Times of Oman - January 5, 2017

THURSDAY

January 5, 2017 6 Rabi Al Thani 1438 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 26th National Day, 1996

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ The citizen will be fully conscious of his nation’s interests, far-sighted, capable of serving his country, and of participating in the making of the right decisions at all levels within the social structure.

MORNING MINUTE

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 259 | 36 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

FAHD RECEIVES NORWAY MINISTER

His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers received Borge Brende, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, yesterday. — ONA See also >A6

OMAN

Cardiovascular disease is top killer

1

For more than a decade, cardiovascular disease has been the number one killer of Omanis.

More people die from cardiovascular disease than diabetes and cancer combined, and it is all preventable. Data from 2012 indicate an 18 % chance that adults will contract one noncommunicable disease in their lifetime. >A3

BUDGET AIRLINE

SalamAir eyes direct flights to India

Le Pen: Return to a ‘common currency’

RAHUL DAS

rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s first budget airline – SalamAir – is planning to launch direct flights to India.

This announcement comes after the government of Oman and India revised their flight agreement in December 2016, when the numbers of weekly seats was increased to 27,405 seats for both countries, compared to 21,145 seats, an increase of 6,258 seats per week.

Speaking to Times of Oman, François Bouteiller, chief executive officer (CEO) of SalamAir said, “We are expecting to fly to India. The process is that the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) has negotiated on behalf of SalamAir and Oman Air for additional capacity to India. But until now, India hasn’t specified where they will allocate this additional capacity. So, once India specifies, PACA will distribute the new allocation of these seats through Oman Air and SalamAir,” he told Times of Oman on Wednesday.

Bouteiller refused to name any Indian destinations, at this stage.

“I don’t know where we will be

WORLD

2 allowed to fly. I don’t want to say that we are going to New Delhi, and what happens if India doesn’t allot us additional seats to New Delhi? My wish is one thing, and what I will be allowed to do is another thing. So, we are waiting for India to allocate these seats, and then for PACA to distribute these seats,” he said.

SalamAir plans to connect Muscat with Salalah and Dubai, initially. Then it is looking at launching flights to Jeddah and more Gulf countries in the next few months.

He also said that SalamAir’s second aircraft will arrive in Muscat before it launches Dubai flights on February 15. “Right now, its interior is being refurbished in a neighbouring country,” he said.

He said there is a tremendous response from people, ever since they began booking the flights. >A4

Euro zone countries should retreat from the euro single currency and return to a “common currency” structure, French National Front leader Marine Le Pen said on Wednesday, evoking the era of the ECU basket of currencies. Le Pen hopes to be elected president of France in May. >A11

FARES RISE OVER HIKE AT PUMPS FUEL PRICES RISE Taxi drivers are

3

Oman’s long term foreign and local currency issuer default ratings have been rated ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook, thanks to low public and external debt and high per capita income, according to Fitch Ratings. IDRs rating indicates an entity’s vulnerability to default.>B1

August

January

200 December

passing on the rising fuel expenses

195 190 186

on consumers to maintain their living

MARKET

Oman’s ratings reflect low debt

Baisas per litre

180

170

SYED HAITHAM HASAN

haitham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Private taxi drivers have begun hiking fares, some by up to 30 per cent, to compensate for rise in fuel prices, a year after the government removed the subsidy to cut its soaring deficit.

Fuel prices for this month are highest since the subsidy ended last year and its cascading effect has trickled down finally to consumers as business-deprived taxi drivers pass on new expenses to

Diesel 178

177 176

176

Super 166 165

160

Regular 156

Source: Times of Oman

Graphics

passengers. “We have increased fares since late last year. It had to be done else there is no profit,” said a group of seven drivers at the Ruwi taxi station. “The business is much less since Mwasalat started operations and we can’t make any profit if we keep the fares same,”

said Ziad Al Habsi, a taxi driver for the past 15 years.

According to taxi drivers, a ride from Ruwi taxi station to Seeb would have cost about 600-700 baisa a year ago but now passengers have to pay 900 baisa to one rial for the same distance.

Fuel prices have risen by more than 50 per cent since subsidies were lifted last year. Currently the rates of petrol are 186bs/litre for M95 and 176bs/litre for M91.

“It is impossible to cover costs without raising prices,” says Sulaiman, another concerned taxi driver who has been driving a taxi for 10 years but feels the time has come to look for something else.

“I have increased prices for every destination by at least 100200bs. I don’t have an option. The insurance cover is higher, price of vehicle is more and petrol prices are too high to keep the same old rate. Even with all the increase in rates, passengers are less so profits are still marginal. Maybe we need to look for something else,” he said. >A4

Omani photographer portrays mosques as places of peace, purity

A4 M E T E O R O L O G Y D E PA R T M E N T

GUNS AND BULLETS

Fog covers Oman, reduces visibility Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Visibility will be reduced to less than 1,000 metres due to fog in different parts of Oman, the meteorology department has said.

“Fog formation over governorates of Al Buraimi, Al Dahirah, South and North Al Sharqiya and Al Wusta will lead to poor visibility,” the Oman meteorology department has said in its advisory.

For the last one week, fog has enveloped different parts of Oman leading to disruption of traffic movement.

“The heavy fog had disrupted traffic in Barka, Khabourah, Saham, Musanah and Sohar.

“Many motorists delayed their trips. One of my friends stayed with me on Tuesday night as he didn’t want to take risk by driving on a foggy night back to Muscat,” Yousuf Salim, a businessman in Sohar, said.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has been issuing regular warnings to motorists to drive cautiously during the fog formation.

The meteorology department has predicted fog formation in the next two days. See also >A5

Customs officials foil arms smuggling Staff Reporter

CAUTIONED: The Royal Oman Police has been issuing regular

warnings to motorists to drive cautiously during the fog formation.

MUSCAT: Customs officials foiled a bid to smuggle in guns and bullets to Oman at Sarfeet border, in Salalah, yesterday, the authority said.

“The vehicle carrying a gun, bullets, 902 tablets of narcotics and six packs of hashish was stopped by customs officials at the Sarfeet border. The vehicle has been impounded,” the Royal Oman Police (ROP) said, adding that the smuggled items were “hidden in a professional manner.”

The customs officials at Hafeet

border foiled an attempt to smuggle 100 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes and 2.5 kilograms of chewable tobacco, the Royal Oman Police reported on Wednesday.

In another incident, an attempt to smuggle more than 171 counterfeit cigarettes through Khatmat Milaha border was foiled.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

THE BRIEFING REGION

Israeli soldier convicted of manslaughter A young Israeli soldier who shot dead a Palestinian assailant lying wounded and motionless on the ground in the occupied West Bank was convicted of manslaughter in one of the most polarising cases in Israel’s history. The decision to court-martial Sergeant Elor Azaria stirred public controversy, with right-wing politicians calling after the verdict on President to pardon the defendant. >A7

INDIA

Poll schedule for five states announced

OMAN

State Council, Majlis Al Shura discuss economy A joint meeting of the State Council and the Majlis Al Shura was held at the Council of Oman building yesterday. The first meeting of the 2nd annual sitting of the 6th term was held under the chairs of Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council and Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura. The two offices discussed a range of issues that contribute to the development of the joint coordination between the two councils in order to ensure the integration of roles to serve the public interest. They also stressed the importance of holding continuous regular meetings between the two councils with the ministers concerned with the economic aspect to learn about the efforts and measures taken by the Government in this area. >A6

A brief summary of the top inside stories of different sections of the Times of Oman.

OMAN

Omani students robbed of belongings in US A group of Omani college students had their belongings stolen from their rented car in US, according to the official website of Ministry of Higher Education. >A4

OMAN

Omani ambassador’s credentials received

For latest updates and live coverage log in to www.timesofoman.com

President Macky Sall of Republic of Senegal yesterday received at the presidential palace in Dakar Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al A’amri, who presented his credentials as the Sultanate’s plenipotentiary and accredited envoy to Senegal.>A6

WORLD

Russia offers arms, close friendship to Manila

Muscat share index edges higher

Russia is ready to supply the Philippines with sophisticated weapons including aircraft and submarines and aims to become a close friend of the traditional US ally as it diversifies its foreign ties, Russia’s ambassador said.

Russian Ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev took the opportunity to hold a news conference on board the anti-submarine vessel Admiral Tributs. >A10

Istanbul attacker’s identity established

Dhoni steps down as India’s ODI captain

Turkey has established the identity of the gunman who killed 39 people in an Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s Day, its foreign minister said, as police detained suspected IS members of Central Asian and North African origin. In an interview, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu gave no further details about the gunman, whom Turkish officials have not named. >A12

BUSINESS

Firms face challenges as VAT introduction nears Mahendra Singh dhoni has stepped down as India’s limited-overs captain but will still be available for selection, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said on Wednesday. >C1

SPORTS

2nd Military Football Cup sponsors announced

The corporate sector in Oman is experiencing a dearth of value added tax (VAT) professionals, as the roll-out date for the new tax regime draws closer, according to financial experts. Recent announcement of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-wide taxation law, to be implemented in January next year, has created a vacuum for experienced value added tax professionals in the region, and experts believe that Oman is not an exception. >B3

The organising committee of the 2nd World Military Football Cup Championship 2017, which will be organised in the Sultanate from January 15 to 28, announced the companies sponsoring the championship. >C1

LIFESTYLE

Camels and man, a unique bond

PAKISTAN

The camel has brought our family great honour, and that is why we revere it so.

To us, the camel is a way of life. Without this humble beast, we would not be who we are today. It has sustained us, nurtured us, and helped us grow for generations, and will do so for generations to come. “Nature has blessed the camel with footpads that allow it to gallop even in the sand. ” >A14

Power outages to end well before 2018 general elections With the expected start of over 5,000-megawatt power plants this year, the Ministry of Water and Power has given assurances to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that load-shedding will come to an end in November, well ahead of general elections in mid-2018. >A9

FINAL DRAFT

SPORTS

Momentum in selected banking and telecom stocks lifted the Index to 5,756.84 points, up by 0.42 per cent.

The MSM Sharia Index closed at 866.49 points, up by 0.57 per cent. >B2

WORLD Assembly elections in the politically-crucial Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will be held between February 4 and March 8 in what will be the first major test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gamble on demonetisation.

While polling will be spread over seven phases in Uttar Pradesh, it will be a one-day affair in Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa, and a two-day exercise in Manipur. >A8

BUSINESS

MAJLIS AL SHURA

Standards for small solar plants

Law on patient’s rights reviewed

MUSCAT: Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) announced the completion of the final draft of the Standards for small scale GridConnected Solar PV Systems.

The new Standards define the requirements to be fulfilled by solar PV generating plants, which intend to operate in parallel with the distribution networks.

In addition, connection guidelines have also been developed to

MUSCAT: A draft law on patient rights and safety aimed at having legislation to protect them was discussed by Majlis Al Shura’s Health and Environmental Committee yesterday.

The third regular meeting of the second annual sitting (20162017) of the eighth term (20152019) was organised yesterday under the chair of Ali bin Khalfan Al Qutaiti, Head of the Com-

provide information for subscribers, consultants and contractors on the essential aspects, which have to be taken into consideration in order to connect a Solar PV system to the Distribution Networks.

All future small scale grid-connected solar PV systems would have to go through relevant distribution companies. Therefore, a typical connection process has been established, which provides

general procedures to be followed by distribution companies when allowing the connection of a solar PV system to the distribution network, from the application stage up to the operation stage.

The study made recommendations on the experience, competence, training and certification required for installers to qualify to undertake any work related to grid connected solar PV systems. -ONA

mittee. The committee hosted some of the stakeholders and specialists from the Ministry of Health.

Setting rules The meeting discussed the importance of having such a law in the Sultanate, which will help in setting rules governing the relationship between doctor and patient.

It will also look into the legal language that will maintain the confidentiality of the information and files of patients, and other topics related to this matter.

The meeting also reviewed some of the letters received by the committee, in addition to the review of the Nairobi International Convention for the removal of marine debris for 2017, referred by the government. -ONA MEETING

Arab League discusses Syrian crisis CAIRO: To discuss the latest developments in the Syrian crisis, the Arab League Council’s consultative meeting began at the Arab League headquarters yesterday.

The Sultanate is being represented in the meeting by Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Issa’ee, Sultanate’s ambassador to Egypt, its Permanent Delegate to the Arab League.

The leaders will discuss the international efforts to reach a political solution for the Syrian crisis and end the bloodshed in the country. -ONA M U S C AT

Members to take oath MUSCAT: Members of the 2nd Term Municipal Council will take oath before Eng. Mohsen bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Sheikh, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, Head of the Council today.

The The meeting will include forming the Council’s three committees, namely Health, Social, Environment Affairs Committee, Public Affairs Committee and Legal Committee. -ONA

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OMAN

Cardiovascular disease is top killer of Omanis More people die from cardiovascular disease than diabetes and cancer combined, and it is all preventable, according to officials

KHADIJA ALZADJALI

khadija@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: For more than a decade, cardiovascular disease has been the number one killer of Omanis.

More people die from cardiovascular disease than diabetes and cancer combined, and it is all preventable, according to officials.

Data from 2012 indicated an 18 per cent chance that adults will contract one non-communicable disease in their lifetime, such as cardiovascular disease. Experts, such as Dr. Ahmed Al-Busaidi, Secretary for the National NonCommunicable Committee, does not see a decrease in this morbidity rate anytime soon.

“I don’t think the data from 2016 will be much different than in the past years. It is a trend from the past five years. Within the last ten years, there is still a high rate of deaths, and that is the problem with non-communicable diseases,” Dr Al Busaidi said.

In the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) study conducted by the World Health Organisaton in 2014, cardiovascular disease-related deaths made up 33 per cent (3,135 people) of all Omani deaths that year. Further, diabetes and cancer, combined, were respon-

COMMON RISK FACTORS: There are three common risk factors associated with combatting non-

communicable diseases, including physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco.

Seventy five per cent of all cardiovascular patients also have diabetes. In past years, we used to register around 5,000 diabetic patients a year, but in 2015 we had more than 7,000 registrants. People need to change their lifestyles; otherwise, they will not live for more than 70 years, said Dr. Ahmed Al Busaidi, Secretary for the National Non-Communicable Committee

sible for 20 percent of the deaths in 2014, and not nearly as high as cardiovascular disease.

Just two years before, in 2012, another study reported Ischemic heart disease was taking the highest number of lives, leaving around 1,400 families broken.

In 2002, 42 per cent of all deaths

were attributed to cardiovascular diseases. Once again, diabetes and cancer, combined, were responsible for 24 per cent of that year’s number of deaths.

Dr Al Busaidi believes that diabetes still plays a major role, despite what data may show.

“Seventy five per cent of all

FORECAST

Gold price expected to remain high in 2017

PERFECT INVESTMENT OPTION: On Wednesday, the gold price in Oman was OMR448.73 per ounce,

OMR14.43 per gram for 24K and OMR13.23 per gram for 22K. — File photo

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Even though gold prices are at a three-week high, jewellers in Oman say that the public is still buying the precious metal. “There have been recent fluctuations in gold prices. However, the gold market is still performing smoothly, despite uncontrolled market factors,” said Najeeb K, Country Manager of Malabar Gold in Oman.

“Our sales have not been hit by increases in price. People have trust in gold as a perfect investment option,” Najeeb added. On Wednesday, the gold price in Oman was OMR448.73 per ounce, OMR14.43 per gram for 24K and OMR13.23 per gram for 22K. Three-week high Gold hit a 10-month low in midDecember, as the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates, making investing in the dollar more lucrative and the perception of commodities markets bleak.

However, current prices are at a three-week high.

“It seems positive, as prices are going up and the market is getting

Most gold sellers are positive that gold will be in high demand, regardless of prices

appreciation, despite inflation.

The jewellery sector in Oman has been flourishing for the same reason, and growth has been positive through 2016. As for our organisation, we also have witnessed positive growth through this year,” Najeeb added.

better. Even oil prices are going slightly higher, so it all seems to be fine for business and the market at the moment, and also for the GDP,” said Rajesh Govindan, Country Manager, Liali Jewellery in Oman.

“For us, when the gold rates were recently down, we had good sales, and then they started going higher and there was Christmas and New Years, plus when the rates started going up, it is the psychology of people to normally buy more, and they wait for it to go higher.

“In 2017, I expect gold rates to go higher,” he added.

Most gold sellers are positive that gold will be in high demand, regardless of prices.

“Gold has always been, and will continue to be, the ideal investment for all because of its

Fluctuations Despite the rally in prices, consumers are sceptical about buying gold this early in the year, with many important international events still to come that can cause fluctuations in gold prices.

“I want to buy some jewellery for myself, but watching the daily news, and so many things about gold prices, I want to wait and watch. Once I hear that market conditions are fine, I will buy gold again,” said Zainab, a regular gold jewellery buyer.

Jameela Wardhi, another regular buyer, said that she will remain cautious before buying gold, as it is better to wait until the prices bottom out.

“I want the prices to go to the lowest possible point before I buy gold. I will be putting a lot of money into it, and want the most for of my money,” Jameela added.

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cardiovascular patients also have diabetes. In past years, we used to register around 5,000 diabetic patients a year, but in 2015 we had more than 7,000 registrants.

“People need to change their lifestyles; otherwise, they will not live for more than 70 years,” Dr. Al Busaidi stated.

There are three common risk factors associated with combating non-communicable diseases, including physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco.

“We need to focus on the risk factors that are common among all these diseases. Studies now show that tobacco causes many NCD, and one hour of shisha is equivalent to smoking 200 cigarettes. When it comes to weight, children are becoming obese and, the trend is now, ‘the more you grow, the more obese you are’. Half of the population is overweight, 25 per cent of Omanis are obese and 29 per cent are overweight,” Dr. Al Busaidi added.

GOOD WISHES

His Majesty receives greetings cable on ROP Day MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of greetings from Lt.Gen Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, on the occasion of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Annual Day which falls today.

In his cable, Lt.Gen Al Shraiqi said, “Your Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You. It is my honour and that of the ROP personnel to express to Your Majesty the best greetings on the occasion of January the 5th; the ROP Annual Day, praying to the Almighty Allah for the return of this and other happy occasions on your Majesty with good health and happiness, Oman and its people with prosperity.

“Your Majesty, the modernisation of Your Police is going rap-

idly as per the carefully studied plans and according to the priorities we have; thanks to Your Majesty’s care.

“This modernisation includes all police fields to keep pace with the rapid comprehensive development taking place in the Sultanate to ensure the security of Oman, its citizens and all those living on its land as per the highest quality, swiftness and perfection standards.

“Your Majesty the Sultan, while the ROP personnel celebrate their annual day, they are happy for the resources your Majesty provided to them and are determined to use such resources to carry out their missions at the different police work fields with high efficiency.

“May Allah protect and bestow on Your Majesty blessings of good health and happiness.” — ONA

WORKER CRUSHED UNDER PIPE

A water pipeline worker died after a pipe fell on him while on duty in Barka, Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) tweeted. Tweeting a picture of the rescue operations, the authority said that the pipe fell on the workers and one died in the accident.

A4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

OMAN Omani photographer portrays mosques as places of peace, purity His latest series, ‘The Spirit of Cohesion’, depicts 22 mosques from throughout the Sultanate in black and white

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: With serene and calm shots of mosques in black and white, Soud Al Buhriy has a message portraying purity and peace through his photos.

‘The Spirit of Cohesion’, his latest series, depicts 22 mosques from throughout the Sultanate in black and white, which, according to Al Buhriy, are not just venues where Muslims pray five times a day, but also locations that play a role by sharing knowledge and acting as educational centres.

“A mosque is a place to become acquainted and make friends with fellow worshipers, which would eventually lead to the formation of close family ties and help in building community cohesion. I want people to change their perceptions and see them as social places, because they are so much deeper.

“From the old times, mosques were known to be learning centres, which shaped people’s behaviours and built friends. If you go to a desert with no inhabitants and build a mosque there, you will find, in a few years’ time, that people will start to live around the area.”

Al Buhriy works at the Oman Cement company in a technical role, but that has not stopped him from becoming creative with his lens. He first started taking photos

in 1986 while he was still at school, and over the years he has been experimenting with his camera and has taken some extraordinary photos.

The mosque project, his latest, was completed over a period of two years with Soud traveling across Oman with his camera in hand, stopping to analyse mosques he came across and deciding whether they should be part of his project.

“It took me two years to complete this project, and I travelled everywhere, except to Salalah. I wanted to go there, too, but it didn’t happen for some reason.

“I wanted this project to consist

of both newer mosques and other, smaller ones, too.”

Saud kept the frames of his mosque photos white because he wanted to show the purity associated with them. “People normally choose black frames to make pho-

tos look stronger, but I wanted it to be white because mosques are so pure and I wanted to convey that message.

“I also kept a larger space for the clouds in my photos because it is a general tendency for humans, when they leave a mosque, to look to the sky to the Almighty, who is their constant source of motivation and energy. I also have the photos printed in black and white because they are more emotional,” Al Burhiy added.

The Spirit of Cohesion will be on display from January 3 until February 4 at Gallery Sarah at Bait Al Zubair.

ENROLLED IN OHIO

FINANCE OPTIONS

Omani students robbed of belongings in US Times News Service MUSCAT: A group of Omani college students had their belongings stolen from their rented car in the United States, according to the official website of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE).

The students, who are enrolled at a university in Ohio, were enjoying winter break and having dinner at a restaurant in San Francisco, California when their car was broken into.

In an interview with (MoHE) official magazine Musaab Al Masruri, one of the victims said they lost “four bags, a laptop, a digital camera, a phone, clothes and expensive headphones.”

By coincidence, a Saudi citizen

Insurance lab set to start MUSCAT: A laboratory to study finance options for the unemployment insurance scheme will start next Sunday in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser AlBakri, Minister of Manpower and Chairman of the Public Authority of Social Insurance (PASI).

Representatives of the tripartite stakeholders (the government, employers and employees) alongside with relevant ministries, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the General Federation of Oman Trade Unions, the State Council, Majlis A’ Shura, the Supreme Council for Planning, the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) and Public Authority for Manpower Register will take part in the lab. — ONA

found one of the student’s passports near the crime scene and contacted the Omani embassy, and tweeted about it, according to Al Masruri. “He came and saw us near the car and asked if we are Omanis, and handed us the passport,” Al Masruri said.

“We waited for one and a half hours for the police to arrive. In that time, we talked to a nearby shop-keeper and asked if he could give us the CCTV footage of the crime,” he added. “He was cooperative, thanks to God. We took the clip to the police to open a crime case and to have our rented car replaced so we can go on with our trip,” Al Masruri said, explaining that the insurance company did not cover their loss.

BUDGET AIRLINE

< FROM

PROFIT DROPS

< FROM

A1 Good response

A1 Private taxi fares

“The response has been very positive from travel agents and the public, and the first flight to Salalah on January 30 is filling up quickly,” he said.

Oman’s first budget airline is offering tickets to Salalah for OMR 11, and Dubai is OMR 16.6.

SalamAir has introduced three easy fare options- light, friendly and flexi.

Light fares have been designed for customers who travel light and only require hand baggage. Next is the friendly fare, which includes 20kg of checked luggage plus 7kg of hand baggage. For maximum passenger convenience and value, Flexifares have all the advantages of Friendly, along with priority check-in and the possibility to change flights at no extra cost.

Awarded its air service operator licence by PACA in early 2016, SalamAir’s fleet of three Airbus A320s is likely to take to the skies from January 30.

The brainchild of ASAAS—a national investment and development company—SalamAir was formed to meet Oman’s growing demand for air traffic.

Private taxi fares are not regulated by the government in Oman and rates for the ride are decided by mutual consent between driver and passenger.

Heated exchanges on fares is a common sighting at crowded taxi stations. In 2015, Times of Oman quoted Suleiman Al Jardani, one of six taxi drivers chosen as a spokesperson by 600 taxi drivers, saying that fares needed to be regulated.

“Most of the taxi drivers are not compliant of prices because there isn’t a governing body to regulate prices.For years, we have been asking for price regulations; and if there would have been one, we would have followed it,” Al Jardani said.

There has been a substantial drop in profits of cab drivers as Mwasalat took a major chunk of their business and the bus service is reportedly keeping their rates stable for the time being,

not regulated by government

which can cause another dent in taxi profits. Experts however believe it is an ordinary situation and it’s up to the taxi drivers to find out a way to make their services look attractive while still making money.

“It is a natural effect. You can’t expect taxi drivers to bear the brunt of rising prices. Motorists are affected and so should taxi passengers. It is like a Value Added Tax (VAT). You can’t have companies to pay for a consumer tax just like you can’t have taxi drivers pay for rise in fuel prices.

It’s up to the cab operators to decide the rise and still stay in business,” says Aamir Patel, a chartered accountant.

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STEPPING STONE

21% SQU tourism course students opt for career in same field

A5

OMAN

Drive carefully in foggy conditions, say experts Guidelines have been issued by the

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Only 21 per cent of those students enrolled in tourism courses at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) are willing to work in tourism as careers, according to research performed by the university.

The study found that slightly more than one-fifth of the students see themselves permanently staying within the tourism sector, while a majority of students only plan to join the tourism sector as a stepping stone to lead them to other career fields.

The study was conducted by Dr Tamer Mohammed Atef and Dr Massouma Al Balushi, both professors at the university in the tourism department and researchers who released the study.

The research reveals many factors that account for the disappointing drive towards joining the tourism sector, such as the students’ growing negative perception of a successful career in tourism. The researchers say that though the SQU Tourism and Hospitality programme equips students with a variety of skills and qualifications needed for a professional career, students are most reluctant about the type of work they would undertake in the field.

The study found that the main catalyst to pursuing a career in the field of tourism and hospitality would be more encouraging work conditions.

The study also reveals that students find jobs, such as hotel management, event organising, and ticket reservations, to be the most appealing within the industry.

“However, jobs such as cleaning, cooking and reception were the least desired,” the study adds.

Atef and Al Balushi recommend a variety of steps in order to highlight to students the many job opportunities and disciplines they have access to within the field of tourism.

They suggest maintaining a strong link with the tourism sector and the Ministry of Tourism, with collaboration on tourism career fairs, workshops, and creating a ‘quality control’ regarding the strength of the programme and its graduating students.

They also recommend more events and workshops inviting industry experts, as this would help faculty members remain aware of current and future industry trends.

The study says that the Omani community’s perception of the field could be more positive, with better marketing about career opportunities, and its strength as a growing market for Oman

“This would also enhance students’ definitions of the tourism industry and the opportunities available in the labor market,” the study adds.

Finally, the researchers suggest changing both students’, and the Omani community’s, generally negative perception about tourism careers.

According to the researchers, this can involve highlighting less traditional courses taught within the department that would give students a competitive edge within their field, and generally in their future careers.

The study says that the Omani community’s perception of the field could be more positive, with better marketing about career opportunities, and its strength as a growing market for Oman.

Atef and Al Balushi hope that these findings would help educators, employers, and policy-makers better understand the trends and future of Omanis pursuing tourism careers, and help achieve the desired Omanisation rate within the tourism industry.

A senior manager at a prominent hotel in Salalah echoed the problems of low Omani representation in the hospitality industry.

“When we do get Omani candidates for work, most are unqualified. Those who do end up working with us often do not challenge themselves or take the initiative with work, even when there are opportunities to do so,” he said.

This highlights the study’s recommendation to directly connect job positions with qualified tourism students, and also to change the negative perception regarding the field’s challenges and opportunities.

RELUCTANT: The study was conducted by Dr Tamer Mohammed

Atef and Dr Massouma Al Balushi, both professors at the university in the tourism department and researchers who released the study. — File photo

Royal Oman Police to avoid water droplets formation on car windows

Times News Service MUSCAT: Motorists have been urged to drive carefully during the current fog conditions in some parts of Oman, as experts offered their top tips for driving safely.

Mark Pudwell, an international HSE training consultant, said driving in fog means that drivers have far less time to react to situations that they may normally deal with quite easily in clear conditions.

“There are three golden rules for driving in fog - the first being the most important, and that is to give yourself more time to react by reducing your speed. The second is to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front by an additional 100m, and the final rule is to use front and rear vehicle fog lights.

Serious incidents “The majority of serious incidents which occur during foggy conditions are a direct result of drivers failing to see what’s in front of

HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS: “There are three golden rules for driving in fog - the first being the most

important, and that is to give yourself more time to react by reducing your speed. The second is to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front by an additional 100m, and the final rule is to use front and rear vehicle fog lights,” said Mark Pudwell, an international HSE training consultant.

them, driving too quickly, and failing to maintain a safe distance.

Drivers should not use full beam headlights to try and see further into the fog, as the water vapour reflects this light back at the driver and actually reduces their visibility. Slow down, increase your distance and use fog lights,” he told Times of Oman.

The advisory was issued after visibility was reduced to less than 1,000 metres in several parts of Oman this week, leading to disruptions in the movement of traffic.

Meanwhile, the ROP has issued guidelines to avoid fog from forming on your car windows.

“Many people suffer through fog forming on the inside of their car windows, which happens during winter months when the inside of their car is warmer than the outside air.

This water condensation obstructs drivers’ visions, and threatens their ability to drive safely.

There is also a lack of awareness regarding how to get rid of this fog, with unhelpful suggestions, such

as using tissue or a cloth to wipe it away,” the ROP said in its website.

Detailing the methods, the ROP said most cars have an air button which rids car windows of fog.

Another way of combating fog is taking a dry bar of soap and rubbing it on the inner car window, and then using a soft cloth to wipe the glass clear.

“Also, you can use a special spray that takes care of condensation, which is sold in pharmacies and optical shops,” the ROP noted on its website.

RESEARCH

Experts in Sultanate track paths of migratory birds fitted with GPS devices Times News Service MUSCAT: Fitted with GPS devices, experts are tracking the migration of birds at Barr Al Hikman.

This is the first time experts are tracking the migration of crab plover and bar-tailed godwits within the West Asian-East African flyway.

More than one million migratory shorebirds visit Barr Al Hikman every year. Half of the species are long-distance migrants. The area is home to shorebirds that fly to different breeding locations.

Dr. Andy Kwarteng, Director, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems Research Centre, Sultan Qaboos University, delivered a talk about his analysis of the migration of birds wintering at Barr Al Hikman, Sultanate of Oman.

The talk was organised by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research at SQU. As part of The Research Council (TRC) sponsored project, researchers from Sultan Qaboos University and NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research are tracking the migration of birds wintering at Barr Al Hikman using GPS devices fitted on the birds.

Dr. Andy Kwarteng said that bird migration is one of the most enthralling aspects of the avian world that has fascinated human-

ARTICULATE: Dr Andy Kwarteng, Director, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems Research Centre, Sultan Qaboos University, delivered a talk about his analysis of the migration of birds wintering at Barr Al Hikman, Sultanate of Oman.

kind for centuries. “Migratory birds may travel several hundred to thousand kilometers to breed, and return to warmer conditions in the fall. Monitoring the migration routes and the consistency of birds’ schedules could be a major indicator of any potential local, regional or global climate change.

Such studies provide crucial information about where birds go and how they survive outside the breeding season. The twice a year migration from overwintering to breeding sites, and the return trip, occur throughout the world in well-established routes, or flyways. Migration of shorebirds in the West Asian-East African fly-

way is poorly understood, compared to other flyways. Water birds are good indicators of the status of the overall ecological status of wetlands”, he said.

Barr Al Hikman is a vast, pristine coastal wetland in the Sultanate, and is one of world’s most undisturbed tropical ecosystems.

This area supports a large number of shorebirds and invertebrates, and is a safe foraging place for turtles and a nursery ground for fish.

“With our study, we aim for an advanced understanding of the ecological processes that are shaping this unique system. By sharing our results, we hope to raise awareness about the international importance of ecosystems, such as Barr Al Hikman”, Dr. Kwarteng said.

The scientists have conducted migration studies on two species of birds wintering at Barr Al Hikman, the crab plover and the bartailed godwit.

The bar-tailed godwit is known to breed on the Arctic coasts and tundra in Europe and Asia, and spend the winters along the coast of tropical and temperate regions, including the Sultanate of Oman, Australia and New Zealand.

A recent survey at Barr Al Hikman in January 2016 counted 60,000 winter visitors, accounting for approximately 60 per cent of the flyway population. In November 2015, a team of professional bird catchers caught 10 bar-tailed

godwits, and fit them with five gram Solar Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTTs).

According to Dr. Kwarteng, studying birds and their migration patterns offers a number of benefits to society, and the country in general. From the conservation point of view, by studying the stopovers and wintering locations, measures can be taken to protect and save these key locations. “Climate change and global warming influence the routes of many migratory birds and their annual migration rhythm.

Many migratory birds may change their routes, and shorten or cancel their journeys because of changing temperatures and other adverse conditions. Hence, research helps us to understand more about trends in global warming and measures to counter it.

From an economic point of view, bird watching can help eco-tourism fly high. Bird watching-based tourism is growing rapidly across the world. An increasing number of birdwatchers are traveling to long haul destinations to spot new birds that cannot be seen in their own country or region. Oman, which is now looking for economic diversification, can capitalize on this growing market by offering what birdwatchers require, including accessibility, infrastructure, quality of birdlife, and knowledgeable guides”, he noted.

A6

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

OMAN Sultanate, Norway explore trade, investment opportunities Oman and Norway signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations

MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers yesterday received Borge Brende, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway.

The guest conveyed greetings of the leadership in Norway to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said along with best wishes of permanent success to His Majesty the Sultan and the government, and the Omani people further progress and growth.

The two sides reviewed means of promoting economic and trade cooperation between the two

REVIEW TIES: Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah and Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Ali bin Mas’oud Al Sunaidi with Minister of Foreign Affairs Borge Brende of Norway, in Muscat, yesterday. – ONA

countries, in addition to encouraging investments in several fields and reviewing the current regional and international issues.

The Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister expressed appreciation of the Government of Norway to Oman’s balanced policy, as well as its progress in various spheres.

The meeting was attended by Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs and Rolf Willy Hansen, ambassador of Norway to Oman.

EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT

Alawi held a meeting at the General Diwan of the Foreign Ministry with Borge Brende and his accompanying delegation.

The two sides discussed growing bilateral cooperation between the two countries and means of promoting them in various fields.

They also stressed the importance of following up and developing such relations.

The two sides also reviewed regional and international issues of common concern. At the end of

the meeting, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Mohammed bin Yousef Al Zarafi, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Rolf Willy Hansen, non-resident ambassador of Norway, the delegation accompanying the guest and officials at the Foreign Ministry.

Dr. Ali bin Mas’oud Al Sunaidi,

Minister of Commerce and Industry received Borge Brende.

Opportunities of cooperation They reviewed opportunities of cooperation in the investment areas between the two countries, in addition to efforts of the Sultanate’s government to contain oil price fluctuations and the efforts exerted by the competent authorities to finance the budget to support the continuation of the economic growth.

They also discussed on means of promoting the relations between the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the two countries, as well as efforts of the authorities concerned to encourage SMEs owners to promote their productions locally and internationally.

The trade between the two countries achieved a remarkable growth in the past three years. The meeting was attended from the Omani side by a number of officials at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, while it was attended from the Norwegian side by the Norwegian non-resident ambassador to the Sultanate and members of the delegation accompanying the guest.

Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas received the Norwegian minister.

They discussed fields of cooperation in the oil and gas sectors between the two countries and exchanged views on oil price expectations in 2017.

They also discussed technical cooperation in the oil and gas sectors, as there is a trade relation between the Oil and Gas Ministry and the Norwegian Statoil Company. -ONA

COUNCIL OF OMAN

State Council, Majlis Al Shura discuss Omani economy at joint meeting

ROHM to showcase Renaissance march MUSCAT: Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) will stage on Thursday its first exclusive product under the title “Oman Celebrations: The Great Journey”.

The performance embodies the history of Oman and the blessed Renaissance march under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The celebration will be sponsored by His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture in the presence of a large number of officials.

The performance includes 8 plateaus that will cast light on aspects of the historic march of the Sultanate over the ages until the blessed Renaissance. It will also highlight features from the Omani real life, maritime life, cultural heritage, history and modern Renaissance through a number of performances that will mix movement with music, dazzling lights and various visual effects.

It should be noted that the performance will be organised at the ROHM open park for the public for three days. -ONA

MUSCAT: A joint meeting of the State Council and the Majlis Al Shura was held at the Council of Oman building yesterday.

The first meeting of the 2nd annual sitting of the 6th term was held under the chairs of Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council and Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura.

The two offices discussed a range of issues that contribute to the development of the joint coordination between the two councils in order to ensure the integration of roles to serve the public interest.

Regular meetings They also stressed the importance of holding continuous regular meetings between the two councils with the ministers concerned with the economic aspect to learn about the efforts and measures taken by the Government in this area.

It will help in the integration of efforts and opinions designed to overcome the challenges facing

own internal regulations, in addition to discussing a joint mechanism for protocols and services provided to parliamentary guests and delegations visiting the two councils.

JOINT MEETING: The first meeting of the 2nd annual sitting of the

6th term was held under the chairs of Dr. Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council and Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura. – ONA

the Omani economy, so that the process of development continues with firm steps to achieve the desired goals.

Further, the two offices touched on the membership of the Council of Oman in the regional, Arab and international parliamentary organisations and coordination

towards the same so as to enhance the presence of the Sultanate in the parliamentary forums at all levels.

They also highlighted the importance of taking into account the coordination of provisions on mechanisms of joint action between the two councils in their

Draft laws Additionally, the two offices stressed the importance of inviting the counterpart committees in both councils when hosting specialists in the field work of those committees or during the discussion of draft laws.

They discussed the possibility of benefiting from abroad lecturers at the Training Centre in the Council of Oman in a bid to enhance its role in implementation of training and rehabilitation programs for the members of both councils, in addition to the development of skills and the development of the capacities of human resources at both councils.

The two offices also approved minutes of the first meeting between them held on Monday, 22nd May 2016. -ONA

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Senegal president receives Omani envoy’s credentials

BILATERAL MEETING: President Macky Sall of Republic of Senegal received Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al A’amri, at the presidential palace in Dakar yesterday. – ONA

DAKAR: President Macky Sall of Republic of Senegal yesterday received at the presidential palace in Dakar Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al A’amri, who presented his credentials as the Sultanate’s plenipotentiary and accredited ambassador to Senegal.

During the meeting, the ambassador conveyed greetings and best wishes of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to President Sall

and the Senegalese people further progress. On his turn, the Senegalese President asked the ambassador to convey his greetings and best wishes to His Majesty the Sultan and the Omani people further progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty, wishing him success in carrying out his duties and the Omani-Senegalese relations further progress.

The Omani ambassador also discussed with the president good bilateral relations between the two countries and means of enhancing them. The credentials presentation ceremony was attended by Mankeur Ndiaye, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Brono. D, Head of the Presidential Protocol Department and members of the Sultanate’s Embassy in Senegal. -ONA

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

A7

REGION KIDNAPPED

Iraqi woman journalist released BAGHDAD: Iraqi journalist Afrah Al Qaisi, known in her country for criticising the government in satirical articles for local media, has been released unharmed after being kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Baghdad a week ago.

The head of the Iraqi Journalistic Freedoms Observatory, Ziyad Al Ajili, said on Wednesday the kidnappers had returned the car, telephone, laptop and gold jewellery they took when they broke into her home and that she drove back overnight around midnight.

Emotional scenes A video aired by the Kurdish NRT channel showed emotional scenes after Qaisi, who used to work for the Saudi-owned pan-Arab newspaper Asharq Al Awsat, was reunited with her family and friends after returning home.

“I just want to say that I’m fine and I was well treated,” she said, sobbing and shaking.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi telephoned Qaisi to check on her well-being after her release, his media office said.

The kidnapping highlighted the dangers journalists face in Iraq, where 71 have been killed with impunity over the past decade, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). — Reuters

Thousands more Iraqis flee Mosul as military advances Iraqi forces renewed their push from Mosul’s east towards the Tigris River on three fronts

NEAR MOSUL/ERBIL: More than 2,000 Iraqis a day are fleeing Mosul, several hundred more each day than before US-led coalition forces began a new phase of their battle to retake the city from IS, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

After quick initial advances, the operation stalled for several weeks but last Thursday Iraqi forces renewed their push from Mosul’s east towards the Tigris River on three fronts.

Elite interior ministry troops were clearing the Mithaq district on Wednesday, after entering it on Tuesday when counterterrorism forces also retook an industrial zone. Federal police advanced in the Wahda district, the military

HOME-BOUND: Displaced Iraqi people, who fled the IS stronghold of Mosul, gather as they leave Khazer camp to go home, Iraq, on Wednesday. – Reuters

said on Wednesday, in the 12th week of Iraq’s largest military campaign since the US-led invasion of 2003.

As they advanced, many more civilian casualties were also being recorded, the UN said.

Vastly outnumbered, the militants have embedded themselves

among residents and are using the city terrain to their advantage, concealing car bombs in narrow alleys, posting snipers on tall buildings with civilians on lower floors, and making tunnels and surface-level passageways between buildings. “We were very afraid,” one Mithaq resident said.

F R E E Z I N G W E AT H E R

Thousands return to ruins of Aleppo BEIRUT: Thousands of people are starting to return to formerly rebel-held east Aleppo despite freezing weather and destruction “beyond imagination”, a top UN official told Reuters from the Syrian city.

In the last couple of days around 2,200 families have returned to the Hanano housing district, said Sajjad Malik, country representative in Syria for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

“People are coming out to east Aleppo to see their shops, their houses, to see if the building is standing and the house is not that looted... to see, should they come back,” he said in an interview.

But given the appalling conditions, the UN is not encouraging people to return. “It is extremely, bitterly cold here,” said Malik.

“The houses people are going back to have no windows or doors, no cooking facilities.”

Aid is vital to prevent more deaths. The UN is helping people to restart their lives in one room of their apartments to start with, he said, giving them mats, sleeping bags and plastic sheets to cover blown-out windows.

Hanano was one of the first Aleppo neighbourhoods to fall to rebels in 2012, and the first to be retaken by the Syrian government on its way to seizing back full control of the northern city last month - the biggest victory for President Bashar Al Assad in

RELIEF: Children carry cooked meals provided by the UN through a partner NGO at Al Mashatiyeh

neighbourhood of east Aleppo, Syria, on Wednesday. – Bassam Diab/UNHCR/Handout via Reuters

nearly six years of war.| As government forces rapidly advanced, some residents stayed put, tens of thousands fled of their own accord and around 35,000 fighters and civilians were evacuated in late December in convoys organised by the Syrian government.

After months of fierce Syrian and Russian air strikes, reconstruction will take a long time, Malik said, but the immediate priority is to keep people warm and fed. UN-supported partners provide hot meals twice a day to 21,000 people, and 40,000 people get baked bread every day.

Over 1.1 million people once again have access to clean water in bottles or through tankers and wells. Mobile clinics are up and running, and more than 10,000 children have received polio vaccinations.

Thousands of children who have not been able to attend school need reintegrating into the education system through remedial classes to rebuild their confidence, Malik said.

There was no register of births, deaths and marriages in the rebelheld sector, so the UN is working with the government to issue peo-

OCCUPIED WEST BANK

Killing of injured Palestinian: Israeli soldier convicted of manslaughter OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: A young Israeli soldier who shot dead a Palestinian assailant lying wounded and motionless on the ground in the occupied West Bank was convicted of manslaughter on Wednesday in one of the most polarising cases in Israel’s history.

The decision to court-martial Sergeant Elor Azaria, who shot the Palestinian after the assailant stabbed another Israeli soldier last March, stirred public controversy in Israel from the start, with right-wing politicians calling after the verdict on President Reuven Rivlin to pardon the 20-year-old defendant. As the decision was being read at a heavily guarded military court in Tel Aviv, several hundred far-right backers of Azaria - one of them carrying a Donald Trump “Make America Great Again” banner - clashed with police outside the facility.

Ten months ago, Azaria was an army medic serving in the Israelioccupied city of Hebron when two Palestinians carried out the stabbing. Hebron has been a longtime

flashpoint of violence, and the incident occurred during a wave of Palestinian street attacks on Israelis. One of the two assailants was shot dead by troops. The other was shot and wounded. Eleven minutes later, as the wounded man, Abd Elfatah Ashareef, 21, lay on the ground incapacitated, Azaria shot him in the head with an assault rifle. At the trial, Azaria contended that he believed the Palestinian, though motionless, still posed a danger because his knife was nearby, and that he might have been carrying explosives. “He deserves to die,” Azaria was quoted in the verdict as telling another soldier after pulling the trigger.

The three-judge panel rejected Azaria’s argument.

“One cannot use this type of force, even if we’re talking about an enemy’s life,” the court said in its verdict. “We unanimously convict the accused of manslaughter and of conduct unbecoming (a soldier).” Azaria, who was smiling as he awaited the verdict with his parents beside him, sat

emotionless as the chief judge read out the conviction. But his mother screamed “you should be ashamed of yourselves” as the panel left the bench. “Our hero!” relatives of Azaria chanted after the verdict was delivered.

With the 50th anniversary of Israel’s wartime capture of the West Bank approaching, the trial generated debate about whether the military, long seen as a melting pot for Israelis from a multitude of backgrounds, was out of touch with a public that has shifted to the right in its attitudes towards the Palestinians and ways of dealing with continuing violence.

Video of the shooting, taken by a Palestinian human rights activist, showed the knife was not within Ashareef’s reach, and no bomb was found. The video was distributed to news organisations, ensuring that the incident drew attention amid allegations

by Palestinians and rights groups that Israeli soldiers have been using excessive force against lightly armed assailants. — Reuters

ple with papers. “I met a woman with five children and she was excited that she now has her kids registered as Syrians. She has ID cards and a family book,” he said.

Bombing has destroyed hospitals, schools, roads and houses, and damaged the two main water pumping stations. The experienced UN official said the level of destruction surpassed anything he had seen in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Somalia.

“Nothing would have prepared us to see the scale of destruction there, it’s beyond imagination.”

— Reuters

“A Daesh (IS) anti-aircraft weapon was positioned close to our house and was opening fire on helicopters. We could see a small number of Daesh fighters in the street carrying light and medium weapons. They were hit by planes.”

Security forces have retaken

about a quarter of Mosul since October but, against expectations and despite severe shortages of food and water, most residents have stayed put until now.

More than 125,000 people have been displaced out of a population of roughly 1.5 million, but the numbers have increased by nearly 50 per cent to 2,300 daily from 1,600 over the last few days, the UN refugee agency said.

The humanitarian situation was “dire”, with food stockpiles dwindling and the price of staples spiralling, boreholes drying up or turning brackish from over-use and camps and emergency sites to the south and east reaching maximum capacity, it said.

Most of the fleeing civilians are from the eastern districts but people from the besieged west, still under the militants’ control, are increasingly attempting to escape, scaling bridges bombed by the coalition and crossing the Tigris by boat. An Iraqi victory in Mosul would probably spell the end for IS’s self-styled caliphate but in recent days the militants have displayed the tactics to which they are likely to resort if they lose the city, killing dozens with bombs in Baghdad and attacking security forces elsewhere. — Reuters

A8

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017 Forty-year-old Jamalu first fed pesticide to 12 family members and later hacked to death 10 of them. He then hanged himself, Superintendent of Police, Santosh Kumar Singh said.

INDIA ELEVENTH HOUR EFFORTS

Samajwadi Party races against time, party leaders make vain bid for patch-up LUCKNOW: Racing against time, Samajwadi Party leaders on Wednesday made eleventh hour efforts to restore peace in the ruling party with Azam Khan taking the lead, meeting party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav separately but failed to make any headway.

The efforts were unlikely to yield any positive result as SP National General Secretary Ramgopal Yadav ruled out any chance of “patch up” and trashed reports of such a move as “rumours”.

Hours before the Election Commission announced the polls schedule for Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the urgency to broker peace appeared palpable in the faction-ridden party so that the vertical split in the organisation does not create confusion among

voters as to which was the real SP. After late night confabulations to hammer out a compromise formula came a cropper, Khan made fresh efforts this morning when he reached Mulayam’s residence. He discussed for over four hours with Mulayam and Shivpal Yadav and also met Akhilesh separately at his 5-Kalidas Marg residence.

As both the factions — one headed by SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and the other by his son Akhilesh Yadav — staked claim to the party’s “cycle” symbol saying they were the real Samajwadi Party, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said he was examining claims of different factions of SP and will decide after taking a view based on precedents and set principles.

“The Commission, as per the

symbol order, while keeping in mind precedents and set principles followed till now, will examine the documents before us and will take appropriate decision at the right time,” Zaidi said.

Factional war In the last two-three days, the EC has received representations — one from Mulayam Singh Yadav and the other from Ram Gopal Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav. The factional war in the ruling Samajwadi Party of Uttar Pradesh reached the Election Commission a day after Mulayam Singh Yadav was deposed from the post of the party president by the group headed by his son Akhilesh.

The split in SP was formalised on Tuesday with the Akhilesh camp approaching the EC to assert

the party is “actually” headed by him now and not its founder Mulayam who had knocked the doors of the poll panel a day before to lay claim on ‘cycle’ symbol.

Hours after his camp staked claim over the party and its election symbol “cycle”, Akhilesh drove to his father’s residence and was with him for over two hours, leading to speculation about patch-up efforts. But, the chief minister’s camp discounted those efforts, saying it was “too late”.

Experts said as an interim measure, the poll panel may freeze the cycle symbol and ask the two factions to contest on new symbols.

It may also give the two sides new name to contest the polls till the time a final decision is taken on the real “ownership” of Samajwadi Party and its symbol “cycle”. -PTI

DEFIANT: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at a pro-

gramme at his residence in Lucknow on Wednesday. -PTI

Schedule for assembly polls in five states announced Polling will be spread over seven phases in Uttar Pradesh, it will be a one-day affair in Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa, and a two-day exercise in Manipur. Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the

BRIEFING: Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi, along with Election Commissioners Achal Kumar Jyoti and Om Prakash Rawat, announcing poll schedule for five states during a press conference, in New Delhi on Wednesday. - PTI

states on March 11

NEW DELHI: Assembly elections in the politically-crucial Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will be held between February 4 and March 8 in what will be the first major test for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gamble on demonetisation.

While polling will be spread over seven phases in Uttar Pradesh, it will be a one-day affair in Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa, and a two-day exercise in Manipur. Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the states on March 11, the Election Commission announced on Wednesday setting in process the mega political exercise in the new year.

Black money Announcing the schedule, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said the Commission will keep a watch on the use of black money, which is expected to come down due to demonetisation. Steps will be taken up to ensure that oth-

er illegal inducements are not used to influence voters, he said.

In Uttar Pradesh, which has a 403-member House, polls will be held on February 11 (73 constituencies), February 15 (67 constituencies), February 19 (69), February 23 (53), February 27 (52), March 3 (49) and March 8 (40).

Unlike last elections, Manipur, which recently witnessed violence raising questions whether elections would be possible now, will have a two-day polling on March 4 (38 constituencies) and March 8 (22 seats). Here, the Congress seeks to retain power.

Polling will be held in Punjab and Goa together on February 4 and in Uttarakhand it will be held on February 15. The whole electoral process will begin with the issue of notification for polls in Punjab and Goa on January 11.

The family feud and the split in ruling Samajwadi Party have injected a new dimension in the politics in Uttar Pradesh where BJP hopes to capture power after 14 years on the back of a sweep in Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress, the other main challengers, hope to make it a quadrangular fight but for some alliances being made. Punjab, which a 117-member assembly, promises to be an essentially three-way fight between the ruling SAD-BJP combine, Congress and the new entrant Aam Aadmi Party.

After sensational political developments in Uttarakhand in 2016, where Congress was temporarily dislodged from power due to defections, the party and BJP are set for a virtual direct fight on 70 seats. In Goa, where BJP seeks to retain most of the 40 assembly seats to remain in power, AAP is being seen as a new player which plans to topple the applecart of national parties Congress and BJP. Over 16 crore people will participate in these polls for 690 constituencies in five states, for which the Commission has set up 1.85 lakh polling stations, up 15 per cent from the number during the 2012 polls.

“The Model Code of Conduct will come into immediate effect

and will apply on political parties and state governments concerned, besides the Central government in terms of announcements in these states,” Zaidi said.

The Chief Election Commissioner said candidates will have to open a bank account for all election expenditures and expenses above Rs20,000 will be made through cheques from the new accounts. He added that donations above Rs20,000 will also be accepted through cheques. The maximum limit for expenses for each candidates in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand is Rs 28 lakh, while that in Goa and Manipur is Rs20 lakh, he said.

Responding to a question on poll funding, the CEC said the Commission has already asked the government to cut down to Rs 2,000 the present Rs 20,000 limit on anonymous donations to parties. He said as part of reforms, the candidates will have to submit a ‘No-Demand Certificate’ from agencies providing amenities and government accommodation.

The certificate will come from

agencies dealing with electricity, water, telephone and also the rent certificate of the government accommodation which these candidates may have occupied in past 10 years.

Defence personnel posted away from their homes constituencies can cast vote through one-way electronic transmission of ballot in the polls. But the facility may not be available in all the constituencies this time and could be extended in a select seats. The Commission had first experimented the initiative in a Puducherry bypoll recently. Asked about suggestions that the Commission ‘waited’ for Prime Minister Modi’s Lucknow rally before announcing the poll schedule, Zaidi said the poll panel “has its own mind.”

“It does not make its schedule according to the request of political parties,” he said.

The Commission will issue photo voter slips to voters ahead of polls and will, for the first time, also distribute a colourful booklet that will guide the voters on date and time of polls and location of polling stations, besides Dos and Don’ts for them.

To encourage more participation of women in election management process, the EC will also have some all-woman polling stations this time around, besides making all polling stations friendly for differently-able persons.

The tenure of Punjab, Goa and Manipur assemblies are ending on March 18, while that of Uttarakhand’s on March 26 and Uttar Pradesh Assembly on May 27.

Of the total 690 constituencies going to polls in these five states, 133 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 23 for Scheduled Tribe. To ensure full secrecy of a voter and that facial expressions don’t indicate their choice of candidate, the EC had decided to increase the height of the shield that covers the EVM to 30 inches. - PTI

PROBE ON

10 of family hacked to death in Amethi AMETHI (Uttar Pradesh): A man allegedly hacked to death 10 of his family members and then committed suicide in Mahnoa locality of north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP), police said on Wednesday.

Forty-year-old Jamalu first fed pesticide to 12 family members and later hacked to death 10 of them. He then hanged himself, Superintendent of Police, Santosh Kumar Singh said. All the 11, including Jamalu, died on the spot, while two others were admitted to a hospital where their condition was stated to be critical.

Police are probing the matter. -PTI FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY

ISRO to launch record 103 satellites TIRUPATI: Indian Space Research Organisation will launch a record 103 satellites in one go using its workhorse PSLV-C37 in the first week of February, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet South Asian satellite project will take off in March.

As many as 100 of the satellites set for launch in February belong to foreign nations, including the US and Germany. “We are making a century by launching over 100 satellites at one go,” said S. Somnath, director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of the ISRO. The space agency had earlier planned a launch of 83 satellites in the last week of January, of which 80 were foreign ones. But with the addition of 20 more foreign satellites, the launch was delayed by a week and will now take place in first week of February, Somnath said. -PTI

S U D I P B A N D Y O PA D H YAY ’ S A R R E S T

BJP offices, workers attacked as Trinamool Congress takes to streets KOLKATA/NEW DELHI: From Kolkata to New Delhi to Bhubaneshwar, Trinamool Congress MPs, leaders and workers held protests against arrest of their MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay as alleged workers of West Bengal’s ruling party attacked BJP offices, hurling bombs and setting them on fire.

Furious over the arrest of Bandyopadhyay on Tuesday, TMC leader in the Lok Sabha and a close Mamata Banerjee aide, party workers also demonstrated in front of CBI offices in Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar, where the MP was taken for production in a court after his arrest.

A BJP delegation met West Bengal Governor K. N. Tripathi and petitioned him for imposition of President’s rule in the state due to deteriorating law and order situation.

TMC MPs attempted a protest march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in the national capital but were detained mid way.

“We are protesting against Bandyopadhyay’s arrest, demanding Modi’s resignation and inquiry into his taking money from Birla and Sahara groups. We are also

PROTEST: Trinamool Congress MPs being detained during a protest march towards the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi on Wednesday, a day after party leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay’s arrest in an alleged corruption case. - PTI

demanding Babul Supriyo (Union Minister) for his involvement in the Rose Valley scam case,” TMC MP Sugata Roy told reporters at Tughlak Road police station where they were under detention.

“We were marching peacefully towards the Prime Minister’s residence, but the police detained us mid-way and manhandled few of our MPs,” Roy said, adding 36

TMC MPs took part in the protest march. They were let off in the evening. Bandyopadhyay, TMC’s face in New Delhi, was the second party MP after actor-turned-politician Tapas Pal to be held in connection with the alleged Rs15,000 crore chit fund scam which spanned several states including West Bengal and Odisha.

Hours after alleged TMC work-

ers vandalised the state BJP headquarters in downtown Kolkata on Tuesday evening, they attacked the house of state party general secretary Krishna Bhattacharya in Hooghly district.

Three men with their faces covered came on a motorcycle to her house in Konnanagar Jorapukur Ghat at 9 on Tuesday night and started hurling bombs, Bhattacha-

rya said. They barged into the house, abused her, smashed a windowpane, damaged furniture and assaulted her, Bhattacharya said in her police complaint.

In another incident at Chinsurah in Hooghly district, alleged TMC workers set on fire a BJP office. A police officer said some miscreants set ablaze the Chinsurah Mandal office of the BJP this

evening after beating up two party workers and chasing them away.

“Our party offices have been ransacked throughout the state.

Bombs have been hurled at homes of various party leaders. The police is just a mute spectator,” BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said. BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya held out a veiled threat to TMC to “mend its ways or face consequences” and wondered if Mamata Banerjee and her MPs would be able to go around the country or enter New Delhi if his party began a protest against them.

“We may not be as strong as TMC in Bengal. But in the entire country we are the strongest political force. I wonder if BJP workers in Delhi decide that TMC MPs would not be allowed to enter Delhi, would they be able to enter Delhi?

“The answer is no. If BJP workers decide to protest across the country, would Mamata Banerjee be able to roam the country freely?

If TMC doesn’t mend its ways, we will also not sit silently,” Vijyavargiya, who is also BJP observer incharge of West Bengal, told reporters in Kolkata. - PTI

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PAKISTAN

Court to hold Panamagate hearings on daily basis During the hearing, the bench raised questions over the money trail shown

by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s family to purchase properties in London

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday resumed hearing of the ongoing Panamagate case, and decided to hold hearings on a daily basis without further adjournments.

A new five-judge bench, headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, which includes Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Gulzar Ahmad, Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh and Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, resumed hearing of the case.

During the hearing, the bench raised questions over the money trail shown by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s family to purchase properties in London.

Justice Khosa, in his remarks stated that prime minister did not give any reference regarding investments from Qatar in his speeches earlier.

He further directed Pakistan

The money laundering reporting officer of the Mossack, Fonseca & Co (BVI) Limited Tortola, J. Nizbeth Maduro, had written a letter to the agency, saying the ‘beneficial owner’ of the Nielsen Enterprises Ltd and Nescoll Ltd was Maryam Safdar

Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI)counsel Naeem Bokhari to establish that the Sharif family owned properties in London prior to 2006.

Seeking disqualification The top court in November took up a slew of petitions seeking Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification in the wake of Panama Papers, which in April revealed that the PM’s family members had stashed money in offshore companies.

The ruling PML-N and its arch nemesis PTI made surprise moves on Tuesday.

The Sharif family changed its

legal team yet another time to defend them in the top court, while Imran Khan flaunted ‘evidence’ to establish that Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of Premier Nawaz Sharif, was the owner of the offshore companies exposed by the Panama Papers.

Makhdoom Ali Khan, who has worked as Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) during the era of military ruler Pervez Musharraf, is now representing Premier Sharif in the apex court.

He has replaced Salman Aslam Butt, another former AGP. The Sharif family was appar-

A9

ently dissatisfied with his arguments at the last hearing.

Hussain Nawaz has hired Salman Akram Raja, while Maryam Nawaz and her spouse Captain Safdar were represented by senior lawyer Shahid Hamid.

Shahid Hamid, the brother of Law Minister Zahid Hamid, has already represented the PML-N before the inquiry commission on electoral fraud.

Earlier, Akram Sheikh was appearing on behalf of Hussain and Maryam. Imran’s party, submitting fresh documentary evidence in the top court, claimed that Maryam Nawaz was the beneficiary of the luxury flats the Sharif family had bought in an upscale neighbourhood of London.

“Maryam was the beneficiary and the real owner of Nelson and Nescon, the two offshore companies named in the Panama Papers,” he told a news conference after submitting fresh evidence in the court.

“Hussain Nawaz had set up no trust of which Maryam was a trustee. In fact, she was the real owner,” he added.

Imran described as ‘fraud’ the letter purportedly written by a Qatari royal and submitted in the top court by the Sharif family that claimed that the London flats had been purchased through the settlement of accounts between the Qatari royal family and the Sharifs. The PTI chief also questioned where Maryam had gotten money to purchase the London flats while she was a dependent of her father.“The only thing that

isn’t fake is [finance minister] Ishaq Dar’s affidavit which he had submitted before parliament,” he claimed.“Nawaz Sharif has lied both on the floor of parliament and in the Supreme Court.

They [Sharif family] don’t have any money trail for the London flats.”

Imran believes the case might be decided within two weeks because 90 per cent of the documents sent to his party by overseas Pakistanis substantiated the PTI claim.

The 40-page document includes details of conversations between British Virgin Islands’ investigation department and Mosack Fonseca Company, and emails of the Minerva Community Services and Mosack.

In its additional documents, PTI informed the court that on June 12, 2012, the financial investigation agency of British Virgin Islands had asked Nescoll Limited and Nielsen Enterprises Limited about the name and contact details and physical address of the ultimate beneficial owner, registered director and shareholder of the companies.

Responding to the query, the money laundering reporting officer of the Mossack, Fonseca & Co (BVI) Limited Tortola, J Nizbeth Maduro, had written a letter to the agency, saying the ‘beneficial owner’ of the Nielsen Enterprises Ltd and Nescoll Ltd’ was Maryam Safdar. The reporting officer had also attached a copy of the passport of Maryam with the letter. - Express Tribune

MQM-LONDON

‘Rebranded’ Altaf group plans rally in Karachi KARACHI: The pro-Altaf Hussain group of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-London) has announced plans to hold a rally and public gathering in Karachi on January 21 under the banner of the Pakistan Qaumi Movement (PQM) in a bid to re-enter the political arena amid a virtual ban on its activities.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday by the PQM leaders.

The MQM-London leader Nadeem Nusrat also took part in the news conference through videolink. Surprisingly, the PQM is registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the name of a Karachi-based lawyer Syed Iqbal Kazmi, who has a history of moving petitions in courts and campaigning against the MQM chief Altaf Hussain and other leaders of the party.

On one of his petitions on May 12, 2007 carnage in Karachi, the Sindh High Court (SHC) last month sought comments from the federal and provincial authorities on forming a larger bench to hear afresh the case against the MQM leadership – including Altaf Hussian, Karachi’s former Nazim Mustafa Kamal and incumbent Mayor Waseem Akhtar.

According to the MQM-London convener Nadeem Nusrat, Altaf Hussain and leaders of the PQM will address a public gathering outside the Mazar-e-Quaid on January 21. Before this, a rally will be taken out from Aisha Manzil to the venue. - Express Tribune

LOAD-SHEDDING

Power outages to end well before 2018 elections, claims ministry ISLAMABAD: With the expected start of over 5,000-megawatt power plants this year, the Ministry of Water and Power has given assurances to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that load-shedding will come to an end in November, well ahead of general elections in mid-2018.

Still, the prime minister has issued directives to the ministry to make all-out efforts and do away with the blackouts much earlier in the summer of 2017.

The government has already declared repeatedly that it will be able to end load-shedding in 2018.

However, the areas where recovery of electricity bills stands low and power theft is high will continue to face outages.

The Ministry of Water and Power made the commitment to ending load-shedding in November 2017 during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister.

“The premier appreciated ef-

forts of the power ministry that has taken several measures to bring efficiency and improvement in the power sector,” a senior ministry official said. According to the official, power consumers are currently facing load-shedding for three hours a day in urban areas and four hours in rural areas.

Some areas of the country were facing no outages, he said.

However, consumers in highloss areas – where bill recovery is

FOUR PRIORITY SECTORS

Government releases Rs280b for development spending ISLAMABAD: The government sanctioned Rs279.5 billion for development spending in the first half of this fiscal year and twothirds of the amount was given for four priority sectors by compromising on other critical areas like water security.

The releases were made for different development projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 201617 from July through December of this fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform.

The sanctioned amount was 35 per cent of the annual allocation of Rs800 billion for the PSDP, which was Rs45 billion below the threshold set by National Economic Council (NEC) – the country’s highest economic decision making body.

The less-than-sanctioned release of funds was contrary to the directives of NEC that authorised 40 per cent of development budget spending in the first half.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chairs the NEC meeting while chief ministers of all provinces and special areas are its members.

The massive shortfall in government’s revenues coupled with the capacity constraints of the executing agencies were said to be among the reasons for the slowdown in release of funds, according to officials of the Planning Ministry.

The office memorandum of the finance ministry restricts current and development expenditures to 20 per cent each in the first and second quarters and 30% each in the third and fourth quarters.

However, compared with the previous year, the releases were far better, primarily because of the culmination of International

DRASTIC CUT: A view of the city skyline is pictured in Karachi.

Since the PML-N government has come to power, the allocation for water sector projects has drastically reduced. - Reuters file photo

Monetary Fund (IMF) programme that ended in September last year. In the last fiscal year, the government had cut PSDP spending by Rs107 billion, according to finance ministry documents.

About 66 per cent of the total sanctioned development budget has been given for four priority areas – roads, power projects, parliamentarians’ schemes and security related expenditures.

These four areas cumulatively got Rs184 billion out of total releases of Rs279.5 billion, showed the Planning Ministry documents. An amount of Rs79 billion has been sanctioned to the National Highway Authority – which is 42 per cent of its annual allocation and even slightly more than the half-year ceiling.

The power sector got Rs41.3 billion during the first half, which was just 31.6 per cent of its annual allocation and below the half-year threshold.

However, the government released 100 per cent budget of parliamentarians schemes amounting to Rs20 billion.

An amount of Rs42.6 billion was given for the rehabilitation of temporarily displaced persons

(TDP) affected by the on-going Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Technically, this is not development spending but the finance ministry treats it as part of the PSDP for political mileage.

The planning ministry also does not treat it as development spending; although an allocation of Rs100 billion for the TDPs was part of the annual Rs800billion allocated to PSDP. After excluding funds for the TDPs, the money given for development spending in the first half was Rs238 billion or about 30% of total annual PSDP. Due to the government’s focus on these priorities areas, there was very little for development activities and in many cases the money was only sufficient to pay salaries to staff of the projects, according to sources in the Ministry of Planning.

The government gave only Rs6.8 billion to the Ministry of Water and Power for water projects, which was just 21.5 per cent of the annual allocation.

Since the PML-N government has come to power, the allocation for water sector projects has drastically reduced. -Express Tribune

low and theft is high – are enduring power cuts for longer periods.

In the meeting, Water and Power Secretary Younus Dagha assured participants that the load-shedding schedule would be kept in place till October 2017 and from next month outages would vanish from the country except for the high-loss areas. The prime minister, while stressing that loadshedding should end in the summer instead of winter, directed

the Ministry of Water and Power to present comprehensive data of load-shedding in the country.

“Different projects will add 3,387MW to the national grid before summer this year,” the official said. Of these, Chashma-3 and 4 nuclear power units will bring 340MW each, Guddu station 300MW, Nandipur power plant 300MW, Bhikki plant 350MW, Sahiwal coal-based plant 660MW, wind and bagasse power plants

550MW, Patrind hydroelectric power plant 147MW and Faisalabad plant 250MW. According to the official, transmission lines for electricity supply from these plants, except for the Patrind plant, have already been laid. Apart from these, 760MW Haveli Bahadur Shah power plant, 660MW Sahiwal coal-based plant and 350MW wind and bagassebased plants will start operation.

-Express Tribune

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

WORLD Russia offers Philippines arms and close friendship Russian Ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev took the opportunity to hold a news conference on board the antisubmarine vessel Admiral Tributs

MANILA: Russia is ready to supply the Philippines with sophisticated weapons including aircraft and submarines and aims to become a close friend of the traditional US ally as it diversifies its foreign ties, Russia’s ambassador said on Wednesday.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has thrown the future of Philippine-US relations into question with angry outbursts against the former colonial power and some scaling back of military ties while taking steps to boost ties with China and Russia.

Illustrating the transformation of Philippine foreign relations since Duterte took office in June, two Russian warships are on fourday visit to Manila this week, the first official navy-to-navy contact between the two countries.

Russian Ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev took the opINDONESIA

Banks will not be penalised if research is ‘credible’ JAKARTA: Indonesia’s finance ministry sought on Wednesday to assure banks and research firms that they will not be sanctioned for their assessment of the country as long as it is “credible”.

Indonesia cut its business ties with JPMorgan Chase & Co because its research was “not credible and not objective”, Suahasil Nazara, head of the Ministry of Finance’s fiscal policy office, told reporters.

Some analysts have said that the decision has raised concern about whether the government would penalise other research providers for reports that are deemed to be negative.

Nazara dismissed such worries.

“There is no need to be afraid as long as it’s credible,” he said.

“The point is, don’t worry, go ahead with an analysis of Indonesia’s economy that is as credible as possible, by using the available data and facts.”

In a note dated November 13, JPMorgan analysts downgraded their investment recommendation on Indonesia stocks to “underweight” from “overweight”, citing higher risk premiums for emerging markets after Donald Trump won the US presidential election. — Reuters

DIVERSIFYING FOREIGN TIES: Russian ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev gestures during a press conference aboard the Rus-

sian Navy anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs at South Pier in Manila on Wednesday. – AFP

portunity to hold a news conference on board the anti-submarine vessel Admiral Tributs. He said he understood that the Philippines was intent on diversifying its foreign partners. “It’s not a choice between these partners and those ones. Diversification means preserving and keeping old traditional partners and getting new ones. So Russia is ready to become a new reliable partner and close friend of the Philippines,” he said.

“We don’t interfere with your relations with your traditional partners and your traditional

partners should respect the interest of the Philippines and Russia.”

The Russian navy visit comes less than a month after Duterte sent his foreign and defence ministers to Moscow to discuss arms deals after a US senator said he would block the sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines due to concern about a rising death toll in a war on drugs launched by Duterte.

Khovaev said Russia had a range of weapons to offer. “We are ready to supply small arms and light weapons, some aero-

planes, helicopters, submarines and many, many other weapons.

Sophisticated weapons. Not the second-hand ones,” Khovaev said.

“Russia has a lot to offer but everything will be done in full compliance with international law.”.

He said it was too early to talk about the scope of military cooperation but, in a clear reference to the United States, said old allies should not worry. “Your traditional partners should not be concerned about the military ties... If they are concerned, it means they need to get rid of clichés,” he said.

Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, head of the Flotilla of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet, said on Tuesday Russia wanted to hold maritime exercises with the Philippines to help combat terrorism and piracy. The United States and the Philippines have been holding naval exercises annually but Duterte has decided to reduce the number of exercises and to move naval drills away from the disputed South China Sea, to reassure China, which is suspicious of US military movements in the disputed waters. — Reuters

A F F I R M AT I O N

General poll on track for this year, say Thai leaders BANGKOK: Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said on Wednesday a general election will be held this year after doubts were raised by a member of the national legislative assembly.

Thailand’s next polls will restore civilian rule following a 2014 coup, and will be the first under a new constitution, approved in a referendum last year, that critics say will ensure military oversight of elected governments.

“We can’t move it. It has its time frame. What the National Legislative Assembly has said is their problem,” Prawit, who is also defence minister, told reporters in Bangkok.

A member of the militaryappointed National Legislative Assembly said on Monday the election would have to be delayed until 2018 to allow time to pass laws needed to hold it.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha, a former army chief who led the 2014 overthrow of the last elected government, has sought to dispel concern his military government might delay the restoration of democracy, dismissing talk among politicians that the vote would be delayed.

“In terms of the roadmap, you mustn’t heed what anyone else says,” Prayuth told reporters in Bangkok.

The army said the 2014 coup, the second takeover in six years, was necessary to restore stability after months of sometimes deadly street protests against the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. — Reuters

SOUTH CHINA SEA DRILLS

Chinese aircraft carrier testing weapons BEIJING: A group of Chinese warships led by its sole aircraft carrier is testing weapons and equipment in exercises this week in the South China Sea that are going to plan, China’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Exercises by the ships, in particular the aircraft carrier Liaoning, since last month have unnerved China’s neighbours, especially at a time of heightened strain with self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, and given longrunning territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China says the Soviet-built Liaoning and the other ships conduct routine exercises that comply with international law.

“The Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the South China Sea is carrying out scientific research and training, in accordance with plans,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular news briefing.

“The purpose is to test the performance of weapons and equipment,” he said.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy said on its official microblog this week that the aircraft carrier conducted drills in the South China Sea with its fighter jets and helicopters.

US warships have also been conducting what they call “freedom of navigation” patrols through the South China Sea over the past year as concern grows

WAR GAME: China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier with accompanying fleet conducts a drill in an area of South China Sea. – Reuters File

about Chinese construction of air strips and docks on disputed reefs and islands.

The group of warships sailed through waters south of Japan and then rounded east and south of Taiwan late last month on their way to the south China province of Hainan. Taiwan’s defence minister warned at the time that “the threat of our enemies is growing day by day”.

Taiwan media have reported that the Liaoning could sail north up the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the narrow body of water separating Taiwan and China, on its way to its home port of Qingdao.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said the talk about the timing and northward route of the Liaoning was speculation, and it would make preparations based on the

situation and “maintain its grasp of the movements” of the ship.

Business relations between mainland China and Taiwan have grown significantly over the past decade but tension has increased since the island elected a president from an independence-leaning party last year.

China distrusts President Tsai Ing-wen and has stepped up pressure on her following a protocol-

breaking phone call between her and US President-elect Donald Trump last month.

Beijing suspects Tsai wants to push for the island’s formal independence, a red line for the mainland, which has never renounced the use of force to bring what it deems a renegade province under its control.

Tsai says she wants to maintain peace with China. — Reuters

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

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WORLD B R I TA I N

ICE LAND

People visit ice sculptures illuminated by coloured lights at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival to celebrate the new year in Harbin on Wednesday. — AFP

Queen resumes duties as she recovers from cold LONDON: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has given an honour to a member of her staff in a private ceremony, resuming official duties as she continued to recover from a heavy cold that forced her to miss Christmas and New Year church services, a spokeswoman said.

The 90-year-old monarch fell ill before Christmas, delayed her trip from London to her country estate at Sandringham in eastern England by a day, then took the very rare decision not to attend the festive season church services.

She has not been seen in public since before she became unwell and Buckingham Palace has said she was recuperating from a heavy cold.

Insignia On Tuesday, the queen gave a member of her staff, Raymond Wheaton, the insignia of a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, an honour that usually rewards personal service to her or the monarchy.

A spokeswoman said the private ceremony took place at Sandringham and no pictures were available.

The queen also sent a personal message of condolence on Tuesday to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan following the New Year’s Eve attack on a nightclub in Istanbul that killed 39 people. — Reuters

CHINA

Knife-wielding man injures 11 children in Guangxi region BEIJING: A man in China’s southern region of Guangxi wounded 11 children with a blade at their kindergarten on Wednesday, state television said, in the country’s latest mass knifing incident.

Violent crime is rare in China, compared to many other countries, but there has been a series of knife and axe attacks in recent years, many targeting children.

China Central Television said in a post on its official microblog that a man climbed the wall of the kindergarten in the city of Pingxiang and attacked the students. All of the wounded children had been sent to the hospital but their injuries were not life-threatening, CCTV said.

Also on Wednesday, a fire at a private nursing home in China killed seven people, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The blaze broke out at 4:10am (2010 GMT) at the nursing home in Chaoyang township in the northeastern province of Jilin, and was put out 17 minutes later, the news agency reported.

It not clear how the seven people had died. Firefighters rescued the other 32 people living at the home, Xinhua reported. — Reuters

Return to ECU-style system to replace euro, says Le Pen The ECU was a basket of European currencies used as a unit of account by the bloc members in the two decades leading up to the introduction of the single currency in 1999

SPELLING OUT: Marine Le Pen, French far-right Front National (FN) party president, member of European Parliament and candidate in the French 2017 presidential elections, speaks during a New Year wishes ceremony to the media in Paris, France, on Wednesday. – Reuters

PARIS: Euro zone countries should retreat from the euro single currency and return to a “common currency” structure, French National Front leader Marine Le Pen said on Wednesday, evoking the era of the ECU basket of currencies.

Speaking to Reuters after a New Year news conference, Le Pen, who hopes to be elected president of France in May, also said that

French national debt would be denominated in a new national currency under her administration.

Le Pen has long said that France should exit the euro currency, but in the past has offered little detail about how that could happen.

“The ECU existed alongside a national currency,” Le Pen said.

“A national currency co-existing with a common currency would

not have any consequences on the French’s daily life,” she added.

“A ‘monetary snake’ is something that appears reasonable,” she said - a reference to the ‘snake in the tunnel’ system introduced in the 1970s to limit fluctuations between European currencies.

The ECU was a basket of European currencies used as a unit of account by members of the bloc in

the two decades leading up to the introduction of the single currency in 1999. It existed in parallel with the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) which attempted to narrow fluctuations between the currencies of member states.

Le Pen’s deputy Florian Philippot said this monetary cooperation with other European countries did not represent a

change in the leader’s view that France should regain monetary sovereignty.

“A currency following the ECU model is not a currency you have in your wallet or your bank account, it’s an accounting currency between countries,” he said.

“It could be a model, maybe even a transitory one,” he added.

Another top official, Nicolas Bay, said that after simply stating that the euro did not work currently, the far-right party was now in a “second phase” of explaining how to make the system work.

National Front economist Jean-Richard Sulzer said the new system the party advocates would have fixed exchange rates but allow “rare” adjustments.

“Rates should be fixed but adjustable,” he said.

“The exchange rate would not float every morning like before the ECU because it created huge instability for our exporters.”

Opinion polls have consistently shown Le Pen making it to the second round of the presidential election but losing that run-off to a mainstream candidate, likely to be conservative Francois Fillon. — Reuters

INDONESIA

‘Military acted alone to suspend cooperation with Australia’ JAKARTA/SYDNEY: Indonesia’s military acted alone when it suspended cooperation with Australia’s armed forces last week, Indonesian officials said on Wednesday, after what media described as insulting teaching materials were found at a base in Western Australia.

A spokesman for Indonesian President Joko Widodo said there had been no discussion of the suspension with the president and the issue had been exaggerated. “This was not a decision of the president,” spokesman Johan Budi told Reuters.

Ties with Australia were “just fine”, said Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, adding that he only learned about the matter on Wednesday. “We need to look at this properly first, not just from one side,” he added.

Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne said only some activities had been “postponed”.

Military cooperation between the two countries, which ranges from counterterrorism cooperation to border protection, was suspended for “technical reasons”, a spokesman for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) told

INSULTING TEACHING MATERIALS: Australian Army soldiers Major General Stuart Smith, left, and Sergeant Francis Jakis, centre, run with Indonesian Army soldiers during the Junior Officer Combat Instructor Training course conducted by the Australian Army’s Combat Training Centre in Tully, Australia, on October 10, 2014. – Australian Defence Force/Handout via Reuters File

Reuters. “All forms of cooperation have been suspended,” Major General Wuryanto said. “There are technical matters that need to be discussed,” Wuryanto said, referring to the training material seen at an Australian military base, but he declined to elaborate.

It was “highly likely” coopera-

tion would resume once those issues were resolved, Wuryanto said. Concerns were raised by an Indonesian military officer late last year about some teaching materials and remarks at an army language training facility in Australia, said Payne. “As a result, some interaction between the two defence

organisations has been postponed until the matter is resolved. Cooperation in other areas is continuing,” she said. A spokesman for Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry did not answer telephone calls or respond to a written request for comment.

Indonesia last suspended military ties with Australia in 2013

over revelations that Australian spies had tapped the mobile telephone of then President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Australia stopped joint training exercises with Indonesia’s Kopassus special forces after accusations of abuses by the unit in East Timor in 1999, as the territory prepared for independence three years later.

Jakarta and Canberra resumed military ties, saying cooperation on counterterrorism became imperative after the 2002 bombing of two nightclubs on the resort island of Bali that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

With ties gradually warming, the first joint training exercise on Australian soil since 1995 was staged in the northern city of Darwin in September last year.

But relations again became strained after an Indonesian special forces trainer saw training material that insulted the country’s founding principles of “Pancasila”, which include belief in god, the unity of Indonesia, social justice and democracy, Indonesian newspaper Kompas said.

The suspension of cooperation took effect in a December 29 telegram sent by Indonesian military

chief Gatot Nurmantyo, it added.

Australian media said the offensive material was found at Campbell Barracks in Perth, but officials at the army base declined to answer questions when contacted by Reuters. The offices of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop declined to comment.

The suspension of military ties was met with skepticism by many analysts, who expect the relationship to be quickly mended.

A suspension could threaten Australia’s controversial policy of turning back asylum seekers, said Greg Barton, a professor of global Islamic politics at Deakin University, but he doubted intelligence sharing would stop.

“Everyone acknowledges that the threat of an attack is the highest it has ever been,” he added.

Visiting Jakarta in October, Bishop said it was “utterly essential” for Australia and Indonesia to share information and work closely to guard citizens against terrorism. Unrest in Jakarta forced Widodo to postpone a trip to Australia planned for November that had aimed to discuss defence ties, among other subjects. — Reuters

A12

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

WORLD Istanbul attacker identified, manhunt goes on: Turkey Turkish media reports have said the attacker is believed to be an ethnic Uighur, possibly from Kyrgyzstan

ISTANBUL: Turkey has established the identity of the gunman who killed 39 people in an Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s Day, its foreign minister said on Wednesday, as police detained suspected IS members of Central Asian and North African origin.

In an interview with the staterun Anadolu news agency, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu gave no further details about the gunman, whom Turkish officials have not named.

The attacker shot his way into the exclusive Reina nightclub on Sunday, then opened fire with an automatic rifle, reloading his weapon half a dozen times and shooting the wounded as they lay on the ground. Turks as well as visitors from several Arab nations, India and Canada were among the dead. IS has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was revenge for Turkish military involvement in Syria.

Turkish media reports have said the attacker is believed to be an ethnic Uighur, possibly from Kyrgyzstan. He appeared to have been well-versed in guerrilla warfare and may have trained in Syria, according to one security source.

Police in the Aegean coastal city of Izmir said they had detained 20 suspected IS militants thought to be of Central Asian and North African origin in raids on three AT TA C K

Armed men free more than 150 from Philippine jail MANILA: Around 100 armed men with links to rebels stormed a prison in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, killing a guard and freeing more than 150 prisoners, some of them militants, officials said.

The gunmen opened fire at guards at the North Cotabato District Jail in Kidapawan, prison warden Peter Bongat said on radio. Of the jail’s 1,511 inmates, 158 managed to escape, he said.

Eight caught Eight prisoners had since been caught, two had surrendered, while six were killed, according to the office of the president.

Shirlyn Macasarte, acting governor of North Cotabato, said her office had been tipped off about the plan by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to free its members as early as the second quarter of last year. — Reuters

TRIBUTE: A mayor of main opposition People’s Republic Party (CHP) lays a wreath in front of the Reina nightclub on Wednesday in

Istanbul. – AFP

addresses. Fake passports, cell phones, and equipment including night vision goggles and a GPS device were seized. Police did not say whether the detentions were directly linked to the Istanbul nightclub attack. But local media reports have said the gunman is thought to have entered Turkey from Syria and spent time in Konya, travelling with his wife and two children so as not to attract attention.

At least 36 people have been detained since the attack, according to Turkish media reports. Anadolu said on Tuesday that 14 people had been detained in Istanbul, while NTV reported that two foreign nationals had been held at Istanbul’s main airport.

Among those held in Istanbul

were seven Uighurs detained at a restaurant in the working-class neighbourhood of Zeytinburnu, where the gunman was thought to have gone by taxi after the attack and asked to borrow money to pay the driver, according to the Haberturk newspaper.

It said raids had been carried out on 50 addresses in the district, where many Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, Kazakhs and Uighurs live.

The shooting in Istanbul’s Ortakoy neighbourhood, an upscale district on the Bosphorus shore, came after a year in which NATO member Turkey was shaken by a series of attacks by radical and Kurdish militants and by a failed coup. Parliament voted overnight to extend emergency rule,

first imposed after the attempted putsch, by another three months, enabling the government to enact new laws and limit or suspend rights and freedoms when deemed necessary.

President Tayyip Erdogan said the attack, which targeted a club popular with local celebrities and moneyed foreigners, was being exploited to try to divide the nation and that the state never meddled in how people lived.

“There is no point trying to blame the Ortakoy attack on differences in lifestyles,” he said in a speech to local administrators at the presidential palace in Ankara.

“Nobody’s lifestyle is under systematic threat in Turkey. We will never allow this,” he said in

comments broadcast live. It was his first public speech since the shooting.

Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, which condemned the attack in its immediate aftermath, had issued a statement in December saying celebrating the New Year did not fit with Muslim values, triggering criticism from some parts of Turkish society.

Such calls have made many secular Turks suspicious of the hardline background of Erdogan and the ruling AK Party, seeing them as bent on eroding the secular principles of the modern republic founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk after the fall of the Ottoman empire. Erdogan rejects such suggestions. — Reuters

S PAT E O F N O T E S

Trump voices new doubts about Russian efforts to sway US vote WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump voiced new doubts on Wednesday that Russian hackers attempted to influence the US election on his behalf, accusing Democrats of lax security and saying WikiLeaks had denied Moscow was behind the documents it made public.

Trump, in a spate of notes on Twitter, continued to raise questions about the findings by US intelligence agencies that Russia was behind a series of leaks that embarrassed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign ahead of the November 8 vote.

Documents stolen from the Democratic National Committee and John Podesta, Clinton’s campaign manager, were leaked to the media in advance of the election.

One email showed the Clinton campaign received a question in advance of a town hall forum.

Trump resumed sending notes on Twitter about the hacking issue, saying, “(WikiLeaks founder) Julian Assange said ‘a 14 year old could have hacked Podesta’ - why was DNC so careless? Also said the Russians did not give him the info!”

Trump also quoted Assange as telling Fox News that US media coverage of the matter was “very dishonest.” “Somebody hacked the DNC but why did they not have ‘hacking defense’ like the Republican National Committee has and why have they not responded to the terrible things they did and said (like giving the questions to the debate to H),” Trump said. “A total double standard! Media, as usual, gave them a pass,” Trump said in the tweet.

Trump, who will take office on January 20, is scheduled to receive a briefing from intelligence officials on the hacking issue on Friday. He has suggested the briefing was postponed to give intelligence officials more time to build their case. — Reuters

MAJOR OVERHAUL

London museum bids farewell to Dippy the dinosaur LONDON: Britain’s Natural History Museum bids farewell to its most famous exhibit, Dippy the diplodocus, on Wednesday after almost four decades of greeting visitors before being dismantled ahead of a national tour.

For 35 years, the huge skeleton cast, 4.25 metres (14 ft) high and 21 metres long, has been the first sight visitors see when they enter the London museum’s main entrance. On Thursday, a team begins the three-week process of dismantling Dippy before conservators spend 12 months preparing the delicate plaster-of-Paris cast for the journey around Britain where it will go on show at eight locations from 2018 until 2020.

From the end of 2020, a bronze cast of Dippy will then go on display outside the museum.

Scottish-born American industrialist Andrew Carnegie originally presented the 292-bone cast to the museum in 1905, and it has held its prominent position in the main entrance hall since 1979.

Dippy will be replaced by a 25.2 metre real skeleton of a blue whale as part of a major overhaul. — Reuters

MOST FAMOUS EXHIBIT: Visitors have a photo taken in front of Dippy the diplodocus at the Natural History Museum in London, Britain,

on Wednesday. – Reuters

NEW YORK

Commuter train derails in Brooklyn, more than 100 injured

WOUNDED: A man is put into an ambulance outside the Atlantic Terminal January 4, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City following a train accident. – AFP

Brooklyn (New York): A New York City commuter train derailed at a Brooklyn terminal after ramming into a bumper during Wednesday’s morning rush hour, leaving more than 100 people with non-life-threatening injuries, city officials said.

Dozens of emergency crews swarmed Atlantic Terminal after the Long Island Railroad train went off the tracks inside the busy transportation hub at about 8:30am local time, the New York City Fire Department said.

The train failed to stop on time and struck a bumping block at a fairly low rate of speed, which caused it to derail, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a briefing at the crash site.

About 103 people were injured in the accident, the New York Fire Department said in a Twitter mes-

sage. Earlier Deputy Assistant Chief Dan Donoghue said at the briefing that 11 people had to go to the hospital.

The derailment, which severely damaged the train’s front two cars, was the second major accident involving New York City’s commuter railroads in the past three months.

In late September, a New Jersey Transit train crashed into a terminal in Hoboken, New Jersey, killing one woman and injuring 114 people, including the engineer.

Cuomo, who has made infrastructure improvements a centerpiece of his agenda, said Wednesday’s incident was minor in comparison. The most serious injury in the crash was a broken leg, he said.

“There was an extensive damage in Hoboken,” Cuomo said. “That train was coming in much faster,

did much more damage.”

In Brooklyn, police and firefighters, some holding stretchers, were entering the terminal as emergency vehicles blocked traffic.

Commuters, meanwhile, described a frightening and chaotic scene on social media.

“People flying everywhere,” Serena Janae, who said she was a passenger on the derailed train, wrote on Facebook.

The US Federal Railroad Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board said they were sending investigators to the scene.

Atlantic Terminal, which also connects commuters to nine city subway lines, is one of New York’s busiest stations. Officials said crews were working to restore service at the terminal by the evening rush hour. — Reuters

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

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Did the House Republicans already suffer their first defeat of 2017?

Or is their retreat only tactical and temporary? After voting on Monday night to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics -- with no advance warning -- they backed off the decision on Tuesday. The office is the independent body established by a new Democratic majority

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Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan are remembered for the laissez-faire revolution they launched in the early 1980s.

They campaigned and won on the promise that free-market capitalism would unleash growth and boost prosperity. In 2016, Nigel Farage, the then-leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP)

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Donald Trump’s tax plan and the dollar N

ow that Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States and Republicans control both houses of Congress, corporate tax reform is coming to America.

The package currently being discussed includes two important features: a cut in the tax rate, from 35 per cent currently to 20 per cent or even 15 per cent and a “border-adjustment” tax, which is typical of a value-added-tax (VAT) regime, but unusual for corporate taxes.

A border-adjustment tax would treat domestically purchased inputs and imported inputs differently, and encourage exports. Corporations would no longer be able to deduct the costs of imported inputs from their taxable income; but, at the same time, their export-sales revenue would not be taxed.

The proposal has generated an intense debate about whether it will improve the US trade balance. Having published our own work on “fiscal devaluations,” we believe that a border-adjustment tax would have minimal prospects for success, and that it could significantly undermine America’s net foreign-asset position.

The idea of using fiscal-policy instruments to improve trade competitiveness dates back to John Maynard Keynes. In his 1931 Macmillan Report to the British Parliament, Keynes proposed that an import tariff be paired with an export subsidy, which would mimic the effects of exchange-rate devaluation, while maintaining the gold-pound parity. In our own work, we have demonstrated that, in addition to this policy combination, countries that maintain a fixed exchange rate or are in a currency union can achieve the same effect by raising their VAT and cutting payroll taxes by equivalent amounts.

This tax-swap policy has received a lot of attention in the eurozone, with Germany implementing it in 2006, and France in 2012.

The incoming Trump administration’s proposal to cut corporate-tax rates and impose a border-adjustment tax is similar to the VATpayroll tax swap, because both strategies raise the cost of imports and subsidise exports. But we do not expect such a strategy to improve US competitiveness for the simple reason that the US authorities maintain a flexible exchange rate.

If Trump’s proposed tax reforms are imple-

mented in full, the dollar will appreciate along with demand for US goods: a 20 per cent tax cut will push the value of the dollar up by 20 per cent . And this, in turn, will offset any competitiveness gains. The only way that this would not happen is if the US Federal Reserve prevented the dollar from appreciating by lowering interest rates.

But this would fuel domestic inflation, so there is no reason to believe that the Fed would take such a step. Thus, while a border-adjustment tax can benefit countries that have a fixed exchange rate or are in a currency union, it basically has nothing to offer countries with floating exchange rates, because the resulting currency appreciation offsets the fiscal devaluation.

But the effect of a US border-adjustment tax would not be neutral. An appreciating dollar would erode America’s net foreign-asset position, because an overwhelming 85 per cent of its foreign liabilities are denominated in dollars, while around 70 per cent of its foreign assets are denominated in a foreign currency.

With US foreign assets amounting to 140 per cent of its GDP, and its foreign liabilities amounting to 180 per cent of GDP, a dollar appreciation of 20 per cent would result in a capital loss equal to about 13 per cent of GDP. The fiscal consequences of Trump’s proposals would be mixed. On one hand, the border-adjustment tax could push up tax revenues, because the US imports more than it exports. With the US trade deficit at 4 per cent of GDP, a 20 per cent border-adjustment tax would create additional tax revenues equal to about 0.8 per cent of GDP. On the other hand, the lower corporate-incometax rate would decrease revenues and essentially cancel out any gains from the tax on imports.

To be sure, a border-adjustment tax would have other benefits that we have not discussed. It might generate additional tax revenues, by discouraging international companies from engaging in “transfer pricing” between their subsidiaries, or from shifting profits to low-tax countries. And, of course, lower tax rates could provide an economic stimulus and decrease the budget deficit.

But in terms of international competitiveness, the bottom line is that Trump’s proposed tax plan – particularly the border-adjustment tax – would most likely not have a positive impact on the US trade balance. Worse, it could be very costly in terms of US net foreign assets. - Project Syndicate

READERS’ FORUM Natural for Oman to stabilise economy by other means This refers to the story, Oman’s inflation expected to rise, hit people’s buying capacity (January 4). Omans main revenues are generated from oil supply. If crude cannot fetch appropriate price in the international markets, naturally the government has to take other measures to stabilise it’s economy.

— Narsingha Bommera, via Facebook

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 e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Hoping conditions will improve This refers to the story, Oman’s inflation expected to rise, hit people’s buying capacity (January 4). Countries that depend on income generated from fossil fuels (unsustainable and dependent on international market) must run the risk of facing recession. The tricky part is to attain balance by graduating to secondary and tertiary levels of industry besides primary manufacturing.

Hopefully Oman will come out of this rough patch. — Shaiara Zulfiqar, via Facebook

Very friendly staff This refers to the story, Oman dining: This weekend eat at D’Arcy’s Kitchen (January 2). Really loved this place and the staff are so friendly. — Shabib Al-kalbani, via Facebook

QUOTE OF THE DAY In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.

DALAI LAMA

The past year will be remembered as a period of revolt against what US President-elect Donald Trump likes to call “globalism.” Populist movements have targeted “experts” and “elites,” who are now asking themselves what they could have done differently to manage the forces of globalisation and technological innovation.

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JANUARY 2002 Ma’awali greets His Majesty on ROP Day MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of greetings from Lieutenant-General Hilal bin Khalid Al Ma’awali, inspector general of police and customs, on the occasion of ROP Day, which is being celebrated today. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation over the care and attention His Majesty the Sultan has given to ROP. His Majesty the Sultan’s continuous support and supervision guide them to carry on their duty of maintaining the security of the nation, the cable said wishing His Majesty good health and happiness.

PICTOGRAPH

TOTAL GROSS PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY (in Gigawatt/hour) 2016 August

September

3750.2

3242.8

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

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

1917: A Bulgarian and German troops occupy the Port of Braila.

1936: Daggha Bur, Ethiopia, is bombed by the Italians.

1947: Great Britain nationalizes its coal mines.

2005: Eris, largest known dwarf planet in the Solar System is discovered in images taken Oct. 21, 2003, at Palomar Observatory.

0

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

A 14

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

LIFESTYLE FAMILY Through the Ages: Men and their Camels

The camel is first domesticated in Somalia and Southern Arabia

3000 BC

The two-humped Bactrian camel is domesticated in Central Asia

2500 BC

The first camel saddle is invented

1500 BC

Camels begin to be used as pack animals

1200 BC

First use of camels in warfare, at the Battle of Qarqar

843 BC

The Persians record a decisive victory at the Battle of Thymbra as their camel cavalry help turn the tide of the conflict against the Achaemenid Empire

547 BC

Camels prove decisive in the second Persian invasion of Greece

480 BC

Roman Emperor Hadrian recruits camel riders, called dromedarii, into his North African armies

117 AD

Arab armies extensively use camels as they conquer large parts of Northern Africa, France, Spain, and all of the Middle East to form the Islamic Caliphate

622 AD

Mongol leader Genghis Khan begins to use camels as both battle mounts and supply transports during his conquests

1162 AD

Story Gautam Viswanathan

M

Saladin unites Arabia against the Crusader kingdoms during the Second Crusade, and camels prove to be decisive as they help take back the key cities of Jerusalem

1187 AD

The Ottoman Army forms a camel corps as part of its cavalry division

1451 AD

Napoleon Bonaparte employs camel cavalry during his Mediterranean Campaign

1798 AD

The United States Camel Corps, an experimental mounted division, is promoted by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis

CAMELS AND MAN: A BOND THAT HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME

1855 AD

Germany forms the Schutztruppe to protect colonial interests in Africa.

Standing forces also include a camel corps

1891 AD

France creates a mehariste camel corps as part of its African Army, to provide greater mobility against Tuareg insurgents

1912 AD

y name is Ali. I am 10 years old. Today is a very special day for me. My father is coming home. He left with my elder brother and uncle six months ago with a camel caravan. Hundreds of men from my village and the ones surrounding it travel together with dozens of camels to faraway places every spring to sell cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices we grow in our villages. He’s promised me something very special when he returns, because today is my birthday.

People at school make fun of me sometimes because my father is a camel trader. They don’t know that he is a very successful trader, and is following in the footsteps of our ancestors, who’d been traversing the deserts on their faithful beasts of burden from centuries ago.

“Abu, you’re home.” It helps that my father’s name is Abu. Makes it easier to remember, you know.

My father has come back from a three-month long journey, and has brought back plenty that is worth its weight in gold. He may be sore from the ride, and exhausted from his time away from home, but his eyes light up in glee when he sees me galumphing towards him.

I may only reach his navel, but as I break away from his hug, he presses a small copper coin in my palm. I look at him quizzically, and he enjoys seeing the look of bewilderment on my face.

The coin bears inscriptions in Arabic

on one side, and an imprint of a Moorish sabre on the other. I’ve never seen coins like this, and the rough edges mean it’s at least five hundred years old. I hold it up against the light, and I have to squint as it bounces off the recently polished surface.

“This coin belonged to your ancestor, who fought alongside the great Saladin during the Crusades,” my father told me. “The year was 1187, and our ancestor, Khalid, was commander of Saladin’s cavalry. Soldiers from England, France, and Germany had travelled all the way from Europe to capture Jerusalem, and it was Khalid’s job to ensure that didn’t happen.”

My eyes were now as big as saucers: It may be late afternoon, but this discovery of our lineage has made me forget all about lunch.

“You see, the Crusaders had taken the city about a hundred years ago, and Saladin wanted it back because it’s been part of our history since the beginning of time. Mounted crossbowmen were firing relentlessly at our cavalry, but in Khalid’s men, they’d gotten more than they’d bargained for.

“You see, son, Khalid’s men rode camels, and they proved decisive in victory,” my father said to my astonished face. “Nature has blessed the camel with footpads that allow it to gallop even in the sand. The European horses were no match for Khalid’s camelry, and as the sun set on that day, Saladin’s forces galloped to victory against the Crusader armies.”

“Wow,” was all I could say, as I absentmindedly scrabbled at a hand

tugging my left shoulder. The shadows were lengthening as afternoon transitioned into early evening; my mum, Khadija, had been largely unsuccessfully trying to get Abu and I to have lunch.

My great-grandfather Ahmed was already contentedly making his way through a rich, piquantly spiced bowl of lentil soup. A platter of vine leaves lay in the centre of the table, along with a succulent-looking roast goat, and a tangy tabbouleh.

“Your dad’s been telling you about the camels, has he?” he asked me, with the smile a parent can only give to the youngest in the family. I nodded in the affirmative. “Has he told you about my father, though?” He ventured, one playful eyebrow raised quizzically, as I fumbled for a chair, my eyes now firmly fixed on his wizened face, which was glowing with enthusiasm.

“The Crusades weren’t the only war our family fought in the desert. You see, Ali, Khalid and his descendants had formed a strong bond with the camel, and wanted to make it stronger.

But they’d had enough of war,” he revealed.

“Our ancestors were great traders,” said my great-grandfather.

“They would cross the Sahara into Africa, batting the heat and stinging sandstorms, travel to Persia as they watered their beasts of burden in many of the canals that crisscrossed that empire, and even went as far as China, trading incense and spices for bolts of silk once they’d traversed the Gobi Desert on their faithful mounts.

“In 1916, though, midway through the World War I, my father had to take up arms once again,” he said, with an almost conspiratorial whisper.

“The Turks were invading from the north and the British formed the Imperial Camel Corps. I was only an infant back then, but every household was required to contribute soldiers to the war.

“My father Abdel’s knowledge of the desert was invaluable to the British.

With his rifle in one hand and sabre in the other, he would lead mounted columns of intrepid fighters out into the desert, late in the night, on patrol,” he went on, his soup now lying cold on the side as my mother tutted in exasperation.

“When soldiers got lost in the desert, the generals would always turn to Captain Abdel and his camel cavalry.

When it was time for a scouting mission, my father was always the first to volunteer. You see, my son, the camel has brought our family great honour, and that is why we revere it so.

“To us, it is not just an animal,” said my father, my knowledge about our immense family history now burnished for the better. “To us, the camel is a way of life. Without this humble beast, we would not be who we are today. It has sustained us, nurtured us, and helped us grow for generations, and will do so for generations to come.

And today, on your 10th birthday, it is time for you to take the next step in this historic tradition of ours.

“It is time for your very own camel.”

—gautam@timesofoman.com

1914 AD

1916 AD

1920 AD

1926 AD

1931 AD

1942 AD

1965 AD

The British create the Egyptian Camel Transport Corps to provide supplies to soldiers fighting in the deserts of the Middle East and Africa during the World War I

The British Imperial Camel Corps is formed to participate in active combat during the World War I

Italian colonies in Africa recruit Somali camel riders into their forces

Spain’s Tropas Nomadas, a standing army for Spanish colonies in Africa, is formed, containing camel cavalry units

Jordan recruits a camel corps into its army. This corps is used to carry out border patrols even today

Romanian Axis troops use Bactrian camels to cross the Caucasus wastelands during the World War II

India’s Border Security Force incorporates camels into its border patrol missions

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

29 - 19 71-30% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.17pm 3.19pm 5.39pm 6.54pm 5.30am

A1 5

LIFESTYLE

ART FOR THE AGES

Children up to the age of 16 who would like to have their art considered for inclusion in “Art for the Ages” can e-mail their drawings or paintings (in jpeg or tiff format) to lifestyle@timesofoman.com Praneeth Vijayakumar, Grade 5, Indian School Muscat

Dakshin C.K. Bharathi, Grade 11, Indian School Muscat

Fiona Sarah Prakash, Grade 4, Indian School Ghubra

Harshini , Grade 4, Indian School Wadi Kabir

4 Dynamic Ways to Style your Family’s Portraits

T

ake a look at your family.

How many changes have crept in since last year? It certainly is easy enough to have a friend snap some pictures on a smartphone and print off a stack of copies with a pre-designed template. But if you take the idea a couple of steps further, booking a session with a professional photographer will result in images that people will love to display and keep. To get you started, here are four different styles.

Classic Simple yet timeless, this background is often neutral with the family sitting in formal poses. The photographer is less likely to use editing effects to alter the finished product.

To prepare for this, choose a colour and style that is clean, uniform and classic.

Modern This style ditches the formal

posing and creates a relaxed, candid feel. You come as you are, perhaps using a setting that is familiar and comfortable to your family. The idea is to showcase your family relaxed and happy together.

Eclectic This style takes the modern approach to a highly specialised, highly individualised level and uses special effects and editing to convey humour or a sense of drama.

Vintage What’s old is once again new.

What better way to call back to the family roots that tie your loved ones together? You can express this by pulling from your family heritage. For example, you could dress your daughter in your childhood velvet dress. Or include your grandfather’s vintage toy train set as a prop. –BPT

BIRTHDAYS OF THE WEEK NISHANTH SURESH 7-1-2016

Amal 6-1-2009

Mann Gulani 4-1-2010

MUHAMMED DHANISH BIN IRSHAD 6-1-2010

SAMRAN AKHTAR KHAN 7-1-2009

MOHAMMED ZAFEER 6-1-2005

Momin Sahar, Grade 4, Indian School Muscat

Nidhi Sivakumar, Grade 4, Indian School Wadi Kabir

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM THUR SDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

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OMAN CRUDE DECLINES

Oman Crude (March delivery) declined by $58 cents to $54.46 per barrel, said Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME). The average price of Oman Crude (January delivery) stabilised at $44.54 per barrel, $4.64 higher than December delivery. – ONA

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Dubai 3,617.40 + 15.08 + 0.42%

Abu Dhabi 4,587.67 - 2.64 - 0.06%

Kuwait 5,787.84 + 12.81 + 0.22%

Saudi Arabia

7,227.59 - 23.17 - 0.32%

Qatar 10,688.78 + 88.83 + 0.84%

Bahrain 1,208.21 - 2.92 - 0.24%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.46 Pound .............................................. 2.1 Indian Rs .............................. 176.71 Pakistan Rs ........................ 267.74 Bangla Taka.......................202.51

Indian Rs ...................................176.50 Pakistan Rs .............................272.00 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka............................ 204.10 Phil Peso ................................... 128.80

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......14.90

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ..........$54.11 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$53.58 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$50.64 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ..........$53.11 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........ $55.76 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........ $52.57

* Rates as of January 4 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of January 4 Source: Bank Muscat

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......14.35 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............ 138.75 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............ 130.00 * Rates as of January 4 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

STOCK MARKET

Dubai stock market plans to introduce short selling soon DUBAI: Dubai Financial Market (DFM) said it plans to introduce regulated short-selling in the “coming months,” the latest sign of efforts by stock exchanges in the Gulf to boost trading.

The bourse will approve lenders and borrowers for regulated shortselling in a selected list of eligible securities, the UAE’s only publicly

traded exchange said on Wednesday. DFM has consulted on its operational model and is making technical enhancements to facilitate the trades, it said, without specifying a start date.

Last week, Abu Dhabi’s stock exchange said it was meeting local investors to discuss introducing short-selling early this year as

Fitch affirms Oman’s better currency rating Oman’s ratings reflect its low public and external debt, strong balance sheet and high per capita income, balanced against its double-digit fiscal deficit and its hydrocarbon-dependent budget.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s long term foreign and local currency issuer default ratings (IDRs) have been rated ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook, thanks to low public and external debt and high per capita income, according to Fitch Ratings.

IDRs rating indicates an entity’s relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations.

Fitch has also published the country ceiling of ‘A-’, and shortterm foreign and local currency IDRs of ‘F2’.

The Sultanate’s ratings reflect its low public and external debt, strong balance sheet and high per capita income, balanced against its double-digit fiscal deficit and its hydrocarbon-dependent budg-

et and economy.

Fitch expects that the issuance of external debt and drawdowns from wealth funds to finance budget deficits will result in sovereign net foreign assets falling to 28 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2018, from 48.5 per cent of GDP at end2016. Fitch forecasts the government’s net domestic assets (mostly bank deposits minus local debt) will remain above 10 per cent of GDP. At those levels, the government would still have a stronger balance sheet than most countries in the ‘BBB’ rating category.

The earlier sharp fall in oil and gas prices has hit Oman hard. “We expect hydrocarbon revenues to fall by 22 per cent in 2016, after a

41 per cent drop in 2015, but they will still make up some 70 per cent of government revenue. We expect current spending to fall by 5 per cent in 2016, after a 15 per cent cut in 2015, mostly due to a drop in expenditures on subsidies, as a result of lower oil prices and the removal of subsidies,” said the Fitch statement.

Deficit to fall “We expect deficits to decline, as oil prices recover and fiscal measures take effect, to 14.4 per cent of gross domestic product in 2017 and 6.4 per cent of gross domestic product in 2018. Electricity tariffs will be hiked for large consumers in 2017, further lowering the subsidy bill. Increases to various fees and levies, removal of corporate tax exemptions and an increase in corporate tax rates could boost non-oil revenues by 1 per cent of GDP in 2017.”

In 2018, the introduction of VAT could add some 1 per cent of GDP, an increase in oil prices by $10 per barrel could add 5 per cent of GDP, and increased gas production could add another 1 per cent of GDP to revenues in 2018.

Risks to this fiscal adjustment are skewed to the downside, with oil prices expected to stay well below our estimates of fiscal breakeven

levels for Oman.

The government is using its reserve funds for deficit financing, having built them up in the years of higher oil prices. In 2016, the government made a $4 billion withdrawal from the State General Reserve Fund (SGRF), the value of which peaked at $25 billion, or 36 per cent of GDP in 2015, and which is mostly invested abroad.

“We expect the value of the SGRF to decline to 23.3 per cent of GDP by 2018.” The government also secured an $800 million loan from its Infrastructure Projects Financing Account (IPFA), following withdrawals of some $7.8 billion since 2014.

Fitch said that the government is planning to meet two-thirds of its financing need through an external debt issuance, and the remainder through reserve draw-downs.

“We assume a further $2.5 billion of international issuances by the government in 2017-18, accompanied by $1.5 billion of withdrawals from the SGRF. In 2016, the government issued $4.5 billion in bonds and sukuk, and received $2 billion in export financing, while Petroleum Development Oman has borrowed $4 billion to finance the government’s contribution to its expenditures.”

an attempt to increase liquidity.

In October, the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority held talks with local exchanges about transferring to them oversight of some financial instruments, including margin trading and short selling.

Most short selling is done by hedge funds and institutional in-

vestors to cushion their positions against falling stock prices or to bet that shares have risen too high.

— Bloomberg News

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D E M O N E T I S AT I O N D R I V E

Indians deposit 97% of banned currency NEW DELHI: Indians have deposited nearly all the currency bills outlawed at the end of the deadline last year, according to people with knowledge of the matter, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s drive to unearth unaccounted wealth and fight corruption.

Banks have received Rs14.97 trillion ($220 billion) as of December 30, the deadline for handing in the old bank notes, the people said, asking not to be identified citing rules for speaking with the media.

The government had initially estimated about Rs5 trillion of the Rs15.4 trillion rendered worthless by the sudden move on Nov. 9 to remain undeclared as it may have escaped the tax net illegally, known locally as black money.

Full validation A full validation of the bank notes is a set back for Modi who had been relying on this move to burnish his administration’s corruption fighting credentials and boost its popularity ahead of key state elections. The anti-corruption measure has dented economic growth and forced millions into lengthy bank queues, although it remains broadly popular.

“The prime minister had been ill advised and the government was not prepared to handle the situation,” said Nilakantha Rath, hon-

orary fellow at the Indian School of Political Economy. “The government expectation has been belied.”

Private indicators published over the past week signal that the $2 trillion economy will be hurt by the cash clampdown, raising fears that a continued slowdown will strip India of its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. The Nikkei India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index shrank in December, the second straight month of contraction, a report showed.

The benchmark stock index ended little changed in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Banks have disbursed about Rs8 trillion in new currency bills, the people with knowledge of the matter said. The figures of bank notes deposited are provisional and may change, they added. Finance Ministry’s spokesman D.S. Malik didn’t respond to a call and a message sent to his mobile phone.

Uttar Pradesh, a state of 200 million people that sends more representatives to India’s upper house than any other region, will vote in seven phases between February 11 and March 8, chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi said. Punjab and three other states will also vote during this period to select a local government.

All results will be announced on March 11. — Bloomberg News

B2

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

MARKET MSM index recovers

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................ 5,757.55 ...............5,732.66 ................... 5,756.84 ................... 5,732.66..................24.18 ...................0.42 Financial Index ..................................... 7,815.54 ............... 7,780.55 ....................7,815.54 ................... 7,780.23..................35.31 ................... 0.45 Industrial Index .................................... 7,479.72 ...............7,439.09 ....................7,479.37 ................... 7,439.07................. 40.30 ...................0.54 Services Index ...................................... 3,030.06 ...............3,016.95 ................... 3,029.16 ................... 3,016.95..................12.21 ...................0.40 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................866.59 ...................861.61 ...................... 866.49 .......................861.61....................4.88 ................... 0.57 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 17,335,782 .................. 3,303,383 .....................983 ................ 17,461,589,951 ................23 ........................3 .................... 15 .........................41

Oman & Emirates Holding, up by 3.76%, was the top gainer, while SMN Power Holding

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

was the top loser, down by 1.12% 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: Momentum in select banking and telecom stocks lifted the MSM30 Index to 5,756.84 points, up by 0.42 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 866.49 points, up by 0.57 per cent.

Bank Nizwa was the most active in terms of volume while Ooredoo stayed the leader in terms of turnover. Oman & Emirates Holding, up by 3.76 per cent, was the top gainer, while SMN Power Holding was the top loser, down by 1.12 per cent.

A total number of 983 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating a turnover of OMR3.3 million with 17.34 million shares changing hands. Out of 41 traded securities, 23 advanced, three declined and 15 remained unchanged. Omani investors were net buyers for OMR251,000 followed by foreign investors of OMR88,000 while GCC and Arab investors stayed net sellers for OMR339,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index advanced by 0.45 per cent to close at 7,815.54 points. Oman & Emirates Holding, Gulf Investment Services, Al Sharqia Investments, Taageer Finance and Al Madina Investments gained 3.76 per cent, 3.45 per cent, 2.88 per cent, 2.46 per cent and 1.72 per cent, respectively. Ahli Bank, down by 0.51 per cent, was the only loser.

Industrial Index ended positively at 7,479.37 points, with a gain of 0.54 per cent. Al Jazeera Steel, Al Anwar Ceramics, Oman Fisheries, Gulf International Chemicals and Oman Refreshments increased by 3.27 per cent, 2.92 per cent, 1.54 per cent, 0.69 per cent and 0.23 per cent, respectively.

Services Index gained by 0.40 per cent to close at 3,029.16 points. Al Jazeera Services, OIFC, Ooredoo, Sembcorp Salalah and Al Suwadi Power gained 3.61 per cent, 2 per cent, 1.95 per cent, 1.30 per cent and 1.11 per

cent, respectively. SMN Power and Phoenix Power declined by 1.12 per cent and 0.66 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................39,000 ............... 7,853........................7 ........... 0.200...........0.202 ...........0.200 .......... 0.201 .............0.194 ........... 0.007............. 3.608 ................0.201............. 0.200...................0.202 ..................12,302,059 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 683,190 ............81,991..................... 46 ............0.117 ........... 0.122 ........... 0.117 ........... 0.120 ............. 0.116 ............ 0.004............. 3.448 ................0.120.............. 0.119...................0.120.....................7,061,186 ..........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS .......................... 61,140 .............15,447......................11 ........... 0.250 ...........0.254 ...........0.249........... 0.253 .............0.245 ........... 0.008............. 3.265 ................0.252.............. 0.251...................0.252 .................. 31,599,184 .........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 803,677 ......... 141,229..................... 92 ............0.173 ........... 0.178 ...........0.173 ............0.176 ............. 0.171 ............ 0.005.............2.924 ................0.175 .............. 0.174...................0.176 ...................52,133,608 .........0.100

Mumbai bourse ends lower Market traded sideways and ended a touch lower on Wednesday, hit by selling of foreign investors towards the close of the session amid a subdued trend in Europe.

The Sensex succumbed to the pressure, ending down 10.11 points, or 0.04 per cent, at 26,633.13. The gauge had gained 47.79 points previously.

The NSE Nifty too closed in negative territory with a minuscule fall of 1.75 points, or 0.02 per cent, at 8,190.50.

Sentiment soured after services PMI contracted for the second straight month and the all-crucial GST meet remained deadlocked over dual control, compensation and high-sea taxes.

The upcoming corporate results season and the approaching Union Budget kept investors on their toes.

“The headwinds in service PMI data post demonetization and the inability to reach a consensus on dual control in GST Council meet added volatility to the market,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Service.

The Nikkei India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 46.8 in December, little changed from November’s 46.7, a proof that demonetisation is taking its toll on the services sector.

In Europe, Frankfurt’s DAX fell 0.17 per cent, Paris CAC 0.01 per cent and London’s FTSE 0.03 per cent as investors waited for inflation figures for the euro zone.

But Asia firmed up following overnight gains on the Wall Street driven by optimism about the US economy and strong manufacturing numbers.

OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE................33,500 ...............6,846........................5 ........... 0.204...........0.205 ...........0.204 .......... 0.204 .............0.200 ........... 0.004.............2.000 ................0.205..............0.203...................0.204 ................. 40,800,000 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 626,962 .........393,225..................... 77 ........... 0.628 ........... 0.632 ...........0.624........... 0.628 ............. 0.616.............0.012 ............. 1.948 ................0.632..............0.628...................0.632..................408,792,976........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 342,510 ............20,213.....................20 ........... 0.059 ...........0.060 ...........0.059........... 0.059 .............0.058 ............0.001 ............. 1.724 ................0.059..............0.058...................0.059...................12,221,932 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 189,000 ............14,160......................18 ............0.075 ........... 0.075 ...........0.074........... 0.075 .............0.074 ............0.001 ..............1.351.................0.075..............0.074...................0.075...................13,125,000 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 290,972 ........... 96,603......................11 ........... 0.332 ...........0.332 ...........0.332........... 0.332 .............0.328 ........... 0.004............. 1.220 ................0.332..............0.332...................0.336...................33,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 141,841 ..........205,977..................... 69 ............1.440 ........... 1.455............1.440............1.450 ............. 1.435.............0.015 ............. 1.045 ................1.450 ..............1.450...................1.455 ................1,087,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,080,388 ...... 173,652..................... 38 ............0.160 ........... 0.164 ...........0.160............0.161 .............0.160 ............0.001 ............. 0.625 ................0.162 .............. 0.161...................0.163................. 258,324,394 .......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 1,500,879 .......357,139..................... 62 ........... 0.238 ...........0.238 ...........0.237........... 0.238 .............0.237 ............0.001 .............0.422 ................0.238..............0.236...................0.238..................350,997,943........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,428,871 ......272,948..................... 59 ............0.191 ........... 0.192 ...........0.191 ............0.191 ............. 0.191 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.191 .............. 0.191...................0.192...................33,425,469 .........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 374,141 .......... 179,354......................41 ........... 0.480 ...........0.482 ...........0.474........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.482..............0.480...................0.482 ............... 1,198,200,124 ......0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ........................................19,641 ...............4,709........................4 ........... 0.240...........0.240 ...........0.239........... 0.240 .............0.240 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.240 .............0.230...................0.240 ..................71,706,642 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ................................................... 368,602 ..........180,615......................12 ........... 0.490 ...........0.490 ...........0.490........... 0.490 .............0.490 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.490..............0.480...................0.490 ..................29,645,000.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER....................................................................100 .....................23........................1 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.230........... 0.230 .............0.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.225...................0.230 ..................50,832,300.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................24,129 ...............4,328........................4 ............0.180 ........... 0.180 ...........0.179 ............0.179 ............. 0.179............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.179 .............. 0.178...................0.179 ..................120,804,850 .......0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................28,330 .............14,164........................7 ........... 0.496 ...........0.500 ...........0.496........... 0.500 .............0.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.500..............0.460...................0.500 ..................26,250,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 616,219 ............ 92,478..................... 37 ............0.151 ........... 0.151............0.149 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.151 ............-0.001 ........... -0.662 ...............0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150..................219,390,219 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 8,653,092 ..2,262,954...................621 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ..... 20........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 1,736,662 ......239,060......................71 ............0.133 ........... 0.143 ...........0.133 ............0.138 ............. 0.133............ 0.005............. 3.759 ................0.142..............0.142...................0.143................... 16,818,750 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 339,880 ........... 48,509..................... 30 ............0.138 ........... 0.145 ...........0.138 ........... 0.143 ............. 0.139............ 0.004............. 2.878 ................0.145 ..............0.143...................0.145...................12,870,000.........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ...................................................41,500 ............... 5,189..................... 10 ............0.125 ........... 0.126 ...........0.125 ............0.125 .............0.122 ........... 0.003............. 2.459 ................0.125 .............. 0.125...................0.126................... 31,698,750 .........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 1,360,631 ....... 171,171..................... 34 ............0.126 ........... 0.126 ...........0.125 ........... 0.126 .............0.124 ........... 0.002..............1.613.................0.126 ..............0.126...................0.127..................252,039,412........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE..................................................... 20,000 ...............2,520........................3 ............0.126 ........... 0.126 ...........0.126........... 0.126 .............0.124 ........... 0.002..............1.613.................0.126 .............. 0.125...................0.126...................33,606,163 .........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 1,486,651......... 98,078..................... 67 ........... 0.066 ...........0.067 ...........0.065........... 0.066 .............0.065 ............0.001 ............. 1.538 ................0.066..............0.065...................0.066....................8,250,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 205,000............15,320......................18 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.075 ...........0.074........... 0.075 .............0.074 ............0.001 ..............1.351.................0.075..............0.074...................0.075...................75,000,000.........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH................................................16,400 ............... 3,821........................3 ........... 0.233 ...........0.233 ...........0.233........... 0.233 .............0.230 ........... 0.003............. 1.304 ................0.233..............0.233...................0.235..................222,415,264 .......0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 320,074 ........... 58,253......................11 ............0.182 ........... 0.182 ...........0.182........... 0.182 .............0.180 ........... 0.002..............1.111 .................0.182 ..............0.180...................0.182..................130,021,954 ........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 267,992 ............78,635..................... 27 ........... 0.294 ...........0.296 ...........0.292........... 0.293 .............0.291............ 0.002............. 0.687 ................0.292..............0.291...................0.292 ................... 6,153,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001426............OMAN REFRESHMENT ...............................................7,291 ............. 15,749........................1 ............2.160 ........... 2.160 ...........2.160........... 2.160 ............. 2.155............ 0.005.............0.232 ................2.160..............2.160...................0.000 ................ 108,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001152 ............OMAN NATIONAL ENGINE. INVT. ......................10,000 ............... 1,630........................1 ............0.163 ........... 0.163 ...........0.163 ............0.163 ............. 0.163............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.163 ..............0.160...................0.164...................16,300,000.........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...........................................20 .................... 40........................1 ............1.995 ........... 1.995 ...........1.995 ........... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.995 ..............1.950...................1.995 ................. 190,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................50,500 ...............5,004........................6 ........... 0.099 ........... 0.100 ...........0.098........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.099...................0.100....................2,970,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 150,000 ........... 25,639........................5 ............0.170 ........... 0.171............0.170 ............0.171 ............. 0.171 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.171 .............. 0.156................... 0.171 .................. 34,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 419,348 ...........40,262..................... 26 ........... 0.096 ...........0.097 ...........0.096........... 0.096 .............0.096 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.096..............0.096...................0.097................... 27,838,141 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,993,741 ........175,190.....................40 ........... 0.088 ...........0.088 ...........0.087........... 0.088 .............0.088 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.088..............0.088...................0.089................. 132,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ..................................................................... 25,000 ...............4,850........................1 ............0.194 ........... 0.194 ...........0.194........... 0.194 ............. 0.195............-0.001 ............-0.513................0.194.............. 0.191...................0.193..................276,457,012 ........0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ........................................... 32,000 ............22,508........................2 ........... 0.704 ........... 0.704 ...........0.700........... 0.704 ............. 0.712............-0.008 ............-1.124................0.700............. 0.000...................0.700..................140,543,462........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 8,482,690... 1,011,429...................357 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......19........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities/PTI

TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE

India to invest $10b per annum for building power projects MUMBAI: India will spend $10 billion annually on new power transmission lines to satisfy growing demand in under-served areas, according to the country’s largest private power-grid operator.

The country lacks sufficient transmission infrastructure to link its increasing generation capacity to areas of burgeoning consumption, said Pratik Agarwal, chief executive officer at Sterlite Power Transmission. The central government may spend about $6 billion annually, with the rest coming from the nation’s states, he said. “India should see far bigger growth of electricity consumption than it has seen for the last three to four years,” Agarwal said. “If you want to make a dent in the energy industry, it is no longer about generation, it’s about delivery.”

Demand for transmission infrastructure is being driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of supplying affordable, continuous power to the whole country by 2019. India’s peak electricity demand is expected to rise by more than 53 per cent to 235 gigawatts

POWERING UP: Demand for transmission infrastructure is being driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of supplying affordable,

continuous power to the whole country by 2019. — Bloomberg file picture

during the six years to March 2022, according to the country’s Central Electricity Authority.

The government’s rural electrification plans will drive demand for investment across the electricity value chain, according to Agarwal. Linking millions of people

in villages to the grid will require more power lines to bring electricity from different parts of the country, he said.

“We need to spend a huge amount of money on transmission,” said Anuj Upadhyay, an analyst at Emkay Global Financial

Services Ltd. “In spite of having so much generation capacity, the flow of power is still not happening in many areas because of transmission constraints.”

Agarwal’s estimates for transmission spending outpace recent forecasts by the government. The

Central Electricity Authority expects Rs2.6 trillion to be spent in the five years to March 2022 — about $7.6 billion a year — to add 100,000 circuit kilometres (62,137 miles) of transmission lines and 200,000 mega volt ampere of transformation capacity, accord-

ing to a draft National Electricity Plan released last week.

Sterlite Power has 10 interstate power transmission projects with a total network of 29 power transmission lines of about 6,767 circuit kilometres and seven substations. Four of these projects are operational. The company is looking to raise about Rs26.5 billion ($390 million) by listing two of its operational transmission projects through an infrastructure investment trust named India Grid Trust. Funds from this would be primarily used to repay loans.

The trust will also have a first right to acquire the remaining eight projects of Sterlite. The government’s increasing focus on renewable power is another factor that will drive transmission demand, said Agarwal. The intermittent nature of renewable power will require grids to be smarter, he said.

“Grids around the world are designed for stable flow of energy.”

Agarwal said. “Renewable is exactly the opposite. Most people in the world haven’t budgeted for this.”

— Bloomberg News

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

B3

MARKET SHARARA DEPOSIT

Libya ramps up crude output from key oil well LONDON: Libya, the holder of Africa’s biggest crude reserve, is ramping up output from its biggest oil field again after two years of internal conflict, the latest reminder of just how vulnerable Opec’s quest to clear a global crude glut might be.

The Sharara deposit in the Libya’s south west will ship almost 1.9 million barrels this month from its Zawiya port near Tripoli, according to a loading program obtained

by Bloomberg. That compares with a pumping rate from the field of almost 9 million barrels a month as recently as late 2014, before internal conflict halted flows.

So far, Libya’s revival has done little to undermine a plan by the Opec to prop up prices by restricting oil supply. The group said on Nov. 30 it would curb almost 1.2 million barrels a day but that several nations — Libya among them — did not have to commit due to exceptional circumstances. Nigeria was also allowed to boost output because of a militant campaign that damaged its flows, while Iran was also allowed to increase supplies from what it was pumping late last year in its recovery from sanctions. Libya reopened the Sharara field last month and the nation’s total pumping rate stood at 650,000 barrels a day.

As well as restarting fields, it has also resumed cargo loadings from key ports. — Bloomberg News

Firms face hiring challenges as VAT introduction nears The corporate sector in Oman is experiencing a dearth of value added tax (VAT) professionals as the roll-out date Times files picture for illustrative purpose only.

for the new tax regime draws closer.

GCC states agreed for introducing value added tax in January, 2018

SYED HAITHAM HASAN

haitham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The corporate sector in Oman is experiencing a dearth of value added tax (VAT) professionals, as the roll-out date for the new tax regime draws closer,

according to financial experts. Recent announcement of the GCCwide value added tax to be implemented in January next year, has created a vacuum for experienced VAT professionals in the region, and experts believe that Oman is not an exception.

“There is a shortage of VAT specialists in Oman. This needs to be addressed as soon as possible,” said Alkesh Joshi, director of tax advisory services at Ernst and Young.

According to recent reports, hundreds of new jobs are expected to be created in the financial sector over the next year, due to rising demand and closing VAT implementation deadlines.

“There will be high demand for VAT expertise in Oman, and there are relatively small numbers, currently based in the wider GCC, let alone in Oman, so talent is in high demand. There will not only be a requirement, therefore, to attract expats, but also a long-term demand to train locals,” added Justin Whitehouse, head of tax at Deloitte in Mena.

Need for training “It is a new law, and firms in Oman are not prepared for it. Few people understand the implications of its implementation and a massive educational and recruitment campaign will be seen months before the tax is implemented,” noted a

financial expert in one of the leading local finance companies, who did not wish to be named.

According to Ahmed Al Hooti, a member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), there aremany variables to be addressed before the law is enacted, and the government needs to provide concrete guidelines for firms to follow. “VAT needs time and guidelines to be implemented. We will need to find out which sectors are exempted and which ones are included. We will have a meeting with government officials to discuss this in detailand get solutions,” he said.

Al Hooti also noted that, as opposed to other taxes, VAT will require dedicated experts in thefield to advise government and companies on it. He also mentioned that OCCI will assist firms regarding VAT implementation, once the plans are laid out.

Unlike other taxes, VAT is accounted for during every transaction made throughout the supply chain, which has an impact on all areas of business, including information technology, human resources, sales and marketing, finance and administration, which is a characteristic that makes it one of the most efficient taxes, but also harder to enforce.

According to Joshi, firms will have to recruit VAT specialists or

SHIPPING INDUSTRY

Optimistic outlook An overly optimistic outlook of trade recovery following the 2008-2009 global financial crisis prompted shipping companies to order ever-larger vessels, with some stretching longer than the Eiffel Tower. As capacity piled up, the companies tried to under-bid each other on freight rates to lure clients, causing levies to drop to

— Bloomberg file picture

merged its two shipping groups — China Ocean Shipping Group and China Shipping Group — in late 2015, forming China Cosco Shipping Corp., Asia’s biggest container line. Hanjin, once the world’s seventh-biggest container-shipping company, sought court receivership last year after creditors ended all funding support and the government decided not to intervene. Korean rival Hyundai Merchant was taken over by lender-banks as part of a creditor-led restructuring.

Topping a year of mega mergers, Maersk agreed in December to buy Hamburg Sud. Maersk will focus on integrating the German company before looking at other deals, CEO Skou said at the time.

supply and demand that has destabilized the industry and created an environment which is “adverse to container line profitability,” Nippon Yusen KK, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Japan’s biggest shipping companies, agreed in October to combine their container-moving businesses, with the joint operation targeted to begin in April 2018.

CMA CGM, the world’s thirdlargest container-shipping company, bought Singapore’s Neptune Orient Lines in early 2016. China

Possible merger Industry spotlight will turn to a possible merger between Taiwanese shipping companies such as Evergreen Marine Corp. and Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp., or a buyout of Hyundai Merchant, according to Kim Tae-il, a research analyst at the Korea Maritime Institute.

“Hanjin’s demise brought forth the urgent need for industry restructuring,” Kim said.

“Through mergers and acquisitions, there will be fewer players and they can stop trying to undercut each other.”

Hanjin, once the world’s seventh-biggest container-shipping company, sought court receivership last year after creditors ended all funding support and the government decided not to intervene.

unprofitable levels and sinking the global container-shipping industry into losses.

“The old model of growth through acquiring new capacity, building new ships is not working any longer,” Soren Skou, chief executive officer of Copenhagenbased market leader Maersk, said in a Bloomberg Television interview in December. “There are a number of players in our industry that have not been profitable for a long stretch. So I see consolidation continuing.”

Pointing to an imbalance in

INDIAN ECONOMY

Service sector set to contract MUMBAI: India’s dominant services sector is set to contract for a second straight month, adding to evidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise ban on cash will trigger a sharp slowdown in Asia’s No. 3 economy.

The Nikkei India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was at 46.8 in December, a report showed on Wednesday, little changed from 46.7 a month

Lack of resources “The lack of resources will put pressure on businesses getting ready for VAT, and those that leave it late may find, consequently, that they cannot meet the deadline, or have to pay more,” explained Whitehouse.

He added that staff education and accounting for taxes will be major challenges for companies implementing VAT. “Although summing up taxes can be helped by use of software to automate the process and existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERPs), in many cases this goes a long way to bridge the gap, yet our experience shows less than 10 per cent of clients have one ERP system that addresses everything, so technology requires some effortbefore it can solve the problem,” he further added.

EURO-AREA ECONOMY

Asian shipping firms set for more consolidation SINGAPORE: Swim or sink: That is the message shipping executives in Asia are taking into the new year.

Faced with a prolonged trade slowdown and depressed freight rates, the region’s container lines are set for further consolidation after a year that’s seen the collapse of South Korea’s Hanjin Shipping, a mega merger among Japanese rivals and the sale of Singapore’s shipping flagship. With capacity in excess, firms will continue joining forces to cut costs and improve efficiency, according to the heads of A.P. Moller-Maersk S and Hyundai Merchant Marine.

“It will be another difficult year,” Hyundai Merchant Chief Executive Officer Yoo Chang-keun said in his New Year’s speech to employees. “Global shipping companies are preparing for the long battle in the shipping industry through M&As and government support.”

hire consultants to do the job for them. However, this will be a short term solution.

“Initially, there will be a need for VAT specialists who are experienced and can transfer knowledge and train less experienced employees who could gradually handle routine compliance matters. But in the long run, universities in Oman need to offer tax specific curriculum which allow more local talents to fill in the gap,” he said.

earlier. A number below 50 indicates a contraction. The data follows a similar survey Monday, which showed the manufacturing sector will shrink for the first time in a year, dragging down the composite PMI to 47.6, the lowest since at least 2013. The PMI data sets the tone for the government’s first growth estimate for the year through March, due Friday.

India’s economy will grow

6.9 per cent in the year through March, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey published late last month. That’s slower than the 7.3 per cent predicted by a survey in November and the previous year’s 7.6 per cent actual expansion.

The downturn in the services sector was broad-based, with hotels and restaurants the worst performers. — Bloomberg News

Hyundai Merchant will focus on improving competitiveness of its existing operations, a spokesman at the Seoul-based company said in comments requested for this story.

Evergreen adopts a strategy of organic growth and has no plan for mergers or acquisitions, the company said in an e-mailed response to Bloomberg News.

There are no plans to merge with Evergreen, Yang Ming Executive Vice President Winsor Huang said by phone. The company, which gained shareholder approval in December to cancel some stock and sell new shares, is working hard to improve its finances, cut costs and enhance efficiency, he said.

Evergreen Marine declined 0.4 per cent in Taipei trading while Yang Ming rose 0.6 per cent.

Shares of Wan Hai Lines, the smallest of Taiwan’s three listed shipping companies, gained 0.6 per cent. Spot prices to transport a 20-foot container to Europe from Asia continued their annual declines, falling 5 per cent in 2016, Shanghai Shipping Exchange data showed. A reduction in the number of container lines could help the companies push up freight rates, said Jason Chiang, a Singapore-based director at Ocean Shipping Consultants.

— Bloomberg News

EU economy posts robust growth in 2016 FRANKFURT: The euro-area economy finished 2016 with the strongest momentum in more than 5 1/2 years, bolstering the region as it heads into a year of political uncertainty.

A composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 54.4 in December from 53.9 in November, IHS Markit said on Wednesday. That’s the highest in 67 months and above a Dec. 15 estimate.

Strength in both the manufacturing and service sectors was due in part to a weaker euro, Londonbased Markit said in a statement.

Economic expansion was signaled across the “big-four” nations, with Spain leading the way, followed closely by Germany.

Signs of faster growth could provide solid ground to the 19-nation economy as it heads into another year of potentially tumultuous politics. The European Central Bank (ECB) decided in December to prolong its asset-purchase programme through the end of 2017 amid lacklustre underlying inflation and uncertainty from looming national elections and beginning negotiations on the terms of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. — Bloomberg News

B4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

FEATURE

Solar power is now cheaper than coal in some parts of the world.

n less than a decade, solar power is likely to be the lowest-cost option for electricity almost everywhere.

In 2016, countries from Chile to the United Arab Emirates broke records with deals to generate electricity from sunshine for less than 3 cents a kilowatthour, half the average global cost of coal power. Now, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Mexico are planning auctions and tenders for this year, aiming to drop the prices even further.

Companies such as Italy’s Enel SpA and Dublin’s Mainstream Renewable Power, who gained experience in Europe and nowseek new markets abroad as subsidies dry up at home.

Since 2009, solar prices are down 62 percent, with every part of the supply chain trimming costs. That is help cut risk premiums on bank loans, and pushed manufacturing capacity to record levels. By 2025, solar may be cheaper than using coal on average globally, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

“These are game-changing numbers, and it is becoming normal in more and more markets,” said Adnan Amin, International Renewable Energy Agency’s director general, an

Abu Dhabi-based inter-governmental group.

“Every time you double capacity, you reduce the price by 20 per cent.”

Better technology Better technology has been key in boosting the industry, from the use of diamond-wire saws that more efficiently cut wafers to better cells that provide more spark from the same amount of sun. It is also driven by economies of scale and manufacturing experience since the solar boom started more than a decade ago, giving the industry an increasing edge in the competition with fossil fuels.

The average 1 megawatt-plus ground mounted solar system will cost 73 cents a watt by 2025 compared with $1.14 now, a 36 per cent drop, said Jenny Chase, head of solar analysis for New Energy Finance.

GTM Research expects some parts of the US Southwest approaching $1 a watt today, and may drop as low as 75 cents in 2021, according to its analyst MJ Shiao. The US Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Lab expects costs of about $1.20 a watt now declining to $1 by 2020. By 2030, current technology will squeeze out most potential savings, said

Donald Chung, a senior project leader.

The International Energy Agency expects utility-scale generation costs to fall by another 25 per cent on average in the next five years.

The International Renewable Energy Agency anticipates a further drop of 43 per cent to 65 per cent for solar costs by 2025. That would bring to 84 per cent the cumulative decline since 2009.

Supply-chain The solar supply chain is experiencing “a WalMart effect” from higher volumes and lower margins, according to Sami Khoreibi, founder and chief executive officer of Enviromena Power Systems, an Abu Dhabi-based developer. The speed at which the price of solar will drop below coal varies in each country. Places that import coal or tax polluters with a carbon price, such as Europe and Brazil, will see a crossover in the 2020s, if not before. Countries with large domestic coal reserves such as India and China will probably take longer.

China, the biggest solar market, will see costs falling below coal by 2030, according to New Energy Finance. The country has surpassed Germany as the nation with the most

installed solar capacity as the government seeks to increase use to cut carbon emissions and boost home consumption of clean energy.

Yet curtailment remains a problem, particularly in sunnier parts of the country as congestion on the grid forces some solar plants to switch off.

Competition Sunbelt countries are leading the way in cutting costs, though there is more to it than just the weather. The use of auctions to award power-purchase contracts is forcing energy companies to compete with each other to lower costs.

An August auction in Chile yielded a contract for 2.91 cents a kilowatt-hour. In September, a United Arab Emirates auction grabbed headlines with a bid of 2.42 cents a kilowatthour. Developers have been emboldened to submit lower bids by expectations that the cost of the technology will continue to fall.

“We are seeing a new reality where solar is the lowest-cost source of energy, and I do not see an end in sight in terms of the decline in costs,” said Enviromena’s Khoreibi.

– Bloomberg News

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B5

ROUND-UP

Bank Nizwa supports Omani educators

REDEFINED LUXURY

Held under the patronage of Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al Salmi,

Audi Q8 concept premieres in Detroit

general manager in the Directorate General of Education, Governorate of Dakhiliyah, the event was organised by Union of Izki Schools at University of Nizwa

MUSCAT: As part of its longstanding commitment to empower educators with opportunity, Bank Nizwa sponsored and participated in a career development programme designed to enhance the skillsets of teachers.

Held under the patronage of Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al Salmi, general manager in the Directorate General of Education, Governorate of Dakhiliyah, the event was organised by Union of Izki Schools at University of Nizwa. The programme was also attended by a delegation from the directorate, as well as 350 educators from across Oman, says a press release.

As part of its participation, Bank Nizwa delivered a special presentation on Islamic finance conducted by Sheikh Ibrahim Al

Sawafi, a member of its Sharia Supervisory Board. The interactive session highlighted the definition of Sharia-compliant banking, differences between Islamic and conventional banking, in addition to challenging misconceptions of the Islamic finance sector.

Khalid Al Kayed, acting CEO of Bank Nizwa, said, “Teachers play an important role in the development of society and it is essential that we do all we can to foster their professional growth.

Today’s event reflects that commitment and we are proud to play

a part in bringing hundreds of educators closer to achieving their aspirations.”

Bank Nizwa has continuously strived to foster the growth of local communities in Oman through a large number of professional, educational and social events tailored to their needs.

Its many initiatives include celebrations honouring 500 teachers in the Wilayat of Sohar and events designed to spur entrepreneurial growth such as the recently held first Oman Franchise Expo and Conference.

E X H I L A R AT I N G P E R F O R M A N C E

Lexus RC F teams wins big at 2016 Autobacs Super GT Series MUSCAT: Lexus RC F made waves recently at the 2016 Autobacs Super GT series by winning twin podium finishes.

The Lexus camp lit up with celebrations at the Round 3 of the 2016 Autobacs Super GT 250km race held at the Motegi Twin Ring in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

The race was originally scheduled to be run at Autopolis circuit in May. However, due to the aftermath of the Kumamoto Earthquakes in April this year, the location and date were changed. The rescheduling saw the Round 3 qualifier and race both held on the same day – a first in the history of Super GT, says a press release.

The reasons to cheer were plenty in the GT500 class of the race as the Lexus line-up of drivers displayed an exhilarating performance, securing positions from the sixth all the way up to the runners-up spot.

Almost clinching the top spot was the No. 39 DENSO KOBELCO SARD Lexus RC F driven by Heikki Kovalainen and Kohei Hirate, followed by Daisuke Ito and Nick Cassidy who gave their No. 36 au Tom’s Lexus RC F just the right amount of push for a podium finish in the third place.

No. 6 WAKO'S 4CR Lexus RC F and No. 19 WedsSport Advan Lexus RC F claimed the fourth and fifth position, with Zent Cerumo Lexus RC F closing the proceedings for Lexus with a sixth place finish in the exciting race.

It was a display of dominating performance from the Lexus lineup right from the get-go. The No. 39 Denso Kobelco Sard Lexus RC F accelerated into the lead at the start of the race, with the No. 36 au TOM’s Lexus RC F following itstail in the second positon, just ahead of the competitor No. 24.

Spurring a heated battle in the opening laps, an exciting fourway contest unfolded in lap 8 of the race with title contenders No. 6 Wako’s 4CR Lexus RC F, No. 19 Weds Sport Advan Lexus

RC F, and competitor cars No. 12 and No. 100 competing fiercely but unable to break into the lead maintained by the two Lexus teams. The battle continued with little change in positions till the 19th lap summoned a pit stop for most teams.

Leading the race at this point, No. 39 Denso Kobelco Sard Lexus RC F headed for the pit stop in the 21st lap where Kohei Hirate handed the wheel to Heikki Kovalainen. Once it was back on the track, it realised that a swifter pit work from au Tom’s Lexus team had edged the No. 36 car ahead in the pack, now enjoying an advantageous lead in the race.

No. 36 au Tom’s Lexus RC F and No. 39 Denso Kobelco Sard Lexus RC F fought tooth and nail for the second spot, with Heikki Kovalainen coming within close distance of inching past Nick Cassidy who was holding the lead. After several attempts, Heikki Ko-

valainen was finally successful in lap 39 and now looked to overtake the competitor car No. 24 in a bid for the winner’s title.

While he managed to pull up on the leader’s tail in the final lap, No. 24 held off the charge till the final moments of the race and went past the checkered flag.

No. 39 Denso Kobelco Sard Lexus RC F closed in with an inspiring second place finish, propelling the driver pair Heikki Kovalainen and Kohei Hirate to the top of the season drivers ranking with 61 points. No. 36 au Tom’s Lexus RC F celebrated a third spot to round up spectacular twin podium finish for the Lexus camp.

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said:“Round three of the championship witnessed a domineering performance from the Lexus RC F teams. It is a moment of tre-

mendous pride and happiness to see two podium finishes, and witness an outstanding performance from the other teams who fought fiercely to earn their spots.”

“The insights from performances on the race track and the feedback from our racers are crucial in our efforts towards building ‘ever-better’ cars. Participating in motorsports and strengthening our performance in competitive events further enhance skill development in our human resources.

The support of racers and fans is instrumental in driving us to greater heights of success. We thank each one for their support and congratulate the racers and our fans throughout the world,” he added.

In Oman every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefits and privileges such as six years unlimited extended mileage protection and Lexus Prestige Club that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.

INGOLSTADT/DETROIT: Audi will start the new year with a sensation: At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2017, the premium manufacturer is to present the Audi Q8 concept.

The near-production study represents a synthesis of the emotional styling of a coupé and the spaciousness that typifies an SUV, with all its variability. With this move, the brand is unlocking a new segment for the full-size category, says a press release.

“With the Audi Q8 concept, we have created a new spearhead within our Q model line. Its design strongly evokes sportiness and prestige,” said Marc Lichte, Audi’s head of Design. “What’s more, we believe an important aspect of this showcar is that it offers a spacious interior with four equally comfortable seats, even with the flat roof line.”

The study vehicle’s front end is imposing. The octagonal singleframe is considerably wider than that in Audi’s current production models. It is positioned well forward, with three-dimensional sculpting. Many design elements of the Q8 concept are reminiscent of the Audi Ur-quattro of the 1980s. They include the extremely flat but very wide C-post, and the prominent, flared shoulders above the wheels. These balanced pro-

portions give equal emphasis to the front and rear wheels – typically quattro.

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment.

It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in 12 countries. In the second half of 2016, the production of the Audi Q5 will start in San José Chiapa (Mexico). 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).

In 2015, the Audi Group delivered to customers approximately 1.8 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,245 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and about 54,800 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2015 financial year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €58.4 billion and an operating profit of €4.8 billion. At present, approximately 85,000 people work for the company all over the world, about 60,000 of them in Germany.

Audi focuses on new products and sustainable technologies for the future of mobility.

AUDI AG’s commitment to the region was confirmed through the foundation of its fully owned subsidiary in 2005.

B6

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

ROUND-UP ‘Go anywhere’ with mighty Nissan Patrol, the champion of all terrain Hands-free Phone System, audio system and Navigation controls.

The upper vents for the front seats are designed in a way that the steering wheel would not block the wind. However, the curtain vents are a totally revised climate control system. The system has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.

Nissan Patrol Y62 boasts the power of an efficient 5.6-litre V8 engine and 317-horsepower.

Another version of the model comes in 5.6-litre V8 engine 400-horsepower capability

MUSCAT: Nissan Patrol, a vehicle that promises an unmatched customer experience, has set a new benchmark for luxury and ultimate performance, on and offroad. The much-vaunted member of the Nissan family comes with refreshed styling enhancements that’s adds more style to its already impressive ‘go anywhere’ versatility, technology and comfort.

A spokesperson for Nissan Oman from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) said, “Precisely engineered for over 60 years, the Patrol is Nissan’s flagship SUV model with a rich heritage and avid fan following in Oman. It is truly a champion of all terrain roads and in great demand in the Sultanate.”

Nissan Patrol Y62 boasts the power of an efficient 5.6-litre V8 engine and 317-horsepower. Another version of the model comes in 5.6-litre V8 engine 400-horsepower capability, says a press release.

Enhancements The Nissan Patrol comes with a new front bumper and new vigorous and muscular front grille pattern with chrome. New 20” machining cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps with day time running light and pop-up headlamp washer with new LED rear combination lamp and roof rails add to the range of new features. The Nissan Patrol also possesses a 3rd generation Around View Monitor with parking assist display and Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) which

alerts the driver when a moving object is detected behind the vehicle when in reverse mode.

Mighty Patrol The Nissan Patrol is now available with new exterior colours - Grey Metallic and Pure White Pearl – as well as a new Tan interior colour. There great options on board the new Nissan Patrol with all grades featuring an array of standard features including 8-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, 7-inch LCD screen, dualzone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels with full-size spare, side steps, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera and keyless entry and start.

Leading performance The Nissan Patrol features the Worlds-first Variable 4x4 Mode select switch, which allows drivers to effortlessly switch between sand, on-road and rock drive modes. The Patrol is remarkably capable in sand mode, enabling safe driving options, quickly and skilfully, as compared to professional rally drivers.

The Patrol also employs the Worlds-first Advanced Hydraulic body motion control system (HBMC) with 4-wheel independent suspension. Along with a new chassis and body frame, it gives the vehicle superb stability on rugged and sandy terrain, while delivering a comfortable ride in the city.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control automatically prevents the Patrol

from sliding sideways on slippery road surfaces when changing lanes or negotiating a curve. The traction control system senses when a front wheel slips and responds by instantly reducing throttle to help restore grip. Lastly the Locking Rear Differential allows drivers to pull out of mud or loose sand easily by distributing torque evenly to the rear wheels.

The Patrol boasts of Power OVRM and Body Coloured with LED turn Lamps and puddle lamp.

It also features Front Fog Lamp, Rear View Camera, Audio AM/ FM / CD / MP3 + Aux Input + 6 Speakers. The interiors feature Leather Steering and Shift Knob, Driver seat –Power with 8 ways Slide, Lift (2 ways), Recline, and Lumber. It also has Front Dual Airbags and Rear diff lock (Std) + ISO Fix, ABS, VDC, LSD, HAS, HDC and Immobiliser.

Expression of luxury The vehicle is an expression of richly crafted luxury truly worthy of a flagship. If the unmistakably bold exterior design invites you with its powerful and modern lines, the super cockpit design of the well-appointed interior provides drivers with a reinvigorating driving atmosphere. Fine-textured, soft leather seats are fitted with power and memory functions.

Other luxurious features include Climate-controlled front seats, Power lift gate, Leather-wrapped, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel with cruise, Bluetooth

World-class technology The class-leading Navigation system features a high-resolution WVGA 8-inch touch screen that displays the destination in compass mode. It also supports Arabic language and Qiblah compass.

With the category’s first ‘Music Box’, valued customers can record up to 200-300 CDs of music or 2,900 songs. It connects to iPod, USB flash drive and other compatible devices. A Nissan first, the Offroad Monitor provides real-time information such as tire conditions - steer angle, slip, pressure and compass, to ensure the driver is always in control.

The Nissan Intelligent Key with a tap of a button allows unlocking the doors and trunk of the Nissan Patrol, while the keys stay inside a pocket or purse. The vehicle can be started from up to 100 feet away with the Remote Engine Start System. This convenient solution allows heating or cooling down the Patrol before it’s time to get in.

The multi-screen, multi-functional individual DVD entertainment system boasts 3 displays, a dashboard screen and two rearfacing TVs; one 7-inch monitor embedded into each front seat headrest that can connect to the various source of music, video and entertainment, such as the DVD, IPod and game player.

Yet another impressive Patrol feature is the cool box mounted in the centre console between the front seats. Incorporating a unique double hinge design, the lid of the cool box can be opened easily from either the front or second row of seats to access the six 600ml drink bottles inside.

Impeccable safety features The Patrol includes Nissan’s world-renowned Safety Shield concept that ‘vehicles help protect people’. The revised brake sys-

tem, along with state-of-the-art Safety Technologies make it the safest-ever SUV in its class. It has employed state-of-the-art safety technologies that help the driver maintain comfortable driving, to recover from dangerous conditions and minimise the damage when a collision is unavoidable.

Incorporated in the Nissan world-renowned Safety Shield, the safety systems include Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, which assists the driver avoid unintended lane departure. If the Patrol is getting close to the lane markers unintentionally, LDW warns the driver with an alarm and an indicator to brake. At the same time, LDP assists the driver to bring the vehicle back to the lane by generating a turning force by applying the brake.

In addition, the Patrol also offers a Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which can also be selected easily with the touch of a button. With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system keeps the vehicle stationary – with no roll back. Hill Descent Control uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7km/h in 4H mode and 4km/h in 4L mode. Its effective brake system also provides the best braking performance in its class thanks to its new hydraulic brake booster and a 4-piston opposed front caliper setup with larger 358mm front discs.

The Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) reduces the driver’s burden to keep the speed or distance constant. It assists the driver both with braking and accelerating, in the traffic that requires less speed change. With Distance Control Assist (DCA), the drive’s burden to keep a distance to the vehicle in the front is reduced, particularly in traffic jams requiring frequent braking.

If the Forward Collision Warning system senses there is a risk of a collision ahead, it warns the driver with an alarm and an indicator to brake. The Automated Hazard Warning Signal has been added to assist in the event of a collision, where the signal comes on automatically. The Patrol also has blind spot warning and prevention, adding further driver confidence when changing lanes.

Vehicle Dynamic Control combines with Traction Control Sys-

tem, Helical Brake LSD (Limited Slip Differential) and mechanical Differential Lock functions to automatically prevent the Patrol from sliding sideways on slippery road surfaces when changing lanes or negotiating a curve.

The Intelligent Brake Assist sensor measures the distance from a preceding vehicle and gives a warning with an alarm and an indicator on display. If it judges that a collision is unavoidable even after driver action, it applies the brake to slow the vehicle and help reduce injuries and damage.

The third world-first is the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with Tire Inflation Indicator. The Patrol employs this system which beeps the horn softly to inform drivers that a suitable tire pressure has been reached.

The Patrol is available with an advanced six-airbag configuration.

Front Seat Belt Pretensioners and Load Limiters automatically tighten the seat belts in certain frontal collisions, while load limiters are designed to “give” a little, to help reduce belt-force load transmitted to front occupants. Other safety features include the Crash-sensitive Door Unlock.

On detecting collision, the doors unlock themselves to ensure free movement of the occupants. Active Head Restraints help in certain rear-end collisions, as frontseat Active Head Restraints move upward and forward to help cushion the head and to reduce whiplash-type injuries.

While having created a comprehensive array of advanced safety systems, the engineering team has also managed to create world-first technologies, besides the Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC).

They include the curtain vent, an advanced individual DVD entertainment system and the Tyre Pressure Monitor System with Tyre Inflation Indicator.

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.

With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

ACCOLADE

Golden Steering Wheel for Audi Q2 and Audi A5 coupé INGOLSTADT/BERLIN: The Audi Q2 and the Audi A5 Coupé both finished triumphantly in the 2016 Golden Steering Wheel awards. The premium carmaker from Ingolstadt won in both the ‘Compact SUV’ and ‘Sports Car’ categories.

Together with an international panel of experts, readers of Auto Bild magazine and the Bild am Sonntag newspaper selected the best automotive newcomers of the year. The prize is one of the most coveted honours in the automotive industry throughout Europe, says a press release.

Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag have been presenting the Golden Steering Wheel awards since 1976.

This year’s competition included a total of 36 models in six categories. The victories for the Audi Q2 and Audi A5 Coupé are Golden Steering Wheel awards number 26 and 27 for the brand with the four rings. No other car manufacturer has won more.

Rupert Stadler, chairman of the

Board of Management of Audi AG, said of the award’s importance: “Our successful performance in one of the most prominent competitions in our industry proves that, with our product initiative, we have very attractive models in our portfolio. As a result, the Audi Q2 and the Audi A5 Coupé convinced the jury, made up of editors, racing drivers, designers, celebrities and driving enthusiasts, even though

the participants all had different expectations of the cars.”

The Audi Q2 won through in the ‘Compact SUV’ category. Rupert Stadler: “This victory shows that the Audi Q2 has captured the spirit of the times. It combines a robust SUV look and agile handling with a size that works for city driving as well as superb functionality.

The Q2 clearly signals that the expansion of our Q family is an im-

portant component of our growth strategy. With its attractive starting price, we are attracting new customers to Audi.”

The new Audi A5 Coupé won in the ‘Sports Car’ segment. DietmarVoggenreiter, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG, accepted the award: “The new Audi A5 Coupé is the Gran Turismo from Audi – a perfect symbiosis of dynamic sports

car and elegant coupe. The very first A5 Coupé was a landmark in the development of the Audi brand. The Golden Steering Wheel shows that the new A5, with its high-tech features and superb utility for everyday driving, is also setting new standards.”

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment.

It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries.

In the second half of 2016, the production of the Audi Q5 will start in San José Chiapa (Mexico).

100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).

In 2015, the Audi Group delivered to customers approximately 1.8 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,245 sports cars of

the Lamborghini brand and about 54,800 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2015 financial year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €58.4 billion and an operating profit of €4.8 billion. At present, approximately 85,000 people work for the company all over the world, about 60,000 of them in Germany.

Audi focuses on new products and sustainable technologies for the future of mobility.

AUDI AG’s commitment to the region was confirmed through the foundation of its fully owned subsidiary in 2005.

The current Middle East model range comprises the Audi A3 & S3 Sedan/Sportback and RS 3 Sportback, A4 and RS 4 Avant, the A5 Coupe, Sportback, Cabriolet and RS 5 Coupe and Cabriolet, the A6, S6, RS 6 performance, A7, S7, RS 7 & RS 7 performance, A8, A8 L, S8 & S8 plus, the Audi Q3, Q5 & SQ5, Q7 and the Audi TT Coupe/Roadster and TTS Coupe, the Audi R8 Coupe as well as the R8 Coupe V10 plus.

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OTEâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chevrolet & Cadillac Service teams win General Motors awards In an effort to drive customer satisfaction and to provide world-class ownership experience for each and every Chevrolet and Cadillac customer, General Motors has instituted this awards programme in 2016

MUSCAT: Chevrolet and Cadillac Service team members have bagged nine awards for the third quarter of 2016 at the General Motors Service & Parts Excellence

Programme. These are in addition to the nine awards for the second quarter of 2016 and also eight awards bagged for the ďŹ rst quarter of 2016, says a press release.

In an effort to drive customer satisfaction and to provide worldclass ownership experience for each and every Chevrolet and Cadillac customer, General Motors has instituted this awards programme in 2016. Dealers from across the region compete in this coveted contest and top performing dealers are awarded by General Motors on a quarterly basis and also on annual basis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chevrolet and Cadillac customers experience best-in-class service in Oman and the stream of accolades speaks about the capability and focus of our service personnel. This is a reďŹ&#x201A;ection of OTE Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to providing quality customer care at

every stage of vehicle ownershipâ&#x20AC;? said Anil Dua, managing director, OTE Group.

OTE Group in association with General Motors constantly undertakes customer focused initiatives.

The state-of-the-art Chevrolet Service facility at Ghala recently introduced â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;1 hour maintenanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for scheduled maintenance jobs with pre-booked appointments up to 2 days in advance. Customers can book service appointments for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;1 hour maintenanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; through 80050002 (toll-free) & also by visiting www.chevrolet.oteautos.com.

Chevrolet scheduled maintenance program offers competitive and transparent pricing for all scheduled maintenance service jobs at

BENEFITS

Introductory offer on BAICâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Tiger TUV and A115 compact sedan

MUSCAT: Gulf Great Sands, the exclusive importer of BAIC in Oman, has launched a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;special introductory offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the popular brands â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grand Tiger-TUV and A115-Compact sedan.

Guaranteeing its customers a special buying experience, Gulf Great Sands has worked out attractive bargains that customers of Grand Tiger TUV and A115 Compact sedan are certain to ďŹ nd interesting.

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;special introductory offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ensures that customers of Grand Tiger TUV and A115 - Compact sedan can enjoy low EMIs, assured cash gift, free registration, free service and manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warranty. The offer, which has already started, will be valid till January 8, says a press release.

Offer includes: Ä&#x160; Ĺ&#x2014; , . Ĺ&#x2014; ÄĄ. ,'-Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; )( #tions apply) of OMR57 on A115 and OMR82 on Grand Tiger TUV. The cash gift can be adjusted in the down payment of the car if customer opts for it. EMI calculation is based on 20 per cent down payment and six yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; loan tenure after adjusting the respec-

tive cash gift amount for each BAIC model. It is also subject to credit approval Ä&#x160; , Ĺ&#x2014;, !#-., .#)(Ĺ&#x2014;#-Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°,-.Ĺ&#x2014; year only Ä&#x160; (/ ./, ,Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014; 1 ,, (.3Ĺ&#x2014; on A115 is either ďŹ ve years or 100,000km (whichever comes early). Manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warranty is upto three years/100,000km for Grand Tiger G3 Pickup and Grand Tiger TUV Pickup. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; , Ĺ&#x2014;.1)Ĺ&#x2014;3 ,-Ä&#x17E;ýúÄ&#x2026;úúú%'Ĺ&#x2014;- ,vice (whichever is earlier) is a periodic maintenance service only.

This excludes wear and tear of parts. Offer includes service intervals of six months/10,000km for A 115 and three months/5000 kms (whichever is earlier) for Grand Tiger G3 Pickup and Grand Tiger TUV Pickup.

These offers vary across all models is subject to terms and conditions and is available on models used for personal use.

GGS spokesperson said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grand Tiger TUV and A115 compact sedan customers have much to profit from the deals on offer. With the above said introductory offer, we are conďŹ dent that our patrons will opt to buy Grand Tiger TUV

and A115 - Compact sedan during the offer period. Both Grand Tiger TUV and A115 - Compact sedan stand out for their wide range of originality, consistency and adaptability.â&#x20AC;?

A115 - Compact sedan A115 is a compact and stylish compact sedan from BAIC which exempliďŹ es dynamism and subtle power. The standard Dual Airbag, ABS, Cage-type body structure and doors made from integrated stamping technology contribute to its superior safety. A115 is equipped with 1.5L - 113hp engine, 4-speed AT. Micro USB, Glove Box with Cooler, Power Windows and Mirror, Keyless Entry, 6/4 split rear seats make every day drive comfortable for all passengers.

Alloy Wheel, Rear LED lights, Hawkeye headlamps, a wide central mesh, ďŹ&#x201A;ying wing-shaped front bumper give the dynamic and signature look of a luxury segment sedan.

It has artistically crafted and robust grille and backwards-extending fog lamps. Additionally, 22 storage compartments meet all

of your storage requirements.

Grand Tiger - TUV Grand Tiger TUV is perfectly embodies the combination of style, space and safety like a lifestyle pickup and is available in both 2WD and 4WD options.

Its 2.4 litre engine with 5 speed Manual Transmission provides a reďŹ ned performance, overall length of 5310 mm and width of 1812mm make it the most spacious pickup in its class.

Grand Tiger TUV has a sporty dashboard, integrated console, auto air conditioner, self-luminous instruments makes the interiors comfortable for a long journey. Life style pickup image is further reinforced with 16-inch alloy wheels, side steps, chrome outside mirrors, and over fenders.

Grand Tiger TUV has many standard safety features which are available only in high-end pickups such as ABS, EBD, dual airbags, parking sensors and steel roll cage. The tread of the tyres is best in class given extra grip and comfort on road. The cargo bed protector is standard in TUV pickups which gives longevity.

every 10,000km interval.

After dropping their car for scheduled maintenance, customers can relax in the CafĂŠ Lounge and take back their car in one hour.

The well-appointed lounge offers comfortable space to sit back and relax in a contemporary ambience. Located on the ďŹ rst ďŹ&#x201A;oor of the new Ghala service facility, it is equipped with a host of complementary facilities including WIFI, reading material, choice of beverage as well as childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play area, etc. An exclusive ladies area within the lounge offers further privacy.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest automotive brands in the world.

Chevrolet provides customers with

fuel-efficient vehicles with engaging performance, impressive active and passive safety features and easy-to-use technology. The Chevrolet portfolio in Oman features award-winning passenger cars such as the Spark, Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Impala, Caprice, Camaro and Corvette as well as Traverse, Tahoe and Silverado. Chevrolet also offers customers a high-level aftersales service experience through Chevrolet Complete Care.

OTE Group is the exclusive distributor for Chevrolet in the Sultanate of Oman. With a nationwide network of showrooms and service centres, OTE Group ensures that Chevrolet customers are never far from their favourite brand.

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Bank Muscat all set to mark 2016 al Mazyona grand prizes, new scheme Springing the biggest surprise, 2016 al Mazyona year-end prizes totalling OMR1 million will be shared by two customers, including one asalah Priority Banking customer, who will receive OMR500,000 each

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, is all set to mark a big celebration to pick the grand year-end prize winners of 2016 al Mazyona savings scheme and unveil the 2017 savings scheme at Al Mouj Golf on January 10.

Springing the biggest surprise, 2016 al Mazyona year-end prizes totalling OMR1 million will be shared by two customers, including one asalah Priority Banking customer, who will receive OMR500,000 each, says a press release.

The 2016 al Mazyona savings scheme offering a total prize money of OMR10 million has been rewarding and fulfilling the dreams

of customers with high value prizes throughout the year, ranging from OMR1,000 a week to OMR10,000 a month and OMR100,000 every quarter besides special draws coinciding with festivals and national celebrations.

The core focus of al Mazyona is to encourage customers to sustain a strong savings culture and be rewarded with the biggest aspirational prizes. At a time when savings are most critical to ensure a secure future for individuals and families, al Mazyona plays an anchor role to encourage financial discipline. The objective of al Mazyona is to create a savings habit that makes a lasting difference in the well-being of families.

al Mazyona offers the biggest prize money in the savings scheme history in Oman. Bank Muscat understands customer expectations and for over 25 years the flagship savings scheme has been rewarding customers and enriching their lives. The scheme is targeted to accommodate all segments, in-

cluding ladies, youth, children and high saving customers, thereby strengthening prudent savings habit among citizens who will be responsible for the future development of Oman. al Mazyona reflects innovative customer segmentation based on two principles - region and

CUSTOMER CONNECT

demographics – ensuring higher winning chances to all customers across the Sultanate. al Mazyona is the only savings scheme to recognise and reward loyalty for customers based on their association with the bank.

For example, if a customer has been saving for 5 years, his chances

of winning get multiplied by five times and similarly if he has been maintaining al Mazyona savings account for 20 years, his chances get multiplied 20 times and so on. This benefit is unique only to al Mazyona savings scheme holders and no other bank offers this loyalty reward.

E D UC AT I O NA L T R I P

Renualt Oman makes its presence felt in social media MUSCAT: Taking advantage of the power to connect with their customers directly, Renault Oman has built a strong and active social media presence.

Understanding that social media is connected to customers’ everyday lives, Renault Oman believes that there is a lot of potential for it to be used as a viable channel for attracting new customers, says a press release.

A spokesperson for SBA said, “With the opportunities to reach out easier for the automotive industry, creating an authentic and exciting social media presence is extremely important. We believe that social media is a great place to build reputation for every brand.

At Renault Oman, we like the fact that we can converse and engage with the customers on a one-onone basis. This direct interaction with customers and fans has helped us tremendously. We are using a mix of social media to optimise reach.”

Keeping customers and fans connected to the brand, Renault Oman’s Facebook page has over 19,000 fans. While Renault Oman Facebook page continues to see a

rise in its fan base, the auto brand engages with customers through regular contests. Understanding the need to connect with the digital generation, Renault Oman also provides them with interesting

and relevant content on www.facebook.com/SBArenaultoman.

“We ensure that everything is updated on Facebook and also we take advantage of the ability to add various media to the page,” said the

spokesperson.

For customers who crave visual marketing, Renault Oman has made its presence of Instagram which gives it an opportunity to showcase the brand’s personality.

“Make sure to follow us on Instagram @renaultoman to stay connected with us,” said the spokesperson.

With an intention to offer helpful tools to win over customers, Renault Oman has launched a unique mobile app that helps connect with fans to convey brand messages.

Through this app, Renault car customers can register themselves and avail special benefits, discounts on spare parts and services and even book service appointments.

Renault Oman, from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), offers a range of Renault vehicles. Renault’s sedan segment encompasses an impressive lineup of cars including the sleek Renault Fluence, outstanding Renault Safrane, stylish Renault Symbol and elegant saloon car Renault Talisman. The SUV range includes the Renault Duster, Renault Koleos and the all-new Renault Captur and the commercial vehicle includes Renault Dokker.

ISG students explore Sri Lanka MUSCAT: Thirteen students accompanied by two teachers of Indian School Al Ghubra (ISG) went on an educational trip to Sri Lanka recently.

The places visited were the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, The Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha at Kandy, Royal Botanical Gardens that houses more than 5,000 species of trees and plants, the Galle Fort, the mask factory, Spice Gardens, the hill station of Nuwara Eliya and Turtle Hatchery. The experience at the Elephant Orphanage and

the Turtle Hatchery sensitised the students to care for other living beings too.

The visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Galle Fort gave them a glimpse of the architecture of the place.

A drive through the city of Colombo to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential Cinnamon Gardens was a learning experience for the students wherein they learnt about the history and culture of Sri Lanka set in the lush green surroundings.

RECOGNITION

Customers bestow Nissan Oman with 2 coveted honours MUSCAT: By strengthening its presence in the hearts and minds of customers in the Sultanate, Nissan won multiple honours with the consumers naming it the ‘most trusted’ and the ‘most popular’ brand in Oman in 2016.

While Nissan was awarded the significant ‘most popular car brand in Oman’ at the Oman Auto Excellence Awards 2016 organised by OmanExpo, the brand was adjudged the ‘most trusted brand’ in the automotive category in an online survey conducted by a local daily.

Significantly, both the awards were decided based on the results of an online public voting process where consumers voted for their preferred brands.

In the unique Popular Car Brand award organised by OmanExpo computed through public online voting, Nissan emerged victorious in the award category in which more than 10,000 online votes polled. More than 30 brands were in the fray for this coveted category. The entire process was audited by an external agency BDO for transparency and authenticity.

During the online voting period of the survey conducted by the daily, in which Nissan was announced the winner of Oman’s Most Trusted Brands award, a total of 189,023 votes were received.

A senior official of Nissan Oman from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) said, “We are humbled to receive the prestigious the ‘most trusted’ and the ‘most popular’ brand honour, which was

We are humbled to receive the prestigious the ‘most trusted’ and the ‘most popular’ brand honour, which was decided by consumers. This is a noteworthy recognition for us as it demonstrates our customers’ trust and confidence in our brand, and motivates us to make products that are innovative and technologically suave. Consumers have responded to Nissan’s styling, interior comfort, performance, fuel efficiency and advanced safety and security features Senior official of Nissan Oman from SBA

decided by consumers. This is a noteworthy recognition for us as it demonstrates our customers’ trust and confidence in our brand, and motivates us to make products that are innovative and technologically suave. Consumers have responded to Nissan’s styling, interior comfort, performance, fuel efficiency and advanced safety and security features. We are proud to deliver on and exceed consumer expectations year after year. We will always attempt to do our best to make the Nissan brand the best in the country, and these awards are testimony that we are doing it right.”

Nissan has built up its status through state-of-the-art technology, and a broad product line-up.

In Oman, people have increasingly opted for Nissan models because they come with class leading features, great performance, ideally suited to the local conditions and offer great value for money besides being among the safest cars on the road.

sists of passenger cars like Micra, Sunny, Sentra, Tiida, Altima and Maxima; crossover model includes Juke, X Trail and Pathfinder; SUV range includes Patrol V6 and V8. Nissan’s LCV range includes the all New Navara Pick Up, Patrol Single Cab and the Double Cab Pickups, Urvan 15-seater Bus and Urvan Panel Van and Civilian Bus with 26 seats and 30-seater variants.

Nissan’s impressive vehicle line-up Nissan’s range of vehicles con-

Reliability and dependability of Nissan cars For every customer purchasing a

A decade of promise Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

Nissan vehicle, it is the beginning of a fulfilling experience as Nissan’s top class after sales service makes sure every customer is happy and satisfied.

Nissan’s after sales service provider for all Nissan cars in Oman ensures customers get the advantage of factory trained expertise and genuine Nissan replacement parts always. Customers can expect reliability and assistance, which will help retain Nissan’s performance and resale value for years to come.

Like Nissan Oman on Facebook Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissan’s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of their homes or offices on Nissan Oman’s Facebook page. It may be noted that with more than 100,000 fan following on Facebook, Nissan Oman has once again taken the most popular auto brand position in Oman on the social networking site. Facebook users and interested customers who ‘like’ Nissan Oman Facebook page and register online, will get exclusive updates, news, reviews on the entire range of cars.

Timings Nissan Oman showrooms work on straight shift - while the Qurum showroom operates from 9:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm from Saturday to Thursday, all other showrooms are open during the same time from Sunday to Thursday.

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Proteas need six wickets to beat Sri Lanka again

WAWRINKA, NISHIKORI REACH QUARTERFINALS World number four Stan Wawrinka began the new season with a straightsets victory over Viktor Troicki on Wednesday. Third seed Kei Nishikori had to work harder to secure his quarterfinal berth. >C4

CRICKET

Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada SURPRISE MOVE: MS Dhoni interacts with BCCI selection committee chairman MSK Prasad during the fourth day of the Ranji semifinal cricket match between Jharkhand and Gujarat. – PTI

both took two wickets in the Sri

Dhoni steps down as limited-overs captain

Lankan second innings as the home team closed in on victory

CAPE TOWN: South Africa need six more wickets with two days still to play to win the second Test against Sri Lanka, who closed the third day at Newlands on Wednesday on 130 for four, still 377 runs behind the mammoth target set them.

Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada both took two wickets in the Sri Lankan second innings as the home team closed in on victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

South Africa have ample time to whittle away the rest of the Sri Lankan batting while the visitors, set 507 runs to win, must survive six more sessions if they are to force a most improbable outcome.

Angelo Mathews (29 not out) and Dinesh Chandimal (28 not out) will resume on Thursday, having shown some resistance to the close of play with an unbeaten 61run partnership. Philander made an early inroad before tea when he clean bowled Dimuth Karunaratne for six and then added the wicket of Kusal Mendis after the break

JUBILANT: South African bowler Kagiso Rabada, left, celebrates a Sri Lankan wicket at the Newlands

in Cape Town. – AFP

as he edged a ball on a tempting length to Dean Elgar for only four.

Kaushal Silva went for 29 runs when a rising Rabada delivery hit him on the glove and popped up for an easy catch for Stephen Cook.

Dhananjaya de Silva was then given out leg before wicket off a Rabada delivery that was heading down leg side but surprisingly did not ask for a review. Had he done so, De Silva would have been able to add to his 22 runs.

Sri Lanka were put into bat midway through the second session after the South African lead went past 500 runs. They declared on 224 for seven, having resumed at 35-0 overnight. Seamer Suranga Lakmal took four wickets in a rare highlight for Sri Lanka while Elgar top scored for the home side with 55, to add to his first-innings century. - Reuters

SCOREBOARD

South Africa 1st innings: 392 (D. Elgar 129, Q. de Kock 101; L. Kumara 6-122) Sri Lanka 1st innings: 110 (V. Philander 4-27, K. Rabada 4-37) South Africa 2nd innings: S. Cook c Karunaratne b Lakmal 30 D. Elgar c Mathews b Herath 55 H. Amla c Chandimal b Lakmal 0 J. Duminy lbw b Lakmal 30 F. du Plessis c Chandimal b Lakmal 41 T. Bavuma run out (D. de Silva) 0 Q. de Kock c Chandimal b Kumara 29 K. Maharaj not out 20 V. Philander not out 15 Extras (nb-3, w-1) 4 Total (for 7 wickets decl., 51.5 overs) 224 Fall of wickets: 1-64, 2-64, 3-110, 4-136, 5-137, 6-170, 7-192 Did not bat: K. Abbott, K. Rabada Bowling: S. Lakmal 19.5-2-69-4, N. Pradeep

GOOD SUPPORT

World Military Football Cup sponsors announced

MUSCAT: The organising committee of the 2nd World Military Football Cup Championship 2017, which will be organised in the Sultanate from January 15 to 28, announced the companies sponsoring the championship.

The announcement came at a press conference was held at Hormuz Grand Hotel, Muscat.

Said bin Hamad Al Ghailani, member of the media committee welcomed, Air Ccommodore Maktoum bin Salim Al Mazro’ai, assistant chief of staff for training and joint exercises who is the chairman of the organising committee, officers, members of the organising committee, representatives of the sponsoring companies and representatives of the media institutions.

The Sultanate was offered to host the championship on May 7, 2014 during the 69th general meeting of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).

The first military football championship was organised in 1946, in the Czech Republic under the supervision of the Armed Forces Sports Council, where United Kingdom won the title. However, the first edition of CISM World Cup was organised

in Baku four years ago.

Sixteen teams are taking part in this championship, which are classified into four groups.

Group A comprises Oman,

Guinea, Bahrain, and France, while Group B include teams of Algeria, Germany, Iran, and North Korea.

Group C has teams of Ireland, Mali, Qatar, and USA, while Egypt, Poland, Canada and Syria are in Group D. On the other hand and as part of the preparations of the organising committee for the championship, director of military sports–acting at SAF Headquarters who is also the vice-chairman of the organising committee met with the referees who will officiate in the championship.

The referees would undergo an intensive programme during the coming days to ensure their readiness for the event.

The opening ceremony of the World Cup will be held on January 15 with the matches to kickoff the following day.

Meanwhile, at the press conference, it was announced that Saud Bahwan and Ericsson will be the main sponsors, while the other supporting sponsors are Al Maha, Omantel, OMPC, Suhail Bahwan Group, Thales, Towell, Muscat Pharmacy, Al Fairuz, Teejan, OHI, Mustafa Sultan, Denel and MSA. — ONA

11-0-46-0 (nb-1), L. Kumara 12-0-62-1 (w-1), D. de Silva 3-0-15-0, R. Herath 6-0-32-1 Sri Lanka 2nd innings: D. Karunaratne b Philander 6 K. Silva c Cook b Rabada 29 K. Mendis c Elgar b Philander 4 D. de Silva lbw b Rabada 22 A. Mathews not out 29 D. Chandimal not out 28 Extras (b-6, lb-5, nb-1) 12 Total (for 4 wickets, 40 overs) 130 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-25, 3-66, 4-69 To bat: U. Tharanga, R. Herath, S. Lakmal, N. Pradeep, L. Kumara Bowling: K. Abbott 10-3-23-0, V. Philander 10-1-34-2 (nb-1), K. Rabada 10-3-22-2, K. Maharaj 10-2-40-0 Umpires: Aleem Dar & Rod Tucker TV umpire: Bruce Oxenford Match referee: David Boon

NEW DELHI: Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped down as India’s limited-overs captain but will still be available for selection, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said on Wednesday.

“Mahendra Singh Dhoni has informed the BCCI that he wishes to step down as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team from the OneDay Internationals and the T20 Internationals formats of the game,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Dhoni not only holds the record for most matches as captain of an international side, with 331 games across all formats, but also is the only captain to have won all three ICC Trophies -- ODI World Cup, World Twenty20 and Champions Trophy.

Considered India’s most successful ever captain, Dhoni stunned everyone when he announced his decision to quit test cricket in the middle of an Australian tour in 2014, handing the mantle to Virat Kohli who is likely to be also given the reins in the shorter formats.

The BCCI, however, did not

immediately name a successor.

The 35-year-old Dhoni, who was named captain in 2007, led the cricket-crazed country to the top of the world test rankings and is the only player to captain in more than 50 matches in each of the three formats.

Having made his international debut in 2004, Dhoni, whose life inspired a Bollywood biopic in 2016, quickly rose up the ranks in Indian cricket.

After being named captain of the Twenty20 side in 2007, Dhoni achieved immediate success as he guided India to the World Twenty20 title in South Africa.

Renowned for his calm onfield demeanour, he eventually became the ODI captain, succeeding Rahul Dravid when he relinquished the post, and then ascended to full-time Test captain once Anil Kumble, now the India coach, retired.

One of Dhoni’s most iconic moments came in 2011 when he hit a massive six to end the country’s 28-year wait for the ODI World Cup. — Reuters

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Azhar and Younis stall Australia SCOREBOARD

Opener Azhar, who hit a double century in the second Test defeat in Melbourne that lost Pakistan the series, had contributed 58 to his side’s 126 for two at close of play, while veteran Younis had forged ahead of his partner with 64 not out

SYDNEY: Pakistan’s Azhar Ali and Younis Khan forged a 120-run partnership to stall a rampant Australia on day two of the third and final Test on Wednesday after a Peter Handscomb century had helped drive the hosts to 538-8 declared.

Opener Azhar, who hit a double century in the second Test defeat in Melbourne that lost Pakistan the series, had contributed 58 to his side’s 126 for two at close of play, while veteran Younis had forged ahead of his partner with 64 not out.

Handscomb had earlier completed the third century of Australia’s innings, matching openers David Warner and Matt Renshaw, as Steve Smith’s men poured on the runs before the declaration, which came seven overs before tea.

Paceman Josh Hazlewood immediately drove home the advantage by removing debutant Sharjeel Khan and Babar Azam cheaply inside five balls to leave the hapless tourists reeling at 16-2 at the second break. Half centuries from Azhar and Younis may have raised Pakistan’s flagging spirits but the Australians will still be confident of victory and a series sweep going into day three at the Sydney Cricket Ground with a lead of 412 runs.

Handscomb had resumed on 40 with Australia 365-3 and never looked like missing out on his second Test hundred, becoming only the second Australian to score 50 or more in his first four tests along the way. Brought into the side with Renshaw in the wake of the Hobart humiliation at the hands of South Africa in November, the 25-yearold has proved a rock in what had become a fragile Australian middle order. He brought up the milestone

WELL DONE, MATE: Pakistan batsmen Azhar Ali, left, and Younis Khan, right, shake hands during their partnership against Australia during the second day of the third cricket Test match at the SCG in Sydney. – AFP

Australia 1st innings: M. Renshaw b I. Khan 184 D. Warner c S. Ahmed b Riaz 113 U. Khawaja c S. Ahmed b Riaz 13 S. Smith c S. Ahmed b Shah 24 P. Handscomb hit wkt b Riaz 110 H. Cartwright b I. Khan 37 M. Wade c B. Azam b A. Ali 29 M. Starc c sub b A. Ali 16 S. O’Keefe not out 0 Extras (b-5, lb-1, nb-4, w-2) 12 Total (for 8 wickets decl., 135 overs) 538 Fall of wickets: 1-151, 2-203, 3-244, 4-386, 5-477, 6-516, 7-532, 8-538 Did not bat: J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon Bowling: M. Amir 24-2-83-0, I. Khan 274-111-2 (nb-2), W. Riaz 28-4-89-3 (nb-2, w-2), Y. Shah 40-2-167-1, A. Ali 14-0-70-2, A. Shafiq 2-0-12-0 Pakistan 1st innings A. Ali not out 58 S. Khan c Renshaw b Hazlewood 4 B. Azam lbw b Hazlewood 0 Y. Khan not out 64 Total (for 2 wickets, 41 overs) 126 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-6 To bat: Misbah-ul Haq, A. Shafiq, S. Ahmed, M. Amir, W. Riaz, Y. Shah, I. Khan Bowling: M. Starc 10-2-34-0, J. Hazlewood 11-3-32-2, S. O’Keefe 7-1-11-0, N. Lyon 9-1-34-0, H. Cartwright 4-0-15-0 Umpires: R. Illingworth & S. Ravi TV umpire: Ian Gould Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle

Pakistan’s fielding mishaps frustrate coach Mickey Arthur SYDNEY: Pakistan’s woes in the third test against Australia have been many and varied but nothing has frustrated coach Mickey Arthur more than the fielding mishaps that have peppered the first two days.

Arthur was pictured with his head in his hands after one of the many, sometimes almost farcical, slip-ups that studded Australia’s first innings of 538-8 declared.

“It’s very, very, very frustrating, we can’t work any harder on our fielding,” the South African told

with a single off the 194th ball he faced and had nine fours on the board when he was out for 110 in bizarre circumstances.

A TV review showed he had got too deep into his crease when facing a Wahab Riaz delivery and his bat had dislodged a bail, resulting in a rare ‘hit wicket’ dismissal.

reporters on Wednesday. “We catch balls continuously, (fielding coach) Steve Rixon works the guys continuously hard.

“We set ourselves hell of a high standards, I make no apologies for that, and we’ve fallen well short in the fielding department.”

Pakistan’s failure to create pressure for the batsmen and David Warner’s explosive start to the Test with a century inside the first session were other contributing factors to his team’s parlous position in the match,

Australia’s fielders had the opposite problem as they tried to break up Pakistan’s third wicket partnership in the final session and Handscomb rued two missed run-out chances.

“It would have been nice to take one of those run out opportunities and you never know what could

Arthur said.

One glimmer of light was the batting of opener Azhar Ali, who backed up his double century in the second test in Melbourne with a 58 in an unbroken third wicket partnership with Younis Khan that got the tourists to Wednesday’s close on 126-2.

“The amount of time he has spent in the field is almost beyond belief,” said Arthur. “For him to keep going and going and going shows a lot of resilience and shows a pretty tough mind.

“To see the resilience and

have come from there if we had them maybe four or five down,” he said. “We just need to come out tomorrow and keep that pressure on.”

Renshaw earlier fell short of dislodging Don Bradman as Australia’s youngest double centurian, the 20-year-old chopping on for 184 in

character and intent that has been shown by Younis and Azhar has been a real example to the rest of the dressing room.

“Batting is all about intent... It gets you into right positions and allows you to score and these two guys have shown that.

“We’ll carry on with the same intent and see where that gets us tomorrow.”

Another reason Pakistan need to keep batting for as long as possible is the state of the bowling unit with spinner Yasir Shah carrying an injury and

the first hour of the day, and debutant Hilton Cartwright (37), Matt Wade (29) and Mitch Starc, who hit two huge sixes in his 16, also departed before the declaration.

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur admitted bowlers Mohammad Amir and Yasir Shah were “not in good shape” - the latter carrying a

seamer Mohammed Amir on his last legs. “Yasir has a hamstring strain I think. I don’t think it’s too bad. I think he’ll be able to bowl again at some stage in the game,” Arthur said.

“Over the last six months (Amir’s) played a massive amount of cricket and he just keeps going and keeps going.

Even though he’s showing a lot of niggles, he hasn’t shirked his responsibility and he keeps running in for us.”

Australia are 2-0 up in the three-match series. - Reuters

left hamstring injury - but thought the third-wicket stand had given his side a glimmer of hope.

“The resilience and character and intent that has been shown by Younus and Azhar has been a real example to the rest of the dressing room of how we need to play,” the South African said. — Reuters

PERFECT

Cool hand Handscomb makes a sure start to Test cricket SYDNEY: Australia’s Peter Handscomb could hardly fail to be delighted with a fledgling Test career that has already brought two centuries but is realistic enough to concede that home conditions have played their part.

The 25-year-old middle-order batsman grabbed his second cen-

tury against Pakistan on Wednesday, becoming the second Australian after Herbie Collins in the 1920s to score more than 50 runs in each of his first four Tests. “Any time you can make a test hundred is always going to feel amazing. It’s just been incredible,” Handscomb said. “It’s been a nice start and def-

initely something I didn’t feel was going to happen, taking that next step up to this level.

“I’ve been very lucky in the way that I’ve come in, in my own conditions, in my own country, I have a good understanding of what was going to be coming at me. Had I debuted somewhere else it might

have been a different story.”

The son of English immigrants, Handscomb got his chance to show his composure and unorthodox batting technique at the top level when Australia overhauled their team after losing two Tests to South Africa in November. He scored 54 on debut in the third

Test against the Proteas, a century and an unbeaten 35 against Pakistan in Brisbane and 54 in Melbourne in the second Test victory.

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said the tourists had seen quite enough of him after a 110 in the third Test on Wednesday.

“It’s an interesting technique

but it’s one that he seems very confident with, it’s one he plays very well with, he hits the ball very late, it’s under his eyes,” said the South African.

“You always feel you’ve got a chance coming round the wicket at him but he generally scores very well off the leg side.” —Reuters

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

C3

SPORTS TENNIS

Easiest thing is to stop and say I had a good career: Youzhny CHENNAI: In the twilight of his career, Mikhail Youzhny would only set realistic targets for himself but still has enough fire in his belly to fight it out with physically better players.

Youzhny feels the “easiest things is to stop” and reflect on a successful journey.

From winning 10 career singles titles, making two Grand Slam semifinals and getting a place in the top-10, Youzhny has seen it all in an almost two-decade long career. Despite tasting success at the top level, he does not mind playing at the Challenger level now. He had started the 2016 season with three Challenger titles and ended it with a first round loss.

Youzhny is also one of only 10 active players to have reached the quarterfinals of all Grand Slams.

So what keeps him motivated and getting down to Challenger circuit?

“Lot of things keep you motivated. I had a good career and good results. I had some tough years, I dropped a lot (in ranking) some years ago. Easiest thing is to stop

and say you had a good career and do something else. But I try to fight back, try to take some steps forward. We must decide, if we are ready to continue, and I am ready to fight. I still enjoy the game, I feel I can still play,” Youzhny said after making the second round of the Chennai Open with a win over India’s Saketh Myneni.

Youzhny said instead of looking back he will look forward but he himself was not sure how long will he continue. “We can always look back and say, I have played those semis (US Open in 2006, 2010), I was world number eight. It’s interesting how long I can keep it (body) in good shape. There is good motivation for me inside to continue.

Interesting to make some right decisions to try and continue well.

“I don’t know what happens tomorrow. Can I do something more? Last year was pretty good for me, I showed I am not bad, I can beat some good players.”

Youzhny said it would be prudent if he stays realistic and not do not think of past achievements.

“I don’t think about it. If I make

a goal to be top-20, somebody will say you were top 8, why top-20 now. It can’t be No. 5 five or 1, you have to be realistic, lot of younger players are playing, there are physically better than me.”

Asked if there was something he could have done to convert those semifinal finishes at the US Open into wins, Youzhny, father of two, said it’s difficult to say.

“You never know. I tried my best to play well. I don’t think about the results and rankings now. For me important it is to be healthy. Now I look at Tour from different side.

When you are 18-19, you want to play Grand Slam on the centre courts against top players. When you are 35 and dropped, you understand they were great moments of your life.”

The Russian has come to play Chennai Open many a times in his career and won of his career 10th title here in 2008. He says Indian tennis has moved forward since then. “There are lot changes. Many Indian players have come to Tour in top-200. There are good facilities now. I enjoy here. - PTI

CANDID: Mikhail Youzhny said instead of looking back he will look forward but he himself was not sure how long will he continue.

Wenger says Arsenal passed mental test Arsenal left the south coast with a

We succeeded because we have a great resilience in the team and great mental strength and that came out

3-3 draw after Alexis Sanchez, Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud all scored late goals to wipe out what had been a woeful first hour

Arsene Wenger Arsenal manager

LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised his side’s resilience but was left to rue their failure to turn a 3-0 deficit into a victory at Bournemouth on Tuesday.

As it was Arsenal left the south coast with a 3-3 draw after Alexis Sanchez, Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud all scored late goals to wipe out what had been a woeful first hour in which the tenacious hosts scored three times.

Bournemouth played the last eight minutes of normal time and six minutes of stoppage time with 10 men after Simon Francis was red-carded and when Giroud scored in the 92nd minute Arsenal looked likely to snatch

all three points. “It was a physical test and a mental test for us.

A physical test because we had problems to start to cope with the pace of Bournemouth,” Wenger, who again complained about his side having to play twice in 48 hours, told reporters.

“But we succeeded because we have a great resilience in the team and great mental strength and that came out.

“In the end you are even frustrated not to win the game.

“We missed some opportunities in the end. These are the details that you have to keep composure and play until the last

minute. That’s down to keeping your head cool.

“You have mixed feelings after a game like that because you wanted three points and you got only one. But when you are 3-0 down after 70 minutes you take a point as well.”

Keeper Petr Cech said Arsenal had been ‘outrun’ by Bournemouth for an hour but also praised the reaction of his team mates to adversity.

“It’s a great reaction from the team. We were 3-0 down but we found a way to play our game, open them up and score goals,” Cech told the Arsenal website.

“We were decisive in the final third and we showed great character to come back ...but the first 60 minutes was very disappointing from ourselves.”

Giroud could hardly disguise his disappointment.

“Honestly, I was sure we could have scored the winner,” the France striker said. “It’s a shame that we conceded three goals like that. We should not have made these kinds of mistakes.

“The way we played at the end against 10 men made me think that we should have done better.

Hopefully we’ll learn from our mistakes today.” - Reuters

FOOTBALL

Pep Guardiola needs time to establish Manchester City among Europe’s elite

Pep Guardiola.

LONDON: Manchester City may need a decade of consistent performances in the Champions League to establish themselves among Europe’s biggest clubs, manager Pep Guardiola has said.

City have won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups in the last six seasons under managers Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, but the Spaniard wants his side to excel in Europe’s elite competition.“We

don’t have the history with this shirt, of Barcelona, Juventus, (Bayern) Munich or Manchester United. Not their titles,” the 45-year-old manager told NBC. “It’s about being in Europe and over the next decade to be there (in the Champions League) every year. That’s more important to this club than winning one title, believe me, more than that. We have to convince people at this amazing club that they are good. They are

good. And the fans as well.”

City have qualified for the Champions League every year since 2010 and they reached the semifinal for the first time last season. Guardiola believes it is not just the manager but several other factors that determine success at a club. “I chose Manchester -- to prove myself and have a new challenge,” he said. “If people think, ‘Pep’s here; City will win’. No. That’s not something you can switch on or off.” - Reuters

C4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017

SPORTS Wawrinka, Nishikori reach quarterfinals Second seed Wawrinka edged out Troicki 7-6(5), 6-4 to maintain his perfect record against the Serbian whose seventh attempt at beating the Swiss failed

GOOD GOING: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland celebrates his victory

against Viktor Troick of Serbia in the men’s second round. – AFP

BRISBANE: World number four Stan Wawrinka began the new season with a straight-sets victory over Viktor Troicki in his Brisbane International debut on Wednesday.

Second seed Wawrinka edged out Troicki 7-6(5), 6-4 to maintain his perfect record against the Serbian whose seventh attempt at beating the Swiss failed at the Pat Rafter Arena.

“I’m quite happy with my level at the start the year,” Wawrinka said.

“I think it was a good match, in general, for sure. A few up-anddowns with focus and my (shot) choice during the game, but it’s always tough to play against Troicki.”

Troicki was serving for the first set at 5-4 when Wawrinka scripted a turnaround to claim it.

The three-times grand-slam champion took charge in the second when Troicki double-faulted at 4-4 and he clinched the contest to set up a quarter-final clash with Briton Kyle Edmund.

Third seed Kei Nishikori had to work harder to secure his quarter-final berth with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over free-swinging American Jared Donaldson.

Nishikori was 4-0 up and yet lost the first set as Donaldson reeled off six games on the trot.

Nishikori let a 3-0 lead slip in the second as well but the 2014 U.S. Open finalist managed to arrest the slide to force the decider and was more assertive in the third set against the 105th-ranked qualifier.

“I had a great start today until 4-0, and then I had one bad game,” Nishikori said.

“He started playing more aggressive and his forehand was on fire — he was hitting a lot of winners from that side.”

Thompson stun Ferrer Nishikori now meets Australian Jordan Thompson who upset eighth seed David Ferrer 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 for the biggest win of his career to reach his first ATP World Tour quarterfinal.

In the women’s section, world number one Angelique Kerber survived a scare in her first competitive match of the year to beat Australian wild card Ashleigh Barty 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 and set up a quarterfinal clash with Ukrainian sixth seed Elina Svitolina.

Barty’s aggressive approach initially startled Kerber, who had a first-round bye. The German hit 14 of her 27 unforced errors in the second set but maintained her composure to close out the evenly-contest-

FIGHTING WIN: Japan’s Kei Nishikori hits a return against Jared Donaldson of the US in their men’s second round match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane. – AFP

ed affair in an hour and 45 minutes.

World number five Dominika Cibulkova will face France’s Alize Cornet in the quarterfinals after she defeated Zhang Shuai 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova

recorded a 6-4, 6-3 win over local favourite Destanee Aiava who beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands on Tuesday to become the first player born this century to win a WTA maindraw match. - Reuters

TENNIS

Erratic Serena bungles against Brengle in Auckland AUCKLAND: An erratic Serena Williams crashed out of the Auckland Classic after fellow American Madison Brengle pulled off a 6-4, 6-7(3) 6-4 upset in a gruelling second round contest on Wednesday.

Top seeded Serena had constant trouble with her ball toss in the swirling wind but it was her errorstrewn display which resulted in the loss less than two weeks before the year’s first grand slam at Melbourne Park.

“Honestly I don’t know (how I won),” Brengle said after reaching the quarterfinals with the biggest win of her career against an opponent 70 rungs higher than her in the WTA rankings.

“It’s so cool. It’s what you dream about, playing the best in the

world. “The last time I played her I only won one game, it got a lot better today,” she said, referring to Serena’s 6-0 6-1 win in their only previous meeting in 2015.

The 26-year-old was 1-4 down before she staged a brilliant comeback to run away with the first set against the 22-times grand slam singles champion playing her first tournament since her semi-final loss at the U.S. Open last September.

Serena was a set and 4-3 down when she made a comeback of her own, breaking with a delicate drop shot and unleashing a running defensive forehand to clinch the tiebreaker and force the decider.

The third set went on serve until the 10th game when Brengle held two match points, only for Serena

to fight off both and slump in relief when she hit a crosscourt forehand to get back to deuce.

Brengle strode confidently across court, secured her third match point and stared in disbelief as Serena double faulted to hand her the victory in two hours and 13 minutes.

On a day of disappointment for the family, Serena’s sister Venus downed local favourite Jade Lewis 7-6(2), 6-2 but withdrew with a right arm injury.

“I love this tournament and I’m really sad that I have to withdraw, but I’m happy to have had the opportunity to be here again this year,” Venus said in a statement ahead of her match against Japanese youngster Naomi Osaka. - Reuters

CRASHES OUT: Serena Williams suffered an early exit at Auckland Open.

HOPMAN CUP

AT H L E T I C S

German teen Zverev humbles Federer Olympic champion PERTH: Roger Federer’s return from a six-month injury layoff suffered a setback when German teenager Alexander Zverev shocked the Swiss great 7-6(1), 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in an entertaining Hopman Cup tie on Wednesday.

The 17-times grand-slam winner underwent knee surgery last February and, after missing the French Open with a back injury, announced in July that he needed extensive rehabilitation and would be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Representing his country in the mixed team event in Perth, Federer beat Briton Dan Evans on Monday but he faced stiff opposition from Zverev who enhanced

cider but Zverev had the last laugh in the pulsating contest.

“To beat Roger, you really have to play an unbelievable match, from the first point to the last. I thought we both played really well,” Zverev said in a courtside interview after putting Germany 1-0 up in the Group A tie.

SURPRISE WIN: Alexander Zverev of Germany acknowledges spec-

tators after defeating Roger Federer of Switzerland. – AFP

his reputation by claiming his second win in three matches over the player many consider the greatest.

Federer served for the first set at 5-3 but the 19-year-old Zverev

fought back and eventually rolled through the tie-breaker to claim the first set.

Federer, 35, took the second set in similar manner to force the de-

Nerve-wracking “I always play unbelievably against him. It’s always nerve-racking to play against him.

“I always play in front of a big crowd which helps me a lot as well,” added Zverev, who also beat Federer in the Halle Open semifinals last June. - Reuters

Eaton announces retirement

TORONTO: Two-time Olympic decathlon champion Ashton Eaton announced his retirement on Wednesday, saying he had given everything he could to the sport.

“I give everything to the decathlon. I did all I could. Thank u for making it the best time of my life. I’m retiring,” said Eaton on his Twitter account. The 28-year-old American, who holds the world record in both the decathlon and indoor heptathlon events, won gold in the multi-

event discipline at the 2012 London Olympics and successfully defended his crown at the Rio Summer Games last year.

“Frankly there isn’t much more I want to do in sport,” said Eaton on his website. “I gave the most physically robust years of my life to the discovery and pursuit of my limits in this domain. “Did I reach them?

Truthfully I’m not sure anyone really does. It seems like we tend to run out of time or will before we run out of potential.” - Reuters

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Residential & commercial flats in a new building, at Muttrahfor office or shops any kind of commercial activates. More details.

Contact: 99364735/ 95729711 2 BHK Azaiba R.O 300/-.

Contact:92144045 / 97799175 3BHK Flat, Ghubra SG. Contact 99319880 2BR flat- luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 1 BR flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 5 BR villa fully furnished at Azaiba, 4 BR villa unfurnished at Azaiba, 5 BR duplex, 4 bathrooms – Qurum heights, 5 Br villa, 6 bathrooms – Madinat Sultan Qaboos (brand new), 5 BR villa at Al Hail. For short or long term lease contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a car : 99436312 / 94617563 / 92888376 New apartment flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms & kitchen, behind Indian School, short way to Lulu Darsait & Muttrah traditional Soqu. Contact or Whatsapp: 91013331 New flats for rent at Al Ghubra near to Atlas Hospital, opposite to Panorama mall. Interested candidates Contact: 00968 – 97093283

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 5, 2 0 1 7

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE

- New Brand Building in Bowsher for sale - Twin villa in Azaiba & Ghubra for sale - Commercial/ Residential khuwair for sale.

Land in Al

Contact Hood: 91155779

FOR SALE 1. Porta Cabin 2. Book Loader (New Holland) 3. Water Tanker (Hino 2000 Gallon) 4. Roller (JCB 3 Ton) 5. Roller (JCB & Wacker, 1 Ton) ϲ͘ ^ĐĂī ŽůĚŝŶŐƐ 7. HDPE Duct Pipes (300 mm to 1800mm) 8. Tower Hoist

Contact 93990154

FOR SALE 2014 MODEL VOLVO PENTA 650 KVA GENSETS (02NOS) 2000 KVA (01 NO) VOLTAMP TRANSFORMER CONCEALED PANEL SYSTEM FOR ABOVE. ALL ITEMS HARDLY USED IN A COMPLETED PROJECT OF 2YRS AND CAN BE REUSED. ONLY SERIOUS BUYERS CONTACT GSM :

92886778/99455690

NRI

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM Villa in Al Khuwair 33, 6 bedrooms, hall & sitting room R.O 800/-. Contact: 93993354 Apartment 3 bedrooms, sitting room, balcony at Al Ansab R.O 360/- monthly. Contact: 93993354 1 bed room, bathroom, kitchen in Al Hail South R.O 120/- Monthly.

Contact: 93993354 1 bedroom attached kitchen, toilet for family in Al Khuwair RO 130/-.

Contact: 95154331

Villa complex for lease renovated deluxe villa complex with separate three flats , location AL Ghobra north ( near tourist hotels) is available for lease. Contact: Ali : 99411607, Luoy : 92466266 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 New villa for rent in Azaiba 18 November Street. 6 Bedrooms, 2 kitchens & 7 toilets. To view the villa contact - 95919059 Apartment for rent three rooms and a hall - kichen-4bath-Next to City Centre Almwalh.

Contact 99336776 New flats for rent at Darsait near to ministry of sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes 1 living room , 2 bedrooms, kitchen, 3 toilets, every room with split A/C & high quality finishing. Rent per flat is RO 320/-.

Interested candidates please Contact: 00968 – 92225523 Villa for rent 2 brand new luxurious villas (No 411 & 413) for rent in Azaiba, Each villa with 6 bedrooms, servant quarters, 2 kitchens with all modern amenities which includes split A/C, dish washers, oven, ETC , Way No 4491 / 4405 .

Contact: 99462980

New 3 story 4 bedroom villa in Al Hail near to radio station. The spacious master bedroom has a sea view. It has a maids room.

All bedrooms have bathrooms and one extra bathroom between dining and sitting room. It has split A/c’s. 6 months advance payment required. Price is OMR 750 monthly.

Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955. No Brokers Please.

Flats & shops for rent at Ruwi Honda road Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

AVAILABLE House shifting and Transport.

Contact: 96737158 Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299 Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

WANTED

FOR SALE

7D Cinema for sale 6 seat hydraulic, 7D cinema full system for sale.

Contact: 99737527 Pharmacy for sale in Mabela.

Contact: 92893890 / 98838252 Villa Shatti Al Qurum area 920 SQM. Contact: 95202430 Well running reputed travel agency for sale. Contact: 97992388 Twin Villa for sale in Azaiba near Sultan Centre. Each side has three floors, five bedroom plus maid room.

Each room has it’s own bathroom and one extra toilet between dining and sitting room. The villas are now about 5 years old and very clean and well maintained. It has split A/C’s. OMR 215,000 each villa.

Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955. No Brokers Please.

400 square meters residential land in Al Ghubra south near Millenium Hypermarket. OMR 134 thousand. Telephone: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

No Brokers Please.

603 sq mtrs residential land in Al Hail North Block 45 NE near Radio station. OMR 96 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 - or 97509955. No Brokers Please Industrial land AL Misfah Boushar area 30.000 SQM attractive location. Contact: 95202430 Empty shop / laundry near Camelia café. Contact: 92868123 / 92841089 Ice cream Shop, Prime location, Ruwi for sale. Contact: 92150455

MV SALE 2008 Model Hyundai Tucson 93,000 KM expatriate driven in very good condition & Accident free for Sale .Serious buyers contact Mobile: 91793079 Toyota Corolla, 2009,1.800cc.

Contact: 97692959 Toyota Corolla 2016, white colour 8000 km, 4300 R.O. Contact 92811110

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room for Executive Bachelor near OK Center, RUWI. Contact - 99591669 Furnished room Indian bachelor near Al Falaj Hotel Ruwi& lady in WadiKabir. RO 100.

Call 96202458.

Furnished room CBD area for Executive bachelor free Wi-Fi, advance deposit. Contact: 90631572 Room for rent near Hamriya R/A for executive bachelor, Sharing kitchen. Contact 99640850, 97983501, 97443614 Furnished rooms with kitchen at ruwi. Contact : 91214897

ACC.WANTED

6.5 cents of Land Sq Plot In Ravipuram Near Ernakulam Shipyard in MG Road, behind Chaitanya eye clinic Expected Price – INR 30 Lakhs per cent Ƶƚ EĞŐŽƟ ĂďůĞ Only Genuine Buyer Contact Oman – 968-94102519 Contact Kochi – 91 85477 01946

BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in Al- Khoudh6, for immediate sale- shop with stock or stock only. Serious buyers may please Contact: 94320909

Wanted a family shared accommodation for Senior Executive Bachelor in Ruwi-Wuttayah area.

Please contact: 93708595

Industrial land in Rusail.4000 sqm.

Contact 99323957 / 95490842.

Transportation. Contact: 97128083

TRANSPORTATION

BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

Brand new luxury 3 BHK apartment for sale in South Bangalore, Bannerghatta main road, near Dairy Circle. Contact: + 968 99337995

SITUATION WANTGOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatments & massage – Ayurvedic Clinic Al Khuwair.

Contact 97263637 /93309131 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis, Ideal Care Ayurvedic clinic, 18th November Street Al Ghubra (North). Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

TRANSPORTATION Picking & drop Ruwi to Rusail.

Contact: 98957524 / 91287470

MATRIMONIAL Orthodoxgirl 24/5.1ft. BDS, seeking alliance from well settled orthodox Jacobite R.C Marthoma boy MDS, M.D, MBA (business).

Contact: 99371509/ 92336530 Parents of a North Indian sheikh Sunni, Muslim, Engineer 33 with Canada PR, looking for a professionallyqualified tall and smart bride.

Mail details with photo to: bridesearch2017@gmail.com

Transportation. Contact: 99099714

Transportation.Contact 94087276 Transportation. Contact 92015894

LOST Kasia Myah has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. BF 0052488. Finder please handover to ROP

Transportation.Contact: 96968411 Driver with car transportation available. Contact: 95396905

MANPOWER

Suitable for 3 Storey building & Žĸ ĐĞ WƌĞŵŝƐĞƐ͘

Transportation. Contact: 94297820

Transportation. Contact: 90558627 Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 /93203778

SITUATION WANTFOR LADIES

Sadik Miah has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. BF 0414863. Finder please handover to ROP

R.C boy, 29 years KothamangalamDiosees 180 cm working Muscat (FMCG) invited suitable proposal.

Contact: 92397926 Viswakarma boy 33 years Trissur Own Business,seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 97363585 Nair boy, 26 yrs Revathy, Alleppy dist, B.Tech working as planning / project Engineer in Oman, 4 yrs seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 94232342 / 99065898

D4

T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 5, 2 0 1 7 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

Urgently Required Interior designer (female) for promoting various types of processed and design glass in the local market.

Minimum 5 years experience with valid driving license is preferred.

Interested candidate may please send their CV to

vaccancyabn@gmail.com

A REPUTED TRANSPORTATION COMPANY IN MUSCAT REQUIRES FEMALE CANDIDATE AS

COMMERCIAL COORDINATOR ZĞƋƵŝƌĞŵĞŶƚƐ͗ ͻ D/E/DhD ϱzZ^ yW Z/ E /E ' KhEdZ/ ^͘ ͻ &>h E z /E E'>/^, E ,/E / > E'h ' /^ Dh^d͘ ͻ yW Z/ E /E ^ > ^ͬKW Z d/KE KKZ /E d/KE /E TRANSPORT /LOGISTICS INDUSTRY.

Omani lawyer & legal adviser experience in Business administration,HR, staff training.

Contact: 97243393 Email: mum30033@yahoo.com Indian male 14 years experience Dubai, Oman insurance,banking,office administration, seeking for suitable position immediately NOC available.

Contact: 98019340 7 years experienced in Administration & Sales with valid Oman driving license searching for a suitable job. Contact: 93347156 Administrator B.Com with D/L on release, 30 years India & Gulf experience in office. project documentation & logistics.

Contact: 92324789 / 97281023

ƉƉůLJ ǁŝƚŚ ĐŽŶĮ ĚĞŶĐĞ ƐĞŶĚ ƵƐ LJŽƵƌ ƵƉĚĂƚĞĚ s ǁŝƚŚ ƉŚŽƚŽŐƌĂƉŚ ƚŽ͗

hrmhire16@gmail.com Selected Candidates will be called out for a personal interview.

ZĞƉƵƚĞĚ ŵŝŶĞƌĂů ǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ HEAVY/LIGHT DUTY DRIVERS VAN SALESMAN with Omani driving license

SALES SUPERVISOR/SALES KͳKZ /E dKZ with Omani driving license , >W Z^ ͳ Experience 3 to5 years

Contact - 90372638 WANTED Female/male Physiotherapist and female/male GP, and one female Lab Technician with or without MOH license & data Ň Žǁ ĨŽƌ ů ^ĂĂĚŝ Specialized Medical Centre, Musanna.

Contact 92025033, Email : chillapalli76@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS Graduate in Commerce with 10 years experience, must have Oman working experience with valid Oman driving license. Interested candidates send resume to hr@aljood-oman.com

DOMESTIC HELP Required part time Indian cook in Darsait. Contact: 93322009 Indian Nepali house maid required urgently for doctors family, SQU hospital, Muscat.

Contact: 96933593 Full time Malayalee housemaid required for a Keralite family.

Contact: 92103688

URGENTLY REQUIRED Filipino/Nepalese female sales associate for a fashion accessories outlet in one of the leading malls in Muscat.

Applicants on visit visa or with NOC only.

2 years experience is a must (GCC experience preferred)

Urgently required qualified Project Engineer / Project Manager with gypsum work experience for a project inSalalah.

Contact: 95064848 / 98578425

MISCELLANEOUS CCT.V Camera Technician, Electrician cum plumber with D/L, building material Salesman.

Contact: 99383044 IT Marketing Executive (Required experiences +driving license) Maintenance person with driving license. dreamstravel66@gmail.com Insurance broker looking to recruit commission based sales people if monthly targets achieved,bonus will be paid in addition to commission, If you are interested to work with us , send your name & phone to this email: policysalesmct@gmail.com

DRIVER MEDICAL Driver required with valid Omani driving license, visa available.

Contact-24691193.

Send CV to:info@gmuco.com Requirement - Omani Drivers for 3T Truck needed immediately for Natural Water Distribution Company with 3to5 years driving experience.

Candidates from Muscat/Sharqia is also required.

Interested candidates contact: Mobile 99273774/ 99202278/95060390 Wanted expert Driver.

Contact: 97165972

EDUCATION/TRAINING Required English Tutor (freelancer) for a construction company for teaching conversant English. Send your CVs to hr@oasisgreace.com Contact: 24826566 Fax: 24812226 GSM: 99881459

ENGINEER Excellent Grade Company requires a Diploma holder Civil Engineer/ Supervisor with 5 years experience in building construction. Please contact 99346265 or send your CV to md.artllc@gmail.com Urgently required senior QS (tendering) and safety officer with minimum2 years Gulf experience for a reputed construction company. Canforwardyour CVs to hr@oasisgrace.com.

Contact: 24826566 / 99881459 Urgently required civil QA/QC candidates for areputed construction company, kindly Send your CVs to hr@oasisgreace.com Contact: 24826566, Fax:24812226 / GSM: 99881459

Indian Accountant having 13 years experience in accounts in Oman & 6 years in India, Oman driving license excellent knowledge in Tally & MS Office, Seeking suitable placement Contact: 79039690 Email: thomas.mahesh@gmail.com

Please send CV to

ENGINEER

Urgently required Internist, Orthodontist, Physiotherapist & Lab Technician for a reputed medical center in Salalah. Contact 99714300 Email - hrmdimc2010@gmail.com Urgently required GP (MBBS) doctor with MOH license for locum in a reputed clinic.

Contact - 99048170 Required female Nurse urgently with MOH license.

Contact: 97304519 Email: drshehabclinic@gmail.com Urgently required for Doctor, Staff Nurse & Lab Technician with or without MOH license.

Contact: 93824902 Required female Dentist, Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Technician for a Polyclinic at Ibra. Contact 71100596, joharaajmal2016@gmail.com Urgently needed female dermatologist (priority for Omani) with minimum five years experience.

Please send CV to elixirhealthcenter@yahoo.com, P.S details of salary and benefits will be sent after submitting the CV.

SALES / MARKETING Urgently Required Marketing Executive for a contracting Company in Sohar Minimum 3 years experience, driving license 99437086, 97745786, md@alrasen.com A leading Trading group is looking for sales executives with driving license & release / NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net.om or Fax: 24701683 Looking for an Expat staff, with experience in Oman in real estate field. Email: aburashid94dd@gmail.com

Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have vocational M.B.A diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time.

Contact: 95933288

ACCOUNTS

irfan@krasa.co.uk SALES / MARKETING Speedy Enterprises United LLC Travel/ Tourism and Car Rental required Sales Executive with valid Oman driving license and fluent spoken written English, experienced candidate will be preferable. Interested candidates send resume to: Anil@speedyoman.com Urgently required Sales & Marketing person for a computer shop at Ruwi (IT Knowledge), Oman Driving License will be an advantage. (Preference for Keralite). Contact: 98048900.

Email: infor@smartpointcomputer. com Sales & Marketing Lady, with musical skills for the Guitar Center Showroom in Al Khuwair.

Tel. 24489847 info@guitarcenteroman.com

TECHNICIAN Well Known Automobile Service Company in Oman looking for Service Technicians / Mechanics and Electricians.

Interested please send resumes to vyasan.united@gmail.com.

Contact. 00968-91411657 Audio Visual Technician for Audio visual installation works and live events. Tel 24489847, info@tunesoman.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP will be happy to hear from you. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP will be happy to hear from you. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com B.A Graduate, 28 yrs old, is looking for a suitable job in Muscat.

(In Visiting visa , 6 years Experience as a Coordinator in Reputed Firm with Good English communication skills,). # : 93042492 29 yrs old Graduate (Male), 6 years Experience as an Office Assistant with Good English communication skills, is looking for a job in Muscat, (In Visiting visa).

Contact 93271163 B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Currently on family visit OMAN, looking for job in various mechanical fields of production, manufacturing, technical and designing.

Contact :92113987,email : mohammedthanzeel@gmail.com MECHANICAL ENGINEER, Indian Male,26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int.

Standards, B tech in Mech engg Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, Mob-00917741032368

ACCOUNTS

ADMIN

Experienced business development investment consultant with 10 years experience in the financial management field, holds a masters degree in finance and management from the UK. Contact: 90157073 Qualified Chartered Accountant & ACS 10 +years Managerial experience, working in Bank, looking for suitable opening, Open to any GCC, MBL: +968-90788509, Email: kartirevy@gmail.com Experienced indian accountant 24 years,Mcom,BBA and having accounting diploma certificate from IAB .Currently on family visa in oman,seeking suitable job opportunities.Contact : 99076506 Email: rebi.rsf@gmail.com Finance/M.Com Accountant 5+ yrs of exp including GCC seeking for suitable placement. #91329254 aneeshkrishnan007@gmail.Com Master of Business Administration (finance) Bachelor of Sciencediploma in Islamic banking & finance Somali lady 24 years old, languages known Somali, English and Arabic, one year experience.

Contact: + 971527626329 / istabraq66@hotmail.com Freelancer / part time Indian CA accounts / Tax / Audit / MIS finalization with tax queries answering, above 20 years Oman experience.

Contact: 95140332 / 99104151 Accountant male 25 India with 3 year experience seeking suitable placement Mob.91425506 Finance & Audit Manager Available CPA, MBA-USA ACCA ,Oman Experienced , Expert in Profit Maximizations , Business Developments, All Banking Facilities , ERP- Accounting Software , Internal / External Audits & Controls , with Best Solutions of Business Problems ,NOC available & Driving License Call 94886226 Finance / Account professional 18 yrs Oman experience can work independentor head the division looking for opening.

Contact: 92168401 / 92787747 Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis and finalization works.

Contact: 96247295 Indian male having long track proven record in all aspects of all management, rich in project management, business development &expansion and finance control, 16 years of experience in GCC and India, looking for suitable managerial post. NOC available.

Contact:95207317 Email: mehulmodha@hotmail.com Accounts & Admin 3 years experience in GCC, BBA graduate, Indian male 29 yrs, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 79103778 Internal audit ACCA (finalist) 14years of experience including Gulf in internal audit field, on visit visa. Contact: 95916716 Email: usman.eshaal2016@gmail.com

MBA ( Finance) Australia, 14 years experience (world bank, U.S Based company) specialized in cost cutting , revenue maximization, financial model, budget & forecasting, internal control, risk management, Omani driving license. Contact: 93978614 Email: sjamil72@yahoo.com Accounts Manager looking for job in accounts or finance, 4 years Oman exp with accountancy degree & Omani D/L with NOC available.

Contact: 95661169 Email: moshin_zaman4u@hotmail.com MBA Finance Indian 25 Male 2 years experience seeking opportunities in Finance sector. Immediately available.Contact:92498840 sachu_0318@yahoo.com Indian (M), Qualified CPA, CMA, CIA (USA), MBA (Finance) & M.Com, 15 years’ experience in Finance, Accounting & Audit, (3 years in Oman) looking for suitable Senior/Middle level position in Finance/Accounting/Audit. NOC available.

E-mail soji_ansu@yahoo.com, mob – 91595436 Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job.

Contact 93953613, Emailallen.mathew83@gmail.com Male Accountant(B.Com) having 2 years exp.

Contact: 90357503 Finance Controller, 17 years experience in accountant, procurement.

NOC available: 99251087 Sales & Accounts Manager, Indian male having long track proven record in all aspects of finance, total 9 years experience in GCC, NOC available, Ready to join immediately Mob-97200823 Emaildhirenbapodra@outlook.com Highly Experienced Finance Manager, CPA, ACCA-UK. MBA-USA , Professional of Banking , Audits ,ERPs Sap , Management as Team Leader and Problem Solver call 94 504505 /94403270 Indian Male 32, B.com Graduate with 10 years experience in Accounts & Sales, 7 years in (Muscat) Oman & 3 years in India with valid Oman driving License ready to join with NOC. GSM: 96216104 Email: yensajaz@gmail.com Indian Chartered Accountant 14+ years experience in Accounts & Finance working in Muscat looking for suitable change with Oman driving license and NOC Available.

Contact: 97728130 Email : vinoth77ca@gmail.com Indian CA 20+ years Gulf experience, finance / accounts external Audit MIS budgets cost / internal control cash flow Oman tax finalization Oracle / Tally seeks job, NOC available with valid D/L. Contact: 99104151, 95140332 Chartered Accountant Indian B.Com, CA , CIA 10+ years experience Tally, Focus, Sap, Oracle.

Contact: 94641805 Srilankan male Accountant, holder of Diploma Chartered Accountancy Inter have 4 years experience in finance, available at Muscat, join immediately. Contact: 79049355 / 93598736 Accounts Executive B.com and MBA (finance) India, 4 years experience (per forms accounts payable&accountreceivable function,recording all receiptsand payment activities on daily basis, bank reconciliation statement.

Now in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 91066314 Email: seenimdb3@gmail.com Indian male 22 B.Com looking for job in accounting or data Operation special interest in accounts will be happy to hear from you.

Contact: 90758030 Email: uttiawesome@gmail.com Finance Manager B.Com, CA, CIA, 10+ years experience Indian.

Contact: 94641805 Finance manager, MBA finance 21 yrs of MNC contracting experience, looking for a job thorough knowledge in MIS Ext/ Int Audit, tax budget, trade finance, system implementation etc.

Contact: 94652975 Email: ramu2587@hotmail.com

Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: anishkhan991867@gmail. com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Experienced business development and investment consultant with 10 years experience in the financial management field. Holds a masters degree in finance and management from the UK. Contact : 90157073 Indian (M) MBA (f) more than 6 years of experience in accounts, proficiency in various A/C software SAP (F1/CO) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95920740 Email Id: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Architect (MS from UK) specialized in sustainable architecture, 6.5 years experience in buildings design, preparation of construction drawings construction Administration. Contact: 94401556 AutoCAD Draftsman 9 years Gulf experienced. Contact: 93528255 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780 Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 mkgroupoman@gmail.com INDIAN male Civil Draughtsman/ Designer with 8 years’ experience (6 years in Oman and 2 years in India) seeks placement. NOC available. Contact 96796138.

Free lance Autocad works experienced (arch, struct, MEP, shop drw) rate a0/a1 sheet ( 10-17 OMR) ph : 97103168.

Indian male, having wide experience of 4 years in GCC & 5 years in India for 3 D interior &exterior designing , AutoCAD drafting & NOC available &ready to join immediately. Contact: 91282841 Email: thankijb@gmail.com Indian male experience Graphicdesigner and VFX artist on visit visa Ruwi. Contact: 97792661 Email: georgejosec5@gmail.com Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH : 92279784

DOMESTIC HELP Indian lady (37) looking job in nursery or school 5 yrs exp in nursery (baby sitter) 10 years expin Oman, NOC available.

Contact: 99839187 Looking for full time caretaker or Housemaid. Contact: 93904732

DRIVER Light duty driver, 3 yrs exp, seeks placement. Contact: 97829730 Light duty driver seeks placement. Contact: 96381406 Heavy duty driver seeks placement. Contact: 94939865 / 79039204 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 91788481 / 92231714 Driver with car. Contact: 99716938 / 96048707 Indian light driver having 2 years experience in Oman, know language, Hindi, English & Arabic need job. Contact: 97366822 Pakistani light driver job, 7 yrs exp. Contact: 92754283 Driver with car, 6 years experience. Contact: 93961503 / 96448004 Male 40 yrs, 15 yrs exp, D/L seeking job (Sales & driving) English, Hindi, Arabic.

Contact: 97003340 1 years exp D/L male 28 yrs, looking driver job. Contact: 94338977 Driver with car have good experience in Oman. Contact: 94039796 Driver with 2 years experience in job looking for job. Contact: 93374969 / 93721242 Looking for job light driving.

Contact: 93779819

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 5 , 2 0 1 7

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Sr. Accountant with SAP/ERP. 11yrs experience in Accounts & Finance in Gulf.

5years in reputed Oil & Gas company; &ŝŶĂůŝnjĂƟ ŽŶ Θ ŽŶƐŽůŝĚĂƟ ŽŶ &^͕ D/^͕ Audit, Budget, AP & AR, Tax, etc., /ŶĚŝĂŶ DĂůĞ͕ WŽƐƚͲŐƌĂĚƵĂƟ ŽŶ͕ Oman D/L and NOC available.

Please contact: 931 42923

DRIVER

HSE manager, Indian, GradIOSH, IDIP Nebosh, 19+ years experience EX- Indian navy driving license , NOC available , seeks placement.

Contact: 94401830 Email: hseoman101@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer (Indian) diploma 13 years exp (4 yrs Oman) valid Oman driving license, NOC Available seeking suitable placement. Contact: + 968- 98858299 /+ 91- 7012968344 Email:jm_thomas23@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer, 6+ years withOmani D/L,NOC or local release available.

Contact: 91693008

Indian male BE mechanical engineer CSWIP, 4 years gulf experience in visit visa having Qatar driving license. Contact: +968 96550807 Email: vishnusohanlal@gmail.com

Looking for driving job with care Honda accordwithoutcar have experience 5 years & language know Hindi & Arabic.

Contact: 97747243

A B.Tech instrumentation Engineer with one year experience in India on visit visa seeks openings contact. mob. 91277256 Email: manzu.fisat@gmail.com

Gulf experienced Indian Driver with valid heavy / light Oman license seeks any suitable driving or other job. Contact: 94201010

Arch’l Site Engineer more than 15 years exp in Saudi Arabia & Oman (finishing & marble field).

Contact: 91220168

Light driver, 3 yrs exp seeks placement. Contact: 97829730 Light driver, private, commercial.

Contact - 93729950 Driver with Oman driving license, looking for job. Contact: 94235254 Driver with car. Contact: 91355972 Pakistani male light driver with 6 yrs exp in Oman.

Contact: 92171166 Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job.

Contact: 96651070 Looking for job exp having driving license. Contact: 97363138 Looking for any driving job.

Contact: 98549627 Bangladesh male light driver exp 16 years A.G 48 years, looking for job. Contact 99165961 Light vehicle driver 4 years exp know, Hindi, English and Arabic.

Contact:98522914 Light driver 3 yrs exp.

Contact: 95939050 Looking for light vehicle driving job, 4 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 93464395

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Looking for Civil Engineer job, with 5 years experience in ministry project, good command in AutoCAD MS Excel and establishing BOQs. Contact: 97478804 HSE / Safety professional having more than 15 years of experience in oil & gas airport & building construction safety seeking suitable position in HSE. Contact: 99206389 Civil Engineer, B.Tech, Indian with 1 year experience in Oman seeking suitable placement, NOC available from sponsor.

Contact: 91702450 Email: tijoct2015@hotmail.com Fresher cloud Engineer.

Contact: 98207829 Sudanese civil Engineer master holder with 6 years experience.

Contact: 99636424 Indian male, B.E Mechanical with 2 years experience as Maintenance Engineer in Cochin Refinery and 1 year experience in Chevrolet seeking job.

Ph number: 97964862, Email: jossyabraham20@gmail.com Electrical Engineer Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 96570891

Indian male age 50 , B.E civil having 26 years exp as R.E and QA/QC Good knowledge in building construction , working as R.E , Most of the Govt (MOE) and PDO projects , approved R.E of MOE &approved QA/ QC of PDO, looking for suitable placement at present I am in notice period available for immediate joining.

Contact: 90933946 / 94156495 (WA) 15 years experienced MEP Engineer seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99046313 / 91709409 Master in Civil Engineering with 5 years exp. Contact: 96658456 Indian Male, 26 years, Aeronautical Engineer with 4 years of experience is looking for a placement.

Contact 97127523 Mechanical Engineer have experience in air-conditioning& MEP systems also HSE awareness and engineering design software.

Contact: 94906447 / 96654019 BEMechanical Engineer, 22, Indian malefresher, looking for opportunity in mechanical field trained in HVAC & fire lighting.

Contact: 97489256 Email: abdulmgid.ak@gmail.com

Indian male 26 years Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in Oman.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 91328079 Civil Draftsman 6 years experience in Oman male.

Contact: 98121513 Email: wasilansari2600@gmail.com Civil Engineer B.Tech, M. Tech Indian with 2 years experience in India (Sobha city) seeking suitable placement currently visit visa.

Contact: 90104058 Email: sibin089@gmail.com Indian Engineer 25, B.E& Diploma in HSE with 3 years India exp, on visit Visa available to join immediately Contact: 93472629.

Email: jithujay.in@gmail.com Biotechnology Engineer with valid Oman D/L job suitable placement. Contact: 92839983 Graduate female, with driving license, looking for a suitable position. Contact: 96234434 MBA B. Tech (Information Technology) male technical course M.S office,Computerhardware, 4 months exp. Contact:93965132 / 99040662 Email: mshihab27@gmail.com Civil Eng B.SC holder 6 yrs exp in Oman having D/L. Contact: 93654862 Electrical B.Tech Indian 26, 3 years exp in PLC/ SCADA IND. automation &supervision.

Contact: 97207570 / 90481773 Electrical Engineer with experience, 9 years in Oman. Contact: 98148034

Please contact: +91-7397754465 Whatsapp: +968-93483736 ŵĂŝů͗ ŬŝƩ Ƶ͘ϭϵϴϰΛŚŽƚŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian Female, completed graduation with 4 years of work experience in India and 8 months of work experience in Oman, currently on family visa looking for suitable job position.

Contact- 94647421.

Indian male (28) B.Com last position 6+ yrs experience in sales & business development immediate joining, on visit visa.

Contact: 92686168 W.H.APP +918087894270 Email: fernandesjackson_jom@yahoo.com

Accountant Indian, 13 years experience can handle accounts up to finalization. Tally, Busy Accounting. Smart Accounting, NOC/ Release available.

Contact- 96133146 Email: kkcjob786@gmail.com

Accomplished PR professional vast experienced developing & executing campaigns, events promotions along managing media relations.

Contact: 99868330 / 93629688 Email: riasatrazi@gmail.com

Indian male masters in Petroleum Engineering with 1 year Oman experience in sales & marketing holding D/L, currently on visit visa looking for oil / gas industry field related or sales related job.

Contact - 93789123

Pakistani male, ACCA (finalist) with M.A and B.Com Degree, holding Omani driving license and NOC available, can join immediately.

Contact: 94066698

2nd mate Officer, Indian 10 yrs experience in Tanker / chemical vessels, looking for an on shore job / port operations / TWG master. Contact: 94972789 British National, 34, M.B.A young & energetic male, looking for any managerial position in Oman, having 12 years of experience in managing different types of businesses. Contact: 96056963 Email: asim_shah199@yahoo.com

MANAGER / SUPERVISOR Purchase Officer / Manager 16 years GCC experience in construction (civil& MEP) seeks suitable placement, NOC available. #99109533 CEO, Managing Director, Senior level manager, A senior level business developments executive with 18 Years of experiences in USA, Africa, GCC, with MBA from Texas A&M,USA) Contact - 92010247 NOC-Obtained professional with 30 years experience (Oman) in Purchase, Warehousing, and Logistics managerial roles seeks suitable placement-Contact 99022102 Project Manager (interiorfit outs)in shops,offices,restaurantetc having 10 years experience looking to work in a reputed firm, NOC available.

Contact: 94274437

SALES / MARKETING

Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech,male,Indian, having 1 year experience, on visit visa seeks suitable job. Contact: + 96894959233, +96897474225 Email: anandsunil94@gmail.com

Front Office Manager with over 20 years of experience in the Middle East & preopening expertise with hospitality giants like Burj Al Arab, Address hotels &Millennium looking for similar opportunities.

Contact: 96383636

33 Indian male, Graduate with 11 years Oman experience in sales & hospitality, looking for a job with NOC. Contact: 90307873

Project manager – Electrical, Indian B.Tech electrical &, electronics 19 years of experience in HT & LT network projects (9 years in Oman).

Driving license & NOC available, seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 96258810 Email: bharathj1976@gmail.com Indian male 28 civil engineer 1 year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 99206630 / 94471305

Network, system & IT Engineer Indian 27 years, male MCA, CCNA,MCSEhave D/L S, 2.5 yrs experience, NOC available seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97703253 Email: albinmperakkattu@gmail.com

B.Sc Civil Engineer 5+ years experience in Building construction & Steel structural building with having valid D/L. Contact: 93850440/ shahadat033@gmail.com

IT and Network Engineer with Omani license certified CCNP, MCSA and MCSE. Contact 97069110

Electrician Indian male 9 year’sexp, seeking suitable position currently in visit visa.

Contact: 94736540

Homeopathic doctor with MOH license looking for a business partner to start a homeopath clinic in Muscat. Contact: 90872012 Email: homeo64319@gmail.com

Indian female M.Tech biotechnology seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 91287047 Email: valliammai1000@gmail.com B.SC Civil Engineer with 6 years experience in managing supervising&planning in Oman.

Contact:96086214 Email: engmohamedosman@outlook.com Electronicsand Communication Engineer, male 24,1 yearexperience as Junior & network Admin in India,on visit visa, looking for job.

Contact: 90107380 Email: anoojgkrishnan@gmail.com

MEDICAL

Male Dentist BDS with MOH license seeks for a job. Contact – 94397499 Indian female MOH Dietitian working in Muscat NOC available well experienced. Contact: 90996037 Email: nabanitasaha12@gmail.com Female Dentist Indian with MOH license & NOC looking for a job in Muscat. Contact-96035981 Indian male Nurse with 9 yrs experience MOH license with NOC and Oman D/L, seeking job.

Contact: 98152546

abdallah.baloch@outlook.com Contact: 96116969

Please contact: +91-7397795465 Whatsapp: +968-94617734 Email: reshmiarunz@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY

Senior Network Engineer (USA Citizen) network design &implementation,network config& maintenance CCNA, CCNP, CCIE (WR). Contact: 90350262 Email: ammar.eng@gmail.com

With 3 years experience in a renowned Oil ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ; ŝƌ ĐƌĂŌ ƌĞĨƵĞůŝŶŐ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚƐ Y ͕ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ W ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐͿ 1 year on job training at sea port (electricaland PLC systems) Having and HSE, IT and management trainings.

Indian Male 32 Yrs, MBA, BCA ǁŝƚŚ ϵ͘ϳ zƌƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ^ĂůĞƐ Θ DĂƌŬĞƟ ŶŐ͕ ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͕ WƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ͕ /^K Θ Y ͬY ŽĐƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ͕ ^ƚŽƌĞƐ Θ WƌŽũĞĐƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͘ With valid Oman driving license.

NOC available. Looking for any kind of desk job in Oman or Dubai.

Keralite (m) Electrical Engineer seeks placement. Contact: 92757534 Email: arundevd588@yahoo.com

IT

ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐƐͬ /ŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚĂƟ ŽŶ Engineer

with 4 Yrs experience in Accounts, HR, ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƟ ŽŶ͕ WƌŽĐƵƌĞŵĞŶƚ Θ ^ĂůĞƐ ŽͲŽƌĚŝŶĂƟ ŽŶ ŝŶ KŵĂŶ͘ NOC available and ready to join in Oman or Dubai.

Indian male 23 fresher, Mechanical Engineer looking for job in mechanical field special interest in HVAC and MEP, will be happy to hear from you.

Email: mdajaib@yahoo.com

Civil Engineer looking for a job 6 years experience in building construction post Site Engineer.

Contact: 93304128

Contact # 92839516

Indian Female 27 Yrs, B.Com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Egyptian architect, professional user 3D Max Cad Revit, 5 years experience. Contact: 92023325

Experienced IT Professional with over 20 years in Oman.

Can manage ERP systems, Hardware, Network, Wi-Fi and Biometric Devices.

Filipina, 35 years old, looking for job can join immediately with NOC, have experience in 15 years as Sales / Marketing and Office Staff. Knowledgeable in different office procedure. Accounting, Inventory and Purchasing.

Please contact +968 93560951 Engineering Graduate having 5+ years of exp as Marketing coordinator in Advertisement Company and 6 months as security system service engineer.

MobileNo.79059197 Indian male looking for suitable job, MBA 4 years of experience in Sales & Marketing, having D/L & NOC. Contact – 96648175 / assetmedical.mf@gmail.com Indian male 25, BSC with more than 2 years experience in India as sales & marketing searching for suitable vacancy currently on visit visa. Contact: 96332519 Email: ashrafajeesh@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs exp in various trading including purchases sales marketing and handling overall business looking for suitable opportunity NOC&release available.

Contact: 99259543 / 92106768 Accomplished marketing sales professional vast experienced expert presenter, negotiator closer.

Contact: 99868330 / 93629688 Email: 1234.noreen@gmail.com Looking for job sales executive good experience in scaffolding and foam work. Contact: 99592382 / 93222482/ Suresh Marketing sales (Driver) Sohar preference N.O.C available .

Contact: 96953996

INDIAN male, BBA with 4 years experience in SALES & MARKETING, holding omani driving license. seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95607037 Email: raaz0jannat@gmail.com.

Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India. +918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Indian male valid Omani driving license 15 years experience in Oman fluent in English,Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam NOC available looking for suitable placement in sales driver pest. Contact: 97012317 Multinational FMGC experienced, qualified Sri Lankan lady seeking employment in Muscat. Marketing, Brands, Sales, Communication. Oman exp& DL available.

98250829 Sales professional (Graduate) with additional qualification MCSE & CCNA having more than 10+ yrs of experience in handling IT hardware, Networking & Security Products (project based) and experience in education and training industry in Oman, seeking employment in relevant IT companies.

Contact: 99354209 Looking for suitable placement.

Mechanical Engineer sales, oil & gas 5years experience in Oman. Total 15yrs exp. N.O.C & D/L available.

GSM 98481039, Email- anand27kumar@gmail.com Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact 96143430 / 99875919 Indian Male, with 8+ years experience in sales, currently in visit visa and seeking suitable placement. Contact 90181557 / 99386144 MBA (UK), raised in Oman & with 2 yrs work experience holding valid Oman driving license, seeks job in sales / business development. Contact: 99513132

SKILLED LABOUR 7 years experience in aquaculture shrimp farming construction light license NOC. Contact: 92635313

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male, 25 years, B.Com, MBA (Finance) with overall 3 years experience in accounts/ finance field. On Visit Visa.

Contact: 90115058 safwanmeadows@gmail.com Indian male store keeper and sales person have four years good experience searching for suitable job. 95694990/ +918056761888/ ajinantony9@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, B.Tech, 6 month experience, well versed in MEP, AutoCAD etc. looking for job.

Contact 94811072 PG male 10 years experience purchases D/L & NOC also, looking suitable any job.

Contact: 99145776

Indian male 27 years, 3.5 years experience of Oman as sales executive. Looking for suitable job.

NOC or Release available.

Contact - 93192277 Male Accountant, MBA (Finance) 5 years Experience including UAE and India up to finalization Available immediately (On Visit) Contact: 91704866 Email: anees0989@gmail.com Indian Male 23 years B.com graduate Holding a valid Oman driving License searching for a suitable placement, currently on visit visa.

Contact: 94175848.

Indian male (26) MBA 2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management. With valid Oman license.

Availablefor immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 EMAIL: suhailbs@gmail.com Indian male 34 years, MBA-HR with 10.9 years exp in Recruitment, Training, PMS, OD, Sites-HR and Omani nationals development, seeking a job, NOC available.

Contact saiprasad_18@yahoo.com 94179499 CIVIL/QS ENGINEER: B. Tech, Indian Female with 3 years’ experience in Oman, with D/L. Seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91361356/92882797 Bio- MedicalEngineer (M.Tech) Indian 27 yrs, 1 plus years of research experience looking for a suitable job. Email: amluprasannan@gmail.com Electronics Systems Engineer (UK Graduate ) with skills in robotics , programming languages, IC, PCB design seeking suitable position , Indian female on visiting visa. Contact: 97848075 Email: s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Indian female PhD, M.Phil, M.A in English, B.Ed., Diploma TESOL,16 years teaching experience seeks suitable teaching, editing or relevant job. Contact: 92245591, 95221665 B.Com, 2 years experience in Oman, Indian Male, 25 yrs. with Driving License. Handling day today accounts activities upto finalization. Proficient in Tally.

Looking for suitable placement.

Ph. 91470665 Specialist, Petrochemicals /Oil & Gas /AUTOMOBILE /CONSTRUCTION /PLASTIC POLYMER/PACKAGE MATERIAL PROCUREMENT /Contract Specialist , MBA &18 YEARS seeking suitable job, NOC available. Contact: 97813849 vved76@gmail.com BE/Diploma Mechanical Engineering with 4 years exp. in Oman, Looking for suitable positions.

NOC available. Having valid driving license Contact-99335742 INDIAN male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa, seeks suitable placement in Cargo section.

Contact :-96370022 IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3+yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 91496939.

D6

T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 5 , 2 0 1 7

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING Indian Male, 11 years’ experience as an Senior Accountant looking for part time Accounting job up to finalization of Accounts. Software knows MS office, Tally9 ERP MOBILE: 93884951Email:mehreenraiz@gmail.com

Indian Male 23 years B.com graduate Holding a valid Oman driving License searching for a suitable placement, currently on visit visa. Contact: 94175848.

Indian male BE Mechanical Engineer with two and a half years experience in production department, searching suitable job.

Contact no: 9500927480

Indian/male(26)/MBA/ 2 years expereince in proccurement,cordination and distribution management.With valid oman licenece. Available for immediate joining. Contact: 92536194 EMAIL: suhailbs@gmail.com

Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact - 94774550

Indian male, 24 yrs, looking for professional job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics, having 3 years of Exp and i am having Gulf driving license you can contact me on : - +96897017866.

Fresh B.Com Graduate in visit visa looking for a job. CONTACT: 93518923 / 99075027.

Email: sheikcok@yahoo.com

Indian female PhD, M.Phil, M.A in English, B.Ed, Diploma TESOL,16 years teaching experience seeks suitable teaching, editing or relevant job. Contact 92245591, 95221665

Indian male, 26 years of age, mechanical engineer .B.Tech from Trivandrum engineering college 2013. M.Tech from NIT Warangal .Specialty, Materials and Systems Engineering Design. Looking for suitable placement, #99753809 Electrical Engineer (Indian) B.E in Electrical and 3.6 years of experience. Have experience in construction field. Seeking for a suitable job. NOC available.

Contact: 91120129 Email: mpshareef313@gmail.com Indian male 23 Fresher. Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC &MEP.Contact : 9586 1251 Email : ajaibmd39@gmail.com Building maintenance foreman (all-rounder).10.year gulf Experience with Oman Driving License.90858522.

A Filipino female searching for a job, with visit visa exp February 2017.hospitality and sales job will be a Good offer to me.

Contact no:98271658 Indian female looking for an accounts part time job. area preferred Ruwi/CBD/MBD/ wk.contact-95482970.

Indian Male B-com graduate, 1.5 Year exp. in various office works, Valid Oman driving license looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 95322175 / 91987965 INDIAN male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa.

Seeks suitable placement in Cargo section. Contact- 96370022 Young professional, Energetic looking for Finance/Audit Job. BSC (Accounting) ACCA (Affiliate), CAT (Affiliate). Currently working in GOV. Experience of 4 Years .

NOC available. saleemraza218@gmail.com Indian male, M.Com, B.Com, looking for suitable opening, now on visiting visa. Contact 79103798, email- malikfaheem284@gmail.com Indian Male 29 years MBA, B.Com having 8 years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement.

Contact :97914340.

Email: kvraj30@gmail.com Indian/male (26)/ca finalist and b.Com/3 years expereince in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa.

Available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.Usman.Su@gmail.Com

Indian male 23 Fresh Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : mdajaib@yahoo.com Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact 94774550 Indian Male age 23) an i am looking for suitable job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware an networking field an i am having Gulf driving license you can contact me on : - +96897017866.

Indian male 23 Fresh Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : 9586 1251, Email : mdajaib@yahoo.com Indian/male (26)/CA finalist and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa. available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321, email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Indian/male(26)/ca finalist and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Indian female, holds masters in business administration (MBA) & LLB, 2 yrs oman experience as hr & admin, seeks suitable placement in jobs @ Sohar, Falaj.

Contact 96541959 Mechanical Engineer/ HVAC/ Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com Contact: 90957740 Indian female, 27 years, MBA in Finance, currently pursuing ACCA, having 10 months voluntary job experience as accountant looking for suitable placement. #94388910, E- mail Id: sowmya.vs1989@gmail.com Electrical and electronics engineering graduate, 23yrs Indian male, NOC available, 2 yrs site experience in industrial and commercial building sites(MEP ELECTRICAL), expert in autocad, etap, ms office, electrical engineering design, fluent in English and Hindi, exp in handling a team of 20 workers, ph:92201939.

33 years Indian Male MBA-HR & MSC having 8.9 yrs Exp (HR- operation/ SAP/ Admin) with Oman Driving License. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/backend jobs.

Contact:+968 99322978 /94129291 Indian male, 23 Fresher, Graduate Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact: +968 9748 9256 Email: abdulmajid.ak@gmail.com Male Accountant, MBA (Finance) 5 years Experience including UAE and India up to finalization Available immediately (On Visit).

Contact: 91704866, Email: anees0989@gmail.com Indian female B.E (I.T) Good experience in documentation and CRM. Having good communication skills. Seeking for job from reputed organization. Previous experience in Oman and India.

Contact - 97301058, 97136975.

Indian Male 15 years gulf experience in HR / Admin Assistant, Purchase, Office Coordinator with good computer skills seeking employment for suitable position. Holding valid Oman Driving license. Contact 99709336 Indian Male,B.COM having 4+Years of experience in OMAN with Valid Oman Driving License.

Experienced in Accounts & Sales, looking for an opportunity in Sales or Accounts. Mob:- 94106834 email:- jobhuntmuscat@gmail.com.

Indian, male, BBA graduate and diploma in IATA Cargo Supply Chain and Transport Modes with DGR Initial Category 6.Holds Omani driving license. Presently in family visa. Seeks suitable placement in Cargo section. #96370022 Pakistani male 25 y, fluent in English, valid oman driving license experience of pak. & oman. Needs suitable replacement like teaching, administration, documents controller, sales and marketing, rent a car field and personal Assistant etc. aamirkhan_7860@yahoo.com.

Contact 94908725 Good knowledge in Planning and arranging works and sites. Estimation, drawing, Billing and project management. AUTO CADD, STAAD, MS Office and various software packages Contact 99334770 /997 43 709 Indian male B-com Graduate1.5 Year exp. in various office works, valid Oman driving license. Looking for any suitable post .Please contact: 95322175 / 91987965 Indian Male, 26 years. B. Tech (Civil) Having 4 years experience as Project Engineer ¸ Site Engineer & Quantity surveyor. Good knowledge in Planning and arranging works and sites. Estimation, drawing, Billing and project management. AUTO CADD, STAAD, MS Office and various software packages. #99334770/ 99743709 Indian/male(26)/MBA/2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact 92536194, email:suhailbs@gmail.com Indian female B.E (I.T) : Good experience in documentation and CRM. Having good communication skills, seeking for job from reputed organization. Previous experience in Oman and India.

Contact - 97301058, 97136975.

Accountant. Having 9 years experience in accounts in reputed companies. Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available).

GSM. 00968-93528057, Email waheed.murtaza@yahoo.com B. Tech in electrical and electronics engineering, 23yrs Indian male, 2yrs exp (MEP ELECTRICAL ), NOC available, expert in electrical engineering design, autocad, ETAP, MS Office. Contact ph:92201939 email:nabilism4@gmail.com Indian Female Nurse with MOH License, looking for suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact: 95537685.

MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER 3 years experience in production industry, B. Tech in Mech Engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified.

Contact arn9895@gmail.com, Mob 00919895233155

MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified.

Contact arn9895@gmail.com Mob 00919895233155

Indian male, 24 years, B.com, MBA(Finance) with overall 3 years experience in accounts/finance field. Interested in sales field also.

On Visit Visa. Contact: 90115058/ safwanmeadows@gmail.com

Indian male, M.Com, 6 years experience in the field of accountancy and Stores. Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92859733

HSE Engineer, 4 yrs of experience in construction, Bachelor of Engineering (EEE), Nebosh, IOSH, DHSE, First Aid. Contact +97474018995, Email:midhunmich@gmail.mom

MECHANICAL ENGINEER, Indian Male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures. Aware of int.

Standards, B tech in Mech engg.

Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, Mob-00917350860889

Indian male Staff Nurse completed BSc nursing, having three years of experience in medical ICU having Oman license and NOC, seeking suitable situation.

Contact 94932245

Indian male, B.com graduate well versed in English, Hindi, Malayalam holding a valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96799287

Indian male, 23 yrs, looking for suitable job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware an networking field an i am having Gulf driving license.

Contact me on : - +96897017866.

Indian/ male (26)/ MBA/2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 email: suhailbs@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer/ HVAC/ Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com Contact: 90957740, email: nishadphoenix@gmail.com

Indian male Auto cad Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact: 00968 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com

Indian male 22 B.com looking for job in ACCOUNTING OR DATA OPERATION special interest in Account’s will be happy to hear from you. C#+90758030, Email : uttiawesome@gmail.com INDIAN MALE (26)/CA-inter and b.Com/3 years expereince in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa.

Available for immediate joining.

Contact 98078321 EMAIL: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com 27 years, Indian male looking for a senior mobile application developer job in Oman. 5+ years of experience as a software engineer, am available in Muscat till Dec 19th. arunkumar6207@gmail.com, +968 9600 3057, +91 8019897589 Indian male, 26 years, B-Tech Graduate with 3 years experience in Oman& 2 Years experience in india as Civil Engineer in a reputed construction company. Looking for suitable jobs.NOC available.

Seeking immediate placements.

Contact: 96179737/ 97076972, email:robinsj.sj@gmail.com Indian male, 23 yrs, looking for suitable job my qualification is diploma in electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware and networking field an i am having gulf driving license.

Contact me on : - +96897017866.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, Indian-Male 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.( 8 yrs in Oman) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTROMECHANICAL & Others projects) & having valid LT D/L, NOC/Local release available to join immediately M:+968 94064650 Email: nagauae@gmail.com A Filipino female searching for a job, with 3month visit visa.exp January 2017.hospitality and sales job will be a Good offer to me.

Contact no:98271658

Mechanical Engineer/HVAC / Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. Contact: 90957740, email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com Electronics And Communication Engineer: 23 Indian BE-ECE graduate 2016, looking suitable placement networking, hardware and electronics field, on family visa Contact:95148894,99726963,Email: sadathali0003@gmail.com Indian/male(26)/CA finalist and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321, EMAIL: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Senior Sales Executive, experience in trading industries with thorough knowledge of Oman market and wide customer contacts. Driving license and NOC available.

Seeks senior position.

Contact: 98487311 25 years male from India looking for job having 3 yrs exp in contracting and trading co. release or NOC available, for immediate joining. Contact :+968 94574596 Indian/male (26)/CA - inter and b.com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com An expatriate Indian female, graduate with 4 years experience in e-learning and ITes and 3 years experience in financial consulting and analysis seeks suitable placement.

Email : write2nishanair@gmail.com, Contact - 00968-93994505

Looking for a part time accounting & admin job, having 32 years of experience. Contact 9919621.

Indian male with Shorthand & Computer Skills also having 23 Years Gulf Experience is looking for suitable placement. NOC available.

GSM No. 97227062

Indian male Mechanical Engineer, 1 year Omani Experience + 2 Years of local experience, NOC available, looking for suitable position. Contact +96896089598 Email: fasinizami@gmail.com

Mechanical engineer/hvac/ indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visitvisa. # 90957740, email:nishadphoenix@gmail.com

Indian Male , M.Com , 6 years experience in the field of accountance Good knowledge in SAP, Tally, MS office and Excel seeks suitable placement. Contact 92859733

Indian Male (25), BSc Electronics, M.B.A seeking suitable openings, Having 3 years’ experience in, sales and Marketing of financial products with Oman Driving License. Contact 94774550

Sri Lankan Male Mechanical Engineer, 1+ year of Omani experience, NOC available, Omani driving license, looking for suitable position.

Contact No: +96893903463 Email: zaf1096@gmail.com Electronics & Communication Engineer, 23-year-old Indian on family visa, BE-ECE graduate looking for suitable placement in networking, hardware and electronics field. Contact: 95148894, 99726963.

Email: sadathali0003@gmail.com

Indian male, Engineer, Procurement Officer, Construction. 23 years experience in Automobile Supply Chain, Production Planning, IT - Delivery Management, Business Analysis and Operations set-up. Contact: 90215985.

HSE Engineer, 4 years of experience in construction certifications, bachelor of engineering(EEE), Nebosh, Iosh, Dhse, First Aid. Contact :+97474018995, email:midhunmich@gmail.com

Indian male, having three years of experience in medical ICU and oman license. Seeking for suitable situation as staff nurse.

Contact 98416393 Indian male Accountant 3 years good working experience doing accounts with tally and excel searching for suitable job. E-Mail : contactanand31@gmail.com, GSM : 95694990 Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer looking for job in Mechanical field special interest in HVAC & MEP will be happy to hear from you. Contact : +968 9586 1251, Email : zufarajaib@yahoo.com Masters(M.Sc) in Applied Psychology, Specialisation in Counseling, Indian Female 24 Years of good calibre in teaching and counseling with reasonable practical experience in some reputable schools and colleges, looking for an appropriate opportunity in related field.

Contact : 0096899133896; afsh.shariff@gmail.com.

Indian Male B-com graduate, 1.5 Year exp. in various office works, Valid Oman driving license Looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 95322175 / 91987965 Indian Graduated MBA from UK, Seeking for suitable position in Sales & Marketing, 3 years experience. Mob. 99642275, Email: Navas.shereef13@gmail.com 29 yrs old Graduate(Male), 6 years Experience as an Office Assistant with Good English communication skills, is looking for a job in Muscat. (In Visiting visa).

Contact No:93271163 Email-ranjithraj08@gmail.com Indian male,28 yrs old, B.A Graduate, 6 years Experience in Hospitality and Hotel Industry with Good English communication skills , is looking for a suitable job in Muscat.

(In Visiting visa) # :90146616 Indian Male 48 years, B.Sc., MBAOperations Management with total 25+ Yrs of exp inclusive of 10 yrs in Oil & Gas sector in Oman, having valid Omani D/L & NOC , seeks challenging senior position in Logistics/Procurement/SCM. GSM-94236414, Mail id – jayamurli@gmail.com Indian Male age:- 23) an i am looking for job an my qualification is Diploma in Mechanical an i am having 4 years of experience in the Quality Supervisor And CNC Machine Operator, GSM: 97017866.

Indian/male (25)/ post Graduate/3 years experience in sales and marketing(Dubai), on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 93887916, email: shamji3851@gmail.com Pakistani Male having 6 years experience working as a Store Incharge, looking for a suitable position. salary is negotiable. Email : usman.saleem84@yahoo.com, Mob: +96894611858 / 95480426 Indian male, 29 yrs, Graduate, 6 years Experience as an Office Assistant with Good English communication skills, is looking for a job in Muscat. (In Visiting visa).

Contact No:93271163 Indian male, 28 yrs old, B.A Graduate, 6 years Experience in Hospitality and Hotel Industry with Good English communication skills , is looking for a suitable job in Muscat, on Visiting visa.

Contact : 90146616 Indian male, 29 yrs old, Graduate,6 years Experience as a Coordinator in Reputed Firm with Good English communication skills, is looking for a suitable job in Muscat.(In Visiting visa) Contact 93042492

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 5, 2 0 1 7

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

KTT & CO. LLC –Logistics Division- Customs Clearance & delivery (Airport& Seaport)Worldwide Air& Sea Cargo Services.Road Transportation inside Oman & GCC. Door to Door Services to India.

CONTACT: Mr. Deepak GSM: 93908980 Email: deepak@kttcustoms.com

DRIVING

Specialist for road test drum and slope. Contact 94022250

SIT.WANTED Indian Male 23 years B.com graduate Holding a valid Oman driving License searching for a suitable placement, currently on visit visa.

Contact : 94175848.

Indian male Executive Secretary (To Top Management) having 10 years experience in Oman. Also well experience in HR Executive & Admin related jobs. Local release & Oman driving license available, seeking for immediate suitable placement. Contact 92215110; email: hellosajans@gmail.com 33year Indian Male MBA-HR & MSC having 8.9yrs Exp (HR-operation/ SAP/ Admin) with Oman Driving License, seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/backend jobs.

Contact:+968 99322978 Indian/male (26)/CA- inter and B.Com/3 years experience in audit & assurance services, financial reporting & analysis on visit visa, available for immediate joining.

Contact: 98078321 email: shahir.usman.su@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer/HVAC/Indian: 1year experienced mechanical engineer with piping engineering & quality control certification, on visit visa. email: nishadphoenix@ gmail.com, Contact: 90957740, email: nishadphoenix@gmail.com

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ General cleaning etc. ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> Contact : 94277020

WE SERVE OMAN

Indian Male with 23 Yrs. experience in Secretarial Job and Administration is looking for opening in Oman. NoC available.

Contact 97227062 Expat with 13 yrs experience in sales and marketing, seeking suitable placement.

Contact 92100116 Indian male 29 years old on visit looking for a suitable position in air ticketing and tours, overall 10 years of experience, 6 years experience in gulf. On visit, ready to join immediately. Contact 97189669/ info.awaiz2015@gmail.com

Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center L.L.C. # 99344723

Installation & maintenance for Modular Kitchen, UPVC Doors & Windows, Furniture, Electrical & Air-conditions Contact @ 92383882/91443786

Pestcontrol, water proofing.

Gulfa International L.L.C. Contact: 92326955

Caret & Sofa Shampooing General Cleaning & Polishing.

Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 24707833

Marble Crystallization & Grinding, Ocean Center L.L.C. Contact: 92705130

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

A/C maintenance & Servicing, Fridge / Washing Machine / dish washer repairing, 2) Painting and cleaning service, Electrical & Plumbing.

Contact: 94147874 / 24504281, mail:globalaccessunited@gmail. com Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting.

Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading.

L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 We undertake new construction & maintenance & gypsum works.

Contact 92711506, ammarayyub@gmail.com

D8

T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 5 , 2 0 1 7

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

RENT A CAR

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551