Times of Oman - February 2, 2016

TUESDAY February 2, 2016 23 Rabi Al Thani 1437 AH

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

To the students of Sultan Qaboos University, 2000

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

MORNING MINUTE

Ideas cannot be suppressed. Our religion stands for ideas and the intellect, not the suppression of thought. Never.

Our religion is tolerant, ethical and receptive to ideas.

Every verse of the Glorious Quran calls for thinking, cogitation, etc. It does not call for narrow-mindedness, mental inertia and blindly going with the flow. No. Never.

Founded 1975 . Volume 40 No. 292 | 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

P E AC E M E D I AT I O N

FAHD MEETS DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF THAILAND His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers with Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand on Monday. — ONA See also >A6

UN chief praises Oman for promoting peace, stability MUSCAT: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the Sultanate’s efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region and solving the existing crises by peaceful means.

He commended the Royal efforts of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in this regard, as well as His Majesty the Sultan’s belief in dialogue as a means for settling disputes and conflicts among countries as this would save the world woes of armed conflicts and wars.

He also thanked His Majesty the Sultan and the Sultanate for hosting the negotiations between Iran and 5+1 Group, as well as its prominent role in solving the Iranian nuclear file and releasing

BOOSTING TIES: Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs with the United Nations Secretary-General. – ONA

hostages in a number of countries.

He said it has been proved that Oman’s visions and stances towards several issues have been based on careful study of such is-

sues and the best way to address them. He also touched on Oman’s role towards documenting the historic heritage, in collaboration with a number of countries.>A6

Tax on fast foods, tobacco and soft drinks soon, says minister oncology and head of medical oncology at the Royal Hospital.

Commenting on Oman’s treatment quality, the Minister of Health affirmed that the Sultanate is committed to providing the best quality of medicine to patients, some of which are not even provided in Europe.

A tax on unhealthy products, agreed upon by GCC in November, must be introduced in Oman as soon as possible, says the health minister

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A tax on unhealthy products such as tobacco, fast food, soft drinks must be introduced in Oman soon, Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi told Times of Oman.

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of the GCC Cancer Awareness Week press conference on Sunday, following reports

of a dramatic rise in the number of lung cancer patients in Oman.

Last November, the GCC governments agreed to impose a unified tax of 100 per cent on tobacco and related products, according to Kuwait New Agency (KUNA).

However, Dr Jawad Al Lawati, senior consultant and rapporteur of the National Tobacco Control Committee at the Ministry of Health, said that such taxes have not been implemented yet but

must be imposed in Oman as early as possible, especially as cigarette prices here are lower compared to other countries.

Lung cancer, a disease with which 97 per cent of those diagnosed are smokers, is expected to become the most common cancer in Oman in the next five years, said Dr. Basim Al Bahrani, director of

JO B - S E E K E R S G R A D UAT E

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

Omani culture in Indian artist’s creations

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For Kavitha Ramakrishna, art is an exciting pursuit and she is a practitioner of the ancient Indian art form of Tanjore painting.

Today, the Times is featuring Kavitha Ramakrishna in its #OmanPride Campaign. >A2

HASSAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

Jordan Casey to be youngest speaker at .Open Minds forum

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MUSCAT: No major workforce reductions are expected this year at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), which is a major exploration and production company in the Sultanate.

“Some expatriates’ contracts will not be extended, but otherwise no major reduction in our workforce (is expected). We will stay on the course of very high levels of activity,” PDO Managing Director, Raoul Restucci, told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza on Monday.

The event was held to honour 195 Omani job-seekers, who graduated to the highest international standards to work as welders on PDO’s Rabab Harweel integrated oil and gas mega project. It took place under the auspices of Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohammed bin Hamad Al

hassan@timesofoman.com

The event was held to honour 195 Omani job-seekers.

Rumhy and in the presence of Minister of Manpower, Sheikh Abdullah Al Bakri.

New jobs Asked as to how many jobs are expected to be created by PDO in 2016, Restucci said, “We are targeting 7,000 jobs like we did last year.”>A6

Real estate agents have welcomed the decision to collect 5 per cent of the land value as fee on specified registrations. However, they feared the Municipality decision might lead to a spurt in unauthorised transactions.>A3

New app keeps track of flights, vehicles

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HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

‘Budget airline to promote tourism’

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Low-cost airline operation comes as part of the enhanced activity planned for the regional airports in the Sultanate for promoting tourism and business and for linking the airports to shipping ports. >A6

Visa for maids from African nations stopped

Staff Reporter

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United Kingdom), and two Latin American countries (Argentina and Mexico).

Nine in 10 movies from Iceland and Argentina contain smoking scenes, including films rated for young people, the report states.

The WHO Smoke-Free Movie report, in line with the guidelines of article 13 of the WHO FCTC, recommends measures, including; requiring age classification ratings for films with tobacco imagery to reduce exposure of youth, certifying in movie credits that film producers receive nothing of value from anyone for using or displaying tobacco products in a film, ending display of tobacco brands in films and requiring strong antismoking ads to be shown before films containing tobacco imagery in all distribution channels (cinemas, televisions, online, etc).>A6 ROP

No major job cuts at PDO: Restucci

OMAN

Registration fee hike welcomed

Minimal effect Dr. Ahmed Al Saidi added that the impact of oil crisis on Oman’s medical sector is minimal and will not affect its health service quality.

Health experts have also welcomed the World Health Organisation (WHO) calls on governments to introduce age-classified ratings for films with tobacco images to stop children from getting addicted to cigarettes and hookah.

In a report published on Monday, smoking was found in 44 per

cent of all Hollywood films, and 36 per cent of films rated for young people in 2014.

Almost two thirds (59 per cent) of top-grossing films featured tobacco imagery between 2002 and 2014.

The US Surgeon General reported that adult ratings of future films with smoking would reduce smoking rates among young people in the US by nearly one-fifth and avert 1 million tobacco-related deaths. Al Lawati hailed WHO initiative saying that such drives can reduce the number of child smokers in Oman.

Many films produced outside the US also contain smoking scenes. Surveys show that tobacco imagery was found in top-grossing films produced in six European countries (Germany, Iceland, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and the

OAMC

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Forgot, where you have parked your car at the airport! Don’t worry, a new app can help locate your car.

The Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has unveiled a new app with the help of which travellers can access flight booking services through its newly updated mobile app.

In its latest update, develop-

ers have added a section for news to keep travellers up-to-date with Oman airports’ news and weather forecasts for Muscat and Salalah Airports.

Users can track flight arrivals and departures information at Muscat and Salalah airports.

“The Oman Airports mobile app was developed to enhance our members’ online experience. The new application is user friendly and provides all the information necessary to utilise the facilities

at Muscat and Salalah airports,” said an OAMC official.

The app, available in English and Arabic, was recently updated as developers added new features, including the ability to scan the barcode of a boarding pass using a camera and latest information on flight timings.

Users can also experience a 360 degree Photo Sphere feature and explore the shops, restaurants and a myriad of concessionaires located at the airport.

“Have with you, at all times,” a brand new feature guide has been introduced to inform travellers about lounges, shopping, food, taxi, tourist and travel information about Oman. The app is available for Android and iOS and can be downloaded from the URLs given below: iOS App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/om/app/ oman-airports/id591658866 Android Play Store: https:// play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.nsr.oamc

MUSCAT: Royal Oman Police (ROP) has stopped issuing visas for domestic workers from a number of African countries.

“Domestic workers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, Guinea and Cameroon will not be able to get a visa for domestic jobs in Oman,” a circular issued by the ROP on Sunday says.

“The decision came into effect on January 31,” the circular added.

Rashid Al Abri, a senior officer at the ROP, told Times of Oman that the decision was taken to prevent the chance of some diseases spreading to the Sultanate from such countries.

“This decision was taken sometime back but approved recently,” said Al Abri. He said domestic workers in Oman can renew their contracts with their employers.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

OMAN Oman gets high score on trade climate index

In Oman, every commercial seaport has a nearby airport,too. Where else we can see this?

We are confident that Oman will soon emerge as a prime spot for investment in the region

Mohammed Hassan Al Ansi, vice-chairman, OCCI logistics and transportation affairs panel

Among the countries

EMERGING MARKETS LOGISTICS

UAE and Qatar are rated most business friendly

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman scores high when it comes to business climate among the emerging markets, according to the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2016 report.

“Among the countries in the Index, Oman, UAE and Qatar are rated as the most business friendly, based upon a combination of market access, risk, regulation, foreign investment, urbanisation and wealth distribution,” it says.

In the overall 2016 Index, Oman is placed in 14th position and in the market connectedness index, Oman is placed sixth.

While considering the market compatibility ratings in the Middle East and North America (MENA) region, Oman was rated third, after UAE and Qatar.

The report adds that Oman, along with Qatar, scores highest for its business environment among smaller emerging market economies having GDPs of less than $300b.

The report also places Oman as having good prospects and easy market entry.

“Oman is emerging as a most successful economy in the region at a good pace. Rules are now made to attract more investments and development activities are carried

Smaller markets, but good prospects and easy market entry. Countries that represent smaller opportunities, but are easily penetrated.

9

Market Compatibility and Connectedness

Index report, Oman,

The chart is divided into four areas based on size and potential barriers to entry (an average value of the market compatibility and connectedness)

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in Agility Emerging Markets Logistics

EXCITING PURSUIT

High market potential with few barriers to market entry. Countries such as China, represent the biggest targets for logistics investments as well as the easiest markets to operate in.

8 Qatar

7 6

Jordan Lebanon

Malaysia Saudi Arabia

Tunisia

Libya

Russia

Kuwait

South Africa

Algeria

Bangladesh

4 Venezuela

Oman’s culture finds expression in art of an Indian

China

Morocco Sri Lanka

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ing expert. – Supplied photo

Chile

Bahrain

PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST: Kavitha Ramakrishna, Tanjore paint-

UAE

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Turkey

Egypt

Brazil

Thailand Philippines

India

Indonesia

Pakistan

Kenya

3

The bottom half of the chart includes countries in which there are significant barriers to entry and difficulties in operating.

2 1

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

Low potential except niche markets, challenging market environment.

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

Large markets, but potential constrained by barriers to entry

0 0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Market Size and Growth Source: Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2016

out with a plan to aid market connectedness,” Mohammed Hassan Al Ansi, vice-chairman of the committee for logistics and transportation affairs at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), told Times of Oman.

“In Oman, every commercial seaport has a nearby airport,too.

Where else we can see this? We are confident that Oman will soon emerge as a prime spot for investment in the region,” Al Ansi added.

According to the report, the number of shipping lanes linking emerging markets with the EU and US grew spectacularly, but most gains came from relatively small base volumes, such as UruguayEU (up 56.8 per cent), Oman-US (up 56.7 per cent) and Turkey-US (up 30.2 per cent).

The report adds that EU-Oman freight lanes also increased by 59.4 per cent.

While welcoming Oman’s im-

provements in its business climate, an industrialist said there is room for more improvement.

“Investors should not feel uncomfortable in Oman. If we can change that, sure Oman can grow more,” Anvwar Al Balushi, an industrialist and investor, told Times of Oman.

The Index, in its 7th year, ranks 45 leading emerging countries based on their size, business conditions, infrastructure and other factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers and distributors.

The Index also includes a survey of more than 1,100 global logistics and supply chain executives.

Meanwhile, Essa Al Saleh, President and CEO of Agility Global Integrated Logistics, said that despite the turbulence, the fundamentals driving growth remain consistent, including a rising

Graphics

middle class with spending power, progress in poverty reduction, and growing populations.

“That’s why we are still positive on the outlook for emerging markets and see them driving global growth,” noted Al Saleh.

John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Transport Intelligence (TI), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, which compiled the Index, noted, “The world’s economy is still riven by instability, and emerging markets, such as China and Brazil, have not been immune.

“However others, such as Mexico, are in a far stronger position and will benefit from the economic growth experienced in the US and Europe.

“More than ever, investors in emerging markets need to be discerning and the results of our Index are critical to providing clarity in a confusing and complex world.”

MUSCAT: For Kavitha Ramakrishna, art is an exciting pursuit and she is a practitioner of the ancient Indian art form of Tanjore painting. Today, the Times of Oman (TOO) is featuring Kavitha Ramakrishna in its #OmanPride Campaign.

“Anything that is artistic attracts me, especially drawings and paintings. From childhood, I have been fascinated by the arts,” Ramakrishna told TOO. Tanjore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting, native to the town of Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It is an art form that dates back to about 1600 A.D., a period where the Nayakas of Tanjavur encouraged this art.

Tanjore paintings are created on solid wood planks referred to as “Palagai Padam.” Gold sheet and semi-precious stones are key materials used for this art. The rich vibrant colours, dashes of gold and semi precious stones add beauty and culture to a variety of surroundings and decor.

Ramakrishna’s works bring together the right blend of the Indian traditional art and the rich Omani culture into the canvas.

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

“Inspired by the cultural unity that exists between Oman and India, also the beauty and richness of the Omani culture, I took up the venture to put the beautiful Omani jewellery and artefacts on the canvas using vivid colours and compact composition used in the Tanjore paintings,” Ramakrishna said. According to her, Maitha bin Saif Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, is the driving force behind her Omani works.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

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Officials of the weather department have said that the impact of the northwesterly would continue for another couple of days, as temperatures sharply decrease, especially at night and the early morning hours

Times News Service MUSCAT: A sudden drop in temperature, accompanied by northwesterly winds, has triggered a variety of winter illnesses—the most common among them being the viral flu, respiratory infections and pharyngitis (sore throat) symptoms, said doctors at the private hospitals.

“The change in temperature is forcing many people to fall sick.

Compared with January last year, there is a 25 per cent rise in the number of flu patients,” Dr Basheer, senior internist at Badr Al Samaa Hospital in Ruwi, said.

Basheer, who treats more than 20 to 25 flu patients every day, believes the increase might be due to the change in weather conditions.

“Moreover, there is an increase in number of patients with complicated flu conditions coming to hospital, especially, those who have diabetes and those who are aged,” he said.

New patients Dr V.C.P. Mohammed, specialist, Internal Medicine at Atlas Hospital Ruwi, also confirmed that he was getting “plenty of viral flu cases” from Muscat.

The doctor’s register showed

a daily turnout of a large number of new patients other than follow up patients. “Citizens and residents should go for flu vaccines if they are facing too many health problems,” doctors told the Times of Oman.

Indian expat S Ghosh is down with flu this week. “My son had it from school and then my entire family came down with flu,” he further said.

Not too worried, Ghosh termed it as a seasonal problem every year. “Unless I see symptoms that are out of place, I do not worry much,” he said.

Flu symptoms The usual symptoms for flu include sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, heaviness in the head, body pain and fatigue, Ghosh said, adding but “rest is the best remedy.”

He also said that infections and fever are common as winter peaks and advised precaution.

“It is better not to go out when there are strong winds blowing and to use face masks if you are visiting any place where there is a lot of dust,” he warned.

Doctors also cautioned the elderly and children, especially as they are more vulnerable to such

attacks. “The best thing to do in this season is to practice good hygiene and wash your hands often as a good hand wash will kill the virus,” doctors said.

Advice for children City-based doctors also prescribed warm clothing for children if they are moving out. “Do not let children go out without a pullover after sundown if the temperatures fall. Cold desserts and chilled water should be avoided. School-going children must cover their ears in morning. Early morning chill and fog can make them sick,” they said.

They also revealed that viral diarrhoea, tonsillitis, bronchitis and respiratory infections were common among the children in the city.

The classic symptoms of a cold are mild fever, watery or slightly yellow nasal discharge, a scratchy feeling in the throat, cough and body ache.

More expected Officials at the weather department said the northwesterly winds’ impact would continue for another couple of days, as temperatures sharply decrease, especially during the night and early morning.

Meanwhile, the lowest temperature on Monday was recorded in Jebel Shams, where it reached 4 degrees Celsius.

24-hour outlook In its 24-hour outlook, the Met Department said mainly clear skies would be seen over most of the Sultanate, with a chance of late night to early morning lowlevel clouds or fog patches over the governorates of Al Buraimi and Al Dahirah.

R E A L E S TAT E

Registration fee hike welcomed FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Real estate agents have welcomed the decision to collect 5 per cent of the land value as fee on specified registrations.

However, they feared the decision taken by the Muscat Municipality to raise the government fee on registering tenancy contracts might lead to a spurt in unauthorised transactions.

The Muscat Municipality has also decided to raise the fee for rent contract registrations to 5 per cent. The additional fee might be passed on to the tenants now, as some property owners may prefer not to register the contract to avoid the 5 per cent fee, feel some observers.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Salim Al Ghammari, a Muscat LEGAL ACTIONS

57 infiltrators arrested, 89 deported MUSCAT: In all, 57 infiltrators of different nationalities were arrested last week for entering the Sultanate illegally by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) in collaboration with other military and security departments, in many wilayats.

The ROP also deported 89 infiltrators after taking the necessary legal actions, in coordination with their respective embassies.

The ROP has requested the community to provide more cooperation with authorities to combat this phenomenon, not to hire, give shelter or facilitate the entry of unchecked labourers into Oman. -ONA

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Winter illnesses rise amid sharp temperature dip

Municipal Council member, said, “Most of the real-estate contracts are not registered in the Muscat Municipality records and such a decision will definitely increase the problem.”

Al Ghammari added that many real estate owners preferred not to go for legal and approved rent contracts, allowing them to control the situation, and they could then also get the tenants to vacate the property at any time.

“The government should have thought of solving the unapproved contracts issue, instead of making the transactions more costly. Fewer property owners will now think of getting their rent contracts approved,” said Al Ghammari.

He added that decreasing the fee for registering tenancy contracts to 1 per cent could lead to

a 95 per cent increase in authorised real-estate transactions, and therefore, generate more money for the government.

The decision to raise the fee was not taken by the Muscat Municipal Council, but by the Ministry of Finance through the Muscat Municipality, said Al Ghammari.

“We didn’t discuss the issue at all and I don’t know if it will be considered by the council in the coming days,” he added.

He explained that the decision was taken by the government in view of the current financial situation.

Meanwhile, many people have raised their concerns over the rise in fees. Tawfiq Al Lawati, a Majlis Al Shura member, tweeted yesterday that the decision was taken without being referred to the council.

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MANPOWER MINISTRY

Panel on demands of workers formed

D E L E G AT E D BY H I S M A J E S T Y

Sultanate set to take part in Syria Donors Conference

Times News Service MUSCAT: A committee to address the demands of workers had been formed by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM), it said in a ministerial decree.

The ministerial decision said workers employed at airports, ports, oil companies and companies providing public services could now address their problems to the Ministry of Manpower. “The committee will address their complaints within five days of being received,” the ministry said.

It will be headed by the undersecretary of the Ministry of Manpower, with members including the Director General of Employee Welfare (Committee Deputy), the Deputy Head of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors, the Deputy Head of the General Federation of Oman Trade Union and representatives of mass employee disputes.

Humood Al Yahyai, a Majlis Al Shura member and head of the Service and Social Development Committee, welcomed the move saying such a committee was urgently needed.

“The committee will target worker problems and issues before they become too big,” said Al Yahyai. He added that involving the Director General of Employee Welfare was a welcome move.

“I believe that if this committee was formed earlier, many of these issues could have been avoided,” said Al Yahyai.

This comes at a time when the ministry is studying the reasons behind some workers’ resentment in some key areas, which stems from a large number of companies contemplating laying off employees, in a bid to save costs in the wake of international crude prices falling.

MUSCAT: Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sa’eedi, Minister of Legal Affairs, Chairman of Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO) will head the Sultanate’s delegation to the 4th Syria Donors Conference, scheduled to be held at London on February 4.

The Sultanate has taken part at the last three conferences that were hosted by the sisterly State of Kuwait and provided, through

Omani Charitable Organisation, humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian refugees in the neighbouring countries, in coordination with official agencies and international organisations.

The 4th conference, co-managed by Kuwait, United Kingdom, Norway, Germany and the United Nations, aims at enhancing humanitarian efforts to get the required financial and humanitarian finance for the Syrian refugees during this year. -ONA

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

For detailed coverage log on to www.timesofoman.com

HIT PARADE: Cartoon celebrities wandering around at Al Amerat Park, are encircled by crowds of children, who are thrilled to meet their famous and familiar heroes. – AR Rajkumar

Cartoon characters, clowns and magic shows enchant children MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

Carnival rides, clown acts, magic shows and cartoon characters roam around at Al Amerat Park providing great family entertainment

MUSCAT: Animated cartoon characters roaming around the Al Amerat Park are among the key attractions for children as well as their parents and guardians at the ongoing Muscat Festival.

More than a dozen cartoon characters can be seen entertaining the visitors and helping create memorable moments as the public take pictures and make short videos with them.

According to the visitors, the Al

Amerat Park is providing a great entertainment for families this year. Carnival rides, clown acts, magic shows and cartoon characters are on hand for children of all ages. The main stage comes to life each day, with concerts and shows that have performances by leading stars from many countries.

Cartoon celebrities wandering around in Al Amerat Park, are inevitably encircled by crowds of children, who are thrilled to meet their famous and familiar heroes.

As children run to shake hands with them, their parents capture

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these special moments on their mobile phones, so as to share them with their families and friends.

Wonderland “It’s fun for children to see their favourite cartoon characters in real life,” Abbas, an Indian expatriate said. According to the parents,

they are really happy to see their children enjoying these moments with cartoon characters.

“These cartoon characters going around the park and greeting visitors, hugging children, posing for pictures, is an exciting sight,” Ali Akbar said. Famous characters also take part in occasional parades inside the festival venue, to give the visitors a chance to meet and greet the characters, and to take photos with them. “My child is not willing to come with us, he wants to enjoy his time with his favourite cartoon character,” Akbar added.

Magic shows Clown acts and magic shows are also attracting the crowds to the park.

Even though the acts they perform are for children, everyone is enjoying it.

As a family entertainment destination, the Muscat Festival strives to provide an environment that is filled with joy and surprises.

Parents who love to see their children enjoying every moment of their laughter, force them to come to the Al Amerat Park without any hesitation.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

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Plan for Muttrah facelift reviewed For implementation of the Muttrah rehabilitation project, a field survey will be carried out taking into account urban planning and the demographics

Muttrah Souq Regarding the situation in the souq (market) and the problems shop owners face, the Council recommended that respective authorities present their proposals to further develop the souq by promoting traditional craft industries, assigning a specialised institution to study the situation in the Muttrah Souq and to find ways to encourage shop owners to employ Omanis and to open outlets of the Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI).

sector to participate in some of the services in these regions, such as establishing small parks in residential areas, constructing public toilets or the paving of roads, particularly if they are located in the geographic area of these organisations.

The municipal council also reviewed the proposal of the Shura Council members, who are representing the Governorate of Muscat to open offices to ease communication with citizens in residential areas. The council has approved a number of activities that it will carry out in these residential areas. It has also called upon the private sector to cooperate and establish small parks in these areas.

Community participation The council also proposed that the Public Authority for Partnership and Development (Sharakah) present a strategy on how to take advantage of the participation of society in governmental services and projects. Furthermore, it proposed assigning committees in the region of the Governorate of Muscat to come up with an appropriate way to invite the private

Cleanliness campaign A media campaign to protect cleanliness in both tourist and public areas was proposed by the municipal council, including how to clarify rules and fines for littering.

The campaign will target social media and education to spread the message of the importance of the issue among the different layers of society.

ried out taking into account urban planning, the demographics of the area and neighbouring projects, a press release from the Muscat Municipality said.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Muscat Municipality Council yesterday reviewed the consultancy services to design the infrastructure of the rehabilitation project of Muttrah, which is intended to improve the living conditions of the residents of the area and to retain its historical and cultural identity.

For the implementation of the project, a field survey will be carPA E W I N I T I AT I V E

New tanker filling system launched Times News Service MUSCAT: An electronic system for controlling the process of pumping water from the filling stations to water tankers has been launched by Public Authority Electricity and Water (PAEW) at Al Ghubra.

The move will help cut water loss by using the latest technology available globally. PAEW started distributing new smart cards to water tanker owners yesterday.

They have to produce a motor vehicle licence, identity card and

health certificate of the tanker at the customer service centres. After recording the relevant data, PAEW will issue a smart card with the amount requested by the tanker owner loaded on it.

The card can be recharged at any PAEW customer service centre.

Engineer Zahran Al Rashdi, general manager of customer service directorate at PAEW, said after the inauguration that it will be extended to other tanker filling stations in Muscat by the end of February, namely in Al Khuwair on February 8, in Bausher on Feb-

ruary 15, in Ghala Industrial Area on February 22 and in Falaj Al Sham on February 29.

“By inserting the smart card in the control devices, the amount of water required by the tanker will be automatically controlled. The relevant data regarding the smart card, including the card number and the balance on the card will be displayed in the control devices. After confirming the data, the tanker owners can start the process of filling it with the help of pressing a button,” Rashdi said explaining how the system works.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016 Oman Air and low cost airline model of operation is different because the low-cost carrier will provide services that are different from those provided by Oman Air Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Al Za’abi, CEO of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation

OMAN

Fahd praises growing Oman-Thailand ties Sayyid Fahd reviewed the keenness of Thailand to promote relations with Oman to meet the aspirations of people

BOOSTING TIES: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers with Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand.

in both countries

MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers on Monday received Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand.

The Thai Deputy Prime Minister conveyed the greetings of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and the Thai government along with their best wishes of continuous success to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the govern-

ment and the Omani people further welfare and growth.

After welcoming the guest and his accompanying delegation, Sayyid Fahd commended the growing relations between the two countries and the remarkable progress witnessed by such relations during the previous years that depicted the two sides’ keenness to work together in the interest of the people.

Sayyid Fahd also reviewed the keenness of Thailand to promote the relations with the Sultanate to achieve the aspirations of

people in both countries.

The two sides discussed means of supporting and developing the joint cooperation in areas of trade and economy exchange and joint investments particularly in relation to the role of businessmen and the private sector in promoting trade opportunities available in both countries, in addition to reviewing issues of common concern.

The Thai Deputy Prime Minister expressed his gratitude and that of his accompanying delegation to visit the Sultanate, which

provided them with the opportunity to closely view the remarkable development being witnessed by the Sultanate. He stressed the importance of enhancing this cooperation and expanding its fields.

On his turn, Sayyid Fahd asked the Thai Deputy Prime Minister to convey greetings of His Majesty the Sultan along with best wishes to the King of Thailand and the government and the Thai people The meeting was attended by Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, Dr. Ali bin Mas’oud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Salim bin Nasser Al Ismaili, Chairman of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development, Ahmed bin Nasser Al-Meherzi, Minister of Tourism and Said bin Saleh Al Kiyoumi, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry while it was attended from the Thai side by the ministers accompanying the Thai Deputy Prime Minister. -ONA

S E L F - TAU G H T P R O G R A M M E R

Youngest speaker at .Open Minds forum Times News Service MUSCAT: One of the world’s youngest app developers and entrepreneurs will also be the youngest-ever speaker at a highprofile speakers’ forum, which will be held at the Ballroom of Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah from February 10 to 11.

Jordan Casey, 15, will not only be the youngest speaker at the .Open Minds forum, but is also perhaps the youngest speaker to address adult audiences in Oman, at least in recent history.

Casey is a teenage entrepreneur and a self-taught programmer from Ireland. He became one of Europe’s youngest iOS app developers when he released a mobile game Alien Ball vs Humans on the iTunes store, which went to the top on the iTunes charts.

Creative thinkers Casey has been programming since he was a mere nine-yearold and today he is set to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers.

“Don’t let your age hold you back,” is a mantra that he often quotes at his speaking sessions.

PAC A

SAYYID SHIHAB RECEIVES THAILAND MINISTER His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Advisor to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Chairman of the Research Council, on Monday received Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology of Thailand. The two sides reviewed the efforts made by the Sultanate and Thailand in the field of scientific research and means of benefiting from development aspects in both the countries. They also discussed sharing experiences in scientific research and means of enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields. — ONA

App developer Jordan Casey.

The .Open Minds thought leadership forum will see top global speakers, including entrepreneur Chris Gardner, Princess Beatrice of York, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit and other thought and change leaders.

The event is being presented

by Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives (AVOD). Merge and Al Wisal are the radio partners and the Times of Oman and Al Shabiba are the media partners.

For more information and registration: Contact: 99620757, 95122430; email: bwopenminds@gmail.com and openminds2016@gmail.com W I L AYAT O F A D A M

‘Budget airline to promote tourism’ MUSCAT: Low-cost airline operation comes as part of the enhanced activity planned for the regional airports in the Sultanate for promoting tourism and business and for linking these airports to the shipping ports, said Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Al Za’abi, CEO of the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA).

He added that Oman Air and low cost airline model of operation is different because the lowcost carrier will provide services that are different from those provided by Oman Air. He pointed out that all routes are open for the budget airline and that there are agreements for the transfer of open spaces between the Sultanate and the GCC countries except for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

There are also agreements with a number of countries and they are available to them.

Job opportunities He added that over the past period, PACA concentrated on identifying an operator that will create job opportunities for Omanis and SMEs. The proposal of the company that won the licence included creating 460 direct jobs and many indirect jobs in catering, aviation maintenance and other aviation related fields. -ONA

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Haitham to sponsor camel race MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, will sponsor on February 13, 2016 the opening of Al Bashayer Camel Race Course in the Wilayat of Adam in the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah.

From February 9 to February 13, the Gulf championship for camel racing will be held with the participation of citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The participation is still open for all the Gulf Cooperation Council citizens for various races.

Registration will close on February 8. Evaluators or camel owners should submit their camel data by the electronic chip. -ONA

G R A D UAT I O N C E R E M O N Y

A1 PDO aims to boost skill of Omanis < FROM

He said the graduation ceremony was just an example of the company’s initiatives to develop the local workforce with a variety of skill sets that the industry needs.

The Minister of Oil and Gas also expressed hope that there will be no job cuts in the oil and gas sector this year, but said it all depends on what will happen next.

“Life is getting a little bit complicated, but we are trying our best to continue business as usual. But it is difficult. We are facing many challenges,” Al Rumhy noted.

The graduating recruits have successfully completed 20 months’ training and are taking up positions with two of the company’s main contractors, CCC and Al Turki Enterprises.

The PDO-funded vocational

training scheme combines theory and practice and qualifies trainees up to the 6G level—the most advanced—which is recognised by international accreditation bodies, such as The Welding Institute (TWI) and The American Welding Society.

The directives Abdul Amir Al Ajmi, PDO’s External Affairs’ director, said the idea for the programme stemmed from the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to provide more training and employment opportunities to job seekers.

Meanwhile, Restucci said, “This is another success story for our National Objectives programme, which is all about creating meaningful and rewarding DRIVE

training and employment opportunities for Omanis. So far, we have been able to generate around 20,000 of these opportunities since 2011 and we are determined to do even more.”

Retention package The 6G programme offers an enhanced financial and retention package for participants and is the first in the region to have a TWI-accredited centre outside the United Kingdom. The aim is for the programme to serve as a benchmark for the entire oil and gas sector and other industries in the Sultanate.

The 195 graduates underwent training at the RAY Skills Development’s Halban workshop in Muscat.

Trainee Saood Al Habsi, 22, said, “The programme has changed my life a great deal. I have learnt many things. I have benefited from the time spent on this programme and learnt that working hard will give me many opportunities in future.”

Fellow recruit Asad Al Riyami, 27, added, “I have learnt so much and these skills will provide me with an excellent platform to launch a career in welding and welding inspection. This has been a tough course, but by working hard, I have achieved many things and made many friends.”

Another 200 trainees are scheduled to begin the next 6G course soon and interviews and assessments are currently taking place.

UN CHIEF

A1 campaign

A1 Oman’s support

In addition, the report also recommends making media productions ineligible for public subsidies for promoting smoking. According to the Ministry of Health, cancer is the third leading cause of death in Oman after traffic accidents and heart diseases. To curb the spread of tobacco addiction, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection has recently banned electronic cigarettes and electronic shisha (hookah).

“Traders should remove all stock of e-cigarettes and ehookah from shops in Oman in the interest of safeguarding public health,” said the PACP. Under the ruling, a fine of OMR500 will be imposed on violators who trade in illegal cigarettes.

Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah received the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his office on Monday. The leaders reviewed cooperation between Oman and the UN and means of enhancing them.

When questioned about the main points of the meeting with Alawi, the UN Secretary-General said: “I am here to express my sincere thanks to the government and people of Oman for their support and contribution in the international and regional peace, security, development and human rights.

He added: “Oman has been providing a very valuable venue for the UN Special Envoy and development agencies, engaged in peace mediation, as in the case of Special Envoy to Yemen Ismael

< FROM

Anti-tobacco

< FROM

Weld Al Sheikh Ahmed to facilitate peace talks in Yemen.

“We also hope to strengthen our partnership in implementing the sustainable development goals and climate change in the future with the UN.” He concluded: “We are very much happy, and through this visit, I hope to be strengthen the partnership in the future”.

The meeting was attended from the Omani side by Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Isa’ee, Acting Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic affairs and officials in the Foreign Ministry.

Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs also met Ban Ki-moon. Sayyid Badr wished the guest a successful visit to Oman. The two sides discussed matters of common concern. -ONA

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

REGION

The time has come for Israelis, Palestinians and the international community to read the writing on the wall: The status quo is untenable Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General

More than 3,000 Syrians flee to Turkey in 3 days At least 12,733 civilians have been displaced in two months of fighting

ISTANBUL: More than 3,000 Turkmens and Arabs fleeing advancing pro-government Syrian forces in the north of Latakia province have crossed into Turkey over the past three days, Turkish disaster agency AFAD said on Monday.

A Turkmen official said several thousand more migrants were expected as a camp mostly sheltering Turkmens in the Syrian village of Yamadi was being evacuated after the pro-government forces backed by Russian air strikes advanced.

“After the attacks have spilled over to Yamadi camp, the first group of 731 migrants, mostly babies, children, women and the elderly, have entered our country,” AFAD said in a statement.

Local rural towns, in a province traditionally seen as a stronghold of President Bashar Al Assad, have been relatively safe until a military offensive over the last two months, including 300 air raids, “which is why people from these communities are now being displaced in large numbers”, the United Nations said.

The Turkmens are ethnic kin of the Turks, and Turkey has been particularly angered by what it says is Russian targeting of them in Syria. At least 12,733 civilians have been displaced in two

WAR-HIT: Syrian refugees wait on the Istiklal avenue in Istanbul

on Monday. – AFP

months of fighting, and more displacement is expected if pro-Assad forces advance towards Kensaba town and along the Turkish border, a UN humanitarian report said. In southern Syria, a further 35,715 people have been uprooted by another government offensive to retake the strategic town of Sheikh Maskin, the UN said.

AFAD said 3,120 people had already crossed through Pulluyazi, a village near the border town of Yayladagi in Turkey’s southern Hatay province.

The influx has accelerated since January 24, when Rabiya, a rebel-held town in Latakia province, was captured by Syrian progovernment forces. The Syrian government’s military campaign came a delegation from Syria’s main opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee, arrived at the United Nations in Geneva on Monday for a first official session in UN-mediated peace talks overseen by UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura. The session is a prelude to the start of “proximity talks” that De Mistura hopes to

hold between the opposition and a government delegation.

Most of Syria’s pre-war population have been forced out of their homes by the war, 5 million as refugees and 6.5 million displaced within the country. “On average, since 2011, 50 Syrian families have been displaced every hour of every day,” UNHCR said in its latest Syria report. Russian air strikes have killed nearly 1,400 civilians since Moscow started its aerial campaign in support of Assad nearly four months ago, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said on Saturday. An opposition delegate said bombings had intensified before the peace talks. “There was an attack by Russians over the weekend on the camp,” a Turkmen official at Yayladagi said.

“Thankfully it did not fall right at the heart of the camp, but still 40 people were wounded,” he said.

“A lot of towns, villages in the north of Latakia have already been emptied. But there’s still another 3,000-4,000 civilians there who haven’t left,” he said. — Reuters

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T W O - S TAT E S O LU T I O N

Ban voices concern over stalled Palestinian peace negotiations UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is concerned a stalemate in the peace process between Israel and Palestinians is reaching the point of no return for a two-state solution.

“The time has come for Israelis, Palestinians and the international community to read the writing on the wall: The status quo is untenable,” Ban wrote in an opinion piece published in the New York Times late on Sunday. “Keeping another people under indefinite occupation undermines the security and the future of both Israelis and Palestinians.” The Palestinians want an independent state

in the occupied West Bank, Gaza and occupied East Jerusalem - areas Israel captured in a 1967 war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Ban last week, saying he gave a “tailwind to terrorism” after the secretarygeneral put some of the blame on Israel for four months of stabbings and car rammings by Palestinians.

Ban, who will step down at the end of 2016 after 10 years as UN chief, had told the UN Security Council that it is “human nature to react to occupation”. “I will always stand up to those who challenge Israel’s right to exist,” Ban said in the Times, “just as I will always defend

the right of Palestinians to have a state of their own. That is why I am so concerned that we are reaching a point of no return for the twostate solution.”

The US and the European Union - Israel’s closest allies - also have had unusually stern criticism of Israel in recent weeks, reflecting their frustrations with Netanyahu’s right-wing government.

“When heartfelt concerns about shortsighted or morally damaging policies emanate from so many sources, including Israel’s closest friends, it cannot be sustainable to keep lashing out at every well-intentioned critic,” Ban wrote. — Reuters

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016 We will see if there was any indiscretion. We shall also talk to some of the eyewitnesses apart from analysing the content of the video B.S. Bassi, Delhi police commissioner

INDIA

Delhi Police under fire over beating women protesters

Modi’s total assets over Rs10 million

person for Joint Action Committee (JAC) spearheading the campaign said.

The video of Saturday’s incident went viral on social media, triggering sharp reactions, with Arvind Kejriwal alleging the police force was being used as RSS and BJP’s ‘private army’

NEW DELHI: Police on Monday came under severe criticism after a video emerged in which its personnel were seen thrashing protesters and dragging female activists by their hair outside the RSS headquarters here during a demonstration against Dalit student Rohith Vemula’s suicide.

The video of Saturday’s incident went viral on social media, triggering sharp reactions, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleging the police force was being used as RSS and BJP’s “private army” under a political dispensation that is at “war” with students across the country.

Two journalists, who have alleged they were beaten up while covering the protest, claimed the police action was “unprovoked” and that the protesters were beaten up mercilessly.

In the 30-second clip, apart from police, some men in civilian clothes are also seen beating up the protesters.

The student protesters were holding a demonstration outside the RSS office at Jhandewalan in

PMO WEBSITE

PROTEST: Police detain students protesting over Rohith Vemula’s suicide outside Chhatrapati Shivaji

Terminus in Mumbai on Monday. - PTI

central Delhi demanding justice for Vemula, the Hyderabad university research scholar whose suicide last month triggered nationwide outrage.

In the video, a constable is seen dragging a woman protester by hair and pushing her down when she demonstrated against the assault on a fellow demonstrator.

Probe on Reacting to the video, Delhi police Commissioner B.S. Bassi said he has directed senior officials to investigate the matter and see if there were any “indiscretions”.

“As soon as I was informed about the video, I spoke to Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deepak Mishra, who later

asked Joint Commissioner (Central range) S. K. Gautam to look into the matter.

“We will see if there was any indiscretion. We shall also talk to some of the eyewitnesses apart from analysing the content of the video,” Bassi said.

Addressing a press conference, AAP leader Sanjay Singh alleged BJP and RSS workers were also involved in assaulting the students along with police.

Congress called it a “brutal assualt” by police on a group of “unarmed protesters” and demanded action against guilty policemen.

Kejriwal, who is undergoing naturopathy treatment in Bengaluru, condemned the police’s alleged highhandedness, including with

women. “Delhi Police being used

by BJP/RSS as their private army to terrorize and teach lesson to anyone opposing BJP/RSS. I strongly condemn attack on students.

FTII, Rohith case, Hyderabad University, IITs and now brutal attack on Delhi students. Modi govt seems to be at war with students all across,” Kejriwal tweeted.

Meanwhile, after a fortnightlong unrest over the suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula, classes at the Hyderabad Central University resumed on Monday even as the agitating students continued the stir over their demands by launching a relay hunger strike.

“Classes are going on. Administration is also working,” a spokes-

Deadline “We have set a deadline of ten days. We will continue our agitation in the form of relay hunger strike and organising seminars and rallies peacefully. People from outside also have come to express solidarity with our agitation.

(VC) Professor Appa Rao should go. There is no change in that demand,” JAC spokesperson Dickens Leonard said.

The SC/ST Faculty Forum, whose members had lent firm support to the agitation, said the teachers had also resumed academic and administrative responsibilities on the request of in-charge Vice Chancellor M. Periasamy.

Periasamy had on Sunday held a meeting of the representatives of JAC to discuss the demands put forward by the student body.

Periasamy took charge of the varsity after in-charge Vice Chancellor Vipin Srivastava proceeded on leave on Saturday in the wake of the agitators objecting to him being asked to officiate in the absence of Appa Rao, who had gone on leave after the stir escalated.

The HCU sailed through rough weather with agitations ever since Vemula committed suicide in a hostel room on the campus on January 17.

He was one of the five students suspended from using hostel facilities for their alleged role in a case related to the attack of ABVP leader N. Susheel Kumar. Subsequently, after Vemula’s suicide,the university terminated the suspension of the four students. - PTI

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Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not seem to keep much cash in hand even as his total assets have gone up to Rs14.1 million — largely due to a residential property that has appreciated by more than 25 times since purchase over 13 years ago.

According to the latest details of his assets disclosed by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi had total ‘cash in hand’ of just Rs4,700 at the end of the last fiscal, down from Rs 38,700 disclosed mid-fiscal as on August 18, 2014.

However, the total value of Modi’s movable and immovable assets during this period has grown from Rs12,612,288 to Rs 14,114,893 as on March 31, 2015.

Modi assumed office as Prime Minister on May 26, 2014.

Latest disclosures As per the disclosure, Modi does not own any ‘motor vehicles/aircraft/yachts/ships’, while he still retains his bank accounts in Gujarat. He has no bank account in Delhi. While he has no loans, his jewellery holdings include “four pieces of gold rings” weighing approximately 45 grams with a value of about Rs119,000 as on March 31, 2015. The value of these rings has come down slightly from Rs121,000 since last disclosure as on August 18, 2014.

The latest disclosures are updated till January 30, 2016, as per the PMO website. - PTI

CONTROVERSY

I have not grabbed land, says Hema

MAKING A POINT: Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Hema Malini addresses a press conference regarding the controversy surrounding the land allotted to her by the Maharashtra government, in Mumbai on Monday. - PTI

MUMBAI: Amid the controversy over allotment of land to her for a dance institute at a throw-away price, actress-politician Hema Malini on Monday said she has “not grabbed” the land and will abide by the government’s rules regarding its purchase.

The Opposition Congress had earlier turned up the heat on the BJP-led government for the allotment of land at Ambivali in suburban Andheri to Malini’s Natyavihar Kalakendra Charity Trust at a throw-away price of Rs70,000.

“I have not paid anything as of now. I will follow all the rules and regulations of the government.

Why speculate the price when I don’t know myself how much I have to pay... whatever will be the cost I will pay it,” she told report-

ers here. Malini also asked not to make it a political issue.

“Thank you all for making it an issue nationally and internationally. Don’t make it a political matter. It’s my right to make this dance institute in Mumbai as I have been living here. I don’t know why an issue is made out of it,” she said. The veteran actress also said that she has struggled for 20 years to get the land.

“It is not that I have got the land just like that... easily...it has been a struggle of 20 years. I have not grabbed the land as it’s been said.

The government has given it to me...not that I have gone and grabbed it,” she said.

Malini has been alloted 2,000 square metres land for building her dance institute. Besides this,

she has to develop a garden on the remaining 27,000 square metres land at Ambivali in Andheri.

“I am getting 2,000 square metres land for building dance institute — Natyavihar Kalakendra Charity Trust,” she said adding that she will have to develop the garden and give it to the BMC which will then decide what should be done with the land.

Malini’s trust had some years ago applied for allotment of a 5,000 sq metre of plot at Ambivali, out of a 29,360 sq m open land reserved for garden.

The government allotted 2,000 sq m of land to the trust with the condition that it would develop a garden on the remaining portion, state revenue minister Eknath Khadse had earlier said. - PTI

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Governor asks PDP, BJP to clarify stand on government formation SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Seeking to put an end to uncertainty, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N. N. Vohra has asked PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and state BJP chief Sat Pal Sharma to clarify their stand on the government formation on Tuesday.

Vohra has called Mehbooba and Sharma for separate meetings on Tuesday to discuss the issue of government formation in the state which is under Governor’s Rule since January 8, a day after then chief minister Mufti Sayeed passed away.

“Yes, the Governor has called her (Mehbooba Mufti) for a meeting tomorrow,” PDP spokesman Naeem Akhter said on Monday.

According to sources, the Governor sent a communication by fax to the PDP Chief last evening for holding consultations. Mehbooba will meet the Governor in the afternoon on Tuesday after which Sharma will meet him.

“Yes, we are going to meet the Governor tomorrow in the evening,” Sharma said.

The Governor’s missive to the leaders of the two parties, which had run a coalition government for 10 months till January 7, came after the PDP chief talked tough with regard to continuance of alliance with BJP on Sunday.

Reassessing Mehbooba, who is seen as a successor to her father as chief minister, had said she will take a call after “reassessing” whether ally BJP’s government at the Centre would take substantive steps in a “set timeframe” to address the “core” political and economic issues of the state.

In the wake of these developments, the state BJP’s core group met in Jammu and said it will hold consultations with central leadership on government formation before meeting the Governor.

After the meeting, which discussed Mehbooba’s statement, BJP leaders said there was “no concrete” demand or condition from PDP but their party was committed to the implementa-

tion of “Agenda of Alliance” and address any issues that the ally may have.

“Today, we have decided in the core group meeting that our 2-3 members will go to Delhi and discuss the issues with the central leadership,” state BJP President Sat Sharma said.

“We will meet him (Governor) and today’s meeting was regarding our stand on the issue of the formation of government,” he told reporters.

He said if any issue is raised by PDP, it can be resolved. “In the past ten months, the development which has taken place was not seen in the past 60 years. Agenda of Alliance is the vision of Narendra Modi and Mufti Mohammed Sayeed to take Indian-administered-Kashmir forward. If you think the development was slow, then we will make sure that it is speeded up,” he said.

Asked if BJP was ready for fresh polls, Sharma said “it would be premature to speak about the issue”. - PTI

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INDIA TRAGEDY

RISKING LIFE Students travelling on the roof of an overcrowded bus after writing the first paper of West Bengal Board of Secondary examinations in Balurghat, South Dinajpur district on Monday. - PTI

14 Pune college students drown at Murud Beach RAIGAD (Maharashtra): At least 14 college students — part of a group of 130 on a picnic — drowned in the Arabian Sea at Murud Beach in Raigad district, around 150km south of Mumbai, police said here on Monday.

The toll is expected to rise as 1012 students are still missing.

The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard deployed a Chetak helicopter and a speed boat besides police divers for the combined mega rescue operations.

Among the victims are at least four girl students.

Four girls were successfully rescued while another six have been rushed to nearby hospitals.

The cause of the massive tragedy is still not clear.

The students were part of a group of more than 130 from Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society’s Abeda Inamdar College and had come to the picturesque Murud beach for a picnic, Superintendent of Police Suvez Haque said.

The MCES president, P. A. Inamdar, said that the 130 senior students, studying in first, second and third year BSc(Computer Science) and BCA (Computer Applications), had gone on a college-sponsored annual picnic accompanied by at least five staff members and other support staff. - IANS

PROBE ON

Three siblings end lives in suicide pact RAIPUR: Three persons of a family allegedly committed suicide at Tulsi Nevra village of Raipur district on Monday.

“The bodies of the siblings, including two teenage girls and their brother, were found hanging from the ceiling of their house in Tulsi Nevra village under Nevra police station limits,” a senior police official said.

The deceased were identified as Durga (16), Sumitra (19) and Bhupendra Sahu (22), he said.

When repeated knocks on the door of their house were not answered this morning, their relatives informed the Sarpanch, who contacted the police.

The bodies were found hanging from the ceiling at separate places in the house, the official said.

A suicide note was recovered from the spot, which said nobody should be blamed for the act, he said. Bhupendra was the sole caretaker of his sisters after their parents’ death last year, police said, adding the reason behind the extreme step could be ascertained after an elaborate investigation.

A case has been registered and further probe is under way, he said.

Meanwhile, in another incident, a 30-year-old woman committed suicide after allegedly poisoning her elderly mother to death in Rajendra Nagar area of the district, police said. - PTI

India committed to building peaceful Afghanistan: Modi An agreement for visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders of the two countries was exchanged in the presence of Modi and Abdullah Abdullah

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated India’s commitment for building a peaceful Afghanistan when Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Officer and Head of the Council of Ministers Abdullah Abdullah called on him here.

“The prime minister expressed deep gratitude towards the government and the national security forces of Afghanistan for their bravery and sacrifice in order to protect the Indians, especially during the attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif on January 4-5, 2016,” the external af-

PARLEYS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with CEO of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah in a meeting in New Delhi, on Monday. - PTI

fairs ministry said in a statement.

“The prime minister reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support to the efforts of the Afghan people in building a peaceful, stable, prosperous, inclusive and democratic country,” it stated.

On his part, Abdullah Abdullah recalled positively the maiden

and successful visit of Modi to Afghanistan in December last year.

During Modi’s visit to Kabul on December 25, the new Afghan parliament building, constructed with India’s aid, was inaugurated.

At Monday’s meeting, Abdullah Abdullah said that the visit re-energised the strategic partnership between the two countries.

“He deeply appreciated the support being extended by India for infrastructure development and capacity building in Afghanistan,” the external affairs ministry statement said.

“The two leaders shared views on further deepening the strategic partnership, both in the bilateral and regional context.”

An agreement for visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders of the two countries was exchanged in the presence of Modi and Abdullah Abdullah.

Later, the visiting leader held talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during which they discussed the security situation, Afghan peace process, internal political situation in the strife-ravaged country as also the regional security situation, official sources said.

“The two leaders also discussed the role of international community to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and to defeat challenge of terrorism,” sources said.

Swaraj informed Abdullah about India’s efforts to expedite implementation of as many as 92 small developmental projects in Afghanistan that are nearing completion. The minister also assured Abdullah of government’s help in facilitating participation of a strong Afghan contingent in the 12th SAF games to be held in Guwahati and Shillong.

Abdullah, who arrived here on Sunday, is in India primarily to attend a conference on counterterrorism in Jaipur organised by India Foundation in association with Sardar Patel University of Police Security and Criminal Justice. - Agencies

EXPERTS

India emerging as top hub for robot-assisted surgeries NEW DELHI: Reasonable costs, less pain, early recovery and increasing awareness have put India on the global map when it comes to robot-assisted surgeries across the health spectrum and the country is poised to take a leap soon, some of the leading robotic surgeons have said.

According to the latest data from hospitals, Mumbai recorded over 70,000 robotic surgeries in 2015 — mostly on patients from abroad.

Delhi and Bengaluru have performed nearly 20,000 and 25,000 robotic surgeries, respectively.

Very expensive More specifically, patients from the Middle East and Africa appear to be making a beeline for robotassisted surgeries in India because either they do not have advance robotic surgery facilities in their home country or, if available, its very expensive.

“I get at least one to two inquiries for robotic surgeries every week. These inquiries are usually from the Middle East and Africa.

In the last two months alone, I had

operated on seven patients with prostate cancer from out of India,” Dr Anup Ramani, consultant robotic and uro-oncological surgeon from Saifee Hospital and Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, said.

Dr Ramani said that for early prostate cancer the best treatment is through robotic surgery.

In India, prostate cancer has seen a sharp rise and it affects the rich and the poor alike. “It is very important for men to do a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test once a year after 50,” Dr Ramani said.

In New Delhi, Dr Vipin Tyagi, consultant urologist and robotic surgeon in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, successfully performed robotic surgery recently on a four-yearold girl suffering from congenital grade 5 bilateral Vesico Ureteric Reflux (VUR), a disease in which urine starts going back from bladder to kidneys.

“She was having high fever with recurrent urinary tract infection since birth and was brought to Sir Gangaram Hospital. Tests confirmed that she had VUR,” Dr Tyagi said.

The parents wanted to avoid any

More specifically, patients from the Middle East and Africa appear to be making a beeline for robotassisted surgeries in India because either they do not have advance robotic surgery facilities in their home country or, if available, its very expensive

big incision in the little girl and it was not easy to do minimally-invasive surgery either.

“We decided to go in for robotassisted bilateral ureteric reimplantation. The use of big robot, especially for VUR, is uncommon in children because it is difficult to get working space for the robotic arm inside the abdomen of a small child,” the doctor said.

The team then decided to make certain modifications and improvisation for docking of the robotic arms in the way to get just sufficient working space for the pro-

cedure. The girl was back home after two days. Follow-up scans and reports showed the VUR had been cured.

“Robotic assistance provides incomparable 3D vision, better range of movements and it seems as if the surgeon has introduced his wrist inside the abdomen of the patients,” Dr Tyagi explained.

Rising demands According to Dr Meghal Sanghvi, oncologist at Wockhardt Hospital, the setup for robotic surgery is very important for all hospitals

considering the rising demands for it in various parts including bypass surgery, transplants, cancer and gynae procedures.

“Apart from less time, robotic surgery also ensures there is no surgical error during the process,” she noted. Further, the cost is only marginally higher than a normal procedure.

According to Dr Chris Holsinger, 48, who leads Stanford Cancer Centre’s Head and Neck Oncology practice and has been interacting closely with leading Indian counterparts since 2008, India has

significant talent and expertise in performing robot-assisted surgeries for head and neck patients.

“The use of computer-assisted surgery (via a surgical robot) to remove cancerous tissues or tumours in the head and neck areas helps the surgeon see the affected areas far more clearly — which is not possible in open surgery,” Holsinger, who was recently in India to attend a seminar on head and neck cancer, said.

The Stanford Medical Centre is working with leading oncologists with Indian health care providers like Delhi’s Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) and Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for study of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) patients.

Dr Surender Dabas from RGCIRC says the minimally invasive surgical procedure for head and neck area allows access to the robot through the mouth, thus reducing trauma, pain and blood loss. “Best of all, the procedure does not leave any scars on the face or neck and the recovery is much quicker,” said Dr Dabas. - IANS

A 10

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

PAKISTAN CHARSADDA UNIVERSITY

HONOUR FOR SCHOOL

Divisions in Taliban widen after attack

The Karachi Grammar School (KGS)won the best international delegation award at the Harvard Model United Nations (MUN) 2016 held in Boston, United States. Over 3,000 delegates representing over 199 countries participated to debate issues of international importance. Other schools from Pakistan, including Karachi’s Lyceum, Aitchison College and Roots Millennium from Islamabad, also participated at the event. Lyceum’s eightmember team secured the ‘best small delegation award’. — Express Tribune

ACTIVISM

Youngsters in bid to clean Karachi streets KARACHI: Tired of the sight of trash strewn across the roads and losing faith in the authorities, 60 young individuals have decided to take ownership of their city and launched a cleanliness campaign, ‘Saaf Karachi [Clean Karachi]’.

Every Sunday, the group meets to pick and choose an area after proper research, collect donations from residents, bring in the equipment and start cleaning the chosen area, which takes three to five hours.

The group includes Zain Aquil, 25, an employee of a software house, a textile design student Suha Abbas, 20, Delhi College student Shaikh Abdullah, 20, and Greenwich University student Danish Shah, 22.

The initiative was launched on January 10 this year and the group met to clean the median strip from Landi Kotal Chowrangi to Five Star Chowrangi, North Nazimabad.

“Initially, we cleaned the litter from just the median strip,” said Aquil. However, the next day the median strip was again filled with garbage as the area is teemed with eateries, he claimed. “The next week, we again collected donations and cleaned the area and placed litter bins,” he said, adding that they were assured by District Municipal Corporation’s (DMC) officer, Nadeem, that the trash from the bin will be picked up daily.

Every Sunday morning, the team collects donations from passing cars and residents of the chosen area. Then, they hire a Suzuki pickup and load it with the collected trash.

Speaking about collecting donations, Suha said when residents see us cleaning, they are willing to give more.

“As a girl I have never faced any problem cleaning the roads of my city,” she pointed out, adding that peoples’ attitudes encourage her.

Sometimes they also join us, she added. — Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Taliban face another possible split as a top commander who claimed responsibility for the Bacha Khan University assault is upset with the central leadership for disowning the attack and promising action against the perpetrators.

A joint council of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and the Mangal Bagh-led Lashkar-eIslam has also been dissolved over lack of interest by TTP’s fugitive chief Mullah Fazlullah, a Taliban leader said on Sunday.

“Umar Mansoor faced a huge embarrassment when the TTP’s central leadership disavowed any role in the Charsadda attack,” said the Taliban leader, who requested not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

He is now acting as an independent commander and even introduced himself as the leader of the Taliban in the Darra Adam Khel region in a recent interview with a foreign radio that indicates his serious differences with the central leadership.

This is the first time he has introduced himself this way, the commander added. — Express Tribune

Ex-chief justice cut deal with Musharraf, claims Shujaat Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary was elevated to the coveted office of chief justice of Pakistan on my recommendation after Judge Sahib worked out how General Sahib could remain in uniform after his mandated term, said the Pakistan Muslim League-Q leader

ISLAMABAD: Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, a former prime minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q once known as ‘the kingmaker’, has a treasure trove of information on the long reign of General Pervez Musharraf.

Shujaat was the head of the ‘king’s party’ that Musharraf had cobbled together to give political credence to his rule after the October 1999 coup. Shujaat’s house in Islamabad and PML-Q’s secretariat in the city used to be abuzz with political activity.

And he had a say in all key decisions under the military ruler, including appointments to top government positions.

“Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary was elevated to the coveted office of chief justice of Pakistan on my recommendation after Judge Sahib worked out how General Sahib could remain in uniform after his mandated term,” said Shujaat, whose PML-Q is now in its twilight era after its heyday pe-

FRESH CONTROVERSY: Pakistan’s then suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhary, centre, arrives with his supporters in Chakwal on June 16, 2007. — Reuters file photo

riod between 2002 and 2007.

Before parliament adopted the 18th constitutional amendment, the president had a discretionary role in appointment of heads of key institutions, including the superior judiciary, and elevation to the coveted post of chief justice.

Article 177 of the 1973 Constitution did not clearly prescribe any rule of seniority for such an appointment in the apex court of the country.

The Supreme Court had shed some light on the matter in the Al Jihad Trust case, but the ruling was not followed up with constitutional changes to make it mandatory for the head of state to follow the seniority criterion.

Musharraf had already reneged on his public promise of doffing his military uniform by December 31, 2004.

The promise was part of an agreement the PML-Q had cut with the seven-party religious alliance, the Muttahida Majlis-eAmal, for securing its support to pass the Legal Framework Ordinance through the 17th amendment to the Constitution.

The 17th amendment inter alia gave a legal cover to all the actions Musharraf had taken since the October 12, 1999 coup, validated his

IN LINE OF FIRE: Former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf, centre, is escorted by soldiers as he arrives at an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad on April 20, 2013. — AFP file photo

Justice Nazim Hussain Siddiqui, who was made chief justice on a seniority basis, was about to retire after six months in the office. Though Iftikhar Chaudhary was the senior-most judge, General Pervez Musharraf wanted to make sure the next top judge did not create any problem for his dual offices

controversial referendum before assuming the office of president.

Now, Musharraf wanted to keep both offices, chief of the army staff and president, in order to keep his grip on power.

Justice Nazim Hussain Siddiqui, who was made chief justice on a seniority basis, was about to retire after six months in the office.

Thus Musharraf was on the lookout for a replacement and at this point Shujaat came to his help.

Though Iftikhar was the seniormost judge of the Supreme Court, Musharraf wanted to make sure the next top judge did not create any problem for his dual offices.

Good relations Shujaat had good relations with Iftikhar. The two used to frequently dine together at Shujaat’s place.

“We (myself and Musharraf ) thought he is an outspoken person.

Let’s make him the chief justice.

I told the president [Musharraf ] that Chaudhary Sahib would be the most suitable choice for the top slot in the Supreme Court. He would do what we say. Musharraf said, ‘Ok, let’s meet him,” Shujaat recalls in an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune.

“We (myself and Iftikhar Chaudhary) left for the Presidency in my Land Cruiser. En route, I briefed Judge Sahib on what to say and

what not to. When we reached the Presidency, Tariq Aziz [the then national security adviser] was also at the Presidency. The discussion started. Judge Sahib did not say a word. When the president [Musharraf ] went to the washroom, I said, ‘Judge Sahib, what are you doing! Please talk,” recalls Shujaat, an astute politician, known for his humble demeanor.

“When Musharraf returned, Judge sahib broke his silence and started speaking on how he (Musharraf ) could continue with his uniform. He spoke on all the technicalities involved,” says Shujaat, who had the same clout during the Musharraf regime as was enjoyed by the late Pir Pagara under another military dictator General Ziaul Haq. After the meeting, the two left the Presidency on the same SUV. “On our way back, Judge Sahib asked me, ‘Chaudhry Sahib, did I speak well?’ I said, ‘Yes, you spoke very well,” says Shujaat who is writing all this in his soon-to-bepublished memoirs.

The deal was already done.

Musharraf had made up his mind. And subsequently, Iftikhar Chaudhary was elevated the chief justice of Pakistan on June 30, 2005. — Express Tribune

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

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A11

ASIA PONZI SCHEME

FRESH SNOWFALL Residential buildings are seen during snowfall in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China on Sunday.

21 arrested in China over $7.6b online financial scam

- Reuters

SHANGHAI: Chinese police have arrested 21 people involved in the operation of peer-to-peer (P2P) lender Ezubao, the official Xinhua news agency said on Monday, over an online scam it said took in some 50 billion yuan ($7.6 billion) from about 900,000 investors, Ezubao was a Ponzi scheme, the Xinhua report said, and more than 95 per cent of the projects on the online financing platform were fake. Among those arrested were Ding Ning, the chairman of Yucheng Group, which launched Ezubao in July 2014.

It was not possible to reach Ezubao officials for comment and it was not clear if Ding had legal representation.

Ezubao’s website has been shut down and it appeared Yucheng Group’s Beijing office had been closed when Reuters reporters visited before Monday’s Xinhua report.

Chinese police said they had sealed, frozen and seized the assets of Ezubao and its linked companies as part of investigations into China’s largest P2P online platform by lending figures. The Ezubao case has underscored the risks created by China’s fast-growing $2.6 trillion wealth management product industry. - Reuters AC C U S AT I O N

US seeks ‘hegemony’ after disputed sea sailing BEIJING: China accused the United States on Monday of seeking maritime hegemony in the name of freedom of navigation after a US Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of a disputed island in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of world trade is shipped every year.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur passed near Triton Island in the Paracel Islands, in what the Pentagon said was a challenge to attempts by China, Taiwan and Vietnam to restrict navigation rights and freedoms. The Chinese government, which moved swiftly to condemn to sailing on Saturday, said the United States was acting dangerously and irresponsibly.

“The so-called freedom of navigation plans and acts that the United States has upheld for many years in reality do not accord with generally recognised international law,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a daily news briefing.

It also “ignores numerous littoral states’ sovereignty and security and maritime rights, seriously harming relevant regional peace and stability”, he added.

“Its essence is to push the United States’ maritime hegemony in the name of freedom of navigation, which has always been resolutely opposed by most of the international community, especially certain developing nations. What the United States has done is dangerous and irresponsible.” - Reuters

NLD allies form Myanmar ruling party after struggle Suu Kyi’s NLD won some 80 per cent of elected seats in November’s historic vote, catapulting it to power as Myanmar’s ruling party after decades of struggle that saw many of its members imprisoned

NAYPYITAW: Hundreds of lawmakers from Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy were sworn into Myanmar’s parliament on Monday, with enough seats to choose the country’s first democratically elected government since the military took power in 1962.

The NLD won some 80 per cent of elected seats in November’s historic vote, catapulting it to power as Myanmar’s ruling party after decades of struggle that saw many of its members imprisoned.

But the junta-drafted constitution means the party will have to share power with the army that for years suppressed, often brutally, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and her allies.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Myanmar’s National League for Democracy (NLD) chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi, centre arrives for the new lower house parliamentary session in Naypyitaw on Monday. - AFP

The first sitting of the NLDdominated parliament is another step in Myanmar’s drawn-out transition, which started with the election and will go on until the NLD government officially begins its term in April after parliament has picked a president.

“This is Myanmar’s first parliament in years that was chosen by the people,” said Pyon Cho, who is now a lawmaker and spent 20 years in jail as a member of the anti-junta group the 88 Generation Students.

“We have the majority. We have

the duty to fulfil our manifesto and change the lives of the people in this country.”

Some new members looked disoriented as they wandered through the enormous parliament building in the purpose-built capital raised by the junta in secret from the rice paddies.

Nomination process The presidential nomination process is likely to take place later in the month, NLD members said.

Under the 2008 constitution, Suu Kyi is barred from taking the

position because her children are not Myanmar citizens. She has given no indication as to who will take over from outgoing President Thein Sein and the NLD has no clear number two.

Suu Kyi has said she will be “above the president” and in complete control of the government, but the NLD has not explained how she will do this.

Each of the parliament’s two chambers will choose a presidential candidate and the military officials who hold a quarter of seats will also put forward their own

nominee. A combined session of the chambers will then vote on the three candidates.

The winner will become president, with the other two serving as vice presidents. This week, the NLD will focus on appointing parliamentary speakers, who were announced last week.

It will also prepare for the start of state and regional assemblies on February 8, some in places dominated by large ethnic minorities such as Shan State in the east or Rakhine in the west.

Expectations are towering for Suu Kyi, who is regarded with an almost religious zeal in the Southeast Asian nation. Suu Kyi spent 15 years under house arrest after the NLD won an election in 1990.

The junta never recognised the result of that vote. Myanmar’s 51.5 million people expect the NLD to fix everything, from completing the transformation of an economy stunted by decades of isolation to bringing peace to states riven by ethnic conflict.

“They (people) hope that every problem will be solved automatically after the NLD becomes the government, FDI (foreign direct investment) will come in,” said Shwe Mann, the outgoing speaker of parliament, who is close to Suu Kyi despite being a former leader of the junta-linked Union Solidarity and Development Party.

“To accomplish the challenges, they need to choose the right people and put them in right positions,” said Shwe Mann. “This is also my main concern, because it will decide the performance of her government.” - Reuters

INSURGENCY

Suicide bomber strikes outside police office in Kabul, kills 10 KABUL: A suicide bomber blew himself up in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Monday, killing 10 people and wounding 20 after joining a queue to enter an office of the civil order police, a senior official said.

Kabul was hit last month by a series of suicide attacks as the Taliban have stepped up their campaign against the Western-backed government.

The attacks coincided with renewed efforts to revive a peace process with the insurgent movement that stalled last year.

Deputy Interior Minister Ayub Salangi announced Monday’s casualty figures in a post on social media website Twitter, and said most were civilians.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement that said 40 police officers had been killed or wounded. The group

often makes exaggerated casualty claims for its attacks.

Ambulances and police vehicles rushed to the explosion site in the crowded Dehmazang district west of the city, near the Kabul traffic directorate, which is visited by those seeking driving licences and other documents.

“I saw three bodies on the ground and a number of other people wounded, then ambulances arrived and took all the victims away,” said witness Mohammad Ajmal. The Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) was set up as a gendarmerie-style unit to control riots and urban disorder but have also been used in counterinsurgency roles against the Taliban.

Militants and bad weather in northern Afghanistan have hampered efforts to repair power lines that were destroyed last week,

cutting electricity in the capital, Kabul, to about six hours a day, officials said on Monday.

Destroyed Insurgents last week destroyed an electricity pylon in the Dand Shahabuddin district of Baghlan province that brought power from Uzbekistan to meet almost half of Kabul’s 600 megawatt daily requirement. Mirwais Alami, chief commercial officer at Afghanistan’s national power company, said repair crews had been unable to get close to the power lines because of mines and the threat from insurgents and said residents reported that more pylons had been brought down.

“Enemy forces have brought machine saws and have been cutting down electricity pylons,” he said. The Taliban has denied being

responsible for bringing down the power lines, saying such tactics, which hit ordinary people, do not fit with their fight against the foreign-backed government.

The destruction of the power lines has hit businesses and industry and added further misery for Kabul’s long-suffering residents, already tested by a series of suicide bomb attacks this year.

For the well-off with private generators, the cuts have meant higher fuel bills but for those who rely on the public grid, they have meant dark nights and reliance on wood-burning stoves to fight the winter cold.

Abdul Satar Barez, the provincial governor of Baghlan, said operations to secure the area in order to allow repair crews to work on the pylons had been suspended due to fog and bad weather. - Reuters

SITE OF ATTACK: Afghan security forces inspect outside the office of the civil order police, at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on Monday. - Reuters

A12

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Location: Jebel Shams/Photo: Renu Singh

READERS’ FORUM Indian school’s event was really wonderful I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the principal, teachers and children of the Indian School Wadi Al Kabir for organising the wonderful live show for the 26th founder’s day. The programme left the audience overjoyed till it was over. The two-hour programme was indeed one of the best that we have had in Muscat in recent times and it shall definitely linger on in our memories for time to come. Every detail was well planned — from the seating arrangement to parking facility, costumes for children to stage setup. The programme ended on a high Scan this QR code note with the principal presenting a very to send letters to the impressive annual report for the year 2015.

Readers’ Forum, A special thanks to the young students who containing not more than 200 words with helped in making the show such a great full name, address success. —Anu Shaikh, Wadi Kabir

ADAM MINTER

The key to innovation isn’t venture capital bailout funds or other quickfixes that leverage China’s deep pockets. Rather, entrepreneurs need the certainty that they’ll be competing against each other and not bureaucrats. The Chinese government would be better off creating an environment of open and even-handed competition

and telephone number, may be sent by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Rookie Indian paceman likely to underperform in face of opposition This refers to the story‚ Unorthodox Bumrah gives Dhoni welcome option at the death (February 1). This is indeed good news for Team India with regard to the upcoming T20 World Cup. If the paceman Jasprit Bumrah can perform as expected it is likely India will win the trophy with ease. However, with the gritty opposition teams it is more likely the rookie will lose his cool and not live up to his potential. — Dilawar Ali Hussain, Seeb

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com He who strikes the first blow admits he’s lost the argument.

CHINESE PROVERB

I

ranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Italy and France, the first two European countries he visited since Implementation Day, is a very positive development for regional stability.

With most if not all sanctions lifted by the European Union, Rouhani, accompanied by the suave Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, held critical meetings during their Southern European visit. The ties that bind were illustrative and in full display of Iran as an emerging international power and player.

Iran signed a dozen or so deals with Italy. with very positive prospects for Italian businesses: From oil services group Saipem to shipmaker Fincantieri, which will be involved in the revival of the Iranian shipbuilding industry as well as in the mercantile and offshore fields; from Ansaldo Energia and Condotte; to Gavio and Pessina Costruzioni, which was picked to build and manage five “turnkey” hospital facilities in project financing.

To boot, the Islamic Republic signed over 30 deals with France in agriculture, health, industry, telecommunications, aeronautics, sustainable development, transport.

French President François Hollande commented that he couldn’t even remember all of them. America lags behind as it still has some sanctions in place and Rouhani was quick to remind all almost at every opportunity of that fact when he spoke.

President Rouhani, from meeting with Pope Francis, to his laughter over the covering of statues, something the Iranians hadn’t requested, a sense of awe of a new opening between Iran and Europe was evident. This powerful development is the launch of a new gateway to stability in the Middle East.

Stability is not the word many would use to greet the arrival of Iran back in the global economy as sanctions are lifted, but that just might be the outcome.

With Tehran backing proxy forces, and its brief detention of American sailors in

the Gulf recently, some remain apprehensive of how its arrival as a regional power will affect the turbulent Middle East.

Tehran’s political fission is an internal affair between Iranians, as the conservatives struggle with more secular forces to agree what kind of state should now reach out to the world. Their February elections will be critical.

And Iran is reaching out. Not with weapons and armies, but with trade and goodwill as demonstrated by the Italy and France visit by Rouhani and his hundred strong delegation. Unlike its neighbours, Iran is an economic hinterland, now impoverished, but with sanctions lifted able to offer prosperity independently of the country’s oil and gas.

So the apprehension that greets Iran’s return to the world is misplaced. Iran has no territorial ambitions; no need to invade its near neighbours or confront the United States or anyone else in the region. Why should it? With its huge well educated population it is poised to become an economic powerhouse in the region. Internally, that is where the pressure is coming from, with a population determined to enjoy the benefits of fitting into the global jigsaw. Iran is not riven by the sort of existential crises gripping so much of the Arab world.

And the clearest indicator of Iran’s new role came in the most unexpected way; those US sailors who mysteriously sailed off course were detained, accorded full rights, fed, offered medical treatment and allowed to go with full due international process observed. It was a sign, for those wanting to look for it, of a new Iran; reserved, careful, but prepared to play by the rules of the outside world, as it rejoins it.

If the West decisively embarks on military campaign to destroy IS wherever it may be, it will without doubt win. There is no longer a need to hesitate. The West may even need Iran’s military help to do so. We should ask Iran for its help.

Meanwhile as stated many times during Rouhani’s European tour by all involved “ Iran is Open for Business”.

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES FEBRUARY 2001 OCCI economic panel meets MUSCAT: The economic committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sheikh Salim bin Ali Al Siyabi, deputy chairman of the committee.

The committee reviewed the report on the committee’s work for the year 2000. The committee commended the facilities provided by the Royal Oman Police for foreign visitors to the Sultanate during Muscat Festival period, particularly issuing of visa and other services.

The committee also outlined programme on issues it will debate during the year 2001.

PICTOGRAPH

NEW REGISTERED COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN OMAN From September to November, 2015

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2,421

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

1870: The press agencies Havas, Reuter and Wolff sign an agreement whereby between them they can cover the whole world.

1916: US Senate votes independence for Philippines, effective in 1921.

1943: Last of the German strongholds at Stalingrad surrender to the Red Army.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

A13

SPECIAL

Countries which historically have a large number of immigrants such as Australia, Israel and the United States have higher rates of entrepreneurial activity.

ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY: Migrants attend a workshop called ‘Refugee Entrepreneurship Action Lab’ in Berlin, Germany, on Saturday. – Reuters

Refugees bring spirit and culture of entrepreneurship to Germany One in five new business in Germany founded by migrants who are risk-takers and have spirit of self-employment

BERLIN: Syrians Hiba Albassir and her husband Khaled arrived in Germany two years ago with only the bags they could carry. But that didn’t stop them from setting up their own business.

For them it was natural to rebuild the company they had left behind, whereas among many Germans this entrepreneurial spirit is in short supply.

“Starting with nothing is not very easy, but just sitting around and doing nothing is much harder,” said 48-year-old Albassir whose company “Khashabna” - meaning “Our Wood” in Arabic - sells handmade garden furniture imported from their former warehouse in Damascus.

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor finds that despite a recent start-up boom in certain areas such as Berlin, Germany still has a relatively low level of entrepreneurial activity compared with other industrialised economies.

Statistics show that the overall number of companies founded each year has shrunk by more than 40 per cent over the past decade and that the entrepreneurial activity of young people has decreased as a long-term trend.

Greater safety With good jobs relatively plentiful, many German-born graduates prefer the greater safety of working for an established company rather than taking the risk of setting up on their own, said Rolf Sternberg, professor for economic geography at the University of Hanover.

“In Germany the culture prevails that if you fail, it’s not easy to shake off the stigma,” said Sternberg. Michael Huether, head of Germany’s IW institute, warns that a lack of high-tech start-ups and a tendency towards risk aver-

CHOOSING SELF-EMPLOYMENT: A migrant from Damascus, capital of Syria, talks to people during a workshop called ‘Refugee Entrepreneurship Action Lab’ in Berlin, Ger-

many, on Saturday. – Reuters

sion could hurt economic growth in the medium-term.

Breakthrough innovations are almost always made by start-ups or young, rapidly growing companies. Established corporations often have little interest in innovating, so as not to devalue their investments in existing technologies, Huether said.

Countries which historically have a large number of immigrants such as Australia, Israel and the United States have higher rates of entrepreneurial activity.

During the 1960s and 1970s, German industry recruited large numbers of “guest workers” from Turkey, North Africa and the former Yugoslavia. However, as technically temporary residents, they came to work in low-skilled jobs at German firms and not to establish new businesses.

This time, the latest influx of refugees - many of whom like Albassir ran a business back home is seen as an opportunity to make Germany more enterprising.

Migrants are already responsible for one in five new businesses set up in recent years, according to KfW, a government-owned development bank. This is higher than their share of the population.

Around a third of those who applied for asylum last year came from Syria, where a culture of entrepreneurship is widespread.

The biological father of Steve Jobs, who co-founded Apple, emigrated to the United States from Syria.

“Being self-employed is very popular. Arabs are able tradespeople,” said Cologne-based Syrian lawyer Oussama Al Agi who advises Arab entrepreneurs who want

to set up firms in Germany.

Many migrants may have little choice. The experience of immigrants from eastern Europe shows they often struggle to get jobs that match their skills as employers don’t recognise their qualifications. Rather than be shunted into lower paid work, they choose selfemployment.

Still, experts play down talk that the recent flood of new arrivals could lead to a rush of start-ups in the near term.

Of the 1.1 million who arrived last year, 25,000-50,000 might realistically set up their own business, estimates Ralf Saenger, an expert in self-employment at the Institute of Social Research in Mainz. This will take time.

A study by the Institute for the Labour Market and Employment found that fewer than 10 per cent

of refugees were employed in the year they arrived. After five years this number had risen to around 50 per cent.

Many newcomers have exhausted their savings on people smugglers to cross the Mediterranean and will struggle to raise finance.

Others may have their hands full just finding a place to live and learning German.

This is true for Syrian-born Akram Alfawakheeri who arrived in Germany last June after trekking overland via Greece. The 25-year-old previously founded a start-up in Istanbul and is keen to try again in Berlin but wants first to learn German, make connections and improve his IT skills.

“I like the entrepreneurial way of things,” Alfawakheeri said at a workshop in Berlin aimed at showing refugees how to start compa-

nies. “I failed once and I am willing to fail again until I can make something work.”

Beyond the language barrier and difficulty raising finance, enterprising refugees may face other obstacles.

One of the biggest struggles for Albassir, who speaks fluent German having spent time in the country as a student, was finding a shop to rent in Berlin since landlords wanted to see bank statements and proof of income.

She knows it will take several years to get her business established in Germany. In the meantime, she hopes her experience will encourage others.

“I think a lot of Syrians won’t need my inspiration. They’ll just do it because it comes from within.

Syrians can’t sit around and just do nothing.” — Reuters

A 14

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

GLOBAL EYE

UNITED STATES: A plane comes in for a landing over the frozen Potomac river in Washington, DC, United States, on Monday. — AFP

INDONESIA: A woman has her picture taken with a street performer, centre, in Kota Tua, or the Old Town, a popular tourist spot in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday. — Reuters

AUSTRALIA: Australian Open men’s singles tennis champion Serbia’s Novak Djokovic plays with some children during a visit to the Melbourne City Mission’s Braybrook Early Learning Centre in this handout photo, on Monday.— Reuters/Fiona Hamilton/Handout via Reuters

GREAT BRITAIN: Waves crash over the lighthouse at Porthcawl,

Wales, on Monday. — Reuters

CHINA: Students practice martial arts named Houquan, or ‘Monkey

boxing’ in Englishat a martial arts training centre, in Linan, Zhejiang province,China, on Sunday. — Reuters/China Daily

BELGIUM: Activists wearing masks and protective suits protest against, what organisers said, the lack of safety of Belgian nuclear power plants outside the Belgian Interior Ministry in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday. — Reuters

SPAIN: A woman wearing a flower-shaped costume takes part in a parade during the Carnival of Malaga, Spain, on Sunday. — Reuters

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

A15

WORLD Brazil allows forced entry of health workers in Zika battle Officials are looking for breeding grounds for mosquitoes that can carry the virus, which has spread rapidly over the Americas and particularly in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO/GENEVA: Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff authorised health officials to enter private properties by force if necessary in an effort to control the spread of the mosquito-borne virus Zika, which the government has dubbed an “imminent danger to public health.”

The presidential decree was published in the government’s official gazette on Monday and allows the forced entry by health officials into public and private properties if they have been abandoned or the owners are not present.

Officials are looking for breeding grounds for mosquitoes that can carry the virus, which has spread rapidly over the Americas and particularly in Brazil.

In Geneva, the World Health Organisation is meeting on Monday to decide whether to declare a global emergency.

The designation would fasttrack international action and research priorities, following criticism of a hesitant response so far.

Although scientific research is

OUTBREAK: Brazilian soldiers conduct an inspection for the ‘Aedes aegypti’ mosquito on a street in Recife, Brazil, on Monday. — Reuters

still sparse on Zika, it is believed to be linked to increased rates of microcephaly in newborns, a condition in which the child is born with a smaller than average brain that can cause severe health and learning disabilities.

Local officials suspect nearly 4,000 babies may have been born recently with the condition, mostly in Brazil’s northeast.

Zika is also suspected of having links to a rare condition known as

Guillain-Barre, which can cause paralysis and death in extreme cases, in adults and children with compromised immune systems.

Spreading explosively The United Nations agency said last week the Zika virus was “spreading explosively” and could infect as many as 4 million people in the Americas.

The WHO was criticised for reacting too slowly to the Ebola epi-

demic in West Africa which killed more than 10,000 people, and has promised to do better in future global health crises.

The 12 committee members, who are experts in epidemiology, public health and infectious diseases from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, discussed the issue in a telephone conference.

A news briefing will be held on Tuesday afternoon at the earliest, the WHO said.

Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a co-discoverer of the Ebola virus, said the WHO had “dropped the ball” on Ebola, when it took five months for the epidemic to be declared an emergency.

He told BBC Radio he expected a rapid response this time.

“I have all confidence that they will declare this as a public health emergency,” he said. — Reuters

D E E P E N I N G T H AW

Passengers from China begin transit in Taiwan TAIPEI: Chinese passengers will be able to transit Taiwan and fly to a third destination starting Monday, signalling a step toward greater transportation links between the two political rivals.

The plan had been discussed for years and China announced early last month that it would start the transit programme with three trial cities, Nanchang, Kunming and Chongqing.

Two Chinese passengers transited Taiwan on Monday on a flight from Nanchang, before flying on to Bangkok, according to an official with the island’s quasi-governmental Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), which is in charge of the programme.

A flight from Kunming and another from Chongqing will transit later on Monday, the official said.

Allowing Chinese passengers flying from China to transit Taiwan benefits the development of the civil aviation industry and deepens exchanges between Taiwan and China, the SEF said in a statement.

China’s announcement of the transit trial came just before national elections in Taiwan swept in the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, which is seen as less friendly toward Beijing.

Taiwan has been self-ruled since 1949 when the defeated Nationalists fled to the island after a civil war with the Chinese Communists.

Beijing deems Taiwan a wayward province to be taken by force if necessary, especially if it makes moves toward independence.

Taiwan’s China-friendly ruling Nationalist government, which steps down in May, supported the transit plan as a way to deepen ties between the two sides. — Reuters

INFLUX

Finland to monitor migrant flow from Russia with drones

CRISIS: A migrant boy holds a mobile phone as thousands of migrants and refugees arrive in the port of Piraeus from the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios on Monday. On average, more than 1,900 people have arrived each day last month on Greek islands on unseaworthy boats from Turkey, according to the UN, which put the total of new arrivals in January at more than 50,000. — AFP

HELSINKI: Finland plans to test drones along its frontier with Russia, an official said on Monday, as a growing number of migrants crosses that northern border of the European Union’s Schengen passport-free travel zone.

Major Jussi Napola of the Finnish border guard declined to say why Helsinki wanted to run the tests along the 833-mile (1,340 km) border, where migrant movements have grown to become an issue at high-level bilateral meetings.

Finland last month criticised its eastern neighbour and former ruler for allowing increasing numbers of asylum seekers from the Middle East and Africa across their Arctic border.

Following ministerial meetings, the countries agreed to step up cooperation on the border.

According to the Finnish border guard, about 500 asylum seekers

N E G O T I AT I O N S

EU toughens stance on Britain membership deal with warning LONDON: The European Union warned Britain on Monday that any breakthrough in talks on a better membership deal would have to be hard-won after senior officials were given an extra 24 hours to iron out differences.

Prime Minister David Cameron and European Council President Donald Tusk left a dinner on Sunday saying they had failed to reach a deal, and the two sides were sombre in their assessments of how the negotiation stood on Monday.

Eurosceptic British lawmakers said the divergence was being played up to make an eventual agreement seem like a triumph, but EU officials poured some cold water on what Britain had called a “significant breakthrough” on measures to curb immigration.

“It’s difficult,” said a source close to the negotiations. “The talks are going on non-stop, both negotiating teams are already in Brussels for further talks.”

The two sides have indicated they want a deal agreed by EU leaders at their Brussels summit

The two sides have indicated they want a deal agreed by EU leaders at their Brussels summit in mid-February in mid-February, enabling Cameron to call a referendum on EU membership as early as June.

Cameron’s spokeswoman told reporters: “There is more work to do in all four areas, more work in some areas than in others.”

But she said a “significant” agreement had been reached with the European Commission, the EU executive, allowing Britain to suspend some payments to migrants from the bloc for four years immediately after the referendum.

That would go some way to appeasing critics of EU membership in Cameron’s party, but a spokesman for the Commission

warned it would need to be agreed by the leaders of all 28 countries.

“It is not enough for the Commission and Council lawyers to agree; this is a process that is run ‘at 28’, and the Commission works for all 28 member states of the union,” said Margaritis Schinas.

Cameron has demanded reform in three other areas.

He wants Britain excluded from the EU goal of “ever closer union” and protected against moves by the 19 countries that share the euro currency to impose rules by majority vote on London.

He also seeks to empower groups of national parliaments to block EU legislation.

The referendum will not only determine Britain’s future role in world trade and affairs, but also shape the European Union, which has struggled to maintain unity over migration and financial crises, by ripping away its secondlargest economy and one of its two main military powers.

Some Eurosceptics have branded the negotiation a waste of time. — Reuters

The European Union is already using drones to help monitor the flow of migrants over the Mediterranean

have come from Russia to Finland this year, compared with about 700 in the whole of 2015.

“The plan is to test the remote piloted aerial system in operational use at the Russian border and the coastal areas.

We want to see if the technology suits our needs and if it is suitable for Finnish conditions”, Napola told Reuters.

The European Union is already using drones to help monitor the flow of migrants and refugees over the Mediterranean and Napola said the border guard has worked with the EU border agen-

cy Frontex in reviewing different drone options.

“The development of the technology has turned this into a viable, and possibly cost effective option for us.

Our target now is to get more experience of their operational capabilities,” he said.

Break promise Meanwhile, Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila has said he will not be able fulfil a promise to put up a family of asylum seekers for now because of security concerns.

Sipila, a former telecoms execu-

tive, stirred controversy in September by saying he would open his second home in northern Finland to refugees.

But on Sunday he told public YLE radio that he had had to put the plan on hold, though he would support a refugee family in other ways until the situation changed.

“I asked security experts to evaluate whether it would be safe for a family with children to move in.

Due to the heavy publicity, the situation is such that it would not be reasonable right now.”

Sipila has one house near the capital Helsinki as well as a government residence.

The house that he proposed to offer to refugees is one that he rarely uses in his home town of Kempele. Some politicians and members of the public had accused Sipila of encouraging asylum seekers to come to Finland with his offer. — Reuters

A 16

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Two years ago,

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

Dunia Sibomana was playing in his native Democratic Republic of Congo when chimpanzees attacked, ripping off his lips and killing his younger brother

STONY BROOK (NEW YORK): Just weeks after a surgical team on New York’s Long Island began a series of operations to rebuild both lips of an 8-year-old boy mauled by chimpanzees in Africa, the sound of success filled a play room at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

“Slurp!” was heard as Dunia Sibomana sipped a spoonful of chicken broth through his newly created lips. The surgery has already helped him keep food inside

RECUPERATING: Dunia Sibomana, 8, who was attacked two years ago by chimpanzees in his village in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is fed by his host family mother Jennifer Crean at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, New York on Friday. – Reuters

his mouth, speak more clearly and stop constant drooling, said lead surgeon Dr Alexander Dagum, the hospital’s chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Two years ago, Sibomana was playing with children in his native Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when chimpanzees at-

tacked, ripping off his lips and killing his younger brother.

The rare double-lip reconstruction requires several surgeries over the course of about nine months, and the first took place on January 11.

Complications arose during the surgery, which was expected to

last eight hours but stretched to 14, as Dagum harvested a rectangle of skin, nerve, tendon and vein from the child’s forearm and used it to form the circle of both lips.

It turned out the vein was too short to reach a crucial blood supply in the neck so Dagum scrambled to collect a second vein from

the boy’s upper arm to make the connection. Racing against the clock to keep the transferred tissue alive by surgically restoring the blood supply, Dagum looked through a microscope and sewed vein to vein and nerve to nerve.

In the end, Dagum said he was surprised by the extent Sibomana is now able to move his lips, which will improve further as swelling subsides. A subsequent surgery this summer also is meant to enhance the movement and look of the lips. “We’re really happy.

We got more than we expected,” Dagum said.

After surgery, Sibomana remained sedated for a week as the healing began. His hospital room is filled with stuffed animals and balloons and manned 24 hours each day by volunteers from Smile Rescue Fund for Kids, the charity that paid for his travel to the hospital, which donated the medical treatment.

He woke surrounded by the American family he has been living with - Jennifer Crean and her

three children Collin, 16, Eian, 12, and Grace, 10, of the Long Island hamlet of Hauppauge.

Enough donations have poured into SmileRescueFund.org to allow Sibomana to attend boarding school back in Africa, which costs less than $700 a year, said charity founder Leon Klempner, a retired Stony Brook dentist.

“Home - I need home! Ziggy!” said Sibomana, a native Swahili speaker who is picking up English, calling out the name of the Crean family dog as he waited to be discharged from the hospital last week.

It will be another week before Sibomana is allowed to play outside, Dagum said, but by then the snow from the blizzard that crippled the US Northeast on January 23 may have melted away.

But hospital food director Michael West, who witnessed Sibomana’s excitement over seeing snow for the first time, said he made sure the boy would not miss the fun of building snowmen or having a snowball fight. As the blizzard raged on, West said, he brought a bucket of the white stuff into Sibomana’s hospital room.

“I was soaking wet - he has a pretty good arm on him and he has good aim,” West said. — Reuters

I N I T I AT I V E

UNANIMOUS DECISION: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines and Spring Air said on Monday they would share the names of passengers who misbehave and ban them from any of their flights. – Bloomberg

Chinese airlines plan to blacklist unruly passengers BEIJING: China’s leading airlines joined forces on Monday to blacklist rowdy passengers who have become an increasing problem as the number of travellers grows.

Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines and Spring Air said they would share the names of passengers who misbehave and ban them from any of their flights.

China’s aviation market has been growing rapidly in the past few years, with outbound travellers topping the 100 million figure in 2014 for the first time. The country is set to surpass the United States as the largest passenger market by 2034.

Alongside traffic growth have come long delays and concerns over the behaviour of unruly Chinese passengers.

In July 2015, Chinese authorities suspended operations at a

small airport in east China after a man set fire to a curtain and newspapers in the first class cabin on a Shenzhen Airline’s flight from the coastal city of Taizhou to the southern metropolis of Guangzhou.

Thai authorities last year also detained some 30 Chinese tourists who decided to let off steam by singing the Chinese national anthem and refusing to board a plane in Bangkok after their flight was delayed for over ten hours.

That has forced some carriers to take initiatives on their own.

“We have come up with our own list already,” said Zhang Wuan, Spring Air’s marketing chief.

“It includes (the names of ) those who beat up our staff, refuse to get on the plane or block the exit.”

Airlines have tried to tackle the problem of unruly passengers on an international basis. — Reuters

1 M D B I N V E S T I G AT I O N

Singapore seizes bank accounts SINGAPORE: Singapore has seized a large number of bank accounts in recent months as part of an investigation into possible money-laundering linked to Malaysian state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), authorities said on Monday.

Singapore is cooperating with authorities in Malaysia, Switzerland and the United States who are investigating 1MDB, said the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Commercial Affairs Department, the crime agency. “In connection with these investigations, we have sought and are continuing to seek information from several financial institutions, are interview-

ing various individuals, and have seized a large number of bank accounts,” the two agencies said in a joint statement. The statement did not offer any further details.

In July, local police said they had only frozen two bank accounts linked to the 1MDB probe.

The statement comes a week after Switzerland’s chief prosecutor said a criminal investigation into 1MDB had revealed that about $4 billion appeared to have been misappropriated from Malaysian state companies. 1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, has been investigated by Malaysian authorities following accusations of financial mismanagement and graft. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TU ES DAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

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Muscat 5,212.07 + 32.71 + 0.63%

Dubai 2,980.04 - 17.73 - 0.59%

Abu Dhabi 4,106.37 + 52.00 + 1.28%

Kuwait 5,107.15 - 7.37 - 0.14%

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6,008.07 + 11.50 + 0.19%

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CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.36 Pound ...........................................1.80 Indian Rs ..............................175.47 Pak Rs ....................................267.59 Bangla Taka....................... 201.01

Indian Rs ....................................176.10 Pakistan Rs .............................272.30 Sri Lanka Rs ............................ 371.75 Bangla Taka........................... 203.20 Phil Peso ................................... 123.50

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.40

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$32.52 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$32.02 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$35.18 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ......... $31.47 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........ $35.67 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$32.99

* Rates are as of Feb. 1 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of Feb. 1 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

FOR PROJECTS OVER OMR10M

MUSCAT: A separate office for speeding up the licencing process for strategic projects that involve investments of over OMR10 million has been set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The new office, in coordination with Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Ministry of Tourism, Municipality of Muscat, Municipality of Dhofar and the Royal Oman Police, will specialise in following up the issuance of licenses, starting with strategic projects, with an initial investment exceeding OMR10 million.

Khamis Al Farsi, director general of Commerce at the Ministry, said the office aims to increase the size of private sector investments through direct contact with officials from different government bodies, which would help facilitate the issuance of investment licenses.

Setting up the office comes as an initial step, which will be expanded in future to include other categories, said Al Farsi, adding that he hoped everyone would cooperate with this office.

The director general also invited all Omani and foreign investors, who have projects that cost over than OMR10 million to visit the office, which was opened recently in the ministry’s main building to facilitate investment procedures.

Oman targets daily crude output close to 1m barrels we are contributing more. So the challenge is for others to catch up with us and maybe defeat us. Because now we are quite ahead in this race of who is paying more to the nation, and we are paying a lot, and we want others to get close to us and maybe go in front of us. But so far, I do not see anyone behind us,” he explained.

On the planned Iran-Oman gas pipeline, he said, “We are doing fine. We are progressing.”

Target for this year is 980,000 to 990,00bpd or slightly more, said the Minister of Oil and Gas

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s oil production this year is targeted at around 990,000 barrels per day (bpd), said Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, adding it would be difficult to halve the economy’s dependence on oil in five years.

The target for this year is 980,000 to 990,00 bpd or slightly more than that, the minister told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza on Monday.

The event was held to honour195 Omani job-seekers, who

Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............134.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 127.50 * Rates as of Feb. 1 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

AUSTERITY DRIVE

Oman sets up office to speed up project approvals Times News Service

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.90

WELL DONE: Petroleum Development Oman managing director Raoul Restucci (left) and Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy (second from left) attended the graduation ceremony on Monday. — Picture by O K Mohammad Ali/Times of Oman

graduated to the highest international standard to work as welders at the Rabab Harweel integrated oil and gas mega project of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

Al Rumhy also commented on the target mentioned in the 2016 to 2020 plan to reduce the oil industry’s contribution to Oman’s

gross domestic product (GDP) to 22 per cent from 44 per cent. The plan was announced recently in a statement issued by the Supreme Council for Planning.

Asked if the target is achievable, Al Rumhy said, “With difficulty.”

“We are producing more oil, we are looking for more oil, and

PDO production In addition, PDO Managing Director, Raoul Restucci said the company plans to exceed last year’s production level and is targeting more than 600,000 bpd this year.

According to him, the company produced a total of 1.29 million bpd in oil and gas in 2015.

Asked about the average cost of extraction at PDO, Restucci said, “Primary is less than $5; secondary is up to $12; tertiary is $20. It depends.”

500 wells The official also noted that the company plans to drill more than 500 wells this year, adding, “Last year, we drilled more than 500.”

Commenting on PDO’s challenges and strategies in 2016,

the managing director said the company’s objective is to ‘stay the course,’ continue with its programmes, make continuous business improvements, reduce waste and duplication and become more efficient.

Seeb aquarium With regards to the aquarium that PDO had planned to build at the Seeb harbour, Restucci said discussions are being held with a number of authorities about how to manage that at the moment.

“We have got the front end designs, but we are reviewing the optimum timing, obviously given the cost challenges that we face.

There is also major development in the Sultan Qaboos Port. We are looking (into) how we integrate that,” he added.

Asked when the tender for the project’s construction is expected to be awarded, the Petroleum Development Oman official said it is under review by various authorities.

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

HSBC plans to freeze hiring, salaries to cut $5b in costs LONDON: HSBC Holdings will impose a global hiring and pay freeze as part of its drive to cut as much as $5 billion in costs by the end of 2017.

The measures, which affect the consumer and investment banking businesses, were outlined in a memorandum received by employees on Friday, Gillian James, a spokeswoman for the bank, said on Sunday in an e-mailed statement. Europe’s largest bank, which will release full-year earnings on February 22, is mulling whether to move its headquarters away from London, partly because of the tax burden and tougher regulatory scrutiny.

“This is in line with HSBC’s moves to lower operating costs,” said Richard Cao, a Shenzhenbased analyst at Guotai Junan Securities. “HSBC can’t escape from the global economic slowdown and worsening asset quality like other global banks.”

Three-year plan HSBC chief executive officer Stuart Gulliver, 56, in June outlined a three-year plan to pare back a sprawling global network by shutting money-losing businesses and eliminate as many as 25,000 jobs as he seeks to boost profitability.

Barclays extended a freeze on hiring new staff indefinitely in December, while European lenders including Credit Suisse Group and Deutsche Bank are cutting thousands of jobs to shore up earnings.

The moves were reported earlier by Reuters.

The shares fell 1.6 per cent to 484.25 pence at 10:10am in London, extending losses this year to about 9.6 per cent.

Under its three-year plan, the London-based lender is seeking to reduce the number of full-time employees by between 22,000 and 25,000. In the UK, the bank may eliminate as many as 8,000 jobs.

As part of its focus on more profitable markets, HSBC is reviewing its operations in Lebanon and may exit the Middle Eastern country, people with knowledge of the matter said earlier this month.

The bank is closing its Indian private-banking business, people familiar with that move said in November. — Bloomberg News

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S N E T W O R K

Omantel partners with BP Oman for Khazzan gas project MUSCAT: Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) has announced a strategic partnership with BP Oman for a comprehensive telecom network to be constructed for the Khazzan Gas Project located between the Ad Dhahirah and Ad Dakhiliya Governorates, and provides for a communications network spanning an area of 2,800 square kilometres.

Omantel’s project scope is to design, deploy and maintain a comprehensive suite of telecommunication systems, ensuring seamless voice and broadband connectivity to cover the populated Khazzan gas field catchment area. Once operational, the network will be delivering the highest quality of fixed and mobile voice and high speed broadband solutions (LTE and GPON) for BP Oman and its contractors on site.

Remote regions Commenting on the scope of the Khazzan Gas Project, Ahmed Mohammed Al Nasri, general manager of sales at Omantel Business said, “Our partnership with BP highlights Omantel’s deep experience in meeting the needs of clients in the oil and gas sector, who are often located in very remote regions of Oman.”

“Deploying our technical experience and expertise on this project means that BP Oman will be able to conduct instantaneous well monitoring, while onsite staff will be reliably connected with high quality mobile and fixed solutions, and internet broadband,” he added.

Project start-up phase During the project start-up phase, telecommunication services will be initially supplied through a series of microwave links due to its high flexibly in providing connectivity without getting impacted by the massive project work on ground. This setup will then transition to a permanently installed fiber optic network in a self-healing rings topology, with the microwave links retained as a system backup.

Ahmed Al Nasri added, “The Khazzan field covers some 2,800 square kilometres, which is a land area larger than an island like Zanzibar, so the geographic reach of

Times News Service

this project is very extensive. The Omantel Business teamhas been working closely with BP Oman to map out the communications solution needed to meet their exacting technical requirements as the Khazzan project takes shape.

This partnership underlines our unique abilities to tackle projects of a challenging nature, enabling our customers to remain connected locally and globally by providing the best-in-class communication services.”

The Khazzan gas field-Block 61 is operated by BP Oman with 60 per cent shares in partnership with Oman Oil Company Exploration & Production holding 40 per cent.

The development of the project involves a 15 year drilling programme for around 300 gas wells which will ultimately deliver a daily production capacity of one billion cubic feet of gas, equal to around a third of Oman’s total daily gas requirement.

Construction work on the Khazzan Project is already underway with the first supplies expected in late 2017.

Saif Al Sawafi, Regional IT&S

Integration Manager at BP Oman noted, “Geographically, Oman has a challenging terrain, which often makes it difficult for our teams who operate in remote areas to stay connected and communicate within the Sultanate, or indeed with our colleagues around the world. Omantel has a unique and unrivalled experience in designing and operating communications networks in remote areas and we are confident that the Khazzan Project will benefit immensely from this new partnership,.”

Digital society Omantel is the Sultanate’s first and leading integrated telecommunications services provider, enabling the digital society to flourish, allowing new ways of doing business. Investing in the future of the nation, Omantel connects even the most remote communities of the Sultanate to each other and with the rest of the world. Today, Omantel boldly innovates to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, the broadest and most reliable nationwide network while investing for Oman’s future development.

STANDING TALL: Omantel’s project scope is to design, deploy and maintain a comprehensive suite of telecommunication systems, ensuring seamless voice and broadband connectivity to cover the populated Khazzan gas field catchment area. — Supplied picture

B2

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

MARKET HACKING

Oman government agencies offered 5 tips to fight hackers Times News Service MUSCAT: To fight state-sponsored cyber attacks, government enterprises in Oman should deploy intrusion prevention systems and data loss prevention tools to block attacks, in addition to patching vulnerabilities and implementing multi-factor authentication, says a security expert.

Kasey Cross, senior product marketing manager at A10 Networks, lists five different ways government agencies in the Sultanate can keep cyber criminals at bay.

State-sponsored hackers can hide attacks in encrypted secure sockets layer (SSL) traffic to evade detection. As a result, network security solutions, such as next-gen firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, need to be able to inspect all incoming and outgoing traffic for threats — not just the data that is sent in plain text, he said. To ensure state-sponsored hackers do not bypass your security controls, decrypt and examine all traffic, he added.

Five features for IT teams to consider when selecting an SSL inspection platform include: SSL performance: In addition to assessing current Internet bandwidth requirements, IT also must factor in SSL traffic growth and ensure the inspection platform can handle future SSL throughput requirements.

Compliance: To address regulatory requirements like Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Federal Information Security Management Act and Sarbanes-Oxley, an SSL inspection platform should be able to bypass sensitive traffic, like traffic to banking and healthcare sites.

Heterogenous networks: IT should look for SSL inspection platforms that can decrypt outbound traffic to the Internet and inbound traffic to corporate servers with multiple, flexible deployment

options. Additionally, the platforms should intelligently route traffic with traffic steering, granularly parse and control traffic based on custom-defined policies and integrate with a variety of security solutions from leading vendors.

Security infrastructure: SSL inspection platforms should not just offload SSL processing from security devices but also maximise the uptime and performance of those devices. It’s important the platforms can scale security deployments with load balancing, avoid network downtime by detecting and routing around failed security devices and support advanced health monitoring to rapidly identify network or application errors.

SSL certificates and keys: To ensure certificates are stored and administered securely, IT should look for SSL inspection platforms that provide device-level controls to protect SSL keys and certificates, integrate with third-party SSL certificate management solutions and support FIPS 140-2 Level 2 and Level 3 certified equipment and Hardware Security Modules.

Fortify web applications Web application data is an attractive target for state-sponsored hackers. Attackers have been known to exploit application vulnerabilities to gain access to Web servers or steal records from databases. One way agencies can protect against this is with a certified Web application firewall (WAF), which filters all application access by inspecting both the traffic toward the application and the response traffic from the application.

Assume that any communications over public networks can and will be intercepted. Therefore, agencies of all sizes should implement IPsec Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to prevent snooping and data theft.

Oil price rally falters as Opec boosts output Industrial activity in China and Opec pumping a record volume of crude prompted oil’s longest rally this year to falter

HONG KONG: Oil’s longest rally this year faltered on signs of industrial activity in the world’s biggest energy consumer is deteriorating and as Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) pumped a record amount of crude oil.

Futures lost as much as 2.8 per cent in New York to snap a fourday advance. China’s purchasing managers index dropped in January to a three-year low, with the official factory gauge signaling contraction for a record sixth month.

Output from the Opec rose to 33.11 million barrels a day last month following Indonesia’s readmission to the group, data shows. The United States drillers idled rigs for a sixth week, Baker Hughes said.

“Data from China remains weak, especially in the light of strong liquidity ensured by the Chinese central bank,” said Eugen Weinberg, head of commodities research at Commerzbank in Frankfurt. “But as oil demand remains as strong as ever, it’s really irrational exuberance among investors that’s driving prices lower.”

While oil capped a second weekly advance on Friday on speculation that Opec and producers outside the group may cooperate to trim output, prices are down about

EXCESS PRODUCTION: Crude oil prices climbed last week after Interfax reported that Opec and Russia could discuss cooperation to address the global supply excess. – Times file picture

33.11 million barrels a day was the Opec output in January following Indonesia’s readmission to the group, which contributed 815,000 barrels after a sevenyear suspension

11 per cent this year amid volatility in global markets, brimming US stockpiles and the prospect of increased Iranian exports. Chevron last week posted its first quarterly loss since 2002, which may presage a wave of writedowns as other super-majors begin announcing results. Exxon Mobil and BP are set to report on Tuesday.

Opec production West Texas Intermediate for March delivery dropped as much as 93 cents to $32.69 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $33.03. The contract climbed 40 cents to

$33.62 a barrel on Friday to cap a 4.4 per cent weekly increase. Total volume traded Monday was about double the 100-day average.

Brent for April settlement declined as much as $1.02, or 2.8 per cent, to $34.97 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

The March contract expired on Friday after advancing 85 cents to $34.74. The European benchmark crude was at a premium of $1 to WTI for April.

Opec’s January output includes 815,000 barrels from Indonesia, which contributed for the first time since its membership was restored on January 1 after a seven-year suspension, according to a survey. Nigeria’s production increased by 109,000 barrels a day to 2.028 million, the highest in a year, while Kuwait pumped an additional 100,000 barrels a day and Iran added 60,000 barrels a day.

Manufacturing PMI in China came in at 49.4, lower than a median estimate of 49.6 in a survey of economists, and represents the longest stretch on record of readings under 50, which indicates contraction. The nation is the world’s second- biggest oil user.

Rig count Rigs targeting oil in the US fell by 12 to 498, the lowest since 2010, Baker Hughes said on its website on Friday. The Permian Basin in west Texas showed the steepest decline for the second straight week, with 16 machines shut down, leaving 179 working in the nation’s most active field.

Hedge funds increased bullish bets by the most since 2010, according to data from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Speculators’ net-long position in WTI rose 35 per cent in the week ended January 26 to 110,432 contracts of futures and options.

Oil climbed last week after Interfax reported that Opec and Russia could discuss cooperation to address the global supply excess, citing January 28 comments from Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak. Novak said that no such meeting was planned with Opec members. - Bloomberg News

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NEW ROLE

Shell Oman appoints new managing director Times News Service

tors including 12 years in Shell.

MUSCAT: Shell Oman Marketing board has appointed Mohammed Mahmood Al Balushi to replace Adil Ismail Abdullah Al Raisi as the managing director of the company, effective February 2.

Mohammed will also represent juristic shareholder Shell Gas as their nominated director.

Mohammed has over 23 years of diverse experience in different sec-

Background He comes with a background in corporate banking, equity financing, projects management, social investment, government relations, and fuel retailing.

Moreover, he was a member in a number of government led advisory boards and executive committees. Before this appoint- Mohammed Mahmood ment, Mohammed was the coun- Al Balushi. – Supplied picture

try manager (Retail) and a member in the management team of Shell Oman Marketing.

From academic perspective, Mohammed is in his final stages doing his doctorate in business administration from the United Kingdom. He has a Master of Business Administration from the UK, a specialised diploma in industrial credit from Jordan, and a diploma in banking and financial studies.

D E B AT E

Britain’s European Union exit to affect business climate LONDON: Bats Global Markets, which runs the United States and European stock markets, warned in a filing that a withdrawal by Britain from the European Union, or ‘Brexit’, could damage the London business climate enough to drive some or all the company’s operations out of the UK. UK Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to hold a national referendum by the end of 2017 on whether Britain should remain in the EU. He’s seeking to renegotiate terms of membership before then and has hinted the vote may come as soon as the middle of this year.

“Should the United Kingdom vote to withdraw from the European Union, there may be an unfavourable business environment for companies with operations in the United Kingdom that do business in the European Union,” Bats, the parent company of European arm Bats Chi-X Europe, said in a January 29 filing.

“In such a case, BATS Chi-X Europe may move some or all of its operations to the European Union and the related costs and expenses could have a material adverse effect on our business,” Bats said.

Bats amended its US public offering filing to reflect the risk.

It joins a list of businesses warning that a vote to leave the EU could drive jobs and investment out of the UK Hannah Randall, a

Polls suggest many British citizens feel the trade-offs no longer serve their interests and may prefer the idea of living outside the EU, which is the status of Norway and Switzerland. A large poll by former Conservative lawmaker Michael Ashcroft published in December found close to a third of the electorate had yet to make up their minds.

David Cameron. – Bloomberg News

spokeswoman for Bats, declined to comment.

Investment losses The ‘Brexit’ debate has already cost the UK some foreign investment, according to senior corporate directors at BT Group and Barclays. The discussion began almost three years ago when Cameron pledged to hold a stayor-go referendum as a way to stop members of his Conservative party from defecting to the UK Independence Party, which pushes for separation from the bloc.

Britain leaving the European Union is the biggest threat the UK economy faces, according to some economists.

Lower burdens The Leave.EU campaign, meanwhile, argued in January that the City has “everything to gain” because London already leads the way in some global financial markets and leaving the EU would reduce regulatory burdens. Mark Astaire, one of Barclays’s senior investment bankers, told British lawmakers on Jan. 6 that the capital would “continue to thrive” even if the UK was outside the EU. The vital question is whether the UK will continue to have access to the single market, which doesn’t have a simple answer, Xavier Rolet, chief executive officer of London Stock Exchange, said in a March Bloomberg Television interview. Rolet is a member of Cameron’s advisory group.

“Without the UK, Europe would be in a very difficult situation,” Rolet said last month in an interview said.

Bats had 284 employees globally as of September, according to the SEC filing. - Bloomberg News

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

B3

MARKET R E VA M P E D W E B S I T E

Oman Qatar Insurance unveils online retail platform new, innovative channels that meet the evolving needs of customers. With the introduction of our online channels, we aim to create a seamless engagement with our customers by providing a new level of convenience of purchasing/renewing personal insurance from anywhere, at any time,” noted the chief executive officer.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Qatar Insurance Company (OQIC), a subsidiary of Qatar Insurance Group, on Monday launched an online retail platform, www.qic-insured.com, along with its revamped website www.oqic.com.

With the new online retail platform, customers will now be able to renew or purchase car and travel insurance (home insurance purchase and renewal to be available at a later stage) just with the click of a button.

“Oman Qatar Insurance Company’s successful operation in Muscat for over a decade underlines that our personal insurance business through our traditional branch distribution channel has been and is very successful. In 2015 for example, OQIC insured in excess of 70,000 motor vehicles and settled in excess of 5,000 claims.

However, the changes in the competitive landscape in the personal insurance marketplace over the last few years have made it clear that there was a gap which will now be filled with the new online platforms,” said Ewen McRobbie, chief A I R PA S S E N G E R S

Dubai airport remains world’s busiest amid traffic growth DUBAI: Dubai International Airport remained the world’s busiest for international passengers in 2015 as traffic grew 10.7 per cent, boosted by the addition of new airlines and routes, the airport’s operator said on Monday.

Annual traffic rose to 78 million passengers from 70.5 million in 2014. In the month of December alone, traffic climbed 8.5 per cent to 7.05 million people.

The addition of 12 new passenger destinations from Dubai International lifted traffic through the airport as local carriers Emirates and flydubai expanded. Air Canada, Germany’s Eurowings and China Southern also began operating in Dubai.

Regional tensions Last year saw regional tensions and conflicts in countries including Yemen, Iraq and Syria, but Dubai Airports chief executive Paul Griffiths said in a telephone interview: “We haven’t seen any impact from regional conflicts.”

Dubai initially overtook London’s Heathrow to become the world’s busiest airport for international traffic in 2014. Heathrow saw 75 million passengers pass through its doors in 2015, up 2.2 per cent, according to figures on its website.

India retained its position as Dubai’s single largest destination country in 2015 with 10.4 million passengers, up 17 per cent. The airport is currently testing its new $1.2 billion project. - Reuters

QUICK AND EASY: The company’s online retail platform helps potential customers ‘window-shop’ while browsing for the best insurance deals in Oman, in less than a minute, without having to disclose any personal information. - JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

executive officer of OQIC. “The revamped digital platform will augment OQIC’s online portal that will add an online distribution channel to deliver secure, modern and innovative solutions to help customers make their in-

surance purchasing experience simple, quick and easy. We have revolutionised our personal insurance offerings by making them directly available to individual customers with a strong focus on convenience,” he added.

Best deals in Oman “We’re very proud to offer a very unique online platform where customers can manage all their personal insurances; no need to call or visit our branches; all can be managed online,” noted Frederik.

OQIC’s online retail platform helps potential customers ‘window-shop’ while browsing for the best insurance deals in Oman, in less than a minute, without having to disclose any personal information. Visitors can receive quick quotes and purchase or renew car or travel insurance — be it a transfer from another insurance company or a brand new policy purchase or renewal.

All is done seamlessly and without the need to contact OQIC directly – of course the call centre is ready to help if needed and the branches are open for customer service too.

US firm wins PDO contract for equipment and services pervise their use in well interventions and provide technical training to the concerned team.

GE Oil & Gas will locally assemble, manufacture and fabricate pump components in Oman creating new jobs for Omanis and supporting the local supply-chain

SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT: As part of the deal, GE Oil & Gas will provide a wide range of specialised equipment, including Lufkin C912, C1280 beam pumps, and Lufkin automation products. –Bloomberg News

Times News Service

Contractors (LCCs) and strengthen Omani talent development through training programmes.

MUSCAT: GE Oil & Gas has signed a long-term, multi-million dollar contract with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) for the provision of integrated Reciprocating Rod Pump (RRP) equipment and related services beginning in the second quarter of 2016.

Joining hands with its local partner Edgo, this is GE’s firstever contract awarded by PDO for the provision of integrated RRP equipment and services, and is aligned with PDO’s ‘in-country value’ initiative.

Petroleum Development Oman’s ‘in-country value’ strategy aims to promote localised manufacturing, develop Local Community

Lufkin products GE Oil & Gas will sub-contract the manufacturing and fabrication of specific pumping unit’s structural components in Oman and also assemble selected Lufkin automation products in the country using local companies.

The local contractors will also be trained on the various aspects of RRP assembly.

The engagement of the LCCs and the sub-contracting of work to the LCCs is crucial to the success of the local talent development and local economy for the people of South Oman.

ECONOMY

India’s central bank unlikely to cut rate MUMBAI: Threat of a slumping rupee and an ill-disciplined budget will probably prevent Indian central bank governor Raghuram Rajan from cutting interest rates on Tuesday.

The rupee’s 2.3 per cent loss this year, the most in Asia after South Korea’s won, risks worsening inflation if Prime Minister Narendra Modi cuts stimulus spending rather than subsidies to narrow Asia’s widest budget deficit this month. Thirty-six of 38 economists in a survey predict the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will leave the benchmark repurchase rate at 6.75 per cent, while two see a cut to 6.5 per cent.

“Primarily, the RBI will be waiting for the budget and its focus will be both on the quantity and the quality of fiscal consolidation,” said Sonal Varma, an economist at Nomura Holdings in Mumbai. “If you have an easy fiscal policy, then the room for an easy monetary policy closes up.”

Twenty-six of 27 economists in a separate survey also predict that Rajan will keep banks’ cash

Global standards “Customers are increasingly becoming tech-savvy with their preferences rapidly changing to match the evolution of smart technology.

Being a customer-driven segment, we are committed to providing

Insurance solution “Besides having an in-depth knowledge of Oman’s insurance marketplace, our underwriters have a deep understanding of the day to day insurance needs of customers.

This ensures that we provide the best insurance solution keeping in mind customers’ preferences and their convenience at all times,” said Hamad Al Musallami, head for motor insurance at OQIC. Frederik Bisbjerg, executive vice president and head of group retail for Qatar Insurance said, “Our customer knowledge reveals that one of the determining factors when choosing an insurance company for you and your family’s insurances is, apart from a cheap price the ease of buying and renewing insurance with the insurance company.

An important part of the new online retail portal is therefore offering the customers the opportunity to buy and renew both the mandatory third party liability insurance as well as the extended own damage insurance online.”

reserve ratio at 4 per cent on Tuesday, compared to a call for a 50-basis point cut from Goldman Sachs economist Tushar Poddar.

Rupee’s slump is a challenge to the central bank’s credibility as it strives to slow inflation to its 5 per cent target by March 2017.

Consumer-price gains are currently on pace for 5.40 per cent by then, Michael Patra, a top RBI official, told analysts in December.

Deficit risks An expected increase in government salaries and military pensions risks stoking demand further. Economists see only a single quarter point rate cut this year after 125 basis points of reductions in the past year. Swaps are pricing in the possibility of a halfpoint reduction.

The prime minister’s administration may have to reassess its budget deficit target for the year starting April 1 if growth slows, the government’s top economic adviser warned in December.

A larger deficit would force Modi to borrow more. - Bloomberg News

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

“Historically, we have sourced individual RRP components from individual manufacturers and had to rely on various contractors for its installation and maintenance.

This contract marks the first-ever integrated approach in the installation and service of RRP systems, which will contribute significantly in addressing all associated logistical challenges and enhance our operational efficiency. ‘In Country Value’ was an important feature of the negotiations and this contract is further evidence of our commitment to secure long-term sustainable economic benefits for the Sultanate, said a PDO spokesperson.

Rami Qasem, president and chief executive officer of GE Oil &

Gas for Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, said: “The contract builds on our long-term partnership with PDO and underlines our commitment to investing in Oman and supporting PDO to achieve their long-term goals. The provision of advanced equipment and services will help in meeting and exceeding the average run-life of the rod pump equipment, a critical component in PDO’s operations.”

As part of the deal, GE Oil & Gas will provide a wide range of specialised equipment including Lufkin C912, C1280 beam pumps, and Lufkin automation products. GE Oil & Gas will also provide preventive and corrective maintenance for a number of inherited RRP systems; su-

Key partner GE Oil & Gas supports its partners in Oman with a wide range of products and services including artificial lift products such as rod lift systems, automation, electrical submersible pumps, progressing cavity pumps, surface pumping systems, Zenith systems, power 2-lift, pressure control systems and turbo machinery services among others.

With an active presence since 1975 and an installed base of 430 RRP units across the country including 235 RRP units for PDO, GE is a key partner in supporting the Sultanate’s energy production.

GE currently has its ESP technology deployed in 250 of PDO’s wells to support production. GE is also powering the three LNG trains at Oman LNG’s Qalhat complex with six critical gas turbines driving the trains and six gas turbines generating power.

Moreover, GE has also rolled out dedicated training programs for Omani professionals at the Florence Oil & Gas University, a testament to the abiding commitment to support Omanisation and human capital development.

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B4

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,236.06 ............... 5,179.75 ................... 5,212.07 ................... 5,179.36..................32.71 ................... 0.63 Financial Index .....................................6,459.31 .............. 6,334.39 ...................6,434.39 ...................6,336.52..................97.87 ................... 1.54 Industrial Index ................................... 6,569.32 ...............6,529.53 ................... 6,538.14 ...................6,529.53.................... 8.61 ................... 0.13 Services Index ......................................2,904.06 .............. 2,886.62 ...................2,886.62 ...................2,902.21................ -15.59 .................. -0.54 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 819.12 .................. 815.90 .......................815.90 .......................816.42.................. -0.52 .................. -0.06 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 32,139,983 ................. 5,492,069 ................. 1,354 ............... 15,572,487,709 ................ 16 ......................18 .................... 13 .........................47

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 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

Muscat Securities Market. - Times file picture

MSM index ends higher

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

OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 478,700 ............80,147......................41 ............0.165 ........... 0.168 ...........0.163 ............0.167 ............. 0.157.............0.010 ............. 6.369 ................0.163 .............. 0.163...................0.165 ...................20,857,959 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 5,244,923 ..1,439,225...................142 ........... 0.265 ...........0.280 ...........0.265........... 0.274 .............0.259 ............0.015 ............. 5.792 ................0.272..............0.271...................0.272..................367,354,609........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 2,498,146 ...... 374,169....................113 ............0.143 ........... 0.155 ...........0.143 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.143............ 0.007............. 4.895 ................0.150 ..............0.149...................0.150..................216,216,000........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 885,000 .........220,375......................17 ........... 0.245 ...........0.252 ...........0.245........... 0.249 .............0.239 ............0.010 ............. 4.184 ................0.245..............0.245...................0.250 .................384,637,408........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 116,000.............12,872........................7 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.110 ............0.111..............0.107............ 0.004............. 3.738 ................0.110 ..............0.109................... 0.111 .................. 22,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 1,091,000 ......208,107..................... 38 ............0.190 ........... 0.195 ...........0.190............0.191 ............. 0.186............ 0.005............. 2.688 ................0.190.............. 0.187...................0.193...................19,100,000 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 482,947 ........... 34,257.....................22 ............0.071 ........... 0.071 ...........0.070............0.071 .............0.070 ............0.001 ............. 1.429 ................0.070..............0.070...................0.071...................12,425,000.........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA ...............................................25,500 .............16,826........................2 ........... 0.660 ...........0.660 ...........0.652........... 0.660 .............0.652 ........... 0.008............. 1.227 ................0.652..............0.652...................0.000 .................105,600,000 .......0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 237,428 ...........20,268........................9 ........... 0.084 ...........0.088 ...........0.084........... 0.085 .............0.084 ............0.001 ............. 1.190 ................0.085..............0.084...................0.091................... 10,359,375 .........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................39,532 ............ 14,994......................13 ........... 0.386 ...........0.386 ...........0.376........... 0.380 .............0.376 ........... 0.004............. 1.064 ................0.376............. 0.000...................0.378...................19,950,000 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................33,000 .............10,018..................... 10 ........... 0.304...........0.306 ...........0.302........... 0.304 .............0.302 ........... 0.002............. 0.662 ................0.302............. 0.300...................0.302 ..................15,200,000.........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 261,098 ..........118,014........................2 ........... 0.450 ...........0.452 ...........0.450........... 0.452 .............0.450 ........... 0.002.............0.444 ................0.452..............0.452...................0.460 .................249,893,462 .......0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT .......................................................... 3,888 ............... 3,641........................5 ........... 0.960 ...........0.960 ...........0.900 .......... 0.956 .............0.956 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.900 ............ 0.900...................0.956..................191,200,000........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 712,270 ............39,275..................... 28 ........... 0.056 ...........0.056 ...........0.055........... 0.055 .............0.055 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.055..............0.052...................0.055................... 11,393,326 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 338,775.............31,729..................... 25 ........... 0.094 ........... 0.095 ...........0.091 ........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.091 ..............0.091...................0.092 ...................8,460,000 ..........0.100

Top gainer was Al Hassan Engineering, up

OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,389,635 ......609,220..................... 97 ........... 0.446 ...........0.446 ...........0.420........... 0.438 .............0.438 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.420..............0.422...................0.428 ............... 1,003,818,297 ......0.100

6.67 per cent, while Port Services was the top

OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ....................................................... 2,100 ..................903........................3 ........... 0.430 ...........0.430 ...........0.430........... 0.430 .............0.430 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.430.............. 0.416...................0.430 ..................26,015,000 .........0.100

OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 462,190 ............25,901..................... 35 ........... 0.058 ...........0.058 ...........0.055........... 0.056 .............0.056 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.056..............0.055...................0.056................... 16,238,916 .........0.100

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 240,404..........153,757.....................20 ........... 0.640 ...........0.640 ...........0.636........... 0.640 .............0.640 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.636..............0.636...................0.644 .................416,604,307 .......0.100

loser with loss of 7.69 per cent.

OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER....................................................5,000 ..................960........................1 ............0.192 ........... 0.192 ...........0.192 ............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.192 .............. 0.193...................0.200 .................128,903,499........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ....................................................34,429 ...............6,588........................4 ............0.192 ........... 0.192 ...........0.190............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.191 .............. 0.191...................0.200 ................. 136,451,611 ........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,640,080 ...... 270,736....................116 ............0.165 ........... 0.168 ...........0.163 ............0.165 ............. 0.166............-0.001 ........... -0.602 ...............0.163 ..............0.162...................0.163...................24,762,375 .........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ......................................................47,000 ...............4,700........................3 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 ............. 0.101............-0.001 ........... -0.990 ...............0.100..............0.097...................0.100..................200,031,279........0.100

MUSCAT: Early momentum from Sunday tailed off towards the end of trading session with the MSM30 Index settling at 5,212.07 points, up 0.63 per cent.

The MSM Sharia Index declined 0.06 per cent to close at 815.90 points. Bank Nizwa was the most active in terms of volume while NBO led in turnover. The top gainer was Al Hassan Engineering, up 6.67 per cent while Port Services was the top loser with loss of 7.69 per cent.

As many as 1,354 trades were executed on Monday, generating turnover of OMR5.5 million with 32.1 million shares changing hands. Out of 47 traded securities, 16 advanced, 18 declined and 13 remained unchanged.Omani Investors remained net buyers for OMR1.14 million while foreign investors stayed net sellers for OMR935,000 followed

by GCC and Arab investors for OMR204,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index stayed positive with gains of 1.54 per cent to close at 6,434.39 points. National Bank of Oman, Bank Sohar, BankDhofar, Global Financial Investment and Al Izz Bank gained

by 5.79 per cent, 4.90 per cent, 4.18 per cent, 3.74 per cent and 3.33 per cent, respectively. Muscat Finance, Ahli Bank, United Finance, Oman Orix Leasing and Al Batinah Development declined by 3.85 per cent, 3.21 per cent, 1.63 per cent, 1.54 per cent and 1.39 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index ended the session at 6,538.14 points, up 0.13 per cent. Al Hassan Engineering, Al Jazeera Steel and Al Maha Ceramics gained by 6.67 per cent, 6.37 per cent and 1.06 per cent, respectively. Oman Cables, Gulf International Chemicals and National Aluminium declined by 2.58 per cent, 1.82 per cent and 1.38 per cent, respectively.

Services Index retreated 0.54 per cent to close at 2,886.62 points. Phoenix Power, ACWA Power and National Gas gained by 2.14 per cent, 1.23 per cent and 0.66 per cent, respectively.

Port Services, Oman Oil, Renaissance Services, OIFC and Oman Telecommunications Company declined by 7.69 per cent, 2.50 per cent, 2.36 per cent, 1.09 per cent and 1.03 per cent, respectively.

OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 230,472 .........332,644..................... 77 ............1.460 ........... 1.460 ...........1.420............1.445 .............1.460............-0.015 ........... -1.027................1.420...............1.415...................1.420................1,083,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 1,178,772 ........ 111,251..................... 26 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.094........... 0.094 .............0.095 ...........-0.001 ............-1.053................0.095..............0.095...................0.096.................... 5,531,262 ..........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 868,691...........157,960......................81 ............0.186 ........... 0.186 ...........0.178 ........... 0.182 .............0.184 ...........-0.002 ........... -1.087................0.178 .............. 0.178...................0.180...................36,400,000.........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ...............46,483 ...............9,944........................6 ............0.215 ...........0.220 ...........0.205........... 0.214 ............. 0.217............-0.003 ........... -1.382 ...............0.205..............0.203...................0.210.................... 7,184,290 ..........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ....................... 20,000 ...............1,430........................3 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.070............0.071 .............0.072 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.389................0.070..............0.069...................0.072....................2,130,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .......................................................58,000 ...............7,026........................9 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.120............0.121 ............. 0.123............-0.002 ........... -1.626................0.120...............0.117...................0.120...................37,602,558 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 156,032.............42,137..................... 26 ........... 0.272 ...........0.272 ...........0.268........... 0.270 .............0.275 ...........-0.005 ............-1.818................0.268..............0.267...................0.269 ...................5,670,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ....................................... 12,015 ............... 1,487........................3 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.123 ........... 0.124 ............. 0.127............-0.003 ........... -2.362 ...............0.123 ..............0.120...................0.123...................36,040,727 .........0.100 OM0000002572 ...........OMAN OIL MARKETING ............................................8,000 .............15,600........................1 ............1.950 ........... 1.950 ...........1.950 ........... 1.950 .............2.000 ...........-0.050 ........... -2.500 ...............1.950 ............. 0.000...................1.950..................119,486,250 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY.........................................5,142 ................7,771........................3 ............1.550 ........... 1.550 ...........1.500............1.510 ............. 1.550............-0.040 ........... -2.581................1.500..............1.500...................1.550..................135,447,000 ........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 132,398 ........... 23,988........................7 ............0.187 ........... 0.187 ...........0.180............0.181 ............. 0.187............-0.006 ........... -3.209 ...............0.180..............0.180...................0.187..................257,931,542 ........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION .........................10,000 ...............1,200........................1 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.120........... 0.120 .............0.130............-0.010 ............-7.692................0.120..............0.120...................0.130...................11,404,800 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 18,995,050.......4,409,117 .............996 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......35........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 134,470 .............. 8,601......................11 ........... 0.060 ...........0.066 ...........0.060........... 0.064 .............0.060 ........... 0.004............. 6.667 ................0.066..............0.064...................0.066.................... 4,813,312 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 1,391,407 ........ 85,804..................... 32 ............0.061 ...........0.063 ...........0.061 ........... 0.062 .............0.060 ........... 0.002............. 3.333 ................0.061 ..............0.061...................0.062 ................. 62,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 1,751,807.......250,456...................129 ............0.140 ........... 0.145 ...........0.140........... 0.143 .............0.140 ........... 0.003............. 2.143 ................0.143 ..............0.143...................0.144..................209,152,009........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 7,409,128 .......514,591...................130 ........... 0.069 ...........0.070 ...........0.068........... 0.069 .............0.068 ............0.001 ..............1.471.................0.068..............0.068...................0.069..................103,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 250,043 ...............7,231......................13 ........... 0.028 ...........0.029 ...........0.028........... 0.029 .............0.029 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.029..............0.028...................0.029 ...................2,465,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 410,000 ............ 19,766..................... 29 ........... 0.048 ...........0.049 ...........0.048........... 0.048 .............0.048 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.048..............0.047...................0.049 ...................6,000,000..........0.100 OM0000001608............OMAN PACKAGING ............................................................90 .....................25........................1 ........... 0.280...........0.280 ...........0.280 .......... 0.290 .............0.290 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.280............. 0.280...................0.310....................9,406,399 ..........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ...............................17,659 ...............1,942........................2 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.111 ............-0.001 ........... -0.901 ...............0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.111 ...................11,000,000 .........0.100 OM0000001723 ............OMAN ORIX LEASING ............................................. 225,781 ............28,900........................5 ............0.128 ........... 0.128 ...........0.128........... 0.128 .............0.130............-0.002 ............-1.538................0.128 .............. 0.125...................0.128................... 30,897,157 .........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE.................................................... 140,544 ............ 17,568........................2 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.125 ............0.125 .............0.130............-0.005 ........... -3.846 ...............0.125 ..............0.120...................0.132...................31,452,309 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 11,730,929 ....934,884...................354 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......10........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................... 432,754 ............ 41,112........................3 ........... 0.095 ........... 0.095 ...........0.095........... 0.095 .............0.095 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.095..............0.095...................0.099...................30,795,353 .........0.100 OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 ...................... 981,250 ......... 106,956........................1 ............0.109 ........... 0.109 ...........0.109........... 0.109 ............. 0.110............-0.001 ........... -0.909 ...............0.109.............. 0.110...................0.220 ..................32,999,653 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,414,004 ...... 148,068........................4 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

– United Securities

M A N U FA C T U R I N G A C T I V I T Y

C A P I TA L M A R K E T

Asia’s massive factories parched for demand SYDNEY: January updates on Asia’s mammoth factory sector released on Monday showed the new year began much as the old one ended — with too much capacity chasing too little demand.

China was again the epicentre of disappointment as its official measure of manufacturing fell to the lowest since mid-2012, but the weakness also encompassed such bellwethers of high-tech trade as South Korea and Taiwan.

The dearth of demand and resulting downward pressure on inflation was why the Bank of Japan felt moved enough to cut interest rates below zero last week, and why many more were likely to ease further this year.

The data are a taster for European and United States surveys later in the day, with growth in manufacturing activity likely static in the euro zone and contracting across the Atlantic.

“One risk is that developed world businesses pull back in the face of rising currencies, weak productivity, and sub-par emerging market demand.

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ing force for the world’s secondlargest economy. A private survey, the Caixin/Markit China Manufacturing PMI, underscored the trend by showing factory activity shrinking for the 11th consecutive month.

FALLING DEMAND: Workers sort parts at an electronics company in Tengzhou, in China’s eastern Shandong province on Monday.

Manufacturing activity in China contracted at its fastest level in more than three years in January. - AFP

“Central banks recognise these risks, and experience shows that they respond quickly to weakness in their industrial sectors, even when it isn’t a precursor to recession.” wrote Bruce Kasman, head of economic research at JPMorgan. “Based on past experience, JPMorgan suspected the continued stagnation of manufacturing could result in a full percentage

point of monetary easing in one form or other.” The official version of China’s PMI survey for manufacturing slipped to 49.4 in January, from 49.7 the month before and short of forecasts of 49.6.

While the miss was minor, the services index also disappointed by easing to 53.5 and challenged hopes consumption would take over from industry as the driv-

More demand required The news was relatively brighter in Japan where its factory barometer slipped only a tick to 52.3 in January as a pick up in exports helped keep activity expanding.

India also recorded an unexpected return to growth as its erratic PMI jumped to a four-month high of 51.1 in January, after slumping to a 28-month low of 49.1 in December.

Other countries in the region were not so fortunate. South Korea’s manufacturing index eased into contractionary territory in

January at 49.5, while the country’s exports suffered the sharpest annual fall since August 2009.

China is South Korea’s largest export market, taking about onequarter of shipments, followed by the United States and the European Union.

Smartphones, cars, semiconductors and flat-screen displays all notched falls in January, boding ill for bellwether companies traditionally propping up the economy.

The story was much the same for another electronics hub, Taiwan, where factory growth slowed amid lacklustre demand.

Steep falls in selling prices and input costs also underlined the risks of deflation across the region, and the need for yet more stimulus.

“Shipments being this weak means a recovery in consumption is urgently needed. If you look at the economy as a whole, this might boost the need for policy easing,” said Lee Sang-jae, chief economist at Eugene Investment & Securities. — Reuters

Indian market drops led by banking shares MUMBAI: Indian stocks dropped, led by lenders, in a volatile trading session that saw the benchmark index change direction at least 15 times before the central bank prepared to review interest rates.

ICICI Bank, the country’s biggest private lender, plunged the most in five months. State Bank of India, the biggest lender, dropped to its lowest level in almost two years. The Sensex fell 0.2 per cent to 24,824.83 at the close in Mumbai. Banks in India are grappling with rising bad loans amid the highest stressed-debt ratio in at least 14 years. The central bank has set a March 2017 deadline to help bolster balance sheets by increasing provisions.

ICICI Bank tumbled 5.6 per cent, the most since August 24, after reporting last week the slowest quarterly profit growth in six years as bad loans surged. State Bank fell four per cent to its lowest level since March 2014. Axis Bank lost 2.2 per cent. — Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP

2016 Jinbei H2 bus offers reliable transport solution A favourite in particular amongst businesses that value their proven profit-making qualities the Jinbei buses are available across Oman at all Al Hashar showrooms

MUSCAT: The 2016 Jinbei H2 is a reliable transport solution, offering the latest in design, technology and safety.

2016 Jinbei H2 High Roof Wide Body Bus now comes with two new additional features, dual airbags for additional safety and a DVD player for passenger entertain-

ment, says a press release.

Powered by a 2.4 litre engine the Jinbei H2 bus has many versatile features that include central locking, rear foldable seats, reverse parking sensors, rear defroster, rear wipers and ABS+EBD for enhanced safety. For business, the 16-seater Jinbei H2 High Roof Wide Body Bus is like a ‘Workhorse’, available at a good purchase price, offers dependable perfor-

mance, comfort, safety, and finally good profits.

An Al Hashar official said: “The Jinbei H2 High Roof Wide Body Bus also comes with three years or 100,000km warranty, which is like a guarantee that you are buying the best.” Moreover the after sales team ensures trouble free maintenance and keeps the bus in top running condition.

Brilliance Auto launched Jinbei

P R E S E R V I N G O M A N I C U LT U R E

B5

buses under a technical collaboration with Toyota in 1989, using Toyota’s technology, model, and management method, through technology import and re-innovation. A booming automobile manufacturing enterprise, Brilliance Auto is listed on New York Stock Exchange. It manufactures world-class products for today’s discerning customers.

Winning many awards and accolades, including the prestigious ISO 9001:2000 certification. Jinbei range enjoys domestic market leadership on the strength of technology, quality, and safety — not to mention — outstanding value for money.

Also available is the efficient 15-seater Standard Bus powered by a 2.2 litre engine running powerfully on 4-cylinders.

A favourite in particular amongst businesses that value their proven profit-making qualities the Jinbei buses are available across Oman at all Al Hashar showrooms in Muscat, Sohar, Ibri, Sur and Salalah. The 3S facilities across these locations provide complete support.

ANNUAL EVENT

Inter house sports gala held at PSM

MUSCAT: The annual inter house sports meet was held recently at the Pakistan School Muscat (PSM) campus ground with great zeal and zest. The event was organised under the supervision of Atahullah Niazi, senior principal, says a press release.

The first stage of the event was the assembly of athletes in the ground. It marked another great day in the history of the school when the athletes lined up in the ground, representing their respective houses, Jinnah House (Green), Iqbal House (Blue), Sir Syed House (Yellow) and Johar House (Red), under the respective flags.

PSM principal Khalid Jadoon declared the annual sports gala 2016 open. He was escorted by Munazza Ghafoor, principal Jun-

ior Wing, PSM and Samina Khan, principal PS Buraimi.

The grand march past of the athletes was a colourful display which ended in great applause by the audience.

A total of 56 events were conducted which included 20, 30, 50, 100, 200 and 400 metre races.

The races were held categorywise to provide chance of participation to maximum number of students. Junior, middle and senior categories were all lined up for the participation. In addition to it the students from the Centre for Special Students also participated.

In addition to the track events additional interesting events were also organised. Winners were awarded medals for specific positions on the victory stand.

C U LT U R A L E X T R AVA G A N Z A

Bank Sohar supports traditional ISS celebrates 35th annual day Khaboura Shooting Competition MUSCAT: In line with its commitment to support authentic Omani culture and traditions, Bank Sohar recently sponsored the ‘Al Khaboura Shooting Competition’ for the third consecutive year.

The bank’s support for the tournament, which took place in the village of Al Qasf, was part of its contribution towards the preservation of its heritage, culture and sport, says a press release.

The competition was organised by the Al Khaboura Shooting Team, a part of the Al Khaboura sports club, recently under the patronage of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service.

Representing Bank Sohar at the event were Rashid Saif Al Maskry, District Manager for the Batinah Region, and Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al Balushi, Acting Senior Manager of Al Khaboura branch.

Commenting on the bank’s sponsorship of the event, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, Sr. AGM of Branches and Retail Sales at Bank Sohar said, “The traditional sport of shooting has always been one of the popular sports in the Sultanate. This competition has always drawn large crowds together with some of the biggest names in the sport in the Sultanate.

“With such a dedicated following and strong foundation, we are

sure the tradition of this country will remain strong for generations to come. Supporting such events is also in line with our vision of preserving the culture and traditions of the Sultanate.

"It is also because of our continued sponsorship of such events that we are considered to be amongst the leading Banks with regards to supporting traditional and cultural events in the Sultanate.”

The contest was attended by over 270 participants from various regions of the country and was split into two categories; an Individuals Competition on a fixed target using traditional weapons called ‘Al Saktoon’, and a Team Competition for clay target shooting. The event was also host to a poetry recital followed by impressive traditional

singing by local groups.

The event concluded with Al Marhoon presenting awards to the winners of each of the two categories. Taking first place in team competition and individuals competition were the Bin Said Team from Al Khaboura and Hussain bin Ali Al Hatmi from the Wilayat of Al Rustaq respectively.

The chief guest also honoured the government and private institutions and committees that contributed towards the success of the competition.

“On behalf of Bank Sohar, I would also like to congratulate each of the winners and hope that their success inspires the younger generation to take part in future competitions and keep the tradition alive,” concluded Al Rahbi.

DEBUT PERFORMANCE

ISG students perform 'arangetram' MUSCAT: Anagha Kannoth, Sukhmani Sandhu, Nitu Andrews and Gayathri Pradeep, students of Indian School Al Ghubra (ISG) and disciples of Shailaja Sreekumar, presented their debut Bharatnatyam arangetram ‘Natya Laya 2016’ which showcased a complete Bharatanatyam repertoire recently at Sri Krishna Temple Hall, Darsait, Oman, says a press release.

The students have been initiated into this art form at a very early age under the tutelage of Shailaja Sreekumar, an exponent of Bharatnatyam, who credits her success in dance to her mother, Kalakshetra Vilasini, her father

Muraleedharan Nair.

The arangetram was attended by the chief guest Neelu Rohra, second secretary (Community Welfare), Embassy of India, Sultanate of Oman, guest of honour Dr Mario C. de Souza, adviser,

Hospital Administration, Ministry of Health, Oman, special guest Kalakshetra Vilasini, India, recipient of Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy award, relatives, friends and well-wishers.

The orchestral ensemble comprised a great team of musicians, led by Shailaja Sreekumar on nattuvangam, the mellifluous vocal support provided by Shani Vechiledath Krishnan, mridangam accompaniment by Harikrishnan Ravikumar, Konneyoor Suresh on violin, Pradeep on flute and Manikandan for makeup, blended beautifully with the musical score of each piece.

SALALAH: The annual day of Indian School Salalah (ISS) this year saw a high class display of colour, light and life coupled with energy and enthusiasm.

The occasion that the Middle, Secondary and Senior Secondary sections of school magnificently celebrated recently, assumed a great historic importance for school as it had completed a vibrant existence of 35 glorious years, says a press release.

Veteran General Tej Krishen Kaul, who attended the function with his esteemed presence as the chief guest, is a proud recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. His wife, Neelu Tej Kaul, former president of Army Wives’ Welfare Association also attende the occasion.

Tej Kaul and his wife, on their arrival, were given a rousing reception and welcome by Ram Santhanam, president of School Management Committee, together with his colleagues in SMC and Trevor Ronald Brown, the principal. Yusuf Ali, head boy and Nayonika Battacharya, head girl, pinned the badges to the chief guest. Arshad Sunil, deputy head boy, and Sindhu Chatakonda, deputy head girl, were also present to welcome the chief guest. Ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented by Scouts and Guides and then they were escorted to the stage accompanied by the school band.

The formal function, as per school tradition, commenced with the National Anthem of Oman followed by the National Anthem of India.

Ram gave the formal welcome address. In his address he highlighted the successful progress of the school and briefly mentioned how the management had facilitated the formation of Parents’ Task Force Committee, facility for purified drinking water, construction of waiting sheds and other infrastructural developments.

Dr Debashish Bhattacharya, Member, SMC and Chairman, CCA Committee, said that people are born to do what they intend to do and hence they change the face of humanity for the better, so is General Kaul, the son of Indian soil. Dr Debashish elaborately spoke about the general, making a special mention of his great ser-

vice, recognition, education and qualification, the prestigious institutions he studied and his training.

Tej, while addressing the audience paid tribute to his teacher, father and elder brother who are his role models. He said that discipline is neither taught in school nor at home but inculcated.

Education, for him, is self-discipline from home, school, teachers and parents. To children, he said: “respect the parents, teachers and elders” as it is the key to success. He added further and said “virtues such as discipline, respect, love, trust and bonding have made him what he is today in serving the armed forces for more than four decades.”

Recognising the achievements accomplished by students in curricular activities during the academic session 2014-15, prizes were given away. A total of 205 students who received general proficiency award included toppers in various subjects in Class XII CBSE Examination, perfect 10 CGPA scorers in class X CBSE Examination, perfect CGPA scorers from class V to IX and toppers in class XI. The prizes were given away by Tej Kaul and Neelu. The most coveted best outgoing student Award – a pure gold coin was bagged by Nayonika for her all round excellent performance in scholastic and co-scholastic activities. She had the privilege to receive the award from Tej.

Ram and Brown honoured General Tej Kaul with a memento as a token of appreciation and good wishes. A memento was also presented to Neelu by Dr Ernest Ezhilarasan, vice president, SMC and Brown.

The colourfully bedecked stage, backdropped with wide high-definition LED video wall, was well set for an exuberant display of talent. The cultural extravaganza, comprising dance, music, drama, mime and many other forms of aesthetic expressions with the stamp of novelty and perfection filled the spectators with wonder.

After the cultural events, Debashish invited Neelu to the stage to present a copy of her ‘Coffee table book’ to Ram and another copy to C. T. Ramasamy, HOD, English. Ramasamy was presented the book in appreciation and recognition to his commendable and committed work especially for the excellent result produced in XII Board in 2015.

Curtain fell on the most spectacular event of the academic year 2015-16 when Suresh Babu, convener, School Management Committee, proposed the vote of thanks. Suresh, in his note expressed his sense of gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his benevolence. He also thanked the chief guest, General Tej Kaul and Neelu for their presence and making the annual day memorable and significant.

B6

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

ROUND-UP Bahwan Pharmacy opens its 6th branch

VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

Strategically located in the heart of

Park Inn Muscat to hold memorable evening for couples

Muttrah, the stateof the-art pharmacy stocks full range of medical and healthcare consumer products

MUSCAT: Bahwan Pharmacy, in its continuous efforts to reach out to people and serve the community, has opened a new pharmacy outlet in Muttrah.

Amal Suhail Bahwan, managing director and board member of Suhail Bahwan Group, opened the new pharmacy recently in the presence of doctors and medical professionals from around Muttrah area, says a press release.

Congratulating Bahwan Healthcare Centre team on opening of the new pharmacy, Amal Bahwan said: “We are glad to be opening one

MUSCAT: The month of February is synonymous with Valentine’s Day, a day of celebrating and expressing love for cherished ones. The right venue, a sumptuous meal, romantic ambience and extra special touches can make for a very special evening with a loved one.

With this in mind, Park Inn Muscat is offering a memorable evening for couples at its signature outlet the RBG Grill, a perfect ambience on Valentine’s Day, says a press release.

An extravagant Valentine’s Day themed three course set menu will be served up to indulge taste buds and engage the senses.

The meal will start off with

more branch of Bahwan Pharmacy in Muttrah to serve the public of this area with necessary medical supplies. This is also our sixth branch of the growing network of Bahwan pharmacies in Oman.”

“Bahwan Healthcare Centre has been providing comprehensive healthcare solutions across the length and breadth of the Sultanate of Oman since 1979 and we hope to continue to serve the people of Oman by providing better healthcare services,” she added.

Strategically located in the heart of Muttrah, the state-of theart pharmacy stocks full range of medical, healthcare, consumer and OTC products.

Asparagus soup with shrimp and Parmesan crouton or roasted beet salad with arugula, walnut and goat cheese. For the main course one can either have grilled rib-eye steak roasted baby vegetable, garlic mash with porcini mushroom sauce, pan seared cod fish with roast vegetable caponata and kalamata tapenade or mushroom n smoked cheese ravioli. Finish off with indulgent chocolate velvet raspberry cake hearts for dessert.

After a romantic dinner, head straight to Sama Terrazza rooftop lounge to relax under the stars.

Open from 7pm to 11pm, the restaurant will require booking in advance.

TRAINING FOR SUCCESS

Bank Nizwa empowers employees to become Islamic Banking leaders MUSCAT: Bank Nizwa successfully provided over 700 training and development opportunities in 2015 designed to nurture the next generation of Islamic banking leaders.

A translation of the bank’s forward-thinking strategy to build its human capital, a total of 190 employees underwent a series of interactive workshops, training sessions, and conferences in strategic, leadership and Islamic banking disciplines, says a press release.

Developed by the bank’s human resources department, the courses were delivered through a variety of channels using a selection of innovative tools, systems

and approaches. As well as induction courses for new Bank Nizwa employees, the programmes also included specialist workshops on topics ranging from Islamic banking best practices to credit cards;

professional qualification training; and domestic, regional and international conferences on issues, such as cyber-security and anti-corruption legislation, retail and SMEs.

3-YEAR AGREEMENT

“Effective succession planning and talent management are vital for long-term success in the rapidly evolving and fastgrowing Islamic banking sector,” explained Dr Ashraf Al Nabhani,

general manager Corporate Support. “Right from the start, we determined the strengths of our employees and looked at how they can be best developed in line with our growth strategies. We are determined to ensure that our staff enjoys a rewarding career and that together we continue to forge ahead in the market, contributing to the prosperity of Oman.”

According to Dr Ashraf, the bank is already reaping the rewards of its vigorous and proactive approach to equipping its employees with the skills to meet the demands of the growing banking sector. He added, “Training and development will continue to be a

CHAMPIONSHIP

FILIPINO COMMUNITY

TSC ties up with Warner Bros.

MUSCAT: The Sultan Centre (TSC) recently announced a new partnership with Warner Bros. to co-brand its products with popular Warner Bros. animation icons.

The three-year agreement is retail exclusive to TSC outlets in its five operating countries – Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Bahrain, says a press release.

“Inspired by our mission statement to be our customers’ preferred choice, The Sultan Centre sets the standard for retail services that cater to the entire family, with special focus on children.

The partnership with Warner Bros. will therefore, create a better shopping experience that brings added value,” said Makram Malaeb, Group International and NonFood Commercial Director.

According to the agreement, TSC’s own brand of retail products will carry popular Warner Bros icons such as Tom and Jerry, Tweety Bird, characters from the Justice League and the like.

New retail experience TSC officials say this is the beginning of a new retail experience for the entire family and will feature more favourite cartoon characters

FILCOSOC BOD election re-scheduled for Feb. 19

Oman Gavel conducts public speaking contest

such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and more through 30 additional products across food and non-food departments at TSC.

To mark the occasion, Sultan Kids facial tissues featuring screen animation stars was launched within different TSC outlets.

high priority for Bank Nizwa in 2016, and we intend to continue building on this success, by providing our employees with specialised technical training in their functions as well as equipping some of them with academic and professional qualifications.”

Bank Nizwa aims to be a leading institution in attracting the best and brightest talent in the local market by hiring exceptional fresh graduates that demonstrate great promise, as well as attracting highly qualified and experienced employees with industry experience. To date, the bank employs over 300, with an Omanisation rate of 88 per cent.

MUSCAT: Oman Gavel clubs group hosted Oman Gavel Championship for public speaking contest.

Two hundred and sixty participants from 29 Gavel clubs in Oman from various schools and open clubs participated in the event held at Indian School Muscat. Sixty judges and 50 role players supported the contest, says a press release.

Anushree Shirish Gupte was declared as Gavel Champion for public speaking 2016. The first, second and third winners from four categories were: Anushree Shirish Gupte, Sidra Mariyam, Sruti Maadangi (International speech): Elzo Jacob, Moham-

med Uzair, Smrithi Natan (Humorous speech), Sruti Maadangi, Adiba Shahwar, Blessy Maria (Impromptu speech), Harkrishan Singh Punn, Sachit Anand, Anushree Shirish Gupte (Evaluation speech).

Gavel clubs are part of Toastmasters International, a non-profit organisation based in USA, to help the children improve public speaking and leadership skills.

Toastmasters L. Srikumar Pai, Cyprian Misquith, George Thomas, Clita Crasta, Robin Anand, Shyamala Iyer, Sitalaxmi, Eskalin Gonsalves and other toastmasters supported the event.

MUSCAT: Due to some technical reasons, the election of the new Board of Directors of the Filipino Community Social Club (FILCOSOC) is re-scheduled for February 19 to be held at the PoloOwwa Resource Centre, says a press release.

In line with the new schedule, the deadline of submission of the COCs and the required documents is until 4pm on February 4.

All qualified candidates will be announced through the FILCOSOC Facebook page after evaluation of all COCs on February 4 as well. Successful candidates may start their campaign activities from February 5 - 18. The campaign period will be concluded with the Miting De Avance to be held at the Polo-Owwa Resource Centre on February 18.

A general assembly will be held on February 19 from 8am to 10am.

Election of the new members of the board will immediately follow until 3pm.

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ITL World opens its first office in Muscat

Oman’s leading footballer and English club’s leading goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi inaugurated the opening of the outlet behind Home Centre in Al Khuwair

MUSCAT: ITL World, a leading travel management company in the Middle East, opened its first office in Muscat behind Home Centre in Al Khuwair.

Oman’s leading footballer and English club’s leading goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi inaugurated the outlet recently, says a press release.

Dr Siddeek Ahmed, chairman and managing director of the Eram Group of Companies (of which ITL World is a part of ) stated: “We are quite excited to have the opportunity to operate in Muscat and associate with football legend Ali Al Habsi.”

Catering to a diverse portfolio

of clientele, ITL World is the parent brand of ‘Miceminds’, ‘Arabian Experience’, ‘EduVoyage’ and offers travel solutions to government entities, corporate conglomerates, meetings, incentives, conferences, events (MICE segments), luxury travel, sports travel, wellness travel, student travel and many other services.

Apart from being known for its mountains, scenery, fishing and cruising, Oman is now becoming popular as a backdrop for concept destination weddings.

ITL World has already taken an initiative to promote this destination wedding concept in Oman. To

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further encourage sports enthusiasts, ITL World is also putting together football packages which would be promoted around Oman.

The unique product would provide a platform/opportunity to play friendly matches with the local Oman clubs and explore the culture and hidden treasures of Oman.

On the other hand, ITL World is also launching sports packages to enable fans to travel to countries such as France and Spain to play football or witness and experience the energy of games at the forthcoming European Championships commencing from June 2016.

VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

Pure Gold introduces special edition diamond pendant collections MUSCAT: Celebrating the love and togetherness that Valentine’s Day stands for, Pure Gold Jewellers has launched a collection of Double Heart and Infinity Heart Key diamond pendants.

The award winning jewellery retailer and the only world diamond mark certified retailer in the GCC, has crafted the exquisite jewellery in 18K white and yellow gold with the finest diamonds, says a press release.

With two hearts interlocked, one with beautifully studded diamonds and the other in vibrant yellow gold with a larger solitaire in the centre, the Double Heart pendant is priced at OMR149.

The Infinity Heart Key pendant features a heart in a heart with a key to unlock the loved one’s affections. Sparkling in a heart shaped array of 20 cents diamonds ensconced in a yellow gold heart, the stunning pendant is available for OMR169.

Apart from the special collection, shoppers will receive a solitaire diamond as a gift.

Karim Merchant, CEO and MD

of Pure Gold Jewellers, said: “Our designs of interlocked hearts and keys are a symbol of eternal love and affection, true to the spirit of Valentine’s Day. “Also, to ensure a memorable Valentine’s Day, we will gift our customers a solitaire.”

This offer is valid until February 16 from select Pure Gold Jewellers stores. With Pure Gold Jewellers’ Genuine Price Promise (GPP) on diamond jewellery, all purchases are entitled to a unique lifetime repair and exchange warranty and assured 70 per cent cashback.

RECOGNITION

F U N D AY

OAB organises open day Haya Water bags coveted for staff and their families international certifications

MUSCAT: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) celebrated a fun-filled open day for the bank’s staff and their families at InterContinental Hotel- Muscat lately.

The event was held at the hotel’s garden where many entertaining activities took place involving the employees and their children such as horse riding, table sports, bouncing castle and more, says a press release.

Throughout the event, there were friendly competitions for the children and teak building activities for staff. The famous Mohammed Al Mukhaini was the official presenter at the event. He added humour and delight to the event,

attracting the audience through a beautifully decorated centre stage.

Oman Arab Bank’s staff day was organised by the bank’s social committee, under the auspices of Amin Al Husseini, CEO of OAB. Unique opportunity He participated keenly in the event and later commented: “Today was a unique opportunity for all of us at OAB to truly feel like one family.

I firmly believe that such events strengthen the bond not only between our staff but also with the bank. Our staff are our pride, and bringing them together creating happy moments will certainly enhance teamwork and cooperation

across the organisation.”

OAB staff relished the opportunity and expressed their sincere gratitude to the social committee and the CEO on the well-organised event. They echoed the sentiment that such events help bring the staff closer and will go a long way in improving staff morale and camaraderie.

Oman Arab Bank employs 1,300 staff in Oman. It operates in 65 branches and offices, more than 123 ATMs and deposit machines across the Sultanate. The bank offers a wide range of banking products and services to its valued customers through retail, corporate, and investment banking operations.

MUSCAT: Oman Wastewater Services Company (Haya Water) celebrated recently the event of obtaining an international certificate for the management of occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001) and an international certificate for environmental management (ISO 14001).

The company achieved these certificates after a year of internal evaluation and follow-up as well as the assessment of the international certifying body.

This organisation applauded, in its report, the company’s efforts to fully comply with the highest standards of protecting the environment and maintaining the safety and occupational health of its employees, consultants, contractors, visitors and clients, as well as to provide a safe working environment, says a press release.

The ceremony was held in Bait Haya under the auspices of Eng. Hussein bin Hassan AbdulHussain, CEO of Haya Water, who talked about the pride of Haya Water on this important achievement and said: “The importance of obtaining international certificate for the management of occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001) is to raise the level of awareness on occupational health and safety in the company and for all its associates, and to improve the operational processes to ensure the safety of its workers, and to permanently adhere by the rules and regulations of occupational health and safety.

“It also contributes to identifying and assessing the risks and working to reduce them, as well as responding to emergencies and reducing the number of accidents. On the other hand, obtaining an international certificate on environmental management (ISO 14001) fulfils the company’s message to improve the environmental level through the application of international standards for environmental management through controlling and managing all its activities that consume energy and natural resource, minimising waste and reducing pollution and raise environmental awareness among all its employees and contractors. In addition, this certificate ensures that the company complies with the environmental rules and regulations of the Sultanate of Oman.”

AbdulHussain added: “This achievement is an international recognition for Haya Water on its continuous pursuant to reach excellence by accomplishing its objectives and reaching its ultimate

goal to make Oman greener and healthier through improving the environmental and health levels of all citizens and residents and making Oman a pioneer and one of the leading countries in field of wastewater treatment.”

Sultan bin Rashid Al Marhoobi, Quality Systems and Standards Manager, confirmed that the company has made a considerable progress in the fields of management, quality and occupational and environmental health and safety. Obtaining these certificates is, yet, an addition to the other international certificates that the company previously received such as ISO 9001 for quality system and ISO 17025 on general requirements for quality of testing and calibration laboratories. These international recognitions impose great challenges on the company to maintain the achievements and to permanently work on developing plans and promote efforts during the coming period which requires additional efforts from all employees.

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U N I QU E P L AT F O R M

Majlis Meethaq social forum hosts Dr Amer Al Rawas MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, hosted Dr Amer bin Awadh Al Rawas, CEO of Tasneea Oil & Gas Technology, at the seventh Majlis Meethaq evening, a unique social forum aimed at facilitating interaction with prominent personalities sharing inspirational aspects of their life and career as well as views and perspective on the economy and important social and cultural issues.

The gathering held at Bank Muscat head office was attended by dignitaries and a large turnout of corporate representatives, says a press release.

Highlighting the challenges and achievements in life, Dr Al Rawas recalled the various responsibilities handled by him in his career and spoke about the importance of catching up with world developments to handle is-

sues. He also spoke about his personal and academic life.

Stressing the importance of keeping abreast of developments, Dr Al Rawas noted the prevailing economic situation was a matter of concern, adding that pragmatic leadership and technological advancement were the key to charting the way forward. Priority must also be given to human resources

development, he added.

Majlis Meethaq is a monthly gathering in which a well- known economic, social, religious or cultural persona having influence on Omani society from the Sultanate or abroad is hosted. The interaction between the guest and the audience is aimed at focusing on aspects of the presenter’s personal life, success in career and views on issues

facing the country and community.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, group general manager – Islamic Banking, said: “Meethaq is proud to host the Majlis forum aimed at presenting successful role models to community and highlight their achievements to motivate and inspire citizens, especially youth, to attain success in life. We thank Dr Amer bin Awadh Al Rawas for address-

Shweta Pandit to star in Salim Sulaiman concert Light & Shadow Enterprises is all set to stage the concert by the well-known Bollywood music composers Salim Merchant and Sulaiman Merchant on February 19 at the Qurum Amphitheatre

MUSCAT: Popular Bollywood playback singer Shweta Pandit will be the lead vocalist at the Light & Shadow Enterprises organised Salim-Sulaiman concert for the first time in Oman. Upcoming singer Raj Pandit will also be joining her, says a press release.

Oman’s premiere event management agency Light & Shadow Enterprises is all set to stage the concert by the well-known Bollywood music composers Salim Merchant and Sulaiman Merchant on February 19 at the City Amphitheatre, Qurum.

The presenter of the concert is Minara, a product of Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives which is the first pure sunflower oil in the entire GCC. The concert will be driven by Mitsubishi Motors.

Akshay Chowdhary, director of Light & Shadow Enterprises, said: “We are delighted that Shweta Pandit will join the show. She is among the top singers in Bollywood today. Shweta Pandit has sung a number of songs in Bollywood movies such as Highway, Mohabbatein, Partner, Welcome, Mere Brother ki Dulhan, Neil n Nikki, Naach, Sarkar Raj, Ladies VS Ricky Bahl, Joker, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Yamla Pagla Deewana and many more chartbusters. Her addition to this grand Salim Sulaiman concert has made it even bigger in scale.”

Shweta sang in various films even as a child, including Mani Ratnam’s Anjali (1991) Dil Kya Kare (1999), Raju Chacha (1999), Pardes (1997) and Saaz (1996) - where she collaborated with world renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Shweta Pandit is also a recording vocalist, songwriter, composer, performing artist and actress. She has also recorded songs for various Telugu and Tamil film songs.

Her debut record album Main Zindagi Hoon was released when she was only 16 years old with EMI Virgin Records, India. Becoming the youngest Indian pop star she

released three videos from this album, featuring herself. Her other albums include Aplam Chaplam.

She has also sung and featured for various television commercials.

In 2012, Shweta sang her first Tamil song for the movie Vettai for composer Yuvan Shankar Raja and Billa II and Aadhibhagavan getting her the finest reviews for her renditions. In 2011, Shweta collaborated with popular Punjabi singer and actor Harbhajan Mann for the song Sun Mere Chann Mahiya for the album Heer Ranjha.

Raj Pandit is the son of filmmaker Ashok Pandit and trained classical and folk singer Neerja Pandit. When kids of his age were playing with gaming consoles, he played with musical instruments.

He learnt the tabla first from percussionist Shadab Bhartiya, and then at Ustad Allah Rakha Khan’s Institute of Music. He got guidance from Ustad Zakir Hussain and Taufiq Qureshi.

Raj has sung two songs in Wedding Pullav. One is called O Jaaniya featuring him with Salim Merchant and Shreya Ghoshal, and the other is his solo Lagan lagi. Before this, he done the title song of the film Rabba main kya karoon duet composed by Salim-Sulaiman.

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

RECOGNITION

Bank Sohar receives ‘Best Call Centre – Oman’ award MUSCAT: Receiving more recognition for its commitment to customer service in the Sultanate, Bank Sohar was recently awarded the ‘Best Call Centre – Oman’ award from the Banker Middle East Product Awards 2015 from CPI Financial, Dubai, UAE. On receiving the award, Rashad Ali Al Musafir, acting CEO of Bank Sohar, commented: “At Bank Sohar, we recognise that our main assets are our customers, forming an important pillar of our business, therefore we continually invest in our touch points to deliver a better banking experience for them. This commitment to excellence extends to the dedicated call centre where the bank has invested in highly qualified and competent professionals to cater to our valued customers. We are dedicated toward excelling in all facets of customer experience by providing innovating products and services.”

This award can be attributed to the myriad positive changes that have arisen within the call centre as part of the Bank’s Customer Service Campaign launched in 2015. In an effort to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction, Bank Sohar has ensured that the call centre is the platform of choice for advancing online

response and related customer services; in turn providing a holistic banking experience for its customers given the convenience this channel provides and the human aspect of the interaction.

This, together with the ‘Best Customer Service - Oman’ Award also received recently from CPI Financial earlier this month, highlight the market leading customer-service standards that Bank Sohar customers can expect.

The awards programme operates on a peer-vote basis. Awards categories are established as a result of dialogue with industry observers in each country and an initial short-list of potential candidates and their products or services assembled. These shortlists are published on CPI Financial website (www.cpifinancial. net) and, although not mandatory, the respective institutions are allowed to provide supporting material to promote their entries.

The short-lists are maintained on the website for a period of five weeks during which the entries are promoted to the readership of Banker Middle East and the registered users of the website, which comprise approximately 12,000 unique users, inviting them to vote for the products and institutions that they believe deserve to win.

BOUQUET OF BENEFITS

ISG delegates attend international conference MUSCAT: Young delegates from Indian School Al Ghubra (ISG) attended the five-day Young Round Square International Conference held at Daly College, Indore in India recently.

The conference was inaugurated by Papri Ghosh, principal, regional director of Round Square (South Asia & Gulf Region), Board Member and Trustee of Round Square. The young delegates included Aayush Nair, Aman Sunil, Kshma Mumbai, Raechel Bobby, Rhys Issac and Shrynsh Chauhan along with the YRS Representa-

Siblings music composers Salim Merchant and Sulaiman Merchant have been scoring music for Hindi films for a long time now.

They are among India’s top music composers, having scored for more than 100 films including Band Baaja Baaraat, Kurbaan, Heroine, Fashion, Aaja Nachle and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Fashion, Iqbal among others.

The Salim-Sulaiman concert will have an ensemble of 25 musicians performing on stage.

“You can follow lightshadowintl on Instagram & Twitter and #lightshadowoman on Facebook to get the latest updates on the event, contests and exciting giveaways,” the spokesperson said.

Steeped in a family tradition of music as the sons of composer and veteran of the film industry Sadruddin Merchant, Salim mastered the piano on at the Trinity College of Music in London while Sulaiman took up tabla training with legends such as Taufiq Qureshi and Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Today, Salim and Sulaiman Merchant are among India’s most appreciated music composers, having scored more than 100 films and for around 20 TV shows. They have composed several records incorporating cinematic, folk, electronica and Sufi influences to their music.

“Tickets are priced at OMR40, OMR20 and OMR10 and can be booked online by logging on to www. lightandshadowllc.com or people can buy their tickets from Muscat Grand Mall (main entrance) or R&B Store (Ruwi) from Thursday, February 4,” said Akshay.

“Get your tickets fast before they sell out and enjoy the biggest concert of the year with your family and friends,” he added.

ing the session and enlightening the audience on opportunities and challenges he faced in making crucial decisions in life which led to success. Meethaq, as part of its social development commitment, aims to develop the Majlis forum as an ideal platform to interact with prominent personalities and draw inspiration from their experiences in achieving success in life.”

Al Harthy added: “Meethaq is the leading Islamic financial services provider in the Sultanate with many achievements contributing to the growth and development of the Sultanate’s economy. Meethaq extends support to all key economic sectors in the Sultanate. Meethaq is focused on developing as a benchmark Islamic financial institution in Oman and the region. Within just three years of operations, Meethaq has attained the leading position in the Islamic banking industry in Oman in terms of financing receivables, branch network, products and services, IT infrastructure and human resources development.

Meethaq not only provides benchmark Islamic financial solutions to support the country’s development but also plays a key role in raising awareness and educating people on important aspects of Islamic banking and finance.”

tive Juthika, says a press release.

The theme ‘Somewhere over the rainbow dreaming of a wonderful world’ kindled the young minds to dream of a beautiful and vibrant world. The conference with

a plethora of colourful activities like bird watching, yoga, art and craft activities, storytelling, dance and music geared the spirits of the delegates. A cultural expedition to Mandu fort, the home of the finest examples of Afghan Architecture, was intriguing.

The conference culminated with the traditional Indian Carnival offering loads of fun, frolic and action. It was an incredible experience for these young students to exude confidence, giving them exposure to diverse cultures at such international platforms.

Toyota offers ‘Festive Delights’ MUSCAT: The Muscat festival is on! To add to the excitement of Oman’s most awaited annual event is an exciting news from Toyota, says a press release.

“We are offering our customer (on select models and model grades) cash gifts up to OMR1,100, a service package for up to 3 years/30,000km and insurance for one whole year!” said the Toyota spokesperson.

“Customers should make the most of Toyota’s Festive Delights Campaign and enjoy the benefits available during its entire duration which would till February 13,” he added.

Assured cash gift These benefits mentioned above are applicable for all purchases except those made by government organisations and ministries.

Assured cash gift is applicable on 2015YM/2015 production and 2016YM models of Yaris hatchback, all Toyota sedans, Avanza, RAV4 and Hilux 4x2(2.7L) only and the amount varies between model, model variants and model year.

Cash as gift in lieu of benefits varies depending on the models, model variants and model year. In case customer opts for benefits as applicable on model purchased,

Toyota offers (on select models and model grades) cash gifts up to OMR1,100, a service package for up to three years/30,000km and insurance for one whole year

he or she will not be eligible for cash gift offer. Cash gift can also be used as part of down payment.

For exact details please contact your nearest Toyota showroom.

Comprehensive 1 year insurance (Oman only) is available on 2015YM/2015 Production models of Fortuner, Prado, LC Wagon (LC 200), Innova and 2016YM models of Prado. For RAC, Taxi and driving school purchases, insurance would be given to the

extent applicable for private vehicles. Additional premium as per insurance norms would have to be paid by the buyer.

Three years/30,000km service (whichever is earlier) covering three services at 10,000km service interval can be availed for Petrol models based on normal operating conditions and 6 services at 5,000km service interval for Diesel models: on 2015 YM/2015 Production models & 2016 YM models of FJ Cruiser, Hilux 4X4 & Sequoia. 2 Years / 20,000km Service (whichever is earlier) covering 2 services at 10,000km service interval for Petrol models based on normal operating conditions and 4 services at 5,000km service interval for Diesel models: on 2015 YM/2015 Production models & 2016 YM models of LC Pick-up (LC 70).

All these exciting benefits being offered on the exciting range of vehicles from Toyota’s stable, make a compelling consideration for anybody who is looking at a new purchase. The comprehensive range of Toyota includes a number of popular vehicles.

In Oman, Toyota’s outstanding product quality is supported by the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive.

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2015 sports achievers honoured The annual ceremony, held under the auspices of Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad Al Saadi, saw around 520 athletes representing different sports and

– Photos by JUN ESTRADA / Times of Oman

teams honoured for their excellent results during 2015

Sports Reporter MUSCAT: The Ministry of Sports Affairs organised the Annual Awards Gala at Grand Hyatt on Monday evening to honour the Omani athletes and teams who won the laurels for the Sultanate during 2015 at various regional, international and world events.

The ceremony, held under the auspices of Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Saadi, saw around 520 athletes representing different sports and teams honoured for their excellent performances and results during 2015.

The ceremony was also attended by heads of various sports associations and committees as well as the representatives of sponsors who supported the athletes and teams during the year.

Sheikh Rashad Al Hinai, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs, while welcoming the athletes and the dignitaries, said: “We are delighted to gather here today and celebrate the achievements of our sport-

spersons during the last year.

“This annual event, under Sports Activities Fund, honours the athletes for hoisting the national flag at international events with their excellent performances.

“This year we are felicitating more than five hundred athletes.

And that shows that all these athletes with their hard work and dedication have succeeded in winning laurels for the country. This ceremony and awards are aimed at encouraging them to continue with their good work and achieve further success in the future,” he added.

Starting with the Asian championship-winning Oman beach soccer team to the history making national cricket squad, that qualified for the ICC World T20 Championship, and to the national paralympic teams who won medals of different colours at the regional level, this year’s list of awardees was lengthy one to the delight of the officials as well as the sports fans.

The ceremony also saw the min-

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istry honouring the government and private sector companies for their support to the sports during the year. As expected Omantel took the top award, the glittering gold trophy, while Oman Oil Company won the silver and the national carrier Oman Air took the bronze trophy. Among other companies who were honoured included Occidental Oman, Sabco, Badr Al Samaa, Bank Muscat and Ooredoo.

List of awardees: Beach soccer team: Title winners at Asian championship held in Qatar in March and GCC championship in Qatar in April.

U-19 football team: Winners of GCC U-19 championship in Qatar in September.

U-16 football team: Winners of GCC U-16 championship in Qatar in August.

U-23 football team: Third place at GCC U-23 championship in Bahrain in March.

Seeb Club: 2nd place at GCC Club Championships in May in Muscat.

Beach volleyball team: 2nd place at GCC championship in Qatar in April.

Beach volleyball team: 3rd place at Arab championship in Jordan.

Volleyball team: 3rd place at Dammam GCC Games in October.

Handball team: 2nd place at GCC championship in Qatar in April.

Handball team: 3rd place at Dammam GCC Games.

Handball team: 2nd place at Asian championship in Muscat in May. Athletics team: 4 silver medals at Arab championships in Bahain in April.

Athletics team: 3 gold, 2 silver at Dammam GCC Games.

Athletics team: 3 silver, 2 bronze at GCC championships in Saudi Arabia.

Athletics team: 1 silver and 1 bronze at Arab junior athletics championships in Tunisia.

Swimming team: 5 gold, 2 silver at GCC Beach Games in Qatar.

Swimming team: 1 gold, 1 silver, 5 bronze at GCC junior championships

in UAE in February.

Swimming team: 3 gold, 3 silver, 15 bronze at GCC Aquatic Games in Qatar in September.

Swimming team: 4 gold, 3 silver, 8 bronze at Dammam GCC Games.

Tent pegging team: 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze (Asian) and 1 gold, 2 silver (international) at championships in India in March.

Equestrian (endurance): 1 bronze at Dammam GCC Games.

Tennis team: 1 bronze at GCC U-14 championships in Saudi Arabia.

Tennis team: 1 bronze at GCC championships in Qatar in November.

Camel racing team: 2 silver, 1 bronze at Dammam GCC Games.

Camel racing team: 3 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze at GCC championships in Oman in November.

Shooting team: 1 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze at GCC championships in Kuwait in October.

Women’s volleyball: 2nd place at GCC Women’s Games in Oman in November.

Shooting team: 1 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze at Oman GCC Women’s Games.

Equestrian (Endurance): 1 silver at GCC Women’s Games.

Athletics team: 6 gold, 2 silver, 7 bronze at

GCC Women’s Games.

Tennis team: 4 gold, 2 bronze at GCC Women’s Games.

Taekwondo team: 1 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze at GCC Women’s Games.

Bowling team: 1 bronze at GCC Women’s Games.

Paralympic athletes: 3rd place at GCC Women’s Games.

Powerlifting team: 6 gold, 5 silver, 12 bronze at Asian championship in Hong Kong.

Powerlifting team: 5 gold, 11 silver, 8 bronze at GCC championships in Qatar.

Weightlifting team: 4 silver at Dammam GCC Games.

Body-building team: 1 gold, 2 silver at Asian championships in Japan.

Sailing team: 2 gold, 3 silver at GCC Optimist championship in UAE in April.

Sailing team: 3 gold, 1 silver at GCC championship in Qatar in April.

Bowling team: 1 gold, 1 bronze at GCC U-19 championship.

Golf team: 2 bronze at GCC U-18 championships in Kuwait, 3 gold at GCC U-15 championship in UAE. Cycling team: 1 gold, 2 bronze at GCC championship in Bahrain.

Karate team: 4 bronze at West Asia championship in UAE in September.

Sepak takraw team: 3rd place at Thailand international championships.

Cricket team: 1st at the ACC T20 championship in UAE and for clinching the ICC World T20 berth at World T20 Qualifier in Scotland and Ireland.

Paralympic team: 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze at GCC championships in Qatar.

CRICKET

Oman to open qualifying campaign against Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2016 Sports Reporter

ALL SET: Oman’s Al Faisal Al Zubair.

Oman’s Al Zubair to take part in BRDC Formula 4 MUSCAT: Omani racer Al Faisal Al Zubair will be taking part in the BRDC Formula 4 in the 2016 season. According to news posted on www.formula4.com, Al Zubair will return to the BRDC Formula 4 Championship in 2016, it has been confirmed today (February 1), driving for Fortec Motorsports.

“The 17-year-old competed for Hillspeed in his maiden BRDC F4 campaign before switching to Fortec for the 2015 Autumn Trophy, finishing fourth overall with one podium,” the website said.

Al Zubair stepped up to BRDC Formula in 2015 and enjoyed a successful rookie season, regularly breaking into the top-10 and improved throughout the year, claiming his maiden podium on the series second visit to Snetterton. He finished 16th overall, despite missing two of the eight rounds across the season.

Prior to competing in BRDC Formula 4, Al Zubair raced in karts with highlights including winning the 2013-14 Oman Senior Rotax Max Challenge Crown, and being part of the title-winning Oman Endurance Karting Championship team. He also gained his first single-seater experience by racing in Formula Gulf 100.

Al Zubair said: “Last year was a learning year for me with it being my first season in single-seaters, but we got stronger towards the end of the year and managed to claim one podium finish at Snetterton. The BRDC Formula 4 championship is really good for a young driver and we know Fortec Motorsports is a leader in most of the series they race in, so hopefully with a strong team like them we can push for good results and possibly the title.”

Russell Dixon, Team Manager of Fortec Motorsports BRDC Formula 4 operation, added: “We are delighted to welcome back Al Faisal into the team for the 2016 Championship after completing the Autumn Trophy with us.

Other commitments will limit his pre-season testing but I’m sure he will make rapid progress throughout the season.”

The 2016 BRDC Formula 4 Championship, which gets underway at Snetterton on March 27 and 28, consists of 24 races across eight meetings at historic tracks such as Brands Hatch and Silverstone. For the first time in series history, there will be one round held outside of the UK as BRDC Formula 4 visits the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in July.

MUSCAT: Oman cricket team will be launching their Asia Cup qualifying campaign with a match against Hong Kong in Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka on February19.

According to information posted on International Cricket Council (ICC) website, Oman will play their second match against Afghanistan on February 21.

Duleep Mendis-coached Oman team will then play arch-rivals UAE on February 22.

The four teams will be vying for the lone qualifying berth in the Asia Cup, which runs till March 6.

The 13th edition of Asia Cup is the fifth tournament to be organised in Bangladesh and for the first time it will be played in T20 format.

The qualifying team will join hosts Bangladesh, defending champions Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India in the main tournament, all matches of which will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The Asia Cup in the new format is also expected to serve as a preparatory platform for the teams participating in the ICC World T20 in March in India.

GEARING UP: Oman will be vying with Afghanistan, UAE and Hong Kong for the lone qualifying berth

at the Asia Cup, which will be organised in Bangladesh till March 6. – Times of Oman

Asia Cup Schedule Qualifying round: February 19: Afghanistan v UAE, Fatullah; Hong Kong v Oman, Fatullah.

February 20: Afghanistan v Oman, Fatullah.

February 21: Hong Kong v UAE, Fatullah.

February 22: Afghanistan v Hong Kong, Fatullah; United Arab Emir-

ates v Oman, Fatullah.

Main Draw: February 24: India v Bangladesh, Mirpur.

February 25: Sri Lanka v Qualifier, Mirpur.

February 26: Bangladesh v Qualifier, Mirpur.

February 27: India v Pakistan, Mirpur.

February 28: Bangladesh v Sri

Lanka, Mirpur.

February 29: Pakistan v Qualifier, Mirpur.

March 1: India v Sri Lanka, Mirpur.

March 2: Bangladesh v Pakistan, Mirpur.

March 3: India v Qualifier, Mirpur.

March 4: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Mirpur.

March 6: Final, Mirpur.

GOLF

OHI Golf Open tournament from February 12 MUSCAT: The OHI Group of Companies will organise the 3rd OHI Golf Open tournament at two different and challenging venues on February 12 and 13.

According to the organisers, the first day of the 36 hole strokeplay event will be played at the Ras Al Hamra Golf Club and the second at the Ghala Golf Club ‘providing an exciting and challenging opportunity for golfers’.

The OHI Revolving Trophy will

be awarded to the player scoring the lowest aggregate gross score over both days.

“The OHI Group has been organising the annual event with eager participation expected from corporates, business leaders and individuals alike. The tournament offers an ideal platforms for networking and for them to put their skills to the test. Committed to promoting junior golf, the tournament also has prizes for

junior winners. With great golfing in store, fantastic prizes for each day’s play and an exciting two day event, the OHI Golf Open is all set to tee off,” the organisers said.

Eihab Al Saleh, Chief Executive Officer of OHI Group of Companies, said: “The past editions of the tournament were a huge success. This year we have planned a bigger, more prestigious event for golfing enthusiasts and we look forward to an even greater partici-

pation from players. The OHI Golf Open is a seamless extension of our credo ‘Power of Partnerships’, which is taking the belief beyond the boardroom.”

The prize presentation ceremony and dinner will be hosted at the Ghala Golf Club on February 13. For more information contact the Ras Al Hamra Golf Club (rasalhamragolf@outlook.com) and Ghala Golf Club (events@ ghalagolf.com).

C2

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

SPORTS

Unorthodox Bumrah gives Dhoni option at the death Bumrah’s death bowling in his ODI debut, when he took 2-40 in his 10 overs, impressed many and barely six weeks before India begin their T20 World Cup campaign, Dhoni was satisfied with the look of his bowling unit IMPRESSIVE: Jasprit Bumrah has impressed all with his unorthodox style of bowling. – AFP

NEW DELHI: By capitalising on his chance selection in Australia, India paceman Jasprit Bumrah has afforded his captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni a rare pleasant feeling — of having a settled bowling unit at his disposal.

India’s bowling frailties were laid bare in the one-day series in Australia where their inability to

defend scores around 300 in the first three ODIs cost them the fivematch series.

A consolation win in the final one-dayer in Sydney and the 3-0 clean sweep of the subsequent 20-over series have, however, convinced Dhoni that he now has an attack that can help him land a sec-

ond Twenty20 World Cup when the tournament gets underway in India next month.

And much of his optimism stems from the emergence of a 22-year-old Gujarat fast bowler with an awkward action, who would not have made the squad in the first place but for injuries to

pacemen Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

“The find (of the tour) for me was Bumrah. The way he has bowled in the last three games was really good,” said Dhoni, particularly impressed by the right-arm bowler’s ability to bowl yorkers.

“I’ve always said that to be successful in the shorter format you have to execute the yorkers.

“Whether you choose to bowl it or not that’s up to you, but if you don’t have that option, then definitely at some point of time, you will be under pressure.”

Bumrah credits Mumbai Indians team mate and Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga — also known for an unorthodox bowling action — for helping him master the art and practises yorkers placing a shoe on the pitch.

His death bowling in his Sydney ODI debut, when he took 2-40 in his 10 overs, impressed many and barely six weeks before India begin their Twenty20 World Cup campaign, Dhoni was satisfied with the look of his bowling unit.

“I don’t have to worry about the bowling line-up. There might be one or two changes here or there: we might pick another spinner or maybe get a medium-fast bowler of a quick, but overall it has been a good set-up.” - Reuters

CRICKET

Kiwis prime triple-spin threat for World T20 WELLINGTON: New Zealand will be hoping to stifle their opponents by taking pace off the ball with the inclusion of three frontline spinners in their 15-man squad for next month’s World Twenty20 in India.

Off-spinner Nathan McCullum, left-armer Mitchell Santner and leggie Ish Sodhi all found a place in the Kane Williamson-led side for the March 8-April 3 tournament, and the trio can expect to see plenty of action on the host nation’s slow pitches.

“With the Indian conditions in mind, the plan has always been to take three frontline spinners, and all three bring something different,” coach Mike Hesson said in a New Zealand Cricket statement on Monday.

“It’s great to have Nathan avail-

able again and his experience in the foreign conditions will be invaluable.

“Both he and Mitch Santner have the ability to bowl in the first six overs, which gives Kane a number of options to work with.”

McCullum has not played for New Zealand since August but is also handy with the bat, as is Santner, who impressed during the recent limited-overs series at home against Pakistan.

Left-handed batsman Henry Nicholls, yet to play a T20 for New Zealand, was also rewarded with a spot for his match-winning 82 against Pakistan in the first ODI. “Henry has shown his talent and versatility with the bat this summer and has also been used as a wicketkeeper for New Zealand A,” Hesson added.

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Nathan McCullum is back.

Pacemen Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan, and batsman Ross Taylor were also included in the squad despite carrying injuries with all three expected to be fit for the tournament, NZC added in the statement.

New Zealand, who will be aim-

ing to win a first limited-overs World Cup, have been drawn with Australia, India, Pakistan and a yet-to-be-confirmed qualifier in Group 2 of the Super 10 round of the tournament.

“On top of our four genuine pace bowlers and Corey (Anderson) as all-rounder, Colin (Munro) and Grant (Elliott) are also options with the ball for us with their change of pace,” Hesson said.

New Zealand open their campaign against the hosts in Nagpur on March 15.

Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Nathan McCullum, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi. - Reuters

C O M M E N TA RY

Yuvraj was the hero, but he didn’t know the truth

S

porting heroes seldom fail to grab the moment to glorify them. They rarely waste an opportunity to thrust them into focus and run away with more than their share of the spoils. On the contrary, what we witnessed at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday was a hero walking about in doubt and confusion, oblivious of the fact that he was actually the man of the moment.

That reluctant, doubtful hero was Yuvraj Singh. When Suresh Raina hit the winning runs and jumped wildly into the air pumping his fist, Yuvraj joined the frolics calmly, hoisting Raina on to his shoulder.

Curiously, Raina was seen patting his winning stand partner, and it looked more like consoling than celebrating.

Even when Virat Kohli, Ravichadran Ashwin and Hardik Pandya ran onto the field to beat the Indian drum, and as they hugged the heroes and walked merrily off to the dugout shaking hands with the Australian players, Yuvraj looked lonely and lost. Part of it all, yet a bit outside of it all.

Maybe, it was due to the Mirpur-2014-like struggle he went through in the first part of his 12-ball existence at the crease. Yuvraj scored five runs off the first nine balls he had faced, which was disappointing, and 10 from the next three balls, which didn’t seem to sink in him, and it’s here he needs to look at things the way Kohli does.

The equation at the end of the Australian tour for Kohli is 4-all, not 1-4 in the ODI series and 3-0 in the T20s, and that’s the truth, obviously put and taken in a different, positive, self-motivating way.

Such smart, Kohli-like way of looking at things helps, especially for Yuvaraj at this point of his confused existence.

Yuvraj needs to look at the day from the moment of truth as it unveiled in the last over when he was on strike and India needed 17 runs off six balls. The flick to fine leg that brought the target down to 13 off five balls and the rocking six that sailed over deep midwicket were the gamechangers. Yuvraj needs to

believe in the moments he had scripted—the four and the six off the first two balls of the final over that made the 17-run chase possible—than those he missed to grab or create.

The best thing that happened in the course of a weekfrom the fifth ODI match at Sydney to the last T20 game at the same ground—was not Raina or Yuvraj getting back in form. Nor was it about the happy hunting done hand in hand by Jasprit Bumrah and Ashish Nehra in the death overs, nor Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja squeezing life out of the rivals on unfamiliar, unhelpful territory. It was, and about, spotting the smile back on MS Dhoni’s lips.

Until a week ago, the Indian skipper had been a man worried about all things under the Indian sun. He was bothered about the inconsistent top order. The unreliable lower order forced him to bat with ridiculous caution.

The below-par bowling unit looked incapable of defending 300-plus targets. Then, and all of a sudden, to hear Dhoni say “I don’t have to worry about the bowling lineup” at the presentation ceremony at SCG sounded as unreal as the performance of the Indian team in the last four games— you need to pinch yourself to make sure it’s no dream.

Now that Dhoni is happy with the top order and delighted with the bowling unit, does that mean all is hale, and going to be hearty, with the Indian team? Unlikely.

Problems are likely to crop up as the guys who sat out with injuries find themselves fit again. Saying no to Bhuvaneshwar Kumar may not be difficult or unjustified, but doing that to Ajinkya Rahane requires ruthless dispassion.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

WORLD T20

Finch avoids surgery on injured hamstring SYDNEY: Australia’s Aaron Finch will not require surgery on his injured hamstring, the country’s cricket board said on Monday, raising hopes that the captain will be fit for next month’s World T20 in India.

The opening batsman, who leads Australia in the shortest format of the game, injured his left hamstring while trying to complete a quick single in the second T20 match against India in Melbourne on Friday.

The 29-year-old has a history of hamstring problems and required surgery after a sustaining a tear while playing for Mumbai in last year’s Indian Premier League T20 competition.

“Aaron had scans on his injured left hamstring that confirmed a moderate grade hamstring injury,” Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement. - Reuters

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

C3

SPORTS ICC RANKINGS

Virat Kohli tops ICC Twenty20 rankings DUBAI: Star batsman Virat Kohli on Tuesday claimed the top spot in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) latest T20 batting rankings after his stupendous form helped India thrash Australia 3-0 in a three-match series.

Kohli hit scores of 90 not out, 59 not out and 50 in the series to gain 47 ratings points and move ahead of Australia’s Aaron Finch.

Finch gained 14 points himself thanks to scores of 44 and 74 in Adelaide and Melbourne, but his hamstring injury in game two ruled him out of the final match of

the series at the SCG on Sunday.

Kohli now has 892 points while Finch has 868. England’s Alex Hales is third with 795 points.

India’s Suresh Raina moved up three places to 13th, while opener Rohit Sharma also moved up four places to 16th, after their impressive form in the series. Yuvraj Singh claimed the 20th position.

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who scored an unbeaten 124 in the third T20 against India, moved up five places to 12th.

West Indies spinner Sunil Narine, who is currently banned by

the ICC due to an illegal bowling action, retained top spot in the bowling rankings with 773 points, ahead of fellow Windies slow bowler Samuel Badree (751).

India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was third with 692 points. Left-armer spinner Ravindra Jadeja was 18th.

Advice from Sachin Meanwhile, Kohli believes Sachin Tendulkar’s advice to him during the early stage of his cricketing career helped him immensely to develop as a player. The 27-year-old

on Monday claimed the top spot in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) latest Twenty20 batting rankings after his stupendous form helped India thrash Australia 3-0 in a three-match series.

“I started playing because of him (Tendulkar). I was inspired to do things he did for the country.

I always visualise myself in those situations. I was lucky enough to be in the same dressing room when I started my career. He really helped me with the little things that I could improve,” Kohli was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia’s website.

Nibali, Porte, Dumoulin to take part in Tour of Oman

“If he saw something he would come up to me himself and tell the areas I need to work on, which is quite rare. People of his stature won’t always do that. It always gave me confidence and I got chance to bat with him and have big partnerships. That was the most special thing I could have asked for,” the swashbuckling batsman said.

Speaking about the series, Kohli said, “It has been a hectic and busy tour for us, but I love coming to Australia and performing here.

People are amazing here and I love to deliver in front of them.” — IANS

FEELING PROUD: Virat Kohli holds up the winners trophy after defeating Australia. – AP/PTI

TENNIS

The 2016 Tour of Oman is scheduled to be organised from February 16 to 21 ALL SMILES: Sania Mirza poses with her Australian Open women’s doubles trophy in Hyderabad on Monday. – PTI

MUSCAT: Vincenzo Nibali, Richie Porte, Tom Dumoulin and Romain Bardet have been confirmed as the marquee names at this year’s Tour of Oman, according to news posted on cyclingnews.com website.

The 2016 Tour of Oman is scheduled to be organised from February 16 to 21.

Nibali began his 2016 season at the Tour de San Luis last week, where he placed 14th overall, and the Astana man will continue his build-up to the Giro d’Italia by competing at the Tour of Oman for the fifth successive season.

His best outing came on his debut in 2012, when he claimed a stage victory atop Green Mountain and took second overall behind Peter Velits.

Porte will surely line out as one of the favourites for overall victory in Oman after he claimed victory atop Willunga Hill for the third successive season at the Tour Down Under at the weekend. The Australian is in his first campaign at BMC, and is likely to have Classics leader Greg Van Avermaet in the team with him in Oman.

For Dumoulin, the Tour of Oman is scheduled to be his first race of the new season, though it remains to be seen who will accompany him in the Giant-Alpecin team after six of the squad’s riders were injured a training crash at the weekend. The 2016 Olympic Games time trial

Sania determined to extend winning streak PICTURE FROM THE PAST: A view of the participants riding in Muttrah Corniche during last stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race in 2015. - Times of Oman

in Rio and the Giro d’Italia will be the focal points of Dumoulin’s season, but the Dutchman is targeting success in week-long stages races along the way.

Bardet will start France’s traditional season-opener, the Grand Prix de la Marseillaise, on Sunday, but his build-up to the Ardennes Classics and Tour de France will begin in earnest in Oman, where he will likely be flanked by Domen-

CRICKET

World T20 waste of time: Harris MELBOURNE: Former Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris has lamented the compressed international schedule and labelled the World Twenty20, scheduled to start in India next month, a waste of time.

Australia have played eight Twenty20 Internationals since the last World T20 in Bangladesh two years ago, including a run of just one game between November 2014 and January this year.

The side was also whitewashed 0-3 by visitors India on Sunday in the three-match series. Harris, who retired before the Ashes last year, believes the scarcity of matches makes it difficult to build a meaningful campaign for World T20.

“Personally, I think it’s a waste of time having a World T20. Last year we played one T20, this year I think we play six. To take it seriously, you need to play a lot more than that when there’s a World Cup involved,” Harris was quoted as saying by Melbourne radio station SEN on Monday.

The reigning World Champions in the 50-over format, after playing the T20I against India on Sunday, will play their first One-Day International (ODI) against hosts New Zealand on Wednesday.

Harris said the tight international schedule — with three days gap between two games — has hindered the team’s preparation for the T20 showpiece. “Scheduling

Harris said the tight international schedule — with three days gap between two games — has hindered the Australia’s preparation for the T20 showpiece

there doesn’t exactly let you have your best team out on the park.

You’ve got your one-day team, who’s probably half of your T20 side, having to get over to New Zealand and acclimatise. I know when we get our best side on the park — that wasn’t far away from it yesterday — I know we’ll perform well,” the 36-year-old said.

In an effort to combat the quick turnaround between two series, star players Smith and Warner were taken out of the later part of Australia’s T20 squad against India and flown to New Zealand.

Australia had used 19 different players across the recently concluded three-match T20I series, raising questions over the make-up of its best XI for the World T20. - IANS

ico Pozzovivo in the Ag2r-La Mondiale line-up. The race organisers have yet to publish a provisional start list or confirm any riders beyond Nibali, Porte, Dumoulin and Bardet, but other big names slated to participate in Oman include Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), Etixx-QuickStep’s new arrivals Dan Martin and Bob Jungels, and former world champion Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida).

The route of this year’s Tour of Oman will be slightly more demanding than in recent seasons, according to ASO. The traditional summit finish atop Jebel Al Akhdar, this time on stage 4, has been extended, bringing the total length of the ascent to 7.5 kilometres.

Stage 2 to Quriyat will also feature a stiff 2.8-kilometre climb in the finale that could prove an important rendezvous in the fight for final overall victory. The race concludes with an opportunity for the sprinters on Muttrah Corniche.

Last year’s Tour of Oman was characterised by soaring temperatures and sandstorm on stage 5 that saw the riders seek – and eventually obtain – the cancellation of the penultimate stage due to the dangerous conditions. The race was won by Rafael Valls.

HYDERABAD: Having claimed three consecutive Grand Slam titles, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza is determined to extend her winning streak with Swiss veteran Martina Hingis.

The Indo-Swiss combination have won 12 titles so far, including the Wimbledon, the US Open, WTA Tour Finals and the recently concluded Australian Open. It was the first Australian Open women’s doubles title for Sania and her sixth Grand Slam triumph overall, including three mixed doubles crowns.

“It’s an unreal feeling. We haven’t lost a match in a long time but also to win three grand slams in a row...it’s what really dreams are made of and I am really excited. It was a perfect way to start the year. We feel really happy. Three slams in a row - who would have thought! I am taking a couple of days off before going to Fed Cup in Thailand,” Sania told reporters here on Monday.

“I will leave for Delhi and then for Thailand for Fed Cup and then go to St. Petersburg,” she

added. Sania and Martina have also registered the second longest winning streak in recent tennis history. They defeated the Czech duo of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in straight sets in the Australian Open final for their 36th win in a row. Sania asserted that the star duo will strive to maintain their winning run and will try and enjoy it as long as it lasts.

“Nothing is certain. We still have to go out there and give our best and try and play the best that we can. Fortunately we have been able to do this for so many months and the whole year has been incredible. But the last six months especially,” she said.

“So we are going to keep trying to do that. I think we all know, in sports everyone loses and at some point we are going to lose and until we lose we are going to try and enjoy this streak,” the 29-year-old Hyderabadi said.

Sania, who was named for Padma Bhusan recently, said she feels honoured to be conferred with the prestigious award. - IANS

C4

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

SPORTS Muscat CT, Enhance record wins Batting first, Muscat CT put on 219 for nine in 50 overs. In reply, Assarain were bowled out for 171 in 45 overs. In a T20 match

TRIUMPHANT IN NEW COLOURS: Enhance after their victory over Raha CT. – Supplied photos

HEROES: Muscat CT’s Aaqib Ilyas, left, and Mohammed Rohan.

Enhance defeated Raha by 32 runs

MUSCATt: Muscat CT recorded an easy 48-run victory over Assarain in a Muscat Pharmacy and Stores-sponsored Premier Division cricket match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground I during the morning session on Saturday.

Batting first, Muscat put on 219 for nine in 50 overs. Aaqib Illyas and Adnan Ilyas scored 54 and 45 runs respectively. Sindo Mical claimed two wickets each for Assarain. In reply, Assarain were bowled out for 171 in 45 overs. Mohammed Rohan claimed three wickets for Muscat.

Brief scores: Muscat CT 219 for 9 in 50 overs (Aaqib Ilyas 54; Sindo Mical 4/28) bt Assarain 171 in 45 overs (Mohammed Rohan 3/43). Points: Muscat CT - 3, Assarain – 0.

Raha lose In another

Premier

Division

EQUESTRIAN

match, Enhance defeated Raha by 32 runs at the Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground I during the evening session on Saturday.

Batting first, Enhance put on 150 for seven 7 in 20 overs. Noorul Riaz top scored with 37.

Syed Tariq claimed two wickets for Raha. In reply, Raha were restricted to 110 for nine in 20.

Akmal Shazad top scored with 41 runs. Ananyo Sen and Vishnu PM claimed four and three wickets respectively for Enhance.

Brief scores: Enhance 150 for 7 in 20 overs (Noorul Riaz 37; Syed Tariq 2/23) bt Raha CT 110 for 9 in 20 overs (Akmal Shazad 41; Ananyo Sen 4/10). Points: Enhance 3, Raha CT – 0.

Sinha beat OCT Muscat A In a Muscat Pharmacy and Storessponsored Premier Division match, Sinha defeated OCT Muscat A by 29 runs at the Ministry of Sports Affairs Ground during the evening session on Sunday.

Batting first, Sinha CT put on 137 for seven in 20 overs. Dhammika Premadasa top scored with 59.

Wasim Ismail claimed three wickets for OCT Muscat A. In reply, OCT Muscat A were bowled out for 108 in 19.5 overs. Shoaib Ismail top scored with 58. Praneeh Kumara claimed three wickets for Sinha.

Brief scores: Sinha 137 for 7 in 20 overs (Dhammika Premadasa 59; Wasim Ismail 3/35) bt OCT Muscat A 108 in 19.5 overs (Praneeh Kumara 3/35). Points: Assarain - 3, OCT Muscat A – 0.

ISG humble MCCC B In an Under-13 Division match, Indian School Al Ghubra (ISG) defeated Muscat Cricket Coaching Centre B (MCCC B) by 175 runs at the Municipality Ground III on Saturday.

Batting first, ISG scored 272 without losing a wicket in 20 overs with Piyush Udhao and Sanin Fahad scoring 131 not out and 120 not out respectively. In reply, MCCC B

scored 97 for three in 18 overs. Nakul Mahesh claimed two wickets for ISG. Brief scores: ISG 272 for no loss in 20 overs (Piyush Udhao 131 n.o., Sanin Fahad 120 n.o) bt MCCC B 97/3 in 18 overs (Nakul Mahesh 2/11). Points: ISG – 3, MCCC B - 0.

GCC down BOC In another Under-13 Division match, Gulf Cricket Centre (GCC) defeated Bosher Olympic Centre (BOC) by 68 runs at the Municipality Ground I during the morning session on Saturday.

Batting first, GCC scored 222 for five in 20 overs. Siddharth Pradeep and Shounal Kelkar scored 56 not out and 43 respectively. In reply, BOC scored 154 for one in 20 overs. Yash Verma and Gokul Lal top scored 62 not out and 51 not out respectively.

Brief scores: GCC 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Siddharth 56 n.o., Shounak 43) bt BOC 154 for 1 in 20 overs (Yash 62 n.o., Gokul 51 n.o).

Points: GCC – 3, BOC – 0.

GOOD WIN: Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir team pose for a group photo after their victory over Indian School Al Seeb

ISWK defeat ISAS In another Under-13 Division match, Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) recorded a fourwicket victory over Indian School Al Seeb. Batting first, ISAS scored 119 for seven in 20 overs. Safwan top scored with 24. Yash Mehta claimed three wickets for ISWK.

In reply, ISWK scored 120 for six in 17.5 overs. Jeel Tanna top scored with 32 for ISWK. Mohammed Sameer claimed 3 wickets for ISAS. Brief scores: ISAS 119 for 7 in 20 overs (Safwan 24; Yash Mehta 3/7) lost to ISWK 120 for 6 in 17.5 overs (Jeel Tanna 32; Mohammed Sameer 3/34). Points: ISWK – 2, ISAS – 0.

SWIMMING

Oman women riders to take part Oman swimmers leave for Qatar in GCC endurance championship MUSCAT: A nine-member women’s team will be representing Oman at the GCC Endurance Championship to be organised in Qatar. The championship, organised by the GCC Organising Committee for Equestrian Sports, will take place on Thursday.

The Sultanate’s team comprises of Tamadhur Al Balushi, Shams Al Mudhafar, Fhuha Al Mudhafar, Aida Al Saleemi, Ghanima Al Shekaili, Turkia Al Balushi, Mazyoona Al Ghabshi, Salsabil Al Mudhafar and Suad Al Faraji. Manager Hamoud Al Riyami, coach Jamal Al Balushi. assistant coach Said Al Balushi.

MUSCAT: A five-member Oman swimming team will leave for Qatar on Tuesday to take part in the 13th GCC Short-course Swimming Championships, to be organised at Sheikh Hamad Complex for Aquatic Sports in Doha from February 3 to 6.

The swimmers who will be representing Oman at the GCC meet are Abdulrahman Al Kulabi (over 17 years category), Isa Al Adawi (15-17 years), Shiha Al Faiz (1314 years) and, Mohannad Awlad Thani and Abdullah Al Hinai (1112 years).

The Sultanate’s young swimmers are accompanied by coach Kamal Al Khamri and manager Ahmed Al Saidi.

PRASANTH AND ASHOKAN TRIUMPH AT ISC SALALAH BADMINTON TOURNAMENT Prasanth and Ashokan emerged winners of the Al Dhaman Group-sponsored doubles badminton tournament organised by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Salalah at the club’s Sultan Qabooos Multipurpose Hall recently. Prasanth and Ashokan took the top honours after defeating Manu Samuel and Trajimon 21-16, 21-12. A total of 22 teams took part in the fortnight-long tournament. Jibin Joseph, Managing Director of Al Dhaman Group of Companies, handed over the prizes in the presence of ISC Salalah chairman Manpreet Singh and other officials. — Supplied photo

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

TUESDAY, FEBRUA RY 2, 2016

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Taste Of

PHILIPPINES ST O RY S WAT I DA S G U P TA

I

had never tasted Filipino food before coming to Muscat and to be outrightly honest had not even thought of tasting it.

Having not heard much about this unsung cuisine, it somehow remained inconspicuous in my food ‘wish list’ for long till my colleague from Philippines introduced me to their food and their food preferences.

“Our cuisine incorporates all the flavours — salty, sour, spicy and even bitter, and is also the melting pot of many culinary influences like Chinese, Mexican, Spanish, American, Malay and Indian cuisine,” said my colleague while introducing me to their food. From him I learnt how they balance their gastronomy, ranging from simple meals to the exotic ones. Like in most other countries, in Philippines too they have three main meals in a day, breakfast which is known as Almusal, lunch or Tanghalian, and dinner called Hapunan.

“Snacking is also a significant part of our menu which is mostly taken in between meals,” he added while introducing me to their favourite Meriendas or snacks.

Since I had not yet tasted their cuisine I had not much to say, but one thing that really intrigued me during those lengthy discussions with my colleague were the names of their food and the meals. I, at times, would imagine walking into a restaurant and asking, ‘what’s for Tanghalian, instead of what’s for lunch?’

Having mastered the names of the meals in a jiffy, it was comparatively easy for me to break into conversation with my Filipino colleague and the topic most of the time oscillated between their food choices and why it is still not a ‘much talked about’ cuisine in the global food map.

“Filipino cuisine will surely become diners’ delight in the days to come because our food,which was earlier known as ‘no-frills’ cuisine, is now being prepared and served in more refined way,” he would often say, thus opening up an ocean of information on Filipino cuisine.

With that I was also invited to visit his home for an authentic bite. I understood that food preferences are different in different region in Philippines. While in some provinces rice is the staple

FILIPINO CHICKEN ADOBO Ingredients • 4 to 5 pounds chicken thighs • 1/2 cup white vinegar • 1/2 cup soy sauce • 4 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns • 3 bay leaves Preparation • Combine the chicken thighs, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves in a large pot. Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours.

• Bring the chicken to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat, cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and simmer until the sauce is reduced and thickened and the chicken is tender, for about 20 more minutes.

Serve with steamed rice.

—foodnetwork.com

in all the meals, in other areas they preferred cassava, a nutrient-rich root vegetable.

Filled with curiosity about how the food would actually taste, my Filipino food journey began with a dish called Sinigang, a tamarind based stew with a tangy flavour. In this dish shrimp or fish is slightly boiled in sour stock of vegetables and fish sauce or patis, as it is called in Philippines.

Sinigang was followed by Adobo chicken. Adobo in general refers to a common cooking process in Philippines and has a little history to it. It is said that when Philippines was attacked in the late 16th century an indigenous cooking process was invented that involved stewing with vinegar and was called Adobo. Over time, dishes prepared in this manner came to be known by this name and now it has earned a global recognition.

While the common ingredients in their cuisine are chillies, garlic, onion, mushrooms, ginger, tomatoes, pandan leaves or screw pine, and lemon grass, the most important ingredient that is used in almost all dishes is coconut milk. Apart from

their main traditional dish we also had Pancit or noodles, Inasal or skewered, grilled chicken where the chicken chunks are marinated in lime, peppers, and vinegar, and then coal-roasted.

The spread also had Kare Kare, an oxtail stew with a strong peanut flavour, which I gave a miss.

It was indeed a sumptuous spread and the food memories linger even years later. But if you aren’t as lucky as me to have a generous colleague from that region, then don’t lose heart.

The two well-known Filipino restaurants in town, Adobo and Palayok, offer a widespread of choices. So next time you yearn for a taste of Philippines you know where to go.

So, Masiyahan Kayo Sa Inyong Pagkain; in short enjoy your meal.

—swati@timesofoman.com

When in Muscat zPalayok, Al Khuwair; +968 2202 4468 zAdobo, City Centre Muscat, Mawaleh; +968 9140 5006/ +968 9550 7124

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

C6

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL @PANORAMA

@AZAIBA

9.55, 11.35PM Airlift - (Hindi)( Drama ) ( 12+ ) CP# Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, 7.40PM Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) (Horror) (15+) CP # Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan 7.40PM Standoff (Action | Thriller) ( 12+) CP# Cast : Laurence Fishburne, Thomas Jane 10.05, 4.30, 6.10, 11.40PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (Animation) ( PG) CP# Voice over : Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

4.30, 6.00PM

@SOHAR

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Alvin & the Chipmunks:The Road Chip (2D) (Animation ) (PG) Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

2:30, 4:30, 6:30 PM American Hero (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 2:45, 8:15, 11:45 PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 11:30 PM Standoff (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne.

5:00, 10:00, 11:30 PM Concussion (2D) (Biography) (12+) Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 6:30, 8:45 PM Sisters (2D) (Comedy) (18+) Cast: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 4:45 PM Ocean 14 (Arabic) (2D) (Drama) (15+) Cast: Amr Mostafa Metwally, Nermine Maher.

7:00 PM Airlift (2D) (Drama) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 9:00 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Concussion (Biography | Drama | Sport) 12+ Cast : Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 3:00& 9:15PM Gold Class -8:45PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (Animation) PG Voice over : Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

12:00, 1:45, 3:30 & 7:15PM Gold Class - 5:15PM American Hero (Action | Sci-Fi) 15+ Cast : Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 1:00,9:30 &11:30PM Gold Class - 3:30,7:00 & 8:45PM Brooklyn (Drama) TBC Cast : Saoirse Úna Ronan, Emory Isaac Cohen 5:15PM

Exposed (Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves.

5:00, 9:15 PM VIP LOUNGE 11:00 PM

Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (PG) Animation Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

2:45, 5:00 PM

Ride Along 2 (Action | Comedy) 15+ Cast : Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 7:30 &11:30PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U 5:15PM

Sisters - 2D (18+) Comedy Cast : Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 5:00 PM

Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan.

6:45, 9:15 PM

Airlift (2D)(12+) Cast : Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 2:45, 6:15, 8:45, 11:15 PM The Revenant (Adventure, Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast : Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy 8:45PM

PANORAMA MALL Alvin & the Chipmunks – The Road Chip (MX4D)(PG) Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

3:00, 5:00, 6:45, 8:45, 10:30PM Alvin & the Chipmunks – The Road Chip (2D)(PG) 2:30, 5:15PM Concussion (Biography, Drama)( (2D)(12+) Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 2:30, 7:00, 11:30 PM Concussion (12+)-VIP LOUNGE 6:30 PM Exposed (Drama)(2D)(12+) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves.

5:00, 9:15 PM Exposed (Drama)(2D)(12+)-VIP LOUNGE 11:00 PM American Hero (Action, Comedy)(2D)(15+) Cast : Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 4:30, 7:00, 11:45 PM American Hero (2D)(15+)-VIP LOUNGE 3:30, 9:00PM

RUWI Screen 1 Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 3.30, 9.30 PM Saala Khadoos (Drama / Sports) –12+ Cast: R.Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 6.30 PM Screen 2 Saala Khadoos (Drama / Sports) –12+ Cast: R.Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 4.00, 9.45 PM Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 6.45 PM Screen 3 Wazir (Action / Thriller) – PG12 Cast: Amitabh Bacchan, Farhan Akhtar 3.45, 9.45 PM Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) (Horror | Comedy) – 15+ Cast :Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan 6.45 PM

AZAIBA Saala Khadoos – 2D (12+) Drama/ Sport Cast: R Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:20, 11:30 PM Airlift – 2D (PG12) Drama/ History/ Thriller Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur.

2:45, 4:40, 6:55, 9:10, 11:30 PM Standoff – 2D (12+) Thriller Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne.

3:15, 10:00, 11:45 PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (PG) Animation Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

2:45, 5:00 PM American Hero – 2D (15+) Action| Comedy Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 5:15, 11:45 PM 2 Countries (Malaylam) – 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast: Dilip, Mamta Mohandas, 7:00 PM Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) – 2D (15+) Horror

SUR American Hero ( Action) (15+) CP# Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions.

SOHAR The Fifth Wave - 2D (PG12) Adventure Cast : Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson 4:30, 11:30 PM Airlift - 2D (12+) Drama | History | Thriller Cast : Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 8:45, 11:15 PM 2 Countries- 2D (M) (PG) Comedy Cast : Dilip, Mamta Mohandas 6:45 PM American Hero - 2D (15+) Action | Sci-Fi Cast : Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 3:00, 7:00, 11:45 PM Standoff - 2D (12+) Thriller Cast : Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 2:45, 5:15, 9:45, 11:30 PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 2D (PG) Animation Voice over : Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

3:00, 5:00PM Sisters - 2D (18+) Comedy Cast : Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 5:00 PM Saala Khadoos - 2D (12+) Drama/ Sport Cast : R Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 7:00 PM Concussion - 2D (12+) Biography | Drama Cast : Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 2:45, 9:25 PM Ocean 14 - 2D (Arb) (15+) Drama Cast : Amr Mostafa Metwally, Nermine Maher 6:45 PM Aranmanai 2- 2D (T) (15+) Horror | Comedy Cast : Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan 8:45 PM BURAIMI Standoff – 2D (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 5:00, 7:00, 11:30PM

Exposed– 2D (Drama) (12+) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves 3:45, 7:30PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip – 2D (Animation) (PG) 3:15, 5:45, 8:45PM American Hero – 2D (Action/Sci-Fi) (15+) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 3:15, 7:15, 9:30, 11:30PM Airlift – 2D (Drama, History, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 5:00, 9:00, 11:15PM Aranmanai 2– 2D (Horror/Comedy) (15+) Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan.

8:45PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

24 19

Minimum

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-80%

Daily Daily

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

LISTINGS

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

ARYAN JEETENDRA VAIDYA February 2, 2002

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

2 Countries( Mal) ( Drama/Comedy) Cast : Dileep & Mamta Mohandas 3:00, 6:30 & 10:00 PM Cinema Main Irudhi Suttru ( Tamil) (Sports/Drama) Cast: R.Madhavan, Ritika Singh & Nassar 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30PM Cinema - 2 Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) (Horror/Comedy) Cast: Sidarth, Trisha & Hansika Motwani 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45PM Cinema -3 Airlift ( Hindi) ( Act/Thriller) Cast : Akshay Kumar & Nimrat Kaur 6:45 & 9:45PM Cinema- 4 Soggade Chinninayana ( Telugu) ( Drama/ Comedy) Cast : Nagarjuna & Ramya Krishna 3:45PM Cinema -4 NEXT CHANGE: ADI KAPYARE ( Mal) GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN ( HINDI), BANGALORE NAATKAL (TAMIL) Programmes are subject to change

DEEPAK JAISHANKAR February 2

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

0

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

STAR CINEMA

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Standoff: (Thriller) cast:: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 PM CP No: 138 (12+) Exposed: (Drama) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves 4.00., 10.00. & 11.55 PM CP NO: 139 (12+) Sisters: (Comedy) Cast : Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 2.00. & 6.00 PM. CP NO: 137 (18+) Ocean 14: (Arabic / Comedy) Cast : Omar Mustafa Metwally, Nirmen Maher 2.00. & 6.00 PM CP NO: 140 (15+) Ride Along 2: (Action / Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 8.00 PM CP NO: 112 (15+)

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SALALAH Standoff (2D) (12+) (Thriller) Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 2:00, 7:00, 11:45PM American Hero (2D) (15+) (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 11:15AM,3:45,7:30,11:55PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (15+) (Action | Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 5:30PM Exposed (2D) (12+) (Drama) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves 12:45, 4:50PM Sisters (2D) (18+) (Comedy) Cast: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 11:45AM, 2:40PM Concussion (2D) (12+) (Biography) Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 2:45, 9:15PM Airlift (2D) (12+) (Drama, History, Thriller) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 8:45, 11:15PM 2 Countries (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) Cast: Dileep, Mamta Mohandas 8:40PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2D) (PG) ( Animation | Adventure | Comedy) Voice over:Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

11:00AM,1:00,5:15PM Ocean 14 (2D) (TBC) (Arabic )(Drama) Cast: Amr Mostafa Metwally, Nermine Maher.

6:45PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.25pm 3.36pm 5.59pm 7.11pm 5.30am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE

SOUP IT UP

Nothing feeds the soul quite like a bowl of soup. Hearty in taste and texture, and simmering with flavourful ingredients, soups can be had not just as starters but as a meal in itself.

Recipes Oneza Tabish

Indonesian Meatball Soup

Tom Yum Goong There are many ways to make this soup.

Here’s a quick way to prepare this Thai specialty.

Ingredients • 4 cups chicken stock • 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, sliced in • 2-inch pieces • 4 kaffir lime leaves • 1 inch piece fresh galangal or ginger, sliced • 2 red chillies, sliced • 2 tbsp fish sauce • 1 1/2 tsp sugar • 1 can mushrooms, rinsed and halved • 1 /2 kg large shrimp, peeled with tails on • 2 limes, juiced • 2 green onions, sliced • 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped • 1 tsp salt Preparation • Boil chicken stock over medium heat in a saucepan.

• Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chillies.

• Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to let the spices infuse the broth.

• Uncover and add the fish sauce, sugar, and mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes.

• Toss in the shrimps and cook for about 8 minutes until they turn pink.

• Remove from the heat and add the lime juice, green onions, cilantro, and salt.

Taste for salt and spices.

Tomato Coriander Soup A soothing soup with fresh flavours of tomato and coriander leaves, you can have this one on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Oats Soup with Chicken and Harees A mixture of harees, oats, and chicken, this is not only easy to make but easy on the stomach too.

Ingredients • 1/2 kg chicken with bones • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 small stick of cinnamon • 1.5 litres (6 cups of water) • 3 cups of Quaker oatmeal • 1 tablespoon of salt • 1/4 tsp of black pepper • 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder • 1/4 to 1/2 cup of melted butter Preparation • In a large pot, add chicken, chopped onion, cinnamon stick, and water. Bring to a boil and cook until very tender.

• Remove chicken and debone if you have to. Then place into a food processor and blend. Or you can finely chop the chicken.

• Using a strainer, drain the stock into a large pot.

• Add the shredded chicken, the 3 cups of Quaker oats, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.

Stir using a whisk.

• Add more water if necessary. Bring to a boil and check every 5 to 10 minutes. Stir each time you check on it. Add more boiling water if necessary. Cook for about 40 minutes. Add the melted butter, stir. and then serve.

Broccoli Soup Try this easy broccoli soup alongside grilled sandwiches, buttered toasts, or croutons.

Ingredients • 4 tbsp butter, room temperature • 1 big fresh broccoli, cut in florets • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour • 4 cups vegetable stock • 1/2 cup cream • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Preparation • Melt 4tbsp butter in heavy medium pot over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, onion, carrot, salt, and pepper and sauté until onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, until the flour turns golden. Add stock and bring to boil.

• Simmer uncovered until broccoli is tender, for about 15 minutes. Pour in cream.

In a blender, puree the soup. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and then replace the lid back on the pot. Serve hot.

Ingredients • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 700 g tomatoes, peeled and chopped • 2 shallots, chopped • 1 small leek, finely chopped • 1 bay leaf • 1 tsp crushed garlic • 1/2-1 tsp chilli flakes • 1 tsp crushed black pepper and salt • 1 tbsp tomato paste • 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander • 3 cups vegetable stock • 1 tbsp cornflour • Single light cream (to garnish) Preparation • In a medium pot, heat oil and cook chopped tomatoes, shallots, leek, and bay leaf for a few minutes until transparent.

Do not brown.

• Add garlic, chilli flakes, black pepper, salt to taste, tomato paste and coriander, then add vegetable stock.

• Bring to boil and then simmer for 15-20 minutes.

• Mix cornflour in a little cold water and set aside. Remove from heat and blend to your preferred consistency.

• Return the soup to heat adding cornflour mix and stir over gentle heat about 2- 3 minutes until thickened.

• Pour into bowls and garnish with swirls of cream.

Ingredients • 1 kg minced beef • 7 cloves of garlic (sliced and fried) • 1 tsp fried onion • 1 egg • Salt and pepper • 200 – 300g chicken breast • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 200ml very cold water Preparation • In a food processor, put minced beef, garlic, fried onion, egg, salt and pepper. Blitz until pale pink (it has to be smooth, like a very thick paste). Transfer to a bowl.

• Do the same with chicken breast. Roughly cut the chicken breast, put in a food processor and blitz until nice and smooth.

Put in the bowl with the beef in it.

• Add in flour and water. Mix well.

• Boil water in a pot and add a pinch of salt.

When it’s boiling, reduce the heat, and simmer.

• Make balls of chicken and beef mixture.

• Wait until they float, it means they are ready and cooked. Take them out.

• Don’t throw the water as it contains good flavour from the beef. It can be used for the broth.

For the broth • 1/2 medium size onion, sliced • 6 cloves of garlic (sliced, fried) • 1/2 tsp ginger • Salt and pepper • Just add all ingredients into the beef stock and bring to boil.

• Before you serve the meat balls, put them into the broth so it is warm and nice.

• Serve with pok choy, soya sauce, fried onions, parsley, chilli sauce, and lime.

C8

TUES DAY, FEBRUARY F E BRUA RY 2, 2 , 2016 2 016 TUESDAY,

LIFESTYLE

Jalapeños If you want to lend sizzle to your favourite salsa, marinade, and jellies, add jalapenos to them. Though they aren’t really very hot like chillies but this moderately hot pepper is sure to spice up your meals.

ONE ENT EDI R ING

FIVE

WAYS

Pickled

Roasted

Jellied

Stuffed

Fried

Take apple cider vinegar, jalapeños, garlic, salt, bay leaves, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and sugar. Heat vinegar and water with sugar. Slice jalapeños and fill a jar.

Add the other ingredients and pour hot vinegar. Refrigerate it.

Cut the jalapeno peppers in halves and remove the seeds. Place them on a baking dish with cut side down. Set the oven to broil for 15 minutes. Flip and broil for another 5-10 minute. Add them in any dishes for the chilli flavours.

Remove stems and seeds and blend the peppers. In a large pot boil the blended pepper. Stir in vinegar, salt and sugar and boil for 10 minutes. Add liquid fruit pectin. Pour the jelly in a canning jar and give it a water bath. Let it rest till it is fully set.

Cook shredded chicken sausage in medium heat and in a bowl mix cheese and the sausages. Cut the jalepanos into halves and put 1tbsp of the mixture into each. Place in baking dish and bake, uncovered, at 218 C for 15-20 minutes till brown.

Mix flour, salt, pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, and eggs, in a bowl. In a deep fryer, or large pot heat oil to 180 degrees C. Dip the sliced jalapenos in the batter. Place the coated jalapenos in deep fryer till they are golden brown and crispy.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

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CARGO

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T U E S D AY, F E B R UA RY 2 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

FOR RENT RUWI : Ware House - 630 M2 SPACIOUS -2 B H K FLATS

NEAR AL FALAJ HOTEL: FURNISHED DELUXE 1 B/RM WITH 2 bathrooms, SPLIT A/C, BUILT IN ARDROBRE, PRIVARE TERRACE.

Contact : 24 70 30 60 Flat for rent in CBD area - Ruwi Two rooms and a large hall •Office spaces for rent in Al Hail on the main road On the same building of Al Khamis Shoes at Al Hail •2 bed room flats in Qurum 29 for rent next to ABA New building -split AC - Good location

Contact No: 96177505

Brand New 4-Bedroom Ground Floor House for Rent in Al-Ansab (Bousher) . Easy access to main road. House is constructed with high quality finishing and elegant doors design. 4 Bedrooms with in-situ bathrooms. Marble floor.

Specious kitchen. For rent @ 600 OMR/Month (Negotiable).

Please contact Mr. Ali 92755663.

RESTAURANT AVAILABLE FOR RENT

FLATS FOR RENT

Of area 500 Sq mts with well equipped kitchen and dining facility on Ground Floor at DARVESH Building, Near Royal Hospital.

1 BHK and 2BHK Flats with Split ACs Opp. to MOD Near Lulu Darsait

Contact Person Mr.Mudassir :99314330 Mr.Joao Pereira: 99435952

CONTACT :

93202733

Villa is composed of 5 bedrooms and sitting toilets and 5 living room, kitchen and Seeb (North Al Hail). Contact: 91130875 Flat with 3 bed rooms, sitting room, dining room, store, kitchen, 3 toilets Al Ghubra, opposite Chedi Hotel. Contact: 99321264 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 92144045

Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabir next 5 Al Hassan company, 2 bed room & 3 toilets. Contact: 99210008 2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045

1,2,3 BHK. Contact : 92144045

1,2 BHK Darsait. Contact: 92144045

Shop / office nr Oman house & Khimji H.O Muttrah.

Contact: 99233116

2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715 / 24700120

1BHK Wadi Kabir R.O 200/-.

Contact: 92144045

Al Khuwair 33, 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms. Contact: 97300123

Flat in Hamriya. Contact 99341112

1000sqmtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc.

Contact 24700120 / 92584715 Available in Haima two shops with 500 SQMTR work shop at the back facing main road next to Zawawi Service Centre. Contact : 99087329 / 96228586 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Wadi Adai, Al Khoud, Mabela & shop at Al Khoud & land line Contact: 24834644 GSM 93994401/02/03 3 lines

T U E S DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE

USED VEHICLES FOR SALE 1. Toyota Land Cruiser. Model 2008 in good running condition.

Vehicle regularly serviced by authorized service dealer.

2. Hino 7T Tipper. Model 2010 regularly serviced and in running condition 3. Toyota Yaris. Model 2006 regularly serviced and in running condition Place of inspection: Barka.

Last date of submitting the quotation: 4th February 2016 Interested buyers may please contact on Phone: 26883543, Mobile : 99440306

CONTRACT BUSES REQUIRED FOR TRANSPORTATION OF WORKMEN FOR RENT Villa in Al Khoud for staff accommodation, like nurses or teachers can accommodate 30 to 35 people.

Rent RO.1200/-. Contact - 91178282

One of the leading construction companies in Oman requires 65/30 seater buses on contract basis for transportation of their workmen from camps to various sites located in Muscat region. Those interested may please contact within one week from the date of this advertisement.

Contact Number : 97970935, 94306683

2BHK flat for rent Darsait near ISM. Contact: 95158570 / 99102255 One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610

FOR RENT

Luxury flat for rent

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi, MBD area & Honda road.

Contact: 92589235/ 94579531

in Bareeq Al Shatti building Spacious 2 BHK with sea view, split A/Cs, fixed wardrobes, kitchen appliance.

Near Opera Gallery.

Rent RO.900/- negotiable.

Contact - 94084335 / 96920789

New Deluxe 1, 2 BHK Flats in Darsait near Indian School & Ruwi.

Contact: 993690

FOR RENT FOR RENT

Luxurious villa for rent in Al Athaiba, a new luxurious G+2 floors villa in Al Azaibs. All rooms W/ Splt unit ACs, close to Wave Muscat & shopping centers. Contact: 95965445

CALL:

OFFICES & SHOWROOMS MAIN ROAD PRIME LOCATION: BARKA - OPPOSITE MARS

99332242

CALL: 99332242

OFFICES PRIME LOCATIONS: AT: WALJA - HAMRIYA – SEEB - BARKA

khamisco@alkhamis.com.om

khamisco@alkhamis.com.om

STORE FOR RENT

FOR RENT

500 sqm store with 200 sqft office & 200 sqm covered shed for rent at Mabella Ind No-11 on main road, direct from owner.

CONTACT - 99278002

3 BHK @ Ghobrah -18th November St 2 BHK @Bousher - Bousher Shabia Studio Flat - Alkuwair 33 Shop for Rent 156 SQM Bousher Shabia

GSM: 99 014 885 / 92 871 744

New flats for rent at Darsait near to ministry of sports, Mumtaz area the flats include 1 living room, 2 Bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets every room with split A/C & high Quality finishing, rent per flat is R.O 340/-.

Interested candidates please Contact: 00968- 92225523

Porta cabin for sale in Misfa.

Contact: 99442438 / 96578799

3BHK flat for rent in Ghubra.

Contac: 99328070

Marble factory for sale location Misfah. Contact: 98586828

02 BHK Commercial / Residential (with split AC) flat at Honda road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Apartments & shops for rent in Al Amerat & brand new apartments & shops for rent in Al Amerat.

Contact: 95965445 New flat in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 98185135 1000 sqm industrial land with compound wall & two rooms at Misfah. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Newly build luxury residential villas for rent in Al Khoud.

Contact: 98116480 / 99447002 & 99358724 Single room attach bath with kitchen in Muscat 100/- R.O. Contact: 95094028

2BHK flat at Darsait nearby Indian School RO 290/-. Contact: 94232344

4 BHK with terrace near Raymond Ruwi in market on road.

Contact: 99065900/99354975

Sharing accommodation at Ruwi near family shopping center, please call after 6:00 pm .

Contact: 93394653

Brand new deluxe flats located near Seeb flyover on the right hand side the main road coming from the Seeb palace round about, 2 bedrooms family, hall, kitchen, 3 toilets & split unit.

Contact: 97755586 Villa 2 room, 1 sitting room, 1 lobby, 2 bathrooms at South Mawalleh behind Discount Supermarket.

Contact: 92757673 / 99388138

Al Khuwair 17/2, 4 rooms, 4 bathrooms. Contact: 97300123 Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787 Flat for rent in Al Ansab 1, 2 rooms, living room, kitchen & A/C. Contact: 91256340 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi MBD Honda road.

Contact: 92433127 / 97293708

on 99077960 or 94306216

2 BHK in Bareeq Al Shatti with split AC. Contact: 96708000

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 96571151

Four bedrooms villa in Al Athaiba 300 m away from Shell Petrol Station in an excellent condition.

Contact: 97755586

Capital Area in a well known Mall.

Interested buyers may contact

1&2 BHK flat in Walja.

Contact: 98218279

3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact 95755953 / 95555162

Family flats in Wadi AL Kabir, Hamriya, Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Ghubrah, Bowshar, Al Hail North & Al Seeb.

Contact: 95250300 / 92125648

Contact

96046951 / 99332291

QSR OUTLET FOR SALE

2 BHK in MSQ opposite Al Fair with split AC. Contact: 96708000

Perfect 5 BHK villas in Azaiba RO 800/-. Contact: 94232344

4 BHK villa in AL Khuwair RO 525.

Contact: 94232344

Flats two bed room for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact: 96571151

High quality Warehouses for rent at Mizfa 550 sqm to 3400 sqm.

02 BHK Residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Empty plot at Al Wadi Al Kabir industrial area 550 sqm.

Contact: 95909020 Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454 Bosher Rimal 1, building appt for rent 2BR, Maid room, sitting room, full appliance, kitchen, 4 toilets.

Contact: 99349910 1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 /95570288

FOR SALE

Furniture for sale immediatly.

Contact:99738104

FOR SALE Flats in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact:91214849/ 99364735 Offices in Ghala.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 2 bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car park R.O 220/- & 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking.

Rent RO.250/350 per month.

Contact:99229263; 93221054; 95215289 3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North. Contact - 96420432 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/& 350/-. Contact: 97799175 Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact: 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448

Restaurant items for sale.

Contact: 96772479 /98428507 3BHK flat for rent / sale at Dar Al Maha (Greater Muttrah).

Contact: 99321792

Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688

Running family restaurant for sale / rent in Wadi Kabir with party hall, total capacity around 200 people around 300 sq mtrs.

Contact: 95061994

Supermarket for sale in Amerat (5) for part-time workers does not have required 35/000 retractable negotiate. Contact : 96656972 / 99719973

Excavation contracts worth RO 2 million + Big Volvo Excavators & 2015 Astra 5 tippers for sale.

Contact: 99120532 / 98867530 Restaurant & Coffee Shop for sale in Ghala area. For details contact 99072003

ACC. AVAILABLE Room with kitchen, bath available in Ruwi for a couple or single working lady. Contact: 91450718 / 91429608

Well running Ayurvedic clinic for sale, Ruwi. Contact: 97312231

Accommodation available at Al Hail Keralite family only.

Contact: 96234708

Household items & furniture in excellent condition for sale. Indian expat leaving for good.

Contact Ravi : 93380408

Big room, attached bathroom, inbuilt cuboard, next to Sagar polyclinic Al Khuwair, available from Feb 7. Contact-97311413

Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411

Furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen, separate entrance available for Executive bachelor for R.O 150/- per month all inclusive in a villa OPP star cinema. Contact: 99314807

3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445 Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35). Contact 9505680897201688 Well running restaurant with 100 mess for sale at Misfa.

Contact: 95212017 / 99608600

Hail Independent rooms RO 140/& 160/-. Contact 95529970 A big room available for Muslim couple / small family executive bachelor near Hamriya R/A rent 130/- OMR, including water / Electricity. Contact: 99495131 Furnished room with a/bathroom in Al Khuwair33 for Indian Executive. Call: 95234062

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T U E S D AY, F E B R UA RY 2 , 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Wanted female GP, female Gynecologist, female Staff Nurse, female X- Ray Technician With MOH license for Al Saadi Specialized Medical Centre in Musanna.

Contact -91262604 Email: chillapalli76@gmail.com

Well reputed Marble Company looking for

3 SALESMEN Requires minimum 3 years experience and valid Omani driving license.

Interested candidates please Fax your CV to 24601724 or Email on saab2803@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required Experienced Sales Man for Al-Rawas Marble & Granite.

Located at Al Rusayl Industrial.

Please forward your cv at oure mail :

Senior Management Executive

REQUIRED PROJECT MANAGER

An Omani Road Construction Contracting Company Seeks GM/ Senior Contract Manager.

For an Infra/ Bldg project in Duqm/Oman Graduate Engineer with 20+ years experience preferably in Oman/ GCC with valid D/L and transferable visa, computer literate.

Send CV to Email :

Mail : info@anwaarfahud.com GSM 94293031

omanproject2011@gmail.com

Leading Medical Services Company in Oman is looking for the following staff:1. General Practitioners (Male & Female) 2. Nurses (Male & Female) 3. X Ray Technician

4. Lab Technician 5. Insurance Coordinators 6. Omani Receptionist

Preference given to candidates in Oman with MOH/Oman prometric for medical openings. Interested candidates kindly forward your resume to

athira@babylon-om.com, athirababylon@gmail.com, info@babylon-om.com.

Contact :24613069 for further details.

URGENTLY REQUIRED

mahmood@rmgoman.com

A well reputed British Company in Oman, looking for an experienced

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

preferably for an Indian nationals having minimum 10 years’ experience as a Civil Project Manager for commercial & residential buildings with B-tech/BE. Attractive salary for the right candidate, Arab speaking will be a preference but not necessary.

A leading facilities Management Junior Accountant, B.Com with 3 yrs experience. Communication skill in English. Send your CVs : hr@alyafeigroup.com

“CIVIL PROJECT MANAGER”

Only serious applicants, who hold above criteria in related field, may apply:

We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience. Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

FOR COMPANIES SEEKING OMANI EMPLOYEES

BEAUTY

We have a batch of skilled Omani candidates in Administration, HR, Account & Reception ready to join different companies in a month

Beauty expert required to work in Salon in Al Amerat.

Contact : 93336061

CATERING Chinese / Arab/ Grill, Cooks.

Contact: 95529970

DOMESTIC HELP Urgently required House Boy for an Indian Business Family.

Call for Interview-99471085 Small family looking for part time House maid. Contact: 96725168 Housemaid required for Keralite family. Contact 95405033 Looking for housemaid urgently clearance available good salary yearly ticket. TEL 24446920 / 99238121, mail: ravi.ztc@omzest.com

DRIVER Required a Filipino private/ Family Driver With Omani driving license, Age 27-40.

Contact 94446669 Wanted Driver. Contact 91025698 Required Full Time Light Driver for an Omani Family. Indian or Philippine national are preferred.

Send SMS only to 97711577 Reputed Construction Company require experienced light Vehicle Driver. Contact 95526871

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Wanted: HEAD OF QA/QC & SALES ENGINEERS : Candidates with Minimum 5-7 Years Experience in one of the leading manufacturing company in Sohar Industrial Area, suitable candidates send their CV to the below email : soharcreative@gmail.com Wanted A/C Technician with local experience. Contact : 95779616 Require LAB TECHNICIAN ,The desired candidate must be a graduate/diploma in Civil Engineering with minimum experience of 3 to 5 years as Lab Technician having Experience of testing construction materials on Building/ Road projects. Send your CV to: rakesh@uniqueom.com.

recruitmentmep1@gmail.com

We will also provide training for Omani candidates as per your need like Cashier, Teller, HR, Admin, Sales, Stores, Customer service etc., • The Institute will identify the potential candidates, interview them and select the suitable candidates in consultation with your officials.

• The entire cost of training will be borne by the Government. During training the company will not incur any cost like salaries & training.

• The Institute will train them for a period of 6 to 8 months as per the program.

• From the date training starts with us, you are fulfilling the omanization requirement. The candidate will stay at least for a year without leaving the job.

For any queries contact us: 26862210, 93677745 & 93677795 Fax: 26861710 email: ojt@aifas.net, www.aifas.net

IT

MISCELLANEOUS

Developers needed with experience in .net, C#, EF Code First, WCF, MVC 4/5, WebAPI, SQL and WF 4.5 must. Work from home role for an Australian company.

Send resume to Email: atif.saad@mis.technology

Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700

MANAGER Required Manager who has experience in printing press call 92673716 or send ur CV to ishaq_alsalmi@yahoo.com

SKILLED LABOR MEDICAL Urgently required for a Medical Centre in Muscat & Salalah GP Doctor, Pediatrician (male / female) Gynecology, Nurses (male / female) with or without MOH license, salary negotiable. Send your CV : moc.hrd2015@gmail.com or contact 92681842 Wanted female Ayurvedic therapist with or without MOH. Contact: 97263637 / 93309131 Required X RAY Technician, Lab Technician, General Practitioner, Gynecology, Staff Nurses.

Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits.

Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Wanted urgently lady Doctor GP or DGO for immediate appointment. Contact : 99310590 Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com Wanted B- Pharmacist (female) for a pharmacy in Sohar.

Contact : 99767605

MISCELLANEOUS SALES / MARKETING Salesman for a printing press Whatsapp Only.

Contact: 95955729

Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs. Al Khoudh. Call -91159905 Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com

Immediate Requirements for experienced Tailors (Designer wears, casual clothing). Please call for interview 99471085

SALES / MARKETING Employee marketing company engaged in the design, promotion and advertising is required.

Contact: 96656972 / 99719973 Required Philippine Sales lady for women’s shoes and bags store.

Arabic speaking advantage.

Send CV with current picture.

Email: markato.fashion@gmail.com Urgently Required: Aluminum Doors & Windows Salesman with an experience in aluminum products, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join.

Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Wanted marketing personnel for acquiring Premium customers for MNC. Should have communication/sales skills and must possess Oman DL. Contact 96545020 .

Urgently Required Steel Fabricated Products Salesman with an experience in steel fabrication, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED URGENTLY REQUIRED Qualified & experienced male B.SC holder

CIVIL ENGINEER With 10 -15 years experience for a Muscat based well known construction company.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN

Indian male, 28, Post Graduate, 6 years exp. in Oman in Sales and Credit Control , with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements.

NOC available. Ph: 9206 6523

Indian female, M.Tech electronics 6.5 IELTS experience as VLSI / Electronics project trainer & institute administration currently in family visa. Contact: 90195131 /24551290 Email: chinj.89@gmail.com

Email: alfayafy@outlook.com Fax: 24479675

Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687

PA for Managing Director

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

Commerce or Finance Graduate With 1-3 yrs experience.

Send CV : alyounistrading@gmail.com

Fax: 24706099

Indian female Accountant B.Com P.G.D.C.A Tally 8 years exp in Oman. Contact: 93726921 B. Com Diploma Computer 3 years experience as an Accountant Indian male (25) seeking placement Accountant / Admin / sales on visit visa. Contact: 98437731 Email: faisalcpsy@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male MBA finance / marketing 34 yrs, 7 years experience in India Accounts / Administration / office jobs currently in Muscat on family visa. Contact: 98104991 Email: sureshkr01@gmail.com Indian male 32 yrs having 8 years experience in Oman looking for suitable placement NOC & Oman D/L available (release available if required). Contact: 98093515 Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization as per IFRS, Audit Preparation, Cost Control and Management, Training for Accountants, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email:ibfc.gcc@gmail.com Indian male having good experience in accounts and in accounting and in accounting software’s ready to join immediately #+91 9444965126 15 years experienced in finance & treasury management CPA, CMA, ACCA, MBA, qualified Chartered Accountant available for immediate joining as head of finance, financial advisor, financed consultant.

Contact: 94872345 Email: mfta27@gmail.com Indian male - M Com and More than 5 year experience in Finance and Accounting seeking suitable placement immediately. Now in Oman on visit visa. Contact:97724457 / 99886476 nidhink85@gmail.com A young CA (ACA & ACCA qualified) with 4 years experience in one of top audit firms in UK & KSA seeks suitable placement in Oman. Contact: Kamran hkamran112@gmail.com, +44 7480 1196 74/ +968 93595050 Indian male, B.Com with 6 years experience as an Accountant, looking for suitable placement.

Mob: 93903458 , Email : Akkandyrijesh@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Presently working as Senior Accountant having 16 years experience in Oman with Oman D/L looking for new placement, NOC available. Contact : 95060390 Indian having B.Com with Computer application P.G diploma in logistics and shipping management knowledge in Tally, ERP9 having 3 years experience looking for accounts or logistics job, experience in FMCG company.

Contact: 98473905 Indian male ,34yrs B.com MBA (Awaiting result), with 8 yrs experience in accounts with license looking for suitable position. Immediate joining and NOC available. Contact -97463145 or joseph12a3@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com with 6 years experience as an Accountant, looking for suitable placement.

Mob: 93903458 ,Email : Akkandyrijesh@gmail.com Indian male 30 yrs, B. Com, 6 yrs accounts exp in East Africa & 1 yr exp in Oman, NOC available looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 94613626 Email: sharis.saheer@gmail.com

Chief Accountant Indian male 44 years B.Com Graduate PGDVA total 13 years in GCC, 7 years in Oman & knowledge in Tally, ERP9, Peachtree MS Office having NOC seeks placement Contact: 97060826 Email: tomnedum71@yahoo.co.in Accountant MBA (finance) masters (accounting) 2 yrs Exp looking for suitable placement, having NOC & valid D/L .

Contact: 92491009, Email: rasubiswas4@gmail.com Young 24, ACCA affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business, seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or audit With valid driving license.

Contact - 92430152, Email - rau_dey@yahoo.com Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer – MSQ to Al Hail). Contact: 95694737 Finance & Accounts Indian male 35 years B.Com MBA (F) 7 years experience tally ERP9 with valid D/L family visa.

Contact: 93257426 / 95230114 Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com Indian male B.Com with 1 year experience in Oman as Account having driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 93415880 Email: nithin_thomas1992@hotmail.com Accounting Assistant, BBA, M. Com (pursuing), tally, peach tree, valid visa available.

Contact: 98269281 Indian Accountant well experienced in construction accounts (Financial and Cost) and also administration and HR seek suitable placement (Full/Part time) in Oman or UAE. Contact 98598099 Part time accounts qualified experience accountant.

Contact: 91126314 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Part-time accounting, tax report, auditing & bank loan assistance.

Contact 91720465 Indian male, MBA (finance), 1 year experience in Oman having Oman D/L and NOC on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

Contact 94103975 Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available) GSM.92564955 Chartered Accountant with 1.5 years of experience looking for job.

Currently in Oman on visit visa.

Contact - 91520687 Email: murtazanmh@gmail.com

Omani, male, 20 yrs exp. in PR, Admin etc. seeks suitable placement. Contact 91221773 Looking for H.R Admin Assistant post or any related position, currently on visit visa, available for immediate placement Qualification MBA H.R. Contact: 94665450 Email: paulwesleywilliaams@yahoo.com Indian female PGDHRM MSW having 5+ experience in HR Assistant Administration customer support good computer skill DOA, CIT Tally now on family visit visa looking for suitable position. Contact: 95352527 Indian female 25 years Graduates in BBM (HR) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92065248 Email: bibinnj47@gmail.com young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O , Clerk helper supervisor Admin supervisor , H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license looking for H.R position or P.R.O license . Looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280 Indian female Graduate 7 years as Secretary Office Assistant Admin seeks placement.

Contact: 99073789 Filipino male with 13 years HR and Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder.

Currently looking for job in Oman.

Interested employer pls call 97728418.

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Indian female 27 yrs with 5 yrs HR /Admin experience seeking suitable placement with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 98236033

ARCHITECTURE Indian female diploma in architecture having 5 years of working experience in Oman (Engg Consultancy having valid Oman driving license. Contact: 96683293

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DOMESTIC HELP Looking full time job. Contact: 99153378

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Civil AutoCAD Draughts man 5 years experience on visit visa.

Contact: 99759284 Email: ahmedimran945@gmail.com A lady entrepreneur with BF Tech 1st Class (Fashion Technology) since 2006 in Kerala like to make change for better. Specialized in designing, Production Management, Fashion Art, Grading, Surface ornamentation, Garment Construction.

Email: prettyjinu08@gmail.com Mobile: +919539397097.

25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97917357

DRIVER Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286

T U E S DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement Contact 97950869

EXPERIENCED TEAM TO PROVIDE TECHNO- COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, FEASIBILITY, ERP WITH BI TOOLS, ADVISE ON FINANCIAL, HR, RISK Ι GENERAL MANAGEMENT, GUIDE STARTUPS Ι RESTRUCTURING, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. Contact – 96500729 Email: k.profitoman@ gmail.com

Indian light driver having 2 years experience in Oman knowing language English, Hindi & Arabic, seeks job. Contact: 97366822 Looking job L.T.V with car, without car. Contact: 94436276 Driver, 5 years experience in Oman looking for job.

Contact : +968 99139890 Bangladeshi male 31 years, Driver fresh currently in Muscat.

Contact: 97118292 Driver with car, full time / part time job. Contact: 96320385 Driver with land cruiser, Indian seeks placement.

Contact: 99725003 Bangladeshi driver want job.

Contact: 93822195 Omani male need driver job for part time. Contact: 92296607 Light duty driver experience 4 years suitable job. Can speak English, Arabic & Hindi.

Contact 98393692 Driver with car looking for job or part time. Contact: 96023492 Light driver need job knows English, Hindi & Arabic.

Contact: 92820309 Job for driving. Contact: 98982410 27 years, 1 year experience, with D/L. Contact: 97369716 Light driver Ruwi. Contact: 95779594 Pakistani male light driver 10 yrs in UAE & 1 yr in Oman.

Contact: 93709393 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

EDUCATION Looking for part time tutoring on Mathematical & Statistics.

Contact: 99229700 Indian : female – MBA in foreign trade ,BE Computer Science, sap trained bi/bw with one year experience seeking for job.

Contact 90228586 email:fathimasha16@gmail.com teaching also preferred.

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Diploma Engineer (Civil) looking for job 7 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 93017821 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Indian female (B.Tech/ Mechanical Engineering) 4 yrs Oman experience in project coordination in water, sewerage and infrastructure sector , Having valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement.

Local release available.

Contact: 95297449 B.Tech Chartered Electrical Engineer, AMIEI with 5 years of experience in electrical power transmission and distribution in industrial, residential & commercial sectors. Expertise in load designing BOQ, Estimations, transformer and switchgear selections. Leadership skills in project execution & management.

Contact: 94638744 Email: ceng.shaz@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer , having 10 years experience in QMD (piping, steel structure, static & rotary equipments) ASNT-L-II ( UT/ RT/PT/DPT) & Visual inspection, material inspection, finalization of handing over documents, available on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Contact: 95415062 / 92838396 Indian male, 41 yrs, BE (Elect) + MBA, 20 yrs exp. in construction projects & engineering maintenance (M&E) of which more than 12 yrs in Oman. Looking for senior / suitable position. NOC available from current employer.

Contact 92393403 or 14gkr2016@gmail.com

Finance / Project/ Program Manager Professional Qualifications : MBA, PMP, Six Sigma Country Exposure Canada & Middle East, Industry any (experienced in Banks (Islamic) Telecom Transport Nationality Canadian, In Person Interview on Sundays Contact: 97203531, +923042955747

SPECIALIST AVAILABLE

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. UPS Technician Electronics, Electronic technician, Solar power products 11 years experience in power electronics looking for job Oman.

Contact: 99680821 Email: joshypulikkottil@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Indian male Electrical Engineer with MBA (Mktg) having 4 and half years experience in technical commercial and marketing fields with valid GCC D/L, NOC available seeking placement.

Contact: + 968 96547828 Email: deva0234@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 91 9605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Electrical Engineer B.Tech with 4 yrs experience in India available on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94741401 / 97239852 Email: sobinthomask05@gmail.com Indian male 5 years experience in piping (Site Engineer / Supervisor) Indian and Oman (PDO Project) & looking for suitable post currently on visiting visa, NOC available.

Contact: 94258289 Email: nidhishgopinathan@gmail.com Indian male diploma in Mechanical Engineering have 12 years experience in oil and gas in GCC on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92932763 Email: pnpraveen@yahoo.co.in Male 38 yrs Graduate 07 years experience indoor / outdoor electronic field with D/License & NOC available (as per new rule).

Contact: 92453375 Indian male 23 years Mechanical Engineer, 1 year experience family visit, seeking placement.

Contact: 94203042

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Civil Engineer 11 years experience in construction having driving license & NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer male 26 yrs, with 4 yrs of experience in manufacturing oil & gas retail, brand promoting, marketing, logistics having valid Omani D/L seeking for a suitable placement. Contact: 97098676 Email: ja237le@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com

Civil Engineer / QS engineer, 9 years experience in Oman freelance visa, searching for a suitable job in Oman. Contact: 97299165

Indian male Diploma Civil Engineer have 1 yr. experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job (certificate attested).

Contact: 92667406 / 99210411, Email : manojgvh@gmail.com

7 years teaching experience in Political Science at University level, 5 years experience as Intellectual property lawer 20 years experience of Arabic / English visa versa , translation / interpretation / Editing , 20 years of experience in management, Tri lingual (Arabic / English / French) Contact : 92175153 Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95345591 B.Tech Civil, 25 yrs female, 3 yrs exp in qty survey have valid GCC license. Contact: 91309475 Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113

7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656 Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in Oman PMP certificate.

Contact: 93391008 Email: momen.awadallam@gmail.com Need job for experienced mason, electrician & welder.

Contact: 93015630 M.Tech in Manufacturing Engineering with 2 years of experience, on visiting visa looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91417949 Email: dannyrangde@gmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518

Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer, 3 years experience with residence and Omani license, good at AutoCAD Etabs Staad.

Pro looking for suitable job.

Contact: 97906770

Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

Networking Engineer having 10 years experience with 3 years in Oman having valid driving license and NOC, presently in Oman needs immediate placement.

Contact - 95783383

Civil Engineer 3 years diploma holder having 7 years experience, building construction & oil & gas field with driving license.

Contact: 93294965

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

Electrical Engineer Indian (29) , 7 years exp in Oman, 33KV, 11 KV projects in MZEC & MEDC having CEP 1 & NOC with D/L. Contact: 99822373

Mechatronics Engineer 26, MSc with 3 years industrial experience, looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact 94887665 Email: mechatron_mt@yahoo.com

Sudanese Structure Civil Engineer 2 years experience resident Omani license. Contact: 94393880

Civil Engineer with 8 yrs exp in construction having license and NOC. Contact: 97986606

Sr.HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+ Diploma Safety + NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release/Transfer Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement.

Contact - 97061817, Email: jayanammu1977@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer with QA QC experience.

Email: jerrin4alex@gmail.com

Telecom Engineer Sudanese on visit visa have 1 year experience in installation and have diploma in Tally ERP & excel and one year experience. Contact: 91991215 Indian female Computer Science Engineer having two years experience in teaching and programming C .CCP Java VB HTML, Sql, Php currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91168733 Aeronautical Engineer with MBA in Operations Management having 4 yrs experience in reputed Aviation & Oil Companies, now on visit.

Contact 91864047 / 92791625 B.E .Mechanical Engineer Indian over 4 yrs of exp in HVAC design auto cad drafting on visit visa .

Contact 90305596. Email: shaikrizwan330@gmail.com Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com

Diploma in Electronics, 2 years exp in telecommunication.

Contact: 94519571 Email: telecommunicationvishnumadhull @gmail.com HSE & Fire Safety Engineer 4 years experience air port operational safety, power & chemical industry. Contact: 94374241 10 years experience in Dubai & Bangladeshi as a BSC Engineer on structural designer & construction having Dubai municipality approval & driving license. Contact: 91206763 Future 008801758846027 Email: engr.masud.civil.@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) having 11 years experience in building construction, looking for a suitable placement , having Oman driving license. Noc available.

Contact: 95075365 Email: azharraaz@gmail.com

Procurement Manager / Commercial Manager / G.M Indian male having 26 years of experience in Import, procurement, logistics, Commercial activities, Warehousing, TRD & Sales. Contact: 90502724 Email: tk.sasi@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY

Indian male 26 yrs BE- Mechanical Engineering, CSWIP 3.1 certified welding inspector + ASNT level in UT, RT, MPT, LPT with 3.5 yrs experience in QC InspectorWelding. Looking for a suitable job.

E-mail: rahmanmech2@gmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com

MANAGER

FOR EXPLOSIVE GROWTH IN TERM OF RESTRUCTURING ALL MODULES OF BUSINESS WITH 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, MANUFACTURING, TRADING, APPLICATIONS, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. CONTACT – 93343251 / profitoman@ gmail.com

Syrian Civil Engineer graduated 2012, 1 year experience in Oman.

Contact: 92967785 Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Electrical Engineer: Indian male, 30 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres), holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 92789995, email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sudanese Architectural Engineer 2 years experience in Oman, Revit, AutoCAD 3Ds max Archicad looking for suitable job. Contact: 94722356 Email: maya40999@hotmail.com Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com

Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470

IT Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator and 1 year experience in Amazon EC2, cloud at Wipro technologies Bangalore looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com Indian male, MCA, 15 years experience in Oracle, developer, Orion Sage ERP, 5 years in Oman working as IT In charge, with NOC release and transferable visa.

Contact: 95398567, Email: anasa4@gmail.com Sudanese Male 29 yrs B.Sc Computer Science, diploma computer engineering 6 yrs. experience , DBA oracle PL-SQL, Oracle SQL developer, MS sql-server ,visual studio vb, network ,driver license Oman.

Email: chastity643@gmail.com , Mob: 91415886 Hardware & networking, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031 5yrs experience in software and 1yr in admin, looking for a part-time or work from home jobs Contact: 91711326 Sudanese Network Administrator 1 year experience with (MCSA, CCNA, CCNP) have valid driving license. Contact: 92394485 Network Engineer degree Computer Science CCNA, MCSA experience NOC. Content: 92346191 Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867

MEDICAL

Office Manager / personal Assistant with extensive experience in overall admin, commercial activities, purchase, accounts with driving license seeks suitable change. Local release available. Contact 99168054 Safety Manager B.Tech (safety & fire) M. Sc 8 years experience Indian 31 years presently occupied on notice period available with clean NOC, holds Oman driving license & owns car. Contact: 94616721 Email: aibelg19@gmail.com Camp Supervising 6 years looking for a good job. Contact: 98178804 / 96703816 Stone Incharge / Store keeper 8 years experience in Oman, NOC & release is available looking for good job. Contact: 98178804 / 96703816 Indian female having 17 years of Dubai work experience in Business Process Management & Quality Assurance (ISO 9001) is looking for job in Muscat (Full time/Part time/ Consultant). Experienced in developing, training & implementation of business process documentation, leading the organization to ISO 9001 certification, Quality Audits and Business process improvements & controls.

Contact: 97903127. Email : ravichandran.mangala@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact 92385033 MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331

MISCELLANEOUS A Filipina lady having experience in call center, airline booking and reservations, secretarial and real estate is now looking for a job in any fields. Contact: 93839304

Male Indian Dentist BDS with 9 years experience, prometric exam cleared, looking for job.

Contact 97768187/ vermanikhil492@gmail.com.

Filipina lady very urgently looking job only in boutique, release available ready to join immediately.

Contact: 97122152 / 91240759

Female Nurse Indian, total 15 yrs experience, 6 yrs in KSA, prometric passed with 66% ready to join immediately. Contact: 95525004 / 98146565

10 years experience in Oman in logistics / purchase have Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact- 96410767 Email: harishkts@yahoo.com

Indian lady Pediatrician available immediately, Oman prometric exam (>60%) passed Indian Kerala lady pediatrician available immediately for appointment. now available in Muscat.MOBILE NO. 96276347, 94769455 EMAIL : nadakkavil1984@gmail.com

Purchaser, experience 9.5 years in Oman, Indian male, Driving License available with own car.

Currently working with ARDISEIS Oman Branch (Seismic work for PDO Oman) as a purchaser. Handling all type purchase, logistic, petty cash, stock, dispatch. Working with SAP application. Educational qualification - Post Graduate in MA (Economics) Salary – Negotiable seeks suitable Placement.

Contact 99458569 Email : nitesh.rane2015@gmail.com.

Indian male GP Doctor looking for suitable post. Dataflow & prometric completed.

Contact: 90377433 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact 96436517 /97396088 Indian female BDS with MOH license looking for job.

Contact 95347894

MANAGER The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments & transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business.

Contact :- 92385033 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com

Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 98805474 Looking for job with car education O level exp 6 yrs English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact : 99640986 Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com

D6

T U E S D AY, F E B R UA RY 2 , 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 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry. Seeking for a Job in Oman. Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Indian sales marketing professional highly experienced in business development in ME India and Africa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97897611 Indian female, MBA in Garment Manufacturing Technology, having over 8years exp in Merchandising & Marketing, worked for brands Zara, H&M, DKNY, Even & Odd, Soya Concept & many more, now on family visa looking for a suitable position.

Pls contact: 95604511. email: richagandhi25@gmail.com A dynamic professional, Female, with 8 years of experience in PURCHASE,SALES COORDINATION ,OFFICE ASSISTANT, residing in Oman with valid NOC from current company,looking for a suitable job, Ready to join Immediately”.

Contact:-shiji4123@gmail.com Phone:- 94157662 South Indian hold 12 years Omani residency – B.E, MBA, PGDM, MCIM, result oriented self starter - Techno commercial Executive 15 years core experience in business development/ marketing oil & gas (all streams) & manufacturing. seeking suitable placement. Contact 99277816/ myakram@hotmail.com MBA with 18 years of experience in Procurement, 2 years in Sohar, Oman driving license, looking for suitable position.M:94047501, ahmed16071974@gmail.com Indian male diploma in logistics management looking for an opening, presently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 93373421 Indian male plumbing sanitary ware & building materials experience in outdoor sales (9 years) with valid D/L UAE. Contact: 98723456 Indian male, MBA Marketing having 9 years’ experience in India in marketing is seeking suitable placement. Currently in Muscat on business visa. Contact: 92417523 Indian male 28 yrs having 6 years experience in Oman in Sales & Marketing & Office Administration, looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 99142314 Indian male, BBM, MBA, having 3 years experience in Sales looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92796046 Indian male B. Pharm 15 years sales experience MOH Pharmacist license driving license looking for opportunities in Pharmacy or Sales and marketing can get NOC. Contact: 99694865

Indian male 26, with more than 4 years experience in Sales and Marketing having valid GCC license on visit visa seeks suitable position. Contact: 92423161 MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Contact : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com Indian male, Graduate, 9 yrs experience in FMCG – UAE, valid GCC driving license on visit seeks suitable position. Contact 92419491 / 94881950, Email : pranilpp76@gmail.com 27 years old male MBA Graduate having 1.5 years experience in Marketing seeking for good opportunities in sales & marketing.

Contact: 90572132 Email: bibi4bibin@gmail.com MBA Indian male 2.5 yrs exp in marketing & sales presently on visit visa seeking immediate placement. contact :91725539.

Email: suhailahmad1489@gmail. com Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com A dynamic professional, female, with 8 years of experience in PURCHASE, SALES COORDINATION , OFFICE ASSISTANT, residing in Oman with valid NOC from current company, looking for a suitable job, Ready to join Immediately.

Contact:- shiji4123@gmail.com, Phone:- 94157662 Marketing exceutive BBA, MCOM, Tally, exp in accouting (can continue in current visa) ph : 98269281

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

TOURS/TRAVELS Indian male 26, on vist visa, 2+ yrs of experience with UAE D/L, IATA-FIATA,BBA looking for any suitable job. Contact 91324567

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 25 yrs, MBA (Finance, Marketing), Overall 2 yrs exp in Accounts/Finance field, On Visit Visa.

Immediately available.

Contact - 92989197/94786544. abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store keeper in Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com Bangladeshi Male, University M.Com.Working as an Administrator cum Accountant in Oman; searching better job. Phone:94864966, email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED SITUATION WANTED

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support.

Contact 92607532.

Indian Female, BE Electronics and Communication, having oman experience looking for full time or part time job. Ready to join immediately, currently on family visa.

Contact : 92115948 / 99327912

Light Driver looking for job.

Contact:99594946

Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/networking/server, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/ Network/Server support.

Contact 92607532

Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 26 years old (male) with 4 years experience as Mechanical engineer , Sales engineer and Call center agent seeking suitable placement.

Contact: +968.90644235 Bangladeshi Male, University M.Com Working as an Administrator cum Accountant in Oman; searching better job. Phone:94864966, email: sunrisetoiqbal@gmail.com MBA - (F), M.Com, B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264. Email:yv.dixit@yahoo.com Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Sales administrator in Oman; searching better job.

Phone:91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com 9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil & Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughtsman (holding Oman driving license) seeking job. Contact : 90139903 Light Duty Driver Professional, Indian male having 5 years of experience with valid Oman driving licence.NOC Available.

Contact 91652481 Purchase Executive Professional, Indian male having 6 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving Licence working as a Purchase officer, Looking for a suitable Position, NOC/LR Available.

Contact: 95132564/96456071, E-mail: naji1988@gmail.com

22, Indian BBA graduate, 1 year experience, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 91881053 Highly experienced mechanical/ steel structural fabrication engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 99860714, hussain20173@gmail.com.

B.Com 5yrs experience good command on tally, Excel sheet on family visa. Contact: 98002428 Email: lubnakanwal36@gmail.com B.TEC ( IT) . 24 years, 2 Years of experience in technical support, software development, networking, troubleshooting and managing. seek suitable placement.

Contact GSM- 98184170 Electronics service Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM- 99105043 Searching a land surveyor job fully know latest instrument of Survey GPS and Total station two year OMAN experience.NOC Available. Contact +96894144052, Email- wasifnaz 313@yahoo.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Indian male experienced material segregation with D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92715032 Email: santhoshgeorge99@gmail. com Indian male 26 years (MBA Finance) seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 92715032 Email: ajisd@yahoo.com D.M.E, Indian, 12 yrs experience in Oman, in Project Estimation, Execution, Quality & marketing working as Estimation Engineer in acid & water tanker, semi trailor company, with havin driving license & will get NOC, seeks suitable job in Oman.

Contact 98968495.

Indian male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” , looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494, manojmallya999@gmail.com

Senior Accountant Indian male 35 Years with 13 Years of Experience (7 years in Oman) in Accounts & Finance having valid Omani Driving License. Looking for job in GCC Countries.

Contact: 96001918 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 M. Com 10 years of experience looking for Part time Job can do finalization #97433387 or thodaforme@gmail.com

An Investing partner needed for a printing press.

Contact: 99498949

Indian male 25yr B. Com 4 years experience in trading and contracting field in India looking for suitable accountant vacancies.

Please contact 96155921 or fysal.nellaya@gmail.com

Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

Indian male looking job part time driver. Contact: 93884951

Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

Indian male BE, (ECE) 18 months experience in Telecom Sector as installation and Commissioning Engineer, troubleshooting the bts, 3G and LTE equipments currently on visit. Contact: 95183497 Email: v.karthi984@gmail.com 27,male,ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally, focus and oracle software, have 3.5 years experience in accounts till finalization ,seeking for permanent replacement in senior position, GSM-91324962, email-abdullah.nooralam@gmail.com Chief Accountant , 7 years experienced (out of 25 years experience in accounts) worked in reputed group companies. Currently procuring MBA finance and having Omani Driving License seeks suitable openings from reputed companies.

Contact : 95598477 / 98803439 Female 5 years experienced Oman as Senior Accountant. SKILLS : ERP9, MS OFFICE, SAGE, ACCPAC. GSM # 95483804 / 9986 8330.

MAIL : sararowshan344@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs, MBA (Finance, Marketing), Overall 2 yrs exp in Accounts/Finance field, On Visit Visa. Immediately available.

Contact – 92989197 / 94786544. mail: abdulqhizer2004@gmail.com.

Bangladeshi male, University MA, working as administrator in Oman; searching better job.

Contact 91997605 mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com Indian male having 6 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Purchase officer, looking for a suitable Position, NOC Available.

Contact: 95132564 / 96456071, E-mail:naji1988@gmail.com

BUYING

SIT.WANTED Indian male 25 yrs, MBA in marketing on visit looking for a job in Sales and Marketing.

Contact 91270215 Email: nibuvarughese13@gmail.com Indian Male, pursuing ACCA with knowledge in C++, Java looking for accounting job.

Contact 94743462.

Email: zabinbashu@gmail.com Indian, Keralite seeks cleaning job part time.

Contact: 90169048 HR Manual, Employee Handbook, Recruitment, Training, HR Consultancy. Are you looking for freelancer HR professional? Please contact on 97914669 BE Mechanical Engineer / MBA Indian male 25 yrs, currently working in Qatar skills MEP designing surveying, Oracle, AutoCAD, SAP. Contact: 97474470866 & C/O in Oman 95071632 Indian male, 23 years PG diploma in Petroleum Engineering and B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering holding UAE driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95880127 / 95084905 Email: vijith2573459@gmial.com Indian Female, Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Electronics & Communication Engineering, currently in Muscat with Family Visa,1+ year experience in Teaching seeks suitable placement in Muscat. Contact 96209509 B.TECH ( IT) . 24 years, 2 Years of experience in technical support, software development, networking, troubleshooting and managing, seeks suitable placement.

Contact GSM- 98184170

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

ACC. AVAILABLE 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, hall, kitchen with parking space for rent in Mawalah, behind City Centre. Contact 93930352 Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor behind Al Meera Hyper market, Azaiba 150/- R.O. Contact: 99455735 Ghubra. Beautiful Room. Indian Lady/Couple/Bachelor. Non-cooking, Vegetarians. Contact 99283938 Accommodation available at Hamriya roundabout for executive bachelors (no kitchen, furniture and A/C) including water and electricity RO 130. ing, Vegetarians. # 98145825, 98949724.

Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779 Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261 Single bedroom flat behind German Embassy, near Al Nahdha Hospital. Contact 99203954 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested please Contact: 92680041 Mr. Altaf Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage.# 93687466 Room , B/Room & Kitchen for Executive in Wadi Kabir. #99336206 Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779

SITUATION WANTTOURS ED

DRIVING

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

MV SALE Hiace Toyota van for sale, model 2010. Contact: 94203204 Rav4 ,2015,38000 km No.2 O.R 8200. Contact : 96474787 Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200. # -99466773 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205

TRANSPORTATION Transportation.Contact: 99099714 Transportation Al Khuwair.

Contact: 92711421 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 92015894

BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990

MANPOWER

NRI Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price.

Contact – 0091 8686631669 One bedroom flat in Guruvayoor Kerala, 2 minutes walk to Guruvayoor temple direct owner.

Contact: 00968 99466800 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune Contact 95272138, (+918390982975)

MATRIMONIAL Hindu nair age 64, looking for a suitable girl. #: 0091 755900189

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact: 99839898

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/TRAINING/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES LEGAL SERVICE

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

An Indian lawyer Provides all legal services in company matters.

Labour issues, contracts, agreements, LLC formation, legal help for starting new business in Oman, Civil, criminal cases,.service issues.

Ibrahim Al Massalhi.legal consultancy Sarafudheen, LLB, MBA, Legal Advisor Muscat. GSM: 97351649

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSERVICES Cleaning services sofa, carpet, shampoo old house or new house.

Contact: 92179395

GOOD NEWS Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).Contact: 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

SITUATION LOSTWANTFURNITURE SHIFTING Maintenance, Dismantling, Packing, Shifting & Fixing furniture with expert technicians.

Contact: 99041337 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble.Contact 24793614/ 99314807

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Building maintenance.

Contact: 96173326

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

MD. Harun UR Rasid has lost Bangladeshi passport No C1778903.

Finder please handover to ROP. Ghazan Far Ali has lost Pakistan Passport No. NZ 1795912.

Finder please handover to ROP Blal Ahmad has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AF 3166124.

Finder please handover to ROP It is notified for the information that my original qualifying examination certificate secondary Examination of the year 2012-14 and roll No. 8117277 issued by CBSE has been actually los. Name Meera Ravichandran D/O of Ravichandran Bahwan Building Materials PB 169, PC 100 Muscat S. Of Oman.

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman 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