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Your top guide to the best of oman, everY week

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The red carpet has been rolled out for magical moments, great shopping

and star studded prizes. Spend OMR 20 for a chance to win a brand new

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with scratch & win cards.*

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August 14 – September 30*Terms and conditions apply.

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Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

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

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine –

your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has

to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORFelicity Glover

DEPUTY EDITORKate Ginn

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

CONTRIBUTOR Matt Blackwell

PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki

INTERNS Deeba Hasan

Khalfan AlismailiGhada al Harthy

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

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

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

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Ways to get your Y fix

fast forwardAs the Sultanate continues to ramp up its tourism development drive, our cover

story this week looks at the latest move to boost the country’s standing as a world-class destination.

One of the springboards Oman is using is its plethora of stunning natural wonders, of which four have already been officially recognised by Unesco.

Officials have now identified seven more sites they feel deserve World Heritage Site status, including the world-renowned Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz turtle reserves, as well as the prehistoric settlements of Bisya and Salut.

So far, the application is looking positive, with the seven sites already sitting on Unesco’s tentative list – and we hope an announcement will be made soon confirming their “universal outstanding value”.

Meanwhile, we continue to be inundated with entries for our Back to School competition, which is being sponsored by Oman Tourism College. With just a few days left to go, one lucky student could kick off the school year on a winning note with RO500 to go towards their school fees. Make sure you get your entries in by 5pm on Sunday (August 24), otherwise you’ll miss out on this great opportunity.

And on that note, we wish all our readers a great week!

editor@y-oman.com

The Y office was awash with all things sweet this week as

we celebrated Kate’s birthday with delicious cupcakes and a

spectacular red-velvet cake from our favourite baker, Cake Gallery.

It’s a good thing you only turn 21 once ;-) Happy

birthday, Kate!

THIS WEEK…

the Barometer

Are you the lucky winner of our iPad mini 2? Check out this week’s Lincoln selfie winner — and the best of the rest — on P26-27. And don’t forget, you still have a few days to enter our Back to School competition on P24-25, in which one student will win RO500 towards their school fees.

going uPDUBAI VISITS

The number of Omanis and residents visiting Dubai surged to an all-time high

of 163,000 in the first half of this year, up 12 per cent compared with last year.

going DoWnPUBLIC BRAwLS

A public brawl at a bull-fighting event in Musannah may have injured dozens

and led to a number of arrests, but it didn’t end there. The fight continued

at the hospital, where medical staff were trying to treat the injured. See P10 for

the full story.

Winners

M U S C AT Q U R U M A J M A N F U J A I R A H S H A R J A H D E I R A M I R D I F B A H R A I N M A A D I A L E X A N D R I A B E I R U T

The red carpet has been rolled out for magical moments, great shopping

and star studded prizes. Spend OMR 20 for a chance to win a brand new

Audi Q5. VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet, and Carrefour will also delight you

with scratch & win cards.*

Get your ticketto a new ride

Shop for a chance to win a brand new Audi Q5.

August 14 – September 30*Terms and conditions apply.

contentsA U G 2 1 - 2 7 2 0 1 4

Yo u r o m a n06 coffee With Deeba Humaid Barkat al Sharji

08 voice of oman Karima Farid

10 news Bull Fight

15 gallery Trigger Snappy

Fo o d a n d d r i n k28 food feature On The Go

30 taste test Elevation Burger

t h i s w e e k16 oman in 43 objects Abaya

17 Movie listings Guardians of the Galaxy

18 Week in Pics Headlining Stories From Oman And Beyond

19 this Week Knead Some Dough

c a r s a n d a d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Al Haffa

40 indoors Picture Perfect

42 Postcard from Bodrum, Turkey

44 Y-fi View Finder

46 car of the Week Nissan Classic Pathfinder

3045

18

Fe at u r e20 Heritage Oman’s Unesco Bid

24 Back to school Win RO500 School Fees With OTC

26 lincoln competition Rev Up Your Creative Engine and Win an iPad mini 2

h e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 fashion Lovely Leopard

34 Health Just Add Water

35 style counsel Barbra Young

BAcK to scHool sPeciAl – guiDe on surviving stuDY ABroAD / too cool for scHool fAsHion / Winner of our ro500 scHool fees coMPetition reveAleD

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J U LY 0 3 - 0 9 / I S S U E 3 2 70 6 A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 6

In our special series, Deeba Hasan meets Humaid Barkat al Sharji for

coffee to learn about his childhood spent as a tennis ace.

Sport is in Humaid Barkat

al Sharji’s blood – his

father was one of the

first Omani athletes at

the Olympics, competing on the

running track in Los Angeles in

1984, and he’s inspired his son

to excel too, only Humaid uses a

tennis racquet.

At the tender age of 10, when

many children struggle to even

hold a racquet, Humaid was

coaching other, older, players.

“I used to accompany my

father to the tennis courts

where he used to coach,” says

Humaid, now 23. “My job was

to collect the tennis balls. One

day in the middle of a training

session, my father got busy

and asked me to play with the

students. “I started playing with them,

unaware of the fact I was

appointed by my father to coach

his students. After that, I took

training sessions to become a

qualified coach and today I

proudly am one.

“People accepted me

coaching them and I found that

wonderful. They were so tall

and I was like a little boy in front

of them.”

Chatting over coffee in

the Royal Café in Al Azaiba,

Humaid says he started playing

tennis when he was four. As

he got older and better, he was

keen to emulate the success

of his idol, Rafael Nadal, and

hoped to one day compete

against the best.

“Father was the first one

to teach me tennis, but I also

played with other coaches

from the Philippines, India and

Europe,” he says.

“It was my dream to win a

Grand Slam title, but things just

didn’t turn out the way I wanted

them to. I wanted a scholarship

from the Government, which

would let me go abroad to study

and play tennis – my father

was always particular about my

studies and wanted me to put

them before tennis.”

When this financial support

did not come through, Humaid

concentrated on coaching, but

also represented the Sultanate

at three tournaments abroad.

At 16, he travelled to France, at

18, he won a singles category in

Thailand, while at 21 he went to

Penang, Malaysia. He has also

won two tennis tournaments in

Oman.“In France, we were a team

of five,” he says. “I didn’t

win there but it was a great

experience, a dream. I met

and played with people from

different countries who didn’t

even speak my language, it was

wonderful. I was over the moon

when I won in Thailand. I never

really expected that to happen, I

was almost in tears.”

Humaid was ranked 4th in

Oman when he played and was

popular with fans, appearing

in the local press. His last

tournament in the Sultanate

was in November last year.

He now coaches at his father’s

sports centre at the Diplomatic

Club in Al Khuwair, which

launched in 2000, but he hopes

to open his own training centre

and help tennis to grow in

Oman. His clients range in age

from four to 40.

“The biggest challenge is

time management because I

am a full-time student,” he says.

“Besides that, all students are not

the same – some want to play

tennis to relieve stress, others

because their school requires

them to play. There is a mix of

reasons of why people come to

me.”Humaid attends the Higher

College of Technology in Al

Khuwair and hopes to become

a quantity surveyor. A fan of

football, golf and swimming,

he enjoys photography and

planning events, including the

Google I/O conference in

Oman with friends from college.

He also actively takes part in

charity events.

None of Humaid’s three

siblings, a brother and two

sisters, took an active interest in

tennis the way he did, so he has

always been close to his father,

describing him as a “fun-loving

and hard-working person who

always strives for excellence”.

He has certainly been a role

model for his talented son.

Have you got a unique story to tell or do

you know someone who has? Contact us to

have coffee with Deeba and be featured in

Y Magazine. Email: editor@y-oman.com

Humaid Barkat al Sharji

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 8

cleAn uP Your Act

correspondencethe voice of oman Karima farid on the need to look out for our children

NExt WEEK: CIA GLOVER – tWEEN’S VIEW

Dear Editor,

The story about preserving the past caught my attention. Safeguarding heritage sites is always a sign of respect for the people of Oman. A great responsibility rests with individuals who try to visit these places, especially the younger generation. It is a sad fact that such sites often become waste-disposal centres at the hands of holidaymakers who tend to ignore the need for

preservation. Y has always printed articles highlighting the importance of historical places to draw the attention of the authorities and to help transfer the historical knowledge to future generations. The students’ attempt deserves recognition and support.

Best regards,Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

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

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

/GoldenTulipSeebHotel

@GoldenTulipSeeb

I was shocked into silence when I read the news about those two boys who were found lost (possibly abandoned)

at Qurum Natural Park. Just one thought came to mind – why?

Many theories have been discussed since, but I guess as safe as Muscat and Oman are, danger still lurks in many forms.

I believe that our children are the nation’s treasure. Once you have your child, it’s YOUR responsibility to keep them safe and ensure they are taken care of at all times.

My father was the founder of Karate in Oman, which has made me alert in many ways. Dad – aka Sensei Farid – developed several programmes that started with me: Self Defence for women before I went to university and Home Security awareness when I moved into my own apartment.

As a child I learned not to engage strangers and, when I started driving, to have my keys in hand and not my bag when I walked to my car. I also learned to safeguard my home and always be vigilant.

As residents of this country, we have certain responsibilities and so, if you see a child wandering alone, find their parent. A bus driver speeding? Inform the school. There’s always something that can be done. Maybe it’s time to install security cameras in these public areas to track parents down?

Thanks Dad for being an amazing role model in every way and teaching me so much. I can’t wait for Maryam (my daughter) to be learning from you too – and I know she has already begun!

We asked: “They say you mostly regret the things you didn’t do. But what is the one thing you regret, and why?”

AuRORA ASAKIL DARuL   My mother used to try to teach me how to read the Quran when I was young, but I was lazy in my learning. Now, at 27, I still do not know how to read the Quran.

RONNEIL SALES VALIENtE   One thing I didn’t do and regret is pursuing the woman I loved during my college years. We were special friends and had a mutual understanding. My mistake was letting her go to pursue her dreams in America. If

DeBAte of tHe WeeK

you love someone, tell them while they are still with you, and prove it to them through your actions. We learn valuable lessons from whatever we decide to do in life and these make us better people.

GAutAM GHOSH DAStIDAR I have nothing to regret. I find myself the odd man out!

SANGEEtHA PANIGRAHI The thing I will regret for the rest of my life may sound silly. I was about 11 when my grandfather moved to our house after being affected by liver cancer. He loved fried cashew nuts and one evening asked me to bring some back for him. I said yes, but forgot and he was disappointed. The severity of the disease put him into a coma the next day and he passed away 18 days later. Each year on the anniversary of his death, we offer some of his favourite dishes in front of his portrait and I always feel guilty when I see the cashews among them. They were one of my favourites as well, but I’ve given up eating them. I love you, Grandpa.

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 3 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:“Is it more important to do

things right or to do the right things?” Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of

winning dinner for two.

tiYana monteiro, 7, and her Brother ashton, 5, were spotted with Y magazine in Seeb

THIS IS YOUR PAGE! Just send us your picture

with the free Y magazine or pose with our photographer

and we will publish it on this page

Send it to:info@y-oman.com

KIRAN RAMACHANDRAN I regret not skipping my extra tuition to walk in the rain and play in sun when I was a child. Now, at 37, I find that neither is the rain as magical any more, nor do I remember a single trigonometric value.

MONIKA KAuSHIK I was in Bahrain when I gave birth to my second baby. I needed an operation and my mother advised me not to go out for at least a month. I didn’t listen to her and went to a beach party but quickly fell ill. My doctor told me I could’ve lost my life, but by God’s grace and my mother’s care I was fine. Now I will always obey my elders.

ALI FAREED AL-LAWAtI I regret not travelling with my parents this summer.

VIJAyALAKSHMI SHEtty I regret missing the chance to do my postgraduate study as the place was far away and my dad refused to send me to the hostel. A far cry from today – my children stayed in a hostel to complete their studies.

SyED BOKHARI I had the opportunity to go abroad with my family to make a brighter future for them but I turned it down.

DAWOOD ASGHAR My biggest regret in life is that I do not regret anything.

ARuNA RAMACHANDRAN This question is very close to my heart. I regret not having talked to my mom a little more the day before she passed away. Some intuition kept telling me that she wanted to speak to me and that I should talk to her. I did speak to her, although it was a Friday so the phone was soon passed on to other family members. I felt uneasy the whole day, as if it wasn’t sufficient and that she wanted to tell me something, but I did not call home again that day. I deeply regret it because my mom slept on that Friday night and never woke up again. My advice to all daughters and sons is, listen to your head, it might be nature’s warning.

RISHIKESH CHIDHAMBARANAtHAN I regret not helping one of my friends when he needed money. I had money but hesitated to give it to

him because he was in another country. I realised my mistake but we are no longer in contact. I will take this opportunity to apologise. I’m sorry, Da.

HENRy MAttHEWS I regret not playing more sport whilst at university. During my college years I played football for the school team and I was the captain of a local team as well. I really enjoyed it, but when I started university I just got caught up in the fun of the lifestyle and didn’t get round to taking it up again. It meant that when I played my first competitive football match in five years earlier this summer, I was a bit rusty to say the least!

GINNy EDWARDS The only thing I regret is not having completed more internships and work experience placements during the long university holidays – I was too busy having fun! After I graduated, I found myself behind my peers in terms of experience and I had to do a lot of unpaid, voluntary work in order to catch up. Thankfully though, everything turned out fine in the long run and I ended up in the career that I had always dreamed of.

AMOR ALIAM   One thing I regret in my life is misbehaving for my grandparents when they were alive. I wish they had one more chance to live so that I could show them how much I care, let them feel how much I love them, and to say thank you for taking care of me in spite of it all.

J U L 24 - 3 0 / I S S U E 3 3 00 1 0

Bull rinG BraWl

V isitors to Oman will be urged to wear “respectful clothing” as part of an awareness campaign, it has been

revealed.Brochures advising tourists on how to

dress appropriately will be given out to anyone arriving in the Sultanate, said the Ministry of Tourism. Information could also be distributed abroad.

However, there are no plans to enforce a dress code law, the Ministry added.

Details of the contents of the brochure have not been disclosed but it could also include advice on other aspects of Oman’s culture.

At present, anyone who appears in public wearing “indecent dress” or indulges in acts against public morals could be jailed for up to 10 days and face a fine from RO1 to RO5, under the Oman Penal Code Article 312.

“Oman is a very conservative community, therefore, visitors following a decent dress code would mean showing more respect to the community,” an official from the Ministry told a local newspaper.

It would also help to avoid an embarrassment for visitors to Oman, the official added.

The Ministry is working with other government agencies to provide brochures on modest dress.

“These brochures will be distributed through Oman border posts to visitors who arrive in Oman through roads and at the time of applying for a tourist visa,” said an official at the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

The Ministry of Manpower may also hand out brochures to expatriates when work visas are issued.

It was reported that the awareness campaign came about after comments from members of the public and Majlis Al Shura.

“Foreign tourists to Oman are advised and informed by various government and tourist organisations to dress appropriately,” said the ROP official. “It is the duty of the visitors to update themselves about the culture and customs of the country they are visiting.”

Recently, police had to speak to two tourists after videos of them dressed inappropriately and frolicking in the Mughsayl area of Salalah went viral on social media in Oman.

Other reports have questioned whether strict dress rules might affect Oman’s burgeoning tourist industry.

HOW TO DRESS COMPAIGN

I t certainly turned out to be quite a fight, but perhaps not what those who turned up to watch a bull-fighting competition had expected.

Instead of two bovine beasts doing battle, they saw two groups of men locking horns with each other with sticks, chairs and blunt tools

after an argument got out of hand.An eyewitness who saw the fight last Friday told a newspaper: “They

started trading insults, which eventually led to the clash.”The fighting is reported to have even continued in hospital - where

several people had been taken for treatment - knives and sticks.

Some of the injured had to be transferred to other hospitals nearby due to a shortage of doctors to treat those with more serious injuries.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) was called to Musannah Hospital and eventually broke up the battling bull watchers. All the injured have since been discharged from hospital and are said to be in a stable condition.

The case has been referred to the Public Prosecution.Bull fights are held weekly and monthly, often at impromptu

gatherings, in Oman, with Barka, Musannah, Suwaiq and Sohar renowned spots.

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

J U L 24 - 3 0 / I S S U E 3 3 0 0 1 1

Shahry Keys YTabloid 24x34 E.indd 1 22/06/2014 13:31

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 1 2

Oman has set up an Ebola crisis centre to deal with a possible outbreak or any suspected cases of the deadly disease. The Ministry of Health on Monday said there was no need to panic, but issued a warning not to travel to the affected West African countries of Guinea,

Liberia and Sierra Leone. The most recent statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that more than 1,200 people have died from the virus, which is spread by direct contact, while more than 2,000 cases have been confirmed, giving the current outbreak a 54 per cent fatality rate.

There have been no suspected cases in the Sultanate to date. The Ministry of Health stressed that it had put extensive systems in place to isolate suspected patients entering the country.

The Undersecretary for Health Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Hosni said: “We are keeping constant vigil and we have convened several rounds of talks with the concerned medical fraternity and have instituted highly meticulous and rigorous hygiene standards in all healthcare centres and hospitals.”

Air and sea travel are both significant risks when it comes to the spread of Ebola to the rest of the world. However, Dr al Hosni said: “We have an algorithm on how to deal with such patients right from the airliner and also on steps to be taken as soon as it is detected. We will call central command, after which the patient

will be taken to a designated hospital and isolated. We have advised the two major airports as well as the seaports and are in constant touch with the rest of the region to avoid any incidence being carried into the country.”

He also dismissed the idea of Ebola being brought into the country by animals, highlighting the fact that Oman does not import any animals for meat from the affected African nations.

Since the WHO declared the current Ebola outbreak to be a “public health emergency of international concern”, the Ministry of Health has remained in direct contact with regional and international organisations to share and receive relevant knowledge updates.

Some of the other precautions taken by the Ministry of Health include clear instructions to all expat health examination centres, such as how to detect cases among those coming from high-risk countries. It has also set up a special hot line at the National Centre for Medical Response and Public Health, which will answer all queries raised by healthcare staff and be used for immediate notification of any suspected cases.

OMAN SAfE fROM EBOlA

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

saudi Prince amBushed A group of heavily armed robbers held the motorcade of a Saudi prince at gunpoint in Paris, stealing $335,000 (RO128,958) in cash along with what are thought by the French police to be sensitive diplomatic documents.

Between five and eight thieves in two BMWs hijacked the first vehicle in the convoy as it travelled from a luxury hotel on the Champs-Élysées to an airport in Le Bourget. The thieves abducted the three occupants of the car, but later let them go. Nobody was injured in the incident.

The audacious attack showed signs of extensive planning and Denis Fauriat, a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office in Paris, said he believed that it was a robbery led by “criminals who seemed to know that there was money to steal, and knew in which car they would find it”.

Both the Saudi’s Mercedes and one of the thieve’s BMWs were later found abandoned and burned out 40km from the scene of the crime. Police found two €500 (RO256) notes, documents in Arabic and medication near the two wrecks.

No suspects have yet been apprehended. Nicolas Comte, secretary general of a leading police union, said: “We need to find out what they were looking for, the money or the documents.”

The crime follows the pattern of an increased number of hijackings in the French capital in recent years, with assailants focusing on government officials and senior diplomats.

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Amid concerns over His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ well-being, the Diwan of Royal

Court has issued a statement to reassure Omani citizens that he is in good health.

“The Diwan of Royal Court is honoured to reassure the loyal citizens of Oman that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is in sound health after conducting medical tests, which His Majesty will continue over the coming period in accordance with a specific medical programme,” the statement said.

“The Sultan is spending his annual leave at his residence in Federal Republic of Germany from where he runs his country’s affairs, guiding and following up all tracks of development in different parts of the Sultanate, as diligently as his loyal people know him, till such a time that he returns to his dear homeland and loving people,” the Oman News Agency said.

“The Sultan has expressed his deep thanks and appreciation for the sincere sentiments and allegiance of his loyal people, praying to the Almighty to protect all under His divine care.”

Sultan Qaboos left Oman last month to take a private trip to Germany, partly as a vacation and partly to undergo medical tests. Social media has been flooded with messages of support for His Majesty and many conducted special prayers for the Sultan during Ramadan.

HIS MAjESTy SulTAN QABOOS IN GOOD HEAlTH

N E W S

It turns an otherwise dry and brown landscape into a lush verdant carpet with cascading waterfalls.Little wonder that visitor numbers to Salalah are up again this year during Khareef season.A massive 327,748 people made the journey to the Dhofar region between June 21 and August 17, a

significant 24.1 per cent increase when compared with the same period last year. Almost three quarters of these – 73 per cent – were Omanis. Visitors across the border from the UAE made up 13.1 per cent, while GGC nationals made up the rest.

Khareef (monsoon) season in Salalah usually begins around late June and runs until mid-September. When the rest of Oman is sweltering and complaining about the heat, visitors to Salalah enjoy cool weather, complete with rain showers and temperatures below 20, while Wadi Darbat is transformed into a green oasis with boat trips on the river.

The latest figures were revealed by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) as part of a tourism drive at the Khareef Festival in Salalah, which runs until the end of September.

As part of its involvement in Khareef Festival 2014, the NCSI has also launched two applications, a smartphone app called “Tour Oman”, which aims to supply users with valuable tourism information and acts as a virtual tour guide for the services and facilities available in the region. The second is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) app that will provide social and economic statistics on a digital map of Oman.

Capturing accurate figures of the number of visitors to Dhofar during the monsoon season, it will be used to develop tourism infrastructure in the region.

destination salalah

We don't just do chocolate

Al Ghubrah, Al Marafah Street, Mirbat Tower 1, Muscat, Oman

Tel: +968 24499922Follow us on:thechocolateroomoman&

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 1 4

TRIGGER SNAppY OMAN HAS CLAIMED TWO HUGE VICTORIES, WINNING THE UNDER 16 AND UNDER 21 YEARS SECTIONS AT THE BIENNIAL FIAP YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHY WORLD CUP THAT WAS HELD RECENTLY IN GERMANY

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OMAN IN 43 OBJECTS

The elegant black robes worn by women in Oman are striking statements and an important part of the local

culture. The simple, loosely fitted garment is worn in many parts of the Muslim world to protect a female’s modesty by covering the body, as directed by Islam.

Originally a plain black robe, the abaya has evolved over the years. Step into a mall or a high-end restaurant and you will find women wearing exquisite designer abayas with intricate adornments and customised designs.

The abaya is not the national dress of Oman, even though it is favoured by many women. The traditional style, common in the interior and the south of the country, is a flowing robe in vibrant colours. An abaya is normally worn with a hijab, a scarf to cover the hair. Some have hidden pockets, discreetly sewn into the side or front panels.

Depending on the occasion, an abaya can be a simple design to wear to work or an extravagant style studded with crystals or exotic motifs for a formal function. Basic, machine-made abayas can be bought off-the-peg for about RO10-RO15. Top brands, such as the UAE’s Hanayen, cost from RO90.

A fashion industry has evolved around abayas, with Oman’s female entrepreneurs venturing into business. Label Endemage, run by Omani sisters Lubna and Nadia al Zakwani, is renowned for stunning East meets West designs.

Like Oman, the abaya has changed with the times, transforming from a symbol of tradition to one of modernity and progression.

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THE ABAYA 36.

Photo: Matthew H

erbst

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WHAt IFDaniel Radcliffe stars as Wallace, an unlucky-in-love medical school dropout who’s grown tired of bad relationships. After deciding to put romance on the back burner for a while, he meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan) and they form an instant connection. With Chantry living with her long-term boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall), Wallace finds himself very much in the ‘friend zone’, but as time goes on the pair are forced to analyse their feelings towards one another and ask the question what if the love of your life is actually your best friend?

Bollywatch

hercules

The man-mountain that is Dwayne Johnson steps into hero Hercules’s humongous shoes. After completing his 12 labours, the famous son of Zeus is recruited by the ruler of Thrace

Guardians of the Galaxy

MOVIES MOVIES(John Hurt) to help save his people from a tyrannical warlord. The movie picks up nicely after a slow start, with Johnson dishing out comic quips reminiscent of roles earlier in his career. This is easily better than the drab affair that was The Legend of Hercules, released earlier this year.

Barbie and the secret door

The shy Princess Alexa stumbles upon a door that unlocks a secret world filled with fairies, mermaids and unicorns. With the help of her newfound friends, Alexa stands up to the spoilt ruler Malucia, who is trying to steal all the magic from the land. Billed as the ultimate fairytale musical, Barbie and the Secret Door focuses on the power of friendship and is perfect for keeping youngsters entertained as the summer break draws to a close.

singHAM returns Following the breakout success of 2011’s Singham, Bollywood action hero Ajay Devgn teams up with director Rohit Shetty to reprise his role as no-nonsense police officer Bajirao Singham. Promising more stunts, more action, more romance and more humour, the movie follows the fierce but honest cop as he pits his wits against the corrupt and unjust to clean up the streets.

The cinematic powerhouse that is Marvel Studios presents its latest offering – a slice of action-packed sci-fi escapism and the best film of the year so far. Heroes Star Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot and Drax may not be as well known as Iron Man, Thor and Captain America, but director James Gunn has ensured they will soon be household names.Peter Quill, aka Star Lord (Chris Pratt), is abducted from Earth as a child in 1988, after saying a tearful farewell to his dying mother. Raised

by a group of thieves and smugglers, he grows up a rogue who finds himself in possession of a mysterious orb and the subject of an interstellar manhunt led by the villainous Ronan (Lee Pace). Quill is then forced to form a rag-tag crew of bounty hunters and bandits in order to save the galaxy. Striking a perfect balance between action and laugh-out-loud humour, Guardians of the Galaxy is definitely not a movie to be missed.

Review by Matt Blackwell

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A W E E K I N p I c T U R E S

The Economist Intelligence Unit has named the Australian city of Melbourne as the world’s most liveable city for the fourth year running.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM OMAN AND BEYOND

The bad boy of the FIFA World Cup, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, has vowed he will never bite again, saying he is receiving professional help for his “problem”.

Amid an ongoing crackdown on drugs, Jaycee Chan, the actor son of Hollywood star Jackie Chan, has been arrested by Chinese police for possession of marijuana.

Hunters in the southern US state of Alabama have set a local record after netting a massive alligator weighing in at nearly 460 kilograms.

G A L L E R Y

Tensions continue in the US town of Ferguson, Missouri, where the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a policeman sparked riots, prompting officials to call in the National Guard and set a curfew to quell the unrest.

Indonesian rescuers continue to search for two Spanish men still missing after a tourist boat, with 20 foreigners on board, capsized at the weekend.

The UK government has announced that driverless cars will be allowed on public roads from January 2015, spelling good news for Google’s driverless car prototypes, which are being road tested extensively in the US.

Police in the UK have launched a murder investigation after one man died and dozens of others were taken to hospital after 35 illegal immigrants from Afghanistan were found in a shipping container last weekend.

Germany’s Rolf Buccholz, the world’s most pierced man, was denied entry into the UAE after airport staff feared he was in the country to practice “black magic”.

Iranian-born mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani has become the first woman to win the prestigious Fields Medal, often described as the Nobel Prize of mathematics.

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THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL There’s still time to catch an amazing exhibition showcasing how modern Omani artists can turn calligraphy into a unique form of Arab art. Entitled “Calligraphy – The Art of the Letter”, contemporary works take the written word far beyond pen and paper, using different materials in imaginative ways to push boundaries. Check it out at Gallery Sarah, adjoining the Bait Al Zubair Museum in Muttrah. For details, call 2473 6688, email museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com or visit www.baitalzubairmuseum.com

Learn the art of baking bread and creating the perfect loaf through a new course offered by the National Hospitality Institute. You’ll discover why preparation is key and what yeast does best. It’s two hours each day spread over three days and costs RO60 per person. For more information, call 2481 6313, WhatsApp +968 98246267 or email businesscentre@nhioman.com

THIS WEEK

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE.

WHAT TO HEAR.

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HEALTH mATTERS

Interested in all things medical? Head to the Sultanate’s biggest health gathering at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb, Muscat. Over three days, the future of the country’s health industry will come under the microscope, with a focus on topics such as hospital infrastructure and medical tourism. The Oman Health Exhibition will run in tandem with a conference. Exhibition hours will be 11am - 8pm and anyone interested in exhibiting can find out about booking a stand by visiting www.omanhealthexpo.com

NOWBOOK

Mingle, make new friends and have fun at the Muscat InterNations International Party at Copacabana at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel. The get-together starts at 7pm and there’s a free welcome drink and light finger food. Free to Albatross members, while basic members pay a RO5 entry fee. Catch up with old faces or meet some new ones. Check out www.internations.org/muscat-expats

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The country is blessed with amazing locations and we want the world to know about them.

As part of its push to become an internationally recognised tourism destination, Oman is hoping to get seven more locations listed as world class on the

Unesco Heritage List. The list documents places, such as forests, deserts, monuments or buildings, which are classed as being of special cultural or physical significance. Wonders such as Egypt’s pyramids, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and Petra in Jordan are already included on the list.

The Sultanate already has four named on the list – the Aflaj irrigation system, Bat, Al Khutm and Al Ayn archaeological sites, Bahla Fort and the Land of Frankincense. A fifth, the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Al Wusta, was removed from the list in 2007 after being deemed unsuitable to continue being included.

Now seven have put been put forward – two under the cultural category, four under the natural segment and one on the mixed list.

Sultan al Bakri, director of the Department of Excavation and Archaeological Studies at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, said: “The process has begun and they have been put on the tentative list.

“We hope that in the near future these sites are moved to the Unesco list.”

Here, Y gives a lowdown on the seven Omani sites bidding for Unesco status and the four that have already got it.

Seven new sites in the Sultanate are bidding to be added to unesco’s World Heritage list. Can they make the grade? ghada al Harthy and Kate ginn report

of omanNatural Wonders

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QalhatThe ancient city of Qalhat is located just over 20km north of Sur, in the Ash Sharqiyah Region. It is one of the historical sites in Oman that has been visited by many explorers. Marco Polo visited Qalhat in the 13th century and highlighted the importance of its port as a connecting point between India and the interior areas of Oman. Qalhat later gained fame for exporting Arabian horses to India in huge numbers. Moreover, Ibn Battuta mentioned in his book that Qalhat has “very good markets” with a wonderful mosque built similar to Spanish designs. At the end of the 14th century, an earthquake wrought destruction on Qalhat leaving it in ruins. Qalhat has been listed as an outstanding example for an early typical city-port. There is no other harbour site on the Arabian Peninsula where remains of the 13th-15th century can be comprehensively studied.

The

Con

tend

ers:

Bisya and SalutBoth prehistoric settlements

Bisya: Situated in Wadi Bahla, a group of British archeologists discovered five towers from the Bronze Age during the 1970s. They also found some spears and remains of oasis settlements – known as Hajar Oasis Towns. The extensive site covers some 100 square kilometres and also includes beehive tombs. Bisya is said to feature the earliest known use of the falaj system.salut: Located on a small plateau in Bahla. Some explorers found items dating back to the Iron Age. It was the site of a decisive battle between Malik Bin Faham and the Persian colony that resulted in Oman’s freedom from Persian dominance in the 1st century. Falaj Salut, currently dry, previously served the settlement.

Al Halaniyat Island The only inhabited isle of the Khuriya Muriya Islands, which are located off the southeastern coast of Oman. It’s the biggest island of the five, with an area of 56 square kilometres and a population of about150. Barren except for some patches of grass and Tamarix trees, it is home to a variety of birds, goats, fish and extraordinary turtles.

Bar al HikmanIt may be a long 500km trek from Muscat, but it’s worth it to see the stunning white sandy beaches, mangroves and wildlife at Bar al Hikman on the east coast of Oman. The peninsula is considered one of the most important bird migration stations in Southeast Asia. As well as a sanctuary for birds and fish of all kinds, it also attracts human visitors, with beautiful coral reefs making it a favourite destination for divers.

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Jebel SamhanOne of the highest mountains in the GCC, it’s 2,100m high and shapes the eastern part of Dhofar’s mountain range. The rare Arabian leopard and Dhofar white-toothed shrew, both endangered species, can be found here. The steep cliffs are also ideal breeding sites for a number of rare species of birds. Arabian gazelle, striped hyenas, wild cats and even wolves can also be found there.

Al dimaniyat IslandsAccording to the Ministry of Tourism, the Al Dimaniyat Islands sanctuary, located between Al Seeb and Barka, contains nine islands. It has a huge number of coral reefs and was internationally recognised in 1984 because it is located within the project of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a fascinating place for diving, with more than 100 species of reefs. A huge number of birds migrate to the islands and many turtles use the islands as a breeding ground as well. ras al Hadd & ras al Jinz

Ras al Hadd: One of the first areas in the Sultanate to be greeted with the sun’s rays in the morning, Ras al Hadd has global importance due to its sea turtle reserve, which attracts up to 13,000 egg-laying turtles annually, including the Green Turtle. It was announced as a natural sanctuary on April 23, 1996. Ras al Jinz: What makes this sanctuary unique is that its sand is perfect for laying eggs. Ras al Jinz, which means “Circle of Life”, is the largest turtle sanctuary in the world. Last year, 56,000 turtles made their way to the beach, many returning year after year. The reserve was established by Royal Decree in 1997.

● The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was created in 1945 to build networks between nations and work towards global solidarity.● Known as the “intellectual” agency of the United Nations, its work encompasses education, culture and heritage. It was Unesco that came up with the idea of World Heritage to protect sites of outstanding universal value.● There are currently 1,007 entries on the World Heritage List, spanning from Afghanistan to Argentina and Bahrain to Botswana.

WHAT IS UNESCo?

● Henry Leland, the founder of the original Lincoln Motor Company, named the car after his hero, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States who was assassinated in 1865. ● The Lincoln was added to Ford’s product line in 1922.

● The Lincoln has been a favourite of the rich and famous for years, including philanthropist and businessman Nelson Rockefeller, who was also the US vice president from 1974 until 1977, and US crooner and actor Frank Sinatra. Former president George W Bush senior was the last American president to use the Lincoln for official duties.

● The Lincoln car featured in the 2011 Hollywood blockbuster The Lincoln Lawyer, which starred Matthew McConaughey in the title role, Ryan Phillippe and William H Macy.

● Names of early models of the Lincoln included the Model L, Model K, Model KA, Model KB, the Zephyr, Cosmopolitan, Capri and Premiere Continental.

● The 21st-century Lincoln has evolved into a range of high-tech, luxury saloons and SUVs, such as the MKS, MKT, MKX, MKZ and the Navigator, while the MKC will make its market debut next year.

● Lincoln will have a dedicated showroom in Muscat by the end of November.

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Arabian oryx SanctuaryThe Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Al Wusta Governorate was announced as the first natural sanctuary in Oman in 1994. In the same year, it was selected to be included on Unesco’s World Heritage List. However, it was removed from the list in 2007 because of the illegal hunting of the animal. In 1996, the number of the Arabian Oryx was 450, since then it has decreased to just 65 (appoximately). The size of the sanctuary had also been reduced to make way for oil and gas exploration. These two reasons meant the Oryx sanctuary was the first site in the world to be removed from the Unesco list.

There have only ever been two delistings – Oman’s Arabian Oryx Sanctuary(2007) and Dresden Elbe Valley (2009), due to the building of a four-lane bridge in the heart of the cultural landscape.

● Countries have to submit an entry for inclusion on the Tentative list, written in English or French, giving a brief description and justification of its outstanding universal value.● Once on this list, the entry can be nominated for full entry to the World Heritage List at any time in the next 10 years.● A nomination file must be prepared and submitted.● Nominations are independently evaluated by three Advisory Bodies; the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the World Conservation Union (IUCN), which evaluate the cultural and natural sites. A third body provides

expert advice on conservation to the World Heritage Committee.● Once a site has been nominated and evaluated, it is up to the World Heritage Committee to make the final decision. The Committee meets once a year to decide which sites will be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It can defer a decision and request further information.

so far this year, the World Heritage Committee has added 26 new entries to the List, including Iraq’s erbil Citadel and Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah.

ProCESS

What Is on The list?The list covers a diverse range of places, locations, buildings and areas. It includes:Sydney Opera House

The Central Amazon

The Canadian Rocky Mountains

The Great Wall of China

Simien National Park in Ethiopia

The banks of the Seine in Paris

Cologne Cathedral

The Acropolis in Athens

The Taj Mahal Cultural Sites of Al Ain in the UAE

Kathmandu Valley in Nepal

The Tower of London

New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Ancient City of Damascus

Old City of Sana’a

Win RO500 towards your tuition fees

To help you kick off The new

academic year on a winning

noTe, oman Tourism college

is giving one lucky sTudenT

a chance To win ro500 To go

Towards Their TuiTion fees.

How to enterall you have To do is Tell us in 100 words or less whaT your favouriTe place is in oman and why.

Terms and Conditions

• The competition is open to all students attending a reco

gnised

school in Oman, from primary school age to college age.

• Only one entry per child. Entries must be completed by a child

with no parental input.

• The competition is not open to employees or students of O

man

Tourism College or Sabco Media employees.

• The winner will be chosen by Y Magazine and Oman Tourism

College and the judges’ decision is final.

• The Back to School Competition starts on Augus

t 14, 2014, and all

entries must be received by 5pm on Sunday, August 24.

• Email your entries to editor@y-oman.com.

• The winner will be announced in the August 28 issue of

Y Magazine.

About oman tourism College oman tourism College, in association with Dublin Institute of technology, Ireland, offers Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Diploma in International Hospitality and Management. Admissions are open to all nationalities for the new academic year from August 17, 2014. In addition, the college has short courses in languages (english, Spanish, German and French), as well as culinary skills (Cook at Home Series: omani, Indian, Lebanese and Italian cuisine) and in hospitality-related topics. For more information, go to www.otc.edu.om

Win RO500 towards your tuition fees

To help you kick off The new

academic year on a winning

noTe, oman Tourism college

is giving one lucky sTudenT

a chance To win ro500 To go

Towards Their TuiTion fees.

How to enterall you have To do is Tell us in 100 words or less whaT your favouriTe place is in oman and why.

Terms and Conditions

• The competition is open to all students attending a reco

gnised

school in Oman, from primary school age to college age.

• Only one entry per child. Entries must be completed by a child

with no parental input.

• The competition is not open to employees or students of O

man

Tourism College or Sabco Media employees.

• The winner will be chosen by Y Magazine and Oman Tourism

College and the judges’ decision is final.

• The Back to School Competition starts on Augus

t 14, 2014, and all

entries must be received by 5pm on Sunday, August 24.

• Email your entries to editor@y-oman.com.

• The winner will be announced in the August 28 issue of

Y Magazine.

About oman tourism College oman tourism College, in association with Dublin Institute of technology, Ireland, offers Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Diploma in International Hospitality and Management. Admissions are open to all nationalities for the new academic year from August 17, 2014. In addition, the college has short courses in languages (english, Spanish, German and French), as well as culinary skills (Cook at Home Series: omani, Indian, Lebanese and Italian cuisine) and in hospitality-related topics. For more information, go to www.otc.edu.om

Win RO500 towards your tuition fees

To help you kick off The new

academic year on a winning

noTe, oman Tourism college

is giving one lucky sTudenT

a chance To win ro500 To go

Towards Their TuiTion fees.

How to enterall sTudenTs have To do is Tell us in 100 words or less whaT Their favouriTe place is in oman and why.

Terms and Conditions

• The competition is open to all students attending a

recognised school in Oman, from primary school age

to college age.

• Only one entry per child. Entries must be completed by

a child with no parental input.

• The competition is not open to employees or students

of Oman Tourism College or Sabco Media employees.

• The winner will be chosen by Y Magazine and Oman

Tourism College and the judges’ decision is final.

• The Back to School Competition starts on Augus

t 14,

2014, and all entries must be received by 5pm on

Sunday August 24, 2014

• Email your entries to editor@y-oman.com stating the

name of the child, age, grade and their school

or college.• The winner will be announced in the

August 28 issue

of Y Magazine.

About oman tourism College oman tourism College, in association with Dublin Institute of technology, Ireland, offers Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Diploma in tourism and Hospitality Management. Admissions are open to all nationalities for the new academic year from August 17, 2014. In addition, the college has short courses in languages (english, Spanish, German and French), as well as culinary skills (Cook at Home Series: omani, Indian, Lebanese and Italian cuisine) and in hospitality-related topics. For more information, go to www.otc.edu.om

c o m P e t i t i o n

Win RO500 towards your tuition fees

To help you kick off The new

academic year on a winning

noTe, oman Tourism college

is giving one lucky sTudenT

a chance To win ro500 To go

Towards Their TuiTion fees.

How to enterall you have To do is Tell us in 100 words or less whaT your favouriTe place is in oman and why.

Terms and Conditions

• The competition is open to all students attending a reco

gnised

school in Oman, from primary school age to college age.

• Only one entry per child. Entries must be completed by a child

with no parental input.

• The competition is not open to employees or students of O

man

Tourism College or Sabco Media employees.

• The winner will be chosen by Y Magazine and Oman Tourism

College and the judges’ decision is final.

• The Back to School Competition starts on Augus

t 14, 2014, and all

entries must be received by 5pm on Sunday, August 24.

• Email your entries to editor@y-oman.com.

• The winner will be announced in the August 28 issue of

Y Magazine.

About oman tourism College oman tourism College, in association with Dublin Institute of technology, Ireland, offers Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Diploma in International Hospitality and Management. Admissions are open to all nationalities for the new academic year from August 17, 2014. In addition, the college has short courses in languages (english, Spanish, German and French), as well as culinary skills (Cook at Home Series: omani, Indian, Lebanese and Italian cuisine) and in hospitality-related topics. For more information, go to www.otc.edu.om

Win RO500 towards your tuition fees

To help you kick off The new

academic year on a winning

noTe, oman Tourism college

is giving one lucky sTudenT

a chance To win ro500 To go

Towards Their TuiTion fees.

How to enterall sTudenTs have To do is Tell us in 100 words or less whaT Their favouriTe place is in oman and why.

Terms and Conditions

• The competition is open to all students attending a

recognised school in Oman, from primary school age

to college age.

• Only one entry per child. Entries must be completed by

a child with no parental input.

• The competition is not open to employees or students

of Oman Tourism College or Sabco Media employees.

• The winner will be chosen by Y Magazine and Oman

Tourism College and the judges’ decision is final.

• The Back to School Competition starts on Augus

t 14,

2014, and all entries must be received by 5pm on

Sunday August 24, 2014

• Email your entries to editor@y-oman.com stating the

name of the child, age, grade and their school

or college.• The winner will be announced in the

August 28 issue

of Y Magazine.

About oman tourism College oman tourism College, in association with Dublin Institute of technology, Ireland, offers Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Diploma in tourism and Hospitality Management. Admissions are open to all nationalities for the new academic year from August 17, 2014. In addition, the college has short courses in languages (english, Spanish, German and French), as well as culinary skills (Cook at Home Series: omani, Indian, Lebanese and Italian cuisine) and in hospitality-related topics. For more information, go to www.otc.edu.om

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 2 6

Y is giving away four iPad mini 2s over a month.As our competition, held in conjunction with Lincoln

Oman, enters its penultimate week, the entries really do keep getting better. Seriously!

Well done to everyone who has entered so far – it’s been another great week, with Y readers and Lincoln fans responding to the challenge to take a Lincoln selfie.

But there can only be one winner and Lincoln Oman have spoken, naming Zahra Guleid as this week’s victor. Well done Zahra! You’ve won a 16GB iPad mini 2 and we’ll be in touch soon.

With so many Lincoln selfies flooding into Y Magazine and on to Lincoln Oman’s Facebook and Instagram pages, we’re also publishing

three “best of the rests” chosen by the guys from Lincoln. Congratulations to Ali Babar, Kuldeep Bhatt, Madhuri Senthil Murugan, Nataraj, Subhash Kapadia and Yusuf al Salami.

Didn’t win or get featured this week? Don’t fret, we have another iPad mini 2 to give away and it’s simple to enter.

For your chance to win, send in a selfie of you that relates to the iconic Lincoln. This could be a picture of you posing with one of the cars, or perhaps holding a photo. How about posing for a selfie with Lincoln-branded merchandise, such as a mug, cap, or t-shirt, or even the famous Lincoln logo? Use the internet and last week’s entrants for inspiration.

The more creative you are, the more impressed our judges will be. But you must remember to include the Lincoln brand in your photo, otherwise

c o m P e t i t i o n

you won’t qualify to enter the competition.To help you, there is a Lincoln luxury SUV Navigator on display at

Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. Alternatively, you can pop into the Ford showroom at Wattayah, where you’ll find a range of Lincolns to pose with.

Be innovative, think outside the box and come up with some quirky ways to stand out from the crowd. But no Photoshop, please!

To enter and stake your claim for the third iPad mini 2, simply post your selfie on Y’s Facebook page and hashtag it with #lincolnoman or send it to our Instagram account – but don’t forget to follow and tag @ytabloid.

You can also post it on the Lincoln Oman Facebook page – ensure you follow the account and include the hashtag #lincolnoman – or send it to Lincoln’s Instagram account. Just make sure you follow and tag @lincoln_oman.

The winner will be judged on their creativity, while the prize will have to be collected at the Ford showroom in Wattayah.

See, it’s really simple. Send your entries by August 25 (late entries will not be entertained) and don’t forget to include your name and contact details.

Good luck!

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 3 0 2 7

WINNER

BEST OF THE REST

WIN

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 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

Food to GoTasty snacks such as

Shawarma can be found on street corners all over

Oman, catering for those who want to eat

on the move.

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 3 0 2 9

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

W ith a rising population and an influx of tourists seeking out the Sultanate’s hospitality, the demand for instant grub on the go has increased.

There are plenty of well-known fast-food joints dishing up everything from burgers to pizzas, but many hungry customers are searching for something with a bit more local flavour. More and more street vendors are popping up across Muscat and beyond, serving fast food Omani-style. Cafés by the side of the road have even installed hatches to dispense drive-through takeaway meals.

The street food scene in Oman is nowhere near as big as in my home country, India, but it is rapidly expanding beyond the standard falafel and shawarma sandwiches. There’s much more to the Sultanate’s street food than you may think.

Traditional falafel sandwiches are made by wrapping Arabic bread around falafel pieces, adding mayonnaise and lettuce, along with your choice of additional salad or dressing. Elaborate versions can be found at expensive restaurants, but most people prefer this popular snack from

a street-corner coffee shop. Remarkably cheap, from 300 baisa, falafel sandwiches are a delicious street item.

Mishkak is made by grilling pieces of marinated chicken, mutton or beef on long wooden sticks, and is hugely popular among young people and commuters in need of a pit stop before the journey home. Individual vendors can be found fanning the flames of their grills at prime spots close to beaches and young hangouts in Muscat. Served hot with tangy tamarind chutney, five sticks cost just 500 baisa, making it a very economical snack. Eat straight from the stick or wrap in fresh, warm Arabic bread.

Potato soup sold on the streets is a far cry from what you’ll find at restaurants or hotels. A mishkak vendor near Al Ghubra beach apparently cooked up this version, sold for 500 baisa. With a little extra pizzazz from lemon and spices, it’s a big hit with customers. Dip your mishkak into

the hot soup for a delicious snack.

Shawarma is probably the most popular snack in Oman and almost every Arabic menu will feature it in some form or another. A basic shawarma is made by wrapping Arabic bread around pieces of chicken, mutton or beef with lettuce and tahini, an Arabic mayonnaise. Many sellers add French fries, too. A sandwich costs from 300 baisa.

The Omani bread crepe has become extremely popular over the past few years. Paper-thin, crispy Omani bread called khubz rakhal is filled with cheese, honey or egg, or a combination of all three. Some café owners also sell the crepes with a spread of Nutella. Best enjoyed with chai karak, also known as Masala chai tea, crepes are mostly found in the

little Karak teashops dotted around the capital and cost from 300 baisa.

Whether you’re searching for a quick bite or have the munchies on a night out, street foods are a rapid way to refuel on the move. Deeba Hassan tucks into the best that Oman has to offer

GO fASTER

fOOdMushaltat is an arab delicacy made using very soft and delicious bread. Normally stuffed with cheese, honey, meat or spinach, mushaltat costs about RO1-1.5 and is great to munch on at any time of the day.

easY Potato souP(SERvES 1) ingredients • 1 large potato• 1/4 cup celery (include leaves)• 1/4 cup chopped onion• 1/4-1/2 cup milk or 1/4-1/2 half-and-half or 1/4-1/2 cup cream• Salt and pepper, to taste Method• Peel and cube potatoes.• Put in a saucepan along with

the onions and celery.• Add water, but don’t quite cover the vegetables.• Bring to the boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until all of the vegetables are tender.• Using a potato masher, coarsely crush the potatoes, but don’t mash them — you want chunks left.• Add enough milk or cream to thin to desired thickness and add salt and pepper to taste.• Add your own choice of spices to give it some zing.

Source: www.food.com

Recipe

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 3 0

Love it or loathe it, fast food has become a staple of the modern diet.

A society that craves convenience means franchises of multinational chains are emerging in malls from Sohar to Salalah to fulfil our every need. Acting as an oasis in the desert of hunger, they promise deep-fried, sinful satisfaction in abundance and at the top of the pile sits the humble hamburger.

The more health conscious among us – myself included – can feel a wave of guilt when frequenting a fast-food restaurant but, after a trip to Muscat Grand Mall’s City Cinema, I put my culinary conscience to bed to sample the famed Elevation Burger.

For me, walking into a fast-food restaurant for the first time is a daunting process. I stare at the menu boards in open-mouthed wonder, with deals of the day and super combos vying for my attention and investment.

As we entered Elevation Burger, on the first floor of the mall beside Paul, I was struck with my usual fear and had flashbacks to the meltdown brought on by my first visit to Subway in 2010.

I need not have worried, as the menu at Elevation Burger is refreshingly simple and offers just eight items. Starting with the basics, you can get a cheeseburger, a beefburger, a veggie burger or a grilled cheese sandwich. The more health conscious can opt for a Half the Guilt Burger or an Elevation

Salad, but the standout candidates have to be the Vertigo Burger and the Elevation Burger – more on these shortly.

At the counter was a smiling employee who was waiting to take my order. Perhaps sensing my inexperience through my slight hesitation, he talked me through the menu, explaining the concept of Elevation Burger.

This was an incredibly thoughtful gesture from someone who was clearly proud of where he worked, and it was a welcome change – fast-food employees usually expect you to have decided on your order before you’ve walked through the door.

My dining partner and I then settled on an Elevation Burger. Many of you may consider it a cardinal sin to order the same thing during a restaurant review, but this is no ordinary restaurant.

The beauty lies in the many ways you can customise your burger. You really can have your meal on your terms, with a choice of ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles,

caramelised onions, mustard, mayo, raw onions, Elevation Sauce, balsamic mustard or – for a small extra charge of 300 to 650 baisa – beef

bacon, mushrooms or jalapenos.

So even though we ordered the same burger, they were really worlds apart.

We were told our customised behemoth burgers would take a few minutes to cook, so we took a seat on the outside terrace, savouring the thought of the impending

indulgence. Our meals

arrived promptly and that is when the fun began. Tackling the Elevation Burger, which comes with two beef patties as standard – not to mention our optional extras – can be a somewhat messy affair, but if you’re prepared to get stuck in, it’s certainly worth it.

The restaurant prides itself on the fact that “ingredients matter” and it uses only grass-fed, free-range beef – something that really shines through in the taste.

A far cry from the mass-produced, flavourless grey patties that so

often stick to the inside of soggy buns at many inferior fast-food outlets, the Elevation Burger had a wholesome, home-cooked feel, plus a wonderfully meaty taste and texture.

The sourness of the pickles teamed with the bite of the raw onion were well balanced by the sweetness of the Elevation Sauce, and it was all washed down with a delicious chocolate and Oreo cookie milkshake, made with real ice cream.

Halfway through our meals, our server ventured on to the terrace to check that everything was okay – another small touch you don’t usually get at a fast-food restaurant. Fully occupied with demolishing our burgers, we only managed a muffled “yes, thanks”, but we were quick to take him up on the offer of additional napkins.

The only slight drawback was the fries. I’m a big fan of fries cooked in the skin, as these were, but they needed a tad longer in the fryer. The optional cheese topping I had selected for my fries smothered them slightly, threatening to overpower the taste. But that was my own choice – you live and learn.

Elevation Burger is not my usual type of place when eating out, but the burgers are superior in taste and quality to its larger and more well-known competitors. And with terms such as “organic”, “grass-fed”, “free-range”, and “no trans fat” all on the menu, your culinary conscience remains intact.

verdict:

Tasty, wholesome burgers

7 10

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

DRINKANd R E V I E W S

Info BoxElEvATIOn BURGER

Muscat Grand Mall, first floorAl Khuwair, Muscat

Tel: 2200 9402Opening times: 11am to midnight Dinner for two people: RO19.95

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its mealsELEVATE YOUR TASTES

SOMETIMES YOU JUST CRAvE A BURgER. BUT WITH THE MARKET — AND FAT CONTENT — BOTH SATURATED, WHERE SHOULD YOU EAT? MATT BLACKWELL’S SEARCH FOR A HEALTHIER OPTION TOOK HIM TO ELEvATION BURgER

The Oman Football Association would like to invite Agencies to pitch for the sales requirements on a seasonal basis in line with the OFA commercial and marketing objectives. The OFA has experienced rapid growth in recent times and is poised for a huge increase in support as the new technical plan and impact of recent projects take hold. The Oman Football Association invite companies to tender for the new project.

National Team and League Competitions Ticket Sales & Management :The OFA is looking for a company to take on responsibility for the sale of all tickets for all Oman National Team games and domestic competitions such as the Oman Professional Leagues and Cups (as identified by OFA). The OFA sells VIP tickets and General Entry tickets to each game taking place in Oman. A company is sought to handle pre match and match day ticket sales, and full ticket management.

Interested Agencies should be experienced, have a large database of clients and have a good reputation in the Oman market place. Interested parties should contact the OFA Commercial Director, Nic Cartwright, before August 28 via email to nic.cartwright@ofa.om to register their interest and receive a full tender document.

Oman Football AssociationPO. Box: 3462, PC: 112,

A U G 2 1 – 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 3 2

HEALTH&BEAUTY

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

A U G 2 1 – 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 3 2

taKe a WalK on the Wild side

Everyone’s favourite animal print comes in a variety of colours and textures this

season. Here at Y, we love M&S’s monochrome take

on leopard.

A U G 2 1 – 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 3 0 3 3

FIERCE FASHION Penny Fray welcomes animal-print pieces that will make you want to roar

1. Want to wear leopard as a bold outer layer? Take a leaf from Kate Moss’s fashion book with black skinnies and a slick of vampy red lipstick. 2. Otherwise, treat the classic leopard print as you would colour, teaming it with coordinating hues such as camel, olive or cream. 3. If you want to up the ante, add plenty of gold accessories. URBAN JUNGLE

Surviving fashion’s fiercest print:

Christian Louboutin’s Iriza 100 pumps are crafted from leopard-print matte-satin with a smooth leather interior. Make the pattern and signature red soles pop with black trousers. From RO275

Give on and off-duty looks a stylish update with this leopard-print top from Matalan’s latest collection. Team it with matching pieces for a high-fashion look. From RO8

This is lightweight enough to wear now but will serve you equally well in autumn. The mixed-print feels fresh yet timeless. Get it on sale now from Mango. From RO6.5

F eminine, feline and seriously foxy, leopard print is overflowing with fabulousness.

The vintage print is bigger than ever this autumn, will rev up everything you wear and looks especially brilliant with black. Even supermodel Kate

Moss loves it – what further proof of fashion forwardness do you need? The flirty print appeared at Céline and Givenchy as sumptuous coats, and as a

cute shift dress at Chloé. Mixed with floral, Hedi Slimane showed an edgier version at Yves Saint Laurent, while Gucci gave it a ’60s spin. Those who like to make a statement should embrace Marni’s fur coat complete with vibrant, overblown spots.

If you want to try the trend without full-on flamboyance, buy the print in monochrome. This toned-down version can be spotted in Muscat’s malls, in particular at Matalan and M&S. Alternatively, opt for a classic clutch or this season’s skater sneaker with a neutral shift. Whatever your style, always wear leopard with lashings of attitude – street roaring is optional.

This shift dress from Zara is fresh and easy to style. Wear it now with bare legs and sandals, adding a leather jacket and boots when the temperature drops. From RO24

This H&M ring has a flash of leopard print and is a subtle way to introduce the trend into your wardrobe. From RO13

Valentino’s bag collection is brighter and bolder this season. The Va Va Voom shoulder bag is crafted from leopard-print calf hair, punctuated with neon-yellow pyramid studs and leather lining. From RO1,000

These lightweight, leopard-print statement trousers are part of Band of Outsiders’ pre-autumn 2014 collection. The black waistband and front pleats accentuate the flattering high rise. Team yours with a relaxed T-shirt and heels. RO170 from net-a-Porter

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 3 4

HEALTH&BEAUTY

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

Did you know that water makes up two thirds of our body weight, that

our brain is 95 per cent water, our lungs 90 per cent and blood 82 per cent?

That’s a lot of H2O, so it’s no wonder that water is a vital element needed for our day-to-day survival – especially during the hot summer months in Oman, when temperatures can reach upwards of 50°C. Simply put, we could die without it.

According to freedrinkingwater.com, just a two percent drop in our body’s water supply can trigger early signs of dehydration.

“Fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic maths and difficulty focusing on smaller print, such as a computer screen” are signs of dehydration, the website states. “Mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue.”

So your grandmother’s advice to drink eight glasses of water a day is as relevant today as it was back in her time.

Dehydration is a serious risk in the GCC region and can quickly affect young children and the elderly, warns

Christina Doublichevitche, the regional nutrition and health manager for Unilever North Africa Middle East.

“Water is crucial for human life,” she says. “It accounts for around 70 per cent of body weight, depending upon age. Losing just two per cent of this water leads to dehydration.

“Dehydration is the loss of water and salts essential for normal body function. Even a fluid loss of one to two per cent can have an adverse affect on physical and mental performance. It is essential we consume enough water every day to stay healthy and fit.”

Dr Doublichevitche warns dehydration is more common during the summer months and it is essential to stay cool during this period.

Our bodies are a medium for all chemical reactions and staying cool and hydrated helps to regulate body temperature, she says.

“Maintaining hydration also provides vitality and flexibility of joints, as well as the elasticity of the skin and adds that sparkle to your eyes,” says Dr Doublichevitche, who is based in the UAE.

But drinking water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Some of the many sports

drinks on the market could help to replenish essential minerals and salts, while fruit and vegetables are a healthy way to stay on top of your H20 intake.

Water-rich fruits and vegetables can include lettuce, watermelon, oranges, apples and grapes – and are a delicious alternative to the eight glasses of water a day rule.

Dr Doublichevitche adds that drinking tea is another great way to help stave off dehydration, in particular herbal teas without milk or sugar.

Freedrinkingwater.com says drinks containing caffeine have a mild diuretic effect and are a waste of time, while fizzy drinks only add to your waistline.

But how do you know if you are drinking enough?

“There are three important rules when it comes drinking water,” the website says.

These are drinking twice as much as it takes to quench your thirst, drinking frequently throughout the day to prevent dehydration and, finally, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.

Here’s to drinking to your health.

sYmPtoms oF mild to moderate dehYdration

Dry, sticky mouth Sleepiness or tiredness – children are likely to be less active than usual Thirst Decreased urine output No wet nappies for three hours for infants Few or no tears when crying Dry skin Headache Constipation Dizziness or lightheadednessSource: Mayo Clinic

Extreme thirst Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes Little or no urination, and any urine that is produced will be darker than normal Sunken eyes Shrivelled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn’t “bounce back” when pinched into a fold In infants, sunken fontanels – the soft spots on the top of a baby’s head Low blood pressure Rapid heartbeat Rapid breathing No tears when crying Fever In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousnessSource: Mayo Clinic

Temperatures might be dipping, but staying hydrated is vital for good health and a clear mind, says Felicity glover

Water Just Add

sYmPtoms oF severe dehYdration

HOT SHOE SHUFFLE

EspadrillesAvailable in different colours and designs, espadrilles can add a dash of vibrancy and excitement to your wardrobe and are just so easy to wear regardless of the style you choose. Whether you opt for flats or wedges, they tend to go with a range of different outfits including maxi dresses, skirts, shorts or skinny pants. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading for a night out or just a stroll on the beach, these make an excellent choice. Comfortable, classy and cute – they are essential for any wardrobe.

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 3 0 3 5

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

STYLE COUNSEL

Barbra Young, a former designer and retailer

BARBRA YOUNg ANSWERS YOUR FASHION QUESTIONS

Dear Sheena,I have one word for you – denim. Wear your loafers with a floral skirt topped with a denim jacket. Denim never went

away, but now it’s really back in the fashion spotlight. For the brave or nostalgic, wear a denim top and bottom – known in America as a “Canadian tuxedo”, team a long white shirt with a washed denim jacket and dark jeans.Sure, wear your loafers with ankle-length trousers, but it’s fresher to add an element of surprise. A floral skirt, any length depending on your lifestyle, or floral dress worn with a cropped denim jacket will create a combination of soft and hard looks which is classic yet fashion forward.

If you have any fashion questions for Barbra, email

info@y-oman.com or tweet #style

@ytabloid

Dear Barbra,I love a bargain and bought a half-price pair of black,

slipper-type loafers in faux bear skin. I wish I could afford a pair of Charlotte Olympia’s kitty ones, but they cost RO200. My H&M alternative will have to suffice, but I have no idea what to wear with them. Ankle-grazing trousers work, but what else? I’m starting to wish I had stuck to my trusty ballet pumps. Sheena, Muscat.

Q.

A.

GET IN TOUCH wItH yOuR SOLE

Kitten HeelsAfter all those years of enormously high heels, the runway is now full of kitten heel shoes. A comfort fit for a long day at work or shopping, they make life easier by eliminating the need to carry a pair of flats in your handbag. Found in a range of attractive styles and very comfortable, the little heels don’t cause your tootsies too much stress. Besides, you don’t always have to be the tallest person in the room, so these also make fancy and comfy alternates to office as well. Choose what is best for you – black or brown kitten heels or more colourful ones.

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 :

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 3 0 3 7

p o s t c a r d s f r o m I n d o o r s Y - f i c a r s

cARS ANdADVENTURES stormY sKies

The fog that descends upon Salalah during

Khareef creates a brooding

atmosphere.

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 30 3 8

cARS ANdOUTDOORS

D E S T I N A T I O N p o s t c a r d s f r o m Y - f i I n d o o r s c a r scARS ANdADVENTURES

Destination

Al HAFFAWhen wind whips through the palm trees turning the seas of Salalah white with a foaming fury, it’s clear that monsoon season is upon us. Jerrzy Wierzbicki took a trip to the old town of Al Haffa to explore its

abandoned architecture and bustling bazaars

Khareef is an amazing time of year when thousands of people flood (pardon the pun)

to the Dhofar region to experience the phenomenon of the monsoon.

I took a trip to Salalah two weeks ago to visit Taqah, Mirbat, and the surrounding areas, as is my yearly tradition during the rainy season.

This time, I decided to stay a bit longer to explore an older part of Salalah called Al Haffa. Located more than 1,000 kilometres from my home, it meant an overnight stop in the dunes near Muqshin was a must.

I arrived in Salalah the next morning and witnessed some amazing weather conditions, especially for someone who hails from Eastern Europe.

The temperature was a very bearable 27°C, but humidity was high – nearly 92 per cent. These factors resulted in a fog that settled over the city, bringing with it reduced visibility and an unusual, eerie atmosphere.

I parked my car near the wave-lapped shoreline, leaving it under the loping leaves of a cluster of palm trees while I went for a walk to stretch my tired limbs.

One of the first things that struck me was the faded hues surrounding me and, although the fog only allowed me to see a few metres ahead, I grabbed my camera and moved through the trees to capture some shots.

The palm trees lining the shore all arced in a similar direction, betraying a strong sea breeze.

From the beach I moved on to the main street, where I came across Omanis and tourists from other GCC countries sitting on small plastic chairs beneath coloured umbrellas, united in their appreciation of the weather.

As the wind picked up, they found themselves sitting a dozen metres or so from a tempestuous sea, which looked white thanks to the frothing and foaming waves that crashed on to the beach with great force. The waves reached as far as the path near the promenade and in some places even spilled over on to the road.

I found the architectural layout of Al Haffa intriguing. Small, abandoned houses line the seafront and are the only constant spectators to the ever-changing stormy sea. I remained on that street for some time, completely alone as I stood listening to the echo of the waves bouncing off derelict buildings.

After marvelling at the power of nature, I decided to reintegrate with civilisation and drove to the old souq in Al Haffa. Renowned worldwide

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 3 0 3 9

Getting there is simple, but it takes an incredibly long time. Take road 31 from Muscat all the way to Salalah. Don’t push yourself too far when driving long distances. Hotels in Haima or Thumrait are perfect for an overnight stop. If you fancy a night under the stars, try the desert near the small town of Muqshin. A 4x4 is not compulsory, but it will make the trip easier, especially during the monsoon season. There are many hotels in Salalah, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding a bed for the night.

gPs location of the old souq in Al Haffa: 17° 0’2.87”N 54° 6’5.28”E TRAV

El G

UIDE

as one of the biggest frankincense bazaars, it was pleasantly bustling and the instantly recognisable aroma of its famed product met the nostrils whichever way you turned.

One of the biggest shops was full and I had to wait before I could enter. When there was enough room for me to fit inside, I found several dozen people buying many different types of frankincense, which made for an intense but pleasant smell.

I spent an hour in the souq, stopping at a restaurant before continuing my lazy wandering between the sellers and buyers.

After the hustle and bustle of the bazaar, it was nice to return to the silence of the palm trees once more, where the only audible sounds were the wind whipping through the buildings and the stormy sea.

It was my seventh trip to Salalah in a little more than a year but it was certainly the most unforgettable, thanks to the very specific weather conditions I experienced.

With some great photographs in the bag, I happily moved on to Mirbat.

HoW to get tHere

0 4 0

cARS ANdOUTDOORScARS ANdADVENTURES

A U G 2 1 - 2 7 / I S S U E 3 3 3

There’s more to taking great photographs than just buying an expensive camera. Heather Duncan takes a masterclass with renowned sharpshooter Salim al Harthy

here’s a flash of light followed by the soft whirl of a shutter clicking, and another moment in time is captured perfectly.

The man behind the lens is Salim al Harthy. Already well known in Oman, his fame is spreading overseas. By day, he is the powerful and ambitious chief executive of a large petroleum engineering company (Gulf Drilling – MB Petroleum), but away from the office his joy lies in photography and travelling.

His quest to capture a “masterpiece” has taken his keen eye for detail around the world to historic and beautiful cities such as Paris, Prague and Istanbul.

Travelling allowed him to see many beautiful and interesting things, but his regular point-and-shoot camera couldn’t do them justice.

It wasn’t just his equipment letting him down, but also his knowledge, so he vowed to become better and set out on a journey of discovery.

A passion for photography has since become a love affair.

It all sounds very impressive for a professional photographer, but what sets Salim apart is that he is entirely self-taught. He transformed himself from a complete novice into a household name and award-winning photographer. Over the years, he worked tirelessly to educate himself, learn new skills and hone them until he had it down to a fine art.

As an artist, Salim will always see beauty in his quest to find something magnificent. With more than 10,000 followers on Facebook alone – not including Instagram, his blog or YouTube followers – this guy is special and everyone wants a piece of him. I got my chance at one of his recent masterclasses.

After the extravagant purchase of a Canon DSLR camera, I had to learn how to make the most of it. I was aiming to move on from snap-happy and sloppy attempts at photography using my smartphone – I wanted to be able to perfectly capture the magical moments in

life, such as the impending first steps of my baby son, Spencer.

The instruction manual and controls of a DSLR can be very intimidating. I needed human instruction, which is where Salim came in. How better to learn than from an expert?

His photography classes are aimed at novice and intermediate photographers. I just wanted to feel more confident with a camera and was excited to learn how to switch from auto to manual mode and make the most of its full potential.

I learned how to use the camera’s many different functions and I now know what jargon such as pixels, shutter speed, white balance and composition means.

“The important thing is not the camera, but the person behind it – your camera only counts for around 20 per cent of your final photograph, the other 80 per cent is how you use it,” Salim told us.

His advice is not to rush out and buy the most expensive or newest kit, as often it is the photographer who needs to be updated, not the equipment.

Each class has a maximum of 10 students and is held in Salim’s home in Muscat, giving proceedings a more personal, relaxed touch.

We introduced ourselves, explained which cameras we owned and why we wanted to improve our photography skills.

As Salim stood before me and outlined the basics of photography, I was drawn to his positive energy – it is obvious this is his passion. He used his own pictures as examples of how to combine different factors to make a great photograph. With his students captivated, he

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The first digital camera was invented in 1975 by Kodak. It weighed 3.6 kilograms and had 0.01 megapixels. The word camera derives from the Latin word “camera obscura”, which translates to “dark chamber”. DSLR means Digital Single Lens Reflex . “Chimping” is when you take a picture and look at it straight away with “ooohhhs” and “ahhhs”. It is estimated that the world’s population has taken more than 3.8 trillion photographs – I wonder how many of them are selfies? The most expensive camera ever sold was a rare 1923 Leica camera, which went for $2.8 million at auction in Vienna. The late Diana, Princess of Wales, was the most photographed person in the world.

disclosed his tricks of the trade.Theory done, it was time to put our new-

found skills into practice. Our assignment was to walk around Salim’s home and find an object to photograph. I headed out to a quiet spot in the garden and snapped away. Unhappy with my initial shots, I worked out that my photo was underexposed, but that this could be remedied.

After just a morning’s work, I felt more confident and knowledgeable. When we re-grouped, I produced what I thought was a pretty awesome photo, only to be trumped by a classmate.

Salim’s home is decorated with his favourite pictures, taken around the world and I was inspired upon seeing such magnificent pictures. He captures the moment, the colours and the movement in one single photograph. They all tell a story and draw you in.

Salim has been running classes for three years and has imparted his wisdom to thousands of students.

“I can give you the licence to drive and show you how, but to become a Formula 1 driver is up to you,” he says.

We talked about how to see the art behind photography through angles. It’s not a case of just pointing a camera and expecting it to turn out picture perfect.

“You don’t take the photograph, you make it,” says Salim.

By knowing where your light source comes from, the angles, how to avoid noise in your photo and, most of all, using your imagination, you can create magic. To stand out from the rest, you also need a unique subject and a way of seeing things that grab attention.

“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst,” Salim told us. “Everyone will develop their own style.”

With that, I grabbed my camera and headed out again, inspired to capture the perfect photo.

* Fancy taking up photography? See the latest cool cameras on the market in Y-Fi on P44-45.

* To visit Salim’s blog and get more information about photography classes, visit www.salimblog.com or follow him on /SalimPhoto.com

Don’t buy the most expensive equipment right away. Only 20 per cent of what you shoot is down to the camera, so hone your skills first to discover what kit you actually need. Invest in a good, stable tripod to avoid shake in your photos. Research good places for great photography – Google locations and look at the work of other photographers who have shot there. Start with the basics – by learning good composition and exposure your shots will immediately improve. Practice! Photography is an art that must be perfected.

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TOP 5 PlACES TO VISIT:1. Bodrum marina2. Bodrum Castle3. Night life4. The Tomb of Mausolus5. Travel to datca and ephesus

turKish deliGht

Pull up a lounger and relax on the beaches around Bodrum. The

party begins when the sun goes down!

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my favourite place I love holidays that involve lazing in open-air restaurants or cafés by the sea, sipping a cold drink, enjoying the cool breeze, and taking in the spectacular scenery. The marina at Bodrum offers just that. You’ll find numerous eateries and cafés along the street parallel to the water where you can stop for an excellent meal, or simply cure your parched throat. Opposite is an endless line of boats and yachts docked in the sparkling Aegean Sea, while the path out of the marina is lined with small green hills — like a little slice of heaven here on Earth. Everyone from the other customers to the servers seemed to be in a perpetual good mood, but why wouldn’t you be given the striking surroundings, pleasant ambience and great weather?

Highlights Plenty of bargains can be found and there are plenty of sights to see. The 15th century Bodrum Castle overlooks the harbour at the marina and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology along with various cultural shows. The ruins of the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, can also be found in the city. Bodrum is also an ideal base for visiting other interesting towns. Catch a ferry from the marina to Datca or even the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes. The journey takes an hour or two depending on your destination but it is a breathtaking and highly recommended cruise. Bodrum is also only a two-hour trip from the famous ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, where you can visit the first church built for the Virgin Mary or the mighty and magnificent Grand Theatre. Stay in Bodrum when the sun sets – this is when the city comes to life thanks to a number of partying venues. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to step out and have a good time! Lowlights Even though it is surrounded by water, there are no clear beaches. You have to travel for around half an hour to enjoy a day by the shore. Souvenirs Various trinket shops can be found at the marina, offering everything from bracelets and chains to fridge magnets and natural sponges from the sea.

Where to stay Being a tourist town, there are a number of hotels to suit a variety of costs and comfort levels. A little outside the city are many five-star hotels with private beaches and luxurious comforts. I recommend the small Bodrum Maya Hotel in the heart of the city – you might not get a five-star experience, but it’s clean, comfortable, reasonably priced and the service is very hospitable.

BODRUm, TURKEYBODRUM CASTLE

NighT viEw Of BODRUM

hARBOUR

Siddarth Seshan recommends

REMAiNS Of ThE MAUSOLEUM Of hALiCARNASSUS

O ne of the most beaut i fu l c ountr ies i n the wor ld , Turkey boasts a un ique fus i on of eastern and western cu l t ures .

w ith i ts r i ch h i story and mesmer is ing landscapes , the country shou ld def in i te ly be on your bucket l i st thanks to i ts many must-see p laces ,

one be ing the pretty port c i ty of Bodrum, i n the south-west Aegean reg i on . i t may be sma l l , w i th a popu lat i on of l i tt l e over 35,000 in the town, but i t

i s fu l l o f l i fe and grandeur .There i s a European f lavour and sty le and the c i ty i s surrounded by

stunn ing b l ue waters and green landscapes - a perfect p lace to re lax .Unt i l re lat ive ly recent ly - the m id-20th century - Bodrum was st i l l an

undeve l oped town of f i shermen and sponge d ivers . Tour ism changed a l l that , a l though thankfu l l y the heart and essence of the town rema ins i ntact . Un l ike the mega resort Marmar is i n the south of the country , wh ich has become a byword for over- indu l g i ng tour ists , Bodrum has reta ined i ts or i g i na l charm w ith pa lm- l i ned streets and sugar-cube houses . That ’s not to say that the town i s S leepyv i l l e , far from i t . As dusk descends, the town comes a l i ve w ith bust l i ng cafes and n ightspots , a l ong w ith restaurants serv ing the best of Med iterranean cu is ine .

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Y - f Ip o s t c a r d s f r o m c a r s I n d o o r s

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Just sHoot

The olympus Pen e-Pl5 is a good point-and-shoot camera. It’s very easy to use and has nifty features such as a four-channel, off-camera flash for those who want to manipulate the light, similar to film manipulation. It is a sturdy camera with a good build, fairly decent image quality, great autofocus and a large range of lens systems to expand into. It’s a great investment and will probably last a long time. It also gives you the flexibility to progress to a more advanced Olympus model at a later date without needing to replace lenses. It lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, but with a USB cable the world is your oyster. www.getolympus.com, ro230.61.

VIEW FINDERUpdate your photographic equipment and capture the beauty of Oman on your road trips. matthew Herbst finds the most useful

snappers for your journey

let Me tAKe A selfie THE SUPER-PORTABLE selPHY es30 ALLOwS YOU TO PRINT AMAzING PHOTOS FROM ANYwHERE, wITHOUT THE NEED FOR A COMPUTER. SIMPLY INSERT A COMPATIBLE MEMORY CARD INTO ONE OF THE HANDY SLOTS, PREVIEw YOUR SNAPS ON THE HIGH-RESOLUTION, COLOUR LCD DISPLAY AND THEN PRINT. THE GREAT THING ABOUT THIS PIECE OF KIT IS THAT YOU CAN ALSO PRINT DIRECTLY FROM COMPATIBLE DIGITAL CAMERAS AND MOBILE PHONES, OR FROM A BLUETOOTH DEVICE VIA THE OPTIONAL BU-30 BLUETOOTH INTERFACE. LOVE IT. WWW.AMAzon.coM, ro86.62.ED

ITOR’S

PICK

Pro sHots DSLRs are used by professional press,

sports and wildlife photographers, and can withstand

the demands of these unforgiving disciplines thanks to its high specifications. Nikon has made slight improvements

to its D4s to provide better handling, image processing and autofocusing. The improved image processing speed allows the D4S to continuously shoot up to 200 fine, large JPEGs or 104 uncompressed 14-bit raw files. Unfortunately, the D4S doesn’t have built-in

Wi-Fi connectivity, but access can be provided via

Nikon’s WT-5 wireless transmitter, which costs about RO321. Other features include a new interval timer and time-lapse image capture. Read more at www.nikon.com and snap it up for ro2,501.33.

Action PAcKeD

Forget getting a GoPro for action shots and try the Polaroid c3 instead. Get this nifty little beast – or many beasts – and stack them on your helmet. With magnets on the top and bottom, the camera is designed to be stackable. The Polaroid C3 has a 120-degree wide-angle lens that can capture video and stills, a built-in microphone and 2GB internal memory. The other huge plus is it is waterproof, so there are no limits to the adventures you can enjoy with this camera. Visit www.polaroid.com, ro38.11.

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neW The Pentax K-30 Dslr has a rugged exterior built to meet your heavy-duty photography needs. This weather-resistant DSLR camera is engineered to resist damage from dust and water using its 81 seals. Each button, hinge and seam around the body is weather proof. It also has mirrorless, interchangeable construction for faster autofocus performance, delivering excellent photographs. See www.amazon.com, ro345.38.

PentAX K-30 Dslr

PHOTOGRAPHy Image Quality: Three levelsRetractable P-TTL pop-up flash Image stabilisationExposure Modes: Aperture, shutter, manualMetering Modes: TTL open-aperture, centre-weightedWhite Balance: Auto, daylight, shade,

cloudy, fluorescent, tungsten, flashScene Modes: Sensitivity, shutter, aperture, scene, digital filters, extract colour, toy, retro, high contrast, shading, invert, colourSelf-timer: Two or 12 seconds

CONNECTIvITy USB 2.0Av out

Cable switchvideo out: NTSC, PAL

BuIlT-IN fEATuRES 23 custom functionsNon-ultrasonic dust removalWeather and dust resistantIn-body shake reductionInternal microphoneInternal speaker

retro Hero

The nikon Df is a modern version of the retro Nikon FM2. It’s a new digital format of its retro film cousin that maintains a traditional design with its silver finish and manual dials, which are better for creating your own arty pictures and for adjusting speeds. But this isn’t the camera for you if you cannot quickly adjust the dials to shoot subjects at different speeds. There is, however, an AF/MF switch on the front of the camera to toggle between autofocus and manual focus options, complete with a hold-and-press button to make additional autofocus adjustments. All in all, it’s a nice retro snapper for a keen newbie who wants to learn the real value of playing with photography without the hassle of handling film, but who likes the use of old lenses (because they do fit). www.amazon.com, ro1,153.83.

App of the Week

sKetcH it Filter effects aren’t a revolutionary concept, but Paper Camera takes them to a new level compared with apps such as Instagram. It displays photos and video in real time on your camera as you are using it,and turns everything into a cartoon, half tone and sketch. We love it. free for iOS and Android, available through the App Store and Google Play.

for Her Every lady likes something a little flash and original. With this special, metal-edition 35mm lomography la sardina czar, you can capture wide-angle shots and make wild multiple exposures — and look very cool doing so. The Lomography 35mm film cameras are likely the only ones you will see that are designed to look like vintage sardine cans, although the Czar is fitted to resemble a fancy caviar can. It also comes with a book called The Caviar Diaries, written by Lomographer wil6ka about his journey around Europe to places where caviar is produced. How playful. www.amazon.com, ro80.34

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Want a rugged car that can handle city driving and go off-road? The Classic Pathfinder should be on your shortlist, says Kate ginn

nissan Classic Pathfinder

SpecificationsEngine: 4.0L V6Horsepower: 261

Transmission: 2WD/4WD/Auto

Seven seater

I like anything that’s labelled “classic”. It has a reassuring ring to it with a hint of promise that whatever you’re buying, it’s going to be a

vintage of its kind and, therefore, highly desirable.

Does the Nissan Pathfinder live up to – or indeed, deserve – such a billing?

After all, the family SUV has only been around since 1985 and some might say it doesn’t qualify for the “classic” tag for at least another 20 years. Lovers of the big beast, however, would no doubt beg to differ.

The unveiling of the Classic Pathfinder in Oman this year was a significant step forward in the brand’s repositioning – it is aiming to attract a new breed of customers looking for a stylish and premium SUV.

Purists might not be so pleased. They prefer the more rugged, stripped-down, basic look, but times change and cars have to adapt too, or they risk falling by the wayside where they are left to rust.

To be honest, they need not feel hard done by.

The Classic Pathfinder retains all the good bits of old – rugged truck

frame, four-wheel drive and hard as nails exterior – but with extras, such as improved luxury and comfort.

In other words, it’s the sort of car that could chew up the kilometres on a trip to Dubai with ease, take you up Jabel al Akhdar for a mountain trip, or happily deposit the children safely at school before being loaded up with shopping from the mall.

Whatever the terrain or situation, it lives up to its reputation as an authentic adventure vehicle ready to tackle whatever the driver throws its way.

There’s a powerful 4.0L V6 engine under the bonnet. A neat touch is the rotary switch in the cabin, which enables a seamless move from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and auto, depending on the driving conditions.

There’s plenty of opulence and gadgetry too.

The Classic comes with full auto AC with dual-zone climate control and rear AC controls – vital for those suffocating Omani summers – and a state-of-the-art CD player and speakers.

If you want more, opt for the SE T-2, which comes with a cargo net, roof rails, sunroof and steering wheel controls for cruise control,

audio, Bluetooth and the drive computer.

You also get 16-inch alloys and a rear-view camera, along with a super-duper audio system with six thumping speakers – perfect for playing mum and dad’s favourites or the children’s Disney songs at full blast.

Anyone who buys this car is looking for space. The Pathfinder is huge, with three rows and seven seats, plus exceptional storage space. The third row seat folds down, as does the second row separately with a 40/20/40 split, allowing for all sorts of seating configurations depending on the passengers.

Safety – a priority for parents – is good. It’s loaded with air bags, while standard on all Pathfinder models is the four-sensor anti-lock braking system (ABS) and power-assisted steering.

Versatility is where this SUV really wins hands down. Two of my friends have Pathfinders – one a busy mum, the other a newlywed who loves nothing more than getting off the beaten track with her husband and their pet dog.

Both love their Pathfinders for different reasons, but with the same depth of passion.

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CAR OF THE WEEK

check this out

Driver, passenger and side airbags

16” alloy wheels Three row, seven seater Power steering Full auto AC Rear AC controls CD and speakers Rotary switch Outside temperature gauge Keyless entry Halogen headlamps

They say: “A real head turner”

We say: “Get active, get a

Pathfinder”