Times of Oman - January 4, 2017

WEDNESDAY January 4, 2017 5 Rabi Al Thani 1438 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN MORNING MINUTE

On the occasion of the 26th National Day, 1996

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ It should be remembered that there are numerous training opportunities in both government educational establishments and in private institutes. Omani youth must take advantage of these opportunities, which open the way for them to a fruitful career.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 258 | 36 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

PLENTY OF JOBS FOR OMANIS IN INDUSTRY, SAYS TANFEEDH BOSS

O P E C PAC T

Oil hits $55 for first time in 18 months

$55

SYED HAITHAM HASAN

haitham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Omani crude oil moved beyond $55 per barrel for the first time in 18 months, as oil producing countries see the results of OPEC’s late 2016 pact to reduce production.

Omani crude futures, due for March delivery, traded at $55.04, an increase of 26 cents since last trading on the Dubai Mercantile Exchange, as compliance by oil producing countries kicked off this month.

The agreement in Vienna concluded with OPEC nations and independent pro-

was the price of Omani crude oil futures for March delivery on the Dubai Mercantile Exchange

ducers of crude oil agreeing on a combined output cut of nearly 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) beginning this month, in order to control the global supply glut that brought prices to a 15-year low. Oman’s Ministry of Oil

and Gas has pledged a production cut of 45,000 bpd.

Prices have soared by 20 per cent since the agreement was announced, but experts believe economic stability would return to Oman only if this rally

is sustained by continuous price increases. “It is a great start to 2017, but it is too early to predict anything. Unless there is stability in prices, which is hard to predict, there is very little optimism,” said an economist at a leading firm in Oman.

“The present oil price should sustain for at least short to medium term to have a positive impact on the economy, reducing the deficit and in achieving medium-term fiscal and economic stability, said Mohammed Nayaz, advisory partner at Ernst & Young. >A4

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Atlas hospitals in Ruwi, Ghubrah on sale

1

Two landmark hospitals in Muscat, which treat more than 1,000 patients a day, are to be sold. Atlas International for Commercial Enterprises is selling its health care divisions. >A3

WORLD

MARKET

2

3

Smog returns to China The Chinese capital was on the second-highest orange smog alert. >A10

Aquaculture projects The winners of aquaculture projects to be announced soon. >B1

Greenhouses to teach work skills to disabled

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Private sector can cope with 10,000s of Omanis, says leader of Tanfeedh’s labour market lab REJIMON K CHIEF REPORTER

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Ample job opportunities are available for Omanis in the private sector as the government warns public sector recruitment will be ‘very limited’ in 2017.

That is the view of Shaswar Al Balushi, the head of the Tanfeedh labour market lab, who said thousands of positions currently occupied by expats should go to Omanis, provided they were ready for the challenge of working in the private sector.

Al Balushi, who is also the chief executive of Oman Society of Contractors, told Times of Oman, “There are around 1.5 million expatriate workers in the private sector. Simply, there are 1.5 million job opportunities available in Oman without any investment” “Now, if we avoid half of the low level jobs from the 1.5 million, then we have 700,000 jobs available. Even if we take 10 per cent of this, there are 70,000 jobs.

Only thing is that Omanis have to

If we avoid half of the low level jobs from the 1.5m expats, we have 700,000 jobs. Even if we take 10% of this, there are 70,000 jobs Shaswar Al Balushi Head of Tanfeedh labour market lab

be productive and positive so that businessmen will give them preference,” the CEO added.

As the government seeks to increase the role of the private sector, Tanfeedh is being given prime focus in Oman’s budget strategy. >A6

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

THE BRIEFING OMAN

Inflation expected to rise, hit people’s buying capacity

Oman’s inflation is expected to increase for essential goods and services this year, which will cause a decrease in the purchasing power of consumers, according to a study conducted by BMI Research – a London-based financial firm.

BMI Research projected that Consumer Price Index (CPI)based inflation could go up to 1.5 per cent in 2017.

According to official statistics, Consumer Price Index-based inflation in Oman in November grew by 1.9 per cent, over the same period in 2015. >A5

REGION

Dr. Sa’aud bint Mohammed Suleiman Al Lawatiyah, Deputy Chairperson of the State Council yesterday received Rosemary McCarney, Canada Ambassador and Permanent Representative to United Nations and an activist in human rights, economic development, NGOs, woman, maternity and childhood issues.

During the meeting, the State Council Deputy Chairperson reviewed the social and political achievements made by the Omani woman under His Majesty the Sultan. >A6

Visiting the new Dubai Parks and Resorts

They wait for nightfall before attempting the perilous escape across bombed-out bridges and front lines between IS militants and Iraqi forces. Some cross the Tigris River by boat, after the US-led coalition bombed the five bridges connecting the city to restrict IS movements. Others scale what remains of the bridges using a rope. Most of the 116,000 civilians who have fled since Iraqi forces launched campaign to recapture IS’s stronghold came from the eastern half , where troops have gradually gained ground. >A7

Oman to host Rotax Max Karting Challenge rounds Dubai Parks and Resorts opened its grand doors to the public last month proving it time and again that they can make imaginations come true in the most extravagant way.

Built on 30.6 million square feet of land the park is undoubtedly a huge project. >A14

The Sultanate, represented by the Oman Automobile Association, will host the 6th and 7th rounds of the Rotax Max Karting Challenge at Muscat Speedway race course on Friday and Saturday with the participation of 60 competitors from different categories. >C3

LIFESTYLE

SPORT

A new year, a new era for Oman football

SPORT

Dee Caffari to lead all-women crew in SATT 2017 The women on new German entry DB Schenker have a unique challenge at Sailing Arabia - The Tour: their main aim is to inspire women from across the GCC to follow in their footsteps. British sailing star Dee Caffari returns to the Tour for the fourth time as skipper of the all-women crew and despite putting together a hot shot team, comprising 50 percent Omani sailors, her ambitions are geared more to making a difference than reaching the podium. >C4

PAKISTAN

Pakistan seeks peaceful ties with neighbours: Sharif

Labour Party ‘too weak’ to win an election

Moscow seeks naval drills as warships visit Manila Russia wants to hold maritime drills with the Philippines to help combat terrorism and piracy, sending two warships to Manila for the first official navy-to-navy contact, as Duterte pivots to US’ rivals. >A11

during the calls made by the call center staff or through the Authority’s website.

Customers may also visit any of the 35 customer service centres in Oman and update their data.

PAEW has urged Omanis and expats in the different wilayats to update their data using any of the said means to achieve optimum satisfaction of customers. -ONA

Pim Verbeek was announced as coach of Oman’s National Football Team on December 13, with a mandate to revitalise and return the team to what it once was – an emerging force in Asian football – and then sustain his efforts to take Oman beyond that. >A15

OC names recalled Sultan as Oman T20 captain There seems to be no shortage of surprises at Oman Cricket’s disposal, vis-a-vis their handling of wicketkeeperbatsman Sultan Ahmed. If the former captain’s recall to the list of Twenty20 probables in November had come as a big surprise, the governing body of Oman’s cricket sprang an even bigger surprise on Tuesday by naming 38-year-old veteran as the captain of the 14-member team that will travel to the neighbouring UAE to take part in the Desert T20 International Tournament. >C1

BUSINESS

Oman to invite banks to arrange dollar bond

WORLD

Drive on to update customers data the campaign, which aims at providing customers with better services, customers will be required to update their personal data, such as the name, the phone number, the meter number, the civil ID number and the permanent address.

Customers may update their data very easily either by calling the call centre which operates 24/7 at 1442, answer the questions

WORLD

Amid a chill in Indo-Pak ties, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday called a high-level meeting and reviewed the current status of the country’s ties with its neighbours and strategic partners. >A9

P U B L I C AU T H O R I T Y F O R E L E C T R I C I T Y A N D WAT E R

MUSCAT: To update its customer database, the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) is continuing with its campaign launched last December.

The drive includes updating the data for more than 450,000 customers in the different wilayats.

Since the launching of the campaign, more than 25,000 customers have updated their data. As per

Oman Arab Bank signs partnership with Visa

SPORT

Dense fog delays 112 flights in Delhi

Dense fog cover hit the rail and air traffic hard in northern parts of the country delaying over 100 flights, and a similar number of trains, from the national capital alone, even as some areas in the Kashmir Valley received rains ending five-month-long dry spell.

In the national capital, 112 flights were delayed because of the foggy conditions with visibility remaining below 50 metre between 2.30am and 8.30am, official said. Visibility was 100 metre at 5.30am at Safdarjung which dipped again to 50 metre at 8.30am before improving to 1,200 metre three hours later. Railway officials said 50 trains were running late while 47 were rescheduled.

The minimum temperature was 9.5 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, while the maximum settled at 24 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season’s average. >A8

BUSINESS

Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has joined hands with Visa, the global payments technology company, in a strategic partnership agreement that will convert the bank’s current electron cards to secure chipand-PIN debit cards. >B1

INDIA

OMAN

Women’s progress during HM’s reign discussed

LIFESTYLE

Residents escape Mosul’s besieged west

Britain’s opposition Labour Party is too weak to win a national election and should look to form an alliance with other smaller parties in order to have a chance of regaining power, a Labour-supporting think tank said on Tuesday. >A11

Oman is preparing an international bond sale, two people with knowledge of the deal said, as the country seeks to plug a budget deficit caused by low oil prices. Oman has sent invitations to banks to arrange the sale of a dollar or Islamic bond, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. >B1

15% increase in tourists’ arrival to the Sultanate Oman’s natural beauty is a major attraction, and that is what makes the country stand out from the rest of the Gulf region

GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

gautam@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: New figures show Oman continued to enjoy an increase in tourists, with an additional hundreds of thousands visiting the Sultanate.

Some 2.5 million visitors arrived in Oman in 2016, an increase through the end of October of 300,000, or 15 per cent more than during the same period in 2015, according to data recently released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The reason for the increase, say hoteliers, is because Oman’s natural beauty is a major attraction, and is what makes the country stand out from the rest of the nations in the region “This has more to do with what Oman has to offer,” said Praveen George, General Manager for Sales and Marketing at Al Falaj Hotel. “Oman, as a country, has a lot more to offer than any other country in the GCC because of the natural beauty that we have. We also see that there is a lot more emphasis on tourism, that was not here earlier on.

“More budgets are being allo-

TOURIST DESTINATION: Oman is a great mix of culture, history

and adventure for travellers who are keen to explore. – ONA

cated for tourism, local airlines are participating in a lot of activities related to tourism, and Salalah has also had a huge boost because of the airport there,” he added.

“During the last Khareef Festival in Salalah, visitors increased by about 33 per cent. There was a huge number of tourists because the airport also means that the number of chartered flights to Salalah has increased.

“That’s made it a popular destination in Oman, and once this picks up we need to put such efforts into other locations, also,” noted George.

Although Oman did see an increase in overall tourist numbers, October saw a decrease in visitors, with only 192,000 visiting the Sultanate last year, as opposed to 215,000 in 2015. Of these 2.5 million visitors, 1.24 million, or slightly less than half of all tourists, came from the other GCC countries, while 244,292 tourists travelled from India. A further 133,706 were of British origin, with Germany (98,061) and the Philippines (93,970) both contributing significant numbers.

“Oman has an intriguing past, steeped in myth and folklore,” added Earle Enriquez, Marketing and Communications Executive

for Al Baleed Resort, Salalah.

“Oman is a great mix of culture, history and adventure for travellers who are keen to explore, while sand beaches, shady palm trees and calm waters help those who wish to unwind.

“From historic forts and citadels, endless dunes and untouched beaches, to soaring mountains, vibrant bazaars and lush coconut and banana plantations, Oman features some colourful stories, intertwined with history and legend,” he added.

“During the season known as Khareef, from June through September, Salalah is visited by the Indian Ocean monsoon, with rain blanketing the region, turning the brown coastal plains and mountains into a vibrant green, and visitors witnessing beautiful pastures, waterfalls and verdant forests,” said Enriquez, touching on what Salalah offers tourists.

“Guests can venture into the mountains, which come alive with wildlife, including ibex, gazelles, hyena and Arabian leopards, whilst birdwatchers can spot vast flocks of flamingos, herons and egrets,” she added.

“The festival celebrates the monsoon season with many concerts, traditional performances and cultural displays.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

Atlas hospitals’ sale imminent patients visit Atlas Hospital at the Ruwi and Ghubrah every day, which has some 100 beds

MUSCAT: Two landmark hospitals in Muscat, which treat more than 1,000 patients a day, are to be sold.

Atlas International for Commercial Enterprises is selling its health care divisions, Atlas Hospital and Pharmacy in Ghubrah and Ruwi in Oman.

More than 1,000 patients visit Atlas Hospital at the Ruwi and

DEAL: Staff members and doctors working in the hospital are anticipating a smooth transition to the new owners.

Ghubrah branches every day, which has some 100 beds.

“We have around 300 people on our payroll, including a large number of doctors and nurses,” an official of Atlas Hospital said.

Staff members and doctors working in the hospital are antici-

pating a smooth transition to the new owners.

“We expect that the handover will happen within the next two weeks,” a doctor said, adding that the hospitals will not be shut down during the transition and will continue to treat patients.

OMASCO MANAGING DIRECTOR

Business leader honoured with MENAA 2016 awards Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Omani business leader Hussain Al Lawati has been awarded the “Best Business Leaders Award” for 2016 by the Middle East, North Africa and Asia Award Organisation “MENAA” during an awards ceremony recently held in Dubai.

The event took place in Burj Al Arab in the presence of a group of business leaders from the Gulf, Arab and regional countries.

Customer Delight Award Al Lawati is the managing director of Omasco. His company also received the “Customer Delight Award” during the ceremony.

Commenting on the award, Al Lawati said: “My goal from the day that I started working at Omasco was to build a strong and MEETING

Jordan university official received MUSCAT: Sheikh Khalid bin Omar bin Said Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, received in his Office on Tuesday Dr Rifaat Abdel Halim Al Faouri, President of Yarmouk University, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, former Director General of the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (AADO).

At the beginning of the meeting, Al Marhoon welcomed the guest and wished him a pleasant stay in the Sultanate, praising his active role in the development and enrichment of the administrative work in the Arab world, during his 20072015 tenure as Director-General of AADO Development, appreciating his support for the Sultanate’s attitudes and proposals that it presented within the framework of AADO. Dr Al Faouri, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him in the Sultanate, valuing the royal honouring conferred on him in 2015 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, granting him the Oman Civil Order of the second class in recognition of his significant efforts in serving AADO and its goals.

The meeting also reviewed aspects of cooperation between the Sultanate and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the fields of training, rehabilitation and ways of strengthening them, as well as related fields to scientific knowledge, research and studies concerned with the development of administrative work. — ONA

F U N D A M E N TA L P I L L A R

Zakat fund helps in treatment of more than 160 patients Times News Service MUSCAT: More than 160 patients in Oman have received treatment in 2016 thanks to Zakat funds, according to the Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs.

Zakat is a fundamental pillar of Islam religion. It is a compulsory giving of 2.5 per cent per year of a Muslim’s wealth to the poor and needy. The ministry spent around OMR930,000 of Zakat money last year on charity. In a report, the ministry said it dealt with 9,870 cases in 2016.

Breaking down the numbers, 168 cases were in need for medical

More than 1,000

Times News Service

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WINNER: Hussain Al Lawati has

been awarded the “Best Business Leaders Award” for 2016 by the Middle East, North Africa and Asia Award Organisation.

energised local workforce.”

“As an Omani company, our strategy is focused on developing local talent and turning them into future leaders for our different business units,” he said.

“I personally put in a significant

amount of time on making sure that we have clear development and training programs for our staff, to enable and equip them with the tools needed to further propel the success of Omasco, driven by an informed, educated and empowered local workforce.

Being selected for this award from my peers in the industry is truly humbling, but also a sign that we still have a lot more to do in the coming years,” he added.

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care, 722 needed better living and 53 for housing help.

One case suffered from a natural disaster and was paid OMR600.

Moreover, 50 people received

education funds and 8,857 received other sorts of support. The ministry said it held 11 meetings last year to review the cases in all the governorates of Oman.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

OMAN WAT H I F N Y

Online platform boosts graduates’ connectivity with labour market DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com

Greenhouse to teach work skills to disabled Dar Al Atta’a Association opened the greenhouses, sponsored by Oman’s Dutch community in the state of Bidbid

KHADIJA ALZADJALI

khadija@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Two 720 square metre greenhouses will soon be helping individuals with intellectual and motor impairments participate in the labour force, an experience that would be difficult for many of them in the working world.

Dar Al Atta’a Association (DAA) opened the greenhouses, sponsored by Oman’s Dutch community in the state of Bidbid.

Nada Al Jamali, DAA board member, spent four months putting the project together, and is very happy with the results.

“The greenhouse project was initially thought of by the Al Wafa Center for the Disabled.

They needed OMR11,000 to carry out the project, and the Dutch Community in Oman donated OMR10,000 of the funds.

“We have volunteers at the greenhouses, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, to manage the project.

It’s very much like a community garden, but in the form of a green-

The greenhouse project was initially thought of by the Al Wafa Center for the Disabled. They needed OMR11,000 to carry out the project, and the Dutch Community in Oman donated OMR10,000 of the funds, said Dar Al Atta’a board member Nada Al Jamali

house,” Al Jamali said.

This experience will allow those with disabilities to create a source of income for themselves.

So far, the greenhouses have some 40 individuals, aged 16 and older,

being trained there. “The first harvest was cucumbers, and their reactions were priceless.

“Even though it required a lot of work, they had a feeling of ‘I can do something’. I truly believe that

if we can train them to do something, then they can do it,” Al Jamali added.

Uniforms and boots will be provided, creating a true work experience.

“Work in the greenhouses involve the growing of assorted vegetables, and their being sold for domestic consumption.

MUSCAT: An online recruitment platform that focuses on matching the skills of new Omani graduates and job openings at registered companies is up and running.

Called ‘Wathifny’, the website is a free of charge platform for both job seekers and companies that wish to recruit from it.

“The international community has been utilising the power of the internet to better match job seekers with companies for many years. There has been no such effort that successfully focuses on the Omani market until now, and Wathifny will revolutionise the way companies find potential employees,” said His Highness Dr Sayyid Adham Al Said, Assistant Professor of Economics at Sultan Qaboos University and Managing Partner of The Firm for Business and Economic Consulting.

“There is a mismatch in terms of the job opportunities, and the skills and competencies of graduates, and this platform is more geared towards new graduates, to help them bridge that gap,” noted Adham Al Said. The platform was designed to simplify the recruitment process, where companies are able to register online within five minutes, and once registration is verified they have access to job seekers of all types who are registered on the database.

Companies also have complete flexibility to either post their job openings so that candidates can apply online, or alternatively search for specific candidates in the database.

Once a candidate applies for a job on the platform, the company will be alerted by email and can then evaluate all of the applicant profiles and decide whether they are interested in pursuing those

platform for both job seekers and companies that wish to recruit from it.

D R U G R E S I S TA N C E

A1 Experts sceptical on output cut pact < FROM

Speculation The OPEC agreement is often played down due to speculation about cheating by nations involved in the agreement and over concerns about increased production in countries that are not part of the agreement.

Stronger US dollar among other factors could also cap or derail oil price rally.

“Oil at $55 is excellent, however, there is US shale and other countries ramping up oil production that can disrupt this deal.

“We hope prices go higher though,” said Mohammed Khalid, Country Manager at Descon Engineering.

“If the deal goes through as intended, we will see oil at $60 to $65. At the moment, there are sustainability issues.

“All we have for now is that firings will stop temporarily and we can clear our finances with ease at these prices, but if we want to

candidates, or wait for additional applications. The website is accessible through any mobile device and allows applicants and individuals to list themselves for free.

It is also geared towards Omani businesses and will help showcase their portfolio, training and internship opportunities, as well as any job openings.

“We are building an interactive platform on this website where young graduates can learn more about the companies which are recruiting. We already have a good number of companies involved,” Adham Al Said added.

The team at Wathifny will handle all of the marketing and promotions to ensure a constant stream of new applicants are available for companies.

Launched three months ago, the company has already connected a few hundred graduates with Omani companies. To participate as a company or job seeker, register at wathifny.com

FREE OF CHARGE: Called ‘Wathifny’, the website is a free of charge

OPEC DEAL

“If this happens we will see an increased activity in the economy in terms of the Government releasing development projects in the priority sectors which were withheld in 2016 due to the low oil prices,” he said.

Although the agreement has led to an unprecedented price rally for the first time in three years, the sheer number of variables involved has left experts sceptical.

The team at Wathifny will handle all of the marketing and promotions to ensure a constant stream of new applicants are available for companies

look at new projects in the oil and gas sector, prices must be at $65 per barrel,” he added.

Phil Flynn, senior market analyst at The Price Futures Group in the United States, said if nations adhere to the pledged cuts, prices could reach $65 per barrel.

“This is a historic move by OPEC, and compliance should set the stage for oil to move to $65 a barrel.

“Oman has committed to cut 45,000 barrels, which I believe they will adhere to,” he said.

According to Abdullah Al Mandhari, CEO of EOR LLC, Oman must cut production from fields that are high cost producing and focus on enhanced oil recovery to honour the agreement and keep improving production facilities.

National income “We can increase our national income by cutting down production from high cost production fields.

“Also, budgets from these fields can be channelled to innovative technologies and to the EOR Innovation Center to bring about lower cost innovations in production to Oman, and economical access to those oil reserves we have failed to produce from for over three, and even four decades after their discovery. This will guarantee a very lucrative oil-based economic future for Oman,” he explained.

Gulf infection control body holds meeting MUSCAT: Eighth meeting of the Gulf Committee for Infection Control of the Health Board for the GCC countries began on Tuesday at City Seasons Hotel Muscat in the presence of representatives from the GCC countries.

The two-day meeting, which is hosted by the Sultanate, focuses in its current session on the antimicrobial resistance and reviewing the GCC unified strategy in this regard.

The meeting also reviews what has been achieved in general regarding the prevention programmes and infection control in the previous stage according to the working mechanism approved in the Gulf Plan for Infection Control (2011-2016), as well as developing the general framework for the new plan (2017-2022). In addition, the meeting addresses a scientific file on the approved studies and references in the field of prevention and infection control. It discusses means of strengthening the joint cooperation and exchanging experiences among the member states in the field of scientific research, training and qualification of medical staff.

The agreed recommendations will be submitted to the GCC Health Ministers’ Council after the conclusion. — ONA

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

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PICTURESQUE WADI TIWI

Wadi Tiwi is a spectacularly deep and narrow gorge carved out of the mountains, running between towering cliffs right down to the sea, around 200 kilometres away from Muscat. It’s a serene turquoise water body surrounded by lush plantations, and criss-crossed by a network of gurgling aflaj presents a spectacular view. — Picture: Sharukh Zalam

BMI RESEARCH

Inflation expected to rise, hit people’s buying capacity GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

gautam@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Oman’s inflation is expected to increase for essential goods and services this year, which will cause a decrease in the purchasing power of consumers, according to a study conducted

by BMI Research – a Londonbased financial firm.

BMI Research projected that Consumer Price Index (CPI)based inflation could go up to 1.5 per cent in 2017.

According to official statistics, Consumer Price Index-based inflation in Oman in November grew by 1.9 per cent, over the same period in 2015.

“I feel inflation will hit lowincome people,” said Ramanuj Venkatesh, Assistant Manager Accounts, at Larsen and Toubro.

“Schools, colleges and other public institutions will also be affected, because they need to procure commodities to serve their communities,” he said.

“Hospitals and clinics, which need to buy goods and services that are already quite expensive, will need to absorb this cost, and this will definitely get passed on to the consumer. This may not affect the economy to a great extent, but consumers will surely be affected by this.”

Dr. Anchan CK, managing director of World Wide Business House in Oman, also projected an increase in the cost of living in 2017.

“The cost of living will go up, and in turn will affect all other businesses,” he noted. “Because Oman’s economy is heavily dependent on imported products, this is impacting the prices paid by consumers.

There will be a challenge because manufacturers and retail-

ers cannot assume they can pass on price increases to consumers.

“The impact of inflation will soon hit the Omani consumer,” he added. “This squeeze on profit margins is not good for investment and business for industries that produce goods for consumers, even though this may be balanced by some extent by a boost to exporters,” he added.

“Spending power of consumers will affect the overall economy, as consumption is normally the largest GDP component,” said Dr. Anchan CK. Taimoor Khan, chief investment officer for Zara Investment Holding, said that lower inflation often pointed to lower salary hikes. “Wages are generally a lagging indicator of price increases and inflation, in general.

So, while your rent might not be going up, most likely neither will your salary.

“For a country like Oman, the recovery in oil prices during 2017 will have a positive impact, as those higher revenues pour in over the course of the year,” Khan added.

“This will strengthen the government’s hand to launch new public initiatives, engage in further infrastructure development and broaden the country’s economic capabilities. These actions will have trickle down effects in lots of businesses, thereby reducing the impact inflation will have on people.”

Khan added that adjusting inflation was part of the responsibilities of every government.

“Inflation is the ultimate balancing act that every central bank and government has to perform. If there is too much inflation, then the value of currencies drop and people’s spending powers are reduced,” he added.

Colombo flights delayed, cancelled due to repairs

TRAVEL PLANS: SriLankan Airlines has cancelled several flights and shifted their flights to alternate times of the day during the threemonth renovation. — File photo

be rescheduled for three months due to runway repairs that will stop flight operations during the day at Colombo airport

Times News Service

PURCHASING POWER: BMI Research projected that Consumer Price Index-based inflation could go up to 1.5 per cent in 2017.

A search on the Oman Air website showed that a flight regularly leaves Muscat at 10.10 pm and arrives in Colombo at 3.45 am. The other flight leaves Muscat at 12.15pm and lands in Sri Lanka at 6.05pm

All flights are to

MUSCAT: Passengers travelling to Sri Lanka or using Bandaranayake International Airport (BIA) as a transit stop between January 6 and April 6, 2017 should contact their airlines regarding revised schedules or alternative rout-

ings, say travel agents working in the Sultanate.

According to officials, all flights are to be rescheduled for three months due to runway repairs that will stop flight operations during the day at Colombo airport.

“The airport will remain closed from 8.30am to 4.30pm for runway maintenance work. Therefore, during the day flights will be shifted to other times, while others have been cancelled. So it is better to check with your airline before you are flying,” a senior official of SriLankan Airlines said, adding that their Muscat-Colombo flight

will not be affected, as it lands in the early morning hours.

The national carrier of Oman, Oman Air, however, has changed the schedule for one of its flights beginning January 6.

A search on the Oman Air website showed that a flight regularly leaves Muscat at 10.10 pm and arrives in Colombo at 3.45 am. The other flight leaves Muscat at 12.15 pm and lands in Sri Lanka at 6.05 pm. “But before that, both flights used to land in the morning,” a travel agent said. SriLankan Airlines has cancelled several flights and shifted their flights to alternate

times of the day during the threemonth renovation. “‘As flight operation times have been reduced by eight hours per day, the airport and runway will be extremely busy during the night hours. So passengers using Bandaranayake International Airport are also likely to face unexpected delays. We have started advising our passengers to arrive at Colombo airport at least three hours before departure,” Mahamudur Rahman, a travel consultant at New Star International Travel and Tour LLC, said. Some 20,000 people from Oman visited Sri Lanka in 2016.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

OMAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST

UNTIL APRIL 30

Omani women’s achievements during HM’s reign discussed MUSCAT: Dr. Sa’aud bint Mohammed Suleiman Al Lawatiyah, Deputy Chairperson of the State Council yesterday received Rosemary McCarney, Canada Ambassador and Permanent Representative to United Nations and an activist in human rights, economic development, NGOs, woman, maternity and childhood issues.

During the meeting, the State Council Deputy Chairperson reviewed the social and political achievements made by the Omani woman under the royal care of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

She pointed out that His Majesty the Sultan has allocated October 17 each year as the Omani Women’s Day, to empower them in the different scientific and practical fields.

The Deputy Chairperson of the State Council She also gave an

Majlis committee reviews Tanfeedh Museum to remain open on 7 days

EMPOWERMENT: Dr. Sa’aud bint Mohammed Suleiman Al Lawati-

yah, Deputy Chairperson of the State Council with Rosemary McCarney, Canada ambassador. – ONA

overview of the State Council and its role in supporting the institutions of the Sultanate by practicing its legislative and oversight roles.

The meeting covered a number of other issues of mutual interest and means of enhancing bilateral relations. The Canadian official

expressed her delight on visiting the Sultanate and reviewed the progress made by the Sultanate in various fields.

The meeting was attended

by Eng. Nashi’a bint Saud Al Kharousiyah, member of the State Council Office. -ONA

Shura, unions discuss layoffs, labour issues Chairman of Majlis Al Shura reaffirmed the role of the General Trade Union in

D R A F T L AW S

MUSCAT: National Museum has opened its doors for the visitors seven days a week, starting from Tuesday until April 30.

The museum will remain open from Saturday until Thursday every week from 10 am to 5 pm, while on Friday it will be open from 2 pm until 6 pm. The National Museum received since opening its doors for the pubic visitors on July 30, 2016 until December 31, 2016 about 34,384 visitors. -ONA

MUSCAT: Tanfeedh, the National Diversification Programme was discussed and approved by the Majlis Al Shura Economic and Financial Committee.

It also decided to follow-up the programme, which includes reviewing the draft laws and initiatives approved by Tanfeedh.

The committee discussed the mechanism to follow-up As for the oversight aspect, the Committee decided to follow-up the initiatives proposed by ‘Tanfeedh’ and their implementation methods.

The Committee also reviewed the GCC trademarks draft law, which was referred by the Council of Minister. The committee identified the relevant authorities, which it will meet with to get better idea about the articles of

the law and other issues that will help the committee in studying the draft law.

The Shura Economic and Financial Committee yesterday held its 6th meeting of the second annual sitting (2016/2017) for the 8th term under the chair of Dr. Saleh bin Said Musin, head of the Committee. -ONA

G E R M A N C E R T I F I C AT I O N B O D Y

NCSI gets ISO:9001 quality management certificate MUSCAT: In recognition of its successful implementation of efficient internal work procedures and improved services under its quality framework, the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) has been awarded the certificate of conformity ISO 9001: 2015 for Quality Management.

Its improved services have provided significant value addition to its partners and stakeholders.

The NCSI received the prestigious ISO 9001 certification from the top German certification body

TUV InterCert, one of the most trusted institutions to award ISO certificates.

Dr. Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Barwani, CEO of NCSI, said, “The ISO 9001:2015 certification is a recognition of the Centre’s sustained efforts since its establishment towards enhancing statistical knowledge in the Sultanate, which includes spatial and geographical information.

Further, the awarding body considered NCSI’s successful implementation of a quality system that ensured dissemination of

accurate, up-to-date and relevant data among decision-makers, along with its provision of a host of information services to various segments of the society, before granting us the ISO certification.”

The ISO 9001:2015 standard defines the criteria for an organisation’s quality management system, and considers a number of quality management principles including strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement, among others. -ONA

protecting the rights of workers in Oman

MUSCAT: A number of labour issues related to workers at the private sector, the Labour Law and the Social Insurance Law was discussed by Majlis Al Shura with the chairman and members of General Federation of Oman Trade Unions They also discussed the layoffs by some oil companies that have contracts, as well as other issues related to job seekers.

Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura, reaffirmed the role of the Sultanate’s General Trade Union in protecting the rights of workers.

He expressed the support of the Majlis Al Shura for the rights of the Sultanate’s workers. Everyone is awaiting the completion of draft of the Labour Law and its referral to the Council of Oman, he said.

On the other hand, Nabhan Al Battashi, chairman of the Sultanate’s General Trade Union said that the Union has presented over 41 observations on the draft of the Labour Law and held eight meetings with the ILO, eight sessions with OCCI and four meetings with

the Minister of Manpower. A committee was formed to set the terms of reference, he added.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the office reviewed the letter of the head of the Economic and Financial Committee on the Committees report on studying the hindrances facing the private sector and the incentives required to increase its contribution to the GDP. The meeting discussed the inquiry submitted to the Minister of Education about students affiliated to Omar bin Al Khattab Institute for the Blind.

The office also reviewed the reply of the Minister of Higher Education on the requests by 19 Omani holders of master degrees including 8 graduates of the national post graduate programme.

The reply indicated that the experience requirement is made by the employers.

As for the English language proficiency requirement in the academic job, the reply said that language proficiency is one of the basic requirements that help academic staff present their subjects in a professional manner.

Majlis Al Shura’s Committee on Education and Scientific Research held its 4th meeting of the 2nd annual sitting (2016/2017), headed

by Khalid bin Yahya Al Farie, Head of the Committee.

The committee hosted Mohammed bin Shamis Al Rawahi, Head of Labour Union for the Education Sector and some of the union’s officials to discuss a number of issues related to public and private education in the Sultanate, especially the workers in the private education sector. A presentation was shown in the meeting about the union.

‘AMADEA’ SHIP VISITS SALALAH

The cruise ship ‘Amadea’ with 494 tourists of different nationalities visited Salalah Port yesterday as part of its tour programme to several ports around the world. The ships’ passengers toured major archaeological and historical landmarks in the Governorate of Dhofar, besides visiting beaches and traditional markets. “Amadea” cruise ship came from Jordanian Aqaba Port and it will head to Seychelles on Wednesday.— ONA

Food, water security Majlis Al Shura Food and Water Security Committee held its 2nd regular meeting of the 2nd annual sitting (2016/2017), chaired by Hilal bin Said Al Yahyaie, Head of the Committee.

The meeting considered a number of topics related to food and water security in the Sultanate. It also reviewed the request by the members of the committee on “Legalising the Export of Green Fodder outside the Omani Border.” -ONA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

< FROM

A1 Public sector recruitment

to be limited during 2017

In the 2017 State Budget released on January 1, the Ministry of Finance has said that, recruitment, in public sector during 2017, will be very limited.

“Due to the challenges facing the budget resulting from the sharp fall of oil prices, and higher spending on salaries and wages, the recruitment, in public sector during 2017, will be very limited,” the report adds. The report says that private sector is expected to create job opportunities for Omani youths, through the establishment of investment projects that have economic returns.

Omani workforce Statistics, issued by National Centre of Statistics and Information, show the number of Omani workforce, working in private sector, has increased to 222,000 in 2016, increasing by 13,000.

“This reveals that private sector has been able to recruit such number of citizens, and thus may create further 12,000 – 13,000 jobs over 2017,” the report adds.

“We are willing to hire. But due to the economic conditions, the hiring prospects is still not okay for both Omanis and expatriates.

Firing is happening everywhere.

Private sector is struggling a lot in carrying out the current projects. At this time, if government expects that we will hire, we don’t know how much we will be able to live up to their expectations,” said Anvwar Al Balushi, an industrialist in Oman. Anvwar agreed that replacing expats with Omanis could be a good option but industry needs trained candidates who can work from day 1.

“We providing training is not a practical one. If we are going to do so, then we need to find funds for that. If government is going to support that, then it’s a workable plan,” Anvwar added.

Mohammed Al Busaidi, the head of Majlis Al Shura’s Youth and Human Resources Committee, said that government should start listening to private sector to improve the job prospects for Omanis. “It’s a fact that govern-

ment doesn’t have money and no job openings too to hire Omanis.

So, they should listen to private sector and work together to find openings for Omanis,” the Shura member said.

He also added quick actions should be taken on Tanfeedh proposals and implementation of National Training Fund.

“If it doesn’t happen as earliest as possible, then there will be issues,” the Shura member added.

Last year in June, a survey conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education revealed that oil and gas positions, up until last year the most sought after jobs, have slumped, replaced with careers in tourism, hospitality and banking.

The current economic crisis faced by Oman has impacted job market trends in the country, according to the Employers Survey 2016. The survey, which was released in June, studied the private sector’s views about the suitability of graduates’ abilities and competence and enquired about plans for employing fresh graduates.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

A7

REGION CONFLICT

No talks planned with rival in west: Haftar

FLEEING FOR SAFETY: Displaced Iraqi civilians, who fled the IS stronghold of Mosul, walk in the Mithaq district of eastern Mosul, Iraq,

on Tuesday. – Reuters

Residents escape from besieged west Mosul Some cross the Tigris River by boat, after the US-led coalition bombed the five bridges connecting the city’s two halves to restrict IS movements

HASSAN SHAM (IRAQ): They wait for nightfall before attempting the perilous escape across bombed-out bridges and front lines between IS militants and Iraqi forces.

Some cross the Tigris River by boat, after the US-led coalition bombed the five bridges connecting the city’s two halves to restrict IS movements. Others scale what remains of the bridges using a rope. Most of the 116,000 civilians who have fled Mosul since Iraqi

forces launched their campaign to recapture IS’s biggest stronghold came from the eastern half of the city, where government troops have gradually gained ground.

But as the biggest battle in Iraq since 2003 enters its 12th week, a growing number of people are escaping from the besieged west bank of the Tigris, a half of the city that is still fully under the militants’ control.

“Only the lucky ones get out,” said Jamal, who crossed the river using a rope to climb over the remnants of one bridge and is now at a camp for civilians displaced from Mosul with his wife and three children. “If they opened a route for a quarter of an hour, not a single person would remain on the western side.”

Although there is no fighting yet in the west, food is scarcer than ever since government-backed militias advanced through desert terrain southwest of Mosul in November, sealing IS’s only access route to the city.

Civilians who fled the west in recent days said the militants had announced they would soon distribute food and break the siege in an attempt to placate their increasingly desperate subjects and

convince them to stay. In the runup to the campaign, aid agencies were preparing for a mass exodus from Mosul. So far most of the city’s residents -- numbering as many as 1.5 million -- either have chosen to stay or have been unable to escape.

That has worked in IS’s favour, slowing the progress of Iraqi forces seeking to avoid civilian casualties. Twenty year old Abu Mohsen, whose was ferried across the Tigris by his friend, a fisherman, said when the operation began, most people in the west had planned to wait it out. But as advances slowed last month, their calculations were changing.

Operations “When the operations stopped people said the army will not reach us. They said it will take a year or two,” he said.

Iraqi forces renewed their push to retake the city last week, making progress in several eastern districts. Until recently, the militants punished anyone caught fleeing their self-styled caliphate with execution, but recent arrivals at the camp said the sheer volume of people trying to escape had forced them to lessen the penalty.

K I L L I N G O F PA L E S T I N I A N

Israel awaits verdict in soldier shooting case OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Last March, Sergeant Elor Azaria, a 19-year-old Israeli army medic deployed to the occupied West Bank, shot and killed a Palestinian assailant as he lay wounded and motionless on the ground after attempting to stab an Israeli soldier.

The shooting, and the tense moments leading up to it, were captured on video by a Palestinian human rights activist in the city of Hebron. The video footage, distributed to news organisations, FA L L I N F U N D I N G

Palestinians face budget cuts OCCUPIED RAMALLAH: Foreign financial support to the Palestinian budget is running at about half the forecast level, the Palestinian prime minister told local media on Tuesday, meaning deep cuts will have to be made to the budget this year.

At its cabinet meeting, the government said it expected to run a budget deficit of 4.12 billion shekels in 2017 ($1.06 billion), approaching 15 per cent of gross domestic product.

“We had expected to get $1.2 billion in (external) support and offers but we have only received $640 million so far,” Prime Minister Rami Al Hamdallah told Al Quds newspaper.

Saudi Arabia has in the past been a reliable supporter of the Palestinians, as have the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, but it has cut back its contributions sharply in recent months.

The European Union and the United States have also reduced direct budget support. — Reuters

ensured that the incident, which came amid a wave of Palestinian stabbings, drew international attention. Azaria, now 20, was charged with manslaughter and put on trial in a military court, with the verdict due on Wednesday.

The case has divided Israel, with many citizens, right-wing politicians and some celebrities rallying behind Azaria, saying he is being made a scapegoat and should be let off lightly. His actions, they say, were justified by the Palestinian

violence and the general atmosphere of alarm in Hebron, a city where hundreds of Israeli settlers, under heavy army protection, live among some 200,000 Palestinians.

On the other side stand serving members of the military establishment, who say the shooting cannot be countenanced, that Azaria, who made far-right, antiPalestinian postings on Facebook before being conscripted, acted in cold blood and outside military procedures. — Reuters

“They would have to execute the whole of Mosul, so they started to flog people and send them back home instead,” said 22 year old Abu Abd, who crossed the river three days ago when IS militants were distracted.

Some of the bridges can still be crossed on foot, but IS forbids passage to those they suspect of fleeing to the government side, especially those with women and children.

Most of the boats crossing the Tigris are controlled by IS. Those who make it across the river must then find a way through the frontline between the militants and Iraqi forces, who are fighting street to street.

“When we saw the army it was as though we were dreaming. We couldn’t believe our own eyes,” said Abu Abdullah, who fled from the 17 Tomuz neighbourhood in the west.

The camp is safer, but brings a new kind of hardship. The displaced are not allowed out for security reasons and have no work.

For some, it proves too much.

Camp workers and displaced people said a displaced man had cut his own throat in a bathroom cubicle on Sunday. — Reuters

ROME: Eastern Libya’s dominant military figure has no plans to resume talks with his UN-backed rival in the west, according to comments in an interview that may further dent foreign hopes of an end to years of conflict in the divided country.

Strongman Khalifa Haftar and Fayez Seraj, who heads the internationally recognised administration in Tripoli, were expected to meet in Algiers in coming days, a source close to the Algerian government said.

They were to discuss the possibility of forming a government of national union, the source told Reuters.

But Haftar said talks with Seraj begun 2-1/2 years ago had yielded no result and the existing state of war now required combat rather than politics.

“Once the extremists are defeated we can go back to talking about democracy and elections. But not now,” Haftar was quoted as telling

Tuesday’s edition of Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The outlook for Seraj’s government, already uncertain as it struggles to fulfil Western hopes that it could bring stability to Libya, worsened on Monday when one of its deputy leaders announced his resignation, saying it had failed to tackle urgent problems.

Haftar said his forces now controlled about 80 per cent of the country, according to the newspaper. A deeply divisive figure portrayed by his rivals as a military strongman seeking national power, he has been waging a campaign against hardliners sand other opponents in eastern Libya for more than two years.

Haftar has close ties to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and said that on a recent trip to Moscow he had tried to reactivate contracts there that were interrupted in 2011, when an uprising toppled former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. — Reuters

A8

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 We appealed to the Union Home Ministry to send in the CRPF to ensure our safety and security. A contingent of CRPF was sent to BJP office to ensure our safety Rahul Sinha, BJP national secretary

INDIA

Akhilesh faction lays claim on cycle symbol, split formalised The real Samajwadi Party belongs to us as 90 per cent of the people support us, Ram Gopal, who is Mulayam’s cousin and has sided with Akhilesh in the family feud, told reporters

NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW: The split in SP was on Tuesday formalised, with the Akhilesh Yadav camp approaching the Election Commission to assert that the party is “actually” headed by the chief minister now and not its founder Mulayam Singh who had knocked at the doors of the poll panel on Tuesday to lay claim on ‘cycle’ symbol.

Hours after his camp staked claim over the party and its election symbol ‘cycle’, Akhilesh drove to his father’s residence and was with him for nearly two hours, leading to speculation

JUBILANT: SP workers celebrate after UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav elected party’s national

president unanimously during Samajwadi Party national convention in Lucknow on Sunday.

about patch-up efforts which was discounted by the chief minister’s camp as “too late”.

Shivpal Yadav, Mulayam’s brother who is at loggerheads with Akhilesh, also joined them after coming back from Delhi. Leaders from the Akhilesh faction -- Ram Gopal Yadav, Naresh Agarwal and Kiranmoy Nanda -- met the Election Commissioners on Tuesday morning to stake claim over SP

and its election symbol.

“The real Samajwadi Party belongs to us as 90 per cent of the people support us,” Ram Gopal, who is Mulayam’s cousin and has sided with Akhilesh in the family feud, told reporters after meeting the commission.

He was asked about what he conveyed to the commission on the party and its symbol. Now, with the rival factions staking

TRIGGERING LANDSLIDES

- PTI

claim over the party and its symbol, the ball is in the commission’s court. Since the assembly elections to Uttar Pradesh are set to be announced any day now, the commission has little time to adjudicate the matter. As an interim measure, it is now likely to freeze the cycle symbol and ask the two factions to contest on a new symbol. It may also give the two sides a new name to contest the polls till

the time a final decision is taken on the real ‘ownership’ of Samajwadi Party and its symbol ‘cycle’.

While Mulayam, who was in Delhi since Tuesday afternoon, returned to Lucknow, his close confidant Mohd Azam Khan reached the national capital and said he would do what he can to bring about a rapprochement.

“Anything is possible. Who would have thought that their expulsion would be revoked,” he told reporters here, referring to Akhilesh and Ram Gopal. A bitter critic of Mulayam’s close aide Amar Singh, Khan has maintained a neutral profile in public during the ongoing feud.

After Akhilesh’s meeting with Mulayam in Lucknow during which Shivpal was also present, there was speculation about patch-up efforts. However, a senior party leader close to Akhilesh told PTI that “it too late.

“There is no scope for any settlement. EC will decide who will have SP’s cycle”.

Earlier in the day, Akhilesh, who was anointed by his faction as the SP president on Sunday, reportedly spoke to Mulayam over phone.

Before the Commission proceeds to adjudicate the matter, it will ask Mulayam and Akhilesh to respond to the claims by the opposite side.

The process, EC sources said, may take up to four months before a final order is issued. - PTI

VISIBILITY LOW

Fog delays 112 flights in Delhi NEW DELHI: Dense fog cover hit the rail and air traffic hard in northern parts of the country delaying over 100 flights, and a similar number of trains, from the national capital alone, even as some areas in the Kashmir Valley received rains ending five-monthlong dry spell.

In the national capital, 112 flights were delayed because of the foggy conditions with visibility remaining below 50 metre between 2.30am and 8.30am, official said.

Visibility was 100 metre at 5.30am at Safdarjung which dipped again to 50 metre at 8.30am before improving to 1,200 metre three hours later. Railway officials said 50 trains were running late while 47 were rescheduled. The minimum temperature was 9.5 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, while the maximum settled at 24 degrees Celsius, four notches above the season’s average.

Meanwhile, high-altitude areas of Kashmir received snowfall and parts of plains recorded rain ending five-month dry spell, the longest in four decades. Leh continued to remain the coldest place in the state with a low of minus 10.5 degrees Celsius, while the nearby Kargil town recorded a dip of almost two degrees in the night temperature, which settled at minus 9.3 degrees Celsius. The famous ski resort of Gulmarg witnessed about five inches of snowfall since the wee hours, much to the delight of the visitors who have come in good numbers. - PTI

CHIT FUND SCAM

5.7 magnitude quake jolts Trinamool leader Bandyopadhyay northeast; one dead, four hurt arrested in Rose Valley case AGARTALA: A moderate intensity earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter Scale and epicentred in Tripura jolted the country’s northeast on Tuesday afternoon, triggering landslides in the hill state and leaving a woman dead and four others injured.

According to the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre of the temblor which occurred at 1439 hours was in Dhalai district in Tripura at a depth of 28 km.

Panic-stricken people ran out of homes, offices and buildings in the region. Fifty-year-old woman Kamalini Kanda died after suffering a heart attack at her residence at Natunbagan in Kamalpur subdivision of the district, local MLA, Anjan Das, said.

“It was terrible as the quake lasted for about one and half minutes,”

Biswajit Bhattacharya, a resident of the area, said. At least 30 houses developed cracks, officiating Subdivisional Magistrate of Kamalpur in Dhalai, Amitava Chakma, said.

“It was the strongest earthquake that I have experienced till date.

It felt as if the whole building would collapse,”Pradip Mallik, an Agartala resident, said.

The quake was traced to a location in Ambassa area, about 59km from Agartala, an official at the Regional Seismological Centre said.

The officer-in-charge of Dhalai and Unakoti districts of state fire service department, Sukumar Debbarma, said landslides occurred in a number of places in a five-km radius along the Chhamanu-Gobindabari road.

Debbarma said a portion of the boundary wall of the fire service

office at Unakoti district had collapsed due to the earthquake.

“A 20-metre stretch of the boundary collapsed,” he said.

Four persons including two women were injured in adjacent Unakoti district and all of them were admitted to the district hospital, police said. Manik Deb, a resident of Kailashahar town of the district, fainted during the quake while Prashanta Das, a mason was seriously injured when he fell from roof while working. Azerunnesa (30) of the town was injured when a brick fell from a roof on her, while Lipika Malakar, who lives in the outskirts of the town was injured as she tripped while running in fear. Officials in Meghalaya said the quake was felt for quite some time but there was no report of damage anywhere in the state. -PTI

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Sudip Bandyopadhyay was on Tuesday arrested by the CBI in the Rose Valley chit fund scam, provoking a violent attack by his supporters on BJP’s state headquarters here which left several people injured and set off a fresh bout of recrimination between the two parties.

Bandyopadhyay, the second TMC MP to be arrested in the scam within a week after actorturned-politician Tapas Pal, was earlier subjected to questioning for more than four hours, CBI sources said.

“Bandyopadhyay could not give proper answer regarding Rose Valley-sponsored foreign trips and he did not cooperate in the investigation,” they said.

Agitated over the arrest of Bandyopadhyay, a confidante of TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, hordes of party workers descended on the BJP office in central Kolkata, chanting anti-Narendra Modi slogans and hurling stones, leaving several workers of the saffron party injured and half-a-dozen cars parked outside damaged.

BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha claimed 15 party workers

SHOCKED: Trinamool Congress MLA Naina Bandyopadhyay ar-

rives at CBI Office at Salt Lake near Kolkata on Tuesday after her husband Sudip Bandyopadhyay was arrested in connection with Rose Valley chit fund scam. - PTI

were injured in the attack. As the protest continued, a Central Reserve Police Force contingent was rushed to secure BJP office and ensure safety of its workers.

“We appealed to the Union Home Ministry to send in the CRPF to ensure our safety and security. A contingent of CRPF was sent to BJP office to ensure our safety,” Sinha said. Stung by Bandyopadhyay’s arrest, a furious Mamata Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using central agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax department against his

political rivals who were raising their voice against demonetisation. Mamata alleged that Bandyopadhyay was arrested under “pressure from the PMO” and wondered “why should Narendra Modi and Amit Shah not be arrested?”

“I just can’t think that Sudip Bandyopadhyay, who is our party’s leader in the Lok Sabha will be arrested. I also have information that Modi wants to arrest many other TMC leaders like Abhishek Banerjee, Sovan Chatterjee (city mayor) and Firhad Hakim (minister),” she told reporters immediately after his arrest. - PTI

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PAKISTAN

Pakistan seeks peaceful ties with neighbours: Sharif Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective and we must strive for realising this objective

remarks come amid severe chill in IndiaPakistan ties after terrorists attacked an Indian army base in Uri in September

ISLAMABAD: Amid a chill in Indo-Pak ties, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday called a high-level meeting and reviewed the current status of the country’s ties with its neighbours and strategic partners.

Sharif said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries of the region and looks forward to establish strong and

Nawaz Sharif Prime Minister

mutually beneficial relations with them. He chaired a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s House here and reviewed the current status of Pakistan’s relations with its neighbours and strategic

Census to begin in lower Sindh from March 15

Maryam Nawaz beneficiary of London flats, says Imran ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan on Tuesday said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz is the beneficiary of luxury flats in London.

The PTI leader submitted fresh documentary evidence in the Supreme Court (SC) against the premier’s family over its alleged involvement in the Panamagate scandal. According to the documents submitted in the apex court

by PTI’s lawyer Naeem Bukhari, the prime minister’s daughter is the beneficiary of the luxury flats in London. Addressing the media after submitting the documents, PTI chairman Imran Khan said he will prove five points through the papers. “Maryam was beneficiary and the real owner of Nelson and Nescon,” the PTI chief said.

“There was no trust which Hussain established and of which Maryam was trustee. In fact she was the real owner,” he added.

IThe PTI chief also questioned where Maryam Nawaz got money from to purchase the London flats when she is her father’s beneficiary. - Express Tribune

local government, social welfare and revenue departments.

“In this process, the (CNIC) ID card is a must for the head of the family, otherwise the house or family will not be counted,” said sources requesting anonymity.

They added that the government has decided to approach the federal government to mobilise special teams of NADRA to issue CNICs in the rural areas of the province for the forthcoming housing census.

Briefing about the administrative arrangement, the officials in the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics said that a district will be called ‘census district’, which will comprise blocks, census circles and census charge.

Each block in urban or rural areas comprises 200 to 250 houses while a census circle will have five to seven blocks or 1,500 houses on an average.

Meanwhile, the census charge will comprise five to seven census circles. “Only two forms have been designated in this process,” said an official.“Form-I is for household listing operation and form-II is for collection of individual information on housing characteristics.”

According to a presentation given to the chief minister, there will be 931 census charges, 5,120 circles, 38,634 blocks and 44,685 census areas in Sindh. For this, around 27,905 staff members, including 19,317 enumerators, 5,120 supervisors and 931 superintendents, will be deployed to conduct the census. - Express Tribune

Balochistan agrees on tax breaks for domestic investors in Gwadar KARACHI: The government of Balochistan has, in principle, agreed to offer similar tax breaks to domestic investors at the Chinese-run Gwadar industrial estate that are being enjoyed by foreign investors for up to 40 years.

“Balochistan’s chief minister has assured us that he will declare it (the industrial estate) a free zone,” Waqas A. Lasi, GM Finance of the Gwadar Industrial Estate Development Authority (GIEDA), said while briefing a group of journalists from Karachi.

The Balochistan government was in contact with the federal government, which was overseeing development projects in Gwadar, in a bid to offer tax exemptions to the domestic investors as well, he said. The federal government has provided 23-year tax holiday, including all federal, provincial and local taxes, charges and levies, to foreign investors on corporate income at the industrial estate.

Other benefits include exemption from import duties and sales tax on all imports of material and equipment required for the construction, expansion and operation of the Gwadar port for 40 years; exemption from duties on oil in ship bunkers; exemption from income tax on the interest income on loans and exemption from stamp duties on loans.

GIEDA Managing Director Fareed Ahmed M Hasni said, “If the government provides similar tax benefits for the domestic investors for 10 to 20 years, it will help woo them easily and quickly.”

EXTRACTING CONCESSIONS

Government gives Fazl cold shoulder in dealing with PPP ISLAMABAD: The government has given its staunchest political ally the cold shoulder after it sought to cash in on the tiff between the PML-N and the PPP, The Express Tribune has learnt.

Not long ago, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of his eponymous faction of Jamiat Ulemae-Islam, had offered his services to win over the Pakistan Peoples Party, but the PML-N top cadres refused to assign him the role.

Sources say the PML-N leadership knew that in return the JUI-F would seek favours to pursue its interests in KhyberPakhtunkhwa – something not acceptable to the ruling party.

The JUI-F eyes the lion’s share in recruitments in the tribal region.

It also seeks a hefty amount in the name of development funds, important appointments in the government departments and ministries and a significant quota for Umrah operators in the religious affairs ministry.

“They complain that ‘we are

realising this objective.

This could be possible only when we demonstrate a commitment to our aspirations of peace, progress and prosperity,” Sharif said during the meeting. His re-

marks come amid severe chill in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistanbased terrorists attacked an Indian army base in Uri in September.

Sharif added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a “cornerstone of our own quest for regional connectivity and shared prosperity”.

The meeting evaluated various policy options in response to different challenges in regard to foreign relations. It focused on issues pertaining to regional, external and internal security situation.

It also reviewed bilateral and multi-lateral relations with neighbouring countries, future roadmap for regional stability and maintenance of mutually beneficial relations with all countries in the region and beyond. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI chief Lt Gen. Naveed Mukhtar, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Lt. GenNasser Khan Janjua and other senior officials attended the meeting. - Express Tribune

PA NA M AG AT E S C A N D A L

EXEMPTIONS

AFTER 19 YEARS

KARACHI: After a good 19 years, the sixth population census will be held in the country.

Its first phase will kick off in lower Sindh on March 15, which will be completed within two months.

During a meeting on Monday, officials informed the chief minister that the first phase will cover lower Sindh, including the Karachi, Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions, after which the second phase will be carried out in Sukkur, Larkana and Benazirabad divisions.

“In each phase, three days have been fixed for house listing and 10 days for census by acquiring the information about family members in a house,” provincial census commissioner Aleem Memon said.

“One day has been fixed for homeless people. It means this process will be finished in 14 days in each division but each phase will be completed within a month because of other documents’ requirement and verification.”

According to officials, the process will be carried out under the security cover of the army.

The meeting was informed that the first phase will start simultaneously in each province while the second phase will start after 10 days of the completion of the first.

Two blocks will be covered by one enumerator in each phase and one soldier will accompany each enumerator.

The enumerators and supervisors will be from the education,

partners, according to an official statement.

“Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective and we must strive for

A9

Maulana Fazlur Rehman

part of the government and we support you, but you don’t support us in a big way’,” a federal minister said requesting anonymity. “Stakes are high, they want more than their share.”

Insiders say the politico-religious cleric had met PPP Cochairman Asif Ali Zardari and opposition leader Khursheed Shah ahead of the December 27 deadline set by the PPP for the acceptance of its four demands, and assured them that he would help

in extracting concessions for the PPP in the backdrop of the prevailing situation in Karachi.

The issue, sources say, figured high in Fazl’s meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last Tuesday. Reportedly, the JUI-F chief conveyed a reconciliatory message to Premier Sharif on Zardari’s behalf. Contrary to the reports suggesting the possibility of backdoor contacts between the PML-N and the PPP, Fazl was told that there would be no concessions as far as Karachi was concerned and that the security establishment and government were in agreement over taking on terrorism in Karachi.

“It was politically embarrassing for Fazl that he came to the forefront as a ‘mediator’ between the two parties but failed to make an impact,” said the minister.

The JUI-F chief has denied his efforts to mediate between the PML-N and PPP were more of a bargaining chip to secure the JUIF interests. - Express Tribune

The federal government has provided 23-year tax holiday, including all federal, provincial and local taxes, charges and levies, to foreign investors on corporate income at the industrial estate

The industrial estate is spread over an area of 3,000 acres, which is 35km from the main Gwadar deep-sea port.

Highways, the under-construction airport and proposed railway tracks are close to the estate, as these are the three basic infrastructure demands of the industrialists the world over.

According to Lasi, GIEDA has received Rs1.75 billion for development of the industrial zone under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

With the available funds, the land development authority is building basic infrastructure, including road networks and street lights, over 500 acres of land.

The government is charging

Rs1.5 million per acre for development work from the interested industrialists as land is being provided free of charge to them.

Almost all the available land in the estate has been allocated to the industrialists.

This includes the 900 acres whose allocation had been cancelled earlier after the industrialists could not show progress on their proposed projects.

Lasi revealed GIEDA was in talks with the government to provide more land in and around the industrial estate.

“The land, which is expected to be handed over to the authority soon, will be allotted to overseas Pakistanis…My email box is full of such inquiries from overseas investors.”

He said Zeal Pakistan Cement would be the first industrial unit in the estate that was likely to begin distribution in the next one year.

Baosteel of China has also expressed interest in setting up a huge production plant.

“We expect 50 to 100 industrial units to start construction work by December 2017 and they will begin production by 2020,” Lasi said.

“Industrialisation will be at its full pace here in the next three to four years.”

With the availability of electricity, gas and water, for which projects were either being developed or at the planning phase, he said, the process of setting up more industrial units would pick up pace. - Express Tribune

A10

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

WORLD

Beijing also cut total coal consumption to below 10 million tonnes in 2016, down from 23 million in 2013.

It closed 335 polluting factories and ordered 424,000 obsolete high-emitting vehicles off the road last year.

Smog returns to Beijing as China claims air quality getting cleaner Pollution alerts are common in northern China, especially during bitterly cold winters when energy demand, much of it met by coal, soars

BEIJING: The Chinese capital was on the second-highest orange smog alert in the depth of winter on Tuesday but city officials said the air quality was improving overall, citing data for last year.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled and highways closed across northern China over the new year holiday as average concentrations of small breathable particles known as PM2.5 soared above 500 micrograms per cubic metre in Beijing and surrounding regions.

Alerts Pollution alerts are common in northern China, especially during bitterly cold winters when energy demand, much of it met by coal, soars. But the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau told state media that PM2.5 concentrations dropped 9.9 per cent on the year to an average of 73 micrograms per cubic metre in the Chinese capital in 2016.

The total number of “blue sky days” reached 198 last year, up 12 from 2015. However, the average PM2.5 measure still exceeded national air quality standards by 109 per cent, the bureau said.

Beijing also cut total coal consumption to below 10 million tonnes in 2016, down from 23 million in 2013. It closed 335 polluting factories and ordered 424,000 obsolete high-emitting vehicles off the road last year, state news agency Xinhua said.

Expected to persist Despite a brief respite on Monday, smog returned to the Chinese capital on Tuesday, with PM2.5 readings again at “hazardous” levels.

Smog is expected to persist in the region until a cold front arrives on January 8, Xinhua said.

China’s weather bureau also issued its first ever fog red alert on Tuesday, saying that visibility could fall below 50 metres across northern China.

Poor visibility prompted three major northern ports to suspend the loading of ships on Tuesday, maritime safety agencies said.

China is in the third year of a “war on pollution” aimed at reversing the damage done to its skies, soil and water after decades of un-

HAZARDOUS: A view of sunset is seen in smog in Zhengzhou, Henan province, China. Below left: People wearing masks dance at a square among heavy smog during a pol-

luted day in Fuyang, Anhui province. Below left: People exercise among heavy smog in Hefei, Anhui province. – Reuters/ China Daily/via Reuters

trammelled economic growth.

It has created emergency response systems to curb traffic and shut down factories and construction sites during periods of heavy smog, and has also vowed to pun-

ish local officials and enterprises that break rules. During a bout of smog in December, inspectors identified 21 enterprises that had violated regulations.

Over the new year, 10 more

PROTECTION: A police officer wears a face mask on a polluted day in Beijing, China, Tuesday. – Reuters

inspection teams went to cities across the region and more than 500 enterprises and construction sites, as well as 10,000 drivers, were punished for breaches, Xinhua said.

On Tuesday, the smoggiest province, Hebei, said six local enterprises had violated emergency restrictions during the latest alerts, with one refusing entry to inspectors. — Reuters

China has created emergency response systems to curb traffic and shut down factories and construction sites during periods of heavy smog, and has also vowed to punish local officials and enterprises that break rules. During a bout of smog in December, inspectors identified 21 enterprises that had violated regulations

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D E A D LY F I R E

Indonesia to prosecute boat captain for negligence JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to prosecute the captain of a tourist boat for negligence after a fire ripped through the vessel on New Year’s Day, killing at least 23 people and injuring dozens, police said on Tuesday.

The boat was carrying about 250 people before it was engulfed by flames shortly after leaving Jakarta. uthorities were still searching the waters around the port for victims, while bodies retrieved from the charred ship were still being identified, said Hendra Sudirman, head of Jakarta’s Search and Rescue agency.

After questioning, the captain had been named a suspect, Indonesian police said.

“We have detained the captain of the boat since the incident.

His status is now a suspect based on information from the crew, the passengers,” Argo Yuwono, a spokesman for Jakarta’s Metro Police, said on Tuesday.

Shipping law Under the shipping law, if a captain causes deaths by sailing a ship knowing it is not seaworthy he can be jailed for up to 10 years. Negligence causing death under the criminal code is punishable by up to five years in jail.

Sea accidents are frequent in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago, with vessels often overloaded, poorly maintained or having too few life jackets. — Reuters

WORLD

UK’s opposition Labour party ‘too weak’ to win an election The head of Britain’s biggest trade union and Labour’s largest financial backer said he did not think Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn would seek to cling on to power if the party’s opinion poll ratings were “still awful”

With polling in the past overstating Labour’s popularity, it could actually win as few as 140 seats, the think tank, one of Labour’s original founders, said

LONDON: Britain’s opposition Labour Party is too weak to win a national election and should look to form an alliance with other smaller parties in order to have a chance of regaining power, a Labour-supporting think tank said on Tuesday.

Beset by internal rifts, the party has struggled to articulate a clear position on Brexit which it had campaigned against, giving Prime Minister Theresa May’s ruling Conservatives a freer ride as she plots Britain’s divorce from the EU. Opinion polls consistently put Labour about 10 percentage points behind the Conservatives and if replicated at the next election due in 2020, Labour would win less than 200 seats in the 650-

seat House of Commons for the first time since 1935, the left-wing Fabian Society said.

With polling in the past overstating Labour’s popularity, it could actually win as few as 140 seats, the think tank, one of Labour’s original founders, said in an analysis paper entitled “Stuck”.

“For the time being Labour has no realistic chance of winning an election outright,” said Fabian Society General Secretary Andrew Harrop.

“It is much more plausible to imagine a group of anti-Conserv-

ative parties securing sufficient votes to form a governing alliance... although even this would still require a very large reversal in Labour’s present fortunes.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a veteran socialist, was re-elected in September after a challenge from one of his lawmakers that exposed sharp divisions between the party’s elected representatives and grassroots supporters.

On Monday, the head of Britain’s biggest trade union and Labour’s largest financial backer was reported as saying he did not think

Corbyn would seek to cling on to power if the party’s opinion poll ratings were “still awful” in 2019.

Commentators say Labour’s weakness is giving May breathing space on her plans for Brexit about which she has so far given few details.

It has also meant her attention has been on addressing divisions in her own party between those who want a “hard Brexit” with a focus on curbing immigration and those who want Britain to remain in the EU’s single market.

However, despite its problems

WA R G A M E

and the fact only half of those who voted for the party in 2015 say they support it today, the quirks of Britain’s first-past-the-post electoral system mean Labour will not die out, Harrop said.

“Labour is too strong to be supplanted by another opposition party; and too weak to have any realistic chance of governing alone...

The question now is whether the party can move forward, not back?” he said.

Labour’s poor ratings and a court battle over whether parliament’s approval is needed to begin EU divorce talks have increased speculation that May, appointed prime minister after June’s Brexit vote, could seek to boost her slim parliamentary majority by calling a snap vote.

Labour already face an upcoming electoral test after lawmaker and vocal Corbyn critic Jamie Reed, whose northern English constituency voted strongly in favour of Brexit, said he would step down this month.

In a December election for a vacant Conservative-held parliamentary seat, Labour slipped from second to fourth place.

The Fabian Society said Labour faced a “Brexit dilemma” with leave supporters flocking to May’s Conservatives and remainers to the pro-EU Liberal Democrats.

“Labour needs to be the party for the millions of voters who were neither die-hard remainers nor leavers,” said Harrop. — Reuters PAT H O G E N I C S T R A I N

Navy carrier conducted drills in South China Sea SHANGHAI: China’s sole aircraft carrier conducted drills in the South China Sea, the navy said, days after neighbouring Taiwan said the carrier and accompanying ships had passed 90 nautical miles south of the island amid renewed tension between the two sides.

The Soviet-built Liaoning aircraft carrier and accompanying warships sailed round the east coast of Taiwan in what China called a routine exercise complying with international law.

The carrier’s J-15 fighters conducted flight exercises in “complex sea conditions” on Monday, the People’s Liberation Army Navy said on its official microblog late the same day.

The carrier group also ran helicopter exercises, it said, but did not give details on the exact location. China claims most of the South China Sea through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbours Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. The drills also come at a time of heightened strain with self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, following US President-elect Donald Trump’s telephone call with the island’s president that upset Beijing.

Last month China conducted its first ever live-fire drills using an aircraft carrier close to Korea and announced on December 25 that the Liaoning and its accompanying fleet would carry out what it called routine exercises in the Western Pacific. Taiwan’s De-

A1 1

EXERCISE: Chinese J-15 fighter jets being launched from the deck of the Liaoning aircraft carrier during military drills in the South

China Sea on Monday. – AFP

fence Ministry said on December 26 that the Liaoning and five accompanying ships had entered the top half of the South China Sea after passing south of Taiwan, and later docked at a base on China’s Hainan island.

The flotilla raised alarm in Ja-

pan when it steamed between the Japanese islands of Miyako and Okinawa. Japan said one of its Maritime Self Defence Force ships and a P3C patrol aircraft had spotted six Chinese naval vessels including the Liaoning traveling through the passage, and they also

scrambled jets after a helicopter that took off from a Chinese frigate flew near Miyako Island.

China has been angered recently by US naval patrols near islands that China claims in the South China Sea. This month, a Chinese navy ship seized a US underwa-

ter drone in the South China Sea. China later returned it.

China’s air force conducted long-range drills this month above the East and South China Seas that rattled Japan and Taiwan.

China said those exercises were also routine. — Reuters

China confirms human bird flu case in Guizhou BEIJING: Health authorities in the southern Chinese province of Guizhou have confirmed a new human case of H7N9 avian influenza, state radio said, bringing the total number of human infections of the highly pathogenic strain to 19 this winter.

The 49-year old man, who is a chicken trader, was being treated in hospital in Qiannan prefecture, the report said on Sunday. The local authorities were taking precautions to try and prevent the infection from spreading, the report said. A total of 19 people have been infected with bird flu in China so far this winter, all with the H7N9 strain, killing at least three of them. Regional fears of a major bird flu outbreak have been raised by a record outbreak of avian influenze in poultry in South Korea as well as infections in birds in Japan.

The last major bird flu outbreak in mainland China - from late 2013 to early 2014 - killed 36 people and led to more than $6 billion in losses for the agricultural sector.

China has culled more than 170,000 birds in four provinces since October and closed some live poultry markets after people and birds were infected by strains of the avian flu. The outbreak among poultry has been the H5N6 type, another highly pathogenic strain of the disease. However, The H7N9 strain is highly pathogenic in humans, causing severe respiratory disease, but is not virulent among birds, making it nearly impossible for farmers to detect, experts said. — Reuters

ECONOMIC CRIME

South Korea seeks extradition of daughter of president’s friend SEOUL: South Korean authorities said on Tuesday they will proceed with steps to extradite Chung Yoora, the daughter of a central figure in a South Korean political scandal that has led to a parliamentary vote to impeach President Park Geun-hye.

Chung is being held in Denmark after police there arrested her on Sunday in the northern city of Aalborg. Denmark’s public prosecutor said on Monday that Chung will remain in custody for four weeks after having been charged with committing economic crime in South Korea.

Chung is the 20-year-old daughter of Choi Soon-sil, a long-time friend of Park accused of colluding with the president to pressure businesses to contribute to non-profit organisations. Both have denied wrongdoing. Choi is

ACCUSED OF COLLUDING: People watch a screen showing a news report on the arrest of Chung Yoo-Ra, centre, the 20-year-old daughter of the woman dubbed South Korea’s “Rasputin”, at a railway station in Seoul on Tuesday. – AFP

in detention as she undergoes trial in Seoul. “Chung has said she is willing to return to South Korea in three days if she is set free upon entry, which the government has

declined to accept,” South Korea’s special prosecutor’s office said in a statement on Tuesday.

It added there was a chance Chung, an equestrian competi-

tor who trained in Germany, may choose to return to South Korea voluntarily. The scandal has drawn hundreds of thousands of protesters onto the streets of Seoul for weekly demonstrations and could result in Park, 64, becoming the first democratically elected South Korean leader to leave office early.

Park was impeached by parliament late last year, a decision that must be upheld or rejected by the Constitutional Court. Arguments were set to begin on Tuesday in a court process that could take several months.

Chung’s state-appointed lawyer in Denmark, Jan Schneider, said he was likely to appeal any decision to extradite her. “I think it is disappointing Danish police and the Danish court has been drawn into a South Korean political conflict, which has nothing to do with

Denmark,” he said outside the courthouse in Aalborg in video carried by Danish TV. Denial Chung told Korean reporters at the courthouse she had come to Denmark in late September and denied having knowledge about her mother’s business transactions, and said the last time she saw Park was when she was in elementary school.

“I have been advising her, as her lawyer, that it would be better for her to be investigated in South Korea,” Chung’s Korean lawyer Lee Kyung-jae told Yonhap News Agency.

“She is most concerned about where her baby will be if she comes back to South Korea and is detained,” said Lee, who also represents Chung’s mother, Choi.

Chung has an infant son who was among those with her when she was detained. Reuters was not immediately able to reach Lee. South Korean authorities have sought Chung for alleged criminal interference related to her academic record and other unspecified charges.

As part of their investigation, South Korean prosecutors are trying to ascertain whether Samsung Electronics sought favours from Choi and Park in return for funding some of their initiatives. An element of the investigation has been Samsung’s sponsorship of Chung’s riding career.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s ambassador to Denmark delivered a letter of intent to Chung to cancel her passport, Yonhap reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed diplomatic sources. — Reuters

A12

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

WORLD Gunman in Istanbul attack may have trained in Syria Some Turkish media reported that police were seeking a 28-year-old Kyrgyz national believed to be the gunman

ISTANBUL: The gunman who killed 39 people in an Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s Day in an attack claimed by IS appears to have been well versed in guerrilla warfare and may have trained in Syria, a newspaper report and a security source said on Tuesday.

The attacker, who remains at large, shot dead a police officer and a civilian at the entrance to the exclusive Reina nightclub on Sunday. He then opened fire with an automatic rifle inside, reloading his weapon half a dozen times and shooting the wounded as they lay on the ground.

In a statement claiming the attack on Monday, IS said the shooting was revenge for Turkish military involvement in Syria.

“The assailant has experience in combat for sure... he could have been fighting in Syria for years,” one security source told Reuters, saying that he was likely to have been directed in his actions by the militant group.

The Haberturk newspaper said police investigations revealed that the gunman had entered Turkey from Syria and went to the central city of Konya in November, travelling with his wife and two children so as not to attract attention.

Some Turkish media reported that police were seeking a 28-year-old Kyrgyz national believed to be the gunman.

AFTER 18 YEARS

Surgical forceps removed from Vietnamese man HANOI: Doctors in Vietnam have removed surgical forceps from a man who unknowingly carried them inside his body for 18 years, national television VTV reported.

Ma Van Nhat, 54, said the forceps had probably been left in his abdomen in 1998 when he had emergency surgery after a traffic accident.

Stomach ulcer Nhat had felt only the occasional pain and a clinic had given him medicine for a suspected stomach ulcer. An X-ray taken late last year showed the forceps were to blame.

The 15 cm (six inch) long instrument had broken apart and become lodged in Nhat’s stomach.

They were removed in an operation. The director of Bac Kan Hospital, Trinh Thi Luong, told VTV that officials were trying to find out who might have left the forceps in Nhat. “Even if they are already retired we will still inform them,” she said. “This is a lesson to all doctors”. — Reuters

TIGHT SECURITY: Police special forces patrol outside the Reina nightclub which was attacked by a gunman, in Istanbul, Turkey, on

Tuesday.. – Reuters

Kyrgyzstan’s security service said it was in touch with Turkish authorities and that a man had been questioned by Kyrgyz police and then released.

Turkish officials have not commented on the details of the investigation. But government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday that the authorities were close to fully identifying the gunman, after gathering fingerprints and information on his appearance. The state-run Anadolu news agency said a total of 14 people

had been detained. Two foreign nationals were detained at Istanbul’s main Ataturk airport in connection with the attack, broadcaster NTV said.

A selfie video of the alleged attacker, apparently walking around Istanbul’s central Taksim Square, was broadcast by Turkish news channels on Tuesday as police operations to track him down continued.

Kurtulmus made no reference to the IS claim of responsibility on Monday but said it was clear Tur-

key’s military operations in Syria had annoyed terrorist groups and those behind them.

NATO member Turkey is part of the US-led coalition against IS and since August has been conducting military operations inside Syria to drive the radical militants, as well as Kurdish militia fighters, away from its borders.

IS has been blamed for at least half a dozen attacks on civilian targets in Turkey over the past 18 months; but, other than assassinations, it was the first time it

has directly claimed any of them.

It made the statement on one of its Telegram channels, a method used after attacks elsewhere.

Haberturk cited a barman at the club as saying the gunman had thrown explosive devices several times during the shooting spree, apparently in order to disorientate people and give himself time to reload.

Several witnesses who spoke to Reuters also said there had been small explosions during the attack. — Reuters

WA R G A M E

Moscow seeks naval drills as warships visit Manila MANILA: Russia wants to hold maritime drills with the Philippines to help combat terrorism and piracy, sending two warships to Manila for the first official navy-to-navy contact, as President Rodrigo Duterte pivots to United States’ traditional rivals.

Admiral Tributs, an anti-submarine vessel, and a sea tanker Boris Butoma, arrived late on Tuesday for a four-day goodwill visit, with its crew expected to demonstrate anti-terrorism capability and hold talks, said Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, head of the Flotilla of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet.

“Our governments will maybe discuss in some period of time the possibilities of our maritime exercises,” Mikhailov told a news conference, adding Russia has been holding drills with the Indonesian navy. “The biggest problem now in the world is terrorism and piracy, and all our exercises we have, for example, with you we will have to fight these problems and we will show you what we can do and we will see what you can do and show us,” he added as the Russian navy showcased the warships.

A spokesman for the Philippine Navy told reporters this is the first official interaction with the Russian navy, an arch rival of its former colonial master and closest ally in the region, the United States. Washington and the Philippines have been holding naval exercises annually but Duterte has instructed the defence ministry to “reformat” drills with Washington, moving away from the South China Sea to repair relations with China. Mikhailov said they were willing to help train Philippine counterparts to fight piracy and terrorism and they hope to foster stronger security in the region.

The Philippines has been struggling to prevent militants from abducting crew of slow-moving tugboat and foreigners in the southern maritime borders. — Reuters

CHRISTMAS MARKET INCIDENT

German minister seeks police overhaul after attack BERLIN: Germany must grant federal police more powers to counter threats like terrorism and cyber attacks, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said on Tuesday, two weeks after a failed asylum seeker rammed a truck into a Christmas market and killed 12 people.

In his most detailed response yet to the December 19 attack, de Maiziere said Germany lacks laws that other countries have, and police and intelligence bodies are too fragmented.

“Our state must be better prepared for difficult times than it has been,” de Maiziere said at the start of an election year in which immigration and security will be at the top of the political agenda.

“The federal government needs to be able to steer all security authorities where central government and the states work together on national security,” he wrote in a full-page newspaper article in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Each of the 16 federal states has its own police force and intelligence agency, and the country’s worst attack in more than 35 years

has reignited debate about how best to prevent information from falling between the cracks.

After the Christmas market attack, it emerged that Tunisian suspect Anis Amri had spent nearly a year and a half in Germany, using various names and moving between different parts of the country despite being identified as a security threat. For several days he evaded an intensive search, crossing three international borders before being shot dead in Italy.

De Maiziere said the federal police agency should lead national manhunts, and a discussion about centralising intelligence agencies was needed. Better coordination was also required to monitor several hundred individuals believed to pose a threat, including many who have returned from Syria and Iraq. The minister said Germans should not fear installing more video cameras in public places to help prevent and solve crime.

Germans have an aversion to such measures after mass snooping under the communist East German Stasi and the Nazis.

SECURITY TOP ON AGENDA: German Interior Minister Thomas

de Maiziere during a press conference on December 20, 2016 in Berlin following a terrorist attack. – AFP File

He also said failed asylum seekers who are viewed as a danger should be held until they can be deported.

Amri, whose attack was claimed

by IS, was due to be sent home after his asylum application was rejected but Tunisia refused to take him because of missing papers.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, who

is seeking a fourth term this year, is under growing pressure for allowing more than a million migrants into Germany over the past two years, which critics say has made the country more vulnerable to an attack.

In the latest twist in a sensitive national debate, police in Cologne are coming under fire for alleged

racial profiling and the coining of a new acronym, Nafri, meaning North African Repeat Offenders.

Political parties are divided over immigration and security.

Sigmar Gabriel, leader of the Social Democrats who are part of a grand coalition with Merkel’s conservatives, voiced scepticism about de Maiziere’s comments.

“Mr de Maiziere is making a proposal that means nothing more than a big commission on federalism where the federal government and states sit together and discuss authorities,” he said.

The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has gained support at Merkel’s expense, said the conservatives lacked credibility on security. “The party has promised too much in the last few years and not enough has been done,” said senior AfD member Georg Pazderski.

Germany is also concerned that it could be open to a cyber attack in the months leading to the election.

The website of the federal police was hacked one day after the Christmas market attack. — Reuters

N O T E T O D I P L O M AT I C S TA F F

Britain EU envoy resigns just months before formal Brexit talks

QUIT: Britain’s ambassador to the European Union Ivan Rogers is pictured leaving the EU Summit in Brussels, Belgium, on June 28, 2016. – Reuters File

LONDON: Britain’s ambassador to the European Union has abruptly resigned just three months before Prime Minister Theresa May starts formal Brexit negotiations.

Ivan Rogers, Britain’s permanent representative to the EU, told staff on Tuesday afternoon that he would be step down from his post early, said the Financial Times, which was first to report the resignation on Tuesday.

Rogers did not explain the reasons for resigning, according to people who have seen his note to diplomatic staff, the FT said. Two sources who asked for anonymity later confirmed the FT report that Rogers had resigned. “This weakens May’s ability to get a good EU deal,” said Charles Grant, Director of the Centre for European Reform think tank. “Ivan Rogers was one of the very few people at the top of

the British government who understand the EU.” The resignation is the second by a senior British EU official in the wake of the referendum. Jonathan Hill quit as Britain’s European commissioner in June.

May has said she will trigger formal Brexit talks - likely to be among the most complicated negotiations in post-World War II European history - by the end of March. Britons’ vote to leave the bloc has opened a huge number of questions including whether exporters will keep tariff-free access to the single European market and British-based banks will still be able to serve continental clients, not to mention immigration and the future rights of the many EU citizens already living in the United Kingdom. Allies, company bosses and investors are trying to

work out what Brexit might mean for the European Union, Britain and for London, the only global financial centre to rival New York.

Rogers, appointed by former prime minister David Cameron as Britain’s envoy to Brussels in November 2013, is one of Britain’s most experienced diplomats on EU affairs. He formerly worked in Downing Street, the British Treasury, the European Commission and at Citigroup and Barclays Capital.

But after Cameron lost the June 23 Brexit vote, Rogers drew criticism for lacking ambition in Cameron’s 2015 attempt to redefine Britain’s relationship with the bloc. The failure of Cameron’s so called EU “renegotiation” was cast by some supporters as one of the reasons that Cameron lost the June vote.

Rogers warned May’s ministers that the European consensus was that a trade deal with the EU might not be done until the early to mid2020s and that national parliaments could ultimately reject it, the BBC reported last month.

Hilary Benn, chairman of parliament’s Brexit committee, said a change in such a significant position was “not a good thing”.

“This is a time for continuity and experience because this going to be a very complex, a very challenging, a very difficult negotiation,” Benn told BBC radio.

“It’s an absolutely vital job both conveying the British government’s view to the other 27 members states but also honestly reporting back what he was picking up about the attitude of the other 27 towards the forthcoming negotiations.” — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

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welcome move to amend Income Tax Law timesofoman.com/Oman

2 Support for gradual end to

subsidies in Oman

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4 Cooking gas cylinder

explodes in Oman

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3 Oman Air set to abolish high

excess baggage charges

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5 More than 160 medical bills

4 Oman to get OMR310m from

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paid from Oman’s Zakat money in 2016 timesofoman.com/Oman

expat visa fees

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5 WhatsApp stops working

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in older iPhones, Android handsets

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TIMESOFOMAN.COM/TIMESTV The largest integrated theme park in the Middle East opened its doors recently.

Galileo viewed nature as a book written in the language of mathematics and decipherable through physics. His metaphor may have been a stretch for his milieu, but not for ours. Ours is a world of digits that must be read through computer science. It is a world in which artificial-intelligence (AI) applications perform many tasks

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Jarosław Kaczyński, Poland’s de facto leader, has become, next to Donald Trump, an avatar of the populist threat to the Western democratic model. As we await Trump’s inauguration as US president on January 20, it is worth pondering the first year of populist rule in Poland. The results have run contrary to expectations.

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Japan takes on its workaholics Noah Smith

T

he same problems come up again and again in discussions of what Japan needs to do to revive its economy. The first is low white-collar productivity. The second is population aging. The third is gender equality. Now Japan’s government is poised to attack all three problems at once, undertaking an assault on one of the central features of the country’s corporate culture -- long working hours.

Japan is legendary for its work ethic. You wouldn’t know this from the official statistics, which show Japanese working hours converging with US levels.

I suspect the Japanese numbers are understated. Many more salaried workers in the US are exempt from overtime rules than in Japan.

Therefore, Japanese bosses have a bigger incentive than their US counterparts to force their white-collar employees to work off the clock.

In any case, surveys find that unpaid overtime is significant. Additionally, much of Japan’s working hour decline comes from a compositional shift from full-time to part-time work -- in other words, underemployment. Full-time workers in Japan still work longer than their US counterparts.

The harm from long working hours goes beyond stress, psychiatric issues and health problems. Overwork might also be a factor behind the country’s low productivity. Stanford economist John Pencavel has shown that if people work more than 60 hours a week, their output flatlines or even declines. Putting in long hours might convince your boss that you’re a diligent employee, but after a point it becomes self-defeating.

But the biggest consequence of overwork could be its destructive impact on family. In Japan, the tradition of eating dinner with the family is long gone.

Many full-time workers -- men in particular -- don’t get home until late at night. That makes child care almost impossible for households with two full-time earners.

Women are thus forced to choose between careers and childbearing, which contributes to the country’s low fertility rate and aging population.

And since women are far more likely than men to choose to stay home with the kids, the culture of long work hours also keeps women from advancing in the workplace.

So Japan’s long hours hurt the economy, personal health and families, all for little economic benefit. Something needs to be done. Fortunately, the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo

Abe is aware of the problem, and is taking some steps to address it.

First, Abe is drawing up new rules to cap overtime hours. These will only be effective if they are enforced, of course. But according to economist and government policy adviser Akiko Kamesaka, the government is preparing to send inspectors to make sure that office lights are off after certain hours. That kind of top-down policy might seem unthinkable to many in the US, but it might be the only way to force hidebound, aging Japanese managers to change.

Another idea is to nudge Japanese companies to let employees take their work home with them.

Japan has traditionally lagged other rich countries in allowing workers to substitute working at home for office time, and Abe’s advisers have long been suggesting ways to fix the disparity through deregulation and bureaucratic pressure on businesses. Already, government efforts and natural cultural change seem to be having an effect -- more than a third of large Japanese companies recently claimed to be implementing work-from-home systems.

These reforms, if successful, will have at least two big positive effects. They will force conservative Japanese managers to change their mindset regarding work itself -- bosses will have to find ways to get their employees to work smarter, not harder.

The changes will also benefit Japanese families, allowing parents to be home with the kids while they work. That will make childcare easier (increasing the fertility rate), and will help women win economic equality.

In the long run, shorter hours for full-time employees could also help close the gap between full-time and part-time workers in Japan.

As things stand, the employment system is hugely unfair, since it’s very hard to switch from the dead-end part-time track to the upwardly mobile full-time track. But if full-time employees work more reasonable work-weeks, companies will have less reason to maintain two different kinds of employment.

That could give the government an opening to push companies toward providing equal pay for equal work, something Abe himself has advocated.

So Japan may finally be addressing its most infamous corporate-culture problem.

The days of the exhausted salaryman nodding off on the midnight train might soon be gone for good, replaced by a new emphasis on efficiency, productivity and family time. It would be a welcome change. - Bloomberg View

READERS’ FORUM Passengers who travel regularly will be affected The report Travellers to pay 300 baisa for Muscat airport use (January 3) indicates that common people are targeted to compromise on financial loses at various levels of airport operations. Even though there are justifications given to the proposed additional costs, eventually passengers, especially those who travel regularly are affected.

This is in addition to an earlier proposal to charge OMR 1 as security fee from international passengers, obviously adding more revenues to the airport operations. With Scan this QR code this move, the cost of air tickets will be raito send letters to the sed, and would become a concern for those Readers’ Forum, who purchase tickets at their own cost. containing not more than 200 words with As there are several job-related challenges full name, address have already been creating uneasiness for and telephone the large expatriate community, this would number, may be sent be an additional burden on them, especially by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com). in this time austerity. In addition to these additional charge woes, Oman Air has already been put certain restrictions on baggage allowances, creating more distressing circumstances for travellers. Nothing seems to be working in favour of the majority who earn less and continue to struggle for survival.

— Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi

QUOTE OF THE DAY Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States does not just represent a mounting populist backlash against globalisation. It may also portend the end of Pax Americana – the international order of free exchange and shared security that the US and its allies built after World War II.

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JANUARY 2002 ROP day tomorrow MUSCAT: The Royal Oman Police will celebrate ROP Day tomorrow. ROP Day is celebrated on January 5 every year since the inception of blessed Renaissance led by his Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the supreme leader of the Royal Oman Police. “The ROP is making all out efforts in maintaining security and stability of the nation and spares no effort in safeguarding all regions of Oman”, said an ROP press note yesterday.

PICTOGRAPH

ELECTRICITY GROSS PRODUCTION AL WUSTA (in Gigawatt/hour) 2016 August

September

34.2

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

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

1969: Spain returns the Ifni province to Morocco.

1970: A 7.7 earthquake kills 15,000+ people in Tonghai County, China.

2004: NASA Mars rover Spirit successfully lands on Mars.

2010: Burj Khalifa officially opens in Dubai, UAE. At 2,722 ft (829.8 m) it is the world’s tallest man-made structure.

0

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

LIFESTYLE LEISURE

VISITING THE NEW DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS STORYĹ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022; Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2022;Ĺ&#x2022;PHOTOS SUPPLIED

D

ubai Parks and Resorts opened its grand doors to the public last month proving it time and again that they can make imaginations come true in the most extravagant way. While the three parks in this integrated theme park destination has its own attraction that sets it apart from anything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever seen before, the one thing that got my curiosity surging is the performances and performers that were spotted in large numbers throughout the parks.

Built on 30.6 million square feet of land the park is undoubtedly a

huge project that had thousands of people working on it. However, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting is the involvement on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;on-screenâ&#x20AC;? talent.

For me, DPR is an ideal platform for local talent to showcase what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got. The huge number of fascinating shows that happen throughout the park every day is what makes DPR unique. It is not only an integrated theme park destination, it is also an integrated theme show destination.

The magniďŹ cent Rajmahal theatre is an 850 seater auditorium where important plays, acts, and musicals are performed by the

skilled artists. The Jaan e Bahar is an exorbitant musical that involves hundreds of performers on stage and maybe hundreds more behind-the-scenes, including costume designers, makeup artists, art directors, set designers, and others, which provides the viewers a visual experience that is going to stay with them forever. While the strong performances, the story narration, and the brilliant choreography wins hearts, the efďŹ ciency and quality of execution is responsible for its success. The same group manages to entertain the park visitors with their amaz-

DUBAI PARKS & RESORTS Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali dubaiparksandresorts.com/en Timings: Legoland 10am-7pm, daily Motiongate 10am-7pm (Sun-Wed) 10am-9pm (Thurs-Sat)

Bollywood Parks 10am-8pm (SunWed) 10am-10pm (Thurs-Sat)

Current 3-for-1 Special Offer (visits through January 31, 2017) 1-day all parks for OMR29.5

ingly entertaining performances throughout the day on the train, stage, in front of the theatre, inside the theatre and put forth their talents with the same vigour and enthusiasm each time. This shows that they love what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing.

The Motiongate too has a multipurpose theatre that can seat 1,000 guests and feature live shows by performers and artists who are a treat to watch.

It is built in a retro broadway theatre style taking you back in time. They have shows at ďŹ xed hours and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;now showingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; board keeps getting updated so you

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on your favourite show. While these trained dancers and actors manage to enthrall the audiences, they are also given a chance to portray their talent in front of the whole world.

Dubai Parks and Resorts very smartly amalgamates the entertainment industry with the theme park with the aim of placing UAE on the international map of this ever-growing sector. They realise the importance and potential of human resources and have incorporated it to expand their progress and development. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;shruthi@timesofoman.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

29 - 18 71-34% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.17pm 3.18pm 5.39pm 6.54pm 5.30am

A1 5

LIFESTYLE

With Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan

A NEW YEAR, A NEW ERA FOR OMAN FOOTBALL

P

im Verbeek was announced as coach of Oman’s National Football Team on December 13, with a mandate to revitalise and return the team to what it once was – an emerging force in Asian football – and then sustain his efforts to take Oman beyond that.

You’d think it would sound easy for someone of Verbeek’s stature: He’s been at the helm of both the South Korea and Australia national teams, having previously led the Socceroos to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He’s also a dab hand at blooding young players through the system, having previously been served for the Under-23 outfits of both the UAE and Morocco.

And this is in addition to the vast experience he boasts at club level: PSV Eindhoven, Borussia

Monchengladbach, Feyenoord Rotterdam and De Graafschap are just four of the 11 club sides he’s managed. But he inherits an Oman team mired in disarray.

Oman are ranked 121st in the latest FIFA rankings, sandwiched in between the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan. Ahead of them are nations such as Cyprus, New Zealand, Syria, and the Faroe Islands.

It is the lowest ever ranking posted by the national team: A far cry from the time Oman were ranked 56th in the world, a few weeks after they’d narrowly lost out to hosts Qatar in that year’s Gulf Cup final.

Oman finished second in Group D when it came to advancing to the next round of qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, behind Iran, but ahead of lowly-ranked Guam, India, and Turkmenistan.

They’ve missed out on a place in

Russia and will need to rebuild.

But Verbeek knows he is short on time. His first competitive game in charge takes place at the end of March, as he attempts to get Oman to the AFC Cup in 2019.

He may be a shrewd operator, but will need to quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of his squad and get them to play in a way that best suits the players.

The first few competitive months of Verbeek’s tenure are sure to be rocky, and he knows the assembling of an optimal team will be a work in progress, but this is the primary reason the Oman Football Association have hired him. Verbeek had six weeks with the Aussies before his first match with them, and they ended up winning their encounter against Qatar. Despite his rather unfancied name in footballing circles, after watching

their national team underwhelm on the national stage, there is sure to be cause for optimism in this football-mad nation on seeing Verbeek at the helm of the Reds.

Verbeek might not know the squad too well right now, but the search is on for an assistant coach of Omani origin, who will act as a conduit (and a lot more) between team and manager. Things will surely be looking up once March rolls around, given the talent the squad possesses. Veteran goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi is still an integral member of the squad, and the 35-year-old, who plays his football for Championship side Reading in England, will surely be expected (and will) lead by example under Verbeek. The trio of centre-backs Abdul Salam Al Mukhaini, Fahad Al Jalabubi, and left back Ali Al Busaidi will form the core of his

rearguard, with exactly 100 caps between the three of them, while domination in midfield will stem from Dhofar’s Raeed Ibrahim Saleh and Fanja veteran Eid Al Farsi. But there’s plenty of firepower for Verbeek to turn to up front: Emad Al Hosni may be 32, but the veteran frontman is still extremely capable of snaffling a goal, and is just five short of Hani Al Dhabit’s record of 42. Abdul Al Muqbali has 18 goals to his name, while Qasim Said proves to be a reliable back-up, with 11 strikes under his belt. And that is the silver lining Verbeek will be looking at: This Oman team is a perfect combination of youth and experience, and he will be looking to see his new charges perform on the pitch. Because he knows, and the rest of Oman believes, that the only way is up.

- gautam@timesofoman.com

IN THE REGION

Exciting Entertainment at Dubai Shopping Festival THE ENTERTAINMENT at Dubai Shopping Festival 2017 promises to be better than ever.

The festival is bringing worldclass performances to shopping malls across Dubai, meaning shoppers will be able to share special moments with the whole family.

The superb line-up of scheduled events will range from Alice in Wonderland-inspired performances to the breath-taking thrills of a Mongolian Circus. The incredible in-store entertainment throughout Dubai’s malls offers yet another reason to spend the day shopping.

Wonderland… Alice’s next adventure City Walk; from January 5-11; dai-

ly performances at 5pm, 6:15pm, 7:45pm, 8:40pm, and 9:30pm

This enchanting production is based on the classic stories of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. A fabulous cast of eight professional performers, actors and circus artists will invite audiences to join Alice on her next adventure into Wonderland. Spectators will once again get to meet The Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and many more of Alice’s friends as she embarks on a journey through the rabbit hole.

Audiences will think these characters have come to life thanks to the incredible costumes. With impressive visual backdrops, this production is an immersive experience for viewers.

Dancing in the Air Mall of the Emirates; January 1319; daily performances at 3:45pm, 6:15pm, 7:45pm, and 9:00pm

Ballet is one of the most beautiful and inspiring art forms that goes beyond the physical. The beauty of the dancer’s body, the music, the choreography, the costumes and the sets alongside the audience will create a viewer experience second to none. Dancing in the Air combines art with ballet and flight to create a performance that is truly unique.

Beat it – Live!

Deira City Centre; January 12-21; daily performances at 4pm, 6:30pm, 8:00pm, and 9:30pm

A thrilling show full of legendary live performances and electrifying dance moves executed with flair as well as precision and passion that will bring a rush of energy to the audience. This is entertainment for the whole family, and a show that will not soon be forgotten.

Mongolian Circus The Dubai Mall; January 13-22; daily performances at 5pm, 6:15pm, 7:45pm, 8:40pm, and 9:30pm

Packed full of excitement, creativity and visually spectacular performances, this circus show can be performed in two different formats varying in size and scale.

For details: visitdubai.com/en/ dsf—lifestyle@timesofoman.com

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

LIFESTYLE

Yoga at InterContinental The physical and mental discipline of yoga has been considered to be one of the most effective fitness routines.

Hotel InterContinental Muscat offers weekly yoga courses. Call +968 2468 0000

Zumba Zumba combines all essential elements of fitness including cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy amidst some supremely fun-filled time. Contact Hayati Spa & Studio for an energetic Zumba workout session.

Call +968 2460 1255

Pilates

DROP-IN FITNESS CLASSES IN MUSCAT

Pilates is a fitness regime that involves controlled body movements, improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance in the whole body. For one of the most beneficial Pilates workout sessions in Muscat contact the Wellness Fitness Centre at The Walk, The Wave. Call +968 2412 8333.

Martial Arts Martial Arts are a codified system of combat practices that are practiced for self-defence, physical fitness, and mental and spiritual development.

To learn this refined skill while maintaining fitness, visit the Muscat Mixed Martial Arts Club, Bait Habroot, Al Khuwair, near Baskin-Robbins building.

Call +968 9260 0779.

Kickboxing Kickboxing is a stand-up combat sport that is gaining ground in Oman. Try kickboxing at Oman Kickboxing Club at The Champ Gym, Al Khuwair.

Call+968 9364 7450.

—lifestyle@timesofoman.com

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

MARKE

TURKISH LIRA PLUNGES Turkey’s lira weakened the most among major world currencies on Tuesday, falling as much as 1.6 per cent to a new record, as the killer of 39 people at an Istanbul nightclub remained at large and inflation rose in December. – Bloomberg News

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Muscat 5,732.66 + 32.45 + 0.57%

Dubai 3,602.32 + 63.64 + 1.81%

Abu Dhabi 4,590.31 + 56.44 + 1.24%

Saudi Arabia

7,232.77 - 14.57 - 0.20%

Kuwait 5,775.03 - 0.32 - 0.01%

Bahrain 1,217.93 - 1.89 - 0.15%

Qatar 10,456.39 + 27.67 + 0.27%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

Type ............................Delivery...........Price

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.46 Pound ..........................................2.09 Indian Rs ............................. 175.59 Pakistan Rs ........................267.59 Bangla Taka......................202.68

Indian Rs .................................... 177.10 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.80 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka............................ 204.10 Phil Peso ...................................129.00

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.85

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$55.81 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$55.25 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$52.31 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $54.78 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) .........$58.18 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$54.99

* Rates as of January 3 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of January 3 Source: Bank Muscat

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......14.30 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............139.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 131.00 * Rates as of January 3 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

BUDGET DEFICIT

Sultanate to invite banks to arrange potential dollar bond

HARD CASH: The Sultanate has sent invitations to banks to arrange the sale of a dollar or Islamic bond. - Times file picture

GCC BONDS AND LOANS

Gulf energy firms reduce borrowing by 26% as oil prices surge DOHA: Energy companies in the Middle East reduced their borrowing by 26 per cent in 2016 as an increase in oil prices late in the year provided revenue needed for exploration and production.

Bonds and loans issued by energy producers in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) declined 26 per cent to $17.5 billion from a record $23.7 billion in 2015, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Oil trader BB Energy Gulf DMCC in Dubai was the only borrower in the final six months last year, taking out $200 million to refinance debt.

Crude oil rallied 16 per cent in the final three months of 2016 as oil producers from Opec and 11 non-Opec nations agreed to cut output this year.

Before the rally, lending had surged as energy companies turned to banks and investors for cash as borrowing costs fell and oil prices declined.

The drop in lending later in the year was a boon to those who did borrow, with BB Energy increasing its refinancing from $175 million as the deal was oversubscribed.

“If oil prices go up a few notches, it will help them rely less on international borrowing,” John Sfakianakis, director of economics research at Jeddah-based Gulf Research Center, said by phone Monday from Athens.

“There’s more money available for oil companies to keep within rather than go out and borrow,” he further added.

Borrowers also held back as costs increased. The J.P. Morgan Middle East Composite Index of the region’s debt yield, an indication of borrowing rates, averaged 4.7 per cent last year compared with 4.43 per cent in 2015. The gauge had dropped to a 16-month low in late August. In December, the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates and forecast a steeper path for 2017 increases.

In contrast to industry, governments in the Gulf region increased borrowing following a halving of oil prices since 2014, forcing some of them to use foreign cash reserves. Saudi Arabia led sovereign issues, raising $17.5 billion in the biggest emerging-market bond sale in October. Qatar sold $9 billion in May and Abu Dhabi raised $5 billion in April.

“If oil prices continue to improve, producers will rely less on international borrowing, especially as costs increase as the Fed hikes rates,” Sfakianakis said. “This year could be a repeat of 2016. More government borrowing, and not as much by oil companies.”

— Bloomberg News

DUBAI: Oman is preparing an international bond sale, two people with knowledge of the deal said, as the country seeks to plug a budget deficit caused by low oil prices.

The Sultanate has sent invitations to banks to arrange the sale of a dollar or Islamic bond, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Responses are due this week, they said. An official at the central bank said last month that Oman is planning to raise up to $2 billion through bond sales this year.

According to the state budget, the Sultanate plans to borrow OMR2.1 billion from the overseas market and another OMR400 million from the domestic market this

year to meet its projected deficit of OMR3 billion this year. The Ministry of Finance early this week said the total outstanding debt of the country stood at an all-time high of OMR7.4 billion, or 29 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), by the end of 2016.

A fresh sale would be the latest in a series of issues by the non-Opec oil-producing state. The Sultanate sold $2.5 billion worth of bonds in June last year in its first such sale since 1997 and tapped the bonds for an additional $1.5 billion in September. It was reported to have raised $1 billion from the international loan market last January and will get OMR600 million from local debt in 2017.

Oman is among governments across the six-nation Gulf Corporation Council looking to international investors to mitigate the financial dent from cheap crude.

Saudi Arabia will raise as much as 450 billion riyals ($120 billion) by 2020 to cover its own budget deficit.

Oman is also seeking to reduce expenditure and from this month will impose new tariffs on its biggest electricity consumers. The state’s budget deficit is estimated by the International Monetary Fund to narrow to 10.3 percent of gross domestic product this year, from 13.5 percent in 2016. Calls to Oman’s Ministry of Finance were not returned. – Bloomberg News

Oman to develop 8 large aquaculture projects projects, and the size of the European country is similar to Oman.

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries selected these sites for development in June 2016 and sought applications from potential investors.

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will announce within weeks the names of the winners of large-scale commercial aquaculture projects at eight sites. The ministry selected these sites for development in June 2016 and sought applications from potential investors.

“We will tell investors about the successful applications, and then these companies can start

A commercial licence will be awarded to these winning companies after they conduct their feasibility studies and receive environmental permits.

They have six months to complete their studies and get permits Dr. Hamed Said Al Oufi

Undersecretary of fisheries wealth at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

their feasibility studies and apply for environmental permits,” Dr. Hamed Said Al Oufi, undersecretary of fisheries wealth at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, told Times of Oman.

He said that a commercial licence will be awarded to these winning companies after they conduct their feasibility stud-

ies and receive environmental permits. “They have six months to complete their studies and get permits,” he said.

Encouraging response Referring to the encouraging response from investors for developing aquaculture projects in Oman, the undersecretary said

40 applications were submitted to develop eight sites launched in June.

“We are aiming for 200,000 tonnes of high-value fish per annum from aquaculture projects by 2030. These are mostly for export and the local market,” added Dr. Al Oufi. Norway produces 1.2 million tonnes of fish from aquaculture

Eliminate the gap Once these projects begin operating, it will help to eliminate the gap in supply and demand in the domestic market as well.

He also said that five companies have already received commercial licences for starting aquaculture projects, and these ventures are coming up in different places, including Quriyyat, Sharqiya and Dhofar region.

One aquaculture project is for raising abalone in Dhofar region, other one for a shrimp project in Jaalan (Sharqiya) and another one is planned in Quriyyat. The shrimp project is expected to produce anywhere between 3,000 tonnes to 4,000 tonnes of shrimp per annum.

“Now they are obtaining equipment, importing cages, etc,” said Dr Al Oufi. These five are among 18 projects that received an initial ministry clearance and environmental permits.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has major plans to develop aquaculture farms and boost production from these projects to strengthen the value of the Sultanate’s fisheries.

PAY M E N T S T E C H N O L O G Y

Oman Arab Bank signs agreement with Visa Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has joined hands with Visa, the global payments technology company, in a strategic partnership agreement that will convert the bank’s current electron cards to secure chip-andPIN debit cards.

Under the agreement, OAB customers will be able to utilise their cards equipped with the Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV) chipand-pin technology to ensure all payments are made conveniently and securely at millions of merchants around the world.

Innovative solutions Speaking on the occasion Fahd Amjad, GM Retail Banking said, “As a leading bank in Oman, our focus has consistently been to enhance customer experience by providing a wide range of innovative solutions and services. Our long-standing relationship with Visa goes back a decade.”

“Our collaboration this time will result in the first contactless Visa debit card in Oman, secured

by EMV chip and PIN technology

STRATEGIC PACT: Under the agreement, OAB customers will be able to utilise their cards equipped with the Europay, Mastercard and

Visa (EMV) chip-and-pin technology. - Supplied picture

of global standards. We are proud that once again through innovation we will create value for our customers. The new EMV enabled cards will be perfectly compatible with our newly introduced ATM software, making our digital offering stronger than ever before,” hr further added.

Commenting on the partner-

ship, Ahmed Gaber, Visa General Manager for Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain said, “With the use of electronic payments accelerating in Oman, it is essential that consumers have the tools to shop safely and securely with their cards. EMV Chip and PIN cards help to protect both the consumer and the merchant

by adding an extra layer of security to a transaction while keeping the payment process quick and simple. Visa is delighted to work with OAB to roll-out the technology and to help bring additional peace of mind to its customers.”

Building on a successful legacy established since 1984, OAB today operates more than 65 branches

and offices and over 135 ATMs in high footfall locations across the Sultanate. With its growing portfolio of services and banking solutions, OAB has strongly engaged with the local, regional and international community to promote the Sultanate as an economic trade and investment powerhouse.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

MARKET MSM index recovers

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,732.93 ...............5,699.80 ................... 5,732.66 ................... 5,700.21................. 32.45 ................... 0.57 Financial Index .....................................7,780.23 ...............7,744.83 ....................7,780.23 ....................7,751.35................. 28.88 ................... 0.37 Industrial Index ....................................7,439.07 ............... 7,413.36 ....................7,439.07 ....................7,413.36.................. 25.71 ................... 0.35 Services Index ....................................... 3,018.11 .............. 3,002.46 ....................3,016.95 ................... 3,003.15..................13.80 ...................0.46 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 861.68 ..................858.80 ....................... 861.61 ...................... 858.83.................... 2.78 ...................0.32 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 13,570,530 ..................2,841,159 .....................856 ................17,427,234,126 ................ 16 ........................5 .................... 16 .........................37

Oman Fisheries, up by 3.17 per cent, was the top gainer, while Oman Education & Training

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

was top loser, down by 4.23 per cent.

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

MUSCAT: Share prices on the Muscat Securities Market recovered on support at lower levels.

The MSM30 Index snapped its losing streak and closed at 5,732.66 points, up by 0.57 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index gained 0.32 per cent to end at 861.61 points. Oman Fisheries was the most active in terms of volume while Ooredoo stayed the leader in terms of turnover.

Oman Fisheries, up by 3.17 per cent, was the top gainer, while Oman Education & Training was top loser, down by 4.23 per cent.

As many as 856 trades were executed on Tuesday, generating a turnover of OMR2.84 million with 13.57 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, 16 advanced, five declined and 16 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers for OMR232,000 while GCC and Arab investors remained net sellers for OMR169,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR63,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index ended at 7,780.23 points, up by 0.37 per cent. HSBC Bank, Oman United Insurance, Bank Muscat, Gulf Investment Services and Oman & Emirates gained 2.48 per cent, 1.86 per cent, 1.69 per cent, 0.87 per cent and 0.76 per cent, respectively. Al Madina Investments and Bank Nizwa dropped by 1.69 per cent and 1.12 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index advanced 0.35 per cent to close the session at 7,439.07 points. Oman Fisheries, Gulf International Chemicals, Galfar Engineering, Oman Cement and Al Anwar Ceramics increased by 3.17 per cent, 1.75 per cent, 1.05 per cent, 0.84 per cent and 0.59 per cent, respectively.

Services Index ended at 3,016.95 points, up by 0.46 per cent.Ooredoo, Phoenix Power, Oman Telecommunications Company and Al Jazeera ServicLONDON STOCK EXCHANGE

Euronext to buy London bourse BENGALURU: Euronext said it has offered 510 million euros ($533.92 million) to buy the London Stock Exchange (LSE) Group’s French clearing business, helping clear the way for LSE Group’s proposed $28 billion merger with Deutsche Boerse .

LSE Group and LCH Group Limited confirmed that the companies have agreed on the terms of Euronext’s all-cash offer.

The announcement comes weeks after the three companies said they were in talks over the sale of the French clearing subsidiary of LCH.Clearnet to address competition concerns raised by the European Commission (EC) in relation to the LSE and Deutsche Boerse’s planned merger.

The EC had stated its objections to the LSE’s merger with Deutsche Boerse in December, but outlined fewer concerns than in its first letter sent to both exchange operators in September.

Its concerns were focused on the clearing of derivatives contracts.

— Reuters

es gained 2.67 per cent, 1.34 per cent, 1.06 per cent and 1.04 per cent, respectively. Oman Education & Training and Al Batinah Power declined by 4.23 per cent and 0.56 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 825,438 .........509,448................... 145 ........... 0.608 ...........0.624 ...........0.608............0.616 .............0.600 ............0.016 ............. 2.667 ................0.620.............. 0.616...................0.620 .................400,981,646 .......0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 212,150.............69,724......................14 ........... 0.324 ...........0.332 ...........0.324........... 0.328 .............0.322 ........... 0.006............. 1.863 ................0.332..............0.332...................0.336...................32,800,000 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 991,259 ......... 475,241.....................44 ............0.474 ...........0.482 ...........0.474........... 0.480 .............0.472 ........... 0.008............. 1.695 ................0.482..............0.480...................0.482 ............... 1,198,200,124 ......0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 584,781.............88,212..................... 53 ............0.149 ........... 0.152 ...........0.149 ............0.151 .............0.149............ 0.002............. 1.342 ................0.152 ...............0.151...................0.152................. 220,852,820 .......0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 284,485 .........408,782..................... 98 ............1.430 ........... 1.450 ...........1.430 ............1.435 .............1.420 ............0.015 ............. 1.056 ................1.430 .............. 1.425...................1.430................1,076,250,000 ......0.100

Sensex rebounds Reversing its previous day’s losses, the Sensex on Tuesday staged a comeback to end with a paltry gain of 48 points at 26,643, buoyed by pick-up in infrastructure sector in November coupled with firm global cues.

The overall recovery received some support from banking stocks which recouped their losses to an extent after being hit by profitability fears in the wake of lending rate cuts.

Core industries expanded but at a slower pace of 4.9 per cent in November than 6.6 per cent in October, which capped the upside.

After a higher opening, the Sensex advanced to hit the day’s high of 26,724.40. But profitbooking later on made the barometer hit a low of 26,488.37 before it closed up 47.79 points, or 0.18 per cent, at 26,643.24.

The NSE Nifty also moved up by 12.75 points, or 0.16 per cent, to end at 8,192.25.

Investors are closely tracking the 2-day GST Council meet that started on Tuesday. The Council met representatives of six crucial sectors, including IT, to assess implementation hurdles under the new regime.“Despite being plagued by volatility, benchmark indices in India traded the day on a positive note and closed with marginal gains.

Strong opening in Europe coupled with relatively buoyant Asian stocks boosted domestic investor sentiment,” said Karthikraj Lakshmanan, Senior Fund Manager - Equities, BNP Paribas Mutual Fund.

OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ........................................... 38,000 ...............7,364........................4 ............0.193 ........... 0.194 ...........0.193 ........... 0.194 .............0.192............ 0.002............. 1.042 ................0.194..............0.194...................0.200 .................. 11,873,629 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES .......................... 30,000 ...............3,480........................4 ............0.116 ........... 0.116............0.116 ............0.116 ............. 0.115 .............0.001 ............. 0.870 ................0.116 ...............0.115................... 0.117 .................... 6,825,813 ..........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 225,504 ......... 108,559......................31 ............0.478 ...........0.490 ...........0.478........... 0.482 .............0.478 ........... 0.004............. 0.837 ................0.490..............0.488...................0.510..................159,480,646........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 250,037 ........... 42,756.....................20 ............0.171 ........... 0.171............ 0.171 ............0.171 ............. 0.170.............0.001 ............. 0.588 ................0.171 ..............0.170................... 0.171 ...................50,652,540.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 527,465.......... 100,816..................... 43 ............0.192 ........... 0.192 ...........0.191 ............0.191 .............0.190 ............0.001 ............. 0.526 ................0.192 .............. 0.191...................0.192...................33,425,469 .........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ...............................................................2,500 ............... 1,425........................2 ........... 0.570 ...........0.570 ...........0.570........... 0.572 .............0.572 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.570..............0.566...................0.570...................31,460,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................10,000 ............ 14,500........................1 ............1.450 ........... 1.450 ...........1.450 ............1.450 ............. 1.450............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.450 .............. 1.425...................1.450................. 290,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ...................................76,240 .............18,069........................5 ........... 0.237 ........... 0.237 ...........0.237........... 0.237 .............0.237 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.237..............0.237...................0.238..................349,523,162........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 127,000............ 25,408........................6 ........... 0.204...........0.204 ...........0.200 .......... 0.200 .............0.200 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.200 ............ 0.200...................0.204 ................. 40,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ......................................................................10,000 ...............5,100........................1 ............0.510 ........... 0.510 ...........0.510 ........... 0.510 .............0.510............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.510 ..............0.510...................0.520 .................324,253,353 .......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR..................................................................24,145 ...............3,865........................4 ............0.160 ........... 0.161............0.160........... 0.160 .............0.160 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.161 .............. 0.161...................0.162..................256,719,895 ........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ..................................................... 25,110 ............ 12,303........................2 ........... 0.480 ...........0.490 ...........0.480........... 0.490 .............0.490 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.490..............0.480...................0.496...................29,645,000.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER.................................................................1,160 .................. 267........................2 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.230........... 0.230 .............0.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.225...................0.230 ..................50,832,300.........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 261,501.............19,354......................16 ............0.075 ........... 0.075 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.074 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.074..............0.074...................0.075...................12,950,000.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER.....................................................5,871 ................1,051........................1 ............0.179 ........... 0.179 ...........0.179 ............0.179 .............0.180 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.556 ...............0.179 .............. 0.179...................0.185..................120,804,850 .......0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................23,066 ............... 1,338........................4 ........... 0.058 ...........0.058 ...........0.058........... 0.058 .............0.059 ...........-0.001 ............-1.695................0.058..............0.058...................0.059................... 12,014,780 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 4,535,712 ... 1,917,062...................500 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......21........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 2,656,495 ...... 173,354..................... 86 ........... 0.063 ...........0.066 ...........0.063........... 0.065 .............0.063 ........... 0.002............. 3.175.................0.066..............0.065...................0.066....................8,125,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 2,375,770 ......294,045..................... 75 ............0.120 ........... 0.128 ...........0.120........... 0.124 ............. 0.121............ 0.003............. 2.479 ................0.128 ..............0.128...................0.130..................248,038,786........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 293,651............ 85,530..................... 25 ........... 0.290...........0.292 ...........0.290 .......... 0.291 .............0.286 ........... 0.005..............1.748.................0.292..............0.292...................0.293 ................... 6,111,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 265,000 ........... 25,440......................13 ........... 0.096 ...........0.096 ...........0.096........... 0.096 .............0.095 ............0.001 ............. 1.053 ................0.096..............0.095...................0.096................... 27,838,141 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 608,302 ............81,126.....................40 ............0.133 ........... 0.134 ...........0.132 ............0.133 .............0.132.............0.001 ............. 0.758 ................0.134 ..............0.134...................0.135 ...................16,209,375 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............39,800 ...............5,537........................9 ............0.139 ........... 0.140 ...........0.139 ............0.139 ............. 0.138.............0.001 ............. 0.725 ................0.139 .............. 0.138...................0.139...................12,510,000 .........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ...............10,000 ...............1,940........................2 ............0.194 ........... 0.194 ...........0.194........... 0.194 .............0.194 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.194.............. 0.177...................0.194.................... 6,512,861 ..........0.100 OM0000001426............OMAN REFRESHMENT ..............................................6,230 .............13,426........................2 ............2.155 ........... 2.155 ...........2.155 ............2.155 ............. 2.155............ 0.000.............0.000 ................2.155 .............. 2.155...................0.000 .................107,750,000 ........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................23,760 ...............2,356........................4 ........... 0.099 ........... 0.100 ...........0.099........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.097...................0.099....................2,970,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003083 ...........AL KAMIL POWER .........................................................2,322 .................. 724........................2 ............0.312 ........... 0.312 ...........0.312 ........... 0.312 .............0.312............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.312 ..............0.312...................0.000 ..................30,030,000.........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 168,633.............12,479......................12 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.074 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.074...................74,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 2,485,259.......218,135..................... 75 ........... 0.088 ...........0.088 ...........0.087........... 0.088 .............0.089 ...........-0.001 ............-1.124................0.088..............0.087...................0.088................. 132,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. ..........................................33,800 ...............4,583........................6 ............0.137 ........... 0.137 ...........0.135 ............0.136 .............0.142 ...........-0.006 ........... -4.225 ...............0.135 .............. 0.135................... 0.151 ....................9,520,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 8,969,022...... 918,675................... 351 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......13........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

GOVERNMENT ACTION

Indonesia terminates partnership with JPMorgan JAKARTA: Indonesia’s government said it terminated all business partnerships with JPMorgan Chase after the US bank downgraded its assessment of equities in Southeast Asia’s largest economy following Donald Trump’s election win.

The finance ministry will stop using JPMorgan as a primary dealer and as an underwriter of its sovereign bonds, Robert Pakpahan, the ministry’s directorgeneral for budget financing and risk management told reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday. He said a November research report issued by the bank was not “accurate or credible.”

JPMorgan downgraded Indonesia’s equity market by two NEW MOVE: Any tax payments by Indonesian companies, which were previously routed through notches to underweight from JPMorgan, will now be passed to the government via other banks. — Bloomberg file picture overweight in a Nov. 13 report as a “tactical response” to the Trump election win. The bank also down- statement on Tuesday. “The im- ously routed through JPMorgan in producing balanced research graded Brazil, while noting that pact on our clients is minimal will now be passed to the govern- reports, said Alan Richardson, an both countries may provide a and we continue to work with the ment via other banks, according investment manager at Samsung “better buying opportunity” later. Ministry of Finance to resolve the to Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Asset Management in Hong Kong.

“I don’t think it will affect investor Martowardojo.

JPMorgan’s business in Indo- matter,” it said.

The government’s action il- interest in Indonesia but it does Any tax payments by Indonenesia continues to operate as normal, the bank said in an e-mailed sian companies which were previ- lustrates some of the difficulties reflect the difficulty of sell-side

analysts to provide independent and objective opinions to their clients without upsetting the government officials and regulators,” Richardson said.

Foreign investors sold a net $2.8 billion of Indonesian stocks and bonds last quarter as investors dumped emerging-market assets following Trump’s victory.

That drove the rupiah lower, forcing policy makers to intervene to stabilize the currency.

Banks should take responsibility for economic reports that “could influence fundamentals and psychology,” Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Tuesday, when asked to comment on the termination of the JPMorgan relationship.

JPMorgan provides investment and commercial banking services to the public and private sectors in Indonesia, according to the bank’s website. It obtained an Indonesian banking licence in 1968 in the name of Chase Manhattan, and opened a branch in Jakarta, followed by a representative office in 1978. — Bloomberg News

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

B3

MARKET ECONOMY

Singapore growth quickens to more than 3-year high

ALL SMILES: The term facilities were provided by BBK and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah and will be utilised by Oman Orix to

fund its leasing finance business. - Supplied picture

Oman Orix raises $25m from regional banks The term facilities were provided by BBK and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, and will be used by Oman Orix to fund its leasing finance business.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Orix Leasing Company, one of the leading non-banking finance companies (NBFC) in Oman, has raised $25 million in bilateral term facilities from regional banks.

The term facilities were provided by BBK BSC (BBK) and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (Rakbank), and will be used by

Oman Orix to fund its leasing finance business. Alpen Capital, Oman acted as the sole financial advisor for the transaction.

The signing ceremony with BBK took place recently at the head office of Oman Orix in Muscat and was attended by Prasenjit Mandal, department head – Institutional Banking, Shahin Mohammed Ahmed Al Balushi, chief executive officer, Oman

Orix Leasing Company, Oman, along with other senior executives from both organisations and Alpen Capital.

The signing ceremony with Rakbank was held at the Capital Club in DIFC on December 27, 2016 and was attended by Sunil Pherwani, general manager, Oman Orix Leasing Company, Peter England, chief executive officer, Rakbank, Rohit Walia, executive chairman, Alpen Capital, along with other senior representatives from Oman Orix, Rakbank and Alpen Capital.

“We would like to use this opportunity to extend our gratitude to all parties involved in making this transaction a success, and supporting us in our growth objectives. We have made it a priority to diversify our funding sources, and I am glad that we were able to establish new banking relationships in the region

through this transaction,” said Al Balushi, chief executive officer, Oman Orix Leasing Co. “We are proud to be associated with this transaction and happy to support Oman Orix with its growth strategy. Their strong track record and reputation have played an important role in helping us execute this transaction seamlessly and place it successfully with regional banks,” said Siraj Bhavnagarwalla, managing director, Alpen Capital LLC, Oman.

“We are pleased to fund Oman Orix for their leasing finance business. With a focus on financial institutions business, this medium-term financing will help us progress into non-banking financial institutions within the GCC region and will assist in diversifying our asset book,” added Peter England, chief executive officer of Rakbank.

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s economic growth quickened to the fastest pace in more than three years last quarter as manufacturing and services rebounded.

Gross domestic product (GDP) rose an annualised 9.1 per cent in the three months to December from the previous quarter, when it declined a revised 1.9 per cent, the trade ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. The median estimate of nine economists in a Bloomberg survey was for a 4 per cent expansion GDP rose 1.8 per cent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, compared with the 0.3 per cent median estimate in a Bloomberg survey The economy expanded 1.8 per cent in 2016, the slowest pace since 2009.

Singapore, among Asia’s mostexport dependent nations, is seeking new growth engines to boost incomes as its population ages and trade falters. With global growth under pressure and the US threatening to turn more protectionist under Donald Trump, the outlook remains cloudy. That will be a consideration for the central bank in its April policy review after it signaled in October it will stick to its neutral currency policy for an extended period of time.

“Overall, we are not doing badly, considering the global economic uncertainties,” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a New Year message on Dec. 31. “While the labor market has eased, unemployment remains low and we are still creating new jobs.”

The Singapore dollar erased an earlier decline after the GDP

report, trading little changed at 1.4503 against its US counterpart as of 8:44am.

“I still think Singapore is in a very challenging condition,” said Edward Lee, regional head of research at Standard Chartered in Singapore, who expects 2017 growth to slow to 1.4 per cent.

“External conditions remain extremely challenging and we certainly have to be watchful for materialisation of anti-globalisation and anti-trade sentiment. Any materialisation of that will further dampen the already very weak global trade conditions.”

“For now, my forecast is that there will be no further easing in April,” he said, referring to monetary policy. “Prospects of a more protectionist trade policy would be negative for Singapore” which is wedded to the old export model and this will have a knock-on impact on domestic incomes, said Weiwen Ng, an economist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group in Singapore. “Domestic demand weakness should continue to weigh on an already subdued labor market.” Other Details The services industry, which accounts for about two-thirds of the economy, rose an annualised 9.4 per cent in the fourth quarter from the previous three months Manufacturing jumped an annualised 14.6 per cent The advance GDP estimates for the fourth quarter are computed largely from data in the first two months of the quarter, and are subject to revision when more comprehensive data become available. — Bloomberg News

OIL AND GAS PROJECTS

Iran qualifies 29 energy firms for bidding DUBAI: Iran qualified 29 international oil companies to bid in upcoming tenders for crude and natural gas development projects as the country seeks investment in energy.

China National Petroleum Corp., Royal Dutch Shell and Total are among the companies that will be invited to bid in tenders,

according to a list published on Monday on the website of state producer National Iranian Oil Co. Total, along with Lukoil and the oil unit of Gazprom, are some of the companies on the list that have already signed preliminary agreements with Iran to study oil fields for potential future development.

Iran aims to attract more than $100 billion in foreign investment to speed growth in its energy industry after sanctions cut international companies’ involvement in developing the world’s fourthlargest oil reserves. Since sanctions eased in January, the country has doubled exports as crude prices rallied.

T E C H N O L O G Y C O M PA N I E S

RAPT ATTENTION: After years of stupendous growth, India’s IT industry trade body Nasscom in

November cut its revenue forecast for the current year.

— Bloomberg file picture

Infosys and Wipro leaders warn of challenging times BANGALORE: The leaders of two of India’s largest technology services companies, Infosys and Wipro, have warned employees that their industry faced a grave threat from rising political and economic conflict around the world.

Employees need to innovate and bring out their best to survive, Infosys Chief Executive Officer Vishal Sikka said in a year-end note to staff. In a separate memo, Wipro Chairman Azim Premji identified recent political and social developments as a huge risk to a globalised industry like IT services, though he didn’t mention specific issues.

Asia’s largest providers of IT services, which include leader Tata Consultancy Services

(TCS), have lost business as their corporate customers reined in spending. They’ve been buffeted by macroeconomic swings in the two largest markets of Britain and the US, together accounting for about four-fifths of revenues in India’s $108-billion IT services export industry. Britain’s planned exit from the European Union cast uncertainty over the outlook for IT spending, while US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to choke the flow of overseas workers Wipro and Infosys rely on.

After years of stupendous growth, India’s IT industry trade body Nasscom in November cut its revenue forecast for the current year.

“At a time when the world

around us seems ever more influenced by the baser instincts and tendencies, we must bring the best of our intentions, and the best of our imagination, our knowledge and our conviction, to all that we do,” Sikka wrote.

Premji said 2016 raised questions and obstacles which could not be ignored.

“These questions have arisen from developments in the political arena, from the fast-unfolding environmental crisis and from forces that want to shape the world into a place of exclusion, conflict and suspicion,” Premji said in his memo.

Infosys’ shares were down 1.4 per cent at 11:33am on Tuesday.

Wipro and Tata were mostly unchanged. - Bloomberg News

The country boosted oil production last year by 870,000 barrels a day to 3.67 million by November, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. While the country has reached several preliminary agreements with international companies, it has yet to sign any concrete deals to boost crude production. — Bloomberg News

STANDING TALL: A pedestrian walks in front of commercial build-

ings in the central business district of Singapore. — Bloomberg file picture

B4

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

FEATURE

T

he unemployment rate in the United States is down to 4.6 per cent, which sounds pretty good. But the unemployment rate does not count people who have given up looking for jobs, which is why the employment-to-population ratio, especially the “primeage” ratio for those 25 through 54, may be a better measure of the health of the labour market.

After I wrote about this metric in early December, several readers wrote in to wonder if even it might be overstating the health of the labour market because more people are working part

time, or working multiple jobs, or scrounging a living from freelance assignments.

So yes, the percentage of people who are working part time (fewer than 35 hours a week) but say they would work full time if they could is higher than it was at any point from 1995 until 2008.

At this point in a now seven-yearold economic expansion it is not much higher, though, while the percentage of voluntary part-time workers is lower than it was in the late 1990s. So factoring in parttimers makes the employment situation look a little bleaker, but not a lot.

What about people working three jobs to make ends meet, or getting by on “gig” work such as driving an Uber or running errands for TaskRabbit? This is a big puzzle that I have been struggling to answer for several years now. According to the monthly Current Population Survey data used in calculating the unemployment rate and the employment-to-population ratio, there has been no increase in multiple jobholding or self-employment as a share of overall employment.

This may have more to do with the limitations of the questions in the survey than the reality of the

labour market, though. A different survey conducted for economists Lawrence F. Katz and Alan B. Krueger last year found that: The percentage of workers engaged in alternative work arrangements — defined as temporary help agency workers, on-call workers, contract workers, and independent contractors or freelancers — rose from 10.1 per cent in February 2005 to 15.8 per cent in late 2015.

That is a big leap, and indicates a shift away from more secure jobs to more contingent ones — another sign that the labour market might not be as robust as the

unemployment rate or even the employment-to-population ratio would indicate. There seem to be two separate, if not entirely unrelated, phenomena at work here.

The percentage of prime-age men who have a job or are actively looking for one has been declining for decades, from more than 97 per cent in the mid-1950s to a record low of 88 per cent in 2014. Women’s prime-age labour-force participation rose for most of that period, but has fallen since 2000. Participation is actually up over the past year, especially for women, but it is way too early to say whether that marks a

reversal in the trend.

The evidence is mixed on this, but more people appear to be doing work that doesn’t fit the definition of a conventional full-time job. They’re often doing it as a supplement to a conventional job, not a replacement. That could be because their conventional job does not pay enough, or doesn’t seem secure enough, to fully rely on. For some people it is also surely because the labour market is now offering more opportunities for rewarding, remunerative unconventional work. But I am guessing they’re in the minority.

— JUSTIN FOX/Bloomberg News

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

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Ooredoo takes Shahry plans to new heights

FOUR TEAMS

With this new promotion, those who

This promotion is the latest in a long line of initiatives which are designed to ensure that whether customers are streaming video, listening to music or socialising through their favourite apps, they can be sure they are getting the best value on the best network

sign up for a two-year contract will receive four times the regular amount of data and a smartphone voucher worth up to OMR150

Jaffer Al Khaboori

Director of Planning, Insights and Performance at Ooredoo

MUSCAT: As internet use in the Sultanate grows rapidly with more apps and video streaming services, Ooredoo has multiplied the data on all four of its new Shahry bundles to meet the rising needs of its customers.

With this new promotion, those who sign up for a two-year contract will receive four times the regular amount of data and a smartphone voucher worth up to OMR150.

Customers who prefer a 12 month contract will enjoy triple the data

allowance, says a press release.

Jaffer Al Khaboori, director of Planning, Insights and Performance at Ooredoo said, “With our increasingly digital lives depending on fast data with big quotas, Ooredoo are entirely focused on creating the best packages for our customers and the best network coverage. This promotion is the

latest in a long line of initiatives which are designed to ensure that whether customers are streaming video, listening to music or socialising through their favourite apps, they can be sure they are getting the best value on the best network.”

Under the new promotion, Shahry 500 MB, Shahry 2GB, Shahry 5GB, and Shahry 10 GB

will provide quadruple the data allowance for customers who opt for a 24 month contract. Those customers will also receive handset discounts worth OMR20, OMR50, OMR100, and OMR150 respectively. Subscribers who opt for a one year agreement will receive triple the amount of data on any Shahry bundle of their choice.

S I G N I F I C A N T AWA R D S

Al Mouj Muscat ends 2016 on high note with multiple awards MUSCAT: Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s lifestyle destination, ended 2016 on a high note by winning a host of prestigious awards in multiple categories during the year, including two at The Luxury 100 Awards, three at the Oman Real Estate Awards and one at the Dossier Construction Awards, says a press release.

Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani, CEO, Al Mouj Muscat said, “We are very happy that we have added these esteemed awards to our growing list of honours. Besides, we are delighted to win these significant awards that acknowledge excellence and recognise quality. They are validation of Al Mouj Muscat’s commitment to quality, planning and innovation while developing our mixed-use development.”

At the second edition of The Luxury 100, Signature magazine’s annual luxury list and awards, Al Mouj Muscat won the 'Luxury Beachfront Homes of The Year' award for its Juman 1 project. At the same award Al Mouj Golf won the 'Golf Course of The Year' award.

Set in a private precinct on Al Mouj Marina Peninsula, Juman 1 offers an unprecedented and luxurious waterfront lifestyle experience. The apartments sit in Zen gardens surrounded by tranquil courtyards, creating an ubersophisticated lifestyle oasis in the

Al Mouj Golf at Al Mouj Muscat is Oman’s first signature course and the only 18-hole PGA Standard links golf course is one of the world's most stunning golfing facilities

heart of the five-star facilities of Al Mouj Muscat.

Al Mouj Golf at Al Mouj Muscat is Oman’s first signature course and the only 18-hole PGA Standard links golf course is one of the world's most stunning golfing facilities designed by Greg Norman.

The Luxury 100, a special concept that marks the country’s and the region’s only list of iconic luxury products of the year, is an unmatched compilation or a consolidated 'List of Lists' that symbolises the spirit of luxury. While the categories included personal luxury goods, luxury cars and

luxury hospitality in the first edition, this year it has expanded to include bespoke banking and toptier real estate.

At the recently held Oman Real Estate Awards function Al Mouj Muscat won the awards in three categories including Best Developer of the Year, Best in Real Estate Marketing of The Year and Women in Real Estate Professional of the Year. This award aims at highlighting the achievements of the companies working in the real estate sector and their efforts in developing this sector.

Meanwhile, Al Mouj Muscat

was honoured with the Dossier Construction’s Infrastructure Award in the Best Residential Project category. Al Mouj Muscat won this award for its popular residential project Marsa 3.

On the cusp of the stunning Al Mouj Marina, the one to three bedroom apartments at Marsa 3 offer an exclusive waterfront lifestyle of luxury. Finished to the highest international standards through modern architecture, Marsa 3 is truly the essence of elegant living at Al Mouj Muscat.

The Dossier Construction’s Infrastructure Awards are aimed at recognising overall excellence in the delivery of building, civil engineering, infrastructure projects and real estate encompassing all the key industry players.

Khimji Training Institute awards Regional Speaking Competition winners MUSCAT: Khimji Training Institute (KTI) awarded certificates to four teams that won the recently-concluded Regional Speaking Competition in Dubai held recently. Participants received their certificates at an awards ceremony that was held at KTI, says a press release.

The teams that were felicitated were among the winners of the Fifth InterCollege Environmental Public Speaking Competition organised jointly by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) and the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). They were chosen

by Khimji Ramdas Institute to receive training in public speaking and communication in the runup to the regional contest.

Commenting on how the company’s initiative emphasised its commitment towards grooming Omani talent, Nadeem Ahmed, general manager, Khimji Training Institute, said, “First I would like congratulate the winners of the Regional Speaking Competition. Khimji Ramdas Institute is proud that all the four teams supported and trained by KTI have emerged as winners once again this year.”

He added, "We thank the ESO for trusting in the institute for the fifth time. We feel honoured to be part of an event that brings out the talents of Oman’s youth. As always, Khimji Ramdas is committed to supporting the training and development of young Omani nationals to prepare them for future leadership roles.”

Lamees Daar, executive director at ESO, said, “We would like to once again thank Khimji Training Institute for their support, which has made the event a great success. We are especially thankful to KTI for lending their expertise and knowledge in providing training for the winning teams that participated in the regional competition.”

The following teams ranked first, second and third in the regional event – Modern College of Business and Science – Aqua Rangers Team (Second); Modern College of Business Science

First I would like congratulate the winners of the Regional Speaking Competition. Khimji Ramdas Institute is proud that all the four teams supported and trained by KTI have emerged as winners once again this year.

We thank the ESO for trusting in the institute for the fifth time. We feel honoured to be part of an event that brings out the talents of Oman’s youth Nadeem Ahmed

General manager, Khimji Training Institute

– TJEKKO Team (First); Higher College of Technology – Orka Team (third); University of Nizwa – Care for Tomorrow Team (First); Oman Nursing Institute – The White Hands Team (Second); and Rustaq College of Applied Science – My Environment my Wealth Team (Third).

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

ROUND-UP TAC receives TOTAL ‘Majestic Mogul’ award

DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE

This award was received by Murtadha Ahmed Sultan, chairman and Riyadh Ali Sultan, director at annual conference held in France

Alfa Romeo set to introduce Giulietta Super and Veloce models in Oman

recently in recognition for TAC outstanding performance among GCC and CAS countries

MUSCAT: Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the pioneers in the automobile business in Oman since 1972, has won the prestigious ‘Majestic Mogul’ award from TOTAL Lubricants for the year 2016 .

This award was received by Murtadha Ahmed Sultan, chairman and Riyadh Ali Sultan, director at annual conference held in France recently in recognition for TAC outstanding performance among GCC and CAS countries.

This is the second time TAC is winning this award since introduction, says a press release.

A senior spokesperson from TAC said: “We feel really honoured to receive this award from TOTAL again. This award was possible only because of the continuous and sincere hard work from TAC lube sales team and also the support from TOTAL team.

TAC are exclusive distributors for TOTAL brand of lubricants in Oman covering entire range of automotive, marine, industrial and speciality lubricants. In Oman, TAC also represents Mazda cars, Geely cars, Bridgestone tires Higer buses and coaches, JAC trucks and international trucks in the automotive segment. A subsidiary of the W J Towell Group, TAC ensures the easy availability of high quality motor products coupled with the highest standard of service to its esteemed customers.

Over the years, TAC has established itself as a trusted name in customer service, product knowledge, job skill and technology. TAC has made extensive efforts in the past several years to reach out to more and more customers and established itself as a trusted name in customer service.

TAC has been on a winning spree for the past few years and has won numerous awards locally and globally. Along with prestigious global awards such as ‘Mazda Global Customer Service Award’ (that TAC has won for five years in a row), TAC has been honoured for ‘Omanisation’ from the Ministry of Manpower, and ‘best website of the year’ (automotive segment) at the Oman Web Awards. TAC’s CRM cell was awarded Mazda global CRM award two years in a row, a feat which is unmatched. At the Regional level, TAC has won the GCC and North Africa Walk Around Contests and the MazTech award which tests Mazda distribu-

tors’ competence levels.

TAC bases its definition of success on four pillars of focus on customer satisfaction, employee retention, profitability and market share. With every market strategy and business dealing they reinforce these focal points and thrust themselves a step closer to prosperity. To continue their growth and business, TAC is constantly finding newer global markets, joining hands with international brands, and relentlessly pursuing a retail expansion strategy. At the core of all TAC’s activities lies their firm belief in customer delight and a clear goal to get ‘Closer to the Customer’.

INCENTIVE TRIP

Hempel Oman takes channel partners to Malaysia MUSCAT: To build an enduring bond and nurture mutual partnership, Hempel Oman organised an incentive trip to Malaysia for its top performing channel partners.

The incentive trip also provided a vital opportunity to engage with the channel partners and identify future challenges, says a press release.

Vikram Sood, Decorative sales manager for Hempel Oman said, “We wanted to thank and honour our channel partners for their hard work and dedication. We owe our success to them. The channel partners were taken through a channel partner excellence presentation with a main focus on team building and highlighting the importance of effective symbiosis between Hempel and its channel partners.

This was done with purpose to serve customers more efficiently.”

Hempel owes its expansion of retail business in Oman due to its innovative concepts. Since the establishment of Hempel Oman, with the support of a committed team running its operations, Hempel has strengthened its position and has established a leadership position in the country’s protective, marine and decorative coating segments.

Hempel, a world-leading coatings supplier for the decorative, protective, marine, container and yacht markets, is present in more

Since the establishment of Hempel Oman, with the support of a committed team running its operations, Hempel has strengthened its position and has established a leadership position in the country’s protective, marine and decorative coating segments than 80 countries. Hempel’s coatings extend product lifecycles, reduce maintenance costs and bring colour to homes and places of work. Since 1915, Hempel coatings have been trusted to deliver outstanding protection against corrosion in the toughest environments.

From wind turbines and bridges to ships and homes, Hempel coatings can be found on every continent, bringing colour to people’s lives and keeping man-made structures safe from corrosion and weathering. Hempel owns several companies, including Crown Paints in the UK.

MUSCAT: Dhofar Automotive, the exclusive distributor of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Oman is going to launch the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Super and Veloce models shortly at its showrooms across the Sultanate.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta, lives up to the tradition of the best Alfa Romeo models, drawing on its heritage of dynamic performance without compromising on efficiency and convenience in everyday use. The secret behind this performance is continuous technological research, which finds its ultimate expression in the Giulietta. This is demonstrated by the compact architecture - created with high-resistance materials that allow the weight of the vehicle to be limited - in addition to the Dual Pinion active steering and the sophisticated suspension configurations (MacPherson at the front and advanced Multilink at the rear), says a press release.

Outstanding quality of construction throughout ensures excellent comfort - the longitudinal and vertical filtering capacity of the suspension ensures high driving comfort while important technical refinements - such as specific interventions on the bumpers, wheel arches, pedal unit and luggage compartment - make the Giulietta quiet and highly enjoyable to drive.

Comfort is another strong point - the quality of the materials used for the dashboard and the ergonomics of the interior space in general contribute to a great on-board experience.

There hasn’t been any compromise on load capacity either, thanks to a luggage compartment with a very regular shape that can be exploited to the full.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce is the true embodiment of Alfa Romeo spirit and design in a hatchback car. It has a very high specification with performance features that create a bold presence on the road for a compact car.

These include sports suspension, side skirts, sports splitter and rear dam with Alfa Red moulding, exclusive 18’’ dual 5-spoke alloy wheels, privacy glass, oversized Brembo brake system with red calipers and oversized twin tailpipes. Further

unique details are the exclusive ‘Veloce’ badges, carbon finish headlights and dark, anthracite exterior finishing that surrounds the door mirrors and handles, front grille and fog light bezels.

It also features the exclusive powertrain inherited from the Alfa Romeo 4C supercar - the turbocharged 240hp, 1750cc direct injection aluminium-block engine - combined with a next generation Alfa 6-speed twin dry clutch TCT.A unique suspension scheme has also been designed to provide perfect balance, even at high speeds. The Veloce also features the oversized Brembo braking system with Alfa Red brake calipers and lowered sports suspension.

The performance nature of the Alfa Giulietta Veloce is further highlighted by new leather and Alcantara sports seats with integrated headrests and red stitching, aluminium pedals, dashboard bezel with darkflair finish, sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel with red contrast stitching and carbon fibre finish on the dashboard contour and door panels. On the technology front, the Veloce features the innovative Uconnect Radio Nav multimedia system with 6.5” touchscreen display, Bluetooth, MP3 and audio streaming, Auxin, USB connector, voice commands and SMS Reader.

The Giulietta Super is powered by a 1.4-litre, 170hp Turbo MultiAir powertrain with TCT offers, as standard, fog lights, satin finish wing mirrors, dual zone climate control, cruise control and new 7-hole design 16” alloy wheels: every detail shows that the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Super is a powerful and distinctive hatchback car. With perfect ergonomics and Italian style, the Alfa Giulietta Super interior has been completely designed around the driver. The Super trim level includes dual zone automatic climate control, cruise control and front armrest - new grey and black fabric ‘competizione’ seats complete this hot hatchback car.

The Giulietta Super also features the innovative Uconnect multimedia system with 5” touch-screen display, Bluetooth, MP3 and audio streaming, Auxin, USB connector, voice commands and SMS Reader.

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2017 Toyota Hilux on ‘never before’ offer Stunning in its design, the current eighth generation Hilux (4x2 & 4x4) offers many advantages

MUSCAT: Toyota Hilux has been around for such a long time that in some places it is not uncommon to hear a pick-up truck being referred to as a Hilux.

The name has become a generic term for pickups since the Hilux has been around for a long time, indeed. The model first made its debut in 1968 has since sold over 16 million units over the world to date. Many people love the pickup due to its stylish internal and external features.

“Invincible by name, invincible by nature” remarked a Hilux enthusiast and goes on to add, “It’s a great vehicle for on and off-road ventures, all thanks to its 4x4 and low-range modes.”

This wonderful vehicle is currently available on a special ‘never before’ offer that will go on until January 7 (Saturday). Customers can enjoy an attractive cash gift up to OMR1,100 during the campaign period on 2016YM/2017YM models of Hilux. (Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the showroom

for exact details. The benefits are applicable for all purchases except those made by government organisations and ministries.)

Why is the Hilux such a popular vehicle, sold in over 180 countries?

What makes it so unique…what are the qualities behind its wide appeal? One of the reasons is the raw, power that its engine churns out.

“The Hilux engine has super-high torque and makes for a comfortable drive. Whether towing a heavy load, or moving through sand, mud, rock, dust tracks and so on, Hilux seems to be always of rising through the challenge.”

Stunning in its design, the current eighth generation Hilux (4x2 & 4x4) offers many advantages.

In the words of its Assistant Chief Engineer Osamu Tomioka, “Until now, a vehicle’s value was determined by how ‘tough’ it was.

However, in developing Hilux, we wanted to fundamentally rethink what ‘tough’ means. We heard

from people that the vehicles are the foundation of their lives, an indispensable tool, space for the family, and so on. By getting to know the roads and the people, we learned that a different kind of “tough” was needed.”

The eighth generation Hilux is therefore not only a tough vehicle, but an advanced pick-up with stylish cues hitherto found only on SUVs. The front of the Hilux gives a sense that the vehicle is wider than it is. The horizontal bars that make up the grille and sleek headlamps that wrap around the front of the fenders achieve this.

The Hilux sports a thick, chunky front steel bumper sculpted like a SUV vehicle, Front Fog lamps, Alloy wheels and wheel caps, rear lamp with chrome garnish apart from new side stripes, which adorn the vehicle.

The vehicle’s interior continues the concept of ‘Tough and Emotional’, and reflects the same atten-

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tion to detail as the exterior with SUV vehicle styling, accents and ornamentations. The key features that keep you comfortable are the auto A/C, steering wheel with audio switches and advanced controls, multi-Information display (MID), 7” display audio with DVD and many more.

Equal importance has been provided to the technical superiority and safety features of the Hilux. The noteworthy features are 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options, option of a 2.7 litre Petrol engine with 164 HP or a 2.4 litre turbo diesel engine with 148 HP. The Hilux comes equipped with a number of active and passive safety features like ABS (Antilock Brake System), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, SRS Airbags for the Driver and front Passenger and knee airbag for the driver. Highend safety features include a Vehicle Stability Control system (VSC) that improves active safety performance when the vehicle skids. The Hill Assist Control (HAC) system helps control Hilux up or down a hill or gradient.

The Trailer Sway Control (TSC) keeps the operator in control of the Hilux and whatever might be towed. Finally, the Tyre-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) measures the air pressure inside the pneumatic tyres.

In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality.

E X PA N S I O N

McDonald’s opens its 1st outlet in Sur MUSCAT: McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in Sur with customers flocking in to enjoy McDonald’s exciting opening offers and entertainment.

McDonald’s Sur boasts of its world-renowned drive-thru with PlayPlace for children. The restaurant has contemporary design with spacious dining area, says a press release.

McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant brings in a new exciting element to City Walk establishment, bringing the iconic global brand closer to the people in Sur, giving them fresh food, value for money in a cosy environment.

“People in Sur have long been waiting for a McDonald’s restaurant and we are proud to say that finally we have opened our newest restaurant in Sur. As this is the first McDonald’s restaurant in the area, people in Sur can expect to enjoy fresh and quality food at affordable prices. With our new McDonald’s restaurant we also offer job opportunities for Omanis,” said Ali K. Daud, development licensee and president of McDonald’s Oman

McDonald’s Sur boasts of its worldrenowned drive-thru with PlayPlace for children. The outlet has contemporary design with spacious dining area

(Al Daud Restaurants).

A happy customer commented: “I have counted the days for McDonald’s to open in Sur, I am very happy that finally it is here.

McDonald’s drive-thru facility makes eating out a lot more convenient for people like me. We are very happy to have a McDonald’s restaurant here in Sur.”

‘ROAD SAFETY’

POPULAR SNACK FOOD

A’Saffa Zingle range offers Bank Sohar gives away prizes crispy, spicy chicken products to winners of Instagram contest MUSCAT: Popular for providing the Sultanate with fresh, tasty, healthy and pure food products for over a decade - A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s largest fully integrated poultry producer and the largest producer of snack food and allied products has a tasty range of chicken products under the A’Saffa Zingle range; that comprises fillets, strips, popcorns, drumettes and lollipops that are available at leading supermarkets across the country.

A favourite with families that enjoy crispy and spicy chicken, the A’Saffa’s Zingle chicken range is quick and convenient to cook and is hygienically processed from the purest, premium natural ingredients, and aromatic spices, says a press release.

Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing and Sales, A’Saffa Foods said: “A’Saffa Zingle chicken fillets, strips, popcorns, lollipops, drumettes, popcorn and strips are superior in taste, and are tender and crispier than their contemporaries in the market. The range has been produced using the lat-

est research and studies, making a crispy and spicy dish for families whilst keeping in mind the brand’s tasty, healthy, 100% natural and pure stance.”

Lenka continued, “As the market leader in Oman, A’Saffa has a strong market share in the poultry and Snack food category in Oman and in the GCC due to the taste and quality of our chicken products.

Customers can buy our products with peace of mind, as we are the Sultanate’s pioneers and an acknowledged leader in the production of quality poultry and snack

food products; rapidly growing our international presence in the GCC and beyond.”

Marinated for optimal tenderness the A’Saffa Zingle chicken fillet is specially formulated to cook evenly and is a favourite with the young and adults.

Made from the middle and sometimes inner segments of chicken wings, the Zingle Chicken Lollipops, serve as an appetising and tasty starter at meal times.

Part of a chicken wing that looks like a mini-drumstick the savoury Zingle chicken drumettes on the other hand is a perfect maincourse accompaniment. A’Saffa’s Zingle chicken popcorn is a bitesized snack that is made with marinated premium chicken, covered in an extra crispy coating and tossed with savoury flavours that deliver on taste in every bite.

With the A’Saffa Zingle chicken strips customers can expect a succulent strips of chicken, rolled into a crispy and delectable batter that can be fried to golden perfection, and eaten together with a sauce of choice.

MUSCAT: Continuing to create an interactive environment within its ever evolving social media platforms with daily posts, direct customer interactions and frequent contests, Bank Sohar, as part of its most recent Instagram ‘Road Safety’ Competition, recently hosted a prize giving ceremony for the winners.

The ceremony was held at the bank’s head office in MBD and saw Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Sr. AGM and head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Bank Sohar, presented each of four winners with an OMR250 cash prize, says a press release.

The competition, which took place on the bank’s Instagram page, post a video of themselves or a family member talking about a message related to road safety.

With no limit to the number of entries per person, each entry was automatically entered into a computerised draw at the end of the contest, which then picked four lucky winners at random to share a prize pool of OMR1,000.

Congratulating each of the win-

ners Mazin Al Raisi said, “With the popularity of our social media platforms growing with each passing day, they have become the perfect gateways through which we can not only interact with our fans and customers, but also encourage the spread of awareness on key topics such as road safety.

Furthermore, through contest such as these we can achieve the same result in a way that interactive and rewarding for our fans and customers; incentivising even more to join. In fact, the increased

number of responses we receive with each new contest is a testament to their growing popularity with our followers. On behalf of the bank, I would like to thank everyone that participated in the contest and contributed towards its success as well as congratulate each of the four winners.”

Bank Sohar has come a long way in getting closer to its customers and interacting with them on the popular social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Bank Muscat board attends IoD programme on cyber security The programme highlighted boardroom responsibilities for social media and cyber security, demonstrating how the board can take the lead in adopting a more strategic approach to showcase best practices, enhance productivity, growth and competitiveness

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in partnership with the Institute of Directors (IoD), the leading international organisation for professional leaders in the United Kingdom, recently

conducted a programme on the board’s governance role in social media and cyber security strategy, attended by the Board of Directors led by Shaikh Khalid bin Mustahail Al Mashani, chairman.

Martin Thomas, course leader

of IoD’s Social Media Strategy for Directors, led the programme, which came as part of a wider, ongoing partnership between Bank Muscat and IoD to equip senior executives with requisite skills to achieve higher levels of innovation and value creation through transformational learning experiences that support them in creating a real impact on business operations, says a press release.

Shaikh Khalid bin Mustahail Al Mashani said: “I am delighted to have led the Board of Directors in this programme which provided fresh insights on utilising social media and cyber security to achieve strategic growth and long-term value creation. The programme focused on strategies to enhance the board’s ability to use social media to lead, challenge and guide Bank Muscat to a sustainable future. Bank Muscat recognises the need to explore and acquire

S H A R I A- C O M P L I A N T F I NA N C I N G FA C I L I T I E S

new perspectives, ideas, skills and a depth of knowledge that drives best practice and creates a dynamic business environment.”

The social media programme focused on aligning with the strategic goals of Bank Muscat, aimed at achieving a direct and tangible impact on business alongside the country’s economic development.

The programme highlighted boardroom responsibilities for social media and cyber security, demonstrating how the board can take the lead in adopting a more strategic approach to showcase best practices, enhance productivity, growth and competitiveness.

The programme discussed the implications of social media and why it is a boardroom issue, the use of social media by global banking industry, the value of senior professionals using social media and adopting a more strategic approach with social media. Focus-

ing on how to utilise social media to respond to rapidly changing global business environment, the programme unravelled new complexities while contextualising challenges and introducing new solutions. The programme noted that social media is an opportunity to change the way an organisation works and the board has a responsibility for ensuring a corporate strategy on social media is developed, that risk management processes are in place and that a crisis communication plan exists.

Social media has emerged as a major area of reputational risk.

The board must be confident that the necessary resources and processes are in place to avoid or mitigate social media risks.

Social channels can be used to extend beyond office walls to engage with customers on a personal level that they love. Bank Muscat has a strong presence on social

media and is using the medium to respond to customer service inquiries and brand building with customers using social media to stay connected.

Bank Muscat actively engages with customers on social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The bank launched the first dedicated social media account in the banking sector in Oman for customer service.

In step with its innovative customer-centric strategy, the interactive customer care Twitter account reflects the latest trends in banking and facilitates real time communication with customers.

Aimed at enhancing customer experience, especially with the tech-savvy youth, the new facility is in response to the high demand for customer service via social media as many customers prefer to interact on social media as a main channel of communication.

PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC SERVICES CENTRE

Sohar Aluminium inks pact with SMC and Omifco

Alizz signs MoU with ASIS, Tibiaan Properties MUSCAT: Alizz Islamic Bank announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Sultanate Investment Services (ASIS) and Tibiaan Properties, to provide the bank’s customers with the ability to purchase flats at Jiwaar residential and commercial project in Bausher and increase sales.

Mohammed Al Ghassani, head of Sales & Distribution of Alizz Islamic Bank, and Ahmed Al Mahroqi, chairman of Al Sultanate Investment Services signed the MoU at a ceremony in the presence of Fahad Al Ismaili, CEO of Tibiaan Properties, says a press release.

Jiwaar project is one of the most recent projects of Al Sultanate Investment Services. The project encompasses residential units ranging from 1 to 2 bedrooms and state-ofthe-art commercial and retail space.

The infrastructure of the project is located at the heart of Muscat city in close vicinity to Al Khuwair and the Higher Technical College.

Mohammed Al Ghassani said “Our agreement with Al Sultanate Investment Services, the beginning of what we hope is a strong and successful business relationship that will provide our valued patrons with an unrivalled customer experience. It is an exciting partnership which will give us a platform to offer Sharia-compliant financing facilities to prospective buyers of flats in Oman’s newest

Our agreement with Al Sultanate Investment Services, the beginning of what we hope is a strong and successful business relationship that will provide our valued patrons with an unrivalled customer experience.

It is an exciting partnership which will give us a platform to offer Sharia-compliant financing facilities to prospective buyers of flats in Oman’s newest ITC Mohammed Al Ghassani

Head of Sales & Distribution of Alizz Islamic Bank

ITC. This is in line with our strategy to support the local tourism and development projects.”

Ahmed Al Mahrouqi said, “Since the inception of Al Sultanate Investment Services we managed to develop quality real estate projects with excellent locations nearby all the necessary services and infrastructures.”

Alizz Islamic Bank provides Sharia compliant financial solutions

for corporate, government and individual customers.

In Forward Ijarah, the property is acquired by Alizz Islamic Bank under Istisna’ Sale Contract with a developer upon customer’s promise to lease. Upon the completion of construction, property is accordingly leased to the bank’s customer for agreed term and rentals after which the ownership is transferred to the customer.

MUSCAT: Reinforcing its commitment to the community and extending its regular support of impactful projects and good causes, Sohar Aluminium (SA) joined together with Salalah Methanol Company (SMC) and Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Directorate General of Khoula Hospital for the funding of a Prosthetic and Orthotic Services Centre.

Costing in excess of OMR150,000, the advanced new facility will provide a variety of valuable services including the assessment, prescription, design, manufacture and fitting of artificial limbs for Ministry of Health patients from across the Sultanate.

Engineer Said Al Masoudi, Sohar Aluminium’s CEO, thanked SMC and Omifco for joining Sohar Aluminium in the funding of the Centre, adding: “It is a privilege to initiate this important project which will provide the highest quality of care and usage of the latest technology in prosthetic and orthotic services under one roof. This state-of-the-art centre aims to meet the needs of people across Oman who have lost limbs and also of those who require posture and mobility support. The services provided will be dedicated to improve the ability of the patients to function normally

and enable them to actively contribute in the society. Sohar Aluminium looks forward to see the progress of this centre as it fulfils its positively impactful mission.”

The MoU was also signed by Awadh Al Shanfari, CEO of SMC and Qassim Al Balushi, CSR manager at Omifco.

“SMC considers CSR as one of its core values and principles.

Hence our partnership with SA and Omifco and the support from our shareholder OOC to fund this centre underlines a common vision by all involved stakeholders,” said Awadh Al Shanfari. He added, “We all believe CSR is a culture that goes beyond our organisations’ business to integrate economic, environmental and social aspects.”

Qassim Al Balushi said, “This project forms one of the health sector projects funded by Omifco and aims to provide prosthetic limbs to the patients who are in need of such limbs to help them function and live their lives normally.”

“The collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors is important in enhancing the cooperation between the different parties for the sake of developing economic, health, and social aspects of the society in the Sultanate,” said Doctor Ali bin Muhad Al Ma’ashani, director general of Khoula Hospital. He added, “We

would like to thank the funding companies of this project.”

Located in Al Wattayah adjacent to Khoula Hospital, the new Prosthetic and Orthotic Services Centre is scheduled to commence its services by the end of 2018.

The centre is currently located in a temporary building and serves more than 4,000 patients every year from different parts of the Sultanate, and coordinates with three small units Sohar, Nizwa and Salalah.

The new 600 square metres building of the centre is planned to consist of clinics, staff offices, modifications workshops, facilities rooms, as well as workshops room. It will also accommodate the latest technologies, furniture, equipment and tools in the field.

It will also help in facilitating and mitigating the challenges faced by the staff to provide more accurate and rapid service.

Oman Oil Company (OOC) which is an investor in the three companies i.e. SA, SMC and Omifco, is delivering on its promise to support community development with targeted CSR programmes. As a responsible corporate citizen, OOC invests in the future of Oman by partnering and contributing to the prosperity of the Omani people through direct and tangible benefits to the communities.

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Oman Cricket hopes recalled Sultan to deliver as captain into the right rhythm as playing at international level is a different ball game all together.. I am glad Oman Cricket has given me another opportunity to serve the team both as a player and the captain.”

Sultan Ahmed has been named as

I am glad Oman Cricket has given me another opportunity

captain of the team that will travel to the UAE to take part in the Desert T20 Tournament

Sultan Ahmed

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Oman players pose for a group photo along

Oman Captain

with South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir, standing centre, during a training session.

A. SESHAGIRI RAO raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: There seems to be no shortage of surprises at Oman Cricket’s disposal, vis-a-vis their handling of wicketkeeper-batsman Sultan Ahmed.

If the former captain’s recall to the list of T20 probables in November had come as a big surprise, the governing body of Oman’s cricket sprang an even bigger surprise on Tuesday by naming 38-yearold veteran as the captain of the 14-member team that will travel to the UAE to take part in the Desert T20 International Tournament.

Back in April, 2016, the selectors dropped Sultan from the side that toured Jersey for the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 competition. That decision was termed as shocking, especially since it came right after the team’s return from India where Sultan led Oman in their historic participation in the World T20 Championship preliminary rounds.

Tuesday’s announcement, though, would have pleased Raha CT’s star player but it is also sure to help the critics to raise some questions, considering his current form, especially in the shortest format of the game.

In the just concluded Premier League T20 Championship, Raha CT finished second from the bottom in the seven-team event with Sultan averaging 8.0 with the bat, scoring 40 runs from five innings.

He also took four catches and affected two stumpings.

But it’s his experience rather than the current form that the selectors looked into before naming Sultan as the captain.

The selection committee, according to chief selector Syed Anwar Ahsan, picked the team and the captain based on the recommendations of the Oman Cricket’s Chief Development Officer and head coach Duleep Mendis.

When contacted by Times Sport, Syed Anwar Ahsan said: “After the team’s performances in the Jesery

(ICC WCL Div 5) and the Los Angeles (ICC WCL Div 4) tournaments, Chief Development Officer (Duleep Mendis) saw the need for some changes. With two to three important tournaments coming up in the future, he made some recommendations regarding the team selection for the UAE tournament.

And as per his recommendations, we made some changes and finalised the team,” he added.

A positive step However, Oman Cricket General Secretary Madhu Jesrani was more forthcoming while admitting ‘it looks like a step back but a positive one’.

“In the selection of Sultan Ahmed it looks like we are going back. We have a reason to go back as we have some big tournaments coming up this year. But we believe it is a positive move and let us see how it works out,” he said.

Madhu Jesrani explained: “The Desert T20 is a very prestigious tournament. We will be playing

TEST CRICKET

Philander and Rabada rip through Sri Lanka CAPE TOWN: Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada claimed four wickets each as South Africa ripped out Sri Lanka for 110 on the second day of the second Test at Newlands on Tuesday.

South Africa did not enforce the follow-on and were 35 without loss at the close, 317 runs ahead and in a powerful position to claim the victory they need to clinch the series.

Sri Lanka collapsed after going to tea on 56 for two with Rabada making a decisive breakthrough at the start of the final session when he had Dimuth Karunaratne brilliantly caught at point by Temba Bavuma for 24.

A steady procession of wickets followed as captain Angelo Mathews and his deputy Dinesh Chandimal went cheaply after rash shots to Rabada’s persistent pace barrage. The tall seamer had snared Kaushal Silva before tea and finished with figures of 4-37.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj added the valuable wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva lbw for 16 before Philander mopped up the tail.

He had Rangana Herath trapped in front and Suranga Lakmal caught in the slips, seeing Dean Elgar parry the ball into the air and Hashim Amla take the catch. It was Philander’s 150th Test wicket.

Lahiru Kumara was bowled and Philander dismissed Nuwan Prapeed with the next ball so the fast bowler will start on a hat-trick when Sri Lanka bat again. Upul Tharanga finished unbeaten on 26.

South Africa were all out before lunch with Quinton de Kock scoring 101 and teenager Kumara claiming six wickets for Sri Lanka in a career-best performance.

De Kock, 68 not out overnight, drove the first ball of the day for four and brought up his century off 122 balls, an instinctive innings full of quality shots.

Kumara, brought in to strengthen the Sri Lanka attack after their defeat in the first Test, claimed a first five-wicket haul in tests and finished with figures of 6-122.

CELEBRATION: South African bowler Kagiso Rabada, centre, celebrates the dismissal of Sri Lanka batsman Dinesh Chandimal (not in picture) during the second Test against Sri Lanka. – AFP

SCOREBOARD

South Africa 1st innings: S. Cook c Mendis b Lakmal 0 D. Elgar c Mendis b Lakmal 129 H. Amla b Kumara 29 J. Duminy c Mendis b Kumara 0 F. du Plessis c Mathews b Herath 38 T. Bavuma c Tharanga b Kumara 10 Q. de Kock c Chandimal b Kumara 101 K. Abbott c Chandimal b Herath 16 V. Philander c Chandimal b Kumara 20 K. Maharaj not out 32 K Rabada c Chandimal b Kumara 8 Extras (lb-3, nb-1, w-5) 9 Total (all out, 116 overs) 392 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-66, 3-66, 4-142, 5-169, 6-272, 7-303, 8-336, 9-376, 10-392 Bowling: Lakmal 27-4-93-2, Pradeep 15.43-46-0, Mathews 17-3-41-0 (1w), Kumara 25-1-122-6 (1nb, 4w), Herath 23.2-4-57-2, De Silva 8-0-30-0 Sri Lanka 1st innings: D. Karunaratne c Bavuma b Rabada 24 K. Silva b Rabada 11 K. Mendis c Duminy b Maharaj 11 D. de Silva lbw b Maharaj 16

But it was a long spell in the field for Sri Lanka with South Africa’s tail-enders adding 95 runs after resuming on 297 for six and the toil seemed to have some effect on their lethargic batting performance.

A. Mathews c Du Plessis b Rabada 2 D. Chandimal c De Kock b Rabada 4 U. Tharanga not out 26 R. Herath lbw b Philander 1 S. Lakmal c Amla b Philander 0 L. Kumara b Philander 4 N. Pradeep c Du Plessis b Philander 0 Extras (lb-5, nb-1, w-5) 11 Total (all out, 43 overs) 110 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-56, 3-56, 4-60, 5-78, 6-78, 7-100, 8-100, 9-110, 10-110 Bowling: Philander 12-4-27-4 (1nb), Abbott 8-3-9-0, Rabada 12-2-37-4 (1w), Maharaj 11-1-32-2 South Africa 2nd innings: S. Cook not out 15 D. Elgar not out 19 Extras (w-1) 1 Total (for no loss, 11 overs) 35 To bat: H. Amla, J. Duminy, F. du Plessis, T. Bavuma, Q. de Kock, V. Philander, K. Maharaj, K. Abbott, K. Rabada Bowling: S. Lakmal 5-1-16-0, N. Pradeep 2-0-5-0, L. Kumara 4-0-14-0 (w-1) Umpires: Aleem Dar and Rod Tucker

Stephen Cook (15 not out) and Dean Elgar (19 not out) will resume for South Africa on Wednesday with the home team bidding to wrap up the threematch series after victory in the first Test in Port Elizabeth. - Reuters

some strong teams, including six ICC Associate teams. Considering that and the tournaments we will be playing in the future, including ICC WCL Div 3 in May (in Uganada), we chose a new combination.”

He further stated: “All the players who are selected for the UAE tournament deserve their places as they did well in the league as well as in the training camp and the selection trials.”

Asked specifically about Sultan’s selection as the captain whose current form in T20s has not been that good, Madhu Jesrani said: “Sultan is one of the most experienced wicketkeepers. He has played a good role for Oman cricket in the past. As I said, looking at the future tournaments, we chose him as the captain.

“We have talked to him about many aspects... his form, his experience before picking him. This is also his chance to let his performance to do the talking. Now it is up to him to deliver,” he added.

Talked to Lalcheta While hard-hitting opening batsman Zeeshan Maqsood will be the deputy to Sultan, Ajay Lalcheta, who led the team in the both ICC WCL Div 5 and 4 competitions, has also been included in the squad.

Madhu Jesrani said: “We have talked to Ajay (Lalcheta) as well.

We have explained to him the situation and how we are looking to the future. He understands the situation.”

For the record, Premier League T20 champions Assarain’s keeper Naseem Khushi, who is part of the 14-member team, scored 113 runs at an average of 37.7 in five innings.

Runners-up Al Turki’s Twinkal Bhandari has averaged 17.67 scoring 106 runs in six innings. He also took eight catches behind the stumps. Interestingly both were not even part of the 20 probables announced in November.

Surprise visitor Meanwhile, the Oman team had a surprise visitor to their training camp in the form of South African spinner Imran Tahir. The star legspinner, who is in Oman on a private visit, though refused to talk to the media owing to his contractual commitments with Cricket South Africa, he posed for photographs with Oman team players.

Need time Sultan himself admitted that his T20 performance has not been up to the mark off late but said he is in good touch and in right frame of mind.

“I got a call (from Oman Cricket) before the Premier League T20. At that time I was already doing well in the Premier League 50-over competition. I know I have nothing great to show from the T20 league in terms of numbers. When the call came, I told them I am ready to serve the team and country. But I have also told them I need time to come back

Sultan Ahmed (captain), Zeeshan Maqsoood (vice-captain), Ajay Lalcheta, Khawar Ali, Sufyan Mahmood, Naseem Kushi, Arun Poulose, Mehran Khan, Khurram Nawaz Khan, Mohammed Nadeem, Bilal Khan, Aaqib Ilyas, Kaleemullah and Rajesh Ranpura.

Reserves: Shuaib Ismail, Jatinder Singh, Zeeshan Siddique, Munis Ansari, Amir Ali and Nester Dhamba. Officials: Coach: Duleep Mendis; Assistant coach: Mazher Khan; Physio: Suresh Kumar.

Oman fixtures: Jan 15: Netherlands vs Oman; Jan 16: Oman vs Hong Kong; Jan 19: Scotland vs Oman. Jan 20: Semifinals and final.

Oman squad for Desert T20:

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

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Warner hits record ton at SCG ‘Turtle’ Renshaw learns not to chase the bull

SWASHBUCKLING: Australia’s David Warner celebrates after completing his century on the first day of their third Test match against Pakistan in Sydney on Tuesday. – AP/PTI

SCOREBOARD

Warner reached the hundred mark from 78 balls in 118 minutes to become the fifth batsman to notch up a century before lunch on the first day of a Test

SYDNEY: David Warner hit a record century inside one session and his fellow opener Matt Renshaw a maiden hundred over three as Australia reached 365 for three at close of play on the opening day of the third Test against Pakistan on Tuesday.

With the series already secure after last week’s victory in Melbourne, Australia’s openers gave the hosts the best possible start to their quest for a 3-0 series sweep.

Warner, playing on his home ground just a few hundred metres from where he was born, reached the hundred mark from 78 balls in 118 minutes to become the fifth batsman to notch up a century before lunch on the first day of a Test.

The left-hander was unable to add to his tally of 17 fours before being caught behind off Wahab Riaz for 113 soon after lunch but Renshaw, playing his fourth Test,

proved more than capable of taking up the mantle.

The 20-year-old, initially circumspect where Warner was aggressive, was knocked to the floor by a sickening blow to his helmet grille from a Mohammed Amir bouncer on 91 but got up to complete his century from 201 balls with eight fours.

When stumps were drawn, Renshaw was unbeaten on 167 with Peter Handscomb on 40 not out alongside him in a partnership of 121.

Usman Khawaja (13), Warner and Australia skipper Steve Smith (24) all fell to catches behind the wickets, the last a spectacular take by Sarfraz Ahmed off legspinner Yasir Shah.

Otherwise, it was a day to forget for the tourists as Warner and Renshaw ran rampant on a good wicket after Australia had won

Australia 1st innings M. Renshaw (not out) 167 D. Warner c S. Ahmed b Riaz 113 U. Khawaja c S. Ahmed b Riaz 13 S. Smith c S. Ahmed b Shah 24 P. Handscomb (not out) 40 Extras (b-2, lb-1, nb-4, w-1) 8 Total (3 wkts, 88 overs) 365 Fall of wickets: 1-151, 2-203, 3-244.

To bat: H. Cartwright, M. Wade, M. Starc, S. O’Keefe, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon Bowling: M. Amir 16-1-58-0; I. Khan 17-3-81-0 (nb-2); W. Riaz 19-4-63-2 (nb-2, w-1); Y. Shah 30-2-132-1; Az. Ali 4-0-16-0; A. Shafiq 2-0-12-0.

Umpires: Richard Illingworth and Sundaram Ravi TV umpire: Ian Gould Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle

the toss and chosen to bat.

As pugnacious as ever, Warner barely hit a false note in his 95ball innings, hitting the second ball he faced for four and not letting up until he had run the three runs that secured his 18th Test century. No batsman had ever hit a century in the opening session of a Test match in Australia and only compatriots Victor Trumper, Charles Macartney and Don Bradman as well as Pakistan’s Majid Khan had done it elsewhere.

“It’s a honour and privilege to be amongst the greats of the game,” Warner said. “It wasn’t something in the back of my mind to go out and score a 100 in a session. It was about going out there with intent and batting positive.”

Warner also bettered his own record for the fastest test century at the SCG, having taken 82 balls to reach the milestone against West Indies here last year.

Renshaw had scored only 25 runs at lunch and stuck with his cautious approach through the second session and into the third, spending seven overs in the 90s before a single gave him his century.

The crowd gave him the standing ovation his application deserved and continued to roar their approval at the 10 boundaries that followed as the Queenslander finally threw off the shackles a little. He survived an lbw scare off the bowling of leg-spinner Yasir on 137 -- the technology showed a clear edge off the bat -- and received another big ovation as he departed the field unbeaten at close of play.

Pakistan paceman Wahab, who took two for 63, did not try to put a gloss on a disappointing day.

“I think as a bowling unit, we have really let down our team,” he said. - Reuters

SYDNEY: Australian opener Matt Renshaw finished the first day of his fourth Test unbeaten on 167 having secured his maiden century and learned a valuable lesson about sticking to his own game. The 20-yearold, whose innings helped Australia to a dominant 365-3 in the third Test against Pakistan, was largely a spectator in the morning as his opening partner David Warner scored a 78-ball century in the first session. “That first session was something of a whirlwind, Davy was just absolutely smoking them and I was on not many,” said Renshaw, who had notched up 25 runs by the lunchbreak. “He keeps telling me I’m not going to keep up with him and I didn’t try today.”

Warner’s century was the first in the opening session of a Test match on Australian soil but for his country’s long-term cricketing future, Renshaw’s initially more cautious knock was perhaps more important. Brought into the side after Australia were humbled by South Africa in November, Renshaw confirmed he had the aptitude for opening at the highest level, even if he was surprised at quite how well he had done.

“You go into every game trying to do the best you can but I probably wasn’t expect-

ing to be this score tonight,” he confessed. He also showed no little courage to get back up after being knocked to the ground by a nasty blow to his helmet from a Mohammad Amir bouncer, an injury that required an examination by the team doctor under the new concussion protocols.

“He asked me if I was okay and I said I was fine. I just wanted to be out there, I didn’t want to retire hurt on 91,” Renshaw said, with the helmet and its misshapen grille in front of him on the table. “He asked me the score and who was the last person out and how it was, I got them pretty right. I was four runs off the score so not so bad.”

Renshaw has also clearly been on the receiving end of some good-natured teasing from the senior test players.

Vice captain Warner referred to him almost exclusively as “the youngster” in his news conference and suggested reporters ask Renshaw why Nathan Lyon had nicknamed him ‘turtle’.

“I was coming out of my shell a little bit the first week (in the test squad) and then Dave Warner and Steve Smith came back and I didn’t say too much,” Renshaw explained. “I’ve tried to embrace the turtle, the turtle and the bull they call Davy and me apparently.” - Reuters

MAIDEN TON: Australia’s batsman Matt Renshaw celebrates scoring his century during the first day at the SCG. – AFP

TWENTY20

Williamson, de Grandhomme guide Kiwis to easy win NAPIER: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson stroked his sixth international Twenty20 half-century to guide his side to a nervy sixwicket victory over Bangladesh in the first match of their three-game series at McLean Park in Napier on Tuesday.

Williamson (73 not out) combined with Colin de Grandhomme (41 not out) in an 81-run partnership after the hosts had been teetering at 62 for four in the 11th over, chasing a victory target of 142.

Mahmudullah, who failed to fire in the one day series with scores of 0, 1 and 3, held together the visitors’ below-par innings of 141 for eight with his third Twenty20 international half-century.

EASY CHASE: New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson celebrates with teammate Colin De Grandhomme at McLean Park. – AFP

While Williamson and de Grandhomme looked in control of achieving the target as the overs ticked down, they did not really seal it until they took 17

runs from the 16th over bowled by Soumya Sarkar.

De Grandhomme then ended the game with a six over extra cover on the final ball of the 18th over to

take New Zealand to 143 for four.

Bangladesh, who have never beaten New Zealand in a Twenty20 match, would be ruing the fact they were probably 30 runs short on a good paced wicket with short square boundaries.

Lockie Ferguson, making his international Twenty20 debut, had taken two wickets in his first two balls but was denied the hattrick when Mahmudullah clamped down on the 147 kph inswinging yorker. He eventually fooled the right hander in the final over with a slower delivery to finish with figures of three for 32.

The two sides now head to Mt. Maunganui for the remaining two games on January 6 and January 8. - Reuters

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH T. Iqbal c Bruce b Wheeler 11 I. Kayes c Ronchi b Henry 0 S. Rahman c Henry b Ferguson 16 S. Al Hasan c Santner b de Grandhomme 14 S. Sarkar c Anderson b Ferguson 0 Mahmudullah b Ferguson 52 M. Hosain c Anderson b Santner 20 M. Mortaza c de Grandhomme b Wheeler 1 N. Hasan not out 7 R. Hossain not out 2 Extras (w-18) 18 Total (eight wickets; 20 overs) 141 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-28, 3-30, 4-30, 5-67, 6-99, 7-114, 8-138 Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman Bowling: Wheeler 4-0-22-2 (4w), Henry 4-0-44-1 (3w), Ferguson 4-0-32-3 (4w),

de Grandhomme 4-0-23-1 (2w), Santner 4-0-20-1 (1w) NEW ZEALAND N. Broom c Shakib b R. Hossain 6 K. Williamson not out 73 C. Munro c N. Hasan b M. Rahman 0 C. Anderson c Tamim b Shakib 13 T. Bruce run out 7 C. de Grandhomme not out 41 Extras (lb-1, w-1, nb-1) 3 Total (4 wkts; 18 overs) 143 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-28, 3-46, 4-62 Did not bat: L. Ronchi, M. Santner, B. Wheeler, M. Henry, L. Ferguson Bowling: Shakib 4-0-30-1 , Mashrafe 3-0-22-0, Rubel 4-0-43-1 (1nb), Mustafizur 4-0-21-1 (1w), Mosaddek 2-0-9-0, Soumya 1-0-17-0

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

C3

SPORTS TENNIS

Serena shakes out rust to advance in Auckland Classic AUCKLAND: World No. 2 Serena Williams shook out any cobwebs from four months away from tennis with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over France’s Pauline Parmentier in the first round of the Auckland Classic on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old had not played a competitive match since she lost to Karolina Pliskova in the semifinals of the U.S. Open last September, withdrawing from all tennis to deal with a persistent shoulder injury.

The American, who had participated in a charity doubles match with sister Venus against All Blacks siblings Julian and Ardie Savea before the tournament

er Jamie Loeb or Madison Brengle.

“The wind was really getting to me. Every day I have practised here there was no wind but today it was so windy.

“So it was fun. Actually, it wasn’t fun, it was interesting.”

She conceded she was feeling rusty and would be selective about her schedule in the new season. “I don’t see myself playing a full, full schedule. But who knows? I’m going to take it tourney by tourney.”

Injury kept her out of much of the second half in 2016 even though she still triumphed in Wimbledon to equal Steffi Graf’s open era record of 22 Grand Slam

started, was appearing for the first time in Auckland and persistent rain on Monday postponed her first round match until Tuesday.

She struggled with the wind and had some rusty moments in the second set when the Frenchwoman broke in the fourth game and held three break points in the sixth. The top seed was able to overcome them, however, and won the match with her eighth ace.

“It was my first match back in several months and I played a really good player,” Williams said courtside after she wrapped up victory in 75 minutes to set up a second round clash against qualifi-

Nadal wins on return to action in Brisbane

titles and her target this year was to surpass that. “Unfortunately I have the highest of goals usually, so obviously that involves winning grand slams,” she said.

Another former world No. 1, Caroline Wozniacki, dropped just one game in a ruthless 6-1, 6-0 dismantling of Nicole Gibbs in their first round match.

“It’s the first match of the year for me so it’s always tough,” Wozniacki said. “(But) today everything was going in, even with the wind I managed to keep control of the ball and the points.

“I was pleased, especially with how I was serving.” - Reuters

IDEAL START: United States’ Serena Williams, right, is congratu-

lated by Pauline Parmentier of France after their first round match at the Auckland Classic tennis tournament in Auckland. – AP/PTI

MOTORSPORT

The Spanish former world No. 1 made a sluggish startbefore defeating Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, 6-3 SUCCESSFUL RETURN: Rafa Nadal

BRISBANE: Rafael Nadal beat Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, 6-3 in the Brisbane International first round on Tuesday to make a successful return to action following two-anda-half months out due to injury.

The Spanish former world No. 1, seeded fifth, made a sluggish start and fell 3-1 down in the first set against his Ukrainian opponent.

But Nadal, 30, won four successive games to clinch the opening set and the 14-time Grand Slam

winner broke twice in the second to see off 2012 Brisbane finalist Dolgopolov in one hour 15 minutes. He will next play Germany’s Mischa Zverev.

In the women’s draw, Spanish fourth seed Garbine Muguruza saved a match point before beating 19-year-old Russian Daria Kasatkina 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(7) to reach the last eight where she will face Destanee Aiava or twice grand

slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. Australian 16-year-old Aiava upset American Bethanie Mattek-Sands 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 to become the first player born after the year 2000 to win a WTA main draw match. World No. 6 Karolina Pliskova crushed American qualifier Asia Muhammad 6-1, 6-4 to set up a quarterfinal meeting with eighth seed Roberta Vinci or Japan’s Misaki Doi. - Reuters

Oman to host two rounds of Rotax Max Karting Challenge MUSCAT: The Sultanate, represented by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA), will host the 6th and 7th rounds of the Rotax Max Karting Challenge at Muscat Speedway race course on Friday and Saturday with the participation of 60 competitors from dif-

ferent categories. The 6th round which will be held on Friday will host the competitions of junior category ‘Bambino’, which includes competitors from ages 5 to 8 years, and the categories ‘Micro Max’, ‘Mini Max’, ‘Junior Max’ and ‘Max’.

The seventh round competitions will host all categories except ‘Bambino’.

The winners will qualify to compete with their counterparts in other states for major finals at an international level under the name of Rotax Max Karting Challenge. - ONA

HANDBALL

OOC honours beach handball team

AL TURKI RUNNERS-UP IN PREMIER LEAGUE T20

Al Turki settled for runners-up spot in the Oman Cricket Premier League T20 tournament.

They completed their engagements with a total of 18 points after winning four of the six matches they played. Unbeaten Assarain had emerged champions with 28 points.

MUSCAT: The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) felicitated Oman national beach handball team during a ceremony organised on Tuesday.

The team were honoured for winning the silver medal at the 5th Asian Beach Games held in Vietnam from September 24 to TENNIS

Murray opens year with Chardy win DOHA: World No. 1 Andy Murray extended his career-best winning streak on the ATP Tour to 25 as he swept past Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 7-6 (2) in his opener at the Qatar Open on Tuesday.

In his first competitive match of 2017, the 29-year-old Scot, who received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list after a stunning 2016, dropped seven points in the first set.

Chardy, ranked 69, broke serve at the start of the second set and although he dropped his own immediately he pushed Murray hard for the rest of the match on a warm desert evening.

Twice Chardy held serve to stay in the match and stretch Murray into a tiebreak but the pressure eventually told on the Frenchman as Murray completed a useful workout when Chardy sent a forehand volley over the baseline.

Olympic and Wimbledon champion Murray, bidding for a third Doha title after wins in 2008 and 2009, will play Austrian Gerald Melzer in the second round.

He is unbeaten in regular tournament play since losing to Kei Nishikori in the U.S. Open quarter-finals in September and won his last five tournaments of 2016 to topple Novak Djokovic from the top of the rankings.

“He didnt’t start well and it’s always difficult in the first match of the year but in the second set he played extremely well and pushed me hard,” Murray said.

Defending champion Djokovic, who will be bidding for a seventh Australian Open title later this month, opened his account on Monday with a straight sets win against Jan-Lennard Struff and will face Argentine Horacio Zeballos on Wednesday. - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Clement named Swansea manager LONDON: Paul Clement signed a two-and-a-half year contract on Tuesday to take over as manager of Swansea City, replacing Bob Bradley at the Premier League’s bottom club.

Clement, 44, has been assistant manager at Bayern Munich to Carlo Ancelotti, with whom he also

worked at Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Real Madrid. In his only managerial job, however, the Englishman lasted less than a year at Championship sdie Derby County, who sacked him last February.

Swansea were reported to have interviewed him before appointing Bradley in October. - Reuters

October 3 in 2016. The ceremony was presided over Oman Olympic Committee chief Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair.

OOC vice-chairman Sheikh Saif Al Hosni said the celebration comes as part of the OOC’s partnership with the private sector and the sponsorship agreement

with Al Zubair Corporation for supporting the activities of Oman Handball Association.

Dr. Said bin Ahmed Al Shahri, chairman of Oman Handball Association, and coach Hamood Al Hassani thanked Al Zubair Corporation and the Oman Olympic Committee. — ONA

OUT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017

IBTISAM AL SALMI

TAMATHIR AL BALUSHI

SPORTS

MARWA AL KHAIFI

C4

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE We are sailing with a 50 percent Omani female team so during this race we are hoping to enable and empower the Omani crew to take more responsibility and more ownership of the race team Dee Caffari, Skipper, DB Schenker

British sailing star Dee Caffari returns to the SATT as skipper of the all-women crew, comprising 50 percent Omani sailors

T

he women on new German entry DB Schenker have a unique challenge at EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour 2017 (SATT 2017): their main aim is to inspire women from across the GCC to follow in their footsteps.

British sailing star Dee Caffari returns to the Tour for the fourth time as skipper of the all-women crew and despite putting together a hot shot team, comprising 50 percent Omani sailors, her ambitions are geared more to making a difference than reaching the podium.

“We compete in EFG Sailing

Arabia — The Tour because it is extremely important to have a female team entered into an event in this region and to try and make a difference in how females are represented,” said Caffari, who skippered the first women’s entry in EFG Sailing Arabia — The Tour in 2012 and has more ocean racing miles under her belt than any other woman on the planet having raced around the world five times — twice on her own, twice with crew and once two-handed.

“We will be seeking to inspire fellow females from the GCC

states, we want to put Oman on the map and show what Omani woman can achieve, we hope to inspire others around the GCC to follow in their footsteps.”

For the 2017 edition, Caffari’s all-women team is sponsored by the international logistics company DB Schenker who in August last year were official logistics partner for the Olympic sailing teams from Austria, Norway, Portugal, and Switzerland at Rio 2016.

She has selected four Omani sailors including Ibtisam Al Salmi, one of the Middle East’s first professional female sailors as well as Marwa Al Khaifi and Tamathir Al Balushi, both sailing instructors for Oman Sail, who competed in EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour with Caffari last year.

In addition, three of Caffari’s team are making their debut in EFG SATT and they include a fourth Omani Hajer Al Balushi, a member of Oman Sail’s thriving

Women’s Sailing Programme, and Hannah Diamond, a former member of the British Olympic sailing squad who campaigns a Nacra 17.

Libby Greenhalgh, one of the world’s finest meteorologists, also comes to the Tour for the first time with her experience of thousands of racing miles, including a Volvo Ocean Race campaign in 2014-15, set to inspire her crew and race fans.

She raced with Caffari on Team SCA in the VOR then joined Caffari’s Oman Sail Farr 30 for the Farr 30 Internationals in Sweden last August which was used as a training platform for EFG SATT with Al Salmi, Al Khaifi and Al Balushi also honing their keelboat skills.

Annemeike Bes, the Dutch sailor who doubles as a coach and mentor will be joining Caffari once again.

“We are sailing with a 50 percent Omani female team so during this race we are hoping to enable and empower the Omani crew to take more responsibility and more own-

ership of the race team,” said Caffari. “We want to put in a credible and competitive performance.”

The DB Schenker team will be flying the flag for Oman Sail’s Women’s Sailing Programme which since it was established in 2011 has made great strides in changing perceptions of women in the Middle East by empowering Omani women and creating equal opportunities in the sport of sailing.

In EFG Sailing Arabia — The Tour, success will mean more than clocking up podium places. It will represent a step forward in breaking down barriers and changing perceptions.

But there are other aspects of the race to look forward to, said Ibtisam Al Salmi.

“We are looking forward to getting back to competitive sailing and are already planning our campaign. The route is the reverse of last year’s so we’ll make the most of the long legs — with more wind —

during the second half of the event.

We are looking forward to it.”

EFG Sailing Arabia — The Tour is the only annual race of its type, with a mix of long offshore legs and intense in port racing, in the world and since it was first established in 2011, has become the most prestigious race in the Middle East with a reach and appeal that extends with each edition, among both recreational and professional sailors.

In 2017, it starts in Muscat, with the first in-port races before the fleet heads north to Sohar and around the tip of the Musandam Peninsula to Khasab.

Competitors must tackle the challenges posed by the congested Straits of Hormuz before racing to Abu Dhabi and then on to Doha for the second round of in-port races.

The last — and longest — leg to Dubai with the final round of in-port races will provide a final challenge to the crews striving for victory!

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

VACANCY

D2

CARGO

D7

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Ruwi: 24 792 792 Sohar: 2684 2420

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M W E D N E S DAY, JA N UA RY 4 , 2 0 1 7

SECTION

GOOD PRICE!!!

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

W E D N E S DAY, JA N UA RY 4 , 2 0 1 7 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

AN EXISTING FARM FOR RENT in the Wilayat of Barka, with an area of 45 acres, out of which large area is planted with fodder and 7 acres are planted with vegetables. It has also 14 greenhouses as well as 3 artesian wells and a plowing tractor ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ĐƵƫ ŶŐ ĂŶĚ ďƵŶĚůŝŶŐ ƚŽŽůƐ ĂŶĚ plowing equipments with their accessories. dŚĞ ĨĂƌŵ ŚĂƐ Ă ŐŽŽĚ Į ŶĂŶĐŝĂů ŝŶĐŽŵĞ͘

Contact: 99340378

OFFICE PROPERTY FOR SALE/RENT

Apartment for rent in Al Mawalah next to City Center. 3 rooms, hall, kitchen & 4 bathrooms.

Contact - 99336776 Flat for rent in Al Ghobra, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 family sitting room, 1 kitchen. RO 400/Contact - 95919059 Flat for rent in Al Bustan. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 kitchen & 1 hall. Contact - 99379950 Villa for rent Ameratphase (fifth/1) Majlis , hall , kitchen . 5 bedrooms &7 bathrooms (spilt unit AC)RO 400/- per month we prefer families. Contact: 99203458 Two bedroom flat available, Show room near Honda.

Contact: 99022675 Room for rent near Al Daser Rex Road, Ruwi. Contact: 99797645 Shop for rent W. Kabir Industrial, flat for rent W. Kabir near Muscat Bakery. Contact: 99338133 A steel workshop in Sohar is looking for long lease contract for its existing welders. Interested party can select welder skills as per their needs. Call: 95414309 / 97130671

DAYS AWAY FROM DELIVERY - PREMIUM OFFICE SPACE AT PRIME LOCATION AT BAUSHER ON 2ND FLOOR BUILD UP AREA – 163 SQ. MTRS. SALE PRICE RO.1,050/- PER SQ. MTR -RENT PER MONTH RO.10/- PER SQ. MTR. OPTIONS WITH OR WITHOUT FURNITURE.

Flat for rent Darsait 3 BHK, bathroom, kitchen &spilt A/Cs, 320/- R.O. Contact: 91093331

PREMIUM VILLA FOR SALE SANTINI A3 TYPE 2 STOREY VILLA WITH 4 BEDROOMS PLUS MAID ROOM AT AL MOUJ PHASE 4.

GREAT LOCATION WITH CUL DE SAC FOR PARKING. PURCHASE OPEN TO NON-OMANIS AS WELL.

House for rent in Mabelah North, 3 rooms, living room, 3 toilets, kitchen & majlis.

Contact: 99350456 2 Bed room with attach, bathroom with A/C at Al Khuwair 33 at main road, clean building RO.280/-.

Contact: 99335411 Shops for rent in Ghala industrial area near Toco. Contact 92884775 Apartment for rent, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, dining room & kitchen in Muscat, Sidab.

Contact: 91936630 / 24739181 Warehouse for rent area (42) SQM (8 meters clear height) in Al Misfah, opposite to Oman Cement factory also available workshops (70 SQM). Contact: 96041560 Flats for rent near Indian school in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99777122 Villa Boushar, 5 BHK 500/- R.O. Contact: 95202430 Brand new 1 & 2 BR flat in Walja.

Contact: 99713489

CONTACT NO. 91257475

6 Bedroom villas available for rent at North Al Hail, near Wave, complex with swimming pool and Gym. Contact: 99833747 Brand new showroom at heart of Azaiba city for rent.

Contact : 98294753 1. 2 BHK, M.B.D, R.O 250/-, 260/-.

Contact: 92144045 /97799175

Optical shop for rent / sale a new well running optical shop located in a prime location in Al Khuwair sale/ rent. Contact: 99008865

One / Two, B/R flats in new building near Dolphin near dolphin complex, Bausher directly from owner.

Contact: 92158031

1 BHK new Bldg with A/C curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99024039

For rent with good price for families and brides amazing flats at Wadi Al Kabir and Sidab with reasonable rent. Contact: 95755953 / 95555162

2 BHK Ghubra R.O 325/- .

Contact:92144045 / 97799175

1 Bedroom first floor apartment with sitting & 1 baths + kitchen close to Indian school maintenance just finished near to Maya supermarket Wadi Al Kabir.

Contact: 99485834

Shops for rent at WK near primary IND SCH, Big shop monthly rent R.O 400/- including ceiling space small shop monthly rent 250/-, pent house1 room , 1 toilet, hall 150/-.

Contact: 99445880 Abdullah

Spacious 2 BR in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99713489

2 BHK Mumtaz. Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

2bed room flat in Azaiba, behind Zubair. Contact: 96788070

Residential & commercial flats in a new building, at Muttrahfor office or shops any kind of commercial activates. More details.

Contact: 99364735/ 95729711

First floor three bedroom flat al Khuwair near technicalcollege are 216 SQ meters, three toilets, sitting dinning and family lounge family only. Contact: 99207840 Room for rent in Qurum near Mars hypermarket for small family.

Contact: 95711449 / 96570147 2 BHK R.O 180/- behind Bahwan building near Khimji. H.O. Contact: 95865686 3 BHK villa MadinatSultan Qaboos, R.O 550/-.

Contact: 97799175 /92144045

1-4 bedroom villa at Al Ansab.

Contact: 96788070

House for rent in Mabelah.

Contact: 99005364

1, 2 BHK WadiKabir.

Contact: 92144045 / 97799175

2 BHK Azaiba R.O 300/-.

Contact:92144045 / 97799175 3BHK Flat, Ghubra SG. Contact 99319880 2BR flat- luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 1 BR flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 5 BR villa fully furnished at Azaiba, 4 BR villa unfurnished at Azaiba, 5 BR duplex, 4 bathrooms – Qurum heights, 5 Br villa, 6 bathrooms – Madinat Sultan Qaboos (brand new), 5 BR villa at Al Hail. For short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a car : 99436312 / 94617563 / 92888376 New apartment flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms & kitchen, behind Indian School, short way to Lulu Darsait & Muttrah traditional Soqu. Contact or Whatsapp: 91013331 Villa complex for lease renovated deluxe villa complex with separate three flats , location AL Ghobra north ( near tourist hotels) is available for lease. Contact: Ali : 99411607, Luoy : 92466266 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

W E D N E S DAY, JA N UA RY 4 , 2 0 1 7

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE

- New Brand Building in Bowsher for sale - Twin villa in Azaiba & Ghubra for sale - Commercial/ Residential khuwair for sale.

Land in Al

Contact Hood: 91155779

FOR SALE 1. Porta Cabin 2. Book Loader (New Holland) 3. Water Tanker (Hino 2000 Gallon) 4. Roller (JCB 3 Ton) 5. Roller (JCB & Wacker, 1 Ton) ϲ͘ ^ĐĂī ŽůĚŝŶŐƐ 7. HDPE Duct Pipes (300 mm to 1800mm) 8. Tower Hoist

Contact 93990154

FOR SALE 2014 MODEL VOLVO PENTA 650 KVA GENSETS (02NOS) 2000 KVA (01 NO) VOLTAMP TRANSFORMER CONCEALED PANEL SYSTEM FOR ABOVE. ALL ITEMS HARDLY USED IN A COMPLETED PROJECT OF 2YRS AND CAN BE REUSED. ONLY SERIOUS BUYERS CONTACT GSM :

92886778/99455690

NRI

FOR RENT FOR SALE Apartment for rent three rooms and a hall - kichen-4bath-Next to City Centre Almwalh.

Contact 99336776 Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM New 3 story 4 bedroom villa in Al Hail near to radio station. The spacious master bedroom has a sea view. It has a maids room.

All bedrooms have bathrooms and one extra bathroom between dining and sitting room. It has split A/c’s. 6 months advance payment required. Price is OMR 750 monthly.

Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955. No Brokers Please.

New villa for rent in Azaiba 18 November Street. 6 Bedrooms, 2 kitchens & 7 toilets. To view the villa contact - 95919059 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Oman house in Muttrah .

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Villa for rent 2 brand new luxurious villas (No 411 & 413) for rent in Azaiba, Each villa with 6 bedrooms, servant quarters, 2 kitchens with all modern amenities which includes split A/C, dish washers, oven, ETC , Way No 4491 / 4405 .

Contact: 99462980 Villa in Al Khuwair 33, 6 bedrooms, hall & sitting room R.O 800/-. Contact: 93993354 Apartment 3 bedrooms, sitting room, balcony at Al Ansab R.O 360/- monthly. Contact: 93993354 1 bed room, bathroom, kitchen in Al Hail South R.O 120/- Monthly.

Contact: 93993354 New flats for rent at Al Ghubra near to Atlas Hospital, opposite to Panorama mall. Interested candidates Contact: 00968 – 97093283 1 bedroom attached kitchen, toilet for family in Al Khuwair RO 130/-.

Contact: 95154331

New flats for rent at Darsait near to ministry of sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes 1 living room , 2 bedrooms, kitchen, 3 toilets, every room with split A/C & high quality finishing. Rent per flat is RO 320/-.

Interested candidates please Contact: 00968 – 92225523 Flats & shops for rent at Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

AVAILABLE House shifting and Transport.

Contact: 96737158 Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 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 Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778

FOR SALE

7D Cinema for sale 6 seat hydraulic, 7D cinema full system for sale.

Contact: 99737527 Villa Shatti Al Qurum area 920 SQM. Contact: 95202430 Well running reputed travel agency for sale. Contact: 97992388 Twin Villa for sale in Azaiba near Sultan Centre. Each side has three floors, five bedroom plus maid room. Each room has it’s own bathroom and one extra toilet between dining and sitting room. The villas are now about 5 years old and very clean and well maintained. It has split A/C’s. OMR 215,000 each villa. Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

No Brokers Please.

400 square meters residential land in Al Ghubra south near Millenium Hypermarket. OMR 134 thousand. Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

No Brokers Please.

603 sq mtrs residential land in Al Hail North Block 45 NE near Radio station. OMR 96 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 - or 97509955.

No Brokers Please Industrial land AL Misfah Boushar area 30.000 SQM attractive location. Contact: 95202430 Empty shop / laundry near Camelia café. Contact: 92868123 / 92841089

MV SALE 2008 Model Hyundai Tucson 93,000 KM expatriate driven in very good condition & Accident free for Sale .Serious buyers contact Mobile: 91793079 Toyota Corolla, 2009,1.800cc.

Contact: 97692959 Toyota Corolla 2016, white colour 8000 km, 4300 R.O. Contact 92811110

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room for Executive Bachelor near OK Center, RUWI. Contact - 99591669 Furnished room CBD area for Executive bachelor free Wi-Fi, advance deposit. Contact: 90631572 Room for rent near Hamriya R/A for executive bachelor, Sharing kitchen. Contact 99640850, 97983501, 97443614 Furnished rooms with kitchen at ruwi. Contact : 91214897

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact: 97128083

Ice cream Shop, Prime location, Ruwi for sale. Contact: 92150455 BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in AlKhoudh- 6, for immediate saleshop with stock or stock only. Serious buyers may please Contact: 94320909 Industrial land in Rusail.4000 sqm.

Contact 99323957 / 95490842.

Transportation. Contact: 90558627

Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

6.5 cents of Land Sq Plot In Ravipuram Near Ernakulam Shipyard in MG Road, behind Chaitanya eye clinic Expected Price – INR 30 Lakhs per cent Ƶƚ EĞŐŽƟ ĂďůĞ Only Genuine Buyer Contact Oman – 968-94102519 Contact Kochi – 91 85477 01946

Driver with car transportation available. Contact: 95396905 Picking & drop Ruwi to Rusail.

Contact: 98957524 / 91287470

Brand new luxury 3 BHK apartment for sale in South Bangalore, Bannerghatta main road, near Dairy Circle. Contact: + 968 99337995

SITUATION WANTGOOD NEWS ENJOY YOUR VACATION!!! ǁŽƌƌLJŝŶŐ ĂďŽƵƚ LJŽƵƌ ĐĂƌ͍ ,ĞƌĞ ŝƐ Ă ƐŽůƵƟ ŽŶ ĨŽƌ safe parking and cleaning your car when you ĂƌĞ ĂǁĂLJ ŽŶ ǀĂĐĂƟ ŽŶ͘ &Žƌ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚƌĂǀĞůůŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ĚŝƐƚĂŶƚ ůŽĐĂƟ ŽŶ͕ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ũƵƐƚ ĚƌŽƉ Žī your keys to the car care team and peacefully check into the airport. Your vehicle will be ǁĂŝƟ ŶŐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĂŝƌƉŽƌƚ ŽŶ LJŽƵƌ ƌĞƚƵƌŶ͘

Contact: 96964767 Ayurvedic treatments & massage – Ayurvedic Clinic Al Khuwair.

Contact 97263637 /93309131 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic clinic, 18th November Street Al Ghubra (North). Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

ACC.WANTED Wanted a family shared accommodation for Senior Executive Bachelor in Ruwi-Wuttayah area.

Please contact: 93708595

Transportation. Contact: 99099714

Transportation.Contact 94087276 Transportation. Contact 92015894

MANPOWER

Suitable for 3 Storey building & Žĸ ĐĞ WƌĞŵŝƐĞƐ͘

Transportation.Contact: 96968411

Transportation. Contact: 94297820

BUYING

SITUATION WANTFOR LADIES

LOST Hafez MD Salauddin Mozumder has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. BC 0336740.

Finder please handover to ROP

MATRIMONIAL Orthodoxgirl 24/5.1ft. BDS, seeking alliance from well settled orthodox Jacobite R.C Marthoma boy MDS, M.D, MBA (business).

Contact: 99371509/ 92336530 Parents of a North Indian sheikh Sunni, Muslim, Engineer 33 with Canada PR, looking for a professionallyqualified tall and smart bride.

Mail details with photo to: bridesearch2017@gmail.com R.C boy, 29 years KothamangalamDiosees 180 cm working Muscat (FMCG) invited suitable proposal.

Contact: 92397926 Viswakarma boy 33 years Trissur Own Business,seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 97363585 Nair boy, 26 yrs Revathy, Alleppy dist, B.Tech working as planning / project Engineer in Oman, 4 yrs seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 94232342 / 99065898

D4

W E D N E S DAY, JA N UA RY 4 , 2 0 1 7 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

Urgently Required Interior designer (female) for promoting various types of processed and design glass in the local market.

Minimum 5 years experience with valid driving license is preferred.

Interested candidate may please send their CV to

vaccancyabn@gmail.com

Sama veterinary Clinic Urgently Required ZĞĐĞƉƟ ŽŶŝƐƚ Ͳ &ĞŵĂůĞ ͻ ͻ

ͻ

DŝŶŝŵƵŵ 'ƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ dǁŽ LJĞĂƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ Į ůĞĚ͘ &ůƵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ŶŐůŝƐŚ͕ Arabic advantage. ͻ EK ŝƐ ŵƵƐƚ͘ ;^ĞŶĚ s ĂŶĚ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ƉŝĐƚƵƌe ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞĨ ŶŽ͗ϬϵϭϭͿ

ADMIN Omani lawyer & legal adviser experience in Business administration,HR, staff training.

Contact: 97243393 Email: mum30033@yahoo.com 7 years experienced in Administration & Sales with valid Oman driving license searching for a suitable job. Contact: 93347156 Administrator B.Com with D/L on release, 30 years India & Gulf experience in office. project documentation & logistics.

Contact: 92324789 / 97281023 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have vocational M.B.A 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

Email: jobs@sgoman.net ACCOUNTS Indian Accountant having 13 years experience in accounts in Oman & 6 years in India, Oman driving license excellent knowledge in Tally & MS Office, Seeking suitable placement Contact: 79039690 Email: thomas.mahesh@gmail.com Experienced business development investment consultant with 10 years experience in the financial management field, holds a masters degree in finance and management from the UK. Contact: 90157073

ZĞƉƵƚĞĚ ŵŝŶĞƌĂů ǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ HEAVY/LIGHT DUTY DRIVERS VAN SALESMAN

Qualified Chartered Accountant & ACS 10 +years Managerial experience, working in Bank, looking for suitable opening, Open to any GCC, MBL: +968-90788509, Email: kartirevy@gmail.com

with Omani driving license

SALES SUPERVISOR/SALES KͳKZ /E dKZ with Omani driving license , >W Z^ ͳ Experience 3 to5 years

Experienced indian accountant 24 years,Mcom,BBA and having accounting diploma certificate from IAB .Currently on family visa in oman,seeking suitable job opportunities.Contact : 99076506 Email: rebi.rsf@gmail.com

Contact - 90372638 WANTED Female/male Physiotherapist and female/male GP, and one female Lab Technician with or without MOH license & data Ň Žǁ ĨŽƌ ů ^ĂĂĚŝ Specialized Medical Centre, Musanna.

Finance/M.Com Accountant 5+ yrs of exp including GCC seeking for suitable placement. #91329254 aneeshkrishnan007@gmail.Com

Contact 92025033, Email : chillapalli76@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS Graduate in Commerce with 10 years experience, must have Oman working experience with valid Oman driving license. Interested candidates send resume to hr@aljood-oman.com

DOMESTIC HELP Indian Nepali house maid required urgently for doctors family, SQU hospital, Muscat.

Contact: 96933593 Full time Malayalee housemaid required for a Keralite family.

Contact: 92103688

DRIVER Driver required with valid Omani driving license, visa available.

Contact-24691193.

Send CV to:info@gmuco.com Requirement - Omani Drivers for 3T Truck needed immediately for Natural Water Distribution Company with 3to5 years driving experience.

Candidates from Muscat/Sharqia is also required.

Interested candidates contact: Mobile 99273774/ 99202278/95060390 Wanted expert Driver.

Contact: 97165972

EDUCATION/TRAINING

SALES / MARKETING

Required English Tutor (freelancer) for a construction company for teaching conversant English. Send your CVs to hr@oasisgreace.com Contact: 24826566 Fax: 24812226 GSM: 99881459

Speedy Enterprises United LLC Travel/ Tourism and Car Rental required Sales Executive with valid Oman driving license and fluent spoken written English, experienced candidate will be preferable. Interested candidates send resume to: Anil@speedyoman.com

MISCELLANEOUS CCT.V Camera Technician, Electrician cum plumber with D/L, building material Salesman.

Contact: 99383044 IT Marketing Executive (Required experiences +driving license) Maintenance person with driving license. dreamstravel66@gmail.com Insurance broker looking to recruit commission based sales people if monthly targets achieved,bonus will be paid in addition to commission, If you are interested to work with us , send your name & phone to this email: policysalesmct@gmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently required Internist, Orthodontist, Physiotherapist & Lab Technician for a reputed medical center in Salalah.

Contact 99714300 Email - hrmdimc2010@gmail.com

ENGINEER Excellent Grade Company requires a Diploma holder Civil Engineer/ Supervisor with 5 years experience in building construction. Please contact 99346265 or send your CV to md.artllc@gmail.com Urgently required senior QS (tendering) and safety officer with minimum2 years Gulf experience for a reputed construction company. Canforwardyour CVs to hr@oasisgrace.com.

Contact: 24826566 / 99881459 Urgently required civil QA/QC candidates for areputed construction company, kindly Send your CVs to hr@oasisgreace.com Contact: 24826566,Fax:24812226 / GSM: 99881459

Urgently required for Doctor, Staff Nurse & Lab Technician with or without MOH license.

Contact: 93824902 Required female Dentist, Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Technician for a Polyclinic at Ibra.

Contact 71100596, joharaajmal2016@gmail.com Urgently needed female dermatologist (priority for Omani) with minimum five years experience.

Please send CV to elixirhealthcenter@yahoo.com, P.S details of salary and benefits will be sent after submitting the CV.

Urgently required Sales & Marketing person for a computer shop at Ruwi (IT Knowledge), Oman Driving License will be an advantage. (Preference for Keralite). Contact: 98048900.

Email: infor@smartpointcomputer. com Urgently Required Marketing Executive for a contracting Company in Sohar Minimum 3 years experience, driving license 99437086, 97745786, md@alrasen.com Sales & Marketing Lady, with musical skills for the Guitar Center Showroom in Al Khuwair.

Tel. 24489847 info@guitarcenteroman.com A leading Trading group is looking for sales executives with driving license & release / NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net.om or Fax: 24701683 Looking for an Expat staff, with experience in Oman in real estate field. Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com

TECHNICIAN Well Known Automobile Service Company in Oman looking for Service Technicians / Mechanics and Electricians.

Interested please send resumes to vyasan.united@gmail.com.

Contact. 00968-91411657 Audio Visual Technician for Audio visual installation works and live events. Tel 24489847, info@tunesoman.com

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Master of Business Administration (finance) Bachelor of Sciencediploma in Islamic banking & finance Somali lady 24 years old, languages known Somali, English and Arabic, one year experience.

Contact: + 971527626329 / istabraq66@hotmail.com Freelancer / part time Indian CA accounts / Tax / Audit / MIS finalization with tax queries answering, above 20 years Oman experience.

Contact: 95140332 / 99104151 Accountant male 25 India with 3 year experience seeking suitable placement Mob.91425506 Finance & Audit Manager Available CPA, MBA-USA ACCA ,Oman Experienced , Expert in Profit Maximizations , Business Developments, All Banking Facilities , ERP- Accounting Software , Internal / External Audits & Controls , with Best Solutions of Business Problems ,NOC available & Driving License Call 94886226 Finance / Account professional 18 yrs Oman experience can work independentor head the division looking for opening.

Contact: 92168401 / 92787747 Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis and finalization works.

Contact: 96247295 Indian male having long track proven record in all aspects of all management, rich in project management, business development &expansion and finance control, 16 years of experience in GCC and India, looking for suitable managerial post. NOC available.

Contact:95207317 Email: mehulmodha@hotmail.com Accounts & Admin 3 years experience in GCC, BBA graduate, Indian male 29 yrs, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 79103778 Internal audit ACCA (finalist) 14years of experience including Gulf in internal audit field, on visit visa. Contact: 95916716 Email: usman.eshaal2016@gmail.com Male Accountant(B.Com) having 2 years exp. Contact: 90357503 Finance Controller, 17 years experience in accountant, procurement.

NOC available: 99251087

ACCOUNTS MBA ( Finance) Australia, 14 years experience (world bank, U.S Based company) specialized in cost cutting , revenue maximization, financial model, budget & forecasting, internal control, risk management, Omani driving license. Contact: 93978614 Email: sjamil72@yahoo.com Accounts Manager looking for job in accounts or finance, 4 years Oman exp with accountancy degree & Omani D/L with NOC available.

Contact: 95661169 Email: moshin_zaman4u@hotmail.com MBA Finance Indian 25 Male 2 years experience seeking opportunities in Finance sector. Immediately available.Contact:92498840 sachu_0318@yahoo.com Indian (M), Qualified CPA, CMA, CIA (USA), MBA (Finance) & M.Com, 15 years’ experience in Finance, Accounting & Audit, (3 years in Oman) looking for suitable Senior/Middle level position in Finance/Accounting/Audit. NOC available.

E-mail soji_ansu@yahoo.com, mob – 91595436 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, Emailallen.mathew83@gmail.com Sales & Accounts Manager, Indian male having long track proven record in all aspects of finance, total 9 years experience in GCC, NOC available, Ready to join immediately Mob-97200823 Emaildhirenbapodra@outlook.com Highly Experienced Finance Manager, CPA, ACCA-UK. MBA-USA , Professional of Banking , Audits ,ERPs Sap , Management as Team Leader and Problem Solver call 94 504505 /94403270 Indian Male 32, B.com Graduate with 10 years experience in Accounts & Sales, 7 years in (Muscat) Oman & 3 years in India with valid Oman driving License ready to join with NOC. GSM: 96216104 Email: yensajaz@gmail.com Indian Chartered Accountant 14+ years experience in Accounts & Finance working in Muscat looking for suitable change with Oman driving license and NOC Available.

Contact: 97728130 Email : vinoth77ca@gmail.com Indian CA 20+ years Gulf experience, finance / accounts external Audit MIS budgets cost / internal control cash flow Oman tax finalization Oracle / Tally seeks job, NOC available with valid D/L. Contact: 99104151, 95140332 Chartered Accountant Indian B.Com, CA , CIA 10+ years experience Tally, Focus, Sap, Oracle.

Contact: 94641805 Accountant male holder of Diploma Chartered Accountancy Inter have 4 years experience in finance, available at Muscat, join immediately. Contact: 79049355 / 99220572 Accounts Executive B.com and MBA (finance) India, 4 years experience (per forms accounts payable&accountreceivable function,recording all receiptsand payment activities on daily basis, bank reconciliation statement.

Now in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 91066314 Email: seenimdb3@gmail.com Indian male 22 B.Com looking for job in accounting or data Operation special interest in accounts will be happy to hear from you.

Contact: 90758030 Email: uttiawesome@gmail.com Finance Manager B.Com, CA, CIA, 10+ years experience Indian.

Contact: 94641805 Finance manager, MBA finance 21 yrs of MNC contracting experience, looking for a job thorough knowledge in MIS Ext/ Int Audit, tax budget, trade finance, system implementation etc.

Contact: 94652975 Email: ramu2587@hotmail.com Indian (M) MBA (f) more than 6 years of experience in accounts, proficiency in various A/C software SAP (F1/CO) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95920740 Email Id: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com

Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: anishkhan991867@gmail. com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Experienced business development and investment consultant with 10 years experience in the financial management field. Holds a masters degree in finance and management from the UK. Contact : 90157073

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN AutoCAD Draftsman 9 years Gulf experienced. Contact: 93528255 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780 Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 mkgroupoman@gmail.com INDIAN male Civil Draughtsman/ Designer with 8 years’ experience (6 years in Oman and 2 years in India) seeks placement. NOC available. Contact 96796138.

Free lance Autocad works experienced (arch, struct, MEP, shop drw) rate a0/a1 sheet ( 10-17 OMR) ph : 97103168.

Indian male, having wide experience of 4 years in GCC & 5 years in India for 3 D interior &exterior designing , AutoCAD drafting & NOC available &ready to join immediately. Contact: 91282841 Email: thankijb@gmail.com Indian male experience Graphicdesigner and VFX artist on visit visa Ruwi. Contact: 97792661 Email: georgejosec5@gmail.com Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH : 92279784

DOMESTIC HELP Indian lady (37) looking job in nursery or school 5 yrs exp in nursery (baby sitter) 10 years expin Oman, NOC available.

Contact: 99839187 Looking for full time caretaker or Housemaid. Contact: 93904732

DRIVER Bangladesh male light driver exp 16 years A.G 48 years, looking for job. Contact 99165961 Light vehicle driver 4 years exp know, Hindi, English and Arabic.

Contact:98522914 Light driver 3 yrs exp.

Contact: 95939050 Looking for light vehicle driving job, 4 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 93464395 Light duty driver, 3 yrs exp, seeks placement. Contact: 97829730 Light duty driver seeks placement. Contact: 96381406 Heavy duty driver seeks placement. Contact: 94939865 / 79039204 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 91788481 / 92231714 Driver with car. Contact: 99716938 / 96048707 Indian light driver having 2 years experience in Oman, know language, Hindi, English & Arabic need job. Contact: 97366822 Pakistani light driver job, 7 yrs exp. Contact: 92754283 Driver with car, 6 years experience. Contact: 93961503 / 96448004 Male 40 yrs, 15 yrs exp, D/L seeking job (Sales & driving) English, Hindi, Arabic.

Contact: 97003340 1 years exp D/L male 28 yrs, looking driver job. Contact: 94338977 Driver with car have good experience in Oman. Contact: 94039796 Driver with 2 years experience in job looking for job. Contact: 93374969 / 93721242 Looking for job light driving.

Contact: 93779819

W E D N E S DAY, JA N UA RY 4 , 2 0 1 7

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Sr. Accountant with SAP/ERP. 11yrs experience in Accounts & Finance in Gulf.

5years in reputed Oil & Gas company; &ŝŶĂůŝnjĂƟ ŽŶ Θ ŽŶƐŽůŝĚĂƟ ŽŶ &^͕ D/^͕ Audit, Budget, AP & AR, Tax, etc., /ŶĚŝĂŶ DĂůĞ͕ WŽƐƚͲŐƌĂĚƵĂƟ ŽŶ͕ Oman D/L and NOC available.

Please contact: 931 42923

Looking for driving job with care Honda accordwithoutcar have experience 5 years & language know Hindi & Arabic.

Contact: 97747243 Gulf experienced Indian Driver with valid heavy / light Oman license seeks any suitable driving or other job. Contact: 94201010 Light driver, 3 yrs exp seeks placement. Contact: 97829730 Light driver, private, commercial.

Contact - 93729950 Driver with Oman driving license, looking for job. Contact: 94235254 Driver with car. Contact: 91355972 Pakistani male light driver with 6 yrs exp in Oman.

Contact: 92171166 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job.

Contact: 96651070 Looking for job exp having driving license. Contact: 97363138 Looking for any driving job.

Contact: 98549627

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. MBA B. Tech (Information Technology) male technical course M.S office,Computerhardware, 4 months exp. Contact:93965132 / 99040662 Email: mshihab27@gmail.com Civil Eng B.SC holder 6 yrs exp in Oman having D/L. Contact: 93654862 Electrical B.Tech Indian 26, 3 years exp in PLC/ SCADA IND. automation &supervision.

Contact: 97207570 / 90481773 Electrical Engineer with experience, 9 years in Oman.

Contact: 98148034 Keralite (m) Electrical Engineer seeks placement.

Contact: 92757534 Email: arundevd588@yahoo.com Looking for Civil Engineer job, with 5 years experience in ministry project, good command in AutoCAD MS Excel and establishing BOQs. Contact: 97478804 HSE / Safety professional having more than 15 years of experience in oil & gas airport & building construction safety seeking suitable position in HSE. Contact: 99206389 Civil Engineer, B.Tech, Indian with 1 year experience in Oman seeking suitable placement, NOC available from sponsor.

Contact: 91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com Fresher cloud Engineer.

Contact: 98207829 Sudanese civil Engineer master holder with 6 years experience.

Contact: 99636424 Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job.

Ph number: 97964862, Email: jossyabraham20@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 96570891

HSE manager, Indian, GradIOSH, IDIP Nebosh, 19+ years experience EX- Indian navy driving license , NOC available , seeks placement.

Contact: 94401830 Email: hseoman101@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer (Indian) diploma 13 years exp (4 yrs Oman) valid Oman driving license, NOC Available seeking suitable placement. Contact: + 968- 98858299 /+ 91- 7012968344 Email:jm_thomas23@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer, 6+ years withOmani D/L,NOC or local release available.

Contact: 91693008

Indian male BE mechanical engineer CSWIP, 4 years gulf experience in visit visa having Qatar driving license. Contact: +968 96550807 Email: vishnusohanlal@gmail.com

Egyptian architect, professional user 3D Max Cad Revit, 5 years experience. Contact: 92023325 A B.Tech instrumentation Engineer with one year experience in India on visit visa seeks openings contact. mob. 91277256 Email: manzu.fisat@gmail.com Arch’l Site Engineer more than 15 years exp in Saudi Arabia & Oman (finishing & marble field).

Contact: 91220168 Indian male age 50 , B.E civil having 26 years exp as R.E and QA/QC Good knowledge in building construction , working as R.E , Most of the Govt (MOE) and PDO projects , approved R.E of MOE &approved QA/ QC of PDO, looking for suitable placement at present I am in notice period available for immediate joining.

Contact: 90933946 / 94156495 (WA) Mechanical Engineer have experience in air-conditioning& MEP systems also HSE awareness and engineering design software.

Contact: 94906447 / 96654019 BEMechanical Engineer, 22, Indian malefresher, looking for opportunity in mechanical field trained in HVAC & fire lighting.

Contact: 97489256 Email: abdulmgid.ak@gmail.com Indian male 23 fresher, Mechanical Engineer looking for job in mechanical field special interest in HVAC and MEP, will be happy to hear from you.

Email: mdajaib@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech,male,Indian, having 1 year experience, on visit visa seeks suitable job. Contact: + 96894959233, +96897474225 Email: anandsunil94@gmail.com Civil Engineer looking for a job 6 years experience in building construction post Site Engineer.

Contact: 93304128 Indian male 28 civil engineer 1 year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 99206630 / 94471305 B.Sc Civil Engineer 5+ years experience in Building construction & Steel structural building with having valid D/L. Contact: 93850440/ shahadat033@gmail.com Electrician Indian male 9 year’sexp, seeking suitable position currently in visit visa.

Contact: 94736540 Indian female M.Tech biotechnology seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 91287047 Email: valliammai1000@gmail.com B.SC Civil Engineer with 6 years experience in managing supervising&planning in Oman.

Contact:96086214 Email: engmohamedosman@outlook.com Electronicsand Communication Engineer, male 24,1 yearexperience as Junior & network Admin in India,on visit visa, looking for job.

Contact: 90107380 Email: anoojgkrishnan@gmail.com Civil Draftsman 6 years experience in Oman male.

Contact: 98121513 Email: wasilansari2600@gmail.com Project manager – Electrical, Indian B.Tech electrical &, electronics 19 years of experience in HT & LT network projects (9 years in Oman).

Driving license & NOC available, seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 96258810 Email: bharathj1976@gmail.com Civil Engineer B.Tech, M. Tech Indian with 2 years experience in India (Sobha city) seeking suitable placement currently visit visa.

Contact: 90104058 Email: sibin089@gmail.com

Contact # 92839516

Indian male 26 years Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in Oman.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 91328079 Indian Engineer 25, B.E& Diploma in HSE with 3 years India exp, on visit Visa available to join immediately Contact: 93472629.

Email: jithujay.in@gmail.com Biotechnology Engineer with valid Oman D/L job suitable placement. Contact: 92839983 Graduate female, with driving license, looking for a suitable position. Contact: 96234434

HOSPITALITY Front Office Manager with over 20 years of experience in the Middle East & preopening expertise with hospitality giants like Burj Al Arab, Address hotels &Millennium looking for similar opportunities.

Contact: 96383636

IT

Please contact: +91-7397754465 Whatsapp: +968-93483736 ŵĂŝů͗ ŬŝƩ Ƶ͘ϭϵϴϰΛŚŽƚŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING

Indian Female, completed graduation with 4 years of work experience in India and 8 months of work experience in Oman, currently on family visa looking for suitable job position.

Contact- 94647421.

Looking for suitable placement.

Mechanical Engineer sales, oil & gas 5years experience in Oman. Total 15yrs exp. N.O.C & D/L available.

GSM 98481039, Email- anand27kumar@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING 33 Indian male, Graduate with 11 years Oman experience in sales & hospitality, looking for a job with NOC. Contact: 90307873 Engineering Graduate having 5+ years of exp as Marketing coordinator in Advertisement Company and 6 months as security system service engineer.

MobileNo.79059197 Indian male looking for suitable job, MBA 4 years of experience in Sales & Marketing, having D/L & NOC. Contact – 96648175 / assetmedical.mf@gmail.com Indian male 25, BSC with more than 2 years experience in India as sales & marketing searching for suitable vacancy currently on visit visa. Contact: 96332519 Email: ashrafajeesh@gmail.com

Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact 96143430 / 99875919 Indian Male, with 8+ years experience in sales, currently in visit visa and seeking suitable placement. Contact 90181557 / 99386144 MBA (UK), raised in Oman & with 2 yrs work experience holding valid Oman driving license, seeks job in sales / business development. Contact: 99513132

SKILLED LABOUR 7 years experience in aquaculture shrimp farming construction light license NOC. Contact: 92635313

MISCELLANEOUS Accountant Indian, 13 years experience can handle accounts up to finalization. Tally, Busy Accounting. Smart Accounting, NOC/ Release available.

Contact- 96133146 Email: kkcjob786@gmail.com

IT and Network Engineer with Omani license certified CCNP, MCSA and MCSE. Contact – 97069110

Accomplished marketing sales professional vast experienced expert presenter, negotiator closer.

Contact: 99868330 / 93629688 Email: 1234.noreen@gmail.com

Pakistani male, ACCA (finalist) with M.A and B.Com Degree, holding Omani driving license and NOC available, can join immediately. Contact: 94066698

Looking for job sales executive good experience in scaffolding and foam work. Contact: 99592382 / 93222482/ Suresh

Indian male 27 years, 3.5 years experience of Oman as sales executive. Looking for suitable job.

NOC or Release available.

Contact - 93192277

Indian female MOH Dietitian working in Muscat NOC available well experienced. Contact: 90996037 Email: nabanitasaha12@gmail.com Female Dentist Indian with MOH license & NOC looking for a job in Muscat. Contact-96035981

MANAGER / SUPERVISOR Purchase Officer / Manager 16 years GCC experience in construction (civil& MEP) seeks suitable placement, NOC available. #99109533 CEO, Managing Director, Senior level manager, A senior level business developments executive with 18 Years of experiences in USA, Africa, GCC, with MBA from Texas A&M,USA) Contact - 92010247 NOC-Obtained professional with 30 years experience (Oman) in Purchase, Warehousing, and Logistics managerial roles seeks suitable placement-Contact 99022102 Project Manager (interiorfit outs)in shops,offices,restaurantetc having 10 years experience looking to work in a reputed firm, NOC available.

Contact: 94274437

MISCELLANEOUS Accomplished PR professional vast experienced developing & executing campaigns, events promotions along managing media relations.

Contact: 99868330 / 93629688 Email: riasatrazi@gmail.com 2nd mate Officer, Indian 10 yrs experience in Tanker / chemical vessels, looking for an on shore job / port operations / TWG master. Contact: 94972789 British National, 34, M.B.A young & energetic male, looking for any managerial position in Oman, having 12 years of experience in managing different types of businesses. Contact: 96056963 Email: asim_shah199@yahoo.com

abdallah.baloch@outlook.com Contact: 96116969

Please contact: +91-7397795465 Whatsapp: +968-94617734 Email: reshmiarunz@gmail.com

Indian male 24 yrs exp in various trading including purchases sales marketing and handling overall business looking for suitable opportunity NOC&release available.

Contact: 99259543 / 92106768

Indian male Nurse with 9 yrs experience MOH license with NOC and Oman D/L, seeking job.

Contact: 98152546

With 3 years experience in a renowned Oil ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ; ŝƌ ĐƌĂŌ ƌĞĨƵĞůŝŶŐ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚƐ Y ͕ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ W ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐͿ ϭ LJĞĂƌ ŽŶ ũŽď ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ Ăƚ ƐĞĂ ƉŽƌƚ (electricaland PLC systems) Having and HSE, IT and management trainings.

Indian Male 32 Yrs, MBA, BCA ǁŝƚŚ ϵ͘ϳ zƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ^ĂůĞƐ Θ DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ͕ ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͕ WƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ͕ /^K Θ Y ͬY ŽĐƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ^ƚŽƌĞƐ Θ WƌŽũĞĐƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͘ With valid Oman driving license.

NOC available. Looking for any kind of desk ũŽď ŝŶ KŵĂŶ Žƌ ƵďĂŝ͘

Senior Network Engineer (USA Citizen) network design &implementation,network config& maintenance CCNA, CCNP, CCIE (WR). Contact: 90350262 Email: ammar.eng@gmail.com

MEDICAL

ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐƐͬ /ŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ Engineer

with 4 Yrs experience in Accounts, HR, ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͕ WƌŽĐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚ Θ ^ĂůĞƐ ŽͲŽƌĚŝŶĂƟ ŽŶ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘ EK ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĂĚLJ ƚŽ ũŽŝŶ ŝŶ Oman or Dubai.

Indian Female 27 Yrs, B.Com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

DRIVER

Experienced IT Professional with over 20 years in Oman.

Can manage ERP systems, Hardware, Network, Wi-Fi and Biometric Devices.

Marketing sales (Driver) Sohar preference N.O.C available .

Contact: 96953996 Indian male (28) B.Com last position 6+ yrs experience in sales & business development immediate joining, on visit visa.

Contact: 92686168 W.H.APP +918087894270 Email: fernandesjackson_jom@yahoo.com Indian male masters in Petroleum Engineering with 1 year Oman experience in sales & marketing holding D/L, currently on visit visa looking for oil / gas industry field related or sales related job.

Contact - 93789123 INDIAN male, BBA with 4 years experience in SALES & MARKETING, holding omani driving license. seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95607037 Email: raaz0jannat@gmail.com.

Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India. +918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Indian male valid Omani driving license 15 years experience in Oman fluent in English,Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam NOC available looking for suitable placement in sales driver pest. Contact: 97012317 Multinational FMGC experienced, qualified Sri Lankan lady seeking employment in Muscat. Marketing, Brands, Sales, Communication. Oman exp& DL available.

98250829 Sales professional (Graduate) with additional qualification MCSE & CCNA having more than 10+ yrs of experience in handling IT hardware, Networking & Security Products (project based) and experience in education and training industry in Oman, seeking employment in relevant IT companies. Contact: 99354209

Male Accountant, MBA (Finance) 5 years Experience including UAE and India up to finalization Available immediately (On Visit) Contact: 91704866 Email: anees0989@gmail.com Indian Male 23 years B.com graduate Holding a valid Oman driving License searching for a suitable placement, currently on visit visa. Contact: 94175848.

PG male 10 years experience purchases D/L & NOC also, looking suitable any job. Contact: 99145776 Indian male (26) MBA 2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management. With valid Oman license.

Availablefor immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 EMAIL: suhailbs@gmail.com Indian male 34 years, MBA-HR with 10.9 years exp in Recruitment, Training, PMS, OD, Sites-HR and Omani nationals development, seeking a job, NOC available.

Contact saiprasad_18@yahoo.com 94179499 CIVIL/QS ENGINEER: B. Tech, Indian Female with 3 years’ experience in Oman, with D/L. Seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91361356/92882797 Bio- MedicalEngineer (M.Tech) Indian 27 yrs, 1 plus years of research experience looking for a suitable job. Email: amluprasannan@gmail.com Electronics Systems Engineer (UK Graduate ) with skills in robotics , programming languages, IC, PCB design seeking suitable position , Indian female on visiting visa. Contact: 97848075 Email: s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Indian female PhD, M.Phil, M.A in English, B.Ed., Diploma TESOL,16 years teaching experience seeks suitable teaching, editing or relevant job. Contact: 92245591, 95221665

MISCELLANEOUS B.Com, 2 years experience in Oman, Indian Male, 25 yrs. with Driving License. Handling day today accounts activities upto finalization. Proficient in Tally.

Looking for suitable placement.

Ph. 91470665 BE/Diploma Mechanical Engineering with 4 years exp. in Oman, Looking for suitable positions. NOC available. Having valid driving license Contact-99335742 INDIAN male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa, seeks suitable placement in Cargo section.

Contact :-96370022 IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3+yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 91496939.

Indian Male, 11 years’ experience as an Senior Accountant looking for part time Accounting job up to finalization of Accounts. Software knows MS office, Tally9 ERP MOBILE: 93884951Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com Indian male BE Mechanical Engineer with two and a half years experience in production department, searching suitable job.

Contact no: 9500927480 Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact - 94774550 Fresh B.Com Graduate in visit visa looking for a job. CONTACT: 93518923 / 99075027.

Email: sheikcok@yahoo.com Indian male, 26 years of age, mechanical engineer .B.Tech from Trivandrum engineering college 2013. M.Tech from NIT Warangal .Specialty, Materials and Systems Engineering Design. Looking for suitable placement, #99753809 Electrical Engineer (Indian) B.E in Electrical and 3.6 years of experience. Have experience in construction field. Seeking for a suitable job. NOC available.

Contact: 91120129 Email: mpshareef313@gmail.com Indian male 23 Fresher. Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC &MEP.Contact : 9586 1251 Email : ajaibmd39@gmail.com Building maintenance foreman (all-rounder).10.year gulf Experience with Oman Driving License.90858522.

A Filipino female searching for a job, with visit visa exp February 2017.hospitality and sales job will be a Good offer to me.

Contact no:98271658 Indian female looking for an accounts part time job. area preferred Ruwi/CBD/MBD/ wk.contact-95482970.

Indian Male B-com graduate, 1.5 Year exp. in various office works, Valid Oman driving license looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 95322175 / 91987965 INDIAN male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa.

Seeks suitable placement in Cargo section. Contact- 96370022 Young professional, Energetic looking for Finance/Audit Job. BSC (Accounting) ACCA (Affiliate), CAT (Affiliate). Currently working in GOV. Experience of 4 Years .

NOC available. saleemraza218@gmail.com

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING Indian male, M.Com, B.Com, looking for suitable opening, now on visiting visa. Contact 79103798, email- malikfaheem284@gmail.com Indian/male (26)/ca finalist and b.Com/3 years expereince in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa.

Available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.Usman.Su@gmail.Com Indian Male 23 years B.com graduate Holding a valid Oman driving License searching for a suitable placement, currently on visit visa. Contact: 94175848.

Indian/male(26)/MBA/ 2 years expereince in proccurement,cordination and distribution management.With valid oman licenece. Available for immediate joining. Contact: 92536194 EMAIL:suhailbs@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, looking for professional job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics, having 3 years of Exp and i am having Gulf driving license you can contact me on : - +96897017866.

Indian female PhD, M.Phil, M.A in English, B.Ed, Diploma TESOL,16 years teaching experience seeks suitable teaching, editing or relevant job. # 92245591, 95221665 Indian male 23 Fresh Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : mdajaib@yahoo.com Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact 94774550 Indian Male age 23) an i am looking for suitable job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware an networking field an i am having Gulf driving license you can contact me on : - +96897017866.

Indian male 23 Fresh Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : 9586 1251, Email : mdajaib@yahoo.com Indian/male (26)/CA finalist and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa. available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321, email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Indian/male(26)/ca finalist and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Indian female, holds masters in business administration (MBA) & LLB, 2 yrs oman experience as hr & admin, seeks suitable placement in jobs @ Sohar, Falaj.

Contact 96541959 Indian Male 29 years MBA, B.Com having 8 years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement.

Contact :97914340.

Email: kvraj30@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer/ HVAC/ Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com Contact: 90957740

Indian female, 27 years, MBA in Finance, currently pursuing ACCA, having 10 months voluntary job experience as accountant looking for suitable placement. #94388910, E- mail Id: sowmya.vs1989@gmail.com Indian male 34 yrs, MBA-HR with 10.9 yrs.exp. in Recruitmen t,Training,PMS,OD,Sites-HR and Omani nationals development, seeking a job, NOC available.

Contact saiprasad_18@yahoo.com 94179499 Electrical and electronics engineering graduate, 23yrs Indian male, NOC available, 2 yrs site experience in industrial and commercial building sites(MEP ELECTRICAL), expert in autocad, etap, ms office, electrical engineering design, fluent in English and Hindi, exp in handling a team of 20 workers, ph:92201939.

33 years Indian Male MBA-HR & MSC having 8.9 yrs Exp (HR- operation/ SAP/ Admin) with Oman Driving License. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/backend jobs.

Contact:+968 99322978 /94129291 Indian male, 23 Fresher, Graduate Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact: +968 9748 9256 Email: abdulmajid.ak@gmail.com Male Accountant, MBA (Finance) 5 years Experience including UAE and India up to finalization Available immediately (On Visit).

Contact: 91704866, Email: anees0989@gmail.com Indian female B.E (I.T) Good experience in documentation and CRM. Having good communication skills. Seeking for job from reputed organization. Previous experience in Oman and India.

Contact - 97301058, 97136975.

Indian Male 15 years gulf experience in HR / Admin Assistant, Purchase, Office Coordinator with good computer skills seeking employment for suitable position. Holding valid Oman Driving license. Contact 99709336 Indian Male,B.COM having 4+Years of experience in OMAN with Valid Oman Driving License.

Experienced in Accounts & Sales, looking for an opportunity in Sales or Accounts. Mob:- 94106834 email:- jobhuntmuscat@gmail.com.

Indian, male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa. Seeks suitable placement in Cargo section. #96370022 Pakistani male 25 y, fluent in English, valid oman driving license experience of pak. & oman. Needs suitable replacement like teaching, administration, documents controller, sales and marketing, rent a car field and personal Assistant etc. aamirkhan_7860@yahoo.com.

Contact 94908725 Good knowledge in Planning and arranging works and sites. Estimation, drawing, Billing and project management. AUTO CADD, STAAD, MS Office and various software packages Contact 99334770 /997 43 709 Indian male B-com Graduate1.5 Year exp. in various office works, valid Oman driving license. Looking for any suitable post .Please contact: 95322175 / 91987965

Indian Male, 26 years. B. Tech (Civil) Having 4 years experience as Project Engineer ¸ Site Engineer & Quantity surveyor. Good knowledge in Planning and arranging works and sites. Estimation, drawing, Billing and project management. AUTO CADD, STAAD, MS Office and various software packages. #99334770/ 99743709

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, Indian-Male 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.( 8 yrs in Oman) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTROMECHANICAL & Others projects) & having valid LT D/L, NOC/Local release available to join immediately M:+968 94064650 Email: nagauae@gmail.com

Indian/male(26)/MBA/2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact 92536194, email:suhailbs@gmail.com

A Filipino female searching for a job, with 3month visit visa.exp January 2017.hospitality and sales job will be a Good offer to me.

Contact no:98271658

Accountant. Having 9 years experience in accounts in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-93528057, Email waheed.murtaza@yahoo.com B. Tech in electrical and electronics engineering, 23yrs Indian male, 2yrs exp (MEP ELECTRICAL ), NOC available, expert in electrical engineering design, autocad, ETAP, MS Office. Contact ph:92201939 email:nabilism4@gmail.com

Looking for a part time accounting & admin job, having 32 years of experience. Contact 9919621.

Indian male Mechanical Engineer, 1 year Omani Experience + 2 Years of local experience, NOC available, looking for suitable position. Contact +96896089598 Email: fasinizami@gmail.com Indian Male , M.Com , 6 years experience in the field of accountance Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement. Contact 92859733

Indian male Staff Nurse completed BSc nursing, having three years of experience in medical ICU having Oman license and NOC, seeking suitable situation.

Contact 94932245

Sri Lankan Male Mechanical Engineer, 1+ year of Omani experience, NOC available, Omani driving license, looking for suitable position.

Contact No: +96893903463 Email: zaf1096@gmail.com

Indian male, 23 yrs, looking for suitable job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware an networking field an i am having Gulf driving license.

Contact me on : - +96897017866.

Indian female B.E (I.T) : Good experience in documentation and CRM. Having good communication skills, seeking for job from reputed organization. Previous experience in Oman and India.

Contact - 97301058, 97136975.

Mechanical Engineer/ HVAC/ Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com Contact: 90957740, email: nishadphoenix@gmail.com

Electronics & Communication Engineer, 23-year-old Indian on family visa, BE-ECE graduate looking for suitable placement in networking, hardware and electronics field. Contact: 95148894, 99726963.

Email: sadathali0003@gmail.com

Indian male 22 B.com looking for job in ACCOUNTING OR DATA OPERATION special interest in Account’s will be happy to hear from you. C#+90758030, Email : uttiawesome@gmail.com

MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER 3 years experience in production industry, B. Tech in Mech Engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified.

Contact arn9895@gmail.com, Mob 00919895233155

Indian male 34 yrs, MBA-HR with 10.9 yrs.exp. In Recruitment, Training, PMS, OD, Sites-HR and Omani nationals development, seeking a job, NOC avl.contact 94179499 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com INDIAN MALE (26)/CA-inter and b.Com/3 years expereince in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa.

Available for immediate joining.

Contact 98078321 EMAIL: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com 27 years, Indian male looking for a senior mobile application developer job in Oman. 5+ years of experience as a software engineer, am available in Muscat till Dec 19th. arunkumar6207@gmail.com, +968 9600 3057, +91 8019897589 Indian male, 26 years, B-Tech Graduate with 3 years experience in Oman& 2 Years experience in india as Civil Engineer in a reputed construction company. Looking for suitable jobs.NOC available.

Seeking immediate placements.

Contact: 96179737/ 97076972, email:robinsj.sj@gmail.com Indian male, 23 yrs, looking for suitable job my qualification is diploma in electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware and networking field an i am having gulf driving license.

Contact me on : - +96897017866.

Indian male, 24 years, B.com, MBA(Finance) with overall 3 years experience in accounts/finance field. Interested in sales field also.

On Visit Visa. Contact: 90115058/ safwanmeadows@gmail.com Indian Female Nurse with MOH License, looking for suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact: 95537685.

HSE Engineer, 4 yrs of experience in construction, Bachelor of Engineering (EEE), Nebosh, IOSH, DHSE, First Aid. Contact +97474018995, Email:midhunmich@gmail.mom Indian male, B.com graduate well versed in English, Hindi, Malayalam holding a valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96799287 Indian/ male (26)/ MBA/2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 email: suhailbs@gmail.com Indian male Auto cad Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact: 00968 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer/HVAC / Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. Contact: 90957740, email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com Electronics And Communication Engineer: 23 Indian BE-ECE graduate 2016, looking suitable placement networking, hardware and electronics field, on family visa Contact:95148894,99726963,Email: sadathali0003@gmail.com Indian/male(26)/CA finalist and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321, EMAIL: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Senior Sales Executive, experience in trading industries with thorough knowledge of Oman market and wide customer contacts. Driving license and NOC available.

Seeks senior position.

Contact: 98487311

Indian/male (26)/CA - inter and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com

29 yrs old Graduate(Male), 6 years Experience as an Office Assistant with Good English communication skills, is looking for a job in Muscat. (In Visiting visa).

Contact No:93271163 Email-ranjithraj08@gmail.com

Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com

Indian male,28 yrs old, B.A Graduate, 6 years Experience in Hospitality and Hotel Industry with Good English communication skills , is looking for a suitable job in Muscat.

(In Visiting visa) # :90146616

An expatriate Indian female, graduate with 4 years experience in e-learning and ITes and 3 years experience in financial consulting and analysis seeks suitable placement.

Email : write2nishanair@gmail.com, Contact - 00968-93994505 Indian male with Shorthand & Computer Skills also having 23 Years Gulf Experience is looking for suitable placement. NOC available.

GSM No. 97227062 Mechanical engineer/hvac/ indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visitvisa. # 90957740, email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact 94774550 Indian male, Engineer, Procurement Officer, Construction. 23 years experience in Automobile Supply Chain, Production Planning, IT - Delivery Management, Business Analysis and Operations set-up. Contact: 90215985.

HSE Engineer, 4 years of experience in construction certifications, bachelor of engineering(EEE), Nebosh, Iosh, Dhse, First Aid. Contact :+97474018995, email:midhunmich@gmail.com MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified.

Contact arn9895@gmail.com Mob 00919895233155 Indian male, M.Com, 6 years experience in the field of accountancy and Stores. Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733 Indian Male with 23 Yrs. experience in Secretarial Job and Administration is looking for opening in Oman. NoC available.

Contact 97227062 MECHANICAL ENGINEER, Indian Male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures. Aware of int.

Standards, B tech in Mech engg.

Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, Mob-00917350860889 Indian male, having three years of experience in medical ICU and oman license. Seeking for suitable situation as staff nurse.

Contact 98416393 Indian male Accountant 3 years good working experience doing accounts with tally and excel searching for suitable job. E-Mail : contactanand31@gmail.com, GSM : 95694990 Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP will be happy to hear from you. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com Masters(M.Sc) in Applied Psychology, Specialisation in Counseling, Indian Female 24 Years of good calibre in teaching and counseling with reasonable practical experience in some reputable schools and colleges, looking for an appropriate opportunity in related field.

Contact : 0096899133896; afsh.shariff@gmail.com.

Indian Male B-com graduate, 1.5 Year exp. in various office works, Valid Oman driving license Looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 95322175 / 91987965 Indian Graduated MBA from UK, Seeking for suitable position in Sales & Marketing, 3 years experience. Mob. 99642275, Email: Navas.shereef13@gmail.com 25 years male from India looking for job having 3 yrs exp in contracting and trading co. release or NOC available, for immediate joining. Contact :+968 94574596

Indian Male 48 years, B.Sc., MBAOperations Management with total 25+ Yrs of exp inclusive of 10 yrs in Oil & Gas sector in Oman, having valid Omani D/L & NOC , seeks challenging senior position in Logistics/Procurement/SCM. GSM-94236414, Mail id – jayamurli@gmail.com Indian Male age:- 23) an i am looking for job an my qualification is Diploma in Mechanical an i am having 4 years of experience in the Quality Supervisor And CNC Machine Operator, GSM: 97017866.

Indian/male (25)/ post Graduate/3 years experience in sales and marketing(Dubai), on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 93887916, email: shamji3851@gmail.com Pakistani Male having 6 years experience working as a Store Incharge, looking for a suitable position. salary is negotiable. Email : usman.saleem84@yahoo.com, Mob: +96894611858 / 95480426 Indian male, 29 yrs, Graduate, 6 years Experience as an Office Assistant with Good English communication skills, is looking for a job in Muscat. (In Visiting visa).

Contact No:93271163 Indian male, 28 yrs old, B.A Graduate, 6 years Experience in Hospitality and Hotel Industry with Good English communication skills , is looking for a suitable job in Muscat, on Visiting visa.

Contact : 90146616 Indian male, 29 yrs old, Graduate,6 years Experience as a Coordinator in Reputed Firm with Good English communication skills, is looking for a suitable job in Muscat.(In Visiting visa) # 93042492 Indian Male 23 years B.com graduate Holding a valid Oman driving License searching for a suitable placement, currently on visit visa. Contact : 94175848.

Indian male Executive Secretary (To Top Management) having 10 years experience in Oman. Also well experience in HR Executive & Admin related jobs. Local release & Oman driving license available, seeking for immediate suitable placement. Contact 92215110; email: hellosajans@gmail.com Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP will be happy to hear from you. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com 33year Indian Male MBA-HR & MSC having 8.9yrs Exp (HR-operation/ SAP/ Admin) with Oman Driving License, seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/backend jobs.

Contact:+968 99322978 Indian/male (26)/CA- inter and B.Com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer/HVAC/Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. email: nishadphoenix@ gmail.com, Contact: 90957740, email: nishadphoenix@gmail.com Expat with 13 yrs experience in sales and marketing, seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92100116 Indian male 29 years old on visit looking for a suitable position in air ticketing and tours, overall 10 years of experience, 6 years experience in gulf. On visit, ready to join immediately. Contact 97189669/ info.awaiz2015@gmail.com Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP will be happy to hear from you. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com

W E D N E S DAY, JA N UA RY 4 , 2 0 1 7

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

KTT & CO. LLC –Logistics Division- Customs Clearance & delivery (Airport& Seaport)Worldwide Air& Sea Cargo Services.Road Transportation inside Oman & GCC. Door to Door Services to India.

CONTACT: Mr. Deepak GSM: 93908980 Email: deepak@kttcustoms.com

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

DRIVING

Specialist for road test drum and slope. Contact 94022250

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SIT.WANTED SITUATION WANTSERVICES B.A Graduate, 28 yrs old, is looking for a suitable job in Muscat.

(In Visiting visa , 6 years Experience as a Coordinator in Reputed Firm with Good English communication skills,). # : 93042492

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Pakistani male, looking for a suitable placement as Document Controller, Computer Operator.

Contact 93919064 29 yrs old Graduate (Male), 6 years Experience as an Office Assistant with Good English communication skills, is looking for a job in Muscat, (In Visiting visa).

Contact 93271163 B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Currently on family visit OMAN, looking for job in various mechanical fields of production, manufacturing, technical and designing.

Contact :92113987,email : mohammedthanzeel@gmail.com MECHANICAL ENGINEER, Indian Male,26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int.

Standards, B tech in Mech engg Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, Mob-00917741032368

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020

WE SERVE OMAN

Indian female B.E (I.T) : Good experience in documentation and CRM. Having good communication skills. Seeking for job from reputed organization. Previous experience in Oman and India.

Contact - 97301058, 97136975.

Petrochemicals specialist, worked in oman oil company, octal petrochemicals, truckoman, MBA 18 yrs experience specialized in procurement /commercial/ purchase / logistics /production planning & sound knowledge of technical requirement with NOC available.

Contact:97813849 Male with 3 years exp in Oman construction co. looking for a job in admin / accounts on urgent joining release NOC available.

Contact: +968 94574596.

Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center L.L.C. # 99344723

Installation & maintenance for Modular Kitchen, UPVC Doors & Windows, Furniture, Electrical & Air-conditions Contact @ 92383882/91443786

Pestcontrol, water proofing.

Gulfa International L.L.C. Contact: 92326955

Caret & Sofa Shampooing General Cleaning & Polishing.

Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 24707833

Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 92705130

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

A/C maintenance & Servicing, Fridge / Washing Machine / dish washer repairing, 2) Painting and cleaning service, Electrical & Plumbing.

Contact: 94147874 / 24504281, mail:globalaccessunited@gmail. com Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading.

L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 We undertake new construction & maintenance & gypsum works.

Contact 92711506, ammarayyub@gmail.com

D8

W E D N E S DAY, JA N UA RY 4 , 2 0 1 7

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

RENT A CAR

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551