It’s got drama, it’s got intrigue & it’s got you hooked this Ramadan

of soap

Your top guide to the best of oman, everY week

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Fashion Feature Outdoors

24 Prayer Planning: preparing for worship

Wales Watch / Ramadan Road Safety / Focus on FordTraditional Roast / Film Guide

Dining In The Dark THE GOiNG OuT GuiDE FOr iFTAr

JUL 11 - 17 • ISSUE 278 • WEEKLY

FIT & FASTING: How to stay active during the holy monthDANCING ON ICE: Looking cool in the rink

Sultanate

Penny Fray editor@y-oman.com

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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &

Advertising LLC /Y is a SABCO Media product.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Fast forwardRamadan Kareem to all of you. As most regular readers are aware, I have not lived in the Middle East before so this will be my first experience of the holy month. I am looking forward to joining my Muslim colleagues in celebrating the essence of Ramadan, a time for family, spiritual reflection and thinking of those less fortunate. Aside from altruistic actions, it is also a good time to reassess one’s own life and priorities. Our Ramadan edition looks at everything from soap operas to keeping your mind and body healthy during the month, while our Iftar special gives you the lowdown on the best places to go. Who knows? I may even bump into some of you at an Iftar around the city in the coming weeks.

God bless you all.

Welcome to the new look Y Magazine - your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORPenny Fray

SECTIONS EDITORKate Ginn

PAGE EDITORJoe Gill

PHOTOGRAPHER Jerzy Wierzbicki

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

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

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

Team Y has been cheering on Andy Murray, as he became the first

British man to win the Wimbledon tennis championship in 77 years,

cooling down at the ice-skating rink in Qurum and getting ready for

Ramadan.

THIS WEEK…

TrEND BArOMETEr

GOING UP iniTiaLLY YoUrs

The last time I had my clothes initialled was back in primary

school and I wasn’t keen on it then. But it seems I may have to rethink, as its back in vogue for the grown-

ups this time. Nowadays, men monogram their shirts to give them character, either on the pocket, cuff or body of the shirt, and always on

the left side apparently. Discreet monograms are also appearing on women’s clothes, even on wedding

dresses.

GOING DOWN UnheaLThY LiVing

Now is the time to kick into touch for good any bad habits, such as

smoking or junk food diets. Instead, embrace exercise and healthy

eating, and wave goodbye to the old you. Start the new regime this

month and you’ll begin to feel a difference by the end of the month,

just in time for Eid.

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

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

Ways to get your Y fix

contentsJ u L Y 1 1 2 0 1 3

10Yo u r O m a n 06 The Big Interview Omar Ahmed Salim Qatan08 Letters Virtual Vice 1o News Ramadan Road Safety

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COOL TO BE KIND HUngeR gAMeS gO CARTIng IFTAR CELEBRATIONS

neXT WeeK’S ISSUe...

Fo o d & D r i n k 28 Food Iftar Special 3o Restaurant Review The Academy Restaurant

T h i s We e k 14 This Week Creative Bazaar16 Movie Listings 1968 Tunnel Rats

C a r s & O u t d o o r s 37 Destination Wadi Indam 40 Indoors Ice Skating 42 Postcards From... Soaring Snowdonia 44 Y-Fi July gems 46 Car of the Week Ford Focus ST

H e a l t h & B e a u t y32 Fashion Back to Black 34 Fitness Fasting Health Guide

Fe at u r e s 18 Ramadan Drama An Actor’s Life 22 A New Leaf Spiritual Reading 24 Prayer Times Break Fast Calendar

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Range Rover Sport Y Magazine Ads.pdf 1 7/9/13 3:02 PM

N e w s G a l l e r yYOuR OMAN

Describe a typical working day:I’m a morning man. I start my day very early as I have to do my prayers. Then I do some reading and take breakfast before starting work around 7am. I look at my agenda with my secretary, then I execute. I try to strike a balance between my job and my family but it’s hard. I always make sure there’s at least an hour to sit down with them to chat, joke and so forth. I go to bed early – around 10.30pm. I think you have to work with your nature. What motivates you?I like it when there’s a challenge or there are problems to solve. For me, the biggest test is when you meet someone with a problem and, whatever solution you give, they cannot proceed. I don’t like negativity. I give a lot of my time to HR issues because taking care of staff is taking care of business. What do you think are the secret ingredients to success? Dedication. Planning. Resilience. It’s also good to be a visionary.What excites you most about working for Oman Oil Marketing Company?The challenges. I also like my team. The working environment is so open and friendly. I feel really cared for and I like treating people the way I’m treated. You have a very high percentage of Omanis working for you – one of the highest in the Sultanate in fact – so, what’s your view of Omanisation? I think the oil, gas and banking sectors are best suited to Omanisation simply because they can give good packages and training as well as the right environment to nurture talent – and that way Omanis feel enriched. But it’s also about recruitment.t. No CEO likes to rest on his or her laurels. If you could achieve anything right here, right now, what would it be? I wish to have more Omani talent around me. When I talk about talent, I mean people who are highly educated, skilled and innovative.And what about your company goal? We’re ambitious to be at every corner that our customer needs us. How would you describe yourself in three words? I’m caring, resilient and fair.You’ve already talked about spending time with family, but how else do you relax when you’re not working? I like walking. I used to go swimming and play football but now I barely walk. It’s something I must revisit. The summer, however, is not welcoming for exercise, so I do it at home. What differentiates you as a company from your competitiors? We have excellent services and we really care about our customers.

O M A R A H M E D S A L I M Q ATA N , C H i E F E X E C u T i V E O F F i C E r F O r O M A N O i L M A r K E T i N G C O M pA N Y

I N T E R V I E W

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sErViCE WiTH A sMiLE

OMAR’S THREE TOP TIPS TO TRIUMPH

IN BUSINESS:1. Be patient

2. Focus3. Enrich your mind

Words: Penny Fray Photo: Jerzy Wierzbicki

Muscat: P.O. Box 58, Postal Code 100, Tel: 24562077, Service Toll Free Number: 800 79 777, Salalah: P.O. Box 735, Postal Code 211, Tel: 23212159, E-mail: sales.passengercars@mercedes-benz.co.omRamadan Showroom Timing: Sat - Thu: 9:00am - 1:00pm & 6:00pm - Midnight, Spare Parts Reception Timing: Sat - Thu: 7:00am - 4:30pm,Service Reception Timing: Sat - Thu: 7:00am - Midnight for Passenger Cars, Sat - Thu: 7:00am - 4:30pm for Commercial Vehicles

Throughout this special season the choice is yours when you purchase any new Mercedes-Benz passenger car from Zawawi Trading Co. While a complimentary gift and free registration are assured rewards, you can also choose one additional benefit from the following: •Sportsstylingaccessorykit •One-yearcomprehensiveinsurance •5-year/75,000kmservicepackage

Thentomakeyourpurchasetrulymemorable,selectonemorefromthefollowing: •Lowratefinance •Paintprotection

Offer valid from 4 July to 31 August. Call 800 77333 to find out more.

www.mercedes-benz.co.omwww.facebook.com/MercedesBenzOman

Your new Mercedes-Benz now comes with even more options.

Download our mobile application ‘MercedesOman’

Dear Editor, The effects of social networking sites that are spread across the World Wide Web are yet to be clearly known.

Youngsters live in a passionate world that has challenges in every aspect. However, they often fail to realise the hidden risks that exist on the Web.

Studies reveal that extensive use of networking sites tends to spoil language skills. Many ignore spelling errors while communicating and these aspects indirectly make verbal communication less effective in the long run. Though people claim Internet communication is helping to improve language skills, communication is taking place on a very wide platform, which displays multiple styles of usage and phrases, which confuses users.

Social interactions are a must to make stronger and more responsible individuals.

VIRTUAL CRISIS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

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SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / www.facebook.com/ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive a RO20 voucher towards lunch or dinner at Park Inn. Terms and conditions apply.

WRITE TO US AND WIN A VOUCHER

correspondencethe voice of oman Yummy mummy karima farid faces the challenge of returning to work after maternity and annual leave.

NExt WEEK: RuMAItHA Al BuSAIDI

J ust as you’re getting used to being home with your baby and your regular work life

feels like a distant memory, you realise that your leave is coming to an end. Every nerve of your being is screaming ‘no’ – even though you know that your little one will be left in the most caring of hands. It’s a super challenging transition and one that many career mothers have to face, including myself. It has been three months and three weeks since I had my beautiful Maryam, and I feel at ease when I visit the doctor and I’m told I’m doing an excellent job. Motherhood is amazing.

But no matter how long and hard you’ve thought about your decision to return to work, and how sure you are that it’s the right choice, mixed emotions are inevitable. Then there’s the practical issue of breast-feeding. It’s a challenge for most mothers but cutting off that precious milk supply for six hours straight and then up to nine hours after Ramadan is harsh. Mommies who are back to work, my suggestion to you is ask, research and experiment.

One thing I’ve learnt is that you need to be relaxed for the perfect milk flow. Schedule your time to give work 100 per cent and then come home and give yourself, baby and hubby 100 per cent too.

Ramadan Kareem! You’ll be hearing from me next month.

However, the quality of interactions is the issue here – and spending lots of time in a chat room gives little return for the time invested.

The virtual habit is, therefore, killing the inbuilt flair of young people.

The sad part is that school-going children are too busy “networking” with unknown and unseen individuals, and at times, fall into the grip of social evils.

Most people make use of these platforms to promote themselves and give a self-boost to their credentials, which adds no value to their career portfolio.

Face-to-face contact and interaction gives life to all aspects. The conversation should be healthy and meaningful, and be framed and presented in such a way that it helps and recognises others.

Best regards,Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

Dinner For Two

Dear Editor,“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil.” (The Holy Quran, 2:183)

I want to share a few things about Ramadan, which I collected from different sources.

1. To develop and strengthen our powers of self-control, so that we can resist wrongful desires and bad habits, and therefore “guard against evil.”

In fasting, by refraining from the natural human urges to satisfy one’s appetite, we are exercising our ability of self-restraint, so that we can then apply it to our everyday life to bring about self-improvement.

2. To attain nearness and closeness to God so that He becomes a reality in our lives. As we bear the rigours of fasting purely for the sake of following a Divine commandment,

RAMADAN VIRTUESknowing and feeling that He can see all our actions however secret, it intensifies the consciousness of God in our hearts, resulting in a higher spiritual experience

3. To learn to refrain from usurping other’s rights and belongings. In fasting we voluntarily give up even what is rightfully ours; how can then we think of taking what is not ours but belong to someone else?

4. Charity and generosity is especially urged during Ramadan. We learn to give, and not to take.

The deprivation of fasting makes us sympathise with the suffering of others, and desirous of alleviating it; and it makes us remember the blessings of life which we normally take for granted.

Fasting in Islam does not just consist of refraining from eating and drinking, but from every kind of selfish desire and wrongdoing.

The physical fast is a symbol and outward expression of the real, inner fast.

Dr. Mohammed Shafiuddin, Muscat

YOUR FeeDBACK IS IMPORTAnT TO US

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We asked: One of the biggest global achievements is decreasing mortality all over the world. What is your biggest achievement?

SHYAM KARANI I wish I had more notable achievements to boast about, for instance, a revolutionary cure for cancer. However, many of us are ‘minor’ heroes without being really aware of our achievements. For instance, I have spent most of my working life in Oman, eking out a living, making daily sacrifices, so that my family do not go wanting. I consider the struggle to continue during all these long years, overcoming loneliness, devoid of family comforts, motivated with the single thought of my family’s welfare, as a small, yet very difficult achievement.

ABHISHEK OJHA My biggest accomplishment was understanding the nature of humans and overcoming persecution with a positive attitude. I learnt to love, and to accept different personalities. I can now deal with difficult people.

MYStERIOuSS FEFE A smile on Dad’s face.

VIJAYAlAKSHMI SHEttY Mine is serving humankind as a doctor to the utmost satisfaction. To work and serve.

AlI FAREED MOHAMMED MC I survived 2012.

RISHIKESH CHIDHAMBARANAtHAN Offering financial help to orphanages and non-profit organisations, which helps the community develop. Apart from that, I feel I haven’t done anything great.

JAYNE llOYD To take responsibility for my actions but not to vainly hog the glory of my achievements, as I couldn’t have done them without the help of others.

DEBATE OF ThE WEEK

This Week’s debate: Ramadan is a time of giving. Have you experienced the kindness

of strangers? Tell us about it on Facebook.

WINNER! Reply of

the Week

Cycling odyssey across parts of Oman to highlight traffic safety

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

oN THE RoaD

Capture the spirit of Ramadan and win an iPad each week

Let your imagination run wild this month and you could end up having your efforts seen by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

The hunt is on for some of the best photographs in Oman to illustrate the essence of the holy festivities over the coming weeks in a competition called ‘Reflections: Sights and Sounds of Ramadan.’

The best images uploaded on Instagram, a platform with 130 million global users, will be given a chance of winning an iPad mini each week. Alizz Islamic Bank has launched the contest in collaboration with @IgersOman, a well-known Omani user of the photo-sharing and social networking phenomenon.

“On a daily basis, he (@IgersOman) engages with over 2,600 local and international followers inviting them to showcase their ingenuity through daily and weekly themed competitions,” said Jamal Darwiche, chief operating officer of Alizz Islamic Bank.

Collaborator @IgersOman added: “Instagram has made it easier for young people to communicate through imagery that evokes emotions and inspires a strong reaction.

“I am very excited to see how imaginative, artistic and elaborative Instagrammers will be during this holy month.”

Every week, three people will have the chance to win an iPad mini by hashtagging #ramadanwithalizz, #IgersOman. Submitted images will also be featured in an exhibition held by the bank later on in the year.

sMaRT pICs

YOuR OMAN

By the time he reached Muscat City Centre mall, exhausted but ebullient, Khalid bin Mohammed al Shabibi had

completed a very personal journey to spread the message about keeping safe on the roads.

The cyclist had covered more than 400 kilometres through wadis, roads and villages to deliver leaflets and advice to residents and anyone he came across during his travels.

Khalid is spearheading an awareness campaign on the need to take responsibility behind the wheel. Setting off from al Buraimi, he rode through Sohar and Al Khabourah to Barka, before the final leg into the capital, where he was met by a welcoming reception organised by the Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA), in cooperation with Bank Sohar.

Among those waiting to greet him were Mohammed bin Salim al Tobi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs; Colonel Ahmed bin Sultan al Nabhani, assistant director general of Muscat Traffic at Royal Oman Police (ROP); and the chief executive officer of ORSA, Shaima Murtadha al Lawati.

While the grown-ups were discussing road safety, children were having a go at putting it into practice. A ‘Traffic Safety Village’ with mock roads, zebra crossings, traffic lights and even trees had been set up in the mall, which young ‘drivers’ were able to navigate round and

learn the rules of the road. This way, experts hope, they will develop an understanding of being safe drivers from a young age.

Under the theme ‘Be Safe…Be Responsible’, the road safety campaign was part of an ongoing campaign by ORSA and Bank Sohar.

Traffic accidents always increase during Ramadan and the ROP has called on all motorists to be extra careful on the roads over the next four weeks. According to police, 20 per cent of the 7,798 total crashes in Oman last year happened during Ramadan.

“During the holy month of Ramadan, we have noticed that a number of accidents take place due to reckless driving, mostly because of fatigue,” said an ROP spokesman.

“We urge drivers to observe utmost caution while driving in Ramadan.”

Speeding and changing sleeping patterns are to blame for many problems on the roads.

Afternoon is often the most dangerous time, when many public and private employees are taking to the roads and heading home at the same time to rest before breaking fast.

In 2011, 585 road accidents happened during Ramadan, killing 93 people.

Three years ago, the number of road injuries in the first half of Ramadan soared by 90 per cent, with 283 traffic accidents in Muscat alone during the first half of the month, in which 25 people died and 358 were injured.

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Creative BazaarThe Barr Al Jissah Resort’s Injaz (Achievement Day) brings together creative entrepreneurs and home businesses to showcase their products and share stories on how they started. Creative activities includes nail art, face painting, caricature, T-shirt/cap painting and jewellery making. As well as a chance for non-profits and entrepreneurs to meet and talk, a graffiti wall will see artists visualising the month of Ramadan.

THIS WEEKJ u L Y

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE.

WHAT TO HEAR.

If for some reason you haven’t yet found a summer camp for your lovely little ones, Art of Living Nursery, Muttrah, still has some places left.They are offering a range of mind and body activities and excursions for 5 to 11 year olds, including yoga, arts and crafts, public speaking, and some surprises, all overseen by experienced teachers. For registration contact Namrata on 98218095 or email: aolsummercamp@yahoo.com

MID-WEEK MEET

T H E W H A T ’ S O N G u I D E G a l l e r y M o v i e s

The Women’s Guild Oman is holding regular coffee mornings at Almouj Golf, The Wave, throughout Ramadan. Ladies can join them every Wednesday for conversation and registration. For more information visit www.womensguildoman.com

Muttrah Fun

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July

3 - 31

Navajo Songs

July18-19

The Al Bustan Palace Hotel is the venue for a unique night of story and song from the Chinle Valley Singers. This Native American Navajo group is performing in association with the US Embassy and Dhofar Municipality at the festival recreational centre. 8pm. Free admission.

Is there no stopping him? Pharrell Williams is dominating the US Billboard chart again this month, sharing number one spot with Robin Thicke on ‘Blurred Lines’ for the fourth week running, while also riding at number two with Daft Punk on ‘Get Lucky’. All we need now is the GCC tour dates….

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rEAD OF THE WEEK Stuck for that summer birthday gift? Ian Doscher is an author intrepid enough to upset two of the world’s most implacable fan clubs – the Shakespeareans and the Lucas lovers. Purists aside, William Shakespeare’s Star Wars (Verily A New Hope) will at least raise a giggle or two and includes marvellous woodcut illustrations. Forsooth, my circuitry o’erloadeth!

July

12July

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SHAOlIN Chinese warlord General Hou (Andy Lau) learns the ways of Zen after his violent ways lead to defeat and retreat to a Shaolin temple. Hou is forced to turn to the monks, including none other than Jackie Chan, for protection. There he realises the errors of his ways, and finds the way to peace. But before long, his enemies are closing in and he must lead the monks into battle once more. Between spectacular battle sequences and drawn-out deaths, ancient wisdom and unsubtle nationalism are thrown in for the domestic market.

Bollywatch

P R E V I E W

Love Bite

In this horror comedy, teenager Jamie (Ed Speleers) and his three mates Kev, Bruno and Spike, spend their time trying to pick up girls in the rundown resort of Rainmouth. They get more than they bargained for when slinky American travel writer Juliana (Jessica Szohr) rolls into town and people start dying. If this wanted to be a low budget American Werewolf movie, it is slayed by lame gags, thoroughly unpleasant characters and a hole where the plot should be.

Faces in The Crowd

A high-concept psycho thriller that turns on the real-life condition of face-blindness. Teacher Milla Jovovich

MOVIES MOVIESWEEKTHIS

witnesses a murder on a bridge, and is left with a brain injury after the killer turns on her. As she recovers, she finds people’s faces constantly change – an unsettling effect the film pulls off convincingly. The opening sequence reminds you of some classic horrors of the past, but after that it’s all downhill with a lame script and a story that appears to suffer from a brain disorder of its own. You’ll spot the killer a mile off by the way.

Four sisters and a Wedding

A Filipino romantic comedy that sticks with a tried and tested formula.The Salazar sisters are brought together for some sibling rivalry when their brother CJ decides to wed his new girlfriend. Even a great central performance from Bea Alonso and hilarious support from Carmi Martin can’t make the audience care enough about the whether the couple actually get hitched.

RAMAIYA VASTAVAIYA An unashamed love story of boy meets girl – he even chases her slo-mo through fields of golden flowers. Girish Kumar is the Aussie-Indian with an early ’80s mop top who returns to India for a wedding. There, he falls for Shruti Haasan, a beautiful village girl. Not only must he overcome her fears that he’s just after a holiday fling, he also faces stern opposition from her conservative brother (and he must be a bad one with that moustache). How will the lovers be united? It’s going to take a lot of heartfelt love songs and big dance numbers, that’s for sure.

The Vietcong played havoc with US forces through the huge network of tunnels they built in the jungle during the ‘American war’ in Vietnam.

This brutal, fact-based drama focuses on an elite unit of the US Army whose job it was to go into the tunnels and hunt the enemy underground.

We get to know the cast of characters as they arrive at the jungle base camp in preparation for what appears to be a suicidal mission. Down below they will find vicious booby traps and roaming Vietnamese fighters who, unlike the Americans, know every inch of the tunnels.

This is an unflinching depiction of war at its most claustrophobic and bloody. As a viewer you feel the tingling fear and sense of walls closing in as the US squad and Vietcong soldiers circle each other in a labyrinth of death.

Tunnel Rats avoids the weakness

of many US war films that treat the Vietnamese as anonymous silhouettes flitting through the undergrowth. We see the situation from both sides, even if the dramatic focus is on the foreigners rather than the natives.

One might imagine that watching men crawl around in the dark killing each other would be repetitive and grim. It is definitely gruesome, but there are lots of surprises and impressive set-pieces. The camera work is deliberately confusing – just occasionally, amid all the carnage, the beauty of the jungle is almost tangible.

Tunnel Rats is a surprisingly effective low-budget war story that takes no prisoners. At times, it is almost unwatchable – you could end up suffering from unpleasant flashbacks just by watching it.

If there is a moral, it is that there are no winners in war.

Review by Joe Gill

1968 Tunnel rats

For more information and times, go to: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641THIS WEEK’S MOVIES

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As the camera pans onto a scene of village life in the 1950s, the director Yousef al Balushi shouts ‘action’. In the yard of a traditional Bahraini house an old man walks towards a middle-aged woman and a young boy,

and an argument begins. The setting and the costumes speak of a different time and place,

in old Bahrain from days gone by. In fact, it is Muscat’s heritage village at the Qurum Natural Park on a day in June. An Omani television crew is filming a scene from a major new drama, The Light of My Eye, which has been shot in various locations across Oman and Bahrain with a cast of local and international actors.

The drama is scheduled for broadcast over Ramadan, which in Oman – and across the Middle East – is a time when people gather around the television to enjoy a season of family entertainment.

With everyone spending time with family at home, it’s the season for the big television dramas. Joe Gill talks to actor Khamis Al Rawahi about his major new Ramadan series.

T h e P a s tShooting

Khamis al Rawahi (pictured opposite), an assistant director and actor in the new series, took time out during filming to speak to Y.

The series is set in Oman and Bahrain and has been filmed in both countries, with Omani locations including Rustaq, Barka and Tiwi.

“The producers could not find an authentic village in Bahrain because everything there has been modernised,” explains Al Rawahi. “So we built houses in Qurum Park to look like old Bahrain.”

Among the cast are two Kuwaiti actresses who are playing Bahraini characters.

Rehearsals for the series took place for three months prior to the start of filming. The run-up to Ramadan is the one time of year when actors in Oman can expect to be busy.

When asked about his own role, al Rawahi is coy. “I want it to be a surprise,” he says.

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Al Rawahi is one of Oman’s best-known actors and some-thing of a local celebrity. While I interview him at The Wave, Muscat, several people recognise him and come up to say hello. He greets them without a trace of irritation.

“Being famous has two sides – on the one hand it can be helpful but sometimes not. People will do things for you, but some people think that because you are famous, you will be arrogant.” Such a fear is evidently misplaced in his case.

His love of acting started very young. “I grew up in a small village outside Izki. I started acting in school, like most actors from Oman.

“Once a week there was a free class where you take part in a group activity and I took theatre. We would make plays out of classic stories and fables.

“On national holidays they had a performance such as poetry or drama and I would usually take a leading role.

“When I grew up there was no electricity or TV in my village. There were people we called rich who had their own generator and shop selling cold drinks.

“I remember hearing the generator go on and running to their house to watch TV. My father used to beat me because he said it was rude to go to their house to watch television.

“In those days, Oman TV did not start till 3pm. I used to sit watching the rainbow pattern with just an image of a Khanjar, waiting for the programmes to start.”

After moving to Muscat, he joined a summer course organ-ised by the Youth Programme, where big stars from across the Middle East would visit to talk about their experiences. One of them was the famous Egyptian actor Mustafa Hash-ish, now a big star in his homeland.

“At the start of the course there would be more than 100 young people, but by the end only 15 would stay the course. while others dropped out. I was one of them. I spent six months with the Youth Programme,” says al Rawahi.

In 1994, he was given his first role in a theatre drama with Fakhriya Khamis – she was the star of the show and was also a well-known TV actor.

In 2002, Dr Abdul Karim bin Ali Jawad, a pioneer of the-atrical arts in Oman, helped al Rawahi find sponsorship to study acting at Hull University in the UK. Most Omanis who get to study drama abroad tend to go to Kuwait or Egypt.

From those beginnings, al Rawahi has gone on to carve out a successful 20-year career working in theatre, television and film in Oman.

His big break came in 2006 when he was given a major role in Al Faghoor – a popular drama based on a true story of a family feud in Rustaq.

He also starred in the hit show Daryesh, a series of one-off dramas that ran for three Ramadans, in which he played various major parts.

A role that made him a household name touched on the issue of reckless driving in Oman. Al Rawahi played The King of the Road – a young man whose father buys him a sports car that he races around doing dangerous stunts – until tragedy strikes and he kills a family.

Despite this success, he still has a day job. He works as an events organiser with the public authority for craft industries, which generously allows him to take several months off work each year to work on Ramadan shows.

It may seem strange that he has to work but it’s the same for most actors in Oman, says al Rawahi. Oman’s television and film output is not large enough to sup-port more than a handful of working directors and actors.

“Omani audiences tend to compare Oman TV pro-ductions with Egyptian, Syrian or American dramas, and often it is not a good comparison,” he says.

“Actors and directors from overseas work in an industry that is very well developed.

“Here, we have one private TV channel and two state channels, one of which mostly shows sport.”

With many viewers having access to satellite

networks like MBC, Oman’s output needs to compete with the best international shows and this has raised standards of production, Al Rawahi says.

In the Gulf, Kuwait has long been a pioneer in thea-tre, film and television since the establishment of its Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts (HIDA) in 1973.

By contrast, there is no drama college or film school in Oman, although there is a drama course at Sultan Qaboos University.

Al Rawahi feels strongly that this situation needs to change. “I hope in the future there will be more arts education provision, for everything from painting to theatre to dance. There are lots of kids who would love to act, paint or learn music.”

If opportunities for Omani actors are limited, for Omani women there are bigger barriers to a career. “In the past and even today, a lot of families do not want women appearing in films,” explains al Rawahi. “When we were filming in a fishing village, we used male actors to dress up as women as the women of the village would not appear in front of the camera.

“A lot of girls wanted to go to university and they would apply for drama as the entrance requirements were less strict than for other courses. Unfortunately when they finished they would not go into acting, as this was never their intention, or their families would not allow it.”

For most Arab actors, the dream ticket is a career in Egypt, the ‘Arab Hollywood’.

During Ramadan the major shows are usually broadcast two or three times a day – at breakfast, in the afternoon and at night.

Al Rawahi has seen a gradual change to more dar-ing and controversial scripts in a TV culture that has traditionally played it safe.

“In the past the censor would cut out anything against the government. We could not mention or play a minister. It’s much more open now. Daryesh played a big part in this change.”

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The holy month, the generous month, the spiritual month, these are a few of the names that pop into mind when you think of Ramadan. But if you are a TV junkie then you definitely know this is also

known as TV drama month. Across the Arab world around 100 dramas are broadcast each Ramadan.

It has been the norm for decades now that most TV sta-tions and production companies invest the biggest part of their budgets in this holy month – Egypt alone produced 50 series last year.

Arabic drama serials, especially soap operas, are usually only 30 episodes long, specifically made to be broadcast nightly for the whole of Ramadan. The reason is simple – this is the month where most families get together to break their fast and have dinner in front of the biggest TV screen in the house, usually in the sabla (living room).

Turn on the box immediately after Maghrib prayers and there are shows to make you laugh and ease the stress of

fasting. All the funny sitcoms air at that time in the evening.

But the prime slot for dramas and soaps is after the night prayers (Taraweeh) from 9pm till mid-

night. This is the peak time when

everyone is relaxed and glued to the TV. With so many shows to choose from, channel flicking is unavoidable as you to try to catch all the different series.

This is a time for staying up late and, of course, the enter-tainment continues in the form of competitions and contests. They are mostly scheduled after midnight with endless trivia quizzes for your tired brain.

The variety is so vast, with TV stations offering different programmes and series, it’s enough to tempt any TV junkie to stay glued to the screen all day and all night.

Many religious and pious commentators have criticised this phenomenon, saying that it distracts people from the main purpose of Ramadan, which is to be in touch spiritually with Allah and meditate on his creations and blessings.

Your energy and contemplation should be focused on this, they say, rather than spending all your time watching these series – which end up being repeated after Ramadan anyway.

Differences of opinion over the merits of Ramadan TV are inevitable. Recording programmes is easier than ever, so you can always catch them later – but nothing beats watching an exciting drama unfold each night along with friends and family.

Essential viewing or a distraction from what Ramadan is all about? Rumaitha al Busaidi gives the lowdown on seasonal telly.

s e a s o n o f t h e Wat c h

s e a s o n o f t h e Wat c h

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During this time of reflection comes the opportunity to step away from the usual fast pace of modern life and slow things down.

Taking stock and reassessing priorities can be a wonderfully cleansing experience, clearing away the clutter in your life and head. Feeding your

inner self paves the way for growth.Embrace your strengths and accept your weaknesses to find peace and

contentment, releasing hidden confidence and potential. While you can’t take someone with you on this very personal journey, you can use a book as your friend to guide you along the way. There’s a bewildering array out there on bookshelves and virtual shops. Where to start? Whether you want spiritual soothing or a crash course in confidence, Y gives you our super six books to a better life with favourites from Penny Fray and Kate Ginn.

Take time out during the holy month to nourish your soul with a good book. Here is Y’s guide to help you choose

A New Leaf

Chicken soup for the soul Who wrote it: Jack Canfield and Mark Victor HansenWhat is it about: Collection of short inspirational stories and motivational essays, this is the first book in a series compiled by motivational speakers Canfield and Hansen. There are now 100 million copies in print. The name was chosen because of the use of chicken soup as a home remedy and therefore considered ‘good for the body.’in a sentence: Food for the soul.Best for: Anyone seeking to improve his or her life.Kate’s View: I love dipping into this book whenever I feel the need to sooth my mind. The bite-sized chunks are easy to read and digestible.

The AlchemistWho wrote it: Paulo CoelhoWhat is it about: This is a charmingly simple novel-come-fable about a young shepherd called Santiago, who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure. During his adventure, he meets a gypsy, a man who calls himself a king and an alchemist, all of whom point him in the direction of his quest. After surmounting several obstacles, Santiago learns that the prize he seeks isn’t gold but something far more valuable.in a sentence: Listen to your heart.Best for: Spiritual explorers who believe that life is a journey not a destination.penny’s view: : The messages in Coelho’s books always resonate on a spiritual level and this is no exception.

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Eat, pray, Love: One Woman’s search for Everything Across italy, india and indonesia Who wrote it: Elizabeth GilbertWhat is it about: A 2006 memoir about the author’s trip around the world to discover herself after a traumatic divorce. She spent four months in Italy eating and enjoying life, then three months in India finding spirituality, and a year in Bali where she found love. A film starring Julia Roberts was released in 2010.in a sentence: Mad quest of self-discovery.Best for: Women with a mid-life crisis.Kate’s View: The Americanisms and Gilbert’s self-obsessed me-me-me style might grate at times, but wade through and there are some nuggets to be unearthed.

A New Leaf

The power of Now: A Guide to spiritual Enlightenment Who wrote it: Eckhart TolleWhat is it about: A self-help guide for day-to-day living, it stresses the importance of living in the present and avoiding dwelling on the past or future. Published in the late 1990s, it has been translated into 33 languages.in a sentence: Live in the now.Best for: Anyone looking for spiritual rather than practical advice.Kate’s View: Nothing new here but the ethos of living in the present resonates with my ideals.

The sECrETWho wrote it: Rhonda Byrne

What is it about: Based on the law of attraction – that like attracts like –

this super successful self-help book claims that positive thinking brings

about wealth, health and happiness. in a sentence: Ask and you shall receive.

Best for: Those who believe they can become masters of the universe by changing their

thoughts and feelings. penny’s View: I hated this book because it didn’t offer

anything new. Fragments of The Secret have been found in age-old literature, religions and philosophies.

The spiritual WarriorWho wrote it: John-RogerWhat is it about: Offers practical tips for countering negative habits and destructive relationships to live a happier and more successful life. Has a huge fan base in Hollywood. in a sentence: The only thing you can do on the planet is be the best you can.Best for: Self-improvement fiends.penny’s View: An interesting journey but a little heavy on the psychobabble.

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“Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong).” (Q 2:183)

“Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and righteousness” (Q 2:183)

“Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwaa.” (Q2:183)

Source: The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. August’s prayer timings next week

Source: Quran Explorer

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“Indeed, we have revealed it (Qur’an) in the night of Power. And what will explain to you what the night of Power is? The night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: (they say) “Peace” (continuously) till the rise of Morning!” (Q 97:1-5)

“The most honored by Allah amongst you are those best in taqwaa.”(Q 49:13)

“And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.” (Q 2:184)

RamadanPrayer Timing

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

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FOOD HEAVEN Where: Shangri-La’s Barr Al

Jissah Resort & SpaExpect: If you want an international culinary

experience and live Arabic acoustic music in five star

surroundings, then head for the Iftar at the Al Tanoor Restaurant.The buffet will be available daily from sunset until 11pm at RO18.What’s Cool: Fabulous prizes to be won such as weekend stays

in Shangri-La hotels in Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Kuala Lumpar and Istanbul;

dinner vouchers and spa treatments at CHI, The Spa.Special Offers: Guests will

receive raffle coupons for every RO15 spent in Al Tanoor and Zafran Café to be able to win

even more exciting prizes.

FOOD

DRINKAND

iT’s A DATE The breaking of the fast will

generally begin with dates, Arabic coffee and water. The dried fruit

provides instant energy and helps take the edge off the hunger that’s

been gnawing at your stomach all day. Highly nutritious, they’re considered by many to be one

of nature’s most perfect foods.

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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

FAMILY

If the whirl of dinner and entertaining that is Iftar usually leaves you exhausted before you’ve even served your first luqaimat, consider hitting one of Muscat’s

wealth of restaurants for a stress-free feast. After all, we’ve come a long way from the practice of drinking water and nibbling on a couple of dates after a long day of fasting. These days, Iftar celebrations are a chance for both family and friends to break fast with a fantastic array of traditional treats. But let’s be frank here, who’s got the energy to slave over a hot stove when you’re feeling faint with hunger? Show this month’s spirit of generosity and hospitality by inviting guests to one of the many Iftar buffets being held in the city’s hotels instead. We give you the lowdown on some of our favourites:

FOODANDDRINK

Where: Al Bustan Palace, at Ritz-Carlton HotelExpect: Ramadan festivities at this palatial hotel are hosted at the Al Khiran Terrace with an open-air courtyard and relaxed seating area. All your favourite dishes will be displayed in sophisticated food stations including barbecued meat and seafood, hot and cold mezzeh, stews, freshly baked bread and classic desserts.What’s Cool: The hotel’s dedicated events team will also be on hand to organise any bespoke corporate celebrations during Ramadan.Special Offers: The Ramadan Palatial Experience is available from July 10 to August 10 starting at RO 119 per room per night, single or double occupancy, and exclusive of service charge and tax. The package includes overnight accommodation in a deluxe room for two and Iftar at Al Khiran Terrace and Sohour in-room dining, or buffet breakfast and dinner at Al Khiran Terrace. Let the staycation commence.

PALATIAL PLATTERS

No oven, no cry. Mich Rimmer and Penny Fray discover the best places to eat out for Iftar

FEASTING

Where: Millennium Resort MussanahExpect: For RO12pp, relish a fantastic family buffet in an air-conditioned tent with little ones being entertained by an age appropriate quiz. Even better, there’s a 50 per cent discount for kids between the ages of 6 and 12. What’s Cool: A traditional oud player will be there every weekend to entertain you and your family whilst celebrating the true spirit of Ramadan. Special Offers: The hotel offers a complimentary shisha and buffet for every ten people booked. It also has a special room offer of RO35 including Suhour. Children under six stay for free. Perfect for a Ramadan break.

OuT OF TOWN

Where: Radisson Blu Hotel, MuscatExpect: Celebrate Iftar with family and friends at Olivos Restaurant and Terrace with a delicious buffet and a wide range of traditional meals. What’s Cool: Clients can host meetings and corporate Iftar events at the hotel too. Special Offer: The Radisson will have special menus in private venues for those who like their Iftas to be a little special.

BESPOKE & BLu

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

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Sales contact 95 309 103 / 97 893 749, Fleet Sale contact 99 654 913Salalah 98 842 999, Sohar 96 208 468, Nizwa 98 931 355

Ramadhan MubarakEnjoy a special month with ourspecial offers, including guaranteedtrade-in buy-back of 50%.**

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Where: Six Senses Zighy BayExpect: A beach-bound Ramadan tent in which to enjoy the cultural activities being held including an Omani storyteller, each Thursday evening and a traditional oud player every Friday evening.What’s Cool: The resort has planned a super special schedule including Eid-al-Fitr barbecues and buffets by the wadi. There will also be a programme for youngsters with activities such as goat feeding, archery and wake-boarding lessons. Special Offers: The Ramadan Kareem Package includes daily breakfast, access to the Suhour Khaimat Ramadan as well as the tennis and volleyball courts, ice cave and fitness centre. There’s also complimentary use of non-motorised water sports. The promotion starts from RO207 and is valid for bookings made for July 7 to August 6.

GASTRONOMIC GLAMPING

Where: Park Inn MuscatExpect: An extravagant Iftar buffet with a difference. Tuck into a feast of oriental delicacies as well as traditional favourites. What’s Cool: The hotel accepts both family and corporate bookings for Iftar, held in a plush, private area. These bookings must be made in advance for more than 20 people though.Special Offers: RO14 per person.

A TASTE OF THE ORIENT

Where: Ibis MuscatExpect: A sumptuous spread at Open Restaurant from sunset to 9pm daily.What’s Cool: The pocket-friendly price of RO7.5.Special Offers: Want to make a weekend of it? Every Tuesday, Ibis Styles posts a last-minute promotional offer valid for the coming weekend. You get a 50 per cent discount on a two-night stay beginning Friday or Saturday.

BARGAIN BuFFET

Where: Grand Hyatt MuscatExpect: The usual extravagant array of Omani and Arab treats set in a magical majlis in the Sirj Tea Lounge. The traditional oud music and uber posh sweets add a certain sophistication to the evening.What’s Cool: The healthy corner of the five-star buffet means that you can feast without piling on the pounds.Special Offers: RO10 per person

MAJLIS MAGIC

T he smell and sizzling sound of roasting meat greeted me way before I could actually clap eyes on the food in question. It led me, tantalisingly, all the way from the front door to the restaurant.

For expats, at least British ones, missing out on the traditional Sunday roast is one of the sacrifices that has to be made when living abroad and letting go of it can be quite traumatic for your stomach.

Finding out that The Academy Restaurant at Almouj Golf has a Weekend Carvery every Friday was like a ray of sunshine pouring through the culinary darkness. Just down the road from The Wave, Muscat, it has a ready supply of customers on the doorstep.

Surprisingly, it was a little quiet at 1pm when we arrived, though the waiter did ask if we had a reservation.

The buffet-style carvery offers three courses starting with a selection of fresh salad, excellent smoked salmon and soft, creamy mozzarella with cherry tomatoes bursting with flavour.

Staff were attentive, without being obtrusive, and the relaxed ambience perfectly captured that lazy, Sunday afternoon mood in the UK. The décor is minimalist Arabian with soft browns and greens, and everything looks expensive and classy.

By now, it was getting busy and the tables in our little area were full. Located in the heart of the clubhouse, the restaurant has 40 seats inside, a further 40 outside and there’s an outdoor lounge area catering for all-day dining.

Starter demolished, it was on to the main event. A chef carved thick slices of each roast – beef and lamb – after which you help yourself to vegetables.

My friend found the beef a little too rare for her liking.

Info Box The Academy Restaurant

Address: Almouj Golf, 18th November Street, Muscat

Phone number: 22005990Email: fnb@almoujgolf.com

Website: www.almoujgolf.comPrice: (Carvery for two with soft drinks

and coffee) RO28Carvery available every Friday from

12 noon to 4pm for RO12 eachDuring Ramadan, a selection of food will be available, along with an Iftar

buffet on Monday and Wednesday for RO10 per person (under 12s RO5).

Tee up the rest of your day with a roast lunch and all the trimmings, says Kate Ginn, and make sure you leave room for pudding – the Yorkshire variety

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FOOD

DRINKAND N e w sR E V I E W N e w R e s t a u r a n t

Never mind, they had Yorkshire puddings – Hallelujah! For those of you who don’t know what these divine little things are, let me enlighten you.

These are not, in fact, a pudding. Made from milk, eggs and seasoning, the savoury treats are served with meat and gravy and are a

staple of the British Sunday lunch. Done well, they are glorious additions to a meal. As connoisseurs of Yorkshire puddings, I can say that The Academy did a decent job of theirs, light and fluffy with a good crunch.

The vegetables, including a lovely cauliflower gratin, roast and mash potatoes and extras, such as chicken and

hammour, are served in heated silver servers. There are also vegetarian alternatives.

All were full of flavour but, disappointingly, were a little cold. The meat too could have been hotter. While it didn’t detract from the taste, my friend was grumbling away about the cold veggies and it was enough to deduct a point from the marking. It’s a shame because it deserves a higher score. It’s easily remedied – just turn up the heat.

But the puddings made up for it. Help yourself to as much as you want and I did. My sweet tooth was delighted at the array of mini temptations with a wonderfully spicy apple crumble (another nod to the British Sunday roast) and thick, gloopy custard, a dark chocolate mousse, fresh fruit, chocolate cake and a chocolate-covered pop cake.

If that wasn’t enough chocolate, there is even a chocolate fountain pumping out an endless stream of dark liquid like something out of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

Thankfully, you don’t need to find a golden ticket to eat here. Which is just as well, because I intend to become a Friday regular.

ON COuRSE

verdict:

Great authentic British fare but lost point for cold food

7.5 10

Mid

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MAsCuLiNE TAiLOriNGThe androgynous look is

set to be the new season’s biggest story with oversized

jackets, slouchy trousers and the return of the pinstripe. We love the simplicity of this M&S

suit – out this autumn.

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

HEALTH&BEAuTY

THE ruLEs OF rAMADAN DrEssiNG

DO’S • Wear leggings under short skirts and

dresses • Sport shrugs and cardigans, especially

when wearing sleeveless tops and dresses

• Clothes should be loose and comfortable – try an Abaya

DON’TS• Try to keep away from tops with

plunging necklines.• Do not wear tight, body-hugging

clothes• Stay clear of see-through numbers

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Serenity has never been more stylish. From Alexander McQueen to Valentino, the vogue for modest, simple clothes currently rules the runway. Think muted colours, longer length hemlines, higher necklines and covered arms. Summer collections hinted at the austerity to come. The designs of Céline,

Lanvin, Alexander Wang and Calvin Klein were almost singularly limited to a monochrome palette. And as we all know, fashion is a cyclical beast by nature. Brights and ostentation have been around for so long now that the current focus on minimalism comes as a welcome relief – especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

While Muslim women understand the importance of dressing humbly and covering their hair with a hijab or scarf, expatriates are also encouraged to dress appropriately. And while you don’t have to wear an Abaya, you can easily layer pieces to look chic and discrete. Personally, I can’t wait to use the month to embrace autumn’s hottest hue – black. The trans-seasonal shade looks great with the new designs now trickling into the stores – I particularly love the idea of swapping a classic LBD for a masculine trouser suit with a crisp white shirt.

1 Decide what your standards of modesty are and find fashion forward pieces that fit within these standards. 2 Knowing how to layer intelligently will give you more versatility. 3 Disguise a low neckline by placing a camisole underneath. 4 Wearing anything below the knee? Elongate your legs with heels (or wedges for maxi dresses).

PENNY’S TIPS ON DRESSING DEMuRELYModesty Blaize:

The month of Ramadan is a time for modesty. Penny Fray explores fashion’s new appetite for restraint

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Team this Matalan dress from RO14 with a Mango cardigan – sale price from RO7.50

This silk/cashmere scarf from Saint Laurent oozes versatility. RO290

+

H E A L T H B e a u t y FA S H I O N

Máté Földi discovers how to incorporate healthy habits into your Ramadan routine

HEALTH&BEAuTY

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EAT, prAY, EXErCisE

May Ramadan bring you peace and prosperity, good health, wealth, and brighten your life forever. Yes, it is that time of year again – a month of introspection, discipline, cleansing and tranquillity.

This holy time is a great physical and mental challenge for many, but if done right, the rewards are ample.

Of course, we know that a day without food and drink can be exhausting; but despite the fatigue that comes with fasting, it is still important to exercise.

Elsa Andrews of Boot Camp Zulu in Muscat says: “Fasting is not as scary as people think it is. Your body does not need as much food as we tend to eat every day. Most people observing Ramadan are just eating at the other end of the day.

“When you do exercise after fasting, listen to you body, go at your own pace and take lots of water breaks.”

Medical experts agree that our bodies require a workout at least three times a week. Unfortunately for some, Ramadan ends up being an unpleasant irony. They end up gaining weight due to excessive eating – consequently doing themselves more harm than good during a time when you should feel healthier mentally, physically and spiritually.

This is where exercise comes in. You don’t need to burn yourself out, just make sure the amount of energy you expend is roughly proportional to the amount you take in.

Go for a gentle walk or take in the various classes that have been especially designed during the rigours of Ramadan. Swimming is fine – just don’t swallow any water, as that would break the fast. Also, try to exercise before the sun comes up, so you can drink water afterwards. Not drinking fluids after an activity means risking dehydration. You need to replenish what is lost after a sweaty workout.

Finally, don’t make the mistake of confusing the need to exercise with the prerequisite to lose weight. If you are happy with your body – great – just remember that you need a physical activity to get the blood flowing into your muscular system, joints and ligaments to stay healthy. As the philosopher and poet Henry David Thoreau said, “an early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Here are seven health tips to ensure a successful holy month:

Consult with a doctor about the safety of fasting and exercising with your individual health needs.

Even if you are healthy, recognise that Ramadan will take its toll on you. Plan your fitness schedule and meals to make sure you get the nutrients, hydration and rest that you need. Your Ramadan workout should be 50 per cent less intense than normal. The best time to exercise is early morning when it’s cooler so you have time to drink water before the sun comes up. Or you may choose to do something after the sun goes down. Eat Suhoor before dawn. Do not overeat though. Eat foods that are rich with carbohydrates and proteins, fruits and vegetables. Plus, drink plenty of water. Avoid gorging yourself when breaking the fast at sunset. Follow the Sunnah: break your fast with dates and either milk, water, or fruit juice. After the Maghrib prayer, continue with a light starter such as soup and crackers. After a long period of fasting, you need to bring your fluids and blood sugar level up but

without overdoing it. During the evening, resist the temptation to drink tea, coffee and soda. When visiting friends or family, ask for glasses of water. Aim for at least eight glasses before bedtime.

TOp 3 WAYs TO KEEp FiT OVEr rAMADAN1. Bootcamp Zulu: When the morning alarm screeches before the sun comes up, it’s easy to hit the snooze button and go back to sleep, especially after an evening of Iftar feasting. When it comes to incorporating some discipline into your routine though, you can’t beat a military style workout. Boot Camp Zulu has a special Ramadan beach programme in place from July 14 – August 8. For more information, contact elsaandrews@oibinternational.com 2. For gentle exercise that is fun and social – and keeps you out of the heat – try ten-pin bowling at the Fun Zone Muscat next to Qurum Park.3.Yoga and fasting can be complementary. As you detox, your energy channels become clearer, and the benefits of yoga on your system increase.

MMC_ASX_Y Mag_25w x 35h.ai 1 7/8/13 1:35 PM

www.radiomerge.fm

Oman’s hippest music station, offering you the coolest

sounds from around the world. Dig on Diggweed and

dance to Oakenfold. From the headquarters of Hed Kandi

to the global sounds of Armin Van Buren. Freshen up your

day and sweeten your night with Merge 104.8.

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I N D O O R SM y H o o d C a r s W i - F i

CARS ANDINDOORS HOW GrEEN is

YOur VALLEY? In our new Postcard section, we journey to North Wales with

Penny Fray

www.radiomerge.fm

Oman’s hippest music station, offering you the coolest

sounds from around the world. Dig on Diggweed and

dance to Oakenfold. From the headquarters of Hed Kandi

to the global sounds of Armin Van Buren. Freshen up your

day and sweeten your night with Merge 104.8.

D Y Mag.indd 1 5/24/11 1:26 PM

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Destination

CARS ANDOuTDOORS

Slip into the cool shade of abundant trees in the Natural Park for a perfect place to escape the summer sun, says

Jerzy Wierzbicki

Wadi Indam

CARS ANDOuTDOORS

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N ature can be unpredictable and challenging at times. Having travelled around much of Oman, often to remote and isolated locations, I’m

more aware than most of the need to respect the land around us.

Wadi Indam, the destination this week, is such a place. To me, it’s somewhere of great beauty but can, at the whim of natural forces, swiftly turn into an altogether more dangerous spot.

During the unstable weather conditions in April, Wadi Indam was turned into a raging river by the downpours as it flooded along with many of the Sultanate’s other wadis. Six people were swept away in Indam, two of whom were later found alive.

When I visited the wadi in Sharqiyah recently, however, the weather in the country was at the other extreme with fierce temperatures baking the scorched earth. At this time of year, I wouldn’t recommend visiting any of my favourite locations in central Oman.

Making my way between Mahout and Sinaw, I encountered a huge sandstorm, which whipped around my 4x4, as outside temperatures exceeded 50C (122f). This kind of weather is not enjoyable for anyone, except perhaps a camel or scorpion.

Mountain areas are less oppressive than sandy terrain during the summer, offering relief and shade between the rocks, hills and stony wadis.

With this in mind, I went in search of my own little piece of cool nirvana. On the way back to Muscat, several kilometres after Sinaw, I turned off into the valley called Wadi Indam and parked under the sheltered canopy provided by the trees.

It was around 4pm and the first time that day that I could spend more than a few minutes out of the car.

Indam is more than just your standard wadi. It has something really special and impressive; a small ‘forest’ behind the valley called the Natural Park and a perfect location to visit during the summer. Spread out before your eyes are lines of trees, a sight not common in the barren, dusty landscape that covers much of Oman. Located in a small space between the stony valley and dark brown hills, the shade makes the conditions much more pleasant and, even in the afternoon heat of the day, it’s possible to walk here. The dry wind whispers gently through the top of the trees.

After moving my car under a big, green tree, I let my faithful dog, Trop, out to stretch his little legs in the shade.

While Trop was enjoying his leisurely promenade, I had work to do. I grabbed my camera along with an ultra-wide angle and short telephoto lens. Shadows cast by the sun still high in the sky danced amid the trees. On the wadi’s bank, I took photographs of lush, long grasses moving in the wind. Dominating the whole wadi from its commanding position perched on a hill on the opposite site of the Natural Park is a small old ruin.

I wasn’t alone here, either. Two groups of people with their families were also discovering the magic of the spot. Wadi Indam Natural Park is a great place for kids to play and explore. There are some kids-friendly facilities and a public toilet as well. Please collect your rubbish after your trip there though. This place really deserves to be protected and kept clean.

Take the main road to Sinaw. Before Sinaw, you will see a brown road sign to Wadi Indam Natural Park. Just cross the wadi and after 300-400 metres you will be there. A 4x4 is required if you want to drive in the wadi as there was water when I last visited.GPS Location: N22”45’59 E58”00’31TR

AVEL

gUI

DE

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BLADE ruNNErWith melting temperatures outside, cool

down inside and learn to twirl at the rink with the skating crowd, says Kate Ginn

I N D O O R S

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O utside the temperature in Muscat during late morning is nudging 40c, beating down

mercilessly on those hardy enough to venture out. Where I am in the capital, however, the blast of cold is enough to make me wish I had put on a jumper or, at the very least, a scarf. Mind you, standing still around here is not supposed to be the general idea. Everyone else is out on the ice, keeping warm by constantly moving, sometimes at great speed.

I am in the spectator’s area of the skating rink at the Fun Zone entertainment centre where children, and adults for that matter, can escape the blazing sun and indulge in some serious enjoyment. Spread over 8,000 sq. metres, there are plenty of other distractions if ice skating isn’t really your cup of tea such as a bowling alley, kids zone and adult games area.

Opened just over a year ago in Qurum, the Fun Zone is already an established favourite with children and young people, especially during the long summer months stretching seemingly interminably.

When the new rink opened, the ice was melted and the doors closed at the smaller 23-year-old skating centre in Al Khuwair.

On a Saturday morning, the rink – the only one in Oman – is already busy with blurred shapes whizzing past on the ice in front of the watching area. There are small children, barely able to walk, tottering around the rink with the aid of a metal skate ‘helper’, their little feet clad in bright blue skating boots.

Gliding in between them are the older, more experienced skaters, showing off with flamboyant turns and spraying ice everywhere as they skid to a stop.

Being a bit of an embarrassment on the ice, I invited Sultan Suhail, 14, who is doing work experience at Y, and his nine-year-old sister, Lara, to don skates and try it out instead.

Sultan, as you might expect for a teenage boy, was being ‘Mr Cool’ and expressing little interest in the whole idea, opting to stay off the ice and behind the camera lens. Lara, however, was much more enthusiastic, clearly delighted at the prospect and rushing to put on her skates. “It’s only my fourth time here,” she explains.

At four rials for an hour-and-a-half skating, it’s good value for money and is guaranteed to keep most children

happily occupied and sufficiently worn-out afterwards to put up little resistance when it comes to bedtime later on.

Lara was a little unsure of her footing at first, so opted to use one of the metal helpers to provide security until she got the measure of the ice. All around, children of all ages were out on the rink. If there was the odd fall or two, they simply got up, dusted the ice off their legs and carried on with a smile.

One toddler, too small to stand, was being carried around on the ice by his skating dad.

The squeals of excitement went up a few decibels the busier it became.

It’s not just all fun, though. You might be surprised to learn that despite being a desert land, Oman has its own national ice hockey team, which received official status in April last year and competes in GCC competitions.

While still a fledging sport in the Sultanate, there are moves afoot to get more schoolchildren involved.

“Ever since the new rink in Qurum was thrown open to us, things have become much better,” said coach Anad al Balushi.

“We now have a decent facility where our boys are getting to train regularly.”

The Oman Wadi Dogs team also uses the ice rink. Founded 10 years ago, the club has expats from Canada, the USA and Europe, as well as a contingent of Omani players. The team finished its last game of the season with a win at the Qurum rink on June 15 and, over the summer, will be preparing for the next game on September 1. Keen to help grow ice hockey in Oman, players also work with getting kids involved.

Two years ago, Oman’s ice skaters won nine golds in a 15-medal haul at the UAE Open Figure Skating Championship in Dubai.

Back on the rink, Lara was refusing to leave the ice for a break to warm up her chilly hands. When the time was finally up, she reluctantly skated off. Her verdict? “It was a wonderful experience. I want to come back soon with my friends.”

With that, it was time to head back out and brave the baking sun again.www.funzoneoman.com

www.wadidogs.com

FACt FIlE❄ The earliest ice skating is said to have been in southern Finland more than 3,000 years ago.❄ Early skates were just sharpened bone strapped to the bottom of the foot.❄ True skating emerged when the Dutch used a steel blade with sharpened edges in the 13th or 14th century.❄ The construction of modern ice skates has largely stayed the same since.❄ James II of England discovered the ‘new’ sport when he was in exile in the Netherlands and took it back to Britain.❄ King Louis XVI of France, Madame de Pompadour and Napoleon I and III were among upper class and royal fans of ice skating.

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CARS ANDINDOORS

My Favourite Place: Portmeirion. Located in the heart of my home community, this fantasy village was designed and built by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925. Inspired by Portofino in Italy, this unique, beachfront complex features brightly coloured Mediterranean buildings, hotels, a picturesque piazza and a lovely little lighthouse. No wonder it’s served as the location for several films and cult television shows, including The Prisoner.

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

Penny Fray recommends

NORTH WALESGreetings from Wales! You know, the place just west of England with the dragon on the flag and the world’s most breathtaking vistas. There’s no nerdy neighbour status here as Celts are cool, cultured and even have their own language. Of course, being Cymaeg (Welsh), I’m completely biased. Despite being a travel fiend, there’s nowhere quite like the green, green grass of home. The northern countryside is blessed with mountains, lakes, forests and ancient castles. While most tourists head into the coastal town of Llandudno, the real magic can be found in sleeply little villages like Beddgelert or Croesor, which are steeped in history and secret groves that only the locals know.

Highlights: If you have a head for heights, legs for walking and eyes to see some of the best views in Britain, then you must climb Snowdon. As the highest mountain in Wales, it has an altitude of 3,560ft and the summit can be reached by a number of well-known paths. Personally, I prefer to get to the top via a steam train. In fact, the Snowdon Mountain Railway is the UK’s only public rack and pinion railway and as such, remains a popular tourist attraction. For more info go to snowdonrailway.co.uk.

Lowlights: If you’re not really into the great outdoors, there’s not much else to do other than take in all that’s green and serene. The shopping is shocking and there aren’t many fine dining restaurants about. Also, locals in some of the more rural areas tend to be suspicious of strangers and can be reluctant to speak in any other language than their mother tongue. If you want a more metropolitan vibe and designer shops, head down to Cardiff, Wales’ capital. Be warned though – it’s a five-hour drive to get there – that’s why all the locals head over the border to either Chester or Liverpool, which are much, much closer.

Souvenirs: Trendy types go crazy for the traditional Welsh blankets and throws that are woven in the local mills. But if interior design isn’t really your thing, you must buy a red dragon – the symbol of Wales. The oldest recorded use of the mythological creature can be found in the Historia Brittonum, written around AD 829, but it’s popularly understood to be the battle standard of King Arthur and other ancient Celtic leaders. These days, you’ll have to settle for a stuffed toy rather than the real, fire-breathing deal.

Where To Stay: There’s a wealth of cheap and chic guesthouses in and around Snowdonia with prices starting as little as RO12 per night. If you have a bit more to spend, consider Hotel Portmeirion. It’s known for its quirkiness and everyone from artists and tycoons to royalty and Hollywood stars have stayed there. Out-of-season deals start from RO40. For more information go to http://www.portmeirion-village.com

Top 5 Places To Visit:1. Snowdon Mountain Railway2. Portmeirion Village3. Llechwedd Slate Caverns4. Caernarfon Castle5. Bodnant Garden

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

EDITOR’S PIck

JULY’S GEMS Penny Fray and Pasha Johal list products guaranteed to coax open

your wallet this month.

WATCH THIS Today’s Time Tellers have become fabulously fuTurisTic, noT only in design buT funcTionaliTy Too. Tap muTe WaTch’s screen To see The Time before sWiping sideWise To access a sTopWaTch and alarm, and Then use The usb porT To recharge. While There are more sophisTicaTed smarT-WaTches ouT There, We like The sTylishness of This sWedish number. for more informaTion or To buy, go To muTeWaTch.com

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FAB PHONEThe crisp, clear resolution on this five-inch LED screen is likely to blow you away, not to mention its timeless style and shape. The Samsung Galaxy SIV is just 8mm in density and weighs an impressive 130g, making it sleek and smart. And you won’t miss a thing over Ramadan with its easily accessible 13-megapixel camera and HD video camera, nor will you ever be lost and helpless with its built-in GPS function. This is not just a phone; it’s a small taste of the future.

COOL CAMERA This Sony HX20V camera is exceptional, considering its price and performance. The high definition 18.2megapixel device can capture anything and everything in the finest detail. Its three-inch LCD screen will give you the flexibility to browse through pictures whenever you like. Surprisingly, its price on Amazon is just RO144, which seems very reasonable after establishing what this camera is capable of.

ASYMMETRICAL VIEWING When you’re tired and in need of distraction, there’s nothing quite like a designer television to keep your mind off food and drink. This Samsung Series 7 T27B750 screen, sans wires, oozes minimalist chic. It has a 178-degree viewing angle that connects to everything from

your smartphone to tablet and a special app

that enhances your viewing pleasure. We seriously heart.

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CIRCLE OF SOUND Is it art, a doughnut or

designer fan? no – it’s Philips’ latest speaker. The Fidelio DS3880W SoundRing not only looks amazing but it also streams tracks from

your computer or smart device with AirPlay. Oh,

and it also doubles up as a dock. Available at Amazon

from RO60

NEW! PANASONIC LF1

The slender digital sLr measures just 27.9mm deep and comes with a f/2.0 maximum aperture lens – an improvement on the usual f/2.8 – aiding low light shooting without flash.

Wireless communication with either phone or desktop PC via Wi-Fi and NFC.

s7.1x optical zoom with manually operated lens control ring, offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of a wide angle 28-200mm.

Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels video.

resolution is 12.1 megapixels from a 1/1.7-inch CMos sensor.

While the Fuji and Olympus offer slightly brighter f/1.8 lens than the Panasonic, the LF1’s most appealing feature is a small electronic viewfinder positioned at eye level, top left of the camera back – something of a rarity nowadays, and will appeal to enthusiasts. From RO220.

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

ThE GIRLY GADGET The Asoberu-T (‘Playable T-Shirt’) is an augmented reality app from Japan’s Dentsu. It allows you to create T-shirt designs, take photos of you wearing them and share them with friends. With the app installed, just hold the smartphone over your T-shirt and see animations and designs appear on screen as if by magic Then pose, shoot and upload your new-look T-shirt.

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APP OF ThE WEEK For ultra-accurate prayer timings during Ramadan, this app will not let you down. Worldwide Iftar/Sehar Time’s alarm for iPhone and iPad offers the same method as the U.S. naval Observatory for calculation of sunrise and sunset. Its interface shows the time remaining for Iftar/Sehar, a monthly view of Ramadan timings, Islamic calendar and a background Azan alarm for iOS4+. Available from Apple App Store.

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Packed with high performance features and with plenty of va-va-vroom under the bonnet, this Ford Focus demands attention, says Kate Ginn

Car of the weekIt has taken some time

for the Ford Focus ST to make it to the Middle East. Teasingly released in

car showrooms and forecourts elsewhere in the world, now it’s here and the wait has definitely been worth it.

To use motoring parlance, this car looks the business. Slip behind the wheel and you realise the promise is reached and exceeded, leaving similar cars in its class standing.

As you’d expected from a car in this category, the ST bristles with energy and growls like a big cat when in the mood to show off. My first proper grown-up car, when I could afford one, was a navy blue Ford Focus 1.8 Zetec, which went like a rocket and hugged corners like no other car I’ve driven since.

The ST is a more superior breed altogether, imbuing the driver with confidence on even the tightest of cornering.

Put it this way, this mean machine will take you up on the winding roads of Jebel Shams, for instance, without pausing for breath.

A lowered chassis, high performance brakes and unique suspension puts the driver in control with exceptional handling.

For extra reassurance, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) allows acceleration while still maintaining grip on roads with uneven surfaces.

Ford says the precision steering allows you to ‘feel at one with the car’s mechanical soul.’ Put bluntly, this car likes to be driven hard and wants you to come along for the ride.

Oh, and did I mention that it’s fast? Very fast, in fact, roaring to 100kph in 6.5 seconds.

With a gaping mesh grille, dual-pipe exhaust, integrated roof spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels with a unique Y-design (we love the Y part!) and flared wheel arches, it looks mean, moody and beautiful.

If you want to make an even bolder statement and stand out from the crowd, go for the Tangerine Scream body colour. You can also choose to have this as an accent colour on your partial leather Recaro sports

seats inside. The cockpit styling continues with the gauges and red needle pointers.

The voice-activated SYNC® system with a 4.2-inch screen keeps you informed while allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road – and concentrating on the serious pursuit of driving the ST.

MyFord Touch® makes it easy to ask for and get directions, make a call or listen to a text message. You can even ‘thumb’ through your music collection on the go. There’s a decent nine-speaker Sony audio system to play your favourite tunes, along with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

No car is perfect, of course, and the ST has a few minor niggles. Automatic transmission is not offered and the back is a little short on legroom, while the infotainment controls can take time to master.

But what are a few inches, shift gearstick and fiddly controls between friends? Buy the ST and you’ll be impressing old friends and making new ones faster than the acceleration.

M y H o o d W i - F i I n d o o r s C A R SCARS ANDOuTDOORS

2013 Ford Focus STEngine: 2.0L, four-cylinder

Horsepower: 252Transmission: Six-speed

manual0-100kph in 6.5 secondsPrice in UAE: AED99,000

(RO10,374)

check this out

• Keyless ignition/entry• Sunroof• Leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel• Rear parking sensors• Anti-lock breaking system• Volume sensing perimeter alarm• Cruise control with advanced speed limiting device• Hill launch assist• Dual-zone automatic climate control

They say: ‘The aggressive hatch.’

we say: ‘Extra hot hatch.’

C A R S

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