Times Of Oman - March 2, 2015

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MONDAY, March 2, 2015 /11 Jumada Al Ula 1436 AH

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Oman airport imposes new passenger flight tax Airports charges With new aircraft

coming into effect from Monday, airlines using Muscat and Salalah airports would pass on the

Aircraft weight Minimum

Rate (OMR) 5

Up to 50,000 kg

1.250 per tonne

50,001 kg and above

1.375 per tonne

MUSCAT: Flying from Muscat and Salalah will cost more from today (March 2) as the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has introduced new charges for all departing passengers.

A circular, reference number OAMC/CEO/A-22/10/15, which was sent to all airlines operating into Muscat and Salalah airports by the OAMC, said that all international departing passengers will have to pay OMR8 and the transfer passengers will have to pay OMR1 as new passenger charges.

“However, infants under the age of two years, aircraft crew on

Domestic passengers

837,661

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Mladen Ivanic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on his country’s Independence Anniversary.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to President Ivanic and his country’s people. -ONA

M O L E S TAT I O N C A S E

International passengers

Exceptions:

OMR 8

Infants under 2 years Aircraft crew on duty in uniform with a valid airline ID card

Transfer passengers

OMR 1

2013 2014

2015

REJIMON K

(January)

reji@timesofoman.com Graphics

Source: Oman Airports Management Company

duty travelling in uniform with a valid airline identity card and domestic departing passengers are exempted from the charges,” the circular said.

Confirming the increase, Sami Muctar, Country Manager- Oman, Ethiopian Airlines, said all passengers, including those flying with Ethiopian Airlines, will have to pay OMR8 from Monday. “We have already included this in our system and passengers will have to pay more when they buy the ticket,” he said. Earlier, the charge was OMR5.

Not only the passenger charges have been increased, the OAMC

has introduced new landing changes from March 2 at all airports including Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Duqm.

“The minimum charge regardless of the weight of the aircraft per landing has been made OMR5.

Aircraft weighing up to 50,000 kg will have to pay OMR1.250 per tonne while aircraft weighing 50,001kg and above will have to pay OMR1.375 per tonne per landing,” the circular, signed by Saeed K. Al Zadjali, Acting Chief Executive Officer, OAMC, said.

The exceptions are Royal, Diplomatic or State Aircraft, on a reciprocal basis, United Nations and

ROP plans to raise awareness of crime through 3D videos FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com

PROMO: A screenshot of the Royal Oman Police 3D video serial.

- Photo: Times of Oman

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an advertisement explaining online services provided by the ROP on their official website.

“I feel the promo clip conveyed the message very well to the public,” said the source.

Also, traditional music used in the advertisement was well appreciated, he noted.

Responding to the clip, Ali

Khlafan, who works in the government sector, said he appreciated the ROP videos, while noting that such ideas are always welcomed by the public.

“The ROP is making best use of the technology,” noted Ali. He added that children and youth will connect well with the videos and remember the message it conveys.

Meanwhile, the Royal Oman Police launched the second phase of its “Thanks for Abiding by the Speed Limit” promotion yesterday.

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

End of contract

1

Labour Law says either party can call it a day within probation period. >A2

OMAN

HSBC card services

2

HSBC’s services won’t be available for short periods on March 5 and 6. >A3

OMAN Times of Oman gets 100,000 likes on Facebook

Omani to be produced in court today

Landed for transit

NOVEL IDEA

MUSCAT: A series of 3D films designed to increase awareness of crimes is planned by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

“The fifteen 3D videos will be released as episodes and will be broadcast during the Holy Month of Ramadan on television and social media,” a source at the ROP said.

A 2.41-minute promo of the upcoming serials in the 3D format is already posted on social media and has been watched by more than 33,500 viewers.

The ROP source added that the purpose of the video is to reach the public through new and modern ways of communication which they connect with.

“We at ROP thought it best to use new-era technology to address different crimes through TV and social media channels,” explained the source.

Aimed at children and youth, the 3D serials are designed to be an education tool.

The ROP had earlier released

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

HM receives thanks >A6

7,175

rahuldas@timesofoman.com fahadnews@timesofoman.com

7,871,844

New passenger charges Rate per departing passenger

Domestic departure passengers

RAHUL DAS FAHAD AL GHADANI

International passengers

403,761

burden to travellers

New landing charge

8,709,505

passenger charges

Passenger traffic at Muscat airport

8,310,927

landing tariff and

Effective from March 2

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Treasure hunt at souq

3

Treasure Hunt gave teams a chance to rediscover souq. >A4

Arab League aircraft, military aircraft of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom on a reciprocal basis, aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations and test flights for calibration of airport instruments approved by the airport authority.

While the new charges will be passed on to the passengers, it remains to be seen whether the airlines increase their ticket prices as the landing prices have gone up. “It is too early to comment. We have to assess the impact and then decide on the course of action,” B B Kulkarni, Country Manager of Air India and Air India Express,

said. Other airlines also confirmed that no decision on increasing the fares has been taken because of the landing charges.

Kulkarni, however, asserted that new passenger fees would be passed on to passengers.

“The increase in taxes, irrespective of the date of issue of tickets, has not been collected initially, then the difference of OMR3 is chargeable on passengers. To avoid inconvenience at the airport check-in counters, passengers are requested to contact their travel agents or Air India-Air India Express Office in CBD Area, Muscat,” he said. >A5

MUSCAT: An Omani and a Saudi national in the custody of Indian police for allegedly molesting an American woman in a five-star hotel in Mumbai, will be produced in the court on Monday at 9:30 Oman time, a police official said.

“They are under our custody.

Both of them will be produced in the court on Monday,” a police official from Colaba police station, where the complaint has been lodged, said.

Both the Omani and Saudi nationals were arrested by the Colaba police after the American woman alleged that she was molested in her room at the Taj hotel at Apollo Bunder early on Thursday. >A6

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M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015 We are delighted to be opening up new routes to Singapore, Goa and Dhaka, and to be offering our customers even more choice within Oman Air’s continually expanding network.

Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Executive of Oman Air

OMAN Oman Air to add three new flights

C O M M E N TA RY

Employer, employee hold right to end contract within the probation period Times of Oman, in association with Khalifa Al Hinai Legal Consultants, will answer the legal queries of readers every Monday. Questions can be sent to readersclub@timesofoman.com SCAN HERE TO EMAIL YOUR QUERIES

NEW SERVICES: The launch of new services is part of Oman Air’s ambitious programme of expansion and follows the introduction of flights to Manila and Jakarta, last month.-Supplied photo

Oman Air will fly from Muscat to Singapore and Goa from next month and its Dhaka flight will be launched from August this year

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air will launch services to three exciting destinations this spring. The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman will fly from Muscat to Singapore and Goa from March 29 and to Dhaka from August this year.

The Chief Executive of Oman Air, Paul Gregorowitsch, announced the new routes, saying, “We are delighted to be opening up new routes to Singapore, Goa and Dhaka, and to be offering our customers even more choice within Oman Air’s continually expanding network. We know there is strong demand for flights to each of these destinations. We are, therefore, very confident that the new services will prove extremely popular and I would encourage customers to book as early as possible.

“The launch of these new services continues our ambitious programme of expansion and

follows the highly successful December 2014 introduction to our network of services to Manila and Jakarta. “We look forward to giving many thousands more air travellers the opportunity to fly with Oman Air aboard our outstanding new aircraft.”

The city-state of Singapore lies off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, just 137 km north of the equator. Long recognised as one of the great global financial and commercial hubs, Singapore also offers leisure travellers a wealth of attractions and activities. These range from some of the world’s finest hotels and a vast array of restaurants, to nature reserves, historical buildings and Buddhist temples.

Oman Air’s new Airbus A330 service between Muscat and Singapore will operate daily and tickets can be booked now from OMR233.8 return per person, including taxes and charges.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea

on the western coast of India, Goa’s unspoiled beaches, temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries, together with its Portugueseinfluenced Indian culture entwine to offer travellers a unique experience.

Oman Air’s new service, operated using spacious and comfortable Boeing 737 aircraft, will offer four flights per week between Muscat International Airport and Goa International Airport.

Tickets are available for purchase and can be booked now from OMR161.3 return per person, including taxes and charges.

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and, with more than 15 million inhabitants it is the country’s most populous city. It constitutes the political, cultural and scientific heart of the nation, and plays a central role in the Bangladeshi economy, alongside the port city of Chittagong, to which Oman Air also flies. Oman Air’s new service, operated using its flagship A330 aircraft, will offer four flights per week between Muscat International Airport and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Tickets are available for purchase and can be booked now from OMR186.9 return per person, including taxes and charges. Tickets for all of Oman Air’s services are available from local travel agents, or by visiting www.omanair.com.

Can an employer downgrade an employee from managerial position to a position such as that of a supervisor, due to poor performance? If yes, how it can be done?

If an employer finds that a person employed by him/her is unsuitable for the position he/she is holding or not exactly fitting in the frame, what is the option available to the employer? The Labour Law states that every employee will be on probation period for a period of three months and either party shall have the right to call it a day without any consequences within this probationary period.

When a person successfully completes his/her probation period, and the employer does not raise any objections to his/ her performance during this period, it can be implied that the employer has found the person suitable for the position for which he/she is mandated for. However, if at any point of time, if the employee fails to deliver on his/her assigned tasks and no improvement is shown despite repeated warnings and reminders, the employer has the option to dismiss the employee for his/her failure to deliver. There is no justification in thinking that the employer has to suffer an unfit employee (who has failed on all fronts)

just because there is a valid contract for two years.

This scenario should be evaluated in the light of Article (27.1) of the Labour Law which reads: “The employee shall personally carry out the work in accordance with the instructions and supervision of the employer and to the extent specified in the contract and according to the law and work regulations and exercise in the performance thereof such care as would be exercised by a reasonable person.”

There are several presumptions in this Article. a. The employer presumes that the employee will personally undertake the tasks assigned to him/her and he/she is capable of that; b. The employer further presumes that the tasks assigned to the employee will be undertaken in accordance with the employer’s instructions and in line with the terms of the employment contract signed by the parties; c. The execution of the work shall be according to the prevailing laws, rules and regulations in addition to any work regulations issued by the employer; d. The employer presumes that the person employed by him/ her is a “reasonable person” and will exercise due care and

diligence in the exercise of his/ her duties.

Though the expression “reasonable person” is vague and subjective and may give room for manifold interpretations as one wishes, there is no denying the point that any failure of the employee to honour the commitments laid down under the above article and the terms of the contract shall be a valid reason for the employer to terminate the agreement with the employee (with strict adherence to the accepted practices and procedures to be followed in this respect).

Any employer who suffers an incompetent employee and agrees to suffer him/her further by extending him/her an olive branch can only be termed a “generous employer”. On the contrary, if the act of the employer is to settle scores with the employee who is at the receiving end and not based on facts, it can be perceived as witch-hunting and retaliatory act.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this column are for general guidance purposes only. They are based on facts presented to us and are not substitute for expert legal advice. Readers are advised to seek legal assistance for specific legal issues.

Times of Oman and Khalifa Al Hinai Advocates & Legal Consultancy do not assume any responsibility towards anyone on this matter.

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

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HSBC services to be unavailable for short durations Staff Reporter

On March 5 and 6, debit and credit cards, and ATM services will be unavailable for some time

MUSCAT: HSBC’s services, specifically personal debit and credit cards and corporate credit cards services, ATM services, including cash withdrawal and cash deposit, will be unavailable for short durations on March 5 and March 6, according to the bank.

“Services will be affected on March 5, from 10.00pm until 10.00am on March 6 and from

9.00pm on March 6 until 8.00am on March 7,” the bank has informed in emails to its customers.

Cash withdrawal at ATMs through debit cards will be affected for 90 minutes on March 6 from 9pm to 10:30pm and for four hours on March 7 from 12am to 4am.

At point of sale transactions, the debit card transactions will be affected from 9pm to 9:15pm on March 6 and for four hours from 12am to 4am on March 7.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

People will be unable to use their HSBC credit cards at the timings given below: For cash withdrawal at ATMs through VISA credit cards, service will be affected from 9pm to 9:15pm on March 6 and for four hours from 12am to 4am on March 7.

For cash withdrawal at ATMs with MasterCard credit cards, the transactions will be affected for three hours from 9pm to 12am on

March 6 and for four hours from 12am to 4am on March 7.

The bank email also states that some of the Credit Card POS transactions may be declined during this period due to the scheduled outage.

Even though Internet Banking and Mobile Banking services will be available to the customers during this time, customers will not be able to view or conduct any credit card related transactions.

DON’T WASTE A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY LIKE OMAN.

Plastic takes 1,000 years or more to break down

A4

M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

OMAN

Team Macho Muscateers, the first runners up.

Team Organised Chaos were the champions at the Mutrah Souq Treasure Hunt. – Photos by Cio Datan and O K Mohammed Ali

Team GE Oilers, the second runners up.

TEAMS BOND, HAVE GALA TIME AT TREASURE HUNT Mutrah Souq Treasure Hunt was organised

by Centre for Omani Dress, in association

FOR MORE PHOTOS

with Times of Oman and Al Shabiba MUSCAT: Offering an opportunity for team building, bonding and a chance to rediscover Oman’s treasured souq, Mutrah Souq Treasure Hunt 2015 concluded with the team Organised Chaos, made up of Marquita Holmes, Suzanne Weiss and Ruth Wilford, taking home the winners’ trophy.

Team Macho Muscateers, with Krishna Udani, Prem Kumar and Sameer Gadgil, were the first runners up and team GE Oilers, including Nat Vora, Puranjay, Murali Ramaswamy and Yasser Khalid, were second runners up at the treasure hunt contest organised on Saturday by the Centre for Omani Dress (COD), in association with Times of Oman and Al Shabiba.

The contest, launched by COD in 2013, saw 59 teams participating, focused on energetic competition and provided great fun as participants unearthed each treasure with the help of maps of Mutrah Souq.

The winning team’s Marquita Holmes commented, “It feels amazing. My team and I, although optimistic, never expected to win.

Our goals were to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company for a few hours. Imagine our surprise when we actually won. It was totally awesome. Seriously, we were jumping up and down and squealing with delight and talking non-stop on the way home about how much fun we had and what a wonderful experience it was.”

She added, “I wish lots more people would participate! While a logistical nightmare for the organisers, its loads of fun for the participants. I’d do it again.”

The organisers, too, echoed the enthusiasm of the participants.

Saying that organising the treasure hunt was a wonderful experience, Julia Al Zadjali, director of COD, said, “We have partnered with Muscat Media Group. It’s been wonderful to have their support and to see how the community has supported this event, as well. We had 59 teams show up, which was good considering the weather that was being forecasted. More teams would have participated had the weather not been a concern. We are very pleased with the turn out.”

Making best use of Mutrah map, launched by COD.

She noted that all benefits from this event goes to support COD, which works at preserving the national dress of Oman.

Further, Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, chairman of Muscat Media Group and editor-in-chief of Times of Oman noted, “When Centre for Omani Dress started this, we were not sure of the response.

This is third event and I can see that participation was greater. We are seeing a mix in the crowd of residents from Oman, Europe and India. This is a great success for COD and Muscat Media Group.

We hope this will continue as an annual event in the years to come.”

An excited Krishna Udani of the first runner up team said, “My team, The Macho Muscateers, have been excited about the hunt since it was announced. I am certain that all 59 participating teams found that the challenge was a ton of fun, with its many treasure quests, maps and well thought out questions. Getting into the spirit of the game, my sister Maitry and her team members (‘The Omani Power Rangers’), kept yelling “Hey Hey Me Hearties!” while running through the Souq, making everyone around burst into laughter.

Hearing about the experience, my parents and friends were ecstatic

FOR VIDEOS

at hearing about our win. We are determined to participate next year, as well. Congratulations to all the pirates who plundered and captured their treasure. Kudos to the organisers for putting together such an entertaining event and a special thanks to all the volunteers who were instrumental in making this event a success,” she said.

Stressing that the Mutrah Souq Treasure Hunt is one of the most exciting events in Muscat, Nat Vora of GE Oilers, said, “It is keenly looked forward to by the top hunters in the city. It is a gruelling event that tests each participant's physical and mental abilities. It is for this reason that it is an exciting opportunity for all to participate in. To have placed among the top three teams in such an event is very exciting for my team and me.

Being faced up with the best talent in Oman and finish third out of 59 teams is extremely pleasing.”

Meanwhile, those team members who did not make it to the top three places were not complaining.

A ‘Pirates of Oman’ team member said, “We had no idea what to expect. It was a good experience.

We hope to come back next year and do better.”

Though it was tough for the all-Omani team Silver Fox, it was entertaining throughout the competition.

“It loads of fun. We didn’t know anything about the Mutrah Souq, but we learnt a lot. Next time, I will bring my grandmother as a team member because she knows the souq. I am sure we will win then”, said one of the members.

A member of team ‘The Best’ noted, “We participated with friends who arrived a couple of days ago. My little one, Faith, loved participating in the contest. It was very nice. At first we had to get familiar with all the little streets on the sides of the souq. I have been living in Oman for 16 years. I didn’t know the souq in that way. I found out a lot of new spots which were great fun.”

For members of team ‘Muscat Warriors’ it was also an opportunity to discover the souq.

“It was a wonderful experience.

We discovered the souq. It was very well organised and a great day out. It was a great team effort. We are waiting for the next edition of the event.”

Julia Al Zadjali also added, “We get a lot of teams entering the souq through the treasure hunt, so it's been a joy for us to introduce them to this part of Oman's culture. It is a great benefit to the merchants to have us holding an event inside the souq. It gives them more exposure to the local community, rather than just for tourism”.

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No sops for NRIs in Indian budget The corporate-friendly Indian budget has come as a disappointment for expatriates

REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: While Indian businessmen in Oman largely responded positively to India’s 201516 budget, common Indians were disappointed that there was not more of a focus on Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

“The budget has removed some anomalies and extended the principle of equal treatment for simi-

lar entities as far as the capital markets are concerned,” Anchan C K, an investment advisor in Oman, said.

On Saturday, while presenting the budget in the Indian Parliament, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley declared that “incremental change is not going to take us anywhere. We have to think in terms of a quantum jump.”

On top of an additional $11 billion for roads, rails and other in-

BRIEFS

Oman among countries with lowest inflation rate MUSCAT: World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 has ranked the Sultanate on top of the list of countries with the lowest inflation rate on the world level in terms of change in inflation indicator. The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the national competitiveness across the world. It analyses a number of factors, including institutions and policies, as well as a number of factors that identify the level of productivity in the country.

RNO to take part in ‘Ittihad 17’ MUSCAT: A number of vessels of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) fleet will take part in the joint naval drill ‘Ittihad 17,’ to be conducted by the GCC naval forces in the United Arab Emirates from Monday. The exercise will last until March 11.

The exercise is part of the training plans pursued by RNO to exchange expertise with the sisterly forces.

ROP opens Yanqul building YANQUL: Royal Oman Police (ROP) on Sunday inaugurated the police services building in the Wilayat of Yanqul in A’Dhahirah Governorate under the patronage of Sheikh Saif bin Hamyar Al Malik al-Shihi, Governor of A’Dhahirah, in the presence of Maj.Gen Sulaiman bin Mohammed Al Harthy, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs. – ONA

frastructure, the finance minister announced an 11 per cent increase in military spending, cut the corporate tax rate and prescribed tighter rules to curb the stashing of wealth overseas.

“Previously, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was entrusted with rules regarding capital controls on equity flows from abroad. The government has now transferred this power and can be seen as part of a broader effort to abolish Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS), in effect, treating the NRI investor on par with the resident investor. Once this notification finally comes through, the market may expect more inflows from abroad on this account from NRIs,” Anchan said.

Meanwhile, another financial

expert said that the thrust on infrastructure development and creating more investment friendly environment will have great positive implications. “The tax free infra bonds will attract more FDI investment to the country. At the same time, the budget has totally ignored NRI contributions which are much more than the FDI contribution to the country,” Jose Chacko, a financial expert in Muscat, said.

FDI inflows According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, India’s FDI inflows reached $35 billion in 2014.

Meanwhile, an Indian resident in Muscat said that the budget has

C I V I L AV I AT I O N

< FROM

A1 Muscat and Salalah airport traffic grows According to the statistics of Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport, the number of travellers in January 2015 was 403,761 while 7,175 travellers landed for transit.

Passenger traffic at Oman’s airports witnessed vigorous growth in 2014, with Salalah Airport logging a significant 13 per cent rise in passenger volume, including both domestic and international, compared with year-before figures.

Muscat International Airport, meanwhile, recorded almost five per cent increase in passenger movement during the period, including transit travellers, data compiled by National Centre for Statistics and Information reveals. The airport received more than 8.7 million passengers (arrivals and departures) last year against 8.3 million in 2013, while 841,970 passenger arrivals and departures were logged at Salalah airport in 2014, up from

745,372 the year before. Giving a break-up of the figures, the report says international passengers at Muscat International Airport rose by 4.6 per cent to 7.87 million whereas the growth in domestic passengers was higher at 7.4 per cent translating into 837,661 passengers. The growth figures for Salalah airport were a whopping 41.9 per cent in terms of international passengers, and 4.8 per cent for domestic passengers, or 233,403 and 608,567 passengers, respectively.

As for flight volumes, Muscat International Airport saw a 1.5 per cent year-on-year growth in aircraft movement as of December 2014, which includes international and domestic flights, the respective percentages being 1.3 and 3.0. Salalah Airport on the other hand recorded a 35per cent spike in the number of international flights, and around 8 per cent rise in domestic flights during the same period.

ignored NRIs and their contribution towards the country totally.

“If we compare the FDI flows and NRI remittances, we can find that the NRI remittances in 2013 were nearly $70 billion, double of the FDI in 2014. Even the World Bank says that NRI remittances are more stable than other types of capital flows, even during times of financial stress. But the NRIs and their contribution are simply ignored,” Renny Johnson, an Indian said. “Money remitted by an NRI is never taken back. But FDI depends on market’s ups and downs and it can be pulled back whenever market is shaky. But then also, FDI guys receive red-carpet reception while at the same time, NRIs are ignored. Even NRIs are not aware of their contribution and there is

nobody to talk on behalf of NRIs,” Renny added.

Shaji Sebastin, a Muscat-based social worker, said that not only for NRIs, but also for common Indians, there is nothing much in the present budget. “It is a pro-corporate budget. It is more aggressively neo-liberal economic agenda of the earlier UPA government and trying to benefit foreign and domestic corporates. The budget proposals will reduce direct taxes

by Rs83.15 billion, benefiting the rich, and increase the burden on the people through indirect tax hike of Rs233.83 billion instead of expanding public expenditure to stimulate growth, employment and people’s livelihood. The expenditure is being squeezed,” Shaji added.

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M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

OMAN CABLE

He’s an incredibly gifted musician and one of the most famous oud players Umberto Fanni, Artistic Director of the ROHM

EASE CONGESTION

HM receives thanks from Italy president

Al Muhij flyover construction nearly complete

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from President Sergio Mattarella of Italy in reply to His Majesty’s congratulatory cable on being elected as president of the country.

In his cable, President Mattarella expressed his thanks for

MUSCAT: Nearly eighty five per cent of the construction work of flyover and intersection at Al Muhij in Amerat has been completed.

“Traffic coming from Wadi Adai heading to Quriyat will move along the original two lanes until the construction is complete.

The road for incoming traffic from Quriyat to Wadi Adai and Ruwi, has already been opened,” said the Muscat Municipality.

Road work is expected to be

His Majesty’s congratulations. He also expressed his complete confidence on utilising new opportunities for the joint cooperation between the two countries, and wishing His Majesty the Sultan good health and success and the Omani people further progress and prosperity. -ONA

Times News Service

MUMBAI INCIDENT

Security A1 rescued US woman < FROM

In her statement, the 52-yearold woman, owner of a big US firm, said she had arrived in Mumbai from the US on February 22 and checked into the hotel room, where she met the Omani man next day.

On Thursday, around 12.43 am, she had called the Omani to her room for a drink. Around 1.20 am, she returned from the washroom to find the Omani waiting in the room with another man who was unknown to her.

The Omani told her that the man was his friend from Saudi Arabia. At that point, the Omani left the room, but the Saudi stayed on.

When she asked him to leave, he started molesting her. However, the hotel security came to her rescue and saved her.

The Saudi man was arrested on the spot, but the Omani was nowhere to be found and was eventually arrested at the airport on Thursday evening.

The woman returned to the US after giving her statement, while a case was registered against both the accused.

According to the Indian media, when the Omani man was presented at a court last Friday, his lawyer argued that he had no role in the molestation.

He also argued that the survivor had invited the Omani to her room, so he was not at fault.

However, the court gave the police custody of both men until March 2.

over by the middle of this year.

The project includes removal of Al Muhij roundabout and building a flyover with three lanes in either direction to allow free flow of traffic.

Also, the street from Amerat roundabout to Al Muhij roundabout will connect Baushar-Amerat road to Al Joud street to ease traffic flow from Al Amerat. The project includes installing drainage system for rain water that affects Al Amerat street. The plan also includes relocation of electricity lines and water pipes.

ON SCHEDULE: More than 80 per cent construction work of flyover and intersection at Al Muhij in Amerat has been completed.

Khalife to debut at Opera House with new piece Marcel Khalife is not just loved in the Arab world but is also respected and appreciated by fans in Europe, North America and many other places

Times News Service MUSCAT: Noted Lebanese artist Marcel Khalife will play with the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra for two special concerts at the Royal Opera House Muscat on March 5 and 7.

Marcel Khalife, born in Lebanon in 1950, is an oud player, singer and composer and is one of the most celebrated Arab artists in the field of musical composition for the last 40 years.

Accompanied by the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Lebanese Armenian conductor Harout Fazlian, he will make his debut at the Royal Opera House Muscat with a concert that will premiere his new orchestral composition The Symphony of Return.

The second half of the concert will feature Khalife performing some of his popular songs, includ-

MULTI-TALENTED: Marcel Khalife is one of the most celebrated Arab artists in the field of musical composition. – Supplied picture

ing some based on Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish’s verses, accompanied by Al Mayadine Quintet with pianist Rami Khalife, accordionist Julien Labro, clarinetist Ismail Lumanovski and percussionist Bachar Khalife. The audience can expect to hear songs such as Mother (Umi), Passport, Tango and In Your Absence, It Rained.

“He’s an incredibly gifted musician and one of the most famous oud players. He is not just loved in the Arab World but is also highly respected and appreciated by fans in Europe, North America and many other places, too,” said Umberto Fanni, Artistic Director of the ROHM. Marcel Khalife studied oud at the Beirut National Conservatory of Music, graduating from there in 1971. He is known for his amazing voice, magical music, and sublime artistic taste in selecting his respectful songs. His long artistic

career has taken him all over the world. Khalife’s compositions have been performed by numerous orchestras, notably the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of Boulogne Billancourt Orchestra.

Al Mayadine Ensemble was founded by Khalife in 1976. Khalife has toured with them not just in the Middle East but across Europe, the United States, Canada, South America, Australia, and Japan.

Harout Fazlian was born into a musical family in Lebanon. He studied the piano and violin as a child in Beirut, and continued his musical studies in Montreal, Canada in 1976. In 1996, he moved back to Lebanon to contribute towards the rebuilding of his homeland, especially in the area of arts.

Marcel Khalife and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra will perform for two nights on March 5 and 7 at 7:30pm.

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5 The Mahan Air plane arrived in Sanaa carrying a team from the Iranian Red Crescent and medical aid An aviation official

Parliamentary poll all set for delay in Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi directed his government to make amendments to the law, which defines electoral districts, within one month

CAIRO: Egypt’s parliamentary poll looks set to be delayed after a court ruled that part of an election law was unconstitutional and the main election committee said it was working on a new timetable for the long-awaited vote.

President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi directed his government to make amendments to the law, which defines electoral districts, within one month.

The first phase of the parliamentary poll is due to start on March 22. The election is the final step in a political roadmap the army announced in July 2013.

Another ruling Another court ruling later this month will definitively decide whether or not the elections will be delayed.

Egypt has been without a par-

NEW TIMETABLE: Members of the special forces police stand guard in front of the Supreme Constitutional Court in Cairo, on Sunday, during a court session to determine if the House of Representatives parliamentary election law is constitutional.– Reuters

liament since June 2012 when a court dissolved the democratically elected main chamber, reversing a major accomplishment of the 2011 protests that toppled former leader Hosni Mubarak.

“The committee will prepare a new timetable for (election) measures after the legislative amendments are issued,” a statement from the Supreme Election Committee said.

Earlier, the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that an article in a law defining electoral districts was unconstitutional.

“The court’s ruling imposes the necessity of delaying the elections,” said political science professor Hassan Nafaa.

“The new law may combine or add electoral districts, therefore the door for candidates’ registration has to be reopened and that

means we are, practically speaking, looking at a delay of no less than three months.”

In the absence of parliament, Sisi has wielded legislative authority to introduce economic reforms that have impressed investors, while also curtailing political freedoms.

The People’s Assembly is made up of 567 seats, with 420 elected as individuals and 120 through winner-takes-all lists with quotas for women, Christians and youth.

The remaining seats are appointed by the president.

Several opposition political parties had announced they would boycott the election. Some say the emphasis on individuals was a throwback to Mubarak-era politics, which often favoured candidates with wealth and family connections. — Reuters

14 FLIGHTS A WEEK

First Iranian flight lands in Sanaa after aviation deal SANAA: A first Iranian flight landed in the Yemeni capital on Sunday, a day after officials from the Houthi militia-controlled city signed an aviation agreement with Tehran. The Mahan Air plane arrived in Sanaa carrying a team from the Iranian Red Crescent and medical aid, an official said.

Senior Iranian diplomats were on hand to welcome the flight -the first between the two countries in many years. Yemen’s official Saba news agency, which is

controlled by the militiamen who overran Sanaa in September, said that under the deal Iran Mahan Air and Yemenia would operate 14 flights each a week.

Slammed Western-backed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who fled last weekend an effective house arrest by the Houthis in Sanaa, slammed the agreement as “illegal,” according to an aide.

“Those who signed it will be

held accountable,” Hadi said during a meeting with tribal chiefs in the southern city of Aden where he is now based.

The Houthis, who have long clashed with central authorities, descended from their power base in northern Yemen to seize Sanaa in September. After moves to expand into southern and central Yemen were checked by Al Qaeda and from tribesmen, the militia grabbed the seats of power in Sanaa in February. — AFP

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REGION K U WA I T

Relatives of IS militant known as ‘Jihadi John’ under watch KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti authorities are closely monitoring several relatives of the militant known as ‘Jihadi John’ who live and work in the country where the IS executioner was born, press reports said on Sunday.

A number of relatives of Mohammed Emwazi, named as the militant who has beheaded at least five Western hostages, are working in Kuwait and like him hold British citizenship, Al Qabas newspaper reported. “Security agencies have taken the necessary measures to monitor them round the clock,” the paper said, citing an “informed source”. The daily did not say how

many of Emwazi’s relatives are in Kuwait. Authorities have remained silent on the issue.

Al Rai newspaper cited security sources as saying that Emwazi’s father, Jassem Abdulkareem, also a British national, is currently in Kuwait and is expected to be summoned by authorities. Emwazi visited Kuwait several times, the last of them between January 18 and April 26, 2010, Al Qabas said.

He arrived from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using his British passport to obtain a Kuwaiti entry visa. A year later, he was denied entry to Kuwait after his name came up during investiga-

tions into attacks in Britain, the newspaper said. Emwazi’s visits to Kuwait were largely of a social nature and he was briefly engaged to a stateless Kuwaiti resident, the paper added. The country has tens of thousands of stateless residents known as bidoons. Emwazi’s family, who are of Iraqi origin, were among them.

They applied for naturalisation but their names were removed from the list of prospective citizens because of allegations that they collaborated with the Iraqi army during its seven-month occupation of Kuwait in 1990-1991, Al Qabas said. — AFP

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M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

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Black money holders will have a last chance to disclose assets As per the proposal, concealment of income and assets and evasion of tax in relation to foreign assets would be made a noncompoundable offence and would attract a penalty of 300 per cent

While unveiling his budget proposals, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that, “tracking down and bringing back the wealth which legitimately belongs to the country is our abiding commitment to the country

NEW DELHI: Indians holding black money abroad will be given a last chance to disclose their overseas bank accounts or wealth to the government and avoid a jail term.

Revealing this, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha on Sunday said the failure to unveil assets abroad will invite a rigorous jail term of up to seven years, while concealment of income and tax evasion would result in 10-year imprisonment.

Provisions These provisions will be part of a Bill that the government plans to bring in the current session of Parliament to check the black money

SPELLING OUT: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley along with Minister of State Finance Jayant Sinha addressing the post budget press conference in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

menace. Dismissing the suggestion that government was proposing an amnesty scheme for black money holders, the minister in an interview to PTI said: “There is no amnesty scheme. We have said very clearly, we expect everybody, who has any undisclosed wealth, accounts, so on... outside the country should disclose that.

“We have created a window to do that. There is no amnesty at all.

“You have to disclose, what you have. You have a certain amount of time to disclose that... If they don’t disclose, they will be liable to punishment of various imprisonment up to seven years.”

Elaborating on the proposed legislation, Sinha said the concealment of income and tax evasion

could result in imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Moreover, as per the provisions, the account holder will have to mandatorily specify the date of opening of foreign account in the return of income.

Besides enacting a new law, the efforts to curb black money include changes in the benami transaction act and restrictions on acceptance of cash beyond Rs 20,000 as advance for real estate transactions.

While unveiling his budget proposals on Saturday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that, “tracking down and bringing back the wealth which legitimately belongs to the country is our abiding commitment to the country.

“Recognising the limitations under the existing legislation, we have taken a considered decision to enact a comprehensive new law on black money to specifically deal with such money stashed away abroad.

“To this end, I propose to introduce a Bill in the current Session of the Parliament.”

As per the proposal, concealment of income and assets and evasion of tax in relation to foreign assets would be made a non-compoundable offence and would attract a penalty of 300 per cent.

Besides other things, the abettors of offences, whether individuals, entities, banks or financial institutions would also be liable for prosecution and penalty. - PTI

Provisions to check black money much needed: SIT NEW DELHI: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money has welcomed the announcements made in the Budget to tackle menace of illegal funds and similar assets stashed abroad even as it cautioned that good results in this direction would come only after new laws and measures are implemented in a proper manner.

“The measures (that were announced in UnionBudget) are very good”.

Cash transaction “But, how it is implemented (the budget announcements) this has to be seen.

“It is good to know that it has been said that any cash transaction beyond Rs 100,000 should have a PAN number (to be furnished).This is a very good thing,” SIT Chairman Justice (retd) M B Shah said. - PTI

FUTURE ROLE

Rahul took ‘too long to emerge’: Book

Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI: In the midst of an intense debate over Rahul Gandhi’s future role in Congress, a new book says the young leader took “too long to emerge” and describes his 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign as “the worst” in living memory.

In the soon-to-be-released Mandate: Will of the People on India’s recent political history, veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi looks at issues like Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s refusal to become prime minister in 2004, and Rahul’s ambivalence on major issues paving the way for a resurgent BJP to take centrestage.

The author says Rahul took “too long to emerge and when he did, it was not clear if he was for the Manmohan Singh government or against it”.

“Having kept away from the press and having refused to tell us where he stood on major issues, he committed political harakiri in his first interview.

“After that, educated Indians simply stopped paying any attention to him. He was not helped by a dreadful DAVP (Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity) style advertising campaign or by the directionless nature of the Congress’s campaign,” he writes. -PTI

COMMITTED

Government urges Opposition to back Land act HYDERABAD: Asserting that the NDA government is committed to the Land Acquisition Ordinance, Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said they are open to considering meaningful suggestions from Opposition on it.

“As far as Land Acquisition Ordinance is concerned, the government is committed to this Ordinance. But, if meaningful suggestions come (from political parties), definitely they will be considered and we are there to protect the interests of farmers,” Naidu told reporters here.

The government is open to discuss if there are meaningful suggestions. They (Opposition) should think in larger interest of the country, he said.

“The Union Ministers are hold-

ing discussions with various parties and I have also spoken to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Ministers seeking their support for the Land Acquisition Bill and they are positive.

“I am talking to other political parties also and at the end of the day I am confident that everybody will think correctively in the larger interest of the country and support the Land Acquisition Bill,” Venkaiah said.

The Budget Session of Parliament will be taking up six Ordinances from Monday, including Land Acquisition, to convert them into Bills in the coming days, he said. The Ordinances on Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amend-

ment Ordinance, Ordinance on Insurance Bill and Coal Ordinance and E-rickshaw Bill were issued but could not be passed, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said.

“The Coal Ordinance is also a very important legislation because it is helping the country and already it has got over 1 lakh crore from auction of 18 mines and we have 204 mines to be auctioned.It is the most honest and transparent method of coal blocks,” he said.

Defending the promulgation of Ordinances by the NDA government, Naidu said, “Since the need of the hour was development through enhanced ease of doing business and by promoting investments, our government had to issue some Ordinances.”

“There will be discussion on

railway budget and general budget and other public issues, which our members want to raise, but priority of the government is to get these six Ordinances into Bills,” he said.

Unfortunately, for political reasons, developmental efforts are now being stalled.This will prove detrimental to our people. All should realise this, he said.

“The need of the hour is to play out politics of development, not pitching politics against development. We have played enough of politics for several decades.

“It is now time to evolve a consensus on the politics of development by collectively endeavouring to raise the conscience of our political class in favour of development for the benefit of people,” the Minister said. - PTI

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New government in J&K a historic opportunity: Modi The 25-member PDP-BJP ministry includes separatistturned-politican Sajjad Lone under the BJP quota, while

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor

of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir N. N. Vohra, Chief Minister M. M. Sayeed, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh and the new ministers after taking oath, in Jammu on Sunday. - PTI

the ‘Agenda of the Alliance’ says status quo on Article 370

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would be maintained

JAMMU: A new coalition government headed by PDP veteran Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on Sunday took over the reins of power in Indian-administeredKashmir, marking the maiden entry of BJP in the state government which promised to maintain status quo on Article 370, a departure from the saffron party’s stated position.

Ending 49 days of Governor’s rule in the state, the swearing-in ceremony, in which 25 ministers of Sayeed cabinet were administered oath of office and secrecy

by Governor N. N. Vohra, also saw separatist-turned-politican Sajjad Lone taking oath as a Cabinet Minister in the BJP quota.

The function was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wished Sayeed and his team, saying “PDP-BJP government is a historic opportunity to fulfil the aspirations of the people of J&K

and take the State to new heights of progress.”

Others present included senior BJP leaders — L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, party President Amit Shah and General Secretary Ram Madhav.

Nirmal Singh of BJP, who will be the new deputy chief minister of the state, was second after Sayeed to take oath.

Opposition boycott In all, 13 MLAs including Sayeed from the PDP and 12 MLAs from BJP and Peoples Conference combine were sworn-in as ministers. The ceremony was boycotted by National Conference and majority of Congress leaders and MLAs. However, Congress state unit chief Saif-ud-din Soz, who is speculated to be on his way out, attended the function held at Zorawar auditorium of Jammu University.

After the ceremony, Sayeed and Singh jointly addressed a press

conference where they released the 16-page “Agenda of the Alliance” in which both parties agreed to maintain status quo on Article 370.

It said the “present position will be maintained on all Constitutional provisions including special status.” BJP’s national agenda seeks scrapping of this Article.

“PDP and BJP have entered into the governance alliance based on the agreement and agenda which is an effort towards seeking national reconciliation on Jammu and Kashmir”, the Agenda document said.

While the PDP-BJP government promised to examine the need for denotifying disturbed areas with regard to AFSPA, no time-frame was mentioned in the Agenda document regarding removal of the controversial law.

While PDP in its poll manifesto earlier had sought “de novo examination” of issues relating to notifying of ‘Disturbed Areas’ thereby paving way for withdrawal of AFSPA,BJP had been opposed any such idea.

Sayeed’s swearing-in as the 12th Chief Minister brought an end to 49 days of Governor’s rule imposed on the state. - PTI

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INDIA RAGING ROW

RSS reiterates demand to enact anti-conversion law NEW DELHI: Amid the raging row over Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on Mother Teresa, RSS on Sunday reiterated its demand for an anti-conversion law to check the “rising incidents” of religious conversions in the country.

Suhasrao Hiremath, the Akhil Bharatiya Saha Seva Pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh made the remarks at a press conference called to announce an upcoming mega event, a congregation of around 800 social service organisations affiliated to the outfit, in the capital.

“The demand for an anti-con-

version law to stop conversions through false promises, forceful or any other wrong means is longstanding. We have nothing against people who convert voluntarily.

But considering rising incidents of such conversions, government should enact a law,” Hiremath said.

Bhagwat’s remarks that conversion to Christianity was the main objective behind Mother Teresa’s service to the poor has sparked a major controversy leading to a fierce Opposition attack on the government.

“Few states have such laws in place already. The present gov-

ernment has also raised the issue in the Parliament... It should also consider implementing the recommendations of the Niyogi Committee Report in this regard,” Hiremath added.

Earlier, amid uproar over VHP’s ‘ghar wapsi’ programme, the government had said that it was open to bringing a bill against forced conversions. The three-day convention, ‘Rashtriya Sewa Sangam’, which will be inaugurated by Mata Amritanandamayi on April 4, will also be attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Wipro chairman Azim Premji among others. -PTI

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M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015 As an Asian-American Muslim community living in America at this time, the community is very sensitive and apprehensive Khalid Kahloon, Mukhtar Ahmed’s lawyer

PAKISTAN

INSURGENCY

A P PA R E N T C A S E O F R OA D R AG E

Gunman kills Pakistani man in US WASHINGTON: A 41-year-old Pakistani man was shot dead allegedly by a gunman in an apparent case of road rage in the US state of Kentucky.

Mukhtar Ahmed had dropped off his teenage daughter at school and was driving on Interstate 71 in Louisville, Kentucky, when he was shot multiple times through the passenger door of his vehicle

on Thursday. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The alleged shooter, Christopher L McCullum, was found three hours later, arrested, and charged with murder.

Local police said there was no indication of a business dispute or apparent connection between the individuals, and the incident only appeared to be “some sort of road rage incident”.

However the local PakistaniAmerican community fear that it was a faith-based hate crime as Ahmed was a Muslim.

“As an Asian-American Muslim community living in America at this time, the community is very sensitive and apprehensive,” Khalid Kahloon, Ahmed’s family attorney, told NBC News.

Ahmed was married with three

young children and working with his brother in a grocery retail business.

Legal run-ins Police have yet to find a motive behind the murder.

McCullum had a history of mental illness and substance abuse and was involved in a series of legal run-ins, according to records. — PTI

Militants kill two Afghan policemen ISLAMABAD: At least two Afghan policemen were killed today when militants attacked their vehicle in Pakistan’s restive southwest Balochistan province.

The policemen were going to Quetta for medical treatment when attacked in Chaman

district. Six militants on three motorcycles opened fire at the vehicle of Afghan policemen from Helmand province, Dawn reported.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban rebels are active in Chaman. — PTI

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5 If we can stop the campaign of hate that’s being directed at the opposition, then we have a chance to change Russia. If not, then we face the prospect of mass civil conflict Gennady Gudkov, Russian opposition leader

Protest march in Moscow over Nemtsov murder Families, the old and young walked slowly, with many holding portraits of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov who was shot dead while walking home from a restaurant in Moscow on Friday

MOSCOW: Thousands of Russians marched through central Moscow on Sunday, carrying banners declaring “I am not afraid” and chanting “Russia without Putin” in memory of murdered Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov.

Families, the old and young walked slowly, with many holding portraits of the opposition politician and former deputy prime minister who was shot dead while walking home from a restaurant in central Moscow on Friday night.

The authorities have suggested the opposition itself may have been behind his shooting in an attempt to create a martyr and unite the fractured movement.

His supporters have blamed the authorities.

“If we can stop the campaign of hate that’s being directed at the opposition, then we have a chance to change Russia. If not, then we face the prospect of mass civil conflict,” Gennady Gudkov, an opposition leader, told Reuters.

“The authorities are corrupt

REMEMBRANCE: Russia’s opposition supporters carry a banner bearing a portrait of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov during a march in central Moscow on Sunday. — AFP

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and don’t allow any threats to them to emerge. Boris was uncomfortable for them.”

Divided opinion His murder has divided opinion in a country where for years after the Soviet Union collapsed many yearned for the stability later brought by former KGB agent Putin. Some now fear his rule has become an autocracy that flaunts international norms after Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula last year, fanned nationalism over the separatist war in eastern Ukraine and clamped down on dissent. “(Nemtsov) was harmful to the authorities, but the authorities themselves are criminal. The authorities have trampled on all in-

ternational rights, seized Crimea, started war with Ukraine,” said Yuri Voinov, a elderly physicist.

Police said 16,000 people attended the march. The organisers put the numbers at tens of thousands, but attendance appeared smaller than the 50,000 people the opposition had hoped for.

People walked in the rain within view of the Kremlin’s red walls and past the spot, now covered in flowers, where Nemtsov was shot dead.

Some carried large banners carrying Nemtsov’s face reading “Heroes Never Die”, the same slogan used in Ukraine to celebrate more than 100 people killed in protests that overthrew Moscowleaning President Viktor Yanukovych a year ago.

One elderly woman, her hair tucked into a woollen cap, held up a hand-written sign to cover her face: “It’s a geopolitical catastrophe when a KGB officer declares himself president for life. Putin resign!” — Reuters

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Merkel’s global dominance secured by crises in Europe

H

enry Kissinger never actually asked “who do I call if I want to speak to Europe?”; but if any modern successor to the master of realpolitik posed that question, there could be little doubt about the answer. Angela Merkel is not just the most powerful person in modern European history, never mind woman. Right now, she is de facto leader of the free world. For the past fortnight, the two biggest stories in Europe have centred around her.

It was her diplomatic effort that brought Presidents Putin and Poroshenko of Russia and Ukraine to Minsk, to hammer out a (sadly unfulfilled) ceasefire agreement. In a tour of the world stage, she had the following itinerary: Berlin—Kiev—Berlin—Moscow—Munich—Berlin—Washington—Ottawa—Berlin—Minsk—Brussels. Though she took François Hollande of France along for some of the ride, nobody could be in any doubt that she was conducting the operation.

The other massive drama unfolding in Europe today also casts Merkel in a leading role: the future of the eurozone. On Thursday, Germany rejected a request by Athens to extend its €172bn bailout despite a significant U—turn by the new Greek government. But last night a deal was struck, the fine—tuning of which will extend into next week. If negotiations between Brussels and Syriza continue to prove fruitful, ultimately it will be because the latter has persuaded Germany’s Chancellor to agree.

This moment may be remembered as pivotal in the history of post— war Europe. It is, however, true that despite her dominance on the global stage, and the strong economic numbers coming out of Germany, Merkel is not invincible at home. This week, Defence Minister Ursula Von der Leyen gave a speech that reminded many Germans that there is life beyond the Iron Chancellor. Meanwhile, both the Social Democrats and the far—right have chinked her armour over the past year. But despite all this, there is one decisive factor that makes Merkel the current leader of the free world: American retreat. America’s loss of self—confidence after the Bush years, the financial crisis, and the dysfunction of Washington is palpable. That Barack Obama is counting down the days to his departure also saps him of authority — the inevitable consequence of the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms, and should be scrapped.

In this context, Merkel has amassed power and influence that would have made Bismarck wince. Some observers say that if Hillary Clinton becomes President, for the first time in human history the most powerful person in the world will be a woman. Looking back on the past few weeks, and ahead to those coming, we would say we crossed that bridge some time ago. - The Independent

RAGING DEBATE

Who is winning the war against IS? CHRISTOPHER R. HILL

Business as usual in politics

F

or a brief moment it seemed that Pakistan politics was about to wash its face, but when faced with the prospect of cleaning up their act the invertebrates on the bottom of the pond took fright. The hastily convened All Parties Conference (APC) was to consider the 22nd Constitutional Amendment that would have changed the way members were elected to the Senate; from a secret ballot to an open show of hands which would probably have eliminated the practice of political horse—trading. The idea originated with Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek—e—Insaf (PTI), a party notable for its absence from parliament for the last eight months. On the face of it, there was much to commend the idea. Vote—buying and horse—trading have made something of a mockery of democratic processes and ideals for decades, and the assertion that ‘everybody’ wanted to get rid of these practices was assumed to be correct. It was not.

What the APC revealed in the harshest of lights is that the very last thing the collected political forces of the country want is transparency and any change to the way they do their dirty business. They would rather trade horses, do backdoor deals, cross the floor and feel free to hand wads of cash right and left in exchange for votes and political favours, thank you very much.

Rather than grasp the nettle of honesty, the APC instead proposed a seat adjustment mechanism that is a large slice of fudge and an even larger slice of self—interest. All the major political parties, including the JUI—F and the PPP, opposed the government proposal to introduce the 22nd Amendment.

The call was for parties to “control their lawmakers in federal and provincial assemblies” — a call as likely to be heeded as turkeys ever voting for Christmas. The upshot is that there will likely be no constitutional amendment before the Senate vote on March 5, and the ‘business as usual’ sign went up in the political shop—window. The stillborn child of political reform was quietly kicked into the long grass, there to quickly fade from memory. - The Express Tribune

Most companies in Oman neglect safety of workers This refers to the story, Companies compromise safety of workers for higher production (March 1). It’s true that safety at work sites is neglected by most of the companies.

The government should take necessary steps to inspect and punish the companies that are flouting the safety norms.

Kishore Muscat

No one remembers the lives lost while on duty This refers to the story, Companies compromise safety of workers for higher production (March 1). Who cares for the workers? The objective is only to show off the projects once they are complete. Often the blood and lives lost in completing

the projects are either forgotten or buried deep below the foundations.

Suresh Balakrishnan Muscat

Ethiopia is fast heading towards a catastrophe This refers to the article, Oromos face chilling oppression in Ethiopia (March 1). The author deserves a lot of thanks from the Oromos for exposing the truth and plight of this ethnic group. I don’t know where we the Ethiopians are heading to. This is the country where the minority has got weapons and rule the roost with iron fist. Torture is common and oppression is the tool the rulers in Ethiopia have been using. Ethiopia is built on the graves of the Oromos.

Boonii Heeraa Addis Ababa

Obama has sought, with some success, to marshal a multinational coalition to confront the IS; most important, he has induced cooperation from countries in the region that, afraid to speak and act clearly

W

hile the fight between the Isis and the forces arrayed against it rages in the Middle East, another brutal battle is brewing in the United States over who is winning the war. In the US these days, all issues — whatever and wherever — soon fall into the maw of the country’s polarised domestic politics. Thus, the effort to contain and destroy the IS has become yet another referendum on President Barack Obama’s stewardship of US foreign policy. Is he “tough” enough? Or, as some of his opponents have preferred to frame the issue, does he really love his country?

The puerile level of the domestic debate should mislead no one about the seriousness of the crisis.

For now, the IS’ main focus is the creation of its would-be caliphate and the frenetic and bloody effort to force all under its rule to live accordingly.

But its ideology suggests far more ambitious projects, starting with war against populations belonging to another sect, who, as apostates, must be slaughtered. There is no quarter in the IS’ worldview; its interpretation of the religious scriptures does not allow it. The IS may never achieve the global reach its leaders seek; indeed, it may ultimately control only the Syrian and Iraqi badlands. But its effect across the Arab world has been profound, especially among a younger generation that has lost hope and respect for the region’s secular authorities.

Many young Muslims, including some in the West, have been highly susceptible to the IS’ slick and effective propaganda.

A review of that propaganda recalls Hitler’s Mein Kampf in the 1920s: an announcement of a far more ambitious set of objectives than the group’s current circumstances would justify. Beyond subjugating those in the caliphate, exterminating the people of other sect and gaining custodianship of Islam’s holy cities in Saudi Arabia, the IS ultimately embraces an apocalyptic vision, to be realised through a sectarian totalitarianism that embodies divine revelation — and thus envisions no compromise or competition.

Meanwhile, back in the frozen capital of the world’s remaining superpower, the political meat grinder has been readied. Obama’s draft authorisation for use of military force (AUMF) — essentially a legal refresh of the last AUMF in 2002 — has turned into another opportunity to showcase disunity in the face of crisis.

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They can conquer who believe they can VIRGIL

Obama’s opponents are delighting in picking apart the threads of the draft resolution in yet another effort to discredit his administration.

Wordsmithing a draft resolution, it can be argued, is what legislators are paid to do. But the actions by some in Congress go far beyond showing the required due diligence. It seems that they are considerably more concerned about Obama than about the IS. Obama has sought, with some success, to marshal a multinational coalition to confront the IS; most important, he has induced cooperation from countries in the region that, afraid to speak and act clearly, had hoped that putting their heads in the sand would make the threat go away.

To keep these countries on board, he has been at pains to show that extremism is a universal concern that transcends the Muslim world. But Obama’s effort to universalise the problem of extremism has exposed him to the charge of relativizing the IS — and thus ignoring its true nature — by claiming a moral equivalence between it and political extremism elsewhere in the world, including in the US. That is what has caused his detractors to question his patriotism, a political capital offense in many countries, and nowhere more so than in America.

Given that Obama will leave office in less than two years, the drone of unending criticism is excessive. But it is also dangerous. For the rest of the world, and for the IS, it creates the impression that America is weak, divided, and unable to lead. For that, the blame falls not on the president, but on the entire US political system and its media enablers.

It used to be America’s economic staying power that the world questioned. After all, it was the US that first entered the terra incognita of the post — industrial era, in which manufactured goods were increasingly produced elsewhere, while employment and growth shifted to financial and other professional services. But now the world worries — with considerable justification — about the American political system. The atmosphere has become so divisive that Congress, it seems, cannot even ensure continued financing for the Department of Homeland Security, let alone approve an AUMF. The US prides itself on its diversity and on the strength that has derived from it. Today, however, diversity no longer yields unity — the e pluribus unum (out of many, one) that graces America’s coins and banknotes. Unless that changes, the US will lack the strength needed to prevail over such singular threats as the IS. - Project Syndicate

Oromos are fighting a grim war for their very survival

Non-resident Indians are happy with Indian budget

This refers to the article, Oromos face chilling oppression in Ethiopia (March 1). Please note that there are two kinds of oppressors of the Oromos community in Ethiopia.

First, the Abyssinians directly use psychological or physical torture to get rid of the Oromos or intimidate them into submission. Then there is the minority Tigrean government and a few other right wing Amhara-based parties. So we the Oromos are now fighting on two fronts. It is sad why we Oromos have to fight in 21st century for self-determination and respect— rights that have been guaranteed by UNHDR and other UN laws. Well, the Abyssinian would not understand.

Reinventing Ethiopia Addis Ababa

As a non-resident Indian, I welcome the Indian budget proposals for the year 2015-16 for more than one reason. Firstly, the proposals have not burdened the NRI community in any manner. Secondly, the proposal to issue gold bonds with attractive interest rates is sure to make one rethink on stockpiling gold, especially when the gold rates have turned most unstable. Thirdly, because of the tough stance taken on black money by the government. Last but not the least is greater impetus given to encourage NRI investors by removing the anomaly in capital market investments, treating NRIs on par with residents and plan for issuing tax free infra bonds Usha Devi Rao Suddapalli Ruwi

Letters, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi), by fax (24813153) or by e-mail (times@omantel.net.om)

T I MES OF OM AN

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

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PERSPEC IVE IS neither represents nor does it speak for Islam P

resident Barack Obama may have touched a billion hearts by insisting that terrorists do not speak for a billion Muslims. Hosting a first of its kind counterterrorism conference at the White House, Obama hit all the right buttons, emphasising that violent extremism is not peculiar to any religion: “No religion is responsible for violence and terrorism. People are responsible. We have to make sure...that we do not stigmatise entire communities.”

He also warned against casting the fight against extremism in terms of a civilisational conflict: “The notion that the West is at war with Islam is an ugly lie. And all of us, regardless of our faith, have a responsibility to reject it.” Obama’s comments come at a time when Islamophobia in the West on the one hand and global concerns over the growing menace of Isis on the other are at their peak. More and more voices in the West are beginning to see this whole business from the prism of a conflict between Islam and the West. Roger Cohen of the New York Times wrote this week: “Across a wide swath of territory, in Iraq, in Syria, in Afghanistan, in Pakistan, in Yemen, the West has been or is at war … with the Muslim world, in a failed bid to eradicate a metastasising Islamist movement of murderous hatred toward Western civilisation.”

Cohen suggests there is little point in Western politicians pretending there is no conflict between Islam and the West when tens of millions of Muslims in these countries believe the contrary.

Republican senator John McCain, a former presidential candidate, tweeted: “The notion that radical Islam isn’t at war with the West is an ugly lie.” Then there are those who are convinced that there’s really no distinction between Islam and Isis. Regardless of what Muslims may say or do to dissociate and distance themselves from the despicable actions of terrorists, it seems they will forever remain in the dock. They have been judged and pronounced guilty for the crimes of a tiny, little fringe which doesn’t represent even 0.1 per cent of the world’s second largest religious group.

In the past few weeks, hundreds of Islamic scholars, intellectuals and leaders have gone out of their way to assert that there’s nothing ‘Islamic’ about the IS. Just because

AIJAZ ZAKA SYED

Muslims may say or do to dissociate and distance themselves from the despicable actions of terrorists, it seems they will forever remain in the dock.

They have been judged and pronounced guilty for the crimes of a tiny, little fringe which doesn’t represent even 0.1 per cent of the world’s second largest religious group

a group calls itself ‘IS’ and names an obscure individual as its ‘Caliph’, it doesn’t become ‘Islamic’ and ‘defender of the faithful’. As Dean Obeidallah wrote in the Daily Beast last week, Isis is as ‘Islamic’ as the white supremacist Klu Klux Klan is Christian.

How can such a faith be accused of sanctioning slavery, tyranny and violence? If this nihilistic cult had anything to do with Islam, Islamic civilization wouldn’t have ruled the world for nearly a thousand years.

As Arab American journalist Rami Khouri reasons: “The angry young killers and terrorists were not among us a generation or two ago. Why and how did they suddenly appear in the last few decades? These phenomena are not eschatological signs or divine signals. They are socio-political mechanical processes that have logical and verifiable causal explanations.

“The symptoms of radical militants who speak in the language of religion are of this world should we dare to trace how our societies and policies allowed young farmers, immigrants, or taxi drivers to be transformed into crazed killers and criminals.

“These transformations have occurred and continue to occur in Arab or Western jails, in the rubble of bombed—out neighbourhoods, or in the prisons of our own societies where these young men absorb the numbing, transformative realities of hopelessness and dehumanisation.

“Islam is what it has always been, a religion with complexities and with varieties of adherents. The trouble today concerns small groups of extremists and deviant killers who speak of Islam. Only fools would confuse the two.” So instead of endlessly analysing Islam and blaming it for every sin imaginable, perhaps experts should explore the conditions in which groups like Isis have incubated all these years. Obama himself offered enough clues in his speech: “When people are oppressed and human rights are denied, particularly along sectarian lines or ethnic lines, when dissent is silenced, it feeds violent extremism. It creates an environment that is ripe for terrorists to exploit.”

The author is an award-winning journalist based in Dubai. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman.

British MPs battle it out in the kitchen

T

uition fees and NHS spending. The economy and employment. Foreign policy and budgeting for affordable housing. These are the issues on which we must base our voting decisions.

And this is correct. But there’s something to be said for examining the subtext of last week’s less argued — over, but perhaps more interesting, announcements by some of our most senior politicians. Namely, their signature dishes.

First, in an interview that David Cameron gave to Woman & Home magazine, we learnt that his most accomplished dish is “something slow cooked, like belly of … or shoulder of lamb”. Next, Danny Alexander issued a leaflet with a recipe for his sausage and butternut squash stew.

Then, my colleague, political editor Jane Merrick, told me that, at a fundraiser for a stammering charity last week, Ed Balls donated “his” lasagne.

Is this a common feature of the political CV? Ed Miliband

LISA MARKWELL

informs us that he makes potato latkes for his children, from his mum’s recipe. And from Nick Clegg, at the very last moment, the reluctant parental standby, “creamy pasta with bacon and peas”. (Natalie Bennett was probably too busy eating humble pie to respond.)

Why does this matter in the slightest? Well, Cameron’s dishes are both trendy and frugal (choosing two of the cheapest cuts available). Hey, it says, I’m not a foie-gras-fed toff. And Alexander’s hearty “winter warmer” is designed to make him seem warm and fuzzy — although the appalling design of the Take-a-Breaklite (yes, really) leaflet and the uniformly ginger ingredients in the photograph can’t be the desired effect.

Balls’ lasagne is a rum choice.

It’s one of those dishes that seems like a good idea at the time, but takes ages to assemble (and featuring chopped carrots? Say it isn’t so, Ed).

Meanwhile, Miliband’s latkes score points for being meat — free

and for being a family favourite.

But this is the man who can’t catch a break, so he will be dubbed, as one office chum quipped, “the man who hated British food” (a reference to his father’s monstering in the Daily Mail).

We should be glad that it’s not the wives’ outfits that are the “shallow end” feature of the general election 2015 (at least, not yet).

Even the most unreconstructed of commentators seems to have got past the fact that Theresa May wears shoes and Gloria De Piero has ... (fun fact, guys, they all do). Female politicians are in danger of being judged by what they do.

We should be glad, too, that senior male politicians know their way around a kitchen, but the Mumsnetification of politics is a dangerous game. Ask Balls (again). When not stirring his béchamel, he’s a “long, slow burn” in the bedroom, apparently.

It’s enough to put you off your food, never mind vote — not the intention. - The Independent

Is IS a threat to Pakistan?

ABDUL BASIT

T

he meteoric rise and popularity of the Middle Eastern terrorist group the IS or Isis has, in one way or the other, inspired militant groups in Pakistan.

However, academic analyses, policy debates and political opinions in Pakistan differ widely over the nature and scale of IS penetration in the country.

So far, only three splinter groups of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), namely the Tehreeke-Khilafat, Jandullah and the Shahidullah Shahid—faction have pledged allegiance to the IS. On January 27, IS spokesperson Abu Muhammad Al Adnani’s announcement regarding the group’s expansion to Afghanistan and Pakistan described as “the Khurasan province” further rang alarm bells about the increasing influence of the IS in the region.

Against this backdrop, it is pertinent to assess the group’s operational capability to carve out a niche for itself in the region and what can be the potential fallout of such a development for Pakistan’s militant and security landscape? There are two opposing schools of thought on this issue.

One school of thought holds the view that the discussion of IS’s growing influence in Pakistan has been overhyped by the media and certain vested interests.

This school of thought believes gaining space in Pakistan will be difficult for the IS for six reasons.

First, the IS is an outsider to the region: the impermissible barriers of language, culture and geography will make it difficult for the group to sow its influence here.

Second, the IS sprung up in Iraq and Syria, which were collapsing societies marred by civil wars. Unlike them, Pakistan is a functioning state, run by a democratically-elected government and guarded by an elaborate and robust security apparatus.

Third, the well-entrenched presence of veteran militant groups of the Afghan Taliban, Al Qaeda and the Kashmiri militant groups leave very little space for the IS to gain a foothold here.

Fourth, the IS’s message of the so-called caliphate is oversimplified and out of sync with complicated and isolated pockets of conflict in the region.

Fifth, Pakistan is not part of the US-led anti-IS coalition, so the terror group will not pick a bone with the latter.

Lastly, the IS follows a different stream of extremist ideology from the one followed by Pakistani terrorist groups. The limited appeal of the ideology followed by the IS in Pakistan will also constrain the group’s influence.

One school of thought holds the view that the discussion of IS’ growing influence in Pakistan has been overhyped by the media and certain vested interests The other school of thought argues that denial about the IS presence in Pakistan is fraught with dangers.

This school of thought is of the view that the IS’s stunning military victories, slick social media propaganda campaign, control over vast swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria and monopoly over the modern terrorist iconography have captured the imagination of extremist groups in Pakistan.

This school of thought further argues that the IS has the cash, charisma and a successful model to inspire militants in Pakistan.

For the cash-strapped al Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban, it will not be easy to retain the support of overambitious new generations of militants in the region.

In addition, the readily available ungoverned spaces (physical sanctuaries), an environment conducive to growth of extremist ideologies (social sanctuary), and a large youth cohort susceptible to militant recruitment (demographic sanctuary) make Pakistan naturally attractive for the IS. So far, Pakistani militant groups have responded to the growing appeal of the IS in three major ways: open rejection, open acceptance or a wait-and-see policy. Groups like al Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban and the TTP core have denounced the IS’s call for establishing a caliphate.

Meanwhile, as mentioned above, the three splinter groups of the TTP have openly embraced the IS model while groups like the Jamaatul Ahrar and the Hizb-e-Islami Gulbuddin have adopted a hedging attitude towards the IS. Given the factionalisation of the TTP, the growing influence of the IS among Pakistani militants cannot be ignored.

At present, the threat of the IS in Pakistan is neither too big to pose any serious security threat nor too small to ignore.

However, it can grow into something big and serious if any potential advance by it is not checked and seriously dealt with.

Pakistan’s government and security forces will do well to kill the group in its infancy rather than ignoring the threat it poses till it emerges as a major security threat. - The Express Tribune

Investors pay to lend Germany money EU government bonds yielding negative interest – meaning that investors are paying to lend to a country – have surged from $20 billion to $2 trillion in less than a year, according to JP Morgan Five-year government bonds (interest rates to February 26) Austria Germany Finland Denmark

Netherlands

February 25 Germany sells €3bn of five-year bonds at a record low of minus 0.08%

% 0.3 0.2

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1776

Americans begin shelling British troops in Boston.

1797

The Directory of Great Britain authorizes vessels of war to board and seize neutral vessels, particularly if the ships are American.

Should Oman government blacklist companies found guilty of flouting the safety norms for workers?

1815

To put an end to robberies by the Barbary pirates, the United States declares war on Algiers.

Finland - 0.012%

0.1 0.0

Netherlands - 0.024%

-0.1 -0.2 -0.3

Austria - 0.054%

January 22: European Central Bank announces plans for €60bn a month bond-buying programme, sending yields on some government bonds to below zero

-0.4

Germany - 0.091%

February 12: Danish bond yields fall to - 0.495%

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Jan 2015

Source: JP Morgan, Financial Times, Investing.com

Denmark - 0.254%

Feb Graphic News /

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1836

1865

Texas declares independence from Mexico on Sam Houston’s 43rd birthday.

President Abraham Lincoln rejects Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s plea for peace talks, demanding unconditional surrender.

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FROM OUR ARCHIVES OMAN LNG PROJECT STARTS EXPERIMENTAL OPERATION

MUSCAT: The experimental operation of Oman Liquefied Natural Gas (OLNG) project has begun, said Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashil Al Maskari, director of public relations, at the LNG project. In a statement to Al Watan daily, published yesterday, he said the project was ready to start gas export by April 1, noting that the first shipment of gas would be sent to South Korea. He said the company achieved a significant accomplishment during a short period of time by implementing the various phases of the project.

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Britain’s prince

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placed a bouquet and quietly bowed his head in the direction of a now-vacant area where hundreds of people lived ISHINOMAKI (JAPAN): Britain’s Prince William on Sunday made a visit to port communities devastated by a huge tsunami that hit Japan in 2011, receiving origami paper cranes from survivors before the fourth anniversary

OFFERING TRIBUTES: Britain’s Prince William offers a bouquet for the victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster as he looks over significant land clearance from a hill top in Ishinomaki, Miyagi prefecture on Sunday. – AFP

of the disaster. William arrived on Sunday on his first visit to China, projected as his most significant overseas tour designed to strengthen the relations between

the two countries.

Winding up his first trip to the country, the second-in-line to the British throne visited the northeastern city of Ishinomaki, one

of the areas hardest hit by the gigantic waves which killed around 19,000 people. William, 32, placed a bouquet at a hilltop shrine and quietly bowed his head in the direction of a now-vacant area where hundreds of people lived before their houses were swept away on March 11, 2011.

Symbol of luck Following the prayer, local children presented him with red paper cranes — a symbol of good luck in Japan — which had been made by tsunami survivors still living in temporary houses.

A beaming William, in a navyblue blazer, offered an “arigato go-

zaimasu” (“thank you very much”) in response — the latest of a number of Japanese phrases he has attempted during his four-day stay.

William also visited a tsunami museum in central Ishinomaki, which has on display handwritten editions of the Ishinomaki Hibi Shimbun, a newspaper whose printing presses were destroyed by the waves, and whose staff battled the odds to deliver the news.

Later in the day, the prince saw a temporary shopping venue in Onagawa east of Ishinomaki, the final stop on his four-day tour.

Against the backdrop of the prefabricated shops, he was welcomed with a lion dance, a traditional performance in which actors wear a lacquered wooden head and cloth dyed green with white decorations.

A smiling William proved he was game by pretending to put his head in the lion’s mouth. — Agencies

COURT RULING

17 Bahrainis charged with bombings MANAMA: Bahrain’s public prosecutor has charged 17 people with forming a militant group and carrying out bombings that wounded security personnel, the state news agency said on Saturday.

The group had set off bombs in the island kingdom’s Maqaba, Al Janabiya, Budaiya and Qarya vilages, prosecutor Ahmed Al Hammadi was quoted as saying.

Terror cell “The members had agreed to set up a terror cell to make explosives and weapons to carry out terror acts, target security forces ... and spread panic among people,” he said, according to Bahrain News Agency.

Their trial will begin on March 22 and two of the defendants outside the country will be tried in absentia, he added.

There have been a growing number of attacks using explosives, often targeting policemen. — Reuters

OPENING UP

‘Iran ready to let in Google, other Internet giants’ TEHRAN: Iran could allow Internet giants such as Google to operate in the country if they respect its “cultural” rules, Fars news agency said on Sunday quoting a senior official.

“We are not opposed to any of the entities operating in global markets who want to offer services in Iran,” Deputy Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Nasrollah Jahangard told Fars. “We are ready to negotiate with them and if they accept our cultural rules and policies they can offer their services in Iran,” he said.

Facilities Jahangard said Iran is “also ready to provide Google or any other company with facilities” that could enable them to provide their services to the region.

Forty million people out of a population of around 78 million use the Internet in Iran.

Authorities have regularly blocked access to networks including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter since protests against the disputed 2009 re-election

of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Telecommunications Minister Mahmoud Vaez said in November that Iran would have “smart filtering” within six months to weed out Internet content authorities deem offensive or criminal.

Internet censorship is a bone of contention between hardliners and government members, including President Hassan Rouhani who use social networks. Jahangard told Fars that sanctions imposed by the international community on Iran over its nuclear programme could “create problems for American companies”.

“They are waiting for the international legal conditions to be cleared before they can operate conveniently (in Iran) but other companies outside the US have come forward and started negotiations,” he said.

He did not name any of these companies but said that “some have accepted the conditions” laid out by Iran adding that “technical preparations are underway for them to enter the Iranian market”. — AFP

JOINING TERROR GROUP

Syria-bound British girls were seen at Istanbul bus station ISTANBUL: Security footage appears to show three British girls, believed to be heading for Syria to join IS group militants, waiting at a bus station in Istanbul before travelling to a Turkish town on the Syrian border, media reported on Sunday.

Close friends Kadiza Sultana, 16, and 15-year-olds Shamima Begum and Amira Abase, boarded a flight from London to Istanbul on February 17.

British police, who have said the girls are thought to have since entered Syria, and their families have launched urgent appeals for the teens to return home.

The CCTV images show the three girls entering a bus terminal in Istanbul’s Bayrampasa district on the European side of the city, which the trio reached by metro from the airport.

They are seen wearing winter coats on top of their niqabs, two of them with hoods pulled up and carrying luggage as they wait, according to footage on the Aksam newspaper’s website, which cited security sources.

Footage The footage was recorded in the early hours of February 18, less than 24 hours after the girls left their homes in east London telling their families they were heading out for the day.

At one point they can be seen leaving the waiting lounge of the

busy terminal along with other passengers and walking through a snow-covered path into the departure lounge.

The time codes on the images suggest that the girls waited at the terminal for nearly 18 hours before taking a bus to the southeastern Turkish city of Sanliurfa close to the Syrian border.

Aksam said that Turkish police were trying to identify the passengers in the footage helping the girls carry their luggage at the bus station. Turkey, which has been under fire from its Western allies of failing to do enough to stop militants crossing into Syria from its territory, accused Britain of failing to provide information about the girls sooner.

A senior counter-terrorism officer with London’s Metropolitan Police, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball, said about 60 British women have gone to Syria. Of these, 22 were reported by their families, including 18 who were aged 20 or younger, she said. The last five reported to have travelled were just 15 and 16.

“This is a growing problem and it’s one of real concern,” Ball told BBC television, saying that the travel industry must work with police to identify those en route to Syria. “The more everybody involved in travel understands this problem and can be alerted and be vigilant and look out for people, the better.” — AFP

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5 Bangladeshi mourners queue to pay their last respects to US blogger of Bangladeshi origin and founder of the Mukto-Mona (Free-mind) blog site Avijit Roy in Dhaka on Sunday, after he was hacked to death by unidentified assailants in the Bangladeshi capital on February 26. — AFP

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WORLD

Bangladesh mourns slain blogger Avijit Roy was killed by unknown attackers on Thursday night.

He had received death threats from extremist groups

DHAKA: Hundreds of Bangladeshis demanded justice on Sunday for the killers of a blogger hacked to death with machetes, as they gathered to pay tribute to the critic of religious extremism.

Avijit Roy, an US citizen of Bangladeshi origin, was killed by unknown attackers on Thursday night. He had received numerous death threats from extremist militant groups.

More than 1,000 mourners gathered to pay respects and lay wreaths on Roy’s coffin which has been placed inside Dhaka University, a bastion of secularism and

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free speech in the Muslim-majority nation.

“It’s a heinous murder. My question is, why did it take place?”

Kamal Hossain, the architect of Bangladesh’s secular constitution, told reporters as Roy’s father stood by.

“Avijit was killed because of his writing. By killing him, the killers

have torn apart our constitution,” he said.

Protesters also gathered at the spot where Roy was killed inside the university’s sprawling campus, demanding the immediate arrest of his attackers.

The attack on Roy, founder of the Mukto-Mona (Free-mind) blog, as he left a book fair also seriously injured his wife.

Roy is the second Bangladeshi blogger to have been murdered in two years and the fourth writer to have been attacked since 2004.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which has

shocked many in a country already reeling from weeks of violent political protest.

Police have launched an investigation and recovered the machetes used in the attack, which they compared to a fatal assault on blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider in 2013.

Infuriated extremists Cultural activists, left-wing students, bloggers and members of secular groups were among those who came to honour the slain author, whose books and blogs infuriated Bangladesh’s hardline extremist groups.

The United States has condemned the murder as a “shocking act of violence”.

Ajoy Roy stood alongside his son’s coffin as mourners filed past.

He reiterated that extremist militants were responsible for his son’s death, but also blamed the government for failing to protect him despite repeated threats on his life.

“I am speechless at this moment of mourning. When the fundamentalists threatened, I informed the Inspector General of Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police,” Ajoy Roy said. — AFP

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MARKET One in 10 UK bankers scraps bid for top job People put forward for chief executive, chairman and for other senior roles in banking now face a more gruelling interview by British financial watchdogs

LONDON: More than one in 10 people picked for the top jobs in British finance pull out during a regulatory vetting process which has got tougher since the financial crisis. People put forward for chief executive, chairman and for other senior roles in banking now face a more gruelling interview by British financial watchdogs.

This increased scrutiny also follows weaknesses in vetting exposed by problems at the Co-Op Bank, where the former chairman, Paul Flowers, was waved through in 2010 despite disclosing a criminal conviction and later showing little knowledge of banking.

The United Kingdom’s two financial regulators, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), have not rejected any candidates since the watchdogs were set up in April 2013.

But 22 people have withdrawn out of 186 applications that were processed for the most senior positions, based on freedom of information data and published data.

Rejections are rare because the regulators will notify prospective employers if candidates fall short of requirements, which will typically prompt the person to with-

TOUGH PROCESS: The UK’s two financial regulators, the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority, have not rejected any candidates. – Bloomberg News

For some people it can be their first exposure to the UK regulators, and it can be a challenging experience. If they are not granted approval, they can’t take the role and that can have career implications Sam Tymms

Managing director, Promontory

draw before they are interviewed for fear that failure will stall career.

Uncomfortable “For some people it can be their first exposure to the UK regulators, and it can be a challenging experience,” said Sam Tymms, managing director at Promontory, which advises financial firms on regulatory and compliance matters.

“If they are not granted approval they can’t take the role and that can have career implications.”

People who have been through the 90-minute interviews conducted by the two watchdogs have described them as challenging, intense and uncomfortable. “I knew that getting my job depended on getting through it. It’s funny how that can focus the mind,” one senior executive said.

Once a bank, insurer, hedge fund or other financial firm picks who it wants for a senior role, it puts the candidate forward for regulatory approval. The interview is typical-

ly with three to seven people from either the PRA or FCA, or both.

Interviews, also held for senior finance, risk, compliance and audit roles, have become more forward looking with more focus on culture and conduct, sources familiar with the process said. Topics are wideranging, and candidates will also be grilled on strategy, leadership, markets, regulation, risk, capital, tax, technology and cyber security.

A candidate’s history will often come up and if they or their firm were involved in any of the recent mis-selling scandals they are asked what they would do differently. Candidates for non-executive roles are likely to be tested on governance and how they would challenge a board, as well as broad details about the business.

Financial crime Senior industry figures, dubbed ‘grey panthers’ to reflect their experience, can be drafted in to sit in on interviews on top appointments, as can experts when there is a strong focus on liquidity, technology or financial crime, for example.

New rules coming in next year to make senior bankers in Britain more accountable for their actions could see more people go through the interview process.

The PRA has said it intends to interview a higher percentage of candidates under these rules, known as the senior managers’ regime, than currently.

The PRA interviewed 60 people last year as part of its approval process, and four of the candidates withdrew their applications, according to data. For the nine months it existed in 2013, the PRA interviewed 45 senior candidates, and two withdrew. - Reuters

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BRIEFS

Galfar Engineering wins over $10m BP contract MUSCAT: Galfar Engineering and Contracting said it has been awarded a $10.05 million construction contract by BP Exploration (Epsilon) Oman for a 26-km overhead line in the Sultanate. The scope of work at Oman Khazzan 132kV project includes the construction and commissioning of 26-km over head line in concrete poles/steel towers from Petroleum Development Oman’s (PDO) Musallam 132kV substation to proposed BP Khazzan 132kV Switchyard, said the firm in its filing to the Muscat Securities Market (MSM). The scope also includes the construction and commissioning of 132kV switchyard & control building at Khazzan field.

Gulf Investment Services proposes 6% cash dividend MUSCAT: Board of directors of Gulf Investment Services has recommended cash dividend of 6 per cent (6 baisas per share) for the year ended 2014, subject to approval of the shareholders at its annual general meeting to be held on March 31. The board also approved the draft audited accounts for the year ended 2014. The parent company has made a net profit of OMR953,879 during the year and the consolidated group results reflect a profit of OMR1,589,966.

Baudet elected as member of Al Batinah Power board MUSCAT: Guillaume Baudet has been elected member of the board of directors of Al Batinah Power. However, as Baudet is the chief executive officer of Sohar Power, his appointment on the board shall be ratified by the annual general meeting on March 29 in accordance with Article 107 of the Commercial Companies Law.

Al Suwadi Power appoints new member to the board MUSCAT: Al Suwadi Power said that Gillian-Alexandre Jeremy Huart has been appointed to replace Johan Van Kerrebroeck, who represents Kahrabel on the board of directors of the company. However, as Huart is the chief executive officer of SMN Power, his appointment on the board shall be ratified by the annual general meeting on March 29 in accordance with Article 107 of the Commercial Companies Law.

UAE’s Senaat to expand MUSCAT: Senaat, one of the UAE’s largest industrial holding companies, is planning to invest Dh5 billion to expand its portfolio of industrial projects over the next two years. Over the past five years, Senaat invested over Dh16 billion developing the metals sector. - Times News service

PERFORMANCE

National Detergent full year sales revenue rises Times News Service MUSCAT: National Detergent Company (NDC) posted sales revenue of OMR23.38 million for the year ended 2014 compared to OMR21.70 million in 2013, registering a positive growth.

The board of one of the leading FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) companies in the Sultanate has announced a 40 per cent dividend based on the net profit as NDC announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 2014.

Consolidated profit from operations for the year was OMR1.13 million as against OMR1.40 million in the previous year. Profit before tax for 2014 was OMR0.91 million as compared to OMR1.19 million in 2013. The reduction in profitability was mainly due to increased manpower cost and other operational expenditure.

Commenting on the results, NDC director and chief executive officer V. Sundaresan, said: “The company achieved higher volume and value sales in 2014 as compared to last year despite various challenges faced like increase in manpower and operational costs.

Profit before tax was impacted due to increased direct operations costs, increased raw material prices and continued price

V. Sundaresan. – Supplied photo

competition in the marketplace.”

“Some of our export markets have registered consistent growth during the year as compared to last year. Our conscious efforts to increase sales and additional investments in brand equity building have contributed to higher sales achievement,” he added.

Flagship brand NDC’s flagship brand Bahar and all other major products have performed well in local and export markets during the year.

The powder and liquid plants in Sohar have become fully op-

erational. Additional capacities of these plants have helped in exploring new markets and tapping available opportunities in the existing markets. Utilisation of capacities in all the manufacturing plants of NDC was at optimal level. The company is setting up a new non-tower detergent powder plant in Sohar, which will help in improving NDC’s presence in detergent powder segment in the years to come.

In 2014, NDC’s sulphonation division has also performed well in terms of volume and value sales growth. However, the profitability of the division was under pressure due to unstable and declining raw material prices. Severe price competition and availability of excess capacity in the region also impacted the profitability of the division.

Going forward, NDC will endeavor to maintain profitability with effective control of costs and better product mix focus in the coming years. Despite challenges, the company will continue its efforts to improve sales in local as well as Gulf Cooperation Council markets by identifying new market opportunities and expanding the product range. The capacity expansion in liquid products will help the company in increasing the presence across markets.

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET CMA to reduce time for filing company results Deadline to submit financial results by

We are going to put it for public comments (for gathering feedbacks) shortly, may be within a month or so. It will touch on same areas, but it will try to upgrade some of the requirements in order to prepare companies for the next stage

listed companies will be shortened to two weeks from the last day of each quarter, which is against a

Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi

mandatory period of

Executive president, Capital Market Authority

30 days

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Deadline to submit financial results by listed companies will be shortened to two weeks from the last day of each quarter, which is against a mandatory period of 30 days.

In the case of holding companies, the deadline will be reduced to three weeks, against 45 days.

Although Oman’s market watchdog Capital Market Authority (CMA) has advised companies to submit their financial results within two and three weeks for normal companies and holding companies, respectively, it is not mandatory now.

“It was only an advisory and the response was very good. But now we are going to make it legal,” Ahmed bin Saleh Al Marhoon, director general of Muscat SecuSTOCK MARKET

rities Market, told the Times of Oman, on the sidelines of an event to announce the process to start corporate governance award for listed companies on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).

Al Marhoon said that reducing time given for submitting financial results for listed firms would avoid leaking of information and thereby eliminate several malpractices. “The longer the period given for disclosure, the more leaking can happen.”

New corporate governance Transparency and disclosure norms on the Muscat bourse are more stringent than several other GCC bourses. These measures are aimed at protecting the rights and interests of shareholders.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, executive-president of the Capital Market Authority, said

that the market regulator was planning to introduce a new code of corporate governance by the first half of this year. “We are going to put it for public comments (for gathering feedbacks) shortly, may be within a month or so. It will touch on same areas, but it will try to upgrade some of the requirements in order to prepare companies for the next stage,” added Al Salmi.

The CMA chief also noted that there has been a substantial reduction in number of violations by listed companies on the Muscat Securities Market. “As we go, companies are getting more awareness on the requirements and getting much better in terms of complying with requirements.”

Al Marhoon said only companies that are suffering sometimes ask for extending stipulated deadline, while profit-making compa-

nies are disclosing information on time. “This is not affecting the market,” noted Al Marhoon.

Capital Market Authority (CMA) recently asked listed companies to disclose salaries of all directors and top five officials separately, in an apparent move to upgrade the standards of corporate governance principles to enhance investor confidence on the Muscat Securities Market.

The companies are required to disclose salaries of all directors and five top-level officers, including salary, benefits, perquisites, bonuses, stock options, gratuity and pension.

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T R A N S PA R E N C Y

Award to encourage best corporate governance Times News Service

Trading on MSM hit by technical snag Times News Service MUSCAT: Trading on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) was delayed by 50 minutes due to a technical snag.

Trading on the local bourse started trading at 10.50am (with a pre-opening session between 10.37-10.50am), after resolving a technical problem affected its trading platform, said a source at a brokerage house. The trading continued until 1pm.

As many as 16.67 million shares changed hand on the Muscat Securities Market, generating a turnover of OMR5.82 million.

MUSCAT: A competition to select nine listed companies practising best corporate governance standards was announced by Oman Centre for Governance and Sustainability, which is part of the Capital Market Authority (CMA).

The fourth corporate governance excellence award, which is aimed at raising awareness on the benefits of greater transparency and accountability to stakeholders and encourage companies to comply with the code of corporate governance, will be given to three companies each from banking and investment, industrial and services and insurance sectors by the third quarter of this year, said Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, executive president of the Capital Market Authority.

He said the purpose of the award, which is given once in two years, is to create compe-

tent and effective companies and organisations, which contribute towards building a robust national economy charactarised with transparency and competitiveness.

Moreover, better corporate governance assists in mitigating any negative impact on the national economy.

Application for participating companies has been posted on CMA website on Sunday and the deadline for submitting application is May 7.

This will also strengthen the confidence of local and foreign

investors in Omani companies as well as Muscat Securities Market (MSM), making it an attractive and efficient market, noted the CMA chief.

The award also presents an opportunity for companies to identify through assessment tools, their strength and weaknesses. It will help build a culture of openness and transparency. The criteria for selecting the winner are ensuring corporate governance framework, rights of shareholders, the board, transparency, control and risk management and sustainability.

ECONOMY

Oman’s first sovereign sukuk soon: CBO chief MUSCAT: Oman plans to make its first sovereign issue of Islamic bonds, a OMR200 million ($520 million) issue, by mid-2015 to help finance a budget deficit caused by the plunge of oil prices, the head of its central bank said on Sunday.

“The issue will be through the central bank for the local market,” Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, Central Bank of Oman executive president said on the sidelines of a business conference in Abu Dhabi.

The issue would boost Oman’s fledgling Islamic banking industry, giving it a pricing benchmark and a liquidity management tool. “We have Islamic banking units — they

would like some liquidity invested in it,” Sangour said. If oil stays low, Oman’s state finances will face heavy pressure; its state budget plan this year envisages a deficit of OMR2.5 billion, equivalent to about 8 per cent of the country’s annual gross domestic product.

“We hope it (low oil prices) will be short-lived. The government will continue with its plan to invest and go for mega infrastructure projects,” Sangour said. The Omani government has not issued an international bond since 1997.

To ease the pressure on government finances, Oman cut natural gas subsidies this year. - Agencies

B4

M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

MARKET Index rises The top gainer of the day was Global Financial Investment, while National Gas was the top loser of the day MUSCAT: The MSM30 Index closed with gains at 6,580.41 points, up by 0.32 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 997.98 points, up by 0.34 per cent.

Al Anwar Holding was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover.

The top gainer of the day was Global Financial Investment, up by 2.85 per cent, while National

Gas, down by 6.25 per cent, was the top loser of the day.

A total number of 1255 trades were executed during the day’s trading session generating turnover of OMR5.81 million with more than 16.67 million shares changing hands.

Out of 49 traded stocks, 19 advanced, 10 declined and 20 remained unchanged. — United Securities

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................6,581.60 .............. 6,560.24 ................... 6,580.41 ...................6,559.32..................21.09 ...................0.32 Financial Index .....................................8,229.78 ...............8,188.98 ...................8,228.59 ....................8,181.72................. 46.87 ................... 0.57 Industrial Index ................................... 8,724.32 ...............8,706.13 ....................8,721.80 ................... 8,706.13..................15.67 ................... 0.18 Services Index .......................................3,572.79 ............... 3,567.01 ....................3,567.01 ...................3,566.37....................0.64 ...................0.02 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................998.02 ..................994.62 .......................997.98 ......................994.62....................3.36 ...................0.34 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 16,670,544 ..................5,818,819 ..................1,255 ................14,937,553,321 ................ 19 ..................... 10 ....................20 .........................49

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 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

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

OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 401,063 ............43,018..................... 26 ............0.105 ........... 0.109 ...........0.105 ........... 0.107 .............0.104 ........... 0.003............. 2.885 ................0.107 ..............0.107...................0.109...................21,400,000.........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 110,000.............41,576......................19 ........... 0.370 ...........0.380 ...........0.370........... 0.378 .............0.368 ............0.010 ............. 2.717.................0.380..............0.376...................0.380 .................. 23,135,215 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 7,131,171.....1,964,105...................346 ........... 0.274 ...........0.278 ...........0.273........... 0.275 .............0.268 ........... 0.007............. 2.612 ................0.277..............0.277...................0.278...................35,887,500 .........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 331,877............ 49,664.....................24 ............0.149 ........... 0.150 ...........0.149 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.147............ 0.003............. 2.041 ................0.150 ..............0.149...................0.150...................41,251,983 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 828,168 ......... 194,441...................142 ........... 0.232 ...........0.239 ...........0.232........... 0.235 ............. 0.231............ 0.004............. 1.732.................0.234..............0.234...................0.235....................4,935,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............12,632 ...............2,380........................3 ............0.188 ........... 0.190 ...........0.188 ........... 0.188 ............. 0.185............ 0.003............. 1.622 ................0.190..............0.188...................0.194................... 16,265,760 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ....................................... 9,104 ..................646........................2 ............0.071 ........... 0.071 ...........0.071 ............0.071 .............0.070 ............0.001 ............. 1.429 ................0.071 .............. 0.071...................0.072................... 14,707,748 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 1,500,709 ...1,080,452...................100 ............0.716 ........... 0.720 ...........0.716 ........... 0.720 ............. 0.712............ 0.008............. 1.124 ................0.720..............0.720...................0.724..................468,679,846 .......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ...................................85,000 .............30,750........................7 ........... 0.362 ...........0.362 ...........0.360........... 0.362 .............0.358 ........... 0.004..............1.117 .................0.360..............0.358...................0.360 .................441,215,555 ........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 132,000 ........... 65,472........................8 ........... 0.496 ...........0.496 ...........0.496........... 0.496 .............0.492 ........... 0.004............. 0.813 ................0.496..............0.496...................0.498..................122,434,989........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 125,732 ............. 17,577........................6 ............0.139 ........... 0.140 ...........0.139 ........... 0.140 ............. 0.139.............0.001 ............. 0.719.................0.139 .............. 0.138...................0.139..................280,043,791........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ....................................................... 25,000 ............ 43,875........................4 ............1.755 ............1.755............ 1.755 ............1.755 ............. 1.745 .............0.010 ............. 0.573 ................ 1.755 ...............1.745................... 1.755 ..................351,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 692,525 .........246,164..................... 26 ........... 0.354 ........... 0.358 ...........0.352........... 0.356 .............0.354 ........... 0.002............. 0.565 ................0.358..............0.358...................0.360 ..................35,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ..................................................................... 46,000 .............21,350..................... 10 ........... 0.464 ...........0.470 ...........0.464........... 0.464 .............0.464 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.470..............0.464...................0.470..................156,248,752 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY..................................... 25,000 ............ 49,875........................4 ............1.995 ........... 1.995 ...........1.995 ............1.995 ............. 1.995............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.995 .............. 1.995...................2.030 .................178,951,500 ........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 133,865............ 69,089........................9 ............0.518 ........... 0.518 ...........0.514 ............0.516 ............. 0.516............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.516 ..............0.470...................0.516 .................. 170,730,318 ........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS .......................... 81,588 ............ 29,209........................8 ........... 0.358 ........... 0.358 ...........0.358........... 0.358 .............0.358 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.358..............0.350...................0.358...................44,713,470 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ......................................................................23,879 ...............4,991........................2 ........... 0.209...........0.209 ...........0.209 .......... 0.209 .............0.209 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.209............. 0.209...................0.214..................270,756,867........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...................................14,530 ............ 29,060........................3 ........... 2.000...........2.000 ...........2.000 .......... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.000 ............ 2.000...................2.100................. 190,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002572 ...........OMAN OIL MARKETING ............................................ 3,629 ...............8,093........................1 ........... 2.230 ...........2.230 ...........2.230 .......... 2.230 .............2.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.230..............2.230...................2.235..................136,643,250........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 844,592 .........506,694......................61 ........... 0.604 ...........0.604 ...........0.598........... 0.600 .............0.600 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.600..............0.598...................0.600 ............... 1,309,612,913 ......0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ....... 16,473 .............37,229........................4 ........... 2.260...........2.260 ...........2.260 .......... 2.260 .............2.260 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.260 ............ 2.260...................2.300 .................155,940,000........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 221,182..........390,272..................... 66 ............1.770 ........... 1.775............ 1.755 ............1.765 ............. 1.765 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................ 1.755 ...............1.755...................1.760 ................1,323,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ....................................... 31,381 .............14,130........................6 ........... 0.456 ........... 0.456 ...........0.450........... 0.450 .............0.450 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.450..............0.450...................0.458..................126,942,504 .......0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE .................................................. 80,000 .............13,330........................4 ............0.166 ........... 0.167 ...........0.166 ............0.167 ............. 0.167............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.167 .............. 0.165...................0.167...................42,349,530.........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR..................................................................50,500 ............ 10,908........................3 ............0.216 ........... 0.216 ...........0.216........... 0.216 .............0.216............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.216 .............. 0.215...................0.216..................247,104,000........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 383,930 ............61,187..................... 47 ............0.159 ........... 0.160 ...........0.159 ............0.159 ............. 0.159............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.159 .............. 0.158...................0.159................... 41,915,383 .........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER ............................................................. 1,500 ...............3,000........................3 ........... 2.000...........2.000 ...........2.000 .......... 2.000 .............2.005 ...........-0.005 ........... -0.249 ...............2.000 .............1.900...................2.000 ...................4,000,000..........1.000 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 261,000 ........... 62,889.....................24 ........... 0.244...........0.244 ...........0.240 .......... 0.241 .............0.242 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.413................0.240 ............ 0.240...................0.242 ................. 48,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ......................................................51,152 ............ 22,273..................... 10 ........... 0.438 ...........0.438 ...........0.430........... 0.436 .............0.438 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.457 ...............0.430..............0.430...................0.434 ..................26,378,000.........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION .........................22,355 ...............6,692........................8 ........... 0.300...........0.300 ...........0.298........... 0.299 .............0.302 ...........-0.003 ........... -0.993 ...............0.300 .............0.299...................0.300 ..................28,416,960 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 1,175,011 ...... 204,984..................... 69 ............0.173 ........... 0.176 ...........0.172 ............0.174 ............. 0.176............-0.002 ............-1.136................0.172 ...............0.171...................0.172...................10,238,720 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............65,000 ...............9,280........................3 ............0.143 ........... 0.143 ...........0.142........... 0.143 .............0.146............-0.003 ........... -2.055 ...............0.142.............. 0.141...................0.142................... 17,428,125 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ........................................................... 126,841............ 64,566..................... 45 ........... 0.536 ........... 0.536 ...........0.500........... 0.510 .............0.544 ...........-0.034 ........... -6.250 ...............0.500..............0.496...................0.500 ..................23,236,321 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 15,044,389 5,399,221................1,103 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......34........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING................................... 34,440 ...............4,457........................6 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.128........... 0.129 .............0.126............ 0.003............. 2.381 ................0.128 ..............0.128................... 0.131 .................... 9,701,832 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 628,100 ............ 56,781......................41 ........... 0.090 ...........0.092 ...........0.090........... 0.090 .............0.089 ............0.001 ............. 1.124 ................0.092..............0.090...................0.092 .................135,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 145,762 ............ 26,672......................11 ............0.182 ........... 0.183 ...........0.182............0.183 ............. 0.181............ 0.002............. 1.105.................0.183 .............. 0.183...................0.185..................123,504,400 .......0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................62,086 ............ 38,264..................... 27 ............0.612 ...........0.620 ...........0.612 ............0.616 ............. 0.612............ 0.004............. 0.654 ................0.620.............. 0.616...................0.620 ..................30,800,000 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 140,446 ............25,553......................18 ............0.181 ........... 0.183 ...........0.181 ........... 0.182 ............. 0.181 .............0.001 ............. 0.552 ................0.183 .............. 0.183...................0.185..................130,021,954 ........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH................................................54,742 .......... 126,180......................12 ........... 2.305 ...........2.305 ...........2.305........... 2.305 .............2.300 ........... 0.005............. 0.217 ................2.305..............2.305...................2.355................. 220,028,834 .......1.000 OM0000001228............OMAN HOTELS AND TOURISM ........................... 68,900 .............15,709........................1 ........... 0.228 ...........0.228 ...........0.228........... 0.228 .............0.228 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.228............. 0.000...................0.228 ..................12,540,000.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 142,466 .............. 5,414........................7 ........... 0.037 ...........0.038 ...........0.037........... 0.038 .............0.038 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.038..............0.037...................0.039....................3,230,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 124,123.............21,486......................18 ............0.173 ........... 0.174 ...........0.173 ............0.173 ............. 0.173............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.173 ..............0.168...................0.173 ....................5,190,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL..................................................1,550 .................. 140........................1 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.090........... 0.090 .............0.090 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.090..............0.089...................0.091...................15,750,000 .........0.100 OM0000001111 .............GULF HOTELS (OMAN) ................................................7,347 .............77,107........................4 .......... 10.495 .........10.495 .........10.495......... 10.495 ...........10.500 ..........-0.005 ........... -0.048 ..............10.495...........10.495...................0.000 ..................35,980,239.........1.000 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.................................................. 8,595 .................. 774........................3 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.090........... 0.090 ............. 0.091............-0.001 ........... -1.099................0.090..............0.089...................0.090 ..................90,000,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,418,557.......398,536...................149 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......12........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004487 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES BONDS3.75 ................5,000 ..................600........................1 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.120............0.119 ............. 0.119 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.120.............. 0.116...................0.122...................50,353,860.........0.100 OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ..............................................7,598 .................. 767........................1 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.101 ............0.101 ............. 0.101............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.101 ..............0.103...................0.107...................32,283,910 .........0.100 OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 ........................................ 195,000 ............19,695........................1 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.101 ............0.101 .............0.102 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.980 ...............0.101 ..............0.100...................0.103.................... 7,221,500 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 207,598 ........... 21,062........................3 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 3........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PRIMARY ISSUE

Daman Investments plans initial public offering soon DUBAI: Daman Investments, a Dubai-based fund manager, expects its initial public offering (IPO) to take place in the next few weeks even as swings in the local stock market caused several companies to delay similar plans.

Daman is in the final stages of obtaining regulatory approvals for the sale of a 55 per cent stake, Chairman Shehab Gargash said in an interview in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. A valuation of the company has been completed by KPMG, he said.

“This is a good time for a fund company to do an IPO as the money would go back to the market,” which is undervalued, Gargash said in the interview at a National Bank of Abu Dhabi conference.

Two of the most recent IPOs in the United Arab Emirates are among the Gulf Cooperation Council’s worst-performing initial offerings in a decade after a plunge in oil prices sparked a selloff in the region’s equity markets.

At least six regional indexes

Daman is in the final stages of obtaining regulatory approvals for the sale of a 55 per cent stake, Chairman Shehab Gargash said. A valuation of the company has been completed by KPMG

entered bear markets in the last five weeks of 2014.

Since their debut, Amanat Holdings slumped about 18 per cent and Dubai Parks and Resorts lost 27 per cent. The share performance of both companies is in the lowest quartile of more than 150 public offerings in the region since 2005, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Emaar Properties, Dubai’s largest publicly traded real estate developer, will delay selling shares in its hotels unit to the second

half, three people with knowledge of the matter said in January.

Fleet manager Massar Solutions last month canceled an IPO because of insufficient demand and said it will wait until oil prices are more stable.

Daman Investments will spend a third of the share sale’s proceeds on improving its brokerage and another third on real estate, the chairman said. The rest would be used for seeding new funds, Gargash said without being more specific. — Bloomberg News

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M MONDAY, MAR CH 2, 2015

SECTION

E-

IMES TECH STUFF

QUALITY PHONES FOR MUCH LESS

ARCHIVE YOUR INBOX TO KEEP IT TIDY AND CLEAN

Messages stay in your Gmail inbox on the web until you decide to do something with them. If you like a tidy inbox, you can archive messages.

Archiving a message moves it out of your inbox but still keeps it in your account. You can find the message again by searching or looking in the All Mail view listed on the left side of the Gmail window. If you do not see All Mail listed, click the triangle under the More menu there.

APP SMART

Smartphone can actually be really soothing

T

In the next few weeks, timed around the big Mobile World Congress industry event in Barcelona, Spain, a bundle of amazing phones are likely to be announced

Y

ou are probably buying more phone than you need. And soon you will be tempted to do it all over again.

In the next few weeks, timed around the big Mobile World Congress industry event in Barcelona, Spain, a bundle of amazing phones are likely to be announced, with better screen resolution than ever, more powerful processors, cameras that rival professional gear and appealing new designs. And in any AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon or Sprint store, you’re enticed to choose from a small, high-end selection of phones: the latest iPhone or the latest Samsung Galaxy, primarily, or maybe the latest from HTC or LG. The implications from the manufacturers are certainly clear: Whatever phone you choose, it ought to be the latest.

But do you really need the latest? For many people, these expensive “flagship” phones, which often start around $600 without a contract, are out of financial reach and unnecessary. Plenty of budgetfriendly yet versatile phones are available, and if you’re willing to look at last year’s model, you can even get a top brand for less.

A cheaper phone doesn’t require as many compromises as you might expect, either. With many phone

makers chasing emerging markets like India and China, lots of effort is going into building high-quality phones with lower price tags.

Budget phones Microsoft — whose Lumia-branded phones the company bought from Nokia — and Motorola are making budget phones a significant part of their strategies. The companies are now offering phones at low prices and with many of the same features you’ll find in a flagship device. “Billions of people are still on feature phones or really bad smartphones,” said Steve Sinclair, who manages product development for Motorola’s devices division. “They depend on the mobile Internet every day, it’s definitely something that’s not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. We look at that as an opportunity.”

This week, Motorola introduced the second generation of its Moto E, a budget phone that starts at $120 — without a new contract.

The $120 model supports only 3G data speeds, so web browsing or streaming video will be slower than on next-generation 4G networks. (The higher speeds are not always available in the countries where the Moto E and its ilk are big sellers.)

But for $150, you can get a model that supports 4G and has many of

the software features of higher-end Motorola phones, like the Moto X, as well as a fast processor, the latest version of Android (Lollipop) and a selection of accessories for personalizing the phone.

Motorola has also had unexpected success with a step-up but still inexpensive option, the Moto G, which is also available with 3G for $180 with no contract (on AT&T and T-Mobile only in the United States). The 4G model is $180 with a contract.

I like the Moto G’s squat design, clean Android interface and impressive display, although the 4G model isn’t the best value out there.

For less money — an astonishing $70 with no contract — and fast data, the Nokia Lumia 635 is a top option. It runs Windows Phone, a mobile OS that’s not familiar to many but has plenty of upsides: It is attractive, easily personalised and easy to learn for those new to smartphones.

The Lumia 635 is definitely a budget phone. The screen resolution isn’t outstanding, nor is the camera — the same is true with the Moto E and Moto G. But if your smartphone needs are simple, you are replacing a broken phone or you are buying for a teenager or someone else just making the leap to the smartphone world, any of

these options will do the trick.

But some people still want that flagship experience, and there are less expensive options for them, too. If you’re willing to sign a new carrier contract or have an upgrade available to you, I highly recommend skipping this year’s flagship smartphone in favour of last year’s model.

The Samsung Galaxy S4, the Moto X, the HTC One M7 and both the LG G2 and the LG G3 — all excellent, powerful and capable phones — are either free or inexpensive with a new contract from most US carriers. New devices are rumoured to be coming out of Mobile World Congress as well, so you may soon find even newer models on the sale rack.

Even the iPhone is not out of reach. An iPhone 5 is available on contract from many carriers for about $100 and the colorful iPhone 5C, another good choice for teenagers or smartphone newbies, is free.

I was also able to find the iPhone 4S for sale on sites like Best Buy for about $100 without a contract.

(And I must admit, the iPhone 4S is still my favourite iPhone.)

Old phones You can, of course, also buy older phones outright on sites like eBay or Swappa, which reviews and approves all the electronics it sells.

That process includes checking the phone’s electronic serial number, or ESN, against online databases to see whether a phone has been blacklisted — if it has been reported stolen, for example — what carriers it is compatible with and its price range. If you’re considering buying a used phone from a site like Craigslist or eBay, you can use Swappa’s site to check the ESN yourself - a good tip if you’re shopping for used phones.

You can also buy from other trusted sources: AT&T, Verizon and Sprint all offer the equivalent of a certified pre-owned program, with quality checklists and 14-day return periods for previously owned devices. And, of course, you can bargain-shop by being a little adventurous. — MOLLY WOOD/ The New York Times News Service

he smartphone can be a wicked tool for distraction and complication.

But it doesn’t have to be. Your smartphone can actually be an agent of calm, relaxation and mindfulness.

The app that’s helped me, my family and friends relax the most is Calm by Calm.com, which is available free — a nice, relaxing price! — for both iOS and Android. This app contains a number of guided meditation sessions that last from just a couple of minutes up to about 20 minutes. The idea is to use the app once a day at the same time.

Each meditation track is spoken in a calming voice and contains straightforward advice in cheerful tones — not “do this, do that,” more “think about sitting somewhere where your back is supported well.” I’m generally wary of meditation apps because they sometimes weave in too much mystic talk for my taste.

But Calm instead contains guidance like “Concentrate on your body.” The sounds for the meditation tracks are calming, too, and you can choose which you prefer, like gentle waves, rain in a forest or relaxing music.

The app is beautiful to look at and easy to use, thanks to clear instructions and menus. It also contains a fair amount of free meditation content. But if you pay to upgrade to the “pro” version you get meditation programs aimed at increasing confidence, creativity and other positive traits, in addition to calmness, and more content is added regularly.

The pro version costs about $10 a year, though you can buy shorter subscriptions.

Headspace, also free for iOS and Android, is a similar app that is even simpler and more refined than Calm’s app. This app is also about guided meditation for short intervals, this time about 10 minutes per session, and it too uses refreshingly plain English words instead of jargon in its sessions.

The app can provide reminders to turn it on at set daily intervals, and the sessions are straightforward: a sequence of meditations that simply talk you through different mindfulness habits over a 10-day period.

You even get rewards for sticking to your habits, in the form of cute little animations, and it can show some simple analytics about your performance — the hope being that you will be inspired to stick to it.

I find the app relaxing and rewarding to use, and its plain-designed and soft-coloured graphical interface is gentle on the eye. After the first 10 sessions many more meditation sessions are available to download, with different lengths and different goals, like reducing stress, but only for subscribers. The subscription is a steep-sounding $13 a month or $95 a year —

which may be the most stressful aspect of the app. But at least the first 10 sessions are free.

Another way to find a moment of calm in a busy day is to take 10 minutes for yourself and focus on positive things in your life, and that’s what the Happier app is all about. Free for Android and iOS, Happier is part gratitude journal, part mindfulness app, part support community. It has sections to make notes and add images from your day about things for which you are grateful, and where you can listen to short courses that teach about gratitude and happiness habits. The community aspect is a built-in social network where other users can comment in a supportive way on your progress. The app is bright, friendly and easy to use, and I found that focusing on positive things in this sort of way helps me feel calm even on stressful days. The core app is free, but you have to pay to get access to some of the guided meditation courses, like More Calm, Less Stress. Prices vary from $5 to $25.

Digipill is another popular app in this class. Its makers promote the app with bold claims, saying it can help “prevent insomnia,” “lose weight” and more. The app revolves around digital “pills,” or sessions, with one goal in mind; each session combines spokenword meditation instructions and ambient music-based background audio. The idea is that you find some privacy, put on some headphones, take your pill and sit back for a short while as it takes effect. I’m not convinced that the road to inner calm is achieved so simply, but the “time for tea” relaxation pill, which is included free, is actually pretty soothing, and that may be all you need to help you find calm in the midst of noise and distraction. More pills, on topics like motivation, cost $2 to $7. It’s worth noting that the app, which is for iOS and Android devices, has not been updated in many months, which may indicate the amount of content is limited. - KIT EATON /The New York Times News Service

B6

MON DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

ROUND-UP NBO celebrates 42nd anniversary; announces support for 45 students National Bank of Oman Chairman Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, announced the launch of an initiative to mark the Sultanate’s 45th National Day by committing to support a total of 45 Omani students to help them build a bright and prosperous future for themselves and their communities

MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO) celebrated yesterday its 42nd anniversary with a VVIP gala dinner hosted at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat, and attended by a number of distinguished guests, including ministers, undersecretaries, ambassadors and prominent entrepreneurs.

The chief guest for the event was Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs.

During the celebrations, guests were entertained by a number of thrilling displays, including fireworks; a local classical band, who performed on a floating stage; a ‘Cirque du Soleil’ performance; a local poet Faisal Al Farsi as well as sand canvases crafted by the renowned sand artist, Shaima Al Mugheiry, who depicted NBO’s prestigious growth journey, says a press release. The programme of activities included the premiere of a video which highlighted NBO’s achievements and its contributions to the Oman’s economy and the community since its establishment in 1973, as well as wellreceived speeches by Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman and Ahmed Al Musalmi, Chief Executive Officer of the bank.

During the commemorations, Al Ardhi announced the launch of an initiative to mark the Sultanate’s 45th National Day; the bank committed to support a total of 45 Omani students across the nation to help them build a bright and prosperous future for themselves and their communities.

Al Ardhi said: “On this special day, it is with great joy and pride that we have gathered to celebrate National Bank of Oman’s 42nd anniversary, a growth journey that was made possible with the support of all our valued stakeholders and the people of the Sultanate of Oman. On behalf of the entire bank, may I extend our best wishes to His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin

Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi; it is an honour to host him on such a momentous occasion.

“National Bank of Oman has built strong foundations over the years, and we are very proud that today, National Bank of Oman is one of the leading banks in the Sultanate. We would like to pay tribute to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. By bringing optimism and happiness across the full spectrum

of society, His Majesty continues to inspire us all with his wise and visionary leadership and National Bank of Oman remains committed to supporting our nation’s economy and strategic objectives.”

Al Ardhi added: “This year, the Sultanate marks the 45th anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s reign. As part of our commitment to the community, we have continuously sought to

develop and strengthen our employees’ capabilities to contribute to the bank and the nation’s success. To commemorate our 45th National Day, and as a gift to our nation, we are delighted to announce that we will be providing scholarships for five undergraduate students to complete their master’s degree at the most reputed universities in the world, we will also provide scholarships for 15 high school students to complete their undergraduate degrees at the top universities in the world.

In addition, the bank will train and employ 25 diploma level students in various divisions of the bank.”

Al Musalmi said: “National Bank of Oman Day is an opportunity to celebrate the success that the bank has enjoyed over the years, while also looking forward to the exciting opportunities that the future will bring. 2014 was a historical year for the bank, we recorded the highest profit growth in the bank’s history, and would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for their efforts over the last year, our customers for their patronage and loyalty, our regulators for their continued support and guidance, and to pay tribute to His Majesty for his wisdom and leadership.

“We are honoured to be joined

by His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi on this memorable occasion. While

the bank has undoubtedly enjoyed considerable success in recent years, we remain ambitious to expand our offering to new customers while maintaining the highest-level of customer service excellence, supported by technology-driven innovations to enhance our customers’ banking experience. This unwavering commitment to clients is true across every department of National Bank of Oman whether in our support of crucial SME businesses, laudable CSR projects or our dedication to developing and promoting Omani talent in line with the country’s Omanisation efforts.

“By encouraging young talent to flourish, and by providing bursaries to the world’s preeminent educational institutions, we will ensure that future generations of Omanis enjoy attractive career prospects at National Bank of Oman and contribute to securing the long-term prosperity of our great nation. In all of this, the ultimate goal, and our primary focus, is to make positive and sustainable contributions to our community; for you and for our nation.”

Building on its legacy of success, NBO continues to go from strength to strength with a clear vision to be the bank of choice for both individual customers and businesses within Oman, and the other jurisdictions in

which the bank operates.

The bank’s focus remains on expanding its retail, corporate and investment banking operations where there are opportunities to grow in the medium and long term. Over the past three years, the bank has committed over $1 billion to support major strategic projects in Oman.

National Bank of Oman is committed to making a positive and sustainable impact in the local community through social initiatives that underline the true spirit of corporate social responsibility. Supporting underprivileged people across the Sultanate is an important theme for the bank, and a responsibility it takes very seriously. As well as supporting 45 Omani students, National Bank of Oman runs numerous projects throughout the year aimed at supporting the local community and giving back to the Sultanate.

National Bank of Oman is strongly positioned for future growth and has developed a robust five-year growth strategy and innovative plans to build on the success of National Bank of Oman’s transformation. Through its commitment to delivering a consistently superior customer experience and creating value for stakeholders, National Bank of Oman is wellplaced to continue on its journey to be the bank of choice.

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM MONDAY, MAR CH 2, 2015

SECTION

RECRUI

When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt. — Henry J. Kaiser

JOB POSTINGS

CAREER COACH

QUOTES

Rules of etiquette for cubicle life RECENTLY, a reader wrote in asking for guidance on the rules of etiquette for life in the cubicles.

It can be easy to irritate others in those close open spaces, and coworkers who disregard office protocol and commit cubicle faux pas can affect productivity and stress levels. The cubicle evolved from the Action Office furniture system, invented by Robert Propst of Herman Miller in the 1960s, with the intention of giving employees flexible space and saving companies money.

A 2010 study by the International Facility Management Association found that the typical cubicle size for office employees has shrunk by almost 20 percent over the past 17 years — from an average of 90 square feet in 1994 to about 75 square feet now.

Some say today’s younger, tech-savvy employees aren’t as concerned with having their own office and instead prefer an open environment of creativity and collaboration — as long as they have reliable wireless infrastructure and lighter laptops. This may be true for some, but in other places, workers may need more privacy or quiet time for thinking and reflection. I conducted an informal survey asking people what most annoys them regarding their workspace. What I found may sound familiar. With an eye toward your organisation’s corporate culture, here are some rules of thumb for coexisting in a cubicle culture.

Be respectful. Knock (on their cubicle wall) and ask first if your neighbour has time before you start talking. I know they may not “look busy,” but sometimes they could just be thinking. Your interruption could set them back in their work.

Don’t “take” or “borrow” things from a co-worker’s desk

Watch out for strong smells.

just because the area is open (unless they have already told you it is OK). Staff who have desks in a common area often run into the problem of people taking their staplers, tape dispensers, scissors or rifling through their desks in search of paper and pens, etc.

Avoid trying to talk to someone who is on the phone or sending an e-mail. By waving your hands, using sign language, or talking louder, you are interrupting them.

If someone is out, don’t hang out at their cubicle reading what’s on their desk (e.g., memos, faxes, letters).

Don’t yell across the room.

Walk over to someone to have a conversation.

Don’t peer over the top of your cubicle wall (called prairiedogging) to see what the next person is doing. Respect their privacy.

Avoid speakerphone and don’t discuss personal or confidential issues at your desk, even on the phone. Remember, your conversations travel.

Make sure your cell phone is set on “silent,” or at least set to a low volume ring tone that won’t disturb others.

Don’t leave “old food” in your space or bring in food with really strong odours. Avoid wearing strong perfume or cologne, which impacts the breathing of those near them, especially those with allergies.

Speaking of food, eat in the lunchroom. Eating at the desk is one area that seems to highly upset co-workers — all the sounds people make when chewing ice or gum or eating seeds, carrots, nuts and other loud and crunchy foods.

Your cubicle is a place of work.

Don’t use it as a dressing room or a place to put on makeup, floss your teeth, cut your nails, etc. The restroom can’t be that far away.

Avoid loud music. Use headphones and make sure you are not singing or humming out loud.

Keep your cubicle clean, neat and organised — it sends a message about your professional brand. You can personalise it, but be careful not to decorate with so much stuff that no one can find any of your work.

Watch out for offensive pictures, posters, slogans, etc. Check out your company’s code and use common sense so that your workspace is not a place that others might find offensive.

When in doubt about what to have in your cubicle, think about whether you would be comfortable having the president of the company see in your cubicle.

Keep in mind that your primary objective in the office is work.

Sure, you should have fun while you are working, but your cubicle is part of the office, and others around you still need to get their work done. Respect for your coworkers and enhancing the harmony of the workplace will go a long way to making sure you succeed in your career. — Joyce E. A. Russell/The Washington Post

In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it.

They must not do too much of it. And they must have a sense of success in it.

— John Ruskin

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B8

M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

ROUND-UP

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Oman Air bags awards at OAMC ceremony

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RECOGNITION

The national carrier of the Sultanate was recognised as one of the top five airlines by number of passengers carried at Muscat

Manpower Ministry honours OTE Group

International Airport. It also received an award as one of the top three airlines at Salalah International Airport, as well as receiving accolades in the Non-Aeronautical and Stakeholder of the Year 2014 categories MUSCAT: Oman Air has scooped four awards at the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) second annual awards ceremony, held at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa recently.

The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman was recognised as one of the top five airlines by number of passengers carried at Muscat International Airport. It also received an award as one of the top three airlines at Salalah International Airport, as well as receiving accolades in the Non-Aeronautical and Stakeholder of the Year 2014

categories, says a press release.

Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air, received the awards on behalf of the airline and commented: “Oman Air is pleased and proud to have its leading role at Oman’s airports recognised by these four awards. As the Sultanate’s national carrier, we are committed to supporting the growth of Oman’s airport sector, and to bringing increased numbers of visitors to the country. Our aircraft carried 5.1 million passengers in 2014, all of whom landed at Muscat or Salalah airports.

“The company’s direct and indirect contribution to the Omani economy over the same period was as much as OMR420 million.

We also provide passenger services at Oman’s airports on behalf of a number of other airlines and at Muscat International Airport alone our airport staff handled 8.7 million customers last year. “As Oman Air’s rapid expansion continues, we look forward to continuing our work with OAMC to offer the very best in 21st century air travel both on the ground and in the air.”

Sheikh Samir Al Nabhani, general manager of Oman Air’s Commercial Operations, added that Oman Air has played an essential role in developing the Sultanate’s travel industry over the past years.

Furthermore, the national carrier

has made a major contribution to the growth in the number of passengers flying from and to Oman.

Oman Air launched two new international routes last year, to Manila and Jakarta, taking the number of international destinations offered at Muscat International Airport to 62. Oman Air’s services account for 58 per cent of the total traffic handled by the airport.

Oman Air’s growth strategy was launched in November 2014 and will see the airline expand its fleet from 30 to over 50 narrowbody and widebody aircraft by 2018.

The first of 15 new Boeing 737s and three Airbus A330s touched down at Muscat International airport recently. In addition, six Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be delivered between 2015 and 2017.

MUSCAT: OTE Group was honoured by the Ministry of Manpower recently for their Omanisation initiatives. Omanisation has been the top priority at OTE Group, in-line with national priorities. Training and absorption of national talents across divisions within the organisation has been a continuous process over the years.

This prestigious award is a testimony to OTE Group’s long term commitment on Omanisation and development of Omani skills. The award was received

by Abdullah Hakmani, AGM – HR, PR & Omanisation cell, OTE Group from His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd Al Said, Assistant Secretary-General for

S TA N D - U P C O M E D Y

TITLE SPONSOR

Cabinet Affairs at the office of the Deputy Prime Minister, says a press release.

OTE Group, to pursue its ambitious growth plans, has always been attracting and developing qualified Omani youth to be a part of its workforce pool.

Apart from on-the-job training programmes, the group also provides Omani talent with numerous development opportunities and encourages them to further their academics and skills by sponsoring various management and other education programmes in order to help learn new skills, not only to equip them for the constantly changing needs of the business, but also to grow further in their career.

HIGH PROFILE EVENT

Mercedes-Benz AGP Transworld undertakes its presents Signature maiden voyage on March 13 Couture Show 2015

Strategy Execution Conference on March 22

MUSCAT: Mercedes-Benz, the brand synonymous with elegance is the title sponsor of the second edition of the Signature Couture Show, partnering with Signature magazine to provide a platform for designers to showcase their couture 2015 collections.

Following the success of the first runway edition, the show, which will be held on March 5, will continue to honour the creative visions of designers while inspiring style-gurus and trend setters to enter the glamorous world of their favourite labels, says a press release.

With Mercedes-Benz’s undeniable lineage in the arenas of luxury and high fashion, the show will debut two new models that convey the unmistakable style and individuality that is Mercedes-Benz.

“Innovation and perfection, elegance and style – these are the ties that bind Mercedes-Benz design and luxury fashion design. But it is

MUSCAT: A high level conference focusing on Strategy and Strategy Execution has been organised by Tanfidh Management Consultants to take place on March 22 and 23. The main aim of the event is to deliver key messages on how best to take a strategy, analyse and make it happen, says a press release.

A combination of international and regional keynote speakers will share their experiences on successes and failures of executing strategy. The international speaker Jeroen De Flander, who has helped more than 23,500 managers in 35 countries master the necessary strategy execution skills, will be a keynote speaker on the occasion. Rani Salman and Ghada Ibrahim are the regional strategy execution gurus; both have extensive experience in this field in Gulf.

not only the latest Haute Couture that will be turning heads at this year’s show as we will be previewing two new generation luxury cars.

Unique design idiom and exceptional performance of these new cars will perfectly complement the craftsmanship of the dresses on the runway, weaving in the love of elegance and style with the uncompromising search for perfection,” said, Clive Hammond, CEO of Zawawi Trading Company-Automotive, Authorised General Distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Oman.

MUSCAT: Ashvin Gidwani Productions’ and well-known standup comedian’s Vir Das’ most prominent play History of India VIRitten will be coming to Oman on March 13. Against the rich cultural heritage of Muscat, Vir Das will do what he does best — spread laughter.

The play which is presented by AGP Transworld will be staged at the Al Bustan Palace - a Ritz Carlton Hotel Muscat at 7pm. AGP Transworld is a brand new international venture and this is the first time they will be presenting a play abroad, says a press release.

Classic humour Helmed by talented stand-up comedians Vir Das and Kavi Shastri, History of India VIRitten (HOI) promises the viewer a journey complete with wit and unbearable laughter.

Vir keeps spirits up with his unprecedented take on history and his classic humour making the show a preferred choice amongst

the Indian audiences.

“HOI is the largest selling comedy show of Indian theatre and we are proud to be presenting it in Muscat. Our earlier show in Dubai was a massive hit and we have been eager to showcase it to the audiences in Gulf countries since. Now with AGP Transworld, we give our fans across the world a chance to experience Indian theatre,” said, Ashvin Gidwani,

MD & Producer for Ashvin Gidwani Productions.

HOI’s last show in Dubai was a grand success where it received a standing ovation from everyone present. Popular personalities have been impressed with the performances of the duo and now they come to visit their fans from the GCC. The show has already been booked revealing the eagerness of the people.

ACCOLADE

Meera honoured with Oman Kerala Sahithya Puraskaram

PRESTIGIOUS: The prestigious award was handed over by D. C. Ravi, CEO of DC Books — a well-

established publishing house in India — at a gala function in Muscat. – Venecio Datan/ TIMES OF OMAN

Times News Service MUSCAT: Well-known Indian writer K. R. Meera bagged the third Oman Kerala Sahithya Puraskaram 2014 award instituted

by Muscat-based Al Bhaj Books.

The prestigious award was handed over on Saturday evening

by D. C. Ravi, chief executive officer of DC Books — a well-established publishing house in India — at a gala function in Muscat.

Over 400 people, including prominent dignitaries from different walks of life, attended the event, which was held at Al Massa Hall (Rex Road) in Ruwi, said Shouckath Ali, managing director of Al Bhaj Books, a leading book distributor in Oman.

Shouckath Ali added that the

whole objective of honouring an Indian author every year, which coincides with Muscat International Book Fair, was to encourage reading habit among Indians living in Oman and facilitate interaction with writers.

Meera, a famous Malayalam writer, earlier won prestigious awards like Kerala Sahithya Academy Award, Vayalar Award and Odakuzhal Award.

Addressing the award function, Meera said she was happy to receive the award, which was instituted by Al Bhaj Books.

Meera’s bestseller book this year is Aarachar.

Al Bhaj Books is also participating in the 20th Muscat International Book Fair, which will be up to March 7 at Oman International

Exhibition Centre in Seeb.

Al Bhaj also conducted a ‘Meet The Author’ programme with Meera at its stall at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. Al Bhaj Books strives to bridge the gap between the present generation of Keralites living in Oman and the rich Indian literature.

Meera said she could notice the overwhelming response of local people at the Muscat International Book Fair.

“Non-resident Indians in Oman are different from other Gulf countries,” she added.

Fans of Malayalam literature have conducted an open dialogue with Meera, in a separate literary interacting session organised by the ‘Vayanakoottam’ (a readers’ forum in Oman) on February 27.

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PAKISTAN BACK ON TRACK WITH WIN OVER ZIMBABWE Mohammed Irfan extracted steep bounce from the Gabba pitch to pick up four wickets as Pakistan secured their first victory at the World Cup by beating Zimbabwe by 20 runs in their Pool B match on Sunday. >C4

DOHA MEETING

Oman declares readiness to host GCC Women’s Games MUSCAT: The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) declared the Sultanate’s readiness to host the fourth GCC Women’s Games, scheduled to be organised in Muscat from March 8 to 18.

The OOC revealed the Oman’s readiness for the Games during the 84th meeting of the Executive Office of GCC Olympic Committees’ Heads in the Qatari capital of Doha on Sunday.

During the meeting, OOC Secretary-General Tahal Al Kirshy briefed the GCC Olympic Committees officials about the steps being taken by Oman to successfully organise the Games while

stressing the country’s readiness to welcome the athletes and officials for the event.

During his speech, Taha Al Kishry also extended an invitation to the members of the Executive Office to attend the opening ceremony.

The Doha meeting started with a welcoming speech by Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chairman of the Executive Office of the GCC Olympic Committees’ Heads and Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

The Qatari official lauded the ‘great efforts’ being made by the executive office to support and

SIGNIFICANT MEETING: OOC Secretary-General Taha Al Kishry, third right, pictured during a meeting of the GCC Olympic Committees Executive Office in Doha on Sunday. – Supplied photo

strengthen the march of sports in the Gulf region.

During the meeting, the Executive Office members discussed and reviewed a number of recom-

mendations and proposals, which will now be submitted at the 29th meeting of the GCC Olympic Committees Heads that is scheduled for Tuesday.

One of the main proposals, made

by Qatar Olympic Committee, is to include 3-on-3 basketball to the list of sports at GCC Beach Games.

It has also been proposed to

form special technical committees for organising handball and volleyball competitions by increasing the number of members to seven from four.

During Tuesday’s meeting, a number of personalities who contributed to the development of GCC sports as well the Oman Committee for Environment and Sports will also be honoured.

Tuesday’s meeting of the GCC Olympic heads will be followed by 29th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Sports and Youth. A meeting of the sports ministries’ under-secretaries is scheduled for Monday.

EFG Bank retain SATT 2015 crown After a gripping conclusion to 2015 Sailing Arabia - The Tour, EFG Bank retained the overall champions title with a third place finish in the final leg TIME TO CELEBRATE: The top three finishers pose with their trophies. – Supplied photo

MANAMA: Zain Sailing Team (Kuwait), headed by seasoned Tour competitor Cédric Pouligny, won the final leg of the Oman Sail-organised EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour (SATT) 2015. Even more commendable is the fact that the crew consists of enthusiastic novices, formed mainly from employees of Zain – one of the Middle East’s leading mobile telecoms operators.

They managed to take the lead during the night on the windy, 90nm leg from Doha, and engage

in a tough battle with Team averda in the closing stages. Team averda took the lead for a while, but some smart moves by Zain Sailing Team put them ahead and they crossed finish line off Bahrain in first place, completing the course in 18 hours, 31 minutes.

Zain’s win on this leg also shifted them up the rankings to a podium position at third place overall.

A third place on the leg, however, was enough to confirm Sidney Gavignet, and his mixed Omani

team the overall winners of the EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour for the second year in a row.

Gavignet, together with his highly-tuned crew Damian Foxall, Alex Pella, Nicolas Lunven, Fabien Delahaye, Mohammed Al Mujaini, Abdull Rahman Al Mashari, and Abdallah Al Shukaili, sailed an impressive series. They won all but two of the six legs and finished the event 9.25 points clear.

Chatting as he stepped ashore, double Tour champion, Gavignet

expressed his delight and paid tribute to his team: “I feel good to achieve the goal, and especially this time because we had a great atmosphere onboard, which I believe helped our performance. It was clearly the hardest Sailing Arabia – The tour event that I have done.”

Wouter Sonnema and his Dutch team on Delft Challenge from the Technical University in Delft settle for fourth place, which meant they dropped to fourth overall.

Mary Rook and the all-girl team

on Al Thuraya (Oman), sailed exceptionally well and finished the leg in fifth place. They also managed to retain sixth overall beating GAC powered by Dongfeng Race Team after a close battle to the finish.

Nick Moloney and his mostly Chinese team on GAC powered

by Dongfeng Race Team were just behind in sixth, which meant they finished eighth overall. Ahmed Al Ma’mari’s Team Omifco are a young Omani team finished seventh on the final leg and ninth overall.

Team Renaissance finished eighth and fifth overall.

Mathijs Wagemans and the predominantly Omani crew on Team Imco, representing the International Maritime College Oman, finished ninth in leg but had to settle for 11th overall. Lorenz Müller and his Bienne Voile team (Swiss) concluded the series with a 10th.

They did however, finish a respectable seventh place overall.

After the race, the organisers held a prize-giving ceremony at The Dragon Hotel & Resort under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Arab Sailing Federation and President of Bahrain Maritime Sports Association, and Abdullah Rashid Al Medailwi, Oman’s Ambassador to Bahrain.

At the ceremony, Ali Al Balushi (Renaissance) and Richard Mason (Averda) were announced as winners of the newly-launched Volvo Ocean Race Rookie Award. Both winners, who are under 30, will fly to Newport, a Volvo Ocean Race stopover, for a full weekend trip to watch the race.

David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail, reflected on an incredible exhibition of sailing prowess.

He said: “Calling at eight of the region’s world-class marinas, sailors from around the world have gone head to head and faced a unique sailing challenge.

“Covering over 760 nautical miles in 15 days, my congratulations go to all of the competitors who have shown determination, mental strength and a high level of sailing skill even when their bodies must be aching and their minds are tired.

“EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour showcases the potential of the Middle East as a high-end tourist destination.”

Overall results: 1. EFG 12 pts; 2.

Team Averda 21.25 pts; 3. Zain 29.50 pts; 4. Delft Challenge 29.75 pts; 5. Renaissance 39 pts; 6. Al Thuraya 41.75 pts; 7. Bienne Voile 42.75 pts; 8. GAC Pindar - Powered by Dongfeng 44.50 pts; 9. Omifco 64 pts; 10. RNO 69 pts and 11. Imco 70.25 pts.

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M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

SPORTS EPL

Liverpool edge City LONDON: Liverpool dented Manchester City’s English Premier League title aspirations with a 2-1 home win over the champions on Sunday as Arsenal moved up to third with a 2-0 victory against Everton.

Superb curling efforts from Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho either side of an Edin Dzeko strike gave Liverpool the win, extending their unbeaten run to 11 league games.

It was a serious blow to City manager Manuel Pellegrini and his second-placed team’s hopes of retaining their title as they missed the chance to close the five-point

gap on leaders Chelsea.

Arsenal got over Wednesday’s 3-1 home defeat by AS Monaco in the Champions League when France striker Olivier Giroud, who missed a glut of chances in that defeat, swept in a corner after 39 minutes in a tight game against Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

Substitute Tomas Rosicky added a late second with a long- range strike to make sure of the win for the north London side.

Victory meant Arsene Wenger’s side leapfrogged Manchester United in the table and moved four points behind City. - Reuters

Stay ahead of the curve with WhatsNews

Ahmad display lifts Al Nabooda Racing Thanks to Ahmad Al Harthy’s strong performance Al Nabooda now sit twelve points clear at the top of the team competition

OMAN U14S WIN THIRD PLACE AT WEST ASIAN FOOTBALL FESTIVAL

The Sultanate’s national under-14 team finished third at the West Asian Football Festival organised in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah from February 21 to 28. The UAE team won the first place while hosts Saudi Arabia took the second place. — Supplied photo

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

DUBAI: Oman’s Ahmad Al Harthy bounced back from a disappointing day to take fourth place in his Gold Category in Race 2 of Round 5 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at the Dubai Autodrome, securing his Al Nabooda Racing team vital points and extending their lead in the championship with just one round to go.

The final results set up a thrilling season finale race weekend at Bahrain International Circuit as the support races for the F1 Bahrain GP where the team and drivers championships will be decided in front of packed stands.

With huge expectations on the A DIVISION

Raha ease to win over Muscat CT MUSCAT: In a Muscat Pharmacy & Stores-sponsored A Division 50 overs-a-side league match played on Saturday, Raha recorded a five-wicket win against the Muscat Cricket Team.

Opting to field first, Raha justified their decision when they bowled out a depleted Muscat team for 178 off 42.3 overs.

Raha reached to their target scoring 181 for five wickets in 45.2 overs thanks to a 73-run fourth-wicket partnership between Sultan Ahmed (54 not out) and Zeeshan Ahmed Siddiqui (52). Sultan Ahmed was adjudged Man of the Match.

Brief scores: Muscat 178 in 42.3 overs (Aaqib Ilyas 65, Vaibhav Wategaonkar 33, Swapnil Khadye 23; Waseem Akhtar 3/18, Khursheed Ahmed 2/24, Khalid Rasheed 2/33) lost to Raha 181 for 5 in 45.2 overs (Sultan Ahmed 54 n.o., Zeeshan Ahmed Siddiqui 52, Shahid Naseem 27, Waseem Akhtar 23; Rajesh Ranpura 2/19). Points: Raha - 4 (7 games, 24 pts) and Muscat - Nil (7 games – 24 pts).

SOLID RACE: Ahmad Al Harthy in action at Dubai Autodrome.

penultimate round of the series at the Dubai Autodrome the competition delivered another enthralling weekend of motor racing action featuring the region’s finest drivers.

The previous results in Qatar had left it all to play for at the Motorcity track and after a thrilling first race where the lead changed at least four times and the points were spread evenly throughout the field, Race 2 was set to play the role as the most important battle of the season so far.

After being forced to retire from Race 1, Al Harthy seemed to have a point to prove in the second race of Round 5 and produced a solid time in qualifying to start fourth in the Gold Category.

With a good start, the Omani was able to establish a comfortable position and despite losing a position to Raed Raffii of Team Bahrain in the early stages, Al

Harthy fought back to claim crucial points for his Al Nabooda Racing team. Thanks to his strong performance Al Nabooda now sit twelve points clear at the top of the team competition with just two races left.

Ahmad Al Harthy said: “It was a solid race from my perspective.

I managed to steer clear of trouble and put as much pressure on the cars in front as I could. The conditions were very different today and I think that caught a few guys by surprise but it was certainly a more controlled affair especially from my side.

“It was great to stay strong throughout, get past Raed and secure those points as it meant we were the top team in this round.

No we’re twelve points clear in the team competition and with just one round to go we can see the silverware in the distance.”

AFTER A DECADE

Dalmiya set to return as BCCI chief CHENNAI: Veteran cricket administrator Jagmohan Dalmiya is all set to return as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president more than a decade after he last held the top job, emerging as the consensus candidate from incumbent N. Srinivasan’s camp.

The road for Dalmiya was cleared after another former president Sharad Pawar failed to get a proposer from East zone, prompting the Maratha strongman to pull out of the race ahead of Monday’s much-delayed Annual General Meeting. - PTI NEW CHIEF

ECB boss opens door for Pietersen LONDON: Incoming England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves has left the door open for a return to the England side for controversial former captain Kevin Pietersen and said he must return to county cricket to champion his cause.

“The first thing he has to do if he wants to get back is start playing county cricket,” he said.

CRICKET

ACC T20 title-winning Oman feted MUSCAT: Oman Cricket (OC) organised an impressive ceremony at Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant to felicitate the Sultanate’s national team who won the ACC T20 Trophy in Sharjah recently.

During the ceremony, which was attended by Oman Cricket board members and other dignitaries, Oman team members, support staff, ground and office staff were presented with certificates and cash awards. Speaking on the occasion, Oman Cricket Secretary Madhu Jesrani thanked all those who contributed to the team’s success. He wished the team success at 2015 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier scheduled to be held in Ireland/Scotland from July 6 to 26.

OC’s Cricket Development Officer Duleep Mendis, meanwhile,

said: “Te team are now gaining some momentum and performing consistently.”

Speaking about Oman’s preparations for the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, he said the training and practice sessions have commenced for the probables and will continue until the team departs for the tournament.

In addition to the domestic camp, the team will travel to the UAE to train at ICC Academy and

play a few practice matches in the UAE, he informed.

The team will then travel to Ireland/Scotland three weeks prior to the tournament to practice and adapt to the conditions.

Pankaj Khimji, OC board member, also congratulated the winning team and wished the team success at the Qualifier. He thanked the Ministry of Sports Affairs and various other organisations for supporting Oman Cricket.

OMAN CRICKET LEAGUE

SOLID KNOCK: Anandapathi.

J DIVISION: NBO B after their win over Khalsa United. – Supplied photos

Enhance Royals, NBO B post wins MUSCAT: Enhance Royals recorded an easy five-wicket win against Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan (MARH) in an Oman Cricketorganised F Division T20 match.

Brief scores: MARH 149 for 9 in 20 overs (Sarath S. 42, Jijo Abraham 35, Mohammed Rizwan 31; Rajagopalan Nair 4/23, S.N. Hari Krishnan 2/25) lost to Enhance Eagles 150 for 5 in 16.5 overs (V. Anandapathi 75 n.o., Kather Meeran 47; Allan Anthony 3/18, Khalid Moosa 2/44).

Points: Enhance Eagles - 2 (7 games, 7 pts), MARH - Nil (7 games, 5 pts).

Amir stars for OCT Al Hail Amir Al Balushi scored a brilliant 56 and thereafter bagged two wickets to steer OCT Al Hail A to a 13-run win against Ibrahim Al

Kishri in an Enhance-sponsored E Division T20 match.

Brief scores: OCT Al Hail A 166 in 19.5 overs (Amir Al Balushi 56, Waleed Al Balushi 27, Ismail Al Balushi 24; Kashif Bakkar 5/25, Mohammed Muslim 2/25) bt Ibrahim Al Kishri 153 for 9 in 20 overs (Kamaljot Singh 85 n.o., Wasif Bakkar 23; Suhaib Al Balushi 4/31, Amir Al Balushi 2/28). Points: OCT Al Hail A - 2 (7 games, 7 pts), Ibrahim Al Kishri - Nil (5 games, 2 pts).

NBO B beat Khalsa United National Bank of Oman B recorded a 37-run win against Khalsa United in a J Division T20 match.

Brief scores: NBO B 149 for 9 in 20 overs (Homeshwar Ratre 76; Harminder Singh 3/11, Arvind Singh 3/25) bt Khalsa United 112 in 18.3 overs (Arvind Singh 27,

Mohammed Danish 26; Khalid Manzoor 2/14, Ashish Pathak 2/16, Siddharth Oza 2/18). Points: NBO B - 2 (6 games, 10 pts), Khalsa United - Nil (7 games, 7 pts).

Oneic record victory In an I Division T20 match, a 10man Oniec defeated Dhofar Automotive by five wickets in a match reduced to 19 overs per side due to late submission of the team list by Dhofar Automotive.

Brief scores: Dhofar Automotive 158 for 9 in 19 overs (Jishad Majeed 56, Vijeyakumar 22, Suresh 20; Zubair Khan 3/24, M. Awais 3/36) lost to Oniec 160 for 5 in 17.3 overs (Rehan Siddiqui 46, Zubair Khan 30, Kamal Haider 22 n.o).

Points: Oneic - 2 (7 games, 3 pts), Dhofar Automotive - Nil (7 games, 1 pt).

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MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

TOMORROW’S MATCH POOL B: IRELAND V SOUTH AFRICA (7:30AM OMAN TIME)

ON A ROLL

PRAISE FOR THE VETERAN

Sangakkara is number one, says Thirimanne

S

ri Lanka’s Lahiru Thirimanne on Sunday declared teammate Kumar Sangakkara one of the best limited overs batsmen of all time after his second successive century at the World Cup. Sangakkara hit an unbeaten 117 as the 1996 champions thrashed England by nine wickets in Wellington, following up on his 105 not out against Bangladesh.

It was Sangakkara’s 24th century in 402 One-day Internationals and Thirimanne said the vastly experienced 37-year-old was a steadying influence on the team.

Asked where Sangakkara, who is playing in his final World Cup, ranked in the pantheon of greats, Thirimanne said he was right at the top. “At the current moment I think he’s number one,” he said.

“I mean, he is batting really well.

“Not only is he rotating the strike, but hitting the boundaries as well.

So it is very helpful for the team.”

Thirimanne himself made an unbeaten 139 against England and said he was thrilled to carry his bat after only being promoted to open in the lead-up to the tournament.

He also has two half centuries at the tournament, while Sri Lanka’s potent batting line up includes another two World Cup centurions in Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene.

But Thirimanne said Sri Lanka, finalists at the last tow World Cups, could not rely on batting alone and had to improve other aspects of their game. “Our fielding

Getting old quite quickly but I am still enjoying the game Kumar Sangakkara Sri Lanka

wasn’t good... in this tournament you can’t do it only batting and survive. “You have to field, you have to bowl really well. So we have to improve on that side.”

Meanwhile, Sangakkara praised his team’s openers for their 100run stand which led to the target being easily chased down against England. Chasing a total of 310 for victory, the 1996 World Cup champions were totally in command over their run chase. Their first wicket fell for 100, that of Tillakaratne Dilshan (44).

“Credit should go to the openers. They had a great start. Thiri (Thirimanne) batted out of his skin.

We were getting six runs an over throughout. It was just a case of batting long,” Sangakkara said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Sangakkara praised his innings and added he is still enjoying the game. “It is always imposing when someone scores 300. Joe Root batted beautifully, but then again there are days like this,” the 37-year-old said.

“Getting old quite quickly but I am still enjoying the game (about retiring after the event),” he added.

Sri Lanka next play Australia on March 8 in Sydney. - AFP

S TA N D I N G S POOL A

KUMAR SANGAKKARA

117*

runs from 86 balls 11 fours, 2 sixes

Teams New Zealand Sri Lanka Bangladesh Australia Afghanistan England Scotland

M 4 4 3 3 3 4 3

W 4 3 1 1 1 1 0

L 0 1 1 1 2 3 3

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

N/R 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Pts 8 6 3 3 2 2 0

Net RR +3.589 +0.128 +0.130 -0.305 -0.760 -1.201 -1.735

3 3 2 4 4 3 3

3 2 2 2 1 1 0

0 1 0 2 3 2 3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6 4 4 4 2 2 0

+2.630 +1.260 +0.338 -0.313 -0.723 -1.373 -1.326

POOL B

India South Africa Ireland West Indies Zimbabwe Pakistan UAE

MATCH REPORT ON

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M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

REACTION

Taylor can’t comprehend defeat to Pakistan BRISBANE: Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor said he couldn’t comprehend his team’s 20-run loss to Pakistan at the World Cup in Brisbane on Sunday.

Taylor said Zimbabwe had targeted this match as one they could win and said they had only done half the job. “We certainly did target this match and we felt that half the job was done particularly well by restricting them to 235,” he said.

“But they came out in the first 15 overs and made it pretty difficult for us (to score runs). We needed a partnership but unfortunately 50 and 30 run partnerships won’t get you over the line. It is extremely

difficult to comprehend this loss.”

Taylor said the experienced batsmen, including he and Williams, had to shoulder much of the blame. “We both felt like we were cruising nicely but again we found ways to get out,” Taylor said.

“That’s been a major downfall for us in the last four games, crucial periods when batters have needed to get through those initial periods, then finding ways to get out. It’s not helping the team’s cause.”

The 29-year-old said Zimbabwe still believed they could reach the final eight, despite having to play tournament heavyweights India in their final pool match. — AFP

SMILES RETURN: Pakistan captain Misbah Ul-Haq, centre, celebrates with his team after beating Zimbabwe in Brisbane. – AP/PTI

Zimbabwe bounced out by ‘giant’ Irfan SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

PHOTO GALLERY

Pakistan notched their first win of

SCOREBOARD

the World Cup after Mohammed Irfan scared the Zimbabwe batsmen after Misbah UlHaq and Wahab Riaz provided the struggling team a respectable total

BRISBANE: Mohammed Irfan extracted steep bounce from the Gabba pitch to pick up four wickets as Pakistan secured their first victory at the World Cup by beating Zimbabwe by 20 runs in their Pool B match on Sunday.

Wahab Riaz also excelled with both bat and ball, scoring a crucial half-century and taking four wickets, as Zimbabwe were all out for 215 in the 50th over, chasing Pakistan’s 235-7.

It was Pakistan captain Misbah Ul-Haq’s patient 73 and a quickfire unbeaten 54 from Riaz that gave the team, looking for their first win after defeats to India and West Indies, a total to defend after losing early wickets to paceman Tendai Chatara.

Zimbabwe openers Chamu Chibhabha (nine) and Sikandar Raza (eight) also found the going tough as both failed to manage rising balls from Irfan, who stands a lofty 2.16 metres (7-foot-1-inch) tall.

The left-armer returned in his later spells to also dismiss Hamilton Masakadza (29) and Solomon Mire (eight) to bag his best figures of 4-30 in ODI cricket.

Brendan Taylor (50) gave the Africans a good platform for the chase with a 52-run stand for the third wicket with Masakadza and then a 54-run partnership with Sean Williams (33) but his dismissal off Riaz brought Pakistan back in the game.

Riaz (4-45) then picked up Craig Ervine (14) and Tawanda Mupariwa (zero) in the space of three deliveries in his eighth over to put the chase beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.

MOHAMMED IRFAN

4

wickets for 30

MAN OF THE MATCH: Wahab Riaz claimed four wickets after he

PAKISTAN Nasir Jamshed c Raza b Chatara 1 Ahmad Shahzad c Taylor b Chatara 0 Haris Sohail c Williams b Raza 27 Misbah-ul-Haq c Williams b Chatara 73 Umar Akmal b Williams 33 Shahid Afridi b Williams 0 Sohaib Maqsood c and b Mupawira 21 Wahab Riaz not out 54 Sohail Khan not out 6 Extras: (lb-3, w-17) 20 Total (7 wkts, 50 overs) 235 Did not bat: Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Nasir), 2-4 (Ahmad), 3-58 (Haris), 4-127 (Akmal), 5-127 (Afridi), 6-155 (Maqsood), 7-202 (Misbah) Bowling: Panyangara 10-1-49-0 (2w); Chatara 10-2-35-3 (6w); Mupawira 8-1-36-1 (3w); Williams 10-1-48-2 (1w); Masakadza 3-0-14-0; Chigumbura 1-0-7-0 (4w); Raza 7-0-34-1; Mire 1-0-9-0 (1w) ZIMBABWE C. Chibhabha c Haris b Irfan 9 S. Raza c Haris b Irfan 8 H. Masakadza c Misbah b Irfan 29 B. Taylor c Akmal b Riaz 50 S. Williams c Shahzad b Rahat 33 C. Ervine c Akmal b Riaz 14 S. Mire c Akmal b Irfan 8 E. Chigumbura c Akmal b Riaz 35 T. Mupawira c Akmal b Riaz 0 T. Panyangara run out 10 T. Chatara not out 0 Extras (b-3, lb-2 w-13, nb-1) 19 Total (49.4 overs) 215 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Chibhabha), 2-22 (Raza); 3-74 (Masakadza), 4-128 (Taylor), 5-150 (Williams), 6-166 (Mire), 7-168 (Ervine), 8-168 (Mupariwa), 9-215 (Panyangara), 10-215 (Chigumbura) Bowling: Irfan 10-2-30-4 (7w); Sohail 10-0-45-0; Rahat 10-0-37-1 (4w 1nb); Riaz 9.4-1-45-4 (2w); Afridi 10-1-53-0 Result: Pakistan won by 20 runs Man of the match: Wahab Riaz Toss: Pakistan Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) Joel Wilson (WIS) TV Umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS) Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)

hit a fine half-century. – AFP

Earlier, Chatara (3-35) got ample movement and bounce off the surface to send back openers Nasir Jamshed (1) and Ahmed Shehzad (0) in his first two overs after Misbah had won the toss and opted to bat.

The double blow forced Pakistan to retreat into a defensive shell, amassing the lowest tally in the first 10 overs at this World Cup when they reached 14-2 after the opening 60 balls.

Pakistan were never able to

break free at any time in their innings and as is often the case, Misbah was left with the responsibility of rebuilding Pakistan’s innings.

The 40-year-old right-hander added a pedestrian 54 for the third wicket with Haris Sohail (27) and 69 for the fourth with Umar Akmal (33) before Williams struck another double-blow to peg Pakistan back.

The left-arm spinner got deliveries to straighten and clean

bowled Akmal and birthday boy Shahid Afridi for a duck in the space of three balls.

Misbah holed out at long on trying to clear Chatara out of the ground after another meaningful stand of 47 with Wahab Riaz (54 not out) for the seventh wicket.

The partnership took Pakistan past the 200 mark and some clean hitting from Riaz, who belted six fours and a six in his 46-ball knock for his first 50 in the format, added some vital runs at the death. - Reuters

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

C5

Sri Lanka extend England’s agony Centuries by Kumar Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne ensured Sri Lanka overhauled the 310run target set after England won the toss and elected to bat

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WELLINGTON: England’s horror World Cup run continued when Sri Lanka smashed the third-highest run chase in the tournament’s history to clinch a nine-wicket defeat in Wellington on Sunday.

Centuries by Kumar Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne ensured Sri Lanka overhauled the 310-run target set after England won the toss and elected to bat.

The pair were unbeaten as Sri Lanka ended the innings on 312-1 with 16 balls to spare, Thirmanne carrying his bat on 139 and Sangakkara scoring 117 for his second successive century. The run chase has only been exceeded twice at cricket’s showcase event, when Ireland reached 329 against England in 2011 and Sri Lanka’s 313 against Zimbabwe in 1992.

The loss leaves England with a solitary World Cup win against minnows Scotland after they were well-beaten by co-hosts Australia (111 runs) and New Zealand (eight wickets) in their opening matches.

A tally of two points with two pool games left to play means their quarter-final hopes are hanging by a thread, while Sri Lanka are on the verge of the last eight.

Even so, it was a much-improved effort with the bat from Eoin Morgan’s men, including 121 to Joe Root, who at 24 became England’s youngest World Cup centurion.

But they proved toothless in bowling, failing to make any impression with the ball on a drop-in wicket at Wellington’s Westpac stadium that offered no movement to their pace attack. Stuart Broad leaked 67 off his ten overs without

COMPLEMENTING EACH OTHER: Sri Lankan batsmen Kumar Sangakkara, left, and Lahiru Thirimanne congratulate each other after hitting the winning runs against Eng-

land during their 2015 Cricket World Cup Group A match in Wellington. Thirmanne top scored with 139 and Sangakkara’s 117 was his second successive century.– AFP

a wicket and Steve Finn conceded 54 off eight. “We certainly lost it with the ball,” Morgan said. “We had a par score on the board. (But) today we bowled a bad ball every over, which you get punished for.”

Fielding errors also proved costly with Thirimanne dropped three times during his innings. England may still limp into the quarter-finals

with wins in their final pool matches against Bangladesh and Aghanistan, but they will have lost to every major nation they have played. The win consolidates Sri Lanka in second position in the Pool A table, although tournament favourites Australia have a game in hand.

England made a brisk start as Ian Bell and Moeen Ali combined

for a 62-run partnership in the first 10 overs. Root looked assured hitting his fourth one-day international century, with Gary Ballance (6) the only real batting failure for England. The 310 target looked competitive before Sri Lanka, who now have four century makers at the tournament, unleashed their batting prowess. Openers Thiri-

manne and Tillakaratne Dilshan made a flying start to the chase, racing to 100 without loss.

Thirimanne was dropped on three and made the most of his life, bringing up his third half-century of the tournament in 58 deliveries.

A change of pace from Ali provided a wicket when Dilshan (44) mis-cued a drive straight to

Morgan at mid-wicket. But it did nothing to stem the flow of runs as Sangakkara came in and blasted a 45-ball half century.

The onslaught continued to the delight of Sri Lanka fans in the New Zealand capital and Thirimanne fittingly ended the match with a booming six off Chris Woakes. - AFP

ROOT ENGLAND’S YOUNGEST TO MAKE WORLD CUP TON

Joe Root became the youngest England batsman to make a World Cup hundred with 121 against Sri Lanka in Wellington on Sunday. The 24-year-old’s innings saw him beat the record of David Gower, who was 26 when he posted a hundred against Sri Lanka at Taunton during the 1983 edition. Root scored a six and a four off successive Angelo Mathews deliveries to bring up his century at exactly a run-a-ball after England won the toss and elected to bat in this Pool A clash. He was eventually out lbw trying to reverse-sweep left-arm spinner Rangana Herath. Root faced 108 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes.

Root’s was England’s second hundred of the 2015 World Cup after opener Moeen Ali made 128 against Scotland. — AFP

ENGLAND M. Ali c Lakmal b Mathews 15 I. Bell b Lakmal 49 G. Ballance c and b Dilshan 6 J. Root lbw b Herath 121 E. Morgan c Dilshan b Perera 27 J. Taylor c Dilshan b Malinga 25 J. Buttler not out 39 C. Woakes not out 9 Extras: (b-4, lb-3, w-9, nb-2) 18 Total: (6 wkts, 50 overs) 309 Did not bat: S Broad, S Finn, J Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Ali), 2-71 (Ballance),

3-101 (Bell); 4-161 (Morgan); 5-259 (Taylor); 6-265 (Root) Bowling: Malinga 10-0-63-1 (2w); Lakmal 7.4-0-71-1 (2nb, 2w); Mathews 10-1-43-1 (1w); Dilshan 8.2-0-35-1; Herath 5.5-0-35-1; Perera 8.1-0-55-1; SRI LANKA L. Thirimanne not out 139 T. Dilshan c Morgan b Ali 44 K. Sangakkara not out 117 Extras: (b-8, lb-1, w-3) 12 Total: (1 wkt, 47.2 overs) 312 Did not bat: A Mathews, M Jayawardene,

D Chandimal, D Karunaratne, T Perera, S Lakmal, L Malinga, R Herath Fall of wicket: 1-100 (Dilshan) Bowling: Anderson 8-0-48-0; Broad 10-1-670 (1w); Woakes 9.2-0-72-0 (1w); Finn 8-0-540 (1w); Ali 10-0-50-1; Root 2-0-12-0 Result: Sri Lanka won by nine wickets Man of the match: Kumar Sangakkara Toss: England Umpires: Bruce Oxenford (AUS), Rod Tucker (AUS) TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL) Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

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M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

Relieved Misbah tells batters to shape-up It was Pakistan’s first

PICK OF THE BUNCH

Giant Irfan a cut above for Pakistan BRISBANE: Mohammed Irfan was back to his best as Pakistan had to rely on their bowlers to get their stuttering World Cup campaign back on track after yet another dismal batting performance against Zimbabwe at the Gabba on Sunday.

Fast bowler Irfan, standing a lofty 2.16 metres (7-foot-1-inch) tall, was the pick of the bunch and inflicted a lot of the damage with his career-best figures of 4-30 in the 50-over format.

Zimbabwe were chasing a paltry 236 for their second win of the tournament and a brisk start from their openers would have set them up well with the likes of Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams to follow.

But a hostile opening spell from the 32-year-old left-arm paceman pushed Zimbabwe firmly on the backfoot.

Irfan dismissed openers Chamu Chibhabha (nine) and Sikandar Raza (eight) with sharp, rising deliveries in his opening spell and the batsmen rarely looked comfortable against the steep bounce he extracted off the Gabba surface.

“I was concentrating on my line and length when I started. I asked the batsmen to make mistakes which they did,” Irfan told the broadcasters.

“Since I was not bowling well in the earlier matches. I had to cut down on my pace to concentrate on my line and length. But now I

have got used to (the conditions) so the pace is also increasing.

“With the total we had we could not afford to let them get a good start. The plan was to attack and also keep the runs down.”

After Junaid Khan and Umar Gul were ruled out in the lead-up to the tournament with injuries, Pakistan have relied heavily on Irfan to provide breakthroughs with the new ball.

He delivered almost every time he was called upon by captain Misbah Ul-Haq. A well-set Masakadza (29) and Taylor (50) had just completed a 50-run stand for the third wicket when Misbah decided it was time to bring Irfan back.

Masakadza holed out on the second delivery of his second spell

NO WORRIES

victory of this World

PENALISED

‘Popeye’ McCullum gets all-clear

Cup after losing by 76 runs to India and suffering a 150-run hiding at the hands of the West Indies in their previous two Pool B fixtures SOME RELIEF: Misbah Ul-Haq

BRISBANE: Pakistan skipper Misbah Ul-Haq told his batsmen to shape-up or ship out of the World Cup after the 1992 champions scraped a 20-run win over Zimbabwe on Sunday.

It was Pakistan’s first victory of this World Cup after losing by 76 runs to India and suffering a 150-run hiding at the hands of the West Indies in their previous two Pool B fixtures.

Misbah needed his bowlers to set up Sunday’s win after his side had been limited to a modest 235 for seven by another poor toporder effort .

It was Pakistan’s highest total of the tournament but a long way off the fourteen 300 and over totals so far registered elsewhere in the event.

“We need to work hard to improve our batting. All the teams are getting to 280, 290, or 300, so we need to start well and capitalise,” said Misbah.

So far at the World Cup, Pakistan have scored 224 all out against India and were dismissed for just 160 by the West Indies.

Misbah has his team’s best two scores of 76 against Pakistan and 73 on Sunday.

Umar Akmal and Sohaib Maqsood got beyond fifty against the West Indies while Wahab Riaz scored a half-century against Zimbabwe at Brisbane’s Gabba ground.

“It was really tough because it was a make or break game for us. You can’t believe how happy we are because we were out of the tournament if we’d lost this game,” added the captain.

“The pitch wasn’t easy. It was a bit two-paced and it was really

difficult to rotate the strike.

“I felt 250-260 would be really challenging today. We were 15-20 runs short but we showed the kind of quality we have in the bowling line-up and credit should be given to the fast bowlers.”

The win gave Pakistan, who won the World Cup when the tournament was last staged in Australia and New Zealand 23 years ago, their first two points.

But they are second from bottom in their pool, with just the top four sides going into the quarter-finals.

They face the UAE in Napier on Wednesday, South Africa in Auckland next Saturday before their first round is wrapped up at Adelaide on March 15 against Ireland.

Pakistan seamer Wahab Riaz was named man-of the-match aftre his four for 45 followed a career-best 54 not out.

“When I went into bat, the discussion was to play all 50 overs and if we had to take chances we would do so in the last three or four overs,” he said.

“The whole team really worked hard and believed in me and my batting.”

Zimbabwe have lost three of the four games and captain Elton Chigumbura, who batted despite suffering a leg while fielding, admitted they had thrown away a great opportunity, especially as they had been 128 for three.

“It is always disappointing to lose a game like this when you feel you have a chance to win.

Our weakness has been that we have not had one guy scoring a hundred or batting through the innings,” he said. - AFP

AUCKLAND: New Zealand are confident that captain Brendon McCullum will be fit for next Sunday’s World Cup clash against Afghanistan despite taking a nasty blow on his left arm from Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.

McCullum hit a quickfire 50 in Saturday’s tension-packed onewicket win over the four-time champions at Eden Park, but needed lengthy treatment on his swollen forearm.

However, coach Mike Hesson expects McCullum to be fit for the remainder of the pool stage matches even though the Black Caps have already made sure of their place in the quarterfinals.

“It’s pretty swollen at the moment, he looks a bit like Popeye,” Hesson said on Sunday.

“We’ll make another assessment in a day or so, but all signs are that he will be fine.”

New Zealand have fielded the same team for all of their four wins do far leaving remaining squad players, Tom Latham, Nathan McCullum, Mitchell McClenaghan and Kyle Mills, kicking their heels.

“When you have a week between games, if you leave out some of your key players, it can be two weeks before they play again, which is a long time,” added Hesson. New Zealand face Afghanistan in Napier next Sunday before completing their group campaign against Bangladesh in Hamilton on March 13. - AFP

while Solomon Mire (eight) edged one to the wicketkeeper in the first over of his third.

The rhythm, however, was clearly lacking from Irfan’s bowling in Pakistan’s first match when he leaked 58 runs without a wicket in his 10 overs during the defeat to India.

In the loss to West Indies that followed, he fared little better, only claiming the wicket of the dangerous Chris Gayle and conceding 44 runs.

Yet he was back in form on Sunday. “He showed his class today.

Possibly we could have left the ball a little bit better,” Taylor, who topscored for Zimbabwe, told reporters. “He does make it a handful for you.” - Reuters

WILL BE FIT SOON: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has survived the nasty blow on his left arm off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson. – AFP

‘No remorse’ Lakmal fined for bowling beamers WELLINGTON: Sri Lanka fast bowler Suranga Lakmal was fined Sunday for firing two successive beamers at England’s Jos Buttler, an action for which he showed “no remorse”, the International Cricket Council said.

The incident happened in the 50th and final over of England’s innings in their World Cup clash when Lakmal bowled a second consecutive high, full pitched ball to Buttler, after being given a first and final warning by on-field umpire Rod Tucker earlier during the same over Lakmal was stopped from bowling at Wellington’s Westpace Stadium and reported to the match referee David Boon for dangerous and unfair bowling. He was also fined 30 percent of his match fee after pleading guilty to breaching rules that relate to “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game”.

“While making my decision, I took into account that it is was dangerous and unfair bowling, there were no mitigating circumstances, and there was no remorse from the bowler,” said former Australia batsman Boon.

Sri Lanka won the match by nine wickets, although Lakmal ended with expensive figures of one for 71 from 7.4 overs. - AFP

VETERAN SPINNER

Vettori ‘unsung hero’ for New Zealand AUCKLAND: Veteran slowbowler Daniel Vettori was hailed on Sunday as the “unsung hero” of New Zealand’s knife-edge onewicket World Cup win over Australia for applying the brakes on the four-time champions just when they threatened a run rampage.

The 36-year-old, who made his one-day international debut way back in 1997, broke the half-cen-

tury second wicket stand between David Warner and Shane Watson before tempting Steve Smith to edge a catch behind to Luke Ronchi for just four in Auckland on Saturday. He finished with two for 41 off his 10 overs — having had two for 28 off nine — to move to 298 ODI wickets.

However, Vettori’s efforts at Eden Park were overshadowed by

left-arm seamer Trent Boult’s five for 27 and the explosive batting of skipper Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson, who hit the match-winning six.

“You’ve got guys who are good players of spin and they like to attack spin,” said New Zealand coach Mike Hesson. “He (Vettori) controlled his length, just got the drift, occasionally got one to turn and got out two high-

quality players. He would probably be the unsung hero.”

Boult also hailed Vettori’s performance. “It definitely started off with a hiss and roar on their (Australia’s) part,” Boult said. “Dan came in and did his thing and really tied it up. Not just here, but the work he has done in the past has been crucial to setting up games for us.” - AFP

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

C7

Indian summer Down Under

India go from butterfingers to electric-heels in the field

F

The infusion of

C O M M E N TA RY

ifteen runs. That’s what India leisurely chased at Perth and Australia desperately tried to prevent at Auckland on Saturday at some point of their games. India needed to do that simple, silly thing with 187 balls and nine sizzling hot wickets in hand, and Australia had to do that impossible, unenviable task (of getting five New Zealand batsmen out) in 30 overs.

How New Zealand did it, hitting Pat Cummins down the ground for a matchwinning six, is going to stay forever in the mind of Kane Williamson and get talked about within the ambit of Trans-Tasman relations whenever the two square up again, whether it could be just as near as this March 29 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the final of the 11th edition of the World Cup or at any time in the near or distant future when the two traditional rivals in the sporting arena meet up in a bilateral series or other ICC events.

Nothing of such irritating, stimulating sort could be said about how India did it — Rohit Sharma getting down the pitch to the fifth delivery of the 19th over to send the ball crashing into the long-off boundary to end the mismatch, but the match against the UAE provided Dhoni with a risk-free platform to test ‘the few plans’ he had in mind.

The Indian bowlers had come under severe criticism before the start of the World Cup for their hopeless habit of gifting batsmen with opportunities to score freely.

They didn’t succumb to their inborn weakness while defending wholesome totals in the first two matches, and that was a welcome break from the unpleasant past for a bowling unit that seldom worked in the recent past as such — as a unit — and was frequently teased about an apparent lack of firepower to defend even a 350-plus total. India got a gorgeous opportunity against the UAE on a pitch ideal for the fast bowlers to get their acts further together and for the spinners to get their wrists into good positions.

Post-match, Ravichandran Ashwin was all ‘bring-themon’ sort of confidence and attitude. He had seldom said at any time in the past (when nothing worked for him and the team) that he was struggling, that the batsmen were reading him right, that he had to do more than imitating Sunil Narain’s action or extending the sleeves of his shirt: he had that uncanny

some young, athletic fielders ability to project a false sense of confidence. For the Indian fans who watched in disgust how the spinners failed to make use of the bounce on the Australian pitches in the recent Test matches and the triseries, Ashwin’s experiments at the WACA, especially the tossing up of the ball, and getting good rewards in terms of the economy rate (2.5) and wickets (4 for 25) could bring in the cheers.

The new-found Indian mantra to prompt and provoke the batsmen and getting them out is by now well known. Quite a few may have laughed at the Indian idea of “bouncing them out” and dismissed it as a dream as likely to happen as the average March temperatures in the Arctic rising to 50 degrees Celsius, but if seeing is believing, it’s time for the skeptics to shut up. And to sit up and enjoy how the Indians walk the bouncer talk.

More than 10 wickets claimed by the Indians in the three matches came when they pitched the ball short, and among the scalps were celebrities like Hashim Amla.

The UAE lost the first wicket when Umesh Yadav banged in short and Andri Berenger failed to deal it with, and the second when Amjad Ali tried to hook — on both occasions the ball landed in the hands of MS Dhoni. That the only wicket Kumar, who mostly operates at a gentle pace of 110-120km, got from his five overs was thanks to bowling short shouldn’t come as quite a surprise in the context of the new Indian approach and attitude.

With the opening bowlers getting early wickets, with the spinners applying the brakes in the middle overs and claiming wickets to take the fight to the enemy camp, and with the top batsmen such as Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Ajinkya Rahane hitting the kind of form that could get them tonnes of runs, are we witnessing early glimpses of an Indian summer Down Under? Perhaps yes.

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

HERATH DOUBTFUL FOR NEXT CLASH Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath is doubtful for next weekend’s World Cup Pool A clash against Australia after hurting his spinning hand while bowling against England. The left-arm spinner required four stitches on his left index finger after suffering the injury while attempting a difficult return catch from hardhitting batsman Jos Buttler in the penultimate over of England’s innings. — AFP

had already led to an improvement in India’s performance in that aspect of limited-overs matches but the team took it to an even higher level last Sunday, outshining even South Africa

MUMBAI: It is one of the accepted truths of international cricket that fielding is not India’s particular forte but Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men have taken bold steps towards altering that reputation at the World Cup. Too often in the past, India’s fast bowlers have been liabilities in the field, while during the recent Test series in Australia the team’s closein catching was simply woeful.

The infusion of some young, athletic fielders had already led to an improvement in India’s performance in that aspect of limitedovers matches but the team took it to an even higher level last Sunday, outshining even South Africa.

India did enough with both bat and ball during their 130-run win in their second World Cup match but what might have surprised South Africa, known for their agility and tight fielding, was the athleticism of their opponents.

“What we know is that we can

EXCELLENT FIELDERS: The electrifying fielding performance on the field has eased pressure on skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the current World Cup. – AFP

add minimum 10 to 15 runs to whatever we score with the kind of fielders that we have got,” skipper Dhoni later said. “There may be one fielder or two slightly slower than the others, but by no means are we bad fielders. I think we have got some excellent fielders, and apart from that we have got fast bowlers who are above average fielders.”

Gone are the days when an Indian captain had to spend considerable amount of time trying to figure out where to hide his slow-moving fielders and pace bowlers.

It was two Indian pacemen that brought about probably the two most crucial moments during South Africa’s chase of India’s total of 307-7 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground — not with the

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

ball but from the outfield.

AB de Villiers, scorer of the fastest ODI century, decided to take on Mohit Sharma’s arm for a second run but a flat and accurate throw to Dhoni from deep cover found the South Africa captain short of his crease.

That ended a 68-run stand for the third wicket for South Africa, forcing the nimble-footed de Villiers to trudge back to the pavilion.

Big-hitter David Miller was the next man to fall prey to another run out, fast bowler Umesh Yadav this time with a flat throw to Dhoni from deep square leg.

Left-hander Miller had already lived up to his billing of a matchwinner by blasting an unbeaten 138 off 92 deliveries in South Af-

rica’s World Cup opener against Zimbabwe.

India’s fielding inside the 30yard circle was also electric, improving the spectacle for the majority of the crowd of 86,000 backing the world champions.

“Overall I’ve got plenty to play with. I don’t always have to think about which player needs to go where,” a satisfied Dhoni added after the match.

“I have time to think more about the strategies rather than trying to use four or five good fielders and seeing what’s really needed, whether I need to stop the singles or I need boundary riders who can stop the twos and the threes.

“That actually eases the pressure on me.” - Reuters

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M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

Develop cricket in ‘holistic way’ With ICC reducing the number of nations for

If you see Afghanistan or some of the other teams, you can see a bit of improvement in their game every time they come and play

the next World Cup to 10, there’s been a raging debate as to how Associates will improve if they don’t play against the Big Boys regularly

MS Dhoni

Indian skipper PERTH: The Indian cricket team already has a cramped round-theyear schedule and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni made it clear that it’s not his team’s responsibility to play more against countries like UAE in a bid to raise the quality and profile of the game in ICC’s Associate nations.

With ICC reducing the number of nations for the next World Cup to 10, there’s been a raging debate as to how Associates will improve if they don’t play against the Big Boys regularly.

Dhoni was asked if India would be willing to take the bait and help UAE play more against them, his answer was a terse one.

“Not against India. I don’t see even a few days off to play any more cricket than what we play.

Our calendar is nine and a half months. We play IPL for two and a half months and also the Champions League T20, and even then we match every other Test playing

nation when it comes to the number of Tests and ODIs. I don’t see India playing any more games. We can’t, unless we play two games in one day, which is just not possible,” Dhoni’s answer was laced with sarcasm.

Dhoni then said that when people raise question marks about his team’s fitness, they often forget the amount of cricket played by his team.

“A lot of our players get criticised, and a lot is said about our bowlers are not fit enough, or our cricketers, they get injured. But if you see, it’s the same set of players that play all the formats, Tests, ODIs, T20, then to go back and play Champions League and IPL. So looking at the workload, don’t be surprised if I say that our bowlers are amongst the fittest because of the amount of cricket that they play.

“Not to forget when they get a break, they get a call from their local states to play for their team, and there’s no number of overs that they have to bowl. The India bowler comes, you give the ball and you forget everything.”

Sympathetic As an afterthought, Dhoni did try and sound sympathetic towards Associates’ growth but with a rider that it can’t happen at the cost of India. “Yes, the associate nations, if they can get a few more games, better scenario, good facilities, it will be good for them. At the end of the day, it’s like a circus where you want to play in front of people, want to compete in best scenarios. So we’ll have to formulate a way, but please, not India. India can’t play any more games,” he pointed out.

One got a taste of Dhoni’s acerbic tone when asked as to how does he find this 10-team World Cup format, he replied, “You know, there’s plenty of stuff on my table. We’ll let the ICC decide. They should also do a bit of work, so let them sit in their air-conditioned room and decide whether the Associate Nations need to play in the World Cup or not because that’s what they come up with. So the bunch of people will sit in the hall and they’ll decide whether or not it’s good for cricket.”

Dhoni, however did have words of encouragement for Associates like Afghanistan, which have shown improvement in recent times. “I think if you see, it’s a good exposure for them. They are competing with the Test nations because they have done really well in

their associate tournaments where the associate teams are there and they perform against each other.

It’s a graph. If you see Afghanistan or some of the other teams, you can see a bit of improvement in their game every time they come and play,” Dhoni said.

The emphasis according to India captain should be on development in a holistic way.

“You have to see that overall cricket is developing as a sport because what’s very important is you want cricket to be a global sport when it comes to participation, and what’s more important is rather than looking at it from a commercial point of view, what we have to make sure is where there’s existence of the sport, we have to make sure that it keeps on increasing there, and at the same time you

look at some of the other countries where there’s the prospect of playing cricket.”

ICC needs to tap the regions which can prove to be beneficial for the development of the game, feels Dhoni.

“I feel overall it’s a ‘Win-Win’ situation, but what’s most important is to make sure that if there’s a bit of fire anywhere, you have to make sure it becomes a bush fire in terms of the intensity. I think it’s good, whatever we have seen of a lot of associate nations.

“There has been a lot of improvement in their cricket. But we’ll have to give them more opportunities and we have to make sure that the infrastructure in those countries, they get better and better so more people can come and play cricket,” he concluded. — PTI

GOOD LEADER

Kohli will bring purpose to Indian captaincy: Hughes PERTH: Former Australia skipper Kim Hughes is not a great fan of Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership style and feels that Virat Kohli’s elevation to captaincy should not only be in Tests but also across all formats to bring in more purpose to the top job.

“Much as I admire Dhoni as a player, I have found him letting the game drift at times across formats especially in Test matches. I was very happy to see Virat Kohli being made Test captain and I believe he is the man who should be leading India for a long time. He brings a direction and purpose to Indian captaincy,” Hughes, who scored 4,415 runs in 70 Tests for Australia, said in an interview on Sunday.

“What caught my attention in Kohli’s batting this time was his running between the wickets during Test matches as well as during recent World Cup matches. This might be a little thing but that’s the urgency or purpose shown by a leader. This Indian team looked

better than teams that had toured earlier and primarily because of Kohli,” said the 61-year-old Hughes.

Hughes is also not happy that Cricket Australia did not have a Test match at the Waca, where Indians would have been tested against pace and bounce.

“It’s a strange thing that when we go to India, we get those turning tracks and India don’t play on the bounciest of pitches during the Test series. Kohli did well in Perth when India played a Test in 2011-12, so what stopped them from having a Test over here.

Hope they (CA) don’t bring Indian curators for the Test series,” said Hughes.

Reminded that his tenure as Australia captain ended on an emotional note when he sobbed like a child as he had to resign after being at the helm of affairs in 28 Tests, the stylish right-hander said, “I was an emotional man. I don’t regret anything that I did that day.

“When you have to leave something that you love, you become emotional while leaving it. You would see that with AFL greats (Australian Rules Football).

These macho men when they retire cry, sob like babies.”

When told that Dhoni would not have cried like him as the Indian captain rarely shows emotion even under intense pressure, Hughes replied, “Well, there’s a lot more at stake for Dhoni than it was during my time. Dhoni is a superstar and earns in a day what I did not earn in my two full seasons probably. So there’s difference not only in personality but also in the times that separate us.”

He picked India among the semifinalists but said that Dhoni and his men’s campaign may end there as they lacked in the bowling department. “Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa will play the semis and India won’t cross the semifinals hurdle as they don’t have the bowling.” — PTI

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SECTION

J

ournalists pride themselves on a willingness to bring you bad news. The more death and destruction, the more words and pictures.

If it bleeds, it leads. It turns out that at heart we are Pollyannas, just like almost everyone else. We can’t help accentuating the positive, according to researchers who have analysed nearly 2 million articles in The New York Times as well as millions of books and more than 100 billion tweets worldwide.

A team led by applied mathema-

LIFE & STYLE

ticians at the University of Vermont and the Mitre Corp. used a computerised algorithm called the hedonometer to gauge the emotional content of words in news articles, books, websites, music lyrics, television shows, movies and social media posts. They analysed sources in English and nine other languages, including Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Indonesian.

The researchers found that no matter what the medium or language, people tended to use more positive words than negative words. Despite all the grim news stories and all the social media snark, journalists and the rest of the world’s chatterers are more likely to use upbeat words like “healthy” and “friend” than downers like “suffering” or “idiot.”

The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is by far the largest of its kind and offers a sweeping confirmation of the Pollyanna hypothesis, a phrase coined by social scientists in the 1960s based on small-scale studies of language usage. They took the name from the 1913 novel about a girl who plays the “glad game,” always trying to see the best in every situation.

The notion of a universal positivity bias in the way we communicate intrigues linguists and psychologists because it’s a counterpoint to our more obvious tendency to accentuate the negative. There’s an evolutionary explanation for our general negativity bias — Early humans oblivious to potential threats didn’t live long enough to pass on genes. It’s not surprising that bad events still have a stronger impact on us than good ones, and that we recognise hostile faces more quickly than friendly faces.

We are also more careful in identifying bad states of mind. In English and other languages, there are more words for negative emotions than for positive ones. When we’re in a good mood, we tend to say simply that we’re happy, but we carefully distinguish sadness from anger, fear, frustration and other unpleasant feelings.

So if we pay so much attention to negative events and feelings, why do we keep sounding like Pollyannas? There are various theories.

One is that a lot more good things happen to us than bad things, so we naturally end up saying more positive things.

Murders and mayhem are front-

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM MON DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

page news, but there are plenty of happy events in the rest of the report. When the researchers applied their hedonometer to different sections of The Times, they found the highest score in the Society section, because of so many positive words like “bride” and “graduated.”

The Society section scored 6.98 on the hedonometer’s 9.0-point scale, on which 5.0 represents neutral. The overall score for The Times was 6.0, with the Science section coming in at 5.71 because of words like “disease” and “cancer.” The lowest score was the International news section’s 5.21.

Similarly, the researchers found that worldwide traffic on Twitter remained consistently upbeat, averaging about 6.0 on the hedonometer scale. It had its rhythms, tending to be higher in the morning and to decline during the day, and it varied according to events.

It rose on holidays — the happiest day of the year is Christmas — and dipped when there was bad news. Still, the trend remained positive on days even when there were stunningly awful events like the terrorist attack on the French newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

This relentless cheeriness even on bad-news days suggests to some researchers that the positivity bias isn’t merely a consequence of more good things to talk about.

It can also help us cope with the bad stuff.

Researchers studying memory have found another example of

the Pollyanna principle — People tend to recall events as more positive than they were really were, apparently to diminish the lingering impact of painful experiences.

Just as we see the past through rose-coloured glasses, we cope with today’s problems by finding something positive to say.

When terrorists commit an atrocity, we quickly respond with prayers and donations for the victims. Journalists covering the devastation of an earthquake look for stories of heroic rescue workers and of victims found alive in the rubble. Even when a bad event is being described, there can be an effort to counteract its impact by using positive language.

“While there are terrible stories in the news and awful threads on Twitter, we tend not go on about them,” said Peter Sheridan Dodds, who led the hedonometer project along with Chris Danforth, a Vermont colleague, and Brian Tivnan of Mitre. “Language is our great social technology, and we use it to help us get through hard times.”

Previous studies with social media, including one involving The Times’ most-emailed list, have shown that while people are quick to read bad news, they prefer to share uplifting news with their friends. That points to what may be the chief explanation for our use of positive language — We care what others think about us.

Sounding upbeat can make you seem more appealing, whether you’re trying to attract a mate, find a friend, obtain a favour, or simply keep your audience interested.

You can get instant attention with bad news and negative talk, but it is not a smart strategy for longterm popularity.

-John Tierney/The New York Times News Service

C10

MON DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you know better than most who you are and what you are capable of, but even more important is that you also know who you are not and what you are not capable of. This deep, confident self-knowledge is sure to give you a distinct advantage in life, for it will enable you to travel paths that can lead directly to accomplishment and success without making too many mistakes that would keep you from fulfilling your destiny as you envision it. You are a strong, capable individual, endowed with many gifts and talents, and you seem to know how to carry yourself in a wide variety of situations — especially those that others might find difficult or uncomfortable. You always seem to know how you are coming across to others.

While you owe a great deal to those who have gone before and blazed the trails that you are keen to explore, you are never wholly in their debt, for you are always willing and able to put your own unique spin on things and make your efforts true to your own character. You don’t want to be different so much as honest in all you do.

Also born on this date are: Daniel Craig, actor; Jon Bon Jovi, singer and actor; Dr. Seuss, children’s author; Desi Arnaz, actor, producer, bandleader; Karen Carpenter, singer; Lou Reed, singer; Mikhail Gorbachev, Soviet leader; Gates McFadden, actress; Jennifer Jones, actress; Mel Ott, baseball player; Tom Wolfe, author.

W E AT H E R

M

EXPECTED WIND: Northeasterly light to moderate during day along Oman Sea coast becoming southwesterly light during night. Over rest of the Sultanate wind will be northwesterly light to moderate becoming variable light at night. Becoming southerly light to moderate over governorates of Dhofar and Al-Wusta tomorrow morning.

WORLD

Max 24 Min 13 Max 5 Min -7

Max 20 Min 13

Max 27 Min 19 Max 9 Min 3

Max 25 Min 14

Max 3 Min -1

Max 26 Min 15

Max 26 Min 13

Max 26 Min 9

Max 24 Min 16

Max 26 Min 17

[Feb. 19-March 20]

You may decide to try doing something in a more traditional way than usual. Ultimately, it offers a lesson, but minimal results.

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20] Why do you want to engage in an activity that doesn’t reward you as expected? Why not? You can benefit from a few surprises!

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20] Your actions today will have quite an impact tomorrow, when others begin to realise what you have really done.

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] One thing leads to another, as always, but not in the way you intended or expected. There may be room for experimentation.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] You can do much to court the favor of someone with whom you have been on the outs for some reason. He or she isn’t really the enemy, you know!

Max 28 Min 20

Max 15 Min 11

Max 32 Min 20 Max 25 Min 20

—www.met.gov.om

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

26 27 24 23 24 27

17 16 14 15 17 11

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

17 23 12 6 1 23 30 9 19 10 22 33 16 9 27 31 14 -3

11 9 -3 1 -9 8 24 0 16 7 9 24 10 4 16 24 5 -12

[AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] You may be required to judge someone in a rather harsh light, but when the time comes, you can do him or her a big favour.

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] The tough position you are put in must not be feared. Instead, use it to learn something about yourself — and another, too.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] The knowledge you gain simply by asking the right questions of the right people will enable you to break free in a way.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] You will have a chance to reverse a decision that is doing no one any real good. You knew from the start it was a bad idea!

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] Every step of the way, you will be required to assess a certain situation from an unusual point of view. Share what you learn.

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You’ve done many favours recently, but perhaps received few. That’s likely to change, however, as others begin to offer much of value.

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

08:50 11:00 14:30 15:45 17:40 18.35 20:20

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00

VIRGO

6:10pm 6.28am

High tide Low tide

8:11am 2:02am

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 24537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 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:

MONDAY

Min

L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

[March 21-APRIL 19]

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow) 7:22am 1:12pm

SEA STATE: Slight to moderate along governorate of Musandam coasts with a maximum wave height of 1.5 metres. Moderate over rest of the Sultanate coasts with a maximum wave height of 2.0 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during fog formation.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Mainly clear skies with chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches over governorates of southern Al-Sharqiya, northern Al-Sharqiya and Al-Wusta.

Max

OMAN

ARIES

12.24pm 3.45pm 6.15pm 7.25pm 5.13am

AIRLINES

ainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chances of late night to early morning low level clouds over the governorate of Musandam and the southeastern coast.

PISCES You may seem to be somewhat ahead of your time. Others will be curious about what makes you tick. A new collaboration begins.

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

24784545, Swiss International Airlines: 24796692, Thai Airways: 24705934, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: at Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

TUESDAY FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

RIYADH 0005 CAIRO 0005 ABU DHABI 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 DACCA-CHITTAGONG 0100 DACCA 0145 SALALAH 0205 LAHORE 0215 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0255 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0355 ABU DHABI 0405 BAHRAIN 0405 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0610 BAHRAIN 0640 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 ZURICH 0720 MALPENSA 0720 JEDDAH 0730 DOHA 0735 KUWAIT 0735 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 SHARJAH 0915 LAHORE 0920 DELHI 0920 HYDERABAD 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0930 COCHIN 0930 TRIVANDRUM 0940 DUBAI 0940 MADRAS 0940 BANGALORE 1000 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1035 DUBAI 1110 MANILA 1110 KHASAB 1115 BAHRAIN 1130 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 LAHORE 1215 ZANZIBAR 1225 MUKHAIZNA 1230 KARACHI 1230 BANGKOK 1305 DUBAI 1330 SALALAH 1445 KHASAB 1445 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 MUKHAIZNA 1730 DUBAI 1730 DELHI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 BANGALORE 1740 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 DUQUM OMAN 1755 BAHRAIN 1810 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 DAMMAM 1910 RIYADH 1910 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 KUWAIT 1925 TEHRAN 1940 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 JAKARTA 2055 MUNICH 2105 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 DACCA 2115 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DUBAI 2125 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 CHITTAGONG 2140 SALALAH 2140 COCHIN 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 AMMAN 2205 DOHA 2210 SALALAH 2220 BAHRAIN 2240 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2250 ABU DHABI 2250 KARACHI 2255 AHMEDABAD 2300 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350

WY636 WY406 WY682 WY676 WY648 WY816 WY910 WY916 NL768 PK281 PK225 TK774 QR1132 ET624 EK866 EY384 GF560 FZ041 WY658 4H562 WY638 WY902 WY678 WY686 WY412 WY114 WY144 WY154 WY692 WY674 WY668 WY132 WY602 WY202 WY432 WY102 FZ043 WY272 G9114 WY236 WY242 WY346 WY252 EK862 QR1128 EY382 WY3302 QR8550 WY604 WY918 G9841 GF562 WY424 WY372 FZ037 IX337 WY904 WY818 PK191 WY606 BG023 WY324 IX817 WY920 WY906 WY3304 KU677 WY632 FZ045 G9119 WY328 WY204 WY292 WY246 WY610 WY264 WY232 WY216 QR1126 WY664 EK864 GF564 WY3306 SV534 WY822 G9116 WY646 TG507 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY224 WY124 WY386 4H561 AI973 WY624 6.00E+81 WY374 WY312 WY914 FZ049 WY254 AI907 QR1134 WY928 UL205 GF566 BA073 EY388 WY672 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY654 WY696 WY717

ABU DHABI 0005 CAIRO 0005 RIYADH 0005 JEDDAH 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 SALALAH 0125 LAHORE 0130 ISLAM ABBAD-SIALKOT 0200 KARACHI 0215 ISTANBUL 0215 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0355 ABU DHABI 0405 BAHRAIN 0405 DUBAI 0415 BAHRAIN 0640 JEDDAH 0645 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 MEDINA 0700 RIYADH 0700 AMMAN 0705 FRANKFURT 0715 MALPENSA 0720 ZURICH 0720 DAMMAM 0725 JEDDAH 0730 DOHA 0735 PARIS 0800 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 TEHRAN 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 SHARJAH 0915 HYDERABAD 0920 DELHI 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0930 MADRAS 0940 DUBAI 0940 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 MUKHAIZNA 1045 DOHA 1050 DUBAI 1110 KHASAB 1115 RAS AL KHAIMA 1120 BAHRAIN 1130 BEIRUT 1130 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 BANGKOK 1305 GWADUR 1320 DUBAI 1330 CHITTAGONG 1345 KARACHI 1355 MANGALORE-ABU DHABI 1440 KHASAB 1445 SALALAH 1445 MUKHAIZNA 1445 KUWAIT 1525 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 SHARJAH 1555 LAHORE 1600 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DELHI 1730 DUBAI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 TRIVANDRUM 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 BAHRAIN 1810 MUKHAIZNA 1845 RIYADH 1900 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 SHARJAH 1915 KUWAIT 1925 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1935 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 COCHIN 2045 MUNICH 2105 MALE 2110 DACCA 2115 DELHI 2125 DUBAI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 COLOMBO 2140 CHITTAGONG 2140 SALALAH 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2155 MADRAS 2200 DOHA 2210 SALALAH 2220 COLOMBO 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2240 ABU DHABI 2250 MEDINA 2250 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 WY715 LH619 WY211 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY601 WY281 WY345 WY341 WY241 WY271 WY643 WY637 WY657 WY821 WY123 WY371 WY667 WY383 WY901 WY847 4H584 BG022 PK230 TK777 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 GF561 WY603 WY3301 WY903 WY323 WY917 WY263 WY291 FZ044 WY283 WY245 WY231 G9115 WY815 WY203 WY905 WY605 WY337 WY253 EK863 WY311 EY383 QR1129 9W533 WY919 GF563 WY631 IX350 FZ038 PA451 WY683 WY3303 WY433 WY663 WY113 WY101 WY645 WY413 WY153 WY143 WY131 WY609 WY405 WY693 WY3921 WY675 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 WY325 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 EK865 WY695 WY653 WY653 G9117 WY909 WY611 FZ048 WY635 WY915 AI978 4H561 FZ050 KL442 WY817 9W529 WY411 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 WY677 QR1135 GF567 WY673 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 ZANZIBAR 0040 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 TRIVANDRUM 0110 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 DUBAI 0150 BANGALORE 0150 ISLAM ABBAD 0150 LAHORE 0150 DELHI 0155 JAIPUR 0200 KUWAIT 0200 ABU DHABI 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 MUNICH 0210 COLOMBO 0210 DOHA 0225 MALE 0235 SALALAH 0240 JAKARTA 0245 DACCA 0245 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 0250 LAHORE 0315 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 BAHRAIN 0745 DUBAI 0800 MUKHAIZNA 0800 SALALAH 0800 KARACHI 0800 KHASAB 0815 LUCKNOW 0920 CALICUT 0920 DUBAI 0935 BANGALORE 0940 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 BOMBAY 1030 SALALAH 1030 DUBAI 1030 KATHMANDU 1040 MADRAS 1040 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 DOHA 1115 COCHIN 1135 KHASAB 1145 BAHRAIN 1215 ABU DHABI 1220 CALICUT 1310 DUBAI 1315 LAHORE 1315 RIYADH 1320 MUKHAIZNA 1330 TEHRAN 1330 DOHA 1330 FRANKFURT 1400 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 KUWAIT 1405 AMMAN 1405 ZURICH 1405 MALPENSA 1415 PARIS 1420 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 DAMMAM 1430 DUQUM OMAN 1455 JEDDAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1735 DUBAI 1820 KARACHI 1830 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2040 ABU DHABI 2040 SALALAH 2110 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 JEDDAH 2215 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 TRIVANDRUM 2240 AMMAN 2240 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 MEDINA 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2350

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 SG062 LH619 WY685 WY251 WY423 WY201 WY235 WY601 WY345 WY241 WY431 WY271 WY657 WY821 WY637 WY123 WY371 WY667 NL769 WY691 WY901 PK282 TK775 PK226 ET625 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY3301 4H562 GF561 WY903 WY603 WY917 WY323 WY263 WY215 WY291 WY327 FZ044 WY385 WY245 WY231 G9115 WY815 WY203 WY905 WY605 WY373 WY337 WY717 EK863 WY311 EY383 WY3303 QR1129 WY919 G9842 GF563 QR8551 WY927 WY631 WY223 IX350 WY253 FZ038 WY663 WY101 WY113 WY645 PK192 WY143 WY131 WY609 WY405 BG024 WY3305 IX818 WY671 KU678 WY675 G9110 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY661 WY647 EK865 WY695 WY653 SV535 G9117 WY909 WY611 WY635 TG508 FZ048 WY915 4H561 FZ050 WY817 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 UL206 WY673 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 AHMEDABAD 0030 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 MADRAS 0110 BEIRUT 0115 BOMBAY 0120 HYDERABAD 0135 DUBAI 0150 ISLAM ABBAD 0150 DELHI 0155 TEHRAN 0155 JAIPUR 0200 BAHRAIN 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 ABU DHABI 0205 MUNICH 0210 COLOMBO 0210 DOHA 0225 LAHORE 0230 DAMMAM 0235 SALALAH 0240 SIALKOT 0300 ISTANBUL 0315 KARACHI 0315 ADDIS ABABA 0450 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 MUKHAIZNA 0715 DACCA 0745 BAHRAIN 0745 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 KHASAB 0815 KARACHI 0920 LUCKNOW 0920 TRIVANDRUM 0920 CALICUT 0920 LAHORE 0930 DUBAI 0935 MALE 0940 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 BOMBAY 1030 SALALAH 1030 DUBAI 1030 COLOMBO 1040 KATHMANDU 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 MUKHAIZNA 1115 DOHA 1115 KHASAB 1145 RAS AL KHAIMA 1210 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI WORLD CENTRE-DOHA 1220 SALALAH 1220 ABU DHABI 1220 COCHIN 1235 CALICUT 1310 MADRAS 1315 DUBAI 1315 DOHA 1330 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 FRANKFURT 1400 KUWAIT 1405 GWADUR-TURBAT 1405 MALPENSA 1415 PARIS 1420 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 CHITTAGONG 1500 MUKHAIZNA 1515 MANGALORE 1530 MEDINA 1535 ABU DHABI-KUWAIT 1625 JEDDAH 1630 SHARJAH 1645 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1735 DUBAI 1820 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DOHA 1900 KUWAIT 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1920 RIYADH 2000 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 ABU DHABI 2040 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2040 DUBAI 2040 SALALAH 2110 JEDDAH 2215 DUBAI 2225 BANGKOK 2235 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 COLOMBO 2335 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2350

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

WY682 WY406 WY636 WY648 WY816 WY910 BG021 4H583 WY3916 PK229 TK776 QR1132 EK866 EY384 GF560 FZ041 WY114 WY658 WY638 WY902 WY154 WY144 WY674 WY668 WY644 WY602 WY202 WY102 FZ043 WY272 G9114 WY342 WY242 WY236 WY346 WY226 WY212 EK862 WY252 WY282 QR1128 EY382 9W530 WY604 WY844 WY918 GF562 WY372 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY902 PA450 WY716 WY3302 WY324 WY818 WY606 WY906 WY920 WY632 FZ045 WY204 WY292 WY3304 WY610 WY246 WY264 WY284 WY232 WY664 QR1126 EK864 WY3922 GF564 WY822 WY694 WY684 G9116 WY254 WY646 WY434 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY848 WY124 AI977 4H561 KL441 WY624 AI973 6.00E+81 WY312 WY914 9W534 FZ049 AI907 WY414 QR1134 WY928 GF566 BA073 EY388 WY326 SG061 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY654 WY696

ETA

ETD

ETA

ETD

MO N DAY, MAR C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

C11

ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Focus (2D) (Comedy | Crime) (18+) Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie 3:00, 7:15, 9:30, 11:45 PM Combustion (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Adriana Ugarte, Álex González 11:45 PM Protector 2 (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Tony Jaa, RZA, 9:30, 11:30 PM Captain Sabertooth (2D)(Act)(PG12) Cast: Fridtjov Såheim, Tuva Novotny, 3:30, 7:45 PM Black or White (2D) (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, 5:30 PM Fort Bliss (2D) (Drama/War) (15+) Cast: Michelle Monaghan, 7:15 PM The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2D) (Animation) (PG) 1:45 PM Boys of Abu Ghraib (2D) (Dr) (15+) Cast: Luke Moran, Sara Paxton 9:30 PM The Wedding Ringer (2D) (Co) (TBC) Cast: Kevin Hart, Josh Gad,5:15 PM Plan B (2D) (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Khaled El Nabawy, 5:15 PM Kingsman: The Secret Service (2D) (Action | Adventure) (15+) Cast: Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson 2:45 PM

Shamitabh - Hindi (Drama) - (PG) Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush, Akshara Haasan, 3.45 pm Badlapur – (Action | Drama) – 15+ Cast: Varun Dhawan, Huma ureshi, Yami Gautam 6.45, 9.45 pm

SCREEN 1 Ab Tak Chhappan 2 – Hindi(Act)12+ Cast: Nana Patekar, Gul Panag 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

Badlapur – (Action | Drama) – 15+ Cast: Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi, Yami Gautam 3.45 pm Kaaki Sattai – Tamil(Act) – PG12 Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Prabhu, Sri Divya 6.45, 9.45 PM

Focus ( Comedy / Crime ) (18+) Cast : Will Smith, Margot Robbie 5:00, 7:00, 9:15 PM Fireman (Malayalam – Act(PG) Cast : Mammootty, Nyla Usha, Andrea Jeremiah, Salim Kumar, Siddique

The Protector 2 – 2D (15+) Action Cast: Tony Jaa, RZA, 03:30 , 07:45 , 09:45 , 11:45 PM Fort Bliss – 2D (15+) Drama | War Cast: Michelle Monaghan, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Pablo 05:30 , 11:30 PM Zarafa – 2D (PG) Animation | Family Cast: Max Renaudin Pratt, Simon Abkarian, 2:45 , 05:15 PM Focus– 2D (18+) Comedy | Crime Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie 04:15 , 09:45 , 11:45 PM Combustion – 2D (15+) Action Cast: Adriana Ugarte, Álex González 03:15, 06:15 PM Captain Sabertooth and the Treasure of Lama Rama– 2D (PG12) Action | Adventure Cast: Fridtjov Såheim, Tuva Novotny 08:00 , 09:45 PM Serena – 2D (15+) Drama Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Sam Reid ; 3:15 PM Kaaki Sattai – 2D (PG12) Act | Com Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Sri Divya, Prabhu Ganesan, Imman; 06:45 PM Fireman – 2D (PG) Act | Dr | Cast: Mammootty, Andrea Jeremiah, Salim Kumar; 07:15 PM Youm Malosh Lazma– 2D (12+) (Arb) Comedy

SCREEN 2 The Wedding Ringer (2D)(Com)(15+) Cast: Kevin Hart, Josh Gad, Gold Class: 05:00 PM Focus (2D)(Comedy/Crime) (18+) Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie 03:00 PM, 07:15 PM & 09:30 PM Gold Class: 2:45, 9:00 & 11:15 PM

Cast: Noah Taylor, Kodi SmitMcPhee, Jacki Weaver; 5:15 PM Ab Tak Chhappan 2 – 2D (12+) Action | Crime Cast: Nana Patekar, Ashutosh Rana, Gul Panag; 9:30 , 11:35 PM

SCREEN 3

Boys Of Abu Gharib (2D)(War) (15+) Gold Class: 07:00 PM The Protector (2D) (Action) (15+) Cast: Tony Jaa, RZA 03:30 PM & 11:45 PM Combustion (2D)(Act/Adv) (15+) Cast: Adriana Ugarte, Álex González 05:30 PM Zarafa (2D): (Animation) (PG) Cast: Max Renaudin Pratt, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 01:30 PM The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water (2D) (Animation/Co) (PG) 11:30 AM & 01:30 PM Serana (2D) (Drama) (15+) Cast: Bradley C, Jennifer Lawrence, 05:15 PM Black or White (2D) (Drama) (PG12) Cast: Kevin Costner; 07:15 PM Fort Bliss (2D) (Drama/War) (15+) 09:30 PM Captain Sabertooth (2D)(Act)(PG12) Cast: Fridtjov Såheim 11:45 PM

The Protector 2 – 2D (15+) Action Cast: Tony Jaa, RZA, 03:45, 05:45, 07:45, 09:45, 11:45PM Focus – 2D (18) Com | Crime Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie 03:15, 05:15, 09:30, 11:30PM Dragon Blade – 2D (PG12) Act | Ad Cast: John Cusack, Jackie Chan 07:15, 11:45 PM The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water – 2D (PG) Animation | Cast: Tom Kenny, Antonio Banderas, 03:45, 05:30 PM Fireman – 2D (PG) Act | Thriller Cast: Mammootty, Nyla Usha, Andrea Jeremiah, Salim Kumar, Siddique 07:15, 09:30 PM

Dragon Blade ( Act / Adv ) (PG12) Cast : John Cusack, Jackie Chan 7:00 PM The Protector 2 ( Action) (15+) Cast : Tony Jaa, RZA, 5:00, 9:00, 11:15 PM

11:15PM

Focus (2D) (18+) (Com| Crime) Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, 11:00 AM /5:00/ 9:00/11:15 PM Dragon Blade (2D/PG12) (Act | Adv) Cast: John Cusack, Jackie Chan 1:00/4:30 PM Combustion (2D/15+) (Action) Cast: Adriana Ugarte, Álex 5:30/11:45 PM The Protector 2 (2D/15+) (Action) Cast: Tony Jaa, RZA, 11:30 AM/2:30/7:00/9:30 /11:30 Zarafa (2D/PG) (Animation) Cast: Max Renaudin Pratt, Simon Abkarian, 11:30AM/1:00/3:15 PM Captain Sabertooth and the Treasure of Lama Rama (2D/PG) (Action | Adventure Comedy) 1:30 /3:30 PM Fireman (2D/PG) (Act | Drama ) 9:30 PM Kaaki Sattai (2D/PG12) (Act | Co) Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Prabhu Ganesan, Imman; 6:45 PM Youm Maloush Lazmah(2D)(12+) (Comedy) Cast: Noah Taylor, Jacki Weaver 7:15 PM

FOCUS ( Comedy ) Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie 2.00, 6.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 559 ( 18+ ) FORT BLISS : (Drama ) Cast: Michelle Monaghan, 10.00 & 11.55 pm; CP No: 560 ( 15+ ) COMBUSTION ( Action ) Cast: Adriana Ugarte, Alex Gozales 4.00 & 8.00 pm; CP No: 562 (15+) SERENA ( Drama ) Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Sam Reid 2.00, 5.45 pm; CP No: 558 (15+) THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER : (Animation ) Cast: Tom Kenny, Glancy Brown 4.00 pm; CP No: 474 ( PG ) DRAGON BLADE: ( Action ) Cast: Jackie Chan,John Cusack 7.45 pm; CP No: 473 ( PG 12 )

Film Information - 24540856 / Advance Booking - 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Fire Man (Mal ) (Act/ Thriller ) Cast: Mammootty,Unni Mukundan & Nyla Usha 3:30 & 9:30 pm at Cinema Main 6:45pm at Cinema -3 Kakki Sattai (Tamil) (Com/Rom ) Cast: Shiva Karthikeyan, Sri Diya; 3:45 & 9:45 at Cinema -3 6:30pm at Cinema Main Temper -Telugu (Act) 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30pm at Cinema 2 Badlapur (Hindi) (Act) Cast: Varun Dhawan, Yami Gauthami 3:45, 9:45pm at Cinema 4 Yennai Arindhaal(Tamil)(Act) Cast: Ajit Kumar,Trisha, Anushka Shetty, 6:45 pm at Cinema- 4

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

ACES ON BRIDGE

SUDOKU

Ask yourself who should win the trick

9

3 1 9

3 5 7

5 7 2 8 1 2 4

6 4 7 5 4 8

7 4 6 9 2 6 2 3 1 5 4 4 3 7 1

HOW TO PLAY Fill the empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and area.

— Seven Galaxies

1 4 2 6 3 5 9 8 7 7 9 8 4 2 1 5 6 3 6 5 3 9 7 8 2 1 4

5 8 4 7 1 9 6 3 2 9 1 6 2 4 3 8 7 5 3 2 7 5 8 6 1 4 9

MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

1 TV series with Hawkeye and Hot Lips 5 Water-power org.

8 Thick slice 12 Failing that 13 “— bad was it?”

14 Naturalist John — 15 Relax (2 wds.)

17 “Hawkeye” portrayer 18 Dog sound 19 Flowed out 21 Type of lock 24 Beethoven’s last 26 Slur together 28 Dugout VIP 29 Head, slangily 32 MD helper 33 Knock down a peg 35 Fifi’s boyfriend 36 Seattle hrs.

37 One-liner 38 Show irresolution 40 Special Forces topper 42 Peddle in the bleachers 43 Casual expression of opinion

46 48 49 54 55 56 57 58 59

Sugarloaf locale Jump over Skyscrapers, e.g.

Kind of jockey Take at gunpoint Whitetail Draw with acid Sault — Marie Aria, for example

DOWN 1 Kittenish plea 2 MacGraw of the movies 3 9-digit ID 4 Equivocated 5 Anagram for north 6 Swear solemnly 7 Shade providers 8 Box office bonanza 9 Doozie 10 Assistant 11 Headless nail 16 Rx writer 20 Spread here and there 21 Canine noise 22 Jungfrau and Matterhorn 23 Clump of fluff 25 Reflection 27 Far from

indifferent 29 Pew locale 30 Comet, to an ancient 31 Fledgling 34 Sideshow proprietors 39 Dodges 40 Cookie quantity 41 Navajo or Hopi

43 44 45 47 50

Took the bus Put out heat Catchall grp.

Whether Part of a Web address 51 Corp. biggie 52 Electric swimmer 53 B’way posting of yore

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS

SANSKRITI V.GUPTA March 2, 2005

S.VISHVADHARMAN March 2, 2005

MOHD HASAN DALWAI February 24, 2014

8 7 9 1 5 4 3 2 6 2 6 1 3 9 7 4 5 8 4 3 5 8 6 2 7 9 1

Previous puzzle Solution

KENNETH Tynan, an English theater critic who died in 1980, said, “A critic is a man who knows the way, but can’t drive the car.”

A poor bridge player is a man or woman who knows how many tricks are needed, but cannot correctly work out how to get them.

In this deal, for example, how should West plan the defence?

Against four spades, he leads the heart ace — three, two, nine. How should West continue?

In the bidding, North was right to respond four spades. With six-card support, he should shut his eyes and bid game. He has no clue who can make what, so he should go for the game bonus. Even if four spades is failing, perhaps the opponents have missed a lucrative contract.

After the first trick, West has seen 12 hearts; only the four is outstanding. He should realise declarer holds that card. If East had it, he would have played it at trick one, starting an echo (high-low) with his doubleton.

Given that, it seems obvious to cash the heart king. Under that, East would probably discard the club queen, showing a suit headed by at least the Q-J-10. Then, though, there would be no defence. West would have to cash the club ace to stop an overtrick.

Instead, West should lead his lowest heart at trick two. This forces East to ruff the trick. Then East can shift to the club queen, giving the defenders one heart, the ruff and two clubs.

Yes, East might have ruffed his partner’s winner at trick two — but not if he trusts his partner. West should lead a loser when he wants partner to ruff.

— By Phillip Alder

WITH LOVE

BORN LOSER

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C12

M O N DAY, MARCH 2, 2015

EXTRA * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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* *

* *

*

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*

AGRETTI

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE ITALIAN VEGETABLE THAT CHEFS ARE FIGHTING OVER

*

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*

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*

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*

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*

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*

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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Seed supplies for the prized delicacy have run out, forcing restaurateurs and allotment-keepers to grow their own stocks

T

he green fronds of agretti were once sought across Europe to be reduced to ashes for use in making glass. These days, the verdant Italian plant is once more in demand — in a somewhat less well-cooked state — to feature on British dinner plates.

Seed supplies for the salt-tolerant succulent prized as a delicacy in Italy have run out in Britain after it featured on television; gourmets and amateur growers rushed in to partake of its delicate mineral taste. Agretti is difficult to find in shops, too, so restaurateurs and allotment-keepers are forced to grow their own stocks.

Otherwise known as saltwort or friar’s beard — or “land seaweed”, in Japan — agretti can cause mini stampedes in the markets of Umbria and Lazio as Italians dash to get hold of bundles of fleshy, needle-shaped

leaves — traditionally served with oil and lemon — in its short earlysummer seasonal window. Now it is migrating north, and growing awareness of the plant is provoking a similar battle to obtain seed to cultivate on British soil.

Floods in central Italy last summer mean stocks of the seed, which has a shelf life of barely six months and a germination rate of about 30 per cent, are barely a 10th of normal levels. Two of the biggest UK suppliers have exhausted their supplies and remain inundated with requests for seed. They told The Independent on last week that even without this year’s shortage, demand was outstripping supply.

Paolo Arrigo, director of Franchi Seeds of Italy, said: “We cannot keep up. We’ve stocked agretti seed for 15 years — but suddenly it has taken off. We’re completely sold

A Mediterranean native, agretti (Latin name Salsola soda) was first cultivated as a source of soda ash, which plays a key role in glass and soap making. Vast quantities of it were burned in Spain and Italy, until a synthetic process was discovered in the 19th century and agretti withered to become a niche peasant foodstuff in two Italian regions

out. In the past few months it’s been mentioned on a few things like MasterChef, so people are wanting to try it. But I think it’s also part of a wider trend. People are bored of eating the same supermarket tomato variety. They’re looking for things that are different and have a flavour of authenticity.”

Although agretti is often compared to its relative, samphire, aficionados describe it as closer in taste to spinach. Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun, later made into a successful Hollywood film, describes it as “full of the energy of spring”.

Chefs would seem to agree. Pete Wrapson, who manages the garden of Jamie Oliver (who grows agretti for his restaurant, Fifteen, and his own kitchen), said: “The name usually draws blank stares because the plant is not part of our

culinary tradition. Hopefully that will start to change.”

Ben Gabel, co-owner of The Real Seed Catalogue, said: “It comes down to people wanting more taste out of their vegetables. I think we are realising how wasteful the energy is that goes into growing crops in Spain, driving them to packing houses in Britain, then sending them on to supermarkets only for them to taste like sawdust.”

The agretti rush, meanwhile, shows little sign of abating, with orders now being taken for seed in 2016.

Arrigo said: “It’s a tremendous crop. Once you get it to germinate you can’t stop it. In Italy it’s prized in the same manner as truffles and it’s catching on here. That said, others still feel differently. In the past we’ve sent seed to Australia. It gets returned with a big label saying ‘weed’.”

- Cahal Milmo/The Independent

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

D2

M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

OFFICES FOR RENT Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2.

Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c.

Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 97307476, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

We have all kind of crockery items for rent. Items include: tables, buffet tables, chair, buffet, plates, glasses, spoons, table clothes, carpets.

Call 97180999 Commercial Building in Al Khodh, 35 Apartments and shops.

Contact 95202340 Furnished flats in taqah (salalah) for ro 150/-only. the offer is limited. contact - 97035662 / 94268564

Full furniture for rent for family.

Contact 99251975 2BHK /1BHK Commercial & residential flat at Honda road.

Contact 98087644

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Prime location Showroom in Qurum Available for Rent. Main roan facing.

Please contact: 92944717

Industrial /commercial shops at Wadi Kabir 4 x 5.6 x 4.6 MTR height.

Showroom with mezzanine & office at Al Noor Street near Switz bakery & Al Masa hall corner building all on roads & parkings in front of shops & show room. Contact 99065900 or 99354975

Al.Khuwair studio behind platinum hotel rent 130/-R.O PDC. Contact 99879939 AL Khuwair behind platinum hotel 4 BHK, 3bathrrom, sitting dinning split AC. Contact 99879939 2& 3 BHK Darsait near I.S. M School.

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Contact 99024730

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We have brand new villa in ANSAB, for rent 4 bedroom, sitting hall, majlis, dining hall, maid room laundry room covered car parking.

Contact 93782735 We have 2BHK, 3BHK, flats, office & 4 BHK villas available for rent at Ghubra, Ghala, Ruwi , Mabela7 and Darsait. Contact 93329476 1BHK flat Wadi Kabir, 250 RO split AC & maintenance.

Contact- 95439351 4 BHK Wadi Kabeer near Lulu Hypermarket. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Flats in Mumtaz 2 bedrooms sitting room, kitchen, toilet, Way no 3352 building no 3447 & 3668 .

Contact 98003444

85 SQM shops in Ruwi only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499 Spacious 2 BHK flats in Ruwi MBD area only on 350/- OMR.Contact – 95122188 / 96441499 Beautiful office space available in Ruwi MBD area only on 2/- OMR per sqm.Contact – 95122188 / 96441499 2BHK in Muttrah near Oman house with split ac. Contact 97007934 / 92629232

Fully furnished 1 bedroom penthouse Wadi Kabir behind Sana Hassan, monthly RO 300/-.

Contact 99349990 Villa for rent with 4 bedroom at Al Khodh, Rent 750/-RO. Contact 92888115 Prim location, nice finishing villa for RENT. 2 big bedrooms . Main large sitting room. Small maid room. Kitchen and 3 bathrooms.

At Alkhuwair. near Holiday Inn & Oman Club. 99426662, PDC only.

For families & college girls.

Villas & flats at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 2BHK Al Hail North near main road. Contact 99330385 Deluxe apartments in Azaiba villas & office space.

Contact 99120014. E mail: www.dreamhomesoman.com Villa with 6 rooms + 2hall, Majlis, 7 toilets, studio in Shatti Al Qurum 2500/- R.O. Contact + (968) 99738881

Attached single bedroom with A/C at Al Khuwair for Exe - bachelors.

Contact 99636550

2 BHK flat in bowsher.

Contact 99792181

Furnished room with AC for expatriate in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99689315

1BHK new bldg with A/C curtains, near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact 99061408 / 99024039

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT Flat at Athaiba near Al fair, 3BHK living room, 3bath rooms, split ac for family only 430/- R.O Ground floor. Contact 92479515 Studio with A/C Darsait R.O 200/-.

Contact 92144045 Studio commercial / Darsait, RO 200/-. Contact 92144045 1,2,3 BHK Flats & villas.

Contact 92144045 1 bedroom attached toilet in Al Khuwair bachelors / family R.O 140/- . Contact 95154331 New flats Wadi Kabeer 1BHK, hall, kitchen, bathroom with split a/c for family only 250/- R.O. Contact 92479515

FOR RENT New Building in Mutrah, 2 B/D Room Flat + Setting Room,3 Baths+ Kitchen with split unit Ac’s.

Behind Khimiji’s main office/opposite to Oman House Call 99419712 Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879

1BHK Al Falaj R.O 200/-.

Contact 92144045

1 & 2 bhk flat in Alkhuwair.

Contact 99792181

House for rent in behind Oman house Muttrah R.O 120/- BHK. Contact 99354340

For rent 2 shops area 4 x 10 mtr good location main road new bldg in whole sale Al Amerat.

Contact 92877449

4 & 5 Bhk Villa for Rent in Qurum.

Contact 99792181 Flat at Athaiba near Horizon Gym, first floor 3BHK, hall living room, 3bathrooms split ac 550/- R.O family only. Contact 92479515 1 & 2 Bhk Flat in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181 Labour Camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99792181 Shop in Wadi Kabeer behind Sana Fashion, ground & mezzanine floor, bathroom & store. 350 Riyals.

Contact: 99445192

Clinic For Sale One Established new Clinic in Muscat, with Valid License & Clearance, for sale ASAP interested Parties can contact 91283188 or send your inquiries to mohamedsfarah@hotmail.com

1BHK, 2BHK at Honda road Ruwi at Muscat services building no.

2324 Way - 4331.

Contact 99224748 / 99332297 2BHK bldg #1619 Way # 1322 adjacent to Indian Nursery Darsait RO 340/-. Contact 99476728

Flats room, hall, kitchen, toilet in Bowsher. Contact 96961306

Well running multi – cuisine restaurant in AL Khuwair for sale only serious buyers May. Contact 98519517

2BHK flat in Muttrah for rent (R.O 290/-) immediate occupancy.

Contact 99321580

2BHK with A.C Darsait R.O 300/-.

Contact 92144045

2BHK Wadi Kabeer R.O 300/-.

Contact 92144045

FOR SALE

For rent 2 bed room, flat 1 sitting, 2 toilets, 1 kitchen new bldg good location behind in whole sale Al Amerat. Contact 92877449 1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for Ware house workshop. Contact 24700120 / 92584715 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ AZAIBA. 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 33.

1 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair. 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam.

3 B/R Furnished flat at Al Khuwair 25. Available for Daily, Weekly and Yearly Lease Contract.

Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC. 99249069 / 93201688/92888376, Email: info@alshahiintl.com

Brand new highly finished luxury twin villa for sale in Mawaleh Phase -1 land area for each villa 300,00 m2 builtup area for each villa 433.50 sqm both villas with separate krooki. Contact 99164959

FOR RENT 4 Bedrooms villa with 2 hall, 4 bathrooms in Darsait, behind Kimijis mart. Contact 92584715/ 24700120 Flats and shops. Contact 93009999 2BHK apartment fro at Qurum near PDO, Gate 2. # 94057023 Well maintained 3 BHK (R.O 350/-) 2 BHK (R.O 300/-) for rent in Rex Road. Contact 92227165 Flat deluxe in Al Amerat Mahaj 4,3 rooms with 3 toilets.

Contact 99672604 1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880 Villa Al Khuwair, 8 bedroom, 7 bathroom, 3kittchen. 950/-.

Contact 99358589/ 5121126/95570288

Want Company engaged in selling food to sell coolers non repairable (scrap) quantity: 192 pieces. Contact 93650084 Offices: 24614874

6 bedroom villa for rent at Al Mawalah near City Center Seeb.

Contact 99654252

Dental Clinic with license for sale in Sohar. Contact 92816015

2BHK flat Al Khuwair with split A/C. 350/- Contact 95121126/99358589/97079146 1BHK flat available at Darsait near medical. Contact 24705742/24705639

Steel fabrication work shop for sale, 1500 sqm ready for use with all equipment . serious buyers. Location: Falaj Al Ouhi . Ind Area. Contact: +971558662772 /95179637

Villa OPP Grand Mall 2 living room, 2 hall + 3 rooms, kitchen & maid room with AC. Contact 99738881

Commercial registration with excellent name Grade A for business software for sale. Contact 92959251

Family flats and villas at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 Industrial shops in Misfah RO 150/-, RO 350/-, RO 500/-.

Contact 99876161 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

FOR RENT Industrial Land in Misfah.

Contact 93009999 If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454 1B/R available for Bachelors in REX ROAD, Ruwi. # 99889590

Barbar shop in Al Khuwair good running business, location : near Al Akhtham Restaurant.

Contact +968- 99616650 We are dealing with sale of all beauty salon equipments, furnitures & cosmetics. # 942888 61 / 942888 63 Contd on pg 6

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M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE MBA (finance & accounts) having 3 years working experience as accountant possessing good skills in tally , ERP seeks suitable placement currently available on visit visa.

Contact 97095686 12 years Oman experience Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact 97385562 Indian male 9 years experience in Accounts seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94080452 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 Indian male B.com professional looking for suitable job, 2 years experience finance and marketing.

Contact 95983091 Email: akhil.mathew556@gmail.com MBA HR&FINANCE Indian Female with 2 years work experience in leading MNC looking for suitable placement in HR / FINANCE, Contact: 99791008 / 93888576

ADMIN/HR Required male Admin & Secretary to work under Senior Management with Min. 3 to 5 years exp. with excellent computer knowledge and good office co-ordination and capable to work independent. Basic Accounts knowledge will be preferable. Email: vacancyinoman123@gmail.com

Accountant / Purchase manager (Release Available) 29yrs Indian male having 7yrs experience in Oman seeking suitable placement Mob:95325041,email:vijayapalanbinu.aniyan@gmail.com Looking for part time job as accountant having experience up-to finalization. Contact. 99002390

CATERING

Indian B.Com Graduate having 7 years of experience in logistics in Dubai and 2 years of Oman experience in accounts with valid D/L is looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 00968 91234320

Chef / Cook (Muslim) - at least (3) years experience, experience in cooking (Arab European and Indian). Please send your CV to email address: info@albatnapp.com, please call GSM: 99202531

Indian male (34), B. Com with computer application , 3 years experience in Muscat as Accountant .

Having valid Oman D/L, looking for a part time job. Contact 91586632

DRAUGHTSMAN AutoCAD Draftsman having Oman experience. Contact 99370565 Urgently required, AutoCAD Draughts man with knowledge of interior design. Minimum 1-2 years experience. Interested candidate may please send CV to fax: 24694998 Email: fareedadesign@gmail.com

DRIVER Looking for a House Driver with at least 3 years experience.

Contact : 92807807 Requires Indian Light Duty driver for a Omani family. Visa will be provided. Contact 95225662 Required Omani driver for 3 ton vehicle. Contact 99247218 / 92248407

MEDICAL Hala Medical Center, Sinaw require G.P, Gynecologist, Pediatrician, Staff Nurse, Lab Technician Radiographer & Lady Receptionist.

Contact 99795113 Email: halamedicalgroup@gmail.com Required Nurse for a clinic in Al Buraimi, S. of Oman. Contact 00968 92737149. Send CV to drpkabbas@yahoo.co.in Wanted Doctor with or without MOH license for a Polyclinic.

Excellent salary with accommodation and commission. Contact: 97091664.

Email: mmcmuscat@gmail.com

Wanted driver. Contact 95112461 Required a private driver from India. Contact 92345861

DOMESTIC HELPER Require House maid in Mabela.

Contact. 95200180

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Wanted Civil Engineer, Email: almoosaengineering@gmail.com Required Sales Engineer for the sale of building Material, with 3-5 years experience in Oman, holding a valid Omani driving license.

Qualified candidates mail in your CV to migc.vacancies@gmail.com Leading metal fabrication group requires Sales Engineer, minimum 2 yrs exp. with valid Oman D/L. Contact: hr@khancogroup. com 99102383 Civil Engineer (1 No.) , Electrical Engineer (1No) 5- 10 years experience with Omani driving license.

Contact 99222137

IT IT Sales Executive GCC Experience - 2+ Years Valid Driving license Graduate in IT With MBA or Marketing back ground in IT field.

E mail : towers70@gmail.com, info@towersinternationalgroups.com Required IT Technician for computer shop. Send your CV at khalid@rayyancomputer.com

MISCELLANEOUS Required tailor, barber.

Contact 96964767

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Required Electrician for Maintenance Company. Contact 97205114 WANTED: A.C Technician with experience in split and duct A/C for a well established company in Muscat. Salary plus bonus. Email CV to: hralsom@gmail.com For a reputed contracting company urgently required, tiles Mansons, general Mansons, furniture carpenters, painters, carpentry foremen, civil foreman with license, accountant, and electrician cum plumber.

Contact: - 99889450/99343461, fax no: 24619716.email:goldenraycontraction@g mail.com

SALES / MARKETING Wanted Salesman with driving licence and car. Gsm : 98805474 or email id: jobssales2015@gmail.com Urgently required SALES EXECUTIVES for a reputed company dealing in TRUCK SPARE PARTS. Fresh graduates are also welcome.

Attractive salary packages. Send CV: Jibalmansur@gmail.com 97988908/ 95415900 Urgently required an excellent grade construction firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for Marketing Executive minimum 5 years experience with D/L. Email your CV to info@omannc.com Sohar based manufacturing company is looking for an experienced Young Sales Person with MBA qualification. Only candidates with immediate local release & D/L need apply. Email CV to – edelweissprasad@rediffmail.com.

SALES / MARKETING

Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5 pm (location prefer - Qurum to Al Khoudh). Contact 92917574

Our company CHABROS LLC is seeking for Indian salesman.

Have an experienced in building materials. Please send CV to chabros@omantel.net.om

Accountant (B.Com, MBA pursuing) Indian male, 25 years, 2 years experience as an Accountant in India seeking better placement on visit visa. Contact 97709327

Looking for an experienced sales man for building materials and electrical shop in Amerat, candidate should be fluent in speaking Arabic & Hindi. Contact 92418044

C.A with 11 years experience (6 years in Oman) with NOC. Contact 93731296

Urgently IT Marketing Eng. 2 years experience in Oman. Driving License.

Email - darr_al_maan@yahoo.com GSM 99058770 Required Business Development Executive for a clearing and forwarding company. Please mail CV to wisal.international@gmail.com Reputed building materials company looking for Outdoor Sales Executive having valid Omani driving license with more than 2 years local sales experience in tiles / sanitary ware. Please fax your CV to 24798709 Email: united@omantel.net.om

TOURS Sales Manager for luxury yacht in Muscat. Experience in Oman market preferred. Email cv and photo: alibadawy@gmail.com.

Temporary boatman wanted for month of April and May 2015.

Contact 99466062 Experienced Travel and Tourism Staff (IATA Certificate holder) 2 nos, Senior Accountant (male) 1 no. Send CV : atsanildev@gmail.com / naushad_ sulaiman@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

Indian Male, MBA in Marketing and Finance, 10 years’ Sales & Business Development Experience with valid D/L of Oman & UAE looking for a suitable placement. NOC Available.

Contact 93969961 e-mail abhilash.pvrk@gmail.com Indian female, 25 yrs, bachelors of businesses management, having experience of 5 years as a fund/ financial administration, on visit visa,looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94662416 Apurwaverma@gmail.com

Indian 34 yrs B.Com CA Inter pass 12 yrs exp in Audit A/C, Finance on visit seeks suitable placement.

Contact 95585069

22 years of experience in Multinational Companies & reputed firms in Financial Management, Project Management, Budgeting and Cost control, seeking a strategic Financial/Management Accounting role in a dynamic organization . Please contact Mob. +971-506178139, Email. georg_vargis01@yahoo.com ACCA finalist and BSc from Oxford Brookes University UK, having 18 months working experience, currently in Muscat on visit, seeking immediate and suitable position.

Contact : 95375282 A Fresh ACCA Affiliate, Pakistani male, 24 yrs, open for positions of Accounts, Audit and finance.

Contact 94541539 email: wasiqnasir_3@yahoo.com Accountant with bachelor degree in Business Administration & Accounting from Majan College with 1 year experience in Oman. # 96132149 Indian Male, 25 yrs currently in Oman on visit looking for suitable vacancies in accounts, B.Com completed 1 yr experience. Contact 92024380 Indian male 24 yrs M.B.A having 2 yrs of experience in financial accounting up to finalization having knowledge of tally ERP 9, focus, wings, peach tree, MS Excel, Pay roll currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement available immediately. Contact 91058205 Email: aslammohammed10@gmail.com B.com doing CA Accounts/ office job male now working in Oman Noc, release available. Contact 92715465 Email: alsabathehm@gmail.com Indian male- B.Com/B.Ed/15 years Exp – 5 in Oman, seeks job in Accts/Sales/Logistics have NOC and Oman D/L with car.

Contact – 92919625/93511425/ 93424828; Emailseshadricpioman@gmail.com Male, total 17 years experience in India & Oman - India - 9 years & Oman - 8 years In the field of procurement, material controller and accountancy - Local release available (Noc) Cont no. 91680124 , 98606546 India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com

Indian Chartered Accountant 15 years Gulf experience in EPR Tally, Peachtree, SAP FOCUS Oracle MS. Contact India mobile 0091 8086469422.

Email: rahmanacc123@gmail.com

Indian Male, MBA 2 yrs experience in Accounts, Admin & HR on visit visa. Contact 92045306

Indian female B.Com CA INTER, 3 years internship completed, 2 years Accounting experience currently on visit visa seeking for suitable job. Contact 94682798/ 95736496 Email: giby2605@gmail.com

Accounting up to finalization, auditing & contact for tally ERP software Contact– 91720465

Indian male, 25 yrs,MBA (Finance) 3 years experience as Accountant immediately available.

Contact 968 99485943, Email : hyd.mushu@gmail.com

Indian male MBA 32 yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking suitable placement in Admin/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding valid Oman D/L .Contact - 99054786

Sudanese Accountant & Coordinator looking for suitable job.

Contact 97325835

Over 14 years of gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistic fluent in Arabic & English with D/L , looking for suitable position. Contact 95824598

Accountant B.Com CIMA finalist 8 yrs experience. Contact 95522109 Pakistani male, 25 yrs, MBA Finance, 1.6 yrs exp in Accounts seeking placement in Accounts, Administration or Business Management. Contact 92651927 / 94250149 Indian male 26 years, with 4 years experience in accounts and administration looking for suitable placement. Contact 93008891 Accountant B.Com MBA, Indian male having 5 yrs GCC exp in similar field with valid Omani D/L & NOC available. Contact: 91719385 Email: shinuyesodharan@gmail.com, Female with MBA finance, financial and tax professional four and half years of experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations. Contact- 99792457 Email: msparveen1@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com, Accountant – 6yrs exp in Oman, NOC availableReady to join.contact: 98162671 ; email: prasanths3@gmail.com

Accountant 8 yrs experience looking for part time job. # 99867456

ADMIN/HR

Indian female with excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated to work and enthusiastic.

Knowledge about ms office. Has 6 years of experience in customer service, telecommunication, HR.Looking for immediate placement. Contact # 97348819 B.Sc Graduate with 6 yrs of exp in HR & Administration looking for suitable positions.# 91507099 Indian, Male, 30 Years, B.COM, 8 Years’ Experience as HR / Administration in Oman, seeks suitable placement, NOC Available, Contact No. 00968 94652591 Smart personality, professional, qualification excellent English, 10+ years Oman exp – operations, admin, management, business development, commercial available immediately. NOC. Contact 91229392 Young Indian male with 5 years Muscat experience in admin, purchase & Masters from UK seeks placement. Possess driving license.

Contact 94400671

ADMIN/HR Indian male, 27 yrs, MBA(HR & Finance) having 3 yrs experience in advertising company and have through knowledge in office coordination & administration, good computer proficiency on visit visa looking for suitable placement Contact 91361534, sreejith.mv63@gmail.com

ARCHI./ DRAUGHTSMAN Auotcad knows 3D,REVIT, MAX Ph : 97103168 Autocad D/Man, Civil Engg diploma 3yr, Gulf experienced in Architectural, Structural, Security, IT systems, knows 3D, Noc available Ph: 98225740

ADVOCATE Experienced Indian Lawyer BA (Arabic) LLB,MBA on visit seeks opportunity. Contact 97351649, Email : advocatesharaf@gmail.com

CATERING Indian cook, Tandoori cook, male, 32 yrs, having 4 yrs of experience in Muscat in India, looking for a cook job in Hotel. Contact 93753523 / 98744307 / 92175119.

DESIGNER 3D designer Indian male, good experience with 3 omax photo shop 1llustratori. Contact 93909636 /98461278 Indian Female Architect with 3.5 years experience looking for suitable job (1.5 years experience from Oman) B. Arch. Contact 96146645 Email: anjuovil@gmail.com Keralite Bachelor professional building designer with AutoCAD, 3D Max & Accounts.

Contact: 96535497, email : bhaviwky90@gmail.com Indian female, 25yrs BscFASHION DESIGNING, 3yers experience in designing field and teaching. looking for a sutable placement. Contact: 98785310.

Email: vinaya.m.nair@gmail.com

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver.Contact 92303692 Tower crane operator having visa NOC. Contact Atthar har 97377834 Light driver looking for job, 15+ years in Oman. Contact 95938733 Driver light foreman, construction experience 6 years in Oman.

Contact 94001751 Crane operator. Contact 99186264 Indian male 35 yrs Qatar GCC heavy equipment license knows Arabic, Hindi & English looking for a driver placement. Contact 98739710 now on visiting visa.

Light driver looking for job.

Contact 94035746 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678 Light duty driver looking for job, 2 yrs exp. Contact 98356230 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 91376612 Light driver looking for job, 3 yrs exp. in Oman, 5 yrs exp in Saudi Arabia, English, Arabic. #96088707 LV Driver- 2 yrs Exp-know English- Contact 95292064

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card.

Contact 94378581 Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job. Contact 98162295 Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

ENGG. / TECHNICAL M.Tech Manger /Civil Engineer with PMP, Indian male, 18 yrs experience (including 4 yrs in Dubai and 3yrs in Oman) in construction field for multi million projects like five star hotels , waterfront, properties , high rise buildings, luxurious villas and ROP projects seeking placement , Noc available , ready to join .

Contact 91158903 / tuminousmercury@gmail.com B.E Civil Engineer Indian male 16 years exp in project mgmt site and construction mgmt computer skills valid Oman D/L seeking suitable placement with NOC can join immediately. Contact : 99446335 Civil Engineer, male 25 yrs, 3 years experience in site CAD, 3D, MS project, seeking job in Oman.

Contact 92887561 Email: jubincivileng@gmail.com Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 6 yrs. exp (generators, solar, A/C sales, control) 5 months (HVAC) Omani D/L. Noc vehicle.

Contact 97452159 Email: mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail.com Procurement Engineer Indian male, 6 years exp in oil & gas sector in Oman & Bahrain currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement .Contact 92967443 Civil site Engineer diploma holder 9 am want job my exp, 8 years Oman & Dubai. Contact 95714327 Quality Assurance Design, B.Tech Elect, MBA (TQM) , IT Infrastructure(WLAN , TETRA) Security systems(CCTV AACS),Project control Engineering, Document Control / CAD Managing /Change management, Exp in Major projects, NOC available Ph : 99506977 Civil Engineer B.Tech Indian Female with knowledge of AutoCAD, STAAD and MS office seeks suitable placement. Ph: 94688515.

Instrumentation Design Engineer degree holder having experience in smart plant Instrumentation (IN TOOLS 9.0) AutoCAD seeking placement in best position and having industrial maintenance experience.

Contact 97261387 Civil Engineer (Diploma) presently working as Project Manager having experience over 20 years in Oman seeks suitable placement. NOC available kindly Contact 95705980 Email: riyaspmd@yahoo.com Chemical engineer B.Tech Indian male 2+ years of experience seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92545630 Email: vkarun77@gmail.com B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile)&Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 , Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com Sudanese male, Architect 3 years experience in Oman as an Architectural designer and Site Supervisor, designing software known (Auto CAD, 3D Max, revit, ArchiCAD, photo shop and primavera.

Contact 92327536 Email: ahmedstar89@hotmail.com Sudanese Engineer bachelor of Mechanical Engineer have 8 years experience desalination water plant (design, operation and maintenance pump stations all rind of water pump and water line calculation.

Contact 97873794 Indian male, 28 diploma in fire and safety Engineering computer hardware net working 1 yr customer service experience trouble shooting technical support on visit visa.

Contact 91025050 / 98856803 Email: purujith8797@gmail.com BE/EEE Electrical Engineer Indian male 25 years having 2.5 years experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 00968-96522624 / 92770316 contact India +91- 9994024477 / 9597539520

Civil Engineer (B.E) Indian male, 1 year experience, (India) with knowledge of AutoCAD MS project MS Office seeking for suitable job in construction industry.

Contact 94350900

Mechanical Engineer BE, 4 years experience in welding & inspection & erection in power oil & gas sector having CSWIP3.1 certificate seeking good placement.Contact : 92803878 Email: vijayanand.kvp@gmail.com

Omani Citizen Mechanical Engineer with 1 yer exp looking for job .

Contact:95993315 email: eaz-s@hotmail.com

24 years Indian female diploma in computer science and engineering now on visit visa seek suitable placement. Contact 96314974/99107369

B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 4 yrs experience in sales, Seeking suitable job on visit visa.

Contact 96137079 , 93095565, Email : elangovivek@yahoo.co.in

Civil Engineer B Tech, Site Engineer Experienced, Drafting on Visit Visa Ph : 91642050

Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:-94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer B.Tech , MBA Indian male 7 years experience , Oman in project management and quantity survey and skilled with primavera 6 MS Project MS Office AutoCAD seeking suitable placement having Noc valid Oman driving license. Immediately joining. Contact 98145441 / 97647060

Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.com

Project Manager BSC Civil Engineering with MBA have Oman experience with 9+ years.

Contact 97046565

Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in Industrial Automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Quality Assurance Design, BTech Elec, MBA (TQM) , IT Infrastructure(WLAN , TETRA) Security systems(CCTV AACS),Project control Engineering, Document Control / CAD Managing /Change management, Exp in Major projects, NOC available Ph : 99506977

Looking Part time Job in HVACContact - 93198128

Electrical Engineer B.E Engineer, 6 years experience in Dubai, Bahrain with G.C.C. professional licenses holding GCC driving license.

Contact 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com Arabic /English fluent Mechanical Engineer, MBA, PMP 8 yrs of experience, 5 yrs in project field (management and supervision familiar with primavera P6 on visit visa looking for a challenging job position . Email: abdelgader1982@gmail.com Contact 94687010 Bachelor in Telecommunication Engineering from CCE ,CCNA certificate IELTS, score 7 experience certificate from Central Bank of Oman.

Contact 95331455 / 92210958 Mechanical engineer (B.Tech in Mechanical) with certified quality controller –NDT level 2 qualified as per ASNT – SNT - TC - IA having experience in sales and marketing in India, presently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92417032 Email: joel.aries@gmail.com B.Tech Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, female with approximately 2 years in medical field is seeking any job position.

Contact 94652908 mail id: aswathiraviraj@gmail.com Telecom Engineer with 4.5 years Oman experience looking for a suitable opportunity, interested even in Marketing also. Possess valid Oman driving license.

Contact 94145460 Automobile Engineer (B.Com, PGDCA) Indian male 9 years experience 2 years in India technician 7 years in Saudi as coordinator in Quality controller seeking suitable placement with visiting visa. Contact 93973989/ 99572029. Email: sangeethvm4004@gmail.com BE 2 yrs exp electrical projects AutoCAD design/ commission available attested. Contact 97835922 Email: anascadd11@gmail.com M. Sc Mechanical Engineer 5 years experience in crusher plants production manufacturing release visa CAD/CAM. Contact 92156387 / 97838220 BTECH ( ELECTRONICS), Automation Engineer,exp in control panels, test & commn ph : 93841820 Electronics & Communication Engineer with 4 years Oman experience in telecom field looking for a suitable opportunity. Interested in marketing also. Possess valid Oman driving license. Contact 94145460 DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction field NOC and release available . Contact 96968554 Email: mehranahmad26@yahoo.com

Indian Male, 5 yrs exp.

Hardware & net working Engineer on short visit requires suitable placement. Contact 92458622 Quantity Surveyor, B.Tech & H.N.D with 4 yrs experience looking for suitable placement on visit visa.

Contact 96978752, 95751278, email : hmirfan527@gmail.com Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 11 years exp in oil & gas industry.

Contact - 95928035 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Gulf Exp in Design and Manufacturing Ph: 97097688 Generator maintenance in charge with 4 yrs experience with Cummins, caterpillar, kirloskar and voltas. Contact - email: shibinmundakkal@gmail.com Aircraft Maintenance Technician with one year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact amaljohn2002@gmail.com Electrical Engineer experience 2008-2015 in Oman and experience 2004- 2008 outside Oman, 34 years.

Contact 96968275 / 97445304 Email: alsada_1981@yahoo.com B.Sc Electrical Engineer, more than 16 years experience, 3 years in Oman experience in EPC contract, power plant – grid station – primary substation – SCADA system – test and commissioning engineer – DCRP approval.

Contact 96964917 Muscat Arabic and English / Oman driving license Telecom Engineer with 4 yrs experience in Engineering & Sales VOIP. Contact 92577245 Experienced female Electrical Engineer. Contact 93800906

EDUCATION Indian Female (M.Com, B.ED) 2Yrs Experience in teaching seeks suitable placement . Specialization in ( Accounting, Business studies, Human resource management, Economics). Presently in Visit Visa Status. Contact:97342709, Email: sininair27@gmail.com Experienced Librarian seeks suitable position. Contact 92887119 Indian English Teacher male eligible for Senior Secondary College levels (MA, B.Ed, SET) 5+ years experience seeks placement in schools, colleges. # 95526395 now on visiting visa.

1 year experience in teaching all subject to KG classes, currently working as a teacher in Oman, seeking suitable placement, Family visa.

Contact 92178304 / 99036256

EDUCATION Indian English teacher B.A, Tesol 4 years exp in India 3 years exp in Ministry School or Oman needs job.

Contact 99839385 / 95265767

INFORMATION TECH MCA, MBA, CCNA, MCSE, Indian male with 10 years of experience, holding Oman driving license on visit visa seeks any suitable placement. Contact 92716116 / 91266535 Email: sijuayur@gmail.com Looking for job Tunisian Bachelor with experience 5 years in Network/IT. Cont.:91368102 BSc. Computer Engineer having skills in IT Support, Networking and Technical Sales. Looking for a job opportunity. Mobile: 9127 9617, Email: Javaid_iqbal1@hotmail.com Indian male IT prof, MCA, 2 yrs exp as System Administrator in Oman 3+ yrs exp in (hardware, networking, widows server, exchange server, SharePoint) and 1 yr exp in (PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Ajax, My SQL in India). NOC available.

Contact 97496998 Seeking IT job (on contract basis) having 8 yrs exp , with ( COT NET, SQL SERVER, ORACLE , BO reporting , application maintenance, IT support , ERP support & development) valid IT visa up to 11-07 2016 and D/L Oman.

Contact 92064496 India, Male BCA, IT Engineer, hardware, networking MCSA, CCNA, ITIL, Office administration, Accounts Email: e.mustafa@live.com B.Tech IT Engineer, Indian male with 3yrs of exp. as System administrator, IT support, Networking, installing active directory, DHCP, DNS, RAS, exp. in handling SQL database, currently in Oman on visit visa, with valid Qatar driving license and immediate available. Contact: 93925281 Required suitable possistion for the experinced B Tech (hard ware) Engineer. Contact: - 99343461/ email: msureshbabumct@g mail.Com Indian Female, MCA, 2 years experience in Oman seeks suitable placement in IT or Admin, contact no: 95094154, 99436069, Email: ramanrami@rediffmail.com ERP Software professional, Indian male, 20 yrs (5 yrs Oman) experienced. Interested in ERP/ CRM, Development, Implementation, support position. Contact 93501977 Email: go4nadeem@gmail.com Indian male 25 B.Tech (IT) Engineer 2.5 yrs exp in hardware networking.

Currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact – 94359564 IT Professional (25) (Srilankan), B. Tech dip, MCTS, MCP, CCNA, LINUX having 4 years experience, looking for suitable position (on visit visa).

Contact 93354526 Email: jamsith.pc@gmail.com SAP BO/BODS consultant 6 years experience with EMBA (IT) B. Tech (IT) OCP, OCA, ITIL & AIX qualified seeks suitable posting.

Contact 92532996 / 95740250 Email: elango2840@gmail.com Sudanese computer Information System (CIS) Bachelor The American University in London 2.5 years experience. Contact 98178276 Email: khalidsme@gmail.com Hardware specialist B.Tech M.Tech electronics with 10 years experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations.

Contact 91289459 Email: shrn.shrf@gmail.com B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, configuring maintaining and managing servers, configuring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507 IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668

MISCELLANEOUS Philipino male 27 on visit visa is looking for suitable job.

Contact 98588717 Indian male M. Sc Graduate with telecom AV experience for 6 years looking for suitable position. Contact 00971-557041574 / 95135218 email: nazid83@gmail.com Store keeper 26 yrs, 6 yrs experience 4 yrs in Oman NOC/release available. Contact 97657823 Indian male young & enrject exp marine seaman with Indian CDC holder .oil tanker exp & V.L.O.O.C. NOC available. Contact: 94179164, Email: vivekkpushkaran@gmail.com Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian male Graduate with 20+ years of Administration, Operations & Management experience in IT, Oil & Gas & Hospitality Industry. 12 years in Oman with vast contacts, very strong management, operational, communication and interpersonal skills, can handle any size of business and projects whether it’s in initial stage or established. Can join immediately.

Local release available on request.

Contact: 9906 4589 11years Oman exp, diverse responsibilities in reputed companies, smart, highly qualified, results oriented. Immediate joining, NOC. Contact 98179887 Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/ Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position. Gsm: 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel. Contact: 91219787

MEDICAL Female Dentist Indian, 28 years Dental Surgeon, 3 years of experience, Oman prometric passed with 64%, looking for a suitable placement in Muscat region.

Contact 91377681 Email: hashmisarwat@gmail.com 24 years old Indian BSC Nursing, 2years experience, looking for a job as a staff nurse. Contact 94035637 /95068075 Female pharmacist with 3 years experience and MOH license currently in Oman , CONTACT 92455124 Medical- Indian female, 27 yrs, masters in hospital administration, fellowship in HTA studied in a super specialty medical sciences and research center in India and done project in an established hospital in sultanate of Oman.

Contact 93200827, 91026506 Indian female 29 years GNM Nurse with Oman prometric pass 7.8 experience in India currently on visit visa in Oman. Contact 93281598 Indian male Pharmacist (B.Pharma) 5 1/2 years experience in Oman seeking suitable placement in Muscat. NOC from the present employer available.

Contact +968 98525100 Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Tunisian women looking for job, knows english, frensh, Italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838 Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin (employees visa processes), Secretarial and purchase coordination with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 99709336

Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Paki male 26, 4 yrs experienced want job in Mechanic ac & electrician, driving job. Contact 93291664 WELDER, GULF EXP IN 6G 3G TIG, XRAY PH : 99506977 Welder, 3G, 6G, TIG, Exp in Fabrication , Gulf Exp Ph : 97103168 Care taker, Gulf Exp knows Hindi, Arabic Ph: 94238840

SALES / MARKETING MBA (marketing & operations) with 2 years experience in marketing & operations looking for suitable placement, presently on visit visa.

Contact 97920125 Email: hareeshg111@gmail.com Purchase Manager with 14 years experience in construction industry with valid D/L & NOC. Contact 92884811, Email : bati.rajesh@gmail.com Indian male with MBA in international management and BSC in hotel management & diploma in event management with, 4 years experience in this field looking for job.

Contact 96146645 Mail: sarsthmcc549@gmail.com Well experienced restaurant Manager with Ample knowledge of sales and operations seeking suitable placement Noc available. Contact 92953199 Indian male, MBA in Marketing, 10 years experience with UAE driving license looking for suitable placement. Contact 98125226 Email: jobapplication1199@gmail.com Indian Male 31 Yrs M.B.A having 9 years experience 5 yrs in India and 4 yrs in Oman Having knowledge in Group Marketing/Sales/Media/ Advertising with valid Oman driving license seeking suitable placement .Contact 92016431 19 years of UAE experience in sales, management & business development with UAE D/L presently on express visa in Oman seeking for a suitable job. Contact 91602809 Email thomasalexander210@gmail.com Young female, having experience of working in Oman with expertise in the field of Event Management, Advertising, Marketing and Hotel Management. Currently on a visit visa. Seeking for a suitable Job. Contact 96153578 6 years Oman experience in Sales seeking suitable placement. NOC available. Contact 99669137 Indian male 22, holding BCA, seeking jobs in Desktop Supporting, data cable termination, cum Office Asst now on visit. Contact 95110487 Indian male 23 years BMS qualified with 2 years experience in Marketing is looking for suitable job, presently on express visa in Oman. #96724358, Email : asifrockz@yahoo.com Indian male 29 yrs having two yrs exp in sales seeking suitable replacement in sales store keeper back office support, warehouse assistant admin.

NOC available. Contact 94142747 Email: oasis0987@outlook.com Indian female 7 yrs experience in Admin /Sales Coordination in Oman with valid Oman driving license urgently seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94176308 Indian male, B.Com, 20 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing having UAE light D/L looking for suitable post. Contact +91 9946699062, email : sajim40@gmail.com Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713 Indian Male having 7 yrs in experience in Oman Sales & Marketing Office Automation Printer, Copier, MFP, IT products & Stationery. Looking for Suitable Placement NOC Available Contact :97384748

D6

M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED ACCA-UK, having 2.5 years of experience in Accounts, Book keeping and Audit. Looking for job in Accounts/Finance or Internal Audit department. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and Peachtree. Contact mr.shoaibaslam@gmail.com Gsm: +968-95459488 Accountant , Indian Male,24 years , 3+ years experience in Finance and Accounts, M.com Finance , Exposure in SAP & Tally ERP 9 , Good communication skill, on visit Visa. Contact 95366407 CAT (UK) , ACCA (UK) , 3 year experience. (including one year experience in EY world 3rd largest audit firm) looking for reputed company for a job of Internal Audit, Finance and Accounting.

Contact no: 00923008833525 Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 ACCA-UK, having 2.5 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit. Looking for job in Accounts/Finance or Internal Audit department. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Email: mr.shoaibaslam@gmail.com Gsm: +968-95459488 ACCA-UK and B.Sc (OBU-UK) Experienced, Male 25, looking for permanent job in Accounting, Finance and Auditing field. 2 years of practical experience with an audit firm in Pakistan. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com Gsm:+968-95459936 Job seeker with ten years of experience in management, banking, and marketing. Muscat, mobile number: 91262609 Male 24,looking for permanent job in Computer, IT, or Communication field ,BSC in Computer and Communication Engg. from Dofar University, Salalah. Have some exp. in Telecom field. 4-month Practical training in Hayyat Communicatin company (subcontractor of ooredoo).

Email:adilbutt102@gmail.com.

Gsm:+968-92328726.

Indian Female, 24 yrs MS. Software Engg. Currently on family visa, 1 year experience in SAP WM & IT seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95490105 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile) & Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, Completed IOSH, have PDO Passport.3.5 year experience as a Safety Advisor in Carillion Alawi 27 year Indian male also having valid Omani driving license, looking for job. Email:govindansreejit@ gmail.com >Contact: 9689808527,96896176872 Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of Ms .Office & Tally, 4yrs experience in A/Cing & admin dept .looking for good placement in any field. Contact.98928220 Part Time Accounting Job Complete Data Entry, Reporting and Finalization. Any Time Available.

Location Ruwi to Bharka. Please Contact- +968-92049215 Email:- aiafe.oman@gmail.com

M.V. FOR SALE

Indian female B.Com Graduate, 4yrs experience in accounts, admin dept looking for placement in any field 98928220 ACCA-UK, having 2.5 years of experience in accounts, Bookeeping and audit. Looking for job in Accounts/Finance or Internal Audit department, also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Email: mr.shoaibaslam@gmail.com Gsm: +968-95459488

Car sale Land Rover L.R 3 & model 2008 K.M 140000, company maintenance. Single person Use (doctor). Contact 99372860

Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, 3.5 year experience as a Safety Advisor in Carillion Alawi 27 year Indian male also having valid Omani driving license, looking for job Email:govindansreejit@gmail. com, Contact:968 9808527, 968 96176872 Sudanese/Bsc IT/ 2 years experience/ excellent English-Arabic speaking/ Omani driving license/ Contact: 96387227, henrykarrar@gmail.com Indian female, 24yrs, M.Com (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeks suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available. Contact: 99654913 Indian Female, B.tech bio-technology graduate. Knowledgeable in food processing techniques, having 2 yrs experieince as associate research analyst(media monitoring)in Nasdaq Omx, seeking for growth oriented job.

Contact 92044603, angeline.babithac@gmail.com.

Female, MSc Chemistry, BEd, with 1.5yrs of experience as research officer in a chemical manufacturing company in India. Ph: 95243584 Male 24, looking for job in Accounts/Finance or Internal Audit department. ACCA-UK. Experience: 2 years of experience from an audit firm, also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Email: mr.shoaibaslam@gmail.com, Gsm: +968-95459488 Omani Citizen Mechanical Engineer with 1 yr exp looking for job.

Contact:95993315 email:eaz-s@hotmail.com ACCA-UK, having 2.5 years of experience in accounts, Bookeeping and audit. Looking for job in Accounts/Finance or Internal Audit department, also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Email: mr.shoaibaslam@gmail.com, Gsm: +968-95459488 37 years Indian Male with 10 years PDO experience Store Keeper seeking suitable placement.Contact: 95849804 Experienced, male 25, hardworking, looking for permanent job in Accounting, Finance and Auditing field, ACCA UK and B.Sc in applied accounting (OBU-UK). 2-years of practical experience with an audit firm in Pakistan. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com, Gsm:+968-95459936 Accountant , Indian Male,24 years , 3+ years experience in Finance and Accounts, M.com Finance , Exposure in SAP & Tally ERP 9 , Good communication skill, on visit Visa.

Contact ( 95366407 ,96921443) IT support 6 yrs experience, male, Filipino Desktop Support, Backup administrator, Wireless Networking, server admin, laptop support, DB admin. Contact +96896126502

Trucks & cars for sale quantity: 16 vehicles. Contact 96724225 / 99513419 office: 24614949

ACC. AVAILABLE Single room MBD Ruwi. Contact 95698714

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

ACC. WANTED

Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Admistration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations. Seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410

Wanted a 2 bedroom flat in around Ruwi area. Gsm 99761216

Indian male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/Supervisory Position.

Visa transfer/NOC Available.

GSM: 95036410 Young Indian with 8 years experience in Multi faceted exposure in various ITES domains is looking for job in IT client/sales/delivery relationship manager. Immediate availability 98885188, fahad079@gmail.com Male 24, looking for permanent job in Computer, IT, or Communication field ,BSC in Computer and Communication Engineering.

Have some experience in Telecom field. 4-month Practical training in Hayyat Communication company (subcontractor of ooredoo).

Email:adilbutt102@gmail.com.

Gsm:+968-92328726.

Pakistani, Male 24, looking for job in Accounts, Finance or Internal Audit department. ACCA-UK. 2 years of experience from an audit firm, also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree.

Email: mr.shoaibaslam@gmail. com, Gsm: +968-95459488 Male 24, looking for permanent job in Computer, IT, or Communication field ,BSC in Computer and Communication Engineering.

Have some experience in Telecom field. 4-month Practical training in Hayyat Communication company (subcontractor of ooredoo).

Email: adilbutt102@gmail.com.

Gsm:+968-92328726.

Accountant, Indian male, 24 years. Presently working in Oman as Accountant. 2 years experience in Accounts with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity.GSM: 93409315 MBA graduate having more than 2 years of experience in event management company as event coordinator. Looking for a suitable job in your esteemed organization which will commensurate with my qualifications#+96894560161, Email- qaisebukhari@gmail.com Indian male 28 years, 4year exp in Oman .now on free visa looking for job as freelancer. Any field Contact 95642297

AVAILABLE Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship.

Contact 97628242 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. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

Indian male executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer .seek suitable placement. Contact: 99514286, email: azimmohd@yahoo.co.in

Indian male graduate with 9 years of experience in Procurement / Contract Management SAP/ARIBA on a visit visa seeking position.

Contact: 98483858.

Young, hardworking, Male 24, looking for permanent job in Computer and Communication field, BSC in Computer and Communication Engineering. 4-month Practical training in Hayat Communication company (subcontractor of ooredoo).Email:adilbutt102@gmail. com.Gsm:+968-92328726.

Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/NOC Available.

GSM: 95036410 Male 25, hardworking, looking for permanent job in Accounting, Finance and Auditing field, ACCA UK and B.Sc in applied accounting (OBU-UK). 2-years of practical experience with an audit firm in Pakistan. Gsm: 95459936 Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com Indian Female, B.Tech-IT, Fresher, currently in Visiting Visa, Having Computer Knowledge and Excellent Communication Skill, Seeking Suitable Position in IT also in other related fields.

Contact 97232497, 99108857, EMAIL: psharan24@gmail.com, parthipan61@gmail.com

Bachelor Accommodation Available in Bausher area with Free Wi-Fi, Split AC & Bed, Car parking, close to Spar Express. 80 Rials only. Contact: JP 94267848 / Ahmed - 98333093 3 Bedrooms flat in Al Hail- 92817777 Sharing bed room with ac near Hamriya R about main road Ruwi.

Contact 93677898.

Spacious room with attached bath available for Executive bachelor in Ruwi near Al Maha filling station.

Contact 98290299 Furnished 1 bed room available near Indian School, Seeb for small family.

Contact 91354846 Ro-130, big room in Darsait for family / ladies with Kerala family.

Contact 95323562 Room for executive bachelors (no Kitchen) including W/E. 125 RO. Contact 98949724 Furnished room with attached bath for non-cooking bachelor in Ruwi, R.O 150/-. Contact 92478852 Flats in Darsait of 1 room, hall, 2 toilets and kitchen.

Contact 99357586 / 97500025 Single room with attached bathroom, kitchen near Muscat Palace family or bachelor OMR 90/-.

Contact 95094028

Prado TXL 2.7L, 2014 km, 27 k for sale. Contact 96498674 Toyota car sale 2011, kms 80000, fully automatic 1.6.

Contact 99354340

FOR SALE Shop for sale prime location at Al Khoud Souq Tejari.

Contact 99083308 Running super market & coffee shop for sale in Muscat.

Contact 93471848 Commercial land 1100 m in Ghoubra North good for hyper market.

Contact 99070093 Lands, villas & buildings.

Contact 99070093 Building materials shop for sale on 20% discount. Items only or full shop for sale at Ruwi including jotun paint mixing machine. Contact 99421228 A well running coffee shop with 4 clearance for sale at Wadi Kabir Sanayya. Brokers also.

Contact 94159356 Coffee Shop for sale in North Al Ghubrah. Contact 95256009 Port cabins – New & refurnished Porta cabin for sale and rent.

Contact 96723468 Shop for sale at Ruwi. #99103077

BUYING/SELLING Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM, 7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel run Generator.

Kindly Contact 99014686 or operation@khancogroup.com

BUSINESS

Single furnished room in Ruwi.

Contact 24833609 Rooms for bachelors with A/C bed near CBD/ ONTC, Ruwi R.O 100/-.

Contact 96585123 Excellent room, kitchen available near ONTC bus station (Ruwi).

Contact 95569740 Sharing family flat near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99335057 Independent rooms in Qurum/Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Staff accommodation available for rent in Azaiba, 15 rooms with attached bath and kitchen including big store / full office space / parking and yard. Contact 95526871 Accommodation available for South Indian family, one bedroom with attached toilet, kitchen, hall in a villa, Al Ghubrah. Contact 99209160 Room for SRI LANKAN Executive at Al Khuwair. Tel 96536307 Fully furnished at W. Kabir.

Contact 99325387 Furnished room + bath Darsait R.O 140/-. Contact 93289652

Investor required for about 5,000 Sq mtrs Industrial land in Buraimi industrial area. The owner/ sponsor have all the necessary approval and permits to start any industry/business. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

TOURS

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

D8

M O N DAY, M A R C H 2 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

CLASSES

WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Tutoring ACCA/CAT subjects, passing exams by expert lectures.

Contact +( 968) 99229700

MANPOWER

COMPUTER

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

GOOD NEWS DRIVING

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba.Contact 99639695 / 99117987

NRI

FOR HIRE

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com

TRUCK FOR HIRE Isuzu 10 ton cargo body truck (2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver available for long term / short term rent.

Contact: 95346950 Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can. Contact on 97864747 50 seater bus with PDO specification for rent or lease.

Contact 99839898

LOST Ponnari Vareed has lost Indian Passport No. H 5846411. Finder please handover to ROP Ziyad Mohammad Ali has lost Jordanian Passport No. M 180002 Finder please handover to ROP

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

MATRIMONIAL Muslim boy age 27 height 5,6 B.Tech petroleum engineering , working in Oman parents , residing in Qatar, looking for beautiful professional girls preference , GCC settled family, Ernakulam / Thrissur/Malapuram Dist.

Contact +974 33446790

TRANSPORTATION

Ezhava girl , 30, BTech, MBA, working in Kerala as deputy manager in a nationalized bank looking for a professionally qualified boys.interested please contact: 9727 1526

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. # 24793614/ 99314807 Cheapest prices all types window, curtains and Blinds.

Contact 99539521

Split & window unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080 For All Your Maintenance Solutions, A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting, Cleaning, Electric.Contact 99002390 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Transportation. Contact 93405941 Transportation available.

Contact 98425762 Ruwi to Ghala Gulfar . Contact 99562527 Transportation . Contact 98178135

Indian Sunni family with Omani nationality seeking proposals from Indians with Omani nationality for their daughter aged 23. Contact 99641047

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Transport available.

Contact. 95356877 Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation available. Contact 95570429 School Transporter ISM Contact 96581664/ 92271238 Transportation. Contact 91379976 Pick & Drop any time.

Contact 97014786

Pest Control Treatments!!

Termites!!Cockroaches!!Bedbugs!!

Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723 Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970 Cleaning services, carpet & sofa shampooing, marble restoration (grinding) and polishing, pest control, fogging service. Contact 99448057, 95401996 Cheapest Prices, all types window, curtains and blind.

Contact 99539521 Computer service/ AMC/ Networking. Contact 91339882 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Door to Door Computers repair specialist laptop software Website cartridges. Contact 99199376 We serve Oman, all kind of building maintenance & stainless steel fabrication. Contact 91452233 Marble polishing & crystallization, building cleaning floor, floor polishing, carpet, sofa shampooing, pest control, anti termite shifting, maintenance. Contact 99504275 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading.

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