A month’s worth of excitement begins as 32 teams battle for and celebrate the FIFA World Cup. Don’t miss our coverage of the beautiful game and opportunities to watch it.

You needn’t run, though – just walk above the city with us. A few minutes drive will get you high above everyone else. If you chance upon fossils in the rock, you might find them in our peek into the hidden life of shells.

Far away from cheering fans, minute marine life or the advantages of Subaru’s boxer engine, look out over Oman’s westernmost edge. Here, the dry desert wind blowing in from across the border is exhilarating, promising endless open space ahead, featureless tracks through the desert and sand so hot we had to replace sandals with closed shoes.

Stay safe this summer, but venture forth – it’s an open road all the way.

Mohana Prabhakar
Managing Editor