Times of Oman - January 3, 2016

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

At the opening of the annual session of the Council of Oman, 2009

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Designation of 17th October each year as Omani Women’s Day will highlight their achievements over the previous year and their contributions to serving their community, while raising awareness of their true role and status and boosting their aspirations towards the future.

SUNDAY, January 3, 2016 / 22 Rabi Al Awal 1437 AH

S E C R E TA R I AT G E N E R A L

Objectives of Ninth five-year plan reviewed MUSCAT: Objectives of the 9th Five-Year Plan and the outlook of Oman economy 2020, were reviewed by the Secretariat General of the Supreme Council, in the light of the achievements of the earlier five-year plans .

In a statement, the Supreme Council pointed out that the 9th five-year development plan was prepared in cooperation with the various government departments and with the participation of the private sector. >A6 FORECAST

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are estimated at

REJIMON K

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OMR400 million, a reduction of OMR710

MUSCAT: 2016 is set to be a year of necessary austerity for Oman with experts saying the decline in government spending will ripple through the economy as officials work to keep the Sultanate’s finances on track.

“We should never forget the fact that the government is a major spender in any economy which produces a multiplier effect. Obviously, the decline in expenditure may mean reduction in

million (or 64 per cent) compared to

Staff Reporter

MUSCAT: Oman’s government on Saturday unveiled details of its state budget, with major austerity measures and steps to raise nonoil income.

The total revenue is estimated at OMR8.6 billion, a fall of 4 per cent compared to the actual expected revenues of 2015. The government revenue estimate in 2016 comprises income from oil and gas at OMR6.15 billion, representing 72 per cent of the total revenues.

The non-oil revenue estimates for 2016 amount to OMR2.45 billion, representing 28 per cent of total revenue estimate.

The non-oil revenues are expected to reach OMR1.9 billion in 2015.

Also, as much as OMR4 billion has been allocated for education, health and social welfare, which include OMR2.5 billion for education sector, OMR1.3 billion for healthcare sector and OMR163 million for social care.

for 2015 budget

The total expenditure is estimated at OMR11.9 billion, a decline of OMR1.5 billion or 11 per cent from the actual spending expected for 2015.

Oil and gas sector The expenses for oil and gas sector are estimated at OMR1.79 billion, a 14 per cent dip from the estimates of 2015 budget.

The current expenditure of the ministries and government departments are estimated at OMR4.26 billion, showing a decline of 12 per cent compared to the budget estimates for 2015. This figure included salaries and entitlements of employees at OMR3.3

Oman’s rising deficit

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Oman may still face a formidable budget challenge in 2016 amid the forecast of a higher deficit. >A2

INDIA

Terror strike in Punjab

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JeM outfit struck at an Indian Air Force base in Punjab in which three security men were killed. >A9

MARKET Indian skater from Oman wins six medals

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N E W A P P L I C AT I O N

Indian envoy unveils mobile app for workers in distress Staff Reporter MUSCAT: MigCall, an androidbased mobile application, which instantly saves helpline numbers in smartphones for link with the Indian embassy, was launched by Indian ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, here on Friday.

Embassy’s helpline Urging expatriates to use the app, the Indian ambassador said: “Indians should download the app and spread the app news so that they can access the embassy’s helpline numbers in their smartphone call list and just dial for help when they are in distress.”

The app was unveiled at the Indian embassy auditorium on Friday evening.

More than 300 people, including 250 workers from different company camps, attended the function. “It is a useful app. Not

USER-FRIENDLY: Indian ambassador Indra Mani Pandey watches the salient features of the MigCall app, on Friday. – Jun Estrada

only for workers, but any Indian can be connected to the embassy,” Shafi Kaipuram, who brought some 40 Indians to the function, told Times of Oman.

The mobile app ‘MigCall’, based

investment expenditure which constituted roughly 1/3rd of the total budgeted public expenditure in 2015,” a financial expert told Times of Oman.

“This results in lesser government projects in which private companies can participate. All these may lead to lower revenues, lesser profits and lesser employment especially for companies which depend on government projects. It may even trigger a contraction in the economy consequent to overall fall in demand,” the expert said. >A6

reach OMR3.3 billion.

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REVENUE SHORTFALL: The deficit of the budget is expected to

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MSM declined by 14.77 per cent or 937 points to close at 5,406.22 points last year. >B1

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State budget focuses on austerity, non-oil income

Chances of rain in Oman MUSCAT: Hail, thunderstorms and rain are expected in Oman from Sunday, which will continue for two days, according to the weather update by Oman Meteorological Department.

The depression, which will hit Musandam, is likely to affect Muscat, North and South Al Batinah, Al Buraimi and Al Dhahira governorates.

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on the Android OS platform with a file size of 2.8 MB, is available at Google Playstore in various Indian languages, such as Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Bengali and English. >A6

billion and operation expenses of OMR1.1 billion.

The spending on development projects is estimated at OMR1.35 billion represents the cash to be spent during the year.

The reduction in project investment amounts to 18 per cent compared to 2015 budget.

The total provision for security and defence expenses is estimated at OMR3.5 billion, 12 per cent fall compared to 2015 budget.

The defence expenditure comprises salaries and entitlements of employees besides the operation expenses and capital expenses.

The subsidies are estimated at OMR400 million, a reduction of

OMR710 million (or 64 per cent) compared to the amount approved for 2015 budget. Further, OMR240 million is allocated for other expenses, a reduction of 10 per cent.

The deficit of the budget is expected to reach OMR3.3 billion, which is 38 per cent of the total revenue and 13 per cent of the gross domestic product. The deficit will be covered through borrowing from both domestic and overseas markets.

Focus on austerity In a move to reduce expenditure, the state budget proposed to amend the local prices of fuel to make such prices conform to the global prices,

to suspend expansion of organisational structures at the ministries and government units, to postpone the award and execution of unnecessary or unimportant projects, to cancel family cars and tour vehicles allocated for ministers, undersecretaries and senior officials, to cancel allocation of government vehicles for some positions and instead pay conveyance allowance determined as per the approved regulations, to prohibit the use of government cars after office hours and to review the fleet of vehicles of each government unit in light of the actual need and to return the extra vehicles to the Ministry of Finance. >A4

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

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My parents saw the spark in me, spotted the talent and decided to get me professional training Aadnya Borkar, Oman-based Indian figure skater

F I G U R E S K AT I N G

C O M M E N TA RY

Oman’s budget spending cuts Indian skater representing overshadowed by rising deficit Sultanate wins six medals SUNDAY BEAT SALEH AL SHAIBANY

O

man government may still face a formidable budget challenge in 2016, as lower than expected spending cuts and the forecast of a much higher deficit, could expose serious fiscal cracks in the coming months.

Reductions in expenditures of 15.6 per cent to OMR11.9 billion are being offset by a record 2016 budget deficit of OMR3.3 billion, which is 32 per cent higher than planned for last year, at OMR2.5 billion. Obviously, the expenditure cuts have been eclipsed by the growing deficit, which might make it difficult to deal with the shortfalls.

The government has also based its budget on an oil price of $75 per barrel in 2016, just $10 less than last year. Currently, oil is being traded below $40 per barrel. Mathematical analysis clearly reveals that there is a discrepancy of at least 80 per cent between the traded prices of crude oil and what the government has based its budget upon. The figure of $75 per barrel only helps to justify accounting methodology, but not practicality, on the international market where the oil glut is continuing to be inspired by growing US production and high capacities of global inventories.

It is yet another reminder that oil prices will take a long time to recover.

The superficial cuts might be enough to generate a good headline, but not enough to inspire confidence and long-term

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Expenditure cuts have been eclipsed by the growing deficit, which might prove difficult to deal with shortfalls

growth, at a time when Oman needs to dig deep to maintain stability of its economy.

Increasing petrol prices at filling stations and corporate taxes will help, but not significantly.

Obviously, the objective of these changes is to make energyuse more efficient and conserve natural resources, while minimising the negative effects on lower and middle-income Omanis, but not to provide a big boost to the economy.

Bond issue With revenues predicted at OMR8.6 billion in 2016, down from OMR12.5 billion last year, the government would need to step up its efforts to issue the anticipated $250 million local bonds and planned $1 billion syndicated loan. Oman may also need to issue its first international bonds since 1997 to overcome its revenue fallout.

Though there are many limitations in raising revenues, deeper cuts are the only way to balance the accounting sheets. Economic planners can still pull it off in 2016 by putting the brakes on expenditures for the civil service and by slowing down work on existing projects.

With little prospect of oil prices reaching the $75 target, the government will be faced with a larger deficit this year. In 2015, the actual budget deficit of OMR4.5 billion was 27 per cent more than the estimated figure.

The real challenge will be to wipe out the aggregate of deficits in the last two budgets, while working with very unreliable oil prices. The government may also have to resort to painful cuts to freeze employment in the government sector, stop bonuses and various perks, such as allocations of cars to senior officials. One area that drained the coffers in the past was travels by officials to attend overseas meetings and seminars.

Financial reserves In the past, the government relied heavily on financial reserves to pay for its deficits. With the gripping economic crisis Oman is currently going through, there will not be much left of reserves.

Though the answer is not obvious, and there is no quick fix, it will be prudent to take the bull by its horns and steer it from harm’s way. There is no shame in cancelling some contracts or to stop awarding new ones in 2016, as a temporary measure until the economy recovers.

Downsizing the government’s organisations and trimming them to the minimum would also help control future expenditures. One way of doing this is to completely privatise state-owned companies. One of these companies is Omantel, which is 75 per cent owned by the government. Oman National Transport Company (ONTC) is another one. Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) is a good candidate, too, to go under the hammer of privatisation. And so is Oman Air. The budgets for these companies take away a sizeable chunk of expenditures that can be used to pay off deficits.

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: For Aadnya Borkar, an Indian figure skater currently living and practising in Oman, ice skating is a passion and she is a genius in the sport of figure skating.

The Times of Oman (TOO) is featuring the very special talent of Aadnya today, as part of its #OmanPride campaign.

It is surprising that a girl, who has been brought up in Oman, which is full of dry mountains and deserts, is aspiring to compete at the highest level in a sport such as ice skating.

“I started skating at the age of 11, when my parents first took me ice skating at the ice rink in Al Khuwair, which is no longer located there and has moved elsewhere,” Aadnya told the Times of Oman. For Aadnya, it was all fun in the initial stages.

Professional training “I could barely maintain my balance, leave alone skate, while on ice. My parents saw the spark in me, spotted the talent and decided to get me professional training,” she said.

“I love ice skating. It is a fun sport and a good way to exercise. I was so excited to learn something new. I kept advancing through the ISI (Ice Skating Institute) levels,” added Aadnya.

Aadnya, a former student of the Indian School Wadi Kabir, represented Oman at the International Figure Skating Competition in Hong Kong and secured six gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal for Oman.

United States of America (USA), Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, apart from Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Sultanate were the participants in the competition.

“There was no looking back since then. I had the opportunity to represent Oman, India and my state Maharashtra at various competitions across the world,”

Aadnya Borkar. — Supplied picture

said Aadnya. “I have lived most of my life in Oman and this country has given me so much, I had the opportunity to make Oman proud and hold its flag high too,” she added.

Aadnya was coached by Michael Fernandes.

Besides ice skating, she was a good athlete at school and was a part of the school athletic team.

She had won many medals and trophies in events like 4x100 relay, long jump, 100 metre and 400 metre sprints.

Aadnya also has a second-Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate and is a good swimmer too.

“Karate has helped my figure skating as it has increased my stamina,” she says, and added that she is realistic about her dream.

According to her,ice skating is an expensive sport.

‘Because of my father’ “What I am today is all because of my father, Ashok and mother Aakanksha. Their encouragement, financial, moral support, and blessings have helped me become who I am today,” said Aadnya.

“It is lovely to have child to carry your name forward, especially when she is a daughter, and our daughter has given us enormous pleasure and family life,” Aadnya’s father Ashok Borkar told the Times of Oman.

“A father’s interest, praise and approval can spur his daughter on to greater achievements. That is exactly what I have done. I have set up a platform for our daughter to excel in a unique sport of ice skating (figure skating), and we are blessed to have talented child such as Aadnya. We thank the almighty for showering on us his blessings in the form of Aadnya.

She has not only made us proud parents but also made Oman proud. This is her second home where she has grown-up and nurtured her skills from childhood,” he added.

Ice skating is an exclusive sport and Aadnya always wanted to make a mark in a sport such as this, and put her country on the World Figure Skating map.

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Oman’s efforts to protect sea mammals hailed BABA UMAR

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capacity building and entanglement responses.

MUSCAT: Oman’s endangered sea mammals now have more chances of staying alive from the fishing gear entanglements or beaching as the Sultanate is upping efforts for effective stranding and entanglement response, officials of International Whaling Commission (IWC) have said.

“Since 2012, I have conducted entanglement response training for approximately 600 people from 24 countries, and I would say that the recent entanglement response training in Muscat was one of the most successful,” David Mattila, Technical Adviser Human Impact Reduction at the IWC, told Times of Oman (TOO) in an exclusive interview.

Mattila, who has studied whales across the world’s oceans and invented some techniques used to release entangled whales, said, “One of the reasons for this was the level of involvement by the government.” He was recently in Oman leading an IWC workshop on effective whale entanglement response training. Oman is the first country in the region to have received this training.

The Sultanate is home to more than 20 species of whales and dolphins, accounting for over a quarter of the world’s species, including the genetically distinct and non-migratory Arabian Sea Humpback Whale (ASHW).

Entanglement remains an unremitting threat to endangered whales and dolphins even as the sea mammals often throw themselves out of the sea and end up beaching themselves in search of food, sometime to death.

In many such cases, the mammals have been successfully sent back to waters after timely intervention. The country, experts said, continues to improve its

Marine mammal training Mattila said Oman shows great leadership on marine mammal issues in the region, “as it was the first of the range states of the Arabian Sea to request this capacity building.”

“Since the training, I have now had expressions of interest from researchers representing Iran, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka,” the expert said, adding, “Hopefully, Oman’s leadership on these issues with lead to capacity building throughout the region, perhaps with a regional training workshop in the near future.”

Asked about the preparedness level in Oman, he said that all countries struggle with preparedness for the “unpredictable events” and few countries (if any) are fully prepared.

“Having said this, Oman has a National Stranding Response Committee coordinated by MECA [Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs] , and there are approximately 1150 stranding records that go back to 1955 in a stranding database hosted at Five Oceans Environmental Services (FOES). Oman undertook a stranding response training in the past (2013), and it was conducted by very capable local responders. With this second stranding training in 2015, MECA has engaged with other relevant Omani government agencies (e.g. Navy and Coast Guard), and this shows great promise for future preparedness,” the whaling commission expert said.

Mattila said Oman needs specific marine mammal training for biologists and veterinarians, “to gather more advanced scientific and medical information from stranded animals.”

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Mammal-ship collision can now be prevented training of staff in its implementation and integration into the daily operations.

Duqm Port’s new whale management and mitigation plan will help monitor the presence of whales in close proximity to shipping operations and avert possible collisions NOBLE CAUSE: Oman’s Arabian Sea Humpback Whales also face

the risk from being entangled in fishing nets. — Times file picture

BABA UMAR

babaumar@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Endangered humpback whales in the Arabian Sea have more chances of survival as Port of Duqm Company (PDC), a joint venture project between the Omani Government and Antwerp Port, plans to protect the marine mammals from “deadly” ship collisions.

Officials said the port’s new whale management and mitigation plan will help monitor the presence of whales in close proximity to shipping operations and avert possible collisions or disturbance to animals moving in the south central waters of the Sultanate.

The initiative at the port is the first of its kind in the region and one of few such schemes in the world. “There are some very clear wins that can be made by communicating simple instructions to our clients,” Reggy Vermeulen, CEO of the PDC told the Times of Oman (TOO).

“Speed can be the biggest killer of whales, and the best scientific evidence suggests that ships travelling at 10 knots or less have sig-

nificantly diminished chance of striking and killing a whale,” he said. “We recommend to all vessels passing into the outer approach channels to Duqm Port to take this corrective action, and immediately report any whales they see, to port control.”

The strategy has been designed in consultation with cetacean scientists from a local environmental consultancy firm Five Oceans Environmental Services (FOES).

Favourite habitats Besides ship strikes, Oman’s Arabian Sea Humpback Whales (ASHW) face the risk from being entangled in fishing nets, habitat loss due to growing development,water and noise pollution.

The ecology of humpback whales in the Arabian Sea remained somewhat of a mystery until scientists from FOES led by Rob Baldwin and Andy Willson, working with the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) and an international team of experts, revealed that not only was Oman’s humpback whale the only non-migratory whale of its kind in the world, it was also one

of the world’s most endangered.

Detailed studies have uncovered the whales’ favourite habitats in Omani waters.

“When members of the ESO approached the port to inform them about critical whale habitat in the Gulf of Masirah included the area around the Port, we realised this was an issue we had to act on immediately,” said Vermeulen, adding “And satellite tracking studies in the last two years have confirmed the continued presence of whales in the area.”

Officials said the first phase of the project was launched earlier this year, when information and guidelines were provided to shipping agents and all vessels prior to their arrival.

The second, more detailed phase of PDCs whale management project is now underway.

PDC is, meanwhile, developing a robust IT framework so that information on whales detected in the area can be integrated into the port’s vessel traffic monitoring system.

The company has financed commissioning of a management plan,

Tracking whale movements “The solution we are working on at the moment allows whale sightings to be plotted on the same screen as vessel traffic movements in the area. Alerts are provided to vessel captains and trained PDC staff will respond according to a detailed response procedure,” explained Rob Baldwin, director of Five Oceans, who started his career studying whales in the Sultanate back in 1990.

“This will enable port control to monitor whale movements, avoid collisions with whales, and reduce stress on them,” he said.

Baldwin said the reporting system will also build a clearer picture of whale movement, behaviour and seasonality, which could be used to further improve whale management. There is, however, a growing awareness of the need to address the conflicts between shipping and whales.

The International Maritime Organisation has produced a series of guidance documents aimed at reducing ship strikes, and the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has a committee dedicated to keeping records of strikes and exchanging methods for mitigation.

“The work of the PDC is commendable given that as yet there are only a handful of ports in the world implementing such proactive procedures for whale strike reduction,” David Matilla of the IWC Scientific Committee told the TOO. “We look forward to following the developments of this project over the coming years,” he said.

According to IWC, there are five official ship strike records from the Arabian Sea over the last 10 years and also additional records of a number of animals stranded on beaches that look to have been impacted by ships.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

OMAN BUDGET

< FROM

A1 Sultanate’s subsidy estimate falls to OMR400 million IN A NUTSHELL

Oil revenue estimate at OMR6.15b

Oil

revenue constitutes 72% of total income

Non-oil

revenue estimate OMR2.45b

Spending Oil

on projects estimate at OMR1.35b

and gas sector expenses estimate at OMR1.79b

OMR4b

allocation for education, health

Consultant studies privatisation of state-owned companies MUSCAT: Privatisation or disinvestment of government-owned companies will be implemented in line with a programme prepared for 2016-2020 period.

The state-owned firms for divestment will be iden-

tified on completion of the study by a consultant, which is currently under way. The programme is aimed at expanding the participation of private sector in acquisition, finance and management of projects. – ONA

and social welfare Subsidy

estimate falls by 68% to OMR400m

Consultant Deficit

conducts privatisation study

estimate at OMR3.3 billion represents 38%

of total revenue Major

focus on austerity measures,

improving efficiency Focus

on enhancing non-oil revenues

To

raise electricity tariff of commercial entities

To

increase labour card fees

Vehicle

Cutting expenditure Other measures for cutting expenditure include using Oman Post for correspondence between various ministries and their affiliated offices and to cancel all cars and administrative expenses associated with it, to intensify the use of e-mail between the departments and divisions of the government, directorates with their branches and to minimise paper work among departments, to transfer some government services to the private sector by way of tenders, to limit days of travel, to limit overseas training unless it is necessary and justified and to pay employees tickets rather than encashment when such employee is on official tour abroad.

Also, the state budget pro-

posed to limit the expenses incurred on entertainment and hospitality at the ministries and various departments along with the administrative expenses and other unnecessary expenses, to take actions for saving electricity consumption by switching off lights and air-conditioners in administrative offices and other buildings of the ministries and departments, to award the maintenance and minor repair works to private firms and to reduce the administrative jobs.

Non-oil revenues In a move to shore up non-oil revenues, the state budget proposed a series of measures, including an increase in corporate income tax, to limit tax exemptions, to en-

registration, driving licence fees to be raised

hance the efficiency of tax collection mechanisms, to apply the new accounting system for calculating customs duty at all border posts, to amend the measures applied on exemption from customs duty and to collect fee on clearances and labour cards, to amend the tariff of electricity and water for commercial, industrial and government usage and to amend the fee disposal of real estate and municipality fee on rents.

Other measures to enhance non-oil income include amendment in fees charged for allocation of land (commercial, tourism, industrial and agricultural), unification of service fee of Muscat Municipality, Dhofar Mu-

nicipality and other regional municipalities, to amend the fee for registration and renewal of vehicles and driving licence and to amend the fees for some services offered by the ministries and government units.

Economic growth The state budget 2016 aimed at enhancing the economic growth through spending on projects of economic and social significance, continuation in the provision of the necessary support to generate an environment that encourages the growth and investments of the private sector, to set a medium– term framework and a ceiling for the state budget, to rationalise

the general spending, to work on restructuring of the resources by increasing the contribution of the non-oil revenues in the total revenues and to reduce the level of dependability on oil-revenues, to reduce the potential impacts of the deficit in the budget on financial and economic stability of the state.

It is also aimed at enhancing the performance of the government-owned companies through establishment of holding companies, which set the plans and strategies and supervise on such government-owned companies in accordance with a good governance and to increase the contribution of such companies in the national economy.

2015 revenue, expenditure The ministry statement said that the total actual revenue is expected at OMR8.9 billion, a fall of 23 per cent from the initial budget estimate. The reduction was due to a fall in oil prices witnessed last year.

The total spending is expected to reach OMR13.4 billion compared to OMR14.1 billion in the budget estimates. This was due to a reduction in spending as per the measures taken at the beginning of the year in order to face the low oil revenues.

The actual deficit for the fiscal year 2015 was around OMR4.5 billion according to the initial cal-

culations, which is showing an increase of 80 per cent against the deficit expected in the budget.

The increase in deficit is attributed to a fall in oil prices.

The budget estimates were prepared at a time when the global crude oil prices have shown a major slump and an uncertainty in the market.

Precise estimates “This will no doubt make it difficult to present precise estimates in spending mainly that oil still represents the main source of the state budget,” added the ministry statement.

In implementation to the provisions of the Royal Decree No.2/2016, ratifying the 2016 State Budget, the Ministry of Finance will submit a comprehensive report on the budget to The Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council in the middle of the year. The report will also handle the budget in light of the international economic and financial developments and the prices of oil.

The ministry will also issue periodical reports on the various aspects of the budget, detailing spending, revenue and deficit. –ONA

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Expats in Oman pitch for Pak-India peace address all disputes.”

Oman enjoys strong bilateral relations with both India and Pakistan. The South Asian giants have a huge number of expats living in the Sultanate, including about 215,909 Pakistanis and 659,576 Indians.

Both the nations have fought four wars since their independence from Britain in August 1947, including a limited war on the heights of Kargil in Kashmir.

This was the first time an Indian Prime Minister visited Pakistan in more than a decade

BABA UMAR

I’m sincerely hoping that something good will come out of the peace talks. Modi’s visit to Pakistan was heroic

babaumar@timesofindia.com MUSCAT: As nuclear rivals Pakistan and India seek to bury their differences in the upcoming ‘comprehensive’ peace talks, expatriates of both nations, including the disputed Kashmir are upbeat over the fresh peace overtures.

Last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a surprise halt in Pakistan to meet his counterpart, Nawaz Sharif.

This was the first time an Indian Prime Minister visited Pakistan in more than a decade.

Modi’s surprise trip came after both countries announced resumption of suspended dialogue over all issues plaguing their relations—particularly the Kashmir

A R Srinivasan

Indian expatriate

dispute—over the past six decades.

Big breakthrough “It’s a big breakthrough after a long time,” said Javaid Iqbal Chaudhary, former chairman of Pakistan Schools in Oman. “Nawaz Sharif and former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had in the past tried to solve all the issues. I am sure there is a realisation this time as well that the past wars didn’t lead to anything. This time around I see a will on both sides to

Settle disputes Chaudhary said he is hopeful that the fresh efforts of both countries to settle disputes will “bear fruit,” which will help both nations address their internal problems of poverty, underdevelopment and water scarcity.

“There was a time when European nations slaughtered each other. Look where are they now?

I think India and Pakistan need to show maturity now. They can use (their) huge defence budgets for the welfare of people,” he said.

Kashmiris in Oman are also keenly observing the situation back home.

“I’m optimistic and as it is said even the journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step. So unless we start, we are going to be at same place,” said Adil Hamid

Wani, who works in a consumer foods company in the Sultanate.

He said the Indian Prime Minister had initiated confidence building measures “proven by his recent surprise visit to Lahore” and that he hoped that steps would be taken by both countries to demilitarise the region. “Also, Kashmiris should be given an opportunity to express themselves as per resolutions adopted by the United Nations and signed by both nations six decades ago,” he added.

‘Heroic visit’ Indian expatriates, such as A R Srinivasan, who has been in Oman for the past three decades, expressed hope that something concrete would come out in the meetings of the officials from both sides.

“I’m sincerely hoping that something good will come out of the peace talks. Modi’s visit to Pakistan was heroic,” he noted.

“During my stay here in Oman for almost three decades, I have always felt that the nationals of the two countries have had a very cordial relationship and have lived like brothers and sisters. This means we can live together as good neighbours too. Both countries have huge resources. If combined, we could become a bigger force in the world,” Srinivasan added.

PIOUS REMEMBRANCE

‘Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi’ observed at Bangladesh Social Club Times News Service

– Supplied picture

MUSCAT: Bangladesh Social Club observed Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recently. More than 1,100 people attended the programme. The chief guest at the event was General Saeed Nasser Al Salmi, (MoD) and Safia Al Omairy, head of the community club, Ministry of Social Development.

The special guest was Shaik Abdulla Zaher Al Hossni, ex-ambassador Russia and China.

The other distinguished guests who were present included Shaik

T H R E E - D AY E X H I B I T I O N

Khasab to host Oman-Iran expo KHASAB: Omani-Iranian Exhibition will be organised on January 19 by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in Khasab, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Musandam, under the name of industries and products exhibition, as well as entertainment and meeting place for families, businessmen and businesswomen.

The three-day exhibition aims

at promoting the Omani products in the Iranian market, exploring partnerships with the Iranian side in various fields, and promoting investment for the Governorate of Musandam, including tourism, industry, service and other sides in the Iranian market.

It also aims to encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their initiatives and innovations, and

adopt the thought of creators and innovators of students and members of the community in general, and entrepreneurs of SMEs and workers in public and private sectors.

It also seeks to introduce and highlight the cultural heritage and history of the Sultanate in general, as well as the original traditional crafts in the Governorate of Musandam. — ONA

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Ibrahim Al Saadi, Shura Council Member of Liwa, Shaik Ahmed Abdullah Rashid Al Hossni and Abdullah Salim Hossni. Bangladesh Social Club Muscat President Mohammed Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan and General Secretary Sirajul Hoque presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion, President Bhuiyan said, “On behalf of the Bangladeshi people, I would like to extend my greetings to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on the occasion of the 45th National Day and pray that His Majesty may always be blessed with good health and a long life,” he said.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: Heading the SQU delegation was Dr. Hamed bin Suleiman Al Salmi, SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs, while the UAEU delegation was headed by Professor Faeqa Hilal, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administrative Affairs.– Supplied picture

Varsities join hands to carry out projects Times News Service MUSCAT: It was agreed to carry out seven joint research projects during the 28th meeting of the joint committee of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and UAE University (UAEU).

Heading the SQU delegation was Dr. Hamed bin Suleiman Al Salmi, SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs, while the UAEU delegation was headed by Professor Faeqa Hilal, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administrative Affairs. The meeting was held at Sultan Qaboos University.

Those at the meeting also agreed to begin various student activities, as well as joint research to be organised by the two universities.

The approved projects include a tsunami hazard assessment for the coastal areas of Diba Oman and Diba Al Fujairah United Arab Emirates (Dr. Adel Mohamed El Shahat El-Hussain, SQU, and Dr. Khaled Ahmed Al Bloushi, UAEU); Deep desulfurization of liquid fuel in microchannels using deep eutectic solvents(Dr. Farouk Sabri Majali,SQU, and Dr. Basim Moh’d Abu-Jdayil,UAEU); Freshness evaluation of fish using electronic nose (E-nose) and electronic tongue (E-tongue), as compared to spectroscopic methods (Dr. Md Shafiur Rahman, SQU, and Dr. Sami Ghnimi,UAEU); The effect of some phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on the mitigation of experimental chronic kidney disease in rats exposed to diesel exhaust particles(Prof. Badreldin

During the meeting, the joint committee reviewed the follow-up report for carrying out the recommendations of the previous meeting, and discussed progress in joint research projects and student activities Ali, SQU, and Prof. Abderrahim Nemmar, UAEU); Development of Energy Harvesting System for Vibrational Structures (Dr. Mojtaba Ghodsi, SQU and Dr. Samir Emam, UAEU); Research Obstacles in Higher Education Institutions in Oman and the United Arab Emirates: A Quantitative, Analytical and Comparative Study(Dr. Rahma Al-Mahrooqi, SQU, and Dr. Mohammed Abu Al-Ainain, UAEU); Harnessing solar energy and green chemical approaches for the degradation of endocrine disruptor chemicals present in ground and wastewater (Dr. Rengaraj Selvaraj,SQU, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Meetani, UAEU).

During the meeting, the joint committee reviewed the followup report for carrying out the recommendations of the previous meeting, and discussed progress in joint research projects and student activities.

A6

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

OMAN

In the current situation we have only limited options. Targeting to cut 15 per cent of ministry expenditures sounds good on paper Tawfiq Al Lawati, Shura member

Fuel price hike to stoke inflationary pressure

RISE IN PRICES: There may be a cascading effect across the board, as even restaurants revise their tariffs. – Supplied photo

From mid-January, Oman will deregulate prices of refined petroleum products, to save millions of rials spent as fuel subsidies

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s decision to deregulate the prices of petrol and diesel fuels, as part of the nation’s fiscal reforms announced last week, is expected to prop-up prices of essential food items, leading to an inflationary pressure in the short run, experts said.

Beginning in mid-January, the country will deregulate prices of refined petroleum products, which is expected to save millions of rials spent as fuel subsidies.

The anticipated increase in diesel prices would lead to an increase

in the cost of transporting essential goods and result in higher retail prices, according to Kanaga Sundar, head of research at Gulf Baader Capital Markets.

“Initially, there is likely to be a steep increase when the subsidies are removed. However, in the long run, it will stabilise at par with other GCC countries,” added Davis Kallukaran, managing partner of Crowe Horwath Oman.

“Naturally, the increase in gasoline prices will definitely have a spiralling effect, as living expenses shoot up,” added Kallukaran.

There might also be a cascading effect across the board, as even restaurants revise their tariffs.

“There will be a short-term inflationary pressure on food products and other consumer goods.

The companies will try to pass on the additional burden to end consumers, while government agencies will be closely monitoring this situation,” Sundar noted.

According to recent statistics, Oman posted the lowest average inflation rates among GCC states at 0.43 per cent, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed the highest rate, at 3.68 per cent, in the first ten months of 2015.

“Within the Oman consumer price index components, almost 50 per cent is related to food, non-

alcoholic beverages, transport and restaurants, and this clearly points to the impact”, Sundar added.

The government already made it clear that the Public Authority for Consumer Protection would strengthen its monitoring mechanisms. The authority will ensure that any increase in prices is justified, after taking into account additional costs.

In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and global rating agencies will consider deregulation of oil prices to be a positive step in the nation’s fiscal management. For some time, the multilateral agencies have been asking the Sultanate and other GCC states to reduce subsidies,in a bid to increase fiscal discipline.

Fuel subsidies for 2015 were estimated at OMR580 million, and with deregulation the government will be able to save this money, which is expected to be a great help in reducing the deficit.

Exemption estimates Total subsidy and exemption estimates for 2015 were OMR1.8 billion, mainly for providing subsidies for petroleum products, interest subsidies for housing loans, as well as for electricity, water and some essential food items.

Although the government has

not set the new fuel price, market sources said that there could be roughly a 30 per cent increase in prices of petrol and a 15 per cent growth in diesel prices beginning in mid-January.

This is based on the prevailing price of Oman Crude in international markets, the experience of the United Arab Emirates, which decontrolled prices of fuel in August last year, and on the assumption that both Oman and the UAE have more or less similar refining costs and margin structures.

The impact of diesel price revisions will be relatively less, in view of the fact that the price was raised some years ago.

The price of premium grade petrol in Oman is 120 baisas per litre, while the diesel price is set at 146 baisas per litre. The revised price might be roughly set in the region of 160 baisas for petrol and 167 baisas per litre for diesel.

However, clarity will emerge only after the government announces the revised prices two days before implementing the decision on January 13.

A committee consisting of members from the ministries of oil and gas, finance, commerce and industry, and Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company, is expected to finalise prices.

EXPENDITURES CUT

A1 Plan to cut spending welcomed < FROM

On Friday, Darwish bin Ismail Ali Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, said government expenditures and revenues for 2016 are estimated at OMR11.9 billion and OMR8.6 billion, respectively, leading to an anticipated deficit of OMR3.3 billion.

The minister also said that the actual deficit for 2015 is expected to reach OMR4.5 billion.

This year’s expenditures are 15.6 per cent less than in 2015, which was OMR14.1 billion, while revenue estimates declined by 25.86 per cent, compared to the previous year’s OMR11.6 billion budget revenue estimates.

“Since the government finds it difficult to reduce its social sector expenditures, which constitutes the bulk of public expenditures, the axe may effectively fall on investment in some of the forwardlooking programmes which were part of Vision- 2020,” the expert said, adding that the government may fill its revenue gap through a number of options, such as borrowing, drawing from reserves, and others.

“But, certainly this year will turn out to be a year of extreme challenge, not only for Oman, but for many of the oil exporting nations. As we all know, oil and gas revenues constitute close to 75 per cent of the gross revenue and, hence, drastic declines in oil prices translate into drastic falls in revenues,” the expert added.

Revenue gap Further, the expert noted that the government cannot quickly reduce this revenue gap, because increasing the contribution to the non-oil sector is not easy.

“What we are likely to witness is that at one end there will be an increase in retail oil prices and increased taxes for corporations, which translates into increases in the cost of operations and, at the other end, there will be a fall in revenues due to the contraction of business,” the expert added.

Nasser Saidi, GCC’s prominent economist, said that Oman’s current budget plans to deregulate fuel prices are commendable, but the country’s need for fiscal adjustment should also involve the re-orientation of spending (ie. expenditure switching away from subsidies) towards produc-

tivity enhancing spending, public-private partnership and privatisation measures to provide incentives for the private sector to invest in complementing government investments.

“Furthermore, to finance the deficit, the country could pave the way (for the private sector) by creating a domestic bond market by regular (with various tenors) government debt issuances resulting in a yield curve,” Dr Saidi added.

Meanwhile, a Shura member said that he is doubtful this plan can be converted into reality.

“In the current situation we have only limited options. Targeting to cut 15 per cent of ministry expenditures sounds good on paper. I don’t know whether it is achievable or not? If the plans don’t work properly, the deficit could double. We need more solutions on how we can minimise the impact,” said Tawfiq Al Lawati, a Shura member.

A Muscat-based Omani businessman said that proposed control plans are a bit late; however, it is better to introduce controls now, rather than not having them at all.

“The control measures should be implemented strictly and government should keep a tab on its progress. Wherever we have unnecessary expenditures, we should cut them down. Leakage of funds is happening in many places,” Anvwar Al Balushi, chairman of Anvwar Asian Investment Group, said.

“Moreover, the government should work more on creating an investment-friendly atmosphere in Oman. Currently, there are many hurdles that turn away foreign investors. A lack of coordination is affecting this a lot,” Anvwar said, while adding that Oman is one of the safest country to do business in, so the government should realise its potential and become more flexible.

Last week, the Omani government said that prices of petroleum products, mainly petrol and diesel, will be raised as part of deregulation beginning in midJanuary this year.

Further, there will be a rise in corporate income taxes, while measures will be taken to increase fees charged by the government for various services.

For full story visit www.timesofoman.com

THE SUPREME COUNCIL

< FROM

A1 Oman has achieved Plan objectives On the issuance of the Royal Decree No. 1/2016 ratifying the 9th Five-Year Development Plan 2016-2020, the Supreme Council said the 9th five–year plan comes at a significant stage of the development march in the various economic, social and development sectors along with the investment opportunities in the various governorates across the 45 years of the blessed renaissance led by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Preparation of the estimates of the 9th five-year plan has taken into account the actual financial condition and performance during 2014 and 2015.

The statement said that the performance of the 8th five-year development plan was good despite the reduction in global crude prices from mid-2014 and the slowdown in economic growth.

Non-oil activities have grown at the rate of 7.2 per cent com-

pared to 0.6 per cent for the oilbased activities. This looks good and shall mean that the Omani economy is moving towards diversification of economy. The years of the 8th five-year plan have seen low inflation rates and an appreciable increase in employment of citizens and an increase in their wages.

The statement added that Oman has succeeded in achieving the objectives of the 8th five-year plan.

HELPLINE NUMBERS

< FROM

A1 App can be used without Internet “The app can be used by any Indian in a GCC country. The person has to save only his foreign country and province, accordingly. If the user registers his home country as India and host country as the UAE, then five UAE helpline numbers will be saved, in addition to five helpline numbers belonging to India,” said Jose Chacko, the co-founder of the app.

The app was conceived by Rejimon K, a migrant rights activ-

ist and journalist with a leading English daily in Oman. The main feature of this mobile app is that once downloaded, it can be used even offline in the absence of an internet connection.

The app will automatically save 10 Helpline numbers onto the call list. When a user registers his home country as India and host country as Oman, then five main helpline numbers available in Oman will be saved, in addition to

five helpline numbers belonging to India. In addition to helpline numbers, the app also provides helpline numbers for passport services, counselling services, local police numbers and hospital numbers. Notably, it also provides a feature to send an SOS message to an emergency number, chosen by the user, during a crisis.

Additionally, the app will provide a user’s GPS location to the nearest Indian embassy office.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016 There are serious allegations that we are investigating across the whole range of Ihat investigations, which incorporates homicide, where I feel there is significant evidence to be obtained to put a strong case before the Service Prosecuting Authority to prosecute and charge Mark Warwick, In charge of Iraq Historic Allegations Team

REGION

Prominent cleric among 47 executed in Saudi Arabia The executions took place in 12 cities in Saudi Arabia. Four prisons used firing squads and the others beheading

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia executed a prominent cleric and dozens of Al Qaeda members on Saturday, signalling it would not tolerate attacks, stirring sectarian anger across the region.

Hundreds of people marched through Qatif district of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province in protest at the execution of cleric Nimr Al Nimr, an eyewitness said.

Nimr, the most vocal critic among the minority sect, had come to be seen as a leader of the sect’s younger activists, who rejected the quiet approach of older community leaders for failing to achieve equality.

Four, including Nimr, were accused of involvement in shooting policemen. But most of the 47 executed in the kingdom’s biggest mass execution for decades belonged to majority sect and had been convicted of Al Qaeda attacks in Saudi Arabia a decade ago.

Warning The executions took place in 12 cities in Saudi Arabia, four prisons using firing squads and the others beheading.

In December, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula threatened to retaliate against Saudi Arabia for any execution of its members.

The executions seemed mostly aimed at discouraging people from

BRIEFING: Saudi Interior Ministry’s spokesman Mansur Al Turki speaks during a news conference at the Saudi Officers Club in Riyadh,

on Saturday, following the execution of 47 people convicted of ‘terrorism’. – AFP

war after bombings and shootings by militants in Saudi Arabia over the past year killed dozens and IS militant group called on followers there to stage attacks.

Biggest mass execution The simultaneous execution of 47 people — 45 Saudis, one Egyptian and a man from Chad — was the biggest mass execution for security offences in Saudi Arabia since the 1980 killing of 63 rebels who

seized Grand Mosque in 1979.

The 43 militants executed on Saturday, including several prominent Al Qaeda leaders and ideologues, were convicted for attacks on Western compounds, government buildings and diplomatic missions that killed hundreds from 2003-06.

The four others were convicted of involvement in shootings and petrol bomb attacks that killed several police during protests from

RAINBOW CITY

A rainbow is seen east of the occupied West Bank city of Nablus on Saturday. — AFP

C I V I L WA R

Saudi-led coalition announces end of ceasefire in Yemen DUBAI: A Saudi-led coalition that has been bombing the Houthi movement in Yemen for nine months announced on Saturday the end of a ceasefire that began on December 15, the Saudi state news agency SPA said, in a setback to attempts to end the conflict.

The ceasefire began in tandem with peace talks sponsored by the United Nations, but it was repeatedly violated by both sides. Nearly 6,000 people have been killed since the Saudi coalition entered the conflict in March, almost half of them civilians. “The leadership of the coalition supporting legitimacy in Yemen announces the end of the truce in Yemen beginning at 1400 (1100 GMT) on Saturday,” the agency said.

“The coalition has been and still is keen to create the right conditions to find a peaceful solution,” the statement said.

But the ceasefire could not be maintained because of “the con-

PAINTING MISERIES: A man and child look at a piece of art

by Yemeni artist Murad Zubei, depicting the blockade and the prevention of the entry of food and medicine due to the ongoing Saudi-led military campaign against Houthi rebels, in Yemeni capital, Sanaa. – AFP

tinuation of the Houthi militias and Saleh forces in violating it”.

The statement charged that Houthis and Yemeni troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah

Saleh had fired ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia, targeted its border posts and shelled civilian areas where the Houthis are fighting pro-Saudi Yemeni forces. — Reuters

2011-13 in which over 20 members of the minority sect were also shot dead by the authorities.

Mustafa Alani, a security analyst close to the Interior Ministry, commented: “There is a huge popular pressure on the government to punish those people. It included all the leaders of Al Qaeda, all the ones responsible for shedding blood. It sends a message.”

Family members of the executed people have vigorously denied

A7

they were involved in attacks and said they were only peaceful protesters. The cleric’s brother, Mohammed Al Nimr, said he hoped any response in Qatif would be peaceful, but activists said new protests were possible.

“My mobile is getting nonstop messages from friends, all shocked and angry...The fear is for the children among those detained,” an activist in Qatif told Reuters. — Reuters

U N L AW F U L K I L L I N G S

British soldiers likely to face trial for alleged crimes in Iraq LONDON: British soldiers may be put on trial for alleged crimes committed in Iraq including murder, the head of a government unit investigating claims of torture and unlawful killing said in an interview published on Saturday.

Mark Warwick, a former police detective who is in charge of the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat), was quoted as saying by The Independent newspaper that he believed there would be sufficient evidence to justify criminal charges. “There are serious allegations that we are investigating across the whole range of Ihat investigations, which incorporates homicide, where I feel there is significant evidence to be obtained to put a strong case before the Service Prosecuting Authority to prosecute and charge,” he said.

Ihat, which was set up by Ministry of Defence in 2010 and is independent of the military for its investigations, has received cases relating to more than 1,500 alleged victims of mistreatment and unlawful killings, according to the British government’s website. It is due to complete its investigations by the end of 2019, more than 10 years after Britain withdrew its last combat troops from Iraq following its participation in the USled invasion in 2003. The process has not yet resulted in any recommendations for a prosecution and it has been criticised by rights campaigners for moving too slowly. Warwick appealed for patience.

“I think people need to understand the complexity, the volume and the geography aspects of this, and you can’t underestimate putting those three factors together and trying to conduct ethical investigations,” he told The Independent. “Over the next 12 to 18 months, we will review all the caseload to better understand the picture and then I think we can say whether 2019 seems realistic,” Warwick said. — Reuters

A8

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

INDIA R E B U T TA L

Naidu slams Chidambaram, says Congress is ‘dodgy’ on GST issue SRICITY (Nellore): Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday rejected Congress leader P. Chidambaram’s remarks blaming Government for the logjam on Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill and alleged that Congress was “dodgy” on this issue as per its “script”.

“I was taken aback by the comments of Chidambaram yesterday when he said that the economy is stuck in a groove and blamed the government for stand off on GST. “As Parliamentary affairs minister, I would like to strongly rebut Chidambaram’s allegation blaming the government for standoff on GST,” Naidu said in Sricity in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

While refusing to go into details of his interactions with senior Congress leaders from time to time on the GST issue, the parliamentary affairs minister alleged, “All that I can assert with all responsibility is that Congress party steadfastly refused from its pre-Winter ses-

sion script of not allowing GST Bill to be passed, come what may.”

Naidu alleged that as per the “script”, the Congress was “dodgy” on this important issue.

“I did not expect this from a party that ruled the country for most of the time since Independence.

This kind of negativity has huge implications for the future of our country and its people.

“This attitude and approach will seriously dent our collective efforts to make the 21st century belong to India,” he said.

Naidu appealed to Congress to give up its “negativity that was in full show in 2015” and make positive contribution to nation building in 2016.

Blaming National Democratic Alliance’s ‘stubborn and unbending’ attitude for GST logjam, Chidambaram had on Friday said the ball was in Government’s court even as it targeted the ruling dispensation over the handling of economy, which the Congress claimed was “stuck in a groove”.

I did not expect this from a party that ruled the country for most of the time since Independence. This kind of negativity has huge implications for the future of our country and its people. This attitude and approach will seriously dent our collective efforts to make the 21st century belong to India M. Venkaiah Naidu Parliamentary affairs minister

The Congress leader had said that Government was not able to find a way to accommodate the views of the Opposition and pass the GST Bill.

“I am afraid the government has only to blame itself and its stubborn and unbending attitude,” he had said.

Countering it, Naidu said that

Odd-even formula a success on day 2 also Rebutting charges of BJP and Congress that the odd-even formula was launched without adequate

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said they were MEASURES TO CURB POLLUTION: Relatively less traffic is seen at ITO as the odd-even scheme re-

stricting movement of private cars, is operational in New Delhi on Saturday.

- PTI

just for the ‘sake of opposition’

NEW DELHI: Terming the second day of implementation of oddeven formula as successful, Delhi Transport minister Gopal Rai on Saturday said he noticed “a new, collective consciousness” among people to contribute towards efforts for lowering pollution.

“Mere rules can not change anything, change of mindset is needed which we aimed at through implementation of odd-even formula.

Two days trials show that people of Delhi are ready for it,” Rai said.

Preparations The minister said that government had prepared for implementation of the scheme on day one and now its “responsibility” of the people to ensure that violations do not take place even on Monday.

Regarding questions over Delhi

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

BRIEFS

Car hits man, drives on with body lying on top HYDERABAD: A speeding car hit a 70-year-old man and continued to drive on for several kilometres with the body lying on vehicle’s roof in Nalgonda district of the south Indian state of Telangana on Saturday afternoon, police said. The man was dead before he could be taken to hospital, they added.

The incident occurred near Narketpally village around noon when the car driven by Rahim Khan hit Venkat Reddy who was crossing the road. Reddy was flung onto the roof of the vehicle, but Khan didn’t stop. “The driver continued to drive with the body on the vehicle’s roof as far as Kattangoor village, several kilometres further,” said deputy superintendent of police Sudhakar. Khan, who was driving in a rash manner, was heading from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, the DSP said.

Passersby alerted the police seeing the body on the top of the car, who stopped it with the help of some local people. Khan was arrested and booked under section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC. Further probe is on.

Undertrial beaten to death by prison inmates in van

preparations,

opposing the scheme

while the Government was working overtime to infuse positive energies virtually into every aspect of nation building, some opposition parties were bent upon unleashing

negative energies during 2015.

“Parliament was virtually made dysfunctional during the Monsoon and Winter sessions of last year.

GST Bill was the major victim of this negativity. Introduction of GST would make a substantial difference to the way business is done in our country. Unfortunately, the original authors of this major reform did not see the urgency in making this a reality.”

Hoping that the new year will mark the beginning of an era of “positive politics”, Naidu said the government is willing to “walk the extra mile” to take opposition on board and voiced hope that the GST Bill will be passed during the Budget session as “the first positive assertion” of the collective will for building a new India. - PTI

government’s preparations to ensure proper implementation of the formula on Monday when vehicular traffic and number of commuters is likely to significantly go up, he said that people of Delhi are ready to follow the rule.

Rebutting charges of Opposition BJP and Congress that the oddeven formula was launched without adequate preparations, Rai said they were opposing the scheme just for the “sake of opposition.”

“Yesterday while heading towards India gate I stopped in front of BJP office and found that there was only one vehicle that violated odd-even formula,” he said.

“There can not be any division over the need to fight pollution to clean the air we breathe,” he stated.

Rai who took a bus ride to take stock of the situation on the roads said “only odd-numbered cars were seen on the road yesterday while today only even numbered cars are visible.”

The minister’s bus ride started

from Delhi Secretariat passed through Indraprastha, Nizammudin, Saray Kale Khan, Ashram, Nehru Place, India Gate, finally concluding at the starting point.

The smooth ride, however, suffered a hiccup as the DTC bus carrying the minister along with officials of Transport department and mediapersons nearly met with an accident near the millennium depot.

A cyclist accompanied by his son tried to cross the road even as the bus was moving.

The cyclist, claiming to be a government official, confronted the bus driver and traffic cops on duty but the matter was sorted with no action initiated against anyone.

The minister said DTC was running thousands of buses and efforts were on to increase the number of buses but there were problems as private bus owners were complaining of “pressure” to refuse providing their services.

“We are talking to them for in-

creasing the number of buses although they have been complaining of pressure,” he said.

The buses presently plying on the roads of the city are running empty. The present number of buses can accommodate another 1.5-1.6 million passengers if their number increases on Monday, said the minister.

Saying that the odd-even formula will be reviewed by the government after 15 days of its implementation, Rai said “We do not want to cause anarchy, we are just working for solution(to pollution).

Women were exempted because of safety reasons, bikers were exempted as government can not provide alternative to them.”

Delhi government was running 5,082 buses including 1.170 private buses on Saturday.

On the first day of odd-even formula on Friday, 5309 buses were running, said a senior government official adding that number of buses may go up on Monday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: A 28-year-old prison inmate was allegedly beaten to death by three other undertrials inside a jail van heading from Saket court to Tihar prison on Saturday. The incident took place around 1.45pm when four inmates — identified as Manoj, Vishal, Raju and Salman — were being taken back to the prisons after a court hearing and a fight broke out among them, said a senior police official. There was an argument between Manoj and Vishal and soon it led to a scuffle, following which the driver of the prison van stopped the vehicle near the IIT flyover and called up the police control room (PCR), said the senior official. When the PCR team reached the spot, they decided not to open the gate of the prison van as the prisoners could have tried to escape. The van was taken to Hauz Khas police station, where it was surrounded by a police team before the gate was opened, the official said. Manoj was found lying in a pool of blood and was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Bid to smuggle cigarettes worth Rs80 million foiled KOCHI: Foiling a smuggling bid, customs officials here on Saturday seized foreign cigarettes worth Rs80 million from a container declared as a consignment of bedsheets at the port here. Acting on a tip-off, officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence checked the container that had arrived from Dubai and found it contained foreign cigarettes worth Rs 80 milion, DRI officials said. The container was offloaded from a ship that arrived here on December 31 from Port of Jebel Ali, Dubai. Sensing the customs’ move to check the container, an effort was made to take the container to Colombo, they said without elaborating. - PTI

NORTH INDIA

13 die in fog-related incidents in UP as cold wave continues NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed in several parts of north India even as fog hampered normal life in some areas, claiming 13 lives in Uttar Pradesh.

However, it was a pleasant day in the national capital with the mercury settling at 22.6 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season’s normal.

The minimum temperature settled at 7.7 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal.

Early morning hours were marked by moderate fog in many parts of the city with visibility being 800 metres at 5.30am which reduced to 700 metres at 8.30am, a MeT official said.

The weatherman has predicted shallow to moderate fog in some areas across Delhi.

In UP, 12 people died when a tourist bus ferrying some foreigners collided with a jeep carrying devotees from Ikauna area of Shrawasti on Balrampur-Tulsipur Highway, amid heavy fog.

All the foreigners who were

travelling in the bus are safe, police said.

In separate incidents, one person was killed and 10 others were injured due to dense fog in Jaunpur district.

The weather was dry as shallow to moderate fog occurred at a few places over the state with dense fog at isolated places.

According to the MeT office, temperature changed little over the all divisions over the state.

The lowest minimum temperature of 2.8 Celsius degrees was recorded at Muzaffarnagar.

It was appreciably above normal in Jhansi division, above normal in Allahabad division, below normal in Moradabad, Meerut divisions and was normal in the remaining divisions.

The MeT report has forecast a dry weather with shallow to moderate fog at a few places in the state.

People in Punjab and Haryana experienced biting cold conditions as minimum temperatures settled well below the normal limits.

BITING COLD: A sadhu walks during a foggy morning in Allahabad on Saturday. - PTI

The cold wave intensified in Indian-administerd-Kashmir as the mercury dropped at most places after a day of respite.

The MeT office has predicted the possibility of light snowfall in the plains of the Valley on January 4 and 5, while the higher reaches

would receive moderate snowfall.

In Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the mercury settled at a low of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius against Friday’s minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, weather reports said.

Qazigund, the gateway town to

Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius against minus 2.4 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Pahalgam hill resort in south Kashmir, which serves as a base camp during the annual Amarnath Yatra, recorded a low of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, a decrease of over nearly three degrees from Friday’s minus 2.4 degrees Celsius.

The famous ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, Kupwara town recorded a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature in southern Kokernag resort settled at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.

The mercury in Leh, in the frontier Ladakh region, went up by over four degrees as it recorded the low of minus 9.2 degrees Celsius against the previous night’s minus 13.3 degrees Celsius, the MeT official said.

Kargil town registered a minimum of minus 10 degrees Celsius as compared to Friday’s low of

minus 15 degrees Celsius, the official said. The prolonged dry spell during the winter has resulted in increase in common ailments like cough, cold and respiratory problems particularly among children and elderly.

In Rajasthan, Sikar was the coldest place recording a minimum temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius followed by Sriganganagar at 6.4 degrees Celsius.

Churu recorded a low of 8.1 while Pilani, Jaipur, Chittorgarh and Jaisalmer recorded minimum of 9.1, 10, 10.7 and 11.2 degrees Celsius respectively.

The night temperature in other areas was also above 12 degrees Celsius, according to MeT office here. A spokesperson of North Western Railway said due to foggy conditions, ten trains of NWR were running late up to seven hours. Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana states, had a cold night at 5.8 degrees Celsius, a MeT department report said here. - PTI

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

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Terrorists strike at air force base in Punjab; three soldiers killed Congress ‘politicising’ terror attack on air base: Javadekar

The attack by terrorists, suspected to belong to Jaishe-Mohammed outfit, took place at around 3.30am and three security personnel, including a Garud commando of the IAF, were killed, defence sources said, adding that four terrorists were also killed by the security forces within five hours

PATHANKOT: In a pre-dawn attack, a group of heavily-armed terrorists, suspected to belong to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit, struck at an Indian Air Force base here in Punjab, leading to a fierce gunbattle in which three security personnel were killed along with four attackers.

The terrorists, who struck just a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unscheduled visit to Lahore, could not, however, penetrate the defence cordon at the Air base which is located close to the border with Pakistan as they met with effective response from the security forces, police and security officials said.

The attack by terrorists, suspected to belong to JeM outfit, took place at around 3.30am and three security personnel, including a Garud commando of the IAF, were killed in it, defence sources said, adding four terrorists were also killed by the security forces within five hours.

But, more terrorists were suspected to be still on the loose as gunshots were heard during the

SITE OF ATTACK: An armoured vehicle moves near the Indian Air Force base that was attacked by militants in Pathankot, Punjab on Saturday. - PTI

subsequent combing up operation, defence sources said.

IAF was using its two attack helicopters to assist the joint team of ground troops to neutralise the remaining terrorists, the sources said. Authorities said helicopters and other equipment at the Air base are safe.

The technical area of the Air Force station is safe, police said.

The terrorists, with huge quantity of RDX in their possession, made their way to the base from the back side where there is a jungle, they said.

Doval supervising operation But they could not go beyond the ‘langar’ (eating place) near the outer perimeter of the IAF complex as the security forces were ready to take them on, the sources said, about the operation which was supervised directly by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Anticipating an attack after some armed men abducted an SP of Punjab Police on Thursday night, a team of NSG commandos had been rushed here on Friday night itself after the NSA held a

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series of meetings with the Army Chief and top IB officials on Friday.

An army detachment was also positioned at the Air base, the sources said.

Defence sources said the terrorists could not enter the technical area of the IAF station, which is the base for MiG-21 fighter planes.

Army had positioned two columns (comprising about 50 men) and a team of Special Forces at the Pathankot Air Force station prior to the attack, defence sources said.

Punjab police had also been put on alert and Additional DGP had been positioned in Pathankot to oversee the security situation, the sources said.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, said that Indian security forces are well-prepared to deal with all situations.

“Our security forces are wellprepared to deal with all kind of

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Gujarat put on alert, security beefed up in J&K after Punjab terror attack AHMEDABAD/JAMMU: Gujarat Police has issued an alert and cops have been asked to take necessary steps to keep a check on suspicious activities, in the wake of the terror attack at the an Air Force base in Punjab.

“In the wake of today’s terror attack in Punjab, I have asked the police department and respective heads to remain alert. Based on some inputs available with us, I have ordered the police force to take all necessary steps and increase vigil across the state,” Gujarat Director General of Police P. C. Thakur said.

“Respective heads of police across Gujarat have been asked to beef up patrolling in their area and secure all the important public places,” he said.

Apart from conducting night patrolling and securing public places, such as bus stops and railway stations, Thakur said, officials of border areas as well as coastal police have been asked to keep a close watch on every movement.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Border Range A. K. Jadeja said that after receiving the alert, security has been beefed up along the Indo-Pak border at Kutch and Banaskantha districts.

“We have been asked to remain alert after today’s attack in Punjab. We are working closely with Border Security Force (BSF) and Army to keep a check on suspected persons as well as infiltrators in the border areas. We are also advised to pass on all the crucial information to security agencies,” said Jadeja.

Likewise, security have been beefed up in coastal areas as the Gujarat shares the maritime boundary with Pakistan.

“Looking at the possibility of infiltration from sea route, Coast-

SECURITY CHECKS: Policemen frisk passengers at Gurgaon railway station after the terrorist attack in Pathankot, Punjab on Saturday. - PTI

al police is taking all the necessary steps to secure the coast.

We have also asked fishermen and boat owners to inform us if they come across any suspected activity in the sea or near coasts,” DIG of Coastal Police S. G.Trivedi said.

Security in Indian-administered-Kashmir especially the air force installations and the IndoPak border has been beefed up.

“The problem is that there may not be a specific threat but the threat (of terror attack) is always there. If we see the frequency of these things happening in the past, you need to be prepared all the time,” Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, K. Rajendra Kumar, said.

Plugged infiltration routes He said all the security-related measures have been put in place but there was always scope for improvement.

“We have plugged all the vulnerable infiltration routes along

the border. Barricades have been put in place on the highways and checking of all the vehicles entering the state is being conducted,” he said.

The DGP, who held a high-level meeting to review the security arrangements in the state following the Pathankot terror attack, also toured various border areas in Jammu district.

“I am myself touring the areas along the Indo-Pak border in Jammu region and checking our arrangements to thwart any nefarious designs of anti-national elements,” the DGP said.

The top cop said that various security agencies were constantly assessing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir post the Pathankot terror attack.

“It is a continuous process and we keep on upgrading preparations. We cannot be taken by surprise that is why various security agencies have been monitoring the situation in the state,” the DGP said. - PTI

situations,” he said following the early morning attack in Punjab.

The minister, however, refused to elaborate further in this regard, saying that security-related issues cannot be discussed in the public domain.

“These are security-related issues which cannot be discussed in the open; but all the agencies concerned — army, paramilitary forces — have taken cognisance and are prepared to deal with all situations,” he said.

On whether the talks with Pakistan should continue despite the Pathankot attack, Singh said these decisions have to be taken by Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs.

“That is a separate issue and only the ministry concerned, including MEA and MHA can speak on it,” he said even as he averred that “there were elements” who were not in favour of the restoration of peace between the two nations.

“The elements that do not want peace to be restored, they time and again carry out such acts, but I want to tell you that the process of peace has its own power,” he said. - PTI

NEW DELHI: BJP on Saturday said the resumed dialogue with Pakistan cannot be revoked due to “one attack” and accused Congress of “politicising” the Pathankot terror incident.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar batted for the continuation of talks with the neighbouring country, saying “unless you talk terror, terror will not come down”. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lahore initiative, the environment minister said the onus was on Pakistan to follow the solemn promise given to India in 2004 that it will not allow its land to be used for terrorism.

“This process (talks) cannot be destroyed due to one attack... Pakistan is our neighbour. You cannot change your neighbour, you can change friends and therefore we must continue with the talks but talks have to be mainly on the issue of terrorism and that’s what exactly India is doing,” Javadekar said.

Pakistan will have to walk the talk on the issue of terrorism, he said.

He supported Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s assertion that India wanted friendship with Pakistan but will forcefully respond to any act of terrorism.

Attacking Congress, he said it had tried to politicise the Pathankot terror incident and that was highly “condemnable”.

“When the whole nation is standing with the security forces, Congress is singing a different tune. It is very unfortunate and we condemn it,” he said.

BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said, “This is the obvious risk of terrorism that India has borne for a very long

When the whole nation is standing with the security forces, Congress is singing a different tune. It is very unfortunate and we condemn it Prakash Javadekar Environment minister

time. We are constantly going to do our best to deal with the situation and ensure that these forces are defeated.”

Condemning the Pathankot terror attack, BJP on Saturday reacted guardedly to its possible impact on the Indo-Pak talks, saying a right decision will be taken at the right time.

The party also congratulated the security forces for “foiling” the terror attack on the air base and said India was capable of giving a befitting reply to such attacks. - PTI

A10

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

PAKISTAN CYBER CRIME

‘Facebook hacker’ arrested in Lahore LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency’s cyber crime wing on Saturday arrested a man for allegedly hacking into Facebook accounts of people and blackmailing them, Express News reported.

The accused, identified as Muhammad Naeem, allegedly blackmailed people with their photos and personal data after hacking into their Facebook accounts, FIA Assistant Director Asif Iqbal said.

“This year (2016) will be the year of eradicating cyber crime from the country,” Iqbal added.

A case has also been registered against Naeem.

In November, the cyber crime circle of the FIA claimed to have arrested a young man for allegedly blackmailing a girl via the social networking website, Facebook. FIA officials said that accused, Naveed Ahmed, son of Raheem Dad, has been arrested and pictures and internet EVO devices have been seized from his possession.

— Express Tribune

POLIE ENCOUNTER

‘Student killed in fake encounter’ KARACHI: The family of an alleged ‘street criminal’ killed in a police encounter in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority on Saturday disputed police claims and said the death was ‘wrongful’.

“My grandson was studying in Malaysia and had returned to Karachi to spend time with his family during his holidays,” the deceased’s grandmother said while speaking to media representatives.

“He was not a criminal, the police associated him with the ‘Lyari Gang’ only because he was a resident of that area,” she added.

— Express Tribune

Tainted Asif’s Bollywood dreams come crashing down conducted several reconnaissance trips to different areas of Lahore - the Walled City - for this purpose.

Also, guerrilla-styled auditions were held in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Dubai in an attempt to find new faces and hopes to encourage positive relations between India and Pakistan.

The cross-border joint venture ‘India Mein Lahore’ will reportedly not see light of day after Indian screenplay writer Ikram Akhtar pulled out of the project

LAHORE: It seems there is little hope for indictee Mohammad Asif as pacer Muhammad Amir makes a comeback in the national cricket team following the ban placed on them after the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.

While Asif is yet to complete the remaining two years of his ban, hopes of making a film debut have also died down for good.

The cross-border joint venture India Mein Lahore will reportedly not see light of day after Indian screenplay writer Ikram Akhtar pulled out of the project. The film was set to give Akhtar his directorial debut and Asif his first appearance in a film, that too wih a lead role.

Permission denied Talking to The Express Tribune, Asif confirmed that the project has been called off. “I was in contact with the team for the last two years and was totally up for the film. Due to some issues, especially not getting permission to shoot the film in Pakistan, work has been discontinued.”

With a tarnished public image, Asif thought the film might give

SETBACK: Asif had signed up for the romantic-comedy while negotiations were under way with actor Neelum Munir for a lead role. With a tarnished public image, Asif thought the film might give him a new lease of life and help regain the confidence of his fans. Asif is yet to complete the remaining two years of his ban. — Express Tribune

The movie, ‘India Mein Lahore’, was set to be filmed at locations in Pakistan, India and Dubai and the writers had also conducted several reconnaissance trips to different areas of Lahore - the Walled City - for this purpose. Also, guerrilla-styled auditions were held in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Dubai in an attempt to find new faces and hopes to encourage positive relations between India and Pakistan

him a new lease of life and help regain the confidence of his fans.

“I am in great financial strain because of the ban,” he added.

Not long ago, screenwriters

Akhtar and Sanjay Masoom visited Lahore and announced the project. Asif had signed up for the cross-border romantic comedy while negotiations were under

way with Pakistani actor Neelum Munir for a lead role.

The movie was set to be filmed at locations in Pakistan, India and Dubai and the writers had also

Joint ventures The news comes at a time when several Bollywood bigwigs such as Mahesh Bhatt, Om Puri, Madhur Bhandarkar and Naseeruddin Shah visited Lahore and expressed the desire to initiate more joint ventures.

Where actors such as Ranbir Kapoor said they’d love to work in Pakistani films and Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone extended their gratitude to fans in Lahore, the closure of the film comes as a setback.

Bhatt and Pakistani film-maker Sohail Khan collaborated on Awarapan in 2007 and the film is widely regarded as the first Indo-Pak cinematic venture. Khan said an international collaboration requires serious efforts. “It seems that the non-seriousness of Indian writers caused the film to shut down.”

In an earlier interview with The Express Tribune when Asif was confident about what the future had in store for him, he had drawn parallels between a cricketer’s life in the field and an actor’s life on-screen.

“Acting [just like cricket] is a glamorous profession. You’re around cameras all the time. [For me] Earlier, it was because of cricket, now, it’s because of acting,” he had stated. — Express Tribune

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P O W E R S H O R TA G E

Iran can export 3,000MW electricity to Pakistan ISLAMABAD: Iran can become a major energy exporter for Pakistan which can get up to 3,000MW of electricity from its western neighbour, official documents claim.

According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan currently imports 74MW of electricity from Iran for its coastal Makran division.

This import will be increased to 100MW this month.

Two projects The two countries are considering another two projects, involving import of 1,000MW and 100MW of power.

However, Iran has the potential to increase its electricity export

Pakistan currently imports 74MW of electricity from Iran for Makran division to 3,000MW to energy-starved Pakistan, it said in a written reply placed before Senate on Friday.

The document says the two countries are in the process of finalising the deal for construction of phase-1 of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. In the first phase of this much awaited project, a pipeline will be laid from Gwadar in Balochistan to Nawabshah in Sindh.

In the second phase, Pakistan will work on the 80km long portion of the pipeline linking it with Iranian border.

The second phase depends upon lifting of international sanctions on Iran.

Border crossings It further says both the countries have also agreed to set up two additional crossing points – MandPishin and Gadb-Reemdan – at the border.

The crossing point at GadbReemdan will reduce distance between Pakistan’s under-construction Gwadar deep-sea port to Iran’s Chabahar.

— Express Tribune

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FIRE DISPLACES 3,000 FAMILIES IN MANILA

A general view shows residents salvage usable items at their burned houses in Tondo, metro Manila, on Saturday. Local media reports said about 3,000 families were displaced after a fire erupted burning down around 1,000 houses during New Year celebrations in Manila. -Reuters

Malaysia to suspend bauxite mining after environmental scare KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is pushing to suspend bauxite mining due to concerns about its impact on the environment, a cabinet source said on Saturday, threatening to interrupt supply of the aluminium-making ingredient to China.

The largely unregulated industry has grown rapidly in the last two years to meet Chinese demand. Bauxite mining was blamed for turning the waters red on a stretch of coastline and surrounding rivers in eastern peninsula Malaysia after two days of heavy rain earlier this week.

The cabinet wants to temporarily halt bauxite mining until regulations, licensing and environmental protection can be put in place, the source said.

“The idea is to suspend it for a time until all this is sorted out, but ultimately the prerogative for licensing lies with the state,” the source said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to media.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has asked the resource minister to resolve the issues with the government of Malaysia’s thirdlargest state and key bauxite producer Pahang, the source said.

Waters and seas near Pahang’s state capital Kuantan ran red earlier this week as downpours

59 prisoners from Taliban jail freed by Afghan forces Militants have launched a series of attacks in the capital, Kabul, in recent weeks and a tough fight is under way in key districts in the south, just as attempts have been made to revive a stalled peace process

KABUL: Afghan special forces freed 59 prisoners from a Taliban jail in Helmand, officials said on Saturday, as government troops redouble their efforts to drive back the insurgents who have seized large parts of the volatile southern province.

Militants have launched a series of attacks in the capital, Kabul, in recent weeks and a tough fight is underway in key districts in the south, just as attempts have been made to revive a stalled peace process.

Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said 37 of the captives freed from the jail, which was just to the north of the Helmand provincial capital of

ARMS CACHE: Suspected Taliban insurgents and drug traffickers stand handcuffed near seized weapons while being presented to the media in Herat on Saturday. - AFP

Lashkar Gah, were soldiers.

Another seven were policemen and the rest civilians. The operation to free the prisoners followed months of fighting in which the Taliban has seized several district centres in Helmand, a major centre of opium cultivation and one of its traditional strongholds.

Waziri dismissed suggestions that Helmand could fall to the Taliban entirely but said government forces faced a serious battle against insurgents who have

grown in strength since foreign troops ended most combat operations a year ago.

“We have to accept that there is a fight going on in Afghanistan,” he told reporters in Kabul.

The Helmand operation unfolded late on Friday night, just as a Taliban suicide bomber attacked a French restaurant in Kabul popular with foreigners and government officials, killing two people and wounding 18. The Taliban claimed in a statement that “doz-

ens of foreigners” had been killed or wounded, although the militant group often exaggerates casualty figures in attacks on foreign or government targets.

That attack, and an all-night battle at a Spanish embassy guest house in Kabul last month, highlighted the Taliban’s strategy of seeking high-profile targets in the capital while at the same time stepping up its campaign to seize district centres in provinces such as Helmand. It is also a stark re-

minder of the difficulty Afghan officials face in their attempts to revive the stalled peace process, which broke down in July.

Officials from Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United States and China are due to meet in Islamabad on January 11 to discuss how to lay the groundwork for possible talks with Taliban militants.

The insurgent movement says it is not interested in new talks so long as foreign troops remain in Afghanistan. - Reuters

brought an increase in run-off from the ochre-red earth at the mines and the stockpiles, stoking environmental concerns.

The state official in charge of the environment Mohamamad Soffi Abd Razak, however, said the pollution was caused by illegal mine operators and not by mines run by companies approved by the state government, according to local media reports.

“We believe the illegal miners are causing the waters to be murky,” local daily Malay Mail quoted the official as saying.

Bauxite mines have sprung up in Malaysia since late 2014, notably in Kuantan. The mines have been shipping increasing amounts of the raw material to China, filling in a gap after Indonesia banned bauxite exports in early 2014, forcing the world’s top aluminium producer, China, to seek supplies elsewhere.

In the first 11 months of 2015, Malaysia exported more than 20 million tonnes of bauxite to China, up nearly 700 per cent on the previous year. In 2013, it shipped just 162,000 tonnes. But the frantic pace of mining in Kuantan has brought in its wake a growing clamour of voices complaining of contamination of water sources and the destruction of the environment. - Reuters PROMOTE REFORMS

Structural reform to power China’s stable growth BEIJING: Supply-side structural reforms to improve productivity will help China gather future growth steam, Finance Minister Lou Jiwei has said.

Despite heavy downward economic pressure, the Chinese economy is still resilient with generally positive fundamentals and huge potential, Lou wrote in the latest edition of the Qiushi Magazine, the flagship journal of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday.

The labour force and capital inputs were used to power a country’s growth in the initial period, but post-industrial economic development will rely more on improvement of factors such as technology, management and labour force quality, Lou pointed out.

The Chinese economy is facing headwinds from rising labour costs, falling marginal efficiency of capital, high leverage ratio and old-fashioned mechanisms that inhibit the effective allocation of resources, Lou noted.

To address these challenges, China is pushing ahead with supply-side reform featuring reducing overcapacity, de-stocking, reducing costs and shoring up weak growth areas to foster emerging growth engines, Lou wrote.

Measures will be taken to promote reforms in state-owned enterprises, the fiscal and financial mechanisms, social welfare system, labour force market, science and technology management, land system and urbanisation as well as agricultural modernisation, he added. - IANS

FOG ALERT

China issues first orange alert for pollution in new year BEIJING: Smog returned to haunt China in the New Year as it issued its first alert of 2016 for pollution — an orange for the secondmost serious level for several cities and provinces, including the capital Beijing.

The weather observatory upgraded its fog alert from yellow to orange for Saturday evening to Sunday morning under the country’s four-tier warning system, with red as the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

Fog will be thickest in Hebei, Shandong and Henan provinces with visibility less than 200 metres, according to the National Meteorological Centre.

Visibility will be less than 500

metres in Beijing, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei and Hunan, weather observatory said, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Snow — to hit northern and northeastern China —will disperse smog on Monday and Tuesday, while rain will sweep some parts in the south, according to the observatory.

Warned The public has been warned to take protective measures when engaging in outdoor activities, and those who suffer from respiratory diseases are advised to stay indoors. Earlier, the Centre had issued an yellow alert for Beijing and several other cities for pollu-

tion as smog returned to haunt the Chinese in the New Year.

The new alert was issued in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei cities, and Shanxi, Henan, Shandong, Shaanxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces.

The levels of PM2.5, the smallest and deadliest form of airborne particulate matter, touched 300, regarded as very harmful for citizens.

The Centre for the first time sounded red alert for smog on December 7, leading to a host of measures including shutting down schools and regulating traffic with odd and even numbers. It repeated the alert two weeks later as the smog levels worsened. - PTI

HAZE: Residents skate and play ice hockey on a frozen river amid heavy smog during winter in Bei-

jing, China, recently. - Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM Odd-even rule to fight car pollution needs support I refer to the story, Odd-even scheme: Even-numbered cars roll on day 2 in Delhi (January 1). I am totally surprised that this novel initiative is being derided by many people in India. Through this policy, on any given day, only 50 per cent of the residents are deprived of their vehicles. Likewise, the pollution levels in these urban areas are likely to be reduced by approximately 50%. This step to fight environmental degradation has been employed in China with extremely positive results. I think it’s only the ignorant people who think that the government needlessly Scan this QR code wants annoy people. to send letters to the — Munir Abbasi, Ruwi 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).

No need for scientists to carry out needless research I refer to the story, Genes from rare Florida tree to regrow forest of ancient giants (December 30). It is annoying to see scientists carrying out such needless research work. If such a forest came to life it would drastically affect the ecosystem as a totally new habitat would be created. It is possible that the population of a certain species increases exponentially, or some others become extinct. Millions of dollars are being wasted on such studies as the money could be instead be used on the poor and hungry.

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WERNHER VON BRAUN

Former colonies aren’t poor due to wealth theft

CHRISTOPHER FLAVELLE

Canadians are a conservative bunch, reluctant to change even the traditions they don’t especially like.

Since 2005, two of the country’s three largest provinces have held referendums on electoral reform, and both failed. So the Liberal government said over the weekend that none would take place bit.ly/trudeaumistake

f you get involved in online debates about economic history, it won’t be long before someone tells you that the West is rich because it stole the resources of the regions it colonised.

This stolen-wealth theory is cited as the reason the UK and France are rich today, while Ethiopia and Burundi are poor. It also is sometimes used to argue that global capitalism is inherently unjust and that wealth must be radically redistributed between nations as compensation. The problem is, the stolen-wealth theory is wrong.

Oh, it’s absolutely true that colonial powers stole natural resources from the lands they conquered. No one disputes that. And at the time, this definitely made the colonised regions a lot poorer.

The UK, for example, caused repeated famines in India by raising taxes on farmers and by encouraging the cultivation of cash crops instead of subsistence crops. That is a pretty stark example of destructive resource extraction.

It’s also probably true that this stolen wealth helped much of the West get rich. Of course, Western countries didn’t simply consume the resources they plundered — the global economy isn’t just a lump of wealth that gets divvied up, but rather relies on the productive efforts of individuals, companies and governments. The UK, for example, was able to industrialise not by consuming spices confiscated from India, but because its citizens invented power looms and steam engines and other technologies, and because its people worked very hard at factories and plants that used those technologies.

But steam engines and power looms and other industrial machinery required raw materials like coal and rubber as inputs. When those materials became less expensive, it became cheaper to substitute machines for human labour. That means that some of the resources stolen from colonies probably did give Britain and France part of the boost they needed to jump-start the industrialisation that eventually made them wealthy.

So if the West did steal resources from colonised nations, and if this theft did help them get rich, why do I say that the stolen-wealth theory is wrong? I say that because the theory doesn’t explain the global distribution of income today. It is no longer a significant reason why rich countries are rich and poor countries are poor.

The easiest way to see this is to observe all the rich countries that never had the chance to plunder colonies. Germany, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and Japan had colonial empires for only the very briefest of moments, and their greatest eras of development came before and after those colonial episodes. Switzerland, Finland, and Austria never had colonies. And South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong were themselves colonies of other powers. Yet today they are very rich.

They did it not by theft, but by working hard, being creative, and having good institutions.

Meanwhile, poor countries have long since taken control of their natural resources. Statecontrolled oil companies in countries such as Venezuela and Russia own far more of the world’s oil than do giant Western corporations like Exxon or BP. African countries control their own mines, and Latin American countries their own crop land. The era of resource theft by rich countries is over and done. Yet still, somehow, these countries are not very rich. Only a small handful of tiny nations whose economies are based on natural resources — Brunei, Kuwait and Qatar among others — are actually rich. Most are poor, despite controlling all of their own wealth. This sad fact is known as the resource curse.

So it’s unlikely that resource-rich countries would have become industrialised but for the depredations of colonialism. And it seems quite possible that colonial nations such as France and the UK would have got rich without their resource plunder, as did Germany, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan.

Does that mean colonialism was a benign institution? Definitely not. At a bare minimum, the tens of millions killed by colonial conquests and famines leave an indelible stain on the West. And while colonialism had benefits in some places, in many others it left a nasty legacy that is felt to this day. Many economic studies show that regions where colonizers focused on extracting resources were later cursed with pernicious political institutions. Those regions, even today, exhibit poor economic performance. So colonialising nations did steal resources, and it did hurt colonies by doing it. But the real tragedy is how unnecessary that all was. The UK and France would have got rich without plundering Africa, India and Southeast Asia. All of that violence and conquest was probably for nothing. - Bloomberg View

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES DECEMBER 2000 Lecture on dialogue between civilisations MUSCAT: Dr Hans Kung, economist and sociologist from Germany’s Tubingen University and president of the International Ethical Association, gave a lecture entitled, ‘Dialogue between civilisation’, at Al Bustan Palace Hotel yesterday. The lecture was organised by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. The lecturer first spoke about the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by the Sultanate during the prosperous reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, which he said, had covered all aspects of life. He commended the remarkable efforts of the Omani government during the past 30 years.

PICTOGRAPH

OMAN’S PRIVATE PHARMACIES 2010

2011

2012

2013

537

2014

550

476 442 400

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

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

1916: Three armored Japanese cruisers are ordered to guard the Suez Canal.

1930: The second conference on Germany’s war reparations begins at the Hague, in the Netherlands.

1993: George H. W. Bush and Boris Yeltsin sign the second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

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SPECIAL Spotlight on safety after Dubai fire

GUTTED: A view shows the damage at the interior of Address Downtown Dubai hotel and residential block, which was hit by a blaze during New Year celebrations, in Dubai on Friday.— Reuters/Media office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid/Handout via Reuters

The fires that have erupted in Dubai’s landmarks have raised concerns about the quality of material used to clad the emirate’s buildings CLEAN UP: Firefighters walk at Address Downtown Dubai hotel and

residential block, which was hit by the blaze. — Reuters/Media office of Sheikh

DUBAI: A blaze that engulfed a Dubai skyscraper on New Year’s Eve — the emirate’s third highrise fire in three years — has raised fresh questions about the safety of materials used on the exteriors of tall buildings across the wealthy region.

Hundreds of gleaming towers rose up in the region, especially the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, during the past decade’s economic boom.

Ultra-modern, flamboyant designs often involved heavy use of cladding — layers fixed to the outside of buildings for decoration, insulation or protection.

After Dubai’s latest blaze, which security officials said spread up the outside of the 63-storey Address Downtown luxury hotel and residential tower, experts are asking if the layers may in some cases make buildings more vulnerable to fire.

“The fires that have erupted in Dubai landmarks have raised concerns about the quality of material used to clad the emirate’s buildings,” The National, a leading UAE newspaper, reported on Saturday.

Cladding panels Experts say most of Dubai’s approximately 250 high-rise buildings use cladding panels with thermoplastic cores, the newspaper said.

Panels can consist of plastic or polyurethane fillings sandwiched between aluminium sheets.

Such cladding is not necessarily hazardous, but it can be flammable under certain circumstances and, depending on a skyscraper’s design, may channel fires through windows into the interiors of buildings, said Phil Barry, founder

Mohammed bin Rashid/Handout via Reuters

We are determined to restore it to all its glory, and even surpass the splendid architectural standards Mohamed Alabbar Chairman of Emaar Properties

of Britain’s CWB Fire Safety Consultants Ltd. Barry told Reuters that, working as a consultant in the Gulf in 2012, he had identified “a general trend of fires in high-rises”, which in some places indicated a need for stronger regulation and tougher building codes.

On Saturday, authorities were still investigating the cause of the fire at the Address Downtown.

Dubai police said 14 people were lightly injured as the building was evacuated; a medic at the scene said over 60 people were treated for mild smoke inhalation and other complaints.

Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, which owns the hotel, said it had been built to the highest quality standards and following international best practice.

He did not discuss the reason for the blaze or the financial impact on Emaar, or say when the hotel might reopen.

In February last year, hundreds of people were evacuated from one

of the world’s tallest residential buildings when fire broke out at the Torch, a 79-storey skyscraper in Dubai.

An investigation by the building’s management found most of the damage was to the exterior cladding.

In November 2012, a 34-storey residential building was partially gutted by a fire.

Cigarette butt An investigation blamed a discarded cigarette butt that fell on a pile of waste; the blaze swept through cladding panels on the tower.

The UAE revised its building safety code in 2013 to require that cladding on all new buildings over 15 metres (50 feet) tall be fire-resistant.

But the new rules do not apply to buildings erected before that year, and Barry noted that the vast majority of the country’s skyscrapers fell outside the regulations; the Address Downtown was completed in 2008. — Reuters

AFTERMATH: A view shows the damage at the exterior of Address Downtown Dubai hotel and residen-

tial block, after hit by the blaze. — Reuters

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

GLOBAL EYE

JAPAN: A little boy cries in the arms of his father as a performer in a lion mask ‘bites’ the head of the boy to bring him good luck during a ‘shishimai’ or lion dance to celebrate New Year in Tokyo on Saturday.

The New Year’s holiday is one of the biggest of the year in Japan. — AFP

AUSTRIA: Germany’s Richard Freitag competes during a training session of the Four Hills competition (Vierschanzentournee) of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria, on Saturday. The third competition of the Four-Hills Ski jumping event takes place in Innsbruck before the tournament continues in Bischofshofen. — AFP

YEMEN: A woman with her hands tied takes part in a protest against a blockade imposed by Houthi rebels on Yemen’s southwestern city of Taiz on Saturday. — Reuters/Stringer

CHINA: People dine while lifted about 30 meters above ground, as part of a shopping mall’s promotional event, during a hazy day in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China on Thursday. — Reuters/Stringer

NIGERIA: Dancers from Agban cultural troupe from Kagoro are seen

during the new year parade in Kaduna, Nigeria on Friday. — Reuters

UNITED STATES: The Fantasy award winner, Trader Joe’s

‘Fearless Flyer’ float, moves through 127th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on Friday. — Reuters

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

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WORLD

The Al Shabaab suicide bomber did not cause many casualties. Most of the people in the restaurant were able to escape before the bomb was detonated Mohamed Abdi Hayir, Information Minister, Somalia

Bomber kills three in Mogadhishu The attacker detonated bomb at a popular restaurant

MOGADHISHU: A suicide bomber attacked a popular restaurant in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, on Saturday, killing himself and at least three others, Somali police said.

The attacker, dressed in a business suit over a suicide vest, detonated the bomb after entering the Village Restaurant, which is opposite Somalia’s National Theatre, police said. “Three civilians are dead,” Major Nur Ali, a senior police officer, told Reuters.

In comments on state radio, Somalia’s information minister, Mohamed Abdi Hayir, blamed the attack on Al Shabaab, the Al Qaeda-aligned militants who wage frequent attacks in the capital as part of a campaign to bring down the Somali government.

“The Al Shabaab suicide bomb-

er did not cause many casualties,” he said, adding that most of the people in the restaurant were able to escape before the bomb was detonated.

A spokesman for the group could not be reached for comment.

Saturday’s attack marked the third time suicide bombers have attacked the restaurant.

On Friday, Al Shabaab militants attacked a police station in the capital, and police said that three of them were killed. Police showed journalists pictures of the dead, but Al Shabaab denied they had lost anyone in the attack. — Reuters

SCENE OF EXPLOSION: A Somalia policeman walks at the scene of an explosion at the Village Restau-

rant in Mogadishu, on Saturday. – AFP

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

WORLD

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US named among threats in Russia’s security strategy Document says US and allies strive to retain global dominance and the West exercises pressure on Russia

MOSCOW: A new appraisal names the United States as one of the threats to Russia’s national security for the first time, a sign of how relations with the west have deteriorated in recent years.

The document, “About the Strategy of National Security of Russian Federation”, was signed

by President Vladimir Putin on New Year’s Eve. It replaces a 2009 version, endorsed by then- President Dmitry Medvedev, the current prime minister, which mentioned neither the United States not NATO. International conflicts It says Russia has managed to heighten its role in solving global problems and international conflicts. That heightened role has caused a reaction by the West, it says. “The strengthening of Russia happens against the background of new threats to the national security, which has complex and interrelated nature,” the document says.

Conducting an independent policy, “both international and

PLANNING STRATEGY: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s Kremlin recently. The document, ‘About the Strategy of National

Security of Russian Federation’, was signed by Putin on New Year’s Eve. It replaces a 2009 version, endorsed by then- President Dmitry Medvedev, the current prime minister, which mentioned neither the United States not NATO. – AFP

domestic” has caused “counteraction from the USA and its allies, which are striving to retain their dominance in global affairs.”

That in turn is likely to lead to “political, economical, military and informational pressure” on Russia, the document says.”

Relations between Russia and the West reached a low after Russian forces annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in March

2014, after protests in Ukraine forced its pro-Moscow president to flee to Russia. Since then, the West has accused Russia of aiding insurgents in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow denies actively assisting the rebels.

The United States and the European Union have since imposed wide-ranging sanctions against Russian individuals and companies. Moscow has reacted by re-

stricting food and other goods from the EU. The document says that the United States and the EU have supported an “anti-constitutional coup d’etat in Ukraine”, which led to a deep divide in Ukrainian society and a military conflict.

It also names the expansion of NATO as a threat to Russia’s national security and said that the United States has expanded its network of military-biological

laboratories in neighbouring to Russia countries.

The document, which serves as a basis for planning strategy related to national security by different state bodies, does not mention Syria. On September 30, Russia began air strikes against anti-government rebels opposed to the government of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, a Russian ally. — Reuters

N E W Y E A R ’ S D AY AT TA C K

‘French man who drove car into troops had no terror links’ VALENCE (FRANCE): French investigators have found no evidence that a man who drove his car into troops guarding a mosque in southern France on New Year’s Day was linked to a terrorist group, a local prosecutor said on Saturday.

“We have no evidence that could indicate an act of terrorism,” Valence prosecutor Alex Perrin told reporters, saying the 29-year old Frenchman of Tunisian descent seemed to have acted alone. “He reportedly shouted slogan, which suggests some sort of religious element.”

“When he was apprehended, he mentioned the fact that he wanted to kill troops because troops killed people,” the prosecutor added. “He said he wanted to be killed by troops.”

There was also no indication that the man was suffering from mental illness, the prosecutor said.

He had been unemployed for several years and was not known to police or intelligence services, the prosecutor added.

The practising people lived in a suburb of Lyon, 100km (60 miles) north of the town of Valence where the incident took place. “He had come to Valence, where his family-in-law lives, for the end of year holiday,” the prosecutor said.

He was shot in the legs and arm by the troops and was still in hospital on Saturday. A soldier and a man were also slightly injured in the incident.

French television showed an amateur video of the soldiers surrounding the red Peugeot estate car and shouting “get out” before shooting, with the vehicle ending up in a ditch. — Reuters

T E S T I N G C A PA B I L I T I E S

Cyber attack on BBC was only a test: Anti-IS group LONDON: A group of computer hackers that wants to target IS militant group has claimed it was behind a cyber attack on the BBC which it intended as a test of its own capabilities, according to messages sent to a reporter at the broadcaster on Saturday.

“It was only a test, we didn’t exactly plan to take it down for multiple hours,” the group called New World Hackers said in a message sent to the BBC’s technology correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones, which he posted on Twitter.

“We realise sometimes what we do is not always the right choice, but without cyber hackers ... who is

there to fight off online terrorists?”

The BBC’s online services, including its news website and iPlayer catch-up TV platform, were taken down for a few hours on Thursday by a large web attack.

The broadcaster, citing sources inside the corporation, described as a “distributed denial of service (DDoS)” attack.

A DDoS attack typically targets sites by flooding servers with messages from multiple systems so they are unable to respond to legitimate traffic.

A BBC spokeswoman said the broadcaster would not comment on the claim of responsibility made by the group. — Reuters

POST-MUNICH ALERT

Germany for closer ties with foreign security services BERLIN: German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said on Saturday closer cooperation with foreign security services was needed after a New Year’s Eve security alert in Munich highlighted fears about an attack on German soil.

Shortly before midnight on December 31, police cleared two stations in the Bavarian capital after a tipoff that militants from Iraq and Syria were planning attacks.

Police re-opened the stations a few hours later and have said they do not know if the suspects even exist. De Maiziere said the threat of an attack had not diminished.

“In the new year the situation will remain very serious,” de Maiziere told daily newspaper Bild.

“In future, we will depend more intensively than before on close cooperation with security services from other countries and the exchange of information.”

German media have reported that authorities received the tipoff from a friendly intelligence service, possibly France.

Much of Europe has been on high alert since militants killed 130 people in Paris on November

13. Several cities, including Brussels, Paris and Moscow, scaled back their New Year celebrations.

Some politicians have criticised German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door refugee policy, saying it makes it easier for militants to enter Europe undetected. Germany last year registered just over 1 million migrants, many from Syria and other conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa, according to a media report, putting a strain on local services. Merkel’s conservative allies in Bavaria, the Christian Social Union (CSU), which has long wanted to put a cap on refugee numbers, is calling for tougher security measures.

It will next week propose making individuals convicted of being a threat to public safety wear an electronic tag, the Rheinische Post newspaper reported.

It also wants people with dual nationality who have fought for a militia abroad to have their German passport revoked. The CSU resolutions do not bind Merkel’s government in Berlin but they do raise the pressure on her over national security. — Reuters

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

Muscat bourse falls 15% in 2015 IN A NUTSHELL Oman’s stock market

MSM was the fourth best performing bourse in GCC

posted a turnover

Worst performing market in the Gulf was Saudi

of OMR1.39b on

Average daily turnover fell by 39.7% to OMR5.6 million

5733.82m traded

Industrial Index was severely hit

Market turnover falls to OMR1.39b

Market capitalisation at OMR15.78b

shares. This is against a turnover of

WEAK SENTIMENT: Omani bourse was the fourth best performing

stock market in the Gulf region, after Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait. Saudi was the worst performing bourse in the GCC. – File picture

OMR2.27b in 2014

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s Muscat Securities Market (MSM) declined by 14.77 per cent or 937 points to close at 5,406.22 points in the just concluded year, primarily hit by falling oil prices.

The Omani bourse was the fourth best performing stock mar-

ket in the Gulf region, after Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait. The worst performing bourse in the GCC region was Saudi Arabia, which shed 17.08 per cent to close at 6,901.36 points in 2015.

According to market sources, the average price of Oman Crude in the international market fell by 45.2 per cent to $57.4 per barrel for the first 11 months of 2015 from $104.70 a barrel for the same period last year, resulting in heavy

selling by institutional investors.

“The overall corporate profitability is not expected to go below its 2014 level. However, there has been a change in sentiment as investors look forward to next year.

That has resulted in a shrinkage in valuation,” Suresh Kumar, head of research at Al Maha Financial Services, told Times of Oman.

As many as 35 shares gained, while another 67 stocks fell on the bourse in 2015.

R E A L E S TAT E

FINANCE DEAL: The signing ceremony was attended by Salaam Al Shaksy, chief executive officer of alizz islamic bank and Hassan Mohamed Juma Al Lawati, managing director of Al Osool Properties, among others, on December 28. – Supplied picture

alizz islamic bank to fund tourism complex project Times News Service MUSCAT: alizz islamic bank has signed a financing agreement based on ‘forward ijarah’ with Al Osool Properties to develop its premium integrated tourism complex (ITC) project — The Pearl Muscat — in Muscat Hills Commercial area.

The transaction was led by the bank’s project finance team offering a comprehensive suite of Sharia-compliant corporate solutions that meet the requirements of the business, said a press statement.

The signing ceremony which took place at the Grand Hyatt Muscat on December 28, was attended by Salaam Al Shaksy, chief executive officer of alizz islamic bank and Hassan Mohamed Juma Al Lawati, managing director of Al Osool Properties.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Ehab Hashish, deputy general manager and head of wholesale banking of alizz islamic bank, alongside the proprietors of the ‘The Pearl Muscat’; Hilal Abdullah Al Hoqani and Ahmed Ali Khamis Al Mahrouqi.

The financing agreement marks an important milestone in the development of Oman’s real estate sector and reiterates alizz islamic

THE PROJECT

The Pearl Muscat is a project developed

by Al Osool roperties.

It is being developed on a plot of 6,911 square metres, comprising a basement, ground plus six floors and a penthouse

bank’s commitment to strengthen institutional participation sustainable to real estate projects.

Supporting local tourism Commenting on the agreement, Salaam Al Shaksy, said, “We are pleased to partner with Al Osool Properties for developing its premium project ‘The Pearl Muscat.’

This is in line with our strategy to support the local tourism and development projects. The bank continues to demonstrate its commitment towards financing projects which contribute to the local economy.”

Al Shaksy added that the entry of Islamic institutions has

brought a range of Sharia-compliant products and services to meet the diverse financing needs of corporate and institutional clients in Oman.

Hassan Mohamed Juma Al Lawatisaid that “the development agreement between Al Osool Properties and alizz islamic bank will provide a solid guarantee to our customers that their properties will be delivered within the stipulated deadline irrespective of the market dynamics.”

The Pearl Muscat is an integrated tourism complex project developed by Al Osool Properties, a pioneer real estate development and investment company in the Sultanate and is being developed on a plot of 6,911 square metrrs, comprising a basement, ground plus six floors and a penthouse.

Alizz islamic bank provides Sharia-compliant financial solutions for corporate, government and individual customers. In Forward Ijarah, the property is acquired by alizz islamic bank under Istisna sale contract with a developer upon customer’s promise to lease.

The property is accordingly leased and delivered to the bank’s customer for agreed term and rentals after which the ownership is transferred to the customer.

The Muscat bourse has around 125 listed stocks. The market volumes were also showing a fall during the year as investors kept away from the bourse.

“The average daily turnover or investor participation was down by 39.7 per cent to OMR5.6 million in 2015 from as high as OMR9.29 million in 2014,” added Suresh Kumar.

Among various sub-segments, industrial sector was severely hit with a fall of 19.06 per cent in in-

dex, followed by financial (-15.99 per cent) and services (-12.07 per cent) indices. Increase in cost, after a hike in natural gas price, has affected several manufacturing industries, including cement, ceramic tiles and steel units.

Gainers and losers Major gainers on the Muscat bourse in 2015 were United Power (107 per cent), Gulf International Chemicals (71 per cent), ONIC

Holding (52 per cent), and Sharqiyah Desalination (43 per cent), in addition to Gulf Stones (34 per cent). Likewise, the major losers included Renaissance Services, Port Services Corporation, Al Jazeera Steel Products, and Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company, in addition to National Gas. The Muscat bourse posted a turnover of OMR1,389.65 million on a volume of 5733.82 million shares. This is against a turnover of OMR2.27 billion in 2014.

The major companies in terms of traded value were Bank Muscat, Al Anwar Holding, HSBC Bank Oman, and Oman Telecommunications Company, in addition to Phoenix Power.

The market capitalisation of MSM stood at OMR15.78 billion by end-December, 2015.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

MARKET Oman Air’s 2nd plane funded by Meethaq Bank Muscat’s Islamic window

Meethaq congratulates Oman Air on the arrival of its second Boeing 787 Dreamliner and is proud to successfully close the long-term financing facility

extended finance to the national carrier for buying second Boeing

Sulaiman Al Harthy

787 Dreamliner

Deputy chief executive officer (Islamic Banking), Bank Muscat Times News Service MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, took yet another major stride in supporting the Sultanate’s economic development as Oman’s first and only Sharia-based aircraft finance was extended to the national carrier Oman Air for acquiring its second Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, deputy chief executive officer (Islamic Banking), said: “Meethaq congratulates Oman Air on the arrival of its second Boeing 787 Dreamliner and is proud to successfully close the long-term financing facility. The closure of this complex transaction in terms of its Sharia structure, legal documentation and accounting structure indicates that Meethaq is well placed to undertake largescale complex transactions.

This is a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between Meethaq and Oman Air. Meethaq is grateful to the Government of Oman and the management of Oman Air for the confidence reposed in the bank.”

“The successful closure of the financing facility for the national carrier is a stepping stone for Meethaq to diversify its assets mix. Meethaq is focused on play-

ing a prominent supportive role in projects that are of national importance and the association with Oman Air will further strengthen this approach,” he said.

“The financing agreement with Oman Air based on diminishing Musharakah affirms the availability of viable Sharia-compliant solutions to cater to the banking and financing requirements of big projects in the Sultanate. Meethaq has in its portfolio all sectors, including tourism, agriculture, airline, shipping, manufacturing, commercial real estate, hospitals and education,” Al Harthy added.

In about three years of operations, Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, has attained the leading position in Islamic banking industry in the Sultanate in terms of financing receivables, branch network, products and services, IT infrastructure development and human resources.

The bank is playing a key role in financing projects of national significance, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the economy.

“Meethaq Islamic bank is contributing significantly to the growth and development of the Omani banking sector and we are

witnessing an upswing in Islamic finance and investment compatible with the provisions of Sharia laws. We see a growing interest among retail and corporate clients to take advantage of the new opportunities offered by Islamic banking and finance,” noted Al Harthy.

As the leading Islamic financial services provider in the Sultanate, Meethaq has many achievements relating to financing major projects in various fields, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the Sultanate’s economy. The notable finance facilities offered by Meethaq include the refinancing facility of OMR78 million signed with Oman Shipping Company for its three very large crude carriers (VLCCs).

Robust model Meethaq has adopted the best practices in Islamic banking and finance worldwide to combine a robust model which protects customers and complements the Islamic banking industry. Every Meethaq product goes through the process of Sharia-compliance certification by the Sharia Supervisory Board and is created in line with the guidelines of the Central Bank of Oman.

The Meethaq branch network B U Y I N G S TA K E

Dhofar International to raise stake in OIFC MUSCAT: Dhofar International Development and Investment Holding, a major shareholder of Oman Investment and Finance (OIFC), said that the company has received approval from Capital Market Authority and Central Bank of Oman to increase its stake in OIFC by 10 per cent, from its existing 35 per cent to 45 per cent through buying from MSM. - Times News Service

has touched 13 since inception of operations in 2013.

The bank also recently launched Hafawa Priority Banking service for high saving Meethaq customers. Presently, the Hafawa network includes eight centres in Meethaq branches in Qurm, Al Khoud, Seeb, Saham, Ibra, Nizwa, Buraimi and Salalah.

Meethaq stands out for its independent Sharia Supervisory Board, separate capital allocation from shareholders’ money, unique risk management tools, complete fund segregation, separate books of account, Sharia-based core banking system, stand-alone Islamic banking branches and proper profit distribution mechanism among investment account holders/depositors.

The adoption of AAOIFI standards (Accounting & Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions) distinguishes Meethaq Islamic banking practices in terms of standardisation of products and services.

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NINE MONTHS

Personal loans rise by 7.6% to OMR7b MUSCAT: Total personal loans disbursed by commercial banks in Oman for the first nine months of 2015 rose to OMR7.164 billion, a growth of OMR508.5 million or 7.64 per cent over December 2014.

Loan provided by commercial banks to importers in the first nine months of 2015 crossed OMR1 billion for the first time to stay at OMR1.051 billion, a growth of OMR178.8 million or 20.5 per cent over December 2014. This is the highest credit growth among different sectors. The sector maintained the growth rate achieved in the corresponding period in 2014.

The import sector has witnessed a good growth benefiting from growth in demand for imported goods resulting from the increase in the average salaries and the job opportunities that have been created over the past years. The credit provided to the sector over the past three years increased by 50 per cent to rise from OMR698.9 million in September 2012 to OMR1.051 billion by the end of the third quarter last year.

Imported commodities The value of imported commodities in the first seven months of 2015 stood at OMR6.5 billion, including OMR1.2 billion for equipment and electrical appliances, OMR1.071 billion for transport equipment, OMR981.6 million for mineral products and OMR723.3 million for normal minerals and their products.

The growth in credit for the import sector goes in line with the economic growth being witnessed

by the Sultanate. The credit provided by the commercial banks to the different economic sectors over the first nine months of 2015 has witnessed a good growth that has reflected well on the development of these activities. Besides the growth of the import sector, other sectors also recorded a remarkable growth.

Service sector The credit provided by the commercial banks to service sector grew by 13.4 per cent to OMR1.629 billion by the end of September 2015 from OMR1.437 billion by the end of December 2014.

The loans provided to the construction sector grew by 7.6 per cent to OMR1.907 billion; an increase by OMR135.7 million compared to December 2014.

The different sectors benefited from the growth in the non-oil activities last year. The credit provided by the commercial banks to the sector at the first nine months of 2015 stood at OMR18,168 million, a growth of OMR1.270 billion compared to December 2014.

The Sultanate seeks to strengthen the contribution of non-oil sectors to the gross domestic product (GDP). During the first half of 2015, the contribution of non-oil activities to the GDP grew by 3.7 per cent to OMR8.9 billion including OMR2.3 billion for the industrial activities, which grew by 4.7 per cent, OMR6.4 billion for the service activities, which grew by OMR213.3 million; a growth of 3.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2014. – ONA

OWN BUSINESSES

National Business Centre honours four sucessful incubated firms Times News Service MUSCAT: National Business Centre (NBC), which falls under the umbrella of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), organised a graduation ceremony for four of the incubated companies at NBC under the auspices of Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of PEIE board of directors.

Al Dheeb emphasised that the incubated companies confirm their success and the significant value of the support they receive from various institutions by moving from incubators to their own businesses.

“The support that these companies receive from institutions like the National Business Centre or Public Authority for SME Development (Riyada) or Al Raffd Fund is significant for the companies to develop and flourish in the market. Besides, the companies have shown through their presentations at the graduation ceremony that they faced several obstacles in their journeys; however they managed to find their way to further development and success,” Al Dheeb said.

Malak Al Shaibani, director general of the National Business Centre, highlighted the business

indicators of the centre noting that the financial returns are estimated at OMR1.3 million and the projects have created more than 74 job opportunities.

Al Shaibani informed that occupancy rate of NBC and Riyada has touched around 71 per cent.

She called upon various companies to register at the centre to enjoy the benefits offered to the entrepreneurs.

Four companies The four incubated companies that have graduated from the National Business Centre comprise Deema Oman, Awtad International Company, Muscat Digital Advertising and Lab Scientific and Laboratory Supplies.

It should be noted that Deema Oman is a design company specialised in creating gift, dinner-

ware and jewellery inspired by Islamic art and Oman’s cultural heritage. On the other hand, Awtad International Company was set up to provide rehabilitation and support to the national projects to stretch the prospects of the largest market in the economy.

Furthermore, Muscat Digital Advertising Company is specialised in renting and supplying all kinds of advertising and digital equipment and accessories, such as display systems, digital displays, touch screens, projector, optical display Stands, professional computers and tablets with high specifications, and audio systems. Lab Scientific and Laboratory Supplies was established in October 2009 as the first Omani company supplying fine chemicals and laboratory requirements for research, genetic and forensic labs.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

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MARKET CRUDE OIL

C O M M E N TA RY

What lies ahead for crude oil in 2016?

MUBEEN KHAN

G

ulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have lost an estimated $360 billion of their oil revenues in 2015. It was a painful year but December 2015 was a historic month. In December, the United States lifted the restriction over crude oil exports after 40 long years. US Federal Reserve also increased the rate by 25 basis points after almost a decade and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) surprised the world by its self-destructive decision of flooding the market with oversupply even when oil prices were painfully falling.

And here they go – the seasonal frogs have again started

chanting ‘Oil at $20’mantra and speculative cult is sowing another crop of lies to be harvested soon. This time they seem to be taking ‘long’ positions when their allies in the international media are joining chorus to convince others to go ‘short’ on oil.

I am still bullish on oil and do not see low oil prices continuing any further. I had two strong convictions at the beginning of December 2015 — either Opec will take a sensible decision on December 4, 2015 meeting or it will effectively dismantle.

The first one didn’t materialise and the second one, I strongly believe, is in the making.

Opec strategy We kept asking since the beginning of 2015, “was there at all any so called Opec strategy against shale oil? When asked in November 2015 if the Opec strategy against US shale oil is working , oil minister of a prominent Opec member retorted “did I ever say that this is our strategy ? ” I fully agree with this statement because US crude imports data proves him right. US oil imports were 7.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in June 2014 when oil price was $115 per barrel and US imported the same quantity of 7.30 million bpd in

Opec expects oil demand to rise by 1.3 million bpd in 2016 when oil investments have declined for the last two years October 2015 when oil was at $ 45 per barrel. Neither the shale frackers of US nor Opec lost or gained any market share.

Opec meet Opec officially stated that it will not cut output unless nonOpec members cooperate but it revised and agreed to abide by a new production ceiling of 31.5 million bpd.

Opec production as on that date was 32 million bpd and Iran was forcefully informing them that Iran will increase its output by 1.5 million bpd to reach its pre-sanctions level.

Hence, Opec output should have become 33.5 million bpd adding Iran’s production to Opec’s existing 32 million bpd.

When Opec says that it will

Airbus delivers record jetliners European aviation firm reached a total of 635 and handed over 79 units in December alone.

Airbus shipped 629 planes in 2014 TOULOUSE (France): Airbus managed to beat a company target for deliveries last year by churning out almost twice the average monthly number in December, people familiar with the achievement said.

The European planemaker reached a total of about 635 and handed over 79 units in the last month of the year alone, said the people. Airbus shipped 629 planes in 2014.

Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath declined to confirm the number, saying figures on both deliveries and new orders for 2015 will be disclosed at a press confer-

ence on January 12. On the order front, Airbus had agreements in place to supply a net 1,007 aircraft as of November 30, easily beating its target.

Boeing’s orders Boeing had won 743 net orders for 2015, according to the most recent figures available on its website through December 22, making it highly likely that Airbus beat its rival, unless Boeing secured an order for several hundred planes in the last week of the year. Boeing had handed over 709 planes through the same period, putting the United States planemaker well ahead on deliveries, when the bulk of payments for a plane are due.

Airbus has three factories churning out planes: in Toulouse, which assembles widebody planes, A380s and single- aisle planes; in Hamburg, producing only single-aisle A320s; and also

UNITED KINGDOM

Bond investors expect low returns LONDON: UK government bonds eked out a positive return in 2015 and investors shouldn’t expect much more from 2016.

Global sovereign-debt markets were dominated last year by the European Central Bank’s unprecedented bond-purchase programme and the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise United States. interest rates for the first time in almost a decade.

In 2016, the possibility of a referendum on Britain’s European

Union membership will capture investors’ attention, though the uncertainty around the vote may be a risk to UK assets.

Benchmark 10-year gilt yields climbed from a record low set in January 2015.

The Bank of England (BoE) held interest rates at an all-time low throughout the year despite signals at times that an increase was approaching sooner than the market was pricing, authorities said. - Bloomberg News

in Tianjin, China, which normally produces four single aisle planes per month. In 2016, Airbus will start turning out single-aisle A320neos from a new plant in Mobile, Alabama.

The European planemaker’s latest A350 model, which had its first handover in December 2014, achieved 14 deliveries in 2015, leaving it one short of the manufacturer’s full-year target of “about 15.”

The planemaker handed over fewer than 30 A380s, though the specific figures for the superjumbo, as well as for A330 widebodies and single-aisle planes, weren’t immediately available.

- Bloomberg News

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abide by 31.5 million bpd ceiling after accommodating Iran’s 1.5 million bpd, I interpret that Opec has agreed to indirectly cut 2 million bpd. This is almost half of 4.2 million bpd cut announced by Opec in early 2009 after oil touched $35 per barrel.

This had helped the prices to reach $ 100 within a short period of time.

Crude export by US Crude export by US will not create any competition in the international crude trade. We need to understand that US is still not energy self-sufficient, it consumes estimated 17-18 million bpd and imports 7-8 million bpd. Any crude export from the US will increase its oil imports proportionately.

Therefore, US crude export does not flood the market with any extra supply whatsoever.

About Oman Oman’s 2015 budget was prepared with a projected deficit of $6.5 billion (OMR 2.5 billion) assuming average oil price realisation of $75 per barrel whereas the actual realised average price is estimated to be in the range of $52-54 per barrel. This should have increased 2015 deficit to an estimated $14.70 billion but the government has managed to contain it to $ 11.70 billion

(OMR 4.5 billion). They have projected to reduce it further to $8.50 billion (OMR 3.3 billion) in 2016 budget.

We must congratulate the Government of Oman for its commendable prudence and adaptability shown during these difficult times. The Ministry of Finance (MoF), in coordination with other ministries and government bodies, have effectively optimised government expenditure without causing any discomfort or affecting the standard of living of its citizens and residents.

The ministry is further cutting the expenditure by 15.6 per cent in 2016.

We should look forward to a better year ahead as the oil prices will definitely move up in 2016. Opec expects oil demand to rise by 1.3 million bpd in 2016 when oil investments have declined for the two consecutive years which did not happen in the last 25 years which will restrict oil supplies in 2016.

The writer is a Muscat-based Chartered Accountant and analyst. He is vice-chairman of the Muscat Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and also sits on the board of Oman Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors. The views expressed are personal.

Iraq exports 1 billion barrels of oil in 2015 IRBIL: Iraq said it exported 1.097 billion barrels of oil in 2015, generating $49.079 billion from sales, according to the Oil Ministry.

It sold 99.7 million barrels of oil in December, generating $2.973 billion, after selling a record 100.9 million barrels in November, said Oil Ministry spokesman Asim Jihad. The country sold at an average price of $44.74 a barrel in 2015, Jihad said.

Reserves Iraq, with the world’s fifth-biggest oil reserves, needs to keep increasing crude output because lower oil prices have curbed government revenue. Oil prices have slumped in the past year as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) defended market share against production in the US. Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ second-largest crude producer is facing a slowdown in investment due to lower oil prices while fighting a costly war on Islamist militants who seized a swath of the country’s northwest.

The nation’s output will start to decline in 2018, Morgan Stanley said in a September 2 report, reversing its forecast for higher production every year to 2020.

- Bloomberg News

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

FEATURE Air pollution in China could be a big business.

Two of the world’s largest technology firms, IBM and Microsoft, are vying to tap the nascent, fast-growing market for forecasting air quality in the world’s top carbon emitters

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outs of acrid smog enveloping Beijing prompted authorities in the Chinese capital to declare two unprecedented “red alerts” this month - a warning to the city’s 22 million inhabitants that heavy pollution is expected for more than three days.

Such alerts rely on advances in pollution forecasting, increasingly important for Communist Party leaders as they seek improvements in monitoring and managing the country’s notorious smog in response to growing public awareness.

Official interest has also been boosted by China’s preparations to host the Winter Olympics - Beijing’s smog is worse in the colder months - in 2022.

“There is increasing attention to the air quality forecast service,” said Yu Zheng, a researcher at Microsoft. “More and more people care about this information technology.”

A rudimentary forecast was pioneered by Dustin Grzesik, a US geochemist and former Beijing resident who created Banshirne.com, a free website and smartphone app, in 2013 to predict clean air days using publicly avail-

able weather data on wind patterns.

“If you can predict the weather, it only takes a few more variables to predict air quality,” said Robert Rohde of Berkeley Earth, a US-based non-profit that maps China’s real-time air pollution. “Most of the time pollutant emissions don’t vary very rapidly.”

Now, advances in “cognitive computing” - machines programmed to improve modelling on their own - allow more sophisticated forecasting software to provide predictions for the air quality index up to 10 days in advance using data on weather, traffic and land use, as well as real-time pollution levels from government monitoring stations and even social media posts.

Forecasts can help governments plan when to close schools and airports, restrict vehicles or postpone sporting events, and also decide which polluting factories to shut down temporarily.

Microsoft, IBM Both Microsoft and IBM secured their first government clients last year after developing their respective pollution forecasting technologies at their Chi-

na-based research labs.

Chinese authorities only began releasing real-time levels of PM2.5 - airborne particulate matter under 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate deep into the lungs - in 2012, after denouncing the US embassy for publishing its own real-time monitoring data on Twitter.

IBM’s first client was the city of Beijing’s environmental protection bureau, which bases its colour-coded pollution alerts on the technology.

The company launched a “Joint Environmental Innovation Centre” - staffed by government and IBM scientists - with the bureau earlier in December, allowing officials to better model pollution reduction scenarios during the worst episodes.

Still the municipal government only makes public a 24-hour forecast on its website, meaning residents are not able to see for themselves when a “red alert” may be due.

The environmental bureau’s monitoring centre did not respond to a request for comment.

IBM has also signed a deal with

Zhangjiakou, which will jointly host the 2022 Winter Olympics alongside Beijing, to do forward planning and scenario modelling ahead of the games.

For its part, Microsoft has signed up China’s environment ministry, and the environmental protection bureaus in Fujian province and Chengdu, the capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan.

Outside China, IBM has also signed deals for air quality modelling with Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted cities, and Johannesburg.

“We should be able to use the same base system and do air quality forecasting in different parts of the world,” said Brad Gammons, the business leader behind the IBM initiative, which the company calls ‘Green Horizons’.

“With the machine-based learning we can do it very quickly.”

The two tech rivals are not just competing over government clients.

Business clients - in particular renewable power generation companies - are another target, along with consumers.

Already more than 30 solar farms in China are using IBM’s forecasting

technology, which can also help predict the availability of sunlight.

Microsoft has created a website called Urban Air and a smartphone app with a 48-hour forecast for cities across China, while the China Open tennis tournament put two-day IBM pollution forecasts for parks across Beijing on its public WeChat social messaging account.

But there are still kinks to work out.

The latest version of Microsoft’s iPhone app lacked the forecasting function advertised, which the company blamed on a soon-to-be-fixed bug, while during a recent “red alert,” when the air was considered hazardous and schools were shut, the China Open IBM-based forecast recommended “light exercise”.

And while other tech giants, such as China’s Alibaba , currently remain on the sidelines, Air Visual, a crowdsourced start-up pollution monitoring platform based in Beijing, is already giving IBM and Microsoft a run for their money, using “deep machine learning” to provide its own free three-day forecasts for cities across the globe through its website and smartphone app. –Reuters

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

ROUND-UP

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Atana Musandam Resort wins 'GCC Hospitality Project' award The resort was awarded for its best practice credentials, safety initiatives, and use of innovative construction techniques and technology in the hospitality sector within both Oman and the region

MUSCAT: The Atana Musandam Resort, developed by the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), has won the ‘Hospitality Project of the Year’ award at the Construction Week Awards 2015 which was held at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City earlier this month.

The resort competed against some of the region’s top leisure destinations such as DoubleTree

by Hilton Hotel Doha Old Town, Emirates Pearl, Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, and Kempinski Marsa Malaz to take out the prestigious prize, says a press release.

The annual Construction Week Awards provides a platform to showcase and recognise the highest quality of works achieved within the construction industry over the year in the GCC. The Atana Musandam Resort was awarded for its best practice credentials, safety initiatives, use of innovative construction techniques and tech-

nology in the hospitality sector within both Oman and the region.

Great honour Commenting on the win, Omran Acting CEO Eng. Ali Al Rasbi noted, “To be recognised by the Construction Week Awards is a great honour for our Atana hospitality brand. The GCC a region known for its luxury hospitality offerings, so to be recognised as an awardwinner is very promising, especially as Atana is the first exclusively Omani branded hotel chain.

By implementing the highest quality hospitality standards at Atana Musandam, Oman’s flagship hotel, we have elevated the benchmark for hospitality across the Sultanate. At Omran, we are working hard to build tourism infrastructure that helps to put Oman on the map as a premier tourist destination, as such Atana Musandam is a real success story for Oman and a wonderful destination for visitors both from at home and abroad.”

“The award is also significant because it recognises and showcases the quality of developers, contractors and sub-contractors we have in Oman. At Omran we

are committed to cultivated local talent and supporting SMEs through our policy of Local Development Investment (LDI). In the case of Atana Musandam, the developer, contractor and subcontractor were all Omani companies.

This win is not only a proud moment for the resort, but for Oman as a nation.”

The award was collected by representatives of Bunyan, an Omran subsidiary responsible for developing and executing tourism projects throughout the Sultanate.

Speaking on the award win, Eng. Nasser Maqbali, CEO of Bunyan commented, “It is deeply pleasing to see yet another honour conferred upon the Atana Musandam Resort. The resort has become a leading example of design and development in the Sultanate, reflecting best practices in construction and sustainability. The hotel was completed on schedule within 26 months, which is not a small feat considering the remote location of the Musandam Peninsula. The construction team also achieved 3 million man hours without LTI (Lost Time Injury), highlighting the considerable at-

tention given to safe and sensible work practices.

“Atana Musandam is also only the second development in the country to be awarded with the LEED certification, placing it the category of leading sustainable developments not only in Oman but also within the region. This award goes beyond the walls of Atana Musandam, also reflecting both Bunyan’s and Omran’s commitment to the highest quality construction within the tourism sector.”

Pascal Eppink, managing director of Omran subsidiary Dhiaffa, responsible for operating Atana hotels, commented, “To be recognised by Construction Week UAE with this award is a great honour for the Atana brand. Atana Musandam is a real success story for Oman and a wonderful destination for visitors both from at home and abroad. By implementing the highest quality hospitality standards at Atana Musandam, we ensure the maximum operational efficiency of the resort and progress in the sector for years to come. The hotel has received a number of accolades since opening in 2014 and we continually strive to improve on

our successes in attaining maximum operational efficiency. The resort has really thrived during 2015 with a growing visitor base from Oman, the UAE and Europe.

It is internationally recognised as a desirable tourist destination offering a uniquely family-friendly Omani guest experience."

Stunning location Located on the stunning Musandam peninsula, the Atana resort draws on elements of traditional and contemporary Omani culture and identity, and was constructed in harmony with the surrounding environs with environmental sustainability as a key design consideration. The ‘Hospitality Project of the Year’ award recognition adds to the growing number of awards and accolades received by the resort since its soft opening in 2014. Earlier this year the resort was also presented with the LEED certification for green building, becoming only the second development in Oman to receive this prestigious international award.

The resort has been gaining the attention of local and foreign guests since its soft opening, and

has since become a desirable tourist destination for those who visit the Musandam peninsula.

The four star resort is strategically located close to the airport and the port of Khasab, and offers a uniquely Omani guest experience with family friendly room rates. Atana Musandam offers 110 rooms, each promising stunning views across the harbour and its dramatic mountain backdrop. Al Mawra, the hotel’s signature restaurant offers an appetising, allday dining experience, where the speciality is modernised traditional cuisine, in addition to a comprehensive international menu.

Built in the shadow of the ancient Khasab Castle, Atana Musandam makes for the ideal place to relax with family and use as a base to explore all that the breathtaking Musandam peninsula has to offer, be it watching dolphins, snorkelling the azure waters or exploring the towering fjords. The destination provides tourists and travellers with a pure Omani experience that combines aspects of Oman’s rich heritage and the extraordinary tourism elements of the Musandam peninsula.

NOBLE CAUSE

‘ I N N O VAT I V E M A R Q U E O F T H E Y E A R ’

Al Hilal Islamic Banking extends support to Al Amal Association

Audi scoops top honour at Signature Luxury Awards MUSCAT: Audi has once again received great feedback for its models by winning the ‘Innovative Marque of The Year’ Award for the R8, Q7 and TT from Oman’s most respected luxury magazine – Signature’s automotive judging panel.

The most prominent Luxury Awards night in the Sultanate, the Signature Luxury Awards also debuted the magazine’s Luxury 100 limited edition coffee-table book, featuring the Audi brand, says a

press release. “The Luxury 100 is a unique initiative that is the region’s only list of the 100 most iconic luxury brands of the year.

Given that the Audi brand is synonymous with luxury, dynamism and sportiness; we are delighted to have been featured in the book, as well as to have won top honours at the awards for ‘Innovative Marque’," said Janice Hinson, Public Relations manager from Audi Middle East, on the sidelines

of the gala function organised by the Signature at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

“Our success in Oman continues as we receive overwhelming recognition from both the luxury and motoring media, as well as Audi fans alike. Our aim for 2016 is to continue this momentum with the arrival of many more fantastic new cars, said Faisal Nawaz, Marketing manager of Wattayah Motors.

PA R T I C I PAT I O N

Orpic sponsors global summit on process safety in Kuala Lumpur MUSCAT: Orpic recently sponsored and participated in the ‘Global Summit on Process Safety’ organised by CCPS (Center of Chemical Process Safety) & American Institute of Chemical Engineers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Global Summit, themed “CCPS Process Safety Vision 20/20,” drew more than 350 delegates from more than 75 organisations including oil & gas, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, says a press release.

The summit was inaugurated

by YB Dato’ Sri Richard Riot Anak Jaem, Honorary Minister of Human Resources, Malaysia. The event proved to be an excellent platform that brought together experts from around the world to determine a more sustainable future.

Livio Accattatis, general manager - Technical Services, Orpic presented the achievements made

by Orpic in the field of Process

Safety. He said that besides focusing on production targets, Orpic’s corporate prime responsibility is to operate safely and reliably. He said, “Orpic recognises the inherent risks of our processes and to deal effectively with such risks is one of our key strategic priorities. Orpic has implemented a fit-for-purpose Process Safety Management System and continuously strives for a reliable and robust risk management programme by applying good design, engineering, operation and

maintenance practices.”

Orpic also participated in the exhibition organised as part of the summit and showcased its existing and upcoming projects. The summit not only proved to be an excellent platform to showcase Orpic presence as one of the key players in Oil and Gas business and their achievements in Process Safety, but it also allowed Orpic employees to interact with and learn from global leaders in Process Safety.

MUSCAT: As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Al Hilal Islamic Banking the Islamic window of ahlibank, has extended support to the Al Amal Association, the nongovernmental organisation, which is proactively engaging itself in uplifting people with intellectual disabilities in the Sultanate.

The support, which came in the form of a donation, a cheque was handed over by Abdullah Al Jabri, general manager, Al Hilal Islamic Banking Services to the Chairman of the association board, His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, which was received on his behalf by Saif bin Mohammed Al Rubaie, a member of the board of directors of the association, says a press release.

Lloyd Maddock, CEO of ahlibank elucidated, “ahlibank and Al Hilal Islamic Banking services embrace values that put people first. Our eagerness to support Al Amal Association stems from a deep com-

mitment towards helping citizens of disabilities to be valued, become productive and successful members of the community.”

Abdullah Al Jabri said, “We are honoured to support the Al Amal Association. The bank has actively contributed to such noble causes before and we look forward to uplifting special members of our society by helping them to enjoy confident, dignified and self-reliant lives.”

Al Hilal Islamic Banking and ahlibank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives have become an integral part of our operational strategy. The bank plans to continue in its steadfast quest of philanthropy with many more donations and charitable events planned for the forthcoming year.

B6

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

ROUND-UP The 2016 Renault Megane exudes unique style statement of its own The 2016 Renault Megane’s lively design makes the car feels agile and responsive, exuding vitality, charm and sturdiness

MUSCAT: Renault from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is committed to providing excellent safety features with their range of vehicles.

The Renault Megane collection is a primary example of this commitment, being the first vehicle in its class to achieve five-stars at the Euro NCAP safety trials. The Megane, despite its compact appeal has an interior layout that provides a roomy driving atmosphere with exceptional road handling, says a press release.

The 2016 Renault Megane hatch’s lively design makes the car feels agile and responsive, exuding vitality, charm and sturdiness. The car’s charismatic impressions borne of its sleek look, sharpened lines and harmonious proportions are meant for the adventure seeking and outdoorsy individuals.

Enhanced features The hatchback comes with 100% touchscreen that opens up to a world of multimedia functions, the vehicle features hands-free card to unlock, start and remotely lock the car. The electrochrome rearview mirror gradually darkens as light levels increase to prevent dazzling.

The Digital speedometer offers enhanced readability and optimized ergonomics. The 2016 Megane also

features Electronic Stability Control (ESC or ESP) with ASR antiskid system and understeer control giving guaranteed vehicle stability.

Before taking to the road, every Renault vehicle engine is tested out on the racetrack: the most demanding high-tech laboratory, with unique benefits to ensure driving pleasure for the owner.

Renault’s 12 World Championship titles and unrivalled list of honours in Formula 1 are victories for excellence and innovation, ensuring that your Renault vehicle gives drivers outstanding driving pleasure, peace of mind and energy efficiency, every single day.

Classic features The Megane hatch is equipped with dual side-impact sensors, which make it an incredibly efficient option for any safety-conscious Renault purchaser. With its unique aesthetic that turns heads at its sporty seduction, the 2016 Renault Megane 1.6 is a meeting place of practicality and passion for design. The Hatchback boasts

a state-of-the-art lower chassis, which allows for maximum responsiveness – keeping you in complete control on even the toughest of roads. The new highperformance braking system optimises your reflexes, with one of the shortest braking distances on the market.

A sporty affair The display panel in Megane cars is a true innovation. Drawing inspiration from the world of professional motor sports, it features analogue for the rev counter, digital for the speedometer and information from the trip computer.

Not only does the Renault Megane exude a sporty personality with an energetic dynamic that is often seen in Renault cars, but its design also stands out from the crowd of cars found in its segment.

Technology at its best The New Megane Hatch is as pleasant as it is efficient. Its technology gives a great feeling of musical freedom, the New Megane Hatch is equipped with an Arka-

mys CD radio with high-quality sound. A USB socket for MP3 player gives direct access to personal favorites. The vehicle comes with USB and jack, steering wheel control, Bluetooth for phone and audio and a remote screen.

Enhanced comfort options The interior features a driving environment that provides both feeling of pleasure and feeling of control. All the controls have been accurately and comfortably positioned - either close to the steering wheel or on the centre console - with a view to freeing up as much space as possible for an even roomier cabin.

Some of its key features are: Hands-Free Renault Card for access and start-up, a smoker’s kit, 12V outlet (in the rear of the centre console), one-touch front and rear electric window winders with anti-trapping device, electric child safety device, day/night rearview mirror and split leather steering wheel. Spacious passenger compartment, ergonomic seats,

refined dashboard, refrigerated glove box and elegant finishes are its strengths.

Great care has gone into the quality and fit-and-finish of the materials employed, at all equipment levels. The dashboard benefits from an elegant finish which is not only soft to touch but also resistant to the adverse effects of sunlight. The windscreen wipers are aesthetically concealed beneath the bonnet line, a design which favors acoustic and aerodynamic performance.

The interior trim has been carefully thought through, to produce a range of distinct ambiences depending on equipment level.

Customers can choose between a relaxing, light, elegant trim that exudes travelling comfort or a darker ambience with a sportier feel.

As far as performance is concerned, the new Renault Megane Hatch is powered by a choice of three engines and three transmissions, catering to every driver’s need. With a 1.6 L 115hp featuring a 4-speed automatic transmission

with CVT gearbox, all tastes and requirements of the driving enthusiasts are covered.

Optimal driving experience For a more precision driving experience – the new 4-speed sequential mode automatic gearbox optimises gear shifts for a smoother drive and great sensations while accelerating. The new X-tronic continuous variation transmission which as a result of the alliance between Renault and Nissan, the transmission is very fluid as there are no gear changes which results in no breaks in acceleration.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

With a national network of more than 40 showrooms, service centres and parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

BRANCH MANAGERS CONFERENCE

Taageer Finance reviews 5-year business strategy plan, budget MUSCAT: In line with business strategy and new vision ‘To be a leading Finance Company in the region’, Taageer Finance recently held Branch Manager’s conference at its head office in Al Khuwair.

The meeting was aimed to review 2015’s performance, announce Taageer’s new five-year Business Strategy Plan and discuss the budget for the year 2016, says a press release.

Awards The Best Performers for the Year 2015 were recognised and rewarded by the CEO. The recently approved five-year

Strategy Plan of the company by the board was presented by the CEO Mohammed Redha Jawad focusing on the company’s new vision and mission. In addition, the general and prevailing market conditions were discussed in detail. Mohammed Redha Jawad addressed the conference stressing on the importance of quality business and to strive towards the budget for the year 2016.

Taageer Finance is known for it continuous efforts on supporting SME sector based on proper due diligence and adhering to credit policies that are in line with market conditions.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

ROUND-UP

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NBO selects first recipient of its 45th National Day scholarship programme An official announcement will be made in due course on the recipients of the 14 remaining university scholarships

MUSCAT: Earlier this year, to mark 45th National Day, NBO created 15 universities scholarships for students from low-income families, who upon completion of their studies will be offered a twoyear employment contract with the bank.

Additionally, NBO has employed 25 graduates within various divisions of the bank and will give five existing employees the opportunity to study for an MBA at a top international business school, the London Business School. Top performing employees are currently

undergoing a rigorous assessment exercise and short-listed candidates will be announced during the second quarter of 2016, says a press release.

Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, chairman of NBO, said: “NBO’s 45th National Day scholarship programme embodies the bank’s ongoing commitment to support and upskill the Omani youth in line with its CSR strategy: For You. For Our Nation. The 15 young students who earn a place on the programme will have the ideal platform to become future

leaders of Oman’s financial services industry.”

A student from Al Batinah region, Hakima Al Hosni, was selected as the inaugural NBO 45th National Day scholarship recipient.

After being enrolled in an intensive English, Social Studies and Business undergraduate foundation programme at Bellerbys College in the UK, she will go on to complete her undergraduate degree at The University of Strathclyde.

Ahmed Al Musalmi, CEO of NBO, said: “Supporting the educational aspirations of talented

PA N A S I A N R E S TAU R A N T

Bin Mirza to bring acclaimed Wagamama to Oman MUSCAT: Bin Mirza International signed a franchise agreement with Wagamama, the UKbased award-winning pan Asian restaurant, to bring its Japanese style cuisine to the Sultanate for the very first time.

The move makes Wagamama the seventh to join BMI’s everexpanding portfolio of international brands as part of the company’s efforts to bring unique dining concepts to Oman, says a press release.

Wagamama, which means ‘naughty child’ or ‘one who is willful and determined’ in Japanese, is renowned for its noodleinspired authentic dishes that cater to a wide variety of tastes.

Oman residents and visitors will be invited to take a seat at the renowned Wagamama canteenstyle benches and enjoy a variety of new and classic dishes from the seasonal menu – all served by friendly staff in atmospheric surroundings Jannat Moosa, marketing director at BMI, said, “We are delighted to join hands with Wagamama to bring its highly acclaimed meals and concepts to Oman. Directly influenced by the delectable ramen stalls of Japan, the restaurant provides customers with a feel-good experience that is tailor-made for people on the go such as shoppers and workers looking to refuel.

“With a wide variety of food ranging from rapid ramen to cur-

Directly influenced by the delectable ramen stalls of Japan, the restaurant provides customers with a feel-good experience that is tailor-made for people on the go such as shoppers and workers looking to refuel ries and vegetarian meals, there will be something for everyone when Wagamama makes its debut in Oman next year.”

Simon Cope, Global Brand director at Wagamama said: “Our approach with regards to franchising has been to look for partners that have the right mix of experience and success with great restaurants. BMI is a perfect fit, a trusted name in the business as-

sociated with bringing exceptional dining concepts to live. I look forward to adding Oman to the list of addresses where our signature Japanese-style cuisine is served.”

The new signing comes as part and parcel of BMI’s ambitious expansion strategy, which has seen the company open high quality brands across Oman. Other BMI franchises include British candy connectionists Spun Candy, Ca-

M E C O T Y AWA R D S

Nissan Juke receives ‘Best Compact Utility Vehicle’ award DUBAI: Nissan has received a prestigious award for its popular crossover the Nissan Juke, in the yearly ceremony hosted

by Middle East Car of the Year (Mecoty) awards.

The well-established annual Mecoty Awards is the biggest and most coveted of its kind in the region and employs a judging jury comprised of no fewer than 12 experts from all over the Middle East. For 2015 the jury awarded Best Compact Utility Vehicle to the Nissan Juke, at the Mecoty Awards ceremony, which took place in Dubai recently after a rigorous three-stage voting process, says a press release.

“To win at Mecoty is a big deal, and the Juke’s victory is incredibly well deserved,” says managing director of Nissan Middle East, Samir Cherfan.

“This region loves the Juke for its many virtues – its compact dimensions, its ease of operation, its intelligent use of space and, most of all, its huge personality.

That the Mecoty experts agreed is testament to Nissan’s ability to give customers cars that excite as well as perform.”

Nissan Juke has proved to be extremely popular in the Middle East since its launch, and its growing sales figures show no sign of slowing down. The Nissan Juke’s success has been unprecedented and its rugged, unique looks and compact footprint have made it the ideal compact crossover for young urban motorists with a sense of fun and adventure.

Over the past year, the Nissan

Juke has forged ahead with highly impressive sales results.

The vehicle now has a six per cent share of the SUV-S market segment – jumping from five per cent a year ago. In the UAE, the Juke’s share has jumped from eight to 11 per cent and, in March 2015, it was the best-selling car in its segment in the entire country.

It’s a success story repeated throughout the region and, as Nissan Middle East looks forward to 2016, it does so from a position of enormous strength through ‘Innovation that Excites’.

Jannat Moosa

Marketing director at Bin Mirza

nadian based Second Cup cafes and CinnZeo bakeries, in addition to boutique bakery BreadTalk, Steak Escape Grill, and Nando’s from South Africa.

young Omanis is a core commitment shared by all at NBO. The bank’s 45th National Day scholarship programme has created a wave of interest and excitement among young students across the Sultanate. I would encourage all eligible candidates with the necessary ambition and ability to apply to the programme and give their careers a major boost at a very early stage.”

Al Hosni added: “I am delighted to have been selected as the first recipient of NBO’s scholarship programme to celebrate the 45th

National Day. This scheme will enable young Omanis to study at some of the world’s top higher education establishments and is a great starting point for those interested in a career in the financial services industry. I am currently completing the intensive English programme at Bellerbys College in the UK and I am looking forward to starting my undergraduate studies at the University of Strathcylde next year.”

An official announcement will be made in due course on the recipients of the 14 remaining university scholarships.

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Nissan launches 10,000km service interval programme for customers The 10,000km service interval programme is applicable for all passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles under Nissan range

MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive importers of Nissan range of vehicles in Oman has announced a change in service interval for Nissan vehicles.

From January 1, 2016, all Nissans sold in Oman will be offered with periodic service intervals of either 10,000km or every six

months, depending on which comes first instead of the existing 5,000km interval. The Japanese automaker, as a part of its regional after-sales excellence strategy, has thus re-affirmed its commitment to customers by offering them a greater convenience and peace of mind with extended service intervals for its new vehicles, says a press release.

The 10,000km service interval programme is applicable for all passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles under Nissan range. The extended service interval will also be economically beneficial as compared to current 5,000km service schedule.

“With this shift customers will continue enjoying the most competitive cost of maintenance and ownership while ensuring optimum safety and reliability of all vehicles. It is also better value for money for customers,” commented a senior SBA official.

Upgradation process To avail the extended 10,000km

rability and safety even in extreme conditions under the new service interval programme.”

service interval programme existing Nissan owners need to take their vehicles to any of the authorised Nissan Service Centres in Oman. Nissan’s service technicians will then incorporate the new Motor Oil 5W30SM in the vehicles to make the changeover.

Service technicians have undergone rigorous preparation and training to make this changeover a smooth experience for all discerning customers.

SBA official continued, “We are sure that this move will be well received by our customers. This changeover is a true reflection of our keenness and ability to continuously adapt our offering to the market’s needs.”

Rigorous testing, research At Nissan, Japanese scientists in collaboration with Motor Oil manufacturing experts have developed this particular grade Nissan recommended Synthetic Motor Oil 5W30SM after comprehensive research and testing.

This grade of technologically advanced Motor Oil will ensure the vehicles continue to deliver optimum level of performance in the long run under the extended 10,000km service programme.

SBA official commented, “Thanks to recent advancements in chemical engineering and evolved engine technology this grade of oil has been developed by Japanese experts. This will ensure engine du-

Service appointment In order to know more about the changeover process, customers can call on Toll Free 8005 0011 or book a Service Appointment at any of SBA’s authorised service station.

SBA customer excellence Suhail Bahwan Automobiles over the years have institutionalised robust systems and people processes to continuously monitor and measure customer satisfaction levels at point of sale and vehicle service.

This is done through periodic surveys with customers, analysing key consideration factors for improving customer satisfaction and implementing them.

Good reliable customer service has helped SBA to build a loyal following thus ensuring additional revenue streams and enhanced its reputation in Oman.

“When it comes to providing good service, the firms that are able to build strong relationships with their customers are more likely to maintain a solid core of enthusiastic supporters.

“Quickly resolving issues and going beyond customers’ expectations encourages repeat business from patrons, and in many cases, we go further than that. High quality customer service helps to create customer loyalty,” the key spokesperson opined.

SBA commitment Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

MODERN DESIGN

GROWING BUSINESS

Emirates marks key milestones in 2015 All-new BMW X1: Urban all-rounder delivers boundless driving pleasure DUBAI: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will conclude another year of growth underscored by standout milestones across its fleet, network, and customer experience initiatives. Its growing business footprint also delivered increasing positive impact on the economies and communities it serves, says a press release.

Since January 2015, the airline has carried over 51.3 million passengers, which represented 9 per cent more passengers during the same period in the previous calendar year.

Emirates operated around 3,600 flights on average per week, or over 186,000 flights in 2015, travelling more than 824 million kilometres around the globe, which is the distance equivalent of more than 1,000 trips to the moon and back.

The airline served over 57 million meals on its flights departing Dubai, and handled over 35 million pieces of baggage in Dubai alone.

Remarking on this year’s accomplishments, Sir Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline said: “2015 has been one of considerable growth for Emirates as we continued to steer our course despite the headwinds of regional conflict, unfavourable currency impact, and shaky business and consumer confidence in many global markets.

Emirates has come out strong, as our mindset, combined with our fleet and network strategy has enabled us to absorb shocks and maximise opportunities.

“Through our 30 years of operation to date, Emirates has always stayed focused on its core strategies: an efficient fleet and operations that capitalise on Dubai’s strategic location and infrastructure; an excellent product and service proposition for our customers; and recruiting and retaining the best talent from around the world. We will continue to build on these strengths, even as we drive ourselves to achieve new goals and set new standards for ourselves and the industry.”

Strategic fleet investment Emirates added 26 new aircraft to its fleet in 2015, comprising 15 A380s, 10 Boeing 777-300ERs and 1 Boeing 777 Freighter, rounding off the year with 246 aircraft in service.

With the addition of new aircraft in 2015 and 26 more aircraft slated

to retire in 2016, Emirates is committed to flying a younger, modern and environmentally friendly fleet that provides customers with a superior level of comfort and safety.

The airline marked its 150th Emirates 777 delivery milestone, as part of a triple delivery of two Boeing 777-300ERs and one Boeing 777 Freighter in one day in September. An Airbus A380 was also part of that bumper delivery, strengthening Emirates’ position as the world’s largest operator of both the A380 and Boeing 777.

At the Dubai Airshow in November, Emirates introduced the world’s first two class configured A380 with the capacity to carry 615 passengers.

The aircraft drew in over 18,000 visitors in five days, and currently serves passengers flying to Copenhagen and Bangkok.

Network expansion The airline expanded its network to 150 destinations in 2015, with the addition of six new passenger destinations: Bali, Multan, Orlando, Mashhad, Bologna and Sabiha Gokcen in Istanbul; and three cargo-only destinations in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Columbus (USA) and Ciudad del Este, (Paraguay). In addition, Emirates uplifted frequencies and upgraded capacity to numerous points across its network.

In August, Emirates announced plans to launch services to Panama City, beginning 1st February 2016.

The new service will be the longest non-stop flight in the world (17 hours 35 minutes) and will be Emirates’ first gateway destination in Central America. In 2015, Emirates expanded the number of cities served by its flagship A380 aircraft to 36. Emirates brought A380 services to Perth, Dusseldorf, Madrid and Copenhagen, and layered on more A380 services to the schedules of nine other exist-

ing points spanning east to west, to highly positive customer feedback.

During the year, Emirates also led one-off A380 services to seven destinations: Prague, Taipei, Brussels, Sao Paulo, Cologne, Manama and Doha.

Emirates continues to invest over $20 million annually to install and operate inflight connectivity systems which enable onboard Wi-Fi services. This year alone, over four million Emirates passengers connected to Wi-Fi on board, reflecting the strong consumer demand for connectivity services while travelling.

Emirates rolled out its newest generation in-flight entertainment (IFE) system on its newly delivered Boeing 777-300ER in August and Airbus A380 aircraft in November, featuring the largest in-seat screens in First and Economy Class, along with three times the media storage – elevating the viewing experience and offering passengers in all cabin classes an even greater choice of content. This followed the launch of new, redesigned headphones for Economy Class travellers in April.

In October, Emirates launched new amenity kits for its First and Business Class customers in collaboration with luxury Italian brand Bvlgari. For travelling families, Emirates released its newest range of toys and activity packs in November to keep young travellers entertained - Fly With Me Animals, and Fly With Me Lonely Planet Kids activity bags.

On the ground, Emirates expanded its lounge network with the opening of new facilities in Tokyo Narita and Los Angeles International airports, taking the total number of dedicated Emirates Lounges globally to 38.

Making it easier for customers to access their flight information and manage their travel, Emirates launched its mobile App for

customers using the Android platform, and an App for Apple Watch designed to complement the popular Emirates iPhone app.

Emirates also launched its mobile site in several languages including: Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Turkish, Greek, Italian, Korean and Polish.

Economic contribution Emirates continues to have an important positive impact on the economies of the markets it serves - through the provision of international air transport links that facilitate trade and tourism flows, direct employment through its growing business, and indirect employment through the aviation supply chain and the other industries reliant on commercial air transport.

In 2015, this effect was felt again through the aviation supply chain when Emirates announced a historic $9.2 billion deal with Rolls-Royce for Trent 900 engines to power 50 of its A380 aircraft, and a long-term TotalCare package. The deal was the largest ever for Rolls-Royce, and one of the largest ever export orders for a UK-based company.

In November, Emirates signed a $16 billion OnPoint solution agreement with GE Aviation for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the GE9X engines that will power the airline’s fleet of 150 Boeing 777X aircraft. Spanning 12 years, the deal is Emirates’ largest engine MRO contract to date, and also GE Aviation’s largest ever commercial jet engine award from an airline.

In March, a report by Frontier Economics was released, estimating that Emirates contributed €6.8 billion to the economies of European Union countries in 2013 and 2014, supporting more than 85,000 jobs.

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

MUSCAT: Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the official importer of BMW Group vehicles in Oman, welcomed the new BMW X1 to its showrooms.

With more than 730,000 units of BMW X1s already sold worldwide, the second generation of this successful model is for the first time based on the new frontwheel drive platform, which makes for superb economy of space. In addition to a roomy interior and exemplary versatility, the new model also makes a strong visual statement, with its modern design boasting new proportions along with hallmark X road presence and sporting appeal, says a press release.

Treating the premium compact segment to an even more potent shot of Sports Activity Vehicle DNA, the new BMW X1 offers significantly more space for passengers and luggage, a cutting-edge premium ambience and functionality grounded in solid engineering. Four-cylinder engines from the BMW Group’s latest generation of power units, an efficiency-optimised version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology all help to palpably enhance sporting ability and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model – with fuel consumption and emissions reduced by up to 17 per cent, model-on-model.

Furthermore, the model is available for the first time ever with front-wheel-drive, a construction which has been developed to deliver the driving dynamics typical of the brand.

Commenting on the arrival of the high performance model, Divyendu Kumar, managing director of Al Jenaibi International Automobiles said: “We are very excited to have welcomed the new BMW X1 into our showrooms and are confident that our customers will enjoy the elevated driving experience, which is something that customers have come to expect from Al Jenaibi International Automobiles.”

Alongside its market-leading dynamics and efficiency, a host of innovative equipment features also help to secure the new BMW X1 its stand-out position in the segment. Among the items on the

options list are full-LED headlights, dynamic damper control, the BMW head-up display and the driving assistant plus system.

A typical BMW X model Rugged proportions, a powerful presence and dynamic lines lend the new BMW X1 a commanding appearance and highlight its status as the youngest member of the BMW X model family. The new model has grown in height compared to its predecessor (+53 millimetres), which has helped increase the spaciousness of the interior. And its significantly raised seating position (+36 millimetres at the front, +64 millimetres at the rear) optimises the driver’s view out over the road.

Knee room in the rear has increased by 37 millimetres in standard specification and by up to 66 millimetres with the optionally adjustable rear seat, while the 505-litre boot capacity is 85 litres larger than that of its predecessor. Folding down the standard-fitted 40:20:40 rear seat backrest, which can also be specified in angle-adjustable form as an option, allows load capacity to be expanded to as much as 1,550 litres. The optional folding front passenger seat backrest and a rear seat bench which can slide 13 centimetres fore and aft offer additional variability.

The interior design of the new BMW X1 combines the driverfocused cockpit design that has become a hallmark of the brand’s models with touches promoting authoritative, SAV-style driving pleasure and a contemporary premium ambience. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an audio system with USB and AUX-in sockets, and the iDrive operating system, whose 6.5-inch display is integrated into the instrument panel in freestanding monitor form.

The xLine and M Sport packages available as an alternative to standard specification open the door for targeted individualisation. For example, the exterior of the xLine model features a BMW kidney grille with bars that are matt aluminium at the front. Its rugged character is also accentuated by matt silver accents for the air intakes, side skirts and underbody protection.

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Duleep describes India tour as ‘good learning experience’ for Oman team Duleep Mendis is happy the Sultanate’s squad were able to train and play in Indian conditions ahead of their participation in the World T20 Championship.

However, the coach said ‘our batting has been bit of a concern’ while also stressing the need for the bowlers to learn to be disciplined

A. SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Despite disappointing performances in the practice matches played during their recent training camp in India, coach Duleep Mendis has described Oman cricket team’s tour of India as a ‘good learning experience’ for the entire squad.

The Sultanate’s 17-player squad, who were accompanied by six officials including coach Duleep Mendis, camped in Rajkot, in western Indian state of Gujarat, courtesy Saurashtra Cricket Association, as part of their preparations for the ICC World Twenty20 Championship in India and the Asia Cup T20

in Bangladesh. During their training camp, Oman team also played five Twenty20 matches, including two day-night ties, all against Saurashtra team.

Playing against a strong Saurashtra team that comprised India Test regular Cheteshwar Pujara and young fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat, who represented India both in one-dayers and Tests as well as at Under-19 level, Oman fared rather badly losing all five matches which turned out to be one-sided affairs.

Duleep though disappointed with the results and the overall performances of his wards said it has been a good learning experience for all the players.

“Obviously the performances have been disappointing if we look at the overall outcome of the matches. But we should consider that we were playing against a strong team like Saurashtra with some established players among their ranks,” Duleep Mendis said.

Speaking to Times Sport after team’s return to Muscat, the Sri Lankan great said it has been a very good learning experience for all our players while admitting there are some areas of concern.

“It is definitely a good learning experience for these boys... playing in different conditions and against a strong team,” he said. “I hope they all learn from this tour and improve further.”

Duleep, who is also the Chief Development Officer of Oman Cricket, said the bowlers learnt a major lesson in the need to maintain discipline.

While thanking the Saurashtra Cricket Association for all the support and excellent facilities provided during the camp and the matches, Oman coach said: “As I said it has been a good learning experience for our bowlers. The major lesson they learned on this tour is the importance of discipline and to maintain line and length.”

“They found that in those conditions and against such opposition, if you bowl a loose delivery it will be

CRICKET

Obviously the performances have been disappointing.

But we should consider that we were playing against a strong team like Saurashtra with some established players among their ranks Duleep Mendis Oman coach

dispatched not for one or two runs but to a four or a six. I hope they learn from this experience,” he said.

Duleep also said Oman bowlers benefited from their sessions with Sunil Joshi, former India Test bowler who was roped in as the spin coach and joined the team in India.

“Sunil has been an experienced bowler having represented India and also has the experience of working as a coach with the Ranji Trophy teams in India. He is a leftarm spinner and we have quite a few left-armers in our team. Definitely the team benefited from his coaching,” he said.

Batting concerns Duleep while stating that ‘I am glad our boys played in typical Indian wickets’, said Oman’s batting has been an area of concern for some time now.

“Our batting is bit of a concern at the moment. They are taking time... a bit longer, to adjust to the conditions. It has been the case since our tour of the UAE,” he said referring to the team’s trip to the neighbouring country in November.

During their UAE tour, Oman won a bilateral T20 series against Hong Kong while also performing excellently against teams like Afghanistan and the UAE. “The Indian wickets are different from the recent ones we played on, like the wickets in the UAE. They are much drier and the ball comes off the pitch and onto the bat much faster. I am happy we have trained and played on these kinds of pitches and hopefully the boys are now ready for such pitches when we take part in the World T20 Championship,” he said.

Oman booked their berth in the

ICC World T20 Championship after an excellent showing in Ireland-Scotland Qualifier.

The World T20 takes place in India from March 8 to April 3. To make it to the Super 10 stage of the world event, Oman have to get past their first round Group A opponents Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands. All Oman matches are to be played in Dharamsala.

Group B comprises Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong and Afghanistan and only toppers from each group qualify for the Super 10 stage of the championship.

Oman are scheduled to start their campaign against Ireland on March 9. Then they take on the Netherlands on March 11 before completing their group engagements against Bangladesh on March 13.

Duleep is hoping to take Oman

team to Dharamsala or another place with similar conditions for another training camp before the World T20 Championship.

Before that Oman team will participate in the Asia Cup, which will be played in T20 format, in Bangladesh in February.

Delayed in India Meanwhile, it is learnt that Oman contingent had to depart India in two groups by different flights after 13 members, including 11 players and two officials, all Pakistani expatriates, were prevented from leaving the country as scheduled.

Asked about the issue, Duleep said: “Some members of our team had to delay their departure due to non-completion of some paperwork. And that has been taken care of and all them returned to Oman by next flight.”

Turning his attention back to World T20 and Asia Cup preparations, Duleep said: “We will gather again tomorrow and resume our training.”

He also informed that spin coach Sunil Joshi as well as pace bowling coach Rumesh Ratnayake from Sri Lanka will arrive at the end of January to train the team.

Fielding coach Vijay Bharadwaj and physical trainer Nagendra Prasad will also be with the team during that time.

“All four of them will be traing the team for about ten days,” Duleep said.

Oman team that camped in India: Players: Ajay Lalcheta, Zeeshan Maqsood, Jatinder Singh, Zeeshan Ahmad Siddiqui, Vaibhav Wategaonkar, Syed Aamir Kaleem, Sultan Ahmed, Syed Amir Ali, Mehran Khan, Munis Ansari, Sufyan Mahmood Mohammed, Rajeshkumar Ranpura, Khawar Ali, Muhammad Nadeem, Bilal Khan, Adnan Ilyas, Aaqib Ilyas. Officials: Duleep Mendis (coach), Mazher Saleem Khan (assistan coach), Syed Jamil Zaidi (manager), Jaganathan Premnath (physio), Nandisha and Sunil Joshi (spin coach).

CRICKET

Stokes burst gives England the edge in Cape Town Test

CALL OFF: Umpires Derek Walker,left, Richard Illingworth and Billy Bowden, right, discuss the situation before calling off play due to rain during the fourth ODI match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Saxton Oval in Nelson on Saturday. – AFP

Fourth ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka rained off NELSON: The fourth One-day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was abandoned after just nine overs of the hosts’ innings after rain intervened for the final time at Saxton Oval in Nelson on Saturday.

New Zealand were 75 for three after nine of their 24 overs after the start of the game had been delayed by almost five hours before it began at 3.40 pm local (0240 GMT) time. Overnight rain had forced a delay before persistent showers kept players off the ground until umpires Richard Illingworth and Billy Bowden decided a shortened game could begin.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and his bowlers reduced New Zealand to 53 for three in the seventh over with opener Martin Guptill (27

from 14 balls) and Kane Williamson (12) both out, swinging the match in the visitors favour.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, however, struggled to control his grip on the wet ball and Ross Taylor hit three boundaries as the bowler conceded 15 runs in his first over. Light rain then drove the players off the field at about 4.20 pm, with Taylor on 20 and Henry Nicholls on four.

The visitors kept the five-match series alive with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory in the third match at the same venue on December 31, after the hosts easily won the first two games at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The fifth match is at Mt. Maunganui on Tuesday. The tour concludes with two Twenty20 internationals on January 7 and 10. - Reuters

CAPE TOWN: Ben Stokes struck a sparkling unbeaten 74 to help England finish the opening day of the second Test against South Africa on a healthy 317 for five at Newlands on Saturday.

Stokes top-scored for the touring side with Alex Hales and Joe Root also contributing half centuries and Jonny Bairstow ending on 39 not out in an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 94.

Stokes took to the tiring South African bowling in the last hour of a hot day, seeing off the threat of the new ball with a cavalier approach that gave the advantage to England who lead the four-test series 1-0.

Hales, in his second test, was out for 60 to a sharp catch from AB de Villiers in the slips after getting an edge to a lifting ball from Morne Morkel. His patient innings off 140 balls should, however, allow him more time to cement a regular role as captain Alastair Cook’s opening partner.

“It was a good contest between bat and ball but Stokes’s innings got the bowlers, who were sleeping on the physio’s couches, out to come and watch,” Hales told reporters. “He always provides something spectacular”.

Root made 50 before giving debutant Chris Morris his first test wicket when he nibbled at a ball and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Nick Compton was five runs short of his 50 when he pulled to midwicket and was caught by Temba Bavuma off the bowing of Kagiso Rabada with the last ball before tea.

The 20-year-old Rabada, replacing the injured Dale Steyn, took two wickets in as many balls either side of the interval.

James Taylor fell straight after

SPARKING FORM: England’s Ben Stokes plays a shot during their second Test match against South

Africa in Cape Town on Saturday. – AFP

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings A. Cook c Morris b Rabada A. Hales c de Villiers b M. Morkel N. Compton c Bavuma b Rabada J. Root c de Kock b Morris J. Taylor c de Kock b Rabada B. Stokes (not out)

27 60 45 50 0 74

tea playing a big drive to a wide ball to be caught behind for a golden duck.

The first England wicket to fall was Cook who fell to a stunning one-handed catch at third slip by Morris for 27 off the bowling of Rabada. Cook, who won the toss, and Hales shared a 55-run part-

J. Bairstow (not out) 39 Extras (b-10, lb-1, nb-4, w-7) 22 Total (5 wkts, 87 overs) 317 Fall of wickets: 1-55, 2-129, 3-167, 4-167, 5-223.

To bat: M. Ali, S. Broad, J. Anderson, S. Finn.

Bowling: M. Morkel 18-3-51-1 (w-1); C.

nership, the first 50-run open partnership in the last eight English Test innings.

South Africa’s bowlers all took a pounding with Rabada’s figures of three for 74 the best.

“The margin for errors were small and so it was tough. We’ve just got to go out tomorrow and at-

Morris 22-3-99-1; K. Rabada 19-2-74-3 (nb-4, w-2); D. Piedt 21-5-63-0; S. van Zyl 5-0-12-0; D. Elgar 2-0-7-0.

Umpires: Aleem Dar, Bruce Oxenford.

TV umpire: Rod Tucker.

Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle.

tack and get some early wickets,” Rabada said.

Debutant Morris finished with 1-99 off 20 overs as the absence of Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott was felt by the home team.

England won the first Test match in Durban by a convincing 241 runs. - Reuters

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Smith plots Australia’s return to Test summit Smith finished his annus mirabilis as the world’s top ranked Test batsman and won the ICC Cricketer and Test Cricketer of the Year awards as well as the Allan Border Medal as Australia’s best player

SYDNEY: After picking up pretty much every individual honour on offer in a spectacular 2015, Australia captain Steve Smith has a more collective goal in his sights this year — restoring his country to the top of the Test rankings.

Smith finished his annus mirabilis as the world’s top ranked Test batsman and won the ICC Cricketer and Test Cricketer of the Year awards as well as the Allan Border Medal as Australia’s best player.

The 26-year-old scored a remarkable 2,369 runs across all three formats, rattling up 1,474 in Tests alone at an average of 73.70

with six centuries. He was Australia’s highest run scorer as they secured a fifth 50-over World Cup triumph and he led the Test side to series victories over India, New Zealand and West Indies.

Even in the Ashes defeat to England, the one major blot on Australia’s copy book for the year, he scored his maiden double century to claim the man of the match award at Lord’s.

Even before he was captain, though, Smith was always clear that team success came first.

With Australia already 2-0 up in the three-match series, this week’s

third Test against West Indies might be a dead rubber but victory would send them above India into second place in the Test rankings behind South Africa.

“It’s a huge motivation, that’s what we want to be, number one in all formats and we’re working extremely hard to get there,” Smith told reporters on the eve of the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday.

“It would be nice to win this week and wrap this series up 3-0.

It’s been a good summer for us so far, so we’d like to finish on a high,” he added.

Defeat for South Africa in their ongoing series against England would then send Australia back to the summit but even if the English fail to build on their winning start, February’s two-Test tour of New Zealand offers Smith’s side another chance.

Australia beat the Black Caps 2-0 on home soil in November but the series was closer than the scoreline would suggest and Smith’s side, like many of the top Test teams, have struggled to win series overseas in recent years.

“Playing away from home is a challenge for all teams around the world at the moment, I think that’s one of the big things we’re going to be judged on,” Smith added.

“It’s going to be a big challenge in New Zealand, but I’m confident if we can continue playing the way we are, hopefully we can have a lot of success over there.”

Smith’s own form hit a minor blip when he was dismissed for 10 in Australia’s only innings in the first Test against West Indies but the runs were flowing again in Melbourne last week after knocks of 134 and 70 without being dismissed.

“I felt pretty good last week, I guess it was good just to spend a little bit of time in the middle again,” Smith said.

“All of my movement and my swing and everything was back in synch. I went back and looked at some footage before the Melbourne Test and felt my bat face was a little bit closed.

“Last week I got my bat face back where I wanted it to be and everything felt really good, so hopefully I can score a few more this week.” - Reuters

COLLECTIVE GOAL: Australia captain Steve Smith

OMAN CRICKET

FOOTBALL

HJB, MDC Enhance Eagles, Fairtrade and Newrest Wacasco record facile victories

ENHANCE STARS: Ivan Manjila and Khalid Latif. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: HJB defeated Galfar by 23 runs in a Khimji Ramdas-sponsored A Division match played at the Municipality Ground I during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, HJB put on 214 for five in 36 overs with Umair Naieem and Mohammed Saeed scoring 98 and 49 runs respectively. Srikantha Achari claimed three wickets for Galfar.

In reply, Galfar were bowled out for 191 in 28.3 overs. Mohammed Nazish top scored with 40. Mohammed Irfan claimed four scalps for HJB. Brief scores: HJB 214 for 5 in 36 overs (Umair Naieem 98; Srikantha Achari 3/18) bt Galfar 191 in 28.3 overs (Mohammed Na-

zish 40; Mohammed Irfan 4/36).

Points: HJB – 2; Galfar – 0.

Ivan, Khalid shine In another A Division match, MDC Enhance Eagles eased to an eightwicket victory over New Media at the Municipality Ground II during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, New Media were bowled out for 126 in 24.2 overs.

Roziro Kamaldeen top scored with 42 runs.

Ivan Manjila claimed five wickets for Enhance Eagles. In reply, MDC Enhance Eagles raced to 127 for two in 17.4 overs. Khalid Latif top scored with an unbeaten 42 while Pranav Mehta remained unbeaten on 31.

EASY WIN: Fairtrade team pose for a group photo after their victory over Powertech. – Supplied photo

Brief scores: New Media 126 in 24.2 overs (Roziro Kamaldeen 42; Ivan Manjila 5/18) lost to MDC Enhance Eagles 127 for 2 in 17.4 overs (Khalid Latif 42 n.o).

Points: MDC Enhance Eagles – 3, New Media - 0.

Powertech lose In an Al Ansari Group of Companies-sponsored B Division match, Fairtrade defeated Powertech by four wickets at the Municipality Ground I during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Powertech were bowled out for 123 runs in 19.3 overs. Manikandan and Nishad top scored with 32 and 30 runs respectively.

Adhil, Aneermon and Sufyan claimed two wickets apiece for Fairtrade. In reply, Fairtrade scored 124 for six in 18.5 overs, with Aadil Mohammed top scoring with 41 runs.

Abdul Rauf claimed three wickets for Powertech.

Brief scores: Powertech 123 in 19.3 overs (Manikandan 32, Nishad 30; Aneermon 2/20) lost to Fairtrade 124 for 6 in 18.5 overs (Aadil Mohammed 41; Abdul Rauf 3/21).

Points: Fairtrade – 2, Powertech - 0.

E&Y beaten In a Raha Poly Products-sponsored C Division match, the Newrest Wacasco defeated E&Y by 41 runs at the Municipality Ground

III during the morning session on Friday. Batting first, Newrest Wacasco put on 178 for eight in 20 overs. Sameer Gurjar and Deepak Gakhar top scored with 42 and 37 runs respectively. Pankaj Gupta claimed three wickets for E&Y. Newrest completed their bonus point victory by bowling out E&Y to 137 in 19.2 overs. Jibran Yousuf top scored with 34 runs. Karthik Rajappa claimed four wickets for Newrest Wacasco.

Brief scores: Newrest Wacasco 178 for 8 in 20 overs (Sameer Gurjar 42; Pankaj Gupta 3/23) bt E&Y 137 in 19.2 overs (Jibran Yousuf 34; Karthik Rajappa 4/22). Points: Newrest Wacasco – 3, E&Y – 0.

I inspire myself: Ronaldo MADRID: Real Madrid and Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he inspires himself to play better football.

“Most of the time, I inspire myself. I’m self-motivated,” goal.com quoted Ronaldo as saying on Saturday.

The 30-year-old, who has grabbed the prestigious Ballon d’Or three times, said he looked up to players like Luis Figo in his younger days.

“At that age, I was looking at a big reference in the national team, for example, (Luis) Figo, Rui Costa, Fernando Couto. It was kind of a dream to reach that level,” he said.

“The national team, I’d look at them and I’d speak for myself: I want to be a professional player and I want to play for the national team. But I don’t have one specific person that I just follow.”

He added that he tries to pick up the best skills from players from different sports.

“As I said before, I’m selfmotivated. I’m always like that since the beginning when I was young, (up until) now. Of course, I appreciate other players, talented players, great players -not just in football but in other sports because people enjoy to see, in different specific sports, the best ones,” he said.

“You should be able to understand that you don’t know everything so the other guy can help you in this kind of way so I just pick the best things off other sports.” - IANS

FOOTBALL

Former England star Gerrard wants coaching role LIVERPOOL: Former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard is keen to go into coaching once his ongoing sting at US club Los Angeles Galaxy comes to an end.

“I’m not 100 percent sure but I think it will probably be my last year as a player. When I come back in November I have my BT work

but I am basically available for whatever is out there,” Gerrard was quoted as saying by the Independent. “Everyone in the football world will know I am available and, hopefully, I will be 75 percent into my coaching badges and available. I’m available. Available.”

The 35-year-old midfielder re-

grets the fact that he did not start on his coaching courses earlier in his career, adding that most of the England players of his generation face a similar predicament.

Very tedious “A few things put players off coaching. The brutality of how long you

get in a job or how quickly it can go wrong: that puts you off. But the coaching badges are very time consuming and they’re very tedious.

Obviously, if you don’t start your badges until the end of your career when you’ve finished, have you got the hunger and motivation to start from the very bottom and go up?

There (is) no cutting corners.

“I do have regrets now that I didn’t start my coaching badges at 21, 22. All that time I have wasted in hotels being an England player in the afternoon when I have been bored. I (could) be doing my pro licence now.

“I know many, many players

who get to the end of their careers and get handed a C licence pack, which is about four inches thick, and say, ‘Nah, I’m not doing that’.

(A player who) could have 70 to 80 caps and 600 career appearances and he is just going ‘nah’ when he could have had it done,” the former England star said. - IANS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

C3

SPORTS Aussies pick two specialist spinners for Sydney Test

READY TO GO: Australian bowler Peter Siddle, left, shares a lighter moment with coach Darren Lehmann, captain Steve Smith and selector Trevor Hohns, right, during a training session in Sydney on Saturday. – AFP

Left-arm orthodox spinner Stephen O’Keefe will play his second Test and join off-spinner Nathan Lyon in Australia’s first twin spin attack at the SCG since Warne and MacGill took on South Africa in 2006 ‘SOME SPIN’: Australian spinner Stephen O’Keefe bowls in the nets as bowling coach Craig McDermott looks on during a training session in Sydney on Saturday. – AFP

SYDNEY: Australia will field two specialist spinners at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the first time in a decade when they host West Indies in the dead rubber third Test starting on Sunday.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Stephen O’Keefe will play his second Test and join off-spinner Nathan Lyon in Australia’s first twin spin

attack at the SCG since Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill took on South Africa in 2006.

Paceman Peter Siddle, who has been suffering from an ankle injury, bowled in the nets on Saturday but drops out of the side and will be rested in preparation for February’s

two-Test series in New Zealand.

“I think the wicket looks a bit dry so I think it’ll take some spin so that was our original thinking,” captain Steve Smith told reporters at the ground on Saturday.

“Peter Siddle’s still a bit sore and he’ll have a rest for a couple

CRICKET

West Indies deprived of twin spin option by Bishoo injury SYDNEY: West Indies will not be able to match hosts Australia by playing two spinners in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after Devendra Bishoo was ruled out of the dead rubber contest by a shoulder injury on Saturday.

Leg-spinner Bishoo, who took six for 80 against the Australians in the Caribbean last year, had been in the frame for a recall to work in tandem with inexperienced left-arm orthodox bowler Jomel Warrican.

Team officials said an injury to the 30-year-old Guyanan’s left rotator cuff he sustained before the second Test in Melbourne would prevent him playing on a track that Australia expect to provide plenty of turn for their spinners Nathan Lyon and Stephen O’Keefe.

“I’ve seen they’ve gone with two spinners, we’ve been accustomed to spin-bowling in the Caribbean and hopefully our batsmen can get into that a lot better than we have in this series,” captain Jason

Holder told reporters at the SCG on the eve of the opening day of the match.

“We’re down to one spinner with the injury to Bishoo so we just have to work with what we have. I’m sure Kraigg Brathwaite will come to the fore and bowl a bit more.”

Brathwaite offers occasional off breaks in addition to his opening batting but neither looks likely to redress the balance between the two sides after two thoroughly onesided matches in the series so far.

While the batsmen showed more resistance in the 177-run loss in Melbourne last week than they had in the innings and 212-run defeat with which they opened the series in Hobart, the West Indies bowling has remained largely ineffective.

A tally of 10 wickets taken over two Test matches offered not even a distant echo of the days when the likes of Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose struck fear in the hearts of batsmen.

All-rounder Holder must take his share of the blame for that but it would take a hard heart not to feel some sympathy for a man thrown into the Test captaincy at the age of 23 last year.

To the tall Barbadian falls the task of explaining away the miserable state of West Indies Test cricket, everything from the chaotic administration to, on Saturday, his own field placings.

“Our bowlers have to control the game,” he said, with perhaps a little frustration penetrating his usual calm.

“I can only set fields to what we’re producing and we haven’t been at our best so far.

“We’ve leaked runs both sides of the wickets. We’ve instilled in our bowlers to be a lot more disciplined, I’ve spoken about it from the start.

“We’re still not at the level at which we should be. If we can be disciplined for longer periods of time, then you will see the field is adequate for that.” - Reuters

of weeks and hopefully get himself right for New Zealand. We’re happy with the side with the two spinners and we think it’s going to turn and we’re ready to go.”

O’Keefe, who made his debut against Pakistan in Dubai two years ago, will play his maiden

Test on home soil at the age of 31.

Smith, once considered a spinbowling all-rounder and one of the players who have kept O’Keefe out of the Test side over the years, said he probably would have been included even if Siddle had been fit to play.

“It was more that it was going to spin,” Smith added. “It’s an opportunity to look at Stephen and see how he goes. We’ve got a tour of Sri Lanka coming up where two spinners is a real possibility.

“Nathan Lyon is our number one spinner, I think everyone knows that, and he’s got an opportunity now to become the second spinner.”

Uncapped Victorian paceman Scott Boland would have come into the side for Siddle had the selectors decided to go with a third quick along with Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson.

Australia, who won the first Test in Hobart by an innings and 212 runs and the second at Melbourne Cricket Ground last week by 177 runs, are strong favourites to sweep the series 3-0.

Australia team: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Stephen O’Keefe. - Reuters

CRICKET

Graeme Smith yet to confirm consulting role with Proteas CAPE TOWN: Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith said on Saturday an announcement on his rejoining the team in a consulting role to help boost confidence and impart ideas was premature and he was still considering the offer.

Smith worked with some of the under-pressure team’s batsmen on the eve of the second Test against England at Newlands after their 241-run defeat in the first Test in Durban, where he had been critical of their form in his radio and television analysis.

“They are low on confidence,” he said of South Africa’s current batsmen, “and I was asked after Durban to come down and work with them.”

“I’ve since been offered an extended role but it is something I need to consider as I already have commitments. The way it was announced was not right,” he told BBC’s Test Match Special, where the 34-year-old former Test opener is serving as a pundit.

South Africa’s Test side are ranked top in the world but have not won in their last seven Tests, hammered in India in November and comprehensively beaten by England in Durban on Wednesday.

“I was trying to find a feel good factor as they are low on confidence,” said Graeme Smith of his work on Friday.

“If you are out of form you can spend too much time overanalysing and working yourself over mentally.”

Graeme Smith said it was key South Africa’s top six batsmen share the pressure.

“You’ve got to almost bat for the guy on the other end,” he advised.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla on Friday said Smith would be with the team for the rest of the four-Test series, which his former skipper has since denied.

“He was a wonderful captain for and he knows more than most guys how to play Test cricket and how to deal with tough times,” explained Amla at a media conference at Newlands on Friday.

“He had a few crushing defeats early in his career so he is well aware how important it is as a team to reassess and get back to form. That type of experience is invaluable and that’s why we’ve tried to draw on it.” - Reuters

C4

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

SPORTS

LA LIGA

Leaders Barca held in derby stalemate by Espanyol BARCELONA: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit the woodwork as Barcelona were held 0-0 by Espanyol on Saturday in a hard-fought derby that left Atletico Madrid poised to go top of La Liga in the later game against bottom side Levante.

Barca set a Spanish record of 180 goals in 2015 but their normally prolific attack drew a blank against local rivals who were strong in the challenge, especially in the first half, and succeeded in disrupting their play.

Messi hit the crossbar with a 30 yard free-kick in the first half while

Suarez, who has 26 goals this season, was surprisingly wasteful in front of an open goal in the second half with his shot hitting the post.

Barca have 39 points, a point more than Atletico, with both having played 17 games. Third-placed Real Madrid are on 36 points and play away to Valencia on Sunday.

“We always work hard in games.

We have plenty of respect for our rival and we knew what we were going to encounter,” Barca keeper Claudio Bravo told reporters.

“The pitch wasn’t in the best condition but we don’t want to

make excuses. We now need to rest and prepare for the next match.”

It was the first of three meetings in two weeks between the Catalan teams who are also paired up in the King’s Cup. Espanyol went out to battle hard, conceding a number of freekicks while also unsettling the Barca players at set-plays.

Alvaro Gonzalez and Javier Mascherano were both booked for pushing and shoving at a corner and Espanyol then went close to taking the lead at another corner when Alvaro flicked on at the near

post and Gerard Pique cleared on the goal line.

Messi was inches away from giving Barcelona the lead with a free-kick that came back off the woodwork after 36 minutes.

Barca raised their tempo at the start of the second half and Espanyol were stretched at the back with Messi and Neymar going close with chances.

Suarez then went past goalkeeper Pau Lopez and evaded a challenge from Alvaro but, with the hard work done, he struck the woodwork. - Reuters

WASTEFUL: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi reacts after a failed attempt on goal during their La Liga match against Espanyol at the Power8 Stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on Saturday. – AFP

Arsenal go clear, Leicester held, relief for Man United’s Van Gaal Predictions that Leicester’s unlikely surge to the summit would be shortlived gained further substance when they failed to break down 10-man Bournemouth. That gave Arsenal the chance to open a gap and they did not miss it

THE WINNER: Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny celebrates after scoring a goal during their English Premier League match against Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. – Reuters

LONDON: Arsenal’s Premier League title charge rolled on as they moved two points clear at the top with a scrappy 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday and Leicester City’s push faltered with a goalless home draw against Bournemouth.

Predictions that Leicester’s unlikely surge to the summit would

be short-lived gained further substance when they failed to break down 10-man Bournemouth and missed a penalty through Riyad Mahrez to extend their winless run to three games.

That gave Arsene Wenger’s pace-setters the chance to open a gap and they did not miss it, although they endured a difficult afternoon against Newcastle at the

Emirates where defender Laurent Koscielny poached the winner after 72 minutes.

“It was hard work, but we prepared ourselves mentally. We were not at our best but we had to dig deep and we can do that when needed,” Wenger said after his side moved to 42 points from 20 games.

Koscielny volleyed home from a corner to help Arsenal forget their

Boxing Day blip, when they slumped 4-0 at Southampton, and show their mettle with a second straight victory and fifth in six games.

That sort of consistency has deserted Leicester over the Christmas period as Claudio Ranieri’s team failed to score for the third successive game against a Bournemouth side who had Simon Francis sent off after 57 minutes.

There was celebration at last for Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, whose team ended a dismal six-game winless league streak with a 2-1 home victory over Swansea City, but Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp was fuming after a 2-0 defeat at West Ham. Wayne Rooney secured a vital victory for United with his first Premier League goal since Octo-

ber, a superb flicked finish in the 77th minute to settle a tight contest and move United up to fifth on 33 points.

United had taken the lead when Anthony Martial headed in two minutes after halftime, but Gylfi Sigurdsson’s glancing effort set nerves jangling at Old Trafford.

Liverpool’s erratic form continued with Andy Carroll delivering the final blow to his former club with a trademark bullet header after Michail Antonio had put the West Ham ahead early in the match.

If Liverpool boss Klopp was planning to keep his powder dry in the January transfer window he may be thinking again after witnessing an insipid attacking display that provoked a fiery response from the German coach.

“It’s not a day for being disappointed, it’s a day for being angry,” he told BT Sport. “You cannot win a football match with 90 percent, you have to do everything... I don’t like it.”

Jermain Defoe scored twice for Sunderland whose hopes of avoiding relegation were boosted with a 3-1 win over bottom club Aston Villa, whose own plight looks increasingly bleak.

Alex Tettey scored the only goal of the game for Norwich City against Southampton, who had Victor Wanyama sent off in the second half, and Jonny Evans snatched a stoppage-time winner for West Bromwich Albion as they beat Stoke City 2-1. - Reuters

PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR ELECTRICITY AND WATER EMERGE CHAMPIONS

Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) defeated Oman Gas Company by a 3-0 margin to lift the title at the second Companies Cup Football Tournament for Government and Private Establishments at PAEW ground in Bausher. The final match was organised under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Malek bin Shihab bin Tariq Al Said in the presence of Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Mahrooqi, chairman of the Public authority for Electricity and Water and a number of officials from the government organisations and companies. The match was organised by the Sports, Cultural and Entertainment Committee of the PAEW and was sponsored by Towell Engineering Co. — Supplied photo

C

LIFESTYLE

SECTION

Health WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

FITNESS DURING WINTER With the onset of winter, ďŹ tness enthusiasts begin to descend on the beaches, parks, and gymnasiums with an aim to shed those extra kilos and tone the body to perfect shape STORY T.A. AMEERUDHEEN

M

ohammed Al Rashdiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day will not be complete without hitting the Qurum beach early in the morning these days. The 25-year-old, who works for a leading private company, will jog along the sandy beach for about an hour, and take a dip in the cool water before heading to work.

A self-confessed ďŹ tness freak, Al Rashdi has been waiting for the cooler months to resume his outdoor ďŹ tness activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me, winter is the season to jog on the beach under the clear blue sky. I cannot think of a perfect way to start a day,â&#x20AC;? he says.

With the onset of winter, hundreds of health conscious people descend on the beaches in the mornings and evenings and engage themselves in various ďŹ tness activities with an aim to shed those extra pounds they put on during the festive season. They make most of the weather and work out heavily to reap maximum beneďŹ ts during the cooler season.

Outdoor activities are the latest fad among ďŹ tness enthusiast and it is evident in the increase in number of people venturing out for ďŹ tness activities.

Jeril Sebastian, a ďŹ tness trainer

based in Muscat, says winter ter is the best time to kick-start ďŹ tness ess work out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you sit idle duringg winter, you tend to eat more and d put on weight,â&#x20AC;? he warns.

According to Jeril, beginners should chart out their plan and stick to it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They should start with a running programme. But ut the important thing is to set personal rsonal goal and work to achieve it. They have to follow a proper diett that will complement their effort.â&#x20AC;? t.â&#x20AC;?

Winter is not just for outdoor ďŹ tness activities. It is the best time to begin indoor activities too, as ďŹ tness centres come up with tempting offers. Many centres ntres offer high intensity work out ut schedules to maximise results in n less time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those training sessions ons are good if you wish to improve ve your abilities to push, pull and lift.â&#x20AC;? ift.â&#x20AC;?

However, Jeril sayss it is better to note down your height, eight, weight and body mass index before beginning the programme.. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will help you check the progress ess at the end of each week, which h will increase your enthusiasm.â&#x20AC;?

Rashid Mohammed ed Al Barwani, founder and ownerr of RevGX, a leading ďŹ tness centre ntre in Oman, says ďŹ tness freaks ďŹ&#x201A;ock to gymnasiums during the winter inter season for various reasons.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The weather plays a crucial role. Besides, people set certain ďŹ tness goals and try to achieve them before summer.â&#x20AC;?

Al Barwani says group exercise is the latest trend in ďŹ tness as it increases stamina and performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has already caught the imagination of ďŹ tness enthusiasts in Oman. We conduct a lot of group exercises in indoors and outdoors.

Winter is an ideal time to involve, as everyone will push hard to achieve good results during the pleasant climate,â&#x20AC;? he says.

According to Jeril, people tend to eat more when the temperature dips. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So it is imperative to maintain an active lifestyle during winter months. Work out increases metabolism and keeps our hearts healthy. Besides, it enhances mood, boost energy levels and eliminate toxic substances from the body. It also offers protection against cold, cough and ďŹ&#x201A;u, which are predominant at this time.â&#x20AC;? ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

C6

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

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8:45PM Gold Class: 5:30PM The Good Dinosaur-3D (Animation) U Voice Overs: Jeffrey Wright 3:45 & 7:30PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL Extraction (Thriller) 12+ Cast : Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 9:30PM & 11:45PM Gold Class: 3:15 & 8:30PM Love the Coopers - (Comedy) PG12 Cast: Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Ed Helms 11:45AM & 4:15PM The Big Short - (Biography | Drama) 12+ Cast : Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling 6:15PM Snow Time - (Animation | Comedy) PG Voice Overs: Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 12:15PM & 5:45PM Point Break -3D (Action | Crime | Sport) 12+ Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 1:45PM & 11:30PM Gold Class: 11:00PM The Peanut Movie - (Animation) PG Voice Overs: Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez 2:00PM Dilwale (Action | Romantic | Comedy) PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon

PANORAMA MALL The Good, the Bad and The Dead (Action) (2D)(15+) Cast : Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren 3:15, 11:30 pm Snow Time (Animation)(2D)(PG) Voice Overs : Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 2:30, 5:00 pm Joy (Biography, Drama)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro 6:45 pm Extraction (Thriller)(2D)(12+) Cast : Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 4:00, 8:15, 10:00, 11:45 pm Star Wars (Action, Adventure)(3D)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 5:45, 9:00 pm Star Wars (Action)(VIP LOUNGE)(PG12) Cast : Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac 5:15 pm Point Break (Action, Crime)(MX4D)(12+) Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 2:45, 5:45, 8:45, 11:15 PM

Extraction (2D) (Action | Thriller) (12+2) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 2:30, 7:00, 10:00, 11:45 PM

The Good, the Bad and The Dead (Action) (2D) (15+) Cast : Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo 3:15, 11:30 pm

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

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

28 18

07:00

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

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) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

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

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam (Mal) (Comedy\ Drama) Cast : Jayasurya, Mukesh & Shivada 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main Dilwale (Hindi) (Act\Com) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol & Varun Dhawan 6-30 pm Cinema -2 Bajirao Mastani (Hindi) (Rom\ Act \ Drama ) Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone & Priyanka Chopra 3-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema-2 Pasanga 2 (Tamil) (Drama \ Comedy) Cast: Surya & Amala Paul 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Thanga Magan (Tamil) (act) Cast: Dhanush, Samantha Ruth & Amy Jackson 6-45 & 9-45 Pm Cinema-4 Soukhyam (Telugu) (Act) Cast: Gopichand & Regina Cassandra 3-45 pm Cinema -4 Next change: Charlie (Mal) Wazir (Hindi ) (Programmes are subject to change)

WITH LOVE

Minimum

ANGEL MARY GEORGE January 3, 2015

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

60-85%

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

LISTINGS

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)

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)

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

STAR CINEMA

The Big Short (Drama / Biography) Cast: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling 4.30, 7.00, 9.30 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 3057 (12+) Savva Heart of the Warrior (Animation / Adventure / Fantasy) Voice Overs: Maksim Chukharyov, Konstantin Khabenskiy, Armen Dzhigarkhanyan 1.30 & 3.00 p.m.

CP No: 3058 (PG) Point Break (Action / Crime) Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Ray Winstone 2,00, 4.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 3051 (12+) Dilwale (Action / Comedy) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon 6.00 & 9.00 p.m.

CP No: 3047 (PG12)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

SALALAH Point Break (3D) (12+) (Action/Crime/Sport) Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey, Ray Winstone 11:45AM, 2:00, 9:35PM The Big Short (2D) (PG12) (Biography | Drama) Cast Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling 1:00, 4:15PM Extraction (2D) (12+) (Thriller) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 11:15AM, 3:30, 10:00, 11:55PM The Good, the Bad and The Dead (2D) (15+) ( Action| Thriller| Western) 12:20, 6:30, 11:45PM Dilwale (2D) (PG12) (Action | Romantic) 3:35, 8:15, 11:15PM Bajirao Mastani (2D) (PG12) (Drama/ History) Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 6:35PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam)(Comedy) 7:15PM Snow Time (2D) (PG) (Animation) Voice Overs: Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 10:45AM, 2:00, 5:15PM

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

0

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

BAHJA CINEMA

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

Daily Daily Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

RUWI Screen 1 Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 3.30, 9.30 PM Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 6.30PM Screen 2 Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 3.45, 9.45 PM Bajirao Mastani (Romance/Drama) – PG12 Cast : Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh 6.45 PM Screen 3 Ho Mann Jahan – Pakistani – Urdu - (Musical/Drama) – TBC Cast : Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar, Adeel Husain 3.45, 6.45, 10.00 PM Dilwale (Action/Romance) – PG12 Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 1.00 PM

BURAIMI The Good, the Bad and the Dead– 2D (Action/Thriller/Western) (15+) Cast: Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo 3:15, 7:00, 9:45, 11:30PM Point Break – 3D (Action, Crime, Spot) (12+) Cast: Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, Ray Winston 3:00, 7:30, 11:30PM Savva: Heart of Warrior– 3D (Animation, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG) Voice Overs: Olga Seryabkina, Konstantin Khabenskiy 5:15PM Extraction– 2D (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz, Gina Carano 3:00, 5:00, 9:45, 11:45PM Dilwale – 2D (Action, Romantic) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan 9:00PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam – 2D (Mal) (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Jayasurya, Aju Verghese 7:15PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

SOHAR Dilwale - 2D (PG12) Action | Comedy Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan 3:15, 6:20, 10:45 PM Bajirao Mastani - 2D (PG12) Drama | History Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone 4:30, 10:45 PM Point Break - 3D (12+) Action | Crime | Sport Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 2:30, 9:15, 11:30 PM Snow Time! - 2D (PG) Animation | Comedy Cast: Angela Galuppo, Mariloup Wolfe 3:00, 4:45 PM The Good, the Bad and The Dead - 2D (15+) Action| Thriller | Western Cast : Johnny Messner, Dolph Lundgren 6:15, 9:30, 11:45 PM Paparazzi - 2D (Arb)(TBC) 4:45 PM Joy - 2D (PG12) Biography | Comedy | Drama Cast : Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro 7:00 PM Love the Coopers - 2D (PG12) Comedy Cast : Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Ed Helms 2:30 PM Ho Mann Jahaan - 2D (Pakistani) (TBC) Cast : Mahira Khan, Adeel Hussain, Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui 7:30 PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam - 2D (Mal) (PG12) Cast : Jayasurya, Aju Verghese 8:00 PM

Star Wars – 3D (PG12) Action | Adventure Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy 2:30, 9:00 PM

AZAIBA Dilwale – 2D (PG12) Action, Romance Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhavan 2:00, 5:00, 6:15, 8:00, 11:00, 11:30 PM Bajirao Mastani – 2D (PG12) Drama, History, Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone 2:15, 5:15, 8:15, 11:15PM Point Break – 3D (12+) Action | Crime Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 4:00, 11:45 PM Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam – 2D (PG12) Cast: Jayasurya, Aju Verghese 6:30, 9:15 PM Savva: Heart of Warrior – 3D (PG) Animation |Adventure | Fantasy Voice Overs: Olga Seryabkina, Konstantin 2:20, 4:55 PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Su Su Sudhi Vatmeekam – 2D (PG12) Cast: Jayasurya, Aju Verghese, Mukesh & Shivada 6:30, 9:15 PM

Point Break (Action )(3D) (VIP Lounge) (12+) Cast : Édgar Ramírez, Luke Bracey 3:00, 11:00 pm Dilwale (Action, Romance)(2D)(PG12) Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 2:30, 5:30, 11:30 pm Dilwale (Action) (2D) (PG12) -VIP LOUNGE Cast : Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kriti Sanon 7:45 pm Bajirao Mastani (Drama)(2D)(PG12) 8:30 pm

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.16pm 3.17pm 5.37pm 6.53pm 5.29am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE FA M I LY A D V I C E

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

By Hubert Vaz

ASK DR. GERRY

HOW TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY

Dear Dr. Gerry, I am in a state of high energy and feel very anxious and nervous. We have to move and have only 3 months, I have been crying so much to say goodbye to my friends, but I understand this has to be done, we have to go where the work is. The trouble is we don’t know where we are going or what school I will have and that is why I am so anxious. If only we knew it would be alright, at least better. Sometimes I feel I am going to pop with so much feeling in my head, and I can’t even think about how to say goodbye. Please help me Doctor as it is too stressful! –Srinda

Wonderful Water How hydrotherapy can improve your health

I

f you’ve promised yourself you’ll become a new, healthier you in the New Year, good for you! You’ll probably work to improve your eating habits, exercise more and reduce stress. You might also consider a time-honoured, effective tactic that’s resurfaced among health-minded Americans - hydrotherapy.

Ancient people in the Middle East, Asia and North America all practised hydrotherapy in the form of warm baths, steam rooms, and sweat lodges. Many modern hydrotherapy techniques are rooted in the work of a 19th century Bavarian monk, who believed swimming in cold rivers a few times a week helped cure his patients from a variety of ills. Modern hydrotherapy can be much more luxurious, and still prove effective.

Hydrotherapy is used to address a variety of health concerns, from simple stress relief and easing sore or strained muscles, to slowing inflammation,

boosting hormonal function and improving circulation to internal organs. It can also be combined with massage to deliver even more health benefits.

Hydrotherapy employs both hot and cold water, and sometimes both in sequence. Typical experiences include saunas and steam baths, foot baths, compresses, and showers, including Vichy showers. These treatments combine the health benefits of traditional hydrotherapy techniques with modern enhancements that enrich the relaxation and wellbeing of the patient.

While you can do basic hydrotherapy elements at home, treatments delivered by a professional can also be a valuable part of your overall wellness plan in the New Year. Here are some to consider: Vichy shower The Vichy shower experience allows one to relax while enjoying a cascade of water over the body.

Therapists are able to set tem-

Hydrotherapy employs both hot and cold water, and sometimes both in sequence

perature and pressure through a control panel. This means the therapist never has to take his or her hands off the guest in order to adjust water pressure or temperature while the treatment is underway.

Warm and cool temperatures Some hydrotherapy experiences leverage the power of warm and

cool temperatures to enhance muscle relaxation and detoxification, reduce inflammation and boost metabolism. An anti-stress pressure point facial massage and cool stone eye treatment enhance the relaxation, and a refreshing citrus moisturiser concludes the experience.

Steam Saunas and steam baths are among the oldest forms of hydrotherapy. The heat from a sauna dilates blood vessels and can improve circulation.

Steam can also help open airways and improve respiration, increasing blood oxygen levels.

Because a steam bath or sauna also induces you to sweat, they’re thought to help release toxins from the body.

Blended treatments Many modern hydrotherapy experiences also incorporate other wellness techniques such as massage and exfoliation.

Dear Srinda, Life is a journey and change always brings anxiety especially when we are not sure about our future. It’s normal to feel down and worried. Unfortunately the only thing constant in life is change. So how do we deal with it? Life is asking you a question. If change is constant and we need to deal with it, try changing your perspective. Yes there is stress in change but there are also new experiences and adventures out there waiting for you. Try to concentrate on the positives. Say the good byes, take down the contact information of your friends and be thankful for the good experiences you had. True, life is bringing change but its bringing new opportunity, it’s time to take the next step in life and grow.

Dear Dr. Gerry, Since there is a financial crisis in every sector owing to the oil slump, my company is resorting to cost cutting. I don’t know whether I will loose my job or not. There is a chance that I may have to go. I am also trying for some jobs back home, but nothing works out. Many a night I am laying sleepless, thinking of my family and kids. The tension mounts so that it is creeping every minute. Please advise me. — Robin D’cruz Dear Robin, The uncertainties in life bring anxiety. We all have responsibilities and fear facing life without the security of our job. Don’t get overwhelmed with the situation. Put in place a series of steps that will help you cope with the transition. Financially, we need to have reserve money that can help us tide over this period. We need to prepare the family and look at options of stay and schooling for the kids in our home country. Naturally we need to keep looking for jobs but be a little patient here. Relax my friend, an opportunity for change comes.

There’s a lot to be thankful for, the kindness and happiness of our experiences and the job security of 10 years. Change sometimes is difficult but can also the harbinger of growth and prosperity. So stay positive and keep your faith strong.

Life’s waiting, let’s go say hello…..

Dr Gerry D’Costa has an MD in psychiatry and a special interest in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, and children’s psychiatry.

He has practiced as a specialised psychiatrist at Badr Al Samaa hospital in Ruwi for the last 9 years.

Dr D’Costa offers advice and professional insights to the readers of Times of Oman.

Send your mental health questions to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

— Courtesy of Brandpoint

H E A LT H Y B I T E S

Go Nuts Nuts are nature’s way of showing us that good things come in small packages.

ALL NUTS ARE ABOUT EQUAL

THE LOWEST-CALORIE NUTS AT 160 PER OUNCE ARE ALMONDS

in terms of calories per ounce, and in moderation, are all healthy additions to any diet. Their mix of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fibre will help you feel full and suppress your appetite.

Almonds: 23 nuts; 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat Cashews: 16 to 18 nuts; 5 grams protein, 13 grams fat Pistachios: 49 nuts; 6 grams protein, 13 grams fat.

These bite-size nutritional powerhouses are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. All nuts are about equal in terms of calories per ounce, and in moderation, are all healthy additions to any diet. So go nuts on moderation.

— lifestyle@timesofoman.com

AVOID NUTS PACKAGED OR ROASTED IN OIL

instead, eat them raw or dry roasted. Roasted nuts may have been heated in hydrogenated or omega-6 unhealthy fats, or to high temperatures that can destroy their nutrients.

BEST NUTS FOR YOUR DIET Almonds Cashews Pistachios

C8

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Fight Obesity with Yoga Yoga has always aimed at promoting holistic living through better lifestyle, improved food habits and a physical regime. Being a natural technique that focuses on controlled breathing through various postures, yoga is a completely harm free and a perfect alternate for allopathic weight-loss pills. Whether your BMI is abysmally high or you just believe in staying ďŹ t, yoga caters to all.

Kapal Bhati pranayama

Paschimottanasana

Veerbhadrasana

Dandasana

This breathing technique increases the rate of metabolism and thus helps in reducing weight.

It also improves digestive tract functioning, absorption and assimilation of nutrients.

This pose massages and tones the abdominal and pelvic organs.

It also improves digestion and is highly effective in reducing obesity.

This pose improves balance in the body and builds up stamina.

The abdominal organs are also stimulated by practising this pose.

This pose is an excellent abdomen toner. It is good for the upper body as it strengthens the wrists and arms.

Poorvottanasana

Naukasana

Shalabhasana

Halasana

This pose stretches the intestine and abdominal organs. It also helps in toning the abdomen.

This pose strengthens the abdominal muscles, improves digestion, and stimulates the intestine.

This pose massages and tones the abdominal organs. It also improves digestion and ďŹ&#x201A;exibility in the body.

This pose strengthens and stimulates the abdominal muscles. It also alleviates stress and fatigue.

D

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Contact 95755953 / 95555162 1BHK, R.O 170/- & 2BHK R.O 220/near Medical Darsait.

Contact: 95076261 Wadi Kabir, one bedroom flat.

Contact: 99313274 House in old Muscat town near Bab Al Mathaib, 5 bedrooms, living room & kitchen. Contact 99319829 1 BHK new bldg with A/c curtains, near Khimji Mart, MBD. Contact 99061408 / 99024039

Call: 99888007 - 99473500 Residential Commercial building consists of 30 Flats in Al Khoud 6 the following details: 20 flats with 2 rooms and a hall, bathroom and kitchen. 10 flats with room and hall and 2 toilet. Shop 500 square meters. for total 30 Flats rent 7,000 RO per month and rent the exhibition 10 RO per m2 Contact 99314314 500 sqm Basement Godown/warehouse For Rent in Mabela industrial area. CALL: 99366008 / 99236455

Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378 2 BHK at Ghala & Al Khuwair.

Contact 99024730

Office / shop NR Oman house & Khimji H.O. Contact: 99233116

1,2,3 BHK Darsait.

Contact 99024730

2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Villa at Shatti Qurum for rent.

Contact 99315150

Flat new Al Wadi Kabir. Contact: 92130703 / 99733992

2 Room + hall & kitchen ,3 toilets in Bareeq Al Shatti 750 RO. Contact 99314314 Brand new apartments opp Oman flour mills MUTRAH 1,2,3 BHK with private parking, suitable for bachelors call 95450450

CONTACT :

93202733

Luxurious, 2 BHK flat with 3 toilets, store, equipped kitchen, split ACS , Gym, party hall& 24 hours security at Mumtaz area Ruwi rent RO 375/-. Contact: 92622506 2BHK commercial RO 375/-, 350/Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 2BHK Al Khuwair R.O 375/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 2BHK Ghubra R.O 300/- , 325/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045

10,000 Sqm Industrial Land/ Plot in Sumail - Leveled with Full Drawing and Full Permission from Govt. for only RO 30,000 Contact : 99012201 2 BR flat with 1 sitting room, 1 family hall with 3 attach bathroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99277787 Flat Al Mabelah 2 bedrooms semi furnished near NESTO visiting family also welcome 250/- E & W. Contact: 93533108 / 97653523 Villa sharing Ghala semi furnished 1 bedroom attached, hall Kitchen sharing 100 +E& W, visiting family also welcome.

Contact: 98518595

3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

FLATS FOR RENT Well maintained 2/3 BHK Flats at Wadi Kabir, Near Indian School.

Contact: 99021969 / 24793982

Small hall with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a kitchen for 220 R.O per month. Contact: 99425958

1,2 BHK Darsait R.O 300/-, 225/-.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

Room available Walja. Contact: 96246625 / 99886469

Shop for rent 150Sqtr available Gf + Mez office + showroom + store location: Honda road Ruwi.

Contact: 91219880 / 99345044

Office space for rent at MBD area near Atlas Hospital.

Contact : 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com

1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Mabela and Al Khoud shop at Al Khoud. Contact: 24834644 / GSM : 93994401 /02/03/3lines

Flat villa type for rent - in al khuwair 33/, 4 Bed Rooms .4 bath Rooms, 1 Family Hall, 1 Dining Room, 1 Living Room, 1 Kitchen, Store. Contact 99315515

Offices in Ghala. # 94051789-97201688 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

2 BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact – 95865686

Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688

Show room / shop for rent area 155 sqm at 600/-R.O shops at 160/- R.O. Contact 97714433 / 92822437

Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. #94051789-97201688

Two apartments for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer near the Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact: 99425958 Shop for rent behind building behind whole center Al Amerat good for offices or stores only space 11x4 meters R.O 250/- PER month.

Contact : 92877449 3bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and a kitchen for 250/- R.O per month.

Contact: 99425958 For rent 1bed room flat, near Indian school (ISD) at Darsait.

Contact: 94776771/ 99669216 New villa at south Mawalah 5 bedroom, family hall, Majlis, 5 twl for RO.650/- Contact - 99332367 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North. Contact - 96420432 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking.

Rent RO.250/350 per month.

Contact: 99229263; 93221054; 95215289

Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) # 94051789-97201688 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact: 94051789-97201688 Open showroom AL Ghobrah 18 November 175SQM & office space Al Qurum next to Al Araimi Complex.

Contact: 94300909 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi. Contact - 24833972/ 24833974/99367448 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. #91214849/ 99364735 One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 , 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

BUILDING

FOR SALE MUMTAZ AREA (NEAR RUWI HOTEL)

CONTACT - 99353931

FOR SALE Dozer Kom 355A -3 Dozer Kom 155A- 3 Grader Champion 780 Excavator PC 400 with breaker Man green water tanker 5000 IG All are in good condition

99310448/99612010/95208455

Large size room in Al Falaj with attached bathroom for Executive bachelor (non cooking) with A/C, rent RO 150 inclusive Electricity & Water. Contact Mr. Hari : 24821717 / 99657906 1 Bedroom with bathroom for female in Al Hail including electricity & water. Contact - 92817777 FOR RENT 3BHK along with furnitures in Ruwi. Contact: 99738104 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Acc at Wadi Kabir couple or Executive bachelor. Contact: 91165580 Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598 Furnished room for indian executive -alkhuwair33. 95234062 Single bedroom flat near Indian School Ghubrah.

Contact 99203954 Single bedroom flat behind German Embassy, near Al Nahdha Hospital. Contact 99203954 Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069 New house for rent near Indian School Mabella, 2 Bedrooms, 1 living room, 3 bathrooms.

Contact: 99112880 Big room available near Hamriya R/A for Muslim couple / small family / Executive bachelor rent 150/- per month including W+ E. Contact : 99495131

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished sharing accommodation in ruwi near O.K. Center for non-cooking indian bachelor.

Contact - 98805474 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage.

Contact 93687466 Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261

FOR SALE Used home furniture and household appliances in good condition for sale. (Else 3bhk can be taken for rent along with furnitures.)

Contact: 99738104 Marble factory for sale location Misfa. Contact: 98586828 Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411 Used portacabin, good condition for sale in misfah. Contact : 96578789 Luxury villa for sale at Al Hail South building area 375m land area 323, 6 rooms, 3 halls, 7 toilets.

Contact 99839898 Curtain shop for sale with 2 visas at Muttrah. Contact 91135930 / 93231403 Paint maker & shaker.

Contact 96173326 Expat leaving, household items & computers for sale.

Contact 94412557 Printing press for sale Mobelah.

Contact: 93478181

Hall type & Individual Portacabins (100 nos.) for immediate sale in Muscat area.

Contact 93208398 / 93215830

&KZ > ^

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FOR SALE A well running coffee shop for sale, at Wadikabir, near KFC. Contact 92772825 Exercise cycle for sale.

Contact – 92847957 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact - 9505680897201688 Mangalorean restaurant at Wadi Kabir & shop at Ruwi for sale.

Contact: 98428507 / 93655003 Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact -9505680897201688 3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445

PDO/Non PDO LOCATION – Near MOD GATE NO- 12, Muscat MITSHUBISHI L200 – PICKUP MITSHUBISHI 3T CANTER MITSHUBISHI Lancer 1.3 L MITSHUBISHI ROSA MINIBUS MITSHUBISHI Pajero

BULK SALE ACC. AVAILABLE

VEHICLES FOR SALE -

12 No 8No 7 No 1 No 1No

Contact person -Mr. Arun Kurian - +96899225341, Mr. Jino Kosy- +96899428582

MV SALE 2008 Model Hyundai Tucson 90,000 KM expatriate driven in very good condition & Accident free for Sale for OMR 4,000/- , Serious buyers contact Mobile : 95137538 Toyota Prado 2008, 4 cylinder single used perfect condition RO 5800/-. Contact: 95885852 Mazda 2.5 CC No 2, 2014 model, KM 35000, Warranty still, R.O 6900/-. Contact: 97984466

NRI Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price. Contact – 0091 8686631669 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune 95272138, (+918390982975)

MATRIMONIAL

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

LOST

Hyundai Tucson No.1 2013, KM , 1,27,000, R.O 5800/-.

Contact: 97984466

Hindu Nair Malayalee 32 yrs working in Muscat seeking suitable alliance. Contact 98262970

Nur Alam Sayed Noor has lost Bangladeshi Passport- AD 9918114.

Finder please handover to ROP.

Hyundai Velostar new model 2015, KM 3000, 5 years warranty, full insurance R.O 6800/-.

Contact: 97984466

Christian Marthoma boy, 28 yrs B.Tech / MS (UK) working in reputed firm in Muscat seeking suitable alliance.

Contact: 91314475

Rubel Miah Abdus Salam has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AA3783959.

Finder please handover to ROP.

Santafe No.1 2015, new model, KM 5800, warranty still.

Contact: 99666059 Expat used Ford Escape 2012, 102000 kms insurance Oman / UAE Mulkiya 10-2016.

OMR 4850/-. Contact - 93264005 Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200.

Contact -99466773 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990 Nissan Tiida H/B 1.8 CC No.1, 2014, Km 5300, warranty & full insurance R.O 5400/-.

Contact: 99666059

Christian inviting proposals from Orthodox / Jacobite, Marthoma & Roman Catholics grooms of parents for our God fearing and homely daughter (Orthodox) 23 years B.D.S we are looking for well settled boy.

If interested reply on 92336530 / 92800143 Email: kochirikunnil@gmail.com

FOR LADIES Special offer for ladies only, All beautification for 15 RO. Al Doom beauty parlour in Ruwi.

(Home service also) Contact 99619409

NOTICE Dhai Al Shams Trading/ Joint Liability, registered at Commerce & Industry Administration in Al Dakhlia Government, Nizwa under rig No. 1195561, announces that it will change its legal liability from joint to limited liability in the registered name of Dhai Al Shams Trading LLC, according to the Clause 13 repeated 2 of the commercial companies law no. 4/74 and its amendments. All those who reject this action shall submit their rejection reasons to the above administration during two months of the announcement of this notice publicly.

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D4

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED

URGENTLY REQUIRED

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

An Excellent Grade Construction Firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for the following position

Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687

INTERIOR & FITOUT DESIGN DRAFTSMAN Capable to develop details of concept design of id projects, preparation of joinery/ detail drawing. with minimum Of 3 to 5 years GCC Experience with valid Omani Driving License - 1 Nos & Fitout Estimator capable to handle joinery estimation, fitout tender etc, with minimum 3 to 5 years GCC Experience with valid Oman Driving License - 1 Nos

Filipino,29,Male,5years experience Payroll/Payable/Receivables/Document Control.Excellent Communication/AccountingSoftwareSAP /MSOffice skills.

Contact: patrick110486@yahoo. com/95057206

Interested Candidates May forward their CV, To

Email - cvomanhr@gmail.com Fax : 2449 5965

URGENTLY REQUIRED FOLLOWING STAFFS FOR A LEADING ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY

URGENTLY REQUIRED For a reputed excellent grade Catering Company.

CATERING MANAGER / SUPERVISOR Minimum 5 to 10 yrs experience in the field of catering with valid Oman driving license.

Interested candidates may mail their resume to

mast.llcoman@gmail.com or hr@mast-oman.com ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Experienced Accountant required for Restaurant. Contact 96500750 We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience.

Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

BEAUTY

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ŵĂŝů ͗ ŝŶĨŽũŽďϭϲΛLJĂŚŽŽ͘ĐŽŵ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϬϬϵϲϴͲϵϴϵϵϵϰϴϳ

ENGINEER Wanted Chemical Engineer with 5-10 years experience in STP Operations and Maintenance. Also wanted Market Research Expert with experience in Feasibility Studies. Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

Looking for a Quantity Surveyor for a construction company in Oman. Contact : 94069402

Wanted experienced Beautician & hairdresser for the reputed ladies beauty center at Qurum.

Contact 99791572 / 97453246, souzawilfred@gmail.com

Wanted Market Research Expert with experience in Feasibility Studies. Kindly send your resumes to advance@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175.

Required experience Beautition Contact 99619409

Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227

CATERING Shawarma /Griller helper wanted.

Contact 95529970

DRIVER Urgently required Heavy Driver with GCC license for a leading FMCG Co, located at Seeb.

Please forward your CV at Email recruityarek@gmail.com, contact 99719124 Looking for House Driver (Indian) with experience to work in Salalah.

Contact 92322588 / 99653350, Email : sadiq.fm@omantel.net.om Reputed Construction Company require experienced light Vehicle Driver. Contact 95526871 Required a Driver (L.M.V).

Contact 92392979 Urgently required 1 experienced House Driver to work in capital area. Contact 93888666 / 24493666 Looking for an Indian experienced house Driver for an Omani family. Interested candidates may call: 96203333 Required driver with car in Sohar.

Contact: 24460287 / 96905535

DOMESTIC HELP Looking for housemaid urgently clearance available good salary yearly ticket.

Contact ravi.ztc@omzest.com TEL 24446920 / 99238121 Wanted Housemaid full-time 6am-6pm, six days a week, for Kerala family in Darsait, near ISD, Salary 200/-.

Contact 98564647 or 99864290

ENGINEER Projects Manger Engineer wanted to manage a construction company, experience required.

Contact 99441122, Email: sr@touchcdc.com Required Software Engineer with minimum 2 years experience in vb.net/C# & SQL. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com Required App Developer with minimum 2 years experience in android & IOS. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com

MEDICAL Urgently required full time female Nurse (with MOH), Receptionist (Omani) for Dental clinic in Muscat (Ruwi).

Candidates in Oman only need to apply. Contact 93582582, abbas@essacogroup.com Wanted Staff Nurses (female) with or without license for a polyclinic near Sohar. Excellent salary and accommodation.

Contact: 99006915 Email: alhinaee.clinic@yahoo.com Staff Nurse required for a reputed dental centre in Muscat. Send the CV to omandentalnurse@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits. Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Canary clinic (GP) MBBS Doctor with 3 years experience MOH license, male or female. Good offer salary. Contact 94395199 Email: canarymoh@gmail.com Dreams Clinic - Muscat-Al Khoudh Urgently required Medical Laboratory Technician Salary + Accommodation Minimum 3 Years Experience IN Sultanate of Oman Doctors + Nurses, Salary +Accommodation Minimum 5 years experience in sultanate of oman Contact : towershr70@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com or call Ph:+968 99450811 Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs.

Al Khoudh. Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com or call 91159905

1. DESIGN ENGINEER ROADS AND BRIDGE - BTECH CIVIL +MINIMUM 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

2. SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR

- BTECH CIVIL

+MINIMUM 12YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IS CIVIL & MEP

3. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

- MTECH STRUCTURE

+MINIMUM 8 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN BUILDINGS

4. ELCTRICAL ENGINEER

- BTECH ELCETRICAL

+MINIMUM 12 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

5. PROJECT PLANNER – BTECH CIVIL + PSP CERTIFICATION +MINIMUM 12 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

All the above position required Experience in Huge Medical City Construction

REPLY IMMEDIATELY EMAIL :- vacancyamec@gmail.com

dŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐƚĂī ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ďLJ Ă ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ Θ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƟ ŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M.Com Finance-Indian employed in Oman with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, cammk13@gmail.com B.Com, CA Articleship, 12 yrs experience in Accounts handling accounts upto finalization, having NOC letter & Oman light vehicle driving license.

Contact Prasad: 0091 8129121179 Om Prakash : 98050341 Telecom Engineer with bachelor degree, CCNA seeking suitable job in good company.

Contact 97269189

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/ŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞ ĐĂŶ ƐĞŶĚ ƚŚĞŝƌ sƐ Ăƚ Śƌ͘ŵƵƐĐĂƚϮϬϭϱΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

URGENT HIRING SALES EXECUTIVE

Pakistani male, 27 yrs, MBA finance having 3 yrs work experience in Accounts & finance in Muscat, Oman on visit visa.

Contact 99685330, Email : hussain_ca87@yahoo.com Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp. in Accounts Finance, Tax Audit Management.

Contact 95857199 Indian male 10 years experienced Accountant looking for job, Knows up to finalization costing etc, Oman driving license available.

Contact: 91319600

For home Electronics appliances Distributor Company.

Applicant must have valid driver’s license & with at least 3 yrs work experience in same field.

Submit your detailed CV via Email

zecdoha3@yahoo.com & adminoman@zainalelectronics.com Salary offer commensurate w/qualification.

SKILLED LABOR Looking for experienced construction laborers as a subcontractor for a villa construction in Mawaleh. Contact: 96203333 Urgently required 2 caretakers / cleaners for a building in Capital area. Contact 93888666, Email : arajtrad@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Male Sales Executive wanted: age 24-32 yrs, minimum 2-5 yrs experience in sales, preferably in furniture / interior design / turnkey contracting business. Salary commensurate with experience. Any degree with GCC driving license preferred. Apply to fax : 24560806 careers@teejanequipment.com We are looking for a Visa Consultant/sales consultant male for our office. Freshers can also apply.

Arabic and English speaking male.

Email CV at mozahamed786@gmail.com We are looking for a student counselor male/female who has good knowledge of colleges and universities abroad and can speak Arabic/ English/Hindi .Email your CV at mozahamed786@gmail.com Wanted Sales Executive for IVMS, experienced minimum 1 year in the same field. Interested Candidate can email the details to: sameeh@cyclonellc.net Kitchen cabinet manufacturing company is looking sales person, most have Oman D/L and must know any kitchen designed software and two years experience.

Contact: 93326636 A Chemical trading Company is looking for Salesmen with diploma certificate, 3 years experience, with valid driving license and a car. Send CVs to Greatstar@omantel.net.om Business coordinator with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 95327813 Required Sales & Marketing person with driving license for IT / Telecom / Security system company with minimum 2 years experience in Oman. Contact: 99016180 Email: info@rns-group.com

SALES / MARKETING Number of Salesman two (any nationality) with at least 4 years of experience in FMCG or house ware accountant (preferably Pilipino) with 2 to 4 years of experience. Contact: 92802204 Email us your CVs on to: info@alliusie.com Salesman require for building material with driving license & 10 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043.

(Mustafa Hardware Store)

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Accountant senior looking suitable job please call 91422074 MBA (finance) one year experience in Oman, have Oman license looking for a good job.

Contact: 94103975

Accountant B.Com 8 yrs exp in UAE, having Dubai D/L looking for a good job. Contact: +968 93546483 & 971567745263 Accountant, Indian male, 16 years experience (10 years in Oman with driving license & NOC) Tally, ERP.9 & focus expert up to finalization.

Contact: 99622639 Email: venugopal39@yahoo.com Accountant Indian female, 26 yrs, B.Com 2 yrs experience in accounting, purchase vouchers, bank reconciliation. Contact: 95690207 Email: pereira.rita08@gmail.com M.Com CMA with 15 years experience in Oman for finance / audit/ accountants /banking looking for suitable manager position.

Contact: 95694737 Email: gsmaiti@rediffmail.com Indian male 22 BBM graduate with tally certified 5 month experience as accounts officer 2 looking for suitable job immediately now on visit visa.

Contact: 98949120 Email: mohammednazal93@gmail.com Male 24 MBA fresher in marketing and finance seeking immediate placement. Contact: 96112920 Indian male B.com accountant job 6 years experience in Oman looking suitable placement.

Contact: 95741442 navaskamaru944@gmail.com

B.Com, doing M.Com, Diploma in IATA, Tally PGDCA 2 years experience as Accountant seeking for placement currently in Oman NOC available. Contact: 99055820 Email Id: rohithpanamukkath@gmail.com Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah/ Muscat. More than 20 yrs experience in Accounting job (upto the finalization of accounts).

8 yrs working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah. Contact 91325029 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available.

Contact – 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Part time Accountant services, yearly finalization works, monthly report, profit& loss report, consulting and audit works.

Contact: 96247295 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com 28/ male MBA – finance /B.com – accountant with 4 years of Dubai / India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 Email: shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

ARCHITECT Architect looking for freelance work in (design plans and 3dmax).

Contact: 96041201

ADMIN 14 years of Gulf experience in HR/ Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 95824598 Indian Female MBA, 3 Year experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com HR & HSE (Nebosh & IOSH) experience 6 years in Oman with NOC & D/L. Contact: 00 971502550480 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position.

Contact - 99897280 Indian having more 15 years of experience (7 years in UAE) in construction as site administrates for / document controller / HR assistant / store assistant presently on visit seek suitable placement.

Contact: 92196001/98598099 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position.

Contact: 90196235

Indian male, B.Com, 10 yrs Accounts exp in Tally & focus knowledge of Admin, HR, Purchase having NOC & D/L, looking for suitable job. Contact 93086105

Chief / Senior Accountant having 12 years of Oman experience in reputed firms. Looking for suitable placement. Contact – 99513082

Indian male , B. Com, (CA), 30 years, 10 years experience in GCC in Stores / Warehouse and Administration Management, seeks suitable placement. Currently on visit visa. Contact : 94818449; Email: laveen.tilak@gmail.com

Young 24, ACCA affiliate, advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit with valid driving license.

Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com

Chartered Accountant - Indian, 9 yrs + Exp (7 yr in Oman & UAE ) in Finance , Accounts & Auditing , seeking suitable position in Muscat/ Dubai, Can Join Immediately, NOC Available, Contact 98707434 / Email: casmart007@gmail.com

B-Com Graduate male 28 yrs seeks suitable job in the field of administration, clerical or accounting related to construction, automobile, hospital admin ,money exchange or project management.

Contact :97892255

Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement 97950869

Indian lady, bachelor degree in Preparatory Programme (BPP) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), completed training course in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook from KTI looking for full time / part time job opportunity in Oman.

Contact 92437568, 96795853, Email: linda_navs@yahoo.com

Junior Accountant available.

Contact: 99854384 Email: syedimtiaz1234@gmail.com

Indian Driver, 27 yrs experience in Oman & UAE looking for job.

Contact 92488966 / 92345184

Indian male Accountant / Auditor ACCA finalist having 5 years experience in accounting up to finalization & audit experience currently on visit visa. Contact: 91350688 or 99078853

Pakistani driver, with 3 yrs, exp looking for job.

Contact: 96342684

ASSISTANT MANAGER FinanceM Com Finance, 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts Department. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L, NOC available.

Contact 98278801, Email: mansoormk10@gmail.com

Indian male 24 yrs, B.Com graduation ongoing MBA, 2 years experience in Oman presently working in Muscat Municipality from (Ministry) looking for a suitable job in Accounts. Contact: 94627418

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DRIVER

Light driver 6 years exp education CO level language English, Arabic, Hindi looking for office driver. Contact: 99640986 15 years experienced heavy duty driver experienced all over in Oman English, Arabic, Hindi, Malayalam speaking. # 90388687

S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 , 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED DRIVER 5 years experience in Oman D/L (driver) seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95274160 Light driver need job 4 years experience, English , Arabic, Urdu.

Contact : 94208089 Looking for light driving job 3 years exp. Contact: 92819475 Looking for light driving job, 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977 Looking for job driver with car.

Contact: 99154473 Bangladeshi male 48 yrs, light driver 14 yrs of exp, need job & visa. Contact - 98236656 Indian light driver.

Contact: 92279370 Driver with experience of 10 years in Oman seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92191698 Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286 Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Multimedia and graphic designer Filipino male 25 , looking for job in Muscat 3 years experience in 6 graphic and 3D design on visit visa immediately available.

Contact: 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@gmail.com Interior designer 4+ exp, turnkey projects & freelancing for flats, office & corporate. Contact – 93140552/ ajayjangir.id22@gmail.com 25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97917357

EDUCATION Secondary Computer teacher, 5 years experience in Kuwait, IELTS 6, looking for job at bilingual or English School.

Contact: 96555397722 (viber, whatsapp, skype, imo) Email: samehj.adib@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598 Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656 Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience as HVAC design engineer rev IT M.E.P AutoCAD. Contact: 91050913 Email: rahmanmechengg@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95345591 Civil maintenance painting, tile works decor works, plumbing, electric, shop furnishing carpentary works and all other maintenance.

Contact 97897831, 92112094 (Indian, Keralite) Electrical Engineer Indian male having 5 yrs of exp in designing, execution & planning in electrical field. Having valid GGC driving license. Looking for a suitable job.

Contact – 98052942 / azamjeelani@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male, 25 yrs, Diploma in Hardware & Network Engineering having 4 yrs experience now in Oman, on visit visa seeking suitable placement. Contact 98779754 / 92720311 B.Tech C.Eng. AMIEI, Electrical Engineer with 5years experience in the field of electrical power system (transmission & distribution) area expertise in design Ele-SLD, preparing BOQ, LS & estimation transformers switchgear selection installation testing & commissioning in all sectors.

Contact: 94638744, EMAIL : ceng.shaz@gmail.com Auto Electrician having experience 15 years Looking for suitable placement. Contact 94142502 Civil Engineer (Diploma) having total 11 yrs experience in building construction looking for suitable placement having Oman driving license, NOC available.

Contact 95075365, Email : azharraaz@gmail.com Indian male, 26 yrs, having 5 yrs Gulf experience as pre sales Engineer in IT field, looking for suitable job. NOC available, having Oman driving license with own car. Contact 96929899, Email : umeshreshmiya2@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer with 6 yrs experience in MEP field, seeking for a job, on visit visa with GCC license available.

Contact 98086267, Email : khaleel1586@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Software Engineer with FLMI level 1 certification having 7 years experience as system analyst for application development & maintenance projects in field of mainframe & UNIX systems worked in India & France on visit.

Contact: 92489160 / 92873243 B.E (CSE) Indian male 2 years of experience in IT & Networking presently in visit visa seeks for immediate placement. #93832694 Email: baijupp006@gmail.com Civil structural Engineer 6 years experience Oman license.

Contact: 96380693

Sudanese Electrical Engg, 1 yr exp. in Generators, on visit visa.

Contact 94768845, Email : mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer Indian male BE (Electrical & Electronics) having 3 years of experience, seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91917369

Mechanical Engg, 7 yrs exp. in Generators, solar sys, HVAC, NOC & D/L available. Contact 97452159, Email : mohamedkarrar.mk@gmail.com

Bcs Civil Engineer, 3 years experience, NOC available looking for suitable replacement.

GSM-97409350.

Mail- kamrul07cuet@gmail.com

Indian male, BE, Mechanical, with trainee level experience at Galfar & autoCAD, Creo, Ansys, certified individual looking for suitable placement in Oman. Contact 91232147, Email : shamil21siraj@gmail.com, Mr. Shamil Siraj.

Network Engineer BA: CS with experience CCNA, MCSA. Contact: 92346191

Fresher Graduate looking for job (Electrical & Electronics Engineering), special course (Simatic P/C).

Contact 97304565 Electrical Engineer: Indian male, 30 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres), holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 92789995, email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Diploma in Electrical Engineering with 6 years’ experience in Electrical Automation, Programming, Project, Power, Energy and Supervision in Civil Work.

Currently in Oman and looking for suitable position, Please contact 94873560/92406652.

Indian Mechanical Engineer having 2+ yrs experience in India & Qatar looking for suitable job.

Contact 93828354. Email : shemseer23191@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer with 5 years experienced AutoCAD primavera & GIS Arabic & English language looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 91340584 B, Sc Engineer looking job with visa. Contact: 96136615 Mechanical Engineer (B. Tech) knowledge in HVAC & fire fighting.

Currently in Oman on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 90154793 Email: sangu.vazhoor@gmail.com Mechanic Diesel Engines & Hydraulic , 25 years Experience in Multinational Companies.

M Arshad 91685048 Mechanical Engineer, 28 years, male with 4 years experience in Oman looking for suitable placement with driving license. NOC available. Contact: 968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@coledonian.ac.uk Instrument Technician (diploma), Indian male, 24 yrs, 3 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job. Contact: 92007218 Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im

23 yrs, Indian male looking for good job electrician & good Indian family driver, have Indian license & office boy ready for NOC, visa transfer, ready to join.

Contact: 92108447/ 96507858 Civil Engineer, Indian, 2 years experience looking for a suitable job. Contact: 97309549 Indian male 25 years Mechanical Engineering 3 years diploma 3 years experience Chevrolet India as technician. Contact: 96974518 Indian male (B.Tech EEE) 31 yrs having managerial skills AutoCAD quality control electrical fault debugging 6 yrs experience in electric field & good communication skills. Contact: 90181566 Email: jittoandrewsnesto@gmail.com Indian male 23 years BE degree in electronics & telecommunication, diploma in industrial control & automation, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 95726383 Email: christosvaidyans@gmail.com

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1Year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 97416564, Email: jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Indian male 42 B.A Degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 yrs experience in India Abroad having V/L Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91575956 / 95451547 Email: lijosaju@yahoo.com Dutch male qualified commercial pilot (Faa-ME-IR certified) is looking for job openings in middle east. rutjestom@outlook.com Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470

IT Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 Indian female B.Tech IT with 2 years experienced in HCL presently on family visa.

Contact: 90357203 Email: ammupravda123@gmail.com Indian female, 28 yrs, MCA, B. Com, 3 yrs experience in the field of Computer hardware, ERP Softwares & windows networking where planning, implementing & trouble shooting with multiple platform of OS Microsoft XP / 7/ on visit visa. Contact 95089170, email : anjuretnakar@gmail.com Indian (Keralite) female (25 years) MCA on family visit required suitable placement.

Contact: 90417133 Email: renjitharose04@gmail.com Male 23 years 3 years experience in IT as Linux administrator at reputed MNC looking for a better change. Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com

29 yrs Indian male B.E (ECE) with more than 5 yrs experience in Oman with valid D/L. #96652145

Sudanese Female 25 yrs, bsc architect engineer & master urban planning with 3 years experience look for situation vacant in Oman.

Contact : 00249910031942, Email : monasalah555.ms@gmail.com

Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com

Indian male MCA, Oracle , orion , ERP, 15 years experience , 5 years in Oman with NOC. Contact: 95398567 Email: anasa4@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 5 Years exp 2 years in Oman as QS. Seeking part time job as QS. Contact - 91507508

10 years Oman experience ICT Sector, capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable Senior Executive position.

Contact: 98987654

Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, 36 years, Male, Indian, having 16 years of experience in machine maintenance & machine breakdown, worked with reputed companies in India, currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact- 99011507 E-mail: rsdengroman@gmail.com Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com

NEBOSH, IOSH Indian male HSE officer experience 8 yrs, 6 yrs GCC. Contact: 93235457 Email: srecjithsurcndran3@gmail.com Communication Network CCNA fresh Graduate. Contact: 98194924 Senior IT Engineer Sudanese male 9 years experience in Govt./ Private sectors.

Contact: 94675984 Senior IT Engineer Sudanese male 9 years experience in Govt. / Private sectors. Contact: 94874758 Computer Engineer, Iraqi fresh graduated from Caledonian College excellent grade, experience in programming, web designing, networking and troubleshooting. valid Omani driving license – Contact: 98763390

IT Sudanese male 29 yrs (bs.c computer science) (diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience DBA Oracle pl-sql , ms sql-server ,visual studio vb, network, driver license Oman.

Contact :91415886 B.Tech (IT) Indian Male 2 years Oman experience in I.T & Networking, holding Oman Driving License, presently on employment visa, seeks for a suitable placement.

Ready to join immediately.

NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Hardware & net working, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com 21 yrs, male, Oman experience, 2 yrs, educational qualification S.S.E, languages Arabic, Hindi, with Oman driving license seeks job. Contact 94157194 / 94116029 Sri Lankan male 26 yrs, B.SC (Hons) in Business management (specialized in logistics management) IFQ, CCHRM of Sri Lanka.

Having 03 years excellent professional experience in supply chain or logistics & high value supply chain process and logistics function, is looking for a decent placement. Contact: 94292198/ 93522979 Email: raseeckmohamed@gmail.com Indian female 28 years, presently on family visa looking for a suitable post. Contact: 93916523 Email: arya.surendran87@gmail.com Indian 28 yrs, 5 years experience in purchase looking for a suitable NOC available, driving license available. Contact: 96772166 Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com

The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. # 92385033 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com Indian male, MBA Graduate, GCC with valid D/L, currently working as branch Manager in Muscat, 4 yrs Oman experience in Admin & HR Executive trainer, customer service, sale supervising accounting, fluent in Arabic, English, Hindi looking for suitable placement.

Release & NOC available.

Contact 97644108, email : basheervision21st@gmail.com MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331 Result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years management experience in Oman and other gulf countries looking for a suitable vacancy in hotels, restaurants and catering companies.# 97204636 Indian male 8 yrs exp in Oman working as housekeeping supervisor in star hotel, seeking for a job NOC available. Contact – 91753210 Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager, MBA (Finance), 14yrs.

Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.

Contact : 93826090, Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments& transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business. Contact :- 92385033

SALES / MARKETING MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement. Cont : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com

Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 9880-5474

Looking for immediate Sales & Marketing Job, 10 Years Experience, MBA Peter -93747126/ E-mail forlakei@yahoo.com

Indian female, Masters in Computer Application,26 yrs, 2 yrs of exp in administration, seeking suitable job in administration, IT, teaching, banking etc. Preferably in Muscat. Contact:99417993 dhanyaparumala@gmail.com

Experienced export / Import operations Executive is on visit visa, seeking suitable employment.

Contact: 00971 562228991 / 00968 96529679 Email: rajanpookoth@gmail.com Whatsapp: 967733887410

MEDICAL 10+ yrs experience as Optical Practice Manager, Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant, BCA seeking for good placement.

Email : udayasuresh87@gmail. com, 99576403 / 91 9962888824 Dentist Indian female with MOH license working in Oman since last 2 yrs & worked in India for 5 yrs is looking for a suitable placement in Sohar urgently. NOC available.

Contact : 94227073 Searching for a job Staff Nurse, General Nursing (GNM), Oman prometric exam passed 60%, ACLS passed, BLS passed, 4 yrs work experience (MED – ONCO & GenSurgery). Contact 98901149 Indian female Dentist prometric passed, 3 yrs experience looking for suitable position in Muscat.

Contact 91429337 / 98631283 MOH Licensed Indian Female Dentist, presently available in Oman seeking a suitable placement anywhere in Muscat.

Contact: 91410733 / 99310630.

An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact: 96436517 /97396088

Indian male, 25 yrs, MBA, Marketing with 1 yr experience in Sales & Marketing looking for immediate placement. Contact 91945577 B.Com male 5 yrs exp. in sales Oman D/L. Contact: 94824000 Email: sharseem@gmail.com MBA 14 years Experience in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing with Omani Driving Licence. M.Z. 96220975 Indian male with valid Oman driving license. Interested in technical sales. NOC available immediate joining. Contact: 95361454 Email: mohamedshalifawaz@gmail.com Indian male 23 MBA Marketing and HR with 8 months experience in sales and marketing looking for suitable placement. # 91987119 Email: reny.cherian1@gmail.com Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com Job MBA in Marketing seeking for a job and have an experience of 3 months. Contact: 91945577 30 yr old experienced available with NOC & Oman driving license 6+years experience in chemicals Industry. Contact: 96675065

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S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING 38 yrs, male, Graduate, 7 yrs experience in Sales/ Marketing Electronic field having NOC & D/L. Contact 92453375

Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement. Gsm 9880-5474

Looking for driving & marketing job, 4 yrs exp. in Muscat, English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact 99548180

Indian Male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry.

Seeking for a Job in Oman.

Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com

Indian male, 28 yrs, 3 yrs In Oman, B.E. Instrumentation, 5.5+ yrs experience in oil & gas projects, proposals, EPC, sales & marketing preferred, profile – sales & marketing status married can join immediately. Contact 91 9650336344, prashant.colligator@gmail.com Dedicated professional with over 18 yrs experience in sales marketing business development & new product launches with Oman driving license & NOC with 4 yrs experience in Oman looking for suitable openings.

Contact 93575165 / 99254080 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and Marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 94879615. Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com 25 yrs exp-Shipping, freight forwarding, Marketing & Operations, valid Oman D/L & NOC available - seek suitable positionContact 93040366 5 years experience in Sales currently looking for a placement.

Contact: 93458869 American Male (speaks Arabic) looking for a job in Marketing & Sales, Contact 94076032 Indian Male B.com, PGDCA & Tally, 14 years’ experience in Customer Care, Operations,Sales,Coordination, Accounts & Admin. Seeking suitable position. Currently on Visit Visa Contact – 94871963 or 99440152.

Email: rajeshkv.pmna@gmail.com Indian male, MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with Driving license, Hospital Phrma Herbal Marketing, construction A/c & sales , F&B industry, Contact : 93379044 Indian male 23 years with 4 years experience in Purchase and Sales, graduate in EC, currently on visiting visa, seeking suitable job in Oman. Contact: 96761020. Email: adikmuthumuttam@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Executive MBA with 3 years experience in sales looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91345727.

Indian male, 24, MBA Marketing and HR, I year experience. On visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94014073 Marketing Executive/Merchandiser, Omani License, BA 8 years Experience in Multinational Groups. Contact 97601343

SKILLED / UNSKILLED More than 8 yrs experienced mill with fitter & pipe fitter.

Contact 95600418 Indian, welder 20 yrs exp. in GCC & India looking for suitable post.

Contact ; 92300653 / +91-7034808745 (India ) Indian male 40 having 5 years experience in UAE, looking for suitable placement in Oman. Contact: Rethish Kumar: 00968 99282901 / 00968 93988015 Email: rethishkumar@gmail.com Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Electrician, plumber (exp gulf / Indian) looking job. Contact 95175192

TECHNICIAN /MECH. Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female BSC IATA, 14 years exp in travel & tourism in Oman looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96433490 Email: indu623@yahoo.co.in

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also.

Looking for a part time job.

Contact. 98983122

Planning Engineer: B.E (Electrical and Electronics Engineering): Indian Male 33 yrs with 10 years of exp. in UAE & Muscat. Skilled in the areas of project coordination, planning & procurements. Contact: 00971503529608 Email Id: saravananbe44@gmail.com Pakistani male: MSc Environmental Engineering, Diploma Hazard risk reduction and Occupation Safety Health Authority, having more than 5 years’ exp. as a Health Safety supervisor looking for a better placement. Contact: 97682745 email: hussain349@gmail.com Chief Accountant looking for full / part time job. Contact :95598477 / 98803439 27, male, ACCA finalist, have professional experience up to finalization of accounts, statutory and internal audit, expertise in using tally, focus and oracle software, have 3.5 years exp. in accounts till finalization , seeking for permanent replacement in senior position,GSM-97654769/ 91324962,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com Indian Male Diploma + MBA in Project Management with 7+ years of exp. in Construction company Oman as a Maintenance Supervisor cum site In charge. Having valid Omani D/L seeking suitable position. Contact: 90318757 B.E. Chemical, Total 12 yrs experience, QA/HSE experience in Engg.

Consultancy/ Construction/ ISO Management Systems, Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001 seeking suitable placement. NOC Available. Contact: 9415 7131, EMail: samirtrivedi_01@yahoo.com Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 99105043 INDIAN MALE, 24 years, B.Tech in computer science.3Years of experience in technical support, software development, troubleshooting and managing, seek suitable placement. Contact GSM- 98184170 B.Tech EEE with 4+ years experience in the field of it, networking, ex-tonics etc. Presently working in amazon india development centre as a content quality associate.

Seeking for suitable jobs in oman.

Contact number : +91 9940514005, 0096893116402, Email: mail2nbn@gmail.Com

Indian Male, 28 Yrs, M.Tech having 5+ years experience (3 Year Industry+2 years Lecturer),Now on visit visa, looking for suitable position. Contact 94885747

DME (Diploma in Mechanical Engineering) with overall 7+ year experiences in the field of Industrial and Plant Maintenance seeking placements. Contact 97460974

Indian, Male, 24years, Bachelor’s degree, Two and half years experience with Oman driving license.

NOC Available. Looking suitable opening. Currently on visit visa.

GSM: 95484101.

Bangladeshi Male, University MA, 5 years experience in IT sales & marketing working as sales coordinator in Oman; searching better job. Phone:91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com

Sudanese male 31 years, have 3 years Diploma in Electrical Engineer, 6 years and 1 year in Oman experience in building construction and electrical plants , have oman drive license. Contact : 94549609

Indian female, ME in CSE with 2 years’ experience in teaching seeking suitable Job Opportunity.

Contact: 94263445, E mail – apshinmar@gmail.com

26 Years oman experienced executive in automobiles, showroom & workshop areas seeks suitable replacement. Currently working as general manager in a reputed LLC” Contact +968-92009700/91494707 Indian Female Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Programmer Micro Controller Robot, Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation & Control, Eng. Projects, Integrated Circuit Eng., Electrical and Fluid Drives, Analogue Electronics, Wireless Systems. Seeking suitable post.

Contact: 97848075, s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” looking for suitable placement. Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com Bangladeshi Male, University MA, 5 years experience in IT sales & marketing working as sales coordinator in Oman; searching better job. Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com Indian female, MBA HR & Finance, having 1 year experience, seeking suitable placement. Currently in Oman. Contact: 96052366.

Industrial Automation and Process Control Instrumentation trained Mechatronics Engineer seeking for a suitable job. Also possess GCC driving license.

Ph. 93370528, email: atulverghese@gmail.com.

Sales Executive, Male, 24years, Two and half years experience with Oman driving license. NOC Available. GSM: 95484101.

Post graduate master of social work having 5 years experience at present visit visa seeking suitable opportunity. Contact 99876307 Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available. Contact 98803439 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Indian male, 26, BCom with tally, 2-year exp in marketing and 2-year exp as restaurant manager looking for suitable job.

NOC available. Ph. No: 97707953

HR Manual, Employee Handbook, Recruitment, Training, HR Consultancy, Are you looking for freelancer HR professional.

Contact on 97914669 Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience .Seeking for part time job.Mobile no: 0096899070584 / Email: remluvp@gmail.com Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer 5 year experience in different activities. Contact - 94549609 MBA - (F), M.Com,B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264. Email: yashicapandya@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, with 7 years of experience in Sales Field in Shipping company in Dubai looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office. Contact: 90182494 manojmallya999@gmail.com Looking for Network Engineer Job, NOC Available Can join immediately. Qualification: BE Telecommunication, CCNA, CCNP Voice.

Driving License: Oman, Current Company: Global Solutions, Client: Diwan Experience: 3.5 Years.

Contact – 97312044 / waleedkhan26@gmail.com HR & Admin Executive ( MBA) Indian male 26 year old, with more than 4 years of experiences in HR& Admin (16 month in Oman) looking for suitable placement, NOC available.Contact: +968-98757304 Email: nuroollah789@gmail.com Indian Accounts professioanl with 2 years of experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job openings Contact: Gsm: 92395449 jaleelcabdul@gmail.com Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. In IT/ networking/server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 Indian male, totally 8+ years experience in IT Assistant, 5 Years in Oman, Looking for a suitable position in Oman, Holding Oman Driving license & also NOC is available. Contact: 98248024, email- bala.abins@gmail.com Mechanic Diesel Engines & Hydraulic, 25 years Experience in Multinational Companies.

Contact - 91685048 Indian Male, 28, MBA Finance & Mcom. more than 5yrs exp. in A/c & Finance (Including 2 yrs in Oman), NOC available, Seek Suitable Placement, Contact: 93939421, email: baleeq.ams@gmail.com

Planning Engineer: B.E(Electrical and Electronics Engineering): Indian Male 33 yrs with 10 years of experience in UAE & Muscat. Skilled in the areas of project coordination, planning & procurements.

Contact: 00971503529608 Email Id: saravananbe44@gmail.com Indian Expat female, BSc Physics and Tally ERP 9, educated with valid Oman Driving license seeks suitable position. Please contact: 0096894864575 29 year Indian male B-Tech Engineering, with 6 yrs of Professional experience in Manufacturing Oil & Gas Industries seeking for a suitable placement (NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 94628362, email-mahinathdevani@yahoo.co.in Indian-male 34yrs,m.Com with 14 yrs exp.( 8 Yrs in oman) working as procurement officer in contg & trdg co llc.( Worked for road,civil,electro-mechanical,corr osion,scaffolding,insulation & Others Projects in Oman ) and having Oman LT D/L, Looking for suitable placement- M:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com Civil Engineer 5 Years EXP 2 years in Oman as a QS Seeking for part time job as QS. # 91507508 MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for job. presently on family visit visa.

Contact :- 94704661. Email:bhumicapandya@gmail.com Indian youth BA warehouse manager/sales in Oman 1 year provide NOC, OMAN Driving license holder seeks jobs.94 525213 lojikts@gmail.com.

B Sc. Computer Application + M B A from UK With 3 years of Experience, Mumbai, India Available on Visit Visa (27Years)looking for a suitable Placement. Contact: 94030166/ 96739581 Email ID: asokpanicker1001@gmail.com 31 year Indian male PG in HR with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Driver Cum Salesman Professional, Indian male having 7 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving License working as a Office Driver, Looking for a suitable Position, NOC available.

Contact: 99680429 Email:anzarkutty1975@gmail.com Indian male 23yr BA TTM(Travel and Tourism Management) with Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Logisitics and Shipping Management, Experienced in Logisitics (Customs Clearance) seeking in suitable placement, currently on visit visa(Oman) Contact; 90291092 email:iyas.adhur@gmail.com Indian male, QA/QC Instrument Inspector, 8 years exp in GCC, on visit visa.

Contact 92430370 Email: rajeshgcc.kumar@gmail.com, ACCA (Associate Certified Chartered Accountant) with 2 years experience. Looking for opportunities in Finance, Accounts.

Presently Available in Oman for Personal interviews Contact: 96124257, 93692578.

Email at naeemnoe5@gmail.com

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DAILY GUIDE TOURS

GOOD NEWS > Z / zhZs / >/E/ EĞĂƌ <Śŝŵũŝ DĂƌƚ͕ D ƌĞĂ͕ ZƵǁŝ KƵƌ LJƵƌǀĞĚŝĐ dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ďŚLJĂŶŐĂŵ͕ <ŝnjŚŝ DĂƐƐĂŐĞ͕ ^ŚŝƌŽĚŚĂƌĂ͕ sĂƐƟ ͕ hĚǁĂƌƚŚŶĂŵ ϱϬй ŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽŶ ĨƵůů ďŽĚLJ ŵĂƐƐĂŐĞ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ϮϰϴϭϰϮϮϮ Žƌ ϵϳϭϭϮϱϭϬ ĨŽƌ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage steambath, obesity, Spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 98342990 Balloons beautiful design & Archie’s works for party, birthday & New Year functions all events.

Contact 95194801/96594592

SIT.WANTED Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3 yrs exp. in IT / networking/ server support, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 92607532

WEBSITE

WEBSITE

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

We arrange Tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

CLASSES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES IELTS & TOEFL Academic / General Target Band 8 TQT Institute.

Ph # 24480800 / 99347202

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

SERVICES

COMPUTER

Indian Male, 26 years, With 7 years of experience in Sales Field in shipping company in “Dubai” looking for suitable placement.

Experienced working in safety Marine equipment and well versed with MS Office.

Contact 90182494, Manojmallya999@gmail.com Male 27, BCA, Diploma in Networking, CCNA certified engineer, 4 years experience in IT support & networking seeks job.

Contact-90193811 Indian female, 27, food technologist (MSc Food Technology), 2years experience in research and development - instant foods, seasonings. Contact -93987174 email :mayacnair@outlook.com Project Manager in Mechanical Engg. (M.sc.) with 8 years experience in Building Construction, oil & gas seeking job- # 94625598 (nima.azimzadeh@gmail.com) Indian male 24yrs, B. tech in (Computer Science) 4 years of exp in technical support, sales and networking, seeks suitable placement. Contact:- 95955696, email:- mir.jak89@gmail.com 31 year Indian male PG in HR ,with 5 yrs Professional experience in HR in Construction Oil & Gas Oman seeking for a suitable placement(NOC Available).Kindly contact me on 93488914, emailKaarthickshankar@gmail.com Software Engineer , Oracle EBS R-12 Technical Consultant 9 Years Experience. HRMS/ Payroll, Education, Hotel, Textile, Shipping Container Terminal.

Email: sziahussain@hotmail.com.

Contact 97912264

Catering for Party & Birthday service Cnt 97196675 Enetstorage offer!! Cloud based software & mobile responsive websites locally developed, hosting, hardware & cctv/networking solutions. Contact 94369696 or admin@enetstorage.com Repair desktop laptop, printer, scanner, networking & all software inst. Contact 99876547

DRIVING

Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Learn driving with professional.

Contact: 94022250

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

House shifting. Contact: 99657644/98518013

Marble grinding resurfacing & ceiling crystallization / polishing general cleaning of villas & flats.

Terrazzo floor scrubbing, ceiling, polishing & buffing.

Contact: 98598280 /94134784

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/ 24792998

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact : 93769089 / 95323517 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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S U N DAY, JA N UA RY 3 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 32 seater toyota bus available on hire basis monthly or yearly contract gsm 99705821

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

RENT A CAR

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION 7 Ton/ 10 Ton- Trailer Local transport- MCT- UAE

Contact 96609857 Silver car, car rental at good rate.

Contact: 96166155/93530540 Rental car. Contact: 92516090

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact 99839898

TRANSPORTATION Transportation taxi mini bus.

Contact: 93091106

Transportation. Contact 96173326

Amir Ali

We will register LLC. trade license for foreign investors and do all actions. Contact: 92833566

TRANSPORTATION Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair. Contact 99764307 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

Transportation. Contact 94510847

Transportation. Contact 99508282

Transportation Contact: 99077395

Transportation. Contact:99664703