology; I think that was very big for us. Of course, we have our usual programmes that we do with the Information Technology Authority (ITA), which

are amazing as well. We have helped contribute to the e-government sector in Oman greatly.

Q: What are your goals?I don’t want to work for another

company. In the next two to three years, I want to own a company and that is my goal for now. I also want it to be a big company, so hopefully I am able to accomplish that.

Q: Career-wise, where do you plan to be in 10 years’ time?

I see myself working from home. I think when I reach the level of CEO or a chairman I wouldn’t need to go to the office every day. I want to have my office at home so that I can work quietly with no one disturbing me – that will help me focus better.

Q: What do you like about the Centennial, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company?

The Centennial is beautiful and I loved every moment I spent with this lovely machine. The car has majesty, aesthetic appeal and also carries a punch with its powerful engine. From the inside, it impressed me with its refinement and touch of class. This car combines practicality, exemplary safety and great aesthetics. It’s a fabulous package for any luxury car enthusiast.

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J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2 0 1 5

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J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2 0 1 7

FATHERS AND

DAUGHTERS

This decade-spanning family soap opera jumps between 1989 and 2014 as Russell Crowe stars as widowed father to a five-year-old, struggling to cope psychologically in the wake of his wife’s death. Fast-forward to the present day and his daughter (Amanda Seyfried) is now a woman grown and struggling with issues of her own.

Bollywatch

Extraction

Despite being stuck behind a desk as a CIA analyst, Harry Turner (Kellan Lutz) has somehow accrued a deadly set of skills that come in handy in an unsanctioned rescue mission to extract his father (Bruce Willis) from the hands of a terrorist group that intends to take over the world’s telecommunications network. Bruce Willis continues his decline

The Big Short

MOVIES MOVIES

into B-movie obscurity and as a far as they go, it’s a decent enough one, just don’t expect the next Die Hard or anything.

Point Break

Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey) is an extreme sports junkie turned FBI agent who persuades his superiors to allow him to infiltrate a gang of criminals led by the enigmatic, proverb-spouting Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez). The gang is made up of a group of extreme athletes and their crimes parallel the infamous Ozaki Eight set of challenges, while their takings are split amongst the poor. Viewers of a certain age will remember 1991’s Point Break with fondness, but unfortunately the remake fails to measure up to the original in any way, shape or form.

SANAM TERI KASAM Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane makes her Bollywood debut opposite Harshvardhan Rane in a beautiful and intense love story. Directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, Sanam Teri Kasam looks set to be a musical tale of longing and loss, while leading actress Hocane has confirmed viewers are in for something special.

A stellar cast including Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Brad Pitt – all stars in their own right – come together to breathe life into the adaption of Michael Lewis’ bestselling non-fiction book dealing with the financial crisis of the mid-2000s.

They play the four men who predicted the downfall of the US housing market and figured out a way to profit from it, tackling the big banks head on to hit them where it hurts.

Make no mistake, the subject matter is dense and some of the concepts are difficult for even the most financially literate of people to get their heads around, but director Adam McKay attempts to make it accessible to the

masses through fourth wall-removing tutorials and the result is a stylish, engaging and entertaining film.

All four of the leading men put in strong performances, but it is Carell’s Mark Baum that stands out the most as a self-torturing hedge funder with a very short fuse.

The Big Short will reinforce any cynicism you may harbour towards Wall Street and while the way the characters get rich has a whiff of bad karma about it, the wit of the dialogue, combined with the fact that this all actually happened makes this film well worth a watch.

Review by Matt Blackwell

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J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 1 8

THIS WEEKJ A N U A R Y

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE.

WHAT TO HEAR.

T H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E

Learn all about maximising your brainpower and being creative at work at the Power Within Conference, where world-renowned speaker and inventor of Mind Mapping will deliver a talk. It’s happening at the Afrah Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Muscat. To register, call 9917 1114, 2450 4030 or 2450 4088. For details, search for assayeloman on Facebook or Instagram.

An opera by Gaetano Donizetti, it tells the story of Lucia, who is driven mad, unable to fulfill her dream of love. This stunning production from Teatro Carlo Felice of Genoa is staged by famed filmmaker Dario Argento. It’s on at the Royal Opera House Muscat from 7pm on all days. Ticket prices start from RO10. For details, visit rohmuscat.org.om

Enjoy coffee and cakes with the friendly ladies of the Women’s Guild in Oman in a relaxed atmosphere at the Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb. Make new friends and cherish some wonderful memories over sweet conversations. For details, visit womensguildoman.com

19JAN

PAINT LIKE DALI13Ja

nLucia di Lammermoor

MuscArt gallery has come up with another exciting workshop for children aged between six and nine and this time it’s all about painting like Salvador Dali. Children will learn about Dali, the Spanish surrealist painter, whose paintings depicted dreams and fantasy mixed with the real world, in four sessions. The minimum class size is five and the maximum is 12. Classes will be conducted in English on Wednesdays from 4pm to 5.30pm at the MuscArt gallery in Ghubrah. Workshop fee is RO80 and the cost of materials is included. For more information, call 2449 3912 or visit muscart.net

06 - 10JAN

COFFEE AND CAKES

Maximise your brainpower

14 - 16JAN

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2 0 1 9

G a l l e r y M o v i e s

Enroll in this three-day training course at the National Hospitality Institute (NHI) and learn all about food safety for supervisors. It covers the terminologies used in food safety supervising procedures, UK and European food safety legislation to ensure compliance in a food business, personal hygiene and a lot more. Assessment is based on a one-course assignment. The course costs RO180. For details and registration, call 2481 6313, 9824 6267 or email businesscentre@nhioman.com

Food Safety Training

Enter the fifth annual Muscat marathon, half marathon or 10k in beautiful winter sunshine, running along the beach in Qurum, through the green and flower-filled Qurum Park and past Royal Opera House Muscat. The marathon will start at 6am, half marathon at 7am and the 10k race at 8am. For details, visit marathon.muscatroadrunners.com

Jan

The stars were shining brightly on New Year’s Eve, as soloist after soloist graced the stage of the Royal Opera House Muscat, backed by the stupendous Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra and led by energetic American conductor David Levi. The spirit of

a celebratory Vienna ran throughout the entire show, which was perfectly programmed for New Year’s Eve.

The gala performance opened with Shostakovich’s A Spin through Moscow – no hint of Soviet austerity there – and our first fiddle solo was from the dexterous fingers of concert master Tijana Milosevic. From Russia, we were whisked to the Austrian capital with the grand entrance of tenor soloist Michael Schade and his rendition of Franz Lehár’s popular love ballad Freunde, das Leben ist Lebenswert. Schade’s voice is rich and expansive and filled the auditorium with warmth and feeling. He also has a strong dramatic presence, which shines through in each aria he performs.

No sooner had he taken his bow, the young diva, Cairo-born Fatma Said, took to the stage with another chestnut, a pouting Meine Lippen Sie Kussen So Heiss (My Lips Kiss With Such Fire). The soprano’s voice is light, clear and extremely agile. And then Sardinian violinist Anna Tifu appeared and proved to be the darling of the night. She opened with Massenet’s much loved and memorable Méditation from Thaïs, only to launch into a wild Hungarian tavern song by Italian composer Vittorio Monti.

It is easy to understand how Tifu’s oneness with her instrument and ability to communicate with the audience, as well as her incredible technique, propelled her into the spotlight from an early age. The first half was rounded off by two vocal soloists in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus and a delightful duet, singing the praises of Vienna as a romantic city for young lovers. The programming of this celebration was perfect, well-known lollipops with just enough gravity to keep us transfixed.

But we couldn’t have imagined the dizzy heights that would begin the second half. Tifu was back on stage with Sarasate’s fiendishly difficult and demanding fantasy from Bizet’s Carmen. Performed with accuracy and flair, she made the 15-minute piece appear as a dream. Her bow barely left the strings throughout and yet she rippled through every technical obstacle Sarasate could summon in an apparently effortless stream of energy and skill. Hard to follow such a stellar performance, Fatma took up the challenge with her best irony in Victor Herbert’s extremely amusing Art is Calling for Me, convincing the audience that she really does want to be a “prima donna, donna, donna!” The show ended with more Lehar in a charming duet from The King and I and Leroy Anderson’s seasonal orchestral romp, Sleigh Ride.

I wondered which encore could combine all three soloists and was delighted with the duet performance of George Gershwin’s classic, Summertime, complete with a beautiful introduction on the violin. How can you follow that? The orchestra had a trick up their musical sleeve – a Khachaturian-like finale composed especially for the Muscat performance by Serbian viola player Konstantin Blagojevic.

Happy New Year to you and please come back to Oman!

For details of forthcoming performances at the Royal Opera House Muscat, visit rohmuscat.org.om

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALAGeorgina Benison rings in 2016 with a celebratory performance that delighted a packed house

MARATHON TIME

18 - 20JAN

Witness the latest in young Arab contemporary art from around the GCC at Bait al Zubair at the LOUD ART OMAN event. It is an experimental platform which gives artists a broad theme and the freedom to create artwork within it. The event will also include workshops by artists from around the GCC. To take part as an artist or volunteer, email farah.asqul@baitalzubair.com or search for Bait Al Zubair on Facebook.

LOUD ART 20 - 22JAN

THE GREAT

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 2 0

Buses are on the rise in Muscat and it appears to be at the expense of taxis.

Deeba Hasan looks at whether the two can co-exist peacefully

TRANSPORT DIVIDE

0 2 1 J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2

Opposite Ruwi Bus station, there is a taxi stand. While once the traffic in arguably the busiest part of Muscat was

dominated by the familiar orange and white of taxis, there has been a shift in the colour

palette and now the area is flooded with the red of the recently rebranded Mwasalat bus service.It makes for a striking scene. Whereas the bus

station is buzzing with the hubbub of commuters waiting to board, the taxi stand looks empty. The

contrast is stark.For years, taxis were the traditional mode of

transportation for those without their own car, but times are changing and attitudes are beginning to shift with the

emergence of a fully comprehensive public bus service. Many believe a proper bus service has been long overdue for Muscat

and is just the first of many changes that need to be made in the capital to bring its public transport system into the 21st century.

Whatever your stance on the matter may be, the effects are certainly making themselves felt on the city’s taxi drivers.

In the 15 minutes Y spent parked close to the taxi stand, we saw only one taxi leave with three passengers inside; the other taxi drivers were wandering around aimlessly, as if lost, waiting for customers that may never come.

“Our business is down [and] things are getting worse by the day,” says Ahmed*, a taxi driver who mostly operates around the Ruwi, Muttrah and Wadi Kabir areas. “Ever since 2015 started,

our business has been declining. We have issues and there is not much we can do about it. Everything is very expensive – fuel, spare parts and insurance rates.”

Some of Ahmed’s fellow taxi drivers are also unhappy and have pointed the finger towards the Mwasalat city buses, which they claim have ruined their business like never before.

In his mid-30s now, Ahmed has been driving taxis for a living since 2004, buying a new taxi on loan a few years ago. “I am paying RO150 per month for this taxi and I don’t earn anything. Earlier it was better, we used to make RO15 to R)20 per day and that was not amazing, but way better than now. When airport taxis were launched, we faced a crunch, but now it’s even worse than that.”

Another local taxi driver told local media that he hadn’t had work for five days and while he used to make RO30 each day, he would now be lucky to make RO3.

There are many others like Ahmed who are suffering. A western couple refused Saeed’s services minutes before Y approached him for comment. It turns out he has travelled 280km from Jalan Bani Bu Ali to Muscat to make some money, but is finding business tough. “I have come here from Jalan and its very difficult for us now,” he says. “Trade has been affected badly ever since the buses were introduced.

Some of the city’s taxi drivers only do the job part-time to supplement their main salary and offer extra support for their families, but for others like Ahmed, it is their sole source of income and one that is slowly diminishing. Ahmed is set in his opinion that both buses and taxis cannot operate in the same

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 2 2

city. In his view, it is one or the other. “The Government should stop this bus service within the city, otherwise we will run out of business in a few months,” he says.

The lack of metered taxis in Muscat is one factor that could put a lot of people off using them, as rates can often fluctuate from one day to the next.

A research paper written in 2013 interviewed 120 taxi drivers, of which 60.5 per cent expressed a willingness to adopt meters and despite almost constant speculation, the move has not yet been made. The installation of meters is not as straightforward as it may seem, though. If the meters were to operate according to time taken, as opposed to distance travelled, the traffic on the Sultanate’s roads could boost prices beyond what they would usually be, having a crippling effect on Muscat’s low-income workers and labourers.

Shortly after the introduction of the Mwasalat buses, hundreds of taxi drivers gathered to elect six drivers to speak on their behalf and called for the regulation of fares and unification of transport services in Oman under one banner. Among their requests were that bus ticket prices would equal those of taxis.

Even if this were to happen, another of Ahmed’s concerns is the open-air tour bus service, which takes tourists around on a hop-on hop-off basis. “These buses have ruined our business, we used to take tourists around earlier and that would help us make some money, but now nothing is working and we are disappointed.”

Speaking to a local newspaper, it seemed that the Ministry of Transport and Communications had no plans to incorporate taxis into the public transport system, with an official saying that taxis pose problems and cause accidents, while the Mwasalat service is better and safer.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications declined to comment on the issue when contacted by Y this week.

Either way, the new Mwasalat service is currently enjoying great popularity with full buses and happy passengers.

Mohammed Israfil, a Bangladeshi citizen who has been living in Oman for the past 10 years, is a strong supporter of the new buses. “I have to commute every day to my workplace in Ghubra and I live here in Ruwi,” he says. “With the taxis, it was difficult because there was no organised system, so I had to negotiate with a few drivers before I got into a taxi, plus their rates differed. With the bus, it’s cheaper and the system is so straightforward.

“Ticket charges for the new bus are really attractive. If I travel to Mabela from Ruwi in a taxi I have to pay around 800 baisa, but I have to pay only 300 baisa on the new bus,

Mohan, who was also catching one of the buses, echoes Mohammed’s opinion, saying: “The buses are a blessing to us, I can save some money now because we pay much less to the buses than the taxis.

“However, I still want the Government to do something about the bus routes because we still need to take taxis to go to the exact places where we intend to, as the buses just drop us at the main road.”

While the buses have proved a hit with expats due to the reduced and regulated fares, many Omanis are also in full support of the new system. Y spoke to one Omani who takes the bus everyday. “People would normally think that Omanis don’t use buses [but] that is not true. We love buses, it’s so easy to travel and this is something that is implemented with international standards and is very well organised,” he says.

“I used to take the taxis and later used my car, but with the introduction of buses on the road, I don’t think there is any point in using my car because my workplace is very close to the bus stop.”

Although the future of taxis may look bleak, some taxi drivers are able to boost their income by taking tourists sightseeing at weekends. Saeed believes that only taxi drivers who are driving part-time are able to make good business, but for those who are full-time taxi drivers, the current situation is a nightmare.

Introduced towards the end of 2015, the Mwasalat buses are equipped with cameras, which act as a way to monitor the drivers as well as the passengers, are air-conditioned and both eating and

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“We are happy that the buses have been introduced for a well-knit public transport system in the Sultanate, however, there are some aspects that we are also unhappy

about. We want the government to set up uniform prices for the taxis and buses, so that the two can work together.

Also, the fact that a bus leaves after every 15 minutes is a bit unfair, because the problem is that the mini buses don’t get business because of that. There should be the difference of an hour at least. Besides that, we don’t have proper taxi stands and no proper pick-up and drop-off points. If we drop our passengers just anywhere, we are sometimes given very heavy fines by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

We are 900 taxi drivers who are trying to form a union, although nothing has been assigned from the Government to us yet. We wrote several letters to the Ministry of Transport and Communications and none have been answered yet; all they say to us is that we are not the concerned

department. Then who is? we ask.

We have tried setting up appointments with the Minister but haven’t been able to get one yet. We only ask which department is concerned with taxi affairs at the Ministry.

We have a dream – we would like to have a union for taxi drivers that officials from the Ministry of Transport and Communications, ROP and other concerned government bodies apart from taxi drivers are members of. We want proper parking for taxis from Muscat to Barka and to Quriyat. We want the prices to be uniform for taxi drivers in Muscat and for that we created a full

pricing menu for taxi drivers after eight months of thorough study, but this has been refused by the Ministry.

I have been driving taxis since 1996 and business was good until the buses came in. Earlier, I used to work for 12 hours and get about

RO50 and now I work the same hours and get only RO18. I am

supporting two families and it’s difficult for us. I have a

loan [and] my car is also on loan, so now I am looking for a permanent job doing something else.”

smoking is prohibited. One Mwasalat official told Y that another one of the features making the buses an attractive choice is the training of the drivers.

“All our bus drivers are trained professionally and educated about safe driving. I am not sure what the process is with taxi drivers, but most people complain about the taxi drivers, saying that they are not safe drivers,” the official says.

It’s not all doom and gloom among taxi drivers, however; Sulaiman is one driver who is happy with the current situation. “I have been driving a taxi for five years now and I do that on a full-

time basis. My business has not been affected much with the introduction of the city buses,” he says.

“I think it’s because the buses take a long time to get people to their destination, whereas taxis

are faster. I think the buses were important as part of the public transportation

development plan [and] hopefully all will be good.”

In Sulaiman’s case, he believes that the rates between the two competing services don’t differ too much and there are advantages to travelling by taxi over bus. “I charge 500 baisa to Burj al Sahwa and the buses charge

300 baisa, but we stop on the side of the road the passenger wants to get out,

whereas the buses will only stop at the bus stops, and sometimes people have to walk a

much larger distance.”As for the buses, it currently costs 200 baisa to

travel from one zone to another, but this will be raised to 300 baisa in the coming months as part of the phased

introduction of the fare scheme. Come March, it will cost 500 baisa to travel from zone one to zone three in the city.

During the first quarter of 2016, new routes including Amerat-Ruwi and Muscat-Ruwi will also be added and in the second quarter of 2016, another route from Al Khoudh-SQU

will open up. As buses become more visible in the city than ever before, Mwasalat also recently launched a fleet of luxury coaches, expanding its reach to long-range destinations, including Salalah, Marmul, Fahud and Dubai, with all routes starting from Muscat.

The price for a one-way trip to Dubai will be RO5, while a return ticket will cost RO9.

“I have been working here at the same office for 29 years, I have never seen this many people taking the buses before,” says the Mwasalat official. “The place is always full, especially on weekends. We start from 6am and the buses run until 11pm, so it’s easy for the people.

“I am aware that some taxi drivers are upset and not pleased about the bus service, but they charge RO1 to a place whereas we charge 300 baisa, so it’s natural that people will opt for buses.

Yousuf al Balushi is a driver with Mwasalat who believes that the success of the buses is inevitable. “There are some obvious reasons why we are doing better than taxis,” he says. “Our rates are uniform; the process is very easy, you just need to say where you are travelling to and based on the zone, we will give you a ticket and take you to the destination. The buses are new and spacious and people feel that it’s a much safer way to travel.”

He is also aware of the unrest among the city’s taxi drivers, but had no concrete ideas on how the two can co-exist peacefully. “Taxi drivers are not accepting this well and there are many who are taking up fights and arguments with bus drivers at times,” he says. “Hopefully, it will be better in the future. Maybe the government will come up with a nice policy that will also help the taxi drivers.”

There’s a great divide in Muscat’s public transportation scene and one that looks set to continue for the foreseeable future. Buses have brought some relief to commuters with an organised system and perhaps the only way taxis can match this is through regulation of their own fares.

Whether the Government will acknowledge the pleas of hundreds of the city’s taxi drivers remains to be seen, but it certainly seems that something needs to change if people like Ahmed and Saeed are to retain their livelihoods.

SULAIMAN AL JARDANI, LEADER OF TAXI DRIVERS

As we gathered to ring in New Year 2016, we saw some spectacular celebrations beamed into our living rooms from around the world, stretching from London to New York to Tokyo, the inconic

Sydney Harbour Bridge and many other countries in between. But then it struck us: which country was the first to celebrate and which one was the last? This curiousity was sparked by a friend of Y’s editor, Felicity, on Facebook, who spent a busy evening welcoming New Year as the clocks struck midnight in his favourite countries. Of course, it’s a pretty simple excercise thanks to worldtimezone.com, which put together a great graphic on New Year around the world. If you are from the Pacific, such as Samoa, you would be celebrating first – and would have had a good night’s sleep by the time midnight struck on Baker Island, even though it’s uninhabited. And for the record, Oman was the 20th country in the world to celebrate 2016.

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 24

Samoa – Apia, Kiribati –

Christmas Island (Kiritimati)

1

United Kingdom – London, Portugal, Ireland, Iceland, Canary Islands, Morocco,

Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Saint Helena, Western Sahara, São Tomé and

Príncipe, Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia,

Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania

25

USA – Anchorage, Fairbanks, Nome, Unalaska, Juneau; French

Polynesia – Gambier Islands

36

Brazil – Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazilia; Fernando de

Noronha; South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

27

USA – New York, Washington DC, Miami, Boston, Atlanta,

Detroit, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach; Canada – Toronto, Montreal,

Ottawa, Quebec; Cuba – Havana, Peru; Brazil – Acre; Colombia,

Bahamas, Jamaica, Ecuador, Panama

32

USA – Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego,

Seattle, San Jose, Las Vegas, Portland; Canada –

Vancouver, Whitehorse; Mexico – Tijuana, Mexicali;

UK – Pitcairn

27Baker Island (uninhabited atoll), Howland Island

(uninhabited coral island)

40

NEW YEAR’S EVE AROUND THE WORLD

JOHANNESBURG

RIO DE JANEIRO

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NEW

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RK

LONDON

Chatham Islands – New Zealand

2

New Zealand – Wellington, Tokelau, Fiji, Tonga,

Antarctica – South Pole, McMurdo, Skott stations; Kiribati – Phoenix Islands

3

South Africa, Greece – Athens; Russia – Kaliningrad; Ukraine – Kiev, Jordan, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia,

Bulgaria, Romania, Israel, Gaza Strip, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, Libya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda,

Namibia, Mozambique

China – Beijing, Shanghai, Macau, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore,

Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia - Bali; Mongolia, Brunei

Darussalam, Russia – Irkutsk Chita, Bratsk, Ulan-Ude;

Australia – Perth

12

India – New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata; Sri Lanka

17

Russia – Moscow, St Petersburg, Novgorod, Volgograd,

Sevastopol, Iraq – Baghdad; Belarus – Minsk, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania,

Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Comoros, Uganda

22

Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart; Solomon Islands,

New Caledonia, Micronesia – Pohnpei, Vanuatu; Bougainville (Papua New Guinea), Russia – Srednekolymsk, Norfolk Island – Kingston, Antarctica –

Casey Station

5

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Japan – Tokyo; South Korea, Russia – Yakutsk, Blagoveschensk, Mirnyi, Tiksi; Palau, Indonesia –

Jayapura, Ambon; East Timor

9

France – Paris, majority of Europe, Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Nigeria, Norway, Poland,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Tunisia, Vatican City

24

Oman, United Arab Emirates – Dubai; Russia – Samara, Izhevsk; Armenia,

Azerbaijan, Georgia, Seychelles, Reunion- France, Mauritius

20

NEW YEAR’S EVE AROUND THE WORLDSY

DN

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MELBOURNE

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KY

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MACAU

CAPE TOWN

IND

IA

NEW ZEALAND

DU

BA

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MOSCOW

JAKARTA

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HONEYHomemade

Honey has long been considered a form of medicine for a range of ailments. Its healing and anti-bacterial properties have also made it a great natural skincare

choice. Deeba Hasan visits the honey market at Muscat Grand Mall to find out more

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HomemadeKhamis, a beekeeper from Wadi

Bani Awf in Rustaq, is scraping some honey from the inside of a log, where several honeycombs

have been deposited for his bees to fill with the sweet, golden liquid. With no safety gloves or protection, Khamis pulls out beewax with the honeycombs for a visitor to taste. Despite several bees humming around him, Khamis appears used to the stings and continues his work unperturbed.

Honey is a treasure chest of medicinal and nutritional value, teeming with antibacterial and antifungal properties, and has been used by many cultures for centuries.

Beekeeping refers to the maintenance of honey bee colonies, commonly in hives, by humans. Beekeepers usually keep bees for the honey they produce, but also for other products that are produced in a hive, such as beeswax, propolis, pollen and royal jelly. Bees are usually nurtured in an apiary or a “bee yard”.

Not only for Khamis, but for many people in his village close to Rustaq, beekeeping is the main source of income. It’s not surprising, as it’s said that Said bin Sultan passionately kept bees in his palace garden as early as the 17th century and to this day, the region is known as

the centre of beekeeping.Salem al Rawas and his son, Mazin,

were just two of the 40 beekeepers taking part in the 5th Omani Honey Market held recently at Muscat Grand Mall.

According to Salem, who owns a shop and four bee and frankinscence farms in Salalah, beekeeping and the sale of honey is a profitable sector in Oman and, coupled with the support they receive from the government, the future of their business is looking positive.

Many people in the beekeeping business have learnt the trade from their father or other elders in the family who owned farms or were in the honey trade, like Salem. “Our business is going well; we take part in exhibitions organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries from time to time, so although our shop is in Salalah, we get to go to different places to sell our products,” he says.

Raw honey is the best honey and a tablespoon contains up to 64 calories, is fat-free, cholesterol-free and sodium-free, and consists of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Honey can help those who

suffer with allergies, treat dandruff, boost memory and is a completely natural energy drink, cough suppressant, sleep aid, and much more.

Another exhibitor, Hamed al Balushi, travelled from Suwaiq to take part in this exhibition. He sells several varieties of honey, but the two of his most important products are sidr honey and frankincense honey. A one kilogram jar of either will set you back around RO25.

“There is a lot you can do with honey, it’s good for [its] medicinal properties and also for the facial skin. Honey is very good for the skin and if women apply it regularly, they will become fair,” he says.

“If the season is favourable and the apiary spacious enough, bees would normally produce up to 10kg of honey in a month,” says Hilal from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Although a profitable trade, beekeeping requires patience as harvesting honey is a rigorous but fun process. But perhaps after taking some lessons from the pros at the honey market, you could give it a go – just watch out for that sting!

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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

VARIETY OF SPICEWe all know too much salt in our diet is bad

for us, but what can we do about it? Herbs and

spices, which make for the perfect sodium substitute, are a great

place to start.

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Fiesta Citrus SalmonPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 15 minutesServes: 4

Ingredients:§ 1/4 cup orange juice§ 2 tbsp olive oil§ 2 tbsp McCormick Perfect Pinch Salt-Free Fiesta Citrus Seasoning (or similar brand), divided§ 2 tbsp packed brown sugar, divided§ 450g salmon fillets Method:§ In small bowl, mix juice, oil and 1 tbsp each seasoning and sugar. Place salmon in large re-sealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 30 minutes, or longer for extra flavour. § In another small bowl, mix remaining seasoning and sugar. Remove salmon from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Rub salmon evenly with seasoning mixture. § Grill salmon over medium-high heat for six to eight minutes each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Making a New Year’s resolution? Don’t forget salt. Around the world, people consume more sodium than is recommended by nutrition and health experts, but fear not, as new research shows cooking with spices and herbs could help you ditch the salt shaker and meet your sodium

recommendations. Keeping a resolution to cut salt from your diet is easy. Use simple spice swaps to

create tasty, low-sodium meals. From seasoning eggs with basil instead of salt to adding spices and herbs to no-salt tomato sauce, McCormick Kitchens offer these easy tips and recipes to make low-sodium meals full of flavour: ● Beat 1/8 teaspoon herb instead of salt into two eggs before scrambling.● Add oregano, garlic powder and red pepper to no-salt added tomato sauce for a

tasty, low-sodium pasta dinner.● Try making citrus-herbed chicken with asparagus, fiesta citrus salmon or tuscan

pasta (recipes below). These dishes don’t call for any salt. Instead, they swap in basil, garlic powder and oregano.

For more low-sodium tips and recipes – such as shaved vegetable salad with Italian herb vinaigrette – visit McCormick.com/recipes to keep your New Year’s resolutions on track. To see the full Anderson study, which examined the effects of a behavioural intervention that emphasised spice and herbs, and how it impacts sodium intake, visit McCormickScienceInstitute.com

* Family Features

The New Year is a perfect time to eliminate salt from your diet

SPICE IT UP Tuscan Pasta

Prep time: 15 minutesCook time: 25 minutesServes: 6

Ingredients:§ 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained§ 1 can no-salt added tomato sauce§ 1 tbsp sugar (optional)§ 2 tbsp packed brown sugar, divided§ 2 tbsp McCormick Garlic Powder (or similar brand)§ 2 tbsp McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning (or similar brand)§ 1/2 tbsp McCormick Black Pepper, ground§ 1 tbsp olive oil§ 450g courgette, sliced § 225g sliced mushrooms§ 1 small onion, chopped§ 170g pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine Method:§ In medium saucepan, mix tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar and seasonings. Bring to boil on medium heat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes.§ In large skillet, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add courgette, mushrooms and onion; cook and stir four minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir tomato sauce into vegetables.§ Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed and drain. Place pasta in serving bowl. Add vegetable mixture, toss.

Citrus Herbed Chicken with AsparagusPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 20 minutesServes: 4

Ingredients:§ 1/4 cup flour § 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese § 1/2 tsp McCormick Garlic Powder (or similar brand)§ 1/4 tsp McCormick Black Pepper (or similar brand), coarse ground § 450g thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts § 1 tbsp oil § 1 1/2 cups chicken stock § 1 tsp McCormick Basil Leaves (or similar brand)§ 1 tsp McCormick Oregano Leaves (or similar brand)§ 450g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces § 2 tbsp lemon juice Method:§ In shallow dish, mix flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and pepper. Reserve two tbsp. Moisten chicken lightly with water. Coat evenly with remaining flour mixture. § In large nonstick skillet, heat oil on medium heat. Add 1/2 of the chicken pieces; cook three minutes per side, or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding additional oil, if necessary. Remove chicken from skillet; keep warm.§ In medium bowl, mix stock, basil, oregano and reserved flour mixture until well blended. Add to skillet along with asparagus. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer three to five minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Stir in lemon juice. Return chicken to skillet; cook two minutes, or until heated through.

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

DRINKAND R E V I E W S

Info BoxTHE CRAFTY KITCHEN

Al Noor Plaza – Madinat Sultan Qaboos, MuscatTel: 2469 6660

Opening hours: 7am-8pm dailyLunch and drinks for two: RO8.4

Verdict :9 / 10 Service

8 / 10 Food 9/ 10 Ambience

A hidden gem that offers great food and friendly,

efficient serviceY Magazine reviews anonymously

and pays for its meals

Cia ordered the freshly squeezed green apple juice.

Some of you may think that our choices were a bit boring and unadventurous, but sometimes you have to admit that quality over quantity is an essential element when it comes to a quick bite to eat when there’s half a dozen errands to also run.

Orders taken, we were free to cast our eyes about the fresh, breezy dining space. The quirky pictures

on the wall are a fun touch, while there’s a chic mix of vintage and French influences. Tables were quickly filling with the lunch crowd and the room was filled with happy chatter as diners drank their organic coffees, exotic teas and tucked into a delightful array of food, including rich pastries and desserts.

But back to our lunch. Our drinks came quickly, while our meals followed

shortly after. My oak-smoked chicken sandwich came with a sumptuous herb cream, crunchy lettuce and crispy cucumber. On the side was The Crafty Kitchen’s famed rainbow salad, a deliciously earthy combination of beetroot, flat leaf parsley and (I think) pumpkin and a scattering of lentils to add texture.

Cia’s French toast was hit – not too sweet, it was paired with a fresh berry compote and had an arty smattering of syrup and icing sugar around the plate. The two large slices of freshly baked challah bread were light and fluffy, and perfectly cooked. My sandwich was also delicious, with the warm bread intensifying the flavour of the subtly smoked chicken, while the herb cream added a richness to it.

Unfortunately, we are not the biggest eaters around, so pulled out the white flag in surrender just over halfway through our meals. The waitress was so concerned that she asked if we didn’t like it. We assured her that it was delicious and it was only because we were full that we’d stopped eating.

This meant, of course, that there was also no room for dessert – and not even the suggestion of a muffin to take away for later in the afternoon could tempt Cia. But that’s ok. There’s so many tempting choices – both savoury and sweet – not to mention a full afternoon tea, that I know we will be back very soon.

And next time, we’ll keep our afternoon free to ensure that we can linger over our meals and enjoy one of those gorgeous teas.

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

CASUAL

DINING

Have you ever had that feeling when you walk into a café or restaurant and you just know it’s going to be a great,

all-round experience? Well, that’s exactly what happened to us on a recent visit to The Crafty Kitchen in MSQ.

Tucked away towards the back of Al Noor Plaza, I have to say that my only regret is that I’d not been there sooner. But better late than never, as they say.

We had a busy Saturday afternoon lined up and not much time to spare for lunch, so as we headed into the café I was a little worried that it might take longer than I’d anticipated, especially as there were quite a few tables already filled.

We were greeted by a very friendly waiter

and given a choice of a couple of tables. The menus came shortly after we were seated – one for food, the other for drinks – and

turned out to be a feast for the eyes, with a range of dishes jostling for our attention, from eggs Benedict with smoked salmon to delicious sounding salads, an all-day breakfast menu, hand-made pastas and

sandwiches, just to name a few. So far, so good.

I was having difficulty deciding between the eggs Benedict and the

oak-smoked chicken sandwich, while Miss 12, aka Cia, had her heart set on the French toast. My love of a good sandwich meant that I ended up plumping for the chicken sandwich, which I chose to have grilled. For drinks, I stuck to my usual water and

WELL-CRAFTED CUISINEFOR AN IMPRESSIVE CHOICE OF FOOD SERVED IN A CHIC SETTING, GIVE THE CRAFTY KITCHEN A TRY, WRITES FELICITY GLOVER

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Get The Look

HEALTH&BEAUTY

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

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 20 3 2

IN THE BAGWord on the street is that

handbags are about to get a lot bolder and brighter in 2016. From intricate embellishments to bright primary colours – and everything else in between – it looks like a fun year to play up this essential accessory, like

this “Air” handbag from Bag To Life.

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Get The Look

From the high end to the high street,

Felicity Glover helps you to get the look

1. Add variety to your wardrobe and lift an all-black outfit with a burst of colour via your handbag, whether it’s a purple, orange or even bright yellow. 2. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours you may have usually avoided. 3. Remember, it’s all about quality over quantity. HOW TO WEAR BOLD BAGS

Take a black outfit and give it a citrus-inspired pop with this orange snake-print tote from the UK’s George at ASDA. You’ll find similar handbags in the malls in Muscat, but this one is priced from RO9.1

This embroidered tote from River Island will ensure you make a bold statement in any situation. From RO26.8

The geometric print

adds a colourful twist

to this Jonathan

Saunders orange-

printed shoulder

bag. Available at

HouseofFraser.co.uk

from RO96.5

Brighten up your wardrobe with this Ravel

sunflower yellow handbag – it’s a great fit

for your every day essentials. Available at

getthelook.com from RO14.2

We love the bold stripes adorning this Therapy multi-coloured handbag from HouseofFraser.co.uk from RO18.2

Whether you are heading off to the opera or a celebratory dinner, Dune’s bright red mini-saddle bag with gold chain will add a touch of glamour to any evening out. From RO39.4

Now that the temperature has cooled down, you'll want to look your best and treat your curls with the love and care they deserve. The

cooler weather can be stressful on your hair, especially curls, forcing you to make changes in your hair-care routine.

Because no two curls are the same, Dove Hair celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez shares four important tips to keep in mind this winter season and continue to #LoveYourCurls.

1. Hydration is key. Winter can be stressful on curly hair as the air contains less natural moisture than the warmer seasons. This tends to cause more dryness than usual, which combined with the customary static, can create a lot of frizz.

“Wash your hair with a nourishing hair care system to help eliminate frizz, like Dove Quench Absolute. After gently cleansing with the nourishing shampoo, increase manageability of curls for a smooth finish with the Dove Quench Absolute Conditioner,” says Alvarez.

2. Avoid using regular towels. Cotton towels cause friction and frizz on your hair. Alvarez recommends using a microfibre towel to remove the excess water before starting the styling process. “Opt for a microfibre towel to remove excess. This simple item helps the hair dry faster and the curls to obtain more definition,” she says.

3. Nourish from root to top. The social schedule often can be hectic, packed with travel and numerous activities. However, nourishment should remain at the top of the holiday beauty list.Make time to nourish your hair in order to minimise any potential damage. During this season we tend to style our hair often, “With an increase in use of heat styling with your preferred styling tools,” says Alvarez. “Avoid the damage by protecting your curls with a styling product that nourishes, such as the Dove Quench Absolute Créme Serum. Apply the product from root to tip to lock in the moisture.”

4. Sleep on the right pillowcase. Maintaining your do and defined curls overnight can be challenging if the proper precaution is not taken. As you sleep, hair can become frizzy and dry, as many forget nighttime care is almost as important as any other steps of the care process. “To maintain your fabulous defined curls overnight, I suggest opting for silk-fabric pillow cases. Unlike other materials, silk helps eliminate frizz and allows curls to retain definition,” Alvarez says. “Once you wake up in the morning, gently shake your head to loosen up the curls and refresh with your

preferred revitalising spritz.”

To see additional information on #LoveYourCurls, visit dove.com/LoveYourCurls

* BPT

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S C A N O U R Q R C O D E S

W I T H A N Y Q R R E A D E R A P P

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

Four tips to love your curls during the cooler months

WAVESMAKING

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

J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2 0 3 5

The cooler weather in Oman means you can get up and running again, especially if you are training for Muscat’s fifth annual marathon (full, half or 10km race), which is being held on January 29. While most people equate the benefits of running to their physical health, the dedication required to train and participate in a race can also teach

important lessons about how to live your best life.Avid runner and distinguished nutritionist Pam Nisevich Bede from

global health care company, Abbott, title sponsor of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, has partnered with record-breaking marathoner and former Olympian, Joan Benoit Samuelson, to share four key lessons that you can take from training to everyday life.

Lesson 1: Celebrate success, big and small. The journey is perhaps the most important part of a race experience. “You can’t just wake up one morning and decide to run a marathon – it takes a series of small achievements, from getting yourself out of bed early to train when you would rather sleep in, to every mile you add to your regimen, that allow you to have a successful race,” says Benoit Samuelson. The same goes for life. Success is not just landing that dream job, achieving that ideal balance in your life, or finding that perfect partner. It’s in the smaller steps you take to reach those goals and how you learn and grow along the way.

Lesson 2: You can do more than you think. To most people, running a marathon can seem like a daunting challenge. However, it is more attainable if you break it up into five or ten mile increments to

meet your ultimate race objectives. “If you increase your mileage by a conservative, planned amount each week, your body will more easily be able to adapt to those longer runs,” says Nisevich Bede. “And if you’re having a tough run, think about smaller goals rather than your total mileage. Concentrate on making it through this half mile or to that next tree, and then you can re-evaluate your next goal.” Running a marathon can be a metaphor for life. In much the same way that you break up the 26.2 miles of the marathon, set smaller goals in your life as you go after larger goals.

Lesson 3: Embrace obstacles. Life, as in marathon training, rarely goes exactly the way you plan. Setbacks and obstacles are part of the process and they should be looked at as a challenge, not a barrier. The key is to learn how to plan for and manage the obstacles. “Prior to running the 2013 Boston Marathon – 30 years after my course record – I developed a knee inflammation. To get through that hurdle, I focused on the race, adjusted my training and reached my goal of finishing the marathon within 30 minutes of my winning time in 1983,” says Benoit Samuelson.

Lesson 4: Take care of yourself. Investing in taking care of yourself allows you to bring your best self to every facet of your life. From your mind to your body and your diet, better health allows you to achieve more and experience life more fully. It can help you reach those race day goals, pursue a new passion, and live not just longer, but better. “Taking care of yourself isn’t about striving for perfection or unnecessarily limiting yourself, it’s about constantly challenging yourself to be better – find what makes you feel good and minimise any obstacles that prevent you from getting there,” says Nisevich Bede.

Want to become part of the larger conversation on health, happiness and human potential? Visit LifetotheFullest.Abbott for more information.

* BPT

With the annual Muscat Marathon due to kick off later this month, a former Olympian shares four key training lessons you can use in life

LIFE LESSONS

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J A N 0 7 - 1 3 / I S S U E 4 0 2 0 3 7

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

CARS ANDADVENTURES

INDUSTRY AND NATURE Qalhat has moved on from its ancient past to embrace modern

industry and progress. Despite this, the beach is still a hidden gem.

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CARS ANDOUTDOORS

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

QALHAT BEACHJUST A LITTLE BEYOND WADI SHAB YOU’LL FIND A BEAUTIFUL BEACH

IN QALHAT, ONE OF OMAN’S MOST IMPORTANT CITIES FROM THE PAST, WHERE ONE CAN UNWIND AND REFLECT ON LIFE, AWAY FROM

BUSY PACE OF MUSCAT, SAYS SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI

Destination

QALHAT BEACHWhen I parked my

car on the beach at Qalhat, my latest Destination, my

eyes opened wide in wonder, as all I could see infront of me was a vast, untouched expanse of sand, numerous pebbles and turqoise green waters, all married with each under under the shining sun.

Roughly a two-hour drive from Muscat, Qalhat beach is part of Qalhat village, which is one of Oman’s most important ancient cities, serving as an important stop on the wider Indian Ocean network in years gone by. Covering more than 60 acres, the historical city was surrounded by fortified walls, protecting houses and shops from attack. Artefacts from as far as Persia and China have been found at the site.

There isn’t a lot of ancient Qalhat that remains these days, but it was added to the Unesco World Heritage tentative list on July 4, 1988 in the cultural category. Although I tried looking for the ruins, the point of my journey was to explore the phenomenal beach and its immediate surroundings.

The turqoise waters were breathtaking and despite my desire to go and snorkel, I wasn’t able to do so because I didn’t have my gear with me. However, I would recommend any marine life lover or active snorkeller to pay a visit to this treasure trove of a beach and take a dip in the water.

Apart from the beauty of the place itself, the sea brimmed with corals and fish, which is not surprising because most of the coastal area of Sur contains a

richness of life beneath the water. Gentle waves lapped the beach, creating the perfect environment for a bit of paddling, as I found out. I’ve heard some say that the water has medicinal properties.

Besides that, the beach is the perfect place to relax on the sand or the pebbles and reflect about life away from the busy city.

While I was at the beach, I spotted two fishermen setting up their boat and nets in preparation to head out in search of the day’s catch, which they would no doubt sell later at a local market.

From one angle, when I was facing the sun, the sea shimmering almost like a sparkling diamond. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to snap this “diamond sea” and managed to capture a couple of shots with two or three flamingos in the scene. Flamingos are a very common spectacle in the area.

While aiming my camera down at the pebbles and rocks, I came across a beautiful white shell, which gave me a brilliant idea. I arranged a rock, the shell, a piece of coral and several pebbles underneath for a cool close up snap, which turned out well and was probably my favoutire shot taken that day.

Thankfully, Qalhat beach is very easy to spot and is easily accessible, meaning that everyone can enjoy it, just as I did. It’s only 10 minutes after Wadi Shab and you can’t miss the sign.

I would say now, during the slightly cooler winter months, is the best time to go and relax. People fond of camping can also visit this quiet and pleasant spot for a great little weekend trip.

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From Muscat take Route 17 all the way down past Wadi Shab. About 10 minutes after passing the wadi you will see the exit for Qalhat. The beach is easily located from here. GPS location of Qalhat: N22º 42’ 1.888” E59º 22’ 12.885”

TRAV

EL G

UIDE

HOW TO GET THERE

CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES

REALITYThe cooler weather is a perfect time to experience virtual

reality at the movies, says Deeba Hasan, who tries City Cinema’s 4D offering for the first time

Just a couple of minutes after settling into our seats, my brother and I were unexpectedly thrown from side to side and I almost dropped the full bucket of popcorn I was holding. This was unexpected because

Point Break, the film we were there to watch, had not even started. But it turned out to be a teaser for movie fans to briefly experience what was to come with the new 4D technology.

When I had walked into the cinema at the Panorama Mall in Ghubra on a recent Sunday afternoon, I was amazed. I thought the place looked very cool and funky, just how a film theatre should be. The VIP zone also looked quite chic, but we were joined by only 10 others in the 4D theatre, probably because of the odd time we were there.

Wearing our 3D glasses and holding on to the armrests of our comfortable seats, we settled in to watch the film, a remake of a 1990s favourite. The first scene revolved around two men riding bikes on the rough terrain of a mountain and we soon noticed that the theatre was filling with lots of smoke, signifying the dust kicked up from the tyres. At the same time, the seats were also shaking; moving up, down and sideways.

These were my first few minutes experiencing the latest 4D technology and while I wasn’t instantly impressed, I was certainly getting there.

My interest piqued during a surfing scene, when members of the audience were surprised with splashes of water on their faces. Every time someone in the movie was thrown into the water, we were thrown right in there with them.

I had now experienced seat shaking, smoke and water, but I soon learned there was even more to come. The next sense to be brought into the fold was smell. Every time a fire was lit in the film, or the actors ran through a jungle with lots of vegetation, you could smell fire and plants respectively. It felt a bit funny at first, especially as I really hadn’t been expecting it.

Images are brought to life in 3D, while the seats moved and a number of other effects like smoke and water were used to add the extra dimension and the overall effect is to really put you in the heart of the action. You almost feel like you’re right there with the stars.

Point Break, a film about a series of eight extreme challenges, obviously features a great deal of action and was probably a good introduction to the

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Give it a go:Price: RO7.5 per ticket, VIP lounge tickets: RO10Phone: 2456 7668Location: Panorama Mall, GhubraAdvance booking recommended for popular films. For film times, go to citycinemaoman.net

world of 4D, but not all films naturally lend themselves to the format. With currently just one 4D film at a time, the choice can be quite limiting – the last film shown in 4D there was the new Star Wars film, which I imagine was also good one to watch in via this technology.

I can compare the 4D technology a little with the 7D cinema I’ve visited in the past at Fun Zone, but that was only for a 10-minute long film and not a feature-length extravaganza. My only concern is that once you start watching the latest films in 4D, you won’t be able to downgrade back to three dimensions.

My favourite scene was probably the final one of the film. It was another surfing scene, but this time it was shot at night in torrential rain. The water, combined with the shaking of seats made for an intense climax and actually sent chills down my spine. And surely it’s the search for thrills like these that drive us towards 4D cinema.

Providing you don’t suffer from any form of motion sickness, the slightly increased ticket price is well worth it to enjoy the extra dimension and it’s a great all-round experience. I’ll certainly be back for my action movie fix soon.

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

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TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO:1. Take a boat ride through the canals2. Hire a bike and explore the city3. Visit some of the beautiful gardens4. Check out the famed bridges of the Wujiang District5. Take a tour of the Suzhou Silk Museum

GARDEN OF TRANQUILITYThe landscaped style of Chinese gardens

dates back more than 3,000 years and the city of Suzhou has some of the best

examples the country has to offer.

CARS ANDADVENTURES

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P O S T C A R D S F R O M

Our favourite place One of the best ways to enjoy the history and beauty of Suzhou’s landmarks and waterside gardens is relaxing in a boat. Known as the Venice of China, Suzhou’s narrow water passages are some of the oldest in the world and perfect for any traveller looking to take in the city’s original charm. Reach out and touch the plants in the garden of Mudu as you float by with the gentle backdrop noise of the boat’s soft paddle touching the water. Or, float beneath the famed bridges of the Wujiang District, where newlyweds routinely cross in the hope that the tradition will bring them happiness, peace and fortune.

Highlights Located adjacent to the Humble Administrator’s Garden is the Suzhou Museum, designed by world-renowned architect I M Pei, where guests are treated to a collection of ancient ceramics, woodcarvings and other cultural artefacts illustrating the past. The city is also home to the Suzhou Silk Museum, which showcases Suzhou’s title as the silk capital of China and offers guests a historical look at the silk production of yesteryear that made the city famous. Visitors can experience the step-by-step silk-making process starting with the silk worm and moving on to thread and finished products.

Lowlights On the whole, Suzhou is a pretty safe place to visit, but like all cities, visitors should take the normal precautions to guard against the likes of pickpockets on buses and other local transport. Hawkers can also be quite pushy, but just stand your ground if you are not interested.

Souvenirs Suzhou is famed for its silk embroidery, so this would have to be one of the most obvious choices. The gift shop at the Silk Embroidery Research Institute is a great place to shop as it offers a variety of products, such as silk fans, lanterns and musical instruments for visitors to take home as keepsakes. Best of all, the quality is higher than similar souvenirs you’d find in the street stalls.

Where to stay There’s something to suit all budgets, from guesthouses to mid-priced hotels. But if you are looking to splurge on a hotel, the Regalia Resort & Spa Ligongdi is a good choice and is renowned for its unique architecture and beautiful tropical gardens.

*BPT

SUZHOU, CHINA Y recommends

Tr a v e l l e r s l o o k i n g fo r a u n i q u e e x p e r i e n c e c a n ’ t g o w r o n g w i t h S u z h o u a n d y o u a r e g u a r a n t e e d e x p e r i e n c e s a n d m e m o r i e s t h a t w i l l l a s t a l i f e t i m e . S u z h o u i s l o c a t e d i n s o u t h e a s t e r n

C h i n a a t t h e c e n t r e o f t h e Y a n g t z e R i v e r D e l t a , 9 0 k m w e s t o f S h a n g h a i . O n e o f t h e o l d e s t c i t i e s i n t h e r e g i o n , i t d a t e s b a c k m o r e t h a n 2 , 5 0 0 y e a r s . T o d a y , S u z h o u i s o n e o f t h e h o tt e s t t r a v e l d e s t i n a t i o n s i n C h i n a , o ff e r i n g p l e n t y t o s e e a n d d o i n a d y n a m i c a n d b e a u t i fu l s e tt i n g .

C l a s s i c a l C h i n e s e g a r d e n d e s i g n f l o u r i s h e s i n S u z h o u , w h e r e n i n e o f t h e c i t y ’ s g a r d e n s h a v e b e e n d e s i g n a t e d U n e s c o W o r l d H e r i t a g e S i t e s . T w o o f t h e s e g a r d e n s , H u m b l e A d m i n i s t r a t o r ’ s G a r d e n a n d L i n g e r i n g G a r d e n , a r e c o n s i d e r e d t h e m o s t f a m o u s g a r d e n s i n a l l o f C h i n a . H u m b l e A d m i n i s t r a t o r ’ s G a r d e n i s t h e n a t i o n ’ s l a r g e s t g a r d e n , d e f i n e d b y i t s p r i s t i n e c o l l e c t i o n s o f s m a l l fo r e s t s a n d t h e g e n t l e p a tt e r o f t h e w a t e r f e a t u r e t h a t i s t h e g a r d e n ’ s b a c k d r o p . L i n g e r i n g G a r d e n b l e n d s m a n - m a d e c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d n a t u r e ’ s b e a u t y i n t o o n e s c e n i c e x p e r i e n c e . D o m i c i l e s a n d t e m p l e s c o m e t o g e t h e r w i t h n a t i v e t r e e s a n d f l o w e r s t h a t i n t e r t w i n e a l o n g w i t h i n t r i c a t e w o o d c a r v i n g s a n d a c o l l e c t i o n o f r o c k s d e l i b e r a t e l y a r r a n g e d i n t h e g a r d e n b y i t s o r i g i n a l c r e a t o r s .

BOAT RIDE THROUGH CANALS

SUZHOU SILK MUSEUM

TRADITIONAL GARDEN AND OLD BRIDGE IN SUZHOU

D e s t i n a t i o n I n d o o r s Y - F i C a r s

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

Y - F IP o s t c a r d s f r o m D e s t i n a t i o n

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WHAT TO WEAR?

EDITO

R’S PI

CK MOTO MAGICTHE NEW YEAR HAS STARTED IN BIG AND BOLD WAY WITH THE NEW MOTO 360 SPORT SMARTWATCH. THE ANDROID WEAR WATCH COMES WITH GPS AND TRACKER AND IS GOOGLE NOW COMPATIBLE. THE MOTO 360 SPORT ALSO OFFERS HEART-RATE MONITORING AND ALL THE USUAL SMARTWATCH FEATURES. NOW YOU CAN KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING YOUR PHONE. AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.CO.UK FROM RO72.

TOMTOM TIMEGPS has become integral to sports tracking and in 2016 TomTom is set to expand from cars into the world of wearables with its latest offering, the Multi-Sport GPS Training Watch. Some of its great features include a built in heart-rate monitor, real-time training information on an extra-large display and the ability to choose from past performances to compete against as you run or cycle. Available at tomtom.com with prices starting at RO57.50.

All signs point to 2016 being a year of game changers in the world of wearable technology. Matthew Herbst looks at what’s to come and

offers a little wardrobe advice

IN THE MINDEver struggled to get in the zone at work or switch off at the end of the day? That could soon be a thing of the past thanks to Thync. Through the use of low-energy waveforms, Thync safely and comfortably signals nerves in specific areas of the brain that cause your body to relax or energise. So forget caffeine and invest in a Thync instead if ultimate mind performance is what you’re after. Available at thync.com from RO76.50.

VIRTUALLY FUNVirtual reality is set to explode onto the scene this year and games consoles will be among the first to get involved. PlayStation VR will offer you the chance to get inside your favourite PlayStation 4 games through the use of a funky-looking headset. Sony has promised a release in the first half of the year, although the price is yet to be announced. It looks like the future of gaming is within touching distance. Check playstation.com for updates on price and release date.

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App of the Week

INVADERS If you have invested in a smartwatch and are feeling a bit nostalgic, then you might want to get the unofficial Wear version of Invaders, which is sure to distract you from work and keep you busy for hours. Just tap to move the spaceship and fire in a bid to destroy all the aliens before they reach the ground. Enjoy for free on Google Play.

SAFETY IN NUMBERSIt's a sad fact that personal security devices perform a vital role in today’s society, but Athena is a great choice for when you feel that your safety may be compromised. The device is a pendent that can be worn as a necklace or clipped on to any item of clothing and is activated by holding a button for three seconds. It then sounds an 85-decibel alarm and sends a message to pre-determined friends and family automatically. Your chosen contacts will get a map showing your location, directions and the opportunity to call you or the police. Available at roarforgood.com from RO30 upward.

If you’ve got a knack for losing your wallet, then consider the new Nymi Band for safe and secure contactless payments. The Nymi Band is a secure, wearable authenticator that increases both convenience and security through biometrically authenticated proximity-based access control. Nymi's authentication algorithm tracks a user's electrocardiogram (ECG) as the secure biometric identifier called HeartID. The Nymi Band also contains a secure hardware element to keep communications safe and the device will remain in an authenticated state until it is removed from a user's wrist. It will be available at nymi.com later in the year, prices yet to be announced.

NEW THE NYMI BAND

AVENGER KIDDisney has stepped up its game by making wearable toys and the first one to hit the market is none other than Iron Man. With the help of Playmation, your kids can change everyday play spaces into virtual environments and zap the baddies away with their super powers. Simple update purchases through an app can change or add to their abilities. Recreate epic battles in the garden and around the house simply by pointing and shooting at the interactive smart figures included in the starter pack, Get avenging at amazon.com, where prices start at RO30.

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The new Mercedes-Benz GLE lives up to its athletic appearance and is a great way to get around in style and at speed, finds Matt Blackwell

Sporty and expressive, the Mercedes-Benz GLE exudes a racy character often lacking in SUVs and I

couldn’t wait to fire it up from the moment I laid eyes on the vehicle at the showroom in Qurum.

Cars can often be much of a muchness inside, all offering essentially the same functions and features in slightly different packages, but I was impressed that Mercedes-Benz weren’t scared to break this mould with the GLE and throw in a few touches I’d never really seen before.

The first and most obvious thing that struck me was the location of the transmission shift stick, which has been repositioned behind the steering wheel, the traditional location of the indicators and windscreen wipers. This took a bit of getting used to at first, but ultimately did not cause any problems and, thankfully, there were no incidents of accidentally putting the car in reverse when all I wanted to do was clear the windscreen.

This tactical relocation allowed space for the touchpad that is used to control the infotainment system – another little touch that gave the GLE a unique feel.

I picked up the GLE when a snarl of mid-afternoon traffic clogged Sultan Qaboos Highway, with the reading on the dashboard telling me temperatures were leaning towards 30 degrees Celsius, but inside the carefully controlled

environment of the car’s cabin, it was a cool 16 degrees and I was all but oblivious to the outside world, completely enveloped in comfort.

Something else I found refreshing about the GLE was the amount of natural light that flooded the interior. Sometimes, SUVs can present challenges when it comes to manoeuvrability, but the long, wide windows of the GLE afforded great visibility when moving between lanes and performing other tasks. And for those who still struggle, there is the handy Active Blind Spot Assist function, which illuminates a warning sign on the wing mirrors when there are cars or objects to either side of you, making it unsafe to change lanes.

Size-wise, the GLE is not the biggest vehicle on the road by a long shot, but at the same time, the sight of the SUV bearing down in the rear-view mirror must still be intimidating enough, as I cut a swathe through the Muscat traffic, with cars swiftly removing themselves from my path in the outside lane.

The SUV came equipped with six different driving modes to cope with everything from the school run to off-road driving, but I spent most of my time flitting between sport and comfort. The latter provided an incredibly smooth experience, while the sport mode firmed everything up and gave the gear changes a lot more punch, as every drop of power was dragged

out of the three-litre engine. The GLE had a feeling of great

solidarity on the road, which gave me the confidence to push the car’s limits and throw it into bends at speed – all in the name of journalistic curiosity, of course. The result was impressive, with the GLE rising to the challenge and sticking to the ground with ease.

Fitting in with Oman’s rugged landscape, the GLE also has the ability to cope with different terrains, but the most I managed was a very short trip onto the beach. I’m unsure whether I’d trust myself to take such a fine machine over any more testing ground than this.

The only shortcoming I discovered during my day with the GLE was the voice command function.

I have a chequered past when it comes to my relationship with such features and this was not the first time we struggled to get along. Throughout the day, I would have to bring out my crispest, clearest elocution and say “Merge 104.8” several times before it actually got the message and tuned to the right frequency. While this quickly became tedious, in the GLE’s defence, other stations seemed to pose little problem.

Although my time with the GLE was only short, the bond I’d formed with the car was strong and I would happily get behind the wheel again without a moment’s hesitation.

6 driving modes, including off- road options

Active Lane Keeping Assist Roof rails Alloy wheels Thermatic automatic

climate control Active Blind Spot Assist Leather seats

They say: “Makes the best of

any ground”

We say: “Great sporty SUV”

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400Specifications:

Engine: 3-litre turboNumber of cylinders: 6/V0-100kph: 6.1 seconds

Horsepower: 333Top Speed: 250kph

Price: RO29,995

CARS ANDADVENTURES

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