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Your top guide to the best of oman, everY week

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Y’s Master Chef

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MAY 08 - 14 / ISSUE 319 • WEEKLY

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NEWS: Muscat Festival on Hold?TECH: Rise of the Drones

Feature: MuM’s crusade against kids’ eating habits 34

FoodFashion Special

POSH POLISH / DESTINATION WADI ZEHT / VISIT BERLIN / AIRPORT PARKING WOES / FAB FILMS / SUPER YACHTS

World Cup Fever Y’s Brazil 2014 Countdown BeGins

Some of our beSt aSSetS are the worSt neglected

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NOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

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M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 3

Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &

Advertising LLC /Y is a SABCO Media product.

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

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine -

your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has

to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORPenny Fray

SECTIONS EDITORKate Ginn

CONTRIBUTORTom Robertson

PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

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

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

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

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

Ways to get your Y fix

Fast forwardS

ometimes you take things for granted in life. You only realise what’s precious when you lose it and, of course, by then it’s too late and it’s already gone. This week, Y is looking at how we are in danger of losing one of the country’s greatest assets: our heritage. Beautiful historical sights, such as Sinaw and Al Hamra, are being left to rot away, neglected and forgotten, and used

as dumping grounds. Our past is crumbling away like the mud-brick walls of the 400-year-old houses in Al Hamra, which should be preserved for generations to come but are falling down and filled with rubbish. We say Oman should act now or lose these unique historical sites and buildings forever.

Elsewhere, we embrace footy fever with the start of our World Cup 2014 countdown, try our hand at cooking Lebanese style, meet a mum on a crusade to get kids off junk food and go wadi wandering. Enjoy.

TEAM Y editor@y-oman.com

Team Y’s interns have reconnected with their love of Harry Potter, undertaking a Potter-thon by watching a Hogwarts

film every night and even two back-to-back. We’ve also worried about the

fate of the new litter of puppies that has appeared outside our office. Live long

and prosper little friends.

THIS WEEK…

CoMPetition

the BaroMetergOing up

BB CREAM Is it a moisturiser? A foundation? A

primer? Actually, it’s all three. The all-in-one cream is best for light make-up days and thanks to brands like Smash

Box and Clinique, it’s everywhere.

gOing dOWnRAIN

So we’ve had a brief respite from the climbing mercury as the

heavens opened – but prepare to fry from now on. Forecasts show

nothing but a big, fat sun in the sky for the foreseeable future.

Here at Y Towers we love our animals so we’re launching our own Pet Idol contest. Do you have a cute canine

or fantastic feline? Are you mad about your moggy, head over heels with your hamster or have a fishy

friend? Send us quirky, funny and cool photos of your beloved pets to our

Facebook page and Twitter or email it to us at info@y-oman.com. The best will be printed in the magazine and the top three will have professional

photographs taken with their pet. closing date is May 24.

contentsM A Y 0 8 2 0 1 4

Yo u r o m a n06 the big interview George Hisaeda

08 Voice Of Oman Shuena al Mayahi

10 news Camel MERS Link

14 gallery Fancy Yachts

15 charged Airport Parking

fo o d a n d d r i n k28 Food Cool Candy

30 Food review Meji’s Aroy Thai & The Great Delhi Darbar

t h i s w e e k16 Oman in 43 Objects Coffee Pot 17 Movie Listings Joe

18 this Week Big Bad Wolf

C a r s a n d o u t d o o r37 destination Wadi Zeht

40 Outdoors Master Chef

42 postcard From Berlin

44 Y-Fi In The Drone

46 car of the Week Infiniti Q50

28

the WiVes cLub / phOne Fraud / turtLes / Men’s FashiOn / tOp saiLOrs / tOrOntO / tOYs are us / caVeMan diet

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE

45

24

h e a l t h & B e a u t y32 Fashion Neutral Know-How 34 beauty The Power Of Polish 35 style counsel Barbra Young

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10

fe at u r e s20 going to Waste Neglect of Oman’s Heritage

24 World cup countdown On The Road To Rio

26 Food For thought Kids Eating Healthy

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Can you please tell us a little bit about your career to date and the route to your posting in Oman?After graduating from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Law and entering the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1976, I studied at Oxford University and served in many departments in Tokyo. I went on to serve in overseas posts, including Washington DC, Manila, New York and Atlanta. Before serving as Ambassador here, I was Consul-General of Japan in Chicago.What first made you want to enter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan? Curiosity and a yearning for foreign countries influenced me from a young age. I read lots of adventure stories about travelling around the world. My father also taught me English from the age of six, which added to my overseas interest. I gradually made up my mind that a foreign service career was for me. You’ve spent a significant part of your career in the United States. How does working in Oman compare to your previous postings? What are the major challenges?The Sultanate and the United States have, of course, a different language, culture, lifestyle and

customs but both are incredibly warm, open and welcoming. I have received nothing but goodwill from both countries and feel very at home in both. If I had to describe something as a ‘challenge’, it would be the food culture here in Oman. I love Omani food but one of my responsibilities as Ambassador of Japan is to promote Japanese cuisine. What are your political priorities for your tenure here? What aspects of Japan’s bilateral relations with Oman have you tried to focus on since you arrived?My overarching political priority is deepening the close Japan-Oman relationship even more, particularly in the areas of bilateral trade and investment, cultural exchange, and security cooperation, including counter-piracy. This is something the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, wants to see realised too, following his visit to Oman in January. I find Omani people to be very pro-Japan thanks to our popular products such as cars and electronics. I think my chief duty is to bring more facets of Japan to Oman, and vice versa. What changes have you seen in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions

since you first joined? The Japanese government now uses social media as much as possible. All government agencies, ministries and embassies abroad have, at the very least, a website and Facebook page. In the past, for instance, I remember one of the huge jobs for Japanese embassy staff was to send newsletters in envelopes by mail to a few thousand opinion leaders every month, providing information about Japan, our foreign policy, embassy events, etc. The process was time-consuming and costly, but nowadays it’s done simply with the click of a button.What are the most enjoyable parts of your role as the Ambassador of Japan to the Sultanate? I am very grateful to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the ministries and the people of Oman for such cordial treatment of foreign representatives. They are always kind to me. Personally speaking, my wife Midori and I are great fans of the Royal Opera House Muscat, and have been fortunate enough to enjoy many world-class performances there. We are both music lovers and play musical instruments ourselves. I also cherish the rugged, natural beauty of Oman and find its places of cultural and historical heritage abundant

and magnetic. And the not so enjoyable? The summer heat can be challenging. But this is offset by a beautiful, balmy winter. From December to March, the weather is simply delightful.What is your personal life philosophy? My guiding ethos is always strive to do your utmost. As the Japanese proverb goes, a lion would do its utmost to catch even a tiny mouse. When you’re not busy with Embassy commitments, how do you like to relax? I play the trombone, piano and tennis. I also enjoy watching colourful butterflies in the wadis of Oman. I have been a butterfly collector for many years, and just love nature.

YOUR OMAN

G E o R G E H i S A E D A , A M B A S S A D O R E x T R A O R D I N A R Y A N D P L E N I P O T E N T I A R Y O F J A PA N T O T H E S U LTA N AT E O F O M A N

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

Career highlights 01 involved in the successful campaign for hosting the 2002 FiFa World Cup. 02 successful in getting the hiroshima Peace Memorial inscribed on the World heritage list. 03 hosted visit of Japanese Prime Minister to the sultanate, the first for 24 years.

5

Cultural PlaYer

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 8

We asked: ‘You’re elected ambassador of earth and have to go for a meeting with aliens to highlight the three best things about our planet. What would you tell them?’

debate OF the Week

MOVie Madness

correspondencethe voice of oman shuena al Mayahion the perils of judging people

NExT WEEK: ROSIE IN THE DESERT

NOOR AlBASSAM   The first thing I would talk about is water because we can’t live without it. Secondly, trees because they provide us with oxygen. The third thing would be good people because they make the Earth a happy place.

JAMES MAClEOD   Children, the arts and human compassion.

SEEMI SAHAR   The best thing is the abundance of water, which gives Earth its name ‘The Blue Planet’. Secondly, the amazing range of entertainment here, from man-made attractions to the natural beauty all around us and, finally, Y Magazine, which brings us the best of everything.

Dear YAs a hard working university student, I value my weekends, because that’s when I get to relax and shake off the stress of studies by doing the hobbies I love, such as going to the movies.

But what was once an enjoyable night out is now becoming a nuisance.

I’m a movie buff who loved going to the cinema, but now I’d rather buy the film and watch it at home instead of going to the movies. Why?

Because almost every time I go, I find myself surrounded by people who talk non-stop during the film and, even worse, make jokes and silly noises hoping that other people in the cinema laugh at

them. It’s like the movie theatre suddenly turns into a comedy club.

Another issue is the excessive use of smartphones while the movie is playing. Why is it hard for some people to silence their phone or put it on vibrate?

It saddens me how inconsiderate some people can be. I wish that they would respect the rules.

If not, then the marshals in the cinema should immediately do something about it, because people out

there want to go and watch a movie in peace. Laith al Riyami, Muscat

Don’t judge a man by his opinions, but what his opinions have made of him.”

– Georg Christoph Lichtenberg. Passing judgment is easy. We judge people the moment we meet them. It’s a natural human instinct. In order for us to predict a person’s actions we judge them according to how they act and how they look. In fact, trying not to pass judgment is one of the hardest things in life. Do we need to judge in order to protect ourselves? Certainly, if you love and appreciate someone then surely you must understand that without their past they couldn’t have become the person they are today. But is it possible to look beyond someone’s past? Why do people think that they can prove their righteousness by analysing others for any sign of weakness or mistake so that they can come back and throw it in their face in the most horrific manner possible? What does this accomplish other than division, hurt feelings and bitterness? Why do we judge a divorced person like they are ‘damaged goods’ without knowing that person’s story or path? We judge people for what they wear, what job they have, what car they drive and all this to prove what? That you’re a better person than them, when in fact the one who judges others is the worst of all. And it’s a sad way to be because while you’re busy judging others, you let your own life pass you by and miss out on meeting some great people. We must learn to appreciate and understand that a person’s past does not define who they are today – it merely contributed to who they are. To quote Wayne Dyer, “When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.”

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

WRiTE To US AND WiN A VoUCHER

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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@GoldenTulipSeeb

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 9

L E T T E R S E - M A I L S F A C E B O O K T W I T T E RYOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US

New debate:‘New science allows you to

cross two animals to create a super-pet. What two animals

would you cross and why?Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.

tania and zoe (4.5 Years old) were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine in Al Ansab

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with the free Y magazine or pose with our photographer

and we will publish it on this page

Send it to:info@y-oman.com

JANE BAYAY AlMOzA I’ll show them places where human beings have accomplished great feats. First would be the Pyramids of Egypt that have stood for 5,000 years, then the Great Wall of China which is 22,000km long and built by human hands. Lastly the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building we have built so far.

NASR HOMOUD I would conspire with them to enslave and dominate humanity... Muhahahaha!

zAKIR MOH I would say: “First of all, I am glad that you managed to find our humble little home amid the billions of other planets in the cosmos. Now the three best things about our planet: First, I’d like to highlight the festivities. I’m sure there are no other planets with so many festivals. We humans will celebrate for any reason so we have parties for anything and everything. Heck, we even have an Aliens Day! Second, cookies. No, not the stored data on your computer. I’m talking about sweet, flat edible cakes made of dough, that are typically round. They’re like a great pair of jeans – you never get over them, they give you a lot of comfort and go with literally anything. Last, love. But this one can’t be explained, only felt.”

MATTHEW TIPTON 1. Our species’ curiosity and facility for scientific reasoning and invention. This would demonstrate our ability to form a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with them. 2. I would take them as many pictures as I could of the British Museum to show them the depth and diversity of human civilisation. 3. Pizza!

NAlIN MISTRY As Ambassador of Earth I would tell them that we have the three best things, which, to the best of our knowledge, don’t exist anywhere else in the universe. These things are: 1. Natural environment. 2. Water and 3. Food.

MOTAlEB ARSENAl I would say:“Hello Sir, I am an Ambassador of the Blue Planet, Earth, and would like to talk about the three best things. First, there’s beautiful places around the globe like Paris and Moscow. Secondly that human beings have amazing hearts and we all help each other as much

as possible. Thirdly, it’s a safe place.

AARTI VATS The three best things would be: 1. The ever evolving human brain which made it possible to discover and met aliens. 2. The diverse landscape that the earth is blessed with. 3. Mans capability of imagination.

RISHIKESH CHIDAMBARANATHAN First, I will greet them and explain to them about respecting others. Secondly, I will explain to them about compassion and love. Thirdly, I will them about the amazing Indian movie superstar, Rajinikanth.

ROBERT THOMSON I’d tell them about our mobile phones, which allow us to communicate with other people, no matter where you are. Then I’d show them pictures of the Himalayas and tell them how they can be both beautiful and dangerous. Lastly, I’d tell them about football and, even better, the World Cup. But before I left the meeting I’d show them a picture of my crazy little Chihuahua and I’d say, “Don’t try anything funny, like invasion, or this little psycho will be waiting for you.”

HENRY MATTHEWS I would have to tell them about the amazing taste of fish and chips - and then ask them if they’ve got any spare fish because ours are running out. Then I’d talk about our amazing ice cream and also Horlicks milkshake. Welcome to Earth!

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 1 0

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

The tables are about to turn on teachers with plans to make them sit an exam to test their own knowledge.

And if they fail the test, they will be sent ‘back to school’ with intensive training to bring their skills back up to standard.

The Ministry of Education announced the examinations as part of a plan to introduce teacher licences.

Under these proposals, a licence to teach would be issued for five years, after which the holder would have to sit an exam for renewal.

Failure would mean the teacher has to undergo intensive training, said Salim bin Muhammad al Kharousi, deputy director of curricular development for English language at the Ministry.

It is hoped the licence system will motivate teachers to strive for professional excellence.

The Ministry said it was no longer enough for teachers just to have years of experience. They needed to keep up-to-date with new trends and fresh teaching strategies, techniques and classroom methods.

As well as on-the-job learning, support will be offered with workshops, seminars and training courses. It means teachers can continue their own education while instructing pupils, making them lifelong learners

Taking an exam will also help identify areas which each teacher needs to fine tune for good classroom practice.

No time frame has been given for the introduction of the licence.

teaChers faCe eXaMs

w w w.cit yc inemaoman.net

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like never before

Nawras Join & Win_Y-Tabloid 24x34 E.indd 1 4/23/14 1:08 PM

The source of the latest outbreak of the deadly MERS virus, which has killed almost 100 people

worldwide, including two in Oman, has been baffling researchers.

Now, however, scientists believe that they may have the answer: camels. A recent study of dromedaries in Oman appeared to point the finger at the ships of the desert.

Nasal and eye swabs found that five out of 76 camels in the Sultanate tested positive for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, better known as MERS-CoV.

Teams from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna and several of Oman’s ministries found strong evidence that the disease is transmitted between species and that dromedary camels could be harbouring the contagious virus.

Scientists involved in the study collected the samples from camels in a countrywide survey in

December. Camels surveyed were of different ages, breeds and from both genders.

They discovered that close contact with an infected camel could trigger infections with the most probable route of transmission being through respiration.

MERS, which has been identified as similar to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), causes fever, cough and shortness of breath leading to pneumonia and kidney failure. There is currently no cure or vaccine.

However, another study on the virus has identified natural human antibodies which might aid

scientists in developing a treatment for the disease.

So far, MERS has claimed two lives in Oman. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 401 cases in 13 countries.

Health officials in Oman are on alert with new cases across the border in the UAE and in Saudi Arabia, where 83 people have died.

CAMELS MERS CARRIERS

An ambitious project is underway by the British Library to digitise thousands of

documents from Oman’s past.The work, being undertaken by

the British Library Qatar Foundation Partnership, will involve over 100 files amounting to over 20,000 pages dating from 1750 to the 20th century.

A large majority of the documents will come from the East India Company’s archives and those of British officials. But it will also include records written in both English and Arabic, providing a major bilingual online resource from which researchers can garner a greater understanding of Oman.

Among the pages expected to be placed on a free-to-access online portal will be political records, letters and photographs.

The archived material will concentrate largely on Oman’s political and trade relationships with Britain and other European powers.

Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Gulf history specialist Dr Francis Owtram confirmed that there would be a wide variety of sources, including reports of geographic expeditions, maps and

sound recordings made up to 1951. He also expressed hope that students

and researchers would benefit from the easy access provided by the new online collection.

“By opening up these resources, the project will improve understanding of the Islamic world, Arabic cultural heritage and the modern history of the Gulf,” said Dr Owtram.

Placing the documents online is just one stage of a huge programme to digitise documents from the entire Gulf region.

The British Library aims to make available over 475,000 pages of the East India Company’s records from the Gulf.

In addition there are also a further 25,000 pages of medieval Arabic manuscripts that will compliment the online collection.

oman’s history goes online

Nawras Join & Win_Y-Tabloid 24x34 E.indd 1 4/23/14 1:08 PM

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 1 2

Serious doubts have been raised over whether the Muscat Festival will take place next year.

The festival has been held in the Sultanate’s capital since 1988 and is a major draw for the city’s residents and international visitors.

For the last two years, it has been held in two different locations, Naseem Gardens and Amerat Park, with celebrations reportedly attracting up to 1.6 million visitors in 2013.

But now it’s short-term future appears uncertain. The Municipal Council has been discussing different ways to develop its activities in the coming years and, according to one member, wants Muscat Festival to be restructured in the future.

It’s a demand that comes follows previous requests to refresh the event.

In a meeting on Monday (5) those calls came to a head when the Council met to discuss whether to

postpone either the 2015 or 2016 festival.

But after the meeting, tweets from a Municipal Council member prompted speculation about the exact events that unfolded in the Chamber.

Reports claim that only three members voted in favour of organising the 2015 festival. But with poor attendance the Chairman left the chamber, effectively postponing voting until the next session, in early June.

The Muscat Festival has become a staple of the annual entertainment calendar of Oman. Performers come from all over the world to showcase traditional and contemporary theatre

and crafts. Entertainers this year alone came from as far

away as Kyrgyzstan and Peru in a field of over 83 nationalities and 1,400 performers.

It has also been a prominent platform for Omani talent including photographers, schools and traditional crafts to take centre stage. But the festival has also been an arena in which international and cultural values have clashed.

This year, a show by a dance troupe at the Naseem Gardens was halted after just one performance on the grounds that it conflicted with the Sultanate’s morals and culture.

But the decision to postpone the festival, if and when the vote goes ahead, is one not to be taken likely given the significant revenues for the country.

During the staging of this year’s event, hotel occupancy was reportedly near 100 per cent.

uncertain future for Muscat festival G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR

OMAN

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

At least 2,000 people were killed in a landslide in the Afghan village of Abi Barak in Badakhshan Province

HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND

63 die as rebels clash in eastern Syria, despite a recent deal in which opposition fighters were able to leave the Old City of Homs

A 116-year-old Peruvian woman living in extreme poverty in the Andes is in the running to be the oldest person in the world

Airline Etihad introduces most expensive airline tickets, reaching up to RO8,170 one way for its luxurious VIP suite which includes a butler, living room, bedroom and private bathroom

Do you mean, like underground music? Hidden from public view, yes, but when we say underground waste bins, we mean it, literally.What’s happening in the world of waste then? Muscat Municipality is soon to install underground waste receptacles in an effort to keep the city clean. A pilot project is being trialled in Muttrah Business District and the Central Banking District, where huge underground bins will be installed.Sounds like it could help improve waste collection?Absolutely. This is a system that’s been implemented in other cities around the world where it’s met with a great deal of success. The rubbish goes straight into a container encased in a metal frame and concrete sleeve installed beneath the surface. Are there any weaknesses to the system? Yes, it’s going to rely on residents actually putting their rubbish in the bins, rather than chucking it out of the car window, leaving it on a beach, or ditching it in historic ruins (see p20).Don’t be such a cynic – what are the advantages?Apparently, there are less odours, no visual pollution and they’re easy to use. They’ll also be more secure. But where will the stray cats and dogs eat? Presumably we’ll be looking at a mass exodus of the street animals from the areas with underground bins to other suburbs with the old-style street bins – or ‘meals on wheels’ as they’re known among the alley cats.And what about recycling?That will be stage two. The first stage is to replace all conventional bins and the second stage will be to look at recycling.Huh? But surely recycling needs to be considered hand-in-hand with collection? You may have a point there. Statistics show that the world’s most successful recycling systems separate recyclable and non-recyclable waste ‘at source’, before anything else is done, i.e. plastic bottles go in the blue bins, paper in the white, etc. Looks like we’re going to have to wait a bit longer for that kind of recycling revolution to hit Muscat.Do say: I’m going to throw this away.Don’t say: It’s a load of rubbish.

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

LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.UNDERgROUND WAStE BiNS

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 1 3

The concept of a green economy has been trending around the world for a while now and Oman is jumping on the eco bandwagon.The Sultanate’s first ever environment awards, The Oman Green Awards, which will be held on June 5, are aimed at spreading green consciousness among residents, such as the importance of protecting and restoring what is left of the natural habitat.Eco warriors and those working to promote green issues will be honoured for their endeavours and achievements, both corporate and individuals.There are nine award categories in which individuals, companies or organisations can be nominated. These are: The Green Innovation Award, Green Campaign of the Year, The Green Habitat Award, The Green Research Award, Green Landscape Award, Green Footprint Award, Green Guardian Award, Green Champion Award and The Green Education Award.On the awards website, omangreenawards.com, organisers say Oman, as a young nation, is making

large strides towards development and prosperity but the concept of eco-consciousness still seems to be in its infancy.However, a growing ‘green’ class of Omanis are finally starting to comprehend the importance of preserving the country’s natural resource and recognising there are many air, water and land pollution issues that need to be controlled before it’s too late.It is hoped the awards will also become a forum for coordinated ecology efforts in the country and provide green groups a platform for concerted action.To nominate yourself, an individual, a corporation or an organisation for any of the above award categories, go to www.omangreenawards.com and fill out the online nomination form or call 24700896. Nominations close on May 20, 2014.

GREEN VISION

BeaM Me uP sCottY!Y Magazine is looking for a first-class sub-editor/writer with an eye for detail and a flair for the English language to keep us at the top as the most talked about weekly magazine in Oman. Dedicated and hard-working, the successful applicant will be prepared to work long and flexible hours, taking responsibility for ensuring that our copy is crisp, bright, accurate and engaging to read.You will have at least three years’ experience working as a sub-editor in magazines or newspapers with InDesign experience. Your primary role will be checking, rewriting and editing editorial copy to an exacting standard but you will also be expected to write news and lifestyle articles for the magazine as part of a small, tight-knit and creative editorial team.

If you are up to the challenge and the fun of working for the most sparkling English-language lifestyle magazine in the Middle East, send in your CV and cover letter to hireme@sabcomedia.com by May 27, 2014.

A one-way ticket to the planet Mars might not be everybody’s idea of a perfect retirement plan but for one expatriate

from Oman, this might be the reality of his impending future.

Dr Michael Theodore L Pais, a 39-year-old physician from the Philippines, is hoping to boldly go where no doctor has gone before.

The aspiring astronaut who lives in Muscat, has made it through the first selection process in a competition to win a place on a mission to Mars.

He was one of 1,058 shortlisted entries from wannabe space explorers who applied to make the tiny planet – about one-half the size of Earth – their home. Only 705 have gone through to the next stage after successfully completing two tasks in March.

However, only four lucky earthlings will get to take the next giant leap for mankind.

Initially, over 200,000 people applied from over 140 countries to become prospective spacefarers when the Dutch company, Mars One, announced the mission last April.

Dr Pais (inset photo) was surfing on Facebook when he came across details about the adventure last year with the application deadline just a few days away. Like a true adventurer, he filled out the application form, answered the questions and submitted his video for a review. The mission’s key requirements were that astronauts must be intelligent, creative, psychologically stable and physically healthy.

Now, the doctor is among the 418 men and

287 women who have been invited for a personal interview before further filtering of participants into teams.

He still has a long way to go to reach the red planet, in more ways than one, though.

The top 40 contenders will have to undergo seven years of training to make the monumental journey to reach our mysterious neighbour,

which is 56 million kilometres from Earth. The voyage would take roughly eight months to complete.

Awaiting those who do make the trip will be a terrain of canyons, dunes, volcanoes and polar caps of water ice and temperatures which can plummet as low as -187°C. Mind you, doctor Dr Pais is used

to hostile environments; he’s currently working in a remote desert oilfield in Oman.

Mars gets its vibrant blood-red colour from the iron-rich dust on its surface.

The Mars One Mission is the first privately funded space mission with an estimated budget of $6 billion (RO2.3 billion). The company is planning to send its first unmanned mission in 2018 and the human Mars mission in 2023.

Dr Pais, who lists the Internet, ancient history, sci-fi and fantasy books, astronomy and computer games as his hobbies and interests on his public profile on the Mars One website says if he’s selected, he hopes to go to Mars not as a physician but as an explorer.

“Although I’m a doctor by profession, I’m always fascinated with “What’s out there?” since I was a child. And now I would like to find out,” he says.

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 1 4

S U P E R YA C H T SLUXURY BOATS DOCKED AT THE ALMOUJ MARINA, THE WAvE, FOR THE GULF CRAFT LEISURE MARINE SHOW THIS WEEK

G A L L E R YYOUR OMAN

Photos: Ania James

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uP in the I t seemed to happen stealthily overnight.

Certainly huge numbers of unsuspecting drivers are being caught out by a hike in car parking charges at Muscat International

Airport, leaving some of the unlucky ones facing bills of up to RO100.

Many only found out when they went to pay at the machine in the car park.

Y witnessed angry drivers clamouring outside the manned ticket office this week demanding refunds or explanations for what many called ‘exorbitant’ prices.

The new pricing has seen charges for Car Park 2 and 3 rise to 500 baisa for the first 30 minutes and RO1 for each additional hour.

“I have just been stung for RO70 for parking there (at the airport) for three days, Shocking!” said Stu Brown, posting on an Internet forum.

What makes it even more frustrating for airport users is that Car Park 1 has been reserved for airport staff only and is rarely full. Little wonder motorists get irked when they have to drive past empty spaces.

Leaving a car for a week in the long stay car park costs a far more reasonable RO24.

That’s if you can get a space there. During peak times, it is rammed full.

Usually, a frustrating drive and fruitless search around will end in vain, with too few spaces available for too many cars.

This leaves drivers either forced to park in the short stay or dump their cars on the side of the road, risking a hefty parking ticket.

Y got caught out with the new charges. We paid RO37 for leaving a car overnight in Car Park 2 while taking a hired 4x4 to Jebel Shams.

Several drivers facing similar bills besieged the small office by the ticket machine. One South African man had to fork out RO98.

If it all sounds horribly familiar, it’s because we’ve been here before.

In December, the airport authorities put up parking prices only to be forced into a U-turn a

NEW CAR PARKING CHARGES AT MUSCAT AIRPORT LEAVE DRIVERS OUT OF POCKET AND RUNNING OUT OF PATIENCE, REPORTS KATE GINN

Airmonth later after complaints from travellers about the 150 per cent hike.

The Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) had to intervene after tariffs in the long-stay car park were increased to RO5 a day.

In turn, the Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) said studies it had carried out recommended an increase in parking tariffs to help reduce traffic

congestion outside the airport.

After a hiatus of a few months, OAMC revealed it was raising the prices again. While adverts about the increase were put out, it clearly passed some drivers by.

Internet forum ‘Muscat – Where Can I Find?’ was this week abuzz with disgruntled airport users.

Rosie Gabrielle said drivers were struggling to get into the long stay car park.

“We saw a line of about 20 cars at the gate and they said the lot was full.

“Some people had been stuck over an hour there. Imagine – they could have missed their flights because of that. I was picking someone up and had to go park out on the highway.

“Last time we went to the airport we took a taxi, so when we returned we went to catch a taxi home to Azaiba

– five minutes away – and they would not charge less then 10 rial. Something has to change in this country.”

Another driver told how she had refused to pay the higher fees and won.

“They tried to charge me 49 (rial) on Thursday. I went to the window and told them I’m not paying as there were no signs stating the change on Tuesday when I parked so I’m not paying it. So they charged me six,” said Gabriela Delassandro.

OAMC says the higher prices in Car Park 2 and 3 are needed to discourage long-term parking in short stay areas. It is has a point but the change has added new problems.

Posting on ‘Muscat – Where Can I Find?, Katharine Perry said: “I’m not saying it is right or wrong but since all these parking changes have been made, parking or even stopping outside the airport for a short time to collect or drop someone has become very difficult, chaotic.

“Are there extra flights or is there just less parking? Roll on the new terminal being completed. No wonder taxis are cashing in on the opportunity. I do sometimes wonder when I see the sea of faces waiting at arrivals if they are

really all there to meet people off flights.”

Y Magazine tried to contact OAMC but was unable to get a response to our telephone calls.

Meanwhile, the situation is only likely to get worse. With no opening date for the new airport in sight and more passengers pouring into Muscat – 2.2 million passed through the terminal in the first quarter of this year, a

rise of 8.1 per cent on last year – the fight for precious car park spaces goes on.

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OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

A symbol of hospitality, the Omani coffee pot, or ‘Al Dallah’ in Arabic, has an instantly recognisable silhouette. Traditional versions

are made from copper or brass but can also be in silver. A hinged lid is attached to a slender handle while coffee is poured from the long spout. Available in all sizes and materials, costs can vary substantially for hand-crafted ornate versions through to factory-made imitations.

But pouring the coffee is just the start of a hospitable ritual in which the host offers cardamom-infused coffee to their guests in small cups without handles.

Remember to tap your cup to show you have finished – traditionally it is shared and if you don’t shake it your host will keep filling it up until you do.

COFFEE POT24.

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JUNGlE SHUFFlESet in a Mexican jungle, this family 3D animation follows Manu, a coati, and his buddy Chuy, a spider monkey, who must rescue Princess Sacha from poachers and a crazed evil scientist. It’s a cute story with a familiar plot using cheap and cheerful Korean CGI and a lively Latin score.

Y ‘s Choice

walk of shame

A gang of friends go out, get wasted and do some very silly things. Yes, it’s the plot of The Hangover and Bridesmaids and it’s also the premise of this comedy starring Elizabeth Banks. She spends the whole movie in a tight yellow dress, which may be the main reason to watch it if you like that kind of thing. Banks is a

Joe

MOVIES MOVIESwannabe Los Angeles news anchor who finds out she has been passed up for her dream job and so goes for a night out with the girls. She ends up back at the house of barman James Marsden. From this moment things go from bad to disastrous pretty quickly. If you can put up with the excess of crude gags, it has some very funny moments.

Crush

Since the term ‘bunny boiler’ was coined in Fatal Attraction in the 80s, a whole range of technologies have come along to assist the would-be stalker. In this teen drama, Crystal Reed plays Bess, a lonely outsider who falls for high school football heartthrob played by Lucas Till. Bess’s growing obsession with him means she will go to any length, and enlists a fellow music store employee to help make him hers. Reed gives a subtle performance as the awkward teen trying to reach out, and there’s a surprising twist in the tale, although the thriller elements don’t work so well.

the LOVe punch Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson play a divorced couple on a revenge trip in this tongue-firmly-in-cheek romantic comedy that works by never taking itself seriously. Brosnan’s retirement plan is ruined when his firm is asset-stripped by a hostile French takeover. Soon he and Thompson become the unlikeliest pair of international criminals when they head to the

French Riviera to steal a diamond brooch from the Frenchman’s bride. Supporting this far-fetched escapade are neighbours Celia Imrie and Timothy Spall. An enjoyable romp.

These days Nicolas Cage is best known for starring in big budget Hollywood hokum, but in Joe he moves away from Tinseltown, playing the flawed central character in this powerful drama set in rural Texas.

Joe is the head of a work crew whose job is to poison trees for a timber company. Along comes young Gary (Tye Sheridan), a kid from a troubled family who is looking for work. Joe takes him under his wing and soon finds himself wanting to

protect the boy from his abusive father, played with real authenticity by Gary Poulter. Joe tries to control his violent impulses but the harsh reality of life conspires against him staying out of trouble.

David Gordon Green’s direction creates a poetic sense of the savage forces of nature and society that unavoidably lead to a violent conclusion.

Review by Joe Gill

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OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

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M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 1 8

19th hole

t h e W h At ’ S o N G U I D e

The iSwim Show is a swimming event open to children between the ages seven and 19. Children can sign up and choose between five different competitive categories. the event will be held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bawshar. Tickets priced at RO2.5. The event lasts from 8am-12pm. Gates close at 8.15am. For more information, contact petitjean.julie@gmail.com, +968 95806097

thIS WeeKM A Y - J U N e

WhAt to Do.

WhAt to See.

WhAt to heAr.

You’ve seen DiCaprio play him in the movie. But now you can go one better and meet the real Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort, as he appears live in Muscat to talk about ‘The Inner Game of Success and Persuasion.’ For one day only he will be appearing at the Oman Auditorium at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. For registration call +968 93221121, +968 93328938 or Rajesh Rama on 99368021, email r.raman@kr.com

It may be too hot on the green but you can still head to Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort for the 1st Annual Golf Ball to celebrate the end of the golfing season. The event starts at 7pm and will include a live band, a DJ, complimentary drinks, dinner and entertainment. Tickets are priced at RO35 and can be purchased from your local golf course. The dress code for the event is national dress or black tie. For information contact leone@golfworldoman.com

iCan Swim

Big Bad Wolf

09

May

9May

BeAr NeCeSSItY Join the party at the Build-A-Bear Workshop in Muscat Grand Mall for furry fun all round. Meet and Greet with huggable Bearemy. RO9.5 includes singing and dancing, plus a Lucky Dip with great gifts, and make your own Pizzazy Bear or Razzy Berry Kitty.From 4pm-5.30pm. For big and little kids.Sign up in store or call 22009430

20May

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iCan Swim

MAY14-15

Percussion Fest

Enjoy one of the oldest forms of musical expression as internationally recognised percussion artists Murat Coskun, Said El Artist and friends put on a scintillating performance combining rhythms and melodies for an entertaining night. For tickets and information, visit www.rohmuscat.org.om

KNOW

YOUR

ART

Know your Modigliani from your Michelangelo? Now’s your chance to expand your appreciation of art with Carrie Brummer at the Stal Gallery. The class is priced at RO5 per person and will be held from 7-9pm. To sign up call 24600396 or email info@stalgallery.com

14MAY

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HISTORIC BUILDINGS THAT TESTIFY TO OMAN’S RICH CULTURE AND HERITAGE ARE COLLAPSING IN A STATE OF NEGLECT, SAY KATE GINN AND TOM ROBERTSON

to WastePhotos: Tom Robertson & Kate Ginn

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wait for the final moment when they’ll crash to the ground.

Speaking to Ali al Mahrouqi, director of forts and castles at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, Y learnt that a management plan is in the process of being developed for the area, which will also be discussed with the town’s residents.

Because, according to Mr al Mahrouki, although the Ministry overseas heritage projects, the responsibility for keeping the buildings in a proper state is the responsibility of the owners and, for protected buildings, the local municipality.

So for the moment, visitors are free to clamber around over collapsing roofs and decaying buildings, whose architecture and construction all hold the key to a historic past.

Yet in among this chaos, valuable objects remain: ornate wooden beams with hand-engraved patterns stoically hold up doorways through which inhabitants of the Harat (quarters) passed for hundreds of years.

At the moment, Oman’s cultural heritage sites are protected under a 1980 law, which covers buildings that have historical, archaeological, artistic or scientific value.

But the Government has recently announced a new tougher law to address shortcomings in the former legal framework. Four years in the planning, the legislation aims to fill gaps in the 1980 law and better preserve artifacts and buildings. It will also address punishments for violators flouting the rules, although full details have yet to be released.

For those buildings and zones that are privy to proper maintenance and legal protection, the rewards are great.

One of the oldest and largest in Oman, Nizwa Fort dates back to 1650 and has underlying structures from the 12th Century. A huge renovation project has made the fortification a sparkling example of Oman’s history and how to preserve the past for tourists and residents to enjoy.

Rustaq Fort, dating from pre-Islamic times and fortified further under the Al Bu Said dynasty, has also been subject to renovation and the efforts are paying dividends for Oman’s tourism. During 2013, the number of visitors to castles and forts from January 1 to October 31 totalled 150,000 people, of which South Al

In the small village of Al Hamra, quietly nestled in the shadow of Jebel Shams, something extraordinary awaits visitors.

Just past the donkeys eating grass by the side of the road, with the sound of fresh

mountain water running along the nearby falaj, are some of the most well-preserved mud brick houses in the country, many of which are more than 400 years old.

A few are still inhabited but most have long since been abandoned, empty shells filled with the ghosts of the past.

The chance to step back in time and see a glimpse into Oman’s olden days should be an unforgettable experience.

It certainly is for visiting Lianne Roberts but not for the reasons that you might think.

Picking her way gingerly along one of the alleyways of the mud-brick homes, the American tourist is trying to avoid treading on shards of glass from smashed bottles as she navigates her way through discarded plastic bottles, shoes, bits of dusty rugs and even old nappies.

Inside the mud-brick buildings it’s worse. Detritus is flowing out of the doorways and windows. On an earlier visit, there was the body of a decomposing cat.

Piles of rubbish are everywhere. The stench is unbearably strong at times, the air abuzz with flies.

“I had high expectations of it here, given its cultural significance,” says Mrs Roberts, 41, who is visiting Oman for the first time with her husband, Greg.

“As a visitor to this country, I was shocked to see the state it was in.

“We don’t have anything like this back home, so it’s very exciting to see. I am walking around history here.

“I was really disappointed to see the neglect and lack of respect of what is to me a valuable monument and important part of Oman’s heritage.”

It certainly won’t make pretty photographs to show the folks back home in the States. Nor, you imagine, is it the sort of image that Oman would want to portray as it seeks to attract more tourists to these shores.

What should be a proud testament to the Sultanate’s fascinating heritage has been left to wrack and ruin, a piece of Omani history slowly crumbling away and used as a place to dump rubbish.

And it’s the same story to the south, in the town of Sinaw, where the sprawling old quarter lies abandoned behind the town’s more modern centre.

Exposed wooden beams are broken and damaged, ceilings have fallen through and walls

Batinah attracted 18,000 people. It’s also a move that has seen Rustaq fort,

along with Al Hazm Fort, placed on Oman’s list for consideration as a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s the first stage of a process that may eventually see the buildings inscribed on the World Heritage list. If successful, Al Hazm and Rustaq fort would join their Ad Dakhiliyah cousin, Bahla Fort, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, when it received international financial assistance for necessary renovations. It’s now beautifully restored back to its former glory.

It’s this sort of investment that other sites are so evidently sadly lacking.

Back in the crumbling streets of Al Hamra and Sinaw, the historic sites have unofficially become dumping grounds. With an apparent lack of controls to stop the damage, people are free to fly tip at will.

When Y visited Al Hamra last weekend, the state of neglect had gone beyond mere rubbish disposal. Doors to the ancient homes are either broken or missing, stripped away by someone. Lanes that snake through the dwellings are barely safe to traverse with all manner of waste on the ground – even, in one case, an old dirty

toilet bowl.In Sinaw, trying to explore the ruins has

become an obstacle course through piles of discarded household rubbish. Y went to the site three years ago and found it in a lamentable state with rotting animal carcasses and garbage strewn everywhere. We had hoped to find some improvement.

If anything, it was worse. We found the badly decomposed body of what appeared to be a goat emanating a terrible smell lying on the floor. No attempt appeared to have been made to clear up the mounds of rubbish, plastic bags, bottles and old clothes.

It’s a far cry from the visitors enamoured with the sleek and clean walls of Nizwa fort, and makes for unpalatable viewing.

Even basics such as signposts or information boards giving visitors a greater appreciation of the cultural centres in which they stand are nowhere to be seen in places like Al Hamra.

Instead, tourists are left to wander around the narrow lanes and cobbled alleys at will.

“It is a real wasted opportunity,” says Mrs Roberts, the American tourist we came across trying to avoid a mishap with all the rubbish.

“I’m not saying it should be turned into a Disneyland-type attraction, that would spoil it but it needs to be looked after. You would expect better for an important part of Oman’s history.

“A lot of countries neglect their monuments. I’ve been to Egypt too and seen the same sort of problems with their artifacts and ancient buildings.”

But the prospects for improved protection for Oman’s heritage are looking up.

Along with the new legislation, other efforts are being made behind the scenes.

The Ministry of Heritage and Culture is reportedly in the final stages of a new heritage plan that documents and analyses possible management measures for heritage buildings, such as the one being drawn up in Sinaw.

89 sites have been prioritised above other listed sites for documentation and management.

A joint project between the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, Sultan Qaboos University, Nizwa University and Nottingham Trent University, UK, the study sets strategies and guidelines.

Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, Professor at

Nottingham Trent University’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, was one of those awarded a grant by the Ministry to research heritage significance, preservation and potential reuse of sites.

“Human settlements are expressions of culture, social order and political intentions in space,” says Bandyopadhyay. “They are tangible representations of historical events and illustrate cultural continuity through the built environment. With Oman’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, it is vital to preserve it.”

An official at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture also confirmed that conservation work and information centres are planned for Bat near Ibri, and Qalhat, Sur, which was recently added to UNESCO’s tentative list in 2013.

But for those sites without this kind of kudos, such as Al Hamra, there’s little tangible evidence of work being carried out to make the sites of interest to visitors.

At one time there was a small museum in the village but Y’s journalists found little sign of it other than a faded handwritten note stuck high up on a wall of a house.

Al Hamra, however, does offer visitors a taste of the village’s traditional past, preserved in the form of Bait al Safah, a mud-brick house, which has been restored to its magnificent former self.

It’s here that visitors can talk to one of the guides about the history of the area, how the houses were made and meet some of the local village women doing traditional crafts.

When asked about the terrible state of the mud-brick houses, one member of staff at Bait al Safah blamed outsiders, saying: “It is down to foreign people who live in the area, coming here to put their rubbish and throw things away.

“It needs to be cleared up. I agree that it does not look good.”

The potential in developing heritage sites, as has been seen in the better-known forts and castles like Nizwa and Rustaq, is to give areas a boost by attracting jobs and investment in tourism and services for visitors.

The preservation of sites like Al Hamra and Sinaw could offer a means to generate new business and employment, such as in cafés and small shops selling craft souvenirs.

It’s a business dynamic that the Ministry of Tourism are well aware of, as they investigate new possibilities for using Oman’s heritage sites to generate income from tourism.

Paradores, a Spanish company, is currently delivering a study which assesses which of Oman’s forts and castles would be suitable for turning into hotels.

It’s a laudable aim but, meanwhile, the likes of the historic Al Hamra are left to decay.

“I just hope the government of Oman will do something to save this place. It would be a shame to lose it or see it ruined,” says Mrs Roberts.

“It’s still great to see and really fascinating, despite the lack of support, but it could be so much better.”

Fancy a trip to the historic old quarters of Sinaw and Al Hamra? Here’s some of the sights that visitors will find:Wire, lightbulbs, tyres, plastic piping, chicken feed, dead animals, plastic bags, bottles, cigarette packets, cardboard boxes, bottles of medication, pottery, shoes, sandals, furniture, clothes, blankets, rope, glass, plastic chairs, a toilet bowl, used nappies and old rugs.

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Y’S WORLD CUP SPECIAL

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To start our coverage, Y takes a look at some World Cup trivia from the iconic to the bizarre:

Trade BoostThink back to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and you’ll recall one horrendous sound: the deafening 127-decibel din of the dreaded vuvuzela. But while players, fans and commentators were complaining, one country wasn’t – China. They produced over

90 per cent of those sold at the World Cup, with one factory, Zhejiang Ninghai Ji Ying Plastic Products, reportedly selling over a million of the horrible horns. Bah humbug.

Maradona’s MomentJust six minutes into the second half of the quarter-

final match between England and Argentina in 1986, Maradona took his team into the lead. The only problem? The Argentine striker scored by using the outside of his left hand to direct the ball into the back of the net – leading to the infamous nickname for the goal, ‘Hand of God’. Despite protests, the infraction went unnoticed by the referee and England went on to lose 2-1.

It’s not just for the GloryDid you know that the participants and the winners don’t take part purely

from the goodness of their hearts? Each participating team will receive at least RO3.46 million, quarter-finalists will go on to receive RO5.38 million and the

runners-up will each take away a very respectable RO9.62 million. The World Champions will be given a hefty RO13.47 million.

Serious MoneyA whopping RO1.33 billion has been spent on stadiums by Brazil in order to host the

crowds expected to flock to support their teams. Twelve stadiums will be used, some new, some renovated, of which the largest is Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro with a

capacity to hold up to 79,935 spectators.

Host BoastBrazil is the only country that’s survived the preliminaries and made it through to the final rounds of each of the 19 World Cups that have taken place since 1930. The boys in blue and yellow are the most successful team in the tournament, having won five FIFA World Cup titles. Recent form hasn’t been too good though. Their lowest-ever FIFA ranking, 22nd, was recorded less than a year ago in June 2013.

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You’re on your way to Brazil with Y Magazine. One of the biggest sporting spectacles is just over a month away and World Cup fever is starting to spread as kick-off draws closer. With our World Cup Special, you don’t need to miss out on any of the excitement. Each week, we’ll be bringing you profiles of the teams, fun facts, competitions, results, match predictions and all the gossip, both on and off the pitch from Rio. Hosts Brazil are first out of the tunnel in what promises to be a four-week feast of thrilling football with the opening game on June 12 against Croatia. Launching our countdown, we profile two of the top 10 teams, Spain and Switzerland. Next week, two more of the best sides will be highlighted, so catch all the action with your own World Cup winner, Y Magazine.

It’s been a long journey for the 32 teams to make it to the World Cup, one that began three years ago with the qualifying games starting in June 2011. A total of 207 footballing nations, from the six FIFA confederations, including the Oman national team, set out with dreams of making it all the way to Brazil. As part of the build-up, Y Magazine will profile the Top 10 seeds in the tournament over the next five weeks until the opening game on June 12

oN THE RoAD To Rio

WHO COULD SPRiNg A SURPRiSE? iVoRY CoasT

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FiFA RANKiNg: 1HiStORY: The current World Cup holders are looking good for possible back-to-back tournament wins. La Roja (the red one), as they’re known, have dominated the global football scene for the last four years and come into this tournament as the reigning World and European champions. They’ve clocked up 73 international titles at senior and junior level including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where they

beat the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time.PREViOUS FORM: Before lifting the coveted trophy in South Africa, they were said to suffer from a ‘quarter-

final jinx’, so often were the team eliminated after reaching the last eight. Brazil 2014 will be their tenth consecutive World Cup finals appearance.

StAR PLAYER: So many. Take your pick from midfield geniuses Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso. Cesc Fabregas isn’t half bad either.CAPtAiN: Iker CasillasCOACH: Vicente del Bosque

CHANCES? Stars David Villa and Fernando Torres might not be on top form but the red and

yellow ribbon may well be on the cup again come July 13.

Group B with the Netherlands, Chile and AustraliaOpening Game: June 13 v Netherlands

Any team that fields former Chelsea hero Didier Drogba (he scored the winning penalty that helped the Blues finally lift the elusive Champions League trophy in 2012) and Manchester City star Yaya Toure has to be reckoned with. These two will be leading an Ivorian side that could well be the surprise package of the tournament. True, they have never got past the first round before, are in a tough group

and have a habit of choking on the big occasion. They have wilted under pressure at the last five African Nations Cup tournaments – but this could be the time that it all comes together. They have the players and the spirit; the confidence now needs to turn up on the pitch too.

StAR PLAYER / CAPtAiN: Now a Galatasaray forward in Turkey’s Super Lig, but most famous for his glory days with Chelsea, Drogba is the team’s standout player and top scorer.COACH: Sabri LamouchiCHANCES? Perhaps they won’t be going to go all the way to the final in Rio de Janeiro but they might just stick a boot into the dreams of other teams.Group C with Japan, Colombia and GreeceOpening Game: June 14 v Japan

this week, we kick off with favourites spain and surprising switzerland.

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FiFA RANKiNg: 8HiStORY: Switzerland slipping into the seeds is like your grandmother suddenly announcing she’s a World BMX champion. It’s a bit of a surprise to say the least. Or is it? They may not be one of the traditional footballing ‘greats’ that spring to mind but the country more famous for its Alps and chocolate is reaping the rewards of some intense investment in its football future. After co-hosting the Euro 2008 Championships, they’ve been left with some serious footballing infrastructure for training the stars of tomorrow. Their qualification for the World Cup finals was near seamless and they come into the tournament unbeaten in any of the ten qualifying games.PREViOUS FORM: The boys from Switzerland have reached the last eight stages of a World Cup on three occasions, the last being in 1954. It’s all been a bit downhill since then. In 2010, they were effectively packed off home after three games after losing their opening game to eventual champions Spain.StAR PLAYER: Keeper Diego Benaglio is very handy between the sticks. Talented youngsters Fabian Schar and Valentin Stocker could make their mark.CAPtAiN: Gökhan InlerCOACH: Ottmar HitzfeldCHANCES? Could well cause a few upsets. One to watch out for.Group E with Ecuador, France and HondurasOpening Game: June 15 v Ecuador

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Muna Zayed is quite a formidable woman. A mother of four and science teacher, she already has her hands full with numerous demands on her time. But that hasn’t stopped her from setting her sights on a goal of national importance – to get Oman’s children to kick their junk

food habits and start eating healthily. With kids as young as ten being classed as obese in the Sultanate and

heart attack victims becoming younger amid soaring levels of cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure, it’s quite a task.

Muna’s idea of setting up an institute to tackle the issue may well be just what is needed. It certainly caught the eye of judges in a competition held for women across the GCC countries to come up with unique philanthropic ideas that aim to change lives. Her concept has been chosen as one of the nine shortlisted out of 340 entries – and the only one to be selected from Oman.

“I didn’t realise that I would be one of them (shortlisted entrants). Even when they called me, I was so surprised because it had been a dream that I hadn’t been able to make come true,” says Muna.

“I believe that change can start from an idea, so I submitted mine, which is to have a private institute for healthy food.”

Since then, Muna has been shaping and refining her idea ready for a final presentation in front of three selected judges. At stake is a cash prize of RO10,000 for the winner and a chance to help turn their dream into reality.

Among the other entries were soup kitchens, toy libraries, book stations and art on wheels.

Muna, a self-confessed Facebook addict and teacher at Al-Ibdaa International School in Muscat, has been working on the idea of establishing an institute to spread awareness of healthy eating for almost five years.

“Through the institute, I want to teach kids the disadvantages of fast food and show them how to cook healthy food in a simple way,” she says. “I also want to tell them about junk food: how it is made, what kind of meat it has and how it is the main cause of many diseases such as obesity and heart disease.”

Her inspiration came from watching her own four children’s bad eating habits and her efforts to curb them.

“I noticed them eating junk food more than three times a week and even sweets and crisps daily. Especially on their way back home from school, they tend to feel hungry and these snacks are available in their school which gives them easy access.”

They are not alone. Fast food addiction is on the rise and, unless checked, it could be a ticking time bomb. A recent study in Oman found that five per cent of children aged between 10-18 years old were overweight and nine per cent

were medically obese.Having been around kids long enough to notice the drastically changing

patterns in food consumption, Muna had been taking advantage of her job as a teacher to educate the children in her class about good eating habits and the importance of healthy breakfasts.

“Parents and caregivers play a key role in not only making healthy choices for children but also teaching children to make healthy choices for themselves,” she says.

How to get kids to eat healthier is one of the country’s biggest challenges – but one mother could have the answer. Shishira Sreenivas meets herFO

ODFOR

Tho

ught

Junk Food DangersObese youth are more likely to be at risk of

cardiovascular diseases.Obese adolescents are more likely to have pre-diabetes, a

condition where blood glucose levels suggest future development of diabetes.

Obese kids are at a higher risk for bone and joint problems.Childhood obesity is associated with increased risk for many types

of cancer.Studies suggest genes account for 82 per cent of the variation in

body mass index in ten-year-olds – this means if they don’t control their food intake, there is a higher risk of obesity.

Kids watch an average of ten food-related ads per day (nearly 4,000 per year).

Nearly 40 per cent of children’s diets come from sugars and unhealthy fats.* Source: www.cdc.gov, www.preventioninstitute.org

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 2 7

Now, she has been making the effort to send her own children to school with homemade sandwiches and sliced fruits so that they can avoid fast food. Even when the family goes out for dinner at restaurants, Muna now encourages her kids to develop a healthy diet by ordering grilled meats and salads.

However, by using a bigger platform, such as an institute, Muna hopes to reach out to people on a larger scale.

“Through my institute, I hope to visit schools to demonstrate to kids how to lead a healthier lifestyle. Hopefully this way, we can bring down the number of children that depend on fast food and instead provide them with healthier solutions and recipes that parents can implement in their diets using my ideas,” says Muna.

To help spread her message and provide solutions to parents, Muna created an official Facebook page ‘Stop Junk Food, Start Healthy Food’ as a part of her campaign.

But the proud Jordanian now needs your help to win the ‘Philadelphia Creativity for a Cause’ competition. In order to be first past the finishing post, Muna needs a minimum of 10,000 votes from supporters.

At the moment, she is in second place with just over 1,000 votes and is asking Oman to get behind her and support the cause, spreading her message on social media.

Whether she wins or not, ultimately Muna says she will carry on striving to implement healthy eating habits for children and wants to get sponsors on board to help the campaign.

“My passion is to reduce these bad habits by building a healthy community for a better future, and to me, it’s a grand prize if I’ve managed to make a change of lifestyle with just one child,” she says.

Want to help Muna? Here’s how to vote,

it’s easy

1Open this web page www.phillyarabia.com

2 Click on Muna’s video, which is titled ‘Private Institute for Healthy Food’ by Muna Zayed.

3Click the vote button and register your name and email, adding a password.

4Finally you need to check your email to verify the vote. Simply click on the link sent to you.

The most important part is to verify the vote through email or the vote will not be counted.

(Left to right) Mera (10), Mahdi (16), Muna, Momen (six) and Mohamad (14)

OTC’s series of “How to Cook at Home” Classes

Starting in May and June

Omani Cuisine

Course is on four Monday mornings starting from 2nd of June, 9th of June, 16th of June and 23rd of June,2014.

Class is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 80 OMR per person

All those involved in the courses get to prepare, cook and enjoy a well-earned lunch or dinner.

Lebanese Cuisine

Class A is on four Tuesday evenings starting from 20th of May,

27th of May, 3rd of June and 10th of June,2014. Class is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 80 OMR per person

Class B is on four Thursday morning starting on 22nd of May, 29th of May, 5th of June and 12th of June, 2014.

Class is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 80 OMR per person.

All those involved in the courses get to prepare, cook and enjoy a well-earned lunch or dinner.

For more information please contact: jaana.raisanen@otc.edu.om, 97628670 or

Short Courses Department scd@otc.edu.om, Tel: (+968) 24512312, 24512313.

Oman Tourism College is located next to the Golden Tulip Hotel in Seeb.

/OmanTourismCollegeOfficialPage

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 2 8

FOOD

DRINKAND

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

toXiC treat Candy may currently

be cool but the increasing consumption of sugar can

also cause expanding waistlines, health problems

and hyperactivity in children - and big

kids.

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 2 9

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

COOL CANDY

whiCh CandY triBe do You BelonG to?Wine guMs: You are solid, dependable and so old school that you’re in danger of becoming trendy again.haribO: What can we say? Mutton snacking as lamb. You have delusions of youth and probably go raving to ibiza once a year despite having teenage kids. LOLLipOps: You’re a thirtysomething Lolita and, quite frankly, it’s a bit creepy. LiQuOrice: it’s fat free and tastes vile but it looks chic so i’m guessing you’re some kind of skinny fashionista.

Celebrities such as Madonna and David Beckham have been ‘papped’ chomping on their Chupa Chups lollies, while British Prime Minister David Cameron was spotted last year snacking on a bag of Haribo

at an EU summit. I’m rather partial to fizzy cola bottles myself and know that an increasing

number of trendy media types have a secret stash of M&S’ Percys in their office drawer. Despite the recent demonisation of sugar, sweets have made a serious comeback.

Last year, the confectionery market was worth more than RO29 billion, rising 1.6 per cent year-on-year.

And as the market continues to expand, one sweetie specialist claims that the trend for old school candy is set to grow even further to meet adult demand.

“Our recent customer survey confirmed that the retro sweet trend is very much alive and kicking, with 75 per cent of independent retailers and businesses involved in the survey agreeing that the retro trend will be as strong as ever throughout 2014,” says a spokesperson for Hancocks, who stock novelty buys such as Everton Mints and Candy Watches.

According to the expert, the enduring appeal of retro sweets appears to be linked to nostalgia and novelty.

“They help adults reminisce about their childhood visits to the local sweetshop,” he says. “But the sweets also have an appeal among younger sweet lovers, who are not yet fully acquainted with the traditional numbers not always featured in your average pick-and-mix displays – sweets like Bullseyes, Pontefract Cakes, Humbugs and the mighty Rhubarb and Custard, for instance.”

In fact, much has been written recently about the Proustian effect of Rainbow Drops, Spangles and Pink Panther bars. The TV chef Nigel Slater even went so far as to proclaim that Parma Violets smelt like his Aunt Fanny’s handbag, while presenter Jonathan Ross fondly recalls confectionary cigarettes puffed for effect on chilly mornings.

My own early sweet fascination ran to Sherbet Dip Dabs and sticky Fruit Salads, which I’d buy on my walk home from school at a penny store belonging to Auntie Jean. It was our own village version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with fancy candy bars lined in a row and giant bell jars filled with flying saucers and extra powdery bonbons. These days, such vintage sweet stores are the height of fashion and chefs are falling over themselves to infuse desserts with popping candy and vintage flavours.

Of course, we admit that most sweeties are very, very bad for you. They rot your teeth, cause wrinkles and incite mood slumps and even depression. Then again, they’re not nearly as calorific as chocolate.

Pear drops are the Chanel bag of the sweet world, followed closely by lemon bonbons. Retro sweets are back in vogue, says Penny Fray

Recipe

Ingredients:l 2 Cups of sugarl 1 cCup of waterl 1/2 Scant teaspoon of flavouring oill 1 to 2 drops of food colouring Method: l Dissolve the sugar in the water and heat it over a stove on a low to medium heat. Stir it constantly so it doesn’t burn.l Add food colouring and flavouring when the sugar mixture has boiled – but do not wait until it has turned brown or you’ll have bad caramel. l Use a sweet thermometer to tell when the sugar has reached the ‘hard crack’ stage (this is between 300 and 310 degrees F or about 150 degrees C). You can test this by dropping a bit of the melted sugar into a glass of cold water, where it should form a hard, brittle thread that cracks.l Pour the melted sugar into moulds – you’ll find them in stores like Lakeland in MCC and Daiso at MGM. When it’s cooled a little, add sticks.l When the candy is completely cool, pop it out of the moulds, and voilà – you have lollipops.

LOLLIPOPS

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 80 3 0

S it down at one restaurant, get another thrown in for free. Or so should say the advertising blurb for The

Great Delhi Darbar Restaurant in Shatti al Qurum. For walk in the door, and you’ll also be met by Thai statues. This is no ordinary Indian restaurant. It’s also home to Meji’s Aroy Thai as well.

I know, I too was more than a little confused. One dining area, one kitchen, one service staff, but two menus. I can’t say I’ve ever had an argument with a friend over whether to eat Thai or Indian –for which this restaurant would prove the perfect solution - but hey, I’m a Gemini, so the twin culinary approach to cuisine might work after all.

Once we had got through a slightly innocuous smelling reception into the main dining area, we found a nice table among the mixed crowd. Omanis and expats from around the world were sitting down to dine. A large salon with an airy feel gave an impression of space, with its warm clay coloured walls and parquet floors.

I’m not sure whether it was bad luck, but we managed to pick a table laid with grease marks on the plates, stains on the tablecloth and place mats and the odd bit of rice kicking around the table. First impressions were poor.

Thank goodness then, for the

smiling and helpful waiter who immediately came to bring us some beautifully intricate menus, half of which was devoted to Thai food and the other half to Indian. Open them up though, and you’re met by pages of Indian food – with pictures. Alarm bells were set ringing. Gaudy photographs that conversely tote mid-market prices simply isn’t natural.

One of our party would take Indian, the other Thai, and myself, being the split personality in the Zodiac, would go half and half. Making the most of the situation, we made our choices and set about choosing drinks.

The Thai mocktails looked gorgeous – carrot juices, fresh strawberries concoctions and cucumber mixes all beckoned us. The waiter then informed us that none of those listed were available. What a sorry waste of paper.

So my friends opted for Thai iced tea. Upon tasting their drinks, I was told by both that it wasn’t pleasant. I did have a swig and it’s fair to say that you might get a few glugs down but after that it was going to be an uphill struggle. Two diet Pepsis were swiftly ordered to wash down the burnt bits of the complimentary

papadums.Meanwhile, our starters had

materialised. My tandoor broccoli, with its smoky taste, was exactly the different kind of starter I had hoped for. But the fattoush salad was as dry as the Empty Quarter with no attempt at a dressing of any kind.

After our friendly waiter made an enquiry with the kitchen on our

behalf, we were simply told that no dressing was available. Thanks kitchen, just a load of chopped greens for starters then. Up to this point, we had kept a sense of humour but it now started to seem like we were just stumbling from one

irritation to another.Luckily our mains were more

impressive. My Thai yellow curry with beef was surprisingly moreish and the butter chicken was the same. Thick and tasty sauces covered a decent serving of meat in both dishes, even though the beef wasn’t exactly tender. Nevertheless, there really was little to complain about and we were just grateful that neither had been a disaster – which brings us to the pad Thai.

How were the ingredients? Well, there with some noodles and a bit of chicken. But as for some of the

other more creative flavourings you might normally find in a pad Thai - egg, chilli peppers, lime, beansprouts, chive and coriander - they were no where to be seen. It was simply a lazy attempt at a traditional Thai meal.

After the other fairly decent mains, the not-so-super noodles had brought us back down to earth with a bump. It was therefore no surprise that the desserts were the same game of culinary Russian roulette. The fried ice cream was decent enough with its warm and indulgent crispy outer layer.

The phirni, however, had evidently been cooked en masse and simply slopped into the bowl with little attempt at presentation. There would be no nutty decorations here. The taste didn’t rescue it either.

The idea to combine the (not so) Great Deli Darbar and Aroy Thai was an ambitious one. But when we visited, the master plan simply hadn’t been successful. If a restaurant is unable to deliver the basics, two menus don’t mean double the chance to shine, it simply means there’s twice as many opportunities to make a mess of things.

Even talented chefs struggle to make one restaurant work. On the evidence of things, why this lot thought they could deal with two is beyond me – no man can serve two masters.

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

Double TroublePutting two restaurants into one is an interesting idea. But is it a gamble that pays off? Tom Robertson finds out

FOOD

DRINKAND

verdict:

Nice staff, the rest is pot-luck and

the odds against you

6 10

Info BoxMejI’S Aroy THAI

& THe GreAT DelHI DArBAr Address: Opposite

Intercontinental Hotel, Shatti al QurumTel: 97097053

Email: info@aroythaioman.comPrice: Dinner for Three includingstarters, mains, desert and drinks

RO38y Magazine reviews

anonymously and pays for its meals

Indexing the media landscape

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 3 2

Beautiful BlushMolten materials, soft silhouettes

and neutral shades give a soupҫon of sensuality to the hotter season.

Nodding to the minimalism of winter but adding a dash of femininity, designers decided to play with a

palette of white and nude in tactile fabrics such as lace, silk and

satin this spring.The romantic look is illustrated here with Badgley Mischka’s

latest collection.

HEALTH&BEAUTY

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

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 3 2

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 3 3

NEUTRAL NUDE This season’s most seductive pieces are surprisingly discrete, finds Penny Fray

FEMININE FASHION

1. It is time to bring satin and silk out of the bedroom and into your everyday style repertoire. When coupled with luxurious knits, the high-shine, suggestive fabrics can be worn from dawn to dark. 2. Keep it subtle. A bare shoulder glimpsed through an opening in the palest pink wool or a skirt that falls demurely below the knee, yet reveals the shape of the leg through its diaphanous fabric is the way to wear this season’s trend. 3. Embellishment has a key role to play. No longer reserved for special occasions, diamond-encrusted, rose-gold jewellery has become an everyday luxury.

Penny’s tips on looking neutral

and nice:

These boyish brogues from H&M give a masculine edge to flowing frocks. From RO52

Alaïa’s laser-cut leather is a design signature. Work it into everyday looks with this supple beige tote. This versatile bag is spacious enough to hold your documents, cosmetics and tablet. RO892

Christopher Kane’s shoulder-baring sweatshirt is one of the most covetable pieces from the runway collection. Cut from downy peach cotton-blend fleece for an oversized fit, it’s opulently decorated with weighty Swarovski crystals. The cozy jersey lining is crafted with a touch of cashmere for the most sumptuous texture too. RO1050 from Net-A-Porter

The idea of going nude in summer scares me. Of course, I’m not talking about shedding winter layers and getting arrested in

the name of fashion but, rather, wearing this season’s hottest shades of blush, putty, peach and rose. I don’t know why I consider these neutrals so risqué because they can look super classy when worn in skin caressing fabrics such as silk, satin and cashmere. And trying the trend in a more modest manner is this season’s main mission. Luckily, designers have come to our aid with fierce embellishments, luxurious fabrics and longer, fluid tailoring. In other words, take inspiration from Stella McCartney’s draped dresses or Lanvin’s satin trenches and stay clear of anything body-con. The aim is to keep it simple yet softly structured.

When it comes to colour, the number one rule is to pick a tone that isn’t too much like your own. Beige and rose look utterly fabulous on darker skin, while olive tones may need something slightly pinker.

Scared of looking as though you’ve forgotten to dress? I understand completely. Nude is a hard shade to pull off with ease. So consider going down the accessory route with a patent nude stiletto sandal or a classic tote. Even simpler - try rose quartz jewellery or, if you can afford it, pink diamonds.

To Tom Ford every detail counts. This limited edition extra amplified, gloss and shine nail lacquer oozes class. From RO17

Try this faux rose quartz ring from Accessorize to embrace this season’s preference for pale. From RO5

A feminine hemline hitting the knee is seriously sensual now. Zara, yet again, gets it right with this fluid number. RO17

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 3 4

HEALTH&BEAUTY

Fashion is all in the detail – but manicured nails are no longer take-it-or-leave-it extras, discovers Penny Fray

the pOWer OF

pOLish

Is it me or are manicures a real bore? I just don’t see the point of spending valuable time and money painting what’s essentially dead fibrous material. Even so, during

the past few weeks I have looked around and then down at my naked fingertips, and felt the sensation of being out of whack.

If, like me, you accept the basic grooming cycle of cleansing, make-up and highlights, but stop short of getting your hands done on the basis that only high maintenance girls do polish, I have news: you can’t get away with natural nails nowadays.

Why? Because not having a manicure is the beauty equivalent of hairy armpits or a four-inch root regrowth – it’s slovenly – a fact I was made acutely aware of during a recent trip to my hair salon.

Flicking through a pile of celebrity-filled rags, I realised that all eyes were on me. Worried that I was hogging the vacuous reading material, I offered one of the magazines to the woman opposite.

She declined. “Are you waiting for a manicure?” she asked. “No. I don’t believe in them,” I proudly replied, silently adding “I have a life. I need to work without worrying about chips – or worse – false tips ending up in my dinner.”

There was an audible gasp, then a suggestion that I might like to try Shellac, because it would seem that to lose interest in polish is like losing interest in life.

Nails are now up there with shoes and bags as the accessory du jour. And everyone who is anyone needs to show their hip credentials with the latest shape and shade.

Even if you don’t do ebony talons with bits of bling à la Rihanna, there’s no excuse for trying the equally hip but much more classy ‘squoval’ in a nude hue.

In fact, according to Claire, my beautician, the modern French is the obvious entry point for manicure virgins like me. “It has a softer white finish,” she explained.

Nail art may have peaked but the appetite for customised colour and texture is still huge.

“Leather-effect polish and glitter are still in,” she said. “Another trend is cocktailing – otherwise known as adding colour to your ring finger in order to jazz up your daytime manicure.”

According to the expert, nails have shifted to beauty’s centre stage due to celebrity endorsements and product improvements. With gels, manicures can last up to three weeks, so more women are bothering to make the effort.

Then there’s the incredible variety of colours and finishes introduced by fashion houses such as Dior and Chanel. So if you can’t afford the latest designer ‘it’ bag, chances are your budget can stretch to the latest ‘must-have’ polish.

Am I convinced? Not really. But I guess there’s something nice about not having other people stare at your hands with horror.

Trim and file your nails – chewing them doesn’t count.

THE EXPRESS DIY MANICURE

Rub oil into your cuticles before soaking them in warm water for one minute, massaging your hands as you exfoliate and rinse.

Gently push cuticles back with a stick and clean under the nails.

Apply a base coat of polish if you’re going for colour and then two coats of polish. Then run the brush around the edge of the nail to seal it.

Reapply a top coat every couple of days to brighten it up.

Allow to dry without being tempted to do anything. Chillax for two minutes.

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

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 3 5

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

STYLE COUNSEL

Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer

BARBRA YOUNG ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS

The role of mother of the betrothed is a complicated one. In fashion terms, it’s one of the hardest looks in the world to pull off. Why? Well, there are so many no’s. No white, red or black. No

figure hugging, no cleavage, no short hems. Nothing that clashes with the bridesmaids and nothing (and I mean nothing) that takes attention off the bride. I still shudder at those photos of actress Raquel Welch at her son’s wedding (Google it). The bride’s face says it all. My mother, when I was getting married about a hundred years ago, told me the sole role of the mother was to wear beige and not knock over the flowers. Not much has changed. So, perhaps you can forget your fashionista instincts for the moment and remember it’s all about the bride.You didn’t say what style of wedding, formal or casual? If in doubt, wear a cocktail dress. It’s appropriate for both. Try a silky floral number. The print is bang on trend for this summer and most designers have

embraced it, including Oscar de la Renta and Lela Rose. On the high street, try Marks & Spencer

or Monsoon in Muscat City Centre. Accessorise with a pair of killer shoes, a smart clutch purse,

statement necklace and a smile that rejoices in your daughter’s happiness.

If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email

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

ytabloid

I’m going to my daughter’s wedding in Dubai next month. I love fashion and the mother-of-the-bride look leaves me cold. The last time I went shopping,

I came home with an Isabel Marant sweater and a pair of leather pants. I’m 54, a size 10 and have up to RO500 to spend. Ideas? Martha, Muscat

Q.

A.

STREET STYlEJaniQue gaLLiVan

spotted at: Qurum City Centre

Wearing: Top from Promod, trousers from Mango, shoes from Josef Seibel and handbag from Kenneth Cole.

Lela Rose likes the unexpected – for this printed satin dress (bottom photo) she distorts classic florals with a hazy watercolour effect. The draped off-the-shoulder bodice frames your décolletage, while the boned sides ensure a tailored fit. Fully lined in lustrous silk, it feels just as good as it looks. But it’s not cheap at RO800. If you’re on a tight budget, try this pocket-friendly number from Lipstick Boutique. The yellow shoes are from Zara and are all the rage this season.

TRENDSNazzY ShaDES

How better to shield yourself from the glare of camera flashes than behind a pair of statement sunglasses. With dazzling crystals and eccentric detailing, they’ll distract eyes away from your less than beach-toned body. Dolce & Gabbana does it best but these Swarovski crystal-decorated D-frame acetate sunglasses by Swedish artist Anna-Karin Karlsson do the trick too. RO477

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

No downloading required

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College• Omantel• WaljatCollegeSQU• SQU-Diplomatic

Club• SQU-Collegeof

Commerce• SQU-Students

BankingArea• SQUH-Rception/

CanteenAl Khoud• ALFair• BadarAlSama• PizzaHutSeeb• McDonald’sBarka• AlNahdaSpaand

Resort• LuluHypermarketSawadi• SawadiBeach

ResortMassnaah• MillenniumHotelSohar• Centrepoint-

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• Nawras• PizzaHut• SafeerMall• SoharBeachHotel• SoharPort• SoharuniversityNizwa• NizwaUniversity

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fo l l o w u s o n :

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 3 7

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

CARS ANDOUTDOORS roCk

PlaYGroundCraggy outcrops make for perfect

obstacles on which to test your scrambling

skills.

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

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fo l l o w u s o n :

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 3 8

CARS ANDOUTDOORS

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

Wadi ZehtIf you’re looking to dip your toes into

wadi exploration, this valley near Muscat is the perfect place to start,

says Jerzy Wierzbicki

Destination

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 3 9

Last week I was sat with a couple of friends who were visiting the country, mulling over the various places to see

in Oman at this time of year. They knew about my forays into

the Empty Quarter and Hajar Mountains but didn’t have time for those kinds of trips: “Surely, they don’t all have to be long expeditions?” asked one friend.

And so followed a long conversation about where would be good to visit. There were a few considerations we had to bear in mind.

Firstly, they didn’t have time for anything longer than a day, or even half a day, so wherever we were going to go had to be close to Muscat. Secondly, they were still struggling to acclimatise to the heat, so they didn’t really fancy baking on hot barren sands.

Lastly, we had to remember that they had rented a saloon car, not a 4x4, so wherever we were going had to be fairly accessible.

After a while I remembered a little spot just along the coast which satisfied all of our travel needs. Located near to Sifah Beach, barely 50kms from Muscat, it was well withing our reach for an afternoon trip.

And so it was the next day that we

found ourselves heading out and driving in the direction of Sifah village.

Just a few kilometres before Sifah, we turned right onto a small gravel track that led us into Wadi Zeht. It was ideal. The track wasn’t too challenging and all around us were great places to get out and explore. After just three kilometres we decided to venture out on foot and delve into the surroundings.

Grateful that we didn’t encounter sweltering humidity, we donned our hats and sunglasses and set off for some light trekking and scrambling over the rocks.

Huge dark brown slabs clung to the sides of the wadi, like stubborn chunks of chocolate that refused to melt under the glaring sun.

They made the perfect playground for testing our climbing skills and, intent on reaching the top of the crags, we found ourselves exhausted more than once.

We did manage to conquer one particularly large outcrop and were rewarded with a beautiful view and a sense of accomplishment.

But it’s the variety of Wadi Zeht’s environment that makes it such an interesting place to visit.

The rocks are dappled in so many shades of colour, that bumping along the wadi makes for an interesting tour through a multicoloured

landscape, full of shrubbery and vegetation.

Further into the wadi you’ll also find a couple of palm tree plantations that rely on the valley for their essential water.

One of the remarkable things about this place is that it seems to be cleaner and more tranquil than most (let’s just hope it can stay that way).

Clambering out of our cars for one final time, we proceeded towards a creek feeding into Zeht, which we couldn’t help but inspect. As we were doing so, a flash of movement up on the hillside had us scratching our heads as to what it was. Installing a telephoto lens as quickly as possible, I managed to capture the creature as it bolted away from our little band.

We gathered around my camera and zoomed in on the little screen. I had captured a wild antelope shooting off into the distance. What a pleasant surprise to find such a creature so close to Muscat.

Once back in the cars, we were curious as to how far we could explore the wadi and whether there

was any chance of finding fresh water. Despite the approaching summer, we felt there must be something here. Sadly, all we found were a couple of shrinking puddles.

After an excursion of 8km from the start of the wadi, the track stopped at another palm tree plantation. This was the end of the line for us.

We had explored enough that day and our thoughts now turned to the ocean that lay back down the track at Sifah beach.

In just 20 minutes we were on the white sands near Sifah village. There was no stopping us – we jumped into the warm ocean just an hour before sunset. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

hOW tO get thereHead South-east out of Muscat following the coastal road past Qantab to get to Sifah village. Approximately three kilometres before you reach the village you will see the entrance for Wadi Zeht on your right. If you want to experience a trip into the hills without having to go too far then Wadi Zeht is ideal and still less

well-known than the popular locations closer to Jebel Akhdar, for instance.A 4x4 will make this trip slightly easier but, frankly, isn’t absolutely necessary. If you can drive slowly and carefully, the wadi is accessible with a saloon car.The wadi is unusual in that

it’s still clean, so take absolute care to leave no rubbish. The proximity of Sifah only increases the attraction of Wadi Zeht. gps location of the entrance of Wadi Zeht 23°26’9.70”N 58°45’28.90”E TR

AVEL

GUi

DE

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 4 0

CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDOUTDOORS

Want to turn yourself into a culinary Queen or King? You need a lesson from Chef Tariq at the Oman Tourism College, as Kate Ginn did

The fish is shiny and very large, with its tail dangling over the edge of a steel tray, and very dead. One lifeless eye looks up at me.

My task is to cook this scaly beast and I have no idea where to start. I stare down at the fish looking for inspiration and it

continues to stare back at me.Luckily help is at hand in the form of Chef Tariq Ahmed, who expertly

begins stuffing the sea creature with a tantalisingly fragrant stuffing, while I stand by ineffectively.

Now my mother always believed that there were two types of women in this world – those that can cook and those that can’t, but she also said that I had thrown a third into the mix: won’t cook.

It’s true. I absolutely refuse to go anywhere near a kitchen unless it’s vital because if I do, it invariably ends in some form of culinary catastrophe.

There was the time that I served up my then boyfriend a pasta chicken dish and gave him food poisoning. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t stick around for long.

I once blew up an egg in the microwave, ruined a pan by burning scrambled eggs (how is that even possible?) and served up beef bacon which one friend described as having the consistency of ‘broken glass.’

All in all, having me anywhere near food preparation is a recipe for disaster.

This is where Oman Tourism College comes in, with it new classes ‘How to Cook at Home’, which promises to turn even no-hopers like me into, if not a culinary genius, at least harmless in the kitchen.

Which is how I find myself with the big fish, like a hamour, in one of the college’s teaching kitchens in Seeb, Muscat, wondering what the hell to do

with it.Chef Tariq, immaculate in his kitchen whites, is giving me a taster of the

Lebanese cuisine classes that he’ll be serving up in a few weeks. On the menu for me to cook up is fish with brown rice and mezze dishes

of hummus, tabbouleh, tahini sauce and oval-shaped little bites (the name of which I can’t for the life of me remember).

Good cooking is all about the preparation, says Chef Tariq. I make a joke. He doesn’t smile. I ask him whether he shouts in the kitchen and roars at his staff like an Egyptian version of Gordon Ramsay.

“I like to have fun but in the kitchen I am very serious,” says Tariq. As it turns out, he’s nothing like Ramsay, being softly spoken and polite.

He’s clearly also intensely passionate about his culinary craft. We start off making a marinade for Mr Big Fish, who was bought fresh

at the market only yesterday. Apparently, to check the freshness of your fish there are a few pointers. Look for shining eyes (cloudy means it’s going off), red under the gills and a nice straight tail. Our fish has all these, making it a fine specimen.

Our marinade has lemon juice, lemon salt, cumin, garlic and olive oil plus one other, the name of which escapes me. Chef Tariq offers me a teaspoon to taste and asks: “Do we need more salt or not?” Under pressure, I blurt ‘yes’. Chef Tariq nods his approval. Phew!

I’m sweating and not sure if I can stand the heat of the kitchen at all. Chef Tariq has been in the cooking business for more than 27 years, having worked for the Grand Hyatt hotel chain among others, and knows his onions. And all his other vegetables, for that matter. I don’t want to let him down.

MASTER CHEF

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 4 1

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

We smear the marinade over the fish. Inside it’s already been stuffed with a wonderful mish-mash of vegetables, seasoning and other delights. He’s then popped into the oven for an hour, leaving us to start on the rice.

Top tip here: Use an equal measure of water and rice for cooking. We cook some onions until brown and then add the water to make a stock. Chef Tariq works deftly, while I flutter around being his assistant.

Never stir the rice when it’s cooking, says my mentor. “Yes Chef !” I say. Simply shake the pan, meaning the rice isn’t broken and you get lovely, long grains. I knew that, of course I did.

Moving swiftly on, Chef covers the pan with cling film. This means, he explains, that he can see whether the rice has cooked at a glance. Very clever!

A quick check on Mr Big Fish shows that he’s cooking nicely in his juices. I am getting hungry. Let’s be honest, the eating is always far better than the actual cooking part, I say to Chef Tariq. He shakes his head, saying he simply loves to cook.

My attempt at a tabbouleh isn’t half bad and it’s actually edible, which is a major step forward in my culinary career. Working on hummus the Chef whipped up earlier, I have to serve it into bowls and shape beautifully with a spoon. “Lovely, lovely”, says Chef Tariq encouragingly. He’s being nice, it looks like something my five-year-old goddaughter might rustle up.

Just put some cumin on for topping, I say, confidently. “Er, that’s paprika,” says Chef.

Embarrassed, my face is a red as the paprika.And yet, despite the odd mishap, I am feeling

strangely more at home in the kitchen. Under Chef Tariq’s guidance, it doesn’t seem such a scary place anymore – in fact I’m almost enjoying myself.

The proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating. We devour Mr Big Fish and our other efforts and suddenly I see that Chef Tariq has a point. It does taste better when you’ve made it yourself.

● Cook at Home Classes in May and June.

● Lebanese Cuisine classes with Chef Tariq start from May 20 for four Tuesday evenings. Class is from 5pm-9pm. RO80 per person. Or a second class on four Thursday mornings starting May 22, from 9am-1pm. RO80 per person.

● Omani Cuisine classes are on four Monday mornings from June 2, from 9am-1pm. RO80 per person.

● Includes preparation, cooking and enjoying a well-earned lunch or dinner.

● For more info, contact jaana.raisanen@otc.edu.om or scd@otc.edu.om. Call +968 97628670 www.otc.edu.om

OmanTourismCollegeOfficialPage

TAKE A BITE

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 4 2

ToP 5 PLACES To ViSiT:1. Berlin Zoological Park2. Checkpoint Charlie3. kadeWe department store4. Museum island5. The Brandenburg gate

BewitChinG Berlin

Take a selfie in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

Its 12 columns are a perfect backdrop for

your photos.

CARS ANDOUTDOORS

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 4 3

My favourite place There are so many to choose from that I’ve had to break it down into sections. For relaxation, head to the Gardens of the World to see nine exotic areas including the Balinese Garden of the Three Harmonies. For sightseeing, take a tour boat on the Spree river, go to the famous Berlin Zoological Garden or take a ferry to Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island), where the multi-coloured birds roam freely. History buffs will like the Berliner Unterwelten (Underworld Berlin) for a WWII bunker tour. Shopaholics should head to KaDeWe department store, the largest such store in Continental Europe with 380,000 items available. Erudites should head to the Martin-Gropius-Bau, a listed building, which hosts international art and cultural exhibitions.

Highlights The nightlife. Berlin is renowned for its diverse party scene and liberal laws, which allow clubs to remain open all hours. Cultural events are excellent – try the Berlin Festival, JazzFest Berlin, Berlin Music Week or Carnival of Cultures. The restored Reichstag building – the meeting place of the German parliament, the Bundestag – is stunning. For a striking example of modern ‘New Berlin’, the downtown Potsdamer Platz has restaurants, hotels and trendy bars, where you can take a walk on Marlene Dietrich Platz. Children will love Legoland Discovery Centre, Sealife Berlin or the amazing AquaDom, a 25-metre tall cylindrical glass aquarium with a built-in elevator to view the 1,500 species of fish inside. Finally, for Cold War nostalgia, get your passport stamped at Checkpoint Charlie, the old border between East and West Berlin.

Lowlights Try to visit Berlin in spring or summer. The city can be quite gloomy in winter. Beggars can be

a nuisance and the lively nightlife can sometimes be a bit over the top with the party often continuing on public transport.

Souvenirs Wander around the Ampelmann store in Hackesche Höfe, a lovely courtyard shopping area, and pick up one of the famous red/green men which appear on all Berlin’s traffic lights. You can get him on T-Shirts, mugs, hats and even umbrellas. Alternatively, snap up a Buddy Bear, which began as street art with bears being placed around the city in 2001.

Where to stay There are hundreds of hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation to be found in this cosmopolitan city. Luxury lovers should head to Hotel Adlon Kempinski or the Ritz Carlton and Mandala Hotel at the Potsdamer Platz. Reasonably priced hotels include Motel 1 and Ibis Budget. If you fancy something a bit different, there’s indoor camping at Hüttenpalast, a trip back in time to the East Berlin of the 70s and 80s at the Ostel Hostel or stay in City Lodge, a habitable work of art at the so-called Propeller Island in Wilmersdorf.

BERLINMuseuM Island

CheCkpoInt CharlIe

Nina Seiffert, recommends

kadeWe departMent store

B erl in can be a l l k inds of th ings to a l l k inds of peop le . I t ’ s a young and h i p c i ty , w i th a un ique ly v ibrant n i ght l i fe , museums and a contemporary arts scene to keep cu l t ure vu l t ures happy , p l us more than enough greenery for nature l overs .

as the cap i ta l of the Federa l repub l i c of Germany w ith a popu lat i on of some 3.4 m i l l i on peop le , Ber l i n has a r i ch her i tage and has p layed a key ro l e i n h i story . the fa l l o f the Ber l i n Wa l l i n 1989 saw the emergence of a un i f i ed c i ty ready to take i ts p lace on the european stage .

I t has evo l ved i nto a me lt ing pot of d i fferent nat i ona l i t i es , creat ing a wonderfu l d i vers i ty of language and fo od . the past i s ever present to o , w i th Wor ld War two rem inders of the east-west d iv i s i on a l l over the c i ty . You can st i l l see remnants of the former wa l l , the last rema in ing br i cks i n the ground , runn ing through Ber l i n . the c i ty i s we l l known for i ts fest iva ls , arch i tecture and an extreme ly h i gh qua l i ty of l i v i ng . I t ’ s a ls o i ncred ib ly green - about one th i rd of the c i ty ’ s area i s composed of forests , parks , gardens, r i vers and lakes .

the beauty of Ber l i n i s h ow easy i t i s t o get around . pub l i c transport i s abundant and access ib le w i th a subway, tram, urban ra i lway , buses and ferr ies , a l l o f wh ich are he l pfu l l y s i gned in eng l i sh . l itt le wonder i t ’ s such a popu lar c i ty break dest inat i on .

P O S T C A R D S F R O MC a r s Y - F i O u t d o o r s

M AY 0 1 - 0 7 / I S S U E 3 1 80 4 4

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

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

0 4 4 M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9

FLight recOrder gpsTHE AR.DRONE 2.0 IS THE FIRST TOY WITH AN ONBOARD GPS, MAKING IT A LITTLE BLACK BOX THAT WILL STORE ALL YOUR DRONE’S FLIGHT INFORMATION. THE NEW ACCESSORY SERIOUSLY IMPROVES THE FEATURES OF AR.DRONES BY PROVIDING FUNCTIONS SUCH AS ‘CLICK & GO’, ALLOWING YOU TO GIVE THE DRONE COORDINATES, WHICH IT WILL THEN FLY TO. ITS ONBOARD 4GB STORAGE RECORDS ALL THE ACTION AND FLIGHTS CAN THEN BE REVIEWED AND MODELLED IN 3D ON A COMPUTER. THE GPS FLIGHT RECORDER CAN ALSO GUIDE THE AR.DRONE SAFELY BACK TO ITS STARTING POINT USING THE ‘RETURN HOME’ FUNCTION. A BIT LIKE A HOMING PIGEON. SOLD FOR rO42 on Amazon.

eYe spY Check out the Carl Zeiss cinemizer video glasses. The multimedia specs have twin high-resolution screens that feature the latest display technology, OLED (organic light emitting diode). The included HDMI and mini HDMI interfaces can be used with a whole array of home entertainment equipment or mobile phones. The integrated battery lasts for up to six hours. These tech specs go for rO303 on Amazon.

shieLd YOurseLF nVidia shield is a mobile gaming console and can also be used to run an excellent drone-piloting application. Made from cutting-edge components and the latest technology, the Shield allows you to pilot an AR.Drone with exact precision. The console comes with a blazingly fast mobile processor, an ergonomically designed controller for maximum comfort, high fidelity speakers and an HD multi-touch LCD tablet display. You can find it at www.shield.nvidia.com for rO77.

parrOt pOWer Advanced, ready to fly and Wi-Fi-controlled, the ar.drone 2.0 power edition Quadricopter is the latest development from Parrot’s world of high-tech flying gadgets. It’s easily controlled by a smartphone or tablet and comes stacked with two high-density lithium polymer batteries, which provide a lengthy 36 minutes of flying time. It gets cooler – this power-packed machine features a high definition camera with video recording and flight data sharing. On the wish list for every tech enthusiast, this little beast retails at rO207 and can even perform 360-degree flips on command - if you’re an experienced pilot. www.amazon.com

It’s not just spy agencies that use remote-controlled flyers and other surveillance gizmos – you too can be your own

all-seeing eye, says Matthew Herbst

EDiToR’S PiCK

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

App of the week

Wrist WOrkThe Myo armband, brought to us by Thalmic Labs, is a futuristic way to control a range of devices but can also be used in conjunction with our object of lust, the AR.Drone 2.0. The Armband tells the quadricopter to follow precisely each movement of the arm or wrist. The gesture-tracking technology is due to be released mid-2014, and could potentially be under your Christmas tree this year. With the tagline, ‘Your muscles talk, the Myo Armband listens,’ this innovative product could be an exciting new twist on traditional controllers. Preorder it now for just rO57 at www.thalmic.com/en/myo

neW! The syma X1 4 channel Quad copter uFO is a mouthful, but this affordable baby uses a 2.4Ghz spread-spectrum technology which allows long distance control and reduces interference from exterior sources. It boasts minimal power consumption and impressively rapid responses. Able to do 360-degree flips, rolls and spins, it has a three-axis flight control system with adjustable sensitivity to ensure a smooth and stable flight. The only downside to this quadcopter is its small battery; for every 40 minutes of charging time, the Syma flies for just five to six minutes. But not bad for rO13. Find it on Amazon.

sLick sYMa

FOr herRecharge retro-style and escape the drone zone that was once your house. This cute little talk dock handset and charging cradle is the perfect way to moan to your girlfriends about Boy’s Toys without your phone running out of battery. With its period exterior, it’s easy to imagine you’ve stepped back in time - plus it’s a perfect way to bring your Mad Men obsession to life. The matte finish makes it look sleek while holding any iOS and Android smartphone. Available at Amazon.com for just rO10, leaving enough in your purse to buy those new shoes that you’ve had your eye on.

tO the rescueThe ar.rescue 2 game is an intensified reality app to play on either the Parrot AR.Drone or AR.Drone 2.0. The game uses flying wizardry in conjunction with an iPhone or iPad to play on-screen games, such as collecting rockets scattered in the atmosphere or shooting extra-terrestial enemies. AR.Rescue 2 offers 40 levels, with gradually increasing difficulty, in your quest to become a master of the skies. Get it free at the iTunes App Store.

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 9 0 4 5

hunkY hubsanA budget alternative to the pricey

AR.Drone 2.0 is hubsan’s X4. This micro-sized machine can be flown just about

anywhere - including indoors. Luckily, its quad-rotor is powerful enough for you to safely fly it outside so you don’t pester your

other half. The rugged exterior features blue LED lights so you can also tell where your flying friend is the night sky. Its battery will keep it in the sky for up to 10 minutes but only needs a brief half-hour to get back up and flying. The Hubsan

also comes with an LCD screen and digital trim adjustment buttons, which allow clever pilots to throw the drone backwards and forwards into impressive flips and rolls. Find it at amazon.com for rO18.

M AY 0 8 - 1 4 / I S S U E 3 1 90 4 6

Clever driving technology wrapped up in a beautiful automotive package makes the Infiniti Q50 a great all-rounder, says Tom Robertson

CAR oF THE WEEK

Infiniti Q50 Specifications

Engine: 3.7-litre V6Horsepower: 326

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Rear-wheel driveDual exhaust system

Price: From RO16,500

check this out

Direct Adaptive Steering Active lane control Sports suspension Tyre pressure monitoring

system Six airbags Traction control and vehicle

dynamic control 17.5 inch or 19.5 inch alloy

wheels with run-flat tyres

CARS ANDOUTDOORS

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

Just as Toyota has Lexus to pander to high-end clients, Nissan also has their division

for producing luxury vehicles – Infiniti.

By automotive standards, they’re a relatively new company, founded in 1989. But when you see their latest model available here in Oman, the new Infiniti Q50, it’s clear that the emphasis is very much on the future.

Catch sight of the Q50’s silhouette – and notice the aggressive edging that runs the length of the panels – and there’s something slightly reminiscent of the BMW 3 Series.

But the Infiniti also has more of a hint of tomorrow about it, as though the Japanese automakers are future-proofing the car as much as is possible. Whatever tomorrow brings, it’s an extremely attractive piece of motoring kit, right here, right now.

The car’s LED lights give the impression of focused eyes, with eyebrows furrowed as though Madame Infiniti knows she has a job to do – that of proving that the company is now a major player in the sports saloon market.

Packed with the latest technology, you could argue her grill has every right to denote a wry smile too.

First off, Infiniti has put huge

effort into the aerodynamics and reducing drag to a minimum, claiming to have zero lift at the front and rear. Hurtling along the Muscat Expressway, there’s little chance of a strong gust pushing you sideways where other boxier cars might struggle.

But sit behind the steering wheel and the Q50 really starts to reveal her arsenal of little tricks.

First up is the optional Direct Adaptive Steering. It’s a mind-boggling concept to say the least. With the system active, there’s no physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels – it’s the Infiniti’s computer that’s actually responsible for making the wheels turn – not you.

Infiniti claims that this system actually results in a quicker response. How that’s possible I wasn’t able to fathom but feedback from drivers has so far been good.

And if that doesn’t start to make you feel redundant, there’s always the backup collision intervention that will apply the brakes if, as you’re reversing out of a space, the Q50 detects an oncoming car.

When you add that to the cruise control that automatically slows down in slow-moving traffic, and a camera-based active lane control system that keeps you heading on the right line, it’s obvious that Infiniti has focused on making the

most of technology. Take a look at the dashboard

though, and you realise that that all those controls have to be put somewhere. The word simple doesn’t spring to mind but twin-touch screens keep the interface as straightforward as possible.

Thankfully you don’t need to spend hours fiddling every time you get in the car – the Infiniti inTuition system features a smart key that remembers all your settings exactly as you left them.

The design, quality and craftsmanship in the cabin all add to the purposeful feel of the car. She’s got the brains and the looks and only wants to please.

But whether Infiniti has done enough to compete with the likes of the Mercedes C Class and other rivals is, as yet, unclear. Perhaps the Q50’s sister, the Q50S Hybrid, will prove attractive for eco-conscious customers with its increased fuel efficiency.

What is clear is Infiniti’s intention: a desire to win over customers in the luxury sports saloon market by offering a host of cutting-edge technology embodied within an attractively styled motor. So, it’s a good start in a recently rebadged line. But, in the words of Buzz Lightyear, will it be “to Infiniti and beyond”? Time will tell.

they say: ‘Expand your sense of total control behind the

wheel’We say:

‘Let the car work so you can relax’