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HM receives thanks Al Saud and Prince Ahmed bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In his cables, King Salman expressed his thanks for His Majesty the Sultan’s generous feelings and sincere prayers, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s souls in peace and protect His Majesty against all harms. -ONA See also >A6

N E X T F I V E D AY S

More rains forecast for Oman interiors TARIQ AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More rains are predicted in the interior parts of the Sultanate over the next five days, according to weather forecast modules given to Directorate General of Meteorology at the Public Authority for Civil Aviation.

Al Dakhiliya Governorate has

experienced heavy rainfall for the past three days, due to local cloud formations.

“This does not happen every year, and it is independent of seasonal cloud formations. They form both during summer and winter, but the rain is more intense during winter,” said an official from the Directorate General of Meteorology. >A6

Both the public and resorting to job cuts which may continue

global demand are

80,000 $115

$51.43

further down

MUSCAT: Persistent low oil prices are forcing both, the private and public sectors, to cut down on employment this year with the trend likely to continue in 2016, unless the country comes out of the current phase of recession.

The international oil price on Sunday closed three per cent lower at $51.43 per barrel, which is more than a 50 per cent drop since it peaked at $115 in June last year. An oil supply glut, weaker demand in Asia and Europe and

Alawi meets Kerry

Oman Air’s lounges

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Sohar port capacity Sohar port container handling capacity to reach 1.5m TEUs. >B1

Omanis got jobs in various sectors between 2011 and 2014 Graphics

pushing oil prices

MARKET

Oman Air unveiled its refurbished first and business class lounges. >A5

More than 50% drop

strong dollar and low

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Oman participated in a GCC meet with US Secretary of State in Doha. >A3

As of August 2, 2015

as oil supply glut,

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June 2014

in the next year,

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Oil price drop hits job prospects

private sectors are

SALEH AL SHAIBANY

Jump in tourists to Salalah

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Hiring freeze in Oman amid oil price slide

SAUDI ARABIA

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received two cables of thanks from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in reply to His Majesty’s condolences cables on the death of Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Musa’ad bin Jalawi

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Per barrel

TUESDAY, August 4, 2015 / 18 Shawwal 1436 AH

a strong dollar have pushed down oil prices further this year.

Cap on civil service jobs The civil service has already frozen employment since January this year, hiring only in essential services such as education and health. Employment rates hit a high in 2011 when the demonstrations peaked, and in the ensuing years up to 2014, with a record 80,000 Omanis finding jobs in various sectors.

“The price of oil then was more than $100 per barrel and the government was flush with funds.

However, now job seekers are finding it difficult to find employment because of the job freeze in ministries and in even private

companies. This is going to be the toughest year in the employment sector unless oil prices rise,” Said Al Shihri, an independent economist, told the Times of Oman.

Private sector ‘cautious’ Employers in the private sector have also become extremely cautious while hiring young Omanis.

They will also be looking nervously at the oil prices before making most of their business decisions this year.

“We have shelved our expansion plans for this year and the next because the government has already frozen some of its biggest projects. We rely heavily on government projects to employ people and at the moment we do not

see that happening,” said an HR manager at one of the top IT companies in the country, who did not wish to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Other company directors said that Oman Tender Board has already delayed indefinitely the awarding of selected contracts. This is going to slow down the growth of many large companies not just this year but in 2016 as well.

“These are important contracts which will not materialise in 2015 or even next year. We need them to keep us going. Graduates also need them to be employed, but we do not blame the government because the economy at the moment is stalling due to lower oil prices,” the director of a large construction company, told the Times of Oman.

Earlier last year, media reports said that the government was planning to generate thousands of jobs with the Oman Railway Company that was planning to supervise the construction of the rail network from Musandam to Dhofar. With oil prices sliding, experts do not see that happening.

“The railway project will now be taking a back seat, especially this year. It would have absorbed thousands of graduates from different towns. Let us hope 2016 will be a better year in terms of oil prices so that we can get out of this recession as quickly as possible,” said financial analyst Fareed Al Ojaili.

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Millions of people in Yemen are facing severe difficulties as a result of major food and water shortages, as well as a lack of medicines.

Ali Ibrahim Shenoon Al Raisi

Executive chairman of the Oman Charitable Organisation

PDO raises funds for Yemen crisis victims More than 1,700 employees contributed to help Yemeni citizens who are suffering because of largescale displacement and instability Times News Service MUSCAT: Reiterating its social commitment, the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has donated more than OMR169,293 to help victims of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen following an appeal for charity from the staff.

More than 1,700 employees contributed to help relieve the suffering of Yemeni citizens caused by instability, large-scale displacement, poor infrastructure, and food insecurity in addi-

SOCIAL COMMITMENT: The Yemen appeal is the latest in a series of international humanitarian staff appeals at the PDO.– Supplied photo

tion to child malnutrition.

Suleiman Al Tobi, director, PDO Oil South, handed over the cheque to the Ali Ibrahim Shenoon Al Raisi, executive chairman of the Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO) at the latter’s head office in Muscat. PDO is working with the OCO, which is subject to governmental financial supervision, to effectively utilise the money for humanitarian aid and to support the people of Yemen.

Al Tobi said, “I would like to thank all PDO employees who have generously contributed to this noble cause, in the Holy Month of Ramadan.”

“Ramadan is about reflecting spirituality, having empathy for those who are less fortunate and encouraging actions of generosity.

Our staff once again requested us to launch an appeal and then voluntarily made contributions from their monthly salaries,” he said.

“I would also like to thank the OCO for their tremendous and continuous support to the PDO in helping to channel the money to where it is most needed,” he added.

The OCO’s Ali Ibrahim Shenoon Al Raisi said, “On behalf of the OCO Board, we would like to thank the PDO for its continued generosity and efforts in giving a helping hand to those who are undergoing severe hardship. We will do our best to guarantee that these donations reach the people who need them as soon as possible.”

“Millions of people in Yemen are facing severe difficulties as a result of major food and water shortages, as well as a lack of medicines. The PDO’s donation will help to make a real difference to the lives of some of the people, and I encourage others to support those in desperate need in our neighbouring country,” Al Raisi added.

The Yemen appeal is the latest in a series of international humanitarian staff appeals at the PDO. Other recent examples have included donations for victims of the Nepal earthquake, the Syrian civil war, the Gaza conflict and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

OMANI SCOUTS BUILD BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP AT JAPAN JAMBOREE

Omani participants showcase Oman’s cultural and tourist attractions at the International Scouts Jamboree which concluded in Japan on Monday.—ONA

‘MEELAD’

SQU starts e-admission MUSCAT: Student admission e-application was launched

by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) through the virtual station called ‘Meelad’.

The initiative is part of the university’s plans to save time and effort of the students, holders of general education diploma and their parents.

The e-station, where students can update their data and complete the admission procedures, eliminates the need to come to university to complete admission procedures.–ONA NEW COURSE

New batch at Manah college MANAH: A new batch of students was received at Sultan Qaboos College for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers (SQC-TANNS) in the Wilayat of Manah.

This course is being run in cooperation with the OmaniBritish Friendship Association, as well as a group of military students newly enrolled at the Command and Staff College (CSC).

The orientation day included a tour of the college’s facilities and a presentation on public information and conduct that students have to follow during their period of study in the college.

A four-week intensive course is prepared for the students, besides visits to major historical and civilisational sites in the Sultanate, as well as cultural lectures and lessons on Arabic calligraphy.–ONA

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Omani staff in private sector increases MUSCAT: Total number of insured Omanis in the private sector until the end of June reached 206,054, a 0.7 per cent rise compared to the figures last May. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) informs that there were 158,613 Omani males and 47,441 females working in the private sector.

The highest number of Omani workers was in the category which drew salaries between OMR325 and OMR400. There were 62,792 nationals comprising 42,626 males and 20,166 females, a drop of 0.4 per cent, compared to last May.

Those receiving salaries from OMR400 to OMR500 increased 0.6 per cent, to reach 46,563 and comprised 40,736 males and 5,827 females.

The number of Omanis receiving salaries ranging from OMR500 to OMR600, reached 20,688 comprising 16,944 males and 3,744 females, a 0.7 per cent rise.

The percentage of Omanis who receive salaries from OMR600 to OMR700 increased 0.8 per cent to reach 13,611 comprising 10,971 males and 2,640 females.

Omanis receiving salaries ranging from OMR700 to OMR800,

reached 8,867 comprising 6,988 males and 1,879 females, an increase of 0.1 per cent.

Omanis receiving salaries between OMR800 and OMR900 reached 6,537 comprising 4,946 males and 1,591 females, an increase of 1.4 per cent, while those earning between OMR900 and OMR1,000 increased 2.1 per cent to reach 4,937 comprising 3,728 males and 1,209 females.

The percentage of Omanis receiving between OMR1,000 and OMR2000 increased 0.6 per cent.

They totalled 18,066 and comprised 14,454 males and 3,612 females.

There were 6,967 Omani citizens comprising 6,224 males and 743 females who received more than OMR2,000 in salaries, an increase of 0.6 per cent. The number of workers whose data has not been updated according to the salaries subjected to insurance reached 17,026, comprising 10,996 males and 6,030 females.

As for the distribution of Omanis in the private sector in different governorates, the largest number remains in Muscat at 71,746.

They are followed by North Al Batinah with 38,215, A’Dakhiliyah with 23,868 and South Al Batinah with 19,848 citizens.–ONA

GCC ministers, Kerry discuss crucial issues Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, represented Oman at the meeting of GCC foreign ministers with John Kerry DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVE: Foreign ministers from Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, apart from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates attended the meeting.– AFP photo

Times News Service DOHA: Oman participated in the meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, held in Doha, Qatar, on Monday.

Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, represented Oman at the meeting.

Foreign ministers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, apart from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates attended the meeting.

According to a Reuters report,

the meeting was arranged as an “attempt to ease the concerns of key allies over the Iran nuclear deal.”

“This was an opportunity, really, for the secretary to do a deep dive with the GCC foreign ministers to try to respond to any remaining questions that they might have and hopefully to satisfy them and ensure that they are supporting our efforts going forward,” a US State Department official was quoted as saying.

While in Doha, Kerry is also expected to hold a three-way

meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Saudi counterpart Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir, with discussions expected to centre on Syria.

“A key topic of discussion is expected to be the ongoing crisis in Syria,” said a senior State Department official.

He began his day meeting with Al Jubeir and the Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, before heading into the scheduled talks with the GCC foreign ministers.

Kerry landed in Qatar on Sun-

day evening after a visit to Egypt, where he also sought to assure his counterpart Sameh Shoukry and President Abdel Fattah elSisi that the landmark deal would bring more security to the Middle East.

“There can be absolutely no question that if the Vienna plan is fully implemented, it will make Egypt and all the countries of this region safer than they otherwise would be or were,” Kerry told a joint news conference with Shoukry.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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171%

is the rise in the number of tourists who visited Salalah between July 21 and July 25 as compared to the year before, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

GROWING NUMBERS: Statistics compiled by the NCSI also indicate that the highest growth in the number of visitors was recorded among those from Asian countries who logged a whopping 248.4 percent

surge during the period with their numbers touching 28,370. - Photos: Talib Al Wahaibi/Times of Oman

Big jump in khareef visitors to Salalah Of 150,334 people who arrived in Salalah since the khareef season began, as many as 115,789 were from GCC countries including 89,523 from the Sultanate, showing a rise of 164.6 per cent compared to the figures recorded during the same period last year

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SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Salalah is attracting more visitors than ever, with more than 150,000 having visited the Dhofari capital to enjoy the khareef between June 21 and July 25, an increase of 171 per cent compared to the year before, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

One of the reasons for the increase in tourists is that Ramadan ended earlier this year and many people visited Dhofar during the Eid holidays.

But whatever the case, the high number of visitors has meant good business for hotels, museums, restaurants and other services.

“We’ve had a very good July.

Since the start of the khareef occupancy for our property was above 90 per cent,” said Daniel Fanselow, GM of Juweira Boutique Hotel at Salalah Beach.

There have many people making last-minute bookings, and

some booking into August, too, so Fanselow was optimistic that business would continue to be strong until the end of the khareef season.

At the Crowne Plaza Resort business has also been strong this khareef season, said GM Manuel Levonian.“There’s been a steady occupancy since the beginning of the season. We’ve been doing an occupancy of about 85 to 90 per cent on an average,” he said.

The Eid holidays were especially busy, he added, with some days hitting 100 per cent occupancy.

Now the huge rush is over but business is very steady, and the city and region are filled with tourists enjoying the mild temperatures and misty mountains.

“The atmosphere is vibrant and the city is very busy. The roads are very busy and obviously a lot of people are in the mountains, which are quite green,” added Fanselow.

Statistics compiled by the NCSI also indicate that the highest growth in the number of visitors was recorded among those from Asian countries who logged a whopping 248.4 per cent surge during the period with their numbers touching 28,370.

Of the total 150,334 people who arrived in Salalah since the khareef season began, as many as

115,789 were from GCC countries including 89,523 from the Sultanate, showing a rise of 164.6 per cent compared to the figures recorded during the same period last year.

A further 13,219 GCC visitors to Salalah came via regional flights, while 4382 people flew in on international flights.

There has been a significant increase — 102.8 per cent to be exact — in the number of khareef visitors from other Arab countries, too.

Their numbers reached 4568, of which 1668 visitors came through Salalah airport.

A total of 4655 visitors from Asia arrived in Salalah via the airport.

The magic khareef has even cast its spell among Americans, with 351 people from the USA visiting Salalah during the period, posting a growth of 36.6 per cent compared to 2014.

More than twice the usual number of visitors have stopped by the Al Baleed Archaeological Park and Museum of the Land of Frankincense this season, too, said Ghanim Al Shanfari, Director of the Museum.

“This July we had 22,084 visitors. In the same month of the last year we had 10,560 visitors,” he noted, adding that the Samahram Archaeological Site had 9929 visitors this July, up 8.4 per cent from 9162 in July 2014.

New services Over the past year there have been renovations and new services at the Al Baleed site, including a cafe and botanical gardens, which have attracted more people, he explained.

To cope with the increase in numbers the site has hired more museum guides, increased the security, and lengthened the opening hours from 9am to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday and 3pm to 9pm on Friday and Saturday.

“In general, to be honest Salalah

has really become an international tourist spot. Last year there was really a big number of European tourists, too,” said Al Shanfari, adding that he expected many visitors from countries such as Germany, Switzerland and France from the beginning of September.

Fuel stations are also making sure they are well stocked and able to provide for all the extra vehicles on the roads. Omanoil, for example, is constantly monitoring its reserves at all its 17 fuelling stations in Dhofar as well as those located in route, as well as continuously replenishing them to avoid any possibility of a shortage.

Wide array In addition, all Ahlain stores have been fully stocked with a wide array of products and goods for the convenience of its shoppers.

“Our extensive retail network has been fully prepared to meet the challenges posed by the huge volume of tourists.

In fact, officials have already recorded a 77.3 per cent rise in the number of visitors to Salalah compared to the same period last year.

It was therefore essential for us to develop an approach that would ensure all customers continue to enjoy the quick and convenient experience the Omanoil brand is renowned for 24 hours a day,” said Faisal Al Shanfari, Oman Oil Marketing Company’s General Manager of Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, Procurement and Health, Safety, Security and Environment.

The flow of visitors is expected to stay strong through the end of khareef and even into the Eid Al Adha holiday, which is expected around September 23.

Levonion said the Crowne Plaza Resort is already taking bookings for the next holidays. “We are already seeing a positive trend for the next Eid holiday,” he concluded.

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D H O FA R T R A G E D Y

Missing Emiratis’ family begins receiving condolences Times News Service MUSCAT/AL AIN: As the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) continues its search for the two Emiratis who went missing off the Oman coast, the uncle of the men said that the family had begun receiving condolences at their home in Asharaej from Monday.

The two went missing in Al Dimr area in the wilayat of Mirbat in Dhofar Governorate on July 23.

“It is not a wake, but we are opening our home to accept wellwishers in this moment of grief. It is customary to do so after the 10th day when someone goes missing at sea,” Saeed Al Dhaheri, the uncle of the two brothers was quoted telling The National.

“We have not lost hope, and we are still keeping the faith that there might be some good news,” he said “My two other brothers, Ali and Saoud, were in Oman helping with the rescue efforts, but they are re-

turning home to be with the rest of the family,” said Al Dhaheri.

The uncle told The National that the family had contacted Islamic scholars to find out what should be done in special circumstances, as the brothers are still missing.

“They have not been pronounced dead and rescue operations are still going on,” said Al Dhaheri.

There are no plans currently to hold a funeral prayer in absentia.

Saeed Al Dhaheri’s two nephews, Abdullah, 21, and Mansour, 19, were swimming on July 23 when they went missing in rough seas.

Abdullah may have drowned trying to save his brother, according to friends who were with them that day, reported The National.

Oman Air adds luxury lounges

RELAXED TRAVELLING: Since announcing the refurbishment programme in February 2015 and its completion, the lounge can now accommodate 100 extra guests.–Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

The lounges are located on the first floor of the terminal.

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TARIQ AL HAREMI tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman Air unveiled its refurbished First and Business Class lounges at the Muscat International Airport on Monday.

The refurbished lounges offer more facilities and can be accessed by more guests.

The lounges, which were formally opened by Maitha Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism and deputy chairperson of Oman Air, is located on the first floor of the terminal. Each lounge was originally designed by the renowned UK-based design agency JPA and was opened in 2010.

Speaking at the opening Al Mahrouqi said, “The tourism industry is expanding so it is always important to improve and develop the facilities. Re-inaugurating the lounge is a requirement for the increase of passengers to the country.”

Since announcing the refurbishment programme in February 2015 and its completion, the lounge can now accommodate 100 extra guests. In addition, a new family room has been designed under the theme ‘home away from home’ as well as an additional spa which complements the existing quiet room as well as male and female prayer rooms, wash and shower rooms and the business centre.

A new feature in the lounge is

‘Low cost carrier impossible’ MUSCAT: A low cost carrier is impossible for Oman, Paul Gregorowitsch said, while responding to a question.

He, however, said that if low cost carriers were given permission, Oman Air was ready to face the competition.

Gregorowitsch said, “A low cost carrier is impossi-

a children’s playroom. A new a la carte option allows guests to enjoy haute cuisines from the comfort of their lounge seats. A ‘healthy corner’ is also in place for careful eaters, serving balanced and nutritious meals and snacks.

Time-honoured tradition Reflecting Oman’s time-honoured tradition of warm hospitality, the refurbished lounges have retained their combination of traditional Arabic colours and motifs, contemporary styling and elegant furnishings. The result is a comfortable and relaxed environment which caters to every need of the guests.

“I am delighted that Oman Air is reopening its superb First and Business Class lounges at Muscat International Airport.

They will offer VIPs and other premium customers Oman Air’s award-winning hospitality in a stylish and elegant setting.

They will also help to showcase the very best of Omani design, craftsmanship and culinary skill

ble in Oman. I have told you that before. A low cost (carrier) in Oman means, low labour cost, lower aviation cost and lower fuel cost.”

“We are ready to face a new competitor. As you have seen, all we have done in the meantime, is to take care of our financial position. We are ready for competition,” he concluded.

to a discerning international audience,” said Al Mahrouqi.

Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer, Oman Air, said, “These beautiful new lounges are the perfect complement to the First and Business Class cabins that we offer onboard Oman Air’s aircraft. They provide every facility our premium customers can wish for as they relax and prepare for their flights. Furthermore, they reflect the same extraordinarily high standards as our premium check-in and premium fast-track facilities offer at Muscat.”

“I would like to congratulate the teams in Oman Air for doing such a great job in getting the lounges open. I am also grateful to Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi for taking time off from her busy schedule and agreeing to formally open these superb lounges,” he said.

“We expect the demand for the lounges to be high and we look forward to seeing them exceed our customers’ expectations,” he added.

“We appreciate the support we have received from everyone in this rough period and hope that Allah will reward everyone for the kindness they have bestowed upon us,” said Al Dhaheri.

A large number of members from the Emirati community are expected to rally behind the family this week. A tent has been set up to receive well-wishers. The two missing brothers have seven siblings.

Meanwhile, Omani authorities continue to search for the duo in an area covering 208 kilometres, according to PACDA. The search also includes surrounding coves filled with water.

Helicopters, boats and jet skis were all used during the rescue efforts. There are no immediate plans by the Omani authorities to call off the search.

The young men were on a recreational trip for the Eid Al Fitr holiday, visiting the town of Mirbat, east of Salalah.

TRAGEDY: The grieving family has opened their home to accept

well-wishers in this moment of grief. It is customary to do so after the 10th day when someone goes missing at sea, informed the uncle of the two Emitati brothers.– Photo supplied by PACDA

NAT I O NA L E C O N O M Y

Oman’s petro production rises MUSCAT: Oman’s oil production increased 2.9 per cent to reach 175,672,200 barrels in the first half of 2015, compared to 170,802,400 barrels during the same period last year, data published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) has revealed.

As per the statement by officials of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, the Sultanate’s production is expected to hit one million barrels per day on some days this year.

The figures also show that the peak average daily production this year was recorded in June 2015 at 992,700 barrels. The peak monthly production of 30,275,400 barrels was recorded last March, with an average daily production of 976,600 barrels.

Oman’s total oil production in 2014 stood at 344,369,800 barrels which included 312,536,900 bar-

OIL POWER: Oman’s oil exports during the first half of this year increased 7.6 per cent compared to last year.

rels of crude, 31,833,000 barrels of oil condensates, and a daily average production of 943,500 barrels.

The bulletin issued by the NCSI pointed out that the average price for a barrel of the Sultanate’s crude

declined 43 per cent to $59.3 compared to $103.23 in 2014.

The Sultanate’s total oil exports during the first half of this year increased 7.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. It stood at 154,865,100 barrels compared to 143,875,000 during the first half of last year, and 148,285,400 during the second half of 2014.

China topped the list of countries importing Omani crude during the first half of this year with 79 per cent or 122,283,200 barrels, a growth by 21.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. In 2014, China imported 72 per cent of the Sultanate’s oil exports, or 292,160,400 barrels.

Taiwan’s import of Omani crude increased 16.8 per cent to touch 17,188,500 barrels compared to 14,714,100 in the first half of last year. -ONA

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The award aims to make small, medium, and micro enterprises effective contributors in the nationalisation of jobs and the establishment of a diversified economy Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, of Al Raffd Fund

Entrepreneurship award aims to boost Omanisation The second edition of the Entrepreneurship Award 2015 was launched by Riyada to enhance the performance and

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabir Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, in reply to His Majesty’s condolences cable on the death of Sheikha Haya Sabah Al Salem Al Hamoud Al Sabah.

In his cable, Sheikh Sabah expressed his utmost thanks for His Majesty’s sincere condolences and sympathy, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and protect His Majesty against all harms. -ONA

Sultanate gets US award

the micro, small, and medium enterprises

MUSCAT: To cultivate the culture of entrepreneurship in Omani society and enhance the performance and competitiveness of the micro, small, and medium enterprises, the second edition of the Entrepreneurship Award 2015 was launched on Monday by Riyada, the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises.

“The award aims to make small, medium, and micro enterprises effective contributors in the nationalisation of jobs and the establishment of a diversified economy that is based on knowledge and innovation,” said Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, CEO of Al Raffd Fund, head of the Entrepreneurship Award 2015.

HM receives thanks

E X C E P T I O NA L A P P L I C AT I O N

competitiveness of

Times News Service

K U WA I T

ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION: The award aims to encourage excellence, competitiveness, innovation, and recognition for individuals

or institutions which support SMEs. -Supplied photo

The award aims to encourage excellence, competitiveness, innovation, and recognition for individuals or institutions which support SMEs and provide them with a convenient environment to network and exchange expertise in fields of entrepreneurship and development of SMEs, he said.

Feedback “The general framework of the 2015 edition of the award took into consideration the feedback received from participants, assessors, judges, and team members of the 2014 edition of the award. It also incorporated elements that were provided in evaluation ques-

tionnaires,” he explained.

He pointed out that this year’s award promotes the same three categories, such as the Entrepreneurship Award, Entrepreneurship Award for SMEs, and the Entrepreneurship Supporters Award.

Sub-categories He added, “However, there is a change in its sub-categories that emerged from the outcome of the first edition’s key performance indicators. New sub-categories have also been introduced to better fit private and public organisations.

On the other hand, some other categories are split to make them

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more focussed and specialised, which helps assessors evaluate the real performance of each initiative without having to distract their focus on some details of the organisations.”

European excellence model This edition includes a partial change in the conditions and a major one in the criteria, which now follows the European excellence model, he said, and added that these changes were made to enhance the experience and benefits to participants.

“The second edition of the Entrepreneurship Award sees an essential change that will place

more focus on quality and apply standards of global excellence.

These changes are clearly reflected in the awards’ criteria and categories and are the result of outcomes of key performance indicators for 2014,” he added.

“More participation and support from both private and public organisations is expected this year. This will contribute to enhancing entrepreneurship, recognising the support in this field, while promoting the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said with respect to entrepreneurship and the impact of these enterprises on the national economy,” he concluded.

SAN DIEGO: Oman, represented by the National Centre for Statistics and Information NCSI, was honoured with a Special Achievement in GIS Award at the 2015 ESRI International User Conference in San Diego, California, USA. This award acknowledges vision, leadership, hard work, and innovative use of Esri’s geographic information system technology.

NCSI received the award for their exceptional application of TourOman. Tour Oman is a mobile application, which enables people of Oman to search and locate routes of top attractions and service locations across Oman.

The application provides facility to plan a trip for multiple locations via shortest route. It provides an option for users to send their feedback about any missing or new service location, etc. -ONA

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

Students undergo first-aid and safety training course KHAWLA AL JABRI

MUSCAT: Twenty-five students between the ages of 15 and 17 underwent a first-aid and safety training course conducted by officials from the Public Authority of Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) at the Al Rustaq Training Centre.

Agent Jassim Al Siyabi, along with the help of Sergeant Asim Al Ghafri and Officer Ali Al Yarubi, conducted the training course where the session included firstaid procedures for different types of injuries. They also exhibited the correct way to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the need arose in addition to instructions on treating burns and bone fractures.

This was in preparation of a development camp, which was the winning idea of a competitor during the “Tamkeen” Oman competition held recently.

The students were selected by the Directorate General of Education in South Al Batinah to take part in a development camp in the Ministry of Sport Affairs in

SAFETY SKILLS: The session included first-aid procedures for

different types of injuries.– Supplied photo

Jebel Al Akhdar, which is mainly a rehabilitation programme for young leaders.

“In general, the camp seeks to speed up the rehabilitation of young leaders with enough skills to achieve some social goals,” said Ayoob Al Shuaili, head of the camp.

“The camp has a disciplinary aspect that includes a variety of elements such as entertainment, education, workshops and com-

petitions along with a focus on discipline with regards to prayer times, hygiene and respecting others,” he added.

The camp also aims to help students identify the principles of leadership and how to master planning skills and setting of goals. Students will be taught the principles of teamwork and will be given the opportunity to lead work groups. The camp is planned from August 6 to August 10.

FORECAST

< FROM

A1 More rain in North, South Batinah Fresh southwesterly winds from the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea meet northeasterly winds from the coastal areas of Sea of Oman to form these clouds, which produce isolated thunderstorms.

When asked if it would be possible for the clouds to move towards Muscat, the official said, “It is possible, but North and South Al Batinah may expect more rain than Muscat. However, there is a very low chance of rain in Muscat.”

“Al Hamra has been witnessing rain for the last 10 days, and the temperature has fallen to nearly 15 degree Celsius,” said a resident.

According to the weather forecast released by the DG. of Meteorology, over the next 48 hours, cloudy skies are expected along the coastal areas of Dhofar Governorate and in the adjoining mountains, with intermittent drizzles.

There will also be opportunities for convective cloud development and rain, occasional thundershowers, associated with fresh winds over Al Hajar Moun-

HEAVY DOWNPOUR: Rains lashed Ibri and Nakqhal. – @weatheroman

tains and the adjoining areas in the afternoon. In addition, there is a chance for late night to early morning low-level clouds or fog patches along the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea. Bahla recorded 8mm of rainfall, followed by Saiq with 4.2mm, Nizwa with 2.6mm and Adam with 2.2mm. Authorities and safety experts have urged citizens and residents alike to take care of warning signs and safety guidelines to avoid unnecessary fatalities.

Drivers are constantly cautioned not to cross flowing wadis.

On Friday, a driver was trapped inside his vehicle while crossing Al Hajar Wadi, which resulted in his death.

Recently, a representative told the Times of Oman that proposed amendments to the civil defence laws are under review.

One of these amendments will subject drivers to tough sanctions if they cross a wadi under unsafe conditions.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

REGION

The Syrian army plane crashed near a vegetable market, causing ‘a huge blast’ in the rebel-held Ariha town, the scene of heavy destruction in previous regime bombardment.

Yemen forces in bid to retake major airbase

VIOLENCE

Second top Iraqi oil official killed by gunmen in Kirkuk KIRKUK: Gunmen shot dead a senior official working for Iraq’s North Oil Company (NOC) on Monday, police and company officials said, just over a month after his predecessor at the state-run firm was gunned down.

Chief engineer Saad Ali Hussain was driving to his office in the northern oil city of Kirkuk when gunmen in a sports utility vehicle opened fire, killing him and his driver, police Brigadier Sarhat Qadir said.

Hussain was appointed NOC’s chief of operations after his predecessor was shot dead in late June as he was leaving the office.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack on Hussain, who had supervised NOC’s oil pipelines office.

Major oil producer and OPEC member Iraq faces security challenges from IS militants who con-

AID LANDS: People seek cover from rising dust as a Qatari military cargo plane carrying aid lands at the international airport of

Yemen’s southern port city of Aden on Saturday. – Reuters

The pro-government troops deployed heavy armour in the assault on Al Anad base, north of Aden

ADEN: Loyalist forces began a major offensive on Monday aimed at retaking Yemen’s largest airbase which is held by rebels, as troops from the Saudi-led coalition entered recaptured second city Aden.

The pro-government troops deployed heavy armour supplied by their backers in the assault on Al Anad base, some 60 kilometres (35 miles) north of Aden, military sources said.

“The battle to retake Al Anad base has begun,” a military source said.

Hundreds of troops and militia equipped with tanks and armoured vehicles supplied by the coalition deployed around the

base before Monday’s attack, their commander Fadhl Hassan said.

Another source said Saudi-led warplanes were providing air cover for the loyalist forces, who launched the offensive from a mountainous region west of Al Anad.

The airbase, in the southern province of Lahj, housed US troops overseeing a drone war against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) until shortly before Houthi rebels overran it in March. The insurgent advance, which took them all the way into the port city of Aden, forced President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and his internationally recognised government into exile in Saudi Arabia.

Full control But Aden has now been recaptured and Hadi loyalists are in full control there. Hundreds of Gulf Arab troops from the coalition entered Aden on Sunday, using tanks and other armour “to help secure” it, a military source told AFP. The Saudi-owned Al Hayat newspaper said 1,500 troops, most of them from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), had reached Aden.

The UAE is a member of the coalition which has carried out more than four months of air strikes targeting the rebels and their allies.

Retaking Al Anad would help bolster security in Aden, whose liberation Hadi’s government announced in mid-July.

It would also open the way to loyalist forces to push further north against the Houthis, who have enjoyed strong support on the ground from fighters close to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. An officer taking part in the offensive told AFP the troops had reached the western entrance of Al Anad by mid-afternoon on Monday. Fierce fighting was under way, added the officer who asked not to be identified.

Military sources spoke of further progress by loyalist forces who they said had recaptured Houta, the provincial capital of Lahj, and seized Al Ribat highway north of Aden.

Aden — Hadi’s last refuge before the rebel advance forced him into exile in neighbouring Saudi Arabia -- has been devastated by four months of coalition air strikes and fighting on the ground.

The city is badly scarred, with gut-

NAT I O N AT WA R

DESTROYED: People inspect the damage after a Syrian army fighter jet crashed into a busy marketplace in the rebel-held northwestern town of Ariha on Monday. – Reuters

31 killed as Syrian army jet crashes in rebel-held town BEIRUT: A Syrian army aircraft crashed during a bombing run over rebel-held Ariha on Monday, killing at least 31 people and destroying a vegetable market, a monitoring group and residents said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not immediately clear how many of the deaths in the northwestern town had resulted from the crash and how many were killed in the bombing run. “It was flying at a low altitude when it had mechanical failure,” Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said.

“At least 31 people, including two children, were killed. Five of them have not been identified,” said Abdel Rahman, citing medical officials and residents inside the town.

He said at least 60 people were wounded in the attack on Ariha, which is in Syria’s northwest

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province of Idlib. Security officials reached in Damascus would not confirm whether a regime aircraft had crashed in the area.

The official news agency SANA reported only that army units had destroyed ammunition warehouses and attacked “terrorist groups” in Ariha.

Huge blast Residents cited by the Observatory said the plane crashed near a vegetable market, causing “a huge blast” in the town, the scene of heavy destruction in previous regime bombardment. Local activist Ibrahim Al Idlibi, speaking to AFP via the Internet, said the

blast was caused by the remaining rockets and bombs on the plane.

“It destroyed the entire market, as well as residential buildings near the market,” he said.

Local civil defence workers were scrambling to rescue anyone buried under the rubble, he said.

“The wounded have been taken to field hospitals inside Ariha and in nearby Jabal Al Zawiya, because there is such a high number,” he added.

The Observatory, which relies on a wide network of activists, medics and fighters throughout war-torn Syria, said the fate of the plane’s crew was unknown.

The Damascus regime has relied heavily on its monopoly of air power in Syria’s four-yearold civil war, repeatedly pounding rebel-held towns. It has lost a number of aircraft, some to rebel fire and others to mechanical failure. — AFP

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ted buildings and broken sewerage pipes, and is deprived of water and electricity supplies.

Aid relief has trickled in since pro-government forces forced the rebels out, and distribution of desperately needed supplies for Aden’s embattled residents has begun.

The airport reopened on July 22, allowing planes to land with relief supplies from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The United Nations says the war has killed nearly 4,000 people, half of them civilians, while 80 percent of the 21-million population of the impoverished Arabian Peninsula nation needs aid and protection.

The Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti across the Gulf of Aden appealed on Monday for aid after a new influx of refugees from the Yemen conflict.

Almost 10,000 Yemenis — many of them wounded — have arrived in the small state since late March, according to UN refugee agency the UNHCR. Despite losing Aden, the rebels in Yemen remain in control of the capital Sanaa, which they overran last September, and large swathes of the rest of the country. — AFP

trol a third of the country, and a sectarian conflict exacerbated by the ultra-hardline group’s presence. An NOC official, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that staff at the company feared the killings would continue and suggested they were politically motivated. “Someone is using bloody ways to change the structure of the company,” he said. “It’s like playing with fire and could result in dire consequences for the company’s operations.”

On Saturday, the IS group detained four journalism students in Mosul on charges of leaking information from the militant bastion to Iraqi and media organisations, a media watchdog said. The four were taken from their homes in different parts of the northern city late Friday, the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory, an Iraqi organisation, said in a statement. — Agencies

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

INDIA

We are making a new beginning today...

60 years is a long time of fighting, the wounds are deep Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

S TA N D O F F

25 Congress lawmakers suspended from Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: Confrontation between government and opposition is set to escalate with Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Monday suspending 25 Congress members for five days for “persistently, wilfully obstructing” the House”.

The Speaker ‘named’ (identifying for action) the 25 Congress members who were carrying placards and shouting slogans in the well of the House while pressing for resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje over Lalit Modi row and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over Vyapam scam.

While taking the tough action under Rule 374(A), she said the members were being suspended for “persistently, wilfully obstructing the House”. She ruled that the ‘named’ members will not attend five sittings of the House. Congress has 44 members in all.

Mahajan adjourned the House immediately after. However, a number of the Congress members staged a sit-in in the House.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi also did not leave the House for quite some time and were seen holding discussions with leaders of some other opposition parties. Her action came after several warnings and despite pleas by TMC leader Sudip Bandhyopadhyay and CPI (M) leader P Karunakaran that it would aggravate the situation.

The rule The Rule 374(A) says: “Notwithstanding anything contained in rules 373 and 374, in the event of grave disorder occasioned by a member coming into the well of

...you cannot say they disrupted proceedings so we will also do the same... we cannot denegrade ourselves further Sumitra Mahajan

Speaker, Lok Sabha

the House or abusing the Rules of the House persistently and wilfully obstructing its business by shouting slogans or otherwise, such member shall, on being named by the Speaker, stand automatically suspended from the service of the House for five consecutive sittings or the remainder of the session, whichever is less.”

The move came after the government approached the Speaker slamming the Opposition for obstructing the House for the past several days. Such a major action is the first in the current Lok Sabha.

The Speaker’s action came after several warnings and despite pleas

by TMC leader Sudip Bandhyopadhyay and CPI(M) leader P Karunakaran that it would aggravate the situation. This is the first such ma-

JBT SCAM

Former CM Chautala, son’s jail term upheld NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Monday dismissed the plea of former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala and others, challenging their conviction and award of 10year jail term in the teachers’ recruitment scam case.

“We are not inclined to entertain any of these appeals and they are dismissed,” a bench of Justices F M I Kalifulla and Shiva Kirti Singh said. Besides 80-year-old Chautala’s appeal, the bench also dismissed the plea of his son Ajay Singh Chautala, 54, and others in the case saying that the Delhi High Court verdict was “reasoned one”.

May seek parole The court, however, said that the convicts may move the high court with their pleas seeking relief like parole on health ground.

Chautala, his son and three others are serving 10-year jail term in the case. A Supreme Court judge had on July 6 recused himself from hearing Chautala’s plea saying he had appeared for some of the convicts in the case.

The high court had on March 5 upheld the jail term awarded to Chautala, his son Ajay and three others, saying, “The overwhelming evidence showed the shock-

ing and spine-chilling state of affairs in the country.”

The father-son duo and 53 others, including two IAS officers, were convicted on January 16, 2013 by the trial court for illegally recruiting 3,206 junior basic trained (JBT) teachers in Haryana in 2000.

Besides Chautalas and whistleblower IAS officer Sanjiv Kumar, the then Director of Primary Education, the high court had also awarded 10-year prison term to IAS officer Vidya Dhar, then Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, and Sher Singh Badshami, then MLA and political adviser to Chautala senior.

All the 55 convicts have been sentenced under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 418 (cheating), 467 (forgery), 471 (using forged documents as genuine) of IPC and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. 62 accused The high court had modified the trial court’s order on the quantum of sentence and awarded two-year jail term to 50 other convicts. Initially, there were 62 accused in the case. While two died before filing of the charge sheet, four died during the trial of the case and one was discharged.-PTI

CALL FOR ‘KALAM ISLAND’

The Prithvi Point on Wheeler Island, the spot where in 1993 the three service chiefs witnessed the lethal striking of India’s short range strategic missile and ordered for its immediate induction. There is a growing demand that as a fitting tribute to former President A P J Abdul Kalam, the country’s most advanced missile testing site in the Bay of Bengal should now be named ‘Kalam Island’. -PTI

jor action in the current Lok Sabha.

The tenure of the previous House had seen the then Speaker Meira Kumar suspending 16 members from Telangana in February last year under the same rule.

Suspended members The suspended members included B N Chandrappa, Santok Singh Chaudhary, A H K Choudhury, Sushmita Dev, Ninog Ering, R Dhruvanarayana, Gaurav Gogoi, G Sukender Reddy, Deepender Hooda, S Kodikunnil, S P Muddahanumegowda, Abhijit Mukherjee, Mullappally Ramachandran, K H Munniyappa, B V Nayak, Vincent Pala, M K Raghavan, Ranjeet Ranjan, C L Ruala, T Sahu, Rajee Satav, Ravneet Singh K Suresh, K C Venugopal and T Meinya.

Sonia Gandhi was angry at the Speaker’s decision and asked Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge to lodge protest. Objecting to the action, Kharge said “our demand is that the ministers resign. Then everything will be peaceful”. Amid the bedlam, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said there is no FIR, no court observation and no prima facie case against Swaraj as well as the two Chief Ministers and hence there is “no justification” for them to resign.

The CVC too has not pointed out any wrongdoing, he said, adding “We have not shied away from discussion and we are ready for it.”

He said Opposition has an important role in parliamentary democracy but the House should be allowed to function.

Before naming them, the Speaker repeatedly told Congress members not to display placards and return to their seats.

“Don’t force me to take stringent action... you cannot say they disrupted proceedings so we will also do the same... we cannot denegrade ourselves further,” Mahajan said. Bandhopadhyay and Karunakaran urged the Speaker not to suspend the members and the warring parties should be given a change to resolve issue as they are “experienced politicians”.

Karunakaran recalled that BJP had stalled the Lok Sabha as opposition party for one month and such an action in the present Lok Sabha could be avoided.

The Speaker said if they are ready to take guarantee for Congress members, she could have a rethink. Some members from Left parties were also in the Well raising slogans against the government but were not displaying placards. -PT

Suspension unites opposition, nine parties to boycott House NEW DELHI: The suspension of 25 Congress MPs from Lok Sabha has united the opposition with at least nine other parties deciding to boycott House proceedings for next five days, in protest.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Indian Union Muslim League, and Left parties have conveyed their decision to boycott the House for the next five days, Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said.

“The party is also in talks with the Samajwadi Party over the issue,” he told PTI. Congress MPs will stage a dharna in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Complex tomorrow.

Members of other parties are likely to join the protest.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi dubbed the suspension as “a Black Day for India and Democracy”, while Kharge said the action was way too “harsh” as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had also resorted to such protests when she was part of the Opposition in the last Lok Sabha.

Kharge said, “Like in Guja-

rat the opposition members used to get suspended, similar thing is happening here. It is the Gujarat model which is being implemented.”

“Their policy of muzzling dissent has now reached the temple of democracy. It’s a dangerous precedent. Our resolve to fight it has got stronger,” said Ahmed Patel, political secretary to the Congress President. Leader of the TMC parliamentary party Sudeep Bandopadhyay said that his party too has decided to oppose the suspension in the greater interest of parliamentary democracy. “...Sonia Gandhi and Malikarjun Kharge requested us for support. We discussed it with our leader Mamata Banerjee and it was decided to support the Congress over the suspension of 25 Congress MPs. This was necessary for good and healthy parliamentary democracy. We are not attending the session for next five days,” Bandopadhyay said.

NCP’s Tariq Anwar said the action shows BJP veteran L K Advani’s apprehensions that emergency can return could be “coming true as we are moving toward black days”. -PTI

Historic peace accord with Naga rebels inked The NSCN-IM has been fighting for an independent ethnic Naga homeland uniting parts of the mountainous northeast with areas of neighbouring Myanmar, where it runs a governmentin-exile

NEW DELHI: India signed a peace agreement on Monday with a leading tribal separatist group in the country’s remote northeast that had waged guerrilla war for six decades against central rule from New Delhi.

Officials from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government signed the accord with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), one of several separatist groups active in the remote and underdeveloped northeastern region bordering China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The NSCN-IM has been fighting for an independent ethnic Naga homeland uniting parts of the mountainous northeast with areas of neighbouring Myanmar, where it runs a government-in-exile. At least one other Naga faction remains at war with New Delhi.

Long years New Delhi and the NSCN-IM have been in talks since 1997. “We are making a new beginning today ...

60 years is a long time of fighting, the wounds are deep,” Modi said at a televised news conference alongside the NSCN-IM secretary-general Thuingaleng Muivah, a cofounder of the rebel group.

The terms of the agreement were not immediately known.

Modi’s government has said it wants to develop the region, which has long felt neglected by the rest of the country, by pumping in development funds and building bet-

PEACE WARRIORS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah at the signing ceremony of historic peace accord between Government of India and NSCN, in New Delhi on Monday. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is also seen. -PTI

ter infrastructure. “Since becoming prime minister, peace, security and economic transformation of the northeast have been among my highest priorities. It is also at the heart of my foreign policy, especially Act East,” Modi said, referring to efforts to forge closer ties with Southeast Asia.

Militants in the northeast have stepped up attacks against India’s armed forces this year. Guerrillas

killed 20 soldiers in Manipur state, which borders Nagaland, in June in the deadliest attack on security forces in the area in two decades.

Declining trend The unrest has killed more than 170 people, most of them militants, in the northeast this year, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal.

Last year, 465 people were killed.

Militant violence is declining

across India, but the country is still fighting separatists in disputed Kashmir state and in the northeast, as well as Maoist-inspired groups operating across a swathe of the east.

“Our oldest, insurgency is getting resolved, it is a signal to other smaller groups to give up weapons,” said Narendra Modi at the signing ceremony in his official residence. -Reuters

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

INDIA

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Floods, landslides kill 75, displace thousands Exacerbated by Cyclone Komen which struck the east coast on Friday, the rainfall has made major rivers overflow, inundating villages in parts of West Bengal, Odisha and Manipur states.

The rains also caused a landslide in Manipur, killing 21 people

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KOLKATA: At least 75 people have died and tens of thousands have had to take refuge in staterun relief camps after heavy rains caused floods and landslides in eastern India, government officials and aid groups said on Monday.

Exacerbated by Cyclone Komen which struck the east coast on Friday, the rainfall has made major rivers overflow, inundating villages in parts of West Bengal, Odisha and Manipur states. The rains also caused a landslide in Manipur, killing 21 people.

“In the last four years, there has been no flood like this year. So far, we have witnessed man-made floods and we have restricted them quite successfully. But the situation at present is rendered beyond control,” Mamata Banerjee, chief

HIT HARD: A man transports his two daughters from their school on a bicycle through a flooded road

after heavy monsoon rains in the eastern India caused the rise in water levels of river Ganga and its tributaries in Kolkata, India, on Monday. At least 75 people have died and tens of thousands have had to take refuge in state-run relief camps after heavy rains caused floods and landslides in eastern India, government officials and aid groups said on Monday. -Reuters

minister of West Bengal, the worst affected state, told reporters on Sunday.

Banerjee said the release of water from over-full dams in the neighbouring states of Jharkhand and Odisha had worsened the flooding in West Bengal, where at least 49 people have died.

Around 200,000 people have been shifted to relief camps in districts such as Burdwan, Hoogly, Howrah and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, and plastic sheets and dry food rations have been dispatched to survivors, one official said. Television pictures showed people carrying bags packed with possessions as they waded through knee-high water, villagers standing on the banks of rising rivers and

scores of children sitting in lines in a camp being fed rice and lentils.

India has monsoon rains from June to September, which are vital for agriculture. But the rains often cause damage affecting millions of people, devastating crops, destroying homes and sparking outbreaks of diseases such as diarrhoea.

Manipur landslide In the remote northeastern state of Manipur, many parts of Thoubal and Chandel districts have also been affected by the rains, aid agencies said. “A massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Chandel district swept away one village claiming about 21 lives so far,” a situation report from Sphere India, a network of humanitarian

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agencies, said. Officials said teams from the National Disaster Management Response Force and the army had been sent on search and rescue operations but roads and bridges had been washed away, making it difficult to reach stranded survivors.

In Odisha, where floods have disrupted more than half a million people’s lives, state disaster management officials said they believed the worst was over. “We had evacuated about 2,000 people during the floods last week but all of them returned to their homes.

The situation has improved in most of the areas,” Odisha Deputy Relief Commissioner Prabhat Ranjan Mohapatra told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.- Reuters

CENSORSHIP

857 objectionable websites blocked; Internet content regulator weighed NEW DELHI: The Indian government has ordered blocking of 857 ‘objectionable’ websites and plans to put in place an ombudsman to look into cyber contentrelated issues, even as a debate raged on social media over Internet censorship.

The Department of Electronics and Information Technology has asked Internet service providers to take down 857 objectionable websites, an official said.

The official, however, said it was a temporary measure till the final orders are pronounced by the top court.

Explaining rationale for the decision, a top government official said the government has merely complied with the Supreme Court directive asking for measures to block such sites, particularly those dealing with children.

The official, however, said that since the issue is very complicated, the case must be heard in detail by involvement of NGOs, civil society, parental groups, child councillors, ISPs and government, and after hearing the views of all, let the court come with some guidelines.

There is a view in the government that when proper guidelines on the issue will come, it will create a healthy stabilising factor in the country.

“The government must be away from this whole process (blocking of sleazy sites). On the issue of national security, terrorism, extremism, communalism, government will have the final say... beyond that the social media divide comes into operation, let there be an ombudsman to take a call, like the TV ombudsman is there,” the official said.

The ombudsman could be a retired SC judge or somebody from the civil society.

The official said all the stakeholders can give their views regarding the regulatory mechanism that should be adopted for the cyber content related issues.

The order to block such websites, however, faced flak over social media with commentators calling it censorship of Internet.

On July 8, the government had assured the Supreme Court that all possible measures would be taken to block objectionable sites.

The assurance came after a bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu expressed its unhappiness that things have not moved forward and the petitioner in the matter was making all sorts of submissions.

“You have not blocked the websites. The petitioner is saying so much,” the bench, also comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy told Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, said.

No interim order The bench had said no interim order can be passed in the matter which has to be examined after going through the counter-affidavit of the government department. The Supreme Court had earlier asked the Telecommunications Secretary, to file an affidavit on whether the government was competent to issue direction to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block objectionable sites particularly those related to children. The service providers had submitted that they on their own cannot block such sites and they can do so only on the direction of the government. It was submitted that the Centre had failed to devise mechanism to block such sites and absence of Internet laws encouraged people to watch objectionable videos as it was not an offence. -PTI

APPOINTMENT

FTII students bring protest to Delhi, government hits out at Rahul NEW DELHI: FTII students on Monday brought their protest against the appointment of TV actor Gajendra Chauhan as its Chairman to the national capital even as the Government accused Rahul Gandhi of giving “political colour” to the 53-day-old strike.

Intensifying their stir, over 80 students of the prestigious Punebased Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) held a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. Chauhan, a BJP member and known for his role of ‘Yudhishtir’ in popular tele-serial “Mahabharat”, has refused to step down. His appointment as FTII Chairman on June 9 triggered an indefinite strike by the students on June 12.

“It has been more than 50 days that we have been protesting. So,

our purpose of coming to Delhi is that we should be heard. We had written to leaders from various political parties requesting them to intervene and urge the government to revoke the appointments of ‘unfit’ people and to set up a transparent procedure for future appointments. Only Rahul Gandhi has replied and come forward,” said a student protester.

Backing The protest had the backing of different student organisations including National Students’ Union Of India. “Government is waging an ideological war against us. FTII will not bow to any political pressure. Government must initiate a dialogue,” said another student.

Congress MP Raj Babbar and

M O N E TA RY P O L I C Y

‘No move to curtail central bank powers’ NEW DELHI: A day before the Reserve Bank of India’s scheduled monetary policy review, the government on Monday clarified it was not trying to curtail the central bank’s powers on this issue.

“We are in discussion with RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on the form and manner of the monetary policy committee,” Finance Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi told reporters here.

Noting out that the draft Indian Financial Code (IFC) is still under the government’s consideration, he said it was incorrect to conclude on the basis of the draft bill that the government was trying to curtail the RBI’s autonomy.

“The government’s views will be revealed at the time of presentation of the draft Indian Financial Code Bill,” he said.

The draft IFC, circulated last month as a discussion paper, proposes to remove the RBI governor’s veto right in the monetary policy committee.

Besides taking away the RBI governor’s authority to veto in-

terest rate decisions, the draft also proposed that the monetary policy committee would have four representatives of the government and only three from the central bank, including the RBI “chairperson”.

In the original draft, the RBI “chairperson” had power to “supersede the decision” of the committee in “exceptional and unusual circumstances”.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley last week said the government will decide on the draft IFC only after comments from stakeholders.

“Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission has made its recommendations, which have been made public for comments. Only after the comments are received that the government will take a view,” he said.

Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha also told reporters here on last week that the government will consult the RBI before taking a decision on the formation of the monetary policy committee. -IANS

JD(U) leader K C Tyagi also participated in the protest and backed the students. They along with CPI (M) leader Mohammad Salim, Rajiv Shukla (Congress), D Raja (CPI) and DP Tripathi (NCP) released a joint statement expressing their support. “Their protests are rightful and Gajendra Chauhan has raised grave questions regarding the logic and process followed in the selection procedure,” the statement read.

Union Minister for State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said government was open to discussions with the agitating students but was against politicising the issue. In some ways, an aspect has been coming up which suggested that despite solutions, despite the

meetings, there was a section of students that was interested in continuing with the strike, he noted. “And with Rahul Gandhi’s Pune visit it has become clear that the strike has taken a political colour or it is a political strike from the beginning,” he said, targeting the Congress Vice President.

Rahul’s visit Rahul had visited the FTII campus in Pune last Friday and attacked the RSS ideology alleging that it was systematically promoting “mediocrity” in various institutions. “It is not wise to give a political institution a political angle.

And if the institution holds a strike in Delhi and Congress workers participate in it, this too is not wise,” Rathore said. -PTI

VOICING OPPOSITION: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi with

the agitating students of the Film and Television Institute of India, in Pune on Friday. -PTI

A10

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

PAKISTAN P U N JA B A S S E M B LY

Resolution against MQM chief Altaf submitted by PTI LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) on Monday submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly Secretariat against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain over his anti-state comments.

“Altaf Hussain is continuously issuing statements against the state and the Pakistan Army,” the resolution said. “The MQM leader is openly inviting Indian, Nato and United Nation’s forces to intervene into the internal matters of the country.”

The resolution urged that a treason case should be registered against Altaf in accordance with Article 6 as the MQM chief had breached the Constitution of Pakistan during his speeches.

The resolution paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, Rangers and other security institutions for their efforts in eliminating terrorism and bringing peace back to the country.

PTI’s resolution comes after the MQM chief called on party activists to petition the United Nations and Nato to send forces to Karachi to ascertain the ‘real

IN DIRE STRAITS

A woman carries water bottles as she walks at Camp Koruna flooded area of Nowshera District, northwestern Pakistan, on Monday. Flash flooding caused by torrential monsoon rains affected hundreds of thousands of people, according to aid agencies, with further monsoon downpours expected in the coming days. — Reuters

The resolution demanded the government of Pakistan to declare Altaf Hussain a ‘traitor’ and bring him back to the country through Interpol facts’ about the killing of ‘Muhajirs’ in the metropolis.

In his address, Altaf had alleged that ‘biased elements’ in Pakistan’s establishment have decided to “eliminate Muhajir youths who are demanding their due rights”. — Express Tribune

Man detained after breaching PM convoy An unknown vehicle came closer to the

The concerned officials are interrogating the man. What I can confirm at this moment is that a suspicious vehicle tried to cross the prime minister’s convoy by breaching the security

prime minister’s car after crossing other vehicles of the convoy when Sharif was returning to Islamabad, said a government official

Naeem Khan

Prime Minister’s spokesman Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities on Sunday detained a man on suspicion of attempting to ram Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s car as it was travelling in a security convoy, officials said.

The man was detained and his vehicle impounded after he tried to get closer to Sharif’s car as the prime minister was returning to the capital Islamabad with his family from the tourist resort of Murree.

“An unknown vehicle came closer to prime minister’s car after crossing other vehicles of the Prime Minister’s convoy when S O U T H WA Z I R I S TA N

Two security officials hurt in attack by militants PESHAWAR: Two members of the security forces were injured Sunday morning when militants attacked a check post in Shakai area of South Waziristan.

According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, a group of ‘wellequipped’ militants attacked the security forces check post at Ziarat in Shakai area.

Security forces launched a retaliatory action soon after the attack, ISPR said.

An official said that a convoy of security forces was en route from Miramshah to Bannu.

When the convoy reached near Aisha check post, eight kilometres from Miranmshah, one of the vehicles swerved off the road and fell into a deep gorge.

The injured were rushed to the Combined Medical Hospital in Bannu, the official said.

— Express Tribune

he was returning to Islamabad,” a senior government official told AFP on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to talk to media.

Suspicious vehicle “The security vehicles escorting the prime minister blocked the way of the suspicious vehicle and other cars in the convoy narrowly escaped an accident due to the breach of security,” the official said.

“The prime minister and his

family are completely safe,” he added. Another government official told AFP the man claimed to be a retired air commodore from the Pakistan Air Force and was travelling with his own family in a white land cruiser.

“He is in custody of the prime minister’s security team and his vehicle has also been impounded,” he said.

The official said that the incident took place a few kilometres outside the capital Islamabad.

Prime Minister Sharif’s

spokesman confirmed that a suspicious vehicle had tried to pass the high-profile convoy and said that the incident was being investigated.

“The concerned officials are interrogating the man. What I can confirm at this moment is that a suspicious vehicle tried to cross the prime minister’s convoy by breaching the security,” Naeem Khan told AFP. Sharif often spends his weekend in the hill-city of Murree.

— AFP

B A S E L E S S S P E C U L AT I O N

Rumours of Raheel ouster move trashed ISLAMABAD: Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar dismissed on Monday rumours that the government was considering replacing the army chief.

“It is baseless speculation; we have complete trust in the incumbent top command of our military,” he told reporters at the inauguration of an online system for the renewal of national identity cards at the headquarters of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

“We need an army chief like General Raheel Sharif who has earned national and international fame and because we need him to fight militants,” he said adding that such ‘baseless rumours’ are being spread by ‘enemies’ of Pakistan.

Earlier, the interior minister inaugurated an online system for the renewal of ID cards.

Online system Nisar said the step has been taken in order to provide relief to people who will no longer have to form long queues outside NADRA centres.

“With a single click, one will be able to renew their identity cards on the computer and get updates on the status of their application through the new online system,” he said. He also said that a DNA testing lab will be established under NADRA which will work towards facilitating the armed forces of the country.

Nisar also announced that the government plans to set up 13 international level business centres

Raheel Sharif

in the next seven months, which will work as a one-stop place for the issuance of identity cards and passports.

Fake documents “The information of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates will be digitised and centralised to avoid issuance of fake documents,” he stressed.

Providing statistics, the interior minister said some 64,000 passport were blocked last year, adding the institution has fetched government Rs5 billion.

Nisar reiterated that the government is making utmost efforts to ensure not a single incompetent and corrupt officer works at NADRA. — Express Tribune

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J U V E N I L E AT T I M E O F C R I M E

‘Teen’ convict faces gallows despite protests KARACHI: Pakistan is preparing Tuesday to hang a convicted killer whose case has attracted international protests because family members say he was a juvenile at the time of the crime.

Shafqat Hussain was sentenced to death for killing a seven-yearold boy in Karachi in 2004 but has had several stays of execution, most recently in June.

The case has prompted grave concern among human rights campaigners as Hussain’s lawyers and family claim he was only 15 at the time of the killing, though a government-ordered probe ruled he was an adult.

Hussain’s supporters also say he was tortured into confessing.

United Nations rights experts have said his trial “fell short of international standards” and called on Islamabad to reinstate a moratorium on the death penalty.

Maya Foa of the British antideath penalty campaign group Reprieve codemned the plan to hang Hussain as an “absolute disgrace”.

A six-year halt to executions came to an end in December as Pakistan got tough on extremism

after Taliban gunmen massacred more than 130 children at a school.

Since then, around 180 people have been hanged.

An official at Karachi Central Prison said Hussain’s execution was scheduled for Tuesday following a death warrant issued by a court.

The European Union last week said it was “deeply concerned” by the resumption of hangings and warned that a prized tariff status granted to Pakistan could be threatened unless it stuck to international conventions on fair trials, child rights and preventing torture.

In June Hussain won his fourth stay of execution, but a day later the Supreme Court rejected an application to set up a judicial commission to ascertain his age.

Hussain’s age has proved difficult to determine with any certainty. His supporters say he was 14 or 15 at the time of the killing but police insist he was over 20.

Exact birth records are not always kept in Pakistan, particularly for people from poor families like Hussain’s. — AFP

CONTROVERSIAL DECISION: Pakistani lawyer Maryam, who is representing death-row prisoner

Shafqat Hussain, leaves the Supreme Court building after his appeal against the death sentence was rejected in Islamabad on June 10, 2015. Pakistan’s Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Shafqat Hussain, convicted of killing a young boy in 2004 — when his lawyers and family say he was under 18 and therefore not eligible for execution. — AFP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

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caused by weeks of unrelenting rain

“But within a few hours, the whole house was underwater. My husband had to get onto the roof as there was no way out.”

An AFP photographer in the area said floodwaters remained high on Monday, with many people making their way to safety in rafts cobbled together from old tyres, salvaged wood and large plastic bottles. Myanmar’s annual monsoon is a lifeline for farmers but the rains and frequent powerful cyclones can also prove deadly.

rose to 46, with some 200,000 affected and villagers in remote areas marooned

KALAY (MYANMAR): Rescuers raced Monday to help tens of thousands stranded by rooftophigh floods in Myanmar, as the UN warned that swollen rivers threaten more areas and large swathes of Asia were hit by deadly monsoon rains.

Authorities in Myanmar said the death toll from flash floods and landslides caused by weeks of unrelenting rain rose to 46, with some 200,000 affected and villagers in remote areas forced to use canoes and makeshift rafts.

More have also perished in recent days in Nepal and Vietnam following floods and landslides triggered by a belt of heavy seasonal rains.

Access to many towns in remote northern and western Myanmar

STRANDED: A flood-affected resident uses a small boat to travel through floodwaters in Kalay, upper Myanmar’s Sagaing region on Monday. – AFP

has been severed and relief workers fear it could be days before the true extent of the disaster emerges.

Extremely difficult “Logistics are extremely difficult.

Assessment teams are having a hard time reaching affected areas,” said Pierre Peron, spokesman for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian

SHOCKING INCIDENT

RISKING LIVES: In May this year police discovered an eight-yearold boy from the Ivory Coast curled up inside a suitcase — without air vents — that was being carried across a pedestrian crossing from Morocco into Ceuta, Spain’s other north African territory. – Files

Moroccan trying to enter Spain in suitcase suffocates MADRID: A 27-year-old Moroccan man suffocated to death while trying to illegally enter Spain hidden inside a suitcase in the trunk of a car, police said on Monday.

The man’s older brother appears to have tried to smuggle him into Spain by ferry.

The older man, aged 34, legally boarded the ferry linking Melilla, a tiny Spanish territory in north Africa, and Almeria in southern Spain with a car on Sunday, a police spokesman said. During the crossing he noticed that his brother was not breathing and alerted the ferry’s staff. Crew members as well as emergency services workers in the port of Almeria tried in vain to resuscitate the man. Police have charged the man’s brother with involuntary manslaughter.

In May police discovered an eight-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast curled up inside a suitcase — without air vents — that was being carried across a pedestrian

crossing from Morocco into Ceuta, Spain’s other north African territory.

A security scanner picture of the boy curled up in the suitcase served as a shocking reminder of the lengths migrants take to try to seek a better life in Europe. His father, a legal resident in Spain, had tried to smuggle the boy into Spain because his income was too low to request residency papers for his son. The boy was eventually granted temporary permission to live in Spain with his parents.

Each year, thousands of migrants risk their lives trying to enter Ceuta and Melilla, which have the European Union’s only land borders with Africa, to try to enter Europe. Many migrants try to scramble over the sevenmetre (23-foot) fences that separate the Spanish cities from Morocco while others try to swim or sail from shores on the Moroccan side. — AFP

ALARMING

Glaciers melt to lowest level on record: Study PARIS: Glaciers worldwide have shrunk to levels not seen in 120 years of record-keeping, with melt-off accelerating in the first decade of the 21st century, according to a study released on Monday.

On average, glaciers currently lose between 50 to 150 centimetres (20 to 60 inches) of thickness every year, reported the study, published in the Journal of Glaciology. “This is two to three times more than the corresponding average of the 20th century,” said Michael Zemp, director of the World Glacier Monitoring Service and the study’s lead author.

More than a billion people, especially in Asia and South America, get more than half of their drinking water from the seasonal

melting of snow melt and glacier ice, previous research has shown.

The current rate of global glacier melt is without precedent for the 120 years covered by scientific observation, and probably for much longer, Zemp added. Moreover, accelerated ice loss has created a dynamic whereby glaciers in many regions will continue to diminish even if global warming did not continue to boost global temperatures.

Preliminary data from the last five years, not covered in the study, suggest that rapid decline of ice mass is continuing apace.

The 20th-century record ice loss observed in 1998 “has been exceeded in 2003, 2006, 2011, 2013, and probably again in 2014,” Kemp said. — AFP

Affairs. The UN was “very concerned” by the situation, he said, adding that while flooding had begun to recede in some places, rivers were bursting their banks and inundating new areas.

Relentless downpours were last week exacerbated by Cyclone Komen, which drove fierce winds and heavy rain across the western part of the country.

Residents near Kalay, a town in the impoverished northwestern Sagaing region that remains virtually encircled by deep water, described how their homes were swallowed by the deluge.

“There was no warning... we thought it was normal (seasonal flooding),” Aye Myat Su, 30, told AFP from a monastery being used as a temporary shelter in Kalay.

Poor infrastructure Poor infrastructure and limited government search and rescue capability have hampered relief efforts across the nation, with roads, phone lines and electricity knocked out by the rising water.

“We are speeding up assistance and relief work,” an official at the Relief and Resettlement Department told AFP, asking not to be named, adding 46 people had died in the floods as of Sunday, with some 200,000 affected.

Authorities have declared the four worst-hit areas in central and western Myanmar “national disaster-affected regions”.

Landslides in Chin state -- south

of Sagaing — have destroyed 700 homes in the state capital Hakha, according to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar.

President Thein Sein has promised the government will do its “utmost” to provide relief, but said parts of Chin had been cut off from surrounding areas, the report added.

The health ministry says it is distributing medical supplies across the country including chlorine tablets, although it was unclear how they will reach many of the afflicted zones, with boats and helicopters in short supply.

Rains have also battered the western state of Rakhine which already hosts about 140,000 displaced people, mainly Rohingya Muslims, who live in exposed coastal camps following deadly 2012 unrest between the minority group and Buddhists. In May 2008 Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta, killing about 140,000 people.

Elsewhere in Asia, flooding left many dead over the past two weeks.

In Vietnam rescuers were battling toxic mudslides from floodhit coal mines in the northern province of Quang Ninh, home to the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay tourist site.

Twenty three people have been killed in recent flooding in Vietnam, including two families swallowed up by the toxic mud. — AFP

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Of Swiss water grab and water wars

Location: Wadi Darbat /Photo: Lineesh Madathil

RACHEL HOLDSWORTH

A

quarrel has broken out between Switzerland and France after the Swiss army was caught stealing water from a French lake. While Switzerland’s aqua grab seems to have been an honest mistake during a military operation to quench the thirst of the nation’s drought-stricken cows, the European spat presages scenes that threaten to become more frequent and more violent all around the world, as climate change increases competition for the wet stuff.

Earlier this month, thermometers in Geneva reached a record 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.7 Celsius. In France, meantime, 66 of the country’s 96 regions have imposed restrictions on water usage, with half imposing crisis curbs that include a ban on water for agriculture. So when Swiss helicopters scooped up 14,000 gallons (53,000 liters), the locals near Lac des Rousses in the French Alps were none too pleased.

Water crises were deemed the world’s biggest risk in terms of global impact, in the World Economic Forum’s 2015 “Global Risks Landscape” report, beating pandemics, weapons of mass destruction and interstate conflicts.

The International Monetary Fund says water resources worldwide “are coming under intense pressure,” and this is a potential drag on global economic growth: “Water is a special economic good, with many unique features that differentiate it from other commodities: it is both a private and public good; it is bulky and difficult to transport; it can be used sequentially and can be recycled. Because water is a key input in agriculture, energy, and industry, water shortages and variability can lead to food insecurity, raise production costs, and constrain productivity growth.”

It’s in emerging market countries that the risks of serious conflict over water resources loom largest. Nations such as China, India and Pakistan have underdeveloped infrastructure, making it tough to increase supply through desalination or to transport water from where it is to where it’s most needed.

In November, China’s Xinhua news agency reported that 60 percent of the country’s groundwater is classified as “bad” or “very bad,” and that 17 of the nation’s 31 major freshwater

lakes are slightly to moderately polluted. Three hundred of China’s 657 major cities are at risk of water shortages, including the North China region that includes Beijing and Tianjin.

China’s efforts to move water to its arid north from the south of the country aren’t alleviating water shortages, a University of East Anglia study has found.

But if China instead were to build more dams on rivers that flow into India and Pakistan, it could lead to conflict. A better solution, according to the IMF, is to use the price of water to subdue demand, and to stop allowing public subsidies to distort the market: “Water should not be a free good -- the laws of demand and supply tell us that underpricing leads to overuse and undersupply. Water use is found to negatively correlate with water cost, suggesting a role for price signals to rationalize water consumption. Public utilities in many countries set water prices below the cost recovery level, creating incentives for overuse and underinvestment.”

Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, the chairman of Nestle SA who’s been raising alarms about the impending global water crisis, supports that approach.

Since 2005, Nestle, the biggest food company in the world, has been trying to cut its water consumption, targeting a 40 percent reduction by this year. Brabeck-Letmathe says that if nations don’t curb their use of fresh water, global grain production may drop to 30 percent less than the world needs. Charging the biggest users more for water is the way to prevent that, he said in October: “The more you use, the higher the price. For rare resources, the economy of scale is the biggest mistake you can have. The less you use, the less you should be paying. This would be a very simple thing.”

That strategy seems to be working in droughtstricken California. As water there has become more expensive, usage has declined. California Water Service Group, which runs water utilities in California, New Mexico and Washington, said on Thursday that its second-quarter profit had dropped as consumption in its main market declined.

Gregory Elders, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, reckons it’s “just a matter of time” before companies operating in California will have to pay for ground water, as they already do in Australia.—Bloomberg View

READERS’ FORUM Fines are not the best way to deter wadi crossers This refers to the online story, Wadi crossers in Oman, will you ever heed warning? (August 2). For any problem, why is the answer always fines or sanctions? Has education failed so the only answer is to charge people? If people keep risking their lives doing stupid things, like crossing overflowing wadis or swimming in monsoons, will fines really stop them? If they die, they can’t pay the fine anyway.

— Daniel Nash, Muscat

China a friend of Pakistan only for its strategic goals

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

This refers to the news story, ‘$10m China aid for the displaced (August 3). It seems the present Pakistani government has not learnt anything from the past. Islamabad’s policy makers in the past used to seek funds from Western countries. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif needs to understand that China will remain an ‘all-weather friend’ until its strategic interests are met.

The days they end, or are damaged, Beijing will most likely unleash its vengeance just like the US did after the anti-Soviet Union mujahideen turned into Taliban militants.

A policy of neutrality is needed.

— Jahandad Auranzeb, Muscat

It would be better for humans to adapt to climate change This refers to the online story, Glaciers melt to lowest level on record (August 3). Global leaders and environmental activists keep on talking about climate change. Even if the proposed regulations to control global warming are met there will still be unknown changes in weather. It would be better if humans adapted instead. — Allan Stone, Ruwi

Let’s have a serious mayor in London who can roll their sleeves up and get things done Someone who can calm a bag of fighting cats instead of throwing in a Doberman for laughs. Someone who cares more about issues than their own media profile. Choose wisely; choose boring bit.ly/choosinglondonmayor

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000

STRUCTURE OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OMR (million)

‘Lateral thinking’ improves natural abilities

MUSCAT The world-renowned idea of ‘Lateral Thinking’ helps people improve their natural abilities and teamwork and productivity, said Dr Sunil Gupta, an international authority on innovation. Today’s environment demands innovation. Dr Edward de Bono has developed powerful tools that alters the way people think. One will learn to expand his vision and get immediate results, Dr Gupta said addressing a two-day management workshop organized by the Ideas Management Consultancy at Le Meredein Jumeira Beach Hotel here recently.

TODAY IN HISTORY

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1492 Christopher Columbus leaves Spain on his voyage to the new world.

Protect the welfare of your workforce through New India’s WORKMEN COMPENSATION POLICY.

1610: Henry Hudson of England discovers a great bay on the east coast of Canada and names it for himself.

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PICTOGRAPH

Total petroleum activities

Public administration and defence Wholesale and retail trade Construction

Other activities

2013

2014

30,061

31,450

51%

47%

9%

10%

7%

7%

6%

6%

27%

30%

1911: Airplanes are used for the first time in a military capacity when Italian planes reconnoiter Turkish lines near Tripoli.

1914: Germany declares war on France

Source: NCSI

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

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SPECIAL

Even among an Afghan political class that has welcomed several warlords into the fold, General Abdul Rashid Dostum, the uncontested leader of the Uzbek ethnic minority, stands out for his showmanship.

Former Afghan warlord ready to take offensive to Taliban militants

CLOSE VIGIL: Members of Afghanistan’s militia forces take position as they remain alert in their conflict against Taliban militants in Qala-e-Zal district of Kunduz province. – AFP

Dostum, the uncontested leader

Once I go there, I will encourage the people and they will get it back from the hands of the Taliban. You will see — even the women will be throwing rocks at the Taliban. I have more than a million supporters there. But what can I do? The president does not allow it.

of the Uzbek ethnic minority, stands out for his showmanship

SHEBERGHAN (AFGHANISTAN): A self-proclaimed “kingmaker” and bulwark against the Taliban with a penchant for creating friends out of yesterday’s foes, the colourful General Abdul Rashid Dostum, vice-president and former warlord, makes his call to arms from his imposing concrete redoubt in northern Afghanistan.

“We will clear out the Taliban from Faryab!” booms the moustached 61-year-old, a Macy’s jacket slung over his shoulders despite the sweltering heat of Jowzjan province, a stone’s throw from Turkmenistan and neighbouring Faryab province where hardline insurgents have been plaguing government forces.

Faryab is where the general has decided to make his next visit as vice-president — a position far removed from his days as a feared warlord with a reputation for brutality earned during the civil war of the 1990s. “Once I go there, I will encourage the people and they will get it back” from the hands of the Taliban, he bellows. “You will see — even the women will be throwing rocks at the Taliban. I have more than a million supporters there.”

Uncontested leader Even among an Afghan political class that has welcomed several warlords into the fold, Dostum, the uncontested leader of the Uzbek ethnic minority, stands out for his showmanship.

Guests at his headquarters in Sheberghan, the capital of Jowzjan, are greeted by two-by-three metre portraits of the general hung on the walls — as well as smaller versions on patches stitched onto the shoulders of his personal guard. His confidence knows no bounds. “Ghani won because of my campaigning here. There are two million votes here,” he says of his boss, President Ashraf Ghani.

Asked about the offensive in Faryab, Dostum insists he had

General Abdul Rashid Dostum

Afghanistan’s vice-president and former warlord

proposed the plan to the government six months earlier. But the bluster cannot conceal the undeniable political and military weight of Dostum. He hopes to leverage his popularity in the fight against the Taliban, even if it means making friends with former enemies.

Like, for example, Atta Muhammad Nur, a former warlord from the Tajik community and strongman of the province of Balkh, which neighbours Jowzjan.

Allies against the Taliban during the 1990s, the fall of the regime in 2001 saw violent clashes between their forces for control of the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. But they seem to have turned a new page.

Dostum and the considerably less ostentatious Nur have made it a common cause to defend their northern region, according to local reports. A source close to Dostum denied an alliance, all the while confirming “a cooperation” between their forces “at a local level”.

Militarily, Dostum can count on government troops. About 5,000

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Ghani (President Ashraf Ghani - in picture, right) won because of my campaigning here. There are two million votes here soldiers have been deployed in Faryab province, which was until recently known for its stability but has descended into fierce fighting despite nascent peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban.

But in a country where a warlord is not worthy of the name without a militia, Dostum now finds him-

self in a bind: as vice-president he is not allowed to make use of extragovernmental forces.

He insists he has 9,000 volunteers ready to fight in Faryab, but says: “But what can I do? The president does not allow it.”

Content to be a player on the national stage these days, the general complies. No militia, then — but he is happy to provide material aid to the troops. His headquarters, two hours’ drive from the frontline, houses dozens of soldiers.

“We have been waiting here since mid-July, since Eid,” says Sergeant Nassib. “We want to defend our homeland, Afghanistan”, he adds, sitting on his worn mattress.

Asked what he makes of peace talks with the Taliban — which are set to resume soon despite divisions in the movement following confirmation last week of the death of its leader Mullah Omar — Nassib becomes thoughtful.

“If the Taliban want peace, we’re ready, we want peace,” he relents. — AFP

A 14

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

GLOBAL EYE

RUSSIA: A boat sails along the Yenisei River as it rains in the Taiga district outside the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, on Monday. — Reuters

JORDAN: Children react as personnel from the Greater Amman Municipality spray them with a water sprinkler in order to cool them down, as part of measures to ease the effect of a heatwave, in Amman, Jordan on Monday. — Reuters

GREAT BRITAIN: Santa Claus poses for a photograph with an Elf

in the Christmas Shop, at Selfridges department store, on Oxford street, London, Great Britain, on Monday. Selfridges opened its Christmas Shop. — Reuters

SYRIA: Smoke rises from a forest fire in Wadi Al Nasara, Homs countryside, Syria on Monday. — Reuters

FRANCE: Applicants attend aptitude tests during a recruitment campaign for the French Army at Fort

Neuf de Vincennes, near Paris, France, recently. The French military will recruit some 11,000 additional soldiers during the next two years, making the Army the fourth largest recruiter in France. — Reuters

SPAIN: Picture shows an apartment block that partially collapsed in Madrid, Spain, on early Monday. Firefighters were alerted by residents early in the morning after huge cracks appeared on the walls of the four floors building. Hours after their evacuation, the building collapsed causing no casualties. — AFP

INDIA: Participants ride a horse cart during a horse cart race organised every Monday during the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar, in Allahabad, India, on Monday. The race, a traditional way to demonstrate a horse’s performance, is held in an area of about a kilometre and occasionally the best horses are bought by interested customers after the race. — Reuters

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

A1 5

WORLD Nuclear deal to contribute to region’s security: Kerry

‘9 DEY’

ROW: Iranians look at newspapers displayed outside a kiosk in the capital Tehran. — AFP file photo

Speaking after meeting fellow foreign

Iran suspends newspaper for flaying nuclear deal

ministers from the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Qatar, Kerry said that both he and they agreed that once fully implemented, the historic accord would contribute to the region’s security

DOHA: Iran’s “behaviour” may improve internationally in the wake of its nuclear deal with world powers but Washington and Gulf Arab allies who accuse it of subversion aim to be prepared if that does not happen, US Secretary of State John Kerry said.

Speaking after meeting fellow foreign ministers from the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Qatar, Kerry said that both he and they agreed that once fully implemented, the historic accord would contribute to the region’s security.

But he acknowledged Gulf Arab worries that the accord may hasten detente between Tehran and Washington and embolden Tehran to support allies in the region. “Now everybody can hope that perhaps there will be a turning of the page, but we are preparing for the possibility that that may not happen,” said Kerry.

TRAGEDY

20 injured in Netherlands double crane accident THE HAGUE: About 20 people were injured in the western Dutch town of Alphen aan den Rijn on Monday when two cranes working on a bridge upgrade toppled onto houses nearby, the fire brigade said.

“Two cranes and the stretch of roadway they were carrying fell on five houses in all,” Ton Koot, brigade spokesman for firefighters of the central Holland region, told AFP. Preliminary figures “There are about 20 injured,” he said, giving preliminary figures from first responders, who were being aided by air-ambulance helicopters.

Extra load The cranes, working from barges, were renovating the Queen Juliana Bridge, a canal bridge dating from the 1950s, when the first machine went down. Unbalanced by the extra load, the second crane then fell. — AFP

DIALOGUE: US Secretary of State John Kerry, centre, gestures as he stands with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir before a trilateral meeting in Doha, Qatar on Monday. — Reuters/Brendan Smialowski/Pool

“So.. we will work with our friends and allies in the region to make certain we are doing the most possible to prevent any kind of external or illegal or inappropriate engagement within a country from destabilising our friends and allies.”

Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid Al Attiyah said Gulf Arab states

were confident that the agreement between Iran and world powers made the Gulf region safer.

Last month, six world powers agreed to lift sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme, which the West suspects was aimed at developing an atomic bomb but which Tehran says is for peaceful energy only.

Kerry said the ministers discussed missile defence and expediting arms transfers. Additional US cooperation with Gulf states would include intelligence-sharing and special forces training.

He said US-Gulf Arab working groups would start meeting over the next three weeks to develop a detailed agenda for action to “raise the capacity of all of us in the region to be able to push back against destabilising activities”.

War un Syria Kerry also held trilateral talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir on the war in Syria. Russia has been trying to bring about rapprochement

between the Syrian government and regional states including Saudi Arabia and Turkey to forge an alliance to fight IS militants who have taken large amounts of territory in Syria’s civil war.

Kerry said last month he planned to discuss with Lavrov combating IS and the role Iran could play. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote an article published in several Arab newspapers to coincide with the talks, urging Gulf countries to work with Iran to counter a wave on instability in the Middle East.

“We must all accept the fact that the era of zero-sum games is over, and we all win or lose together,” he wrote in Arabic.

— Reuters

DUBAI: Iran’s Press Supervisory Board has suspended a hardline newspaper and cautioned two other outlets for criticising last month’s nuclear deal with world powers -- a rare move for a body more used to upholding social conservatism.

The board suspended “9 Dey”, a weekly newspaper that accused Tehran’s negotiators of overstepping Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s red lines in the negotiations, and referred its case to a court, the ISNA news agency reported on Monday.

Censors also cautioned Kayhan, an influential conservative daily, and the “Raja News” website, in a setback for critics who assert that Iranian negotiators made too many concessions to reach the historic deal on July 14.

Intense debate The pact has been the subject of intense debate in the Islamic Republic, and President Hassan Rouhani took to the airwaves on Sunday evening to talk up the achievements of Iranian diplomats. Conservative newspapers have been targeted in the past: In February 2014 the Supreme National Security Council sued a conservative journalist working for Vatan-e Emrooz (Today’s Nation) for criticising Rouhani’s foreign policy. — Reuters

B ATT L E S UC C E S S

Nigeria rescues 178 hostages held by Boko Haram MAIDUGURI (NIGERIA): Nigeria’s military said Monday it had “besieged” Boko Haram positions in the extremist militant group’s northeastern heartland after setting free 178 hostages, mainly women and children.

The ongoing operation has led to the capture of a Boko Haram commander, according to the army, while a “large number” of the extremists have been killed in air strikes.

The hostages were released on Sunday near Aulari, about 70 kilometres (40 miles) south of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, once a jihadist stronghold.

“During the offensive operations, 178 people held captive by the terrorists were rescued. They include 101 children, 67 women and 10 men,” military spokesman Colonel Tukur Gusau said.

The Nigerian military has announced the release of hundreds of people held by Boko Haram in recent months, many of them in the vast Sambisa forest, a longtime bastion of the extremist group.

“The military operation... will continue until the terrorists are totally subdued. For now, we have besieged the forest and military operations are going on from dif-

CONFLICT: People displaced from their homes and communi-

ties, following attacks by extremist group Boko Haram, wait at an internally-displaced persons camp in Maiduguri in Borno State, Nigeria,on Monday. — AFP/Stringer

ferent fronts,” army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman told AFP. He said the freed hostages were being screened and processed and would be reunited with their families after further security checks.

However the soldier was unable to give any details on the identity or rank of the Boko Haram commander seized in the operation to free the hostages, except that the

militant was “undergoing interrogation”.

Air strikes on Friday and Saturday hit the village of Bita on the fringes of the forest near the Cameroonian border, where Boko Haram was preparing to launch an offensive, the military said.

“A large number of them were killed while others ran away. We have have so far suspended air

strikes,” said air force spokesman Air Commodore Dele Alonge.

“But we have since carried out surveillance on Bita and other nearby towns and villages and we have returned to base.”

Sunday’s rescue came after several attacks by Boko Haram in recent days. Thirteen people were killed in an assault on Malari village about 20 kilometres from Maiduguri.

Local farmer Moha Saleh confirmed the death toll and said 27 people were wounded when the extremists stormed the village.

“They also set many houses ablaze after accusing us of telling soldiers their whereabouts,” he told AFP. Villager Goni Musa, a vigilante who fights Boko Haram alongside the Nigerian military, gave the same death toll.

“This morning 13 bodies were recovered. Some had been shot in the back, which means they were fleeing when the terrorists killed them,” Musa said.

“They burnt down houses and shops before they left, yelling ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is greatest). Our terrorised women and children fled into the bush and returned to Maiduguri this morning,” he added.

State police commissioner Aderemi Opadokun confirmed the attack but gave a lower toll, saying seven people had been killed.

Malari has been the target of numerous attacks in recent months, including a suicide bombing by a teenaged girl in a mosque in the middle of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in July which left 12 people dead.

Many of the jihadist group’s recent attacks have been carried out by women and girls.

Boko Haram has increasingly expanded its operations into neighbouring countries in recent months, prompting Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger to launch a coordinated military fightback.

The four countries, along with Benin, are preparing to launch a new 8,700-strong force that officials say will go into action soon.

“The multinational joint force will eradicate... the blind terrorism of Boko Haram,” Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou said in a televised speech on Sunday.

The group has stepped up its attacks since Nigeria’s new President Muhammadu Buhari took office in May, unleashing a wave of violence that has claimed 800 lives in just two months. — AFP

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

MH370 investigators analyse wing under electron microscope PARIS: Malaysian aviation experts met French officials Monday to coordinate the investigation into missing flight MH370, days after the discovery of a washed-up plane part offered fresh hopes of solving the mystery.

The Malaysian team met with a French judge, aviation experts, police charged with the probe and representatives of the embassies of Australia and China -- the country that lost the most passengers when the Malaysia Airlines plane inexplicably disappeared from radars last year with 239 people on board.

France is leading the current phase of the investigation after a two-metre-long flaperon, already confirmed to be part of a Boe-

ing 777, surfaced last week on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion.

Technical experts, including from US aerospace giant Boeing, will begin from Wednesday examining the wing component, which is likely to have come from the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight as no other such plane is known to have crashed in the area.

“Malaysia and France share the concern and anxiety of all the nextof-kin in determining the origin of the flaperon in hope of ending the 16-month painful wait for determinative news,” Malaysia’s civil aviation chief Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said in a statement after the meeting.

The mysterious disappearance

PUZZLE: Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, director general of Malaysia’s Department of Civil Aviation, leaves Paris courts after a meeting with French authorities. — Reuters

of MH370 in March 2014 sparked a colossal hunt that had proved fruitless until the discovery of the flaperon raised fresh hopes.

Malaysia quickly appealed to is-

lands near La Reunion to hunt for clues that may wash up on their shores, and nearby Mauritius responded it would do all it can to search for more debris.

The wing part will undergo physical and chemical analysis in the southern French city of Toulouse in a bid to prove beyond doubt that the flaperon once belonged to MH370, whose passengers have been declared presumed dead.

It will be examined with an electron microscope “that can magnify up to 10,000 times” to try to understand how it was damaged, said Pierre Bascary, former director of tests at France’s General Directorate for Armaments.

However, experts have warned grieving families not to expect startling revelations from a single part. “We shouldn’t expect miracles from this analysis,” said Jean-Paul Troadec, former head of

France’s BEA civil aviation investigating authority.

In order to provide clues on what happened to the aircraft, “the part would need to be at the centre of the accident and the chances are fairly small,” he noted.

Geology expert Hans-Georg Herbig said that the shells encrusted on the flaperon could provide vital clues.

If the barnacles are found to be from the Lepas family, “we can then say with certainty that the accident took place in cold maritime areas to the southwest of Australia,” Herbig said. Meanwhile, more than 9,000 kilometres (5,500 miles) away, locals on La Reunion were scouring the beaches for more debris. — AFP

A16

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

WORLD

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ILLEGAL HUNTING

Another US trophy hunter suspected of killing lion in Zimbabwe HARARE: Another US trophy hunter is suspected of killing a lion in Zimbabwe without a permit, authorities in Harare said on Sunday, days after the killing of Cecil the lion by an American dentist caused global outrage.

A government statement said a crackdown on illegal hunting since Cecil’s killing had led to the arrest of safari organiser Headman

Sibanda. Sibanda’s client was an American called Jan Casmir Sieski from Pennsylvania who travelled to the southern African country in April, the statement said, adding that the hunt took place on Sibanda’s Railway Farm 31.

“Headman Sibanda’s case is in connection with a lion that was killed by the other American in April,” Zimbabwe Parks and

Wildlife Management Authority spokeswoman Caroline WashayaMoyo said.

Restrictions On Saturday, the parks authority announced restrictions on hunting around Hwange National Park, the country’s biggest game reserve, where Cecil lived.

The hunting of lions, leopards

and elephants in the area around the reserve in western Zimbabwe has been suspended, as has hunting with bows and arrows -the method used by Cecil’s killer Walter Palmer — barring special permission from the head of Zimparks. The restrictions are expected to eat into the country’s lucrative trophy hunting business.

The government said on Sun-

day it was “very much aware of the final implications” for the safari industry and wildlife producers as well as those tasked with implementing the measures and appealed for donations for a special Zimparks conservation fund.

The killing of Cecil, a favourite with international visitors to Hwange and who was renowned for his distinctive black mane,

caused an international furore.

Palmer, a wealthy dentist from Minnesota, who was accompanied by local guide Theo Bronkhorst, shot the lion with a bow and arrow outside Hwange park in early July after paying around $50,000 for the hunt.

They tracked the wounded beast before finishing him off with another shot. — AFP

Northern California fire rages

BLAZE: A plume of smoke from the Rocky fire rises behind a fire

truck near Clearlake, California on Sunday. – AFP

SCAN THIS TO VISIT

The blaze was the

ARTICLE, VIDEO, PHOTO GALLERY W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

fiercest of 20 large fires being battled by 9,000 firefighters across the state SAN FRANCISCO: A wildfire raging through the foothills and canyons of northern California’s coastal mountains more than doubled in size as it roared into its fifth day on Sunday, leaving two dozen homes in charred ruins and displacing thousands of residents.

The blaze, which has scorched about 54,000 acres (21,853 hectares) east of Lower Lake, a town about 110 miles (180 km) north of San Francisco, was the fiercest of 20 large fires being battled by 9,000 firefighters across the state, officials said.

Forest ranger killed A separate blaze that killed a US forest ranger on Thursday near the Oregon border has also expanded, but remains a fraction of the size of the so-called Rocky Fire that erupted in Lake County on Wednesday and has proved the most destructive.

“This is a very fast-moving wildfire,” said Daniel Berlant, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention, or Cal Fire.

Some 20,000 acres of scrub oak and brush ravaged by the fire over a five-hour period on Saturday night represented “unprecedented growth in that short amount of time,” he added. By Sunday evening, the blaze had

blackened another 7,000 acres along the rugged eastern flanks of California’s Northern Coast Ranges, officials said.

After destroying 24 homes and 26 outbuildings last week, the fire continued to threaten an estimated 6,300 structures and has forced the closure of parts of two state highways, Cal Fire said. More than 12,000 people have received mandatory evacuation orders or advisories, while ground crews have managed to carve containment lines around just 5 per cent of the fire’s perimeter in the past two days, officials said.

Around 2,700 personnel were battling the Rocky Fire alone by Sunday night, about a third of the state’s total force.

Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott said “well over 20 wildfires” were roaring across the droughtparched state following thousands of lightning strikes in recent days.

“We’re certainly stretching our resources,” he told CNN on Sunday, adding that National Guard troops had been mobilized, along with reinforcements from other states and the US Forest Service.

A Forest Service firefighter from South Dakota, David Ruhl, 38, died on Thursday in the Frog Fire raging through Modoc National Forest near California’s border with Oregon.

That blaze, which was about 4 per cent contained on Sunday, has devoured 3,900 acres as erratic winds pushed the flames in all directions, the Forest Service reported. — Reuters

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

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MARKE

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

Muscat 6,498.55 - 56.77 - 0.87%

Dubai 4,099.81 - 4.28 - 0.10%

Abu Dhabi 4,806.84 + 15.90 + 0.33%

Saudi Arabia

8,773.95 - 33.29 - 0.38%

Kuwait 6,212.88 - 23.84 - 0.38%

Bahrain 1,329.39 - 0.99 - 0.07%

Qatar 11,681.82 + 30.56 + 0.26%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.33 Pound ........................................... 1.65 Indian Rs ............................. 165.70 Pak Rs ....................................260.15 Bangla Taka.......................199.52

Indian Rs .................................. 166.20 Pakistan Rs ............................ 263.60 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 346.60 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .................................... 118.40

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.05

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$50.07 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$50.02 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$51.88 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$49.95 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) .........$51.24

* Rates are as of August 3 Source: Bank Muscat

West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$46.49

* Rates as of August 3 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.60 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............132.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............126.25 * Rates as of August 3 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Container handling capacity of Sohar port to reach 1.5m TEUs Presently, the port’s container handling capacity of terminal C is close to one million twenty-foot equivalent units

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Sohar port is in the process of developing its container handling capacity of terminal C to reach its final capacity of 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per annum, said a senior port official.

Presently, the port’s container handling capacity is close to one million TEUs. The port authorities are discussing with contractors for paving large areas and building yards to capitalise on the recent shifting of commercial activities of Port Sultan Qaboos to Sohar port.

Edwin Lammers. — Times file picture

However, the future plan is to build another large terminal (terminal D) to take the container handling capacity to almost five to six million TEUs per annum.

The development plan for terminal D will be finalised during 201617 period and the work will start thereafter, noted Edwin Lammers, executive commercial manager at the Port of Sohar.

“We have to build quay walls for the terminal,” noted Lammers.

However, the details and timeline

for the proposed development are not yet finalised. The relocation of all commercial traffic from Muscat has been the main driver for recent peaks in cargo volumes, especially in containers, but Sohar has also been growing organically.

Sohar port will continue the development of facilities at the port to capture growing trade activities in the Middle East and the potential to serve the latest class of 20,000 TEU mega-ships. Lammers also said that the Tender Board has

ENGINEERING DESIGN CONTRACT

Oman-Iran gas pipeline’s key work to start in two weeks Times News Service MUSCAT: A contract to carry out basic and FEED (front-end engineering design) engineering of the subsea pipeline to transfer Iranian gas to Oman will reportedly take effect in the ‘next two weeks’.

The announcement was made in a report published by IranOilGas Network — the leading independent Iranian oil, gas and petrochemical information network — on Monday, which quoted an unidentified informed source.

According to the report, Iranian Offshore Engineering and

Construction Company (IOEC) has been selected to carry out the said project.

“Seemingly, the relevant construction and installation stages of the project are likely to be also taken up by the same company and carried out subsequently,” IranOilGas Network wrote.

Basic engineering The report said that the scope of work of the project is basic engineering for a gas booster station at Kuh Mobarak, a metering station, subsea route survey and 200 km subsea gas pipeline from Kuh Mobarak to Oman’s Port of Sohar.

AGREEMENTS

MUSCAT: Majan electricity Company, part of Nama Group, has signed nine agreements worth over OMR7 million last Thursday for different projects.

This include establishing a new station, expansion of existing stations and development of an integrated supply station in different Wilayas that are covered in the company’s distribution network in the North Batina region as well as Al Dhahirah and Al Buraimi.

The first tender includes setting up a station in the city center of Al Buraimi with two feeders and land cables, with the tender valued at OMR922,560. A second tender is for building a substation in Al Jafrah with the capacity of capacity of (2x20KVA) in North Batinah valued at OMR949,630. Third tender is to build Al Mukhailif 2 substation in the north of Al Batinah with the capacity of (2x20KVA) valued at OMR825,075. Third tender is for building the Saham Substation with the capacity of (2x20KVA)

$60 billion worth gas The agreement for the purchase of around $60 billion worth of natural gas from Iran for 25 years, which includes laying a $1 billion gas pipeline to Oman across the Gulf, was signed during the visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Muscat in March 2014.

DISPUTE

Majan Electricity inks nine contracts Times News Service

“IOEC is currently in final talks with Iranian Tehran Raymand Consulting Engineers (TR) to assign the related basic engineering and conceptual design of gas pressure booster as well as metering stations to that company,” the information network said.

valued at OMR37,760. The tenders will be carried out by civil contracting companies.

Two tenders have been signed for the expansion of the Wadi Habib station in North Batinah for OMR761,500, and the tender to build the Humbar station with the capacity of (3x20 KVA) in North Al Batinah for OMR1.17 million which will be conducted

by Al Jood Contracting represented by Hamdan Al Saadi, administrative affairs manager.

The seventh tender to expand the Hajramat substation in Al Dahirah region valued at OMR846,846 which is to be conducted by United Engineering Projects, while the eighth tender carried out by Horizon Manufacturers Trading is to expand the Buraimi substation from the capacity of (6x2 KVA) with the value of OMR645,000 while Al Murad International signed an agreement to port 22 stations with the capacity of (1000 KVA) and 20 (500 KVA) to extend the network in the North of Al Batinah for OMR474,240. > B4

Orpic admits Samsung’s arbitration move Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) has acknowledged recent media reports about South Korean company Samsung Engineering approaching the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) to arbitrate a matter regarding Orpic’s Sohar Refinery Improvement Project.

“In regards to this matter, Orpic has acted in accordance with applicable laws and confirms that it has proceeded with legal action against Samsung Engineering for failure to meet their obligations under the tender submitted for the (mentioned) project – resulting in damages being sustained

by Orpic,” Orpic said in a statement here on Monday.

As the matter is subject to litigious processes, no further comment can be made until the outcome of the matter is finalised, the statement read. > B4

GROWING VOLUME: Oman International Container Terminal (OITC) manages Sohar Port’s container terminal. — Times file picture

approved land allocation for the proposed agro-terminal and the authorities can now finalise development plans for the same. In fact, a new sugar refinery and a food grain handling facility (of Oman Flour Mills) will come up close to

Terminal B and therefore, it will be exclusively used by these two units.

The Oman International Container Terminal (OITC) manages Sohar Port’s container terminal.

Many of the world’s most renowned shipping companies such

as Maersk Line, UASC, CMA and APL already operate from the existing container terminal of Sohar port. These recent developments enable shipping lines to bring their mainline vessels directly into Oman.

B2

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

MARKET S H I FT I N S T R AT E G Y

Mideast investment to top $15b a year in global realty markets Times News Service MUSCAT: An average of $15 billion per year will flow out of the Middle East into direct real estate globally in the near term, according to the latest research from global property advisor CBRE Group.

The Middle Eastern investor base has expanded, fuelled by weakening oil prices. This has led to a major shift in global investment strategies towards greater geographic and sector diversification, with activity spreading across gateway markets to secondtier locations in Europe and the Americas.

A greater proportion of Middle Eastern capital is now targeting the United States — during the first quarter of 2015, $5 billion was invested globally, almost equally

split between Europe and Americas, with New York, Washington, Los Angeles, and Atlanta targeted.

During 2014, the Middle East continued to be one of the most important sources of cross-regional capital into the global real estate market, with $14 billion invested outside of the home region — the third largest source of capital globally.

London topped last year London, while retaining the top position, is no longer as dominant, with a 32 per cent share of all Middle East outbound investment in 2014, compared to 45 per cent in 2013. Paris and New York followed London, with 15.8 per cent and 9.6 per centrespectively of the total outbound Middle East investment.

Middle Eastern investors are

TOP THREE INVESTMENT CITIES IN 2014

becoming more active across a wider range of sectors. This is clearly evident in the US where, historically, these investors have bought office buildings and trophy hotels in New York, Los Angeles and other gateway markets.

Competition from Chinese investors and other global capital sources means that these investors are increasingly seeking alterna-

1. London

2. Paris

3. New York

tives, such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s $725 million acquisition this year of a 14.2 million square feet industrial portfolio.

Nick Maclean, managing director of CBRE Middle East, said, “The Middle East will remain one of the most important sources of crossregional capital in the global real estate market. The weakening of oil prices is likely to lead to the sover-

eign wealth funds reducing their total spend but we see strong growth in overseas investment from families and other institutions, in many cases, for the first time.”

Impact on Europe With a greater allocation to real estate and more concentration on geographical diversification away from the home region, the potential for non-institutional investors to expand their global real estate acquisitions is of growing importance. This growing trend has had a significant impact on Europe — where their combined real estate investments grew by 56 per cent year-on-year to $4.8 billion — creating a shift in the balance between institutional investors and noninstitutional. Non-institutional capital accounts for close to 60 per

Greek stock market crashes as bourse resumes trading As market reopened

Factory output slumps as banks close doors

after a five-week shutdown, banking shares, which make up 20% of the Greece index, were particularly hard hit

ATHENS: Greece’s stock market suffered heavy losses on Monday, plunging nearly 23 per cent at the open before recovering slightly, after a five-week shutdown brought on by fears the country was about to be dumped from the eurozone.

One fund manager described it as ‘herd behaviour’ and said few people were buying.

The main Athens stock index was down more than 18 per cent in midday trading after an initial plunge that was larger than any one-day loss experienced on the bourse. By contrast, the broad Eu-

ATHENS: Greek manufacturing activity plunged in July to the lowest level on records going back 16 years due to a dive in new orders and serious supply problems caused by a three-week bank shutdown, a survey showed on Monday.

Greece shut its banks and imposed capital controls on June 29 to avert a bank run after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called a referendum on a new bailout. The shutdown battered an economy already weakened by a sixmonth standoff between the

ropean FTSEurofirst 300 index gained slightly.

Banking shares, which make up about 20 per cent of the Greece index, were particularly hard hit.

National Bank of Greece , the country’s largest commercial bank, was down 30 per cent, the

government and its international lenders on a cash-forreforms deal.

Markit’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for manufacturing, a sector which makes up about 10 percent of the economy, fell to 30.2 points last month, the lowest reading since the company began compiling the data in 1999.

The index remained below the 50-mark that denotes growth.

“Manufacturing output collapsed in July as the debt crisis came to a head,” said Markit economist Phil Smith.

daily volatility limit. The overall banking index was also down to its 30 per cent limit.

Greece’s banks have seen deposits severely depleted as Greeks have withdrawn their euros for fear the would be forcibly converted into a new drachma outside the

“Although manufacturing represents only a small portion of Greece’s total productive output, the sheer magnitude of the downturn sends a worrying signal for the health of the economy as a whole.”

New orders and purchasing activity dived as capital controls and concerns over the country’s future hit demand, the survey showed. That also forced manufacturers to cut jobs. Restrictions on money transfers abroad have choked supplies needed by Greek businesses. - Reuters

euro zone. The banks have been propped up by emergency money from the European Central Bank.

“Bank shares look like they have more room to slide on Tuesday before bids emerge,” said the fund manager, who declined to be named. “It will take a few days for

the market to balance out.” Some companies outperformed, mainly those with exposure abroad, although they still fell.

Fears for future Trading on the Athens bourse was suspended in late June as part of capital controls imposed to stem a debilitating outflow of euros that threatened to collapse Greece’s banks and hurl the indebted country out of the euro zone.

Since then, Athens has agreed a framework bailout plan with its European Union partners in exchange for stringent reforms and budget austerity. But implementation of the deal is some way off, keeping alive the threat of political and economic instability.

There is also concern that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras may need to call a snap election.

Monday’s losses stemmed from a number of reasons. Negotiations on the new bailout might bog down. - Agencies

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cent of the total Middle Eastern investment in Europe in 2014.

CBRE forecasts that global real estate investment by non-institutional capital from the Middle East will range from $6 billion to $7 billion per annum.

“Private capital from the Middle East is once again becoming a measurably more important investor group globally. The most immediate change will bring down the average lot size, as noninstitutional investors tend to target assets at circa $50 million.

This extends naturally to a more diverse investment strategy — a trend already felt in the market so far in 2015 and is expected to become more pronounced in the next 6 to 18 months ,” said Chris Ludeman, global president of CBRE Capital Markets.

BRIEFS

Hyundai awards $9m contract to Al Hassan subsidiary MUSCAT: Al Hassan Engineering Company Abu Dhabi, which is controlled

by Al Hassan Engineering Company owning 49 per cent of its share capital, has received a letter of intent for the instrumentation works at SARB package 4, from Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company Korea for $9 million.The project duration is 22 months from August 2015.

Dhofar Cattlefeed annual profit rises MUSCAT: Dhofar Cattlefeed group reported a net profit of OMR1.46 million for the year ended June 2015, compared to a loss of OMR1.74 million for the previous year. The company’s revenue also stood higher at OMR21.28 million for the year ended 2015.

Qatari Diar unit agrees to sell $857m building DOHA: A venture between Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Co. and Canary Wharf Group agreed to sell two office buildings in London’s South Bank district to Almacantar SA for more than 550 million pounds.

- Times News Service/Agencies

SECOND QUARTER

HSBC net profit falls by 3.8% HONG KONG: HSBC announced on Monday that net profit fell 3.8 per cent in the three months to June, as the company agreed to sell its Brazilian business for $5.2 billion to Brazil’s Banco Bradesco.

Europe’s biggest bank announced in June that it would cut its global workforce by up to 50,000 as it exits Brazil and Turkey. The moves come as HSBC tries to boost profits and move past recent scandals, including the rigging of forex markets.

In the first half of 2015 net profit dropped 1.3 per cent, although the company emphasised a rise in pre-tax profits, which went up 10 percent over the six months.

Quarterly profit fell to $4.36 billion from $4.54 billion in the same period last year, while the half yearly figure fell from $9.746 billion to $9.618 billion. “The environment for banking remains challenging,” said group chairman Douglas Flint, but added that the bank still held a “privileged position” in global trade and investment.

“We have the financial strength and the right people at all levels of

the firm to make the most of the opportunities open to us,” Flint added. HSBC confirmed the Brazil sale in a separate statement to the Hong Kong bourse.

“The sale of HSBC Brazil represents a significant step in HSBC’s stated goal to optimise its global network and reduce complexity,” the statement said.

Stuart Gulliver, chief executive officer, added: “I am pleased to be able to announce today a transaction which achieves both a solid financial outcome and swift delivery of one of our stated actions.”

HSBC is also mulling the relocation of its London headquarters, with the review due to be completed by the end of the year, the report said. - AFP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

B3

MARKET Electricity generation grew by more than 10% last year Electricity supply by company: 2013 and 2014 A report by Authority

2013 MWh

2014 MWh

Regulation for 2014

663,598 (8.3%) 681,082 (11.3%)

Oman increased by

6,022,328 6,703,410

208,498 (9.8%)

5,973,651 6,705,708

Majan

Mazoon

2014 MWh

25,172,090

Times News Service

Net change in MWh

650,920 747,119 Muscat

22,790,657

732.057 (12.3%)

2.38 TWh in 2014, from 22.8 TWh in

2,076,737 (10.4%)

96,199 (14.8%) 8,024,985 8,688,583

ECGA of Oman relaunches website with new features

Total 2013 MWh

22,097,701 20,020,964

shows that total electricity supply in

Said bin Saleh Al Kiyumi

Net change in MWh

for Electricity

MIS

RAECO

Source: Annual Report, Authority for Electricity Regulation

2,118,773 2,327,270

2,381,433 (10.4%)

DPC Graphics

2013 to 25.2 TWh

BUSINESS REPORTER

MUSCAT: Total electricity supply in Oman increased by 10.4 per cent last year while gross electricity generation was 11 per cent higher than in 2013.

The annual report of the Authority for Electricity Regulation for 2014 shows that total electricity supply in the Sultanate increased by 2.38 TWh (terawatthour) in 2014, from 22.8 TWh in 2013 to 25.2 TWh. Main Interconnected System (MIS) supply increased by 10.4 per cent (or 2.1 TWh) last year, accounting for 88 per cent of the total growth in supply.

Rural Areas Electricity Company (Raeco) supply was 14.8 per cent higher than in 2013, reflecting strong growth in supply to residential, industrial and commercial customers. Dhofar Power Company (DPC) supply growth of 9.8 per cent last year was lower than the 11.7 per cent increase in 2013.

Customers Residential customers accounted for 47.5 per cent of total supply in 2014, compared to a 55.2 per cent share in 2005. They accounted for 69 per cent of the 67,792 increase in accounts. Commercial customers accounted for 27.8 per cent of the accounts increase and for 19.8 per cent of the supply increase.

Industrial customers accounted for less than 1 per cent of the in-

crease in 2014 accounts and 21.1 per cent of the increase in supply.

Electricity intensity The report also showed that electricity intensity (MWh per account) increased by 2.4 per cent in 2014, from 26.5 in 2013 to 27.1 MWh per account. Increasing intensity is an important driver of electricitydemand that has implications for costs and subsidy.

“If the 927,184 registered accounts in 2014 had the same average intensity as in 2005, electricity supply in 2014 would have been 34 per cent or 8.5 TWh lower with corresponding reductions in costs and subsidy,” the report said.

The authority says it does not consider intensity increases of this magnitude to be sustainable

UPGRADE

and continues to believe that the introduction of cost-reflective tariffs (for large industrial, commercial and government customers) coupled with the implementation of measures to improve energy efficiency will help to reduce the electricity intensity of all customers.

Generation According to the report, 2014 gross electricity production of 29.13 TWh was 11 per cent higher than in 2013. The 28.3 TWh of net electricity generation (including Power and Water Procurement Company and RAEC purchases) was 10 per cent higher than in 2013. Both, gross and net related water production increased by 6.5 per cent and 7.6 per cent to 211.02

million cubic metres and 207.9 million cubic metres, respectively.

MIS gross generation was 11.4 per cent higher in 2014 than in 2013, RAEC generation was 10.5 per cent higher and generation for the Dhofar Power System was 7.7 per cent higher.

Desalinated water Desalinated water production in Dhofar increased by 41.2 per cent in 2014, which accounted for 11.4 per cent of the 2014 increase in total water production in Oman.

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MUSCAT: Export Credit Guarantee Agency (ECGA)of Oman’s upgraded website was launched

by Said bin Saleh Al Kiyumi, chairman of the organisation. The website was designed and developed to be ‘mobile friendly.’

The agency’s website sections have been restructured and classified for easy browsing.

Furthermore, additional services have been added that aim to facilitate the user and credit insured clients with the agency to browse and view their portfolio as well as end their transactions online.

The upgraded version of the agency’s website includes a selection of pages that highlight the various services offered by ECGA of Oman. Insured clients can also access through the website their policy and buyer details, insured sales, as well as the agency’s annual reports, news bulletin, and events and activities carried out by ECGA of Oman which makes it an interactive experience with the user.

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

Ithraa to lead trade team of 14 local companies to India Times News Service

Dr Salem bin Nasser Al Ismaily, Chairman of Ithraa

MUSCAT: Dr Salem bin Nasser Al Ismaily, chairman of Ithraa, Oman’s inward investment and export promotion agency, will lead a contingent of 14 high-profile local companies to India, in an effort to connect Omani businesses looking for commercial opportunities with key contacts in that country.

The companies which will be part of the team include Bright Sun Dates Production, Nizwa Food Industries, Sea Pride, Modern Diary

Factory, Asia Food, Al Bahja Group of Companies, Sohar Sulphur Fertilizer, Al-Felaij Group, Techno Plastic Industry, Poly Products, Al-Tuhami Group, Taghleef Industries, The Modern Stitch Enterprise, and Al Shamal Plastics.

The business delegation is part of a concerted effort by Ithraa to focus on improving trade and investment links with India, boosting collaboration and export.

The visit begins on August 10 in New Delhi where the Ithraaled delegation will host a busi-

OIL TRADE

Crude oil extends losses; touches six-month low SINGAPORE: Oil extended losses on Monday on worries of oversupply as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) pumped at record levels in July, while weak China data stoked concerns about slower growth at the world’s second largest oil consumer.

Saudi Arabia and other key members of Opec show no sign of wavering in their focus on defending market share instead of prices, as the group’s oil output hit the highest monthly level in recent history in July, a Reuters survey showed.

The lack of a plan by Opec to make room for the return of more Iranian oil fuelled supply worries. Iran expects to raise output by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) as soon as sanctions are lifted and by a million bpd within months, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said in remarks broadcast on Sunday.

“The market seems to again focus on the supply situation ...

one of the difficulties is that Iran may be coming back and there is no obvious sign that Opec will make room for them,” Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney said.

Long losing streak Brent fell 44 cents to $51.77 a barrel by 0213 GMT after touching an intraday low of $51.50, the lowest since Februaty 2. It is on its longest weekly losing streak since late 2014.

US crude fell 36 cents to $46.76 a barrel after hitting the lowest in four months at $46.35. Frontmonth prices lost 20.8 percent in July, the biggest monthly drop since October 2008.

Hedge funds and other speculators have slashed their bullish exposure to United States crude to the lowest in nearly five years, trade data showed on Friday, as local drillers continue to add rigs and pump at full throttle despite a global oil glut.

ness seminar as well as business to business meetings with Indian importers, agents and manufacturers — all in an effort to develop new business opportunities and strengthen existing trade and investment ties in food processing, petrochemicals and plastics.

Mumbai visit The business delegation will also visit Mumbai a city with considerable growth potential for Omani companies.

Dr Al Ismaily said, “India is one

of the fastest growing economies in the world with growth levels reaching between 5-6 per cent.

The market varies widely across its many different regions and states. India may be a complex and challenging market but it is one that should be taken seriously by Omani companies that are seeking to expand and go international.”

“The business opportunities have now stretched beyond the traditional business centers to the emerging cities such as Chennai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh,

Pune and Jaipur, to name but a few,” he added.

As a follow-up tothe delegation’s visit to New Delhi and Mumbai, Ithraa has already made plans to host an investment forum with Indian businesses in Muscat, from October 12 to 13.

Oman India Investment Forum aims to raise awareness of investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman and provide an opportunity for business leaders from both nations to make important connections.

B4

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

MARKET MSM index ends lower

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................6,555.70 ...............6,498.55 ................... 6,498.55 ...................6,555.32................ -56.77 .................. -0.87 Financial Index .....................................8,028.76 ...............7,948.75 ....................7,948.75 ...................8,025.37................-76.62 .................. -0.95 Industrial Index ................................... 8,299.56 ..............8,264.84 ...................8,264.84 ...................8,299.58................-34.74 .................. -0.42 Services Index .......................................3,523.21 ...............3,494.76 ................... 3,494.76 ...................3,523.96............... -29.20 .................. -0.83 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 993.18 ..................988.36 ...................... 988.36 ...................... 993.06.................. -4.70 .................. -0.47 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 15,373,565.................. 3,193,944 .....................719 ............... 15,123,690,870 .................. 3 ..................... 22 .................... 12 .........................37

Dhofar Cattlefeed, up by 5.79 per cent, was the

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 3

top gainer, while the top loser was Al Sharqia Investments, down by 8.11 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: Foreign selling pressure on index heavyweights weighed on the MSM30 Index which closed at 6,498.55 points, down by 0.87 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index decreased 0.47 per cent to close at 988.36 points.

Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of turnover. Dhofar Cattlefeed, up by 5.79 per cent, was Monday’s top gainer, while the top loser was Al Sharqia Investments, down by 8.11 per cent.

A total number of 719 trades were executed during the day’s trading session generating turnover of OMR3.2 million with more than 15.3 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, three advanced, 22 declined and 12 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers for OMR1.21 million while Foreign investors were net sellers for OMR1.16 million followed

by GCC and Arab investors for OMR50,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index declined strongly by 0.95 per cent to close at 7,948.75 points. Gulf Investment Services and Al Madina Investments gained 1.53 per cent, and 1.49 per cent respectively.

Al Sharqia Investments, Oman United Insurance, Bank Sohar, NBO and HSBC Bank Oman declined 8.11 per cent, 2.52 per cent, 1.94 per cent, 1.69 per cent and 1.49 per cent respectively.

Industrial Sector Index ended at 8,264.84 points, down by 0.42 per cent. Dhofar Cattlefeed gained 5.79 per cent to close at OMR0.201. Galfar Engineering, Oman Cement, Al Anwar Ceramics, Gulf International Chemicals and Oman Cables declined 2.46 per cent, 1.15 per cent, 1.00 per cent, 0.74 per cent and 0.43 per cent respectively.

Services Sector Index retreated 0.83 per cent and concluded at 3,494.76 points. Al Maha Petrole-

um, Al Batinah Power, Al Jazeera Services, OIFC and Ooredoo declined 3.45 per cent, 2.17 per cent, 1.65 per cent, 1.39 per cent, and 1.00 per cent respectively.

Saudi Mobily shares dive Etihad Etisalat shares fell to the lowest since July 2009 as the Saudi Arabian phone operator resumed trading following a twomonth suspension.

The stock retreated 5.3 per cent to 32 riyals at 1:09pm in Riyadh, the lowest level since July 2009. Almost 11 million shares changed hands, more than eight times its three-month daily trading average, making the stock the second-most traded on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index. The gauge declined 0.6 per cent.

Etihad Etisalat, also known as Mobily, last traded on June 8, when the market regulator raised concern about its contracts and asked the company to reconsider accounting methods. The company resumed trading after reporting a second-quarter loss and restating financial results following a market probe. Abdullah Alkahtani, spokesman at the Riyadh-based Capital Market Authority (CMA) spokesman, declined to comment on Mobily and the regulator’s ongoing investigation.

“Aside from the regulator’s probe and the revised financial statements, which is definitely adding negative sentiment among investors, the company seems to be struggling with growth,” said Mazen Al-Sudairi, the Riyadhbased head of sell-side research at Alistithmar Capital, a unit of Saudi Investment Bank. “We are not seeing any improvements in their business model or strategies at a time when there’s definitely a price war among other competing phone operators.”

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

OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 387,552.............51,682..................... 39 ............0.132 ........... 0.134 ...........0.132 ............0.133 ............. 0.131 ............ 0.002............. 1.527 ................0.132 ..............0.132...................0.133.................... 7,826,148 ..........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 116,000............... 7,888........................5 ........... 0.068 ...........0.068 ...........0.068........... 0.068 .............0.067 ............0.001 ............. 1.493 ................0.068..............0.067...................0.068...................14,086,294.........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ............................ 1,000 ..................230........................1 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.230........... 0.230 .............0.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.225...................0.235................... 28,726,531 .........0.100 OM0000002614............ONIC. HOLDING .......................................................... 432,600.........207,648......................11 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.480..............0.470...................0.000 ..................83,243,160 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ...........................................................385 ...................169........................3 ........... 0.440...........0.440 ...........0.440 .......... 0.470 .............0.470 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.440..............0.440...................0.460 ..................28,435,000.........0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ................................................. 900 .................. 655........................1 ............0.728 ........... 0.728 ...........0.728........... 0.728 .............0.728............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.728 ..............0.728...................0.000 .................145,334,717 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................80,183 ............ 45,068......................15 ........... 0.560 ...........0.564 ...........0.560........... 0.562 .............0.562 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.560..............0.560...................0.566...................29,505,000.........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ....................................................... 30,000 ............44,847........................6 ............1.490 ........... 1.495 ...........1.490............1.495 .............1.500 ...........-0.005 ........... -0.333 ...............1.495 ..............1.460...................1.495 ................. 299,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................13,000 .............29,770........................2 ........... 2.290...........2.290 ...........2.290 .......... 2.290 .............2.300 ...........-0.010 ........... -0.435 ...............2.290 ............ 2.280...................2.290 .................205,413,000........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................38,933 .............13,825......................16 ........... 0.354 ........... 0.356 ...........0.354........... 0.356 .............0.358 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.559 ...............0.356..............0.354...................0.356...................17,800,000 .........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 672,680 ......... 368,766..................... 46 ........... 0.546 ...........0.550 ...........0.546........... 0.548 .............0.552 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.725 ...............0.546..............0.542...................0.546................ 1,255,918,783 ......0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............48,120 .............12,916......................12 ........... 0.270 ...........0.270 ...........0.266........... 0.268 .............0.270 ...........-0.002 ............-0.741................0.266..............0.265...................0.266 ...................5,628,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 127,748 ..........222,796..................... 23 ............1.750 ........... 1.750............ 1.735 ............1.745 ............. 1.760............-0.015 ........... -0.852 ...............1.735 ...............1.735................... 1.745 ................1,308,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,224,150 ......273,340..................... 83 ........... 0.226 ...........0.226 ...........0.220 .......... 0.223 .............0.225 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.889 ...............0.222............. 0.222...................0.223 ..................33,466,725 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 319,312 ............ 35,288......................16 ............0.111 ........... 0.112............0.110 ............0.111.............. 0.112............-0.001 ........... -0.893 ...............0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.112 ................... 13,528,125 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 452,291 ......... 179,292..................... 32 ........... 0.400...........0.400 ...........0.394........... 0.396 .............0.400 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.000 ...............0.396..............0.396...................0.398.................. 117,300,618 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 188,911 ...........149,610......................11 ............0.792 ........... 0.792 ...........0.784........... 0.792 .............0.800 ...........-0.008 ........... -1.000 ...............0.784..............0.784...................0.792..................515,547,830 ........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 232,667 ............21,025..................... 25 ........... 0.092 ...........0.092 ...........0.090........... 0.090 ............. 0.091............-0.001 ........... -1.099................0.090..............0.089...................0.090 ..................15,750,000 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 250,000 .........128,500........................4 ............0.514 ........... 0.514 ...........0.514 ............0.514 .............0.520 ...........-0.006 ............-1.154................0.514 ..............0.510...................0.514..................170,068,573 ........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE............... 40,060 ...............8,550........................6 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.212........... 0.213 .............0.216............-0.003 ........... -1.389................0.212............. 0.208................... 0.211 .................. 42,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 367,571 ............ 48,659......................16 ............0.130 ........... 0.134 ...........0.129........... 0.132 .............0.134............-0.002 ............-1.493................0.129 ..............0.130...................0.133 ................. 264,041,288 .......0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ........................................... 30,000 .............10,740........................8 ........... 0.358 ........... 0.358 ...........0.358........... 0.358 .............0.364 ...........-0.006 ........... -1.648................0.358............. 0.000...................0.358................... 21,911,130 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 153,592.............53,685......................16 ........... 0.346 ...........0.350 ...........0.346........... 0.350 .............0.356 ...........-0.006 ............-1.685................0.350..............0.344...................0.348 ................ 469,248,588 .......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 526,000 .........106,200........................8 ........... 0.202...........0.202 ...........0.200 .......... 0.202 .............0.206 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.942 ...............0.200 .............0.199...................0.200 .................291,170,880 ........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................23,958 ............... 5,391........................1 ........... 0.225 ...........0.225 ...........0.225........... 0.225 .............0.230 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.174................0.225..............0.225...................0.228 .................151,849,672 ........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 591,625............ 70,630..................... 36 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.118 ............0.119 .............0.122 ...........-0.003 ........... -2.459 ...............0.119 .............. 0.118................... 0.119 ...................34,507,696 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 373,900 ..........115,841..................... 55 ............0.312 ........... 0.312 ...........0.308........... 0.310 ............. 0.318............-0.008 ........... -2.516................0.308..............0.308...................0.310...................31,000,000.........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. .......33,825 .............71,033........................1 ........... 2.100 ........... 2.100 ...........2.100........... 2.100 ............. 2.175............-0.075 ........... -3.448 ...............2.100..............2.100...................2.300 ................ 144,900,000 .......0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............60,082 ............... 8,167........................6 ............0.140 ........... 0.147 ...........0.135 ............0.136 .............0.148............-0.012 ........... -8.108 ...............0.147 ..............0.134...................0.140...................12,240,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 6,817,045 ...2,292,211...................504 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......29........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .......................................... 223,835 ........... 45,037.....................20 ........... 0.200...........0.203 ...........0.200 .......... 0.201 .............0.190 ............0.011 ............. 5.789 ................0.200 ............. 0.195...................0.200 .................. 15,477,000 .........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ....................15,000 ..................600........................1 ........... 0.040...........0.040 ...........0.040 .......... 0.040 .............0.040 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.040 .............0.039...................0.040 ...................3,400,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................68,250 ............... 6,766........................9 ........... 0.099 ........... 0.102 ...........0.098........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.098..............0.096...................0.098.................... 7,445,592 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,324,514 ......... 98,151..................... 28 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.075 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.074 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.075..............0.075...................0.076..................111,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ..............................55,669 ...............6,235........................9 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.116 ...................11,200,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 1,408,758 ......220,038................... 136 ............0.156 ........... 0.157 ...........0.156 ............0.156 ............. 0.156............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.156 .............. 0.156...................0.157 ..................228,165,828........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,096,026......376,826...................203 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 6........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities/Bloomberg News

PROJECT CONTRACTS

B1 Majan Electricity Company signs < FROM

nine agreements worth OMR7m

Eng. Abdullah Al Hashmi, Chairman of the board of directors at Majan Electricity Company, stated that “These projects are a part of the company’s efforts to expand the electrical network due to the expanding demand of electricity, which represents the growth of the country on both economical and demographical scales. This is why we have put in clauses ensuring the strict deadlines as well as the compliance with HSE standards, as this is one of the key pillars of the tenders and we hope that the plans will carry on in a timely manner under these conditions without delays”.

Eng. Abdullah Al Nawfali, Acting CEO of Majan Electricity Company, stated that the projects of building and establishing new stations in the different areas shows the excellence of Majan Electricity Company to keep up with the increased demand on the electrical grid, and that these projects are to be completed

VITAL PROJECTS: Companies that have been awarded these projects have been informed of the importance of quality management and timely execution. — Supplied picture

before the summer of 2016. He also stated that the companies charged with these projects have been informed of the importance of quality management and time importance while maintaining the HSE codes.

Eng. Mohammed Al Abri, Senior Manager of Project Manage-

ment at Majan Electricity Company, stated that the company does many different projects to build substations with the capacity of 11/33 in the different areas that fall under the company’s jurisdiction.

“These projects are the essential backbone of creating an infra-

structure and keeping up with the increased demand in the different areas, this in term will create a higher quality of supply and reduce the outages. These projects are a part of a bigger overall plan that the company has will be implementing for 2015/2016,” he further added.

LEGAL DISPUTE

Orpic acknowledges report of B1 Samsung's arbitration move < FROM

The Korea Times recently reported that Samsung Engineering had filed an international arbitration complaint against the Oman government over an oil refinery plant deal worth $1 billion.

According to the report, the construction unit of Samsung Group said it had asked the ICSID to arbitrate a refinery improvement project in which the com-

pany was chosen as a preferred bidder in 2013 by Orpic.

“We submitted the request for arbitration from the third party.

We were chosen as a preferred bidder for the project, but Orpic withdrew the project during the negotiations,” said a Samsung Engineering spokesman, according to the report.

He said that Orpic took out its

deposit for the contract which was set aside as a form of callable bond, the Korea Times reported. Samsung did not reveal the amount of the deposit.

According to the ICSID, the US law firm of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton will represent Samsung in the international court, which is based in Washington DC, the report said.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

ROUND-UP

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B5

Tested to extremes, Jaguar F-PACE comes out as strong, durable as ever SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

Jaguar’s powerful

can exceed 50°C in the shade.

When vehicles are left out in direct sunlight, cabin temperatures can soar to 70°C — exactly what’s needed to ensure that everything from climate control systems to infotainment touchscreens function perfectly in extremes of heat and humidity.

THE VIDEO

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

crossover offers an unrivalled blend of performance, design and practicality

DUBAI: From the searing heat and dust of Dubai to the ice and snow of Northern Sweden, the new F-PACE has been tested to the limit in some of the most inhospitable environments on earth.

Jaguar’s performance crossover offers an unrivalled blend of performance, design and practicality.

To ensure that every system functions perfectly even under the most extreme conditions, the

new F-PACE has been subjected to one of the most demanding test programmes the company has ever devised, says a press release.

“We developed the F-PACE to offer the ride, handling and refinement demanded from a Jaguar, together with exceptional levels of ability and composure on all surfaces and in all weathers.

“Just as we paid obsessive attention to detail over the engineering of every single component, we’ve exhaustively tested the F-PACE in the most challenging conditions to ensure that it will exceed the expectations of our customers around the world,” said Andrew Whyman, vehicle programme director, Jaguar F-PACE. At Jaguar Land Rover’s test facility in Arjeplog, Northern Swe-

den, average winter temperatures rarely exceed -15°C and often plummet to -40°C. The 60km of purpose-built handling tracks, mountain climbs, inclines, split-friction straights

C O R P O R AT E S U P P O R T

and off-road areas are ideal for optimising the calibration of the all-wheel drive system, dynamic stability control and technologies such as Jaguar’s revolutionary allsurface progress control. The work

done here makes sure that, whether on asphalt, snow or ice, the F-PACE delivers the connected steering feel and agility fundamental to Jaguar dynamics DNA. In Dubai, ambient temperatures

Test cycle And while the test engineers can relax in air-conditioned comfort as they drive in city traffic, this part of the test cycle is designed to place the cooling systems under very high load through a combination of high ambient temperatures and low airflow.

The F-PACE has also been driven over gravelled mountain passes.

This is the first time that a Jaguar test programme has included this uniquely challenging environment, and it is this attention to detail that will help to make Jaguar’s first performance crossover the benchmark in its segment.

SPECIALIST

Nissan backs epic road trip of Al Hayat Hospital welcomes Dubai adventure photographer back senior gynaecologist DUBAI: Nissan has thrown its weight behind a Dubai-based photographer and adventurer on an extraordinary and physically demanding three-month road trip from the UAE to Romania.

In the true spirit of Nissan’s mantra, Innovation That Excites, award-winning lensman Catalin Marin will take his Nissan Patrol Safari with a roof-mounted tent on a 7645km journey, where he plans to travel, camp and capture stunning images of the desert, mountain and forest landscapes.

When Nissan heard about the incredible trip, the automaker did not hesitate to help him achieve his dream providing financial support and the necessary technical servicing for his Nissan Patrol Safari to ensure it could handle the arduous feat, says a press release.

Nissan Middle East managing director Samir Cherfan says the Japanese auto maker did not hesitate to support the exciting project.

“This young photographer is embarking on a grand adventure in a Patrol Safari with his cameras and camping gear. At Nissan we identify with people who do things differently and take on challenges, this is why we were happy to support Marin on his quest. All at Nissan are looking forward to seeing

the photos that come from this marvellous adventure.”

Earlier this month, Marin started the epic journey by crossing the Strait of Hormuz by ferry from Sharjah. Then he will be rolling north-west through Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Serbia and Romania.

The return trip will be via Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran.

Marin is an award-winning photographer who runs a photography blog, which has received more than one million views since its inception. He has more than 3,000 followers on Instagram, 1,200 followers on Twitter and over 3,000

on Facebook.

“I have been in Dubai 10 years and I wanted to do something special to celebrate. It will be a grand adventure and I’ll record a sensational portfolio of the most diverse photos you can imagine. And if you are going to take on a challenge like this I can’t think of a better vehicle to be in than a Patrol. My heartfelt thanks to Nissan generally for all the help they’re giving me to help bring this dream project to reality.

“The vehicle is going to take some punishment, that’s for sure, but I know it can handle anything the terrain and conditions throw at it.”

MUSCAT: Al Hayat International Hospital, Al Ghubra has expanded its gynaecology facilities with the induction of Dr A. V. Bhuwaneswari to offer excellent obstetrics and gynaecology services.

Dr Bhuwaneswari, senior specialist, obstetrics and gynaecology, comes with over 45 years of rich experience in India and Oman. She has served in the Ministry of Health, Oman for 30 years in various regions including Nizwa and Muscat. She worked at Khoula Hospital as a specialist for more than 15 years and is adept at performing both major and minor obstetric and gynaecological surgeries and conducting deliveries, says a press release.

Dr Bhuwaneswari joins Hayat’s team of full time gynaecologists Dr Maha Tamir and Dr Deema.

“Dr. K. P. Raman, chairman, Al Hayat International Hospital, said: “The demand for our gynaecology services has resulted in the expansion of our gynaecology department. It is our constant endeavour to make available the most modern facilities to our patients.”

The gynaecology department functions from 9am to 9pm six days a week (except Friday).

Hayat has three visiting gynaecologists from Ministry of

Health hospitals.

Apart from providing general gynaecology services covering conditions from first menstrual cycle through menopause, gynaecology department provides the latest comprehensive evaluation, diagnostic procedures and health maintenance programmes.

They are dedicated to providing complete women’s healthcare in a comfortable, relaxed and professional environment. Using the latest up-to-date information and procedures they strive to meet both the physical and emotional needs of their patients.

The obstetric services range from pre-conception counselling, prenatal care, family-based

labour and delivery care to evaluation and diagnostic services for complex obstetrical patients.

They also provide a wide array of gynaecological and women’s health services including contraceptive technologies, diagnosis and treatment for STD’s and abnormal pap smears, annual gynaecological exams and hormone replacement therapy. Diagnostic procedures and treatments such as Colposcopy, Cryotherapy, LEEP, Endometrial Biopsy, Hysterocopy, Endometrial Abalation and traditional surgeries such as Hysterectomy, Ovarian Surgeries, Laparotomy and Tubal Ligation are also provided.

They have a laparoscopic surgeon, who is an expert in performing laparoscopic hysterectomies and ovarian surgeries.

Al Hayat International Hospital also offers cancer preventive screening for ladies against cancer uterus and cancer cervix.

It caters to high risk pregnancy with the backup of American board certified neonatologist and paediatrician with 3 bedded neonatel ICU. Gynaecology department’s OPD functions from 9am to 9pm, Saturday to Wednesday, and 9am to 2pm on Thursday.

U N B E ATA B L E P R I C E S

QUALITY CARS

Cadillac’s new generation V-Series delivers New back-to-school state-of-the-art performance technologies collection launched at Shoexpress stores

DUBAI: Later this year, Cadillac Middle East will unleash three all-new cars in its performance V-Series lineup, the all-new ATSV — available in sedan and coupe forms — and the new generation CTS-V. The expansion and elevation of the V-Series lineup further solidify Cadillac’s unyielding commitment to performance focused driver cars, says a press release.

The two models boast classleading forced induction powertrains and a comprehensive suite of design and performance systems such as the Performance Data Recorder (PDR), which can capture its driver’s performance and analyse it using the Toolbox Telemetry software developed

by Cosworth.

This feature demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment to offer its performance minded drivers a technological solution that guarantees a more rewarding track driving experience.

“We live in a data-driven digital age, where our every move can be tracked, analysed and even shared with others,” said Nadim Ghrayeb, Brand Manager Cadillac Middle East. “The next-generation ATSV and CTS-V models were built to serve as an expressive extension to the fast-paced, ever-connected lives of our customers.

“However, the inclusion of performance data capture and telemetry will allow our performance minded customers the ability to share their drives with friends, as

This year sees us further building on our previous years successes with the extensive range of footwear and accessories at unbelievable prices

well as fine tune their driving in order to better exploit their V-Series’ potential capability.”

Advanced features The vehicles’ extensive roster of advanced features comprises a Performance Data Recorder (PDR), which allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling data analysis and sharing on social media. The PDR system was developed with Cosworth, the British motorsports-engineering

company that supplies General Motors’ Racing Teams with data acquisition and telemetry systems.

In addition, the next-generation ATS-V and CTS-V models also feature a professional-level motorsports Cosworth Toolbox telemetry system that lets drivers analyse their laps in incredible detail and find opportunities to improve and fine tune their driving and lap times. The telemetry software combines Cosworth’s professional-level motorsport data analysis with an easy-to-use graphic interface.

The 2016 models’ key performance technologies also include third-generation Magnetic Ride Control -which delivers 40 percent faster damping response –an integrated chassis controls that provide balanced performance for touring and the track as well as functional aerodynamic package and supplemented drivetrain cooling. Complementing these mechanical and exterior performance focused features as an equally driver focused interior with highperformance seats, optimised ergonomics and interfaces.

MUSCAT: Back-to-school shopping can be very challenging, especially after the summer holidays, but you can ease back into school with Shoexpress new backto-school collection featuring a great assortment of shoes, bags and accessories for all.

The back-to-school collection comes in a variety of styles with comfort at the core of the collection. They have a variety of Mary Jane’s styles for girls in patent, leather to mesh materials, and the boys can choose from Velcro patterns to side buckle and slip on shoes. In addition their remarkable selection of sports shoes will make sports more fun, says a press release.

“Children spend more than five hours of the day at school learn-

Iesmoenie Jakoet COO, Shoexpress

ing, running and jumping, and that is why we have focused making our range comfortable and fun. Our characters of Mickey and Minnie mouse, Cars, Ben 10 and the widely popular Frozen are all must haves for back-toschool,” said Iesmoenie Jakoet, COO, Shoexpress. “This year sees us further building on our previous years successes with the extensive range of footwear and accessories at unbelievable prices.”

Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity for your kids to grab their favourite back to school footwear and accessories.

B6

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

ROUND-UP

Last few days to avail exclusive Ramadan benefits from Infiniti InďŹ niti QX70 )' #(#(!Ĺ&#x2014; -*),.-Ä&#x161; ,Ĺ&#x2014; -.3& Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; performance with SUV stance and toughness, the QX70S Elite Sport raises the bar with a stunning array of sports styling.

The QX70S Elite Sport seats are equipped with all types of support reaching from the side to the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoulders to thighs making it a perfect addition to the incommand feel of a true sporty car.

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

InďŹ niti Oman

THE VIDEO

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

introduced their most exclusive Ramadan scheme for their valued patrons, offering top notch service and packages making it one of the most admired and desirable brands of vehicles

MUSCAT: InďŹ nitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive Ramadan offers from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles include an array of beneďŹ ts on their premium range of vehicles that lasts till August 9.

Known to be a trusted name amongst niche clients, InďŹ niti Oman has always strived to be different and unique by offering unmatched services towards their clientele. InďŹ niti Oman introduced their most exclusive Ramadan scheme for their valued patrons, offering top notch service and packages making it one of the most admired and desirable brand

of vehicles, says a press release.

A senior spokesperson in InďŹ niti Oman, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;At InďŹ niti, we always believe in providing unique and exciting offers to our valued customers. InďŹ niti as a brand is known for its superior driving ďŹ nesse and we want our customers to be able to experience all of that.â&#x20AC;?

InďŹ niti QX50 Under QX50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and InďŹ niti Q60 " Ĺ&#x2014; (Ă°(#.#Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x20AC;ĂşĹ&#x2014; )(0 ,.# & Ĺ&#x2014; , - powertrain. The FM (Front MidScheme highlights: mains one of the most seductive ship) platform helps provide high Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; --/, Ĺ&#x2014; !# .Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014; */,levels of handling performance. vehicles in its class. chasing the InďŹ niti Q50, Q60, , . Ĺ&#x2014; ,)/( Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; (., &Ĺ&#x2014; Every 2014 InďŹ niti QX50 now Q70, QX50, QX60, QX70 and Product lineup QX80 during the Ramadan pro- The InďŹ niti brand is highly re- idea that a luxury performance comes standard with a VQ37VHR motions are eligible for the fol- garded for its advanced design and convertible should look equally 3.7-litre V6 engine, rated at 326 powerful performance with its inviting with its top up or down horsepower (versus the previous lowing three gift items highly reďŹ ned style and respon- â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and be equally enjoyable to 3.5-litre V6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 298 horsepower) 1. Window ďŹ lm siveness, InďŹ niti vehicles prom- drive sans roof or not â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Q60 and 360 Nm of torque (versus the 2. Body Paint Protection ises a driving experience with un- )(0 ,.# & Ĺ&#x2014; )' #( -Ĺ&#x2014; !, Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; previous 341 Nm).

3. Assured high value gift performance with signature InÄ&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; --/, Ĺ&#x2014; -"Ĺ&#x2014;!# .Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; &&Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014; paralleled appeal.

InďŹ niti QX60 ďŹ niti attention to detail. purchasing InďŹ niti Q50, Q60, Q70, InďŹ niti QX60 has turned the luxQX50, QX60, QX70 and QX80 will InďŹ niti Q50 ury crossover category inside out get assured cash gift of OMR1,000. The InďŹ niti Q50 sports sedan InďŹ niti Q70 The cash gift amount can be used as brings together category-deďŹ ning The Q70 is launched with the ex- with its big utility and roominess. design, rewarding performance, cellence and luxury grade that As a stylish, luxury, three-row, part of down payment. Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ." ,Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.-Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014; world-ďŹ rst technologies and un- features the premium body design. seven seat Intelligent All-Wheel purchasing InďŹ niti Q50, Q60, Q70, matched levels of connectivity and As an added alternative, the Sport Drive crossover, the InďŹ niti QX60 QX50, QX60, QX70, QX80 in the personalisation. Along with the Grade is available with the Sport is designed to excel in the areas scheme period will get free peri- pioneering Direct Adaptive Steer- body design. The Sport body de- that crossover buyers desire most odic vehicle maintenance of ďŹ ve ing technology and Active Lane sign features a specially designed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; interior ďŹ&#x201A;exibility and roomiyears or 100,000km (whichever is )(.,)&Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; 0 #& & Ĺ&#x2014; 2 &/-#0 &3Ĺ&#x2014; )(Ĺ&#x2014; front bumper that gives an even ness, safety, and advanced hospiearlier); this offer excludes battery InďŹ niti Q50, it also introduces In- lower and wider stance. The trap- tality features. The InďŹ niti QX60 and wear and tear components. finitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Direct Response Hybrid ezoidal bumper intake and apron offers real three-row utility, plus Further beneďŹ ts include free System to the Middle East line- shape inspired from race car split- all the premium features and in1st year vehicle registration, six up for the first time. Infiniti Q50 ters give an athletic presence and novations that InďŹ niti has become known for worldwide. years/ unlimited mileage warran- offers the ideal balance of per- bold impression. ty, free ďŹ rst year vehicle insurance (for Oman and UAE) and free AAA / Road Assistance card for the ďŹ rst year only and as supported by AAA Oman and UAE.

60TH ANNIVERSARY

formance and efficiency.

InďŹ niti QX80 InďŹ niti QX80s include a high-stiffness frame structure that enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The proven 5.6-liter V8 engine combines the responsive acceleration of InďŹ nitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) to produce 400 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. A smooth 7-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models.

InďŹ niti promise Every InďŹ niti design model seduces the senses. From the smooth incline in the front grille to the charismatic ďŹ&#x201A;ared wheel arches and a subtle hint of a samurai sword in the chrome door strip, all conspire to leave an abiding impression of magnetic muscularity and enthralling performance.

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

W I N N I N G C O M B I NAT I O N

Feature-packed Mazda3 is on display at Muscat Grand Mall

Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV now in Oman MUSCAT: Alfa Romeo cars have always been dedicated to those demanding true driving excitement and passion, and look beyond the utilitarian concept of a car as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;useful means of transportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

To celebrate its 60th anniversary, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is now available as the latest generation Quadrifoglio Verde (QV, &-)Ĺ&#x2014; %()1(Ĺ&#x2014; -Ĺ&#x2014; Ä? &)0 ,& Ä&#x2018;ĢĹ&#x2014; 0 ,sion that is now available at the Dhofar Automotive, dealers of the Alfa Romeo range in Oman, says a press release.

A true expression of Alfa Romeoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s racing DNA and a perfect combination of essential style, compact and powerful powertrain, right power-to-weight ratio and pure Alfa Romeo technological features devoted to driving pleasure, it is differentiated from other Giuliettaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by a decisive look and a strong personality.

The QV features the exclusive powertrain inherited from the

& Ĺ&#x2014; )' )Ĺ&#x2014;Ăž Ĺ&#x2014;-/* , ,Ĺ&#x2014;Ä&#x161;Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;( 1Ĺ&#x2014; turbocharged 240 hp, 1750cc direct injection aluminium-block engine - combined with a next generation Alfa 6-speed twin dry &/. "Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; Biju Luckose, Marketing Manager of Dhofar Automotive said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This exciting new high performance QV model is in perfect sync 1#."Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;-./((#(!Ĺ&#x2014; & Ĺ&#x2014; )' )Ĺ&#x2014;Ăž Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern icon which personiďŹ es the essential sportiness embedded in Alfa Romeoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA: performance and technical excellence for maximum driving pleasure combined with breathtaking style.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the same time, the new Giulietta QV is also a tribute to the legendary history of the Quadrifoglio Verde - since 1923 this symbol has been associated with Alfa Romeoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top performing cars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The QV emblem has appeared on many cars that have graced the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race circuits as well as nu-

merous special production models,â&#x20AC;? he elaborated.

The ďŹ rst Alfa Romeo car to bear the QV emblem was the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; driven by UgoSivocci that won the 14th edition of the Targa Florio in 1923. Since then, all racing Alfas have carried the emblem for good luck, ensuring its worldwide recognition. Starting in the 1960s, the symbol also began to appear on performance versions of roadgoing Alfa Romeos.

The QV versions of Giulietta have assumed a place in the tradition of the best Alfa Romeos, drawing on the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage of dynamic performance without compromising on efficiency, respect for the environment and convenience in everyday use.

The Alfa Romeo is available on special prices that are valid till August 17 under Dhofar Automotiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promotion that covers all brands of ." Ĺ&#x2014; )'* (3Ĺ&#x2014; #( &/ #(!Ĺ&#x2014; ",3-& ,Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; Dodge, Ram, and Fiat.

MUSCAT: The all-new awardwinning Mazda3 is on display at the Muscat Grand Mall and is generating a lot of interest among the mall visitors. At the venue, Mazda Oman sales staff is also organising an interesting contest to test the visitors knowledge about Mazda3 and reward them when they win, says a press release.

A senior spokesperson of Tow &&Ĺ&#x2014; /.)Ĺ&#x2014; (., Ĺ&#x2014; ÄĄ ĢÄ&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; -)& Ĺ&#x2014; distributors of Mazda range of vehicles in Oman, comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is always a pleasure to organise events of such nature for our customers and prospects as it is an opportunity for us to take our vehicles to them, apart from them coming to us. Special display gives us a chance to interact with our patrons, making it an ideal customer-marketer interface. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The all-new Mazda3 offers a winning combination of fuel economy, style and driving enjoyment. It has over 130 international awards to its credit and is an extremely popular model here in Oman.â&#x20AC;?

The new Mazda3 featuring Ĺ&#x2014; )(( .Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; )'* (3Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014; new in-vehicle connectivity concept, was crowned â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Hatch %Ĺ&#x2014; ,Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; ,Ĺ&#x2014;ßúÝÿÄ&#x201C;Ĺ&#x2014; .Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; *, -.#!#)/-Ĺ&#x2014; " &-Ĺ&#x2014; ,Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; Year Awards held in UAE recently. Mazda3 has also won the Red Dot Award for product design excellence for the year 2015 and the Best small car in Oman for the year 2014.

The all-new Mazda3 embodies all three elements of Mazdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA: Distinctive Design, Exceptional Functionality, Responsive Handling and Driving Performance. It is available in 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre Skyactiv four-door sedan and ďŹ ve-door hatchback model. In the all-new Mazda3, the

sculpted seats and the extended wheelbase expand its interiors.

Its cabin is split into separate driver and passenger zones.

These are designed for stress-free driving and a secure, relaxing passenger experience.

The cabin connects you to the world through the proprietary MZD connect which includes the )'' ( ,Ĺ&#x2014; )(.,)&Ĺ&#x2014; %() Ĺ&#x2014; 1#."Ĺ&#x2014; 7-inch full colour touch screen display and the next generation Human-Machine Interface system based on the heads-up cockpit concept ensures that you stay in touch with the road.

The Mazda3 combines active safety technology with its occupant and pedestrian-focused passive safety concept. Its safety features are considered the best in its class.

Features include: radar cruise control, rear vehicle monitoring system, distance recognition support system, navigation, smart brake support, among others.

With its Skyactiv technology lineup of efficient, lightweight engines and transmissions on a proven body and chassis system, Mazda3 offers a level of perfor-

mance and driving dynamics mirrored by its looks. Mazdaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engineers have managed to make extreme compression both effective and economical. The new Mazda3 delivers low fuel con-/'*.#)(Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; ĂźĹ&#x2014; '#--#)(-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;3 .Ĺ&#x2014; lives up to its sporty label.

Offering the trendiest of Japanese cars, Mazda has brought in a lot of excitement in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s automobile industry with their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stylish, spirited and insightfulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; branding.

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OAB unveils new ‘Hassad’ scheme for 2nd half of 2015 MUSCAT: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has unveiled its new ‘Hassad’ Savings Scheme for the second half of 2015, allowing customers to win exciting prizes from July through December.

The scheme has over half a million Omani rials to be won over a period of six months.

As a new addition to the ‘Hassad’ draw for this year’s scheme, Oman Arab Bank has introduced two exciting prizes that focus on draws that are more frequent and guaranteed regional winners. Every week there will be a lucky winner of OMR10,000 each and every month there will be one lucky regional winner of OMR20,000, says a press release.

Fahd Amjad, general manager and head of Retail Banking Group said: “The aim of the new ‘Hassad’ savings scheme is based on the principle of rewarding the largest number of our loyal customers from all ages. In addition to that, and in order to cover the largest geographical segment in the Sultanate, the idea of the monthly regional prizes was born. ‘Hassad’ aims to bring more winners to the Sultanate in 2015.”

‘Hassad’ also rewards its younger and female savings account

holders by offering five lucky females each OMR1,000 every month. Ten lucky child account holders will win OMR500 each every month as well. The ‘Hassad’ savings scheme will end the year with a mega draw of OMR50,000 for one lucky winner.

Hana Al Hinai, AGM Wealth Management, Bancassurance and Liabilities said: “Oman Arab Bank always strives to provide creative solutions that suite our valued customer’s financial needs through encouraging them to believe in the concept of saving for the future for them and their families. ‘Hassad’ new saving’s scheme is a very attractive opportunity for anyone who wishes to increase their chances of winning more frequent and guaranteed prizes.”

Oman Arab Bank is a leading bank in Oman where it owns a wide network of branches consisting of 67 branches and 120 ATMs and CDMs spread over the various provinces of the Sultanate. The bank provides a wide range of products and services catered to serve the financial needs for retail customers, corporate customers, and investment customers.

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Ford Escape now comes with attractive package The Ford Escape will be available with three years/ 60,000km free service, gift voucher and raffle coupon for 4 EcoSport to be won in a raffle draw

MUSCAT: Powerful, stylish and tough, Ford’s Escape is ideal for those looking forward to making journeys fun and exciting. The Escape sports a sleek exterior design, refined interiors, smart technology, and outstanding fuel efficiency for a rewarding driving experience.

To make owning an Escape even more remarkable, as part of Ford’s offer, the car will be available with three years/ 60,000km free service, gift voucher and raffle coupon for 4 EcoSport to be won in a raffle

draw, says a press release.

The appealing and remarkable Escape connects with the active lifestyles of enthusiasts. Tough yet stylish, the Escape builds off of Ford’s global SUV expertise and demonstrates how Ford continues to reach new levels of refinement and capability in the fast-growing SUV segment.

The Ford Escape is equipped with an array of innovative features. One of these is Ford’s Active Park Assist, a unique innovation that makes the Escape the first SUV in its segment to park by itself. The Escape uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for

BankDhofar supports Salalah Tourism Festival

This festival is one of the biggest tourism events of the year to showcase Oman’s rich cultural history and its vast tourism potential and stunning beauty. We at BankDhofar are proud to participate in this year’s festival as a gold sponsor and it is our real pleasure to participate in an event of such national significance Ahmed Said Al Ibrahim

Chief Corporate Services Officer, BankDhofar

sor and it is our real pleasure to participate in an event of such national significance.”

Salalah Tourism Festival attracts large numbers of visitors from overseas and within the Sultanate every year. The event allows visitors to experience the unique climate of the Dhofar re-

gion and the cultural heritage and authentic Omani hospitality.

Community development and social involvement is one of the key pillars in BankDhofar operational strategy. The combination of the thorough vision of the bank’s executive management, the comprehensive operational

strategy that revolves around following best international banking practices and providing best customer experience, as well as commitment to community development and contribution to the growth of the national economy, placed BankDhofar on top of the list of best banks in the region.

ENHANCING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

alizz will now issue debit cards instantly MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank announced instant card issuance across its branches by OMA Emirates-Solution Gulf, a leading provider of cutting edge technology for the payment industry.

The new solution will enhance customer support by facilitating branch offices to allow customers to issue debit cards instantly and key in their card PINs on the spot. A key advantage will be doing away with PIN mailers, which would lead to a higher customer satisfaction, says a press release.

Jamal Al Khusaibi, Head of IT Infrastructure of alizz Islamic bank, said: “Customer satisfaction is our primary goal and we look forward to increasing their over-

parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot, taking away the stress of parallel parking from the driver.

It also comes with Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which allows the driver to lock or unlock the driver’s door without taking the key out of a bag or pocket. Sensors around the Escape detect the presence of the key fob and lock or unlock the door when the driver grabs the door handle.

Once inside, the driver can simply push the Start button while holding down the brake pedal to start the engine.

Another is SYNC with MyFord Touch, which offers multiple

ways for customers to manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. The system’s latest look makes phone, entertainment and climate controls even easier to use.

The Escape is available in two options. A 2.5 litre iVCT engine delivering 168 hp power at 6000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. torque at 4500 rpm, while the 2 litre Escape i-4 EcoBoost delivers 240 hp power at 5500 rpm and 270 lb-ft. torque 3000 rpm, each delivering outstanding fuel economy with great performance.

Each engine comes with specifically calibrated six-speed SelectShift automatic transmissions, and allows drivers to manually control gear selection using a switch on the left-hand side of the shifter.

The specially engineered torque converter contributes to smooth shifts, an improved driving feel, and even better fuel economy.

The Escape has been designed to provide high levels of protection and driver support through a range of advanced safety features.

In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co.

C R E AT I V E D E S I G N

GOLD SPONSOR

SALALAH: As the Governorate of Dhofar celebrates the Khareef monsoon season and welcomes visitors from all parts of the Sultanate as well as regional and international tourists; BankDhofar – the leading financial institution in the Sultanate – extended its support to the highly popular Salalah Tourism Festival 2015.

Over the years, BankDhofar has played a key role in sponsoring and supporting various events and festivals across the Sultanate, boosting its presence as an integral part of the community and a major contributor to the social development, in addition to supporting the initiatives that back the country’s efforts towards a sustainable and diverse economy, says a press release.

Commenting on BankDhofar participation in the festivities of Salalah Tourism Festival in 2015, Ahmed Said Al Ibrahim, chief corporate services officer, said: “This festival is one of the biggest tourism events of the year to showcase Oman’s rich cultural history and its vast tourism potential and stunning beauty. We at BankDhofar are proud to participate in this year’s festival as a gold spon-

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all banking experience by adding yet another service which allows them to get a new card instantly across any of our branches. We are certain that OMA Emirates is the right choice for this solution and we look forward to working with them.”

“Speed, data security, safe distribution is important for customers, and we also look forward to the impact it will have on our profitability by eliminating preprinting of cards before personalization, non-existent PIN mailer and flexibility of card stock inventory,” Al Khusaibi added.

The end-to-end instant issuance rollout of the implementation by OMA Emirates will entail

the supply of its Ingenico devices and utilise its in-house Nanoperso instant card personalisation software solution in all branches. An open platform solution, designed to be bi-dependable by allowing the system to work with the bank’s existing card vendors as well as OMA Emirates supplied cards.

“The Instant Card Issuance solution being provided to alizz Islamic bank is an indication of our capability to deploy a complete solution by providing our Ingenico PIN devices, EMV software solutions that are developed in-house, and the ability to offer strong after sales service. Our indepth understanding of the Middle Eastern banking and financial

markets has positioned us to become a strong player in the instant card issuance market and we look forward to assisting the bank with their specific requirement,” said Niranj Sangal, Group CEO, OMA Emirates – Solution Gulf.

The turnkey solution will integrate data from the bank’s Card Management System (CMS), apply strict EMV security procedures by using the latest Hardware Security Module (HSM) supplied by OMA Emirates and enable quick and safer cards to customers. While focusing on instant issuance, OMA Emirates will also concentrate on the highest levels of security standards required by alizz Islamic bank.

Audi presents latest lighting technology GERMANY: Audi is presenting its next step in automotive lighting technology at the IAA (international motor show) in Frankfurt.

The new Matrix OLED lights enable a previously unattainable level of lighting homogeneity, opening up further creative opportunities for design.

As the leading brand in automotive lighting technology, Audi has systematically developed all aspects of OLED technology over the years. Matrix OLED lights combine hi tech engineering and design ideally – initial projects are currently underway to implement OLED technology in production tail lights. They are being shown for the first time in a concept car at

the IAA, says a press release.

OLED is an English acronym for ‘organic light emitting diode’.

In each OLED unit, two electrodes — of which at least one must be transparent — incorporate numerous thin layers of organic semiconductor materials. A low DC voltage — between three and four volts — activates the layers, each of which is less than one thousandth of a millimetre thick, to light them.

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Altima now comes with special EMI With a special offer up for grabs, customers can now avail easy monthly instalment (EMI) rate starting from OMR130 on the Nissan Altima

MUSCAT: The Nissan Altima which breaks new ground for the mid-size sedan segment is handsdown the most engaging vehicle in its class. And if you’ve never driven an Altima before, get ready to have your notion of a mid-size sedan redefined.

With a special offer for grabs, customers can now avail easy monthly instalment (EMI) rate starting from OMR130 on the Nissan Altima, says a press release.

from in-house Auto Finance team.

Easy financing options Nissan customers can also avail easy financing option of a loan term up to 8 years with attractive interest rates from Bank Muscat. Flexible EMIs can also be tailor-made for any individual requirement

Exclusive features Nissan vehicles are known to offer smoother ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish, while delivering breathtaking performance and road-holding.

The Altima comes with the Nis-

san Intelligent Key that allows the owners to drive in comfort and style regardless of the rising temperatures of the Sultanate.

With vehicles facing the brunt of the scorching heat nowadays; drivers are faced with extreme driving conditions. By using the remote engine starter, drivers can get the

car engine running and activate the cooling before they step inside.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: Smart technologies are designed to help monitor conditions like a warning to let the driver know about straying lane, or a system that helps ensure they are travelling on properly inflated tyres.

NissanConnect: This uses hands-free technology, smartphone, and Nissan’s display screen to help customers stay in touch with the outside world from inside their vehicle.

Reverse Sensor (flush type): A seamless sensor designed at the rear bumper of the vehicle makes the Altima look sleek.

Safety Shield technologies: In addition to its many other func-

tions, the Advanced Drive-Assist Display can be linked to three new available safety features — Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Moving Object Detection — typically offered only on more upscale vehicle and first time in the segment.

The Altima offers superior quietness through efforts to reduce cabin noise coming from the powertrain, climate system (increased HVAC mounting rigidity) and the body (increased body rigidity) versus the previous Altima design.

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

NEW OUTLET

Jungle Juice opens in Safeer Plaza SOHAR: Jungle Juice, the largest juice bar in the region, recently opened its second location in Oman — in Safeer Plaza Sohar.

Spreading over 23 stores all over the region and including Africa; Jungle Juice boasts of a vibrant, energetic, upbeat and fun concept combining great taste and natural enhancing ingredients that is a healthy alternative suited for today’s active lifestyles, says a press release.

Jawad Sultan Restaurants, a part of Jawad Sultan Group of Companies; signed to franchise, manage and execute two stores for Jungle Juice. The first store in Oman was launched in December 2014 in Shatti Plaza, Muscat.

Jawad Sultan Restaurants aims at expanding the brand within

the Sultanate.

“We are excited to present our second location for Jungle Juice.

The versatility of this brand and the robust combination of choices will leave customers spoilt for choice. We are confident that our store in Safeer Plaza, Sohar is a delightful addition to customers;

children and adults alike,” said Junaid Kader, general manager of Jawad Sultan Restaurants.

“We aim to make nutrition delicious, quick and convenient. By combining great taste with colour, Jungle Juice serves healthier options. From our customised blends to our in-house special mixes, we guarantee a refreshing experience. Get your family and friends and enjoy our unique assortments of rejuvenating beverages,” commented Cyrus Afifi, founder and CEO of Jungle Juice.

Jungle Juice was conceptualised in Dubai, UAE and aims to spread its wings all over the region. With plans to open soon in Bahrain, Jungle Juice is also available in Angola, Iraq, Muscat and now Sohar.

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IAN BELL READY FOR AUSTRALIA BACKLASH England batsman Ian Bell expects Australia to come back “hard if not harder” in the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge after an embarrassing loss at Edgbaston. >C2

The journey has just begun While the Ministry of Sports Affairs honoured the Oman cricket heroes, Oman Cricket officials said the Sultanate’s cricket team’s journey into the global arena has just began A. SESHAGIRI RAO raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman national team qualifying for the World Twenty20 Championship is being described as a ‘big step’ and a historic achievement. But the officials of both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Oman Cricket (OC), while appreciating the efforts of everyone who contributed to the achievement, expressed their desire to see Oman march further — to take giant strides as they make their maiden foray into the truly global stage and join the big league.

“Clinching the World T20 berth is a big, big step for Oman cricket.

We have reached a higher level.

Now it’s our responsibility to not just stay there but move even further,” Oman Cricket board member Pankaj Khimji said.

Speaking to Times Sport on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony organised on Monday by the Ministry of Sports Affairs to honour the members of the history-making Oman national team, Pankaj said: “It’s a historic achievement for which everyone, not just the players but all those who are involved with the sport, deserve a pat on their backs.

“But it is also time to look ahead to the future.”

The Sultanate squad, under the guidance of Sri Lankan great Duleep Mendis, finished among the top six at the recent ICC World T20 Qualifier jointly hosted by Scotland and Ireland, thereby clinching their maiden berth at the World T20 Championship, the next edition of which will be organised in India next year.

Commitment & cooperation While stating there is still a long

HONOURED: Oman cricketers who won the ACC T20 Cup and later qualified for the World T20 to be held in India next year was felicitated by Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi at a function on Monday. – JUN ESTRADA / Times of Oman

way to go for Oman cricket, Pankaj stressed the need for ‘commitment’ and ‘cooperation’.

“It is just the beginning for us (qualifying for World T20 and gaining T20 International status).

We have a long way to go. The journey is not going to be easy,” he said.

“Commitment and cooperation will be the key to further success.

“We need proper planning and everybody’s cooperation — starting from the administration and technical staff down to coaching staff and the players — to execute those plans.”

“We are at a stage where we need all the help from all quarters, especially on the technical front and from the sponsors,” he added.

“It is important for everyone to be positive and be in the right frame of mind. Especially the boys not only need to maintain their level but it is vital for them to be mentally and physically prepared for the bigger challenges.”

Right preparations Pankaj also said the planning for the ‘right preparations’ for the March 11-April 3 world championship has already been initiated

by Oman Cricket.

“The planning has already started. We had a preliminary meeting to chalk out our plans. But we have not finalised the plans because the team will have a break.

“After all the hard work they have put in, the players as well as the coaching staff deserve a break. We will sit again once Duleep (Mendis) returns from a short holiday, probably end of the August and early September, and finalise all our plans for the team’s preparations,” he said.

The Oman Cricket official also revealed the Ministry of Sports Affairs willingness to provide further support for the team in their preparation for the World T20 event.

“His Excellency Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Saadi has specifically told us to go ahead with our plans while promising to provide us all the support,” he said.

However, thanks to the team qualifying for the world event and gaining the T20 International Status, the Oman Cricket will now be getting sufficient funds from the ICC and that means ‘less dependence’ on the sports ministry.

“Thanks to the ICC funds we

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will be less dependent on the Ministry of Sports Affairs especially in this regard. Despite that His Excellency the minister has assured us of all assistance needed in preparing the team and that is very encouraging for all us,” he said.

Develop local talent Meanwhile, Bandula Warnapura, ICC Regional Development Manager for Asia, attributed Oman’s success in Scotland/Ireland to team ‘peaking at the right time’.

“The players, coaching and technical staff deserve plaudits for Oman’s achievement. Of course, for any team to succeed everything has to click at the right time. And in my opinion the players peaked at the right time for Oman and that contributed to their success,” he said.

The former Sri Lankan Test player also said: “It is just the beginning for Oman. Their journey has just started. Now they have the

responsibility to maintain their status and go further.”

He explained: “The recent performances have elevated the Oman status. They will now get ICC High Performance Progamme fund of $350,000. They also have T20 International status, which is for a period of two years.

“So it is up to them to maintain that status as the cycle starts again in two years time when they will again be going through the qualifying process.”

Warnapura also stressed the need for Oman to focus on World Cricket League (WCL), where they are currently in the Division V. “Oman also need to focus on WCL,” he said of the team that once reached the Division II before dropping back to Division V. “The WCL paves the way for 50-over (One-day International) cricket and it will also lead to Test cricket. That should be their ultimate target, which they should strive to achieve,” he said.

“And to achieve that objective, they need to do a lot in all aspects.

They should also try to tap local talent and groom them for the future,” he added.

Felicitation Earlier, Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed Al Mardouf Al Saadi presided over the felicitation ceremony and handed over the cash prizes. During the ceremony, the ministry also honoured the members of Oman team that won the ACC T20 Championship in the UAE paving the way for their qualification for the Scotland/Ireland event.

In his remarks, the minister said: “We here today to celebrate the big achievement of our national cricket team who for the first time have qualified for the World T20 Championship.

“We would like to congratulate all the players, technical and administrative staff for their sincere efforts in flying the Sultanate’s flag with their accomplishment.”

While promising the ministry’s continued support to the sport, he urged all those involved cricket to ‘double their efforts to win even greater accolades for the country’.

Later in the evening the Oman Cricket under the auspices of its chairman Kanak Khimji too had their own celebrations to honour the herores of Oman cricket.

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Bell ready for Aussie backlash to that point where people were saying this might be my last Test match, I actually got into a simpler, much better mindset,” he said.

“I was going to go out there and give it absolutely everything and what will be, will be.”

Bell, returning to form, made two fifties on his

Applause Bell, who at one stage had scored just 45 runs in seven innings added: “It’s been really tough. You go in and out of form, and sometimes you don’t know where the next run’s coming from and I honestly did feel like that at times.”

The Warwickshire stalwart said the support from his home crowd had helped end his personal slump.

Warwickshire home ground as England beat Australia by eight wickets inside three days to win the third Test and go 2-1 up in the series

BIRMINGHAM: England batsman Ian Bell expects Australia to come back “hard if not harder” in the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge after an embarrassing loss at Edgbaston.

Bell, returning to form, made two fifties on his Warwickshire home ground as England beat Australia by eight wickets inside three days to win the third Test and go 2-1 up in the series.

It was fine recovery by Alastair Cook’s side after England suffered a 405-run thrashing in the second Test at Lord’s.

That match saw Australia bounce back from a convincing 169-run loss in the first Test in Cardiff.

Such has been the see-saw nature of this campaign that 33-yearold Bell, a veteran of 113 Tests, refused to take anything for granted when the fourth match in the series starts at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge ground on Thursday.

“We fully expect Australia to come back hard, if not harder,” Bell told BBC Radio Five’s Sportsweek programme.

“We have to front up again like we did (at Edgbaston),” he added, with England yet to win two Tests

BACK IN FORM: England’s Ian Bell played two good knocks in steering his team to a convincing win. – Reuters

in a row in 2015.

Bell’s position was called into question after two low scores at Lord’s left him with a meagre average of 20.84 in seven Tests this

year. But rather than drop him, England’s selectors promoted Bell to number three in place of Gary Ballance, left out after an equally poor run of form.

Bell, who responded with innings of 53 and 63, said the speculation about his place had been liberating rather than burdensome.

“When things started to get

Incredible support “It’s nice to come to Edgbaston, we’ve had incredible support as a team, but as a local player I felt like when I walked out to bat in particular on day one it was the best applause I’ve ever got in my career, and I felt that the whole crowd was with me and desperate for me to do well.”

Some of the gloss of England’s win was taken off by a side injury to James Anderson which ruled him out playing at Trent Bridge a ground where the paceman has enjoyed phenomenal success in Test cricket.

But while losing their all-time leading wicket-taker is a setback, Bell said it was always unlikely that England would get through the series with an unchanged attack. And having seen how fast bowler Steven Finn took a Testbest six for 79 at Edgbaston, after replacing the injured Mark Wood for his first match at this level since 2013, Bell was confident one of the back-up seamers — including the fit-again Wood — could shine in Anderson’s absence. “(In the 2010/11 Ashes, which England won 3-1) we lost (Stuart) Broad quite early in the series and it gave Tim Bresnan an opportunity, it gave Chris Tremlett an opportunity.

“We were never going to win this series with just 11 players, it was going to be a squad effort and that’s what experience tells me.” - AFP

I N V E S T I G AT I O N

Roebuck inquest set to be reopened SYDNEY: An inquest into the apparent suicide of renowned cricket writer Peter Roebuck in South Africa four years ago is set to be reopened, his former employer reported Monday.

English-born Roebuck, 55, was covering the Test series between South Africa and Australia in 2011 when he plunged to his death from the Southern Sun Hotel in Cape Town.

South African police said he leapt out of a sixth floor window after two officers arrived to arrest him over a claim of sexual assault by a Zimbabwean man.

Australia’s Fairfax Media said his family had since dealt with obstructionism from authorities with a closed hearing in Cape Town into the circumstances of the death in 2013 about which neither they nor the continent’s largest law firm, which represents them, were notified, The newspaper group, which had employed Roebuck since 1984, claimed access to any forensic evidence taken from the hotel room was denied, as was a police toxicology report and fingerprints from the window, while requests for his mobile phone were rejected.

Peter Roebuck’s 87-year-old mother Elizabeth said that as a result she has never had questions answered about how he died while in the custody of two police officers.

The family believes that fingerprints from the window must be produced to prove he opened it amid doubts that he would have been able to do so and jump in the officers’ presence.

“After a struggle of nearly four years since my son lost his life whilst in police custody I am immensely heartened and relieved by the advice from our lawyers in Cape Town that the inquest is to be reopened,” she told Fairfax. - AFP

ASHES

Nevill says beaten Aussies united despite ‘complex’ call BIRMINGHAM: Australia wicketkeeper Peter Nevill has insisted the tourists remain united despite the “complex situation” which saw him included in the side for their third Ashes Test defeat by England.

Nevill made his debut in Australia’s 405-run second Test win at Lord’s after first-choice wicketkeeper Brad Haddin withdrew to be with his sick daughter Mia. The 29-year-old Nevill impressed at Lord’s, with seven catches and 45 in his only innings.

But several former Australia players, notably Matthew Hayden, felt the 37-year-old Haddin should have been recalled for the third Test and went on to question the worth of Australia’s ‘family first’ policy in the light of his absence.

But on-tour selector Rodney Marsh, one of Australia’s greatest wicketkeepers, said Haddin’s form did not warrant a recall, with coach Darren Lehmann subsequently adding selection could not be guaranteed.

Reports in the Australian press, suggested some players were unhappy at a move which could signal the end of Haddin’s 66-Test career.

“It’s obviously a complex situation, but all I can really focus on is I’ve been selected to do that

It’s obviously a complex situation, but all I can really focus on is I’ve been selected to do that job and I had to do it as best as I could Peter Nevill job and I had to do it as best as I could,” Nevill told travelling Australian media in Birmingham before the squad headed across the Midlands for the fourth Test at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge ground starting on Thursday.

Nevill performed well again in the third Test at Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground, where his second innings fifty helped Australia avoid a two-day defeat, although England still won by eight wickets

to go 2-1 up in the series.

Incredibly supportive As for suggestions of dressingroom disharmony, Nevill said: “The atmosphere is great.

“Everyone enjoys each other’s company and laughs and jokes around.

“Obviously it hurts losing, but the focus is now on bouncing back and winning the next Test.”

Meanwhile, Nevill paid trib-

ute to Haddin, his mentor at New South Wales, by saying: “Hadds has just carried himself magnificently.

“Obviously it’s been very difficult circumstances for him since having to pull out of Lord’s, but he’s been incredibly supportive of me and has gone out of his way to make sure I’m as prepared as I can be to play the Test matches.

“He’s a wonderful guy, I’ve said it many times.”

Nevill’s 59 at Edgbaston saw him score a maiden Test fifty and helped give Australia a glimmer of hope in setting England 121 to win.

“To be able to get a lead and something to bowl at, it was great to be able to do that.”

Far from being overawed at replacing Haddin, Nevill said he’d always had confidence in his own ability. “I sort of felt that I’d done the work to get here and I haven’t been concerned that I’m not up to it.”

Indeed he relished his rearguard action at Edgbaston.

“I had a number of moments where the crowd are very vocal and the England quicks were steaming in,” he said.

“I just took a little moment to think to myself ‘how much fun is this?’ I would have loved to have put on more.” - AFP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

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SPORTS Bangladesh defends monsoon Tests The two-Test series ended in an inevitable 0-0 draw after the last two days of the first match in Chittagong were washed out and four out of five days’ play in the second game in Dhaka were lost to bad weather SERIES DRAWN: South Africa skipper Hashim Amla, left, and Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim pose with the trophy at a ceremony

after the fifth day of the second cricket Test match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. – AFP

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s cricket chiefs on Monday defended the decision to host South Africa’s Test series in the monsoon months of July and August, saying no other dates were available.

The two-Test series ended in an inevitable 0-0 draw after the last two days of the first match in Chittagong were washed out and four out of five days’ play in the second game in Dhaka were lost to bad weather. South African captain Hashim Amla said he was frustrat-

ed at being part of what he called a “bizarre” series.

“This is one of the most bizarre Test series I have been involved in,” the usually unflappable Amla said. “I don’t think I have played a series where out of 10 days, six days have been rained off.”

The monsoon season, which usually starts in mid-June, accounts for 80 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall.

Last year the Bangladesh Meteorological Department recorded over 45,000 millimetres (1,771 inches) of rain across the country from June to August.

Unfortunately, the Dhaka Test also coincided with cyclonic storm Komen in the Bay of Bengal, which made landfall on the country’s east coast on Friday and brought heavy rain. A one-off Test against India in Chittagong in June was also aban-

doned after rain washed out nearly nine of the 15 sessions of play.

Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said the tight international schedule of both India and South Africa forced his board to hold Test series for the first time during the monsoons.

“This was the only available slot we got from the South African board,” Chowdhury told AFP. “We had communicated to them the rain

FOOTBALL

Terry brushes off Arsenal’s success LONDON: Chelsea captain John Terry has warned Arsenal that their Community Shield victory over the champions will count for nothing once the real action starts in the Premier League this weekend.

Jose Mourinho’s team were well below their best as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first-half strike gave Arsenal a 1-0 win in the prestigious pre-season friendly at Wembley on Sunday.

Arsenal’s vibrant performance added to the growing sense that the north Londoners, who were already on a high after winning last season’s FA Cup, are ready to mount a sustained bid to wrestle the title away from Stamford Bridge.

But Terry sees it differently and, asked if the result should be taken as an early indication of a switch in the balance of power, the former England defender said: “I don’t think so. It’s one of them where they (Arsenal) will probably come up and say differently.

But win or lose I don’t think you can say that.

“It’s disappointing to lose, of course, because it’s the first trophy of the season, but it’s gone now. You look at the positives from it. I thought we were on top if anything.”

While the Community Shield will be an afterthought by the time the major prizes are handed out in May, Terry is such a driven character that the sight of Arsenal’s players lifting the silverware has added fuel to his competitive fire.

And the 34-year-old says his team-mates are equally chastened by Mourinho’s first defeat in 14 games against Areenal manager Arsene Wenger and will take out their frustrations on Swansea in their Premier League opener.

“Listen, it hurts. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly,” he said.

“Whether it’s against my kids or anything, it’s horrible to lose.

“That’s the mentality I was brought up with. It’s the same with the manager. That’s the attitude he demands on a daily basis.

“We’ve not lost many at Wembley, so it could be a blessing in disguise and a wake-up call.

“This squad has the experience and character. The most important thing is the Swansea game and the three points.”

Cautious approach Terry also dismissed concerns that Diego Costa’s fitness problems — the Spain striker missed the match with a recurrence of a hamstring injury — will be a problem given the underwhelming displays of stand-in Loic Remy and new boy Radamel Falcao.

“Diego’s a top player so he would be missed in all sides, but we have three great strikers and they will all be fighting,” Terry said.

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey says their Wembley success proved they have

finally figured out how to defeat their main rivals.

Ramsey revealed that Wenger believes a more cautious approach, which they adopted to close out the Chelsea match — prompting Mourinho to criticise Arsenal for abandoning their attacking philosophy — is the key to defeating the big guns.

“I think we’ve learnt over the years how to play against the bigger teams now. Sometimes you have to sit in and invite them on and get them on the counter-attack,” Ramsey said. “Chelsea have done that against us ever so well in the past so we sort of used different tactics to get the result.”

After winning last season’s FA Cup final against Aston Villa in swaggering style and finishing strongly in the league, Ramsey sees no reason why Arsenal can’t win the title for the first time since 2004 — provided they avoid the kind of sluggish start that proved so costly last year.

“It was important for us to carry on the good form we are in at the moment,” Ramsey said. “We have to get off to a good start and stay on top.” - AFP

NO WORRIES: Chelsea captain John Terry warns Arsenal not to

get carried away with Community Shield win. – Reuters

Arsenal can challenge for League crown, feels Chelsea’s Cahill LONDON: Chelsea defender Gary Cahill feels Arsenal could mount a strong challenge for the Premier League title, following the champions’ 1-0 defeat to their bitter rivals in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

“They’ve started well, they’ve got a good squad and I think they’ll be one of many pushing at the top this season,” the 29-year-old was quoted as saying on Chelsea’s website (www.chelseafc.com).

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal after 24 minutes was enough to seal a first win in 14 attempts for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger against counterpart Jose Mourinho.

But according to Cahill, there was not much to choose between the London rivals.

“Let’s be fair, the game’s been won on a piece of individual play to smash it in the top corner, but chance-wise we had the majority of the play,” the England defender said.

“I think in terms of possession we had the majority of the game but it’s the scoreline that matters and we’re disappoint-

ed with that,” he added.

Wenger also gave an Arsenal debut to Chelsea legend Petr Cech, who switched between the clubs during the summer.

“He was part of the fixtures and fittings at Chelsea so it’s strange that he’s now left, but he’s a good guy, a fantastic goalkeeper, and last season we were blessed to have two of the best goalkeepers in the game,” Cahill said.

Chelsea won the title in May with a commanding lead of eight points over secondplaced Manchester City and are the bookies’ favourites to retain the trophy when the new season kicks off on Saturday.

More goals Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has set himself a personal target of scoring, or at least make an assist, every time he plays for Arsenal in the new season.

The 21-year-old netted the all-important goal in his side’s 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday and feels he

needs to score more often.

“I got a goal in the Emirates Cup, and it’s what I need to do this year, there’s no doubting that and I’m not afraid to say that I need to score more goals,” the England international told the club’s website (www.arsenal.com).

“I’ve set myself that target this year on a personal level so every time I’m on the pitch it’s important that I try and contribute in some way and a goal or an assist is what I need to do.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s brilliant strike after 24 minutes helped the Gunners to their first win in 14 attempts against a Chelsea side managed by Jose Mourinho.

The midfielder, son of former England international Mark Chamberlain, believes Arsenal’s stout defending reduced Chelsea’s chances in the game.

“We did enough, we defended really well as a team and kept them to minimal chances,” he added.

“That’s really positive going into the season because in the big games that’s what it comes down to sometimes.” - Reuters

factor. But there was no alternative.

“If we did not host them now, we would have had to wait till 2023.”

As for India, Chowdhury added that arranging to host them was the toughest job for any country.

“We all know how busy the Indian team is,” he said. “So we had no choice but to play them in June.”

Bangladesh’s Test captain Mushfiqur Rahim appealed to teams to visit his country between

October and May. “We always want to play the big teams during our cricket season,” he said. “But they are usually busy then.

“The more we play them, the more we will learn.”

Fans will be relieved that Australia’s two Test matches in Bangladesh this year will be held in relatively rain-free October.

The two washed-out Tests against South Africa meant a revision in points that determine official rankings, although the rankings themselves remained unchanged.

Top-ranked South Africa dropped five points, closing the gap with other contenders. Bangladesh gained six points but continued to languish in ninth place, just above Zimbabwe.

Luckily, the weather did not have the final say in the one-day series, where Bangladesh defeated both India and South Africa by 2-1 margins to enhance their growing reputation in the shorter formats.

When the final day’s play at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium was called off on Monday morning, the sun was shining brightly but the outfield was too wet from the earlier drenching to start play.

Play was possible only on the first day of the match when Bangladesh, who won the toss and elected to bat, scored 246 for eight.

The lone bright spot in the match was fast bowler Dale Steyn becoming only the second South African after Shaun Pollock to claim 400 Test wickets. - AFP

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

SPORTS

Ahmad unfortunate to miss out on podium place at Brands Hatch First sustaining a puncture to the left rear tyre of the No. 2 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 on lap 15 while running in fifth place, which resulted in a costly pit-stop, Ahmad was then forced to pull off the circuit on lap 23 when the car lost all drive — believed to be a legacy of the initial hit

MUSCAT: Omani racer Ahmad Al Harthy departed Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit on Sunday, ruing what might have been after a realistic podium bid in round six of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship was halted just 22 laps into the two-hour contest following contact from a rival.

First sustaining a puncture to the left rear tyre of the No. 2 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 on lap 15 while running in fifth place, which resulted in a costly pit-stop, the Oman Racing Team (ORT) driver

FRUSTRATED: Ahmad Al Harthy in front of the pack during the round six of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Brands Hatch

Grand Prix Circuit. – Supplied photo

was then forced to pull off the circuit on lap 23 when the car lost all drive — believed to be a legacy of the initial hit.

“It’s a frustrating way for the weekend to end for sure, we had very good pace and were running as high as fourth during the first part of the race,” Ahmad, who is backed by the Oman Air, Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ooredoo, Nation-

al Bank of Oman and Al Hashar Group, said.

“Under yellow flags, though, (Jon) Minshaw clipped the back of our car and at first I thought it was OK. The contact obviously caused a slow puncture as it had an effect on the performance before the tyre decided to let go. Even after the pitstop, though, we were still in the hunt but I then lost drive and had

to pull over. We’re not completely sure if the driveshaft went as a result of the initial impact from the BMW, either way it’s disappointing as we had a great chance of a very good finish.”

Enjoying a very strong start to the televised contest, the 33-yearold from Muscat instantly gained a place at the beginning to move up from eighth into seventh and then

GOLF

made his way into the top six after half a dozen laps as a result of a spin for the McLaren of Ross Wylie.

Embroiled in a very close multicar battle behind the BMW of third placed Marco Attard, Ahmad piled on the pressure to the sister Oman Racing Team-run Aston Martin of Liam Griffin. Then, at the end of lap 11 as the lead group headed through Clearways, a spin for Andrew Jar-

man’s Aston, while dicing with Attard, elevated Ahmad into fifth.

Continuing to seek a way past Griffin, the Omani battled hard for fourth place and the pair traded position. As the race headed into lap 15, Ahmad was fifth again and after being clipped by the BMW of Jon Minshaw the resulting puncture followed.

After rejoining in 11th position following a swift wheel change in the pits, Ahmad made his way back into the top 10 on lap 21 at Druids with a great move on the Ferrari of Hector Lester and he set about making his way back up the order prior to the driver-change at mid-distance.

Just two laps later, though, the Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa ambassador had to pull off the circuit on the run out of Surtees onto the GP loop when his Oman Racing Team car lost all drive — a bitterly disappointing retirement.

“We had a very good car this weekend, qualifying went well and (teammate) Dan (Lloyd) and I had good pace so it’s even more frustrating to have missed out on some good points this way,” added Ahmad. “We’re determined to turn things around at Snetterton in a few weeks.”

There are now three weeks to wait until the next instalment of Avon Tyres British GT Championship action at Snetterton in Norfolk on August 22 and 23.

Provisional 2015 Avon Tyres British GT Championship GT3 driver standings: 6. Ahmad Al Harthy/Daniel Lloyd, 46 pts. Provisional 2015 Avon Tyres British GT Championship GT3 Silver Cup: 1. Ahmad Al Harthy/Daniel Lloyd, 81.5 pts. Provisional 2015 Avon Tyres British GT Championship GT3 team standings: 2.

Oman Racing Team, 156.5 pts.

CRICKET

Kakko credits Oman win after European Tour breakthrough

Bradman relatives express unease with expanded museum

MUSCAT: Roope Kakko became only the second Finnish European Tour winner in history as he put together a sensational final round 63 at Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra to win by three from Scotland’s Scott Henry at the Madeira Islands Open — Portugal — BPI and immediately credited his victory in the 2013 National Bank of Oman Golf Classic as laying the groundwork for the victory.

The 33 year old won the inaugural edition of the European Challenge Tour event at the stunning Almouj Golf at The Wave Muscat two years ago to seal his place on last season’s European Tour.

It was the first time a Challenge Tour tournament had been staged in Oman and Kakko, who has been back playing on the Challenge Tour this season but now gains immediate exemption for The European Tour until the end of the 2016, believes the experience of that victory on the Greg Normandesigned course was invaluable in helping him get over the line in Portugal when the heat was on.

“I’m speechless,” said Kakko who set a new Madeira Islands Open tournament record winning total of 24 under par 264. “I came here to try and win this event and change my career so I’m over the moon to have done it.

“There was a lot of pressure but I had some pretty good thoughts in me, so I was able to handle it today.

Sometimes it doesn’t go the way you plan it but it all went my way today.

“This is definitely the best moment of my career but I have to

SYDNEY: Relatives of Australian cricket legend Donald Bradman have revealed simmering tensions with a foundation that bears his name, disagreeing with the expansion of a museum celebrating his life.

The Bradman Museum, in the cricketer’s boyhood hometown of Bowral south of Sydney, became the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010, a move his family believe he would not have wanted.

“He wanted (the Bradman Museum) to be a small local entity,” his son John Bradman told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“And of course it is now greatly expanded in ways that he would not have supported.”

The Bradman Foundation, which was established in 1987 with the support of the cricketer and owns a range of his trademarks, defended the decision, saying they wanted it to remain relevant.

“We had to ensure it could engage with new audiences and we were also in an era where the game of cricket was evolving at a rate that far exceeded anything in Sir Donald Bradman’s time,” the foundation’s executive director Rina Hore told the ABC. “And we needed to ensure that we had global international content so that our visitors that came to this museum could see their own heroes.”

Bradman’s granddaughter Greta Bradman said the cricketer’s family members “don’t expect others to necessarily feel the same

SPEECHLESS: Roope Kakko celebrates his victory at the Madeira Islands Open in Portugal. – Supplied photo

say that it really helped me to have won two years ago on the Challenge Tour in Oman. I was at a stage where I really needed to win and I did it, and that really helped me today, calmed me down when the pressure was on.”

The Oman event has this year been elevated to the status of the Challenge Tour’s season-ending climax, the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final. Taking place from November 4 to 7 at Almouj Golf, the hotly anticipated showcase will see the top

45 players on the Road to Oman Rankings competing for not only the prestigious tournament title also one of the coveted spots on next season’s European Tour on offer for the top 15 ranked players following the conclusion of play.

Bradman wanted (the museum) to be a small local entity.

But the Bradman Foundation, which was established in 1987 with the support of the cricketer and owns a range of his trademarks, defended the decision, saying they wanted it to remain relevant

way or feel as strongly as we do”.

“But if you can imagine a loved family member and having no control over their name or their likeness, and having it used in a way that you know would be profoundly not okay with that individual — it’s just something that we can’t live with.”

Bradman, widely considered the greatest cricketer of all time, retired in 1948 with a Test average of 99.94. He died in 2001 aged 92. - AFP

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

SPORTS

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ON A HIGH: The Sultanate of Oman in action at the 2015 Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour, Kiel Cup, in Germany. – Supplied photo

Sultanate of Oman keep overall lead at Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour By the end of the final day’s racing, Sultanate of Oman had notched up a string of podium positions including an impressive win in the last race which kept them in third place, 20 points behind runaway winners Alinghi LEAD PRESERVED: The crew of Sultanate of Oman celebrate on the podium. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Oman Sail’s GC32 Sultanate of Oman finished the Kiel Cup in Germany on a high to maintain their overall lead in the 2015 Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour season ranking.

By the end of the final day’s racing, which once more was curtailed by a lack of wind in the morning, Leigh McMillan’s crew had notched up a string of podium

positions including an impressive win in the last race which kept them in third place, 20 points behind runaway winners Alinghi.

But their strength in the first two

events of the series, with a win in Austria and finishing as runnersup in Cowes, means that the Sultanate of Oman’s overall lead was preserved but reduced to a single

HEMPEL PAINTS UNITED KERALA WIN NEW GENERATION CUP

Hempel Paints United Kerala won the second edition of the New Generation Cup football tournament. Goa United and Rawnaq Sohar finished as first and second runners-up respectively. The eight-a-side tournament was organised by a group of working youngsters (former ISWK students) in association with the football team Tito’s FC. The tournament was inaugurated by Arun Pandey, Managing Director of Al Yam Enterprises. Al Yam Enterprises was the gold sponsor for the tournament. The event was also graced by Nabeel Najeeb, General Manager of SHIPCO LLC. SHIPCO LLC, SITCO LLC and Capital Glass LLC were silver sponsors. Refreshments were sponsored by National Mineral Water Co. and Relish Multi Cuisine Veg Restaurant.

The sound for the tournament was provided by Talents Music Center. — Supplied photo

point ahead of their Swiss rivals.

“It was a good day”, said McMillan who on Wednesday had to manage a last minute change of crew when Pete Greenhalgh became ill and Paul Campbell James, who stood in for Leigh at the end of the Cowes Cup and for the Round the Island Race, stepped in.

“We kept it pretty positive as we always try to do, looking to the next day or the one after. We were determined to finish on a high note though knew there was a lot to do to move up on the leaderboard, especially with the lack of racing. So we wanted to finish off with some decent results and I feel we did that.

It’s a shame it was the last day!”

“It was really good on the boat today. We were starting to figure it out as a new team and working better on our communication, discussing things through, getting our heads out of the boat so it was a step forward. We had some good starts and managed to convert them into good results.”

The GC32 fleet has competed all week in front of massive crowds, as the Extreme 40s did last week in Hamburg, which demonstrates a substantial appetite for sailing in Germany, with many of them were cheering for Oman, said Sultanate of

Oman’s bowman Nasser Al Mashari.

“It was great to see so many people coming down to watch and really nice to hear them cheering – for us I am sure! There were also a lot of crowds in Hamburg at the Extreme 40s and many of them were cheering for Oman. German tourists are the second highest visitors to Oman, and I think this relationship with the country is why so many of them came down to the boat to see us and support us.”

After the challenges posed by crew changes and the disruptions for weather, a third place in Kiel was entirely satisfactory, Al Mashari added.

“We are happy with third place, bearing in mind the conditions, and if there had been more races, we could have finished in second, but we lost one full day and quite a few races today and yesterday.

Some you win, some you lose, but overall, we are happy.”

It has been an intensive two weeks for McMillan and his crew with the Hamburg and Kiel events but now there is a short break before they travel to St Petersburg in Russia for the next round of Extreme Sailing Series before the fourth Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour kicks off in Rome, Italy, on August 27.

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Olympics chief Bach vows ‘zero tolerance’ for tainted results Blatter gives up IOC membership

While Bach vowed “zero tolerance”

KUALA LUMPUR: FIFA President Sepp Blatter was relieved of his International Olympic Committee (IOC) ex officio membership on Monday, seven months before he will be replaced as the head of soccer’s governing body, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Monday.

Blatter would ordinarily have been re-elected for another eight-year term as a procedural matter at the ongoing IOC Session in Malaysia, along with more than a dozen other members, but would be required to stand down when he left FIFA at the end of February.

The 79-year-old Swiss was re-elected for a fifth term as FIFA president in Zurich on May 29 but announced he would lay down his mandate just four days later in the wake of the worst crisis in the soccer authority’s history.

FIFA was thrown into

for any Olympics athletics results tainted by doping, the head of world athletics said new revelations were part of a campaign to “redistribute” medals

KUALA LUMPUR: IOC President Thomas Bach on Monday vowed “zero tolerance” for any Olympics athletics results tainted by doping, but the head of world athletics said new revelations were part of a campaign to “redistribute” medals.

Allegations of mass doping made by German broadcaster ARD and the Sunday Times newspaper of Britain have plunged athletics into a new cheating crisis less than three weeks before the world championships start in Beijing.

ARD and the Sunday Times obtained an athletics world body database that they said indicated up to one third of medals involving endurance events at world championships and Olympics from 2001 to 2012 were won by competitors who have given suspicious doping tests.

“If there should be cases involving results at Olympic Games, the IOC will act with zero tolerance with our usual policy,” Bach told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

“But at this time we have nothing more than allegations and we have to respect the presumption of innocence for the athletes.”

READY TO ACT: President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach speaks at the

closing news conference following the IOC executive board meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. – Reuters

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Lamine Diack told an IOC meeting that the world body would answer the allegations.

“Behind all this there is a desire to redistribute medals, take care of this,” Diack, who will stand down as IAAF president this month, warned IOC members.

‘Very alarmed’ It is the second time in seven months that the IAAF has been thrown onto the defensive by doping. An ARD documentary in December claimed there was widespread doping in Russian athletics.

Both sets of allegations are being investigated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) which said it was “very alarmed”.

Athletics chiefs around the world have called for a thorough inquiry.

“The accusations made must

be properly investigated. We welcome the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to probe the allegations made,” said Athletics Australia president Phil Jones.

ARD and the Sunday Times newspaper said a “whistleblower” had handed over the IAAF database giving details of 12,000 blood tests from 5,000 competitors which revealed “extraordinary” levels of doping.

Russian and Kenyan athletes feature strongly in the new claims.

A large number of the “abnormal” results were from Russian athletes, said the reports. “A remarkable 80 percent of Russia’s medal winners had recorded suspicious scores at some point in their careers,” the Sunday Times said.

But Russia’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko called the new allegations “nonsense” that were part of a power struggle within IAAF before its election for a new presi-

INFLUENTIAL

dent this month. Former British runner Sebastian Coe and pole vault legend Sergey Bubka are standing for the IAAF presidency.

Both have called for a tough response to doping in athletics.

‘Suggestive of doping’ ARD said there was “massive corruption” within Kenya’s athletics establishment and “a desire to cover-up doping... to the summit of the Kenyan athletics federation”.

The ARD/Sunday Times reports also said: More than 800 athletes among those on the database recorded blood tests which experts said were “highly suggestive of doping or at the very least abnormal”.

The tests showed an increasing use of blood transfusions and hard-to-detect EPO micro-doses to boost red cell count and performances.

In some finals at the Olympics and world championships, every athlete in the three medal positions had recorded a suspicious blood test.

Robin Parisotto, one of two Australian experts who studied the results, said: “Never have I seen such an alarmingly abnormal set of blood values. So many athletes appear to have doped with impunity, and it is damning that the IAAF appears to have idly sat by and let this happen.” Adam Pengilly, a British member of the IOC, said Monday that the IAAF has been “quiet” over the past year and should do more to “promote clean athletics”.

The IAAF has promised to

turmoil two days ahead of its presidential election when more than a dozen officials and sports marketing executives were indicted by the United States on bribery, money laundering and wire fraud charges.

Although Blatter has not been accused of any wrongdoing, his stewardship has been heavily criticised and his troubled reign, that began in 1998, will come to an end when he is replaced by the winner of FIFA’s next presidential election on February 26. The Swiss has been an ex officio member of IOC since 1999.

“Mr Blatter wrote me a letter on July 23 informing me that it would be inappropriate to seek another eight-year term as he was retiring from his position at FIFA in seven months when a new president will be selected on Feb. 26,” Bach said. - Reuters

release a statement quickly on claims that it has failed to act on evidence.

Any sanctions are likely to be a drawn-out process however, as the WADA investigation will be extended by the new allegations.

WADA President Craig Reedie has called the new allegations “very disturbing” and said they would “once again, shake the foundation of clean athletes worldwide”.

Reedie had hoped to receive a report from an independent commission in September on the earlier allegations on doping in Russian athletics. This will now be pushed back by the new claims, he said. - AFP

FOOTBALL

Kingmaker Sheikh Ahmad coy about who should succeed Blatter KUALA LUMPUR: As the candidates hoping to succeed FIFA’s outgoing president Sepp Blatter continue to lobby for support, the political kingmaker who could have a big influence on who gets the job says world soccer has more to worry about than picking its next boss.

Having been conspicuously quiet on the topic of who he thinks should lead FIFA when Blatter stands down next year Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah of Kuwait said that FIFA’s problems were much bigger than just the leadership.

Rather than worry about who the next chief will be, Sheikh Ahmad said FIFA’s top priority was

getting its house in order before the February 26 election.

“I think the first thing we have to see is that the reforms are going in the right direction,” he said at the International Olympic Committee’s session in Malaysia on Monday. “I think FIFA needs reforms before anything else.”

Although he keeps a relatively low public profile, Sheikh Ahmad is one of the most influential people in sports politics, holding key positions on both the International Olympic Committee and FIFA. A former officer and oil minister in Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmad joined the IOC in 1992, and has risen to the role of president of the Olym-

pic Council of Asia (OCA) and president of the powerful Association of National Committees.

Earlier this year, he extended his influence into world soccer when he was voted on to FIFA’s executive committee, elected unopposed as one of Asia’s representatives.

Mooted as a possible FIFA president himself one day, Sheikh Ahmad has not thrown his hat into the ring to replace Blatter, leaving the other applicants vying for his endorsement. Although FIFA has never elected an Asian as its president, the world’s most populated region has a big influence on soccer’s global governing body because of the high number of votes it gets. - Reuters

A file photo of Oman under-16 national team.

Oman U-16 team start training ahead of GCC and AFC events MUSCAT: Oman under-16 team are undergoing a training-cumconditioning camp as part of their preparations for the future challenges, including the GCC Under-16 Championship and the AFC Under-16 Championship qualifiers.

According to information received from the Oman Football Association (OFA) on Monday, coach Yacoob Al Sabahi has called up 26 probables for the camp.

The team are undergoing two separate sessions at two different venues — morning session at Haya Water playground and the evening session at Ahli-Sidab Club ground.

The GCC U16 tournament is scheduled to be organised in the

Qatari capital of Doha from August 20 to 29.

In the AFC U16 Championship qualifiers, Oman are placed in Group B, the matches of which will be played in Kyrgyzstan from September 12 to 26. The group also comprises Nepal, hosts Kyrgyzstan and Jordan.

The AFC U16 Championship is scheduled to be organised in India from September 15 to October 2.

Oman U-16 probables: Yousef Al Shiyadi, Mohammed Al Shekaili, Nawaf Jasim, Mohammed Al Khamisi (Suwaiq), Isam Al Makhzomi, Al Yaqdhan Khamis Al Meshaifri, Mutasim Al Bakri, Yousef Al Maliki and Yahya Al Hudaifi (Seeb), Islam Al Hinai, Said Al Si-

yabi (Al Rustaq), Naji Al Ghailani, Omar Rabie (Sur), Al Khidher Al Balushi, Muaz Al Jahdhami (Bausher ), Najeeb Khadim, Sultan Said (Al Nasr), Mohammed Al Qaidi, Thamer Al Zaabi (Al Salam), Sanad Al Araimi, Mohammed Al Alawi (Al Auroba), Haider Al Ajmi (Saham), Abdullah Al Darmaki (Al Khaboura), Mohammed Al Shekaili (Ibri), Al Bara Al Mawali (Al Shabab) and Laith Nasser Al Said (Oman).

Officials: Coach: Yacoub Al Sabahi; Assistant coach: Hilal Al Aufi; Team manager: Nabil Al Balushi; Physiotherapist: Mohammed Al Harthi; Goalkeepers coach: Shakir Al Balushi and Adminstrator: Bader Al Battashi.

SOCCER

Lambert hopes to win back England place LONDON: Striker Rickie Lambert is hopeful his move to West Bromwich Albion will help him win back his place in Roy Hodgson’s England set-up.

The 33-year-old joined West Brom from Liverpool on a twoyear deal on Friday, becoming the Baggies’ third signing of the close

season after James Chester and James McClean.

He fell off Roy Hodgson’s radar soon after moving to Liverpool last season, where he found his opportunities limited to just seven Premier League starts. “It is only two years ago that I scored against Scotland. I scored 15 goals

and then 13 goals for Southampton and obviously it is over a year since I did that but I have just got to get back to that now,” he said.

He made the last of his 11 international appearances as an 80th minute substitute in England’s 3-1 win against Scotland at Celtic Park in November 2014. - Reuters

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PHOTOGRAPHY VENECIO DATAN

A

ristophanes, one of Greece’s oldest comedic playwrights once famously remarked, “You, who dare insult the lentil soup, sweetest of delicacies” and contemporary American author, Laurie Colwin, refers to the legume as the “Miss Congeniality of the Bean World”.

Indeed, from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, it’s rare to find an ingredient as versatile as the lentil, which works well with just about any flavour combination, has tons of protein (Unlike meat which provides proteins but is loaded with fat, a bowl of lentils have just about 2 grams of fats and 18 grams of protein), and is quick and easy to prepare.

Lentils have been grown in the Middle East for over 13,000 years and the legumes featured as key ingredients in ancient recipes from present day Italy, Greece, Turkey, Palestine, Syria, and India. You can find various types of lentils in the supermarkets: brown ones that have a deep, earthy taste; the red and yellow ones, which are a little sweet and nutty; and green lentils that lend a peppery bite.

Here in Oman, we can find an especially good selection of lentils, so experiment with different varieties, tasting them on their own to get an idea of their natural taste, and then add them along with other complimentary elements to your soups, rice dishes, or on their own.

On the next page, find three of my favourite recipes, from Italy to India, which make use of black, green, and yellow lentils.

INGREDIENTS FOR BOLLITO MISTO (ITALIAN LENTIL STEW WITH VEGETABLES & MEAT)

Ċ 100g brown lentils Ċ 1/2 carrot, minced Ċ 1/2 celery, minced Ċ 1 onion, minced Ċ 1 bay leaf Ċ 2-3 black peppercorns Ċ 1 garlic clove Ċ 2-3 thyme sprigs Ċ 50g lamb, chopped Ċ 300ml chicken stock Ċ Salt and pepper Ċ Olive oil

FOR MUJADDARA (MIDDLE EASTERN LENTILS WITH RICE)

Ċ 1 cup yellow lentils Ċ 3/4 cup rice Ċ 1 tsp cumin seeds Ċ 1/2 tsp ground cumin Ċ 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Ċ 5-6 peppercorns Ċ 2 tbsp pine nuts Ċ 3-4 onions, thinly sliced Ċ 1tsp lemon juice Ċ 1 small cinnamon stick Ċ 4tbsp olive oil Ċ Salt and pepper Ċ Pine nuts (toasted), for garnish

FOR URAD DAL (INDIAN SPICED BLACK LENTILS) Ċ 250g urad dal (black lentils), soaked for 6 hours Ċ 2 onions, chopped Ċ 1tbsp ginger-garlic paste Ċ 1 tomato, chopped Ċ 1tsp turmeric powder Ċ 1tsp red chilli powder Ċ 1tbsp coriander powder Ċ 1tsp cumin seeds Ċ Salt and pepper Ċ 1tbsp oil

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

Eating healthy for the ageing brain

“BOLLITO MISTO” ITALIAN LENTIL STEW WITH VEGETABLES & MEAT

People who are having healthier diets with higher quantities of vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, soy products and moderate alcohol intake are at a reduced risk of cognitive decline as they get older, says new research. The team from Ontario-based McMaster University tracked the health and habits of 28,000 people who were taking part in two international studies across 40 countries. Researchers found that of the 5,700 people with the healthiest diets, 14 per cent had developed cognitive decline. On the other hand, in the 5,460 people with the least healthy diets, about 18 per cent of them experienced cognitive decline. The unhealthy foods were red meat, deep-fried foods and sweets. It may not sound like a big difference but it is about a 24 per cent reduction in risk for the people on healthy diets. “The consumption of ‘healthy’ choices may be beneficial but the effect may be reduced with the consumption of ‘unhealthy’ choices,” Forbes reported, quoting the researchers. For example, the beneficial effect of fruit may be lost if prepared with high amounts of fats or sugars. “Our data suggest that an overall healthy diet is more important than the consumption of any one particular food,” study author Andrew Smyth emphasised. Healthy diets are rich in antioxidants and are excellent for the brain health. — IANS

PREPARATION

Ċ Soak the lentils for at least 4 hours before cooking. ĊPut the lentils and all the other ingredients together in a deep sauce pan and let them simmer for around 2 hours. Ċ Serve hot with garlic bread.

“MUJADDARA” MIDDLE EASTERN LENTILS WITH RICE PREPARATION

Ċ Boil the lentils until par cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside. Ċ Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat; add cumin seeds and peppercorns and cook for a minute or until fragrant. Add onions and caramelise, 10-20 minutes. Add ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon stick. Season to taste with salt and pepper and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes. Ċ Add the rice along with 1 1/2 cups of water. Let simmer until the rice is nearly cooked, 10-15 minutes. Ċ Add the par cooked lentils and simmer until the water has been absorbed, another 5-10 minutes.

Remove from heat and adjust seasonings to taste. Ċ Serve hot and garnish with roasted pine nuts.

Ditch the beef, save the planet

“URAD DAL” INDIAN SPICED BLACK LENTILS PREPARATION

Ċ Heat oil in a pan over medium low heat. Add cumin seeds and cook until fragrant. Add onion and sauté until golden brown. Ċ Add ginger-garlic paste and mix well. Cook for a minute and add tomatoes. Stir again. Ċ After a few minutes, add all the dry spice powders along with 2 tbsp of water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Ċ Season with salt and pepper, then cover completely with water and simmer until cooked through and tender, about 20-30 minutes (or three whistles in a pressure cooker). Ċ Serve hot alongside chapati or steamed rice.

A vegan diet is the most climate-friendly, but we can continue eating animal protein and still make a major contribution to the earth by replacing beef with poultry and cutting down our consumption of milk and cheese, according to a study by David Bryngelsson from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, which examined how the climate would be impacted if humans were to change their diet.

“Cattle ranching is already responsible for 15 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions that humans cause,” observed Bryngelsson, noting that increased consumption of beef runs counter to the goal of limiting the temperature increase to two degrees Celsius. Technical improvements in the production chain can to a certain extent also reduce the food industry’s climate impact, but cattle are still the biggest problem. It is difficult to change the fact that they need a lot of feed and that they release methane as they ruminate. — IANS

Pallavi Nigam

Pallavi Nigam completed her culinary education at ICIF in Italy and worked as a chef for Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. She is now based in Muscat where she writes recipes and teaches cooking classes.

Contact her: pallavi_nigam@hotmail.com twitter @pallavizzao pallavizza.com

Problematic Pasta

Pasta is an easy-to-make, super-satisfying family meal. And as simple as cooking pasta is, there are plenty of ways to end up with mushy, sticky, or clumpy noodles. Here are few common ‘pasta pains’ and how to avoid them. By Swati Dasgupta

1. Pick the right pot While boiling pasta, don’t use a pot or a vessel that is too small. The vessel should be big enough to hold enough water to completely cover the pasta. Don’t try to squeeze in more pasta than the pot can accommodate, as this will lead to sticky, mushy texture.

2. Salt your water Remember to salt your water well before

boiling pasta. Salt both seasons the noodles and prevents them from getting slimy.

3. Wait to add the noodle Add pasta only when the water boils. If you add it before, you risk over cooked, mushy strands.

4. Stir Always stir pasta as soon as you add it to the boiling water to avoid clumping.

5. Time it right Check you noodles often and remove them when they still have some bite to the texture, as they will continue to cook as they sit in the strainer.

Struggling with a kitchen calamity of your own? Want advice? Share your horror stories and your cooking tips with swati@timesofoman.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: VENECIO DATAN (LENTILS)

KITCHEN CALAMITIES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

C9

LIFESTYLE MEXICAN GUACAMOLE (MASHED AVOCADO DIP)

Easy to make and fun to eat, dips may be one of the world’s greatest party foods. They can be prepared ahead of time and left on the buffet all night as accompaniments to tortilla or potato chips, toasted pita bread, pillowy flatbread, sliced baguette, or eeing crudité (a fancy term for sliced raw veggies), freeing ering. up the host to enjoy the gathering.

Here are a few favourites from around the globe. com felicia@timesofoman.com

Ingredients Ċŗŗ1 avocado Ċŗŗ2 cloves garlic Ċŗŗ1 small chilli (or chilli powder) ĊŗŗSalt, to taste ĊŗŗHandful coriander leaves Ċŗŗ1 lime Preparation Cut the avocado in half, remove the seed, and scoop the soft green interior out into a bowl. Mince the garlic and chilli and then mash with the avocado until a chunky texture is achieved. Add salt, torn coriander leaves, and squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Mix and adjust seasonings to taste. Feel free to add chopped onion or chopped tomato for added texture and colour. Don’t worry if you are missing an ingredient, at its most basic guacamole is just mashed avocado and garlic seasoned with salt.

Great with tortilla chips or fried plantain bananas

IRANIAN KASHKE BADEMJAN (CREAMY PERSIAN EGGPLANT AND CARAMELISED ONION DIP) Ingredients Ċŗŗ1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds Ċŗŗ1 large onion, diced Ċŗŗ3 cloves garlic, minced ĊŗŗOlive oil Ċŗŗŗ1/4 cup Greek yoghurt (or Kashk, a Persian dried yoghurt, if you can find it) ĊŗŗSalt and pepper ĊŗŗDried mint

FIERY BRAZILIAN SALSA Ingredients Ċ 20 Thai/Birdseye chillies, minced Ċ 3-4 limes (5tbsp of juice) Ċ Handful of coriander leaves Ċ 2tbsp olive oil Ċ 1 medium tomato, diced Ċ 1 small yellow or white onion, minced Ċ Salt to taste Preparation Chop your vegetables as directed above, then mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and add salt and additional lime to taste. The flavours develop as this salsa sits, so keep it in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.

Great with flatbread, baguette or toasted pita

AMERICAN SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP

Preparation Sprinkle eggplant rounds with salt and let drain for 10 minutes in a colander in the sink (the salt draws out excess moisture). Preheat oven to broil. Rinse eggplant and pat dry, then arrange slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and salt. Roast for 5-10 minutes, turning once, until the eggplant is soft and beginning to brown. Remove and set aside to cool.

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 10 minutes or a bit longer, until they are soft and brown. Add the garlic and let cook a minute more. Remove the skin from the cool eggplant and add the flesh to a bowl along with the onion mixture and Greek yoghurt.

Mash and season with salt and pepper to taste; top with dried mint.

LEBANESE HUMMUS BIL LAHM (HUMMUS WITH PINE NUTS AND LAMB)

Ingredients Ċŗŗ1/2 cup sour cream Ċŗŗ1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper Ċŗŗ3 garlic cloves, minced Ċŗŗŗŗ1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped Ċŗŗŗ1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry Ċŗŗ2 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened ĊŗŗRed pepper flakes (optional) Ċŗŗŗ1 - 1/2 cups (6 ounces) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided Ċŗŗ1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Ingredients For the Hummus: Ċŗŗ2 cups canned or cooked chickpeas Ċŗŗ1 clove garlic, minced Ċŗŗ1 tsp salt Ċŗŗ1 lemon, juice only Ċŗŗ1/2 cup tahini For the lamb: Ċŗŗ1 lb chopped lamb shoulder or ground

Preparation Combine all ingredients except the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add 1 cup mozzarella and 2tbsp of Parmesan cheese and mix well.

Place mixture in a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 180 C/Mark#4 for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling hot.

If the top has not browned, finish the dish under the broiler for a few minutes.

ITALIAN-INSPIRED LEMON PARMESAN DIP Ingredients Ċŗŗ1 - 1/2 cups mayonnaise Ċŗŗ3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Ċŗŗ2 tbsp fresh lemon juice Ċŗŗŗ1 tsp Dijon mustard (regular mustard is fine if you can’t find Dijon) Ċŗŗŗ1 clove garlic, mashed with a pinch of salt to make a paste ĊŗŗZest of 1 lemon ĊŗŗŗKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Preparation Mix all ingredients together and let chill.

lamb (beef can also be used) cup lemon juice Ċŗŗ2 garlic cloves, minced Ċŗŗ1 tsp salt Ċŗŗ2 tbsp sumac, divided Ċŗŗ1 tbsp butter Ċŗŗ1 tbsp olive oil Ċŗŗ1/4 tsp cinnamon Ċŗŗ1/4 cup toasted pine nuts ĊŗŗOlive oil for garnish Ċŗŗ1/4

Great with crudité

Preparation Blend all the hummus ingredients, drizzling in up to a cup of water, until the desired creamy texture is achieved.

Adjust salt and lemon to taste. Set hummus aside in the refrigerator. To make the meat, combine lamb, lemon juice, garlic, salt and 1 tbsp sumac in a bowl.

Mix and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. Drain meat and pat dry. Heat oil and butter over medium high heat and sauté the lamb until it is nicely browned. Season with remaining 1 tbsp of sumac and the cinnamon and add salt to taste. Toast pine nuts in a dry pan. To serve, top hummus with the lamb and pine nuts along with a drizzle of good olive oil.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

@SHATTI

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BAHJA CINEMA

Terminator: Genisys (Action / Adventure) Cast: Arnold Schwarznegger, Emily Clarke 1.45, 9.45 & 11.55 pm CP No: 1714 (PG 12) Ted 2 (Comedy) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Seth Mc Farlane, Amanada Seyfried 4.00 & 7.45 pm CP No: 1887 (12+) Minions ( Animation/ Comedy) 6:00 pm; CP No: 1731 (PG) The Night Crew ( Action/Thriller) Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss 2.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm; CP No: 1886 (15+) Tooken (Comedy) Cast: Ethan Suplee, Jenny Mc Carthy, Donnie Wahlberg 12.00, 4.00 & 8.00 pm CP No: 1885 (18+) How To Make Love Like An Englishman (Comedy / Romance ) Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba 12.00 & 6.00 pm CP No: 1888 (12+)

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6pm) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Ant Man (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 12:30, 7:15, 9:30, 11:45 pm Ant Man (2D)(Action, Adventure) (PG12) 2:45 pm Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Drama)(PG) Cast : Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, 6:30, 11:30 pm Terminator: Genisys (Action, Adventure) (3D)PG12 Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, 11:45 pm Minions (Animation, Comedy)(3D) PG 12:00, 2:30 pm Tooken (Comedy)(18+) Cast: Ethan Suplee, Jenny McCarthy, Donnie Wahlberg 4:30 pm Ted 2 (Comedy)(12+) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried 2:00, 5:00, 9:30 pm Paper Towns (Drama,Mystery)(15+) Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Austin Abrams 4:15, 6:15 pm Drishyam (Drama, Mystery)(PG12) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 11:30 am, 8:30 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL How to Make Love Like an Englishman 2D (Comedy, Romance) (12+) Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba 12:45PM Ted 2 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried 10:30AM, 4:15PM Gold Class : 1:30PM Ant-Man 3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12)

10:30am, 4:15pm TED 2 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast : Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Seth MacFarlane

12:30, 7:15, 9:30, 11:45 pm ANT-MAN 3D (Action, Adv) (PG12) Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll

10:00AM, 9:30, 11:45PM Gold Class: 3:45, 9:00, 11:15PM Ant-Man 2D (Action, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) 2:00PM Drishyam 2D (Drama, Mystery) (PG12) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 8:45PM Gold Class: 6:00PM Paper Towns 2D (Drama, Mystery) (15+) Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne 4:30, 6:40PM Terminator Genisys (3D): (Action) (PG12) 11:55PM Minions (3D) (Animation, Comady) (PG) 12:15, 2:45PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D): (Drama) (PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Harshaali Malthotra 6:30PM

SCREEN 2 Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Harshaali 3.45, 9.45 PM Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 6.45 PM

SOHAR Terminator Genisys - 3D (PG12) Action, 6:00, 11:30 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) Drama, Action 3:15, 8:15 PM Minions - 3D (PG); 4:15 PM Baahubali - 2D (Hindi) (12+) Action 9:00 PM Ant-Man- 2D (PG12) (Action, Sci-Fi) Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 2:45 PM Ant-Man- 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi 5:00, 9:30, 11:45PM The Night Crew - 2D (15+) Action Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Dept time

Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

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08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

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Sur Sur

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Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

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10:30 11:15

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Marmul

Dubai

16:50

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Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

06:00 06:00

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Nizwa Ruwi

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Marmul

16:30

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Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

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Salalah

07:00

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10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

SALALAH Ant-Man (2D) (PG12) (Action)

36 32 Minimum

11.45 13.30 14.00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Baahubali (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubatti, Anshka 3-00, 6-30 & 9-30 PM at Cinema Main Sakalakala Vallavan Appattakkar (Tamil) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Trisha & Anjali (Act/Com) 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm at Cinema -2 Drishyam (Hindi) (Drama) Cast: Ajay Devgan, Shriya & Tabu 6:45, 9:45 pm Cinema -3 Bhaubali ( Telugu ) 3-45 Pm At Cinema -3 Acha Din (Mal) (Drama/Act) Cast: Mammootty, Manasi Sharam 3:45, 6:45, 9-45 PM at Cinema 4 Next Change: Idhu Enna Maayam (Tamil) (Programmes are subject to change)

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ABRAHAM KURUVILA August 4, 2008

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Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

10:25

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

Ruwi

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

07:00

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

BURAIMI Ant Man - 2D (Horror, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 5:10PM Ant Man - 2D (Horror, Thriller) (PG12) 3:00, 7:45, 9:30, 11:45PM Ted 2 – 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seydfried 3:00, 7:20PM The Night Crew – 2D (Action, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Dany Trejo, Chasty Ballesteros

SUR Ant Man (2D) (Action | Sci-Fi) (PG12) 6:00 PM Ant Man (3D) (PG12) 9:30, 11:45 PM Minions (3D) (Animation ) (PG) 4.15 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Hindi) (Action) (PG) 4:30 PM Drishyam (Hindi) (Action) (PG12) 8:15 PM Ted 2 (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, 7:30 PM Acha Din (Malayalam) (Drama) (PG) 11:15 PM

STAR CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 4:00PM Ant-Man (3D)(PG12); 12:00, 9:15, 11:30PM Minions (3D) (PG) (Animation) 10:15AM, 2:15PM Terminator (3D)(PG12) (Action) 2:30, 11:45PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) (PG) (Drama/Action) 6:15, 11:15PM The Night Crew (2D) (15+) (Action/Thriller) Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss 9:30PM Ted 2 (2D)(12+) (Comedy) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried 10:15AM, 2:30, 6:40PM Paper Towns (2D)(15+) (Drama) Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Austin 12:30, 4:45PM Drishyam (2D)(PG12)(Hindi) (Drama) 11:30AM, 8:45PM Acha Din (2D)(12+)(Malayalam) (Drama) Cast Mammootty, P. Balachandran, Jaise Jose 4:30PM Sakalakala Vallavan Appatakkar (2D) (PG12)(Tamil) (Comic Drama) Cast: Anjali, Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan 6:40PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

3:45, 9:50PM Drishyam– 2D (Drama, Thriller) (TBC) Cast: Ajay Devgan, Shriya Sharan, Tabu, 8:15, 11:15PM Acha Din – 2D (Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Mammoothy , Mansi Sharma, Renji 5:30PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan– 2D (Drama, Action) (PG) 5:15, 11:30PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

9:30 pm THE NIGHT CREW (2D) (15+) (Action/ Thriller) Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

5:30 pm ACHA DIN (2D) (Comedy ) (TBC) Cast: Mammoothy , Mansi Sharma, Renji

2:15, 11:55 PM Ted 2- 2D (12+) Comedy Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, 2:00, 7:15 PM Paper Towns - 2D (15+) (Drama, Mystery) Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Austin 6:15 PM Drishyam- 2D (Hindi) (TBC) (Drama, Thriller) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 8:30, 11:15 PM Acha Din - 2D (M) (TBC) Drama Cast: P. Balachandran, Jaise Jose 6:45 PM Sakalakala Vallavan Appatakkar - 2D (T) (TBC) Comic Drama Cast: Anjali, Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan 4:00 PM

SCREEN 3 Baahubali: The Beginning (Action) – 12+ Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty 3.45, 6.45, 9.45PM

RUWI SCREEN 1 Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 3.30, 9.30 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Harshaali Malthotra 6.30 PM

3.30, 6:45, 9.30PM DRISHYAM (Thriller/Drama ) (PG12) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran

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24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE Lobster “Carpaccio”

CHEF’S RECIPE

with peppercorn crisps and citrus dressing

SÉBASTIEN CASSAGNOL Executive Chef at The Chedi Muscat INGREDIENTS

Ċ 8 lobster tails (800g) Ċ 20g rock salt Ċ 1 leek Ċ 1 celery stick Ċ 1 white onion Ċ 1 garlic head Ċ 1 bay leaf Ċ Bamboo skewers Citrus dressing Ċ 1tsp lemon juice Ċ 1tsp lime juice Ċ 1tsp water Ċ Pinch caster sugar Ċ 1 rind of lemon Ċ 1 rind of lime Ċ 1 rind of orange Ċ 3 tsp olive oil Ċ Salt and pepper to taste Ċ 1/2 cup of baby rocket leaves (for garnish)

Photography: Shabin E (chef); Shutterstock

Peppercorn Crisp Ċ 50g brown sugar Ċ 15ml butter (melted) Ċ 40ml coconut milk Ċ 45g flour Ċ 1/2 tsp cracked pepper

Bring 1 litre of water to a boil in a deep saucepan with rock salt and aromatics (leek, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf ). Meanwhile, prep the lobster by inserting bamboo skewers through the tail to hold it straight while it cooks (this will make slicing it easier later).

Add the skewered lobster tails to the boiling water and cook for 12 minutes. Remove (you can reserve the liquid and vegetables for another use, like a base for a soup), and rest the tails in ice water for 10 minutes. When cool, remove the lobster shell and skewers and thinly slice.

For the peppercorn crisp: Mix melted butter, sugar, coconut milk, flour, and freshly cracked pepper into a paste, then spoon the loose dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet, dragging the spoon to make claw like shapes. Bake at 150 degrees for 7 minutes.

Plate the carpaccio: whisk all dressing ingredients together and drizzle over the sliced lobster. Top with peppercorn crisps and baby rocket leaves.

FOOD SAFETY

Is your food really ‘chemical-free’?

Are you obsessed with detox food products that are supposedly free from chemicals? Well, there is no such thing as a “chemical free” food, shows a research.

No matter what the companies selling detox products say, in reality chemicals are in everything we eat — though all may not be unhealthy, a video created by a Toronto-based web portal ASAP Science shows.

It shows how bananas, for example, contain more chemicals than some sweets and explains that it is the dosage of chemical,

PREPARATION

rather than the chemical itself, which often causes problems, Daily Mail reported.

In the video, scientists explain that while many people will advise against eating food which contains chemicals that are hard to pronounce, yet a single blueberry contains chemicals like methylbutyrate and oleic acid benzaldehyde, among many more.

And in some cases, healthy foods contain more chemicals than processed sweets. In an example, a banana is shown containing more than 50 chemicals

Everything around us is made up of chemicals from the water you drink to the air you breathe

from riboflavin to histidine.

“Everything around us is made up of chemicals from the water you drink to the air you breathe, which is why it is frustrating when companies consistently tout their foods as chemical-free,” scientists said.

“Seriously, we can break down any food to look like a confusing long list of foreign ingredients,” scientists added.

The video continues that even non-harmful chemicals in food have the potential to become harmful at higher doses. — IANS

C12

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Bananas Make raw banana curry A popular dish in southern parts of India, stir fry the raw bananas and simmer them in a tamarind-based curry. Season with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chillies.

Make banana soup Try this simple recipe by Nigella Lawson. Heat oil in a large pot. Fry one sliced onion and 4 cloves garlic.

Add 1 tin coconut milk, 800ml water, 40ml vegetable stock, 2ml white pepper, 45ml soy sauce, 15ml caster sugar, 1 large red chilli (finely sliced) and four ripe bananas. Cook for five minutes. Blend till smooth. Add another banana and blend. Heat again and serve garnished with coriander, lime, and spring onion.

Make banana pudding Line the bottom of a baking dish with Nilla wafers or graham cracker squares and top with a layer of banana slices. Prepare banana-flavoured pudding (or vanilla if you can’t find it) and when it is set, pour half the mixture overtop of the crackers and banana slices. Make another layer, add the remaining pudding, and top with a final layer of banana slices and biscuits. Chill and serve.

INGROENE DIENT

FIVE W AYS Make banana fritters Take 1/2 cup milk, 2 bananas (mashed), 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt. 3 tsp baking powder, 2 eggs (beaten), 1tbsp margarine (melted), 1 quart vegetable oil (for frying), and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar. Combine the milk and bananas. Sift in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Thoroughly mix in the eggs and margarine. Heat the oil in a large skillet and fry until brown.

Make a quick banana ice cream Take four ripe bananas and cut into chunks. Freeze them for an hour. Once frozen, take them out and blend with 3-4tbsp milk. Serve in a bowl; garnish with almonds.

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SECTION

CONNEC t h e d a i ly g u i d e

RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

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*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publication. * Subject to space availability

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

for rent

3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008 1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557 Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422 Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975 Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area Ruwi opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352 Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer behind Muscat club.

Contact: 92222922 2BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686 2BHK flat available behind Majan College / Darsait. Contact 24705742 1 &2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines

3bed room well maintained flat (villa type only 2 flats in one bldg) in Al Khuwair behind Al Akhtam Restaurant, Villa no 1839, Way No 3922, block No 239.

Contact: 99253125 2BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi.

Contact: 99269751 550 sqm built up area Deluxe villa 7 BR with 3 sitting halls located at prime commercial location North Al Ghobrah. Contact: Owner 99411607 / 99892238 2 BHK with split /AC in W/K behind Sana fashion. Contact: 96708000 At Al Hail 2BHK 260/- & 1BHK 180/- , shop or store space RO 240/-.

Contact: 96072686 2BHK ground flr in Darsait Near Muscat Municipality, walkable distance from Indian School Muscat, Rent: OMR.275/- Contact : 99451845 2BK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. Contact: 95555162 / 95755953 Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126

2B/R, RES / COMM flat directly from owner Bausher near Dolphin Complex. Contact 92158031

2 BHK Flats for rent in Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97009734 / 92629232

3BHK with split AC in MSQ, opp.

Al Fair. Contact: 96708000

Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th.

Contact: 97147240 Flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports. Interested candidates please Contact : 00968-92225523 840 Sqr Mtrs Store for Rent in Misfah. Contact 99792181 Warehouse for Rent in Misfah.

Contact 99792181 Spacious 2BHK Flat with Split A/câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behind Sultan Center, Azaiba â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RO.425/- p.m. Contact: 99824803 / 99849325 Deluxe PH 1BHK at North Ghoubra.

Contact: 99242218

2BHK in Al Ghubra near Indian School. Contact : 96708000 2BHK commercial Al Khuwair R.O 400/-. Contact: 97799175 2 rooms in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99330385 Office / shop near Star Cinema & CBD Muttrah. Contact: 99233116 2BHK near CBD & Star Cinema, Muttrah. Contact: 99233116 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99385835 / 99428143 Office/ storage space in new building at MBD South.

Contact 94460790 / 24714625

2BHK, 2 Baths, Split A/C, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School.

Contact 99441193, 93004801

250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339

Godown for rent Approx: 4500 sqm area with building materials in Barka for rent with workers accommodation etc. Showrooms also for building materials available. Contact: 99808868

600 sqm build up office / warehouse area for rent. Consisting of basement space, ground floor and mezzanine showroom / office area.

Easy access and parking space also available. Located on opposite Oman flour mills and beside to Lulu, Darsait available from 1 August 2015 onwards for lease.

Contact: 99364735 / 91214849

500 sq mtrs office space on mezzanine floor near Royal Hospital.

OMR 6.500 per sq mtr.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 600 sqr mtrs showroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99792181 Two shops in Muttrah Souq, for rent. For more details please contact: 99364735 / 91214849 1bedroom, kitchen, sharing toilet, parking, family R.O 110/-, 1bedroom sharing K& T family in Al Khuwair R.O 100/-. Contact: 95154331

Coffee shop for rent, Muttrah, Mabelah (with visa). Contact: 92749464 / 92222806 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir with 3 rooms. Contact : 98555580 / 92800007 2BHK flat near Indian School, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 94460790/24714625

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Daily guide

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Motor Vehicle for SALE

Mitsubishi 10 ton, truck 2006 model for sale. Registration valid.

Contact: 99366474 Honda Accord 2010, 10,5000 kms, expat lady driven, dealer maintained, new tyres. Contact 99330509

For hire Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

for sale 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

nri Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002

Flat for rent in Darsait near Indian School 1 bedroom, living room, 2 bathrooms & kitchen. Contact: 95806611 / 94694662

Truck spare parts (new) for sale.

Contact: 92600900

Sharing accommodation available for a family near Ruwi Church.

Contact: 92308110 / 92837206

Flat for rent in Ruwi, 1 bedroom (Walja) 1 bedroom, living room , 2 bath rooms, kitchen.

Contact: 95464607 / 95464608 Furnished offices for rent in prime location in Ruwi (Mumtaz) with free electricity, water and internet for lease long & short term. Contact: 99331181 Shop for rent prime location in Ruwi Mumtaz near Al Burj hotel.

Contact: 99331181 Two bedrooms flats in Wadi Kabir near Indian School.

Contact 99313274 Commercial Space 68 SQM, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School. Contact 99441193, 93004802 2 bed rooms, kitchen, toilet & car park in Al Khuwair R.O 200/- .

Contact 95154331 Flats shops for rent in Ruwi MBD area Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454 Deluxe 3 BHK Penthouse with Seaview, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 9772 1313 / 9507 0421 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699 2 bedrooms apartments for rent in Al Khuwair and Ghubra. Call Yellow Bird property on 24615375 / 97137989 or visit www.muscat-realty.com 3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953 Villa with two floors in (Hay Al Arjan) in AL Khoud with 4 bedrooms, hall, Majles, kitchen & one room in ground floor. Contact: 93219597

Running established for sale including industrial licenses for marble & granite, fully furnished kitchen showroom and fully equipped factory. Contact: 99337670 / 92623665

Brand new Panasonic 60” full HD LED, TV TH60A430M R.O 350/- .

Contact: 99628819

available Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

for rent

2560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Ladies beauty Saloon for sale at Amerat on prime location with two clearances. Contact : 95867900 Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411 New villa at Qurum, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sitting, dining and open sitting on the terrace.

Contact: 99342733

Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

1 Villa & 3 big Flats of 2/3 BHK with hall, Kitchen & ACs Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com

5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with three room, 5toilets, kitchen and hall 430/-.

Contact: 92747078

23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158

Acc. available Room with A/C, independent toilet & sharing kitchen (4th floor) for Indian Ex. Bachelor near Majestic hotel, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99242984

House hold items. Contact: 97094797

1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633

Hyundai Tuscon 2.4 Full option (including Moon roof) for sale in Muscat, Model 2013 , Single Owner (University Lecturer) driven, 39,600 kms, in excellent condition, for sale.

Contact 99653760.

A fully equipped furnished and licensed private polyclinic for sale or rent in excellent location in Sohar - Falaj al Qabail opposite to life line hospital Departments are GP clinic, Dental, Medical lab, X-ray And Working Pharmacy. Contact 95603395

3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

for rent

Honda CRV 2008 model, expat driven, 2.4L, 78000 kms, OMR 5200/(Negotiable). Contact: 99867670

Acc. wanted Required a room in Darsait / WadiKabir /Ruwi area. #95405033

New rooms available in Seeb for couple / ladies only. # 96996938

Furnished single room attached bath in Mumtaz area. #95212017 Large room with separate bathroom and sharing available in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 95250161 Room for rent with Electricity, water & A/C kitchen RO 115/- RO, RO 130/Al Khuwair. Contact: 95423391 Acc available single room with attach bathroom, kitchen at Mabella near BP Petrol Pump rent R.O 100/- near Indian School. Contact: 91516775 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Single room with attached toilet & bath in Ruwi for Executive bachelor rent Including with water & electricity. Contact: 99327158 New fully furnished room & attached bathroom, kitchen, Wifi, for bachelor Honda road. # 98582078 Sharing accommodation available at Wadi Kabir for bachelor.

Contact : 94195690 Large room furnished bath attached separate entrance Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99336206 Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

Furnished room in Ruwi for non cooking Executive bachelor in Ruwi, rent RO 90/- per month. #94412557 Room for rent available in CBD near Papa John’s Restaurant. #96568110

Mazda 3, 2007 KM 1,43000, full automatic R.O 1900/-. #99781671 RAV4-2009 model, silver colour, 2.4 liter, single hand use by Indian Expat. Contact 99355382 Touareg 2011 Oman cars, 114000 KM, silver, 8500/-R.O. # 92857111 Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093 Izuzu 4 ton Vehicle - 2nos (2008), Izuzu 3 ton Vehicle- 1 no (2006), Nissan UD 10 ton 1 no (2001), Mitsubishi 7 ton -1 no (2004), Toyota forklift – 1 no (2000). Contact: 99719124 Email: thekkutt@gmail.com Volkswagen Caddy 2013, 146,000 KM, under warranty. #99822843 Land Cruiser 2012. # 99336093 Sportage, 2013. Contact:99336093

Matrimonial 24 years old, Sunni Muslim girl Bombay origin, BSc, Hons (Accts) with religious values seeking alliance. Contact: 99324218 Email: morning_star9128@gmail.com Keralite Roman Catholic girl, 27 yrs, M.Fam seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 99253120 Kerala Hindu boy 28 (star – Chitra) Engineer with MBA working in a reputed co. in Oman looking for alliance from good looking, well educated , religious and veg. girl of reputed family. Contact : 99426627 Remarriage, Pentecostal boy, LLB 35 /170 Project Executive hailing suitable proposal. .

Contact 97413778 Email: winupaul01@gmail.com Christen boy 31-170.

Contact: 95131495 Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

notice Sbati Rashid Sbait Al Zaabbi & his partner for Trad & joint which is recorded under the commercial register in directorate general for trade industry number 1048234 is going to change its name to Al osus Al watniah for Cont joint . This is to inform anybody who concerns about that.

driving

Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397 Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206 Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537

Driver for Automatic Transmission. Contact: 99040813

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION situation WANTED vacant

Account. & Finance Indian male 33, B.com, MBA (HR) tally having 9 yrs exp looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 98181652, Email: wailsmathew@gamil.com Indian male, 27 years, M. Com, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position.

Presently on visit visa.

Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com 23 yrs, Indian B.Com, Graduate male ‘Fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Arabic & Malayalam with D/L looking for a suitable job. Now on visit visa valid for 1 more month only. Contact 97660518 Part time accountant services available to handle all accounts related work up to finalization.

Contact: 96247295 Accountant Indian male 31 yrs Accounts up to finalization, 9 yrs experience (7 yrs in Oman) with D/L & NOC seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99582979 An Indian Lady Chartered Accountant with five years experience (including articleship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job.

Please Contact 9621 0347 / 9943 5346, shincycrajan@gmail.com Indian male 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience in accounts looking for suitable job.

Contact: 98222753 Email: shemeejvp@gmail.com

Accountant Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com Urgently required male Accountant & Office Admin. Contact: 96339339 Email CV on info@eigllcoman.com Urgently required Jr. Accountant/ Purchasing Manager (preferably Indian) 3-5 yrs Exp. to work with food stuff market. software/hardware knowledge would be an advantage, valid Omani D/L with NOC Contact 99417418 Urgently required cash investors for company’s profitable projects.

Contact: 92950082

beauty Wanted experience Beautician for beauty parlor in Muscat. Contact: 94241385 Urgently required gulf experienced female professional Beauticians and storekeeper for a reputed high end beauty centre in the capital area.

Interested please ensure release letter and send your CV to email: linnujiya@gmail.com or contact 99500330 Wanted experience henna designer for beauty parlor. Contact 93571312 Urgently required beautician with min 3 years. Contact 93231403 Email: rainbowfurnishing156@ gmail.com

Catering Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted.

Contact 95529970

Domestic Helper Urgently required housemaid.

Contact: 96339339 Email CV on info@eigllcoman.com REQUIRED URGENTLY Full time house maid for Omani family. Contact : 95164139 between 8.30 am to 5 pm Require qualify caregiver for an orderly mother. Contact 99425200 Indian House Maid with experience required to work in Sohar, visa ready.

Contact 99417418 Full time housemaid required for Indian family in Ghubra, Nepalese preferred, call 95681350

driver Required heavy duty truck driver holding Omani driving license w/ 5 years experience please contact 92001111 Wanted driver. Contact: 95112461 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

CA , Inter, M.Com Indian 7 years experience in Audit / finance handled independent audit / finance assignments on visit looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91148139 Email: smurug@live.com

engineer Civil Construction company in Muscat looking for SUB Contractors for 3 floor commercial building (4 Nos – 3000 m2 each) project at Mabellah ready to start. For enquiries mail to awahaibitrad@gmai.com A leading civil construction company in Muscat requires Project Manager (BE. Civil) with minimum 10 years experience (Gulf experience preferred). Please send C.V to hr.azatllc@gmail.com Service & Parts Manager with 3-5 years GCC experience in heavy Equipment / cranes, good communication skills, Mechanical Engineering background. Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 AC Technician with minimum 5 years experience, should have experience in installation & commissioning of Ductable & split AC units, with knowledge of GI ducting & pre insulated ducting, experience in interior fit out industry is preferred Interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 Heavy Equipment Mechanic (sports) & (classic) (bicycle) 2No. Contact : 99550084 Required Architectural Engineer for consulting company.

Contact: 99077856 Email: rgeorge@omantd.com MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om

Education Required English Teacher , Hindi teacher, Science Teacher.

Contact: 99705799 Arabic speaking Female Vice Principal/Arabic Teachers / Secretary / Computer Teacher / PRO s wanted for a Bilingual (Arabic – English) school in Azaiba. Knowledge of English preferred. Please apply to email : burj@alhakkim.com Kindergarten in Seeb looking for (female) English Teacher bachelor in English language.

Contact: 99319259 / 93972775 Email: saif123.s171@gmail.com

it Software developer with experience in asp.net, sql server and crystal reports required for a software development firm. Email CV to hr@ promisworld.com

Miscellaneous Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

Part - time Accountant available.

Contact : 98803439 Accountant having 4 yrs experience looking job. Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com

medical

Sales / Marketing

Wanted lab Technician, Nurse and physiotherapist to work in polyclinic in Muscat 99023006

Urgently required : Counter Service Assistant (male) for a fast food outlet in a food court in Sohar.

Email: aliyanational@gmail.com

Wanted female Staff Nurse with MOH license for a dental clinic in sur. Email : dentoman2000@gmail. com Urgently required for MOH license Gynecologist specialist & Staff Nurse clinic at Sumail, Muscat.

Kindly sends C.V to saemomar@gmail.com or GSM: 95498105 Wanted Lab Technician, Staff Nurse, Pharmacist for a polyclinic in Sohar. Contact 99767605 Required Pharmacist for 2 months for a Pharmacy. Contact: 99705799 Staff Nurse for 2 months for a clinic in Muttrah.( LOCUM). Contact: 99330385 General Practitioner DR to work in Bidbid, Prometric passed, 3 years of work experience, Send CV clinic@m-oman.com Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician.

Contact: 99310590.

Email : tjmaluke@gmail.com

Sales / Marketing Spare parts (Heavy Equipment) Salesman with 3 years experience.

Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 Outdoor Salesman (heavy Equipment) Sales man with 3 -5 years experience. GCC driving license required Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 Sales Executive with valid D/L & 5 year experience, in the field of demountable aluminum & glass partition systems. Interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 Sales Executive with valid D/L & 5 year experience in office furniture and interior fit out projects interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com

Wanted Marketing Managers and Executives, candidates with minimum 2 years experience in Oman holding valid driving license May only Apply 94151791/ 22050729 or Email: sales@dewdropoman.com Wanted designer & Salesman for Advertising CO. With Oman D/L. Contact: 96440587 / 94055643 Urgently required out door Sales Executive for furnishing company with Oman D/L and min 3 years experience. Contact : 93231403 / rainbowfurnishing156@gmail.com Building Material Sales man required at Al Amerat shop.

Contact: 99467054 Required Chinese / Biryani cook / Sales person for restaurant.

Contact : 95395378 / 94053449 A leading Tissue paper & food stuffs company requires Sales & Marketing person with minimum 5 yrs exp. in Oman with good communication skills & valid Oman D/L. Candidate with interior market knowledge & experience preferable.

Send CV : allub@alhosnigroup.com, fax: 24451430 Wanted male written & spoken Malayalam & Bengali as freelancers to conduct corporate & individual markets surveys on temporary basis, Must be fluent in English with driving license. Contact: 24701242 A leading building materials shop required Marketing Executive (Omani National only) 1No with minimum 2 years experience and driving license. Contact: 99808868 Email: aalfarsi2020@gmail.com Experienced Marketing representative – interlock blocks with light Omani driving license is required.

Contact 99222086 Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co Salesman required for a well established building materials company.

Oman D/L required.

Contact: 93698385 Email: united@omantel.net.om

Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp in accounts, finance audit taxation. Contact: 95857199 Indian female Accountant with 5 yrs Gulf exp in accounts, audit, Admin payroll. Contact: 96263157 Indian male, B.Com, MBA, having 5 years experience(3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept. Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com Seeking for a job completed B.Tech in ECE under Anna University knowledge in hardware troubleshooting ready to work with accounting & software section holding one year experience in India.

Contact: 96142153 Indian National, male, 41 years, CA Inter, persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading, Construction and Firefighting industry. Total 21 Years of Experience seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. Phone no: 98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in Filipino Male 26 years old, Certified Public Accountant, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 yrs of experience now on visit visa, Looking for suitable opening.

Contact: +968 91278583, Email: kennethalcedo07@gmail.com Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience in the areas of auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc. seeking challenging job opportunity. Can obtain NOC. Email: sns2205@gmail. com and GSM +968 95763680.

Chartered Accountant with ICWA Inter having 5 years experience in Finance, Accounts, Costing, Budgeting, Audit, Insurance, Treasury & Banking operations - NOC Available + OmanDrivingLicense Contact :97881548 Email-financecost2@gmail.com Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter),M. com.4 out of 7 years experience in Oman in Auditing/ Accounts/ Finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420, Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com MBA (Finance) with NOC, 6 years accounting and finance experience in Oman, knowledge of Tally ERP9 having Omani driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97205715 Email: ammar_uh@hotmail.com

13 years exp (7.5 years gulf exp) B.Com graduate, looking for Accountant job, GSM No:-92957064 with NOC. Energetic Finance & Audit Manager / Chief Accountant, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15 yrs in GULF , Expert in Banking, Financing, Profit Maximizations, Admin, Biz Developments ,All ERPs Software’s, 15yrs Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 – 94504505 Accountant, Indian Male, 15 Years experience (8 Years in Oman with Driving License) seeks suitable placement with NOC, Contact 94117616, 91238272 Fresh Graduate B.Com with CIMA (partly Qualified) looking for a suitable position. Contact 94652485 6 years experienced male having masters degree and experience in sales, accounts, customer services and IT. Contact: 98823248 Email: sajjadhussain@yahoo.com Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 9822253 Indian female 25 yrs B.Com MBA / 3months experience looking for job in Accts /Mktg. Contact: 94657403 / 99355931 Indian female B.Com 20 yrs exp in Accounts / Insurance seeking suitable placement. Contact: 92986455 15 yrs of experience in Oman, Indian male – Accounts & finance professional with Oman driving license is looking for suitable position.

Commerce Graduate with certifications in DPCS & PPGDCA. Contact 93422557 Indian male 22 years, having 1 year experience in accounts & admin looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact 97375512 Accounts or sales 27 years male Graduate B.Com 2 years experience in Oman as Asst Accountant looking for suitable job currently working in Oman. Contact: 98427810 Email: shaheel9895@gmial.com Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/ audit in a reputable organization.

Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com Accountant, Indian male, 10 years experience in Oman, having knowledge of Tally ERP9 & able to do upto finalization and can be joined immediately with NOC. Contact: 94134085 Email: muscatoman95@yahoo.com Well experienced and hard working Restaurant Manager seek immediate placement. Release available.

Contact: 92953199 Indian male Accountant B.Com 8 yrs in Oman exp with N.O.C, valid driving license. Contact: 95052969 Email: chetansmma@yahoo.co.in / chetansmma@gmail.com Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance). Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com MBA, B.Com CA (finalist) 7 years experience (2 years in Oman) looking for suitable placement in a reputable organization. Expertise in ERP, Tally Quickbooks, peachtree and Excel.

NOC available.

Contact: 97736404 Email: adnantahir1990@gmail.com Indian male Chartered Accountant having 10 years of experience in Process audit, Risk assessment and Internal Audit is urgently looking for a suitable opportunity. Cell: +96897327343 Email: cabalkrishnadubey@gmail.com.

NOC available Indian male,Accountant, B.com, 1 yr experience in auditing and having knowledge in tally. #94733824/95769355 32 male Pakistani Accountant B.Com having 2 years experience in Oman. Contact 99761664

admin HSE Admin experience for 10 years in GCC with valid D/L seeking to join a reputed firm. NOC available.

Contact: 99626821 HR.Admin..indian male..2+ Oman exp..joining immediately..

Gsm: 93671437

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SITUATION WANTED Engg. / Technical

Miscellaneous

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

Seeking for job fire and safety completed 2.5 years experience language known Hindi, English & Tamil seeking suitable job. Contact: 98431032

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

Engg. / Technical 2 years experienced Electrical Engineer looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 98480509

admin Indian male MBA having 10 years experience as Document Controller and 2+ years experience as Project Assistant/ Executive Secretary in Oman seeks immediate placement.

NOC available. Contact: 95373198 Indian Male 18 years ( 7 years in Oman ) experience in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas , construction fields with Oman D/L seeks suitable position.

Visa Transfer / NOC available.

Call 92854993.

Training coordinator Indian male, 17 yrs experience with Training & Consultancy Company. Well knowledge in admin works. Release available and have D/L. Contact: 99573353 Indian male 36 years MBA experience as AS. Manager seeking suitable job in HR/ Marketing in Oman on visit visa. Contact : 98200741, Email: phmnsudheesh857@gmail. com Indian male having 15 years Gulf experience in purchase Admin on visit. Contact : 95435370

driver Light duty driver looking for job.

Contact: 96995762 Pakistani Light Duty Driver seeks placement. Contact: 95746203 Looking for driving job light driver. Contact : 96913836 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact :92787245 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact :94648986 Driver with Car. Contact: 99716938 Driver with 2 yrs exp looking for job. Contact: 98487511 Light duty driver ,driving license, Experienced. Ph: 92814816 Driver with car (Fortuner).

Contact: 95365938 Looking for driving for job.

Contact: 98219182 Light driver, 10 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 93060050

Indian male B.Com & Tally with 2.5 years Admin/HR Experience in Oman with 2 years employment Visa seeking placement. Release Available 96796477

Experienced LTV driver available.

Contact: 99514703 / 96943902

14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598

Light driver, age 3 yrs exp, KSA 7 years & Oman 5 years Education – HSC seeking job in Oman.

Contact: 98474031 NOC available

Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437

Driver LTV 3 years exp available local release. Contact: 98503406

Indian female 24 years MBA (HR) having 3 years experience in HR Administration, payroll seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91104352 / 99012861 Indian male looking for company job, 2 years visa light Oman D/ License experience in office works also & driving. Contact: 92233068 5 years experience in store and admin department with Omni driving license looking for suitable job, release available and can join immediately. Contact : 95860170 Indian female MBA, 3 Years experience in Admin MIS, Family Visa.

Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95619537 Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in finance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92955453 / 91213269

driver Light duty driver seeks job.

Contact: 99748264 Indian light driver having 1 year experience in Oman knowing English, Hindi & Arabic, need job.

Contact: 95214332 Looking for light driving job, Indian, 4 years experience & language knowing Arabic, English & Indian.

Contact: 94241385 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744 Looking job for driver, experience 6 years. Contact: 96246794 Driver for job experience 1 year.

Contact: 94071286 Bangladeshi male looking for job in any company or family, speak English, Hindi & Arabic, exp 3 years in Dubai taxi and 3 years in Oman in company.

Contact: 93822195

Driver with car 3 yrs exp looking for part time job. Contact: 92041902

Male Driver 2 years exp in Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact 96362684

draughtsman 3D Draughtsman 25 years Indian male having 4 years experience.

Contact: 93746877 Land surveyor: Indian male having two years experience, well handled total station, auto level and Auto cad, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95140761 /99208290 Email: binu.brijiv@gmail.com

Domestic Helper Experienced Indian lady is looking housemaid job looking full time job for European family total experience : 9 years, 2 years exp. with European family 6 years worked with Indian family language English & Hindi.

Contact: 93392788 Housemaid (full time / part time) looking for job. Contact: 95799643

designer Sr Designer, Civil & Structural (oil & gas) / Site Supervisor Indian male, 21 years experience in design field with driving license seeks suitable placement N.O.C available.

Contact: 92684051 Email: babyshibu@yahoo.co.in

Engg. / Technical Indian female (M. Tech – power system) having Gulf experience, currently on family visa seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: 94306164 Indian female 26 yrs, B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics with two years experience in Ministry of Electricity Kerala govt , as Operating Assistant Engineer presently on visit visa seeks placement. # 98657132 / Email: pinks1819@gmail.com Engineer with 4 years Oman experience in telecom operations, having valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable opportunity, interested in Marketing also. Contact 98513495

B.Tech Computer Engineer wanted job to work on IT / Banking / sales marketing, MCITP, CCNA, Networking, having NOC. Contact: 98857689 Email: khanshoebameer@gmail.com Looking for job as Electrician, Gulf 7 years exp. Contact: 93015630 Mechanical Engr, B. Tech, exp in QA/QC, In Piping Design, Its softwares Ph:96539085 Indian male 23, Mechanical Engineer, 1 year experience, knowledge in HVAC currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibusman313@gmail.com Male, BE (Mechanical holder) 1 yr exp in Indian & 4 months in Oman NOC available, embassy attested certificate . Contact: 95721521 / 96625245 (Salalah) Email: sajukoippallil@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech (ECE) CCNA 1 yrs exp in broadcast Engg having hands on exp in harris ADC,PPC, Velocity & Invenio, avid inews, vizrt,nexio farad, grass, valley kayak HD 300. also having on practice in PLC (AB,ABB, Siemens) DCS & scada systems. Contact: 00919846990093 / 99235291 Indian job in procurement & contract, have “12” years purchase & contract experience in infrastructure & energy sector. NOC is available. Contact-98009274 Engineer BE (Electrical, Electronics), Indian male 24 years, having 2 plus years of experience, seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 98201244

education Engg. / Technical Indian male 27 years, Mechanical Engineer (B.E) having experience seeks suitable placement holds valid Oman driving license, on visit visa. Contact: 98847638 Indian female, Electronics and Communication Engineering Graduate presently in Salalah Oman on visit visa, fresher, seeks entry in a reputed organization. Has good communication skills both in English and Hindi and excellent computer knowledge. Contact: 93889495/ 92089906 / 98152686 Email: rukzanabavakunju@gmail. com B.Tech CCNP certified, Network Engineer 1 year experience in Oman & 1.4 years in CMC (Indian) pre – sales, post – sales experience in Oman looking for opportunity.

Contact: 99370911 Email: chatrapal07@gmail.com Indian male 25, BTech (Mechanical), CSWIP 3.1, Welding Inspector, 3 years experience in Oil & Gas (piping and Equipment as QC inspector) now on visit visa seeking suitable opportunities. Contact: 98228262 Email: megbinvetticattu@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 2 years experience (Indian) construction (building) looking suitable placement.

Contact 00968 9259662 Email: kundara.renjith@gmail.com M. Tech, Applied Electronics Indian female looking for full time or part time job presently on family visit visa. Contact: 92499312 Email: ann.ashhy@gmail.com

Indian male 24 years B.E mechanical 2 years exp. or visit visa.

Contact: 99247326

Indian male B.Tech Mechanical Engineer 1 year experience seeking suitable placement, available immediately. Contact: 93907707 Email: jubinkasim@gmail.com

Indian (M) B.Tech (civil) with 2 yrs exp in Structural Designing using Etabs, Staad, Safe, excel looking for suitable position.

Contact: 96698342 / 98768045 Email: qadeertom@gmail.com

MEP Project Engg 23 years experience out of 13 years in Gulf holding Electrical and driving license. NOC available. Contact: 98894682

Civil Diploma Engineer 6 years experience in Oman Indian male with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 93356736

Computer Engineer Iraqi Nationality 7 years experience seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94694146

Electrical Engineer, B.Sc. degree/ B.Tech, 4 years experience. Looking for suitable placement. Available in visit visa. Contact: 94739355, Email: mahin.eee@gmail.com

Indian male diploma Civil Eng with 2 yrs experience on site as QS & AutoCAD seeking on site or - off site position. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com

Indian male B.E Electronic and Communication Engineering & have 2 years experience in oil & gas sector (maintenance & construction).

Contact: 98848077

Sudanese male Telecommunication Engineer looking for job.

Contact: 94537607

5+ years experience BE Electrical Engineer having knowledge in execution & basic knowledge in electrical design looking for suitable post.

Contact: 99704742 / 97469689 Indian male 23 B.E mechanical & AutoCAD 1 year experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 92835957 Email: rafeekmohammed84@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer bachelor degree having 6+ years experience of Gulf and professional license available to join. Contact: 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com Indian 24 yrs male, 2 years experience in Site Engineer (Diploma in Civil Engineering), Now on visit visa in Oman. Contact: 94050311 Civil Engineer B.E, 5.5 years experience with Omani D/L. Contact 96785311

Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available. Looking for(Store,Coor dination,Admin,Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885

Indian Male, Diploma in Civil Engineer working as a Project engineer with 7years of experience looking for suitable job. Contact- 92636569

Indian male Electrical Engineer with 7 years experience (electrical, marine, fire fighting) valid Oman driving license seeking suitable placement. Contact 93396338 Email: syamsk2255@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail. com

Egyptian Civil Engineer-total experience 7 years - 2 years@Oman.

I have good experience in Technical office & site Works.

Contact: 98078095 M Tech Computer Science Engineer, female seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 93035521,96439645 Email : anzilav@yahoo.co.in B.E in ECE worked as Junior Scientist Trainee in Chennai worked as System Admin in Berik Honda Nagger coil worked at Technical Support in Samsung Service, presently in Bangalore.

Contact : 0091 7026267513

SAP – SCM.MM Consultant B.Tech.

(Chemical), from NIT, working with oil industry, seeks employment.

Contact: 98049288 Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. # 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com

Filipina ESL Teacher for 13 years BEED major in English knowledge in IB, PYP and independent school curriculum computer literate, IELTS qualified, looking for reputable school. Contact: 98938272 Email: m.ann7875@gmail.com Indian lady M.Com, B.Ed looking for openings in teaching.

Contact: 97668603 Female 24, with 6 yrs of experience in teaching Montessori & kindergarten grade. Currently in Salalah on visit visa, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 97306607 Email Id: amna.ast@gmail.com

Indian material controller / store keeper with 9 years exp , seeking job in Oman NOC/ Release available.

Contact: 91946174

Sales / Marketing 7 years Purchase experienced total 17 years Oman with driving license looking for suitable position, Indian with N.O.C. Contact: 96574390 Indian male with 14 years of experience in Business development / sales & marketing seeks suitable placement, 6.5 years of work experience in Oman. Contact: 93400177 Sales man, experience in Saudi, Good in Arabic. Ph: 97103168

hospitality

Indian male B.Com & MBA Graduate 11 years experience airline travel & tourism, Sales & Marketing in Dubai & Oman with driving license NOC available. Contact: 92552612 Email: mazmanu1@gmail.com

4 Years experienced (Money exchange services & Hospitality services in Oman & India) - Indian male 27 years, graduate in Hospitality science, fluent in English, Hindi & Arabic seeks suitable placement. #91383167

Indian male 27 years, B.Tech Graduate having good work experience with valid Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening as Sales Engineer.

Contact: 91472953 Email: harees.rasheed.2014@gmail.com

it

Procurement / Purchase Executive 1.6 yrs exp in Oman construction industry Indian male 27 yrs, MBA with valid Oman D/L, available for immediate placement.

Contact: 96300958 / 24796010

B.C.A, 7 years Operations Management procurement supply chain team handling lean six sigma certified on visit visa. Contact: 99826634 Email: nairsatheesh1984@gmail. com Male, 28 years IT Engineer from India having good hands on experience in networking, switches and routers. Moreover having certification Redhat, Linux (RHCE) and Oracle DBA (OCP). Contact: 95406864 Email Id: saad.m.ali79@gmail.com IT System Support: Indian Male 2 years exp in Oman & 3 years in India. Contact 91937060 Communications networks, Technician specializing in the main divider and ADSL VDSL system experience of STC. Contact 93398796 Indian visit visa, Network / System Engineer switches, routers, servers, load balancers 5 yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE), CCNA looking for good opportunity. Contact: 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gmail.com

Manager/ Supervisor Indian with license looking job safety officer, camp boss. Supervisor or marketing. Contact: 94003617 Facility / Project Mgmt, 4+ yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE) Indian visit visa looking for suitable opening.

Contact: 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com

Medical Female Staff Nurse with 9+ years experience; passed Prometric exam, looking for a suitable job. Previously worked in Dubai and Saudi Defense hospital. Hold valid ACLS and BLS certificates. Please contact at nshrobin@gmail.com or 91960186 Doctor seeking job an experienced female Indian Doctor (DHMS NAET USA), 49 yrs, specialist in Homeopathy and Allergy Elimination Technology seeks suitable placement. Contact: 919447110003 Oman 96439091 Email: anithabaydr@gmail.com Male Staff Nurse looking for job passed Prometric 63% + 3 years experience. Contact: 94035637 / 95068075 If you need A GP DOCTOR now: Immediately want change placement preferably in Sohar areas .

23 yrs of uninterrupted experience in Oman .Hospital, Polyclinic & Big companies having own clinic can contact. Mobile : 95406530 .

Prefer Email to get Bio-data : uneedgpdr@yahoo.com BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92955453 /91213269 GP Doctor Yemeni national-male, with 4 years of work experience.

Mobile:00966531598754 Email: alsyaniramzy@gmail.com

Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 Indian male 35 yrs, 10 yrs experience in FMCG Sales & Marketing in UAE with valid GCC license looking for suitable position on visit.

Contact: 93438747 / 93033252 Indian male MBA (Marketing) 26 on visit visa, with experience in stores looking for suitable position in warehouse stores logistics or in sales. Contact: 96915871 Email: ajanadoor@yahoo.com Indian female 35 years MCA, MBA six sigma black belt, 14 years Gulf experience in business analytics, Marketing business development qualities seeks placement. NOC available, Omani driving license available. Contact: 95783792 MBA from UK with 9 yrs experience in London, Dubai & Mumbai. Specialized GCC experience in top real estate co & bank with driving license. NOC available. Contact 968 95168205, dubaihomes1@gmail.com Indian 44 yrs, 16 yrs Indian Army 5 and Half years in Oman exp ware house, seeks suitable placement in store, ware house or sales having Oman driving license.

Contact: 94050311 Indian Keralite, 27 yrs, experience 3 years in sales with visa & NOC, driving license seeks suitable job.

Contact: 98626682 Sudanese Business development Manager, long experience International trade in Oman (import /export / marketing) seeking suitable placement full / part time in reputable company. Contact: 91173146

Tours & Travels Five years experience in Travel field ,BCom.,IATA & pursuing MBA, Presently working in the Travel Desk of (ITC managed) Five Star Hotel in India.Looking for a suitable position in the Middleeast.

Contact 9465 2485 B.Com IATA MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales Reservation, ticketing English, Hindi, and Malayalam, Marathi NOC is available.

Contact: 92954613

Miscellaneous BSC Female Nurse having 8 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf).

Prometric passed - 57%. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461

Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED Miscellaneous B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366.

Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries. Contact no.

98045482 Indian male , 14 yrs Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944.

Email:aboosufiyan@gmail.com Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, Email : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. #98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in Indian Female, M.Com & MBA with 1.5 years of experience in Reinsurance Treaty seeking a good job opportunity in Insurance & Reinsurance Accounts or General Accounts. Contact: +968 91920189, Email:neethumano.manohar@gmail. com ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str Supervising Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male.

Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Female, Indian, 35 Yrs- house maid available for Full/Part time work in Muscat. Please contact- 96754303.

ACCOUNTANT, M.Com holder with 2 year working experience as an accountant in Kerela-India, seeks suitable placement.

GSM NO:96947500,9 9463120, Email:mohamedshafikk5@gmail. com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact : 93790601 CCNA MCITP network support / network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. # 93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com Indian Male 22 Years, Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com Indian Female B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths), M.C.A residing in Al-Ghubra seeking a teaching position as a Math Teacher GSM.- 94231633 Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience, seeking challenging job opportunity.

Experience in auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc.

GSM +968 95763680

Indian Female Interior Designer, 4.5 yrs experience, seeking immediate mid-senior level position with firm having lady clearance. NOC Available. Contact 93033072 Driver with car seeking suitable post. Contact : 91660291 Sudanese.male 32 years.B.SC mechanical engineer.7years experience.5 years experiance in Gulf.working now in water pipeline projects. fluent Arabic and English.have Omani driving license.looking for good opportunity TEl:91117089 Indian Male 22 years, ACCA Affiliate with B..Sc. Degree in Applied Accounting having three months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / Audit. Holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378607 / 92558734 Indian female Nurse, Prometric passed 64%, 5 years of experience, MOH licensed, presently working in Oman seeking a suitable placement in reputed Hospitals, NOC available.

Contact: 98329941, Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com.

Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Female from India -MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. English seeking for a urgent better placement, Now working in Oman. #: 93961142, 92184408 Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail.com.

Video Editor 29 years Indian male with 8 years experience on visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 91275969 / leomoorkoth@gmail.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d Draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact : 97449630 Tunisian shoes designer wuth 40years expereince in designing and manifacturing loocking for a job in a related field contact : 97816917 Indian male MBA + TALLY , 29 years & 7years experience in Administration and Manager level in Reputed companies, Seeking suitable placement.Contact 96297709 / +91 9066130371, Email: jomonjohnm9@gmail.com Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Indian male,27, IT/Telecom Engineer, 2 yrs exp in Oman, with valid Oman D/L, NOC Available. Ph: 9393 8727 ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864 Indian male post graduate.2 years experience in sales. currently in oman on visit visa.seeks suitable placement.Gsm 92388346 Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. Contact: 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395

Male Indian 27, working as finance analyst having two years Oman experience with Driving license looking for suitable position.

Mob: 98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com FRESH - B.Com Graduate on Family Visa, looking for any suitable Job. Contact : 92567020 / 95322175, Email: shwayanad@gmail.com Admin Executive, Indian Female having 10 years Gulf experience in seeking suitable placement currently working in Muscat.

Email: meenafajar@yahoo.com, Mobile 0096893211402 Having 9+ years exp. in Administration & HR in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. Email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com MOH Indian Dentist 10 years experience in Oman. Can speak Arabic, has driving license. Contact 98995321 or ventureoman007@gmail.com Omani , female, have diploma in quantity survey, bachelor in Constitution management, seeking situated placement at Sohar.

Tel 94454180, Mail nhlmct@yahoo.com Finance Manager / Chief Accountant / Audit Manager, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15years in GULF , Expert in Banking ,Financing, Profit Maximizations , Admin & Management, Business Developments , ERPs Software’s, Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 or 94504505 Indian male having 4 years of experience in IT Support & networking. Currently on visit visa. seeking suitable opportunities. Contact: 92013641.

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience. MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts is seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 MEP Quantity Surveyor-Estimation-Project, 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman). Having NOC & Oman D/L. Looking for suitable job, Contact – 98291626 Indian male Auto cad Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact : 00968 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, Indian Male, 25 years old, 5 years Experience (2 years in Oman & 3 years in India) Presently working in Oman. Going exit on this week with NOC. Seeking suitable opportunities. GSM : 97018783 Civil Engineer, Diploma, Male 25, 3 years experience in site, CAD, 3d, MS Project, Seeking job in Oman.

Contact 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com BRANCH-HEAD, MBA-BBA, Indian Male having experience in UAE, India, Oman total 5 years (including MNC), looking for similar or same openings.

NOC available. #:92700670, E mail:catanalur131@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED Indian male accountants, 12 years experience, tally also. Looking for a part time/ full time job in accounts or purchase. Contact- 98983122 Indian Female 2yrs exp. in Accountant 5 yrs exp. in Electronics, seeking suitable Job. Contact: 97162705,93705090 Indian male, 14 years Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field (Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber). NOC available Contact 95253640 email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com Female Candidate: Having experience (ISRO India) in Administration (seeking suitable opportunities &presently in Oman Mob:97239854, Mail:asherlalitha@yahoo.com Diploma civil Engineer seeking jobs(positions suits me: civil engineer ,site engineer,qa/qc engineer,land surveyor ,total station, auto level,draftsman (autocad, microstation) mob:97239854, Mail:asherlalitha@yahoo.com Indian Female 10 years exp as cook in Oman. South Indian & Gujarati special looking for part-time job Contact 96733187.

Qualified Native speaking male English Teacher with 18 years experience seeks position. Salary Negotiable. Whatsapp on +968 9334 1047 / +968 93952732 or e-mail me on nadgov@gmail.com Indian female, IATA, B. Sc, looking for suitable placement.Contact-95514305, E mail idraveendranmala@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years, 8 years experience. Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170

23, Male, ACCA Affiliate, 2 years+ experience in Audit and Finance in audit firm, Looking for suitable permanent placement, NOC release Available. Contact: #95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com MBA - (F), M.Com, B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264.

Email:- yashicapandya@gmail.com 12 yrs exp FREELANCE 2d, 3d Draughtsman (holding Omani driving license). Contact : 93790601 MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for full or part time job. presently on family visit visa.

Contact :- 96259171.

Email:- bhumicapandya@gmail.com Seeking Teaching Position. Qualified and experienced Native English speaking teacher seeking position in Muscat, I have a Teaching Diploma , two Honours Degrees and a CELTA Certificate. Position at Language school will be suitable. Will e-mail CV. Whatsapp only +96893952732 Sudanese male, 31 year, have 3 year Diploma in Electrical Engineer, 6 years experience in construction and electrical plant. Mobile :94549609 Indian male-28 Years, Diploma in Electrical Egg, having gulf experience. Specialization on Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Operation. 7 years experience seeks for suitable placement.:95334580. E-mail -sunilkumar257.sk23@gmail.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job Mobile 99070584, E mail: remluvp@gmail.com

Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395 Tunisian women looking for a job, khnows english,frensh, italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838 BSc Graduate, INDIAN male , seeking suitable jobs.

GSM: +91-8589820233.

MAIL ID: prajinap45@gmail.com Indian Male, 34 years old, DEE – Electrical Supervisor 10 years Oman experience. Ready for NOC , VISA transfer and valid Oman driving licence light, ready to join immediately, Mob +91 9740679094, kulasekar1980@gmail.com 24 years, Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3 yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Kindly contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com Indian Male, 38 years old, DME – Mechanical Maintenance Technician 11 years Oman experience.

Ready for NOC , VISA transfer, ready to join immediately, Mob :95612870, seeniselvan@gmail.com Young Indian Chartered Accountant, female, Having 6 years experience in Oman and India. Accounts and Finance Manager, Auditor.

Urgently seeking suitable positions.

Contact 92530131, jobcareer44@gmail.com Manager, Young Indian Male, MBA, BBA. Having excellent managerial experience (around 5 years) in leading Multi-National-Company.

Looking for suitable positions. #92700670,fardhaan@gmail.com

Freelance Graphic Designer available to assist in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Corel Draw Projects.

Contact : 95811820

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854

Indian Female MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. Subject: EnglishSeeking for a Better placement. Now working in Oman. # 93961142, 92184408, Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail. com

Indian Female Lawyer 36 Yrs having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman as Legal Advisor seeks placement in Legal/HR/Admin NOC available Contact-94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com

Sudanese male (B.Sc Computer Science) (Diploma Computer Engineering) 6 yrs. experience DBA Oracle PL-SQL , MS SQL-server, MS visual studio VBA, network.

Contact :91415886

ACCOUNTANT: Indian male 25 having 4years experience in accounting & having well knowledge in tally.

Contact:968094535881, 0091 9037622048 Email: vishnuraj889@gmail.com

t u e s day, au g u s t 4 , 2 0 1 5

Daily guide

d7

Tours

SITUATION WANTcargo

SITUATION WANTED cargo

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

Transportation Transport. Contact: 93637289 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact: 91310107 House shifting, transporting.

Contact : 94229277 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Car for rent. Contact: 92516090 Silver Car, car for rent. Contact: 96166155 / 98402662

Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016.

Contact: 97249449

Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Pick & Drop any time. Contact: 97014786

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t u e s d ay, au g u s t 4 , 2 0 1 5

Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461

Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED services

COMPUTER

website

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476 Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

good news Rakhees Raksha Bandhan available thousands Designs. Also special offer at Haridas Nensey Ruwi.

Contact 24750784 Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba.

Contact 99639695 / 99117987

General cleaning, cleaning contract, cleaner supply. Contact: 95764290 /95113037 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTsit.

WANTED Business ED

classes House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Marble crystallization restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

SITUATION WANTED situation ACCA Affiliate, 2.5years experience in Audit/Finance in Global Big6 Firms and Oil company in Oman, Looking for suitable permanent placement. Release NOC Available.

Contact: #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Available for part time accounting job, contact 99196621 Electrical Engineer, 29, Indian Male, having 7+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in any Oman.

Contact - 97693456.

Mail ID : venkatbadri23@gmail.com BE. Biomedical Engineer, 5 years experience in the same field (Hospital/company)looking for suitable placement. Contact:92084807 Email:bonnygeorge1005@gmail.com Indian male, MBA with 20 years of experience in back office operation, risk and operational management, financial management for Finance and Trading companies. Presently available on visit visa. # 91276221

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER – Indian male seeking Electrical Engineer job with 2 years’ experience.

Contact: 94263445, E mail – janardhanan53@gmail.com

House shifting.

Contact 99708138 Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621

32 years, Filipina with experience in Teleperformance, Manila call centre, now working as Waitress in Qatar seeking suitable post.

Contact 99022484 24 Years, indian male 2.5 Years experience in admin & accounts, dubai.

Currently on visit visa. Seeking suitable placement in admin & accounts.

M: 93016252 EMAIL: shahabaskp@gmail.com CCNA MCITP network support /network technician with 2 years experience indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. #93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com Omani male , BBA ,with 6 year experience in HR &Admin looking for opportunity in HR & Admin in Muscat. Joint date after one month notice period . Mobile 92223279

House shifting packing.

99657644 / 98518013

SITUATION WANTmanpower

The investor is required for successful Educational project to pay 25,000/- Thousand.

Email: bussiness.om9@gmail.com New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938 General Investors.

Gsm-99674870 Serious investor needed for succeeded furniture company for expansion purposes.

Contact: 99041337

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 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722 A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Pest control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants ,Rodents & Termites. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99357908 / 99344723.

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 General cleaning & Shampooing.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 / 99357908 Civil maintenance - plumbing, electrical, painting, and tiling, interior decorations, shop furnishing and all other maintenance works.

Contact: 97897831 / 92112094 (Indian, Keralite)

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