Times of Oman - May 3, 2016

TUESDAY

May 3, 2016 25 Rajab 1437 AH

HM SENDS GREETINGS

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to President Dr. Andrzej Duda of Poland on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere greetings and best wishes of good health and happiness to President Duda and the friendly people of Poland further progress and prosperity. -ONA

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 61

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ We fully realise that our work is bound by the targets we aim at. The success we see today in the sectors of both our local and international policies, is the true reflection of the efforts of our people, the sacredness of our soil and the respect and understanding of the world towards us and our aims.

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MALLS OF OMAN TO CREATE 42,000 JOBS Majid Al Futtaim’s investments in Oman will create 42,000 job opportunities over 5 years. >A5

Not cancelled, but delayed, say transport officials

Decision follows Gulf countries also shelving rail plans

BRAKES PUT ON OMAN’S RAIL PROJECT

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To avoid giving compensation to the private consultant, the deal has been cancelled

BABA UMAR FAHAD AL GADHANI

babaumar@timesofoman.com fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman has decided to ‘delay’ its ambitious rail project connecting the Sultanate with the rest of the Gulf countries to meet the schedule of other Gulf countries, a top official has said.

Contract with a private consultancy company - supposed to manage the rail project - has been cancelled as well.

“The ministry of transport and communications has not cancelled the project but only delayed it as other Gulf countries have decided to stop work on the project,” Mohammed Al Shuaili, Director of the Minister of Transport

and Communications Office told Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.

In January, the UAE announced suspension of Stage II tenders.

UAE’s stage II involves the construction of the rail network in the Abu Dhabi linking the country to the Saudi border at Ghweifat and the Omani border at Al Ain. Meanwhile, the Sultanate, Al Shuaili, said, has also cancelled contract with a private company “to avoid extra costs.”

“It’s only one company and the contract was cancelled to avoid extra costs. There is no reason to keep the contract for now to avoid falling into compensation costs,” he said.

Muscat Airport March

Duplicate key makers told to get licence

2015

1

All duplicate key making shops must obtain a licence from the Royal Oman Police, a decision issued by the ROP has said. The licence fee is OMR50 and it is valid for one year, according to Inspector General of Police and Customs. >A4

March

2016

2015

Total Number of Passengers Civilian Aircraft Movements

Hepatitis A prevention

Traffic chaos in Delhi

3

2016

2015

2016

12.81M

0.5%

71,722

March

2015

81,234

2016

2015

850

12.87M

10%

Cargo & Mail (in Kilograms)

March

2016

163,077 732

13%

-14%

-60%

65,114

January - March

January - March

January - March

January - March

January - March

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2016

2.90M 2.41M

2016

24,698

March

7%

255,921 217,669

2015

2016

-20%

January - March

2015

207

2015

6,498

OAMC seeks to improve passenger satisfaction OUR PURPOSE

38

40

-13% 13%

6% January - March

3,678

Source: Airport Statistics 2014-2015, Oman Airports Managment Company n

“Growing gateways to beauty and opportunity”

2016

50% 2016

46

-34%

2015

36

January - March 2016

-30%

March

1,552

-33%

January - March 2016

287,494

-10%

2,329

8

2016

412,101 2,229

2016

12

40

2,483

March

2015

2016

18%

Duqm Airport

March 2016

2016

34.76M

32.36M

11%

Sohar Airport

2015

2016

22,188

20%

137

Delhi groaned under traffic woes as hundreds of cab drivers blocked National Highway 8. >A9

2015

7,702

20%

March

January - March

2015

INDIA

2016

8,458

50

OMAN

Salalah Airport

March

973,464 812,438

2

Key

OAMC is currently managing and operating four airports, Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Duqm; here are the monthly statistics

OMAN

Maintaining personal hygiene and good food habits can help ward off Hepatitis A, medics said. >A5

Al Shuaili wouldn’t confirm when the project could be relaunched but said, “Whenever the image becomes clear in the other part of the project, the ministry can assign the company to start working on it again.”

One of the private contractors present at the recent Middle East Rail Conference in Dubai and 3rd Annual Saudi Arabia Transport & Infrastructure 2016 in Riyadh said no new official time lines for the GCC Railway project were presented.

“There was just several statements off-line that the projects are delayed respectively and were being put on hold,” said one contractor.

OMAN AIRPORTS STATISTICS: MARCH 2015-2016

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

MORNING MINUTE

On the occasion of the 4th National Day, 1974

2015

A3 106

100

77%

Oman Airports Managment Company is a government-owned company, n responsible ffor the management and operation of the civilian airports in the Sultanate of Oman. The infrastructure of the airports such as the terminal buildings, cargo buildings, runways, aprons, car parking and other facilities are directly under the OAMC’s management.

OMANAIRPORTS CO OM

2016

968 2434 1000

6% Graphics

OUR VISION

“To be among the top 20 airports of the world by 2020”

968 2451 8088

OAMCINFO OMANAIRPORTS COM

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TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

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Working with different people built our personal confidence and developed our communication skills Maryam Mukhaini, Takatuf Scholar

Takatuf forges future-ready young leaders Takatuf programme helps prepare students for success

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: In an effort to develop as the next generation of leaders in the Sultanate, several students from across the country have enrolled in the Takatuf Scholarship Programme to hone their academic and leadership skills and compete for securing an international scholarship abroad.

Organised by Takatuf Oman LLC, the programme is split into two areas. The preparatory programme gathers 60 eleventh and twelfth graders to undergo an intensive programme designed to develop the core competencies needed for success today. Upon completion, they will be recognised as Takatuf Scholars and would have acquired skills that are vital for their university years.

Out of these 60 students, 10 are selected to study for six years in one of the most prestigious universities in the world and complete an undergraduate programme in which they will be recognised as Takatuf International Scholars. The programme joins academia with real world experiences, which are designed to prepare the students for personal and professional success. “Other than school, pledging my efforts to the Takatuf Scholars Programme was the first serious commitment I’ve ever made and I’m quite glad it was,” said Aziza Al

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Kalbani, a Takatuf Scholar in 2015.

“This programme introduced me to many things I needed to know as a 21st century learner and it was very likely that I would’ve learned them a bit too late otherwise,” she added.

Maryam Mukhaini, a Takatuf Scholar in 2015, said working with different people helped build confidence and develop communication skills, so vital today. “Working in these classes gave us the spark for discussions and debate in a critical way. Working with different people built our personal confidence and developed our communication skills; we learned how to collaborate and as a result, built stronger relationships and respect between us,” said Mukhaini.

For some students, the programme helped in developing their time management skills, which allowed them to accomplish a set number of goals effectively and efficiently.

“I acquired certain crucial skills in the programme, which I will be able to utilise throughout my life and I grew as an individual by enriching my thinking processes,” said Muhammad Al Azizi, a Takatuf Scholar in 2015.

He also added, “I also learned to use my time in certain ways to help me accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively. Improving these skills allowed me to get closer to reaching the goals I’ve set for myself.” Part of the programme is a workshop simulating real world situations, such as the recent climate change conference in Paris.

Student had to demonstrate their negotiation skills; a vital skill needed today.

“A large part of the Winter Workshop was participating in a simulation related to a global conference (COP21) that took place in Paris. We were divided into groups and each group represented the perspective of a party that participated in the conference,” explained Muhammad Al Abdul Salam, also a Takatuf Scholar in 2015.

“My group represented the United States’ point of view, while other groups represented the views of the Maldives, India and Shell Global. There were many negotiations among us and we finally agreed to reduce the carbon dioxide by 30 per cent in India. We decided that the United States and Shell Global will be the sponsors of this project by providing financial support,” he added. “Some readers may ask why it is important to discuss such a global issue; well, I learned from this experience that educating young Omanis about the problems, which are facing our world can increase the significance of Oman’s opinion in global events,” said Al Abdul Salam.

Takatuf Oman LLC is set to honour the Takatuf Scholar 2015 in a recognition ceremony on May 15 under the patronage of Dr. Muna Al Jardani, undersecretary of the Ministry of Manpower for Technical Education and Vocational Training.

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

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OMAN AIRPORTS STATISTICS: MARCH 2015-2016

Key

Total Number of Passengers Civilian Aircraft Movements

OAMC is currently managing and operating four airports, Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Duqm; here are the monthly statistics

Muscat Airport March

2015

March

2016

2016

973,464

2016

2015

2016

10%

0.5%

71,722

March

2015

2016

2015

850

12.87M

12.81M

Cargo & Mail (in Kilograms)

March

81,234

8,458

20%

March

2015

7,702

812,438

Salalah Airport

March

2015

2016

163,077 732

13%

-14%

-60%

65,114

January - March

January - March

January - March

January - March

January - March

January - March

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2016

2.90M 2.41M

2016

2016

24,698

20%

11%

Sohar Airport March

7%

255,921 217,669

2015

50

2016

8

-33%

January - March

2015

2016

2015

207

2015

2016

38 36

1,552

50%

January - March 2016

2015

-30%

March 2,329

-20%

January - March

287,494

-10%

2016

12

40

2,229

18%

2015

2016

412,101

March

2016

2016

2,483

Duqm Airport

March

2015

2016

34.76M

32.36M

22,188

A3

6% January - March

2016

2015

6,498

46

2016

106 100

137

40

-34%

-13%

3,678

77%

6% Graphics

Source: Airport Statistics 2014-2015, Oman Airports Managment Company

OUR PURPOSE

Oman Airports Managment Company is a government-owned company, responsible for the management and operation of the civilian airports in the Sultanate of Oman. The infrastructure of the airports such as the terminal buildings, cargo buildings, runways, aprons, car parking and other facilities are directly under the OAMC’s management.

“Growing gateways to beauty and opportunity”

2015 Airport Excellence New Salalah Airport (OAMC)

2012 The best airport award for staff service Middle East region

+968 2434 1000

OMANAIRPORTS.CO.OM FACEBOOK.COM/OMANAIRPORTS YOUTUBE.COM/OMANAIRPORTS

OUR VISION “To be among the top 20 airports of the world by 2020” +968 2451 8088

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OAMCINFO@OMANAIRPORTS.COM INSTAGRAM.COM/OMANAIRPORTS

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OAMC initiatives seek to improve level of passenger satisfaction TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

OAMC is striving to make Oman Airports among the top 20 in the world by the year 2020

MUSCAT: As passenger numbers grow across the Sultanate’s airports, the Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) is introducing a series of initiatives to involve the public in innovating and improving their experience.

Fkrati is one such new initiative by OAMC, aimed at promot-

ing creativity and innovation at Oman Airports by encouraging employees to put forward ideas that will benefit the organisation by maximising profits, improving the quality of working conditions, eliminating inefficiencies, as well as increasing safety and promoting health, among other benefits.

Currently, OAMC is in the process of making the initiative open to the public.

From today, the Times of Oman and its sister publication, Al Shabiba, will partner with OAMC to report each month the latest in developments across Oman’s airports.

Another initiative called “Something on your mind” will be relaunched by the organisation in which it will provide a mechanism to collect customers’ feedback.

“It is vitally important to listen to our passengers’ and visitors’

concerns and comments, to ensure we are continuing to meet their needs and improve their experience,” said Aimen Al Hosni, OAMC’s chief executive officer.

OAMC is striving to make Oman Airports among the top 20 in the world by the year 2020 by providing high customer satisfaction as they develop infrastructure and facilities for passengers and visitors.

According to OAMC statistics,

the Muscat International Airport saw a 20 per cent growth in passengers in March, compared with the same month last year, where it recorded 973,464 passengers visiting the airport. Civil aircraft movement also shot up 10 per cent in March. Passenger movement at Salalah Airport rose to 13 per cent in March, with 81,234 passengers recorded, compared with March last year.

JOINING FORCES

Oman Air support for youth entrepreneurship event Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air has joined the Muscat-based College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) to support the ongoing development of entrepreneurship among young people of Oman.

The airline has accepted an invitation from the college to become a strategic partner for the CBFS Youth Entrepreneurship Competition. The competition aims to prepare students for success in an evolving Omani economy by incentives, contributing and sustaining the success of the winning students. It culminated with a ceremony, which was held under the auspices of Hamad Al Amri, undersecretary of Manpower, on April 24.

Expertise exchange As a part of its support for the competition, Oman Air provided the winner with return tickets to Dubai. The tickets will enable them to continue their project by visiting a financial firm in Dubai to exchange skills and expertise, and to enhance their knowledge and experience.

Dr. Khalid bin Abdul Wahab Al

Balushi, senior manager, Government Affairs at Oman Air, commented: “We are pleased and proud to be supporting this important initiative, in partnership with the College of Banking and Financial Studies. The continuing success and expansion of Oman’s economy depends on the entrepreneurial flair of today’s students, who will go on to become the business leaders of tomorrow.

Highly competitive “That is why the CBFS Youth Entrepreneurship Competition is so important. The business world is, of course, highly competitive and this project encourages students to shine in their chosen fields.

Furthermore, the winner now has the opportunity to travel and to further develop their skills and knowledge. It has been a pleasure to provide them with their flights to Dubai, courtesy of Oman Air.” The College of Banking and Financial Studies was established by a Royal Decree in 1983, with the objectives of educating and training bankers and encouraging research in banking and financial subjects.

It falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Bank of Oman and is sup-

ported by the commercial banks operating in the Sultanate.

Training courses Over three decades, the College has helped the financial services industry to meet its human resource development needs by offering academic and training courses that are tailor made to meet the emerging needs of Oman. It is an active partner in the Omanisation of the banking sector.

Oman Air’s partnership with CBFS was the latest step in its corporate social responsibility programme, which provides support for business and community development initiatives, as well as high achievement in the educational, sporting and creative fields. As the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, and as a major national and international employer, Oman Air is committed to backing continuing economic development in the country, a key part of which is the flourishing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector.

In November 2015, Oman Air was awarded for its Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year at the ninth Aviation Business Awards.

CAREER BOOST: Oman Air has accepted an invitation from the College of Banking and Financial Stud-

ies to become a strategic partner for the CBFS Youth Entrepreneurship Competition. – Supplied photo

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TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

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nationals were arrested following a theft of thousands of rials worth of gold from a house in Sohar province. The stolen gold, worth OMR8,000, was recovered from the culprits

ROP licence must for duplicate key makers The licence fee is OMR50 and is valid for a year, LtGeneral Hassan bin Mohsin Al-Shuraiqi, inspector general of Police and Customs, said

Criminals use different means to break into a house, such as with a duplicate key or by breaking open doors or windows. Therefore, people should take precautions, said a spokesperson from Royal Oman Police

FAHAD AL GADHANI RAHUL DAS

fahadnews@timesofoman.com rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: As summer sets in, citizens and residents have been urged by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to take precautions against theft being committed in their houses.

Many thefts occur around this time, as some people return to their villages from Muscat, while a large number of citizens and expatriates travel abroad with their families to spend holidays.

“Criminals use different means to break into a house, such as with a duplicate key or by breaking open doors or windows. Therefore, people should take precautions,” said a spokesperson from ROP. To monitor key making shops, the ROP said all duplicate key making shops must obtain a licence from ROP. The licence fee is OMR50 and is valid for a year, Lt- General

SUMMER DEAL

Hassan bin Mohsin Al-Shuraiqi, inspector general of Police and Customs, said in a ministerial decision issued by ROP. The ROP has also warned that shops failing to renew their licences on time will be penalised OMR10 per month.

“We monitor these shops and we believe that many theft cases can be solved by monitoring these shops,” he said.

Residents said in general, thieves target homes believing that residents may have kept valuables, such as gold and cash.

People can protect their property while going on a holiday by install-

ing surveillance cameras, locking windows and doors, and closing open spaces in the house, which can reduce chances of theft.

Recently, five nationals were arrested following a theft of thousands of rials worth of gold from a house in Sohar province.

The stolen gold, worth OMR8,000, was recovered from the culprits.

The official added that people should not leave valuables, such as gold and cash while they are away and pointed out that ROP will intensify its patrols, especially in areas where such crimes are reported.

IN TERMS OF GDP

Oman is the fastest growing tourism destination in Middle East: WTTC Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman is the fastest growing tourism destination in the Middle East when it comes to the total contribution of travel and tourism sector to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) said in its latest report.

While the total contribution of the sector was 5.7 per cent of Oman’s total GDP (OMR 1,593.8 million) in 2015, this is expected to grow by 6 per cent in 2016.

At an expected growth rate of 6 per cent, Oman stands at the top, while Qatar and Kuwait follow with 5.9 and 5.6 per cent of expected growth, respectively. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) come in at sixth place, with an expected growth rate of 4.4 per cent.

The total contribution of the travel and tourism sector includes the wider effects of investment, the supply chain and induced income impact. With regards to the direct contribution of the sector to the country’s GDP, Oman stands second, with a growth rate of 6.6 per cent, following Kuwait.

The direct contribution reflects the economic activity generated by industries, such as hotels, travel agencies, airlines, other passenger

transportation services, restaurants and leisure industries.

The WTTC has forecast an increase of 5.1 per cent in the number of jobs directly generated in the travel and tourism sector in 2016, the report said. The number of jobs is expected to reach 56,000, which is 2.8 per cent of total employment. This includes jobs in industries, such as hotels, travel agencies, restaurants and airlines.

The WTTC expects the sector to account for 81,000 jobs in 2026.

The total contribution of the sector to employment, reflecting the wider effects of the sector, is forecast to rise by 4.4 per cent in 2016 to reach 116,500 jobs, according to the WTTC. Oman ranks ninth out of 10 countries in the region when it comes to the sector’s contribution to employment, with 5.7 per cent in 2015. The UAE came in at the fifth place, with 9.6 per cent of total employment. WTTC expects Oman to attract 3,342,000 international tourist arrivals in 2026.

The Tourism Strategy 2040 of the Ministry of Tourism will target 5 million international visitors by 2040 and a 6 per cent rise in the sector’s contribution to the GDP. In 2015, Oman received 2.4 million tourists.

REPORT

Millennium Resort Oman’s adult literacy climbs to 94.8% Mussanah offers package for families Times News Service

Times News Service MUSSANAH: With summer setting in, the Millennium Resort Mussanah has launched a special offer that will enable guests to savour a unique and family-friendly retreat this vacation season.

Christoph Schleissing, general manager of Millennium Resort Mussanah, said, “The resort, our staff, and every inch of our facilities are fully prepared and ready to deliver the perfect summer getaway to all our visitors this summer.

Ideal escape “Filled with fun and tailored to deliver the ideal escape families often dream of during the school year, we introduced this offer to ensure guests can enjoy a full range of our services no matter how long they stay.

“Our resort has exceptional views of the Al Hajjar Mountains and the Batinah Coast, immaculate pools, as well as all the amenities required to make every second with us memorable.”

Under the resort’s deal, guests will be able to experience a stay for two in the Deluxe Garden View Room, daily breakfast and dinner for two at the Mydan Restaurant, and a full range of its top facilities from the May 1 until end of September 2016, excluding public holidays, and starting from OMR39 net.

Complimentary stay The offer is perfect for families as it also allows complimentary stay and meals for one child below six years of age, 50 per cent off on bed and meals for children between the ages of six and 12, and an extra bed with breakfast and dinner, inclusive for only OMR25 net.

In a perfect complement to access its private beach, Millennium Resort Mussanah also announced a series of fun sand castle building competitions for the little ones and their families to enjoy every Friday from 3 to 4 pm. Each competition will be inspired by a different theme and will be held throughout the summer months.

MUSCAT: Oman’s adult literacy rate reached 94.8 per cent in 2015, according to Alpen Capital’s GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Education Industry Report.

The report said the education system in Oman is receiving an impetus from the government‘s five-year plans and higher budget allocation.

Reforms, such as a mandatory 10 years of basic education, an increase in the number of school days, encouragement of private higher education institutions, growth of special needs education, and the setting-up of teacher training colleges, among others, have further assisted the development of the country‘s education landscape. The progress is reflected in an improvement in the adult literacy, which reached 94.8 per cent in 2015, up from about 81 per cent a decade ago.

Despite the significant drop in oil prices, the government of Oman has earmarked a generous expenditure of OMR2.5 billion for the education sector in 2016.

This signifies the country‘s zeal to make its youngsters (those under 25 years of age) skilled, and this demographic forms nearly 37 per cent of the total population.

Sameena Ahmad

Mahboob Murshed

Despite the significant drop in oil prices, the government of Oman has earmarked a generous expenditure of OMR2.5 billion for the education sector in 2016 With a young population, there is an increasing focus on attaining high-quality education to understand the international business culture and acquire skills to succeed in a globalised market.

As of 2014-2015, the Sultanate was home to over 500 private schools, 27 private universities and colleges, 1,048 government schools, a government university, 17 public colleges, and 14 special institutes. The country‘s educa-

tion system registered enrolments to the tune of more than 778,000 students, recording an overall Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 79.2 per cent in 2014.

“The GCC education sector is witnessing robust growth in student enrolments, coupled with the steady expansion in related infrastructure. Population growth and a rise in disposable income have supported growth of the private education sector. Further, govern-

ment measures to encourage private sector investments, alongside an increasing preference for international curricula among residents, is also attracting renowned foreign education institutes to the region,” said Sameena Ahmad, managing director, Alpen Capital (ME) Limited.

“The education sector in the region is growing at a rapid pace and offers attractive opportunities for private investors. The sector has witnessed several M&A transactions in the last three years, owing to the increasing demand for quality education. The investor friendly policies adopted by the GCC governments are also helping the trend towards increased private sector participation. We believe that the existing momentum in the M&A space of the education sector in the region is likely to continue being fuelled by factors, such as favourable demographics, high disposable income and growing awareness for quality education,” said Mahboob Murshed, managing director, Alpen Capital (ME) Limited. According to Alpen Capital, the total number of students in the GCC education sector is projected to reach 15 million in 2020, registering a CAGR of 3.6 per cent, up from an estimated 12.6 million in 2015.

ATT R AC T I V E D E S T I NAT I O N

Sri Lanka expects 20,000 tourists from Oman this year Times News Service MUSCAT: Sri Lanka expects 20,000 tourist arrivals from Oman in 2016, according to Deepal Pallegangoda, Country Manager Oman, Mihin Lanka, talking during a Sri Lanka Tourism road show at Al Falaj Hotel on Sunday.

Pallegangoda noted that there was a 67 per cent increase in the number of Omanis travelling to Sri Lanka in 2014, compared with 2013.

“In 2015, 14,216 tourists from Oman visited Sri Lanka, and we hope that number will touch 20,000 this year. Because of the economic crisis, many people will shun holidays in Europe and, instead, look for cheaper options, like Sri Lanka, where they can have greater value for their money,” he said.

Talking about main markets in the Gulf, Pallegangoda mentioned that Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman are the main source of tourists from the Gulf region for the island nation.

Other dignitaries present at the road show included M.K. Pathmanaathan, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman, Ajantha

BUILDING LINKS: Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman Pathmanaathan said the embassy is committed to promoting Sri Lankan tourism in Oman, not only as a means of trade, but also to strengthen people to people links between the two countries. — OK Mohammed Ali

Rathnayake, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Mrs Hiruni Rajapakse, Second Secretary, Sri Lanka Embassy and J.H. Liyanage, Minister of the Sri Lanka Embassy.

In his speech, Pathmanaathan said the embassy is committed to promoting Sri Lankan tourism in Oman, not only as a means of trade, but also to strengthen people to people links between the

two countries. “Today, the tourism industry has become one of the priority sectors of the national economy of many countries in the world. The contribution of the tourism industry to the economy

of both Oman and Sri Lanka is expected to significantly increase in the near future. The governments of both Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman are committed to support the growth of the tourism industry through their own national programmes. The programmes will eventually be implemented by industry players, including tour operators,” he said.

He added, “Sri Lanka has been a familiar and preferred destination for Arabs, including Omanis, since ancient times. Sri Lanka’s location in the well-known maritime Silk Road of the Indian Ocean was a contributing factor for this attraction. This historical link and connectivity has not been promoted adequately among the present generation of Omanis. Many people in Oman, I was told, are not aware that Sri Lanka was popular in the ancient Arab world, and was called Serendib. It is widely believed that Omanis who are historically known for their ocean-going capabilities had visited Sri Lanka, then known as Serendib many centuries ago. Some even settled there. This is an important factor when we talk about relations between Oman and Sri Lanka.”

Citing The Master Card – Crescent Rating Global report, he said Sri Lanka was named one of the top 10 destination for Muslim tourists to visit and is expected to increase tourist arrivals to 4.5 million by 2020. “Sri Lanka has signed up with leading international hotel chains, such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels Cooperation, Movenpick Hotels, Shangri La, Ananthara, ICT, and others to increase its room capacity,” he added.

Mihin Lanka launched service on the Muscat-Colombo sector on October 25 last year after its sister airline, Sri Lankan Airlines, ceased flying this route.

According to Pallegangoda, Colombo is emerging as a tourism and trade hub in South Asia.

“We plan to promote the country by providing affordable travel options. More passengers are travelling to Dhaka and the Maldives, apart from the Far East and China, using Mihin Lanka.

“I think that this summer more people will travel to Sri Lanka, India and Far East countries, compared to Europe, as these countries provide affordable options,” Pallegangoda added.

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Malls to boost job market in Oman

BIG PLAY: When the Mall of Oman opens in 2020, it will be the largest integrated retail, leisure and entertainment destination in Oman with 350 outlets sprawling over a 137,000 sqm retail space. It will feature many ‘firsts’ including Oman’s largest snow-park, with an 8,000 sqm play area, and a Little Explorers edutainment centre, said Alain Bejjani, chief executive officer, Majid Al Futtaim. – Jun Estrada

Majid Al Futtaim’s investment strategy includes the OMR275m Mall of Oman, OMR45m City Centre Sohar, OMR15m My City

Alain Bejjani, chief executive officer, Majid Al Futtaim.

Centre Sur besides OMR180m in other retail, leisure and entertainment investments

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Dubai-based conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim’s (MAF) investments in Oman will create 42,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the next five years, a top official from the conglomerate said.

“With the upcoming large scale investments in Oman, we will be able to create 16,973 direct jobs and 25,459 indirect jobs,” Alain

Bejjani, the chief executive officer of Majid Al Futtaim, said. Since the company began its Oman operations in 2001, it has generated more than 23,000 jobs in the construction and operations sectors.

“We will be able to provide 65,000 new jobs in Oman,” the official said, adding that currently, it has been able to maintain 88 per cent Omanisation in the shopping retail sector, 37 per cent in Carrefour and 67 per cent in Al Mouj.

The company official was talking on the sidelines of an event to announce that it will be making OMR515 million worth of additional investment in Oman by 2020.

“The company’s investment strategy includes the Mall of Oman (estimated at OMR275 million), City Centre Sohar (estimated at OMR45 million), My City Centre Sur (estimated at OMR15 million),

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and additional investments from its retail, leisure and entertainment businesses (estimated at OMR180 million) including Magic Planet, Carrefour and VOX Cinemas,” the official said.

New opportunities Meanwhile, referring to the effect of a dip in oil prices on the region, the official conceded that there has been an impact but added that the crisis has led to new initiatives being taken up.

“The initiatives undertaken by Oman and other countries to cushion the oil price dip effect have opened up new opportunities, which will fuel the development

PHOTO GALLERY

process and progress further,” the official added.

According to the official, Oman is turning into a leading shopping destination in the region and the footfalls in its shopping malls are promising.

“When the Mall of Oman opens in 2020, it will be the largest integrated retail, leisure and entertainment destination in Oman with 350 outlets sprawling over a 137,000 sqm retail space. It will feature many ‘firsts’ including Oman’s largest snow-park, with an 8,000 sqm play area, and a Little Explorers edutainment centre,” the official added.

The Mall of Oman will also in-

clude Oman’s first Abercrombie and Fitch and largest VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet, the leading family entertainment centre in the region, as well as a 13,200 sqm Carrefour hypermarket and a 292 room hotel, completing its integrated offer. It is estimated that the Mall of Oman’s development will generate 29,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.

City Centre Sohar, set to open in 2018, will be home to 100 new retail outlets across 40,000 sqm.

The mall will create an estimated 8,000 employment opportunities in Oman.

My City Centre Sur, which will open in 2017, will include 16,500 sqm of retail space, comprising 50 outlets, a 6,850 sqm Carrefour hypermarket, Oman’s first City Centre Clinic and a Magic Planet.

The project will create more than 3,500 direct and indirect job opportunities.

Expansion Majid Al Futtaim is also expanding its existing City Centre Qurum shopping mall in Muscat.

The revamp will see the introduction of Centrepoint, the multi-brand retail concept, as well as additional car parking spaces.

Furthermore, the company is developing the next phase of Al Mouj Muscat, an oceanfront mixed-use destination, and is also expanding its VOX Cinemas and Carrefour hypermarkets to new locations across Oman.

The continued investment in Oman’s retail and leisure infrastructure by Majid Al Futtaim supports the country’s National Strategy for Tourism 2040, which targets a 6 per cent rise in the contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP and a near doubling of visitor numbers to five million annually.

M I N I S T R Y O F H E A LT H A N N O U N C E M E N T

Crimean-Congo fever claimed 2 lives last month: Ministry Times News Service MUSCAT: Two of the people, afflicted by the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), died in the past one month, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced.

The CCHF is a disease caused by a tick-borne virus that is transmitted to human beings either by tick bites or through contact with infected animals. The first case of this disease, endemic to the Sultanate, was reported in 1995.

Since the beginning of 2016 and

till the end of April, the Sultanate has recorded six cases. Three of the afflicted people died.

The MoH works together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to monitor the CCHF while the Ministry of Health provides brochures to help raise

EXPERTSPEAK

Hygiene, food habits vital for prevention of Hepatitis A REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Maintaining personal hygiene and good food habits can ward off Hepatitis A, medics said in the wake of an outbreak of the disease in the South Sharqiyah region.

Citing epidemiological surveillance data, an official from the Ministry of Health (MoH) said that there had been an increase in the number of Hepatitis A cases in South Sharqiyah Governorate.

Hepatitis A symptoms, which typically don’t appear until a patient has had the virus for a few weeks, may include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the area of liver on right side beneath lower ribs and loss of appetite.

The Hepatitis A virus is excreted in faeces and transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water. An infected person can transmit the Hepatitis A virus to others if they do not take strict sanitary precautions, such as thoroughly washing hands before food preparation.

According to the MoH, a total of 136 cases were reported from the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate between January 1 and April 25.

The MoH statement added that most of the reported cases were from Asila village (76 per cent) from Jaalan Bani Bu Ali.

Symptoms, which typically don’t appear until a patient has had the virus for a few weeks, may include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort

However, results of water samples collected from Asial village’s different sources were found to be normal.

“The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources has been notified about the situation to implement the required measures,” the official said, adding that the Health Ministry has undertaken many measures to contain the increase in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali.

“The medical teams have intensified efforts to spread awareness among parents and the community about the disease’s transmission methods and preventive measures,” the official added.

According to the official, the reason behind the increase is person-to-person transmission and is not connected with one source or via food suppliers either in the school or community level.

“Hepatitis A spreads mainly through contaminated food and water and people should make sure that the food and water they consume is hygienic,” Dr Basheer, a senior internist at the Badr Al Samaa, told the Times of Oman.

“If you’re travelling in regions where a Hepatitis A outbreaks occur, peel and wash all fresh fruits and vegetables yourself and avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish. Drink bottled water and use it while brushing your teeth. Don’t drink beverages of unknown purity, with or without ice. If bottled water isn’t available, boil tap water before drinking it,” the internist added.

Dr Geetha Kumar, a senior medic at a hospital in Ibri, said people should drink only boiled water and avoid stale food.

“Avoid eating from hotels, keep your hands clean always, as also the kitchen and your utensils,” she added.

awareness. Since there is no effective vaccine available for humans or animals, the only way to prevent infection is to raise awareness about risk factors and educate people to take preventive measures.

Such measures include reducing the risk of tick-to-human

transmission by wearing protective clothing (long sleeves, long trousers) while handling animals, avoiding touching, removing or swatting the ticks by hand, using approved acaricides (chemicals intended to kill ticks) and avoiding areas where ticks are abundant.

The risk of animal-to-human transmission can be avoided by wearing gloves and other protective clothing while handling animals or their tissues, notably during slaughtering, and informing the concerned authorities in case of ticks in animals.

A6

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

OMAN

The scientific production of SQU has witnessed a strong growth in the last three years, which has resulted in a third place after Qatar University and the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, deputy vice chancellor, Postgraduate Studies and Research at SQU

Haj operators told to register with ministry The ministry also announced that the processing of online registration for those who have applied for Haj this year has already started

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: All companies and establishments running the Haj transportation business have been directed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to seek approval from the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (Awqaf ) and submit it to the ministry as soon as possible.

The announcement, made through social media, stated that

PILGRIMAGE: A total of 23,966 online applications have been received, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs on its official account in social media. – Supplied photo

all companies and establishments, which deal with pilgrims’ transportation in the commercial registers, need to register with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and get the approval to practice this activity, within six months from the date of the announcement, which is May 2.

If they fail to do so, the ministry will cancel the activity from their registers, the directive stated.

The ministry also announced that the processing of online registration for those who have applied for Haj this year has already started. The ministry explained that the results of the online registra-

tion will be announced in 10 days from the day the processing began.

A total of 23,966 online applications have been received, as stated by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs on its official account in social media.

The Ministry had announced earlier that Omani pilgrims planning to travel to Mecca to perform Haj could register their applications at www.Hajjj.om, which will be opened from April 10 to 24.

The online registration system will aim to curb violations committed by Haj operators and ensure a better system for offering the best services to pilgrims.

CENTRAL BANK OF OMAN

Sangour highlights banking challenges MUSCAT: Hamoud bin Sangour Al Zedjali, Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman yesterday chaired the annual meeting of CEOs, general managers and officials of banks operating in Oman.

The CBO Executive President stressed the importance of this regular meeting, which comes within the framework of exist-

JOINT MEETING

Private sector must help revive Oman economy, says Mantheri MUSCAT: State Council and Majlis Al Shura in a joint meeting discussed the efforts made by the Standing Committees to deal with the current economic situation in the Sultanate.

About the economic challenges, Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council explained that it is a very important issue and all government and private sectors must cooperate in facing it.

He pointed out that the private sector must play its part to support the national economy more effectively by domestic investment in the country, since the government had provided it with infrastructure, support and the appropriate services, and to be a key partner in finding appropriate solutions to these challenges.

Al Mantheri highlighted the importance of these meetings to increase coordination between the two councils in all legislative and regulatory actions.

Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura said that Majlis, through its office, standing committees and task forces, continues to follow the economic crisis and its aftermath, as it has already held sever-

the minimum conditions of Basel III at the end of 2015. He added that the banks also maintained high levels of basic capital while the CBO financial tolerance evaluators continue in a bid to show the flexible banking system as each bank is required to identify weakness points and adopt proactive measures to limit weakness. -ONA

al meetings and dialogue sessions with several specialists in the banking, economic and tourist sectors, in addition to the oil and gas sectors to listen to the viewpoints of the private sector.

He pointed out that these meetings resulted in a series of proposals and visions to ensure reducing the economic harms caused by the deterioration of oil prices or limiting them.

A special committee was formed to study the economic crisis and its impact on the society.

The committee began its work and held several meetings. It will also

submit its report and recommendations in July. The meeting also discussed the coordination mechanisms proposed between the two councils, pursuant to the provisions of Article (58) repeated (36) of the Basic Law of the State, in addition to discussing the exchange of results of studies prepared by both councils, when needed.

The offices touched on the draft laws referred by the government through peer committees in the councils after referring the draft law by Majlis to the State Council to clarify the rationale for the amendment. -ONA

HELPING HAND

Oman trade union rescues workers stranded at resort REJIMON K

ing cooperation and coordination among banking institutions, CBO, its various departments and units.

He also affirmed the endeavours of all to find successful solutions for the issues and challenges facing the banking sector and facilitating its assignments.

Al Zedjali also confirmed that the banks in the Sultanate fulfilled

JOINT SITTING: A joint meeting of the State Council and Majlis Al Shura is being held at the Council of Oman yesterday. -ONA

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Around 30 workers stranded at a resort in Muscat were recently helped by the Oman trade union, officials said.

“The workers were stranded as the resort had reportedly stopped its operations. We were informed about the workers’ situation as they were struggling without power supply, food and water at their accommodation. We reached the location that night itself to help them,” Mohammed Khaldi, a board member of the General Federation of Oman Trade Union (GFOTU), told the Times of Oman (GCC).

“Our aim is the welfare of workers. We don’t differentiate between them as nationals or expatriates. Workers are workers,” the trade union official added.

Some 70 workers, including 30 expatriates, were stranded after the resort they were working in reportedly closed its doors some

40 days ago without paying their pending salaries.

“The workers were struggling without food and clean drinking water. Moreover, as there was no power supply, they were afraid even to sleep peacefully as the area is infected snakes,” the trade union official said, adding that they have taken up the issue with the government.

Mohammed Al Farji, board member of GFOTU, who met the stranded workers, initiated procedures to lodge their grievances with the Ministry of Manpower’s office.

An official from the manpower office said they have taken a note of the workers’ grievances and their complaint will be forwarded to the court.

The hotel manager at the resort and spa, who is also one among the stranded workers, told TOO that they were left in lurch after the company stopped operations.

“An intervention by GFOTU has evoked some hope among us.

Manpower officials came here.

We went with them to office. Individual complaints have been lodged. We hope our issue will be resolved soon,” the manager, who has not been paid his salary for the last 14 months, said.

“We slept peacefully on Tuesday night after the trade union leaders came. We got power supply and food back at our accommodation. As it’s a seaside area, lack of power supply was a big threat as there are a lot of snakes in the area. Hunger pangs can be borne, but what happens if we step on a snake?”

Meanwhile, the company officials were not available for comment. The labour law does not differentiate between an expat and a national worker when it comes to rights and welfare.

Oman is the second country in the Gulf Cooperation Council, after Bahrain, to have a general federation of trade unions. Expatriates are also allowed to join the trade union in Oman.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF UNIVERSITY

Five SQU researchers get grant from His Majesty Trust Fund Times News Service MUSCAT: Five researchers at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) have received a grant from the prestigious His Majesty Trust Fund, in recognition of their excellence in research.

The grants, announced at the opening of the 16th SQU Day yesterday morning, amount to OMR450,000 each.

An annual event, Sultan Qaboos University Day commemorates the visit of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the university on May 2, 2000 and focuses on the achievements of the university, particularly in research. It was opened under the patronage of Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, deputy vice chancellor, Postgraduate Studies and Research at SQU, said the His Majesty Trust Fund had supported 77 research projects, valued at OMR7 million since its inception in 2001 until 2015.

The colleges of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sciences and Medicine have also given the highest number of grants to their researchers during this period, with 45 scholarships.

During the event, Al Mahrooqi also outlined the successes of SQU in recent years.

According to her, growing research at SQU has helped it figure among the top universities in the

HONOUR: The grants, announced at the opening of the 16th SQU

Day, yesterday morning, amount to OMR450,000 each.– Erik Prins

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

SQU researchers published 58 academic papers in academic journals in 2015.

“We are seeing that the scientific production of SQU has witnessed a strong growth in the last three years, which has resulted in a third place after Qatar University and the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia,” she said.

Al Mahrooqi further said that during the 2015 to 2016 academic year, six inventions had been registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office, primarily in engineering and Information Technology.

She added that SQU is seeking to further develop postgraduate studies, in order to meet the demands of the job market and the needs of development of the

society, and to further improve the position of SQU in academic rankings.

According to Al Mahrooqi, 433 students are enrolled in Masters programmes and 40 students in doctoral programmes.

She also pointed out that in 2015, the number of students in Masters programmes, had increased in the colleges of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Economics, Political Sciences, Law, Political Science and Agricultural and Marine Sciences and Science. In addition to announcing the winners of the research grants, SQU also honoured excellent researchers, as well as students with high grades.

Meanwhile, Al Sunaidi opened an exhibition where researchers of SQU presented their research projects.

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

OMAN SAYYID KHALID MEETS IRANIAN, SRI LANKAN AMBASSADORS

Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court received yesterday Ali Akbar Sibawayh, ambassador of Iran to Oman to bid him farewell at the end of his tour of duty as his country’s ambassador to the Sultanate. The two sides exchanged conversations and reviewed the relations between the two countries. Sayyid Khalid also received M. K. Pathmanaathan, ambassador of Sri Lanka to Oman. The two sides exchanged conversations and reviewed the bilateral relations between Oman and Sri Lanka, as well as means of enhancing them in all fields. -ONA

Oman’s efforts in health, education fields praised Sultanate’s role in empowering women and giving them positions in state and private sectors was also lauded PROTECTION OF RIGHTS: Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination hailed in Geneva the progress made by Oman. -ONA

GENEVA: Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) hailed in Geneva the progress made by the Sultanate of Oman in all fields by providing education and health services for all categories of the Omani society without discrimination, and the role of the Sultanate’s government in empowering women and giving them positions in state and

private sectors. The matter came during a discussion of the Sultanate’s second to fifth reports of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in the presence of the national team, assigned by the Council of Ministers, to draft these reports, in accordance with

the contractual obligations of the Sultanate before the Committee on the follow-up, as well as discussion of the reports about the Convention at the High Commissioner for Human Rights headquarters in Geneva.

The team in-charge, headed by Sheikh Dr. Khalifa bin Moham-

QUALITY COMPETITION FOR TOURISM

Tourism ministry names winners IBRA: Ministry of Tourism, represented by the Department of Tourism in the Governorate of North A’Sharqiyah, yesterday announced the results of Quality Competition for Tourism and Hotel Facilities in the Governorate North A’Sharqiyah, at the headquarters of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) Branch in the Wilayat of Ibra under the auspices of Sheikh

Yahya bin Hamoud Al Ma’amari, Governor of North A’Sharqiyah.

The results are: In the category of hotel facilities, Al Sharqiya Sands Hotel won the first place, Al Wesal Hotel came second and Al Sharqiya Nights Resort came third.

In the tourist camps category, Desert Nights Camp came first, Arabian Oryx Camp came second and 1000 Nights Camp came

third. In the Travel and Tourism Offices category, Ibra Office came first, followed by Traveller Adventure Office in the second place and Al Faida Office came third.

The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Shukaili, Wali of Ibra, directors of public and private institutions, and members of the municipal council in the governorate. -ONA

med Al Hadhrami, Vice President of the Supreme Court, and in the presence of Abdullah bin Nasser Al Rahbi, Sultanate’s ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), and other international organisations in Geneva, and the membership of Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Balushi Professor of Criminal Law in the College of Law in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), and Maysaa bint Zahran Al Ruqaishiya, Head of Public Prosecution, reviewed the measures taken by the Sultanate in the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.

Sheikh Dr. Al Hadhrami delivered a speech during which he thanked the CERD for convening this meeting to discuss the reports of the Sultanate and its recognised efforts to promote and protect human rights.

He touched on the work methodology and the consultation process for the preparation of these reports in the Sultanate. -ONA

A7

A8

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

REGION Kerry in Geneva, aims to extend ceasefire to Aleppo Truce in Damascus suburb extended for 48 hours; scores of civilians killed in Aleppo fighting

AMMAN/GENEVA: Washington and Moscow said on Monday they were working hard to extend a truce in Syria to Aleppo, the divided northern city where a sharp escalation of violence in recent weeks has left a ceasefire in tatters and torpedoed peace talks.

US Secretary of State Joahn Kerry was in Geneva for meetings with other dignitaries to try to revive the two-month-old US and Russia-sponsored cessation of hostilities, which quieted guns for the first time during the five-year Syrian war but which has unravelled in recent days.

Syria announced temporary local truces in two areas last week.

But those agreements have not been extended to Aleppo, where government air strikes and rebel shelling have killed hundreds of civilians in the past week, including more than 50 people in a hospital rebels say was deliberately targeted by the army.

The Aleppo fighting threatens to wreck the first peace talks involving the warring parties, which are due to resume at an unspecified date after breaking up in April when the opposition delegation walked out citing government ceasefire violations.

“We’re getting closer to a place of understanding, but we have some work to do, and that’s why we’re here,” Kerry said at the start of a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir.

BRIEFING: US Secretary of State John Kerry, left, looks his watch next to UN Syria envoy Staffan de

Mistura during a press briefing following a meeting on Sunday in Geneva. – AFP

Kerry said he hoped for more clarity in the next day or so on restoring the nationwide ceasefire.

The United States and Russia had agreed to keep extra staff in Geneva to work on it.

“Both sides, the opposition and the regime, have contributed to this chaos, and we are working over the next hours intensely in order to try to restore the cessation of hostilities,” Kerry said.

He later spoke by telephone to Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The Russian Foreign Ministry said they both called on all sides to observe the ceasefire. A Russian military official, General Sergei Kuralenko, said talks were under way on extending the local truces to Aleppo.

The United States and Russia have taken the leading roles in diplomacy since Moscow joined the war last year with an air campaign that tipped the balance of power in favour of President Bashar Al Assad, its ally. Washington is among Western and regional powers that

say Assad must leave office. The White House said on Monday Assad’s government needed to live up to its ceasefire commitments.

The civil war in Syria has killed hundred of thousands of people, driven millions from their homes, created the world’s worst refugee crisis and provided a base for IS militants who have launched attacks elsewhere.

All diplomatic efforts to resolve it have foundered over the fate of Assad, who refuses to accept opposition demands that he leave power. The local truces, known as a “regime of calm”, were launched in the Eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus and the countryside of northern Latakia province from Saturday morning in a bid to revive the overall ceasefire.

The Latakia truce was for three days and the Ghouta truce, initially for 24 hours, was also extended by another 48. Both cover areas where there has been heavy fighting. But without a similar truce in Aleppo, divided for years between

government and rebel zones, there appears to be little hope of restoring the overall ceasefire so talks can resume.

De Mistura, due to travel to Moscow for talks with Lavrov, said in a statement there could be no progress in political talks without the ceasefire and other steps to bring “tangible benefits on the ground for the Syrian people”.

Aleppo remains the biggest prize for Assad’s forces hoping to take full control of the city, Syria’s largest before the war. The nearby countryside includes the last strip of the Syria-Turkish border in the hands of rebels. The opposition accuses the government of deliberately targeting civilians in rebel held parts of Aleppo to drive them out. For its part, the government says rebels have been heavily shelling government-held areas, proving they are receiving sophisticated weapons from foreign sponsors.

A British-based monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory

for Human Rights, has reported scores of civilians killed on both sides in recent days, although more in rebel-held territory.

Syrian state television said on Monday that a missile had hit the surroundings of Aleppo University Medical Hospital, and several civilians were injured by rebel mortar attacks on the residential area of Jamiyat Hay Al Zahra in western Aleppo. The rebel-held local council of Aleppo city announced a state of emergency in areas it runs due to the intense bombardment. About 350,000400,000 people are believed to remain in rebel-held parts of what was once a city of 2 million.

Mohammad Muaz Abu Saleh, a senior councillor in the rebel Aleppo governate council, said residents were nonetheless not abandoning opposition-held areas. “Those who wanted to leave Aleppo have fled,” he said. Those who have stayed behind “have decided to stay under all circumstances of shelling and siege.

Aleppo will remain populated with its people not leaving.”

Amar Al Absi, a resident of a rebel-held area, said: “There was heavy shelling throughout the night. In my neighbourhood, Salah Al Deen, a missile hit a building that was empty and it was levelled but there were no casualties.”

In Hama, a western city, government troops surrounded a prison and fired teargas to put down a revolt by inmates, who seized several guards in protest against their planned transfer to a military prison, the Observatory reported.

In countryside north of Aleppo, other rebel groups have battled IS militants who are not party to any ceasefire. Amaq, a news agency affiliated to IS, said the militants had gained control of three villages near the border with Turkey, cutting supply routes of other rebels, despite Turkish shelling.. — Reuters

BORDER POST

Israel to reopen second crossing for commercial traffic into Gaza OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel plans to reopen a second border point for commercial traffic into the Gaza Strip, an official said on Monday, a step in gradually easing the blockade imposed on the Palestinian enclave since 2007.

The decision to allow trucks through the Erez terminal, on Gaza’s northeastern tip, was taken in recognition that a truce that ended the 2014 war against Hamas is holding, the official said.

Israel says its blockade prevents the movement of fighters and stops construction materials that could be used by Hamas to make bunkers and tunnels. Palestinians there say they are under siege and are unable to rebuild homes destroyed by Israeli bombing.

Israel halted commercial traffic through Erez in 2000, after a Palestinian revolt erupted, and only passengers transit has been allowed since. The official said details of its reopening were still being worked out, and gave no implementation date: “It won’t be today or tomorrow.”

Changing policy Changing Gaza policy is politically sensitive in Israel, as Hamas, while holding fire, remains openly hostile toward it, so the announcement was kept low-key. The official said the decision was mainly aimed at reducing pressure on the sole crossing point currently handling commercial traffic, Kerem Shalom in southeastern Gaza, as well as reducing truck traffic on Israeli roads leading to it.

But the official added that Israel “has an interest in Gazans living in dignity - both on a humanitarian level, and because it helps preserve the quiet, in parallel to the security deterrence that exists. It is good for both Gazans and for us.”

Erez will eventually handle at least half of the around 600 trucks that go through Kerem Shalon daily, the official said. — Reuters

CRACKDOWN

Egyptian police raid press syndicate, arrest journalists CAIRO: Egyptian police raided the press syndicate in Cairo late on Sunday and arrested two journalists critical of the government, a syndicate official and reporters said in what the labour union called an unprecedented crackdown on the media.

Labour union officials said this was the first time that police had raided its building -- a traditional spot in downtown Cairo for staging protests -- as authorities seek to quell rising dissent against President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.

Denial The interior ministry denied officers had stormed the press labour union building but confirmed it had arrested journalists Mahmoud El Sakka and Amr Badr who work for the opposition

website Bawabet Yanayer inside the syndicate. On Sunday, journalists held a sit-in inside the union when officers arrested the two reporters, syndicate officials said.

“The press syndicate calls for the resignation of the interior minister and an open sit-in,” the union said in a statement.

Raid Mahmoud Kamel, a member of the syndicate board, said over 40 policemen raided the building but the interior ministry said its force consisted of only eight officers. “The ministry affirms that it did not raid the syndicate or use any kind of force in arresting the two journalists who handed themselves in as soon as they were told there was an arrest warrant,” the interior ministry said in

a statement. A security guard was wounded in the eye when police raided the union, Kamel said.

The state prosecutor said it had ordered the arrest of the two reporters as they were being investigated for “spreading news based on lies” and possessing fire arms and Molotov cocktails, state news agency MENA said.

“This is unprecedented, no president or prime minister or interior minister has ever dared to do something like this,” Kamel said.

Under the law only a prosecutor is allowed to search the union in the presence of its chairman or deputy, he added.

Dozens of journalists later held a new sit-in at the syndicate to protest against the arrest but police closed off streets to the building on Monday. — Reuters

VIOLENCE

Three bombs kill 14 in Baghdad BAGHDAD: Three bombs went off in and around Baghdad on Monday, killing at least 14 people, including pilgrims, police and medical sources said.

The largest blast, which IS said it was behind, came from a parked car bomb in the Saydiya district of southern Baghdad that killed 11 and wounded 30, the sources said.

At least a few of the casualties were pilgrims passing through the area. Explosives planted on the ground in Tarmiya, 25km (15 miles) north of Baghdad, killed two and wounded six, while a roadside bomb in Khalisa, a town 30 km (20 miles) south of the city, left one dead and two wounded.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the smaller attacks.

IS militants fighting Iraqi forces in the north and west regularly target security personnel and civilians whom they consider apostates. The group said in an online statement distributed by supporters that a suicide bomber

DESTROYED: Iraqis look at the damage following a car bomb in Baghdad’s southern Saidiya neighbourhood on Monday. – AFP

had targeted pilgrims in the Dora neighbourhood adjacent to Saydiya. It said the attack was part of an offensive launched recently in apparent revenge for the killing of a senior leader.

IS’ Al Qaeda predecessor was blamed in the past for such attacks on pilgrims, including

blasts in 2012 that left 70 people dead nationwide.

Security has gradually improved in Baghdad, which was the target of daily bombings a decade ago, but there has been a string of blasts in recent days, including a suicide attack on Saturday that killed at least 19 people. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

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Traffic chaos in Delhi as taxi drivers block major roads

L O A N D E FA U LT C A S E

Vijay Mallya resigns from Rajya Sabha

Government to approach SC over ban on diesel taxis

After extending the deadline twice, the Supreme Court had on Saturday refused to give more time to cab operators to convert to CNG and put a ban on diesel cabs in the city from May 1

NEW DELHI: The city groaned under traffic woes on Monday as hundreds of cab drivers blocked National Highway 8 and ring road, protesting against action by enforcement agencies following the Supreme Court’s decision to ban diesel taxis in Delhi.

In the early hours, a group of protesters blocked both carriageways near the Rajokri toll booth on National Highway 8, which led to a long tailback stretching over a kilometre in the area, traffic officials said. The situation turned worse at around 11.30am when the protesters blocked both carriageways on the Ring Road stretch at Maharani Bagh, close to Ashram Chowk.

In no time, traffic was thrown out-of-gear in Dhaulakuan, Kapashera and Mehrauli, and the chaos continued for hours. The congestion largely affected thousands of office-goers who travel between Delhi and Gurgaon,

A9

BUMPER TO BUMPER: A view of heavy traffic jam at ITO in New Delhi on Monday.

linked by NH-8, and the traffic helpline was bombarded with calls from distressed commuters, officials said.

The second blockade directly hit traffic in areas including Sarai Kale Khan, Ashram, near PGDAV College in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar and Moolchand stretching up to AIIMS. With people taking alternative routes, several stretches including Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, Defence Colony and Mathura Road also got clogged within an hour, officials said. The protesters included the diesel cab drivers with All India tourist permits (AITP), who are

exempted from the ban provided they operate outside NCR. On Sunday, over a hundred diesel-run cabs, including many with AITP, ended up getting impounded after they were found plying within the city limits, following which the drivers alleged harassment by enforcement agencies.

“We will continue our protest until the authorities forbid police and transport department officials from penalising us as we have an All India permit which is exempted from the ban. We are only asking for exemption which we have already been given,” said Sanjay Samrat, President of Delhi

- PTI

Taxi Tourist Transporters Association. After extending the deadline twice, the Supreme Court had on Saturday refused to give more time to cab operators to convert to CNG and put a ban on diesel cabs in the city from May 1.

The court exempted taxis with all-India tourist permit (AITP) from switching to CNG if they operate outside NCR. According to Delhi transport department, about 60,000 taxis are registered in the national capital of which 27,000 run on diesel.

Around 2,000 diesel-run taxis had converted into CNG mode in the last two months. - PTI

NEW DELHI: As protesting taxi drivers created a traffic chaos here on Monday, the government said it will request the Supreme Court to reconsider the ban on plying of diesel taxis in the national capital.

“The government has decided to request the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision on ban.

The ban has created an unprecedented situation of thousands of taxis getting off road and people facing severe hardships,” Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari told reporters.

The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting, attended by Gadkari, Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete and Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar.

The Supreme Court on Saturday refused to extend the April 30 deadline fixed for conversion of diesel cabs into lesspolluting CNG mode for plying on city roads, sending off-road thousands of diesel taxis, including those run by aggregators like OLA and UBER. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Independent MP and business tycoon Vijay Mallya, facing a case of loan default of over Rs94 billion, on Monday resigned from Rajya Sabha, a day before Ethics Committee of the Upper House was set to recommend his expulsion.

In his resignation letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari, he said he does not want his “name and reputation to be further dragged in the mud”.

“And since recent events suggest that I will not get a fair trial or justice, I am hereby resigning as a member of the Rajya Sabha with immediate effect,” Mallya said in the letter.

He also referred to the letter written to him by the Chairman of the Ethics Committee of Rajya Sabha Karan Singh and said he had replied to Singh.

This is Mallya’s second term in Rajya Sabha and it would have otherwise come to an end on July 1.

Ethics Panel of the Upper House, which had taken up the matter, had unanimously decided in its April 25 meeting that Mallya should no longer remain a member of the House and was planning to recommend his expulsion in its next meeting on May 3.

At the same time, the panel had decided to give Mallya one week’s time to explain his conduct. -PTI

S I T UAT I O N U N D E R C O N T R O L

Uttarakhand forest fires show signs of abating, operation continues DEHRADUN/NEW DELHI: Forest fires raging through large parts of north Indian state of Uttarakhand began showing signs of abating as two IAF choppers and over 10,000 personnel continued firefighting operations for the second day on Monday.

The number of active fires dropped sharply to 40 in the hill state and the Centre claimed the situation was “under control”.

Three persons were arrested from Pithoragarh and Nainital for burning dry leaves of Cheed and stoking the fires.”There are only 40 active fires in the state today in comparison to yesterday’s 73 which is an encouraging sign.

It shows the situation is gradually getting under control.”Today there were 271 incidents of forest fires in the state out of which 232 have been extinguished, “ Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) S Ramaswamy said.

Two Indian Air Force helicopters made nine sorties from Nainital and Pauri and poured water out of Bamdi buckets over the flaming forests as 10,000 personnel fought numerous infernos on the ground.

Governor K. K. Paul, who is closely monitoring the situation, spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Forest and

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IN FLAMES: A massive fire in the forests at Kotdwar, Uttarakhand on Monday. - PTI

Environment Prakash Javadekar and briefed them about the situation prevailing in the state where forests in 3185.45 hectares have been blighted since February 2.

According to Raj Bhawan sources, the Prime Minister asked

the Governor to keep the Centre posted about the steps being taken to put out forest fires and assured him of all help from the Centre to overcome the situation.

President Pranab Mukherjee also shared his concern with the

Governor and expressed his condolences to families which had lost their kin in forest fire incidents.

Around 5-6 people were reportedly killed in such incidents over the past few days. In Delhi, Union Minister of State for Home Kir-

SCORCHING SUMMER

Mercury soars in north; Delhi records season’s hottest day as toll climbs to 178 in Telangana NEW DELHI: Temperatures soared in north, central and peninsular regions of the country on Monday with Delhi witnessing the season’s hottest day and south Indian state Telangana and east Indian state Odisha together recording 36 more sunstroke deaths even as over a thousand houses were damaged in thunderstorm in north-east state of Nagaland.

The plains in the north simmered under the blazing sun with Hisar in north Indian state of Haryana being the hottest in the country at 45.5 degrees Celsius.

It was followed closely by Banda in north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh at 45.2 degrees.

Heatwave conditions, however, subsided in east Indian state of

Bihar, which had a cloudy day, and Gangetic West Bengal, which is likely to be hit by thunderstorms in the next few days.

The national capital sizzled at 44 degrees Celsius, the hottest day of the season so far. The minimum was 23.8 degrees Celsius.

In south Indian state of Telangana, the sunstroke toll since the beginning of this summer climbed to 178 from the last count of 143 reported on Friday as heatwave conditions prevailed in many parts of Khammam and Karimnagar districts of the state.

“These deaths were confirmed by a three-member committee.

Nalgonda district tops the chart with 53 deaths, followed by Mahbubnagar with 33,” an official in

the disaster management’s control room said.The maximum temperature of 45 degree Celsius was recorded at Ramagundam.

Rain occurred at isolated places over the state and Kondurg in Mahabubnagar district received 3cm of rainfall, IMD said.

Odisha reported another heatwave-related death, taking the toll to 14. Mercury soared in western parts of the state with coal town of Talcher recording the maximum of 44.6 degrees.

Jharsuguda was hot at 44.3, followed by Bhawani Patna and Bolangir at 44.2 and Angul at 44.1 degrees.

“The number of unconfirmed sunstroke deaths has increased to 140, of which 14 have been con-

firmed,” the Special Relief Commissioner of the state said.

In the east, thunderstorm coupled with heavy rain damaged over 1000 houses, injured two persons and snapped electricity supply in five districts in Nagaland, the State Disaster Management Authority said.

Heavy rain and thunderstorm were reported in Chuchuyimlang areas of Mokokchung district besides, Longleng, Phek, Wokha and Mon districts. Meanwhile, landslide triggered by heavy rains cut off road communication to Hayuliang in remote Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh but there was no report of any loss of life. Heavy rains have lashed Anjaw for the past 26 days. - PTI

ren Rijiju said the fires have been largely contained.

“As per the latest information, fire has been contained. Situation is under control now,” Rijiju told reporters.

A four-member Central team of

experts, including Special Director Centre for Fire Explosives K. C. Wadha and director of Delhi Fire Services G. C.Misra have reached Uttarakhand to assess the situation and suggest possible remedies.Rijiju said, if required, the Centre would send additional personnel to assist the state.”

Kumaon is very much under control now with two MI 17 choppers conducting several sorties over affected areas to sprinkle water. We have to concentrate now with greater focus on Garhwal,” Principal Conservator of Forest B. P. Gupta, who is the nodal officer for firefighting operations for both regions said. Fresh fire incidents will continue to occur till there is a drop in day temperatures but the heartening factor is that we are now equipped to control the situation with MI17 choppers and 10,000 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Forest Guards, Homeguards and locals involved in the firefighting exrcise,” Gupta said. - PTI

A10

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

INDIA

The government is selectively leaking. If the government is not. Then who else is leaking?

We demand the government to do an inquiry Anand Sharma, Deputy Leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha

KILLING OF TWO FISHERMEN

UN arbitration tribunal rules in favour of Italian marine ROME/NEW DELHI: A UN arbitration tribunal has ruled in favour of an Italian marine, held in India on murder charges, by allowing him to return home pending the arbitration proceedings at the Hague.

Two Italian marines — Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone are facing charges of murdering two fishermen in 2012 off the Kerala coast.

Latorre is back in Italy after a stroke in 2014 while Girone is staying in Italian embassy here.

The two countries have agreed to arbitration by the UN Court.

Reports from Rome said the UN tribunal court has ruled that pending arbitration proceedings, Girone may be permitted to return

the end of the arbitration proceedings, initiated by the Government on June 26, 2015. The return of the conditions will be agreed between Italy and India,” the Italian ministry said.

Italy in March had asked the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) judges to order India to release its detained marine Girone, saying otherwise he risks four more years in India without any charges being made which would amount to “grave violation of his human rights”.

The PCA is hearing oral arguments by the two sides. The arbitration “could last at least three or four years” which means that Girone risks “being held in (New) Delhi, without any charges being

home. However, the tribunal’s order is expected to be made public on Tuesday. Sources in New Delhi denied reports that marine has been ordered to be freed, saying Italy was “misrepresenting” the order which actually affirms the Indian Supreme Court’s authority over the matter.

Information reaching the Indian government said “India and Italy asked to approach Supreme Court for relaxation of bail conditions for Girone. Possible return to Italy strictly conditional on Italy guaranteeing to return him if required.”

“Foreign Ministry informs that the arbitral tribunal set up in The Hague has anticipated today its decision that Girone Rifleman (be allowed to go) back in Italy until

made, for a total of seven-eight years”, Italy’s representative had told the court. Girone is one of two Italian marines— on board ship ‘Enrica Lexie’ — accused by India of killing two of its fishermen. He has not been able to leave India, aside from a few brief permits, since the incident.

Meanwhile, Italian new agency ANSA quoted Italian Premier Matteo Renzi as saying that he was sending a message of “friendship and cooperation to the great people of India and to the Indian prime minister (Narendra Modi)” after the news that marine Salvatore Girone is to return to Italy.

“We are always ready to cooperate,” Renzi added in Florence, as per ANSA. - PTI

RELIEF: Italian marine Massimiliano Latorre, left, and Salvatore

Girone after being produced at a court in Kollam in February 2012.

The International Tribunal at the Hague that is dealing with the case has decided on Girone’s return, upholding a request from Italy. - PTI file photo

Opposition alleges ‘selective leaks’ of chopper deal papers The opposition

CBI questions former IAF chief SP Tyagi in Augusta scam

alleged that the government was ‘misleading’ through ‘selective leaks’ and expressed concern over the credibility of the sensitive agencies — Defence Ministry, Airforce Headquarter, ED and CBI

NEW DELHI: Opposition on Monday attacked the government in Rajya Sabha, alleging “selective leaks” of sensitive documents related to the controversial AugustaWestland helicopter deal and sought a probe into the matter.

It alleged that the government was “misleading” through “selective leaks” and expressed concern over the credibility of the sensitive agencies — Defence Ministry, Airforce Headquarter, CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED). “...the government must answer: A subject which has been bullentined for discussion on (May) 4th, individuals, various TV channels, journalists have been given sensitive documents of the CBI, ED and Defence Ministry...Who gave the documents? There should be an inquiry...,” Deputy Leader of Congress Anand Sharma said in the

NEW DELHI: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday examined former IAF chief S.P. Tyagi in connection with alleged corruption in the Rs3,600-crores(Rs36 billion) AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. Tyagi arrived at CBI headquarters at around 10am for questioning.

The Milan Court of Appeals — equivalent of an Indian high Court — has given details of how alleged bribes were paid by helicopter-maker Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland to Indian officials through middlemen to clinch the deal.

The order mentions the name of Tyagi at several points.

CBI had registered a case against Tyagi along with 13 others including his cousins and European middlemen in

Upper House. “The government is selectively leaking,” Sharma said, adding, “If the government is not.

Then who else is leaking? We demand the government to do an inquiry.” This is happening despite there being an Official Secrets Act, the Congress leader said. Alleging that this is “dirty tricks” of the departments which are “coordinated centrally” in this government, Sharma charged that the government misused the office as he questioned the credibility of the agencies.

“It is a question of how they are misleading through selective leaks of sensitive information.

Which government, if it is not

ACCUSED: Former Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi arriving at the

CBI headquarters in New Delhi on Monday, in connection with alleged corruption in the AgustaWestland choppers deal. - PTI

the case. The allegation against the former Air Chief was that he had reduced flying ceiling of the helicopter from 6,000m to 4,500m (15,000ft) so that AgustaWestland was included

complacent at the highest level, will have this scenario where every docuement is given,” he said.

Supporting a notice for breach of privilege motion given by Congress MP Shantaram Naik, Sharma said, “Ministers in this government are making statements on the PIB website and not coming to the House but the selective leaks.”

“When the House was in session, what prevented the Defence Minister to come in the House and give the statement here? Sir, what is happening?” he asked.

Before initiating debate on a bill to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, Naik raised a point of order

in the bids. However, this decision was reportedly taken in consultation with the officials of SPG and the Prime Minister’s Office including then NSA M. K. Narayanan. CBI has

on ministers making statement in the PIB on AugustaWestland deal when Parliament is in session.

“I have given a breach of privilege notice. I pray that the notice be admitted and refer to the Privileges Committee (of Parliament) and action be taken as per the report,” he said.

Naik said he was shocked to see Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley issuing a statement on the second day on the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on the same topic.

“I ask if Parrikar is the Defence Minister or Jaitley? That clarification also be made,” he asked.

Deputy Chairman P. J. Kurien

alleged that the reduction of the service ceiling — maximum height at which a helicopter can perform normally — allowed the UK-based firm to get into the fray as otherwise its helicopters were not even qualified for submission of bids.

CBI which has received a copy of the Milan court order has now prepared a fresh set of questionnaire to put to Tyagi.

Tyagi has denied allegations against him and has claimed that the decision to reduce the ceiling was taken by a group of senior officials.

The agency had already questioned Tyagi but this session is the first after the Italian court order.

His cousins have also been called by the agency. - PTI

asked, “What is the harm in minister giving a statement? I am not able to understand. If it is a policy matter, then the government should restrain.” He added that “If the subject is slated for discussion in the House, the government should come to the House and reply.” While Naik insisted that the Chair should give a ruling if ministers can give a statement during Parliament session, Sharma said, “This is as close as that. How do you differentiate between the two?” Sharma said there are past precedents that when the House is in session, the government cannot make statement on any important matter. - PTI

BRIEF ILLNESS

Former Jana Sangh president Balraj Madhok passes away NEW DELHI: Former Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) President Balraj Madhok, who was among its founders but was expelled later, died on Monday after being ill for over a month.

Madhok (96) was unwell for some time and had been admitted to AIIMS for a month where he died around 9am.

Born on February 25, 1920, in the undivided north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir’s Skardu area, Madhok led the BJS to its biggest ever win in 1967 when it won 35 seats in the Lok Sabha.

His decline began in the 1970s as Atal Behari Vajpayee and L. K.Advani rose in prominence and he was expelled from the party in 1973 on disciplinary grounds.

A leading light of the Jana Sangh, the forerunner of Bhartiya Janata Party, in the 1960s and early 70s, Madhok represented the National Capital Territory of Delhi and South Delhi in the 2nd and 4th Lok Sabha in 1961 and 1967 respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to him and met his family members to condole his death.

“Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of a stalwart leader of Jan Sangh Shri Balraj Madhok.

Balraj Madhok ji’s ideological commitment was strong & clarity of thought immense.

“He was selflessly devoted to the nation & society.

“Had the good fortune of interacting with Balraj Madhok ji on many occasions. His demise is saddening. Condolences to his family.

RIP,” Modi said in earlier tweets.

Madhok was associated with the RSS before the Jana Sangh was founded and was also the founder Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the organisation. - PTI

C H I NA’ S A S S E R T I V E S TA N C E

India, US in talks to help track submarines in Indian Ocean NEW DELHI/HONG KONG: India and the United States are in talks to help each other track submarines in the Indian Ocean, military officials say, a move that could further tighten defence ties between New Delhi and Washington as China steps up its undersea activities.

Both the United States and India are growing concerned at the reach and ambition of the Chinese navy, which is taking an increasingly assertive stance in the South China Sea and is challenging India’s domination in the Indian Ocean. New Delhi, shedding its decades-old reluctance to be drawn into America’s embrace, agreed last month to open up its military bases to the United States in exchange for access to weapons technology to help it narrow the gap with China.

ON A MISSION: This December 1, 2013 US Navy handout image shows Patrol Squadron (VP) 16’s P-8A

Poseidon No. 429 and No. 435 aircraft refuelling at Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Ayase, Japan. India and the United States, which already conduct joint naval exercises, both fly the new version of the P-8 aircraft, making information sharing easier on highly sensitive submarine tracking activities. - AFP/ HO/ US Navy/MC2 Kegan E. Kay

Military technology The two sides also said their navies will hold talks on anti submarine warfare (ASW), an area of sensitive military technology and closely held tactics that only allies share. “These types of basic engagements will be the building blocks for an enduring Navy-toNavy relationship that we hope will grow over time into a shared ASW capability,” one US official familiar with India-US military

cooperation said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Indian naval officials say Chinese submarines have been sighted on an average four times every three months. Some are seen near India’s Andaman and Nicobar islands that lie near the Malacca Straits, the entry to the South China Sea through which more than 80 per cent of China’s fuel supplies

pass. India and the US, which already conduct joint naval exercises, both fly the new version of the P-8 aircraft, making information sharing easier on highly sensitive submarine tracking activities.

The P-8 is Washington’s most advanced submarine hunting weapon, equipped with sensors that can track and identify submarines by sonar and other means. An

Indian naval spokesman declined to comment on the proposed antisubmarine warfare cooperation with the United States.

But an Indian naval source, briefed on the discussions, said the focus of the next set of joint exercises to take place in the northern Philippine Sea in June will be on anti-submarine warfare.

Japan, a close US ally whose

submarines are believed to track Chinese submarines in the western Pacific, will also be a participant in the exercises.

Two linked factors are driving the cooperation, say regional military attaches and security experts.

The prospect of active patrols by nuclear-armed Chinese submarines has sparked intense surveillance activity around the China’s southern submarine base on Hainan Island, and nearby waters.

India, meanwhile, is preparing to launch its first locally-built submarine armed with nuclear tipped missiles. So just as US attack submarines are seeking to track the Chinese nuclear armed submarines in the Pacific, the Chinese are expected to send their own attack submarines to the Indian Ocean in greater numbers to scrutinize the Indian patrols.

Collin Koh, a submarine expert at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said increased US submarine and surveillance activity was being seen across the region.

“We will see the Indian Ocean grow in importance, too, particularly around traditional chokeholds, such as the approaches to the Malacca Straits and the Nicobar islands, so an improved US relationship with the major submarine player in the area, India, is

very significant,” Koh said.

Initially, the United States as the world leader in anti-submarine warfare is likely to be bolstering Indian capabilities in the field. But in time, experts say each country could be covering stretches of the Indian Ocean through which twothirds of the world’s trade moves.

David Brewster, an expert on the strategic rivalry in Indian Ocean at the Australian National University, said anti submarine warfare collaboration may eventually include Australia, another US ally which just ordered 12 new submarines. “We are likely to ultimately see a division of responsibilities in the Indian Ocean between those three countries, and with the potential to also share facilities.”

China for its part is seeking to secure its energy and trade transportation links by building ports and other infrastructure for countries such as Sri Lanka that lie along the vital shipping route. Asked about collaboration between India and the United States on submarine warfare, Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said China had noted countries in the region engaging in military cooperation. “We hope that the relevant cooperation is normal, and that it can be meaningful to the peace and stability of the region,” she said. - Reuters

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READERS’ FORUM Cabling should comply with guidelines This refers to the report ‘Calls to insure homes as electrical fires rise in Oman’ (May 2). Very valid observation and recommendations, especially when the temperature is rising and continuous running of air-conditioners the risk of triggering a fire cannot be overlooked. However, home insuring is just a part to secure the properties within, whereas it is critical to safeguard the lives. The high number of cases point to the fact that lack of control measures still exists in housing apartment buildings and villas. Besides having a comprehensive insurance coverage, it is equally important Scan this QR code to ensure proper cabling as stipulated in to send letters to the the guidelines and usage of quality electriReaders’ Forum, cal appliances. — Ramachandran Nair, containing not more than 200 words with Ruwi

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The next president faces a host of economic, national security and social challenges. But pessimists still should answer two questions: If the goal is to make America great again, what era should we aspire to return to? And is there any country whose hand you would rather have?

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igh-quality early childhood education is one of those rare issues that unites people of all social strata and across the political spectrum. But the consensus about the benefits – both for the children and society – does not extend to delivery and funding. The good news is that, with an impressive array of new models being implemented, important lessons are emerging about how to shape, finance, and scale future early education programs. To understand what these models are trying to achieve, it is useful to consider the science that underlies them. The evidence is increasingly clear that the early years of life are crucial to brain development, with 700-1,000 new neural connections occurring every second during the first three years of life. The number of words a child hears during that critical time has a huge impact on his or her future intellectual abilities.

Yet there is a major discrepancy between the number of words heard by children of professional parents and those of working-class families – three million per year in the United States.

Whereas high-income households have an average of 12 books per child, more than half of the daycare centers for the lowest-income children do not have a single book.Some programs are helping to level the playing field. For example, an initiative in the US called First 5 California funds programs that educate parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers about the critical role they play during a child’s first five years.

But what a child learns at home is just part of the issue (albeit a very important part). Children, the evidence suggests, also need school. Across the OECD, students who attend preschool for one year or more scored significantly higher (30 points) on its Programme for International Student Assessment reading tests than those who did not. This has important implications in terms of lifetime achievement. Indeed, long-term studies suggest that early childhood education can increase earnings in adulthood by 1.3-3.5 per cent.

Add to that the opportunity that early school attendance provides to parents – and mothers, in particular – to work, and it should be no surprise that investment in early education brings major long-term economic and financial benefits. Ac-

cording to Nobel laureate James Heckman, investments in early education bring very attractive returns, even compared to investment in other stages of education.

Such data have spurred a flurry of initiatives to improve early education. In 2014, the United Kingdom expanded public support for families earning less than £16,190 ($23,648) per year to enable twoyear-olds to receive 15 hours of education per week for 38 weeks per year. Today, nearly three-quarters of two-year-olds are enrolled in preschool, giving their mothers the opportunity to work or study.

But the public sector is not alone in pursuing such investment. Business leaders have also gotten involved, driven by concerns that education is failing to keep up with the demands of the changing economy. In Tennessee, for example, business leaders were among the first to invest in early education. Their experiences reinforced the need not just to get more kids in school, but to focus on providing high-quality education that is well-governed, involves student’s families, and is linked to subsequent schooling.

Efforts to link the public and the private have also emerged. Warren Buffett’s daughter, Susan Buffett, created the Alliance for Early Success, which brings together various stakeholders to encourage investments and policies that lead to improved health, learning, and economic outcomes for children in the first eight years of life. The link between education and health has shaped other programs. California’s First 5 Commission (which is funded by a tobacco tax) has galvanised paediatricians – a group that parents are predisposed to trust – to help parents understand the importance of engaging with their children in ways that advance their health and cognitive development. Important initiatives have also been implemented at the municipal level. San Antonio, Texas, made investment in early education a priority. For a Democrat-led city in a Republican-dominated state, bipartisan agreement – achieved through the efforts of former mayor Julián Castro and Governor Greg Abbott – was essential. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES MAY 2001 ‘Arab Traffic Week’ begins tomorrow MUSCAT: Along with the other AGCC countries the Sultanate will celebrate ‘Arab Traffic Week’ tomorrow under the slogan ‘the traffic rules protect our people from tragedies… the vehicle is for journey not for killing’. During the week, the traffic awareness will be tightened through various information, cultural and education programmes. On this occasion, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Salem, secretary general of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, issued a message saying that the accidents are increasing day by day due to the carelessness of the drivers to adhere to the traffic regulations.

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PICTOGRAPH

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IN THE SULTANATE (HOUSEING, WATER, ELECTRICITY, GAS AND OTHER FUELS) December January 2015 2016

February 2016

101.8 102.2 102.3

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1568: French forces in Florida slaughter hundreds of Spanish.

1926: US Marines land in Nicaragua.

1971: James Earl Ray, Martin Luther King Jr.’ s assassin, is caught in a jail break attempt.

1979: Margaret Thatcher becomes the first woman prime minister of Great Britain.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

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PAKISTAN ANTI-POLIO VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

Left: A Pakistani policeman stands guard over polio health workers during a door-to-door polio campaign in Lahore on Sunday; Right: A health worker administers polio vaccine drops to a child during a polio campaign in Karachi. Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world where polio remains endemic but years of efforts to stamp it out have been badly hit by reluctance from parents, opposition from militants and attacks on immunisation teams. — AFP

‘Panama leaks historic opportunity for Pakistan’ Pakistan can use this movement

We should not stigmatise our entrepreneurs ahead of time. We are unnecessarily stigmatising it, assuming everything in offshore companies is black money. Lots of legitimate profits are parked there, because global business is facilitated through these off-shore companies

as an opportunity to stabilise its economy by offering incentives to its nationals and foreign entrepreneurs to invest their money

Ahmer Bilal Soofi

in the country, said

International law expert

international law expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi

ISLAMABAD: International law expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi has a different perspective on the Panama Papers leaks and believes that Pakistan can convert the crisis into opportunity — if it plays its cards well.

Soofi sees the disclosure of names through these leaks as a starting point for a global movement to curtail jurisdiction of offshore entities. “Pakistan can use this movement as an opportunity to stabilise its economy by offering incentives to its nationals and

foreign entrepreneurs to invest their money in the country,” Soofi said in an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune.

UN convention He said after the scandal the UN convention against corruption enacted in 2003, might be strengthened further. The global outcry will lead to another movement where mandate of offshore jurisdictions will get curtailed, he said.

“What I see from all this is, I won’t be surprised if in the next few weeks or months there is some sort of a global legal framework evolved to curtain the jurisdiction of offshore companies. This is almost the same (situation) as we had seen in the

global movement on anti-corruption,” he said.

Recalling his experience with regard to the anti-corruption movement, he said at that a point of time there were two three major cases of corruption which led to the UN convention on repatriation of assets and corruption offences. Now this movement will lead to further oversight mechanisms on offshore jurisdictions,” Soofi said.

Under these circumstances, he said, investments of private entrepreneurs which are parked offshore will come under tremendous pressure and Pakistan can benefit from this by offering legitimate entrepreneurs incentives to invest their money in Pakistan.

“In a Pakistani context, if we play our cards well and incentivise, we can offer voluntary repatriation of money back into Pakistan not only of ours but also of other investors to raise our foreign reserves and other economic portfolio,” he said.

Two categories According to Soofi, it should not be generalised that all the money invested through offshore companies abroad is corruption money.

He said there would be two categories of offshore account holders: those who parked their legally earned money in offshore companies to avoid taxes and those who earned it through illegitimate means.

“These two have to be treated separately. Money trail will tell you everything. If you want to go down the prosecution route to bring back the money, it takes longer period of time. Ten years to 15 years at least, may be much longer. If you go for incentives route, the money can come back far quickly,” he said.

White-collar crimes He also elaborated steps involved in prosecuting such white-collar crimes.

“Asset tracing is the first step then it is linked with some crime, committed under domestic laws.

After this probe is carried out on these prepositions and the matter is referred to local courts.

Then you take this judgment to the jurisdiction of international forums and seek repatriation.

This five-six step process takes an average time of 20 to 25 years,” he said.

He said there will be two disadvantages if the prosecution route was adopted. “You will make these people run away. They have already parked their money abroad.

Second, you will need to exhaust too much resource and time and you will miss the historic opening this country is getting,” he said.

He said cases of those business entities or individuals who were involved in illegitimate means might be sent to the respective agency dealing with relevant crimes. Like the drug money cases could be referred to the Anti-Narcotics Force and the corruption case to National Accountability Bureau. — Express Tribune

FEAR OF KIDNAPPING

Afghan boy fan of Messi arrives in country QUETTA: The Afghan boy who became popular on social media after wearing a homemade shirt bearing Lionel Messi’s number 10 is currently in Pakistan.

Five-year-old, Murtaza Ahmedi, who comes from the Jaghori District, arrived in Quetta a few days ago, according to BBC Urdu.

“I really like Messi, I wish I can meet him,” said Murtaza in Persian while speaking to BBC Urdu.

Murtaza’s cousin said he the five-year-old’s family brought him to Quetta because they fear he might get kidnapped after gaining popularity. He added that the Afghan Football Federation promised to help Murtaza meet Messi but they didn’t fulfill it. The young Messi fan’s cousin requested the Pakistan and Afghan governments to help Murtaza’s dream come true.

Earlier this year, Murtaza received a signed Argentina shirt and football from Messi. The Barcelona star Lionel Messi had also expressed his desire to arrange a meeting with the Afghan boy.

Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father, told AFP that the footballer was aware of the photos that made waves on social media and “wants to do something” for his young fan.

Murtaza became an internet star after a picture of him wearing a makeshift plastic Lionel Messi jersey went viral.

Photos of the boy wearing the improvised Messi jersey — made from grocery bags discarded by their neighbour — has touched a chord with football fans around the world. — Express Tribune

B A S I C E D UC AT I O N P E R C H I L D

Pakistani children receive fourth lowest aid in South Asia LAHORE: Despite being the recipient of the second highest aid package for education in the region, aid for basic education per child in Pakistan is the fourth lowest in the region and far below requirements.

According to Unesco’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report, Pakistan received $643

million in aid for education in 2014, second behind India which received $806 million in the same year.

It was up by nearly 41% from 2013 when Pakistan received $454 million, and has nearly trebled from 2002 when it received $218 million.

Despite that, the share of aid for

basic education was around half the total aid it received at $342 million in 2014.

It was up from $252 million in 2013 and had almost trebled from 2002-3 when it was allocated $126 million.

As a result, aid for basic education for every child in Pakistan in 2014 stood at just $16, behind

other countries in the region such as Nepal ($24 per child), Sri Lanka ($25) and Afghanistan ($50).

This despite the fact that Pakistan has a large percentage of outof-school children with Unesco’s Institute for Statistics listing 5.5 million of primary school-age children not attending schools in 2013.

Globally, the report said esti-

mated aid figures for education dipped by almost $600 million or four per cent between the years 2013 and 2014.

It said that the share of total aid being allocated to education also fell from 9.5 per cent to 8.2 per cent.

“This indicates that the sector is falling further down the list of pri-

orities for donors,” the GEM report observed. The report added that aid for basic education, pre-primary and primary education as well as basic life skills, had worryingly decreased by five per cent globally since 2013, a higher decrease than education as a whole in a world where there are 59 million out-ofschool children. — Express Tribune

A 14

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SOUTH KOREA

Reckitt Benckiser executive slapped while apologising for sterilisers SEOUL: An executive from British consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser was slapped during an emotional news conference as he apologised on Monday over deadly lung injuries linked to the use of humidifier sterilisers marketed by the firm.

Ata Safdar, head of Reckitt Benckiser Korea and Japan, bowed several times in apology before an audience that included victims and their families, among them a 13-year-old boy who now uses an oxygen tank to breathe.

The news conference in a Seoul hotel marked the first public acceptance of responsibility by the firm for its role in a bitter controversy that has raged since 2011.

The government said last year that

92 people were believed to have died from causes related to the humidifier products - not all them marketed by Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, which was the group’s South Korean arm at the time.

“Today’s apology, was about acceptance of responsibility for the harm that Oxy HS (humidifier sterilisers) has caused,” Safdar said.

“This is the first time we are accepting the fullest responsibility, and we are offering a complete and full apology. “We were late, five years have passed, we are also apologising far too late. This is what we are apologising about.”

As he spoke, a man stepped on to the stage, shouting expletives and slapping him on the back of

the neck. “This is heartbreaking,” Safdar said as he asked to be allowed to continue.

“I apologise again. I would request that I am allowed to finish my statement, please.” Another man who mounted the stage shouted: “It’s too late.”

Sales of the sterilisers, a liquid added to the water of humidifiers, were suspended by the South Korean government in 2011. Safdar said some 178 users of its products are among those believed by the South Korean government to have been affected, and he outlined a plan to set up a compensation panel. South Korea says 530 people had registered claims since 2011 of lung ailments from using humidifier sterilisers marketed by

Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, and similar products marketed by other firms.

South Korea is believed to be the only country where the products were sold, according to a government official.

South Korean prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation against makers of the products.

The company changed the name of its local unit to Reckitt Benckiser Korea in 2014. Monday’s apology follows a written statement last month by the local unit of the company for failing to communicate more quickly with victims and their families. Last month, the firm established a 5 billion won ($4.4 million) “humanitarian fund”, which was in addition to a 5 billion won fund set up in 2014. - Reuters

ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY: Ata Safdar, centre, the head of Oxy

Reckitt Benckiser Korea, is surrounded by the aggrieved relatives of victims as he bows during a press conference at a hotel in Seoul on Monday. - AFP/Yonhap

South Korea revives GPS project to prevent jamming South Korean officials said the latest jamming campaign from North Korea began on March 31, lasting nearly a week and affecting signal reception of more than 1,000 aircraft and 700 ships

SEOUL/LONDON: South Korea has revived a project to build a backup ship navigation system that would be difficult to hack after a recent wave of GPS signal jamming attacks it blamed on North Korea disrupted fishing vessel operations, officials say.

Global Positioning System (GPS) and other electronic navigation aids are vulnerable to signal loss from solar weather effects, radio and satellite interference and deliberate jamming.

South Korea, which says it has faced repeated attempts by the rival North to interfere with satellite signals, will award a 15 billion won ($13 million) contract this month to secure technology required to build an alternative land-based radio system called eLoran, which it hopes will provide reliable alternative position and timing signals for navigation.

“The need for us is especially

NAVIGATION SYSTEM: Navigation equipment is shown onboard a ship in San Diego May 15, 2015.

- Reuters/Mike Blake/File Photo

high, because of the deliberate signal interference by North Korea,” a South Korean government official involved in the initiative said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

The latest jamming campaign from the North began on March 31, lasting nearly a week and affecting signal reception of more than 1,000 aircraft and 700 ships, originating from five locations along the border, South Korean officials said.

Warning Aircraft traffic was not affected because the GPS system is normally used as a backup, not a primary navigation tool, one of the officials involved in telecommunications policy said.

The jamming prompted warnings by South Korea’s military to North Korea to stop what it called “provocation” and a protest at the United Nations. North Korea has denied involvement.

South Korea has been on high alert against possible cyber attacks from the North following the North’s nuclear and missile tests and threats of war in response to new sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council and the South.

No major disasters anywhere have been blamed on loss of GPS, although the risks are growing as sea lanes become more crowded.

Part of the problem is that it’s not easy to detect a GPS outage caused by jamming.

“When GPS/GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems)

fail, transportation is impacted immediately. It slows down, becomes more dangerous, and every mode can carry less capacity,” said Dana Goward, president of the non-profit Resilient Navigation & Timing Foundation.

Security risks “As short-term backup clocks start to desynchronize with each other ... cell phone towers start to fail, IT networks slow down or fail, financial systems are impacted, management of the electrical grid becomes problematic. That is the really scary part,” said Goward.

GPS vulnerability poses security and commercial risks, especially for ships whose crews are not familiar with traditional navigation techniques or using paper

charts. The General Lighthouse Authorities of the UK and Ireland, which tried to pioneer an eLoran system in Europe, conducted simulated communications attacks on ships at sea and said the results “demonstrated the devastating effects of jamming on the ships’ electronic bridge systems”.

Many vessels, such as fishing boats, lack backup electronic navigation systems. The United States, Russia and India are all looking into deploying versions of eLoran, which sends a much stronger signal and is harder to jam, as backup.

Installing an eLoran receiver and antenna on a ship would cost thousands of dollars, although cheaper options could include incorporating eLoran systems into satnav devices, according to technical specialists.

Last month, hundreds of South Korean fishing boats returned to port after GPS jamming that also created problems in locating nets at sea, South Korean officials said.

The US Coast Guard said in January that “multiple outbound vessels from a non-US port suddenly lost GPS signal reception”, although the vessels were able to navigate using compasses and other aids.

In 2013, the US Navy reported almost certain, intentional jamming of the GPS system of one of its vessels sailing near Iranian territorial waters. South Korea’s eLoran initiative dates to 2011, after a series of incidents also blamed on the North, but was stalled in part by a cancellation of contracts due to a conflict over payment schedules with a US supplier.

Its new plan envisions setting up coastal transmitters by the end of 2019, said Seo Ji-won, a professor at Yonsei University in Seoul, who is on a government advisory panel. - Reuters

TELECOMS SCAM

China airs two more confessions by Taiwan fraud suspects BEIJING: Confessions by two more Taiwanese telecoms fraud suspects, from among dozens deported from Kenya to China last month, were aired by Chinese state television on Monday, appearing to back China’s contention that such crimes are lightly dealt with in Taiwan.

The case, and subsequent deportations of Taiwanese from Malaysia for similar suspected crimes, has infuriated Taiwan and soured ties that were already strained by the election in January of a proindependence party in Taipei.

Taiwan has said China effectively kidnapped its nationals. China says they are criminals wanted for serious crimes in China and that it has every right to try them, accusing Taiwan of turning a blind eye to crime and politicising the issue.

The videos are the latest in a recent string of on-camera confessions in China that have prompted international criticism that the admissions could have been made under duress.

Deported from Kenya Chinese state television showed two men it said were from Taiwan and had been deported from Kenya. The men, whose faces were blurred out, were identified by their family names of Lin and Hsu and spoke with Taiwanese accents.

It was not possible to verify their origins independently. The report said Lin, 46, set up a Kenyan fraud cell which called people in China to extort money by pretending to be law enforcement officers. Lin had been jailed in Taiwan in 2011 for telecoms fraud, state television said, but was only given a sixmonth sentence and resumed his crimes upon release. - Reuters

BLISTERING DROUGHT

Food security fears resurface as Asia’s rice crop shrivels SINGAPORE: Nearly a decade after a spike in global food prices sent shockwaves around the world, Asia’s top rice producers are suffering from a blistering drought that threatens to cut output and boost prices of a staple for half the world’s population.

World rice production is expected to decline for the first time this year since 2010, as failing rains linked to an El Nino weather pattern cut crop yields in Asia’s rice bowl. A heat wave is sweeping top rice exporter India, while the number two supplier Thailand is facing a second year of drought. Swathes of farmland in Vietnam, the thirdbiggest supplier, are also parched as irrigation fed by the Mekong river runs dry.

The three account for more than 60 per cent of the global rice trade of about 43 million tonnes. “As of now we haven’t seen a large price reaction to hot and dry weather because we have had such significant surplus stocks in India and Thailand. But that can’t last forever,” said James Fell, an economist at the International Grains Council (IGC).

Rice inventories in the three top exporters are set to fall by about a third at the end of 2016 to 19 million tonnes, the biggest year-onyear drop since 2003, according to

CONCERNED: Caption A farmer burns his dried-up rice on a paddy field stricken by drought in Soc Trang province in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam March 30, 2016. -Reuters/Kham/File photo

Reuters calculations based on US Department of Agriculture data.

Any big supply disruption can be extremely sensitive.

El Nino In 2008, lower Asian rice output due to an El Nino prompted India to ban exports, sending global prices sky-rocketing and causing food riots in Haiti and panic measures in big importers such as the Philip-

pines. Manila at the time scrambled to crack down on hoarding, ordered troops to supervise subsidised rice sales and asked fast food chains to serve half-portions, as well as urging Vietnam and others to sell the country more rice. The world has suffered a series of food crises over the past decade involving a range of grains due to adverse weather.

In the case of rice, benchmark Thai prices hit a record around

$1,000 a tonne in 2008. Price spikes like this typically also boost demand for other grains such as wheat, widely used for noodles in Asia, and soybeans and corn used for food or feed.

While currently far below 2008 highs, rice earlier this month hit $389.50, the strongest since July and up 13 per cent from an eightyear low of $344 in September.

Bruce Tolentino of the Philip-

pines-based International Rice Research Institute is concerned about Asia’s vulnerability.

“In general prices are still stable right now. They’re inching up though, and what will drive things over the edge will be a major calamity in one of the major producing countries.”

Although India’s rice output in 2015 was largely stable, extremely hot temperatures are threatening a second crop in eastern regions.

Traders see further price gains

by June as India’s next big crop is not due until September and Thailand’s main crop by year end.

The IGC sees a 2016 world harvest of 473 million tonnes, down from 479 million tonnes in 2015 and the first decline in six years.

Thailand’s last main crop was only about half of the peak production a few years ago and the USDA has forecast output will drop by more than a fifth to 15.8 million tonnes this year.

“The government has been asking farmers not to plant rice as there is little water in the reservoirs after two years of drought,” said one Bangkok-based trader.

In Vietnam, output could fall 1.5 per cent this year to 44.5 million tonnes, while exports would be 8.7 million tonnes, steady on a previous projection, the government

said. As much as 240,000 hectares (593,000 acres) of paddy have been destroyed by drought and salination in the central area and southern Mekong Delta region, it said.

A Singapore-based trader said that while the annual decline appeared modest Vietnam’s latest harvest “is 5 to 6 per cent lower than last year.”

Thailand and Vietnam harvest three crops a year.

Some Asian countries are already looking to raise imports.

Indonesia is expected to see 2016 purchases jump by more than 60 per cent to two million tonnes from a few years ago.

China, the world’s top importer, taking about 5 million tonnes annually, is expected to continue this buying pace. IGC has forecast China’s 2016 production will fall short of consumption for a third consecutive year. The Philippines had the lowest stocks since October in March despite importing 750,000 tonnes and its procurement agency has standby authority to ship an additional 500,000 tonnes.

“Although El Nino has entered its weakening stage, the risk of higher food prices remains given the onset of the summer season,” said Philippine Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra. - Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

WORLD

Greenpeace opposes the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), arguing with other critics that it would hand too much power to big business at the expense of consumers and national governments

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Adonia, a small ship agreements on issues of common concern such as the environment, postal services and direct flights.

Talks are ongoing over other issues that have kept the next-door neighbours apart, from the return of fugitives to reparations for embargo damages and the return of the Guantanamo Naval Base.

with a capacity of 700 passengers, slipped through the channel into Havana Bay under pictureperfect skies

HAVANA: The first US cruise ship to arrive in Cuba in decades received a warm welcome on Monday from Havana residents who gathered at the wharf in the colonial old city as hundreds of Americans waved from the decks of the vessel.

It was another first for the two countries since US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced a historic rapprochement in December 2014, and comes weeks after

BOOSTING RELATIONS: The first US-to-Cuba cruise ship to arrive in the island nation in decades glides into the port of Havana, on Monday. – AFP

Obama’s visit to the Caribbean island. Carnival Corp’s Adonia, a small ship with a capacity of 700 passengers, slipped through the channel into Havana Bay in the morning under picture-perfect

skies, then docked at the colonial old town recently visited by Obama.

A Cuban law prohibiting nationals from entering the country by sea had almost delayed the cruise but was lifted by local au-

A1 5

thorities just over a week ago.

Obama has made the dramatic shift in US policy toward Cuba a part of his legacy. The two countries reestablished diplomatic relations a year ago and have signed

Embargo Obama had urged the Republican-controlled Congress to lift the trade embargo and travel ban, but to no avail, resorting to his executive powers to punch holes in them instead.

Both sides appear determined to make further progress on travel before Obama leaves office.

“Regularly scheduled cruises are the third leg of the land, sea and air efforts by the Obama Administration to cement its policy changes, the goal is to make the initiatives big and loud so that they are harder to dislodge,” said John Kavulich, president of the New York-based US-Cuba Trade and Economic Council. — Reuters

K E N YA

Hopes fade for survivors in building collapse NAIROBI: Aid workers said hopes were fading of finding more survivors in the rubble of a collapsed building in Kenya’s capital on Monday, as the death toll reached 21.

Police said they were questioning the owner of the six-storey residential block that collapsed late on Friday after days of heavy rain and floods, but no one had been charged.

Residents and rescue workers have been sifting through piles of broken concrete at the site in the eastern Huruma suburb ever since, rescuing 135 people, according to the latest police figures.

But conditions were getting more challenging, Kenya Red Cross told Reuters. “In conditions of no air, dirt, no food, no water, it’s very difficult for that person to stay alive,” Red Cross official Anthony Mwangi said.

Authorities had condemned the 198-room building and there has been no official explanation of why it remained occupied.

Government critics say corruption is rampant and real estate developers often violate construction codes to minimise costs, with little or no penalties from authorities. — Reuters

F O O D S A F E T Y A N D E N V I R O N M E N TA L S TA N D A R D S

Greenpeace publishes confidential US-EU trade deal documents BERLIN: A sweeping free trade deal being negotiated between the European Union and the United States would lower food safety and environmental standards, Greenpeace said on Monday, citing confidential documents from the talks.

But the European Commission said the documents reflected negotiating positions, not any final outcome, and the EU’s chief negotiator dismissed some of Green-

peace’s points as “flatly wrong”.

Greenpeace opposes the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), arguing with other critics that it would hand too much power to big business at the expense of consumers and national governments.

Supporters say the TTIP would deliver more than $100 billion of economic gains on both sides of the Atlantic. Greenpeace Nether-

lands published 248 pages of “consolidated texts” for 13 chapters, or about half, of the deal on the website TTIP-leaks.org on Monday.

They date from early April, before a round of meetings in New York last week. “We’ve done this to ignite a debate,” Greenpeace trade expert Juergen Knirsch told a news conference in Berlin, adding that the documents showed the negotiations should be halted. “The best

VIOLENCE

Five Seattle policemen injured in clashes with May Day marchers SEATTLE: Five Seattle police officers were injured and at least nine people arrested on Sunday night, after unruly demonstrators hurled projectiles and Molotov cocktails and broke windows, authorities said.

Protesters gather every year on May 1 to focus attention on labour and immigration issues, but demonstrators in cities across the United States also used the occasion to rally against police violence. Mayor Ed Murray blamed the “senseless violence” in Seattle on a “different crowd” from those who had attended an earlier peaceful May Day immigration march, however.

It was “deeply regrettable that in a city that goes to incredible

lengths to respect First Amendment rights, there are some who disregard our values and engage in senseless acts of violence and property destruction,” he said later, referring to free speech protected by the US Constitution.

In posts on social media website Twitter, the Seattle police department said one officer had suffered a cut to the head as protesters hurled Molotov cocktails, another was hit by a rock, and a third officer was bitten, apparently by a protester. Injuries suffered by two more officers were not detailed. “Nobody has been seriously injured,” police chief Kathleen O’Toole said after the unrest subsided, adding, “Once assaults started and property

damage started, we took action.

It’s that simple.” Police said they made arrests in several places and restrained one group in a parking lot, before allowing some groups to disperse, but would maintain a presence in the area.

They charged three people with assault, one with destruction of property and five with obstruction of justice. Eight men ranging in age from about 20 to 32 were charged, along with a teen-aged girl. Police used “blast balls” to disperse a crowd throwing rocks and bottles and breaking windows in a downtown neighbourhood, the Seattle Times newspaper reported, after they used pepper spray several times to break up throngs of demonstrators. — Reuters

thing the EU Commission can do is to say ‘Sorry, we’ve made a mistake’.” The documents show how entrenched differences have become on both sides of the Atlantic, Greenpeace said, though Washington and Brussels said last week they could still reach a deal before US President Barack Obama leaves office in January 2017.

Knirsch said the texts showed the United States wanted to re-

place Europe’s “precautionary principle” - which prevents potentially harmful products from coming to market when their effect is unknown or disputed - with a less stringent approach.

In Europe, there is widespread opposition to allowing more imports of US agricultural products due to concerns about genetically modified foods. European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom

played down the significance of the texts. “It shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are areas where the EU and the US have different views,” she wrote in a blog.

“That does not mean the parties will meet halfway. In areas where we are too far apart in a negotiation, we simply will not agree. In that sense, many of today’s alarmist headlines are a storm in a teacup,” she said. — Reuters

B OMAN OIL PRICE DECLINES

Oman Crude oil price (July delivery) declined by $1.08 per barrel to $43.31 per barrel, said Dubai Mercantile Exchange. The average price of Oman Crude (May delivery ) has stabilised at $36.34 a barrel, $6.11 higher than April delivery. — ONA

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Oman’s natural gas production grows 8% While nonassociated gas

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showed a growth of 8.1 per cent at 8,459 million cubic metres, associated gas production surged ahead by 9 per cent to 1,748 million cubic metres, according to NCSI statistics

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s natural gas production and imports grew by 8.3 per cent to 10,206 million cubic metres (MNCM) for the first quarter of 2016, compared to 9,426 MNCM for the same period of last year.

O I L S U P P LY

Iraq crude oil exports near record level BAGHDAD: Iraq’s oil exports approached a record high in April, adding barrels to a worldwide supply glut even as protests against public corruption threatened to paralyse the government of Opec’s secondlargest producer.

Shipments rose to 3.36 million barrels a day, or 100.92 million barrels for the month, Asim Jihad, an Oil Ministry spokesman, said by text message on Sunday.

The figures don’t include sales by the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Exports rose from 3.29 million barrels a day in March and were close to the November alltime high of 3.365 million a day, according to ministry figures.

Production unaffected Crude oil shipments and production weren’t affected on Sunday after protesters stormed the parliament in Baghdad, Falah Al Amri, chairman of Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organisation, said by Facebook message. The demonstrators have accused the government of putting off necessary reforms as it struggles in the fight against militants and sees its finances battered by collapsing oil prices.

“Politically, things have worsened dramatically in Iraq,” Richard Mallinson, an analyst at Energy Aspects, said on Sunday by phone from London. “It’s a negative for the country’s oil industry over the medium term.

We’re going to see production plateau and start to decline later this year” as government turmoil and spending cuts affect projects needed to maintain output. — Bloomberg News

Times News Service MUSCAT: Average price of Oman Crude declined by 43.9 per cent to $34.76 per barrel in the first quarter of 2015, from $61.99 a barrel for the same period of last year.

Oman produced 90.86 million barrels of crude oil and condensates in the first three months of 2016, which was 4.6 per cent higher than that of the same period last year, according to latest statistics

Of this, while non-associated gas showed a growth of 8.1 per cent at 8,459 MNCM, associated gas production surged ahead by 9 per cent to 1,748 MNCM, according to latest statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

A sizeable portion of the natural

released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The country’s average daily crude oil production stood higher at 998,500 barrels in the first quarter of 2016, against 965,100 barrels for the same period of 2015.

Of the total production, the country exported 83.94 million barrels in the first quarter of 2016, against 78.39 million barrels for the same period of last year.

gas in Oman is used by various mega industrial projects, which stood at 6,160MNCM for the first three months of 2016, against 5,692MNCM for the same period last year. Natural gas is also used in oilfields either as fuel or for re-injection.

For instance, in the first quar-

ter, as much as 2,279 MNCM of natural gas was used in oil fields, against 1,963 MNCM units consumed for the same period in 2015.

Other major consumers of natural gas in the country include power producers, small-scale industries and liquefied natural gas plants.

Natural gas used by power and desalination plants stood 0.8 per cent higher at 1,622 MNCM for the three-month period of this year.

The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) estimates gas consumption in the electricity and water desalination sector to rise in the next few years, mainly due to new power plants that need natural gas feedstocks.

While the national demand for gas will rise sharply over the coming five years, the rate of increase is by no means evenly distributed, with requirements set to spike in some regions. In fact, the Ministry of Oil and Gas is responsible for supplying gas to various consumers and the obligations are set out in within the agreements.

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SEVEN-YEAR CONTRACT

Waste management contract awarded Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Environmental Services Holding Company, be’ah, has awarded Veolia, through its subsidiary Veolia Middle East, and its Omani partner Al Ramooz National, a contract for waste management in the Sultanate.

The seven-year contract will focus on establishing the required services across the Governorates of Al Dhahirah and Al Buraimi, restructure the municipal waste collection services and improve public awareness of waste management.

North-West region The contract will include collection, transportation, and landfilling for the North-West region of Oman for municipal waste and will benefit more than 250,000 inhabitants. Veolia will act as the technical leader of the contract and will operate two landfills, whereas Al Ramooz will be in charge of the waste collection and the development of a material recovery facility (MRF).

The waste management contract in the Sultanate is a milestone for Veolia, its first ever contract for this activity in Oman.

This contract shows how seeking complementary local expertise

can be a driver of growth. In line with the development ambition of Veolia in the region, partnership with local players is pivotal for creating value in the territories and for the communities.

“Together with our Omani partner Al Ramooz National, Veolia looks forward to supporting Oman and its people with the best-in-class expertise in waste management. Our key focus for this contract will be to contribute to the implementation of the best standards for the waste management operations in the Sultanate, as well as support the Omani economy through in-country value,” said Xavier Joseph, managing director, Veolia Middle East.

“We are pleased to award the contract as per our strategy and sector takeover plan and our aim to provide high level services in association with an international experienced company like Veolia with operations around the globe,” noted Tariq Ali Al-Amri, chief executive officer at Oman Environmental Services Holding Company.

“At be’ah, our main goals are to structure the waste sector in a sustainable manner; to eliminate environmental damage incurred during traditional waste dumping processes as well support the economy,” he added.

B2

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

MARKET SCIENCE OF A REFINERY

Duqm Refinery launches programme for students Times News Service MUSCAT: Duqm Refinery has officially launched a programme called the ‘Science of a Refinery’ under the patronage of Sheikh Mohsin bin Hamad Al Maskary, wali of Duqm.

The programme aims to instill an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects among school students in Duqm and surrounding areas, said a press release.

The chief guest and other dignitaries witnessed school children being introduced to the working of a refinery in theory and then through classroom based experiments learn the core fundamentals of chemistry, physics and engineering and relate this to various processes involved in refining.

‘The science of a refinery’ programme is developed by Duqm Refinery in partnership with Engineering for Kids - Oman Branch,

KEEN ATTENTION: An employee works inside a factory in Kolkata, India. — Reuters

INITIATIVE: The programme aims to instill an interest in science,

technology, engineering and mathematics subjects among school students in Duqm and surrounding areas. - Supplied picture

a venture that inspires children in STEM subjects and brings about an interest for these subjects in a fun and inspiring way that complement and enrich the existing school curriculum.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Directorate General of Education in Al Wusta Region.

The programme is to run for

three days through a total of 24 interactive workshops delivered in six schools in Wilayat of Duqm with the aims to impact 500 students aged between 8 and 14 enrolled in grades 2 to 8.

The programme has been deployed in Bahr Al Arab School, Duqm School, Dahar School, Ras Madraka School, Shumookh School and Haitam School.

Global industrial growth weakens Japanese manufacturing activity shrank, while India sank to a four-month low and growth in China was all but flat

BENGALURU/SYDNEY: Asian factories barely grew in April and those in the euro zone did little better despite heavy discounting, setting a sluggish tone on Monday for the global economy in the second quarter.

Japanese manufacturing activity shrank last month at the fastest pace in more than three years as major earthquakes disrupted production, while the former bright spot of India sank to a four-month trough and growth in China was all but flat.

The euro zone reading edged up only marginally, painting a more subdued picture of an economy that grew an encouraging 0.6 percent between January and March.

Insufficient demand With manufacturing dogged by insufficient demand and excess supply, the regional readings are likely to reinforce the view that a recent pick-up in economic momentum will be difficult to sustain and further policy stimulus is needed.

The equivalent manufacturing reading from the US Institute of Supply Management later on

Monday was forecast to dip back to a modest 51.4, from 51.8, ahead of the always-pivotal payrolls report out on Friday. While the Fed is contemplating when to hike next, the European Central Bank is preparing to buy corporate bonds as part of its trillion-plus euro asset purchase programme.

So far, the massive ECB stimulus and weaker euro has yet to feed through to euro zone factories which operated only marginally faster in April.

Markit’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 51.7 from March’s 51.6, a marginal improvement from an earlier flash estimate of 51.5.

Manufacturing growth was strong in Italy and, buoyed by rising demand at home and abroad, hit a three-month high in Germany. But in France activity contracted at the steepest rate in a year. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

B3

MARKET Enhanced Oil Recovery brings latest technology in waste water treatment Themark’s HydroPod technology treats waste water and solves the water pollution problem in the Sultanate

CLEAN STANDARDS: With HydroPod, the firm will be able to help

Oman maintain its stringent environment standards. — Supplied picture

Times News Service MUSCAT: Enhanced Oil Recovery LLC has partnered with Themark Corporation of USA to bring in the HydroPod technology to the Sultanate.

The technology, which won the Water Management Company Award in the USA in 2015, can take waste water from different sources that are not meeting the Oman waste water discharge standards, including refineries, industrial estates, primary and secondary sewerage treatment plants. Then it treats waste water with the HydroPod and solves the water pollution problem in Oman.

The HydroPod is a small mobile unit (fits in a 15 foot container) and can be moved from one company to another to treat water that is not meeting the Oman environmental standards.

To this date, the alternative has been expensive chemical pretreatment of industrial wastes or expensive tertiary treatment of liquid waste, which has been unviable to most industries in the country. With the HydroPod, the company will be able to help the Sultanate maintain its stringent environmental standards and also promote aspiration for industrial growth by providing low and effective solutions.

ECONOMY

SMART TECHNOLOGY: The HydroPod is a small mobile unit (fits in a 15 foot container) and can be moved from one company to another for treating water. — Supplied picture

M I N A S U LTA N Q A B O O S WAT E R F R O N T P R O J E C T

Kuwait workers’ strike makes austerity drive tricky for government KUWAIT: A three-day strike by oil workers in Kuwait last month over pay reforms shows the government faces considerable opposition as it prepares to push through painful and controversial cuts to longstanding welfare benefits.

Oil-exporting states around the Gulf are reducing subsidies for fuel, public utilities and food, and freezing or slowing the growth of public sector wages, as they try to curb big budget deficits caused by low oil prices.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain have all taken such steps in the past six months. But Kuwait has been slower to act; reforms were still being discussed in parliament last week and no timetable has been set.

In mid-March, finance Minister Anas Al Saleh said the cabinet had approved in principle a “repricing” of some commodities and public services, but he gave no details and did not mention a date for the changes.

One reason for the delay is that Kuwait has more of a history of industrial action. In recent years, brief work stoppages over pay and conditions have also hit Kuwait’s national airline and the

Today, under the auspices of Mohammed bin Salim Al Tobi, the Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs (MoECA); Enhanced Oil Recovery has one of its HydroPod units in the MoECA for a live demonstration of how it works and for further discussions on how this Omani SME can play a role in our beloved Sultanate’s future.

Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mandhari, the CEO of Enhanced Oil Recovery said that he is proud to play a role in the environmental scene in Oman, and is also proud to say that he is in final discussions with other GCC countries which are pushing for this technology to be utilised.

Kuwait Oil and Petrochemical Industries Union workers sit on the first day of an official strike over public sector pay reforms in Ahmadi, Kuwait.

— Reuters file picture

customs administration. The result is that Kuwait’s government is having a harder time imposing austerity policies than its counterparts, and the extent of those policies is still uncertain.

“The oil strike was a showdown between a welfare government and a civil society fearful that the government will solve its problem, resulting from a lack of planning, at its expense,” said Shafeeq Ghabra, political science professor at Kuwait University.

“This strike shows that the government needs to have a major dialogue with civil society regarding economic as well political reform.” — Reuters

‘Souq Al Mina’ receives encouraging response from Omani businesses Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has received an encouraging response from aspirants to set up retail outlets at the Souq Al Mina — the modern business incubator in the upcoming Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Development.

Due to the high interest shown by interested businesses, Omran has extended the applications deadline last month and successfully received 251 applications covering a wide variety of activities such as agricultural products, cafes and restaurants, cosmetics and body care, decorative arts, design and fashion, sweets and desserts, floral arrangements, handicrafts, gift and Henna stores, jewelry, photography as well as tourism-related recreational services and activities.

“We are thrilled about the volume and the variety of applications received from Omani entrepreneurs. They have been thinking out-of-the box just like we had hoped as Souq Al Mina project aims to support established as well as innovative business ideas that provide an authentic experience to the visitors.” said Fahad Al Hinai, Senior Development Manager at Omran.

At present, a selection commit-

ENCOURAGING RESPONSE: An artists’s impression of the project. — Supplied picture

tee from Omran is reviewing the applications to shortlist the ideas based on factors such as innovative approach, services offered, creativity, growth and sustainability planning, strength of vision and market potential.

Retail space In the event the applicant’s idea is selected for the second and final stage, he or she will be invited to make a presentation to a larger expert committee formed by Omran.

Those selected at this stage will secure their retail spaces at the Souq Al Mina and can engage directly with the visitors of the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront by the end of this year.

“We are ready with the Souq Al Mina concept. The innovative ideas selected for the project will boost the tourism sector by creating new experiences and values for consumers.” Al Hinai said.

The watershed at Souq Al Mina, which will be spread across 3,300 square meters (sqms), will celebrate local creativity as well as the country’s exquisiteness. The main objective of this project is to boost the country’s tourism services by endorsing talented Omanis and encouraging unique business ideas. The project will embrace 40 retail spaces in an integrated ‘society of makers’ to provide unique products and services for locals, residents and tourists.

Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront is one of Omran’s flagship projects and spans 451,000 sqm. It will transform Port Sultan Qaboos into a major tourism-based authentic waterfront destination, which will attract both tourists and residents.

The first phase of the waterfront will be delivered in time for the upcoming global events in the region such as Expo 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022. It will consist of various hospitality, lifestyle, entertainment and cultural zones as well as residential units that will redefine the experience of Muscat and provide investors with a significant opportunity to participate in a unique and unparalleled marketplace offering.

B4

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................ 5,957.76 .............. 5,948.37 ................... 5,952.10 ...................5,948.07....................4.03 ................... 0.07 Financial Index ..................................... 7,783.81 ...............7,732.80 .................... 7,765.12 ....................7,729.88................. 35.24 ................... 0.46 Industrial Index ....................................7,226.15 ...............7,209.08 ....................7,209.10 ...................7,224.96................ -15.86 .................. -0.22 Services Index ......................................3,244.84 ............... 3,237.16 ................... 3,244.81 ...................3,230.48..................14.33 ...................0.44 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................882.62 ..................880.80 ...................... 882.05 ......................880.80.................... 1.25 ................... 0.14 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 23,386,086 ............... 10,967,443 ................. 1,342 ................17,014,054,162 ................ 13 ......................11 ....................20 .........................44

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, MAY 2 Muscat Securities Market. – Times file picture

ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MSM index ends higher

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

OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ........................................................... 250,400 ........... 98,467..................... 39 ........... 0.390 ...........0.396 ...........0.390........... 0.394 .............0.360 ........... 0.034............. 9.444 ................0.396..............0.396...................0.000 ..................21,670,000 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 1,252,912 ...... 178,873..................... 53 ............0.133 ........... 0.144 ...........0.133 ........... 0.143 ............. 0.131 .............0.012 ............. 9.160 ................0.144..............0.144...................0.000 .................. 17,428,125 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 1,146,837 ......172,040..................... 78 ............0.142 ........... 0.151............0.142........... 0.150 ............. 0.138.............0.012 ............. 8.696 ................0.151 ...............0.151...................0.000 ..................13,500,000.........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 561,452............ 74,372..................... 56 ............0.129 ........... 0.135 ...........0.129........... 0.132 .............0.126............ 0.006............. 4.762 ................0.130 ..............0.130...................0.132.....................7,767,305 ..........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 336,389 ...........84,026..................... 26 ........... 0.244...........0.257 ...........0.244 .......... 0.250 .............0.241 ........... 0.009............. 3.734 ................0.257..............0.256...................0.260 ..................72,662,755 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 121,798 ............... 8,015......................13 ........... 0.067 ...........0.067 ...........0.065........... 0.066 .............0.064 ........... 0.002............. 3.125 ................0.066..............0.065...................0.066................... 13,671,991 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 191,600.............19,474.....................20 ........... 0.099 ........... 0.103 ...........0.099........... 0.102 .............0.099 ........... 0.003............. 3.030 ................0.099..............0.099...................0.100....................3,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ....................................................... 60,000 ............ 70,500........................4 ............1.175 ............1.175............ 1.175 ............1.175 ............. 1.170 ............ 0.005............. 0.427 ................ 1.175 .............. 1.180................... 1.195 ................. 235,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 110,000............ 30,055........................6 ........... 0.278 ...........0.278 ...........0.273........... 0.273 .............0.272 ............0.001 ............. 0.368 ................0.273..............0.272...................0.273...................27,300,000.........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................... 12,750 ...............3,366........................2 ........... 0.264 ...........0.264 ...........0.264 .......... 0.264 .............0.264 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.264..............0.264...................0.265..................389,342,257 .......0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE................27,000 ...............5,720........................2 ............0.212 ........... 0.212 ...........0.210........... 0.212 .............0.212 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.210............. 0.208...................0.210.................. 42,400,000 ........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 3,785,048 ...2,081,776..................... 49 ........... 0.550 ...........0.550 ...........0.550........... 0.550 .............0.550 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.550..............0.536...................0.550..................349,684,988 .......0.100

Oman Hotels & Tourism, up by 9.96%, was the top gainer while Construction Materials

OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY.................................... 222,246.........395,598......................12 ............1.780 ........... 1.780............1.780 ............1.780 ............. 1.780............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.780 .............. 1.700...................0.000 .................159,666,000........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 127,500............ 63,237........................5 ........... 0.490 ...........0.496 ...........0.490........... 0.496 .............0.496 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.496..............0.490...................0.496..................164,112,864 ........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 379,076 ............ 86,751......................31 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.228........... 0.229 .............0.229 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.229..............0.228...................0.229 .................. 34,367,175 .........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING .................................. 20,000 ............ 38,100........................2 ............1.905 ........... 1.905 ...........1.905 ........... 1.905 .............1.905............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.905 ..............1.905...................2.085..................180,975,000........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 351,400 ........... 89,607......................13 ........... 0.255 ........... 0.255 ...........0.255........... 0.255 .............0.255 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.255..............0.250...................0.255..................433,296,357........0.100

was top loser, down by 2.78%.

OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 122,310.......... 195,724......................12 ............1.600 ........... 1.610............1.600........... 1.600 .............1.600 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.610 ..............1.600................... 1.610 ................1,200,000,000......0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ....................2,250 ...................315........................2 ............0.140 ........... 0.140 ...........0.140............0.135 ............. 0.135............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.140..............0.140...................0.142...................27,000,000.........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,751,836 ........317,082..................... 37 ............0.181 ........... 0.181............0.181 ............0.181 ............. 0.181 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.181 .............. 0.179................... 0.181 ..................286,990,704 .......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................1,768 .................. 738........................3 ............0.418 ........... 0.418 ...........0.410........... 0.420 .............0.420 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.410 ..............0.410...................0.420 ..................25,410,000 .........0.100

MUSCAT: Mixed trading witnessed on the Muscat bourse as foreign investors turned out to be net sellers and Omani retailers extending buying support on the bourse. The general index MSM30 Index - closed at 5,952.10 points, up by 0.07 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index gained by 0.14 per cent to close at 882.05 points.

Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of volume while Sharqiyah Desalination led in terms of turnover. Oman Hotels & Tourism, up by 9.96 per cent, was the top gainer while Construction Materials was top loser, down by 2.78 per cent.

As many as 1,342 trades were executed on Monday, generating turnover of OMR10.9 million with 23.4 million shares changing hands. Out of 44 traded securities, 13 advanced, 11 declined and 20 remained unchanged. GCC and Arab investors were net buyers for OMR384,000 followed by Omani investors for OMR6,000 while foreign investors remained net sellers for OMR390,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index advanced 0.46 per cent to close at 7,765.12 points. Oman & Emirates, Al

Sharqia Investments, Gulf Investment Services, Al Madina Investments and Al Batinah Investment increased by 9.16 per cent, 8.70 per cent, 4.76 per cent, 3.13 per cent and 3.03 per cent, respectively. HSBC Bank, Al Madina Takaful and Bank Muscat declined by 1.64 per cent, 1.32 per cent and 0.99 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index retreated by 0.22 per cent to end at 7,209.10 points. Oman Fisheries and Raysut Cement gained by 1.52 per cent and 0.43 per cent, respectively. Construction Materials, Galfar Engineering, Al Jazeera Steel and Gulf International Chemicals declined by 2.78 per cent, 2.50 per cent, 1.50 per cent and 1.15 per cent, respectively.

Services Index closed the session at 3,244.81 points, up by 0.44 per cent. Oman Hotels & Tourism, National Gas and Renaissance Services advanced 9.96 per cent, 9.44 per cent and 3.73 per cent, respectively. Al Jazeera Services, Port Services and Sharqiyah Desalination declined by 2.13 per cent, 1.15 per cent and 0.53 per cent, respectively.

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 100,000 ........... 76,000........................2 ............0.760 ........... 0.760 ...........0.760........... 0.760 .............0.760 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.760..............0.752...................0.760.................. 494,717,615 ........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION .............................. 1,001,924 .. 4,709,043..................... 26 ........... 4.700 ...........4.700 ...........4.700........... 4.700 .............4.725 ...........-0.025 ........... -0.529 ...............4.700..............4.700...................5.000 .................. 45,967,015 .........1.000 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 2,810,549 ...1,128,927...................299 ........... 0.406 ...........0.406 ...........0.400 .......... 0.402 .............0.406 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.985 ...............0.402............. 0.400...................0.402 ...............1,003,492,604 ......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................ 58,200 .............15,047......................12 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.256........... 0.259 .............0.262 ...........-0.003 ............-1.145................0.256..............0.253...................0.256...................24,615,360 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS .................7,805 ...............2,025......................12 ........... 0.262 ...........0.262 ...........0.257........... 0.259 .............0.262 ...........-0.003 ............-1.145................0.262..............0.258...................0.262 ...................5,439,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................52,624 ...............3,947........................6 ............0.075 ........... 0.075 ...........0.075........... 0.075 .............0.076 ...........-0.001 ............-1.316................0.075..............0.074...................0.075...................13,125,000 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 1,235,100 ......243,536....................113 ........... 0.200...........0.200 ...........0.193 ............0.197 .............0.200 ...........-0.003 ........... -1.500 ...............0.195 .............. 0.193...................0.195 ...................24,604,898.........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 571,000 ........... 68,583..................... 25 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.119 ........... 0.120 .............0.122 ...........-0.002 ............-1.639................0.120..............0.120................... 0.121 ..................240,037,535........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ........................................... 84,500 .............19,435......................15 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.230........... 0.230 .............0.235 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.128 ...............0.230..............0.229...................0.230 ..................14,076,983 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 3,941,275 ......460,089................... 195 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ........... 0.115 ............0.117 .............0.120 ...........-0.003 ........... -2.500 ...............0.117 .............. 0.116................... 0.117 ................... 33,927,735 .........0.100 OM0000002846 ...........GULF INV. SER. PREF SHARES ..............................10,000 ............... 1,100........................1 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.114............-0.004 ........... -3.509 ...............0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.118 ...................10,052,986 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 20,707,549.....10,741,568 .......... 1,171 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......32........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001228............OMAN HOTELS AND TOURISM .............................. 5,100 ............... 1,352........................1 ........... 0.265 ...........0.265 ...........0.265........... 0.265 .............0.241 ........... 0.024............. 9.959 ................0.265..............0.265...................0.000 ..................14,575,000 .........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE.................................................... 102,304 ............12,536......................12 ............0.120 ........... 0.125 ...........0.120............0.123 .............0.120 ........... 0.003.............2.500 ................0.120..............0.120...................0.124...................32,806,016 .........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 603,526 ........... 40,276..................... 32 ........... 0.067 ...........0.067 ...........0.066........... 0.067 .............0.066 ............0.001 ..............1.515.................0.067..............0.066...................0.067....................8,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 832,761 ............ 64,130..................... 37 ........... 0.077 ........... 0.078 ...........0.077........... 0.077 .............0.076 ............0.001 ..............1.316.................0.077..............0.077...................0.078..................115,500,000........0.100 OM0000001475 ............SWEETS OF OMAN ........................................................ 3,100 ................3,751........................2 ............1.210 ........... 1.210............1.210 ........... 1.340 .............1.340 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.210 ............. 0.000...................1.340....................9,380,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001723 ............OMAN ORIX LEASING .............................................. 50,000 ...............5,850........................1 ............0.117 ........... 0.117............ 0.117 ............0.117 ............. 0.117 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.117 ...............0.115................... 0.117 ................... 29,371,610 .........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 525,420 ........... 52,949..................... 33 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.099............0.101 ............. 0.101............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.099...................0.100.................... 7,596,008 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 337,808 ...........20,003.....................22 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.059........... 0.059 .............0.059 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.059..............0.059...................0.060 ..................59,000,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 149,599............22,440..................... 23 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.150 ........... 0.150 .............0.150............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.150 ..............0.150................... 0.151 ..................219,390,219 ........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................... 66,461 .............. 2,340........................6 ........... 0.035 ...........0.036 ...........0.035........... 0.035 .............0.036 ...........-0.001 ........... -2.778 ...............0.036..............0.035...................0.036....................2,975,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,676,079 ......225,627................... 169 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......10........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS AND SUKUK MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ............................................. 1,948 .................. 201........................1 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.103........... 0.103 .............0.103............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.103 ..............0.103...................0.110 ...................32,923,196 .........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ...........................510 .....................48........................1 ........... 0.094 ...........0.094 ...........0.094........... 0.094 .............0.094 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.094..............0.094...................0.099................... 30,471,192 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: ...................................................................................... 2,458 ..................249........................2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities

WA L L S T R E E T

LETTER OF INTENT

With weak corporate earnings in tow, US investors' focus turns to jobs data NEW YORK: Coming off a barrage of flimsy company earnings reports that included Apple’s first revenue drop in 13 years, investors will turn to April jobs data for signs of budding resilience or further weakening in the second quarter.

US nonfarm payrolls, unemployment and wages data are due Friday May 6, when the economy is expected to have added 200,000 jobs in April, with the unemployment rate unchanged at five per cent and a wage increase of 0.3 per cent, according to Reuters data.

Unlike in recent months, where weak jobs numbers were counted on to stave off another Federal Reserve interest rate hike, investors are now itching for better-thanexpected employment data to indicate a stronger next earnings season, analysts said.

“The most important thing to stock investors is not what the Federal Reserve will do in June at their meeting; the most important thing is to see a recovery in the economy and earnings,” said Hugh Johnson, chief investment officer of Albany, New York-based Hugh Johnson Advisors.

First-quarter earnings Even as expectations for firstquarter earnings have improved of late, S&P 500 companies are still seen posting a 5.9 per cent earnings fall in the first quarter. On April 1, the estimate was for a 7.1 per cent decline.

With dismal US gross domestic product figures released on Wednesday showing the slowest economic expansion in two years , jobs will be especially important for signaling a second-quarter recovery, Johnson said.

If employment can beat estimates, markets will likely rally,

UNCERTAIN TIMES: After a slow climb since the start of the month, as many companies beat ultra-low first-quarter earnings expectations, stocks fell sharply over the last two trading days. - Bloomberg News

Johnson said, even if the number triggers talk of an impending rate hike at the Fed. After a slow climb since the start of the month, as many companies beat ultra-low first-quarter earnings expectations, stocks fell sharply over the last two trading days. Pushing the downturn were Apple’s results, which included the first decline in iPhone sales.

Sacrifice the short term Even if a stronger-than-expected jobs report furthers a short-term selloff, investors would then feel more confident that a bull market is sustainable without Fed support, said Mark Luschini, chief investment strategist at Janney Capital Management.

“If we’re going to see positive economic growth perpetuate, it needs to come on the back of job growth and wage increases,” Luschini said. “If we did see some disruption as a consequence of the Fed raising interest rates, it would be welcome.”

Stronger employment data signals an increase in demand for consumer goods, which typically indicates better revenue for companies.

“The jobs report is a great running barometer on how our economy is doing,” said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at BMO Private Bank.

Ablin said he would pay close attention next week to any changes in wage growth, which has been

particularly stagnant. Average hourly earnings gained seven cents in March after slipping the prior month. Nonfarm payrolls rose 215,000 in March and the unemployment rate edged up to 5.0 per cent from an eight-year low of 4.9 per cent. In addition to employment figures, analysts said they will continue to look at earnings reports next week, Fed officials’ comments, and economic data, including manufacturing, services sector growth and car sales. — Reuters

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Indian-origin tycoon’s firm confirms bid for Tata Steel assets in UK LONDON: Indian-origin businessman Sanjeev Gupta’s Liberty House group has confirmed that it will be submitting its bid for Tata Steel’s loss-making UK businesses by Tuesday, according to a media report.

The commodities trading firm, which emerged as an early frontrunner for Wales-based Port Talbot steelworks, had said last week that its team was evaluating the bid.

“We can confirm that Liberty will submit a letter of intent to Tata Steel on Tuesday and has put in place a strong internal transaction team and panel of leading external advisers to take the bid forward,” a Liberty House spokesperson was quoted as saying by ‘The Financial Times’.

Gupta is being advised by several former Tata Steel executives including Jon Bolton, who until last year was the head of Tata’s Long Products business in Europe, the report said.

Liberty House Bolton joined Liberty House last month to run its steel business in Scotland, also bought over from Tata.

Liberty House is reportedly working with Macquarie Capital, which is prepared to support the bid with funding, and the State Bank of India.

Deloitte and Grant Thornton are among other firms involved which, among other issues, will advise Liberty House on dealing with the nearly 500 million pound funding deficit in Tata’s pensions scheme, considered the biggest stumbling block in clinching the sale.

Sanjeev Gupta. — Bloomberg News

Punjab-born graduate Gupta, a Punjab-born graduate in economics and management from Cambridge University, has in the last week completed the acquisition of Tata’s Scottish plants in a back to back transaction, which saw the Scottish government acquire the two plants of Dalzell and Clydebridge in Lanarkshire and immediately sell them to Liberty House.

“Our team are continuing to evaluate the opportunity to make a bid for other Tata UK assets,” Gupta had said.

Other bidders for the remaining Tata Steel UK assets include Albion Steel, a UK start-up business with industry veteran Tony Pedder on the board.

It is believed to be eyeing Tata’s speciality steels unit based in Sheffield, northern England.

A Tata management team buyout is seen as the other serious contender at this stage. — PTI

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B5

ROUND-UP

Infiniti launches two new models in Oman

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

MGS conducts youth leadership programme

Infiniti QX60 features enhanced interior and exterior design with suite of assistive and intuitive technologies and QX50 features a new, fluid appearance with a unique personality

MUSCAT: Infiniti in Oman yesterday unveiled the Infiniti QX60 and QX50 premium crossovers at an exclusive event held at its showroom in Muscat.

Infiniti is in the midst of a massive product offensive. The introduction of these two models builds on this story with many more announcements in the pipeline, says a press release.

“The launch of the Infiniti QX60 and QX50 reaffirms our commitment to enhance our product line up in the Middle East and around the world,” said Juergen Schmitz, managing director, Infiniti Middle East. “Both the QX60 and QX50

feature an overhaul in exterior design. The QX60 also features a number of interior and technological advancements whilst the QX50 has made significant improvements with particular focus on rear legroom.”

The premium crossovers are a cornerstone for Infiniti’s business in the region with sales for both models contributing to fiscal year 15 results of almost 2,500 vehicles delivered to customers.

“Crossovers and SUV’s continue to be a key driver of our growth in the region,” added Schmitz. “With the introduction of these two premium vehicles to our regional portfolio, we are confident that they will enable us to further deliver our promise of a premium motoring experience to our customers.”

A senior official at Infiniti, Suhail Bahwan Automobiles, Oman said, “We are thrilled to unveil the new crossovers in Oman at a time when Infiniti continues to expand its product portfolio globally.

QX60 and QX50 models offer customers more styling, new technology and enhanced driving dynamics. With improved soundproofing, uprated cabin materials and new connectivity solutions, we can assure high user satisfaction and incomparable ownership value. We are sure these models will stand out in the local market.”

Infiniti QX60 The new Infiniti QX60 is complete-

ly redesigned from the exterior and also features a host of new features and technologies that enhance comfort, convenience and safety.

At the front, the redesigned double-arch grille is flanked by standard-fit bi-xenon headlamps.

There is greater use of LED lighting, including new LED Daytime Running Lights as well as front fog lamps which feature LED lighting and chrome finishers. It also features the signature brand design cues such as double-wave bonnet, and crescent-cut D-pillar.

On the interior, Infiniti’s QX60 offers the signature driver-oriented cockpit, highlighted by thin chrome accents as well as an upper instrument panel has been wrapped in soft-touch material with contrast stitching.

Infiniti’s QX60 continues to deliver in spades on the technology front. Added in for 2016, is forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection. When combined with the already existing industry first features like predictive forward collision warning, backup collision intervention and around view monitor, it makes for one of the safest 7 seat crossovers in its segment from a technology perspective.

The 2016 QX60’s new suspension components and settings combine to deliver superior levels of both comfort and agility, while a revised steering system delivers greater feedback for a more rewarding drive. Featuring intel-

ligent all-wheel drive, the QX60 is offered with a powerful and efficient 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine.

Infiniti QX50 From an exterior design perspective the QX50 LWB has been enhanced for 2016 with a new front and rear bumper and lower front and rear fascia, new LED Daytime Running Lights, new signature Infiniti-style double-arch front grille, new side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and updated side sill styling.

Significant inroads have also been made on its size. The wheelbase increases by 81mm while overall length is boosted by 114mm. The result is an increased interior volume by 235 litres as well as increased 2nd row – rear legroom by 109mm.

The QX50 LWB also features a host of technological advancements that include; Streaming audio via bluetooth wireless technology, advanced around view monitor which includes front and rear sonar, 7-inch colour display with Infiniti controller. Also available is the optional Infiniti hard drive navigation system with a colour touch-screen display that is additionally complimented with the Bose premium audio system with 11 speakers.

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

MUSCAT: Muscat Gujarati Samaj (MGS) conducted a youth leadership programme, in association with Morrison Muscat Toastmasters Club, for 22 young children in the age group of 11-16 years recently.

This programme is an internationally acclaimed programme by Toastmasters International with its presence in 128 countries having more than 15,000 clubs, says a press release.

Youth leadership programme (YLP) is an informal course in the arts of communication and leadership. It is one of the best programmes available for the creative and energetic minds of today’s children, to bring about an overall enhancement in their interactive and expressive skills, which eventually help them in boosting their confidence levels and develop their personality.

Most importantly, at very early age, it will sow in them the seeds of becoming powerful and effective, communicators and leaders of a modern tomorrow.

The YLP was led by Toastmaster Rajendra B. Varma, Club Mentor of the Morrison Muscat Toastmaster Club. Eight sessions of two hours each were conducted where the children were coached and mentored on speech making and impromptu speaking.

Business sessions were also taken on the leadership front by introducing the children to chairmanship which included how to organise and conduct meetings, be a conference leader and conduct panel discussions.

A typical YLP meeting would

consist of three sessions; speech making, providing evaluations (instant feedback) and speaking impromptu (speaking on a topic without preparation).

The grand finale where children were expected to ‘Show Their Skills’ acquired during the YLP programme consisted of prepared speeches, evaluation and table topics. President of the grand finale session Hritika Sampat carried off the show with aplomb and Toastmaster of the Day Vaidehi Ramaiya effortlessly anchored the YLP session. The best prepared speech was awarded to Raghavisankar, best evaluator to Prati Sanghvi and best table topics speaker award was given to Keya Tanna.

Other prominent personalities who motivated the children were chief guest Neelu Rohra, Second Secretary (Press, Information, Culture and Community Welfare) Embassy of India, Muscat, Oman, guest of honour Sheikh Kanaksi Khimji, Kiran Asher, MGS Board member and T. M. Yasser Suleiman, Past District Governor for District 20 representing Gulf countries.

Neelu Rohra congratulated MGS for successfully conducting the youth leadership programme where children develop their speaking and leadership skills at a very young age.

Kiran Asher recalled days when his children were part of the Toastmaster movement and how greatly it had improved their ability to speak in public.

Youth leadership programme participation certificates were awarded to all the participants.

W O R L D FA M I LY D AY

Centrepoint encourages families to spend time with loved ones MUSCAT: Centrepoint, the region’s largest family fashion retailer, celebrates World Family Day on May 15 by encouraging families of the region to spend quality time with loved ones.

The brand that is hugely popular for its variety of fashion clothing, kids-wear, accessories, cosmetics and home décor, is encouraging its customers to celebrate the special moments with more than just gifts.

A study conducted by the brand shows that over 48% of respondents claimed that they do not get sufficient time with their family and 87% of respondents said that spending time with family is what they looked forward to most on the

weekends, says a press release.

In today’s modern world, work is increasingly taking over our lives and we spend longer and longer hours in pursuit of our ca-

reer goals. With more than 44% of participants in the study spending over nine hours at work, time with family becomes shorter, with adverse effects on our wellbeing.

FA S H I O N E X P E R T I S E

“Children are often the most affected,” says Lucy Bruce, founder of Home Grown Children’s Eco Nursery who has worked closely with Centrepoint to help raise awareness for the importance of family time.

“As a mother of three, a business owner and founder of the Harmony House charity, it is fair to say that I’ve had times when I’ve felt like I have bitten off more than I can chew. Recognising the importance of my role in my children’s lives has made being present and spending quality time with my children my main priority. The positive impact it has had on my children and myself is immeasurable.”

Studies have shown that close bonds to family and having a strong emotional support system have a significant positive impact on our health and wellbeing.

Manu Jeswani, CEO - Centrepoint said, “When I was younger I often missed out on spending precious moments with family due to work commitments. I have learnt from that and today my family is my priority and I make sure to spend quality time with my wife and children on the weekends and on family holidays. Work is an important aspect of life, but family comes first.” He further adds that, “Centrepoint is a family fashion brand and we care about our cus-

TRAINING INSTITUTE

‘ S C R AT C H N W I N ’

New designer collaboration from National Biscuit picks Mamas & Papas and Liberty London 2 promotion winners MUSCAT: Combining nearly 40 years of parenting experience with over 140 years of fashion expertise, check out the latest collaboration from Mamas & Papas and Liberty London.

Designed for little girls aged 0-3, the new collection includes everything from summer dresses and sunhats to rompers and dungarees, all fusing vintage detailing with

one of three world famous Liberty prints, says a press release.

Each print has its own unique charm from the colourful, countryside inspired Painter’s Meadow to the intricate Irma Tana and the bold Glenjade, an original 1930s Liberty Print. Launching in May, the new collection will be available at Mamas & Papas located in Muscat City Centre, Seeb.

‘ W I N S E V E N C A R S I N S E V E N W E E K S ’ C A M PA I G N

TSC picks first promotion winner MUSCAT: The Sultan Centre (TSC) picked the first winner of its exciting promotional ‘Win Seven Cars in Seven Weeks’ campaign.

The lucky winner of the first draw was Abdullah Salem Al Rashdi, coupon number: 154604, says a press release.

Any customer who spends OMR10 or more in any TSC store till June 8 will have an opportunity to enter the draw to win one of the six remaining Chevrolet Cruzes. The more you shop the more chances you have to win and drive away in a new Chevrolet Cruze.

MUSCAT: National Biscuit Industries Ltd, the makers of the brand ‘Nabil’ range of biscuits and snacks announced two winners of iPhone 6 in its grand ‘Scratch N Win’ promotion on its selected biscuits range being held from March 15 to May 15.

In addition to the Scratch N Win, is a mega raffle draw where the consumers of Oman will get an opportunity to win and own a brand new Nissan Altima Car. The promotion is applicable on multipacks of Nabil Glucose, Nabil Cookies, Nabil Crackers & Sweet n Salt Biscuits, Nabil Cream biscuits and the newly launched Nabil Sugarfree Digestive Biscuits. Consumers will find a scratch card in the multipacks of the scheme SKUs with a Unique Nabil Code and have to quickly register on www.NabilBiscuits.com, which will qualify them for the final raffle draw, says a press release.

Only successful and valid entries registered till May 15 will qualify for the raffle draw. Consumers can register more than once with every unique code, and increase their chances of winning the mega raffle of Nissan Altima.

tomers; a majority of which are married with children. We want to encourage them to cherish this phase of life and prioritize their time towards their families.”

Centrepoint has teamed up with regional lifestyle and parenting influencers Lucy Bruce, Kaya Scott and Deanna Khalil, to share tips and advice on spending quality time with family. This year, Centrepoint stores will have special cash desks dedicated to families shopping in store on World Family Day. Centrepoint is also encouraging families to post selfies of themselves spending quality time together using #GiftYourTime in order to win gift cards from the brand.

Further, there are eight more iPhone 6 to be won as instant prize, through the scratch card.

They can be redeemed till May 31.

Commenting on the occasion, Unnit Mankodi, head of Sales and Marketing at National Biscuits said, “Nabil is delighted with the tremendous response received on the promotion. We are very happy for the two lucky consumers who have won the iPhone 6, and hope that the next eight winners find their lucky coupon soon. We urge the consumers to rush to their nearest outlet and buy the multipacks of the listed products. The more they buy and register, more are the chances of winning the bumper prize - Nissan Altima!”

Harmony students excel in music grade exam MUSCAT: Harmony Music, Arts and Karate training institute congratulated all students who achieved distinction in music grade exam conducted

by Trinity College & Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music in UK, says a press release.

1. Piano: Ananditha B – Grade 1, Ganesh Arvindh –Grade 1, Jonathan Fernandes – Grade 1, Soham Raut- Grade 2, Jobin George-Grade 3.

2. Electronic keyboard: Jerry Mathew - Initial, Pranav Naidu Panduri - Initial, Vaishnav Anand - Initial, Sunhari JacobInitial, Adhityan R - Grade 1, K. Sanjith - Grade 1, Kevin PaulGrade 2, Melita Ann StephenGrade 2, Shehjaar Kilam - Grade 4, Sarengi Radhika - Grade 5 3. Drums: Krishang Srivastava-Grade 1, Saam Wesley-Grade 1, Lakshmi S Kumar-Grade 1, Adithya Deepak-Grade 4 4. Plectrum Guitar: Vaishnavi Raj-Grade 1, Rejath Veliyath Reji-Grade 3.

5. Theory of Music: Adhindra V.S- Grade 1, Ashwin KumarGrade 2, Jobin George -Grade 2, Abhilash Nandakumar-Grade 5.

B6

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

ROUND-UP Toyota Land Cruiser offers unchallenged performance The Land Cruiser is one of the most technically advanced four-wheel drive vehicles ever produced MUSCAT: Ushering in new benchmarks in performance across all terrains, the Toyota Land Cruiser continues to be totally unchallenged at the pinnacle of 4WD performance, within a pampering ambience of classy luxury.

In the words of its master creator, Sadayoshi Koyari, the chief engineer, “The Land Cruiser is a true go anywhere, all-terrain four-wheel drive SUV that has always exceeded expectations all around the globe.”

With a pedigree that can be traced back over 50 years, the Land Cruiser commands customer loyalty unmatched by any other SUV, and this new model proudly car-

ries forward the vehicle’s legacy of phenomenal all-terrain performance and reliability. Indeed, the Land Cruiser is one of the most technically advanced four-wheel drive vehicles ever produced and is equipped with a series of advanced dynamic and handling features.

These have been further extended in the new model with the world-first turn assist, which works in conjunction with the crawl control function, multiterrain monitor and tyre angle display. The crawl control system helps maintain a low uniform vehicle speed by automatically controlling the engine output and brake hydraulic pressure for the purpose of reducing driver burden when in off-road conditions.

Helping drivers confirm their surroundings when driving offroad are features such as a multiterrain monitor used in conjunction with multi-terrain select. The range of advanced active-driving control features extends to the active traction control system which ensures excellent vehicle handling functionality. Adding to the versatility of the Land Cruiser is the hill-start assist control system which prevents vehicle roll-back when stopping and then starting

again on a steep incline or slippery surface while the downhill assist control helps improve directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces.

In addition, the vehicle features four-wheel active height control and adaptive variable suspension, a fully adjustable system that provides spring rate control to give exceptional performance off-road.

It also regulates pitch and body roll on-road to maintain ride comfort and refinement. Aero stabilising fins have also been added to the outer lens of the rear combination lamps, contributing to excellent handling and stability.

The heart of the new Land

Cruiser’s capability is its 5.7-litre with dual VVT-i V8 engine, which produces 362 horsepower and 54 Kg-m of torque. The Land Cruiser is the first large SUV segment model with genuine off-road capabilities to offer a smooth and quiet 8-speed automatic transmission.

This indomitable 4WD is popularly available in the 4.0 and 4.7 litre variants as well.

The Land Cruiser’s new advanced safety technology package called Toyota safety sense includes items that are particularly effective in reducing risk of accidents.

These include a pre-crash safety system that uses sensors to detect other vehicles or obstructions and

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

warns the driver to perform evasive manoeuvres while automatically activating the brakes when there is a high probability of a collision. Radar cruise control helps maintain a suitable vehicle-to-vehicle distance while following the preceding vehicle.

A lane departure alert system warns the driver when the vehicle is unintentionally deviating from its lane and automatic high beam system detects oncoming headlamps and/or tail lamps of preceding vehicles and automatically switches to low beam to reduce glare. The 2016 Land Cruiser has a total of 10 airbags. Active headrests and a blind spot monitor system is also available.

The 2016 Land Cruiser is available in many exterior colours. Elevating in-vehicle entertainment to a whole new level are the 11.6-inch dual display screens with display angle adjustable mechanism that offer the ultimate multimedia entertainment for rear seat passengers.

In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality. No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

‘ B I G D ATA S M A L L P R I C E S ’

FRiENDi’s new promotion generates great response MUSCAT: FRiENDi mobile’s latest ‘Big Data Small Prices’ promotion has shown a very positive growth for the brand with its widespread acceptance among new customers, says a press release.

Customers can either go for the budget friendly 600MB plan at OMR1.5, a more value driven 1.5GB plan at OMR2.5 and the data hungry ones can choose a 3GB plan for OMR4.5 only. All the plans have day – night split and a loyalty bonus attached, which is unique to FRiENDi mobile only.

For example, the medium sized 1.5GB plan includes 500 MB day and 1,000 MB night usage plus 50 MB renewal bonus data valid for 30 days and the customer just dials *150# to activate it.

“Customers have varying needs at different times and we make offers that will cater to each rising need. Our packages are designed in a way that customers enjoy and retain the flexibility to tailor their packages according to their desires,” said Eugen Comendant, director of Product and Marketing, FRiENDi mobile.

E X C E L L E N C E AWA R D S

Z-Corp organises event at Al Wafa Centre for Disabled Children in Sohar MUSCAT: To emphasise the philosophy of giving to society, the team ‘Collaboration’ from The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) recently organised a community event at the Al Wafa Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children in Sohar.

Al Wafa centres with branches across Oman aim to rehabilitate children who have some form of mental, auditory, physical, or visual disability. According to the Ministry of Social Development’s website, the objective of Al Wafa centres is to rehabilitate disabled children between the age of 3 and 14 by instilling skills in them that enable them to become self-reliant as much as possible. These centres also provide suitable rehabilitation and training programmes for the enrolled children in order to encourage them to become independent. In addition, they provide educational programmes for the families of the disabled children on how to deal with the disabled, the causes of disability and ways to prevent them, says a press release.

The community event at the Al Wafa Centre was organised by the ‘Collaboration Team’ of Z-Corp.

The ‘collaboration team’ comprises a group of employees of Z-Corp

who participate in community initiatives which are planned and executed by them.

Support for Al Wafa centre’s event comes as part of Z-Corp’s strategy to builds its programmes around factors such as employee engagement, community involvement and corporate giving. The objective is to touch and improve upon the lives of the communities they live in.

The community day event provided an opportunity for children with disability to experience different events including sports and entertainment activities. The aim of the community event was to encourage children with disabilities to participate and enjoy the differ-

ent activities. At the end of the day, children were honoured for participating in sports and entertainment activities.

Zuwaina Al Azri, communications manager at Zubair Automotive Group said, “An important strategy at Z-Corp is that it encourages employees to get involved in their local communities by actively contributing their time for worthy causes and projects. The ‘collaboration team’ has organised similar events at different institutes. We will continue to nurture our employees’ sense of responsibility and encourage exchange of experience.”

Appreciating the work done by Al Wafa Rehabilitation Centre for

Disabled Children, Zuwaina said, “We want to place on record our gratefulness to the centre who have been working towards giving quality training for these children.

They have been truly educating and encouraging these children by giving them special care and attention. The centre’s effort will help integrate these children into mainstream in the future. We believe that those with disabilities are an equal and important part of the community.”

Expressing thanks to The Zubair Corporation’s collaboration team, the Director of Al Wafa centre at Sohar said, “This support from a prestigious group like the Z-Corp means a lot for the centre and the children. With reassurance and support, these children can build a solid sense of self-confidence and a foundation for lifelong success.

All children need encouragement and for children with disabilities, such positive reinforcement can help ensure that they emerge with a strong sense of self-worth and resolve to keep going.

“The children enjoyed and participated with much enthusiasm.

We are thankful to the Zubair group for making a difference in the life of these children.”

Awards ceremony at Indian School Ghubra MUSCAT: The excellence and meritorious achievements of the students of CBSE and CBSEi Indian School Al Ghubra were celebrated at the awards ceremony held recently. Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassador of India to Oman, was the chief guest.

Board of Directors, Indian schools in Oman, members of the school management committee, dignitaries, parents and well-wishers of the school were also present at the event, says a press release.

Haya Srivastava welcomed the chief guest by presenting a potted plant. The cultural programme commenced with ‘Singing Stars’the Junior Choir from CBSEi who sang ‘The Dream Boat’.

The students of Classes V and VI presented ‘What a wonderful world’ a tribute to 25 glorious years of ISG. The synchronisation of hand

movements and the use of props which complemented with the special UV lighting mesmerised the audience.

In his exhortation, Pandey expressed his delight upon the institution‘s successful completion of 25 years. He urged the teachers to prepare students to meet the challenges of the 21st century education as there is a need for the children to keep themselves abreast with the changing trends in the field of technology. He stated that equal opportunities should be given to girls to help them gain a firm footing in society.

Students who achieved excellence in academics, sports, art and general knowledge received their awards and certificates from Pandey and special awards were given to teachers who completed 25 years of service and others who completed 20, 15 and 10 years too.

HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS

Liqui Moly stays Germany’s No. 1 brand for sixth time in a row MUSCAT: Readers of four major automotive magazines in Germany have elected Liqui Moly to be the top brand for the sixth time in a row.

Independent of one another, the four leading automotive magazines in Germany, Auto Zeitung, Auto Motor und Sport, Auto Bild and Motor Klassik, asked their nearly six million readers to vote for the best brand of oil. The unanimous winner was Liqui Moly.

This continues the brand’s victory march from previous years, says a press release.

Liqui Moly GmbH from Ulm in South Germany offers a wide range of high-quality products such as motor oils, additives, vehicle care products and service products.

The entire range of Liqui Moly products is available through Al Hashar outlets and dealer network.

“This reader vote for Liqui Moly is a decision for stability and predictability. We appreciate it and it supports us in a difficult market environment, this presents us with great challenges.

The vote by car owners confirms

our course and shows we are making good progress.

“Our product quality with its unqualified commitment to the motto ‘Made in Germany’ and our reputation as an anthropocentric brand have anchored themselves in the head and hearts of people around the globe. And this has cemented Liqui Moly’s top place,” said Ernst Prost, CEO-Liqui Moly.

“This is not a matter of course.

The way to the top was rocky, and confirmation of this top position from year to year is always the result of diligence and hard work,”

continued the CEO. “These values are incorporated into our company philosophy. And we adhere to them. In contrast to global corporations, we, as a medium size company, are closer to our customers and capable of catering to them more quickly and individually in every one of the 120 countries where you can buy Liqui Moly,” stated Ernst Prost.

“Such discipline on the part of our co-entrepreneurs will continue to earn us further accolades and is essential for our course for becoming a global brand.”

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‘Rest Upon The Wind will unveil side of Khalil Gibran you may not have known’ Nadim Sawalha, the writer and director of the play, talks about what makes it special MUSCAT: Celebrated actor and playwright Nadim Sawalha, the writer and director of Khalil Gibran Rest Upon The Wind speaks about his play being staged at the Oman Auditorium, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel tomorrow at 8pm.

“Come and watch the play and see a side of Khalil Gibran you

formances in New York, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. How has the experience been?

The experience has been fascinating. To watch the reactions of various audiences from London to New York to the Middle East is to understand the impact of theatre on people with many different cultural attitudes.

perhaps didn’t know before,” is his message to theatre enthusiasts of Oman.

The play is brought by NPA Events, known for their ‘wow’ events, says a press release.

Poet, writer, painter and philosopher Khalil Gibran has been close to your heart. You have written and directed Rest Upon The Wind, based on his life. Having yourself migrated to Britain from Jordan in the 1950s to study drama, do you draw a parallel in your life?

I do. I’ve chosen to write this play in order to study the fortunes and misfortunes of the exiled Arab’s life in Europe and America. Khalil and his fellow poets are known in the Arab world as ‘The Poets in Exile’, or more correctly, ‘The Im-

migrant Poets’.

Ever since ‘Rest Upon The Wind’ was first staged in the West End of London at the Tristan Bates Theatre in 2011, the play has been popular the world over with sell-out per-

What is your message to Khalil Gibran theatre aficionados in Oman?

Come and watch the play and see a side of Khalil Gibran you maybe didn’t know before.

You have portrayed different roles in over 100 television serials and films. Which ones stand out in memory?

After working for 50 years all over

AVA I L A B L E O N E U R O 2 0 1 6 PA C K A G E

the world, I found my favourite role in my hometown, Amman, when I played Captain Abu Raed, directed

by Amin Matalqa, a superb young Jordanian film director.

What was the public response to your role as Aziz Fekkesh in the 1977 James Bond movie ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’. Was it a shot in the arm to your career?

In my time I played in two Bond films. You can never say no to a Bond film, because invariably the experience is an enormous thrill, irrespective of the nature of the part. You work on a Bond film for the experience of film-making, not the role you play.

Do you look at yourself as a bridge between the Middle

East and the West, having essayed varied roles as that of Emir Hamad Al-Subaai in Syriana, Abu Raed in Captain Abu Raed, Hassan in Sindbad and the Eye of the Tiger and so many more?

I definitely started life wishing to be a bridge between the Middle East and the West, and although it was a noisy bridge, it’s been full of excitement and thrills.

As the narrator of Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle for the Arab World (2003), how different is narration from acting and writing?

Narration is definitely more tiring, because to do it well you have to cultivate a level of mental and emotional concentration at a superhuman level.

MAJOR SUPPORT

Copa America 2016: Live on beIN channels MUSCAT: Copa América 2016, the main international football tournament for national teams in South America will be broadcasted in high definition, live on beIN sports channels. Copa America football tournament will be available on the Euro 2016 package, says a press release.

The 45th edition of the Copa América competition will be organised by CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body.

The tournament will be held in United States from June 3 – 26. beIN Media Group, which is a leading provider for sports channels in broadcasting all live action of global sport events has announced five packages keeping different nationality sports viewers in mind and also boosting entertainment experience.

The first package is Access Package which has 26 HD Channels including; 9 Sport Channels, 1 Movie Channel and 4 Kids Channels. The second package is Top Entertainment which has extra 13 channels above the Access package; 6 HD Movie Channels, 1 Factual Channel, 5 kids’ channels and 1 Food channel. Third package is Top Sports. The package contains Access package + extra 14 Premium

HD Sports Channels. Fourth is the complete package which contains all channels of Access, Top Movies and Top Sports packages. The last package is the Euro 2016 package that will be broadcasting in June/ July 2016. The Euro 2016 package is available as an add-on with at least Access package or with an active Sports or Sports Global package expiring after July 15. beIN has dedicated 4 channels for Euro

2016; beIN Max 1HD, beIN Max 2HD, beIN Max 3HD and beIN Max 4HD which will open only for the Euro 2016 subscribers. The new packages facilitate customers to choose depending upon their interest and budget.

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 six kiosks at Muscat City Centre, Qurum City Centre, Muscat Grand Mall, Panorama Mall, Nizwa Grand Mall and Sohar Safeer Mall. MSE-EF also offers the Pay TV services through their sub dealers spread across in all major towns of the Sultanate.

PA R T N E R S H I P

OAB launches new MasterCard Corporate Credit Card MUSCAT: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), in collaboration with MasterCard, launched its first Corporate Credit Card to provide its growing corporate client roster with enhanced efficiency, flexibility and convenience in managing employee business expenses.

The OAB MasterCard Corporate Credit Card offers customers the ability to seamlessly track and manage business related expenditure online as well as access Smart Data, MasterCard’s renowned suite of reporting and expense management tools. The new service also offers card holder level, department level and company level statements for tracking and accountability, says a press release.

In addition, the new offering from OAB will provide corporate customers with a number of unique privileges and services in-

cluding access to airport lounges in several major cities. Customers can also participate in the highly popular Priceless Arabia campaign, which gives cardholders a number of exclusive offers and experiences in the Middle East and North Africa from dining and shopping to exciting travel and entertainment options.

On the occasion, Alsalt Al

Kharusi, head of Corporate and Institutional Banking and GM at Oman Arab Bank, said, “This is our first collaboration with MasterCard. The launch of this new strategic product falls in line with our objective to cross sell new products to our corporate client base and further strengthen our relationships by providing innovative financial service solutions.”

Al Kharusi added, “The Oman Arab Bank MasterCard Corporate Credit Card is a sophisticated product that will open new avenues for business owners, entrepreneurs and companies in Oman and facilitate the way corporate expenses are managed and executed.”

Raghav Prasad, general manager – Gulf Cluster, MasterCard, said, “Commercial payment solutions are a key area of focus for MasterCard, and we are excited to collaborate with Oman Arab Bank so businesses in Oman can streamline their purchasing processes to manage expenses efficiently.

Through this partnership, Corporates can benefit from simple, safe and secure payments and the power of MasterCard Smart Data Gen.2, all while offering employees the rewards and benefits synonymous with premium credit cards.”

alizz bank endorses E&Y Student Excellence Awards MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank (AIB), one of the first Islamic banks in the Sultanate of Oman, has endorsed Ernst & Young’s (E&Y) Student Excellence Award 2016, which recognised top achieving students in accounting, finance, business administration and IT. The ceremony was held recently at the Muscat InterContinental Hotel, under the patronage of Saud bin Nasser Al Shukaily, secretary- general for Taxation at the Ministry of Finance. This support comes as part of AIB’s commitment towards enabling distinguished and academically talented Omani students to further develop and to continue their strides towards achievements and success, says a press release.

Participating students underwent a thorough evaluation, and were assessed against various standards such as academic performance, analytical abilities, communication and presentation skills, as well as their ability to get information across to others.

The top five students in each discipline were nominated by each of the participating universities, including: Sultan Qaboos University, College of Banking

and Financial Studies, Majan University College, Modern College for Business and Science, Waljat College of Applied Sciences, Oman College of Management and Technology, Nizwa College of Technology, Middle East College and Caledonian College of Engineering. The winners were also recognised for their creativity and innovation.

Aisha Al Kharusi, chief marketing officer, alizz Islamic bank, said: “alizz Islamic bank spares no effort to support and empower Omani students in all fields. We will continue to support similar initiatives that contribute to the success of our local student body, paving the way for their careers and accomplishments.”

“Recognising talented and creative students will encourage them to continue their hard work, and will definitely influence their colleagues and motivate them to excel. This will create an environment of healthy competition, hence nurturing a strong pool of talent strive to achieve higher standards of excellence throughout their careers,” she added.

The support of alizz Islamic bank for this initiative reflects its commitment to invest the development of human capital.

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ROUND-UP

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GALA DINNER 2016

Dar Al Atta’a celebrates 10 years of serving the nation

MUSCAT: Dar Al Atta’a association recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the official declaration of the association under the ministerial decree 76/2006 from Ministry of Social Development.

The celebration took place in the association’s 10th annual gala dinner under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture, at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carton Hotel.

A number of 450 guests attended the celebration including Sheikh Mohammed bin Said Al Kalbani, Minister of Social Development, members of the state council, undersecretaries and representatives from various corporates, hotel chains and Omani banks that have contributed financially in supporting the growth of

Dar Al Atta’a as a charitable Omani association, says a press release.

The opening speech was conducted by May Al Bayat, marketing director, Dar Al Atta’a, in which she highlighted the work the association has done for the

Omani community since its inception, developing and expanding its charitable progress from family welfare program and student care programme in Muscat to covering housing, nutrition, empowerment, let’s read programme and disaster

relief programme in all the governorates in the Sultanate.

Film presentation A visual film covering the success of the association through the years was presented at the cel-

Meethaq hosts first focus group meeting

ebration, along with a film about the houses renovated using the funding brought in from the gala dinner 2015. Maryam Al Zadjali, chairperson Dar Al Atta’a, and Haitham presented a trophy of gratitude to a list of sponsors. Gulf

Power Company and Omantel were honoured as the platinum sponsors for contributing (hundred thousand riyals and above).

Dar Al Atta’a’s gala dinner 2016 aimed to thank all those who have contributed to the success of Dar Al Atta’a over the years and also presented a visual film about the need for a new headquarter to accommodate the growing staff needed to work on the expanding care programmes catered by the association.

Addressing the gathering, Maryam said: “On behalf of Dar Al Atta’a, I would like to thank His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said for being with us as we celebrate 10 years of charitable work in our beloved Oman. We thank our loyal donors that have supported us strongly throughout the years.”

T E A M I N G U P W I T H R O YA L H O S P I TA L

The meeting was

Khimji Paints supports World Kidney Day initiative for children

attended by a large turnout of Meethaq customers who shared valuable feedback on Meethaq products and services

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, hosted the first focus group meeting aimed at familiarising and obtaining feedback from customers on products and services offered by the leading Islamic banking service provider in the Sultanate.

The meeting held at Bank Muscat head office was attended by a large turnout of Meethaq customers who shared valuable feedback on Meethaq products and services, says a press release.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, deputy chief

executive officer – Islamic Banking, said: “Meethaq is happy to host the focus group meeting to engage valuable customers in familiarisation of products and services and exchange of customer feedback.

As the pioneer of Islamic banking service in the Sultanate, Meethaq is focused on contributing to the growth and development of the banking sector through innovative products and services. The bank remains committed to responsible banking and customer service excellence aimed at contributing to the country’s development.”

Meethaq is the leading Islamic financial services provider in the Sultanate with many achievements contributing to the growth and development of the Sultan-

ate’s economy. Meethaq extends support to all key economic sectors with innovative Sharia based products and is well positioned to provide Islamic financial expertise and thereby promote the good of society as a whole.

Meethaq is focused on developing as a benchmark Islamic financial institution in Oman and the region. Within just three years of operations, Meethaq has attained the leading position in the Islamic banking industry in Oman in terms of financing receivables, branch network, products and services, IT infrastructure and human resources development.

Meethaq not only provides benchmark Islamic financial solutions to support the country’s develop-

PCI DSS V3.1

ment but also plays a key role in raising awareness and educating people on important aspects of Islamic banking and finance.

The bank has invested in staff, systems and controls to ensure the service is delivered in a professional, segregated and fully Sharia compliant manner.

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

MUSCAT: Khimji Paints, a division of the Khimji Ramdas Group, recently teamed up with the Royal Hospital to promote the cause of kidney health in children.

Following through on its CSR initiatives, the company lent strong support to the event titled ‘Let’s Protect Our Kids Kidneys’, which was held recently to spread awareness on the subject, says a press release.

Commenting on the organisation’s role, Kamat, general manager, Khimji Paints, said: “Children are the future of our country.

We are more than willing to be associated with a social cause that helps in spreading awareness, prevention and early detection of

chronic kidney failure.”

The event opened to active public participation at Muscat Grand Mall under the auspices of Mohammed Al Hosani, undersecretary at the Ministry of Health. Dr Badriya Al Ghaithi from the Nephrology Department, Royal Hospital said, “Paediatric nephrology is a medical speciality focused on the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic kidney-related disorders in infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Our team evaluates and treats a variety of disorders that affect the kidney and urinary tract, as well as problems with growth and development that are specifically related to chronic kidney disease.”

T E C H N O L O G Y F E S T I VA L

ahlibank receives top security certification MUSCAT: ahlibank, premier financial institution, is the first bank in Oman to achieve the most stringent security standards in the world based on the industry best practices named PCI DSS v3.1 intended to optimise the security of credit and debit card transactions and secure sensitive cardholder information during storage and transmission in order to protect cardholders against fraud and misuse of their personal information, says a press release.

“The main purpose of PCI DSS is to create a proactive approach towards the security of cardholder data aiming to decrease the probability of any potential online attacks, debit/credit cards theft, fraud, and security breaches, which in turn helps prevent us from undergoing financial loss.

In fact, the PCI DSS certification demonstrates our continuous commitment and efforts in applying effective processes and procedures across ahlibank’s operations that helps to sustain trusting and lasting partnerships with our customers,” said Lloyd Maddock, CEO - ahlibank.

PCI DSS standard has been formulated by the PCI Security Standard Council which was formed by the five major card companies MasterCard, American Express, VISA, JCB and Discover.

PCI DSS provides a baseline of

‘InventT2016’ held at Majan College technical and operational requirements designed to protect cardholder data.

“PCI DSS certification is an excellent standard and following its provisions has greatly improved the security of ahlibank environment. We are doing our best to keep ahlibank’s customers valuable information safe and secure by defining effective information security processes, in-depth technical examination, and critical thinking about systems, processes, and dataflow within our environment,” said Said Almahrooqi ahlibank, head of Information Security.

“My hearty congratulations to ahlibank on achieving PCI DSS v3.1 compliance, the industry best standard for payment card security. ahlibank is the first bank in Oman to achieve the most stringent security standards in the world based on the industry best

practices aimed at increasing protection for customers against card fraud. This is a testament of ahlibank’s commitment to secure customer data. As the leading payment security specialists in GCC, SISA is glad to work with ahlibank and contribute to this milestone achievement. SISA and ahlibank had a like-minded ‘security first’ approach to ensure customer data is secured,” said Dharshan Shanthamurthy, CEO, SISA Information Security.

PCI DSS was developed to encourage and enhance cardholder data security and facilitate the broad adoption of consistent data security measures globally. ahlibank has also maintained ISO 27001 certification since 2012 as an effort to ensure privacy, reliability, security, authenticity, effectiveness and availability of information assets.

MUSCAT: Majan University College hosted a one day technology-festival ‘InventT2016’ at its Darsait campus recently.

The event organised by the student council and supported by the faculty of Information Technology had over 200 attendees from various schools across the Sultanate.

‘InventT2016’ provided a platform for young talented students to demonstrate their innovative, technical and creative skills. The event commenced at 9.30am with an introductory note by Professor Vijay Nair, head of Faculty of IT, says a press release.

Over 300 students participated in diverse activities, tasks and competitions filled with learning and fun. The platform enabled students display and demonstrate their understanding of cutting edge technologies, from building

and assembling PCs to putting across concepts and ideas in form of poster presentations and several hands-on IT related tasks.

One activity, ‘Build a PC’ under time constraint was a magnificent opportunity to showcase talent and harness skills as expressed by a participant in the exercise.

Successful attempts were made at creating a 3D model of the smart house, an aspiration in line with the country’s vision illustrated in the Poster Challenge competition.

The ACL Challenge and Build a Network was another really challenging task for the first prize winners, Sara Al Kiyumi and Sara Al Mahrooqi. The quiz with 60 participants was a showstopper.

The event was witnessed by Majan students and lecturers as well as students and principals from local schools in Muscat.

The Fix the Bug and Web Design contest highlighting Muscat Smart City through e-transformation showed students’ problem solving and logic skills and revealed the potential geek instinct among them.

The venue was packed with elated participants anxious to showcase their talents and skills. The students were highly motivated and expressed their joy and happiness at getting an opportunity to exhibit their knowledge through real time practical implementation.

“We forgot our forth coming assessments and assignments for a while and enjoyed every moment,” said Nahla Al Dahwi and Marwa Al Balushi, event managers.

With the sole aim of promoting technology, innovation and competition among students across the campus, InventT2016 was well organised.

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Bayern’s Pep Guardiola out to end semifinal misery against Atletico Champions League 2015-16 Champions League 2015-2016 SEMI-FINAL, 2ND SEMIFINAL, 2ND LEG LEG – M–AY MAY 3/4 3/4 Form W D L

BAYERN ATLETICO vA TLETICO BAYERNV Allianz Arena 1st leg result: 0-1 Head-to-head Head-to-head Won 11 Drawn 11 Won 11

Guardiola inherited the reigning

It’s not over yet, we still have a chance. If we lose it, you can kill me, but we still have a chance. Playing in Munich means they’ll have their fans supporting, but we have the opportunity to score an away goal

European champions when he joined Bayern in 2013, but has endured successive semifinal failures since, falling to Real Madrid in 2014 and to his former club Barcelona last season

MUNICH: Bayern Munich are desperate to avoid losing a third consecutive Champions League semifinal to Spanish opponents when they host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday but coach Pep Guardiola has his work cut out to end his time in Germany on a high.

Guardiola inherited the reigning European champions when he joined Bayern in 2013, but has endured successive semifinal failures since, falling to Real Madrid in 2014 and to his former club Barcelona last season.

His hopes of reaching a first Champions League final since his Barcelona side beat Manchester United 3-1 in 2011 were dented after Saul Niguez’s brilliant solo goal gave Atletico a 1-0 first-leg victory.

With Guardiola leaving for Manchester City at the season’s end, this is his last chance to conquer Europe with Bayern, who

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Pep Guardiola Bayern Munich coach

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Bayern have scored 19 19 of 28 28 goals at home

Header Header Picture: Getty Images

NATIONS: Despite RIVAL RIVAL NATIONS: Despite elimination to Spanish teams elimination to Spanish teams in each of last twotwo seasons, in each of last seasons, Bayern have strong Bayern have strong record against record against teams from teams from L2 La Liga La Liga Bayern: Bayern: Home Home against against Spanish Spanish opposition opposition

Source: UEFA, Gracenote

won the first of their five European Cups by defeating Atletico in the 1974 final.“It’s not over yet, we still have a chance,” Guardiola told reporters. “If we lose it, you can kill me, but we still have a chance.”

Atletico coach Diego Simeone also believes the tie is open.

“Playing in Munich means they’ll have their fans supporting them, but we have the opportu-

nity to score an away goal.” “We need to be on fire on Tuesday,” said Thomas Mueller, who shone as Bayern were held 1-1 by Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday and were consequently made to wait for their fourth consecutive Bundesliga title.

Mueller’s return was one of eight changes from the Atletico match made by Bayern, who were

EXTREME SAILING SERIES

boosted by the return of Jerome Boateng, who had not featured since January.

Arjen Robben, sidelined for two months with a hamstring injury, says that he is “fighting” to return this season but will miss out, while Guardiola confirmed he does not know whether Franck Ribery will recover from a back complaint.

“We’ll do everything we can to

have Franck back,” said Guardiola, who is also without defender Holger Badstuber.

While Bayern were unconvincing on Saturday, Diego Simeone’s Atletico are finishing strongly in Spain, having won their last six league games and keeping four consecutive clean sheets.

They are level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after

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defeating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 on Saturday. “It’ll be a close game like today’s match,” said Simeone after the Rayo game. “We’ll see who makes the most of their chances.”

Influential central defender Diego Godin returns from a hamstring injury, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco is also available and Tiago Mendes travels despite not yet being passed fit to play. - Reuters

ANNOUNCEMENT

Salem Al Wahaibi to contest for Oman FA chairmanship Times News Service

OVERALL LEADER: A second place, coming in just six points behind winners Alinghi, added 11 points to Oman

Air’s haul for the series which means a two-point advantage over the Swiss team. – Supplied photo

Oman Air stay on top after finishing second in China MUSCAT: When Morgan Larson and his team crossed the finish line in Race 18, a further race was scheduled offering an opportunity to add points and finish above Alinghi in Extreme Sailing Series Act 2 but the thick fog grew increasingly unsafe for the crews and Race Director Phil Lawrence was forced to abandon the competition.

A second place, coming in just six points behind the winners Alinghi, added 11 points to Oman Air’s haul for the series which means a two-point advantage over the Swiss team when the fleet returns to action in Cardiff in June for Act 3. According to Larson, there was more than fog and a shifty breeze to contend with on the final day with a jib breaking on Oman Air which slowed them right down.

“We tore a jib in the third and final race and we were in a nice spot but it got stuck in the spreader and we were in irons for a period which

put us on the back foot. “But the guys on this team come back fighting and this is what they did so we were looking forward to the last race because we knew we had a shot at winning overall.”

It was a fantastic event in challenging conditions against top opposition, added Larson who was previously skipper of Alinghi before switching to Oman Air for the 2016 season. “Hats off to Alinghi. They are a great team and any chance you get to beat a team like that you go for it but they were superior all week and we will have to find a way of closing the gap, but that gap is not so big. “There were a couple of things that happened today that haven’t in the past -- so we have to take some notes and come back stronger.”

A total of six races were completed on the final day in winds that ranged between 5 and 10 knots. Oman Air took victory in

the first race of the day and in the last but Alinghi posted three wins to snatch the China title.

The contest has set up the rest of the series nicely with the long running rivalry between Oman Air and Alinghi set to continue, said Omani bowman Nasser Al Mashari. “We remain confident for the future because we are a strong team. We need to figure out a few little things but we think it will be a great season of racing.

“We did pretty well so we are happy with second place. There are still six more events and we are looking forward to that especially the next one in Cardiff. To have won would have been great but the fleet is very strong and Alinghi are hard to beat so we are very happy with our performance.”

The Extreme Sailing Series now moves to Cardiff where Act 3 starts on June 23 and continues through to June 26.

MUSCAT: Salem Said Al Wahaibi of Assarain Group has declared his candidature to for the chairmanship of the Oman Football Association (OFA).

The Sultanate’s football governing body is likely to host board elections for the 2016-2020 term in September this year.

Salem Al Wahaibi, who previously served as the vice-chairman of OFA, in a statement released to the media on Monday, said: “I am honoured and pleased to present myself as a candidate for the Oman Football Association chairman’s post in the next elections which will be held in September for the period of 2016-2020.”

He also appealed to the clubs and all those associated with Oman football to work together for serve the game in the Sultanate.

“On this occasion, with great honour I would like to invite all Omani clubs’ chairmen, members and representatives, including media to work together to serve the Omani youth football to achieve national goals and objectives,” the statement said.

“I’m excited to offer my work experience and talent to improve Oman Football Association and adequately plan for future challenges. I stand ready to serve with my utmost energy, commitment and passion to build a better future for youth and achieve Oman Football Association mission.”

“Under the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, may Almighty protect him, we can walk on the high approach to participate with pride in this vital youth area that requires all of us to work with all efforts and dedication,” the statement added.

Keen businessman According to his profile, Salem Al Wahaibi is a keen businessman with over 24 years of work experi-

I’m excited to offer my work experience and talent to improve Oman Football Association and adequately plan for future challenges Salem Said Al Wahaibi

Vice- chairman Assarain Group and Former OFA Vice-Chairman

ence in various businesses.

He had the opportunity to serve as a member of Majlis A’Shura, and is privileged to be a member of the prestigious State Council, the upper house of the Council of Oman that contributes to economic and social development, and works for closer co-operation between the government and the public.

He has served on the boards of many banking and non-banking

institutions like Bank Muscat, Oman International Bank, Oman United Insurance Co., Oman Investment & Finance Co. and National Life Insurance Co. An ardent sports enthusiast, Salem Al Wahaibi has held several positions in various Sports Bodies in the Sultanate of Oman. In his capacity as the vice-chairman of Oman Football Association, he was part of the team that placed Oman Football on the global map.

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SPORTS

Pathan powers KKR past RCB Pathan blazed away to 60 off 29 balls to help KKR achieve the target of 186 with five balls to spare at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and the Knight Riders were back to the second position in the points table

BENGALURU: Kolkata Knight Riders staged a remarkable comeback, riding on Yusuf Pathan’s power hitting to record a five-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday night.

Pathan blazed away to 60 off 29 balls to help KKR achieve the target of 186 with five balls to spare at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Andre Russell made 39 off 24 balls in a brilliant match-turning fifth-wicket partnership of 96 runs in just 7.2 overs.

The Knight Riders were back to the second position in the points table, while RCB’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs took a beating. Earlier, RCB plundered 54 runs in last three overs to post a competitive 185 for seven after skipper Virat Kohli and KL Rahul struck half centuries.

From 131 for four at the end of 17th over, RCB went past 180 with Shane Watson (34), Sachin Baby (16) and Stuart Binny (16) playing fine cameos. Watson’s 21ball knock was studded with five boundaries and a six.

Binny smashed two sixes and a boundary in the last over while facing only four balls. Umesh Yadav, who was allowed to continue despite bowling two beamers, was hit for 20 runs in the last over and finished with expensive fig-

ures of 1/56 in four overs. Umesh gave away 23 runs in the 18th over, which turned things around for RCB. Sent into bat after the coin landed in favour of KKR captain Gautam Gambhir, Royal Challengers Bangalore rode on a 84-run second wicket partnership between Kohli and Rahul to lay the foundation.

Young Rahul smashed six boundaries and two sixes during his 32-ball knock, while Kohli found the fence four times while facing 44 balls at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Brief scores: RCB 185 for 7 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 52, Virat Kohli 52, Shane Watson 34; Morne Morkel 2/28, Piyush Chawla 2/32) lost to KKR 186 for 5 in 19.1 overs (Yusuf Pathan 60 not out, Andre Russell 39; Yuzvendra Chahal 2/27). - PTI

WEIRD BOWLER

Kaushik reprises Adams’ frog-in-blender action NEW DELHI: When Paul Adams burst onto the scene with his bizarre way of delivering the ball, many were convinced they would never see anything like it again.

Two decades later, India’s Shivil Kaushik has emerged as the proud heir to the South African spinner’s “frog-in-a-blender” action.

Heads, including Kaushik’s own, turned at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium when the left-arm chinaman bowler made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Gujarat Lions on Friday.

Pressed into attack in the eighth over, the 20-year-old ambled slightly wide of the crease when a spirit seemed to enter his body as he bent his knees, twisted his torso and sent down the ball rotating his left-arm around his head.

“Shivil Kaushik.

Wow!!

Wouldn’t have thought we’d ever see that action again. #Gogga #PaulAdams #FrogInABlender,” tweeted former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa. He was not alone. For many, it brought back memories of Adams’ outra-

BIZARRE ACTION: Shivil Kaushik bowls in an IPL match. – AFP

geous action which got him a bagful of wickets, especially in his debut home series against England.

Adams, now coaching Cape Cobras, himself appeared amused.

“Remind you of someone! Wow #Kaushik ! Great to see the art of #Chinaman bowling alive,” tweeted ‘Gogga’, who played 45 tests and 24 one-day internationals for South Africa between 1995-2004.

Kaushik thanked all his coaches for not forcing him to dump the action, however weird it maybe.

“I was eight-years old when I started playing cricket and the first ball I bowled was this way and

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I have not changed,” the spinner said after claiming 3-20 against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday.

“Batsmen found it a bit difficult because my action was a bit different. I got a lot of support from all my coaches. They’ve not tinkered my action and been backing me.”

Spinner-contortionist Seeing him bowl is like watching a contortionist perform — straining every muscle in his torso but the spinner assures his body can cope with it. “It’s something which comes naturally to me so my body doesn’t take much of a load.”

Kaushik went wicketless in his IPL debut but bounced back against Punjab, dismissing rival skipper Murali Vijay and the Australian duo of Shaun Marsh and Glenn Maxwell.

“The first three balls, I didn’t understand what was happening,” Vijay, who opens for India in tests, said with a smile.

“It was very difficult for me to pick whether it’s going in or coming out. I did my video analysis before the game and I saw a bit of his bowling, but it was still difficult.

“Maybe the next time I face him, I will be better equipped.”

Once the element of surprise wears off, Kaushik will need much more than just an unorthodox bowling action to graduate to international cricket.

The youngster is now focussing to get his line and length right and refuses to look too far.

“It feels really nice that a lot of people (are) talking about me but I think it’s more important to stay focused and look at our future matches and all I look to do is to contribute to our team.” - Reuters

C O M M E N TA RY

What Usman Khawaja could bring to Dhoni, Pune, the whole of India and beyond

A

t the start of the Indian Premier League 2016 Rising Pune Supergiants’ skipper MS Dhoni had more resources at his disposal than he could comfortably handle. Having guys like Faf du Plessis, Kevin Pietersen, Steve Smith — three captains — and Mitchell Marsh, an Australian all-rounder — at your service was a blessing unmasked, or so it looked like, but we realized later that it wasn’t really so when Pietersen limped out of the IPL season with a calf issue and Dhoni spoke of a blessing in disguise. Now, as Smith joins KP, Du Plessis and Marsh on the list of players Pune have lost for the reminder of the season due to injury, Dhoni may be worried not about dropping a mate but about finding eleven guys who could pull the team out of the mire.

After the Sunday’s match against the Mumbai Indians, the Supergiants are one of the three teams that have played eight or more games, but Dhoni’s boys are sitting uncomfortably at the bottom half of the table, having just four points. The Gujarat Lions top the table with 12 points from eight matches, followed by the Mumbai Indians with 10 from nine games. The two teams placed below the RPS too have four points, but they have played fewer matches.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have played six and the Kings XI Punjab seven—so Dhoni will have nothing much to cheer himself looking up or down. Time for Dhoni to look straightforward.

With the exit of Du Plessis, the Pune franchise have lost their opening round firepower.

Saurabh Tiwary failed in his first outing, against the Gujarat Lions, and he flopped again in his second, against the Mumbai Indians, on May 1, though his personal score of 57 might tell us a different story.

Tiwary was looking good in the early part of his innings when he was in the company of Steve Smith, but after Smith’s dismissal in the 10th over, his scoring rate came down as he struggled for timing and apparently lacked the power to send the ball beyond the boundary. When Smith was out, Tiwary was on 38 off 27 balls, with three fours and two sixes, and when he walked back to the dressing room after getting dismissed in the 18th over, he could add just one more big hit, a boundary in the 11th over. That’s not the sort of stuff you need from an opener.

Pune’s is the sort of problem normally faced by a team that fail to click as a unit. When their openers gave the team a good start, as in most of the games when Du Plessis was playing — their middle-order failed to take the total to an imposing level, and when the openers failed the finishers came in early and engaged themselves in partnershipbuilding to stitch together a total close to the 150-mark. In the rare instance of the openers and the finishers firing in sync, the bowlers misfired— Dhoni’s guys couldn’t defend even a score of 195 in their seventh game, against the Gujarat Lions.

The season is just past the half-way stage, and most teams have played either seven matches, or a game more or less, so there’s plenty of time left to catch up and rise to be one of the top four teams. With a guy like Dhoni as skipper, the franchise owners or the coach need not worry about the leader of the pack, like Punjab did, whose coach Sanjay Bangar had to do the unpleasant job of telling David Miller the bad news that the team required a new man at the helm to boost their fortunes.

Pune have already signed up Usman Khawaja. The bighitting Australian’s presence at the crease could give the Supergiants a new direction and an exciting dimension to the order of things at the start of the innings. The aggressive left-hander had shown what he could do in the opening powerplay overs in the World T20 Championship.

Obviously, Indian cricket fans weren’t particularly cheering for Khawaja when he demolished Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin that rocketed Australia to 53 in the first four overs, but his IPL avatar could offer them an exciting opportunity to keep aside national divides and franchise loyalties.

The IPL is actually about celebrations of such unbelievable, uncomplicated opportunities.

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

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

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SPORTS OGC launches second ladies golf programme The second spell of the programme, which is being conducted with the support from the NBO, has 29 Omani ladies

NEW CROP: The Silver Term of the NBO-OGC ladies’ programme has so far proved to be a great success. – Supplied photo

taking golfing lessons

MUSCAT: After the phenomenal success of the Term I of the NBOOGC Ladies’ Programme in 2015, the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) launched Term II at the Muscat Hills here recently.

The second spell of the programme, which is being conducted with the support from the National Bank of Oman (NBO), has 29 Omani ladies taking golfing lessons from a Muscat Hills-designated coach for a period of six weeks.

According to information received from OGC on Monday, the programme is part of OGC’s initiatives to produce future Omani women golfing champions.

The number of participants has increased from Term I, which had attracted 26 players.

A total of 19 ladies from Term I have graduated to Term II and they have been pooled in the Silver Programme and have been joined by 10 new learners, who form the new Bronze Programme.

“The Silver Term of the ladies’ programme has so far proved to be a great success. The ladies seem to be really enjoying their lessons and playing golf. A few ladies are showing some promise — Fatma Al Maskiry, Raja Al Hammadi and Aziza Al Habsi are a few who stand out as having more talent than the others. Their understanding of the game and awareness is improving greatly,” Jade Lucas, programme coach, said.

She added: “The Bronze Term is also looking strong, with Iman in particular looking like she really could show a lot of potential. May-

be the most out of all of the ladies so far, and she is the youngest at just 13 years old. The greatest thing to come out of this programme, in my opinion, is the increase in junior participation.”

Sameera Al Zadjali, one of the participants of the ladies’ programme, said: “The course is amazing, it gave me the chance to learn and play golf, a game that my family is playing now. So now we have a game that we can all enjoy together. I am planning to continue playing this beautiful game and do more practice, put it in my weekly programme and enter competitions.”

Maitha Al Omeiri, another participant, believes the programme has helped her attain a whole new level. “The golf programme has made me discover myself on a dif-

ferent level and made me realise that I have capabilities outside my field and I am able to do more than what is expected of myself. In the initial days, it was a surprise for me to be interested in golf, but now I understand the approach. You never know what you are capable of unless you try,” she said.

Interestingly, after the ladies completed the first term, they signed up eight of their children to the OGC’s Junior Programme and six of them are girls.Following this development, more ladies have shown interest in enrolling their kids in the junior programme.

Participant Abeer Al Zubaidi said: “My golf experience at Muscat Hills has been very interesting.

I plan to continue with the game and hope to be a professional golfer one day. Also, I shall enroll my two daughters to join the junior programme.”

Hailing the OGC’s initiative, Dr. Asma Al Naamani, an avid participant, said: “I would like to express my appreciation for all the golf lessons. I found out about the NBO sponsorship for the programme thought it was a great initiative.

Being a mother and also engaged in a full-time job makes it stressful at times.

“Since I joined this programme, I learned that I could find a new thing that got me interested. I look forward each week to practice and learn new skills.”

CRICKET

Supergiants call up Bailey for rest of IPL NEW DELHI: Rising Pune Supergiants today called Australia batsman George Bailey as the replacement for Faf du Plessis, who was ruled out of rest of the IPL with a finger injury.

One of the two debutant teams this season, the Supergiants have

already lost four of their star international players — Australian duo of Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh, South African Faf du Plessis and Englishman Kevin Pietersen — due to injury.

Earlier, another Australian batsman Usman Khawaja was also

called in to join the IPL franchise for the rest of the tournament.

“We lost four crucial players, but we are looking ahead,” RPS chief executive Raghu Iyer said.

“Bailey has tremendous experience and had a very successful season before last. He can contribute

to the leadership group. Smith’s (injury news) been a bummer. He was just coming into his own and this happened.

“It is a challenging time. Before we could settle down we lost the core group of players around whom you build a team,” he said. - PTI

CRICKET

Al Turki beat Raha CT MUSCAT: Al Turki defeated Raha by three wickets in a Khimji Ramdas-sponsored Premier Division Knockout match.

Batting first, Raha were bowled out for 147 in 32.2 overs with Waseem Akhtar top scoring with 57. K. Devsi claimed four wickets for Al Turki. In reply, Al Turki scored 148 for seven in 24.5 overs and qualify for the final, which will be played April 7.

Shivpal Rana top scored with 46.

K. Rasheed took three wickets.

Brief scores: Raha 147 in 32.2 overs (Waseem Akhtar 57; K. Devsi 4/32) lost to Al Turki 148/7 in 24.5 overs (Shivpal Rana 46; K. Rasheed 3/21). Net Run Rate: Al Turki +3.0197.

FOOTBALL

Jalan in OPL MUSCAT: Jalan got the better of Al Musannah in the second match of their double-leg playoff to gain promotion to the Omantel Professional League (OPL) for the 2016-17 season.

Jalan, First Division team, defeated OPL side Al Musannah 2-1 in Sur to advance with a 3-2 aggregate after a 1-1 in their first match. Jalan are promoted to OPL and Al Musannah are relegated to the first division.

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

CHESS

GM Bologan bags two titles in Ibri, six Omanis gain rating points MUSCAT: Moldovan Grandmaster Viktor Bologan overcame stiff competition to clinch both the titles on offer at Al Dhahira Chess Championships organised

by Oman Chess Committee in Ibri recently.

While Bologan bagged both blitz and rapid crowns, the Omanis also benefited from the inaugural championships with as many as six local players gaining FIDE international ratings for the first time.

The championships, which saw participation of 86 players in blitz and 70 in rapid, attracted three Grandmasters including Viktor Bologan (2615 rating), Qatar’s Zhu Chen (2439) and Frenchman Hicham Hamdouchi (2577).

In the nine-round blitz competition, Bologan completed his engagements with 8.5 points and took the top honours beating Zhu Chen (8 points) by half a point.

Hicham settled for third place after beating Syrian Mohamad Imadaldein Zamrik (1608) on tie break after both players finished on seven points each.

In the rapid competition, also a nine-round affair, Bologan (2546) won the title with 8.5 points ahead of Hicham (2607), who finished with eight points.

Bahrain’s FIDE Master Husain Ayyad (2247) and Syria’s Hasan Abtini (2066) completed their engagements with seven points each but the former was declared the winner of the third place after applying the tie break method.

Ratings for Omanis Among the Omanis who gained from their participation in the championships are Amer Al Ghafri, Adnan Mohammed Al Jahwari and Said Salim Al Kathiri in the blitz category and Mohammed Sultan Al Shabibi, Said Al Mazroui and Issa Al Shabibi — all are set to receive their first rating points when the next list is released by the FIDE. Al Ghafri will get 1967 points, Al Jahwari 1613, Al Kathiri 1689 in their category while Al Mazroui will get 1620 points, Isa Al Shabibi 1556 and Mohammed Al Shabibi 1763.

Shaham bin Rashid bin Saif Al Shouhomi, member of Majlis A’Shura from wilyat of Ibri, presided over the closing ceremony and handed over the prizes.

In the blitz category, Oman Club’s Emad Abdulkarim Al Balushi was declared the best Omani player in the under-18 category and his club mate Hood Mohammed Al Hooti was adjudged the best Omani player of the championship.

In the rapid competition, Seeb Club’s Ahmed bin Khalid Al Hadid was best Omani junior player and Ibri Club’s Said bin Mohammed Al Mazroui best Omani under-18 player.

UAE’s International Arbitrator Mahdi Abdulrahim presented a special gift to Muscat-based Indian Mezban Anwar who was the youngest player to take part in the championships.

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TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

SPORTS

Oman Sail selects 10 young talents for camp in Europe

SUMMER CRICKET

The selectors were able to put together a shortlist

ALL SET: The 19th edition of the popular cricket tournament is

scheduled to take place on May 6. – Supplied photo

of 10 contenders for a Youth Squad

FRiENDi Mobile Summer Cup attracts 16 men’s, six eves’ squads

training camp in Europe ahead of the Optimist World Championships in Portugal

MUSCAT: Oman’s national youth sailing selectors were given a clear steer on the form and talent of the Sultanate’s most promising young sailors in the Omantel Youth Sailing Club following Oman Sail’s final ranking races of the season at Al Musannah last weekend.

Under pressure to pick the National Optimist Squad to compete in the 2016 Optimist World Championships in Portugal starting on June 25, the selectors were able to put together a shortlist of 10 contenders for a Youth Squad training camp in Europe.

Only the top five will then carry the Sultanate’s national flag in Vilamoura, Portugal, and make a bid to put Oman firmly on the international youth sailing map.

Among the leading lights over the two day ranking event was Al Moatasem Hamood Al Farsi, a member of the Musannah Sailing School, who swept to victory in all five races completed in the Optimist class to claim overall victory by a significant margin over Jihad Salim Al Hasani in second place and Mohammed Khalid Al Qasmi in third.

Newcomer TalalYousuf Al Harami also caught the selectors eyes

WINNERS ALL: The young Omani sailors pose for a group photo after Oman Sail’s final ranking races

of the season in Al Musannah. – Supplied photo

with a stand out performance of four top ten places to finish in 7th place overall.

In all there were 30 Optimist contenders but Al Moatasem was the best young sailor in Oman and a very exciting prospect, said Mohsin Al Busaidi, who heads up Oman Sail’s Youth Programme.

“He came second last year but as well as being a natural and outstanding talent, he enjoys competition as he demonstrated quite plainly this week,” Al Busaidi said.

“He was a member of the youth squad who represented Oman to positive effect at the Optimist World Championships in Poland last year and continues to improve with every event. He is also a great example to the other youngsters.”

Commenting on the successful ranking races, Talal Said Al Mamari, Chief Executive Officer of Omantel said: “Our investment in the youth of Oman stems from our belief in the importance of building their capacities and unlocking

their potential to succeed both personally and professionally.”

“We are glad to see these young athletes eager to develop their skills and look for bigger challenges. These sailing ranking races provide just the right formula for budding talents to advance and evaluate their performance against their peers,” he added.

The races once more featured three classes with the Laser 4.7s attracting 10 entries, dominated once more by a single competitor Salim Al Alawi. With the four top Laser sailors away at a 29er training camp, Al Alawi grabbed his opportunity and impressed with his promise.

Seven Techno 293 windsurfers also locked horns with Abdul Majeed Al Hadhrami from Al Musannah winning for the second consecutive year followed by Abdullah Al Sarhi (Musannah) and Mukhtar Al Mujaini (Musannah).

The Almouj Muscat Sailing School once again ran away with the prize of top school with Sur,

Marina Bandar Al Rowdha and Musannah all competing for honours with almost 50 children, aged between 9 and 17, showing off their skills, many of them for the first time at this event.

The ideal racing conditions produced some hard fought competition but infringements, in particular Rule 42 breaches, were at all time low as the on-the-water jury, officiating for only the second time, kept a tight rein on proceedings.

“These ranking races provide Oman Sail coaches and the national selectors with vital information about the progress of our youngsters and helps us with our Performance Pathway which is a roadmap of all the stages of progress from youth to elite level sailing,” said Al Busaidi.

“Our aim is to have Oman represented at the Olympic Games and an Omani to win a sailing medal in 2024. These ranking races are part and parcel of that journey,” Al Busaidi added.

MUSCAT: Sixteen men’s teams and six women’s squads will be vying for top honours at the FRiENDi Mobile Summer Cup cricket tournament scheduled to be organised on May 6.

The draw for the 19th edition of the tournament, being organised

by Jazz Boys Cricket Club, was conducted at the Palm Restaurant in Al Khuwair last Saturday.

The draw ceremony was conducted in the presence of Eugen Comendant, Marketing and Product Director at FRiENDi Mobile, Joseph Rajan, Brand Manager of FRiENDi Mobile and Vaishali Jesrani, woman’s cricket coordinator at Oman cricket.

The tournament is mainly sponsored by FRiENDi Mobile, Al Hajiry Group, Strabag Oman, Khurshid Trading, Tile Marine and The Body Shop.

This title sponsors FRiENDi Mobile has announced very attractive prices for the winning teams, best performers and supporters as well.

The fabulous prizes include champions trophy plus gift hampers for all players, runners-up trophy plus gift hampers for all

players, best batsman, best bowler, best fielder, maximum sixes, best catch takes away a FRiENDi Mobile SIM Starter pack with free one year internet and high value recharge voucher, best wicketkeeper and best spectator would get a gift hamper from Body Shop, man of the series will win a home theatre from JBL, best dressed team will receive a colourful trophy from FRiENDi Mobile.

1st round fixtures: May 6 (men): Khurshid Beatrice vs OEC (6.15 am), BHR vs Royal Challengers (7 am), Asfandyar XI vs Masters XI (8 am), SS Friends vs Voltas XI (1 pm), Sialkot Stallions vs Mangalore United (2 pm), Rangers vs Future Oilfield (3 pm), Rahil XI vs Klair XI (4 pm), Cheers XI vs Rain Riders (5pm).

1st round fixtures: May 6 (women): will feature, Sohar Strikers vs ISG Green (9.30 am), Sohar Challengers vs ISM Strikers (10 am), Pitch Smashers vs Sohar Strikers (10.30 am), ISG Blue vs Sohar Challengers (11 am), ISG Green vs Pitch Smashers (11.30 am), ISM Strikers vs ISG Blue (12 noon).

CHESS

HUGE RESPONSE: The second ‘Play Anand’ Qualifier at the Indian School Al Ghubra saw participation of 160 young talents. – Supplied photo

ISG’s Aishwarya and Somil emerge winners at ‘Play Anand’ Qualifiers MUSCAT: Two students of the Indian School Al Ghubra (ISG) won the right to challenge fivetime world chess champion Viswanathan Anand in a simultaneous exhibition match.

The second of a series of ‘Play Anand’ Qualifiers were organised at the ISG with the International Chess Academy of Oman (ICAO) spotting the two young contenders — one boy and one girl, after a stiff competition that saw participation of 160 players.

The players who topped their respective categories and qualified to challenge Anand are Somil Rawat and Aishwarya Sen. Indian chess legend Anand will be visiting Muscat from May 12 to 17 on an invitation from the ICAO and under the sponsorship of Al Zawawi Group’s Al Alawi Enterprises. The ICAO is organising ‘Play Anand’ Qualification

THE CHALLENGERS: ISG students Somil Rawat and Aishwarya Sen pose for a photo along with the

officials of the school and International Chess Academy of Oman. – Supplied photo

tournaments in different schools to select the best who will be challenging Anand in a simultaneous exhibition match to be played at the Avenues Mall on May 13.

The qualifying event was organised by ICAO chief coach and International Master Ismael Karim and Anas Al Raisi, Arbiter of International Chess Federation.

The ICAO, meanwhile, thanked the school principal Mrs. Papri Ghosh and her team of teachers for successfully organising the qualifying tournament.

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SECTION

Dining LIFESTYLE

TU E S DAY, MAY 3, 2 0 16

T U ES DAY, MAY 3, 2 0 16

T U ES DAY, MAY 3, 20 16

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, EAT! Story Swati Dasgupta

I

n a world so full of competitions, those that amused me most during my childhood were the eating challenges that were held during the annual community festival. Totally awestruck I would watch men and women wolf down food in bulk in efforts to claim the champion title. From watermelon and rasgullas (cottage cheese balls in syrup) to eggs, corn on the cob, bread, cup cakes, ice-cream and more, they would gobble as fast as they could. Some were a bit daring and dangerous too, like munching raw green chillies. It was fun at times and eerie too watching this weird act of gluttony. It was only later I learned that this small time community fun was popular in other parts of the world too, and that something called an eating competition was a competitive sport.

A little research and I discovered that way back in 1916 a hot dog eating contest was first held in the United States in which four men competed to prove their patriotism at Nathan’s Famous hotdog stand on Coney Island in New York. Since then the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest has become an annual event held on Independence Day, drawing competitors from around the world.

Today competitive eating is a part of many cultural events, adding an element of fun in a sport that requires no physical prowess. Though critics claim that it is encouraging overeating, most people feel that food is all about celebration and there’s nothing wrong in eating to one’s heart’s content.

Though certainly not the same kind of throw-down competition as you might find at small town fairs or on Coney Island, in the spirit of celebratory eating, Jungle Restaurant in Muscat has come up with it’s own competition: “The Mighty Mix Grill Challenge.”

Contestants have 20 minutes to finish a grill platter of either chicken, fish, lamb, beef, or vegetarian bean grill along with three bowls of sides, like hummus or tabbouleh, along with two fresh breads like naans, khubz, or rotis. If the competitor successfully completes the meal in under 20 minutes, the meal (normally priced at OMR12) is free and the champion will also receive a certificate, a place on the Jungle Wall of Fame, a OMR50 voucher to dine in Jungle Restaurant along with a T-shirt and other goodies.

This ‘open to all’ competition is currently on and will continue until May 7.

—swati@timesofoman.com

PARTICIPATE IN AN EATING COMPETITION Visit The Jungle Restaurant, Qurum (through May 7th) +968 9428 1824 +968 9569 0658 info@junglerestaurant.net rgm@junglerestaurant.net

C6

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

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Bastille Day –2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Kelly Reilly 3:45 & 11:30PM

Manithan (2D) (TBC) (Tamil) (Comedy) Cast: Udayanidhi Stalin, Hansika Motwani 7:15PM

Cast: Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton 12:30, 9:15, 11:30 PM Gold Class: 3:45, 6:45, 11:00 PM PANORAMA MALL Bastille Day –2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Kelly Reilly 3:45 & 11:30PM Midnight Special –2D (Adventure| Drama | Sci-Fi) (PG) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst 3:45, 9:00 & 11:15PM Midnight Special –2D (Adventure) (PG) 3:45, 6:15, 9:15 & 11:30PM I Am Wrath –2D (Action |Crime | Drama) (12+) VIP LOUNGE Cast: John Travolta, Rebecca De Mornay 6:45PM I Am Wrath –2D (Action |Crime ) (12+) 8:15 & 11:45PM Top Cat Begins –2D (Animation) (TBC) Voice Overs: David Hoffman, Ben Diskin 3:30 & 5:30PM Baaghi –2D (Hindi| Action| Romance) (TBC) Cast: Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff 6:15, 8:45 & 11:15PM Precious Cargo –2D (Action) (12+)

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

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

Daily Daily

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

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

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

SALALAH The Jungle Book (3D) (PG) (Adventure) 2:30, 6:30PM Midnight Special (2D) (PG) (Adventure) Cast: Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton 1:00, 3:15, 9:00, 11:30PM I Am Wrath (2D) (12+) (Action |Crime) Cast: John Travolta, Rebecca De Mornay 5:30, 11:55PM Top Cat Begins (2D) (PG) (Animation) 12:45, 4:30PM Precious Cargo (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 1:15, 7:15PM Mother’s Day (2D) (15+) (Comedy) Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson 5:00PM Bastille Day (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Idris Elba, Richard Madden 3:00, 10:00PM Baaghi (2D) (PG) (Hindi) (Action) Cast: Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Sudheer Babu Posani 8:30, 11:15PM Manithan (2D) (TBC) (Tamil) (Comedy) Cast: Udayanidhi Stalin, Hansika Motwani 7:15PM

11.45 13.30 14.00

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Sarrainodo (Telugu) (Action, Drama) Cast: Allu Arjun and Rakul Preet Singh 3:00 PM Cinema Main; 6:45, 9:45 PM Cinema-3 Kali (Mal) (Comedy\ Drama) Cast: Dulquar Salmaan and Sai Pallavi 6:30, 9:30 PM Cinema Main; 3:45 Cinema-3 Theri (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Vijay and Samantha 3:30, 6: 30, 9:30 PM Cinema-2 Manithan (Tamil) (Comedy) Cast: Udhayanidhi Stalin and Hansika Motwani 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-4 Next Change: Jacobinte Swargarajyam (Mal); 24 (Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

KAIVALYA (PRADYOT) SHENDE May 3, 2015

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

50-25%

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/ her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to 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

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

06:00 06:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Minimum

I Am Wrath (Action / Crime / Drama) Cast: John Travolta, Amanda Schull, Rebecca De Mornay 4.00, 8.00, 10.00, & 11.55 PM CP No: 1109 (12+) Take Down (Thriller) Cast: Dominic Sherwood, Phoebe Tonkin, Ed Westwick 4.00, 6.00, 10.00, & 11.55 PM CP No: 1110 (PG12) Green Room (Horror / Crime / Thriller) Cast: Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots, Alia Shawkat 2.00 & 8.00 PM CP No: 1111 (15+) Top Cat Begins (Animation) Voice Overs: David Hoffman, Ben Diskin, David Boat 2.00 & 6.00 PM CP No: 1112 (PG)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

07:00

BURAIMI The Jungle Book (3D) (Adventure) PG 7:30PM Top Cat Begins (Animation) PG Voice Overs: David Hoffman, Ben Diskin 4.45 & 6.20 PM Green Room (Crime |Horror | Thriller)( 15+) Cast: Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots 6:45 & 11.45 PM Baaghi (Action| Romance) PG Cast : Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff 8.30 & 11:00 PM Midnight Special (Adventure) PG Cast: Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton 5.15, 9.30 & 11.30 PM Synchronicity (Mystery) (15+) Cast: Chad McKnight, Brianne Davis, AJ Bowen 8:00 PM Take Down (Thriller) PG (12+) Cast: Dominic Sherwood, Phoebe Tonkin 4:45 & 9:45 PM

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

36 28

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

RUWI Screen 1 Baaghi (2D) (Action) –PG Cast: Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 The Jungle Book (2D) (Adventure) –PG 3.45, 9.45 PM Hijrat (Urdu) Pakishtani (Action) –TBC Cast: Asad Zaman, Rabia Butt 6.45 PM Screen 3 Fan (Thriller) –PG12 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 3.45, 9.45 PM The Jungle Book (2D) (Adventure ) –PG 6.45 PM

BAHJA CINEMA

Sarrainodu – 2D (Action, Masala) (12+) Cast: Allu Arjun / Rakul Preet Singh 7:00PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

SOHAR Mother’s Day– 2D (Comedy/Drama) (15+) Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts 4:45PM Precious Cargo– 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 3:15, 6:45PM I Am Wrath – 2D (Action/Crime/Drama) (12+) Cast: John Travolta, Rebecca De Mornay, Amanda Schull 5:00, 11:30PM The Jungle Book – 3D (Drama, Family) (PG) 3:30, 5:15, 7:15PM Green Room-2D (Action/Crime/Horror) (15+) Cast: Anton Yelchin, Imogen Poots 11:55PM Midnight Special – 2D (Drama/Sc-fi) (PG) Cast: Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton 3:00, 9:00, 11:45PM Take Down – 2D (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Dominic Sherwood, Phoebe Tonkin 5:30, 7:15PM Bastille Day– 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Kelly Reilly 3:00, 10:15PM Baaghi– 2D (Action) (PG) Cast: Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff 9:15, 11:15PM Manithan– 2D (Comedy/Romance) (TBC) Cast: Udayanidhi Stalin, Hansika Motwani 8:45PM

Hijrat (2D) (Pakistan | Drama) (TBC) Cast: Asad Zaman, Rabia Butt, Noman Ijaz 6:45 PM Manithan (2D) (Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Udayanidhi Stalin, Hansika Motwani 8:45 PM Sarrainodu (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Allu Arjun, Rakul Preet Singh 7:15 PM

AZAIBA Top Cat Begins (2D) (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: David Hoffman, Ben Diskin 3:15, 5:00 PM Synchronicity (2D) (Mystery | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Chad McKnight, Brianne Davis, AJ Bowen 3:00, 4:50, 11:30 PM The Huntsman: Winter’s War (3D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain 11:30 PM The Jungle Book (3D) (Adventure) (PG) 5:15, 6:45, 9:15 PM Fan (Hindi) (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi 3:15 PM Baaghi (2D) (Action | Romance) (PG) Cast: Tiger Shroff, Shraddha Kapoor 2:45, 6:15, 8:45, 10:15, 11:15 PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Midnight Special – (2D) (Drama) (PG) Cast: Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst 3:00, 9:15 & 11:30PM

Cast: Bruce Willis, Claire Forlani 10:00PM The Jungle Book (MX4D) (Family) (PG) Cast: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 & 9:30PM The Jungle Book - (3D) Drama| Family) (PG) 7:15PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.09pm 3.34pm 6.41pm 7.57pm 4.11am

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

@ PANORAMA MALL

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

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE

Barbecued Side Dishes Cooking is one of the greatest joys sans the weather, but if you leave side dishes out of your grilling plans — or stick with cold sides like salads — you’re missing out on some great flavours.

W

hat image does the word “grilling” bring to mind? Do you envision thick, juicy burgers or steaks? What about sauce-slathered chicken breasts sizzling over coals? Side dishes give you a chance to really show off your grilling chops, savour the farm fresh flavours of summer harvests, and indulge in wholesome, organic fare. Here are six side dishes to grill.

1. Corn on the Cob If you’ve always wanted to try grilling vegetables but weren’t sure which of your favourites would go well on the grill — take heart. Virtually any veggie can be prepared on a grill, but corn becomes a show-stopper when grilled. Remove the husks and silk and toss the cobs right on a preheated grill. Watch them carefully and keep turning them to ensure they brown but don’t

FOOD NOTE

Go Global While Munching Your Favourite French Fries Canadians like to have cheesy French fries, in Philippines people add a banana twist to the snack, and in Romania people go rustic. Know how the world enjoys the humble snack and pick your favourite. Chef Tushar from McCain Foods India has shared a list.

dessert, when in Vietnam go ahead and don’t look for any more reasons to grab a few extra.

In Britain, they go drunk on fries

Our favourite fries are known as chips in England. Eaten with garlic mayonnaise in Ireland, in Britain owing to love for everything amber they like to dip their fries in malt vinegar — quite an intoxicating mix indeed.

In Canada, they go cheesy

The Canadians like to pour a delicately spiced gravy and cheese curd on their French fries to make up for a delicious serving of poutine giving it a beautiful texture and an irresistible cheesy after taste.

In Philippines, they go bananas

In Philippines, French fry fanatics use an unusual yet oriental flavour by adding banana ketchup — a sweet and savoury sauce made from mashed banana, sugar, vinegar and spices.

In Romania, they go rustic

A rustic paste made from garlic, oil, salt, and vinegar also called “mu-

In Australia, they chicken out

jdel” is the Romanian way to relish their French fries. You can also ask for customisation across joints who offer this savoury delight in different consistencies of thickness.

In Vietnam, they go butterlicious

Ever imagined a pack of fries served to you in a pool of sugar and dollops of butter? Vietnam gives you all the reasons to indulge in some fries both as a starter and as a

Australians have gone a step ahead to flavour their traditional fries, they sprinkle them with chicken salt than the regular salt to add an enviable taste only found in Australia.

Indians like to experiment

They like everything about fries from global concoctions to indigenous varieties. Mint and coriander chutney, chilli garlic sauce, malt, vinegar, hummus or ketchup, all do just fine, the latest one being with peri-peri.— IANS

burn. The heat from the grill causes the natural sugars in the corn to caramelise, and you’ll end up with the sweetest sweet corn you ever tasted.

2. Fries A trip to the grocery store for fresh produce may not fit in your schedule. There’s good news — frozen options. Organic fries sprinkled with bright sea salt bring out even more of the rich flavour that Mother Nature delivered. Make a tray out of aluminium foil, spread the fries in a single layer, and grill for about 20-25 minutes at 200 degrees C. Turn once or twice during the cooking process.

3. Tomatoes If you’ve only grilled small tomatoes on a kebab, or never tried grilled tomatoes at all, this is your summer to discover grilling tomatoes couldn’t be easier. Start with large, meaty tomatoes — a variety

that’s dense and has fewer seeds works best. Slice in half, brush with your favourite seasoned oil and place the halves cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side. Top with your favourite cheese when done.

4. Kale Grilling greens like kale helps all those wonderful nutrients and flavour stay in the vegetable and don’t disappear into the cooking water — which is what can happen when you boil veggies on the stovetop.

Grilling kale couldn’t be easier.

You can adapt virtually any of your favourite kale recipes to grilling by tossing the kale with the recipe seasonings and some oil. Arrange the seasoned leaves in a single layer on the grill and they’ll cook to crispy splendour in just minutes.

5. Cheese A slice of gooey melted cheese is the crowning glory atop your grilled burger, but cheese can

also handle the grill on its own, and be a delicious, different side dish or appetiser.

Many cheeses will work on the grill, and you can find recommendations for the best cheeses to cook on the grill with a simple online search. Slice your chosen cheese in thick pieces. Most grilling cheeses will need minimal seasoning and little or no oil. Generally, cheese takes just a minute or two to brown each side and allow the inside to melt.

6. Dinner Rolls Craving dinner rolls to go with that thick juicy steak, but in no mood to fire up the oven? You can make frozen dinner rolls on the grill. Choose your favourite variety, set your gas grill to the temperature recommended on the package’s directions, wrap the rolls in foil and place directly on the grill.

Keep an eye on the rolls to ensure they don’t burn as they can cook quickly on a grill. — BPT

C8

TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016

LIFESTYLE ONE ENT DI R ING E

Oregano Lamb Chops Take 2tbsp lemon juice, 1tsp olive oil, 1/2tsp dried oregano and 1 garlic clove and mince together. Take 8 lamb chops and marinate it with the mixture. Keep it for 15-20 minutes. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the extra marinade from the lambs and add 1/2tsp salt and 1/2tsp pepper. Coat pan with cooking spray and place the lamb chops and cook each side from 5-8 minutes on medium heat.

AYS FIVE W

Oregano Flavoured Chicken Breasts OreganoScented Smoothies Take 5-6 cucumbers and peel off the skin. Cut into chunks and blend well. Take 2 cups fresh orange juice and pour it on the cucumber. Add 2tsp sugar and 1tsp dried oregano to the cucumber puree and blend. Chill it in the refrigerator and serve in tall glasses.

Take 1tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped, 2tsp grated lime rind, 1tsp ground cumin, 2tsp minced garlic, 1/2tsp salt, and 1/2tsp black pepper. Mix in a bowl. Take 4 chicken breast halves and rub the mixture on them. Keep it in the fridge for 5-6 hours. Preheat oven to 200°C. Heat 1tbsp of oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan, skin side down and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Serve hot.

Oregano-Laced Salad Cut 1 red bell pepper into vertical halves and discard the seeds. Broil for 10 minutes or so. Once cool cut into bite size pieces. Separately cook 1/2 cup soya beans in boiling water and drain. Combine the chopped bell pepper, cooked soya beans, 1tsp salt, and 1tsp pepper.

Add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2tbsp chopped parsley, and 2 cups of fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped. Drizzle with lemon juice and 1tbsp olive oil and mix well.

Oregano-Spiced Shortcake

A pungent green herb, oregano is used in many dishes. Whether in lamb and chicken, or in cakes and smoothies, oregano adds a fresh flavour to any food. If fresh oregano is not available use dried ones, but remember to cut down on the amount by about half.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add 2tbsp lemon zest in 1/2 cup sugar and mix well. Add this mixture to 2 cups flour. Also add 4tsp baking powder, 1/2tsp salt, and 2tsp dried oregano and mix well. Take 4tbsp butter, 2tbsp heavy cream and 1/2 cup milk. Add them to the flour mixture and mix well. Shape them into shortcake and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, M AY 3, 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

D2

T U E S D AY, M AY 3 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

Two modern fully furnished & ĞƋƵŝƉƉĞĚ Žĸ ĐĞƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŶƚ Ăƚ :ĂƐŵŝŶĞ ŽŵƉůĞdž ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ͗

FOR RENT IN AZAIBA 4 Bedrooms excellent villa with car parking Directly from the owner

Contact - 97094797 3 BHK, 3 toilets near Indian School main Wadi Kabir & 2 BHK, 2 toilet near Honda road Junction.

Contact: 99737562 Office 55 SQ. Mtrs & 2 B /R new bldg in Bausher behind bank Muscat from owner. Contact: 92158031 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 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 Super Deluxe 2 bedroom flat with swimming pool, Gym, at Qurum Shatti Al Qurum. Contact: 99369081 OFF / Shop 30 SQMT, W/Kabir R.O 200/-. Contact: 99384640 New warehouse for rent with office space 1150 sq mtr 9.5 height (rent negotiable), new Industrial area Salalah.# 96955505 / 96217297 1,2,3 BHK flats & villas.

Contact: 92144045 3 BHK without A/C Al Khuwair R.O 375/-. Contact: 92144045 2BHK with A/C Ghubra R.O 325/-. Contact: 92144045 Room for rent near Al Daser Rex road Ruwi. Contact: 92099367 / 99797645

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FOR RENT

Commercial Space Commercial Space For Rent in Al Khuwair. Ideal for Coffee Shop / Restaurant / Office Space / Showroom 27sqm / 68sqm / 128sqm

Contact: 96775026

FOR RENT IN RUWI 1 BHK – SPILT A/C, BUILT IN WARDROBE &CENTRALIZED GAS. SPACIOUS 2 BHK.

Contact : 990 49 722 2BHK & 1BHK flats with split air conditioners are available for rent in new building in Al Qurum, near Rose Garden. Interested persons may contact on 95133331 / 96722449 Flat for rent : flat available at Hamriya & Wadi Kabir. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 Flat for rent in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 92277419 1 BHK flat for rent R.O 180/Near Medical Darsait.

Contact: 24705742 Spacious room with bath and passage, kitchen available for sharing at Darsait (near ISD School).

Contact: 99419390 2 BHK flat at Ruwi Mumtaz area RO 320/-. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

1BHK M.B.D R.O 250/-.

Contact: 92144045

2 BHK flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

1BHK Mumtaz R.O 225/-.

Contact: 92144045

House for rent 1 bedroom & sitting room, 1 toilet & kitchen in Mawalah near City Center.

Contact : 96968104

Room at Al Khuwair RO 110/-.

Contact: 95317247 1BHK with A.C Ghubra R.O 275/-.

Contact: 92144045 3 Bedroom well maintained flat (villa TYPE only 2 flats in villa) in Al Khuwair, Behind Al Akhtam Restaurant Villa No 1841, Way No 3922 Block No 239.

Contact: 99462980 House rent 2 bedroom, Majlis, 2 toilets, kitchen & parking in Mawalah near City Center.

Contact: 96968104

1BHK Studio flat near Star Cinema RO 180/-. Contact: 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288

4 BHK villa in Bowsher Heights.

Contact 99792181

For rent flat in Darsait office CBD. Contact: 95345909 / 92820734

2 BHK flat in Ghubra 18 November Street. Contact 99792181

2 rooms flat for rent in Wattaya.

Contact: 99202602 2 Bedroom flat near Kuwait Masjid, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 98498823 / 97608564 2 Bed room flats available in Al Amera Mahj5 (Opp. Sultan Center. Contact: 99108822 150 + 180 + 200 Sqr mtrs office in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

3 BHK villa in Qurum heights.

Contact 99792181

Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Warehouse for rent at Ghala Ind. Area. 800 & 2500 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways.

Contact : 94583320

Villa for rent room, toilet, hall, kitchen, store with furniture water & electricity included Bowsher OMR 300/-. Contact: 91153933

Room or apartment for rent in Qurum. Contact: 99664703 Luxury fully furnished 2 bedroom flat at Al Khuwair for short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact 94617563 / 92888376, tel : 24833848 / 24834888 Flat for rent in Ruwi, Mumtaz area 2 bedrooms. Contact: 24291500 / 91409667

Running beauty parlor for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact: 98689280

Villa for rent 8 big room, 7 toilets, big hall, Kitchen & store Al Khoud.

Contact: 91153933

Warehouse 400 sqm behind Majan Hyper market near Bridgestone tyres, Ghala.

Contact: 95928800 / 98014921

Villa for rent, 4 rooms, big hall, 6 toilets, big living room, kitchen & store Bousher 750/-OMR. Contact: 91153933

Office for rent in Mabela.

Contact: 99355330 Room for rent big room, toilet, washing place including water & electricity Bowsher OMR 200/-.

Contact: 91153933 Villa for rent, big hall, 4 room, 5 toilets, kitchen, store living room in Ghubra OMR 650/-.

Contact: 91153933 Flat for rent in South Mabela.

Contact: 95331177 / 95230355 Office space small in Azaiba.

Contact: 99428143 1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688

T U E S DAY, M AY 3, 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

REQUIRED Sub-Contractor For Indoor and Outdoor Telecom works including Fiber, RF and In building cabling work experience

Contact - 91409326 FOR RENT &hZE/^, K&&/ ^ &KZ Z Ed

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Brand new double bed room flats with two and three toilets, split ac, elevators available at Al Khoudh next to Al koudh health center.

Contact 99022675 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 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 1 BHK in Azaiba. Contact: 99385835 / 99428143 2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality.

Contact: 92584715/ 24700120 Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair.

Contact 95154331 Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448 Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street. OMR 330 Monthly.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Duplex villa in QURUM 29.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346

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Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569 2BHK Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 Offices & Showrooms in Mutrah.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241 For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842

FOR SALE 1100.00 m2 com. & Res. plot at heart of Ruwi. Contact: 93666944 Coffee shop for sale in Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 92294415 A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location.

Contact 99627621, 93240949 20 x40 containers.

Contact: 99354909 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 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand.

Contact 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 Dental chair, mobile dental X ray, instruments, 5 year old, sale for 1000 Rials only in Al Buraimi.

Contact: 92737149 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair.

Contact 92881849 /What`s up No 97290565 Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Al Khoud/ Seeb prime location next to Rameez shopping centre. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411

Flats, shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD & Mumtaz. Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

New building Wattayah main road, showroom & office space.

Contact 94300909

Car accessories, upholstery, oil & battery shop for sale in Seeb.

Contact: 92262284 / 98737197

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FOR HIRE Crane trailer, hiab. Contact: 99354909

ACC. AVAILABLE Small old house for rent in Ghobra. Contact: 97165972

TAILORING SHOP

FOR SALE WITH TRADE LICENSE Under operation in a Prime location with experienced staff and stock

Mobile number:

9232 1411

SALE ELECTRICAL and ELECTRONICS items for bulk sale at Muscat.

Contact 99883067/ 92429917 FOR SALE

1 BHK and 2BHK Flats available near Lulu Darsait (Main road, Opp. to Min. of Defense).

Contact : 93202733 Room for rent near Hamriya roundabout for bachelor only.

Contact: 97443614 Single room sharing B/K at Mumtaz area. Contact: 95212017 Single room available near Darsait Lulu. Contact: 92120626 Big room with attach bathroom, kitchen in Muscat near Riyam Park RO 75/-. Contact: 95094028 Room with attached bathroom for working ladies in a flat in M.B.D. Contact: 99764307 Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM. Rooms available with Kitchen facility at Ruwi.

Contact: 91214897

Villas in Al Khoud.

Contact 95056808 / 97201688

Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794

Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35). Contact 95056808 / 97201688

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 97167857

Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale.

Contact 99273774/ 99202278

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village.

Contact 93687466

Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457

Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen. Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776

Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

ACC WANTED 1/ 2 BHK flat required in Al Khuwair/ Ghubra. Contact 96026943 Wanted one room.

Contact 98026234

ACC. AVAILABLE Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849

Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact 96524717 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340 Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960

NRI

DRIVING

INDIAN RAILWAYS Ticket Reservation Hotel & Bus Tickets

Star Travel 92820665 / 24711734 910 SQ FT, 1 B/R fully furnished flat at Quepem – Goa. Contact: 97094797

BUYING Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

MV SALE Nissan Altima 2.5S purchased & registered Oct 2012 Golden color dealer maintained new tyres & battery, excellent condition.

Contact: 97717152 Pajero 2015 GLS V6 3.5L for sale, R.O 7,700. Contact: 97798368 Hyundai Accent 1.6, 2014 model, good condition. Contact : 95212017 Geely 1.3 model 2012 manual gear used 72000.

Contact: 96778006

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

FOR LADIES Offer!! Treading Gold Facial & Pedicure just for 10 RO, Al Doom Parlour Ruwi: Contact 99619409 (watsup)

D4

T U E S D AY, M AY 3, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

HR & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Should hold Bachelor degree & Diploma in HR, coupled with 6-7 years experience in Oman.

Managing HR related functions, Annual budget, Renewal of all types of documents and well versed with Government Laws & Policies.

Email CV: jobs@alkhonjiholding.com ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Wanted part time Accountant (Tally). Contact: 99419390 Required SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Graduate B.Com/MBA. Minimum 6 yrs of experience, Knowledge of Finalization & can handle accounts independently. Contact: mail-office@fourseasonsoman.com

Truck Mechanics With 3-5 years experience required for a leading commercial Workshop in Sharjah.

Fax CV to: + 971 6 507 2736

or Email: hr16info@gmail.com

BEAUTICIAN Wanted experienced beautician for the reputed ladies beauty center at Muscat. Contact: 99791572 / 97453246 Email: souzawilfred@gmail.com

Beautician required for Al Gazala beauty parlour, visa available.

Contact: 92534941

CATERING

Fire Door & Carpentry Workshop required following personnel 1. Marketing Executive/ Sales Manager – Joinery work -1 2. Workshop supervisor-01 3. Designer-Joinery work -1 4. Furniture carpenter-12 5. Aluminum Technician-2 6. Polisher-2 Contact:

officeinma sohar@gmail.com Urgently required an experienced Waiter for a food restaurant. Visa available. Contact: 96026615 / 99816262

DOMESTIC HELPER Required Gardener for part time job at Al Rabiat Qurum.

Contact 95890531

DRIVER Wanted Light duty Driver cum house boy for an Indian family in Oman. Kindly contact 99425610 / 99211030

Wanted driver. Contact: 97165972

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Urgently Required: Construction Project Manager- with experience 10 years experience in building and with NOC for immediately join.

Interested candidates may call us to our office telephone: 00968-24696584/24696585 or fax: 00968-24605955 or email us to sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Construction company seeking Marketing Executives, Electrical Diploma Engineer & Civil Engineer. Should have Omani driving license. Email : info@greencover.net Required Indian Engineer road Construction 5/10 years experience Eligibility BE or Diploma Civil AutoCAD Estimation with Oman (D/L) & Indian Heavy Duty drivers.

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

EDUCATION Private School seeks to employ teachers with experience and high efficiency in the following specializations: Class teacher, English KG Teacher, Science Teacher, Math Teacher for grade 6,7,8,9 experienced in teaching field with not less than 5 years experience, University degree in the field of Sociology.

Contact: 99573791 / 24489721 / 24489536 Email: omfajer@hotmail.com

IT Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

MEDICAL Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact: 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently required Staff Nurse with MOH license to work in a reputed clinic, permanent or for leave vacancy.

Salary negotiable. Contact 99048170 Urgently required Staff Nurse with MOH license for a private clinic in Sohar (leave vacancy for 3 months).

Contact: 99797459 GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

MISCELLANEOUS Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required Marketing Executive for a reputed Company in Oman with valid Oman D/L. Contact 94293209, career@ruwaishad.com Wanted Staff with 3 years experience in Oman in real estate field.

Contact: +968 95910186 Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com Salesman required for electrical equipments with driving license & 5/7 years working experience.

Fax your C.V 24833043 (Jinan Enterprises) Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com Sales Staff required for laundry.

Contact 92396884 after 6pm Looking for Salesman with experience in vegetable and fruits sales, good conduct, fluent in English. Should have driving license.

Email CV on: info@eigllcoman. com Contact - 96339339

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com Electrician for Heavy Machines : experienced with mobile cranes and Wheel Loader (shovel) with a background in troubleshooting and reading a diagram . #98856565 . email : hr@wadibaad.com Crane Hydraulic Mechanic : experienced with Mobile Cranes and should have knowledge with troubleshooting and hydraulic system diagnosis . Contact : 98856565 . email : hr@wadibaad.com

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job.

Contact 93953613, Email allen.mathew83@gmail.com Male Accountant M.Com (Accounts & finance) having 3 years experience in accounts looking for suitable job on visit visa. ontac: 94648575 Indian male qualification MBA Finance Marketing experience 2 years express visa seeking for placement, presently on express visa. Contact: 93991882 Accountant, Indian female, B.Com Graduate 1 & half year experience up to finalization in tally with reporting knowledge, pursuing ACCA, having valid GCC D/L. Contact: 95373751 Accountant, Indian male, with 6 years experience up to finalization in tally with reporting knowledge and good knowledge of payroll, having valid driver’s license, with NOC. Contact: 94035577 Email: azu090@gmail.com 25 years, Pakistani male with a qualification of BBA (Hons) & valid Omani driving license looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 93557510 BBA finance 2 years experience as Accountant 6 months experience Assistant Marketing offer looking for jobs in accounts and marketing. Contact: 90291297 BBA finance fresh Graduate knowledge of accounting balance sheet income statement, tally, advance, excel looking for jobs accountant. Contact: 93150918 Indian male 28 Accountant / Senior Audit Associate ACCA finalist having 6 years experience in Accounting upto finalization currently on visit visa.

Contact: 95193650 or 99078853 Finance & Admin Manager with 20 years UAE experience looks for suitable positions.

Contact: 97126771

IND female 12 years exp in Banking, Insurance customer service Secretarial skills analysis communication, client handling, coordination, Team handling, qualification, M.COM looking for suitable position currently on visit visa. Contact: 95166496 Indian CA, male 34yrs, 14+ Yrs exp. in A/Cs, finance, auditing, consultancy & knows SAPB1, Tally ERP. Oman D/L .Currently in Oman.

NOC available.

PLZ contact: 94704800, Email: omanjobca@gmail.com.

Indian male good experience in accounts, admin and ERP Tally 9 seeking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact: 92650835 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa.

Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Accountant Indian male with 7 years experience up to finalization tally & accounts receivable SAP R/3, good knowledge of payroll having Oman D/L, NOC. Contact: 93733996 Email: thmsb182@gmail.com Indian male 7 years experience as Accountant in Oman having Oman driving license looking for job, currently in Oman. NOC available. Contact: 92859733 Email: parthasarathy67@gmail.com Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240 ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance.

Contact: 99284193 Part time Accountant up to finalization audit & assignments.

Contact: 91126314 Indian female MBA in finance currently on visit visa seeking suitable placement in Accounts / HR / Admin. Contact: 92896110 Email: anoopodiyan@gmail.com 36 years, male with M.Com Finance having 15 yrs of insurance & banking experience in India, on visit visa for 15 Days seeks suitable jobs. Contact 91159284 / 99429589

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to Finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, cammk13@gmail.com

Jordanian Senior Accountant 15 yrs experience in Oman finance & accounts. Contact : 92881223

28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

Sudanese female Accountant excellent knowledge, MS Office, can work under pressure.

Contact 97200130

Part time Sr. Accountant with 19 yrs experience in Accounts, finance, Audit Tax Management.

Contact: 95857199 Male B.Com Graduate Assist. Accountant with 2 years experience in Accounting administration.

Contact: 94736742 Indian male 36 (M.Com) 10 +2 yrs IND / Oman experience, expert in Accounts upto finalization looking for accounts or sales, NOC available. Contact: 90389456 Email: mns.muscat@gmail.com Indian male, M. Com with 3 yr Oman Exp in Accounts with valid NOC & D/L on Visit Visa.

GSM : 94744575 A Graduate of Alexandria in Accounting has freelance interior designing, experience in different design programs & recorded projects achievements, willing to join suitable job for his qualification and talents.

Contact: +201003966769 Oman: 99602608 C/o Osman. Email: shadyhenaawy@gmail.com A Graduate of Alexandria Mechanical Power Engineering and certified International Procurement Manager CIPM basics of supply chain management BSCM - APICS seeking suitable job for his Qualifications. Contact: 20 01222399139 Oman 99602608 C/O Osman Email: samer_henawy@hotmail.com

Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084

Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 Indian male , 29 B.com ICWA (pursuing) 7 years experience in accountant / audit with valid Omani D/L seeking for suitable placement, NOC available.

Contact: 94706954 Email: ajurn33@gmail.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com

ADMIN 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 looking for customer service, purchase front office Admin 5 years experience in UAE. Contact: 91744032 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

ADMIN Indian male, 10 yrs exp seeks placement in Off Coordination, HR, Admin, Customer service, on visit visa. Contact: 95762646 With 15 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin / logistics looking for suitable position. Fluent in Arabic / English with D/L. Contact: 95824598 Indian male, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / executive secretary / administrator / business development assistant looking for a change. holding Omani driving license. local release available.

Contact 99168054 Lady Expat looking for full time job with visa. Interested fields are Admin, teaching, HR, back office.

Contact: 91739424 Email: jinsijobs@gmail.com Indian male – Post Graduation in HR, having 18 years of experience.

Working in Oman since last 12 years. Capable of handling HR & Administration. Well Acquainted with Omani Laws. Valid Omani License & car. Contact 96442435.

A Young dynamic post Graduate with 10 years experience of Office Administration cum transport in charge in Oman to manage large fleet of PDO / Non PDO vehicles in addition having experience of managing the labor camp and staff with their mess valid Omani D/L. Contact: +968 - 92700274 Email: naqvi8084@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

DRIVER

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Free lance /part time autocad works (ARCH/ MEP) 2D/3D PH: 97103168 Young Indian female, BSc Interior Designer, with 2 years experience seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 91102695 / 92191721 Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

EDUCATION/TRAINING Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 Teacher Female , Phd in Chemistry having 3.5 yrs of Experience in India. Staying here on Family Visa & seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact – 99675828, Email Anupam.tiwari67@gmail.com Indian Lecturer M.Phil, M.Com, MBA DMM , 3+ years of exp in college & 2+ years exp in corporate seeks a suitable position.

Contact: 90369540 Email: abilashraji@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Light driver looking for job exp 2 years in Oman. Contact: 91929556

Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912

Indian light driver having 2 years experience in Oman know language English, Hindi, Arabic need job. Contact: 97366822

Quantity Surveyor (Civil) 11 years with Omani driving license, local release available.

Contact: 95719108

Looking for driving job or transportation job, have Nissan Sunny 2012 model. Contact: 97224035

Associate Engineer Electronics with 3 years of experience in Satellite & CCTV searching for placement. Contact: 99832706

Light duty driver Pakistani seeks placement. Contact: 97762974 Indian light driver looking for job.

Contact: 99089441 Driver LTV computer opt store keeper office boy, shop keeper.

Contact: 94801189 12 years experience driver with Pajero 2015 GLS V6 3.5L need job.

Contact: 97798368 Light Duty Driver seeks placement. Contact: 96250185 GCC experienced Driver 10 years requires suitable placement.

Contact: 94801679 Experienced driver available 20 years in Oman.

Contact: 99040186 Driver with car.

Contact:91362320 Looking for job as light vehicle driver 5 years experience.

Contact: 92640278 Light driver wanted for suitable placement. Contact: 95656941 Looking for a job light duty driver.

Contact: 95141473 Light duty & heavy duty driver, GCC valid D/L looking for job (overseas). Contact 95175192, Email : oman.manpower@yahoo.com Bangladeshi male light driver exp 4 years need job.

Contact: 92681457 Looking for light driving job 2 yrs exp. Contact: 91625977

Sudanese Mechanical Engineer +13 years experience in heavy equipments maintenance experience in Oil field.

Contact 96583270 Electrical B.E.C Engineer Pakistani male 24 years looking for a job. Contact: 94049812 / 92958112 Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Civil Engineer 8 years experience.

Contact: 90183630 Electrical Engineer having 16 years experience in switchgear / transformer / over head lines & trading for sales / procurement & project execution with valid Omani D/L. Contact: +968 95994727 Email: qurm340@gmail.com Indian male 23 years, young dynamic looking for draughtsman in civil. Contact: 94553406 Email: choudharyibrahim93@gmail.com Female Electrical Engineer, excellent knowledge, Graduated with distinction, can work under pressure. Contact: 98133281 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

Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 96798075

Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in Indian (MRF Tyres) holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Light Duty Driver, 3 years 6 months experience.

Contact: 95768440

Quantity Survey works part time / freelance (civil).

Contact: 95719108

8 years experience in driving heavy D/L (PDO) H2S. Contact: 92091528

DOMESTIC HELP Housemaid/ baby sitter looking for job (overseas).

Contact 95175192

Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com

T U E S DAY, M AY 3, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED DĞĐŚĂŶŝĐĂů ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ Θ WƌŽũĞĐƚ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ ^ƵĚĂŶĞƐĞ Ϯϵ LJƌƐ͕ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϯ LJƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ DŝŶŝŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ͕ PƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶ͗WƌŽĚƵĐƟ ŽŶ Θ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌŝŶŐ͕ ƐĂĨĞƚLJ͕ Į ƌĞ Į ŐŚƟ ŶŐ ĚĞƐŝŐŶŝŶŐ͕ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ƐĂůĞƐ ʹ DƵƐĐĂƚ͕ KŵĂŶ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ϵϲϴ ϵϯϲϰϮϳϬϰ͕ ŵĂŝů ͗ ŵŽŚĂŵĞĚĨĚůϴϳΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

Indian male, 25 yrs, Accountant, 2.5 yrs in Finance & Accounts, MBA Finance & HR, exposure in SAP, Tally, ERP 9 on visit visa.

Contact 96715420 / 91265020, Email : jijosrgo@gmail.com, simonjosephjc@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Procurement Coordinator Indian male 30 yrs B.Com (computers) 4 years experience in Saudi Arabia in Construction Company, looking for any suitable position on visit visa till 15 May 16.

Contact: 0968-98590811 Email: ibrahimhashmi220@gmail.com Indian female Mech. Engineer with 1 & half years experience looking for suitable placement.

Interested in Sales & Marketing also. Contact: 94743992 Email: selveena054@gmail.com Indian female B.Tech (Civil) looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 93480346 Email: deepasajish@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 5.5 years experience and 2 years Gulf experience. Valid GCC driving license ph:+968-95527936 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 Mechanical Engineer (Indian male, 24 years) with three years experience looking for suitable job.

Currently on visit visa, ready to join immediately.

Contact: 92175441 Email: ihabeeb24@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com

Sales & Marketing specialist with 16 yrs experience in Oman in MNC retails telecom lubes construction related industry handled various projects, holding valid Oman driving license, release available.

Contact 96960991

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com 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 Indian male, B.Tech, Software Engineer well knowledge in computer applications, android technology technical support on visit visa seeking suitable placement in IT or BPO. Contact: 99014938 / 93841724 Email: officialpakku@gmail.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian male 34 years, having 10+ years experience in MEP building construction field (HVAC, Firefighting and Plumbing) with Omani D/L. NOC available.

96978380;prajithks@gmail.com Geologist position Pakistani male 27 years applied Geology looking for any Geologist position in any oil & gas construction or mining company in Oman on 1 month visit visa of Oman, experience total of 2 years. Contact: 96390458 Email: gulfamhussain17@gmail.com A/C Tech with Electrician and plumber looking for maintenance job, have D/L. Contact: 95308363 Pakistani male 48 yrs Diploma electrical technician with 21 yrs exp . Contact : 98262600, Email: muhammedakram41@gmail.com Diploma in Civil Engineer with 5 yrs experience in Oman seeking a suitable job N.O.C available.

Contact: 93630296 / 93264828 Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer 3 years looking for job in reputable company AutoCAD, Etabs, Staad Pro Omani driving license available. Contact: 97906770

18 years experienced Civil Engineer with NOC looking for suitable opportunities in Contracting companies - Nationality Indian immediately available.

Contact: 92855910 Email: jk2_anu@yahoo.co.in

Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) Indian male with 1 year experience looking for job, qualification in Qa-Qc, HVAC & piping engineering.

Contact 90510800, Email : muhammedjaseem07@gmail.com

Telecommunication Engineer Sudanese male having 3 years for experience in Telecom RF3 optical fiber seeks for job.

Contact: 91403123 Email: alrsheed88@hotmail.com Telecom Engineer Sudanese male having 4 years experience in telecom RF 3 optical fiber looking for job. Contact: 95614243 Email: rshe0029@gmail.com AutoCAD Draughtsman Indian male 8 years exp Civil, Interior, precasting, GCC driving license.

Contact: 95685028 Email: vimalg.kannur@gmail.com Civil Engineer experience March 2013 to July 2015.

Contact: 91034688 Indian male (Kerala) 24 yrs, B.E Civil Engineer, residing in Oman on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92724814 / 99473131 Electrical Engineer experience 9 years in Oman. Contact: 98148034 Proposed position Safety Officer experience 04 yrs and 6 months qualification NEBOSH IOSH MS, OSHA, fire safety certificate, Master in Social Science.

Contact: 93644060 Email: saffar49@gmail.com

Ϯϱ LJƌƐ͕ DĂƐƚĞƌ ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ϯ LJƌƐ ŽĨ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ďŽƚŚ ,Z Θ DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ͕ ŶŽǁ ŽŶ ǀŝƐŝƟ ŶŐ ǀŝƐĂ͘

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ϵϲϵϳϮϵϯϵ ͬ ϵϲϬϵϲϳϮϯ ŵĂŝů ͗ ůŝũƵďŶΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ͕ ũĞƌƌŝŶϬϬϳΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Indian female diploma Architecture having 5 years exp in Engineering consultancy in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 96683293

Mechanical Engineer (UK), having 4 yrs exp in the field of technical, sales & maintenance Engineer seeking suitable placement having valid Oman D/L& NOC is also available. Contact: +968 97612297 Email: ymirza11@caledonian.ac.uk

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Civil Engineer diploma 3 years Sudanese National experience 4 years at construction sites.

Contact: 91183608 Telecommunication Engineer 35 years experience with Omantel company, Hindi , English & Arabic.

Contact: 91204243 / 94372096 / 99751612 5 years experience in supply chain (warehouse logistics) procurement. Contact: 90644186 Indian male 24 yrs ITC Electrical 2 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 95428225 Email: basil064@gmail.com Electronics and Instrumentation Engineer, B.Tech Indian male 24 years with 2 years Indian experience looking for suitable position available in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 91228010 Indian male Structural Engineer (M.Tech) with 3 years Indian experience in designing searching for suitable job placement.

Contact: 98334396, Email: hashmath_ali@yahoo.com Electrical Engg : M 32, having 8 yrs experience in MEP/ EPC projects with MEDC, OETC & PAEW, C.E.P holder with D/L, seeking for better opportunity.

Contact: 93949885 Email: vamshhikodela@gmail.com Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat.

Contact: 91176187 syam036@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male 26 B.Tech Civil Engineer 3 year’s 8 months Experience at building construction. In Oman 2 year’s experience N.O.C available seeking suitable placement Contact : 97396269 Email : usmanshaik42@gmail.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 Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman.Contact:98921022 Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784

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 IT Developer with 2 years experience.

Contact: 94360181 IT support MCSA Network Virtualization 1 year exp.

Contact: 98207829 B.E (CSE) Graduate Indian male 25 years with 3 years experience in IT field, seeking suitable placement currently on visit visa.

Contact: 91228492 Email: ajishanish@gmail.com 5 years of experience in the post of Networking Engineer holding (CCNA – MCITP) Very good in Arabic & English valid driving license.

Contact: 99813988 B.Tech Information Technology with one year experience in I.T field looking for job on visit visa.

Contact: 92312978, Email : quazi13026nehal@gmail.com IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 B.Tech (IT) experience in Networking server & desktop management in corporate environment looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92954613 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact: 98660672 Female 24 yrs, 3 years in IT programmer now in Oman looking for suitable job.

Contact: 96350234

MISCELLANEOUS Male having visa, 3 years in Oman with valid D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95453393 Indian female master degree one year experience seeking suitable placement in any field.

Contact: 97792820 Email: pnjli.1991@gmail.com BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements. NOC available.

Contact: 920 66 523

Sr. Sales & Marketing Specialist Indian male, Diploma Engineer with BBA & 16 yrs experience in Oman, worked with MNC in retail (Telecom/ Lubricant sales) and with construction industry handling various products & subcontract projects.

Holding valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Qualified Certified Management Accountant (CMA-USA) and cost and management accountant (ACMAIndia) with over 25 years experience in Sultanate of Oman in finance, banking and administration is seeking a suitable placement. NOC available.

Ŷ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ŚĂƌƚĞƌĞĚ ĐĐŽƵŶƚĂŶƚ tŝƚŚ ŽǀĞƌ Ϯϱ LJĞĂƌƐ ŝŶ ǀĂƌŝĞĚ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĞƐ͕ ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚůLJ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƌĞƉƵƚĞĚ ŐƌŽƵƉ ŝŶ DƵƐĐĂƚ͕ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ŽƵƚ ĨŽƌ Ă ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ͘

Contact 96960991, Email : sunap1968@gmail.com

Contact 95986767

D E ' Z͕ /W ,Z

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian male 26 years looking sales & marketing job, having 2 years experience in Oman valid license & NOC available. Contact: 96155259

Indian male,B.Com + Dip. Logistic 2year experience looking for a job in Accounts/Logistics Field.

Presently on Visit Visa Mobile: 93884951, Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com

WŝƚŚ ϭϯ LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ' ĂŶĚ KŵĂŶ͘ ŽŵƉĞƚĞŶƚ ŝŶ ^ĂůĞƐ͕ DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ͕ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ŽƉĞƌĂƟ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͘ Interested employer please call

ϵϳϳϮϴϰϭϴ MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Operations Coordinator Indian Male 27 ,5 Years Exp call:90649152 Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge with driving license, w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075

MEDICAL Female Indian MOH licensed dentist looking out for job opportunities in Nizwa. Has 14 yrs experience as dentist after graduation.

Can be contacted on 93329964 Sudanese female Medical Laboratory specialist with M.S.C in hematology, 3 years experience seeking for suitable job.

Contact: 97996545 Quality Analyst Medical Coding CPC ICD-10 testified qualification M.Sc biotechnology holding 4+ years of experience seeking suitable job, currently in India, age 27 yrs. Contact: +91 9500515933 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 Young Dynamic MBA Post-Grad with 2 yrs exp as Procurement officer at Muscat & 3 yrs exp in Marketing-Interior construction in India with NOC and Driving License. Mob 98238260.

Manager Indian experience FMCG Company & supply chain logistics solid organizational skills looking suitable position currently on express visa. Contact: 98826074

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Filipina, looking for an administrative job with experience in Law office and Logistic planning.

91384939/ 91961348, nadia.navelgas@gmail.com Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761

Indian 7 years experience in Hospitality Industry looking for customer service Indoor sales purchase front – office reception. Contact: 91744032 Indian male BBA in Marketing & finance have 3 years work experience in Oman with driving license seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 96007885 Indian male 12 yrs experience in sales & administration seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97205114 Sudanese in Oman bachelor in Business Management & diploma in Sales & Marketing with experience seeking for a job.

Contact: 93909910 Looking for job in shop, 6 years experience. Contact 96001823 Indian male, M. Tech (CS), MBA Marketing, 25 years experience, Country Manager, seeks suitable placement valid D/L, NOC available. Contact: 92279972 Pakistani male, Graduate over 9 years experience in Procurement, Warehouse & Logistics, looking for suitable placement currently on visit visa. Contact: 968 91257663 , waqasmehar1@gmail.com Procurement / Estimation male 15 years experience in Oman working with reputed company seeks suitable placements. N.O.C available.

Contact: 93508898 Email: reghunair01@gmail.com Indian Male, 30yrs, 7 year experience in marketing, (3 years Exp. in Oman & Saudi) seeking suitable placement in Sales & Marketing.

DL & NOC available, Contact: 93329021, gokulmohank85@gmail.com D/L, NOC available looking for salesman job, 1 year experience.

Contact: 91210380 10 years ICT Business development & project management exp in Oman looking for suitable senior position. Contact: 98987654 Senior Sales Executive, 10Yrs Exp, India seeking immediate job.

Contact #+968 98444359, +91 9880637906.

E: ahmed.shabbirsyed@gmail.com 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 Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820

MISCELLANEOUS Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic. Well knowledge of Oman Areas looking for suitable placement.

Contact 97950869 Indian male 34 years MBA finance & marketing 7 years experience in India accounts & Administration, currently in Muscat on family visa.

Contact: 98104991 Email: sureshkr01@gmail.com

SKILLED LABOUR Electrician looking for a job, 6 years experience. Contact: 96001823 Shovel, JCB, Grader, Excavator, Operator GCC valid D/L looking for job(overseas), looking for job.

Contact 95175192

SALES / MARKETING 10 yrs experience in Oman in logistics / purchase have Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact 96410767. email :harishkts@yahoo.com

Indian male, network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement. NOC available. Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), E mail: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian male 26 years, Graduate in BBM & having Diploma in Logistics with 3 years of experience in Banking and Accounts looking for suitable placement. Contact : + 968 97166820/ +91 9895102356 Email :afsalrahman1989@gmail.com A/C & Fridge Technician 25 years experience in Oman India seeks suitable placement. #95680380

ŽŶƚĂĐƚ Ͳ ϵϲϰϵϭϬϯϬ

Indian male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally & ERP- looking for suitable placement ( NOC and Oman driving license available) Tel- +91 89 43 109897 Rajeev. 252002@gmail.com Indian female 10 years exp as cook in Oman. South Indian & Gujarati special looking for job, company or restaurant.

Contact 90559292 HSE Engineer, Indian male, 5.5 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 30 year GCC driving license and past experience as project coordinator looking for a suitable position. Project Coordination, Sales Executive, Marketing Executive or any other suitable post. Contact number -97070427 Assistant Accountant - B.Com Graduate with excellent overall skills. 2 Years of experience. Ready for immediate joining.

Contact: sharonravi00@gmail. com, 968-92049215 IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales.

Contact 91496939.

HSE Engineer,Indian male, 5.5 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas Working in Shclumberger NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACTkrish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Having D/L & NOC. Mob:94122464, caammk13@gmail.com Software Engineer with 5 + plus years of experience in Infosys ltd on visit visa seeking suitable vacancy in oman. Email : steffyraphel@gmail.com mob: 96896246205 / 96897032284 Indian male, 24 yrs, B. Com Graduate more than 1 year experienced in accounts planning to come for a family visit in oman seeking for a suitable placement .

Contact : 99339544 / 99743709 Indian Female looking for a part time opportunity (Graphic Design/ Teaching/Research Assistant/ Business Development/Administration) Contact: 95811820 or sankarikm06@gmail.com IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support/Retail sales. #91496939.

Indian male, Fire & Safety Engineer having 1 year experience on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 95208305 Email: nirmalk558@gmail.com Indian female, 27 yrs, B.E (Telecom) with 3 yrs exp in IBM (India) as Senior Security Delivery Analyst. Now on family visa seeking for suitable position.

Contact: 95600437 Tea boy looking for job Name: Man Bahadar Contact: 97859837 Electrical & Electronics diploma engineer Indian male 22 years, 2 years experience currently in visit visa. Contact 93047707 adilm89@gmail.com Indian Female, 29 Yrs Age, M.Sc Microbiology, looking for Job any reputed organization / Hospitals, seeks suitable position.

Contact : 95218424 / 9610 6604.

On Family Residence Visa.

D6

T U E S D AY, M AY 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 Indian B-Com Graduate 1 year Experience in market survey, Valid Driving License, looking for any suitable post. Contact: 92567020 / 96930392, shwayanad@gmail. com Indian male, M. Com, 11 years experience in the field of accountancy and Stores. Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Senior Accountant, NOC available, more than 5 years exp., born & bought up in Oman, Accounting upto finalization, computer skills tally9, Sage ERP ACCPAC 500(6.0A), Vcams, Audit ,valid Oman driving license, languages known English, Arabic, Hindi. Can join immediately.

Tel: (+968) 96339599, E-mail(ahmedmohdkhan@gmail.com) Indian male, M.Com, 7 years Oman experience in the field of accounts and valid oman driving license & NOC . Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, oracle, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Indian male 42, BE-Civil 13 years experience in Road construction. looking for suitable placement. having valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 95225214, Email: Sudheerrokkala73@gmail.com Indian Male 28 years, Mechanical Engineer (Diploma) with 2 years’ experience, Automobile ITI NCVT, CSWI-BGAS Painting QC Grade-2, NDT Level-2, ISO Lead Auditor QA (IRCA), Piping QC & Isometric Drawings, WPS & WPQR, available on Visit Visa, looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 90653733, libinthomaslt@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Exp. 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash flow & marketing projects & investments & tenders & real estate.

Contact: 92385033 HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas, Working in Shclumberger, NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACT-krish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian female 27 yrs, Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality management, seeking suitable placement.

Curnetly in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact 94880684 Safety Officer 3 years of experience in safety certifications: BE (Electrical and Electronics Engineering),NEBOSH, IOSH, DHSE, first aid. Contact +97474018995, email:midhunmich@gmail.com skype:midhunmike Bachelor in Hotel Management Having 13 years experience in Catering Industry in all aspects of Operations with D/L looking out for a suitable placement.

Contact 90654826 Email: mailingsaikiran@gmail.com Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .

Contact+968 91467576.

Indian with 3 years for experience in sales and marketing fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam looking for suitable job.

Also hold valid Driving License, currently in oman Mob : 93451439

Indian male network cabling technician (19-years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian female, MBA, Diploma in Aviation & Hospitality mgt (IATA), having 4 yrs of exp, on family visa seeks job in Oman.

Contact-9910 4529, 95679557, e-mail-jkramya91@gmail.com 27 years old Indian male looking hospitality jobs in Hotel. Experience in customer service, front desk, housekeeping supervisor, captain, cashier,guest relation manager.

Contact. +968-90351742Email. samubaid6@gmail.com 9 yrs exp Site Engineer in Civil & Shade Structure. 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact: 93790601 LAND SURVEYOR: Male, more than 12 years’ experience in land/ pipe line surveying in Oman and UAE. Looking for suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact 91215843 ELECTRONICS ENGINEER Indian/ male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Communications,ITI,1.7 Years experience as Service Technician in India, on visit Visa, looking For a Suitable Placement.

Contact :92794176 , E-mail: prathyushkp9@gmail.com

ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm,1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India. On visit Visa, Looking For a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176 E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. #99514286 Indian male Kerala, B.com & B.PE. Currently on visit visa, looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store keeper etc. Ready to join as early as possible. Contact:-93301023, email:- sajith3969@gmail.com NOC available, Indian Male - MBA (HR) and B.E (E.I.E) with total 9 years of experience in HR & Admin and Business Development (3 yrs of Gulf exp.) can join immediately Contact 91240251 / kvaradhan@hotmail.com Indian Male 42 year’s, MBA, Sr. Material controller having 12 years experience in Oman with reputed companies. Having Oman driving License, Seeks suitable replacement immediately. Available NOC. Cont. 00968-92944026, Email – charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in Female Dentist with MOH license and NOC, 7 years experience 2 yrs out of them in Oman looking for a job. Contact 97401243

27 yearsold Indianmale looking Jobs in documents Collection executive.Experience in collection executive.

Contact. +968-90358068 Email wasimsaif04@gmail.com

IT System Administrator 6 yrs experience, male, Filipino Desktop, Laptop and printer Support, Backup administrator, Router and switch Network, Server Administrator. +968 94134295

Indian male, 26 years old BA Graduate having 1 year experience in accounts finance field. Looking for suitable Job On visit visa immediately available.

Contact. 9565 9415 Anishkhan991867@gmail. Com

Female dentist with MOH license and NOC ready to join 7 years experience 2 of them in Oman.

Contact 97401243

ELECTRONICS ENGINEER Indian/ male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Communications,ITI,1.7 Years experience as Service Technician in India. On visit Visa, Looking For a Suitable Placement.

Contact :92794176, E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com Pakistani male 23 years old experience in travel agency - ticketing looking for a suitable job, NOC available. Contact: 93253759 Indian male physiotherapist with 3 years of experience, with (moh license and NOC available. seeking suitable placement.

Contact 99767528, 91317863 HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 Plus years exp. in Oil & Gas, Working in Shclumberger, NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. #krish.569@gmail.com, Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian Male, 40 Years, B. Com, having 10 years experience in Oman, Tally &ERP- looking for suitable placement ( Local release and Oman driving license available. Tel- 92469789 14 years experienced light driver with valid Oman license looking for suitable job. Contact 99442481 Electrical diploma Engineer Indian male 22 years, 2 years experience in control panel contact 93047707 adilm89@gmail.com Indian Male 42 year’s, MBA, Sr. Material controller having 12 years experience in Oman with reputed companies. Having Oman driving License, Seeks suitable replacement immediately. Available NOC. Cont. 00968-92944026, Email – charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in

M. Sc Computer Science – 2 year Experience – in India, looking suitable Placement. Email:-elvisgt6@ gmail.com, Mob:-+91 9497482305 (INDIA), Oman:-98291626.

Indian, 30 years, B. Com with 2 years Oman experience in Tally ERP-9 available in Muscat seeking suitable positions. #95186652 Having 10 years exp. in Admin & HR in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm, 1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India, On visit Visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176, E-mail:prathyushkp9@gmail.com B-tech Civil with honours, Civil Engineer (structures) Experience more than six years.

Contact 91431483. Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACT-krish.569@gmail.com contact +91 9867016808 PART TIME ACCOUNTANT available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875 Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job.

Contact: 95598477 / 98803439 Mechanical Engineering 6 years experience. contact 00968998907110091 - 9841867534 Email:sayed.fortuner88@gmail.con

SITUATION WANTED 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 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- 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

Indian male, M. Com with 3 yr Oman Exp in Accounts with valid NOC & D/L on Visit Visa, available to join immediately . GSM :94744575 Indian Male B-Com Graduate 1 year, experience in market survey, Valid Driving License, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 92567020 / 96930392 Indian Female, M.Sc Computer Science, Seeking suitable placement in Muscat Area.

Contact : 98660672 Looking for a part time accounting & admin job. Contact 99196621.

Experienced B.Com graduate + IATA Diploma holder looking for Accounts/Admin/Travels related job. Mob. 91142997.

NOC available .

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

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

HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger.

NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE, contact krish.569@gmail.com Mobile- +91 9867016808

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.

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

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, IndianMale 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 month-M:94064650, Email: nagauae@gmail.com

Indian male Network cabling technician ( 19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com

Sudanese male, 5 years experience in warehouse management and logistics services#90644186 Draughtsman, 15 years’ experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 95358115, 96977289, Email : pillairp41@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.

Contact 95622568 Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-98404122, mail panduru.jeevankumar@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 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.

14 years experience in 5 star hotel as sales manager in UAE & INDIA on tourist visa looking for suitable opportunity please contact 91305978 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 Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com 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.

GSM- 92995899, (a.abbas31@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 with 1 yr exp looking for job in I.T as Web developer, presently in Muscat on visit visa.

Contact: 92312978 Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 and half year experience in HR .

Contact: 91467576 .

2 years experienced male seeking job related to safety. M. Tech in HSE, MSc in Environmental Science and IOSH certified.

Contact: 94653264

T U E S DAY, M AY 3, 2 0 1 6

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

Moon Travel L.L.C

Saudi Arabian Government approved agent

Umrah Package by Road & Air Bus Departures- Apr 19, May 03, 17 & 31.2016 Ramadan Schedule - Jun 06, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 & 30.2016 Contact: Tariq Al Balushi - 99218069 Ahmed Maseehuddin - 99353611, Oĸce: 24790746/24706217

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

RENT A CAR

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman Investment opportunity for lucrative building and decorative product. Contact: 99421513 Email: borderlineomn@gmail.com

SIT.WANTED 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 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 968-99758320 / rangaraj_vck@yahoo.co.in Sr Material controller, having 13 years experience in material controlling in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). Contact 92944026, Email charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact: 99839898

Required partner investor to build an apartment in Al Mobelah.

Contact: 99355330

MATRIMONIAL Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman.

Contact 968 98267338, 0091 9287215726 Ezhava boy age 31 height 5’ 6”, star Makam, aeronautic engineer seeks suitable alliance.

Contact 99550870 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.

Contact 96059801.

GOOD NEWS 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 / 2504980 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

RENT A CAR Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

D8

T U E S D AY, M AY 3, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMP./WEB.

CATERING SERVICES We do industrial catering service, Canteen / mess, 3 times packed meals and all types of catering events.

Contact: 92188777 / 99249899 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 >͘>͘

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 96236476 Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact: 95323517 / 93769089

MANPOWER

^ Zs/ ^ tĞ WƌŽǀŝĚĞ ůĞĂŶĞƌƐ͕ Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

Split & window A/c installation & maintenance specialist package & ducted units. Contact 98667326

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 A/C Maintenance & Servicing, Fridge, Washing machine & Dish washer repairing, Painting & Cleaning services, Electrical & plumbing.

Contact 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Wanted partner handover 20% to 30% running building Construction Company. Contact: 97491117

Service & maintenance of split & window A/C. Contact: 95273713

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

We do building maintenance all kind of works. Contact 99247663 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. contact 24793614/ 99314807 Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723 House shifting. Contact 99708138 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723 Muscat Driving School established for over 15 years drive safe with MDS. Meet our professional friendly Instructor.

Contact: 99773651 / 95840670 Sohar 26844412 Ruwi / Darsait 24781123 MGM 24399951 AL Khudh 24536348 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC Contact: 99344723

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 All MEP & Civil shop drawings.

Contact : 93070771 Email : designjob2014@gmail.com Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact: 91310107 Picking and drop Al Khuwair to Rusayl. Contact: 91287470 / 98957524

Complete building maintenance Midawa Trading Est. Contact: 94614479

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 /99210141

Driver with car.Contact 93346085

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Transportation. Contact: 95190627

CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165 Transportation. Contact 99508282

House Shifting Packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

Transportation. Contact 92015894