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News: NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS10

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Almouj Early Bird - Y-Magazine 250 x 350mm.pdf 1 11/11/14 12:31 PM

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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing &

Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

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

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine –

your indispensable guide to everything modern Oman has

to offer.

EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamad

bin Hamood Al Busaidi

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eihab Abutaha

MANAGING EDITORFelicity Glover

DEPUTY EDITORKate Ginn

ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

CONTRIBUTORS Matt BlackwellAdam Hurrell

Jerzy Wierzbicki

INTERN Deeba Hasan

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Feroz Khan

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

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

,

Fast forwardFilling a room with 80 or so young children under 10 and realising it’s so quiet

that you could almost hear a pin drop is not a regular occurrence, as any parent will tell you. Usually, it’s absolute mayhem.

But that’s exactly what happened one morning during our “Portrait By A Nation” competition last weekend. One of the first sessions in the 6-10 age group was under way and as I walked round, I suddenly realised there was hardly a murmur to be heard. Each child was so absorbed in their work, so utterly taken away to their own world of imagination. It was fascinating to watch. Such was the magic of “Portrait By A Nation”, the first event of its kind to be held in the Sultanate.

The response to Y’s event to mark the 44th National Day was overwhelming. More than 650 children aged between six and 17 from around the country applied to take part and create a lasting tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said.

I was part of the judging panel and choosing 44 finalists and four winners from the talent on display was an arduous task. Every one of the children who took part was a winner in my eyes.

You can find out who the best four are and see their pictures in our “Portrait By A Nation” special starting on p20.

As the celebrations for National Day continue across the country in a sea of red, white and green, we wish you all a blessed time.

editor@y-oman.com

Want to read Y on the go? Scan our digital issue here:Download any QR reader from iTunes or Google Play to read Y on the go

Team Y was on weekend volunteer duty at our fabulous “Portrait By A Nation”

event, moving into new homes and catching up on well-earned sleep.

THIS WEEK…

THE BAROMETER

Keep in the National Day spirit with our patriotic giveaway. We want you to send us your best National Day photos from around Oman. Simply tweet, post on our Facebook page, Instagram or email us at editor@y-oman.com by November 24. The best picture will win lunch for two with soft drinks in Mokha Café at the Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel.

GOING UPHOTEL ROOMS

The number of places to stay in Muscat is on a rapid rise. Two Kempinski hotels,

due to open in 2017, will add another 600 hotel rooms. Visitors will be spoilt

for choice.

GOING DOWNTEMPERATURE

Is it just us, or is the mercury dropping by the day? For the first time this year

we felt cold in the evenings and needed a blankie at bedtime. See what the

weather experts are saying on news p10.

COMPETITIONS

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

Smart device: Catch up with Y on the go by scanning the QR code below

Ways to get your Y fix

contentsN O V E M B E R 2 0 - 2 6 2 0 1 4

Yo u r O m a n06 Coffee With Deeba Sham

08 Voice Of Oman Ali Al Balushi

10 News National Day Round Up

T h i s w e e k16 Movie Listings Trash

18 This Week Gaelic Gathering

C a r s a n d A d v e n t u r e s38 Destination Wadi Dayqah

40 Indoors Oman’s Newest Thriller

42 Postcard From Cambodia

44 Y-Fi Garden Party Gadgets

46 Car of the Week BMW X4 Coupé

44

Fe at u r e20 Portrait By A Nation Historic National Day Tribute

26 My Geely Win An iPad

H e a l t h a n d B e a u t y32 Fashion All Things Bright And Beautiful

34 Beauty Beauty Basics

SWIMMING FOR ALL / CAR OF THE WEEK / POSTCARD FROM CRETE / GEELY GANG / FILM / FASHION / FOOD / Y-FI

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE...

12

33

Fo o d a n d D r i n k28 Food Feature National Day Treats

30 Taste Test Shuwa Express

28

20

18

junglerestaurant.net

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This week Deeba sits down with Hisham al Maskari, aka

Sham, an Omani rapper, singer and songwriter who has

just released his second album in the US

If you’ve seen Sham’s music

videos on YouTube, you’ll

notice that they’re filmed

on speedboats and beaches,

in expensive nightclubs and

swanky apartments. When I

saw them for the first time,

I was amazed to see a local

singer explore a genre like

rap and it came as quite a

pleasant surprise.

Sitting down over a coffee,

Sham recalls, “I’ve been into

music for as long as I can

remember.” In fact, as young

as eight years old, Sham

was listening to the likes of

Michael Jackson and later to

2Pac, Biggie Smalls, R Kelly,

and Dr Dre – all of whom

have inspired him.

By the age of 15, Sham

had already started writing

his own songs and began

participating in talent contests.

His parents weren’t surprised

when he moved into music full

time after finishing his degree

in Business Management in

Malaysia. “I was brought up

in an open atmosphere and

my parents were always happy

to see me excel in the fields I

was fond of,” says Sham.

And excel was one thing

he certainly did, releasing

his second album, Take Your

Body Over, in Los Angeles two

months ago. The album was

three years in the making

and launched in grand style

in the presence of various

celebrities, including football

legend David Beckham. “The

response in America was

amazing,” Sham beams.

The young Omani has

the honour of being the

first Middle Eastern artist to

launch an album in English

in America, a market that is

notoriously hard to break.

Sham will now turn his

attention closer to home as

he focuses on Asian markets.

“I want to come back and

become huge in Dubai and

the Middle East,” he tells me.

“A lot of singers and rappers

from the States are looking

at Dubai as a huge potential

market for their music and

they want to launch their

albums over there.”

Sham believes he produces

“feel good music” and only

covers topics that concern

him. “I sing about love, being

happy, money and nice cars. I

can’t rap about guns because

I haven’t seen them, I don’t

want to be rapping about

something that I don’t know.”

Muscat gets a mention in

some of Sham’s songs and the

rapper looks forward to giving

more exposure to Oman in

the future.

“My style is a mix of

singing and rap. Even though

I rap, my songs have melodies

to them. My producer SAL

is really bringing out the best

in me.”If you caught the end of

the Asian Beach Games in

Muscat in 2010 then you

will probably recall Sham

performing at the closing

ceremony and since then, he

has gone on to share the stage

with some of the industry’s

top names, including

household names such as

Akon, Ne-Yo, Sean Paul and

Jay Sean.

Before all the lights and

the fame though, there

was a Malaysian producer

called Yasien. “He took me

with him to a music awards

ceremony that really opened

my eyes,” says Sham. “I

loved everything about it

and was hooked from there

on.” The rapper went on to

write a song with Yasien and

his group, hitting number

one on a local radio station.

These days though, Sham

finds himself in high demand

and has become somewhat

of a globetrotter, splitting his

time between Oman, Dubai,

London and LA. It all sounds

incredibly glamorous.

Sham finished his degree

and then moved into his music

career, a path he encourages

many others to take, “It’s

what I tell everyone,” he says,

“finish your studies first and

then follow your dreams.

“Everyone out there who

has a dream, just believe in it.

There will be a lot of bumps

along the way and a lot of

negative people telling you

that you can’t make it, but all

you have to do is just believe

in yourself.”

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

Hisham al Maskari aka Sham

0 6 N O V 2 0 - 2 6 / I S S U E 3 4 5

For further information and reservations:

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WE ASKED: “What is the best thing that has happened to Oman in the past 44 years?”

MEGHNA KHAKHKHAR JOSHI   The best thing that has happened in 44 years in the sultanate of Oman is His Majesty and his vision for the betterment of people (both Omanis and expats).

RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE   When I was still in the Philippines, I had never heard of Oman. I just saw it on the map, a

DEBATE OF THE WEEK

PROPER PREVENTION

THE VOICE OF OMAN To celebrate National Day, Ali al Balushi talks about being a proud Omani

NEXT WEEK: JANE JAFFER

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

country beside the famous UAE and KSA. Until one great ruler namely, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, introduced modern changes and development in terms of infrastructures, health, tourism, peace and female empowerment, opening the doors of the country to expatriates like me to live and work. In spite of all this, the country’s great ruler was able to preserve Oman’s distinct culture.

VIRAL PATEL Today, Oman is a nation of superlatives. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said steers Oman with wisdom and dignity. Over the past 44 years he has singlehandedly and very cautiously guided his country on a path to modernity. Oman remains loyal to its rich heritage and balances the traditional and modern very skillfully. Oman is a diverse nation and the model of social and religious tolerance.

Dear Editor,

In response to your story about diabetes (issue 344), I agree about the huge danger that diabetes can pose to a person if it is left untreated, as well as the possible threat to a nation’s health.

From the tonnes of sweets readily available, to the fast food chains on every corner, relentless smoking and a lack of exercise, it’s no wonder that the prevalence rate of the disease spikes each year.

I am a nurse by profession and am aware of the signs, symptoms, risk factors, complications, prevention and treatment of diabetes. Both of my parents are on

the borderline side of elevated blood sugar and both of them are taking medication.

Oman is lucky in that all citizens have access to health services with good facilities and while I know we cannot eradicate diabetes, there are ways to reduce the ever-increasing rates of the disease. The

Omani government should concentrate not only on treatment, but also on ways of prevention through proper information dissemination, health programmes and education initiatives.

Best of health to all,Irwin Rio, Al Masarra Hospital, Muscat

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

/GoldenTulipSeebHotel

@GoldenTulipSeeb

As our beloved country celebrates the 44th National Day, every Omani will feel a

great pride for the blissfully peaceful country we have under His Majesty’s wise leadership.

In the last 44 years His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has made a number tremendous changes, which have not only raised the standards of living for all Omanis, but also cemented the country’s global economic and political position.

Anyone who has visited or lived in Oman would describe it as a highly peaceful country, a quality that is sadly lacking in many countries around the world. What I really admire about our beloved Oman is that we as Omanis are keeping pace with the world’s developments, but also continue to value our traditions, which are deeply rooted in Omani culture.

Under His Majesty’s guidance, Oman has flourished in many different aspects and many milestones have been reached in the last 44 years. Thankfully, the development of this country has been sustainable and there is a promising future in store for our beloved Oman. As an Omani, I would love to see Oman fitted with a robust infrastructure, which would make the country a favourite destination for tourists.

Omanis do their duties towards building this country faithfully and may Allah grant His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said good health and welfare, so that he may continue to shape Oman’s promising future with his wise leadership.

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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

THE KANABAR FAMILY, were spotted with their favourite Y Magazine at home in Muscat

RIZWANA SHAHID There are lots of things that I would like to explain, but the most important thing is that everyone has the same rights and obligations. There is no difference between expats and Omanis; this country respects all religions and peoples.

AFSHAN ADNAN The major achievement of Oman as a nation is developing an ethical behavior, which sets the standard for the entire Arab world. It is the most liberal nation in terms of religious beliefs and tolerance.

MOHAMMAD OSAMA RAWAT The country has given the opportunity to its women folk to play a vital role in realising the vision of His Majesty.

MOUZA HADRAMI The best thing is acting for peace and participating in solving political conflicts. The second is the establishment of an independent justice system.

SHYLA IVAN Opportunities for people to pursue higher education.

TIRTHANKAR BASU The best thing to happen was the positive mindset of the people to envision a country that is futuristic, modern, relevant and yet traditional to nurture and protect the very ethos of a unique civlisation.

AHMED AL BADAI The dynamic development of the sultanate’s economy.

POOJA MOHAN Turning modern, not in looks, but in its outlook. It’s amazing how this country is so modern, yet true to its traditional roots!

MOHAMED AL SALTI Reuniting the identity of the Omani people, turning the country into a modern society.

CHERYLL TERO TORREON It is evident that we see progress in Oman, be it in technology, infrastructure, roads or facilities. But

New Debate:“As Oman looks to develop in the future, should schools focus on nurturing artistic or scientific talent in our

children?” Tell us on Facebook or Twitter and be in with a chance of

winning dinner for two.

the best thing is I got to encounter the friendliest people in the GCC, the peaceful country and above all, the respect and love that the residents of Oman give to their great ruler His Majesty the Sultan.

VIJAYALAKSHMI SHETTY The country has moved ahead, keeping pace with the modern times with peace.

ZAHID SAEED Oman is now a progressive educational state. Most of the people are nicely qualified and have knowledge in different fields. Before, no one knew about Oman,

now it is a tourist destination and everyone is interested in visiting. Oman is a beautiful hospitable land that has been transformed into a modern state over the past 44 years.

SYED BOKHARI Nothing can be described in words because His Majesty is indispensible. When success, peace and prosperity are visible throughout the Sultanate, there is only one person who comes to mind: His Majesty. That is what we have seen during the last 44 years – one person who is totally responsible for the progress of Oman.

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N E W SYOUR OMAN

G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w

NATIONAL DAY ROUND UPThe entire country came together to celebrate 44 peaceful

and prosperous years of the Sultanate on National Day, November 18.

Leading up to the day, which celebrates the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the architect of the Renaissance in Oman, buildings and homes were draped in the national colours of red, white and green, while flags and lights lined the highways.

The momentous event was marked by special assemblies at schools, a programme of cultural events; such as traditional Omani dancing and firework displays. Both City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum will be distributing chocolates, flags, wristbands and scarves until the weekend.

Even the Oman national team, who are currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2014 Gulf Cup of Nations, took time out from their busy training schedule to celebrate National Day with a decorated cake (pictured centre).

Messages of congratulations have poured in from around the world and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid tribute to His Majesty by projecting a message onto the side of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

Further afield, Barack Obama, President of the United States had this message for His Majesty:

“On behalf of my government and the American people, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you and the Omani people as you celebrate your National Day on November 18. This is a time for all Omanis to come together, to reflect on your rich history and to look to a bright future.”

The Royal Oman Police has announced that it is legal to decorate cars with stickers to commemorate the 44th National Day and keep them that way until the end of the month. They have, however, issued a set of guidelines stating that decorations must not block the view of the driver, the head or tail lights or the number plates. THE MOMENTOUS EVENT

WAS MARKED BY SPECIAL ASSEMBLIES AT SCHOOLS, A PROGRAMME OF SPECIAL CULTURAL EVENTS; SUCH AS TRADITIONAL OMANI DANCING, AND FIREWORK DISPLAYS.

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

and mobile services due to a technical issue that we are dealing with,” the tweet read.

FRiENDi mobile and Renna Mobile were also affected, with services being “restored gradually in different areas across the country” at 8.45pm according to Omantel.

There were speculations by some, including one publication in the UAE, that the telecom provider may have been hacked, as Omani government websites have become a target for cyber criminals in recent years.

The disruption to services meant that Omantel’s telecoms rival Ooredoo was carrying significantly more traffic than usual in the hope of continuing communications across the Sultanate. The recently rebranded company asked its customers to limit their usage to emergency and priority calls only.

After consulting with the authorities, Ooredoo decided to suspend their National Day offer of free calls for 24 hours until further notice.

OMANTEL OUTAGEWide areas of Oman were brought to a standstill as the

Sultanate’s public telecoms provider, Omantel, crashed for several hours earlier this week.

The network disruption began at 12.30pm on the eve of the 44th National Day and left hundreds of businesses and homes without internet access in an unprecedented glitch. The crash created a sense of panic and frustration among many as mobiles lost their signal, ATMs and card machines ceased to function and email services were suspended.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Merge 104.8 presenter Chris Fisher. “I went to buy some National Day bunting and flags but the card reader wouldn’t work and I had no other way to pay. Luckily, the shop was kind enough to let me take the products and pay the RO15 the next day.”

Omantel did not divulge the exact nature of the disruption, but the company sent a tweet at 2pm saying that they were working hard to resolve the problem.

“The Network Operations Centre at Omantel headquarters has diagnosed the issue and identified the affected areas, and is now working on resolving it. Some of our customers may have difficulties using fixed

GOODBYE HARRYPrince Harry is due to leave Oman today (Nov 20) after a

three-day trip to the Sultanate during which he took in some of the major sights.The Prince, fourth in line to the British throne, was

making his first visit to the country at the personal invitation of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said.

During his stay Prince Harry, 30, was due to undertake several engagements including a visit to Nizwa Fort where his father Prince Charles also toured in March last year. A traditional sword dance was said to greet him inside the Fort’s courtyard.

The red-haired Prince was also expected be taken around the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

After leaving Muscat he will fly to Abu Dhabi to play in the Sentebale Polo Cup at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, before attending a fundraising dinner to give a speech.

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What does this visa cost increase

mean?

It means that people entering Oman

from abroad will now have to pay more.

Who will it affect?

Anyone entering the country that needs

a visa will have to pay. The investor visa

fee has been increased to RO50 from the

current RO20. The fee for visit visas has

gone from RO20 to RO30, while student

visa fees have risen to RO30. The cost of

renewing a residence visa for dependents

has also been increased from the current

RO10 to RO30.

That sounds a bit steep, when do

the new fees come into effect?

Tomorrow! (November 21).

Why have they gone and done

that?

I’m not entirely sure, but it could just

be a case of supply and demand. If

more people want to come to Oman,

the government can capitalise on the

increase in traffic by putting up the price

of entering the country.

Won’t it put people off coming?

Increasing the price of a tourist visa at

a time when the government is trying

to sell Oman as a tourist destination is

a surprising move. A couple coming to

Oman on holiday will now have to pay

RO60 to enter. People may think twice

if they have to pay that sort of cash up

front. They may decide to visit another

country and use the money saved on

another part of their holiday – a nice

meal out perhaps. Equally, the increase

in fees may help to discourage economic

migrants and that can be a good thing.

Time will tell what, if any effect the

increase in visa prices will have.

Don’t say: I’m not coming to Oman

because it’s too expensive.

Do say: I will factor in the visa price

increase into the budget for my trip.

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

LOOK AT A NEWS ISSUE OF THE WEEK.

VISA PRICE HIKE

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

If you’ve been feeling a little chilly of late, especially at night, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that the cold months are here.

Winter it seems has finally arrived with temperatures dropping to a very crisp six degrees on top of Oman’s mountain peaks, Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar.

Now we can all expect a drastic drop in the mercury during the evening within the next few days due to winds coming in from the north-west, according to the Directorate General of Meteorology and Air Navigation (DGMAN), which monitors weather conditions in the Sultanate.

Time to reach for jumpers and jackets if you haven’t already.

“It is five to six degrees on the mountains and 11 degrees in Saiq (on the low ground),” said a DGMAN official.

At night it could fall as low as three degrees, which is enough to make the teeth chatter.

“It is very cold at night and we are literally shivering,” a resident of Jebel Shams told a local newspaper this week.

Muscat won’t be experiencing anything as cold as those sorts of wintry temperatures, but it will be well below half the sweltering summer highs. On Monday, the capital was a brisk 22 degrees Celsius.

The chill-factor from a north-westerly wind whipping from the sea is likely to make it feel much colder when the sun goes down though.

There might also be some cloud and fog during the early morning.

WINTER IS HERE – OFFICIAL!

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

Islamic State militants have beheaded their latest victim. Peter Kassig was an American aid worker and former army ranger captured in Syria last year while on a private humanitarian mission. The US citizen has converted to Islam during his months of captivity.

HEADLINING STORIES FROM THE REGION AND BEYOND

Qatar has been cleared to host the 2022 World Cup. FIFA judges have ruled that the country’s bidding team had minimal contact with disgraced former football boss, Mohamed bin Hammam.

The spotlight at the G-20 Summit in Brisbane, Australia, was stolen by a two-year-old koala bear named Jimbelung. World leaders posed with the marsupial while reporters strained for a glimpse.

Music artists including Ed Sheeran and One Direction have come together to record a new Band Aid track to raise money and help tackle Ebola in West Africa. The single topped the iTunes chart within an hour of being released.

For over 50 years, Shell in Oman has delivered superior quality, better performance and more efficient products to customers.After all, Shell fuels and lubricants worldwide are backed by over 100 years of innovation, about 1$ billion in R&D and more than 60 years of technical collaboration with the Ferrari racing team.

Shell Oman offers superior customer value proposition for retail, commercial, lubricants and aviation customers.

Fuelled by over 50 yearsof innovation in Oman

www.shelloman.com.om

For over 50 years, Shell in Oman has delivered superior quality, better performance and more efficient products to customers.After all, Shell fuels and lubricants worldwide are backed by over 100 years of innovation, about 1$ billion in R&D and more than 60 years of technical collaboration with the Ferrari racing team.

Shell Oman offers superior customer value proposition for retail, commercial, lubricants and aviation customers.

Fuelled by over 50 yearsof innovation in Oman

www.shelloman.com.om

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G a l l e r y I n t e r v i e w N E W SYOUR OMAN PA R T Y T I M E

Among the many celebrations across Oman on November 18, children performed traditional dances in costumes at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.

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ZOMBEAVERS

The brilliantly titled Zombeavers has its tongue firmly in its cheek as it places a group of college kids in a riverside cabin amidst an infestation of deadly zombie beavers. The lodge of the local beaver population is struck by toxic waste, transforming its inhabitants into relentlessly ravaging vermin who force the young adults into a fight for their survival.

Bollywatch

Jessabelle

Temporarily paralysed while recovering from a car accident that claimed the lives of her boyfriend and unborn child, Jessabelle (Sarah Snook) returns to the Louisiana family home in a wheelchair to recover. Staying in her dead mother’s old room, she soon begins to experience supernatural events and it becomes clear that there is a presence

Trash

MOVIES MOVIESin the house that does not want her to leave – ever. Relying on a slow and creeping dread as opposed to in-your-face brutal scares, Jessabelle is pleasantly uncomfortable viewing, just as a horror should be.

Tomorrow You’re Gone

After being released from prison, Charlie Rankin (Stephen Dorff) finds himself indebted to a shady crime boss known only as "The Buddha" (Willem Dafoe). In payment for his debt, Rankin is expected to eliminate a target identified by The Buddha. But when the hit goes wrong and a witness is left alive, the brooding Rankin decides to flee with the streetwise Florence Jane (Michelle Monaghan), setting out on a road trip towards an uncertain resolution. This attempt at a noir thriller is stylish, but ultimately lacks substance.

KILL DIL Two vulnerable children are adopted by Bhaiyaji (Govinda) and brought up as trained killers. Everything in life is progressing as it should do until one of the men, Dev (Ranveer Singh), is introduced to the free spirited Disha (Parineeti Chopra) and falls in love. The trouble comes when Bhaiyaji refuses to accept the relationship between the pair.

Often thought of as a place of sunshine and carnivals, the second largest city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, sprawls over thousands of square kilometres and has an underbelly where both poverty and corruption are rife. Set in a lakeside favela, Trash tells the story of three young friends who stumble across the evidence of a huge political conspiracy whilst foraging in a landfill.After having made his name with 2000’s Billy Elliot, director Stephen Daldry is no stranger to creating uplifting films that revolve around children and Trash plays out as somewhat of a Brazilian answer to Slumdog Millionaire.

Daldry coaxes fantastic performances from his three child actors – none of whom had acted before – and the great onscreen relationship between the trio generates an infectious energy as they bound around the city in unflinching pursuit of what is right, even when they find themselves in direct danger. Films about social injustices often struggle with a happy ending and therefore the resolution that is tacked on at the end of Trash does feel slightly forced. This though, is the only thing that marks this film out as a Hollywood production and does not detract from the film as a whole.

Review by Matt Blackwell

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THIS WEEKN O V E M B E R

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE.

WHAT TO HEAR.

India is a country with a rich food heritage, which ranges from sweet treats to flavoursome curries and encompasses everything in between. Lovers of the cuisine are in for a treat as the Indian Food and Craft Festival comes to Al Masa Hall, Ruwi, offering the chance to sample delights from across the country. The festival runs from 10am to 10pm, for further details call +968 9212 4544.

T H E W H AT ’ S O N G U I D E

José Fernández Torres, or Tomatito as he’s known professionally, is a legend of the Spanish guitar. The performer, who blends traditional flamenco with jazz, is due to arrive in Muscat to wow audiences at the Royal Opera House as he performs material from his considerable back catalogue, including songs from two of his Latin Grammy award-winning albums. To book tickets, go to www.rohmuscat.org.om

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A collection of talented musicians from Oman and beyond will be coming together at the Royal Opera House Muscat to put on a fantastic night of Inshaad, melodic vocal performances of Islamic poetry. The evening will feature Areej Art Band from Oman, Sheikh Mashary Alafasy from Kuwait and Maestro Gamal Salama from Egypt, along with his orchestra, choir and soloists. Log on to www.rohmuscat.org.om and book your tickets for what is sure to be a fantastic introduction to the music of the Middle East. The performance starts at 7.30pm, ticket prices from RO5.

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Gaelic Gathering

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A Night of Inshaad

The Oman Irish Society has joined together with the Muscat Magpies to put on a fantastic evening of entertainment at the Lazy Lizard, Radisson Blu Hotel. Featuring a live performance from Irish band North and South, proceedings kick off at 7.30pm, with selected beverages free until 10.30pm. Tickets cost RO20 each, to guarantee yours call +968 9731 6785. 22Nov

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

REVIE

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Last Thursday my mum and I went to the Royal Opera House Muscat for the ballet by one of Europe’s leading dance companies, the Ballett am Rhein Düsseldorf Duisburg, who would perform two pieces of modern choreography.

It was my first time at a ballet performance and I was really looking forward to it. Of course the opera house itself is a beautiful building and the audience was made up of both Omanis and expats.

I noticed that the set was very grey and the costumes reflected this. After almost 15 minutes I started to figure out that there was a story behind the actions of the dancers. It looked to me like a fairytale and although I tried making sense of it, I couldn’t really work out out exactly what was going on.

Martin Schläpfer’s choreography was beautiful though and the dancers were amazingly expressive with their moves and facial expressions. The audience seemed to love the show; I just think that contemporary is probably not my preferred style of dance.

For details of The Royal Opera House Muscat’s upcoming performances, go to www.rohmuscat.org.om

If you’re artistically minded then you’re going to want to accept the open invitation to the 11th Synergy Art Retreat, taking place at The Walk, The Wave, Muscat. The non-profit project usually organises for a star guest to attend and oversee the painting, as well as special live performances from musicians. Participation is free – just remember to bring your own canvas, paints, brushes and, of course, your creativity! Search for Synergy Art Oman on Facebook for further details.

Ballett am Rhein Düsseldorf Duisburg

It was Deeba Hasan’s first experience of a ballet performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat and upon reflection, she found it wasn’t entirely her cup of tea

Nov

22Get Arty

CREATINGHISTORY

44th National Day

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Y Magazine’s historic art event was a raging success as children from all over the Sultanate came together to memorialise His Majesty with their creative talents and celebrate 44 years of peace and prosperity.

Matt Blackwell and Deeba Hasan report

In Association with

As Aryan Kanchan Shere and Areej Hamood al Busaidi step up to the stage to collect their prize,

they blink at the near blinding flash of the dozens of cameras that fill the Afrah ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Muscat, and in that moment, history is made.

The two children have been selected as the winners of the first ever “Portrait By A Nation” competition, a momentous event organised to celebrate the occasion of the 44th National Day.

National Day is a special time when every citizen and resident of the country joins hands to commemorate the years of Renaissance and the road of evolution His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said has guided the country along, resulting in a proud and modern nation able to hold its own on the world stage.

When it was first conceived, the idea behind “Portrait By A Nation” was a relatively simple one – to create a lasting tribute to His Majesty as seen through the eyes of his nation’s children. We

could think of no better way to celebrate 44 glorious years and unite the community at the same time. And while we suspected that this competition would bring out a sense of pride in all those who reside in Oman, no one could’ve guessed just how big “Portrait By A Nation” would become.

It quickly became clear that we had really fired the imagination of parents and children.

A total of 659 children applied to be part of the event and 584 eventually participated, most during two days at the Markaz Al Bahja mall. These were whittled down to 44 finalists who nervously stood at the award ceremony on November 18 to find out whether their portrait had been chosen as one of only four winners. You could almost reach out and touch the excitement and tension in the air.

As the names were called out, the applause erupted all around.

Aryan from Bawshar is 10 years old and was selected as the winner of the six to 10 year old age category. Speaking of his win, Aryan said, “I’m very proud. I

never thought I would win as all the paintings were so good. I’m going to save some of the money and spend a bit, but I’m not sure on what yet.”

The winner of the 11 to 17 year old age category, Areej Hamood al Busaidi, was equally overwhelmed, saying, “It was really awesome to have won. I thought I might qualify for the finals but I didn’t expect to be the winner.” She will spend the RO500 winnings on some new art materials.

Bashaar Khan, nine, and his sister, Soha, seven, also both made it to the final 44. “I’m very happy that I got to the finals,” said Bashaar, while his sister added, “I enjoyed doing my painting and I’m happy.”

Their mother Lubna Yasar said: “I’m so blessed to have such great kids and they did really well.

“I’m very proud of them. They are miracle children for me, especially my daughter who is so young.”

Felicity Glover, Y Magazine’s managing editor, said, “It was just fantastic to see so many young artists taking part. Even though there were only four winners, everybody is a

winner in our eyes because they were all so great.”

Felicity also had a special announcement to make at the ceremony: “We are looking forward to holding ‘Portrait By A Nation’ next year and it’s going to be bigger and bigger. We are going to introduce a third category so we can widen the appeal.”

It was a great event for the young child artists in Oman who have created lasting tribute to the Sultan.

What concluded in the Grand Hyatt’s beautiful ballroom actually begin over a month ago, in the middle of October. Y Magazine put a call out to young artists all across the country, urging them to harness their creativity as they completed a pre-printed canvas of His Majesty using any medium of art they wished at a special event to be held the weekend before National Day. The responses came flooding in from Salahlah to Sohar and everywhere in between. The deadline for entry even had to be

WINNERAge 6-10

RUNNER UPAge 6-10

WINNERAge 11-17

RUNNER UPAge 11-17

extended, such was the level of demand.National pride wasn’t the only reason

that children would be taking part though, there was a prize pool on offer too – RO1,500 in total – with RO500 going to the winners of each age category, while the runners up would claim RO250 each.

Over the month prior to the event, Y Magazine interviewed the cream of the local art scene, selecting four artists who specialised in a unique style, in order to inspire potential participants with their own life stories, as well as tips, tricks and favourite techniques.

On the eve of National Day, the weekend of November 14-15, the final preparations had been made and the stage was set for the extraordinary event to take place at Markaz Al Bahja mall. Presented by Bank Sohar, in association with Shell Oman Marketing, Jotun Paints Oman and of course the mall itself, Y’s “Portrait By A Nation” began at 4pm on the Friday with the first of five two hour sessions held over the two day period.

We had Chris Fisher from Merge 104.8 acting as Master of Ceremonies to provide lighthearted moments.

Our youngest competitor was six and the eldest was 17. Children arrived with plastic bags bulging with art materials and their own inventive ideas, including using wool, glitter, pencils and even egg shells as decoration. Some were so small that they were almost dwarfed by the pre-printed canvas handed out by Y and a team of volunteers.

The children taking part in the competition ranged from those with a longstanding interest in creative work to those exploring art for the first time. Whichever camp they belonged to, one thing all children shared was boundless enthusiasm. Arun Halaswamy was there with his six-year-old son, Ishan Arun who attends Indian School Al Ghubra. “It’s Ishan’s first time taking part in a competition like this,” his father says. “The students had a practice session in their school last week, but Ishan also practiced twice before coming here. I think the competition is just wonderful because it helps children explore their talents and show them in public as well.”

At the other end of the spectrum there was six-year-old Hiyam and 10-year-old Haitham, who although young, are already something of old hands when it comes to competitions. Their father Tariq al Hadidi explained, “My children like taking part in such competitions and they are here to celebrate the spirit of National Day. Such competitions make children love the Sultan even more and increase their patriotism towards the nation. This is why I brought them here.”

As the competition got well and truly underway the children’s creativity really began to flow. Out came traditional paints and palette, right through to fabrics, card, cotton wool, rice, lentils and salt.

Each session also had designated mentors on hand to offer support and guidance for the budding artists, including Jenni Eden, a celebrated artist

The students had a practice session in their school last week, but Ishan also practiced twice before coming here. I think the competition is just wonderful because it helps children explore their talents and show them in public as well.

I love to praise His Majesty’s efforts for what he has done over the past 44 years. He has built everything from scratch and it’s nice to see how from almost 50 years back Oman has changed so much. I really admire the Sultan for that.

Arun Halaswamy, parent

Shahiir al Kindi, grade 12 student

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whose paintings have graced the walls of Bait al Zubair, Bait Muzna and Al Madina Art Gallery, as well as several private residences. One of the things that impressed Jenni the most was the level of imagination shown by the young contestants. “I think what’s been amazing is that everyone has come from the same playing field, having the same portrait to start with and then seeing the innovative and incredibly creative ways that everybody has approached the task.”

She added: “There is a little girl, she’s only seven years old and she’s been using normal table salt and paint powders to create her portrait. Her level of control and focus has been very impressive. She’s obviously naturally talented and I’ve encouraged her mother to keep that going and make sure it doesn’t get phased out or ignored.”

This idea of phasing out is one of Jenni’s primary concerns as an artist. “Unfortunately with the way education is, a lot of the arts don’t get much attention,” she says, which is why events such as “Portrait By A Nation” are so crucial she argues. “In the Middle East you have a culture that is less keen for the arts. A lot of people want their children to be professionals and go down the route of doctor or lawyer, but art needs to be encouraged everywhere and in any way. We need the creatives, we need the artists and we need the free thinkers because they are the ones who shape and create our futures.”

This was echoed by the parent of a child taking part who said that his daughter had entered several art events while living in Qatar, but that this was the first time the family had come across one in Oman.

Mahria Saqib, assistant marketing manager at Jotun Paints Oman, one of the sponsors said,

“It’s history in the making. This kind of initiative has never been undertaken before in Oman on such a huge scale.”

Mazin Mahmood al Raisi, assistant general manager, head of marketing and publicity at Bank Sohar also agrees that the event should become a regular fixture. “Always the first time you learn from it,” he says. “You can look at the positive points and how to build on that and if there are any weaknesses you can learn how to overcome them for next time. From the response, I think this should be something that continues.”

Matthew Herbst, graduate in art, exhibited artist and photographer and Y Magazine’s art director was also one of the mentors. “An event like this in conjunction with National Day brings unity and also encourages the younger folk to bring out something that maybe their parents didn’t even know they had,” he said.

As the second day of sessions came to an end, more than 250 canvases had been collected, which joined others painted at special events held at Bank Sohar branches around the Sultanate for those who couldn’t make the journey to the capital. The fate of the young artists now lay with the panel of

six judges. Made up of art experts and representatives

from Y Magazine as well as the event’s sponsors, they had the weighty responsibility of whittling hundreds of hopefuls down to just 44 and from those, selecting two winners and two runners-up.

As he entered Markaz Al Bahja, shortly before the end of the final session Burair al Lawati from Shell Oman Marketing said, “When I saw the portrait for the first time, I thought that you could colour it, but when I saw the children doing such creative stuff – using different techniques, bringing in different elements and materials, I was amazed. They are all so young but I love their imaginations and I’m looking forward to the judging.”

Mr al Lawati added, “We always look forward to supporting these kinds of educational initiatives especially at an event like this one, where art and education come together, it’s a perfect combination to help children to have a sense of belonging to the community.”

Speaking just before he rejoined his fellow judges to make the final decision, Ibrahim Gailani, one of Oman’s well-known artists spoke about how hard he expected it to be when it came down to choosing. “It’s going to be a tough decision because I have seen some really great works. There have been many techniques used and we’ll be looking for something that stands out.”

The final 44 portraits chosen by the judges were then collated and spread onto a larger canvas, acting as a giant collage of the many faces of His Majesty. This larger piece of artwork will be on display for the duration of the country’s National Day celebrations.

The children’s art is also on display at Markaz Al Bahja until November 27. Open to the public, the artwork will be available to buy in person or online. The proceeds of the sale will be given to each of the child artists.

This will be your chance to own a unique piece of history and be part of something really special this National Day.

And for the children who took part in “Portrait By A Nation”, we hope it will be a memorable moment in their lives that stays with them into adulthood.

CASE STUDYHoorain al Zadjali and

Shahiir al Kindi are grade 12 classmates at the Knowledge Gate International School and were delighted to participate in “Portrait By A Nation”.

Hoorain: “I think this competition is really nice because the kids get to show their love for the Sultan in an artistic way. I used a paintbrush, oil colors and my fingers to try and get the perfect shades in some parts of the painting. I didn’t come with any real strategy, I just did what I thought was right. If I was to win the competition, I might just give half of the money to charity and the other half I would try to save.

“I am really hoping that the Sultan feels better and I am very proud to be a citizen of this country. I think it is amazing how all the Omanis and the expats that live here express how much they love the Sultan.”

Shahiir: “I think it is very well organised and for a very good cause. The good thing is that the kids get to express themselves and paint the portrait in their own way, which is good because it opens your mind. You are not stuck to a particular idea, you are free to get as creative as you want. I also used oil pastels and paintbrushes to help give a good touch to my work, but I am someone who likes to go with the flow.

“I love to praise His Majesty’s efforts for what he has done over the past 44 years. He has built everything from scratch and it’s nice to see how from almost 50 years back Oman has changed so much. I really admire the Sultan for that.”

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CASE STUDY Seventy students from Pakistan School Muscat (PSM) attended the first session of “Portrait By A Nation”.

Sharoon Tariq, a grade 7 student explained his techniques to one of Y Magazine’s volunteers: “For the skin, I used a mix of peach and brown and also shaded the face a little. I coloured the mussar with blue, pink and red and did the full portrait with oil pastels, but used cotton for the beard and golden glittered stripes for the bisht.” Sharoon loves to sketch and draws cars, robots and angry birds. “I am so happy to participate in this competition, I had so much fun.”

Iman Ayaz, a student from PSM participated in the senior category of the competition. “I am into painting, but I haven’t had a chance to practice with oil painting as much, which is why I wanted to take part so I could get more experience. I think I am good at sketching – I like to draw still life, comics and things like that. For this portrait, I don’t really have a strategy; I just want to paint what I can because I have a sample to look at. I have had fun at this competition, it’s nice.”

Humaira Nadeem Sarwar, acting Headmistress of PSM came to the competition with her students to help boost their morale. “There were about 300 entries from our school, but we were informed that we could only register 70. So we really had to drop about 230 of our talented students, which, of course was not easy. We organised a competition similar to this one in our school where we chose the 70 best works. The practice they got in school really helped them envision what they would be sitting and doing in the final event. I am surprised to see that our school has so much talent; I saw them using the most creative of techniques and materials to put in their best effort. It’s appreciated that the outline was provided to them and that they didn’t have to sketch it.”

I think what’s been amazing is that everyone has come from the same playing field, having the same portrait to start with and then seeing the innovative and incredibly creative ways that everybody has approached the task.Jenni Eden, artist and mentor

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PORTRAIT BY A NATION – IN NUMBERS

659 entries584 participants44 finalists12 volunteers6 judges4 mentors4 winners4 sponsors1 mall

It’s going to be a tough decision because I have seen some really great works. There have been many techniques used and we’ll be looking for something that stands out.Ibrahim Gailani, artist and judge

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My Geely Be a part of the action with the Geely gang. You could win an iPad too with our cool competition

If a car is known as a “Chinese Wonder”, it already captures the imagination in all sorts of ways.

That’s a Geely for you.Designed and manufactured in China, the land of the red dragon,

the Geely brand is making inroads into the car market with a reputation for incredible affordability and sleek design.

Need more convincing? Take a look for yourself at the Geely range in a showroom at Towell Auto Centre, the sole distributor of Geely Emgrand in the Sultanate.

Next time you’re driving in the city or country, take a look around and you just might spot the distinctive Geely design or logo on cars around you. It could be the hot hatch GC2 (also called the Panda for its design based on China’s famous black and white bear), the cheeky crossover GX2 or one of the stylish sedans, Emgrand 7 and 8. If you’re off-road, it might just be Geely’s acclaimed SUV, the Emgrand X7.

Get in on the fun with our competition running over a month. It’s free and easy to enter.

To be in with a chance of winning an iPad, simply submit a question about

Geely cars and we’ll ask a current owner to answer. It can be about any topic and about any of the Geely models in the full range.

Each week we print four Q&As that have already been sent in. With two weeks to go, there’s still plenty of time to enter.

Two iPads will be given as prizes for the best question and answer and the winners will be announced in our December 4 issue.

* To keep up with the latest deals and information from Geely Emgrand, search for Geely Emgrand Oman on Facebook, or follow @GeelyOman on Twitter.

Geel the ForceDo you have a question about a Geely that you’d like an owner in Oman to answer?

Simply email your question and contact details to us at editor@y-oman.com by November 24 and leave the rest to us.

Only GeelyIf you’re already in the Geely gang

and own a car, you can be part of our competition by answering questions posed

by our readers. Register and you could win an iPad. To sign up, email your contact

details to editor@y-oman.com.

Want One?Whatever you want from a car, Geely will have the answer for you. The full range in Oman is the GC2 (Panda), a hot hatch with heart and a 1.5L engine, the trendy GX2 crossover with flashy colours, the suave Emgrand 7 sedan with 1.8L engine, its bigger brother the 2.4L Emgrand 8 and the Emgrand X7, the first SUV to receive the 5+ star rating in the China – New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) test.

I’m currently driving a compact sedan. What are the superior qualities in terms of safety, style, and performance that would convince

anybody to switch to a Geely sedan?From Abdulwahab Rasool Albulushi

I have a Geely Emgrand 7. In terms of safety, Geely has five stars thus making it one of the top ranked brands safety-wise. As for

style, well actions speak louder than words. Just visit any showroom. With performance, I dare you for a race. It performs more like a Mitsubishi

engine and has two options of gear, auto and manual. So trust me, with my Geely I am more than satisfied.

Answered by Ahmed Ashraf

I love the sporty look of an SUV but I would also like utmost safety for my family. Which Geely model would be the best to purchase?

From April Joy Pineda

My Geely Emgrand X7 SUV is nimble, powerful and efficient on the highways, with its great 2.4L engine. I have always felt a great sense of comfort, driving this incredible machine. As much as it is excellent on the city highways, it really comes to its element

in the rough terrains of Qantab and the Sifah mountains. The X7 has incredible amounts of torque and grip. It also has amazing ground

clearance to go along with it. With this wonderful SUV, I’m always left eagerly anticipating my next great adventure!

Answered by Malik al Rukaishy

Geely GossipGeely means “auspicious” or “lucky” in Mandarin

Chinese. Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Geely, is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

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Why did you choose Geely as your travel partner? And do you think the service provided by Geely is outstanding enough to recommend it to your friends?

From Asha Arun

I have an SUV X7. The support from the staff of Towell and the vehicle itself both made me happy. Being an SUV, Emgrand is not second to any other brand in the class, especially in safety and accessories. The size and space is good for a person like me,

who is taller than average and the vehicle performance on the road is as good as any other brand. Looks-wise, the vehicle is excellent and

the price is unbelievable. There have been no hiccups during servicing and there’s a good customer support team.

Answered by Rasiq Sidhiq

I’m currently driving a compact sedan. What are the superior qualities in terms of safety, style, and performance that would convince

anybody to switch to a Geely sedan?From Abdulwahab Rasool Albulushi

I have a Geely Emgrand 7. In terms of safety, Geely has five stars thus making it one of the top ranked brands safety-wise. As for

style, well actions speak louder than words. Just visit any showroom. With performance, I dare you for a race. It performs more like a Mitsubishi

engine and has two options of gear, auto and manual. So trust me, with my Geely I am more than satisfied.

Answered by Ahmed Ashraf

I simply adore the looks of the Geely LC aka Geely Panda. As a matter of fact, I think it looks even cuter than an actual

Panda! Everything about the styling and the look of this car does it for me, and I particularly like the fact that it is super compact! As a

prospective buyer of this car, I was wondering, what it’s like, for everyday driving, weaving through city traffic, parking and fuel efficiency?

From Dilreba Tanvi

I am the happy owner of a Geely LC (GC2 or Panda). I love this car so much. It’s fun to drive every time I get in and the end of an adventure, every time I get out. What’s not to love about this small

wonder of the world?Answered by Osama Mazar Saleem

I love the sporty look of an SUV but I would also like utmost safety for my family. Which Geely model would be the best to purchase?

From April Joy Pineda

My Geely Emgrand X7 SUV is nimble, powerful and efficient on the highways, with its great 2.4L engine. I have always felt a great sense of comfort, driving this incredible machine. As much as it is excellent on the city highways, it really comes to its element

in the rough terrains of Qantab and the Sifah mountains. The X7 has incredible amounts of torque and grip. It also has amazing ground

clearance to go along with it. With this wonderful SUV, I’m always left eagerly anticipating my next great adventure!

Answered by Malik al Rukaishy

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FOOD

DRINKAND

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

SWEET CELEBRATIONS

There were plenty of ways to get your National Day

fix from food this year.

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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

Getting into the spirit of the occasion was not just about flags and banners. Sugary snacks got in on the act too

As cakes go, it certainly lived up to its billing as the largest cake in Oman on November 18 (pictured below).At 44 metres long and weighing in at 1,000kg, the sponge decorated in the national colours of red, white and green could well have fed

most of Muscat, if not more.Apparently 4,440 eggs, 400kg of sugar and 400kg of flour were used in the preparation of the monster cake, which was displayed and eaten at Shangri-La’s Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa.It took a team of five chefs – working in shifts around the clock – to create the culinary masterpiece over five days. As edible tributes to the 44th National Day went, it really took the biscuit.If your appetite is a bit more modest, there were luckily lots of smaller versions to be found around the capital.Whether it was cupcakes, gateaux or ice cream, we found an assortment of delicious tri-colour delights to tempt the taste buds and waistline.

NATIONAL TREATS

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They say food is the best way to a woman’s heart, but it’s a pretty good way to mine too. There are few things I enjoy in life more than a Michelin-

starred meal and if you take me to such a restaurant, I will most likely love you forever – especially if you pay.

Yet, for all this luxury, one of my favourite places to eat back home in the UK is a small fish and chip shop called Dimarco’s. I used to pick up battered cod, fresh chips, perfectly mushed mushy peas, bread and butter and a mug of tea for a little over RO3. My point here is that although I love a bit of posh nosh, there are times when good simple food can be just as satisfying. And that brings me nicely to my visit to Shuwa Express in Bareeq Al Shatti.

It’s a small sandwich bar in the food court of the mall. The primary trade is takeaways, but

you can sit in if you want to. Upon arrival, the staff were warm, friendly and very welcoming. I took a table off to one side and was handed one of their brilliant menus. Brilliant because it was wonderfully simple. Sometimes I don’t have the energy or the inclination to thumb through numerous pages of starters, mains, sides and salads; it’s boring. Sometimes less is more. All you need to do at Shuwa Express is choose your bread, chose your meat, choose your filing and order. For me it was chapatti, lamb, yoghurt and mint. Done. Six pages of my book later and it arrived. I had chosen to eat alone because there are times when we need our own company, a bit of breathing space and time to think.

The chapatti was soft, warm and packed tight with filling. There was a lot of flavour for such a simple meal and I loved how it initially tasted mild and yet there was a slight hint of spice coming through, without being overbearing. The mint and yoghurt made the filling moist and the lamb was very tender. There was a variety of additional options to decide between and I could have had salad with it as well had I wanted to.

My sandwich came cut into two halves, which made it much easier to eat. Had it been left whole I fear the sight of me eating it may have been less

than elegant. The chips that came on the side were fresh and crisp, so no complaints there. The food at Shuwa Express won’t win any awards, but if you’re looking for a traditional Omani snack between shops I can heartily recommend it. Eat in or takeaway the food is fast, hearty and wholesome. Everything is cooked to order and doesn’t have that feel of having been sat under a heat-lamp for the past two days, as other fast food places sometimes do.

I wouldn’t make a point of going there again unless I was in the immediate area, but if I happened to be shopping in Bareeq Al Shatti and was in need of a spot of lunch I would happily return. The guys at Shuwa Express know what they are doing and so long as they keep the formula simple and carry on cooking up good fast food I can see this little and relatively new sandwich bar being around for a long time.

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 BoxSHUWA EXPRESS

Bareeq Al Shatti, QurumTelephone: +968 9807 2498

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs: 11.45am-11.45pm

Fri: 6.45pm-11.45pmSat-Sun: 11.45am-11.45pm

Dinner for one and a drink: RO2.4

FAST FOOD, OMANI-STYLESOMETIMES, IT’S THE SIMPLE PLEASURES THAT MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING. THE SAME IDEA CAN BE APPLIED TO FOOD, WRITES ADAM HURRELL

Verdict :8 / 10 Service

8 / 10 Food 7 / 10 Ambience

Good, simple fast food.

Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

THE CHAPATTI WAS SOFT AND WARM, AND PACKED

TIGHT WITH FILLING. THERE WAS A LOT OF FLAVOUR FOR

SUCH A SIMPLE MEAL AND I LOVED HOW IT INITIALLY

TASTED MILD AND YET THERE WAS A SLIGHT HINT

OF SPICE COMING THROUGH

Budget

Dinin

g

STAYC O N N E C T E DW i t h

24/7

s C a N O u r Q r C O D E s W I T H a N Y Q r r E a D E r a P P

www.y-oman.com /yTaBLoID @yTaBLoID

/ymaGaZInE /yTaBLoID

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

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

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CANARY CALL A yellow coat is a total game

changer; with it even the drabbest of outfits start to pop. When teamed with neutrals, you can go as bright as you

dare. This jacket is from Tu and looks great with either jeans or

a pair of grey sweatpants.

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ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFULGo ahead and give autumn a shot of colour, says Penny Fray

1. Easy does it. An eye popping colour should add to your look, not be your look. Calm things down with a neutral-like nude or grey. 2. Bright hues are best when worn casually. Think about slinging an attention grabbing sweater or satchel over old jeans to make a statement. 3. Scared? Ease into the trend with a neon ankle sock, manicure or necklace. NEON NOW

Penny gives a lesson in wearing

winter brights:

Brrrrrrr! I’m shivering in the cold of Canada at the moment. The autumn sky is grey and there are miserable faces peeping above coils of coloured wool.

I know you’re nice and cosy over there in Muscat – but if you’ve forgotten what it’s like to feel sunny, allow your wardrobe to give you a helping hand with a pop of neon. After all, there are few things cheerier than a yellow coat or a Barbie pink dress when life looks a little drab.

Okay, okay, so I know that brown and grey are the shades du jour this season, but guess what? Amid a sea of bland neutrals, some designers dared to stand out on the runways.

Christopher Kane, Preen and Kenzo all gave us acid shades in every off-kilter combination imaginable, while Christian Dior’s ladylike dresses were sliced up to reveal shots of brilliance in the layers beneath. My personal favourite, however, was Chanel’s canary coat. It looked fun, as did See By Chloe’s orange faux fur. But remember, this is not summer. So, don’t go crazy and start channeling the rainbow. Instead, layer a stand out piece with grey or black tailoring. After all, less can be more when temperatures start to cool.

Crafted with rows of colourful thread along with lemon drops, this collar-style necklace is the perfect accent piece for day or night. Available from e-tailer What’s About Town for RO11

Atto’s wide-leg pants are stitched through the front to give a permanently pressed finish, with unfinished hems that can be tailored to your ideal length. Showcase the bold pink hue against muted gray cashmere. From RO290 at Net-a-Porter.com

Short on funds?

Be a bright young thing at work

with a zinging notebook like this one from Amara.com, prices start at RO9.11

Charlotte Olympia’s statement-making sandals feature multicoloured satin panels resembling smile-inducing parasols. Black

bits ground the kaleidoscopic design.

Wear yours to punctuate dark

evening looks. From RO533

This bright blue sweater from Superdry will instantly energise your fall looks. From RO27.5

H&M does it again. This envelope style

bag is perfect for carrying party

essentials. From RO4

Faux fur is the fabric to be seen in this autumn, making Zara’s zingy coat a wise investment at RO42. Just remember to keep the bold hue in focus with dark denim

As all busy women in Oman know, a daily beauty regime requires effort and time, but it does have a significant payoff. Keeping your outward appearance healthy and

youthful inspires self-esteem and a glow that is visible to all.

With convenience and ease in mind, here are a few tips that will keep you looking beautiful as the winter months draw in, without all the fuss of having to break the bank:

Glowing, Vibrant SkinPoor diet, sun exposure and smoking are just

a few of the factors that can lead to the fine lines and wrinkles many women work hard to prevent. Unfortunately, all three have a high prevalence in Oman and while there is no quick fix, there are some tricks to slow down the process.

Covering your skin from the sun’s harmful beams and keeping damaging ultraviolet rays at bay helps ward off premature aging and helps to preserve the skin. Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, your best defence is to apply sunscreen that contains an SPF of 30 or higher. You can further decrease your exposure by using wide brim hats and other skin-covering clothing that will be easily available in your nearest mall. Invest in a quality night cream that works deeply to restore the skin’s appearance as you sleep. Some products offer multiple benefits that firm,

improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

The Perfect PoutLike any other part of your skin, lips can become

dry and flaky, particularly when exposed to harsh or extreme weather conditions. Give them proper nourishment and care to keep them smooth, supple and free of cracks and irritation. To exfoliate rough patches and remove dead skin, use natural ingredients right from your kitchen. Simply place a small dab of honey and sugar on your lips and gently rub them together. This procedure is best done before bed and followed with a thick coating of lip balm. This will penetrate and renew as you sleep and you’ll wake up to plump, smooth and beautiful lips. To maintain lip moisture, invest in a quality lip balm, especially those that pull double-duty and also offer sun protection.

Healthy, Strong NailsUsed throughout the day for arduous tasks, nails

experience a great deal of wear and tear and are often easy to neglect.

Give nails the attention they deserve with a fun spring hue, like mint green or vibrant yellow. When it’s time to refresh your nails or experiment with new colours, be sure to always have the proper tools on hand, such as a good nail polish remover.

Y is on hand with the essential guide to looking your best all day, every day. Introduce these simple tips to boost your beauty – and confidence – sky-high

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HEALTH&BEAUTY

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

HOT NEW TRENDS IN BEAUTY

Beauty trendsetters are forecasting an increase in bold, expressive looks – especially around the eyes. Give your beauty a boost with these fashion-forward beauty ideas:

GO AHEAD AND GLOW This season, the best skin coverage products provide a natural, fresh glow. To give your skin a gentle, sun-kissed vibe, try Rimmel Natural Bronzer, which uses natural minerals for a tanned look any time of the year. Available on amazon.com for around RO4.

AN ORANGE POUT Give your lips a citrusy glow with the many shades of orange that are sweeping the runways. To add the juicy allure of orange to your lips, try Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain, which is available in different shades on amazon.com, prices start at RO2.

GET THE BLUES Dramatic eyes are all the rage with vivid tones of brilliant blue, such as CoverGirl Flamed Out Shadow Pot in Sapphire Flare. Available on amazon.com, prices start at just RO.77.

THE PERFECT CAT EYE With 60s mod inspiration, boldly-lined lids are gracing the covers of fashion magazines worldwide. Choose a dark gray or black for the best statement, such as the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Liquid Eyeliner in Black. Available on amazon.com, prices start at RO2.63.

LASHES MAKE A BIG STATEMENTComplete your extreme eye look with the new lash plumping innovations in mascara. Try L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga Waterproof Mascara in Black for gorgeous results. Available on amazon.com, prices start at RO2.68.

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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

GREEN AND PLEASANT The contrast of colours

between the green trees, blue waters

and sandy mountains make Wadi Dayqah a

stunning sight.

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CARS ANDOUTDOORS

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

Destination

WADI DAYQAHWE HEAD BACK IN TIME TO JULY 2012 TO BATHE IN THE

STUNNING WATERS AROUND WADI DAYQAH

Y Magazine continues its retrospective series, looking back at the hundreds of trips that

our former photographer, Jerzy Wierzbicki, took around the Sultanate, picking out our favourites for the benefit of those who may have missed them first time around.

This week it’s the spectacular blue waters around Wadi Dayqah and the 8km long freshwater lake that the relatively recently built dam has created. Here’s Jerzy’s take on it:

“One of the best spots in the Sultanate, not very far from the capital is the well-known Wadi Dayqah, located near the town of Quriyat. A couple of weeks ago, on a weekend when the temperatures were high, I put the idea of a sea trip to one side and instead went to the Eastern Hajar Mountains and Wadi Dayqah, which seemed to be one of the best locations to visit during warm weather.

“I visited this place a few years ago and I’d found a lot of water and fast streams. There was a huge dam project and part of the wadi was closed to visitors.

“Now, after two years, Wadi Dayqah looks a little different. The dam is completed and they have created a big artificial lake filled with fresh water that reflects the green foliage around. The lake is surrounded by dark hills and in the centre of it all are some small islands created from the rocks. This reminds one of the fjords found in northern Europe. The water though, was very warm.

“The water in the wadi was much cooler than the lake, my dog even managed a short refreshing bath.

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Head towards Quriyat on road number 17. Just before Quriyat you will find a roundabout with a brown road sign directing you straight to Wadi Dayqah. Turn there and follow the directions. A 4x4 is not compulsory.

GPS location of the dam in Wadi Dayqah: 23°05’21”N 58°50’47”E TR

AVEL

GUI

DE

HOW TO GET THERE

“Next to the dam is a small place where visitors can park their cars, sit and admire the scenic mountain landscape. There is a small amusement facility for kids as well. Further away from this location you can reach the old village, where the ancient fort stands sentinel over the entire valley. From here you can get a panoramic view of Wadi Dayqah, with the mountains and the steam in the wadi. If you ever happen to visit the wadi, I would recommend that you climb as high as possible and capture photographs of the place from there.

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Oman’s newest

My brother and I were thrown from side to side as our runaway mine cart careered along its thin tracks, water sprayed our faces

when we were nearly thrown into a huge pool of water and wisps of smoke drifted across as we strayed slightly too close to a fire.

You’d be easily forgiven for thinking that we were living part of a chase scene from an Indiana Jones movie, but we were in fact tucked away in a quiet corner of Fun Zone in Qurum, Muscat.

Everyone’s heard of 3D, but when I saw a sign reading “7D Cinema” as I drove past Fun Zone a few days ago, I simply had to pull over and enquire further.

I discovered that the technology looks to push virtual reality to new heights with more than a dozen different 10-minute long films. Images are brought to life in 3D, while the seats move and a number of other effects are used to add four further dimensions and really put you in the heart of the action.

You can choose from adventure, animation or horror films, but because my eight-year-old brother accompanied me, I wanted to make sure we went for something suitable. I thought animation would be a bit too childish and horror might be too scary. Adventure seemed just right and so I asked for the employee’s recommendation. He pointed us towards “Mine Exploration” and escorted us into the screen. The small screen can accommodate 12 people, but my brother and I were the only two at our showing, giving us the pick of where to sit. We opted for the front row, as apparently these are the best seats in the house.

Everything looked quite normal until the movie started. Our seats started to move and I immediately held my little brother’s hand to make sure he didn’t get too scared. In truth though, whether I did that for his benefit or my own, I still don’t know. I was nervous.

As our cart shot along the tracks of the mine, various objects were thrown into our path, including an iron ball and a log of wood. At

CARS ANDOUTDOORSCARS ANDADVENTURES

If you’ve ever dreamt of starring in a film, Fun Zone in Qurum offers you the next best thing, finds Deeba Hasan

THRILLER

THE SIGN AS YOU ENTER THE INTIMATE VIEWING HALL READS, “FEEL WHAT

YOU SEE”, AND THANKS TO THIS IMMERSIVE NEW

TECHNOLOGY, YOU REALLY CAN DO JUST THAT. CINEMA

IN SEVEN DIMENSIONS IS DEFINITELY ONE FOR THE

THRILL-SEEKERS

DETAILS:Opening hours: Sunday-Saturday: 9am-12 midnight Price: RO3 per ticketPhone: +968 246 05368Location: Fun Zone, QurumNo bookings required

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

one point some bats flew out of a dark cave and I felt something touching my feet. I had never expected a feature like this and resisted the urge to completely freak out for my brother’s sake.

Twice I asked my brother if he was okay because I felt that he wasn’t and in fairness, my heart was beating hard and fast too. When the cart was almost thrown into some water we received a small scale soaking and I instinctively closed my eyes for a few seconds, opening them to see the hall filled with smoke as we nearly fell headlong into a fire.

The thrill finally came to an end when the movie was over and my heart rate slowly returned to normal. Upon emerging from the screen – looking slightly flustered I should imagine – I told the man on the counter that it had been scary at times, to which he joked it was a good job I’d not seen the one of the horrors as my heart may well have stopped, and I think he was right!

Overall, it was an experience unlike any I’d had in my life and I may return to try out the other adventure films, or maybe one of the animations. I’ll be steering well clear of the horror films though, that’s for sure.

The sign as you enter the intimate viewing hall reads, “feel what you see”, and thanks to this immersive new technology, you really can do just that. Cinema in seven dimensions is definitely one for the thrill-seekers.

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TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO:1. Sunrise at Angkor Wat

2. Trip down the Mekong River

3. The Killing Fields

4. Swim or stay at The Planation, Phnom Penh

5. Drive Route 6

STUNNING SUNRISEThe Cambodian city of Siem Reap is perhaps

best known for the sprawling complex of temples that make up

Angkor Wat.

CARS ANDADVENTURES

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P O S T C A R D S F R O MD e s t i n a t i o n I n d o o r s Y - F i C a r s

My favourite place It has to be Angkor Wat, a sprawling complex of ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples in Siem Reap, around 319 kilometres from the capital. Built over 30 years in the 1100s, Angkor Wat lay undiscovered until France colonised Cambodia in the mid-1800s. What was uncovered in the jungle, overgrown and neglected, is now considered one of the Wonders of the World. The temples are spread out over a large area, so to avoid a lot of legwork, book one of the motorbike tour guides. Check out Ta Prohm, the overgrown temple that Hollywood star Angelina Jolie swung through in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Set your alarm for 5.30am to see the breathtaking sight of sunrise over the temples, a memory which will linger with you long after you leave. Just watch out for the wild monkeys, who roam the area and will try to snatch your belongings if you’re not careful.

Highlights The Mekong River runs through Cambodia and a trip down it is a must. Sit back and watch riverbank life as you drift past. Factor in a stop at Siem Reap Night Market, an area with the vibe of New Orleans, for good food and even better bargains. Flag down a tuk-tuk, an auto rickshaw, to take you there and see the sights on the way. Try the unusual local cuisine – fried tarantulas, crickets and beetles. You’ll see them piled high in whicker baskets and local children eat them like sweeties, served in a paper cone. To explore Cambodia’s history, visit Tuol Sleng Genocice Museum in Phnom Penh, a former high school, which became an interrogation centre during the Pol Pot era. Those who survived this were taken to the infamous Killing Fields, 15 kilometres from the capital. You’ll find a monument here crammed with the skulls and bones of some of those who died, and bits of clothing can still be seen sticking out of the ground. Today, it is a surprisingly peaceful place. Lowlights Watch out for pickpockets and scammers in the more built-up tourist areas. Phnom Penh can be dirty and chaotic and crime is a problem. Angkor Wat can be swamped at peak summer tourist times. It’s also not advisable to go wandering off the beaten track in more rural areas because of undiscovered landmines – the legacy of three decades of war. Souvenirs Choose from a wide range, including colourful textiles, beautiful traditionally patterned silks, wooden handicrafts and curios. Psar Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) is the acknowledged place to buy souvenirs in the capital and you should be prepared to haggle hard. Be warned: don’t pick up any bits of rock or broken off parts from the temples in Angkor Wat – you could be arrested at the airport for taking the country’s relics.

Where to stay There are lots of reasonably priced lower-grade guesthouses and hotels in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, all of which are clean and presentable, if a little basic. Avoid the backpacker hostels unless you’re really on a budget. For luxe, stay at The Plantation in the capital, an urban resort and spa that offers a sanctuary from the grime and chaos of the city with two pools. Prices start at around $115 (RO44) for a superior double.

CAMBODIAKate Ginn recommends

F r o m m y f i r s t s i g h t o f C a m b o d i a - g l i m p s e d i n t h e e a r l y m o r n i n g m i s t f r o m a s p e e d b o a t t h a t h a d c o l l e c t e d u s o n t h e b a n k s o f t h e M e k o n g R i v e r a f t e r a n i g h t b u s

f r o m V i e t n a m - I w a s c a p t i v a t e d b y t h e b e a u t y , r a w n e s s a n d c o l l i s i o n b e t w e e n o l d a n d n e w . O n c e k n o w n a s t h e K h m e r E m p i r e , C a m b o d i a i s a c o u n t r y s t i l l b e a r i n g t h e s c a r s o f i t s t u r b u l e n t a n d b l o o d y p a s t , b u t i s c l e a r l y e a g e r t o e s c a p e f r o m t h e s h a d o w . B o r d e r e d b y T h a i l a n d , L a o s a n d V i e t n a m , i t ’ s a l r e a d y p a r t o f t h e w e l l - w o r n S o u t h e a s t A s i a t r a i l fo r g a p y e a r s t u d e n t s a n d c a r e e r b r e a k e r s .C a m b o d i a ’ s d a r k h i s t o r y o f t h e K h m e r R o u g e r e g i m e l e d b y P o l P o t , d u r i n g w h i c h a n e s t i m a t e d t w o m i l l i o n d i e d , s t i l l r u n s t h r o u g h t h e c o u n t r y ’ s v e i n s , t h o u g h t h i s i s b y n o m e a n s a l l t h a t i t o ff e r s . T h e c o u n t r y b u r s t s w i t h c o l o u r , l i f e , j o y a n d a s e n s e o f e m b r a c i n g c h a n g e .

FISHING ON THE MEKONG RIVER

CONTEMPLATIVE BUDDHIST

MONKS

SKULL PAGODA AT THE KILLING FIELDS

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

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

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GARDEN PARTY GADGETS

MARINADE IN MINUTES IT’S A WELL-KNOWN FACT THAT MARINADING IS KEY WHEN IT COMES TO MEAT. TO GET THE BEST TASTING MEAT, PREPARATIONS NEED TO BE MADE HOURS IN ADVANCE OF COOKING AND, IF POSSIBLE, THE DAY BEFORE. FOR MANY, A BUSY SCHEDULE WILL HINDER THESE BEST LAID PLANS, WHICH IS WHERE THE 15 MINUTE MARINATOR STEPS IN. WITH A BUILT-IN VACUUM PUMP TO REMOVE AIR, THE ROTATING MOTION OF THE DEVICE GENTLY TENDERISES YOUR FOOD, ALLOWING THE MARINADE TO PENETRATE DEEPLY, EVENLY AND QUICKLY WITH NO MESS. SUITABLE FOR USE WITH STEAKS, CHOPS, RIBS, POULTRY, SEAFOOD AND VEGGIES. GREAT FOR A SPONTANEOUS PARTY. PICK ONE UP FOR RO57.75 AT www.sharperimage.com

As celebrations for the 44th National Day roll on into the weekend, Matt Blackwell brings you everything you need to throw the perfect

party outdoors and enjoy the cooling temperatures

EDITO

R’S PI

CK

SOLAR SOUND This really is a very special bit of kit. Not only does the Eton Soulra XL Solar Powered Sound System blast out all your favourite tunes from either your iPhone or iPod, you can set it up outside and it will charge itself thanks to the 72 square inch enhanced monocrystal solar panel. The eight speaker drivers and bass boost ensure crisp clarity audio and it even charges your devices while playing. Fully charged, the sturdy sound system will easily play for several hours and there shouldn’t be any shortage of sun to top up the power, even as winter sets in. Perfect for entertaining outdoors. Available on www.amazon.com for RO38.50.

FROSTY BEVERAGES Fiddling with extension cords and running wires around the house through windows and doors can be a pain, not to mention a health hazard. That’s why the Margaritaville DM900 Frozen Concoction Maker is so useful. Powered by batteries, it’s easy to use and can whip up fantastic frozen fruit smoothies or mocktails wherever you are, whether it’s the beach, the boat or the back garden. As it’s portable, the addition of a carry case would have been helpful. The good news is you can make a lot of drinks on a single charge, but being battery powered, if you run out of juice while you’re out and about, the fun comes to an abrupt end. Perfect refreshments don’t come cheap though; you’ll have to fork out RO115.5 on www.amazon.com for the pleasure.

ON THE GO Hold on to your hats guys because

barbecuing just went mobile. With the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

you get a great compact little piece of cooking gear that you’re able to fold up and carry

like a briefcase wherever you go. Heated by a propane canister (sold separately), the grill warms up quickly and the heat distribution is even meaning that within minutes you’ll be cooking on gas (literally). OK, so you’re not exactly going to feed the 5,000 with this small but perfectly formed grill, but the 160 square inch cooking area has room

for four modest steaks or six burgers at a time, making it great to throw in the car for

weekend trips. Available at www.sears.com for RO70.81.

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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

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NEW IGRILL2

App of the Week

FOR KIDS Kids love brightly coloured treats and this machine gives them just that. The SnowCone and Slush Maker crushes ice within 20 seconds to produce great tasting snowcones in under a minute. If you want a litre of slush, you’ll have to wait a little longer – around 15 minutes – although the product includes two 500ml bottles of syrup as well as an instruction manual full of exciting recipes that will allow you to get creative. RO31.35 from www.amazon.com

PRO PARTY PLANNER If you you’re a fan of planning things with military precision then you need the Pro Party Planner app. This app is every control freak’s dream and has you covered from A-Z, allowing you to import guest lists, delegate tasks, set reminders, manage RSVPs and sync across multiple users. A timeline option also lets you see exactly what needs to happen in real time. Available to download from the App Store for RO1.82.

NIGHT LIGHTThe sun is beginning to set earlier each day and parties can often go on into the small hours of the morning. Thankfully, with the Triple LED Grill Light, the fun and food don’t have to stop when the sun goes down. Just clip it on to your grill or barbecue and carry on cooking into the night thanks to the three separately angled powerful LED bulbs. Available for RO12.69 from www.surlatable.com

Ladies and gentleman, we bring you the most advanced meat thermometer on the market. Everyone knows how hectic hosting a party can be and it’s often easy to lose track of the cooking. With the ability to monitor up to four probes, the iGrill2 gives you huge peace of mind and allows for precision grilling. The device syncs with your smartphone via an accompanying app and sends you an alert when your food is cooked to perfection. The iGrill2 was designed with competition-level barbecuing in mind, so rest-assured it means business. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, available for RO38.49 from www.amazon.com

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With smooth lines and smouldering good looks, the new BMW X4 coupé looks the part, but is the beauty just skin deep? Adam Hurrell takes a closer look to find out

BMW X4 xDriveSpecifications:

3.0L 6 cylinder or 2.0L four cylinder

BHP: 306/2040-100kph: 5.5/6.4

secondsTransmission: 8-speed

automatic

Back in UK, my daily drive is a 2014 BMW 1 series, so to get behind the wheel of the new X4 coupé would

be a little bit like home. All the usual controls are in the usual places and the door shuts with the traditional BMW solid thud.

Initially though, you can’t be blamed for asking what, or rather for whom the X4 is for. It does seem to be a car for a non-existent niche. Things are further confused when the car is called a coupé despite having four doors. To me at least, a coupé SUV just seems to be somewhat of a contradiction in terms. Going head-to-head with the Range Rover Evoque and the Porsche Macan, the X4 is BMW’s attempt at entering the small, sporty executive SUV market, which has only really existed for the past five years or so.

Styling wise, the X4 is a handsome, masculine car and it’s certainly much less controversial looking than the BMW X6. The roof peaks over the front passengers and then flows gracefully downwards to the rear – it is tall without being high. I really like the way it looks with the large and

aggressive low front air dams, wide shoulders and high rear haunches. There is certainly a presence about this car. It would be fair to say though it resembles a four-door hatchback more closely than a coupé. And that coupé roofline is really felt in the back seats, where there is a definite sense of rear passenger neck ache with headroom proving a premium.

On the inside, things are typically BMW with controls being ergonomically designed around the driver. That’s the nice thing about German cars – yes they are more expensive than many of their competitors, but generally speaking, they are significantly nicer to be sat in. There is a greater attention to detail and when you spend a lot of time in the car, these details are appreciated.

The days of the iDrive system being about as easy to crack as the Enigma code are long gone. Thankully, it is now exceptionally easy to use. The revised version is so much more intuitive and user friendly, which is great, especially as everything from the sat nav to the radio to the engine and handling dynamics, are controlled and changed through it.

In terms of the mechanics the engine options for the Oman market are limited to a range-topping three litre straight six and a two litre four cylinder. Even the four cylinder will top 100kph in a shave under 6.5 seconds, so despite sounding a little puny, it’s no snail. With the price of petrol in Oman, the straight six would be my choice – you might as well have the power to match the looks and with permanent four-wheel drive providing plenty of grip, the X4 is certainly a car that can be enjoyed on twisty country roads.

The X4 is a car characterised in a sense by compromise, it covers a lot of bases in one hit and is a very pleasant place to sit. The interior is incredibly well designed and very comfortable. The feel of the car provides the driver with a great deal of confidence. There’s only really one problem with the X4 and that comes in the shape of the Range Rover Evoque. The Evoque is better looking, has a more impressive interior and is far more capabale off road than the X4. It’s also available as a two door, which automatically makes it the coupé SUV of choice for many.

CARS ANDADVENTURES

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

CAR OF THE WEEK

Permanent four wheel drive

Split folding rear seats BMW ConnectedDrive

settings system Driving Assistant Plus

with pedestrian collision warning

Adaptive cruise control Lane departure warning Park Assistant Heads-up display

They say: “Sports car

performance with SUV versatility.”

We say: “A car with a split

personality.”