Times of Oman - September 1, 2015

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TUESDAY, September 1, 2015 / 17 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH

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SAUDI ARABIA

His Majesty sends greetings >A6 TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Cleanliness, pest control drive held

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A cleanliness drive was implemented by Muscat Municipality, including pest-control activities, to combat seasonal diseases. >A2

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Exhibition on fire, safety and security

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Focussing on safety, OFSEC 2015, exhibition on fire, safety and security will be held from September 14 to 16, 2015. >A3

REGION

IS rebels close in on Damascus

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The IS group battled Syrian rebel forces in a Damascus neighbourhood, bringing rebels closer than ever to the centre of the capital. >A7

These are the highest temperatures recorded in Muscat in August 2014 and 2015 August 1

August 31

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Residential buildings top fire cases this year TARIQ AL HAREMI

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The temperatures were recorded at a weather station in Seeb Source: wunderground.com

Graphics

Call to extend mid-day break for workers

MUSCAT: Maximum incidents of fire this year have been reported from residential buildings in the Sultanate as compared to 2014, say officials from the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA).

“There has been 188 cases more in various parts of the Sultanate this year compared to last year, when 1,763 cases were reported,” said Lieutenant Saud Rashid Al Saadi, Officer in Industrial Protection Department, PACDA. He was speaking at a press

workers treated by medics, but with the mid-day break over, it’s leading to concerns

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Hundreds of workers have wilted under the summer sun as Oman records a spike in the number of heat-related hospital visits, prompting urgent calls for the mid-day break to be extended.

Medics report an increase of around 25 per cent year-onyear in cases, and according to weather experts the hot weather may linger into the middle of this month at least.

The mid-day break began on June 1 and ended on Sunday.

During this period of high temperatures, particularly from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, it was prohibited to ask people to work in outdoor spaces.

“Compared to last year, we have witnessed an increase of 25 per cent in the number of workers approaching us with heatrelated ailments during the last three months. The reason might be that this summer is hotter than the previous year,” said Dr Basheer, a senior internist at Badr Al Samaa Hospital in Ruwi.

“Roughly, around 700 patients have consulted our hospital in the last three months with heat-

related ailments,” added Basheer.

A senior medic from another hospital in Muscat also said that they have witnessed an increase in the numbers.

“Our hospital this year has witnessed 15 to 20 per cent rise in the number of workers approaching us for treatment from heat exposure,” said Rajagopal Naganathan, a senior medic at Atlas hospital.

The temperature in Oman is still hovering around 46° Celsius in many places. On Sunday, the temperature in Sanaini, Ibri, Mukshin, Buraimi and Fahud was around 45° Celsius and forecast for Monday was also around 44° Celsius. On August 26, 2014, while Muscat recorded 32° Celsius, it was 46° Celsius this year.

“It is quite difficult for workers to toil in the blazing heat when the temperatures outside are above 40° Celsius,” said Mohammed Al Khaldi, board member of General Federation of Oman Trade Union (GFOTU). >A6

conference to announce the Oman Exhibition on Fire, Safety and Security and Cyber Security Conference, to be held at the Oman Exhibition Centre under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, advisor to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

He revealed that residential buildings had reported 30 per cent fire incidents, followed by transportation and agricultural establishments among others.

A PACDA department issues licences for equipment to prevent fire hazards in establishments whether they are industrial, residential or commercial. >A6

WA D I S A M I N I

Fatal hiking trip was unauthorised: Ministry Times News Service

There have been hundreds of cases of sick

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

PAC D A

AUGUST 2015 HOTTER THAN AUGUST 2014

HM sends condolences MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), on the death of Princess Nouf bint Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to King Salman, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and grant her family patience. -ONA

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MUSCAT: Hikers were on an unauthorised trip to the Wadi Samini locality of Al Buraimi, the Ministry of Tourism has said in a statement to the ONA. A British woman tourist was found dead in the Wadi Samini

incident near Buraimi on Sunday.

The woman was part of a group of 12 hikers who had gone on a hiking trip on Saturday.

Eight of them were rescued at by the police personnel around 4:45pm on Saturday while three others were found alive later in the evening. >A6

Oman firm, BP sign Sohar project pact

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Ambassadors, military attaches, members of Oman’s military and other guests gathered on Sunday evening to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of Turkish Victory Day Turkish embassy celebrates 93rd Victory Day >A4

Cleanliness, pest control drive held The campaign was launched in Muttrah by five teams targeting residential and commercial areas, gardens, parks and ports, in addition to roads and public organisations

CIVIC ACTION: Similar measures were adopted in Seeb, where rodents and insects were targeted in infested areas.–Supplied photos

NINTH FIVE-YEAR PLAN

Master plan for Medical City initiated: Al Saidi MUSCAT: A master plan for the upcoming Medical City has been initiated, confirmed Minister of Health Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi.

Dr Al Saidi said that the ministry has made progress on a number of healthcare projects in the Ninth Five-Year Plan. These include initialization of the general layout for the Medical City, in addition to the presence of 49 hospitals and 180 health centres in 2014.

In an interview to an Arabic daily, he said that the Ministry of Health continues devising plans and laying down health standards to enable the institutions and medical staff to provide quality services and to realise the goals of

Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health

the health development plans.

He said that the Omanisation rate in the Ministry of Health has increased to 68 per cent, with physicians at 33 per cent and pharmacists at 84 per cent.

“The ministry has a network of 13 educational institutions offering diplomas and Bachelor’s degrees in 16 assistant medical specialties. Among the most notable achievements of the 8th Five-Year Plan was the ministry’s continuation in improving health infrastructure thereby giving easier access to health services for all,” he added.

“In 2014, the ministry inaugurated eight health centres in the governorates of Dhofar, two in Al Dakhiliyah, and one each in Al Dhahirah and North Al Batinah, bringing to 180 the total number of health centres, with a total of 23 health complexes and 49 hospitals, providing 4,891 beds by the end of 2014,” added the minister.– ONA

M I N I S T R Y O F H E A LT H

Times News Service MUSCAT: A cleanliness drive was implemented by Muscat Municipality, including pest-control activities, to combat seasonal diseases that annually witness a spurt during this time of the year due to flies and breeding of mosquitoes.

The campaign was launched in key areas of Muttrah in August by five teams and targeted residential and commercial areas, including gardens, parks and ports, in addition to roads and government organisations.

Officials used special equipment like traps, and pipelines, apart from poison and pesticides.

In 2015, the municipality received 73 per cent of complaints to combat rodents, 23 per cent to combat snakes and 4 per cent to catch cats. In 2014, the numbers were 67 per cent for rodents, 25 for snakes and 8 for cats.

The municipality, in a statement, said that it uses approved methods, which are not harmful to public health, to control pests like mosquitoes, houseflies, cockroaches and rodents.

Officials have urged citizens and

Twenty hospitalised after ‘food poisoning’ in Saham REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com

residents to use approved waste bags for garbage disposal and ensure that the bags are appropriately sealed while being discarded in dumpsters.

Advice for residents Residents have also been advised to ensure that leftovers food items are not thrown away or left exposed near residential areas.

Proper maintenance of water tanks and water supply sources, routine inspections of doors and windows in houses, and installation of screens and mosquito proofing to prevent the entry of insect and pests, are other necessary prevention methods

that have been suggested.

Earlier, similar measures were adopted in Seeb, where rodents and insects were targeted in infested areas such as containers, wet areas, vegetable and fish markets, and under construction buildings, in addition to public places, industrial areas and others spots.

“That was a part of the plan to provide a healthy and safe environment to residents of the state,” said a statement from the municipality.

The campaign was implemented by a group which monitors the city daily, besides educating the residents about health, methods of prevention and the importance of general cleanliness.

MUSCAT: Twenty people have been hospitalised following suspected food poisoning in Saham, sources said.

“The people who had food from a restaurant in Saham late on Saturday night experienced stomach discomfort and were admitted to the hospital. Some were vomiting continuously,” sources added.

According to sources in hospital, the victims vomited and suffered from diarrhoea due to food poisoning.

Meanwhile, sources said the hotel has been shut down by authorities and Ministry of Health officials are in touch with patients in the hospital. Last year in August, a similar incident happened in Ibri, where 40 people fell ill due

HEALTH ISSUES: After having food from a restaurant in Saham late on Saturday night, they experienced stomach discomfort.

to food poisoning. In December, the Ibri Primary Court delivered its verdict in the case sentencing three people working in the restaurant to one-year jail and slapping them with a fine of OMR200

for serving contaminated food that harmed the health of consumers. The court also sentenced them to one-year jail and a fine of OMR1,000 for violating the Food Safety Law.

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‘Fill gap in health, safety measures to save lives’

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Many lives can

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be saved and safety individuals, who understand healthy and safety and want to promote it,” said Al Raisi.

accidents, injuries and financial losses can be prevented if the health and safety capacity in Oman is boosted, say experts

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: There is a ‘huge’ gap to be filled between the growing need for health and safety as well as fire and rescue experts and the available service capacity in Oman, say experts.

They believe that if this gap is bridged, many lives can be saved and many accidents, injuries and financial losses can be prevented.

“There is a huge gap, not only in Oman but also across all the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. If you look at qualified health and safety managers, executives and officers, every single company is looking for them,” said Graham Tamblyn-Jones, head of marketing at the International College of Engineering and Management (ICEM).

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Tamblyn-Jones said that the demand has grown due to the government’s increased focus on health and safety and stricter requirements set out for companies.

“It is a big area of growth for the country and it needs to be because it is important,” he said, and added that health and safety education should be improved.

Ahmed Mohammed Al Shamsi, health and safety manager at ICEM, believes that meeting health and safety obligations to protect workers is first and foremost a ‘moral’ responsibility.

Failure to follow health and safety procedures can have many consequences including loss of lives, injuries, financial losses and bad reputation for the organisation, he noted.

The risks cannot be eliminated completely but some accidents can be prevented if proper health and safety mechanisms are in place and people are educated, added Al Shamsi.

The expert also said that the field of health and safety is new to

DANGER SIGNALS: The demand for safety experts has grown due to the government’s increased focus on health and safety and stricter requirements set out for companies.– Supplied photo

If you look at qualified health and safety managers, executives and officers, every single company is looking for them Graham Tamblyn-Jones Head of marketing, ICEM

Oman and even the Middle East, and the government needs to introduce stricter regulations both for private and public bodies in all sectors.

Legal action should be taken against any organisation that breaches health and safety regulations, said Al Shamsi, and added that raising awareness is also vital.

ICEM programmes In order to help bridge the big gap between the demand and the available services in the market, ICEM, the oldest specialist college of its kind in the GCC, has been offering courses in various fields with its internationally recognised higher education and vocational training.

Faris Al Raisi, business development manager at ICEM, said that in higher education, ICEM has a close partnership with the University of Central Lancashire

(UCLan), one of the United Kingdom (UK)’s most progressive universities.

According to Al Raisi, the higher education programmes include mechanical engineering (well engineering), facilities management, fire safety as well as health, safety and environmental management.

The college’s vocational training is also backed by certain internationally recognised accreditation bodies and equips the students with the necessary knowledge and skills for a range of professions within any civil defence, fire rescue, fire prevention, industrial, aviation or private emergency response team.

The vocational courses include airport and aviation, fire and rescue, industrial fire and oil and gas, which are all directly relevant to industry and employment.

“The country needs health and

Attracting Omanis Abdullah Al Khaduri, a fire instructor who has been working at ICEM for the past 10 years since his graduation from the same college, said that the institute has been involved in a number of programmes to attract more Omanis to this field.

He and his colleagues have conducted a number of workshops at schools in order to familiarise children with basic information and skills required in an emergency situation, such as life-saving first aid, evacuation, and fire precaution and control.

“We were conducting drills at schools in our uniform and children were so interested that they were asking us how they could join this field,” said Al Khaduri.

He noted that apart from the rewarding experience, health and safety experts and fire fighters are also paid well because of the shortage of professionals in this field, especially if they join big companies. “There is always a guaranteed job for them,” added Tamblyn-Jones.

According to Al Shamsi, the college has a strong competitive edge over similar institutes due the high quality of its programmes and creating real-life emergency situations instead of using simulators.

Al Raisi noted that the higher education courses are taught over a full academic year and around 20,000 students have so far been graduated from the college. There are 600 to 700 undergraduates coming through at any point of time, he added.

Al Raisi also said that the duration of vocational courses varies from one day to 20 weeks or even one year depending on the request of the applicant.

According to Stephen Parr, fire instructor at ICEM, trainees taking part in courses which involve physical activities are mainly men but in higher education, 30 per cent of the students are female.

Tamblyn-Jones said that the medium of instruction is predominantly English but there are a lot of courses being taught in Arabic.

“They are pushed to their limits as they are expected to perform at the highest level in emergency situations. You see amazing results from these people,” he said.

SAFETY ISSUES: OFSEC will bring together more than 85 international and local exhibitors who will showcase their avantgarde solutions. –OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

Stage set for safety, security conference Times News Service MUSCAT: Focussing on safety, OFSEC 2015, Oman’s most comprehensive exhibition on fire, safety and security will be held from September 14 to 16, at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, Seeb, under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Shihab Bin Tariq Al Said, advisor to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

OFSEC will bring together over 85 international and local exhibitors who will showcase their avant-garde solutions, latest technologies, cutting edge innovations, and cost-effective products in addition to services

to meet the requirements of governments, businesses, industrial and commercial entities, and aviation, apart from construction, infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, oil and gas and utilities sectors.

OFSEC is designed to meet the needs of the local, regional and international markets by linking practitioners, suppliers, distributors and manufacturers from the fire, safety and security industry, with key decision makers from the government and private sectors making it a definitive networking platform, where new projects and partnerships are initiated and visionary objectives are implemented.

ROP ACTION

Asian man arrested for drug smuggling

DRUG HAUL: The police recovered 122 Tramadol pills, 60 grammes of marijuana, and cash from the man.–ROP

Times News Service MUSCAT: An Asian national was arrested by the Directorate of Narcotics Control in Wilayat Amerat for possession of narcotic substances.

A Royal Oman Police source said, “The suspect was caught red-handed while striking a deal in Al Muhij Area in Amerat. The police recovered 122 Tramadol pills, 60 grammes of marijuana and cash from him.”

Auto thieves held Two Omani nationals were arrested on charges of stealing a ve-

hicle by the Directorate General of Inquiries and Investigation in Wilayat Sohar.

An official from North Al Batinah Royal Oman Police said, “The Sohar Police Department received a call from a local that unidentified persons were stealing a company vehicle which was parked in front of a local store in Falah Al Qabail. After investigations, we were able to apprehend the suspects who confessed that they had stolen a large number of vehicles.”

The suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action.

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August 30, 1922

is a landmark date in the history of Turkey when they won their fight for independence and marks the dawn of a new era.

NAT I O NA L C E L E B R AT I O N

Turkish embassy celebrates 93rd Victory Day in Muscat

NATIONAL HONOUR: A little over a year after the Victory Day, and following the end of the War of Independence, the Republic of Turkey was founded on October 29, 1923.–Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Ambassadors, military attaches, members of Oman’s military and other guests gathered on Sunday evening to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of Turkish Victory Day. The celebrations took place at the residence of Ugur Dogan, Turkey’s ambassador to the Sultanate. Dogan led the celebrations

which mark the Turkish victory over their Greek opponents in the Battle of Dumplupinar on August 30, 1922, an important moment in their fight for independence and the dawn of a new era.

“Today we commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the greatest victory of the War of Liberation that was won by the Turkish armies under the command of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish re-

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public,” Dogan told the guests.

A little over a year after the Victory Day, and following the end of the War of Independence, the Republic of Turkey was founded on October 29, 1923. The country has

grown modern and prosperous in the years since.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the brotherly people of Oman continued peace and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said,” Dogan added.

The ambassador also took the time to read a letter from Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed to the Turkish expatri-

ate community. In the letter Erdogan congratulated the Turkish citizens on the occasion of their Victory Day. He also addressed the current threats to the country due to the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Iraq and the rise of Islamic State.

“Our beloved nation living in these lands for one thousand years has defeated many enemies and eliminated many gangs of treason.

We will surely overcome both the

separatist terrorist organisation and the parallel state structures that have become its pawn. To this end, all we need to do is to strengthen our unity, togetherness and solidarity, and confront all internal and external enemies as one body and soul,” the letter read.

The celebrations were attended by guest of honour Brigadier General Ahmed Mohammed Al Rawahi, and Captain Bora Öztekin, Turkey’s Military Attaché in Oman.

Suwaiq residents allege ‘unjustified’ power bills

SOCIAL WORK

Al Suwaiq residents submitted their complaints to the Wali against a company which, they claimed, had imposed SOCIAL WORK: The Tongyoung camp was held in association

with Tongyoung Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development.– Supplied photo

unjustified increase in electricity bills

Times News Service

Oman Tourism College students attend Korea camp Times News Service MUSCAT: Five students from Oman Tourism College (OTC) recently completed a two-week work camp programme in the Republic of Korea, organised by the Korean National Commission for Unesco (KNCU).

Significantly, they are the only students from the entire Middle East selected for the camp this year. The OTC students are attending this camp for the second year. Last year, three students had attended the camp.

“The OTC curriculum shares some of the basic principles on which the KNCU work camp programme is designed. The college’s student community is a mix of nationalities and cultures; and ideas of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and respect for other cultures are promoted at the academic level. Developing the students’ self-confidence and soft skills, including communication and inter-personal skills, also form an integral part of the training programmes at the OTC. Programmes such as the KNCU work camp help students to turn such theoretical knowledge into practical understanding,” Dr Abdulkarim bin Sultan Al Mughairi, Dean of the OTC, said.

The KNCU hosts annual work camps with the objective of encouraging participation of the youth in society at the local, re-

gional and international levels, in line with Unesco’s strategy to ensure their development.

Dr. Don Anton of the Department of Language & Management coordinated the work camp project at the Oman Tourism College, and managed to get five slots for the OTC at this year’s camp.

“Work camp participants experience a boost in their selfconfidence and communication skills through interactions with youth from different countries and diverse cultural backgrounds. The camp offers ample avenues for knowledge sharing and cultural exchanges through visits to local places, cultural presentations and exhibitions, and many community programmes,” Dr Don said.

The OTC students who participated in the work camp are Maryam Al Shihhi, Huda Al Balushi, Mohammad Al Maimani, Abdul Majeed Al Ghazali – all from Oman, and Naiman Chapri from India. The students, pursuing Tourism & Hospitality Management programmes at the OTC, were selected after a rigorous screening process which assessed their overall academic grades, extracurricular talents and personality, among other parameters.

Students from the OTC were assigned work camps located at Muan-gun, Inje-gun and Tongyoung-si.

MUSCAT: A number of citizens gathered last week at the office of the Wali of Al Suwaiq and submitted their complaints against a company which, they alleged, had imposed an “unjustified increase” in electricity bills.

They said that the increase is illogical and could not be for the power consumption for a month.

A citizen said he received an electricity bill of OMR500 for July while his average consumption was OMR50 only.

Another citizen claimed to have received a bill of OMR1,700. The citizens had also brought with them their bills of the previous months as proof.

A large number of citizens also visited the company’s offices in Al Khaboura to lodge their complaints over the issue.

The company has replied through its Twitter account stating that the system applicable reads the meters on a monthly basis within 28 to 32 days. However, some official holidays have coincided with the monthly reading of the meters which resulted in delays in registration of timely readings during July.

The company added that in such cases they calculate the consumption of 30 days and the consumption for the period exceeding 30 days is transferred to the next month’s bill. July coincided with high temperatures, Ramadan and the summer holidays, which led to an increase in the units consumed.

The company also confirmed that it was committed to the implementation of Term No. 24 of the Electricity Regulation Authority law on the procedures for the review of complaints of customers and the provision of appropriate solutions as per applicable laws and regulations.

Said Al Jadidi, member of the Majlis Al Shura in Al Suwaiq,

asked for accountability from the company on the inconvenience caused to citizens due to the increase in bills. He said that the issue has affected homes in the various wilayats.

Ali Al Rashidi, member of the Al Suwaiq Municipality Council, said that citizens were surprised by the huge amounts charged. There were several interruptions in services by the company in many areas in the wilayat, he added.

Abdullah Al Jahwari, another member of Municipality Council, said that he had communicated with the officials of the electricity company and its head office in Al Rustaq, who informed him that the company calculates the elec-

tricity consumption in days which they said is better for citizens, and that they noticed an increase in consumption during Ramadan.

In case the citizens believed the increase was unreasonable, they could communicate with the company’s employees.

A citizen from Al Khaboura Wilayat confirmed that there was an issue with the electricity bills and service provided.

A number of affected citizens are expected to submit a written complaint to the Wali, according to news circulated on the social media in the last few days. In their letter they said they would express their dismay at the inflated bills and poor service.

SUMMER PROGRAMME

Omani students embark on Takatuf journey Times News Service

INTERACTIVE LEARNING: Sixty Omani Grade 10 graduates came together from across the Sultanate to enhance their talent.

MUSCAT: Takatuf Scholars Programme, a unit within Takatuf, concluded its annual 22-day Summer Residential Programme (SRP), the intensive first step in the academic programme designed to prepare young Omani learners for success as students, employees and leaders in the 21st century knowledge economy.

Sixty Omani Grade 10 graduates came together from across the Sultanate at Caledonian College’s Airport Heights Campus, to engage in this programme that provides interactive learning centred on developing critical thinking, reflection, research and communication skills, as well as information and

communication technology (ICT) led by international educators.

Takatuf Scholars use their new learning tools as they work together on multidisciplinary projects that focus on contemporary issues important to Oman related to environment, economy and education, among others.

Study tours In residence at the college and engaged for up to 14 hours a day, the students could also enjoy outside study tours to locations of historical and contemporary interest such as the Grand Mosque, STOMOs desalination plant, the Botanical Gardens in Al Khoudh and the Nizwa Souq. These educational trips enabled the stu-

dents to gain first hand insights into some key areas of cultural and economic interest.

In keeping with Takatuf’s commitment to developing Omani best practices in all aspects of human capital development, the SRP introduced two innovations to this year’s agenda.

These were ‘Career Night’, an interactive session where students and representatives from sponsor organisations discussed future career opportunities and preparedness, and ‘Homecoming’, which was a networking event for the 200 Takatuf scholars from the 2012 to 2014 groups. The Takatuf Scholars Programme has developed Omani best practices for the acquisition and learning of 21st century skills.

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Reflecting its Arab roots, The Wave Muscat rebranded as Al Mouj Muscat

NEW IDENTITY: One of the reasons for a rebranding that focuses heavily on the Omani roots and Arabic language is that over the 10 years, Al Mouj Muscat has become a favourite place for Omani nationals and other Arabs. –Ismail Al Farsi/Times of Oman

With this logo we are actually going back to the roots and anchoring ourselves further before leaping into being regional and international, said Hawazen Esber, the CEO of Al Mouj Muscat

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: After 10 years as The Wave Muscat, the city’s leading integrated tourism complex has rebranded itself as Al Mouj Muscat, a move aimed at reflecting its Omani and Arab roots as well as the majority of its residents.

In Arabic “al mouj” means “the wave” so the company is embracing its Arabic side and the new logo reflects not just the Arabic language but uses key graphic elements similar to its business TOURISM

partners, the Ministry of Tourism logo and the new Majid Al Futtaim brand. The new logo is written in blue and aquamarine, reflecting the waterfront destination, with Arabic featured more prominently.

“We believe the logo is more Omani than ever. We think with this logo we are actually going back to the roots and anchoring ourselves further before leaping into being regional and international,” said Hawazen Esber, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat.

The updated and modern logo takes colours from the Ministry of

Tourism’s Oman logo and uses an “M” that is similar to the one used

by Majid Al Futtaim, the company which has a 50 percent share in Al Mouj Muscat.

One of the reasons for a rebranding that focuses heavily on the Omani roots and Arabic language is that over the 10 years, Al Mouj Muscat has become a favourite place for Omani nationals and other Arabs. When the development began the expectation was that it would be heavily populated by expatriates, but instead many locals have invested

M I N I S T RY N O T I F I C AT I O N

Salalah Tourism Fest ends SALALAH: Salalah Tourism Festival 2015 concluded on Monday at Al Wilayat Theatre in the Municipality Recreational Centre, here. The Festival was launched on July 23 under the theme “Oman of Love and Peace” and lasted for 40 days.

Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, sponsored the closing ceremony in the presence of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, Supervisor General of the festival and Sheikh Salim bin Oufait Al Shanfari, Head of Dhofar Municipality, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the festival.

Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, Dr Rashid bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, Chairman of the Tender Board and other officials also attended the closing ceremony. -ONA COUNSELLING

Students learn ‘how to conquer fear’ Times News Service SALALAH: A session on ‘How to Conquer Fear’ was conducted for the students of classes IX and X of Indian School Salalah last week on August 26 by Dr Debashish Bhattacharya, a noted paediatric surgeon (Deputy HOD, SQH Salalah), social worker, philanthropist and a member of the school management committee (SMC).

At the session held in the school auditorium, Dr Biju Sayed and Vinay Kumar, members of the SMC, were the other resource persons who instilled confidence among the young students.

CONSCIOUS DECISION: The ban is meant to allow the species to breed during this period. – Times of Oman file photo

Number of fish varieties banned for export now 7 Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman has banned the export of yellow fin tuna, kingfish and long-tail tuna, from September 15 to May 31, 2016, according to a ministerial decision issued recently. The notification was issued by Dr Fu’ad bin Ja’afar Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries,and will come into effect from Tuesday.

In another notification, Dr Al Sajwani had prohibited the export of jobfish, grouper and biah (mullet) from December 15, 2015, to February 15, 2016.

In the notification, the minister has said that exporters should have a certificate regarding the amount of fish they are exporting, its weight, date and place of marketing, number of car board and the owner’s name. “Only then will the certificate, which is valid for one use only, be issued,” said the notification.

Traders said that the owners of fish transporting vehicles and licensed fish marketing companies are required to sell these fish in the local market in return of licences to export an equal quan-

tity. Earlier, this month the ministry had clamped a ban on catching of Kingfish species during the breeding season from August 15 to October 15.

The ministry called on fishermen, fish transporters, trading enterprises, and institutions, apart from hotels, restaurants and individuals to abide by the ministerial decision.

“The ban is meant to allow the species to breed during this period,” said the ministry. The decision covers purchase, transport, storage and export of kingfish, said officials. They also said that any organisation with a fishing licence should declare its stocks at the end of each year.

According to reports, fish sales have risen since the beginning of this year and remained so till the end of April, according to figures issued by the National Centre of Statistics and Information’s monthly statistical bulletin for July 2015. Since the beginning of 2015, until the end of April, the total value of fish increased 1.4 per cent to OMR62.563 million, compared to OMR61.683 million in the same period last year.

in properties and businesses there. “In the early days The Wave Muscat was considered as a destination just for expats when in fact 60 percent of our villa residents are Omani and increasingly Arabs and Omani locals are choosing to not only buy as investment but choosing to live at The Wave Muscat,” said David Stafford, VP for Sales and Marketing.

The rebranding is also aimed at strengthening the Al Mouj Brand as the property continues to develop, adding hotels, more food and beverage and retail outlets, and

more residential properties.

The Kempinski Hotel is expected to open late 2016 and the Shaza Hotel should be completed within two years. The development of the residential properties has been quickened, too, added Stanford.

The rebranding project has been underway for the past two years and 1 billion OMR has been invested in it.

Though the rebranding is a return to Al Mouj Muscat’s roots, Stafford added that the rebranding will also help the company to expand regionally and internation-

ally. To market itself regionally the company will be participating in Cityscape Dubai under its new brand.

Despite falling oil prices and concerns over the economy, Al Mouj Muscat is doing very well financially, Stafford said. More people are investing in property rather than in equity market, which has been beneficial for the development.

“We’re having a record year this year. We’re on target to having one of the biggest years we’ve ever had,” Stafford commented.

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 Companies should not risk the health of workers by making them work when the temperatures are still high and unfavourable Saud Salmi, chairman of Petroleum Development Oman

OMAN M I D - D AY B R E A K

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FIRE INCIDENTS

‘Look at climatic conditions’

“It is not just the question of productivity, it also concerns the health of the worker,” added Khaldi.

“So, we urge companies to be more lenient in allowing midday breaks. They should not stick to the calendar. Moreover, they should look at the climatic conditions,” he said.

Extend mid-day break Meanwhile, a trade union leader in the oil and gas sector said that oil companies should consider extending the mid-day break for workers till the temperatures come down.

“In this boiling heat, working conditions in the oil fields are literally hostile. Companies should not risk the health of workers by making them work when the temperatures are still high and unfavourable,” said Saud Salmi, chairman of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) trade union and chairman of oil and gas sector unions.

Jason Nicholls, senior meteorologist at Accuweather.com said that the reasons for the hotter than normal summer would be the strong and persistent ridge over the Middle East.

“Water temperatures in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman have also been averaging warmer than normal so any cooling from the oceans has been minimal,” added Jason.

“The heat looks to ease to more normal levels late this week and weekend as the ridge over the Middle East weakens a little. The ridge will re-strengthen next week allowing hot weather to return especially during the middle and later part of next week. The hot weather may linger into the early part of the week of the 15th before fading again later that week,” added Jason.

During the three-month period more than 350 companies were warned for violating the midday break rule for outdoor workers.

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U Z B E K I S TA N , S L O VA K I A

Concerted efforts needed to

HM sends

A1 raise awareness on fire safety greetings “We are exerting efforts to reduce and hopefully prevent these cases by issuing regulations to these establishments. Every six months a patrol will inspect these establishments mainly for the validation of licences, as well as inspect the maintenance of firefighting equipment or ensure they receive new equipment,” said Al Saadi.

Licences are issued by the PACDA for contractors to build temporary labour camps or ‘caravans’, which are usually made of wood, to accommodate labourers for construction work that normally takes two years. After the project is completed the camps are removed.

The PACDA usually sees incidents of fire from labour camps and when asked about the cause, Lieutenant Hussein bin Ali AlRamahi, officer in Hazardous Substances Department, PACDA said, “Transportation of labour camps is a factor as they could be damaged. Most fires are caused

due to the negligence of labourers at these camps.”

“In addition, we have regulations, such as a ban on the use of gas at these camps to prevent mishaps,” he added.

Less than a week ago, a massive fire broke out in one of the labour camps in the Ghala industrial area, due to negligence in maintaining standard electrical wiring systems and a lack of compliance of the statutory requirements.

Fire safety Raising awareness on fire safety has been a life-long mission of the PACDA, such as creating a department to raise awareness among school children in different aspects such as working in the kitchen, before leaving home, in school and other safety measures to be taken to ensure their well-being.

However, some people still believe that awareness alone is not enough to prevent fires, and there

must be concerted action to prevent such incidents.

In response, Lt. Al Ramahi said, “Being a public administration for three years before becoming a public authority, we know that awareness is not enough and it does not always turn out the way you want it to because awareness is a bit limited.”

“But for the past three years, we have been creating awareness to a great extent and we know it needs something extra to make it more effective,” he explained.

On June 3, a car caught fire while re-fuelling at Bidbid petrol station, and on June 2, there was a similar incident at a petrol station in Yanqul, while on June 16, there was a fire at the Ghubra petrol station.

For keeping the safety of buildings intact, the PACDA follows the Gulf Co-operation Council Standard fire safety code which is incorporated in the design strategy of the building.

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Islam Karimov of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of good health and happiness to President Karimov and the friendly people of Uzbekistan further progress and prosperity.

Slovakia His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has also sent a cable of congratulations to President Andrej Kiska of the Republic of Slovakia on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes to President Kiska and the people of his country. -ONA

Direct flights urged from Salalah to India Flights to Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are the only direct service available from Salalah to the Indian sector operated by Air India Express

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmb@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Indians residing in Salalah have urged the Indian government to ink a deal with Oman and its official airline to start daily direct flights from Salalah to the Indian sector.

There are between 90,000 and 100,000 Indians residing in Salalah. “At present, we have only two direct flights to three Indian destinations, operated twice a week. So, people who wish to travel to India have to take a road trip, which is around 12

SWANKY TERMINAL: The new Salalah airport has a passenger terminal of more than 65,000 square metres. – Supplied photo

hours, to Muscat, and then board a flight. As we are also good in numbers, we believe that airlines can start direct flights and end our travel woes,” Basil Peter, a long-time Indian resident who has led several delegations to the Indian government seeking direct flights from Salalah, told the Times of Oman.

Flights to Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are the only direct flights available from Salalah to the Indian sector operated

by Air India Express, the budget carrier of Air India, India’s national airline.

“Some 80 per cent of the Indian population in Salalah belongs to the labour class.

“If government introduces di-

rect flights, it would be a blessing for them,” added Basil.

Future option Meanwhile, an official from Air India in Oman said that in the future the airline may consider direct daily flights from Salalah to Indian destinations.

“Right now, we have not been updated by our head office about the direct flight plans from Salalah. However, it may happen in the future,” added the official.

A senior official from Jet Airways, another Indian carrier, said that the governments of Oman and India have to take decision on this. “They are the decision makers in this issue. At present we do not have any plan to fly from Sala-

lah,” said the official.

A group of workers said that travelling to India is an awful experience for them.

“I work as an attendant in a hospital in Mirbat and my salary is low. So, I do not have that much money to board a flight to Muscat and then travel on a different flight to India. There are others like me who take a Salalah-Muscat bus. And after reaching Muscat, we may have to wait for long to board a flight. For a three-hour journey we have to prepare and wait for at least 20 hours,” said Salim Mohammed, a low-paid Indian worker in Salalah.

Manpreet Singh, Indian consular in Salalah, said that whoever is willing to take a connected flight from Salalah to India via Doha or Dubai, there are options.

“A few regional carriers do fly from Salalah to Dubai, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Doha. However, there is a need for a direct flight,” added Manpreet.

The new Salalah airport which opened in June this year has a passenger terminal of over 65,000 square metres, which can accommodate two million passengers per annum at the first stage and a 4-kilometre long and 75-metre wide main runway,which can receive the biggest aircraft including A380s.

U N I QU E D E S T I NAT I O N

‘Flavours of Oman’ package at Al Bustan Palace tanginess of saffron, cardamom, turmeric, rose petals and coffee beans, whilst listening to local tales narrated by a private guide, the souk is a sensory experience that brings to life the traditions and history of Oman.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, has invited guests to immerse themselves in Omani traditions and culture with a new, tailor-made destination experience named “Flavours of Oman”.

The journey showcases the various attractions of Oman, taking guests from the historic souk in Nizwa and the heights of Jebel Al Akhdar, to the newly opened Six Senses Spa at Al Bustan Palace, a stately haven for treatments that go beyond the ordinary.

The luxury hotel package allows guests to explore the alleys of Nizwa souk, a part of the Nizwa historic fort, with a guided tour

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

around the array of stalls displaying silks, incense burners and traditional Omani goods.

Surrounded by the heady scents of oud mixed with the spicy

‘Green Mountain’ The excursion continues to Jebel Al Akhdar, namely the “Green Mountain”, where guests can walk around idyllic rose gardens and fruit and nut plantations or hike to nearby villages that at the heart of the rose essence production industry in Oman.

To complete the experience in a soothing and relaxing way, guests are invited to discover the newly-opened Six Senses Spa at

Al Bustan Palace, by indulging in a traditionally-crafted treatment.

“Omani traditions and flavours are part of the experience at Al Bustan Palace, from the sharp fragrance of frankincense infusing the air in the majestic Atrium Lobby, to the craftsmanship of our talented culinary teams. We are proud to offer guests and visitors a place to discover our local culture while epitomizing the Golden Standards of Service of the Ritz-Carlton. Our new partnership with Six Senses Spa beautifully complements this new experience with some of the most inspiring treatments created with local spices and essential oils”, states Katrin Herz, General Manager at Al Bustan Palace.

WA D I S A M I N I

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A1 Awareness drive While expressing sorrow over the incident, the Ministry of Tourism said: “The incident which occurred in Wadi Samini near Mahdha in Buraimi Governorate resulted in the death of one of the tourists. This was not an authorised hiking trip as per the standards set by the ministry.”

The ministry statement said that it would issue guidelines, advisories and start awareness campaigns at all border posts, through travel agents, tourism

agencies and licensed tour guides as well as social networks on the safety aspect. The ministry hoped that tourists and visitors would comply with the guidelines and awareness messages to ensure the safety of everyone and prevent tragic injuries or losses.

The ministry thanks citizens, residents and tourism establishments as well as responsible authorities at the ROP and PACDA for ensuring the safety of tourists and visitors alike.

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REGION CONFLICT

Yemeni children’s hospital may shut due to shortages

HERITAGE SITE: A view of the historical city of Palmyra, Syria, on August 5, 2010. The IS group has destroyed part of an ancient temple in Syria’s Palmyra city, a group monitoring the conflict said on Sunday. The militants targeted the Temple of Bel, a Roman-era structure in the central desert city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. — Reuters

‘IS rebels edge closer to central Damascus’ IS militants fought street battles with rebels in Asali, part of the capital’s southern Qadam district, after seizing two streets there over the weekend, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said

BEIRUT: The IS group battled Syrian rebel forces in a Damascus neighbourhood on Monday, bringing the extremists closer than ever to the centre of the capital, a monitoring group said.

IS militants fought street battles against rebels in Asali, part of the capital’s southern Qadam district, after seizing two streets there over the weekend, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. “This is the closest IS has ever been to the heart of Damascus,” Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said.

He said the extremists had advanced from the adjacent AlHajar Al Aswad neighbourhood, where they have been based since July 2014. A Syrian military official confirmed the clashes and said he was “very happy that they are fighting.” “But we are ready to react if they try to advance into government-held territory,” the official told AFP. According to the Observatory, opposition-held Qadam has been relatively quiet since a truce between rebel groups and regime forces there a year ago. It said fighting in the district on Sunday left 15 fighters dead, but it could not specify how many were from IS and how many were rebels.

Abdel Rahman said the “fierce

SEEKING PEACE: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, third left. meets with representatives of the Syrian opposition in Moscow on Monday. — AFP

Will welcome constructive Iran role: Merkel BERLIN: Germany would welcome Iran’s participation in any negotiations aimed at ending the civil war in Syria, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday.

Her comments, at a news conference in Berlin, reflect changing European attitudes towards Iran since it agreed last month to curb its nuclear work in exchange for sanctions relief.

street battles” had forced civilians to flee the area.

Since its expulsion from the Eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus last year, IS has used Al Hajar Al Aswad as a base for attacks on the capital.

From there, it tried to seize the Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp

Previously, most Western powers were reluctant to see Iran have any role in diplomacy over the Syrian crisis where it is the strongest supporter of President Bashar Al Assad.

Lot of influence Asked whether she thought Iran could play a constructive role, Merkel said: “I think Iran has a lot of influence over what happens in Syria. And every-

in April, but was pushed back.

That same month, IS kidnapped two opposition fighters from Qadam and beheaded them in Al Hajar Al Aswad. More than 240,000 people have been killed in Syria’s conflict, which began with popular anti-government protests in March 2011 but has

one is welcome to participate constructively in the negotiations.”

Iran and Russia support Assad who is opposed by most Western countries.

Last week, Washington repeated its commitment to a political transition “away from” Assad after a US special envoy held talks in Moscow on how to end Syria’s more than four-year civil war. — Reuters

evolved into a complex civil war.

The conflict has seen the embattled regime of President Bashar Al Assad lose swathes of territory across the country.

In Idlib province, the Army of Conquest alliance edged closer to Fuaa, one of two remaining regime-held villages. — AFP

C L I M AT E C H A N G E B L A M E D

Study shows cyclone risk to Gulf region BONN (GERMANY): Climate change is bringing small risks that tropical cyclones will form in the Arabian Gulf for the first time, in a threat to cities such as Dubai or Doha which are unprepared for big storm surges, a US study said on Monday.

Tampa in Florida and Cairns in Australia, two places where cyclones already happen, would be increasingly vulnerable to extreme storms this century, ac-

cording to the report, based on thousands of computer models.

The shallow and warm waters of the Gulf, where cyclones have never been recorded, might generate the storms in future as a side-effect of global warming, according to the study in the journal Nature Climate Change.

“You can’t always rely on history” to predict the future, lead author Ning Lin of Princeton University told Reuters of the

findings she reached with Kerry Emanuel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

For the Arabian Gulf the probability of cyclones “is very low but... if you build a nuclear power plant you have to consider these things,” she said.

For Dubai, for instance, a storm surge of 1.9 metres in height could be expected once every 1,000 years based on recent climate warming, and one of 4 metres

once every 10,000 years, the scientists estimated.

They dubbed such extreme tropical cyclones “grey swans”, saying they could not be predicted from history alone. The metaphor is inspired by “black swans”, judged impossible by Europeans until they were found in Australia.

Some past studies have also pointed to risks of abrupt changes in the climate system linked to global warming. — Reuters

SANAA: A major hospital in Yemen’s rebel-held capital is on the verge of shutting down due to a supply shortage caused by a progovernment coalition blockade, Save the Children has warned.

“Critical fuel shortages and a lack of medical supplies could force the Al Sabeen Hospital to shut its doors within 48 hours,” the humanitarian organisation said late Sunday.

The hospital supported by Save the Children is the main facility for children and pregnant women in the area, and serves an estimated three million people, the organisation said in a statement.

The Saudi-led coalition, which mounted an air campaign against Iran-backed rebels late March in support of exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, has imposed a blockade on areas controlled by insurgents.

The hospital was reliant on the Red Sea port of Hodeida for 90 per cent of its imports, Save the Children said.

“The hospital has entirely run out of IV fluid, anaesthetic, blood transfusion tests, Valium to treat seizures and ready-prepared therapeutic food for severely mal-

nourished children,” the statement said citing the hospital’s deputy manager Halel Al Bahri.

Fuel that the hospital acquired from the black market was enough to run power generators for two more days, he said.

Across Yemen, 15.2 million people are lacking access to basic healthcare, an increase of 40 percent since March, the organisation warned.

More than half a million children are expected to suffer severe acute malnutrition this year, and there has been a 150 per cent increase in hospital admissions for malnutrition since March, it said.

“It is crucial that enough medicines, supplies and fuel are able to get in to the country, otherwise the number of children dying from treatable illnesses is only going to get bigger,” said Edward Santiago, Save the Children’s Yemen director. — AFP

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

INDIA

Our principles have won. The Supreme Court has stayed the order Subhash Oswal, Vice president Jain Conference

LEGAL CHALLENGE

RIOT OF COLOURS Times of Oman photographer A. R. Rajkumar captures the spirit of Pulikali as the curtains on Onam celebrations come down in Thrissur in the Indian state of Kerala. Marking the conclusion of Onam celebrations in Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, Pulikali, the play of the tigers was held with great enthusiasm. Around 400 men, dressed up like tigers and leopards, roamed around the city and displayed crude dance movements on beats of drums. Tens of thousands of people thronged the Swaraj ground to immerse in the carnival’s festivities. Each ‘tiger’ had its ferocity writ large on their faces as well as on their bellies. Apart from the true colours of a tiger, there were a few lions too. The finesse of makeup with paints was awe inspiring. With the performance being centered on playing hide-and-seek with a hunter wielding a gun, the event generated excitement and also fun for both the performers and onlookers.

Supreme Court suspends ban on Jain ritual SCAN THIS FOR

MORE PHOTOS

NEW DELHI: India’s Jain community scored a legal victory Monday when the Supreme Court temporarily lifted a ban on the traditional ritual of Santhara, or fasting to death.

Thousands of Jains protested across India last week after a court in the western state of Rajasthan ruled that Santhara was a form of suicide, which is illegal in India.

Jainism is an ancient ascetic religion whose followers adhere so closely to the principles of nonviolence that many do not even eat root vegetables because uprooting them could harm tiny creatures living in the soil.

Temporary stay Rajesh Jain, a lawyer representing the community, said the court had issued a temporary stay order on the ban pending a full hearing into a legal challenge by Jain groups.

Community leaders welcomed the ruling and said it would give them time to make their case to the Supreme Court.

“Our principles have won. The Supreme Court has stayed the order,” the vice president of the Jain Conference, Subhash Oswal, told media outside the court.

Only a small minority of Jains, estimated at a couple of hundred every year, take the vow to give up food and water as a way of embracing death. - AFP

‘India should move to abolish death penalty’ The Law Commission of India said the criminal justice system was in ‘deep crisis’ due to a lack of resources and an overstretched police force, making the administration of capital punishment ‘fallible and vulnerable to misapplication’

NEW DELHI: India should “move towards” abolishing the death penalty and immediately restrict it to cases relating to terrorism and “waging war”, the country’s law commission said in a report published on Monday.

The Law Commission of India said the criminal justice system was in “deep crisis” due to a lack of resources and an overstretched police force, making the administration of capital punishment “fallible and vulnerable to misapplication”.

“The notion of ‘an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth’ has no place in our constitutionally mediated criminal

justice system,” it said in a 270page report to the government.

“The Commission accordingly recommends that the death penalty be abolished for all crimes other than terrorism-related offences and waging war.”

Exception It said that while the death penalty was no more of a deterrent than a life sentence, it was recommending an exception for terror-related cases because of concerns raised by lawmakers.

But it said the time had come for India to “move towards” abolition of the death penalty.

The Supreme Court has already said capital punishment should only be carried out in “the rarest of rare” cases in India, among a dwindling group of nations that still have the death penalty on their statute books.

However, President Pranab Mukherjee has rejected a number of mercy pleas in recent years, ending India’s unofficial eightyear moratorium.

The execution last month of Yakub Memon for his role in a series of coordinated attacks that killed hundreds of people in Mumbai in 1993 triggered fresh debate over capital punishment.

Memon was the only one of 11 people found guilty over the atrocity to have his death sentence upheld on appeal. The others had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

He denied any involvement in the blasts during a staggered trial and appeal process that bitterly divided opinion in India and led to calls from rights activists and an ex-judge for his life to be spared.

A recent study conducted by the National Law University in New Delhi found that 94 per cent of all those sentenced to death were low-caste Dalits, members of reFA L L I N C R U D E P R I C E

Petrol, diesel prices slashed NEW DELHI: With global crude oil in free fall, Indian Oil Corp (IOC) on Monday cut the prices of petrol by Rs2 a litre and of diesel by 50 paise, both prices inclusive of levies in Delhi, with corresponding decrease in other states, effective from midnight. Petrol and diesel, prices of which were last reduced on August 15. - IANS

ligious minorities or those from economically disadvantaged sections of society. The Commission said India’s reliance on the death penalty “diverts attention from other problems ailing the criminal justice system such as poor investigation, crime prevention and rights of victims of crime”.

In November last year, India voted against a UN General Assembly draft resolution calling for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, despite pressure from human rights groups.

The nine-member Commission said it held wide-ranging consultations with various stakeholders before reaching its conclusions.

“The Commission trusts that this report will contribute to a more rational, principled and informed debate on the abolition of the death penalty for all crimes,” it said. “(It) sincerely hopes that the movement towards absolute abolition will be swift and irreversible.” - AFP

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I N D I A M E T E O R O L O G I C A L D E PA R T M E N T

11% deficient monsoon so far, Kharif crop may be hit, say weathermen NEW DELHI: Monsoon has been deficient by 11 per cent so far with August recording 22 per cent less than normal rainfall, raising the prospect of lower foodgrains production for the Kharif season than last year if the situation does not improve in September.

“This month, the deficiency was 22 per cent,” Laxman Singh Rathore, Director General of the India Meteorological Department, said.

June witnessed excess precipitation of 16 per cent, while there was a monsoon deficit of 16 per cent in July.

IMD had predicted around 16 per cent deficient rainfall during August and September.

Amid bleak monsoon prediction for the next month too, Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), the government’s premier agri-research body, said the initial Kharif production may fall below last year’s level of 126.31 million tonnes if crucial September rains are not well distributed.

Overall, the country has recorded a deficit of 11 per cent until now with the southern pen-

BLEAK MONSOON: Women try to protect a child under an umbrella during rains, in Kolkata on Wednesday. - PTI

insula witnessing the highest deficiency of 21 per cent and 10 per cent in central India.

Some parts of the country, including the Marathwada and central regions of Maharashtra have recorded minus 50 and minus 40 per cent rains, while north interior Karnataka had monsoon deficiency of 43 per cent.

These regions are experiencing drought-like conditions, sources said. The IMD said 51 per cent of the country has so far received normal rainfall, while 36 per cent experienced deficient monsoon and 13 per cent excess precipitation. - PTI

SHEENA BORA MURDER CASE

Indrani charged with poisoning son MUMBAI: Indrani Mukherjea, wife of former Star India CEO Peter Mukherjea, on Monday faced fresh charges of poisoning and attempting to murder her son Mikhail on the day her daughter Sheena was killed more than three years ago as police suspect involvement of people outside the state in the sensational crime.

Seeking further custody of the three key accused — Indrani, former husband Sanjeev Khanna and driver Shyam Rai — in the Sheena murder case, police told a metropolitan court they would like to establish a “financial trail” in the crime.

Meanwhile, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S. M. Chandgade extended their police custody till September 5. Mikhail, Indrani’s son with her first husband Sidharth Das, had earlier told the police that she had thrice attempted to kill him and also spiked his drink the day Sheena disappeared in April 2012.

Mikhail, who lives in Guwahati, and Sheena were Indrani’s children with Das. There were emotional scenes in the court when Indrani hugged Vidhie, her daughter with Khanna, in the

PROCEEDINGS: Indrani Mukherjea’s daughter Vidhi (in black) arrives at Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate’s court in Mumbai on Monday. - PTI

court and was seen crying.

Indrani felt uneasy during the proceedings after which she was given water and allowed to sit.

Their faces covered in black veil, all the three accused were produced before the magisterial court amid tight security shortly before 3pm.

Their veils were briefly lifted when the Magistrate asked them whether they had any complaint (against the police), to which they

replied in the negative. After their police remand was extended, they were taken to the Khar police station where Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, who himself is keenly supervising the probe, also arrived for interrogating them. What transpired during the interrogation was not immediately known.

Earlier, Chandgade rejected the contention of defence lawyers Gunjan Mangla and Hrishikesh Mundergi, appearing for Indrani and Khanna, that as the two were in police custody for sufficient time the remand should not be extended.

According to the investigators, during their interrogation on Saturday Indrani accused Khanna of committing the murder and dragging her into the crime, while the latter claimed he only assisted her as she had promised to help him financially.

Indrani’s lawyer Gunjan Mangala argued that there was no need for further police custody as police had interrogated her for almost 90 hours.

Police were not investigating but trying to fabricate the case, she alleged. - PTI

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INDIA

J O B R E S E RVAT I O N D E M A N D

Patel quota champion Hardik threatens Modi’s ‘model’ AHMEDABAD: A swordwielding 22-year-old activist has emerged overnight as the most pressing political threat to Narendra Modi, accusing the Indian prime minister of breaking a promise to provide jobs that helped him win last year’s general election.

Hardik Patel, by his own admission, scraped through college and failed to land a steady job. But he has proven to be a talented organiser and rabble-rousing orator, creating a mass movement in a matter of weeks.

Explosive issue The explosive issue he has locked on to is caste: He says India’s policies of affirmative action have shut his community the Patels, also known as Patidars, out of university places and government jobs.

Patel has stirred upheaval in Gujarat, the state Modi ran for 13 years before he became prime minister — an era of rapid industrial growth that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) successfully pitched to voters as a “model” to bring prosperity to India’s 1.2 billion people.

Patel calls the model hyped, saying Modi “tried to sell platinum when all he had was steel”.

Protests culminated last Tuesday in a rally by half a million people in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s largest city. Violence broke out across the western state after police detained Patel briefly, leading to at least seven deaths.

“Brother Modi is very angry with me and my community — we have exposed the flaws in his economic and social model,” Patel said in an interview on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. “But he shouldn’t forget that we supported him.”

Gujarat still bears the scars of sectarian bloodletting in 2002 when more than 1,000 people were killed, mostly Muslims.

Modi has long faced accusations of failing to quell those riots.

Modi’s calls for calm now cut no ice with Patel: “I am ready for a fight to protect the Patels against the economic domination of the lower castes,” Patel, a slight man with a broad face and thick hair, said late last week.

Patel came on Sunday to New Delhi to meet leaders of other castes that also harbour jobs griev-

IN THE NEWS: Hardik Patel, convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, brandishes a sword presented to him at a function organized by Gujjars to honour him in New Delhi on Sunday. -PTI

ances. Brandishing a sword before his supporters, he vowed to launch protests across India.

The Patels, who make up 14 per cent of Gujarat’s 60 million people, are not poor by Indian standards.

Originally landowners — the name Patel means one who owns land — they have branched out into trades like diamond polishing in India. The community is also highly mobile and Patels own thou-

sands of small businesses in the United States and Britain. Yet, in a country where 700 million people subsist on $2 a day or less, many Patels still aspire to join a nascent middle class.

Scarce jobs With the economy growing too slowly to create jobs, they say they are being excluded from scarce government posts.

India logs 7% economic growth in first quarter Analysts say the latest figures indicated the Modi government’s attempts to revive Asia’s third largest economy were faltering

NEW DELHI: India’s economy grew by a slower than expected 7.0 per cent in the first quarter, official figures showed on Monday, adding to pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speed up efforts to boost growth.

Growth in the three months through June slowed to 7.0 per cent year-on-year from 7.5 per cent in the previous quarter, the statistics ministry data showed.

The figures for the first quarter of the financial year were lower than the median forecast of 7.4 per cent in a survey of economists by Bloomberg News.

India’s growth overtook that of regional economic powerhouse China in the first three months of 2015, prompting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to announce the economy was in “recovery mode”.But analysts said the latest figures indi-

SLUGGISH: Metro construction workers celebrate in front of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) breakthrough point after successfully building a tunnel for the metro train in Bengaluru, on Monday.

India’s economic growth slowed by more than expected in the quarter to June, according to data released on Monday. - Reuters

cated the right-wing government’s attempts to revive Asia’s third largest economy were faltering.

“The GDP number shows that there is no take-off in any of the key sectors of the economy,” Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Care Ratings, said. “The high government spending which was expected to provide the boost is not being reflected in the numbers.”

Modi swept to power in May 2014 on a pledge to reform and revive the economy to help provide jobs for India’s tens of millions of young people.

But many of Modi’s key economic initiatives including a national

goods and services tax have stalled in parliament where his Bharatiya Janata Party lacks a majority.

Modi on Sunday also announced he was abandoning land reforms aimed at speeding up stalled multi-billion dollar infrastructure and other development projects, after mass opposition from farmers.

India’s currency and stocks also plunged last week along with those of other emerging markets on fears China’s economic slowdown is worse than expected and as the US Federal Reserve prepares to move on interest rates.

Monday’s figures come after India’s central bank earlier this

month kept interest rates on hold, saying the country’s economic recovery was still a “work in progress”. Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has snipped rates three times this year in a bid to kickstart lending and boost growth.

Arun Singh, senior economist at Dun & Bradstreet, said 7.0 per cent was “not that bad” given the government’s need to pick up the pace of reform and the fact new investments were sluggish.

The figures showed manufacturing, hotels, financial and insurance services and real estate were among sectors that grew over 7.0 per cent, while agriculture and mining were among those well below 7.0 percent.

The numbers were the latest Gross Domestic Product data to be released since the government introduced a revised formula for calculating GDP that some analysts have criticised.

India’s government changed the way it calculates GDP in January, saying the new method was closer to international standards.

The main change is that India now measures its economic growth at market prices to incorporate “gross value addition” in goods and services as well as indirect taxes.

The base year to calculate India’s GDP has also been advanced to 2011-12 from 2004-05.

But analysts say the new data does not correlate with some other economic indicators, including last year’s industrial production figures and corporate profits. - AFP

After independence, India protected lower castes and tribal communities by reserving college places and government positions for them. These quotas were later expanded to add “Other Backward Classes”, including the one that Modi comes from.

The Patel protests have damaged Modi’s reputation as an economic policy maker and have had an impact in the northern state of Bihar that will soon go to the polls.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, seeking to keep Modi’s BJP out of power, has sympathised with the Patels.

Blindsided Officials in Gujarat admit to being blindsided by the outburst of anger, even though they knew that the Patels’ small businesses were struggling and the community was sidelined when profitable new dairy cooperatives were set up.

Some analysts speculate the protests were encouraged by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu organisation allied to the BJP that also opposes reservation. RSS leaders said that they played no role, however.

What is clear is that Hardik Patel enjoys the patronage of influential Patel politicians who fell out of favour with Modi. “There are several senior Patels standing behind him who were waiting for Modi to leave Gujarat,” said one industrialist from the Patel clan.

“Hardik Patel is a smart soldier and an able commander.”

Protests against India’s affirmative action programmes erupted 25 years ago, when caste-based quotas in jobs and colleges were sought to be expanded.

The current movement appears to have snowballed because Modi has not been able to meet the expectations of some of his supporters while the economy remains stalled.

“Gujarat’s much-celebrated growth rate has slowed down in the last two years.

There are hardly any jobs to absorb the young and the restless,” said Sebastian Morris, a professor of economics at the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad.

“This problem is not just in Gujarat, but it is faced by youths across India.” - Reuters

M.M. KALBURGI

Leading scholar’s murder sparks anger in Karnataka BENGALURU: Indian scholars on Monday condemned the execution-style killing of a leading scholar who had spoken out against idol worship and angered hardline groups in the run-up to his death.

M.M. Kalburgi, an academic and writer from southern Karnataka state, was shot in the forehead after opening the door of his home on Sunday morning and later died in hospital, police said.

The motive for the killing is unknown, but Kalburgi, who was 77, had been given police protection in the past after receiving death threats from hardliners.

“Security cover was withdrawn last year on Kalburgi’s insistence, as he wanted to be accessible by anyone being a public figure and popular in literary and social circles,” Karnataka additional director general of police Alok Mohan told AFP. Kalburgi, who taught at Kannada University in Karnataka, regularly spoke out against superstitions and had questioned the worth of idol worship.

Writers and scholars expressed outrage as they gathered in the state’s literary heartland of Dharwad on Monday for his funeral as well as in Bengaluru.

“He was known to create controversies and make sharp observations against certain practices and beliefs which he thought were superstitious,” actor Girish Karnad told reporters.

“Everyone has a right to have his opinion. You can agree, disagree with him and we have a

Even if people differed with him and his ideology, killing him is not acceptable B. Ramachandrappa Kannada writer

democracy where people can speak out,” he also told the NDTV network.

Baraguru Ramachandrappa, who like Kalburgi wrote in the Kannada language of southern India, said his friend was well known for “criticising certain practices and beliefs.”

“Even if people differed with him and his ideology, killing him is not acceptable,” Ramachandrappa said.

Dharwad police commissioner Ravindra Prasad said police were studying CCTV footage that showed “two youths moving on a motorbike” away from the house after the murder. Kalburgi’s killing sparked protests in the town on Sunday, with colleagues calling for justice and the right to freedom of expression. - AFP

SILKWORM REARING

Bihar’s tribal communities spin their way out of poverty BANKA (Bihar): Pointing to a television in her recently built mud and brick home, Indian villager Munia Murmu proudly shows off her new-found wealth, thanks to hundreds of squirming green silkworms.

Like thousands of other tribal villagers in India, Murmu lives in extreme poverty, and until recently could not afford enough food for her and her family.

But the 40-year-old decided to join others in her community rearing wild silkworms in the native forests of her home state of eastern Bihar. Along with dozens of other women, Murmu nurtures the worms which produce silk threads which are in high demand in India, Europe and the US for use in saris and other garments and home furnishings.

High demand The mother of two also sells silkworm eggs to other rearers in this remote corner of India.

During the breeding season, which lasts three months of the year, Murmu earns Rs50,000 ($770) — a relative fortune.

“I used to live in a tiny house with no toilet, no fans, nothing.

Then I started keeping the silkworms and I haven’t looked back since,” a beaming Murmu said, pulling a shiny laptop out of a huge metal trunk.

Decorated with colourful murals of tribal life on the walls, her home also has a room dedicated to watching TV on the new set, along with two toilets and a water pump in her front yard.

Modern techniques Members of tribal communities, also known as Adivasis, have traditionally been at the bottom of India’s socio-economic ladder, with some of the worst rates for poverty, malnutrition and life expectancy.

They have long reared silkworms in the dense forests of Bihar and neighbouring Jharkhand states to make tasar, a coppercoloured silk coveted for its unique texture. But production has hiked in recent years, thanks to the adoption of modern techniques, attracting new farmers like Murmu and handing them a way out of poverty.

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of poor monsoon rains. In a delicate procedure, other members of Murmu’s community extract the silk thread from cocoons spun by the worms by boiling them to make them softer and collection easier.

ROAD TO FORTUNE: Silkworms cling on the branches of Arjuna trees, in the Banka district of the eastern state of Bihar in this photograph taken on August 6, 2015. - AFP

Local NGO Pradan has helped train the farmers in several ways, including how to use microscopes to examine and discount diseased moths.

“We have (also) helped the

farmers plant arjuna trees on the wastelands here. These trees serve as hosts to the moths,” said Pradan’s Shamshad Alam.

India is the world’s second largest producer of all types of silk,

including tasar, after China, and is its largest consumer. The thriving industry in Bihar supplements the tribal communities’ traditional rice farming in a region which lacks irrigation and is at the mercy

Healthy eggs It normally takes between 250 and 700 cocoons to make one sari.

Bhola Tudu, a silkworm rearer, said profits have increased thanks largely to a regular supply of healthy eggs from a cooperative set up by community members in their village.

“We do the microscopic examination of the eggs ourselves,” said Tudu, as he sprayed disinfectant on leaves where the fluorescent green worms were feeding.

“We discard the bad ones and then buy the good eggs at a nominal price which ensures optimum profits. The silkworms have really changed our lives.” - AFP

A 10

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

PAKISTAN REACTION TO CRACKDOWN

Sharif repeating politics of victimisation, says Zardari

The pattern indicates political revenge following orders from the Prime Minister’s House. Pakistan People’s Party is a party of fearless followers who cannot be defeated by the threats of executions, lashing or imprisonment Asif Ali Zardari Pakistan People’s Party leader

LONDON: As law enforcement agencies up the ante against Pakistan People’s Party, former president Asif Ali Zardari alleged on Monday Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is repeating politics of victimisation, which was prevalent in the 1990s.

“Steps being taken by the government clearly indicate they are trying to divide the nation in an attempt to save their natural allies, Taliban and the terrorists, and weaken the war on terror,” Zardari said.

In a statement issued from London, the former president said at a time when the country’s innocent citizens are being killed by indiscriminate shelling in border villages by the enemy and Pakistan Army was fighting a decisive war against terrorists, PM Nawaz instead of challenging the real enemy was targeting the PPP and other political opponents.

‘Stop it immediately’ The former president warned that politics of revenge should immediately be stopped otherwise it will produce disastrous consequences.

Zardari claimed PPP accepted the 2013 general election results despite them being rigged by the returning officers. “The decisions recently announced by election tribunals prove the PML-N received outside help and was made to win the elections.”

Yousuf Raza Gilani Expressing discontent over the arrest of PPP leaders such as Dr Asim Hussain, Qasim Zia and inquiries against former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani and party leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim, he said, “The pattern indicates politi-

JF-17 THUNDER FLIES HIGH A Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder releases flares during a demo over Islamabad on Monday, for the upcoming celebration of the golden jubilee of Pakistan Defence Day. Pakistan Defence Day is celebrated annually on September 6. — AFP

cal revenge following orders from the PM House.”

“PPP is a party of fearless followers who cannot be defeated by the threats of executions, lashing or imprisonment.”

Federal minister Zardari added, “If they want to conduct fair accountability, they should first take action against a federal minister who confessed of money-laundering for the Sharif brothers. Only then we will know how clean the followers of Nleague are.”

“It seems that Nawaz Sharif has not learnt any lessons from the past. We are not the ones who fled to Jeddah after seeking pardon,” the statement added.

Zardari claimed the Sharif brothers were in power because of the PPP. “It was the PPP which removed a ban on being elected as prime minister or chief minister for the third time; although it was evident it will only serve the interests of Mian brothers.”

The former president also said the PPP fully stood behind Pakistan Army in the continuing war against terrorism.

“We salute our soldiers who gave ultimate sacrifices in this war.”

Charter of Democracy Meanwhile, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid denied Zardari’s allegations of retaliatory politics saying, ““Both Nawaz Sharif and late Benazir Bhutto buried the politics of the 1990s.”

He claimed that his political party showed complete conformity to the Charter of Democracy signed between the PML-N and PPP. — Express Tribune

Sartaj claims Haqqani group nearly wiped out The United States holds the Talibanaffiliated group responsible for some of the deadliest strikes of the insurgency, including the 2009 Camp Chapman bombing, which killed seven CIA agents

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top diplomat said Monday that military offensives in its northwestern tribal areas had almost wiped out the Haqqani militant network known for its audacious attacks across the border on Afghan and foreign forces.

The United States holds the Taliban-affiliated group responsible for some of the deadliest strikes of the insurgency, including the 2009 Camp Chapman bombing, which killed seven CIA agents.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, US national security adviser Susan Rice told Pakistani leaders during a visit to Islamabad Sunday that attacks in Afghanistan by forces based in Pakistan were “absolutely unacceptable”.

Future payments of hundreds of millions of dollars in US military aid to Pakistan are also contingent on Islamabad taking effective action against the group.

But at a press conference with visiting German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan’s advisor to the prime minister on foreign affairs, said most of the Haqqani network’s base had been destroyed by an army operation that began in the North Waziristan tribal district last year.

DIPLOMACY: German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, right, and Pakistan’s national security adviser Sartaj Aziz arrive for a joint news conference at the foreign ministry in Islamabad, on Monday. — Reuters

The infrastructure of Haqqani network in North Waziristan, which includes improvised explosives device factories and a number of other capacities including communications, has been disrupted. So what is left here may be very limited compared to the capacity they still have in Afghanistan Sartaj Aziz Advisor to the prime minister on foreign affairs

“The infrastructure of Haqqani network in North Waziristan, which includes IED factories and a number of other capacities including communications, has been disrupted,” Aziz said.

“So what is left here may be

very limited compared to the capacity they still have in Afghanistan,” he added.

“Our assessment is that their capacity in Afghanistan is much bigger, probably 80 to 90 per cent compared to what is here and it is

also being cleaned out as a part of our operations.”

Steinmeier said he agreed with the assessment provided by his Pakistani counterpart and noted the sacrifices by Pakistani security forces in the fight against militants.

“We have also seen that Pakistani security forces have paid a heavy toll in the military action. I do believe the assessment of Pakistan that the Haqqani network has been disrupted,” he said.

Aziz’s comments come at a time of tense relations between Kabul and Islamabad, with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani recently accusing Pakistan of sending “messages of war” following a spate of attacks on the capital city.

Islamabad responded by summoning Afghanistan’s ambassador over what it called a “smear campaign”.

The Haqqani network was set up in the 1970s as an Islamist force to oppose the Marxist regime in Kabul and its Soviet backers, and fought in the Afghan civil war. — AFP

COURT ORDER

Broadcast of Altaf’s speeches banned LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) placed a ban on Monday on the broadcast of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain’s speeches, Express News reported.

According to reports, a threemember bench of the LHC hearing a treason case against Altaf issued notices to the MQM chief, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Javed Aslam and the federal government.

Further, the court directed the federal government to submit a record of Altaf’s speeches and his nationalities in court during the next hearing.

Treason case Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the treason case against Altaf till September 7.

Last month, the LHC had formed a full bench to take up the petition seeking trial of the MQM chief under treason charges.

Aftab Virk, the petitioner, had claimed that the interior and information ministries had failed to initiate action against the MQM leader, despite his derogatory remarks against the integrity of the country and its armed forces. He said Altaf’s speeches were tantamount to treason and appealed to the court to issue directives to the executive to lodge treason cases against the MQM leader and members of his immediate political coterie.

About 50 cases have already been registered under sections

Altaf Hussain

Aftab Virk, the petitioner, had claimed that the interior and information ministries had failed to initiate action against the Muttahida Qaumi Movemen leader, despite his derogatory remarks against the integrity of the country and its armed forces pertaining to terrorism and criminal intimidation over Altaf’s July 12 speech, in which he allegedly used derogatory language against the armed forces and the paramilitary Rangers. — Express Tribune

DROP IN CRUDE OIL PRICES

Petrol prices reduced ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday announced that the federal government was lowering the prices of fuel in the country by as much as Rs3 per litre.

The decision comes after oil prices in the international market dropped to their lowest levels since 2008.

Meanwhile, the government has raised gas prices for the domestic consumers by 13 per cent.

The price for the first slab of domestic consumers has been increased by 3.8 per cent from Rs106 to Rs110 per Million British Thermal Unit (mmbtu).

Domestic consumers under the second slab will also see an increase in prices by about 3.8 per cent whereas there is a 13 per cent increase for consumers falling in the third slab. However, the power sector will face a relatively higher rise in gas prices by 23 per cent from Rs488 to Rs600 per mmbtu.

Undoubtedly this is expected to be passed on to the consumers.

Earlier on July 31, the government decided to allow petrol prices to decline by 1.3 per cent, in what appeared to be an attempt at striking a balance between the need to keep government tax revenues steady. — Express Tribune

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ASIA

Malaysia premier Najib reasserts control with National Day parade Such protests were not the proper channel to voice opinions in a democratic country, said Prime Minister Najib Razak

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s government reclaimed the capital’s streets on Monday after massive weekend protests calling for his ouster, staging its own show of force with National Day celebrations attended by thousands.

With Prime Minister Najib Razak presiding, masses of flagwaving spectators cheered a colourful parade of soldiers, police and civil servants through the city centre, symbolically underlining the government’s clout despite pressure for change.

As multi-ethnic Malaysia celebrated its National Day today, Najib said such protests were “not the proper channel to voice opinions in a democratic country”.

“This country is built on the sacrifices of our heroes who had given their lives to ensure the people will be free and live in peace,” Najib said in his live address on television on the occasion. Instead of his usual recorded message televised on the eve of National Day, Najib this year addressed the nation ‘live’ with a promise that he will not let Ma-

E R AWA N S H R I N E B L A S T

Thai bomber hunt narrows as police flag new suspects BANGKOK: The hunt for those behind the Bangkok shrine blast narrowed Monday as police revealed they have two new suspects after more bomb-making paraphernalia was found in a suburban apartment.

But two weeks after the unprecedented attack brought carnage to the city’s commercial centre, the motive for it remains shrouded in mystery. The bomb that hit the Erawan shrine on August 17 was Thailand’s worst single mass-casualty attack. It killed 20 people, the majority of them ethnic Chinese tourists from across Asia.

Suspicion has alternated between Thailand’s bitter political rivals, organised criminal gangs, extremists, rebels in the kingdom’s strife-torn south and sympathisers of refugees from China’s Uighur minority.

In July Thailand deported 109 Uighurs to China, enraging supporters of the minority who allege they face torture and repression back home. Turkish protesters stormed the Thai consulate in Istanbul and forced it to close.

Police are now seeking a Thai woman and an unidentified man after bomb-making materials were discovered over the weekend in an apartment in the suburb of Minburi.

Investigators believe it was used as a hideout by the network that carried out the attack. “We

found fertiliser bags, watches, radio controls -- parts to make bombs and electric charges,” said national police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri. “We are confident they are the same group.”

Police had detained an unidentified foreign man on Saturday morning at another flat nearby, where detonators, industrial pipes and ball bearings were found. Dozens of fake Turkish passports were also found in his flat, police added.

In a televised broadcast Prawut displayed a photograph of the wanted Thai woman taken from an official identity card, showing her wearing a black hijab. He named her as 26-year-old Wanna Suansan -- also known by the Muslim name Misaloh -- the first time a suspect in the bombing probe has been identified.

Unidentified man A sketch of an unidentified man with a moustache was also broadcast. A police source close to the probe said the suspect’s family in Thailand’s southern province of Phang Nga had been questioned and had said she was in Turkey.

“Her parents were shocked to see her picture on television. Her younger sister then spoke to her (by phone) in Turkey,” the source told AFP, requesting anonymity.

The information could not be immediately verified with authorities. -AFP

ON WAY TO HISTORY PAGES An entrance to the main building of Japan’s iconic Hotel Okura in Tokyo photographed on Saturday. Tokyo’s sixties-era modernist masterpiece Hotel Okura, host to US presidents, royalty, celebrities and spy James Bond, turned off the lights of the main building Monday, more than a half century after its opening heralded Japan’s post-war coming out party. Despite an outcry from architectural preservationists, the fabled property shut its doors for a four-year makeover that will give way to a gleaming high-rise hotel, the latest heritage building to see the wrecking ball in the ultra-modern Japanese megalopolis. -AFP

laysia fail despite the shrinking currency. Organisers of the peaceful weekend demonstrations said more than 200,000 people came out to demand the embattled Najib’s removal over a financial scandal.

“Well, we gave it our best shot and now it’s their turn again,” said Simon Tam, a lawyer who attended the demonstrations on both days.

“Getting Najib to step down is not easy, and maybe there is not much hope at all. But can we stand by and say nothing?” Najib has been under pressure since the Wall Street Journal last month published Malaysian documents showing nearly $700 million had been deposited into his personal bank accounts, beginning in 2013.

His cabinet ministers now admit the transfers happened, describing them as “political donations” from unidentified Middle Eastern sources but refusing to explain further. -PTI/AFP

IN CONTROL: (Left to right) Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak and King Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah wave Malaysian national flags during National Day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, on Monday, a day after two days of rallies organised by pro-democracy group Bersih calling for electoral reforms and Razak’s resignation. -Reuters

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he latest development regarding the issue of the repatriation of millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is the Afghan government’s request to allow the 1.5 million registered refugees to stay on in Pakistan for another two years. Presently, there are an estimated three million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, of which nearly half are illegal inhabitants. The registered Afghan refugees have been allowed by Pakistan to stay till December 31, 2015.

The request from Afghanistan came during the recently held tripartite meeting in Kabul, also involving the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Pakistan conveyed that the request would be shared with the government departments concerned and the federal cabinet would deliberate upon it. If Pakistan does extend the stay of registered Afghan refugees for another two years, it could prove to be catastrophic. The economic cost of the continued stay of these refugees has been extremely high, particularly for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), where most of these refugees live. Even more than the economic fallout, however, the adverse security implications of the presence of such a huge number of refugees in Pakistan is incalculable.

A day after the request was made, a news item appeared in the Pakistani media revealing that security agencies had nabbed 52 people involved in financing terrorists in Pakistan — all Afghans. Most of them illicitly obtained CNICs with the connivance of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) officials. Possession of Pakistani CNICs made it extremely difficult for Pakistani agencies to track them down. The 52 Afghans who were nabbed are said to have been involved in funneling colossal amounts of money to terrorist outfits through undocumented and unofficial hundi and hawala methods

of money transactions. This is merely one instance of the profound negative security implications of hosting millions of Afghan refugees.

However, despite this, Pakistan’s policy over this issue has been ambiguous. It was in July 2013 that Pakistan had extended, for the umpteenth time, the cut-off date for the return of all Afghans legally living in the country till the end of 2015.

The extension approved in 2013 for 1.6 million registered Afghan refugees was difficult to understand. The then chief justice of the Peshawar High Court, Dost Muhammad Khan, now an honourable judge of the Supreme Court, remarked in November 2013 that a significant percentage of Afghan refugees were causing huge problems for K-P and were being used by the country’s enemies. The chief justice himself had observed that there were authentic security agencies’ reports on the matter, stating: “There are reports that Afghan refugees in Pakistan are being used by foreign agencies and are conspiring against the country, which has given them refuge for decades in their trying times.”

Pakistani authorities and strategists have been oblivious to the consequences of the extended and now, seemingly interminable stay of millions of Afghans in Pakistan.

Residents of K-P and Balochistan, and to a lesser extent, those of Islamabad and Karachi, have suffered adverse consequences of this policy. Our strategists’ reasons for allowing this state of affairs to continue is well-known, but the strategy has boomeranged.

The anti-Pakistan elements within the Afghan intelligence and security establishment have been using their nationals in Pakistan as tools for what I would term establishing ‘tactical depth’.

At a time when Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is accusing Pakistan of waging an ‘undeclared war’ in Afghanistan, can we afford to extend the stay of Afghan refugees on our soil? - Express Tribune

READERS’ FORUM Wrong diagnosis, medicine made me disillusioned This refers to the online story, Alternative Medicine: Chiropractic Care; government warns protesters (August 30). I had always been an advocate of allopathic medicine. However, after a harrowing and wrong diagnosis, I turned to alternative medicine after which my trust on pharmaceutical products diminished. Now, after 15 years of healthy life, I am totally against doctors and their kind.

— Ram Laxman Udas, Muscat

Taylor Swift unjustly slammed by country music industry

Scan this QR code to send letters to the Readers’ Forum, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

Last Wednesday, my daughter Alison Parker was brutally struck down in the prime of her life by a deranged gunman. Since then, I have stated in numerous interviews with the media that I plan to make my life’s work trying to implement effective against gun violence in US bit.ly/fightusgunviolence

This refers to the online story, Swift Leads Winners but West, Cyrus Rule MTV Video Music Awards (August 31). This year’s award ceremony was simply awesome.

The artistes who were honoured totally deserved the accolades. This year Taylor Swifts songs and videos have been really inspiring. However, she has been unjustly criticised by the country music industry of trivialising her original genre. Actually she has revolutionised it.

— Samantha Kelly, Muscat

US athletes have no excuse

This refers to the online story, Sharapova withdraws from US Open with leg injury (August 31). Although the Russian star’s injury is worrying, her absence at the tournament could be a silver lining for a player. That player may emerge as a promising star capable of defeating the best of the best. I hope to witness such a rise.

— Stewart Roger Al, Muscat

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000 OCCI to organise seminars on export, livestock MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry will organise a seminar for encouraging exporting industries on September 4. A number of experts in the field will address the seminar. Working papers will be presented on a number of topics, including strategies to promote exports. The seminar will review export development strategies of Oman in all fields. OCCI, in cooperation with the SQU, will also organise a seminar on livestock products on September 6.

PICTOGRAPH

OMAN-INDIA TRADE EXCHANGE From February to April 2015, not including oil or re-exports (In million rials)

February

March

29.5 14.0

April

23.0

OMAN EXPORTS TO INDIA

TODAY IN HISTORY

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

1756: The British at Fort William Henry, New York, surrender to Louis Montcalm of France..

Protect the welfare of your workforce through New India’s WORKMEN COMPENSATION POLICY.

1919: The Communist Labor Party is founded in Chicago, with the motto, “Workers of the world unite!”

www.newindiaoman.com

1986: A Russian cargo ship collides with cruise ship Admiral Nakhimov, killing 398.

1994: Last Russian troops leave Estonia and Latvia.

INDIA EXPORTS TO OMAN

57.4 45.8

61.3

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

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SPECIAL

Living costs are so low. I also really like the environment here. In Taiwan, places are designed with people in mind, unlike in Hong Kong where everything is fenced in Dicken Yeung, Worked as school teacher in Hong Kong

Stressed-out Hong Kongers look for better life in neighbouring Taiwan

IN SEARCH OF BETTER LIFE: A view of residential and commercial buildings in Taipei, Taiwan. Squeezed by soaring rents, cramped living conditions, and unease over Hong Kong’s political future, a growing number of Hong Kongers are seeking a better life in Taiwan. - Bloomberg

The island, which lies a 90-minute flight away, offers lower costs and an abundance of space — a rarity in Hong Kong, one of the world’s most densely populated cities

TAIPEI: Squeezed by soaring rents, cramped living conditions, and unease over their city’s political future, increasing numbers of Hong Kongers are leaving to seek a better life in neighbouring Taiwan.

The island, which lies a 90-minute flight away, offers lower costs and an abundance of space — a rarity in Hong Kong, one of the world’s most densely populated cities.

Carlos Cheung, 28, moved to Taiwan’s central Taichung City last year to run a noodle shop there.

He says being a food vendor in Hong Kong would have been impossible, with a closetsized space costing 10 times his current monthly rent of HK$10,000 ($1,300).

“How many skewers of fish balls or ‘fried three treasures’ would I have had to sell?” said Cheung, referring to common Hong Kong street snacks.

The former luxury watch salesman was able to emigrate as a spouse to his Taiwanese wife.

“Sales here haven’t been that bad, so I’m not under much pressure,” he said of his shop Toi Heung Traditional Snacks.

Hong Kongers without family ties can apply for residency through investor programmes, as technical professionalsindesignatedindustries,oras entrepreneurs.

Political pressure Last year a record 7,498 people from Hong Kong and neighbouring Macau obtained residency in Taiwan — the majority from Hong Kong. Residents are increasingly worried that China is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous city, with tensions sparking mass protests for full democracy at the end of last year. Some see Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, as offering respite from China’s grip.

Fears over China’s influence are not new — an estimated 40,300 Hong Kongers left the year before the handover by Britain in 1997, but the numbers jumping ship to

CULINARY SKILL: Ah Tong, a Hong Kong emigrate to Taiwan, stands next to a banner showing his award in a Kaohsiung culinary competition, at his restaurant in the Shihlin night market in Taipei on August 21, 2015. - AFP

SNACK: Ah Tong serves food into a bowl at his restaurant. - AFP

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had Tw$5 million (US$155,000) deposited in a local bank, though the scheme was later scrapped.

He says the pace of life in Taiwan is a pleasant contrast to frenzied Hong Kong.

“Life here isn’t as stressful and people are kinder and very happy to help,” said Yeung.

“Living costs are so low. I also really like the environment here.

In Taiwan, places are designed with people in mind, unlike in Hong Kong where everything is fenced in.”

NOODLE STALL: Ah Carlos Cheung, 28, a Hong Kong emigrate to Taiwan, cleans windows to a restaurant where he runs his noodle stall in central Taichung on July 24, 2015. - AFP

previously popular destinations like Canada and Australia have fallen. Taiwan has its own difficult relationship with the mainland — since it broke away at the end of a civil war in 1949, Beijing still views the island as part of its territory, awaiting reunification.

Undeterred, Dicken Yeung, 38,

moved to the island over what he saw as the increasing influence of China on Hong Kong and a deterioration in the city’s autonomy.

“It’s getting more and more communist,” said Yeung, who worked as a schoolteacher in Hong Kong and recently moved to Yilan county, on Taiwan’s east coast.

“Law enforcement is becoming more like the Chinese public security and the judiciary, while not yet interfered with, is also going in that direction.”

Residency Yeung entered under a programme that gave residency to those who

‘Business isn’t so good’ Hong Kong applicants who enter Taiwan under its investor immigration programme need to make an investment of Tw$6 million -real estate does not count.

That is much lower than the thresholds for similar programmes in Canada, Australia, and Britain, according to Hong Kong-based Uni Immigration Consultancy.

“Some who want to move overseas but don’t have the money are considering Taiwan,” said Tyson Ho, who advises clients at the agency.

“It’s also much closer. Many of them go into food and beverage because it’s relatively easy, even

if they may not have experience running their own businesses in Hong Kong.”

For those chasing profits a move to Taiwan may not be easy — this year the economy is set for its weakest growth since 2009.

Snack vendor Ah Tong, 53, moved his business from Hong Kong to Taiwan last year after living on the island in the past — his wife is Taiwanese.

But he is feeling the pinch as the economy stagnates.

“Business isn’t so good right now, for all the shops here in Shilin,” he said, referring to the popular night market where he opened his store.

Ah Tong sells “ngau chap”, braised beef offal, a Hong Kong street food beloved by the city. “’Ngau chap’ is something new for Taiwanese. It’s not something they would eat every day,” he says.

But while turnover may be slower than in Hong Kong, lower rent and labour costs mean he can afford to take his time to build his business.

Adapting taste What matters more is adapting the taste of his street snacks to a new market.

Ah Tong says he conducted a questionnaire to test tastebuds in Taiwan and found he had to add 40 percent more sugar to his recipe.

“They all thought it was too salty,” he said. “The Taiwanese have a sweeter palate.” - AFP

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SPAIN: A firefighter tries to extinguish flames at the site of a wildfire in Cualedro, near Ourense on Sunday. A fire broke out yesterday around noon in the Cualedro town in Galicia, northwest Spain, affecting at least 1,000 hectares of forest, as seven fires continued to burn in Spain, three in Galicia, one in Cantabria, one in Castile and Leon, one in Catalonia and Extremadura.- AFP

RUSSIA: Shell, which is the replica of the biggest detonated Soviet nuclear bomb AN-602 (TsarBomb), is on display in Moscow, Russia, on Monday. The shell is part of an exhibition organized by the state nuclear corporation Rosatom. - Reuters

ENGLAND: A woman looks down from her balcony at the Notting Hill Carnival in west London, on Mon-

day. - Reuters

YEMEN: People stand around a crater at the site of a Saudi air strike in Sanaa, Yemen, Monday. -PTI/AP

INDIA: A woman carrying her belongings wades through a water-logged road in flood-hit Dibrugarh

district of Assam, India on Monday. -PTI

NEPAL: Nepalese police stop Hindu activists as they try to break through to a cordoned-off area near parliament during a protest demanding Nepal be declared a Hindu state in Kathmandu on Monday.

Violent protests have erupted in the last few weeks in Nepal after lawmakers struck a breakthrough deal to table the draft of a new constitution, spurred by April’s devastating earthquake. - AFP

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

A15

WORLD Ukraine peace shattered as bill favouring eastern rebels backed cial status for parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which are largely controlled by Russian-backed separatists, is a central element of the Minsk deal.

Though a ceasefire is under pressure from sporadic shelling and shooting which government troops and rebels blame on each other, Western governments see the deal as holding out the best possible prospects for peace and are urging Ukraine to abide by the agreement.

“We have to support the international ‘anti-Putin’ coalition,” said Yuri Lutsenko of the Poroshenko bloc, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The violence, which the government blamed on the main nationalist party, and division in the pro-Western camp in parliament, suggested President Petro Poroshenko will struggle to push through key parts of a faltering peace agreement reached in February for eastern Ukraine

KIEV: A Ukrainian national guardsman was killed and nearly 90 others wounded by grenades hurled from a crowd of nationalist protesters on Monday as they were guarding parliament where lawmakers backed giving more autonomy to rebel-held areas.

The violence, which the government blamed on the main nationalist party, and division in the pro-Western camp in parliament suggested President Petro Poroshenko will struggle to push through key parts of a faltering peace agreement reached in February for eastern Ukraine.

Decentralisation Poroshenko sprang to the defence of the constitutional reforms following the clashes outside parliament, where deputies loyal to him managed to push through a first reading of a “decentralisation” draft law - but only in the face of strong criticism from some of his political allies.

In a message to the nation, he

FURIOUS: Smoke rises near the parliament building in Kiev as activists of radical Ukrainian parties, including the Ukrainian nationalist party Svoboda (Freedom), clash with police officers on Monday. — AFP

own courts and militia and create a special relationship with Russia.

It would allow Russian to be the chosen language of people living in these regions and grant amnesty to separatists who had previously taken part in military action against Ukrainian forces.

said that if parliament had not passed the draft, in line with Kiev’s commitments at the peace talks in Minsk, Belarus, Ukraine would have been in danger of losing the support of its Western allies.

“There would have been a real possibility of us being left alone with the aggressor,” he said.

The violence came after 265 deputies voted in favour of the bill, 39 more than that required to pass, at a boisterous session with many deputies chanting slogans and

SAFEGUARDING RIGHTS

rhythmically beating parliamentary benches.

Opponents of the bill, which supports a law giving certain selfmanagement rights to separatists controlling parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, said it played into Russia’s hands and would lead ultimately to Ukraine losing control in the east.

They objected to the separate legislation on local self-governance which they fear will give the separatists the right to form their

Svoboda party Elements in the crowd, many of whom carried banners from the nationalist Svoboda (Freedom) party, pelted black-helmeted national guardsmen with fire-crackers and smoke-bombs after the vote. Then, police said, grenades were thrown.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, blaming Svoboda in a tweet, said nearly 90 national guardsmen had been hurt, four of them with serious wounds to the eyes, stomach, neck and legs, by explosive devices lobbed from the crowd.

About 30 people were arrested, including a man suspected of throwing grenades, Avakov said.

Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk also blamed Svoboda, which has its main power-bases in western Ukraine, while Poroshenko said “pseudo-patriots” had been behind the violence.

The national guardsman killed was a 25-year-old who had been called up only in spring. Avakov said he had died from wounds caused by grenade splinters.

Though the bill passed on its first reading, many coalition allies, including former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, spoke against it. And, despite his firm words in support of it, it is far from certain that Poroshenko will be able to whip up the necessary 300 votes for it to get through a second and final reading later this year.

Approval of legislation for spe-

Local elections Poroshenko defended his strategy, saying that the main parts of the self-governance law would come into force only when local elections had been held in accordance with Ukrainian law, Russian forces had left Ukraine and after Ukraine had restored control over the border with Russia.

But opponents maintained it gave Putin the upper hand.

“This is a diametrically opposed process which forces us to lose territory,” said Tymoshenko. “Putin does not need the Donbass (the name for the industrialised east).

He needs war in Ukraine. Our task in the vote is to get back to negotiations on the right road to bring peace, not the illusion of peace.”

The dissent in parliament and protests outside showed that Poroshenko will have an uphill task selling vital parts of the Minsk agreement to his people and increasingly restive pro-government paramilitary groups before the turn of the year.

That is when other elements of the agreement, including local elections, are supposed to be in place and Ukraine is supposed to have regained control of its border with Russia.

More than 6,500 people have been killed in the east since proRussian separatists rebelled against the Kiev government after Russia annexed Crimea in response to the ousting of a Moscow-backed president by street protests and his replacement by a pro-Western leadership. — Reuters

B ATT L E T O S U RV I V E

Foreign investors Migrant trains reach Vienna uncurbed in Iran must share benefits: Rouhani DUBAI: Would-be foreign investors in Iran should be prepared to share the benefits of their deals, the country’s president said, indicating Tehran will impose tough terms that could clash with US regulations even after sanctions are lifted.

Business delegations from around the world have flocked to Tehran since the July 14 nuclear agreement, which could see international sanctions lifted in early 2016 and open Iran, an energy exporter with a large middle class, to world markets.

But President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday suggested foreign investors will be welcome only if they work with a local partner, hire local workers and transfer technology, in some of the most explicit comments to date about the obligations businesses are likely to face.

“If foreign companies or countries think they can take control of a market of 80 million people, they are mistaken, and we must not allow it,” Rouhani said at a news conference broadcast on state television on Saturday.

“Our policy is that you bring your investment and technology to the country and partner with Iranians, and then a part of the Iranian and regional markets will be within reach of us both and there will be employment for our youth.”

Contract terms Iran has not yet revealed any specific contract terms it will impose on foreign investors. Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh on Monday said a new model oil contract would be completed in September and introduced at a London conference in December.

Hassan Rouhani

Rouhani’s comments echo those of Reza Norouzzadeh, the chairman of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization, who earlier this month said companies were “only welcome to Iran’s economy through joint investment”.

Such requirements are typical in developing economies, but companies could get into trouble in Iran if they accidentally partner with an entity under nonnuclear sanctions or share technology with potential military applications, experts said.

Farhad Alavi, managing partner of Washington-based Akrivis Law Group, said companies operating in sensitive areas such as aircraft manufacture might have a higher chance of encountering the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

US technology “The IRGC is known for using front companies... businesses have to really always look upstream to see who is beneath the surface,” he said. Handing over US technology to Iranian firms could also put companies in breach of US regulations. — Reuters

VIENNA/BUDAPEST: Trains carrying hundreds of migrants started arriving in Vienna on Monday after Austrian authorities appeared to give up trying to apply European Union rules by filtering out refugees who had already claimed asylum in Hungary.

In the latest twist in a humanitarian and political crisis that is now testing the survival of both Europe’s open-border regime and its asylum rules, Hungary allowed the migrants, many of them fleeing Syria’s civil war, to cram into at least four trains leaving Budapest for Austria or Germany.

Many of the refugees arriving in Vienna railway station on Monday evening immediately raced to board trains heading on to Germany, as policemen looked on passively, preferring not to intervene, witnesses said.

No police A train also arrived in Munich from Budapest on Monday evening. German police said there were about 200 on board.

“Thank God nobody asked for a passport... No police, no problem,” said Khalil, 33, an English teacher from Kobane in Syria, as his wife held their sick baby daughter coughing and crying in her arms at the Vienna station.

He described how he and his family had been able to buy train tickets in Budapest and were headed for Hamburg, Germany, adding that he was sure of seeing a better welcome there after traipsing across the Balkans and Hungary.

‘Mama Merkel’ “As for Germany, Syrians call (Chancellor Angela) Merkel ‘Mama Merkel’, he added, referring to the German leader’s relatively compassionate response so far to the migrant crisis.

One of the trains was stuck for hours in searing summer heat at the Hungarian border town of

FEELING SECURE: A woman distributes water to migrants who arrived from Budapest in Vienna’s Westbahnhof railway station on Monday. — AFP

Hegyeshalom, with Austrian railways citing safety concerns about overcrowding.

In line with EU rules, an Austrian police spokesman said only those who had not already requested asylum in Hungary would be allowed through - but the sheer pressure of numbers finally prevailed and, with few police officers or border officials reported in the vicinity, the train moved on, apparently with all passengers still on board.

Ali, 34, and his three-year-old daughter Mona, were just happy to have found enough space to stand on their packed Austrian RailJet train bound for Munich.

“I can’t wait,” said Ali, who like many of the Syrian migrants hopes to join up with relatives already in Germany. Children slept on the floors of carriages, exhausted. The

air was thick with body odour.

The migrants’ plight highlights the huge challenge facing the European Union, which has eliminated border controls between 26 states of the “Schengen area” but requires new asylum seekers to apply in the first country they enter - in this case Hungary.

Stay in Hungary Most of the migrants have no intention to stay in Hungary, even those who register there, but aim to reach richer western European countries.

The Vienna police spokesman said migrants allowed into Austria could stay for two weeks while they decide whether to seek asylum there. Those who did not would be returned to their last transit country.

Earlier refugees had expressed

relief at finally being allowed to leave Budapest.

“I have been here sleeping on the floor like a dog with my two sons for six days,” said Sami, a Syrian. “Today we leave this country behind and join my sisters in Munich, inshallah.”

No train About 1,000 others waited on blankets outside the railway station hoping to follow them later.

Some expressed anger at not being allowed to board trains sooner despite buying tickets.

“I bought a ticket, why did they sell me the ticket and now there’s no train?” said Murhaf, 27, at Vienna station. He had paid 350 euros to be smuggled in a private car from Budapest to Vienna and had now paid 159 euros for his train ticket. — Reuters

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MIGRANT WOES

No plan to take more refugees from Australia detention camp: Cambodia tional aid regardless of how many asylum seekers it takes in.

PHNOM PENH/SYDNEY: Cambodia said on Monday it did not intend to accept any more refugees from a South Pacific detention centre under an agreement with Australia, dealing a blow to the controversial resettlement scheme criticised by rights groups.

Australia has vowed to stop asylum seekers sailing from Indonesia and Sri Lanka and landing on its shores, instead intercepting boats and shifting the people to camps in Papua New Guinea and Nauru.

The deal Australia and Cambodia agreed last September that some refugees from Nauru would be resettled in Cambodia in exchange for Australian aid, but only four have arrived since then.

“We have no plans to receive more refugees from Nauru,” Cambodian Interior Ministry spokesman General Khieu Sopheak told Reuters. “With the situation of our country like this, we can’t receive hundreds or thousands of them. The less we receive, the better.” Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop denied the deal had collapsed.

“Cambodia is committed to a regional solution and has committed through a memorandum of

NOT WELCOME: A man rides his scooter in front of a house that is used to temporarily house asylum seekers sent from a South Pacific detention centre, in Phnom Penh, on Monday. -Reuters

understanding with the Australian government to resettle some asylum seekers who are found to be genuine refugees,” Bishop told reporters in Sydney.

“It wishes to harness the skills

of foreign workers and in this way, they can resettle people into Cambodia and help boost their GDP.” As part of the deal announced last year, Cambodia will get A$40 million ($28.56 million) in addi-

‘Expensive joke’ Rights groups have condemned Australia for trying to resettle refugees in poorer countries like Cambodia, which is frequently in the spotlight for human rights abuses and with an economy less than one percent the size of Australia’s. A spokesman for Australia opposition, Richard Marles, described the Cambodia deal as “an expensive joke”.

The three Iranians and one Rohingya, a mostly stateless Muslim minority from Myanmar, who travelled to Cambodia in June under the plan, have been living in a villa in Phnom Penh provided by the International Organization for Migration and funded by Australia. The IOM declined to comment on the Cambodian government’s statement, saying the refugees were continuing language training and cultural orientation and had asked for privacy.

Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said he expected the Cambodian agreement to be honoured. “There are other people in Nauru now who are prepared to go to Cambodia and we’re working through the detail of that with the officials.” -Reuters

NO RELIEF: Ousted former Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra leaves the Supreme Court in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday. Yingluck appeared before the Supreme Court to review evidence in a case involving rice subsidies that haemorrhaged billions of dollars and could see her jailed for up to 10 years for negligence. -Reuters

Setback for former Thailand premier Yingluck Shinawatra appeared before the Supreme Court in the case involving rice subsidies

BANGKOK: Thailand’s Supreme Court on Monday dismissed ousted former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s petition to delay the trial in a controversial rice subsidy scheme that could jail the country’s first woman premier for 10 years.

The Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions also dismissed her petitions to reject prosecution’s additional documented evidence and witnesses in the case that is said to have caused losses of around $15 billion.

Earlier, the former prime minister appeared before the Supreme Court on Monday in the case involving rice subsidies that haemorrhaged billions of dollars and could see her jailed for up to 10 years for negligence.

Yingluck’s flagship election policy helped sweep her to office in a landslide in 2011, but its failure saw her banned from politics for five years in January by a legislature appointed by the generals who toppled her government.

The grain policy, which has since been discontinued, aimed to boost farmers’ incomes by buying their rice at above market prices.

Yingluck’s government was attacked for refusing to abandon the scheme when the rice and debt piled up. It caused an estimated $16 billion in losses and left Thailand with a rice mountain it is still struggling to shift. The current stockpile is 13.9 million tonnes.

Prosecutors on Monday provided an evidence dossier of 60,000 pages and 23 additional witnesses in the case.

‘Distorting global prices’ Yingluck insists she acted honestly in administering the policy, which was widely criticised for distorting global prices and saw Thailand lose its crown as the world’s top rice shipper. Yingluck, 48, was greeted with applause and handed red roses by a crowd of supporters as she arrived at the court.

“I came to give moral support,” said Sangiam Thongnak, 61.”She did the right thing.” -PTI/AFP

TA L E B A N R E V E L AT I O N

‘Mullah Omar death concealed due to military reasons’ KABUL: Key Taliban members decided to keep the death of their leader a secret for more than two years because the war in Afghanistan was entering a critical phase and most foreign troops were preparing to withdraw at the time, the group said on Monday.

News of Mullah Omar’s death leaked last month amid confusion over where and when the one-eyed militant leader died, but on Monday the Taliban for the first time revealed April 23, 2013 as the date of his death.

The announcement came in a document of nearly 5,000 words published on the Taliban’s official website as an “introduction” to his successor, Mullah Mansour, a longtime deputy of the dead leader. His selection has been contested by senior members of the group. The Taliban, who have not previously detailed the reason for the decision to keep Omar’s death a secret, did not say who was party to the agreement.

“One of the main reasons was the fact that 2013 was considered the final year of power testing between the mujahidin and foreign invaders,” the Taliban said in the document.

The extremist insurgent group was ousted by a US-led military coalition in 2001, and is wag-

Mullah Omar

ing an increasingly violent war against Afghanistan’s foreignbacked government. “It was for these ... considerations that this depressing news was concealed in an extraordinary way up until July 30, 2015,” the Taliban added.

Most NATO troops withdrew in 2014 and the remaining contingent is involved mostly in training efforts. The US military has scaled back its involvement in combat to limited airstrikes and a separate counter-terror mission involving several thousand troops.

The statement on the website, controlled by Mansour’s supporters, played down the prospect of a serious rift within the Taliban leadership. -Reuters

B

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Muscat 5,871.60 - 32.84 - 0.56%

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.28 Pound ........................................... 1.67 Indian Rs ...............................171.47 Pak Rs ...................................265.53 Bangla Taka.......................199.60

Indian Rs ...................................172.45 Pakistan Rs ............................ 269.00 Sri Lanka Rs ........................... 347.20 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso ....................................121.00

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.55

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........ $48.27 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$48.22 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$49.59 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) .........$48.15 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$45.20 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$44.43

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Oman firm, BP sign Sohar project pact Oman International Petrochemical Industries Company plans to build a 1.1 million tonnes per annum purified terephthalic acid (PTA) unit at Sohar using BP’s latest technology

Times News Service MUSCAT: British energy conglomerate BP and Oman International Petrochemical Industries Company (Ompet) have signed a licensing agreement for the latest technology from the former to build a 1.1 million tonnes per annum capacity purified terephthal-

VITAL PROJECT: The new 1.1 million tonnes per annum capacity PTA project is coming up in Sohar. — Times file picture

ic acid (PTA) project in Sohar.

Ompet, which is a joint venture of Oman Oil Company, LG International Corporation and Takamul Investment Company, will have a licence for BP’s latest generation PTA technology, according to a press release from teh British company.

Ompet plans to build the unit in Sohar to produce PTA, the primary feedstock for polyesters used in the textile and packaging industry.

“This is the first licence for BP’s PTA technology in the Middle East which is an important and strategic region for BP. This is a testimony to the advantages of BP’s technology and to BP’s extensive experience as a PTA producer,”

said Rita Griffin, chief operating officer, BP Petrochemicals.

Ompet was formed in the third quarter of 2013 as a joint venture between Oman Oil Company (50 per cent), LG International Corp (30 per cent) and Takamul Investment Company (20 per cent), which is 93.7 per cent owned by Oman Oil Company.

“BP will provide a wide range of technical and knowledge transfer services as well as a commitment to assist Omani staff within the Ompet joint venture. The frontend engineering design package for the licence has been completed and delivered to Ompet on schedule. I am very proud that Ompet has chosen BP’s PTA technol-

GAS SUPPLIES

MEETING ENERGY NEEDS: Oman’s possible shift to importing the fuel follows years of rising local gas consumption and shrinking exports of LNG. — Bloomberg files (Picture used only for illustration purpose)

Oman mulls LNG imports as domestic gas use surges DUBAI: Oman may start importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet surging domestic energy demand, according to two people with knowledge of the matter, a shift in trade that would make it the fourth Arab country in the Gulf refgion to buy LNG. Oman currently exports liquefied gas under long-term contracts to Spain and several Asian countries including Japan and South Korea. It’s now studying options to import LNG as well, to help generate power and for other uses, said the two people, who asked not to be identified because the plan isn’t public.

Potential imports would arrive at the port of Sohar north of the capital city Muscat. Oman’s Ministry of Oil and Gas wasn’t able to immediately respond to a call for comment on Monday.

LNG trade is expanding in the Middle East due to the growing regional use of electricity and the lack of cross-border pipelines for

transporting natural gas. Combined imports of LNG by Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates increased 47 per cent in 2014 from the previous year, according to the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers.

Bahrain is building a receiving terminal for the fuel, while Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Pakistan also plan to buy LNG. Oman’s possible shift to importing the fuel follows years of rising local gas consumption and shrinking exports of LNG. Spare production capacity at Oman LNG, which operates the country’s facilities for liquefying gas for export, last year reached its highest level since 2006, according to the company’s annual reports.

Oman produced 7.95 million tonnes of the fuel in 2014 from plants with an annual capacity of 10.4 million metric tonnes, Oman LNG said in its latest annual report. Natural gas consumption in

Oman jumped to 774 billion cubic feet in 2013 from 520 billion cubic feet in 2009, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

LNG imports would supplement Oman’s current supply of natural gas by pipeline from Qatar. Oman also hopes to receive gas from Iran through a separate pipeline that has yet to be built.

Oman and Iran are discussing a route for this link, Mohammed Al Rumhy, Oman’s oil minister, said on April 14, though the two countries still haven’t agreed on a price for the Iranian gas.

Buyers of liquefied natural gas have benefited from a 50 per cent drop in prices since the beginning of the year. Prices will be under pressure “in the coming weeks” because of new LNG supplies from Australia and the United States, and lower demand from Japan as it restarts its nuclear reactors, Bank of America said in an August 24 report. — Bloomberg News

ogy and we look forward to a long standing relationship between our companies,” said Daniel Leonardi, vice-president, technology and licensing, BP Petrochemicals.

“Our PTA technology has significantly lower capital and operating costs when compared with conventional PTA plants and the technology is more energy efficient, uses less water, and produces less solid waste. We continue to invest heavily in our proprietary technology and this will maintain BP’s PTA technology as theglobal leader, and as the technology of choice for the future. Innovations in the technology will continue to be developed and implemented and these will be available to our licensees, including Ompet,” said Leonardi.

BP’s global petrochemicals business has total (net to BP) capacity at 18 locations in ten countries of 18.3 million tpa including 6.7 million tpa of PTA. BP is one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, serving millions of customers every day in around 80 countries, and employing around 85,000 people. BP’s business segments are oil and gas exploration and production, and refining and marketing.

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......14.05 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............ 137.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............130.25 * Rates as of August 31 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

GAS-FIRED POWER PLANT

Japan, French firms in race for Oman’s mega power project Times News Service MUSCAT: Two Japanese power giants and a French firm are leading three consortiums that have submitted bids for developing Oman’s biggest gas-fired power plant, coming up in two locations, with a combined generation capacity of 2,600 megawatts.

The two Japanese firms are Marubeni and Mitsui, while French firm Engie has also submitted the bid, along with its partners.

The projects are planned one each in Ibri and Sohar.

Mega power plant The state-owned Oman Power and Water Procurement (OPWP) Co floated a request for proposal earlier, seeking potential developers to submit their bids up to August for developing the mega power plant within the main interconnected system (MIS) region, following a pre-qualification process.

The bids were opened on August 30.

“The proposals were opened at theOPWP office on August 30 in the presence of representatives

of the interested parties,” according to a tender statement on its website. The bid amounts have not been made public.However, the proposed project will have a combined capital expenditure of $1.5 billion, said Ahmed Al Jahdhami, chief executive officer of OPWP, few months ago.

According to earlier reports, part of the capacity will go on stream by 2017, while the full project will be ready by 2018.

The project is for meeting the growing demand for electricity, mostly driven by a surging population in the country.

Like any other IPP, the investment will be made by the winning international independent power producer. The natural gas required for the power project will be sold to the developer at a predetermined price by the government, while the sole purchaser of power will be OPWP. The Sultanate’s populationgrowth is a major factor that drives the demand for electricity, while industrial consumption and tourism development projects also accelerate the growth in consumption of power in the northern region.

B2

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

MARKET FIRST-HALF

Japan-UAE bilateral trade falls Times News Service MUSCAT: Bilateral trade between Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showed a steep decline in trade value during the first half of this year, resulting from an equal fall in the price of crude oils and gaseous hydrocarbons that Japan imported from the UAE. The value of two-way trade fell by 37.2 per cent to $16.28 billion during the first six months of 2015, compared to $25.92 billion during the same period in 2014.

As Japan’s import of crude oils, gases and other petroleum products from the UAE constitute nearly 72 per cent of the total two-way trade, price fluctuations of these commodities greatly af-

fect the size of trade value. Currently, the UAE is Japan’s second largest provider of crude oils, supplying 26.4 per cent of its total crude oil requirements during the first six months of 2015 hence this percentage raised the volume of imported crude oil by 5.9 per cent to 155.41 million barrels compared to 146.78 million barrels during the same period in the previous year.

Saudi top supplier Average price of the imports from UAE fell by 47.2per cent to $58.94 per barrel, compared to last year’s $111.66. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia remains to be Japan’s top supplier of crude oils, with a share of 33.1 per cent.

In terms of petroleum gases, the

UAE ranked fifth among Japan’s top suppliers with a share of 7.2 per cent. Its price fell by 38.4 per cent to $564.93 per metric ton from $905.83. Qatar topped the list of gas suppliers with a share of 19.7 per cent followed by Australia, Malaysia and Russia.

For Japan’s aluminum imports from the UAE, an average of 11.8 per cent rise in the price of the commodity has been noted resulting from the increase of import volume by nearly 8 per cent.

This marks a dropped down value of 3.1 per cent to 158.6 million kg, compared to 163.7 million kg from the last year’s first half. At present, the UAE is Japan’s fourth largest supplier of aluminum in the world and the top supplier among the GCC countries.

‘Mideast region to focus on share offers for funds’ cent, and reducing the timeframes for subscription and allotment of shares. I look forward to the discussions at the IPO summit this year and sharing our experience in the UAE in order to shape this crucial debate concerning Arab Capital markets,” added Dr Al Zaabi.

Arab IPO Summit will be held from September 14 to 17 in Dubai. Muscat Securities Market is one of the strategic partners for the event

Times News Service MUSCAT: Regional experts had claimed at the start of this year that this year will see increased stock market activity in terms of public issuances following the 27 initial public offerings (IPOs) that raised $11.5 billion in 2014, the best performance recorded since the financial crisis.

Government efforts in easing regulations and policies related to listings coupled with increased cross-sector spending to encourage economic diversification, the corollary of which was a rise in investor confidence, have been impacted due to the oil price volatility in recent times.

According to Dr Obaid S. Al Zaabi, DCEO Listing, Disclosure

& Legal, Securities and Commodities Authority and chairman of the Arab IPO Summit, “In order to ensure long-term financing in regional markets, it is imperative for the market to achieve the balance between conventional investors and IPOs as an ultimate source to raise capital. The UAE has already made significant progress in line with this approach with financial market regulators initiating significant developments recently to promote the local IPO markets and support its growth.”

“The new Commercial Companies Law for instance, contains several new developments that cover public offerings of securities, reduces the minimum free float for companies going public from 55 per cent to just 30 per

Saudi and Egypt The Arab IPO Summit is set to be held from September 14 to 17 in Dubai, and is being organised by UMS International.

Strategic partners for the summit include Securities & Commodities Authority, UAE; Dubai Financial Market; Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange; Muscat Securities Market; Union of Arab Securities Authorities; Qatar Stock Exchange, The Egyptian Exchange and Bahrain Bourse.

“The IPO activity in the first half was driven by the IPO of several companies from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. We are likely to see several companies re-initiating or executing IPO plans in the second half of 2015, driven by increased market confidence and regulatory reform,” said Mayur Pau, Mena IPO leader, Ernst & Young, Mena.

HAVE YOUR SAY Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com haveyoursay@timesofoman.com

OPEN INTEREST

Dubai exchange sets record for Oman oil trade Times News Service MUSCAT: Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME), the premier energy futures and commodities exchange in the Middle East, on Monday announced a new open interest record for its flagship Oman Crude Oil Futures contract of 27,109 lots, which is equivalent to 27.1 million barrels of crude oil. The previous record was set on November 27, 2013 when open interest was 24,750 lots.

Open interest refers to the total outstanding number of derivative contracts that have not been settled or offset by delivery.

DME is a fully regulated exchange that sends transparent pricing signals to the international oil markets and aims to ensure a fair price. Around 90 participants are involved in price formation on DME Oman and no single participant typically accounts for more than 10 per cent of the activity.

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,901.51 ...............5,871.60 ....................5,871.60 .................. 5,904.44............... -32.84 .................. -0.56 Financial Index .....................................7,140.00 ............... 7,068.41 ....................7,068.41 ....................7,148.77................-80.36 ...................-1.12 Industrial Index ................................... 7,624.26 .............. 7,602.00 ....................7,603.73 ................... 7,635.96................-32.23 .................. -0.42 Services Index ...................................... 3,270.64 .............. 3,255.52 ....................3,259.79 ...................3,274.98.................-15.19 .................. -0.46 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................923.80 .................. 921.13 ....................... 921.13 ......................922.80...................-1.67 .................. -0.18

MSM index ends lower

Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 19,548,947 .................4,942,496 ................. 1,329 ...............14,654,746,909 .................. 8 ..................... 29 .................... 13 .........................50

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 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

Monday’s top gainer was Oman Textile Holding, up by 9.80%, while the top loser was Al Madina Investments, down by 4.84%

REGULAR MARKET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 571,387.......... 174,808.....................42 ........... 0.304...........0.306 ...........0.304 .......... 0.306 .............0.304 ........... 0.002............. 0.658 ................0.304............. 0.304...................0.306 .................410,257,337 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 499,240 .........853,360..................... 79 ............1.700 ........... 1.720 ...........1.700 ............1.710 ............. 1.700.............0.010 ............. 0.588 ................1.700 .............. 1.695...................1.700 ................1,282,500,000......0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................. 11,000 ...............4,082........................4 ........... 0.372 ........... 0.372 ...........0.370........... 0.372 .............0.370 ........... 0.002............. 0.541 ................0.370..............0.370...................0.372.................. 110,191,490 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................33,700 .............65,567........................8 ............1.935 ........... 1.955 ...........1.935 ........... 1.945 ............. 1.935.............0.010 ............. 0.517 ................1.950 .............. 1.935...................1.950..................174,466,500........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .......21,400 ............ 42,372........................2 ............1.980 ........... 1.980 ...........1.980........... 1.980 .............1.970.............0.010 ............. 0.508 ................1.980............. 0.000...................1.980..................136,620,000........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH................................................33,440 ............84,548..................... 23 ........... 2.520 ...........2.530 ...........2.520........... 2.530 .............2.520 ............0.010 ............. 0.397 ................2.530..............2.530...................2.550..................241,506,703........1.000 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 101,040 ...........26,290......................13 ........... 0.260...........0.262 ...........0.260 .......... 0.260 .............0.259 ............0.001 ............. 0.386 ................0.260............. 0.260...................0.264 ...................5,460,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ..............................................................658 .................. 829........................1 ............1.260 ........... 1.260 ...........1.260............1.190 ............. 1.190............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.260..............1.290...................1.440................. 238,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 148,386 ............17,482......................12 ............0.118 ........... 0.118............0.110 ............0.118 ............. 0.118............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.117 ................. 236,036,909 .......0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ......................... 24,300 ............... 5,103........................2 ............0.210 ........... 0.210 ...........0.210........... 0.210 .............0.210 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.210..............0.210...................0.219...................26,228,572.........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ...............................................1,700 .................. 586........................3 ........... 0.348 ...........0.348 ...........0.338........... 0.358 .............0.358 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.338..............0.330...................0.358................... 21,911,130 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,156,236 ..... 204,430......................71 ............0.177 ........... 0.178 ...........0.173 ............0.177 ............. 0.177............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.173 ...............0.171...................0.174 ..................255,134,880........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 224,944.......... 117,780......................21 ........... 0.524 ...........0.524 ...........0.520........... 0.524 .............0.524 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.520..............0.520...................0.522 ..................27,510,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 279,698 ............61,078......................14 ............0.215 ........... 0.219 ...........0.215 ........... 0.218 .............0.219............-0.001 ........... -0.457 ...............0.219 .............. 0.215...................0.219..................147,125,460 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 311,357 .............68,017..................... 10 ............0.218 ........... 0.219 ...........0.215 ........... 0.218 .............0.219............-0.001 ........... -0.457 ...............0.219 .............. 0.215...................0.219..................155,740,582 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 239,974 ......... 173,059..................... 68 ............0.728 ........... 0.732 ...........0.708........... 0.720 .............0.728............-0.008 ........... -1.099................0.712 ..............0.708...................0.712 ..................468,679,846 .......0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER.................................................................8,519 ...............2,880........................4 ........... 0.338 ...........0.340 ...........0.338........... 0.338 .............0.342 ...........-0.004 ............-1.170................0.340............. 0.340...................0.342 ..................74,701,380 .........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 415,450 ......... 100,158......................11 ........... 0.244...........0.244 ...........0.240 .......... 0.241 .............0.244 ...........-0.003 ........... -1.230 ...............0.240 ............ 0.000...................0.240 .................372,279,580........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ......................................................................46,845 ...............9,336........................7 ........... 0.200...........0.200 ...........0.190........... 0.199 .............0.202 ...........-0.003 ............-1.485................0.190..............0.190...................0.198..................283,582,193........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,534,326 ......772,056..................... 70 ........... 0.508 ...........0.508 ...........0.502........... 0.504 ............. 0.512............-0.008 ............-1.563................0.502..............0.502...................0.504 ............... 1,155,078,589 ......0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ............................................................ 70,169 .............32,134......................12 ........... 0.466 ...........0.466 ...........0.456........... 0.458 .............0.466 ...........-0.008 ............-1.717 ................0.456..............0.456...................0.464 ................. 151,539,701 ........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ...............................................................5,300 ............... 1,709........................5 ........... 0.324 ...........0.324 ...........0.322........... 0.322 .............0.328 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.829 ...............0.322..............0.308...................0.330 ..................16,100,000 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .....................................................12,696 ...............5,382..................... 10 ........... 0.428 ...........0.428 ...........0.420........... 0.424 .............0.432 ...........-0.008 ........... -1.852................0.426..............0.426...................0.432...................25,652,000.........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ......................... 16,885 ...............2,627........................6 ............0.158 ........... 0.158 ...........0.150 ............0.156 ............. 0.159............-0.003 ............-1.887................0.151 ...............0.151...................0.155 ...................14,826,240.........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 153,829.............15,946..................... 27 ............0.104 ........... 0.104 ...........0.102........... 0.104 .............0.106 ...........-0.002 ............-1.887................0.102..............0.102...................0.104....................3,120,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001509............DHOFAR INT.DEV.AND INV. HOLD..................... 38,000 .............15,580..................... 10 ............0.410 ........... 0.410 ...........0.410........... 0.410 .............0.420 ...........-0.010 ........... -2.381 ...............0.410 ............. 0.400...................0.462 .................101,024,000........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 920,853 ............94,619..................... 57 ............0.103 ........... 0.104 ...........0.102........... 0.103 .............0.106 ...........-0.003 ........... -2.830 ...............0.102..............0.102...................0.104...................29,868,006.........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ...................................................... 60,000 ............... 7,850........................3 ............0.135 ........... 0.135 ...........0.130............0.131 ............. 0.135............-0.004 ........... -2.963 ...............0.130 .............. 0.125...................0.133...................40,710,207 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 1,895,248 ......329,426...................129 ............0.179 ........... 0.179 ........... 0.171 ............0.174 .............0.180 ...........-0.006 ........... -3.333 ...............0.175 .............. 0.175...................0.176 ...................34,800,000 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 114,490............. 19,796..................... 37 ............0.175 ........... 0.175............0.172 ............0.173 ............. 0.179............-0.006 ........... -3.352 ...............0.172 .............. 0.172...................0.174 ...................50,282,627.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 100,000 ........... 25,500........................9 ........... 0.255 ........... 0.255 ...........0.255........... 0.255 .............0.264 ...........-0.009 ........... -3.409 ...............0.255.............. 0.251...................0.255...................25,500,000.........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 127,697 .............10,869......................14 ........... 0.086 ...........0.086 ...........0.085........... 0.085 .............0.088 ...........-0.003 ........... -3.409 ...............0.085..............0.085...................0.086...................14,875,000 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 558,805 ............61,491..................... 50 ............0.113 ........... 0.113............0.106............0.110 ............. 0.114............-0.004 ........... -3.509 ...............0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.112 ....................9,900,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 887,072 ............ 95,118..................... 34 ............0.108 ........... 0.108 ...........0.105 ........... 0.107 ............. 0.111 ............-0.004 ........... -3.604 ...............0.107 ..............0.108...................0.109...................13,040,625 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 688,089 ............75,790..................... 33 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.109............0.110 ............. 0.115 ............-0.005 ........... -4.348 ...............0.110 ..............0.109................... 0.111 .................... 6,472,754 ..........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 5,539,610 ...1,028,795...................252 ............0.191 ........... 0.191............0.183 ........... 0.186 ............. 0.195............-0.009 ........... -4.615................0.184.............. 0.183...................0.184................... 27,913,950 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 494,453 ............ 29,131..................... 36 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.058........... 0.059 .............0.062 ...........-0.003 ........... -4.839 ...............0.058..............0.058...................0.060 ..................12,221,932 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 17,346,796.....4,635,581.............1,189 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......37........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

MUSCAT: After the strong recovery in the past few sessions, the MSM 30 Index pulled back 0.56 per cent to close at 5,871.60 points. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 921.13 points, down by 0.18 per cent.

Al Anwar Holding remained the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Monday’s top gainer was Oman Textile Holding, up by 9.80 per cent, while the top loser was Al Madina Investments, down by 4.84 per cent.

As many as 1,329 trades were executed in the session generating a turnover of OMR4.9 million with more than 19.5 million shares changing hands.

Out of 50 traded securities, eight advanced, 29 declined and 13 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR55,000 followed by foreign investors at OMR28,000, while GCC and Arab investors, who remained net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR83,000.

Financial Index retreated strongly by 1.12 per cent to close at 7,068.41 points. NBO increased 0.66 per cent to close at OMR0.306. Al Madina Invest-

ments, Al Anwar Holding, Gulf Investment Services, Oman & Emirates Holding and Al Sharqia Investments declined by 4.84 per cent, 4.62 per cent, 4.35 per cent, 3.60 per cent and 3.51 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index suffered loss of 0.42 per cent and closed at 7,603.73 points. Oman Textile Holding, Al Anwar Ceramics, Oman Cables and Gulf International Chemicals increased by 9.80 per cent, 0.54 per cent, 0.52 per cent and 0.39 per cent, respectively. Oman Fisheries, Al Hassan Engineering, Galfar, Construction Materials and Voltamp Energy fell 3.92 per cent, 3.23 per cent, 2.83 per cent, 2.78 per cent and 1.85 per cent, respectively.

Services Index closed the session at 3,259.79 points, down by 0.46 per cent. Oman Telecommunications Company, Al Maha Petroleum and Sembcorp Salalah increased by 0.59 per cent, 0.51 per cent and 0.40 per cent, respectively. Renaissance Services, OIFC, Port Services, National Gas and Sohar Power declined by 3.35 per cent, 3.33 per cent, 1.89 per cent, 1.83 per cent and 1.17 per cent, respectively. – United Securities

PARALLEL MARKET .................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .......................................6,042 ............... 1,625........................5 ........... 0.269 ...........0.269 ...........0.269........... 0.269 .............0.245 ........... 0.024............. 9.796 ................0.269..............0.269...................0.000 ................... 1,614,000 ..........1.000

INDIAN MARKETS

OM0000001046............PACKAGING CO. LTD ..................................................62,466 .............43,726........................1 ........... 0.700 ........... 0.700 ...........0.700........... 0.476 .............0.476 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.700............. 0.000...................0.000 ...................1,428,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001228............OMAN HOTELS AND TOURISM ..............................4,360 ...............1,029........................1 ........... 0.236 ...........0.236 ...........0.236........... 0.236 .............0.236 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.236............. 0.000...................0.000 ..................12,980,000.........0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .......................................... 202,700 ...........40,540........................6 ........... 0.200...........0.200 ...........0.200 .......... 0.200 .............0.200 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.200 .............0.190...................0.210...................15,400,000.........0.100

Sensex declines; rupee slumps

OM0000001897 ............MAJAN COLLEGE ............................................................. 200 .....................99........................1 ........... 0.494 ...........0.494 ...........0.494........... 0.500 .............0.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.494..............0.494...................0.000 ..................15,000,000.........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK..................................................2,000 ...................138........................1 ........... 0.069 ...........0.069 ...........0.069........... 0.069 .............0.069 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.069..............0.067...................0.069...................69,000,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 1,120,813........166,776..................... 72 ............0.149 ........... 0.150 ...........0.148 ........... 0.149 .............0.150............-0.001 ........... -0.667 ...............0.148 ..............0.148...................0.149.................. 217,927,618 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 518,400 ............33,724..................... 23 ........... 0.066 ...........0.066 ...........0.064........... 0.065 .............0.066 ...........-0.001 ............-1.515 ................0.065..............0.064...................0.065...................97,500,000.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 101,406...............3,549......................14 ........... 0.035 ........... 0.035 ...........0.035........... 0.035 .............0.036 ...........-0.001 ........... -2.778 ...............0.035..............0.034...................0.035....................2,975,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 103,100...............9,279........................7 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.090........... 0.090 .............0.093 ...........-0.003 ........... -3.226 ...............0.090..............0.086...................0.090 ................... 6,768,720 ..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 26,000 ............... 1,275........................5 ........... 0.050 ...........0.050 ...........0.049........... 0.049 ............. 0.051............-0.002 ........... -3.922 ...............0.049..............0.048...................0.052.................... 6,125,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,147,487 ...... 301,760................... 136 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 11........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS MARKET .................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 ............................................ 2,685 .................. 269........................2 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.100...................0.102.................... 7,150,000 ..........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ..................... 51,979 ...............4,886........................2 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.094........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.094..............0.094...................0.098................... 30,471,192 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: ....................................................................................54,664 ............... 5,155........................4 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BAHRAIN CONFERENCE

Summit to debate Arab aviation, tourism Times News Service MUSCAT: Bahrain will host the 2015 Arab Aviation and Media Summit (AAMS), it was announced on Monday. The event, which is a joint industry initiative by world leading organisations, will take place from December 7 to 8 in Manama.

The initiative is braced by the Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism among other lead-

ing organisations such as Airbus Middle East, Air Arabia Group, CFM and CNBC TV, in addition to many supporting partners.This year’s edition is held in partnership with Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Airport.

In its fifth edition this year, the summit is an industry initiative committed to improving the state of Arab aviation and tourism. The 2015 edition will discuss the sta-

tus of Arab aviation and tourism under the current political and economic climate, and will see industry pioneers from across the region come together to discuss the growing significance of the partnerships between tourism and aviation.

Described as the ‘voice of the industry’, the summit is the largest assembly of Arab media together with top executives from the aviation and tourism industry.

MUMBAI: India’s S&P BSE Sensex snapped its last two-day winning spree, ending lower by 109.29 points to close at 26,283.09 due to fag-end selling pressure from operators on the back of lower Asian cues.

The Sensex resumed higher at 26,469.42 and firmed up further to a high of 26,504.73 on initial buying. However, it failed to maintain initial gains and dropped to 26,215.16 before ending at 26,283.09, showing a loss

of 109.29 points or 0.41 per cent.

It had gained by 677.72 points or 2.64 per cent in the last two days.

The CNX 50-share Nifty also fell by 30.65 points.

Rupee falls 34 paise The rupee dropped further by 34 paise to close at one-week low at 66.48 against the United States dollar on persistent month-end dollar demand from importers coupled with fall in crude oil prices despite lower dollar. - PTI

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

FEATURE

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UTILITY and power grid managers in the United States are learning that the best way to cut carbon emissions and improve efficiency is ty the easiest: Just change your light bulbs.

The nation’s largest grid, serving more than 61 million customers from Washington to Chicago, is revising its demand forecasts after recognising that better lighting has undercut its projections. Swapping all of Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulbs with lamps containing light emitting diodes, or LEDs, would save enough electricity to power 20 million American homes, according to the Energy Department. Americans’ energy-conservation efforts, from switching bulbs to upgrading washing machines and air conditioners, have done more to reduce carbon emissions than the increased use of solar, wind and natural gas, according to consultant Wood Mackenzie. Efficiency can help meet half of the emissions cuts sought under President Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy said.

“It’s a total bulb revolution,” Prajit Ghosh, director of power Swapping and renewables research at Wood Mackenzie in Houston, said on August 10 by phone. “The decline in load growth from both macall of Thomas roeconomic factors and energy-efficiency gains is by far the bigEdison’s incangest reason carbon emissions fell. At least for the last five years, a majority of these savings came from lighting.” descent light A switch from the incandescent lamps, which were introduced in bulbs with lamps the 19th century, was prompted by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 that required lighting to become 25 per cent to 30 containing light per cent more efficient by 2014 from 2008 levels. emitting diodes, Lighting accounts for about five per cent of a home’s energy budget or LEDs, would and switching to more efficient bulbs is one of the fastest ways to cut those costs, according to the Energy Department. LEDs use 75 to 80 save enough per cent less energy than incandescents and last 25 times longer. electricity to LEDs will account for 83 per cent of the lighting market share by 2020 and almost all of it 10 years later, the Energy Department says. power 20 milThe cost of the bulbs has fallen by more than 85 per cent in six years, lion American according to ACEEE, a Washington-based non-profit that promotes conservation. Bulbs are now available for less than $5. homes, ac-

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Growth in LED use Energy Use of the new bulbs is catching on. In February, the Super Bowl became the first National Football League championship played Department. under LEDs. Ikea Group, the worldwide furniture retailer, said on August 10 that it will carry only LEDs starting next month and that they would be sold at the lowest price on the market.

PJM Interconnection, which manages the largest US grid, will for the first time include the effect of more efficient light bulbs and appliances in its longterm demand outlook, Tom Falin, manager of resource adequacy planning, said at the grid operator’s headquarter in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

The forecast for peak demand, a reflection of supplies needed on the hottest day of the year, will decline in 2016 from this year’s level using a new model, he said. Forecasts will be cut by about 4 percent each year through 2031 in the 15-year outlook.

“Within the last three or four years, our performance model has not been performing as well as it had been,” Falin said. Electricity demand no longer has the same responsiveness to economic growth that it had, he said.

PJM isn’t alone in recognising the new efficiency. The Texas grid operator revised demand forecasts as growth lagged behind the economic rebound, easing concern about blackouts in the country’s biggest energy-consuming state.

Duke Energy Corp. and American Electric Power Co. say energy efficiency helped them reduce carbon emissions. Exelon Corp. said higher demand from the improving economy in Chicago, Baltimore and Washington is being partially offset as consumers become more efficient. DTE Energy sees flat growth over the next few years compared with earlier projections of a 0.5 per cent increase.

US power demand reached a record 10.66 billion kilowatt- hours a day in 2007, a level not matched eight years later, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Carbon dioxide emissions from electricity producers declined by 15 per cent to 2.17 billion metric tonnes in 2013 from 2005, the agency said.

Lower demand forecasts mean providers need less power generating capacity and that can result in lower costs for consumers.

“Power demand growth that was expected to be reached in 2017 won’t be achieved before 2030,’’ said Ghosh of Wood Mackenzie.

LOWLY LIGHT BULB OUTSHINES GREEN ENERGY ON US POWER GRIDS

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ROUND-UP

India Home Fair — A homecoming for big Indian community in Oman

The two-day India Home Fair, presented

by HDFC, will showcase properties and real estate developments from different parts of India by more than 40 reputed builders MUSCAT: India Home Fair, presented by HDFC, India’s largest home loan bank, will be inaugurated by Gloria Gangte, deputy chief of mission, Embassy of India, at Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat on September 4 at 11.30am. The two-day event will showcase properties and real estate developments from different parts of India by more than 40 reputed builders. The pan-India presence of properties ensures that there is something in store for all Indians who are staying in the Sultanate. Entry to the exhibition is free and public can view the stalls from 10.30am onwards on both the days, says a press release.

“For the benefits of non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the Sultanate, we have roped in all the major builders from various states in India. They will be showcasing their projects which are already completed and those projects which are in the pipeline.

"Besides, the presence of HDFC as the lead supporter also ensures customers the benefits of hasslefree home loan facilities.

Special attraction "The participation by major builders with their projects spread over different states ensures a pan-India presence at the exhibition. While selecting the builders, we had taken special care so that only those developers who have a reputed name in the market are allowed to participate in this exhibition. A special attraction of this year’s exhibition is, apart from big name builders from major cities, the presence of Tier III cities such as Nagpur, Lucknow, Calicut, Kochi, Trivandrum, Coimbatore and Panaji.

"These builders are catering to customers who prefer the local style,” said Abhimanyu Kukreja, country head of HDFC Oman.

“On its part, HDFC has many novel schemes which are aimed at prospective real estate buyers.

All the home loan schemes of the bank will be explained and will be made available at the exhibition venue,” he added.

“HDFC has been an active supporter of the success story of the Indian real estate sector. The largest home loan bank has been bridging the gap between developers and customers by pooling its resources for the betterment of the real estate sector. NRIs have always been looking at right investment opportunities to park their hard earned money. Indian Home Fair 2015 is the right avenue for this as more than 40 reputed builders are participating in the exhibition. HDFC has many novel schemes which are easy and aimed at prospective real estate buyers,”

said Navneet Prasad, regional head of HDFC. “To help our visitors we will be starting a help desk at the venue.

There will be special promotional events for visitors from interiors of Oman. Besides, the exhibition will have on the spot bank loan documentation facility.

"Prime and premium properties from all the major states and on the spot facility for bank loan set apart Indian Home Fair from other exhibitions. There will also be special promotional events aimed at visitors from the interiors of Oman,” said Lijihas Hussain, director of Molecules International, which is organising the property exhibition along with World National Exhibitions.

Some of the leading builders participating in the India Home Fair are: Ansal Housing and Construction Limited: The company has re-confirmed its dominance in the Greater Noida market with Ansals Rainbow, its latest group housing project located in Surajpur, opposite Sector Zeta-1, Greater Noida.

Ansals Rainbow falls into the much desired affordable segment with its 2 & 3 BHK apartments starting from just Rs3300000 onwards. Ansal’s Amantre, a luxury group housing project by Ansal Housing, represents an exclusive sanctuary of infinite peace, elegance, creativity and quality.

Casa Grande Private Limited: This Chennai-based real estate enterprise started in 2004. The company is driven by a strong belief in building aspirations and fulfilling them. It will be presenting projects across Chennai, Coimbatore and Bangalore, ranging from 1 BHK apartments to luxurious villas.

Crescent Builders: They are most preferred home makers of Calicut. The company has a number of new projects. As a leading builder, with over a decade of experience, Crescent Builders has successfully completed and handed over 14 residential projects.

Crescent Builders has four projects under construction. They are Crescent Tulip, near Sarovaram, Platinum Crescent on Wayanad Road, Near Malabar Christian College, Crescent Aster at Karaparamba and Crescent Zinnia,

HDFC has been an active supporter of the success story of the Indian real estate sector. The largest home loan bank has been bridging the gap between developers and customers by pooling its resources for the betterment of the real estate sector. NRIs have always been looking at right investment opportunities to park their hard earned money. Indian Home Fair 2015 is the right avenue for this as more than 40 reputed builders are participating in the exhibition. HDFC has many novel schemes which are easy and aimed at prospective real estate buyers Abhimanyu Kukreja Country head of HDFC Oman

off Thondayad Junction, Bypass Road, Calicut. Apart from offering a bouquet of quality residential projects, Crescent Builders gives customers an innovative loyalty scheme, Crescent Solitaire, a first in the industry. Moreover, customers can also make use of the services of Crescent Home Care Division to resell or rent their homes.

Godrej Properties brings the Godrej Group philosophy of innovation and excellence to the real estate industry. In the last three years, Godrej Properties has received over 100 awards and recognitions, including the “Most Reliable Builder for 2014” at the CNBC Awaaz Real Estate Awards 2014, “Innovation Leader in Real Estate” award at the NDTV Property Awards 2014 and “Popular Choice - Developer of the Year” award by ET NOW in 2013. Godrej Properties is currently developing residential, commercial and township projects spread across 10.25 million square meters (110.30 million square feet) in 12 cities.

Hiranandani has grown into a valuable real estate company with a significant presence even beyond borders. Its townships are acknowledged for their emphasis on humanising the urban environment and striking an attractive balance between greenery and construction. The Group has launched new projects in Powai and Thane.

In Powai the new project is called Hiranandani Zen, comprising 1 and 2 BHK apartments with stateof-the-art amenities.

In Thane the group has launched the project called One Hiranandani Park which is on the Ghodbunder Road, Thane. It is the most luxurious project in Thane, comprising 1, 2, 3 and 4 BHK apartments with a grand clubhouses and landscaped gardens.

H&S is a real estate development organisation founded under the leadership of Sakshi Katiyal.

The brand boasts of a topnotch team of professionals that has come together to create ‘a world of progressive blue’ under the H&S

umbrella. H&S will be presenting 2 projects along Yamuna Expressway Premiere and Beetle Lap. Also a project in Greater Noida – the Boulevard Walk.

Kalpataru is one of the leading real estate development companies in India, with a strong presence in western India. The company has over 46 years of expertise in creating landmarks, luxury apartments, large residential complexes and townships and signature commercial projects in Mumbai, Thane and Pune.

Mayfair Housing is in the business of real estate development since 1964. Mayfair Housing has predominantly concentrated on developing residential houses in and around the suburbs of Mumbai and the MMR region. Mayfair will be presenting landmark projects across Mumbai — Mayfair Hillcrest, Powai, Mayfair Greens, S V Road Kandivali, Mayfair Page 3, Lokhandwala, Andheri west, Mayfair Legends Malad (W) Mayfair Astral, Jogeshwari (W), Mayfair Vishwaraja, Titwala Nahar Group: Since its inception in 1973, the Group has developed over 15 million sq. ft. of prime real estate projects in Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad and parts of Rajasthan.

The Group will be displaying its luxurious projects like Barberry, Bryony, Yvonne and Cayenne situated in Nahar’s Amrit Shakti at Andheri (E) in Mumbai and Tower of Adyar at Adyar in Chennai.

Ultra-luxury Omkar Realtors & Developers Private Limited (ORDPL) commenced its operations in 2003 in Mumbai. Omkar has successfully designed projects aimed at luxury gated communities. This includes its most anticipated ultra-luxury residential development Omkar 1973 Worli and the largest luxury gated community in Mumbai’s suburbs, Omkar Alta Monte. Other key projects include OmkarMeridia (BKC Crossing), Veda (Parel) and Ananta (Goregaon East), Crescent Bay (Parel) which is a JV with L&T Realty. It has already delivered 13 projects in Mumbai and is currently developing another 10 projects with major emphasis on luxury residential space.

Ozone Group is a dynamic 11year old Bangalore- based Real Estate Developer, founded by S Vasudevan, who is committed to providing a better quality of life and redefining the standard of living through innovative real estate products. Ozone Group has, to date, completed about 5 million sq ft of area in both residential and commercial projects and enjoys a customer-base of over 5,000. Currently, the company is developing projects in Bangalore, Chennai and Goa. Phoenix Group is one of the top developers having its projects in Hyderabad and Chennai. The company has been mainly associated with SEZ and commercial projects across Hyderabad. The project which will be shown at the exhibition is Golf Edge. This is the most unique project ever been done across India. The total project is in 4.82 acres with an internationally branded hotel, commercial complex and two twin residential towers with total of 487 flats.

Queens Habitats is a subsidiary of Jayarani Group which has illustrious presence across 50 years in businesses like non-banking finance and real estate. The group is well-known for trust, quality service and commitment.

Queens will be presenting their project Windsor Castle. The prestigious residential project from the Group has all the comforts of a modern living. Spread over 20 floors, this magnificent tower houses 74 aesthetically designed apartments comprising 1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK and 4 BHK units suiting every individual requirements.

SFS Homes has been redefining the benchmark for excellence in the world of real estate with its world-class villas and apartments.

After the overwhelming success of SFS Airport Royal Cockpit, luxury apartments near Cochin International Airport, SFS has recently launched Tower 2, SFS Airport Royale Wings.

SFS will be presenting a few of its majestic projects that dot the skylines of Cochin, Kottayam, Trivandrum and Guruvayur.

Shapoorji Pallonji has been in the construction industry for 150 years and has a diverse project portfolio. Projects such as ‘The Imperial’, and the Imperial Edge featuring super premium luxury residences in Mumbai have won ten Asia Pacific Property Awards.

SP Shukhobrishti, a mass housing township in Kolkata spread over 150 acres, SP Residency — a high quality residential development in Pune, Vicinia, a lifestyles address at the centre of everything as well as ParkWest, premium residences in the heart of Bengaluru are some of the current residential projects that illustrate the wide canvas Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is working on.

Lodha Group is India’s No 1 real estate developer and amongst the world’s select multinational real estate developers with presence in India and the United Kingdom.

The Group is currently developing over 35 million sq.ft. of prime real estate with over 20 projects in London, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad.

Major cities which will be represented at India Home fair are Delhi, Gurgaon, Bombay, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Pune, Punjab, Calcutta, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Cochin, Trichur, Calicut, Bangalore and Mysore.

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T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP Toyota FJ Cruiser — Your best adventure companion A mid-sized SUV, it boasts some of the most impressive offroad capabilities in the Toyota line-up

MUSCAT: The Toyota FJ Cruiser is big and bold, with an innate sense of adventure.

A mid-sized SUV, it boasts some of the most impressive off-road capabilities in the Toyota line-up. Combining tradition with modern technology and practicality, the FJ Cruiser exhilarates, whether one is headed across town or across the country, says a press release.

Featuring a rugged exterior and a comfortable and durable interior complete with tonnes of cargo space, the FJ Cruiser offers roomy seats, a sleek centre console stateof-the-art stereo system, plus more.

“The Toyota F.J. Cruiser takes on challenging terrain with ease.

As a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ Toyota, it offers a gratifying performance — both on the road and off,” feels an enthusiast.

Its advanced design is very noticeable, with its stylishly rounded headlights set either side of a wide, mesh grille; an upright windscreen with three wiper blades, a white roof and wraparound rear corner windows. The rear swing-out door with mounted spare wheel offers ease of cargo storage and entry and exit of occupants. ‘FJ’ branded spare wheel cover and a flip type rear glass pro-

vides a sturdy and stylish look.

The FJ Cruiser’s sporty and stylish cabin comes with a silver coloured instrument panel, inner rear view mirror with LCD Display as well as meters such as compass, external thermometer and inclination meter.

The rear view camera is fitted subtly to have a clear rear view.

FJ’s classy touches include a leather steering wheel with silver

accents and audio control, Bluetooth switches, Bluetooth telephone kit, water repellent fabric seats, USB + auxiliary port, cruise control, 8-way adjustable driver seat, keyless entry system and a 10-speaker JBL audio system with subwoofer.

The FJ is equipped with a powerful and muscular 4 Litre, V6 petrol engine with Dual VVTi that whips up a massive 268 HP.

Optimally matched with the drive train is the sporty 5-speed, ECT (automatic) transmission, designed to deliver excellent performance, smooth gear shifting and lower noise levels. The FJ Cruiser has a host of high-end safety features, which include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active-Traction Control (A-TRC); Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Its Passive Safety features include the high-energy absorbing, high rigidity body structure.

All round occupant safety is enhanced with curtain shield, side airbags along with driver and front passenger airbags.

All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment.

Safety kit (fire extinguisher, warning triangle, tyre pressure gauge & first aid kit) is a dealer installed non Toyota item provided on Toyota models as standard equipment. Vehicle specifications may change without prior notice.

For further details and to ascertain availability of stocks, please visit your nearest Toyota showroom. In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

TIMEPIECES

Baume & Mercier offers perfect Eid Al Adha gifts MUSCAT: As Eid Al Adha approaches, it is time to celebrate precious moments with loved ones over the course of the festive season. Proud to be your partner during all your special moments, Baume & Mercier celebrates Eid by giving you the perfect gifts for the occasion; striking timepieces for him and her.

While the Promesse (10157) offers today’s women an opportunity to discover how the originality of its enduring lines embody a cherished Baume & Mercier tradition, the Clifton (10054) for men is taut and elegant, contemporary yet timeless, says a press release.

Promesse 30 MM Quartz (10157): This strikingly contemporary 30mm diameter round watch is enhanced by the presence of an oval bezel and worn on a polished steel bracelet recalling the ripples produced by a drop of water. Delightfully balanced and featuring a silver-coloured “drape guilloché” dial, this piece is the perfect ally for everyday moments.

Clifton Automatic (10054): This Clifton watch with its 41mm-diameter steel case features on its silvercoloured sun satin-finished dial, a small seconds display positioned at 6 o’clock and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Elegant and masculine, this model, water-resistant at up to 50 metres, is driven by a Swiss-made mechanical self-winding calibre, visible through a transparent sapphire crystal case-back.

PA R T N E R S H I P

C E L E B R AT I O N S

Malayalam Wing to honour actor Qatar Airways and Jetblue reach Devan at grand Onam celebration expanded code-share agreement MUSCAT: Malayalam Wing of the Indian Social Club Muscat (ISC) is all set to celebrate Onam in a grand way. The 3-day event will be held on September 17, 18 and 19 at the Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel.

The celebrations will commence upon formal inauguration by the chief guest Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassador of India, in the presence of guest of honour actor Devan, Dr Satish Nambiar, chairman, ISC Muscat, and many dignitaries and guests.

Malayalam Wing is one of the most active linguistic wings functioning under ISC Muscat since 1996. As a socio-cultural organisation, it not only promotes the rich heritage and culture of India, but also extends humanitarian assistance to the needy people and is very active in social work, says a press release.

Onam is a unique festival which is celebrated by all the people in Kerala, whether rich or poor; irrespective of caste, creed and religion as it symbolises brotherhood, harmony and unites people from all walks of life.

Though Onam falls in the month of August, the preparations start much in advance with Onam competitions which spread over a month. The Onam competitions or Youth Festival give an opportunity

to many young talents to showcase their skills in various art forms such as dance, music, fine arts and literary items. This time the number of contestants rose to around 1,500 entries in various categories.

Beside popular categories such as Mohiniyattam, Bharathanatyam, Kuchippudi, Thiruvathira, folk, cinematic dance, two new items were introduced this year viz., Keralanadanam and mime. The other categories include light music, classical music, film songs, mimicry, fancy dress, elocution, essay writing, recitation, painting and pencil drawing.

The major art forms such as dance and music were judged by reputed judges from Kerala, specifically brought in for the purposes so as to have a flawless and independent judgment. The month-long competitions were successfully concluded in early June 2015, and the winners will receive trophies and certificates from the guest of honour on September 18.

Malayalam Wing honours eminent personalities from film and literary fields every year with cultural and literary awards for their contributions in their respective fields.

The recipient of cultural award this year is going to be the notable South Indian Actor Devan. His selection was unanimous based on his in-

valuable contributions in the film industry for the past 28 years. He had acted in about 300 Indian films comprising Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and recently in a Sanskrit film as well.

Another major attraction of the inaugural day, Dr Methil Devika from Kerala, a proponent and dance research scholar of Mohiniyattam, will be performing live on stage.

She has had solo performances in the USA, Europe, Singapore, Malayasia, in some of the Gulf countries and all over India. Methil Devika is a gold medallist for MA (dance) from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkatta. Dr Devika’s maiden performance in Muscat will be a memorable experience for all art lovers.

Onam celebrations will conclude with Onasadhya on September 19.

The traditional Travancore style Onasadhya will be prepared by an expert chef from Kerala, Pazhayidom Mohanan Nampoothiri.

“The Onam celebration organised by Malayalam Wing is considered to be the biggest of its kind in Oman. This is made possible only with the active support of the business community, and I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for their unstinted support to ISC Malayalam Wing,” said G. K. Karnavar, convener of the Wing.

DOHA: Qatar Airways has announced an expanded unilateral code-share partnership with JetBlue Airways, adding six new destinations and increasing the number of flights along existing code-share segments. New routes and flights are now available for travel.

The expanded agreement provides new code-share routes from New York (JFK) to and from United States mainland destinations Albuquerque (ABQ), Daytona Beach (DAB), Reno (RNO) and Savannah (SAV), along with two Puerto Rican destinations, Aguadilla (BQN) and Ponce

(PSE), says a press release.

“We are pleased to deepen our partnership with JetBlue and to give our world travellers superior access to destinations in the United States, through a seamless passenger experience.

“The strengthening of this code-share agreement comes at a time when Qatar Airways is focused upon significantly expanding its own direct links to the United States, with the launch of non-stop services to Los Angeles, Atlanta and Boston in 2016,” said Akbar Al Baker, group chief executive, Qatar Airways.

In addition to the new desti-

nations, the partnership will increase the number of code-share flights along existing routes to Buffalo (BUF), Burlington (BTV), Charleston (CHS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Jacksonville (JAX), New Orleans (MSY), Oakland (OAK), Portland (PWM), Rochester (ROC), Syracuse (SYR) and Tampa (TPA).

The expanded agreement will also include connections to and from Qatar Airways’ second daily Doha to New York flight beginning March 1, 2016. The second daily service will be operated by the airline’s latest flagship Airbus A350 XWB aircraft.

C A M PA I G N

SA increases awareness on heat stress management, prevention SOHAR: Sohar Aluminium (SA) has been busy this summer, successfully raising awareness across the Sultanate on the various dangers associated with heat stress and the measures that can be taken to best prevent this very avoidable danger. Since the hot months began in April until this date, SA has launched a series of internal and external activities around heat stress prevention and management, reaching out to thousands of people across the Sultanate, says a press release.

Safety comes first Ever since SA was established, the company has worked tirelessly towards safeguarding its employees and contractors from any potential health and safety risk. Realising the dangers high temperatures pose, the company introduced an Annual Heat Stress Management Campaign in 2012 to raise awareness amongst its workforce about the dangers of heat stress and the best practices to adhere to during the summer period. In its third consecutive year, the company continued its Annual Heat Stress Management Campaign amongst its employees and contractors through hosting awareness sessions and ongoing physiological monitoring by SA’s medical team.

The campaign is usually launched through an innovative Meet & Greet activity, where SA management greets all the employees and contractors coming and leaving the site, offering them water, fruit and pamphlets to remind them to stay hydrated. The activity was held at the Smelter, the Port and the Power Plant to ensure every individual working at SA is included.

Stay hydrated In efforts to combat heat stress and promote a healthy, safe and engaging work environment, SA introduced a ‘Quench Squad’ as part of its Annual Heat Stress Campaign in August. The ‘Quench Squad’ is a bus that carries volunteers and goes around the company’s various departments and facilities to remind and encourage their colleagues to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.

Sharing the knowledge In April this year, SA organised the Sultanate’s first ever Heat Stress Management Symposium in Wilayat Sohar. The symposium gave delegates the opportunity to discuss various heat stress prevention, mitigation, monitoring and management best practices.

The symposium was attended by occupational health experts, members of the Gulf Aluminium Council Health Committee representing the medical teams from GCC Aluminium smelters, representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower as well as the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI).

Start educating children Last month, SA reached out to 50,000 children countrywide by distributing an activity book for kids on heat stress with a local newspaper. The book aimed to raise awareness amongst young people in a fun and engaging way.

The activity stems from SA’s deep belief that educating young children will support future generations to stay safe and healthy.

Learn about heat stress Heat stress occurs when a person’s body is unable to cope with heat caused by hot weather, humidity or certain jobs and activities. Our bodies normally cope with heat by sweating, but sometimes, sweating is not enough to regulate our body temperatures.

The dangers associated with heat stress could pose serious occupational illnesses and injuries including heat strokes, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rashes amongst others. The best way to combat heat stress is to manage it and prevent it through drinking sufficient water during the day, eating balanced meals, exercising regularly and getting proper sleep.

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Nissan provides attractive offers on Pathfinder 3.5L till October 16 SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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Nissan’s tailor made

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

packages are aimed at offering peace of

vehicles from the house of Nissan.

mind to customers

Cross-over for the family The Nissan Pathfinder has transformed into a much more familyfriendly vehicle, with a roomy, modern interior, and handling characteristics and impressive power. The Pathfinder is no longer the choice for those who need to venture off-road only.

With the introduction of the allnew fourth generation, not only does Pathfinder provide capability with spacious seating for seven, and an intuitive 4 Wheel Drive System, but it also resets the standard for the segment with an unprecedented level of premium style, comfort, fuel economy and offer a comfortable experience for families.

MUSCAT: Nissan from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has received positive feedback from auto enthusiasts on their ongoing seasonal offers that last till October 16. Its exclusive vehicle promotions are enticing and one-of-akind promising unlimited benefits to valued patrons.

Nissan has a heritage of showcasing some of the most amazing benefits for its customers by introducing unique offers on its prestigious line-up of vehicles. In an effort to make Nissan vehicles affordable and accessible to all, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles has taken up this unique initiative, says a press release.

Unique offer Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting benefits on the Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L that include cash gift up to OMR500, free service for two years or 20,000km (periodic maintenance only), free registration, six years unlimited mileage warranty and easy and convenient financing options. Flexible EMI’s can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from in-house Auto Finance team.

Interactive social media Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line-up at the comfort of its homes or offices. Simply visit Nissan Oman’s facebook page i.e http://www.facebook.com/Sbanissanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the

Dynamic design Along with reduced weight, Pathfinder’s new unibody platform provided the designers an opportunity to create the more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity. Moving upscale in appearance, the new exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength. The look is adventure-ready with wheeloriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance. The upper body features an open cabin with large windows which can be complemented with an available Dual Panoramic Moonroof, to enhance the new Pathfinder’s open, airy interior environment.

Class-leading comfort The new Pathfinder offers the comfort of a larger SUV with its flat floor enhancing interior pack-

aging flexibility. The Pathfinder’s unique versatility is exemplified in the design of the EZ Flex Seating System, giving 5.5 inches of sliding second row seating travel while additionally providing exceptional third row access even with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the passenger curb side).

Pathfinder’s quiet, comfortable interior benefits from a wide range of available features, rich leatherappointed seating surfaces; ventilated, heated and cooled front seats; sliding second row seats and an advanced Bose Audio System with 6 speakers.

Safety features Standard safety features on the Nissan Pathfinder 3.5L include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats. Rear parking sensors and a rear view camera are standard on all. The vehicle also

features a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert, while upper grades come with a more deluxe surround-view camera system.

Thoughtful technology Thoughtful technology is also found throughout the Pathfinder interior, starting with Nissan’s advanced, class-exclusive Around View Monitor, which provides the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle.

The instrument panel includes Advanced Drive-Assist Display (standard on every model), features a 7.0-inch LCD colour display, and utilises 3D-effect graphics to relay key information right in front of the driver.

The instrument panel includes a large multifunction centre IT display, available Nissan Navigation System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth and Rear View Monitor.

Other technology includes TriZone Automatic Climate Control,

R A F F L E D R AW

Bahwan Mart distributes prizes to its ‘Sizzling Summer Promotion’ winners

MUSCAT: Bahwan Mart, the popular electronics and home appliances retail company under Suhail Bahwan Group, recently awarded the winners of its ‘Sizzling Summer Promotion’.

In a raffle draw held recently at Bahwan Mart’s Ruwi High Street showroom in the presence of an

official from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a total of 104 lucky winners from across Oman were picked up from the draw, says a press release.

The first prize of three gift vouchers worth OMR1,000 each, went to Juma Al Haimali of Samad Al Shan, Bakeeth Al Marri from

Salalah and I.A.H from Muscat.

The second prize was iPhone-6 to 10 lucky winners while other prizes such as home theatre systems and watches went to rest of the winners of the draw from various places across Oman.

All the winners have been informed and the prizes have been

handed over to them through the vast network of Bahwan Mart branches across Oman.

Bahwan Mart’s popular summer promotion offers a vast range of electronics and home appliances at highly competitive prizes in addition to opportunities for customers to win fabulous prizes.

A L M U M AYA Z S AV I N G S S C H E M E

Bank Sohar holds 22nd weekly draw BURAIMI: Continuing with its year-long branch-wide tour, Bank Sohar conducted its most recent Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme Weekly Draw at its Buraimi Branch.

Continuing to offer more chances, more winners and more prizes for its customers as part of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme, the bank’s draws included the OMR5,000 Weekly Draw, which was won by Abdullah Said Al Mamari from the bank’s Saham Branch, and the dedicated Branch Draw of OMR1,000 for the bank’s Buraimi Branch customers, which was won by Fatma Khalfan Al Shamsi, says a press release.

The 22nd weekly prize draw event was held in the bank’s Buraimi Branch under the auspices of Rashid Musalam Al Badi , one of Bank Sohar’s VIP customers, and was attended by Redha Al Lawati, senior chief manager of Liabilities and Sales, Bank Sohar, Khalid Humaid Al Saadi senior branch manager of Buraimi, and Rashid Saif Al Maskry, district manager of Batinah Region, in ad-

dition to other senior members of the staff and the bank’s VIP customers from the region.

The event was inaugurated with a welcome speech by Redha Al Lawati followed by an overview of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme. Following the presentation; the chief guest conducted the draws to reveal the names of the two winners. The event concluded with the bank handing over a token of appreciation to Rashid Musalam Al Badi.

Commenting on the response the bank has received for the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme 2015 Draws, R. Narasimhan, DGM and Head of Retail Banking, said: “Bank Sohar has consistently been

at the helm of innovative banking in the Sultanate, and is committed to developing products which benefit customers’ long term requirements and objectives, whilst instilling the habit of saving. Our Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme is one such product that, with its frequent prizes and a minimum required balance of only OMR100 for most of its draws, provides a great line-up of incentives for our current and potential customers to save and win.”

Following the popularity of last year’s savings scheme, the bank had revised this year’s scheme to provide even better incentives to save by offering significantly more chances, more winners,

and more prizes. The most significant revision was that of the monthly draw which now boasts ten winners every month – five winners of OMR10,000 each and five minor account winners of OMR1,000 each. With four more monthly draws pending, the bank will see 40 more winners rewarded. The scheme will conclude with the year-end grand prize draw. The year-end grand draws of over half a million rials will include dedicated branch draws, where one lucky winner from each of the bank’s branches will win OMR5,000, in addition to one lucky saver winning the grand prize of OMR450,000, one exclusive winner receiving OMR50,000 and one lucky minor receiving OMR5,000.

“On behalf of Bank Sohar, I would like to congratulate Abdullah Said Al Mamariand Fatma Khalfan Al Shamsion winning our latest Weekly Draw. I would also like to wish all our customers the best of luck in the upcoming draws,” added Narasimhan.

Hill Descent control, auto anti drizzle IRVM and 2nd row head restraint-mounted DVD display screens.

Driving experience Addressing buyers’ desire for more efficiency in every aspect of their lives, the Pathfinder’s engine and CVT combination develops 13% better acceleration than the previous generation while returning 30% better fuel efficiency.

Featuring a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine mated to a next-generation Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) the ideal rpm for the driving conditions are always maintained.

All-New Pathfinder is the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive all-mode 4x4-i system.

The system lets the driver choose full-time 2WD for maximum fuel economy, auto mode to automatically monitor conditions

and adjust the balance of power between front and rear wheels for best traction, or 4WD Lock mode when the confidence of full-time 4WD is desired. In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps add control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models).

With best-in-class standard towing capacity, up to 5000lb, the All-new Pathfinder also retains its ability to tow boats, jet skis, trailers and a variety of other recreational gear.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

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New Renault Dokker van launched All-new Renault Dokker van is an affordable and practical commercial vehicle with a new modern design

MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, Renault’s exclusive distributors in the Sultanate of Oman, have officially launched the all-new Renault Dokker van, a modern and efficient transportation solution for tradespersons and professional businesses.

It is an affordable and practical commercial vehicle with a new modern design.

“The Renault Dokker van is the perfect van for SMEs to large companies, seeking affordable, reliable and practical business companion,” said senior SBA spokesperson.

Versatile Spacious and impressive, the van aims to please, with an innate sense of practicality and versatil-

ity. It can take all kinds of loads, assisted by XL sliding sidedoors (more than 70cm wide) and two asymmetrical rear doors meeting the challenges of transport and delivery with ingenuity and panache, says a press release.

The van moves with the times: its economic engine, low CO2 emissions and respect for both the environment and your budget make it a truly model employee!

“The Dokker offers functionality and at the same time comfort while demonstrating very clearly that Renault strives for excellence in manufacturing commercial cars just like it does with all other passenger vehicles,” added the

spokesperson.

It also boasts of built-in radio and hands-free telephone system in addition to some very practical storage spaces in front for convenience and in the back for better use of the space and boot organization.

The Dokker perfectly meets the needs of business owners since it can carry up to 750kg payloads and a volume upwards of 3.3m3.

Ready and willing to serve: Foldable and removable, the passenger seat shows its full ingenuity when the backrest folds down to form a temporary desk.

When fully removed, it frees up extra space, increasing the loading volume to 3.9 m3!

A Taste for efficiency: Its loading area is equipped with 8 lashing rings on the floor, ensuring that your most fragile items are firmly held in place. For added security, you can choose between three types of partition: tubular, full glazed or pivoting wire-mesh (associated with Easy Seat). The side and rear doors can be either panelled or glazed. And for even greater efficiency, the Dokker Van is available with side panels and a robust, stylish boot carpet.

An open nature: The Dokker Van comes with one or two sliding side doors and the loading width stands at 703 mm. The asymmetrical rear doors, meanwhile, open to

a width of 1.08m. That’s not a bad score either.

A world class brand The Renault principle of safety is outlined in four basic points: Prevent, correct, protect and educate.

Renault provides equipment that performs auxiliary tasks automatically to promote the responsibility of drivers by warning them when they are not in a position to control their vehicle or when they put themselves in a position of potential danger.

For example, the visual and audible seatbelt reminders and tyre pressure monitoring. The inherent handling and braking qualities of a

vehicle are fundamental factors of its overall dynamic, active safety and accident avoidance performance. Moreover, Renault is also known to have the maximum number of Euro-NCAP Five Star rated models globally.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 80 outlets — showrooms, service centres and parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Oman Air Inflight Services wins ISO 9001:2008 certification MUSCAT: One of Oman Air’s key business units has been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS) Certificate.

The certificate was presented to Oman Air Inflight Services by Bureau Veritas Certification Holding SAS and has been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). It confirms that Inflight Services operates in line with Oman Air’s vision of offering the highest possible stand-

ards in every area of its work, says a press release.

Inflight Services joins a number of other business units in holding ISO certification, including Oman Air Learning and Development, Supply Chain management and Oman Air’s First and Business Class lounges at Muscat International Airport.

The In-flight Services Department is responsible for the definition, development and implementation of onboard products and

RISK MANAGEMENT

services. The achievement of ISO certification followed a Quality Management System audit of all areas of the department’s business processes, including on-board food and beverages, on-board entertainment, on-board product and services, cabin crew training and quality control. The Quality Management System enhances the audit process’s documentation and customer focus, and highlights potential savings.

ISO 9001:2008 certification

demonstrates that the holder meets the needs of customers and other stakeholders, whilst also meeting statutory and regulatory requirements. It deals with the fundamentals of quality management systems, including the eight management principles upon which the ISO 9000 family of standards is based.

These are customer focus, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, system approach to management, continual improve-

ment, factual approach to decision making, and mutually beneficial supplier relationships.

The challenge for Oman Air Inflight Services of achieving of ISO 9001:2008 certification was led

by Usama Al Kharusi, senior manager In-flight Services. Following presentation of the certificate, the entire Inflight Services team was thanked for mapping processes, documentation and implementation, and for achieving this milestone accreditation.

PROMOTION

ISACA Muscat conducts CPE programme

MUSCAT: ISACA Muscat chapter recently conducted a technical session under the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programme on the topic ‘Risk Identification – The fulcrum of Risk Management’ at Modern College for Business & Science, Bausher.

Sesha Prakash S. Kusuma, the technical speaker of the topic, explained the importance of risk identification in risk management, says a press release.

Shesha is on the Board of ISACA Muscat chapter and Certified in CISA,CISM, CGEIT & CRISC, COBIT-5 Foundation certified.

Besides ISACA certifications, he

holds – CISSP, CISO, ISO-27001Lead Auditor, ISO-31000 Risk Manager and a member of the professional bodies ISC2, EC-Council, PECB etc and also holds the AXCELOS certification in ITIL. His industry competency is banking with 26 years of experience out of which 10 years are in Information Systems & Security.

The programme started with a welcome address by Aji Bhaskar, Vice President, Muscat Chapter and anchored by Dilip Warkad.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Vijendra Mohnot.

ISACA provides practical guidance, benchmarks and other effec-

tive tools for all enterprises that use information systems.

Through its comprehensive guidance and services, ISACA offers guidance for information systems governance, security, audit and assurance professionals worldwide.

The COBIT framework and the CISA, CISM, CGEIT and CRISC certifications from ISACA are valued by information security and technology professionals world over for the benefit of their enterprises. ISACA Muscat Chapter has 300 members and regularly conducts CPE session for the benefit of its members.

Kia unveils ‘Easy Buy Cash Gift’ offer MUSCAT: Owning a Kia is even easier now, given the delightful choices in the ‘Easy Buy Cash Gift’ offer.

“This time we are giving a higher cash gift than ever before, on our Kia models,” revealed a Kia spokesperson. “Upto OMR1,500 is available as a cash gift. Instead of that, the customer can get upto 100,000km/five years’ service (whichever is earlier) and one year insurance. The customer’s options also include using the cash gift amount as part of down payment.”

The spokesperson further elaborated that during the ‘Easy Buy Cash Gift’ offer (Scheme valid till October 18) customers can choose Option 1 where cash gift amount varies from OMR500 to OMR1,500 depending on the model variant and model year.

Option 2 comprises a service benefit lasting 60 months/100,000km (max. 20 services) whichever is earlier on 2014 MY models only.

For 15/16MY upto 36 months/60,000km whichever is earlier (max. of 12 services). Insurance - one year comprehensive (Oman only) on all models except Cerato, Koup, Kia Quoris and K4000. For RAC, taxi and driving school purchases, insurance would be given to the extent

applicable for private vehicles.

Additional premium as per insurance norms would have to be paid by the buyer. In Option 2, cash gift amount varies from OMR50 to OMR800 depending on the model variant and model year. No cash gift on Carens, Kia Quoris and K4000.

Vehicle specifications are subject to change without notice.

Vehicles may also include some dealer installed accessories. Conditions apply on the offer and full details are available at the showroom. Kia models have also been equipped with some local accessories to enhance their looks, feel & functionality.

“This is the right moment for customers to get more from Kia by taking advantage of exciting deals-on-wheels. And there is a need to hurry since these are for a limited time only,” reminds the spokesperson.

A Kia customer who made the best of the offer smilingly remarked: “My family and I are overjoyed to have got so many wonderful benefits from Kia. Free insurance, free service & a lovely cash gift, too…”

This substantial package for Kia customers is available for a limited time only, “This is the muchawaited chance for Kia customers

to ‘make hay while the sun shines’ ” the spokesperson adds, “On the entire range of winners that includes the Picanto — a fresh and vibrant car to turn up the colour in your life; the Kia Rio — a smartly styled car that makes absolutely no compromises; the Cerato, to help you step into the good life.; the Cerato Koup — a car in tune with your emotions; the Optima the car with sporty stance and style that conveys confident individuality; Cadenza, a car that attracts and reassures with its innovative attention to detail; Kia Soul that gives you the freedom to express your personality and to connect with an urban lifestyle; Sportage for appeal that’s ahead by many miles; Kia Carens — a car that lets you live life to the full; Sorento — An SUV built for urban living; Kia Mohave that puts you at the peak of performance; Kia Carnival — an elegant all-in-one tool that makes your life a whole lot easier; K4000G — A highly polished work horse,” he summed up.

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.

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SECTION

FIXING TRIO START ROAD TO REDEMPTION Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and pacer Mohammed Asif can return to cricket this week following five-year spot-fixing bans, but age and public hostility mean the pair face a hard road to redemption. >C2

SPOR

S

YOUR GAME

BRIGHT YELLOW SPICE TURMERIC

OW KN UR YO ICE SP

Arab traders brought turmeric to Europe in the 13th century, and its use, both medicinal and culinary, has spread to the West. It is mainly produced in India, China, and Indonesia. >C11

CAPTION KICKER: Umpire Nigel Llong, centre, speaks with India’s Ishant Sharma, left, and Ravichandran Ashwin as Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews leads Dhammika Prasad away from an argument with Ishant Sharma during the fourth day of their third and final Test match in Colombo on Monday. – Reuters

Tempers rise as India eye series win SCOREBOARD

Tempers flared as Ishant Sharma and Sri Lankans had a heated exchange

India 1st innings: 312 Sri Lanka 1st innings: 201 India 2nd innings: C. Pujara b Prasad L. Rahul b Pradeep A. Rahane lbw Pradeep V. Kohli c Tharanga b Pradeep R. Sharma c Pradeep b Prasad

0 2 4 21 50

S. Binny c Tharanga b Prasad N. Ojha c Karunaratne b Herath A. Mishra run out R. Ashwin c Perera b Prasad U. Yadav c Herath b Pradeep I. Sharma not out Extras (b-1, lb-1, w-3, nb-5) Total (all out, 76 overs)

49 35 39 58 4 2 10 274

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-7, 4-64, 5-118, 6-160, 7-179, 8-234, 9-269.

Bowling: Prasad 19-3-69-4, Pradeep 17-262-4, Herath 22-0-89-1, Mathews 6-3-11-0, Kaushal 12-2-41-0.

Sri Lanka 2nd innings: U. Tharanga c Ojha b I. Sharma 0 K. Silva not out 24

D. Karunaratne c Ojha b Yadav 0 D. Chandimal c Kohli b I. Sharma 18 A. Mathews not out 22 Extras (lb-2, nb-1) 3 Total (3 wkts, 18.1 overs) 67 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-2, 3-21.

Bowling: Sharma 7-2-14-2, Yadav 5-1-32-1, Binny 4-1-13-0, Mishra 2-0-2-0, Ashwin 0.1-0-4-0.

he saw Ishant Sharma and Prasad chatting over tea after play.

“Such incidents happen,” he said. “They are actually very good friends off the field. I just saw them having tea together after the game, which is good.”

Ishant Sharma, who was fined 65 percent of his match fee for misconduct during the second Test, vented his anger with the ball when Sri Lanka’s second innings began.

The lanky seamer had Upul Tharanga edging his sixth delivery to wicket-keeper Naman Ojha, and Chandimal was caught by skipper Virat Kohli at second slip after the ball bounced out of third slip Lokesh Rahul’s hands.

In between, Umesh Yadav forced Dimuth Karunaratne to edge a catch to Ojha. But opener Kaushal Silva and skipper Angelo Mathews stemmed the rot with an unbroken

after Prasad bowled three consecutive bouncers

COLOMBO: Fired-up India eyed their first series win in Sri Lanka for 22 years when the home team’s top order collapsed during the decisive final Test in Colombo on Monday.

Sri Lanka, set a tough victory target of 386, lost three wickets for 21 runs before moving to 67 without further loss by stumps on a tense fourth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

Tempers flared in the final session as Ishant Sharma and the Sri Lankan fielders had a heated exchange after Dhammika Prasad bowled three consecutive bouncers to the Indian tailender. Dinesh Chandimal nudged Sharma with

his shoulder, forcing umpires Nigel Llong and Rod Tucker to step in to calm down the players.

As Sharma hurried off the field after the Indian innings ended, Prasad sprinted behind him and television pictures showed the two players speaking to each other outside the dressing rooms.

Indian batsman Rohit Sharma, who hit a half century, played down the on-field tension, saying

OMAN FOOTBALL TEAM DEPART FOR DOHA TO TAKE PART IN GCC UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP A 23-member Oman national under-19 team along their coach Rasheed Jaber, will leave for for Doha on Tuesday to take part in the GCC Under-19 Football Championship. The regional championship is scheduled to take place in the Qatari capital from September 3 to 12. Oman begin their campaign against Kuwait on September 5 before completing their Group A engagements against hosts Qatar on September 7. The team: Ibrahim Al Mukhaini, Khalid Al Mehaijri, Abdulhadi AL Hajri, Thuwini Al Mukhaini, Ammar Al Rushedi, Dakeel Al Yahmadi, Mohsen Al Ghassani, Talal Al Alawadi, Asaad Al Awadi, Mohmaed Al Husseini, Haitham Al Mujini, Mohamed Al Yahmadi, Qasim Al Mubarek, Ehad Al Balushi, Zahir Al Aghbari, Salah Al Yahayai, Salim Al Siyabi, Bakheet Salim, Omran Al Heedi, Ahmed Al Orimi, Aiman Haikal, Abdullah Al Meshaikhi and Ali Al Hinai. — Supplied photo

46-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Sri Lanka will begin the final day’s play on Tuesday needing 319 more to win in a minimum of 98 overs, with Silva unbeaten on 24 and Mathews on 22.

India have not won a Test series in Sri Lanka since 1993 when Mohammad Azharuddin’s men clinched a 1-0 victory.

Resolute batting by India’s lower order had lifted their second innings to 274, with the last six wickets contributing 210 runs after the top four had fallen for 64.

The revival began with a 54-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Rohit Sharma (50) and Stuart Binny (49) before Ravichandran Ashwin smashed 58 to boost the total. Ojha scored 35, but Amit Mishra (39) and Ashwin increased the lead with a 55-run stand for the eighth wicket. - AFP

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Fixing trio start long road to redemption On Wednesday Butt and Asif join left-arm quick Aamir, whose own ban was relaxed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) six months ago, in being free to restart their careers

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and pace bowler Mohammed Asif can return to cricket this week following fiveyear spot-fixing bans, but age and public hostility mean the pair face a hard road to redemption.

On Wednesday they will join left-arm quick Mohammed Aamir, whose own ban was relaxed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) six months ago, in being free to restart their careers.

The trio were suspended in 2010 for arranging no-balls to order during a Test match in England, as part of a complex betting scam uncovered by a tabloid newspaper sting that rocked cricket and also saw all three and their disgraced agent Mazhar Majeed serve time in jail.

Batsman Butt, now 30, had captained Pakistan to Test victories over Australia and England and looked set for a long period as the team’s leader before his career crashed to a halt.

“My heart tells me I should wake up early in the morning and go to a ground and bat,” he said. “It’s the cricket field where I want to start my redemption and prove myself again.”

Asif, who will be 33 in December, was already considered one of the finest exponents of swing bowling in the world and appeared set to become yet another Pakistani fast-bowling great until his suspension.

Asif said he was excited to be able to return to the game. “It is

HARD ROAD AHEAD: Mohammed Asif, left and Salman Butt.

definitely a long-awaited day for me,” the lanky right-armer said. “I have started bowling in the nets and look forward to my return.”

Age against Asif The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced both players must restart their careers at club level but both may face serious opposition among officials and the country’s cricket-mad public.

For all his feats on the field, Asif was always controversial off it. He had already failed two dope tests for drug use — one of which resulted in a one-year ban in 2008.

He was also involved in an infamous locker room fight with fellow fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in 2007, and was even accused by his film star girlfriend of swindling her out of $130,000.

Moreover, unlike Aamir who confessed early on to his role in bowling deliberate no-balls during the Lord’s Test of August 2010 in exchange for cash, both Butt and Asif denied their guilt until they had exhausted all legal avenues of appeal.

Butt, meanwhile, was widely blamed for coercing the young Aamir into wrongdoing.

The PCB has devised a sixmonth roadmap for the duo, order-

ing them to play club and gradetwo cricket before entering into first-class competition.

They are also required to lecture domestic players about the perils of fixing. Age weighs heavily against the duo, particularly Asif who at 32 is now beyond the generally accepted peak years for a pace bowler.

Sympathy for Aamir Precocious Aamir, who at 18 became the youngest player in history to take 50 Test wickets, received widespread sympathy from across the cricketing world at the time of his ban.

The PCB were able convince the ICC to relax his ban, allowing him to feature in domestic matches from April this year.

He took an impressive 22 wickets in four grade-two matches and is set to feature in the National Twenty20 tournament starting from Tuesday.

But a long lay-off exposed his fragile fitness, something which may hinder his early return to international cricket even though at 23 his best years could still be ahead.

“I am not looking for international cricket so soon. I have to work on my fitness and perform consistently then only I can expect

to play at the top level,” said Aamir, who says he is targeting a comeback for Pakistan in the World Twenty20 in India next March.

If he succeeds there, he could theoretically tour England in July, returning to the country where he was caught fixing.

Butt, Asif and Aamir may have been forced out of the sport in 2010, but Pakistan moved on under the leadership of batting stalwart Misbah-ul Haq, who has captained his country to a record 18 Test wins including series victories over Australia and England.

Many of the current crop of players are said to be opposed to the trio’s return, with some seen leaving the practice area once Aamir started bowling in nets at the national academy in Lahore last week.

Some influential voices, like former captain Ramiz Raja have suggested they should never be picked again. But columnist Irfan Hussain said their crimes mirrored the corruption that is widespread in Pakistani society.

“When so many killers and crooks escape scot-free, it appears vindictive to impose a lifetime ban on foolish young sportsmen,” he wrote in English-daily Dawn. - AFP

PRECOCIOUS TALENT: A long lay-off exposed Mohammed Aamir’s fragile fitness, something which may hinder his early return to international cricket even though at 23 his best years could still be ahead.

E X PAT H O C K E Y

Independence Day of India Hockey Festival a great success

WINNERS: Dhyan Chand Day Cup winners Muscat Arabian Desert Foxes, left, and Independence Day of India Cup winners the Indian School Al Seeb pose for group photos. – Supplied photos

MUSCAT: Team Coorg Muscat and Friends Of Naqvi Group, under the patronage of the Indian Embassy and in coordination with Oman Hockey Association, organised the 69th Independence Day of India and Dhyanchand Day Hockey Festival at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on August 29.

Indra Mani Pandey, the Indian Ambassador, presided over the

festival. Kiran Asher, Managing Director of Al Ansari Group of Companies, was the guest of honor. Madhu Jesrani, General Secretary Oman Cricket, was the special guest. Mohammed Shambe Al Raisi, a former member of FIH and AHF, and Oman Hockey Association (OHA) as well as OHA Technical Adviser Mohie Saad Al Zaghlool also graced the occasion.

The eighth edition of the event coincided with the India’s National Sports Day of India which is observed in memory of the greatest hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.

The highlight of the festival was two matches played for the Independence Day of India Cup and Dhayan Chand Day Cup. The Indian School Al Seeb (ISAS) lifted the Independence

Day of India Cup defeating Ambassador’s XI 2-0 to the delight of their hockey-loving Principal Nagesh Kelkar.

Meanwhile, Muscat Arabian Desert Foxes defeated Team Coorg 5-4 in a tie breaker 5-4 to lift the Dhayan Chand Day Cup. During the day, the organisers also honoured Kanak Khimji for his continuous support to p promo-

tion of expatriate hockey in Oman.

During his speech, Indian Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey thanked His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

While lauding the organisers for hosting the event, he congratulated Bellu Kuttappa and Osama Rawat for contributing to the success of the festival.

The organisers also presented

the special mementos to Javis, Raffi and Bellu Kuttappa for their contribution in promoting hockey among the expatriates.

The Festival was supported by Raha Poly Products, Al Ansari Group of Companies, Al Omaniya Financial Services, Quality Printing Press and Muscat Pharmacy (Pocari) and B.G of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

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SPORTS

A REAL TREAT: The Sultanate of Oman, right, leads the pack during a round of the Trofeo di Roma race of the 2015 Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour in the Italian resort of Civitavecchia. – Supplied photo

Sultanate of Oman extend Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour lead in Italy Until the penultimate race, the pressure was immense and although the Oman team held the lead, a possible upset was on the cards. But a mistake by Alinghi on the start line handed victory in Rome to the Sultanate of Oman

MUSCAT: Oman Sail’s crew on Sultanate of Oman capped off a stunning month by winning the Trofeo di Roma and stretching their overall lead in the 2015 Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour. Going into the final day of racing at the popular Italian resort of Civitavecchia, the team was fending off a strong challenge from Swiss rivals Alinghi who were on a roll with a stream of podium places.

Until the penultimate race, the pressure was immense and although the Oman team held the

lead, a possible upset was on the cards. But a mistake by Alinghi on the start line handed victory in Rome to Oman’s team skippered

by Leigh McMillan and his crew of Ed Smyth, Pete Greenhalgh, Nasser Al Mashari and Alister Richardson.

“It was a tough last day,” McMillan admitted. “Alinghi were on fire and had a string of bullets but we were also sailing well and got a string of seconds and thirds so we were still in the lead. Then Alinghi had a mishap in the penultimate

GCC TITLE WINNERS

Bank Muscat to honour Oman U-17 football squad MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its commitment to promote Oman as a sporting nation, has announced reward for the Oman junior national team who won the GCC Under-17 Football Championship defeating Saudi Arabia in the final in Qatar recently.

The bank will organise a ceremony at the head office to honour the team in the presence of senior bank officials and key representatives of the sporting fraternity.

Sheikh Khalid bin Mustahail Al Mashani, Chairman of Bank Muscat, said: “Bank Muscat joins the nation in congratulating the junior team for lifting the national honour to new heights by overcoming the challenges and winning the GCC Under-17 football championship.”

Sheikh Khalid added: “True to its commitment to supporting varied sporting activities in the country, Bank Muscat remains at the forefront in offering the required encouragement and support for the national teams to put up their best efforts.

“As the nation’s leading financial institution, Bank Muscat aims to strongly convey the message of support to the national teams so as to motivate others to follow suit and provide the re-

Bank Muscat Chairman Sheikh Khalid Al Mashani

quired impetus for them to excel in sports and games. The gesture towards the junior national football team is a reiteration of the support for youth, who represent the future of Oman.”

Bank Muscat is a major supporter of the national game of football. In all major tournaments, including Gulf Cup, Bank Muscat has led by example, being the first private sector institution to announce rewards for the national team.

Bank Muscat launched the Green Sports CSR programme in 2012 to lay the foundation at the grass-root level for a sustainable sports infrastructure. In a record time, the bank has achieved notable success in developing green fields in all parts of the Sultanate, thus contributing to realising the sporting dreams of youth.

race which worked in our favour so going into the last race we had less to do.

“We are thrilled to win here in Italy and the overall scores are looking a bit healthier for us.”

The win comes on the back of McMillan’s Extreme 40 victory in

St Petersburg, Russia, with The Wave, Muscat and puts three points between Sultanate of Oman and second placed Alinghi on the overall ranking.

According to bowman Al Mashari, Civitavecchia made a lasting impression as one of the

best venues experienced this season due to the times they had been able to get the GC32 up on its foils and the incredible food.

“We really like to be foiling so the first day was a real treat because we flew a lot and today we managed to get up on the foils again so

that rounded things off nicely. The food has been out of this world — always important to hungry sailors! “We are still learning in this boat so we are really pleased to have won because the conditions were light and it was tough.

“We are very happy and extremely proud. It was our goal to win and we have achieved it with good teamwork, excellent boat handling and communications. It was important to stay calm and focussed especially when the wind went light and we managed to do that.

“We have really enjoyed sailing here and hope to come back at some point,” said Al Mashari.

The final event in the 2015 Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour takes place in Marseille from September 30 to October 3.

“Sultanate of Oman” GC32 crew: Leigh McMillan, Nasser Al Mashari, Glenn Ashby, Alister Richardson and Pete Greenhalgh.

Overall standings: 1. Sultanate of Oman 7, 2. Alinghi 10, 3. Spindrift Racing 12, 4. Armin Strom Sailing Team 15, 5.

Team Engie 17, 6. Team Argo 32 23.

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SPORTS Morgan leads England to dramatic win over Aussies SCOREBOARD

Captain Eoin Morgan smashed a superb 74 off 39 deliveries to lift the home team to 182 for five and despite a brilliant 90

by Australia skipper Steve Smith, the touring side fell just short of their target

CARDIFF: England held their nerve to beat Australia by five runs in a thrilling finish to a one-off Twenty20 International on Monday.

Captain Eoin Morgan smashed a superb 74 off 39 deliveries to lift the home team to 182 for five and despite a brilliant 90 by Australia skipper Steve Smith, the touring side fell just short of their target.

“It was brilliant, a great game of cricket to win,” Morgan told Sky Sports. “You can learn a lot from playing in close games against top opposition.”

He shared a third-wicket stand of 135 with Moeen Ali (72 not out) after Smith had won the toss and England openers Alex Hales and Jason Roy fell cheaply.

Morgan struck seven sixes and

SOLID PARTNERSHIP: England’s Moeen Ali, left, pats his captain Eoin Morgan during their T20 International in Cardiff, Wales on Monday. – Reuters

three fours and Moeen hit three sixes and six fours to put England on course for a total in excess of 200.

But quick bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc slowed down the run-rate in the closing overs to keep Australia in the game.

Australia openers David Warner and Shane Watson then failed but Smith and Glenn Maxwell put together a fluent partnership.

Maxwell was brilliantly caught

by Ben Stokes off man-of-the-

TITLE DROUGHT

match Moeen for 44, the all-rounder running round from long-on to end a third-wicket stand of 112.

“Ben Stokes’ catch changed the momentum of the game because the wicket meant it was difficult for a new batsman to come in and score quickly,” Morgan said.

Smith made his 90 off 53 balls, including four sixes, but he was caught by Sam Billings off David Willey in the 19th over and Stokes conceded just six runs off the last

six balls to leave Australia stranded on 177 for eight.

“It was impressive the way Ben Stokes bowled that final over and delivered his skills after just finishing a five-game test series,” Morgan said.

“He stuck his chest out and bowled very well.”

Smith was left to rue his team’s inconsistent bowling.

“It was one of those games,” he said. “Similar innings from both

ENGLAND J. Roy c Coulter-Nile b Cummins 11 A. Hales b Cummins 3 M. Ali not out 72 E. morgan c Watson b Coulter-Nile 74 J. Buttler c Cummins b Starc 11 S. Billings run out 2 B. Stokes not out 1 Extras (lb3, w5) 8 Total (5 wkts, 20 overs) 182 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-18, 3-153, 4-168, 5-180.

Bowling: Starc 4-0-32-1 (w-4); CoulterNile 4-0-24-1; Cummins 4-0-25-2; Marsh 2-0-21-0; Maxwell 2-0-12-0; Stoinis 1-0-13-0; Watson 2-0-33-0 (w-1); Boyce 1-0-19-0.

AUSTRALIA D. Warner c Finn b Willey 4 S. Watson b Finn 8 S. Smith c Roy b Willey 90 G. Maxwell c Stokes b Ali 44 M. Marsh b Topley 13 M. Stoinis not out 10 M. Wade run out 2 N. Coulter-Nile c Rashid b Stokes 0 P. Cummins run out 0 M. Starc not out 0 Extras (lb-5, w-1) 6 Total (8 wkts, 20 overs) 177 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-12, 3-124, 4-161, 5-165, 6-172, 7-174, 8-175.

Bowling: Willey 4-0-34-2; Finn 4-0-39-1; Topley 4-0-35-1; Rashid 3-0-32-0; Stokes 4-0-29-1 (w-1); Ali 1-0-3-1.

teams. At the end England were able to hit a few more boundaries which made the difference. We were hot and cold with the ball but credit to Eoin and Moeen.”

The teams start a five-match One-day International series in Southampton on Thursday. - Reuters

CRICKET

South Africa and India to play for Gandhi-Mandela Test series CAPE TOWN: Australia and England might have the Ashes but India and South Africa have evoked the memory of two iconic historical figures to name future cricket series between the two countries.

Starting in November, the Test series between the countries will be known as ‘The Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Series’, an announcement said on Monday.

“For the people of both our countries there is no greater duty than to uphold the ideals of both Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela,” Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.

“As cricket loving people we must fight hard to win on the field of play but never forget to do battle in the spirit of these two great men,” he said.

South Africa tour India for four tests in November and December, preceded by a series of limited over matches in October.

The two countries have played 11 Test series since 1992 with South Africa winning six and drawing three.

Only the first series comprised four Tests. A dispute between the two rival boards saw the last series in South Africa reduced to just two Tests in 2013.

Gandhi, who pursued non-violent protest to win Indian independence, lived in South Africa for almost two decades, working as a lawyer and leading several civil rights protests.

Mandela, who died almost two years ago, spent 27 years behind bars for his fight against apartheid and then became South Africa’s first black president in 1994. - Reuters

NEEDS SURGERY

No excuses for not Injured Australian goalkeeper Ryan winning World T20 ruled out of World Cup qualifiers in India: Warner LONDON: Australia will not use Indian conditions as an excuse if they fail to win the World T20 in the subcontinent next year, opening batsman David Warner has said.

Australia have never won the tournament despite being a power in Tests and the one-day game, but will hope to break the drought in March and April next year.

Australia have traditionally struggled in the subcontinent, where bone-dry pitches have shown up many of their batsmen’s vulnerability against quality spin bowling.

“I think going to India, there’s no excuse for conditions,” Warner told reporters in Cardiff.

“All the players have played there before (and) played IPL (Indian Premier League) there.

Whatever team is selected, that will be the right team for those conditions and I really do think this could be one of our best chances to win the Twenty20 World Cup. “We’ve probably played more (in India) than we have at home in the Twenty20 format.”

Australia played England a one-off match in Cardiff on Monday, with Steven Smith taking the reins in the absence of injured regular skipper Aaron Finch.

Compared to the surfeit of ODI matches — world champions Australia will play five against England in coming weeks — T20 matches are rare in the international calendar, giving teams limited chances to experiment before next year’s showpiece.

Australia have never won the tournament despite being a power in Tests and the one-day game, but will hope to break the drought in March and April, 2016 “It’s quite challenging for us to go into a group and go ‘here you go, play this tournament’. This is big,” Warner said of the Cardiff game.

“You have to work out what your chemistry is in the format itself.”

Australia have underlined their intent by flying in leg-spinner Cameron Boyce for the match alone. All other members of the T20 team are in the one-day squad.

Captain Smith backed the 26-year-old Queenslander to hit the ground running.

“As a leg-spinner you’ve really got to read the batsmen quite well. I think he does that,” he said.

“I think he knows when someone is going to step down at him and try hit him for six and when they’re going to sit back.

“I think he adjusts his length and his pace quite well so I’m looking forward to seeing him bowl out here.

“It’s going to be quite tough conditions I reckon with probably a pretty good wicket and short straight boundaries so he’s going to have to adapt.” - Reuters

MADRID: Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan is out of the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Tajikistan after needing arthroscopic surgery on a knee injury he suffered while playing for Valencia.

Ryan, who joined the Spanish team last month, went under the knife on Monday to correct a problem with the meniscus in his right knee and the procedure was “satisfactory”, Valencia said on their website (www.valenciacf.com).

The Singapore-owned club, who drew 1-1 at home to Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Sunday, did not say how long the 23-year-old would be sidelined.

“It’s a blow for Mat to miss these games but he picked up a knock in Spain overnight and with the travel distance and the lateness of his club game we have decided to bring in Eugene Galekovic,” said Australia coach Ange Postecoglou.

“Eugene is a more than capable replacement and he will join us in Perth. We will move ahead without Mat,” Postecoglou added.

Adelaide United keeper Galekovic, 34, has won eight caps for his country but none since 2013.

Bournemouth backup Adam Federici and Leyton Orient’s uncapped Alex Cisak are Postecoglou’s other options in the squad.

Asian champions Australia host Bangladesh in Perth on Thursday before travelling to Dushabe for the Sept. 8 Group B fixture against Tajikistan.

Australia opened the joint 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a narrow 2-1 win in Kyrgyzstan in June.

Jordan, the other team in the group, are expected to be Australia’s closest challengers for top spot, which guarantees passage to the next stage of Asian qualifying for Russia 2018. - Reuters

REAL BLOW: Mat Ryan

I S C TA B L E T E N N I S

Sai Saran downs Sai Prem to lift U-15 title MUSCAT: P. Sai Saran brought an end to the brilliant run of M. V. Sai Prem when he claimed the boys under-15 singles crown at the Annual Table Tennis Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club Muscat and co-sponsored by Muscat Insurance Services (MIS) and Oman United Insurance Company (OUIC).

In the semifinal, wary of Sai Prem’s brilliant displays and victories he had scored against some

seniors, Sai Saran played with determination and discipline to tame Sai Prem with victory in straight games winning the title with a 118, 11-9, 12-10, 11-9 verdict.

Sai Saran achieved victory after surviving anxious moments as Sai Prem was always in the hunt. But Sai Saran showed no signs of nerves and played the crucial points on merit to run out victorious.

Sai Saran had advanced to the summit clash after rallying from

a game down to overcome the determined effort of Shounak Kelkar 12-14, 11-5, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5 while Sai Prem defeated Sanskar Dubey 11-9, 14-12, 11-5, 11-7.

Junior doubles action In junior doubles action, the team of Subash Pillai and Armaan Sattikar posted a fine 11-9, 11-5, 11-6 victory over Shounak Kelkar and MV Sai Prem, Pranav Vinod and Yash Tanna defeated San-

skar Dubey and Prakhar Pateriya 11-7, 11-5, 11-6.

Sanskar and Prakhar lost their second match of the round-robin league when Kenneth Vaz and P. Sai Saran beat them 11-9, 11-3, 11-3.

Kenneth and Sai Saran were stretched before overcoming Pranav Vinod and Yash Tanna in five games 11-8, 11-6, 8-11, 8-11, 11-6.

Pranav and Yash however went on to defeat Shounak Kelkar and Sai Prem 11-8, 13-11, 6-11, 11-3.

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Nishikori and Ivanovic fail to clear first hurdle at US Open Open champion Ivanovic, opened play at the 2015 tournament.

But it was not the greatest of encounters, with the fractured affair featuring 11 breaks of serve while Ivanovic required treatment on her left foot after slipping 4-1 down in the decider. “I knew I had to bring my best tennis today. I had to stay tough as I knew she would not give me a single ball,” said Cibulkova.

With Ivanovic and Sharapova no longer involved, Williams finds eighth-seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova as the highest-ranked player in her half.

Nishikori, last year’s US Open runner-up, had beaten Paire in both their prior meetings and was enjoying his highest seeding at a Grand Slam event

NEW YORK: Japanese fourth seed Kei Nishikori crashed out in the first round of the US Open on Monday, falling to 41st ranked Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4.

Nishikori, last year’s US Open runner-up, had beaten Paire in both their prior meetings and was enjoying his highest seeding at a Grand Slam event.

But he made a first-round exit in New York for the third time in five years despite having two match points.

Ana Ivanovic too crashed out of the first round, losing 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova and giving Serena Williams a helping hand in her Grand Slam history bid.

Serbian seventh seed Ivanovic, a quarterfinalist in 2012, was in Williams’s half of the draw, a section which had already lost Maria

MAJOR UPSET: Benoit Paire of France hits a return against Kei Nishikori of Japan during their firstround match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York on Monday. – AFP

Sharapova through injury even before the tournament started.

World No. 1 Williams is bidding to become the first woman since Steffi Graf in 1988 to complete a calendar Grand Slam.

Cibulkova, ranked 50th in the world after sitting out three

months to undergo surgery on her left foot, will face American qualifier Jessica Pegula for a place in the last 32.

“It feels real cosy,” said the 26-year-old Cibulkova of the huge superstructure which towers over the Arthur Ashe Stadium and has

been built to hold a retractable roof which will be in operation next year. The pint-sized Cibulkova made the quarterfinals in New York in 2010 but had fallen in the first round in the last two years.

Monday’s win, her third in five meetings against former French

‘Not enough time’ On Sunday, third-seeded Sharapova withdrew with a right leg injury.

US Open tournament director David Brewer announced Sharapova’s exit, which allowed qualifying lucky loser Daria Kasatkina of Russia into the draw in Sharapova’s place.

“Unfortunately I will not be able to compete in this years US Open,” Sharapova said in a Twitter posting. “I have done everything possible to be ready but it was just not enough time.

“To all my amazing fans, I will be back in the Asian swing in a few weeks and look forward to finishing the year healthy and strong.”

Sharapova had not played a match since losing to Williams in a Wimbledon semifinal last month because of the injury, which she said had been a day-to-day thing since it happened.

“Dealing with these nagging things, it’s almost like a day-to-day process,” Sharapova said on Satur-

day. “When you are facing something with the body it’s always a day-to-day process.”

Williams is 18-2 all-time against Sharapova and has won their past 17 meetings in a row.

Prior to pulling out of the tournament for the second time in three years, Sharapova described the injury as “just a muscle strain”.

“I’ve done everything I could to be ready,” Sharapova said.

“There’s nothing more that I could have done.”

Sharapova did make the publicity rounds in the days before the US Open, including a photo shoot with a New York taxi and many of her rivals that noted her position at the front, well away from Williams and ex-boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov.

“Time-wise it has been the same for me as it has the last seven or eight years,” said Sharapova of her publicity outings.

The 28-year-old Russian had been tweaking her tournament schedule in the past few weeks in order to give herself a chance to come back on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts, knowing that pulling out of tuneup events in Cincinnati and Toronto would hurt her chances in New York.

“It’s always the adjustment of being a professional athlete in a sport that requires many weeks out of the year to compete at a high level,” Sharapova said.

“Don’t always know where some things come from but sometimes you have to make adjustments to be healthy and ready for the big ones. It only gets tougher as you get older.” - AFP

FOOTBALL

Monaco teenage forward Martial set for big-money United move PARIS: Monaco forward Anthony Martial has been given permission by France coach Didier Deschamps “to travel to England to sign a contract with Manchester United”, the French Football Federation announced on Monday.

The announcement comes amid reports in France that the Premier League club are willing to pay a huge fee of anywhere between 50 million and 80 million euros ($56m-89.6m) to sign the teenager.

That would represent a remarkable sum for a player who cost Monaco around five million euros from Lyon in the summer of 2013.

The 19-year-old striker was given a full international call-up for the first time by Deschamps for France’s friendly games against Portugal in Lisbon on Friday and Serbia in Bordeaux on Monday.

A statement on the French Football Federation website read: “Anthony Martial requested permission from Didier Deschamps to travel to England to sign a contract with Manchester United.

“Given the exceptional circumstances, the coach has agreed to the request of the player.”

Martial is due to return to the French training base at Clairefontaine, south of Paris, on Tuesday morning, by which time he could be a United player.

Should the transfer fee be as high as has been suggested, the deal could rival the 75 million euros Real Madrid paid Juventus for Martial’s fellow Frenchman Zinedine Zidane back in 2001, although by then the midfield icon had already won both the World Cup and the European Championship.

Deschamps conceded the sums being spent on sometimes unproven players were, in the public’s eyes,

Man United’s Januzaj joins Dortmund on loan BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund have signed Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj on loan for a season, the German club said on Monday.

The 20-year-old Belgium international was reportedly a target for several European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Olympique Marseille and Valencia.

“Adnan is a high quality and versatile player who complements our attack,” Dortmund director Michael Zorc said.

Januzaj made four appearances for United this season, scoring in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa this month.

“Borussia Dortmund are a big club and the fans are supposed to be great here,”

totally out of proportion, but he insisted that such investments could be worthwhile in the long term.

“Transfers are not gambles, they are investments,” said Deschamps, who coached Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final.

“When Monaco bought Martial for five million euros everyone asked why. And now he is worth how much? Clubs, managers, coaches see a player, think that he has potential and the ability to progress that will increase his value.

Januzaj said in a statement.

“I want to do big things with the club here.”

No starting spot Adnan Januzaj will not have the chance to play in the Champions League because Dortmund have qualified for the Europa League after a disappointing last season.

They are, however, top of the Bundesliga table after three straight wins, ahead of champions Bayern Munich on goal difference.

Januzaj made his first-team debut for United in the 201314 season but has not earned a regular starting spot under coach Louis van Gaal.

His contract with United runs to 2018. - Reuters

In the eyes of public opinion, these are very high sums of money.

“If one exits the football sphere, yes the money is out of all proportion, but seeing the means at the disposal of clubs like Manchester, that doesn’t pose a problem. The French clubs are largely sellers, it is all about economic power.”

Unfulfilled potential United manager Louis van Gaal has been tracking Martial for some time and made his move after Mo-

naco failed to qualify for the Champions League group stage, losing in a play-off to Valencia last week.

Martial had only signed a new contract through to 2019 with Monaco in June, prompting the club’s vice-president Vadim Vasilyev to declare the forward as “untransferable”.

“He was being contacted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs but we wanted to make sure that he continues his development with AS Monaco. What Anthony has been able to achieve at just 19 years of age is impressive, to say the least, but the best is yet to come,” Vasilyev said.

But United’s willingness to pay such a large fee appears to have persuaded Monaco to change their minds. After missing out on Barcelona’s Spain winger Pedro Rodriguez, who snubbed United to join Chelsea recently, van Gaal has set his sights on Martial.

And armed with bundles of cash from the lucrative Premier League broadcast deals, United are able to take a gamble on a player whose potential is yet to be fulfilled.

Martial netted nine goals in Ligue 1 for Monaco last season, and has 11 in total, while he also showed a glimpse of his talent in the club’s Champions League last-16 win against Arsenal in the spring.

Since then, Monaco have already sold Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Layvin Kurzawa, Lucas Ocampos and Aymen Abdennour this summer for around 120 million euros.

Martial’s arrival at United looks set to coincide with the departure of Mexico striker Javier Hernandez, who was pictured by Bild arriving at Bayer Leverkusen ahead of a proposed permanent move. - AFP

REMARKABLE SUM: Anthony Martial

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World championships thrill but fail to silence doping questions Kenya finished top

Five top performers of the Beijing championships

of the medals table, but they were also the only team to fail doping tests after two of their athletes were caught out by precompetition controls

BEIJING: A thrilling World Athletics Championships in Beijing failed to silence growing questions about doping, giving the sport’s new boss Sebastian Coe much to ponder as he heads towards an Olympic year.

While sprinter Usain Bolt led a barrage of superstar performances at the Bird’s Nest stadium, scepticism was also not hard to find following allegations of widespread drug abuse by elite athletes.

Britain’s Coe won a narrow vote to succeed 82-year-old Lamine Diack as president of world body the IAAF, and improving the besmirched image of athletics will be his top priority.

“We are more than a discussion about test tubes, blood and urine,” Coe told reporters on Sunday. “It is ostensibly a clean sport, we have our challenges... and no one would deny that.”

However, after thousands of test results were leaked to media before the championships, the issue of doping was never far away and many of the positive headlines were accompanied by darker questions.

Kenya finished top of the medals table, but they were also the only team to fail doping tests after two of their athletes were caught out by pre-competition controls.

Bolt’s brilliant sprint treble after overcoming injury came at the expense of twice-banned American Justin Gatlin — one of four former doping offenders in the 100m final.

When the Netherlands’ Dafne Schippers ran the fourth fastest 200m in history, adding gold to her 100m silver, she immediately had to deny using chemical enhancement.

And Briton Mo Farah’s unprecedented second straight world distance double came against the backdrop of doping allegations fired at his coach, Alberto Salazar.

Flying down to Rio Bolt’s reign as world sprint king was under serious threat from Gatlin, who was on an unbeaten streak of 28 races and had led the way in the 100m and 200m this year.

But despite intense pressure and pelvic problems this year, Bolt kept his renowned cool to win the 100m by one-hundredth of a second over Gatlin, before dominating the 200m and anchoring Jamaica to 4x100m gold.

Next up is the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where Bolt may call a halt to one of athletics’ great careers after bossing sprinting since the 2008 Games in Beijing.

“I’m going to try my utmost best to really get on the right track early in the season and just hopefully can go on to Rio fully ready to run my best,” vowed Bolt. “I came out here and proved everybody that you can never call Usain Bolt out. I’m a champion and I show up when it matters.”

Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann FraserPryce won gold in the women’s 100m individual and relay races, but the only world record in Beijing went to American decathlete Ashton Eaton.

Eaton, 27, clinched the record

LEAD STAR: Usain Bolt led a barrage of superstar performances. Here the Jamaican great is seen receiving a gift from Chinese broadcast journalist Tao Song. Tao had interupted Bolt’s celebrations after winning the 200metres final on August 27 when he crashed into him while filming from a segway motorised scooter beside the track, flooring the sprint champion. – AFP

Ashton Eaton

Five top performers who lit up the World Athletics Championships in Beijing: USAIN BOLT (Jamaica) Was it ever in doubt? The “Lightning Bolt” struck once again in Beijing as the king of sprint stormed to yet another golden treble at the Bird’s Nest, where he shot to fame at the 2008 Olympics.

As allegations raged over widespread doping in athletics, Bolt gave the crisis-hit sport a morale boost by crushing twotime doping offender Justin Gatlin in the 100 and 200 metres, before anchoring Jamaica to gold in the 4x100m relay -giving him an astonishing 11th world title.

The biggest scare Bolt suffered was when the sixtime Olympic champion was

score of 9,045 points after his lungbusting four minutes and 17.52 seconds in the 1,500m, collapsing in exhaustion as he crossed the line.

“How many more points can I get? I don’t know, but you can bet your ass I’m going to try to get more!” promised the American.

Dafne Schippers

knocked over by a cameraman who lost control of his electric scooter, sending him sprawling.

In his press conference, Bolt shot a look at Gatlin beside him and sniffed: “Justin Gatlin talks too much.” Ouch!

ASHTON EATON (US) Eaton retained his title and set the only world record of the championships with a lungbursting last lap in the 1,500 metres as a packed crowd in Beijing rose to acclaim the American iron man.

The Olympic champion finished with a total of 9,045 points to eclipse his previous world best by six points, helped in no small part by a decathlon bestever 45.00 seconds in the 400m and a championship record 10.23 in the 100m.

“I thought the clock was off by

YouTube Yego Kenya’s success has been based on their supreme distance running, but Julius Yego upset the accepted order when he won the country’s first ever world field gold in the javelin.

Yego, who learnt the sport by watching videos on YouTube.com,

Mo Farah

a second — they should go back and check it,” said Eaton after the 400m.

SCHIPPERS (Netherlands) The Dutchwoman smashed a 36-year-old European record to capture 200 metres gold days after taking silver in the 100m in a breakout championships.

Dafne Schippers lunged for the line to beat Jamaican Elaine Thompson to the 200m title in 21.63, breaking the European mark set by Marita Koch in 1979 and matched by fellow East German Heike Drechsler in 1986.

Only Americans Marion Jones and Florence GriffithJoyner have run the 200m faster but their careers, like those of Koch and Drechsler, were plagued by doping suspicions. Schippers insisted she had nothing to hide, snapping:

heaved a mighty 92.72m — the third longest throw of all time — to take the title.

China had success with nine medals overall including a shock silver for the men’s 4x100m relay team featuring Su Bingtian, who earlier made history by becoming

Aries Merritt

“I work very hard for it, I know I’m clean.”

MO FARAH (Britain) Farah roared to victory in the 5,000 and 10,000m to become the first man to complete a “triple-double” of distance titles at consecutive world championships and the London Olympics.

The Somali-born Farah, whose Beijing preparations were disrupted by doping allegations made against his coach Alberto Salazar, ran an eyepopping last lap of 52.6 seconds in the 5,000m to pull off the feat after surviving a bruising 10,000m final.

Farah’s goofy post-race comments prompted awkward silence as he talked about playing with drones in his spare time. “People ask me ‘Mo, what you doing?’ and I say ‘I’m just

the first Asian to reach the men’s world 100m final.

The United States will look to improve in Rio after they finished third in the medals table, behind Kenya and Jamaica, with Allyson Felix winning their only individual track gold.

having fun!’ Life’s short,” said Farah, famous for his “Mobot” victory pose.

ARIES MERRITT (US) Olympic champion Merritt won an emotional bronze medal in the men’s 110 metres hurdles just days before undergoing a kidney transplant.

The American, competing at less than 20 percent kidney function, lost out to Russia’s Sergey Shubenkov in the final but bravely insisted: “This bronze medal means more to me than my Olympic gold. In 2013 when they told me I’d never run again, it pretty much ended my life.”

Merritt’s biggest challenge awaits and he has set himself a goal of next year’s Rio Olympics, although he confessed Saturday’s final could have been his last race. - AFP

But one American who was delighted with a bronze medal was 110m hurdler Aries Merritt, who has been diagnosed with a rare kidney disease and headed straight from Beijing world championships to undergo a transplant this week. - AFP

LIFESTYLE

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BLES AND FRUITS AL N VEGETA ON GROW IED FRUITS, NUTS, AN G WITH S ALLY PER. WHILE DR D P C O L P IENTS TOO AS THEY ARE ONION A ICES L D E E E R P G N H I K R T A I T ES D BLAC PORTAN G THE HARSH WINTER MONTHS. T SOURCE E COM KE CA S N IM RIN KABULI PULAO, SEEK HIS WE OF E MON RDA YU H KEB TL ER, A L ARE PLE DU TRAIL WITH NE E K S RG LY US MO AB, A O ND AN OI EO Y ND ED M, E M RIA AND ANI P N AFGH ASH N , O I H A T AK IS , C FA FG ON ON CU RON ON HE A’S GO O N T UR A FF UT O T LET PL T GH SA M AT AF TE R.

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BRIEFS

World Sushi Cup held in Tokyo International and domestic sushi chefs showed off their skills in the two-day World Sushi Cup event held recently in Japan’s capital city of Tokyo. On the opening day, they tried their hand at traditional Edomae sushi— combination of fresh raw fish and cooked vinegar seasoned rice —a type first prepared in Tokyo about 200 years ago when it was known as Edo. Edomae highlights the season’s freshest ingredients.

Judges evaluated the participants in the areas of hygiene, knife technique, and proper preparation skills.

ASHAK

SEEKH KEBAB

Taste of Awadh travels to ‘Queen of the Hills’

Ingredients • 1/2 cup rice • 3tbsp oil • Salt For the lamb • 2 onion, diced • 500g, leg of lamb (large cuts) • 1tbsp garlic paste • Warm water For the spice broth • 2tbsp white sugar • 1 cup lamb stock • 1 tsp cardamom powder • 2tsp garam masala For garnish • 1 baton, carrot • 1tsp sugar • 2tbsp sultanas

Ingredients For the dumpling dough • 250g flour • 2tbsp of oil • 1tsp of salt • Water For the stuffing • 100g chives or spring onion, finely chopped • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1tbsp soft butter For the meat sauce • 1/2 onion, chopped • 1tsp mince garlic • 1tsp chopped chilli • 1 chopped red bell pepper • 2 chopped red tomatoes • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder • 100g lamb mince • 1/2 cup cooked chana dal • 1tsp salt • Water For garlicky yoghurt • 1 garlic clove • 1/2 cup yoghurt

Preparation • Pre heat the oven to 240 degrees Celsius.

• Mix everything together, except for butter and lemon, and grind to a fine paste.

• Now with moist hands, rope in skewers, put it in the oven.

• Keep basting with oil every 5 minutes till cooked. It takes almost 15 minutes.

• Serve hot with some naan.

Pallavi Nigam

Pallavi Nigam completed her culinary education at ICIF in Italy and worked as a chef for Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. She is now based in Muscat where she writes recipes and takes cooking classes.

Contact her: pallavi_nigam@hotmail.com twitter @pallavizza pallavizza.com

Preparation • For the dough, mix everything together, knead it properly, and keep it to rest for 1/2 an hour.

• Then roll it out in thin pasta sheets, cut the squares or rounds of it.

• Make the stuffing by mixing everything together. Place the stuffing at the centre of cut out pasta sheets.

Fold in shape of tortellini.

• Now cook them in salted boiling water. When they get cooked they will flip.

• For the sauce heat pan, add oil, sauté onion, add garlic, chilli, red bell pepper, tomatoes, turmeric powder, lamb mince, cooked chana dal, add water and simmer, till lamb is cooked.

• Crush the garlic with salt, and add to the yoghurt, mix properly.

• Now to serve in a platter, spread the yoghurt, place dumplings on top of it, and cover it with prepared meat sauce.

• Sprinkle fresh mint.

‘The Gourmet Studio’ to enchant foodies in Delhi

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHABIN E

Ingredients • 500g lamb mince • 50g lamb fat • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2tsp, garlic paste • 1tsp coriander powder • 1tsp cumin powder • 1tsp garam masala powder • 1/2 tsp red chilli powder • Salt to taste • Lemon • Butter for basting

Preparation • Soak rice for minimum 1 hour.

• Cook it in salted boiling water, and then strain it.

• Now let’s prepare the lamb. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan, fry the diced onion till golden brown and add garlic paste.

• Add lamb, salt, and sauté till brown.

• Cover with water, simmer till the lamb is tender. Separate the lamb from the water. You have your lamb stock.

• Now to make a spicy broth, heat sugar in a deep saucepan, add lamb stock, cardamom powder, garam masala, salt, and mix.

• Now mix the rice with spicy broth in a pan, sprinkle cardamom powder, garam masala, and temper with hot smoky oil. Add cooked lamb and mix.

• To make the garnish, heat pan, add 1tsp of oil, add carrot, sugar, and sultanas. Sauté till soft. Spread it on top of the rice. Put the pan on very low heat for 10 minutes. Serve hot.

A taste of traditional Awadhi food, combining sheermal authentic bread with exotic trout found in the cool waters of Himachal Pradesh, is now being offered on a platter by a prominent hotel using authentic ingredients.

The Oberoi Group’s Clarkes Hotel in this tourist town — which served as the summer capital of British India between 1864 and 1939 and acquired the ‘Queen of the Hills’ moniker — is offering its Himachali trout mussalam signature dish wrapped in sheermal.

Baked in wood-fired oven, it’s served as a main course dish in The Dining Room of the 117-year-old heritage building that was built in 1898.

“We wanted to do something new with the trout that is quite popular among our guests as a western main course. We came up with the idea of combining authentic Lucknowi sheermal with trout. This is our signature dish,” Executive Chef Meet Singh Malhotra said.

Adding relish to the dishes is nadru achari, a pickle made of lotus stems.

Online food community the Delhi Gourmet Club and commerce website nearbuy are back with the second edition of The Gourmet Studio, a platform for food lovers to relish exquisite dining experiences.

While the first edition saw chef Vaibhav Bhargava of Pan-Asian restaurant at Sheraton New Delhi whipping up delicacies from the Orient, the second edition will see chef Harjeet Kumar showcasing his culinary prowess with North Indian gourmet delights such as kebabs and curries.

“The first edition of The Gourmet Studio was extremely well received, and we are pleased to announce our second edition with the highly talented chef Harjeet Kumar,” Ravi Shankar, co-founder and chief business officer, local services, nearbuy, said in a statement.“We truly hope that our customers enjoy each Gourmet Studio edition to the fullest.” -IANS

KITCHEN CALAMITIES

Cut Down on Oil The thought of cooking without oil or less oil might sound like an uphill task but it’s just a mindset. Here are a few easy tips to reduce oil from your every day cooking.

By Swati Dasgupta

1 While sautéing vegetables use water instead of oil.

vegetables with spices, herbs, and soya sauce.

2 You can also use vegetable broth. Remember to check so that the vegetables do not stick to the pan. Keep stirring the vegetables periodically until they soften.

5 Those who do not have an airfryer can still fry French fries and attain the same crispiness. Use a non stick oven, grease it with little oil and make the fries.

3 If you are baking you can use fruit puree like applesauce and mashed bananas in place of butter or shortening.

6. For salad dressings, use mustard, vinegar, water lemon juice instead of oil.

4 Before roasting we often coat the meat or vegetable pieces with oil. We can avoid doing this. It might take a little longer but it gets done. You can season your

Struggling with a kitchen calamity of your own? Want advice? Share your horror stories and your cooking tips with swati@timesofoman.com

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LIFESTYLE

By Swati Dasgupta If the word ‘grill’ conjures up imagery of only meat, then it is time to re-think.

You can even grill fruits and enjoy their natural flavours.

Get started with these fruity options

APPLE To get the natural sweetness of apples apart from having it raw, grilling is an ideal way to eat it as it enhances the sweetness of the fruit. Grill them whole or you can stuff with seasonings of your choice. You can even make thick slices. Choose apples that are firm and not fully ripened.

WATERMELON Very few people ever think of putting this watery fruit on a griddle. But try grilling this and see the result. All you need to do is to cut the watermelon in half. Sprinkle salt and drain the watermelon wedges for almost half an hour. Rinse in cold water, and with a tissue remove the excess water. Brush olive oil on the pieces and grill for 5 minutes till done. If you want to make it spicy or tangy you can sprinkle pepper or chaat masala on it. Serve it on a bed of lettuce with feta cheese.

FIGS If you want to be different then grill figs instead of the regular fruits. Fresh figs when grilled taste wonderful. You can mix them in vinegar and olive oil before grilling. Go for firm and ripe ones and once done serve with ice cream, ricotta or goat cheese.

Always brush the fruits you’re grilling with a little bit of olive oil. The oil adds flavour and prevents your fruits from sticking to your grill.

Grill your fruit over indirect heat which isn’t as intense as a direct flame or hot coals.

BANANAS Popular as ‘on the go’ snack bananas can be grilled with their skin on. Slice in halves lengthwise and drizzle honey and sugar on it. Place it on the grill with the cut side down. Bananas do not need much time to grill. Serve with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.

Fruit doesn’t take long to grill, so stick close to your grill and keep a close eye on it.

Toss grilled fruits with lime juice, chilli, cilantro, and onion or drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added taste.

COCONUT Coconut might be hard to crack but grilling a coconut is perhaps the easiest thing one can do. Crack open a coconut and drain the liquid. Break it into small pieces and grill it with its white side down till it turns golden brown for almost 15 minutes. When it’s ready, carefully scrape the flesh away from the shell with a knife and serve with melted chocolate.

STRAWBERRIES Fold the strawberries in an aluminium foil. Sprinkle sugar and grill them. Grilled fruits are a perfect topping for vanilla ice cream. The smoky flavour accentuates the taste. You can also thread strawberry pieces in bamboo skewers, drizzle honey or lemon juice on it and barbecue for 1-2 minutes. Serve with ice cream of your choice.

PEACHES Peaches do wonders on the grill and any type of peaches you can choose. Just ensure that they are firm and are grilled on medium heat. Cut the peaches in half and pit them. There isn’t a need to peel the skin. Brush the cut peaches with mild oil, preferably canola and add on the griddle. Toss and turn occasionally to check the doneness and allow it to be on the grill for 5-8 minutes. Grilled peaches can be served in salads or along with yoghurt or plain ice cream.

CANTALOUPE Cut a cantaloupe into thick cubes, scoop out the seeds, and thread them on skewers. Preheat the grill.

Toss honey, butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar and brush the mixture on the cantaloupe pieces. Serve with mozzarella cheese. swati@timesofoman.com

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

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STAR CINEMA

WEATHER

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16:30 18:00 19:30

Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 5.45 pm CP No: 1953 (PG12) Brothers (Hindi )( Thriller ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth Malhotra 1.30 p.m CP No: 2110 (12+) MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (Action /Adventure) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavil, Armmie Hammer 2.00 p.m. & 8.15 p.m CP NO: 2121 (12+) No Escape ( Action/ Thriller ) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 4.15, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2128 ( 12+ ) Stung ( Comedy/Romance/Horror ) Cast: Clifton Collins Jr., Jessica Cook, Tony de Maeyer 4.00, 6.15, 10.15 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2129 ( 15+ )

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

SALALAH Hitman Agent 47 (2D) (PG12) (Action) 10:45AM, 12:00, 7:00, 10:00, 11:45PM Southpaw (2D) (15+) (Action/Drama/Sport) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, 2:00, 7:45, 9:40PM No Escape (2D) (12+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 10:00AM, 3:30, 11:55PM Evolution Man (2015) (Original French Movie) (3D) (PG) (Animation) 10:15AM, 1:45PM Phantom (2D) (PG) (Hindi) (Action/Drama) Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 4:15, 8:50, 11:35PM Loham (2D) (TBC) (Malayalam) (Action) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 7:15PM Thani Oruvan (2D) (PG12) (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara, Ganesh Venkatraman 2:15PM We Are Your Friends (2D) (15+) (Drama) Cast: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily 12:30PM Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 5:25PM (PG12) (Action) The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander 11:50AM, 5:05PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

BAHJA CINEMA

SUR Hitman Agent 47 (Action | Crime) (PG12) 9:15, 11:30 PM No Escape (Action | Thriller) (12+) CP# Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 7:15 PM Phantom (Hindi) (Action | Drama) (PG) Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 6:30, 9:00 PM Evolution Man (3D) (Animation) (PG) CP# 4:45 PM Loham (Mal) (Action) (TBC) CP# Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 11:15 PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E (Action) (12+) 4:45 PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

Destination

12.12pm 3.40pm 6.31pm 7.43pm 4.31am

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

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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 Hamdan Hospital 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 Polyclinc LLC 22004000 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

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IN THE NEWS

TURMERIC What’s It? This brightly coloured spice called turmeric has a strong flavour and aroma. It has scents of orange or ginger and has a pungent, bitter flavour with many culinary uses, especially in Indian cuisine.

All-New Doritos Pizza at Pizza Hut Experience the fusion of your favourite flavours with this new product innovation

Knowing Its Roots A relative of ginger, turmeric belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is used mostly in Asia and the Middle East where it has been harvested for more than 5,000 years. Arab traders brought turmeric to Europe in the 13th century, and its use, both medicinal and culinary, has spread to the West. It is mainly produced in India, China, and Indonesia.

Culinary Presence A teaspoon of turmeric can add a new dimension to foods including rice, curries, lentils, legumes, and salad dressings in Asian cuisine. It is a common spice used in chicken, coconut, potatoes, beans, lentils, chutneys and relishes, soups, and even some of the desserts.

Ways To Eat A pinch of turmeric when added in scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, and curries adds on to the flavours. You can even add an inch size piece of fresh turmeric to your favourite smoothie or a glass of milk. While it is an ideal substitute for mustard and saffron, fresh turmeric can also be liberally used in pureed soups and coleslaw.

Bear In Mind Food can taste bitter if too much turmeric is used. Half a teaspoon is an ideal proportion.

Try making turmeric powder at home as it is always fresher.

Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place. Fresh turmeric roots can be used for soups, and rice. Remember not to stain your hands, utensils, and clothes while using turmeric.

FOOD NOTE

Creo and Caramel: The Creative Art of Food LATIN WORD ‘CREO’ means to create or to make. This can also be said about the Creo restaurant in west Delhi where everything — from water to the main course to the dessert — a work of creative art.

Be it the specialised ‘Water Menu’, the four varieties of Lactose-free milk with nuts for the health buffs, food stations that cater to gourmets from across the country to the international ones to live counters — Creo, which is located at New Delhi’s latest addition among top hotels, Vivanta by Taj at Dwarka, has a lot to offer.

For those with a sweet tooth and love for bakery items, just walk across to ‘Caramel’, the hotel’s equally inviting bakery.

While the breakfast and the Sunday Brunch at Creo are its high points, the place and its food is all inviting for other meals too.

One unique thing at the breakfast that no visitor can miss is the Masala Chai served from a copper kettle in small lined glasses carried in wire-holders.

“The chai served at breakfast in the copper kettle and small glasses is unique. It reminds you of railway stations and chai being served there.

The breakfast buffet is one of the best that I have come across. Cheers to their team,” Kiran Ahluwalia, a visitor from Mumbai, told.

The restaurant offers global cuisine with a combination of European, Oriental, Indian, and south coastal main courses served lovingly by the chefs.

“There are three ‘Ts’ — time, taste (for freshness) and (right) temperature that are our focus to enhance the food experience of our guests. The emphasis is on being creative,” the hotel’s general manager, Anil Malhotra told.

Chefs at the restaurant often interact with guests for feedback on tastes and preferences so that innovations can be worked out.

“Be it the refreshing cooler smoothies, mocktails and enriched cold soups, accompanied with an assortment of artisan cheese and cold cuts or the good old chilled seafood counter, the cold mezze counter, the antipasto counter, a selection of 12 vegetarian, and eight non-vegetarian salads, assortment of bakes, breads, dips, salsas, and

dressings, we have a lot to offer,” Executive Chef Elangovan Shanmugam told.

For the connoisseurs, carved and baked whole red snapper and leg of kid lamb with legumes, bay fresh prawns in black bean coriander, mapu tofu, Awadhi murgh biryani, and bhagare baigan, live appams with stew, and malabari paratha with coastal fish curry are there to satisfy the palate.

“The food, service, and layout at Creo are explicit. It is hard to decide what not to eat,” Pooja Thakur, a guest said.

With live stations of Italian flavours of evergreen risottos, pastas, and wood-fire pizzas, seafood and meat grills, sumac dusted chicken Shawarma, Japanese master chef

juggling teppanyaki with assortments of sushi, and misoyaki roister, there is little one can resist.

The Lactose-free milk with an amalgamation of nuts, which is said to have tremendous health benefits and reduce heart disease, comes in flavours like rice and raisin, wheat and honey, linseed and fig, and oats and prunes. The ‘Water Menu’ includes flavours like basil and lime, cinnamon and honey, turmeric and cumin, methi (fenugreek), thyme, and wheatgrass.

At Caramel, the collection is of theme-based desserts, free from fat, egg, sugar, gluten, fruit, and spiced chocolates, a children’s live counter for waffles, and ‘Moms pancake’ with ice cream, and chocolate. — IANS

PIZZA HUT launches a new concept pizza called ‘Doritos Pizza’— a soul food alternative, combining Oman’s love for chips with the goodness of pizza.

The all-new ‘Doritos Pizza’ is loaded with signature sweet chilli Doritos under, and on top of the pizza crust. Topped with specially marinated chicken and spiced up with flavourful sauce at the base, this is the perfect snack mash-up.

“Chips, nachos, and any form of crisps are a favourite snack among people of all ages in Oman,” said Yogesh Shah, General Manager, Khimji (Restaurant Division). “By introducing the Doritos Pizza, we are adding an extra crunch to the pizzas, making it an even more enjoyable affair for pizza lovers in the Sultanate.”

This new treat boasts of a crust layered with actual bite-size pieces of Doritos chips. Doritos is a globally loved brand and their corn

chips are known to deliver the ultimate, ever- appetising crunch with every bite.

“At Pizza Hut, we remain committed to offering the most flavourful, exciting, and innovative pizzas, and keep challenging our ability to better our product offerings so as to surprise the taste buds of our valued customers”, stated Vivek Pande, CEO, Khimji Ramdas Lifestyle Group. “Our new ‘Doritos Pizza’ is another creative way to please pizza lovers with a visually appealing dish, packed with flavour.”

The Doritos Pizza is available across all Pizza Hut outlets in Oman.

To place your orders online log on to www.pizzahut.me or call: +968-2482 2500 for the latest updates and most interesting promotions or log on to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ pizzahutoman.

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YELLOW AND ORANGE PEPPERS More mature than green bell peppers, yellow and orange peppers have a fruity taste.

Bell peppers can enhance the taste of any dish.

Eat them raw, roasted or add them to your salad and curries.

These crunchy vegetables are also available in red, green, yellow, and purple.

RED PEPPERS Red peppers have a sweet, fruity taste. Pimento and paprika are both prepared from red bell peppers.

GREEN PEPPERS They have a slightly bitter flavour and does not have the sweet taste of their red, yellow, and orange counterparts.

RED PEPPERCAULIFLOWER SOUP Make soup with roasted red bell peppers, steamed cauliflower, shallots, and chicken stock.

STUFFED YELLOW BELL PEPPERS Make any filling of your choice and stuff yellow bell pepper.

Mince chicken with herbs and cheese can be a good option.

PEPPER SLAW Slice sweet bell peppers and drizzle with any vinaigrette for a refreshingly crisp, crunchy salad. Serve it with wraps and sandwiches.

PEPPER CURRY Cut bell peppers into strips and add it to any meat dish. It accentuates the taste. You can also add over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

PEPPER TOPPINGS Dice peppers can be an ideal topping for pizzas and open sandwiches.

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SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

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T U E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

We have small building for rent in Bowshar commercial building can be used as staff accommodation or store. # 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2BHK in Ghubra 18th November Street near sea 2 rooms sitting, hall, Kitchen & 3 bathrooms.

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033 We have flats, offices, shops, warehouse, basement for rent in Ghubra, Al Khuwair, Ghala, Azaiba, Maibela.

Contact : 93329476 / 99208033 We have offices for rent in Ghala brand new building.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 Flat for rent at WK near Jabir Bin Zeid mosque monthly rent R.O 250/- , 12 chq payable on 1st. of every month. Contact: Abdulla 99445880/98292846 Morgan 1 Bedroom attached, toilet & kitchen in AL Khuwair R.O 140/-.

Contact: 95154331 3 Bedroom flat at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99447257/97014234 2+ 6 BHR villa Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99024730 1+2 BHK Ruwi, Darsait.

Contact : 99024730 2+3 BHK Qurum. Contact: 99024730 Studio flat Al Khuwair.

Contact : 99024730 1+2 BHK Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99024730 Various rooms for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis Hotel. Contact : 95124975

Shop/ comm./ Resi building 1&2 bed flat available in Wadi Kabir (near Lulu) one bedroom flats 200/- Wadi Kabir & Misfa land for rent 1000 SQM Al Khuwair 6 bedroom villa 900/- . Contact: 99451168 3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah.

Contact : 96775026 250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339 1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633 Semi furnished room with separate bathroom and sharing kitchen for bachelor near ROP bldg Honda road Ruwi. Contact: 95899421 3 BHK, 3 bathrooms 2 balconies, nr. Al Hassan , W/Kabir R.O 325/-.

Contact: 99384640 Basement in MBD. Contact: 99713489 2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Pent house for rent 1 sitting, 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen RO 225/-, location Al Khuwair, near DHL Courier. Contact 95620900 / 92976722

Spacious 2BHK in MBD. Contact : 99713489

3Bedrooms Flat in Al Hail 92817777

1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175

2 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422 We have 3BHK fully furnished villa in Ghubra 18th November near Automatic Restaurant.

Contact: 93782735/ 99208033 Two flats for rent 3 bedroom & 1 setting room all with split a/c at & flat 1badroom Al Ghubra North near Indian School (Hot Pargur Restaurant) tell 99766103 Brand new 1, 2 BHK flats in Al Ghubra & Ruwi.

Contact: 97616158 Room with A.C Al Khuwair R.O 120/-.

Contact: 97799175 1BHK Al Falaj. Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 Barka store 100 m2 available.

Contact: 93393967

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126 3 BHK flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181 We have 2BHK fully furnished in Bareeq Al Shatti Qurum near Opera House. Contact : 93782735 / 99208033 Spacious 2BHK Flat with Split A/c’s behind Sultan Center, Azaiba – RO.425/- p.m. Contact: 99824803 / 99849325 3BHK well maintained flat (villa type) G. floor split A/C separate entrance, parking, and compound available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239, Villa No. 1839. Contact: 99253125 New 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181 3, 4, 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

2BHK at Al Khodh 2 rooms, 1hall, 2 bathrooms & kitchen.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

New 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Ghobra.

Contact 99792181

1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse etc.

Contact: 24700120 / 92584715

House for rent in Sidab 8 rooms, 6 toilets RO 550/-.

Contact: 96606679 / 99856551

Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002 1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557

2BHK with split A/C in MSQ Opp. Al Fair. Contact : 96708000 1 BHK with split A/C in Darsait, opp. Muscat Municipality.

Contact : 96708000 3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008

2000 Sqr mtrs Store in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99792181

4 bedroom villa with 3 maid room, big compound & parking area. Ideal for kindergarten or expat tenants residency. Contact:24566217 / 24564686

250 Sqr mtrs showroom in CBD. Contact 99792181

2BHK near Indian School Darsait RO 275/-. Contact: 95094028

5000 & 10000 Sqr mtrs in open Land in Wadi Kabir. # 99792181

Commercial / residential 2 BHK flat and 1BHK at Honda road residential 2BHK flat at opposite to Al Nadha hospital. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

Deluxe 1, 2, 3 bedroom flats in Wadi Kabir, Ruwi, Al Khuwair area.

Contact: 24707340 / 95282986 /99472457 3 bedrooms, 1 hall at Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 2 BHK Ghubra R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 1,2,3 BHK flats. Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 2BHK Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175 2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 92888063

2 BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi 1BHK , Ghubra near Al Maha hotel.

Contact: 99269751 Villa for rent, 4 spacious bath attached bed room, private swimming pool, gymnasium (common) electrical equipment with free maintenance secured command at Madinat Al Illam. Contact: 98027975 2BHK in Ghubra South 330 R.O with A/C. Contact: 99342661 Office & retail space available Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

FOR SALE An Amazing excellent land for sale in Barka at Al Muraysi attached to road open from 3 sides and surrounded by houses and commercial shops and others. Ready for construction to build twin villa for good investment from owner land size 677. Contact: 91010668

ACC. AVAILABLE We have complete office furniture for sale very nice & affordable price .

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033

PDO approved 25 MT Crane, forklift with boom & bucket 8001G portable, brackish & sewage tankers & 6 wheel Prime movers are available for monthly & daily rent (LCC contractor to PDO).

Contact: 98081969 / 98081699

4 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis mart. Contact: 24700120 / 92584715

Godrej diesel 3.0 ton forklift for sale, model 2014 in immaculate condition.

Serious buyers – pl contact +968 9321 8310 / 93223382.

2BHK & 1BHK flats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025

Aluminium workshop at Wadi Kabir with all machineries and 3 skilled workers. # 99536206 / 99605915

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624

4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158

Restaurant For Sale: Excellent Location at Al Rustaq on Main Highway.

Next to Qaboos Mosque and High Court Complex. Contact # 99227861.

Room with toilet in Bowshar.

Contact: 96961306 Flat and show room for rent Al Khuwair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and Jibroo. Contact: 24485240 / 24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563 Room for rent. Contact Farahat 98020768, Hilal: 96541263 House in Muscat, near Muscat temple. Contact : 97711551 Flat for rent penthouse Al Amerat Al Mahaj. Contact: 92738298

I BHK Flat -4 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 200/- . 2 BHK - 2 Nos / 1 BHK- 2 Nos, at Wattayya R/A near the mosquefor Families. Contact 96457757 9 am to 7 Pm. House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. #: 95555162 / 95755953 1 & two bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact 97677170 Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953

Pest control and cleaning building company for sale with all permit and office. Contact : 96996938 JCB boom loader 540/170, 17 MTR 2008 model excellent condition.

Contact: 97677133 Fully equipped Beauty Parlor for sale in Amerat behind Sultan Center.

Contact : 98600130 / 24881211 Expat leaving bedroom set, fridge, table, sofa etc. Contact: 93393967

Room with attached bath available at Al Khuwair for working couples or ladies. Contact: 96001490 Single room with AC, balcony and separate toilet for working women or non cooking bachelor near Rex Road, Ruwi. Contact: 92183404 Fully furnished sharing Executive bachelor at Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99325387 Family sharing accommodation available in Al Khodh.

Contact : 98292798 Separate room with A/c, Small Fridge and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390 Semi furnished rooms in AL Khuwair with car parking.

Contact : 92888337 Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784 Furnished room for IND EXE bachelor near Al Khuwair R/A. Contact : 99659513

For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454

1 &2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines

2,560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Apartments for Rent in Nizwa behind Nizwa Hospital. 99530985 92513668

3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953

Wall papers, grass carpets sale & fixing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

3 Bedroom flat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand new available, behind Kims Hospital.

Contact 95225662

Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699

Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411

Single rooms with attached bath available at Ruwi.

Contact 98049288 / 8091089

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2.

OMR 140 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis.

Contact : 99378397/99493500

Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

Sharing accommodation in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors, wifi free, advance deposit.

Contact 91852710

1BHK in Darsait, RO 220.

Contact: 99342661 2 BHK pent-house having very spacious balcony with sea & city view RO 325 and 1BHK RO 240, adjacent to Indian Nursery Darsait.

Contact : 99476728 / 98484415 Brand new flat 2 bedrooms with 1 Majlis, 3 bathrooms, kitchen in South Ghubra behind Oman oil RO 350/-. Contact 95367767 Flats in Al Khuwair 33 & Wadi Al Kabir. Contact: 92800007 Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 Flat in Al Khuwair 3 rooms + Majlis ground floor. Contact: 99242119 Brand new bldg in Walja 1 BHK, 2 BHK & shops. Contact 98218279 2 rooms, 2 toilets, kitchen in Al Ansab. Contact 94229023 Flat 2bedrooms+majlis in Ghubra.

Contact:99242119

Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

SELL/BUY Looking for purchase of a residential building with minimum 25 unoccupied flats in Ghala, Bousher, Azaiba, Ghubrah. Contact: 99261522 Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 /96642500

FOR EXPATS From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

GOOD NEWS Ayuredic massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com 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

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Sharing accommodation for Filipina on Seeb for couple / working ladies.

Contact: 92959251 Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair RO 225/- for family only.

Contact 99251975

Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537

WANTED Indian coca requirement with experience. Contact: 99209264

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

MATRIMONIAL Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590 A respectable Sunni Muslim family from Hyderabad, India invites proposal for their daughter, 26 years, MSc, very fair. Contact 93671857 Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

LOST Munawar Hussain has lost Pakistan Passport No. QD 6899232. Finder please handover to ROP

CHANGE OF NAME

Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church.

Contact: 92837206 Furnished room for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya).

Contact 96761960

AVAILABLE

Required investors for different projects. Contact: 99674870 Working partners required for Farm Based Trading.

Contact: 94151791 Seeking financial investor / partner for short term Governmental construction project of 1.5 million Riyal Omani. Contact : 99881303 New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938 General Investors.

Gsm-99674870

I Nishanth Mariyamma George (name exactly as in present passport) son of Aleyama a.k.a Salamma George presently residing at the following address in AL Hail P.B No. P.C No. Sultanate of Oman and having permanent address in India Puthan Parambil House, Karakurssi, vazhumbram P.O. Palakkad, Kerala , Indian (as per present passport) , holder of passport holder of passport No. M 3924059 date of issue 27/11/2014 place of issue Malappuram solemnly affirm and declare that my Mother’s name is Aleyama for all purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, AL Khuwair, P.Box No, 1727 postal code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D4

T U E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ART DIRECTOR Art director / creative director/ 8 years experience with Omani license, NOC. Contact : 95136862 Email: aunmoeid@gmail.com`

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737 Accountant with more than 6 years experience in SAOG company looking for middle management position.

Strong English/Arabic correspondence. Valid DL. NOC available.

Contact 91116924 Indian male B.Com Graduate 24 years looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97219505 25 years male BBA (Hons) CFAC ACCA having 3 years experience as top management operations, Accounts seeking suitable placement. Contact : 92829595 Email: saqib4u1@hotmail.com Young, energetic 24 yrs, ACCA finalist, Advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit. Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com M.Com female good knowledge in computer and tally 4 years experience in accounts and Administration seeks suitable placement on visit visa. Contact: 96992431 / 99450130

ADMIN

ENGINEER

A well established organization in Muscat is looking for an experienced lady Administrative Assistant.

Candidate with around 6 years of experience and excellent command of English language is requested to send CV to: recruitmentmuscat@yahoo.com

Require experienced Electricians for immediate appointment in Dubai.

Applicants must be able to work independently. Contact: 99869002, Email: fwi2009@outlook.com

ACCOUNTANT Urgently required Accountant Gulf experience to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact : 99658756 Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com

BEAUTY Required Beautician for a beauty salon in Muscat (visa available).

Contact: 97605308 Required experienced Hairdressers / full beauticians with exp in Ghubrah. Contact:97964519 / 94241385

DRAFTSMAN K.Design LLC requires “2d & 3d Draftsman” with minimum 3 yrs experience. Send CV to k.designoman@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELPER Required a House Maid preferably Muslim for a very reputed Omani Family in Muscat. Should be able to speak in Hindi / Arabic.

Contact 95216563 Indian family required full time Indian Housemaid, visa available.

Contact : 93228657 Wanted housekeeper at a Nursery – Muscat – Amerat, skill and commitment and behavior. Fax: 24700677 Tel: 99085844 /99010504 Email: school.oman@yahoo.com

DRIVER Need Heavy Drivers with valid GCC D/L.Contact.92252507 Email:- hamood@omankmtc.com Heavy Duty Driver with license & NOC. Contact: 95959494 or E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com Experienced Driver with car or without car. Visa available.

GSM 942 888 63 / 9905 3844 Driver required for a Company, 2 yrs experience. Visa available.

Contact 24479922 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

Accountant Indian male B.Com 7 years experience (Accounting) finance costing, auditing with NOC & valid driving license seeking placement. Contact: 96722257 Email: mudassir.pal@gmail.com Indian CA with 15 yrs exp. working as Head of Finance for US MNC. NOC Available - 94047434

Leading construction company requires two Civil Engineer with minimum 5 years site experience in gulf. require gulf license and NOC. Send your CV to degree.engineer2015@gmail.com MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om Urgently required for leading company: Civil Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Planning Engineer : 8 yrs experience, Surveyor : 8 yrs experience, Draftsman & AutoCAD : 5 yrs experience. Fax: 24478522, email : gh1.careers@gmail.com

EDUCATION Egyptian language school Muscat requires 2 English Teachers (bachelor degree in education) + 5 years experience with IELTS or Toifel) applications with supporting documents to be sent by mail to egymuscat@yahoo.com or fax 24697047 Urgently required experienced Teachers for Mathematics and Science (physics) for a reputed bilingual School in Al Ansab. Send CV to Email – aleithar@hotmail.com or Contact - 24585343 A well known private school is in need of Physics, English, Mathematics, Science and Kindergarten Teachers. Contact: 96910649 Email: staffing.oman@gmail.com Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

IT Business Development Manager/ Business Manager for Software Business. Gulf experience preferred. hamoudj@yahoo.com Required Marketing Manager for educational programs.

Contact: 99674870

MEDICAL Vacancy for lady Doctor on morning shift for clinic at Ghala with OR Without MOH. Contact: 97746296 Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician.

Contact 99310590.

Email : tjmaluke@gmail.com Dental Surgeon, Orthodontist, Staff Nurses (female) with or without MOH license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary & commission. Contact 99006915, Email : alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Medical CARE Centre, Multi Specialty Clinic, Seeb, requires General Practioner, Medical Lab Technician & Pharmacist. Send CV at Email : sarita_h23@yahoo.com or call 97884856

MISCELLANEOUS Looking for project Managers, Site Engineers & Office Secretary for a construction company Email Id: rgeorge@omantd.com Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the property. Applicant must be Graduate, possess Omani or GCC driving license.

Having oman market experience.

Apply with NOC. Attractive salary +commission. Send your CV: property@ labdmarkmuscat.com Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

SALES / MARKETING A reputed printing & advertising firm in muscat urgently requires male / female sales executives Contact : 99619552 , email : hocsigns@gmail.com Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Waterproofing technicians required. Contact 92888337 Rig Operator/Technician/Driver/ Security Positions in Musandam.

Must have Oil field experience Good Communication Skills. Please email your resume in Arabic and English to HR@petroteloman.com

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE 35 yrs male, MBA Finance with 5 years GCC Accounts & Admin experience. VDL.NOC available, looking for suitable placement.

Contact:96763275 Indian male having 5 years of experience in Oman as accountant cum office administrator with Omani driving license looking for a new placement. Contact: 94173818, email: nibinkjames@gmail.com Fresher looking for a career opportunity B.Com good physique, quick learner English speaking.

Contact: 93368464 B.Com, CA Inter (Indian) with 5 years experience (2 years GCC) in Accounts & Audit field. Contact: 95584531/ razikthumbe@gmail.com

Indian Female Chartered Accountant [ACCA] looking for suitable placement. Contact: 99342077 Accountant, Indian male, B.Com, PGDSE with 12 yrs of experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 92750853, email : vinoykjospeh@gmail.com Accountant 4 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 96182302 Email: rishad.sainudheen@gmail.com Accountant 36 yrs Indian male 10 yrs UAE experience in Accounts, Insurance currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 96334958 / 95217432

MBA finance having 5+ years experience in accountant with UAE D/L & NOC available. Contact : 96970930 Email: tahirabbas85@hotmail.com

Indian CA 10yrs of Oman experience in treasury, financial reporting, consolidation, ERP implementation in Trading, construction, Oil & Gas sectors. NOC available.

Email: caramdas.s5@gmail.com GSM: 91310237

Indian female M.A Economics with diploma in Indian 8 foreign accounting having 1 year experience in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95714285

Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter), M.Com 8 years experience in Accounting, Auditing with NOC& valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420 Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com

Urgent: Accountant Indian female 6+ years experience degree B.com (AC) MBA middle level carrier skill cum tally 9 balance sheet auditing payroll profit & loosest visit visa. Contact: 91551164/91175456 Email: mk.jothipriya@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian male MBA 33 yrs having 10 yrs exp seeking suitable placement in Administration / HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding valid D/L. Contact - 99054786 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian Female MBA, 3 Year Experience in Admin MIS , Family Visa. Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com INDIAN(Male) MBA with 5+ years of experience in HR and ADMIN. Looking for suitable position. 96395254, shm1691@gmail.com 14 years of gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian, 16 yrs Oman experience in Admin / Office management and have D/L. Also have accounting knowledge. Contact: 99573353 32 years male, 11 years experience in indoor sales graphic designing, administration events looking for job. Contact: 98392508 Indian male 27Yrs, Having total 6 yrs of experience in HR/ Admin looking for suitable position.

Contact 91507099.

Indian male MCA, MSCE 2012 certified and Microsoft Exchange server administration with experience as System Administrator (windows) looking for a job currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 92745708 Email: nabeelmmkty@gmail.com Purchase, Admin, Indian male, 15 yrs Gulf experience. #95435370 Female 25, MSc (Wood Science & tech) MBA HRM, fresher well versed in English, Hindi and Malayalam, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries. #98401389 Email: thajnakp@gmail.com Chartered CIPD HR Professional having 5 years of experience in Oman seeking suitable job.

Call +971552071501.

DRIVER

A Sri Lankan lady chartered accountant with five years experience (including article ship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91259845 Email: amashermila@gmail.com

Looking for job driver with car.

Contact 96493236

Indian 23 years B.B.M diploma in computer accounting tally 9 excel 3 years (India) 1 year Oman as accountant, stores sales accounts, local visa NOC available. #92579311

L.T.D driver exp, 5 years know Hindi, English, Arabic, and Education B.A. Contact 98522914

Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98222753 Email - shemeejup@gmail.com 12 yrs of Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact 99513082 10+ yrs UAE experienced Fin. Controller looking for a job change.

Contact 98006226 Email: devan801@gmail.com ACCA and MBA (finance) from UK, 3.5 years experience in operation, holding D/L (Oman) looking for suitable position ready to join immediately. Contact : 95575614, Email: ahammadmds@gmail.com

Pakistani driver, 5 years ex seeks placement. Contact: 97429442

Driver available 24, HRS, car without car. Contact: 98522914 Pakistani diploma civil (Eng) 24 year 1.5 years experience in Pak) 2 years in (Oman). Contact: 97138320 Looking job LTV D with car.

Contact: 94436276 / 97433432 Driver looking for job, 20 years experience. Contact: 94795033 Light driving with 6 years experience in Oman. Contact: 94001751 Driving job. Contact: 99109458 Light vehicle Driver 5 years of experience, with Oman driving license looking for a job.# 97319805 / 92171166

Indian male B.Com looking for Accounts, indoor sales, Office Assistant, Store keeper, # 98295101

Looking for driving job driving experience more than 3 years.

Contact: 97459022

Indian Male MBA with Experience in Accounts, Admin, Sales, Contact – 91520930

Indian driver, 30 years, 8 years in Oman exp GCC, D/L with NOC. Contact: 93100297 / 92547440

Indian male MBA Finance / HR 1 yr experience in Indian currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93416031 Email: ashin.shams@gmail.com

Looking for driver job English, Arabic, and Hindi Lang, 8 years Muscat experience. Contact: 98802079

Accounts finance Indian male 35 yrs B.Com, M.B.A tally exp 9.7 yrs exp 1.5 yr Oman family visa N.O.C available. Contact : 93257426.

Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com

Driver light. Contact: 94182497

Accountant with more than 30 years experience in both financial and cost accounting seek part time assignment in Muscat or Sohar.

Contact 98598099

Light Driver. Contact 95779594, Ruwi

Part time accountant services available. Contact:93438100 Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com

Indian light duty driver. #94269229

Light duty driver with 3 months experience requires suitable placement. # 96409814 / 97384115

Sri Lankan driver. #97387112 Indian male, looking for Heavy Driver job, holding Kuwait driving license. Contact 98136170 H.T. V Driver, Pakistani experience, 6 yrs, seeks work in company only.

Contact 93985087 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744

T U E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DESIGNER

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian male, 24 years Graphic designer one year experience, B. Sc Multimedia Animation on visit visa in Oman, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 93681417

Senior Sales Engineer 4 years experience in Oman with D/L, Sales electrical products PDO OXY supply liaison with MEP contractors and consultants NOC available.

Contact: 0091 9895799737 Email: thomasjmuscat@gmail.com Contact : 99447853

ACCA Affiliate, Oxford Brookes Bsc, 2.5 years experience in audit, finance in Big 6 and oil industry, NOC release available. a.saran891@gmail.com, 95140445

DRAUGHTSMAN ENGG. / TECHNICAL Autocad Dman , Diploma in civil, exp, knows 2d, 3d, revit PH:98195161

DOMESTIC HELPER House maid looking for job.

Contact: 99879576 House maid cum cook Keralite .

Contact: 94297839

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Building Construction Supervisor looking for small Omani co. to handle independently or suitable placement with Omani D/L. Contact: 93061107 Civil Engineering Diploma, Site coordinator now preset in Oman, seeking job in Oman. Contact : 92887561 Email: jubincivileng@gmail.com Mech. Engg Indian male having 1 year exp looking for suitable job.

Contact : 92835957 Indian 22 years male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech has done internships, born and brought up in Oman with Omani driving license, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact: 92791637 Email: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com Indian male, 23 years Electrical & Electronics Engineer having 1 year experience in Google company need suitable placement.

Contact: 91118694, Email: sharath2909@gmail.com Indian mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & BD including GCC, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com Indian male 27 yrs BE mechanical & W/diploma in automobiles 2 yrs teaching experience in designing (AutoCAD) seeking suitable position.

Contact: 94183625 Indian male 29 yrs old B.E electronic & Communication Engg (5 yrs experience in Oman) with valid D/L. Contact : 96652145 Electrical Engineer, B.Sc. degree/B. Tech, 4 years experience. Looking for suitable placement. Available in visit visa. Contact: 94739355, Email: mahin.eee@gmail.com MSC Electronics Female, 24 years, 1 year experience in MR Scan Testing on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 91111675 28 years male diploma in Civil Engineer 6 years experience in Oman valid Omani driving license seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98666735 /90289111 Email: engrjahedbd@yahoo.com Civil Engineer Pakistani 12 +2 years Oman experience D/L seeks placement. Contact: 94392616 Indain male, 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical post Graduation Diploma in piping Engineering, seeking job in relevant field.

Contact : 94786570 Email: asim.hajwani6@gmail.com Indian job in procurement & contract, have “13” years purchase & contract experience in infrastructure & energy sector. NOC is available.

Contact-91237036 25 years experience in Civil Engineering looking for job at consultancy from for suitable position.

Contact : 97803710 Civil Engineer 7 years experience in Oman also have vehicle driving license. Contact: 92480604 Young BA looking for a job as Secretary / document controller, typewriting 40 W.PM shorthand also available. NOC from the present co. available. Contact: 93085851 Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp, seeking for placement.

Contact: 95200650

Indian male BE Mechanical currently on 2 yrs free visa with NOC & local release. Looking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact – 90296975 / ali.syedausaf@gmail.com

Instrumentation Engineer, nearly 4 yrs experience in oil & gas industry, seeks job in Oman.

Contact 90198210, Email : terinsam@gmail.com

Electrical Engr, female, B Tech (Elec), experienced in all LV/ HV systems, currently working, NOC available for local transfer. phone-92109335

Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885

Jordanian Mechanical Engineer, Expertise in Manufacturing, Design, Steel Work, AutoCad, SolidWork 3D. Nesting/ Plasma Cutting, Sales. Speaking English & Russian.

GSM#90198575/99201710

B.E in Mechanical Engineering with 2 years experience seeking for suitable job. Contact 919946739156 Email: ram332096@gmail.com

Indian fresher BE Mechanical engineer having work in project of design and development of biodiesel plant seeks immediate placement. At present on visit visa.

Mo- 96636035 email - ashishthanki14@gmail.com Electronics technician 20 years experience India, Saudi Arabia.

Contact 91969726 Mechanical Engineer 23 having knowledge in HVAC looking for suitable vacancy. Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibuman313@gmail.com Indian male Mechanical Engineer having 2+ years experience in releniery piping + equipment seeking suitable position. Contact: 94768977 Civil Engineer with 6 yrs experience in can satiny firms structural design and supervision also worked as materials engineer. Contact: 96086214 Indian male Civil Engineer with Engineer with 2 years experience in Building project is available currently on visit visa. Contact: 92841583 Tunisian Civil Eng, Graduated flam the University of Tunisia past experience supervised several projected in the Island of djerha in the capital Tunis I have good experience with consulting engineer and contractor now in Muscat. Contact: 94745527 Email: khereddianeb@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma holder having a 4 years experience seeking a suitable replacement. Contact: 98782698 Email: engr.rabiul007@gmail.com Mechanical and manufacturing Engineer , age 26 yrs masters ( Singapore) having 2 years Oman work experience with valid Oman driving license on visit visa available immediately.

Contact: 95498953 MEP foreman looking for a suitable position. Contact: 99526958 Indian BE (MECH) aviation BE degree diploma martial quality management 17 years Navy aviation 13 years construction purchase stored professional on visit. Contact: 90205082 /98796982 (BS Electronics) Electronics Engineer searching for job experience with Huawie & HNL as Intern in site maintenance. Contact: 91803545 A male Civil Engineer with 10 years experience (03 years in Oman) in building projects execution, billing, contractual correspondence & tendering of projects is available.

The interested person can Contact: 968 91320917 Indian male 24 years B.Tech computer science & Engg fresher, having valid Oman D/L fluent in English & Hindi, smart & dedicated to work seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97327551 / 99330159 Indian Mechanical Engineer with PG diploma in Quality & Management, 3 yrs experience seeks placement. Contact: 99493890 mail: subashpalamittam@hotmail.com B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience in HV AC and plumbing - nikhilchandpm@gmail. com ; GSM: 97654489

Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com

Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian male currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

B.Tech Electrical & electronics with 1 year experience seeking for suitable job. Contact: +91 949788348 Email: rakesh1.mohan@gmail.com Pakistani B.E (Chemical) Engineer having more than 02 years experience in process Industry seeks immediate placement in any industry at present on visit visa.

Contact: 94350586 / 97637840 Civil Engineer (B. Tech) Indian female, 2 yrs exp (1 yr in Oman) seeks suitable position. Contact: 93911895 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, Indian male, 29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF yres) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92789995, Email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Civil Engineer Indian male 10 yrs exp having Omani D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94194399 (shiblyrock@gmail.com) Mechanical Engineer, 2 yrs experience in Automobile services.

Contact 98182081 Indian Mechanical Engineer (QA/ QC) Engineer with 5 yrs of experience in oil & gas, mining & manufacturing sector, keyskills – NDT, Welding Inspection, Quality control, inspection etc. Contact 91176122, Email : khajanaseer07@yahoo.co.in Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com

Indian male 8 yrs experienced construction purchase seeks suitable placement with NOC. Contact 95621614

IT IT Engineer, 6 yrs exp in software projects & development (OCJA) on visit visa. Contact: 99487493 B.E (Computer) degree Engineer, complete schooling in Muscat, male, Indian with 1 yr experience needs job in software / networking / Java/ Web design or Marketing.

Contact 97136248 / 99313821

MEDICAL Male NURSE, FILIPINO, with MOH LICENSE and NOC. Contact: 94756418 email: rojiebrian.moral@yahoo.com Lecturer in nursing(MSc) specialized in OBG, 3 years experience, on visit visa, seeking teaching opportunities Contact:90125347 Veterinary Doctor with 10 yrs experience, looking for job.

Contact 92533579

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Project Program & Service Management Indian male looking for suitable placement having 15 years of experience. Contact : 9686678027 Email: dileepmnair@yahoo.com Supervisor fabrication. 30 years experienced in oil and gas industry with thorough knowledge of PDO procedures. contact 99365694, 92362946, 99208102 email: tapasroy21@yahoo . com Supervisor / Forman interior / electrical with Oman driving license.

Contact: 98767559

MISCELLANEOUS WELDER, TIG, ARC, 6G experienced in GCC PH :95068064 Upholsery / Sofa makers GCC well experienced, knows Hindi and Arabic ph :99506977 36 yrs, Indian, male, X Ray, Welder looking for job, 8 yrs experience in TIG & ARC Welding, presently on visit visa. # 91360190 / 91843992 Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com

PROJECTS EDUCATION M.A, B.Ed Indian female 27 yrs, looking suitable teaching profession having 2 years experience.

Contact 95838183 Email: manslyas916@gmail.com

IT 28 M, Indian, have done master degree in computer application, 2 years exp in Oman, looking suitable placement. Contact: 93295112 Email: syedsadathali.mca@gmail.com BE, ECE Mumbai university skills in C, C++, windows, linux, controller and processor RTOS, Electronics, Networking, 6 months experience in embedded software seeks placement. Contact : 917774864736 Email: sadatbtisekar@gmail.com SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry.

Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com Indian female, B.Tech, IT (now in Muscat on visit visa) with total 2 yrs experience (1.3 yrs in TCS, India) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 93949541 / 93738083, email : joantoms91@gmail.com

Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC, open for Sales & Marketing also.

Contact 95245057

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company to handle independently or suitable placement in good company with Oman D/L. Contact 93061107

SALES / MARKETING Post graduate 6+ yrs of experience in credit controller marketing looking for suitable job, valid Oman driving license, own car. NOC available.

Contact 95327018 Sales man, experienced , knows arabic , hindi ph : 99506977 Indian male Graduate with 2 yrs exp in sales advertising, presently on visiting visa looking for suitable opening. Contact: 95462921 Indian male, 2 yrs exp. in Sales with D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92055093

Nine years UAE experienced Graduate Indian male with valid UAE/ GCC, D/L on visit seeks sales / admin position. Contact: 98826959 Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 A male with 04 years experience & mobiles marketing in Oman & U.A.E available with own car (Camry 2012 model). Interested person can Contact : 968 98512523

B.com .5 yrs exp. of oman Looking for an Accounts job work, preferred to do from home. Well versed with TALLY Accounting software.

Contact 95482970 Pakistan Male: 24 years, M.Com Finance having 2.5 year experience as a accountant & marketing executive looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97670816, e.mail: naeem.ahsan68@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com Civil Engineer Indian 20 years experience (1 year in Oman) in management and construction seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91718976 , email : mdnaveed71@gmail.com

PGDM in Marketing & finance and specialization in SCM in Belgium University, 14 months experience in cooperative relations looking for suitable job. Contact: 92050773

Male, 32 years M.A. English M.Sc Psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experience in teaching present company is ready to issue release letter. Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com

MBA (Marketing and HR) Indian male looking for a suitable job 2 years experience in Oman with a valid GCC driving license Contact : 97353936 Email: shimithpg@gmail.com

Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact:- 95983711, join.mtmali@gmail.com

US, MBA, looking for job in Sales and Hospitality, 2 years experience in Oman with driving license and NOC Currently on notice period.

Contact: 95585345 Email: jobyisaac@gmail.com

ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position.

Iranian male, Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

Indian male with five years experience of call centre in customer service and sales looking for suitable position. Contact: 90198176

ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available, seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170

TOURS & TRAVELS Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India, looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast. pls contact 9470 5767 11 yrs experience in travel field B.Com, IATA, MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales reservation ticketing driving license & NOC available. Contact 92954613

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female, 25yrs Bsc nursing with MHA (Master of Hospital Administration) looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 25 November 2015.

Contact: 9951 3267, email: alinaelshaddai@gmail.com Chartered CIPD HR, MBA having 5+ years of experience in Oman and 7 years in GCC looking for job opportunities. Call 97728418 Store Supervisor or Site Supervisor .

Indian male 30 years age.

Looking for suitable placement in any reputed company. Having 5 years of gulf experience with good communication skills.

Willing to work in any GCC country.

Contact: 00968 97756269 , Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com

Indian-22 years Male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech, has done internships, born and brought up in Oman, with Omani Driving License, seeking suitable jobs. Contact 92791637.

E-mail: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com Civil Engineer Indian 20 years experience (1 year in Oman) in management and construction seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91718976 Male, 32 years M.A. English M.SC psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experiences in teaching present company is ready to issue release letter. Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Housemaid looking for job.

Cont : 95587492 Filipino (Male), 33 yrs/old, 9 yrs. experience in marine transportation (seaman/deck crew), & 3 yrs. in sales (electronic devices) currently on visit visa & looking for a suitable employment. GSM: 94750459 Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available #95253640 email-hareeshma24@yahoo.com 29 years femaile (MBA-Finance) with 4 + years experience (India & Oman) in administration & teaching seeking suitable placement in an established organization. # 96371655.

32 years Indian Male MSC, MBAHR having 7+yr Exp(HR and SAP operations) with Oman valid driving license, seeking suitable opening in Human Resource & Admin/backend jobs.Contact: 00968-99322978

Senior Accountant Indian male Graduate CA Articleship completed 18 years of experience currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement contact.97498809,93391910 Email.hilariankj@gmail.com

Light duty driver, 23yrs. Can speak Arabic, Hindi, Bangla and understand English. Release available.

Ph.92854775 / 93487450

Electrical Maintenance Engineer, 29, Indian Male, having 7+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact - 98440637. Mail ID : venkatbadri23@gmail.com

Iranian male. ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Land Surveyor experience 6 years in landscape , construction and roads for contact : 0096895244840, 0096899703488, e-mail: eng.amr_salama@yahoo.com Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering.Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/ 97357143

Indian male 22 years, Looking for suitable placement in Hardware and Networking field, 1 year exp. in india an have done training in al ameen computers. With good communication skill, Qualification is Diploma in Electronics and Communication.

Contact : - 95632209,95068075, Email- fairozhuded13@gmail.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science, diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience , dba oracle pl-sql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba, network, Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic.

Email:chastity643@gmail.com, Mob:91415886

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact 9719 4864 Having 9+ years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact:95983711.Join.mtmali@gmail.com Indian male 24 years,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 2 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482, Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Indian male 23 years, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482 Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Male, 32, having 7 years experience in New Car sales and rental. Currently working for one of the most reputed Brand in India is seeking a suitable change. Contact +91 9045232273 Looking for managerial post (full time ) ,More than Ten years of experience in Team Development ,Training ,Planing, Administration, Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics.

Contact 91076608 /+919048648108 NOC available Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 31 years, Looking for suitable placement in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 7 years of gulf experience in FASTENERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. Having a valid D/L. Contact: 00968 92480985, Email: fayubeig@gmail.com BRANCH-HEAD, MBA-BBA, Indian Male having experience in UAE, India, Oman total 5 years (including MNC), looking for similar or same openings.

NOC available. mobile: 92700670, email:catanalur131@gmail.com Accounts Head/Manager looking for job with Gulf Experience (NOC available). Contact : 94164650. email: msaleem.kr@gmail.com Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 31 years, looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 7 years of gulf experience in fasteners and building material. Having a valid driving license. Contact: 00968 92480985, Email: fayubeig@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. # 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864 Indian male MBA finance and marketing. Having 2 year experienced in accounting, looking for suitable job opportunities. Available on visit can join immediately. Cont: 94676974 Email: anfalruk@gmail.com SALES MANAGER (MECHANICAL ENGINEER)-Over 5 yrs in Oman, with experience in Industrial Products & Services with Noc & driving license looking for the challenging opportunities. Notice period Ends on 27th August -2015 . GSM - 95291830

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years, Looking for suitable placement in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 5 years of gulf experience in FASTENERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. with good communication skills.

Contact: 00968 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa. Seeking suitable placement. Contact no. 98045482 21 years, B. Com, graduate male ‘fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam with Driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact: 96799287 Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 97121525 24 years, ACCA affiliate, 2.5 years of experience in audit, finance in Big6 and oil industry, looking for suitable placement, NOC release available. Contact 95140445, Email: a.saran891@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer : Indian , male 23 years, 2 years experience, on visit visa . Seeking suitable placement. Contact : +968 91409712 , Email : nibin.nani@gmail.com

INDIAN MALE 24 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic).Having 2 years experience as Electrical Site Engineer in Constructions. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications.

Seeking for suitable placement in constructions or in any related industries. Contact no: 98045482/ mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Indian male, 29 yrs, B.Tech Electronics & Communication Eng. + diploma in SAP, 7 years professional experience, looking for a job in Oman / other GCC countries.

Contact: 0091 973 928 5790, Email: rahul.rn198@gmail.com Indian Female Lawyer having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman seeks placement in Legal/HR/ Admin etc. NOC available Contact-94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com Indian male MBA finance and marketing having 2 year experienced in accounting. Having good knowledge in Tally ERP and advanced excel.

Looking for suitable job opportunities. Available on visit visa can join immediately. Contact:94676974, Email : anfalruk@gmail.com Babar Ali Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, No need of Visa, already working in of the Omani Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

Indian Male, 37 Years , B Tech Graduate Electrical. Having 12 Years Experience of DCRP Works / Jobs in Oman with Driving License, Looking for an suitable opening, NOC Available. Contact – 92122338, Email saiviharvasanth@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED Male available for a part time accounting & admin job, Contact:99196621.

Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439 Masters in Information Systems and IT with more than 12 years experience seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 98502793, email:jobsrs6@gmail.com Indian Female, 25 years, M.Sc Electronics + Multimedia, having one year teaching experience in Government college in India, seeks suitable placement. Contact GSM 99367448 Advertising/media executive with 15 years gulf experience with oman driving license. Seeks good opening.

Contact 93031168 AutoCad Civil Draftsman – Having 3 years- experience, looking for a placement.(Full- time or Part time) 99627427 / 96154564.

Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping&Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

GSM: 97121525 Quantity Surveyor-MEP (Estimation/Project) ,Total 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman).

Having NOC & Oman D/L, Looking for suitable job, Contact - 97906551 Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years , looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 5 years of Gulf experience in FASTENERS and building material. with good communication skills. #97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.comIndian Indian male executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Indian Male 28 years MSM, B. Com having 6years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 97914340.

Email: rajkv30@gmail.com

Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/ accounts/admin dept.

Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com

Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail. com, GSM:97475860

B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post.

Mob:92758404 NOC Available.

Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill # 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll.

Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143 Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years inJcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. #93393768

Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs.

Contact: 98522914 DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703.

ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. Contact: 93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97792661 / 96229406 Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957 Indian Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com

Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949

Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. # 92887561, jubincivileng@gmail.com

Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99044292

B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. #97136248 / 99313821

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SIT.WANTED Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements.

Mob: 95360255 Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization.

Contact 9602 3965.

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse. Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com

WEBSITE

WEBSITE

Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94276449 MBA (Marketing /HR) with 45 years exp in business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa. Contact 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com

COMPUTER

Indian male 63 years have 30 years Muscat experience all office work sales business development insurance administration accounts with Oman driving license. # 99249412 Indian female LLB (Advocate) 2 years experience looking for suitable post legal advisor company secretary etc. # 93343190 / 94476387 Email: shafu1019@gmail.com Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792 Indian male 22 years ACCA affiliate , BSc, Graduate in applied accounting 2 months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / audit immediately.

Contact: 97378607 / 92558734

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

CLASSES

DRIVING

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D 58031_bala@yahoo.co.in

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

Indian male 26 , graduate in mechanical engineering having 2 years experience in fabrication production filed in India, looking for a suitable job. mobile: +968-91384621 EMAIL : rmekhil@hotmail.com Sr. Sales Executive, Indian Male, Holding Valid Oman DL. Total experience in Oman of 15 years with 4 years Rent a Car Co. experience.

Looking for Opportunities in any Industry for similar sales role.

GSM - 95703233 email id “khetani_r@yahoo.com

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

NRI

Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621 One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company.

Contact: Saleh : 96723485

An NRI wants to sell his properties, in Ernakulam (6 cent villa near Amrita hospital), Trivandrum (plot near Kowdiar Palace), Trivandrum (plot near Kumarapuram Jn.) and Pandalam (opposite Ayyappa temple by the side of MC road).

Please call: 94052733 or 94070407

INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic). Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications. Looking for HSE engineer job in Oil Gas Sector, constructions or in any related industries. Contact 98045482

Driver 5 years exp know English, Arabic,& Hindi Education B.A. Contact : 91615715 / 99512270

Indian male. M.com holder with two year working experience as an accountant in India. Now at Muscat on visiting visa. Seeks suitable placement. Gsm:96947500,99463120, :mohamedshafikk5@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854

SIT.WANTED Admission started in a private school, Darsait (Mount Zion Group of Institutions CBSE 1) for KG and grade 1 to 4 please register soonest.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938 *Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 General cleaning & Shampooing.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 / 99357908 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 All maintenance & repairs.

Contact Rizwan: 99429071, RMPM Trading.

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 A/C Technician, all refrigerator items, installation.

Contact: 92279370 Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units.

Contact: 98667326 General cleaning in buildings villas all types interior, exterior, polishing dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble etc. #94134784 / 98598280 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available. Contact: 99867456 Ruwi, Muttrah, Muscat, Al Khuwair & Qurum. Contact - 95415272 Driver with car. Contact: 94004667 Pick & drop anytime in Al Ghubra.

Contact: 97681599 Transport available in Ghala, Ruwi , Ghubra, Al Khuwair & Azaiba.

Contact: 91495819 Transportation. Contact 99664703 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914

A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Pick & Drop any time. #97014786

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T U E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

Sportage, 2013. Contact 99336093

Car for rent. Contact: 92516090

2000 model man prime mover excellent condition.

Contact: 99316151

Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016.

Contact: 97249449

2010 Toyota Yaris (Automatic) white expat driven.

Contact: 99737879

HONDA CR-V 2008, purchased 2009, 4WD, Full option, No.1 model, Cruise control, leather seats, Sun roof, 1,23,000KMS, OMR 5000/-, expat leaving, for sale at SOHAR, Contact Samuel 99108311

FOR HIRE Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

Diplomat used car for sale Toyota Corolla 2010 model, mileage 19,950/, price R.O 3500 /- (negotiable).

Contact: Mohamed Azgar 95751844 / 95863739

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093

Land Cruiser 2012.

Contact 99336093