Times of Oman - June 1, 2016

WEDNESDAY June 1, 2016 25 Sha’aban 1437 AH

SAYYID FAHD TAKES PART IN JEDDAH SUMMIT

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers took part in the 16th Consultative Summit of the GCC Leaders. >A7

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 86

On the occasion of the 7th National Day, 1977

In addition to our oil resources, which are still in course of development, the development of the Sultanate’s rich copper deposits has now reached the stage where we shall be producing 20,000 tons of high-grade copper a year by 1980.

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

NOWHERE TO HIDE FOR TAX DODGERS

T E AC H E R S ‘ PA M P E R E D ’

Shura member regrets remark Times News Service MUSCAT: A Shura member who earlier described Omani teachers as “pampered” has apologised, saying that he was talking about extending the academic year and did not mean to offend teachers.

Tawfiq Al Lawati thanked teachers for their efforts and said what was discussed during the session were theories that can be proven right or wrong.

Al Lawati was referring to the number of holidays teachers take

off from work each year.

This was discussed during the second session at Majlis Al Shura, which hosted Dr Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, Minister for Education.

After heavy criticism on social media about Al Lawati’s statement, teachers also denounced his comments, saying it was “inappropriate”. A teacher of a government school in Muscat said Al Lawati’s statement was inappropriate and teachers “deserve to be respected”. >A7

MORNING MINUTE

D E R E G U L AT I O N O F P R I C E S

Oman hikes fuel prices by 50 per cent in five months REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Consumers will have to pay around 50 per cent per litre extra for regular petrol this month compared to the price before regulation on fuel was lifted in January.

Prior to the government lifting the regulation, the price of regular petrol in Oman was 114 baisas, while for super grade it was 120 baisas, and for diesel it was 146 baisas.

Now, just five months later, consumers have to pay around 49 per cent extra per litre of regular petrol, 50 per cent extra for super grade, and 26 per cent extra for diesel. Oman had deregulated its

Officials will investigate firms which are currently not paying corporate taxes in Oman Tawfiq Al Lawati, the Shura member.

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: An “army of officers” will help fill government coffers with as much as OMR250 million when the new corporate tax increase is implemented, a Majlis Al Shura member said.

In a joint session last Thursday, the State Council and Majlis Al Shura voted to substantially raise Oman’s 12 per cent corporate tax rate to 15 per cent.

“By increasing the tax, the government will be able to earn money ranging between OMR125m and

OMR250,” Tawfiq Al Lawati, the Shura member, told Times of Oman.

The ‘army’ will help enforce collection. According to the Shura member, only 4,000 of 20,000 registered Omani companies pay tax.

“An army of officers will be deployed to collect tax from companies in Oman when the new tax is implemented,” Tawfiq, who is also heading a Sultanate panel to study austerity measures to cushion the effects of the economic crisis, said.

“The officials will do random checking to find the violators. Vio-

lators will be penalised in terms of non-renewal of contracts, issuance of job visas and all,” Tawfiq added.

Last year, until November, the corporate income tax collected in Oman was OMR427.5 million, which was a 4.5 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2014.

In December last year, the Shura voted ‘yes’ to a 3 per cent increase in corporate income tax, removing the tax free ceiling of OMR30,000 for companies and bringing all companies under taxation regardless of their grade.

However, as the State Council had some reservations, the proposal was discussed in the joint meeting last Thursday.

Saleh bin Said Masan, Head of the Economic and Financial Committee in Shura, said that small and medium enterprises, having a capital investment up to OMR50,000 and turnover up to OMR100,000 will have to pay only 3 per cent tax if they meet certain other conditions.

“The conditions are connected to Omanisation,” the economy committee head said. >A7

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Hiring maids

1

Hiring housemaids on a temporary basis to meet Ramadan demands is illegal, said a senior official. >A3

OMAN

‘Close ties with Oman’

2

The US envoy assured Omanis that Americans will continue to have close ties with them. >A5

INDIA

Arms depot fire

3

A huge fire swept through one of India’s biggest ammunition depots, triggering explosions. >A10

Picturesque places of Oman

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FUEL PRICE RISE (In Baisas per litre) Regular 137 F

170 145

Super 153

149

180 158

161

185

Diesel 163

145

166

146 146

130 M

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Source: Tahir Al Junaibi , Times of Oman

oil prices on January 15 this year as part of the austerity measures aimed at plugging the deficit.

In June, the price of revised regular petrol (M90) will be 170 baisas per litre, super graded (M95) will be 180 baisas, and diesel will be 185 baisas, according to a notice uploaded by the ministry

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Graphics

on its official twitter handle.

On January 15, the price of super unleaded petrol was revised from 120 baisas to 160 baisas per litre. For regular it was raised from 114 baisas to 140 baisas per litre and for diesel, it was made raised to 160 baisas from 146 baisas per litre. >A6

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 In principle, if the waste is segregated at its source, then it will make a significant contribution to recycling Steve Halls, Chairman, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment - Oman

OMAN AL NU’MANI RECEIVES BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY

Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’mani, Minister of the Royal Office received yesterday Philip Hammond, British Foreign Secretary, within the framework of his current visit to the Sultanate. The two sides reviewed a number of topics of interest to the two countries, reviewed the march of good bilateral relations that bind the Sultanate and the United Kingdom and ways of enhancing them in all fields so as to achieve common interests, as well as addressing a number of issues of interest. -ONA

Experts call for multi-bin waste collection plan The multi-bin system for waste collection is important to reduce the risk of contamination of waste streams that increases costs to decontaminate or, in some cases, makes it impossible to do so

BABA UMAR

babaumar@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman residents will have to become smarter and change their behaviour in disposing of their refuse if a multi-bin system is introduced throughout the country, experts say.

“The multi-bin system for waste collection is important to reduce the risk of contamination of waste streams that increases costs to decontaminate or, in some cases, makes it impossible to do so. In addition, it makes people think about segregation of wastes and, thus, could change their behaviour,” Steve Halls, Chairman of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment - Oman, told Times of Oman.

The per capita waste generation in Oman is more than 1.2 kg per day, which is among one of the highest worldwide. The Sultanate produced about 1.85 million tonnes of municipal waste in 2015, and is projected to reach 2.04 tonnes by 2040.

Currently, the unsegregated

waste is collected in huge steel containers. But authorities are increasing their focus on recycling some waste, or using part of it as fuel to power ocean water desalination plants.

“In principle, if the waste is segregated at its source, then it will make a significant contribution to recycling,” Halls said.

“But the reality,” he added, “is that until people change their behaviour and are motivated to put waste in the right bins, then it will only take one person to put the wrong waste in a bin and render that bin’s waste uneconomical.

This will send the wrong message to those people who behave correctly, thus causing them to ask the question: why should they behave correctly when others do not?”

Good choice?

Others think the two-bin system is a good choice for Oman to start with. “Most states and municipalities in the USA used to have the fully-sorted system, where households and businesses were either requested or required to sort out glass, plastic, paper and metal from their regular trash. But this turned out to be a burdensome requirement for all but the most committed environmentalists,” Jamila Hakam, a Muscat-based environment researcher,said.

“So eventually, many municipalities switched to a ‘singlesort’ system, in which all the dry recyclables were simply placed together in one recycling bin and separated only from the regular trash, which is not recycled.

Then the next step was to offer an option to separate compostables (organic material) from the trash. This would be broadly comparable to the ‘wet waste’ in the two-bin system being planned in Oman,” she said.

Efforts are underway to test the two-bin waste separation system at the household or community level in Oman, in the hope that

the trial becomes permanent after seven years, a senior official of Be’ah noted.

Be’ah is responsible for solid waste management in Oman.

“There will be different pilot projects across Oman once the operators take over. Some of them recommended that they run small pilots, let’s say, in markets and city centers to see how segregation happens there. Some others may do it right away in smaller, manageable neighborhoods.

So different pilots will happen throughout this project,” Shaikh Mohammed Sulaiman Al Harthy, Executive Vice President, Strategic Development Be’ah, said.

“The next phase will witness the full introduction of a two-bin system. It means we will have to have two collection systems and dedicated fleets for each waste stream,” he added.

“Eventually, segregation will be implemented across the country.

But until that happens fully, people will see the system here and there as pilot projects,” said Al Harthy.

Be’ah officials say they are battling a public mindset, as well.

“In certain areas, we are still trying to raise awareness about how to use existing bins, making sure the waste goes inside the bins, not outside…or the containers are covered,” Al Harthy said, adding, “This is where we are concentrating right now.”

Hakam, however, said the solution has to be a practical one.

“People will not participate willingly if they don’t see a clear benefit to themselves and their families, even if the benefit might be in the form of financial incentives,” she said.

“Currently, without a significant awareness raising campaign targeting children and adults alike - it will not work,” Halls said.

“In addition, people will need an incentive to change their behaviour - either a gift or a fine,” he added.

AV I AT I O N

Oman Air to form ground handling joint venture MUSCAT: Oman Air and Menzies Aviation yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on forming a joint venture.

The partnership, when formed, will provide ground handling services at all airports across the Sultanate.

The two firms will now enter a period of due diligence and focus on regulatory requirements, for forming the joint venture. The move is a step towards reconfiguring Oman Air’s ground handling businesses.

Oman Air Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gregorowitsch, said: “We are pleased to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Menzies Aviation which will see us form a joint venture partnership by the end of this year”.

“Our partnership will enable us to access new technology, improve training and achieve the highest standards with regard to ground handling operations”.

Forsyth Black, President and Managing Director at Menzies Aviation, said: “We’re very excited by the opportunity to work with Oman Air. There is a great tradition of cooperation between British and Omani partners; we hope to add this new joint venture to that list”. -ONA

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‘It’s illegal to hire housemaids on a temporary basis’ In Oman, a housemaid can be hired only on a two-year visa

FAHAD AL GHADANI REJIMON K

fahadnews@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Hiring housemaids on a temporary basis to meet Ramadan demands is illegal, a senior official at the Ministry of Manpower has said.

During Ramadan, many people in Oman tend to hire absconding housemaids.

“Hiring absconding maids is illegal. Instead of hiring them, they should report it to us,” Talib Al Dhabbari, the head of media department at the Ministry of Manpower, said.

“By hiring runaway housemaids, the employers are providing shelter to them and covering up their violations,” the official added. In Oman, a housemaid can be hired only on a two-year visa. Temporary hiring is out of question.

Oman is facing a shortage of housemaids as countries that normally allow their citizens to migrate as domestic workers have tightened controls.

Jerry Dantis, a manpower recruitment agency official in Oman for the last 26 years, told the Times of Oman that the implementation of stricter rules, along with lengthy procedures and bans imposed on maids coming from certain African countries have led to a shortage of housemaids.

“We can say that compared to 2015, this year, there is roughly a 20 per cent shortage in the availability of housemaids in Oman,” he added.

However, many said that they urgently needed housemaids during Ramadan. “My family does not require a housemaid for the whole year but only during RamaA R A B PA R L I A M E N T

Oman’s role in Libyan pact hailed CAIRO: The Foreign Affairs, Political and National Security Committee at the Arab Parliament has praised the role of the Sultanate in hosting the consultative meetings of the Libyan Constitutional Drafting Assembly (CDA).

The CDA meetings concluded with the consensus of the Libyans on drafting their constitution without any foreign interference.

The Arab Parliament statement, which was circulated yesterday, stressed the support for the Sakhirat Agreement signed in Morocco on December 17, 2015. The Committee stressed the support of the Arab Parliament to the Libyan dialogue to create a common political platform for promoting the Libyan dialogue under the supervision of the UN. The statement also stressed the unlimited support by the Arab Parliament to the free and transparent election in Libya that led to selecting the 2014 parliament.

Childhood issues The third conference of the Arab Parliamentarians on childhood issues began at the Arab League’s headquarters yesterday. The conference in being organised by the Secretariat General of the Arab League, in coordination with the Arab Parliament and the Egyptian National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM).

The Sultanate’s delegation to the conference is being led

by Rashid bin Ahmed Al Shamsi, Deputy Chairman of Majlis Al Shura. -ONA

‘Hiring absconding maids is illegal.

Instead of hiring them, they should report it to us,’ Talib Al Dhabbari, Ministry of Manpower, media department head said

dan. I cannot afford to pay an entire year’s salary to a housemaid who I need only for a month. That is why I hire a part-time housemaid during Ramadan only,” Ali Khalfan said.

Nowadays,it is not difficult to find absconding housemaids, he added. “Such housemaids advertise on the social media and even put up advertisements at some shopping centres,” Ali said.

He also said that he considered such people unsafe and that is why he asked them to report only between 4pm and 8pm as everybody was at home during that time.

On the other hand, Mohammed Al Balushi, another citizen living in Muscat, asked why housemaid agencies did not offer the services of part-time housemaids.

“We would pay a lot of money for part-time housemaids who could work for a few hours a day,” Mohammed said.

Providing such housemaids for the public in a proper and legal

way will save the public and also will stop the public from hiring absconding and illegal housemaids, he added.

Saud Salmi, a trade union leader, who is quite vocal about domestic workers’ rights and welfare in Oman, had said earlier that reforming the Kafala system is one option that could help resolve this problem.

“A new agency with government control can be launched in Oman and those who need a housemaid can contact the agency and hire. The system should be that the employer can hire the service and not the person, which can resolve 90 per cent of the existing problems,” the trade union leader said.

Quoting Saudi Arabia’s Passport Department, Arab News reported that those who hire, harbour or protect illegal maids will be fined SR100, 000 and spend six months in jail, with expatriates involved being deported.

“Companies involved in such offences will be named and shamed, fined SR100,000 and deprived of recruitment for five years. The business owner will face a prison term of up to six months, while an expatriate will be deported,” the report said and added that the department has appealed to citizens and residents to report violations of residency and labour laws by calling 989.

Employers can report their missing housemaids through the Interior Ministry’s Absher system.

According to government statistics, 57,420 workers fled their employers in the first six months of 2015, representing around three per cent of the 1.8 million expatriates registered in the Sultanate.

Moreover, 31 housemaids were arrested by the joint inspection team of the Ministry of Manpower for violating the Labour Law between February 21 and 27 this year.

Article 18 in the Labour Law states that an employer shall not let any non-Omani worker authorised to work for him work with any other employer. The employer shall also not employ any worker authorised to work for another employer or residing in the Sultanate illegally.

OMAN SALIM AL HARRASI WINS RED BULL BC ONE OMAN

Salim Saed Salim Al Harrasi, also known as B-Boy Sinbad, emerged as the winner of the Red Bull BC One Oman for the first time and will now start preparing to represent Oman in Japan in the World Final. The iconic one-onone B-Boy competition took place at On the Rocks. Dancers were judged mainly on technique, innovation and dance flow. “I think I won because I practiced hard and I have gained a lot of experience year-on-year and fixed what I needed to in order to improve. I was coming to win,” B-Boy Sinbad said after being announced winner. -Supplied photo

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 I hate to see traditional clothes, cultural dances or historical buildings disappearing. My way of preserving them is through my art, and with glass as the medium Sharifa Marhuby, Fused glass artist

OMAN

Malls get ready for Ramadan shoppers Hypermarkets across the capital are set to celebrate the holy month with different types of activities

Times News Service MUSCAT: Muscat’s mall managers say they expect to a boost in sales of as much as 80 per cent during Ramadan and Eid .

Aruna Tavarkhed, deputy mall manager, Panorama Mall, said that they are expecting footfalls to rise by 80 per cent (from the existing levels) in the next one month.

“We will be celebrating our first holy month of Ramadan with different activities at the mall, such as family events, Qaranqasho celebration and bike shows, so we are expecting the footfall to rise significantly,” she said.

Ben Watson, General Manager, Oman Avenues Mall, said Ramadan and Eid are the busiest times of the entire year, and this year will be no exception with a range of activities happening every single day during the month of Ramadan.

“We are expecting our footfall to rise by 300,000 visitors during Ramdan and Eid,” he told Times of Oman on Tuesday.

During Ramadan and Eid, he expects more than 1.5 million will visit Oman Avenues Mall.

Operating hours As the footfall increases, malls in Oman plan more activities during Ramadan, besides extending the operating hours.

Muscat City Centre and Qurum City Centre malls will remain open from 10am to 1am through-

BUSY SEASON: Ben Watson, General Manager, Oman Avenues Mall, said Ramadan and Eid are the busiest times of the entire year, and this year will be no exception with a range of activities happening every single day during the month of Ramadan. — File photo

out Ramadan. “Besides that we will offer a wide range of Arabic and international dining options for Iftar or Sohour,” a spokesperson of Muscat City Centre and Qurum City Centre said.

He also said that Oman Avenues Mall will also remain open till 1 am in the morning. “Some shops close at 10 pm while others close at 11 pm now, but during Ramadan we will remain open till 1am,” he said.

Oman Avenues Mall is also making a walking track that runs throughout the mall covering 2.25km. “We’re inviting people to experience the walk and burn off some of their calories after they’ve finished a heavy Iftar and completed their last prayers. Customers who do the walk and share their experience online through a hashtag or post update will go into the draw to win some great prizes including fitness watches

from Polaris,” officials said.

Other Ramadan activities and events at Oman Avenues Mall will include: the Anasheed Band, An Aladdin theatre show, Qaranqasho, Hakawati shows, children’s Quran recital competition and Eid Play.

Themed décor Officials at City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum said that they will embrace the holy month of Ramadan with beautiful and traditional themed décor adorning the malls. “City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum are encouraging the community to give to the less fortunate. Special collection boxes will be placed next to Carrefour in the malls, encouraging shoppers to donate any of these four essential items: clothing, non-perishable food, books, and toys. Additionally, City Centre malls are hosting an Imam

to lead the Taraweeh prayers.

Visitors can conveniently attend Taraweeh prayers during the Holy Month at the male and female prayer rooms. Celebrating a timehonoured Omani custom recognised on the 15th day of Ramadan, City Centre malls will host Qaranqasho,” it said.

Special Iftar Panorama Mall said there will be events will be held from 10th June 2016 at intervals. “The mall footfall has increased with lot of interest from customers towards new brands, new restaurant concepts, etc. Mall has carved a niche for itself in bringing new brands many of which are first time in Oman not only in the fashion sector but also in the food choices. The food court and dine-in restaurants have a widespread menu with special Iftar propositions,” Aruna Tavarkhed added.

U N I Q U E WAY

Oman’s only fused glass artist Sharifa reveals ambitions MUSCAT: Glass has beautiful characteristics which add a different dimension to artwork, says Sharifa Marhuby, the only fused glass artist in Oman.

“My dream was to express my art in glass,” Marhuby told Times of Oman, in an exclusive interview.

According to Marhuby, her art is a unique way of expressing feelings from the conscious and subconscious mind.

“Art is my way of giving an intrinsic value to my imagination and preserving the existence of anything that adds beauty or excitement,” she said. Speaking about how she came into the field of art, Marhuby noted, “Art has always been in my blood.”

“When I was a young girl, I sat for hours watching my late brother, Said, and my brother Hamoud, creating caricatures, portraits and paintings, and they inspired me greatly,” she recalled.

“My best grade in primary school was always in art. I produced my first portrait at the age of 12,” Marhuby said. She also explained about the technique used to create fused glass art.

“I paint on a sheet of glass us-

ing high temperature paint, as opposed to ordinary glass, acrylic, water or oil paints,” Marhuby said.

“I then cap the glass sheet with another sheet of glass of equal size, thickness and type. Similar to other stained glass art, I fire the glass but, in my case, it is one sheet on top of another for up to 18 hours in a closed kiln at temperatures higher than an ordinary oven, but lower than those of a candle or blow torch,” she added.

“The two sheets merge and come out as one. Unlike stained glass art, painting on canvas, paper or wood, the painting is protected between two pieces of glass, rather than being on top.

Some of my pieces are made of only glass powder on a sheet of glass,” she noted.

Marhuby also organises workshops and seminars with the help of Muscart gallery to popularize this art among the younger generation in the Sultanate.

“Workshops are mostly for participants to get a feel of and appreciate fused glass art. Participants have the chance to create a few pieces of their own during the workshop,” she added.

EXPRESSIONS: Sharifa Marhuby also organises workshops and seminars with the help of Muscart gallery to popularise this art among the younger generation in the Sultanate. — Supplied photo

CONTEST

‘Engineering with Kids’ winner of entrepreneur conclave MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Saif Al Manji, founder of Engineering with Kids, was selected as the winner of the fifth edition of the Entrepreneur’s Conclave 2016.

Engineering for Kids is located at Panorama Mall in Muscat, teaching math, science, technology and engineering to youngsters in a fun environment.

The grand finale was held under the auspices of Talal Sulaiman Al Rahbi, Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Planning and Deputy Chairman of Riyada.

Additionally, the title for the group case study was won by Baida Al Zadjali, founder of Riyam Muscat, and Saif Al Manji, mentored by Nikhil Sampat from Naranjee Hirjee and Company, for their innovative ideas on starting and running a coffee shop, entitled “Qahwa”.

“Entrepreneur’s Conclave was formed in 2014 to support Young Entrepreneurs in Oman by provid-

SUCCESS: Engineering for Kids is located at Panorama Mall in Muscat, teaching math, science,

technology and engineering to youngsters in a fun environment. — Jun Estrada

ing them with a platform to build relationships and do business,” said Zameel Ameen, founder and director of Experiment Events, which organised the conclave.

“It offers a networking arena

for individuals and organisations involved in all types of SMEs,” he added.

A large number of young entrepreneurs had applied to participate in the event. They were then

whittled down to the nine who stood before the judges to make a five-minute presentation about their businesses at the Public Aviation of Civil Authority’s Multi Purpose Hall on Monday.

The nine finalists presented their businesses to a panel of critics, which consisted of Said Al Shanfari, Head of Ooredoo Business, His Highness Adam Al Said, partner at The Firm for Business and Economic Consulting, Eyhab Al Hajj, founder and director of Al Hajj Investments, Dr Jalal Al Hadhrami, founder and chairman of Celebrity Global Holdings, and Sherry Colbourne, co-founder of Startup Oman.

“It was a close call and tough decision for the judges. But in the end, the verdict was unanimous,” Ameen said.

The Grand Finale was the final phase of the competition, entitled “Grow”.

The first phase, “Learn”, included a case study where the young entrepreneurs were being coached by established entrepreneurs on how to start and manage a company, while facing critical issues in high pressure situations.

The second phase, “Survive”, saw the entrepreneurs taking part in a challenging diving exercise,

which represents the frequent difficulties entrepreneurs regularly face. The audience also enjoyed a motivational speech by founder and CEO at Glowork, Khalid Al Khudhair.

According to Ameen, the winner, Saif Al Manji, will be one of the ambassadors for next year’s conclave.

The other finalists were Aisha Alawi Baabood, who runs White Hands Centre for Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation centre, Ruba Al Shaikh, who owns Nutrilife Oman, Nabila Al Amri of Cake Heaven, Najah Al Abdulsalam from I Communicate, Sami Salim Al Siyabi from Moment of Creativity and Contracting, Adel Al Abri of National High Tide Enterprises and Yasser Shaban Al Abdullah of Dana Middle East.

Speaking about his plan for next year’s conclave, Ameen said, “We are looking for new adventures and also to open up the competition to the Middle East, and we are talking to SME organizations in Dubai, Kuwait and Qatar.”

SOLO EXHIBITION

Drawing a natural obsession for me: Zarras MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: For Nikos Zarras, painting is an exciting process which allows him to create something on an empty canvas using his vision and emotions.

“Drawing was already a natural obsession for me at a young age,” Zarras, who is Greek by origin, told Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.

Zarras, who was born in South Africa, is an expert in sand paintings, water colours, oil colours, palette knife techniques, sketching and also wall paintings.

He is organisng a solo exhibition at the Majilis Lobby Lounge at the City Season Hotel, which will begin Wednesday.

The Majilis Lobby Lounge is becoming one of the meeting points

ATTRACTION: Nikos Zarras, who was born in South Africa, is an expert in sand paintings, water colours, oil colours, palette knife techniques, sketching and also wall paintings.

for art lovers and is transformed during the first Wednesday of every month into an Art Café.

“Mainly, my exhibition is on sand paintings and mixed tech-

niques with sand and colour,” Zarras explained.

“As an artist, I explored various types of techniques and materials with my creativity. Using sand for arts and crafts, I eventually created actual paintings using pure sand without colour,” he added.

According to Zarras, the special attraction of the exhibition is the three portraits of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, done using only sand without any colour.

“Through this exhibition, I am planning to exhibit my skills in painting for art lovers in the Sultanate,” Zarras asserted.

Speaking about his stay in Oman, he says, “I work as a freelancer and teach arts and crafts to children.” He also confirmed that his next exhibition will focus on Oman’s landscape and its natural beauty. He prefers to portray the

landscape and natural beauty of Oman and its culture.

“Oman’s beauty has captured my eye since I moved here five years ago, and some of the paintings in the exhibition will focus on Oman’s beauty,” Zarras said.

Speaking about his future plans, he said, “As an artist, I would like to explore the beauty of Oman and indulge myself by creating pieces of art.”

Before moving to the Middle East, he worked in Athens as a puppet designer, theatre set designer, creator of children’s festival sets, interior designer, theater and television animator of puppet shows and as a set designer.

“I have worked with Greece’s most famous puppet maker, Lakis Apostolidis, for more than a decade as a puppet maker and set designer,” he said.

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OMAN

‘US poll result will not affect ties’ In his speech at the 240th Independence celebration of the United States, Marc

I can assure you that no matter what the outcome of this November’s presidential elections will be, we will continue to cooperate closely with the Sultanate

Sievers US ambassador to the Sultanate, assured the Omani people that their relations will continue to develop regardless of the results of the presidential elections

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: US Ambassador to Oman Marc J Sievers on Monday assured the Omani people when he said that Omanis and Americans will continue to share a close relationship regardless of the US November elections outcome.

“I know that many people in Oman and around the world are closely following our election campaign. I can assure you that no matter what the outcome of this November’s presidential elections will be, we will continue to cooperate closely with the Sultanate.”

He said this in his speech at the 240th Independence celebration

of the United States of America held, in the presence of Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs and other dignitaries.

The November elections have been a cause of concern for the Muslim and Arab world, particularly because of the controversial remarks by the Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump.

Trump drew strong criticism from many parts of the Muslim world and his Republican rivals after he called last year for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on”.

Times of Oman also reported last

Marc J Sievers

US Ambassador to Oman

year that retail giant ‘Landmark Group’ in Oman, pulled Trump home-branded products off its shelves in response to Trump’s call to ban Muslims.

However, ambassador Siev-

E D UC AT I O N

ers has assured the Omani people that their relations will continue to develop regardless of the election results.

“We will seek to strengthen and expand our business ties. We will

find new ways to collaborate on science and technology issues, and we will continue to create new opportunities for peer exchanges, to bring Omanis and Americans even closer together.”

At the celebrations, the ambassador also conveyed the best wishes of President Barack Obama to Oman and called His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said one of his country’s main allies.

“Sultan Qaboos is one of my country’s strongest partners, and we look forward to continuing to work with His Majesty’s government to advance the cause of peace, prosperity, and security in this region and beyond.”

The Omani-American ties date back over 183 years, and the two countries have been sharing productive relations ever since.

Only fourteen years after the US Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the crew of the Boston Rambler, an American trade ship, landed in Muscat.

The US signed a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Oman in 1833, the first treaty of its kind with an Arab state.

Oman sent an official envoy, Ahmad bin Na’aman bin Muhsin bin Abdulla Al-Kaabi Al-Bahrani, to the United States in 1840. “The United States remains a steadfast partner of all the Arab Gulf countries, and I am pleased to tell you that there is great appreciation in Washington for Oman’s distinguished role in promoting peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.”

SUMMER

Graduation celebrations at TAISM Mid-day break for workers

in Oman begins today

Times News Service MUSCAT: Forty Grade 12 students from The American International School of Muscat (TAISM), representing 23 nations, graduated on Thursday in the presence of Marc J Sievers, US ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman.

More than 500 parents, faculty, and students attended the event held in the school’s Bosch Center for the Performing Arts.

The 40 graduates have been accepted and plan to enrol in universities around the world including the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, the GCC and Oman.

Keith Boniface, High School Principal, presented two special awards to graduates on the morning of commencement exercises.

The awards for Academic Excellence were given to seniors Mohamed Abdelhamid , Luis Alejandro Camero, and Ali Al Farsi who ended their academic record with Highest Honours (GPA

Times News Service MUSCAT: Starting today, the mid-day break for those working in open areas and elevated areas begins, and will continue till August end, the Ministry of Manpower said on Twitter.

In a notice issued last week, the ministry called upon establishments and private sector institutions to abide by the provisions of Article 16 of the occupational safegreater than 4.0).

The Outstanding Senior Award, selected by faculty, went to a student who best embodied the mission of the school. This year the award went to Terence Teo. Teo and Abdelhamid spoke at the ceremony. Shaikha Al Wahaibi, a graduating senior, was selected by the faculty to be the Master of Cer-

emony for the event.

Fawzi Mushantaf, Chairperson of TAISM’s Board of Directors, and Kevin Schafer, TAISM Director, awarded the diplomas to the graduates. The students were lauded for their outstanding achievements and support towards the school as well as Oman’s community.

ty and health regulations, which state that workers must not work at construction sites or in open and elevated areas from 12:30pm to 3:30pm during June, July and August.

Earlier, Salem Al Saadi, advisor to the Minister of Manpower, told Times of Oman that violations can be reported at 80077000.

In 2015, 391 companies were warned by the ministry for violating the mid-day break rule for out-

door workers in Oman which included 138 businesses in Amerat, 122 in Seeb, 98 in Bausher and 33 in Muttrah.

Penalty According to the Article 118 of the Oman Labour Law, violators can be penalised with fines ranging from OMR100 to OMR500, or a jail term of not more than one month, or both. The penalty is doubled for repeat violations.

A6

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 The rise of the fuel price is hitting us hard. We all are small time businessmen who depend on hiring pick-ups and small trucks on a daily basis to transport our goods Kabeer CV, a wholesale vegetable distributor

OMAN PICTURESQUE TOURIST HOTSPOTS IN OMAN

These beautiful pictures have been taken by amateur photographer Renu Singh while travelling to the tourism hotspots of Oman, including Jebel Shams, Bahla and Yanqul.

find it hard to pay the fuel cost to him as the prices keep rising every month.

In fl 72

53 45

said the environment in which children

ict Se in gH x Va ual ar a n m 36 Vi dal bus o i e s 34 In lenc m s 29 Dr ulti e ( b r 25 ug ng C d aw 22 Tr yber rela igni ls) t a Ill ffi cri ed ty eg c-r me al el s en at try ed (ex pa ts)

Th ef

9 47

11 0

ale

M

Whispers Serenity

27

live can contribute to them becoming juvenile delinquents

Total cases per year 2014

Total cases 2015

506

atio

nis Oma 476

ty

nali

MUSCAT: More young people were registered as juvenile delinquents in 2015 than the previous year, according to data from the Juvenile Affairs Department at the Ministry of Social Development.

The percentage of juvenile crime rose 19.6 in 2015 compared to 2014. A total of 506 juvenile cases were registered with the ministry in 2015 while there were 423 cases in 2014.

North Al Batinah Governorate reported the highest number of incidents, with 139 juvenile cases, followed by Ad Dakhiliyah with 73 and Muscat with 60.

Additionally, South Al Batinah recorded 52 cases, while North Asharqiyah had 44. Al Dhahira detained 39 juvenile delinquents, and Buraimi had 34. Dhofar, South Asharqiyah and Musandam Governorates recorded the lowest number of incidents, with 35, 28 and 2, respectively.

Additionally, authorities said 479 juveniles were males, while the remaining 27 were females.

Topping the list of top 10 crimes committed by juveniles was theft, with 427 young people being apprehended, followed by 110 juveniles charged with inflicting harm, while sexual abuse cases totalled 72.

Vandalism followed with 53

2015

506

By cr im e

r de en g By By n

in Science, 17 students got A grade in Social Science; a marvellous achievement indeed In the batch of Grade 12, it is indeed praiseworthy that all bagged First Class with four students securing a distinction.

Nadhiya Shiraj topped the stream, followed by Sayuri Sarkar and Mrinal Mohan. Ahmed Zafar Zaidi and Anzam Azeez also performed impressively.

The School Management Committee and the Principal have appreciated the effort of the students and the constant support of the parents. They lauded the effort of the teachers led by Pyarija Cidar, the Vice Principal, CBSEi for their tireless effort for the impressive results.

t

Theft tops the list of crimes with North Al Batinah governorate recording the highest number of cases and Musandam having the lowest.

7

Al Said, Founder of

tariqh@timesofoman.com

Impressive performance

by Indian School Ghubra

MUSCAT: Students of CBSE International at Indian School Al Ghubra have showcased an impressive performance at the CBSE Grade X and XII examinations held in March 2016.

Aditya Kamath, Anushree Gupte, Arjun K Praveen and Mustafa Mohammed Dohadwala have made their school and parents proud with their CGPA 10 scores.

Of the 21 students who appeared for the exam, eighty-per cent bagged A grade in all the subjects.

18 students got A grade in English and 17 of them clinched A grade in the second language opted by them. While 15 of them got A grade

HH Sayyida Basma

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

H A R D W O R K PAY S

Times News Service

JUVENILE CRIMES

ale

Extra cost “A lot of travel is needed for my job.

The company pays my fuel charge.

But, nowadays, they seem reluctant when they have to bear the extra cost as the prices keep rising,” Suresh Kumar S, the marketing official, added.

Fuel subsidies for 2015 were estimated to be OMR580 million, and with deregulation the government will be able to save that money, which is expected to be of great help in reducing the deficit.

According to the Ministry of Oil and Gas, the crude price on Tuesday was $43.26 per barrel.

m Fe

Meanwhile, as compared to May, consumers will have to pay 14 per cent extra for regular petrol per litre in June.

According to the new price, consumers will have to pay 11 per cent extra for both super grade petrol and diesel as compared to what they were paying in May. “The rise of the fuel price is hitting us hard. We all are small time businessmen who depend on hiring pick-ups and small trucks on a daily basis to transport our goods.

Every month with the price going up, we are forced to pay more to the transporters,” Kabeer CV, a wholesale vegetable distributor in Muscat, said.

A marketing executive in Muscat said that his company officials

Juvenile crimes rise 20% in 2015 compared to 2014 42

A1 Fuel price hike hits consumers hard < FROM

423

139 Nor t Al B h atin ah 73 Ad-D akhi lya 60 Mus cat 52 Sou th A l Bat 44 inah Nor th A 39 shar Al D qiya h h a hira 35 Dho far 34 Bura imi 28 S 2 Mouth As usan harqi yah dam

By g ove rno rate

FUEL SUBSIDIES

By age

ats

Exp

Age

30

1

0

3

5

21

35

47

105

106

178

5

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18 Graphics

Source: Juvenile Affairs Department at the Ministry of Social Development.

cases and violence, such as brawls, with 45. Crimes related to insulting the dignity of others were 36, as well as 34 reported drug cases.

29 juveniles violated the cyber crimes law, and as many as 25 violated traffic laws. Also, 22 juveniles entered the country illegally.

The ages of the juvenile offenders ranged from 8 to 18 years old, according to the Ministry of Social Development.

A breakdown by age included: Eight years old: 1, Nine years old: 0, Ten years old: 3, Eleven years old: 5, Twelve years old: 21, Thirteen years old: 35, Fourteen years old: 47, Fifteen years old: 105, Sixteen years old: 106, Seventeen years old: 178, Eighteen years old: 5.

Further, 476 or the juveniles

were Omanis, while the remaining 30 were expatriates. North Al Batinah recorded the highest number of Omani juveniles, with 134, while Dhofar recorded the highest number of expatriate juvenile delinquents,at 12.

Awareness campaigns The Ministry of Social Development encourages parents to focus on attending seminars and awareness campaigns to educate themselves in how to build a healthy and disciplined family.

Parents will learn about how to raise their children and take care of them during their teenage years, as well as learn how to control their behaviour during puberty.

In an earlier interview, Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said, Founder of Whispers Serenity and a psychotherapist, stated that the environment in which children live can contribute to them becoming juvenile criminals.

Where children grow up and how they grow up, as well as methods used to raise children, could affect the child, including the physical environment of the house they live in.

The ROP stated that when they receive a report about juvenile delinquents, they act according to the Juvenile Accountability Law and refer a child back to his parents, guardians and relatives or, in worst case scenarios, bring the child to the Juvenile Care Center.

INDIAN SCHOOL SOHAR

36 students score perfect CGPA of 10

Times News Service MUSCAT: In the Class X CBSE Examinations, all 158 students of Indian School Sohar were successful — achieving 100 per cent success for the school.

Among the toppers, 36 students scored a perfect CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) score of 10 points with A1 grades in all five subjects, with as many as 12 achieving A1 grades in all subjects

without the help of any upgrading, which was a rare feat. These students include Abhinav Suresh, Maria Sona Jerome, Manas Vegi, Amal N J, Riti Gireesh, Sambhav Agnihotri, Nandini Yadav, Chirag Shetty,Surabhi Singh, Balambika Baskaran, Aimen Jeelani Sayed and Tanya Kumar.

Students and parents praised the school’s time-tested study programme initiated under Principal SanchitaVerma that helps

even the weakest students to score in full measures, catapulting them to academic excellence.

Subject performances are as follows: Of 158 students, 83 scored A1 in English, 61 A1 in Science, 50 A1 in Mathematics, 61 A1 in Social Science, 40 scored A1 out of 117 in Hindi, and 21 scored A1 out of 40 in Arabic.

SMC President Abraham George and members, while applauding the high achievers and

their parents, noted that the superb grades obtained are indicators of the potential of the students, both in scholastic and non-scholastic areas. They also congratulated the Principal, VicePrincipal and the secondary section teachers for their dedication.

The toppers of the school mentioned that their achievements are due to of the consistent teaching and commitment of all secondary section teachers.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

A7

OMAN S TAT E M E N T

COMSTECH

Follow guidelines when travelling abroad for medical treatment: Health Ministry Times News Service MUSCAT: Citizens who travel abroad for treatment have been advised to take into account their ‘health conditions’ before making the journey and avoid hospitals which focus only on raking in profits.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has also appealed to such people contact the Department of Treatment Abroad to identify specialised and accredited hospitals.

In a statement the ministry has said that it is keen to provide the health services to citizens in its various institutions.

Citizens who travel abroad for treatment at their own expenses need to be fully aware of their health condition before travelling. Some of these cases has no treatment abroad, while treatment of most of these cases is available in the Sultanate, the statement said.

In addition, some patients have complications while they are receiving treatment abroad, this resulted to admit them in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Accordingly, they demand the Ministry to cover the expenses in order to return to the country, it added.

Advising citizens to contact the Department of Treatment Abroad to identify specialised and accredited hospitals, it also warned citizens not to deal with the hospitals whose only aim is profit.

“The ministry does not recommend the elderly who cannot bear travelling or who are suffering from some chronic diseases and require a long period of time for treatment like cancers to travel abroad for treatment,” it said Patients often inform that no successful treatment is available and in some cases, the treatment abroad is completely the same as

Fahd takes part in GCC Summit King Salman hosted a luncheon in honour of the GCC leaders

JEDDAH: On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers took part in the 16th Consultative Summit of the GCC Leaders, in Jeddah yesterday.

The summit was also attended

by Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ali bin Mas’oud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sa’eedi, Minister of Legal Affairs.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) hosted a luncheon in honour of the GCC leaders and their highnesses taking part in the meeting.

The luncheon was attended by Sayyid Fahd and other dignitaries. Earlier, His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers arrived in the

BOOSTING TIES: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said,

Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers took part in the meeting in Jeddah yesterday. – ONA

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on behalf of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, in Jeddah yesterday.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the KSA led the welcoming party for Sayyid Fahd upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah.

Sayyid Fahd was also received

by Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Advisor to the KSA King, Governor of Makkah Province, Prince Mishaal bin Majed bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Jeddah, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, GCC Secretary

MIXED REACTIONS

< FROM

A1 ‘Be careful’ Another teacher said that people, especially those in important positions, should be more careful about what they say in public.

Abu Umar, a twitter user, noted that teaching is one of the most difficult professions, as a teacher addresses young minds and tries to develop students’ thinking skills. @kjawhari_tweet, another social media user, said that the statement was not supposed to have been expressed, and that Al Lawati may have said it unintentionally. In contrast, twitter

user Ahmed Al Mamari echoed Al Lawati, saying that teachers are pampered, given the poor quality of some school graduates in Oman who, according to him, cannot speak properly.

Al Lawati said social media comments had blown the incident out of proportion.

However, during the Shura session, Amer Al Mashrifi, another member, fired back at Al Lawati, saying that he will only understand the hardships of being a teacher if he worked as one, even for an hour.

I M PAC T

< FROM

A1 ‘New tax system’ “Companies, which are not SMEs and having capital investment above OMR50,000 will have to pay 15 per cent tax,” the economy committee head added.

A member from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said that there will be an impact on market but it will be short.

“In short-term companies may struggle. But in long term, companies can benefit from this move as it will push them to be more professional in improving their businesses,” Haitham Al Mamari, the OCCI member, said.

An industrialist in Oman said that the new tax system will help small and medium enterprises and for big companies, it’s the time for them to support the government.

“If there are certain relaxations in tax reform for SMEs, then it’s a positive move,” Anvwar Al Balushi, chairman of Anwar Asian Investment Group, said.

A Muscat-based investment advisor said that considering

the current economic scenario, various measures of imposing tax may ease the cash deficit in the short term, however, it will have an adverse effect on the economy in the long run.

“Focusing on alternate income is the key to bring in balance in the economy. It’s time to encourage the local companies to support business and ease policies.

It’s the right time to raise level of confidence to enhance the business rather than making it stiffer and competitive,” Dr Anchan C K, managing director at World Wide Business House, an investment advisory firm in Oman, said.

In January, the Oman government had unveiled its OMR3.3 billion deficit budget with a series of spending cuts and tax hikes to offset decreased revenues following the drop in oil prices.

Oman had posted a budget deficit of OMR4.5b in 2015, as revenues more than halved. In the report, the IMF said despite actions taken so far, the dip in oil prices has affected Oman’s economy.

General, Dr. Essam bin Sa’ad bin Said, State Minister, Member of the Council of Ministers, Head of the Mission of Honour accompanying Sayyid Fahd, princes and ministers.

Sayyid Fahd is accompanied by an official delegation comprising Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ali bin Mas’oud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sa’eedi, Minister of Legal Affairs, as well as some government officials. -ONA

the treatment in the health institutions in the Sultanate, it added.

The Department of Treatment Abroad revealed that the number of cases that have been brought back from Thailand in 2015 reached 10. While, from India it reached 47 cases in 2015. In 2014, the number of brought back cases reached 36.

Recently, the Ministry has faced many difficulties and spent large sums of money to bring back the critically ill patients that need a medical staff from abroad along with assistive devices, as well as cases in which patients being treated abroad died.

MANPOWER MINISTER

Al Bakri leads Oman team at Geneva meeting GENEVA: The Sultanate is taking part in meetings of the 105th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva.

The Sultanate’s delegation is led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower. The delegation comprises some businessmen led by Said bin Saleh Al Kiyoumi, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and some workers headed by Nabhan bin Ahmed Al Battashi, Chairman of the General Federation of Workers of the Sultanate. The agenda of the meetings includes several topics and international issues. -ONA

Rawya stresses on creativity, innovation ISLAMABAD: Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Dr. Rawya bint Saud Al Busaidiyah, Minister of Higher Education chaired yesterday the Sultanate’s delegation at the 15 meeting of the General Assembly of the Ministerial Standing Committee of Science and Technology Cooperation “COMSTECH” in Islamabad.

President of Pakistan Memnon Hussein opened the meeting.

The meeting dealt with working papers and research that seek to improve scientific research in Islamic countries, and to encourage and facilitate research cooperation between member states. It

also highlighted the achievements of the member states and reviewed their research and the scientific and academic experiences, which come within the framework of the recommendations of the previous meetings.

Dr. Rawya bint Saud Al Busaidiyah, Minister of Higher Education gave a speech in which she stressed the keenness of the Sultanate and its interest in the role of knowledge and its necessity to acquire capabilities that enable positive interaction with modern technologies, and to intensify efforts to support and encourage creativity and innovation. -ONA

A8

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

REGION IS halts Iraqi army at gates of Falluja with counter attack United Nations warns of peril for civilians trapped in Falluja as Baghdad says taking city would be potential turning point

CAMP TARIQ (IRAQ): IS militants halted an Iraqi army assault on the city of Falluja with a counter-attack at its southern gates on Tuesday, while the United Nations warned of peril for civilians trapped in the city and used by militants as human shields.

The Iraqi army’s assault on Falluja has begun what is expected to be one of the biggest battles ever fought against IS, with the government backed by world powers including the United States and Iran, and determined to win back the first major Iraqi city that fell to the group in 2014.

A week after Baghdad announced the start of the assault, its troops advanced in large numbers into the city limits for the first time on Monday, pouring into rural territory on its southern outskirts but stopping short of the main built-up area.

Baghdad describes the assault to retake the city as a potential turning point in its US-backed campaign to defeat the ultrahardline militants who rule a self-proclaimed caliphate across much of Iraq and Syria.

Falluja, where US troops fought the biggest battles of their own 2003-2011 occupation against IS’ precursors, is the militants’ closest bastion to Baghdad, believed

MAIN BUILT-UP AREA: Iraqi security forces gather near Falluja, Iraq, on Tuesday. – Reuters

to be the base from which they have waged a campaign of suicide bombings on the capital less than an hour’s drive away.

Retaking it would give the government control of the main population centres in the fertile Euphrates River valley west of the capital for the first time in more than two years.

But the assault is also a test of the army’s ability to capture territory while protecting civilians.

Although most of Falluja’s population is believed to have fled during six months of siege, 50,000 people are still thought to be trapped inside with limited access to food, water or healthcare.

“A human catastrophe is unfolding in Falluja. Families are caught in the crossfire with no safe way out,” said Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, one of the organisations helping families displaced form the city.

“Warring parties must guarantee civilians safe exit now, before

C I V I L WA R

it’s too late and more lives are lost,” he said.

The United Nations said there were reports that the militants were using several hundred families as human shields in the city centre, a tactic they have employed in other locations in Iraq.

It said 3,700 people had managed to escape the city in the past week.

“Most people able to get out come from the outskirts of Falluja. For some time militants have been controlling movements, we know civilians have been prevented from fleeing,” said Ariane Rummery, spokeswoman for UN refugee agency UNHCR. “There are also reports from people who left in recent days that they are being required to move with ISIL within Falluja,” she said, using an acronym for IS. Soldiers from Iraq’s elite Rapid Response Team stopped their advance overnight about 500 meters (yards) from the Al Shuhada district, the southeastern part of city’s main built-up area, an

army commander and a police officer said.

“Our forces came under heavy fire, they are well dug in in trenches and tunnels,” said the commander speaking in Camp Tariq, the rear army base south of Falluja, 50km (30 miles) west of Baghdad. Reuters journalists in the area could hear explosions from artillery shelling and air strikes from a US-led coalition supporting the Iraqi forces.

A staff member of Falluja’s main hospital said it received reports of 32 civilians killed on Monday.

Medical sources had reported that the death toll in the city stood at about 50 -- 30 civilians and 20 militants -- during the first week of the offensive which had yet to involve street fighting.

Foreign aid organisations are not present in Falluja but are providing help in camps to those who manage to exit. Falluja is the second-largest Iraqi city still under control of the militants, after Mosul, their de facto capital in the

north that had a pre-war population of about 2 million.

Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi announced the assault on Falluja on May 22 after a spate of bombings that killed more than 150 people in one week in Baghdad, the worst death toll so far this year. A series of bombings claimed

by IS also hit Baghdad on Monday, killing more than 20 people.

The worsening security situation in the capital has added to political pressure on Abadi, a member of Iraq’s majority community who is trying to hold a ruling coalition together in the face of public protests against an entrenched political class. He has called for politicians to set aside their differences and rally behind the army during the Falluja offensive.

Militia groups backed by Iran are also taking part in the offensive against IS, but are holding back from participating in the main assault on Falluja to avoid inflaming sectarian tension.

Reuters journalists saw hundreds of militia fighters rallying at one location near Saqlawiya, a village north of Fallluja still under IS control.

The United States is leading a coalition conducting air strikes in support of the Iraqi government offensive, and says it is having success in rolling back IS. In neighbouring Syria, US forces have also aided mainly Kurdish fighters who have seized territory from the militants, as has the Russian-backed government of President Bashar Al Assad.

Falluja has been a bastion of the insurgency that fought both the US occupation of Iraq and the Baghdad government that took over after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. It would be the third major city in Iraq recaptured by the government after Saddam’s home town Tikrit and Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s vast western Anbar province, which also includes Falluja. — Reuters

INTERCEPTED

Saudi Arabia says destroys ballistic missile from Yemen DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired from Yemen and a Saudi-led military coalition said late on Monday it may be forced to reconsider a truce that has been place since April.

Saudi state news agency SPA quoted the statement as saying that the missile, the second such strike this month, was destroyed in mid-air without causing any casualties. The air force also destroyed the platform from which the missile was fired, it said.

Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition of Arab states, intervened in Yemen in March last year mainly with air strikes to try to restore President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi. Houthis, backed by forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, had advanced on Hadi’s temporary headquarters in the southern city of Aden, forcing him to flee the country.

The Houthis and Yemen’s Saudi-backed exiled government are currently engaged in peace talks in Kuwait aimed at ending the 14-month-old war and easing a humanitarian crisis in the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country.

The UN-sponsored talks have so far yielded few results.

Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel Al Jubeir, played down the prospects of a breakdown of the truce and said the kingdom hopes the talks would advance and produce a peace agreement.

“The kingdom had reached an understanding to calm the situation on the border... From time to time, violations of the truce or the period of calm happen but we must look forward and focus on achieving a political settlement,” he told a news conference. SPA gave no details on the target or the type of missile used. However, the agency said the Saudi-led coalition warned it would not sit idle against any further violations of the truce, which began on April 10. — Reuters

CONVICTED MURDERERS

Toll from air strikes Three Palestinians executed in Gaza in Idlib rises to 23 BEIRUT/AMMAN: At least 23 people were killed in Russian air strikes overnight in the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, the heaviest bombardment there since a cessation of hostilities was agreed in February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Observatory said the air strikes targeted a number of positions in the city, one of them next to a hospital. Seven children were among the dead, Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman said.

The toll was likely to rise with scores of injured, mostly civilians, in a critical condition.

However, a Russian Defence Ministry spokesman on Tuesday denied it had conducted air strikes overnight against Idlib, calling the Observatory’s allegations “a horror story” that should be regarded with scepticism.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the strikes had killed more than 60 civilians and complained in a statement about what it said were the “indefensible” crimes of

the Russian and Syrian governments. It gave no indication how it arrived at the higher toll. The Russian air force deployed to Syria last year to support President Bashar Al Assad in the war with rebels seeking to end his rule. Rescue workers searched for casualties through the night, finding some survivors including a child under the rubble of buildings, the Civil Defence said on its Facebook page.

Idlib city and the province by the same name is a stronghold of rebel groups including the Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front.

In Aleppo city, the Syrian army stepped up its bombing and shelling of the Castello highway, the only route for civilians and rebels in and out of the city. “The artillery shelling has affected the traffic on the road but they have not taken it,” said Captain Abdul Salam Abdul Razaq, a military spokesman for Nour Al Din Al Zinki, a main rebel group operating in northern Syria. — Reuters

GAZA: Security forces from the Hamas group executed three convicted Palestinians at dawn on Tuesday, a move condemned by local and international human rights groups and likely to lead to deeper division among Palestinian factions.

The three were found guilty of murder in separate cases and sentenced to death after a trial and all appeals were exhausted, Hamas said. Two were executed by firing squad and the third, a policeman, was hanged, security sources said.

“To achieve public deterrence and block crime, the relevant authorities implemented at dawn on Tuesday execution rulings against three convicted of horrifying murders,” the general prosecutor’s office in Gaza said in a statement.

Hamas, which has been in control of Gaza since 2007, had been under pressure not to carry out the executions, with the European Union and United Nations joining in calls from human rights groups for the decision to be set aside.

Under Palestinian law, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has to agree to the use of the death

CLOSE VIGIL: Palestinian policemen loyal to Hamas keep guard in

Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. – Reuters

penalty. Because of splits between Hamas and Abbas’s Fatah party, the group did not receive approval from the president for the sentence. The policeman put to death was employed by the Palestinian Authority, the Fatah-led administration based in the occupied West Bank, which has ever diminishing influence in Gaza.

In a statement, the Palestinian Authority said the executions

were illegal. “Carrying out the executions represents a flagrant violation of the Palestinian basic law,” Ahmed Brak, the attorney general based in occupied Ramallah, told Reuters. He said those who participated in the executions were complicit in murder and would be subject to law at “local and international level”.

Human rights groups last week demanded that Hamas hold off on

the executions, but the Gaza-based attorney general said the sentences could be carried out.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said enforcing the death sentence without the Palestinian president’s ratification constituted extra-judicial execution. International rights groups condemned the decision.

“No one should be put to death, certainly not as part of a legal system in which torture and coercion are common,” said Sari Bashi, the director for Israel and Palestine at Human Rights Watch.

“Gaza’s leaders should do more to address the socio-economic problems that have exacerbated crime, rather than pursue a veneer of control by killing people,” she added.

Bashi said that since 2007, more than 40 people had been executed in Gaza, including 23 people whom Hamas suspected of contacts with Israel during the 2014 Gaza war.

In recent weeks there have been several murders in Gaza, leading to pressure on Hamas to crack down on perpetrators. — Reuters

UPCOMING DISCUSSIONS

New Saudi energy minister shows he takes OPEC seriously VIENNA: For OPEC watchers, every little detail matters.

When the oil producer group holds its half-yearly meetings, what time the ministers arrive in Vienna, how they speak and which hotel they stay in - anything will be analysed in an attempt to predict its policies.

So it was seen as a sign that new Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih takes OPEC seriously when he turned up in the Austrian capital on Monday, three days before the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ upcoming discussions. But Falih will have little opportunity to see fellow ministers ahead of Thursday’s meeting. Many of them, including those from Iran and Venezuela, won’t show up in Vienna until midday or even late on Wednesday.

For veteran OPEC watcher Gary

Ross, founder of New York-based consultancy PIRA, that signals expectations should be low as far as OPEC policy is concerned.

“These guys are not exactly getting along these days,” Ross said.

“OPEC is becoming far less important. We are entering an era when market management will be non-existent”.

OPEC last decided to change output in December 2008, when it cut supply amid slowing demand due to a global financial crisis. By contrast, between 1998 and 2008, OPEC made 27 changes to output.

For decades, Saudi Arabia, Vienna-based OPEC’s largest producer and de facto leader, had a preferred range for oil prices and, if unhappy, would try to orchestrate a groupwide production cut or increase.

But a technology-driven spike in non-OPEC output such as that

BUSY SCHEDULE: Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih is in Vienna, the Austrian capital, for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) upcoming meeting. – File Photo

of US shale and growing fuel efficiency led Riyadh to conclude that the era of fast oil growth might be ending. In the past two years, Riyadh has stuck to a strategy of fighting for market share, thinking that pumping more oil now at low

prices is better than producing less in the future.

“We think continuity will carry the day at the June OPEC meeting in Vienna. The only real uncertainty is how divisive the meeting will be and how much discord

will be put on public display,” said Helima Croft, head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets.

Unlike his predecessor, Saudi oil minister Ali Al Naimi, Falih has a much larger portfolio overseeing energy, industry, mining, atomic power and renewables.

On Tuesday, Falih visited OPEC headquarters to meet SecretaryGeneral Abdullah Al Badri, staying for 90 minutes in a clear display that despite being a busy man, he has time for the producer group.

“There are times when you need OPEC and when you don’t.

You only need OPEC when you have major oversupply and OPEC doesn’t want prices to crash any further,” Ross said.

Oil prices have recovered to around $50 per barrel in recent weeks from their lowest in a decade of $27 per barrel in January -

but are still far below the $115 seen in June 2014.

Prices crashed after Saudi Arabia increased production to an all-time high to fight for market share with higher-cost producers, including US shale firms.

The drop in prices also badly hurt fellow OPEC members, with production declining from Nigeria to Venezuela.

Iraq and Iran, however, kept pushing production higher as Baghdad sees recent investments by oil majors pay off and Tehran regains market share after the lifting of some Western sanctions in January.

Falih’s ultimate boss, Saudi Deputy Crown Price Mohammad bin Salman, has said Saudi Arabia may raise production further if other members don’t restrain their output increases. — Reuters

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INDIA

Jaitley promises structural reforms to boost growth Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the objective has been to bring about structural reforms in India, and I think the consistency of that direction has helped in restoring the credibility of the Indian economy ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS: Suzuki Motor Corporation Chairman

TOKYO: Wooing Japanese investors, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday promised more structural and market-oriented reforms as well as stepping up infrastructure spending to accelerate economic growth beyond the current 7.6 per cent.

He also promised to reform the tax structure to make it simpler, predictable and stable.

Speaking at ‘The Future of Asia’ Conference organised by Nikkei Inc here, he said India has been the fastest growing major economy in the last two years despite global slowdown.

“We had a back to back 7.2 per cent and 7.6 per cent growth rate in the last two years. This was notwithstanding the global slowdown which has also adversely impacted the trade in India,” said Jaitley, who is on a six-day tour of Japan to attract investments.

The country has been able to perform despite adversities in two consecutive bad monsoons and

Osamu Suzuki with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during a meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday. - PTI

some stress in the Indian private sector, the finance minister added.

Foreign Direct Investment “But then notwithstanding these adversities, a series of structural reforms, coupled with a large amount of enhanced public spending and a Foreign Direct Investment, we maintained a reasonably respectable growth rate,” he said.

Jaitley said a very large number of reforms have taken place over the last few years. “The objective has been to bring about structural reforms in India, and I think the consistency of that direction has helped in restoring the credibility of the Indian economy,” he said.

In the last two years, 101 legislations have been passed in Parliament but there remain some which require a lot more time to build a larger consensus, he said alluding to the Goods and Servic-

es Tax (GST) Bill that is stuck in the Rajya Sabha for months now.

He expressed hope the GST Bill will be passed by the Upper House in the ensuing monsoon session of Parliament.

On things to come, he said, “The direction that I have indicated is of more structural reforms, more market-oriented reforms and the future direction of stepping up infrastructure spending, concentrating on rural areas and social security, I think this direction will consistently be maintained.”

While India started reforms in 1991, the second generation of reforms were unveiled when the BJP-led government came to power in 2014, he said.

“We have opened out more sectors in the economy. While opening out to both international and domestic investments, we removed the unnecessary condi-

G AT H E R S M O M E N T U M

India’s economic growth surges to 7.6% in 2015-16 NEW DELHI: India gathered momentum in the March quarter to extend its lead as the world’s fastest growing large economy, helping Prime Minister Narendra Modi craft an impressive sales pitch for meetings with investors in the United States next week.

Modi is due to travel to Washington on June 7-8 where he will meet heads of top US companies.

Having swept to power two years ago promising to revitalise Asia’s third-largest economy, Modi has boosted spending on defence and infrastructure, while consumer demand has risen thanks to lower interest rates.

Those pro-growth policies helped gross domestic product grow 7.9 per cent year-on-year in the March quarter, faster than the December quarter’s 7.2 per cent.

A Reuters survey of economists had forecast growth of 7.5 in the March quarter. The strong headline number masks subdued private investment and shrinking exports, which continue to hold India back. Still, India’s growth has overtaken that of fellow Asian giant China, which grew 6.7 per cent in the March quarter - the slowest in the world’s second largest economy in seven years.

The figures from India’s Statistics office also showed GDP grew 7.6 per cent in the 2015/16 fiscal year that ended in March, in line with an earlier official esti-

PROMISING: A labourer marks the sacks filled with pulses before

loading them into a truck as others wait in a queue to load at a wholesale market in Kolkata, India May 16, 2016. The figures from India’s Statistics office on Tuesday showed GDP grew 7.6 per cent in the 2015/16 fiscal year. - Reuters file photo

mate. Growth was 7.2 per cent in 2014/15.

Success in bringing down inflation has given the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) room to cut its policy repo rate by 150 basis points since January 2015, reducing it to 6.50 per cent - the lowest level in more than five years.

The GDP data reinforced expectations that the RBI would keep its policy rate on hold at a review next Tuesday. “Momentum is building up faster than anticipated and there is a demand pickup on the horizon,” said Shubhada Rao, chief economist at Yes Bank.

“This definitely spells out a

positive story that there will soon be a recovery in private sector capex.” Growth in the March quarter was driven by a rebound in farm output, an improvement in mining and a sharp pickup in electricity production.

The farm sector grew by 2.3 per cent from a year ago compared with a 1.0 per cent contraction in the December quarter.

With good rain forecast, after two successive years of drought, farm sector output should improve in coming months and lift depressed demand in the countryside where two-thirds of Indians live. - Reuters

A9

Entry into business has become easier, conduct of business has become easier and with the passage of Bankruptcy Insolvency code, exit from businesses also has become easier Arun Jaitley Finance minister

tionalities, we eased the process of doing business in India. It is far easier than what it was years ago.”

Jaitley said that reforming the taxation system has been a “huge challenge” as at one stage it was perceived to be “a little aggressive.”

“A series of direct tax reforms currently are work in progress and we are currently moving towards a regime which would be absolutely simpler, predictable and far more stable; a regime which will bring down India’s corporate taxation level to about 25 per cent,” he said.

The government, he said, was currently in the process of reforming the indirect taxation system through introduction of the GST, which will replace an array of state levies. “One House of Parliament has already passed it, it is pending before the other House,” he said. Also, the allocation of resources has been made far simpler

and transparent through a market mechanism.

“Entry into business has become easier, conduct of business has become easier and with the passage of Bankruptcy Insolvency code, exit from businesses also has become easier,” he said.

Underscoring investment opportunities for foreign investors and pension funds, the finance minister said India has an infrastructure deficit.

“To cover up for that deficit we are working overtime. This year... we will be constructing 10,000 km of National Highways, almost at a pace of 30-km a day,” he said.

Also, the railways modernisation programme is on and the government is focusing on attracting private investments including FDI in railway infrastructure, Jaitley said adding that as many as 400 railway stations are to be modernised to make them hub of commercial activities.

“We have about 70 functional airports, 25 more are being added this year... More sea ports, more power supply and renewable energy.. that seems to be the emphasis as far as the future is concerned.

This infrastructure additions that we are making is certainly going to be one of the main drivers of the Indian economy,” he said.

Stating that India clocked a growth rate of 7.6 per cent last year despite a drought and global slowdown, Jaitley said this year the monsoon is expected to be a good one.

“With continued structural reforms, improvement in urban demand and monsoon also adding to the rural demand, hopefully we would maintain this growth rate, may improve upon it somewhat,” he said. He said that Asia would grow much faster than the rest of the developed world and “the decades to come would probably be the Asia’s decade with India playing a very important role in it.” - PTI

SCHEME

Four-month window to disclose black money from Wednesday NEW DELHI: A slew of budgetary proposals, including 0.5 per cent agriculture cess on all services and a four-month disclosure scheme for domestic black money holders to come clean, will kick in from Wednesday.

The Equalisation levy of six per cent on cross border digital transactions and a one time settlement tax scheme for resolving disputes emanating from retrospective amendments to the Income Tax Act will also come into effect from Wednesday.

With the imposition of Krishi Kalyan Cess (KKC), the total incidence of service tax will increase to 15 per cent, thus making eating out, phone usage, air and rail travel, expensive.

Opportunity The four-month Income Declaration Scheme provides one time opportunity to domestic black money holders to come clean by paying tax and penalty of 45 per cent on such assets will open today. However, the scheme is not meant for those who have earned money through corruption.

Last year the government had launched a similar scheme giving opportunity to people having unaccounted assets abroad to come clean by paying taxes and penalty.

The scheme provides an opportunity for settlement of cases emanating from retrospective amendment of tax laws, by asking companies to pay the basic tax demand and get waiver on interest and penalty.

Experts view the scheme as a big step towards tax reform and hope that it would act as a breather for companies like Vodafone and Cairn, which have been facing multi-billion dollar tax liability following retrospective tax amendments made in 2012. -PTI

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 Perhaps coming out in open defence of her son in law for the first time, she also dared the government to order an impartial probe if there is something so that truth will come out.

INDIA TWO MOU’S

SIGNED

India keen to make Morocco its economic hub for Africa: Ansari RABAT (Morocco): India on Tuesday said it wanted to make Morocco the hub for its economic activities in the African region as the two countries sought to inject fresh momentum in bilateral ties with Vice President Hamid Ansari holding wide-ranging talks with the Moroccan prime minister.

Two MoUs on cultural cooperation and institutional training were signed after Ansari met Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and delegation-level talks were held between the two sides. “We reviewed all aspects of our expanding cooperation.

Morocco is crucial to us for food security as it is the main supplier of phosphate which is crucial for agriculture,” Ansari said as the two leaders jointly spoke to the media.

Five Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) had been finalised between India and Morocco for improving bilateral relations but only two could be signed.

The MoUs on Cultural Exchange and Institutional Training for Foreign Service officers were signed, Secretary Economic Relations Amar Sinha said at a media briefing. Sinha said the MoUs relating to other three areas of cooperation — Water Resources, Television Broadcasting and Edu-

cation — have been finalised but “could not be signed due to technical issues”.

Expand economic activities Sinha said the vice president conveyed to the leadership that the Indian government would like to look at Morocco and expand its economic activities since the two countries have a trade of $350 million. “We would like to use Morocco as a hub for our economic activities in the African region,” Sinha quoted the vice president as saying during the talks.

The Moroccan prime minister said India is an important partner for them, India’s Ambassador to Morocco Dinesh Patnaik said.

“The two agreed to make the relations more dimensional for increased cooperation,” Patnaik said.

Both the sides stressed on the need for injecting fresh momentum in bilateral relations. Morocco said that they need to look into the issues of political stability, economic development and human resources development, Sinha said. Ansari said India appreciates Morocco’s support for India’s candidature for the UN Security Council.

The two sides identified new areas of mutual cooperation which

BOOSTING TIES: Prime Minister of Morocco Abdelilah Benkirane

being greeted by Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda as Vice President Hamid Ansari looks on, at a meeting at PM’s office, in the capital city of Rabat in Morocco on Tuesday. - PTI

included information technology, the vice president said, adding that the MoUs signed will be beneficial for both countries. He said that India was very happy to receive the King of Morocco Mohammed VI, who came to India last year for the Indo-Africa Summit.

The vice president said on behalf of the Indian government he invited Prime Minister Benkirane to visit India. Benkirane said Morocco sees India as a friend.

“We will work together for a common future for the Mediterranean region.” He said the two countries will also work in engaging jointly in efforts towards counter-terrorism. Benkirane indicated he may visit India this year.

Briefing the media, Sinha said, “We are not looking at short-term cooperation as far as Institutional training of Foreign Service officers is concerned.”

“Moroccan diplomats would

come to India for one year while Indian diplomats would also visit Morocco,” he said.

Sinha said the vice president during his interaction with the prime minister held discussions on bilateral issues and decided to increase cultural exchanges.

He said on the issue of terrorism both shared their perception on the need to exchange information. Sinha said Information Technology is another area which the vice president highlighted and the Prime Minister Benkirane evinced keen interest in the issue.

He said India will be setting up a Centre of Excellence on IT that will be set up by C-DAT, which will take special care of linking IT to the industry. Sinha said that India will also train Moroccans in various other fields like English speaking and e-governance, including creating data base of 33 million population of Morocco like the Aadhaar scheme in India.

“We told them about the benefits of Aadhaar in DBT and other programmes,” he said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Rachid Talbi Alami and the Speaker of the House of Councillors Abdelhakim also separately called on the vice president “Our MPs sought to know about ob-

Major fire at arms depot in Maharashtra; 17 killed An army officer said two officers, including a lieutenant colonel, and 15 Defence Security Corp (DSC) jawans were among those killed in the blaze that started around 2am

NAGPUR: At least 17 security personnel, including two army officers, were on Tuesday killed in a massive fire that broke out at one of Asia’s biggest ammunition depot in Maharashtra’s Pulgaon that houses the largest stockpile of weapons in the country.

Two officers, including a lieutenant colonel, and 15 Defence Security Corp (DSC) jawans were among those killed in the blaze that started around 2am, an army officer said.

Also, at least 19 security personnel were injured in the fire that has spread to a number of sheds that houses ammunitions, bombs and other explosive items. Some of them with burn injuries are in a critical condition, he said.

Video footage showed the raging fire lighting up the night sky.

Following a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is in Pune, has rushed to the spot. Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag has also headed for the site.

Modi tweeted, “Pained by loss

UP IN FLAMES: A major fire breaks out at central ammunition depot in Pulgaon district of Maharashtra on Tuesday. - PTI /TV Grab

of lives caused by a fire at central ammunition depot in Pulgaon, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.

“I pray that those who are injured recover quickly. Have asked RM @manoharparrikar to visit the spot & take stock of the situation”, he said.

The injured were evacuated to the nearby military hospital in helicopters. Hundreds of families of nearby villages have been evacuated, officials said. “The main fire at one of the sheds has been extinguished. The situation is being stabilised. Secondary fire and explosions is in the process of being controlled,” the army officer said refusing to go into the reasons of the fire.

Several fire engines were pressed into service to douse the fire. Army has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Probe ordered The central ammunition depot at Pulgaon is India’s biggest ammunition depot as stocks including bombs, grenades, shells, assorted rifles and other explosives from various factories comes here first and is then distributed to various forward areas.

Pulgaon is 110km from Nagpur. “I am given to understand that defence minister will be visiting the site and this itself is an evidence of how serious and concerned is the Central government. My heart goes out to the families of jawans

and officers killed and injured in the incident. The nation stands by them,” Minister of State in the PMO Jitender Singh said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there has been “large scale destruction” of lives and what was kept in the ammunition depot.

Tuesday’s was the third major incident in the Central Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon,one of Asia’s biggest ammunition storehouses.

Similar incidents had also occurred in 1989 and 1995, but no loss of life was reported though ammunition worth crores of rupees were then destroyed.

The fire at the ammunition depot, situated between hillocks

on either side, came as a shock to the residents of Agargaon, Pipri, Nachangaon and Magejhari villages. Magejhari is the closest village to the depot with a population of 1,500, Nachangaon has about 2,500 residents, Agargan — 3,500 and Pipri has a population of 800.

A youth, who lives in the depot quarters, said as soon as the fire occurred, most of the villagers ran out of their houses and spent time till dawn in great anxiety.

The district administration, police and fire brigade personnel reached the site within a short time. But the fire and the blast in the stores were so huge that it damaged two four-wheelers and a fire brigade vehicle inside the complex. - PTI

structions etc to which they said that they do not face such things as Houses are for formation of laws,” Sinha said. Both the speakers stressed the need for formation of Joint Parliamentary Forum to which the vice president said that back home he would discuss the issue with the speaker.

Extradition treaty The vice president has invited both the speakers to visit India. Asked about the extradition treaty between the two countries, Patnaik said it was not there but Morocco has always been helpful. “Even without an extradition treaty Morocco had extradited a wanted criminal of Karnataka some time back,” the ambassador said.

He said that most countries today need intelligence from Morocco as this was the country which also helped in cracking the Paris bomb blast case.

Ansari’s trip here is the first high-level visit to the African country after prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee went there in 1999.

Besides his wife Salma Ansari, the vice president is accompanied by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, four members of Parliament and senior officials. - PTI BENAMI PROPERTY

Congress, BJP in a political slugfest over Robert Vadra RAEBARELI/NEW DELHI: The Congress and BJP were on Tuesday engaged in a political slugfest over charges that Robert Vadra may have bought a benami property in London with his mother-in-law and Congress President Sonia Gandhi attacking the government and dismissing the charges as “false”.

Perhaps coming out in open defence of her son in law for the first time, she also dared the government to order an impartial probe if there is something so that truth will come out. She said the everyday false allegations were made as part of a conspiracy as part of the Modi government’s bid to make the country Congress-free.

The BJP hit back at Sonia saying her defence of Vadra has exposed the “farce” that was merely a private person and mocked her demand for a probe saying the party has earlier dubbed such inquirers as vendetta.

In a related fall out of the controversy, Congress spokesperson Poona Shehzad Poonawalla on Tuesday wrote to CBI and Enforcement Directorate demanding a probe into the alleged links between a BJP leader Siddarth Nath Singh and an alleged arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Facilitated purchase According to news reports, Bhandari is said to have facilitated the purchase of the London property for Vadra. Poonawalla claimed that call data records of Bhandari showed that Singh had made 450 calls to Bhandari “within a short span of time”. Singh shot back saying he had no financial dealings with Bhandari “except knowing him socially” and offered to face any probe in the matter.

He did not know Bhandari was an arms dealer till the raids on him, he added. - PTI

MONEY LAUNDERING PROBE

Swiss government names Lalit Modi, wife among those facing tax probe BERNE: Switzerland on Tuesday named Lalit Modi and his wife Minal among those about whom information and assistance have been sought from its tax department by the Indian authorities.

In two separate gazette notifications issued Tuesday on ‘assistance’ matters, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) also gave Modi and his wife 10 days for “exercise of the right to be heard”.

Without divulging further details, the FTA notifications here asked them to inform about a designate authorised person in Switzerland within 10 days to receive notifications.

One notification has been issued for “Lalit Kumar Modi, Indian national”, while the other one is for “Minal Modi alias Minalini Modi”.

Email and SMS queries to former IPL Commissioner about the notifications elicited no response.

In the past, several other Indian nationals have been named in such notifications after the Swiss FTA was approached by Indian authorities for information about those people with regard to the pending tax-related probes against them.

After a due process prescribed under the Swiss law, the information has been shared by Switzerland with India in several cases, pursuant to which the Indian authorities — including the tax department and Enforcement Directorate — have proceeded with their prosecution and other actions.

These included several Indians named in the leaked ‘HSBC List’ of people with accounts in

the Geneva branch of the global banking giant.

Notifications The latest notifications come days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Switzerland on an official visit, during which discussions are expected on further strengthening of ties between the two countries in fight against black money suspected to be stashed by Indians in Swiss banks.

The former IPL Commissioner, who is said to have left India for London in 2010, is facing a money laundering probe and the ED has asked External Affairs Ministry to seek his extradition from the UK. He has been denying any wrongdoing.

The ED wants Modi to join

investigation in a case relating to T-20 cricket Indian Premier League (IPL) after an FIR was registered against him and others under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

For long, Switzerland used to be known for strict secrecy clauses about details of foreigners having accounts in Swiss banks.

Under growing global pressure, Switzerland has however begun sharing information in cases where other countries have been able to present some evidence of suspected illegalities.

Under Swiss law, a prescribed procedure is followed for any administration assistance or information exchange by the FTA with India or any other country with which the Alpine nation has tax

treaties about their respective nationals. Among other provisions, this procedure also seeks to safeguard “the right to be heard” of the person about whom information is sought by a foreign country.

“If the person concerned has not designated a person authorised to receive the notifications, the FTA shall inform this person about the pending administrative assistance procedure through the requesting authority.

“Simultaneously, the FTA shall set a period of time for the person concerned to designate a person authorised to receive notifications.

The FTA may inform the concerned person directly provided that the requesting authority expressly consents to this procedure in that case,” the rules say. - PTI

IN TROUBLED WATERS: The

ED wants Lalit Modi to join investigation in a case relating to T-20 cricket IPL after an FIR was registered against him and others under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act. - PTI file photo

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

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A1 1

PAKISTAN H E A LT H W O E S

MAKING ENDS MEET

A Pakistani labourer works at a garage in Karachi on Tuesday. Some 45 per cent of Pakistan’s population of 182 million is aged below 22. — AFP

Sharif undergoes successful heart surgery: Maryam ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif underwent successful open heart surgery in a London hospital on Tuesday, his second cardiac procedure in five years, his daughter said.

Sharif’s surgery comes as his government prepares to present its annual budget on Friday.

It also remains under pressure over allegations of corruption linked to the so-called Panama Papers.

“Surgery successful,” his daughter, Maryam, said on her Twitter account about four and a half hours after she said the operation had begun.

Earlier, she said her father “was in high spirits” as he was taken in for an operation for a “perforation of the heart”, a complication from a 2011 procedure.

Sharif, 66, was prime minister for two terms in the 1990s before being overthrown in a 1999 military coup.

After years in exile, he returned to Pakistan in 2007 and led his par-

SHAIKH ROHAIL ASGHAR

Court issues warrants for ruling party lawmaker ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court on Monday issued arrest warrants for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) legislator Shaikh Rohail Asghar and his co-accused after they failed to appear before the court in a “murder case”.

Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate (West) Humayun Dilawar issued warrants for the National Assembly lawmaker and his co-accused, Zulfiqar after they failed to appear in court.

The court was to formally indict the accused for killing a man while rash driving.

During the last hearing, the court had accepted the lawmaker’s bail application against a surety bond of Rs200,000.

The accused, however, failed to deposit the surety on Monday.

The Kohsar police had booked Asghar for allegedly killing Raz Muhammad, a security guard of a private firm, while he was walking on a foot path in Blue Area.

Murder by mistake Police had booked Asghar for “murder by mistake and negligent driving”.

The incident took place on August 10, 2015, but the case was registered on February 20 after the victim’s wife moved the court. Shaheen Bibi, the victim’s wife, maintained in the FIR that her husband was walking on a footpath when he was hit by a car. — Express Tribune

ty to a victory in a 2013 election.

He has travelled to London for medical treatment several times over the past year and was accompanied on this trip by his brother, Shahbaz Sharif, who is chief minister of Punjab province, and several other family members.

On Monday, Sharif telephoned his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, thanking him for his wishes for a quick recovery, the Pakistani Foreign Office said. Sharif made a bid to improve ties with old rival India a main policy in his 2013 election campaign, though progress has been slow. — Reuters

In quest for ID cards, foreign spies bribed NADRA officials During a recent closed-door meeting, members of the National Database and Registration Authority and intelligence agencies told Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar that fake identity cards have been issued to Afghan nationals

ISLAMABAD: The corrupt practices through which a number of foreign terrorists have been able to obtain national identity cards has allegedly allowed spies from neighbouring countries to secure legitimate identification documents, the federal government was informed recently.

During a recent closed-door meeting, members of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and intelligence agencies told Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar that fake identity

CONTROVERSY: Afghan refugees gather outside the office of the National Database Registration Authority and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for registration in Rawalpindi on February 10, 2015. More than 30,000 Afghans living in Pakistan have returned home since the start of the year after coming under intense scrutiny following a Taliban massacre at a Peshawar school in December, International Organisation for Migration Head Richard Danziger said: Afghan refugees have been living in neighbouring Pakistan for decades, and they were never involved in any terrorist attacks”. — AFP file photo

cards have been issued to Afghan nationals, some of whom worked with Indian intelligence agencies.

The matter regained prominence in the wake of a drone strike on Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor in Naushki, Balochistan. Officials had recovered

FA C E B O O K I N T E RV I E W

Would like to play female version of Raees: Mahira KARACHI: Mahira Khan’s star power has not got in the way of her being incredibly relatable, which is the root of her success.

There are times she talks about Shah Rukh Khan as if she’s forgotten he is her co-star in the upcoming, highly-anticipated Raees, after all. For her, he is still The Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood extraordinaire whose fame is of an inconceivable degree, as it is for many of us.

“He’s an experience. You have to experience Shah Rukh Khan,” she said during a live Facebook chat with The Express Tribune on Monday.

But being a fan herself doesn’t mean she can’t match up to the King Khan. In fact, the actor revealed she really wants to do something gritty for her next project. “I want to do a Raees; well, a female version of Raees — the character. Something dark.”

Speaking further about working with Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira said, “I felt like Alice in Wonder-

Nawaz Sharif

Mahira Khan

land, actually. It’s quite amazing to see someone who is that big a star and the way he is on set.”

She goes on to say, “Having worked with him so closely… In Raees, he was in this character that was scary because he would come out looking like this gangster. He just looked like… Raees.

And he was so in character. The way he did his lines, the way he was doing it all, it was a treat to watch him as a fan and of course as a co-actor.”

We doubt she realised it, but Mahira just made it infinite

times more difficult for her fans as well as Shah Rukh’s to wait for the highly-anticipated movie.

Fans were left heartbroken when Raees’ release was postponed till January next year. But there’s good news. Mahira disclosed she is in the process of finalising not one but a “few” projects.

“Because I thought Raees was coming out in July I stopped taking any work. I couldn’t do some amazing things that came my way. I had to let go some amazing films. Now, I have decided I have to work,” she said.

The workaholic that she is, Mahira says it’s becoming very difficult for her to deal with not being on set. “I am going completely crazy. I need to be on set. I need to be acting. I need to be reading a script. So I am looking into a few really good things.”

Of course, we don’t have the complete details yet, but Mahira assured her fans would soon learn more. “You guys should know, soon-ish,” she said. — Express Tribune

a Pakistani ID card and passport from Mansoor’s charred body though it bore the name of Wali Muhammad.

It prompted Nisar to admit during a press briefing on May 25 that “strategic, security and national interests of the country have been

compromised to a great extent”.

While Nisar did not share details of specific cases, a senior official who attended the meeting at Nadra headquarters says that they had discovered an Afghan national Khalil Gul who had secured a CNIC by bribing NADRA officials.

According to a document presented to the interior minister, available with The Express Tribune, Khalil was tracked down by security agencies after discovering his ties with Khawaja Noor, another Afghan national who had bribed his way to get a CNIC. Both of them were associated with a covert Indian intelligence operation.

Not only that, Khalil possessed 17 other CNICs, apparently on names of his family members. But when security forces probed the cards they discovered that the addresses listed on them were fake.

Other documents available with The Express Tribune show that intelligence officials had written to Nadra about CNICs being sold to foreigners in places like Karachi, Lahore, Dera Ismail Khan for bribes of Rs10,000 to Rs20,000.

“These and other similar stories were shared with the interior minister in a bid to inform him about the gravity of the situation,” said the official who attended the highlevel meeting last week.

Faced with this evidence and documents recovered from Mansour, Nisar announced re-verification of CNICs of 25 million registered Pakistani families within six months. The plan was approved on Monday. As officials cracked down on NADRA staffers linked with giving Mansour a CNIC, a senior Nadra officialsaid that a fact finding body has been formed to ascertain which staffers were involved in the “heinous crime” of selling national identity cards to foreign spooks. — Express Tribune

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US writer Allan Bloom warned in the early 1990s against conviction that liberal capitalism had buried fascism. ‘If an alternative is sought,’ Bloom wrote, ‘there is nowhere else to seek it. I would suggest that fascism has a future, if not the future.’ In many parts of the world that future has now arrived

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For years, Argentina’s government has been financing deficits with the printing press, resulting in high inflation, now above 30 per cent. Conventional debt financing will provide a path to inflation stabilisation. It will also enable Argentina to address the pent-up need to upgrade basic infrastructure.

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READERS’ FORUM In future, more countries will test advanced weapons This refers to the online article Attempted North Korea missile launch fails: South Korea (May 31). Security being the biggest challenge the world is facing today, the Korean peninsula too has become part of a dangerous thread of conflict raging continents. The North Koreans have earlier showcased their muscle with a rocket launch that has crossed over Japanese territory a few years ago. However, there has not been any serious initiative to counter the increasing threats, even though experimental testing of dangerous weapons became a practice. We should not be surScan this QR code prised in future when more countries try to to send letters to the test missiles and more advanced versions Readers’ Forum, of military hardware which they believe containing not more than 200 words with would strengthen their defence potential. full name, address As far as nuclear weapons are concerned, and telephone the Asian continent is considered as one number, may be sent of the most dangerous zone in the world. by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Even though there has been a move by US to engage in dialogue with Russia on reducing the stockpiles of nuclear weapons, the Korean involvement proves the trend is spreading across all the continents. At the same time, non-nuclear countries across the world are being urged to divert funds to other means of improving human welfare. -Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

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Recruiters to obtain NOC for housemaids from Indian embassy.

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Twin tests for the EU

ANATOLE KALETSKY

Now that all of the main oil producers are unequivocally committed to maximising production, regardless of the impact prices, oil will continue to trade just like any other commodity that is in oversupply in a competitive market. Prices will be determined as described in any standard economics textbook

une is shaping up to be a fateful month for the European Union. On June 21, the German Constitutional Court will rule on a challenge to a bond-buying programme that is central to the European Central Bank’s response to the continent’s debt crisis. Two days later, voters in the United Kingdom will decide whether the UK should exit the EU. Both decisions will have serious consequences for the EU’s long-term political and economic stability.

The judgment by the German court is the less spectacular of the two, but it addresses the heart of the ECB’s interpretation of the Maastricht Treaty.

The plaintiffs, who include members of the Bundestag, have questioned whether the Bundesbank should be allowed to participate in the ECB’s outright monetary transactions (OMT) programme, arguing that it violates Articles 123 and 125 of the EU Treaty, which they claim forbids government bailouts with the printing press. In particular, they have objected to the ECB’s unlimited commitment (“whatever it takes,” in ECB President Mario Draghi’s famous phrase) to the purchase of crisishit countries’ government securities.

Under the OMT programme, investors who buy such securities no longer need to worry about a potential default. Before the risk of bankruptcy presents itself, the ECB will be available to buy the endangered securities off investors’ portfolios. All that is required is an application to the European Stability Mechanism, a fund capable of providing rapid financial assistance to all members of the eurozone. As a result, the risk of bankruptcy is transferred from the bondholders to taxpayers in economically healthy eurozone countries, who would permanently lose interest income on the government bonds.

The question before Germany’s Constitutional Court is whether that arrangement, which has already received the blessing of the European Court of Justice, is compatible with the country’s Basic Law – specifically, whether OMT undermines the Bundestag’s budgetary authority. This is not a question that the ECJ can decide.

There are two reasons why the court is likely to impose conditions on the Bundesbank’s participation in the OMT programme. The Bundesbank is said to have consulted the court already regarding the ECB’s program of quantitative easing, and the court is reported to have called for the effective exclusion of joint liability of central banks for government-bond purchases under that programme.

Furthermore, the court’s preliminary opinion expressed suspicion that the ECB might be overstretching its mandate.

If the court follows this line of reasoning and rules against the Bundesbank’s participation in the OMT programme, the decision would cause the interest-rate spread between healthy and crisis-hit economies to widen, reflecting the true risk to investors.

That would put an end to some pipe dreams, but it would also mean taking a step toward strengthening accountability and put the eurozone back on the path to hard budget constraints, without which no economic system can survive.

The second decision, regarding the UK’s membership in the EU, could be even more consequential. The vote is one more convulsion in a long history of tumultuous relations between the UK and the rest of Europe. The UK joined the European Economic Community, the predecessor to the EU, in 1973, on its third attempt, after French president Charles de Gaulle vetoed its applications in 1963 and 1967.

But the relationship was strained from the outset. Powerful resistance in Britain to the conditions for joining led to a referendum on membership in 1975. The majority of UK voters opted for staying in. After prime minister Margaret Thatcher came to power in 1979, she appeased skeptics by negotiating special conditions for Britain.

But the euro crisis in recent years has revived skepticism about Europe. The UK may have been only marginally involved in financing the EU’s response to the crisis, but fears are mounting in the UK that the country and its taxpayers will one day have to bail out southern European countries and EU banks.

At the same time, the European refugee crisis has begun to fray British nerves. Under Thatcher, and Prime Minister Edward Heath before her, the UK put a stop to easy immigration from the Commonwealth. Today, the fear is that the country is at risk of a new wave of immigration from the EU. Undecided voters worried about the risks of “Brexit” are likely to provide the margin needed to keep the UK from leaving. But the referendum nonetheless has exposed the EU’s serious shortcomings and its leaders’ inability to present a credible and convincing strategy for addressing the challenges facing the continent.

Whatever the outcome of the two decisions in June, one thing is clear: The era of unconditional trust in the EU and its institutions has come to an end. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JUNE 2001 Government to finance students at private colleges MUSCAT: Amer bin Shuwain Al Hosni, minister of social affairs, labour and vocational training, has endorsed a student admission programme which would be partly financed by the government.

The government will pay 75 per cent of the fees to train 500 male and female students at the private colleges. As a first batch, 246 students will be admitted for study at Sohar College for Applied Sciences, Muscat, Al Zahra and Mazoon colleges. The specialisations for these students include accountancy, computer science, engineering, marketing and marketing management.

PICTOGRAPH

MASIRAH AVERAGE HUMIDITY (%) Maximum

96 97 98 95 98 98

TODAY IN HISTORY INVITATION TO WRITERS We invite our readers to write articles on topics related to Oman. The articles should not exceed 800 words.

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1877: US troops are authorised to pursue bandits into Mexico.

1917: Germany conducts the first zeppelin air raid over England.

1921: A race riot erupts in Tulsa, Oklahoma, killing 85 people.

1978: The US reports finding wiretaps in the American embassy in Moscow.

9 13 2010

2011

12

15

2012

13 14 2013

2014

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

ASIA

The gang killed the branch manager of staterun Bangladesh Commerce Bank to get the key to the vault and made off with 700,000 taka ($8,900), detonating crude bombs as they fled

North Korea missile launch attempt failed: South Korea Asia has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles

FLURRY OF WEAPONS TECHNOLOGY TESTS: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un looks at a rocket warhead tip after a simulated test of atmospheric re-entry of a ballistic missile, at an unidentified location in this undated file photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on March 15, 2016. - Reuters

missile was likely to have exploded at about the time it lifted off from a mobile launcher.

Exacerbate tension China, North Korea’s only major ally, called for the cessation of any action that would exacerbate tension. “The situation on the peninsula remains complex and sensitive,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing when asked about the reported failed missile launch.

“We think that all sides should avoid any actions that further worsen tensions.”

China has been angered by North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests and signed up to tough UN sanctions against its reclusive neighbour in March. North Ko-

rean state media did not mention any missile launch.

The North’s flurry of weapons technology tests this year came in the run-up to the first congress in 36 years of its ruling Workers’ Party early this month, where young leader Kim Jong Un consolidated his control.

Tuesday’s launch appears to have been its first missile test since then, and experts said it was unusual to test-fire a missile so soon after a failure.

The South Korean military said the successive tests could stem from Kim’s order in March for further tests of nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles.

“They must’ve been in a rush.

Maybe Kim Jong Un was very upset about the failures,” said Lee

Gunmen kill nine, kidnap 170 passengers from Afghan buses

RESCUE OPERATION: Afghan

security personnel prepare for an operation against Taliban militants at the Aliabad district of Kunduz province on May 31, 2016. - AFP

men were not immediately available for comment. The Taliban have in the past denied accusations of attacks on civilians.

The identity of the victims was

not immediately clear but a campaign of kidnappings against Hazaras in the past year has became a source of ethnic tension, fueling concern about sectarian violence.

Since persecuting Hazaras and other minorities during their rule in the 1990s, the Taliban have largely avoided specifically targeting them. But a rise in Afghanistan in the number of militants claiming allegiance to IS, has coincided with a number of attacks on Hazaras. The brief capture by the Taliban of Kunduz last year was a major blow to the government of President Ashraf Ghani.

The deterioration of security in the north has coincided with heavy fighting in the southern province of Helmand. - Reuters

FOR BEING NAUGHTY

Japan erupts in anger over boy abandoned in forest by parents TOKYO: Searchers combed a forest in Japan on Tuesday for a missing seven-year-old boy with no clues about his fate as social media erupted in anger towards his parents who said they abandoned him by a road as punishment for being naughty.

Police on horseback were among 130 rescuers scouring a mountainous area of the northernmost island of Hokkaido from dawn for Yamato Tanooka, who went missing on Saturday.

His parents first said he had disappeared while the family foraged for edible plants.

They later told police they had left him by the road to discipline

Six militants sentenced to death for bank robbery

N O C A S U A LT I E S R E P O R T E D

INSURGENCY

KUNDUZ: Gunmen in Afghanistan killed nine bus passengers and kidnapped 170 on Tuesday outside the northern city of Kunduz in an attack blamed on Taliban insurgents, a provincial official said.

The attackers stopped three buses on a road and ordered the passengers out, shot dead nine of them and kidnapped the rest, said Massoum Hashemi, deputy police chief of Kunduz.

Government forces later freed most of the abducted passengers in a rescue operation.

“The Taliban have brutally killed nine civilians and taken about 20 with them,” Hashemi said. There was no claim of responsibility and Taliban spokes-

BANGLADESH

DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh sentenced six militants to hang on Tuesday for a bank robbery on the outskirts Dhaka in April that left eight people dead, prosecutors said on Tuesday.

The gang killed the branch manager of state-run Bangladesh Commerce Bank to get the key to the vault and made off with 700,000 taka ($8,900), detonating crude bombs as they fled.

Customers and onlookers gave chase and beat one robber to death.

A total of eight men were killed during the incident. The court also sentenced another man to life imprisonment and two others to three years in jail. Two other suspects were acquitted. The verdict came amid a surge in Iviolence in the country. Militants have targeted liberal bloggers, academics and members of religious minorities, killing several since early last year. Police said the bank robbery was carried out by members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, a banned militant group that has laid low since six of its leaders were hanged in 2007. - Reuters

Tension in Northeast

SEOUL: North Korea attempted to fire a missile from its east coast on Tuesday but the launch appears to have failed, South Korean officials said, in what would be the latest in a string of unsuccessful ballistic missile tests by the isolated country.

The launch attempt took place at around 5:20am Seoul time (2020 GMT), said the officials, who asked not to be identified.

They did not elaborate. Tension in Northeast Asia has been high since North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and followed that with a satellite launch and test launches of various missiles.

Japan put its military alert on Monday for a possible North Korean ballistic missile launch.

“North Korea shows no sign of abandoning the development of nuclear missiles and so we will continue to work closely with the US and South Korea in response and maintain a close watch,” Japanese Minister of Defence Gen Nakatani told a media briefing.

North Korea appeared to have attempted to launch an intermediate-range Musudan missile, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency said. North Korea attempted three test launches of the Musudan in April, all of which failed, US and South Korean officials have said.

Yonhap quoted a South Korean government source as saying the

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him after he threw stones at people and cars. They said they drove about 500 metres (yards) down the road but when they went back a few minutes later he had disappeared. The area is so remote that residents of the region say they rarely go through it.

“We have done an unforgivable thing to our child, and we have caused a lot of trouble for everyone,” Yamato’s father, Takayuki Tanooka, told television reporters. “I just hope he is safe.”

Thousands of people took to social media, some to pray for Yamato’s safety in an area where the temperature at night falls to 7 Celsius (45 Fahrenheit). Heavy

rain is forecast for Tuesday night and the boy was wearing only a Tshirt and jeans.

“When I think of him being alone in the woods like that, my heart aches,” said one person posting on social media. But most people on social media rebuked the parents as neglectful.

“If he was actually throwing stones at cars, that shows there wasn’t a lot of discipline anyway — and probably not enough love either,” said one person.

“Whatever the result, this is parental neglect. It’s cold in the Hokkaido mountains, and I hear there are bears, too,” said another person. - Reuters

Choon-geun, senior research fellow at South Korea’s state-run Science and Technology Policy Institute.

Musudan missile North Korea has never had a successful launch of the Musudan missile, which theoretically has the range to reach any part of Japan and the US territory of Guam.

The North is believed to have up to 30 Musudan missiles, according to South Korean media, which officials said were first deployed in around 2007.

“It could have cracks and something wrong with the welding,” Lee said of possible causes for the latest failure. “But deployment before test-firing these to complete development seems unusual.”

The attempted launch took place near the east coast city of Wonsan, one of the South Korean officials said, the same area where previous Musudan tests had taken place.

Separately, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported that diplomat Ri Su Yong, one of North Korea’s highest-profile officials, would visit China on Tuesday.

There was no indication of any link between the missile launch and Ri’s visit to China, which China’s Foreign Ministry said the visit was being organised by the Communist Party’s International Department. It gave no other details. Ri was foreign minister until he was named a member of the politburo during the recent Workers’ Party congress. - Reuters

Earthquake measuring 6.1 shakes parts of Taiwan TAIPEI: An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 shook parts of Taiwan on Tuesday and was felt in the capital, Taipei, residents and officials said, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The US Geological Survey originally recorded the quake, centred about 110 km (70 miles) northeast of Taipei, with a magnitude of 6.4.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau put the magnitude at 7.2.

Witnesses reported that tremors could be felt in buildings in Taipei, including the national parliament, as well as at the international airport in Taoyuan south of the capital. There were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage. - Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

GLOBAL EYE

GERMANY: Dark clouds hang in the sky over a street near Eggenthal, southern Germany, on Monday. — AFP/dpa/Karl-Josef Hildenbrand

MYANMAR: Myanmar workers load containers of oil onto a ship at

the Yangon jetty on Monday.

— AFP

MEXICO: Aerial view of Mexico City, Mexico, covered by a layer of smog on Monday. Authorities announced recently new measures to

combat a recent increase in air pollution in Mexico City, as officials reported an increase in related ailments such as asthma. Ozone levels surged in March, prompting authorities to declare the first air pollution alert in more than a decade and impose extra traffic restrictions that will run until June 30. — AFP

FRANCE: This photo shows barges and a boats on the river Seine on Quai de la Tournelle after its banks became flooded following heavy rainfalls on Tuesday in Paris, France. — AFP

CHINA: This photo taken on Sunday shows a veterinarian teaching children how to listen to a rabbit’s internal sounds of the body using a stethoscope during a parent-child activity for the upcoming Internation Children’s Day at Qingdao Forest Wild Animal Park in Qingdao, eastern China’s Shandong province. — AFP

SWEDEN: US actor Johnny Depp waves from a boat on his way to the concert with his band Hollywood Vampires at the Grona Lund amusement park in Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday. — AFP / TT Nyhetsbyrn/SUVAD MRKONJIC

BELGIUM: Belgium photographer and traveller Johan Lolos poses in front of one of his images on the eve of his first photo exhibition in Brussels on Friday, in this picture released on Tuesday. Lolos, 28, who has been travelling the world for three years in search of breathtaking sceneries, has become a professional social media influencer, being paid by tourism agencies to promote their destinations. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016 California is the biggest prize of the six states that hold presidential nominating contests on June 7, with 475 delegates. Hillary Clinton has secured 2,310 delegates, 73 short of the number needed to clinch her party’s nomination for the November 8 election.

WORLD

Philippines will not rely on United States, says Duterte Philippines President-elect Rodrigo Duterte calls for greater independence from America, unveils cabinet line-up

DAVAO CITY: Philippines President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday his country would not rely on long-term security ally the United States, signalling greater independence from Washington in dealing with China and the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines has traditionally been one of Washington’s staunchest supporters in its stand-off with Beijing over the South China Sea, a vital trade route where China has built artificial islands, airstrips and other military facilities.

Duterte, the tough-talking mayor of Davao City who swept to victory in a May 9 election, has backed multilateral talks to settle rows over the South China Sea that would include the United States, Japan and Australia as well as claimant nations. He has also called on China, which claims most of the sea, to respect the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone granted to coastal states under international law.

Asked by reporters if he would push for bilateral talks with China, Duterte replied: “We have this pact with the West, but I want everybody to know that we will be charting a course of our own.

“It will not be dependent on America. And it will be a line that

NEW FACES: Philippines’ President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, centre, takes a selfie with Cabinet mem-

bers in the southern Philippine city of Davao on Tuesday. – AFP/King Rodriguez/Davao City Mayor’s Office

is not intended to please anybody but the Filipino interest.”

Duterte was unveiling his cabinet line-up a day after a joint session of Congress declared him the election winner. He formally takes over as president on June 30.

Key ministerial appointments went mainly to conventional choices, a decision likely to allay nerves among foreign and domestic investors about a lurch away from reforms that have generated robust economic growth.

They also may point to a bid to resolve differences over the South China Sea. The Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims to waters rich in oil and gas and through which trillions of dollars’ worth of trade pass each year.

Duterte’s pick for foreign secretary, Perfecto Yasay, has sounded a conciliatory note.

“I don’t think that there is another way of resolving this dis-

pute except talking to each other,” Yasay told reporters this week.

“We certainly would like to make sure that we are able to resume bilateral talks because these are necessary.” Muddying the picture somewhat was the choice of Nicanor Faeldon, a former marine who led a coup bid about a decade ago, as head of the customs bureau, the country’s second-largest agency in terms of revenue.

In December, Faeldon took a group of Filipino protesters to a disputed island in the South China Sea that is held by the Philippines, triggering an angry response from Beijing. Before Duterte’s election, the Philippines also took the dispute to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, although China does not recognise the case. A ruling is expected in the coming weeks.

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“I am waiting for the arbitration,” Duterte said of the process, when asked about investment prospects with China. “It will impact on us in so many fronts ... I would like to wait for this, then, with the advice of the cabinet, I might be able to proceed. But you know, I am not ready to go to war. It will just result in a massacre.” Duterte, 71, named a former school classmate, Carlos Dominguez, as finance minister, and an economics professor, Ernesto Pernia, as economic planning minister. “I can assure you they are all men of integrity and honesty,” Duterte said in Davao, where he was mayor for more than two decades before being elected president.

Dominguez, who was mining and farm minister in two previous governments, hails from a wealthy family that has interests in real estate and hotels, while the USeducated Pernia is a former lead economist for the Asian Development Bank. “We are very excited about this cabinet,” said Perry Pe, president of the Management Association of the Philippines.

“They will hit the ground running from the first day.”

Duterte’s defiance of political tradition has drawn comparisons with US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

His “man-of-the-people” demeanour tapped into voters’ disappointment at the ruling elite’s failure to tackle poverty and inequality despite average economic growth of more than 6 percent under President Benigno Aquino.

Duterte condones executionstyle killings of criminals, shudders at the thought of wearing a tie or socks, and has vowed not to work until after noon when he becomes president.

Some cabinet positions have yet to be announced, and two of the 21 jobs confirmed so far are women.

When a female journalist asked a question at the briefing, Duterte wolf-whistled. — Reuters

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR

Jerry Brown endorses Hillary Clinton WASHINGTON: California Governor Jerry Brown on Tuesday endorsed Hillary Clinton for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, saying it was the only way to keep Republican Donald Trump out of the White House.

“I have decided to cast my vote for Hillary Clinton because I believe this is the only path forward to win the presidency and stop the dangerous candidacy of Donald Trump,” Brown said in a letter to California Democrats and independents posted online.

Brown, a popular Democrat who has steered the nation’s most populous state on a centrist path, praised Clinton’s rival, US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, but noted that she had won about 3 million more votes and hundreds more delegates. “In other words, Clinton’s lead is insurmountable and Democrats have shown - by millions of votes - that they want her as their nominee.”

California is the biggest prize of the six states that hold presidential nominating contests on June 7, with 475 delegates. Clinton has secured 2,310 delegates, 73 short of the number needed to clinch her party’s nomination for the November 8 election. As he noted in his letter, Brown himself waged a populist presidential campaign in 1992, losing to then-Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, with themes similar to many espoused by Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist. Running on the slogan “We the People,” Brown railed against the influence of money in Washington and said politicians were “bought and paid for”.

But Brown said Democrats need to stop fighting each other so they can focus on beating Trump, who he said presents a danger to immigrants, the environment and world peace. “The stakes couldn’t be higher. Our country faces an existential threat from climate change and the spread of nuclear weapons. A new Cold War is on the horizon,” Brown wrote. — Reuters

P R I VAT I S AT I O N

Striking workers march to protest against Greek ports sale ATHENS: Greek port workers went on strike for a sixth day on Tuesday and marched through central Athens to protest the statesanctioned selloff of the country’s two largest ports, Piraeus and Thessaloniki.

Privatisations have been a pillar of a succession of international bailouts for Greece since 2010, but political resistance and bureaucracy has stymied the task. From an initial target of 50 billion in revenue from asset sales, Greece has barely managed to scrape together 3 billion euros.

Fearing layoffs, port workers have been on 48-hour rolling strikes since last week and have said they will not return to work unless their requests are addressed. “Everything, taxes, bills, I N S U LT I N G P R E S I D E N T

Former Miss Turkey gets suspended prison term ANKARA: A former Miss Turkey was handed a 14-month suspended prison sentence on Tuesday for insulting President Tayyip Erdogan through a poem she shared on Instagram, the latest of at least a dozen Turks to face such a sentence.

An Istanbul court found model Merve Buyuksarac, 27, guilty of insulting a public official but suspended the sentence on condition she does not repeat the act for the next five years, local media said.

Insulting the president is a crime punishable by up to four years in jail in Turkey. The law was used infrequently until Erdogan won the presidency in August 2014, since which time prosecutors have opened more than 1,800 cases for insulting him, including against cartoonists, journalists and teenagers.

Buyuksarac was crowned Miss Turkey in 2006. — Reuters

the living cost, is going up. Daily food has become more expensive.

And myself, I don’t know if I have job tomorrow,” said port worker Antonis Peristerakis, 49, father of two children.

“I need security. I want to have food for my children. I don’t want to look for a job at the age of 49.”

Greece sealed last month the sale of a 67 per cent stake in Piraeus Port to shipping giant China COSCO for 368.5 million euros.

Piraeus Port’s shareholders met on Tuesday to approve the 36-year concession between Piraeus Port and the government and the election of new board members.

But discussion on the issues was postponed until June 10 after 200 port workers gathered outside the hotel building hosting the meeting

to protest the sale, said an official with Greece’s privatisation agency, which is the main shareholder of Piraeus Port and manages the sale.

The workers want COSCO to safeguard jobs for a minimum number of people, along with their current labour contracts, as part of the concession agreement. Piraeus port employs 1,100 people.

The strike is mainly disrupting cargo operations but Greece’s cruise ship-owners union has said that the walkout could also affect cruise ships docking in Piraeus.

Under the privatisation scheme, Athens is also selling a 67 per cent stake in Thessaloniki Port. Sources close to the process have said the binding bids are expected at the end of September. — Reuters

UP IN ARMS: Port workers shout slogans during a demonstration against the privatisation of Greek ports in Athens, Greece, on Tuesday. – Reuters

A16

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

WORLD

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Turkey counts cost of conflict with militants Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Kurdistan Workers Party in its ‘death throes’; a third of a million migrate due to fighting

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s conflict with Kurdish militants, said to have killed more than 5,000 people since July, has also destroyed at least 6,000 buildings that will cost approaching $340 million (1 billion lira) to rebuild, according to a government estimate.

Large swathes of towns in the mainly Kurdish southeast have been devastated by daily shelling, blasts and gunfire in battles that are still raging, even as President Tayyip Erdogan says the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is in its “death throes”. Turkish warplanes struck overnight at PKK gun positions and shelters in Semdinli by the border with Iraq and Iran, the army said. The fighting, at its most intense in two decades, resumed after a two-year-old ceasefire collapsed last July. A day earlier, roadside bombs killed at least six people in two attacks on security forces in the southeast.

Air strikes in northern Iraq’s Metina area have killed 14 PKK fighters since last Wednesday, the army said. As fighting continued, the government of new Prime Minister Binali Yildirim

said 6,320 buildings, or 11,000 dwellings, had been destroyed in five areas alone: Sur in Diyabakir, Silopi, Cizre and Idil in Sirnak province and Yuksekova in Hakkari. “We now face a process of planning reconstruction and repairing damaged houses,” Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said after a cabinet meeting on Monday, estimating the cost of rebuilding in the areas at 855 million lira ($290 million).

Lawmaker Dengir Mir Mehmet Firat of the pro-Kurdish HDP was dismissive of the reconstruction plans in ancient places like Sur and Cizre, where the “historic fabric had been wiped away”. “They are deluding themselves and trying to cover up their crimes,” he told Reuters. “If they are think they can win over the local people like this they are wrong. The destruction of these towns has caused an emotional rupture.”

Some 338 civilians, including 78 children, have died in the conflict since last summer, and curfews violated the rights of 1.6 million people, Turkey’s Human Rights Foundation said. Ankara

says 355,000 people have migrated to other parts of Turkey.

“These are the last death throes of the separatist terror group,” Erdogan told a crowd waving Turkish flags and chanting “damn the PKK” in the Aegean coastal city of Izmir overnight.

Military sources say 5,000 PKK militants have been killed since the conflict resumed, around half in southeast Turkey and half in northern Iraq, where the PKK has bases. They put the death toll for Turkish security forces at around 500. The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies, launched its insurgency in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. Alongside destruction of housing, nine mosques and two churches in Sur alone have suffered damage, a local official told journalists taken under escort to the area on Tuesday.

The 500-year-old Kursunlu mosque’s facade is pockmarked by gunfire, its interior burned out and sandbags in its windows testament to fighting there, a Reuters witness said. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

MARKE

OMAN CRUDE RISES Oman Crude (July delivery) rose by 57 cents to $46.23 per barrel on Tuesday, said Dubai Mercantile Exchange. The average price of Oman Crude (June delivery) was $39.40 per barrel, $3.06 a barrel higher than May delivery. - ONA

Muscat 5,810.96 - 27.59 - 0.47%

Dubai 3,313.72 + 7.28 + 0.22%

Abu Dhabi 4,250.20 - 9.34 - 0.22%

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

DIGEST VIDEO Top stories in one minute with our new daily Digest

Kuwait 5,400.33 + 21.45 + 0.40%

Saudi Arabia

6,430.55 + 70.64 + 1.11%

Bahrain 1,111.56 + 17.15 + 1.57%

Qatar 9,538.77 - 13.27 - 0.14%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

Type ............................Delivery...........Price

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.30 Pound ............................................1.75 Indian Rs ............................. 174.09 Pak Rs .................................... 267.81 Bangla Taka.......................201.25

Indian Rs ...................................174.60 Pakistan Rs ..............................272.10 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.50 Phil Peso .................................... 121.20

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......15.50

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$46.06 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$45.86 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$48.66 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ..........$48.11 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$49.33 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$49.40

* Rates are as of May 31 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of May 31 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Regular grade petrol output to be raised Tripling of consumption of relatively cheap regular petrol grade has necessiated the need to boost production in refineries so as to meet the growing demand for the product grade

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s refineries will enhance production of regular grade petrol and reduce output of super grade petrol to match a growing demand for the former product in recent months, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas told journalists here on Tuesday.

“We have to match it (a higher

demand for regular petrol). Whatever the market needs, we will supply,” said Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas. Price difference He was talking to the media on the sidelines of a function organised by BP to honour promoters of small and medium enterprises.

Consumption of relatively cheap regular petrol tripled in Oman,

mainly on an account of the difference in price, after deregulating prices of petroleum products early this year.

Super grade petrol costs 180 baisas per litre, while regular is available for 170 baisas per liter in June.

Growth in consumption Eng. Al Aufi said traditionally 90 per cent of consumption in Oman is super grade (M95), while regular petrol (M90) constituted only 10 per cent of overall consumption. “(However), we have seen a reduction in super grade and a major growth in demand for regular grade.”

According to latest data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the Sultanate posted a 127.3 per cent year-on-year increase in the production of regular (90) petrol in the first quarter of the current

Super grade petrol However, super grade petrol output posted an 11.1 per cent fall to 4.62 million barrels from 5.20 million barrels in the first quarter of 2015.

The undersecretary also noted that there is no (scientific) proof on the harmful environmental impact of regular grade petrol.

The difference between these two grades are only on burning efficiencies. He also said that the refineries in Oman are planning to produce a better quality M91 petrol grade to replace M90 this year.

The Sultanate’s two refineries – Mina Al Fahal in Muscat and Sohar refineries – are owned by Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic).

PDO unveils new web service for vendors MUSCAT: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) on Tuesday launched a new online service aimed at helping Omani small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engage in business opportunities.

The Daleeli (My Guide) platform located on thepdo.co.om website will provide information, respond to queries, streamline the enquiry process and log all communications between PDO’s internal departments and external vendors.

It was officially launched by Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, during the annual PDO Day, which is held every year in May to mark the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin

Said’s historic official visit to the Company’s Bait Mina Al Fahal (BMF) headquarters building in 2013.

Al Aufi toured 15 presentation stands showcasing key achievements of PDO’s directorates and presented prizes to the winners of the 12th Chairman’s Award for Excellence (CAE) and the fourth Dr Abdulla Al Lamki for Developing Talent Award (DALTA) competitions.

There was also an exhibition of photos of His Majesty taken by His official private photographer Mohammed Mustafa and two portraits of His Majesty by Omani artist Saud Al Hunaini.

PDO Managing Director Raoul Restucci said: “PDO Day is an opportunity for the Company to celebrate the anniversary of His

Raoul Restucci. — Supplied picture

Majesty’s visit and also showcase the efforts we are making every day to serve Oman.

“These extend beyond our core activities of efficient, safe and sus-

Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............ 145.75 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 137.00 * Rates as of May 31 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

PRODUCTION SHARING BASIS

year with output surging ahead to 1.72 million barrels compared with 758,900 barrels produced for the same period of last year.

‘ M Y G U I D E ’ P L AT F O R M

Times News Service

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......14.90

tainable oil and gas exploration and production to supporting His Majesty’s vision of economic diversification, SME development and enhancing Omani skills and talents.

“Despite the oil price environment, we continue to ramp up our In-Country Value drive and support local suppliers. With more and more business being done online, it’s important we make it as easy, transparent and quick as possible for vendors, including Omani SMEs, to work with us.

“The new Daleeli service is a one-stop shop where suppliers can find out exactly how they can do that. It provides key information, streamlines interactions between PDO and suppliers and keeps a record of all communications between both parties.”

MAKING A POINT: Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas. — Times file picture

Sultanate plans to tender five oil blocks in October A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s government plans to start tendering of around five oil blocks sometime in October this year, a senior official at the Ministry of Oil and Gas told Times of Oman. These oil and gas blocks spread in different parts of the country will be awarded, after a tendering process, on production sharing basis.

“There are a number of locations. We are evaluating few of them and in October we will go to the market. I would probably say an average of five, but we (may) have more or less, depending on the readiness of data collection and evaluation,” Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, said, on the sidelines of a function organised by BP to honour small and medium enterprises.

Although these blocks have both oil and gas deposits, these are predominantly oil blocks.

Presently, majority state-owned Petroleum Development Oman contributes 68 per cent of Oman’s total crude oil production, while the remaining 32 per cent are contributed by national and multinational oil firms.The average crude

oil production target this year is estimated at 990,000 barrels per day, slightly higher than 980,000 barrels per day in 2015. The country’s average daily crude oil production in January-February period exceeded this target at one million barrels per day. However, oil production declined in March due to heavy rains, but it recovered to 994,303 barrels per day the following month.

Oman government directly or indirectly holds stake in several major oil producing firms, including Occidental Oman, in the country. As huge investment is required for bringing oil above the ground in view of the peculiar nature of reservoirs in Oman, the government has been encouraging multinational firms to undertake exploration on production sharing basis.

Asked about whether the recent slump in oil prices is affecting attractiveness of multinational firms to invest in Oman, Eng. Al Aufi said; “We have to be smart in negotiation. We need to recognise that companies will be using lower oil production forecast when they bid and to be smart enough to accept it today. Also, we have to introduce mechanisms in such a way that we gain from the deal when oil prices go up.”

HONOURING CEREMONY

Next Omani products’ exhibition to be conducted in Tehran BUSINESS REPORTER

WELL DONE: More than 100 Oman-based firms participated in Opex

in Addis Ababa. - Picture by Jun Estrada/Times of Oman

MUSCAT: Tehran, capital city of Iran, will be the next destination for the Omani Products Exhibition (Opex) event, which will be held from September 26 to 30 this year.

New destination was announced during an event to honour the participants of the Opex which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia last month.

Honouring ceremony was under the auspices of Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

According to the officials of Opex, exhibition at the Ethiopian capital recorded a turnout of significant visitors representing

various segments of the Ethiopian business society.

“Aim of the Opex 2016 aimed to boost cooperation between the Sultanate and Ethiopia,” Ayman Al Hasani, vice-chairman for economic and branches affairs at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), and head of the Opex Organising Committee said.

“Event offered visitors with the opportunity to get familiarised with the Omani products under one platform,” he added.

According to him, exhibition also helped to find business-tobusiness meetings between Omani industrialists and their Ethiopian counterparts to discuss potential bilateral business opportunities.

Speaking about the outcomes of the five Opex events, Al Hasani said “The first ever Opex event took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2012 where around 60 companies representing various sectors participated in the exhibition and promising deals were inked. The positive results of this exhibition were followed by successful exhibitions organised in Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, and finally Addis Ababa.” “The number of participating companies has been increasing and encouraging us to undertake more efforts and provide more space for the exhibitors,” Al Hasani pointed out.

According to him, more than 100 Oman firms participated in

Opex in Addis Ababa. “Firms from various industries like natural resources, minerals, wood products, manufacturing products, furniture, food, medical and pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, plastic and metal equipment, perfume, leather, and logistics participated,” he said. “Moreover, around 82% of the participating companies and factories inked trade deals during the event,” he asserted.

Opex event are organised by a government committee formed by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa), and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

B2

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

MARKET WORLD TRADE

Mittal wants trade to be major driver of global growth GENEVA: Pitching for more predictable multi-lateral trade rules under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) vicechairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has said 3 per cent growth in global trade should not be treated as new normal and effort should be made to make trade central driver of global growth.

Mittal, who is also Bharti Enterprises founder and chairman, was speaking at the first ever dialogue of the ICC and the WTO. “Business wants predictable, modern and up-to-date multilateral trade rules, negotiated and agreed at the WTO. Trade is expected to grow by less than 3 per cent for the fifth consecutive year in 2016.

“We should not accept this as the new normal. We are ready to work constructively with WTO members to restore trade as a central driver of global growth,” an ICC statement quoting Mittal said.

WTO initiatives The meeting identified a broad range of possible WTO initiatives to help boost trade-led inclusive growth and that the issues include SME growth, investment, sectoral liberalisation and e-commerce.

It said that there was a strong call from business leaders for the WTO to play a central role in underpinning an open, reliable and secure global digital economy.

Participants expressed particular interest in possible ‘e-commerce negotiations’ which could encompass a broad range of issues such as customs duties, electronic signatures, data protection and localisation requirements, it added.

Speaking on the e-commerce initiative, Mittal said: “The global nature of e-commerce means that the WTO has a vital role to play in the further development of rules and standards in this area.

The ICC is a leading business of over 6.5 million members. - PTI

Orpic signs multi-million rial contract with local company This multi-million rial contract, signed with a local SME in North Al Batinah region, is for the improvement of warehouse facilities on its Sohar industrial port premises

Times News Service MUSCAT: In keeping with its promise to support and develop Oman’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and as part of its commitment to maximise the In Country Value (ICV), Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic), recently signed a project contract with Al Batina International Engineering for improvement of warehouse facilities on its Sohar industrial port premises.

This multi-million rial contract, signed with a local SME in North Al Batinah region, projects Orpic’s assurance in developing national

capabilities. Orpic believes in creating opportunities for local SMEs by ring fencing tenders as well as through its main contractors by identifying suitable scope of work for them.

In-Country Value Ibrahim Al Kalbani, manager – Procurement, Contracting & Inventory, Orpic said; “From all the bids received, Al Batina International Engineering was not just technically qualified but also offered the most competitive commercial bid.

Orpic always encourages the participation of local qualified SMEs because we firmly believe in InCountry Value proposition.”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR OMANIS: Orpic believes in creating opportunities for local SMEs by ring fencing tenders as well as through its main contractors by identifying suitable scope of work for them.- Supplied picture

“Through this partnership, we believe that the company will be able to create employment for Omanis, provide goods and services by Omani suppliers in Oman, which in turn, will add value to Oman.

Awarding of this contract reaffirms our pledge to support and develop local SMEs in line with

the national agenda,” he added.

Abdul Qader Al Farsi, owner of Al Batina International Engineering, said, “We are indeed very happy that Orpic gave us an opportunity to work on this important project. As an Omani company, we are proud to partner with Orpic who are leaders in refining and

petrochemical segment.”

Orpic is one of the few companies, which provides opportunities to Omani SMEs, which in turn will benefit not just businesses but the Oman economy in general.

We will strive our best to fulfill our promise and we look forward to a long partnership with them,” Al Farsi added.

Ibrahim Al Maamari, manager – In-Country Value (ICV) said, “An important element of our endeavour is to make sure that we offer every local company an opportunity to work with us. In fact, we ring fence certain tenders specifically for local contractors.

Our aim is to impact Oman’s GDP positively and offer employment opportunities for individuals.

We will continue to support local SMEs and promote a culture of excellence among them through mentoring and development.”

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AUTOMOTIVE

Jaguar Land Rover sales help Tata to triple profit NEW DELHI: Tata Motors rose to its highest intraday level in almost a year after Jaguar Land Rover sales gains in Europe and China helped triple its profit, beating analyst estimates.

Shares gained as much as 10 per cent to Rs463.90 since June 3, 2015. They traded up 9.4 per cent in Mumbai trading.

Jaguar Land Rover chief executive officer Ralf Speth said China is ‘coming back’ and the auto maker is optimistic about global economic growth as it invests in new products.

Sales in US, China The luxury-vehicle unit said it’s ramping up sales of the Jaguar brand’s F-Pace crossover, XE sedan in the United States, XF’s long wheelbase in China and will introduce Land Rover’s Evoque Convertible sport utility vehicle in the coming months.

“The Jaguar plan has worked like clockwork so far, supporting margins and profits, and we expect the F-Pace to drive significant earnings growth as volumes ramp up,” Robin Zhu and Yang Liu, analysts at Sanford C. Bern-

stein, wrote in a report, maintaining their outperform rating on the stock. With new models including the Discovery “on the runway, and the pound remaining supportive, we remain convinced that Tata/ JLR will grow earnings beyond expectations.”

Tata Motors’ net income tripled to Rs51.8 billion ($771 million) in the quarter ended March 31, compared to the Rs35.3 billions average of analysts’ estimates. Profit at the Jaguar Land Rover unit increased 56 per cent to £472 million ($690 million). – Bloomberg News

ECONOMIC ZONE

Sezad extends support to small firms in Duqm Times News Service MUSCAT: Duqm’s special economic zone confirmed its commitment to strengthen the contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in projects implemented within the zone.

It said that the law obligates government-owned companies, and government projects operating within the economic zone in Duqm to allocate not less than 10 per cent of their total purchases and tenders for SMEs. During the SME Symposium held on Tuesday in Duqm on ‘Duqm Investment Opportunities’, Sezad stated that it had established a special register for the registration of SMEs to create a database, and send their names to the companies implementing projects in SEZD. Economic activities This would allow these SMEs to get works according to their respective economic activities.

Sezad stressed that though this was not a commercial registration, it would be an assistance provided to SMEs to obtain business from major companies implementing the projects.

The seminar, organised by Sezad and the Public Authority

for SMEs Development ‘Riyada’ at Crowne Plaza Duqm Hotel, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohsen bin Hamad bin Mohsen Al Maskari, wali of Duqm, witnessed an extensive presence of SMEs, which confirmed their desire to invest in SEZD. Projects in Duqm Salim bin Yasser Al Sulaimani, executive vice president of Support Services in Sezad, indicated that the past years have seen the establishment of a number of projects in SEZD. “These provide good opportunities for SMEs in light of the various incentives Sezad provides for investors and the miscellaneous services offered through the one-stop shop,” added Al Sulaimani.

Khaled bin Al Safi Al Hiraibi, ex-

ecutive vice president of Riyada, stated that the seminar was part of the joint efforts to promote opportunities for partnerships and investment for the institutions with a domestic value-added from the public and private sectors.

“These would contribute to the economic diversification in the Sultanate. We also aim to support and enhance the capabilities and skills of SMEs owners to develop and allow them to grow and take advantage of the business opportunities available in Duqm,” added Al Hiraibi.

The seminar included a number of presentations on the available investment opportunities in SEZD, the incentives provided

by Sezad, and the funding from financial institutions in the Sultanate for SMEs sector.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

B3

MARKET OIL TRADING

Asia’s Iran crude oil imports rise 13% in April TOKYO: Asian imports of Iranian oil in April rose by more than 13 per cent from a year ago as Tehran vies to recoup market share lost under international sanctions, with shipments into India and South Korea offsetting a big slump in purchases

by Japan.

The figures are in line with loading data and confirm that Iran is regaining market share faster than expected after sanctions were lifted in January. April imports by Iran’s biggest buyers would have been higher had Japan not halted loadings in March over shipping insurance concerns that have since been resolved.

Japan’s oil imports Japan on Tuesday announced its official oil import figures for April, following data earlier from China, India and South Korea.

Iran’s biggest oil clients together imported 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) last month, according to official government and tankertracking data.

Iran’s total oil exports to Asia are set to surge nearly 60 per cent in May from a year earlier to 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd). For several years before 2012, Iran exported around 2.5 million bpd, with more than half going to Asia, mainly China, South Korea, India and Japan.

Keeping the upward momentum on exports may be challenging for Iran as Middle Eastern rivals are also vying for market share as crude prices have surged in recent weeks.

Iraq will supply 5 million barrels of extra crude in June to raise market share ahead of an Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) meeting this week, industry sources said this week.

Top crude oil exporter Saudi Arabia is also offering extra crude as its rivalry with Iran shifts to oil markets. - Reuters

Entrepreneurs hone skills under BP’s SME programme Khazzan Project for SME Development focuses on developing the skills of the entrepreneurs through classroom training and mentorship sessions based on interactive learning

Times News Service MUSCAT: BP Oman celebrated the second batch of ‘The Khazzan project for SME Development Programme’ at the Ministry of Oil and Gas under the patronage of Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas. In 2015, the programme benefited 22 entrepreneurs after which BP decided to continue it for a second year benefiting 26 more entrepreneurs.

The Khazzan Project for SME Development focuses on developing the skills of the entrepreneurs through classroom training and mentorship sessions based on interactive learning.

The programme aims to develop the enterprises’ performance in terms of financial and cash flow management as well as to support their marketing and brand development plans.

“We are proud of BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT: In 2015, the Khazzan project for SME Development Programme benefited 22 entrepreneurs after which BP decided to continue it for a second year benefiting 26 more entrepreneurs. - JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

achievements. The Khazzan Project for SME Development programme is an effective tool that supports Enterprise Development.

Through such programmes we can ensure a sustainable impact on Oman’s economy and society,” Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi said.

Impact on economy “BP is proud to contribute towards the development of SMEs. We believe that this will have a great impact in the development of Oman’s economy in the long term,” said Khalid Al Kindi, deputy general manager, BP Oman.

The second edition of the programme, in 2016, covered the governorates of Ad Dhahira and Ad

Dakhiliyah along with some beneficiaries from the governorate of Muscat to expand and reach out to more beneficiaries.

The ceremony was attended by multi stakeholders and officials from the oil and gas industry, and small and medium enterprises (SME) sector. This programme is part of BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme which covers three main areas — education, enterprise development and energy sustainability.

Commenting on the programme, Abdullah Al Jufaili, general manager of Sharakah, said that 160 applications were submitted for the programme which showcases the increasing interest

UTILITY

on these initiatives. Ultimately, 60 applicants were selected for oneto-one interviews to validate the data they submitted and to make sure that they met all the criteria set for the programme. Once the interviews were done, 26 applicants were finally selected to join the programme.

As many as 20 beneficiaries will be selected at a later stage to receive a non-refundable grant of OMR5,000 from BP Oman per project.

William Crew, chief executive officer of Inspired Solutions, the programme’s principal trainer, said that they were impressed with the entrepreneurs’ commitment during the eight weeks of the intensive training programme as

well as their understanding and application of the course materials. He also assured that each beneficiary has prepared a strategic growth business plan to compete for BP’s non-repayable grant.

The grants will be used to support the entrepreneurs’ further development, which will have a positive impact on economy reinforcing the Sultanate’s strategic plan towards ‘in country Value.’

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BOND SALE

Oman’s electricity generation in Saudi Arabia hires HSBC banker to first quarter increases 9 per cent set up debt office MUSCAT: Net electricity generation in Oman in the first quarter of 2016 registered a year-on-year growth of 9.1 per cent to reach 5,926.7GW per hour as against 5,429.9GW per hour produced last year, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

The Sultanate’s first quarter gross electricity generation rose 9.2 per cent to 6,199.6GW per hour compared to 5,677.5GW per hour achieved during the same quarter of 2015.

Meanwhile, Oman’s water production last year surged 4.2 per cent to 336.856 million cubic metres compared to 323.149 million cubic metres in the previous year.

Net electricity generated in the Governorate of Dhofar reported a 14 per cent increase during the period with output reaching 675.2GW per hour while the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah stepped up its output by 7.6 per cent to 228.7 GW per hour.

The Governorate of Musandam logged a production growth of 6.9 per cent to touch 48.8GW per hour while the Governorates of North and South Al Batinah and the Governorate of Al Dhahirah together achieved a 25 per cent increase in net electricity production at 3,253.7GW per hour.

However, net electricity output in the Governorates of North

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia hired HSBC banker Fahad Al Saif to start a debt management office that will be responsible for the Kingdom’s first international bond sale, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

Al Saif joined the Ministry of Finance on an open-ended secondment from HSBC’s Saudi British Bank, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. At Saudi British, in which HSBC holds a 40 per cent stake, he was general manager of global banking and markets. Al Saif is also a board member at HSBC Saudi Arabia.

BETTER GENERATION: The Sultanate’s first quarter gross electricity generation rose 9.2 per cent to

6,199.6GW per hour from 5,677.5GW per hour achieved in the same quarter of 2015. – Time file picture

and South Al Sharqiyah witnessed a decline of 23.5 per cent to 594.7GW per hour while a six per cent fall in production in the Governorate of Muscat brought down net electricity output to 1,058.4GW per hour during the same period.

The Governorate of Al Wusta too recorded a 7.5 per cent drop in production at 67.2GW per hour.

Net electricity production last year stood at 32,081.1GW per hour.

Water production in the Governorate of Muscat rose 78.3 per cent last year to 156.6 million

cubic metres compared to 2014 figures while the Governorate of Dhofar recorded a 5.2 per cent fall at 37.62 million cubic metres. Other governorates together logged a 27.1 per cent drop in water production generating 142.63 million cubic metres last year. — ONA

Second HSBC banker Al Saif is the second HSBC banker to move into a government role in Saudi Arabia in the past few months after Mohammad Al Tuwaijri, the bank’s chief executive officer for the Middle East, was appointed deputy economy and planning minister. The moves come Saudi Arabia witnesses an unprecedented shakeup of the kingdom’s economy to reduce the country’s reliance on oil receipts.

Saudi Arabia is poised to join other countries from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tapping foreign markets to plug budget deficits caused by lower crude prices. The kingdom earlier this month sent invitations to

banks to arrange a bond sale, three people familiar with the plans said.

It plans to tap international debt markets as early as September, Minister of State Mohammad bin Abdulmalik Al Sheikh said during a meeting between Bloomberg News and the Deputy Crown Prince last month.

Advisor for IPO In a joint statement, SABB and HSBC confirmed Al Saif’s secondment to the Ministry of Finance and said that “while there, he remains an HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited employee but has relinquished all management and board responsibilities with Saudi British Bank and HSBC to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.” The Finance Ministry declined to comment.

In May, Saudi Arabia’s stock market said it hired HSBC’s Saudi unit as a financial adviser for its initial public offering, beating off competition from Wall Street banks and other international investment banks.

HSBC Saudi Arabia has also been appointed to advise the government on the partial privatisation of Saudi Arabia’s Grain Silos and Flour Mills Organisation, one of the first under the kingdom’s new economic reform plan, two people with knowledge of the matter said in April. — Bloomberg News

B4

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,844.77 ...............5,810.96 ................... 5,810.96 ...................5,838.56................-27.60 .................. -0.47 Financial Index .....................................7,466.89 ............... 7,414.21 ....................7,414.26 ................... 7,446.74................-32.48 .................. -0.44 Industrial Index ....................................7,254.18 ............... 7,167.60 .................... 7,167.60 ...................7,244.39................ -76.79 .................. -1.06 Services Index ...................................... 3,255.97 .............. 3,241.26 ................... 3,254.75 ...................3,240.93..................13.82 ................... 0.43 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................881.03 .................. 872.77 .......................872.77 .......................881.03..................-8.26 .................. -0.94 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 22,547,821 ................. 5,375,829 ................. 1,069 ............... 17,015,280,866 .................. 7 ......................19 .................... 21 .........................47

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, MAY 31 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

REGULAR MARKET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .......15,300 .............23,130........................6 ............1.515 ............1.515............1.510 ............1.510 ............. 1.465.............0.045............. 3.072 ................1.510 .............. 1.470...................1.505..................104,190,000........0.100

Muscat Securities Market. – Times file picture

OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 212,357 .........120,064........................6 ........... 0.570 ...........0.570 ...........0.560........... 0.566 .............0.550 ............0.016 .............2.909 ................0.560..............0.524...................0.560 .................359,857,643 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 618,375...........176,136.....................44 ........... 0.282 ...........0.290 ...........0.281........... 0.285 .............0.277 ........... 0.008............. 2.888 ................0.290..............0.285...................0.292 ..................82,835,541 .........0.100

MSM index ends lower

OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 417,860............26,304........................8 ........... 0.062 ...........0.063 ...........0.062........... 0.063 .............0.062 ............0.001 ..............1.613.................0.063..............0.063...................0.065................... 13,050,537 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 2,986,783 ...... 315,257...................128 ............0.106 ........... 0.107 ...........0.104........... 0.106 .............0.105.............0.001 ............. 0.952 ................0.104..............0.104...................0.105...................30,737,948 .........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................. 92,000 ............ 12,880........................1 ............0.140 ........... 0.140 ...........0.140........... 0.140 ............. 0.139.............0.001 ............. 0.719.................0.140.............. 0.139...................0.145...................28,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ...........................5,000 ...............1,200........................1 ........... 0.240...........0.240 ...........0.240 .......... 0.249 .............0.249 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.240 .............0.230...................0.248 ..................23,664,960.........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ........................................................... 186,229 ............96,211.....................24 ............0.518 ...........0.522 ...........0.516 ............0.516 ............. 0.516............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.516 ..............0.510...................0.516 ...................28,380,000.........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............48,087 ...............6,482........................6 ............0.135 ........... 0.135 ...........0.133 ............0.135 ............. 0.135............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.135 .............. 0.135...................0.140................... 16,453,125 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 690,575 ......... 158,493..................... 49 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.229........... 0.230 .............0.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.230...................0.232 ..................34,517,250 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ........................................................................ 1,050 .................. 184........................2 ............0.175 ........... 0.175............0.175 ............0.175 ............. 0.175............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.175 .............. 0.172...................0.175 ..................249,381,325........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 629,737.......... 110,834..................... 30 ............0.176 ........... 0.176 ...........0.176 ............0.176 ............. 0.176............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.176 .............. 0.175...................0.176 ..................282,391,884........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .....................................................10,000 .............. 4,200........................1 ........... 0.420 ...........0.420 ...........0.420........... 0.420 .............0.420 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.420..............0.420...................0.430 ..................25,410,000 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................4,620 ............... 1,396........................3 ........... 0.304...........0.304 ...........0.302............0.318 ............. 0.318............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.302..............0.302...................0.304 ..................70,281,180 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.........................................................................63,304 .............47,572........................9 ............0.752 ........... 0.752 ...........0.748 ........... 0.752 ............. 0.752............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.748 ..............0.740...................0.748..................489,510,061 ........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ......................................388 ...............1,824........................2 ........... 4.700 ...........4.700 ...........4.700........... 4.700 .............4.700 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.700............. 0.000...................4.950 .................. 45,967,015 .........1.000 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER....................................................2,400 ..................494........................1 ........... 0.206...........0.206 ...........0.206 .......... 0.210 .............0.210 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.206............. 0.000...................0.206 .................141,726,360 ........0.100

Construction Material Industries was the top

OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 150,000 ...........32,400........................4 ............0.216 ........... 0.216 ...........0.216........... 0.216 .............0.216............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.216 ..............0.213...................0.216.................. 154,311,769 ........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 232,000............58,021........................9 ............0.251 ........... 0.251 ...........0.249........... 0.250 ............. 0.251............-0.001 ........... -0.398 ...............0.249..............0.245...................0.248 ..................25,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............. 86,200 .............21,456......................15 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.247........... 0.249 .............0.250 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.400 ...............0.249..............0.249...................0.250 ...................5,229,000 ..........0.100

gainer of the day, up by 3.23%, while Oman

OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 201,433 .........322,316......................41 ............1.605 ........... 1.610............1.600........... 1.600 ............. 1.610............-0.010 ........... -0.621................1.600..............1.600................... 1.610 ................1,200,000,000......0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................44,276 .............10,026........................4 ........... 0.226 ...........0.228 ...........0.226........... 0.226 .............0.228 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.877 ...............0.228............. 0.224...................0.230 .................. 13,832,166 .........0.100

Flour Mills was the top loser, down by 4.84%

OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 1,810,232 ...... 186,086......................51 ............0.104 ........... 0.104 ...........0.102........... 0.103 .............0.104 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.962 ...............0.103 ..............0.102...................0.103..................206,032,217........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 1,158,520 ......236,988..................... 68 ........... 0.207 ...........0.207 ...........0.204 .......... 0.205 .............0.207 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.966 ...............0.204 .............0.203...................0.204 ..................25,604,082.........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 411,242 ............81,413........................9 ........... 0.202...........0.202 ...........0.196 ........... 0.198 .............0.200 ...........-0.002 ........... -1.000 ...............0.196 ..............0.194...................0.197...................39,600,000.........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ....................... 45,000 ...............3,907........................5 ........... 0.087 ...........0.087 ...........0.086........... 0.087 .............0.088 ...........-0.001 ............-1.136................0.086..............0.086...................0.090 ...................2,610,000 ..........0.100

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) dropped on lack of support even at lower levels. The MSM30 Index fell by 0.47 per cent to close at 5,810.96 points. The MSM Sharia Index fell by 0.94 per cent to end at 872.77 points. Galfar Engineering was most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover. Construction Material Industries was the top gainer of the day, up by 3.23 per cent while Oman Flour Mills was the top loser, down by 4.84 per cent.

A total number of 47 trades were executed, generating turnover of OMR5.3 million with 22.5 million shares changing hands.

Out of 47 traded securities, seven advanced, 19 declined and 21 remained unchanged.

Omani Investors were net buyers for OMR1.63 million followed by GCC& Arab investors for OMR363,000 while Financial Index closed at 7414.26 points, down by 0.44 per cent. Ominvest, Al Madina Investment and Global

Financial Investment increased by 2.91 per cent, 1.61 per cent and 0.72 per cent respectively.

National Bank of Oman, Gulf Investment Services, Bank Muscat and Al Sharqiya Investment fell by 2.78 per cent, 2.44 per cent, 1.52 per cent and 1.47 per cent respectively. Industrial Index fell by 1.06 per cent to close at 7,167.60 points. Construction Material Industries and Galfar Engineering rode by 3.23 per cent and 0.95 per cent respectively.

Oman Flour Mills, Raysut Cement, Al Maha Ceramics, Al Anwar Ceramics and Oman Cables declined by 4.84 per cent, 4.30 per cent, 3.70 per cent, 1.51 per cent and 1.40 per cent respectively.

Services Index closed at 3,254.75 points, up by 0.43 per cent. Al Maha Petroleum, and Renaissance Services gained by 3.07 per cent and 2.89 per cent respectively. OIFC, Jazeera Services and Omantel declined by 1 per cent, 0.88 per cent and 0.62 per cent respectively.

OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 286,979 ............69,736........................8 ........... 0.243 ...........0.243 ...........0.243........... 0.243 .............0.246 ...........-0.003 ........... -1.220 ...............0.243..............0.243...................0.247 ................ 412,905,940 .......0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY.................................... 276,311 ..........485,182........................8 ............1.780 ........... 1.780............1.750 ............1.755 ............. 1.780............-0.025 ........... -1.404 ...............1.750 .............. 1.750...................1.780 ..................157,423,500 ........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 705,938 ........... 94,738..................... 67 ............0.137 ........... 0.138 ...........0.133 ........... 0.134 ............. 0.136............-0.002 ............-1.471 ................0.133 .............. 0.133...................0.134...................12,060,000.........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 333,456 ............87,031......................18 ........... 0.265 ...........0.265 ...........0.260 .......... 0.261 .............0.265 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.509 ...............0.265............. 0.260...................0.265....................77,311,771..........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 2,195,407 ...... 854,771................... 213 ........... 0.394 ...........0.394 ...........0.386........... 0.390 .............0.396 ...........-0.006 ............-1.515 ................0.390..............0.390...................0.392..................973,537,601 ........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES .............................9,000 ...............1,080........................3 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.120........... 0.120 ............. 0.123............-0.003 ........... -2.439 ...............0.120...............0.117...................0.120.....................7,061,186 ..........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 2,292,115 ...... 577,665..................... 39 ........... 0.250 ........... 0.255 ...........0.242 .......... 0.245 .............0.252 ...........-0.007 ........... -2.778 ...............0.245..............0.243...................0.245 .................361,321,412 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................. 26,917 ..............11,175.....................22 ........... 0.420 ...........0.420 ...........0.414 ............0.416 .............0.432 ...........-0.016 ........... -3.704 ...............0.414 ..............0.414...................0.420 ..................21,840,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ...................................................... 441,068 .........540,443..................... 46 ............1.265 ........... 1.265 ...........1.210 ........... 1.225 .............1.280 ...........-0.055 ........... -4.297 ...............1.210 .............. 1.215...................1.250................. 245,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002846 ...........GULF INV. SER. PREF SHARES ............................ 3,182,497 ......334,162........................3 ............0.105 ........... 0.105 ...........0.105 ........... 0.105 ............. 0.110............-0.005 ........... -4.545 ...............0.105 ..............0.105...................0.110 .................... 9,596,032 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 19,872,656.....5,111,256 ................954 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......36........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PARALLEL MARKET .................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 652,189 ........... 20,857.....................22 ............0.031 ...........0.032 ...........0.031 ........... 0.032 ............. 0.031.............0.001 ............. 3.226 ................0.032.............. 0.031...................0.032 ...................2,720,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001269............COMPUTER STATIONERY IND. .............................. 1,000 ..................250........................1 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.250........... 0.260 .............0.260 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.250..............0.250...................0.000 ...................2,600,000..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .......................................................58,577 ...............3,459..................... 10 ........... 0.059 ...........0.060 ...........0.059........... 0.059 .............0.059 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.060..............0.059...................0.060 ................... 7,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 761,341 ............ 66,250..................... 36 ........... 0.088 ...........0.090 ...........0.085........... 0.087 .............0.087 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.086..............0.085...................0.087....................6,543,096 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 860,000........... 64,503......................19 ............0.075 ........... 0.076 ...........0.075........... 0.075 .............0.075 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.075..............0.074...................0.075..................112,500,000........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK............................................... 50,000 ...............2,850........................7 ........... 0.057 ........... 0.057 ...........0.057........... 0.057 .............0.057 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.057..............0.056...................0.058...................57,000,000.........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ..............................19,000 .............. 2,280........................2 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.120........... 0.120 .............0.120 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.120.............. 0.112...................0.120...................12,000,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER .......................................................114,111 ............. 17,565........................6 ............0.153 ........... 0.155 ...........0.153 ........... 0.154 .............0.154............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.155 ..............0.154...................0.155 ................. 225,240,625 .......0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ............................................... 156,815 ............ 86,346........................9 ........... 0.564 ...........0.564 ...........0.550........... 0.550 .............0.578 ...........-0.028 ........... -4.844 ...............0.550..............0.550...................0.554...................86,625,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,673,033 ..... 264,360................... 112 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 9........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 ............................................ 2,124 .................. 212........................2 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.100...................0.110 .................... 4,766,667 ..........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................................8 ........................1........................1 ........... 0.096 ...........0.096 ...........0.096........... 0.096 .............0.096 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.096..............0.096...................0.099....................31,119,515..........0.100 .............................................SUM: ...................................................................................... 2,132 ...................213........................3 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities

DEBT BAILOUT FUND

Greece, lenders at odds over loose ends in reform programme ATHENS: Greece and its international lenders are inching towards an accord over a set of extra measures demanded from Athens to qualify for vital rescue funds, sources with knowledge of the negotiations said on Tuesday.

The two sides wrapped up the bulk of reforms needed for badly needed bailout cash last week, but left some loose ends which must be tied up before Athens gets 10.3

billion euros ($11.48 billion) of sub-tranches by September.

To qualify for the funds, Greek lawmakers grudgingly approved tax hikes and pension reforms, freed up the sale of bad loans weighing on banks’ balance sheets and promised to expedite privatisations. But Greece must also legislate a series of extra actions which the left-led government resists due to growing dissent

at home after six years of belttightening. One of the measures is phasing out a top-up benefit to pensioners.

“It’s a matter of parliamentary dignity. We cannot ask lawmakers to vote over the same issues again and again,” a government official told Reuters. “Some of the actions demanded are also worsening the impact of the measures already adopted and hurt sensitive groups

further.” To break the deadlock, some of the pending issues would be postponed for September, the official said. “We are close to reaching a deal.”

Consecutive votes on reforms have tested the left-led coalition government, which has a narrow parliamentary majority with 153 of the 300 lawmakers and ranks second, behind the conservative opposition in polls.

Greece opposes some amendments on reforms, including retroactively clawing back an income-based benefit paid to certain groups of pensioners, and freezing the wages of essential staff as it struggles with Europe’s worst migrant crisis in decades.

It also opposes the privatisation of grid operator ADMIE and the sale of state-guaranteed bad loans, saying the move demanded by the

European Central Bank would widen its fiscal gap.

The lenders are looking into the issues raised, an EU official said on Monday. The country’s bailout review was initially expected to be wrapped up last year. It dragged on for months mainly due to a rift between the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over Greece’s fiscal progress and its bailout targets. — Reuters

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ROUND-UP

Attractive incentives on stylish Kia Cerato Cerato customers are eligible to receive a cash gift of OMR900

MUSCAT: Cruising past public places, speeches of silence fill the air as avid glances admire and scope out the stylish Kia Cerato and now, those yearning to get their hands on a Cerato couldn’t really wish for a better opportunity.

Kia Cerato 1.6 EX DAB SSR is currently being offered with the wonderful benefits of the Ramadan offer. Cerato customers are eligible to receive a cash gift of OMR900. They also enjoy 0% interest on EMI offer (available only on 24 months) and 2.99% interest rate (applicable for deals from greater than two years up to five years). Apart from this, every Cerato customer is in the running for a raffle draw comprising OMR1,000 and a grand raffle of OMR5,000.

That is not all, assured Scratch & Win coupon with OMR100 worth

of ‘Cash for Fuel’ is also given, says a press release.

“This is a great offer on a great car,” remarked an enthusiast, “I was going to get myself a Cerato, the offer has only made it even more beneficial for me to do so now!”

The Kia Cerato 1.6 EX DAB SSR is designed by Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer to provide the maximum cabin space, shoulder and legroom space in its category. Premium features on the new Cerato include steering controls audio, cruise, bluetooth, trip computer, front & rear parking sensors & rear A/C vents (which is usually seen in higher segment cars).

Kia’s new Flex Steer system provides three different settings

for the steering to match customer preference with normal, sport and comfort modes. The effort required to turn the wheel varies with mode, but the gearing remains the same. Comfort mode is ideal for city driving whereas normal and sports are suitable for high speeds and long drives.

The ergonomically designed driver space makes every drive truly comfortable and stress-free.

A multi-function 4-spoke steering wheel offers precise fingertip control, together with class-leading comfort. Taking centre-stage is a high-tech supervision cluster that displays a comprehensive range of vehicle information such as service interval reminders, wel-

come light, etc. Other important features include front fog lamps, cruise control, central locking, electric rear windows and driver’s seat height adjustment, 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, twin tweeter speakers; and adjustable rear seat air vents.

In Oman, Cerato customers enjoy a choice of two gasoline engines – Kia’s 160 HP 2.0-litre ‘Nu’ engine and the popular 129 HP 1.6-litre ‘Gamma’ engine. These high performance engines produce the highest horse power in this class.

The new Cerato has earned the highest crash safety rankings from international safety bodies such as National Highway Traffic Safety Administration & IIHS. Kia Cerato is equipped with some dealer installed non-Kia accessories to enhance its looks, feel and functionality. Customers are welcome to get the full details by visiting a Kia showroom.

Reliable International Automotive (RIA), the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers. Excellent product attributes and unmatched facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way.

LIFE OF FYODOR DOSTOYEVSKY

ISC to conduct Malayalam play on June 3 and 4 MUSCAT: Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat is organising a Malayalam play Fyodor - Oru Chillujalakathiloode on June 3 at 7pm and June 4 at 5pm at Oman Auditorium, Al Bustan Palace-Ritz Carlton Hotel, Muscat.

Fyodor Oru Chillujalakathiloode will be a resplendent prismatic view of the life and times of one of the greatest Russian writers Fyodor Dostoyevsky, says a press release.

Lal, noted Indian film actor, director and producer and Sachy, scriptwriter and director will attend the show as the guests of honour.

The play, written and directed

by Vinod Nair, showcases theatre in true form and spirit with all ingredients of entertainment, without diluting the storyline. Suresh B. Nair, a versatile and talented actor of Muscat who has acted in sev-

eral plays in the past is playing the lead role as Fyodor. Gopika Nair, Class XII student of ISD plays the role of Anna, a stenographer. Other roles are played by Mini Sunil, Somasundaram, Basheer Erumeli, Deepthi Menon, Sarat Palat, Noel, Neeraj, Remya Denzil, choreography is by Delicious, DDA Muscat.

The lyrics of the song are penned

by Malayalam film’s acclaimed lyricist Rafeeq Ahmed and composed by Dr Sreevalsan J. Menon.

Playback singer Ravishankar has sung the curtain raiser song along with Sreelakshmi. The mesmerising solo is sung by Rani Vinod, a singer from Muscat.

B5

One of the salient features about this theatre is that it integrates the technical and creative expertise from India with the artistic talents of Muscat’s expatriates.

The creative set design is by artist Sujathan who has been in the field of theatre for the past 45 years. Besides, Sreekanth of Cameo Lights is designing the stage light which the organisers hope would be a visual delight to the audience. Make-up artist Poojappura Sasi and sound engineer Justine would contribute their part to make it one of the most cherished theatres ever produced and staged locally in Oman.

Divided into seven acts with 23 scenes, the play draws characters from one of his masterpieces `Crime and Punishment’ and is an independent interpretation of the creativity of this Russian writer.

I M P R E S S I V E F E AT

Dr Fareena pioneers normal delivery of a 4.5kg baby at Apollo MUSCAT: Dr Fareena Jabeen, gynaecologist and obstetrician at Apollo Hospital recently performed a normal delivery for a macrosomic baby weighing 4.5kg, an impressive feat that has never been accomplished before by any hospital in Oman, says a press release.

Since the patient only visited Apollo Hospital during the final stage of delivery, Dr Fareena and her team didn’t have much to go on and had to rely on her experience and skill in the field.

“The patient didn’t have regular ANCs (antenatal checkups) and resisted medication during her entire pregnancy term. Since she was already in the process of delivering, it was difficult to establish whether she was diabetic or a HBP (high blood pressure) patient as we had no prior patient history. The adequacy of the pelvis size indicated that her chances for a normal delivery was favourable,” Dr. Fareena recounted.

The average weight for a newborn baby is generally 2.5 to 3.5kg, however in Oman 3.7kg is considered normal, keeping ethnicity in mind.

Cases of macrosomia in Oman are not uncommon, with babies being born at 4kg but cases above 4.2kg are rare. While Dr. Fareena has treated numerous cases of macrosomia in India, this was her first case in Oman. Although macrosomic cases make more headlines in the modern day and age, Dr Fareena insists that this phenomenon has always been around.

With the increase in the frequency of gestational diabetes over the years, you could say we are detecting more cases of macrosomia in the present era. The common cause for macrosomia is gestational diabetes, however in rare instances an expecting mother with no diabetic history can give birth to a macrosomic baby.

If an expectant mother is diagnosed once with macrosomia, she is prone to macrosomia for future deliveries as well and will have to take precautionary measures.

It is also possible for a mother to have a normal sized baby, say for her first delivery and then a mac-

rosomic one for her next delivery.

“Diet control before delivery in most cases of macrosomia is the only measure an expecting mother has to take. The consequences of macrosomia which could occur during the delivery like the possibility of a difficult pregnancy, vaginal tears, perianal tears, cervical tears and post-partum haemorrhage are explained to the patient.

After delivery, no special treatment is recommended unless her sugar levels are high.

Since a macrosomic baby can be subject to hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, postop infection as well as low immunity after delivery, the baby has to be monitored for 24 to 48 hours carefully,” she said.

Macrosomia can be prevented if expectant mothers have regular ANCs. During the pregnancy period, the gynaecologist will schedule a series of scans, one of these being the growth scan taken at 28 weeks. If the growth scan indicates some abnormality like macrosomia, then measures will be suggested accordingly.

“Expecting mothers can deliver macrosomic babies normally if the size of the pelvis is adequate. Only if complications arise in the progress of labour, will a C-section be counselled.

Although shoulder dystocia is a dreaded but rare complication for any delivery including macrosomia, several precautions are taken for all deliveries to aid in the normal delivery process of the baby such as the Mc Roberts Maneuver, the Suprapubic Maneuver, the Rubin Maneuver etc,” concluded Dr Fareena.

MUSICAL SHOW

INDIAN AMBASSADOR OPENS NEW LAPAROSCOPY SURGERY TOWER IN LIFELINE HOSPITAL

Indra Mani Pandey, Indian Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, inaugurated the stateof-the-art arthroscopy and laparoscopy tower for the sports medicine and arthroscopy and laparoscopy units in Lifeline Hospital, Salalah. — Supplied image

MGS celebrates Gujarat Day MUSCAT: Muscat Gujarati Samaj, (MGS) the Gujarati Wing of Indian Social Club, recently organised a musical evening for all its members to celebrate the 66th Gujarat Day here at Al Falaj Hotel, Muscat.

In India, Gujarat Day is traditionally celebrated on May 1 and to mark this momentous occasion MGS had flown in one of the oldest and the most famous musical groups from Gujarat, comprising Shyamal Munshi, Saulmil Munshi and the nightingale of its troupe, Aarti Munshi to present a unique Gujarati Sugam Sangeet programme, says a press release.

The occasion was attended by Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India and Susma Pandey. It was also attended by Kiran Asher, Dilip Mehta, Rajendra Ved, Manilal Limbani, Kishore Mehta and other dignitaries.

This artist group was accompanied by Tushar Shukla, poetpar-excellence and comperer.

Shyamal-Saumil group over the past two decades has performed in more than 1,500 programmes including shows in the USA. The

group has entertained music lovers world over with Gujarati and Hindi lyrics, ghazals, bhajans, garbas, wedding songs, festive songs and children rhymes.

In a musical ode, the ShyamalSaumil group enthralled the audiences and took them back on a musical journey capturing the glorious past, celebrating the present and connecting with the musical tastes and flavour of the younger generation.

The audience was left spellbound with simple yet soulful musical renditions which touched

all heart. Everyone from the age group of 9-12 right up to the senior citizens in the audience enjoyed the evening thoroughly and went back home humming the musical verses that suited their taste.

The event was sponsored by Khimji Ramdas, Muscat Pharmacy, Al Ansari Trading, Intisar Corporation, Al Rawahi International, Ramniklal B Kothari, Purshottam Kanji Exchange and Jahco and New India Assurance and the programme was supported by Government of Gujarat.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

ROUND-UP GAC offers unbeatable benefits on Mitsubishi vehicles this Ramadan Ramadan period for visitors to the showroom as well as another special weekly draw with the chance to win an iPhone 6S for anyone who test drives a Mitsubishi vehicle.

The latter draw will take place for five weeks with the first draw to be held on June 6, says a press release.

Customers who purchase a Mitsubishi Lancer EX, Attrage, Outlander, Montero Sport, Pajero or L200 before the offer comes to a close on July 25 will enjoy the benefits of a combination of free insurance for the first year, up to a six years/100,000km service package, free registration, six years free roadside assistance and a cash gift of up to OMR3,000.

Commenting on the new Ramadan Offer, Manoj Ranade, general manager of GAC, “Our Ramadan

Ramadan offer of 2016 has been designed to offer customers an easy and affordable purchase with a real sense of value, together with a six-year total peace-of-mind ownership experience

MUSCAT: General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributors of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Ramadan offer for 2016.

In addition to offering custom-

ers free insurance, free service, free registration, trade in bonuses, and cash gifts of up to OMR3,000 together with a special Ramadan gift on the purchase of a new Mitsubishi, GAC will also be hosting weekly cash draws throughout the

offer of 2016 has been designed to offer our customers an easy and affordable purchase with a real sense of value, together with a six-year total peace-of-mind ownership experience; especially so when combined with the power, reliability and performance that Mitsubishi vehicles are known for.

This is why we are offering a combination of high-value cash gifts together with low down payments and even a trade-in bonuses of up to OMR500. Once the vehicle is purchased customers can enjoy up to six years of free service, unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance. Furthermore, in the spirit of the holy month, we will also be providing each customer with a special Ramadan gift with every purchase.”

BUSINESS SCHOOL

‘BLACK & WHITE’ EVENT

RIH markets Indian properties to NRI clients MUSCAT: Region India Homes (RIH) is partnering with BTME in Oman to target Muscat’s NRI clients with homes in Hyderabad and Bangalore. To inaugurate this initiative in Oman, Region India Homes held a musical event at the Al Bustan Ritz Carlton Muscat.

In line with the company philosophy of being unique, the niche event ‘Black & White’ was an audio visual tribute to the Black & White era of Hindi films experienced by a vibrant group of 500 NRIs, says a press release.

The chief guest for the event was Sheikh Salim Tamman Al Mashani, CEO of Dhofar Poultry, MD of Omani Vegetable Oils & Derivatives, and chairman of BTME. The guest of honour for the event, G. V. Ramakrishna, group head – Sales and Expat Services, Bank Muscat, said, he was delighted to be a part of an event, where a world class Indian developer has partnered with Region India Homes to offer a high quality product to their client that is priced appropriately.”

Prasanna Divekar, co-founder of Region India Homes said, “This event is the launch of our entry in Oman to offer NRIs best in class

KPMG completes second batch of IAB programme affordable luxury homes across Hyderabad and Bangalore. We intend to bring leading developers from across India to Oman’s unique Indian community. Today we are showcasing one of India’s top developers, Vasathi Housing from South India.”

Vasathi is one of the few internationally funded real estate firms to focus on affordable luxury segment. It was also the first Indian company to receive funding commitment from the US government.

Commenting on the global NRI home needs, Prasanna said that, “NRIs have always wished for

E X PA N S I O N

an independent and transparent channel to buy homes in India.

Region India Homes is designed to provide the global NRI community exactly this channel.

“With its extensive evaluation processes which are built on the principles of trust, integrity and governance we will provide NRIs with this opportunity.”

Dr Shirish M. Gupte, Director, BTME, said, “Our relationship with Region India Homes and their shareholders is for more than six years. They are committed to quality and delivery.”

Vasathi Housing is developing

gated community projects in strategic locations in Hyderabad at prices starting from Rs 2.4 million onwards and in the heart of Bangalore city starting from Rs. 5. 5 million onwards.

Ravi, CEO Vasathi Housing said, “I am very excited with this opportunity to be a part of this event as it is the first time that we are selling our projects in Oman. We look forward to welcoming our NRI friends from Oman to our sites in Bangalore and Hyderabad this summer and are sure that they will find our projects extremely appealing to their needs.”

MUSCAT: Continuing with its initiative of training Omanis and expatriates in the field of accounting and finance, KPMG Business School in Oman successfully completed its second batch of IAB programme in International Association of Bookkeepers with 100 percent passing in examination conducted by IAB UK and were certified by the leading awarding body in the UK for professional bookkeeping.

Khalid Ansari, partner in charge of KPMG Oman, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence as they

progress to be qualified professionals. We are extremely proud of how successful the IAB training course has been and the positive feedback received from participants. KPMG Oman has been awarded the ‘IAB Top Centre for the Gulf States’ by the IAB in UK. Our aim has always been to build enduring relationships and be always worthy of our people and society by providing a platform for learning and nurturing students into qualified professionals. We are proud that KPMG in Oman has trained the largest number of accountants in Oman.”

WORLD-RENOWNED DESIGNER

Hyundai appoints SangYup Lee as vice president of Styling at its design centre

Malabar Gold opens new showroom in KSA JEDDAH: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the leading jewellery retailer with its presence in nine countries opened one more outlet in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to fortify its presence in the region.

Saud bin Abdulla bin Abdul Aziz and Yusuff Ali M. A., managing director - Lulu Group jointly inaugurated brand new showroom in Lulu Hypermarket, Event Mall, Jeddah recently in the presence of Shamlal Ahamed M. P. – managing director International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Abdul Salam K. P. – group executive director, Malabar Group, Gaffoor Edakkuni – regional director, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Mohammed Wasem, other dignitaries, invited guests, personalities from media and other well-wishers, says a press release.

The outlet unveils a significantly large collection of traditional as well as contemporary designer jewelleries. The exquisite range of collections in the new outlet can hold you spellbound with their awe-inspiring beauty and classic designs. Like all its other outlets, this outlet also will exhibit a wide range of diverse and trendy designs in gold (18 K & 22 K), IGI certified diamonds and precious stone jewellery from Italy, Singapore,

Bahrain and India.

The branded jewellery segment of Malabar Gold & Diamonds is renowned globally for their flawless craftsmanship and impeccable style.

The exclusive brands available at Malabar Gold & Diamonds includes Ethnix - Handcrafted Designer Jewelry, Era - Uncut Diamond jewellery, Mine - Diamonds Unlimited, Divine- Indian Heritage jewellery, Precia - Precious Gem jewellery, Solitaire One – An exclusive solitaire brand, NV – Trendy 18K Gold jewellery, Ago Bay – Pearl jewellery and Starlet - Kids jewellery.

Celebrating the launch, the outlet will offer special promotions on purchase of gold and diamond jewellery. Customers purchasing jewellery worth SAR 500 or more can get a chance to win 1/4 kg gold each in six raffle draws, which makes 1 and half kg gold. Customers who spend AED 500 on gold jewellery will get one raffle coupon & customers who spend AED 500 on diamond jewellery will get 2 coupons, thus doubling the chances of winning. In addition, the outlet also offers zero deduction on GCC gold exchange (22K) and customers can also buy 8 gram gold coins without paying any making charges. These offers are valid until August 6.

DUBAI: Hyundai Motor announced that the world-renowned designer SangYup Lee, former head of Exterior and Advanced Design at Bentley, will become the vice president of Styling at Hyundai Design Centre starting from this June.

Building on his past experience of designing various top-notch luxury cars, Lee will be in charge of design strategies and directions and lead design innovations in areas of interior and exterior design, colour and materials of Hyundai Motor and Genesis with Luc Donckerwolke, senior vice president, says a press release.

“The innovative design and surprising growth of Hyundai Motor has always made me proud as a Korean while I worked overseas.

Now, I want to contribute in creating world-leading automobile de-

signs for both Hyundai Motor and the Genesis brand,” said SangYup. “Vice president Lee has proven himself as one of the world’s best automobile designers in the global

platform. His design philosophy to pursue new challenges and innovations matches the DNA of Hyundai Motor,” said Luc. SangYup Lee is well known as a famous Korean star designer in the global automotive industry. After graduating from Hongik University Department of Sculpture in Korea and Art Centre College of Design in California, Lee began his career at Pininfarina and Porsche Design Centre. In 1999, Lee joined General Motors and designed concept cars such as Camaro Concept Vehicle which converts into the iconic Bumblebee in the movie Transformers and Corvette Stingray Concept Vehicle.

Continuing his career, Lee joined Volkswagen Group of America as chief designer in charge of Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and

Lamborghini design. Since the end of 2012, he has been the Head of Exterior and Advanced Design at Bentley Motors Limited.

“SangYup Lee has created some of the most iconic luxury and sports cars of recent years, including several models that are highly desired by Middle East enthusiasts,” said Mike Song, Hyundai head of Africa and Middle East region. “We have great expectations for the Genesis brand in the region, and to have Lee guiding the future shape of Hyundai and Genesis is extremely exciting.”

OTE Group represents the brand Hyundai in the Sultanate of Oman. With a nationwide network of showrooms and service centres, OTE Group ensures that Hyundai customers are never far from getting high quality service.

I TA L I A N K I T C H E N B R A N D S

Al Hashar Electronics posts strong growth in sale of Diemme, Foster MUSCAT: Al Hashar Electronics, oneof the most trusted names in the Sultanate’s consumer electronics, appliances, HVAC, modular kitchens and storage solutions segments, has reported strong growth in the sale of Italian top brands Diemme Cucine and Foster.

Leading realty developers in Oman increasingly prefer the highly customisable modular kitchen units from Diemme Cuicine, and also state-of-the-art designer sinks and mixer taps from Foster, for their high endresidential and commercial projects, according to Al Hashar management, says a press release.

“Continuing with the trend, Al Hashar Electronics has won another key contract recently for installing world renowned modular kitchen units from the famed Ital-

ian brand Diemme Cucine, and also designer sinks and mixers from another Italian top brand Foster for a large-scale residential and commercial project by a leading developer. These contracts amply demonstrate the trust placed on us by top-notch developers here when it

comes to turnkey lifestyle projects.

Apart from these, Al Hashar Electronics is executing several installation projects for upmarket villas and residential complexes across multiple locations in the Sultanate,” said Rajeev Sharma, GM of Al Hashar Electronics.

Diemme Cucine is a market leader in the kitchen appliances segment, and is trusted by millions for its technological innovativeness and design excellence. On the other hand, Foster is high end kitchen brand that adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen along with amazing performance and reliability.

Foster products include sinks, mixers, hobs, hoods and a host of other appliances.

Al Hashar Electronics is the Sultanate’s sole distributor of an exclusive range of state-of-theart products from both Diemme Cucine and Foster. With a highly trained team of engineers and technicians, and a strong network of service centres across the Sultanate, Al Hashar Electronics is a leader in the electronics appliances industry in the Sultanate.

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ROUND-UP

SBA offers Ramadan benefits on Infiniti able to experience all of that.”

The offer will go on till July 31

MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive dealer of Infiniti in the Sultanate, has announced a special offer on all Infiniti purchases made during Ramadan. The offer will go on till July 31, says a press release.

A senior spokesperson at Infiniti Oman, said, “Our special Ramadan promotion is incredible and comes with a range of valueadded benefits as well. Our offers are a way of saying ‘thank you’ to our patrons for their continuous support for our brands. Infiniti recently unveiled two new premium

crossovers in Oman highlighting our ongoing commitment to developing and expanding our product portfolio. At Infiniti, we always believe in providing added value and exclusive offers to our cherished buyers. Infiniti is known for its innovative technologies and we want our customers to be

Offer highlights The scheme is applicable for all customers purchasing Infiniti vehicles for their personal use only.

All customers purchasing Infiniti Q50, Q60, Q70, QX50, QX60, QX70 and QX80 in the scheme period are eligible for a Fredrick Constant Men’s and Women’s watches.

All customers purchasing Infiniti Q50, Q60, Q70, QX50, QX60, QX70 and QX80 in the scheme period will get an assured cash gift. It will be OMR1,000 for Q50

RECRUIT WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

DON’T LITTER A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY LIKE OMAN.

Plastic takes 1,000 years or more to break down

QUOTES A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.

— Amelia Earhart

2.0 TURBO Q50 3.7 V6 and Q60 3.7 V6; OMR1,500 for Q70 3.7 V6, Q70 5.6 V8, QX50 3.7 V6, QX60 3.5 V6, QX70 3.7 V6, QX70 5.0 V8; and OMR2,000 for QX80 5.6 V8.

Customers purchasing Infiniti Q50, Q60, Q70, QX50, QX60, QX70 and QX80 in the scheme period will get free periodic vehicle maintenance for three years or 60,000km (whichever is earlier).

This offer excludes battery, and wear and tear components.

All customers purchasing Infiniti Q50, Q60, Q70, QX50, QX60, QX70 and QX80 in the scheme

period will be eligible for free first year vehicle registration.

All Infiniti vehicles: Q50, Q60, Q70, QX50, QX60, QX70 and QX80 purchased in the scheme period will have an extended six years/ unlimited mileage warranty.

All customers purchasing Infiniti Q50 3.7 MY15, Q60 3.7 COUPE MY15, QX50 MY15 and QX60 MY15 in scheme period will be eligible for free first year vehicle insurance (for Oman and UAE).

All these benefits are not applicable for rent a car/ taxi/ driver trainer segment.

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ROUND-UP

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Bank Muscat launches Sayyarati auto finance offer this Ramadan The offer comes as a boon for new employees in government and quasi-government sector who can avail Sayyarati finance if they have been employed for one month

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, has launched an attractive Sayyarati vehicle finance offer coinciding with the approaching Ramadan sales season.

Guaranteeing the fastest turnaround, the feature-rich Sayyarati finance can be obtained within the shortest possible time at low interest rates starting from 3.5 per cent, equivalent to 1.91 per cent on

WOMENSWEAR

flat rate. The Sayyarati package includes financing up to eight years for new and used vehicles, the lowest monthly payment option, on-the-spot approvals and option for motor insurance funding with the lowest monthly payment in the market, says a press release.

The offer comes as a boon for new employees in government and quasi-government sector who can avail Sayyarati finance if they have been employed for one month.

Customers are not required to furnish post-dated cheques, making Sayyarati the easy, convenient and completely hassle-free way to own a new car. Notably, Sayyarati finance can be obtained from all

Bank Muscat branches spread across Oman.

Facilitating convenience during the holy month of Ramadan, the Sayyarati Centre at Wattayah will have extended timings. Customers can also apply for Sayyarati finance through Saed sales unit.

Abdullah Tamman Al Mashani, DGM - Institutional Sales & Products Development, said: “Unique in all aspects with unparalleled benefits, Sayyarati is the preferred vehicle finance facility in Oman for both citizens and expatriates. The Ramadan offer includes various unique benefits, making it quicker, easier and more affordable to own one’s dream vehicle. Oman is home

to the world’s best known automobile brands. By encouraging people to buy top quality vehicles, Bank Muscat reiterates its commitment to road safety, thereby promoting safety and happiness in Oman.”

Sayyarati significantly enhances the value proposition offered to customers across all dealers and brands, including motor insurance at low premium through the bancassurance channel of Bank Muscat. Post-dated cheques are not required and payment is automatically debited from customer account on a monthly basis. Customers can visit any auto dealership or Bank Muscat branches to avail the special Ramadan Sayyarati finance.

R E WA R D I N G C U S T O M E R S

Aftershock London store Jet Airways’ ‘Luck-e-Ticket’ announces sale upto 70% promotion valid till tomorrow MUSCAT: Aftershock London store at the Oman Avenues Mall is offering the best deal on your favourite designer dresses, casual wear and jewellery. Customers will get discounts ranging from 20%- 70%.

Aftershock brand appeals to today’s fashion conscious women and this sale is a great opportunity for the buyers to take home their favourite clothing item for an incredible price. With the launch of this promotion, all the items in the store can be purchased at extremely affordable prices, says a press release.

Aftershock is one of the brands

that Mustafa Sultan Enterprises (MSE) has brought to Oman to its fashion savvy customers. It is a British based designer womenswear brand. It offers an array of casual wear, occasion wear as well as stunning accessories to complement the collection within its womenswear range. Founded over 20 years ago, Aftershock is firmly established in the fashion market as an aspirational brand delivering the concept of ‘affordable glamour’ and ‘affordable luxury’ to its customers.

Aftershock is one of the most dynamic British brands; it has also received an award by her Maj-

esty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain for excellence in bringing British fashion to countries outside the UK. Some of the celebrity clients who have used Aftershock brand are Madonna, Michael Jackson, Paris Hilton, Boney M, Sridevi, Gauri Khan etc.

Mustafa Sultan Enterprises is one of the leading groups in the Sultanate of Oman. Mustafa Sultan Enterprises today has diversified interests and is organized into various subsidiaries, each an achiever, each an example of commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

MUSCAT: Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, is giving guests flying out of the Gulf region the opportunity to win two free return tickets as part of its ‘Luck-e-Ticket’ promotion unveiled yesterday.

Customers booking Premiere or Economy class tickets on jetairways.com or the Jet Airways mobile app, on flights originating from the Gulf will stand a chance to win as per the terms of the offer, says a press release.

Lucky draw The ultimate winners, as many as six customers a day, will be

selected following a lucky draw.

The tickets will entitle guests to travel from the Gulf to any destination of their choice in India or to the SAARC and ASEAN destinations on Jet Airways’ network.

The tickets will be valid for travel in Economy on direct flights only.

Travel before August 31 The offer is open to customers booking tickets till tomorrow.

Winners will be notified with a promotion code allowing them to claim their free tickets. Winners intending to use the free tickets must complete their travel on or before August 31.

Mannu Anand, general manager - Oman, Jet Airways said: “We are overwhelmed by the support and patronage received from guests resulting in Jet Airways establishing itself as the preferred airline, on the highly competitive Indo-Gulf routes.

“The launch of the ‘Luck-eTicket’ promotion is our way of rewarding loyalty and the faith they have reposed in us.

“In line with this commitment, this promotion is just another small step in our unceasing quest to create an ever-more exceptional and rewarding flying experience for our guests.”

RECOGNITION

Malabar Gold claims ‘Superbrand of the Year’ title once again MUSCAT: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the top 5 jewellery retailers globally with a strong retail network of 153 retail outlets spread across nine countries, has been recognised with the prestigious ‘Superbrand of the Year’ title awarded by the Superbrands council.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds is being awarded Superbrand status for the fourth year in a row. The achievement was announced in the 12th annual Superbrands tribute event, which was held to honour the UAE’s strongest brands at Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City recently, says a press release.

Superbrands organisation based in UK is acclaimed worldwide

as being an independent authority and arbiter of branding excellence. The organisation promotes the discipline of branding and pays tribute to exceptional brands through programmes in over 83 countries across four continents.

Participation in Superbrands is by invitation only, and offered to the most outstanding brands in their field. Attaining Superbrands status strengthens a brand’s position, adds prestige, and reassures consumers and suppliers that they are buying the best brand in its category.

In a world of global commerce and competition, excellence matters above all else. Outstanding brands distinguish themselves through

collaborative enterprise, creative marketing, and superior products.

These are exceptional brands which stand apart, elevating themselves to the prestigious distinction of being named a Superbrand.

Shamlal Ahamed, managing director – International Operations said, “Being awarded as the ‘Superbrand of the Year’ and also being a Superbrand for the fourth consecutive year gives all of us at Malabar Gold & Diamonds a great sense of pride and contentment.

We, at Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ constantly strive towards maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers and delivering on our promises at every step of our

growth. This is a great collective achievement for us and I take this opportunity to thank our customers, team members and investors without whose wholehearted support this remarkable feat would not have been possible.”

“Much of what makes a Superbrand is found in the relationship that exists between the brand and its customers. When a brand symbolises excellence, it becomes unforgettable. At Malabar Gold & Diamonds we make sure to do things the right way, engraving our brand in the minds of our customers to being a relationship that lasts forever,” said K. P. Abdul Salam, group executive director - Malabar Group.

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If elected, Al Kindi and team hope to raise profile of Oman athletics Rashid Al Kindi, who has recently revealed his intention to contest for OAA vice-president’s post, and his like-minded former colleagues, if elected are hoping to work for the overall development of Oman athletics

A. SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Rashid Al Kindi, a former athlete and a coach, who went on to become a passionate and popular sports administrator and events organiser, is hoping to team up with some of his committed old colleagues to raise the profile of track and field, and place Oman athletics on a high pedestal, the level it truly deserves.

Rashid, who is currently helping Oman Sail in making short and long term plans aimed at creating national team programmes, has recently announced his intention to contest for the vice-president’s post in the forthcoming board

elections of Oman Athletic Association (OAA).

The primary objective of Rashid and his yet to be named fellow contestants for other posts in the OAA elections, which are tentatively fixed for October this year, is to work for the ‘betterment of Oman athletics as a whole’.

While revealing that his colleagues will come forward and announce their candidatures in the coming days, Rashid said: “We have been discussing various issues and hoping to do our bit for the development of athletics for over two years. We all had one common desire in our hearts — to work for the good of Oman athletics. We thought the best way is to come forward and involve ourselves in the day to day affairs of the association and contribute to the development of Oman athletics.”

Rashid, however, refused to say the situation is bad. “Definitely it is not bad. If it is, we will not have a Barakat (Al Harthy) doing exceptionally well at the international level,” he said.

“But in the last ten to 12 years, if we look back everyone will agree, we could have done better. I should say we had a big opportunity do well. As one of the oldest sports associations in Oman (established in mid 1980s), I should say the OAA should have certainly done better,” he said.

After an active playing career that lasted from 1983 to 1990, Rashid was involved with Oman Athletic Association as a coach, his speciality being middle and long distance, till 2007. At one time he was also involved in the coaching set up of athletes like Hamoud Al Dalhami, 200m Arab champion in

the association. We will work with a specific target, of having a quarter million Omani Rials more than the budget by 2020,” he added.

For the past two years, we have been thinking and discussing about what is good for Oman athletics Rashid Al Kindi 2001, and legendary Mohammed Amer Al Malky, whose exploits include 400m gold medal in 1990 Beijing Asiad.

In 2008 he left Oman athletics body, after being asked by the Ministry of Sports Affairs to join as the Director of Sports at 2010 Asian Beach Games. After the conclusion of the Asian event, he was roped in by Oman Sail.

Along the way, he also launched Excellence Performance an organisation that now involves in conducting international sports events in disciplines that have no official governing bodies yet very popular among the Omani youth, most importantly road running and roller skating.

“All along I had this desire to start contributing again to Oman athletics, which to be frank has always been on the back of mind,”

FRENCH OPEN

Radwanska ousted Fans were left wet and miserable at a soggy Roland Garros on Tuesday -- but not as drenched or depressed as Agnieszka Radwanska after the world number two’s French Open hopes fizzled out following a monumental meltdown against Tsvetana Pironkova.Leading her Bulgarian rival 6-2, 3-0 when rain halted play on

More fund for clubs Before revealing the three-point vision for the ‘better future of Oman athletics’, Rashid said: “First I would like to say with our team the clubs will have a bigger role to play. It doesn’t mean we want to just burden them with more responsibility. On the other hand, we will try to give more funds to the clubs from the annual budget. That amount should be spent on developing the track and field in their respective areas.”

Speaking about their threepoint manifesto, Rashid said:

“Find the ways to get the maximum number of Omani kids involved with the athletics.

“And once the best prospects are spotted, nurture them for the future and get the optimum out of them, help them win laurels for the country.”

“There is an urgent need to develop local Omani officials. At the moment, we have just one international referee and even he is not been given the opportunities to travel aboard to officiate at the international events. We certainly need more referees because to have better competitions and better athletes we need better officials,” he said.

“And most importantly we want to create a separate department for marketing and sponsorship.

The main aim of this department will be to bring in more funds for

Two for chairmanship Meanwhile, two candidates have emerged as contenders for the post of chairmanship — Abdullah Al Harthy, a former chairman of Al Ittifaq Club, and Younis Al Siyabi, the chairman of the Samail Club who is also a member of Majlis Al Shura.

The current chairman Saif Al Hosni, according to sources, is unlikely to seek another term while his predecessor Hamad Al Jabri is said to be considering his options.

Rashid, while refusing to reveal with whom his team will be associated with, said: “For us it doesn’t matter who becomes the chairman.

All we want to do is to work for the betterment of Oman athletics.”

ADVISE

Stosur overpowers Halep in soggy Paris to reach quarters PARIS: Sam Stosur powered into the French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday with a straight sets win against Simona Halep, adapting better to damp and heavy conditions that her higher-ranked Romanian opponent called unsafe. In a match between two former Roland Garros finalists that spanned three days, was often punctuated by drizzle and twice suspended due to rain, the 21st-seeded Australian overcame a slow start to beat Halep 7-6(0), 6-3.

Play was called off for the day at Roland Garros at 1650 GMT on Tuesday as rain frustrated players and fans alike for the second successive day at the claycourt major.

A day after the tournament suffered its first total washout for 16 years, only two hours of play was possible on day 10 of the championships as players such as world number one Novak Djokovic and holder Serena Williams remain stranded in the fourth round.

In her fourth Roland Garros quarterfinal, Stosur will face 102nd-ranked Tsvetana Pironkova after the Bulgarian’s shock three-set win over world number two Agnieszka Radwanska, who also criticised Tuesday’s playing conditions.

Stosur’s win was her first against Halep in their last five encounters and marked a sharp turnaround from their previous clash in April, also on clay, in the Madrid Open semifinal, which the Romanian won 6-2, 6-0.

“Madrid was not a good night for me, and ...obviously you get this opportunity to play her again in a big match,” Stosur told a news conference. “Heavy, wet conditions like this don’t typically help me too much, but I think today I was able to use them better (than Halep).”

Rashid said. “As I said for the past two years, we have been thinking and discussing about what is good for Oman athletics. We are looking at these elections as an opportunity to get back into the act of doing something for our athletics.”

More training centres Rashid also revealed that his team will work to create more training facilities across the Sultanate.

“We will work to establish four high performance training centres, including the high altitude centres like Jabel Al Akhdar.

“These centres will have highly qualified coaches. We think we need such facilities to realise our dream of having more of our athletes competing at the Asian Games and Olympics.”

Rashid’s other plans includes hosting international events both track and field as well as road races on a regular basis and to involve communities and schools and universities to contribute to the development of athletics at the grassroots level.

POWER PLAY: Australia’s Samantha Stosur reacts after winning

against Romania’s Simona Halep during their women’s fourth round match at the Roland Garros. – AFP

Sunday, Radwanska appeared to have one foot in the quarterfinals.

However, when the fourthround tussle resumed more than 40 hours later following Monday’s washout, the Polish second seed seemed all at sea as the players were forced to play through misty rain. She lost 10 games in a row as she fell to a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 defeat by an opponent ranked 100 places below her.

“I’m just so surprised and angry that we have to play in the rain,” Radwanska told reporters.

“I mean, it’s not a $10,000 tournament. It’s a grand slam. How can you allow players to play in the rain? I cannot play in that conditions.”

A match that lasted just two hours and 12 minutes on court finally finished at 4.18 pm local time on Monday, almost 46 hours after it had started on Sunday.

“It was very difficult with all the rain as we were waiting almost two days to finish the match,” a

beaming Pironkova said after becoming the first Bulgarian woman to reach the quarterfinals since Sesil Karantantcheva in 2005.

“But I can’t complain.”

Djoko made to wait Play was halted by rain again on Tuesday with world number one Novak Djokovic 3-6, 6-4, 4-1 up against Roberto Bautista Agut in their fourth-round match.The Serbian top seed lost the opening set to the 14th-seeded Spaniard on Court Philippe Chatrier when play was halted at 12:47 pm local time for the first time.

After an interruption lasting two hours and 45 minutes, the players resumed and Djokovic wasted no time in regaining the lead, only for the match to be stopped again.

Holders Serena Williams and Stan Wawrinka and British second seed Andy Murray, who takes on local favourite Richard Gasquet in the quarterfinals, were also on rainedoff schedule. - Reuters

Ditch Twitter, train harder, Cash tells Kyrgios MELBOURNE: Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash has urged Nick Kyrgios to cut out distractions such as social media and practice harder to fulfil his potential, but the Australian firebrand responded by telling Cash to mind his own business — via Twitter.

A prolific user of Twitter with 177,000 followers, Kyrgios has stoked controversy with a number of provocative messages, including taking pot-shots at Davis Cup

team mate Bernard Tomic and Australia’s Olympic chef de mission Kitty Chiller. Cash, who won Wimbledon in 1987, said he avoided media coverage to focus on his game before the Internet took hold and suggested his 21-year-old compatriot needed to keep the distractions of social media at bay.

“I’m probably the only player on Earth who can have an understanding of where he’s at and what he’s been through and what he’s go-

ing through,” Cash told local media of Kyrgios, who bowed out of the French Open third round last week.

Kyrgios wasted little time in dismissing Cash’s advice. “Haha ‘ditch social media’ — can people keep their opinions to themselves please. Leave me alone. This is my last tweet for you Cashy,” the world number 19 tweeted. Although boasting talent, Kyrgios’s behaviour on and off the court has polarised players and fans.- Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

SPORTS

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Cook can challenge Tendulkar’s Test run record, says Gavaskar Bayliss also backs Cook

Cook on Monday became the first England cricketer to cross the 10,000run mark in Test cricket, and the youngest overall, beating Tendulkar’s record by five months by reaching the milestone at the age of 31 years and five months

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that the youngest entrant in the illustrious 10,000 Test run club, Alastair Cook can challenge batting legend Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test run record. Cook on Monday be-

EYEING TENDULKAR’S TALLY: England captain Alastair Cook. – AFP

came the first England cricketer to cross the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket, and the youngest overall, beating Tendulkar’s record by five months by reaching the milestone at the age of 31 years and five months.

Tendulkar — Test cricket’s most prolific batsman with 15921 runs — was 31 years, 10 months 20 days old when he scored his 10,000th run in 2005.

“Well the big advantage that England always has is that they are always playing a minimum of 1112 Test matches on an average in a year. In 11-12 Test matches even if you score 50 runs per Test match you are getting about 500 runs every year,” Gavaskar said.

“So over the next 6-7 years there might be a period when he (Cook)

might have a terrific year where he might score a 1000 runs so that will certainly give him a chance.

He has got age on his side, he is also one of the very fit players. He is less than 32 years and if he plays for 6-8 more years he has got a very good chance,” the legendary batsman told NDTV. Cook is the 12th batsman and only the second opener to get to 10,000 runs in Tests, after Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara, Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Mahela Jayawardene, Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Gavaskar himself.

Cook achieved the feat during England’s nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Durham.

LONDON: Alastair Cook has the potential to move ahead of Indian great Sachin Tendulkar as the world’s alltime leading test run-scorer, England head coach Trevor Bayliss has said.

“It will be about how long he wants to keep doing it. But certainly there is time on his side, so there is no reason he couldn’t if his heart is still in it and his will to do it is still there,” Bayliss told British media.

“He is right up there with

Asked whether Cook’s achievement was even more special considering that he’s an opening batsman, Gavaskar replied in the affirmative.

“It definitely does because the ball does swing around a little bit more, the pitches can sometimes a little bit lively. So you are playing in different conditions, different pitches. Playing in England is much more difficult against qual-

any of the best international players. He has these powers of concentration. He is not the biggest stroke-player of all time — (but) he knows his game very well, he is very patient and he sticks to it.

“To be able to do that over the period of time he has played and score as many runs as he has is a fantastic effort.”

England, 2-0 up in the series, play Sri Lanka in the third and final test at Lord’s starting on June 9. - Reuters

ity opposition. So I think Alastair Cook certainly deserves a lot of praise for getting there,” he said.

Asked to recollect legendary batsmen who missed out on the elite club, Gavaskar said: “Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Viv Richards straightaway come to my mind.

Those two are among the greatest.

Javed Miandad is another one. He could have got there, the same also for Inzamam-ul Haq. - PTI

CRICKET

Eranga reported for suspect action LONDON: Sri Lanka fast bowler Shaminda Eranga has been reported for a suspect action during the second test defeat against England in Durham, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday.

“The match officials’ report, which was handed over to the Sri Lanka team management, cited concerns about the legality of the 29-year-old’s bowling action,” the ICC said in a statement.

“He is required to undergo testing within 14 days, and, during this period, Eranga is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known.”

Eranga has taken 53 wickets in 18 tests for Sri Lanka but could not add to his tally at Chester-le-Street on Monday, where his team lost to England by nine wickets, allowing the hosts to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series. - Reuters

Y O U N G TA L E N T

Bit disappointed, will keep performing: Shreyas MUMBAI: Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer may have been a “bit disappointed” for not being picked in the national side for Indian team’s upcoming tours but the youngster said his job was to keep performing and scoring runs.

India are scheduled to play limited-over series with Zimbabwe, followed by a Test series against the West Indies.

“Obviously I am a bit disappointed, but you know my job is to keep performing well, just keep scoring runs. It (non-selection) can be a positive (as) it will keep motivating me as a youngster and I will keep working hard, working on my mindset and everything,” Shreyas told PTI after he bagged the Domestic Cricketer of the Year award at a ceremony held here. The right-handed batsman said his focus was solely on his game and not on selection.

“I will keep performing unless I get into the team. I just want to fo-

cus on my game and not on selection or anything,” he said.

The 21-year-old scored 1,321 runs at an average of 73.80 during this season’s Ranji Trophy and played a key role in Mumbai’s 41st Ranji Trophy victory.

On his Ranji success, Shreyas said, “I was just backing my instincts and just playing positive cricket. We had good atmosphere in the team.

When I was scoring and even when I was not scoring, all were backing me, so when you get that atmosphere, everything goes well.”

Shreyas had a successful stint with Delhi Daredevils at last year’s IPL but he could not score well in this season. “It was just a bad patch I would say because I stuck to my process, everything I was doing well. I tried to maintain myself throughout the season. Even when I wasn’t playing, I made sure I helped the team. Shreyas said Delhi Daredevils skipper Zaheer Khan) backed him. - PTI

RECOGNITION: Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden

present the CEAT Cricket Rating Indian Domestic Cricketer of the year award to Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer in Mumbai. – PTI

FOOTBALL

Ireland captain Keane a doubt for Euro 2016 LONDON: Ireland captain Robbie Keane is in danger of missing next month’s European Championship after suffering a calf injury in training on Saturday.

The 35-year-old striker did not play in the 1-1 draw against

Netherlands in Dublin on Friday and has been ruled out of manager Martin O’Neill’s squad for Tuesday’s match against Belarus in Cork.

“We all did a bit of training on Saturday and he felt his calf, so

we will look at it on a daily basis.

I genuinely don’t know at the moment,” O’Neill told British media, when asked if Keane would be ready for Euro 2016.

“He had a little injection to see how it settles down and we will

see how he is. Obviously he would have been coming with us, definitely, as captain of the side but we will see how he is again.”

Keane has scored 67 goals in 143 games for Ireland since his debut in 1998. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

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SPORTS Musandam-Oman Sail win in Myth of Malham

TA B L E T E N N I S

The win, according skipper Sidney Gavignet, had been earned as a result of good teamwork and solid concentration FINALISTS: Sanskar Dubey, left, and Allan Thiyagaseelan.

Sanskar bags boys under-13 crown at ISC tournament MUSCAT: Sanskar Dubey bagged the boys under-13 singles crown at the Annual Table Tennis Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club and sponsored by Muscat Insurance Services and Oman United Insurance Company.

Sanskar, a champion tennis player, proved his prowess at table tennis with victory in the final of the boys under-13 singles.

In a thrilling and fast-paced final, Sanskar overcame Allan Thiyagaseelan 11-8, 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9.

Both played positive table tennis and went for their strokes and there was very little between the two.

Sanskar though, was more consistent with his forehand drives and smashes.

Allan always kept himself in the hunt and pulled back the fourth game before going down fighting to the champion.

Yash Tanna put in a brilliant allround display to shock top seed Subash Pillai in the semifinal of the Men’s A singles event.

In a thrilling semifinal, Yash, the No. 3 seed, rallied from a game down to stun Subash with a 7-11, 13-11, 11-5, 13-11, 11-9 verdict and will take on second seed Armaan Sattikar in the final.

Shrikanth Kelkar advanced to the quarterfinals of the veterans singles after easing to a 11-7, 11-4, 11-2 victory over Mohamed Tufail.

He was joined in the last eight by Waheed Sattikar, who defeated N. Surayanarayan 11-6, 11-2, 11-7.

The duo of Pranav Vinod and P. Sai Saran entered the quarterfinals of the men’s doubles after defeating Dinesh Gandhi and Zaheeruddin 11-6, 11-7, 11-8.

In other men’s doubles matches, Simon Josep and R. Subramanian were too strong for Hitendra and Rahul Joshi whom they defeated with a convincing 11-2, 11-4, 11-3 margin and in a match-up between teenagers, the team of Arvind SM and Yash Tanna outlasted Shounak Kelkar and Prakhar Pateria 117, 11-6, 11-8.

MUSCAT: Musandam-Oman Sail’s ambitious summer season got off to an encouraging start with a victory over MOD70 rival Team Concise in Britain’s 2016 Myth of Malham following a close fought contest.

At the finish line in Cowes, just 12 minutes separated the two high speed trimarans despite some testing light airs that ruled out any sustained pace, with Sidney Gavignet’s highly-rated crew of Damian Foxall and navigator Jean Luc Nelias, Fahad Al Hasni, Sami Al Shukaili and Yassir Al Rahbi posting a time of 20 hours and 53 minutes.

Before the 256nms race from Cowes to the Eddystone Lighthouse and back, Gavignet was keen to see the team step up their performance from training mode to achieve a good result. Their win, he said at the finish, had been earned as a result of good teamwork and solid concentration.

“The Myth of Malham is now ticked off. All our plans were well executed by the team, we made very few mistakes and our focus was good. It has been a pleasure achieving the win by doing a good job together,” Gavignet said.

“We need the whole crew to be 100 percent focussed and that means thinking about racing from the minute they get on the plane to travel to the race until the moment they cross the finish line.

HOCKEY

“We treated this as a world championship because we need to aim high and maintain our intensity to the end, with victory as our driving force. I hope Fahad and the boys will manage to keep the intensity up for their J80 regatta which starts in the coming days,” he said.

The next stop in the Oman Sail programme is 2016 Normandy Sailing Week in Le Havre, France, where Oman Sail’s J80 men’s team of Fahad, Sami, Yassir and Raad Al Hadi, will be one of three Omani CRICKET

Zimbabwe axe coach Whatmore

Oman hockey veterans win title in Kuwait MUSCAT: Oman Veterans Hockey Team won the title at an international veterans hockey tournament organised in the Kuwait recently.

In an exciting final, Oman Veterans B team edged Kuwait Veterans 2-1 to take the top honours.

A total of five teams competed in the tournament with Oman sending two teams and the hosts fielding three. Mohammed Shambeh Al Raisi, chief of Omani delegation, thanked hosts Kuwait and their official Sheikh Khalid Al Salman Al Sa-

KALHAT SERVICES CLINCH ASSARAIN CRICKET TITLE Kalhat Services defeated Assarain Enterprise Head Office in a thrilling super over to clinch the title at the inter-company cricket tournament organised by Assarain Group recently. Assarain International Contracting Co finished third. At an impressive felicitation ceremony organised at the Safeer Ballroom, Nasser Suleiman Al Wahaibi, Director, honoured the teams. — Supplied photo

bah for organising the tournament.

Oman’s Adil Al Balushi was declared the best player of the tournament. Oman team was captained by Yusuf Darwish and Mustafa Al Lawati was manager of the team.

HARARE: Zimbabwe have axed their coach Dav Whatmore and captain Hamilton Masakadza just days before the arrival of India for a fivematch limited-overs tour.

Zimbabwe Cricket cited the team’s poor performance at this year’s World T20 tournament in India.

Former Australia Test batsman Whatmore was handed a four-year contract in April last year.

He will be replaced on an interim basis by former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini. - Reuters

crews in contention over three days of competition from June 3.

Also in action are Oman’s J80 Ladies team, led by Dee Caffari with Anne-Mieke Bes, Ibtisam Al Salmi, Tamathir Al Balushi and Marwa Al Khaifi aiming to improve on their superb 2015 performance where they finished 8th from a field of 32 entries.

The third team to be flying the flag for Oman Sail in France are the Diam 24 crew on Oman Airports by Oman Sail who will use

Normandy Sail Week as the fourth event in their preparations for the Tour de France a la Voile in July.

Ali Al Balushi, Abdulrahman Al Mashari, Pierre Leboucher and co-skippers Stevie Morrison and Thierry Douillard have been competing in northern France since the end of March with results steadily improving and the opportunity in Le Havre offers another chance to get up to speed in the class before they make their TDFV debut on July 8.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

SPORTS Rashford, Sturridge make England Euro 2016 squad Reus out of Germany team

England are taking five forwards to the

ASCONA: Winger Marco Reus was left out of Germany’s final Euro 2016 squad on his 27th birthday on Tuesday over injury concerns, missing out on his second consecutive major tournament.

Coach Joachim Loew also cut 20-year-old midfielder Julian Brandt along with his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Karim Bellarabi and defensive midfielder Sebastian Rudy.

24-team tournament in France, which starts on June 10, with Sturridge selected despite doubts over a calf problem

LONDON: Strikers Marcus Rashford and Daniel Sturridge made Roy Hodgson’s final 23-man England squad for Euro 2016 on Tuesday but winger Andros Townsend and midfielders Danny Drinkwater and Fabian Delph were left out.

England are taking five forwards to the 24-team tournament in France, which starts on June 10, with Sturridge selected despite doubts over a calf problem. The injury had forced the Liverpool striker to miss England’s last two friendly matches, including Friday’s win over Australia in Sunderland.

The 18-year-old Rashford, who signed a new long-term deal with Manchester United on Monday, became the youngest player to score on his England debut in the 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light.

He scored that goal 138 seconds

The squad: Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona). Defenders: Jerome Boateng

(Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Antonio Ruediger (Roma). Midfielders: Julian Draxler (VfL Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schuerrle (VfL Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund).

Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Schalke 04). - Reuters

CALF PROBLEM: England’s striker Daniel Sturridge is pictured as

he takes part in a team training session in Watford. – AFP

into what was only his 19th professional match, marking him out as one of the brightest emerging prospects and winning plaudits from Hodgson.

“He would not be out of place in anyone’s 23,” the manager said at the time.

Delph pulled out of the squad with an injury last week and Ross Barkley was preferred to Drinkwater, a key player in the rise of underdogs Leicester City to Premier League champions this season.

Townsend, a natural winger, had

been in impressive form towards the end of the season in Newcastle United’s failed bid to avoid relegation but Hodgson kept faith with Raheem Sterling.

Drinkwater, who made his England debut in March, said on Instagram he was disappointed not to have made the cut but added that the season had otherwise been “a huge positive”.

Drinkwater’s supporters voiced their disappointment on social media while former England midfielder Ray Wilkins said he was

surprised by the decision.

“I thought he had a really good chance,” he told Sky Sports television. I think the way England play is slightly different to the way Danny has played at Leicester, but he’s been without a shadow of a doubt one of the best English midfield players in the Premier League.”

England, who face Portugal on Thursday in their last warm-up match before the tournament, are in Group B with Russia, Wales and Slovakia.

Team: Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Tom Heaton (Burnley). Defenders:

Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool). Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United). - Reuters

CRICKET

Mystery surrounds sudden departure of Kaneria to India KARACHI: Mystery surrounds the sudden departure of Pakistan’s banned Test leg-spinner, Danish Kaneria and his family to India although his brother claims they have gone to perform some religious rituals.

Kaneria, his wife, children and his mother flew out to India on Sunday night and are presently said to be in Kochi but speculations are rampant that the banned player might have gone to India to seek a livelihood and settle down there.

“My family is in India to perform some religious rituals which will take around 10-days.

Our return dates are not confirmed as yet,” Kaneria told a television channel from India.

His brother, Vicky Kaneria, who is in Karachi and employed with an oil campany also insisted it was a personal trip for religious purposes.

But he was unwilling to speak further on the issue.

Fed up with the non-cooperation of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Danish had caused an uproar in Pakistani cricket circles when he said that if he had not been a Hindu his case would have been handled differently by the cricket board.

The leg-spinner was also disappointed when he got no response to a letter he wrote to Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif in early April about his case.

The leg-spinner, who appeared in 61 Tests for Pakistan, was banned in 2012 by the England and Wales Cricket Board for life for spot-fixing and has since then also lost two appeals to have the ban overturned. - PTI

EURO 2016

Bellerin included in Spain squad MADRID: Arsenal right back Hector Bellerin will be in Spain’s Euro 2016 squad, the country’s football federation said on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old Bellerin and the other 18 players named to face South Korea in a friendly in WalsSiezenheim, Austria on Wednesday, have been guaranteed spots in the European Championship squad.

Bellerin was included after Real Madrid right back Dani Carvajal sustained a leg muscle injury in Saturday’s Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid.

The Real Madrid and Atletico players in the squad will be named later on Tuesday when Spain coach Vicente del Bosque announces his final list.

The squad: Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (FC Porto), David de Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla). Defenders: Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Hector Bellerin (Arsenal). Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Bruno Sori-

France pick Rami and Umtiti PARIS: France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed his final Euro 2016 squad on Tuesday, including defenders Adil Rami and Samuel Umtiti in place of the injured Raphael Varane and Jeremy Mathieu.

The squad: Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille), Benoit Costil (Stade Rennais). Defenders: Samuel Umtiti (Olympique Lyonnais), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Adil Rami (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Juventus), Bac-

ano (Villarreal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona). Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Manuel “Nolito” Agudo (Celta Vigo).

ary Sagna (Manchester City), Lucas Digne (AS Roma), Christophe Jallet (Olympique Lyonnais). Midfielders: Paul Pogba (Juventus), Blaise Matuidi (Paris St Germain), Lassana Diarra (Olympique de Marseille), N’Golo Kante (Leicester City), Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United).

Forwards: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Dimitri Payet (West Ham United), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Andre-Pierre Gignac (UANL Tigres). - Reuters

Other squads Wales squad: Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Owain Fon Williams. Defenders: Chris Gunter, James Chester, Ashley Williams, Ben

Davies, Neil Taylor, James Collins, Ashley Richards. Midfielders: Joe Allen, Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, Andy King, David Edwards, Jonny Williams, David Vaughan, George Williams. Forwards: Gareth Bale, Hal Robson-Kanu, Sam Vokes, Simon Church, David Cotterill.

Turkey squad: Goalkeepers: Volkan Babacan, Onur Recep Kivrak, Harun Tekin. Defenders: Gokhan Gonul, Ahmet Calik, Sener Ozbayrakli, Hakan Balta, Mehmet Topal, Semih Kaya, Ismail Koybasi, Caner Erkin. Midfielders: Emre Mor, Volkan Sen, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nuri Sahin, Volkan Sen, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Ozan Tufan, Selcuk Inan, Arda Turan, Olcay Sahan. Forwards: Burak Yilmaz, Cenk Tosun, Yunus Malli.

Ukraine squad: Goalkeepers: Andriy Pyatov, Denys Boyko, Mykyta Shevchenko. Defenders: Evhen Khacheridi, Bohdan Butko, Artem Fedetskyi, Oleksandr Karavaev, Oleksandr Kucher, Yaroslav Rakytskyi, Vyacheslav Shevchuk. Midfielders: Serhiy Rybalka, Denys Garmash, Serhiy Sydorchuk, Andriy Yarmolenko, Evhen Konoplyanka, Ruslan Rotan, Taras Stepanenko, Viktor Kovalenko, Anatolyi Tumoschuk, Oleksandr Zinchenko. Forwards: Roman Zozylya, Pylyp Budkivskyi, Evhen Seleznyov. - Reuters

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SECTION

LIFESTYLE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

Leisure WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Story Mohammed Shafeeqe | Photography Kasia Osowska

K

itesurfing is one of the latest thrilling water sports to hit Oman. With the exciting aspects of surfing, windsurfing and wakeboarding, this adrenaline-packed sport is where you can ride big waves, jump really high, do low technical spins or just cruise.

Kitesurfing is catching the wind on the lovely beaches of the Sultanate due to its accessibility — only needing a 10mph wind for which Oman is perfect.

Located in Muscat at Grand Hyatt, Watersports Oman is offering the equipment and lessons in some of the best kitesurfing locations in Oman. According to its managing director Florian Baiker, “It is truly fun and an exhilarating sport. Everybody can learn kitesurfing. For example people at the age of 65 also can do it. Kitesurfing is a very technical sport and you don’t need that much upper body strength. We have a lot of girls doing this sport. Oman is a perfect playground for beginners and

experienced kite addicts, with warm seas and favourable winds throughout the year.

The long beaches and favourable winds make the Sultanate an ideal location for this exciting water sport.”

According to him, you don’t have to bother about your age or current fitness level. “We are specialised in transforming you into a kitesurfer.” The lessons are tailored to suit every individual’s abilities.

If you are experienced, they will help you build on what you already know. And if you are brand new to the sport, the trainers will take you step-by-step in a safe, fun and easy manner.

You have to take a course to learn kitesurfing. The intensive course is 11 hours which is split into 3-4 days. You have to go through all the procedures to go independent. And the goal is that you ride the first few metres independently on the board. During most of these 11 hours you fly the kite and there is no board involved. The most important thing is

LEARN KITESURFING Watersport Oman watersport-oman.com info@watersport-oman.com +968 9269 4962 Beginner Package (2-3 persons) 7 hours 2-3 days OMR160 Intensive Beginner Package (2-3 persons) 11 hours 3-4 days OMR210 Advanced/Private Lessons 1 hour OMR35 For the advanced kitesurfer we have experienced teachers who will train you advanced moves.

What’s Taught?

Upwind, gibing, transitions, surface handle pass, air transitions, kite loops, unhooked moves, strapless, and wave riding.

to get the kite under control. “It is very technical. There is no need for strong arms and an athletic body. We take maximum three people for a course at a time to get them maximum time and ensure quality. The learning curve will be steep.

Basically after 11 hours we reach the stage that the student will be independent to practice by his own,” he said.

Usually beginners start with very small kites on the beach. They don’t even have to go into the water first. Even though the small kites are powerless, the technique and system is same as that of the big kites.

Thus you can safely learn on the beach how to control the kite. “After little later the learner graduates into bigger kites, then to water and we train you body manoeuvring techniques to slide in the water, which is lot of fun,” Florian said. But you can do it only for 2-3 hours a day because you will be tired.

According to Florian, the basic requirement is you must know swimming and the

minimum age is 10 years. You have to be very comfortable in the water. Watersport Oman will provide the equipment, which come from Austria. Florian says that in Oman kitesurfing is possible during the whole year and the weather conditions are perfect for the sport. “But in the summer we are blessed with very good wind conditions in the south of Oman such as Asyla (three hours drive) and further south, as well the temperature is just 30°C during the day. Also Muscat and Quriyat offers very good wind conditions,” he said.

The timings depend on the booking, said Florian who is from Germany, but learned water sports in Dominican Republic. He is also running water sports schools in Maldives and Sri Lanka and has plans to start a water sport school in Muscat near Grand Hyatt. The company also sells water sports equipment. The basic 7-hour course will cost you OMR160, while the intensive course OMR210 for 11 hours.

—shafeeq@timesofoman.com

C6

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

@ BURAIMI

@SHATTI

Screen 3 X-Men: Apocalypse (2D) (Sci Fic) –PG12 Cast : Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn 3.45, 6.45 PM Baaghi (2D) (Action) –PG Cast : Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor 9.45 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Warcraft - (3D) (Action | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 3:45, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM The Nice Guys - (2D) (Action | Crime) (15+) Cast: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling 3:00, 7:15, 9:30 & 11:45PM Pele: A Birth Legend - (2D) (Biography | Drama | Sport) (PG) Cast: Vincent D’Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro 3:15 & 7:15PM Money Monster - (2D) (Crime | Drama) (12+) Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts 5:15 & 11:55PM X-Men: Apocalypse(3D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 9:15PM The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) (Animation (U) Cast: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 5:15PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Warcraft – 3D (PG12) Action| Adventure Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 12:30, 9:15, 11:45 PM Gold Class : 3:45, 6:30, 9:00, 11:30 PM Money Monster – 2D (12+) Crime | Drama Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts 4:45, 11:30 PM Pele: A Birth Legend – 2D (PG) Biography Cast: Vincent D’Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro, Diego Boneta 6:40 PM X-Men: Apocalypse – 3D (PG12) Action | Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 2:15, 8:45 PM Jungle Book – 3D (PG) Adventure | Drama Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 5:00 PM The Angry Birds Movie – 3D (U) Animation Cast: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 12:15, 2:45, 7:15 PM

Warcraft – 3D (PG12) Action| Adventure Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 12:30, 9:15, 11:45 PM Gold Class : 3:45, 6:30, 9:00, 11:30 PM

Money Monster - (2D) (Crime | Drama) (12+) Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O’Connell 5:15 & 11:55PM

PANORAMA MALL Warcraft - (3D) (Action| Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 3:45, 6:45 & 11:30PM Warcraft - (4D) (Action| Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) MX4D Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 3:30, 6:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM Warcraft - (3D) (Action | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 9:00 & 11:30PM The Nice Guys - (2D) (Action | Comedy | Crime) (15+) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling 9:15PM The Nice Guys - (2D) (Action | Crime) (15+) Cast: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling 3:00, 7:15, 9:30 & 11:45PM Pele: A Birth Legend - (2D) (Biography) (PG) Cast: Vincent D’Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro 5:15PM X-Men: Apocalypse (3D) (Actiony) (PG12) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 3:30, 9:00 & 11:45PM The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) (Animation | Action |Comedy) (U) Cast: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

SALALAH X-Men: Apocalypse (3D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 8:45PM X-Men: Apocalypse (2D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 1:30PM Warcraft (3D)(PG12) (3D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 12:30, 4:15, 6:30, 9:00, 11:30PM The Nice Guys (2D) (15+) (Action | Comedy) Cast: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling 2:00, 9:30, 11:55PM The Angry Birds Movie (3D) (U) (Animation) Cast: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 4:45PM Money Monster (2D)(12+) (Crime | Drama) Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts 2:45, 11:45PM Pele: A Birth Legend (2D)(PG) (Biography | Drama | Sport) Cast: Vincent D’Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro 6:45PM Wild for the Night (2D)(15+) (Crime| Music) Cast: Tommy Flanagan, Michael Roark, Bianca A. Santos 4:30PM Idhu Namma Aalu (2D)(PG) (Tamil) (Romantic) Cast: T.R. Silambarasan, Nayanthara, Andrea 9:00PM

44 34 Minimum

11.45 13.30 14.00

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om King Liar (Mal) (Comedy) Cast: Dileep, Siddique and Madonna Sebastian 6-30 PM Cinema-2; 3-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main Brahmotsavam (Telugu) (Drama) Cast: Mahesh Babu, Samantha and Kajal Agarwal 3-45 pm Cinema -4 Marudhu (Tamil) (Act) Cast: Vishal and Sri Divya 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -4 Jacobinte Swargarajyam ( Mal) (Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly Renji Panicker & Lakshmi Ramakrishna 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-3 Idhu Namma Aalu (Tamil) (Drama) Cast: Silambarasan and Nayantara 6-30 pm Cinema Main; 3-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema-2 Next Change: Iraivi ( Tamil) Aa..Aaa (Telugu) Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

0

ASWATH MEIKANDA June 1, 2008

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-20%

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/ her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Warcraft (Action / Adventure / Fantasy) Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 2.00, 4.30, 7.00, 9.30 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No : 1129 (PG12) The Shamer’s Daughter (Adventure) Cast: Allan Hyde, Jakob Oftebro, Roland Moller 6.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No : 1130 (PG12) Wild for the Night (Crime / Thriller) Cast: Tommy Flanagan, Michael Roark, Bianca A. Santos 2.00, 8.00 & 10.00 p.m.

CP No :1131 (15+) The Trust (Crime / Thriller) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Elijah Wood, Sky Ferreira 4.00 p.m.

CP No : 1119 (15+)

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

BURAIMI Idhu Namma Aalu (PG) (Tamil) (Romantic ) Cast: T.R. Silambarasan, Nayanthara 6:45 PM X-Men: Apocalypse PG12 (3D) (Action) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 9:00 PM Warcraft PG 12 (3D) (Action| Adventure) Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 4:30, 6:45, 9:15 & 11:45 PM Wild for the Night 15+ (Crime| Musi) Cast: Tommy Flanagan, Michael Roark 5:15 & 11:30 PM The Nice Guys 15+ (Action | Comedy) Cast: Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling 4:45, 7:15, 9:30 & 11:45 PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

SOHAR X-Men: Apocalypse PG12 (3D) (Action) Cast: James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence 8:45, 11:45PM The Angry Birds Movie U (3D)( Animation) Cast: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 3:15PM King Liar PG12 (Malayalam) (Comedy) Cast: Dileep, Madonna Sebastian, Lal 9:00PM Brahmot Savam PG (Telugu/Comedy) Cast: Kajal Aggarwal, Mahesh Babu 6:15PM Money Monster 12+ (Crime | Drama) Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts 3:00, 11:55PM The Shamer’s Daughter PG12(Adventure) Cast: Allan Hyde, Jakob Oftebro, Roland Møller 5:00PM Warcraft PG12 (Action| Adventure | Fantasy) Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 3:30, 6:30, 9:30, 11:30PM The Nice Guys 15+ (Action | Comedy) Cast : Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling 3:45, 7:15, 9:30, 11:45PM Pele: A Birth Legend PG (Biography)

BAHJA CINEMA

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

RUWI Screen 1 Warcraft (2D) (Action / Adventure) –PG12 Cast : Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton 3.30, 9.30 PM Sarbjit (2D) (Drama ) –PG12 Cast : Aishwarya Rai and Randeep Hooda 6.30 PM Screen 2 Sarbjit(2D) (Drama ) –PG12 Cast : Aishwarya Rai and Randeep Hooda 3.45, 9.45 PM Baaghi (2D) (Action) –PG Cast :Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor, Sudheer Babu 6.45 PM

SUR X-Men : Apocalypse 3D (Crime | Drama) ( PG12 ) Cast : James Mc Avoy, Michael Fassbender 9:00 PM Warcraft 3D ( Action | Fantasy ) ( PG12 ) Cast : Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 5:00, 7:15, 11:45 PM The Nice Guys (15+) Cast : Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling 9:30, 11:35 PM The Angry Birds Movie - (3D) ( Animation | Action | Comedy ) ( U ) Cast : Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 4:45 PM Idhu Namma Aalu (Tamil | Action) (PG) Cast : T.R. Silambarasan, Nayanthara, Andrea Jeremiah 6:30 PM

Cast : Vincent D’Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro, 5:15PM Idhu Namma Aalu (Tamil | Romantic) Cast : T.R. Silambarasan, Nayanthara 6.45PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

3:30, 8:45, 11:15 PM Azhar (Hindi) (2D) (Sports | Drama) (PG) Cast: Nargis Fakhri, Emraan Hashmi 10:30 PM Brahmot Savam (Telugu) (2D) (PG) Cast: Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal 6:30 PM Idhu Namma Aalu (Tamil) (2D) (Romance) Cast: Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Tanikella Bharani 6:30 PM (PG)

AZAIBA X-Men: Apocalypse (3D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender 3:15, 6:00, 11:45 PM Warcraft (3D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster 3:45, 6:30, 9:15, 11:30 PM The Angry Bird Movie (3D) (Animation | Action | Comedy) (U) Cast: Peter Dinklage, Tituss Burgess 3:45 PM The Jungle Book (3D) (Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 5:45 PM King Liar (Mal) (2D) (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Dileep, Madonna Sebastian, Lal 8:45 PM Sarabjit (Hindi) (2D) (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shiwani Saini

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Wild for the Night (15+) (Crime| Musi) Cast: Tommy Flanagan, Michael Roark, Bianca A. Santos 5:15 & 11:30 PM

3:00 & 7:00PM Captain America: Civil War - (PG) (Action | Adventure| Sci-Fi) (3D) Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr 6:15PM The Jungle Book - (3D) Drama| Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 5:00PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.10pm 3.29pm 6.55pm 8.16pm 3.54am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES (ROUND THE CLOCK) Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya 24787766, 24787780

Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al Hayat International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE Location: 17°06’05.0”N 54°27’09.3”E

Khareef Beckons It is that time of the year when the season prepares to change in Salalah, another khareef is beckoning you. The lush greenery of Wadi Darbat is synonym of the season in Salalah. The Dhofar Mountains here is transformed during monsoon, turning the brown hills into a wonderland. The rains and mist bring life into the soil as the trees sprout leaves, buds burst forth and the land bathes in thick carpet of grass. The most sought after spot for picnickers.

-Mohammed Shafeeqe

IN THE NEWS

Emirates Offers Iftar Service for Ramadan EMIRATES is bringing back its Iftar service for customers travelling during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The special boxes have been redesigned and will be available across all cabin classes on select flights including those to and from the Gulf region as well as Umrah groups travelling to Jeddah and Medina.

The Iftar boxes will allow those observing Ramadan to break their fast with a nutritious and balanced meal. The service has been a mainstay on Emirates flights for over 20 years and is available for the whole month of Ramadan expected to begin on 6 June this year.

The boxes feature a new look with a clean and modern Arabesque design inspired by the region. The Iftar service is a further commitment towards an exceptional travel experience, providing comfort and convenience to customers who are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan and allowing them to enjoy the world class meals the airline is known for.

This year’s Ramadan boxes will have a new menu designed by Emirates’ chefs. These menus feature a Middle Eastern flavour, while remaining distinctly global, and will be refreshed mid-Ramadan. The Iftar box includes options such as za’atar chicken with hummus, spinach fatayer, halloumi cheese, and cucumber sandwiches, traditional sweets such as mammoul and dates, as well as yoghurt.

Emirates utilises a unique tool to calculate the correct timings for Imsak (the time to commence fasting) and Iftar while in-flight. It calculates the exact Ramadan timings using the aircraft’s longitude, latitude and altitude; ensuring the greatest level of accuracy possible while onboard.

When the sun sets, passengers will be informed of the Iftar time by the captain. This tool was developed to supplement Emirates’ annually produced booklet on the timings for Ramadan, available on every flight.

A snack box will also be provided at boarding gates allowing customers to break their fast prior to boarding or while boarding. The snack boxes will feature pastries like cheese fatayer and Arabic sweets like baklava and will be served for flights departing close to Iftar at Emirates’ hub in Dubai International Airport Terminal 3. On certain routes, these boxes will be offered to customers prior to Imsak.

Both variations of boxes will feature a box of dates, symbolic of Ramadan. During the Holy Month, cold meals will be served in lieu of a hot one on all flights to Jeddah and Medina, including Umrah day flights.

Emirates’ award-winning ice system will feature popular movies such as Zinzana and Omar wa Salwa. These are in addition to 49 Arabic movies, 19 channels of Arabic TV programming, and 94 Arabic audio channels, including the Holy Quran channel.

–lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C8

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2016

LIFESTYLE Fishing in Oman, A Year Round One of the many amazing geographical features of the Sultanate is that it has endless miles of pristine beaches, extending from the southern coasts of Salalah to the azure waters of Musandam in the North. The waters of these picturesque beaches and oceans are a beautiful blanket of colours that hide away spectacular wildlife underneath, making these waters amongst the top destinations for anglers to cast their lines. ‘Sports Fishing Magazine’ named the Sultanate of Oman amongst the top 10 destinations in the world to go fishing.

BRIEFS

Disney to spur theme park fun in China BEIJING has Shijingshan, known as “Fake Disney,” Shenzhen has a park with replica landmarks and Yunnan province has Dwarf Empire, an attraction based on little people.

With already 300 theme parks in China, including some ranked among the world’s worst, competition to amuse the nation’s growing middle class is set to intensify. Dalian Wanda Group Co. opened a $3.2 billion project in southeastern Jiangxi province recently, two weeks before the planned unveiling of Shanghai Disney Resort, Walt Disney Co.’s $5.5 billion mainland foray. Five dozen more entertainment venues are slated to start by 2020. The new wave of attractions promises to transform China’s outdoor entertainment landscape, where even unprofitable and badly-run fun parks helped draw about 120 million visitors last year. Industry consultancy Aecom predicts China’s theme-park market will rival that of the US after the new venues open, with 220 million visitors annually. “Mainland Chinese consumers have upgraded a lot in their behaviour in the last 10 years,” said Jennifer So, a tourism analyst at China Securities International in Hong Kong. “They want experiences, not just shopping. That’s why so many theme-park operators see opportunities there.” The government has predicted China’s $610 billion tourism industry will double by 2020, spurred by a growing middle class. DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. plans to open its $2.4 billion DreamCenter and Haichang Ocean Park Holdings will unveil what’s slated to be China’s biggest marine park next year. Six Flags Entertainment Corp. is due to open its first park outside North America in 2019. -Bloomberg

Low air-travel demand set to take gloss off IATA meet AIRLINE CHIEFS from around the world have begun gathering for their annual meeting against a background of increasing concern about a slowdown in demand just as carriers pile on capacity to exploit low oil prices. Only a few months ago, this week’s International Air Transport Association symposium in Dublin looked set to be dominated by talk of record profits and a rush to add new routes and aircraft. Now, evidence of ebbing demand is raising concerns within an airline industry committed to buying record numbers of new aircraft. The market for flights is being hurt even as cheaper jet fuel encourages carriers to offer some of the lowest fares in years. Manufacturers are also feeling the pinch, with Airbus Group SE’s acknowledging on Tuesday that an order dearth so far this year may be part of a wider trend, though one it said was inevitable given the size of outstanding order books. IATA, which represents 260 airlines accounting for 83 of global air traffic, revealed hat global passenger traffic grew only 4.6 per cent in April — the slowest pace since January 2015. -Bloomberg ALTHOUGH the Sultanate’s waters are a year round destination for fishing, breeding seasons and optimum fishing timings are a great tool to give you the best fishing experience.

Masirah Island bursts with marine life between October and March, While Dibba’s best fishing season is between the end of January to the end of March. Quriyat and Salalah are often considered a year round destination for fishing, as the diverse marine life gives prized catch for each season, however, fishermen often avoid fishing in Salalah in the Khareef season due to the strong currents and winds.

Masirah Island The island is an untouched treasure, far away from city life and secluded in its own unique environment. The island sees many fishermen come

from all across the world to enjoy fishing in the heart of the Arabian Sea, cooled by a calm cool breeze all year round.

The island itself is an important maritime location that is both important historically and economically, as fishing has been an important part of the history and still is an important industry in the island.

Yellowfin seabream and the threadfin bream are amongst the most sought out fish in the area.

Quriyat Quriyat is about 100km from Muscat, and is an ideal place for a weekend fishing getaway from Muscat.

Quriyat has also been an important maritime city historically, where many trading vessels came from around the world to trade with the Sultanate. Fishermen here get the

pleasure of attempting to catch the prized yellow fin tuna, which is known worldwide as one of the most exhilarating fish to reel in.

Salalah Home to the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the country, Salalah has a wide range of prized fish for anglers to aim for, such as the Doraro, Swordfish, abalone and shellfish like lobsters and crabs.

The beaches of Salalah are also great for fishing as the rocky coves offer a great vantage point to catch bottom feeding fish like the grouper.

Dibba The azure waters of Musandam are rich with colourful sea life, and the waters of Dibba in particular explode with a variety of fish that attract divers and fishermen from

all around the world. Often named as one of the best locations to dive and discover marine life, fishing in Dibba is also highlighted as yellow fin tuna is abundant there.

Words from a Fisherman A fisherman from Khabourah, Mubarak Al Qartoobi, said: “One of the great pleasures of fishing in the Sultanate is catching fish the traditional way, using a hand line.

Each fisherman has a story with the sea and mine is one where I take time to relax and get away from city life to feel the nature of the Sultanate. Fishing in each area of the Sultanate has a different thrill, be it catching yellow fin tuna from the waters of Salalah or trolling in the waters of Dibba, each destination has its own magic.”

—Courtesy of Ministry of Tourism

Strikes, protests pose new headache for Paris tourism AS PARIS TOURISM struggles to overcome last November’s attacks, the world’s most visited city faces a new threat: a wave of protests and further planned strikes, tourism officials warned on Monday. Labour unions have scheduled stoppages that threaten to disrupt transport for millions of visitors and fans hoping to follow the Euro 2016 soccer tournament from June 10 onwards, after weeks of violence-marred street protests against planned labour reforms. “The scenes of guerrilla-type action in central Paris, beamed around the world, reinforce the feeling of fear and misunderstanding from visitors in an already angst-filled climate,” Frederic Valletoux, head of the Paris region tourist board said in a statement on Monday. “There is still time to save the tourist season by putting an end to these blockades that are being shown the world over.” Evelyne Maes, head of the UMIHParis-Ile de France hotel federation, said that bookings for June to August were down 20 to 50 per cent from a year ago. -Reuters

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

VACANCY

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D4

CARGO

D7

FOR RENT 1. Flat Wadi Kabir / MBD Area 2. Villa @ Muscat Hills 3. Warehouse Ghala 4,000 Sqm

Contact : 9076 5656 / 951 22 666

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

FURNISHED OFFICES FOR RENT ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăƚ Ă ƉƌŝŵĞ ůŽĐĂƟ ŽŶ ŽŶ Azaiba Service Road (Previously OĐĐƵƉŝĞĚ ďLJ ͛^Ăī Ă &ŽŽĚƐͿ near Al Turky and Mazda showroom.

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ 95215289, 99229263, 93221054

*Tourist visa arranged

ʽ ^ãÊÙ ZÊÊÃÝ

¥ÊÙ Z Äã

ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ Ăƚ Ă ƉƌŝŵĞ ůŽĐĂƟ ŽŶ ŽŶ azaiba service road ;ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ ŽĐĐƵƉŝĞĚ ďLJ ͛^Ăī Ă &ŽŽĚƐͿ ŶĞĂƌ ů dƵƌŬLJ ĂŶĚ DĂnjĚĂ ƐŚŽǁƌŽŽŵ

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ 95215289, 99229263, 93221054

Warehouse available

FOR RENT IN BALADIA SANAYAH AMIRAT (Floor area 600sqmtrs and mezzanine of 500sqmtrs) 1100sqmts fully cover warehouse & staff accommodations

Please contact: G.S.M

2 Bedrooms Flat for rent located in Prime location of Al Khuwair. Contact: 92197959 / 92502497.

99417229/92621039 Office for rent in Al Ansab near bank Muscat. Contact: 99466173 3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent.

18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi.

Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use. OMR 295/- month.

Call 94477222 3 BHK, 1BHK with A.C new building behind Muscat Bakery Wadi Al Kabir. Contact: 99338133 / 92103604 Deluxe 1 & 2 bedroom flats, ideal for office or residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 97721313 / 95070421 Flat for rent in Ruwi Al Mumtaz area 300/-R.O 2BHK, sitting room, hall, 2 bathrooms, kitchen with A/C Contact: 99722838 / 93294878 / 93294877 Flat for rent in Al Wadi Kabir near to the Kuwaiti Mosque 225 R.O, 1BHK, sitting room, bathrooms, kitchen with A.C. Contact : 93294878 / 93294877 Flat for rent in Al Wadi Kabir near to the Kuwaiti Mosque 300 R.O, 2 BHK, sitting room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen with A.C. Contact: 93294878 / 93294877 Flat for rent in Al Wadi Kabir near to the Kuwaiti Mosque 390/- R.O, 3 BHK , sitting room, three bathrooms, kitchen with A.C. Contact: 93294878 / 93294877

2 Bedroom Flat for rent located in Prime location of Ruwi.

Contact: 92197959 / 92502497 2 Bedroom Townhouse with Swimming pool, free Wi-Fi for Rent near British School in Madinat Sultan Qaboos. Contact: 92197959 / 92502497 Office for rent located in Prime location of Azaiba Main Highway.

Contact: 92197959 / 92502497 For rent flat in Darsait & Ruwi, Office CBD. Contact: 95345909 / 92820734 Flat for rent in Ruwi Al Walja near to the Honda road RO 200/-, 1 BHK, sitting room, bathrooms, kitchen with A.C. Contact: 93294878 / 93294877 2 BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi & Ghubra near Al Maha Hotel.

Contact: 99269751 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 3 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181 60 + 100 + 180 + 600 Sqr Mtrs Office Space for Rent in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 Flat for rent in Al Qurum, 3 rooms & hall. Contact: 91763660

Just 2 OMR / Sqm, Showroom / store for rent Ground floor & basement, area - 1100 Sqm, location Seh Al Ahmer, 20 km to Rusayl.

Contact: 97714433 / 93437982 Flats for rent at Just RO 160/- 2 Bed room, hall, kitchen , 2 toilets, location Seh Al Ahmer, 20 KM to Rusayl, including AC & roof Garden.

Contact: 97714433 / 93437982 Flat for rent in Darsait 1BHK. Contact: 99357586 / 97500025 / 97500021 Ware house open type in Saham, shared basis at OMR 150.00 P.M. Contact +968 99450811 & 9921 3487, EMAIL: Shiju@spec-link.com Villa in Seeb near Dreams Resort and close to the sea. Contact: 24182000 / 95250300/ 99110600 House in North Al Hail with 3 rooms, living room, hall, 4 toilets 300 RO. Contact 99738881 / 99439568 Plot at Barka next to Germany College & next to Aramex Company, next to Bahwan Warehouse, next to Omasco warehouse 37,074 SQM2 required 0.250 Baiza per SQM. Contact: 99888390 Flats in Al Khuwair, Al Ghubra, Azaiba, Wadi Kabeer, Darsait, Hamriya, Al Hail & Seeb.

Contact: 24182000 / 95250300 / 99110600

Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM. Shop for rent at Wadi Kabir Industrial area. Contact: 99888390 Shop in Seeb market. Contact: 24182000 / 95250300/ 99110600 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 3 Bedroom well maintained flat (villa Type only 2 flats in villa) in Al Khuwair, behind Al Akhtam Restaurant villa No 1841, Way No 3922--- block no 239.

Contact: 99462980 Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer including 3 rooms with ACs. Contact: 99333639 Villa for rent in Al Ghubrah, 5 rooms, hall. Contact: 91763665 Flat for rent in Al Khoud, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 917633665 1BHK Flats for rent, behind Sheraton hotel in Ruwi, rent R.O 250/per month. Contact: 96051941 Flat for rent Al Hail North to the Wave Muscat ground floor with furniture the price RO 250/-.

Contact: 99353433

Office 55SQ.Mtrs & 2B/R at Bausher directly from owner.

Contact: 92158031

1 BHK and 2BHK Flats available near Lulu Darsait (Main road, Opp. to Min. of Defense). Contact : 93202733

Ruwi office space for rent, Saravana Bhava Building.

Contact: 91120552

Flats, shops & store for rent in MBD area Ruwi, Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

For rent New flats at Darsait Al Sahail. Contact: 99777351

Offices and Flats in Ghala.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

House in Darsait 3 rooms, kitchen, 1 bathroom with A/C. Contact: 95522405

Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

New flats Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact: 92130703 Flats in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 92277419

Villa in Al Khoud consists of 6 bedrooms, 1 sitting & living room.

Contact: 91153933

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 94051789 / 97201688

1700 sqr mtrs open Land + small store + garage for Rent in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181

Villa for rent in Al Khoud, 6 rooms, hall. Contact: 91763665

2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661

3000 Sqr mtrs compound land in Misfah. Contact 99792181 5 BHK Villa in Al Khuwair, for Staff Accommodation. Contact 99792181 2 & 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair & Ghubra. Contact 99792181 Flat for rent 2 bedrooms in Ruwi Mumtaz area. Contact: 91409667 / 24291500

Shop for rent good location main road behind wholesale hyper market Amerat space 11 MT long, 4 MT Width. Contact: 92877449 Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. OMR 330 Monthly.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

ACC. AVAILABLE Room available for family / bachelor opposite to o.K. Center, Ruwi.

Gsm 942-888-63

4 BHK Villa in Bowsher Heights.

Contact 99792181 Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570

Sharing Accomodation avaiable for a working lady near indian school wadikabir.

Contact 99652740

Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

FOR SALE

Brand new villas in Al Ansab. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

2 Nos brand new sea water reverse osmosis plants 500m3/ day, containerized in knock down condition with American PD pumps & process pumps for immediate sale. Serious buyers may Contact: 99445367

Flats in Ghobrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact: 95154331 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346 Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 2 BHK flat at Ruwi Mumtaz area RO 320/-. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

FOR SALE Shop for sale at Ruwi high street.

Contact: 98787853 Used & Refurbished Porta cabins, Toilets unit available for sales. Contact: 99215560 Email: omegaunitedoman@gmail.com Working beauty parlor for sale Al Ghubra. Contact: 98178135 Running pharmacy for sale on main road in Barka with Pharmacist. Contact: 99452755 603 sq mtrs residential land in Al Hail North Block 45 NE near Radio station. OMR 95 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Ladies fashion boutique for sale in Al Khuwair. Contact: 24702870 Villa for sale in Mabela 6 rooms, living room & hall.

Contact: 91763665

Offices & Showrooms in Al Khood.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Dental chairs for sale sparingly used dental units for sale.

Contact Mr. Ansari 92616343.

Kumar 99570284

02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241

Dental clinic for immediate sale doctor going abroad. Contact: 92882209 / 96373097

Villa in Bousher consists of 5 rooms, 1 hall & living room.

Contact: 91153933

2 Shops for sale at prime location in Ghobra. Contact: 96381294 Bozlur

Villa in Al Ghubra consists of 5 bedrooms, 1 hall and living room.

Contact: 91153933

6 Villas of six bedrooms each under construction in one compound in Bausher near Muscat Private hospital. Prices range from 165 thousand to 179 thousand for each villa. Each villa has three floors and 369 sq mtrs build up area.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Room with 9 bathrooms in Bousher for rent. Contact: 91153933 Apartment in Al Khoudh consists of 2 room & hall.

Contact: 91153933 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 Flats In Qurum.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

2BHK split A/C for rent Muttrah near Oman House.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 1BHK Studio flat near Star Cinema RO 180/-. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

Apartment for sale location Bowshar apartment 105m has one sitting room, kitchen, balcony, two rooms with cupboards & curtains & 3 toilets. Contact: 99822260 / 94400777 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 95056808 / 97201688 Double Shutter 80 sq mtrs corner textile shop in Seeb Souq for sale.

Contact 99326339 1No brand new containerized package type STP 100 m3/ day with blower equipments (suitable for camps). Serious Buyers may.

Contact: 99445367

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 /What`s up No 97290565 Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter.

Photos can be sent 95865457

ACC. AVAILABLE Bachelor sharing accommodation available at Misfa.

Contact: 99215560 Furnished accommodation available at Walja with bath & sharing, kitchen for family.

Contact: 99725804 Fully furnished showroom space available at Al Qurum near Sabco Center. 100 sq. m ideal for travel office, money exchange, jewellery, foot wear, perfume shop, Computer Shop etc. Contact: 96108593 Furnished single / sharing room for Exec. bachelor at Rex Road (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil).

Contact: 92873832 Accommodation for Ladies or couple in Ruwi. Contact: 91450718

Fully furnished room with access to kitchen is ideal for a bachelor or couple situated in Al Bustan village, and is close to the beach and the hotel.Plz contact 99378964 / 96607448

WANTED Description - used 80 mm UNI interlocking, Quantity 5000 Sq . Mtr. Contact person Mr. Farook Shaikh .

Contact: 00968- 99899724 Email: fairdeal@omantel.net.om

Sharing accommodation available large size room with bath, passage, and kitchen at Darsait (near ISD School). Contact: 99419390

Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact: 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778

Executive lady room & Bathroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99336206 Room, bathroom for Executives in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99336206 Big single room with separate entry & attached toilet near Al Nadha Hospital. Contact: 99228295

MV SALE

Room available with attached bath & balcony for an Executive bachelor near MBD area.

Contact: 95779616

Audi A3 2003 automatic gear 138,000 kms, Expat driven for RO 600/-. Serious buyers can Contact 96248179

Sharing accommodation for Executive bachelor / family near Badr Sama Ruwi. Contact: 99008436

Mitsubishi Pajero model 2006, full option, 6 cylinders, 3800 CC in a very good condition.

Contact 99376567

Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 1 big room with attached bathroom with sharing kitchen available for small Muslim Family, Near Spar, Mumtaz area, Ruwi, Muscat.

Contact 99662698.

1 BHK appartment for rent in Al Khoud Shabiya near mazoon mosque for rent (next to alkhoud medical center and squ) MOB: 93913224 Small old house for rent in Ghobra. Contact: 97165972 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849 Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776 Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960

Spacious 4BHK with split A/C’S, 4 bathrooms & storeroom, near Church roundabout, Mumtaz area.

Rent:R.O 575, Contact:99349672

Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 97167857

Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708

BUYING Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Used office house furniture & electronic items.

Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

NRI 910 sq ft furnished flat at Qupem Goa. Contact: 97094797 NRI selling his properties : Bangalore (Sobha Garnet, 4 bed room apartment), Hosur (25 cents) Cochin (20 cents), Trivandrum (11 cents, opposite to KIMS Hospital), Shertala (20 cents), Kanyakumari (175 cents along National Highway), Nagercoil (3 plots of 11 cents, 100 cents and 20 cents). Send e mail to drkpraman@gmail.com or call Pradeep 94194071 Two properties at Bangalore for sale (1) 3 BHK Senior living apartment with full fledged facilities & services in Ozone Urbana Serene project for the cost price of Irene project. Handover by August 2016.

(2) 4 B/R villa (BUA 3600sq.ft, 4 floors, 3 Livings, 5 bathrooms, maid’s room & car park) for sale at JP Nagar. Contact Mrs. Mangala Ph: 97903127, Email: ravichandran.mangala@gmail.com

FOR LADIES Offer!! Treading Gold Facial & Pedicure just for 10 RO, Al Doom Parlour Ruwi: Contact 99619409 (watsup) Home service available

IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/ 99012165

MATRIMONIAL Muscat based Ezhava girl, MCA seeking alliance for Ezhava girl, 25 years working in MNC Muscat, staying with family from parents of professionals in Muscat / UAE. (Preferably from Kannur Distt).

Contact: 99665200 Ezhava male, 31 yrs, height 5.6, B-Tech Aeronautical, administrative professional, parents in Oman.

Contact 99550870 Sunni Muslim (Urdu) girl B.E, MBA, 25 years HT 5.1” fair invites alliance from Tamil Nadu Bangluru / Mysore. Contact: 99502581 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact 96059801.

Parent of Thrissur based Hindu Ezhava girl aged 20, Slim,Atham star, Studying for B. Pharm seeking alliance from well employed Graduates, preferably in Engineering Contact :96425102 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726

LOST MD Moosa Hossain Ahamed has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. E 1592020 . Finder please handover to ROP. Vazeer Himam Sab has lost Indian Passport No. J 1226309.

Finder please handover to ROP Nazrul Islam has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. BB 0437485. Finder please handover to ROP

D4

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED

REQUIRED URGENTLY HSE OFFICER & STP Supervisor Immediately required for a well-known Company In Oman, part of a reputed group.

Interested qualified and experienced candidates should email their updated cv to

hrforjobs2016@gmail.com

MAINTENANCE

REQUIRED

MANAGER

Sales mechanical executive

For a reputed company Well experienced in building & villas all type of maintenance.

Please send your C V to

hralsom@gmail.com ACCOUNTS Omani Female required as Asst.

Accountant cum Secretary. English communication and writing, typing skills required. Email CV to: s.safar@celarwater.com, 24613371.

Kindly forward your CV to omancareers2016@gmail.com

Contact # 92025033, Email : dr.srininvas76@gmail.com

CATERING ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Wanted Cooks urgently for a Coffee shop, visa ready.

Email : souman7@yahoo.com, GSM : 97158376

DOMESTIC HELPER House maid for Omani family.

Contact: 99773100 Required fulltime Housemaid to look after kids (7months old) & also for housework. Ghubrah Contact 92951265 House maid for small Omani family.

Contact: 92158031 Required house maid part time in Azaiba for Keralite family.

Contact : 96758982 A full time living Housemaid required for an Indian family in Ghobrah. Contact: 97335255

Urgently Required: MEP Manager Engineer- minimum 10years experience with NOC in Oman for immediately join. Interested candidates may call us to our office telephone: 00968- 24696584/ 24696585 or fax: 0096824605955 or email us to sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Required Electrical Engineer with minimum 5 years Gulf exp. & Electrician with ITI - Industrial & MEDC license. Contact: 99454425

IT Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

MEDICAL DRIVER Wanted Indian light driver with visa salary R.O 200/.

Contact: 99215560 Email: bvcsmuscat@gmail.com Driver required for a leading Courier company. Send CV to info@atsglobex.com Contact: 00968-97461515 Salary: Negotiable.

Required Omani Driver for a restaurant. Contact 95929911 Wanted a experience Driver for Capital and Interior work.

Gsm : 942-888-63

Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact: 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Urgently required Physiotherapist & Pharmacist for a reputed polyclinic. Send CV to carecare003@gmail.com or call 97706453 Urgently required Pharmacist & MOH licensed female Dentist for a reputed polyclinic. Send CV : manageribnalhaitham@yahoo.com or call 96721709.

Wanted driver. Contact: 97165972

DESIGNER Urgently required Designer minimum 5 years experience with different design concept and any related jobs. Contact: 93218176 / Email: joboman88@gmail.com

DRAFTSMAN MEP CAD Draftsmen required, with experience in Pipeline and Electrical drawing for a reputed water treatment company in UAE. Email CV to : s.safar@celarwater. com, 24613371

Care Medical Centre Al Seeb requires Gynecologist and General Practitioner.

Mail CV to:sarita_h23@yahoo.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934 Require a qualified Nurse to take care of an elderly female.

Contact: 99425200

EDUCATION/TRAINING

MISCELLANEOUS

Medical/Engineering Entrance coaching: Teachers for Chemistry, Physics, Maths & Biology required urgently call 91396893 or email :medengca@gmail.com

The following vacancies are urgently required for a printing press in Wadi Kabir General Manager & Sales Representatives with well knowledge and experience in printing press, holding valid Omani driving license.

Please send your CV to: aalamri24@gmail.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Wanted Indian Engineer & Marketing person for steel workshop in Saham. Contact 91339401 Wanted Marine Engineer for yacht in Muscat. # Whatsapp 95887572 Email: alibadawy@gmail.com Civil Engineer, Masons, Helpers, Shuttering, Carpenters, Steel fixers with 5 yrs experience in Oman.

Contact: 97491117

26 years Gulf experience Indian Finance Manager B.Com, MBA English, Arabic speaking driving license, NOC available. Contact: 99811679

Filipino Cabin steward / Linen vallet is looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: +968 91065438 or email: blonglive@gmail.com

5 Years experienced front office & Banking, Indian male 28 yrs, hotel management Graduate. Searching for suitable position, English, Hindi, Malayalam & Arabic fluent. NOC available. Contact - 91383167

Accounts part time services, available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis.

Finalization and audit works.

Contact: 96247295

Omani Driving license

With MOH Licence and Data Flow for Al Saadi Specilised Medical Centre, Musanna.

CATERING

Indian (Male) having 17+years Experience in Trading & Healthcare seeking senior Position in Accounts (11 years GCC Experience ) currently on Resident Visa (NOC Available ) and has a valid Omani Driving Licence. Contact: 91335026; skumartp@gmail.com

For industrial trading company With minimum 5 years’ experience.

WANTED Female Gynaecologist, Female GP- Two Female Staff Nurse (From India or Pilipino)and One Female Dental Assist and Female Lab Technician.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394

MISCELLANEOUS Wanted Steward / Deckhand for Yacht in Muscat, Housekeeping & Guest service duties. Contact: Whatsapp 95887572 Email: alibadawy@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Required Office Assistant with driving license present in Oman.

Salary + food+ accommodation.

Contact: 99454425

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact: 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778 Urgently required Printing & Stationary Salesman (minimum 3 years experience in field.

Contact: 93218176 / Email: joboman88@gmail.com Well reputed Kitchen fabrication company required the staff for showrooms as follow.

(1) Sales Manager with valid driving license. (2) Sales Executive (Male) with valid driving license.

(3) Sales Executive (Female) Philippine Secretary (Female) Send the CV’s at “hrik711@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Required smart, young, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience for a reputed manufacturing company in Oman, having its Head Office in Ruwi. Experience in building materials is an added advantage. Omani Driving License and NOC is a must.

Attractive remuneration package.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@gmail.com Required female person to work at the retail shop/ Marketing. Please send your CV on e mail:Zeyanaalharmaly@yahoo.com Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Urgently required Offset Printer (5 years experience in the same and well versed in any related jobs. Contact: 93218176 / Email: joboman88@gmail.com Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 26 years MBA experience in Accountant & Administration in a MNC company currently on visit visa ready to join. Contact: +968 92194987 email: achal1989@hotmail.com Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Part time Accountant Indian Senior Accountant up to finalization Tally 9. Contact: 93064975 Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact: 94743790 Indian female, M.Com, DCA having 10+ years experience as Senior Accountant in leading Construction & Trading L.L.C in Muscat seeking suitable job, Oman driving license NOC available. Contact : 91609799 Chief Accountant well experienced with reputed group.

Contact : 98803439 / 97413784.

Urgently required a Painter and a Denter for workshop (Garage).

Contact: 96042322

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT/Ast. Finance Manager-M. Com FinanceIndian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to Finalization. Experienced in facilitations & banking. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com

Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

Fresher 24, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with Oman driving license.

Contact - 92430152 Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com

Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. Contact 93953613, Email-allen.mathew83@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Accountant 2.5 years exp in Oman, NOC available with valid D/L. Contact: 98870112 Email: rashadmeethal@gmail.com B.Com Graduate 10 years experience in Oman accounts & auditing.

NOC available. Contact: 95716128 mail: jaigomesh.ganesh@gmail.com American Certified Manager (6 sigma, CPPM) with MBA, PMP trained having 10 years, UAE cross functional experience in procurement, projects management, supply chain, facilities & Administration with UAE D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact: 90772927 Email: callshebin@gmail.com Indian male 34 yrs, M.Com – Finance with 5 yrs experience in Accounts in India, presently in visiting visa looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 93671785 Email: jeyan903@gmail.com Part Time Accountant, up to finalization of accounts, looking for job after 5 PM (location prefer MSQ to Al Hail). Contact: 90935099

ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact: 99284193 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240 Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible. Contact: 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Accountant Assistant BBA, exp, Tally have 2 yr valid VISA PH : 98269281

ARCHITECT Architect female 5 years experience seeking job.

Contact: 96146645 Email: anjuovil@gmail.com Senior Architect or Designer looking for suitable job, Nationality Syrian. Contact: 94698508 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com Indian female diploma architect 6 years exp in Oman Engineering consultancy, valid Oman driving license. Contact: 96683293 / 97750870

ADMIN Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235 Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as Personal Assistant / Office Manager / Executive Secretary / Senior Administrator / Business Development Asst. seeks job change. Release available.

Contact 99168054.

Tamil Nadu female BE, (ECE) MBA (HR) 25 years, 6 months experience business consult (HR) currently under family visa looking for suitable position. Contact: 99502581 Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Indian Female, 3yrs exp. In AutoCAD draftsman with 3ds max & rivet,. Looking for suitable placement in Muscat now in visit visa .Contact:95601266 Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DRIVER License light heavy duty, PDO license experience 8 years mechanical experience vehicle.

Contact 92091528 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 98219182 Looking for driving job 6 months experience. Contact: 93782260 Looking for driving job with Toyota Camry car, driver available with car or without car.

Contact: 97224035 Looking for driving job.

Contact: 99518533 Bangladeshi male looking for driving job. Contact: 98140379 Light driver looking for job Gulf exp.

Contact: 91929556 Driver Pakistani exp 4 years, looking for job. Contact: 94356465 Driver looking for job, 3 years experience. Contact: 97468646 Bangladeshi driver looking for job.

Contact: 97418036 Looking for driving job light 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977 Looking for driving job with G.C.C experience 6 years with car, without car. Contact: 94085449 For light vehicles.

Contact: 92789805 Bangladeshi want job with own car. Contact : 93822195 Light vehicle driver. Contact: 95891087 Light duty driver 2 yrs exp.

Contact: 96393805

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer, B.Tech, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available.

Contact: 91693008 B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com Project Manager Electrical with 6 years experience with EHV & MV substation projects. NOC available.

Contact 91398559 Instrumentation Engineer, Indian male 25 years having over 2 years experience in calibration, testing and maintenance of field instruments, looking for a suitable position, available in Oman for visit.

Contact: 91228010 Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience looking for job, qualifications in QA – QC, HVAC & Piping Engineering. Contact: 90510800 Email: muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com B Tech Electronics and communication,1.5 years experience in India as site engineer in automation system of Reliance, Looking for a suitable job. Currently in India, Contact:-95657292

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟ ŽŶ

E'/E Z With 2 years exp in Telecom sector, currently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϯϵϭϵϵϰϯ ĂŐŶĞůũĞƌŝŶΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ ^ƵĚĂŶĞƐĞ DĂůĞ ϯϱ LJƌƐ ͘^Đ ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐ ^LJƐƚĞŵ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ with 11 yrs. Experience in Gov/Private. /^ K ; EWͲZΘ^Ϳ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝĐĂů ŚĂĐŬŝŶŐ ; , ǀϴͿ ĞƌƟ Į ĞĚ͘ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ŽĨ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ /d services management. ŵĂŝů͗ ŐĂďĂƌŽŬŝϮŬΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ DŽď͗нϵϳϰϱϬϰϳϱϬϯϰ

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711

Indian male MBA

With 13 years experience in GCC and Oman. Competent in Sales, DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ͕ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ŽƉĞƌĂƟ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͘ Interested employer please call

Finance & Marketing 25 yrs having 1.9 years of experience Finance & Marketing Contact: 95206140/ 96992013

Indian male, Diploma Engineer with BBA & 16 yrs experience in Oman, worked with MNC in retail (Telecom/ Lubricant sales) and with construction industry handling various products & subcontract projects.

Holding valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

97728418

bonnythomas007@gmail.com

Email:

Contact 96960991, Email : sunap1968@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

MISCELLANEOUS

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable.

Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com B.Tech Mechanical Engineer steel fabrication & erection 6 years experience with Oman D/L seeks placement. Contact 97917250 B.Tech Civil Indian, 4 years experience in Oman with D/L. Contact: 90902809, Email: ackn1234@yahoo.com Indian B.E Civil Engineer 1 year Indian 5 months Oman experience seeking Site Engineer position, local release available.

Contact: 96411591 Indian Diploma Civil Engg 3 years Indian exp 6 months Oman exp seeking Site Engineer position, local release available. # 96411950 Indian female on family visa having M. Ttech degree in Biotech seeking suitable placement in any field. Contact: 91287047 Computer Hardware Technician, experienced Indian Male on visit visa seeking for suitable placement as hardware technician and Store Incharge. Contact: 95711667 Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 mail: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com B.Tech Mechanical Engineer having 8 years exp having Oman driving license seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97841963 Civil Engineer fresh Graduate with Omani driving license looking job in any company.

Contact: 91745797 / 99190898 Email: alio_abdo@hotmail.com Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience in Quality Control / Mechanical Engineer has achieved certification in NDT level 2, currently in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95632276, Email: jassin.sudhakaran@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 16 years experience in switchgear / transformer / over head lines & trading, looking for sales / procurement & project planning & Execution with NOC & D/L. Contact: 95994727 Email: qurm340@gmail.com Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman.Contact:98921022 Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283

Sr. Sales & Marketing Specialist

D E ' Z, CIPD HR

Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com Diploma Engineering Instrumentation Technician, 2 years experience skills calibration & installation etc.

Contact: 98963344 / 96946408 Email: anfeeranfu4@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 33 with 6+ years experience in GCC in MEP building construction field (execution and design of HVAC,firefighting,plumbing), with D/L, NOC available 96978380;prajithks@gmail.com Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 96570891 Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 B.Sc Civil Engineer, MBA experience 5 years (15 months in Oman) English & Arabic, driving license looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 94162443 Indian 24 yrs exp SR civil Engg with NOC, searching suitable job, in any project Supervision.

Contact: 96602718 mishteyaqh@yahoo.co.in Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat.

Contact: 91176187 syam036@gmail.com Automobile Mechanic ITI 3 years experience marine mechanical fitter 2 yrs experience.

Contact: 93674847 Indian 14 yrs exp SR MEP – Elect Engg with NOC, searching suitable job, in field PMC, Fire consultants , Testing & com, project supervision.

Contact: 92437865 Email: maimran.mtech@live.com Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Teacher available in Seeb, Al-Mwalah, Al-Hail and Al-Khod Areas. Contact: 93848364 Indian male, M.Tech Graduate in Chemical Process Control Engineering looking for lecturing jobs, currently in Oman. Contact : 98352288

Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 Experienced Indian female Teacher, B.Sc (Botany) & B.Ed on visit seeks suitable placement.

Cont: 98312255 / 94495305 Email: sajnasachu786@gmail.com Indian male in English, M.Phill, B.Ed with 5 years experience in College teaching & good administrative skill is looking for a suitable placement in Education Institutions or offices. Contact: 98260529 / 97297939 Email: samsundarlit@gmail.com

Indian Female, 25 Years - MSc Biotechnology, 1yr exp. in Microbiology, Looking for suitable job.

Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

MEDICAL Staff Nurse seeking job for nurse with 2 years experience in India with visit visa, passed with 51% Oman prometric. Contact: 91451935 D- Pharm Pharmacist 17 years experience Ayurvedic Panchakarma Masseur’s 3 years experience.

Contact: 93672452 Indian female Dentist specialized Endodontist looking for suitable placement, prometric completed.

Contact: 96410448

Ŷ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ŚĂƌƚĞƌĞĚ ĐĐŽƵŶƚĂŶƚ With over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ͳ ϵϲϰϵϭϬϯϬ

MISCELLANEOUS IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales. # 91496939.

Assistant Accountant - B.Com Graduate with excellent overall skills. 2 Years of experience. Ready for immediate joining.

Contact: sharonravi00@gmail.com, 968-92049215 Software Engineer with 5 + plus years of experience in Infosys ltd on visit visa seeking suitable vacancy in oman. Email : steffyraphel@gmail.com mob: 96896246205 / 96897032284

MANAGER

Indian male 26 years, Graduate in BBM & having Diploma in Logistics with 3 years of experience in Banking and Accounts looking for suitable placement. Contact : + 968 97166820/ +91 9895102356 Email :afsalrahman1989@gmail.com

Indian male 40 years BSc & diploma in logistics, 16 yrs experience (6 yrs in GCC) in logistics, storekeeping & spare parts, seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 98966849

Indian male Graduate 10 years experience in Oman seeks mid management position with trading / automobile organization.

Contact: 92133277 Email: bijuma73@yahoo.com

Indian Female looking for a part time opportunity (Graphic Design/ Teaching/Research Assistant/ Business Development/Administration) Contact: 95811820 or sankarikm06@gmail.com

Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support / CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement. Contact: 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com

Operations Manager – Interior designing, Indian male, 20 years experience in Interior Decoration, Joinery, Gypsum Works, MEP Works, BOQ preparation, costing, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97608867

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, caammk13@gmail.com

IT 4 years as Network Engineer (CCNA- MCTIP) very good in Arabic & English, having valid license.

Contact: 99813988

IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 System IT Engineer with Linux & UNIX System Administration skills transferable visa. Contact: 99109332 Omani 26(m) seeks placement 6 yrs experience IT specialist.

Contact: 99025044 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact: 98660672

Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827

SALES / MARKETING Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available.

Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 34 yrs having 8 yrs Client / Customer Service Management exp. in Oman looking for suitable in Hospitality or Admin / Sales Service. Contact: 96786325 Nithin Issac (Indian male) bachelor degree & MSW Medical & Psychiatry Hospital experience for 4 years in public relations and one year experience as Psychiatric Social Worker.

Contact 98937662 / 90188131 Email: nithsknur@gmail.com Indian B.Tech 37 years Project Engineer , 12 + years experience in construction, maintenance of STP, Pumping stations, sewer lines, drinking water distribution and service reservoirs & pipe lines.

Contact: 99364007 / +91-887422635 Email: mdzubair01@gmail.com Indian male, 16 years experience in Telecom vas industry on different Vas products, services & Enterprise solutions, looking for managerial position in relevant field, visit visa on hand for three months. Contact: 99744870 / 0091-9959171939, Email: tsbabu@airhub.com BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Procurement Coordinator Indian male 30 yrs B.Com (Computers) 4 years experience in Saudi Arabia Construction Company looking for any suitable position on visit visa till 18 June 2016.

Contact: 0968 98590811 Email: ibrahimhashmi220@gmail.com Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact: 92066 523

Indian male good experience in Sales, Marketing, Admin & Accounts looking for suitable job.

Contact: 96199690 35 years male, Lebanese holding British passport, 10 years of experience in procurement, Omani Government tenders, setup marketing plans & strategies, importing, Organizing events, management, have car, NOC available.

Contact 94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com

Tea boy looking for job Name: Man Bahadar Contact: 97859837 Indian Female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area. #98660672 Indian Female, 29 Yrs Age, M.Sc Microbiology, looking for Job any reputed organization / Hospitals, seeks suitable position.

Contact : 95218424 / 9610 6604.

On Family Residence Visa.

Indian female 10 years exp as cook in Oman. South Indian & Gujarati special looking for job,company or restaurant. Contact 90559292 Indian Male B-Com Graduate 1 year, experience in market survey, Valid Driving License, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 92567020 / 96930392 Indian Male 30 year GCC driving license and past experience as project coordinator looking for a suitable position. Project Coordination, Sales Executive, Marketing Executive or any other suitable post. Contact number -97070427

Indian male more than 10 years experience in Sales and Administration with NOC & D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97205114

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales. #91496939.

Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity. NOC available.

Contact: 96001877

Indian female 27 yrs, Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality management, seeking suitable placement.

Curnetly in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact 94880684

Indian male 24 years B.com 2 years of experience in Sales & Office Admin knowledge of Tally ERP 9 & MS Office. Contact: 98613373 / 97359814, Email: syedismailnoor@gmail.com

Female Dentist with MOH license and NOC, 7 years experience 2 yrs out of them in Oman looking for a job. Contact 97401243

Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.

Contact: India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com

Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .Contact 91467576.

Indian male network cabling technician (19-years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com

Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com

Indian male, M. Com, 11 years experience in the field of accountancy and Stores. Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733

Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820

Indian male, M.Com, 7 years Oman experience in the field of accounts and valid oman driving license & NOC . Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement. # 92859733

SKILLED LABOR 20 years experience in Oman S.T.P Operator. Contact: 93089468

Indian male physiotherapist with 3 years of experience, with (moh license and NOC available. seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99767528, 91317863

Indian male diploma in automobiles & MBA in insurance motor claim surveyor and processor, looking for a suitable placement in Insurance company 15 years of experience working in Middle East, Dubai & Saudi Arabia.

Contact : 95467981 Indian Male, 23, BBA graduate, fresher on visit visa, looking for a job in sales. Contact: 94032041 Mail: azzamsiddique1@gmail.com IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales.

Contact 91496939 Indian Male, Post graduate with 10yrs experience in gulf & 4.6yrs in Oil & Gas experience with SAP and ERP exposure. Finalisation, MIS, Auditing, Budgeting, AP &AR, Tax, etc., with Oman D/L seeking suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact: 91743376 Indian male, 25 yrs, more than 5 years experience in Dubai, Looking for a suitable placement for jobs related to sales, marketing, coordination and support.

Contact: 95140445, syedfaraz97681@gmail.com Indian female, B.Tech Computer Science, 5 years experience in teaching in India currently on visit visa seeking for a suitable position in teaching, IT or administration.

E mail: rincy87@gmail.com Indian Male 47 years MBAOperations Management with total 25 Yrs exp inclusive of 9 yrs in Oil & Gas sector in Oman, having valid Omani D/L & NOC available , seeks challenging position in SCM/ Logistics/ Procurement in any Sector.

GSM-94236414.

Mail id – jayamurli@gmail.com Accountant male Indian, 2 years experience, doing accounts in tally & excel seeks suitable job.

EMAIL – regin1690@gmail.com, Contact +91 7373387282 Filipino I.T. with 5 years experience looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: +968 91183514 or email delarama_ryan_t@yahoo.c om B.E (Mechanical) 12 years industrial sales, 1 year Muscat experience, presently in India , immediately ready to join. Contact :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com Indian female B.Com, 1 year experience in Oman, experience in wings account package and knowledge of tally. Looking for Accounting job. Presently in Family visa.

Contact: 93491124 & 92054531 Indian male, M.Com, 7 years Oman experience in the field of accounts and valid oman driving license & NOC. Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, Oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 ACCA affiliate, B.Sc Degree holder, 3 years experience in audit and finance at Big 6, Male, Looking for suitable placement. NOC release available. Contact:95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Indian Male, 23, BBA graduate with approx. 2 years experience in India and UAE is looking for job in sales / marketing.

Contact: 94032041; Mail: azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Indian male electrician(EEE ).

Two years good working experience searching for suitable job.

Gmail ; antonyajin15@gmail. com. Antony Ajin.G, Contact: 91 8148336160 / 91 8300136160 Indian Male, 23, BBA graduate, fresher, looking for a job in sales (indoor). No driving license.

Contact: 94032041 Mail: azzamsiddique1@gmail.com Male Indian, 8 years of experience doing desktop engineer, software implementation, system admin, searching for suitable job. Email: thiruvazhimarban.ciet@gmail. com, mobile: +919171447997 / +919894357260

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W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 33 years, B.Com, having 6 years experience in Oman.

Tally & ERP looking for suitable placement. Mobile no :98492921 Looking for a part time accounting job, additional experience in admin & store - purchase. #99196621 Indian male with 5 year Oman Sales Experience with valid Oman D/L, looking for suitable position. Mobile:97221624, Email:saileshpkhanna@gmail.com B.E. (Mechanical) 12years industrial sales one year Muscat experience, Presently in India, Immediately ready to join.

Contact :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com Male, Indian, 25, 5 years experience in Dubai; looking for permanent placement in Oman for jobs related to sales, coordination and marketing. Contact: +971563664701 syed97681@gmail.com Male, 23, with experience in UAE & India, looking for job in sales / marketing. Contact: 94032041 Sr. Accountant, WITH Oman D/L & 8.5 yrs exp, 7.5 yrs Oman & 1 yr India in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, independently handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement, srjob12@gmail.com Procurement/Tender & Contract Procurement /logistics & freight Specialist /Oil Field / petrochemical/Engineer /MBA /SAP certify / 15yrs Rich Experience/ Import &export Specialist / Oil Field experience/ coordinator / World Wide supplier network /Noc available Looking for challenging Position Contact: 97813849, Email Id:vved76@gmail.com Male, 23, with experience in UAE & India, looking for job in sales / marketing. Contact: 94032041 Indian Male Accountant. Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Email : jovin8910@gmail. com, Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437 Indian male electrician(EEE ).

Two years good working experience searching for suitable job.

Gmail antonyajin15@gmail. com, : Contact; 918148336160 / 918300136160 Electrical & Electronics diploma Engineer Indian male 23 years, 2 years experience in Electrical field/good experience in Electronics MCU projects currently in visit visa please do not hesitate to Contact; 93047707 Email: adilm89@gmail.com Indian male 30 yrs, holding valid driving license, having 5 years of experience in sales, looking for suitable position.

Contact # 90552942/94355626 Indian male Diploma in Electronics, having 3 years of experience in the hardware and networking field, also worked in construction company Mabela for 6 months as supervisor, trying to get driving license. Contact: - +96897017866.

Business Management Graduate with 12 years of experience in Oman, Worked with catering, medical, IT groups seeks suitable placement in Finance/purchase/ insurance sector, NOC Available.

Email, saima.gangawali@gmail. com, Mob 94258301

Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male,5 years experience in GCC & India, looking for permanent placement in Oman. NOC Release Available. Contact: 00968-95140445; noorullahanas@gmail.com Indian female (27 yrs) MBA(IT), BCA,CCNA.2year experience in IT operations in Oman. Graduated from Oman with good analytical, communicating & programming skills, presented in international conference, seeking suitable positions. contact:93672143.e-mail id:fathima. shoukath@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experienced senior accountant ,capable of doing all type of accounting works up to finalization, Budgeting, Bank financing requirements, taxation work etc available.

Contact : : 98803439 BS in Electrical engineering, experience : 6 years in electrical installation and maintenance Contact : 99817032, Email : engmmg24@yahoo.com Indian male, M. Com with 3 yr Oman Exp in Accounts with valid NOC & D/L on Visit Visa, available to join immediately . GSM :94744575 Indian Female seeking a job in Back Office and Accountancy, 8+ years proven experience as a dynamic candidate with excellent Excel & Communication skills.

Quick learner and Team player.

Currently on Family Visa.

Contact 94093154, 91746890, Email: joyjohn_hhh@yahoo.com Sri Lankan Male, 31 years. 6 years experience as an Accounts Executive, (Languages can speak Urdu/ Arabic, English written & spoken) .

Contacts: 99782930/ lalindra1st@yahoo.com HSE Engineer, Indian male, 5.5 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas. Working in Shclumberger.NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACT-krish.569@gmail. com Mobile- +91 9867016808 Sri Lankan Male, 31 years. 6 years experience as an Accounts Executive, (Languages can speak Urdu/ Arabic, English written & spoken).

Contact 99782930/ lalindra1st@yahoo.com Indian male with 10+ years of working experience (security solutions, event management) on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 97945269, hkkrishna@gmail.com Indian male Network Cabling Technician (19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement. mobile no: 0091-8089909265 (India), email: mohithavp@gmail.com Senior accountant ,NOC available, more than 5 years exp., born & bought up in Oman, Accounting upto finalization, computer skills tally9, Sage ERP accpac 500(6.0A), Vcams , Audit ,valid Oman D/L, languages known English ,Arabic, Hindi. can join immediately. Tel: 96339599, mailahmedmohdkhan@gmail.com Petrochemicals Specialist, Chemical, MBA 18 YEARS EXPERIENC IN OIL FIELDS COM, RAW MATERIAL , polymer, SPACIALISED IN Procurement /COMMECIAL/ PURCHASE / LOGISTICS / SCM/Planning & sound knowledge of technical requirement for any manufacture plant Forecasting, Distribution, Vendors Development, LC opening/ establishment coordination with NOC available.

Contact:97813849

Indian Male, 24 yrs, looking for any type of job, qualification is Diploma in Electronics with 3 years of experience in the hardware an networking field an also worked in construction company Mabelah for 6 months as supervisor, having valid D/L. Contact : - +96897017866.

33 year old Filipina with experience in Tele performance, Manila call centre, now working as Waitress in Qatar seeking suitable post.

Local contact 99022484 Indian Male 28 years, Mechanical Engineer (Diploma) with 2 years’ exp., Automobile ITI NCVT, CSWIP-BGAS Painting QC Grade-2, NDT Level-2, ISO Lead Auditor QA (IRCA), Piping QC & Isometric Drawings, WPS & WPQR, available on Visit Visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 90653733, libinthomaslt@gmail.com SCM / LOGISTICS/ PROCUREMENT - 25 Yrs exp - Indian Male - Oil & Gas, Manufacturing Sector - Having valid Oman D/L & NOC available. Seeks Challenging senior position. GSM-94236414, Email ID - jayamurli@gmail.com Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic. Well knowledge of Oman Areas looking for suitable placement. Contact 97950869 IT Administrator with 6 yrs of GCC experience, now in Dubai (visit visa).seeking suitable placement in UAE. Contact :00971-565598176, email:aneeshngr@gmail.com Indian Male: 23yrs, MBA in Marketing from UK (United Kingdom), looking for a job, currently in Muscat in visit. No: 97210361 / 95357513, Email: sharanshetty3@gmail.com Highly experienced mechanical/ steel structural fabrication engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact 99860714, hussain20173@gmail.com.

Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com B.E(Mechanical) 12years industrial sales one year Muscat experience ,Presently in India ,Immediately ready to join ,Mobile no :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com Electrical & Electronics diploma engineer Indian male 22 years, 2 years experience currently in visit visa. Contact 93047707 adilm89@gmail.com Planning Engineer, BE Mech Engg.

Indian Female having total 11 yrs exp in oil & gas projects (8+ yrs in Gulf) with valid Oman D/L, Seeks a Suitable job. Contact: 92456003 Indian Male 48 Yrs with over 25 Years Oman experience in Sales & Marketing with NOC & valid Oman D/L Also Fluency in Arabic, seeks suitable placement. Contact no.: 92210661/99224057 B.S.C in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 Years (Power Plant).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Fresh B.Com Graduate in visit visa looking for a job. Contact: 93518923 / 99075027. email: sheikcok@yahoo.com Indian male,B.Com + Dip. Logistic 2year experience looking for a job in Accounts/Logistics Field. Presently on Visit Visa # 93884951, Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-98404122, mail panduru.jeevankumar@gmail.com Looking for a part time accounting & admin job. Contact 99196621.

Indian male, 24 yrs, B. Com Graduate more than 1 year experienced in accounts planning to come for a family visit in oman seeking for a suitable placement .#99339544 / 99743709 Indian male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally & ERP- looking for suitable placement ( NOC and Oman driving license available) Tel- +91 89 43 109897 Rajeev. 252002@gmail.com Import & Export professional, Experienced as Asst. Commercial Manager for 15 years, Proficient in MS office, Male Indian, Seeks suitable placement, on Visit, Contact 95484684 Indian male, 33 yrs, MBA-HR generalist with 10 yrs including training of Omani nationals.NOC possible .Seeking a suitable job.

Contact :saiprasad_18@yahoo.com, 94179499 Indian male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally & ERP- looking for suitable placement ( NOC and Oman driving license available.

Contact +91 89 43 109897 Rajeev. 252002@gmail.com Safety officer, 3 years of experience in safety certifications: BE (electrical and electronics engineering), NEBOSH, IOSH, DHSE, first aid. Contact +97474018995, mail:midhunmich@gmail.com, skype:midhunmike Indian male, network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement. NOC available. Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), E mail: mohithavp@gmail.com Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM- 99105043

SIT.WANTED Indian male 42, BE-Civil 13 years experience in Road construction. looking for suitable placement. having valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 95225214, Email: Sudheerrokkala73@gmail.com

Indian with 3 years for experience in sales and marketing fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam looking for suitable job.

Also hold valid Driving License, currently in oman Mob : 93451439

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS ONE STOP SHOP BUSINESS SERVICES Public Relation Service (PRO) Document Clearance, Business setup, Formation new Companies, LLC Companies, Investor Visa, Legal Services.

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

RENT A CAR

Contact Saleh:

96723485 INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

DRIVING

Coffee shop for sale 7 visa available at Al Khuwair. Contact: 98826793

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898 Al Ibtisama rent & leasing.

Contact: 91374879 / 96627562/ 99382001/ 24751177/ 24751188

TRANSPORTATION

GOOD NEWS

RENT A CAR

Transportation. Contact 92015894

SIT.WANTED Bachelor in Hotel Management Having 13 years experience in Catering Industry in all aspects of Operations with D/L looking out for a suitable placement. # 90654826 Email: mailingsaikiran@gmail.com Safety Officer 3 years of experience in safety certifications: BE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering),NEBOSH, OSH, DHSE, first aid. Contact +97474018995, email:midhunmich@gmail.com skype:midhunmike

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact:96538078 Transportation. Contact:94510847 Transportation. Contact 9508282 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

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W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDUCATION/CLASSES

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ DĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰ0 ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘ Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. # 99344723

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Split unit A/C & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

Split & window A/C servicing, repairing, installation ducted, package etc. Contact Abbas : 98667326

CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

A/C servicing maintenance.

Contact: 92279370

A/C Maintenance & Servicing, Fridge, Washing machine & Dish washer repairing, Painting & Cleaning services, Electrical & plumbing.

Contact 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 Regular container transportation from Sohar sport to anywhere in Muscat area OMR 100 per container. Contact: 93731363 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723 House shifting. Contact 99708138 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Cleaning services, Sofa, carpet, shampoo old house or new house.

Contact: 92179395 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064 House Shifting Packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

SERVICES tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

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