Times of Oman - September 1, 2016

THURSDAY

September 1, 2016 28 Dhul Qa’ada 1437 AH

HM SENDS GREETINGS

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Andrej Kiska of the Slovak Republic 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 Slovak people. -ONA

On the occasion of the 14th National Day, 1984

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ We call upon all leaders of all nations - especially the Great Powers - to work seriously, and sincerely to lessen international tensions and to speed the solution of the problems from which humanity is suffering.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 162 | 36 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

CURB ON CAMPERS AT AL SHARQIYAH?

Staff Reporter

Views of local residents and tourism companies are being considered for an amicable solution

AL MUDHAIBI

SUR FIRE INCIDENT

2 policemen dead after patrol car collides with camel Times News Service MUSCAT: Two police officers were killed after their patrol car hit a camel, a reliable source at Royal Oman Police (ROP) said.

The accident took place in the

early hours of Wednesday in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, 166 km from Muscat.

The police officers, from the Wilayat of Yanqul, 256 km from Muscat, were found dead at the scene.

Plan to shift girl to Khoula today FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com

MORNING MINUTE

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Three month-long mid-day break ends

1

Mid-day breaks for workers officially ended yesterday, according to a ministry spokesman. The break was announced in accordance with Article 16 of occupational safety and health regulations. >A3

Dining to get cheaper at food joints without tourism tax FAHAD AL GADHANI RAHUL DAS

REGION

MARKET

16 killed in Yemen

Oman’s crude output

fahadnews@timesofoman.com rahuldas@timesofoman.com

2

3

MUSCAT: Eating your favourite pizzas or sandwiches will be cheaper beginning Thursday, as customers will no longer have to pay tourism taxes at sit-down and fast food restaurants and international coffee shops that do not fall under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), a senior official at the Ministry said on Wednesday.

Abdullah Al Hajri, Deputy General Director of administration affairs at the Ministry of Tourism, said customers previously paid a 4 per cent tourism tax for purchases at non-tourism restaurants and eateries.

“But they can’t charge this starting Thursday. For this, we are coordinating with the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) to monitor the market,” he said. >A6

16 members of a Yemeni mosque imam family were killed in an air strike. >A7

PDO is trying to raise its primary and secondary crude oil production. >B1

Turkey thanks Oman on Victory Day

A4

MINISTRY OF OIL AND GAS

Petrol prices up, diesel goes down REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Petrol, both regular and super will cost more in September compared to August, while diesel price has been reduced, according to the new prices announced by the Ministry of Oil and Gas on Wednesday.

In September, the cost of Super grade petrol is 170 baisas per litre, 161 baisas for Regular grade petrol and 176 baisas for diesel per litre.

In August, the cost of Super grade petrol was 166 baisas per litre, 156 baisas for Regular grade petrol and 178 baisas for diesel per litre. For the last three months, the diesel prices are going down in Oman.

“Government may be keeping the diesel price low to contain

MUSCAT: Bedouin tribes people have complained to the government about off road tourist groups disturbing their peace, prompting ministry officials to open discussions with them and tourist firms across the Sultanate.

The Ministry of Tourism,

keen to strike a balance between preserving habitat and encouraging tourism to the ancient Al Sharqiyah dunes, is considering the views of both tourism companies and local residents living near the dunes in the wake of recent complaints, an official at the ministry told the Times of Oman. >A6

SEPTEMBER PRICES Super grade

1 7 0 Regular

1 6 1 Diesel

1 7 6 Source: Ministry of Oil and Gas

Graphics

inflation. Diesel prices can influence the prices of other commodities, like vegetables and materials. If diesel prices are not kept low, the prices of commodities can go up,” Rajeev KR, a senior of-

ficial at Siraj Al Jazeera Projects, a fuel sales company in Oman, told Times of Oman.

Last Monday, Times of Oman reported that fuel prices may go up in September.

Globally, oil prices have surged dramatically in August as the Oil Production and Exporting Countries (OPEC) have hinted at a production freeze.

Robin Mills, a Middle East energy expert and author of ‘The Myth of the Oil Crisis’ and ‘Capturing Carbon’, had told Times of Oman that Oman will have to raise fuel prices further next month, given the appreciation in crude oil prices.

“I expect oil prices overall to rise somewhat during the rest of the year, but with ups and downs,” he had said in August.

MUSCAT: Gazal Mohammed, the four-year-old girl pulled from a burning car a week ago, opened her eyes yesterday when medics removed bandages, according to her uncle.

Little Gazal and her brother Sulaiman were hauled to safety by an Omani hero who saved the tod-

dlers from certain death after their family car caught fire in a Sur petrol station.

At around 10:30am yesterday, in Sur Hospital, Gazal showed tentative signs of recovery from the burn injuries she received, her uncle said, adding: “She has opened her eyes.” Mahmood Atiyah, added: “Thank God. The hospital will be transferring her today to Khoula Hospital.” >A6

Four-year-old Gazal Mohammed.

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T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY SHARE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

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S TAT I S T I C S

National Museum receives 7,113 visitors MUSCAT: More than 7,000 tourists visited the National Museum since its opening for the public from July 30 until August 30. The numbers stood at 7,113.

This included 2,188 male and female citizens comprising 30 per cent and 3,329 children and students, comprising 47 per cent.

A total of 976 residents in the Sultanate visited the museum comprising 14 per cent; 61 visitors from the GCC visited the museum comprising about 1 per cent; 399 visitors were from the tourists category comprising 6 per cent and 82 visitors from the special categories and the rest from other categories. The number of followers of the museum’s official pages in social media stood at 10,632. — ONA C O N S U LTAT I O N S

Meeting on maritime affairs held MUSCAT: Ministry of Transport and Communications held the 1st meeting of the Maritime Affairs Advisory Team.

Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications affirmed that the ministry looks forward to promoting the maritime transport sector through exchange of ideas and visions among all concerned parties.

Dr Rashid bin Mohammed Al Kiyumi, Director General of Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transport highlighted tasks of the advisory team and prerogatives of the ministry with respect to the vital sector. — ONA

OMAN

Mid-day break rule for workers in Oman ends Mid-day break was announced in accordance with Article 16 of occupational safety and health rules REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Mid-day breaks for workers in Oman officially ended yesterday, according to a ministry

spokesman The mid-day break was announced in accordance with Article 16 of occupational safety and health regulations, which state that workers must not work at

A3

construction sites or in open and elevated areas from 12:30pm to 3:30pm during the June 1 to August 31 period.

According to the ministry’s data uploaded on its official Twitter handle, the ministry fined 170 companies for violating rules from June 1 to July 10, during 1,376 inspections.

“The final data of violations for the three months is being tabulated. It will be made available soon,” the official said.

In 2015, 391 companies were warned by the ministry for violat-

ing the mid-day break rule for outdoor workers in Oman, which included 138 businesses in Amerat, 122 in Seeb, 98 in Bausher and 33 in Muttrah.

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

Meanwhile, Oman’s Meteorology Department said the temperature in Oman is hovering around 45 degrees Celsius.

ECONOMIC BOON

Shrimp-fishing season begins from today MUSCAT: Shrimp-fishing season will begin today in the coastal areas of the Sultanate and continue until the end of November 2016.

The three-month season has economic importance for artisanal fishermen in Governorates of Al Wusta, South A’Sharqiyah and Dhofar. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, represented by the Directorates General and Fisheries Administrations in these governorates have completed administrative and technical procedures and preparations, in addition to supervision measures for this season. — ONA

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T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6 I would like to congratulate wholeheartedly August 30 Victory Day of millions of our citizens who live in Turkey as well different countries around the world Uğur Doğan, Ambassador of Turkey to Oman

OMAN

Turkey vows to fight terror, thanks Oman on Victory Day

L O C AT E D I N S E E B

A’Soud Global School to open next week Times News Service

times. Following the heinous coup attempt on 15 July, perpetrated by the elements of the Fetullahist Terrorist OrganisationFETÖ which posed a grave threat to our country’s very existence.

Uğur Doğan, Ambassador of Turkey to Oman, recognised and praised His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said contributions

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Turkey will secure its borders and fight terrorism which has plagued the country’s security in the recent times, Uğur Doğan, Ambassador of Turkey to Oman said at the 94th Victory Day celebrations of his country, held yesterday. “Turkey is determined to take all necessary steps within both its boundaries as well as the neighbouring countries where the terrorist organisations are active in order to ensure the security of its citizens, without discriminat-

ing among the terrorist organisations,” Doğan said while reading a statement from Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey.

He also thanked the efforts of the Sultanate and recognised Oman as a friendly country, “I am honoured and privileged to welcome you all to the celebration of our 30th August Victory Day, in this friendly country of the Sultanate of Oman with which we are bound with strong ties of centuries old relationship of fraternity and cooperation.

“I would like to recognise and praise the valuable contributions

COMMEMORATION: Turkish ‘Victory Day’ or Zafer Bayramı is a

national holiday in Turkey held on August 30 to commemorate the victory in the Battle of Dumlupınar, one of the most significant battles in the Turkish War of Independence in 1922.

of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in this regard.”

Expresses solidarity Doğan further went onto speak about the troubled times in Tur-

key and thanked Oman and other countries which expressed solidarity with the nation.

“Our region and indeed our country have been going through extraordinary and turbulent

Friends, allies “Statements and messages of support and solidarity by our friends and allies, which so far surpassed 120 nations including Oman, were gratefully welcomed by Turkey.

“The continuation of the expression of solidarity, support and cooperation as well as visits by high level dignitaries to our country is more beneficial and necessary than usual not only for Turkey’s stability and security but by inference also for the countries of our region and beyond,” he further said Held at the Ambassador’s official residence, the event saw the presence of the Turkish military attaché and other embassy officials in Oman.

MUSCAT: Residents in Oman now will have option to admit their their children in a new international school which is set to open next week and will impart international education to both Omani and expat students.

The A’Soud Global School in Seeb will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and National Curriculum used in the United Kingdom, including Wales.

Initially, the school will cater to students from ages 3 to 12.

According to the chairman of the school Shailesh Dash, the school will provide quality education to students, along with extracurricular activities. He also mentioned that Oman needs more high-quality educational institutes at affordable prices. “There is a need for high quality international school in Oman, with better facilities and qualified teachers. “The market also requires more International baccalaureate (IB) schools.”

H I G H A C A D E M I C S TA N D A R D S

Bangladesh School Muscat sets new record in Edexcel exams

AS: Students excel.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Bangladesh School Muscat reported record breaking results in the latest International GCSE examinations, further cementing its high academic standards.

Students and staff at the school campus celebrated the outstanding results in their GCSE, AS and A-Level examinations for the Summer Session-2016.

The school was able to maintain high standards, with an overall pass percentage of 99.61 per cent.

There were jubilant scenes on the school campus as students, along with their proud parents, found out about the results on the notice board. A total of 118 A*s, 127 As, 136 Bs, 91 Cs and 29 Ds were secured by the students, who took the GCSE exam. 47 students, among 91 students of the Summer-2016 batch got A*s in different subjects.

Shifat Hossain, who bagged 8 A*s and 1 A grade in the GCSE examination, has achieved a new record in the history of the school.

“I feel blessed realising the

GCSE: Student set new record in the school’s history.

dream of my late father. I express my deep gratitude to all those who have supported and guided me, and that includes the Principal, the Director of Educational Affairs and my dear teachers. I am indebted to my mother who supported and strengthened me during all difficult times,” said Hossain.

She was closely followed by Muntaser Maruf Bhuiyan and Fazilatun Nisa, who scored 5 A*s and 1 A. Next on the merit roll are Tanjima Khanam Ema, Nusrat Jahan, and Syed Mohammed Mazin with 5 A*s to their credit.

Four A*s, along with other grades were achieved by Sayyida Tahmin, Neamul Islam, Jarin Tasnim, Sadia Binte Sekander, Abbas Uddin, Nayemul Islam and Israa Gabr.

Seven students scored 2 A*s and 3 As each, while six others got 3 A*s each with other grades in different subjects.

An analysis of the overall results showed that in International GCSE, 23 per cent A*s, 25 per cent As, 26 per cent Bs and 18 per cent C grades were bagged by the students, who appeared in 517

subjects. A total of 29 A*s and 19 A grades were reported bagged in Chemistry, 26 A*s and 23 A grades were scored in Physics, while 23 A*s and 19 A grades are scored in Bangla. These three subjects displayed the highest score sheets.

Inspirational “The results demonstrate how the school has provided inspiring teaching, learning and support, and our wards have worked extremely hard. They are now reaping the rewards for their efforts. Everyone involved can be very proud of their efforts and achievements as I am,” said Hasina Khanom, the proud mother of Shifat Hossain. In the International Advance Level (AS and A level) Examinations, 7 A*s and 28 A grades were obtained in aggregate. Nasir Hemed Khalfan got 2A*s 1 A, Samar El Sayed secured 2A*s 1 A grade, Nagat Gabr got 1 A* 2 As, making them the highest grade winners in the Science Stream of the A Level. In the Commerce Stream, Gulam Zilani scored 1 A* and 1 A grade and Fatema Ali scored 1 A* and 1 B grade.

Results were particularly strong in Chemistry and Mathematics at both the AS and A2 Levels. At the AS Level Chemistry 5A, 6B and 8C were achieved by the students, followed by 5A, 6B and 4C in Mathematics. In A-Level Mathematics, students excelled with 2A*, 3A and 4B. In terms of subjects, Accounting, Business Studies and Economics shone with 100 per cent success, both in the AS and ALevel Examinations. The Biology and Chemistry Department also excelled with a 100 per cent pass record in the A Level. Fine Arts students from AS Level also came out with an outstanding 100 per cent pass record.

A special meeting was convened, wherein Principal Lt-Col Mahmud Ul Alam lauded the hard work of the students in upholding the prestige of the school. He expressed his gratitude to the teachers for their sincere efforts on behalf of the Board of Directors and himself. “I congratulate my students and value their efforts in making us all proud. The remarkable thing about our students is

A2: Students achieve excellent results.

not just their excellent academic ability, but also all extra-curricular activities in which they take part, often achieving extremely high standards in fields, from sport and music to quiz and art. This is the result of diligence and team work. I thank my eminent faculty without any reservations,” he added.

The Director of Academic Affairs, Major Nasir Ahmed in his speech expressed a sense of achievement and delight at the students attaining such a brilliant results. Thanking all stakeholders for the result, he said, “The students have risen to the challenge of International GCSEs with commitment and determination and I am delighted that all their hard work has been rewarded today.

They really are renaissance students, who appreciate the importance of balance and the breadth of experience for a happy life. We are looking forward to the next stage of their educational journey.”

Members of the Board of Directors were also pleased with the result when it was submitted before the Board. Iftakher Ul Hasan

Chowdhury, the chairman of the Board, praised the students on their outstanding performance.

He also thanked the teachers whole heartedly for their dedicated service.

“While the school has maintained its record of a high overall pass percentage with top grades, it was the progress made by individuals that was most remarkable this year. It is very pleasing that exceptional progress reflected in these outcomes was not confined to the high achievers, but was enjoyed by students across all abilities.”

Delighted with the students’ success, Senior Section Head Rohana Kodikara said, “We are delighted that the improvement trend has been maintained. We emphasise on the attitude to learn, which has contributed to the students’ superb results. This has now put them in a good stead to stand out for higher studies.”

The head of departments and concerned teachers of different departments and section heads also expressed their unhindered joy and gratification.

EIS FESTIVITIES

Don’t indulge in dangerous acts during Eid Al Adha: ROP Times News Service MUSCAT: Omani nationals and residents have been warned by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) against indulging in dangerous behaviour ahead of the Eid Al Adha celebrations in a bid to prevent unwanted injuries and deaths.

During Eid Al Adha there are times that people’s celebrations are excessive, due to which they land into trouble or injure themselves and sometimes die because of taking wrong decisions.

The ROP has issued a warning as such behaviour has become commonplace in the Sultanate during this time, and therefore ROP plans to increase police patrols in congested areas.

“No doubt that during this holiday period there will be an increase in patrols in several areas that are heavily populated, such as places of worship, parks and gardens, including residential areas,” said the ROP. “We are also warning you against wrong and dangerous behaviour, most notably the promotion and use of fireworks,” added the ROP. Lighting fireworks is a common occurrence during Eid celebrations and considered the most dangerous. ROP stressed that individuals need to be socially responsible, considering the immense danger involved in lighting fireworks, especially for children, as fireworks can damage prop-

erty and become the source of a fire outbreak. During Eid Al Fitr celebrations last year, an Omani child was seriously injured by a firecracker that exploded in his hand while he was playing with it in Wilayat Nizwa. The child lost four fingers of his left hand.

His father Nasser Al Kindy said, “I ask the responsible authorities to intensify monitoring at the borders and prevent these fireworks from entering, as well as intensifying the punishment for those who attempt to smuggle it in.”

Drifting The ROP has said, “Drifting or demonstrating skills of a vehicle is a serious offense, which disregards public safety and road ethics. The ROP will take strict action against those who commit this act, to protect the community.”

“They will be imprisoned and will not be released until they are referred to a court and that is due to the seriousness of the act, which puts properties and lives in danger.”

It is a well known fact that speeding is the leading cause of accidents, injuries and deaths in the Sultanate and there can be never enough warnings from the ROP and several other authorities.

Excessive speeding leads to the driver losing his ability of antici-

pating the road situation, as well as losing control of the vehicle, which will increase the chances of an accident.

According to the new traffic law, Article (50/1) states that imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of OMR500 or either of the two punishments shall be awarded to those, who drive recklessly with excessive speed, without focus, or in a dangerous way, which can put someone’s life or property in danger.

“Every one of us wants to reach our destination in the shortest time possible, but as the expression goes ‘It’s better for you to be late than not there at all,’” ROP said.

Many families like to wind down and relax on beaches, swimming pools and wadis during the Eid holiday, which also gives them a chance to cool off from the sweltering heat.

However, many accidents have occurred where poor swimmers drowned or barely survived, while others got pulled out to sea due to riptides and strong currents.

“Some families, clubs and sports teams take advantage of the Eid holiday to organise group trips (to beaches), and drowning accidents are the most common occurrence, especially with children due to swimming in areas with strong currents and rough waves,” said ROP, adding that some people also don’t know how to swim.

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T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6 We were made to feel so welcome during our camping trip. I will never forget the smiles and offers of food and drink. It was like we knew each other for years Anne Fruchart, French national

OMAN

Oman 6th best in world for expats Inter Nations’ Expat Insider analysis shows that the Sultanate is ranked sixth globally as the friendliest country for expatriates

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman is the friendliest Arab nation for expatriates according to a 2016 survey report entitled ‘The World Through Expat Eyes’ published by Inter Nations’ Expat Insider.

The report is an in-depth analysis of everyday expat life in more than 60 countries. 14000 people from 174 nationalities and 194 countries or territories took part in the survey and had their say.

The Sultanate, as a result, ranked sixth globally as the friendliest country for expatriates and top all other Arab nations on the list.

Bahrain ranked 16 globally and

the second friendliest following Oman. United Arab Emirates ranked 31 globally while followed

by Qatar which ranked 61.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were ranked the least friendly country for expatriates taking on the 66 and 67 positions respectively.

Oman was sandwiched between Columbia in fifth and Philippines in seventh. Speaking to expatriates who either visited or currently

lives in the Sultanate, all agree with the survey. Marianne, a German resident, has lived here most of her life and currently works in the Sultanate said that the treatment and hospitality makes her feel at home.

“The people are very hospitable and welcoming. You are made to feel at home regardless of if you are just visiting or living here,” she said.

“You can easily make friends with the locals and a lot of expats that live here don’t actually want to leave back to their original country,” added Marianne.

Hussam Al Abbasi , a Bahraini tourist recently visited the country and was, according to him, astounded by the friendliness and the extent of help the Omani people provide. “Everyone here is so friendly and tried to help me as much as they can with directions, sites and scenes; some also gave me their phone numbers in case I needed anything,” said Hussam.

Anne Fruchart, from France, came to camp in Oman for the first time with her husband and Omani friends and enjoyed the basic treatment.

Oman friendliest Arab country for expats

A survey was conducted from February to March 2016 in which expats from all over the world took part. This graphic focuses on a single index of the study: Ease of Settling In. The results are expressed in a 67-country ranking in which Mexico came out on top but some GCC countries got unfavourable results such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Ease of settling in Index based on four topics

Feeling welcome

Friendliness

Finding friends

Language

1

Mexico

2

4

1

16

6

Philippines

18

7

10

7

11

OMAN

21

6

16

9

12

Bahrain

16

16

19

6

32

UAE

36

31

49

14

35

UK

26

42

43

26

36

Morocco

45

28

31

48

41

India

59

34

37

38

42

Egypt

56

37

33

42

61

Qatar

65

61

62

36

64

Switzerland

58

64

63

47

65

Denmark

64

60

67

50

66

Saudi Arabia

67

66

61

40

67

Kuwait

66

67

65

34

Source: The World Through Expat Eyes (Survey Report 2016), Internations

Graphics

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T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

OMAN OMR40.7m worth tenders awarded

MINISTER OF TOURISM

The tenders were given under the aegis

New Oman Tourism Law comes into force MUSCAT: An updated executive regulation for the Omani Tourism Law, which has been approved

by Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrzi, Minister of Tourism comes into force starting from Thursday.

The Regulation will be implemented in different tourism organisations, establishment and offices.

The approval of the updated executive regulation coincides with the plans and programmes associated with Oman Tourism Strategy 2040. The Minister of Tourism has earlier given instruction to form a committee to amend the old executive regulation for the tourism law, which has been issued in 2003 ; even before the establishment of the Ministry of Tourism.

The amendments come in a bid to keep pace with the changes witnessed by the Omani tourism sector by providing frameworks and standards that regularise the tourism activities, products and

services. The updated executive regulation aims at facilitating procedures and principles to develop encouraging strategies for SMEs, direct foreign investment at the Omani tourism sector together with the suitable penalties that ensure balance at the market.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Tourism his issued a circular to all Omani tourism organisations, establishments and offices to settle their conditions as per the updated executive regulation for the Tourism Law 39/2016 on June 9th 2016 within six months from the date this regulation comes in to force (from September 1st 2016 to the end of February 2017).

The circular has been published on the Ministry’s website www. omantourism.gov.om.

Establishment that will not abide by the laws and regulations will be subject to legal action against them. -ONA

of Dr. Rasheed bin A’Safi bin Khamis Al Huraibi, Chairman of the Tender Board

MUSCAT: Tenders worth OMR40,694,611 was awarded by yesterday at the 7th meeting of the year under the aegis of Dr. Rasheed bin A’Safi bin Khamis Al Huraibi, Chairman of the Tender Board.

Provision of the consultancy services for the preparation of the comprehensive construction strategy for the governorates in the Sultanate (OMR8,939,522).

Procurement of supplies for the medical labs and blood transfusion services at the Ministry of Health (OMR6,799,299).

Renewal of the lease contract for the building of the Ministry of Social Development (OMR 477,914). Renewal of the lease contract for the building of the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (OMR458,730).

Additional works for the appointment of a consultant to revise and prepare the possible claims for the consultant contract S A L A L A H F E S T I VA L

Festival ends SALALAH: A competition for Al Bara’a Art concluded on Tuesday at Al Murooj in the wilayat of Salalah, as part of the activities of Salalah Tourism Festival. The conclusion ceremony was organised under the auspices of advisor Abdullah bin Auqail Al Ibrahim, Deputy Governor of Dhofar in the presence of Sheikh Salim bin Aufait Al Shanfari, chairman of Dhofar Municipality, the chairman of the Organising Committee of Salalah Tourism Festival and a number of officials.—ONA

for Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport and other local airports (OMR422,095).

Renewal of the lease contract for the building of the Directorates of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (OMR367,200).

Additional works for the provision of food services to SQU students (OMR5,061,781).

Additional works for the civil works at Muscat International Airport (OMR4,861,616).

Additional works for the improvement of Khasab/Taibat coastal road in the Governorate of Musandam (OMR2,588,297).

Additional works for the provision of consultancy services for quantity surveying through secondment for Muscat International and Salalah Airports (OMR1,603,344).

Contracts for teaching and training staff for the Vocational Training Center in A’Seeb, the Governorate of Muscat

(OMR996,000). Contracts for teaching and training staff for the Fishermen Rehabilitation Institute in Shinas in the Governorate of North Al Batinah (OMR942,600).

Contracts for teaching and training staff for the Fishermen Rehabilitation Institute in Saham in the Governorate of North Al Batinah (OMR979,800.

Contracts for teaching and training staff for the Fishermen Rehabilitation Institute in Sur in the Governorate of South A’ Sharqiyah (OMR710,400).

Contracts for teaching and training staff for Vocational Training Center in Ibri in the Governorate of A’Dhahirah (OMR627,600).

Additional works for the operation of and maintenance of the above ground assets for the Public Authority for Electricity and Water in the Governorate of Al Wusta (OMR440,857).

Contracts for teaching and training staff for the Fishermen Rehabilitation Institute in Al Khaborah in the Governorate of North Al Batinah (OMR387,000).

Additional works for the provision of regular maintenance service with spare parts for the ultrasound and x-ray equipment in the Ministry of Health institutions (OMR386,159). -ONA

R I YA D H

Oman takes part in civil aviation event RIYADH: The Sultanate, represented by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), took part in the World Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in Riyadh yesterday.

Omani delegation was led

by Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Za’abi, CEO of PACA. During the conference, Dr. Al Za’abi delivered a speech on behalf of the Arab countries as he

is the Chairman of the Executive Council of Arab Civil Aviation Commission (ACAC).

In his speech, he touched on the strong cooperation between the Arab countries and other international organisations. He said the procedures taken by the Arab bloc to reduce the threats to the safety and security of civil aviation at the regional and international levels. -ONA

GOVERNMENT ORDER

< FROM

A1 ‘Violators to be penalised’ Any restaurants and fast food locations violating the law could face fines and legal actions, he warned. When contacted, owners of fast food and sit-down restaurants said they would comply with the government orders.

“Though we haven’t received a notice from the ministry, we will abide by the government’s rules,” an operation manager of an international fast food restaurant said in Oman. Consumers, however, voiced their approval. “This is a great relief for us, as we used to pay a lot of money for tourism taxes at fast food restaurants,” said Hussein Al Rahbi, a national based in Muscat.

Similarly, Mohammed Al Bal-

ushi, a citizen who lives with his wife in Muscat, also welcomed the news. “My wife and I work and find little time to cook breakfast and lunch. We depend on restaurants for at least one meal a day. I feel this is a good move, as most of the restaurants have nothing to do with tourism and, in the end, we the consumers have to pay the tax in the bills,” Al Balushi said.

Establishing a restaurant used to be difficult for businessmen, as they had to seek approvals from different government bodies, including MoT. But now, the ministry has made it clear that only tourism restaurants need to receive such

permissions. In another development, the MoT clarified that hotel visitors will have to pay a tourism tax of 12 per cent beginning September 1. “While 4 per cent will go to Ministry of Tourism, the remaining 8 per cent will be charged for hotel services,” according to the Ministry.

The updated regulations aim at improving procedures and putting in place guidance for the tourism sector. “The new amendment is also considered the first step towards developing the policies needed to improve the Omani tourism sector, side by side with the Omani Tourism Strategy Programme 2040,” said a spokesperson from MoT.

VENEZUELA

HM receives message MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said received a written message from President Nicolas Maduro of the Republic of Venezuela to attend the deliberations of Non-Aligned Movement’s 17th Summit in Margarita Island in Venezuela during September 17 and 18.

The message was received

by Sheikh Salim bin Suhail Al Ma’shani, Head of the International Organisations Department when he received yesterday Joseba Achutegui, Special Envoy of the Venezuelan Foreign Minister and non-resident ambassador of Venezuela to the Sultanate.

They discussed means of enhancing the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and exchanging viewpoints on a number of matters of common concern. -ONA SUR INCIDENT

< FROM

for A1 ‘Pray their fast recovery’ Gazal sustained 75 per cent burns after she and her brother Sulaiman were pulled from the burning car at a petrol station in Sur last Wednesday.

Rescuer Mohammed Al Hashmi had raced to the smoke-filled vehicle and single-handedly rescued both children after their father, who had left them to buy groceries, raised the alarm.

The boy, Sulaiman Mohammed, was transferred to Khoula hospital last Thursday.

Doctors at Khoula Hospital told the parents their son is getting better. Now it’s a waiting game to see if brave Gazal can win her battle of life.

Monitoring condition Khoula hospital’s specialists were monitoring Gazal’s condition on a daily basis and were waiting for her condition to improve in order to transfer her to Muscat.

“We are all happy that both children will be under the specialist burn unit in Khoula hospital. We thank everyone who prayed for them and ask them to pray more so Gazal and Sulaiman go back home to Sur to see their brother and sister,” said the uncle.

Mohammed Al Hashmi, the Omani hero who rescued two Jordanian children from a burning car at a fuel station in Sur, wants everyone to pray for the speedy recovery of the injured children.

“I did it without expecting anything in return. Almighty gave me the power to act at that moment.

Now, I don’t want any gifts, job offers or honouring. I only want everyone to pray for the injured children,” Al Hashmi told Times of Oman.

Al Hashmi has been honoured by petrol station bosses in Sur where his bravery saved the life of Sulaiman Mohammed, the threeyear-old boy, and his four-year-old sister Gazal Mohammed.

ADVENTURE TOURISM

< FROM

A1

Restrictions on visitors to affect tourism industry

The dunes are one of the major attractions in the Sultanate as thousands of campers flock to enjoy their beauty from October to March. However, tourism companies in Oman had expressed their concern recently as officials mull a draft restricting access to the tourist areas in Al Sharqiyah sands.

A committee of top officials is considering limiting the number of tourism areas in the governorate after they received complaints from local residents.

A number of experts expressed fear that such a decision could harm tourism activity in one of the most popular destinations in Oman. But the ministry said it is not only considering the tourism companies’ benefits, but also consulting local residents with regards to the draft.

“The ministry is keen to preserve the interests of all parties as it has displayed the draft at the Municipal Council in North Al Sharqiyah governorate to become familiar with the local residents’ perceptions,” the Tourism Minis-

try said in statement, adding that it is working along with Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) to serve the tourism sector in the Sultanate.

Ali Salem Al Hajri, chairman of OCCI in the North Al Sharqiyah governorate said he has been receiving complaints from a number of tourism firms about the draft.

He said the companies are not happy with the area limitation.

“The bedouins in Al Sharqiyah had complained about noisy tourists, who camp near their tents,” he said. Al Hajri agreed that such rules may affect the tourism industry in Oman. However, the draft has not yet been finalised and it will not come into effect in 2016, he added.

He also explained that it is vital to consult tourism companies before taking such decisions in order to reach a middle ground between the firms and the locals.

The draft illustrates a designated route for campers to keep them away from the grazing areas.

“This will provide business op-

portunities for the bedouins, such as selling traditional food and offering camel rides to tourists,” he stated.

Ali Al Jahdami, owner of a local tourism agency criticised the draft, saying it will result in a reduction in the numbers of adventure tourists in the area.

“This is contrary to the orientation of the government to promote tourism in the country,” Al Jahdami noted, adding that the locals had complained about campers, who set up their tents near the residential and grazing areas, which according to him, is considered a red line by tourism companies.

“Tourism companies set their camps around 50 kilometres away from the residential areas,” he said, adding that narrowing the tourism area will not satisfy the needs of tourists, who seek recreation and comfort. Another tourism agency owner said the ministry has only prohibited tourists from camping in the dunes near the residential areas, while the rest of the desert will be open for fun activities.

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REGION 16 members of cleric’s family killed in Yemen Missiles struck a house of the cleric, identified as Saleh Abu Zainah, in Saada, northern Yemen SANAA: At least 16 members of the extended family of a Yemeni mosque cleric were killed on Wednesday in an air strike on their family home in northern Yemen by the Saudi-led Arab coalition, a Reuters witness, a medic and a resident said.

It was the latest in a series of raids by the coalition, which is providing air support to Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in his fight against Houthis who have seized much of the country since 2014.

They said missiles struck a house of the cleric, identified as Saleh Abu Zainah, in Saada, the capital of Saada province in northern Yemen, home of the Houthi group.

DEADLY ATTACK: People search for victims under the rubble of houses destroyed by a Saudi-led air strike in the northwestern city of Saada, Yemen on Wednesday. – Reuters

The cleric, his family, his two sons and their families, all died in the attack, including at least four children, they said.

Pictures taken by a Reuters photographer showed men digging up the body of a child from under the rubble.

“The air raid happened in the morning and because the house was made of mud, it took us until noon to be able to dig the bodies out,” said Nayef, a resident who helped remove the rubble to re-

O P E R AT I O N E U P H R AT E S S H I E L D

Turkey wants to clear IS group from territory on Syrian border JARABLUS (SYRIA): Turkey wants to clear IS group from a 90km (56 mile) stretch of territory on the Syrian side of its border, an official said on Wednesday, a week after launching an incursion that has strained ties with the United States.

Operation “Euphrates Shield”, in which Turkish troops and tanks entered Syria in support of rebels for the first time, began on August 24 with the swift capture of Jarablus, a town a few km (miles) inside Syria that was held by IS. Turkish-backed rebels patrolled the town on motorbikes on Wednesday as children played in dusty alleys. The bulk of Turkish-backed forces have since moved further south into territory held by militias loyal to the Kurdish-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition supported by Washington in its bid to defeat the militants.

Turkish clashes with SDF loyalists have alarmed the United States, which has described the Turkish action as “unacceptable” because it hindered the battle against IS. But Turkey, which is fighting a Kurdish insurgency at home, says that, while it remains intent on clearing militants from its border region, it also wants to prevent Kurdish militias from seizing territory in their wake.

Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the goal was to drive IS from a 90km strip of land along the border with Turkey, which has been buffeted by a spate of bombings blamed on the group that have killed scores of people. “Starting from Jarablus, the cleansing of this region is our priority,” Kalin told a news briefing. “We have already cleansed 400 square km successfully.”

Turkey has long said it wants a “buffer zone” in the area, although it has not used the term during this incursion. As well as driving out the ultra-hardline militants, it also wants to prevent Kurdish forces taking territory that will let them join up cantons they control in northeast and northwest Syria.

Turkey frets that seizing such a broad swathe of territory could embolden the Kurdish PKK insurgents on Turkish soil. US officials on Tuesday welcomed what appeared to be a pause in fighting between Turkish forces and rival militias, after days when the border area reverberated with Turkish warplanes roaring overhead into Syria and artillery pounded Syrian sites, saying it was hitting Kurdish fighters.

PATROLLING: Members of

Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) in the border town of Jarablus in Syria, on Wednesday. – Reuters

On Wednesday only the occasional thud of explosions in the distance was audible along the Turkish frontier.

But Ankara has denied statements from Kurdish fighters in Syria that a temporary truce had been agreed, saying it would not make any pact with the Kurdish YPG militia, a powerful force in the SDF coalition, when it considers it a terrorist body.

“The Turkish Republic is a sovereign state, a legitimate state.

It cannot be equated with a terrorist organisation,” EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik told staterun Anadolu news agency, adding this meant there could be no “agreement between the two”.

Turkey has demanded that the YPG cross the Euphrates river into a Kurdish-controlled canton in Syria’s northeast. US officials have threatened to withdraw backing for the YPG if it did not meet that demand, but have said that the Kurdish group has mostly done so.

Turkey’s EU affairs minister said some Kurdish fighters were still on the western side and called that “unacceptable.”

Eager to avoid more clashes between Turkey and US-backed Syrian fighters, the Pentagon said the US-led coalition against IS was establishing communications channels to better coordinate in a “crowded battlespace” in Syria.

As well as battling IS in Syria, Turkey has been rounding up suspected militants at home. Interior Minister Efkan Ala said the authorities had arrested 865 people since the start of 2016, more than half of them foreigners, preventing them crossing through Turkey’s long border with Syria and Iraq. — Reuters

cover the bodies. A medic said rescue workers were concerned about fresh air strikes when they arrived at the scene and found aircraft still hovering overhead.

It was at least the fourth strike by the Saudi-led coalition to hit a civilian target since UN-sponsored peace talks between the Houthis and their General People’s Congress party allies on one side and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government ended without an agreement earlier this month.

The United Nations human rights office called on August 25 for more light to be shed on the Saudi-led coalition air strikes in Yemen and for violations including attacks on protected sites like hospitals to be punished.

Coalition air strikes were responsible for some 60 per cent of the civilians killed since march 2015, a report said.

At least 10,000 people have been killed overall in Yemen’s 18-month-old civil war, the UN said on Tuesday, approaching double the estimates of more than 6,000 cited by officials and aid workers for much of 2016.

New push for peace UN Yemen envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that he would resume consultations with the parties to the conflict in a bid to take advantage of a new push for peace agreed by United States, Gulf Arab states and the UN earlier this month. “My priority will be to gain a re-commitment from all sides to the cessation of hostilities,” he said. “The escalation in fighting has led to tragic and unnecessary civilian deaths, casualties and a worsening of humanitarian suffering.” — Reuters

RAID

Tunisia police kill two militants TUNISIA: Tunisian police killed two militants on Wednesday and seized arms and an explosive belt prepared for suicide attacks during a dawn raid in a central province, the interior ministry said.

“A security operation carried out this morning, in Karma town, was a preventive assault against two terrorists planning attacks in the region,” the ministry said in a statement. It said weapons, a sui-

cide belt and other material was seized in the house.

A civilian was also killed in clashes between police and the two suspects during the raid, a security source said.

On Monday, three soldiers were killed and 8 wounded in an ambush by militants using landmines, rockets and gunfire on a military patrol in a remote mountain area near to Kasserine. — Reuters

A8

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

INDIA Kerry shares US’ view on developments in region The US Secretary of State in his speech at an event, had asked Pakistan to do more work towards clearing the terror sanctuaries and push harder against ‘indigenous groups’ operating

PARLEYS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US Secretary of State John Kerry at a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

from its soil

NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shared with him US’ perspective on developments in the region and beyond.

Kerry, along with US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, also discussed progress in bilateral

engagement since Prime Minister’s visit to US in June 2016 apart from briefing him on the 2nd India-US Strategic & Commercial Dialogue that concluded on Tuesday, according to a PMO release.

“Secretary Kerry also shared US perspective on developments in the region and beyond with prime minister,” it said.

The US Secretary of State, Tuesday as well as Wednesday in

his speech at an event, had asked Pakistan to do more work towards clearing the terror sanctuaries and push harder against “indigenous groups” operating from its soil that are affecting ties with India and Afghanistan’s peace and stability.

“Prime Minister conveyed satisfaction at the expanded and strengthened strategic partnership between India and the US

over the past two years that has opened up new vistas for collaboration. He conveyed that he looked forward to rapid progress and successful completion of the decisions taken with President Obama at the Summit Meeting in June,” the PMO said.

Modi also conveyed that he looked forward to meeting President Obama at the G-20 Summit in Hangzhou, China. Tweeting on

his meeting, Modi said, “Glad to meet you, Secretary @JohnKerry.

We had fruitful discussions on India-USA ties.” Kerry had earlier tweeted: “Pleased to sit down with @narendramodi, reflect on successful S&CD and our ever- deepening relationship with #India.”

Kerry on Wednesday postponed his departure from India by at least two days, prompting speculation about the reasons for the sudden decision. Kerry, whose official engagements here ended with a call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday afternoon, was scheduled to leave at 5.30pm.

However, he may now leave either on Friday or Saturday for China where he will join President Barack Obama for the G-20 Summit. Deputy Spokesperson in State Department Mark Toner, who is travelling with Kerry, said, the visit has been extended to enable him to travel to China for G-20 Summit this weekend.

“Kerry would now remain in the Indian capital until Friday or Saturday, when he will leave for the summit in Hangzhou. Kerry’s schedule for his remaining time in India is still to be determined,” Toner told the accompanying media. - PTI

ECONOMY

Indian growth slows sharply in June quarter NEW DELHI: India’s economic growth slowed sharply in the June quarter, putting the government’s target further out of reach and raising concerns that Asia’s thirdlargest economy will create too few jobs for a burgeoning workforce.

Figures released by the Statistics Office on Wednesday showed Gross Domestic Product ( GDP) grew by 7.1 per cent in the June quarter, the weakest in five quarters and down from 7.9 per cent in the preceding three months.

And, while India retained the title of the world’s fastest-growing large economy ahead of China, the outturn was well below the 7.6 per cent growth forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll.

Growth was dragged down by a contraction in mining and a sluggish farm sector.

“This number is much, much below the market expectation,” said Devendra Kumar Pant, chief economist at India Ratings and Research. Pant added that would make it hard to meet the government’s goal of 8 per cent in the current fiscal year.

Although India is outpacing China, growth needs to approach double digits to generate the jobs that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to the millions of Indians joining the workforce each year. - Reuters

HONOUR

Bezwada Wilson, T. M. Krishna receive Ramon Magsaysay Award MANILA: Two Indians — Carnatic singer T. M. Krishna and prolific campaigner for eradication of manual scavenging Bezwada Wilson — were among six persons who were on Wednesday awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay prize for 2016.

Wilson, 50, the national convenor of the Safai Karmachari Andolan, was awarded for “asserting the inalienable right to a life of

human dignity” while 40-year-old Krishna was conferred the award under the ‘Emergent Leadership’ category for bringing “social inclusiveness in culture”.

Four others who received the award are — Conchita Carpio-Morales of the Philippines, Dompet Dhuafa of Indonesia, Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and ‘Vientiane Rescue’ of Laos.

The Manila-based award, named

after a Filipino president killed in an aircraft crash, was set up in 1957 to honour people and groups tackling development problems. This award is considered as Asia’s Nobel Prize. Winners received a certificate, a medallion and a cash prize.

Krishna has been hailed in the citation as “showing that music can indeed be a deeply transformative force in personal lives and society itself.” Born to a privi-

leged Brahmin family in Chennai, he was trained from the age of six in the aristocratic Carnatic music under masters of the form.

“In electing Thodur Madabusi Krishna to receive the 2016 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership, the board of trustees recognises his forceful commitment as artist and advocate to art’s power to heal India’s deep social divisions, breaking barriers

of caste and class to unleash what music has to offer not just for some but for all,” the citation said.

Wilson, who was born to a Dalit family, said no human being should be subjected to the inhuman practice of manual scavenging.

Wilson has spent 32 years on his “crusade, leading not only with a sense of moral outrage but also with remarkable skills in mass organising, and working within In-

dia’s complex legal system.”

“In electing Bezwada Wilson to receive the 2016 Ramon Magsaysay Award, the board of trustees recognises his moral energy and prodigious skill in leading a grassroots movement to eradicate the degrading servitude of manual scavenging in India, reclaiming for the Dalits the human dignity that is their natural birthright,” the citation said. - PTI

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

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Regional energy projects to help boost economy Initial talks have got under way between the two countries to finalise the Tifa to help trade, economy and investment

BILATERAL TRADE: Calling Pakistan a best customer, US Assis-

grow in Pakistan

tant Trade Representative for South Asia Michael J Delaney said Islamabad and Washington had a good relationship with bilateral trade standing at $5.5 billion per year. – Express Tribune file photo

ISLAMABAD: Regional energy projects would help Pakistan’s economy grow and stimulate investment in the country, said US Assistant Trade Representative for South Asia Michael J Delaney.

“Pakistan has energy problem and regional projects like Tapi (gas pipeline) and Casa (power supply) will grow trade, economy and investment,” Delaney said while talking to journalists on Tuesday. “Energy issues were an impediment to trade in Pakistan.”

Responding to a question on liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade between Pakistan and the US, he said, “We generally try to improve and ease trade in all products; the best thing is to remove all barriers to bilateral trade; in principle, we aim to remove all market access barriers to grow trade between the two countries.”

Initial talks have got under way between the two countries to finalise the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) to help trade, economy and investment grow in Pakistan.

“Our main purpose in Tifa is to increase trade and investment

and resolve issues which block further growth; it is a technicallevel discussion, the point is very simple which is how to grow trade, economic relations and investment,” he said.

Calling Pakistan a best customer, Delaney said Islamabad and Washington had a good relationship with bilateral trade standing at $5.5 billion per year.

However, “it is just a fraction of the potential, so we aim to grow these numbers and we have preliminary dialogue regarding the upcoming Tifa meeting this year before (presidential) election (in the US in November),” he added.

He pointed to a major fall in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan in recent years and blamed several factors. One may be the security perception which the government is addressing by taking different steps.

“We are hoping for further improvement; Pakistan government is focusing on World Bank’s Doing Business Index (but) a number of things are more difficult to deal with,” he said.

He was of the view that tariffs

were higher in Pakistan and cited the 14.5 per cent applied tariff, which was higher than the US. “Higher tariffs, impediments to FDI and SROs (statutory regulatory orders) are trade-hindering steps that need to be phased out.”

Referring to the plan of establishing free economic zones in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), the trade representative said the concept was developed several years ago but approval of the US Congress could not be taken.

The US was no longer pursuing the Regional Opportunity Zones (ROZ) project as a number of them were in the tribal areas, he added.

Delaney called for bringing down trade and investment barriers including the intellectual property laws and their enforcement.

“Tax dispute is very common here and there is a lack of transparency in the dispute resolution process,” he said, adding the US would like to see stronger intellectual property laws and their implementation. - Express Tribune

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PAKISTAN TA L I B A N S O U R C E

‘Hostage video aimed at pressuring Afghan government over militant case’ PESHAWAR: The release of a video showing a US and a Canadian citizen held hostage by the Taliban is designed to pressure the Afghan government not to impose the death sentence on the son of a feared militant leader, a Taliban source said on Wednesday.

US and Canadian officials have said they are aware of the video of Caitlan Coleman, a US citizen and her Canadian husband, Joshua Boyle, who were kidnapped in 2012 while on a backpacking trip.

A State Department spokesman said on Tuesday the validity of the video was being studied but offered no further comment.

According to a senior member of the Taliban, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the timing of the release was aimed at pressuring the Afghan government not to execute Anas Haqqani, son of Jalaluddin Haqqani, founder of the feared Haqqani network.

Anas Haqqani is currently on trial in Afghanistan and faces the death sentence. Afghan media reported on Tuesday that he had probably been sentenced to death in a preliminary procedure that is not public but there has been no official confirmation or comment.

The preliminary ruling would not in any case be definitive until

a final verdict in the case is issued.

“The process is ongoing, we can’t comment,” an official at the attorney general’s office said.

Taliban sources said the couple were being held by the Haqqanis, a militant group affiliated with the Taliban that is known for kidnappings and high profile attacks in cities like Kabul.

In the video, both Boyle and Coleman, who was pregnant at the time and has given birth to two children while in captivity, are shown asking their governments to pressure the Afghan government to stop executing prisoners. - Reuters

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WORLD North executes vice premier for education: South Korea South’s comments follow a news report on Tuesday that the North had executed two high-ranking officials for disobeying leader Kim Jong Un. Kim Yong Jin was promoted to vice premier in 2012 after serving as education minister, according to a South Korean government database on key officials of the North. Army general Kim Yong Chol headed the North Korean intelligence agency before taking his current position this year.

Kim Yong Chol, the influential head of the North’s United Front Department which handles interKorean relations, was made to undergo ‘revolutionary measures’

SEOUL: North Korea has executed its vice premier for education and rebuked two high-ranking officials, South Korea said on Wednesday, which, if true, would mark a new series of measures by leader Kim Jong Un to discipline top aides.

Kim took power in 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, and his consolidation of power has included purges and executions of top officials, South Korean

HARSH PUNISHMENT: A TV screen showing a file image of Kim Yong Jin, second from left, a vice premier on education affairs in North Korea’s cabinet, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, second from right, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday. – AP/PTI

officials have said. South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee said the government had confirmed the execution of the education official, Kim Yong Jin, “through various channels” but declined to provide details.

Kim Yong Chol, the influential head of the North’s United Front Department which handles interKorean relations, was made to undergo “revolutionary measures,”

Jeong told a briefing. Another ruling party official in the propaganda department was also reprimanded, Jeong said.

It is difficult to independently verify news about top officials in the North or the inner circle around the leader. Some previous reports of executions and purges in the reclusive state have proven inaccurate.

Vice Premier Kim Yong Jin was

executed for not keeping his posture upright at a public event, a South Korean government official later told Reuters. Kim Yong Chol was punished for his overbearing demeanour, the official added, but gave no details. The execution, by firing squad, took place in July and Kim Yong Chol was re-educated at a rural farm for a month until mid-August, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency said. The

New purges News of the reclusive state’s new purges comes after the South said North Korea’s deputy ambassador in London had defected and arrived in the South with his family, dealing an embarrassing blow to Kim’s regime.

North Korea rarely announces purges or executions, although state media confirmed the 2012 execution of Kim’s uncle, Jang Song Thaek, widely considered the country’s second most powerful man, for factionalism and crimes damaging to the economy.

A former defence minister, Hyun Yong Chol, is also believed to have been executed last year for treason, according to the South’s spy agency. — Reuters

$350,000 THEFT

Thailand seeks Russian over ATM heists BANGKOK: Thai police investigators on Wednesday said they are seeking a Russian man suspected of using malware to withdraw $350,000 from dozens of cash machines across the country.

Police earlier said a group of foreign hackers made off with around 12 million baht ($346,420) by inserting cards installed with malware into at least 18 cash machines run by Thailand’s state-run Government Savings Bank in July.

Similar attacks It follows similar attacks in Taiwan in July, which saw thieves withdraw more than $2 million from First Bank ATMs, and is part of growing attacks on ATMs across Asia. “We have a warrant for a 29-year-old man from Russia but from our investigations at least another two are involved,” Thai Police General Panya Mamen told reporters.

“He travelled from Beijing, China, and came to Thailand on July 14 and withdrew money in ATMs in Phuket and Bangkok, altogether in 18 locations, before flying out to Moscow,” said Panya, adding that police have not yet arrested the suspect.

The Government Savings Bank said customers’ money was not affected by the thefts. — Reuters

WA R O N D RU G S I N P H I L I P P I N E

Obama must listen to me on human rights, says Duterte MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he was ready to discuss any issues with Barack Obama when they meet in Laos next week, but added that the US president must listen to him first before bringing up the question of human rights.

Washington has expressed concern about a surge in drug-related killings since Duterte became president two months ago promising to wipe out narcotics in the Southeast Asian nation.

Asked if he would be willing to discuss human rights at his meeting with Obama on the sidelines of an East Asia summit on September 6, Duterte told reporters: “Depends to what degree. “They must understand the problem first before we talk about human rights. I would

insist, listen to me: this is what the problem is, then we can talk.”

In a statement, the foreign ministry said the meeting would be an opportunity for the president to “communicate his advocacy to improve the peace and order situation in the country, especially towards eradicating the scourge of illicit drugs”.

Police data released on Tuesday showed that the number of drugrelated killings since Duterte took office now stands at around 2,000, nearly half of them in police operations and the rest in shootings by unidentified gunmen.

Duterte has been unapologetic over unleashing the police on drug users and dealers and has responded robustly to criticism from the United Nations and other coun-

tries over his campaign. Recently he lashed out at Washington’s ambassador to the Philippines.

The White House said on Monday that Obama would raise concerns about some of Duterte’s recent statements when the two meet. However, it said there were also important security issues for the two closely allied countries to discuss, particularly tension over navigation in the South China Sea. China has been incensed by a ruling against its claims in the South China Sea by an international court, a case initiated by Manila.

The two leaders were expected to discuss ways to strengthen the security alliance after Manila allowed the US military to rotate its forces in five local air and army bases, foreign ministry

spokesman Charles Jose said.

Meanwhile, Duterte on Wednesday welcomed home more than 100 Filipinos abandoned in desert camps in Saudi Arabia with a warning - don’t do drugs.

“Avoid drugs at all cost because it could cost your life too,” Duterte told the workers after an almost 10-hour flight from Dammam.

Migrant oil and construction workers, abandoned in their thousands by Saudi employers during the kingdom’s economic slump, are fighting to claim back wages and benefits. “I lost my job so my children were forced to drop out of college and they were mad at me but what can I do?” Ronie Surilla, 47, a construction worker living for almost a decade in Saudi Arabia, told Reuters. — Reuters

TOUGH STAND: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the Ninoy

Aquino International Airport in Manila, on Wednesday. – Reuters

C E N T R A L A S I A N S TAT E

Uzbek leader recovering from brain haemorrhage: Daughter ALMATY: Uzbek President Islam Karimov’s daughter said on Wednesday that her father, who has run the Central Asian state with authoritarian style for 27 years, was recovering from a brain haemorrhage, countering speculation that he had died.

In an Instagram message, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva - the leader’s younger daughter who gave details of her father’s illness earlier this week - thanked well-wishers for their support, saying this was helping her father’s recovery.

The Tashkent government has made no statement since saying on Sunday that the 78-year-old Karimov, who has no obvious successor, was in hospital.

His daughter, the younger of two, issued her message after reports in some media that he had died. Karimov took over at the helm of the then ruling communist party in 1989 and hung on to power when Uzbekistan became independent of the Soviet Union in 1991. He has ruled Uzbekistan, Central Asia’s most populous state with 32 million people, with an iron fist since, showing little tolerance of internal dissent.

He has presented himself as a bulwark of stability in a country situated on the northern borders of Afghanistan which controls vast reserves of gold, oil, gas and cotton and is criss-crossed by ethnic fault lines.

But his frequent warnings that he holds the line against a militant threat to the region have won quiet approval from Russia and the West, despite Western unease over his tight policies at home.

Though the government had no new statement on his condition on Wednesday, it cancelled an event which used to take place an-

RECUPERATING: Uzbek President Islam Karimov seen at the Pal-

ace of Forums in Samarkand, Uzbekistan In this file photo taken on November 1, 2015. – AP/PTI

nually at which Karimov met the public to commemorate victims of Soviet-era repressions.

It also cancelled a concert for senior officials and diplomats which used to take place every year on the eve of Independence Day, which Uzbekistan marks on Thursday, September 1, a diplomatic source told Reuters.

Tashkent city authorities said they would press ahead with Thursday festivities for the wider public, although they were putting off evening fireworks because of a football game between Uzbekistan and Syria national teams. It was unclear whether someone would deliver a commemorative speech later on Wednesday in Karimov’s place - the choice of speaker could identify a likely successor. Karimov has no sons, who might have been regarded as heirs apparent in the patriarchal culture. His elder daughter, Gulnara, has not appeared in public since several media reported in 2014 that she had been placed under house arrest.

State television ran its regular entertainment programming including feature films and quiz shows and the streets of the capital on Wednesday were peaceful with no signs of increased security presence.

Ordinary Uzbeks mostly wished Karimov a speedy recovery when they spoke to the press.

“We are really worried since we had heard that our president has fallen ill. We wish him long life”, said Gulbadanbegim, a medical college graduate.

“We are celebrating the 25th anniversary of our independence to which his contribution was great. We wish him quick recovery and never to fall ill.”

But privately, some said people were gripped by fear and uncertainty. “My wife says no one knows what is going on and people do not ask each other (about any news on Karimov),” said a Kazakh man whose Uzbek wife was with her family in Uzbekistan.

“She says she’s afraid to discuss this even with her mom.”. — Reuters

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

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Austerity bites as Qatar faces $12.8b budget deficit An economic adviser to the government, who also asked to remain anonymous as he is not authorised to speak publicly, said there was a freeze on recruitment in some government departments and more scrutiny on spending.

He said reducing inefficiencies, while painful, would benefit the state in the long run, even once oil prices rebounded.

Many Qataris are drawn to public-sector positions which typically involve more favourable working hours and better salaries and benefits than private companies.

It is not yet clear how successful the efficiency drive has been, although in the 2016 budget “minor capital expenditure”, an area of discretionary spending that traditionally includes smaller building projects such as refurbishments, fell by 70 per cent year-on-year.

The decline in state energy income comes at a time when Doha is pursuing a $200 billion infrastructure upgrade for the 2022 soccer World Cup and building ports and hospitals, squeezing finances and leading to budget cuts SHARP CUTS: A view shows buildings at the Doha Corniche, Qatar on Tuesday. A merger of several

DOHA: Fly economy class, share an office, cancel journal subscriptions: these are some of the requests being put to government employees in Qatar, as low energy prices force austerity even among the world’s wealthiest citizens.

With huge offshore gas reserves, a small population and billions of dollars of foreign assets, Qatar has weathered the global oil price slump since mid-2014 better than many of its Gulf Arab neighbours.

But the decline in state energy income comes at a time when Doha is pursuing a $200 billion infrastructure upgrade for the 2022 soccer World Cup and building ports and hospitals, squeezing finances and leading to budget cuts.

The foreign workers who make up the bulk of Qatar’s 2.3 million population have borne the brunt of cutbacks; thousands have lost their jobs as the government has sought to shield its citizens from the impact of austerity.

But the world’s top liquefied

ministries early this year entailed sharp cuts in “discretionary” spending, according to three government ministry officials. - Reuters

natural gas exporter faces a $12.8 billion budget deficit this year, its first deficit in over a decade, and has halved its forecasts for economic growth. Now even the 300,000 citizens of the world’s richest nation per citizen are feeling the pinch in a shake-up of state entities, which employ about nine out of 10 Qatari workers.

Warned “Your responsibility in light of the falling oil prices is bigger,” Qatar’s Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said in a November speech that warned against “waste and extravagance”, and said the state could no longer “provide for everything” as the country diversifies its economy away from oil and gas.

The austerity measures may be light compared with those felt by expatriate workers and poorer

energy-producing countries, but they have nevertheless unnerved some locals for whom affluence and stellar economic growth have been the norm.

A merger of several ministries early this year did not affect the salaries or benefits of Qataris — which are still viewed as sacrosanct — but did entail sharp cuts in “discretionary” spending, according to three government ministry officials.

“We stopped receiving a daily paper,” said one of the officials, who said colleagues had been encouraged not to fly business class and to cut back on trips abroad for overseas conferences.

“Journal subscriptions were cancelled. Some who had their own offices were moved into shared offices.”

The economy, finance and labour ministries did not respond to

A1 1

requests for comment.

Another official, from the labour ministry, said as a result of the merger hundreds of Qatari government employees had been left with no work since January as the government scrambled to find them new positions while continuing to pay their salaries.

Staff in the labour ministry were told that travelling abroad for further education while working for the government — an appealing aspect of the job for many Qataris — was now limited to those pursuing technical or vocational degrees, the official said.

He and the other officials declined to be named as they are not authorised to speak publicly.

Qatari authorities say the oil price slump provides an opportunity to curb the excesses of government agencies that have been plagued by inefficiencies for years.

Expenditure Salaries account for 50 billion riyals ($13.7 billion) — about a quarter — of Qatar’s expenditure.

Previous austerity steps in Qatar, such as utility bill rises in late 2015 and a reduction in fuel subsidies earlier this year, have fallen hardest on poorly paid foreign construction workers — as will a 5 per cent sales tax on consumer goods and services planned for 2018. This trend risks increasingly polarising the country between wealthy Qataris at the top and Asian blue-collar workers at the bottom.

However Syed Bashar, a former economist with Qatar’s central bank, said Qatari workers could increasingly feel the weight of austerity as the government targets state entities to narrow the deficit.

“The government will not be able to provide the vast majority of Qatari jobs indefinitely,” he added. “Nor can it guarantee that salaries keep rising as they did.

This will be upsetting for some nationals.” - Reuters

REMARKS

No military solution to South China Sea dispute, says Kerry NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State John Kerry called on Wednesday on China and the Philippines to abide by an international tribunal’s decision on the disputed South China Sea and said there was no military solution to the problem.

Kerry’s remarks, made in a visit to India, came ahead of a G20 summit in China on Sunday and Monday that could be overshadowed by arguments over everything from territorial disputes to protectionism by China, diplomats say.

An arbitration court in The Hague ruled in July that China did not have historic rights to the South China Sea. China dismissed the case lodged by the Philippines and rejected the ruling.

“The United States continues to call on China and the Philippines to abide by the tribunal’s recent decision which is final and legally binding on both parties,” Kerry told a gathering of students in New Delhi. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims.

China has vowed to take all measures needed to protect its sovereignty over the South China Sea and says its actions there, which have included land reclamation and construction of air fields and docks on reefs, are peaceful.

China has blamed the United States and its allies in the region, such as Japan and Australia, for stoking tension.

The United States and Japan have no territorial claims in the South China Sea and say their priority is freedom of navigation.

Kerry said the United States supported diplomatic efforts to resolve territorial disputes to which there was “no military solution”.- Reuters

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WORLD

Senators voted 61-20 to convict President Dilma Rousseff for illegally using money from state banks to boost public spending.

Brazil’s Senate dismisses Rousseff for breaking laws Senators voted 61-20 to convict Rousseff for illegally using money from state banks to boost public spending

BRASILIA: Brazil’s Senate removed President Dilma Rousseff from office on Wednesday for breaking budgetary laws, ending an impeachment process that has polarised the scandal-plagued country and paralysed its politics for nine months.

Senators voted 61-20 to convict Rousseff for illegally using money from state banks to boost public spending, putting an end to 13 years of leftist Workers Party rule in Latin America’s largest economy.

Conservative Michel Temer, the former vice president who has run Brazil since Rousseff’s suspension in May, was to be sworn in by the

IMPEACHMENT TRIAL: Brazilian senators are seen after the voting in the impeachment trial of sus-

pendend president Dilma Rousseff at the Senate in Brasilia, on Wednesday. – AFP

Senate to serve out the remainder of the presidential term through 2018. Under Brazilian law, a dismissed president should be barred from holding any government job, including even teaching posts at state universities.

However, senators voted 42-

36 to allow Rousseff to retain the right to hold public office, in an apparent sign of doubts over whether a budgetary sleight of hand that is common in Brazil was truly an impeachable offense.

Brazil’s first female president has denied any wrongdoing and

said the impeachment process was a coup d’etat aimed at protecting the interests of the country’s economic elite and rolling back social programmes that lifted millions of Brazilians from poverty during the last decade.

A lawyer for Rousseff said she

would appeal her dismissal at the Supreme Court.

Her opponents, however, said her removal set the stage for Brazil to emerge from a drawn-out political crisis. They also hope it will help end the country’s worst recession in generations, even as the political class continues grappling with a sweeping corruption scandal at state oil company Petrobras.

“Today we turned an important page in the history of our country,” said Aecio Neves, leader of the centre-right PSDB party that backs Temer. “Brazil has given itself a new chance, to look to the future and construct and agenda for reform in line with the economic crisis.”

Neves narrowly lost the 2014 election to Rousseff. Motorists honked car horns in the Brazilian capital in a blaring tribute to the removal of a president whose popularity had dwindled to single figures since winning re-election in 2014. In Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo, fireworks exploded in celebration after the vote.

Temer has vowed to boost an economy that has shrunk for six consecutive quarters and implement austerity measures to plug a record budget deficit. — Reuters

C E L E B R AT E D O LY M P I A N

Czech gymnast Caslavska dies PRAGUE: Czech gymnast Vera Caslavska, her country’s most celebrated Olympian and one of the most powerful voices in its struggle against Soviet occupation, has died aged 74 of pancreatic cancer.

One of only two women to win back-to-back gold medals as the best all-round gymnast, Caslavska took seven golds in all at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo and the 1968 Games in Mexico City. In the latter she competed against and beat Soviet athletes just weeks after Warsaw Pact tanks led by the Red Army swept into then Czechoslovakia to put down attempts to reform Communist rule. “We went to Mexico determined to sweat blood to defeat the invaders’ representatives,” she told news website Aktualne.cz in a 2014 interview. A lasting memory of those games is Caslavska’s silent protest of bowing her head while on the podium when the Soviet anthem played - echoing the more famous image of the Black Power salute that US sprinter Tommie Smith gave in solidarity with African American civil rights.

“Vera was a fighter. She was diagnosed last year in the spring,” said Czech Olympic Committee President Jiri Kejval, who announced her death. “When she did not come with us to (the) Rio (Games) it was clear the situation was bad,” he told Reuters by telephone, adding Caslavska had died in her sleep. — Reuters

B R E AT H I N G S PAC E

Britain to seek unique deal with EU, including immigration curbs LONDON: Prime Minister Theresa May and her top ministers on Wednesday agreed Britain would seek a unique relationship with the European Union, involving controls on immigration as well as a good trade deal.

After a summer of political earthquakes followed by a few weeks of holiday calm, May gathered her cabinet team for the first time since she asked them to use

the break to come up with options for Britain’s future ties with the bloc after a divorce.

For many in the EU, it is not before time. They have given May breathing space to devise a negotiating stance before triggering the exit procedure, but are keen for Britain to begin the talks and end uncertainty that has hurt investment. “The PM said that there were two related imperatives:

getting the best deal for people at home, and getting the right deal for Britain abroad,” a spokeswoman for May said.

There was a “decisive view” that the model Britain was seeking would be unique rather than an “off-the-shelf solution”.

“This must mean controls on the numbers of people who come to Britain from Europe but also a positive outcome for those who

wish to trade goods and services,” the spokeswoman added.

No second referendum May told the cabinet meeting, held at her country residence, that there would be no second referendum and “no attempts to sort of stay in the EU by the back door”.

The British leader has said she will not trigger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon treaty to start the exit

procedure until next year so she has time to come up with a negotiating stance. Her spokeswoman said cabinet agreed this could be done without seeking the backing of parliament, or the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. Ministers also agreed on Wednesday the Brexit process should confirm Britain’s place “as one of the great trading nations in the world”.

Signs of economic confidence

are rising after the initial shock of Britain’s June 23 vote to leave the EU. A spokeswoman for May said her ministers had reiterated the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and living within its means. May’s aides say that after considering her ministers’ views, she will be the ultimate arbiter of what proposals Britain takes to divorce negotiations with the EU. — Reuters

I M P R OV I N G R E L AT I O N S

First US passenger flight in decades lands in Cuba SANTA CLARA (CUBA): A JetBlue Airways Corp passenger jet landed in the central Cuban city of Santa Clara on Wednesday, becoming the first scheduled commercial passenger flight from the United States to the island in more than a half century.

The arrival of the Airbus A320 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, opened another chapter in the Obama administration’s efforts to improve ties and increase trade and travel with the former Cold War foe. The Obama administration hopes regular scheduled flights will usher in an era of more routine travel to and from the Communist-ruled island.

US Transportation Secretary

Anthony Foxx, JetBlue Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes, other officials and journalists were aboard the 150-seat plane. Regular travelers, including some of Cuban descent, occupied nearly half the seats on a route that may be a commercial challenge, at least initially.

US Secretary of State John Kerry noted in a Twitter message that the flight took place just over a year after the raising of the flag at the reopened US embassy in Havana. He called it “another step forward.” Until Wednesday, passenger air links between Cuba and the United States were by chartered flights.

The flight landed in Santa

Clara, a city with a population of about 200,000 that is known for its monument to revolutionary leader Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

Lázaro Chavez, a 49-year-old pharmacist who lives in Miami and returns frequently to his homeland, said before boarding that he was taking the flight for two reasons. “One, I am going to see my family. Two, I want to be on this historic flight.”

Obama’s opening to Cuba has included a landmark visit by him to the Caribbean island in March and a series of measures to increase commercial ties, but the US president has been unable to persuade Congress to lift the longstanding embargo. — Reuters

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

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Mohammad Al Hashmi is the Omani hero that pulled two children from a burning car after it caught fire at a petrol station in Sur last week.

As US President Barack Obama’s eight-year term winds down, he has been facing intensifying criticism for failing to stop the carnage in Syria – what many call his ‘worst mistake’.

But the alternatives his critics tout would have been just as problematic

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Britain’s new prime minister, Theresa May, has a monumental task ahead of her: fulfilling British – or, more accurately, English and Welsh – voters’ demand to “Brexit” the European Union, and managing the far-reaching consequences of that effort. Her challenge dwarfs those faced by her recent predecessors

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READERS’ FORUM Cricket is simple - play and love Oman This has reference to news story MCCC: Training for tomorrow (August 31) published in Times of Oman special supplement on cricket.

Training is very important in life, whether it is related to education or sports, it gives a right direction for a bright future. There is no doubt that Oman is progressing effectively and efficiently with certain successful strategies on focused fronts related to commerce, education and sports. Cricket in Oman is developing with support of government and semi-professional cricketers and is admired at higher levels. Oman’s young geScan this QR code neration are fortunate to get introduced to to send letters to the cricket, gain the knowledge of the game and Readers’ Forum, practise cricket as the gentleman’s game containing not more than 200 words with is one of the most popular disciplines on full name, address the global sports scene. The role of Muscat and telephone Cricket Coaching Centre is commendable number, may be sent as professionals associated with MCCC are by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com). grooming youngsters to become successful cricketers in the future. It is interesting to note that not only the boys have joined MCCC but also young girls who wish to become future cricketers and all of them have just a tag line in their minds ‘We love cricket, we love Oman’.

— Munawar Hameed Mangalwala, Barka

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.

NELSON MANDELA

MIHIR SHARMA

Monsanto’s many battles with the Indian government have typically been cast as clashes between poor Indian farmers and a giant multinational that’s overcharging for its genetically modified seeds.

And certainly, the US agriculture giant isn’t the most sympathetic of companies. Its seeds are indeed expensive

W

ith Japan’s economy struggling to escape its deflationary torpor, the economic-revitalization plan that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe launched in 2012 has come under growing scrutiny. But Japan’s current travails, which have brought a concomitant decline in Japan’s stock market, stem from the yen’s appreciation – 24 per cent over the last year – against major currencies. “Abenomics” – which included substantial monetary and fiscal expansion – has nothing to do with it.

Since Abenomics was introduced, Japan’s labour market has improved considerably: 1.5 million new jobs have been created, and the unemployment rate has fallen to just over 3 per cent.

Moreover, corporate profits have soared, and tax revenues have increased by more than ¥20 trillion ($188 billion). To build on these gains, Japan has promised a large fiscal expansion next month, which some describe as a piecemeal, temporary version of so-called “helicopter drops” (permanent monetization of government debt). But there is concern that it will not be enough, if the yen continues to appreciate. To be sure, expansionary policies, particularly monetary policies – a pillar of Abenomics – could contribute to currency depreciation. But the US Federal Reserve’s dovish approach to exiting its own quantitative-easing programme, together with expansionary policies in other major economies, has weakened their impact on the exchange rate. More recently, the United Kingdom’s vote to “Brexit” the European Union, together with the introduction of negative rates by multiple central banks, including the Bank of Japan (BOJ), shook markets. Taking advantage of this nervousness, hedge-fund managers and other speculators have increasingly been betting on the yen’s appreciation; indeed, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange shows substantial interest in the yen futures market. In a flexible exchange-rate system, each country conducts monetary policy independently, based on domestic objectives, and accepts the resulting exchange rate. But when exchange-rate movements become sharp or erratic, monetary authorities have the authority – even the obligation – to intervene to smooth them out.

The Japanese authorities seem to recognise this, in theory. On August 18, officials from the Ministry

of Finance (MOF), the Financial Services Agency, and the BOJ gathered to discuss what can be done to stem the yen’s appreciation. After the meeting, Masatsugu Asakawa, the deputy minister of finance for international affairs, declared that the MOF would act swiftly against exchange-rate movements deemed to be speculative.

The announcement was supposed to cause speculators to shake in their boots. Yet markets moved only slightly, within a range of a couple of yen to a dollar. After all, the MOF has made such threats before – for example, just after the introduction of the BOJ’s negative interest-rate policy, and again after the Brexit decision – but never followed through.Like Aesop’s boy who cried wolf, the MOF has lost credibility, at least when it comes to the threat of intervention in currency markets.

So speculators remain convinced that they are making a one-way bet – win big or break even – and continue to push the yen higher.’

At this point, the MOF’s words will not be enough to deter speculation. But the MOF remains hesitant to back its tough talk with action, not least because of American disapproval of supposed “currency manipulation.” High-level officials at the US Treasury and Federal Reserve actively try to dissuade advocacy of direct intervention, including by me. An American scholar reacted angrily when I merely mentioned the word, as if it were an obscenity. American officials, for their part, emphasise that if Japan can be accused of manipulating currency markets, the US Congress will not approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

It is possible that the MOF will choose to keep the US on its side, and continue to offer only empty threats to speculators. Or it may simply vacillate until it is too late to take real action. Either approach may well produce the same disastrous result: allowing the yen to appreciate to damaging levels and causing Abenomics to fail. What the MOF should do is intervene courageously in currency markets to stem the yen’s appreciation.

Speculators will learn a tough lesson, and Japan’s economy could get back on track.- Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES SEPTEMBER 2001 Internship at Shell Oman MUSCAT: Shell Oman Marketing Company has recently concluded the summer internship programme for six Omani students — five of the top students of Sultan Qaboos University and a student from Oman Technical College. “ We are pleased and honoured to have this opportunity to do our summer projects at Shell Oman.

We gained and learned a lot, it has been a very remarkable experience for all of us and we are thankful for the support we got from Shell Oman’s staff and SQU”, said the students.

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

Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

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PICTOGRAPH

POPULATION OF NORTH SHARQIYAH May

262,437

168,389

June

Total Omani

263,449 168,790

0.01%

94,048

Expatriate

94,659

0.21%

1942: A federal judge in Sacramento, US, upholds the government’s detention of Japanese-Americans and Japanese nationals as a war measure.

1979: US spacecraft Pioneer 11 makes the first-ever flyby of Saturn.

1997: The wreck of the Titanic found by Dr Robert Ballard and Jean Louis Michel in a joint US and French expedition.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

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T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

LIFESTYLE CULTURE

A Fondness for

Story Mobin Mathew Blesson Photos Jun Estrada

hat does Tanjore painting, a traditional South Indian art form, have to do with Oman’s forts, mosques, and jewellery? A typical Tanjore painting contains one main figure, a deity. Kavitha Ramakrishna, a Muscat based Indian artist who is a practitioner of Tanjore paintings, has blended Oman’s culture and tradition with the ancient Indian art form.

Kavitha’s paintings are famous for their elegance, brightness, and beauty. She also draws her creativity in oil painting even though she is very fond of Tanjore paintings.

She is very much enthralled by the cultural harmony that exists between the Sultanate of Oman and India, which made her to blend Tanjore paintings with the culture of Oman. Almost a decade of her life in the country has given her insight into its people and culture.

“I have dedicated a lot of my work with different themes like the Omani Khanjars, forts of Oman, Omani jewellery, the Holy Quran, and the Grand Mosque to the lovely and friendly people of Oman,” Kavitha said.

Some of her works have been presented to various Omani institutions as a gesture of goodwill and she has received many accolades from the Omani Government.

The driving force behind her Omani works is Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, according to Kavitha.

I have dedicated a lot of my work with different themes like the Omani Khanjars, forts of Oman, Omani jewellery, the Holy Quran, the Grand Mosque, and many other things to the lovely and friendly people of Oman.

“I have exhibited close to 40 of my Tanjore art works at the Ministry of Tourism that portrayed Omani jewellery, the forts of Oman, the beautiful Khanjars (daggers), and artefacts,” she said.

Tanjore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting, native to the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu in India.

From her childhood, Kavitha was fascinated by this traditional art and one of her relatives has introduced her to a ‘guru’ (teacher).

“The surface richness, vivid colours, and compact composition of these paintings inspired and attracted me,” Kavitha said.

Tanjore painting is an art form that dates back to about 1600 A.D., a period where the Nayaks of Thanjavur encouraged this art.

Tanjore paintings are created on solid wood planks referred to as “Palagai Padam (Palagai — wooden plank, Padam — picture).”

Artists in Tanjore developed the art with material readily available in the local areas. >A15

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

42 - 28 35-13% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.12pm 3.39pm 6.30pm 7.42pm 4.32am

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LIFESTYLE

IN THE NEWS

Stal Gallery’s New Season to Begin this Month A NEW season at Stal Gallery and Studio will kick off from this month. The season will begin with an innovative and informal show

by Hassan Meer and artists from the Circle of Experimental Art titled “Reflection of the Other”.

Art appreciators shall be treated to a number of exhibitions, workshops, guest lectures, and talks during the new season.

The season will also feature a number of renowned international artists with contrasting processes, techniques and varying media including Jack Sal from New York, Rudolf Burda from Czech Republic, and Jafar Al Oraibi from Bahrain.

The end of 2016 will also feature a return of the Stal Prize for Young Emerging Artists in its second edition.

The first Stal prize supported young artists in giving them opportunities to explore creativity in order to produce compelling art and the results were outstanding.

The group show Identity will

Having lived in Oman for 10 years I feel a sense of belonging and respect for the people, culture, and the heritage of this country.

Thereupon, this art has been developed by using precious and semi-precious stones for the jewellery cast in giving a three-dimensional perspective to the painting.

The value of the painting increased with time as they started using pure gold leaf.

Speaking about the process she undergoes to complete a picture, Kavitha said, “the first step is the board preparation.

In this, I cut the plywood to the required size like 8x12 or 12x15, then cut the piece of Cora cloth with slightly bigger measurement. Paste the cloth with the all-purpose flour paste and then apply the tamarind seed paste on top of the board. Once it is dry, I will smoothen the board with sand paper.”

The second step is drawing; draw or trace the design onto the canvas.

For the third step we will make mug work and stone fixing. With the help of chalk powder and Arabic gum she makes a paste to do the mug work and also to fix the stones.

The fourth step is the pasting of gold foils and the final step is to paint in the details. Kavitha takes one to two months to complete a painting.

She ardently popularises this ancient art form by holding free training sessions and she has trained many art lovers which she considers as one of her greatest achievements.

“I have trained more than three hundred art lovers. I have also conducted a workshop in Indian School Muscat for both the students and teachers of the school,” Kavitha said.

She has also introduced an e-learning platform for Tanjore paintings and has plans to increase the reach of the same by associating it with the Art, Culture, and Language Department of the Government of India. Avid learners, who are interested in knowing more about the Indian art, can log on to

her website: kavithavedanthi.com or contact her on kavithakrishna21@ gmail.com The aim is to preserve the divine art and pass the knowledge to the future generations.

Kavitha has also exhibited her creativity twice at the Indian Embassy in Oman.

“I was also honoured to exhibit my works twice at the Indian Embassy, once during the period of the former ambassador Anil Wadhwa and on January 26 of this year on the occasion of the 67th Republic day of India,” Kavitha said.

Kavitha is not that interested to do business with her creativity but likes to offer her works to the people of Oman whom she owes a lot for her success.

She has also authored a book in Kannada language (spoken in the Indian state of Karnataka) about Oman called Na Kanda Muscat.

Kavitha has captured the distinctive character of Oman through her writings.

“Having lived in Oman for 10 years, I feel a sense of belonging and respect for the people, the culture and the heritage of this country. This made me to write a book on Muscat, where I have tried to capture the distinctive character of this unique country,” she said.

“Apart from capturing the landscape of the country in its entire splendour, the book also dwells upon its wonderful people and the maker of this country, our beloved His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said,” she added.

Currently, Kavitha plans to complete some more paintings before the 46th National Day of Oman and wishes to dedicate them to the people of Oman.

For her, patience and passion can lead to perfection and these are the keywords as an advice to the aspiring kids who love to pursue their career in the arts.

—mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

also be a part of the next season programme featuring a number of artists based in Austria.

They shall present their personal aesthetic perspectives about their interpretation of identity with varied artistic techniques of painting, photography, and installation.

Stal Gallery is the first cultural project of Al Serkal family in the Sultanate.

Stal Gallery dedicates its space to promote contemporary visual arts with a balanced focus on promoting new work and supporting the development of artists while simultaneously affirming and challenging the public’s understanding of contemporary and innovative approaches to visual arts.

Stal Gallery is located at Al Inshirah Street, Villa No. 221 in Madinat Sultan Qaboos. It is open to all visitors between 10am– 6pm, Sunday to Thursday.

For more information call: +968 2460 7232.

A16

H U RSD R S DAY, SE SEPTE M B E R 11,, 2 0 T HU EM 011 6

LIFESTYLE

A BITE OF OMANI CREPE Story Fullah Sunshine

NAME: Adel Abdul Baqi Al Lawati HOMETOWN: Muscat COMPANY NAME: Omani Crepe BUSINESS TYPE: Food Corner YEAR STARTED: 2015 CLAIM TO FAME: Traditional Omani crepe anytime you want it NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 3 INSPIRATION: To bring Omani original crepe everywhere in the world.

1) What inspired you to start your business?

My mother. She used to make this sort of crepe in our village. All our neighbours, and friends would request her to prepare crepes for them. I checked the market and I found that there was no place that offered the original Omani crepe. That’s why I went ahead and started Omani Crepe food corner.

2) How do you describe your business to your best friends?

We do the crepe by following the Omani recipe, not the French way or from any other parts of the world. We are different and unique.

3) What’s your favourite product that you sell?

The Nutella crepe. It is simply delicious.

4) What was your greatest challenge when you first got started?

The information provided for registration and the license was a bit confusing.

If there had been a manual on the procedure and the documents it would have been easier.

5) What’s your biggest challenge now that you are up and running?

The most complicated thing now is marketing. Marketing is needed and until now we focused only on social media and invited well-known people to come and try our crepes. Social media is affordable

to start with but now we will move to the next step. We are planning to advertise in the media too.

started it was only a coffee stand and look now. This will happen to Omani businesses too.

6) What do you personally see is your greatest success so far?

I designed the logo myself and I like it a lot, even the fort decoration of the restaurant and the packaging, I designed it all and I am very satisfied with it.

9) If you could give a piece of advice to someone thinking about starting a business here in Oman, what would it be?

If you want to be the first in a certain business, you have to be the first to open it. I was the first to offer real Omani crepe, that’s why I am in the first position. Then, people will copy you but they will already be behind.

7) What is your dream for your company?

To see Omani Crepe outlets all around Europe, first we will open more outlets in Oman, not just in Muscat but also in Salalah and then Dubai. Later will move to Europe.

8) What do you hope to see on the development of your industry in Oman?

It is growing a lot and very fast. A lot of new malls are opening which need more restaurants and cafes. When Starbucks

10) If you could invite any person in the world to try your Omani crepe, who would you invite?

My mother. She is the one who told me all about the Omani crepe.

LOCATION: Panorama Mall CONTACT: + 968 9921 2022 YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA: instagram: @omani_crepe / facebook: omanicrepe

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

OMAN CRUDE FALLS

MARKE

Oman Crude (October delivery) declined by $1.19 to $45.06 per barrel, said Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME). The average price of Oman Crude (September delivery) stabilised at $43.40 per barrel, $3.20 higher than August delivery. – ONA

Muscat 5,735.00 - 36.30 - 0.63%

Dubai 3,504.40 - 8.80 - 0.25%

Abu Dhabi 4,471.01 - 23.41 - 0.52%

Saudi Arabia

6,098.27 - 31.32 - 0.51%

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH THE VIDEO

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

Kuwait 5,419.68 - 1.75 - 0.03%

Bahrain 1,142.21 + 3.73 + 0.33%

Qatar 11,989.79 - 324.76 - 2.87%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.30 Pound ...........................................1.96 Indian Rs ............................. 174.06 Pakistan Rs ........................267.45 Bangla Taka...................... 200.76

Indian Rs ...................................173.90 Pakistan Rs .............................272.00 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.50 Phil Peso ................................... 120.50

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......16.80

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$44.68 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$44.83 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$46.03 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$44.96 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ......... $47.70 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$45.85

‘PDO’s focus is to raise primary and secondary oil production’ Petroleum Development Oman is aiming at producing around 600,000bpd of crude oil this year, Raoul Restucci. — Times file picture

the company’s managing director said

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Majority state-owned Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is trying to raise its primary and secondary crude oil production, rather than focusing on enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects, the company’s managing director told Times of Oman.

“Our focus, however, in a low price environment, is less about EOR and more about primary and secondary (oil fields),” said Raoul Restucci, on the sidelines of an event to sign a contract with Neuman & Esser for supplying new reciprocating compressors.

“We are raising primary and secondary production.” Primary oil recovery is limited to hydro-

carbons that naturally rise to the surface, or those that use artificial lift devices, such as pump jacks.

Secondary recovery employs water and gas injection, displacing the oil and driving it to the surface. The way to further increase oil production is through the tertiary recovery method or enhanced oil recovery. Although more expensive to employ on a field, EOR can increase production from a well tremendously.

Restucci said presently enhanced oil recovery projects contribute 12-14 per cent of PDO’s total crude oil production and the plan is to gradually raise it to 25 per cent by 2020. However, it is not as high as the company had originally projected (few years ago). Restucci added that the company is aiming at producing around 600,000 barrels of crude oil per day this year.

Early this year, PDO said that it was confident of raising a new sustainable long-term oil produc-

* Rates as of August 31 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of August 31 Source: Bank Muscat

tion plateau of 600,000 barrels per day (BPD), well ahead of its original 2019 target, to support revenue generation.

The average daily oil production of PDO in 2015 was 588,937 bpd, the highest since 2005 and almost 14,000 bpd above the planned target. Natural gas production last year was 83 million cubic meters per day, one million cubic meters above the planned target as the company stepped up its efforts to meet growing natural gas demand.

The main EOR projects of PDO are Marmul Polymer project, Al Amal Steam project and QarnAlam steam project.

Al Amal steam project continues its expansion, while QarnAlam steam project is gradually raising its production. “So, these projects are our key pillar projects in the medium term. Then we got a number of other efforts.

We are looking at different technologies and super-heated steam is at an experimental stage.”

Long-term funds The PDO chief, while referring to its fund raising programmes, said the company would look at longterm financing opportunities.

“We will look at additional option when we go forward.”

The company will look at overseas markets in case it plans to raise additional funds and that too will be in close coordination with the Ministry of Finance. Of late, PDO has raised $4 billion from overseas markets for meeting its capital expenditure.

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) ....... 16.10 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............159.25 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 149.75 * Rates as of August 31 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

CRUDE SUPPLIES

Saudi will not flood oil market KUWAIT: Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, won’t boost output to capacity and flood the market, the kingdom’s Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih said weeks before Opec meets to discuss ways to stabilise prices.

Saudi Arabia isn’t concerned about global demand in spite of a drop in oil prices and a slower

economy, Al Falih said in an interview with Al Arabiya television. The country is able to pump as much as 12.5 million barrels a day of oil, he said in comments broadcast during an official visit to buyers in Asia, its biggest market, including China.

“The market is now saturated with stored crude at beyond usual

levels and we don’t see in the near future a need for the kingdom to reach its maximum capacity.” Demand in China is “very healthy” and consumption in India is “very good,” he said. Saudi domestic use is rising due to two new refineries in Yanbu and Jubail which have raised consumption by a combined 800,000bpd, he said. — Bloomberg News

B2

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,776.86 ...............5,735.00 ................... 5,735.00 ................... 5,771.30................-36.30 .................. -0.63 Financial Index ..................................... 7,386.18 ...............7,322.39 ................... 7,322.39 ................... 7,363.38............... -40.99 .................. -0.56 Industrial Index ....................................7,532.25 ............... 7,491.53 ....................7,491.53 ....................7,511.60................-20.07 .................. -0.27 Services Index .......................................3,138.09 ...............3,130.56 ....................3,135.75 ................... 3,138.09..................-2.34 .................. -0.07 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................890.12 ..................886.43 .......................886.47 ...................... 890.12.................. -3.65 .................. -0.41 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 30,296,173 .................4,546,688 .....................828 ................17,215,416,063 ................ 10 ......................14 ....................22 .........................46

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 Muscat Securities Market. – Times file picture

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

MSM index ends lower

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

OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 204,922............27,999........................7 ............0.137 ........... 0.137 ...........0.136 ............0.137 ............. 0.133............ 0.004............. 3.008 ................0.137 .............. 0.136...................0.137 ................... 16,696,875 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 167,764 ............. 39,771..................... 29 ........... 0.238 ...........0.239 ...........0.234........... 0.237 .............0.234 ........... 0.003............. 1.282 ................0.234..............0.234...................0.237...................29,600,817 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,539,742.......289,555..................... 88 ............0.187 ........... 0.189 ...........0.187 ........... 0.188 ............. 0.186............ 0.002............. 1.075 ................0.189 ..............0.189...................0.190...................32,900,462.........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 1,205,392 .......125,768..................... 46 ............0.104 ........... 0.105 ...........0.104........... 0.104 .............0.103.............0.001 ............. 0.971 ................0.104..............0.103...................0.104................... 30,157,986 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 349,911 ............ 45,590.....................44 ............0.130 ........... 0.131............0.129........... 0.130 .............0.129.............0.001 ............. 0.775 ................0.129 ..............0.129................... 0.131 ...................11,700,000 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,064,554 .......177,901......................21 ............0.168 ........... 0.168 ...........0.167 ............0.167 ............. 0.166.............0.001 .............0.602 ................0.168 .............. 0.167...................0.168..................267,951,390 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 443,559 ......... 319,058..................... 56 ............0.716 ........... 0.724 ...........0.704........... 0.720 ............. 0.716............ 0.004............. 0.559 ................0.724..............0.704...................0.724..................468,679,846 .......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ...................................5,000 ...............1,450........................1 ........... 0.290...........0.290 ...........0.290 .......... 0.290 .............0.290 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.290..............0.285...................0.290 ..................29,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 881,853.............86,722..................... 28 ........... 0.099 ...........0.099 ...........0.098........... 0.098 .............0.098 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.098..............0.098...................0.099..................196,030,653 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY........................................ 6,580 ..............11,712........................2 ............1.780 ........... 1.780............1.780 ............1.780 ............. 1.780............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.780 ............. 0.000................... 1.775 ..................159,666,000........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................51,000 ................3,111........................5 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.061 ........... 0.061 ............. 0.061............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.061 ..............0.060...................0.062 ..................12,636,234 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS .................4,118 ............... 1,091........................2 ........... 0.265 ...........0.265 ...........0.265........... 0.269 .............0.269 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.265..............0.262...................0.265....................5,649,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 156,956............ 29,949........................9 ............0.191 ........... 0.191............0.189 ............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.189 ..............0.189................... 0.191 ................... 11,690,016 .........0.100

The top gainer was Oman & Emirates Holding,

OM0000002341............OMAN CHLORINE..............................................................100 .....................47........................1 ........... 0.470 ...........0.470 ...........0.470........... 0.500 .............0.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.470............. 0.000...................0.470...................34,051,830 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 314,284 ............ 37,211......................21 ............0.118 ........... 0.120 ...........0.118 ............0.118 ............. 0.118 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.118 ...............0.117...................0.120....................6,943,500 ..........0.100

up by 3.01 per cent, while Oman National Eng., down by 9.88 per cent, was the top loser.

OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES .......................................41,308 .............10,327........................8 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.249........... 0.250 .............0.250 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.249............. 0.242...................0.247 ..................74,694,419 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................1,176 .................. 534........................3 ........... 0.454 ........... 0.456 ...........0.454........... 0.454 .............0.454 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.456..............0.450...................0.456...................27,467,000 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................ 1,000 .................. 256........................1 ........... 0.256 ...........0.256 ...........0.256........... 0.258 .............0.258 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.256..............0.248...................0.254 ..................57,020,580 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL................................................. 5,604 .................. 398........................2 ............0.071 ........... 0.071 ...........0.071 ............0.071 ............. 0.071............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.071 .............. 0.071...................0.072...................12,425,000.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 100,110 .............19,822........................4 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.198 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.198............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.198 .............. 0.197...................0.198...................133,627,711 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................... 45,461 ...............9,047........................3 ............0.199 ........... 0.199 ...........0.199 ........... 0.199 ............. 0.199............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.199 ..............0.199...................0.201..................142,166,862........0.100

MUSCAT: Foreign selling in bank stocks and local selling in cement sector drove down the MSM30 Index by 0.63 per cent to 5,735.00 points, its lowest level in four months. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 886.47 points, down by 0.41 per cent.

Bank Nizwa was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover.

The top gainer was Oman & Emirates Holding, up by 3.01 per cent while Oman National Engineering, down by 9.88 per cent, was top loser.

OMR4.5m turnover As many as 828 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating turnover of OMR4.5 million with 30.3 million shares changing hands. Out of 46 traded securities, ten advanced, 14 declined and 22 remained unchanged.

Foreign investors were net sellers for OMR994,000 while GCC and Arab investors were net buyers for OMR641,000 followed by Omani investors for OMR353,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index declined by 0.56 per cent to close at 7,322.39 points. Oman & Emirates, Al

OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 433,292 ......... 697,586......................61 ............1.615 ............1.615............1.605 ............1.610 ............. 1.615 ............-0.005 ........... -0.310 ...............1.605 .............. 1.605................... 1.615 ................1,207,500,000 ......0.100

Izz Bank, Al Anwar Holding, Al Sharqia Investments and Bank Sohar gained 3.01 per cent, 1.56 per cent, 1.08 per cent, 0.78 per cent and 0.60 per cent, respectively. Al Batinah Development, Ahli Bank, National Bank of Oman and Ominvest declined by 2.17 per cent, 2.11 per cent, 2 per cent, 1.79 per cent and 0.94 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 7,491.53 points, down by 0.27 per cent. Oman Fisheries, Al Hassan Engineering, Al Jazeera Steel and Galfar Engineering increased by 1.67 per cent, 1.37 per cent, 1.28 per cent and 0.97 per cent, respectively.

Raysut Cement, Al Anwar Ceramics and Oman Cement declined by 2.30 per cent, 1.39 per cent and 1.25 per cent, respectively. Services Index retreated by 0.07 per cent to close at 3,135.75 points. Ooredoo Oman, up by 0.56 per cent, was the only sector gainer.

Oman National Engineering, OIFC, Port Services and Oman Telecommunications Company lost 9.88 per cent, 1.52 per cent, 0.45 per cent, and 0.31 per cent, respectively. - United Securities

OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION .........................21,700 ...............4,776........................3 ........... 0.222...........0.222 ...........0.220 .......... 0.220 .............0.221 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.452 ...............0.220 ............ 0.000...................0.228 ..................20,908,800 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,061,086 ......403,747...................140 ........... 0.382 ...........0.382 ...........0.380........... 0.380 .............0.382 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.524 ...............0.380..............0.380...................0.382 .................948,575,098........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 484,560 ..........114,149........................6 ........... 0.236 ...........0.236 ...........0.230........... 0.236 .............0.238 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.840 ...............0.230..............0.230...................0.236..................401,011,530 ........0.100 OM0000002846 ...........GULF INV. SER. PREF SHARES ..............................10,000 ...............1,050........................1 ............0.105 ........... 0.105 ...........0.105 ........... 0.105 .............0.106 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.943 ...............0.105 ..............0.105...................0.000 ................... 9,596,032 ..........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 295,150 ..........139,769......................11 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.470........... 0.474 .............0.480 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.250 ...............0.470..............0.470...................0.480 .................156,833,665 ........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ................................ 20,000 .............. 4,260........................1 ............0.213 ........... 0.213 ...........0.213 ........... 0.213 .............0.216............-0.003 ........... -1.389................0.213 ..............0.213...................0.218...................63,093,514 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE................ 14,107 ...............2,752........................7 ............0.196 ........... 0.196 ...........0.194............0.195 ............. 0.198............-0.003 ............-1.515 ................0.194.............. 0.193...................0.194...................39,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ......................................................................10,000 ...............5,472........................3 ........... 0.550 ...........0.550 ...........0.546........... 0.548 .............0.558 ...........-0.010 ............-1.792................0.546..............0.546...................0.570..................348,413,407........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ..................................111,518 .............27,359........................9 ........... 0.250 ...........0.250 ...........0.240 .......... 0.245 .............0.250 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.000 ...............0.249..............0.249...................0.250 .................361,321,412 ........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 309,894 ............ 57,541..................... 26 ............0.188 ........... 0.188 ...........0.181 ........... 0.186 .............0.190 ...........-0.004 ........... -2.105 ...............0.182 ..............0.182...................0.186..................265,056,723........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................ 31,835 ...............2,875........................7 ........... 0.092 ...........0.092 ...........0.089........... 0.090 .............0.092 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.174................0.089..............0.089...................0.092 ...................2,700,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT .........................................................15,319 ............ 22,750........................2 ............1.490 ........... 1.490 ...........1.485 ............1.485 .............1.520............-0.035 ........... -2.303 ...............1.485 ............. 0.000...................1.485 ................. 297,000,000 .......0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 9,408,855 ...2,721,402...................658 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......34........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 541,259 ............33,017..................... 36 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.061 ........... 0.061 .............0.060 ............0.001 ............. 1.667 ................0.061 ..............0.060...................0.061.................... 7,625,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 724,134 ...........46,942.....................24 ........... 0.064 ...........0.065 ...........0.063........... 0.065 .............0.064 ............0.001 ............. 1.563 ................0.065..............0.065...................0.066...................65,000,000.........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 102,600 .............. 7,592........................4 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.073 ............0.001 ............. 1.370 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.074.................... 5,565,392 ..........0.100 OM0000001194 ............AREEJ VEGETABLE OILS AND DERIV .................1,541 ...............6,241........................2 ........... 4.050 ...........4.050 ...........4.050........... 4.050 .............4.050 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.050............. 0.000...................4.495...................27,945,000.........1.000 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 183,525...............5,689......................12 ............0.031 ........... 0.031 ...........0.031 ............0.031 ............. 0.031............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.031 .............. 0.031...................0.032 ...................2,635,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ............................................... 285,900 ......... 180,689..................... 35 ........... 0.632 ........... 0.632 ...........0.632........... 0.632 .............0.632 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.632..............0.628...................0.632...................99,540,000.........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE........................................................ 6,956 .................. 835........................1 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.120........... 0.120 .............0.120 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.120.............. 0.116...................0.125...................32,005,869.........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 17,552,800 . 1,316,863......................17 ............0.075 ........... 0.076 ...........0.075........... 0.075 .............0.075 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.076..............0.075...................0.076..................112,500,000........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ................................2,000 ..................250........................1 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.125 ........... 0.128 .............0.128............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.125 .............. 0.121...................0.125...................12,800,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 331,100.............47,969......................21 ............0.145 ........... 0.145 ...........0.144............0.145 ............. 0.145............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.145 ..............0.144...................0.145..................212,077,212 ........0.100 OM0000001152 ............OMAN NATIONAL ENGINE. INVT. .................... 1,155,058........179,152......................16 ............0.163 ........... 0.163 ...........0.155 ............0.155 ............. 0.172............-0.017 ........... -9.884 ...............0.155 ............. 0.000...................0.155 ...................15,500,000 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 20,886,873....1,825,239 ............... 169 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 11........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ................................................ 445 .....................47........................1 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.106........... 0.106 .............0.106 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.106..............0.106................... 0.115 ...................33,882,124 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: ......................................................................................... 445 .....................47........................1 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PA R T N E R S H I P F O R D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M E

UK ASSETS

Workshop held for civil contractors Thyssenkrupp-Tata deal talks continue

Times News Service MUSCAT: A workshop was conducted by the Omani Authority for Partnership for Development (OAPFD) on Wednesday, which was attended by over 40 civil contracting companies.

The workshop was part of a roadshow to increase awareness of the Partnership for Development Programme (PFD) and its regulations and was in response to requests from contractors for a better understanding of how the programme applies to them and the ways in which a PFD obligation can be discharged.

To date, the roadshow has reached out to a number of entities and people including defence and security, investment companies, legal firms, and government and semi government units. The Workshop held on Wednesday was for the benefit oflocal and international civil contractors.

Paul Williams, PFD Adviser, gave a presentation on the background and history of the programme along with an overview

MAKING A POINT: Paul Williams, PFD Adviser, gave a presentation on the background and history of the programme along with an overview of the current regulations. - Supplied picture

of the current regulations.

The PFD, is the name by which ‘offset’ is known in Oman. PFD was launched by the Ministry of Defence in 1999 and at the time applied only to procurements by the Ministry of Defence.

In November 2008 the management of the programme moved to the Ministry of Commerce but continued dealing only with de-

fence procurements.

The Royal Decree 9/2014 issued on the February 3, 2014 created a new entity — The Omani Authority for Partnership for Development — to own and run the PFD and, at the same time, extending the programme to incorporate civil infrastructure procurement as well as extending to all security agencies in the Sul-

tanate. The programme now applies to 39 government and semigovernment units.

Williams explained the objectives of the programme, which are to diversify the national economy, enhance national capabilities including military and security capabilities, and strengthening the private sector through new technologies and human resource development while applying the three main principles of PFD projects. They are additionality (proposals must reflect incremental or new business); sustainability (project must be sustainable beyond the obligation period; and responsibility (the fulfilment of any PFD obligations lies solely with the obligor).

In addition, Rahma Al Riyamy, contracts consultant at OAPFD explained a more detailed overview of the programme’s implementation in the civil sector with a focus on how in country value (ICV) and PFD compliment each other and how activities under ICV play a role in discharging a PFD Obligation.

LONDON: Thyssenkrupp and Tata Steel’s attempts to combine their European steel operations are centred on how to value Tata’s troubled UK assets, according to people familiar with the matter.

While Thyssenkrupp is open to integrating Tata’s British unit in the joint venture, the Essen, Germany-based company wants Tata to find a way to fund its UK pension-scheme obligations as a precondition, the people said, asking not to be named because the negotiations are private. Tata wants to include the UK division in the Thyssenkrupp project, which would give it a bigger stake in the overall venture, one of the people said.

A representative for Tata declined to comment. A spokesman for Thyssenkrupp reiterated the company’s July statement that it wouldn’t comment on talks with Tata until there are material developments.

The British Steel Pension Scheme had a deficit of about 300

million pounds ($393 million) as of March 2016 on a “consistent basis,” the fund said in a statement to members this month.

That’s down from 485 million pounds a year earlier, according to its annual report.

Tata is looking for “more sustainable solutions” for its European business and it “would not be realistic to expect that a buyer of the UK business or a joint venture would take on responsibility for funding the current or future deficit,” the pension scheme said.

Market glut European steelmakers are struggling with overcapacity, worsened

by Chinese exports flooding the market. Combining forces would enable Tata, Europe’s second-biggest steelmaker, and third-ranked Thyssenkrupp to better use their facilities and cut costs.

Mumbai-based Tata said last month it’s in talks with companies, including Thyssenkrupp, about a joint venture. — Bloomberg News

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

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MARKET

Emaar mandates 10 banks for sukuk sale National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), First Gulf Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Union National Bank, Mashreqbank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Noor Bank and Bahrain’s Bank ABC RAISING FUNDS: Emaar last sold bonds in June 2014, when its Emaar Malls Group unit raised $750

million from a debut sale of Islamic notes, known as sukuk.

— Bloomberg file picture

the sukuk sale

DUBAI: Emaar Properties, the developer of the world’s tallest skyscraper in Dubai, has mandated 10 banks, including Standard Chartered, for a benchmark-sized sale of Islamic bonds, according to two people with knowledge of the transaction.

Emirates NBD, National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), First Gulf Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Union National Bank, Mashreqbank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Noor Bank and Bahrain’s Bank ABC are also managing the sale of dollardenominated securities, said the people, asking not to be identified

Saudi further eases bourse rules to attract investment DUBAI: For the second time in 15 months, Saudi Arabia is loosening rules on foreigners investing in its almost $400 billion Tadawul Stock Exchange.

The goal is to lure funds from overseas as the Kingdom overhauls its economy to cut its dependence on oil revenue.

Greater access for international investors may boost the chances of Saudi stocks being included in major emerging-markets equity indexes, potentially luring billions of dollars more.

Emirates NBD,

are also managing

SAUDI STOCK MARKET

because the information is private.

A benchmark-sized issue usually raises at least $500 million.

Emaar last sold bonds in June 2014, when its Emaar Malls Group unit raised $750 million from a debut sale of Islamic notes, known as sukuk.

The developer of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai carries the lowest investment grade rating from both Moody’s Investor Service and Standard and Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings, according to the data compiled by Bloomberg.

Sukuk sales Bond and sukuk sales in the sixnation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes the two biggest Arab economies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have doubled this year to $38 billion as governments in Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Oman sold securities to plug budget deficits after revenues wilted with oil prices.

Sharjah Islamic Bank announced plans to sell bonds last week while Dubai’s Emirates Islamic Bank kicked off sales after the summer on Wednesday by offering a fresh $250 million portion of its 2021 sukuk.

— Bloomberg News

OVERSEAS INVESTMENT

India unveils $1.5 million investor visa

Market rule relaxation Saudi Arabia opened its stocks to direct foreign investment in June 2015 but with stringent restrictions. It has awarded only a handful of licenses and barred foreigners from buying into initial public offerings. The result: Overseas investors now own just one per cent of outstanding shares, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The door, however, is about to swing open.

Proposed changes From September 4, overseas funds with at least SR3.75 billion ($1 billion) under management will be allowed to invest in Saudi stocks — down from the current threshold of $5 billion.

Individual foreign investors will be permitted to own 10 per cent of shares outstanding of a company, double the existing limit.

Sovereign wealth funds and university endowments will be free to invest for the first time.

And from January, qualified foreign investors will be able to take part in IPOs. The exchange has also pledged to bring its settlement cycle for share trading in line with global norms

by the end of June.

Driving factors The 50 per cent-plus slump in oil prices in the past two years has focused the world’s biggest crude exporter on life after oil. As part of the long-term drive to diversify the economy, Saudi Arabia also plans to sell shares in Saudi Aramco, the world’s most valuable company, possibly in early 2018 and deploy the proceeds through its sovereign wealth fund.

If part of the sale takes place in Saudi Arabia, the exchange will need a deeper investor pool to help digest the largest IPO in history.

Investor interest That depends who you ask. Some want more detail and greater clarity about the new rules. Others say regional turmoil is likely to prolong negative sentiment toward an exchange that has slipped eleven per cent this year, the worst performer in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with trading volumes slumping. However, inclusion in indexes operated by MSCI and FTSE Russell would attract billions of dollars of passive inflows, according to Mohamad Al Hajj, Dubai-based Mena equity strategist at EFG-Hermes UAE. He says the Saudi market would likely account for 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent of the emerging-market indexes, or twice that of Turkey.

FTSE inclusion It’s too early to say, although MSCI in June welcomed the “positive evolution” of the exchange.

Strategist Al Hajj says that if the proposed reforms to the exchange are carried out, FTSE inclusion is possible in 2018 followed by MSCI in 2019. -Bloomberg News

to attract foreign direct investment NEW DELHI: India is aspiring to compete with the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong for foreign entrepreneurs by offering residence in return for investment.

Foreigners investing Rs100 million ($1.5 million) over 18 months, or Rs250 million over three years, would be eligible to live in India for 10 years, the government said in a statement in New Delhi on Wednesday. This so-called permanent residency status could be extended by another decade providing certain conditions are met.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to capitalise on India’s position as the fastest-growing big economy to woo investment, particularly in manufacturing to create jobs for the poor. The challenge lies in convincing entrepreneurs to embrace a nation with byzantine rules, dirty air and infrastructure snarls — such as the one that emboxed US Secretary of State John Kerry’s convoy in a two-hour traffic jam during an of-

WOOING INVESTORS: Foreign direct investment into India climbed 23 per cent to $55 billion in the 12 months through March 2016. — Bloomberg file picture

ficial visit to New Delhi on Monday.

Investors coming from overseas would be allowed to buy one residential property, and spouses and children would be able to work or study, according to the statement. The money brought in should create at least 20 jobs for resident Indians each financial year.

“It’s an indication of more broad-mindedness towards foreign investors — it’ll be easier for them to come to India,” said Mohan Guruswamy, a former Indian finance ministry official and chairman at the Centre for Policy Alternatives in New Delhi. At the same time, investors looking to settle somewhere would likely look for other destinations such

BLOOMBERG SURVEY

Japan’s industrial output remains flat TOKYO: Japan’s industrial production was unchanged in July, falling short of even the most pessimistic estimates from economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

Output didn’t change in July from June, following a 2.3 per cent gain last month, data from the economy ministry show. The median forecast was for an increase of 0.8 per cent, with estimates ranging from 0.1 per cent

to 2 per cent. Production dropped 3.8 per cent from a year earlier, versus projections for a decline of 3.0 per cent. Output is forecast to rise 4.1 per cent in August, then fall 0.7 per cent in September.

The output figures come amid growing pressure for the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to expand monetary stimulus at its meeting on Sept. 20-21, and as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe crafts a 28 trillion

yen ($272 billion) fiscal stimulus package.

Retail sales numbers released on Tuesday showed consumers are still reluctant to increase spending, despite a slight improvement over previous months.

Industrial production has failed to make consistent gains over the past year, especially with the yen’s strength since the start of 2016.

— Bloomberg News

as Canada, he said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley unveiled the proposal for long-term residency in February, without providing more details. Currently investors get business visas lasting up to five years, the text of his budget speech shows.

Foreign direct investment into India climbed 23 per cent to $55 billion in the 12 months through March 2016, buoyed by Modi’s steps to ease curbs on inflows.

Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday that Asia’s No. 3 economy will open more sectors to investment from abroad. Even so, entrepreneurs still have to adhere to detailed rules governing participation in everything from defense to ecommerce.

India’s GDP probably rose 7.6 per cent in the three months through June from a year earlier, according to the median of 36 estimates in a Bloomberg News survey ahead of a report later on Wednesday. — Bloomberg News

OPENING UP THE MARKET: From September 4, overseas funds with at least SR3.75 billion ($1 billion) under management will be allowed to invest in Saudi stocks — down from the current threshold of $5 billion. — Bloomberg file picture

B4

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

FEATURE ENERAL ATLANTIC, the US private equity firm that already invested more than one billion reais ($318 million) in Brazil this year, plans to keep buying stakes in companies that “are not cheap” even amid the country’s worst economic crisis in a century.

General Atlantic is among the few international buyout funds daring to buy Brazilian firms amid the country’s biggest recession ever and political instability. While there are signs that deal-making activity may have bottomed out, total announced acquisitions of Brazilian companies have fallen 34.9 per cent year-to-date over the same period last year to $13.8 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Deals involving private equity firms were even more affected, with the total falling 72 per cent to $729.5 million, the data show. The number of deals fell 49 per cent to a total of 25 transactions.

General Atlantic is prioritising unregulated industries that focus on middle-class and upper-class consumers, with key transactions including a larger stake in brokerage XP Investimentos CCTVM SA and an investment in drugstore chain Pague Menos. That has also meant staying away from infrastructure deals even though the Carwash corruption investigation has opened up investment opportunities by sidelining some of the dominant companies there.

“The companies we are looking at now are growing more than 20 per cent but are not cheap,’’ said Martin Escobari, head of Latin America business for the buyout firm. “The real and stock exchange rally reflects better prospects for the median term, but in the short term Brazil is not a country for investors with a heart condition.”

General Atlantic’s purchase of an additional stake of 16 per cent in the brokerage XP Investimentos, announced in April, is the biggest acquisition made by a private equity firm of a company operating in Brazil this year, at 450 million reais, the data show.

The fund is increasing its stake from 33 per cent to 49 per cent in Rio de Janeiro-based XP through a capital injection and the acquisition of a 10 per cent stake held by Actis. Thanks to General Atlantic’s investments, XP is growing aggressively, seeking a banking license in Brazil and also expanding in New York, Miami and Geneva, catering to higher net-worth investors while bank competitors have been retreating.

Brazil’s economy is expected to contract 3.5 per cent

A P R I V AT E EQUITY FIRM DARES TO BUY IN BRAZIL AMID RECESSION

this year after shrinking 3.8 per cent in 2015. The Carwash corruption investigation involving giant state company Petroleo Brasileiro and major construction firms in the country helped to deepen a political crisis that has led to the suspension of President Dilma Rousseff. The turmoil has contributed to a reduction in the volume of deals, even as acting President Michel Temer has bolstered investor confidence, with the benchmark Ibovespa index up 67 per cent in dollar terms this year. The real has gained 24 per cent against the dollar, the biggest return among emerging markets currencies.

“It hasn’t been easy to close M&A deals with private equity firms as buyers this year because their investment committees didn’t want to take the political risk given the impeachment uncertainties and the high volatility on prices,” said Daniel Wainstein, co-head in Brazil for the New York-based investment banking boutique Greenhill & Co, which acted as adviser on four deals in the country this year.

“To invest in private equity you need to be more careful than to buy shares on the public market, where you have liquidity and can get out more easily,” Wainstein said.

General Atlantic, based in Greenwich, Connecticut, invested 440.1 million reais in new shares of Pague Menos, plus 160 million reais to buy shares from current holders, the Fortaleza-based drugstore chain said in a regulatory filing in December. The deal gives the buyout firm a 17 per cent stake, Pague Menos said.

“The drugstore sector is still very fragmented, with 70 per cent of companies independent, and consolidation is natural,” Escobari said. Drugmakers will also benefit from the resilience the health-care sector has against an economic slowdown, he said.

Patria Investmentos, the Brazilian private equity firm whose investors include New York-based Blackstone

Group, also bought a stake in a drugstore chain, Farmacias Independente, in a transaction announced this year.

With private-equity investment still at a trickle in Brazil, the health-care industry has attracted much of the attention. Before Pague Menos, General Atlantic invested 200 million reais in Ouro Fino Saude Animal Participacoes in a deal announced in July 2014, betting on health products and drugs for livestock and pets. Escobari said he is still looking at health-related assets.

Miami-based HIG Capital acquired a minority stake in the drug and hospital instruments producer Halex Istar Industria Farmaceutica, in a transaction announced in May. Warburg Pincus, based in New York, opted for the food production business, buying a minority stake in Camil Alimentos from Rio-based Gavea Investimentos in July.

Infrastructure remains a draw for some. Actis, the UKbased private equity firm that sold its XP stake to General Atlantic, said this month it plans to invest at least 1.4 billion reais to buy and expand renewable energy plants in Brazil. The firm announced in July it would buy the remaining 40 per cent of Curitiba-based Atlantic Energias Renovaveis. General Atlantic, meanwhile, is looking to make more investments in retail, betting that middleclass Brazilians increasingly prefer to shop at well established chains instead of street and market vendors.

“Before, it was tough to invest in the retail clothes and apparel sector in Brazil, because it was too informal,” Escobari said. “Now it is much better.”

— FABIOLA MOURA & CRISTIANE LUCCHESI / Bloomberg News

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

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ROUND-UP

Toyota Avalon comes with cash gift offer This cash gift is available on the 2016YM models of Avalon

MUSCAT: The Toyota Avalon is an elegant and classy sedan that is positioned to be ‘at the intersection of style and technology’.

Meticulously reimagined, the Avalon’s exterior exudes a sophisticated confidence others only aspire to. Its sculpted lines and curves create a stunning profile. While the redesigned bumper and stylish HID headlamps make it more striking than ever.

Now that Toyota’s Festival of Joy is on, customers can avail a very attractive cash gift on Avalon.

This cash gift is available on the 2016YM models of Avalon. (Valid for all purchases except those made by government organisations and ministries. Please visit the nearest Toyota showroom for exact details), says a press release.

The offer makes the Avalon even more tempting to own. Indeed, there is a lot to love in the refined masterpiece by Toyota; about which it is quoted that, “The Avalon is one of Toyota’s best offerings, with truly attractive styling, a high-quality interior, plenty of room and an immensely enjoyable driving experience.”

Avalon’s exterior lighting complements the design lines. The

industry-first Quadrabeam headlight cluster utilises a sleek and compact double-eye PES headlight design with two square glass condenser lenses that have been adapted for the low beams and offer outstanding lighting performance. A stronger, more expressive front-fascia design with larger grille opening creates an aggressive appearance.

The Avalon’s interior elaborates on the exterior’s elegant, refined theme to create a premium interior experience that combines high technology and craftsmanship with an artistic level of sculpted surfaces. The driver is engaged by an Optitron-type combination meter, which produces a sharp, high quality display and 3.5-inch Thin-film Transistor (TFT) colour multi-information display.

Furthermore, the Avalon’s interior surfaces are finished in premium materials such as soft-touch materials for the dash panel, unique smoke chrome trim surrounding the centre panel, and high-quality glossy panel trim around the shifter. All of this attention to detail to touch surfaces and subtle en-

hancements to texture and visual appeal are aimed at elevating the overall interior experience for driver and passengers.

The Avalon’s seats are available as 10-way power adjustable for the driver’s seat, and 8-way adjustment for the front passenger seat.

The driver’s seat incorporates a seat-cushion length extender; a four-way lumbar support is built into the driver’s seat and a twoway lumbar support for the passenger. An electric seat heater and seat ventilation system have been adopted to help enhance driver and passenger seat comfort.

The Avalon utilises a 3.5-litre, six cylinder V6 engine that features Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) to help offer superior power and efficiency by optimising the intake and exhaust valve timings to increase engine performance across the entire range.

The Avalon features an automatic transmission that has been optimised for improved fuel economy and performance. Steeringwheel-mounted paddle shifters help activate fast and responsive

E D UC AT I N G S T U D E N T S

B5

shifts while keeping both hands on the wheel. The Avalon offers three drive modes: Eco, Normal & Sport.

The Avalon offers a long list of convenient, user-friendly technologies as one would expect with the Toyota’s flagship sedan. The Avalon features a 7 inch Navigation system with a DVD player and 11 JBL speakers, Bluetooth compatibility, customisable vehicle settings, available rear camera display and operation of iPod® and USB devices.

Toyota Avalon is equipped standard with a smart key system that locks and unlocks the front doors and enables opening of the doors when the key is within a short distance of the door handle.

The key’s transmitter also allows the engine to be started with the push of a button.

The Avalon is equipped with a rear window power shade that blocks direct sun rays for the rear passengers, the shade adopts an auto-down function when shifting into reverse.

A lighter weight power sunroof design has been adopted to help reduce vehicle weight.

Avalon has a total of 10 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags providing enhanced safety.

It also features Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). In Oman, Toyota’s outstanding product quality is supported by the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

LITERARY DISCOURSE

MGS organises ‘Shabd Sangat’ MUSCAT: The Muscat Gujarati Samaj (MGS), Gujarati Wing of the Indian Social Club Oman, recently organised a literary talk by two prolific, versatile speakers from Gujarat, Kaajal Oza Vaidya and Jay Vasavada at the Al Falaj Hotel recently. Indra Mani Pandey, ambassador of India to Oman, was the chief guest at the function.

MGS is renowned for organising an array of vivid programmes exclusively for its dedicated member base and after a series of musical and sporting events, MGS was back with a blockbuster event in the form of ‘Shabd Sangat’, a literary discourse, says a press release.

The two speakers, Vaidya and Vasavada, experts in their field, enthralled the jam-packed audience in their unique, firebrand literary style, sharing their candid views on topics ranging for corporate world, cultural affairs, social relationships and bonding as well as spirituality. Their talks impressed one and all and the audience was glued to their seats till the very end.

Vaidya, a brand name in Gujarati literature is a youth icon and an inspiration for many women. An author, screenwriter, radio person-

ality and a famous journalist, she has performed in various countries across the globe and is respected for her sharp and ethical views. She left the audience spellbound with her honest, upfront and fair narration of real life scenarios.

Vasavada is a renowned writer, orator writing columns in various publications for the last 20 years.

His versatile columns in leading newspapers have earned him a strong fan following with his blog becoming the number one Gujarati blog with more than 2,500 daily hits and has led to more than 75,000 followers on social network.

The mesmerising duo of Vaidya and Vasavada who performed together on several occasions, blended their topics very well and effortlessly moved from one topic to the other, leaving a subtle yet impactful message which left the audiences pondering over the nuances of ideal and practical living. The event was compered by Dilesh Ramaiya.

Pandey honoured both the celebrity artists as well as the young talented folk dance group which was choreographed by Anandi Gandhi. C. M. Sardar, vice chairman of ISC, appreciated MGS for organising the event successfully.

FAV O U R I T E A M O N G FA M I L I E S

A’Saffa Foods happy to offer fresh, tasty chicken franks

Khimji Paints hosts Caledonian College of Engineering students MUSCAT: Khimji Paints a division of Khimji Ramdas recently hosted 100 students from the Caledonian College of Engineering as part of a summer programme.

The visit, an initiative in association with Khimji Paints, aimed to educate students on the significance of manufacturing industry and its critical role in any economy, says a press release.

“As a company that always supports and encourages the country’s talented youth, Khimji Paints is once again proud to be so closely involved in the process of helping young talent reach its optimum potential. It is an honour to host students from the Caledonian College of Engineering and be a central, guiding force in decisions that shape their education and career choices,” said M. R. Kamat, general manager - Khimji Paints.

“We showcased our facilities to the next generation professionals as well as the opportunities in the manufacturing sector. We stressed the importance and need to plan and manufacture environmentally

safe products. Khimji Paints has been extremely responsible about the government’s green initiative and produces eco-friendly paints.

By spending time in the various departments of the factory floor students were given a better understanding of the career prospects in the industry to help them make better decisions regarding their future,” said Bhuvnesh Udeshi, Works Manager at Khimji Paints factory.

“Students like these are the country’s future and it is important to give them the right exposure to various facets of the industry, particularly those pertaining to environment, health and safety.

Therefore, the trip sought to familiarise students with important processes such as understanding the impact of hazardous waste, manufacturing by conserving and making the most rational use of resources,” said Sumedh Sakhalkar assistant marketing manager at Khimji Paints.

The students were given a tour of Khimji Paint’s state-of-the-art fac-

tory in Rusayl and got a hands-on experience of the shop floor from the assembly line to the engineering and innovation of manufacturing, packaging, logistics and also Khimji Paint’s marketing initiatives.

They also witnessed, first hand, the efficient teamwork carried out by Khimji Paints staff at every level and learned the importance of manufacturing in providing employment for the local economy.

The students visited the R&D laboratory as well as the QC laboratory to gain an understanding into the procedures followed at Quality Control.

At the warehouse they were shown how inventory management works, order execution and the dispatch process.

Khimji Paints has been manufacturing decorative and industrial paints at its Rusayl factory for the last three decades. It manufactures over 100 different products through its modernised plant.

It is an ISO 9001:2008 QMS, ISO 14001:2004 certified company and follows stringent quality processes.

MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s largest fully integrated poultry producer and the biggest snack food producer, has a delectably, pure, fresh and tasty range of chicken franks – regular, smoked and spicy that are easy to prepare, and serve as the perfect snack, appetiser, entrée or main at meal times.

Available at leading supermarkets across the country and made from the finest natural ingredients, the chicken franks are an enormously popular snack food item amongst Omani and expatriate families and are a firm favourite with children, says a press release.

A’Saffa chicken franks are known for their simple, but extraordinary taste and just like the smoked and spicy range can easily be heated on the stove top or grill for a quick and convenient meal.

A food connoisseur’s delight, A’Saffa smoked chicken franks are lightly smoked in a hearty flavour and blended with the everlingering freshness of natural ingredients and delicate spices.

The smoked chicken franks make parties and celebrations even more exciting.

The hot and peppery A’Saffa spicy chicken franks on the other hand are spiced up with an appetising blend of the purest natural ingredients, herbs and flavours; and are a delight to savour filling every occasion with joy and excitement.

Sidhartha Lenka, head - Marketing and Sales, A’Saffa Foods said: “In the development of A’Saffa franks, our culinary experts worked in our test kitchen to carefully combine and layer flavours to satisfy consumers

In the development of A’Saffa franks, our culinary experts worked in our test kitchen to carefully combine and layer flavours to satisfy consumers seeking the perfect franks for their families Sidhartha Lenka

Head - Marketing and Sales, A’Saffa Foods seeking the perfect franks for their families. We hence believe that our range of chicken franks are much tastier, since they have been produced using the latest research, studies and tests.”

A’Saffa has established strong popularity in the chicken franks category in Oman due to the taste and quality of their chicken products and the confidence that

families have when buying products from Oman’s largest chicken producer.

A’Saffa Foods has been a pioneer in the production of quality poultry and snack food products since the company established its operations in 2001 and is now an acknowledged leader in the poultry market in Oman and rapidly growing its international presence.

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ROUND-UP Make your dreams come true at HDFC India Home Fair tomorrow ChildCentricTM Homes, to introducing the re-measurement clause for customers, every action echoes commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.

It will have over 30 developers from across India exhibiting dream home projects to help Oman based NRIs and PIOs pick up a dream home in the country

MUSCAT: Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) is bringing the two-day India Homes Fair to Muscat at a very opportune time. To be held at Al Falaj Hotel tomorrow and the day after, it will have over 30 developers from across India exhibiting home projects to help Oman based NRIs and PIOs pick up a dream home in the country, says a press release.

This is the sixth time a reputed and a leading bank in India is bringing together all the major builders from India on a common platform for the benefit of Indians working and staying in Oman. HDFC has selected those builders who are trustworthy and have proved their merit in the Indian market. HDFC has been one of the driving forces behind the success story of the Indian real estate sector. The largest home loan bank in India has been offering support to builders and their customers at the same time.

Some of the major builders are making investments and purchase an enticing affair by coming out with special offers at India Home Fair:

Assured rental income for 7 years from Puravankara

Book a apartment with Godrej Properties by paying only INR70,000

Other builders are offering 2080 schemes and balance 20% on possession The leading builders of the Indian real estate sector showcasing their properties are: Godrej Properties Ltd Godrej Properties brings the Godrej Group philosophy of innovation and excellence to the real estate industry. Each Godrej Properties development combines a 118-year legacy of excellence and trust with a commitment to cutting-edge design and technology. Godrej Properties is currently developing residential, commercial and township projects spread across 10.25 million square metres in 12 cities.

L&T Realty L&T Realty is the real-estate development arm of Larsen & Toubro. Backed by the parent company’s rich experience of over 75 years in the construction industry, L&T Realty has made an extremely successful foray into the real-estate industry following the philosophies, ethics and work approach that have been behind its sustained growth.

It has redefined the real-estate industry in India with its transparency, customer-focused approach and continuous quest for worldclass quality. The company is committed to creating landmarks of excellence. This is reflected in its business parks built to support uninterrupted work 24x7, the under-construction Transit Oriented Development (India’s largest), in Navi Mumbai - Seawoods Grand Central, and its much-coveted res-

in the steel and aggregate industry through Enviro Buildmate, a company that meets the rising demand for finely crushed aggregates used by the construction industry for making concrete, and guarantees the provision of quality sand and superior services.

Urban Lifestyle and Urban Homes are the real estate arms of the VTP Group. This diversification has greatly benefited Pune with unique offerings in quality living.

idential buildings and complexes.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd Re-defining urbanisation is a core strategy priority at Mahindra Lifespace Developers. Entering the real sector in 1994, today Mahindra is at the forefront of creating green residential spaces and world class urban infrastructure through its ‘World Cities’ concept.

Mahindra Lifespace recently entered the affordable housing space with Happinest – a response to the pressing need of providing high quality, but affordable homes to urban Indian families.

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., the real estate and infrastructure development business of the $16.9 billion Mahindra Group, is a leader and pioneer in sustainable urban development, through the creation of residential and integrated large format developments across nine Indian cities - Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The company’s residential and commercial development footprint includes over 1.20 million sq.m. of completed projects and over 0.88 million sq. m. of ongoing and forthcoming projects.

A pioneer of the green homes movement in India, Mahindra Lifespaces is the first Indian real estate company to have voluntarily released its triple bottom-line focused, externally assured Sustainability Report based on the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) framework.

Puravankara Since its inception in 1975, Puravankara has believed that there is only one mantra for success: Quality. This credo combined with uncompromising values, customer-centricity, robust engineering, and transparency in business operations, has placed it among the ‘most preferred’ real estate brands in both residential and commercial segments. Currently, it has 24.87 million square feet / 17,895 units of projects under development, with an additional 22.73 million square feet in projected development.

The group commenced operations in Mumbai and has established significant presence in the metropolitan cities of Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Mysore and overseas in Dubai, Colombo and Saudi Arabia.

Provident Housing Limited The Provident Housing Group are pioneers in making premium homes affordable. Provident Housing Limited is a whollyowned subsidiary of Puravankara Projects Limited, one of the real estate developers in India.

The premium affordable housing proposition targets first-time home buyers. Three projects under the Provident brand encompassing 6.5 million square feet are currently underway across Bangalore and Chennai.

Kolte Patil Developers Ltd Kolte Patil has been creating landmarks for 25 years. Founded 2 decades ago and guided by a simple yet profound philosophy; ‘Creation,

not construction’, Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd. is one of the foremost real estate companies which is headquartered in Pune.

Listed on NSE and BSE KoltePatil is Pune’s largest developer and has completed 1 Cr sq. ft. of landmark developments in Pune and Bengaluru. It is also present in Mumbai with some upscale redevelopment projects.

Sukritha Buildmann Pvt. Buildmann is a brand with over 25 years of excellence and trust with projects in Bangalore, Mysore and Hosur. The projects are crafted through a combination of attention to detail, superior materials, green features and contemporary architecture. Buildmann Aaroha is an exclusive enclave located off Old Madras Road, next to Whitefield and ORR-Banaswadi, spread over 6.5 Acres with just 39 luxurious villas and 85 exclusive condominiums.

The Wadhwa Group The Wadhwa Group carries a rich legacy of over 47 years, built on the trust and belief of its customers and stakeholders. One of Mumbai’s leading real estate companies, because its strive hard to deliver the best. Every space created is thoughtfully designed to connect with nature, laying a strong emphasis on the elements of light, height, and air. Immaculate project planning, exceptional design innovation and timely delivery are a few things that set us apart from the competition.

Currently, the group is developing residential, commercial and township projects spread across 1.4 million square metres. Today, the group is proud to have served over 15,000 satisfied families and over 100 corporate tenants.

Kanakia Group (Kanakia Spaces Realty Pvt. Ltd.) At Kanakia, it has always been ‘different thinking’ when it comes to spaces. And that is why today, Kanakia is recognised as one of India’s premium developers and featured amongst the top 10 real estate development brands in the country. In the last 30 years, it has developed and successfully delivered over 14 million sq. ft. of commercial, residential, entertainment, education and industrial spaces.

Standing testament to its innovative approach are many firsts such as the first township concept at Mira Road, unique amenities like Floating Clubhouse, Turkish Hamam and Snow Spa and first-of-its-kind themed living like the Kanakia Rainforest, Kanakia Paris, Kanakia Wall Street & Kanakia Miami.

SNN Builders Bangalore Established in 1994, SNN Builders has completed over 40 projects covering more than 12 million sqft.

SNN Builders’ property development portfolio is diverse in scope and style, attracting considerable interest from not just end consumers but also from many investors.

SNN’s corporate philosophy is to focus on balancing the evolving needs of a modern city while maintaining and conserving the environment. Currently it has six ongoing projects and have recently acquired Essar’s Equinox Water’s Edge in Hebbal now rebranded as SNN Clermont, the tallest and the best in Hebbal.

Lokaa Developer Pvt Ltd Living the high life takes on a whole new meaning at M One, North Chennai’s tallest residential tower in Madhavaram with 234 spacious luxury 2, 3 & 4 BHK homes spread across 22 floors of sheer luxury set in 2.1 serene acres. Experience the high life with world class amenities.

Dhammanagi Developers With a very humble beginning, in the early 1950s producing sarees, Dhammanagi Developers Bangalore slowly diversified and proliferated into textile retailing, hospitality, education institutions, mining, software.

Keeping pace with the growth in the real estate sector, the group has now ventured into the areas of housing, construction and real estate.

G:Corp Developers Pvt LTD G: Corp Developers is a flagship company under G: Corp group that offers integrity and transparency to the highest level. One of the most renowned names in modern India’s real estate landscape G: Corp is recognised by values and top-notch planning. G: Corp pays utmost importance to understand needs of customers of various categories and investing in Research & Development accordingly to present international quality homes and apartments. It has 19 multi city projects, over 5 million sq ft delivered and 2,500 man years of experience across Pune, Bangalore and Mumbai.

VTP Constructions The VTP Group is a Pune-based conglomerate that has delivered, for over 30 years, its services in keeping with its core values of quality, trust and commitment.

With modest beginnings in the cement and steel industry, VTP Group has grown to become the 2nd largest distributor of cement in Maharashtra. The group has made a prominent name for itself

Total Environment Total Environment is an architectled, design and real estate development firm building homes that are customised and furnished with a focus on good design and details.

The goal has been to combine the professional expertise with cutting edge technology and an out-of-the-box approach to build spaces that make living more comfortable, productive and joyous reaching across to customers in Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

ATS Infrastructure Ltd With over 18 years of expertise in crafting homes that people adore and relish to live in, ATS Infrastructure has come of age in understanding and delivering more than what the customers expect.

Adopting assurance, transparency and sincerity as core values, ATS has nurtured its position as one of the most reliable developers in North India real estate market.

With each home a hallmark of an incredible amalgamation of luxury, comfort and style.

With its pristine lush greenery, architectural marvels and a host of resident-centric facilities, ATS Infrastructure offers future home buyers a perfect get away from the city mayhem, while they are right in the heart of the city.

Citrus Ventures (Bangalore) Established in the year 2011, Citrus Ventures has aimed for a customer-centric approach and have strived to deliver your dream home to you through robust engineering and aesthetic design.

Highly regarded for transparency, reliability and quality, it believes in clear-cut communication with customers and value the money and time that the one invests. Basic mission is to provide complete customer satisfaction by ensuring that the quality and delivery of dream homes reflect honesty and integrity at every stage of its construction. The locations inspire healthy living and provide open spaces for little ones to grow.

Gera Developments Pvt. Ltd. Gera Developments has acquired fame and reputation as creators of premium residential and commercial projects.

Four decades of unwavering commitment towards innovation and service, the company has spread their footprint all across Pune, Goa and Bengaluru by meticulously constructing and delivering over 50 projects, with close to 5 million sq.ft. of development.

From being the first to pave the way for a 5-year warranty on construction back in 2004 to pioneering the innovative concept of

House of Hiranandani Since inception into the urbane terrains of India, House of Hiranandani has altered the way living spaces are designed, thereby transforming the ethos and aesthetics of the real estate sector. Through environmentally friendly concepts of new urbanism, the focus has been on transforming suburban sprawls of land into well-planned urban communities.

Apart from residences, Hirnanandani has established numerous schools, colleges, institutions and hospitals through affiliates, trusts, clubhouses and community spaces, all of which have earned unmatched international repute. Continuing the legacy of building self-sufficient, integrated communities and living spaces, there are significant ongoing projects in Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Ozone Group Ozone Group is one of South India’s leading developers reputed for innovative and quality construction. It is committed to providing a superior quality of life by redefining the standard of living through innovative real estate products. Ozone Group has, to date, completed about 5 million sq. ft of area to date, and about 15.8 million sq. ft is under construction. Currently projects are being developed in Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and Goa. Dosti Realty The company has experience in various development types be it residential, retail, IT Parks etc.

Over the years, it has been known for aesthetics, innovation, quality and timely delivery, values that stand true till date. The company has now expanded to other cities like Ahmedabad and Pune to establish benchmarks in building spacious value projects.

CBRE Each year, CBRE is growing exponentially having complete thousands of successful assignments – with clients from the gamut of industries.

This volume creates market knowledge that allows CBRE to seize opportunities, speed the business process and create the most thorough, precisely accurate picture of global commercial real estate conditions and trends.

Every day, in markets around the globe, CBRE applies insight, experience, intelligence and resources to help clients make informed real estate decisions.

CBRE India As the leading real estate services firm, it provides clients with a wide range of real estate solutions including agency services, asset services, advisory & transaction services, capital markets, project management, strategic consulting and valuations/appraisals.

The guiding principle has been to provide clients with tactical and strategic solutions that make real estate holdings more productive and economically efficient.

Casa Grande Casa Grande Private Limited is a Chennai based real estate enterprise started in 2004 driven by a strong belief in building aspirations and fulfilling them.

Casa Grande defines designs and develops quality livings spaces and operates in niche residential segments like luxury villas and apartments in Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Cochin.

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Lulu opens hypermarket in Rustaq

Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

Lulu Group’s 17th store in Oman was officially inaugurated

by Sheikh Hilal bin Said Al Hajri, Governor of South Batinah, in the presence of several highranking officials from various government departments

RUSTAQ: Lulu Group, region’s retail major, has further strengthened its presence in the Sultanate of Oman by opening its latest hypermarket in the town of Rustaq in Al Batinah region.

The new hypermarket which is also the 129th of the group was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Hilal bin Said Al Hajri, Governor of South Batinah, in the presence of several high-ranking officials

from various government departments and representatives from local business communities, says a press release.

Yusuf Ali M. A., chairman of Lulu Group, Saifee Rupawala, CEO, Ashraf Ali M. A., executive director, A. V. Ananth, director Lulu Oman and India, Shabeer K.

A., regional director Oman and other senior officials were also present at the event apart from a large gathering of local population.

The newly opened hypermarket is also the 17th store of the group in the country.

Located in the prime area of Rustaq, the new store is spread

in an area of about 75,000 square feet. The new store will feature complete retail offerings including full groceries line, home appliances, electronics, IT products, stationery, sports, life style and fashion brands and services ancillary to the business of hypermarket under one roof.

STUDENT CARE PROGRAMME

Dar Al Atta’a distributes school uniforms and stationery to 3,748 needy students MUSCAT: Underprivileged children’s faces lit up as they received school equipment and stationery from Dar Al Atta’a and students from Muscat and Bausher Educational Village to prepare themselves for the school year.

Dar Al Atta’a’s Student Care programme raised the necessary funds to provide school uni-

forms and stationery to needy children ahead of the 2016/2017 academic year. The charity raised OMR48,832.930 which provided 3,748 students from 42 different schools across the Sultanate with the necessities they need for their education, says a press release.

Maryam Al Zadjali, Dar Al Atta’a chairperson, said, “These

aids come as part of the Student Care Programme and that is one of our main programmes to support the needy families by providing their children with the basic needs for schools.

“In this regard, we would like to thank the staff and volunteers of Dar Al Atta’a who have helped us in sorting this huge number

of stationary and would like to thank Al Obeidana for donating the dishdashas.”

Dar Al Atta’a is currently conducting a campaign to collect funds for less fortunate children’s Eid clothes. OMR10 will cover the cost for one child while OMR20 and OMR30 will go to two and three children respectively.

‘ T H E C U R RY F E S T I VA L’

Experience authentic taste of Indian curries at Chulha restaurant till Oct. 15 MUSCAT: Chulha, an authentic Indian cuisine restaurant,

by Jawad Sultan Restaurants at Sohar will once again be transformed into a world of tastes and flavours, giving a chance to experience this time the different regional curries from across India.

The Curry Festival at Chulha restaurant in Sohar Plaza will go on until October 15 from 12-4pm and 7-11.30pm, says a press release.

A special a la carte curry menu includes Meen Moilee and Kozhi Varutharachath from Kerala, Andhra style Mamsam Pulusu, Sorson Maach and Kosha Mangsho of Bengal, Gomantak Machhi Curry

Come to experience the authentic tastes of India at The Curry Festival which will take you on a mouthwatering journey of delicious taste of Indian curries Junaid Kader

GM, Jawad Sultan Restaurants

of Goa, Maharashtrian Kombdicha Rassa, Kashmir’s Nalli Rogan Josh and Awadh’s Gosht Awadhi Korma, Delhi’s popular Murgh Makhani and many more, for the non-vegetarian fans. The menu also comprises a selection of vegetarian curries like Gujarati Kadhi, Rajasthani Gatteki Tari, Lasooni Paneer from Punjab and Kofta-e-Pukhtooni, for the vegetarian fanatics.

“So come to experience the authentic tastes of India at The Curry Festival which will take you on a mouth-watering journey of rich piquant and delicious taste of the Indian curries,” stated Junaid Kader, GM, Jawad Sultan Restaurants.

Speaking on the occasion, Yusuff Ali said, “We are glad to have unveiled yet another project in Oman, which clearly specifies that all our expansion strategies are fast progressing and are on track. It has been our policy to bring worldclass shopping experience closer to the people in the outskirts rath-

er than making them drive long distance to bigger cities.”

“We thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the people of this country for the encouragement and support, which have always remained the driving force for us to set our goals and work towards it,” he added.

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Bank Muscat Premier Banking sets benchmark in customer relationship Personalised premium products and upgraded services come with preferential pricing, thereby multiplying the value of asalah membership and reducing the cost of transactions MUSCAT: Setting a benchmark for personal and relationship banking, Premier banking from Bank Muscat has established an imprint of differentiated and specialised banking experience characterised by a profound understanding of clients’ preferences.

Abdulnasir Al Raisi, DGM – Premier Banking, said: “asalah Priority banking offers value added services and exclusive lifestyle privileges, complementing a world class banking experience.

Forming a strong franchise that distinguishes it from competitors, asalah Priority banking has succeeded in taking personal and relationship banking to a new level. As the nation’s leading bank, the Premier banking strategy reflects the ongoing commitment to expand innovative services.”

The membership comes with Bank Muscat’s commitment to delivering value. Personalised premium products and upgraded services come with preferential pricing, thereby multiplying the value of asalah membership and reducing the cost of transactions.

The preferential pricing include attractive rates on deposits, competitive foreign exchange rates, waivers and discounts on a range of transactions, says a press release.

The express banking benefits are centred on the largest number of dedicated relationship managers (RMs) covering all regions in Oman and the largest number of asalah Centers in branches. asalah clients have access to express processing of transactions and service as well as a dedicated 24*7 asalah Contact Centre.

The bouquet of asalah Priority banking products includes Platinum debit card offering higher daily ATM withdrawal limit of OMR1,000, instant airport lounge access at 75 locations worldwide, discounts at high-end retail out-

lets and complimentary chauffeur airport pick-up and drop-off. asalah Visa Signature credit card is Oman’s first such card facilitating access to more than 500 airport lounges worldwide, global concierge service, 24/7 personal assistance for reservations, travel plans, theatre tickets and gifts to enhance the travel experience. The card also entitles clients to 1 per cent cash back on all local and international transactions, plus free multi-trip travel insurance for cardholder and direct family members.

Adding value, asalah Priority

Banking clients can enjoy the Visa fine dining programme in the UAE entailing 15 – 25 per cent discount and reward points.

They are also entitled to the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection programme covering 900+ hotels worldwide with guaranteed best available rate, automatic room upgrade upon check-in, free continental breakfast, 3pm late check out, VIP guest status, and complimentary food and beverage vouchers. asalah clients also enjoy free access to asalah Entertainer App which contains more than 1,200 ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ offers in Oman and at international destinations and hotels.

Private Banking clients enjoy 1 per cent cash back rewards on all transactions made through Visa Infinite credit card. The card also facilitates exclusive Harrods Black Card membership and Hilton Honors Gold Membership, and an unlimited access to 500+ airport lounges globally, multi-trip travel

EXCELLENT RESPONSE

insurance and 24 hours concierge service.

In the exclusive world of privilege banking, al Jawhar Platinum credit card offers credit limit up to OMR50,000 and 1 per cent cash back on purchases.

The Entertainer App is also available with more than 500 ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ offers in Oman and the UAE and avail exclusive discounts from more than 170 retail outlets.

The ongoing promotions for Bank Muscat cardholders include an exclusive additional discount on the 35 per cent discount, 2 for 1 offers and kids fly free deals by Qatar Airways. The offer ends on September 5.

Committed to enhancing banking services to the high saving premier segment, the bank’s strategy focuses on differentiated and specialised banking experience distinguishing Premier banking clients from competitors.

The exclusive rewards and benefits lined up for Premier banking

customers include the high value al Mazyona monthly, quarterly and year-end prizes.

The bank understands customer expectations as al Mazyona 2016 scheme offering OMR10 million in prize money is an incredible incentive for maintaining a healthy savings habit.

The exclusive prizes earmarked for asalah Priority banking customers include two monthly prizes of OMR50,000 each, two quarterly prizes of OMR250,000 each and the year-end jackpot prize of OMR500,000 for one customer.

The recent quarterly draw held in Salalah offered two high value prizes of OMR250,000 each for asalah Priority banking clients and two prizes of OMR50,000 each for al Jawhar Privilege banking clients.

Premier customers of the bank - Private, asalah Priority and al Jawhar Privilege banking – are eligible to participate in all al Mazyona prize draws. The upcoming al Mazyona monthly prize draw will be held in Musannah on September 7.

Abdulnasir Al Raisi added: “As the leading financial services provider, Bank Muscat is committed to reciprocating the trust and confidence reposed by Premier customers in the bank.

The Premier banking products and services will continue to provide a distinct banking experience.”

VISA PROCESSING SERVICES

BankDhofar hailed for great customer experience and best banking services MUSCAT: BankDhofar, the leading Omani financial institution, has received outstanding responses from customers across the Sultanate of Oman to its high quality products and world-class banking services.

The bank has received numerous responses on all social media platforms hailing its unsurpassed instant banking solutions such as the flagship card-less cash withdrawal option, account-toaccount transfer facility and other instant and convenient products and services, says a press release.

Abdul Hakeem Omar Al Ojaili, BankDhofar’s acting CEO, highlighted the bank’s ongoing drive to provide the best customer experience in the banking industry nationwide. He said: “We are proud to see BankDhofar leading the Omani banking sector and being the bank of choice for different segments of customers in all parts of the Sultanate.

“Our brand has become synonymous with excellent quality financial services and outstanding customer experience. What sets BankDhofar apart from others is our customer-first approach that revolves around providing best customer experience, employing cutting-edge technology and offering state-of-the-art products and best-in-class services. We understand our customers’ requirements and we provide financial solutions that fulfil their needs and exceed their expectations.”

BankDhofar has been a leader in the market, not only in terms of the high quality of products

Qatar Airways, QTA sign key agreement with VFS Global

and services, but also in terms of timely communication with customers through various communication channels. The bank utilises social media platforms to keep its customers up-to-date with exclusive offers and promotions, as well as latest news and important announcements.

“The bank’s dedicated relationship managers and experienced direct sales representatives are trained to offer outstanding services to customers at all BankDho-

far branches across the Sultanate.

Additionally, the bank has implemented a comprehensive simpleprocess system to enhance its service quality and consistency.

“To ensure customer satisfaction, we follow strict quality control procedures and we continuously communicate with our customers through various channels to keep abreast of the latest market trends and consumer requirements. We take our customer’s comments very seriously and

we work to ensure that they get the quality service they deserve.

“Our success is a result of our commitment to put customer experience at the heart of every action we take. Our aspiration is to always be the best bank for all BankDhofar stakeholders and to contribute to the development of the country through boosting the quality of the private sector services with focus on the financial services,” added Al Ojaili.

Aspiring to be the best bank in the Sultanate, BankDhofar has directed all its efforts and resources towards these objectives.

Today it is considered one of the best banks in the region, catering for customers’ needs and requirements, and setting the standards for the best customers experience within the banking industry in the Sultanate through creative solutions and innovation.

PERSONAL FINANCE OPTIONS

Alizz finance helps you realise your dreams MUSCAT: Alizz Islamic Bank helps Omanis and resident expatriates make their dreams a reality and buy the goods and services that they require through a myriad of personal finance options that are based on the principles of ‘Goods Murabaha’ and ‘Service Ijarah’.

Under the ‘Goods Murabaha’ product, which is based on the Sharia principle of ‘Murabaha’, the bank will at the customer’s request purchase Sharia- compliant goods from the authorised dealer and sell the same to the customer at an agreed price on a deferred payment basis. The advantage is that the customer knows the bank’s profit mark-up in advance.

Under the ‘Service Ijarah’ product, which is based on the Islamic finance principle of ‘Ijarah’ for the services, the bank has agreements with various service providers, whereby it leases the services required by the

customer directly from the provider and subleases it to the customer on the basis of Ijarah.

Both products come with a world of benefits and features and they are open to salaried and self-employed Omani nationals and resident ex-

patriates, says a press release.

Finance is available up to 100 per cent of the goods value and requires simple documentation with a fast and easy approval process.

Salary transfer is mandatory.

The most important benefit is

that the customer knows the profit mark-up and instalments at the time of signing the deal and before the bank purchases any Shariacompliant goods that the customer has requested.

“Personal finance is one of the many products designed to help customers buy whatever they want. We have various facilities and offer competitive rates at affordable prices,” explained Moosa Al Jadidi, chief operating officer Alizz Islamic Bank.

“The purpose of our products is to meet our customers’ needs and make their dreams come true through our Sharia-compliant finance options. Through Murabaha, a customer can have the bank finance any electronic goods or household items that he desires.

Additionally customers can avail Service Ijarah Finance for education, medical, marriage and travel.”

DOHA: Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) signed an agreement yesterday with VFS Global, leading provider of visa processing services, in the presence of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.

The agreement paves the way for an efficient and transparent tourist visa application system that caters to travellers from around the world looking to visit Qatar, says a press release.

The agreement comes as Qatar steps up efforts to attract and welcome more visitors to Qatar in line with Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030. The agreement will enable Qatar to identify and implement the ideal visa solutions for its visitors, while capitalising on VFS Global’s expertise in developing multi-platform visa services, and Qatar Airways’ extensive international footprint.

Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive - Qatar Airways said: “Qatar Airways has been bringing tourists to Qatar for nearly two decades and today’s announcement marks another milestone in our commitment to making Doha a world-class tourist destination.

Qatar’s tourism industry is experiencing exponential growth and the visa advancements announced today will further support our country’s vision to invite and welcome visitors from around the world to experience all that Qatar has to offer. We look forward to welcoming more passengers on-board, at Hamad International Airport and into Qatar, as a result of today’s initiative.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Nationality, Borders and Expatriates Affairs, and Qatar Tourism Authority for their partnership in making today’s announcement possible.

This initiative is a great example of what we can accomplish by working together, and we have other initiatives planned to further enhance Qatar tourism.”

Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority, commented on the development that Qatar’s tourism sector has witnessed in recent years. “It is a great source of pride for all of

us at QTA to be making this announcement only two and half years after the launch of QNTSS. Facilitating the visa application process is an important step in our drive to increase the number of visitor arrivals to Qatar, and in raising inbound tourism spending. This agreement is also testament to the public-privatepartnerships that are employed in the development of the sector, creating positive impacts across the tourism value chain and the broader economy.”

Qatar Airways and QTA will be working with VFS Global and MOI over the next months to establish the new tourist visa application process, after which full details of the new system will be announced. The steps taken are expected to increase Qatar’s openness ranking on the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index.

Brigadier Abdullah Salim Al Ali, director general of General Directorate of Nationality, Borders and Expatriates Affairs, said, “Qatar’s Ministry of Interior continuously strives to make government services as smooth and efficient as possible, while ensuring that Qatar’s security is not compromised. We are pleased to take developments in our tourist visa application services to the next level by working with our valued partners Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority. We believe this agreement will optimise resources as well security, while creating a positive impact on Qatar’s image and economy.”

Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global said; “We are pleased to partner with Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Authority to make the Qatar visa application process available to travellers globally, through online and mobile platforms. These new channels, which are sure to prove convenient and beneficial for visitors here, signify the next level of flexibility and security in the visa application process. This service will leverage on our experience and reliability in providing seamless visa application services, and will act as an important tool to boost tourism and make Qatar a preferred tourist destination.”

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VERSTAPPEN IN FOCUS AS HAMILTON EYES HAT-TRICK >C2

SPOR YOUR GAME

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FIERY STEYN GETTING BACK TO HIS BEST FORM

Recent injuries suggested Dale Steyn’s best days could be behind him but it was the 33-year-old who engineered victory for South Africa against New Zealand on Tuesday. >C3

Finch and Bailey power Australia to series win

TENNIS

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA D. de Silva c Finch b Hastings 76 A. Fernando lbw Starc 0 K. Mendis c Wade b Hastings 1 D. Chandimal c Wade b Boland 5 A. Mathews c Bailey b Hastings 40 A. Perera c Wade b Zampa 7 K. Perera c Warner b Head 6 T. Perera c Finch b Hastings 13 S. Pathirana c Faulkner b Hastings 24 D. Perera c Wade b Hastings 18 A. Aponso (not out) 1 Extras (b-4, lb-2, w-15) 21 Total (all out, 50 overs) 212 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-18, 3-31, 4-121, 5-130, 6-134, 7-165, 8-199 ,9-200.

Bowling: M. Starc 10-1-51-1 (w-9); J. Hastings 10-0-45-6 (w-2); S. Boland 10-136-1 (w-2); J. Faulkner 10-0-39-0 (w-1); A. Zampa 8-0-30-1 (w-1); T. Head 2-0-5-1.

AUSTRALIA D. Warner b Pathirana 19 A. Finch lbw Pathirana 55 U. Khawaja lbw Pathirana 0 G. Bailey (not out) 90 T. Head lbw D. Perera 40 M. Wade (not out) 8 Extras (b-1, lb-1, nb-1, w-2) 5 Total (4 wkts, 31 overs) 217 Fall of wickets: 1-74, 2-74, 3-97, 4-197.

Did not bat: J. Faulkner, J. Hastings, M. Starc, A. Zampa, S. Boland Bowling: T. Perera 3-1-24-0; A. Aponso 8-0-59-0 (w-1); D. Perera 7-0-69-1 (nb-1); S. Pathirana 8-0-37-3 (w-1); D. de Silva 4-0-21-0; A. Perera 1-0-5-0.

Sri Lanka, who won the toss and elected to bat on a dry wicket, laboured to 212 in their 50 overs, but Australia chased down the target with 114 balls to spare A file photo of Fatma Al Nabhani

Fatma Al Nabhani suffers singles defeat in China MUSCAT: A day after storming into the doubles quarterfinals, Omani star tennis player Fatma Al Nabhani failed to clear the first hurdle in the singles competition of the $25,000 ITF Pro Circuit tournament in Guiyang, China on Wednesday.

According to information received here, sixth seeded Fatma came up against a strong Chinese girl Xinyu Gao. Though the Omani girls put up good fight in the first set, she failed to maintain her form in the second as Xinyu Gao went on to win the match in straight sets 6-2, 6-4.

Fatma will however continue her doubles campaign in the company of Anastasia Gasanova of Russia. Fatma and Anastasia

are scheduled to play in the quarterfinals on Thursday when they clash with the Chinese pair of Hanyu Gao and Yukun Zhang.

They reached their last eight stage after defeating Thailand’s Kamonwan Buayam and China’s Fang Ying Xun 7-6 (5), 2-6 (10-4) on Tuesday.

Hanyu Guo and Yukun Zhang entered the quarterfinals after defeating their Chinese compatriots Xiao Chen Fu and Wanyu Tang 6-0, 6-0.

The Omani girl has recently won the second place in a $10,000 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ITF Pro Circuit tournament in Spain, where she also reached the semifinals of the doubles competition in the company of Belgium’s Helene Scholsen.

BASKETBALL

Saudi Arabia beat Bahrain MUSCAT: Oman suffered the second successive defeat going down to Saudi Arabia in the ongoing GCC Cup Basketball Championship in the UAE on Wednesday.

According to information received here, Oman were handed a

84-56 defeat by the Saudi Arabia.

Oman, who had lost their opening match to Bahrain 95-44 on Sunday, will next play Qatar on Thursday before completing their engagements against the UAE on Saturday.

DAMBULLA: Quick-fire half centuries from opener Aaron Finch and George Bailey helped Australia to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth One-day International (ODI) on Wednesday, giving the visitors an unassailable 3-1 lead heading into the final ODI. Sri Lanka, who won the toss and elected to bat on a dry wicket, laboured to 212 in their 50 overs, but Australia chased down the target with 114 balls to spare.

Earlier in the day, fast bowler John Hastings rattled through Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, picking up six wickets for 45 runs in his 10 overs. Opener Dhananjaya de Silva was the only Sri Lankan batsman to offer any resistance to the Australian attack, bringing up his maiden ODI half century before being dismissed for 76 after mistiming a pull shot off Hastings to Finch at midwicket.

EMPHATIC WIN: Australia’s George Bailey, left, and Matthew Wade

leave the field with the stumps after leading their team to seriesclinching victory in the fourth ODI match against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Wednesday. – AFP

Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews, who limped off with a calf injury mid-way through his knock, returned to chalk up a battling 40, but Hastings picked him off with the last ball of the innings after he skied a shot to Bailey at backward point.

After the record-breaking onedayer between England and Pakistan on Tuesday, Finch had his eye on even more.

He smashed eight fours and three sixes en route to an 18-ball half century, equalling the record for the fastest ODI 50 by an Australian.

But soon after launching a monstrous six to bring up his milestone, the Aussie opener was adjudged lbw on 55 off the bowling of Sachith Pathirana.

Left-arm spinner Pathirana brought more cheer for the home crowd when he dismissed Usman Khawaja for a second-ball duck and then bowled captain David Warner to cap a productive spell of three wickets in five deliveries.

Bailey steadied the ship for Australia, sharing a 100-run partnership with Travis Head for the fourth wicket to put the visitors

in control. Head eventually fell leg before to Dilruwan Perera on 40.

Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade smashed a six over long on to seal the series win for the visitors, with Bailey unbeaten on 90. - Reuters

GCC U-23 FOOTBALL

Oman title hopes end in goalless draw MUSCAT: Oman wasted a handful of scoring opportunities as they were forced to settle for a goalless draw by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the ongoing GCC Olympic (Under-23) Football Championship in the Qatari capital of Doha on Wednesday.

The Sultanate squad have completed their engagements in the five-team championship and the result shattered Hamad Al Azzanicoached Omanis hopes of winning the title as they finished with seven points from four games.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia fight-

back from a goal down to beat Bahrain 3-1 for their third successive victory and assure themselves of the title. With nine points from three games, the Saudis are perched on the top of the table and they will not be dislodged from that position even if they lose their final game against Qatar on Saturday.

Even a victory for the UAE team, who now have four points from three games, against a lowly Bahrain on the same day will not affect the overall standings, though the former still have a chance to clinch the second place ahead of Oman.

A file photo of Oman under-23 team.

S I X TA L E N T S

Oman Sail national squad compete in Laser SB20 World Championships in Portugal

BEST OF OMANI TALENT: From left, Abdul Rahman Al Mashari, Fahad Al Hasni

MUSCAT: The best of Oman’s emerging sailing talent will race side by side in a strong international field when the Laser SB20 World Championships kicks off in Cascais, Portugal this week.

Six members of the Oman Sail National Squad will compete in two Laser SB20s without assistance from non-Omani professionals.

They include Ali Al Balushi and Abdulhaman Al Mashari who recently completed the Tour de France a la Voile 2016 as crew of

the Diam 24 catamaran Oman Airports by Oman Sail.

After an exhausting three weeks of inshore and coastal races around France, they celebrated a superb fifth place finish in their debut campaign with both gaining valuable knowledge and experience, especially when French co-skipper Thierry Douillard became injured, handing them more responsibility and fast tracking their learning.

This experience is likely to be

Six members of the Oman Sail National Squad will compete in two Laser SB20s without assistance from non-Omani professionals brought to bear when Al Balushi, Al Mashari and teammate Sami Al Shukaili line up against a rival entry from Oman Sail skippered

by Fahad Al Hasni, recently voted Seahorse Sailor of the Year for

September 2016, who has MOD70 teammates Yasir Al Rahbi and Raad al Hadi on board.

The Laser SB20 World Championships has attracted a first class entry with 75 teams entered from

13 nations, including the reigning champion crew from France.

There will be three races a day for four days and two on the final day with a forecast for strong winds, big seas and sunshine.

“Our time on Oman Airports by Oman Sail in the Tour de France a la Voile was excellent because we learned so much about boat handling in the different weather and tidal conditions so I’m confident this will help us in Cascais,” said Al Balushi.

The focus will be on clean starts and good lanes upwind on the first beats, added Al Hasni.

“That should automatically get us into good positions but you have to be sailing the Laser SB20s for many years to achieve good results so we will concentrate on doing as well as we can, learning as much as we can and enjoying racing with and against each other.”

The Cascais 2016 SB20 World Championships will conclude on Saturday.

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SPORTS

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Max Verstappen in focus, Hamilton eyes hat-trick winning in Spain and starting on the front row in Belgium, there are those who feel limits need to be set.

While Lewis Hamilton is aiming for his 50th win on Sunday, to become the first since Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s to win three years in a row at Monza, Max Verstappen will be the talk of the town

MONZA: Formula One is braced for the next episode of the Max Verstappen show as Red Bull’s teen sensation heads for Ferrari’s home circuit only days after making the Italian team’s drivers see red.

While triple world champion Lewis Hamilton is aiming for his 50th grand prix win on Sunday, to become the first since Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s to win three years in a row at Monza, Verstappen will be the talk of the town.

“I told him not to tell anyone where he is staying in Monza because there might be a few angry fans,” team boss Christian Horner joked after a controversial Bel-

UNREPENTANT: Red Bull’s teen sensation Max Verstappen

gian Grand Prix last weekend.

The 18-year-old tangled with Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel at the start before aggressively defending against the former later in the race and then refusing to accept any criticism.

“I think they should be ashamed to cause a crash like that with their amount of experience and then complain about me,” the unrepent-

ant Dutchman said. “Vettel can come and talk to me (at Monza), but I think he first has to realise what he did in turn one.”

Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion for Ferrari, warned afterwards that Verstappen’s late block that forced the Finn to brake on the straight at Spa could have triggered a big accident.

Monza is even faster, with the

turbo hybrid cars hitting 360 km per hour on the straight, and Sunday’s race promises another battle between Ferrari and Red Bull to be best of the rest behind leaders Mercedes.

Elbows out While Verstappen has thrilled fans, with the youngster busy rewriting the record books after

Fresh power units “He comes in here, no fear and no respect,” said Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff in Spa. “He puts the elbow out and it reminds me of the great ones. It reminds me of Lewis and it reminds me of Ayrton Senna.

“And you can clearly see that some guys around are starting to think twice how to overtake him...

I just fear that it might end up in the wall heavily one day. For me it is refreshing but dangerous.”

Wolff will be hoping his drivers are safely out in front, with Hamilton seeking to extend his ninepoint lead over Nico Rosberg in the last European race of the season.

The Briton took a hit at Spa, starting at the back after taking engine penalties, but still finished third behind his teammate and now has a plentiful supply of fresh power units to last him the rest of the campaign.

“The speed, the history, the atmosphere... it’s just so iconic in every way,” he said of the ‘Pista Magica’ outside Milan.

“Standing on that amazing podium, looking out over a sea of fans on the straight, has to be up there as of the most incredible experiences a sportsman can have,” he said.

“I had a perfect weekend on track there last year. If I can repeat that it would be amazing...

It’s game on for me now with the penalties out of the way and fresh engines ready to use. I can’t wait to get back out there.” - Reuters

O LY M P I C S

IOC sanctions six for failing dope tests in Beijing ZURICH: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday it had disqualified six sportspeople, including three Russian medallists, for failing doping tests at the Beijing 2008 Games.

The sanctions come amid a crackdown on Olympic athletes’ use of banned performanceenhancing substances that has now spilled over to the Paralympics Games as well.

Controversies over doping overshadowed the build-up to this year’s Rio Olympics and flared anew as U.S. and Australian competitors branded their Russian and Chinese rivals drug cheats.

In the latest move, the IOC disqualified Russian bronzemedalist weightlifter Nadezda Evstyukhina, silver-medalist weightlifter Marina Shainova, and Tatyana Firova, who finished second with teammates in the 4x400m track event.

The Russian Federation team was also disqualified from the women’s 4x400m relay. All the sanctioned athletes were ordered to return any medals, pins or diplomas they had won in Beijing.

Bronze-medal-winning weightlifter Tigran Martirosyan of Armenia and fellow weightlifters Alexandru Dudoglo of Moldova and Intigam Zairov of Azerbaijan were also disqualified, the IOC said in a statement.

It called on sports federations to modify the results of the Beijing Games that were affected and consider what other steps they found appropriate.

The IOC stores athletes’ samples for a decade to test with newer methods or for new substances, and has in the past stripped medal winners of their prizes. - Reuters AUTOBIOGRAPHY

AB de Villiers tells his story NEW DELHI: Fans of AB de Villiers can look forward to hearing the story of one of the world’s most explosive batsmen when his autobiography hits bookstores next month.

“AB: The Autobiography” has been billed by publishers as “the story of a modern sporting phenomenon.” The book will cover key events and influences that have shaped his life and career, from his childhood and schooling at Afrikaanse Hoer Seunskool (Affies) through to his present successes, experiences and controversies as captain of the ODI team.

The autobiography will also explore de Villiers’ interests in music and business and how he pursues these alongside his international cricket career. - PTI

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

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SPORTS Fiery Steyn getting back to his best form

CRICKET

Groin injuries have KEY ROLE: Mickey Arthur

been hampering

No more restrictions on Pakistan players’ movement, timings

Steyn. But the devastation he caused against the Kiwis, taking two wickets in the first over of their second innings, put South Africa on the right road

PRETORIA: Recent injuries suggested Dale Steyn’s best days could be behind him but it was the 33-year-old who engineered victory for South Africa against New Zealand on Tuesday.

The paceman bowled with typical skill and fire to claim his 26th five-wicket haul in the final innings as the hosts won the second Test by 204 runs to take the twomatch series 1-0.

Groin injuries have been hampering Steyn and a serious shoulder problem meant he missed the series against England in December and January.

But the devastation he caused against the Kiwis, taking two wick-

FULL OF FIRE: Dale Steyn

ets in the first over of their second innings, put South Africa on the right road.

With a series coming up in Australia in November, his return, and that of new-ball partner Vernon Philander, offers the potential of a close contest.

“Test matches are tough, the cricket is really, really difficult,” Steyn told reporters after helping to bowl New Zealand out for 195. “I don’t think I’m in a position to say ‘I’m back’.

“I need a couple more Test matches, more game time, just to

HOCKEY

Dhyan Chand Trophy hockey on Friday MUSCAT: Four teams will vie for top honours in the Dhyan Chand Trophy hockey tournament to be organised by Team Coor Muscat, UTSC and Friends of Naqvi Group at Al Qurm Ground on Friday.

The tournament is being organised in memory of Indian hockey legend Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary is annually celebrated as the Indian National Sports Day on September 29.

According to Tournament Director Bellu Kuttappa the tour-

nament, being oranised with the support of Indian Embassy and Oman Hockey Association, has attracted four teams.

Popular hockey personality SAS Naqvi, former coach of the Sultanate’s national hockey team and technical advisor of Oman Olympic Committee and Oman Hockey Association who had the previlege of being associated with the legendary Dhyan Chand, will be the chief guest while wellknown sports organiser Osama Rawat will be the guest of honour.

CRICKET

BCCI chief not for ‘Four-day Tests’, ‘Two Tier System’ FLORIDA: Indian cricket board (BCCI) chief Anurag Thakur made it clear that while he is ready to accept DRS without the usage of ‘Hawk Eye’, the world’s richest cricket board is not keen on fourday Tests and a two-tier system.

“If you don’t have a foolproof format in front of you, where is it going to help the game of cricket?

I think we should not even (get into) into that,” Thakur told ESPNcricinfo when asked about a possible tweak in the longest format.

The BCCI president said that he wants to dig deep into the issue of bringing back spectators rather than curtailing the duration of the game.

“We should analyse the shortcomings (of Test cricket),” he said. “Is it the paucity of time?

The issue is why aren’t you getting enough crowd for a Test match? That is the basic issue.”

However on DRS issue, he made it clear that he is not averse to conditional DRS. - PTI

learn how to start playing the game again. I’m getting there and there has been reward but I’m nowhere near what I’m capable of.”

Philander suffered a serious ankle injury playing a warm-up game of football in India in November and also made his comeback against the Kiwis.

“Vernon is a phenomenal bowler. That was probably something we lacked against England because Vernon is the kind of bowler who doesn’t give you anything,” said Steyn.

“To be able to bowl with him

makes me feel free, I can run in and do what I want to do. You know that at the other end he is going to tick over at two runs per over.

“You can feel safe and he can still knock guys over. He is so skilled.”

Steyn’s haul on Tuesday took him to 416 Test wickets, past Pakistan’s Wasim Akram on the alltime list, and there were no physical side effects.

“The more I bowl, the quicker I’ll bowl and the more confidence I’ll have to use my whole body again,” he said. “If you get wickets ... there is nothing to complain about.” - Reuters

KARACHI: Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur has succeeded in convincing the national team management to end timing restrictions for players on the tour of England.

According to sources, the team management has ended the curfew timings and movement restrictions for players in England but the players have been told to be on their best behaviour or face strict action.

Since 2010 when the spot-fixing scandal broke out on the tour to England, Pakistani cricket authorities have been very strict about enforcing curfew timings for players on foreign tours.

“Since 2010 players have been fined for violating curfew hours even by a few minutes on foreign tours and their movements have been restricted by the team management to avoid any unnecessary controversies or scandals,” a source said. “Before Mickey Arthur played his role players were supposed to be in their rooms by

10.00 before and during a Test and by 11.00 before a day and night One-day International.”

He said Arthur had discussed the curfew timings with some senior players in England.

“He than spoke to manager Intikhab Alam and the security officials and convinced them it was no use placing restrictions on the players as it affected their focus and their performances.”

The source said the players had now been told there would be no timing restrictions but they should themselves be responsible about keeping late nights out of plans on tours.

“So far there has been no disciplinary incident on the tour even after the curfew timings were abolished,” another source confirmed.

He said players were now allowed to go out with their friends and relatives but the security officials with the team had devised a protocol with the hotel security to keep a close tab on the movement and timings of players. - PTI

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T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

SPORTS Battling Kvitova, Vinci move into third round In steamy conditions, Kvitova escaped a first set tiebreak and

BRIEFS

City’s Hart joins Torino on season-long loan LONDON: Torino have completed the signing of goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City on a season-long loan, both clubs confirmed on Wednesday. The 29-year-old has been unable to secure a first-team place under new manager Pep Guardiola and has fallen down the pecking order behind £17 million ($22.33 million) signing Claudio Bravo and Willy Caballero. The England goalkeeper said his career had reached a turning point. “It was a sign. Torino’s offer came in the right moment, with the right manner,” Hart said.

then broke twice

Nasri loaned to Sevilla

in the second for

LONDON: Samir Nasri has left Manchester City for Sevilla on a season-long loan, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. Like goalkeeper Joe Hart, who joined Torino on loan earlier, the former French international midfielder does not feature in new manager Pep Guardiola’s plans. Nasri, 29, joined City from Arsenal in 2011 and helped them win two Premier League titles. Badly affected by injuries last season, he started only four league games, but came on during Sunday’s 3-1 win over West Ham United for his 176th appearance.

a 7-6 (2), 6-3 win over Turkey’s Cagla Buyukakcay

NEW YORK: Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova battled into the third round of the U.S. Open with a 7-6 (2), 6-3 win over Turkey’s Cagla Buyukakcay on Wednesday.

In steamy conditions, the Czech, seeded 14th this year having dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in three years, escaped a first set tiebreak and then broke twice in the second for the victory on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

Kvitova, a quarterfinalist at Flushing Meadows last year, has often struggled with the humidity at the year’s last Grand Slam and admitted it was anyone’s guess how far she could go.

“You never know — I never know,” the 26-year-old said. “I was sick last week but am getting better every day and I feel good on the court and am feeling the ball well.”

World No. 66 Buyukakcay, who

GETTING BETTER: Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic hits a return against Cagla Buyukakcay of Turkey during their second round match in the U.S. Open in New York on Wednesday. – AFP

became the first Turkish woman to win a WTA event in Istanbul earlier this year, achieved another first this week as she became the first woman from her country to appear in the main draw at the U.S. Open.

And the 26-year-old Buyukakcay battled Kvitova all the way, including in the first set when she came back from 5-2 down to force a tiebreak.

“She is a big fighter,” Kvitova said of her opponent. “I knew that I had to play aggressive, I was tough in the tiebreak, especially when I was down 2-0. She’s making history in Turkey and we’re glad tennis is growing everywhere.”

Kvitova now plays the number

FOOTBALL

22 seed, Elena Svitolina, after the Russian beat American Lauren Davis 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic received a free pass into the third round when Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic withdrew from their match due to a left forearm injury. The walkover provided the top-seeded defending champion with an extended break to improve his niggling left wrist injury before his next match against either Guido Pella of Argentina or Mikhail Youzhny of Russia.

The 23-year-old Vesely, ranked 49th, beat Djokovic in the second round at the ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo event in April in their

only meeting, making him one of two top 100 players with more wins than losses against the Serbian.

World No. 23 Ivo Karlovic is 2-1 head-to-head against Djokovic.

Seventh seed Roberta Vinci will not catch anyone by surprise with a run to the final like she did a year ago but the Italian continued to raise eyebrows with a speedy win over Christina McHale.

Vinci, who was unseeded last year when she lost in the final to compatriot Flavia Pennetta, has offered early signs that a return trip could be in the offing as she raced into the third round with a 6-1, 6-3 win over American McHale. - Reuters

Mangala moves to Valencia LONDON: Manchester City’s 25-year-old France defender Eliaquim Mangala has moved to Valencia on a season-long loan deal, the clubs announced on Wednesday. He joined City from Porto for about £32 million ($42.01 million) in August 2014 but has struggled to establish himself after making 48 Premier League appearances under the club’s former manager Manuel Pellegrini. Mangala, who has not featured for new coach Pep Guardiola this season, becomes the fourth player to leave the Etihad Stadium on deadline.

Stoke sign Bony from City LONDON: Stoke City have signed striker Wilfried Bony from Manchester City on a season-long loan, the Premier League clubs announced on Wednesday. Ivorian Bony, 27, has been a bit-part player at City since signing from Swansea City in January 2015, with Argentina’s Sergio Aguero leading the line at the club.

WRESTLING

Yogeshwar’s sample will be tested before upgrading of medal to silver Man City’s Sergio Aguero given extra time to appeal LONDON: Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been allowed an extra 24 hours for his appeal against a Football Association charge of violent conduct.

The club said their officials dealing with the paperwork were heavily involved on Wednesday with transfer negotiations, so the FA had agreed to an extra day’s grace.

They now have until 1700 GMT on Thursday to decide whether to appeal.

The Argentine striker was charged following an incident involving West Ham defender Winston Reid during Sunday’s Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. If found guilty he will miss three matches, including the local derby against Manchester

United on September 10. Burnley have also been granted an extension to answer disrepute charges levelled at their striker, Andre Gray, who was not even at the club at the time of the alleged offences.

The striker is accused of making “abusive and/or insulting and/ or improper” comments on social media between January and March 2012, when he was with non-league Hinckley United.

The 25-year-old was charged on August 23 after the remarks were brought to light, and he now has until September 5 2016 to answer the charges.

Gray scored his first Premier League goal on August 20 when newly promoted Burnley beat Liverpool 2-0. - Reuters

NEW DELHI: Star Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt will have to wait to know whether his bronze medal from the 2012 London Olympics is upgraded to silver till the time his sample is cleared by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Reports emerged that the grappler’s bronze would be upgraded to silver after second-place finisher of the London Games — late Besik Kudukhov of Russia — was stripped off his medal for failing a dope test.

An official confirmation is still awaited and a top Wrestling Federation of India(WFI) official said that even Yogeshwar’s dope test from the 2012 Games has to be cleared before he could be handed the medal.

Revised norms “Yogeshwar’s tests are also being conducted and once his dope test comes out clean, then only he will be handed the silver medal,” the official said on the condition of anonymity.

HAVE TO WAIT: Yogeshwar Dutt

As per WADA’s revised norms, samples taken for dope tests from international tournaments are now been stored in deep freeze up to 10 years in order to allow the use

of advanced technology, available with the passage of time, to catch the dope cheats to ensure that “the clean athletes get justice even if it comes a bit late”.

The IOC has been re-testing the samples collected at London as well as 2008 Beijing Olympics, besides other international tournaments, keeping in view of the new rules.

As per Russian agency, flowrestling.org, the four-time world champion and two-time Olympic medallist Kudukhov, who had died in a car crash in 2013 in southern Russia, was found to have used a banned substance in a test conducted by the WADA. As a result, Yogeshwar, who had bagged a bronze medal in men’s 60kg freestyle category in London, is now set to join Sushil Kumar as the other Indian silver medallist wrestler from the 2012 Olympics.

Yogeshwar, who had bowed out in the first round of men’s 65kg freestyle at the recently concluded Rio Olympic Games, had lost to Kudukhov in the pre-quarterfinals at London.

But once the Russian advanced to the final, Yogeshwar got another chance in the repechage round and went on to win bronze. - PTI

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CAMP FOR RENT IN GHALA

* 6BR Villa in Al Ghobra Facing the beach for sale. Ύ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů Θ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƟ Ăů >ĂŶĚ ŝŶ Al khuwair for sale. * warehouse in Wadi Al kabir for sale.

350 labours & staff can stay With all facilities, near by Express way.

FOR RENT ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵ Θ >ĂďŽƵƌ ĐĂŵƉ ŝŶ ǁĂĚŝ ů ŬĂďŝƌ ĨŽƌ rent. brand new building 1BHK/Basement/ ^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵ Θ Žĸ ĐĞƐ ŝŶ ZƵǁŝ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŶƚ

Contact

99364765 / 92699949

Contact: 91155779 hrm_gh@live.com

FOR RENT OFFICE & ACCOMMODATION FACILITY Ready to Occupy Office Facility ( 275 Sq. Mtr) & 8 No. Studio Flats at Ghala (Opp. Riyam Signs)

Contact : 95697401 / 95496379 Office 30 sq mt at W/kabir R.O 150/-. Contact: 99384640 2 bedroom flat luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 2 bedroom – the Wave. 3 bedroom at Azaiba.

2 bedroom at Al Walja, 600 sq. mt Warehouse – Sinaya, Ghala. For short or long term lease contract contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact 99436312 / 92888376 / 94617563

2BHK flat for rent in Al Ghubra 350 RO. Contact: 9944466 Shop for rent at Rex road. Contact: 95443207

Villa for Rent 750 R.O (Negotiable) behind Mazoon Mosque.

Contact 95150807

New building in Wadi Kabir 1+2BHK. Contact: 99024730 1+2+3BHK in Darsait.

Contact: 99024730 2+3 BHK Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99024730 2BHK in Wattayah, behind Honda show room and Al Mannam-2 Hotel Apts, 2 Bed rooms, specious Hall, 2 Bath rooms. Very well maintained building, Families Only.

Call 99419712/ 92608505 2 bedroom centrally air conditioned flat in CBD, near Central Bank. Contact 24714625 / 91173997 / 93527328

2 BHK flat near Indian School, Wadikabir. Contact 24714625 / 91173997 1 bedroom, bathroom, kitchen in Al Hail South RO 120/- per month.

Contact 93993354 2 bedrooms apartment, sitting room at Al Ansab RO 270/- monthly. Contact 93993354 Villa in Al Khuwair 33, 6 bedrooms, hall, sitting room RO 850/monthly. Contact 93993354 Flat for rent near I.S.M- 2BH-1BH. Contact: 95158570

Rooms at Al Khuwair.

Contact:93830111 1 and 2 BHK flat for rent at MBD, Hallat Sad, opp. Al Nahda Hospital, Al Khoudh and Mabella. Shop at Al Khoudh . Contact: 93994401 / 24834644 1 bedroom family / bachelors in Al Khuwair R.O 90/-.

Contact: 95154331 New flat at Al-Wadi kabir.

Contact 96130797 / 92130703 Flats & office in Ruwi, CBD area, Awfait building. Contact 95135465

Brand new villa at Al Hail seaside near Waves for 500 RO per month, 4 bedrooms, sitting room, dining room kitchen with store 5 toilets including split A/C & common parking area. Contact: 92010044 3 bedroom well maintained flat (villa type-only 2 flats in one bldg) in Al Khuwair, behind Al Akhtam Restaurant, Villa no. 1839, Way No. 3922, block no. 239.

Contact: 99462980

Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir 3BHK. Contact: 99338133 3 bedroom near Sultan wholesale Amerat Govt Water R.O 240/P.M. Contact: 93314505 Nasir 3BHK opposite Star Cinema.

Contact: 92926199 2 BR apartments available for rent, close to Muscat Grand Mall, next to Diwan’s Office, South Ghubra. Contact: 2456256 / 99833747

At Ghubra North: 2 bedroom apartment, single room with kitchen/ Bathroom on Ground floor.

Contact : 99359755.

Excellent room, kitchen available for family/bachelor at Ruwi near ONTC bus station. Contact: 99709477

3 BHK Deluxe Flat, Ghubra Close to ISG, Indian Family.

Contact 99319880

3 bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer, 2 bed room villa in Sidab.

Contact : 95755953 / 95555162

4BR & 6BR villas available for rent at North Al Hail close to Wave roundabout. Contact: 24562526 / 99833747 Commercial space shop/ Showroom/ Godown at just 1.500 RO /m2 location Seh Al Ahmer 15 minutes from Rusail Industrial Estate.

Contact: 97714433 / 93437982 2 workshops for rent in Al-Mabela. Contact: 94758394 Villa for rent in Amerat 5/1 5 rooms, 7 bathrooms, kitchen, hall & Majlis with air conditioning.

Contact : 99203458 2BHK flats for rent @RO 160 per sqm, location Seh Al Ahmer 15minutes from Rusail Industrial Estate. Contact: 97714433 / 93437982 Spacious 3 bedroom villa with maid room at Azaiba beach.

Contact 24566217 / 24564686 / 99353921

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DAILY GUIDE

WANTED TWO NUMBERS USED PRIMEMOVER (6 X 4) 80 TON OR ABOVE, 5YEARS OLD OR LESS WITH OR WITHOUT TRAILER IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION

CONTACT : 99737429 MAIL : 8 Porta cabins, 2 Ablution units each units have 10 WC and 10 Showers and 2 Ashok Leyland Buses and One Mitsubishi Rosa Bus as well Located in Our Barka Camp. All are in excellent condition to use.

CONTACT PERSON:MR. PRAKASHGSM NO:- 94048497

FOR RENT Flat for rent in Al Mawaleh South 3, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, hall, kitchen & store with air condition.

Contact 98575157 30 New Deluxe Flats & Shops in Al Khoud. Contact 99738881 Flat for rent 2BHK with split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir. Contact : 97007934 / 92629232.

Flat for rent 2BHK with split A/c near Oman house in Muttrah.

Contact : 97007934 / 92629232

FOR SALE

All Pooja items idols - fresh flowers - marigold - roses - jasmine - lotus - rose petals- garlands & all decoration items. Sweets & modak.

Haridas Nensy & Co. Ruwi

24750784 / 23291825 BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

MV SALE

Room for rent near Al Daser Rex road Ruwi. Contact: 92099367 / 99797645

Kia Sportage, 2008 4 CYL, excelent condition.

Contact: 99378397

1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686

Volkswagen Tiguan 2012.

Contact: 95218553

2BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686

AVAILABLE

2 BHK flat Ruwi (Mumtaz) area RO 290. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

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

1BHK flat near Star Cinema RO 220. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 Studio flat in Wadi kabeer RO 160. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 Spacious 2-&3 bedroom flats available at Qurum Alasfoor Plaza Commercial &Residential Building. Contact : 24566217 / 24564686 / 99353921 .

2 B/R flats with split A/cs & free internet. 2 BR flats fully furnished available at Al Khuwair, near KM Hypermarket. Contact 99460330 Flat for rent. Contact : 99353433 Flats, shops for rent in Ruwi Mumtaz, MBD area Honda road.

Contact : 97293708 / 92433127 / 96291778

Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

FOR RENT 2 houses for rent Al- Mawalah, behind City Centre, 2B/R, 1hall, 2 toilets, 1 kitchen &1room,1majlis,1toilet, 1kitchen.

Contact: 93930352 Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir 1BHK 170 R.O & Studio 120 R.O Contact : 99376454 .

FOR SALE Good Condition Sanyo washing machine, semi automatic, RO 40 for sale in MBD Contact; 99737812 Big ladies Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Al Khoud/ Seeb prime location next to Rameez shopping centre. With 2 visa clearance.

Price: 5000.Call: 95318629 Furnished office at Darsait, near labour card medical for sale, rent 260 p/m. Contact: 99869897 3 months used office furniture table chairs, sofa with split A/C in Darsait. Contact: 99869897 Work shop machineries for sale 1) Heavy duty press 2) H.D bending machine 3) Rolling machine, 4) Lathe 12 ft. H.D. Contact: 99722863 / 96266172 BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in Al- Khoudh- 6, for immediate saleshop with stock or stock only.

Serious buyers may please contact: 94320909 Building material shop located in Al Amerat for sale or rent (R.O 195) only serious buyers can contact: 93606790 Parking barrier, Italian new for sale 15 pcs, package unit A/C York 27 ton for sale 2 pcs, package unit York 7 ton for sale 1 pc.

Contact: 96634648 Yamaha. Grand Piano. Very good condition. Piano stool and timer also available. Contact: 99366597 or 92493488 Sohar.

Shop for sale at Azaiba 45sqm.

Contact : 99789125 / 94460845 Industrial land in Rusail. 4000 sqm. Contact 99323957 / 95490842.

Running Restaurant for sale at Ruwi’s heart, 90+ chairs minimal rent 7 visas. Contact : 94909192 Coffee shop for sale at Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 92994415 Land for sale in the village of Bimmah on the coastal road Qurayat/Sur with a space of 604 square meters for an attractive price. Contact 92905222

ACC. AVAILABLE Accommodation available in a villa for South Indian family, 1 bedroom, hall, kitchen at North Ghobrah. Contact : 99209160 Big room with attached bathroom available at Honda Road, Ruwi for Executive bachelor. #95527969 Independent furnished single room kitchen toilet at Hamriya main road, nr Muscat Pharmacy for bachelors or small family.

Contact 99528129 / 99729545 Well furnished single / sharing room for Exe. bachelor at Rex road.

Contact: 92873832 Single room for rent for ladies only with separate bathroom in Darsait opposite Kim’s hospital.

Rent R.O 120/-. Contact 95318629 Furnished room available for Executive bachelor in Ruwi area.

Contact: 99054542 Big room semi furnished had with attached bathroom and separate entrance near ISG for non- cooking Indian Executive bachelor.

Contact: 95146361 / 92657598 Single room with A/C and attached bathroom, sharing kitchen for executive bachelor/couple near Saud Bahwan Hill view Tower accommodation and Opp: Shell filling station.# 99024362, 93166353

contact@muscathorizons.com

WANTED RUNNING FABRICATION UNIT/WORKSHOP WITH MACHINERY AND TECHNICIANS FOR OUTRIGHT PURCHASE IMMEDIATELY CONTACT : 97323722 MAIL : thampy@muscathorizons.com

Sale of used wireless network equipment We plan to sell used wireless access points (99 units), wireless controllers (2 units) and an Identity service engine (ISE). All of these are CISCO products purchased in May 2012.

Please contact 99468907 NRI Properties at Bangalore for sale (1) 3 BHK Senior living apartment with full fledged facilities & services in Ozone Urbana Serene project for the cost price of Irene project; ready for registration (2) 4 B/R villa (BUA 3600sq.ft, 4 floors, 3 Livings, 5 bathrooms, maid’s room & car park) for sale at JP Nagar. Contact Mrs. Mangala Ph: 97903127, Email: ravichandran.mangala@gmail. com We render professional services for: 1) Purchase of house plot 2) design of house plot as per the requirement of the client 3) Approvals from Govt. departments 4) Construction of house, villas 5) interior works and handing over ready home for house warming in Ernakulam area.

Contact 0091 9447832997 / 00968 94973071

WANTED Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact: 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Contact 92927880/99012165

ACC. AVAILABLE Fully furnished 2BHK sharing flat for Indian Executive near Sheraton CBD. Contact 99219337 Furnished rooms with kitchen at Ruwi. Contact: 91214897 / 98049288 Rooms for rent in Ghubra North.

Contact 96420432

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic massage, backache, joint, neck pain etc.

Contact: 98254909 Coming Eid appointments special offer on all beauty treatments, Varkey’s Gents Spa. Contact: 92935679 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, Spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Ghubra.

Contact: 99639695 /97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact: 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

MATRIMONIAL Kerala RC Boy 32y 168h Thrissur working as an accountant in reputed company in Muscat seeks suitable alliance.

Contact: +968-98169190 Keralite RC boy 36/185 Kottayam working as an Interior Draftsman/3D visualizer in reputed company in Salalah seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 92162420 / 93925621., Ind- 91 9645945442 ITI electrical, SSLC, PDC, Christian, 36 yrs, second marriage seeks alliance.

Contact 97368596 Looking bride for South Indian Boy, 35 years, B.E.,(MS), working in London as a Software Engineer, Christian, Height 5’5 , Ref: Profile ID. 1049, Mobile: 99091975 , whatapps :93485778 www.muscatmatrimonial.com, mail: matrimonialmuscat@gmail. com

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

Wanted Electrician & Ele- Technician 3-5 yrs experienced Electrical Technicians, must have knowledge in UG Cables, OH lines & MEP. Preference for Electrician license holders.

Send CVs : tajallulu.electrical@gmail.com

URGENTLY REQUIRED For a new Medical Centre at Thumrait and Salalah (Oman)

General Practitioner/ Physician, Ophthalmologist, Gynecologist, Lab technician.

Minimum 3 years experience Contact – 99702784 drsidiqmds@gmail.com

Seeking qualified Contracts Claims Specialist With 5+ yrs experience in contracts and claims negotiation.

Expertise required in contract standards (e.g. FIDIC) and project scheduling.

Omani candidate encouraged (part-time work considered).

Send CV to

omanjobs99@gmail.com BEAUTY Urgently required a Gulf experienced professional Hair Dresser cum Beautician (Lady) for a reputed Beauty salon. Immediate appointment Contact : 99816262 / 98557585,fax : 24796211, email: skin. hair.makeup@gmail.com

Required male, female GP, Dentist, Administrator, Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Technician for a Polyclinic at Ibra.

Contact 71100596, joharaajmal2016@gmail.com

Urgently required Philipino Cook/ Waiters (Keralite) for a Restaurant in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 92326607

DRIVER

Wanted Driver for heavy (sewage vehicle) and light vehicle with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com Wanted Teachers with B ED and IELTS or TOEFL. Contact 92827450 Required English & Maths Teacher for a School in Al Hail.

Contact: 95339066

MEDICAL Required urgently Doctors & Paramedical Staff 1) Gynecology 2) General Practitioner 3) Dental 4) Radiographer. E mail: altaqwamedicalcenter@gmail.com

MANAGER Required a Divisional Manager to Promote Security System products. Experience in CCTV Camera, Gate/Home Automation, Access Control and Biometric Systems etc. Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING ENG./TECHNICIAN Wanted urgently for Salalah 1) Electrical Engineers, degree with minimum 5 yrs experience.

Gulf experience preferred.

2) Technicians with experience to work in automatic laundry.

Apply soon to hr_oman1@yahoo.com Wanted Civil Engineer with minimum 3 years experience with valid GCC / Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY A fast and growing restaurant is looking for a number of staff who are experienced in the hotel or restaurant. They should be young, confident and energetic and are willing to work hard.

Preferred those with NOC or on a visit visa who can join soon.

Please send your CV as soon as possible to nasser.almaawaly@gmail.com

MEDICAL Wanted Dentist with MOH license for a clinic in Sur. Contact 97475816 Urgently required Doctor with MOH license for leave vacancy one month.

Contact: 97091664.

Wanted a Gynaecologist for a well running clinic in Seeb.

Contact: 99442701 Fusion Medicare Polyclinic, Muscat wants GP, staff Nurse holding MOH license & Receptionist (Omani) Contact – 97698004 / email: medicare@fusionlogicoman.com Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits.

Contact 92989109, medicoport@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED ADMIN Expat lady with 17 years experience in Oman having thorough knowledge in HR policies, ISO procedures, Oman labour law and General Office Administration looking for opening with reputed offices.

Please call 94542525.

CATERING

Company in Muscat looking for a full time light Duty Driver.

Contact 79098177

SITUATION WANTED

Experienced, energetic, tech-savvy laptop & smartphone salesmen wanted urgently to work in store in Oman. Graduates preferred. Interviews in Muscat. immediate placement.

Salary RO 300 - 400, Send CV : sales@justbtl.com A well reputed IT company urgently require Oman experienced Marketing Executive preferable with Omani driving license.

Contact: 99328329 / 99434656 1) Building Material Salesman, 2) CCTV Technician 3) Maintenance building foreman with D/L, 4) Electrician cum Plumber. Contact: 99383044 Sales/ Marketing Executive required for selling structural steel products. Relevant experience in Oman and driving license is mandatory. Send CV at jgocoman@gmail.com Sales Executive required for block factory in Muscat with 5 yrs exp. Contact : 97197745. email: mohamadncp@gmail.com Looking for a Sales Executive for an aluminum fabrication company in Muscat, driving license is must. Contact: 96096212 / 91261569.

Required experienced Indoor and Outdoor Sales Executives for a reputed perfume company.

Contact: retails2016@gmail.com Earn upto RO 1000 in Sales, expats required in Salalah on commission basis only.

Contact 92760281 Require experienced female Insurance Underwriters & Marketing Executives with fluency in English (Oman Expatriates).

Apply to: insure@dotintl.com

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Indian male 27 years, Masters in Hospital Administration with 3 years experience in quality assurance and JCI Implementation currently working with Aster group as Asst Manager in Quality Assurance. Contact : 98431213 vishnuvijjay14@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 Indian male 25yrs, B.Com, MBA, SAP (level 1) certified, 1yr exp in Office Administration, on visit visa looking for placement in Accounts, Sales & Marketing, Storekeeper, Logistics. Contact: 97914014 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position.

Contact 90196235 Egyptian woman resident, considerable experience in the Administration and Secretarial Executive for company. Contact : 97221126

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC. Junior Architect from NIT (female) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92705130 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com

ACCOUNTS Indian female, M.Com, 4 yr’s experience in Accounts looking for Accountant/Asst. Accountant job.

Contact: 98418533 / 99338639 Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.Contact: 96976240 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa.

Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc.

Ready to join as early as possible. #96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS Indian female M.Com.DCA,10 yrs exp in Oman as an Accountant up to finalization having Oman driving license seeking suitable job.

Contact: 91609799 Indian male 33 yrs having 8 yrs accounts exp in Oman looking for suitable placement. Local release, NOC & valid Oman D/L are available.

Contact: 98093515 / 97494322 Indian female, senior Accountant /ast.Finance manager having 15 years oman experience with d/l and noc looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 94838231 Indian male, B.Com, MBA in Finance, 4 yrs in Larsen & Tourbo, 26 yrs in Oman, English/ Arabic speaking with driving license. NOC available. Contact 95588565 12 yrs Oman experienced Chief/ Senior Accountant seeks job, immediately available with release/ NOC and D/L. Contact: 97385562 Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Indian Accountant, B.Com, ICWAI – Inter. 20+ yrs experience, seeks suitable placement. Contact 93369834, India – 9744778886, Email – nairvt@yahoo.co.in.

NOC available.

Seeking suitable placement in Oman for the post of Senior Accountant, experience 20 yrs in India, 2 yrs in Oman.

Contact 968 93241862 Accountant Srilankan National Inter CA 3 yrs exp in finance on visit visa. Contact: 79049355.email: ahmedfiham777@gmail.com Part time accounting upto finalization auditing. Contact: 91126314 B.Com with 9 yrs experience looking for a suitable post for Accounting & Admin job.

Contact 95409428 / 96395701, Email : saqibsoldier@gmail.com Indian Accountant 28 yrs, having M.Com with 7 yrs exp Danish Ahmed. Contact 91651695. email:danishpa2005@gmail.com Finance Manager 16 years experienced chartered accountant (Sri Lankan) looking for a suitable post. NOC available.

Contact 92194926 Email: manomuscat@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT/Ast. Finance Manager-MCom FinanceIndian with 8 years experience in Finance & Accounts Dpt and Banking & Facilitation. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, cammk13@gmail.com Indian male MBA finance more than 6 years of experience in Accounts proficiency in various A/C Software, SAP (F1/ CO) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 95920740 email : abdulhameed1527 @gmail.com Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084

ACCOUNTS Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job.

Contact 93953613, Emailallen.mathew83@gmail.com Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact: 99284193 Certified Public Accountant (Filipino, Male, 27-yrs-old) with four years experience, seeking suitable placement in accounting/audit, currently on visit. Contact;94959606, email: czesar.42@gmail.com Indian female 26 yrs, MBA finance 2 yrs exp with MNC. Email: rilooozmali@gmail.com.

Contact : 90551366.

Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis.

Finalization and audit works.

Contact : 96247295 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian (M), 31 yrs, M Com 9 yrs experience in Oman, looking for Manager or Executive position in Fin & Accounts, NOC Available.

Contact 968 96166178/ +919768537435: mohammednajeem@yahoo.com 7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact 90191628 / 96175780 Accountant B.com Indian male 12 yrs exp seeks suitable job.NOC available . Contact : 91212471 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact :94743790

CATERING Wanted Indian Cook for part time for Indian family in Ghubra.

Contact: 93228657

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH :92279784 MEP Draughtsman GCC 4 yrs exp, NOC available. Contact: 96949041 Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

DRIVER Forklift Operator / Warehouse Assistant: 10 yrs Experience. Immediately Available. Contact: 99297712 Light duty driver with 4 yrs experience seeks placement.

Contact: 92458526 Driver looking for job with car.

Contact 93513953 An Indian driver (multi lingual) with own car having 13 years’ experience in Oman looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 91103909 Indian driver L/D (Kerala) looking for job. Contact: 98694455 Exp. Heavy duty driver looking for job. Contact : 97363138 Driver looking for job.

Contact 95892363 Looking for job Light driver.

Contact : 98503237.

Light Driver. Contact 92703258 / 99617026

EDUCATION/TRAINING M. Sc Graduate Indian Teacher can teach Science, English, IELTS 7. Contact: 97861512 M. Sc Biotechnology, Indian lady, experience in Micro biological quality control in food and water research assistant, IELTS. Contact 93545578 M.Phil Psychology, Pakistani Female, looking for placement in educational / training organization. Contact 98134026 Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact 99739415 / 92091528 Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 6 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact: 91360147.

Experienced Maths teacher bilingual AS, A, IB Thanwia Aamaa. Contact: 98016336.

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D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Indian female, MBA, Finance, B.Com & PGDM Ϯ LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĂƐ &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ŶĂůLJƐƚ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ƉŽƐŝƟ ŽŶ ŝŶ ĐĐŽƵŶƚƐ ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ Žƌ džĞĐƵƟ ǀĞ ƉŽƐŝƟ ŽŶƐ͕ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚůLJ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘

Contact 96126736 / 95629821 Email: ppreethi006@gmail.com

Indian Male MBA (UK),

PROJECT MANAGER,

9 years experience in Dubai/London/ Mumbai in Management Consulting, Sales & Marketing, Business Development for Real Estate/Banking seeks similar placement with D/L.

B.Tech, MBA, PRINCE-2, British Citizen now available with NOC in OMAN. 25 yrs. exp in EPC Project Management of Oil & Gas, Pipelines, Refineries & Power Plants. Seeking job immediately/

Contact: 95168205

Contact- 00968-94731728/ josececy25@gmail.com

Indian male, MBA,

Senior Accountant

6 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing, Export / Import, logistics (general trading), holding Oman driving license, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable jobs.

B.Com, 18 yrs experience abroad, 12 years in Oman with an excellent grade construction company, handling day to day activities upto finalization, proficient in Microsoft GP, knows AX – 2012, valid D/L, looks for suitable placement in Accounts / Admin. Local release available.

Indian male, 32 yrs, B.Tech, PGDIT, IBM Sterling Integrator, having 9 yrs ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĨƌŽŵ / D͕ ŽŐŶŝnjĂŶƚ Θ ŵƉŚĂƐŝƐ͕ KŵĂŶ ĚƌŝǀŝŶŐ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ͘

Contact - 91544858

Contact: 968 97702648

Contact - 93221395

SENIOR JOINERY ESTIMATOR /ŶĚŝĂŶ ŵĂůĞ͕ ϭϭ LJƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ũŽŝŶĞƌLJͬ Į ƚŽƵƚ ĞƐƟ ŵĂƟ ŽŶ Žƌ ŵĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ͘ >ŽĐĂů ƌĞůĞĂƐĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ Contact - 94541830, ŵĂŝů͗ ĞƐƟ ŵĂƚŽƌϲϰϯϭϵΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER EDI GIS

ENGLISH TEACHER Indian FM, B.A, B.ED English Lit, 4 yrs Teaching experience in Oman and 2 yrs in India, immediate joining.

Indian (male), 40 yrs, B. Tech Civil Engg, male 40 yrs, 10+ yrs Oman exp, D/L seeking suitable job in Asst. Project Manager (or) Project Co-coordinator positions. NOC available. Contact: 93476959, E mail: balavasan100@gmail.com B.Tech Electrical, Indian male 4 yrs exp in electrical field seeking suitable position.

Now in Muscat on visit visa.

Email: lenish.kl@gmail.com.

Contact: 93528963 Quantity Surveyor, Srilankan, male, 25 yrs, B.Tech, HND QS (Civil & MEP), AutoCAD with 5 yrs experience, looking for a suitable placement. Contact 92032632, haseebmursaleen@gmail.com Civil Engineer, 10 yrs exp.

BOQ establishing building experiences AutoCAD, MS Excel, expert. Contact 94932724 B.Tech Engineer with 6 yrs of teaching & designing field experienced in AutoCAD, PDMS, 3Ds Max & other civil, Mech 3D softwares & in HVAC designing (Noc available).

Contact 93735166, Email : remisashraf@gmail.com Instrument Technician with 7 years experience with expertise in calibration of field instruments seeking job. NOC available. +96896773899 Indian female seeking Software Engineer job, having 2 yrs exp in . NET staying in Oman at resident visa. Contact: 95473758 Electrical Engineer with 10 years experience in building MEP work looking for job. Having driving license of Oman. Contact 91863008

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrs exp seeks suitable position in a reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com

Civil Engineer Indian (B-Tech, M.Tech) 8 yrs experience, having Omani D/L.NOC available.

Contact: 94195397

Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784

Quantity Surveyor 6 yrs exp with D/L. Contact: 95685265

Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022

Electrical Engineer, 24 yrs, Indian Male, Fresher, Training Undertaken in Electrical Draughtsman, Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting and Industrial Automation.

Contact: 94989767, Email: Junaiz987@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer Indian 4 yrs of Gulf experience as a Piping Engineer in a oil/gas consulting company with valid UAE driving license. Contact : 97451151, Email : md.farhanz10@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male, 30yrs. Experienced in Steam turbines and Thermal Power house seek employment.

Contact - +91 8130553668 or mohamedshah7@gmail.com

Civil Engineer with 6 yrs exp. in construction and all related works having Omani license & NOC, looking for job. Contact 94520994

B.E Electrical 3 yrs Oman Elect / MEP LV& HV/ oil & gas commission fire fight HVAC telecom projects with NOC. Contact : 96335725

Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961

Female Chemical Engineer with 1yr exp as a lab technician.

Contact: 90920081

Expatriate - Chemical Engineer + MBA (marketing management), experience in chemicals and polymers, 15 years in Oman, looking for business development, consulting or sales- marketing role.

Contact 91257746.

Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 96570891

Project - Sales Engineer, B.E. Mech, 24 yrs, having 2 yrs exp in structural glazing, curtain wall, aluminum windows & glass shop fronts, seeks placement D/L & NOC available. Contact : 94951527

An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com

Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com

Project Manager B.Tech, D.C.E, Civil Engineer 15 yrs experience with client contractors consultants, handled 2 construction companies independently with release letter.

Contact : 99015053

Civil/Structural Engineer with B.E Civil & MS Structures. Experience in Power house Structures, Tunneling, Telecom Sector & Consultant Experience. Call or Watsapp: 90753298

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com

B.E. Graduate with 1 year and ten months experience in CCTV, Access control & fire alarm looking for suitable job on visiting visa.

Contact : 93253160

Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact:- 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com

Contact - 96501189 ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

MEDICAL

B.E (Civil) Site Engineer 3 yrs exp NOC & release available.

Contact: 90230750 / 91009717

Filipino male Medical / Sales representative with 3 yrs experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 92610394

Contact - 94202122

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian female B. Tech 5 yrs exp in MNCs currently in Muscat, seeking suitable job in Sql & Plsql domain.

Contact: 93262829

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WITH NOC HR & ADMINISTRATION PROFESSIONAL With 14 years of Oman experience in Omanization, well familiar with Oman labor laws, employee relations / welfare, Liasion & Coordination, Strategic HR Planning, performance Appraisal & General Administration.

Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Electrical Engineer having 16 years experience in Switchgear / transformer / over head lines & lines & trading for sales /procurement & project execution, valid Oman D/L. Contact: +968- 95994727, Email : qurm340@gmail.com Electrical Engineer: Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283 Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field.

Residing in Muscat.

Contact: 91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Mechanical/ Piping Engineer (B.Tech.) on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 94703350 mail: nadeembcoolboy@gmail. com

Indian male 28 having 8 years experience in oil & gas with 5 years gulf experience and oman driving license. Contact Ashok kumar Gsm. +968 79097871

IT Indian female, (22)-Science graduate in IT, doing MS IT now seeks a suitable job in Muscat. Exp. less than a year. Contact 94909075 / 99886418 Computer hardware & CCTV Technician - Indian male having 8 yrs exp in hardware & 2yrs in CCTV. Presently on visiting visa seeking satiable placement.

Contact: 92164971/ email: adersh.kr@gmail.com Indian male 3 yrs exp in IT as Linux Administrator & 1 yr exp in Amazon EC2 Cloud at Wipro Technologies Bangalore seeking suitable placement. Contact: 92889678. email:amalpathikal@gmail.com Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available. Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian male, 22 yrs, entry level engineer with B.Tech in electronics & communications knowing C,C++, Lab view, Matlab Software along with strong communications & management skills, seeking suitable placement.

Contact 90898827, Email : jobinjacob19@gmail.com IT professional, Indian male, MCA with Java Script, HTML, DCHN, 6 months experience in Web Design seeking suitable job.

Contact 96458230 21, Indian female, fresh Graduate in Computer Science Engineering looking for suitable placement in IT sector, currently residing in Oman. Contact 96153739 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact: 98660672 CFA level 1 cleared (pursuing level 2) MBA operations research, female, 5 yrs experience as Analyst, have a valid Oman driving license, looking for related openings.

Contact 95818892 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 IT field 3 years of experience, female seeking suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 96350234 Email: greeshmavkannan@gmail.com Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement. Contact 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com

MEDICAL Pharmacist (female) passed Prometric 80% marks and dataflow completed having 3 yrs experience in Retail and Hospital Pharmacy, education Doctor of Pharmacy seeks job in Muscat.

Contact 95575270.

Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96906534 /99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com

Indian Dentist (BDS) 6 yrs exp looking for job prometric & Dataflow completed.

Contact: 90377433 Srilankan female qualified in UK with B.Sc (Hons) Pharmacology and M. Sc Pharmaceutical- Science with management studies having 1.5 yrs exp in UK and Srilanka in clinical-research and regulatory, currently on visit, looking for suitable post in Pharmaceutical, clinical research or health care organizations. Contact: 71148320 Iraqi Dentist female, MOH license seeks suitable job in clinic in Muscat. Contact 97891219

MANAGER Procurement Manager (BE + MBA) having 13 yrs exp. in engineering, procurement & construction industry available immediately with NOC. Contact no. +968 97886616 or email : guptaashish1978@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING Indian male with 6 years experience in sales in oman. NOC available, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95364128 Indian male 39 years, 10 years experience in Oman as Marketing, Business Development & Operations with legal background looking for suitable job having Oman D/L. NOC available.

Contact : 94266552 / 94942328 Indian male -sales representative with 7 years experience and valid Oman driving license, NOC or release available-99695780 Omani male, working in Muscat duty free for 2.5 yrs as Sales Assistant, Supervisor looking for job of delegate public relations, sales.

Contact 96625194 / 92049106, Email : albalushi592@gmail.com Indian male, 27 yrs, 6 yrs exp in Sales & Marketing, looking for suitable job, having Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact 93362361, Email : shijoychins@gmail.com Indian male, 27 yrs, Sales Executive, 2 yrs Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering, Oman with D/L looking for best opportunity. NOC available. Contact 97768047 MBA (Marketing & Finance) 15+ Years of Work Ex. in Retail Sales, Life Insurance & Telecom domains. Good in communication / presentation skills. Spearheaded Large Teams at Multiple Locations. Key Skills: Team Management, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Business Development.

Available in Muscat for interaction / meeting. Contact : 93985519 or anshuman28@hotmail.com

B.Com,IICL Certified Container Inspector(No.150850),Visit Visa, Six months experience, need placement. Phone 90880935,99023279, Email solexyesudas@gmail.com.

Business Development Manager Industrial commercial 7 yrs experience in Marketing, Sales, General Administration, well aware of Oman laws, Arabic Nationality with Architectural interior design back ground. Contact: 91308588

BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

Smart & energetic Sales Manager with over 10 yrs of Technical experience seeks suitable placement.

Contact 79063761

Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact 92066 523

Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments.

Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 /95774854

Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075 Filipino Graphic Designer / I.T. looking for a suitable job with 10 years experience. Very good in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Photography, Knowledge in CCTV & Access Controls. Pls. Call 79042628.

Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation.

Contact 92956848

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Sales man / office boy, experienced, knows MS Office, good in English. Contact : 96129054 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761

Indian male 35 years, B.com and 9 years GCC experience in Sales & Marketing (Transport & Logistic).

Having GCC driving license, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 92634281 email: shinojkk1224@gmail.com Indian male age 24, B.Com. having 2 year experience and currently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement in Sales, Marketing & finance.

Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com Indian male 26 yrs, B.Com 2 yrs exp Sales and Marketing in India and 2 yr Salesman in Oman.

Contact : 90922545 Indian male Engineering Graduate 6 years experience in Sales & Marketing in Oman with D/L & NOC seeking suitable openings.

Contact: 94386894 Email: tonykuravackal@gmail.com Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car. Contact 94123939.

Email: 002015r@gmail.com Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact: 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity. NOC available.

Contact: 96001877

D6

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING Indian male 42 yrs searching for suitable job, experience in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Saudi D/L holder, fluent in Arabic, English, Hindi Gulf experience 20 yrs manpower co-ordinator, sales & marketing, logistics. Contact: 90518114 Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact 96143430 / 99875919 Lebanese, 38 yrs, MBA Master in Business Administration in Marketing, sales experience in GCC, UAE, Qatar. 17 yrs experience in Projects Management & companies, GCC driving license.

Contact 79045232, dr.sheaitani@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 23 undergraduate having experience in restaurant field and having computer and internet skills searching for suitable position in sales, data entry operator etc. Contact:90801420 Gmail:anwaar223969@gmail.com Indian male Accountant.

Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Email: jovin8910@gmail. com, Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437 33 years, Indian Male MSC, MBAHR having 8 yrs exp. (HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968- 99322978

Indian male 27 yrs, 7 yrs exp in Sales & marketing (FMCG) looking for suitable position, currently on visit visa. Contact: 71141234, E mail: mohamedjasfer@gmail.com

Indian male 23 years completed BE in electrical engineering Looking for suitable placement.

Contact:alamalsuhail@gmail.com, Contact:+968 9968 2689

Indian male 12 yrs Oman experience Marketing & Sales excellent knowledge throughout market research. Arabic fluency with driving license seeking suitable placement, NOC available.

Contact: 91437484

An Indian senior mechanical engineer capable to start business or enhance existing business locally and internationally is interested to associate. Contact financially sound and decision makers only : 00968 9109 6940. kpopragmatic@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing Supervisor - 13 yrs exp in FMCG worked in reputed company having driving license, NOC available. Contact : 94131656 Indian female with 8 yrs exp in Oman holding valid D/L looking for part time / freelance work in sales & marketing. Contact: 93228657 Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.

Contact India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position.

Conatct 95792820 Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95337665

MISCELLANEOUS MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact- arn9895@gmail.com Mob 00919895233155 MECHANICAL ENGINEER, Indian Male,26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures, Aware of int.

Standards,B tech in Mech engg.

Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, Mob-00917350860889 B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact number# 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com 23 Male Indian 3 year experience in restaurant manager & accountant job & marketing experience looking for suitable job. Contact:90801420 , WhatsApp no :+917411062397, E-mail: anwaar223969@gmail.com TEKLA & AutoCAD.5 years Oman experience in project execution and detail drawing of Steel structures, site and shop erected tanks. Diploma in mech.Engg. Mob: 98486585 sinoshcs@gmail.com.

Indian, 22 yrs, looking for a job in Sales. NOC Available.

Contact: 90463953, Email: sayyan44@hotmail.com Indian male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures, Aware of int. Standards, B tech in Mech engg. Contactrahulkunnath23@gmail.com, Mob 0091 7350860889 Mechanical/Production Engineer, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified. Contact 0091 9895233155, arn9895@gmail.com Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. exp. in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures. Contact 00974 66772193 Mail;snu057@gmail.com.

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM- 99105043 BS in Civil Engineering, experience: 8 Year (Road Projects), Omani license: 9 Years.

Contact: 97427701, Email: hassanrvc1989@gmail.com Indian male 33 yrs, MBA-HR with 10.6 yrs.exp. in Recruitment, Training, PMS, OD, Sites-HR and Omani nationals development, seeking a job, NOC avl.

Contact 94179499 Email: saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Looking for a job as Sales man or any suitable job.

Contact 94401228.

Indian male 23 undergraduate having experience in restaurant field and having computer and internet skills searching for suitable position in same field.

Contact:90801420 Gmail:anwaar223969@gmail.com 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact arn9895@gmail. com. Mob 00919895233155 Indian male looking for part time job. Preferred time from 8 am to 12.30 pm. Contact: 79062787 Indian Male,26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int. Stds,B tech in Mech engg.

Contact-Mob-00917350860889 rahulkunnath23@gmail.com

4 years experience in IT Executive and also ticketing staff, seeking placement Contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com

Indian male, 23 yrs, BE in Mechanical Engineering looking for suitable job. Contact : 91504101 mail: nickfaiz93@gmail.com

Indian Male 23 Photographer searching for suitable job. #90801420 WhatsApp: +917411062397 for my sample shots, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com

Indian Male, Accountant, 10 years Oman experienced having release letter presently in oman seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact : 99334770/ 997 43 709

Indian male 21 (B.Com 2Years) having experience in Sales looking for suitable entry-level position.

Contact: 94562777, E-mail: Hammadakrami61@gmail.com Indian female 10 years as cook in Muscat, Oman . South Indian, Gujarati special food ,Looking for part time. Contact 95795971 Fire & Safety Officer, 22 Years old, Indian expatriate seeking for a suitable placement. 2 years of experience. Ready for immediate joining. Contact : +968-97682273, Email: maniavbah555@gmail.com MECHANICAL ENGINEER ( B.E.,)Indian male, 7 Years of experience in thermal power plant, Pump station and utilities piping Erection & commissioning. Contact: madhavansakthi@gmail.com, Cell No: +968 98208500 Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E (CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com Pakistani male looking for House boy and cleaning work.

GSM:96710189 Indian male, 25 years, diploma in computer science and B.E(CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 93879828, Email id: santoshannathurai@gmail.com Indian male BBA Graduate, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 97691779 6 years experience in Admin, Accounts & Marketing B.com Qualification NOC & D.L is available. 98895739

Indian male 23 diploma in automobile engineering have experience in handling accounts and good marketing skill searching for new suitable job. Contact: 90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact # 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com Senior sales/marketing executive.

Experience in trading industries and thorough knowledge of Oman market. Driving license and NOC available, seeks senior position.

Contact: 98487311 Chief Accountant , 7 years experienced ( 25 years experience in accounts) worked with reputed group companies , handling accounts, auditing, tax work, budgeting & banking facilities , seeks openings Contact 98803439 / 97413784 Indian male 37years btech civil engineer,13years oman experiense in buildings and infrastructure(steel) having d/l and noc is now in oman on visit visa,ready to join immediately.

Contact : 93641216 , EMAIL: shalabha02@yahoo.com

Indian male Post graduate Dentist with 18 plus years experience with MOH Oman. Fluent in Arabic too.

Contact : 96689064/ amal_sam48@hotmail.com Indian male B.Tech, DCE Civil Engineer 14 years Gulf experience.

Contact 97045409 Male Indian current job : call center job, B.E (ECE) searching for suitable job, email: amirraj11691@gmail.com. mobile: +919677642346 / +918428617572 Indian/male (25)/ MBA/3 years experience in administration, sales and marketing with driving license. Fluent in English, Hindi, Arabic. Contact 97291114, MAIL: jawadazeez123@gmail.com Senior sales/marketing executive.

Experience in trading industries and thorough knowledge of Oman market. Driving licence and NOC available. Seeks senior position.

Pls contact: 98487311 Indian male 23 yrs, Diploma in Automobile Engineering have experience in handling accounts and good marketing skill searching for new suitable job.

Contact 90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com

B.Com Pakistani, 6 years experience of marketing NOC and D.L is available 0096898895739 MBA with 18 years of experience in Procurement, 2 years in Sohar, Oman driving license, looking for suitable position.M:92507430, ahmed16071974@gmail.com, NOC available Indian/male(26)/MBA/2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid oman license available for immediate joining. #92536194 email:suhailbs@gmail.com Experienced Restaurant Manager/ supervisor, direct sales searching for suitable position Indian male 23 Diploma in Automobile engineering. Contact: 90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures Mail; snu057@gmail.com, Ph-00974 66772193 Indian 30 years, Autocad Draftsman 10 years experience in India.

2 years Oman experience in MEP Drawings and QS Estimation.

Contact: 9353 1192, 9086 4988

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

Mechanical Engineer (B.E), Indian, 21 yrs, Fresher, Looking for suitable job in the field, Contact- 92291955 / vishusav@hotmail.com Indian/male (26) / MBA/2 years experience in Procurement, Coordination and distribution management, with valid Oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 email:suhailbs@gmail.com Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also. looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122 Internal Auditor/Accountant : BCOM /CA INTER having 7 years experience under Chartered Accountant in India and 10 years as internal auditor/ Accounts manager in Oman , well versed with Tally and MS office , seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 93214484/91358384 1.5 years experienced, 6 months in Oman, electrical engineer/ project engineer, experience in sub-station, MV, LV systems. power and oil & gas projects. NOC available. Contact : 94669679 mail:prsabarish@gmail.com

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020 RENAISSANCE CATERING & SERVICES LLC PEST CONTROL

Control of cockroaches, bedbugs,ants etc..

KĚŽƵƌůĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĂƌŵůĞƐƐ

dƌĂŝŶĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ƐƚĂī Ɛ

Quality service in reasonable charge

ǁĞ ƵƐĞ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ ĂƉƉƌŽǀĞĚ ďLJ KŵĂŶ 'Žǀƚ͘

we undertake yearly contracts for commercial Θ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟ Ăů ďůĚŐƐ

CALL: 99040032

Mechanical Engineer (B.E), Indian, 21 yrs, Fresher, Looking for suitable job in the field, Contact- 92291955 / vishusav@hotmail.com Electrical Engineer (DEE), Having 17 year Experience (14 year in Gulf), Experts in Estimation, Design, Planning and construction activities of MEP work seek Similar Placement with D/L & NOC Available. Contact: 97007489 4 years experience in IT Executive .i come on a visit visa seeking placement contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com whatapp 00923142195074 Indian Female, 28 Yrs, M.Sc Comp Science having 3 years experience as a Lecturer/Teacher/IT Support with excellent computer skills, on family visa looking for suitable position. Pls Contact 92857417.

Indian male 25, Graduate in Civil Engineering (B.E) having 3 years of experience in Site Execution & Quantity Surveyor looking for a suitable placement having Visa Release & Valid Driving License Contact : 96240153 / 97490311, E-mail : mdmosin33@gmail.com BE Electronic & Telecom Eng. 2yrs Exp in telecom copper and fibre cables, able to do project sales & support. Project installation & Commissioning, Exp in telecom related civil job. Contact 97423932, Email: mzeeshanshaikh89@gmail. com

WE SERVE OMAN

Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 95323517 / 93769089 Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476 House shifting & transportation.

Contact 92490422

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

T H U R S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

RENT A CAR

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact 99839898

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street.

RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

DRIVING

TRANSPORTATION Picking and drop Al-Khuwair to Rusail. Contact: 98957524 / 91287470 Transportation. Contact 92126933 / 98518979

SERVICES

Transportation. Contact: 95190627 Cleaning services sofa, carpet shampoo old house or new house.

Contact: 92179395 Pest Control treatments. Ocean center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampoo. Ocean center LLC. Contact: 99344723

SERVICES Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean Center LLC.# 99344723 Marble polishing & crystallization, building cleaning floor, floor polishing, carpet, sofa shampooing, pest control, anti termite, shifting maintenance. Contact: 99504275

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation. Contact 94510847

SERVICES We do maintenance work like décor ceiling, painting work, pest control. Contact 92373113

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T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com

MANPOWER

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman.

Contact 99839898

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS Investment opportunity For business in lighting building materials and decoration.

Contact: 99421513