Times of Oman - September 2, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, September 2, 2015 / 18 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH timesofoman.com

VIETNAM

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Truong Tan Sang of Vietnam on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes to President Sang and his country’s people. -ONA

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Hiking death: ‘She died trying to save others’ Bushra Farouqui’s brother said she was trying to help other trekkers who had

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Need for rest areas on tourist routes

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New rest areas on major routes towards tourist spots are an urgent necessity while the existing ones must be refurbished, urged tour operators and hoteliers. Most of the tourists who travel by road are from the GCC countries. >A5

WORLD

Thousands risk lives on journey to Europe

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

gone missing before she died

SHAHZAD RAZA REJIMON K

shahzad@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Bushra Farouqui, the trekker who was found dead after she went missing in the mountains of Mahdha, near Buraimi, lost her life while trying to help fellow walkers who had lost their path, the victim’s brother said.

“In an effort to locate them and offer help, she is believed to have lost her way and went missing.

Faced with extreme temperature, thought to be as high as 50 degree

TRAGIC END: Bushra Farouqui, the trekker who was found dead.

Celsius, she must have quickly ran out of water,” a devastated Sohaib Farouqui, Bushra’s brother told the Times of Oman.

Bushra, a Pakistan-born British citizen, and her 11 fellow trekkers had gone to explore the mountains of Mahdha last Saturday.

By evening, they had lost trail

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More than 350,000 migrants have risked their lives crossing the Mediterranean this year, and some 2,600 have died while making the journey to Europe, the International Organization for Migration said. >A14

- Photo: www.inspire-initiative.org

and the police launched a rescue operation, initially finding eight of the party. However, four were missing, including Bushra. Late on Saturday evening, three more walkers were rescued by the police but Bushra was still missing.

“The rescuers with the helicopter failed to find her in the

first two attempts. Bushra was finally found dead at the base of the Samini Mountain near Hatta Border on Sunday in their third attempt,” Sohaib added.

According to the official sources, Bushra, a prolific trekker who had been to the base camps of Mount Everest, K2 and scaled

Kilimanjaro in Africa, died due to dehydration.

While responding to a query on whether Bushra had left any message before breathing her last, her brother said they are still not in possession of her belongings.

“So we do not know. I guess signals are not available in the Samini Mountain so mobile phone contact is being ruled out. We will come to know of other possibilities only after we receive her belongings from the authorities concerned,” Sohaib added.

Bushra was also involved in the London Olympics of 2012, where she worked as the manager of Aquatic Centre.

Her brother said the death of Bushra is a big tragedy that would be felt by friends and family across the world, all of whom are in deep mourning, particularly those in the United Kingdom, the UAE and Pakistan.

“Our whole family, including her six sisters, is completely heartbroken. I shared a very special bond with her as she was elder to me.

“We cannot come to terms with the fact that she is no more with us,” added her brother. >A6

TRANSPORTING PEOPLE

Police to crack down on drivers ferrying passengers illegally

MARKET REJIMON K/TARIQ AL HAREMI

Business forum to offer OMR100m deals

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Business contracts worth OMR100m are expected to be signed by the Sultanate’s corporate entities, especially SMEs, during the forthcoming business opportunities forum in November this year. >B1

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The Vlogger

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MUSCAT: Drivers of private vehicles earning extra cash by ferrying people to their workplaces will be penalised, said police officials.

Punishable offence “Transporting people regularly in private vehicles is a punishable offence. However, carpooling is

not,” said a senior official from the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

Recently, the Times of Oman learnt that some drivers were caught and penalised by the police in different areas of Muscat.

“I was stopped by the police while travelling along with friends. The police suspected that I was transporting people. However, when we clarified that we were just returning together from a friend’s house, we were allowed

to go,” an Indian businessman told the Times of Oman.

In another case, the police fined a private taxi driver for transporting people. In and around Muscat, some people, especially expatriates, hire private vehicles to visit their workplaces.

“In the morning, we see many private vehicles transporting people to their workplaces,” said John Paul, a resident in Ruwi CBD area. >A6

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OMAN

In order to comply with the ministry’s directive, the Bangladesh Social Club wishes to inform all the community members and club members to obtain new memberships or renew their existing memberships Sirajul Hoque, secretary of Bangladesh Social Club

Social clubs told to hold elections The Ministry of Social Development has instructed all community clubs in Oman to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 30 days of the completion of their term EXPAT BROTHERHOOD: Bangladesh Social Club has around 500 members and 12 executive committee members. The members pay around OMR2 every month as fees.– Shabin E/TIMES OF OMAN

Times News Service MUSCAT: Social clubs operating in Oman must hold their elections within 30 days of the completion of their term, according to a recent notification.

Accordingly, Bangladesh Social Club (BSC) has urged the Bangladesh community in Oman to join the club while calling on its registered members to renew their memberships as soon as possible.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Sirajul Hoque, secretary of the Bangladesh Social Club (BSC), said that the Ministry of Social Development has instructed all community clubs to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 30 days of the completion of their term on December 30, which marks an end to the official calendar year.

AGM deadline “Henceforth, the AGM must also be held on or before January 30. The ministry wants this rule to be strictly observed,” said Sirajul Hoque.

“In order to comply with the ministry’s directive, the BSC wishes to inform all the community members and club members to obtain new memberships or renew their existing memberships immediately in order to participate in the forthcoming BSC AGM scheduled on or before January 30, 2016 as directed by the Ministry of Social Development,” he added.

He also said that only a member with a six-month old membership can contest the election or cast his or her vote in the AGM 2016.

A. H. Raja, vice chairman of the Pakistan Social Club, also said that it has been communicated to them to hold elections after the auditing work is over.

“So, most probably, we will also hold our elections sometime in January,” he said.

The Pakistan Social Club has around 2,300 registered members in the Sultanate.

Admitting it is tough to hold elections within a month after

their term ends in December, Raja said that they are working hard on this issue. “That is one of the reasons we are contacting our members, to ask them to renew their memberships,” he said.

The elections will be held under the rules and regulations which have been laid down by the Ministry of Social Development of Oman.

“Only genuine Bangladeshi Club members will be allowed to vote at the club office in Ruwi,” added Hoque.

Club members said that the Bangladesh Social Club has around 500 members and about 12 executive committee members. “The members pay around OMR2 every month as membership fee,” he added.

Ever since its inception, the social clubs have been very alert in responding to various cultural needs of their community in Oman and active in finding solutions to numerous problems faced by them.

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

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RAO RECRUITS GRADUATE The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) conducted a parade on Tuesday to mark the graduation of a new batch of recruits under the auspices of Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Ra’eesi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman.-ONA

PA R L I A M E N T S

Oman pitches for peace at UN meeting

Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of the Majlis Al Shura.–ONA

NEW YORK: The Sultanate, represented by the Majlis Al Shura, is taking part in the 4th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, which is being held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The Sultanate’s participating delegation to the conference is led by Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of the Majlis Al Shura.

This summit of Speakers of Parliament from across the world is a unique forum for dialogue and cooperation between parliaments at the highest level.

The overall theme of the conference focuses on peace, democracy, and development through the parliamentary system.–ONA

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

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33rd

position among the list of 50 most valuable brands in the MENA region was claimed by Omantel in a recent study by a leading consultancy

BUSINESS STUDY

Omantel maintains position as Oman’s most valuable brand Times News Service MUSCAT: Omantel brand saw a remarkable growth contributing to the company maintaining its position as the country’s most valuable brand, according to a recent study published by Brand Finance, one of the world’s leading intangible assets and brand valuation independent consultancies. Omantel moved eight slots up, jumping to 33rd position among the list of 50 most valuable brands in the MENA region.

As per the independent annual survey published recently by the Gulf Marketing Review, the value of Omantel brand stood at $479m, accounting for more than 50 per cent growth compared to last year when the brand value was estimated at $319m.

The growth rate reflects the

improvement in Omantel brand and its ability to emerge among the top growing brands in the region. Omantel brand also received AA- ‘very strong’ rating in terms of brand strength.

The achievement sheds light on the status of Omantel as a leading brand in Oman; as the leading telecom provider in the Sultanate and as the biggest company listed in Muscat Securities Market. It also amounted to a recognition of the high quality services it provides to its individual and corporate customers as well as its wide footprint by touching the everyday lives of many people in Oman.

Commenting on the achievement, Talal bin Said al Mamari, CEO Omantel, said, “We are pleased to have achieved this ranking which proves the com-

This achievement not only reiterates Omantel’s leadership as a brand, but is also an indicator of our customer satisfaction levels and loyalty Talal bin Said al Mamari, CEO, Omantel pany’s leadership not only in the telecom but in the business sector in general.”

“This achievement not only reiterates Omantel’s leadership as a brand, but is also an indicator of our customer satisfaction levels

and loyalty which played a key role in attaining this achievement,” he added. “Being the leading brand in Oman puts further responsibility on us to continue improving our services to ensure that our customers are enjoying better experience,”

he concluded. As per Brand Finance, the brand value is calculated by using the Royalty Relief methodology which determines the value a company would be willing to pay to license its brand as if it did not own it. This approach involves estimat-

ing the future revenue attributable to a brand and calculating a royalty rate that would be charged for the use of the brand. The monetary value of the brand is calculated in terms of Brand Strength Index, Royalty Rate, and Future Brand Revenues. This method is considered the most reliable as it is consistent with the tax and judiciary uses as the calculation is carried out by an independent agency. The assessment process is also consistent with the ISO standards.

It should be noted that Omantel brand has received a number of regional and international awards over the past years. Besides maintaining its position as Oman’s most valuable brand, Omantel brand has been selected as the best brand in telecom sector – as per the survey conducted by a business magazine.

Food, fashion and fun at Thai Festival 2015

WAT E R W O E S

Thai festival highlights include Thai dance CIVIC CHALLENGE: The Drainage Rehabilitation and Wastewa-

ter Management conference, which opens on September 7, will focus on ‘Overcoming floods through efficient drainage networks and maintaining a sustainable wastewater system across the Sultanate’. – File photograph

performances, silk

Experts to discuss drainage, flood control strategy

crafts demonstration

Times News Service MUSCAT: Focus will be on ways to overcome flooding through an efficient drainage network, as the second edition of the Drainage Rehabilitation and Wastewater Management conference opens on September 7.

Mohsin Mohamed Al Shaikh, chairman of the Muscat Municipality will be inaugurating the event. Established as Oman’s largest gathering of drainage, wastewater and flood control specialists, the conference is officially endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR) and the municipality.

The high profile event, partnered by the National Survey Authority (Ministry of Defence) and hosted by Haya Water and Global Exhibitions and Conferences LLC, will deliver high-level presentations, new technologies and solutions for the advancement of storm water and wastewater management.

Al Shaikh was quoted saying, “Development of wastewater systems is one of the key areas that the government is focussing on at present. I am confident that Drainage Rehabilitation and Wastewater Management 2015 will serve as an effective arena for the exchange of information, experiences and expertise that will help strengthen our domestic industry.”

The conference will cover the main theme, ‘Overcoming floods through efficient drainage networks and maintaining a sustainable wastewater system across the Sultanate’.

The conference will explore several sub-themes which include, presenting the current drainage and wastewater infrastructure projects in the Sultanate; designing, constructing, operating and maintaining an effective sewerage and world class water reuse system networks in Oman; understanding the wastewater reuse and its purposes; discussing the role of GIS technology in evaluating and maintaining drainage systems and flooding, and learning from regional and international best practice case studies on implementing a sustainable drainage infrastructure, in addition to analysing the different technologies/solutions for rehabilitating the current drainage infrastructure in the Sultanate; understanding the latest flood control techniques and

Development of wastewater systems is one of the key areas that the government is focussing on at present

fashion show, and cooking and art and

SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Food, dance, fashion, health tourism destinations, sports, and other features of the Kingdom of Thailand are on display at Muscat Grand Mall this week as part of the Thai Festival 2015. The annual event was inaugurated on Monday evening by Dr Pornchai Danvivathana, Ambassador of Thailand to Oman, and attended by guest of honour, Aflah Suleiman Al Taie, Chief of the ASEAN Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The festival is aimed at strengthening trade and economic cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries. It is one of the embassy’s activities hosted in 2015 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Thai-Omani relations.

“The festival will offer free admission to the wonders of Thailand, be they the culture, arts and crafts, cuisine, just to name a few.

Highlights of this include Thai dance performances, a Thai silk fashion show, a cooking demonstration of crafts and agricultural produce,” Danvivathana said.

He encouraged guests to visit the different tables where they could taste Thailand’s famous papaya salad, Som Tam, prepared by the chefs from local restaurant Mai Thai, sample and the mulberry tea and exotic Thai fruits such as a the mangosteen and rambu-

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY: The annual event was inaugurated on Monday evening by Dr Pornchai Danvivathana, Ambassador of Thailand to Oman.–Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

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tan, buy beautiful handicrafts and silks, or learn about Thailand as a medical tourism destination.

“If you wish to experience more in Thailand, please do not hesitate to visit the booth of the Tourism Authority of Thailand,” he added.

Following the ambassador’s address, the guests and visitors to MGM were treated to a dance performance and a fashion show featuring exquisite Thai silk designs.

The event, which continues until Saturday 5, is held in collaboration with several Thai institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, the Marketing Organisation for Farmers, the Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organisation, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and a number of Thai business people who participate in the festival.

OMAN’S WILD FLORA

Omani plants hold promise for herbal medicines and investment: Study

Mohsin Mohamed Al Shaikh Chairman of Muscat Municipality

strategies in planning; maintaining flood protection systems, and avoiding flash floods by preventing runoffs through an efficient drainage system.

The two-day event provides a networking platform for the local and international business community to meet and discuss investment and partnership opportunities, industry regulation and major drainage, wastewater and flood control projects in the Sultanate. The aim of the conference is to give delegates an understanding of the challenges faced by the authorities in delivering significant capital and operational investment programmes over the next few years in Oman.

NATURAL WEALTH: The study conducted by The Research Council (TRC) has revealed Oman’s natural resources that could encourage investment, and take advantage of Oman’s wild flora.–File photo

MUSCAT: A study in the field of chemical and biological analysis of Omani plants conducted with funding from The Research Council (TRC) has revealed details that could encourage investment, take advantage of Oman’s wild flora and open the doors for research and manufacture of therapeutic compounds.

The study was conducted by a research team led by Dr Javed Hussein, associate professor and head of department in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nizwa.

The study worked on the discovery of natural resources in the Sultanate, by studying the pharmacological side of Omani plants, using advanced scientific techniques, by separating the constituent compounds of these medicinal plants and finding out their chemical

composition using sophisticated and sensitive separation devices.

It also focused on the examination of their impact on the various microorganisms like fungus and bacteria and the examination of toxic compounds in the plant, if any.

University of Nizwa The project will form the nucleus of a research centre specialising in medicinal plants in the Sultanate in general and the University of Nizwa in particular.

The study focussed on the selection of certain types of medicinal plants in Oman for analysis, the separation of their chemical components, finding out their chemical structures and then conducting accurate micro-organisms tests on them, in addition to conducting medical experiments on these components. -ONA

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OMAN

‘Rest spots needed on major tourist routes’ say Oman will lose its competitive edge as a major tourist destination if stopover services are not improved

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

saleh@timesofoman.com

Affecting business Owners of hotels in remote areas are also complaining that the lack of rest areas is affecting their business because tourists are reluctant to travel long distances without proper facilities along the way.

“I have a two-star apartment hotel just a kilometre away from Wadi Bani Khalid, but the number of tourists is dwindling because they do not want to drive long

C O M PA N Y A F FA I R S

Oman plans to set up commercial arbitration centre MOHAMMED FAHMI RAJAB/ SAID AL HASHMI

Tourism experts

MUSCAT: New rest areas on major routes towards tourist spots are an urgent necessity while the existing ones must be refurbished, urged tour operators and hoteliers.

Most of the tourists who travel by road are from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States and the routes to popular towns such as Ras Al Had, Tiwi, Wadi Bani Khalid and Nizwa have no rest areas and the available facilities are in need of urgent repair.

“We arrange tours from different countries and it is very embarrassing when we find no toilets along the way. I think the government needs to do something about it very urgently,” Suleiman Al Mabsali, working for a tour operating company, The Golden Sands, told the Times of Oman.

URGENT NECESSITY: Lack of rest areas is affecting the tourism business because tourists are reluctant to travel long distances without proper facilities along the way. – Times of Oman files

distances without taking a break.

Every country has rest areas except Oman. The Ministry of Tourism must address this issue,” said Khalid Al Saidi, owner of Sunset Apartment Hotel.

Tourists also say that Oman must comply with international best practices of building rest areas and refurbishing existing ones.

“I am a regular tourist here and my favourite holiday is in Salalah during the Khareef season. Some areas have toilets but they are dirty or broken. Piles of dirt are overflowing from the bins outside these facilities. It is a long drive to Salalah and the need for toilets is essential on such long routes.

Oman must follow the best practices we see in other countries,”

Abdulrahim Al Hadhrami, a tourist from Dubai, told the Times of Oman.

Whose responsibility?

An official from the Ministry of Tourism, when contacted by the Times of Oman, said that it was not within jurisdiction of the ministry to build rest areas.

“We do not build toilets for tourists. It is the job of the regional municipality. However, I fully agree that these facilities are important,” he said, while declining to be identified.

A regional municipality official said his office was working on improving and building new rest areas along the routes to popular towns. “It is under review and we

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will soon start to act on this,” said the official, who also did not want to be identified.

Tourism experts said that Oman will lose its competitive edge as a major tourist destination if stopover services are not improved.

Options “It is not just about toilets, but tourists will benefit with restaurants and even beauty salons along the way. We also need petrol stations on longer routes as well as small hotels which provide bed and breakfast for tourists who want to stop for the night. We can invite the private sector to build and run these facilities,” Khalifa Al Saadi, expert in tourism, told the Times of Oman.

MUSCAT: Oman plans to establish a centre for commercial arbitration, which will be announced at the beginning of next year. The establishment of a commercial arbitration centre would reassure foreign investors in case they plan to invest in the Sultanate.

Speaking to Al Shabiba, the sister publication of the Times of Oman, Ridha bin Juma Al Saleh, OCCI vice chairman for administrative and financial affairs and chairman of Financial Banking and Insurance Sector Committee, revealed that the Sultanate will be announcing the plans for the centre at the beginning of next year for the assistance of foreign investors.

“The centre would also reduce the time for litigation spent by parties as the terms of commercial arbitration stipulated settlement of the case is within six months. We have studied all regulations of the arbitration centres in the countries of the region in order to benefit from their expertise,” said Al Saleh.

“We are in the final stages of preparation of the regulations of Oman’s arbitration centre and we expect to celebrate its launch at the beginning of next year. There is already an initial agreement between the parties concerned in the Sultanate. They have agreed that the centre would be under the supervision of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” he said.

The centre would also reduce the time for litigation spent by parties as the terms of commercial arbitration stipulated settlement of the case is within six months

He also said that the companies are not obligated to refer to a specific arbitration centre and the parties for arbitration may refer to any arbitration centre even if it is outside the Sultanate.

However, The Oman centre has to gain the confidence of companies within and outside the Sultanate. It would save parties the cost of referring cases to any centre outside the Sultanate.

He said that Oman had wellqualified arbitrators and they are registered with the Ministry of Justice in addition to the arbitrators of countries in the region.

The Oman centre will be based in Muscat and branches of the centre could be established in the governorates in the future.

The centre will have an independent management and board of directors.

A correction In the September 1 edition of Times of Oman, the article about Al Mouj Muscat erroneously stated OMR1 billion was spent on the company’s rebranding when in fact the OMR 1 billion is the total investment in the Al Mouj Muscat project as a whole. Times of Oman regrets the error.

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5 We are neither with nor against operators.

However, we have called on them to reduce prices to whatever extent possible Issa bin Yousef Al Busaidi, head of Omani Haj Mission

OMAN

7,800 from Oman went for Haj without permit

WA D I S A M I N I I N C I D E N T

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HAJ FARES IN 2015 (In Omani rials)

As Saudi authorities

FLYING

tighten security

Highest price

measures, chances

3,668

Haj operators based in Abu Dhabi

are high that unlicensed operators

Lowest price

DRIVING

would be caught and

1,800

Highest price

1,200

pilgrims travelling with them could be barred from

HOLY VISIT: Though cheaper, unlicensed Haj operators cannot provide any guarantees to pilgrims. – Supplied photo

completing the Haj, said Al Busaidi

MEHDI AL LAWATI

MUSCAT: Some 19,000 pilgrims from Oman travelled to Makkah in 2014, of whom 7,800 were without Haj permits, said Issa bin Yousef Al Busaidi, head of Omani Haj Mission.

More pilgrims are expected to travel with unlicensed Haj operators this year, believes Al Busaidi.

The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the Public Authority for Consumer Protection and Majlis Al Shura are studying the rates offered by Haj

operators, stated Al Busaidi. “We are neither with nor against operators. However, we have called on them to reduce prices to whatever extent possible,” he added.

Sultan bin Said Al Hinai, deputy head of the Omani Haj Mission, has said that studying the rates of Haj operators also means looking into different factors such as making arrangements for food.

“Unlike earlier, cooking is prohibited in Mina and operators have to make arrangements with restaurants in Makkah for delivering food to pilgrims, which is an additional cost,” he noted.

He also said that demand is greater than supply, which affects the prices.

“Although we are studying the

prices charged by operators, it should be noted that prices in some other GCC countries are even higher. On an average, Haj operators in Abu Dhabi charge AED35,000 (OMR3,668),” added Al Hinai.

Despite being cheaper, unlicensed Haj operators cannot provide any guarantees to customers.

“It is not only about reaching Makkah; they also need to find a place to stay in Mina. Authorities in the host country do not even allow a mat, and the mission cannot be of any help to nationals or expatriates from Oman who are there without a permit as all the space is allotted to licensed operators.”

“As Saudi authorities tighten security measures, chances are high

that unlicensed operators might be caught and pilgrims travelling with them could be barred from completing the Haj rituals,” said Al Busaidi.

Security issue Al Busaidi also reminded that unlicensed operators might not be aware of changes in the laws and regulations of the Haj, and urged citizens not to join them as it could threaten their security, pose a challenge to the mission and reflect badly on the nation.

The highest price registered for Haj this year has surpassed OMR3,600, while the lowest is OMR1,800 by flight, and OMR1,200 by road, as reported by the Times of Oman on August 16.

Hiker’s body to be sent to Pakistan

Sohaib appealed to the authorities in Oman to expedite the process so that she could be laid to rest in her abode as soon as possible.

“The paper work is taking more time than initially imagined. We hope to be able to reach Muscat tomorrow, from where we will take her body to Karachi for burial. I earnestly request everyone concerned to help us in completing the formalities,” Sohaib added.

Ayaz Hussain, Pakistan Ambassador to Oman, confirmed her family was in touch with the Embassy of Pakistan and it would do its best to ensure quick repatriation of her body for burial in Karachi.

“We are really sad to learn about the tragic death of Bushra Farouqui, who is the sister of our Head of chancery at Pakistan embassy in Ankara. We will provide maximum help in any paperwork required from the embassy as soon as the dead body, which is still in Buraimi hospital, is brought to Muscat. Her family is in touch with the embassy and has our assurance of maximum help in completing the formali-

ties,” the ambassador told Times of Oman yesterday.

Her family is also being helped by the British Embassy in completing the formalities.

Always keen to help and inspire others, Bushra Farouqui was the founder of Inspire - for the Love of Mountains, a charitable organisation supporting primary education for children in the Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan.

Sahbbir Mir, Gilgit-based reporter for The Express Tribune, who interviewed Bushra in June this year, told Times of Oman that she was an inspiring personality.

During the interview, she spoke about her love with the nature, mountains and people. She said she got an inner satisfaction when she helped poor girls get education. She told me she was planning to expand the education by opening more schools in the region.

“These girls are poor but they are human beings after all,” she told me.

“I think her demise means a lot for the poor whom she was also willing to work with to change their destiny,” Shabbir added.

PEIE

Czech team discusses trade and investments

BY THE END OF DECADE

Oman plans to double jobs in logistics Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman plans to more than double employment in the logistics sector to 80,000 jobs by the end of the decade, rising to 300,000 by 2040.

Increased investments and a targeted approach to joining Oman’s logistics chain will boost the Sultanate’s capacity to move its domestic and export cargo, as well as strengthen its credentials as a major freight transshipment hub.

Oman’s newly released blue-

print for the logistics industry, the Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy (SOLS) 2040, outlines plans to improve the country’s soft infrastructure, in particular the regulatory environment, support mechanisms and institutions, in addition to maintaining the country’s commitment to investment in hard infrastructure like roads, rail lines and ports.

The key to the strategy is Oman’s location at the head of the Indian Ocean. In addition to sharing land borders with other major economies in the region, which allows

it to serve as a gateway to the GCC region, Oman is also well placed to capitalise on anticipated growth in Iran and act as a redistribution point for east and central Africa.

Thanks to investment in transport infrastructure, the deepwater ports at Salalah, Sohar and Duqm and their accompanying free zones are well positioned to serve these markets.

Recent investments in aviation links should also facilitate trade, with the new Salalah Airport now operational and the revamped Muscat International Airport

scheduled to open next year.

According to SOLS, cargo routed through Oman’s ports to the rest of the GCC could benefit from significant time and cost savings, eliminating the need for multiple trans-shipments.

The Sultanate’s logistics strategy targets improvements in handling shipments, with a particular focus on efficiency and cost.

Terminals in Oman could offer an attractive alternative to more costly ports of call in the Gulf, saving time and fuel, and providing access to other modes of transport.

MUSCAT: A delegation from the Czech Republic expressed interest in expanding investments in the Sultanate during a visit to the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) on Tuesday, as part of the Czech delegation’s ongoing visit to the Sultanate.

The two sides discussed aspects of co-operation through trade and investment.

PEIE officials briefed the visiting delegation on the vision, mission and main services of PEIE and highlighted the various industrial estates that fall under its umbrella throughout the Sultanate, in addition to the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) and

Al Mazyounah Free Zone.

The officials highlighted the PEIE’s vision, which is to enhance the Sultanate’s position as a leading regional centre of manufacturing, ICT, innovation and entrepreneurship excellence, and its mission in attracting industrial investments and providing continued support, through regional and global competitive strategies, good infrastructure, value adding services, and easy governmental processes.

The Czech delegation was briefed about the objectives of the PEIE, which include attracting foreign investments to the Sultanate. -ONA

ILLEGAL PRACTICE

< FROM

A1 ‘Penalise the illegal taxi operators’ Meanwhile, a taxi driver in Muscat said that police should intensify the raids.

mercial licence, are busy transporting people,” said Mohammed Fahad, a taxi driver in Ruwi.

Sealing jobs “They are stealing our jobs and earnings. It is not easy to get a commercial taxi registration and a licence. We pay for it and wait for customers at the designated stands. However, these drivers, who do not even possess a com-

Catch these law-breakers “The police should intensify the raids and catch these law-breakers. It might be an extra earning for them. But we have no other form of earnings except by driving cars. They cannot steal from us,” added the taxi driver.

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

REGION Crackdown on protesters in Lebanon begins The ‘You Stink’ protesters said police were using force against them. A Red Cross official confirmed medics had treated demonstrators with light wounds

BEIRUT: Lebanese police began forcibly removing protesters who occupied part of the environment ministry on Tuesday, a security source said, with activists claiming security forces were beating demonstrators.

“The police began evacuating the protesters who occupied the ministry,” the source said, adding that police were gradually moving the demonstrators down from the seventh floor of the building.

The “You Stink” activist campaign said police were using force against protesters inside. “(Activist) Lucien Bourjeily and a group of people participating in the sit-in were beaten and cannot be reached,” the campaign said on its Facebook page.

A Red Cross official confirmed that medics had treated demonstrators with light wounds.

The official said 14 people were treated at the scene for wounds sustained in confrontations with police, with a fifteenth treated for respiratory problems.

Bourjeily was taken to hospital for treatment, the official said.

An interior ministry source told AFP around 14 demonstrators were still inside the building and were refusing to leave, insisting police would have to handcuff and remove them by force.

Outside the ministry, in downtown Beirut, several hundred protesters waved Lebanese flags and chanted in support of the activists inside as night fell.

The “You Stink” campaign began in response to a crisis that erupted with the closure of Lebanon’s largest landfill in mid-July.

But it has evolved into an outlet for deep-seated frustrations over Lebanon’s crumbling infrastructure and stagnant, confessional political system.

Earlier, the group of protesters sat cross-legged in a hallway outside Environment Minister Mohammed Al Mashnuq’s office, waving Lebanese flags and chanting slogans.

“Peaceful, peaceful,” the dem-

UP IN ARMS: A Lebanese activist shouts at a policeman outside the environment ministry in downtown Beirut on Tuesday as Lebanese police started forcefully evacuating protesters who had occupied part of the building. — AFP/STR

The ‘You Stink’ campaign began in response to a crisis that erupted with the closure of Lebanon’s largest landfill in the middle of July

onstrators called out.

More than four hours after the protesters entered the building, riot police had moved into the ministry in central Beirut and were gathered in its stairwell.

They expelled media broadcasting from inside the room where protesters were gathered and demanded they leave the building.

The “You Stink” campaign began in response to a crisis that erupted with the closure of Lebanon’s largest landfill in mid-July.

But it has evolved into an outlet for deep-seated frustrations over Lebanon’s crumbling infrastructure and stagnant, confessional political system.

Last week, the campaign set out four key demands: Mashnuq’s resignation, new parliamentary elections, the devolvement of

trash collection to municipalities and accountability for violence against protesters.

Tens of thousands of people converged on downtown Beirut on Saturday to protest a government they say is too corrupt and divided to provide citizens with basic services.

“They refused to listen to our demands that we gave them 72 hours to fulfil,” activist Lucien Bourjeily told AFP. “They announced clearly that the minister will not resign. We are asking for the resignation of the minister and won’t leave until that happens.”

Sit-ins in government buildings are rare in Lebanon, where public protests are typically called by political leaders unlike the “You Stink” campaign championed by civil society.

At the Beirut protest, organisers gave the government 72 hours to respond to their demands, with that deadline set to expire Tuesday night. “(We began early) for the element of surprise,” Bourjeily said of the sit-in.

He said additional measures could be announced later Tuesday. “It will depend on the response of the government.”

Fellow organiser Marwan Maalouf pinpointed the blame.

“The trash is piling up in homes everywhere, and who is responsible for this situation? It’s the minister of environment,” Maalouf said. — AFP

POST NUCLEAR DEAL

US remains Iran number one enemy: Top cleric TEHRAN: The United States remains Iran’s “number one enemy” despite a recent nuclear deal with world powers, the chief of Tehran’s top clerical committee said on Tuesday, Iranian media reported.

The Assembly of Experts is among Iran’s most influential institutions, comprising 86 elected clerics who appoint and can dismiss the country’s supreme leader.

It is led by the ultraconservative Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi.

The nuclear agreement should not “change our foreign policy” of opposition to America, “our number one enemy, whose crimes are uncountable”, Yazdi said in a speech opening the annual two-day assembly meeting.

American language Echoing Yazdi’s remarks, the leader of the Islamic republic’s top military force, the Revolutionary Guards, said the US would always be “the Great Satan”.

“Do not be fooled by the new American language,” General Mohammad Ali Jafari told reporters.

“The hostility of the United States towards the Iranian people has not diminished, but actually increased... they use other methods,” he added, according to the Guards website Sepah News.

President Hassan Rouhani, who as a cleric is also a member of the Assembly of Experts, took office in 2013 and has since reached out to the West for better relations.

The nuclear agreement reached on July 14 with six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany -- has helped revive Iran’s political standing with the European countries. Several high-level European delegations have visited Tehran since the deal. But despite the nuclear talks and the intricate role US Secretary of State John Kerry played in getting the deal across the line, there is currently little prospect of normal relations. — AFP

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

INDIA REPORT

18 DEAD AS BUS FALLS INTO GORGE IN HIMACHAL The mangled remains of a bus after it skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge at Nathpa in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday. At least 18 people were killed and 12 others injured on Tuesday when a private bus rolled down a 200-metre gorge in Kinnaur district, police said. The bus was on way from Rekong Peo to Rampur town when the accident occurred near Nathpa, some 180km from Shimla. - PTI

Successive presidents commuted death sentence of 306 convicts NEW DELHI: Death sentence of 306 convicts has been commuted by successive presidents so far out of total 437 such mercy petitions.

This was disclosed by Law Commission, which has given a chart of mercy petitions disposed of by successive presidents since January 26, 1950 till on Tuesday in its report released on Monday on death penalty.

The analysis of the chart suggests that a death-row convict’s “fate in matters of life and death may not only depend on the ideology and views of the government of the day but also on the personal views and belief systems of the President”, the Commission said.

The report, which recommended abolition of death sentence except in cases of terrorism and waging war against country, said from January 26, 1950 till on Monday, out of a total of 437 mercy pleas, 306 were accepted — death sentence commuted to life in jail— and 131 rejected.

It said during 1950-1982, which saw six presidents, only one mercy petition was rejected as against 262 commutations of death sentence to life imprisonment.

Quoting available records, it said president Rajendra Prasad commuted the death sentences in 180 out of the 181 mercy petitions he decided, rejecting only one.

President S. Radhakrishnan commuted the death sentences in all the 57 mercy petitions decided by him.

President Zakir Hussain and president V. V. Giri commuted the

The report said from January 26, 1950 till on Monday, out of a total of 437 mercy pleas, 306 were accepted — death sentence commuted to life in jail — and 131 rejected

death sentence in all the petitions decided by them, while president Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and president N. Sanjeeva Reddy did not get to deal with any mercy petitions in their tenure.

“In contrast to the first phase (1950-1982), between 1982 and 1997, three presidents rejected, between them, 93 mercy petitions and commuted seven death sentences.

President Zail Singh rejected 30 of the 32 mercy petitions he decided, and president R. Venkataraman rejected 45 of the 50 mercy petitions decided by him.

“Subsequently, president Shankar Dayal Sharma rejected all the 18 mercy petitions put up before him,” the report said.

In what the law panel described as the “third phase” — between 1997 and 2007, two presidents

‘Congress changed stance on land bill for political reasons’ Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said

It was at the request of the state governments that the amendment to Land Acquisition law of 2013 was issued. However, after the issuance of the Ordinance, the Congress Party changed its position and wanted to oppose the Ordinance for political reasons

the ordinance was re-issued twice but political stalemate continued and the bill requiring amendment is pending before

Arun Jaitley

a Parliamentary

Finance Minister

Standing Committee

NEW DELHI: Accusing the Congress of changing its position on the Land Bill after the Modi government brought an ordinance, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said the 2013 law passed by the previous United Progressive Alliance dispensation is now in force and Centre would permit states to make amendments to the Central law.

In an article The Land Ordinance — The obvious reasons, posted on Facebook, he dubbed the 2013 Act as a “badly drafted legislation” which has “a lot of ambiguities and obvious errors”

as the effect of some of its provisions are contrary to the language used therein and “legitimate difficulties” would arise once the Act is implemented.

Amendment “It was at the request of the state governments that the amendment to Land Acquisition law of 2013 was issued. However, after the issuance of the Ordinance, the Congress Party changed its position and wanted to oppose the Ordinance for political reasons,” he said.

Jaitley said the Ordinance was re-issued twice but political stalemate continued and the Bill

requiring amendment is pending before a Parliamentary Standing Committee.

Noting that the objective of the 2015 Ordinance was to give a certain amount of flexibility to states as they know their requirements best, he said it was made available to them after the decision taken in Chief Ministers’ meeting held under the aegis of NITI Aayog.

Jaitley said the Prime Minister had convened a meeting of Chief Ministers where they expressed the view that some flexibility should be given to states if the stalemate at the Centre continues and that states should be empowered to bring their own amend-

ments. “The 2013 Act occupies the field. The Bill remains for consideration of the Standing Committee and, if some consensus suggestions are made, the same would be implemented. That if any state wishes to make some amendments in the Central law, the same would be permitted by the Central Government,” he said.

Support Meanwhile, Jaitley said that government was in discussions with Congress for its support on passage of the constitution amendment bill on Goods and Services Tax (GST) but was “not getting any positive signals”.

He said it was distressing that the Congress party was using its numbers in Rajya Sabha to stall the House and the law and should ask itself a question whether it had deserved to rule the country.

“They (Congress) should not try to stop the GST bill. Our efforts to get it approved by Parliament will continue”, Jaitley said, adding the government was ready with the three support legislations to ensure the roll out of the new indirect tax regime from April 1, 2016.

“We are talking to them (Congress) but we are not getting any positive signals from whoever we are talking...I will request Congress to adopt a positive attitude,” he said CNBC Awaaz channel.

He said as a political party the Congress could not pursue the philosophy of negativism if it wants to ever rule the country.

The government is contemplating a special session of Parliament for passage of the GST Bill, which has been touted as the biggest reform of indirect taxes since Independence.

Jaitley said that although the majority of members in the Rajya Sabha supported the GST bill, the Congress was trying to stop it by not allowing the house to function.

The minister said the Congress party’s main objective seems to be to stop economic reforms which at this time were needed to take advantage of the emerging global situation to boost growth. - PTI

had kept almost all the mercy petitions received by them from the government of the day pending, and only two mercy petitions were decided during this period.

“While president K. R. Narayanan did not take any decision on any mercy petition (that came up) before him, President A. P.J. Abdul Kalam acted only twice during his tenure resulting in one rejection and another commutation. During their combined tenure of ten years, they put the brakes on the disposal of mercy petitions,” it said.

Later, president Pratibha Patil during her tenure rejected five mercy petitions, and commuted 34 to death sentence.

Incumbent Pranab Mukherjee has “thus far rejected 31 of the 33 mercy petitions decided by him”.The Commission said the data on mercy pleas is based on archival research and collected through RTI by Bikram Jeet Batra and others.

It also said the official figures on mercy petitions disposed of

by Presidents Rajendra Prasad, S Radhakrishnan, Zakir Hussain, V V Giri, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, N Sanjeeva Reddy, Zail Singh, R Venkatraman and Shankar Dayal Sharma are not available and the figures are based on empirical verification from the archives which may not be complete.

Late Kalam had supported abolition of capital punishment, saying that as President of India, he felt pain in deciding on such cases as most of them had “social and economic bias”. - PTI SMUGGLING

Cocaine worth Rs4.2 million extracted from woman’s body HYDERABAD: As many as 51 pellets of cocaine worth Rs4.2 million were recovered from the stomach of a 32-year-old South African woman who had arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here on Sunday from Dubai.

After the body scan revealed that she had concealed something in the stomach, she had been sent to the government hospital.

The woman was subsequently arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on the charge of attempting to smuggle cocaine, an official said. She had claimed to be pregnant when the NCB officials intercepted her at the airport.

“A total of 51 pellets or capsules have been extracted since yesterday from the woman’s body. A fresh scan was conducted today and no more pellets were found,” Osmania General Hospital’s resident medical officer Dr Vijay Kumar Yadav said, adding that her condition was now stable.

A senior NCB officer said each pellet contained around 10 grams of cocaine.

Market value of one gram of the contraband is around Rs7,000; about 600 grams was recovered from her. The woman would swallow the pellets and claim during the airport checks that she was pregnant. The officer said NCB had come across this modus operandi of smuggling drugs for the first time here. - PTI

Q U O TA S T I R

Hardik to organise ‘reverse’ Dandi march in bid to scale agitation SURAT: The Patel quota movement spearhead Hardik Patel will organise a “reverse” Dandi march from Dandi to Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat later this week in a bid to scale up the agitation in its second phase.

The Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 was an important part of independence movement and Hardik’s move to choose that location for strengthening his agitation is viewed as a clever strategy to send the message across various stake-holders.

“Mahatma Gandhi did Dandi March on this route, starting from Sabarmati in Ahmedabad till Dandi in south Gujarat. Walking on this 350-km route, we will hold our own ‘Patidar Anamat Kooch’,”

Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) core committee member Dinesh Patel said.

Dinesh was with Hardik in the city on Tuesday to launch the next round of agitation to press for reservation to Patel community under Other Backward Caste quota.

“The march will be organised on the same route where Dandi March was held. However, our march will be in the reverse direction. Instead of going to Dandi from Ahmedabad, we will start our march from Dandi and arrive at Ahmedabad.

“As per our tentative schedule, it will be organised on either September 5 or 6,” Dinesh said.

Hardik and other PAAS leaders held marathon meetings with local Patel leaders, student groups and

Patel businessmen here, as part of the second phase of their agitation.

“Hardik also went to Lajpore jail near the city and met around 40 Patel youths who were lodged there by police in false cases during the violence. Hardik also met an injured woman at a hospital.

She was hit by a teargas shell during violence,” Dinesh said.

Political climate The first round of quota agitation churned the political climate in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when Hardik held a massive rally in Ahmedabad on August 25.

The violence that followed the brief detention of Hardik in many parts of the state thereon claimed 10 lives. Dinesh said the second

round of agitation includes a Gandhigiri-style programme to make all Patel community MLAs clarify their stand on reservation for the community under OBC quota.

“In coming days, Hardik will kickstart this drive from Ahmedabad. He will give a rose to each Patel Member of the Legislative Assembly(MLA) of city and politely ask him/her to make his stand (on reservation issue) clear in public. We want to know who are with us,” he said, adding that PAAS leaders and workers will also give roses to Patel MLAs across Gujarat.

“We will carry out this programme in a peaceful manner,” he added. There are over 35 MLAs belonging to Patel community in the state, out of total 182. - PTI

SOLIDARITY: Hardik Patel, convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, visits Lajpore jail in Surat where Patel youths were lodged by police in false cases during the violence on Tuesday. - PTI

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INDIA

Modi: Most intelligent people live in Bihar Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the NitishLalu combine, accusing them of spreading the ‘poison’ of casteism and communalism during their 25-year rule in Bihar

BHAGALPUR/PATNA: The battle for Bihar further hotted up on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching a blistering attack on the Nitish-Lalu combine, accusing them of spreading the “poison” of casteism and communalism during their 25-year rule.

The prime minister also lavished praise on the people of the state, saying the “most intelligent people live in Bihar”.

He also charged Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad with “sacrificing” the legacy of towering socialist leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan by sharing platform with Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

Addressing the last of Bharatiya Janata Party’s ‘Parivartan’ rallies in the before the poll schedule is announced, Modi said his rally here has broken the records of all rallies held in Bihar in the last many years.

Modi, who had earlier announced a Rs1.25 lakh crore pack-

GARNERING SUPPORT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with LJP chief and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan at NDA’s Parivartan Rally at the Airport Ground in Bhagalpur on Tuesday. - PTI

age for the state, referred to Kumar’s sop of Rs 2.7 lakh crore, and claimed that the Chief Minister was forced to do so after he made development a major poll plank.

Counter rally In the rally billed as the BJP’s counter to the impressive ‘Swabhiman Rally’ of the newly formed ‘Grand Secular Alliance’, which was attended by Sonia Gandhi, besides Kumar, Lalu and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav’s brother Shivpal, Modi claimed credit for making development an agenda in the state elections for the first time.

“After 25 years, people of Bihar have decided to vote for development and form a government for development. Nobody can stop this (NDA’s) victory march irrespective of how many parties and

leaders come together against us.

“Two days back there was a sacrificial meeting in Gandhi Maidan in which JP, Lohia and Karpuri Thakur were sacrificed. Lohia fought against Congress but his disciples have now betrayed him for their lust for power.

“They have joined hands with those (Congress) who put JP in jail,” Modi said, asking people to “sacrifice” such people by voting them out.

“They ridiculed my package but realised in two-three days that people have seen through their game. So they were forced to announce their own development package. I am very happy that development has become a poll issue in Bihar,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar on Tuesday attacked Modi over his remarks on “package” saying he

SHEENA MURDER CASE

Hang Indrani if she is found guilty, says former husband MUMBAI/KOLKATA: A day after gory details of Sheena Bora murder case were revealed by police in court, her biological father on Monday came out in the open for the first time while skeletal remains purportedly of the 24-yearold unearthed in Raigad were sent to Forensic Science Laboratory in Mumbai.

Siddharth Das on Monday said he was Sheena’s biological father though he had never married her mother and main accused Indrani Mukherjea and said “she should be hanged” if she had committed the murder.

He said that Indrani had left him in 1989 and they had not been in touch since then.

Das said he came to know about the “murder through newspapers” and was ready to cooperate in the investigation.

Sheena and Mikhail, who lives in Guwahati, city in eastern Indian state of Assam are Indrani’s children with Das. “I want her to be hanged, if she killed Sheena.... I am feeling very heartbroken.

“I never married Indrani officially. I met Indrani in college in 1986. She left me in 1989. Maybe Indrani wasn’t satisfied with my state as I did not have a job then,” Das said in Kolkata, capital of eastern Indian state of West Bengal coming out in the open for the first time since the case grabbed headlines with the arrest of Indrani, wife of media baron Peter Mukherjea, a week ago.

DNA test Das said he was ready for a DNA test. On whether Indrani could have murdered Sheena, he said, “I believe Indrani could do this”.

On Monday, the metropolitan court had extended the police custody of all three accused — Indrani, her ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna and driver Shyam Rai till September 5.

Investigators probing the case have said that suspects Indrani and Sanjeev allegedly placed Sheena’s body on the seat of their vehicle as they drove from Mumbai to Raigad in western Indian

READY TO COOPERATE: Siddhartha Das, who claims to be the biological father of Sheena Bora, is surrounded by the media at a road in Kolkata on Tuesday morning. - PTI

state of Mahrashtra to dump it there. Explaining the sequence in which the body was disposed of, the Mumbai Police for the first time told the Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate court that after Sheena was murdered on April 24, 2012, the corpse was first kept in a suitcase and driven to the garage of Indrani’s husband and former Star TV CEO Peter Mukerjea’s Worli home.

On April 25, Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and driver Shyam Rai took the corpse out of the suitcase and placed it inside the car.

The three then set off for a three-hour journey with the corpse propped up on the seat of the moving vehicle.

The body was finally taken out at Ghogade Khurd in Pen and stuffed back in the suitcase kept in the boot of the car, documents filed by police in the court on Monday, said.

Police had also told the court that they would like to establish the “financial trail” in the crime.

The skeletal remains unearthed in Raigad district where the 24-year-old victim’s body was allegedly dumped in 2012 on

Tuesday reached the Forensics Science Laboratory in Mumbai.

Recently FSL also received blood samples of Indrani and her son Mikhail Bora which would be used for DNA matching with samples of the skeletal remains.

During interrogation, Indrani has reportedly maintained that Sheena is in the US and is not coming forward as she hates her.

On Monday, Indrani was charged with poisoning and attempting to murder Mikhail on the day her daughter Sheena was allegedly killed more than three years ago.

Mikhail had earlier told the police that she had thrice attempted to kill him and also spiked his drink the day Sheena disappeared in April 2012 following which police included the additional two charges in the FIR filed in the case.

According to Mikhail’s allegations, hours before Sheena was taken out by Indrani and Khanna on April 24, 2012 on what turned out to be the last drive of her life, Indrani had drugged him. He managed to escape from the spot and averted becoming the second murder victim, he said. -PTI

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LAND RIGHTS

Three killed in police firing, as Manipur violence toll rises to 8 IMPHAL: Three people were killed on Tuesday when police opened fire on protesters in Churachandpur district in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, taking the overnight toll to eight as fresh violence erupted there, forcing the authorities to continue the indefinite curfew imposed on Monday night.

The police said that they opened fire on a mob which attacked Churachandpur police station, leaving three of the agitators dead.

Two of the killed were in their 30s while another was 10 years old, police sources said.

Four persons were injured in the police firing, taking the total number of the injured to 31.

They were admitted to Churachandpur district hospital this evening, a hospital source said.

Five persons were killed during a general strike called by the tribal student organisations called a bandh on Monday protesting against the passage of three bills — Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, Ma-

nipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh amendment) Bill, 2015, and Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 — in the state assembly to protect the indigenous people.

The tribals feared that the passage of the laws would allow “outsiders” to have rights over tribal land.

While three bullet-riddled bodies were found in Churachandpur town on Tuesday, a charred body was recovered from under the debris at the residence of Henglep MLA Manga Vaiphei on Tuesday morning in the town, a police officer said, adding that another body was also found.

According to the police, the houses of MP of Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat Thangso Baite, Manipur Family Welfare Minister Phungzaphang Tonsimg, and that of five MLAs, including Manga Vaiphei and Vungzagin Valte of Thanlom, were set on fire in Churachandpur town during the bandh called by the students on Monday evening. - PTI

made such “shallow” comments as he was “disturbed” due to fall in the GDP and Sensex in the country under his rule.

“Can the Centre stop the money given to states from Finance Commission. This money is from internal resources of the states. Will the Prime Minister of the country make such a shallow remark?

“The GDP under the Government of India is falling. Sensex has fallen. I think he is definitely disturbed otherwise why should a Prime Minister speak like this,” Kumar told reporters at a press conference.

Promises Earlier, Kumar had asked the PM not to make new promises to Bihar but “show moral courage” and ensure implementation of all the promises made till date. - PTI

IN FLAMES: A mob set ablaze the residences of a Manipur minister and two other legislators in Imphal on Monday evening to protest against the passage of allegedly ‘anti-tribal’ bills in the 60-member assembly. - PTI

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

PAKISTAN Rangers targeting banned groups in Punjab: Raheel Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief Raheel Sharif in a meeting agreed that the modus operandi of sectarian outfits operating in Punjab is different from that of the Taliban

ISLAMABAD: As the military ups the ante against terror outfits, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif informed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday that the Punjab Rangers have started covert operations against banned organisations in Punjab.

“As part of internal security measures, the ongoing phase of Karachi operation, ‘Pur Amn Balochistan’ and law and order situation in Punjab following the killing of provincial home minister Shuja Khanzada came under discussion between the two,” sources told The Express Tribune.

While the premier and army chief agreed that the modus operandi of sectarian outfits operating in Punjab is different from Taliban, the army chief said Punjab Rangers have started under-cover operations in Punjab against terrorists under National Action

CRACKDOWN: Pakistani villagers look the rescue work under a portrait of late Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada at the site of a suicide blast in the village of Shadi Khan some 70kms north-west of Islamabad on August 16, 2015. — AFP

Plan, the source added.

Vowing to continue the critical phase of the ongoing Karachi operation to curb terror financing in the country, the civil-military leadership agreed that only courts will decide the fate of those arrested during the operation regardless of their political affiliation.

The army chief also apprised

B U R H A N - H AV E L I A N E X P R E S S WAY

the prime minister about his recent meetings with foreign dignitaries including US National Security Adviser Susan Rice and US Special Assistant to President Obama for South Asian Affairs Dr Peter Lavoy.

Although Rice met both PM and the army chief, the delegation led

by Dr Lavoy held a meeting with

only General Raheel. “During the meeting, the Afghan reconciliation process was discussed comprehensively,” the source said.

Reconciliation “General Raheel informed PM Nawaz about the road map for the resumption of reconciliation process which was agreed at

the meeting between army chief and US delegation,” the source further said. The second round peace talks between Afghan Taliban and the government in Kabul were suspended following the news of Taliban supreme leader Mullah Omar’s death and a recent wave of terrorist attacks in Kabul. — Express Tribune

N O R T H W E S T PA K I S TA N

Four killed, dozens injured in suicide attack PESHAWAR: A suicide bomber killed at least four people and wounded dozens on Tuesday in northwest Pakistan, where security forces are battling extremist militants, officials said.

Each of two allied militant groups, the Pakistani Taliban and Lashkar-e-Islam, claimed responsibility for the attack in the Khyber region near the Afghan border, where the military has been battling them since last October.

The attack targeted a paramilitary vehicle outside a government compound in the Jamrud area of the region, official Shaukatullah Afridi, who was metres away from the blast, told Reuters.

“I had just entered the office and sat on my chair when I heard a huge blast,” Afridi said.

“It seemed as if the whole building had collapsed.”

Afridi’s office is on the road leading from the city of Peshawar, through the Khyber Pass, to the Afghan border.

At least 42 wounded people were taken to hospital in Peshawar, about 20 km to the east, hospital doctor Noor Wazir said, adding the death toll could rise.

Representatives of both the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Islam claimed to have carried out the attack.

Taliban spokesman Mohammad Khorasani said in a telephone call to Reuters the attack was revenge for government operations against them.

Lashkar-e-Islam spokesman Salahuddin Ayubi also telephoned Reuters, claiming that his group had carried out the attack. Hundreds of militants have been killed in ground fighting and air strikes, the military says. Some soldiers have also been killed. — Reuters

T W E LV E C A S E S

UK to grant $121m Ex-PM Gilani gets protective bail for Corridor project ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the United Kingdom has become a partner in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and agreed to provide $121.6 million in grant to fund construction of Burhan-Havelian Expressway, which falls on the northern route of the corridor.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom will co-finance the $327 million cost of the 59km-long Hassanabdal-Havelian Expressway (E-35) project, according to a handout issued by the Manila-based lending agency on Tuesday.

UK’s $121.6 million grant will lessen Pakistan’s debt obligations by the same amount.

The country had entered into a loan agreement with ADB, which will now be picked up by UK taxpayers to the extent of the grant amount.

It is for the first time that the UK will fund any infrastructure sector project in Pakistan, as so far its focus remained on social sectors. It is also the first time that the UK is partnering with the Manila-based lending agency in a project located in Pakistan.

“The ADB and DFID are joining hands to promote regional connectivity, economic growth, and stability in Pakistan”, said Sean O’Sullivan, Director General of ADB’s Central and West Asia Department who witnessed the signing of the agreement. — Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court approved on Tuesday pre-arrest protective bail for former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani for a period of seven days in 12 cases relating to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) scam.

The court granted the bail against the surety bonds of Rs100,000 against each of the cases during the hearing of Gilani’s bail before an arrest petition, Express News reported.

Addressing the media outside the court, the Pakistan Peoples Party leader said he believes the court will deliver justice to him in the cases.

Earlier, an anti-corruption court in Karachi issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Gilani and PPP leader Makhdoom Amin Fahim.

The judge ordered the authori-

The court granted the bail against the surety bonds of Rs100,000 against each of the cases during the hearing of Yousuf Raza Gilani’s bail before an arrest petition

ties to arrest the two by September 10 and present them in court.

The order was issued after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) presented a final charge-

sheet with 12 new cases registered against them.

More than 70 cases related to the TDAP scam had been pending before the court. Gilani and his as-

sociates were booked in 12 of these last year. However, both Gilani and Fahim obtained bail and exemptions from appearing in hearings.

— Express Tribune

LANDMARK DEAL

Tajikistan allows Pakistan investors to hire workers from home ISLAMABAD: Tajikistan has allowed Pakistan’s investors, who set up textile manufacturing units in free trade zones of the Central Asian state, to hire 40 per cent of workforce from their home country.

“There are five free trade zones in Tajikistan with lucrative incentives; Pakistani investors could import textile machinery without any taxes or duties,” said Maruf Jon Abdurahmonov, Consular Economic Section and Head of Visa Section at the Embassy of Tajikistan.

Speaking at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the envoy said the business community of Pakistan and Tajikistan should establish direct contacts in order to encourage trade and tap the potential between the two countries.

He pointed out that Tajikistan, where 93 per cent of land constitutes hilly areas with population equal to that of Faisalabad, was a gateway to other Central Asian states.

Pakistani kinoo, garments, potato and mango juice are very popular in Tajikistan. Similarly, Tajikistan is rich in gas and electricity and will provide electricity to Pakistan through the Central Asia-South Asia (Casa-1,000)

power supply programme.

The envoy recalled that during the Soviet era a big textile unit was set up in Tajikistan to cater to the huge demand from the Soviet Union. This unit has now become redundant, but new and small units are being established to meet the need of domestic market.

He asked businessmen and industrialists of Faisalabad, who had expertise in textile manufacturing, to come forward and establish textile units in Tajikistan.

Until 2007, according to the envoy, trade between Pakistan and Tajikistan was restricted to only $100 million, which is now growing satisfactorily with room for a quantum jump in future. Highlighting the liberal visa policy of Tajikistan, he announced that multiple business visas would be issued on the recommendation of the FCCI. In reply to a question, he said Tajikistan had a renowned medical university where many Pakistanis were also enrolled.

Still, he added, the Central Asian nation had an acute dearth of pharmaceutical manufacturing units.

“Earlier most of the medicines were imported from India, however, now 60 per cent to 70 per cent of medicines come from Pakistan.” — Express Tribune

GREEN PASTURES: This photo taken on February 7, 2015 shows a Pakistani tailor making shirts at a factory in Karachi. — AFP

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the Madhesi ethnic minority were shot in two incidents in Birgunj and one was killed in Kalaiya

KATHMANDU: Five demonstrators died on Tuesday after being shot by police in Nepal as anger deepened over the country’s draft constitution.

Police shot dead four people from the Madhesi ethnic minority in separate incidents in the south of the country.

Three were killed on Tuesday after defying a curfew imposed in the town of Birgunj, 90 kilometres (55 miles) south of Kathmandu.

A fourth died in hospital Tuesday in Birgunj after being hit the day before. Another man was killed in the nearby town of Kalaiya when officers fired into a crowd trying to set fire to a police station, said national police spokesman Kamal Singh Bam. Anger has been building for weeks in southern Nepal after lawmakers -- spurred by April’s devastating earthquake to resolve political differences -- struck a breakthrough deal on a new constitution which has angered minority communities.

“Security forces opened fire at the protesters after they forced their way into a restricted area,” said Bam, speaking of Tuesday’s clashes in Birgunj.

“Three people were shot dead and at least 20 others including

SRI LANKA

Work for ethnic reconciliation, president urges new lawmakers COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s president urged the new parliament Tuesday to take “difficult political decisions” to bring about ethnic reconciliation six years after the end of a decades-long separatist war.

Maithripala Sirisena called on lawmakers to take the lead in healing the wounds of the war that ended in 2009, hours after they were sworn into parliament following last month’s general election. “Even at this late stage, we should take the difficult political decisions to ensure ethnic harmony and bring about reconciliation,” Sirisena said in an address to parliament outlining the new government’s agenda.

“I will give leadership to that new political journey you should begin from this house,” he said in a speech broadcast live on television. Sirisena came to power in January promising reconciliation and accountability for alleged war crimes committed by troops under the command of then-president Mahinda Rajapakse. Sirisena, who defeated his former mentor Rajapakse in January’s election, has also promised to cede many of the presidential powers amassed by his predecessor during his decade-long rule.

Sirisena strengthened his mandate at the August 17 general election after voters backed his ally Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose United National Party (UNP) won the biggest number of seats.

The president’s speech came hours after lawmakers were sworn into the 225-seat parliament, marking the start of the new session. The UNP and Rajapakse’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) agreed last month to enter a broad-based coalition government, in a remarkable turnaround for a country that had until recently appeared firmly in Rajapakse’s grip.

Rajapakse, who refused to join the coalition, took his seat on the opposition benches on Tuesday along with a group of his supporters. Sirisena’s speech comes ahead of the release later this month of an UN Human Rights Council report on Sri Lanka’s alleged war crimes during Rajapakse’s time in command.

New cabinet this week A new cabinet is expected to be sworn in later this week and will include members of Rajapakse’s SLFP. But official sources said key portfolios will remain with Wickremesinghe’s UNP. Lawmakers from the main Tamil National Alliance (TNA) party, which emerged as the third largest at the August election, called for a new constitution to “restore democracy and justice”.

TNA leader R. Sampanthan said Tuesday his party would push for justice and greater autonomy for the ethnic minority, who say they suffer widespread discrimination on the Sinhalesemajority island. -AFP

SUDAN PRESIDENT IN CHINA Chinese President Xi Jinxing, right, talks with Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Tuesday. China’s foreign ministry defended the invite to Bashir to a military parade to mark the end of World War Two. The Hague-based International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Bashir in 2009 and 2010, accusing him of masterminding genocide and other atrocities in his campaign to crush a revolt in the western Darfur region. Members of the ICC are obliged to act on arrest warrants, but China is not a member. -Reuters

police were injured during the clashes,” Bam told AFP. News of the deaths comes a week after violent clashes in southwestern Nepal in which eight police officers and an 18-month-old boy were killed, prompting the government to deploy troops.

The constitution was meant to cement peace after a 10-year insurgency led by former Maoist rebels ended in 2006, and to draw a line under centuries of inequality.

But plans laid out in the draft charter to divide the Himalayan nation into seven provinces have sparked fury among historically marginalised communities including the Madhesis, who say the new borders will limit their political representation.

The growing discord prompted lawmakers from a regional party representing the Madhesis to walk out of the constituent assembly last month.

Tuesday’s deaths bring to 10 the number of anti-constitution protesters killed since clashes with police broke out last month. -AFP

POLICE ACTION: Nepalese police use water to disperse activists as they try to break through to a cordoned-off area near parliament during a protest demanding Nepal be declared a Hindu state, in Kathmandu on Tuesday. -AFP

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Iran deal brings new political reality to Gulf

Location: Sohar/ Photo: Reshmi Shine

T

he West’s Iran nuclear deal signed last month has unleashed a torrent of diplomatic and economic activity in the Gulf that is fast changing both the political and economic landscape. The US Congress has three more weeks to accept or reject it.

Interestingly from a regional Gulf perspective.

Russia also has begun acting as a focal point for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Iran to settle policy on a number of contentious issues notably regarding the future of the Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. The Syrian National Security Advisor Ali Mamlouk has been conducting shuttle diplomacy between various GCC capitals while Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is meeting other GCC states and Jordan to develop its own strategy. Oman, traditionally warm towards Tehran, is conducting its own diplomatic forays.

This culmination of this shuttle diplomacy involving Russia was apparent at last week’s much televised MAKS-2015 Air Show ‘exposition’ in Moscow where notably seated next to President Vladimir Putin at the Air Show last week was Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nayhan from Abu Dhabi .

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Saudi King Salman bin Abdulzaziz Al Saud has a scheduled meeting with Putin as will be other important regional actors Jordanian King Abdullah and Egyptian President Al-Sisi.

Other GCC notables will be present in Moscow too, all of it in part is designed to push forward a round of talks by Moscow with Syrian negotiators, in the hope that common ground can be found between both GCC members and with Iran.

Set against this, elements within Iran who are against a rapprochement with America are upping their games in several GCC states. In Kuwait and Bahrain, authorities have identified potential destabilisation operations by cells apparently egged on by those who oppose Iran’s nuclear deal with America.

In Yemen, the Islamic Republic’s mainly political support for the Houthis places it philosophically, at the very least, against the Saudi-UAE military operation driving towards Saana, complicating hopes of a GCC rapproachment with Iran.

But irrespective of that, some GCC states are

looking to make a fast entry into the newly open Iranian marketplace.

Oman, Qatar, and the UAE are all jostling for position in Iran as sanctions are lifted. Some would argue that Oman and Qatar are already ahead of the GCC curve in financial dealings with the Islamic Republic, having secured bilateral trade agreements and agreed energy sector assistance and maritime coordination.

The UAE meanwhile is openly seeking to develop bilateral economic activity with Tehran, with Dubai and the Northern Emirates developing plans for penetrating the Iranian marketplace through infrastructure development and mixed commercial and residential investment. There is expectation also of Iranian money flowing into Dubai’s megaprojects once SWIFT money transfer restrictions are lifted.

And across the GCC, businesses are looking at the huge potential of Iran as a consumer market for both essential and luxury goods.

Significantly, the UAE is keeping separate its political and economic objectives with Iran.

Politically, the relationship is still marred by the territorial dispute from 1971 involving the three islands — Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs — in the Strait of Hormuz. Abu Musa and the other two islands. This thorn over property rights remains a perennial issue with the two sides yet to find an agreement. Saudi Arabia is the economic outlier, with its relations with Iran dominated by the fact of oil. The idea of Iran coming online and adding 2.3 million barrels a day to an already saturated market is unwelcome news for the Saudis in particular who are already struggling with a deep fall in revenues through the oil price fall. With this in mind, the Kingdom has no real plans for economic outreach to Iran.

Yet while political hurdles remain, the fact of Iran coming back into the world market means the GCC faces a new economic and political reality.

Many twists and turns lie ahead as thorny political issues are revisited, but there is reason for optimism that a political accommodation can be reached with Iran, bringing prosperity for the entire region. - Special to Times of Oman Richard Galustian is a defence and security analyst with over 40 years of experience in the MENA region and is a columnist

READERS’ FORUM Tech giants sidelining all norms of morality This refers to the online story, iPhone 6 Vs iPhone 6 Plus (August 31). I cannot understand why the tech companies keep on rolling out products with feverish market plans. This promotional frenzy is causing the global youth to become ever more materialistic. Due to peer pressure and advertisements, the teenagers and twenty-somethings keep on buying upgraded products.

It seems these giant corporations only want to make mega profits while sidelining all norms of morality.

— Rameez Quettawala, Muscat

As ice turns to navigable ocean, the Arctic is becoming the US’ third great ocean border, creating vexing strategic challenges and unprecedented opportunities.

These include not only climate change, but threats to national sovereignty and revolutions in international commerce bit.ly/scrambleforarctic

Turmeric is indeed useful

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

This refers to the online story, Turmeric: The Bright Yellow Spice, Cyrus Rule MTV Video Music Awards (September 1). This rhizome is indeed a nature’s wonder. Its bioactive substances are used in medicines. As for culinary benefits, for me, pulses and curries taste horrible without turmeric. To my surprise, it is also used in a whole range of South Asian recipes.

— Samantha Kelly, Muscat

India, only a mediocre side

This refers to the online story, India end 22-year series drought in Sri Lanka (September 1). The Indian team in this tour really played well. I believe, after looking at their performances, the team is indeed a force to be reckoned with. On the other hand, as they did not really outclass Sri Lanka, I think they are actually only a mediocre side. A proper rubber against South Africa or Australia might show the reality. — Saud Raja, Muscat

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000 Kids zone of IT portal becomes a hit MUSCAT: The www.ohitariq.net, Oman’s first and leading IT portal’s kids zone, a section that is fully dedicated to kids, has become quite a hit with the young netizens. The new section focuses on education coupled with entertainment. Tariq Al Barwani, OHI Telecom Internet manager, noted that the puzzles, games and teaching tools offered would help the kids improve their educational skills.

PICTOGRAPH

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

February

March

23.2

23.7

April

28.1

OMAN EXPORTS TO SAUDI ARABIA

TODAY IN HISTORY

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1756: Aaron Burr is arrested in Mississippi for complicity in a plot to establish a Southern empire in Louisiana and Mexico.

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1870: The Prussian army crushes the French at Sedan, the last battle of the Franco-Prussian War.

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1876: The Ottomans inflict a decisive defeat on the Serbs at Aleksinac.

1939: Germany invades Poland.

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37.5

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Changes in the ocean levels are going to arrive faster than they did during (the end of)the last Ice Age Florian Tolle, Glaciologist

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ADAPT OR DIE

Some Arctic animals coping better with climate change

TOURIST ATTRACTION: Seagulls sit on a wooden construction on July 19,2015 near the Nordenskjodbreen glacier in the abandoned Russian mining settlement of Pyramiden, on the Norwegian Arctic Svalbard archipelago. Pyramiden was bought by the Soviet Union in 1927 from the Swedish founders of the coal mine, and abandoned in 1998 after the mine’s closure. It once housed 1,200 Russians and had hospital, a sports and culture centre, and a movie theatre. With much of its infrastructure still in place, efforts have been made since 2007 to make it a tourist attraction. - AFP

The Arctic has warmed more than any other region on Earth, an amplifying effect linked to sea ice loss and changes in atmospheric and ocean circulation

NY-ALESUND (Norway): When it comes to coping with climate change in the Arctic region, which is warming at three times the global average, some animals are more equal than others.

Migrating Barnacle geese that fly north to lay eggs amid the Norwegian Arctic’s craggy peaks and melting glaciers are adapting very well, thank you, at least for now.

Reindeer, foxes and polar bears, however, are having a harder time of it. Just finding enough to eat can be a struggle.

The geese — which leave Scotland each year by the thousands — have come like clockwork since time immemorial in the Spring to Spitsbergen and other islands in the Svalbard archipelago to nest.

Until, that is, a few years ago.

“In 2007 they suddenly pushed forward their 3,000-kilometre trip by two weeks and it’s been that way ever since,” said Maarten Loonen, a Dutch ornithologist who studies the archipelago.

The revised travel schedule does not seem to pose a problem.

Indeed, the number of goslings that hatch each season has more than doubled in two decades, from 15,000 to some 35,000.

But experts caution that the geese may be thriving in spite of climate change, not because of it: their growing numbers, they suspect, are mainly due to strict European conservation laws. The Arctic has warmed more than any other region on Earth, an amplifying effect linked to sea ice loss and changes in atmospheric and ocean circulation.

In December, 195 nations will gather in Paris with a mandate to forge a planet-saving climate pact.

Their goal: prevent average global temperatures from rising more than two degrees Celsius (3.6 degree Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels.

On Svalbard, temperatures shot up an average of 2.5 degrees Celsius (4.5 degrees Fahrenheit) over the last century, far exceeding the global increase of 0.8 C since the pre-industrial era. Other animals

MONITORING STATION: The scientific base of Ny Alesund in the Svalbard archipelago in this picture taken on July 20, 2015.. The fjord has failed to freeze over the winter, coast glaciers are decreasing rapidly and new species appear: the research village Ny -Alesund, in the Norwegian Arctic, is an ideal platform for the monitoring of global warming. - AFP

have not managed to adapt as well as the geese to these rapid changes.

The freezing rain that often falls now instead of snow, for example, is making it harder for foxes and reindeer in Svalbard to get a meal.

The animals cannot break through the frozen rain to reach their food supplies.

“During winter the foxes sometimes have trouble accessing their stockpiles of gosling cadavers that they buried in reserve,” said Loonen. Svalbard reindeer, which eat lichen and moss, have hoofs designed by evolution to clear the snow off their food supply in winter. But against ice, they are useless. For now, reindeer, fox and geese populations in the Arctic are all stable, according to the International Union of Nature, which tracks at-risk species.

But scientists are tracking them carefully for signs of trouble.

‘Melting very fast’ The travails of polar bears, which

no longer have as many floating ocean perches from which to hunt seals, has been well documented.

This shrinking hunting ground may be one reason they have taken to scarfing down the ready supply of goose eggs, a high-protein snack for the lumbering carnivores.

Their new foraging habits have also brought polar bears into closer contact with humans, who they slightly outnumber here.

Svalbard — one-and-a-half times the size of Switzerland — is home to some 3,000 polar bears and 2,500 homo sapiens.

“Most of the Svalbard bears live in the archipelago’s east, but over the past few years they have been exploring new territories and have been coming closer to NyAlesund,” said Norwegian scientist Sebastian Barrault, referring to a remote settlement that hosts 150 scientists and staff during the Arctic summer.

Thirty years ago, leaving the compound without a gun was

SCENIC: A view of the Nordenskiold Glacier, on the Spitsbergen island, Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, northern Norway in this picture taken on July 19, 2015. - AFP

not a problem. Today, it’s a no-no.

Warmer temperatures have also wrought havoc on the glaciers of Spitsbergen, the archipelago’s biggest island.

One of the biggest among them, 30-kilometre (18-mile) long Kronenbreen, is going fast.

“Kronenbreen has shrunk by a kilometre in three years. It’s unbelievable,” said Heidi Sevestre, a doctoral student studying glaciers at the University Centre in Svalbard. Marine maps of glacier positions in local fjords are often out of date within a few years of being drawn. And the pace is picking up.

“Changes in the ocean levels are going to arrive faster than they did during (the end of )the last Ice Age,” said Florian Tolle, a glaciologist who’s been working on Svalbard for a decade.

The UN’s climate science panel says melting glaciers will account for a quarter of total sea level rise, which is pegged at 26 to 98 centimetres by 2100. - AFP

DEMO: French glaciologist Heidi Sevestre shows a map as she works at the university of Longyearbyen on July 24, 2015. - AFP

MELTING GLACIER: An iceberg on the Kongsfjorden fjord (or Kongs Fjord), west coast of the Spitsbergen island, Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, northern Norway in this picture taken on July 21, 2015. - AFP

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More than 350,000 migrants risked Mediterranean this year enforce the sending back of Syrian asylum seekers to other EU member states underlines the humanitarian responsibility of Germany for these particularly hard hit refugees,” a German Interior Ministry Spokesman said.

“Germany has not suspended Dublin. Dublin rules are still valid and we expect European member states to stick to them.”

The latest figures from IOM show that 234,778 migrants had landed in Greece and another 114,276 in Italy, with most of the other arrivals split between Spain (2,166) and the island of Malta (94)

GENEVA/BUDAPEST: More than 350,000 migrants have risked their lives crossing the Mediterranean this year, and some 2,600 have died while making the perilous journey to Europe, the International Organisation for Migration said Tuesday.

The latest figures from IOM show that 234,778 migrants had landed in Greece and another 114,276 in Italy, with most of the other arrivals split between Spain (2,166) and the island of Malta (94).

The figure from 2015 already dwarfs that of 2014, when 219,000 made the crossing throughout the entire year.

The majority of arrivals in Greece were Syrians fleeing the country’s protracted civil war, while Eritreans topped the list of migrants who have landed in Italy.

Aside from deaths among those trying to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean, IOM noted that another 1,000 people had lost their lives this year along various other migration routes, including the Sahara desert and South Asia’s Bay of Bengal.

Biggest ever influx Meanwhile, hundreds of angry migrants demonstrated outside Budapest’s Eastern Railway Terminus on Tuesday demanding they be allowed to travel on to Germany, as the biggest ever influx of migrants into the European Union left its asylum policies in tatters.

BORDER ARREST

Thailand arrests ‘main suspect’ in blast case BANGKOK: A foreign man described as a “main suspect” in the deadly Bangkok bombing was arrested on Tuesday, with Thai police calling him an important figure in the network that staged the attack.

The man detained near the border with Cambodia is the second foreigner held over the August 17 blast at a religious shrine which killed 20 people, mostly ethnic Chinese tourists.

Police also said arrest warrants have been issued for three fresh suspects still at large, two of whom have names which appear foreign.

Prime Minister Prayut ChanO-Cha said the unidentified foreigner was picked up in Sa Kaeo province on the Thai side of the Cambodian border.

Asked whether he is thought to be the person who planted the bomb at the Erawan shrine in Bangkok’s busy Chidlom shopping district, he replied: “We are interrogating. He is a main suspect and a foreigner.”

National police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said investigators believe the suspect is “an important person in the network” behind the bombing, Thailand’s worst single masscasualty attack.

The man speaks English, Prawut said, adding he appeared “similar” to a prime suspect captured on security camera footage leaving a bag at the scene moments before the blast.

The man was detained around noon trying to cross into Cambodia from the Thai countryside. — AFP

STUCK IN HUNGARY: Migrants demonstrate outside the main Eastern Railway station in Budapest, Hungary, on Tuesday. — Reuters

Germany is likely to accept by far the largest share.

In the case of those fleeing the Syrian civil war it has effectively suspended an EU rule that asylum seekers must apply in the first EU country they reach. But it insisted on Tuesday that the rule was nevertheless still in force and urged other EU countries to abide by it

Around 1,000 people waved tickets, clapping, booing and shouting “Germany! Germany!” outside the station. Later they sat down, staring at a police blockade erected at the entrance.

A refugee crisis rivalling the Balkan wars of the 1990s as Europe’s worst since World War II has polarised and confounded the European Union, which has no mecha-

nism to cope with the arrival of hundreds of thousands of poor and desperate people.

The vast majority of refugees fleeing violence and other migrants escaping poverty arrive on Europe’s southern and eastern edges but are determined to press on and seek asylum in richer and more generous countries further north and west. That means il-

legally crossing a bloc that has no internal border controls to stop them.

Hungary has emerged as one of the main flashpoints of the crisis as the primary gateway for migrants travelling over land through the Balkans and into the EU. Hungarian authorities shut the Budapest train station altogether on Tuesday, then reopened it but barred entry to migrants. About 100 police in helmets and wielding batons guarded the station. Dozens of migrants who were inside were forced out.

Westbound trains Hungary’s decision to bar the migrants from westbound trains was a reversal from the previous day, when Hungary and Austria let trainloads of undocumented migrants leave for Germany, a violation of EU rules they now have little power to enforce.

European laws, known as the “Dublin rules”, require asylum

seekers to apply in the country where they first enter the EU and remain there until their applications are processed, even though the 26 members of the bloc’s Schengen zone maintain no border controls between them.

The countries where most first reach the bloc - Italy, Greece and Hungary - say they have no capacity to process applications on such a scale.

Germany announced last month it would allow Syrians arriving from elsewhere in the EU to apply for asylum without being sent back to the country where they entered the bloc. It insisted on Tuesday that this did not change the law, and other states must demand migrants register where they arrive.

Other countries, including Austria, have demanded clarification from Berlin.

“The decision, driven by practical considerations, by the (German) Office of Migration and Refugees ... not, in most cases, to

Fair distribution European leaders want the 28-member EU to do more to organise the unprecedented influx.

“For those refugees who are being persecuted or have fled war, there should be a fair distribution in Europe based on the economic strength, productivity and size of each country,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a joint news conference in Berlin with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

She and Rajoy both said the bloc’s executive European Commission should draw up a list of safe countries, making it easier to send home migrants who were not genuine refugees.

The crisis has polarised a continent which is committed to the principle of providing refuge for those in danger but has a growing sector of public opinion that believes too much immigration drives down wages and dilutes national cultures.

Thousands of migrants have drowned this year attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean in rickety vessels, while the peril of the overland journey was hammered home when 71 dead bodies were found in an abandoned truck in Austria last week.

Political parties that oppose immigration have gained ground across Europe, not least in Hungary where the government has reinforced the border with a razor wire fence and deployed thousands of extra police. More than 140,000 people have crossed into Hungary from Serbia this year alone.

Antal Rogan, the parliament caucus leader of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling centre-right Fidesz party, said on Tuesday “the very existence of Christian Europe” was under threat.

“Would we like our grandchildren to grow up in a United European Caliphate? My answer to that is no,” Rogan told the pro-government daily Magyar Idok. — Agencies

G E O - S T R AT E G I C T U S S L E

Tensions set to flare as NATO activates six command units on eastern flank with Russia VILNIUS/KIEV: NATO on Tuesday activated command units in six central and eastern European members to boost defence amid regional tensions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Lithuania’s defence ministry said.

“NATO today officially activated NATO force integration units in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania,” ministry spokeswoman Asta Galdikaite said.

The Baltic nation’s foreign minister Linas Linkevicius said the move was “a clear sign that NATO takes it’s commitments very seriously”.

“It is a clear message both to allies and, of course, opponents who have recently increased the tensions,” the minister told AFP, without directly naming Russia.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will attend ceremonies in Vilnius on Thursday formally inaugurating the string of units, an alliance statement said.

The six multinational units with around 40 officers each were set up to facilitate the deployment of the newly forged NATO rapid reaction force and coordinate military drills.

It is the latest NATO move to boost defences in the eastern flank since Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine last year.

Iron curtain NATO has increased the number of military exercises, deployed planes and ships while the US pledged to keep heavy weapons in the region that lay behind the Iron Curtain a quarter of a century ago.

Latvia confirmed on Tuesday that two US Army Predator surveillance drones and 70 airmen

Russian military exercises have recently been much larger than NATO drills.

“We’ve repeatedly said our steps are not directed against anybody.

We are only meeting the commitments to secure NATO countries and citizens,” he said.

More autonomy Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko defended controversial legislation giving more autonomy to pro-Russian rebels that sparked deadly street battles in Kiev.

Three policeman died after being wounded by a grenade explosion near the parliament building, which the government blamed on an ultra-nationalist group.

The proposed reforms, which were given initial backing by MPs in a stormy session that set off Monday’s violence, are a key part of a faltering Western-backed peace deal signed in February.

UPPING THE ANTE: Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk, right, accompanied by Defence Minis-

ter Stepan Poltorak, centre, and Vice Admiral James Foggo, left back, commander of US 6th Fleet and commander of NATO’s naval striking and support forces, visits the USS destroyer Donald Cook during the opening ceremony of Sea Breeze 2015 military drill in the Black Sea port of Odessa, Ukraine, Tuesday. — Reuters/Andrew Kravchenko/Pool

had deployed to its Lielvarde Air Base for a training mission.

“They are here... they will be staying for two weeks for training purposes -- it is not a permanent deployment,” Latvian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Anete Gneze told AFP. Intelligence training will involve two intelligence officers from Poland and each of the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania,

and Estonia. The moves come less than two weeks after NATO opened a new Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence in the Latvian capital, Riga. Though officials have been at pains not to describe it as a counter-propaganda centre, part of its brief is to analyse aggressive messages emanating from media operated by Russia.

The three Baltic states and Poland have also repeatedly called

for a permanent NATO presence to deter Russia but the Western alliance has so far stuck to back-toback troop rotations.

Breach of agreement Critics contend that permanent military bases could breach a 1997 agreement with Russia and trigger an arms race as Moscow accuses NATO of closing in on Russia’s borders. Linkevicius insisted

Rebel seizure Poroshenko stressed support for the controversial reforms that nationalists have branded “unUkrainian,” by effectively legalising the rebel seizure of the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

“More than 70 per cent of Ukrainians support constitutional changes on decentralisation and as Ukraine’s president, I will be with the Ukrainian people,” he said.

Poroshenko has described the violence as a “stab in the back” and warned the culprits would face “severe punishment”.

Two of the policemen died Tuesday after the clashes outside parliament, with around 140 people -- most of them police -- treated in hospital. — AFP

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5 Some of the people who are there at Guantanamo Bay have to be detained indefinitely, they’ve just got to be locked up Ashton Carter, US Defense Secretary

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Turkish police conduct raids on Koza-Ipek Media group Six people have been arrested and an arrest warrant has been issued for the conglomerate’s chief executive, Akin Ipek, who is thought to be in UK, said state-run Anatolia news agency CRIME

Outrage after killing of three journalists in Philippines MANILA: Three journalists in the Philippines have been shot dead just days apart, press groups said on Tuesday, as they warned of further media bloodshed without serious government action.

The nation of 100 million people has long been one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists, with powerful figures able to kill critics in the knowledge they will rarely face punishment.

“We call on President Benigno Aquino to give top priority to swiftly resolving these egregious cases,” said Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists. “Until Aquino demonstrates his government is serious about ending the onslaught, the killings will inevitably continue.”

Police and the CPJ said the latest victim was radio commentator Cosme Maestrado, 46, shot dead in front of a public market in the southern port city of Ozamiz on August 27. Before Maestrado, radio reporter Teodoro Escanilla, 57, was shot inside his home in a fishing town in rural Sorsogon province on August 19, according to local police and the CPJ. Culture of impunity A day earlier, newspaper reporter Gregory Ybanez, 67, was gunned down in front of his house in Tagum city, a bananagrowing centre in the south, where he also headed the local press association, police said.

The Philippines is infamous for a “culture of impunity”, where the rich and powerful can literally get away with murder by taking advantage of corrupt police and judicial figures. The latest killings bring to 29 the number of journalists murdered since Aquino assumed office in 2010, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines. -AFP M I L I T R AY P R I S O N

‘50% Gitmo inmates need long lockup’ WASHINGTON: About half the detainees at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba need to be locked up “indefinitely,” Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said on Tuesday.

Carter said he supports President Barack Obama’s longstanding goal of closing the site, but cautioned it remains unclear what to do with many of the inmates. “Some of the people who are there at Guantanamo Bay have to be detained indefinitely, they’ve just got to be locked up,” Carter told troops during a televised interview.

Currently, 116 inmates remain at the 13-year-old prison, which has drawn international condemnation for its treatment of prisoners and which critics say serves as a recruitment and propaganda tool for extremists.

“There are some, maybe half or so of the population of Guantanamo Bay, that under conditions that are safe ... we may be able to transfer them to some other country,” Carter said. -AFP

ANKARA: Turkish police on Tuesday staged a major swoop on the Ankara-based offices of a media group critical of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a day after two British reporters were jailed on terror charges. The raids on Koza-Ipek Media sparked fresh concern about press freedoms in Turkey, which is gearing up for a snap November legislative election, its second in five months.

Six people have been arrested and an arrest warrant has been issued for the conglomerate’s chief executive, Akin Ipek, who is thought to be in Britain, the staterun Anatolia news agency said.

The swoop came a day after a court in Turkey’s Kurdish-domi-

nated southeast ordered two British journalists working for USbased Vice News to be remanded in custody on “terror charges”.

Ipek Media Group owns the Turkish dailies Bugun and Millet, the television channels stations Bugun TV and Kanalturk and the website BGNNews.com and is close to Erdogan’s political opponent, the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Masked police entered 23 offices as well as Ipek University in Ankara belonging to its parent company Koza Ipek Holding “as part of a terrorist investigation into Fethullah Gulen”, Anatolia said. They were accused of “providing financial support to and disseminating

propaganda for a terrorist organisation,” Anatolia added.

Speaking live to Kanalturk on Tuesday, Ipek denounced the operation as “baseless” and “funny”, adding: “If they (police) are able to find even a cent of illicit money, I am ready to hand my company over to them.”

Concern The move was the latest targeting supporters of the powerful “Hizmet” (Service) movement headed by Gulen, a former allyturned-foe whom Erdogan accuses of trying to create a “parallel state” with the aim of overthrowing his government. Ali Haydar

Konca, Turkey’s new EU Affairs Minister from the Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), said the raids “cannot be justified”.

“I’m worried that operations targeting the media will create great concern across the world about the state of democracy in Turkey,” he added.

For several years Gulen, whose movement brings together a wide range of interests, from schools and media to finance, was seen as a close ally of Ergodan and AKP. But in 2013 the authorities blamed Gulen for corruption allegations that rocked Erdogan and the ruling elite, and the government launched an all-out war against him and his supporters. -AFP

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5 charged over Bangladesh blogger murder The court will decide whether to open a trial or order further investigations

DHAKA: Bangladesh police on Tuesday charged five suspected extremist militants with murder over the killing of an atheist blogger, one of four secular writers hacked to death this year for writing against fundamentalists.

Police brought the charges -- the first in any of the four murders this year -- in a Dhaka magistrate’s court, which will now decide

whether to open a trial or order further investigations.

“We’ve submitted a charge sheet against five people for the murder of blogger Washiqur Rahman. The five were charged with murder,” Dhaka police spokesman Muntashirul Islam told AFP. “They include an organiser of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) and four others who are its

supporters,” he said, referring to a banned local extremist militant group which police have blamed in all four murders.

Washiqur Rahman, 27, an atheist blogger who wrote under a pen name on Facebook against religious fundamentalism was killed near his home in Dhaka in March.

Two of the suspects, students of

a madrassa, were tackled by local transgenders -- known as hijras in the sub-continent -- as they tried to flee the scene. They held them until police made arrests.

“The organiser of ABT, Hasibur Rahman, also known as Abdullah, recruited the other four and trained them for nearly three months for the specific purpose of murdering Washiqur,” said addi-

tional deputy police commissioner Saiful Islam.

“They rented a room in Dhaka’s Jatrabari neighbourhood for this purpose and carried out reconnaissance on Rahman for two days before the murder,” he said, adding three of the alleged killers were arrested by police, while Abdullah had absconded and the fifth was still at large. -AFP FOSSIL FOUND

Primordial beast looked like warship WASHINGTON: One of the earliest big predators to prowl Earth’s primordial waters was a sea scorpion nearly 6 feet (1.7 meters) long whose body looked a bit like an ancient Greek warship.

Scientists on Tuesday announced the discovery in northeastern Iowa of fossils of a large, active hunter called Pentecopterus decorahensis that lived 467 million years ago during the Ordovician Period.

“Pentecopterus was an incredibly bizarre animal, with a long head that looked somewhat like the prow of a ship, a narrow body and massively enlarged limbs that it used to capture prey,” Yale University paleontologist James Lamsdell said.

“It would have been the largest predator in its environment and would have grabbed prey with its large, spiny legs and then pulled it towards its mouth,” Lamsdell added.

The fossils were exceptionally well preserved, showing fine details of its exoskeleton, and the scientists found remains of adult and juvenile Pentecopterus specimens. Pentecopterus was named after a type of galley used by the ancient Greeks known as a penteconter, which the creature resembles. -Reuters

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Business opportunities meet set to offer contracts worth OMR100m Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organising the forum on November 16 and 17 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Business contracts worth OMR100 million are expected to be signed by the Sultanate’s corporate entities, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), during the forthcoming business opportunities forum in November this year.

These contracts, which include purchase orders, support services and the renewal of contracts, are

mainly awarded by leading private sector and government-owned firms as part of their in-country value initiatives.

The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), which is organising the forum on November 16 and 17 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb, aims to enhance partnerships and in-country value for products and services through the forum.

OCCI chairman Said bin Saleh Al Kiyumi and other senior officials of the chamber on Tuesday addressed the media to announce the details of the business opportunities forum.

“The forum aims to create an ideal platform for promoting investment, establishing joint ventures and attracting foreign investment,” said the OCCI. It also puts SMEs in touch with trade delegations, allowing the enterprises to seek business opportunities with several companies at a single event.

“The main aim of this forum is to provide an ideal platform to showcase the achievements of the Sultanate in various fields and to allow Omani companies to promote their products and services toother companies and visitors of

Major companies may disclose their available purchase orders and the tenders they have signed for 2016 as well as their expansion plans for the coming years at the business opportunities forum OCCI chairman Said bin Saleh Al Kiyumi. — Picture Jun Estrada/Times of Oman

the forum,” said the OCCI. The chamber also seeks to break the record of the total value of contracts signed at last year’s business opportunities forum.

“Taking into consideration current economic conditions and the low oil prices, the value of the contracts and tenders offered at the forum are expected to exceed $17 billion,” noted the OCCI. More than 63 foreign companies

NAT U R A L G A S P R O J E C T

BP opens Khazzan project road Times News Service MUSCAT: Moving progressively further on the Khazzan project, BP Oman recently celebrated the opening of 55-km road between the existing main road in Saih Rawl leading to its facilities connecting the central processing facility area.

This road was constructed to enable safe mobilisation of people

and movement of equipment to support the Khazzan operations as BP gears up for first gas in 2017.

The contract was awarded in May 2014 to Galfar.

The 55 km long road required some collaboration between BP, its partners and contractors to ensure safe delivery as the road has been built through a major wadi. Impressively, BP also achieved one million safe hours

during the construction of this road. Yousuf Al Ojaili, BP Oman president, stated, “This is exactly what we expect from all of our contractors, delivering on schedule with all the safety standards being met.”

Sanctioned in December 2013, Khazzan project represents first phase in the development of one of the Middle East region’s largest unconventional tight gas plays.

are expected to take part in the forum, which is a key initiative of the OCCI’s board of directors for the 2014-17 period.

While participating in this forum, major companies may disclose their available purchase orders and the tenders they have signed for 2016 as well as their expansion plans for the coming years. The forum allows participants to sign or renew contracts

with SMEs and major companies.

The main committee will focus on making direct contact with companies and organising field visits to their sites. It will also meet with company officials to attract and secure wide participation and adequate sponsorship. The OCCI has obtained the initial approval of a number of companies operating in the production and service sector, especially amongst capital

intensive companies.

The third business opportunities forum will coincide with the Sultanate’s celebrations of its45th National Day. Organisers will coordinate closely with the Supreme Committee for the National Day Festivals.

The forum also seeks to establish five new companies and provide contracts for them, which was done at the first event as well. Two companies have already been established at the previous event and have proven successful.

Further, the forum seeks to create an important base that supports the Sultanate’s endeavours in promoting meetings, incentives and conferences and exhibitions tourism before the opening of the Oman International Centre for Conferences and Exhibitions. The centre is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting this type of tourism, which has proven its feasibility in neighbouring countries.

Also, such initiatives will help the OCCI to promote the event as an international forum, which in turn helps promote the Sultanate as an investment hub. It also seeks to enlist platinum, main, gold, silver and associate sponsors for the forum.

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PICTURES FROM THE PAST: Pictures of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business opportunities forum held at Oman International Exhibition Centre. - Times ďŹ le picture

Plans to honour corporate sector at business opportunities forum Four awards have been announced

by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the business opportunities forum, scheduled to be held on November 16 and 17

Times News Service MUSCAT: As many as four awards have been announced by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) at the business opportunities forum, scheduled to take place on November 16 and 17.

These awards, which are aimed at encouraging and honouring companies that offer considerable contracts and tenders for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), are in the categories of biggest value of contract, biggest value of a single contract, biggest number of contracts and establishing new companies.

The OCCI will form a committee to organise and supervise these awards. The panel comprises members from within the country and outside, according to an OCCI press release.

The committee will prepare a list of companies and assess them according to pre-set standards.

The winner will be recognised at the concluding event of the forum, which will be attended by the businessmen from within the country and outside.

To facilitate participation, OCCI provides a number of facilities and assistance in transportation and visa for expatriates.

It has already prepared a detailed programme for participants to advise them of the tourism and investment potentials of the Sultanate as well as the incentives available for foreign investors.

The third forum this year builds on the success made by the previous two events.

It also shows the focus of OCCI to ensure sustainability of this major economic event. The chamber plans to make the forum an international event that highlights investment opportunities at the Omani national economy.

It also aims at making the forum a brand image of the Sultan-

63 foreign companies to participate Times News Service MUSCAT: As many as eight international organisations and 63 foreign companies are expected to participate in the forthcoming business opportunities forum on November 16 and 17 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

These include around 22 companies from Europe, 13 from Asia and six from America. Apart from GCC countries, organisations and businessmen from Yemen, Iraq Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan are all expected to participate in the event.

ate in promoting investment and establishing ventures.

Business opportunities Creating a platform for companies to come into contact with each other and start partnership and helping major companies to showcase the business opportunities they have before the small and medium enterprises.

The second forum, which was

conducted in 2014, has received an encouraging response and was very successful both in terms of number of local and foreign participation, the size of contracts that were signed and the business opportunities unveiled. The companies signed contracts worth OMR55 million at the event, which was attend by 160 companies. The contracts offered at the forum included more than 35 deals. Also,

150 professionals from various countries attended the event.

The chamber has invited private companies to extend their support to the event by sponsoring it. The team in charge of promoting the event has already started visiting companies and advising them of the importance of participation.

The marketing team is also distributing promotional book of the forum. The book gives detailed in-

formation about the forum, the participation forms and contact details of the organising committee.

As far as small and medium enterprises are concerned, the forum aims at calling major companies and SMEs in one roof to provide them an opportunity to establish partnerships. It will also help them with the opportunity to review the available business opportunities in the market, how to participate

in tender, how to establish ventures with foreign investors and how to get commercial agencies.

The committee will design pavilions and stalls for SMEs and will provide OMR500 indirect subsidy by bearing 50 per cent of the cost of stand design and installation. OCCI has also suggesting companies on negotiation with major companies on contracts no offer.

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Global growth likely to be weaker: IMF JAKARTA: Global economic growth this year is likely to be weaker than earlier expected, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday, due to a slower recovery in advanced economies and a further slowdown in emerging nations.

IMF managing director Christine Lagarde also warned emerging economies like Indonesia to “be vigilant for spillovers” from China’s slowdown, tighter global financial conditions, and the prospects of a US interest rate hike.

“Overall, we expect global growth to remain moderate and likely weaker than we anticipated last July,” Lagarde said in a prepared speech at the start of a twoday visit to Indonesia’s capital.

The IMF in July forecast global growth at 3.3 per cent this year, slightly below last year’s 3.4 per cent.Lagarde said China’s economy was slowing, although not sharply or unexpectedly, as it adjusts to a new growth model.

“The transition to a more market-based economy and the unwinding of risks built up in recent years is complex and could well be somewhat bumpy,” she said.

“That said, the authorities have the policy tools and financial buffers to manage this transition,” she added. - Agencies

Iran’s contribution causes rise in Opec crude output Output by Opec rose 108,000 barrels to 32.316 million a day this month as Iranian production climbed to the highest level in three years

NEW YORK: Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) crude output increased this month as Iranian production climbed to the highest level in three years.

Output by Opec rose 108,000 barrels to 32.316 million a day this month, according to a survey of oil companies, producers and analysts. Last month’s total was revised 101,000 barrels higher to 32.208 million a day, because of changes to the Iraqi estimate.

Brent crude, the benchmark for more than half the world’s oil, moved into a bull market on Tues-

AUTOMOTIVE

Rolls-Royce ‘Wraith’ set to land in Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled ‘Wraith – Inspired by Fashion,’ which is now available to order for Rolls-Royce customers in Oman for a limited period, ahead of arriving in the country later this year.

The marque’s first showroom in Conduit Street, Mayfair was founded a short step from London’s famous centre of tailoring excellence, Savile Row. Here, Sir Henry Royce and his partner Charles Rolls echoed the offerings of their illustrious neighbours by providing London’s most stylish denizens with the automotive equivalent of the finest cloths — a perfectly engineered Rolls-Royce chassis and running gear.

The customer would then call upon their preferred coachbuilder, who would furnish the car with personal touches and ac-

duction rose to meet increased demand in Japan and from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s expanded Ruwais refinery.

coutrements specified perfectly to their requirements.

A century later, a bold new generation of customers continues to share the same appetite for commissioning expressions of their taste and lifestyle.

‘Wraith – Inspired by Fashion’ provides a modern take on this grand tradition.

Akin to commissioning a fine suit or elegant piece of couture, the journey of creating a highly bespoke Rolls-Royce motor car begins at the marque’s equivalent of the tailor’s atelier, the bespoke design studio at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. Here, the designers honed the aesthetic theme of the car, drawing inspiration from colour palettes, materials and techniques used in the world of high fashion. The result is an extraordinary interpretation of Wraith’s characteristic blend of power, style and drama.

POST-SANCTIONS: Iranian production climbed by 50,000 barrels a day to 2.9 million this month, the highest since July 2012, when more sanctions were imposed on the country to curb its nuclear programme. – Bloomberg News

day after Opec said in a monthly publication it’s willing to talk to other global producers to achieve ‘fair prices’, adding that “this has to be on a level playing field.” The group agreed on June 5 to retain its collective output target of 30 million barrels a day, a level that it’s exceeded for 15 months, according to data.

“The market share battle continues,” John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital, a New York-based

hedge fund, said by phone. “The increase in Iranian output is just the latest salvo in the battle.”

Nuclear agreement Brent for October settlement rose $4.10, or 8.2 per cent, to end the session at $54.15 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. It was the highest close since July 24.

Iranian production climbed by 50,000 barrels a day to 2.9 million

this month, the highest since July 2012, when more sanctions were imposed on the Islamic republic to curb its nuclear programme.

Under an agreement Iran and six world powers reached in Vienna last month, the United States agreed to end efforts to limit Iran’s oil sales.

The United Arab Emirates bolstered output by 150,000 barrels a day to 2.95 million barrels a day, the biggest gain this month. Pro-

Iraqi production rises Iraqi production rose 5,000 barrels a day to 4.3 million this month, according to the survey.

Opec’s second-biggest producer is pumping near the highest level in monthly data going back to 1989. Exports from the south of the country through the Gulf rose while pipeline closures reduced shipments from the north through the port of Ceyhan on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Saudi Arabia, Opec’s top producer, reduced output by 70,000 barrels a day to 10.5 million in August, the first decline since December. Fuel consumption in the Arabian peninsula peaks in the summer months, when high temperatures lead to increased use of air conditioners.

Electricity demand should fall in September. - Bloomberg News

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MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,875.27 ...............5,804.81 ................... 5,804.81 ................... 5,871.60................-66.79 ...................-1.14 Financial Index .....................................7,083.52 ...............6,985.81 ....................6,985.81 ....................7,068.41............... -82.60 ...................-1.17 Industrial Index ....................................7,618.00 ...............7,588.44 ....................7,589.38 ....................7,603.73................ -14.35 .................. -0.19 Services Index ...................................... 3,262.34 ...............3,237.49 ................... 3,239.09 ................... 3,259.79................-20.70 .................. -0.64 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 921.66 .................. 916.99 .......................916.99 .......................921.13.................. -4.14 .................. -0.45 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 14,946,099 ..................3,787,309 .....................934 ............... 14,569,722,777 .................. 9 ......................15 ....................22 .........................46

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

Muscat Securities Market. – Times file picture

Index falls on sell-off

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

OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.............................................. 44,022 ...............3,900........................5 ........... 0.089 ...........0.089 ...........0.086........... 0.089 .............0.085 ........... 0.004............. 4.706 ................0.086..............0.086...................0.087...................15,575,000 .........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ......................................501 ...............2,144........................2 ........... 4.400...........4.400 .......... 4.200 .......... 4.280 .............4.200 ........... 0.080............. 1.905 ............... 4.200 ............ 4.200...................4.400 ..................41,859,324 .........1.000 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 458,000 ........... 49,298......................13 ............0.108 ........... 0.108 ...........0.106........... 0.108 .............0.107.............0.001 ............. 0.935 ................0.106..............0.106...................0.107...................13,162,500 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 476,623 ............52,770.....................40 ............0.114 ........... 0.114............0.109............0.111.............. 0.110.............0.001 .............0.909 ................0.109..............0.109...................0.110 ....................9,990,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................10,551 ............ 26,837......................12 ........... 2.530 ...........2.550 ...........2.530........... 2.545 .............2.530 ............0.015 ............. 0.593 ................2.550..............2.550...................2.650..................242,938,561........1.000 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 2,543,204 .....475,369................... 157 ............0.189 ........... 0.191............0.183 ............0.187 ............. 0.186.............0.001 ............. 0.538 ................0.184.............. 0.183...................0.184...................28,064,025.........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ...........................4,034 .................. 636........................3 ............0.159 ........... 0.159 ...........0.156 ............0.156 ............. 0.156............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.156 .............. 0.156...................0.158...................14,826,240.........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ............................................................... 1,500 ..................480........................1 ........... 0.320 ...........0.320 ...........0.320........... 0.322 .............0.322 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.320..............0.314...................0.320 ..................16,100,000 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................42,521 .............50,591........................8 ............1.190 ........... 1.190............ 1.185 ............1.190 ............. 1.190............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.190 .............. 1.150...................1.190 ................. 238,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ..................................... 4,878 ............... 1,473........................1 ........... 0.302 ...........0.302 ...........0.302........... 0.306 .............0.306 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.302..............0.302...................0.308 .................410,257,337 ........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 1,106,386 ...... 193,025..................... 84 ............0.177 ........... 0.178 ...........0.170 ............0.174 ............. 0.174............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.170 ..............0.169...................0.170...................34,800,000 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................38,808 ............ 75,482.....................20 ............1.945 ........... 1.945 ...........1.945 ........... 1.945 .............1.945............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.945 ..............1.940...................1.945..................174,466,500........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER .................................................................251 .................. 784........................1 ............3.125 ........... 3.125 ...........3.125 ........... 3.470 .............3.470 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................3.125 ............. 0.000...................3.125 ....................2,776,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 216,139 .............12,763......................16 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.058........... 0.059 .............0.059 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.058..............0.058...................0.060 ..................12,221,932 .........0.100

The top gainer was Oman Textile Holding, up

OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE .........................................................4,506 .................. 580........................3 ............0.131 ........... 0.131............0.126............0.131 ............. 0.131 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.126 .............. 0.127...................0.135 ...................40,710,207 .........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ..............................................................18,066 ...............4,354........................1 ............0.241 ........... 0.241 ...........0.241........... 0.241 .............0.241 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.241..............0.241...................0.246 .................372,279,580........0.100

by 9.67 per cent, while the top loser was Ahli Bank, down by 4.52 per cent

OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .......12,582 ............ 24,912........................3 ............1.980 ........... 1.980 ...........1.980........... 1.980 .............1.980 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.980............. 0.000...................1.980..................136,620,000........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ..................................................... 19,357 ...............8,207........................7 ........... 0.424 ...........0.424 ...........0.424........... 0.424 .............0.424 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.424.............. 0.416...................0.424 ..................25,652,000.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................4,000 ...............1,400........................1 ........... 0.350 ...........0.350 ...........0.350........... 0.338 .............0.338 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.350..............0.338...................0.350...................74,701,380 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................59,938 .............13,066........................6 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.218........... 0.218 .............0.218............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.218 .............. 0.215...................0.219..................147,125,460 ........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 348,610 ........... 88,504.....................22 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.252........... 0.254 .............0.255 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.392 ...............0.252..............0.250...................0.252 ..................25,400,000.........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,668,525 ......838,564..................... 85 ........... 0.504 ...........0.504 ...........0.500........... 0.502 .............0.504 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.397 ...............0.500..............0.500...................0.502 ...............1,150,494,944 ......0.100

MUSCAT: Following global cues, the MSM30 Index saw a renewed sell-off to end on a negative note at 5,804.81 points, down by 1.14 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 916.99 points, down by 0.45 per cent.

Al Anwar Holding was the most active in terms of volume while Ominvest was the most active turnover wise. Tuesday’s top gainer remained Oman Textile Holding, up by 9.67 per cent, while the top loser was Ahli Bank, down by 4.52 per cent.

A total number of 934 trades were executed during the trading session generating turnover of OMR3.7 million with more than 14.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 46 traded securities, nine advanced, 15 declined and 22 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers for OMR462,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR434,000 followed

by GCC and Arab investors for OMR28,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index continued its downtrend to close at 6,985.81 points, down by 1.17 per cent. Al Madina Takaful, Oman & Emir-

ates Holding, Al Sharqia Investments and Al Anwar Holding increased 4.71 per cent, 0.93 per cent, 0.91 per cent and 0.54 per cent respectively. Ahli Bank, HSBC Bank, Bank Sohar, Ominvest and Gulf Investment Services declined 4.52 per cent, 2.54 per cent, 2.26 per cent, 2.12 per cent and 0.91 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index declined 0.19 per cent to close at 7,589.38 points. Oman Textile Holdings, Oman Fisheries and Construction Materials increased 9.67 per cent, 8.16 per cent and 2.86 per cent respectively. Al Hassan Engineering, Al Maha Ceramics, Galfar Engineering and Contracting and Al Jazeera Steel decreased 3.33 per cent, 1.15 per cent, 0.97 per cent and 0.48 per cent respectively.

Services Index retreated 0.64 per cent to close at 3,239.09. Sharqiyah Desalination and Sembcorp Salalah rose by 1.90 per cent and 0.59 per cent, respectively.

Omantel, Renaissance Services, Al Suwadi Power and Ooredoo shares fell 3.51 per cent, 1.73 per cent, 1.38 per cent and 1.11 per cent, respectively. - United Securities

OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 144,972 ............30,315........................7 ............0.210 ........... 0.210 ...........0.200 .......... 0.209 .............0.210 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.476 ...............0.200 ............ 0.200...................0.210...................26,103,674 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 725,630 ............79,085.....................24 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.107 ........... 0.109 ............. 0.110............-0.001 ........... -0.909 ...............0.107 ..............0.105...................0.107.....................6,413,911...........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 476,732 ........... 48,597..................... 49 ............0.106 ........... 0.106 ...........0.100........... 0.102 .............0.103............-0.001 ........... -0.971................0.100..............0.100...................0.101 ...................29,578,025 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 143,504 .........102,454..................... 25 ............0.716 ........... 0.716............0.712 ............0.712 .............0.720 ...........-0.008 ............-1.111 ................0.716 .............. 0.716...................0.720................. 463,472,292 .......0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................. 89,621 ............ 46,388......................16 ........... 0.522 ...........0.522 ...........0.514 ............0.518 .............0.524 ...........-0.006 ............-1.145................0.514 .............. 0.514...................0.518 ...................27,195,000 .........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .....................................................13,765 ...............2,959........................1 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.215 ............0.215 .............0.218............-0.003 ............-1.376................0.215 .............. 0.215...................0.217..................153,597,363 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 141,012 ............ 23,963......................14 ............0.171 ........... 0.171............0.169 ........... 0.170 ............. 0.173............-0.003 ............-1.734................0.170 ..............0.170...................0.175 ...................49,410,674 .........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 2,210,500... 1,021,961..................... 47 ........... 0.466 ...........0.466 ...........0.460........... 0.462 .............0.472 ...........-0.010 ............-2.119................0.462............. 0.000...................0.462 .................255,422,079 .......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 710,365.......... 123,086......................16 ............0.175 ........... 0.175............0.170 ............0.173 ............. 0.177............-0.004 ........... -2.260 ...............0.170 ..............0.170...................0.175 ..................249,369,120........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 332,689 ........... 38,207......................11 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............0.113 ............0.115 ............. 0.118............-0.003 ........... -2.542 ...............0.113 ...............0.113................... 0.115 ..................230,035,971........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION .......................... 45,514 ............. 75,117..................... 27 ............1.650 ........... 1.660 ...........1.650 ............1.650 ............. 1.710 ............-0.060 ........... -3.509 ...............1.650 .............. 1.645...................1.650................1,237,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ........................................................................ 9,827 ................1,871........................3 ............0.192 ........... 0.192 ...........0.190........... 0.190 ............. 0.199............-0.009 ........... -4.523 ...............0.190..............0.190...................0.202 .................270,756,867........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 12,127,133.. 3,519,144................... 731 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......34........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001053 ............OMAN TEXTILE HOLDING .......................................6,000 ............... 1,770........................2 ........... 0.295 ...........0.295 ...........0.295........... 0.295 .............0.269 ........... 0.026............. 9.665 ................0.295..............0.295...................0.000 ................... 1,770,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 329,970 ............ 17,412......................18 ........... 0.049 ........... 0.053 ...........0.049........... 0.053 .............0.049 ........... 0.004............. 8.163 ................0.053.............. 0.051...................0.000 ...................6,625,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 165,130 ...............5,972..................... 10 ........... 0.035 ........... 0.037 ...........0.035........... 0.036 .............0.035 ............0.001 ............. 2.857 ................0.036..............0.035...................0.037....................3,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001046............PACKAGING CO. LTD ....................................................4,840 .............. 2,304........................2 ............0.476 ........... 0.476 ...........0.476........... 0.476 .............0.476 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.476............. 0.000...................0.000 ...................1,428,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS .................................................10,000 .............. 4,920........................3 ........... 0.492 ...........0.492 ...........0.492........... 0.492 .............0.492 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.492..............0.464...................0.492...................77,490,000 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,135,900 ........ 73,834..................... 33 ........... 0.065 ...........0.065 ...........0.065........... 0.065 .............0.065 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.065..............0.064...................0.065...................97,500,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 932,547 ..........138,754....................118 ............0.149 ........... 0.149 ...........0.148 ........... 0.149 .............0.149............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.149 ..............0.148...................0.149.................. 217,927,618 ........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 100,000 ..............8,726........................5 ........... 0.088 ...........0.088 ...........0.087........... 0.087 .............0.090 ...........-0.003 ........... -3.333 ...............0.087..............0.087...................0.089....................6,543,096 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,684,387......253,690....................191 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004602 ...........BANK MUSCAT CONV. BONDS 4.5 ........................ 99,103 ............. 11,100........................7 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.115 ...................33,907,900.........0.100 OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 ............................................ 1,560 ...................156........................2 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.100...................0.109.................... 7,150,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ............................................. 3,462 .................. 357........................1 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.103........... 0.103 .............0.103............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.103 .............. 0.101...................0.110 ...................32,923,196 .........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 .....................30,454 ...............2,863........................2 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.094........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.094..............0.095...................0.098................... 30,471,192 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 134,579 ............14,475......................12 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........4........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

B I L AT E R A L T R A D E

I N C U B AT I O N PAC T

Czech trade team explores investment opportunities Times News Service MUSCAT: A delegation from Czech Republic expressed interest to expand its investment relations with Oman during avisit to the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) on Tuesday within the framework of the Czech delegation’s current visit to the Sultanate. The two sides discussed aspects of cooperation through boosting trade and investment.

Officials from PEIE briefed the delegates on the vision, mission and main services of PEIE and highlighted the various industrial estates that fall under its umbrella throughout the Sultanate in addition to Knowledge Oasis Muscat and Al Mazunah Free Zone.

The officials highlighted the vision of PEIE, which is to enhance the Sultanate’s position as a leading regional centre of manufacturing, ICT, innovation and entrepreneurship excellence, and its mission in attracting industrial investments and providing continued support, through regionally and globally competitive strategies, good infrastructure, value adding services, and easy governmental processes. The Czech delegates also familiarised themselves with the objectives of PEIE. They were acquainted with the value-adding initiatives managed by PEIE, which include Origin Oman Campaign, National Business Centre, Industrial Innovation Centre, Human Resources Development Centre, and Communication and Investor Services Centre.

HELPING HAND: This agreement comes in line with the National Business Centre’s main objective of supporting entrepreneurs with unique business ideas. — Supplied picture

National Business Centre signs pact with Omani firm Times News Service MUSCAT: National Business Centre (NBC), which is part of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), signed an agreement to incubate Global Chrome Company as the latter will benefit from NBC’s support dedicated to the small and medium enterprises.

The agreement was signed by Malak Al Shaibani, director general of NBC, and Nadhim Al Rawahi, executive director of Global Chrome Company, and Mohamed Al Kharusi, general manager of Global Chrome Company.

Commenting on this, Al Rawahi said, “We are proud that Global Chrome Company is 100 per cent Omani, which aims to advance the domestic value-added of the country in the field of oil, gas and petrochemicals through creating job and training opportunities for Omanis.”

The NBC will counsel and guide the company, provide intensive training, coach and men-

tor with the aspiration of building entrepreneurial skills through a cutting-edge environment that allows entrepreneurs to flourish, network, form partnerships, and have access to business mentors.

This agreement comes in line with the National Business Centre’s main objective to support entrepreneurs with unique business ideas.

The centre presents an ultimate platform to support entrepreneurs and start-ups in order to achieve the desired growth in the domestic market and explore access to competition outside the country.

Global Chrome Company is an Omani company established in 2015 by young Omani entrepreneurs and is registered with the Public Authority of SME. The company is registered in business gateway as first grade under the supplier code: OM102392.

Global Chrome Company provides technical services in oil, gas and petrochemicals industry.

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Hyundai Motor set to showcase its sub-brand ‘N’ at Motor Show The sub-brand N will build new momentum for an exciting driving performance and provide emotional driving experience for customers

MUSCAT: Hyundai Motor will showcase its high performance sub-brand N at the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2015.

The result of intensive testing and product development, the sub-brand N builds on Hyundai Motor’s successful motorsport experiences and technology capability to drive future performanceoriented and race-track-capable models forward and bring ‘the most thrilling winding road’ fun to customers who truly love cars, says a press release.

The N builds on not just Hyun-

dai Motor’s continued advancement as a primary competitor in World Rally Championship (WRC) but also on the company’s dedication and investment to create striking and pioneering high performance cars.

It capitalises on Hyundai Motor’s fast-growing strength and signifies the pace of change within the brand, matching the company’s ambition to challenge perceptions by making real and emotional connections with customers.

Highlighting Hyundai Motor’s passion for performance and engi-

neering competency, a preview of the New Generation i20 WRC car will appear on stage during the motor show to demonstrate Hyundai Motor’s performance ambition.

Based on the New Generation i20, the rally car is the first prototype for the vehicle that will challenge for the podium in the 2016 WRC. Already undergoing a pun-

VA L U E D E A L S

ishing testing, engineering and development regime, the new car is building up to its final rally-specification ahead of its debut at the start of the 2016 FIA World Rally Cham-

pionship at Rallye Monte Carlo.

Furthermore, an ultimate concept car showing the brand’s perspective on future performance characteristics will be introduced during the Motor Show. The ‘Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo’ concept highlights sustainable technology and race car design, truly representing the future potential of Hyundai N. Through this new concept, Hyundai Motor is engaging further with its fans and the online community by making Hyundai’s passion and performance accessible to millions of people around the world.

In addition, the Hyundai RM15 concept car will be displayed, representing the company’s passion for performance and suggesting how the Hyundai N driver-focused technologies could come into production. The mid-engine concept, with a 2.0-litre 300ps engine, is undergoing further developments to apply high-performance technology to Hyundai Motor cars in many exciting ways.

INTER-SCHOOL CONTEST

OSN announces Back to School offers MUSCAT: OSN announced the most exciting limited time back to school offers for both new and existing subscribers.

Now viewers have a choice to subscribe or renew to OSN platinum HD, Premier HD and Premier Packages to avail two months free viewing by subscribing one year.

The offer doesn’t end here; it also covers free dish, LNB and accessories along with free installation for all new subscribers. The two months free offer can be availed both for cash and credit card payments, says a press release.

OSN also announces free OSN HD box on new sales with entertainment package in addition to free OSN Plus HD box on new sales with entertainment extra package. OSN Plus HD box is an internet enabled satellite receiver and recorder.

Now OSN takes entertainment

experience to a whole new level with all the best TV channels, the latest movies and series, sports, OSN On Demand HD and various HD content. Also with recently launched OSN Play, subscribers now can watch their favorite shows, movies, live sports and Arabic shows on their laptops, iPods and iPads on the move.

OSN is the home to over 145

channels and services filled with great value entertainment, offering viewers in the Mena region exclusive access to the latest blockbuster movies, top rated series, sports, documentaries, news, kid’s entertainment and live talk shows.

The movie offering includes over a 100 uncut and uninterrupted movie premieres a month.

OSN boasts the most compre-

hensive portfolio of exclusive rights from all the major studios including Warner Brothers, Paramount, Fox, Disney, Sony, MGM, NBCUniversal, HBO and DreamWorks and offers access to the world’s leading television brands including Disney channel, Sky News, Discovery Network and National Geographic.

Mustafa Sultan Enterprises Entertainment Factory (Pay-Tv) division is pioneer in Pay TV business for more than 20 years and is the distributor for OSN in Oman.

Besides OSN, MSE-EF is a leading distributor for beIN Sports.

They have a showroom in Al Khuwair and three kiosks at Muscat City Centre, Qurum City Centre and Muscat Grand Mall.

MSE-EF also offers the Pay Tv services through their sub dealers spread across in all major towns of the Sultanate.

ZUBAIR SEC SUPPORT

Pakistan School Muscat conducts quiz competition

EnvoIdeal signs pact with Blue Vision Trading to market, promote its products MUSCAT: In coordination with Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC), Al Mithaliyah Printing Press (EnvoIdeal), a Zubair SEC member, has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Blue Vision Trading to market and promote ‘Envoideal’ range of stationery products within Oman and potentially to export markets.

The agreement comes as part of Zubair SEC’s strategy to support aspiring Omani entrepreneurs and SME’s, and to establish enduring partnerships between SME’s and larger companies in the Sultanate. The formation of such partnerships support the stability and growth of small and medium sized enterprises in Oman, expanding relationships and accelerating the rise of fledgling small businesses.

The Envoideal range of stationery products are the first Omani produced eco-friendly envelopes, made from local recycled materi-

als, says a press release.

Owned by Yousuf Thani Al Jabri, Envoideal was one of the winning projects of Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme in 2015. Every year, new members to Zubair SEC compete by submitting their new business ideas, or proposals to expand their existing small enterprise, and in doing so can benefit from gaining much needed direct support from the centre.

According to the memorandum of understanding, Blue Vision Trading will represent Envoideal to market and promote the envelopes in the local market according to the action plan and agreed goals between the two parties.

Blue Vision Trading will also follow customer’s satisfaction and the feedback received on the product, besides following up with after sale service. Under the terms of the agreement, the product will be promoted in both private and

public sectors, with future plans to grow sales of the eco-friendly stationery range to export markets.

Commenting on signing the MoU, Yousuf Al Jabri, owner of Al Mithaliyah Printing Press (EnvoIdeal) noted, “The idea of the project started with thinking of how I can produce eco-friendly envelopes made from locally recycled materials. This will achieve two main goals; promoting Omani products and minimising the negative effects on the environment by making use of recycled material. After joining Zubair SEC as a member, I started working with the advisers at the centre who guided me on how to implement the idea; as a result, Envoideal was one of the winning projects for the 2015 Direct Support Programme.”

Ali Shaker, Business Adviser at Zubair SEC added, “One of the most valuable forms of assistance we can provide to local entrepreneurs is to help them promote and

sell their products in the market.

Yousuf Al Jabri is one of our hard working members with determination to provide genuine Omani products, backed with the strong vision of preserving the environment. We are pleased to see this partnership between EnvoIdeal and Blue Vision Trading, which will greatly assist the sales and marketing of the product locally and regionally.”

Zubair SEC includes more than 250 members. The centre delivers on the vision of The Zubair Corporation to contribute effectively in supporting a growing Omani economy by motivating young Omani entrepreneurs towards creativity, and giving them the valuable skills needed to succeed in the rapidly growing SME sector. Zubair SEC has signed multiple agreements with a number of companies in order to open areas of cooperation for SME’s across different sectors in the Sultanate.

MUSCAT: An inter-schools Fahad Shaheed Quiz Competition was held in Pakistan School Muscat recently. This competition was named after S. Fahad, who passed away in a school bus accident in 2014.

This quiz competition was marked by the participation of five branches of Pakistan School System namely Pakistan School Muscat, Pakistan School Sohar, Pakistan School Mussanah, Pakistan School Nizwa and lastly Pakistan School Seeb, says a press release.

This competition comprised three levels. The first level included students of Class VI and P-I to 8 and P-III, from Grade IX and S-I to Grade X and S-II formed group two and the third group was marked by Grades XI, XII, AS and A-II. The programme started with the few verses of the Holy Quran recited by Bilal Faisal of S-II. Atta Ullah Niazi, the senior principal of Pakistan School Systems, gave the ceremonial welcome.

The programme was hosted

by Humaira Chaudhry. Waseem Iqbal, member, Board of Directors, was the chief guest whereas Nazish Haq, the mother of martyred S. Fahad, attended the competition as the guest of honour.

In his address, Atta ullah Niazi regarded the global inside story to be vitally important for the students along with understanding the very spirit of Pakistan Movement. Furthermore, he sketched the students as the ambassadors of the Pakistan who must work hard to ascend the graph of achievements skyward.

In the ceremony, three national songs were presented. The programme was conducted by

Fahad Shaheed Quiz Competition was marked by the participation of five branches of Pakistan School System namely Pakistan School Muscat, Pakistan School Sohar, Pakistan School Mussanah, Pakistan School Nizwa and lastly Pakistan School Seeb the three teachers namely Atif Naveed, Mushtaq Hussain and Sabir Hussain. Sadaf Shafqat complied the scores and Atta ullah Niazi and the principal PSM Khalid Jadoon formed the jury.

The ceremony was summed up with the results. Shuja Khaliq and A. Hanan of Pakistan School Muscat secured the first position in Group 1 while in group –II, Iman Khalid and Emaan Tariq of PSM stole the show by being the winners. Last but not the least, in group-III Ruman ul Haq and Turab Ali of Pakistan School Nizwa held the trophy.

The trophies to the winners and the certificates to the participants were given away by the chief guest and the guest of honour.

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ROUND-UP All-new Jeep Renegade available at Dhofar Automotive showrooms The Jeep Renegade symbolises the brand’s renowned American design, ingenuity and innovation, marking the Jeep brand’s first entry into the small SUV segment

MUSCAT: The all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade expands the brand’s vehicle lineup, entering the growing compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment in the Sultanate as world-over, but staying 100% true to the adventurous lifestyle and 4x4 capability Jeep is known for.

The Jeep Renegade symbolises the brand’s renowned American design, ingenuity and innovation, marking the Jeep brand’s first entry into the small SUV segment.

Renegade expands the brand’s product portfolio and targets the rapidly expanding small SUV segment with a best-in-class combi-

nation of fuel efficiency and offroad capability, while at the same time delivering the outstanding driving dynamics and open-air freedom customers expect from Jeep, says a press release.

Biju Luckose, marketing manager of Dhofar Automotive, said: “The Jeep Renegade delivers a unique combination of best-inclass off-road capability, open-air freedom and convenience, segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission that contributes to outstanding on-road and off-road driving dynamics, fuel-efficient engine, world-class refinement

and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology offerings.

The result is an efficient vehicle created to attract youthful and adventurous customers, to the Jeep brand competitively priced starting from transactional value of OMR9,000.”

Leveraging 4x4 technology from the Jeep Cherokee, the all-new 2015 Jeep Renegade offers two of

the most advanced and intelligent 4x4 systems in its class, all to deliver best-in-class off-road capability.

The 2015 Renegade builds on the Jeep’s powerful stance, and features fresh new styling with rugged body forms and aggressive proportions. For segment-exclusive panoramic views, two available “My Sky” open-air roof panel systems conveniently stow to pro-

S TAT E - O F - T H E -A R T FA C I L I T Y

vide passengers open-air freedom with ease.

The Renegade interior features a rugged and energetic appearance that builds upon Jeep’s legendary brand heritage.

This small SUV’s precisely crafted detail, innovative and highquality colour and material appointments, state-of-the-art technology, and clever storage draw

inspiration from contemporary extreme sports gear and lifestyles.

The Jeep Renegade has also raised the bar again, this time in the small SUV class, with the first available nine-speed automatic transmission. That’s not all; the Renegade has a 2.4-litre Tigershark, four-cylinder engine along with technology features once found only in upper-segment vehicles, which makes them attainable to customers in the growing small SUV segment - including awardwinning Uconnect touch screens and the segment’s largest full-colour instrument cluster.

Safety and security were at the forefront in the development of the 2015 Jeep Renegade, setting the stage for up to 70 available safety and security features, including the segment’s first availability of Forward Collision Warning-Plus and LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus.

Dhofar Automotive showroom can be visited from Saturday to Thursday between 8am and 1pm or 4pm and 8pm.

ANNUAL CONTEST

TAC opens new showroom in Ibra MUSCAT: In its quest to reach out to more customers and provide them with high quality products and services, Towell Auto Centre (TAC) — a leading automobile distributor in Oman — recently inaugurated a new state-of-the-art showroom at Ibra.

This sterling new showroom with an elegant spacious ambience and advanced facilities will house the top auto brands such as Mazda, Geely, Zhengzhou Nissan commercial vehicles, Higer buses & pick ups, JAC trucks and international trucks, says a press release.

Riyadh Ali Sultan, director of TAC comments: “At TAC, our endeavor is to make our customers’ car owning experience as unique as possible. To this end, we have invested in this new showroom at

Ibra. This showroom is completely up to date with modern retailing and has a much larger and more comfortable customer waiting area. We are also expanding the number of cars displayed within our showroom and each car will be showcased in the best possible

way. We hope our customers in and around Ibra will enjoy the exclusiveness and premium quality that our new showroom has to offer.”

Amongst the pioneers in the automobile business in Oman since 1972, TAC celebrates 43 years of being recognised as a trusted

name in customer service. A subsidiary of the W J Towell Group, TAC takes off from the principle of its parent company and ensures the easy availability of high quality motor products coupled with the highest standard of service to its esteemed customers.

TAC bases its definition of success on four pillars of focus – customer satisfaction, employee retention, profitability and market share. With every market strategy and business dealing they reinforce these focal points and thrust themselves a step closer to prosperity. To continue their growth and business, TAC is constantly finding newer global markets, joining hands with international brands and relentlessly pursuing a retail expansion strategy.

M U S I C F E S T I VA L

Audi Oman sponsors ‘Sunburn Reload’ first time in Oman. The many different styles of electronic dance music and superb hi-tech audio visual experiences thrilled the audience and made Sunburn Reload a night to remember.”

MUSCAT: Audi Oman supported one of the year’s most anticipated events ‘Sunburn’, as it debuted in the Sultanate at popular night spot On The Rocks.

A high-powered concept, this ‘taster’ event was all about giving a subliminal flavour of the ultimate music festival — Sunburn Goa, which is one of the world’s largest and most successful dance festivals, says a press release.

Electronic dance music With varied styles of electronic dance music (EDM) being played at the event together with a spectacular technical set-up of visuals,

Sunburn Reload’s highly energised musical experience was an event ideally suited for the brand with the four rings and their brand philosophy of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ – Advancement through Tech-

nology and enhancing the Audi customer experience through the latest technological solutions.

Faisal Nawaz, marketing manager, Audi Oman said: “We are pleased to have supported this event for the

Music tourism Launched in 2007, Sunburn is a synergy of music, entertainment and lifestyle that attracts music tourism in India and spread its wings across the globe to Sri Lanka in 2012 and Dubai in 2013.

Sunburn is set to become a sanctuary for forward-thinking music fans looking for life-affirming experiences.

Bank Nizwa supports Quran competition MUSCAT: Bank Nizwa, in partnership with Bahla Club, sponsored the second annual Quran Competition, which saw the participation of over 200 contestants from the wilayats of Bahla, Nizwa and Al Hamra.

A special ceremony was held to honour the winners under the patronage of Sheikh Saud bin Sulaiman bin Himyar Al Nabhani, State Adviser and participation of senior officials from the bank, says a press release.

The competition had four categories including memorisation of six, four, three and two parts of the Holy Quran. Winners of the part six memorisation category were Ayman bin Ghanim Al Abri from Wilayat Al Hamra and Thuraya bint Ahmed Al Toobi from Wilayat Nizwa. As for the other categories, Mazen bin Haroon Al Nabhani from Wilayat

Nizwa and Al Zahra bint Ali Al Shuraiqy from Wilayat Bahla won the part four memorisation, while Al Muntassir bin Abdulrahman Al Rubani from Wilayat Bahla and Al Balja bint Zaher Al Abri from Wilayat Al Hamra won the part three category and Huthaifah bin Hafedh Al Busaidi and Dua’a bint Mubarak Al Busaidi from Wilayat Nizwa won first place in the part two memorisation category.

Bank Nizwa had also recently sponsored the 2015 annual Quran Memorisation Competition in partnership with Ka’ab Bin Zaid School in the Wilayat of Seeb. These initiatives come as part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility agenda, which aims to continue collaborating with the local community in support of social, economic, and educational development.

B AC K- T O - S C H O O L T R E AT S

A’Saffa promises ‘pure and healthy’ meal options for schoolgoing children MUSCAT: Delighted children across the Sultanate of Oman can now enjoy wholesome meals with A’Saffa Foods’ pure and tasty range of products, as the brand’s Back-to-School treats comprise chicken nuggets, burger, franks, fingers and fillets that make a tasty and wholesome meal for all schoolgoing children.

A’Saffa products are made with halal chicken and contains no hormones, steroids or chicken substitutes. The Back-to-School range of products are produced in the state-of-the-art production plant (fully automated, untouched by hand) in Muscat and is available in supermarkets and retail outlets across the country.

Parents can safely pack their children A’Saffa’s wholesome meal and enjoy peace of mind, says a press release.

Each of their products comes with a promise of purity of natural ingredients and fresh taste.

Well known as one of the largest food producers in the Sultanate — A’Saffa Foods has designed

the ‘Back-to-School’ products to encourage students and families in Oman to make healthy food choices.

Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing & Sales said: “We have received an overwhelming response for our Back-to-School products which we hope will encourage as many students as possible to choose A’Saffa food products for a meal – enabling them to fully concentrate on their studies. In keeping with this, we have also launched special value packs, in order to encourage parents to pro-

vide their children with A’Saffa’s pure and healthy eating options.”

The Back-to-School promotion is yet another stride forward for A’Saffa Foods who have taken huge steps in becoming one of the leading food producers in Oman and across the region — as it has diversified into new areas — building on the success of its products that use the best quality ingredients that are healthy, tasty and pure halal.

A’Saffa Foods, value added processed food plant in Muscat, is the largest fully automated stateof-the-art plant in the Sultanate of Oman, producing processed chicken, meat and beef food products under the brand name of ‘A’Saffa’, ‘Khayrat’ and ‘Taybat’.

A’Saffa Foods is fully committed to offering a wide range of innovative products to its consumers and its partners.

The company recognises the importance of the quality commitment of its partners and is committed to deliver products of the highest quality.

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RECRUI

You must motivate yourself EVERYDAY! — Matthew Stasior

JOB POSTINGS

CAREER COACH

Effective ways to manage demands of after-hours work HAVE you ever gotten an e-mail from your supervisor’s secretary late one afternoon, just as you were wrapping up for the day, saying: “The boss needs to see you now”? Or worse, the summons came late Friday when you had plans to enjoy the night with your family?

What is it about 5pm that seems to entice managers to find more pressing things for their employees to do?

I have heard from employees lamenting the fact that their bosses pile on more work or ask to see them after hours and on the weekend. Some of these requests are legitimate, and some jobs require critical immediate decisions and actions. But do all jobs?

What can we do to better manage expectations for after-hour work without getting fired?

Good communication is important in any conversation you have with your boss. Clear, concise comments, delivered in a calm tone and face-to-face are your best bet. E-mail or texting your concerns is not the best way to approach these issues.

Ask your manager to prioritise your assignments. Sometimes bosses are not even aware of the vast number of projects they have dumped on their employees.

Present data to your boss about the hours you have worked. Maybe you’re supposed to work 40 hours but your manager has had you working 60 to 70 for the past month. Perhaps you were initially helping out since staff had left and positions had not yet been filled. Document what you have

been doing and calmly share it.

Work with your manager to set more realistic expectations. This can help eliminate or postpone the extra work your boss throws at you.

Before you talk to your manager, practice what you’ll say. Have someone role-play the scenario so you can practice how you will respond to questions or issues.

This will give you increased confidence when you do meet.

If the conversation gets heated, take a break. It’s better to come back to the issue again when both parties have had more time to reflect.

Bosses can also do some things: Rethink “the boss needs to see you” e-mails or messages without any explanation. They can come across as a summons and be very stressful for your employees, especially if they don’t know why you want to see them.

If you want healthy (lessstressed) employees, don’t send e-mails after hours on weekdays or weekends in jobs where the work does not have to be done right away.

If you have to send an email regarding work after hours, let your employee know if he or she has to respond right away. Certainly don’t flag it as urgent if it really isn’t. Allow your employees time in the evenings or weekends to see their families and friends, to engage in their hobbies, and to reconnect with their communities. Not only will they come back more refreshed, but they may become more loyal as well. — Joyce E. A. Russell/The Washington Post

QUOTES Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. — Thomas Jefferson It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ballpark. —David Ogilvy

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Bank Muscat e-channel network and branches redefine banking excellence Marked by speed, convenience and security, electronic banking channels, notably mobile banking, online banking and ATM/ CDM network enable financial transactions anytime from anywhere

MUSCAT: Serving the largest banking family in Oman with state-of-the-art electronic channel services and the widest network of branches, Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, has redefined banking service excellence.

Marked by speed, convenience and security, electronic banking channels, notably mobile banking, online banking and ATM/CDM network enable financial transactions anytime from anywhere. Bank Muscat customers are increasingly moving to electronic banking channels, the preference being mainly due to factors such as the adaptive

and flexible nature of services. The bank is focused on adding value and engaging customers through their preferred banking channels, says a press release.

With the largest electronic channel network in Oman, innovations adopted by Bank Muscat are characteristic of the network of 436 ATMs and 157 cash deposit machines (CDMs), mobile banking, internet banking, point of sales (PoS) machines and the Call Centre offering 24/7 banking service.

ATM/CDMs form a pillar of customer service and Bank Muscat can proudly claim that its largest network of ATMs and CDMs

spread across the country is the preferred choice. Being a member of OmanSwitch and GCCNet, customers from any bank in Oman, the GCC countries and from around the world can use Bank Muscat ATMs for their cash requirements.

Reinforcing customer service and enhancing convenience, the bank has launched an additional service in the ATM/CDM network. The new service features state-of-the-art integrated ATM/ CDM machines in select branches and offsite locations across the Sultanate. Equipped with cut-

SOCIAL COMMITMENT

ting edge technology, the new machines have higher capacity and enhanced capability of deposit, withdrawal and bank transactions integrated in one unit, thus adding to customer convenience.

The key benefits and services of the full function ATM/CDM machines include cash withdrawal, cash deposit, cheque deposit, balance enquiry, mini statement, fund transfer within Bank Muscat accounts and to other bank accounts, speed transfer to India by cash, utility bill and school fee payment by bank accounts or cash, credit card payment by bank accounts or cash, mobile top-ups by bank accounts or by cash, cheque book request and PIN change.

Said Al Badai, DGM – Branches, said: “Bank Muscat is committed to investments in state-of-the-art technology to further increase efficiency. The bank enjoys an edge in hi-tech products and services, including electronic payment and web-based services, in tune with the banking requirements of a young, tech-savvy generation.”

The bank’s state-of-the-art mobile banking service has made banking truly mobile for the larg-

est banking family in Oman who can bank 24/7 ‘anytime, anywhere’. Notably, the mBanking application works on most of the mobile phones and is customised for iPhones, Blackberry, Android and Java based phones with simple icons and menus. The mobile banking service is available in both English and Arabic.

Customers can avail mBanking for fund transfers to other banks in Oman, account balance enquiries and transaction details, utility bill payment, speed transfer to India, request for issue of cheque book, credit card statement and currency exchange rates enquiry.

Al Badai said: “A keen perception of customer requirements enables Bank Muscat to develop products in line with the current and emerging needs. Continuous innovation of products has resulted in customers reaping valuable benefits. With the widest reach in serving customers and the largest network of 140 branches in the Sultanate, Bank Muscat exceeds customer expectations at all levels.”

The enhanced ‘anytime, anywhere’ online banking offers an array of service to retail and cor-

porate customers. The simpleto-use 24/7 service is available in both English and Arabic at https:// www.bankmuscatonline.com Retail customers are provided with an online registration facility so that the registration can be done by customers themselves without having to fill any forms. Existing online banking customers can upgrade their access to the new system online.

The online banking service facilitates fund transfers between own accounts, to third party accounts in Bank Muscat, to other bank accounts in Oman, international transfers and speed transfer to India. The facility provides access to account details and balances relating to accounts, fixed deposits, loans and credit cards. Transaction statements are also available relating to accounts, fixed deposits, loans and credit cards.

Online bill payment facility covers utility services such as electricity, water, mobile, landline, internet, school fees and Bank Muscat credit cards. Customers can also make standing orders for one-time and recurring payments using the online banking service.

LUCKY WINNERS

Sohar Islamic extends support to Al Rahma Charity Team MUSCAT: Always keen to support a great cause, Sohar Islamic, Bank Sohar’s Islamic Banking window, recently made a significant contribution to the Al Rahma Charity Team.

The donation was made towards providing over 500 underprivileged children with school bags and other essentials for the beginning of the new school semester, says a press release.

The donation cheque was handed over at the bank’s head office to Bader bin Saif Al Jabri, Orphan Team Leader at Al Rahma Charity Team by Munira Abdulnabi Macki, DGM of Human Resource and Corporate Support, Bank Sohar in the presence of Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, AGM & head of Marketing and Publicity, Bank Sohar.

Speaking on the rationale behind this donation, Munira commented, “We have always placed great importance on the wellbeing of the children in our community and their education as well as deeply committed towards helping improve their quality of life.

“With this donation, we hope to bring a smile to more than 500 underprivileged children as well

as encourage a positive attitude towards school and education by helping each student start the year with the necessary supplies to achieve success.”

This donation marks the first time that Sohar Islamic has supported Al Rahma Charity Team.

Thanking Sohar Islamic for its support, Said Harib bin Faraj Al Busaidi, Member of the Board of Directors at Al Rahma Charity Team said, “With the new school year having recently started, these bags and school essentials will ensure that each of these children have the tools they need to succeed. On behalf of the Team, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sohar Islamic for its generous contribution in making this happen.”

Mitsubishi holds Ramadan grand raffle draw in Azaiba MUSCAT: General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Oman, recently conducted its Ramadan grand raffle draw at its showroom in Azaiba officially bringing its Ramadan seasonal festivities to a close.

The draw, which was held under the auspices of Mark Tomlinson, the group general manager of the Zubair Automotive Group, saw the attendance of Rajesh Sharma, national marketing manager of GAC, and Greg Cottrell, national sales manager, together with other members of the sales team, says a press release.

The draw with a prize pool of OMR50,000 witnessed one grand prize winner of OMR5,000; two winners of OMR2,500 each; three winners of OMR2,000 each; and five winners of OMR1,000 each.

The event also witnessed over 180 additional cash prize winners as part of the draw, together with all remaining customers who purchased a vehicle during the Ramadan period also receiving a small

token from the prize pool.

Commenting on the success of the Ramadan season, Mark Tomlinson said, “The Ramadan season is always one of our most prominent, seeing the highest volume of sales of the year; 2015 was no different.

“As a matter of fact, we registered significant increase in sales during this year’s Ramadan season compared to the same period last year, making it one of our most successful campaigns to date. We introduced this new raffle with GAC as a way of welcoming our new customers into the Mitsubishi family, ensuring that every customer walks away a winner from the draw.”

On claiming his prize cheque, OMR2,500 winner Salim Al Ghafri said, “I purchased Mitsubishi L200 because it was perfect for my needs and is known to be as a strong vehicle that I can depend on for years to come. This is my first time purchasing a pickup and I chose Mitsubishi because of its good reputation in the mar-

ket and the high quality service provided to customers by GAC. In addition, I would like to thank the friendly sales staff for helping make the sales process quick and trouble free.”

Sayyed Tabrez Ali, winner of OMR1,000 shared his joy at being one of the winners. He said: “I was taken by surprise to be informed that I was one of the winners of OMR1,000. I am enjoying driving my new Mitsubishi Pajero, and can feel the real difference shifting from a saloon car to the powerful Pajero. It is the best family car and the price matches the high performance!”

“On behalf of Mitsubishi and GAC, I would like congratulate each and every winner of the draw. I would also like to congratulate each of the four winners of our weekly iPhone 6 draws we conducted during the holy month. I would like to also thank all our new customer for choosing Mitsubishi and look forward to serving them in the future,” added Rajesh.

M E M O R I S AT I O N C O N T E S T

Muzn Islamic Banking sponsors Quran contest

MUSCAT: In line with its commitment to support initiatives within the local community, Muzn Islamic Banking, part of the National Bank of Oman, sponsored the recent Quran recital competition in Wilayat of Al Seeb.

The competition brought together young students from 55 local schools to recite verses from the Holy Quran from memory, says a press release.

Following the conclusion of the event, principals and administrators from various schools of Wilayat Al Seeb attended a cere-

mony to mark the end of the competition. During the event, Muzn Islamic Banking was honoured in recognition of its support to the community. Hassan Abdul Amir Shaban, head of Government Banking and Business Synergies at National Bank of Oman received the award on behalf of the bank.

Established in 2013 by National Bank of Oman, Muzn was the Sultanate’s first Islamic Banking window. Since then, the concept has gained significant momentum among customers.

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INDIA END TEST SERIES DROUGHT IN SRI LANKA India overcame a gallant century by

SPOR

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews to win the final match of the threeTest series by 117 runs on Tuesday and end a 22-year wait for a series victory on the island. >C3

YOUR GAME

S

Oman bag four medals at GCC meet in Doha

The opening day of the GCC championships saw the Sultanate swimmers winning two gold and two bronze medals

MUSCAT: Omani swimmers bagged two gold and two bronze medals on the opening day of the 25th GCC Aquatic Games at Hamad Water Sports Complex in Doha CRICKET

Cummins grateful for Starc support CARDIFF: Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins said he was glad to be able to call on teammate Mitchell Starc for advice as he re-establishes himself as an international cricketer.

At the age of 25, left-arm quick Starc is hardly a veteran but, nevertheless, he is the world’s No. 1 ranked bowler and was named player of the tournament for his starring role during Australia’s World Cup triumph on home soil earlier this year.

Australia are now set to face England in a five-match one-day series starting in Southampton on Thursday after Monday’s lone Twenty20 in Cardiff saw the tourists go down to a five-run defeat.

But in his four-over spell in Cardiff the 22-year-old Cummins bowled at sharp pace, an encouraging sign given the injuries that have already blighted his career.

“I guess when you’re the No.1 bowler in the world you automatically become a leader and someone that people try and speak to,” Cummins said of Starc. “He’s great...His yorkers are probably one of the best in the world, so I talk to him a little bit about that.”

There was evidence of Starc’s influence in the way Cummins, beset by injury problems during the past five years, bowled Alex Hales with a full toss after the England opener appeared to struggle with his sheer speed.

Cummins said a simple adjustment to his run-up had also played a role in his ability to top the 90mph mark.

“I’ve started measuring it for once — I used to step it out,” Cummins said. “Some games, from one end it’d be a metre in front of someone and down the other end it would be a metre behind.

“Now I’ve got the ruler and measuring tape out it’s a bit more consistent. I’m trying to get as many things consistent (as possible), so hopefully by the time I release the ball I don’t have to worry about all those things that came before and it’s pretty similar every ball.”

And Cummins said a clear head was helping him do what he does his best — bowl fast.

“In the first couple of overs if you can bowl quick and make it hard for them to get off to good starts the better (for the team). I just try and bowl quick.” - AFP

on Tuesday. The championships run till Friday.

The Games were inaugurated in the presence of Oman Swimming Association chief Taha bin Su-

laiman Al Kishry, who is also the chairman of the GCC Swimming Organising Committee.

For the Sultanate squad, Abdulrahman bin Yahya Al Kulaibi won the gold medal in the 200metre race.

Khalid bin Mohammed Al Kulaibi and Nidhal bin Sulaiman Al Harassi won bronze medals in the 800 metre free-style and 200 metre butterfly events respectively.

Later in the day, Abdulmajid Isa Al Adawi won a gold medal in the 400 metre freestyle.

He was followed by Qatar’s Abdullah Abu Ghazala and Bahrain’s

Khalid Paba in the second and third places respectively.

The Sultanate’s delegation to Doha event is being led by Rashid bin Mohammed Al Hashmi, a member of Oman Swimming Association board.

The technical and administrative body comprises head coach Kamal Khamri, Abdulrahman Muqatli and Mohammed Al Saheli coaches for the age groups teams, assistant coach Nabil Maqtouf, physiotherapist Mirzaq Sabour and manager Ahmed bin Hamad Al Saidi.

AWESOME WADI Wadi Bani Awf is one of most spectacular and dramatic Wadis in Oman. It crosses the Hajar mountain range from Al Rustaq to Balad Sayat then Al Hamra and Nizwa. >C11

FOOTBALL

Zico appeals to FIFA rivals for early debate BERNE: FIFA presidential candidate Zico has invited his potential rivals to take part in an early debate about soccer’s troubled governing body.

The former Brazil international has sent an email to Michel Platini, Musa Bility, David Nakhid and Chung Mong-Joon, who have also declared their intention to run, saying that “FIFA deserves a debate at this preliminary stage”.

“We all agree that FIFA needs to evolve into a much better organisation, particularly in matters of democracy and transparency,” said Zico in the email.

“Change, however, is not an event. It is a process and we must start by making sure this election is fair, transparent and democratic. It is of the utmost importance that all member associations get the chance to know better all potential candidates and their ideas as soon as possible.”

UEFA president Platini, a former French international, is considered the front-runner to win the election to replace the outgoing Sepp Blatter on February 26.

Zico has admitted that he faces a tough battle to get the written backing of five national associations (FAs) by October 26, as required by the FIFA electoral

rules, to allow him to run for the presidency.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have promised to support him only if he first gets the backing of four other FAs. Transparency Bility, president of the Liberian FA, is also struggling after failing to get the support of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). South African businessman and former political prisoner Tokyo Sexwale is also considering a bid and told reporters last week that he still had to make up his mind.

Zico said: “Einstein would say that insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, expecting different results. It is therefore very important that we build this election with much more democracy and transparency.

“It is time all member associations, its constituents and everybody concerned with football worldwide learn more about the potential candidates. Everybody interested in football should somehow participate in this election.”

“I invite you to join efforts in order to stimulate and organise a public debate with all the potential candidates at the earliest possible date.” - Reuters

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Watson’s pads take evasive action in ironic dismissal MELBOURNE: Shane Watson’s pads have never tired of planting themselves between ball and stumps but on Monday in Cardiff their failure to do so delivered the ultimate punchline at the Australian’s expense.

Dumped from the Test side after a pair of trademark lbw dismissals in the first Ashes clash, Watson had hoped for a decent score on his return to the Welsh capital for a one-off Twenty20 match against hosts England.

Instead, the hapless all-rounder trudged darkly back to the dressing room with eight runs after one of the most comical dismissals of his 10-year international career.

Watson played back to a delivery from bowler Steven Finn but watched in alarm as the ball

trickled towards the stumps. His attempt to kick it away connected with only fresh air, leaving a rueful Watson to watch it gently knock off a bail.

Raised chuckles Dismissed lbw nearly 30 times in Tests, Watson has rarely had any trouble getting his pads in the way, so the irony of his dismissal raised chuckles around the ground, not least the English coaching team who heartily enjoyed it from the balcony.

“It was a little bit unlucky, wasn’t it?” Australia captain Steve Smith, the non-striker at the time, smiled to reporters. “I guess that’s just the game of cricket though. It was a tough one for him and we had to rebuild after that.”

Australia failed to rebuild ad-

equately, losing the match by five runs. Though Watson’s Test career could very well be over, the 34-year-old is still a member of Australia’s limited overs squads and will pad up against England for the coming one-day series.

The same cannot be said for legspinner Cameron Boyce, whose one-off cameo added another element of farce to the tourists’ day.

Picked exclusively for the T20 match, Boyce was flown thousands of miles from Australia to bowl a single over, conceding 19 runs from it as a belligerent Moeen Ali smashed him for two sixes and a four.

He never returned for a second over and batting at 11th in the order, did not even get to the crease as Australia finished up short with eight wickets down. - Reuters

KICK AND MISS! Australia’s Shane Watson tries to kick the ball away as it tickles towards the stumps during their T20 International against England in Cardiff on Monday. – Reuters

England’s Morgan glad to justify Fraser’s faith Morgan had been struggling for runs at domestic level earlier in the season, averaging 26 in T20, 10.16 in first-class cricket and just 6.66 in the 50-over cup REST WORKED OUT WELL: Eoin Morgan

CARDIFF: England Twenty20 captain Eoin Morgan thanked his county boss Angus Fraser after marking his return to cricket with a fine 74 in his side’s five-run win over Australia in Cardiff on Monday.

Morgan had been struggling for runs at domestic level earlier in the season, averaging 26 in Twenty20, 10.16 in first-class cricket and just 6.66 in the 50-over cup.

He came into the county season having had a busy period where he led England in their woeful

50-over World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand before heading to the Twenty20 Indian Premier League.

It led him to ask Fraser, his boss at Middlesex and also an England selector, if he could take some time off from playing for the Lord’sbased county in a bid to get himself in the right frame of mind for England duty.

The result was Monday’s in-

nings and a stand of 135 in just 75 balls with fellow left-hander Moeen Ali (72 not out) that was the centrepiece of England’s 182 for five.

“Before the rest it had been about 11 months since I’d had a break, which is quite a long time to go,” said Morgan.

“If I’d have known I was going to be that busy in October, having the (England) captaincy role as well, I would have earmarked a break

before then. I’ve never asked for a break before and this time Gus and Middlesex were exceptional.

“We earmarked this one-day series, I need to be fresh for that, so it’s worked out well.”

Morgan praised the way inexperienced all-rounders David Willey and Ben Stokes bowled at the death.

Australia captain Steven Smith was threatening to win the match off his own bat and had reached 90 off just 53 balls when Willey had him caught at mid-wicket.

Ashes-winner Stokes then held his nerve when, with Australia needing 12 off the last over, he restricted them to six runs.

Stokes also kept his cool to dismiss Nathan Coulter-Nile and complete two run-outs.

“I hadn’t earmarked Ben, before the day had started, for bowling the last over of the game,” Morgan said. “It was a tough one but he took on the responsibility of bowling that over really well.”

Morgan also praised Willey, who starred in England’s T20 win over New Zealand in June.

“He’s brilliant,” said Morgan.

“A bit like Stokesy he just loves responsibility, he likes the limelight, he doesn’t shy away from taking it on.” - AFP

TOUGH CALL

Cook in search of opening partner LONDON: It is Test cricket’s equivalent of a lonely hearts advert: experienced opener seeks partner for meaningful relationship.

Yet for England captain Alastair Cook it is no joke. Since former skipper and first-wicket colleague Andrew Strauss retired in 2012, left-hander Cook has had six partners at the top of the order.

This season saw Adam Lyth join a list that includes Nick Compton, Joe Root, Michael Carberry, Sam Robson and Jonathan Trott, who has since retired from Test duty.

Compton’s nine appearances and 17 innings are the most any of the sextet have so far managed alongside Cook, although Root has flourished at four and five.

Yorkshire’s Lyth made a Test hundred against New Zealand at his Headingley home ground but struggled during the Ashes, averaging a mere 12.77 in England’s 3-2 series win over Australia.

Lyth’s place is now under threat ahead of England’s departure to the United Arab Emirates in October for three Tests against Pakistan.

Before the year is out, England also head to South Africa — where fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel will be waiting for Cook’s men.

Moeen Ali has been touted as a possible replacement for Lyth in

the UAE, a move that would allow England to play two spinners on pitches known to aid turn.

Ali, however, has struggled against out-and-out quick bowling in Test cricket, suggesting he may not be suited to opening in South Africa. With no standout candidate to bat alongside him at the top of the order, Cook told BBC Radio Five on Monday: “That is a really interesting decision the selectors have to make.”

“I think there’s a selection meeting in the next 10 days,” added the 30-year-old Cook.

“The conditions in Abu Dhabi will be different to what we have just played in here where it nipped all over. I’d love someone to jump out and nail that slot.

“Adam didn’t quite score the amount of runs he’d liked to have done (this season) but he played a major part in the side — he was a brilliant catcher.

“He’s obviously scored a lot of runs for Yorkshire over the last couple of years and he’s gone in his first seven Test matches and found it tough against two very good attacks, and yet he’s scored a hundred in one of them.

“The selectors have tough calls.

They have made some big calls in the summer and were proved right.” - AFP

O N I N V I TAT I O N

Ali Al Habsi visits British Embassy MUSCAT: The British Ambassador to the Sultanate, Jonathan Wilks, received in his office on Tuesday Ali Al Habsi, the captain of the Oman national football team and the goalkeeper for the English club Reading.

The British Ambassador congratulated Ali on joining the English club Reading and wished him success with his new club.

He also noted that Ali has been a remarkable ambassador for his country in Britain since he started playing for the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers and then Wigan Athletic before joining Reading Football Club.

The Ambassador also wished Ali Al Habsi and the Oman national team success in their World Cup and Asia Cup qualifying match against Turkmenistan on Thursday.

The Omani captain thanked the Ambassador for his invitation to visit the Embassy.

He presented the Ambassador with a Reading shirt.

The Ambassador thanked Ali for his kind gesture.

‘REMARKABLE AMBASSADOR’: Oman captain and goalkeeping great Ali Al Habsi presents his club Reading shirt to The British Ambassador to the Sultanate, Jonathan Wilks. – Supplied photo

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

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SPORTS Mathews ton in vain as India clinch Test series

C O M M E N TA RY

A terrific performance from young Indian team under a young skipper

I

ENDING 22-YEAR DROUGHT: Members of the victorious Indian cricket team pose for a group after winnning the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Tuesday. – Reuters

SCOREBOARD

The hosts, set a victory target of 386, were bowled out for 268 after tea on the fifth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo to hand the tourists a 2-1 series scoreline

COLOMBO: India overcame a gallant century by Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews to win the final Test by 117 runs on Tuesday and end a 22-year wait for a series win on the island.

The hosts, set a victory target of 386, were bowled out for 268 after tea on the fifth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo to hand the tourists a 2-1 series scoreline.

Sri Lanka were revived by a 135-run stand for the sixth wicket between Mathews and debutant Kusal Perera, but the dismissal of both batsmen on either side of tea sealed their fate.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin finished with four for 69 and

India 1st innings: 312 Sri Lanka 1st innings: 201 India 2nd innings: 274 Sri Lanka 2nd innings: U. Tharanga c Ojha b I. Sharma K. Silva c Pujara b Yadav D. Karunaratne c Ojha b Yadav D. Chandimal c Kohli b I. Sharma A. Mathews lbw I. Sharma L. Thirimanne c Rahul b Ashwin K. Perera c R. Sharma b Ashwin

0 27 0 18 110 12 70

was named man of the series for taking 21 wickets in the three Tests.

Seamer Ishant Sharma took three wickets in the innings, including the vital scalp of Mathews after tea, to take his tally to 200 wickets in his 65th Test.

India had fought back after losing the opening Test in Galle by 63 runs to win the second at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo by 278 runs and then took the enthralling final Test in the last session of play.

India’s last series success in Sri Lanka came under Mohammed Azharuddin’s captaincy in 1993 when they won 1-0.

‘A bit of history’ Virat Kohli, enjoying a series win for the first time as Indian Test captain, said he was delighted to see the team bounce back after losing the first match.

“Being 0-1 down was never easy,” he said. “I was told it had never been done before by us

R. Herath lbw Ashwin 11 T. Kaushal not out 1 D. Prasad c Binny b Ashwin 6 N. Pradeep lbw Mishra 0 Extras (b-4, lb-2, nb-7) 13 Total (all out, 85 overs) 268 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-2, 3-21, 4-74, 5-107, 6-242, 7-249, 8-257, 9-263.

Bowling: I. Sharma 19-5-32-3 (nb-4), Yadav 15-3-65-2, Binny 13-3-49-0, Mishra 18-1-471 (nb-3), Ashwin 20-2-69-4.

abroad, so we managed to create a bit of history.

“It feels nice, especially with such a young team early in our careers, to achieve a magnificent milestone and win a series here for the first time in 22 years.

“The attitude has been brilliant.

That is why we are playing the kind of cricket we are playing. There are areas we want to improve on, but the number of bad sessions we had in the series were few. I am really proud of the boys.”

Sri Lanka had slipped to a shaky 107 for five before lunch when Mathews and Perera joined hands to bat out a major part of the afternoon session and lift the hosts to 249 for six by tea. Mathews made 110, his seventh Test century and the second in successive matches after scoring 102 in the second Test, before he was trapped legbefore to Sharma in the first over after tea with the second new ball.

Left-handed Perera followed

his 55 in the first innings with 70, becoming only the second Sri Lankan after Dinesh Chandimal to score two half centuries in his debut Test. Perera looked set for a bigger score when he was dismissed shortly before tea, playing a reverse sweep off Ashwin straight to Rohit Sharma at point.

India grabbed the last five wickets for 26 runs after Sri Lanka were sailing at a comfortable 2425 before Perera’s dismissal.

Sri Lanka began the final session with a reasonable hope of surpassing the difficult target — needing 137 runs more with a possible 36 overs remaining — but India tightened the screws after tea to emerge victorious.

‘Batting flopped’ Mathews said he was disappointed after gaining the advantage of winning the toss and asking India to bat first on a seaming wicket.

“We got them to bat in demanding conditions, that is why we are very disappointed at losing,” he said. “Our batting flopped again although the bowlers were outstanding. India batted well but our batting in the first innings was crucial. We needed to get close to 300.

“If Kusal and I had stayed a bit longer at the crease today, it could have been a different story. But India bowled well in the end.”

India next host South Africa for a full tour in October, while Sri Lanka play a home series against the West Indies at the same time. - AFP

MISCONDUCT

ICC hands bans to Ishant, Chandimal COLOMBO: India’s Ishant Sharma was on Tuesday suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for one Test match and Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka banned from a One-day International (OID) for misconduct during the final Test in Colombo.

Two other Sri Lankan players, Dhammika Prasad and Lahiru Thirimanne, were fined 50 percent of their undisclosed match fees for similar offences during the match, the ICC said in a statement.

All four players were involved in a heated flare-up during the fourth day’s play on Monday, prompting match referee Andy Pycroft to charge the players under the ICC’s code of conduct.

Tempers rose in the final session as Sharma and the Sri Lankan fielders had a heated exchange after Prasad bowled three consecutive bouncers to the Indian tailender.

Chandimal nudged Sharma with his shoulder and Thirimanne also joined in the verbal spat forcing umpires Nigel Llong and Rod Tucker to step in to calm down the players.

As Sharma hurried off the field after the Indian innings ended, Prasad sprinted behind him and television pictures showed the two players speaking to each other outside the dressing rooms.

Sharma, who had been fined 65 percent of his match fees for misconduct during the second Test

at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo, was penalised again for taunting opener Upul Tharanga after he dismissed him.

The lanky fast bowler will miss India’s first Test against South Africa in Mohali from November 5, the ICC said.

Chandimal will sit out the One-day International between Sri Lanka and the West Indies in Colombo on November 1.

“Monday’s incidents were not good advertisements for international cricket,” Pycroft said.

“These experienced cricketers forgot their fundamental responsibilities of respecting their opponents as well as the umpires, and got involved in incidents which were clearly against the spirit of the game,” Pycroft was quoted as saying in the ICC statement.

“Their actions cannot be condoned and must be discouraged.”

All four players admitted the offences and accepted the proposed sanctions, the statement added.

Indian captain Virat Kohli said the incidents had benefitted his team because it fired up Sharma in Sri Lanka’s second innings.

“An angry fast bowler is a captain’s delight,” Kohli said after his team’s series-clinching 117-run victory at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday.

“It happened at the right time because we had to bowl after that.

I was very happy that he has an aggressive mindset.” - AFP

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

ndia were made to work hard by the determined Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews and Kushal Perera to get their first series win in the Emerald Isle over hosts Sri Lanka since 1993.

A victory where you are made to sweat and toil is all the sweeter and the Indians will savour this win because despite the Lankan resistance they never dropped their heads and were up for the fight.

The skipper Virat Kohli has to take a lot of credit too since he worked the bowling changes and never once showed that he was getting frustrated by the staunch efforts by the Sri Lankans.

Similarly no praise can be too high for the Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews who played so well and gave Indian supporters a few worries while getting to his second century of the series.

He is one batsman who looks international class in a Lankan team now without its two talisman batsmen and icons Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.

There is of course young Kushal Perera who made his debut in the Test and scored half centuries in both the innings and he showed in the second innings that he can curb his natural aggressive game and play himself in and then open up his shoulders.

It was inexperience that made him attempt the reverse sweep, a shot which is always fraught with danger and once he got out just before tea the Indians could breathe a lot easier.

They knew the second

new ball was going to be available soon and the manner in which Ishant and Yadav have bowled it was going to be a matter of time before they struck.

Ishant did just that getting Angelo Mathews out to a superb delivery and after that nobody even made an attempt to try and stay at the crease.

Ishant has bowled a lot fuller in this series and has reaped the rewards as the ball moving late leaves the batsmen little time to make the adjustment when the ball seams after pitching.

Ashwin had gone wicketless in the first innings and he couldn’t be kept out of the wicket taking action in the second innings and got four wickets to end up with a fabulous series haul.

He broke the partnership between Mathews and Perera and then when Ishant got Matthews with the second new ball it was all over.

It was a terrific performance from a young Indian team under a young skipper and the manner in which they came back after the defeat in the first Test, does show that this is a team with character and the belief that it can overcome hurdles.

Test cricket is never easy and how you come through the testing times is the real indicator of your temperament and the Indian team has come through with flying colours. Well done India. - PMG

SKIPPER SPEAK

‘Drawing a game is last option’ COLOMBO: Having registered their first series win on Sri Lankan soil in more than two decades, Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Tuesday declared that there will be no change in his team’s philosophy of aggressive cricket as “drawn game is the last option’ for this current bunch of cricketers.

“We maintain that drawing a Test match has to be the last option for our group of guys right now. They have responded beautifully and there is nothing better than winning” Kohli said.

“I think this might be the right kind of boost that we require and they would want to beat other teams as well,” Kohli said.

“This is the right kind of push that this team needed,” the Indian captain added.

“I think winning is always really, really encouraging for the squad. Especially, the way we have won this series should be the right kind of catalyst for us to play the same brand of cricket wherever we play in the future,” the skipper said. - PTI

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SPORTS Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games hosts scrap scandal-hit logo

Hulkenberg extends stay at Force India LONDON: German Formula One driver Nico Hulkenberg has signed a two-year contract extension to stay with Force India until the end of the 2017 season, the Silverstone-based team said on Tuesday.

“I know this team inside out and I feel at home here so it made perfect sense to make a longterm commitment,” the Le Mans 24 Hours winner said in a team statement ahead of this week’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Hulkenberg, 28, has been with Mercedes-powered Force India for four seasons in total after joining them from Williams in 2011 and then spending a year at Sauber in 2013 before returning.

The German had been seen as a possible candidate for Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari seat but that possibility disappeared when they confirmed the 2007 world champion was staying.

He has yet to appear on the podium, with fourth his best result so far. He also has one pole position, with Williams in Brazil 2010, to his credit.

The decision — which comes amid plagiarism claims and mounting questions about the logo designer’s credibility — caps an embarrassing month for Olympic officials

TOKYO: Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics organisers on Tuesday scrapped the event’s scandal-hit logo in the latest mishap for the Games after a costs furore forced plans for a $2 billion new national stadium to be torn up.

The decision — which comes amid plagiarism claims and mounting questions about the logo designer’s credibility — caps an embarrassing month for Olympic officials as the ditching of the stadium means a new showpiece may only be ready a few months before the global event.

Japanese Olympic bosses announced their decision at a hastily arranged press conference Tuesday, in a stark reversal just days after they vowed to stand behind the logo and designer Kenjiro Sano.

Officials said their decision was not in response to a Belgian designer’s lawsuit that alleged Sano copied his work.

Instead, they pointed to slumping public confidence and evidence that Sano had improperly swiped Internet images to highlight locations where his logo could be displayed.

“We’re certain the two logos are different,” Toshiro Muto, Director General of the Tokyo Organising Committee, said of Belgian Olivier Debie’s plagiarism claims.

“But we became aware of new things this weekend and there was a sense of crisis that we thought could not be ignored.

“The reason we’re withdrawing (the logo) is because it no longer has public support.”

Sano himself has asked that his

FORMULA ONE

LATEST MISHAP: An employee takes down a placard with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games emblem during staged event for the media at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Tokyo on Tuesday. – Reuters

logo be pulled to avoid damaging the Tokyo Games, Muto added.

“We want to create a new emblem that represents the Tokyo Olympics and that is loved and supported by the public,” Tokyo’s Olympic boss said.

While Sano has denied copying Debie’s work, he has admitted that his team copied someone else’s designs for work they did on a beverage promotion campaign for Japanese drinks giant Suntory.

An online petition with more than 22,000 signatures has called on officials to choose another image.

‘Betrayed’ Tokyo governor Yoichi Masuzoe reacted angrily to news that the committee was going to scrap the emblem.

“This is a matter of credibility, and I want first and foremost for Mr. Sano to explain this fully — I feel I have been betrayed,” he told reporters earlier on Tuesday.

In recent days Olympic sponsors including national carrier Japan Airlines have started using the logo in their advertising campaigns, and

The reason we’re withdrawing (the logo) is because it no longer has public support Toshiro Muto DG of Tokyo Organising Committee

the changes could deal a blow to lucrative sponsorship deals.

The stadium and logo scandals have become a major embarrassment for Japan, which hosted the 1964 Summer Games.

When Tokyo beat Madrid and Istanbul to host the 2020 event, Japan’s capital was widely seen as a safe choice with little chance of

major delays or funding problems.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had promised “guaranteed delivery” of the world’s biggest multi-sports event. He also brushed aside concerns about the still precarious situation at the Fukushima atomic plant after its tsunami-triggered meltdown in 2011 — the worst nuclear crisis in a generation.

Tokyo’s Olympic emblem has been swept up in controversy since its unveiling in July after Debie said it copied work he had done for a Belgian theatre company.

He took the International Olympic Committee to court to block it from using the logo.

The IOC has rejected the claims and the committee’s Muto last week insisted they had no plans to change the logo.

Tokyo’s emblem is based around the letter “T” — for Tokyo, tomorrow and team — with a red circle said to represent a beating heart.

The theatre’s design features a similar shape in white against a black background.

Japanese Olympic officials are still smarting over the national stadium fiasco after Abe ordered plans to be torn up in the face of growing anger over its cost. It was on track to become the most expensive sports stadium in history.

Last week, Japan said it would slash the cost of the showpiece venue by more than 40 percent, setting a cap of 155 billion yen ($1.28 billion) on construction costs. - AFP

Big fan This season, the German finished sixth in Austria but did not start the most recent race in Spa last month due to a loss of power on the parade lap.

“The progress the team has shown over the last two years has really impressed me and gives me confidence for the future,” he said on Tuesday.

“It’s a great group of people who are hungry for success and want to keep improving yearon-year.

“I think we have the important things in place going forward and I want to continue growing with this team as we move even further up the grid.”

Team principal Vijay Mallya said he was a big fan of the driver.

“He has spent almost four years with us already and in that time we’ve seen him develop into one of the best racing drivers in the world,” he said.

“Nico has the speed, the technical knowledge and the maturity to help us achieve some great results in the years ahead.

We will do everything we can to continue delivering a car to match his talent.” - Reuters

AT H L E T I C S

Kenyan deputy president vows to criminalise doping NAIROBI: Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto on Tuesday announced plans to criminalise doping, after two of the east African nation’s athletes were banned after positive tests during the Beijing world athletics championships.

“At the executive level, we have been seized with this matter of doping,” Ruto said.

“We will be discussing this matter in the cabinet shortly. We want to put into place measures to elevate the (Kenyan) anti-doping agency and give it a legal framework so that it is backed by law to make it an offence,” he added.

Kenya’s triumphant world championship athletes were given a rousing welcome home on Tuesday, with thousands of supporters and the east African nation’s leaders out in force for the homecoming.

The Kenyan team topped the medals table for the first time since the championships started in 1983, taking seven golds, six silvers and three bronze medals.

But Kenya’s runaway success was punctured by hard questions after two of their athletes -- Koki Manunga and Joyce Zakary -- became the tournament’s first to fail drugs tests.

“As a government this is a matter we are taking very seriously,” Ruto told reporters, unveiling plans to also strike off any doctor found to be involved in administering performance-enhancing drugs and also tackle any dishonest coaches and agents.

“We are clear in our mind that this must be done so that we can eliminate the threat of doping in our sport,” he said. “We have natural talent in Kenya. They don’t have be aided by drugs.”

Kenya was rocked this year when marathon star Rita Jeptoo was banned for two years after being caught doping with the banned blood-boosting hormone EPO. Jeptoo is the biggest name in Kenyan sports ever to have been caught, and the bust has been a major trauma for a country that

idolises its medal-winning and record-breaking runners.

Several top athletes — including top marathoner Wilson Kipsang — have also been pushing for tougher sanctions, complaining that they were at risk of being tarred with the same brush as the dopers.

Ruto’s promise of government action was welcomed by Kenya’s leading anti-doping campaigner, leading sports scientist and lawyer Moni Wekesa, although he complained that the matter was only now being taken seriously.

“It is unfortunate we have been slow on this,” Wekesa said.

A push to criminalise doping was started earlier this year by Kenyan marathon-star-turnedpolitician Wesley Korir, who won the Boston marathon in 2012.

“The Honourable Wesley Korir was on the right track in his push for the introduction of a bill to criminalise doping in the country,” Wekesa said. “We need to synergise our efforts to come up with an anti-doping law.” - AFP

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SPORTS

Wozniacki and Halep advance at US Open

TENNIS

Wozniacki reached second round by beating American WINNER WITH FANS: Coco Vandeweghe of the US celebrates af-

ter defeating compatriot Sloane Stephens at the US Open in New York on Monday. – Reuters

Game, set, chat in US Open TV first NEW YORK: Coco Vandeweghe defeated Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-3 at the US Open on Monday but it was her decision to grant a television interview mid-match that caused a stir.

After wrapping up the first set on Louis Armstrong Court, the 23-year-old American was joined

by ESPN pundit and former player Pam Shriver for a courtside chat during the changeover.

Vandeweghe admitted she could not remember what she told Shriver but insisted that although she had agreed to ESPN’s request on the eve of the match, she retained the option to change her mind at the last minute.

“I could say it two seconds before I walked out on the court. I gave her the nod to go ahead, and then it happened,” she added.

Vandeweghe said that she believed the brief 30-second interview, which covered basic tennis conversation fillers such as being focussed and aggressive, could be a winner with fans.

“Well, before it happened I was thinking maybe I might lose focus doing it. But then at the same time we have on-court coaching for WTA events,” she said.

“You could also lose focus in that way because you’re speaking

to someone. I think it’s a positive.

I think any innovation, it is a positive. So I see no harm in it.”

However, not all players shared her enthusiasm, with former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki dismissing it as a fad.

“Did I just see Coco do an interview on court, mid match, after the first set? Surely you would wanna focus on the game out there? No?” tweeted two-time runner-up Wozniacki.

But men’s top seed Novak Djokovic said the idea had merits, although he would not be tempted to break his routine, especially at a Grand Slam contest.

“What I think they’re trying to do here is kind of implement the same kind of media interaction as in, for example, other sports, like basketball after the first or second quarter,” said Djokovic.

“I don’t know how much it can really work in tennis, but I think the impression of this first interview has been made. I think most players in the locker room are talking about.

“It’s going to be interesting to see if somebody is going to follow up and accept to do the same. I will not, definitely, this tournament.

But who knows? Who knows what the future brings?” - AFP

college champion Jamie Loeb 6-2, 6-0

NEW YORK: Fourth seeded Caroline Wozniacki reached the US Open second round on Tuesday by beating American college champion Jamie Loeb 6-2, 6-0.

Wozniacki, the 2009 and 2014 runner-up, will face either Christina McHale of the United States or Petra Cetkovska of the Czech Republic for a place in the last 32.

Second seed Simona Halep also reached the second round when New Zealand opponent Marina Erakovic retired with a knee injury.

Halep was leading 6-2, 3-0 when her 99th ranked rival called it quits, having received a medical timeout for treatment on her right knee at the end of the first set.

Romanian 23-year-old Halep goes on to face either Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine or Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan for a place in the last 32.

“I had a good start. I was aggressive and played my best tennis today,” said Halep. “I know I can play my best tennis here. I have no expectations. Serena is there. I just want to play my best tennis.”

Serena, Djokovic roll In the evening session of Monday’s opening day action, three-time defending champion Serena Williams launched her quest for a historic title by overwhelming 86th ranked Russian Vitalia Diatchenko and advancing to the second round of the US Open.

The world No. 1 was a 6-0, 2-0

SOLID START: Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark returns a shot against Jamie Loeb of the United States during their women’s singles first round match at the US Open in New York on Tuesday. – AFP

winner after only 30 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium when Diatchenko retired with a left foot injury, advancing Williams into a second-round match against Dutch qualifier Kiki Bertens.

“If I can just stay relaxed and stay in the points and stay calm and happy out there, I have to look at it as I have nothing to lose,” Williams said.

The 33-year-old American chases the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988 and a 22nd career major title to match Graf’s Open Era record, two shy of Australian Margaret Court’s all-time mark. Williams praised the loud New York crowd, which has adored her since she captured her first major title at the 1999 US Open as a teen prodigy.

“I felt the support and love on this journey and milestone I’m trying to take one match at a time,” Williams said. “I feel so good. I’m so ready. I’m at home, where it all began for me in ’99. It all feels great.”

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic

OMAN FOOTBALL STARS VISIT PATIENTS AT ROYAL HOSPITAL Oman football stars, led by national team captain and goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, visited children and elderly patients at the Royal Hospital. According to a statement issued by the Oman Football Association, the other star players included Imad Al Hosni, Ahmed Mubarak ‘Kanu’, Qasim Said, Eid Al Farsi, Fayeez Al Rashidi, Said Al Ruzaiqi, Ali Al Busdaidi, Mohammed Al She’eba, Mohammed Al Mashari, Abdulaziz Al Maqbali and team administrator Bader Al Maimani. The one-hour visit was aimed at stressing the role of the national team and the players towards the community. The visit came ahead of Oman’s World Cup and Asia Cup qualifier against visiting Turkmenistan on Thursday. — Supplied photo

and eighth seed Rafael Nadal also cruised into the second round on the men’s side. Djokovic needed only one hour and 11 minutes to capture a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Brazil’s Joao Souza.

“There’s something I love about number one for sure,” said Djokovic, who plays Austrian Andreas Haider-Maurer next.

“Hopefully I can keep it up. If I can, I feel I have a really good chance against anybody.”

Nadal, in his first US Open match since winning in 2013 after missing 2014 with an injury, avenged a loss last year at Basel to Croatian teen Borna Coric with a 6-3, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory, booking a date with Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman.

“I missed a lot this fantastic crowd that gave me unbelievable support,” Nadal said. “Very happy to be back and be through.”

Reigning champion Marin Cilic of Croatia won his opener 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/3) over Argentine qualifier Guido Pella.

“Defending a Grand Slam title for the first time for sure is something I will learn from,” Cilic said.

Williams lost plenty of potential obstacles in her march to history on day one as top-10 women’s seeds Ana Ivanovic, Karolina Pliskova and Carla Suarez Navarro exited with opening-match losses.

That left 12th seed Belinda Bencic — who ousted Bulgarian Sesil Karatancheva 6-1, 6-2 — as the toprated foe in Williams’ half of the draw. Williams, who lost to Bencic in the Toronto semifinals, could see the Swiss teen again in a quarterfinal. Williams, who owns six US and Australian Open and Wimbledon titles plus three French Open crowns, won her 22nd US Open match in a row since her last loss, to Aussie Samantha Stosur in the 2011 final. Williams has won eight Slam titles since then.

Slovakia’s 50th-ranked Dominika Cibulkova ousted seventhseeded Ivanovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, delivering the Serb star’s earliest US Open exit since 2009. - Agencies

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FOOTBALL

Song, Moses among West Ham signings on deadline day

FUTURE UNCLEAR: Manchester United’s Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea. – AFP

Real blame United for failed De Gea transfer De Gea faces an uncertain future after the deal to join Real, which included Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas moving to the English club, was scuppered when the paperwork did not arrive at the Spanish league in time

MADRID: Real Madrid have blamed Manchester United for their failure to sign Spain goalkeeper David De Gea before Monday’s midnight transfer deadline and said they did everything needed to complete the transaction.

De Gea faces an uncertain future after the deal to join Real, which included Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas moving to the English club, was scuppered when the paperwork did not arrive at the Spanish league in time and the data was not entered into FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS) as required.

Real said in a statement on their website (www.realmadrid.com) on Tuesday the bureaucratic snafu,

which prompted widespread ridicule on social media, was not their fault and detailed exhaustively how and why the necessary documents were not ready until it was too late.

United had not initiated talks on a possible De Gea transfer until Monday morning, the statement said.

After initial agreement was reached, Real said they sent the contracts to United at 1:39 p.m. Spanish time (1139 GMT). Eight hours later they were sent back with “small modifications”, which Real said they immediately accepted.

Real then sent the contracts signed by De Gea and Navas back to United for their signature at 2132 GMT, 28 minutes before the deadline. United entered the de-

WORLD CUP

Transfer saga The Spanish league did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for United said they had no immediate response to Real’s statement.

FIFA rules state that players can be registered only during one of two annual transfer periods — the other is in January — with the exception being if their contract has expired before the end of a registration period.

For a player to transfer to another country, their new club and his previous club have to submit certain information and documentation to the TMS. The system then generates an International Transfer Certificate

(ITC) which allows the player’s registration to be switched from one country to another.

Asked on Tuesday about the failed transfer, a FIFA spokesperson said: “Up until now, we do not appear to have been contacted by either of the parties in this matter.

“Please understand that as a result we cannot comment on a hypothetical scenario.”

As things stand, De Gea, whose deal with United expires at the end of the season when he can leave for free, could find himself out in the cold, at least until the end of the year when the market opens again.

As the transfer saga rumbled on, United coach Louis van Gaal left the 24-year-old former Atletico Madrid keeper out of the squad for the Premier League club’s opening games of the season, with Argentina international Sergio Romero playing instead. Real want De Gea as a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas, the former club captain who joined Porto in July.

De Gea was selected last week for Spain’s forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia although coach Vicente del Bosque hinted that he could lose his place in the squad if his club situation remained unresolved. - Reuters

year contract with the east Londoners and will link up again with his former Croatia manager Slaven Bilic. Former Everton star Jelavic returns to the top tier after scoring eight goals in Hull’s relegation from the Premier League last season.

“I’ve played for Slaven before for the Croatia national team and he is a great manager and a great man,” he told West Ham TV. “I am really happy and delighted to be working with him and all his staff again.”

A busy transfer deadline day at Upton Park also saw Nottingham Forest winger Michail Antonio, 24, sign a four-year contract for a fee reported to be around £7 million ($10 million).

“I’m buzzing to be at a massive club,” Antonio told West Ham TV. “I’ve always been around London and I came to a couple of games here when I was younger. I’ve worked my way from non-league and finally got to the Premier League to show what I can do.”

Hammers boss Bilic, who took over from Sam Allardyce in the close-season, has carried out a major overhaul of his squad and his four deadline day deals took the number of new signings since his arrival to 11.

His seven earlier recruits were goalkeeper Darren Randolph, defenders Angelo Ogbonna and Carl Jenkinson and midfielders Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and George Dobson. - AFP

THREE-YEAR DEAL

Bournemouth swoop for Palace’s Murray LONDON: Bournemouth have signed striker Glenn Murray from Crystal Palace, the Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday.

Murray agreed a three-year contract with Eddie Howe’s side after Palace accepted an offer of around £3 million ($4.5 million) for the 31-year-old.

“It feels great to finally be here,” Murray told Bournemouth’s website. “I’ve come across the club a lot in my career and it’s been great to see it progress.

“The way the boys play football is very exciting. It’s front-footed and it will be nice to try and get some goals from it.”

After joining Palace on a free transfer in 2011, Murray scored

47 goals in 125 appearances and was a key figure in their promotion to the top flight in 2013.

Serious knee injury A serious knee injury derailed his hopes of making an immediate impact in the Premier League and he was loaned to second-tier Reading last season before returning to Palace to score seven times in 15 appearances for Alan Pardew’s men.

Pardew’s pre-season signings of forwards Connor Wickham and Patrick Bamford meant there would be limited first-team opportunities for Murray this season and persuaded him to move to Dean Court. - AFP

I S C TA B L E T E N N I S

Qatar to complete work on first venue by 2016 DOHA: Controversial football World Cup host Qatar will complete work on the first venue for tournament matches by 2016, six years before the event takes place, officials announced on Tuesday.

The 40,000-seater Khalifa International Stadium is scheduled to host group stage, round of 16 and quarter-final matches during the 2022 World Cup. It is also the venue for the 2019 World Athletics Championships, the first time that the games will be held in the Middle East.

“We are very happy with the rapid progress of renovation works at the site,” said project manager Mansoor Saleh Al-Muhannadi. “We expect the stadium to be handed over by the main contractor at the end of 2016.”

tails of De Gea’s transfer into TMS at exactly midnight Spanish time but did not register the Navas deal and by then it was too late for Real to access the system.

TMS gave them a last chance to register the deal around half an hour later and Real also sent the documents to the Spanish league even though they knew the deadline had passed. “Real Madrid did everything necessary, and at all times, to complete these two transfers,” Real’s statement concluded.

LONDON: Former Cameroon international Alex Song and Nigeria winger Victor Moses have joined West Ham United on season-long loan deals, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

Former Arsenal midfielder Song, who announced his international retirement earlier this year, spent last season on loan at West Ham from Barcelona, making 31 appearances in all competitions.

“It has just been confirmed. Alex Song has signed a season-long loan deal to join West Ham,” West Ham co-owner David Gold wrote on Twitter. “Welcome back Alex.”

Song, 27, told the West Ham website: “I am very happy. When I left, I didn’t know I would come back here. It was not easy, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is I’m here now and I’m very happy.

“I feel at home, everything feels at home, for my family too, they’re set up very well here. My kids are playing for West Ham academy.”

Moses, 24, arrives on loan from Premier League champions Chelsea. The powerful wide player joined Chelsea from Wigan Athletic in August 2012, but has spent the last two seasons out on loan at Liverpool and Stoke City.

Soon after announcing the Song and Moses loan swoops, West Ham confirmed the signing of Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic from Championship side Hull for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old agreed a two-

Work has progressed at the stadium despite suggestions earlier in the year that Qatar may lose its right to host the World Cup following the fallout from corruption allegations surrounding FIFA and the launch of an ongoing Swiss investigation examining in part how the tiny Gulf state was awarded the tournament.

The Khalifa stadium, located in the west of Doha, was originally built in 1976 as a 20,000-seater stadium but is undergoing major renovation for 2022.

Officials said the stadium once completed will include cooling technology on “the field of play, all seats and concourses”.

Khalifa is one of up to 12 stadiums which will be used during the World Cup in 2022. - AFP

Subramanian bags veterans’ title MUSCAT: R. Subramanian has bagged the veterans’ singles title at the Annual Table Tennis Tournament organised by the Indian Social Club Muscat and co-sponsored by Muscat Insurance Services (MIS) and Oman United Insurance Company (OUIC).

In the final, R. Subramanian, the top seed dashed the hopes of firsttime finalist Sagayaraj S. With a clinical 11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7 victory to recapture the title which he had last won in 2011.

The final was devoid any major rallies as both finalists thrived on points scored on their serves. Sagayaraj put up a fight in the second and third games before Subramanian prevailed wrapped up the fourth game to reclaim the title.

In the junior doubles, the fancied team of Subash Pillai and Ar-

maan Sattikar lined up a title clash against their closest rivals, Kenneth Vaz and P. Sai Saran.

Both teams are tied with three victories each in the round-robin league and the last crucial encounter between the two teams will decide the winner and runner-up positions.

In their last league outings, the team of Subash and Armaan were kept on their toes before overwhelming Pranav Vinod and Yash Tanna with a 11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7 victory while Kenneth and Sai Saran maintained their unbeated run with a fine 11-7, 11-3, 11-8 victory over Shounak Kelkar and MV Sai Prem.

The team events got underway with four teams playing a round robin league. In the first match, ISC Reds defeated ISC Blue 3-1 and ISC Green overcoming ISC Yellow with the same victory margin.

FINALISTS: R. Subramanian, left, and Sagayaraj S. – Supplied photo

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SECTION

LIFESTYLE

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Leisure WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

SI M NCE A T N M FO HE Y V OR VID LL RE LO E T EO OW N GG HA BL IN OW ER N OG EV G, T NED S, E A D OR EN HA P XC ECA VL TS NK HO EP DE OG IN S T TOG T F . B HA OM O RA OR UT S B AN HIS PH A F OM EE AN AT ER, EW AN N IN D TEN WH LIK , SO V HI T O E F OG S IO N S AR U TR N OW AL , E AV -GR E IM HA EL A NJ A SN BY S BB OY L H ’T SAL AB IN S A S IM JOS RO G V A RT EEN EPH |P AD LO HU HY H OT O: S .

GS GE , HAB IN E ON

THE VLO GGE R

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W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR VLOGGERS Vlogging is a very powerful tool to show the world who you are.

YouTube is the most famous hosting site.

You should have a separate channel in YouTube to upload your videos.

In your normal website you can always put embedded videos, so the video plays inside your website.

Metadata and keywords are very important while uploading videos to be spotted by search engines.

Vlogging is a boon for talented people (in art, crafts, music) Successful vloggers make big money (eg. Reviewers of products and equipment).

YouTube pays for your viewership.

There are number of video editing softwares like final cut pro and iMovie which is free with Apple.

You can also use other free softwares like windows movie maker.

Day 11, 11.30 in the morning

It’s all about the story.

If it’s an interesting story, even a very bad editing doesn’t matter.

I enjoy travelling and if I don’t do vlogging and photography, I feel something is missing. This is my passion. Through photography and vlogging I have a full documentation of my travels and I can recollect all those moments even after many years

A good vlog shouldn’t be more than eight minutes.

But if you are very good, it can be up to 13-14 minutes.

Anything more than that will be fatal.

popular. “It was like telling the people around the world the culture and traditions here. If there are some events here or something new that comes up, I try to cover them in my vlogs.”

A photographer, who also gives lessons in photography, Salim started vlogging a couple of months ago. It was a new thing for him, and to become a vlogger somebody needs to know how to edit videos, of course, with the help of some specialised software.

“As I am a bit computer savvy I enjoy doing that. As a photographer I have cameras and most of the videos I do are by using the video capability of the still cameras. These days, you don’t need any huge equipment. You can do it with a small camera and vlog,” Salim points out.

So, one needs to be good at editing — to check the footage, put background music and the story. “Now, I am used to it and I can do the editing in 2 hours. But for a beginner it might take 3-4 days to do one video.

It’s a matter of practice,” he says.

But it isn’t exactly like making a movie. As a vlogger, you have to talk, move around and present the subject/situation. “One of my successful vlog was on the new Avenues Mall in Muscat. It was a hit and got around 11,000 views immediately. To be a vlogger, you cannot be camera shy. You will be talking while others are watching, wondering what this guy is doing.

So you have to have some confidence. Initially, when I started,

has vlogged about so far is Venice.

“It was my first visit and I was there for two days. The whole city, red in colour, seems to be floating on water. There are no cars but only water taxis, Gondola, and you feel like you are not in a normal city on Earth. It’s a magical world.”

However, Salim vlogs not just about travel. If he is in Oman and not travelling, it could be about a typical Ramadan day, Eid festivities, Qaranqasho festival (the Omani mid-Ramadan celebration), some events like the opening of the Avenues Mall or Red Bull photography contest or even a family day out at ShangriLa’s Barr Al-Jissah Resort & Spa. “Sometimes I talk about what kind of cameras I use. My followers are very interested in these topics. I think I have been successful, and a lot of people follow me and eagerly await the release of my next video,” he says.

He has already uploaded around 45 videos, and the vlog on Ramadan and Eid in Oman became very

I was seeing the camera in front of me. But I don’t see the camera anymore. You just become confident and you don’t worry about cameras around you.”

A vlogger should make the videos interesting and should produce a minimum of one video per week.

If nothing comes in a week, people will start forgetting you. But again, do not give anything stale or uninteresting just for the sake of uploading one. “So it’s very difficult to be a successful vlogger. You have to keep on uploading good content every time. Ensure attention, quality and interesting topic, and present them in a humorous way,” Salim says.

When not travelling, Salim doesn’t want to vlog everyday or on anything. “I have decided that I will vlog every time I get an opportunity to take photos. If I decide to go to Jebel Akhdar to take professional snaps, I will vlog that. People will see me how I reach there, and how I came up with such photos.”

There are lot of talented Omanis and expats here, he says. “With this technology, Internet, videos, cheap cameras, accessibility and cheap editing softwares, you can show it to the world. Don’t hold it back. Have your own channel and show the world,” Salim signs off. salim@timesofoman.com One can access Salim Al Harthy’s vlogs on the YouTube channel www. youtube.com/abufaiqa, www.salimblog.com/video and also in his website www.salimphoto.com

T R AV E L T I P S

Airport Security Regulations and Airline Baggage: Make Flying a Breeze

D

on’t let the challenges of air travel and airport security scare you away from vacationing in the world’s most spectacular spots. With these right guidance you can ease your way through airport security lines — often the most time-consuming part of your journey — and on the way to your destination.

on baggage rule is if you have baby food, medications (and associated injectors) or other liquid/gel items that are for health purposes. In order to have these containers permitted, you need to declare them to an airport security officer and have them screened at the checkpoint. It’s highly recommended that you label medications to make this process smoother.

What Not To Bring For airline carry-on baggage, it is mandated that you can only carry liquids, aerosols and gels in threeounce containers, which should be safely kept inside a one-quart, plastic zip-top bag.

The only exception to this carry-

Prohibited Items Though you are permitted, it is always better not to bring corkscrews, cigar cutters, common lighters, nail cutters, safety razors and travelsized or blunt scissors in your carry on baggage. If you are carrying any types of martial arts weapons or

tools — axe, crowbar, hammer, drill pliers, saw — you’ll have to pack them in your checked bags.

To prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires, there is a limit for packing loose lithium batteries, which are commonly used in digital cameras, cellphones, PDAs and laptop computers. You are limited to 8 grams (100-watt hours) of lithium batteries in your carry-on baggage, and they must be properly protected in original packaging or a protective case.

Pack Smart and Spend Less Time in Security Lines Your travel agent will know the different airline security regula-

tions, but for most of the airlines, the maximise size of your airline carry on baggage is 45 linear inches. Save yourself from extra hassles by checking anything larger and try to pack your carry on baggage as light as possible.

When Travelling Over The Holidays, Ship Your Gifts Ahead Of Time Instead Of Packing Them Know that if you have a full bag, your personal items may spill out for everyone to see when the airport security officer unzips it. For both your checked and carry on baggage, try to organise its contents, so that everything is easy to see in a brief glance.

PHOTOS: SALIM AL HARTHY, SHABIN E

We are heading to Argostoli Island in Greece…I’m gonna have the time of my life…” For Salim Al Harthy, it’s party time ahead at the Costa Costa beach. He is on board the Royal Caribbean cruise ship with his vlogger instincts at the peaks.

His followers are eagerly waiting to hear from him, from day one of his 12-day European Adventure which started from London. They just need to click and watch, their favourite vlogger presenting the iconic Big Ben in London, a Gondola ride or alleys of Venice, the picturesque landscape of Mykonos Island, the historical Athens or the old city of Kotor in Montenegro, in a captivating way, with a pinch of humour and civic sense.

Photography and video adventure begin once Salim lands in a foreign land, alone or accompanied by his family. “Being a photographer I travel a lot and thought I could show people what I see. Vlogging was a great option before me and people started liking it,” Salim says. Already blessed with a good following for his main photography website www.salimphoto. com, his travel video blogs got a warm welcome.

Every vlogger will have some interesting topics, according to his/ her personal interests. They need to have a camera, an Internet connection and something to talk about.

Being a photographer, Salim vlogs mostly about travelling in different countries, giving everything an extra punch with his humour.

The last travel he did was a recent cruise on the Royal Caribbean. He left for London, stayed there for four days before going to Venice, from where he took the cruise. “I had my laptop with me and my camera and I was vlogging everyday. At night, I edited and released the videos. So people knew exactly where I was.

They were following me,” he says.

And, during these trips, he doesn’t forget to click some nice pictures, which are incorporated in the videos, making them more interesting for his viewers.

As a photographer, he has already travelled in around 30 countries.

“I enjoy travelling and if I don’t do vlogging and photography, I will feel something is missing. This is my passion. Through photography and vlogging I will have a full documentation of my travels and I can recollect all those moments even after many years,” he says.

The most interesting place he

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LIFESTYLE THE HOBBYIST Abdulaziz Ahmed Al-Raissi Jeeping enthusiast

Why Do You Love Jeeping?

I love jeeping, camping, and exploring because it takes me away from the stress of the city traffic, pollution, work stress, and family commitments.

Overall, it’s fun gathering with friends of same interests.

How Did You Get Into It? I loved it since I was young and my father favoured my passion because he used to organise family picnics and used to take us on trips in his 4x4 on weekends to different places including wadis, beaches, and to some wilayats that we didn’t visit before.

How Can I Get Into It? First you must have a 4x4 vehicle or you can rent it from any car rental agencies.

Then you must do some social networking and get updated about groups and companies that organise such trips to different places. There are a few companies and groups such as The Guide Oman & Shabic Group which organise such thrilling outings and you can check their websites and Facebook pages. They are quite organised so they provide meals, toilet facility, car mechanic or any kind of help. But mostly my trips are within my own group of friends or family.

IN SEARCH OF REAL THRILL

What Are Your Pro-Tip? Safety first.

Avoid going alone or going only by one car to some dangerous places, and make sure to inform some close friend or family about your destination.

Always be ready for surprises.

Go clean, leave clean.

Very important and always keep first aid, tools, extra water, battery jumpers, and towing rope in your car.

Contact Info/Resources for Jeeping in Oman?

I always go through the activities of such groups in Facebook and plan trips and adventures accordingly or go with my friends.

The Guide Oman www.facebook.com/TheGuideOman Tel: +968 9803 8820, 9228 5813 or 9393 9359

I love jeeping, camping, and exploring because it takes me away

PHOTO: THE GUIDE OMAN

from the stress of the city traffic, pollution, and work stress.

Y O U R FAV O U R I T E B O O K

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea A literary voyage with many haunting memories to last a lifetime TO SAY THAT 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is the best Science Fiction book of all time would be an understatement, quite literally. Ever since I read this book written by the 19th century French novelist, Jules Verne, considered the ‘Father of Science Fiction’, I have travelled in the Nautilus (the fictional submarine, conceived at a time when it had not yet been invented) several times in my teenage dreams.

This novel, along with Verne’s other all-time favourite – Around the World in 80 Days – somewhat sum up the creative genius of the author who had a unique style of storytelling that made every page gripping and intriguing. You can read the book, chapter by chapter, to nourish your dreams every night, or at one go on a long journey to make you forget the fatigue of travel.

The plot of this tale revolves around the underwater adventures

of Captain Nemo and his crew aboard the Nautilus who were committed to spending their lifetime in the belly of the ocean having been totally disgruntled with the corrupt intentions of people on earth who sought to use all creative inventions for vile causes.

The story unfurls with various ships mysteriously disappearing and giving rise to the theory of an underwater gigantic bogey which baffles all human intellect. Finally a harpoon ship, which sets out to trap and kill the suspected killer whale, unravels the fact that the dreaded creature of the oceans was actually a man-made machine that is able to move and survive underwater.

The Nautilus, which stands at the core of this novel, was the most interesting aspect of the novel while Captain Nemo, the central character, was himself the most intriguing fictional character ever featured in

Science fiction. Published in 1870, the book relates the gripping tale of the Nautilus from the perspective of Professor Pierre Aronnax who, along with his servant Conseil and a Canadian whaler Ned Land, get stranded in mid sea amid their ambitious mission and land up on the back of a submarine which was loaded with scientific and technological features much ahead of their time.

The book has many aspects of science that were subsequently discovered in the next century as well as leave the reader perplexed about many mysterious aspects, like the underwater Temple of Hercules, which no one know about till date.

It’s a literary voyage with many haunting memories to last a lifetime. Worth reading again, to relish insights that could’ve got past you in your teens.

— Reviewed by Hubert Vaz

Author: Jules Verne

ARE YOU A PROLIFIC READER? Which is your favourite book? Pick one and send in your thoughts on it.

Contact hubert@timesofoman.com

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No Escape 2D (Action, Thriller) (12+) Cast : Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 10:30AM Evolution Man 3D (Animation) (PG) 10:45AM & 3:15PM Phantom 2D (Action, Drama, Thriller) (PG) Cast : Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 7:00PM Gold Class: 1:45 & 6:30PM We Are Your Friends 2D (Drama, Music) Cast: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily Ratajkowski 5:15PM (TBC) The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 2D (Action ) (12+) Cast : Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer 2:45 & 7:15PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D 12:45PM

11:55 PM The Transporter Refueled - 2D (Action/Crime/Thriller) (PG12) Cast : Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol, Ray Stevenson

Hitman: Agent 47 – 2D (PG12) Action, Crime, Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary 12:15, 3:00, 7:15, 9:15, 11:15 PM Southpaw – 2D (15+) Action, Drama, Sport Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence 11:45 AM, 2:00, 5:00, 9:30 PM No Escape – 2D (12+) Action, Thriller Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 3:20 PM Evolution Man – 3D (PG) Animation 11:45 AM, 1:30, 5:15 PM Loham – 2D (TBC) Action Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 4:15, 9:30 PM Thani Oruvan – 2D (PG12) Action, Romance Cast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara 6:40 PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – 2D (12+) Action Cast: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer 12:45, 7:15, 11:55 PM

AZAIBA The Transporter Refueled - 2D Action Cast - Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol, Ray Stevenson 11:55 PM (PG12) Phantom - 2D (PG) Action, Drama, Thriller Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:30 PM

3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Phantom (Action) – PG Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif

Hitman Agent 47 (Action/Crimer) – PG12 Cast: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah 3.45, 9.45 PM Brothers (Drama/ Sports) – 12+ Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth 6.45 PM SCREEN 3 Karachi To Lahore - Urdu(Comedy) – PG Cast: Shehzad Sheikh, Ayesha Omer 3.45, 9.45 PM Baahubali: The Beginning (Action) – 12+ Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka 6.45 PM SOHAR Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 2D (PG12) Action; 4:30 PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - 2D (12+) Action 2:15 PM Hitman Agent 47 - 2D (PG12) Action, Crime Cast: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary 3:15, 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 PM Southpaw - 2D (15+) Action, Drama, Sport Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams 5:15, 7:00, 11:55 PM No Escape - 2D (12+) Action, Thriller Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 2:30, 6:30 PM

RUWI SCREEN 1 Phantom (Action) – PG Cast: Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM SCREEN 2

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Evolution Man - 3D (PG) Animation 3:00, 4:45 PM Habib Al Arad - 2D (Arb) (TBC) Drama Cast: Faisal Al Omeri & Abdullah Al Torkoman 4:30 PM Phantom - 2D (H) (PG) Action, Drama, Thriller Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Rajesh Tailang 8:30, 11:15 PM Loham - 2D (M) (TBC) Action Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 9:15 PM Thani Oruvan - 2D (T) (TBC) Action Cast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara 6:55 PM The Transporter Refueled - 2D (Crime) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol, Ray 9:50, 11:45 PM (PG12) BURAIMI Hitman Agent 47 – 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Rupert Friend, Zachary Quinto, Hannah 5:00, 9:30, 11:45PM The Transporter Refueled 2D (Thriller) Cast: Ed Skrein, Ray Stevenson 9:30, 11:30PM (PG12) Evolution Man– 3D (Animation) (PG12) Cast: Jamel Debbouze, Melissa Theuriau, Patrice Thibaud

SALALAH Hitman Agent 47 (2D) (PG12) (Action) 10:45AM, 12:00, 7:00, 10:00, 11:45PM The Transporter Refueled (2D) (Action) Cast: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol 9:45PM (PG12) Southpaw (2D) (15+) (Action/Drama/Sport) Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, 2:00, 7:45, 11:45PM No Escape (2D) (12+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 10:00AM, 3:30 PM Evolution Man (2015) (3D) (PG) (Animation) 10:15AM, 1:45PM Phantom (2D) (PG) (Hindi) (Action/Drama) 4:15, 8:50, 11:35PM Loham (2D) (TBC) (Malayalam) (Action) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 7:15PM Thani Oruvan (2D) (PG12) (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, Nayanthara, 2:15PM We Are Your Friends (2D) (15+) (Drama) Cast: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily 12:30PM Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 5:25PM (PG12) (Action) The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2D) (12+) (Action) 11:50AM, 5:05PM

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

38 32

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

40-80% 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

LISTINGS

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Loham (Mal) ( ACT ) Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea & Renji panikkar 3-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main; 6-30 pm; Cinema-2 Thani Oruvan (Tamil) (Act\Drama ) Cast: Jayam Ravi,Nayanthara & Arvind Swami 6-30 pm at Cinema Main; 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema-2 Kick 2 (Telugu ) ( Rom/Act) Cast: Ravi Teja & Rakul Preet Singh 3-45 & 6-45 pm at Cinema- 3; Brothers (Hindi) 9-45 pm at Cinema- 3 Madura Naranga (Mal) ( Rom/com ) Cast: Kunchako Boban, Biju Menon & 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema - 4 NEXT CHANGE: Double Barrel (Mal) Programmes are subject to change

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

AKSHATA KINHOLKAR September 2, 2005

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

STAR CINEMA

Minimum

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 5.45 pm CP No: 1953 (PG12) Brothers (Hindi )( Thriller ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth M. 1.30 pm CP No: 2110 (12+) MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. (Action /Adventure) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavil, Armmie Hammer 2.00 p.m. & 8.15 p.m CP NO: 2121 (12+) No Escape ( Action/ Thriller ) Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 4.15, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2128 ( 12+ ) Transporter Refueled (Action/Thriller/Crime) Cast: Ed skrein, Ray Stevenson, Gabriella Wright 10.15 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 2139 (PG 12) Stung ( Comedy/Romance/Horror ) Cast: Clifton Collins Jr., Jessica Cook, Tony de Maeyer 4.00, 6.15 pm CP No: 2129 ( 15+ )

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

BAHJA CINEMA

SUR Hitman Agent 47 (Action | Crime) (PG12) 9:15, 11:30 PM No Escape (Action | Thriller) (12+) CP# Cast: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson 7:15 PM Phantom (Hindi) (Action | Drama) (PG) 6:30, 9:00 PM Evolution Man (3D) (Animation) (PG) CP# 4:45 PM Loham (Mal) (Action) (TBC) CP# Cast: Mohanlal, Andrea Jeremiah, Siddique 11:15 PM The Man from U.N.C.L.E (Action) (12+) 4:45 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.12pm 3.39pm 6.30pm 7.42pm 4.32am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

Awesome Wadi

Location: 23° 18’ 25.45”N 57° 28’ 36.31”E Have you been able to capture the beauty of an off-the-beat en-path destination in Oman? Send your pictures with a caption & geo-locator to: salim@timesofoman.com

LIVING ON THE EDGE

Acapulco Divers Plunge Into New Unknown Acapulco, Mexico: Cliff divers in Acapulco say they never forget their first time: the leap into the void, the feeling of flying, the shock of hitting the water at high speed.

Across the generations, whole families of divers have earned their living wowing tourists from around the world with the 35-metre (115-foot) plunge off La Quebrada, the rock face that looms above the Mexican resort city’s Pacific coast.

But the seemingly fearless daredevils who keep this eightdecade tradition alive now face a new kind of risk: their livelihoods are under threat from a wave of violence sweeping Acapulco and scaring away tourists.

Nearly 500 people have been killed so far this year as drug cartels wage war in the city. The bloodshed has taken a toll on the tourism industry.

A decade ago, 150 cruise ships a year visited Acapulco. Today, the number has fallen to around 10.

That is worrying for the 62 fulltime cliff divers who make their living at La Quebrada.

“The tourists need to come back,” said Monico Ramirez, a 62-year-old retired diver whose son and grandson now carry the flame.

The violence doesn’t threaten anyone not caught up in the drug trade, Ramirez insisted. “It’s mainly a settling of scores,” he said.

Guerrero, the state where Acapulco is located, has had a year of terrible press.

The state made headlines over the shocking disappearance of 43 students in September last year.

Prosecutors say the students were abducted by corrupt police in the city of Iguala, three hours inland from Acapulco, and handed over to a drug gang that killed them and burned their bodies.

Acapulco has had its share of bad publicity, too. Several mass graves have been found on its outskirts, and the leader of one of the groups searching for the 43 missing students was shot dead just outside the city earlier this month.

The unrest spells bad news for

the divers, whose salaries come from the admission fees tourists pay to watch them, plus tips and sales of food, drinks and souvenirs.

The work pays about $550 a month, according to Ramirez, and comes with health benefits, professional training and one day off per week — a great job for a country where more than 55 million people live in poverty.

It’s a job for people comfortable with risk. As they stand over the abyss, preparing to thread through the rocky outcrops in a three-second free-fall, the divers have to time their jump to coincide with an incoming wave, or risk cracking their skulls on the rocky bottom.

The water is just four metres deep. They will hit it at 90 kilometres (55 miles) per hour.

“You have to visualise your dive,” said Ramirez’s 43-year-old son, Jorge. Divers also face frequent injuries, including detached retinas, ruptured eardrums, broken forearms and neck and back trouble.

“Divers’ sight gets worse over time, like pelicans, which eventually go blind from plunging into the water and end up crashing into the rocks,” said Jorge.

“At first I was afraid of the sea,” said Jorge Antonio, Jorge’s 24-year-old son and the latest to carry on the family trade. “But little by little, I came to like it.”

In the 80 years that professional divers have been taking the plunge off La Quebrada, not one has been killed, said Monico.-AFP

C11

C1 2

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

LIFESTYLE

01

MARRAKECH (MOROCCO)

Marrakech is a magical place, brimming with markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques. Exploring the intimate courtyards and snaking alleyways of the historic Medina can easily eat up a day. Find inner peace at the serene Jardin Majorelle or take in the beauty of one of the city’s historic mosques.

02 SIEM REAP (CAMBODIA) When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple Siem Reap sunrise becomes a profound event. The ancient structures are contained within one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The complex and the 12th century Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap. Get a lesson in national history at the Cambodian Cultural Village, and a lesson in bargaining at the Angkor Night Market, a bonanza of shopping stalls, food vendors, and cafes.

10 CAPE TOWN (SOUTH AFRICA)

THE TOP TEN PLACES TO GO IN 2015

Cape Town glistens at the southern tip of the African continent.

Picture-perfect views at Blaauwberg Beach and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are within easy driving distance of “The Mother City.” The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters.

On a more sombre note, travellers can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.

Travel website TripAdvisor has sliced and 03 ISTANBUL (TURKEY) Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, where breathtaking ancient architecture co-exists with modern restaurants and nightlife.

The city’s mosques, bazaars, and hammams (Turkish baths) could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip. Start with the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artefacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse.

diced millions of user reviews to select its 2015 Travellers’ Choice award winners for the world’s top 25 destinations. Millions of TripAdvisor users weighed in and voted for their top travel

09 PARIS (FRANCE) Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marvelling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savour both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Get to know this romantic destination: awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.

destinations around the world. Winners were based on reviews of hotels, attractions and restaurants for different cities over a 12-month period. For the first time, travellers ranked Marrakech, Morocco, as the top travel 04 HANOI (VIETNAM) The charming Vietnamese capital has aged well, preserving the Old Quarter, monuments and colonial architecture, while making room for modern developments alongside. Once called Thang Long, or “ascending dragon,” this centuries-old city hasn’t forgotten its past, as attested by sites such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison. Lakes, parks, shady boulevards, and more than 600 temples and pagodas add to the appeal.

destination in the world. Last year, it ranked at No. 6. And while perennial favourites like Paris and Rome made the list, newcomers like Cusco,

08 BUENOS AIRES (ARGENTINA) The birthplace of the tango is, like the dance itself, captivating, seductive and bustling with excited energy. Atmospheric old neighbourhoods are rife with romantic restaurants and thumping nightlife, and Buenos Aires’ European heritage is evident in its architecture, boulevards and parks. Cafe Tortoni, the city’s oldest bar, will transport you back to 1858, and the spectacular Teatro Colon impresses just as it did in 1908.

Peru, and Queenstown, New Zealand, also made appearances. Here are the top 10 from the list.

LONDON (UK) crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market 06 The is where history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn’t miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore.

For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavour.

Rome wasn’t built in a day — and you’ll need much more than a day to take in this timeless city. The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, contemplate the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and sample a perfect espresso or gelato before spending an afternoon shopping at the Campo de’Fiori or Via Veneto. Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED, www.tripadvisor.com

07 ROME (ITALY)

05 PRAGUE (CZECH REPUBLIC) The Bohemian allure and fairytale features of Prague make it a perfect destination for beach-weary vacationers who want to immerse themselves in culture. Spend a full day exploring Prazsky hrad (Prague Castle), then refuel over a hearty dinner at a classic Czech tavern. Spend some time wandering the Old Town Square before heading over to gape at The Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 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

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

Twin villa for rent in Bowshar, near Muscat Private Hospital.

Contact 92760281

Shop/ comm./ Resi building 1&2 bed flat available in Wadi Kabir (near Lulu) one bedroom flats 200/- Wadi Kabir & Misfa land for rent 1000 SQM Al Khuwair 6 bedroom villa 900/- . Contact: 99451168

Brand new 2 bedroom flat for rent in Mabela. Contact 92460281

3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah.

Contact : 96775026

We have small building for rent in Bowshar commercial building can be used as staff accommodation or store. # 93782735 / 99208033

250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126

2 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557

We have 3BHK fully furnished villa in Ghubra 18th November near Automatic Restaurant.

Contact: 93782735/ 99208033

We have 2BHK fully furnished in Bareeq Al Shatti Qurum near Opera House. Contact : 93782735 / 99208033

Two flats for rent 3 bedroom & 1 setting room all with split a/c at & flat 1badroom Al Ghubra North near Indian School (Hot Pargur Restaurant) tell 99766103

3BHK well maintained flat (villa type) G. floor split A/C separate entrance, parking, and compound available in Al Khuwair behind Sagar Polyclinic Way no. 3922, Block 239, Villa No. 1839. Contact: 99253125

3Bedrooms Flat in Al Hail 92817777

We have 2BHK in Ghubra 18th November Street near sea 2 rooms sitting, hall, Kitchen & 3 bathrooms.

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033 We have flats, offices, shops, warehouse, basement for rent in Ghubra, Al Khuwair, Ghala, Azaiba, Maibela.

Contact : 93329476 / 99208033 We have offices for rent in Ghala brand new building.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent more details pleas.

Contact: 91214849 / 95729711 600 SQT commercial flat for rent, opposite Oman flour mill Darsait. For more details please Contact: 91214849 / 95729711 One bedroom apartment at Al Hail South. Contact: 99336255 2 bedrooms at Darsait Behind Indian School. Contact: 99336255

1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633 Shop / flat 2 bedroom 1sitting room for rent at Al Hamriya main road.

Contact: 97236696

2+3 BHK Qurum. Contact: 99024730 Studio flat Al Khuwair.

Contact : 99024730 1+2 BHK Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99024730 Various rooms for rent in Al Khuwair near Ibis Hotel. Contact : 95124975

Flat for rent at WK near Jabir Bin Zeid mosque monthly rent R.O 250/- , 12 chq payable on 1st. of every month. Contact: Abdulla 99445880/98292846 Morgan

Spacious 2BHK in MBD. Contact : 99713489

1 Bedroom attached, toilet & kitchen in AL Khuwair R.O 140/-.

Contact: 95154331

3 BHK, 3 bathrooms 2 balconies, nr. Al Hassan , W/Kabir R.O 325/-.

Contact: 99384640

Room with A.C Al Khuwair R.O 120/. Contact: 97799175

3 Bedroom flat at Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99447257/97014234

Basement in MBD. Contact: 99713489

1BHK Al Falaj. Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

2+ 6 BHR villa Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99024730

Barka store 100 m2 available.

Contact: 93393967

1+2 BHK Ruwi, Darsait.

Contact : 99024730

Pent house for rent 1 sitting, 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen RO 225/-, location Al Khuwair, near DHL Courier. Contact 95620900 / 92976722

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

2BHK at Al Khodh 2 rooms, 1hall, 2 bathrooms & kitchen.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175

Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002

Brand new 1, 2 BHK flats in Al Ghubra & Ruwi. Contact: 97616158

1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse etc.

Contact: 24700120 / 92584715 3 BHK flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181

New 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181 3, 4, 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

2BHK with split A/C in MSQ Opp. Al Fair. Contact : 96708000 1 BHK with split A/C in Darsait, opp. Muscat Municipality.

Contact : 96708000 3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008 2000 Sqr mtrs Store in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99792181 250 Sqr mtrs showroom in CBD. Contact 99792181 5000 & 10000 Sqr mtrs in open Land in Wadi Kabir. # 99792181 3 bedrooms, 1 hall at Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 2 BHK Ghubra R.O 325/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 1,2,3 BHK flats. Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 2BHK Mumtaz R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175

Deluxe 1, 2, 3 bedroom flats in Wadi Kabir, Ruwi, Al Khuwair area.

Contact: 24707340 / 95282986 /99472457

2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 92888063

New 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Ghobra.

Contact 99792181

Brand new flat 2 bedrooms with 1 Majlis, 3 bathrooms, kitchen in South Ghubra behind Oman oil RO 350/-. Contact 95367767

House for rent in Sidab 8 rooms, 6 toilets RO 550/-.

Contact: 96606679 / 99856551

Flats in Al Khuwair 33 & Wadi Al Kabir. Contact: 92800007

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR SALE PDO approved 25 MT Crane, forklift with boom & bucket 8001G portable, brackish & sewage tankers & 6 wheel Prime movers are available for monthly & daily rent (LCC contractor to PDO).

Contact: 98081969 / 98081699 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624 Room with toilet in Bowshar.

Contact: 96961306 Flat and show room for rent Al Khuwair 33, Al Ghubrah, Darsait and Jibroo. Contact: 24485240 / 24485241 / 93651633 / 92109563 Room for rent. Contact Farahat 98020768, Hilal: 96541263

Villa for for rent in Walaja Honda road. Contact: 91218273

Flat in Al Khuwair 3 rooms + Majlis ground floor. Contact: 99242119 Brand new bldg in Walja 1 BHK, 2 BHK & shops. Contact 98218279 2 rooms, 2 toilets, kitchen in Al Ansab. Contact 94229023 Flat 2bedrooms+majlis in Ghubra.

Contact:99242119 4 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis mart. Contact: 24700120 / 92584715

House in Muscat, near Muscat temple. Contact : 97711551 Flat for rent penthouse Al Amerat Al Mahaj. Contact: 92738298

4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158

4 bedroom villa with 3 maid room, big compound & parking area. Ideal for kindergarten or expat tenants residency. Contact:24566217 / 24564686

I BHK Flat -4 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 200/- . 2 BHK - 2 Nos / 1 BHK- 2 Nos, at Wattayya R/A near the mosquefor Families. Contact 96457757 9 am to 7 Pm.

Commercial / residential 2 BHK flat and 1BHK at Honda road residential 2BHK flat at opposite to Al Nadha hospital. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. Contact:: 95555162 / 95755953

Office & retail space available Alasfoor Plaza, Qurum.

Contact: 24566217 / 24564686

Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699

For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454

Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034

1 & two bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact 97677170 Apartments for Rent in Nizwa behind Nizwa Hospital. 99530985 92513668

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499

2BHK & 1BHK flats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025

1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953

Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569

SELL/BUY Looking for purchase of a residential building with minimum 25 unoccupied flats in Ghala, Bousher, Azaiba, Ghubrah.

Contact: 99261522 Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 /96642500

We have complete office furniture for sale very nice & affordable price .

Contact : 93782735 / 99208033 Small medium Business in Darsait with furniture rent 260/- P/M for sale. Contact: 91391353 An Amazing excellent land for sale in Barka at Al Muraysi attached to road open from 3 sides and surrounded by houses and commercial shops and others. Ready for construction to build twin villa for good investment from owner land size 677. Contact: 91010668 Godrej diesel 3.0 ton forklift for sale, model 2014 in immaculate condition.

Serious buyers – pl contact +968 9321 8310 / 93223382.

Aluminium workshop at Wadi Kabir with all machineries and 3 skilled workers. Contact: 99536206 / 99605915 Restaurant For Sale: Excellent Location at Al Rustaq on Main Highway. Next to Qaboos Mosque and High Court Complex.

Contact # 99227861.

Pest control and cleaning building company for sale with all permit and office. Contact : 96996938 JCB boom loader 540/170, 17 MTR 2008 model excellent condition.

Contact: 97677133 Fully equipped Beauty Parlor for sale in Amerat behind Sultan Center.

Contact : 98600130 / 24881211 Expat leaving bedroom set, fridge, table, sofa etc. Contact: 93393967 Wall papers, grass carpets sale & fixing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411

FOR EXPATS 3 Bedroom flat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand new available, behind Kims Hospital.

Contact 95225662 2 BHK pent-house having very spacious balcony with sea & city view RO 325 and 1BHK RO 240, adjacent to Indian Nursery Darsait.

Contact : 99476728 / 98484415

AVAILABLE

From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

WANTED Indian coca requirement with experience. Contact: 99209264

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2.

OMR 140 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Used Fabrication machinery for sale : Fabrication machinery and tools in excellent condition for immediate sale. Contact 94652485/ 99273774/ 99202278

ACC. AVAILABLE Room with attached bath available at Al Khuwair for working couples or ladies. Contact: 96001490 Fully furnished sharing Executive bachelor at Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99325387 Family sharing accommodation available in Al Khodh.

Contact : 98292798 Separate room with A/c, Small Fridge and Bed, for non-cooking Asian bachelor, behind Shell filling station, Ghoubra round about.

Contact: 94263390 Semi furnished rooms in AL Khuwair with car parking.

Contact : 92888337 Furnished room available in Ruwi.

Contact: 92435784

Nissan Sunny (2013) new/ excellent condition full insurance. Contact 95790291

Grand Cherokee Jeep 1996 Model 76000 KM only for sale , service with dealer. Contact: 99869897

HONDA CR-V 2008, purchased 2009, 4WD, Full option, No.1 model, Cruise control, leather seats, Sun roof, 1,23,000KMS, OMR 5000/-, expat leaving, for sale at SOHAR, Contact Samuel 99108311

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093 2000 model man prime mover excellent condition. Contact: 99316151

GOOD NEWS Ayuredic massage backache, joint pain, neck pain etc.

Contact 98254909

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

MATRIMONIAL Indian male 40 yrs Christian, working in Muscat, .looking for life partner, divorced or single.

Contact: 96059801

Single rooms with attached bath available at Ruwi.

Contact 98049288 / 8091089

Seeking alliance for our son from Muslim families. Interested families Contact: 99889590

Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis.

Contact : 99378397/99493500

A respectable Sunni Muslim family from Hyderabad, India invites proposal for their daughter, 26 years, MSc, very fair. Contact 93671857

Sharing accommodation in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors, wifi free, advance deposit.

Contact 91852710

Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

Furnished room for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya).

Contact 96761960 Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537

Diplomat used car for sale Toyota Corolla 2010 model, mileage 19,950/-, price R.O 3500 /- (negotiable). Contact: Mohamed Azgar 95751844 / 95863739 Sportage, 2013. Contact 99336093

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair RO 225/- for family only.

Contact 99251975

Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church.

Contact: 92837206

2010 Toyota Yaris (Automatic) white expat driven. Contact: 99737879

NOTICE Announces Modern Radiance Trading and Contracting (Solidarity) and restricted the trade and industry department of province of South Eastern under No. 1,019,903 that it was modifying its trade name to Radiance Modern trading & Contracting Trading Company. M.M and on each of his objection to that he has to submit the reasons for his objection to the department of Commerce and Industry of South Eastern province.

Land Cruiser 2012. Contact 99336093

CHANGE OF NAME I Nishanth Mariyamma George (name exactly as in present passport) son of Aleyama a.k.a Salamma George presently residing at the following address in AL Hail P.B No. P.C No. Sultanate of Oman and having permanent address in India Puthan Parambil House, Karakurssi, vazhumbram P.O. Palakkad, Kerala, Indian (as per present passport) , holder of passport holder of passport No. M 3924059 date of issue 27/11/2014 place of issue Malappuram solemnly affirm and declare that my Mother’s name is Aleyama for all purpose. Any objection towards this name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, AL Khuwair, P. Box No, 1727 postal code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

We, Murtaza. K. Kadri (name of father as per the passport, holder of Indian passport No. J 6978626 and Tasnim Murtaza Kadri (name of mother, as per the passport, holder of Indian passport No. M 2293232) having permanent address in 6, Shamiana Apts, 1st Hasanabad Lane, Santacruz (W), Mumbai-54, India (complete postal address in India) and presently residing at the following address in Muscat, P.B No. 3008 P.C No. 112 , Sultanate of Oman , hereby solemnly affirm and declare to change the name of our child Master Azeez Mustafa Gari (name as per present passport), holder of Indian passport No. J 5469896 date of issue 02nd Dec 10 issued at Mumbai. The name of our child will be henceforth known as Azeez Murtaza (given name) Kadri (sur name) (new name) for all purposes. Any objection towards change of name of our minor child may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, PB No. 1727, PC 112, Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman.

D4

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ART DIRECTOR Art director / creative director/ 8 years experience with Omani license, NOC. Contact : 95136862 Email: aunmoeid@gmail.com`

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Accountant with more than 6 years experience in SAOG company looking for middle management position.

Strong English/Arabic correspondence. Valid DL. NOC available.

Contact 91116924

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance.

Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com Indian male MBA finance & pursuing CMA having 2.6 years experience in Auditing & accounts field looking for a job in Muscat. Contact 92640613, Email: shabeersha797@gmail.com 13 years exp (7.5 years Gulf exp) B.Com Graduate, looking for Accountant job, GSM No:-92957064 , NOC Available.

B.Com, CA Inter (Indian) with 5 years experience (2 years GCC) in Accounts & Audit field. Contact: 95584531/ razikthumbe@gmail.com MBA finance having 5+ years experience in accountant with UAE D/L & NOC available.

Contact : 96970930 Email: tahirabbas85@hotmail.com Indian female M.A Economics with diploma in Indian 8 foreign accounting having 1 year experience in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95714285 Accountant 4 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 96182302 Email: rishad.sainudheen@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANT

ENGINEER

Urgently required Accountant Gulf experience to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact : 99658756

Leading construction company requires two Civil Engineer with minimum 5 years site experience in gulf. require gulf license and NOC. Send your CV to degree.engineer2015@gmail.com

Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com

Accountant 36 yrs Indian male 10 yrs UAE experience in Accounts, Insurance currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 96334958 / 95217432 Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter), M.Com 8 years experience in Accounting, Auditing with NOC& valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420 Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com

EDUCATION BEAUTY Required Beautician for a beauty salon in Muscat (visa available).

Contact: 97605308 Required experienced Hairdressers / full beauticians with exp in Ghubrah. Contact:97964519 / 94241385

DRAFTSMAN K.Design LLC requires “2d & 3d Draftsman” with minimum 3 yrs experience. Send CV to k.designoman@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELPER Required a House Maid preferably Muslim for a very reputed Omani Family in Muscat. Should be able to speak in Hindi / Arabic.

Contact 95216563 Indian family required full time Indian Housemaid, visa available.

Contact : 93228657 Wanted housekeeper at a Nursery – Muscat – Amerat, skill and commitment and behavior. Fax: 24700677 Tel: 99085844 /99010504 Email: school.oman@yahoo.com

DRIVER

IT MISCELLANEOUS Business Development Manager/ Business Manager for Software Business. Gulf experience preferred. hamoudj@yahoo.com Required Marketing Manager for educational programs.

Contact: 99674870

MEDICAL

Dental Surgeon, Orthodontist, Staff Nurses (female) with or without MOH license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary & commission. Contact 99006915, Email : alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com

Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

ENGINEER Require experienced Electricians for immediate appointment in Dubai.

Applicants must be able to work independently. Contact: 99869002, Email: fwi2009@outlook.com MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om

Young, energetic 24 yrs, ACCA finalist, Advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit. Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com

Post Graduate researcher required.

Contact 99229700

Heavy Duty Driver with license & NOC. Contact: 95959494 or E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com

Driver required for a Company, 2 yrs experience. Visa available.

Contact 24479922

25 years male BBA (Hons) CFAC ACCA having 3 years experience as top management operations, Accounts seeking suitable placement. Contact : 92829595 Email: saqib4u1@hotmail.com

A well known private school is in need of Physics, English, Mathematics, Science and Kindergarten Teachers. Contact: 96910649 Email: staffing.oman@gmail.com

Vacancy for lady Doctor on morning shift for clinic at Ghala with OR Without MOH. Contact: 97746296

Experienced Driver with car or without car. Visa available.

GSM 942 888 63 / 9905 3844

Indian male B.Com Graduate 24 years looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97219505

Urgently required experienced Teachers for Mathematics and Science (physics) for a reputed bilingual School in Al Ansab. Send CV to Email – aleithar@hotmail.com or Contact - 24585343

Need Heavy Drivers with valid GCC D/L.Contact.92252507 Email:- hamood@omankmtc.com

Light vehicle driver.

Contact: 99347515

Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com

Egyptian language school Muscat requires 2 English Teachers (bachelor degree in education) + 5 years experience with IELTS or Toifel) applications with supporting documents to be sent by mail to egymuscat@yahoo.com or fax 24697047

Medical CARE Centre, Multi Specialty Clinic, Seeb, requires General Practioner, Medical Lab Technician & Pharmacist. Send CV at Email : sarita_h23@yahoo.com or call 97884856

MISCELLANEOUS Looking for project Managers, Site Engineers & Office Secretary for a construction company Email Id: rgeorge@omantd.com Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the property. Applicant must be Graduate, possess Omani or GCC driving license.

Having oman market experience.

Apply with NOC. Attractive salary +commission. Send your CV: property@ labdmarkmuscat.com

Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

SALES / MARKETING Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Required Salesman in Salalah very good commission. Contact 92760281 Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Waterproofing technicians required. Contact 92888337

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE 35 yrs male, MBA Finance with 5 years GCC Accounts & Admin experience. VDL.NOC available, looking for suitable placement.

Contact:96763275 Indian male having 5 years of experience in Oman as accountant cum office administrator with Omani driving license looking for a new placement. Contact: 94173818, email: nibinkjames@gmail.com Fresher looking for a career opportunity B.Com good physique, quick learner English speaking.

Contact: 93368464 Indian CA 10yrs of Oman experience in treasury, financial reporting, consolidation, ERP implementation in Trading, construction, Oil & Gas sectors. NOC available.

Email: caramdas.s5@gmail.com GSM: 91310237

Indian Female Chartered Accountant [ACCA] looking for suitable placement. Contact: 99342077 Accountant, Indian male, B.Com, PGDSE with 12 yrs of experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 92750853, email : vinoykjospeh@gmail.com Male 29 yrs, 5+ experience, 4 yrs in HME (Office Assistant) 1 yr experience in accounts & marketing seeking for suitable position. Contact: 00968 96505486 Pakistani Qualification M.Com (finance) experience 2 years as Internal Auditor, 3 years as Finance Manager.

Contact: 00968- 91490367 Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer - MSQ to Al Hail).

Contact: 95694737

M.Com female good knowledge in computer and tally 4 years experience in accounts and Administration seeks suitable placement on visit visa. Contact: 96992431 / 99450130 Accountant Indian male B.Com 7 years experience (Accounting) finance costing, auditing with NOC & valid driving license seeking placement. Contact: 96722257 Email: mudassir.pal@gmail.com Indian CA with 15 yrs exp. working as Head of Finance for US MNC. NOC Available - 94047434 Urgent: Accountant Indian female 6+ years experience degree B.com (AC) MBA middle level carrier skill cum tally 9 balance sheet auditing payroll profit & loosest visit visa. Contact: 91551164/91175456 Email: mk.jothipriya@gmail.com A Sri Lankan lady chartered accountant with five years experience (including article ship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91259845 Email: amashermila@gmail.com

12 yrs of Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact 99513082 10+ yrs UAE experienced Fin. Controller looking for a job change.

Contact 98006226 Email: devan801@gmail.com Indian male B.Com looking for Accounts, indoor sales, Office Assistant, Store keeper, Contact 98295101 Indian Male MBA with Experience in Accounts, Admin, Sales, Contact – 91520930 Indian male MBA Finance / HR 1 yr experience in Indian currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 93416031 Email: ashin.shams@gmail.com Accounts finance Indian male 35 yrs B.Com, M.B.A tally exp 9.7 yrs exp 1.5 yr Oman family visa N.O.C available. Contact : 93257426.

Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com Accountant with more than 30 years experience in both financial and cost accounting seek part time assignment in Muscat or Sohar.

Contact 98598099 Part time accountant services available. Contact:93438100

ADMIN Indian male MBA 33 yrs having 10 yrs exp seeking suitable placement in Administration / HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc. Holding valid D/L. Contact - 99054786 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian Female MBA, 3 Year Experience in Admin MIS , Family Visa. Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com INDIAN(Male) MBA with 5+ years of experience in HR and ADMIN. Looking for suitable position. 96395254, shm1691@gmail.com 14 years of gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian, 16 yrs Oman experience in Admin / Office management and have D/L. Also have accounting knowledge. Contact: 99573353 32 years male, 11 years experience in indoor sales graphic designing, administration events looking for job. Contact: 98392508 Indian male 27Yrs, Having total 6 yrs of experience in HR/ Admin looking for suitable position.

Contact 91507099.

Indian male MCA, MSCE 2012 certified and Microsoft Exchange server administration with experience as System Administrator (windows) looking for a job currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 92745708 Email: nabeelmmkty@gmail.com Purchase, Admin, Indian male, 15 yrs Gulf experience. #95435370 Female 25, MSc (Wood Science & tech) MBA HRM, fresher well versed in English, Hindi and Malayalam, seeking for suitable placement in any related industries. #98401389 Email: thajnakp@gmail.com Chartered CIPD HR Professional having 5 years of experience in Oman seeking suitable job.

Call +971552071501.

DRIVER Driver with car. Contact : 91452930

Indian 23 years B.B.M diploma in computer accounting tally 9 excel 3 years (India) 1 year Oman as accountant, stores sales accounts, local visa NOC available. #92579311 Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98222753 Email - shemeejup@gmail.com ACCA and MBA (finance) from UK, 3.5 years experience in operation, holding D/L (Oman) looking for suitable position ready to join immediately. Contact : 95575614, Email: ahammadmds@gmail.com

Driver job wanted. Contact: 99343782 Car with driver or without cat specially Companies. Contact 97943750 / 97408900 Light duty driver 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 92602182 Looking for job driver with car.

Contact 96493236 L.T.D driver exp, 5 years know Hindi, English, Arabic, and Education B.A. Contact 98522914

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

MISCELLANEOUS

TOURS & TRAVELS

Pakistani driver, 5 years ex seeks placement. Contact: 97429442

WELDER, TIG, ARC, 6G experienced in GCC PH :95068064

Driver available 24, HRS, car without car. Contact: 98522914

Upholsery / Sofa makers GCC well experienced, knows Hindi and Arabic ph :99506977

Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom., IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India, looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast. pls contact 9470 5767

DRIVER

Pakistani diploma civil (Eng) 24 year 1.5 years experience in Pak) 2 years in (Oman). Contact: 97138320 Looking job LTV D with car.

Contact: 94436276 / 97433432 Driver looking for job, 20 years experience. Contact: 94795033 Light driving with 6 years experience in Oman. Contact: 94001751 Driving job. Contact: 99109458 Light vehicle Driver 5 years of experience, with Oman driving license looking for a job. Contact 97319805 / 92171166 Looking for driving job driving experience more than 3 years.

Contact: 97459022 Indian driver, 30 years, 8 years in Oman exp GCC, D/L with NOC. Contact: 93100297 / 92547440 Looking for driver job English, Arabic, and Hindi Lang, 8 years Muscat experience. Contact: 98802079 Indian light duty driver.

Contact 94269229 Driver light. Contact: 94182497 Light Driver. Contact 95779594, Ruwi Sri Lankan driver.

Contact 97387112 Indian male, looking for Heavy Driver job, holding Kuwait driving license. Contact 98136170 H.T. V Driver, Pakistani experience, 6 yrs, seeks work in company only.

Contact 93985087 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744

DRAUGHTSMAN Autocad Dman , Diploma in civil, exp, knows 2d, 3d, revit PH:98195161

Electrical Engineer, B.Sc. degree/B. Tech, 4 years experience. Looking for suitable placement. Available in visit visa. Contact: 94739355, Email: mahin.eee@gmail.com MSC Electronics Female, 24 years, 1 year experience in MR Scan Testing on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 91111675 28 years male diploma in Civil Engineer 6 years experience in Oman valid Omani driving license seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98666735 /90289111 Email: engrjahedbd@yahoo.com Civil Engineer Pakistani 12 +2 years Oman experience D/L seeks placement. Contact: 94392616

House maid cum cook Keralite .

Contact: 94297839

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Jordanian Mechanical Engineer, Expertise in Manufacturing, Design, Steel Work, AutoCad, SolidWork 3D. Nesting/ Plasma Cutting, Sales. Speaking English & Russian.

GSM#90198575/99201710

(BS Electronics) Electronics Engineer searching for job experience with Huawie & HNL as Intern in site maintenance. Contact: 91803545

Indian fresher BE Mechanical engineer having work in project of design and development of biodiesel plant seeks immediate placement. At present on visit visa.

Mo- 96636035 email - ashishthanki14@gmail.com 25 years experience in Civil Engineering looking for job at consultancy from for suitable position.

Contact : 97803710 Civil Engineer 7 years experience in Oman also have vehicle driving license. Contact: 92480604 Young BA looking for a job as Secretary / document controller, typewriting 40 W.PM shorthand also available. NOC from the present co. available. Contact: 93085851 Civil Engineer (diploma) 3.5 yrs exp, seeking for placement.

Contact: 95200650

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

Indian mechanical Engineer 31 yrs, 8+ experience in sales & BD including GCC, having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact: 97116858 Email: menonamit1984@gmail.com C-SWIP 3.1 ASNT level 2 QC Mech.

Engr 5+ yrs exp Indian male 26 seeks placement. Contact : 91823331 Email: kannasekhar46@gmail.com Indian male 27 yrs BE mechanical & W/diploma in automobiles 2 yrs teaching experience in designing (AutoCAD) seeking suitable position.

Contact: 94183625 Indian male 29 yrs old B.E electronic & Communication Engg (5 yrs experience in Oman) with valid D/L. Contact : 96652145 Electronics technician 20 years experience India, Saudi Arabia.

Contact 91969726

Indian BE (MECH) aviation BE degree diploma in material quality management 17 years Navy aviation 13 years construction purchase stores professional on visit.

Contact: 90205082 /98796982

Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885

Civil Engineering Diploma, Site coordinator now preset in Oman, seeking job in Oman. Contact : 92887561 Email: jubincivileng@gmail.com

Indian male, 23 years Electrical & Electronics Engineer having 1 year experience in Google company need suitable placement.

Contact: 91118694, Email: sharath2909@gmail.com

MEP foreman looking for a suitable position. Contact: 99526958

Electrical Engr, female, B Tech (Elec), experienced in all LV/ HV systems, currently working, NOC available for local transfer. phone-92109335

Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com

Indian 22 years male, Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech has done internships, born and brought up in Oman with Omani driving license, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact: 92791637 Email: ashwinsureshkotturethu@gmail.com

Indian job in procurement & contract, have “13” years purchase & contract experience in infrastructure & energy sector. NOC is available.

Contact-91237036

Instrumentation Engineer, nearly 4 yrs experience in oil & gas industry, seeks job in Oman. Contact 90198210, Email : terinsam@gmail.com

Building Construction Supervisor looking for small Omani co. to handle independently or suitable placement with Omani D/L. Contact: 93061107

Mech. Engg Indian male having 1 year exp looking for suitable job.

Contact : 92835957

Indain male, 23 yrs, B.E in Mechanical post Graduation Diploma in piping Engineering, seeking job in relevant field.

Contact : 94786570 Email: asim.hajwani6@gmail.com

Indian male BE Mechanical currently on 2 yrs free visa with NOC & local release. Looking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact – 90296975 / ali.syedausaf@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELPER House maid looking for job.

Contact: 99879576

36 yrs, Indian, male, X Ray, Welder looking for job, 8 yrs experience in TIG & ARC Welding, presently on visit visa. Contact 91360190 / 91843992

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Mechanical Engineer 23 having knowledge in HVAC looking for suitable vacancy. Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibuman313@gmail.com Indian male Mechanical Engineer having 2+ years experience in releniery piping + equipment seeking suitable position. Contact: 94768977 Civil Engineer with 6 yrs experience in can satiny firms structural design and supervision also worked as materials engineer. Contact: 96086214

Indian male 24 years B.Tech computer science & Engg fresher, having valid Oman D/L fluent in English & Hindi, smart & dedicated to work seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97327551 / 99330159 Indian Mechanical Engineer with PG diploma in Quality & Management, 3 yrs experience seeks placement. Contact: 99493890 mail: subashpalamittam@hotmail.com Civil Engg, B.Tech fresher Indian male currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact 91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Civil Engineer (B. Tech) Indian female, 2 yrs exp (1 yr in Oman) seeks suitable position. Contact: 93911895 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, Indian male, 29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF yres) seeks suitable placement. #92789995, Email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

Indian male Civil Engineer with Engineer with 2 years experience in Building project is available currently on visit visa. Contact: 92841583

Civil Engineer Indian male 10 yrs exp having Omani D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94194399 (shiblyrock@gmail.com)

Tunisian Civil Eng, Graduated flam the University of Tunisia past experience supervised several projected in the Island of djerha in the capital Tunis I have good experience with consulting engineer and contractor now in Muscat. Contact: 94745527 Email: khereddianeb@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer, 2 yrs experience in Automobile services.

Contact 98182081

Civil Engineer diploma holder having a 4 years experience seeking a suitable replacement. Contact: 98782698 Email: engr.rabiul007@gmail.com Mechanical and manufacturing Engineer , age 26 yrs masters ( Singapore) having 2 years Oman work experience with valid Oman driving license on visit visa available immediately.

Contact: 95498953 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer with 2 years experience in HV AC and plumbing - nikhilchandpm@gmail. com ; GSM: 97654489

Indian Mechanical Engineer (QA/ QC) Engineer with 5 yrs of experience in oil & gas, mining & manufacturing sector, keyskills – NDT, Welding Inspection, Quality control, inspection etc. Contact 91176122, Email : khajanaseer07@yahoo.co.in Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com

IT 28 M, Indian, have done master degree in computer application, 2 years exp in Oman, looking suitable placement. Contact: 93295112 Email: syedsadathali.mca@gmail.com

IT Network System Engineer switches, Routers, Servers, load balancers, CCTV 5 years of exp holds B.E (ECE) CCNA looking for good opportunity Indian visit visa. Contact 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gamil.com Tunisian Master degree in Computer Science, with experience in creating websites in development looking for a job in the Sultanate of Oman currently in Muscat.

Contact: 94745546 Email: safouane.gouja@gmail.com BE, ECE Mumbai university skills in C, C++, windows, linux, controller and processor RTOS, Electronics, Networking, 6 months experience in embedded software seeks placement. Contact : 917774864736 Email: sadatbtisekar@gmail.com SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry.

Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com Indian female, B.Tech, IT (now in Muscat on visit visa) with total 2 yrs experience (1.3 yrs in TCS, India) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 93949541 / 93738083, email : joantoms91@gmail.com IT Engineer, 6 yrs exp in software projects & development (OCJA) on visit visa. Contact: 99487493 B.E (Computer) degree Engineer, complete schooling in Muscat, male, Indian with 1 yr experience needs job in software / networking / Java/ Web design or Marketing.

Contact 97136248 / 99313821

MEDICAL Male NURSE, FILIPINO, with MOH LICENSE and NOC. Contact: 94756418 email: rojiebrian.moral@yahoo.com Lecturer in nursing(MSc) specialized in OBG, 3 years experience, on visit visa, seeking teaching opportunities Contact:90125347 ENT surgeon board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes.

Contact: 91347226 OB/ Gynecologist board degree & prometric exam looking for a job in private hospitals & medical complexes. Contact: 91347226 Female doctor GP, 8 years experience with prometric & viva, MOH passed and NOC, seeking GP position within Muscat area.

Contact 95043021 Veterinary Doctor with 10 yrs experience, looking for job.

Contact 92533579

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Facility / Project Management 5 yrs of exp holds BE (ECE) MBA, Indian on visit visa looking for suitable openings. Contact : 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com Supervisor fabrication. 30 years experienced in oil and gas industry with thorough knowledge of PDO procedures. contact 99365694, 92362946, 99208102 email: tapasroy21@yahoo . com Supervisor / Forman interior / electrical with Oman driving license.

Contact: 98767559

MISCELLANEOUS Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com

PROJECTS Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC, open for Sales & Marketing also.

Contact 95245057

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED Building construction supervisor looking for small Omani company to handle independently or suitable placement in good company with Oman D/L. Contact 93061107

SALES / MARKETING Indian male B.Com, MBA having 2 years experience in Marketing and Advertising on visit visa looking for suitable openings.

Contact: 96559835 Email: rintomatam@gmail.com 10 yrs financial products sales & marketing experienced 5 years in banking Indian male 32 yrs on visit visa looking for suitable position.

Contact : 92882053 Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement with Oman D/L. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com Senior Sales Engineer 4 years experience in Oman with D/L, Sales electrical products PDO OXY supply liaison with MEP contractors and consultants NOC available.

Contact: 0091 9895799737 Email: thomasjmuscat@gmail.com Contact : 99447853 Indian male 8 yrs experienced construction purchase seeks suitable placement with NOC. Contact 95621614

MISCELLANEOUS Female, BE(hons) Systems Administration, 2 years teaching experience. Seeking suitable placement in Higher Education/Training industry.

Email: sadia_fatima@hotmail.com Contact:96447091 Indian looking for a part time accounting or Internal Auditing job, contact 99196621.

Indian male B.Eng. in IT,CCNA, MCSA,MCSE, 2yrs + exp. in IT support, networking and server support valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Store Supervisor or Site Supervisor, Indian male 30 years, looking for suitable placement in any reputed company. Having 5 years of gulf experience with good communication skills. Willing to work in any GCC country. Contact: 00968 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com Indian female, 25yrs Bsc nursing with MHA (Master of Hospital Administration) looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 25 November 2015.

Contact: 9951 3267, email: alinaelshaddai@gmail.com Chartered CIPD HR, MBA having 5+ years of experience in Oman and 7 years in GCC looking for job opportunities. Call 97728418 Store Supervisor or Site Supervisor .

Indian male 30 years age.

Looking for suitable placement in any reputed company. Having 5 years of gulf experience with good communication skills.

Willing to work in any GCC country.

Contact: 00968 97756269 , Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com 32 years Indian Male MSC, MBAHR having 7+yr Exp(HR and SAP operations) with Oman valid driving license, seeking suitable opening in Human Resource & Admin/backend jobs.Contact: 00968-99322978

Nine years UAE experienced Graduate Indian male with valid UAE/ GCC, D/L on visit seeks sales / admin position. Contact: 98826959

Iranian male. ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position. Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154

Land Surveyor experience 6 years in landscape , construction and roads for contact : 0096895244840, 0096899703488, e-mail: eng.amr_salama@yahoo.com

PGDM in Marketing & finance and specialization in SCM in Belgium University, 14 months experience in cooperative relations looking for suitable job. Contact: 92050773 MBA (Marketing and HR) Indian male looking for a suitable job 2 years experience in Oman with a valid GCC driving license Contact : 97353936 Email: shimithpg@gmail.com US, MBA, looking for job in Sales and Hospitality, 2 years experience in Oman with driving license and NOC Currently on notice period.

Contact: 95585345 Email: jobyisaac@gmail.com Indian male with five years experience of call centre in customer service and sales looking for suitable position. Contact: 90198176 Post graduate 6+ yrs of experience in credit controller marketing looking for suitable job, valid Oman driving license, own car. NOC available.

Contact 95327018 Sales man, experienced , knows arabic , hindi ph : 99506977 Indian male Graduate with 2 yrs exp in sales advertising, presently on visiting visa looking for suitable opening. Contact: 95462921 Indian male, 2 yrs exp. in Sales with D/L seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92055093

TOURS & TRAVELS 11 yrs experience in travel field B.Com, IATA, MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales reservation ticketing driving license & NOC available. Contact 92954613

Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering.Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/ 97357143 ACCA Affiliate, Oxford Brookes Bsc, 2.5 years experience in audit, finance in Big 6 and oil industry, NOC release available. a.saran891@gmail.com, 95140445 B.com .5 yrs exp. of oman Looking for an Accounts job work, preferred to do from home. Well versed with TALLY Accounting software.

Contact 95482970 Pakistan Male: 24 years, M.Com Finance having 2.5 year experience as a accountant & marketing executive looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 97670816, e.mail: naeem.ahsan68@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in IT Trainer, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com Civil Engineer Indian 20 years experience (1 year in Oman) in management and construction seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91718976 , email : mdnaveed71@gmail.com Male, 32 years M.A. English M.Sc Psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experience in teaching present company is ready to issue release letter. Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Computer Teacher, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact:- 95983711, join.mtmali@gmail.com

D6

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED Light duty driver, 23yrs. Can speak Arabic, Hindi, Bangla and understand English. Release available.

Ph.92854775 / 93487450 ME Civil- structural Engineer, 8 Years Structural engineer experience, Looking for Structural Designer, supervisor or site engineer Position.

Iranian male, Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience, presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available, seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Civil Engineer Indian 20 years experience (1 year in Oman) in management and construction seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91718976 Male, 32 years M.A. English M.SC psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experiences in teaching present company is ready to issue release letter. Contact : 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Housemaid looking for job.

Cont : 95587492 Filipino (Male), 33 yrs/old, 9 yrs. experience in marine transportation (seaman/deck crew), & 3 yrs. in sales (electronic devices) currently on visit visa & looking for a suitable employment. GSM: 94750459 Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available #95253640 email-hareeshma24@yahoo.com Senior Accountant Indian male Graduate CA Articleship completed 18 years of experience currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement contact.97498809,93391910 Email.hilariankj@gmail.com Electrical Maintenance Engineer, 29, Indian Male, having 7+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact - 98440637. Mail ID : venkatbadri23@gmail.com Indian male 22 years, Looking for suitable placement in Hardware and Networking field, 1 year exp. in india an have done training in al ameen computers. With good communication skill, Qualification is Diploma in Electronics and Communication.

Contact : - 95632209,95068075, Email- fairozhuded13@gmail.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science, diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience , dba oracle pl-sql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba, network, Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic. Email:chastity643@gmail. com, Mob:91415886 Having 9+ years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. Contact:95983711.Join.mtmali@gmail.com Indian male 24 years,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 2 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482, Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Indian male 23 years, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa.

Seeking suitable placement.

Contact no. 98045482 Email: mastanshaik1008@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED 29 years femaile (MBA-Finance) with 4 + years experience (India & Oman) in administration & teaching seeking suitable placement in an established organization.

Contact 96371655.

Male, 32, having 7 years experience in New Car sales and rental. Currently working for one of the most reputed Brand in India is seeking a suitable change. Contact +91 9045232273 Looking for managerial post (full time ) ,More than Ten years of experience in Team Development ,Training ,Planing, Administration, Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics.

Contact 91076608 /+919048648108 NOC available Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 31 years, Looking for suitable placement in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 7 years of gulf experience in FASTENERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. Having a valid D/L. Contact: 00968 92480985, Email: fayubeig@gmail.com Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact 9719 4864 BRANCH-HEAD, MBA-BBA, Indian Male having experience in UAE, India, Oman total 5 years (including MNC), looking for similar or same openings.

NOC available. mobile: 92700670, email:catanalur131@gmail.com Accounts Head/Manager looking for job with Gulf Experience (NOC available). Contact : 94164650. email: msaleem.kr@gmail.com

Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 31 years, looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 7 years of gulf experience in fasteners and building material. Having a valid driving license. Contact: 00968 92480985, Email: fayubeig@gmail.com Pakistani, Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, already working in Prestigious Construction Company. # 95983711.

Join.mtmali@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED

Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864

Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years, Looking for suitable placement in CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES and OILFIELD INDUSTRIES. Having 5 years of gulf experience in FASTENERS and BUILDING MATERIAL. with good communication skills.

Contact: 00968 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.com

Indian male MBA finance and marketing. Having 2 year experienced in accounting, looking for suitable job opportunities. Available on visit can join immediately. Cont: 94676974 Email: anfalruk@gmail.com

INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer, currently on visit visa. Seeking suitable placement. Contact no. 98045482

SALES MANAGER (MECHANICAL ENGINEER)-Over 5 yrs in Oman, with experience in Industrial Products & Services with Noc & driving license looking for the challenging opportunities. Notice period Ends on 27th August -2015 . GSM - 95291830

21 years, B. Com, graduate male ‘fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam with Driving license looking for a suitable job. Contact: 96799287

ACCOUNTANT, Male, 8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license. NOC available seeks suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Mechanical Engineer : Indian , male 23 years, 2 years experience, on visit visa . Seeking suitable placement.

Contact : +968 91409712 , Email : nibin.nani@gmail.com

Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping & Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact 97121525 24 years, ACCA affiliate, 2.5 years of experience in audit, finance in Big6 and oil industry, looking for suitable placement, NOC release available. Contact 95140445, Email: a.saran891@gmail.com INDIAN MALE 24 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic).Having 2 years experience as Electrical Site Engineer in Constructions. Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications.

Seeking for suitable placement in constructions or in any related industries. Contact no: 98045482/ mastanshaik1008@gmail.com Indian male, 29 yrs, B.Tech Electronics & Communication Eng. + diploma in SAP, 7 years professional experience, looking for a job in Oman / other GCC countries.

Contact: 0091 973 928 5790, Email: rahul.rn198@gmail.com Indian Female Lawyer having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman seeks placement in Legal/HR/ Admin etc. NOC available Contact-94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com AutoCad Civil Draftsman – Having 3 years- experience, looking for a placement.(Full- time or Part time) 99627427 / 96154564.

Indian male MBA finance and marketing having 2 year experienced in accounting. Having good knowledge in Tally ERP and advanced excel.

Looking for suitable job opportunities. Available on visit visa can join immediately. Contact:94676974, Email : anfalruk@gmail.com Babar Ali Male, Pak, Exp 14 Years in Accounts, IT & Administration, looking for a better position in Oman, No need of Visa, already working in of the Omani Construction Company.

Contact:- 95983711.

Indian Male, 37 Years , B Tech Graduate Electrical. Having 12 Years Experience of DCRP Works / Jobs in Oman with Driving License, Looking for an suitable opening, NOC Available. Contact – 92122338, Email saiviharvasanth@gmail.com Male available for a part time accounting & admin job, Contact:99196621.

Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439 Masters in Information Systems and IT with more than 12 years experience seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 98502793, email:jobsrs6@gmail.com Advertising/media executive with 15 years gulf experience with oman driving license. Seeks good opening.

Contact 93031168 Filipino (male), 37 yrs. old, having 8yrs. experience in Operation (Shipping&Logistics) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

GSM: 97121525 Quantity Surveyor-MEP (Estimation/Project) ,Total 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman).

Having NOC & Oman D/L, Looking for suitable job, Contact - 97906551 Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years , looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 5 years of Gulf experience in FASTENERS and building material. with good communication skills. #97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.comIndian

Indian Female, 25 years, M.Sc Electronics + Multimedia, having one year teaching experience in Government college in India, seeks suitable placement. Contact GSM 99367448 Indian male executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Indian Male 28 years MSM, B. Com having 6years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement. # 97914340.

Email: rajkv30@gmail.com Indian female with MBA in finance on visit visa seeking immediate placement. Contact :968-93316493 Well qualified Indian Female Bsc, Computers diploma 9 years of experience as Executive Secretary seeks placement.

Contact 95423692,91374217 Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 YEARS in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat. GSM:97475860 mail:yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com B.E Mechanical engineer,2 years job experience in Oman in pipeline field, having ASNT level ll in UT,RT,MT and PT, fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi, with valid Omani driving license (light) searching for job.

Contact +968 92745691 ACCOUNTANT: Indian male senior Accountant, Graduate & CA Article ship completed. 18 Years of experience. Currently on visiting visa. seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 99769743, Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Indian male 35 yrs, 10 yrs UAE experience in FMCG, looking for a suitable position in sales and marketing, valid GCC license on visit visa. Contact 93438747, 95723635.

Having exp in the following, MS Windows Server 2003 & 2008, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 & E-Mail Client Administration,Linux Administration, Service Desk Administration, Network Management, Technical Support. Presently the candidate in India.Mob:97239854

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

DRIVING

SIT.WANTED Available for a part time accounting job. Contact 99196621 Software Developer, Indian female, B.Tech (AE & I), M.Tech (VLSI Design), asp.net, C#,.net, C++, Core Java, Android Java, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95906935, Email : amalpkku@gmail.com Electronics / Instrumentation Engineer, Indian female, M.Tech (VLSI Design), B.Tech (applied Electronics & Instrumentation), ASP.Net, C++.Net, C++, Android Java, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95906935, Email : amalpktu@gmail.com Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/ accounts/admin dept.

Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com

CLASSES

B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post.

Mob:92758404 NOC Available.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license.

Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886

Spoken English IELTS & Computer classes.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

COMPUTER

WEBSITE Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years inJcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. #93393768

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

NRI Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99044292

Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621

Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail. com, GSM:97475860

One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company.

Contact: Saleh : 96723485

Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill # 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703.

ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male.

Contact: 93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 An NRI wants to sell his properties, in Ernakulam (6 cent villa near Amrita hospital), Trivandrum (plot near Kowdiar Palace), Trivandrum (plot near Kumarapuram Jn.) and Pandalam (opposite Ayyappa temple by the side of MC road).

Please call: 94052733 or 94070407

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

A/C Technician, all refrigerator items, installation.

Contact: 92279370

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 All maintenance & repairs.

Contact Rizwan: 99429071, RMPM Trading.

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units.

Contact: 98667326 General cleaning in buildings villas all types interior, exterior, polishing dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble etc. Contact 94134784 / 98598280 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 House shifting & packing.

Contact: 99657644 /98518013 A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Required investors for different projects. Contact: 99674870 Working partners required for Farm Based Trading.

Contact: 94151791 New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938 General Investors.

Gsm-99674870

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W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

TOURS

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

TRANSPORTATION Transportation available. Contact: 99867456 Ruwi, Muttrah, Muscat, Al Khuwair & Qurum. Contact - 95415272

Transportation. Contact 99664703 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627

Driver with car. Contact: 94004667 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Car for rent. Contact: 92516090 Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016.

Contact: 97249449

Transport available in Ghala, Ruwi , Ghubra, Al Khuwair & Azaiba.

Contact: 91495819

Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282

FOR HIRE Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Pick & Drop any time.

Contact: 97014786