Times of Oman - April 3, 2016

SUNDAY

April 3, 2016 25 Jumada Al Thani 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 20th National Day, 1990

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Every Omani is required today — more than at any time — to roll up his sleeves and give his devoted efforts to carrying out his duties seriously and consistently.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 35

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

HORSE RACING FOR 2015–2016 SEASON CONCLUDES

ENVIRONMENT POLICE

Plan afoot to fine litterbugs in Sultanate

Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highness Sayyid Hareb bin Thuwaini Al Said presided over the conclusion of the horse racing for 2015–2016 season, on Saturday. The race was organised by the Royal Horse Racing Club at the horse race track of Al Rahba Farm in the wilayat of Barka. — ONA

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Oman is planning to hit litterbugs and nature offenders’ ‘in the pocket’ by deploying wildlife rangers with judicial powers, according to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA).

Talking to the Times of Oman, Mohammed bin Salim Al Tubi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, said park and wildlife rangers in Oman will be able to enforce the law by keeping an eye on violators and fining them.

He said according to the plan, rangers will be first deployed in the Al Sharqiyah dunes. >A6

See page 4 also for more pictures

Proposal to charge 3% of worker salary as visa fee Instead of collecting only OMR200 every two years for visa renewal, the proposal is that,

MORNING MINUTE

the government should collect 3% per cent of gross salary every month for two years

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com

OMAN

Promoting Omani arts in the region

MUSCAT: A proposal to revise the visa renewal fee for expatriate workers in Oman has been submitted by a Majlis Al Shura member, aiming at fair practice in fee collection and revenue generation for government, which is struggling due to global oil price dip.

“A proposal to revise the visa renewal fee for expatriates has been submitted. Instead of collecting only OMR200 from expatriates every two years for visa renewal, the proposal is that, the

government should go for collecting three per cent of gross salary every month for two years at the time of visa renewal,” Tawfiq Al Lawati, a Majlis Al Shura member, told Times of Oman.

“If we calculate an expatriate’s monthly gross salary as OMR1,000, then his two year salary will be OMR24,000. So, three per cent of it will be OMR720. According to the new proposal, he has to pay OMR720. Meanwhile, an expatriate drawing OMR100 should have to pay only OMR72, instead of the present OMR200. At present, those drawing OMR100

Eight people killed in two separate accidents in Oman

OMAN

REJIMON K

Innovation ‘vital’ in politics, forum told

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Innovation in politics and economy is the key to overcoming the problems and challenges the Arab World is facing, experts said during the 11th Annual Harvard Arab World Conference (HAWC), held in Muscat on Saturday. >A5

BUSINESS

Oman Air-SATS sign deal to handle cargo

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Oman Air and SATS, through its whollyowned subsidiary SATS Investments, on Saturday signed a joint venture agreement for cargo handling at Muscat International Airport. The new company will be renamed Oman SATS Cargo. >B1

‘Not a new one’ According to the Shura member, the revision proposed is not a new one and was in practice before 1996 in Oman.

Currently, there are 1,990,294 expatriates in Oman, according to government data and even if we calculate OMR200 as visa renewal fee per person, it would amount up to OMR398,058,800, as many leave Oman without renewing their visa to continue their stay after the two-year term.

An Indian expatriate said that this would eventually affect expatriate workers in Oman. “Companies may not bear the extra cost.

They may pass it on to expatriate worker,” Shameer PTK, the Indian expatriate worker, said. >A6

O N S AT U R D AY

Despite the rest of her family’s involvement in diplomatic affairs, Aisha Stoby, a young Omani woman who has years of experience in art history and curating was determined to follow her own path. >A3

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and OMR1,000 monthly gross salary are only paying OMR200 for visa renewal, which is unfair. The move can bring in fair practice and also generate more revenue for the government,” the Shura member added.

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

‘Get approvals, then announce new projects’ TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Eight people were killed in two separate accidents in Adam and Muscat on Saturday.

In an early morning accident, four members of an Indian family were killed in an accident when their vehicle crashed into the pillar of an over bridge in Al HORRIFIC CRASH: In an early Khuwair. morning accident, four members According to relatives and of an Indian family were killed friends of the family, the victims – Supplied picture were returning to Muscat after a sightseeing trip in Rustaq.

“The family was returning from The family hails from the westRustaq after a sightseeing trip. ern Indian state of Maharashtra.

Their vehicle reportedly lost control and crashed into the pillar of Four Emiratis killed the bridge in Al Khuwair near the Meanwhile, police sources said four Emiratis were killed in a road Muscat Bakery,” relatives said.

“The father, mother, younger accident in the Adam province on boy and an in-law have died in Saturday morning. Their fourthe accident,” the relatives, who wheel drive vehicle was involved in a head-to-head collision with a are shocked by the news, said.

The elder boy, who is a student truck at about 11.02am in the Auat the Indian School Wadi Kabir, is wafyah area, the official added.

The victims were heading back fighting for his life in the hospital.

“The accident happened at to the United Arab Emirates around 1:30am,” sources added. from Salalah.

Ali Al Habsi is Reading FC’s player of the month

C3

MUSCAT: Investors have been warned that they must get proper approvals for tourism projects from the authorities responsible prior to announcing their plans. Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman an official source at the Ministry of Tourism said, “If people want to begin developing a tourism project they must coordinate with the responsible authorities and receive approvals prior to announcing it.”

He explained that for projects to get ‘green light’ they must coordinate and receive approval from those responsible for the infrastructure, such as the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Public Authority for Electricity and Water among others. The warning was issued after members of the Shura Council raised questions before Ahmad Al Meherzi, minister of Tourism, about a project called Oman Oasis, which was announced in April last year. >A6

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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

OMAN

We have a full list of accredited universities from around the world on our website which the students can check before applying Khadija Al Qurashi, deputy director, Qualification Equivalency and Recognition Department, Ministry of Higher Education

Ministry advice on how to avoid fake varsity trap The number of people coming to the ministry with fake certificates has fallen

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Last year the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) got only 15 to 20 cases of fake degrees, compared with almost 50 cases a couple of years ago, a top official from the ministry has said.

The number of people coming to the ministry with fake certificates for equivalency has fallen in the last couple of years, and this is because of better awareness programmes conducted by MoHE, the official added.

“Earlier, we had about three to four students come to us with fake certificates, but now with better awareness programmes, we receive about one to two such cases per month,” said Khadija Al Qurashi, deputy director, Qualification Equivalency and Recognition Department at the Ministry.

“With an increasing number of dubious and unaccredited higher education institutions all over the world, we are trying to help out those applying from Oman to foreign universities to be careful and follow a checklist, so that they don’t become victims of fake universities.”

One of the main factors for this was that when the students applied to higher education institutions, they did not consult

the ministry.

“We have a full list of accredited universities from around the world on our website which the students can check before applying,” Khadija said.

In case an applicant intends to apply to a university which is not included in the list, they should first inform the ministry about it.

“The applicants should first come to us, they can’t apply to any other universities unless they consult us, and we will introduce this to our committee, who will approve the institutions if the conditions are fulfilled.”

In June 2015, it was reported in The New York Times that more than 200,000 people from the Gulf had bought fake university certificates from a fraudulent Pakistani company that allegedly made millions of dollars from the scam.

The only criteria for the university degree was a valid credit, where the applicant did not need to attend online classes or make study submissions, and the degrees were sent in a little over a fortnight.

List of criteria There is a list of criteria that a university has to meet before it is placed on the ministry’s list of recommended institutions, Khadija explained, “The university should be approved from the country where it exists, for instance, a university in Japan should be accredited from the Japanese government and not the United Kingdom, France or United States. We also keep in mind if the programme being offered is just for foreign students—if that’s the case, we don’t approve it, because that tells us that the institution is only trying to make money by giving degrees and offering very little knowledge

in return, sometimes they won’t even care if a student is attending classes or not.”

Apart from the list of accredited institutions, the ministry also has a separate list of recommended online universities on their website. “We don’t include online universities in our list or approve them unless if they have regular campuses, as well as the online courses.

Online courses The ministry is also very careful when it comes to approving online courses because not all types of courses can be studied online, this includes MBBS, Medicine, Engineering and other majors, but subjects, such as MBA or administration can be studied online because they involve only theory.

According to Khadija, the ministry has come across universities, which only have online courses and offices in different parts of the world, no physical campus whatsoever. “As a result, we have students sitting at home and getting certificates delivered to them, which is not right.”

When a student comes back to Oman after obtaining a degree, and applies for work, specifically in the public sector, they will be asked for an equivalency, which is what the “Qualification Equivalency and Recognition Department” at the ministry issues.

“So when people come to us for equivalency, we check everything about the higher education institution, including its rankings and will not issue the equivalency unless we know that the university is accredited.”

For details, students can visit the following link: https://eservices.mohe.gov.om /Student / FindExtUniversity.aspx

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

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‘OMAN QABOOS E-BOOK’ TO BE TRANSLATED Administration of Oman Qaboos Website have announced a new initiative to translate the ‘Oman Qaboos e-book’, under the supervision of a number of embassies accredited to the Sultanate who will also contribute to the translation. The book would be released in over 30 languages. — ONA

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Airport taxis get electronic meter payment system

A R T H I S T O R I A N A N D C U R AT O R

Promoting Sultanate’s arts in the region and beyond

NEW SYSTEM: The system is electronically regulated and overseen by a company, as opposed to the

individual driver himself. – Supplied photo

The head of transportation at OAMC confirmed that the new system was put into DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com

operation last Friday for all taxis operating at

MUSCAT: Despite the rest of her family’s involvement in diplomatic affairs, Aisha Stoby, a young Omani woman who has years of experience in art history and curating was determined to follow her own path.

Today she is proudly pursuing her PhD studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SAOS), University of London, the same university where she did her Bachelors degree specialising in Middle Eastern art from antiquity to contemporary from.

Apart from serving at the Bait Muzna gallery and the Omani Society for Fine Arts, Stoby has been associated with several other campaigns in Oman which help promote arts in the country.

“In 2010, I was the creative director of the first youth campaign of Omani women, under which I started an art foundation, which was specifically for women from the interiors of Oman who did not have access to art education.”

the Muscat International Airport

Help and support The idea was to help and support Omani women who were talented but lacked resources, “We brought them to Muscat and gave them art classes and an exhibition was organised by the end of it.”

Apart from this, she also served as an Omani art historian for a TATE exhibition titled ‘Nature

Staff Reporter PASSION FOR ART: Apart from serving at the Bait Muzna gal-

lery and the Omani Society for Fine Arts, Aisha Stoby has been associated with several other campaigns in Oman which help promote arts in the country. – Deeba Hasan

of Seeing’, that was held here in Oman under the ministry of culture and heritage.

Aisha’s journey, although eventful and challenging has been a smooth one, only because of her parents encouragement. “My parents are my biggest support and inspiration, there are times of uncertainties in the arts field where not as many people show up to see your exhibition or when there is a lack of awareness about it, but my parents have helped me push through all those limits and become what I am today.”

When growing up, Stoby was very interested in the arts field, but after sometime she realised she was more interested in pushing the arts forward than actually creating them herself.

“As soon as I heard what the word curator meant, I knew that was what I wanted to do. So I did my BA in the history of art and

during that time I was constantly coming back and forth to Oman, I was working on an exhibition here at the Bait Muzna gallery and the fine arts society.”

Stoby, who pursued her Masters degree from the Royal College of Art in London, has been part of exciting projects all over the world and more recently she was also involved with curating of the National Musuem in Oman.

For the last few years, Stoby has dedicated her life to promoting Omani arts in the region and beyond. “I am a firm believer that without culture we have no society I have seen with my eyes how progressive art is in Oman, it’s been such a privilege to be able to go abroad and show people, even within the gulf and the middle east who don’t know about Oman as they probably should, that we are doing such incredible things in our country.”

MUSCAT: For the first time, the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has introduced a new electronic meter payment system for airport taxis.

“The taxi meter system will not raise the usual taxi fees, but will help in regulating the taxis, while also enhancing overall transparency in the system,” an OAMC official said.

“The installation of these new

taxi meters is in line with the new strategy of the company, highlighted by the slogan ‘Growing gateways to beauty and opportunity,’” the official said.

The head of transportation at OAMC also confirmed that the new system was put into operation last Friday for all taxis operating at the Muscat International Airport.

Fares will start from OMR6, and will increase at the rate of 200 baisas per kilometre, which is comparable with the previous pricing,

but is more streamlined and transparent. The new pricing is also in line with those put in place in a majority of countries where this type of service is in use.

Furthermore, because the system is electronically regulated and overseen by a company, as opposed to the individual driver himself, it will be more readily appreciated and accepted by tourists visiting the country. In addition to the standard fees, the airport taxis also offers drop-offs to destinations outside of Muscat.

However, these destinations will use a fixed fee system starting from OMR15 for a trip to Barka, all the way to OMR250 for the trip to Salalah, in Dhofar.

OAMC also offers taxi bookings via its website at www.omanairports.com. Users are also welcomed to present their suggestions and queries on the taxi service to OAMC via a dedicated e-mail address – taxi@omanairports.com.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

OMAN

Horse racing season 2015-16 ends

Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highness Sayyid Hareb bin Thuwaini Al Said presided over the conclusion of the horse racing for 2015–2016 season, on Saturday. The race was organised by the Royal Horse Racing Club at the horse race track of Al Rahba Farm in the wilayat of Barka The event was graced by a number of members of the Royal Family, ministers and undersecretaries and other personalities interested in horse racing from within and outside the Sultanate. The race comprised ďŹ ve rounds and at the conclusion of which the chief guest honoured owners of the winning horses. The best horse award went to the Royal Horse Unit, the best trainer award went to Naseeb Said Al Badi and best horse rider award went to Anas Salim Al Siyabi. - ONA

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

Tweet all about it

SHARING VIEWS: Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs said one

should be open to advice from others on how to act in the best way. – OK Mohammed Ali

Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, and a member of a panel discussing the common grounds in regional conflicts, said one of the main reasons for the problems in the region is incapable administrations

ERIK PRINS

erik@timesofman.com MUSCAT: Innovation in politics and economy is the key to overcoming the problems and challenges the Arab World is facing, experts said during the 11th Annual Harvard Arab World Conference (HAWC), held in Muscat on Saturday.

The HAWC, with the theme “Innovation: Inspiring a New Arab World,” drew Arab alumni of Harvard University and a range of distinguished speakers in the fields of politics, academia, arts and culture and business. The conference, organised by the Harvard Arab Alumni Association (HAAA), explored a multitude of innovative initiatives emerging out of the Arab World.

OMAN

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Innovation vital, Harvard alumni conference told

Yousef bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, and a member of a panel discussing the common grounds in regional conflicts, said one of the main reasons for the problems in the region is incapable administrations, which are often not able to meet the demands of the growing populations, as well as their unwillingness to admit making mistakes.

“Many governments are not able to run a proper administration and wield their power capably enough to meet any difficulties,” he said. Taking the Arab League as an example, he said that “one hardly sees anyone who admits that he might be making mistakes.” He said that one should be open to advice from others on how to act in the best way. He concluded that the Arab League “should be enhanced.”

New way of thinking Mohammed bin Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, executive chairman of global investment group Investcorp, who wrote a book on successful innovators from the Arab World, “Arabs Unseen,” said a new way of thinking is needed to overcome the negative focus on the region. As the Minister said, Al Ardhi also stressed on the need to work together to find solutions for today’s challenges.

“What we need in the Middle East is new ways of thinking and people who can turn crazy ideas into something with permanent benefit to society. For too long, we have lived with the narrative that the Arab World is in turmoil, thriving with corruption, mired in violence, plagued by weak institutions and the chronic poverty of its people,” he said.

Al Ardhi also used the story of innovating individuals in his book as an example of people who share the same mindset, while

coming from different countries and different backgrounds: refusing to follow conventional ways of thinking, but instead coming with a vision on how to make things different, while taking risks and refusing to be beaten.

He said these individuals are living proof that amid reports of violence and chaos, positive change is possible.

“Find a cause and exchange your ideas with others to create the solution this region so urgently needs. Cultivate a frame of mind that we take risks, overcome the obstacles and look for collaborators who complement your own skills,” he said.

Hadi Al Bahra, member of the Syrian opposition movement and former President of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, said that while only a few Arab countries have a clear vision, “There is no clear vision for the Arab World.”

“We need to look at our history objectively, define our mishaps and faults and see how we can correct them. After that we can define our vision and a strategy on how to get there,” he said.

He added that he hoped for a democratic Middle East, “where all people can look forward to achieving a mutual plan for the whole region to achieve peace, prosperity and most importantly to bring a future for the young generation. We need to make room for the younger generation to lead the economy to prosperity.”

The HAAA was founded in 2001 with the objective of building a strong network among alumni of Harvard University with an interest in the Arab World, recognising that its Arab alumni community could have a profound impact on the Arab World when joining forces across diverse geographies, as well as educational and professional backgrounds.

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MILLENNIUM RESORT MUSSANAH

Tourist facilities showcased at international travel event Times News Service MUSSANAH: World-class facilities and amenities of the Millennium Resort Mussanah were showcased for the 180,000 plus visitors at the 50th Internationale Tourismus-Borse (ITB), that concluded in Berlin recently.

At the world’s leading tradeshow, over the course of five days, the resort’s delegation, led

by Mustafa Al Jundi, director of Sales and Marketing, reported a strong response from attendees, which looks set to further drive the growth of tourism in Oman.

Millennium Resort Mussanah’s booth attracted a number of international travel agencies, operators, and market-based representatives from Europe in addition to tourism-related organisations. The resort’s booth showcased the Zayna Spa, diving centre, family-friendly activities and some of the worldclass sporting events it has held

over the years. As a result, charter companies from France and Poland have confirmed their interest in the Millennium Resort Mussanah, with future talks scheduled to discuss the project further.

Started in 1966, ITB began as a small event in Berlin that has since grown to become the largest and most important trade show in the world. This year the event welcomed more than 5,000 journalists from 80 countries, 124 delegations, four royal houses, 48 ministers, 87 ambassadors, and 10,000 exhibiting companies. Business done during the annual tradeshow reached euros 7 billion for the first time.

The Millennium Resort Mussanah provides a world-class gym, health-fitness and fitness club.

Other leisure activities include three beach football pitches, a beach volleyball court, tennis courts, and an 18-hole mini golf course perfectly suited for families. Not to mention the ultra-fun

kids club that keeps the little ones busy during their stay. The resort retains a number of cutting edge sporting facilities, including five swimming pools, counting a ladies-only pool, two infinity pools, and an Olympic sized leisure pool.

From its very own 54-berth private Marina, guests can relish an array of aquatic activities. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching, diving, and trips to the stunning Ad Dimaniyat Islands.

Developed by Omran, the leading tourism-related investment‚ development and management company in Oman, Millennium Resort Mussanah is operated and is part of Millennium and Copthorne Hotels Plc. The Group is an owner-operator of high quality branded hotels in diverse locations attractive to business and leisure guests, with a particular focus on significant gateway cities and Asian emerging markets.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

OMAN

We should have rangers at all tourism sites, such as beaches, wadis (valleys) and mountains Batool Baqer, member of Cleanup Oman

V I S A F E E R E N E WA B L E P R O P O S A L

MWASALAT LAUNCHES RUWI-AL AMERAT ROUTE

‘Move will affect A1 those getting big salary package’ < FROM

Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) launched the Ruwi-Al Amerat route on Saturday morning. The company will operate buses on the route every 20 minutes starting at 6am until 9.40pm on weekdays and from 7am until 9.40pm during weekends and holidays. — ONA

“However, for a low-earning expatriate worker, this would be fine. But for those who have hefty package will be in trouble as companies may become reluctant to afford the visa fee,” Shameer added. At present, majority of the companies pay the visa renewal fee for their expatriate workers without collecting it from the workers.

Mohammed Al Khaldi, a trade unionist in Oman, said that these kind of moves should be carried out with proper study.

“Any kind of move which causes extra burden to migrant workers should be carried out only after proper study. Government should not put expatriate workers in more trouble,” Mohammed added.

‘Of place and places’ opens at Gallery Sarah Exhibition brings together Radhika Khimji’s photographic

price dip. A special panel has also been set up in the Shura to look into measures to overcome the economy crisis.

Oman’s new budget projects OMR3.3 billion in deficit spending for 2016, which it says, it will try to reduce by improving the non-oil revenues as well as cutting expenditure. Oman posted a budget deficit of OMR4.5 billion in 2015 as revenues declined by more than 50 per cent.

Official statistics show that Oman lost $14 billion worth of revenues in 2015 compared to a year earlier due to low oil prices.

down in Shinas’

ongoing research

MUSCAT: An art exhibition titled ‘Of Place and Places’ recently opened at Gallery Sarah, which marked Omani-Indian artist Radhika Khimji’s second solo show at the gallery. The exhibition brings together Khimji’s photographic collages and sculptural works which elaborate her ongoing research into place and places.

In the exhibition, the artist has used images of abandoned houses in Kutch, India as well as street

Tonia Gray, general manager at Competence HR, said that during the current economic difficulties whilst it is understandable that the government may seek ways to increase revenues, consideration should be given to the impact such a change would have on the private sector when the primary objective is to diversify. Such a move would be detrimental, particularly to sectors operating on tight margins eg construction and retail or to small businesses.

Oman has recently adopted several austerity measures to shore up revenue to cushion the budget deficit caused due to oil

A1 ‘Fake project shut

which elaborate her

deeba@timesofoman.com

Current economic difficulties

< FROM

sculptural works

DEEBA HASAN

Mohammed Al Khaldi

Trade unionist in Oman

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

collages and

into place and places

Any kind of move which causes extra burden to migrant workers should be carried out only after proper study

SOLO SHOW: ‘Of Place and Places’ will be on till the 20th of April 2016 from 9.30am till 6pm, Saturday to Thursday at Gallery Sarah at Bait Al Zubair. — Supplied picture

scenes in Muscat in order to explore resonances and similarities between the two places. There is a sense of lacking, of absence, in both sites, and an emptiness that is in direct contrast to the sculptures present in such close proximity within the same space.

One of the aspects of her artistic practice is the search for landscape as a site for her sculptures to belong within. Yet, there is a loud impossibility of the two ever meeting here, as the collages remain on the gallery walls while Khimji’s sculptures live in space: both are different and therefore negotiate space differently.

Sculptures perform different gestures and are tied together by wool incorporating wooden backgrounds as support.

This particular body of sculptural work brings to attention gesture and how the body performs in space.

The photo collages form the beginning of a new series entitled Across the Tropic of Cancer, based on research into the Kutchi communities of Oman, the place in India where Khimji’s ancestors come from, their heritage and how they first they arrived in Oman.

Radhika graduated from the Royal Academy of Art in 2005. Her

previous solo exhibitions include B-Sides at Nature Morte Gallery in India (2009), Safe landings at Barka Castle in Oman (2010), Found Gesture at the Katara art Center in Qatar (2012). Her work was also part of the Jogja Biennale (2013), Fragments 2 at Gallery Sarah (2014), the 4th Ghetto Biennale, Port –Au – Prince, Haiti (2015) and more recently 6th Marrakesh Biennale, Marrakesh, Morocco (2016) and Art Dubai (2016).

‘Of Place and Places’ will be on display till the 20th of April 2016 from 9.30am till 6pm, Saturday to Thursday at Gallery Sarah at Bait Al Zubair.

Al Meherzi said the project does not exist and that it was announced by an Omani businessman, adding that the Ministry of Tourism has nothing to do with it.

The $6 billion (OMR2.31b)project was supposed to be built in Shinas, Governorate of Musandam, which included five and seven-star hotels, an international sports hospital, health club, villas, chalets, port, mosque and a shopping mall.

Two-day meeting This was during a two-day meeting with the Shura Council to discuss the current status of the tourism sector in Oman and future plans. The businessman held a press conference in April 2015 announcing a tourism project

without coordinating or receiving prior approval from the responsible authorities regarding project development, which had prompted the Ministry of Tourism to conduct an investigation.

Looking to buy a plot The source said the businessman was looking to buy a plot of land from the owner, but had already agreed to a deal with foreign investors to develop the project.

“When the original owner found out that his land will be used for the project, he refused to sell it to him,” said the source.

He added that the project was shut down in cooperation with the responsible authorities after conducting an investigation into the matter.

6 T H A N N UA L S T U D E N T F E S T I VA L

Official logo, programme schedule released Times News Service SUR: Media committee of the 16th Annual Student Festival has released the official logo of the festival, along with the programme of events.

The official logo will be used in all the official communication belonging to the festival. Invitation cards, identity cards, posters, banners, pamphlets, and hoardings

with the official logo are being prepared to be used.

Three-day mega event The three-day mega event will begin on April 11 at the College of Applied Sciences (CAS) Sur. It will provide an opportunity to students of the applied sciences colleges across Oman to display their creativity. The central theme of the festival is ‘Creativity.’

Ibrahim Al Gharibi, chairman of the media committee, said, “The logo of the festival represents the creativity of the human mind. It also has the logo of CAS colleges. The logo represents that creativity is in the mind of every human being.”

“With proper training and direction, we can develop them to be creative,” Al Gharibi added.

Approximately 150 to 200 stu-

dents from different colleges are expected to participate in different events and more than double this number of students, along with their parents, is expected to attend the events.

Besides the students and faculty members from different colleges, respected members of local Omani community are also expected to attend the three-day event.

W I L D L I F E C O N S E RVAT I O N

Nature advocates seek to A1 deploy environment police < FROM

“This will help protect the dunes from negative habits practiced by some people, which harm the wildlife components,” the minister explained, adding that the new ruling will be issued in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and other authorities.

He further said that until that date, there will be 46 units set up for wildlife conservation across Oman, and that the Ministry of Environment is working on creating more units, depending on financial resources.

Nature advocates in Oman have called upon authorities to deploy the environment police in order to curb bad environmental habits, such as littering.

In a Twitter poll conducted by

Cleanup Oman, a volunteer group, 84 per cent of the 458 voters supported the idea of having environment police in Oman.

“We should have rangers at all tourism sites, such as beaches, wadis (valleys) and mountains,” said Batool Baqer, a member of Cleanup Oman.

She added that employees at these spots must be authorised to impose fines on litterbugs, illegal hunters, animals and birds’ traffickers and factories dumping trash in waters and springs.

One of the main tasks of the rangers must be to protect the Sultanate’s marine life from any pollution, such as oils leaks, Baqer added. “If people who litter are forced to pay OMR20 or

OMR50 out of their own pockets, they will never litter again,” she said, while stressing that such an initiative will definitely stop the bad habit of littering or any other habits that may cause damage to the environment or the wild life in Oman. Asked if the campaigns launched by official authorities in Oman are effective, Baqer explained that generating awareness alone is not enough.

“For many years, awareness lectures and campaigns have been conducted and messages are being delivered through all social media, TV and print, but people are still littering,” she said, “I think this is the time to formulate rules and fines and actually implement them.”

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

A7

OMAN Tourist inflow doubled in ten years Number of inbound tourists visiting the Sultanate has grown by around 40 per cent every half decade.

The total number of visitors stood at 1.1m in 2005, 1.5m in 2010 and 2.1m in 2014

MUSCAT: Inbound visitors to the Sultanate have doubled over the decade 2005-2014 while domestic tourists more than tripled, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The number of inbound tourists visiting the Sultanate has grown by around 40 per cent every half decade. The total number of visitors stood at 1.1 million in 2005, 1.5 million in 2010 and 2.1 million in 2014. As for the reasons for travelling, visiting friends and relatives was the major one at 38.7 per cent, followed by leisure and recreation, which accounted for 34.3 per cent while 18.7 per cent visited Oman for business purposes.

The relative share of inbound tourism in the leisure and recrea-

AV I AT I O N

BUSINESS SHOW

Air passenger traffic at Salalah, Muscat airports register rise MUSCAT: Passenger traffic (including transit & transfer passengers) through Muscat International Airport increased by 20 per cent to 1,924,815 passengers during February 2016 compared to 1,597,660 passengers for the same period of 2015.

Statistics released by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) showed an increase in the arrival passengers by 22 per cent to 987,155 passengers as at the end of February 2016 comparing to 809,283 passengers for the same period of the year 2015.

The number of departing passengers has also increased by 20 per cent to 933,842 passengers as at the end of February 2016 comparing to 778,092 passengers for the same period of the year 2015.

The increase in arrival and departure traffic at Muscat International Airport is attributed to the increasing in the number of flights

tion segment has been stagnant for the past four years ended 2014 at around 34 per cent, which is down from 47 per cent logged in 2010.

The total number of same-day visitors increased by 9 per cent to 578,876 visitors in 2014 compared with prior year, but exhibited less growth than the period between 2012 and 2013, exhibiting a 12 per cent rise from 472,805 visitors to 531,096 visitors.

In the period 2011-2012, the rise was even higher at 26 per cent, with figures increasing from 374,658 to 472,805. Since 2005, the total number of inbound tourists has been growing by an average 7.4 per cent.

Inbound tourism expenditure reached OMR250.9 million in

operated by existing airlines, such as Bangladesh Airlines, Etihad Airlines and SpiceJet. In terms of Air Cargo traffic at Muscat International Airport, Aviation Statistics indicated an increase in the total unloaded and loaded freight by 11 per cent, with total shipment (21,548 ton) compared to (19,419 ton) in the same period in 2015.

Salalah Airport has an increase by 20 per cent in the total number of arriving and departing passengers to 174,687 passengers as at the end of February 2016 compared to 145,947 passengers for the same period of 2015.

As for the movement of Air Cargo at Salalah Airport, freight traffic recorded a 10 per cent decrease in total unloaded and loaded freight, bringing the shipment to (221 ton) as at the end of February 2016 compared to (246 ton) in the same period in 2015. — ONA

Comex 2016 to kick off on April 12 MUSCAT : Comex 2016, 26th edition of the IT, telecom and technology show will kick off on 12th April at Oman International Exhibition Centre.

The five-day event is being organised by Oman International Trade and Exhibitions.

As more as 100 companies will take part in the Comex 2016 that aims to showcase the latest developments and solutions in the world of information technology (IT). A new section will be launched for e-economy.

It will focus on the importance of e-purchase for small projects. The exhibitors will present products and services in relation to payment portals, financial and banking services platforms, retail sale and customers dealing systems, as well as Comex smart offers. Noted speakers will discuss major issues related to latest developments in the ICT. -ONA

2014, marking a 10.4 per cent increase over OMR227.3 million in 2013 while the average expenditure per visitor rose to OMR119.6 in 2014, logging a significant growth of 31 per cent compared to 2009 when total expenditure per visitor stood at OMR91.10.

Around 72.4 per cent of all visitors stayed more than one night, with the remaining 27.6 per cent being same-day visitors. Other GCC nationals accounted for the majority of visitors at 45.8 per cent, followed by visitors from Asian countries at 22.6 per cent, and those from Europe at 19.2 per cent. Arab nationals made up 6.2 per cent while visitors from other nations had a share of 6.2 per cent, mostly the Americas and Ocean-

ians. Overnight stays totalled 11.3 million nights, with an average of 7.4 nights per tourist.

Hotel and hotel apartments served 46.6 per cent of all overnight tourists while 36.4 per cent of arrivals stayed with relatives or friends. Furnished flats accounted for 4 per cent. Out of the 2.1 million visitors in 2014, as many as 1.3 million visitors, or 62.3 per cent were males and 0.8 million, or 37.7 per cent, were females.

However, the share of the tourism industry in Oman’s GDP diminished to 2.2 per cent in 2014 from 2.3 per cent in 2005.

Overnight visitors surged from 891 to 1,519, even as average nights spent by visitors increased from 5.0 to 7.4 during the same period.

The total number of nights spent by the tourists went up from 4.41 million in 2005 to 11.28 million in 2014. Same-day visitors on the other hand numbered 579 in 2014 as against 211 in 2005.

Meanwhile, the Sultanate saw an increase in outbound visitors over the period, from over 2.49 million visitors to 4.72 million visitors. Among them same-day visitors numbered nearly 1.37 million in 2014 as against 478,000 logged in 2005. Further, while an outbound tourist spend on average OMR115.4 in 2005, the amount declined to OMR87.7 by 2014. Total outbound tourism expenditure registered a significant growth to reach OMR414.4 million as against OMR287.9 million in 2005. -ONA

A8

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

REGION EGYPT

Policeman gets life for killing driver CAIRO: An Egyptian court sentenced a policeman to life imprisonment on Saturday for killing a rickshaw driver during an argument over a fare, a case that has fuelled public anger about perceived police brutality.

Police Sergeant Mostafa Abdel Haseeb shot tuk-tuk driver Mohamed Ismail, 25, fatally in the head following the dispute in February. residents tried to catch Abdel Haseeb and kill him as he fled the scene, and hundreds of people gathered soon afterwards outside the Cairo’s police headquarters in protest.

Saturday’s verdict, which can be appealed, highlights mounting public concern about alleged excesses by Egypt’s police force.

In February, thousands of doctors held a rare protest against police officers they say beat two doctors at a Cairo hospital for refusing to falsify medical records. — Reuters

Libya oil firm, UN-mediated government bid to boost sales to reopen export ports it has been blockading, I hope NOC and the country’s oil resources can provide a solid platform on which the country’s recovery can be built,” Sanalla said in a statement.

The new government received the endorsement of the PFG, a semi-official armed faction that controls key oil installations in the east, some of which it has shut down amid political disputes.

The new unity government received the endorsement of a semi-official armed faction that controls key oil installations in the east SUPPORT: Pro-UN-backed government protesters gesture from

a car as they take part in a demonstration in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Friday. - AFP

TRIPOLI: Libya’s National Oil Corporation said on Saturday it was working with the UN-backed unity government, which arrived in Tripoli few days ago, to coordinate future oil sales and “put a period of divisions and rivalry behind

us”. NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla also welcomed the UN Security Council’s renewal on Thursday of measures to prevent illicit oil exports from Libya, a reference to

efforts by Libya’s eastern government to sell oil independently.

“Combined with the recent announcement by the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) that it intends

Armed factions Libya’s oil production has been slashed by rivalry between armed factions, attacks by IS militants and labour disputes, falling to less than a quarter of the 1.6 million barrels per day produced before the uprising.

The unity government emerged from a UN-mediated deal signed in December that has faced continuing opposition from hardliners inside Libya. Its leaders trav-

elled to Tripoli on Wednesday and have been operating out of a heavily secured naval base in the capital as they seek to gain control of government ministries and financial institutions.

PFG spokesman Ali Al Hassi said on Thursday that the guard was prepared to reopen eastern oil terminals at Zuetina, Es Sider, and Ras Lanuf, though he could not say when this might happen.

The latter two ports have been repeatedly attacked and damaged

by IS. Libya’s eastern government issued a statement on Saturday saying that if any ports were reopened, oil should only be exported with the approval of a parallel NOC that it has tried to set up in Benghazi. The parallel NOC’s efforts to export oil have so far been unsuccessful, with major oil trading firms and the international community continuing to support the NOC in Tripoli. — Reuters

DE-MINING IRAQ OILFIELD

De-mining teams search for landmines in Rumaila oilfield in Basra province, Iraq, on Saturday. — Reuters

K I L L I N G S B Y I S M I L I TA N T S

Syria identifies 45 bodies found in Palmyra grave BEIRUT: Syrian troops have identified 45 bodies so far in a mass grave found in the city of Palmyra after it was recaptured from IS, a military source told Reuters on Saturday.

Syrian government forces backed by heavy Russian air support drove IS out of Palmyra last Sunday, inflicting what the army called a mortal blow to militants who had dynamited the city’s ancient temples.

The communal grave, on the north-eastern edge of Palmyra, is the only one found so far in the city by the Syrian forces, the source said.

It held the bodies of both civilians and Syrian army members captured by IS. Syrian state news agency SANA said on Friday the grave contained many women and children and some of the bodies had been beheaded.

Captured in last May In May last year, as IS took control of Palmyra, the hard-line extremist militants were reported

by Syrian state media to have killed at least 400 people in the first four days of control.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the five-year-old Syrian conflict through a network of sources on the ground, said that IS had killed

Syrian state news agency SANA said on Friday the grave contained many women and children and some of the bodies had been beheaded

a number of people at an earlier time and buried them on the outskirts of the city. The Observatory reported on Saturday that fighting between Syrian forces and IS around Qaryatain to the west of Palmyra.

It also reported, and Russian and Syrian air strikes in the same area and to the east of Palmyra around the town of Sukhna.

Attacks by government forces against IS positions to the around Palmyra are aimed at moving east across the desert to IS-held Deir Al Zor near the Iraqi border, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad has said. — Reuters

A10

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

INDIA

Government has started a programme called e-migrate. In the coming days, we are working to regularise migration Narendra Modi, Prime minister

TIER-2 VISA RULES

Modi takes up issue of UK visa with David Cameron WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised the issue of change in Tier-2 visa rules with British counterpart David Cameron, saying skilled IT professionals from India should not find it difficult to come to work in the UK. During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) here on Friday, Modi raised the issue of change in the UK visa law, which will impact professionals earning below £35,000 annually.

“Prime Minister also raised the issue of Tier II visas for IT companies. He said skilled professionals should not find it difficult to come to work in the UK,” Ministry of

External Affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup said. “And, in this context the recommendations made by the migration advisory committee could caste a negative light.”

According to the new rule, professionals living and working in Britain on a Tier-2 visa who earn less than £35,000 a year could be deported at the end of five years of their stay in the country.

Earlier, a Tier-2 visa holder could apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK with an annual income of around £21,000. The new rule comes into effect on April 6 and is likely to affect thousands of Indian skilled professionals.

“Cameron promised to take a

look at it. He said we do not want to disadvantage bonafide IT companies, but at the same time we would also want to ensure that the UK system is not misused,” Swarup said.

Indian professionals form the largest category of individuals issued such visas by the UK over the years. According to UK’s office of national statistics, of the 55,589 Tier-2 sponsored visa applications cleared in 2014-2015, nearly 78 per cent were for Indians (31,058).

The exact figure of those affected by the salary threshold requirements remains uncertain but it is estimated to be between 30,000 and 40,000 workers.

During the Modi-Cameron meeting, other issues relating to defence cooperation and ‘Make in India’ initiative were also discussed. The two leaders recalled Modi’s visit to London last year, during which India and the UK signed deals worth nine billion pounds and inked a civil nuclear pact, Swarup said.

Modi said ties between the two countries had become “richer and deeper”. Both leaders reviewed the decisions taken during Modi’s visit - in particular the launch rupee bonds at the London Stock Exchange. Cameron expressed happiness that it was proceeding very well. - PTI

BOOSTING TIES: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands

with Prime Minister of United Kingdom David Cameron during a bilateral meeting at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on Friday. - PTI

‘India has ignited new hope in world, seen as bright star’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the World Bank and all the rating agencies say that the economic development in India has generated a ‘ray of hope’ and some say India is a ‘bright star’

RIYADH: India has strengthened its economy despite the adverse global conditions and has ignited a “new hope” in the world, with some describing it as a “bright star”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Saturday.

He said India has a lot to give to the world, particularly in terms of talented workforce with modern skills, and his government is working in this direction with the mantra of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas’ (with all, development for all).

Addressing a gathering of Indian community here on the first day of his two-day visit, Modi said India was earlier “one of the countries” in the world but now it has

ENGROSSED: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Governor of Riyadh Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud at the

Riyadh airport on Saturday. - PTI

become “very important country”.

“Despite adverse conditions globally, India has strengthened its economy.... Today, India is progressing economically and the world is looking at us...The country of over a crore people can do a lot,” he said.

The prime minister said that India has ignited “new hope” and “new excitement” because of its democratic values and the government’s mantra of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas’. He said the World Bank and all the rating agencies say that the economic development in India has generated a “ray of hope” and some say India is a “bright star”.

Modi said one of the reasons for

the country’s economic progress is the political stability.

He noted that India now has a government with full majority after 30 years. He said India’s youth is the country’s strength.

“The world needs a workforce that is talented and well versed with technology,” the prime minister said, adding India is making strides in agriculture, industry and services sector.

Multi-lingual helpline Reaching out to expatriates, Modi announced a 24X7 multi-lingual helpline for them and said a move to regularise migration was in the offing through an online programme. Asserting that the expa-

triates could count on the Indian government in the times of crisis, he said they could use the avenues like the MADAD portal to reach the government for help.

Specifically for Indians in Saudi Arabia, he announced the setting up of worker resource centres in Riyadh and Jeddah to provide them with all necessary help.

Addressing a gathering of L&T workers who are constructing metro rail here, he said the country was proud of their contribution which has enhanced India’s image abroad and opened doors for overseas employment opportunities for their compatriots.

“Whenever any good news regarding you people comes, I feel as

happy as your family. When there is news of some concern regarding you, I feel the pain like your family would because you are my family,” Modi said, adding that he shared their happiness and sorrow.

“Government has started a programme called e-migrate. In the coming days, we are working to regularise migration,” he said.

“In the coming days, we plan to establish worker resource centres in Riyadh and Jeddah to meet your needs and there will also be a 24X7 helpline. A call centre will be established whose facilities can be availed in different languages and through this helpline you can share your problems,” Modi said.

He asked them to use forums like MyGov website and ‘Narendra Modi Mobile App’ “through which you can reach me and I can communicate with you.”

“By using this I will be in your pocket all the time. When you can have your prime minister in your pocket, what more do you want,” Modi said, evoking peals of laughter. “I am free 24 hours. I have no work. I have the work of over 125 crore people. I have no work of my own,” he said.

He said the government has been trying to address the problems of the Indians abroad and cited the example of evacuation undertaken in Yemen. In this context, he praised External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj saying she and her team are giving priority to these issues.

“The MEA, the entire team of officials, Sushmaji...they are always helping Indians who face any problems overseas,” he added. - PTI

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Mehbooba invited to form government JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N. N. Vohra on Saturday invited Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti to form the government in Indian-administered-Kashmir, who will become its first woman chief minister.

“Governor N N Vohra today invited President of the People’s Democratic Party Mehbooba Mufti to form and lead the PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir”, an official Raj Bhawan spokesman said.

He said the Governor’s invitation to Mufti follows the earlier discussions with the PDP and BJP presidents regarding the formation of the new government and the subsequent communications received from both the parties, including state chief of BJP Sat Sharma.

“The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 4 at the Raj Bhawan in Jammu”, the spokesman said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had on Friday sent its letter of support for the Mehbooba Mufti-led government in Jammu and Kashmir to the Governor.

“Today our party has sent a letter to the Governor stating that from our side we are ready to form the government whenever the PDP leadership decides to move ahead and we are ready to join them”, BJP national General Secretary Ram Madhav had said. - PTI

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

P I C T O R I A L WA R N I N G S

Government slams tobacco manufacturers of halting production NEW DELHI: Slamming the decision of tobacco manufacturers to halt production, the Central government on Saturday hardened its stand on the implementation of larger pictorial warnings on such products, saying it will take all the necessary steps to curb tobacco use in the country.

The Union Health Ministry said there is “no ambiguity” in the policy in this regard and it has been made “crystal clear” that products packaged after April 1 will have to carry larger warnings.

“We want to clarify that there is no ambiguity. This is a bogey raised by the tobacco industry. The case is crystal clear. We had issued the notification in September last year. If they had found an ambiguity, why did they send their letter in March, 2016,” a senior ministry official said.

The comment comes a day after major cigarette manufacturers, including ITC, Godfrey Phillips and VST, decided to shut all their factories and stop production citing an “ambiguity” in the policy mandating larger pictorial warnings covering 85 per cent of the packaging space.

The ministry’s September 24, 2015, notification for the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2014, which prescribes larger pictorial warnings on tobacco products came into force on Friday.

Sources said the ministry implemented the decision after the Rajasthan High Court directed it to do so. They added that the tobacco manufacturers “should go to the court if they have an issue with

The Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation had described as ‘too harsh’ the government’s proposal that 85% of the packaging surface carry pictorial warnings and recommended that the message occupy 50% of the space

the government’s notification”.

Notwithstanding a parliamentary panel’s recommendation for a drastic reduction in the size after it described the proposal for 85 per cent pictorial warning as being “too harsh”, the Centre has gone ahead with its implementation.

Meanwhile, FMCG major ITC

on Saturday said it is not ready to print larger pictorial warnings on its cigarette packs, as required under a new norm of the Indian government, and its factories will be shut till clarity emerges on the matter. Since Friday, under a new government notification, tobacco products are required to carry

larger pictorial warnings covering 85 per cent of the display area on packets. Insisting that “the question of the legality of the new warnings has been and continues to be pending before the Court”, the company said it “did not commit to wasting substantial resources in creating the large number of cylinders and other tools necessary for a change-over of the warnings”.

“As a result, the company is at present not in readiness to print the health warnings,” the company said in a BSE filing.

“ITC has been compelled to shut its cigarette factories with effect from April 1, 2016, until clarity emerges in the current uncertain state of the rules on health warning,” it added.

The company further said the implementation of any change in the health warnings on the

cigarette packages is an elaborate process for the manufacturers, entailing months of preparation involving substantial cost and effort.

“Since the matter of new health warning was under the Parliamentary Committee’s consideration, and the government had itself held out that it would await the committee’s report, the industry was led to believe that the government would re-notify new health warnings after considering the committee’s recommendations,” it added.

The Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation had described as “too harsh” the government’s proposal that 85 per cent of the packaging surface carry pictorial warnings and recommended that the message occupy 50 per cent of the space. The stand had evoked sharp criticism from MPs and health experts. - PTI

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

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INDIA

SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY INSTALL WHATSNEWS

Rahul hopeful of coalition government in West Bengal Accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of unleashing ‘dictatorship’, Rahul said his party has joined hands with the Left Front to defeat Trinamool Congress in the state where corruption is rampant

NIYAMATPUR/DURGAPUR: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday shared stage with the leaders of the Left Front, with which his party has entered into seat-sharing for the Assembly elections in eastern Indian state of West Bengal, and expressed confidence about formation of a coalition government in the state.

Accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of unleashing “dictatorship”, he said his party has joined hands with the Left Front to defeat Trinamool Congress in the state where corrup-

JOINT CAMPAIGN: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi handing over his party flag during his first election campaign jointly with Left Front parties, for the upcoming Assembly polls in Niyamatpur on Saturday. - PTI

tion is rampant.

“Congress and Left Front government will come to power in the state after the election,” he told election meetings of the two parties. Rahul said when he asked Congress leaders in the state as to how they wanted to fight the polls, they replied that they “don’t want her dictatorship and want to join hands with the Left to defeat Trinamool Congress”.

“I told them if you want this, it will be done. Now stand up together with the Left and defeat TMC,”

he said. Hitting out at Mamata, the Congress vice president alleged that she had unleashed a “dictatorship” in the state.

“Five years back in the 2011 Assembly polls, we had not extended support to her for starting a dictatorship,” he said.

Referring to the Narada sting operation against TMC leaders, he said, “No action has been taken against them. No action has been taken against those involved in Saradha scam in five years by Mamata.” Rahul charged that

A1 1

“corruption in Bengal under TMC rule has reached such a point that Congress and Left have come together to fight and defeat TMC”.

Congress and Left Front workers attended Rahul’s meetings on a sultry day on the campaign trail for the upcoming polls and the Congress vice president expressed happiness that they had turned up to hear him.

Rahul urged Congress workers to go to the people and seek their support for helping the formation of a coalition government in Ben-

gal. The Congress Vice President said the Congress-Left Front government would be a “people’s government”.

Former state minister and ex-CPI(M) MP Bangsagopal Chowdhury, who was present on the stage with Rahul at Niyamatpur, said the “terror and atrocities unleashed by TMC” as well as the corruption under its rule had forced the Left to join hands with Congress.

Rahul, meanwhile, also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he accused him of trying to “kill democracy” in the country. He further charged that Mamata was “doing the same” in West Bengal.

“Modiji is trying to crush democracy in the country. He has brought down Congress governments in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the most arbitrary manner,” he said.

“He (Modi) wants there to be only one leader in the country and that is himself,” he said.

“When I meet TMC MPs in Parliament, they say it is only what she (Mamata) wants that is done.

None of them has any say. It is the same in BJP as well,” he said.

“We want Bengal to have a government in which everyone has a voice,” said Rahul.

Meanwhile, campaigning for the initial part of the first phase of Assembly polls in West Bengal ended on Saturday, two day before 18 constituencies of Maoistaffected areas in West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura will vote. -P TI

UNDER-CONSTRUCTION

Kolkata flyover collapse toll rises to 26 KOLKATA: Two more bodies were extricated from underneath the pile of debris of the collapsed under-construction flyover in Kolkata, capital of West Bengal pushing the death toll to 26 even as one more official of Hyderabad-based IVRCL engaged in its construction was arrested.

Tanmay Sil, an officer of IVRCL, was arrested during the day when he was trying to flee, police said.

Three senior officials of the construction and engineering company were arrested by Kolkata Police on Friday night in connection with their probe into the mishap.

Kolkata Police disaster management team along with fire fighters extricated bodies of two men from underneath the rubble of concrete, which was possibly part of a small temple at the mishap site, a senior Kolkata Police officer said.

The number of people injured was 89, he said.

“This area is quite critical because of its proximity to residential buildings along the road. We were getting foul smell from underneath the rubble but we have to be very cautious while carrying out the rescue work...A single wrong step can lead to another mishap by bringing down the other part of the flyover,” the officer said.

A portion of the under-construction Vivekananda flyover, which was reportedly around 60-metre long collapsed on the afternoon of March 31. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited the site and met the injured in hospital during the day. -PTI

B ATT L E O F P R E S T I G E

Modi’s popularity test, Congress revival linked to Assam poll results NEW DELHI: Never since its historical elections in the 1970s — the peak of the Assam students’ movement — has the northeastern state generated so much interest in its polls nationally.

Among the five states going in for assembly elections in April and May, the battle for Assam is turning out to be the mother of all elections for 2016, in more ways than one. It’s a battle of prestige for both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

With the so-called ‘Narendra Modi phenomenon’ having failed the party in bringing any electoral success in 2015 in Bihar and in Delhi, Assam would be keenly watched to see whether the prime minister’s image would sway the electorate.

For the Congress, which has just lost power in two states — Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand — to political manipulations, a win would be an immense booster. In a peculiar turn of events, both the Congress and the BJP face similar challenges.

In no other state where elections are being held in this round are the two major national parties vying for power in a direct contest.

Both face internal dissension in the run up to the polls and need to improve their performance in the

regional bastions of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). Congress insiders say the party’s revival in national politics would largely depend on its performance in Assam, because this will show whether it has ben able to retain the party’s traditional hold among minorities and tribals.

“The Congress party’s success in Bihar was only symbolic as the entire credit for it was stolen by the caste combination of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav. Assam would is the real challenge,” a key Congress leader from Assam said on condition of anonymity.

Anti-incumbency wave The leader admitted that the RALLY: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with BJP’s chief ministerial party faced a strong anti-incum- candidate Sarbananda Sonowal at an election rally for the upcoming bency wave in several seats it Assembly polls in the Kalinagar district of Assam, recently. - PTI had won in Assam in 2011 and the bigger challenge would be Dissension and desertion has to make a dent in the support base ing at least five districts where hobbled the Congress. Immediof regional outfits — the AGP and Muslims are in sizeable numbers.

According to the 2011 census, ately after Congress announced pro-minority AIUDF of perfumenine out of Assam’s 27 districts its first list of Congress candidates, baron Badruddin Ajmal.

For its part, the BJP, which is have substantial presence of rebellion surfaced in key hubs like exuding confidence following a Muslim voters — who can tilt the Lakhimpur, Mahmora and Duliafavourable opinion poll earlier balance either way. With AGP jan. Amia Gogoi, the Congress legthis week, hopes to reap dividends and Bodo People’s Front (BPF) islator from Duliajan, was not hapfrom voters’ disenchantment in won over as allies, BJP thinks it py as the ticket went to newcomer Dhruba Jyoti Gogoi. traditional Congress seats, includ- has an advantage.

MONEY LAUNDERING PROBE

ED issues third summons to Mallya NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday issued the third and possibly the last summons to liquor baron Vijay Mallya to present himself before its investigators on April 9 in Mumbai in connection with money laundering probe in the over Rs 900 crore IDBI loan fraud case.

Mallya had on Friday sought time till May to depose before the agency, expressing his inability to keep the scheduled date for Saturday at the ED’s zonal office in Mumbai. Official sources said the investigating officer (IO) at ED’s Mumbai office on Saturday issued fresh summons to the United Breweries (UB) group Chairman to personally appear before him on April 9. ED officials hinted that this could possibly be the last summons to Mallya as the IO had allowed his plea to postpone his appearance till now, both on technical and legal grounds.

They said, under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), usually a maximum of three summons are sent and that would be completed by the fresh date on

Vijay Mallya

Saturday next.

They also added that the IO had turned down Mallya’s request for giving him time till May as his joining the probe was important and hence he only gave him a week’s time, till Saturday next.

It is understood that Mallya had on Friday informed the IO that cases related to bank loans were currently subjudice in the Supreme Court and he was trying to settle these loans with the help of his legal and corporate team and, hence, would require some more time. If he again fails to appear on April 9, sources said, the ED could initiate legal action for

revoking his passport and also get a non-bailable warrant against him issued by a court.

Mallya was first summoned by the agency to “appear in person” at its office in Mumbai on March 18 but he sought more time citing his prior engagements, following which the agency asked him to depose on April 2. Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KFA) had on March 30 submitted to the Supreme Court in a sealed cover a proposal for repayment of Rs 40 billion out of the loan amount of Rs69.03 billion to a consortium of banks led by State Bank of India

by September this year.

He is currently reported to be in the UK after he left India on March 2. The UB group Chairman was first issued summons by ED under the provisions of PMLA to provide documents related to his personal investments and finances, Income Tax Returns for the last five years and his passport.

The ED had recently registered a money laundering case against Mallya and others, based on an FIR registered last year by the CBI. - PTI

There is also usual allegation of promotion of dynasty in the Congress even at the block and assembly segment levels.

In Aamguri, Ankita Dutta, daughter of state unit president Anjan Dutta, has been fielded while in Sarupathar, ticket went to Rosenila Tirkey, daughter of sitting MLA Aklius Tirkey.

Gautam Dhanowar, son of Digboi legislator Rameswar Dhanowar, and Pallabi Saikia Gogoi, the daughter-in-law of Teok legislator Membar Gogoi also has angered grassroots workers.

Moreover, they say, BJP is trying to make inroads into the hubs of smaller tribals including Manipuris to wrest Lakhipur seat in Cachar valley. Manipuris in Lakhipur, Sonai and Udharbond constituencies have already given the visiting BJP team from Manipur a warm welcome.

The BJP is also trying to make inroads among tribals like Rabha, Missing, Karbi, Dimasa and Rajbongshis. The saffron party’s chief ministerial candidate, Sarbanand Sonowal, belongs to the Kachari scheduled tribe.

With tribal and communitywise combinations, the BJP’s poll managers feel the party and its alliance partners can wrest traditional Congress seats like Marigaon,

Bokakhat, Sarupathar, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli (ST), Haflong (ST), Bokajan (ST), Howraghat (ST), Diphu (ST), Sonari, Sibsagar, Duliajan and Digboi. But there are factors which pose a challenge to the BJP-led saffron alliance.

“In many constituencies, BJP is still considered a party of traders and will not be acceptable to a large section of the Assamese electorate,” says Assam pradesh Congress chief Anjan Dutta.

The BJP counters this saying things have changed.

The party is playing national security card to the hilt and has pledged efforts to seal the borders with Bangladesh to prevent infiltration.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP riding on the Modi wave, won seven of the 14 seats in Assam and had increased vote share to 36.6 per cent, Sonowal said.

“The alliance now expects that in the upcoming polls, the BJP’s vote share in Assam will jump to 44-45 per cent,” said BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya.

This confidence is also guided by the fact that in 2014, the Congress vote share had declined to 29.9 per cent from 39 in 2011.

Recent polls, though, predict the Congress vote share in 2016 would be around 37 to 39 per cent. -IANS

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While Pakistan heaved a sigh of relief from the peaceful Islamabad exit, there was none to be had in the wake of the chilling suicide bombing in Lahore at a public park. It left the Sharif government, whose political fortress Pakistan’s cultural capital is, red-faced as reports emerged that the military had launched a crackdown in Punjab on its own

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READERS’ FORUM Need to sacrifice to gain something valuable in life This refers to the story, “More Omani students should do part-time jobs to get experience” in Times of Oman, 02.04.2016. I agree with the view that Omani students have to be encouraged and motivated to do part-time jobs while they are in colleges and universities. As experience is a mandatory requisite for any job, especially managerial positions, part time jobs will provide a lot of knowledge at the learning stage itself. Lot of advantages can be gained from part-time jobs while studying. It is a good opportunity for the national students to improve their English language skills as Scan this QR code they will be mingling with expatriates at to send letters to the workplace. Exposure to the experienced exReaders’ Forum, patriate and local workforce will enhance containing not more than 200 words with the skills and knowledge of the students. full name, address It is very unfortunate that a number of and telephone students interviewed in the report are not number, may be sent interested in part- time jobs. They prefer by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com). spending time with family as opposed to taking extra effort to learn something new or hone their current skills along with their studies. These individuals need to understand that career is as important as family and relationships.

As Dr Omar Al Jabri says, the mentality has to be changed. You have to sacrifice to gain something valuable in life.

— P A Jacob, Muscat

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com You cannot slander human nature; it is worse than words can paint it.

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ANDRÉS VELASCO

By trying to save her predecessor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Rousseff made it harder to save her own presidency. Now that the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), once the largest government party, has quit the ruling coalition, the two-thirds vote in Congress needed to impeach Rousseff is within reach

O

ne of the most frightening words a patient can hear from a doctor is “cancer.” We know it from the experience of our families and friends, and the millions of Americans who hear it directly from their doctors each year.

In President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address, he compared the effort required to eradicate cancer to a “moonshot,” summoning the American ingenuity and scientific pursuits that sent humankind to the moon. We believe that it’s time for a full and complete national commitment to rid the world of this disease, because the truth is that ending cancer as we know it is finally within our grasp.

A key element of the cancer moonshot is to incentivise more cooperation between the government and the private sector. We recognise that while the US government has tremendous resources at its disposal, we also know a lot of our best expertise exists outside the government, within the private medical and research community.

There is little doubt that this will be the site of the next big breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

We know it because we’ve seen it at the world’s best cancer research centers across America, led by the world’s greatest cancer doctors, researchers and philanthropists -- many of whom we’ve met with over the last few months.

To that end, and in support of the cancer moonshot, we are thrilled that Johns Hopkins University will create the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, thanks to private grants of $125 million. This new institute will build on the school’s groundbreaking work in immunotherapy, one of the most promising avenues of research today.

Here’s why: Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of our cells. Cancer cells co-opt the processes of normal cells, using them to grow, spread and cloak themselves from detection by the immune system.

Immunotherapy seeks to redirect patients’ highly individual immune systems to better detect and destroy cancer cells.

Led by Dr Drew Pardoll and funded in partnership with the philanthropist Sidney Kimmel, the institute will support the same scientists who performed some of the first clinical trials of immunotherapy agents known as checkpoint blockade

inhibitors. These agents interfere with molecules that shield tumor cells from the body’s immune system. In fact, two of these inhibitors have already been approved by the FDA for use against lung cancer and melanoma, and show promise across almost every cancer.

Discoveries like these inhibitors are what will ultimately make it possible to cure cases of cancer that might have been hopeless just a few short years ago.

We know that there’s no silver bullet, and no one expects it to happen overnight. But the truth is that because of exciting advances in science and technology over the last 10 years, we are far closer to major breakthroughs than many people realise.

With the right partnerships, we can bolster the incredible work that is already occurring among immunologists, geneticists and other scientists with new innovations from the technology sector.

Recently, an entire industry has sprung up with the power to process medical and scientific information on a massive scale.

This computing power is already allowing researchers to accelerate their progress like never before.

By aggregating big data from cancer studies in one central location that’s accessible to scientists, researchers and physicians, we can further speed up advances in research.

With the cancer moonshot and public-private partnerships, we are not trying to make incremental change. We’re looking to make quantum leaps.

Our goal is to make a decade’s worth of medical advances in the next five years.

And with new institutions working together and new resources dedicated to the problem, we know we can finally gain the upper hand on a disease that has already robbed the world of far too much talent and love.

The original mission to the moon was a government-led, directed and-funded initiative. The cancer moonshot will be a true partnership between government, the private sector, academia and the philanthropic community. It has the potential to save millions of lives.

It could prove to be a model for how public-private partnerships can overcome even the most difficult challenges. And it could turn cancer from a death sentence into a chronic, manageable disease — or in many cases, a curable one — for millions of people around the world. - Bloomberg View

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES APRIL 2001 Oman–China health talks MUSCAT: A session of official talks was held between the Omani and Chinese sides here yesterday. The Omani side was headed by Dr Ahmed bin Abdul Qadir Al Ghassani, health affairs undersecretary at the Ministry of Health, and the Chinese side was headed by the deputy health minister. They discussed existing health cooperation between the two countries and ways of boosting them. They also stressed further cooperation in general nursing treatment of burns, conduct of research studies and training courses in traditional medicine and medicinal herbs and exchange visits between health officials in both countries and specialist doctors in both countries.

PICTOGRAPH NUMBER OF EXPAT WORKERS IN OMAN, BY EDUCATION

ILLITERATE December 2015

January 2016

22,724

Total

23,281

20,191

Male

20,659

2,533

Female

2,622

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

1865: Union forces occupy Confederate capital Richmond, Virginia.

1936: Bruno Hauptmann, killer of Lindbergh baby, executed.

1942: The Japanese begin their all-out assault on the US and Filipino troops at Bataan.

1948: President Harry Truman signs Marshall Plan.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

41

PAKISTAN

terrorist attacks occurred in 25 districts of the country in 2015. These attacks which targeted political leaders and workers claimed 57 lives and injured 75 others

‘40% drop in overall violence in country’ This is less than half of the 7,622 deaths recorded due to similar reasons in 2014, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s report for 2015

ISLAMABAD: More than 4,600 Pakistanis lost their lives in violent incidents in 2015 despite a 40 per cent drop in overall violence in the country.

This is less than half of the 7,622 deaths recorded due to similar reasons in 2014, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s (HRCP) report for 2015.

Issued on Friday, the HRCP report titled ‘State of Human Rights in 2015’ said anti-state violence in

PATROLLING: Police patrol a street in Karachi, Pakistan, May 14,

2015. Some 41 terrorist attacks occurred in 25 districts of the country in 2015. - Reuters file photo

Pakistan dropped below the 2008 levels, as 706 militant attacks took place, in which 1,325 people, including 619 civilians, 348 security forces personnel, 325 militants and 33 pro-government razakars, were killed.

There were 31 per cent fewer suicide attacks as compared to 2014. During the year, 18 suicide attacks were reported.

Some 41 terrorist attacks occurred in 25 districts of the country in 2015. These attacks which targeted political leaders and workers claimed 57 lives and injured 75 others.

In 2014, the number of terrorist attacks stood at 56.

Pakistan emerged as one of the most dangerous places for journalists in 2015 as four journalists were killed and media workers were attacked with impunity during the year. At least 15 attacks were carried out against journalists and human rights defenders.

Some 58 incidents of sectarian violence were reported from across Pakistan; however, no sectarian clash was reported.

Hundreds of people lost their lives and many more were injured in faith-based attacks against reli-

A1 3

gious and sectarian minorities.

Some 2,108 men and seven women were killed in police encounters across the country.

Punjab reported 382,932 cases of crime in 2015. In 2014 the number of crime cases stood at 389,554. Sindh recorded a 42 per cent reduction in the number of murders as compared to previous year. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan witnessed a 10 and one per cent surge respectively in total crime in 2015 as compared to 2014. The HRCP said 939 women became victims of physical violence, 279 of domestic violence.

Despite the volume of cases, the rate of prosecution remained fairly low.

Around 777 women committed or tried to commit suicide.

The HRCP reported 987 cases of honour crimes.

Some 3,768 child abuse cases occurred during this year.

This figure indicates a 7 per cent increase leading to an average of 10 cases a day. Out of the total number, 1,974 victims were girls and 1,794 boys.

Most of the victims fell in the age group of 11-14 years. The HRCP report said that there are approximately 10 million child workers in Pakistan. - Express Tribune

‘ O P E R AT I O N C L E A N U P ’

Shahbaz, Nisar meet army chief to discuss Punjab operation ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan held a meeting with army chief General Raheel Sharif on Thursday in an effort to break the apparent deadlock on how to pursue the antiterror operation in the province.

The meeting held in Rawalpindi attempted to narrow down differences between the government and the army over the requisition of Rangers for the offensive against militants in Punjab, a senior security official with knowledge of the unprecedented development disclosed on Friday. The army has long been pushing the federal government to grant special policing powers to the Rangers in a bid to eradicate militancy in Punjab, something the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government is not willing to do so out of fear of political backlash.

However, the deadly terrorist attack in Lahore on March 27 that left over 70 people dead compelled the army chief to order an operation in Punjab against militants and their facilitators.

The federal and Punjab governments are believed to be upset over the army’s move without taking them into confidence, triggering

speculations that the civil and military leadership are on a collision course. Against the backdrop of this situation, the Punjab chief minister and prime minister’s security czar met the army chief.

The security official, familiar with the late-night meeting, said the meeting was part of efforts to evolve consensus for the ‘all important’ operation in Punjab., speaking on the condition of anonymity, he acknowledged differences between civil and military authorities but insisted that “things have not reached a point of no return.”

“Hopefully, the two sides will bridge the gap soon,” the official added. The military establishment is also understood to have been unhappy over statements issued by certain government officials claiming there were no terrorist hideouts or no-go areas in Punjab.

“This is not true. We all know there are sleeper cells and terrorist hideouts in Punjab,” the official insisted saying the government in Punjab appeared to be in a state of denial mainly because of ‘political reasons.’ However, the official made it clear that the army had already begun ‘operation clean up’ in Punjab and will take this to its logical end. - Express Tribune

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

A1 5

WORLD

South Africa’s top court on Thursday held that President JacobZuma had failed to uphold the constitution by ignoring instructions to pay back some of the $16 million in state funds spent on renovations at his sprawling residence at Nkandla

Pressure mounts on Zuma to resign Late Nelson Mandela’s colleague said in a letter that the president’s resignation would give South Africa to recover

JOHANNESBURG: An antiapartheid activist jailed alongside Nelson Mandela called on Jacob Zuma to step down, adding pressure on South Africa’s president to quit after a court ruled he acted dishonestly over improper state spending at his private home.

Echoing similar calls from opposition parties, Ahmed Kathrada said in a letter published on Saturday that Zuma’s resignation would give the country’s government the chance to recover from “a crisis of confidence”.

“In the face of such persistently widespread criticism, condemna-

tion and demand, is it asking too much to express the hope that you will choose the correct way that is gaining momentum, to consider stepping down?” Kathrada asked in the letter, dated March 31.

Mandela and Kathrada were among eight African National Congress (ANC) activists sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of trying to overthrow the apartheid government during the 1963-1964 Rivonia Trial.

South Africa’s top court on Thursday held that Zuma had failed to uphold the constitution by ignoring instructions to pay back

some of the $16 million in state funds spent on renovations at his sprawling residence at Nkandla.

In a televised address to the nation on Friday evening, 73-yearold Zuma apologised and said he would pay back some of the money, as ordered, and that he never knowingly or deliberately set out to violate the constitution.

He made no reference to calls for him to resign, led domestically

by Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane and the Economic Freedom Fighters party led

by Julius Malema.

The opposition also launched

impeachment proceedings against Zuma but these are unlikely to be successful because of the ANC’s strong majority in parliament.

United behind leader The ANC’s top leadership said it was united behind its leader, though the 86-year-old Kathrada’s intervention may carry weight within the party, which has governed the country since apartheid ended in 1994.

The calls for Zuma to quit dominated local newspaper headlines and got high-profile play abroad.

“It is a shame that the ANC is

allowing its moral and political authority to be so grievously eroded

by Zuma, instead of bringing his corrupt presidency to an end,” The New York Times wrote in an editorial on Friday.

The scandal is arguably the biggest yet to hit Zuma, who has fended off accusations of corruption, influence peddling and rape since before he took office in 2009.

Speaking on Talk Radio 702, Kathrada Foundation Director Neeshan Balton confirmed publication of the letter, which was ran on media websites www.timeslive.co.za and www.enca.com. — Reuters

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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

WORLD 1 2 D AY S A F T E R AT TA C K S

Brussels Airport set to partially reopen today BRUSSELS: Brussels Airport will partially reopen for passengers on Sunday, 12 days after suicide bombers destroyed its departure hall and killed 16 people.

There will be far fewer flights than normal at the start and tighter security will be in place, but the airport operator said the aim was to return to full capacity by summer. The country’s main airport has not handled passenger flights since two suspected extremist militants carried out the suicide attacks. Those bombs and a separate one on a metro train in the city killed 35 people, including three bombers.

Black day “Never will we forget this black day,” the airport’s chief executive Arnaud Feist told a news conference.”A restart of the operations even only partially as quick as this is a sign of hope.

“As of tomorrow, Sunday, Brussels Airport should be partially operational,” he added.

Feist said the airport had planned three flights for the first day, to Faro, Athens and Turin, all operated by Brussels Airlines.

The number of flights should increase over time. — Reuters

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South China Sea tensions set to rise as US plans new patrol Experts predict the next US challenge to the various claims in the South China Sea could occur near Mischief Reef

WASHINGTON: The US Navy plans to conduct another passage near disputed islands in the South China Sea in early April, a source familiar with the plan said on Friday, the third in series of challenges that have drawn sharps rebukes from China.

The exact timing of the exercise and which ship would travel inside a 12-nautical mile limit around a disputed island was not immediately clear.

The United States has conducted what it calls “freedom of navigation” exercises in recent months, sailing near disputed islands to underscore its right to navigate the seas.

SIMMERING TENSIONS: A Chinese Coast Guard vessel, right, passes near a Chinese oil rig, left, in the

South China Sea, about 210km from the coast of Vietnam in this June 13, 2014 file photo. The United States has conducted what it calls “freedom of navigation” exercises in recent months, sailing near disputed islands in South China Sea to underscore its right to navigate the seas. - Reuters file photo

US Navy officials have said they plan to conduct more and increasingly complex exercises in the future. The USS Stennis carrier strike group is currently operating in the South China Sea. The next freedom of navigation exercise is unlikely to be conducted by a car-

rier like the Stennis, but rather by a smaller ship, the source said.

Experts predict the next US challenge to the various claims in the South China Sea could occur near Mischief Reef, a feature claimed by the Philippines and which was submerged at high

tide before China began a dredging project to turn it into an island in 2014.

Mischief Reef is now the site of one of three military-length airfields China has built on manmade islands in the Spratly Islands archipelago.

US Navy ships regularly patrol the South China Sea. China claims most of the area, and Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims.

In recent months, with tensions rising around China’s reclamation activities, US ships have been frequently and routinely shadowed

by Chinese ships and regular communications with Chinese vessels have often been tense. News of the planned exercise comes a day after US President Barack Obama met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a nuclear summit in Washington. During the meetings, Xi told Obama that China would not accept any behaviour in the disguise of freedom of navigation that violates its sovereignty, in a clear warning to Washington.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told Reuters on Saturday that China opposed any such exercise.

“China consistently respects and supports the freedom of navigation and fly over that all countries’ enjoy in the South China Sea under international law, but resolutely opposes any country using so-called ‘freedom of navigation’ as an excuse to damage China’s sovereignty, security and maritime rights,” Hong said. — Reuters MIGRANT INFLOW

Austria plans to deploy troops on Italy border BERLIN/ DIKILI (TURKEY): Austria plans to deploy soldiers at the Brenner border with Italy to stem an expected increase in migrants trying to get to northern Europe, Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil told a German newspaper on Saturday.

Austria, which has broken ranks with Germany in handling Europe’s migrant crisis by imposing border restrictions, has previously said it is preparing to introduce tighter controls if needed. But the minister’s choice of words appears to have intensified the discourse.

“As the EU’s external borders are not yet effectively protected, Austria will soon ramp up strict border controls. That means massive border controls on at the Brenner (Pass), and with soldiers,” Doskozil told Die Welt daily. Soldiers could support border protection and also help with registration of migrants, aid the humanitarian effort and assist with deportations, he said.

A spokesman for Doskozil was not immediately available to comment.Doskozil also reiterated his call for a civilmilitary European Union mission to support the bloc’s border agency Frontex where needed at external borders, possibly in Greece, Bulgaria or Italy.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s Coast Guard stopped 63 Palestinians and Syrians trying to cross to a Greek island on Saturday, underlining the scale of the security forces’ task in convincing illegal migrants they won’t be allowed into the EU. — Reuters NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Armenia and Azerbaijan troops clash BAKU/YEREVAN: A new wave of fighting broke out in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region on Saturday, killing at least a dozen servicemen and drawing international calls for an immediate ceasefire.

Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians.

Azeri defence ministry said the army had “liberated strategic heights and settlements” in the region. “Six Armenian tanks were destroyed (and) more than 100 Armenian servicemen were killed and injured,” it said, saying 12 Azeri servicemen had also been killed. — Reuters

B

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Oman Air-SATS joint venture to handle cargo Oman Air will transfer its cargo handling business to its subsidiary Oman Air Cargo.

SATS will acquire 33% stake in the subsidiary

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air and SATS, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SATS Investments, on Saturday signed a joint venture agreement for cargo handling at Muscat International Airport.

Under the agreement, Oman Air will transfer its cargo handling business and related assets to its wholly-owned subsidiary Oman Air Cargo. Subsequently, SATS will acquire a 33 per cent equity stake in the subsidiary. The joint venture company will then be renamed Oman SATS Cargo.

Oman SATS Cargo will have an issued and paid up share capital of OMR500,000, comprising BANKING

Private sector bank deposit grows by 5.6% to OMR12b MUSCAT: Private deposits in commercial banks in Oman by the end of January 2016 rose by 5.6 per cent to OMR11.95 billion, compared to OMR11.32 billion in the corresponding period last year, according to a monthly statistical bulletin published by the Central Bank of Oman.

The gross value for these deposits as of the end of January 2016 includes the time deposits that stood at OMR3,335.5 million, savings deposits of OMR4,367.6 million and demand deposits of OMR3,951.1 million, the bulletin added.

The bulletin pointed out that the total value for these deposits include OMR11,005.4 million and OMR949.5 million in foreign currencies.

As for the banking indicators for the commercial banks as at the end of January 2016, the bulletin said that broad money and clearance to the deposits in rials was 21.7 per cent.

The combined money and clearance to the gross deposits was 19 per cent. The total percentage of loans to deposits was 103.5 per cent.

The rate of foreign currency deposits to the total deposits was 12.5 per cent. The rate of foreign assets to the total loans was 13 per cent. The rate of foreign assets to the total assets was 10.3 per cent. The foreign liabilities to the total liabilities was 16.5 per cent.

The on-demand deposits to the total private deposits was 32.9 per cent. The capital and reserves to the total deposits was 20.2 per cent. The rate of allocations and the retained interests to the total credit was 3.4 per cent. - ONA

500,000 ordinary shares of OMR1.

It is expected to commence operations during the second quarter of 2016. It will become the single source provider of cargo handling services first at the existing cargo facility and then at the new stateof-the-art cargo terminal in Muscat International Airport.

SATS will provide the requisite management and technical knowhow to the joint venture, including training as well as reviewing of existing cargo processes and operations work flow at the new cargo terminal in Muscat.

Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air, said: “The joint venture with SATS is one of our initiatives intended to

prepare for the growth in airline operations in the coming years as well as secure a quality improvement in the services provided to our cargo customers. With SATS as our partner, we also believe that the subsequent growth of the new company will result in increased employment and career development opportunities for Omani citizens”.

Alex Hungate, SATS’ president and chief executive officer said: “This strategic partnership with Oman Air will enhance connectivity for our cargo customers across Asia and strengthen Oman’s position as a transit hub.

We also see opportunities to develop cold-chain handling capabilities and promote carriage of premium and temperature-controlled airfreight for Oman Air and other airlines.”

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Oman Shipping’s new feeder service to connect Jebel Ali A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman Shipping Company’s subsidiary Oman Container Lines has signed an agreement with the Port of Salalah to start a shipping line between the port and Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The agreement, which is to operate a new feeder line, will connect ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar and Jebel Ali. The shipping service, linking the ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar and Jebel Ali, will start its fortnightly operation by the middle of April, which will be changed to a weekly service later.

Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, minister of commerce and industry, recently said that the government discussed with Salalah Port and AP Moller Shipping line to bring some of their international cargo to Iran via Salalah. This can be transported from Salalah to Sohar using the newly planned service and then take it to Iran’s Bander Abbas port through the existing feeder line from Sohar. This is aimed at facilitating enough cargo for the feeder shipping line operating between Sohar and Bander Abbas ports every fortnight. The shipping line complained that it is not getting enough cargo in the sector to make it viable. Sohar-

SEA CONNECTION: The shipping service, linking the ports of Salalah, Duqm, Sohar and Jebel Ali, will start its fortnightly operation by the middle of April. – Times file picture

Bander Abbas feeder ship can take 100 containers.

Additional gateway Oman is using the service for bringing raw material from Iran for a glass factory in Sohar. “Today, we are also getting some loose materials from Iran to feed our factories in Sohar,” added the minister.

Tariq bin Mohammad Al Junaidi, chief executive officer of Oman Shipping Company and David Gledhill, chief executive officer of the Port of Salalah signed the agreement.

Al Junaidi said that Oman Container Lines has contributed since inception by linking the ports of the Sultanate with regional and

international ports.

The current line, which is being operated by the company between Jebel Ali Port and Sohar, is serving several shipping companies operating in the area.

David Gledhill welcomed the new service, which Port of Salalah in part of, anticipating that this shipping line would provide an additional gateway for Omani imports and exports by linking the northern ports of the Sultanate with a network of international shipping lines operating from the Port of Salalah, looking forward to cooperation with all stakeholders to promote competitive trade in the Sultanate. – With inputs from ONA

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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

MARKET

Big Show success proves Oman a growing centre for major events As the estimated $8.5 trillion global construction industry is expected to experience growth, reaching a projected $10.3 trillion by 2020, building and construction sector has much to smile about

SHAHZAD RAZA

shahzad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman has started making its presence felt as an attractive destination for events and exhibitions and the recently concluded ‘The Big Show 2016’ was a testament to the international exhibitors’ interest in the Omani market.

As the estimated $8.5 trillion global construction industry is expected to experience growth, reaching a projected $10.3 trillion by 2020, building and construction sector has much to smile about. As a result, the associated industries like the big exhibition business continue to grow at a healthy rate, particularly in the Middle East and Africa region.

While the UAE, South Africa and Iran have remained traditional giants of the exhibition industry in the region, other countries have also raised their profile as competitive trade activity centres in the Gulf.

While most of the big exhibitions are held at the sprawling 12,000 square metres Oman International Exhibition Centre, the Sultanate will become a major destination for global events and exhibitions when the sprawling new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) starts operations later this year. Featuring a auditorium seating over 3,000 people, OCEC offers more than 22,000 square metres of column-free exhibition space, among the largest in the region.

Organised by OmanExpo, leading exhibition firm in the country, The Big Show 2016 drew many countries’ interest who set up pavilions showcasing their products, technology and services. Most of

the companies approached were quite happy with the response they were getting from Omani companies and customers.

Fehmi Ouaja, exhibition manager, The Big Show, was pleased at the flurry of trade activity taking place at the show. Visiting various stalls and pavilions, he was in constant touch with the exhibitors as well as the visiting delegations and dignitaries.

Leading an Indonesian trade promotion delegation that visited the exhibition on Wednesday, Nus Nuzulia Ishak, director general, Directorate General of National Export Development, Indonesia, was visibly impressed.

“We are here in Oman with a

view to exploring ways to improve our trade relations with the Sultanate. We are very keen to enhance our industrial and building material exports to the Middle East. Events like The BIG Show can be quite helpful in achieving such objectives. During my visit to this exhibition, I have not seen any pavilion from the Asean countries.

We will look into the possibility of bringing Indonesian companies to this event next year,” she said.

As many as 350 exhibitors from 15 countries set up their shops at the biggest building and construction show in Oman, showcasing a range of products including ceramics, marble, stone, cement, concrete, interior design, kitchen, bathroom,

doors, windows, swimming pools and spa. Seven countries which set up their own pavilions included India, Kuwait, Germany, Turkey, Iran, China and Egypt.

Indian pavilion was the most conspicuous with the largest presence, bringing in 25 companies to Oman under the umbrella of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), an apex trade promotion body setup by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India to promote India’s International trade. FIEO represents small, medium and large scale exporting units spread on pan India basis and today boasts a direct membership of over 22000 companies representing every product

and service sector of India.

Talking to ‘Times of Oman’, Mohit Hans, management executive of FIEO, said that the Sultanate was a strategic partner for India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor in the bilateral, AGCC, Arab League and IORA contexts.

He said Oman also accorded a high priority to its ties with India.

“Oman is an attractive market and is India’s largest trade and Investment partner with exports of $2.37 billion in the year 2014-15.

Especially, Oman’s construction industry foresees healthy growth driven mainly by government investment in infrastructure, as evidenced by the robust pipeline of large-scale construction projects and tenders being awarded to Oman construction companies and foreign contractors,” he added.

“With this objective, we have come to participate in The Big Show 2016, which is a renowned mega exhibition, with Indian companies representing this sector so that Omani buyers can consider sourcing quality Indian products,” Mohit explained.

Quite prominent among the Turkish companies at The Big Show was Aspen, the building materials giant contracted to work at the new Muscat airport.

“It’s a good exhibition that has the potential to be even bigger,” said Cem Karadag, export sales director of Aspen, which is doing metal ceiling work at new Muscat airport. The company is known to prove high quality solutions to all interior dimensions through its extensive range of products.

Another noticeable pavilion, perhaps the second largest, was that of Kuwait with as many as 18 companies setting up their stalls.

A Kuwaiti company executive was all smiles upon getting positive response and instantly finding a distributor of its products in Oman.

“We export our products to most of the Middle East countries except Oman, which brings us to this wonderful country. We got the opportunity to exhibit here at The Big Show and we are quite happy with the response so far. People have shown interest in our products and Abu Zaki is going to be the distributor of our products in Oman,” said Hussein Al Allani, marketing manager of Aquasan, an ISO certified company that manufactures ceramics sanitary ware in Kuwait.

One of the most eye-catching stalls at the exhibition was that of Jaquar, the leading Indian brand that provides multi-diversifies bathing solutions.

“We have come to the BIG Show for the first time. It’s a very good platform for business and B2B sales are happening. There is a

OIL REVENUE

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O N M O N D AY

Mexico plans to cut spending next year MEXICO CITY: Mexico plans to cut spending next year in order to meet its zero deficit target as manufacturing exports slowed and lower oil prices weighed on revenue.

After slashing 2016 spending by 132 billion pesos ($7.6 billion), Mexico estimates a 175 billion-peso reduction in outlays next year compared to this year’s budget, the Finance Ministry said in a report to congress.

Latin America’s second-largest economy will grow 2.6 per cent to 3.6 per cent next year, down from the 3.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent range forecast in a September budget report, according to the document that lays out initial parameters for next year’s budget.

The measures come a day after Moody’s Investors Service cut state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos’ credit rating to the cusp of junk and reduced Mexico’s outlook to negative amid subdued growth and the possibility Pemex will need financial help from the government.

Economic growth this year is expected to slow amid sluggish manufacturing exports, according to analyst surveys.

The budget cuts are necessary for Mexico to reduce its fiscal deficit to zero as a percentage of GDP, excluding investment in “high impact projects,” Friday’s report states. Including those

good flow of customers, genuine customers, and we are able to meet the end user and the decision makers,” said Sunil Kumar Palayil, deputy manager, Jaquar Middle East.

The big German pavilion was another centre of attraction at the exhibition due to the cutting edge technology and high quality products on display. Among the most prominent was Topwerk Group for its state-of-the-art concrete block making machinery.

“This is the sixth consecutive year we have come to participate in the Big Show and so far we have sold 10 machines here. We find this a good platform to meet people from other countries for business and trade. There are 11 German companies and 16 Iranian companies exhibiting here. Oman is a very good place to meet people and explore business opportunities,” said Michael Deissing, sales manager, Topwerk, leading German company manufacturing machines and equipment for the building material industry.

Impressed by the activity taking place at the show, Francesca Vitetta, an official of Vicenza chamber of commerce, said she had already proposed to The BIG show organisers to have an Italian pavilion at its 2017 edition.

“We are taking 60 Italian companies, 12 from my region which is Vicenza, the capital of Venice, to Tehran later this month. I am organising a lot of events in the Gulf and would be very keen to bring Italian companies in Oman. We find this country can be a great place for niche Italian products. Oman has the right kind of weather for us to manufacture our products here,” added the Italian trade official.

She urged Oman Air to start direct flight from Muscat to Venice not only to facilitate trade but invite her region’s interest in Oman.

Moin Khaleghi, planning and project controller at HSP International Group, leading Iranian organiser of trade exhibitions and conference, said he was extremely pleased to see so much activity at The Big Show.

“We will encourage more Iranian companies to take part in the future editions of this event.

Iran has quality brands in cement and stone used in the construction and home decor industry and exhibitions like The Big Show can go a long way in promoting trade cooperation, leading to increase in exports,” Moin added.

175b

pesos is the estimated reduction in Mexico’s outlays next year compared to this year’s budget, after slashing 2016 spending by 132 billion pesos ($7.6b)

investments, 2017’s deficit will shrink to 2.5 per cent of GDP from 3 per cent this year. In addition, the largest measure of debt will begin contracting in 2017, the ministry said.

Mexican crude at $35 The report predicts an average export price of Mexican crude of $35 per barrel next year, up from $25 this year. Mexico’s government has hedges that give it the right to sell its 2016 crude exports at $49 per barrel, and Finance Minister Luis Videgaray has said he will seek price protection for next year.

The Mexican government expects oil output of 2.12 million barrels per day this year. Production will fall to 2.03 million barrels a day in 2017, according to the report. Moody’s lowered Pemex two levels to Baa3 from Baa1. – Bloomberg News

Majis set to open second seawater intake project SOHAR: Majis Industrial Services will celebrate after the opening of the second seawater intake plant at Sohar Industrial Port at a ceremony to be held under the auspices of Mohammed bin Salim Al Toobi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs, on Monday.

Orpic’s Sohar Refinery Eng. Ahmed bin Saif Al Mazro’ee, chief executive officer of Majis Industrial Services said that the second stage of the seawater intake plant, which cost OMR 27.24 million comprises a sweater pumping station, a chlorine production plant and an electricity distribution station.

He added that the plant meets the needs of the Orpic’s Sohar Refinery expansion and Liwa Plastic Complex with about 127,000 cubic metres per hour.

Shinas power plant It also meets the needs of Shinas power plant with 120,000 cubic metres per hour, Gulf of Oman water desalination plant with 20,000 cubic metres per hour and Majis Industrial Services with 26,000 cubic metres per hour.

The total consumption by the companies that benefit from the second stage of the seawater intake plant stands at 338,000 cubic metres per hour. - ONA

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

B3

MARKET BRIEFS

Ministry to launch new e-services MUSCAT: Ministry of Commerce and Industry will launch a range of new eservices through the ‘Invest Easy’ portal on Sunday. The new services include “license processing , financial reporting and commercial mortgages.” These services are designed to facilitate the commercial registration process for investors and followup on their business applications easily. Submitting the annual financial reports will be by accessing the e-portal ‘Invest Easy’ and the use of self-service without going to any of the service-providing offices. The authorised person (auditor) will fill in the required financial data on the e-form in an easy and simple manner.

Sudanese trade team to visit Oman MUSCAT: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will receive a trade delegation comprising Sudanese businessmen led

by Widad Ya’aqoub Ibrahim, chairman of the Federation of Sudanese Businessmen and Employers on Monday.

The two-day programme of the visiting delegation include organising the OmaniSudanese Business Forum on the OCCI premises. Eng. Ridha bin Juma Al Juma, OCCI deputy chairman for administrative and financial affairs, will deliver a speech, in addition to presenting a range of working papers for both sides covering atmosphere and opportunities of investment in agricultural and livestock field in Sudan and opportunities in the mining sector. - ONA

Anantara resort set to open during Khareef in Salalah Conveniently located just 15km away from the airport, the resort will comprise 136 rooms and villas

Times News Service SALALAH: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, which is expected to open during Khareef season in Salalah, will comprise 136 rooms and villas, offering on indulgent yet contemporary Middle Eastern ambience with five spa treatments rooms and Salalah’s first Hammam inside the Anantara Spa. Conveniently located just 15km away from the airport, the resort puts the guests in close proximity to Unesco World Heritage park of Al Baleed and the museum of the frankincense land.

As the resort’s launch date draws closer, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, which have employed over 70 Omanis to make up the pre-opening roster, continue to expand their team of professionals by adding a growing number of Omani nationals.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara have employed over 50 per cent of the 140-person strong team from the local community and aim to keep this high percentage when they reach their full manning of 314 over the next few months.

The resort will be employing

TEAM WORK: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara have employed over 70 Omanis to make up the pre-opening roster and will continue to expand the team by adding a growing number of Omani nationals. – Supplied picture

Omanis not only to assist with hospitality roles such as housekeeping and concierge, but also to help with on site activities and tour programme.

Training programme To support the Omanis in their new roles, Anantara will be offering pre-opening training programme in their resorts across Bangkok, Phuket, Samui and Chiang Rai to offer employees the opportunity to hone their skills and improve by training in their respective departments prior to the resort’s opening this summer.

Dr Mohamed Al Barwani, founder and chairman of MB Holding/Musstir, said, “The re-

sort is making great progress towards its opening date during the Khareef season and we are pleased with the initial interest and support from the Dhofar community. We wanted to develop a resort that will help attract luxury travelers to Salalah and the progress shows that we are on track to achieve our goal.”

Omran’s chief operating officer Eng. Ali Al Rasbi commented: “With our partner in construction, Carillon Alawi and with the support of the Royal Oman Police, local municipality and utility suppliers we are sure that this hotel will now open fully licensed for Khareef 2016 adding the first high-end, luxury beach resort ho-

tel to the Salalah and Dhofar region, adjoins the Al Baleed world heritage attraction.”

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is also working closely with the Oman’s government as well as the Oman’s tourism college to recruit Omani citizens as part of its Omanisation efforts.

Locals from Dhofar James Hewitson, general manager of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, said: “We are delighted with the level of interest to join the pre-opening team from the local labour force here in Salalah which has given us a great base to start with and shows the commitment of the people of Dhofar to support

this iconic resort in order to deliver a new level of luxury to the destination. We are also working with several local businesses who will provide tours and excursions to the many wonderful sites and attractions that Salalah has to offer.

The resort will provide employment and support to the business community by attracting guests to Salalah that will have the disposable income to really encourage growth in the leisure sectors.”

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162 UNITS

RENAISSANCE CONVENES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Renaissance Services has conducted its annual general meeting on March 31 at the meeting hall of Capital Market Authority.

Also, the Renaissance senior management team held a meeting with shareholders, analysts, investors and members of the press on the same day to update stakeholders on progress and performance of the company. - Times News Service

Sultanate’s industrial sector receives over OMR431m investment MUSCAT: As many as 162 new industrial units have registered in Oman with a total investment of OMR431.21 million in 2015, said Eng. Ali bin Saif Al Hadi, secretary of the Industrial Register at the Directorate General of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

During the same period, the directorate also issued 796 industrial licences for investments worth of OMR8.59 million.

He added that the directorate received 221 applications for licences, 103 applications for industrial registration and 83 applications for manpower. The number of applications for land usufruct

and challenges facing the factories stood at 77. During 2015, 3,643 application forms were made for industrial licence.

Transport licences He added that the Industrial Register Secretariat issued 933 new, transport and expansion licences in 2015.

The number of initial approvals stood at 446 compared to 438 new licences, 28 transport licences and 21 expansion licences.

“During 2015, 127 new industrial registries were issued and 32 industrial registries were renewed,” he added. – ONA

C R U D E O I L S U P P LY

Oil production freeze in doubt as Russia’s output rises to record MOSCOW: Russia’s oil output set a post-Soviet high in March as the success of a proposed crude production freeze between Opec members and other major producers appeared to be in doubt.

Russian production of crude and a light oil called condensate climbed 2.1 per cent in March from a year earlier to 10.912 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Ministry’s CDU-TEK unit. That narrowly beat the previous high of 10.910 million barrels in January.

With most of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) members, Russia and some others outside the group scheduled

to meet in Doha this month to discuss an accord on capping output, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman signaled in an interview that if any country raises output, the kingdom will also boost sales.

Prices on Friday sank more than 4 per cent after the comments.

Iran previously said it plans to boost production after the lifting of sanctions following a deal to curb its nuclear programme.

Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar in February first proposed an accord to cap oil output to reduce a worldwide surplus and boost prices. Brent prices in London have gained nearly 40 per cent

from the 12-year low reached in January. Russian oil exports rose 10 per cent to 5.59 million barrels a day, says the Energy Ministry data.

Currency falls Meanwhile, Russia’s rouble fell the most in a week as oil fell and the US added more jobs than expected, trimming a rally that’s made the currency of the world’s biggest energy exporter look expensive compared with crude.

“At $40 oil, the rouble should be at around 70 or so versus the dollar,” said Ivan Tchakarov, an economist for russia at Citigroup Inc. in Moscow. “The currency has

been outperforming oil, mainly because of the dollar weakness and Fed dovishness.”

Government bonds also retreated on Friday, lifting the yield on so-called OFZ five-year debt three basis points to 9.25 per cent and reducing the weekly decline to five basis points. Local-currency bonds posted the third-best result in emerging markets last month, handing investors a return of almost 15 per cent in dollar terms.

“Many global investors were short oil and underweight OFZ bonds,” Piotr Chwiejczak, an analyst at BNP Paribas, said.

- Bloomberg News

B4

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

FEATURE

INDIA’S TATA GROUP NEEDS A NEW CASH COW The aviation-to-autos and salt-to-steel conglomerate’s existing ATM is Tata Consultancy Services, the nation’s largest software exporter

I

ndia’s Tata Group badly needs to find a new cash machine. The aviation-to-autos and salt-to-steel conglomerate’s existing ATM is Tata Consultancy Services, the nation’s largest software exporter. The code-writing company rakes in more than Rs180 billion ($2.7 billion) of annual free cash flow, which more than compensates for the Rs80 billion of cash drain from the group’s other 10 largest publicly traded firms.

That’s a risky dependence. The legacy business of helping global companies customise and deploy large-scale enterprise software products built by the likes of Oracle and SAP is fading. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Anurag Rana anticipates a price war in 2016. Cloud-based applications are gaining ground, but it’s unclear if Indian vendors’ lowcost delivery model will give them a winning edge in emerging digital technologies, too.

Tata Group’s debt That should make at least some people in Bombay House, Tata Group’s Mumbai-based headquarters, worry. Unlike Tata Consultancy Services, or TCS, none of the other major Indian software exporters, such as Infosys, Wipro or HCL Technologies, belongs to a capital-hungry conglomerate with $38 billion in debt. They can plod on. But Tata Steel has a metals meltdown to see off and Tata Motors has to contend with a slowdown in Chinese demand for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) as well as an underperforming domestic smallcar business. The group also needs money to scale up its two fledgling aviation joint ventures with Singapore Airlines and AirAsia.

On top of that, Tata Group requires resources to become the Indian government’s go-to private sector partner in defence production. Sunrise industries beckon, but cash is the best companion for a long night. Where to get it if TCS stagnates? Borrowing is expensive, even for pedigreed emerging-market companies. Dollar loans so far this year have on average cost the group 192 basis points more than the benchmark London Interbank offered rate, according to data.

That’s cheaper than during the 2013 Federal Reserve taper scare, but slightly higher than last year.

To strike back at its cash challenge, the empire must first shrink. Tata Steel is trying to hawk a part of its European business, and Indian Hotels, which operates The Pierre in New York, is looking to sell assets to cut its debt by about 30 per cent.

Bolder steps might be needed.

Group chairman Cyrus Mistry wouldn’t upset investors if he decided to get rid of Tata Motors’ non-JLR passenger car business — his predecessor, Ratan Tata, failed to sell it to Ford in 1999 — and got TCS to make a big acquisition instead. Ratan Tata’s 2008 purchase of JLR — incidentally, from Ford — was an inspired decision, although at the time it smacked of expansionism, particularly since the transaction followed an $8 billion takeover of British steelmaker Corus in 2006.

Mistry should hope to bag the next JLR, rather than another Corus. One good target might be IBM, whose shares are trading close to a five-year low and at a price-to-earnings multiple of slightly more than 10, almost half TCS’s valuation. Bloomberg Intelligence reckons the New York-based company will take several years to complete a successful transition from legacy businesses toward analytics, cloud, mobile and security, but meanwhile it’s still generating more than $13 billion in free cash every year.

The Tata group is unlikely to find another local cash cow as good as TCS. So why not make it fatter with a daring acquisition? – Bloomberg News

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B5

ROUND-UP

T H R E AT I N T E L L I G E N C E E X P E R T S

BAE Systems shares insight on prominent types of cybercriminals MUSCAT: BAE Systems has unveiled some of the biggest threats to businesses by proďŹ ling six prominent types of cybercriminals, exposing how they cause harm to companies around the globe, and providing some practical ways that companies can defend against them.

Threat intelligence experts at BAE Systems have revealed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Unusual Suspectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, built on research that demonstrates the motivations and methods of the most common types of cybercriminal, says a press release.

The research, which is derived from expert analysis of thousands of cyberattacks on businesses around the world. The intention is to help enterprises understand the enemies they face so they can better defend against cyberattack.

Need to improve There is a need to improve this understanding in the Middle East, where according to a recent PwC study, cybercrime is the second most reported economic crime, affecting 30 per cent of Middle East organisations. Despite this, the report stated only 33 per cent of regional companies have a cyber-incident response plan, highlighting that the majority of organisations are not adequately prepared for

cyberattack, or even understand the risks.

Kevin Taylor, managing director of BAE Systems Applied Intelligence said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cybersecurity is now ďŹ rmly established as a boardroom issue. Our mission is to help businesses defend themselves, and no organisation can do this

without knowing who it is defending against. This research is designed to expose cybercriminals by revealing their motivations and methods so businesses can take preventative measures.â&#x20AC;?

BAE Systems has proďŹ led six cybercriminals: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; /& Ĺ&#x2014;Ä&#x203A;Ĺ&#x2014;( #0 Ĺ&#x2014;)**),./(#-.-Ĺ&#x2014;

that may not even realise they work for criminal gangs to launder money; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; ,) --#)( &Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x203A;Ĺ&#x2014; , ,Ĺ&#x2014; criminals who â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;workâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 9-5 in the digital shadows; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; .#)(Ĺ&#x2014; . . Ĺ&#x2014; .),Ĺ&#x2014;Ä&#x203A;Ĺ&#x2014;#( #viduals who work directly or indirectly for their government to steal

Exciting offer adds to appeal of Maxima A36

sensitive information and disrupt enemiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capabilities; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; .#0#-.Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x203A;').#0 . Ĺ&#x2014; .)Ĺ&#x2014; change the world via questionable means; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; . 1 3Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x203A;Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; 3)/." /&Ĺ&#x2014; teenager who can escape a custodial sentence due to their age; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; (-# ,Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x203A;Ĺ&#x2014; #-#&&/-#)( Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;

blackmailed or even over-helpful employees operating from within the walls of their own company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The research aims to highlight the types of cybercriminals that businesses are up against and provide some practical, real ways to defend against them,â&#x20AC;? concluded Taylor.

U LT R A - L U X U R Y A U T O M O T I V E

The extraordinary evolution of Bentley Continental goes on

The completely redesigned 8th generation model is the sportiest and most powerful Maxima ever

MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, the exclusive distributors of Nissan vehicles in Oman, unveiled the all-new game-changing Nissan Maxima recently.

The completely redesigned 8th generation model is the sportiest and most powerful Maxima ever.

The Nissan Maxima is a modern and charismatic vehicle overdelivering on the fundamentals earned over eight generations for quality, reliability and class-above in innovation, safety features, dynamic performance and premium styling. It now comes with exciting beneďŹ ts, says a press release.

Offers Auto enthusiasts can now avail exciting beneďŹ ts on the Nissan Maxima A36 that include guaranteed cash back of OMR500, periodic maintenance service only up to 2 years/20,000km whichever is earlier (offer includes only on the new service intervals of 10,000km), free registration, six years unlimited mileage warranty and easy ďŹ nancing options, a loan term up to eight years with Bank Muscat attractive interest rates. Flexible EMIs can also be tailor-made for any individual requirement from in-house auto ďŹ nance team.

Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prestigious vehicle lineup at the comfort of their homes or offices. Simply visit Nissan Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page i.e http://www.facebook.com/Sbanissanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

Nissan Maximaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s styling showcases Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new design lan-

guage - including V-Motion front end, signature boomerang lights, kick-up C-pillars and unique ďŹ&#x201A;oating roof appearance. Inside, the Nissan Maximaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premium class-above, bespoke interior is anchored by a driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cockpit that rivals luxury vehicles.

The new vehicle was developed under the inspiration of the Blue Angels at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Florida, United States.

It holds a speciďŹ c style inspired by the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;jet ďŹ ghterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; styling theme and ergonomic layout.

The Nissan Maximaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s totally redesigned interior is anchored by a 'command centre' driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cockpit and a premium bespoke style crafted execution. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides with contrasted stitching. A new Display Commander control on the console allows ďŹ ngertip control of the centre display as beďŹ tting a premium sport sedan.

Its interior execution was a strong focus from the onset of development, with the goal of offering an interior that truly rivals luxury vehicles. It offers genuine stitching on the instrument panel, doors and console, available ambient lighting, available premium leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted ďŹ nishers and a sporty D-shaped (ďŹ&#x201A;at-bottom) steering wheel.

The all-new Nissan Maxima 2016â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comfort is inspired by Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Zero Gravity Seatsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; design with added foam topper pad for initial softness and long-term comfort that consists of acoustic laminated

glass (windshield and front side glass), and Active Noise Cancellation System for a quieter cabin. As with the exterior, interior colours were carefully considered to ďŹ t with Maximaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive sportspremium personality.

Performance In a number of aspects the Nissan Maximaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance substantially eclipses market performance and is on a par with many sports cars, moving it closer to its big brother - the Nissan GT-R. The Nissan Maximaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3.5-litre VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60 percent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5-litre V6). With 300 horsepower, the Nissan Maxima has a high speciďŹ c output of 85.7 horsepower/litre. The revised engine helps it achieve an anticipated 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon.

Complementing the revised powerplant is a new, performanceoriented Xtronic transmission featuring a wider ratio range, which allows for stronger acceleration from a standing start and an all-new DStep shifting logic that provides rapid shifts at high throttle openings.

Safety Standard safety and security features on all 2016 Maxima trim levels include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classiďŹ cation sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags;

roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors; and LATCH System.

An award winning Maxima IIHS awarded the all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Top Safety Pick Plusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (TSP+) safety rating, which is the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest designation.

The 2016 Nissan Maxima joins the previously announced 2016 Murano with the TSP+ rating. The Maxima scored â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Goodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in all ďŹ ve TSP categories and earned TSP+ status with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Superiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rating for front crash prevention for those models equipped with Forward Emergency Braking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nissan is proud to again have our core vehicles recognised

by IIHS for vehicle safety,â&#x20AC;? said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Strategy and Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The new Maxima, like the Murano, is setting high standards in its class for styling, performance and interior reďŹ nement. The 2016 Nissan Rogue and Sentra demonstrate Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to high quality and safety standards, and we are gratiďŹ ed that these outstanding vehicles have been recognised for excellent design.â&#x20AC;?

SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman.

MUSCAT: Since the middle of the last century, Bentley, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading ultra-luxury automotive manufacturer, has been building Grand Tourers with a penchant for breaking world records.

The GT story began in 1952 with the R Type Continental. It was fast, beautiful, exclusive and arguably the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ rst GT. Above all, it was also a Bentley and the fastest car to ever carry the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flying Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; badge at its time of production, with a top speed of 120mph (193km/h). Since its conception, the British marqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Continental GT family has continued to grow, along with its record breaking prowess and its popularity as one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best selling Bentley models, says a press release.

The history of the Continental GT began when the Bentley team set out to produce an extraordinarily fast car - one that would allow their customers to enjoy driving far and fast. This concept remains ingrained in the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA 64 years on.

In 2015, the Continental GT Speed, the R Type Continentalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger sibling, created two allnew world records. Flouting the almost century old â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flying Mileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (the UK land speed record) of 174.8 mph (280 km/h), a striking Spectre Continental GT Speed, driven by acclaimed actor Idris Elba, hit a top speed of 180.361 mph (290 km/h) at Pendine Sands in Wales.

Not content with this extraordinary achievement, the Continental GT Speed brought the record to new heights just months later. On the derestricted Stuart Highway deep in the Northern Territory of Australia, racing legend John Bowe took the Continental GT Speed

to a top speed of 206 mph during a controlled Vmax run. The 635 PS (626 bhp), 820 Nm (607 lb.ft) W12-powered GT Speed reached Vmax in just 76 seconds, covering a distance of 9.4 kilometres in the process. At top speed, it covered a staggering 92 metres per second.

Speaking about how the Continental GT has developed from the fastest four-seater in the world at the time of its 1952 inception, to the stylish high performance vehicle it is today, Robin Peel, head of Marketing and Communications - International, Bentley Motors, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Continental elegantly fulďŹ ls the same grandtouring brief as its forebear. It has immense W12 power, a top speed of 331 kmh/h and an unsurpassed ability to cross continents in total comfort. Like many Bentleys designed at Derby and Crewe throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, the Continental range conveys evident Bentley design DNA. The fundamental part of the Continentalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make up is apparent through its elegant styling cues. The striking power line, muscular rear haunches and swooping, fast roof line all pay homage to its reputation as a record setting pioneer.â&#x20AC;?

To continue the GTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extraordinary legacy, the 2016 model of Bentleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GT Speed has been refreshed with a complement of new exterior design features, aimed at sharpening the on-road presence of the iconic Grand Tourer.

A revised front bumper has been introduced while the fenders now feature a new vent, complete with a graceful metallic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bâ&#x20AC;? adornment, which serve to emphasise and enhance the renowned Bentley â&#x20AC;&#x153;power lineâ&#x20AC;? that ďŹ&#x201A;ows rearwards from the front arches.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

ROUND-UP TA L E N T M A NA G E M E N T S O LU T I O N S

Sweets of Oman uses Halogen Software MUSCAT: Halogen Software announced that Sweets of Oman is using Halogen’s talent management solutions to help create a culture of ongoing performance management, providing leaders more opportunities to coach and provide feedback to employees on a regular basis and in real time.

Prior to using Halogen, Sweets of Oman was challenged with inconsistencies throughout its talent management strategy.

Managers and employees weren’t regularly discussing performance, goal progress or development opportunities, ultimately leading to low employee morale, says a press release.

By using Halogen Performance, the award-winning confectionery manufacturer has easily established a framework to link employee goals to the company’s core business objectives, creating a high-performing workforce focused on achieving business outcomes.

Commenting on the company’s improved performance management system, Sukumar Balakrishna, general manager, Sweets of Oman, said: “With Halogen, our managers now spend more time coaching and providing feedback on a regular basis to employees, enabling us to remain committed to creating an envi-

ronment where employees can see how their work contributes to our company’s accomplishments.”

In addition, Sweets of Oman’s redesigned talent management strategy is now set up to fairly compensate employees based on their performance.

“Providing this goal alignment and clear path to success has improved engagement and productivity,” added Balakrishna. “Our employees are now actively engaged in achieving their goals and can see how they are recognised and rewarded for the outcomes they achieve.”

Halogen’s talent management solutions are also being used in Oman by Al Madina Takaful Insurance and Oman Oil Company.

Venkatesh Palakkad, a senior HR consultant with Reem Al Bawadi and Halogen’s business partner in Oman, explained the importance of implementing talent management software: “Organisations are able to get the most out of its talent by managing performance on an ongoing basis using cost effective and easy to use talent management solutions. The result is establishing a lasting competitive advantage through a high performing workforce that supports current and future business plans.”

Kia makes owners’ lives easier, more rewarding Exciting and enabling, Kia’s ‘Power to Surprise’ comes through vehicles that are at once practical and aesthetically pleasing

MUSCAT: Kia’s wide and comprehensive model range is designed to meet the different needs.

Exciting and enabling, Kia’s ‘Power to Surprise’ comes through vehicles that are at once practical and aesthetically pleasing. Each Kia is carefully built to make owners’ lives easier, happier and even more rewarding, says a press release.

There is a Kia for every need.

For the family man, there is Kia Sorento. A 7-seater SUV, the Sorento is for the family oriented, adventurous type. Suitable for both the rough outdoors and sleek city driving, the Kia Sorento, equipped with the Dynamax AWD system, displays impressive power and performance, making it the perfect getaway vehicle.

The elegant exterior, spacious cabin and class-leading safety features make the Sorento a wildly popular family-friendly model in our vehicle line-up. As a consecutive winner of numerous Car of the Year awards, this finely crafted SUV continues to entice ad-

venture-seekers with the promise of thrill and excitement.

Kia Optima caters to the stylish, mod set. For trendy and stylish drivers, the Kia Optima is the ideal choice. Boosted by innovative technology and captivating design, the sleek, aerodynamic body with soft and supple interior lining make this midsize sedan the most confident and eye-catching among its competition.

Now the Optima is also available with a hybrid powertrain (A plugin hybrid version is to be introduced shortly), the Optima family is the hallmark of style and technical sophistication, well suited for conscientious trendsetters.

Luxury, thy name is Quoris. An exquisitely crafted luxury sedan, Quoris provides the ultimate driving experience for those who seek high-end comfort.

The model features one of the most spacious cabins in the segment and is finished with materials of the highest quality.

The sweeping lines of its silhouette add to its elegant simplicity and understated classiness.

Alongside its exceptional performance on the road, the Quoris provides a smooth and silent ride with an insulated cabin and venti-

lated seating. The luxury sedan is a comfortable sanctuary for those who make luxury and relaxation their number one priority.

The young at heart love Kia Picanto. The reasons are quite obvious. The Picanto is compact and practical and has a strong appeal for urbanites as the ultimate city car. While it is the smallest model in Kia’s line-up, the Picanto is outstanding in terms of utility and function. Despite its size, the Picanto offers a wide breadth of convenient features and technologies – many of them fitted for the first time on a vehicle of this size.

Fun and perky on the outside, mature and refined within, the Picanto is a great urban companion for those who like to make a colourful statement.

As one enthusiast put it, “There is a Kia for every need. I drive a Sportage, while my sister, who has just graduated and started on a new job has a Rio. My parents love the grandness and comfort of the Quoris while my brother has an Optima. You can say we are a Kia family…and you can also say that Kia has a car for everyone in the family.”

Currently, there is a unique 0% offer from Reliable International

Automotive which has made Kia even easier to own. 0% interest on EMI (on select models and specific loan tenure – conditions apply) in combination with cash benefits eases the Initial Down Payment requirement. With 0% Interest EMI, all that the customer has to do is to pay only the cash price of the vehicle, in instalments.

According to the spokesperson, “Now customers have to just pay a visit with as little as OMR199 and drive out with a brand new Kia sedan – Cerato, Koup or Optima.

Offer applicable on certain grades of these models. Other benefits of service and insurance can also be opted for in a different package.”

Kia’s exciting and enabling range also includes the Rio - a smartly styled car that makes absolutely no compromises; the Cerato, to help anyone step into the good life; the Cerato Koup- a car in tune with one’s emotions; refreshed Optima the car with sporty stance and style that conveys confident individuality; Cadenza, a car that attracts and reassures with its innovative attention to detail; Kia Soul – gives the freedom to express personality and to connect with an urban lifestyle; all-new Sportage – for appeal that’s ahead by many miles; Carens - a car that lets one live life to the fullest; Sorento - an SUV built for urban living; Mohave – that puts one at the peak of performance; Carnival - an elegant all-in-one tool that makes one’s life a whole lot easier.

Reliable International Automotive, the distributor for Kia in Oman provides a rewarding ownership experience for customers.

Excellent product attributes and unmatched facilities easily ensure their absolute satisfaction, every mile of the way.

E X C LU S I V E S C R E E N I N G AT VO X

OSN subscribers enjoy premiere show of ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ MUSCAT: OSN Subscribers were among the first viewers of the premiere of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the highly anticipated blockbuster of the season.

Subscribers were given the opportunity to enjoy one of the first shows of the blockbuster, courtesy of OSN’s rewards programme, OSN Privileges. The exclusive screening for OSN Privileges members was held at VOX Cinema, Muscat City Centre with a great response of more than 100 attendees, says a press release.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justiceis a 2016 American superhero film featuring the DC Comics characters Batman and Superman, distributed by Warner Bros.

Pictures. It is a follow-up to 2013’s Man of Steel. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the first live-action film to feature both

Batman and Superman, as well as the first theatrical film to feature live-action portrayals of Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash.

At OSN, customers are rewarded for their loyalty. OSN Privileges is an award-winning customer loyalty programme, which gives viewers much more. Once customers register, they’ll be able to enter OSN’s exclusive drawings and competitions to win amazing holidays, the newest electronic gadgets, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Customers will also qualify for exclusive deals with OSN partners.

OSN is the ultimate destination for the widest choice of brand new premium Western, Arabic, South Asian (Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Malayalam and Tamil) and Filipino entertainment in the Middle East

and Africa. OSN is the home of nearly 140 channels filled with great value entertainment, offering viewers in the Mena region exclusive access to the latest blockbuster movies, top rated series, sports, documentaries, news, kid’s entertainment and live talk shows.

The movie offering includes over a 100 uncut and uninterrupted movie premieres a month so viewers can watch them the way they were meant to be watched.

OSN boasts the most comprehensive portfolio of exclusive rights from all the major studios including Warner Brothers, Paramount, Fox, Disney, Sony, MGM, Universal, HBO and DreamWorks and offers access to the world’s leading television brands including Disney channel, Sky News, Discovery Network and Nat Geo. Launched in August 2013, OSN

Pehla brings the best of Bollywood movies and premium cricket, including exclusive telecast rights of international tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup and Indian cricket, through leading sports channels OSN Sports Cricket HD and Ten Cricket.

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

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

They have a showroom in Al Khuwair and five kiosks at Muscat City Centre, Qurum City Centre, Muscat Grand Mall and Muscat Panorama Mall, and Safeer Mall (Sohar). MSE-EF also offers the Pay TV services through their sub dealers spread across in all major towns of the Sultanate.

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ROUND-UP

Chrysler 200, Fiat 500X earn top safety ratings

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Ubar Hotels’ shareholders receive 8% cash dividend

The dynamic vehicles were honoured with Top Safety Pick+ ratings for 2016 at the Insurance Institute Highway Safety (IIHS) awards

MUSCAT: The Chrysler 200 and Fiat 500X from Dhofar Automotive won the Top Safety Pick+ ratings for 2016 at the Insurance Institute Highway Safety (IIHS) awards.

The dynamic vehicles also earned the distinction in 2015. Top Safety Pick+ is the highest rating given by the IIHS, and contingent on the availability of AEB (Auto Emergency Braking) technology, provided that it achieves ratings of ‘advanced’ or ‘superior’, according to IIHS protocols.

“These results are a clear indication of where we’re headed,” said

Chris Edwards, general manager of Dhofar Automotive. “That this advanced technology is available on these two distinctly different vehicles demonstrates our commitment to continue to incorporate AEB into our vehicle fleet.”

AEB is also available in eight vehicles across five segments the Dodge Durango and Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and Renegade, Fiat 500X, Chrysler 200 and 300.

The AEB technology blends the benefits of radar with the capabilities of camera systems, which means greater precision. The Chrysler 200’s AEB technology is known as Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus. The IIHS gave it a rating of “superior.” The Fiat 500X system, known as For-

ward Collision Warning-Plus, earned an “advanced” rating.

In each, the Chrysler 200 and all-new Fiat 500X recorded the highest-possible score of “good” complying to IIHS crash tests that reviewside impact with a large SUV or pickup truck; moderate-offset frontal impact; small-offset frontal impact; roofdeformation consistent with a rollover and rear collision capable of inducing whiplash.

The 2016 Chrysler 200 provides drivers and passengers a beautifully crafted car with an elegantly simple style, an exhilarating driving experience, state-of-the-art and easy-to-use technology, 60 advanced safety and security features and fuel economy ratings of up to 36 miles per gallon (6.53

L/100km).It’s the mid-size sedan for customers who have earned a little luxury in their life, but demand value for their money.

The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X is the latest addition to the Fiat lineup in the Middle East, combining authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the Fiat brand, together with an available advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features. With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, and superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X delivers driving excitement, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment.

MUSCAT: Ubar Hotels & Resorts approved 8% dividend for its shareholders at its annual general meeting (AGM) held recently at the Park Inn Hotel Muscat.

The AGM was chaired by Safana Mohamed Ali Al Barwani, vice chairman of Ubar Hotels, says a press release.

According to a company release, “2015 was a very challenging year for the hospitality industry due to Euro devaluation which led to a drastic drop in revenues of many hotels in Oman.

With the oil prices at their lowest in so many years, Oman is aiming

to diversify the economy which is primarily dependent on oil and gases. The government has continuously developed comprehensive development programmes that have helped sustain the tourism industry even in the current scenario. Despite many challenges, the hotel has generated sufficient profit and declared 8% dividend. The board is confident that current market scenario will stabilise over the coming years and tourism sector is expected to see a growth and Oman will continue to be a preferred destination for the travellers.”

APPROVES CASH DIVIDEND

Taageer Finance holds annual general meeting

GENEROUS GESTURE

National Life insurance company extends its support to Dar Al Atta’a MUSCAT: National Life & General Insurance Company (NLGIC) continues to support nonprofit volunteer based charity organisation like Dar Al Atta’a for their support for the needy in Sultanate of Oman.

NLGIC has again renewed its sponsorship and has extended this support for the year 2015 as well as 2016, says a press release.

National Life has covered all the staff members of Dar Al Atta’a under a comprehensive medical insurance plan, which in case of inevitability, provides cashless procedure for both in-patient and out-patient medical treatment in all specialised hospitals in the Sultanate as well as abroad.

We are happy to be associated in a social cause and do our bit for an altruistic organisation like Dar Al Atta’a and as a major player in health insurance, we feel it is our humble way of giving back to society S. Venkatachalam

CEO, National Life and General Insurance Company

Dar Al Atta’a is a non-profitable organisation and hence relies on the support given to them by organisations and companies having a social outlook. This medical sponsorship will ensure health security for the staff of Dar Al Atta’a who has dedicated their lives for development of the less fortunate.

“We are happy to be associated in a social cause and do our bit for an altruistic organisation like Dar Al Atta’a and as a major player in health insurance, we feel it is our humble way of giving back to society. We wish them all the very best in all their noble efforts,” said S. Venkatachalam, CEO, National Life and General Insurance Company.

MUSCAT: The shareholders of Taageer Finance Company approved the audited financials for the year ending December 2015 at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently at the Muscat InterContinental Hotel.

The AGM was presided by Faisal Al Hashar, chairman and the shareholders approved distribution of cash dividend of 9.4 per cent for the year 2014. It also approved a proposal to allocate OMR30,000 for the company’s CSR initiatives in 2016, says a press release.

The company registered a profit after tax of OMR4.421 million in 2015. The net leasing portfolio has grown by 18.06 per cent from OMR107.306 million at December 31, 2014 to OMR126.686 million at December 31, 2015. The company made a basic earnings of 17.67 baisas per share. The net worth of the company stands at OMR34.312 million at the end of December 2015.

The board thanked customers, shareholders, regulators, bankers and staff for their contribution and support.

B8

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

ROUND-UP

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Bank Muscat inks pact with Arabian Properties

E D U TA I N M E N T E V E N T

Kidcitement kicks off at Avenues Mall

Bank Muscat has associated with Retaj Al Qurm project and will facilitate attractive baituna finance for prospective home buyers

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, and Arabian Properties company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide attractive baituna home finance for Retaj Al Qurm project in Qurm Hills.

Abdullah Tamman Al Mashani, deputy general manager – Institutional Sales & Products Development, and Ahmed bin Haider Al Haj Jawad, managing director of Arabian Properties, signed the MoU at the bank’s head office, says a press release.

Al Mashani said: “Bank Muscat is proud to be associated with Retaj Al Qurm project and facilitate attractive baituna finance for prospective home buyers. The real estate sector is a major component of the national economy and Bank Muscat is committed to extending all possible support to achieve the

objective of a ‘home for every family’, especially youth. baituna home finance is aimed at offering citizens and residents easy access to mortgage finance, thereby enhancing the role of the real estate sector in the national economy.”

Jawad said: “We are happy to join hands with Bank Muscat to provide attractive home deals for citizens.

The association between the two institutions will give a boost to the real estate sector and benefit citizens across Oman to fulfil their dream homes. Retaj Al Qurm project comprises 48 sophisticated

apartments and is expected to be handed over by December 2016.”

The attractive features of baituna home finance include low interest rates with maximum loan tenure up to 25 years for Omani customers. With extended loan tenure and low interest rate, Bank Muscat facilitates the best home finance deals in the Sultanate.

Citizens and residents can avail easy and convenient credit approval across the bank’s branches in the Sultanate. baituna home finance is designed to help families fulfil their

A N N UA L D AY E V E N T

GM – Oman Avenues Mall, said, “Events such as Kidcitement offer the perfect avenue for activities which we like to conduct here at the mall for our loyal customers and their families.”

The different career zones allow kid children to dress-up and perform various activities giving them a feel of being a grown up and at the same time bringing in the fun, child-like element. There are more than 10 career zones created at Oman Avenues Mall and the children can indulge in these activities. Each activity is being supported and carried out in coordination with activity conductors with utmost importance being given to health and safety.

“The core ideology behind the event is to get the children away from the television sets and smart gadgets and involve them in fun activities which will motivate them to start thinking about their future and also inculcate respect for people who work. The whole idea is to sow a seed in their young minds of a possible career path as well as bring smiles on their faces,” said Yesha Kanabar, Business Head at Areej T&C. The event is open on all days from 4pm to 9:30pm and is free for all.

G E N E R A L V R F, V 3 S E R I E S

Delicious Dance Academy set to mesmerise Muscat audience

MUSCAT: Majan Events in association with Delicious Dance Academy (DDA) is all set to mesmerise the audience in Oman with their annual day event - DDA LA Fest to be organised on April 15 at the City Amphitheatre Qurum.

The event shall mark the culmination of various dance performances by the students and their tutors along with an award ceremony, which shall be attended by renowned artists from the film fraternity, as a token of love and appreciation to its hardworking and talented students, says a press release.

Delicious Dance Academy began its journey four years ago with the vision of nourishing the field of fine arts by fostering a community that encourages creativity, innovation, artistic growth, and personal discovery. The man behind the success of DDA is Delicious Sahadevan, who is a well-known face in the Bollywood industry. With his versatility, talent and vigour, he has been a part and parcel of the film industry for over 15 years and is currently adorning the position as the dance director of DDA. Apart from imparting knowledge, it is essential to provide a platform for all the students to showcase their talents and bring out the creative best in them.

Hence from this year onwards

dream homes, offering convenient mortgage plans to suit everyone’s needs with simplified documentation, flexible repayment options, insurance coverage and processing across the bank’s extensive network of branches. All leading property developers are associated with the bank, hence baituna facilitates access to prime residential projects in Oman. baituna facilitates purchase and construction of new homes as well as land for residential use. Mortgage finance is offered to Omani nationals, GCC nationals and expatriates.

MUSCAT: Following the grand success of the first edition of Kidcitement, Areej T&C, a corporate event management company, has recently launched its second edition at Oman Avenues Mall.

Young children aged 3-11 years will get an opportunity to indulge in various adult career activities via live role-play stations through an innovative, fun and edutainment experience, says a press release.

Being held at Oman Avenues Mall from March 31 to April 23, the event promises to be a child’s dream to his/her future. Held in partnership with Oman Avenues Mall, Steadler, Lulu, Sadia, Berger Paints, Aster Hospital, Sweets of Oman and Oman Insurance Association, this edutainment event focuses on a child’s ambition and aims to offer a firsthand experience of the corporate world. Some of the activities that are included are bankers and customers inside a mini branch, traffic police for road safety, doctor, patient and nurse, chef, painter, construction worker and many more. Each of the activity zone has the look and feel of a specific career path.

Speaking about their partnership with the event, Ben Watson,

team DDA will be celebrating its annual day – DDA LA Fest. Apart from the dance performances by the students from DDA there shall be an award ceremony to felicitate the students based on their overall performance and talent. Since the student community comprises talents from various age groups (from 5 years to 60 years) and from diverse nationalities, this event is expected to have an extensive reach among the public.

The event highlight is the presence of renowned celebrities from the various verticals of the film industry whose roots dwell deep in dance. The celebrity guest of honour includes Priyamani (National Award winner and versatile actress from the South Indian film industry), Raghav Juyal (king of slow motion and an adept dancerturned-actor with movies like ABCD 1 & 2 to his credit), Sanjay Shetty (one of the much soughtafter choreographers in Bollywood; acclaimed as the Bollywood show master, who has marked his identity in movies like Boss and innumerable celebrity events) and Sajna Najam (a choreographer who has enchanted the South Indian film industry with her magical moves and her popularity has gained the highest degree of acclaim by winning the Kerala State

Award for the Best Choreographer).

Apart from the main stage events, which are conducted by the students from DDA, the management is also conducting competitions including the ‘One Min To Fame’ which is a social media dance challenge open to all age groups, which by now has gained immense support from the masses around the globe. These informal events are fruits of a humble effort taken from the DDA management to promote and encourage passionate dancers, even if they are not part of the institute thereby widening the event scope. The winners of these events shall also be felicitated during the eve of DDA LA Fest.

DDA is taking all efforts to create a positive, enthusiastic, yet disciplined environment during the entire course of the event. The management strongly believe that along with the academic training, ample opportunities should be provided to students of all age groups to cultivate their artistic and performing skills. This will indeed be a visual treat for the audience. With the blessings and support from all associates, well-wishers particularly Sheikh Kaleem, director, Majan Events, parents and the entire DDA team, will surely turn this venture into a grand success.

KR launches new generation AC products MUSCAT: Continuing the legacy of bringing quality products to Oman, KR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Division launched the new General VRF V3 Tropical Series and Premium Wall Mounted R410A Split ACs in Oman.

The latest addition of VRF V3 series is the new generation VRF system designed for tropical weather conditions in countries like Oman, says a press release.

The term VRF (variable refrigerant flow) refers to the system’s ability to control the amount of refrigerant flowing to the multiple evaporators (indoor units) of different capacities and configurations while connected to a single condensing (Outdoor) unit.

This arrangement enables the users to customise the comfort level of cooling/heating for their respective areas.

The product boasts striking features such as low noise, easy operational settings, comfortable temperature adjustment, precision refrigerant flow control, high energy efficiency, space saving, enhanced durability, easy installation service and maintenance.

Most importantly the product uses environment friendly refrigerant gas R410A contributing to

healthier living.

“From design to installation, 360 degree customer support is provided through a competent design and execution team to give customers maximum product satisfaction,” said V. Jayachandran, general manager KR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Division.

Meanwhile, the premium wall mounted split AC comes with its own set of revolutionary features.

The most outstanding feature is the machine’s ability to circulate airflow up to 25 metres. The large heat exchangers and efficient compressor deliver high energy efficiency resulting in considerable power saving. The durability is further strengthened by corrugated and blue fins to guard against

sand and rust, making it best suited for high humidity regions.

The product will be retailed through extensive dealer network, retail outlets across Oman in addition to direct sales to B2B & B2C customers. KR’s efficient after sales support warrants timely attention to all customers through its mobile service stations and 24x7 call logging system.

Over the last three decades, KR ACD, by partnering with Fujitsu General of Japan, has introduced many innovative products to Oman under the General brand. These products have unerringly withstood the test of the time, thereby earning customer confidence and trust. Today trust is synonymous with the brand, General.

I TA L I A N M O D U L A R K I T C H E N B R A N D

Al Hashar Electronics holds product training on Composit MUSCAT: Key employees at Al Hashar Electronics, the Sultanate’s leading distributor of household appliances, electronic gadgets and storage solutions, recently underwent product training on Italian modular kitchen brand Composit at the Al Hashar Electronics head office in Ruwi.

Andrea Sorgente, Composit Area Export manager for Middle East conducted the training for staff from Al Hashar Electronics’ retail, branding and design departments. The training focused on product features and benefits, and also effective selling skills. Andrea holds a degree in International Economics, says a press release.

Commenting on the training, Rajeev Sharma, general manager of Al Hashar Electronics, said: “Product trainings are an excellent and essential means to familiarise employees from relevant departments with the key features of specific brands. We

are proud to associate with super brand Composit, and the training delivered by an expert from Composit in areas such as product range, knowledge and features, technical knowhow, brand positioning and sales techniques will go a long way in ensuring best possible customer service and after-sales support for the brand in the market.”

“Product trainings are a regular feature at Al Hashar Electronics, and is in line with our corporate strategy aimed at enhancing customer experience by imparting in-depth knowledge about brands

to front-line and technical staff,” he added.

Composit Kitchens was established in 1974 in Pesaro, Italy.

Since then, the company has been leading the mid to high-end segment of the European modular kitchen industry.

Composit offers a wide range of modular kitchen models catering to mid to high-end customers.

The brand is recognised for its durability, quality, innovation, userfriendly features, hi-end designs and eco-friendliness. Al Hashar Electronics is the exclusive distributor for the brand in Oman.

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semifinal victory against hosts India. “He is our best Twenty20 player but we have 15 match-winners in this side.”

The ever-smiling all-rounder is seeking to become the first captain to lead a team to a second World Twenty20 title but West Indies are anything but infallible.

England have firsthand knowledge of West Indies’ destructive potency, having been blown away by Gayle’s 47-ball century a fortnight ago.

Morgan’s men would probably like nothing more than to exact revenge in the heat of the final WHOSE CUP IS IT: West Indies captain Darren Sammy and his Eng-

land counterpart Eoin Morgan, right, hold ICC World T20 Trophy during a photo session at Eden Garden in Kolkata on Saturday. – PTI

KOLKATA: West Indies’ rag-tag army of short-format mercenaries will be hoping they have the weapons to overcome a fearless England in Sunday’s World Twenty20 final as both sides target the honour of being the first to claim a second title in the tournament.

For a group of players who nearly boycotted the event over a contractual dispute with their board, Darren Sammy and his troops have waltzed into the Kolkata final displaying all the Caribbean flair that has earned them global admiration.

If Twenty20 cricket is essentially about power-hitting, no team does it better and more unabashedly than the West Indies.

England have first-hand knowledge of that destructive potency, having been blown away by Chris Gayle’s 47-ball century in a Super 10 shellacking in Mumbai a fortnight ago.

Revenge may be regarded as a dish best served cold but Eoin Morgan’s men would probably like nothing more than to exact it in the heat of a World Cup final.

A task easier said than done against a West Indies outfit packed with swashbuckling players who ply their trade in lucrative Twenty20 leagues around the globe.

What makes the job doubly difficult is that Sammy’s men have ‘LACK OF RESPECT’

Adversities unite us: Sammy KOLKATA: Bitter but not unnerved by the “lack of respect” for his team even back home, West Indies captain Darren Sammy on Saturday said the side’s stupendous World T20 run has been possible because of the players’ unity in the face of acute adversity.

The West Indians almost did not make it to the World T20 owing to a bitter pay dispute with their cricket board.

“People just paint us as money grabbing cricketers because of our success in T20. But yes still they don’t respect us in that format. We get that sometimes from our own board,” Sammy said.

Reacting to a jibe by former English cricketer Mark Nicholas, who described the Windies players as “short of brains” in an article, he said: “How could you describe people with ‘no brains’? Animals got brains.

We’re not an object. To me, that particular comment really set it off for us. To describe our team who were defending champions four years ago as we guys with no brains is really out of order.”

“Gods don’t love the ugly and we’re very wonderful and very beautiful men that’s why we play exciting cricket. It’s been a tough journey. A lot happened before the tournament started but I always believed everything happens for a reason.” - PTI

FA C T B O X

Match starts: at 5.30 pm Oman time World T20 head-to-head: Played: 4; West Indies won: 4; England won: 0 All T20 head-to-head: Played: 13; West Indies won: 9; England won: 4 *** ENGLAND World ranking: Four Squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Ray, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, James Vince, David Willey Coach: Trevor Bayliss Best performance: Champions (2010) ROAD TO FINAL: Group stage * Lost to West Indies by six wickets * Beat South Africa by two wickets * Beat Afghanistan by 15 runs * Beat Sri Lanka by 10 runs Semifinal * Beat New Zealand by seven wickets Top scorer: Root (195 runs) Top wicket-taker: Willey (7 wickets)

proved in India that they are more than just a one-man army who bank on Gayle to punch holes in their opponents.

Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons and Andrew Russell have

WEST INDIES World ranking: Two Squad: Darren Sammy (Captain), Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Lendl Simmons, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Ashley Nurse, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Evin Lewis Coach: Phil Simmons Best performance: Champions (2012) ROAD TO FINAL: Group stage * Beat England by six wickets * Beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets * Beat South Africa by three wickets * Lost to Afghanistan by six runs Semifinal * Beat India by seven wickets Top scorer: Charles (116 runs) Top wicket-taker: Russell (eight wickets) Match officials: Kumar Dharmasena and Rod Tucker, Marais Erasmus (third), Bruce Oxenford (fourth); Ranjan Madugalle (referee). - Reuters

stepped out of their illustrious teammate’s shadow and made their own mark in the last month.

“We said this before the tournament that Chris is under pressure,” Sammy said after the exhilarating

DIABETES:

S

Explosive West Indies face fearless England Peaking England They showed two extremes to their game in the last couple of outings, slumping to an embarrassing defeat to qualifiers Afghanistan before silencing a raucous home crowd in Mumbai as they knocked out favourites India.

Also, the England they will face on Sunday is not the same team they thumped by six wickets in the group stage last month.

Morgan’s side have peaked gradually in the tournament since that defeat and seem to have found the right rhythm and combinations.

They accomplished a high-scoring chase against South Africa, recovered well to subdue an upsetminded Afghanistan, held their nerve to edge out Sri Lanka and stunned the previously unbeaten New Zealand with a near-perfect game in the semifinals.

Their batsmen — especially Jason Roy, Joe Root and Jos Buttler — have batted with refreshing freedom and their catching has been extraordinary.

Equally, if not more impressive, has been their bowling at the death. Ben Stokes appeared to have ice in his veins in the final over against Sri Lanka to thwart Angelo Mathews’s audacious bid to pull off a sensational victory as England secured their place in the last four.

Against New Zealand, Stokes and Chris Jordan pacified the Black Caps in the final four overs, which cost only 20 runs and garnered five wickets, to restrict them to a total that England could chase down with 17 balls to spare.

Morgan has freed his batsmen from the weight of expectation and it is showing in the team’s performance.

“That’s the way a lot of us play,” Roy said of England’s aggressive batting after his 44-ball innings of 78 set the foundations for victory over New Zealand.

“The whole team has got that kind of licence, that kind of opportunity to go out there and do what they want and be free with their skills.” - Reuters

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

HALT THE RISE >C5

C O M M E N TA RY

The manner of Windies demolition of India is a warning to England

E

ngland get the chance to not only win the ICC World Twenty 20 for the second time but also to avenge their defeat in their first game of this year’s tournament to the men from the Caribbean. They were flayed by Chris Gayle who hit them to all parts of the ground in getting a hundred.

The Englishmen have bounced back superbly as they outbatted South Africa getting a record score in the bargain and though there were a few alarms against the Afghans they recovered very well to keep the winning rhythm up.

They have a devastating opening pair in Alex Hales and Jason Roy who look to hit from the first ball and in Joe Root they have a batsman capable of mixing the orthodox classical shots with the unorthodox and throw the bowlers off their line and length.

It was Root who took England to a win against South Africa when the Proteas had put up a huge score of 229 runs on the board.

Then comes Jos Buttler who is as powerful a hitter as the West Indian boys.

Eoin Morgan has not quite got going in the tournament and if he does that then England could be unstoppable.

Their bowling also has a fine balance of seam and spin

with Ben Stokes bowling brilliantly in the death overs.

The manner in which the Windies demolished India is a warning to England that it is not a team dependent on Chris Gayle.

The batting of Charles, Simmons and Andre Russell was of the highest class and they are the danger men for England.

For the West Indians the key bowler has been Sam Badree who bowls his legspinners accurately and not only keeps the lid on the scoring but also picks up crucial wickets.

The West Indian quicker bowlers have to just watch out for the wides and no balls that they bowl in their desire to let it rip. In limited overs cricket especially the T20 format no team wants the penalty of free hits that can shift the momentum away from them.

If the Eden Gardens pitch is like what it was for the India-Pakistan game then Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid could be a handful but if it’s the usual pitch then there could be plenty of fireworks from the bat. - PMG

E N G L A N D C A P TA I N

‘It’s not just about Gayle’ KOLKATA: Wary of the collective batting prowess of the West Indies, England skipper Eoin Morgan says their focus would be on the entire Caribbean side and not just Chris Gayle in the World T20 final, here on Sunday.

“Even before we played them in the group stages I was quite firm that the West Indies team is not just about Chris Gayle,” Morgan said.

“It is important when you are playing good sides you don’t focus on one or two players, it’s everybody, because anybody can

hurt you, and I think India witnessed that in the semifinal. Everyone watching the game (semifinal) witnessed that with Lendl Simmons’ innings,” he said.

Fully aware about the magnitude of the moment, Morgan has called on his side to embrace the World T20 final. “We’re quite real about things. We know it’s not going to be a normal game. It is important we are in the right frame of mind to slow it down when needed and more importantly execute our skills,” he said. - PTI

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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

SPORTS

Windies women hope to halt Aussie juggernaut The Southern Stars as the Aussie women team are known, have been on a roll since winning the title in 2010. The West Indies on the other hand would look to win the silverware to inspire their men’s team later in the day as they will be eyeing for a double

KOLKATA: A spirited West Indies women’s team, in their bid to make it a ‘Dream Double’ for the assortment of islands, will come out all guns blazing to stop the juggernaut of the three-time defending champions Australia in the final of the ICC World Twenty20, here on Sunday.

The Southern Stars as the Aussie women team are known in the cricketing circuit, have been on

ALL SET FOR FINAL: West Indies women’s team captain Stafanie

Taylor and Australia skipper Meg Lanning hold World T20 Trophy during a photo session at Eden Garden in Kolkata on Saturday. – PTI

a roll since winning the second edition of the Women’s World Twenty20 in 2010.

The Meg Lanning-led Australian women’s side choked arch-rivals England’s 133-run chase with a five-run victory in the semifinal.

Lanning has been their leading rungetter with 149 runs and against England her 50-ball 55 on a slow Kotla deck was the cornerstone to their winning total of 132 for six.

More than Lanning’s effort it was inspiring with the way Aus-

tralia prevailed in small contributions from the top order to inflict their killer instinct on England.

They were provided a strong start from the openers Alyssa Healy and Elyse Villani with a 41-run stand, their highest of the tournament.

Under criticism for over dependence on Lanning, Alyssa took the attack to the English pace spearhead Katherine Brunt, that really set the tone as they could muster a fine powerplay performance.

“We’ve been pleased with our

squad of 15 and our overall performance. I disagree that we relied heavily on one player. We’ve chased low totals. We’ve really benefited from the way Elyse Villani has kicked into gears and taken the game away in the opening overs,” Australian vice-captain Alex Blackwell said.

“You can’t ignore the impact of someone like Alyssa Healy and the way she took on Katherine... Small contributions can really be of high impact. Obviously Meg Lanning has been a real rock for us throughout. We’ve got plenty of players around. Ellyse Perry has been instrumental in our batting order in the recent years.”

In the spin-friendly and slow conditions of Eden Gardens their leg-break bowler Kristen Beams will look to make a potent force with left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen.

Megan Schutt and Rene Farrell with their change of pace and the accuracy will be key to their pace bowling as they aim to win an unprecedented fourth successive title.

From their perspective, the Southern Stars will hope that Blackwell return to form and display her array of strokes which may prove to be the difference.

The West Indies women on the other hand living a dream after Britney Cooper’s maiden T20I half century enabled them progress to their first ever final as they would look to win the silverware to inspire Darren Sammy and Co later in the day as they will be eyeing for a double in the World Twenty20. - PTI

EXCITING FORM

Lanning bats for separate IPL for women KOLKATA: For women’s cricket to come out of the shadow of the men’s game, Twenty20 is the way forward and a separate Indian Premier League (IPL) for the eves will be a major step towards it, feels Australian captain Meg Lanning.

Lanning’s views echoed the sentiments of England captain Charlotte Edwards and Indian skipper Mithali Raj, who have suggested a similar initiative.

Australia are eyeing a record fourth World T20 title as they take on the West Indies in the summit clash here on Sunday.

“It is certainly a very exciting

form of the game. It creates a great atmosphere and people want to watch it. T20 has been the vehicle of women’s cricket for last few years. We love playing Test when we get a chance and we love playing more. There’s no doubt T20 is the way forward for the women’s game,” the Aussie skipper said.

The women cricketers foray in the Big Bash recently was a huge success and Lanning said a similar initiative can be replicated in the lucrative Indian Premier League.

“We’ve seen women’s Big Bash kick off to a good success in Australia. There’s Super League in

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England as well. If there was an IPL for women here to be started, it will take the game forward and players will love to be involved in.”

The Southern Stars are up against a marauding West Indies team but Lanning said they are ready for the challenge.

“We really pride ourselves. The West Indies certainly have number of players who can take the game away. We’ve certainly done the homework on the big players. Certainly we’re not thinking they’re going to win the game for them.

We’re a settled team, we have been playing some good cricket.”

“It’s not just about defending it.

We’re here to win it just like every other side. Sunday is a new day and we have to start from the scratch.

Nothing that happened before really matters. Want to start off well.”

Lanning, however, did not underestimate West Indies who will be playing their first final on Sunday.

“West Indies are playing some good cricket. We are expecting a tough battle tomorrow. The West Indies will certainly look to come out firing, so we are ready for the challenge. We are going to make sure we will do everything right from the start,” she added. - PTI

C O M M E N TA RY

Method in Dhoni’s media madness is simply stupid

A

fter the last-ball one-run victory over Bangladesh at Mohali on March 23, Indian skipper M.S. Dhoni told an Indian reporter at the postmatch press conference that cricket was not played to script.

We were enlightened by MS that the tone and the question — how satisfied were the Indian team with such a win when pre-match talks had focused on a big win that would drive the run rate up — were obnoxious.

Then, a few days later, the Indian captain played cricket with a well-honed script.

The press conference Dhoni had after the semifinal defeat at the hands of the West Indies on Thursday was about cricket that had a script cleverly plotted and practised-to-perfection

by MS. The spontaneous smile — which the unwitting victim Australian journalist Samuel Ferris later recollected as the crisp white one often seen in TV commercials — that bloomed on Dhoni’s face after he had made sure he got the right ball to execute his well-rehearsed strike, and the sudden change in mood from cold or customary to warm and welcoming, didn’t give any hint of the Dhoni script which was just about to unfold dramatically, though.

The Cricket Australia correspondent, who was ready with his “pretty standard question” which he thought was “a fairly routine one for a 34-yearold captain” just eliminated from the World T20 Championship, went for it when his turn rolled out because “the question had not been asked by anyone else” at the press conference.

Imagine how that long wait for the question Dhoni was smacking his lips for, and the fear that it just might not really happen, may have frustrated the skipper.

The question wasn’t popped by an Indian media man. Dhoni knew it would come, and when it did at last, from a foreigner, he made sure he heard it right.

As soon as the nervous man repeated the question—“are you keen to continue playing on?”— after trying to take the sting out of the stab with a “you have achieved virtually everything that a cricketer could” preface, Dhoni was at his charming best.

Seldom have we seen Dhoni in such buddy-buddy mood lately.

Short of walking up to the man and escorting him to the stage, Dhoni did everything to lead Ferris down the garden path.

He dusted the chair, pulled it closer to him so he could put his arm around the shoulder of the guy, patted his back as the journalist gingerly took his seat and fired the salvos after queering the pitch, the crisp, white smile intact all along, and tricked Ferris into giving script-perfect responses.

The build-up to the climax was smart, smooth and simple. As Dhoni swiftly got to the last lines in the plot, especially the all-important one, “do you think I can survive till the 2019 World

At 34, getting the bowlers to toe his line is becoming impossible. The media guys are keeping their hands off the trigger for now, but Dhoni knows he could not take their silence for granted Cup?”, to which the confused correspondent could only mumble, “umm, yes, sure”, the Australian was completely clueless about what was going on.

The final punch, “then you have answered the question”, was brilliant.

Dhoni had the laugh, from first to last.

Thrice in the last few days Dhoni had got media guys to land the ball in his area. First, he ripped apart the reporter who questioned the strategy of the Indian team after a narrow escape from Bangladesh.

Then, he stumped the photographer who sought a click with a sarcastic “cricket khel lein?” line. And now this, the hat-trick. There’s a method in Dhoni’s media madness but, honestly, it’s simply stupid.

By his own admission, Dhoni is someone very unlike Virat Kohli when it came to playing shots all around the field. With only a few, old bullets in his kitty, he would try to clear the ropes only if the ball was in his area.

Brian Lara used to pick the bowlers with ease and the secret, as revealed by the great man, lay in the art of getting the bowlers confused and panicked enough to force them into bowling where he had wanted them to. That’s a trait Kohli seems to be getting a hang of, especially in the last few T20 games.

Dhoni has never had any of it, neither the skill of Lara nor the will of Kohli. At 34, getting the bowlers to toe his line is becoming impossible. The media guys are keeping their hands off the trigger for now, but Dhoni knows he could not take their silence for granted.

The ugly, unpleasant questions will be fired at him at any time. The best way to get going is to try and pre-empt the attack.

At the moment, Dhoni is right on the money, maybe, but he’s quite simply staring down the barrel of a gun.

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India.

All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

C3

SPORTS Ambusaidi makes it to ASAF Youth Cup jury

FOOTBALL

Ali Al Habsi emerges Reading player of the month award winner

Oman Sail’s first ever recruits Ali bin

I am thankful to Oman Sail and everyone who helped me hone my skills and will continue to work hard to excel in this field and be an ambassador for my country

Hamed Ambusaidi becomes the first Omani to be honoured with such an appointment, which has been earned after a spell of serving on several juries at international events

Ali Ambusaidi

in Oman

MUSCAT: One of Oman Sail’s first ever recruits Ali bin Hamed Ambusaidi has been given international recognition for his work as a race official by being appointed to the jury of the Asian Sailing Federation Youth Cup finals in Abu Dhabi next month.

He becomes the first Omani to be honoured with such an appointment, which has been earned after a spell of serving on several juries at international events in Oman.

Through this experience, Ambusaidi has acquired valuable knowledge on the racing rules of sailing and positioning on the race course and has the potential to be a top class international judge, according

to Takao Otani, a member of World Sailing Events Committee with responsibility for ASAF judges.

“I have worked with him on several events and he is very dedicated. We are pushing for him to become an international judge, but it will take a long time and he will have to study hard. The important thing is we see potential.

“He has a very clear idea of fair play which is what sets him apart from others, even though he has not done much racing. It is a difficult job because you make decisions which cause some people to love you and some people to be upset so you need to have a deep understanding of the rules on the race track and you have to be

strong and Ali has shown a real aptitude for the role.”

Oman Sail has developed a raft of quality sailors since it was set up in 2008 as well as a team of support professionals across all disciplines.

These include race officials who are being trained and being given experience in events around the Sultanate to prepare them to officiate at top class events around the world.

Creating and growing local judges is one of the toughest objectives since it demands years of studying complicated rules and regulations and applying them in pressured situations on the race course. There have been several Omani judges taking part in the international events organised by

CRICKET

Oman Sail in the last years but this is the first time an Omani judge has been appointed by the Asian Sailing Federation to officiate in an international event outside Oman.

“I am delighted that the Asian Sailing Federation has chosen me for this exciting opportunity,” said Ali Ambusaidi. “Through Oman Sail, I have had the chance to work on some of the biggest races in the sport of sailing and I’ve had excellent mentors. I am thankful to Oman Sail and everyone who helped me hone my skills and will continue to work hard to excel in this field and be an ambassador for my country.”

The ASAF Youth Cup finals will be organised in Abu Dhabi from April 5 to 9.

MUSCAT: Oman’s goalkeeping great Ali Al Habsi has been voted as the best Reading FC’s player of the month for March.

According to information posted on SB Nation website, the Oman national team captain becomes just the fourth player to win the award this season.

Ai Al Habsi has taken 57 percent of votes to emerge the club’s March Player Of The Month.

According to the website, it was a close fought battle for sec-

ond, with Ola John just edging out Michael Hector, the pair receiving 23 percent and 21 percent of your votes respectively.

Reading’s players of the month in 2015-16 season: August: Nick Blackman (44 percent); September: Nick Blackman (74); October: Nick Blackman (81); November: Oliver Norwood (59); December: Oliver Norwood (58); January: Hal Robson-Kanu (45); February: Hal Robson-Kanu (58) and March: Ali Al Habsi (57).

OMAN CRICKET

Going to be full house at Eden Powertech, L&T record wins for WT20 final, says Ganguly KOLKATA: Even though hosts and favourites India were knocked out after the semifinals of the World Twenty20, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President and former India skipper Saurav Ganguly on Saturday said Eden Gardens will be packed to its capacity during the final.

On Sunday, West Indies and England will battle it out for the champions’ crown here.

“Not a ticket left. The stadium will be packed to capacity,” Ganguly told reporters here on the eve of the high voltage clash.

When asked to pick a side, Ganguly quipped: “I don’t believe in favourites but West Indies look a very strong team.”

Ganguly also said he is now used to the challenge of hosting big matches as an administrator.

“We have staged the India-Pakistan match successfully. We are now used to the challenge. Hosting the final won’t be a problem,”

Saurav Ganguly

he said. “You can’t have India playing in every final. Two of the best teams are playing here.”

Commenting on India’s loss against the West Indies in the semis, Ganguly stated: “We lost to a side who played exceptionally well.”

Kohli thanks fans Meanwhile, Indian star batsman Virat Kohli thanked the fans for their constant support for the na-

tional team throughout the World Twenty20.

After losing to New Zealand in their campaign opener, India — winners of the inaugural edition in 2007 — staged a strong comeback, beating arch-rivals Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia but eventually lost to West Indies in the second semifinal by seven wickets here on Thursday to crash out of the competition.

“Thank You for a memorable tournament. Thank You everyone for supporting us & cheering for us relentlessly,” Kohli tweeted.

The 27-year-old scored an impressive 273 runs in just five innings in the competition to continue his consistent run in the shortest format of the game lately.

The Delhi-lad also singlehandedly helped India cross the victory line as he smashed three unbeaten match-winning halfcenturies against Pakistan, Australia and West Indies. - IANS

B DIVISION: Powertech Engineering after their victory over Design United Engineering. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Powertech Engineering recorded a 69-run win over Design United Engineering in an Al Ansari Group of Companies sponsored B Division match at the Municipality Ground I during the morning session on Friday.

Batting first, Powertech put on 203 for six in 20 overs. Manikandan G. and Nishad K. scored 73 not out and 53 respectively. Moshin Raza was the most effective Deign Unit Engineering bowlers claiming two wickets for each. In reply, Deign Unit Engineering were

bowled out for 134 in 17.2 overs.

Brief scores: Powertech 203/6 in 20 overs (Manikandan G. 73 n.o.; Moshin Raza 2/27) bt Deign Unit Engineering 134 in 17.2 overs (Raghu 2/18). Points: Powertech – 3, Design United Engineering – 0.

Oooredoo B lose In a Raha Poly Products-sponsored C Division match, L&T coasted to a six-wicket win over Ooredoo B at the Municipality Ground I during the afternoon session on Friday.

Batting first, Ooredoo B scored 173 for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Gaurav Suneel top scored with 46 runs. Ratna Kumar was the most effective L&T bowler and claimed two wickets. In reply, L&T scored 174 for four in 17.2 overs.

N. Valliappan top scored with 66 runs. Noor Haq claimed two wickets for Ooredoo B. Brief scores: Ooredoo B 173/6 in 20 overs (Gaurav Suneel 46; Ratna Kumar 2/29) lost to L&T 174/4 in 17.2 overs (N. Valliappan 66; Noor Haq 2/29). Points: L&T – 2, Ooredoo B – 0.

C4

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

SPORTS

Hamilton smashes record to grab Bahrain GP pole The Briton’s lap of one minute and 29.493 seconds was the fastest ever at the Sakhir track, beating the previous best of 1:29.527 set

by Australian Mark Webber in 2005 practice during the V10 era

MANAMA: Triple Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton smashed the Bahrain circuit lap record on Saturday to take pole position ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg for Sunday’s grand prix.

The Briton’s lap of one minute and 29.493 seconds was the fastest ever at the Sakhir track, beating the previous best of 1:29.527 set by Australian Mark Webber in 2005 practice during the V10 era.

Ferrari’s four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen qualified third and fourth for the second race of the season.

The much-criticised new qualifying format was again in the spotlight, still underwhelming even if the outcome was marginally more exciting than the disappointing debut at the Australian seasonopener two weeks earlier.

FASTEST LAP: Mercedes’ driver Lewis Hamilton, centre, flashes the victory sign next to teammate Nico Rosberg, left, and Ferrari’s Sebastian

Vettel after securing the pole position in the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit in Manama on Saturday. – AFP

The pole was still decided with minutes to spare, with periods without cars on track and drivers eliminated as they sat in the pits.

Hamilton is chasing his third successive Bahrain Grand Prix victory on Sunday while Rosberg, the winner in Melbourne, is seeking a fifth win in a row after ending last season with three straight victories.

“It’s not been a smooth sailing weekend in terms of pace,” commented Hamilton, who was slower than Rosberg in practice and made a mistake on his first quick lap of the final qualifying session when he ran wide.

“I was generally struggling to put laps together and luckily the

lap I did put together was the last one. The car felt great. It’s incredible to think we are quicker than the V10 days. It shows how far the technology has come.”

The V6 turbo hybrid cars have been lapping comfortably quicker than last year since Friday’s first practice session, but hopes that Ferrari might break the Mercedes stranglehold proved unfounded.

“Step by step we’re getting there. We know what to do, so we’ll see. It’s a long race and let’s see what happens tomorrow,” said Vettel, who had been fastest in Saturday’s final practice.

Mercedes have now locked out the front row for eight races in a row and won the last seven.

It was Hamilton’s second consecutive pole but the winner in Bahrain has started on pole only five times out of 11 races to date.

“My lap felt good and I was sure I was on pole,” said Rosberg, who made his Formula One debut in Bahrain a decade ago. “Lewis put in an incredible lap to beat me.

This track is where pole counts least I think so there are still a lot of opportunities.”

Australian Daniel Ricciardo was fifth for Red Bull with Williams’ Valtteri Bottas taking sixth slot on the grid ahead of Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa and Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg.

Romain Grosjean secured a top 10 start for the new U.S-owned

Haas team, qualifying ninth, after finishing a remarkable sixth in Melbourne. Further back, Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne — standing in for the injured Fernando Alonso — beat McLaren teammate Jenson Button on his qualifying debut.

The rookie will start 12th and the 2009 world champion 14th.

“I felt really confident in the car. I think we maximised our chances,” said Vandoorne. “To out-qualify Jenson is a little bit of a surprise.”

German rookie Pascal Wehrlein also stood out under the floodlights, qualifying his Manor in 16th place and ahead of both Saubers, both Renaults and a Force India. - Reuters

F1

Todt hopeful of resolving qualifying problem MANAMA: Formula One stakeholders will meet on Sunday to decide what to do with the muchcriticised new qualifying format, with the head of the sport’s governing body saying he is confident of reaching a solution.

“I am optimistic that we will get a unanimous agreement tomorrow,” FIA president Jean Todt told reporters at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.

“I hope the decision which will be taken in the light of the second qualifying (of the season) will be a decision which respects the fans, the media, the promoters and be a good step forwards.”

The Frenchman agreed the new format which made its debut in Australia two weeks ago had been a disappointment, and was aware of the backlash against it, although he said that the FIA “cannot be guided only by social media.”

The format was agreed only weeks before the season started, aimed at creating more excitement in the Saturday session through instant elimination of the slowest drivers at timed intervals.

While the first and second phases of qualifying involved more action, the final eight-car session in Melbourne proved a flop with drivers watching from the garages as the clock ticked away the closing minutes.

Todt said the change had been sought by race promoters but team managers had signalled before the start of the season that there would be a problem, unless Pirelli made more sets of tyres available or the third and final phase reverted to the 2015 format.

He added that Pirelli could only provide more tyres, at an extra cost to teams, from the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 17. - Reuters

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal and Manchester City keep up pressure in title race LONDON: Arsenal crushed Watford 4-0 and Manchester City hammered Bournemouth by the same score on Saturday as the two faltering big guns breathed fresh life into their faint hopes of lifting the Premier League title.

Not even another free-kick masterpiece from Dimitri Payet could inspire West Ham United in their push for a Champions League spot as they had Cheikhou Kouyate sent off in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

At the other end of the table, Aston Villa’s disillusioned fans made a long, loud protest as their side were humiliated 4-0 at home to Chelsea and now stand on the verge of relegation.

Newcastle United are hot favourites to join Villa in the Championship next season after going down 3-2 in a dramatic clash at fellow

strugglers Norwich City who ended up celebrating a 93rd-minute winner from Martin Olsson.

Newcastle’s north-east rivals Sunderland are also in deep trouble, four points adrift of safety after a goalless home draw with West Bromwich Albion.

After losing three home games in a row, Arsenal rebounded to dominate Watford, who had knocked them out of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium last month, with Alexis Sanchez, Alex Iwobi, Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott all on target.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who singled out the exciting young Nigerian Iwobi for more praise, said the performance had “brought a lot of belief back” to his side.

On the subject of whether the Gunners were still realistically

still in the title hunt, he told Sky Sports: “It doesn’t matter how realistic our title challenge is, we can only believe in our own game.

We just continue”.

Manchester City had lost four of their last six games but stopped the rot with a blistering start at Bournemouth, Fernando, Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero scoring within 19 minutes.

Aleksandar Kolarov added the fourth in the dying seconds.

Arsenal are in third place, eight points behind leaders Leicester City and three adrift of Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City are four points behind Arsenal in fourth, with West Ham three adrift of Manuel Pellegrini’s side in fifth after the Hammers’ draw with Palace left manager Slaven Bilic frustrated again. - Reuters

SUWAIQ BEAT SAHAM, MUSCAT DOWN AL MUSANNAH Suwaiq defeated Saham on Saturday to become the sole leader of the Omantel Professional League. In the Week 23 match played at the Sohar Sports Complex, Suwaiq handed Saham a 3-1 defeat to take their points tally to 44. At the Seeb Sports Stadium, Muscat earned full points with a 2-0 victory over Al Musannah. Muscat are in ninth place in the 14-team table with 27 points while Al Musannah are in 10th with 25 points. Second placed Fanja, who have 41 points, can catch up with Suwaiq when they take on Dhofar on Sunday. In the day’s other matches, Sur face Al Nasr and Al Arouba meet Al Shabab. — JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

C

SECTION

Health LIFESTYLE

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

DIABETES: Halt the Rise Story Swati Dasgupta

Diabetes will be the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh largest killer by 2030. This year the World Health Day (April 7) calls for immediate action to prevent and treat the potentially fatal disease.

T

he rise in diabetes world over is alarming and Oman mirrors that change as well. In 2015, there were 415 million patients with diabetes worldwide and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projected to increase to 642 million by the year 2040. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Presently there are 35.4 million individuals with diabetes in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa region), says Dr Praveen Jeyapathy, diabetologist at Apollo Medical Centre Muscat, as we get ready to commemorate the World Health Day on April 7. The main objective this year is to increase awareness and trigger a set of actions to tackle diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose which may over time lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. According to WHO, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;type 2 diabetes, usually in adults is most common, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make enough insulin. In the past three decades the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically in countries of all income levels.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; In Oman, the 2014 national registry mentioned the prevalence of diabetes to be 12.3% with nearly 7,000 new cases registered each year (only in government institutions). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The worrisome part of the report was the high ďŹ gure of pre-diabetes at 33% which shows a signiďŹ cant number at risk for developing diabetes in the future. Moreover, type 2 diabetes which usually affects the elderly is being seen at an increasing rate among youngsters these days,â&#x20AC;? says Dr Praveen while raising concerns on the rise of diabetes in Oman.

Talking about the main reasons behind this rise, Dr Praveen says that obesity is the most important risk factor for developing diabetes. It occurs due to a mismatch between intake and expenditure of energy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a 42.3% increase in overweight / obese women in Oman between 19802013. At a BMI of 30 compared to 23, obesity increases the risk of diabetes by 10 fold in men and 30 fold in women,â&#x20AC;? he says.

While unhealthy eating and inactivity results in obesity, there are many other reasons proposed to result in higher chance of developing diabetes which includes reduced hours of sleep at night (less than 7 hours). â&#x20AC;&#x153;If one has a family history of diabetes, it puts that individual at a higher risk. Remember, genetics is not fully responsible.

Our lifestyle also is to be blamed.

Compare it to a loaded gun where the bullets represent your genetic makeup. Your lifestyle is the trigger and whether you want to ďŹ re or not is entirely up to you,â&#x20AC;? he adds.

While sedentary lifestyles coupled with sugary, salty and fatty diets rich in reďŹ ned carbohydrates are driving the epidemic, there are individual steps that we can, and must take. Talking about the preventions Dr Praveen lists the following precautions that one can take individually: Ä&#x160; #(. #(Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;" &."3Ĺ&#x2014;1 #!".Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160; Ĺ&#x2014; .#0 Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; 2 , #- Ĺ&#x2014;, !/& ,&3Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160; .)*Ĺ&#x2014;-')%#(!Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; .Ĺ&#x2014;" &."3Ĺ&#x2014; )) Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;1 . "Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; &),# -Ĺ&#x2014;1 Ĺ&#x2014; )(-/' Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; )/,Ĺ&#x2014; , % -.Ĺ&#x2014;#-Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;')-.Ĺ&#x2014;#'*),. (.Ĺ&#x2014;' &Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; 3Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; make sure you eat a healthy one. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t skip it. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; & *Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; .Ĺ&#x2014;& -.Ĺ&#x2014;- 0 (Ĺ&#x2014;")/,-Ĺ&#x2014; .Ĺ&#x2014;(#!".Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;3)/Ĺ&#x2014; , Ĺ&#x2014;)0 ,1 #!".Ĺ&#x2014; -* # &&3Ĺ&#x2014;1#."Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; '#&3Ĺ&#x2014;"#-.),3Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014; diabetes get tested to check if you have pre-diabetes.

While early detection and strict adherence to management strategies are essential to limiting diabetes-related complications, Dr Praveen says that the treatment of diabetes can be compared to the four legs of a chair. All the four are required for stability in treatment. They are: 1. Diet control 2. Exercise 3. Medications which include tablets, insulin, and non insulin injectable preparations ĂžÄ&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; # . -Ĺ&#x2014; - & Ĺ&#x2014; ' ( ! ' (.Ĺ&#x2014; / .#)(Ĺ&#x2014; ÄĄ ĢÄ&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; .)Ĺ&#x2014; /( ,stand why one has diabetes, the reasons why control is important and the treatment modalities.

Highlighting the importance of diet, Dr Praveen feels that â&#x20AC;&#x153;control forms a core aspect of the treatment in diabetes. It is infact called medical nutrition therapy (MNT) where a customised diet based on your weight, physical needs and choices are recommended by a registered dietitian.

The time and composition of meals we consume will reďŹ&#x201A;ect on our glucose control and weight. Fad diets which promise rapid weight loss are discouraged as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not considered healthy weight lossâ&#x20AC;?.

Remember, a diabetic diet is one that is balanced, nutritious, and tasty which is something that is good for you and your family as a whole.

-Dr Praveen Jeyapathy, is diabetologist at Apollo Medical Centre Muscat

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

C6

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@ RUWI

@ AZAIBA

10 Clover field Lane (Horror | Thriller) (12+) Cast: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr. 4:30, 8:35 PM High Rise (Drama | Sci - Fi | Action) (15+) Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Iron, Sienna Miller 6:55, 11:45 PM Vettah (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Kunchako Boban, Manju Warrier.

10:30 PM Ki & Ka (Romance) (TBC) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan 6:20 PM

@ PANORAMA MALL

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Eddie the Eagle (Biography | Drama) PG Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman 2:45, 7:00PM 10 Cloverfield Lane (Drama |Horror) 12+ Cast: John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr. 11:45PM High Rise (Drama | Sci- Fic | Action) 15+ Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons 4:45 & 11:30PM Queen of the Desert (Biography) 12+ Cast: James Franco, Nicole Kidman 6:45 & 9:15PM Ki & Ka (Romance | Comedy) PG12 Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan 9:00PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 3D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) PG12 Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 & 11:30PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (Animation) PG Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 3:00 & 5:00PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Fantasy Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 12:00, 2:50, 5:45, 8:45, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 2:30, 5:20, 8:15, 11:15 PM Ki & Ka – 2D (PG12) Romance | Comedy Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor 9:00, 11:30 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (PG) Animation Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 1:00, 5:00, 7:00 PM Zootropolis – 3D (PG12) Animation | Action| Voice Overs: Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba 2:55 PM

Ki & Ka (Drama/ Comedy/ Romance) –PG12 Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Swaroop Sampat 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM

Vettah (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Manju Warrier, Kunchako Boban 6:00, 9:15 PM

PANORAMA MALL Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 3:15, 6:15, 9:00, 11:45 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12)-VIP LOUNGE Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:15, 6:00, 8:45, 11:30 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action, Adventure) (MX4D) (PG12) 3:00, 5:45, 8:30, 11:15 PM Kung Fu Panda 3-3D (Animation) (PG) 2:45, 4:45 PM Misconduct-2D (Drama, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino 5:30, 11:30 PM Eddie the Eagle -2D (Biography) (PG) Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman 3:00, 9:30 PM Queen of Desert-2D (Biography) (12+) Cast: James Franco, Nicole Kidman, Robert Pattinson 7:00, 11:15 PM High Rise -2D (Drama, Sci-Fi) (15+) Cast: Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Tom Hiddleston 6:30 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

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

08:40 11:00

07:00

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

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

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

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

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

Degrade: (Arabic) (Drama) Cast: Hiam Abbas, Maisa Abd Elhadi, Huda Al Imam 2.00 & 6.00 PM CP No: 407 (PG)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Oopiri (Telugu) (Comedy & Drama) Cast: Nagarjuna, Karthi & Tamanna 3:30 PM Cinema Main; 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema-3 Vettah (Mal) (Thriller) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Manju Warrier 3:45PM Cinema -3; 6:30 PM Cinema-2; 9:30 PM Cinema Main Thozha (Tamil) (Comedy \ Drama) Cast: Karthi, Nagarjuna & Tamanna 3:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema-2; 6:30 PM Cinema Main Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Act\Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Anu Emmanuel 3:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema - 4 Maheshinte Prathikaram (Mal) ( Comedy & Drama) Cast: Fahad Faasil & Anusree 6:45 PM Cinema-4 Next Change: Sardaar Gabbar Singh (Telugu) Programmes are subject to change

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

70-45%

AYMEN AZEEM April 3, 2008

SHANNON LOPEZ April 1, 2011

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

10 Cloverfield Lane (Horror / Drama) Cast: John Goodman, Mary Eliozabeth, John Gallgher Jr. 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.45 PM CP No: 406 (12+)

JAPJEE PAL SINGH VIRK April 3, 2009

Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Nizwa Ruwi

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

06:00 06:00

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action / Adventure / Fantasy) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 12.45, 3.30, 6.15, 9.00 & 11.45 PM CP No: 375 (PG12)

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

07:00

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

Minimum

SALALAH Batman Vs Superman (3D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:45, 5:35, 8:30, 11:30PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) (PG) (Animation) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 1:00, 4:45PM Eddie the Eagle (2D) (PG) (Biograph) Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman 3:00, 11:45PM 10 Cloverfield Lane (2D) (12+) (Drama) Cast: John Goodman, ohn Gallagher Jr. 5:00PM Queen of the Desert (2D) (12+) (Biography) Cast: James Franco, Nicole Kidman 2:15, 7:00PM Misconduct (2D) (12+) (Drama / Thriller) Cast: Josh Duhamel, Anthony Hopkins 1:00, 6:40PM Ki & Ka (2D) (PG12) (Romance | Comedy) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor 8:45PM Rocky Handsome (2D) (12+) (Action | Thriller) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Nishikant Kamath 11:15PM Vettah (2D) (PG12) (Mal) (Comedy / Drama) Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, Aparna Balamurali 9:25PM

BAHJA CINEMA

WITH LOVE

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

28 24

BURAIMI Kung Fu Panda 3 (Animation |Action|) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 4.30PM 10 Clover Fieldlane (Drama |Horror) (12+) Cast: John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr. 7.00, 11.45PM High Rise (Drama | Sci- Fic | Action) Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons 4.45, 9.30PM Batman VS Superman 3D (Action) PG 12 Cast: Ben Affleck,Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 4.30, 6.15, 9.00, 11.45PM Ki & Ka (Romance | Comedy) TBC Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor 9.00, 11.30PM Vettah (Thriller) PG12 Cast: Manju Warrier, Kunchako Boban 7.15PM

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

SUR Batman Vs Superman 3D (Action | Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 4:15, 9:05 PM

SOHAR Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice– 3D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:30, 5:30, 8:30, 11:30PM Eddie the Eagle – 2D (Biography) (PG) Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Tom Costello Jr. 2:45, 5:00, 7:15 PM Misconduct – 2D (Drama, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Josh Duhamel, Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino 6:45, 11:45PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (Animation | Action| Adventure) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman 4:45PM Degrade – 2D (Arabic, Drama) (PG) Cast: Hiam Abbas, Maisa Abd Elhadi, Huda Al Imam 5:15PM Queen of the Desert -2D (Biography) (12+) Cast: James Franco, Nicole Kidman 3:00, 9:15PM High Rise – 2D (Drama, Sci- Fic, Action) (15+) Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller 3:00, 11:45PM Rocky Handsome – 2D (Action, Thriller) Cast: John Abraham, Nishikant Kamat 7:00PM Ki & Ka– 2D (Romance, Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor 8:45, 11:45PM Vettah – 2D (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Faha Manju Warrier, Kunchako Boban 9:15PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

RUWI Screen 1 Ki & Ka (Drama/ Comedy/ Romance) –PG12 Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Swaroop Sampat 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action/Adventure) –PG12 Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM Screen 3 Rocky Handsome (Action/ Thriller) –12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Nishikant Kamat, Sharad Kelkar 3.45, 9.45 PM Kapoor & Sons (Drama / Family) –PG12 Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor 6.45 PM

AZAIBA Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action |Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:15, 6:15, 9:00, 11:45 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, 2:30, 4:30 PM Rocky Handsome (2D) (Action ) (12+) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan, Nishikant Kamat 3:30, 11:15 PM Ki & Ka (2D) (Romance | Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Swaroop Sampat, Amitabha Bacchan 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, 10:15, 11:30 PM Vettah (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Manju Warrier, Kunchako Boban 6:00, 9:15 PM Thozha (2D) (Comedy | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Nagarjuna, Tammanah 6:15, 8:15 PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Misconduct-2D (Drama, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Josh Duhamel 5:30, 11:30 PM

Ki & Ka-2D (Romance, Comedy)(15+) cast: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Swaroop Sampat 6:30 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.15pm 3.43pm 6.28pm 7.39pm 4.41am

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 International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

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, APRIL 3, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

Artificial skin could help burn victims

Debunking the Common WeightLoss Myths Victoria’s Secret media influencer and TV personality Amy Kitchingman reveals four of the worst weight-loss myths

Japanese researchers have successfully grown complex skin tissue — complete with hair follicles and oil-producing sebaceous glands — in the laboratory, thereby opening a path to creating functional skin transplants for burn and other patients who require new skin. The scientists were then able to implant these three-dimensional tissues into living mice, and the tissues formed proper connections with other organ systems such as nerves and muscle fibres. “Up until now, artificial skin development has been hampered by the fact that the skin lacked the important organs, such as hair follicles and exocrine glands, which allow the skin to play its important role in regulation,” said lead researchers Takashi Tsuji from Riken Centre for Developmental Biology in Kobe. To perform the work, published in Science Advances, the researchers took cells from mouse gums and used chemicals to transform them into stem cell-like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) cells. The researchers were able to make these cells to form the different layers and structures of deeply layered skin. One important key to the development was that treatment with Wnt10b, a signalling molecule, resulted in a larger number of hair follicles, making the bioengineered tissue closer to natural tissue.

Excess weight can increase odds of asthma in women

H

ave you been working out so hard for more than six months now but you have not seen any result so far? Have you been skipping that dessert since Christmas but you are still desperately looking at that sagging stomach?

Have you been aiming and rushing to lose weight for the summer season but you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel?

Amy Kitchingman, official presenter for Physique TV’s On The Go, former Miss Great Britain and the new media influencer for the humongous brand Victoria’s Secret sports collection enumerates four of the most common weight -loss myths that can deceive you.

Myth 1: The Green Light is on for all Green Tea Fact: Green tea is definitely one of nature’s best gifts to mankind as it fights toxins, improves mental alertness and helps aid weightloss, but this doesn’t mean that all green tea products that are on the

market are good for you. I’ve seen green tea candy with 50 calories per candy, green tea chocolate with more than 100 calories, green tea chips with more than 200 calories per pack and the worst of them all - the green tea shake that has more than 500 calories per cup as much as a burger with fries.

Green tea is amazing but only in its purest form. The next time you see ‘green tea’ products, read the back of the label. If there’s anything in there that you can’t pronounce, (and this rule goes for pretty much everything) and doesn’t sound like it comes straight from the green tea plant then put it down.

Myth 2: Diet Foods will Make you Thin Fact: Although diet food may contain less calories, you have to think about all the nastiest (E numbers and chemicals we can’t even pronounce) that have to go inside them to make them taste like the original version. Personally, I keep away from diet food

and prefer to eat plenty of the right food, organic foods, in their natural state. Not only is this going to help me maintain my diet long term instead of binging on diet foods, that really aren’t going to satisfy my bodies’ nutritional needs. But natural foods are going to help my hair, teeth and skin look great too, as well as my waistline.

Myth 3: Less Food, Less Mistake Fact: This is probably the worst myth that anyone can believe and sadly there are still many people who believes it. Starving or skipping meals is the greatest mistake that you can do to your body.

Our body is like a machine and it needs regular fuel to be able to work. Instead of creating a habit that may lead to disorders such as anorexia, try to develop a healthy eating routine in small portions such as 3 light meals and 2 snacks a day composed of fruits and nuts.

If you’re combining your diet with a work out you also need to be able

H E A LT H N O T E

Early Sleep Problems can Lead to Pain Later in Life Sleep problems in young adults, especially women, are significantly linked to chronic pain and even worsening pain severity over time, researchers report.

Overall, 38 per cent of young adults with severe sleep problems at initial evaluation had chronic pain at follow-up, compared with 14 per cent of those without initial sleep problems.

Early identification and treatment of sleep problems may help reduce later problems with musculoskeletal, headache and abdominal pain in young adults.

“In contrast, the presence of pain generally doesn’t predict worsening sleep problems during the transition between adolescence and young adulthood,” said Dr Irma J Bonvanie from University of Groningen, the Netherlands.

The team analysed relationship between sleep problems and pain in nearly 1,750 young adults in the age group 19-22.

The study, published in the

journal Pain, focused on overall chronic pain as well as specific types of pain: musculoskeletal, headache, and abdominal pain.

The long-term associations between sleep problems and the pain types were compared between the sexes and the mediating effects of anxiety and depression, fatigue, and physical activity were explored.

The results suggested that the relationship between sleep problems and pain was stronger in women than men — a differ-

ence that may start around older adolescence/emerging adulthood.

Three years later, those with sleep problems were more likely to have new or persistent chronic pain.

People with sleep problems were more likely to have chronic pain and had more severe musculoskeletal, headache, and abdominal pain. “The findings suggest that sleep problems may be an additional target for treatment and prevention strategies in female young adults with pain,” the authors suggested. -IANS

to fuel that workout effectively. So feed your body.

Myth 4: Fitness is a Sprint, Not a Marathon Fact: When people say they are starting a diet, I always ask their near term goals, which are usually to loose weight. And then the long term goals which are usually to keep the weight they have lost off.

But to enable this to happen, you need to adapt to a healthy lifestyle.

Not just a quick fix of the latest trending diet. These fads are never going to leave you with the long term results you want.

Adapting to an overall healthy lifestyle will help you achieve what it is you want, and help you maintain it. I lost a substantial amount of weight over 4 months but those changes that I made back then to enable me to lose the weight in the first place I still practise now.

Achieving your fitness goals is not a race; it’s about how you can make them benefit you the longest.

-lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Obesity and a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age — polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — are independently linked with asthma, says a study.

Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries and the disorder is associated with problems such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, obesity, reduced fertility and increased risk of diabetes. “A greater proportion of women with polycystic ovary syndrome report asthma, and the results of this study suggest that asthma is associated with PCOS and excess weight,” said lead author Anju Elizabeth Joham from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

“These findings highlight that polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex disorder that includes significant inflammatory underpinnings. These results also raise awareness of the need to consider higher risks in other health areas in this condition,” Joham said.

Pot belly increases heart failure risk Obesity not only increases the risk of heart failure, but increased belly fat, combined with an ageing population, can also lead to a significant increase in the risk of heart failure, a study says. The study showed a clear correlation between higher Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference and the risk of heart failure. The researchers saw that with every 10cm increase in waist circumference was linked to a 29 per cent higher risk of heart failure from the analyses of 360,000 participants. “Overweight individuals had a 35 per cent increased risk of heart failure as compared with normal weight individuals and our findings indicate that overweight should be considered a clear risk factor for heart failure,” said first author Dagfinn Aune from Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway. Research showed that a BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m2, which is considered overweight, is also associated with increased risk. A higher waist-to-hip ratio was also correlated with a progressively greater risk of developing heart failure.- IANS

C8

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

LIFESTYLE Detox your Body

Start the day off right

Start your day with nutritious, fibrous food like whole-grain cereals with milk or fruit smoothies blended with flax seed that provides energy for the whole day. Avoid having sandwiches and sugary pastries that are loaded with fat, sugar, and salt.

Detoxing is an effective way to clear the body of harmful toxins and enhance one’s health. But before starting any strict body detox regimen, one must remember to consult a doctor.

Become a “diet detective”

Read labels to find hidden sources of sugar. Tomato sauce, salad dressings, canned soups and some yoghurts contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar.

Drink more water

Drink water in plenty every day to help rid your body of toxins. Water an essential part to maintaining proper health. Keep a track of water consumption. Aim for eight glasses of water every day.

Saturated Fat

Eliminate saturated fat

It means looking for low-fat foods that contain the good but not the bad. For example, while whole-milk dairy products contain calcium, they also can raise bad cholesterol. Whole, plant-based foods like soy beans, kale, bok choy, almonds, and figs provide calcium without saturated fat.

Flush out the toxins

Dehydration can zap energy, but don’t reach for sugary sodas, coffee drinks or juices that cause a temporary boost followed by a crash. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day to flush out the toxins and keep energy levels stable.

Curb the caffeine

Too much caffeine can have a toxic effect on the body. Cut down on caffeinated beverages, and replace them with water, especially enhanced, alkaline, ionised water, which has been shown to promote energy and overall health by allowing the body to absorb the water more quickly. -NewsUSA

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S U N DAY, A P R I L 3 , 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

MONTHLY RENT NEAR AL FALAJ HOTEL FURNISHED DELUXE 1 B/RM WITH 2 bathrooms, SPLIT A/C, BUILT IN WARDROBE,PRIVATE TERRACE.

Contact : 990 49 722

FOR SALE Used Concrete Pump Sany43 Meter,Model 2011 in very good condition @ 100000/-Riyal Omani.

Contact99412020,95728453 Email: younis.alshezawi@live.com

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CARGO

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S U N DAY, A P R I L 3 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

DĂĚŝŶĂƚ ^ƵůƚĂŶ YĂƐ ͗^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵͬKĸĐĞ Ăƚ 'ƌŽƵŶĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ ϯϰϬ ^Ƌ Mtr. Facing main Road HAR Complex MSQ : 2,3-BHK Flats and 2 & 3 BHK villas with

ͬ ͕ĐĂƌ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͕ ^ǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ WŽŽů ;'ĂƚĞĚ ŽŵƉůĞdžͿ Qurum : 6 BHK villa with garden, split Acs, shaded car parks, servant rooms DĂďĞůůĂ ͗ Ϯ ,< &ůĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ;ďƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐͿ Darsait : 1 & 2-BHK Flats with AC & Shop Ruwi : 2-BHK & 3-BHK Flats and shops Al Amerat : 2 & 3-BHK Flat , 3 & 4-BHK Villa with A/C

For viewing please call 99466729, 99316410, 92841690, 91313271, 24694088 or email us on :hartc@omantel.net.om

*Tourist visa arranged

FOR RENT Store space in Al Wattayah.

Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. OMR 330 Monthly. CONTACT 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

Contact 99382489 / 99263443 OFFICES FOR RENT AT AZAIBA

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent. 18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi. Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use.

OMR 295/- month. Call 94477222 Conditioned room with toilets in Al Khuwair. #92620858 /92605500 2B/R with 3 toilets directly from owner, near Dolphin Complex Bausher. Contact 92158031 2 BHK fully furnished flat at Ruwi MBD area. #93211557 / 24814853 4 BHK, 2 bathroom private terrace at Ruwi opposite Oman Express Restaurant rent 360/-PM , 2 BHK one toilet, one bathroom separate at Darsait walkable to ISM rent 200/pm. Contact : 99354975 / 99065900 Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787 Modern office space for rent at MBD area, near Atlas Hospital with full local support by Omani if required. Contact 92882029 / 98825806, info@rns-group.com 3 BHK flats and shop in Ruwi near KM Trading rent 350/- pm each.

Contact: 99350946

Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346

Prime location on service road (previously occupied by A'Saffa Foods) near Al Turky and Mazda showroom.

2 BR flats with 2Baths Kitchen Al Amerat Aster Hospital #99366142

- 2 BHK flat available directly from the owner, at Azaiba.

Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair 33 RO.650/- contact 91776665

Contact: 99229263, 93221054, 95215289

For rent 3 bedrooms, 2 toilets, living room, kitchen & store in Darsait. Contact: 92328142

Flat of 3 BHK in Al Ghobra South opposite Royal Hospital. RO 380/-.

Contact – 91776665

Cold storage available for rent at Nizwa, capacity – 40 ton. #99371732 or nfillc77@omantel.net.om

1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 / 92584715

Clean flat of 2 BHK in Al Khuwair 33. RO 330/- Contact – 91776665

Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580

2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. Contact: 92584715 / 24700120 Flat at Bowshar, 2 bedroom,1 maid room, 4 toilets European kitchen for rent / sale. Contact: 99325263 Office for rent 880 sqm at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99325263 2BHK Al Khuwair R.O 375/-. Contact: 92144045 2BHK at Ghubra R.O 325/-. Contact: 92144045 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-. Contact: 92144045 1,2,3 BHK Flats. #92144045

1 BHK flat with 1split and 1 window AC, next to Indian School Ghubra for rent at RO 270/-. Contact: 98867658 / between 4pm - 10pm Amazing flat of 2 BHK in Remal Building. RO 550/- #91776665 Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448 Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99376454 5 floor building for rent in Al Khuwair near Muscat Dunes hotel each floor, 3 flats each flat with 2 BHK. Contact : 93223324 Villa in Al-Khuwair 33. Quality Finishing. Consist 5 Bedrooms, 1 Living room, 3 Lounges, All with A/C, Kitchen and storage . #90665135

1BHK Darsait. Contact: 92144045 2 bed rooms for family with split units with car parking shaded at Al Hail North. Contact: 92676707 Apartment for rent at Amerat phase one with A/Cs, 3 bedrooms & bath rooms, big kitchen 220/OMR. Contact: 97782228 Luxury flat of 3 BHK in Al Watayah. RO 500/-#91776665 2BHK Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-. Contact: 92144045

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in Al Khuwair. #95154331 2 BR, 2 bath, a kitchen, a yard , with AC, separate enterance, AlKhuwair near ibis hotel. PDC. RO 250 .. Call 97056443 Readymade office space for rent (240sm) in Bank Melli Iran Building, MBD area, Ruwi, opposite Center point. Contact: 99011352

2,200 sq mtr factory area & 800 sq mtr store with 8 accommodation rooms and 10 office cabins available for rent in Barka industrial area. Contact 91398381 / 80 / 78, email - agsan2005@gmail.com

Flats, shops and basement in MBD area and Honda road.

Contact: 92433127/96291778/ 92589235/97293708 2 BHK flats /office & shops available in a new building at Honda road .Contact: 91165807 Commercial land in Ghala 2500sqm for rent #93506187 / 97684266 2 BHK & 1 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 New flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes, 1 living room, 2 bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C high quality finishing rent per flat is R.O 340/- .

Interested candidates please Contact : 00968 92225523 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair. #95154331

3 storey villa at Mawaleh 7 bedrooms + 6 attached, toilets + 2 Kitchens. Contact: 93697325

2 BHK flats with split Ac available for rent at Al Khuwair 33. #94057023

Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569

Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. #97007934 / 92629232

Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661 2 BHK – modern & spacious flats with split ac for rent in Qurum near PDO gate no. 2. contact 94057023 Store with cold store in Wadi kabir. Contact: 99374977 For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 33 1 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam. For Daily, Weekly, monthly or Yearly contract.

Please Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC 99249069 / 994617563/92888376 / 24834888E mail: info@alshahiintl.com

New building Wattayah main road, showroom & office space. #94300909 Office / 2B.R with 3 toilets near Dolphin complex directly from owner. #92158031 Flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, kitchen & bathroom in wadi kabir for 260 RO. Contact : 97771444 New commercial Exhibition possible divided to shops in Sohar market close Bank Muscat.# 93305643 / 94734801 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. Contact: 99342661 600 M2 showroom or office in Bousher in front of Dolphin complex. RO.3.5 per m2. Contact 91776665 Brand new 4 BHK villa in Al Fai compound Al Khoud. RO.475/Contact – 91776665 Villa of 3 BHK and sitting area in Al Ghobra North. RO.525/Contact – 91776665 Luxury and brand new semi furnished 2 BHK flat in Remalbowsher.

RO.550/- #91776665 Spacious 1 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with all split A/C’s and parking. RO.300/Contact – 91776665 Flats available for rent 1 BHK & 2 BHK good condition with split AC Al Khuwair near Muscat Holiday. #94227178 1BHK at Al-Hamriya, B-2397, Way-

Dental chair and mobile dental X Ray for sale. Contact: 92737149

5935 near Muscat Pharmacy. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297

Commercial flats of 3 & 2 BHK in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street RO.650/- & 450/- contact 91776665

2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Mus-

Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

cat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

Flat for rent 3 bedrooms + hall with split units air conditioning at Al Amerat near Aledl Mosque Ibn Sina road Al Mahaj house No. 105. #99312628 / 95098277 1BHK new bldg with A/C, Curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99061409 / 99024039

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE A well-established computer sales and service outlet is available for immediate release with or without stock and fittings, usable for same or different business. Locations: Ghubrah- busy street. Contact: 24499404/ 99368761/ 99491761 Apartment for sale location Bowshar apartment 105M has one sitting room, Kitchen, Balcony, 2 rooms with cupboards and 3 toilets.

Contact: 99822260 For sale.25 year old well running clinic for sale in Amerat..Someone interested to invest and run the clinic also may contact Tel 99874336 Window A/Cs & other house hold items. Contact 92622506 Ice Cream Juice shop prime location Ruwi for sale suitable for beauty parlour. Contact: 92150455 Furniture and other treatment items for Ayurvedic clinic. Contact: 97986525 Shop for sale at Ruwi center.

Contact: 98787853 600 sq mtrs residential land in Maabela Phase 4 Block 3 OMR 65 Thousand.CONTACT 99333479 or 95215360 600 sq mtrs residential land in Maabela Phase 4 Block 4 OMR 65 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Zanzibari coffee shop for rent or sale in Barka Souq road, at Prime location. Contact: 99814411

HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

ACC. AVAILABLE Room for rent available in a flat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba behind Al Meera Hypermarket with attached bath with cot & A/C , rent inclusive of water & electricity.

Contact 96404166 / 97433992 Sharing for Executive females at Mumtaz area. Contact: 97094797

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 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

Room for rent Single Executive lady near Chedi hotel Azaiba. Contact: 94443037

WANTED

Big room with separate bathroom, couples family working lady at Badr Al Sama Clinic Al Khuwair.

Contact 99796500 / 97318878

IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

Separate room available Al Khuwair near Blue Radisson sharing kitchen, toilet rent R.O 120/-.#96930219 Furnished Bedroom with attached bath and kitchen separate entrance for Executive bachelor for R.O 150/- per month all inclusive in a villa, opp. Star Cinema.contact 99314807 2 bedrooms flat near Kuwait Masjid Wadi Kabir. Contact: 97608564 / 98498823 Single room B/K sharing Mumtaz area. Contact : 95212017

2 storey villa, 5 rooms with attached bath,1 hall & kitchen at Madinat Sultan Qaboos under finishing. Contact 99778773

Small old house for rent in Al Ghoubra. Contact : 97165972

Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair.#92881849 / What`s up No 97290565

Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah. #99336776

Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale # 99273774/ 99202278

GOOD NEWS

Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail. #96234708

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir. #97167857

MATRIMONIAL KERALA-NAMBIAR BOY28yr/175cm from Kannur. Working as Pharmacist in Muscat, seeks suitable alliance 92042355.

Graduate Syrian Orthodox girl 26 years working in Oman MOH as Staff Nurse seeks proposals from parents of suitable boy, preferably those working in Oman. Contact: 95907146 / +91 8904329166 Nair boy 31 /175 cms working in Muscat Pooram star wants suitable bride. Contact : 95501263 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman. #968 98267338, 0091 9287215726 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.#96059801.

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

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village.#93687466

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand.

CONTACT 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960

Pick and Drop Al Khuwair to Rusayl# 96733572 / 91287470

A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location. Contact99627621, 93240949

Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794

Transportation pick and drop with Nissan Sunny 2012 model A/C. Contact: 97224035

Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849

Transportation. contact 91703829

Bobcat available for rent. #97623299

Transportation. Contact 99508282

Buying cars for cash. #90202090

Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested please contact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

Transportation. contact 92015894

Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

TRANSPORTATION

Picking and dropping any time.

Contact: 97403088

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

DRIVING

BUYING

FOR HIRE Grader, roller, bobcat, JCB 3CX, JCB 4CX with breaker & water tanker for rent.#93218705 / 24478450

LOST Mohmmed Saraj has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AC 9706592 . Finder please handover to ROP

CHANGE OF NAME I Srinivasan Shyama Sunder (holder of Indian passport No. F6650596) son of S. Srinivasan having permanent residence in India, 11-11-1154, Giri Nivas, Mukhyaprana Temple Road, Managalore – 575001, Karnataka (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Muscat, P.O. Box 3305, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Srinivasan Shyama Sunder (old name) to Shyam Sunder (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No, 1727 Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiďŹ eds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Babylon Medical Services L.L.C, a leading medical services company in Oman is looking for the following staff for its newly opening branch

1. Gynecologist 3. Physician 5. General Practitioners 7. Male Nurse 9. Lab Technician 11. Insurance Coordinator

2. Pediatrician 4. Dentist 6. Female Nurse 8. X Ray Technician 10. Pharmacist 12. Accountant

Interested candidates kindly send CV to athira@babylon-om.com, info@babylon-om.com, Fax: 24486147

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING FIRM WISHES TO RECRUIT HIGHLY QUALIFIED ENGINEERS HOLDING BE DEGREE CERTIFICATES FOR ELECTRICAL PROJECT (400 KV REACTORS) IN SULTANATE OF OMAN: 1) Project Manager (Minimum Exp. 20 years) 2) Grid Station Protection and Commissioning Engineers (Minimum Exp. 15 years) 3) Electrical Engineers (Minimum Exp. 10 years) (Reactor, Grid Station & OHL/UG cable works) 4) Civil Engineer (Minimum Exp. 10 years) 5) SCS & Telecom Engineer (Minimum Exp. 5 years)

An Excellent Grade Contracting Company has the following positions.

REQUIRED URGENTLY

1. Mechanical Draughtsman with MEP 5 yrs min. Exp. 2. Electrical Draughtsman with MEP 5 yrs min. Exp. 3. MEP Site engineer (Electrical) min. 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 yrs exp.

4. MEP Site engineer (plumbing) min. 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 yrs exp.

5. HVAC Senior engineer with 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 yrs exp. in chiller execution.

6. Senior MEP engineer min. 10 yrs exp.

7. HVAC design engineer 5 yrs exp.

8. Senior civil engineer min. 10 yrs exp. in building construction. GCC experience mandatory.

1. Looking for a lady Sales Executive/Office Co-ordinator with valid driving license and good communication skills.

Kindly forward your CV to the email : mep.jobsoman@gmail.com

CANADIAN CO.- FREE CONSULTANCY FOR LEGAL JOB - For Hotel Staff, Construction Staff, Medical, Gas & Oil Staff.

- Free recruitment - free tickets, accommodation, work visa, contract for 2 (two) years.

Contact : 93392630 Send CV on muslimatservices@gmail.com

2. Required a Sales Executive with MBA in Marketing with Minimum 3 years experience in Oman market with valid driving license & NOC .

Interested candidates please send CV to Email Id: vacancy2oman@gmail.com A Reputable Heavy Construction Equipment Distributor Based in Muscat Requires Highly Competent Sales Executives/Sales Engineers Having Minimum of Five Years experience for Omani citizens and eight years experience for Non Omani nationals in a similar position.

Attractive Salary package will be offered to suitable candidates.

Please Contact : 24504577 Email : hroman630@gmail.com

6) HSE Engineer (Minimum Exp. 5 years) The candidates to send their CVs immediately conďŹ rming joining date and NOC if in Oman

Required Temporary

Instructor

Clinic Manager / Clinic Administrator needed immediate vacancy

for summer camp

CVs mentioning Oman tel. No. to be submitted to:omanengineco@yahoo.com

JOB VACANCY An ISO 9001 certiďŹ ed & ASME accredited Oil & Gas Equipment Manufacturing Company in Muscat requires the following personnel žManager- Business Development / Sales & Marketing: Result orientated preferably engineering graduate with minimum 10 years of work experience in the Oil & Gas (Upstream & Downstream) sector in Oman or the Middle East region. Candidate should have desirable experience in the sales of process equipment and skid mounted packages for the oil & gas industries.

Interested candidate may forward the CV within 7 days to E-mail: hromienfab@gmail.com / FAX No: 00968-24446179

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ENGINEER/MECHANIC.

Looking for a young dynamic Accountant with knowledge of AX Package for a multinational shipping company. Email your CV to: shippingseas@yahoo.com

A well reputed building material & contracting Company in Oman is looking for staff: Project Manager (more than 10 yrs experience), Engineer (more than 5 years of experience), Purchase Manager (more than 10 yrs of experience). Contact: 99808868 Email: amtcbarka@gmail. com

Required experienced Accountant preferably Indian Nationality.

Send your resume : admin@aljazeeraglobal.com Tel: 968 24494748

CATERING Wanted Indian Chinese Cook for restaurant in capital area. Contact: 94443037

DOMESTIC HELP Wanted house boy for an Indian doctor family. Interested may contact 94765020.

DRIVER Wanted temporary driver with Valid Omani License & good English knowledge. Kindly send your resumes to abcon@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175 or call us at 24792173/74.

Required Graduate with light driving license, present in Oman contrast basis. Contact: 99454425 Wanted driver. Contact : 91025698

Diploma in Automobile Engineering / Mechanical Engineering with 10 years of relevant experience preferably Gulf returned.

Only preferable for possessing NOC / Release letter. Candidate should have good controlling / leadership / good communication skills. Interested candidates send resume to hr@aljood-oman.com Fax: 24437007 Constructions Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Engineerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s , Diploma Engineerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s . All Kinds of Constructions staff required. towershr70@gmail.com , Office Tel NO. 24548382 Decoration Company looking for Interior Design Engineer with experience in 3D and Supervision.

Send your CV with the design which you have done and after the implementation. Email: alrih16@ hotmail.com

MEDICAL Required Gynecologist, Lab technician, X Ray technician. contact 99030773 Email: kunoozghala@ gmail.com

DRAFTSMAN

Nurse required for a dental clinic in Al Khuwair. Contact 95114616

Required Draftsman for Consultancy office. 3-5 years experience in Architectural Structural Drafting. Email careerssabla@gmail.com

Required following Medical Staff for a clinic in Muscat female GP Doctor male, female Nurse (preference for Philippines). Contact: 24595956 / 95189584 Email: medicare@fusionlogicoman.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Required Bachelor of Civil Engineering for Supervision for Consultancy office. 5 years experience in Supervision PMC duties in Oman preferred.

Email : careerssabla@gmail.com Required urgently for Mechanical Engineer, B.E / Diploma having good experience in Automobile & Engineering workshop. Contact: 98919238 Email: nnoel1977@gmail. com I.T.I Electrician experienced in Industrial L.T & H.T category work preferably in Oman with NOC. contact 99454425

Lab Technician, Omani Female PRO cum Receptionist, Male Receptionist cum Insurance Coordinator, Specialist Doctor Radiologist, General Practitioners, Cont.95220350, bmdcsg@yahoo.com Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Tech, any Nationalities. For Dreams Clinic : Towershr70@ gmail.com , Tel No. 24548382 Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq. contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@ gmail.com

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Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;

- Well experienced - Speaks and writes English & Arabic - Likes to work in a team - Respectful, caring & friendly - Takes criticism well - Has good professional attitude

For further details kindly contact Mr.babu 99380374 or fax 24593277

hds_accounts@yahoo.com

Urgently required A leading Electro Mechanical & Civil Contracting Company in Oman urgently required an Assistant General Manager with minimum 8 to 10 years experience.

Please send CV to:

REQUIRED Project Manager/Engineer Engineering degree preferably Mechanical with above 3 years experience in independently executing ďŹ re alarm, ďŹ re protection and ďŹ re ďŹ ghting systems in MEGA projects. Salary negotiable.

recruitmentmuscat2015@gmail.com

Please send CV to info@addhia.com

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

Send CV :

Required for a software development ďŹ rm (1) Software Developers - experience in ASP. NET and / or VB. NET (2) Software Support Executive - experience in software / hardware, support knowledge of ASP. Net will be an advantage. Email: CV to softwarejobsman@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED Required for a reputed Medical Center in Al Khuwair, Medical Marketing Executive with experience.

Please send CV : absmc2013@ gmail.com FAX: 24488660 Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with DataďŹ&#x201A;ow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

MANAGER Required an experienced Store keeper for a leading building material trading & fabrication company in Ghala. Send CV to Email: admin@areenoverseas.net

MISCELLANEOUS Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers. Candidates with Omani driving license preferred. #99273774/99202278

Required Sales Executive : 2-3 years of outdoor sales experience in spare part., Indian, Male 25 to 35 year age. Diploma holder in any discipline â&#x20AC;&#x153; mechanical engineer preferredâ&#x20AC;?. Email: mohammad.jwabreh@bearingcitysc.com Tel: 24509477 Fax: 24509312 Urgent required Salesman with minimum 2 years of experience in Sales & marketing for gift articles shop. Contact: 96917952 Email: swapneelbhatt@gmail. com Urgently Required a Self motivated sales person for a leading Printing & advertisement Co. Minimum 5 Yrs exp with valid Omani/GCC Driving License. #99412020, 95728453, Email: Baharalsuwaihara@gmail. com A reputed organization requires an experienced expatriate lady Sales Executive with valid Oman D/L for marketing luxury products. Contact: 24212307 or send CV with a current passport size photo to Email: awadiest@omantel.net.om Note: Only candidates who have NOC can apply.

Required Salesman, tailor and barber. Contact: 91114884

SALES / MARKETING Wanted a Salesman & Sales lady for a new lifestyle store opening shortly in MGM mall. Send CV : lifestylemct@gmail.com Wanted Restaurant Supervisor with a ďŹ&#x201A;air for marketing with driving license. Contact: 95485151 A Construction Chemicals Manufacturing company is looking for Stores Cum Purchase Assistant for Sharjah factory. Candidates with Min. Bachelor degree with 2 years working experience with tally knowledge can send CVs on: sharjahgic@gmail.com An Interior ďŹ t out company is looking for Sales Executive with 5 years experience, diving license & local release. contact 94619086 Proactive Sales & Marketing professionals with Oman D/L, own car required for leading IT & Media Solutions enterprise. Fresh MBAs also can apply: jobs@interacoman.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ ďŹ nance ďŹ eld. On visit visa. Immediately available. CONTACT 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - ďŹ nance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. #90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, Graduated with specialization in Accounting 2 years experienced C.A.CPT completed. #94628086 / 97315091 Indian female, MBA Finance, HR having 2 years experience as an Administrative Officer with Computer skills, now on visit visa, looking for suitable job. #93235507 / 90649533 Indian male, 22 years of experience in ďŹ nance dept is looking for a suitable placement, valid Oman D/L & release available , ready to join in short period. Contact : 99641119

Urgent required Salesman with minimum 3 years of experience in building materials (tiles & sanitary wares) with valid GCC license. contact 96917952, swapneelbhatt@gmail.com

Indian, Executive with 5+ years experience in HSBC etc, done with MBA, M.Com, DMM, M. Phil seeks a suitable position. Contact: 90369540 Email: abilashraji@gmail.com

Urgent required Salesman with minimum 3 years of experience in printing line with valid GCC license. Contact: 96917952 Email: swapneelbhatt@gmail.com

Indian male 29 M.Com, MBA, SAP B1, Tally, MS Office, Sage 5 years experience in Oman, India currently working in Oman, NOC available. Contact: 92840519

Required Sales and Marketing Manager must possess excellent communication skills. Fluent English speaking, Arabic speaking is preferred. Minimum of 2 years of professional experience.

Candidates are requested to send their CVS to polyplas@omantel. net.om

Female ACCA affiliate B.Com fresher with Oman driving license seeks placement in auditing / accounts and ďŹ nance. #92264638 / 93108343 Email: mira.somya@gmail.com

A leading company in the sale of heavy machines in the Sultanate of Oman looking for job promoter commercial and salesperson to conduction. Send your CV to Email: 184059738@qq.com contact +968 96329918

Specialist Dentist needed

IT

Indian female 32, MBA Finance, 7 yrs of experience in one of the leading bank in India in Treasury(in FX, derivatives and money market), Risk and Asset Liability Management , with valid Oman D/L seeking suitable placement contact 92206513 Accounting ďŹ xed asset inventory reconciliation software installation support service. Contact: 97703143

-

Periodontist Peadodontist Endodontist Orthodontist 3 Years minimum experience Likes to work in a team Has good professional attitude Please send CV to : hds_accounts@yahoo.com

SKILLED LABOUR Required A/C Technicians, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Painters, General Helpers. Contact 94147874 / 24504281. Email : globalaccessunited@gmail.com Electrician cum Plumber, Maintenance Supervisor with D/L, Building Material Salesman, C.C.T.V Technician. #99383044.

E mail: helplinellc123@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian male:25 Yrs. MBA HR ,BBA with 6 Months Exp seeking for suitable placement. Now on visit visa Contact 90653362 24 years, male Indian MBA completed seeking job opportunities for suitable placement. #95061789 Indian Female recently pass out BBA+MBA (Dual degree) International Business and Finance, looking for suitable opportunities, presently in Muscat on family Visa. #+968-95907828.

Email : stuti28sinha@gmail.com Male 36 MBA 7 yrs GCC exp. Quickbooks tally ERP, looking for accounts and admin post. Valid driving license. Contact 96763275/ 91992367 fazee1980@gmail.com Asst. Finance Manager (Indian male) MBA Finance, CIMA with 9 yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman experience. Seeks placement with NOC. call:97694976 Mail:muhammedsadikmba@gmail.com Indian female,26 MA Economics on family visa seeking suitable position in Accounts/Finance, HR/Admin Contact: 91473174 Indian male 27, MBA, B. Com with 6 years experience in Finance and Accounting upto ďŹ nalization seeking suitable position. Contact 98035831 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman. Ready to join immediately. #98263394

S U N DAY, A P R I L 3 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian male, MCA

Contact 92319677, Email : ismabsc@gmail.com

Contact - 92789995

Contact-93361624, Email-

Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

dheerachpadikkala@gmail.com

ADMIN 10 yrs of Oman experience capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable placement in senior sales / business development position. Contact : 98987654 Male Accountant M.Com Accounts & finance, 3 yrs exp in accounts looking for suitable job on visit visa.

Contact: 94648575 Fresher 24, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with Oman driving license. #92430152 Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com B.Com Graduate, Indian male 24 yrs, 3 yrs exp in Oman looking for Accounting, Sales, suitable jobs.

NOC Available. Contact:90615814.

Mail : adhilrahman.a@gmail.com ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. contact 99284193 Indian male 28 yrs MBA finance/ marketing and graduate in computer experience 3 yrs seeking suitable job, now family visit visa.

Contact: 93195378 Email: faisalme.beg677@gmail.com

Filipino male with 13 years HR and Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder. Currently looking for job in Oman. Interested employer Contact - 97728418.

DOMESTIC HELP Indian female 34 yrs single, 12 yrs exp in Oman presently working in Nursery baby sitter (Nany) in Muscat, looking a job visa + ACC, NOC available. Contact: 96516743 / 98802081 Office cum shop cleaner available on contract basis. Contact: 94262954

3D & Multimedia Designer looking for job, currently using family visa. Contact : 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@yahoo.com

Revit, Autocad, 3d Max , Diploma Civil Engg, certificate attested, salary exp : 250 OMR. Contact : 92279784

Indian male with 26 yrs exp 1.5 yrs in Oman in HR / Office / Administration/ Sales/ seeking for suitable placement. contact : 93112346, Email: sibyambadan70@gmail.com Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator at Wipro Technologies with handson experience in Amazon EC2 & Oracle Virtualization looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 92889678 Email: amalpathikal@ gmail.com

Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please contact 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

AutoCAD Civil Draughtsman looking for job (12 yrs Oman experience). Contact: 99830785 2D autocad Drafting (free lancer / part time) arch, MEP, Shopdrawing.

Contact : 97103168

CAD Technician Looking for Job Diploma holder. experience: 5.5 oman+Total12 years. #96534071

Teacher female 27 yrs, MCA 5 yrs experience in teaching in India currently on visit visa seeking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96709509 Email: viyannifd@gmail.com

Interior Designer Seeking suitable job. On visit visa in Oman.

Contact - 92166130

DRIVER

Omani National looking for a suitable placement in Sales or Administration. Contact: 94700691

Civil Engineer with 9 years experience 7 years in Gulf with oil and gas field experience valid Oman D/L. NOC available seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 91195257 Email: mjanoyon@gmail.com Indian male, Post Graduate (Instrumentation) seeks suitable placement.

Contact 0091 – 9633718099/ Email : rajithmr@yahoo.com An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available.

Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Civil Engineer 11 yrs exp in construction field having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact – 94194399 / shiblyrock@gmail.com Engineer has 10 years local & international experience in ready mix concrete also in Oil & Gas field also in marketing & sales field , has Omani driving license. #92534098 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available. #96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.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

Driver Indian 15 yrs Oman experience light vehicle. #98023050

Driver having experience in EmFilipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available. Contact: 91693008

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784

MBA Graduate with 2 years experience in HR and general Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98820248 Email: sm24blue@gmail. com

bassy seeks suitable placement in Sales or driving, NOC available.

Contact: 92191698

Light Duty Driver, exp 1.5 years, Language knowing English, Arabic & Urdu seeks placement Contact: 96011572 / 94484181 Driver light vehicle from Bangla-

Male BBA 25 administration officer, accounts, purchaser with valid NOC. Contact 91329571

deshi 5 years experience in Oman, 24 years, Omani driving license looking for job. Contact: 98591812

Indian male 26 yrs MCA, 2 yrs experienced in System Admin & data base controller. Contact: 92835125

Family driver available. Contac: 92943094

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

tact: 94182497

Looking job for light driver. Contact: 94435912 / 94802988 Pakistani male light vehicle driver with 5 years experience looking for job. Contact: 92171166

Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 B.Com 3 years business process outsourcing. Contact: 94657273 Indian, 26 yrs , female , 5 yrs exp in HR/ Admin with valid Oman D/L seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98236033 Indian male, MBA with 3 years GCC experience seeks job in Muscat.

Posses Valid Oman D/L. Currently under visit visa and can join immediately. E mail : tssavad@gmail.com contact: 00968 98896847

Light car driving. contactc 99578213

Driver. Contact : 94087276 Pakistani male light Vehicle Driver with car looking for job. #99630504

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 BA in English, BCA exp. 3 yrs including Oman, having valid Oman driving license. Contact 96330962, uneyism@gmail.com Indian female 29 yrs MSc, MED science on family visa 2 yrs experience in teaching field looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 93717403 Email: sharipanidcer08@gmail.com

Syrian Civil Engineer Graduate 2012 with Oman experience with license. Contact : 92967785 16 years exp Engg document controller, material controller HR related job with D/L#96028635 / 92386043 An Electrical engineer with 4+ yrs of experience in Electrical network (MT, LT) with professional computer skills seeking for work.

Contact: 99841736 / 93955381/ +149922698343 Email: e.kmmh@hotmail.com Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 2 years experience, fire fighting HVAC on visiting visa. Contact : 95630047 Electrical Engineer fresh Graduate NOC available, can speak Arabic & English with driving license. #: 94879092 Mechanical Engineer 7 years experience and 4 years experience in pipeline projects. NOC available.

Contact: 91117089 Electrical Engineer 4.5 years experience sub stations, water projects, oil & gas, fluency in Arabic & English with driving license. #: 99525856 Electrical & electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit. PH:93837973 Indian B.E Civil Engineer, 25 years experience in Gulf looking for a suitable job. N.O.C & driving license available. Contact: 94867039 Site Engineer Education BSc Civil Engineer experience 1 year AutoCAD primavera P8.1, MS Excel Google sketch up can use having Engr visa to Oman having 2 yrs validity.

Contact : 94561195 BE Mechanical & Diploma with 4 yrs experience in India looking for suitable job. Contact 90542737 Indian female, 25 yrs M.Tech Structural Engineer 3 yrs experienced in Analysis design & RCC structures seeking for suitable placement. # 97163040 / 96357196

Electrical Engineer, 7 years exp, NOC, GCC driving license looking for suitable jobs in MEP services, O & M of high voltage systems, FMS. Contact: 96137008

Indian male (23), completed B.E Electrical and Electronics Engineering have no experience and studied MEP, E-CAD AutoCAD P6 now on family visa looking for a desirable job. Contact: 98209070 Email: panivinlal@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 6 years experience, 4 years in Oman, with driving license available. Contact 92553263 Electrical Engineer, 8 years experience GCC with driving license, seeking jobs, can join immediately, have knowledge of all kind of MEP projects. Contact 96535204 Indian female Quantity Surveyor Civil 11 years experience, local release available NOC. #95719108 Email: jishashibunair@gmail.com

Looking for light driving job 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977

Indian female (M. Tech, Power system) having Gulf experience seeking suitable placement in Oman currently in family visa. Contact: 94306164 / 91001194

Job Site Supervisor 11 yrs experience 7 years of Oman Education Diploma in Civil Engineering driving license of Oman (LTV) Oman experience building and road structure.

Contact : 96972527

Looking for light driver. #99753474 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

Indian female 24 yrs B.Tech (CSE) having 1 year experience in PHP Programming seeking suitable jobs.

Also interested in teaching, available on family visa. Contact: 98676713

HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com

Light duty driver seeks job. ConIndian Male – MBA (HR) & Engineering graduation with total 9 years of experience in HR & Admin ( 3 yrs of Oman Exp.) along with hands on experience in technical bid submission for all Government & PDO tenders ready to join immediately with NOC. #@ 91240251/ Email; kvaradhan@hotmail.com

An experienced Chartered Accountant with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

Indian female 23 years Mechanical Engineer with 1.5 year’s experience looking for suitable jobs. Also interested in Sales & Marketing. Contact: 94743992 Email: selveena054@ gmail.com Electrical Engineer 6 years experience in Oman experience in MEDC / MZEC Projects. Contact: 91249329 Male QC inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L , release available. Contact: 91001104 Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer (B.E) residing in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 98530806 / 99362006 Associate Engineer with 5 years on EHT, HT, LT underground cable testing, good communication skills, NOC available. Contact: 92342124

BE Mechanical Engineer having 6 years exp in piping and structural work in India and Oman. Release available. Contact: 96115463 Email: jijoraju085@yahoo.com Sudanese Civil Engineer holding bachelor with 2 years of experience in Oman have valid driving license and residency with NOC looking for job. Contact: 94393880 A Young Mechanical Engineer with PGDM in Marketing and Operations (Rajagiri Business School) looking for suitable job placement in a reputed company, currently working in a startup (food- tech industry in India) handing diverse roles of the business (visit visa). Contact 96961635 Email: rohanmg@live.com Indian male M.SC in Structural Engineering (U.K) B.Tech in Civil Engineering (India), currently in Oman on visit looking for a suitable job. Contact : 93699710 Email: faisal0814@gmail.com Indian male, 29 yrs, B.Tech (EEE) with 5+ yrs of experience from reputed firms in the field of Electrical Site Execution & Project Coordination in HL, LT for various EPC Projects, now on visit, seeks suitable placement in related industries.#92310762, email : write2man@gmail.com

MEDICAL

96491030

Male job Nurse MOH license PDO familiarization8 yrs experience in Oman, release letter. Contact: 99385197 Email: waqar1010@ gmail.com

Civil Engineer male 26 years, experience 3 years. Contact: 96319928

Indian female dentist with MOH license having 3 years experience seeking immediate placement.NOC available Contact: 96678476/90343750, Email: jayakrishnak8@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD

ADMIN

Indian History graduate with diploma in Safety with valid Oman Driving licence seeks suitable placement.

seeking suitable placement anywhere in Oman, now on visit visa.

(Post Graduate) fresher

Data entry, MS Word, Excel, Accounting Installing software and windows, also know repairing system 1 year and 6 months work in sports in Pakistan language, Urdu, English, Spanish, bachelor of arts BA. Contact 94879732

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres), holding valid Oman D/L.

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, on visit visa looking for job, who has done certification courses in quality control, basic pipeline engineering, ASNT NDT level II, also good knowledge in HVAC.Contact:94743373 email:akasharavind1@gmail.com Male QC Inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L, NOC available. #91001104 B.Sc Civil Engineer 27 yrs Oman exp as project manager, structural engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC/local transfer available. Contact: 99349578.

Email:farooqatm@hotmail.com Indian male, 27 yrs, Electronics Engineer (B.Tech) & MBA, Project Management with 5 years experience in electronic security system, optical fiber, project planning installation. Contact 94819139, usamahaq@gmail.com B.Sc in Civil Engineer having 10 yrs experience in structural designer in RCC structure & steel structure in Dubai having Municipality approval & Dubai driving license looking for suitable position.

Email : engr.masud.civil@gmail.com

Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement. Contact 94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com

MANAGER Qualified and experienced Indian female Manager, 28 yrs with 12 years experience in B.P.O Insurance and banking looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 95166496 Male Manager Resource planning Oman experience 11 years in Purchase Accounts, HR local release available. Contact: 98895039 Email: binulukechacko@gmail.com Egyptian male 36 years Warehouse Manager, 7 years in Sultanate of Oman, 1 year in UAE, and 3 years in Egypt. Contact: +968 97200468 Email: ayman_mano1979@yahoo. com General/Divisional Manager MEP & Civil, MBA Operation, BE Electrical, 10 years experience in Oman & 10 years in India. Valid DL, release available. GSM. 92447102

Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. contact:98921022

Indian MBA having 12 years experience looking for job Property Manager with Oman driving license, NOC available. Contact : 93714141

Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com

Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager MBA (Finance), 14yrs. Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.#93826090, jskanchan01@gmail.com

Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. contact 96570891 BE CS, 23 yrs male, Indian looking for suitable job. Contact 90658834 Network Engineer CCNA-MCSA exp computer science with NOC. Contact : 92346191 Male, NDT, QA/QC Supervision Mechanical 10 yrs experience seeks suitable placement.

Contact 96954202, Email : nasirarain86@yahoo.com

IT INDIAN FEMALE, 23 years, BSCCS Diploma in IAD graphics, well knowledge in computer applications 6 months experience presently in Sohar seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96670907.

Email: ammuch.4@gmail.com Sudanese Network Engineer holding IT Bachelor with 1 year experience CCNA, CCNP, MCSA certified have valid driving license. contact 92394485 Male, 31 years, M.I.T, CCNA, 9 years exp in Qatar as assistant IT manager, network administrator, server management and knowledge of developing website. Qatar D/L and available in Oman on visit visa. Contact:00968-98179462.

0097477237607, Email: mohsin2022@gmail.com INDIAN FEMALE COMPLETED M.C.A seeking for suitable jobs. Contact: 91409481 / 97308719

MEDICAL 5 years of Experience in Digital Sales/Research Engines and Patient Experience Executive at Reliance Hospitals India, Pvt. Ltd. Looking for any suitable vacancy, currently on a visit . #90503494 email : lasradomelwyn@gmail.com Indian female (MSC – Microbiologist) seeking suitable job. Contact: 96791162 / 90618567

Building Site Supervisor with Oman D/L working in Oman since 2010 looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91507828 15 years Oman experienced procurement manager with good knowledge of material and market.

Contact 96549399 Operations & Accounts Manager Indian 18 years experience in Oman finance, purchase, sales, HR, Admin looking for Senior position.

Contact : 99044724 Production Manager 9 years experience in Oman manufacture and development factories .GRB. GRC. GRG rubber molds and false ceilings, fiberglass and executive at site emadadly2000@yahoo. com 96149081

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Post Graduate with experience in accounts Upto Finalization, Valid GCC Driving License, Immediate Joining Possible. Mob.92432748 Male/25-ACCA & B.com finalist, advance diploma in accounting with 5 years experience in audit and accounts. Good command in Tally, peach tree and SAP, looking for suitable placement. #97190575,email mairaj_hasan@msn.com

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Holding Oman Driving license. Looking for suitable placement. #99709336 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

SALES / MARKETING 35 years male, Lebanese holding British passport, 10 years of experience in procurement, Omani Government tenders, setup marketing plans & strategies importing, Organizing events, management have car, NOC available. Contact: 94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com Young Indian male, 24 yrs, having 03 yrs marketing experience in Oman, looking for suitable placement. Holding valid D/L. NOC available. Contact: 93172979

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian male Graduated in Business Management having 4 yrs exp in marketing & trading, dealt with international companies and product also having good knowledge in logistic & Admin looking forward to join immediately, having GCC driving license and car NOC available. Contact : 93639385 Email: faizenqidwai@gmail.com

Indian Pediatric consultant, md with 20 years experience and wife gynecologist md with 15 years plus experience seeking opportunities with reputed hospitals in Muscat. deemaild@gmail.com

MBA Marketing, 10 years in marketing, consulting strategy, corporate communications, content management, UX , Product launch, digital marketing. Indian female on visit. Contact : 95431357

14 years experienced light driver with valid Oman license looking for suitable job. Contact 99442481

Indian male, 5 yrs exp in marketing & trading (Oman), dealt with International companies & product also having good knowledge in logistic and Admin with D/L & car, NOC available. Contact 93639385 Email: faizenqidwai@gmail.com

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, Indian-Male 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.(8 yrs in Oman) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTRO-MECHANICAL & Others Projects ) and having valid LT D/L, NOC available & ready to join within a monthM:94064650,Email: nagauae@ gmail.com

Indian 32 years passed M.A. English , M.Sc Psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experience in teaching searching suitable job.

Contact: 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com

Indian male, completed bachelor of business management with 2 years of work experience, currently on visiting visa in Oman and seeking suitable placement for immediate joining. Contact 94647421 Male, 26 yrs, B.Com with Valid GCC D/L, 5 years Experience in Sales, Good(Arabic/English) on Visit Visa 96970027 Indian male 40 yrs SSLC, PDC knows MS Office & Tally 1 year Oman experience in Accounts & 2 yrs marketing experience valid Oman D.L. NOC available seeks suitable placements in marketing. #92409891 Email: danomon@ yahoo.co.in Indian male 45 years with 10 years software IT Marketing GCC experience Oman license, NOC visa transfer facility require urgent placement. Contact: 91719892 E mail: mmjoman@gmail.com Indian male, looking for sales & marketing job with Qatar experience & driving license. Contact 0091 8297578893, Email : mohdsaif459@gmail.com M.B.A (Marketing) With experience in FMCG & Other Sales, Valid GCC Driving License. Immediate Joining Possible Mob.92432748 Indian male 33 yrs, 11 yrs exp of Oman in Sales and hospitality looking for suitable with NOC. Contact: 91607889 MBA, Executive Post, Omani Driving Licence,14 years Experience in Multinational Groups in Sales & Marketing. M.Z. 91685048 Indian male 30 years, Gulf exp. GCC license looking for job sales Administration. contact 94423288 Email: ferozhussain70007@gmail.com Indian male, 45 yrs, 15 years Saudi experience, 1 year Qatar experience as driver / salesman with valid Qatar D/ License, currently in Oman on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.#90653714 / 99881264 B.Com, specialized in marketing, SAP - FICO, Tally ERP 9 2 yrs exp in sales and accounting ph : 90226336 Indian male MBA having 12 years of Sales experience in Oman seeking suitable position, good in Arabic and having valid D/L. NOC can be obtained (as per new rule).

Contact : 98908634

Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E(CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job. mobile no: 0096899070584. email: remluvp@gmail.com Civil Engineer (roads and structures) Education B. Tech Civil Engineering with honours experience more than six years.

Contact no 91431483 ,Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com Indian male 6 years exp in different field, with valid Oman driving license. Languages known Hindi, English, looking for any job(Driver for executives). Contact 98696795 HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger.

NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE, CONTACTkrish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian male B.A degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 years experience as restaurant & catering manager in Oman & Saudi with V/L Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact : 92100141 MBA Graduate (Indian male 26 years) having 2 years experience in Qatar as admin assistant looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 93041141 Email: mahinmehboob@gmail.com Indian female, MBA with 9 yrs of experience in finance & procurement currently on family visa looking for suitable position in finance & supply chain. #95622568 Draughtsman, 15 years’ experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 95358115, 96977289, Email : pillairp41@gmail.com Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job. Contact: 95598477 / 98803439

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian Female living in Ghubra Muscat near Emirates Shopping Center. 20 years of experience in Teaching. Able to handle all subjects till grade 6. Need suitable job.

Contact- 94406552

Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .Contact : +968 91467576.

PART TIME ACCOUNTANT available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact.

92643875

Indian male,16 years Oil & Gas experience ( Down Hole Tools ), 3 years in Oman, Dip. Mechanical Engineer, Having D/L and NOC. Email – jajisuni@yahoo.com, Mob : 965 956 18.

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

MISCELLANEOUS Filipino Male, 24 Years Old.. looking for job, have experience in Cargo & Logistics/ Rent a Car/ Real Estate/ Finance & Accounts/ customer service and as Travel Agent. Hard working and with good computer and communication skills. GSM: 95370052

Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com 8 plus years of experience in Events /Marketing Communication /conferences / Trainings / Media representation. Having UAE D/L. seeking Suitable Placement: Contact: 95792820. suheal.ma@ outlook.com

Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702, Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com

Physiotherapist with MOH license looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92617235

Sri Lankan Male 34 BSc. (Physics) 5 years experience as a site manager and administration supervisor in Oman with valid D/L looking for a suitable position. Contact 99153061 or v.chandramohan@ yahoo.co.uk

Indian male, 19 years Oman exp in purchase, Material control in building construction & factory production have good computer skills & D/L & with NOC, looking for suitable placement. contact 99008101 Email: mr.victor2015@ hotmail.com Engg/ Tech/ Mech, ME. Mechanical Engineer Indian male, 24 years looking for suitable job, area of interest Unconventional machining process, transmission system used in automobile quality control. Contact: 90444038 / 96736912, ilango2507@gmail.com Indian Male,Kerala,B.COM & B.PE having 13Years of Physical Education Teacher experience. Currently on visit visa Looking for a suitable job. Contact:- 968 94106834. email:-akhilrajkj@ gmail.com.

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED

Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 and half year experience in HR .Contact : +968 91467576 .

Experienced B.Com graduate + IATA Diploma holder looking for Accounts/Admin/Travels related job. Mob. 91142997. NOC available.

Software Engineer Indian, 31 yrs, 8.5 years experience (IBM, Emphasis, cognizant), Oman driving license looking suitable placement. Contact: 93221395

Any time available transportation solution for house office shifting, TV fixing, carpenter all type of maintenance.#Indian person : 95194801 / 96594592 Whatsapp

Female Junior Architect Graduated from School of Planning & Architecture, Vijayawada. Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling. Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com #00968-94057427.

2 years experienced male seeking job related to safety. M. Tech in HSE, MSc in Environmental Science and IOSH certified. Contact : 94653264 Indian male 37 YEARS, BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE having More than 8yrs of experience with well exposure in PDO, DALEEL & OXY as IT SUPPORT / DESKTOP SUPPORT ENGINEER. Seeking suitable placement. Contact rangaraj_vck@yahoo.co.in / 968-99758320

25 year old male B.Com and insurance graduate with 6 year experience looking for an opening in accounts, finance or operations related only. Driving license and NOC available. Contact-lilommca@ gmail.com and 95236312.

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

14 year experience in 5 star hotel as sales manager in UAE & INDIA on tourist visa looking for suitable opportunity please contact mobile # 91305978

6 YEARS EXPERIENCE HR/Finance Indian female[29Years] MBA. On family visa, Seeking suitable placement-93908191, email:aswathi.wnd@gmail.com

Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). GSM. 00968-98404122, Email - panduru.jeevankumar@ gmail.com

32year Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 8yrs Exp(HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968-99322978

BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

Sudanese male, 5 years experience in warehouse management and logistics servicescontact 90644186

Electrical Engineer Indian male 23 yrs, 2 yrs experience HV/LV Design experience in Oman based projects experience in HV testing (220/110/11kv) presently on visit visa. Contact : 99729860 Email: vivekcet888@gmail.com Indian female B.C.A, B.E.D, IELTS experience in Oman teaching primary & secondary looking for job. Contact : 97384206 Email: rani_sweet786@live.com Indian female, having 10 years experience in logistics and sales coordination, exp in SAP, MS Office valid D/L currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 95251911 Accountant 31 years Indian male, 6 years experience in Dubai & Bahrain with driving license good computer skills seeking for suitable position. Contact : 92791218 Email: vmp2485@gmail.com Sr Material controller, having 13 years experience in material controlling in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). contact 00968-92944026, Email charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in Indian/male (25)/ MBA/2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, E mail: mailanasap@ gmail.com Indian, BE Mechanical Engineering with 1 yr exp as service Engineer, looking for suitable positions. Contact-90637918, E mail: aquasharath@gmail.com Senior Accountant, 5 yrs Oman, 10 yrs UAE experience in manufacturing & construction valid D/L immediately available. Email: irfan_syed2000@hotmail.com, call: 95389018 MCA, Indian female, experience in IT & Administration. contact 94133849 Email: abpraveena16@ gmail.com Indian male with 1 yr exp looking for job in I.T as Web developer, presently in Muscat on visit visa. #92312978 Indian Male ,MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital ,Pharma ,Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Markeing ,construction A/c & sales , 93379044 HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 plus years experience in oil & gas, working in shclumberger Nebosh, ISOH & NDT certified, M. Tech in HSE. contact-krish.569@gmail. com mobile- +91 9867016808 BE Mechanical Engineering with one year experience now on visit visa, looking for suitable positions. #90637918 / 99335742,email: aquasharath@gmail.com Indian/male (25)/ MBA /2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, email: mailanasap@gmail.com

Indian male, 8.5 yrs experience, B.Com Graduate with GCC exp & valid driving license looking for better job opening in Muscat. Contact: 92609935 / 94771365 Indian male network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience), seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian male, Kerala B.Com & B.PE, looking for suitable Job in Sales, Accounts, Admin etc. #93301023 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com Physiotherapist on visit visa searching for a job. CONTACT 99767528 / 91317863 B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman. Also have Oman Driving License. Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi& Malayalam. Looking for Job. Currently in Oman. #+968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com Commercial or Operation Manager 18 yrs in Oman – finance, purchase, sales, HR & Admin exp. #99044724. E mail: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com Indian male at a Managerial position having 12 yrs exp in sales & marketing, Property Management looking for a suitable position, MBA qualified with Oman driving license. NOC available. #98125226 Indian male BE Mechanical Engineer having 6 yrs exp in piping and structural construction work, looking suitable position, release available. #96115463-email: jijoraju085@yahoo.com SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, 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 Indian male 31 yrs with over 10 yrs sales & marketing exp seeking suitable placement NOC & Oman D/L available in audition have proficiency in Arabic language. Contact:95760969 Indian Male,B.Com & Diploma Logistics & supply chain management 2years experience looking for job in Accounts/ logistics field. Presently on Visit Visa. Software knows MS office & Tally7.2 .MOBILE:93884951Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com B.A. in Accounting, Experience: 5years of Business/Accounts tutoring and 2 years of Accounting License: 70914186. #96389047, Email: sharanizareen@gmail.com

TOURS & TRAVEL Indian female BA IATA, 7 yrs exp in travel industry knows SABRE AMADEUS GALILEO on family visa seeks opportunity in Oman. Contact 93531170. E mail: claudiatresa17@gmail.com Filipina lady having exp in ticketing and preservation, call center, secretarial and real estate is now looking for job please call.94054080

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

TOURS

TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS Investment Required Minimum OMR 500,000 to transfer 5 Excavators big + 5 Tippers 2015 Astra, working on good profitable Excavation projects. Assured income 36 %.

98867530 / 99120532 engrfaheem@hotmail.com

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898

MV SALE Expat selling Toyota Corolla, Silver, 1.6, Automatic 2009, with new tyres and manual window, excellent condition, 110,000 KM for RO 2900. Contact – 92769735 Toyota Prado 3 nos. for sale. Contact: 99454425

MANPOWER NRI Housing in a well developed area for sale in Mangalore 100 meters from Main road at: Malaraya Temple Road, Chilimbi Near Urva stores, Mangalore -Karnataka, India Land: 181.60 Sq.mts, House built in the year 1986 consisting of ground floor and first floor. Total build up area around 2000 Sq.ft with car parking. Separate water and electricity connections. Contact: Anil Kumar: +91 97418 85128 (between 12 noon till 10 pm).

NRI 1 B/R - 890 S.FT fully furnished flat at Best Western Quepem. Contact: 97094797 Flats villas land for sale in Pune Contact: 95272138/ 918139098275

ACC WANTED Looking for a villa in Amerat area.

Contact : 95405033

RENT A CAR *Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

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S U N DAY, A P R I L 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 SERVICES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Export Manager/DM Indian Male 38 Yrs B.Sc /CIPET 13 Yrs Experience in Business Development &Production with Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact : 97221058 / 92058065, E-mail : ckabdulmajeed@gmail.com HSE Engineer: 3.8 years experience in Oil & Gas. NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE,B Tech in Mechanical Engg.

CONTACT-krish.569@gmail.com, Mobile- +91 9867016808 B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman.

Also have Oman Driving License.

Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam, looking for Job. Currently in Oman. Cont: +968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com Electronics service Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items.

Looking for suitable placement. #99105043 MBA Indian male 2 years experience in firefighting & security systems sales & marketing. Seeking suitable job. Contact – 90634050 Looking for QHSE – Manager / Asst. Manager job, Indian Male – 39.Yrs, With 17.Yrs Experience & NOC, NEBOSH – UK, MR – ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001, HSE Trainings, Audits, Pls Contact – haree. krishnan9944@gmail.com INDIAN MALE, 26 years, BBA graduate, seeks suitable position in automotive spare parts, Have 3 year experience. Phone no:96026400, Bineeshpn@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineering 6 years experience. #00968998907110091-9841867534 Email: sayed.fortuner88@gmail.con Diploma(Electrical Engineering) From Government polytechnic.

Age 27years, 6 years Experiance in Maintenance, troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer.Seek suitable placement. Contact GSM92995899,(a.abbas31@gmail.com) Bangladeshi male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job. Phone: 91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail. com 25 years, male B.Com and insurance Graduate with 6 year experience looking for an opening in accounts, finance or operations related only. Driving license and NOC available. #lilommca@gmail. com and 95236312.

Admin Assistant, Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). GSM. 0096898404122, Email panduru.jeevankumar@gmail.com

Indian Engineer, B. Tech (Mech), MBA, MLM (Master of Labour Management), 23 yrs experience, 5 years in Oman in the positions of Operations Manager and Plant Manager with Oman Driving License seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99744612. E-mail: deleepkumarpk@gmail.com Indian male network cabling technician (19-years gulf experience) Seeking for suitable placement.

Contact - 0091-8089909265 (India) email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian Male 47 years MBAOperations Management with total 25 Yrs exp inclusive of 9 yrs in Oil & Gas sector in Oman, having valid Omani D/L & NOC available , seeks challenging position in SCM/ Logistics/ Procurement in any Sector. GSM-94236414. Mail id – jayamurli@gmail.com Structural Engineer Education B-Tech in civil Engineering, Work Experience More than 6 yrs contact no.: +968-91431483 E-mail: mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com

IT/Telecom Manager, BE, MBA 13+ Years of experience, Valid Driving License. Available immediately.

Phone: +91205211, Email: ghulamqasimali@gmail.com

Indian Male B. Tech, 10+ years of extensive work experience in various aspects like Computer Networking, Technical Support, Management and Engineering with good communications, interpersonal and technical skills seeks suitable opportunity. Now in Oman on Visit Visa GSM : 9489 8009, Email : bios4u@gmail.com

Master’s in Petroleum Geology looking for relevant job ready to join ASAP, valid drivers license. Email : mehdi.poorjahangiri@gmail.com

Indian Female Accountant, now in Oman on Visit Visa, looking for suitable placement, contact 94250871

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & antitermite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Fixed asset verification inventory control software installation support services. #97703143 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC #99344723

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female MBA Finance, 6 years Oman experience as account looking Full time/part time accounting Jobs. Contact- 99044292 BBA MBA.Male, Indian Human Resource/ Administration/ Office work1 Year Experience Knowledge in MS-Office, Photoshop Searching for suitable job E-mail: antonyshajan11@gmail.com.Contact Number: +91 9655469680 +91 8754086178 Indian male 26 years MBA finance, seeks suitable placement. #92715032 / ajisd@yahoo.com

WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ BƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ MĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰϬ ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘ House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC CONTACT 99344723

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. contact 24793614/ 99314807 House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013 House shifting. Contact: 99708138 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing. Ocean center LLC.contact 99344723 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064 Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 / 99210141

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.contact 93769089 / 95323517 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. contact 93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. #99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 A/C Technician, cold store, freezer, chiller all kinds of A/C & refrigeration installation & service.

Contact: 92279370 / 92459357 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722