Your top guide to the best of oman, everY week

DELICIOUS DATES 28 32 36

PL

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ORANGE ALERT

BATTLE OF THE BULLS

Free!EVERY WEDNESDAYNOW AVAILABLE IN BARKA

ALL THE WAY TO SOHAR

Food Fashion Outdoors

APR 17 - 23 • ISSUE 266 • WEEKLY

Sarah White Tribute / Akon in Muscat / Secrets of As Sifah

The Big EventYOUR GUIDE TO SOAPBOX

23 Mad, Bad & Dangerous To Use: HARD DRUGS IN OMAN

SOUND STYLE: Must Have Music GadgetsMIND OVER MATTER: The Health Benefits of Meditation

PLEDGE TO PROTECT THE PLANET BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

GC-Y MAG-240x340.pdf 1 4/10/13 4:28 PM

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.

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

enquiries, please email info@y-oman.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Fast forwardEvery year on April 22, more than one billion people take part in Earth Day. Across the globe, individuals, communities, charities and governments acknowledge the amazing planet we call Earth and take action to protect it. Eco tragedy has many faces – from the endangered polar bears in the Arctic to the tiger’s plight in India’s threatened mangrove forests. But it’s not something that just happens elsewhere in the world. No, there are issues right here on our doorstep – from turtles being killed to trash blighting our otherwise beautiful landscape. In this issue, we’re highlighting problems in order to find solutions. With our startling photographs, we hope to inspire action. So go on, this Monday, redouble your efforts to be green. We take so much from the planet, it’s only right to give something back.Also in this issue, we tackle the trouble with hard drug use and give you the ultimate guide to Oman’s first Soapbox Race.

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

CONTRIBUTORSKate Ginn, Joe Gill,

Laura Shergold

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 getting excited about Soapbox (we’re already digging

its festival vibe), getting Muscat’s global family to dance to Abba at

Park Inn, and meditating (any excuse to get a power kip – bliss!)

THIS WEEK…

VIP TICKETS TO BC ONEThe cool kids’ craze has escaped

its underground lair for the fabulous Red Bull BC One event.

Breakdancing is back in vogue and being showcased in spectacular

style at one of the Sultanate’s premier B-Boy competitions.

On April 25, some of the world’s best B-Boys meet to compete and to

determine in a knock-out-battle who is “The One.”

Forget about Dancing With The Stars or the X Factor – this is the

ultimate contest, where skill, sass and that little something extra,

count for everything.The Oman BC One cypher will take

place at Bait Al Zubair Museum next Thursday. To win four VIP tickets,

please send your name and address to prize@y-oman.com by April 21.

WIN

contentsA P R I L 1 7 2 0 1 3

10Yo u r O m a n 06 The Big Interview Ahmad Al Harthy

08 Voice of Oman Readers’ Letters10 News Bieber - No Show

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desert survival guide B-BOYS shoes glorious shoes dRUg RecOveRY

NeXT WeeK’S ISSUe...

Fo o d & D r i n k 26 Redbull Guide Oman’s Soapbox Race 30 Restaurant Review Shang Thai 31 Recipe delicious dates

T h i s We e k 14 This Week B-Boy Battle16 Movies Listing Perfect Mothers18 Gallery Akon In The House

C a r s & O u t d o o r s 36 Outdoors Bullfighting40 Destination As Sifah 42 My Hood Al Hamriyah 44 Y-Fi Music Maker 46 Car of the Week gMc Arcadia

H e a l t h & B e a u t y32 Fashion Tangerine dream 34 Health Meditation

Fe at u r e s 19 Killing Oman Tragic Turtle deaths

23 Hard Drugs Illegal Substance Abuse Part 2

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· Take delivery before 15 May 2013 and receive an Ipad Mini 4G.· Monthly payment of RO 239.

To all you art-shakers,design-makers, boundary-breakers,let’s get started.The all-new A-Class. Drive yourself.

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

It is every boy’s dream to be a racing driver. How did you make it come true? I was lucky to have been surrounded by the right people, as well as being lucky to have started at a young age.You didn’t set out on a path to a career in motorsport until your early 20s. What job did you do before then? After graduating I worked as an external auditor and I believe this experience has helped me in my racing programme.ht.What makes a good racing driver?Raw talent is very important, as well as hard work and determination.You broke new ground as the first Omani-born driver to compete in single-seater racing. What have been the other highlights of your career? The highlight has been be able to fly the Omani flag and standing on the top step of the Podium listening to the National Anthem being played.Speeding is a major cause of traffic accidents in Oman and you are a supporter of Safety First, a road safety organisation in Oman. What can we do to tackle this problem? There is no one quick solution to this major problem, but with the efforts of Safety First we will do our best and try to educate the next generation of drivers as well as trying to pass on the correct message to all road users.You are one of the judges in the first Oman Red Bull Soapbox Race on April 18. Are you looking forward to it? I am really excited to be a judge for this competition. The number of teams competing highlights the talent and passion we have in Oman for these events. I think it is going to be a very positive event and we are going to see a lot of people demonstrate their talent and skill.It’s not going to be quite the same level as you Ahmad! As the reigning Porsche Carrera Cup GB Pro-Am1 Champion, you are in the fast lane. Won’t you find Soapbox racing a bit, well, slow?It’s special for me personally because I’m racing around Britain and Europe and to see this take place in Oman is something great to be part of. It’s exciting that Oman is the first country in the Middle East to host this event and I’m sure it will have a positive impact.What or who has been your inspiration, in life and work?My parents.When you’re not racing, what do you do to relax off track?Spend my free time with friends and family preferably out at sea.What car do you drive for everyday use?I wish it could be my race car (Porsche 997 GT3R).

A H M A D A L H A R T H Y, O M A N ’ S T O P R A C I N G D R I V E R

I N T E R V I E W

Words: Kate Ginn Photo: Jerzy Wierzbicki

AhmAd’s top 3 tips for success on And

off the trAck Family support

Hard workdetermination

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SPEED DEMON

WRANGLER-Y MAG-240x340.pdf 1 4/10/13 5:07 PM

Dear Editor,

The words of Kate Ginn (Are We Eating Ourselves to Death?) clearly show that the health of our society is in very bad shape.

The media should help us in trying to control this obesity and junk food culture.

The cover page did a wonderful job by making everyone think about the issue in stark terms.

Then, after turning to the next page, I noticed a very good advertisement for pizza with colourful, enticing pictures, which was sure to make everyone hungry and jump into their cars and head toward the nearest pizza outlet.

Junk food always takes priority and in turn contributes to many silent killer diseases like cholesterol, diabetes and stroke, while our children become so obese that they are not interested in leaving the house.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR HEaLTHY EaTING

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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.

correspondencethe voice of oman Yummy mummy karima farid hopes to capture her newborn baby’s innocent beauty forever.

NExt WEEK: NAdIM AttIEH

WINNER! Reply of

the Week

I gave birth to baby Maryam on March 23. And nothing could have ever prepared me for

what I felt when I first held her – pure, maternal love. It made me realise how much more I feel for my own mum.

I like watching her – the way she sleeps, sneezes and gazes – just like her dad.

At other times, it’s like looking in a mirror. Every moment is a milestone and I’m overwhelmed with emotion every time she smiles.

There’s no doubt about it, babies are a blessing – they come packaged in love, challenges and change.

Capturing these beautiful beginnings is so important. And in my view, photographer Rosie Gabrielle in Muscat does it best.

Rosie advises that a baby shoot must be done when babies are under ten days old because their features change forever after that.

If you’re a new mummy, let me offer some advice – plan ahead with the photography.

You may not be in the mood after delivery, but capturing a very special moment in time is important because babies don’t remain babies for long.

The percentage of obese children in Oman is alarmingly high and requires immediate attention by everyone.

We are living in a world of burgers, pizzas, hot dogs and doughnuts, which can appease our taste buds on a daily basis but can bring numerous health problems unless eaten in moderation.

The information provided through pictures and graphics of pizzas and doughnuts is spot on and smart, and requires appreciation.

In order to make Oman a healthy nation, regular programmes should be conducted on all levels to inform us about the health hazards we face if we rely on junk food.

We can opt for fresh vegetables, which will do a lot of good for us.

Prevention is better than cure.

K.R. Anand,Muscat

Dear Y,

I thank Y for throwing light on this topic. It is really disappointing to hear that teens are eager to take drugs nowadays. This is really bad news for all of us. The problem is caused by movies and peer pressure. Children and teens also see some young adults taking drugs and think that it makes them look cool. They don’t know how much harm drugs are doing to their bodies.

Seeing adults take drugs has a great effect on growing children and teens. These type of movies should be banned and more health awareness campaigns run for the betterment of the next generation.

Nusair Munawar, Muscat

DRuGS aREN’T COOL

Dinner For Two

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F rom classic portraits of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Al Said to sweeping desert scenes and stunning photographs of a camel train,

they all showcased the talent of artists working in Muscat.

The work was exhibited at the launch of Mind, an organisation launched to harness creativity and knowledge in the art world.

More than 120 paintings, drawings, photographs and works of sculpture, went up for sale at the event at the InterContinental Muscat hotel at the weekend, in collaboration with Al Hayat Association.

Some proceeds from the sale went to the Association, a non-profit group that helps recovering drug addicts.

“We are driven by a passion for fine arts and are also committed to society,” said O P Jayaraj, chairman of Mind.

“Sixty per cent of the amount collected by selling the art works will be given to Al Hayat for its fight against drug abuse.”

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

Royal seal of approval for charity event exhibiting 70 artists in new association

NON BELIEBERSBieber concert in Muscat is pulled

T he Justin Bieber concert in Muscat on May 6 has been cancelled, it has been announced.

Poor ticket sales and other issues are believed to be behind the decision to pull the plug on the teenage star’s one-night appearance.

An extra date will instead be added to Bieber’s show in Dubai.

Y Magazine reported exclusively last week how disappointing ticket sales and a lacklustre response from the Omani public had put the concert in jeopardy.

Ticket prices for the concert at the ROP Wattayah Stadium had started at RO35.

Alive Entertainment, the promoter behind the event, confirmed on Monday that the Oman show “will no longer take place.”

“Due to overwhelming regional demand a

second show in Dubai has today been announced for May 5,” the statement added.

It will not be the first Bieber concert that has had to be cancelled, with a show in Portugal called off due to slow ticket sales, according to reports.

Last month, the 19-year-old star collapsed on stage during a performance in London.

Bieber’s Middle East debut is part of his Believe world tour.

Ticket holders for Oman who bought from the online box office will be contacted directly and offered a full refund or exchange for tickets to the new Dubai date. The first concert on May 4 has already sold out.

Valid tickets purchased from elsewhere can be exchanged or refunded at MacKenzies Café & Deli in Madinat Sultan Qaboos before April 22.

Guest of honour at the event, Jannab Al Sayyid Taimur Bin Faisal Al Said, who attended with his young wife, bought two paintings, including one of Sultan Qaboos.

The exhibition was for Indian artists resident in Oman but a future exhibition featuring Omani work is planned.

Workshops, demonstrations and classes for different art forms will also be held for artists and art lovers.

“Artists usually work as individuals. When many artists come together wonders happen,” said Jayaraj.

“So we are trying to provide them with a platform to share their skills and knowledge and make wonders happen.”

www.facebook.com/Mindmuscat

Mind Matters

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NON BELIEBERS

A memorial service in Ghala on Sunday for Sarah White, the arts advisor and museum director of the Bait Al Zubair Foundation, who died last week,

overflowed as family and friends paid tribute to her life.White’s death, aged 45, due to surgical complications at

Muscat Private Hospital, sent shockwaves through Oman’s artistic community.

HE Mohammed Al Zubair, who was very close to White, returned from abroad in time to attend a memorial event at the Bait Al Zubair museum on Tuesday evening.

A talented artist in her own right, White helped create the Bait Al Zubair Foundation and through it published the best-selling book Art in Oman in 2006.

White was a champion of Oman’s artists and played a central role in raising the profile of the country’s artistic talent and heritage on the world stage.

She also worked tirelessly to nurture private sector and government support for Oman’s artists, through international events, commercial collections and private sponsorship.

She lived most of her life in Oman, growing up here and returning to work in the Sultanate for more than two decades.

Attending the memorial were her parents, Ronald and Joanne White, younger brother Richard, and members of the Al Zubair family.

White studied art at Canterbury College of Art, obtained a BA Hons in Fine Art at the University of the West of England and a Masters with distinction in Fine Art from the Royal College of Art (RCA), London.

At the RCA, she received many prizes including the Darwin Scholarship, the Fleur Cowles Award and the Rosenberg Foundation Prize.

“No words can express our feeling about what happened to Sarah,” said Maryam Mohammed al Zadjali, director of the Oman Society for Fine Arts. “I am really shocked. Today I can’t go to my office. You sleep and you wake up and your

Sarah White Artist and champion of Omani arts

Words: Joe Gill Image: Jerzy Wierzbicki

friend is not there.” Al Zadjali was a close

friend of White’s and collaborated with her on various projects over two decades. “Since I have known her she was always smiling. She worked very hard for Omani arts but she never got fed up, she never complained of being tired.

“Radhika Hamlai and I were always discussing our projects with Sarah. I always asked her opinion and she gave her advice.

“We have lost one of the most important figures in the Omani arts scene.

“She worked with lots of artists to raise the standard of Omani art to a higher level and raise its profile in the world.

“She brought many benefits to artists by organising events with collectors and making sure that the artists were paid well for their work.

“The Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah project was the first of its kind in Oman, an organised commission with private sponsors to exhibit Omani artists. Since I have been an artist she was the first person doing

commissioned work with a full package involving private companies.

“She did a lot to improve arts administration in Oman, and to make Omani artists well known by promoting them at a really high level.”

She added: “With Paul [Doubleday, the British Council’s director in Oman] we went to the UK to meet the directors of major art galleries including the Tate and the British Museum, to make them aware of Oman’s arts heritage. She was the driving force behind so many events.

“She was really a great person and I am so sorry we have lost Sarah from our art scene.”

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Dear Sarah,

About two years ago, a friend of mine was

visiting from the UK. We met her at Shangri-

La. I introduced you as ‘the Director of

Bait Al Zubair Foundation, my boss and

my friend’. My friend still remembers that

introduction. She thought it was very lovely. I

still remember that night too. You were very

sick, but you gave us an art tour of Shangri-

La.I have very fond memories of you, Sarah. I

will never be able to eat Indian food without

thinking of you. Do you remember how much

we enjoyed it? Do you remember how we used

to sing ‘All the single ladies’ to cheer ourselves

up whenever we felt down? Do you remember

how we tried to do the hand gestures as well?

We also tried to do the Gangnam Style. But

we needed some more practice at that.

We had our arguments and disagreements,

too. But we loved each other. You were much

loved. My sister, Jihad, called me when she

heard the news. Do you remember her, Sarah?

You met her at the museum. She is saddened

by your death. She only met you once, but

you made her feel special, like you had known

each other for years. Many people feel that way

about you, Sarah...I was honoured to pay a tribute to you

on behalf of the museum at your memorial

service today. Your family were very kind,

despite their grief. Your brother, Richard and

your mother said how much they appreciated

my tribute. Their grace is truly an inspiration.

While you were in hospital, I sent messages

of ‘Sunshine’ your way. Today I feel waves of

sunshine coming from you.

Thank you, Sarah.Love,Abdullah

P.S. You never did explain why you

hated tea so much. I’ll have to wait

for your answer till we meet again.

Abdullah Al BusaidiAssistant manager at Bait Al Zubair Museum and close personal friend of Sarah White.

Chris Fisher, programme director and Breakfast Presenter at Merge 104.8, got to know Sarah through work and the Muscat Youth Summit.“Sarah was a fun and vibrant, she was a very similar type of character to me so I could relate to her.“There was nothing dull about Sarah. From the clothes she wore to her personality, she was very colourful and flamboyant. Whenever Sarah was at the Opera House in Muscat, you couldn’t miss her because she was always in very vibrant colours.”“She was warm and generous, very committed and passionate about her work. “Sarah enjoyed living in Oman, she felt relaxed and fitted in here. It’s very fitting that her family chose to let her rest here.“The art scene in Oman is a better place because of people like Sarah White. She has left her mark, she definitely made a difference.”

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From Darkness to Light For victims of child abuse, the journey from shame to letting go can be long and arduous. Solo artist Ibrahim Gailani explores this theme at the ‘I Am Child’ exhibition at the Whispers of Serenity Clinic, which opens on April 20 at 7.30pm. HH Sayida Basma al Said collaborated with the artist for this very personal exhibition. For more information email gailani.art@gmail.com

New Orleans’ very own Preservation Hall Jazz Band lovingly keeps alive the African-American music that evolved in New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century and has won fans the world over. They will be playing at the Royal Opera House for one night only.

THIS WEEKA P R I L

WHAT TO DO.

WHAT TO SEE.

WHAT TO HEAR.

April19A

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You don’t get more exotic than the 1920s African Jazz Café, and that’s the thrilling soundtrack for SAGO’s annual ball at the Crown Plaza. It’s RO35 per person on tables of ten – email sagosocial@gmail.com for details.

Café Culture

April

25Jazz Giants

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Get wig-tastic at the Grand Hyatt’s Marjan Terrace this Thursday for the 2013 Wig Party. DJ Carl Roberts will be playing a set of funky house accompanied by live sax and percussion, and remember, it’s free entry and a free drink for wig wearers. And if you don’t have one, you can pick one up on the door for RO6. All drinks included for RO25. For more info call 24641234 or email muscat.dining@hyatt.com. Doors open at 7pm.

B-Boying is the street dance craze that’s been around since the late ‘70s and still going strong. The Red Bull BC One title remains the most coveted prize in B-Boying and is now in its tenth year. On April 25, the Oman BC One challenge will take place at Bait Al Zubair Museum from 6pm with 32 BBoys battling it out to represent Oman in the regional cypher, and hopefully the Red Bull BC One finals in Korea. Free entry for the public.

Yeah BBoy

April 25

April

18Things should definitely be hotting up for the Art of Living Nursery annual charity carnival, which runs from 10am to 10pm at Funzone in Qurum on April 18. There will be free games, face and henna painting, yoga and giant bubble-making with each entry, as well as loads of discounts on the day. Activities include a claywork competition, rangoli contest, cupcake decoration, free-style flower arrangement, kids’ fancy dress competition and traditional bridegroom contest for adults. For enquiries about tickets or stall bookings please contact 96063261.

Cool Carnival

Brit Matthew Vankan gives those old time crooners a run for their money this Friday at Copacabana, Grand Hyatt, singing all the old classics with piano backing from Gabriel Mantell. Tickets are RO10 or RO20 for VIP seating and a glass of fizz.

Wig Out

The Al Harub Medical Centre in Shatti Al Qurum is running a series of workshops on health and well-being from now until the end of the month, offering practical exercises, food tests and remedies, and holistic approaches to emotional issues related to health and diet. For more information call Dorita on 95119430.

Touch for Health

Apr

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What can be more important than a good education leading

to a successful career? The route to both is in focus at

twin exhibitions at the Oman International Exhibtion Centre – the Global Higher Education

Show in Hall 1 and the Training and Omanisation in Hall 2.

Future Forward

Treasure hunting in the Muttrah Souk – well, that’s exactly what most of us do there. But now The Centre for Omani Dress is launching an annual Souq Treasure Hunt as part of its launch programme for the new Museum of Omani Dress, which is due to open later this year. Starting at Riyam Park, 20 riddles will be given out to 100 teams who will find the answers with the help of maps distributed by the organisers. Three winners will be awarded prizes while all participants will receive gift bags and food and drink vouchers. Registration begins at 9am and hunt is from 10 till midday. Register at www.omanidress.com

April

Souk and You Shall Find

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Me to the Moon

Fly

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SCARY MOvIE 5 The thing with Scary Movie is you know what it’s going to do and even if it isn’t the most original thing out there, all the latest horrors and psycho films will be sent up good and proper. Expect parodies of Paranormal Activity, Sinister, The Evil Dead, Inception and Black Swan.

Y’s Old vs New

P R E V I E W

The Host

A new young adult sci-fi romance from Twilight author Stephenie Meyer. In the future an Alien race has taken over human ‘Souls’ and solved problems like hunger and war. Saoirse Ronan plays Melanie Stryder, one of a small band of humans holding out, until she is implaneted with a thousand-year-old Soul named Wanderer. It all comes down to the two different Melanies falling in love with two different boys. As young adult drama goes, it’s very slow and a bit nonsensical.

Food Fight

Nazi-themed products take over a supermarket, with Eva Longoria’s female Hitler character swapping

MOVIES MOVIESWEEKTHIS

outfits between stripper schoolgirl and fetish Nazi. Branded products fight back in very bad CGI in possibly the worst film this century.

The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia

The moral of this ghost story is if a huge mansion is going for a song, it probably contains a spook. Lisa (Abigail Spencer) and her sister Joyce (Katee Sackhoff) have the ability to see spirits, a talent that’s passed on to Lisa’s daughter Heidi (Emily Alyn Lind), who begins communicating with a certain Mr Gordy (Grant James), the previous owner of their new house. The haunting harks back to the dark days of slavery in old Georgia. An okay sequel.

THE EMPEROR Tommy Lee Jones gets a properly meaty role as General Douglas MacArthur, the US commander of the occupying forces in Japan after its surrender in 1945. He’s given 10 days by President Truman to determine Emperor Hirohito’s guilt in war crimes. MacArthur turns to Brig. Gen. Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox), a Japan expert, whose investigation reveals the story of Japan’s war.

THE THIN RED LINE (1998) Terrence Malick’s Pacific war masterpiece has Jim Caviezel as the eyes and voice of an innocent caught up in a brutal campaign in one of the most beautiful places on earth. A visionary poem on the meaning of being alive that just happens to be a brilliant war movie. Intense.

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Anne Fontaine takes a story of two very attractive women, both in their 40s, who defy convention and the idea of middle age by embarking on something almost unthinkable.

Based on a short story by Doris Lessing, it features two standout performances from Naomi Watts and Robin Wright.

Watts plays Lil, a widow, while Wright plays Roz, who is married to drama teacher Ben Mendelsohn. Theirs is an idyllic life set on a beautiful part of the Australian coast.

The movie starts with a day at the beach as the two women sunbathe while admiring their two buff boys surfing.

Things start to get interesting when Roz has a one-night stand with Lil’s son Ian, when her drama teacher husband is away on business. When Tom finds out about his friend’s affair with his mother, he gets his revenge in by pursuing and seducing Lil.

At this point one might expect

an explosion of recrimination but instead, when Roz confronts Lil at work about the affair, they decide to let the whole thing continue.

How much you enjoy the film may depend on whether you can buy into the exquisitely arty and tasteful life of Lil and Roz, a world of yacht clubs and art spaces, and the impossibly desirable men – as well as a ripped surf dude, Ian is a theatre director.

The darkly witty and intelligent script explores the emotional journey of the characters as they experience guilt, anxiety and exhilaration in equal measure.

With Roz’s husband largely absent and Lil widowed, the four can pursue their relationships with little hindrance, and we see it unfold over the years. Despite their youth, the boys are almost improbably sensitive and soulful.

It’s an odd package, which occasionally stretches credibility, but the richness of this complex emotional maelstrom is compelling and never predictable.

Perfect Mothers

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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T h e W h a t ’ s O n G u i d e M o v i e s G A L L E R Y

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AKON IN MUSCAT

Phot

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ki FANS TREATED AS AKON PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS FOR OMAN CONCERT

Read Y’s interview with Akon on y-oman.com

Oman

Don’t ignore this eco tragedy. Join Earth Day and do your bit to stop the destruction of the

Sultanate’s greatest natural asset. No not oil, we mean the environment.

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Words: Kate ginn images: Jerzy Wierzbicki

Killing

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all, these natural and marine wonders, which are sold to tourists and used to seduce them into coming back for more.

As the globe unites in World Earth Day 2013 on April 22, it’s a timely reminder that each and every one of us remains responsible for the environment around us.

The images on these pages are a warning to Oman to wake up, a conservation call to arms.

As HH Sayyid Tarik Bin Shabib Al Said, patron of the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), says: “We are careless with our environment because we can be and because it is easy, but mainly because we do not think ahead. Yet we have the capacity to think ahead. It is our job to nurture this ability – the rest will follow.”

Each Earth Day, more than one billion people around the world – individuals, communities, organisations and governments – celebrate green efforts. The theme for this year is ‘The Face of Climate Change’, the burning issue of our day.

Swimming gracefully through the sea, the turtle has in a way come to define Oman itself; free, natural and an unspoilt beauty.

Indeed, what better image to represent the work of the country’s main conservation

group, the Environment Society of Oman, than this placid creature of the ocean?

Now imagine this same turtle, its dehydrated body rotting on a beach, with dried dark red blood from a gaping wound in its neck staining the white sand.

Or a carcass of a turtle floating face down in the sea it once glided through.

This is not some dystopian world but reality in Oman today and the scene that confronted Y’s photographer Jerzy Wierzbicki when he was on a trip to the Bar Al Hikman peninsula in the central east coast of the Al Wusta region.

Not only did he see dead turtles, but also a sea of rubbish and plastic bottles scarring what should be pristine white sandy beaches, and a mecca for visitors drawn to the area’s unique geology and wildlife.

It vividly reminds us of the work that still needs to be done to clean up and protect our wilderness. It is, after

HEAVEN AND HELLY photographer Jerzy Wierzbicki, who has lived in Oman for more than five years, has a deep love of the Omani landscape and its natural, unspoilt wonders. Capturing the stunning images on these pages, he witnessed firsthand the damage man has done to the land and its creatures.“Hikman is a place that I have visited before many times,” he says. “A few weeks ago, I made the 500 km trip there to get some close-up pictures of the birds in their natural landscape. Hikman, for me, has always been a perfect location for wildlife photography, a combination of spectacular scenery and habitats. But, as I have discovered, this environmental heaven has a darker sider. This alternative hell has long sandy beaches covered in a sea of rubbish and plastic bottles and dead turtles floating in the water. It is worse near a small fishing village, Filim, located west of the Hikman peninsula. “Undoubtedly humans are responsible for this shameful scarring of the land. The plastic rubbish on the beach is particularly noticeable near the fishing harbour. Significantly, the rubbish proportionally decreases the further away from this spot you go. Last time, I was here at sunset and saw hundreds of blinking points on the white beach. It was the sunlight hitting dozens upon dozens of plastic bottles strewn about. I was horrified. Broken pieces of plastic fish boxes and boat engine oil were also dumped here. I also saw, with my own eyes, a fisherman throwing a plastic bag off a fishing boat into the water. When I first visited Filim village in 2009, I found a dozen dead turtles on the beach near another fishing harbour. It was such a shocking sight. Last week, I went there again with my camera and saw the same situation, more dead turtles. While there were less then before, it was still sad to see. The plastic bot-tles and rubbish continue to create a ‘landscape’ of their own, which is not what visitors or I travel so far to see.”

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It is not certain exactly what killed the turtles found near the village of Filim in our photographs, whether a deliberate act or accident.

“It is difficult to say without seeing the turtles what happened to them,” says Sana Tawileh, from ESO.

“There is an issue of sea turtles getting entangled in fishing gear and subsequently leading to their death. Boat strikes may be another cause of death. Purposely killing sea turtles occurs at very minimal levels.”

Whatever, it is a tragedy to behold.Oman is home to one of the world’s largest

remaining Green Turtle nesting populations and Masirah Island is equally important as a Loggerhead nesting site. Hawksbill Turtles, one of the most endangered species of sea turtle, nest all along Oman’s coastline.

Last weekend ESO tagged two turtles with a transmitter, allowing it to keep track of the creatures’ movements and follow their path through the world’s oceans.

One female Loggerhead turtle, named Bassma, tagged last year on Masirah Island, is still transmitting and has recently crossed the Red Sea heading northwards.

ESO is fighting a continuous campaign with litter, an ongoing blight on Oman’s landscape. The astonishing array of rubbish captured in our photographs has been left behind by locals or washed up on the shore after being discarded at sea, evidence of the increasingly ‘throw-away’ society we live in.

Two Omanis who recently returned from an expedition in Antarctica know more than most about the need for conservation. Bader al Lawati and Ameer Abdulhussain, known as the Freezing Omanis, want to use what they learnt during the trip to educate Oman.

“With the assistance of ESO we want to start three main campaigns, reaching to the community and focusing on schools and institutions to create the next generation of eco warriors,” says al Lawati.

“We will be talking about our experience

and sharing what we learned and why environmentalism is very important especially in Oman and the Middle East.”

They will campaign to raise awareness of plastic bag use and the damage marine life is facing, along with what individuals can do to make a difference.

A third campaign will look at the power sector of Oman and ways to reduce greenhouse gases produced from AC use, which doubles during the summer months.

“Oman is definitely showing an increasing interest towards the environment and its preservation and protection,” says Abdulhussain. “ESO is doing its part and slowly but surely the army of green warriors in Oman is growing. So while we’re not there just yet, we are on our way.”

It is clear that Oman has been blessed with an abundance of marine life and enviable scenery.

Such marvels must be protected at all costs. To lose them would be nothing short of an

ecological disaster.

HOW TO DO YOUR BIT TO CARE OUR ENVIRONMENT AND THE PLANET

PackagingIncreased global trade in food products and consumer goods has led to more and stronger packaging, especially plastic materials. Re-use packaging and recycle when you can.

Ring PullsMetal ring pulls from soft drinks cans are hazardous to animals. Dispose of ring pulls properly along with your can.

Plastic BagsApproximately five trillion plastic bags are produced each year. The average plastic bag is used for 20 minutes before being thrown away. Most will end up in a landfill or as lit-ter on land. Camels, cattle, goats and sheep can die when they eat plastic bags. As many as 100,000 animals, such as whales, dolphins, turtles and seals, are killed each years as a result of waste in our oceans. Do not use a plastic bag. Carry your own cloth bags. If you must use plastic bags, always try to reuse them.

Illegal Waste Dumping Dispose of large scale waste properly. Inform the local authority of any illegal dumping.

Glass Bottles1 ton of recycled glass saves 1.2 tons of raw materials. Dispose of glass bottles properly and carefully. Return to shop, recycle or reuse your bottles.

LitteringIn picnic areas, especially on beaches, litter spoils the enjoy-ment of our wonderful natural landscape, can be hazardous to wildlife and also damages the image of our country for foreign visitors. Do not drive on beaches. Take all your litter home and/or dispose of it properly.

Call 800 77077 or SMS AK to 90303· The earlier you deposit, the more your chances to win.

· Minimum average balance of RO 100 for 30 days is required to participate in the prize draws.· Interest bearing accounts are also available. Terms & Conditions apply.

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DRUG USE IS on THE RISE WITH HERoIn AnD moRPHInE THE fAvoURITES on

of oUR THREE-PART InvESTIGATIon, WE LooK AT THE coST of GETTInG HIGH.

KATE GINN REPORTS.

THE STREETS of omAn AS PoLIcE STEP UP THE bATTLE To STAmP IT oUT. In PART 2

The man rolls up his sleeve and ties a torque round his arm as tightly as possible.

Others are crouched over a spoon filled with bubbling liquid held above a naked flame as salt and lime is added to the mixture.

A piece of cotton is used to soak up the pure contents. A syringe is filled with the liquid and injected into the man’s waiting arm, the needle slipping silently through the skin and into the vein.

This man is a drug addict and has just had his latest hit of heroin, a substance his body now needs to get through the daily routine of life and work.

The hit could cost him dearly, an overdose could kill him or a shared needle carries the risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis B and C. Nothing matters, however. His only concern is the drug and the next hit.

These is not the picture of Oman that authorities want to advertise but the fact is that it’s happening all around us and, say some, it’s time to start acknowledging reality. Once out in the open, it will be easier to tackle the problem.

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According to one source, buying heroin in Muscat is as easy as hailing a taxi.

“If you want heroin, I can get it for you just like this,” he says, clicking his fingers.

Users as young as 14 years old can be found in Muttrah, he claims.

One gram of heroin costs around RO50 on the street. Morphine is a cheaper alternative at RO10 for the same amount.

There always seems to be a plentiful supply. Getting drugs into the country is either from smuggling through the airport or making use of the wide open 1,700 kilometres of coastline that is virtually impossible to police.

Once in, it can be distributed via road throughout the country and across borders to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and beyond.

As the drug menace spreads, it has infiltrated into all areas of society. “A few years ago, it was normal people who used it but not now. I’ve seen a lot of rich people using,” says the source, who we shall call Ahmed.

“Most of them (users) are uneducated but it is everywhere now. Most are Omanis. Areas such as Seeb, Muttrah, Mabalah and even Al Khuwair are known drug areas.”

Another source spoke of the glamorisation of drug use seeing it seeping into young people’s lives.

“I heard from a friend that university students are into morphine. They cook up the powder or roll it up in a cig and smoke it.

“They’re kids. They don’t really understand what they’re getting into. They just think about getting a high but they get hooked very quickly.”

More than 3,500 addicts had been treated for drug abuse during 2011, statistics revealed. Official figures have not been released for last year but it is believed the number has gone up quite a bit.

Alarmed at the increase, the government announced at the beginning of the year that a drug rehabilitation centre would be set up in every one of Oman’s 11 governorates.

A new 245-bed, RO44 million hospital in Amerat district, expected to open later this year, will provide care for drug abusers.

Though statistics are thin on the ground, there are many victims. Ahmad knows only too well how high a price some will pay to feed their all-consuming addiction. He has lost several friends to drugs, one only two weeks ago.

“He was using heroin and mixed it up with pills and overdosed,” he says.

“I didn’t feel anything for him really because I knew it would happen one day. With a long-term user it can happen any time. They have surrendered to the drug. They are either going to get a sickness or die or an overdose.”

These are the victims of drug abuse, whether as users or directly affected by someone else’s habit.

“I have lost 80 per cent of my circle of friends in Al Khuwair to drugs.

“Some of the users have families, that’s the painful part. If they are jailed or die, those kids need to have someone to look after them.”

Dr Amira bint Abdul Mohsin al Raaidan, chair of the Al Hayat Association, a non-profit organisation in Muscat working to help drug addicts, told Y: “We are working with the government but more needs be done.

“Morphine is a big problem. We are seeing more people using this because it’s so much cheaper. They can have five times the amount for the same price as one dose of heroin.”

The Royal Oman Police has a dedicated department targeting drug traffickers and addicts.

Last month, the anti-narcotics unit seized 15 kilograms of heroin with a street value of over RO384, 000. Traffickers with links to international drug gangs were also caught, while three men were arrested on charges of cultivating 65 narcotic khashkhash plants (poppy seeds which are harvested for heroin) in Bahla.

Y contacted the Royal Oman Police with a series of questions about its efforts to combat drug use and smuggling, but it declined to comment. However, sources suggest the battle against drugs is only just beginning.

“One of my friends is a police officer and he said the trouble is that when they close out one area, the dealers just move to another area,” said the second source. “They clean up Amerat and they go to Al Hail or Seeb. As soon as they clean up, it’s already starting somewhere else. The only good thing he said is that they haven’t got guns yet.”

Police also have to battle drug-related crime, such as robberies

Some of the users have families, that’s the

painful part. If they are jailed or die, those kids

need to have someone to look after them

and stealing – a popular target is empty gas canisters, which can be sold on for RO20 or so, enough to buy two grams of morphine or a little under half a gram of heroin.

Smoking drugs, known as ‘smoking the dragon’, is safer than injecting, where a syringe can be passed around to five or six people, all running the risk of catching HIV or some other blood disease.

Some of Ahmed’s friends have contracted HIV. Many need pills to counteract the effects of their drug use, such as Valium 10 or tramadol, a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Others need stronger hits over time, as their body begins to become immune to the effects of the drug, and turn to stronger forms of heroin such as ‘gard’ (also known as ‘brown sugar’) which is a yellowish beige in colour.

Of course, the stronger the drug, the higher the risk of overdosing or suffering health complications. Effects of prolonged heroin use are collapsed veins, bacterial infections, abscesses and damage to the heart lining and valves. .Ahmed has repeatedly asked his friends why they risk everything for a compulsion that gives them nothing in return.

“Some say taking drugs makes them calm. Others want the adventure or say that it helps them just forget everything, the pressures, and it’s just like being in a dream.

“But when I push them, they really can’t answer me. How do you explain why you do something that can kill you or hurt your family, those who love you? There is no answer to that.”

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3651 The number of drug addicts treated in 2011

20 per cent success rate for treating drug addicts

14 the age of one drug addict in Muttrah

50 rial for one gram of pure heroin

2100 people arrested for drug trafficking in 2012

35 cases of drug abuse by women in 2011

Heroin Highly addictive drug derived from morphine, which is obtained from opium poppy. It is a ‘downer’ or depressant.

Morphine An opiate, derived from the poppy plant, it is classified as a narcotic and is commonly prescribed to manage pain.

Gard Colloquial name in Oman for strong form of heroin, brown in colour. Also known as ‘brown sugar’ in other countries.

Opium Also known as Big O, Black Stuff or Block. An opioid or narcotic, made from the white liquid in the poppy plant.Cocaine Extracted from the leaves of the coca plant, a potent brain stimulant and one of the most powerfully addictive drugs. Too expensive for Oman.

Captagon Originally the trade name for a pharmaceutical drug. A synthetic stimulant, it is widely used in Middle East countries.

Methadone A synthetic opioid, it is used as a pain reliever and as part of drug addiction detox programmes.

Valium Now known as diazepam, a relaxant which treats anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures and other medical conditions

Tramadol Narcotic-like pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain.

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Join the party as the countdown to the greatest fun to be had in Muscat this year begins. The teams and cars are ready. The course is ready. The judges are ready. Are you?

AND THEY’RE ALMOST OFF…

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WHAT IS IT?The First Oman Red Bull Soapbox Race, of course. Where have you been hiding if you haven’t heard about it before? The excitement has been building for months since Red Bull announced Oman was to be the first venue in the Middle East to

host the event.

I’VE NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE. IS IT NEW?It is in Oman but Red Bull has

been organising these annual soapbox races around the world in more than 40 countries since 2000. Last year, Mumbai threw one hell of a soapbox race. Now it’s our region’s turn to get in on the action. Come on Oman, show the rest of the world how it’s done!

IT’S FREE!Yes, you read that right. There’s no

entrance fee so bring your family, friends, neighbours and even

your pet.

EYES ON THE PRIZE!It’s not just all for the glory you know. The winning team members will have a chance to see how the big boys race with an all-expenses paid trip to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, where they will have an exclusive paddock walk and chance to meet the Red Bull Racing Team. Second place will win an all-expenses paid trip to Sky Dive Dubai.

THE STARS SAY:“I had one of the biggest

wins in my racing career in Abu Dhabi (winning Porsche ME Grand Prix support race)

so I think it’s an amazing prize and will make the competition

even more competitive than it already is.”

Ahmad al Harthy

THEY SAY:“The Red Bull soapbox is a challenging event, it requests creativity

and competitive spirit.” Richard Breis, Red Bull Communication Manager

Kuwait/ Bahrain/ Oman

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LEGEND1234

567

Team Area/Pit Lane

Giant Screen

Toilets

Food Point

Beverage Point

Medical Tent

Judges Area

Forb Area

Public Village

WHERE?All the thrills and spills will be at Bawshar Dunes. The original venue was Wadi Dayqah Dam but it sprung a leak and was

switched. The fun takes place smack in the centre of

the dunes.

WHEN?April 18

SO WHAT HAPPENS?What doesn’t happen? Anything goes in the crazy world of soapbox

racing where teams design and build their own speed

machines powered by human engines and compete against each other and the clock on a downhill track. Expect the odd bay hale to get in the way and plenty of crashes.

IT’S ABOUT THE SPEED THEN?No, not at all. Teams are judged on creativity and showmanship as well. Extra points can be won with outrageous costumes, skits and musical soundtracks. The wackier the better.

HOW WACKY?Previous car designs have included a piano, a slice of pizza, a massive corn on

the cob and a pram. Expect equally bizarre contraptions

from the Oman posse.

WHO IS TAKING PART?More than 40 teams have taken up the challenge. Gloria Jeans, 360 Restaurant, Mazda, Al Nahda Resort and

The Wave, Muscat, are among the brave souls who have submitted a car. They will be facing fiendish course with

obstacles such as Corner of Doom and Ramp of Redemption. Time to hold tight!

Judging this carnival of chaos will be Ahmad al Harthy, 31, Oman’s top racing driver and one of the Middle East’s leading international sportsmen, presenter Murtadha al Lawati from the Public Authority for Radio & Television, Oman TV personality Ibtihal al Zadjali and Sulaiman al Rawahi, director of the Oman Automobile Association.The teams will have to work hard to impress these four judges.

Merge 104.8 presenters Chris Fisher and Sami al Asmi will be hosting the event with help from comedian Joseph Sims.

WHAT IF I GET BORED?You won’t. The soapbox action

and festival atmosphere should keep you entertained for hours. But if you or the little ones do need a diversion there will be

plenty of entertainment off the track including jugglers, stilt

walkers, mime artist?, clowns and acrobats. There’s even going to be a parade!

THEY SAY:“Looking forward to seeing all the wacky

vehicles and hyping up the spectators on the day” Chris Fisher, Merge

104.8 and host of 1st Oman Red Bull Soapbox Race

SOUNDS GREAT! WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Go to www.redbullmea.com/soapboxrace

or Twitter @redbullmea and join in the fun J

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Omani dates are nutritious nuggets that satisfy a sweet

tooth. Not only do they make an ideal snack to stave off hunger – but also they’re

loaded with health benefits. Rich in vitamins and minerals,

they help lower cholesterol, improve your digestive system,

eliminate constipation and tackle anaemia. Amazing!

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

INCREDIBLE INGREDIENTthe humble date has become a sought after ingredient thanks to its nutritional value and versatility. adding this ancient fruit to home

baked breads, cakes and cookies offers richness to otherwise

ordinary recipes. Chopped or slivered, they also work well in

salads, rice or couscous. Get the recipe for sticky date pudding on p31. it’s

seriously yummy!

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My husband and I never agree on which restaurant to go to, or what to eat. Rather than argue, we just go into a malaise of vagueness, which is a terrible place to be

in whilst low on blood sugar and a three-year-old child in tow.

We were in The Wave and hungry. My husband wanted to go to Shang Thai. I went in to explore and came out shaking my head, “too noisy and no atmosphere.”

He went in, “it’s absolutely fine, please,” he begged. “I can’t eat Arabic again tonight!”

After checking out all the other joints, I was persuaded by my other half with an ode to the fresh, exciting flavours of Thai food.

On our request they turned down the music but the bright lights and empty tables put me in a sulk. I soon cheered up when I looked at the menu though.

For starters, I chose the Tom Pho Taek soup, an absolute favourite of mine. I always want this if I am falling ill or feel tired. Its complex layers of flavour and subtle kick of heat are guaranteed to enliven all the senses. I was taught how to make this soup, so I knew what I was looking for.

Sadly, I was disappointed. As usual, the seafood was replaced by big chunks of mushrooms and it was far too zingy with no base in the flavours. However, reassuringly, it was swimming with fresh herbs and lemongrass.

My husband had the Som Tam Thai papaya salad, “a complete explosion of flavour and texture” he said, “this place is excellent.” Hmmm, let’s wait for the mains, I thought.

My toddler daughter didn’t eat her Ka Nom Jeeb, steamed chicken dumplings, but they were very good. She ended up grazing on a bowl of sticky rice all evening.

My husband chose the Talay Phad Char, spicy sautéed mixed seafood with fresh herb and basil. “Wow!” He got there first with that one.

I went vague again, and my restless daughter was squealing in my ear, so in desperation I asked the waitress. She recommended the Gai Phad Med Ma- Muang – wok fried chicken with cashew nuts – which

is exactly what it was. A nice, tasty dish, but, in my opinion – boring. It was exactly as it said, with no surprising explosions of zest

My husband’s dish was delicious – he practically jumped out of his seat in excitement at the flavour. It was a little mean on the prawns but the essence and colours were intense and delicious, and the seafood was cooked just right.

We both ate from his dish in the end. Neither of us are really big eaters so we do best when sharing all three courses.

Even after dividing our mains, we couldn’t manage a dessert each. He didn’t want one at all, waving his hand like a girl.

This always irritates me as it makes me feel like a greedy guts. The desserts were intriguing, not the usual ice cream with tinned lychees in syrup.

My eyes were drawn to the Khao Niew Ma Muang – Thai sticky rice and sweet mango. I love sticky rice and have always wanted a sticky rice pudding.

My husband had a change of heart and wanted the Ta Ko, the famous coconut pudding. So I asked the waitress and to my dismay she agreed with my husband’s choice. A beautifully presented plate of jelly-like, pearly white parcels wrapped in banana leaf arrived.

We tried one, my husband broke into a slow delicate smile, while I gagged and, in fury, called over the

waitress and ordered my sticky rice. This arrived looking stunning and tasted sublime, leaving my husband with his soapy

delights while my daughter and I nibbled the sweet sticky, crispy rice and sweet mango – divine

A good desert always leaves me feeling right with the restaurant, the world in

general and even my husband. Up until then I would have rated Shang Thai a 5/10, while my

husband would have given it an 8/10. As most married couples learn to, we compromised.

For the blasts of excellent flavour this place deserves a seven (we gave it an extra half point to appease my husband) and if you choose wisely you could easily come out giving Shang Thai an eight or nine.

info Box Address: shang thai, the Wave,

Almouj marina, muscat(Also a branch at 1st floor,

muscat Grand mall)opening hours: 12pm-12am

for Bookings: 245 54 774 (the Wave) 220 06 644 (mGm)

Web: www.shang-thai.com/omanAverage meal price (for three): ro30

The ambience left a little to be deserved but Tanushka Marah was won over by the feisty flavours – and a very sticky rice pudding

verdict:

Lacking atmosphere but fantastic

flavours

7.5 10

Test your First Aid ability 1.What is the treatmentfor a choking INFANT under 12 months?a) Backblows only?b) Alternate backblows with abdominal thrusts?c) Alternate backblows with chest thrusts?d) Abdominal thrusts only?e) Chest thrusts only? 2. How will you treat a child who feels faint and looks about to pass out?a) Sit them down and leave them on their own for 5 minutes?b) Lay them down with feet raised, loosen clothing?c) Give them a glass of water or cold milk?d) Put them into the recovery position and call an ambulance?e) Walk them around? For answers see www.moderngulf.com or visit our Facebook pageTel: 2454 2737

THAI’D AND TESTED

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REcIPE How to make your own sticky date pudding with maple syrup. By Penny Fray

ingredients: R 175g soft pitted dates R 1 tsp vanilla extract R 100ml maple syrup, plus 6 tbsp R 2 large eggs, separated R 80g self-raising flour R 75g sultanasR Waitrose Perfectly Balanced Vanilla Custard methodR Preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5. R Place the dates in a small pan with the vanilla extract and 150ml cold water. Bring to the boil, cover, and then simmer gently for five minutes. R Use a hand-held blender to process the cooled dates, water and vanilla extract until smooth. R Pour into a bowl then stir in the syrup, egg yolks, flour and sultanas. Whisk the egg whites

until stiff peaks form then gently fold in to the date mixture. R Place a spoonful of maple syrup into six non-stick dariole moulds or pudding bowls (150ml). Spoon in the sponge mixture then top with a circle of greaseproof paper. Cover the top of each mould firmly with a square of pleated foil. R Place the puddings in a roasting tin and pour in boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the moulds. R Bake for 45-55 minutes, topping up with boiling water if necessary, until the puddings are risen and firm. R Remove the foil and greaseproof paper then turn the puddings out onto small plates. Serve hot with Waitrose Perfectly Balanced Vanilla Custard – or make your own.

Cook’s tip: To microwave, spoon the sponge mixture into

suitable moulds (teacups work well) and microwave

for 2-3 minutes, depending on your oven. Leave to stand for 1 minute before turning out.

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LITTLE MISS SUNSHINEthanks to the spring/

summer 2013 catwalks, your wardrobe is going

to be hot and happening this season. if you haven’t

taken the colour plunge previously, now is the

time to do so with orange. we’re talking about a hot citrus hue at Herrera and

elegantly interspersed with white at Victoria Beckham.

Be bold, bright and beautiful in this hobbs

dress

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

HEALTH&bEAUTY

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From blazing hues of orange to baring your midriff, this is a season for the dramatic and daring.

While a vibrant pop of citrus is the ultimate sunshine shade, let’s be honest here, it’s not wallflower friendly.

Wear it from head to toe and you’ll be accused of being Tango’d – an aesthetic insult usually reserved for the ‘Euro trash’ tribe.

Nevertheless, designers such as Victoria Beckham, Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera, have all embraced the happy hue in their latest collections – and it’s never looked hotter. Like it or not, tangerine is now the catwalk’s go-to bright.

While some people believe that orange should only be attempted by those with olive or dark skin, the colour can look good on anyone – the secret is just knowing how to wear it. Worn with muted neutrals such as navy, white or tan, it always looks more chic than cheap.

I may not have sun-kissed skin but orange is one of my favourite colours because it oozes positivity. And according to new age types, it’s a power shade that encourages healing, joy and creativity.

Want to dip your toe in the trend? Try a statement accessory – they’re all over the high street at the moment.

1 Honing in on the ’60s mood, have fun with bright hues, short hems and big hair. 2 When it comes to a strong colour like orange, remember, a little goes a long way. Tone down the energy with subtle neutrals. 3 Invest in a tailored pair of trousers in a darker shade of orange. Worn with burgundy, it’ll take you right through to next winter – Burberry style!

PEnnY’S GUIDE To WEARInG oRAnGECitric Scene:

this structured, statement jacket from online company misguided looks amazing with a neutral pencil skirt. From r020

ODE TO ORANGEThe future is definitely bright – and for the fashion forward, head-to-toe in tangerine is the top trend to try, says Penny Fray.

white and tangerine is the cool new colour combination found on several catwalks this season. this stella mcCartney shift will easily take you from beach to boardroom in a jiffy.

try these sunnies from what’s about town – they ooze retro happiness. ro7. a similar pair can also be found in splash.

want to look fashion forward? wear this versatile vest from H&m with a pair of orange skinnies, ballet pumps and heaps of attitude.

oooh – shiny, happy shoes from alexander mcQueen – just the pair to skip down the yellow brick road in. From ro175.

a cutch is a terrific way to add a colourful pop to your outfit. I love the expensive looking simplicity of this leather number from Gap. ro17.

Dealing with stress, depression and even ageing - is meditation the ultimate antidote to modern living? Penny Fray investigates

R&R. What a joke. It may as well stand for rushed and raging. By the time you get through the Muscat traffic to work, you’ve built up enough

road rage to render most morning relaxation techniques ineffectual.

Feeling calm in an increasingly speed and stress driven society is difficult. That’s why finding a place where the world won’t intrude is becoming more and more popular. But forget the desert or a designer boutique – the mind offers the best sanctuary for the hurried and hassled.

Really. Recent trials

into the impact of meditation on the brain showed that an eight-week course could reduce depression by 50 percent.

“Meditation is a mental discipline with a long tradition and has been practiced throughout the world in most cultures and religions,” says Almut Werminghausen, an expert from The Whispers of Serenity Clinic in Muscat. “The reasons for doing meditation differ and range from spiritual desire and overcoming suffering to supporting self-growth and self-exploration.

“In recent decades, the scientific community has taken a strong interest in meditation because of the links found between stress and disease.

Since the late ’60s, they’ve been studying the physiological and psychological effects by doing research with experienced meditators. Benefits are widely researched and proven.”

So what does meditation involve? To some it means burning incense and adopting a lotus position, to others it entails prayer and solitude – but for most it means finding equilibrium. But getting there can be tough, especially when your brain won’t stop whirring. That’s why at The Whispers of Serenity Clinic, the meditations

H E A L T H B e a u t y F a s h i o n

THE POWER Of Om

are guided and work with imagery.“The meditations guide you on inner journeys

through the mind and assist you to explore the higher realms of yourself,” explains Almut. “They are universal and applicable for all people independent of their cultural and religious background.

“All experiences are individual and depending on the background and situation of the meditating person. Some people experience altered states, peace of mind, awareness of thoughts, some have new insights, some gain a different view on life, some feel different, or some simply enjoy a relaxed and calm time spent with themselves.”

And the benefits are endless, according to the expert. Meditation not only lowers your blood pressure and heart rate, it increases fertility, creativity, happiness and a sense of vitality. Plus, you can do it almost anywhere.

“It is done mostly in an erect, upright position, sitting on a chair or in a lotus position, so that the meditator can stay awake and at the same time remain deeply relaxed,” continues Almut.

“The meditator focuses on the breath, on a mantra, on a sound, on thoughts that come up, on visualisations, or follows inner imageries. After a while the mind quiets down.

“The harder part is the discipline and determination you need to do it continuously, and getting the routine of practicing, before you notice significantly the positive side effects.”

For more information, go to www.whispers-of-serenity.com

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BULL BASH two mighty beasts lock horns at the

Barka bullfight and laura shergold is

swept up in the epic showdown

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A contest of strength between two prize bulls is a surprisingly moving experience for Laura Shergold

Locking Horns

A hushed silence descended on the crowd as the two competitors were brought into the arena ready to do battle.

As the two gargantuan bulls butted heads and locked blunt horns, a huge roar broke out and spread through the spectators. I felt an unexpected surge of adrenaline as the atmosphere took over; there was an almost tangible sense of excitement in the air.

Which animal would reign supreme? Which would be defeated?

As the fight raged on, the bulls’ owners stood by ready to restrain any signs of over aggression.

This standoff between the beasts would continue, sumo-like, until one of them stumbles, is forced to floor, flees or is knocked out of the arena.

I certainly hadn’t imagined getting caught up in the thrill of bull fighting in such a way. I’m a confirmed animal lover. I like kittens, I don’t like swatting flies and

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I get anxious watching a wadi dog trying to cross the road.

What kind of enjoyment could I get from watching two bulls go head to head for superiority, entertainment for the cheering crowds?

For a start, Omani bullfighting is nothing like its Spanish equivalent. There are no matadors to be found, no incitement, and the Oman version is bloodless with the animals suffering little or no injury during the fighting.

This is not a gory sport but rather a fascinating contest of strength between two powerful animals, as riveting as a bout between two heavyweights slugging it out in the boxing ring.

There are two main bullfighting sites in Barka and As Seeb with action on a weekly basis. However the fights are not well advertised, if at all, and seem to rely on word of mouth rather

than any kind of marketing. Rather, it appears an impromptu affair with no official schedule.

When we arrived at the arena there were a couple of hundred people already in place, with many locals choosing to sit at the side of the ring rather than in the stands. The atmosphere was thick with excitement (and testosterone; ladies be warned, this is a male dominated activity).

A selection of bulls were waiting at the side of the ring, with fights being based on size and breed to keep things fair. Muslim law forbids any kind of gambling, so this is all about the thrill of the fight, which usually lasts only a few minutes.

Fortunately, for my delicate sensibilities, the bulls are rarely injured in this style of contest, and go on to fight well into old age. The worse injury suffered is usually just a bruised ego on the part of both the losing bull and its owner.

It’s said that some of the bulls, which are bred for fighting, are pampered family pets.

Brahmin bulls used in fighting are certainly fine looking specimens, muscular and well built, moving like a well-oiled machine, albeit one that weighs up to 1,100kg.

Originally domesticated in India, the breed is particularly tolerant of heat and drought, making it ideal to withstand the extreme temperatures of Oman and neighbouring countries.

I never imagined that one day I would sit round a small dusty ring cheering two Brahmin bulls on to victory.

I’m glad that I did though. It will be one of the more memorable experiences to take with me when I leave Oman for good next month.

Photos: Pete Shergold

Driving through the mountains on the Yiti Road, you reach a high pass and suddenly find yourself looking down into a valley, with palm groves, a small village and peaks rising up before you.

It’s as if you have reached the real Shangri-La. Such vistas are almost commonplace on the way to As Sifah.

All the way on the meandering and picturesque route to the Sifawy Resort there are scenes of rural life and natural beauty that make you gasp and smile. It’s hard to square the fact that you are only half an hour from downtown Muscat.

We drove past azure lakes, then through the fishing villages of Yiti and Sifah, where goats roam freely among the tumbledown houses. Friendly smiles greet us, waving us on to our destination.

Then we reached the coast where long sandy beaches are framed by the towering peaks of the Al Hajar Mountains. The setting is nothing less than idyllic – the subtle way the Jebel Sifah resort has been constructed means you don’t quite know you’ve arrived. The low-set hotel suites and apartments blend seamlessly with the environment, peppered with palms and desert plants. It has none of the ugliness of the traditional tourist development that blights otherwise beautiful settings.

Destination

A spectacular drive and stunning beaches make a

great getaway

As Sifah

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Words: Tanushka Marah Images: Joe Gill

Two days ago I was chasing a bus in the UK’s sub-zero temperatures, carrying my child and shopping in rain and snow. Now I was in a tranquil oasis of comfort and elegance, already spiritually heightened by the beauty of our journey.

While the Sifawy Boutique Hotel offers a decent-sized swimming pool, you also have some of the most beautiful beaches in Oman at your fingertips, with enough secluded bays to have a piece of this all to your self. All you need is a picnic or barbecue set, and a tent if you plan to sleep under the stars with the sound of the waves lapping.

To come here is to feel as if you have happened across a secret that you don’t want to share – for fear that it will be spoilt. Quite how it will cope with the influx of visitors once the new highway is built is hard to guess. Right now, despite being very close to the capital, the area does not appear to suffer too much from the scourge of rubbish that affects some of Oman’s other great beauty spots.

There are white beaches on either side of the village where fishing has been the main livelihood for generations. The Jebel Sifah developer Orascom is said to have maintained a good relationship with the locals, building a mosque, supporting the local school, offering employment opportunities and sourcing local produce such as bread and fish.

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Jebel Sifah can be reached from Muscat from Ruwi and Al Hamriya along the scenic Yiti Road or for a faster route take the Qantab Road then turn right at the Dive Centre roundabout for Yiti. The roads are winding and evidence of crashes along the route, with bashed in barriers overlooking steep precipices, are stark warnings to drive carefully. Visitors to the area can eat at the Al Sabla restaurant and beach bar, and also take boats from the marina to nearby isolated beaches. Some beaches are reachable by road. Hotel guests can come by sea taxi from Marina Bander Al Rowdha to Jebel Sifah Marina. A summer promotion for residents and locals at the Sifawy Boutique Hotel is RO75 including breakfast, dinner and all taxes for two people. A suite costs RO95 with children under 12 free. TR

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Excursions from the hotel include being taken by motorboat to a nearby island for a picnic, wakeboarding and water ski lessons.

We took the coastal boat excursion, stepping onto the boat in the marina an hour before sunset. Expecting a gentle meander along the coast, we suddenly found ourselves in a James Bond film, going at full pelt, buffeted by wind and wave like there was no tomorrow. My daughter was so scared she resigned and fell asleep.

I came back convinced my face had been eroded into a rock shape. Still, the sunset was stunning, and the neighbouring beaches and bays were beautiful with marvellous wave-eroded rocks and caves. We reached as far as the Shangri-La resort before turning back. I just wished we had stopped for a moment to see the sunset.

The beaches along this part of the coast are popular for picnicking and camping, and from the sea we spied 4x4s lined up on the beach, making barbecues underneath the towering peaks.

For golfers, there is the 18-hole PGA golf course designed by Peter Harradine in the shadow of the mountains, with a clubhouse, driving range and practice facilities, and holes that run along the beach front.

Dinner that evening at the Al Sabla restaurant was a buffet of very pleasant modern cuisine. It’s always exciting to come back from a spread with lots of miniature crockery on one’s plate. Deserts included a range of delicious and exquisitely presented Arabic sweets, given a very modern twist by the chef.

We were excited by our magical journey home the next day along the twisting Yiti Road through some of the most enchanting scenery I’ve yet to see in Oman. As Sifah is a drive and a destination not to be missed.

T H E L OW D OW N Despite the complaints about overcrowding, dirt and traffic, locals are very friendly and there is a great community vibe not always found elsewhere in the newer, plusher parts of Muscat.The small and narrow streets are full of the smell of aromatic spices from the food prepared by the mostly Bangladeshi people who live here. This is especially the case on Friday night.

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THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY There are those who feel that Hamriya is the centre of all that is wrong with the city, from overcrowding, crime and traffic congestion. Parking can be notoriously difficult especially at the weekend. In the evening, the streets teem with people – mostly men, eating in cheap coffee shops, some hawking food or low-cost clothing, or just hanging around on street corners. It’s the other side of life, where immigrants can live cheaply alongside an older Omani community.

L I V I N G T H E R E There are lots of old houses, dating back to the time when Al Hamriya was a village on the outskirts of old Muscat. As time has passed the area has built up with newer properties built close to Ruwi. There are endless narrow, winding streets with poor housing. Rents are definitely on the cheap side. Much of the area is surrounded by mountains, and at the older end there is a strong community feeling, and in parts, a quieter, village vibe.

S H O P P I N G There are cheap and cheerful fish and vegetable markets where locals can buy their groceries. For nearly everything else, from electrical goods to non-basic household items, a trip to nearby Ruwi is called for.

H A N G O U TS It’s definitely not the place to find fancy restaurants or cafes, but there is a kind of authentic nightlife in the evening as people hang out after work and talk with friends, eating from cheap takeaways or buying from street stalls. It is a taste perhaps of another, faraway culture – Bangladesh or India, where many of the locals originally came from. For more conventional pleasures you have to head

into Ruwi, Muttrah or further afield.

I live in Al Hamriya: It’s a good, quiet, family area. There are many Balushi families here, and lots of Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. For shopping or going out you have to go to Ruwi, Muttrah or Ghubra. Mohammed ikram, student

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P L AC E S O f I N T E R E ST The old quarters of Hamriya are worth visiting for a taste of a quieter hamlet atmosphere. The area

is overlooked by the mountains and, if you drive up the Yiti Road and look back from the mountain pass, there is a beautiful view of the area. Crumbling old forts look down onto Street 59 from the mountainside. The Bangladesh Social Club serves one of the area’s biggest expat communities.

The area is easily dismissed as overcrowded and dirty but as one of the oldest communities in Muscat, it has its charms.

EXPLORINGAL HAMRIYA

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aPP OF THE WEEK When Twitter introduced vine earlier this year, it quickly encouraged some of the world’s most iconic musicians to get creative with a six-second glimpse into their lives. create your own short music video in a simple, fun way with this free app from iTunes.

RETRO COOLRemember the days when declarations of love were made on mixed tapes? No? Never mind. All you need to know is that cassettes are cool again - so encase your iPhone in this retro design from the T-Shirt Store. From RO12 at Harvey Nichols

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MUSIC MAKERS If music be the food of love, play on with these superb

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THE ROCK DOCKBOWERS & WILKINS’ LATEST Z2 SPEAKER SYSTEM RAISES THE BAR FOR AUDIO QUALITY. SLEEK AND SMART, IT OFFERS WIRELESS AIRPLAY CONNECTIVITY ALONG WITH A LIGHTNING CONNECTOR TO DOCK YOUR IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH. AVAILABLE FROM RO210

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ZIP IT uP Bad motorists, queue jumpers and tangled headphones are just a few of the things that drive us demented here at Y Towers. We may not be able to do much about the first two without getting into a whole heap of trouble – but thanks to the Zipper, we can finally say goodbye to those annoying granny knots and hello to looking cooler than ever whilst listening to our favorite tunes on Merge 104.8. Available from xsories.com from RO9

PIaNO PLaYERYou practiced relentlessly.

Okay, you pretended to. Unfortunately, learning to play

the piano always felt too much like hard work – until now. Let your iPad and emmy award-winning instructor

Scott Houston teach you with Ion Piano Apprentice (from RO 40 at ionaudio.com). The keys even light up

for extra help. How cool is that?

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It looks mean and sturdy but the new GMC 2013 Acadia handles like a dream on the roads and in the mall, discovers Kate Ginn

Car of the week

Easing out into the streaming flow of traffic on Sultan Qaboos Street, something noticeably strange was afoot. Instead of the usual thwarted

attempts to get off the slip road, the cars miraculously parted.

When you are driving a beast like the new GMC 2013 Acadia, it clearly commands serious respect.

Cars were scattering out of the way in deference, leaving an open path ahead, a novel experience on the roads of Muscat. It was almost an act of submission and rightly so.

When you have a huge monster of an SUV over 1.84m tall and just as wide bearing down on you, getting out the way is perhaps the wisest course of action to take.

Don’t be mistaken. The 2013 GMC Acadia is not a road bully. It just looks like one.

Being a crossover – SUV design but car handling – it has the muscular looks to keep the

4x4 purists happy, including a restyled front end and grill.

With a six-speed, 3.6 litre V6 engine, capable of churning out 288 horsepower, it can happily turn on the power when needed.

Pitched for the family market, with three-row seating, it can comfortably hold up to eight people. This does mean that the boot is a little on the small side at full capacity but with fewer passengers, the back seats can be folded down.

Inside, the upgraded interior offers solid functionality and is quite masculine looking, with few touches of ostentatiousness in the basic model.

However, I did love the colour-touch radio and rear-view camera, which made light work of reversing in the cramped confines of Muscat Grand Mall’s car park.

The auto lights, which switch on as it gets dark, are also a neat touch.

I was driving the basic model but you can

opt for more luxury touches and extras such as navigation system and leather seats.

Being tall, the very generous legroom was much appreciated. The handbrake, operated by a left leg pedal, was stiff and awkward and took a little time to get the hang of.

The Acadia is like a hippo. I don’t mean this in a derogatory way, far from it. Though beautifully made, it looks bulky and gives the impression of being cumbersome

But like the hippo, which turns into the most graceful and elegant of creatures when in water, the Acadia is pure poetry in motion when it gets on the road with the lightest of steering and a ride as smooth as melted chocolate.

You could be forgiven for forgetting you are even driving a large SUV, such is the quiet glide.

One day just wasn’t enough and I handed my hippo back with much reluctance.

My old saloon car, more of a donkey, just doesn’t have the same animal appeal.

GMC ARCADIA 2013 Engine: 3.6L V6

Max horse Power: 288Transmission: Automatic Price: From RO16000

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