y magazine #427, june 30, 2016
DESCRIPTION
Your guide to the best of Oman, every week!TRANSCRIPT
N O V E M B E R 24 / I S S U E 2 5 8 0 1
YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK
PL
US
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News: STORM HEADING TO OMAN10DESTINATION: Iftar At The Mosque
EIDTRAVEL
SCHOOL’SOUT
SPORTYWEAR 3210 44
JUN 30 - JUL 06 2016 / ISSUE 427 • WEEKLY
BEAUTY: Made Easy
THE EXPAT WORKERS STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE
STRANDEDIN SAWADI
DO THE MALL WALKSTEPPING OUT
WIN OUR SAMSUNG TV GRAND PRIZERamadan Giveaways
Free!EVERY THURSDAY
NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR
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Unspoiled shorelines, golden desert and haven for the endangered green turtles
+ 968 96550606 / + 968 96550707 | [email protected] rasaljinz-turtlereserve.com
Ras Al Jinz Sea Turtle ReserveSultanate of Oman
ARTWORK - Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve final.pdf 1 22/06/2016 21:19:56
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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &
Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.
CEO Eihab Abutaha
We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please
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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.
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EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad
bin Hamood Al Busaidi
MANAGING EDITOR
Felicity Glover
DEPUTY EDITORKate Ginn
ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst
PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi
REPORTER Alvin Thomas
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Feroz Khan
,
Team Y has been celebrating the end of the school year, saying goodbye to
friends for the summer and is looking forward to the Eid Al Fitr holiday
next week.
THIS WEEK…
It’s the final week of our exciting Spirit of Ramadan giveaways – and you stand a chance to win a Samsung Smart TV! For details on how to enter, turn to P26.
GOING UPRAIN
At least we hope so, after PACA announced a low-pressure system
was building up in the Arabian Sea and heading towards Oman.
Full story, P10
GOING DOWNOIL AND GAS JOBS
A new survey by the Ministry of Education has found that graduates see a better future in the hospitality and tourism sectors rather than the
traditional oil and gas industry.
Online: Visit y-oman.com for even more inspiration.
Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go by scanning the QR code below
Ways to get your Y fix
THE BAROMETERWelcome to Y
Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
As we enter the final week of Ramadan, I am once again reminded of just how important this time of year is for everybody in the Sultanate. It’s an opportunity to give back, to share and to help others in need.
And our cover story this week is a timely reminder of these tenets. You may recall the story of the stranded workers at Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa, who have been left in limbo with no money, no water, electricity or food since their company abandoned the property in March.
Y visits the workers at the resort and finds that their lives have been turned upside down and they are struggling to survive, eking out an existence based on charity and the goodwill of people who are supplying them with the basic necessities as they await a judgment on their court cases.
As we celebrate Eid Al Fitr from July 5 with friends and family, take a moment to think about just how lucky we are – and perhaps even take some time out of the holidays to visit the stranded workers at the resort and bring them some much needed hope and supplies. Even the smallest gesture can make a difference.
And just a reminder that Y Magazine won’t be published next Thursday (July 7), but we’ll be back on July 14.
In the meantime, Eid Mubarak to all and enjoy the holidays!
Fast forward
C O M P E T I T I O N
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contentsJ U N E 3 0 - J U L Y 0 6 2 0 1 6
Yo u r O m a n06 Coffee With Y Pratik Mahesh Pawani
08 Voice Of Oman Ali Al Rahma
10 News The Big Eid Getaway
12 News Duqm Tourism Hub
14 Gallery Iftar With Friends OCA For Kids
15 Hyundai – Driven To Success Rashid Ali Al Hosni
T h i s We e k
16 This Week Get Arty
17 Movies Independence Day: Resurgence
H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion Be Sporty
34 Beauty Hassle-Free
35 Health Top Ramadan Tips
10
Fe at u r e s19 In Limbo Stranded In Sawadi
23 Ramadan Car Guide Luxury Crossover
26 Ramadan Giveaways The Last Of Our Great Prizes To Be Won
C a r s a n d A d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Mosque Iftar
40 Indoors Walk The Walk
42 Postcard Sharm El Sheikh
44 Y-Fi School's Out
46 Ramadan Picture Of The Week
45
SPIRIT OF RAMADAN WINNERS / NEWS / MOVIES / FASHION / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FOOD / CAR OF THE WEEK
NEXT ISSUE...
Fo o d a n d D r i n k30 Breaking The Fast Iftar Recipes
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Driving through the busy
streets of the Muttrah
Business District (MBD)
earlier this week, I noticed a new
restaurant – 101 Parathas.
Being a huge fan of parathas, I
was intrigued and wanted to meet
the person behind this great idea,
especially as they could create 101
varieties of this popular Indian
flatbread!Setting up an interview with
Pratik Mahesh Pawani, the
mastermind behind the idea, was
a doddle. Our meeting spot was,
as usual, Starbucks at the Oman
Avenues Mall.
It didn’t take me long to realise
that Pratik’s new restaurant may
just have been fuelled by his
passion for mixing things. His arm
tattoos, for example, are a mixture
of Hindu and modern design.
Pratik, 32, seems like a master of
fusion. However, speaking to him, I
learn that 101 Parathas is neither
Pratik’s first venture nor his more-
established brand in Oman.
Pratik, as it turns out, is not only
an established trader in Oman
but is also a descendant of the
renowned Pawani family – with
more than 120 years of heritage in
Oman.Pratik spent his early days
with his family in Oman. His
grandfather was one of the most
successful foodstuff businessmen in
Oman in his day. However, Pratik’s
upbringing was nothing short of
humble. “I studied in the Indian School
Muscat until grade eight, following
which I left for Bombay [now
Mumbai],” he explains.
“Becoming a businessman in
the region had always been my
dream.” To fulfill his dream, he enrolled
in the Mulund College of
Commerce in Mumbai to complete
a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
After graduating, Pratik moved to
Dubai to establish his own business.
In 2005, he stepped into the big
boys’ league with his restaurant and
pizzeria, Bananas.
“Like most 21 year olds, I was
excited about my new venture.
However, it didn’t take long for
Bananas to fail,” he says.
“Bananas was over in less than
a year. “It was my lack of knowledge.
I was too young to understand
the market. I was given the wrong
information, which I kept on
following. “Overall, it was a combined
disaster. The pace just wasn’t right
and somehow everything I did was
hasty. It was almost like I wanted
to prove myself to everyone in
Dubai.” Pratik soon enrolled himself
in a Master’s degree in Business
Administration from the Manipal
University in Dubai.
By now, Pratik was not just book-
ready but also street smart, having
gained experience freelancing for a
travel and tourism company while
making international contacts.
Following his four-year stint
in Dubai, Pratik moved back to
Oman. He decided to go back
to his roots, and do what he does
best – fusion – and established a
fragrance company.
“Back in 2009, I decided to re-
enter the Sultanate and take a risky
gamble. I was confident that we
could make something out of it.
“However, all we did initially was
import perfumes and export them
around the country.”
Today, Pratik’s company,
Muttrah Gold and Trading LLC is
one of the most successful perfume
businesses in the region, creating
bespoke fragrances for individual
companies in Oman and importing
exotic perfumes such as Rasasi and
Ajmal.Pratik uses his sense of fusion to
create a perfect blend of perfumes
to match the buyer’s requirements,
a skill he hopes to extend to his new
restaurant as well.
His latest venture, 101 Parathas,
comes from his passion for cooking
and fusing various ingredients – a
talent, he says, he developed early
on. “I spend my weekends in Oman
trying to make things on my own. I
love to fuse different foods together
and make something unique.
“Indian food is something I
specialise in and I think it is time
I let the people in on some of my
recipes as well.
“So my new restaurant 101
Parathas will be a mix of them all.
“Dahi kabab [yoghurt kabab],
one of the special dishes in the
restaurant, will require more than
24 hours of preparation.”
Pratik hopes to begin operations
of his restaurant during Eid,
through which he hopes to serve
more than 101 different types of
parathas.“Cheese, chocolate and paneer
parathas will be included on
the menu, although our main
attraction will be the seven pulses
paratha, a family recipe.”
This paratha, an exclusive, will
include seven different pulses
(secret ingredients) to create one
flatbread. The restaurant will also become
one of the first in the region to
blend Indian and international
cuisine into one dish.
“We’re going to introduce a
pizza paratha in Oman for the first
time,” Pratik says.
“It will be like a pizza, with
various garnishing vegetables on
top, with a dash of cheese and
other ingredients but it will still
remain a paratha.
“You can easily see the
difference.” And that’s exactly what I’m
going to do over the coming weeks
– validate Pratik’s recipes.
Have you got a unique story to tell or do you
know someone who has? Contact us to have
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Email: [email protected]
Young entrepreneur Pratik Mahesh Pawani shares a passion for food and selling
perfume. Alvin Thomas sits down with him for coffee and learns more
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THE VOICE OF OMAN ALI AL RAHMA ON THE VALUE OF MONEY
NEXT WEEK: LAURA GARRETT
We are traversing through some hard times with the economy, whether
it’s paying extra cash to Government entities, for fuel or for services. Logically, one has to save by all means possible. What we experience when we shop in different stores is the price, - and price matters. In some instances, the customer receives change by means of coins, and coins do have a legal value. It is good to donate whatever change one receives in the small charity boxes. However, in our society, there’s no culture of value of money. A 10 baisa coin will either end up as a good deed for charity, or will be taken away by the stores just because they don’t have 10 baisas. It is one’s right to receive the change and it is up to the customer whether or not the change will be inserted in the charity boxes.
Furthermore, some shops, especially the small shops, do not accept the 5 or 10 baisa coins, which is a violation. Their excuse is that customers won’t use the 5 or 10 baisas for the metered parking in the city. I believe that there should be awareness in knowing the value of money whether its metallic coins or paper money because every baisa counts. There will be a time where one will hunt for the smallest denomination. In the US, for example, there are small trays placed in front of cashiers where customers can place coins if they don’t want them, and others can use them to provide exact change to the cashier or to get better change. This is also good work that helps the community. Finally, there should be a solid culture to use coins and encouragement for the newer generation to use money wisely instead of wasting it.
PRACHI SHARMA I think women are more complicated. I know there are exceptions but, talking in general terms, we think too much and start imagining more than men. We are full of emotions, thoughts and sensitivity. That’s why we are hard to understand, but women are the most beautiful creation of God.
RISHIKESH CHIDHAMBARANATHAN As you asked which gender, I think it’s about both. There is no second thought. It’s because of both genders’ independent views, their stereotyped opinions and perhaps a little ego that complicates everything.
RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE In the beginning, men and women were equally created by God. Each gender has its own unique and distinct features. However, socially and biologically speaking, women are more complicated than men. First, most of today’s society is patriarchal; women have to prove to society that whatever men can do, they can do. Social norms dictate that men are the providers for the family while women are the caretakers and treasurers of the home. Secondly, biologically speaking, it is the woman who carries the product of love between a man and a woman inside her womb for nine months and takes care of the child afterwards. Both genders have to undergo their own complicated life experiences. Due to all of these, even if I’m a man, I have great respect for all women.
AYESHA SIDDIQA We’re human beings before we’re given any other label, and the main characteristic of human beings is complexity. So, complicated is not a word that can be used to characterise one gender over the other.
MEGHANA ANUP GOSHER There will never be an actual answer to this question of who is more complicated. Some will argue that it is men while others will argue that it is women. We will never get everyone to agree with one side of this debate. Men and women
correspondenceDEBATE OF THE WEEK
WE ASKED: “Who is the more complicated gender: men or women?”
SUNIL D’CRUZ Women are more complicated. They make simple things complex. For women, A+ B = D, rather than C. Women look at a problem from all angles, unlike men who look for instant solutions.
SHAWN ALVA Definitely men. Women try to make things more simple but don’t manage to untangle the knot. Men, having taken the role of head of the family for generations, had to make decisions that are complicated while keeping in mind the obligations they had to fulfill and the fun they wanted to have. On the other hand, women, having had to figure out what men are up to, have made it more complicated, just like the theme picture above, ha ha.
NANDINI BALAJI Women are the complicated gender. Well, all people are different and complicated in their own ways but men simplify things compared to women and so are the more complicated gender. A woman has a lot of alternatives to consider before making a choice. Also, all her decisions, actions and choices are made only after considering her friends, family and loved ones. Therefore, it is time consuming and confusing at times, thereby projecting her as a complicated gender. Women can multi-task. They perform the role of a daughter, wife, mother, friend and sister all while working and considering herself. Since a woman weaves through complicated aspects of her life, she is the more complicated gender. But even being so, she handles things coolly. Well, that’s what a woman is!
SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to [email protected] / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive a voucher for dinner at the Golden Tulip. Vouchers must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the terms and conditions, see the Golden Tulip voucher.
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will always seem confusing to each other, making it almost impossible for them to agree. Everyone is complicated in their own way, and everyone will have a different opinion about everything.
MOHD MASUD Women and men are both complicated in different ways and it all depends on how we express it. Also basically, we can’t blame it on gender but as individuals themselves. Complexity is what life is about. Without it, there’s nothing to achieve; we won’t learn how to grow. But we all should learn to have respect and understanding for both sexes/genders on how we feel, what we think and who we are.
AKHTAR FARIA Men are not complicated. Woman are 10 times more complicated than men. Women care about everything to the last little detail. Women also get caught up in their feelings and not face the facts of a situation. If a man tells a story, it’s a point-by-point basis, but if a women tells a story, you will hear four other stories within that one story.
PRETTY PRITY Most women are more complicated than most men. All people are complex in general but I think men try to simplify things as much as possible, more so than women. There are several reasons why I feel this way. Communication is first; there have been several occasions when a women has said one thing but she means something different altogether. Men are direct and to the point; we have no secret meaning behind our words or actions. I feel that women are testers, analysers and observers, which can be misunderstood by men as manipulating or just plain wacko. It seems like women want us to figure out what they mean, when sometimes it’s not that obvious what women are trying to communicate, which make the entire process of understanding them difficult, at best.
ASIA ABDO Women, for sure, as we always think about details and we think about more than one thing at the same time.
DEEPAK PAI I think the answer is both. Complications happen due to circumstances. If complication happen then it will be like putting pure unleaded petrol in the fire. It also depends on how men and women understand each other; how they overcome challenges. Life is never easy; complications make our life more miserable and the true winner or fighter comes on with flying colours.
ARYU RANOLA was spotted with his favourite Y Magazine in Muscat
THIS IS YOUR SPOT! Just send us your picture with Y Magazine or pose
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this page
Send it to:[email protected]
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Share your view with us on Facebook and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.
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N E W SYOUR OMAN
G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w
Citizens in the Sultanate, including Muscat, can look forward to some rain over the next few days bringing relief from the heat after a tropical depression formed in the Arabian
Sea and is tracking towards Oman. In a statement. the Oman Meteorology
Department, said there was a strong chance of thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds of up to (37kp/h to 46kp/h.
However, wind gusts in certain areas could be
considerably higher, the department added. According to a forecast from the US Navy
and Air Force Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and Tropical Storm Risk Centre, tropical storm 02A is expected to reach Oman at about midnight tonight (June 30).
The latest satellite pictures show that the low-pressure area developed in the north of the Arabian Sea and was slowing tracking towards the Sultanate.
On Tuesday, the JTWC said the eye of the storm, called Tropical Cyclone Two, was 455km from Muscat.
Residents of Masirah and Sur were badly hit by tropical storm Ashobaa in June 2015, during which rapid evacuation was required for people living in low-lying areas.
Up to 231 millimetres of rain was recorded in Masirah during Ashobaa.
Meanwhile, the Oman Meteorology Department has also forecast dust storms for Buraimi, Fahud, Ibra, Qarn Alam, Adam, Yanqual, Shinas, Saham, Liwa and Al Khaburah.
Residents of Salalah and Bahla have been experiencing moderate to heavy rains in the
past week. The rains also marked the arrival of the Khareef season in the Wilayat of Dhofar, which has seen temperatures plummet to a very moderate 27 degrees Celsius.
Isolated thunderstorms in Salalah in the wake of the tropical storm, are also predicted. “The skies over Dhofar, Al Wusta and south Al Sharqiyah governorates will be cloudy with chance of isolated rain,” the Oman Meteorology Department added.
Oman’s new higher education institution, Muscat University, is expected to open its doors to its first batch of Pathway
programme (Foundation and Pre-Masters) students on September 25.
The university will have a capacity of 160 students
MUSCAT UNIVERSITY ALL SET TO OPEN DOORS
TROPICAL STORM TO HIT THE SULTANATE
this year – 80 in the foundation and 80 in the Pre-Master’s programme, according to Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Muscat University’s deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs.
The foundation and pre-Master’s programme will cost around RO4,000, while the advanced courses vary between RO4,000 and RO8,000.
“Starting from September 2017, we will be able to have 35 students in each programme. While the numbers sound small, they are important to maintain quality,” she was quoted as saying.
Starting next year, the university will also provide undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes for Omanis and expatriates through its three faculties of business management, engineering and technology, and transport and logistics.
The university will be located at the Children’s Public Library in Qurum, before relocating to its new building in Bausher, near the Oman Avenues Mall, in February or March next year.
Khalil al Khonji, chairman of the board of directors of MU, has signed agreements to work with the Oxford University Innovation and Founding Committee for 18 months; and also academic agreements with Cranfield University to work on the graduate programmes, Aston University for the Undergraduate Programmes and MLS International College for the Pathway Programmes.
Locals and expatriates are expected to flock to Europe over the five-day Eid Al Fitr break, which
begins next Tuesday (July 5) and ends on July 9. According to a number of travel agents based in the capital, 99 per cent of recent enquiries have been for European desitnations such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom.
However, they added that some travellers were also opting for Asian countries, including Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.
Speaking to local press, Riju Thomas, a travel consultant at OUA Travel, said: “Immediately after the announcement [holiday], I made 15 new bookings [to these Asian countries] and made changes to the existing bookings.”
Meanwhile, many residents are also planning a “staycation”, choosing instead to travel to popular destinations within the Sultanate over the holiday period.
Salalah, where the Khareef season has already begun, is proving to be very popular thanks to the cooler temperatures, rain and lush green scenery.
Airline companies are looking at increasing their flights to Salalah this season after a 16 per cent rise in passenger traffic since the beginning of this year.
EUROPE
TOP DESTINATION FOR EID HOLIDAYS
Oman-Y Mag FP 250x350.ai 1 6/5/16 12:56 PM
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YOUR OMAN
Is this a funny kangaroo story?Kind of, but we feel a little sorry for the kangaroo.Why’s that?It seems he was a little lost after recently hopping into Goldies Coffee House in Epping, a suburb of Sydney, in Australia.Perhaps he was hungry?That’s always a possibility, but instead of scrambled eggs and toast with a latte on the side, the normal diet of a kangaroo is grass and shrubs. So one imagines he could find everything he needs in the great outdoors, not to mention for free. So what happened?The staff at the café called Helping Hands Animal Rescue to help them out. It took a while, but after a lot of shaking heads, which indicates that a kangaroo is a “good talker”, a volunteer was able to “blanket” him.Was he OK?The kangaroo, which has been named Goldie in honour of the café, had a small split lip, but otherwise he’s fine and has rejoined his “mob” in the wild. Don’t say: “Tie me kangaroo down, sport.” Do say: “Hop on over.”
B i t e S i z e dOUR WEEKLY SLOT TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED
LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.
ROO THE DAY With its temperate climate and
beautiful beaches, Duqm is a perfect spot for vacations. And plans are now afoot to
establish the port town as a major tourism player in the GCC, with the announcement that construction of a new tourist hub – complete with hotels, residential and commercial complexes and an amusement park – will begin soon.
Al Khonji Real Estate and Development has been awarded the project by the Special Economic Zone Authority in Duqm (Sezad).
According to the agreement, a land area of approximately 661,000sqm has been allocated to the company to build the tourist and real estate project.
The project will be completed in multiple phases at an approximate cost of RO390 million, and is expected to create at least 4,000 jobs by the time it is finished in 2022.
The first phase of the project consists of a three-star hotel and construction is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2019. Sezad had earlier expressed interest in constructing eight hotels in the Duqm area. However, the Crowne Plaza and
Park Inn have already started operations there.The project will also include a commercial
complex, villas and residential units, which would be offered to both local and foreign investors, becoming the first project with units offered for sale in the Special Economic Zone in Duqm.
The joint property agreement was signed by Yahya bin Abdullah al Jabri, the chairman of the board of directors of Sezad, and Mohammed bin Abdullah al Khonji, chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Al Khonji Real Estate, the developer of the project.
According to the master plan, the amusement park will be completed by 2020 and the health complexes by 2022.
NEW TOURISM HUB
IN DUQM
A W E E K I N P I C T U R E SBritish Prime Minister David Cameron resigns as the country votes to exit the European Union. The fallout from “Brexit” sees the pound fall to a 31-year low against the dollar amid fears the UK could break up
HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND
In further woe for England, the national football team crashes out of the Euro 2016 championships in an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to minnows Iceland. England manager Roy Hodgson quits minutes after the final whistle
A wave of bombings targeting Yemeni troops kill at least 19 people in the southeastern city of Mukalla. Three simultaneous bombings hit the coastal city at sunset as soldiers were breaking their fast
More than 240 passengers on board a Singapore Airways flight to Milan have a lucky escape after their plane caught fire while making a dramatic emergency landing after the jet was forced to turn back due to a mid-air engine problem. No one was injured
G A L L E R YPE
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T POR
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A STUNNING NEW 718 BOXSTER WENT ON DISPLAY AT THE PORSCHE CENTRE OMAN IN AZAIBA, MUSCAT, THIS WEEK, ALONG WITH THE LATEST 911 MODEL.
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G A L L E R YYOUR OMAN
IFTAR
AT HO
ME
SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI RECENTLY ATTENDED THE ANNUAL IFTAR AND GATHERING AT JAMEEL AL BALUSHI’S HOUSE IN AMERAT. MORE THAN 25 FRIENDS MET TO BREAK THEIR FAST TOGETHER AND TO CELEBRATE UNITY.
FOR T
HE KI
DSTHE OMAN CANCER ASSOCIATION ORGANISED A FUN NIGHT WITH POEMS AND PERFORMANCES AT DAR AL HANAN, A HOME IN MUSCAT FOR CHILDREN UNDERGOING CANCER TREATMENT. THE EVENT WAS HELD UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HH SAYYID FAISAL BIN TURKI AL SAID.
ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
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Rashid Ali al Hosni graduated in Marketing and Global Business from the Arizona State University, Tempe, in 2004 and worked in mini-retail stores to gain experience. After his brief stint in the US, he came back to the Sultanate, where he took over the position of retail territory manager at Shell Oman Marketing. Today, Rashid owns a chain of restaurants, including Italiano Pizzeria & Pasta, Chocorose, Sakura Sushiand Subway franchises. His latest franchise, London Fish & Chips is also due to open this year
IT HAS THE TECHNOLOGY AND DRIVING COMFORT THAT IS ICONIC. IT
ALSO HAS THE SAFETY TECHNOLOGY THAT ONE EXPECTS FROM A CAR OF
ITS STATURE
DRIVEN TOSUCCESS
ambience, and good food. It must be a place where everyone can go and have some amazing times.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Creating a stronger brand network across the Sultanate is something I hope to do in the near future. When the time is right, I may also start franchising my own brands in Oman and across the GCC, like Dubai, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. I can forsee a lot of challenges, however, I believe that all will be well if we establish ourselves properly within Oman first.
Q: What do you like about the Genesis, the premium series of Hyundai Motor Company?
The Genesis is a car that can compete against any luxury car today. It has the technology and driving comfort that is iconic. It also has the safety technology that one expects from a car of its stature. All in all, it is a complete package, and I wish my family were with me to experience this majestic vehicle. I look forward to more future drives in the Genesis.
Q: What drives you to success?I believe it is the passion I have in me
that drives me to success. Discovering something new and bringing it to the market for the people to enjoy is something that makes me happy. I have always been motivated by being creative and putting things together.
Q: Who or what has been your inspiration in your career?
It is my family that inspires me everyday. I work very hard to make my family happy. I strive for them so that I can provide them with only the very best.
Q: What is your biggest career success to date?
Opening my own brand, Italiano Pizzeria & Pasta would be my biggest success. I opened my first branch in 2013, and we have been growing ever since. Today, we operate five branches in total. Having my own brand is something I am incredibly proud of.
Q: What are your career goals?My career goal would be to operate
and create a better brand image for my restaurants. For that, I will require a good network support from my own team, so that we can successfully expand all over Muscat. My ambition would be to provide customers with superior dining quality,
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Head down to Sultan Qaboos University for this event, The Omani Expo 2016. Organised by Omani students studying at Oregon State University in the US, it provides a platform for fellow students abroad to showcase their creative ideas and projects in Oman. The aim is to promote the research and creativity of Omani scholars. It’s on between 4pm-8.30pm. 03
Aug
THIS WEEKJ U N - J U L - A U G
WHAT TO DO.
WHAT TO SEE.
WHAT TO HEAR.
T H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E
If you love reading, here’s a chance to meet up with some fellow bookworms over a coffee and some cake. The Women’s Guild in Oman (WGO) Book Club will be discussing the Julian Barnes novel The Sense of an Ending, which tells the story of Tony Webster, a middle-aged man who is forced to
BEAT A RETREAT
Change your usual Saturday routine and book yourself onto a Gailani Art Retreat, a full-day creative escape using art and music. You don’t need to be a trained artist or have even painted before to join in. A desire and willingness to explore and express your feelings on canvas is all that’s required. The retreat is not about art education or teaching technical skills – although there is help with the basics – but focusing on self-expression. The venue is Hormuz Grand Hotel in Seeb and the cost is RO20. The price does not include art supplies/materials. Timings are 8.30am-5.30pm. To enrol, contact Huna on 9760 9925 or email [email protected]
NOVEL IDEA
TH
E EX
PO
If you’ve always hankered after unleashing your creative side, this will fit the bill. Art classes are being offered for all ages over the summer. Learn techniques including sketching and shading, oil painting and watercolours to silk and glass painting. All classes are accredited by the French art company, Pebeo. For full details, contact art instructor Mr Ronnie on 9729 3612.
06AUG
confront his past. The book won the Man Booker prize in 2011. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in the Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlet in Almouj Muscat. Check out womensguildoman.com for details.
12JUL
BE ARTYNOWBOOK
It’s been a long time coming but it seems the sequel to Independence Day, which starred Will Smith way back in 1996, has been a bit of a letdown for the critics. But if you are a fan, then don’t let the critics sway you. Independence Day: Resurgence has lost none of the original blockbuster’s special effects. In fact, it’s safe to say that the computer-generated imagery (CGI) is head and shoulders above the original – but then again, we’ve got 20 years of CGI development under our belts. While Will Smith didn’t sign up to reprise his role as Captain Steve Hiller, Jeff Goldblum (David Levison)
and Bill Pullman (President Thomas J. Whitmore) return for a second crack at the aliens, who have responded to a signal sent by their predecessors during the 1996 fight for Earth and mankind. Liam Hemsworth gives a solid showing as Jake, a rebellious pilot who finds himself in the hero’s seat. But at the end of the day, humanity, as always, wins – or does it? The twist at the end leaves room for a third outing of the Independence Day franchise, but hopefully sooner than it took this sequel to make it to the big screen.
Review by Felicity Glover
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Bollywatch
The Call Up
It’s every gamer’s dream – to be invited to play a state-of-the-art virtual reality video game in which the winner bags US$100,000. But in this futuristic movie, it all becomes a little too real when the gamers realise they will be paying a high price for losing: their lives. The last one standing wins, literally, in this game of cat-and-mouse that takes on a truly sinister tone as they fight Independence Day: Resurgence
MOVIES MOVIEStheir way down to the ground floor of a skyscraper. Starring Morfydd Clark and Chris Obi, this British indie film could be the sleeper hit of the summer.
Elvis & Nixon
Based on a true story, it is a cool December morning in 1970 when Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n Roll, literally rolls up unannounced at the White House to request a meeting with Richard Nixon, the US president. With Kevin Spacey as Nixon and Michael Shannon as Elvis, there’s quite a bit of artistic licence in the movie. But don’t let this put you off; it’s a humorous story behind the official photograph taken of the two in the Oval Office, which also happens to be the most-requested photo from the National Archives. Well worth watching for some light-hearted fun.
UDTA PUNJAB Four people; four lives. Tommy Singh (Shahid Kapoor), a young rock star addicted to drugs; Mary Jane (Alia Bhatt), a Bihari field worker in search of a better life; Sartaj Singh (Diljit Dosanjh), a corrupt police officer making a fast buck on the side from drug-filled trucks, and Preet Sahni (Kareena Kapoor Khan), a doctor working to save the youth of Punjab from the clutches of substance abuse. The film focuses on the effects of drugs on each of these four Punjab residents. Udta Punjab’s plotline is simply superb as it highlights an unseen side of Punjab. Harrowing stuff, but it’s a must-watch.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO:
City Cinema: citycinemaoman.netAl Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net
VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.comStar Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN,just answer a question based on the week’s
cinema reviews and send your answer to
[email protected], along with your name
and contact information.
Tickets must be collected from Y’s Seeb offices in person only. For the rest of the
terms and conditions, see voucher.
GRAB YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
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THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONWhere was the photograph of Richard
Nixon and Elvis taken?LAST WEEK'S WINNER
Alvita Hildegard
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA
TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS
Cowabunga, dudes! The sewer-dwelling heroes in a half shell are back in this sequel to 2014’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We
pick up the story with Shredder (Brian Tee) hatching yet another evil plan to rule the world with mad scientist Baxter Stockman (Tyler Perry). Tipped off by friend April O’Neil (Megan Fox), it’s up to the crime-fighting quartet – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael – to save the day as they overcome a host of impressive FX disasters and finally meet their match in Krang. If you are a fan of this 1980s animated series, then you’ll be in for a rollicking ride thanks to the special effects. The plotline, however, is a little thin. PR
EVIE
W
INTERN AT Y
and take photographs.One day you could be
attending a press conference and the next, trying out the latest
adventure sport.Knowledge of social media is a
must, as is a “can do” attitude and willingness to get stuck in. While the position is unpaid, the
opportunities are huge.
If you are up to the challenge, email your
CV and cover letter explaining why you’d be
the best intern to [email protected]
re you a college or university student hungry to work with the best magazine in Oman? Y is looking for bright and ambitious
interns to join us over the summer break and learn the journalism ropes.
This is very much a hands-on role with plenty of scope to get your name into print. You won’t just be making the tea – we all take turns doing that on Y – but given exciting chances to get involved on real assignments, write stories
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For more than three months, a group of 29 expatriates has been stranded at Al Sawadi Beach Resort after it closed down, leaving staff salaries unpaid and a pile of debts. Kate Ginn investigates
inLIMBOLIVING
When Aftab proudly shows off a photograph of his wife and reveals that she is expecting their second child, he does so with tears in his eyes. He’s not crying with joy but sadness
at the prospect of not being there to see his new son or daughter born in his home country of Pakistan. In his present situation, he is unable to financially provide for his growing family.
“The new baby is due in September and in six months, my daughter goes to school,” says Aftab, his voice breaking.
“I don’t have any money for them. I cannot face my family without any money.”
Aftab is one of the “Sawadi Stranded”, a group of expatriates who were left in the lurch when the Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa, just outside Muscat, abruptly ceased operating on March 17, leaving staff to fend for themselves with no electricity, water or money.
While the 43 Omani staff went home, the other staff had nowhere else to go. All of them were owed unpaid salaries, some stretching back for more than 20 months.
Abandoned by their employer, the workers, who include a family with two young children and the hotel manager, who is owed 15 months’ salary, have been living a hand-to-mouth existence ever since, forced to “live like beggars”, as one member of staff describes it.
For three months, they survived without electricity or proper water supplies. For 42 days, they slept in the open air on the beach, where they had to contend with snakes, scorpions and stray dogs roaming the area, among other unwelcome visitors.
While power has been restored – thanks to the General Federation of Oman Trade Unions (GFOTU) – their miserable existence continues. Life is a daily struggle to get by, relying on donated food and supplies from the outside.
Many staff been forced to borrow money or take out loans to continue supporting their families back home and are now heavily in debt.
Meanwhile, their fight to get their unpaid salaries from their former employer, Al Tatawur Development LLC, which operated and managed the resort, continues to drag through the Oman courts.
“I loved it here. It’s been my home and life for four years,” says Aftab, a gentle man who is clearly ashamed of letting his family down.
“It was heaven living here. Now, it is like hell for us.”
He had a good job at
the hotel, working on reception and in operations. As the sole breadwinner, his salary of RO550 a month provided for his family and their future.
Now he has nothing left. All his savings have gone, the debts are piling up and he spends his days wondering when, or if, he will ever make it back to his family.
For now, home is a small room in the staff accommodation at the resort. These blocks are 20 years old and it shows. All are badly in need of updating and are barely fit for human habitation.
Aftab’s room, No. 46, has Barbie stickers on the door, left by a previous young occupant. There’s a small fridge, an old-fashioned TV, small mirror and a wardrobe and shelves. A window air-conditioning unit rumbles away and the old brown curtain at the window hangs limply. There’s a small bathroom with an open shower.
Aftab apologises for the strong smell of sewage. The drainage system is almost dry, the water running out, and while the staff does what they can to keep it clean, the stench is cloying.
For five days before I visited, the staff were without water again. A tanker had finally turned up the day before with fresh supplies.
“It is not living, just existing,” says Aftab.
While the workers can take their pick of any of the 100 empty rooms in the hotel, most are choosing to stay in the staff block, in familiar surroundings, and hold on to a small piece of stability in their uncertain futures.
“We are in limbo here,” says Aftab. “We are caught in the middle and we are suffering.”
Walking around the resort is like watching a grand old building slowly beginning to decay. Nature is already intruding, with weeds sprouting between the paving stones, the swimming pool is empty of water and rubbish is everywhere, with plastic water bottles and bags strewn across the terrace area where guests once enjoyed lunch or dinner.
Once pristine lush grass and shrubs are now unkempt, burnt brown by the sun or overgrown. Sunbeds remain on the beach, which is now deserted.
Nearby are four horses in a stable, once a nice business for the owner who offered rides to guests. On a good weekend, he could make RO80 a day. Business has now dried up completely and he is funding the animals out of his own pocket.
Dust covers the outside chairs and tables around the restaurant and bar area, while the forlorn children’s playground are all reminders of a place once alive with people and noise, and now eerily silent. It’s a desolate place and trying to
keep it clean is like fighting a losing battle.Bags of rubbish are also piling up
everywhere; the refuse collectors have so far not come, despite pleas from staff.
“We cannot express how sad we feel to see it like this,” says Ari, the former front manager and unofficial spokesman for the Sawadi staff.
It’s certainly not a place for children to be. There is one family stuck at the resort, the children aged just eight and three. Their father, Hamdy, the resort’s housekeeping manager who is originally from Egypt, is afraid to let them go out to play.
“It’s not a nice place. The children want to go outside and they can’t here,” says Hamdy.
“It’s just an empty place. We are still here and nobody is telling us anything. It’s very depressing.”
He is owed seven months’ pay – RO4,500. Supporters of a campaign set up by the Facebook group What’s Happening Muscat Oman (WHMO) have helped to pay his daughter’s school fees and collected money to pay the
expired family visa fines.“My family is settled here, but I
plan to send my children and wife back to Egypt,” he says. “I want
to stay in Oman, life is good here, and I don’t want to split up the family but it’s a bad, bad problem.
“I hope to find another job in Oman when this is all settled.”
Two female workers, from Morocco and the Philippines, have also been living at the resort since it shut.
You can’t help but wonder how it all went so wrong for Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Spa, a place one popular with local and UAE visitors for its beachfront location, courtyard and shaded terraces with views over the Gulf of Oman.
Privately owned, the resort was leased by Al Tatawur Development LLC, an Oman-based hospitality company also behind bringing the Chatime franchise to the Sultanate, on a 35-year agreement from June 1, 2014.
All looked promising, but it wasn’t long before staff became uneasy at the way the hotel was being run.
“There was no proper planning, it was all ad hoc. I was doing sales and front office,” says Ari, who is owed 20 months’ salary.
Mushad, the resort’s financial controller who has 16 months’ salary pending and is also stuck at the hotel, is more succinct.
“They started with zero capital, they were relying on people coming to the resort to generate money.
“There was no proper staffing from the beginning. When it became bad, I told them that we could not continue in the situation but they said it would work out.
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WE ALSO STARTED TO PUSH FOR OUR SALARIES AND THE
MANAGEMENT ALWAYS PROMISED NEXT MONTH,
NEXT, NEXT MONTH. THEY WERE ALWAYS GIVING A
DATE, WHICH THEY NEVER FULFILLED
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“There was lots of stories of investors and money but it was all built on sand.”
By January this year, the situation had become critical. All the Omani staff stopped working in protest at not being paid for six months.
“We also started to push for our salaries and the management always promised next month, next, next month. They were always giving a date, which they never fulfilled,” says Ari.
“On March 17, all the staff got together and went to ask the management what is happening. The person in charge, the deputy general manager, she didn’t talk to the staff properly and the staff got angry and immediately, she said: ‘OK, stop working’.
“The staff was just asking for their own money. These are poor people who need their money.
“After that, not one person from the management came to visit us, to look after our food or water.
“The staff were crying for their money; they need to pay debts at home, medication, children’s school fees. And they keep on crying for their money. Some of them have taken loans and some have borrowed money from other people, which they now need to pay back and people are after them.
“Some of their staff tried to avoid calling their family because of the situation, it was too emotional, and don’t want to face them.
“The stress level is very high. Four weeks back, staff got sick, four or five staff in a day, we had to rush them to hospital with high fever and sickness.
“It’s a really critical, bad situation. “Staff have come to me in the last three
or four days, they need money.“What can I tell them? There isn’t any
money for them.”According to staff, the resort’s monthly
rent of RO40,000 has not been paid for up to 18 months. Almost RO300,000 is owed in staff salaries, along with unpaid bills for electricity, water, ministry tax and tourism tax.
Al Tatawur Development had also unveiled plans for Majarat Oman, a RO40 million indoor water theme park to be constructed on 25,000 square metres of land adjacent to Al Sawadi Resort. First mooted in 2013 and again in 2015, theme park specialist, the Sanderson Group of Australia, was said to be onboard. A foundation stone was laid on March 2015 with a planned soft opening of late 2016 or 2017 and then it all went quiet.
When Y visited the resort at the weekend, the land where Majarat Oman is planned to be is still empty scrubland with not a digger or construction worker in sight.
Y contacted Syed Asad Ali, the managing director of Al Tatawur
Development, but he did not respond to our calls or messages.
In May, Mr Ali confirmed the resort’s closure and was quoted by local press as saying: “We’re finalising negotiations to get a partner on board. We plan to reopen the property in three to four months, after renovations and upgrades.”
There is talk of a Malaysian investor in the wings but any negotiations seemed to be hitting a stumbling block.
To date, no one from Al Tatawur has paid a visit to see how their staff is managing to live.
Hopes for a quick resolution to the court case have also faded.
This week, the case was back in the Primary Court for the fourth time. No one from Al Tatawur has attended any of the hearings and for the latest one on Monday (June 27), the company’s lawyer didn’t
show up.There was some good news,
though. The court announced it had accepted all but 14 of the Al Sawadi staff claims. These 14,
who are claiming extras like overtime and monthly allowances, have now been asked to each pay RO100 to the court – money they don’t have – for auditing
costs by July 18. A decision will be then made on July 25. Al Tatawur will be ordered to make
WE HAVE NO OPTION. WE DON’T WANT TO GO HOME
WITH NOTHING AND WORRY OUR FAMILIES. WE DON’T
KNOW WHAT TO DO. HOW LONG DO WE WAIT?
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settlements within 30 days of the judgments, unless they file an appeal. If an appeal is lodged, the settlements go on hold.
“We have a very good case,” says Ali Ashfaq Ameer, a legal consultant who is working on the case along with Bader al Mawali Lawyers.
“We expected the court to find in their favour. There is provision in the Labour Law that if people are not getting their salary and there is sufficient evidence, then the company will have to pay.”
Meanwhile, the 29 expatriate staff stuck at Al Sawadi Resort must continue playing the waiting game. Some of the staff ’s embassies – their nationalities include Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladesh, Indian, Egyptian and Filipino – have offered to help buy tickets home but they are reluctant to leave until they receive their salaries in full.
“Our lives are on hold,” says Mushad. “We are stuck here and 70 families are suffering because of it.
“We have no option. We don’t want to go home with nothing and worry our families. We don’t know what to do. How long do we wait?”
Abdul Malik used to be a cook at the resort. He hasn’t been paid for seven months and has three children, along with an extended family back in Pakistan, relying on his income.
“I have only just told my family that I haven’t been getting a salary, I was managing to lie to them by borrowing money. I was
too ashamed to tell them,” says Abdul. “I’ve not been able to sleep from the stress and pressure.”
Aftab has been job hunting but says when employers know he is from Sawadi Resort and desperate, they drop the salaries. He was recently offered just RO150 a month.
The workers, who are all still on visas with Al Tatawur (most of which expire in August) are hoping that their employer will give them a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which will allow them to apply for jobs elsewhere. However, the court has advised that an NOC is up to the discretion of their employer and the law cannot force them to comply.
Support from outside continues, although it has predictably begun to drop off as the saga drags on and people get busy with their own lives.
Reshmie Mahabier, one of the supporters
helping the workers, has visited them four times with food and other supplies.
“I cannot believe this is happening an hour from where I live and I cannot believe it’s happening in Oman,” she says.
“When I came here, it opened my eyes. It got to me. I feel so bad for them.”
On her last visit, she took along her two young boys, including Yash, aged seven, who had raised RO30 from a cake sale at British School Muscat and doing chores to donate to the workers.
Meeting the “Sawadi Stranded”, you can’t help but admire their tenacity, spirit and resilience in the face of desperate circumstances.
Priyenty, from Sri Lanka who worked in the resort’s food and beverage section for five years, breaks down in tears as he shows me his tiny staff room. It’s spotless with clean blue and white striped bedding, an empty fridge, on top of which sat a toothbrush, shampoo and a small packet of biscuits.
He’s weeping for his children, aged nine, 16 and 20. The youngest two have had to stop going to school because he can’t send them the money for fees.
Yet by the time I leave, there is a smile on his face again and hope in his heart.
Another Sri Lankan worker, who had to cancel his wedding in February, urgently needs money for his sick mother and father so they can buy medication.
His sister and her young children also depend on him. “I have faith in the court and that it will be OK and I can return home one day,” he tells me.
And if the Al Sawadi Resort gets new management in the future, incredibly, many of the staff has also pledged to stay on and start again.
“It’s become their home,” says Ari. “It’s the only home that they know in Oman.”
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Y’S MUST-READ GUIDE TO
THE TOP AUTO DEALS DURING
THE HOLY MONTH
ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
P R EM I UM C R O S S OV E R
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With its sculptured, muscular lines and the new Nissan design language, the new X-Trail creates a distinctive silhouette framed by elegant curves and high wheel arches. Its features include a number of Nissan signature cues such as
the “boomerang” rear lights – structured headlights with LED daytime running lamps and the characteristic D-pillar shape.
“The new Nissan X-Trail’s flexible seating and powertrain options helps give customers a number of choices to choose from, thus allowing them to fulfill all their requirements without the need for sacrificing anything. The X-Trail is an ideal urban crossover for the growing family.”
Y Recommendation: Price Range: FROM RO9,160 ONWARDS UP TO RO12,960
The X-Trail not only provides sheer capability with spacious seating for seven and an intuitive Four-Wheel Drive System but also resets standards, with unprecedented levels of premium style, comfort, fuel economy and thoughtful technology
FEATURES● Intuitive 4WD● Power Panoramic Moonroof● Intelligent Key with push- button start● Flexible Seating System● Rear View Monitor● Hill Start Assist & Hill Decent Control● LED headlights
● 18-inch alloy wheels● Keyless entry with central locking and push-engine start● Driver and passenger airbags● Tyre pressure monitoring system ● ABS, EBD and Brake Assist (BA)● 5-seater and 7-seater options.
Engine: 2.5-litre Cylinders: 4 with DOHC Power: 170 hp Torque: 237 Nm Fuel Tank: 64 litres Trunk capacity: 1,100 litres
SPECIFICATIONS NISSAN X-TRAIL
FO L L O W U S O N : www.nissanoman.com sbanissanoman
Ramadan offers include a RO500 cash gift, free lifetime service, free fuel up to RO1,000, registration, six years of unlimited mileage warranty and a special 2.99 per cent rate of interest through in-house finance.
P R EM I UM C R O S S OV E R
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Bringing authentic Thai cuisine to the table just the way it’s cooked in homes in Thailand, Shang Thai is a favourite among Muscat’s gourmands. This is your last chance to win a RO20 voucher to try the delicious food. To be the lucky one, tell us what is the Thai name for the dessert of sticky rice and sweet mangoes offered by Shang Thai? Email to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue.
Win a Samsung Smart TV
HERE’S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES IN THE FINAL PART OF OUR COMPETITIONS TO MARK THE HOLY MONTH
We’ve saved the best till last. In our final week, the top prize is an amazing Samsung LED Smart TV, with full HD viewing experience on a monster 48-inch screen. With its superb picture quality, it takes watching television to a new level. This J5300 Series 5 model is
super-smart too, giving you faster access to your favourite media and entertainment. With this Samsung Smart TV in your living room, you’ll be the envy of your friends and neighbours. To be in
with a chance of winning this Grand Prize, enter our “10 Seconds of Summer” competition. Send us a 10-second video of you, or you with your family or friends, at your favourite spot in Oman – be as creative and fun as you can!
Email your video to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue.
Shang Thai Surprise
Perched on a rock face offering panoramic views of the spectacular Musandam peninsula, the four-star Atana Khasab is the perfect place for a getaway break. Located in one of the best spots in the Sultanate, the Atana Khasab reflects the spirit of the country and features state-of-the-art facilities and services to cater to all needs. Managed by the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), the hotel offers spacious, stylish
rooms, all of which have private balconies and flatscreen televisions with satellite. We’ve got a fabulous prize of a two-night stay for a couple on a double occupancy, with breakfast included, at the Atana Khasab. To enter, simply answer the following question: Atana Khasab has 60 keys (rooms) in total. Out of which, how many are deluxe suites? Email your answer to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue
Magical Masira
The Spirit of Ramadan
SABCO Commercial Centre is pulling out all the stops this Ramadan with an Arts & Fashion
Exhibition every weekend and is offering the chance to win some great gifts. Every time you shop at the centre, a donation will go to the charity Dar Al Atta’a to support the Student Education programme. To win the final RO20 SABCO Centre gift voucher, simply tell us: Where would you buy your flowers at SABCO Commercial Centre? Email your answer to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue.
Retail Therapy
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HERE’S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES IN THE FINAL PART OF OUR COMPETITIONS TO MARK THE HOLY MONTH
Discover the new French bakery and pastry shop in Oman, Le Petit Paris. All the products are 100 per cent homemade and prepared with premium ingredients, using less sugar, no additives or preservatives. Located in Mawaleh, behind the Holiday Inn Muscat, it offers a range of mouthwatering products from gourmet bread, cakes, pastries and exceptional ice cream. We’ve got another three RO10 vouchers to win. To be one of the lucky
winners, tell us what are the three Es that define the creations made by Le Petit Paris? (Tip: check out www.lepetitparisoman.com). Send your answer to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue.
F R E N C H FA N C I E S
If you’re feeling a bit sluggish this summer and in need of some motivation, look no further than Horizon Fitness Oman, the country’s largest gym, health and fitness group. Its fitness experts are passionate about their work and guarantee to help you achieve the results that you want; whether that’s losing weight, preventing or alleviating health problems, maintaining an already healthy lifestyle or just being more socially and physically active. They’ve saved the best prize for now: a one year, all-location membership, giving you access to more than 25 branches, some of which have swimming pools. To win, simply pop down to your nearest Horizon Fitness Oman and take a photo of yourself there. Be as creative as you can! Send it to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue. www.horizonoman.com
Following the natural curves of Muscat’s stunning coastline, Almouj Golf offers both amateurs and professionals alike a challenging yet rewarding round of golf. Playing alongside the sparkling water of the Sea of Oman is an unforgettable experience. For its final prize, Almouj Golf is giving the chance to four golfers to play on the Greg Norman-designed 18-hole Championship Course any time between now and December. To win this great prize, all you have to do is answer the following question: What number is Almouj Muscat rated in the Top Ten Golf Courses in the Middle East? Email to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue. Prize is valid until December 31, 2016. Book in advance by calling 2200 5990 and presenting the voucher on arrival.
The Spirit of Ramadan
Work It Out F o u r B a l l
Savannah BBQ is the new culinary sensation in town, bringing a taste of Africa to Muscat. Serving up traditional African cuisine in a contemporary and stylish setting, with décor sourced from Africa, the restaurant is already a favourite with the capital’s discerning gourmands. Enjoy authentic dishes such
as vetkoek – deep-fried buns with savoury mince and apricot chutney. We’ve got our last RO20 voucher to give away. For a chance to win, email us the answer to: In which country was the Savannah BBQ brand concept dreamed up? Email to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue.
Out of Africa
/LePetitParisOman
/lepetitparisom@lepetit_paris_oman
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BEST OF THE RESTHere’s a selection that didn’t win but impressed our editor. Is your caption here?
Winner of iPad MiniOur star prize competition was extremely popular and no wonder as we had a fantastic iPad Mini 16GB up for grabs. We asked you to come up with a fun photo caption for the cheeky camel in Salalah and there were some brilliant entries. Our managing editor, Felicity, read every entry and after some deliberation, picked her winner. Congratulations to Sheikha Iqra Hasan who came up with the caption: “Iftar Time!” We’ll be in touch soon.
With one of the most enviable settings in Muscat overlooking the crystal clear sea, dining at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is an experience to be savoured. A stunning location, food and service make it a top destination for residents and visitors to Oman. In this final week, we’re got a sumptuous lunch for two at Al Bustan Palace’s Al Khiran Terrace Restaurant overlooking the Sea of Oman up for grabs. To win, simply tell us the name of the poolside eaterie at Al Bustan Palace. Email your answer to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue.
LUXURY LUNCH
DOUGH TIMEBreadTalk, the international boutique bakery chain opened its first ever Muscat outlet in November 2008, offering baked delicacies like oven-fresh bread, croissants, sandwiches and customised cakes lovingly prepared by expert bakers. You can taste for yourself with a prize of RO20 worth of BreadTalk goodies. To win, simply answer the following question: Which of the following is BreadTalk’s latest branch?A) Bareeq Al ShattiB) City Centre QurumC) Al Mouj MuscatD) City Centre MuscatE) Oman Avenues MallSend your answer to [email protected] by July 10. Note: the winner will be announced in our July 14 issue.
/BreadTalkOman
@breadtalkoman
BreadTalkOman
“Camelia: Hey
Camelron, lets take a
Camelfie !!!”
(Prasad Inna)
Maryam Rahman
Karen RomionGo Green!(Raffat Ahmed)
Just one more time…and
then I’ll go with my diet
(Martin Echanes)
Dude, let me know how many ‘Likes’ I get(Akshatha Pudkethoor)
My mom told me I could be anything if I put my mind to it. I used to be a giraffe(Um Dura)My secret of looking
young!!(Correia Lorain)
You know I am on a diet
(Shantharam Shetty)
Quick take my picture, this is my weekend face(Nilesh Patel)
Keep calm and eat green
(Shyan Rajah)
Gonna get these dark
circles fixed – date
night tonight
(Stuti Kumar)
Is my new profile
picture cute?
(Prasad)
Can I have fries with that?
(Paula Tuck)
LAST WEEK’S WINNERSCongratulations to the following winners!
MAGICAL MASIRA Karen Romion with the correct answer of 4
(Deluxe, Premier, Executive Suite and Chalet)
RETAIL THERAPY Ali Babar, for the correct answer of Coffee
Planet
SHANG THAI SURPRISE Benjamin Dsouza for knowing it was stir-fried
crispy fried duck with hot basil
MERC MERCHANDISE Michael Ramin with the answer of A-Class
GET FIT Anna Snellen for the correct answer of
Jasmine (Spa & Wellness)
OUT OF AFRICA Fatima Kamal for answering 2016 (February)
GREAT STEAK Rodney Woods for answer B) Siracha Steak
and Buffalo Chicken
CLASSY IFTAR Jennifer Santimano for the correct answer of
Jebel Akhdar
BAKED DELIGHT Deepak Pai, Mohammed al Masoudi and Preethi Nair for the answer of Mawaleh
(behind the Holiday Inn)
GO GOLFING! Raffat Ahmed for this stunning shot on the
driving range at Almouj Golf
W I N N E R S B • O • X
J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 7 0 2 9
BIG DISCOUNTS awaitthe irst 75 KG enrollees!
G1 to G4 may availsome discounts too!
Anuradha Karunakaran
Kamal Ganatra
Thamina
Hey habibi, want to
go to Salalah? It’s
Khareef time
(Pankaj Phophaliya)
I like to chew it, chew it(Anjum Sadiq Khan)
This isn’t bad but iNeed Apple(Nusair Munawar)
J U N E 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 70 3 0
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
INSPIRING IFTARDelicious and healthy,
these recipes are perfect for the remaining days of Ramadan – and can
even be incorporated into your family’s every day
meal plans.
After a long day of fasting, it’s important to plan a healthy Iftar meal for friends and family, says Dr Anita Das Gupta, the chief dietician at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Here, Dr Das Gupta provides some healthy options.
Try this seven-day meal planner to help ease you into the final days of Ramadan
IFTAR TIME
§ 3 medium dates 70 kcals
§ 1 cup chicken soup 81 kcals
§ 1 skewer shish taouk 140 kcals
§ 1 cup tabbouleh salad with dressing 94 kcals
§ 1 medium Arabic bread 164 kcals
§ 1 cup low-fat laban 120 kcals§ 1 cup mixed vegetable salona 50 kcals
Total 719 kcals
Iftar menu 1
J U N E 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 7 0 3 1
§ 3 medium dates 70 kcals
§ 1 cup lentil soup 150 kcals
§ 1 cup fattoush salad with light dressing 147 kcals § 3 baked kibbeh 155 kcals
1 medium Arabic bread 164 kcals
§ 1 small plate fruit salad60 kcals
Total 746 kcals
Iftar menu 2
§ 3 medium dates 70 kcals
§ 1 cup beef vegetable soup 149 kcals
§ 2 baked vegetable spring roll 40 kcals
§ Chicken biriyani (rice ¾ cup; chicken 60g) 250 kcals
§ 1 cup low-fat yogurt 86 kcals
§ 1 cup tabbouleh with lemon and pepper dressing 30 kcals § 1 pear 70 kcals Total 695 kcals
Iftar menu 3
§ 1 cup chicken soup 81 kcals
§ 3 medium dates 70 kcals
§ 30 grams of hummus 90 kcals
§ Medium Arabic bread 164 kcals
§ 90g grilled chicken with steamed vegetables 275 kcals
§ 1 orange 60 kcals
Total 740 kcals
Iftar menu 4
§ 1 cup lentil soup 170 kcals
§ 3 medium dates 70 kcals
§ 2 medium lamb kofta 116 kcals
§ 1.5 leafy green salad with ½ tbsp salad dressing 75 kcals
§ 1 medium Arabic bread 164 kcals
§ 1 medium plate cut fruits 120 kcals
Total 715 kcals
Iftar menu 5
§ 1 cup of broccoli soup 40 kcals
§ 3 medium dates 70 kcals
§ 1 medium khubus 164 kcals
§ 90g grilled chicken with tarragon sauce 225 kcals § 1 cup Rocca beetroot salad 45 kcals
§ 1 piece baklava 113 kcals
Total 657 kcals
Iftar menu 6
§ 1 cup of mushroom soup 72 kcals
§ 3 medium dates 70 kcals
§ 2 plums 70 kcals
§ 1½ cup low-fat harees 323 kcals
§ 1 cup tabbouleh with dressing 90 kcals
§ 1 cup low fat laban 120 kcals
Total 745 kcals
Iftar menu 7
F E B 1 1 - 1 7 / I S S U E 4 0 70 3 2
Get The Look
HEALTH&BEAUTY
H e a l t h B e a u t y FA S H I O N
TOP TRAININGCute and sporty, this is a fun, summer style to help you get fit for the holidays, such as
this look from Long Tall Sally. What’s better than working
out and looking good (as well as sleeping in and eating
pizza)!
J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 70 3 2
Get The Look
From the high end to the high street,
Hana Salem helps you to get the look
J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 7 0 3 3
Stay cool in this trendy Souluxe printed muscle-back vest from Matalan. From RO4.52.
A pair of Souluxe panel-printed leggings, such as these from Matalan, will help keep you on track with your fitness goals. From RO7.95.
It’s all about freedom of movement with this purple Souluxe basic tee from Matalan. From RO3.41
Lift your game with these cool, comfy, funky trainers
from George. From RO7.95.
Stay motivated and improve your health by tracking your food, sleep and exercise with a Fitbit. From RO93.75.
Make a statement with this honest but brilliant accessory from gettingpersonal.co.uk that knows exactly how you feel after exercising. From RO11.36.
Caps are a must in Oman, like this one from Matalan, to protect you from those harsh rays of sun. From RO1.42.
J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 70 3 4
B E A U T Y H e a l t h F a s h i o n&
Keep your morning hassle-free with these time-saving beauty tips
When a long day at the office turns into a late evening with family or friends, you need a quick and easy get-ready routine
so you can get up and do it all again the next day. Keep your morning hassle-free with these time-trimming tips.
Eyes When your schedule is dragging down your
energy, your eyes may be the first to show it, especially if you’re prone to bags or circles. You can skip the effort of a full-blown makeup application but concealer is one thing you don’t want to overlook. Cover up the tell-tale signs of tiredness then swipe on a light shadow to brighten your eyes. Polish the look with a coat of mascara to add definition.
Teeth A white, brilliant smile lights up your entire look.
Keep your teeth sparkling with a convenient and affordable whitening tool such as the Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Whitening Pen, which whitens teeth five shades in three weeks and begins working in one day. The whitening pen stores easily inside the toothbrush, taking the hassle out of whitening.
Hair When it comes to hair, your best bet is planning
ahead. Stock your bathroom with the right tools to rock an unwashed look without appearing sloppy. Depending on your hair type, this may be as simple as shine serum and a stylish hair tie for a sleek pony or some dry shampoo to boost limp roots.
LipsPale lips are another obvious – but easy to correct
– indication that you skimped on your morning routine. Even if your make-up is low key, apply a nude lipstick that enhances your natural look or a gloss with a hint of colour for a pretty shine.
FaceKeep skin looking fresh and radiant by
moisturising regularly. Using a tinted formula can hydrate and provide coverage at the same time, helping get you out the door faster.
BodyAvoid last minute indecision by laying out your
clothes the night before. Be sure to iron, steam or lint-roll first then hang the outfit outside your wardrobe so you can easily throw it on in the morning. It helps to set out shoes and accessories, too, since picking the perfect complements to your outfit can prove to be time-consuming.
Find more solutions to help make your mornings go smoothly at colgateopticwhite.com.
* Family Features
J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 7 0 3 5
TOP TIPS
Ramadan is a special occasion for worshipping but it is also a celebration for families to prepare their favourite traditional foods to
share and enjoy with relatives and friends.However, many of us follow poor eating
habits and routines during Ramadan. Below are some tips, provided by Dr Francy Pullikan, a specialist in internal medicine at Burjeel Hospital in Al Khuwair, to follow during the month of Ramadan:
● Changes in your eating and sleeping habits can put the body under stress. Plan your schedule and meals ahead of time to ensure you get the necessary nutrients, hydration, and rest that your body needs.
● Eat Suhoor just before dawn. This morning meal is generally recognised as the single most important meal of the day. Avoid overeating. Taking heavy meals before sleeping will put the body under stress.
● Take foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and protein; fruit or vegetables, and plenty of water.
● During the hottest part of the day, stay in cool areas (indoors or in shade)
and limit your physical activity. Rest if possible.
● Break your fast with dates and either
milk, water, or fruit juice. After the Maghreb prayer, continue with a light starter such as soup and crackers or a handful of oats. After a long period of fasting, you need to bring your fluids and blood sugar level up without overdoing it.
● During the early evening (after Maghreb), have a healthy and balanced dinner that contains items from each of the food groups.
● Different coloured vegetables and fruits will give you the phytonutrients and antioxidants necessary for your body’s protection against certain diseases.
● Fasting can often increase gastric acidity levels, leading to heaviness in the stomach, burning sensations or a sour mouth. To avoid this, it is better to eat foods rich in fibre such as wholewheat bread or cereals, with milk, beans, hummus, vegetables and fruit.
● Do not overeat, and be sure to drink a few more glasses of fluid. Water flushes out toxins from our body and prevents dehydration. Sip on water throughout the evening. Aim for eight glasses by bedtime. To help you keep track, fill and refill a water bottle with a measured amount of water, and be sure to finish it.
● During the evening hours, resist the temptation to drink tea, coffee or pop. When
visiting friends or family, ask for glasses of water.
● Serve yourself, your family, and guests a "dessert" of fresh fruit and nuts. There are lovely choices available this season, and they are much healthier than chocolates and sweets.
● Light exercise, such as walking for 15 to 20 minutes, is best undertaken in the evening hours. Do not over-exercise.
● Avoid fried and spicy foods as they may cause heartburn or indigestion, and salty food as this can make you feel thirsty during long hours of fasting.
● Poorly controlled diabetics, diabetics on insulin, diabetics on oral medication, severe hypertensive and cardiac patients should not fast without previous consultation with the doctor.
● Continue to brush and floss your teeth several times a day for the dental hygiene.
● Organize your schedule so that you get enough sleep.
● Plan your menu so as to avoid constipation, acidity, kidney stones, lethargy, dehydration, muscle cramps, headache and low blood sugar, which are common health problems during Ramadan.
With a few more days to go until the end of the Holy Month, it’s important to remain healthy while fasting
for Ramadan
HEALTH
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J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 7 0 3 7
P o s t c a r d s f r o m O u t d o o r s Y - F i
CARS ANDADVENTURES IFTAR TIME
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, men gather
for the call to Maghrib, where they wait patiently to
share their simple Iftar together.
J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 70 3 8
CARS ANDOUTDOORS
D E S T I N A T I O N P o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - F i I n d o o r sCARS ANDADVENTURES
MOSQUE IFTARSHAQUEL AL BALUSHI HEADS TO SULTAN QABOOS GRAND
MOSQUE TO JOIN A MASS BREAKING OF THE FAST
Destination
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
MOSQUE IFTAR
Stretching out before me were lines of men, sitting cross-legged and patiently waiting for the Maghrib call out so they could end their day of fasting.
Laid out in front of them was a simple meal of laban and dates, along with a bottle of water, placed carefully by the group of volunteers wearing orange shirts.
Similar scenes were being repeated at mosques across Muscat and the whole of Oman, with free Iftars being laid on for those far from home or locals wanting to share the moment. Most of these have been funded by donations.
None would probably have quite the same spectacular backdrop as this one; with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque behind them, the white marble still hot to the touch from the heat of the day’s sun.
I was filled with a strong feeeling of joy watching the men waiting for their food. From a photographic point of view, there was a sense of simplicity about it that drew me in. Personally, I was also seeing it through fresh eyes. I was here last year and at the time, I saw the man who was ushering the men into line as stern and rude, like an army major marshalling his troops into formation. I didn’t like his attitude and was quite upset by it.
This time, I saw it differently. I realised that if the man wasn’t organising the queue in such a way (I’m not sure if it was the same one as last year), they wouldn’t have enough time to sit everyone properly and not everyone would get to eat. Some of them would have to go without food. This man was making sure that everyone was disciplined and everyone got food and drink.
My perspective had changed. Maybe I had grown up since last year, or my religious concern was growing or perhaps it’s because I am now married. There are lots of factors changing me. It’s a learning process and every year we grow and garner more knowledge.
Being part of this Iftar gathering has affected me personally. As a Muslim, we believe that if you help someone to break his or her fast, whatever good that person may have done will come to you too. So it’s a blessing to come here and give to your Muslim brothers but the giving is from both sides.
There were many different nationalities
represented at the Grand Mosque Iftar, differentiated by their clothing. I saw Omani dishdashas, mingling with Bengali Kummah and Indian workers in jeans and
shirts. They were from all walks of life: labourers to normal Omani guys.
I captured a nice shot of an expatriate worker, drawn in by his warm smile and
happiness in his eyes. His face was glowing.Others were taking photos and videos of the
Iftar around them on their smartphones. One guy took a selfie of himself as I took a picture of him; I liked the juxtaposition of us: him taking a photo of me taking a photo of him.
There was a feeling of quiet peace among the men, who were all barefoot. Although they must have been hungry and thirsty, they waited respectively in line for their place on the mat for their Iftar. There was no sense of urgency.
The volunteers were darting around handing out food and plates. After the laban, dates and water, they served up mounds of piping hot mutton or chicken biryani, accompanied by dark Omani coffee.
One of my favourite photos shows the men sitting in lines waiting with a background of a prayer hall with an orange dome behind them.
Afterwards, they slipped away into the night or sat around talking. Some would wait for the 8.24pm call to Isha prayer, the last one before Fajr in the early hours of the morning.
I was genuinely moved by this photo shoot and seeing the men, so humble and grateful for their simple meal.
As I headed off, I contemplated how small gestures can make a small difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than us. That, to me, is the true spirit of Ramadan.
J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 7 0 3 9
CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES
WITH TEMPERATURES SOARING, ALVIN THOMAS HEADS TO OMAN AVENUES MALL TO TRY THE DARBAK MALL WALK CHALLENGE
I’ve been on the lookout for some cool walking areas close to home for a while now. So when I was told there was a new walking area at Oman Avenues Mall in Bawshar, I
just knew I had to try it. The Walk is organised by Awasr, Oman’s new
broadband internet service provider, and I saw this as a perfect opportunity for myself to burn off those stubborn calories without shedding a drop of sweat, all done inside the comfort of an air conditoned building.
In high hopes, I headed to the mall. Following a quick shopping session, I decided
to take the challenge.How hard can it be? I asked myself, staring at
the Darbak Mall Walk billboard in the basement of the mall. I learned that the Darbak Mall Walk challenge pans across the entire mall – covering each and every corner – measuring at 2.250 kilometres in total.
So without further ado, I begin my journey. The start sign for the walk is opposite Bank
Sohar. I was alone at the start of the walk, so I presumed I was the only one tracing the path, which is laid out using well-marked, feet-shaped stickers on the floor.
I quickly get into the stride of things. The first leg of the mall walk isn’t particularly hard, or so I thought.
The floor markings take me to the escalator towards the ground floor.
And bam… To my left is a Starbucks. Now I realise why this is actually a challenge.
Not only is it a test of your stamina but it is also one of your willpower to say no to stopping in cafes!
However, I’m a man on a mission. So, I refocus and move on.
The Mall Walk is designed in a figure eight, and you tend to have coinciding spots near the
centre of the mall. Soon, I catch myself staring at the amazing
ceiling art. There are flower-shaped designs hanging from the ceiling, giving the sensation of a three-dimensional roof.
It doesn’t take me long to hit the 230-metre mark. However, the finish line is still an arduous 2.100 kms away.
I quickly pass some exotic jewellery and diamond showrooms and proceed to the centre of the mall, where I notice a bit of a commotion.
I decide to take a quick pitstop. In the centre is the Areej Art Band performing. Together This Ramadan, is the theme of the evening, hence the musical entertainment.
However, I don’t spend much time there, and soon I am back on the move. I reach the Silk Route – an arena within the mall that is exclusive to Arab Oudh (Arabic perfume) and carpet makers.
J U N 3 0 - J U L 0 6 / I S S U E 4 2 70 4 0
I N D O O R S
0 4 1
The smell is incredibly captivating. The Silk Route also marks the end of the first
leg of my walk as I take the escalator to Level 1. However, this time, I actually feel like I am
levelling up – similar to that of a game, where you have to pass a series of obstacles and opponents to enter a higher level.
Level 1 comprises a bunch of electronic stores and the hypermarket, so the initial part of the walk is rather drab. However, walking past Funtazmo – the children’s play area – there’s a lot more fun and games going on.
Walking past one of the interactive information screens, I notice some children fighting to play with the 3D information screen.
Walking towards the corner of the mall, I stumble upon a sign saying: “Stand Here”, to which I oblige.
I’m treated to some three-dimensional floor graffiti (stickers of dolphins, sharks and the solar
system). I quickly take pictures of them. By now, my legs are beginning to ache. But I’m
already past the halfway stage now.I notice that the Level 2 escalator is just ahead,
so I jog towards it. And, oh boy, am I in for a surprise.
I have just entered Food Nation. McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut and a number of other fast-food outlets are lying ahead. This quickly becomes the hardest level of them all.
I keep my head straight to avoid temptation as I continue my walk. I realise that people are looking at me strangely as go past all the food outlets without batting an eye at any of them.
I continue following the path, leaving behind all the occupied tables and chairs and the bustling area filled with delicious aromas.
I clear the course in a mere five minutes (a personal best among all levels) before entering the beautiful Promenade Garden.
The Garden also marks 1.870km of my journey. All that lies ahead is Level 3 – the final hurdle – which I found to be fairly straightforward.
It didn’t take me long to stride past the Penz Bowling Alley, XD Cinema and Gold’s Gym. I completed the top-level course in less than 10 minutes. However, I can’t find the finishing line.
I must’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere.But, a banner near Gold’s Gym catches my eye:
“Congratulations You Have Finished”, it reads. There’s also a marker that validates the
length of the journey. I’m mighty proud of my achievement; I even take a few selfies to enter in the weekly draw competition.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time doing the walk. So will I be returning to tackle the Walk again? Absolutely. It was an enjoyable experience and a great way to exercise indoors, keeping both the mind and body in check.
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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
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TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO:1. Test your limits on
adventurous rides in the Aqua Blu water park
2. Visit bazaars and experience the culture in Soho Square
3. Snorkel and dive in Ras Mohammed National Park
4. Explore the desert and its people on a safari
5. Enjoy the restaurants and shops at Naama Bay
FOREVER BLUENaama Bay is a
popular tourist area, where visitors can relax
on the beach, enjoy great shopping and
sample delicious food.
CARS ANDADVENTURES
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P O S T C A R D S F R O M
SHARM EL SHEIKHDina Maged recommends
SOHO SQUARE
AQUA BLU AQUAPARK
RAS MOHAMMED NATIONAL PARK
D e s t i n a t i o n O u t d o o r s
My favourite place My favorite place in Sharm isn’t even on land – it’s underwater. There’s nothing more relaxing than snorkelling and exploring the aquatic life and stunning coral in the Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected natural area. It’s easy to book a place on one of the many snorkelling boats that will take you out on a day trip that will see you make two or three stops for snorkellers. Lunch is also often provided on these trips. Highlights The nightlife in Sharm el Sheikh has always been fun and buzzing. Head to the bustling Soho Square to visit the bazaars and shops, as well as have dinner in one of the many restaurants. But that said, some of the city’s best restaurants can be found in Naama Bay.
Lowlights The weather might get quite hot in the summer, however, you can always cool down by the sea. It is also essential to stay up to date with government travel warnings to Sharm el Sheikh.
Souvenirs From carpets to Bedouin handcrafted items, such as earthenware and woven goods, there’s something that will appeal to a variety of tastes and styles.
Where to stay I prefer the Renaissance Golden View Resort because of its range of rooms and suites, as well as the activities they offer. There’s also a more luxurious option at the Four Seasons, as well as the cheaper Radisson Blu.
T he Red Sea holiday resort city of Sharm el Sheikh, on the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, has long been a magnet for all types of tourists seeking gorgeous weather and some of the best diving spots in the world. Also
known as the “City of Peace” or simply as Sharm, the city boasts temperatures ranging from 18-33 degrees Celsius, making it a popular option for many Europeans looking to escape dreary winters.
The city has transformed from a small fishing village more than 40 years ago to become what it is today - one of the region’s most popular holiday destinations. However, with the downing of a Russian holiday jet over Mount Sinai last year, the city’s tourism sector has been hit hard. That said, the focus is now on its Middle Eastern neighbours for tourism.
Nestled between the Red Sea, the desert and enclosed by high mountains, Sharm el Sheikh offers visitors a range of fun activities, from simply relaxing on a sunbed to exploring stunning coral reefs, which you can discover in the pristine waters of the Ras Mohammed National Park. There is also the purity of the untouched desert, and the strength of the mountains that enclose it. Sharm el Sheikh was given the gift of a diverse environment and so attracts a diverse group of people.
Originally a home for Bedouins before it became a tourist destination, you can still visit the traditional tents and homes of the Bedouins and experience their lifestyle. However, if you are more adventurous, you can participate in a guided safari on beach buggies through the mountains. Families and big kids at heart will have great fun at the Aqua Blu Hotel and Aquapark, which includes slides for children and rides for thrill-seeking parents and teens. I love Sharm el Sheikh because I have been going there since I was a child and there is always something new for me to do even as I grow older.
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SOUNDThis Philips Portable Wireless Speaker is perfect for any child in the family with a love of music. With Bluetooth, they’ll be able to wirelessly connect the speaker to compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. There’s also a built-in mic that allows you to enjoy hands-free calls. At www.amazon.com from RO38.65
-FIT H E T E C H I N Y O U
Y - F IO u t d o o r s D e s t i n a t i o n
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SCHOOL'S OUTWith the summer holidays kicking in, keeping the kids occupied is key.
Matthew Herbst finds the latest entertainment available for all ages
GOOD KARMAThis Karma Wi-Fi is perfect for the teen or student in the family that’s always on the go but never out of touch. This pocket rocket pay-as-you-go personal hotspot allows you to connect anywhere without the blank spots and hiccups. Finally, you can forget those sketchy public networks. At yourkarma.com from RO57.30
EDITO
R’S PI
CK
THINKING ROBOTSMEET BO & YANA. BO IS THE EXPLORER WHILE YANA IS THE STORYTELLER. TOGETHER, THESE CLEVER ROBOTS HELP YOUR CHILD FROM THE AGE OF FIVE UPWARDS TO LEARN VISUAL PROGRAMMING AND DEVELOP BASIC PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS. CHILDREN CAN ALSO TEACH THE ROBOT TO PLAY THE XYLOPHONE, DELIVER PACKAGES, PLAY HIDE-AND-SEEK OR TAG, AND GO ON VARIOUS ADVENTURES. THE VISUAL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE THAT IS USED BY THE SYSTEM, IS SCRATCH AND BLOCKLY, WHICH WAS DEVELOPED BY MIT AND GOOGLE. OLDER LEARNERS OVER 12 ARE ENCOURAGED TO BUILD IOS AND ANDROID APPLICATIONS, AND SHARE THEIR INNOVATIONS WITH OTHERS ONLINE. AT WWW.AMAZON.COM FROM RO109.22
SUPER CODERIf you want your kid to learn programming without all the frightening complications of how-to books and advanced computer systems, then Kano is what you should invest in. Kano is a coding kit for both kids and adults that is powered by Raspberry Pi, a computer the size of a regular credit card. Out of the box, Kano can be assembled into a working computer without a monitor (that you provide yourself). The good thing about Kano is that it will teach your child to understand the major components that make a computer run. At www.amazon.com from RO49.61
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App of the Week
NEW
TIGER ELECTRONICS POWER TOUR ELECTRIC GUITAR (AGES 10 & UP)
ROCKET BUILDERWith the Rocket Builder app, kids and toddlers are able to construct their own rockets. Once they’re finished and ready to launch, they can fly into space with their self-constructed rocket. Perfect for kids aged two to five. Ideal for iPhone and iPAD. Available at www. apple.com/iTunes.com
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOUNow your child can let the force be with them, thanks to Oregon Scientific's Darth Vader Learning Laptop. This cool laptop is designed in the shape of Darth Vader's mask, and is a great interactive tool for ages 4 and upwards. It may look like a toy but this piece of kit features a touch-sensitive backlit LCD screen, “Light Saber” pointer, QWERTY keyboard, and 50 activities in subjects like logic, memory, music, and more. Is your child a Jedi fighter or Darth Vader? At www.amazon.com from RO19.21
Is your son or daughter looking to be a future rock star? Well, before you shell out hundreds of rials on a real electric guitar, let them try their skills on this Tiger Electronics' POWER TOUR Electric Guitar first. This way it won’t break the bank should their skills be a little off-key. Much like Guitar Hero, it features touch sensors with LED lights and dual-function knobs
BALANCING ACT MiP is more of an entertaining toy than a learning toy. However, it isn’t as easy as you may think. It’s a balancing robot that you can control from your phone and requires hand and eye co-ordination skills. You control it manually and in real-time from your iOS or Android phone, alternatively you can draw paths for it to move on, get it sparring or racing or dancing with a fellow MiP robot. Awesome. At www.amazon.com from RO26.91
instead of strings. The future rock star can choose to learn how to play the 12 pre-loaded songs or plug in their MP3 player to jam to their favourite hits. In case you’re worried about being drowned out by the sound your child will subject you to, don't worry, there’s a headphone jack. Available in black or white from RO26.91. You can boost the sound with the POWER TOUR Amp, which sells for RO19.22 and is sold separately. At www.amazon.com
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Ramadan
Pict
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Phot
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Bal
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Ramadan
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