Times of Oman - April 5, 2016

TUESDAY

April 5, 2016 27 Jumada Al Thani 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 20th National Day, 1990

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Full support must be given to young people who are committed to the principle of self-employment, and also to those who provide jobs for Omanis.

Government must assist young people by providing feasibility studies for small enterprises.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 37

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

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Nod for draft law to curb money laundering

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Majlis Al Shura approved the Anti Money Laundering and Finance of Terrorism Draft Law, referred by Council of Ministers and studied by Majlis Al Shura Legislative and Legal Committee. >A3

REVIEWING CURRENT SITUATION: Conversation during the

meeting touched on the strong bilateral relations. – ONA

OMAN

Students exhibit eco-friendly designs

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University engineering students exhibited their projects, some of which are graduation projects, to highlight the need for innovative and eco-friendly designs. >A4

SPORTS

Oman Cricket prepares to switch format

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Oman national cricket team is all set to switch formats and start preparing for the forthcoming World Cricket League Division 5 competition. >C1

His Majesty receives written message MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said received a written message from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) relating to the GCC-US Summit scheduled to be held in Riyadh during this month.

The message was received by His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers when he received in his Office here on Monday Eid bin Mohammed Al Thaqafi, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the Sultanate.

The Ambassador conveyed greetings of the Custodian of the

Two Holy Mosques Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud along with his best wishes of continuous success to His Majesty and the Omani people further progress and prosperity. Conversation during the meeting touched on the strong bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, in addition to reviewing the current situations at the regional arena and issues of common concern. Sayyid Fahd asked the Ambassador to convey greetings of His Majesty along with his best wishes of permanent success to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the brotherly Saudi people further growth and welfare. — ONA

Sheer hell of illegal organ ops revealed Many Omanis flock to Asia to buy organs illegally, due to the severe shortage of donors in Sultanate

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: “We were taken to an abandoned house at midnight.

They made me wait in a filthy room and led my son to a kitchen where a film of grease coated the stove, dirty dishes sat in the sink; it was where a kidney transplant surgery took place,” says S.S., a heartbroken Omani father.

It was a desperate journey for the Omani father who wanted his ailing 19-year-old son to undergo a kidney transplant.

Having exhausted all other options, he, like many other Omanis, set out on a risky trip to Pakistan with his son.

S.S. is not a one-off case. Many Omanis flock to Asia to buy organs illegally, due to a severe shortage of donors in the Sultanate, medics

confirmed to the Times of Oman.

It all started in 2014, when an Omani national convinced S.S. to take his son to Pakistan and have a “proper” kidney transplant for a “reasonable” OMR14,000.

“Sadly I trusted his recommendation and followed his lead.

I realised I was duped only when it was too late. He was working with black market illegal doctors’ racket, receiving commissions for luring patients to them,” S.S. told Times of Oman.

The father and son arrived in the Pakistani capital in September 2014, where they were welcomed by an agent at the airport, who drove them through the busy localities to a posh and secured neighbourhood.

“We stayed in a decent house and a maid served us breakfast, lunch and dinner every day,” the father recalled. “However, we were strictly told not to leave the house for security reasons.” >A6

R E A L E S TAT E

‘Oman’s property market positive’ REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com

MORNING MINUTE

MUSCAT: Oman’s property market is looking positive even as the global oil price dip is pressuring the government and people to cut costs, officials from a leading chartered surveyors and property consultants, said.

“We are optimistic and are working with developers in Oman

to materialise several high-quality properties. Despite the global downturn due to the oil price dip, we see a demand for high-quality properties in Oman,” Faisal Durrani, head of research at Cluttons, told the Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.

“There is always a demand for high-quality properties in Oman and to launch Taminat Complex, which falls in this certain category,

is a perfect example for that,” Durrani added.

The Public Authority for Social Housing’s Taminat Complex, which will be ready by late this summer, is a high-quality residential apartments’ property with space for offices too.

“Residents of the Taminat complex will enjoy a variety of exceptional on-site facilities.” he further said. >A6

‘Panama Papers’ reveal tax havens

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TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

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PDO is an environmentally sensitive operator and is proud of its strong relationship with ESO, which does an excellent job protecting the Sultanate’s wonderful natural treasures Abdul-Amir Al Ajmi, PDO’s external affairs and value creation director

‘India a preferred place for medical treatment’ of exhibitors participating in the International Medical Tourism Exhibition and Conference said due to cost, expertise and other advantages, patients from Oman prefer India as a medical tourism destination

MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

MUSCAT: Most of the patients in Oman prefer India for their treatment, confirmed a large number of exhibitors, who are in the medical tourism sector in Oman at the International Medical Tourism Exhibition and Conference (IMTEC), which began here at the Oman Exhibition Centre on Monday.

“Local patients in Oman trust the Indian doctor’s expertise and a majority of the patients demand their treatment should be carried out in India,” Vidya Rani, general manager of Dhaman International LLC, who is in the healthcare for the last 17 years in Oman, told the Times of Oman.

According to Rani, Indian doctors are the best when it comes to diagnosing because they deal with a large number of patients in India and also different types of cases.

“Other reasons are that the treatment options in India are immense and also cost effective,” she added. She also pointed out that Oman and India have good connectivity. “Every week, we have flights available with more than 21,000 seats and 11 Indian destinations being connected with Muscat,” she said.

According to the Rani, the other advantage patients get in India is that senior specialised doctors, who are highly experienced, are connected with four or five different hospitals. “This helps patients to choose a cheaper hospital where we they can get the same care and treatment from a particular doctor,” she stated.

Suhaib Ali Shah of Al Hakkim ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

10,621 visit Al Baleed, Samahram SALALAH: Number of visitors to the Al Baleed and Samahram Archaeological Sites during the month of March 2016 stood at 10,621 visitors, according to statistics from the Department of Frankincense Land Sites at the Office of His Majesty the Sultan’s Advisor for Cultural Affairs.

Al Baleed Archaeological Park and Frankincense Land Museum received 5,593 visitors, Samahram Archaeological Site received 4,016 visitors, Wadi Dokka received 642 visitors and Wbar Archaeological site received 264 visitors.

Al Baleed Archaeological Park Samahram, Shasir Area and Wadi Dokka are registered sites on the World Heritage list under the name “Land of Frankincense” sites.

The Office of HM the Sultan’s Adviser for Cultural Affairs is developing a number of archaeological sites and providing them with utilities to serve the goals of cultural and archaeological tourism in the Governorate of Dhofar. -ONA

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Muriya launches rental apartments in Salalah, Sifah Times News Service

A large number

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DEVELOPMENT

MAJOR SHOW: Around 39 companies, such as hospitals, medical centres, international and local medical tourism resorts representing Germany, Turkey, India, Iran, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates, along with hospitals and medical centres from Sultanate of Oman, are participating in Medical Tourism Exhibition and Conference (IMTEC). – Ismail Al Farsi

Medical Tourism also confirmed that a majority of the clients prefer India for their treatment.

A three-day exhibition and conference was recently inaugurated

by Dr. Sultan Al Busaidi, advisor to the Minister of Health, where various ambassadors to the Sultanate of Oman were also present at the opening ceremony.

According to the General Manager of IMTEC, IMTEC Oman 2016 will provide the perfect platform for hospital groups, medical travel organisations and health services companies to increase

their global presence and international patient work.

Around 39 companies, such as hospitals, medical centres, international and local medical tourism resorts representing Germany, Turkey, India, Iran, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates, along with hospitals and medical centres from Sultanate of Oman, are participating in it.

According to the organisers, consultants from Vivantes Hospital, Germany, one of the largest hospitals in Berlin are coming for the first time in the Sultanate of

Oman. The exhibition and conference is being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and is organised by the East Expo Company. A large number of consultants from different specialties, such as orthopaedics and joint surgery, neurosurgery, breast cancer and infertility, cosmetic surgery, hair transplant, skin care, heart surgery and tumours treatment are at the exhibition to provide free medical consultation to the visitors.

The International Medical Conference is being held along with the exhibition, and will have renowned speakers, specialist doctors and consultants from different countries, who will share their latest findings on medicine in various specialties. The first day of the conference discussed the topic, “Future Roadmap for Oman Health: vision 2050” and it was led

by Dr Ahmad Al Qasmi, director general of Planning and Studies, Ministry of Health.

The topics discussed on the second day of the conference were “Trauma Surgery and Spine Surgery, Immunotherapy—a novel era in oncology and new revolutionary treatment for heart patients etc.”

The exhibition will be open to visitors from 10 am to 1:30 pm during the morning session and from 4.30 am to 8.30 pm in the evening session. he conference timing for today is from 10 am to 2 pm.

MUSCAT: Muriya has announced the launch of rental apartments at Jebel Sifah and Salalah.

The new offering will allow Oman’s residents to rent a one, two or three bedroom fully furnished and equipped dream vacation home and make use of the exclusive five-star lifestyle experiences, while enjoying an unobstructed marina, sea or mountain views.

“Launching this new rental proposition will enable more people to experience what it’s like to live in an integrated worldclass destination and have an abundance of recreational facilities literally at their doorsteps,” said Olvia Amr, senior commercial director at Muriya.

“With the Khareef season around the corner, families throughout the country and abroad can take advantage of this opportunity and make our apartments in Salalah their new home away from home. On the other hand, people in and around Mus-

cat can create their own summer home-base vacation destination in Jebel Sifah with its wide range of water activities that will help them stay cool during the hot months.”

Thriving communities Properties available at both destinations are part of thriving communities, full with world-class cafes, restaurants, and amenities.

Occupants will receive discounts to all facilities available, including access to hotel pools and private beaches, aquatic activities, such as a floating water park and jet-packing, access to sea excursions, diving centres, and dining discounts at all restaurants and outlets along the Marina and hotels in both destinations.

Muriya is a joint venture between Orascom Development Holdings (70 per cent), a leading developer of integrated destinations and Omran (30 per cent), the tourism development arm of the Omani Government. Muriya currently has four development projects in Sifah, Salalah, As Sodah Island and Muscat.

NEW OFFERING: The new offering will allow Oman’s residents to rent a one, two or three bedroom fully furnished and equipped dream vacation home. – Supplied photo

M A R I N E NAT U R E R E S E RV E

Environment society launches clean-up initiative Times News Service MUSCAT: Environment Society of Oman (ESO) has started its Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve (DINR) clean-up initiative sponsored by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and has successfully completed the first two beach clean-ups on the Al Joon and Qismah Islands within the marine nature reserve.

The beach clean-up united more than 50 volunteers from different backgrounds, including employees from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Wealth, Marine Science and Fisheries Centre and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs led by ESO’s Volunteer and Events Coordinator, Antonia Vegh.

Raising awareness Volunteers picked up litter left behind by beach users and fishermen and refuse that had washed up on the beaches. The initiative is designed to raise awareness and tackle litter problems over a three-month period. Data collection plans are scheduled to document types and amounts of litter collected, enabling ESO to have a better understanding of the best way to mitigate the issue of coastal and marine debris.

Over two days, the team of volunteers removed a total of 560 kilograms (kg) of trash and pollutants from two of Oman`s beloved Daymaniyat beaches. The collected waste was segregated into two categories: non-recyclable 211.5 kg

GOOD WORK: Volunteers picked up litter left behind by beach users and fishermen and refuse that had washed up on the beaches. – Supplied photo

for disposal and recyclable 348.5 kg for recycling.

Lamees Daar, executive director of ESO said, “We launched our latest anti-littering and awareness drive to keep the Daymaniyat Islands in pristine condition and preserve its fragile ecosystem. The sustainable project engages the local community and identifies the most common types of litter left behind so we can develop more informed ways of promoting conservation on the Island. We are also raising awareness on the impact litter has on sensitive coastal and marine habitats. Ultimately, our aim is to encourage people to act

more responsibly and sustain the rich biodiversity of Oman’s only marine protected area.”

Abdul-Amir Al Ajmi, PDO’s external affairs and value creation director, said: “PDO is an environmentally sensitive operator and is proud of its strong relationship with ESO, which does an excellent job protecting the Sultanate’s wonderful natural treasures.”

He added: “Our staff and contractors have participated in a number of clean-ups and last year we launched our Bea’tona campaign, which focuses on themes, such as littering, energy conservation, renewable energy and

water conservation. So we were delighted to be able to support the ESO on the DNIR initiative to help preserve the islands’ fragile ecosystem.”

Four Daymaniyat Islands are being targeted for beach cleanups; Al Joon, Qismah, Jebel Al Kabeer and Al Kharabah Islands. As part of the initiative, the upcoming events will include two more beach clean-ups, four underwater clean-ups and awareness sign installation.

Areas for underwater clean-ups will be selected from more than 20 recognised dive sites off six islands: Western Islands (Clive Rock

and Sir Island), Al Joon Island, Jebel Al Kabeer, Eastern Islands (Hayut Run and Aquarium), and Al Qismah Island. These islands and dive sites are the most ecologically sensitive, and the most affected by different activities and will benefit most from clean-ups.

DINR was established in 1996, and consists of a group of nine small uninhabited islands where visitors are not permitted to land between May 1 and November 1 because of bird nesting activities.

Throughout the rest of the year, the islands are a popular site for recreational activities, such as snorkelling, diving, picnics, and camping, with a special permit from Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs.

Famed for their unique ecosystem, the islands are regarded as one of the most internationally important conservation areas. They host beautiful coral reefs, nesting beaches for hawksbill and green turtles, and are home to a large number of nesting seabirds.

As a result of the increase in leisure and commercial activities, the archipelago has experienced a steady increase in litter over the years.

ESO thanked the main sponsor of the project, PDO, volunteers and supporters, which include the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs; the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Wealth, Marine Science and Fisheries Centre; Oman Flour Mills SAOG; Shell Marketing; TRACCS; Almouj Marina and Averda.

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OMAN

ELECTION

Omani Women’s Association Muscat office bearers elected Staff Reporter MUSCAT: With its commitment to support and activate social projects in the country, the Omani Women’s Association in Muscat recently held a general assembly at its headquarters in Qurum to elect the new board of directors of the association for the 2016 to 2018 period.

This was held in the presence of Jokha bint Mohammed Al Farsi, head of community participation at the Directorate General of Health Services and Humaid Al Mujaini, businessman and an active member at the Association for Elderly.

At first, Eman bint Rashid al Ghafri presented a report on the activities from the last two years, which were carried out by the former administration and highlighted the efforts of the assembly to participate in internal and external programs. Besides this, she talked about the significant social, cultural and political programs which would also be carried forward with the new administration.

‘Omani cultural club’ was rec-

WOMEN TO FORE: The election was held in the presence of Jokha bint Mohammed Al Farsi, head of community participation at the Direc-

torate General of Health Services and Humaid Al Mujaini, businessman and an active member at the Association for Elderly. – Supplied photo

ognised as one of the important initiatives, which included the establishment of different clubs for girls, the ‘Banafsij’ (Purple) project is designed to enable Omani girls to develop and meet future life and work requirements.

Majlis okays draft law to curb money laundering

12TH ANNUAL SITTING: The 12th annual sitting of Majlis Al Shura’s first annual session for 2015-2016 of its 8th term was held under the chair of Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura. – ONA

Khalid bin Ahmed Al Sa’adi, Deputy Chairman and Rapporteur of the Legislative and Legal Committee presented the draft law

MUSCAT: Majlis Al Shura, on Monday approved the Anti Money Laundering and Finance of Terrorism Draft Law, referred by the Council of Ministers and which was studied by Majlis Al Shura Legislative and Legal Committee.

The approval came at the 12th annual sitting of Majlis Al Shura’s first annual session for 2015-2016 of its 8th term under the chair of Khalid bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of Majlis Al Shura.

Public session At the public session, Khalid bin Ahmed Al Sa’adi, Deputy Chairman and Rapporteur of the Legislative and Legal Committee presented the draft law which included some amendments to the draft, the opinion of the Com-

mittee for each article of the draft law, the justifications behind the amendments and additions.

After detailed discussions of the articles of the law, the draft law was approved based on the study of the Legislative and Legal Committee and was referred to the State Council.

Human Cloning Majlis Al Shura also approved the visions of the Health and Environment Committee on the draft Arab agreement for organising the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues and the Arab Convention for Preventing and Combatting Human Cloning.

The report of the committee was submitted by Dr. Mohammed Ali Baqi, members and rapporteur of the committee.

On the other hand, members of Majlis Al Shura reviewed the replies by the Ministers on some issues that were presented by members, such as parliamentary questions and inquiries on some development projects.

It is worth mentioning that Majlis Al Shura will dedicate the 13th session that will be held on Tuesday morning (Tuesday) to discuss the Omani Penal Code, in light of the study of the Legislative and Legal Committee. -ONA

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Other programmes which focus on economic empowerment of women through awareness events, exhibitions, and lectures in educational, social, economic, health and environmental programmes were also discussed.

Umaima Al Farsi, treasurer presented the financial report to the assembly, followed with a talk by Khalsa Al Salti on the electronic systems project. It will document their data and activities to facilitate follow-up performance and

calculate the number of working hours for each volunteer.

The project is based on the electronic registration of volunteers and maintains the database with all information on voluntary activities and training courses in which

each member is recognised with certificates of appreciation. Twelve out of 14 members who stood for elections made it to the Board of Directors, and immediately after winning the contract for the new council, positions were announced.

Eman bint Rashid Al Ghafri, President of the Assembly, Dr. Badriya bint Nasser Al Wahibi as the deputy, Khalsa bint Saif Al Salti as the secretary, and Laila bint Habib Al Hamadoun as the Treasurer, Fawzia bint Khamis Al Harrasi was elected the Chairperson of the Commission of projects and marketing, Reem bint Taher Al Sajwani was head of the media committee and Laila bint Khalfan Awlad Thani was assigned to be the deputy, Najat bint Saad Al Busaidi was elected the Chairperson of the Committee on relations, Khazina bint Musallam Al Rahbi was elected her deputy and Sarah bint Abdullah Al Yaafei was head of cultural and social Committee and Eman bint Abdullah Al Alawi was her deputy, and Zeina Moosa Al Yousef a committee member.

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Of the 1,531cabin crew and senior flight supervisors we currently employ, 573 are Omanis. Of this number, 441 are cabin crew and 132 are senior flight supervisors Dr Rashid Al Ghailani, Oman Air Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Engineering students from region display many ecofriendly products

INNOVATION: By using brain signals or EEG (electroencephalography) signals, we can determine what the person is thinking about, after

analysis; whether it is going forward, backwards, left or right, said one of the designers, Yazan Al Musafir.

SOLUTION: A group of engineering students from Sultan Qaboos Universty created a solar powered garbage dispenser that could be used in homes, public locations or as a neighbourhood bin.

Products on display at the Seventh Engineering Student Gathering ranged from solar powered garbage bins and auto-tunnel lights to eco-friendly water heaters and brain powered wheel chairs

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Omani engineering students recently displayed projects, some of which are graduation projects, to highlight the need for innovative, eco-friendly designs that could help both the general public and the business community. The Seventh Engineering Student Gathering saw participation from from Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia exhibiting 45 products, built to follow the theme Zero Per cent (Zero %).

SAFETY DEVICE: Painters will benefit from this project because sometimes painters have to cover hard to

reach areas, as well as climb thirty story buildings to paint. They could fall and injure themselves or worse; they do face danger sometimes, said a student.

Products on display ranged from solar powered garbage bins and auto-tunnel lights to eco-friendly water heaters and brain powered wheel chairs.

Solar Powered Garbage Bins A group of engineering students from Sultan Qaboos Universty

created a solar powered garbage dispenser that could be used in homes, public locations or as a neighborhood bin.

The project was designed to solve two problems, including the immense clutter of rubbish around large bins in neighbourhoods and near houses,in a bid to become less

dependent upon landfills.

“There are 317 landfills in the Sultanate; all this land could be used for projects, residential buildings or parks and gardens.

Also, the gases emitted from landfills have an adverse affect on the Ozone layer,” said Asaad Al Qasmi, one of the student inventors.

For garbage to be properly disposed of, it must be treated and sterilized.

The eco-friendly bin operates using solar power, allowingan individual to dispose of his trash and the bin automatically crushes the contents. An internal liquid sterilizer will then treat the waste,while external mist-steriliser treat the bin from outside.

“When the bin is full, people usually leave their trash around the bin. So when it is full, a signal will alert municipality officials to dispatch someone to empty the bin,” Al Qasmi explained.

He said that when the exhibition is over, he plans to send a proposal to environmental company Be’ah.

This device could help painters avoid painting tall buildings.

Automated painter An automated painter is suspended by cables attached to two pivots on either side of the building. Painters will be able to input the design or area that needs to painted on a computer, which

B E S T C A N D I D AT E S

Mind Control Wheelchair The aim of this project is to help disabled people move a wheelchair using only their thoughts.

Yazan Al Musafir, one of the designers, said, “By using brain signals or EEG (electroencephalography) signals, we can determine what the person is thinking about, after analysis; whether it is going forward, backwards, left or right.”

The speed depends upon the mechanism installed on the wheel chair. The exhibition will be on display until April 6 at the Grand Hall in the Cultural centre at SQU, and it is open to the public.

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CRIME

Oman Air’s cabin crew recruitment shows unwavering commitment to Omanisation Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air, the Sultanate of Oman’s national carrier, is reaffirming its commitment to Omanisation through its continuing recruitment of cabin crew teams of young Omani citizens.

Commenting on Oman Air’s efforts to seek the best candidates for its cabin crew teams, Dr Rashid Al Ghailani, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, at Oman Air said, “As Oman Air continues its fleet and network expansion programme, we are seeking to increase the capacity and capability of our human resources by recruiting capable young people from Oman who display the necessary potential. Omanis form the backbone of our operations and we take pride in selecting those with the greatest talents to join our teams.

“Since its inception, Oman Air has been known for its deployment of Omanis throughout our company. This is especially the

will instruct the robot to begin painting the building. “Painters will benefit from this project because sometimes painters have to cover hard to reach areas, as well as climb thirty story buildings to paint. They could fall and injure themselves or worse; they do face danger sometimes,” said a student.

The “airless” paint machine, named because it is suspended in the air, comes with a program that enables users to draw their company logo,followed by the machine painting it on the building.

Omanisation by aiming for a team that comprises 50 per cent males and 50 per cent females. However, we recognize that recruitment of Omani women is challenging due to a range of social and cultural factors. Despite these challenges, we are confident of achieving our aim of increasing the number of Omani women we employ as cabin crew.”

DRIVE: Oman Air will hold cabin crew recruitment events on

April 7 and 21 from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Golden Tulip in Muscat. — Supplied photo

case with our cabin crew, who are the forefront of our operations in the air. They are international ambassadors for Oman and we therefore strive to ensure that their training reflects our unmatched traditions of onboard hospitality and comfort.

“Of the 1,531cabin crew and senior flight supervisors we currently employ, 573 are Omanis.

Of this number, 441 are cabin crew and 132 are senior flight supervisors.

“Furthermore, the company has taken steps to improve the rate of

Criteria Meanwhile, Saleh Al Zadjali, Senior Manager Learning and Development at Oman Air, explained the airline’s criteria for cabin crew, noting, “The number of Omani candidates enquiring about positions with Oman Air’s cabin crew has been gratifyingly huge.

We would encourage further applications from anyone who is interested in developing a rewarding career with what is becoming one of the world’s great airlines: Oman Air. “However, as the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, we

can only select those who meet our clear and specific criteria.

Both male and female candidates must be Omani citizens aged between 18 and 35 years old. Their educational qualifications should include a minimum of Higher National Diploma, their weight must be in proportion to their height and they must successfully complete assessments and interviews conducted during the selection process.

“All applicants should provide a curriculum vitae, a valid Omani National ID or passport, a copy of their Ministry of Manpower registration card and recent photographs with a blue background, together with relevant educational certificates.”Oman Air’s cabin crew recruitment programme in the Sultanate has held a number of open days, at which young Omani men and women have been offered the opportunity to join Oman Air and play a pivotal role in the award-winning airline’s development and success.

Two arrested for drug possession, smuggling Times News Service MUSCAT: An expatriate and an Asian national were arrested on arrival in Salalah on charges of smuggling drugs, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) said. The Asian was found to have attempted to smuggle 122 capsules of heroine by swallowing them.

Also, an Omani citizen was arrested on charges of being in possession and abuse of drugs in Samail, a source in the ROP said. The citizen was said to have been in possession of 498 tablets.

The ROP calls on all citizens and residents to cooperate in the fight against drugs, and report to police any information that can help uncover the smuggling and sale of drugs by calling emergency number 9999 or the toll free number of the General Directorate of Drug Prevention of the ROP at 1444.

The public can also contact officials at the nearest police station.

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HONOUR

SQU professor bags award for research

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Metered airport taxis good for us: Orange cab drivers Let’s look at it from a different viewpoint.

Some people who work in Oman will find the prices elsewhere too expensive on their arrival and will rather choose us to serve them, said Suleiman Al Jardani,

Dr. Ali Al Badi

representative of Muscat’s taxi drivers Times News Service MUSCAT: Dr. Ali Al Badi, an associate professor in the Information Systems (IS) Department at the College of Economics and Political Science (CEPS), Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), received the “Excellence in Research Award” from Clute Institute, Colorado, USA, in recognition of his research.

Dr. Ali Al-Badi is an active researcher who has published many research papers at international conferences, as well as for peer reviewed journals. In addition to publishing single or co-authored papers, Dr. Ali is well-known for his patience and commitment in helping and empowering IS students in sharpening their research skills.

This award was in recognition ofa paper that Dr. Ali co-authored with two of his students, Elham M. Al Mukhaini and Wafa S. Al Qayoudhi, which has been downloaded more than any other manuscript from the Journal of International Education Research (JIER). The paper is entitled,”The Adoption of Social Networking in Education: A Case Study of the Use of Social Networks by Higher Education Students in Oman”.

This paper also received the “Best Paper Award” when presented at the 52nd Clute Institute International Academic Conference in Paris, France, held from June 9 to 11, 2013.

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Owners of orange taxis do not feel threatened by the introduction of the electronic metering system installed in airport taxis but rather consider it beneficial for their business.

Oman Airports Management Company installed the much awaited metering system in all its taxis. The new system became operational last Friday.

Fares now start from OMR6, with every kilometre ride adding 200 baiza to the tariff.

Suleiman Al Jardani, who has been elected to represent Muscat’s taxi drivers, said the new system does not affect their business but will rather bring benefits.

“Let’s look at it from a different viewpoint. Some people who work in Oman will find the prices elsewhere too expensive on their arrival and will rather choose us to serve them,” Al Jardani said, adding that while others have fixed prices, airport taxi cost was linked to the distance covered.

“Besides, they only ferry passengers to and from the airport, not in the rest of the city as we do,” he added. He added that most people will probably opt for cheaper options but fares will vary if the cab is shared or engaged.

Al Jardani also said sometimes tourists still find orange taxi fares too expensive.

“There was a time when a plane would land at 3 a.m. and there would be a group of students from

Metering issue revisited When asked if the taxi drivers’ opinion about introducing the metering system has changed, Al Jardani reaffirmed that they were against the move.

In their last interview to the Times of Oman, taxi drivers had said they will lose customers if the system was introduced as it would make the service too expensive.

Al Jardani gave an explanation, saying, “Almost 80 per cent of our customers are expatriate manpower and they won’t be able to pay an expensive fare to and from work every day.”

“Who uses taxis more than them? Each house in Muscat

ROP arrests murderers in Sohar, Shinas SOHAR: Intelligence and Criminal Investigation Administration at Royal Oman Police (ROP) at the Governorate of North Al Batinah has arrested perpetrators of two homicides in the wilayats of Sohar and Shinas.

As for the first incident, Lt. Col Ali bin Hassan Al Balushi, Assis-

tant Director of Intelligence Administration of North Al Batinah said that Sohar Police Station received a notification about finding the body of an Asian woman at a farm in Sohar.

The crime scene investigation indicated that criminal doubts are there.

RETAIL DESTINATION: The opening garnered a great response from local and expat families and

featured various fun activities for children. – Supplied photo

Complex in Qurum, Oman. It hosts major brands, such as Burger King and Nestle Toll House in the food and beverages sector and Sana Fashion in apparels and fashion clothing.

The mall also brings the Capital store, offering the world’s foremost luxury brands in beauty, cosmetics and perfumes. Customers can also choose from a wide range of luxury gift items or houseware, such as Mont Blanc and Baccarat.

Omani fare The property also hosts stores, which deal with the traditional Omani menswear and Kashmiri handicrafts. With major brands, such as Landmark’s Shoe Xpress set to open soon along with home appliances, electronics, wedding studio etc., the mall is sure to create a buzz in the market and is expected to be able to attract a high

owns at least two cars, so we depend on expatriate manpower to commute using orange taxis.

“If we install meters, we will lose this set of customers,” he explained further.

“We just want our fares regulated by the ministry so that customers will have a better understanding of how much each trip costs,” Al Jardani added, calling once again for orange taxi fares to be regulated.

FA C I L I T I E S R E V I E W E D

Ocean Mall opens to great response from customers

MUSCAT: Mustafa Sultan Enterprises (MSE) has announced the official opening of the ‘Ocean Mall,’ located in the heart of the Qurum business district.

The official opening was inaugurated by MSE Group Executive Director, Shabir Mustafa Sultan.

The opening garnered a great response from local and expat families and featured various fun activities for children. Retail shops also had attractive promotional offers, which added value for the visitors.

The Ocean shopping mall, a new retail destination, is part of a mixed use development incorporating hotel serviced apartments managed by the Coral Group.

The mall spans three levels, comprising of 4,000 square metres in GLA. The scheme is located adjacent to the popular Sabco

the Emirates. They would approach us outside the airport and we would give them a price. They would call it a price ‘that’s too expensive.’ But if we are expensive then who is cheaper?” he wondered.

OMAN CRIME

OFFICIAL OPENING

Times News Service

UPBEAT: When asked if the taxi drivers’ opinion about introducing the metering system has changed, Suleiman Al Jardani reaffirmed that they were against the move. – File photo

density of footfall and trading.

The MSE Group has diversified interests in businesses, which include providing technology solutions in Security, Broadcast and Professional Acoustics, Lighting Applications, Medical, Instrumentation, IT, Office Automation, MEP and Telecom sectors.

The group also retails and distributes a range of home appliances and lifestyle products, mobile handsets and office automation products, as well as a consumer lighting range.

The group recently opened two women’s wear retail shops in the Avenues Mall Muscat: Aftershock London and B.Young from Denmark. And finally, the group is in the service segment through its presence in money exchanges, logistics, insurance and restaurants.

Details of the group can be seen at our website www.mustafasultan.com.

After investigation and intelligence, the murderer (an Asian national) has been arrested.

Second incident As for the second incident, he pointed out that Shinas Police Station has received a notification about finding the body of a

man at a water well in Shinas.

The victim was found to be Omani. The incident circumstances and the body inspection pointed out that there are criminal doubts.

After collecting evidence, the murderer (an Asian national) was arrested. — ONA

Research Council panel visits IPM MUSCAT: Research Council’s International Consultancy Committee on Monday visited Innovation Park Muscat (IPM) and reviewed the facilities and services provided to the targeted audience, such as researchers and innovators. — ONA

A6

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 Other than the new-generation property demand, there is also a rise in build-to-suit developments in Oman Philip Paul, Head of international property consultants in Cluttons Oman

OMAN O R G A N T R A N S P L AT I O N

< FROM

A1

‘Many patients flock to Asia to buy organs illegally’

After a harrowing 20-day wait for the agent to find them a kidney donor, the Omani father received a sudden call at 10pm from his agent, asking him to get out of the house with his son and jump into the car waiting outside.

“I was worried. Something felt wrong,” S.S. admitted.

The driver told them he is taking them to the surgery location, but after a 15-minute drive, S.S. found himself in a residential area with no hospital in sight. The confused father, along with his son, followed the agent to an abandoned house.

“As we entered, there were four people waiting for us. They asked me to wait in the living room while they led my son to the kitchen,” S.S. said, adding that all windows in the house were sealed and covered with thick, dark curtains. “I did not know what to do. My son needed a kidney and I had to save my boy’s life,” he narrated.

The whole setting was too unhygienic for any kind of surgery, but he had no other option. His son was anesthetised and the surgery started at 1:00am. During that

time, the father asked his agent if he could meet the person, who was selling his kidney.

“The agent pointed at a closed room. I entered. There was a naked man sleeping on the floor,” the Omani national said, adding he later discovered that the kidney seller had received only OMR200 for his “donation.”

After three hours, the doctors, who according to S.S. were not able to understand a word in English, started the sterilisation process.

“It was the most disgusting sterilisation I have ever witnessed.

The nurse was bringing hot water in an old red bowl from the toilet and washing my son with it.

“The cold marble floor was stained with blood spots,” the horrified father said.

Not long after the surgery was completed, the father asked his son to leave the house. “He was tired, but I pushed him to move as soon as possible. That place was terrible and I wanted to get my son back to Muscat,” S.S. said.

Soon after arriving back to

The shortage of donors in Oman is forcing hundreds like A to go through similar ordeals in the hope of a healthy life. To tackle the issue, the Ministry of Health has started distributing organ donor cards across Oman and printing the individual’s consent on their ID cards, in a significant move to save lives

Oman, he took his son to a local hospital to undergo some tests.

However, the results left the father and son in a big shock. “My son’s guts were messed up, his urethra was cut and the new kidney was damaged,” the father revealed.

Doctors said his son needed to undergo multiple operations for his abdomen. “I travelled with my son to Bangalore and Hyderabad to get the new complication fixed.

Thankfully, the treatment was covered by Oman’s Ministry of

Health,” he said, adding that his son is still suffering from the aftermath of the illegal surgery.

The boy, A, is still undergoing treatment at the Royal Hospital.

S.S. is now dedicating most of his time to warning patients against undergoing illegal transplant surgeries, and taking care of his son after being exploited by “unprofessional” doctors in Islamabad.

The shortage of donors in Oman is forcing hundreds like A to go

through similar ordeals in the hope of a healthy life. To tackle the issue, the Ministry of Health has started distributing organ donor cards across Oman and printing the individual’s consent on their ID cards, in a significant move to save lives.

Organ donation The initiative is in line with the Sultanate’s efforts to promote the culture of organ donation after a person is declared brain dead, which can save the lives of many patients, who are in need of organ transplants.

Furthermore, the Paediatric Nephrology Department at the Royal Hospital had held an event on March 11 at the Muscat Grand Mall, to raise awareness about the importance of donating kidneys and to highlight the need to engage with people directly.

In a booklet issued by Oman’s Ministry of Health, experts said a person can live a 100 per cent normal life with one functioning kidney. Moreover, studies show that donors tend to take better

care of themselves after donating a kidney, which ultimately results in better health and quality of life.

Asked as to why Omanis in general do not display a positive attitude towards donating body parts, Dr Badria Al Ghaithi, senior consultant at the Paediatric Nephrology Department of the Royal Hospital, blamed it on the lack of knowledge about the whole process of organ donations. People suffering from health issues, such as diabetes, blood pressure and other serious diseases cannot donate their kidneys.

Dr Sadiq Abdul Baqi, senior consultant Nephrologist at the Royal Hospital, said that back in the 1970s, people in Oman even refused to donate blood.

“God gave us two kidneys although we can live normally with one kidney. I’m sure that God had wisdom in doing so,” Al Ghaithi concluded, while emphasising that more donors are needed to keep both, children and adult patients alive. It’s worth mentioning that each donation can save at least eight lives.

ROP warns against use of phone while driving

R E A L E S TAT E

Studies indicate that the probability of an accident happening ROBUST DEMAND: According to the Oxford Business Group’s latest report, Oman’s real estate sector has continued to grow in recent years, and despite the fall in oil prices, demand, particularly from the private sector, has helped fan development. - Times file picture

is greater with a driver, who uses a phone while driving,

A1 Strong demand for high quality properties exist

than with someone

“These include a communal swimming pool, separate children’s swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and children’s play area with outdoor equipment. The complex also features walking, jogging tracks, a gymnasium and health club with sauna and steam baths, with separate facilities for men and women, a kids care zone and a sports hall,” Durrani said, adding that people now look for such kind of properties in Oman.

Philip Paul, the head of international property consultants in Oman, said that other than the new-generation property demand, there is also a rise in build-to-suit developments in Oman as occupiers seek a tailor made approach to commercial developments.

“Investments in the hospitality and tourism sectors by the government are promising. Several projects, including setting up new warehouses, are in the pipeline across Oman,” the Cluttons executive said, adding that for the last seven years Cluttons has grown in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) market and is quite optimistic about its future in Oman too.

According to the Oxford Business Group’s latest report, Oman’s real estate sector has continued to grow in recent years, and despite the fall in oil prices, demand, particularly from the private sector, has helped fan development.

“Projects that target niches, such as high-end offices, units in integrated tourism complexes, shopping malls and gated communities are flourishing. The residential leasing market saw five consecutive quarters of stability to the second quarter of 2015, as steadily rising demand matched new projects coming into the market and the economy expanded at a steady pace,” the report added.

Meanwhile, talking about the ups and downs of rents depending on the market downturn and expatriates returning to home countries due to job losses, Paul said the global oil price dip did have an impact on the real-estate market, but however, well-

Times News Service

< FROM

under the influence of alcohol, the Royal Oman Police said

NOT ALLOWED: The fine for using a phone while driving is cur-

rently OMR35, a spokesperson of the ROP said.

MUSCAT: Using a phone while driving poses a greater danger than being under the influence of alcohol, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) said in a statement.

“Studies indicate that the probability of an accident happening is greater with a driver, who uses a phone while driving, than with someone under the influence of al-

cohol,” the ROP said. It also noted that talking on the phone is four times as dangerous as being under the influence of alcohol.

ROP said, based on research, drivers who are disturbed are the most prone to accidents. Using a mobile phone disturbs drivers, distracts the mind and prevents drivers from focusing on the road.

According to ROP, the number of drivers who use a mobile phone

while driving is “high” in the Sultanate, although ROP said it did not have specific statistics on the number of accidents occurring as a result of the use of mobile phones.

“From our daily experience, we know that the mobile phone causes several traffic accidents,” the statement said. “We see for example a bus driver, carrying around 50 passengers, students, or tourists, driving fast while using

AWA R E N E S S C A M PA I G N

C O M B AT I N G D RUG S

SAI Group celebrates ‘World Autism Awareness Day 2016’ Times News Service

These include a communal swimming pool, separate children’s swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and children’s play area with outdoor equipment Faisal Durrani Head of research at Cluttons

maintained properties have not been affected.

Cluttons’ Muscat Winter Market report 2015-2016 said the volume of tenant requirements has continued to hold steady, with demand remaining centred on what is perceived to be high quality, well managed properties.

“While average rents may be dipping across many parts of the city, buildings that are managed well and maintained up to a high standard are highly sought and rents in such schemes is either holding steady or creeping upwards,” the report added.

Muscat: “Never ever underestimate your child. They have the potential and strength which is beyond our imagination. Give them all the inputs you can. They are the precious gems that the Almighty has given us as gifts. Let’s preserve, protect and mould them and give them our best so that they’ll shine as they are meant to.”

These words of Sajna, mother of an autistic child, spoken on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) 2016 celebrated by SAI Group, Oman at Indian School Ghubra summed up the essence and spirit of the colourful three hour variety entertainment programme showcased on the day.

April 2 is observed as World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations with an intention to spread awareness about autism and promote early intervention and therapies.

Ban Ki-Moon’s message Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations has stated, in his message on the eve of WAAD 2016, “While persons with autism naturally have a wide range of abilities and different areas of interest, they all share the capacity for making our world a better place.”

A SAI group volunteer concurs

his right hand to drive and his left hand to call, not being aware what to do in case of an emergency.”

The fine for using a phone while driving is currently OMR35, a spokesperson of the ROP said.

The Times of Oman had reported in January, the discussions held by officials to introduce in tougher punishments under Traffic Law, for using a mobile phone while driving, including a jail sentence of between one month and two years and a fine of OMR300. However, these regulations have not yet been ratified yet.

“The amendments in the Traffic Law have not been ratified yet, but it is expected that punishments for some violations will increase,” a spokesperson of ROP said.

Although fines help in putting a limit to this habit, awareness among drivers will “definitely” contribute to putting an end to the habit, the ROP noted.

“It is not possible to have a police patrol behind every vehicle, while hundreds of drivers are using their phones while driving.

They cannot be stopped by police officers occupied with monitoring and directing the flow of traffic,” ROP said. The statement concluded that the focus has to be on awareness to put an end to the loss of lives on the roads.

VARIETY ENTERTAINMENT: April 2 is observed as World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations with an intention to spread awareness about autism. — Supplied picture

with this and says, “This precisely has been the experience of all of us at SCG (Special Children Group) family for the last seven years.”

SCG is a team of committed, like minded people from the SAI group who are involved in extending support to children on autism spectrum disorders and their parents through regular interaction and organising specialist-conducted seminars.

The absorbing three hour cultural programme witnessed a multitude of colourful performances enacted by the special children.

Mohamed Salim Al Busaidy, member of Shura Council, was the Chief Guest of the event. Lamees Abbas Al Bahrani, Assitant

Director General at MoE with the Directorate General for Education Programmes for Special Education and Continuous Learning Affairs was the Guest of Honour.

The other dignitaries who attended included Dr Amira Al Raidaan, Head of the Department, Mental Health Department of Non Communicable Diseases Surveillance & Control, Siddiqa Al Lawati, Director, Directorate General of International Schools, MoE, Muna Majeed Al Lawati, Head, Dept of Special Education, MoE, Michelle Ni Thogda, Chief Supervisor, Department of English, MoE, Tariq Jawad Al Khabori, Oman Disabled Divers Association. Uma Ramani welcomed the gathering seated at the colourful ISG auditorium.

Drug trafficking issues briefed to delegation MUSCAT: Issa bin Hamad Al Azri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice received in his office on Monday a delegation of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in Vienna, currently visiting the Sultanate.

The two sides reviewed the current status of drug trafficking and administration, as well as the Sultanate’s efforts in combating drugs and psychotropic substances.

Al Azri gave a briefing for the visiting delegation on the efforts being exerted by the National Committee for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and concerned authorities in the Sultanate in the fields of prevention, control and rehabilitation.

The INCB visit comes to discuss measures of regulatory monitoring applied on import and distribution of narcotics, in addition to familiarising with the achievements made in the areas of prevention from narcotics and combating illegal trafficking.

The visiting delegation includes Major-General Ahmed Kamal Al Din Al Samak, member of the Counter Narcotics Trust Fund, member of the Committee of National Strategic Planning for Drug Control, member of the INCB in Vienna and Hanifa Rabani, Head of Psychotropic Substances Division at INCB in Vienna. — ONA

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

A7

OMAN Oman, Belarus to boost education cooperation reviewed aspects of joint cooperation

Times News Service

Inspection campaigns Abdullah bin Awadh Al Abri, director of the joint inspection team in the Governorate of Al Dhahirah said “we conduct inspection campaigns on all establishments to ensure they adhere to the labour law and related executive ministerial decisions.

between the two countries and ways of developing them, within the memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides during the visit of the Omani delegation to the Republic of Belarus

BILATERAL MEETING: Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education received in her Office on Monday Mihail Zhuravkov, Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus and his accompanying delegation currently visiting the Sultanate. – ONA

MUSCAT: Oman and Belarus reviewed bilateral educational ties on Monday when Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education received in her Office on Monday Mihail Zhuravkov, Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus and his accompanying delegation currently visiting the Sultanate.

The two sides reviewed aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries and ways of developing them, within the memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides during the visit of the Omani delegation to the Republic of Belarus.

Dr. Al Shaibaniyah affirmed the Sultanate’s keenness on activating the memorandum of un-

derstanding in the educational aspects as to enhance joint action between the two countries, pointing out to the existence of an initiative to write stories by children of the Sultanate and Belarus to familiarise Belarusian students with Omani symbols and Omani students with Belarusian symbols.

The Belarusian guest expressed his happiness to visit the Sultanate and to learn about the programs and activities of the Ministry of Education, which are similar in many aspects with those programmes and activities implemented by the Ministry of Education in Belarus, pointing out that he will study the call made by Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed

Al Shaibaniyah to participate in the special program of dialogue of cultures.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Massouma bint Habib Al Ajmiya, Advisor to the Minister of Education for the Development of linguistic Performance, Mohammed bin Sulyem Al Yaqoubi, Secretary of Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Dr. Sana bint Sabil Al Balushiya, Director General of the National Centre for Vocational Guidance, in-Charge of the Specialised Center for Teachers’ Vocational Training, and Sulaiman bin Saif Al Kindi, Director General of the Directorate General of Information Technology.

College visit The Minister of Education of Belarus and his accompanying delegation also visited the Higher College of Technology today.

The guest was received by Dr. Abdul Hakeem bin Hilal Al Ismaili, Director General of Technical Education in the presence of Dr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Ambusaidi, Dean of the College.

The two sides touched on aspects of cooperation between the College and the Ministry of Education of Belarus in the technical field and means of enhancing them. The guest and his accompanying delegation were briefed on the march of technical education in the Sultanate and the study system at technology colleges. -ONA

SECOND IN SOHAR

Seawater pumping station opened construction of the new station.

He said that the project estimated construction area is about 7,869 sqm , and the total capacity of the new plant is 400,000 cubic meters per hour to meet the needs of Sohar Refinery Expansion Project, Liwa for Plastics with up to 127,000 cubic meters per hour.

He added that the project meets the needs of Shinas Station for Power Generation with 120,000 cubic meters per hour, the Gulf of Oman Desalination Company with 20,000 cubic meters per hour and Majis Industrial Services with 26,000 cubic meters per hour.

Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs launched the station and toured it. He was briefed on the work mechanism of the station, the technological, technical and mechanical aspects used in the plant. -ONA

NEW PLANT: Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs

launched the station and toured it. – ONA

NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD

Justice undersecretary receives INCB delegation

STATUS REVIEW: The two sides reviewed the current status of drug trafficking and administration,

as well as the Sultanate’s efforts in combating drugs and psychotropic substances. – ONA

MUSCAT: Issa bin Hamad Al Azri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice received in his office today a delegation of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in Vienna, currently visiting the Sultanate.

The two sides reviewed the current status of drug trafficking and administration, as well as the Sultanate’s efforts in combating drugs and psychotropic substances. Al Azri gave a briefing for the

98 expatriate workers arrested, 72 deported MUSCAT: A total of 98 expatriate workers including 56 who were absconding were arrested in March for violating provisions of the labour law, according to official sources.

The two sides

SOHAR: Second Seawater Pumping Station opened on Monday at Sohar Industrial Port under the auspices of Mohammed bin Salim Al Toobi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs in the presence of Sheikh Muhanna bin Saif Al Lamki, Governor of North Al Batinah.

Eng. Ahmed bin Saif Al Mazroai, CEO of Majis Industrial Services Company gave a speech in which he referred to the importance of this plant in the industrial and economic side, pointing out that the station will pump water to provide the companies and factories operating in the Sohar Industrial Port, particularly the expansion of Sohar Refinery.

Dr. Salim bin Ali Al Ma’amari, Director of Projects at Majis Industrial Services Company gave a presentation on the stages of

CRIME

visiting delegation on the efforts being exerted by the National Committee for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and concerned authorities in the Sultanate in the fields of prevention, control and rehabilitation.

The INCB visit comes to discuss measures of regulatory monitoring applied on import and distribution of narcotics, in addition to familiarising with the achievements made in the areas

of prevention from narcotics and combating illegal trafficking.

The visiting delegation includes Major-General Ahmed Kamal Al Din Al Samak, member of the Counter Narcotics Trust Fund, member of the Committee of National Strategic Planning for Drug Control, member of the INCB in Vienna and Hanifa Rabani, Head of Psychotropic Substances Division at INCB in Vienna. -ONA

The 98 expatriate workers arrested included 18 in the contracting sector, 52 in commercial activities, 25 farmers and three domestic workers , he added. Seventy-two workers were deported Compliance Directorate General of Manpower in the Governorate of Al Dhahirah, represented by the joint inspection team conducts inspection campaigns on the private sector establishments and workers at the workplaces to ensure that the private sector establishments comply with the provisions of the Labour Law and the HSE laws.

A8

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

REGION 25 killed, 60 hurt in suicide attacks, shelling across Iraq US-led coalition aircraft destroyed the Turkish consulate compound in Mosul occupied by IS group militants since June 2014, said Turkish Foreign Ministry

BAGHDAD/ANKARA: About 25 people were killed on Monday across Iraq, most of them in suicide attacks targeting members of militias and military forces, security officials said.

IS, which controls territory in northern and western Iraq, claimed several of the attacks on statements on its Amaq news agency. More than 60 people were wounded.

A suicide car bomb blew up in the centre of Basra, the largest city in Iraq, killing five people, and another targeted a convoy of the Popular Mobilization Force (PMF), a coalition of militias, killing five, in the town of Mashahdeh, north of Baghdad.

People wearing suicide belts blew themselves up at a military checkpoint in the north of Baghdad, killing five, and in the middle of a crowd of PMF outside a

DESTROYED: A fireman stands at the scene of a car bomb attack in Basra on Monday. IS, which controls territory in northern and western Iraq, claimed several of the attacks on statements on its Amaq news agency. – Reuters

restaurant in the southern city of Nassiriya, killing four. Two members of the government’s security forces were killed in suicide car bombs in the province of Al Anbar, west of Baghdad, and a third

was killed south of Baghdad by an explosive device, local security sources said. Two people were also killed when mortar rounds hit the district of Abu Ghraib, west of the capital, they said.

Meanwhile, aircraft from a US-led coalition on Monday destroyed the Turkish consulate compound in Mosul in northern Iraq which has been occupied by IS militants since June 2014, the

Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

It said in a written statement that Turkey’s views had been sought and its approval given for the air strikes, which were carried out at 3:00am. — Reuters

STUDENT’S MURDER

Egyptian investigators postpone Rome visit CAIRO: Egyptian officials have indefinitely postponed a trip to Rome to discuss the investigation into the murder of an Italian student whose body was dumped on the outskirts of Cairo in February, judicial and security sources said on Monday.

Human rights groups have said torture marks on the body of Giulio Regeni, 28, indicated he died at hands of Egyptian security forces, an allegation the Cairo government denies. The case has raised fresh questions about accusations of police brutality in Egypt, a strategic ally of the West and an important trade partner for Rome.

Egyptian officials were initially due in Italy on April 5 and later postponed the trip to April 7 but have now put it off again. The security and judicial sources did not provide a reason for the decision.

A senior Egyptian interior ministry official told Reuters the investigation concluded that Regeni - who was researching the rise of independent trade unions in Egypt - was being watched by security services but that it did not mean that they killed him as suspected by human rights groups.

On March 25 Egyptian police said they had discovered Regeni’s bag and passport following a shootout with a criminal gang whose members had posed as policemen. Italian officials dismissed the story and Regeni’s family said it was clear Regeni had not been killed for criminal gain. The case has caused friction between Egypt and Italy, though it is unlikely to lead to a permanent rift. — Reuters

ARCHAEOLOGY FINDS

Ancient ruins from Byzantine period discovered in Gaza GAZA: Construction workers in Gaza have discovered ancient ruins that archaeologists say may be part of a Byzantine church dating from around 1,500 years ago, the Palestinian tourism and antiquities ministry said on Monday.

The findings include segments of marble pillars with ornate Corinthian capitals, one nearly three metres (yards) long, and a 90 cm (35 inch) foundation stone bearing a Greek symbol for Christ. Fifteen pieces have been uncovered, with excavations continuing. “Our first thought is that the site is a cathedral or a church from the Byzantine period,” said Jamal Abu Rida, the general director of the antiquities ministry.

“During that era, there was a great interest among the Byzan-

tine rulers to build churches in the Gaza Strip.”

Gaza was a prosperous seaport during the Roman period, with a diverse population of Greeks, Romans, Jews, Egyptians and Persians. Pagan temples were destroyed in the late 4th and early 5th centuries AD and there was widespread church-building.

That continued until the general Amr Ibn Al As conquered Gaza in 637 AD. “I dare say the place is of historical value,” said Abu Rida, estimating the ruins to date from somewhere between 395 and the late 600s AD. Dozens of onlookers watched on Monday as a bulldozer and a digger continued to shift earth in Palestine Square, a busy shop-

ping district in downtown Gaza.

Bystanders used their phones to take pictures and video of the archaeological pieces laid out next to the digging site. The discovery was first made on Saturday, as construction workers prepared the ground for a shopping centre. The antiquities ministry was called in and immediately uncovered three large pieces. Then a dozen more were found.

Abu Rida said the preparation for a shopping centre may have to be halted should excavations lead to the discovery of more pieces.

Construction workers showed no sign of stopping on Monday, with diggers shifting huge mounds of earth. “Our mission is to preserve our Palestinian history,” said Abu

Rida. Over the millennia, Gaza has served as a trading post for Egyptians, Philistines, Romans and Crusaders. There are ruins from Alexander the Great’s siege of the city and the arrival of the armies some 1,400 years ago.

Several discoveries have been made in recent years but a lack of funding and skills has hindered the ministry’s ability to excavate and preserve the findings, Abu Rida said. His ministry employs just 40 excavation workers.

“The site we are talking about is 2,000 square metres and 10 metres deep and requires hundreds of workers and millions of dollars to carry out proper excavation to extract pieces and read the texts written on them,” he said. — Reuters

REMNANTS OF HISTORICAL VALUE: A man walks past ancient

ruins in Gaza City on Monday. – Reuters

I R A N I A N L AW

Air France allows crew to opt out of Tehran route over headscarf TO ADVERTISE Call: 24726666

PARIS/BERLIN: Air France said it would allow female cabin crew and pilots to opt out of flying routes to Tehran after some staff said they did not want to be forced to cover their hair when in Iran.

Air France, part of the FrancoDutch group Air France-KLM, is preparing to restart flights to Tehran from April 17 after an eightyear hiatus due to sanctions.

After a meeting between Air France management and unions on Monday, the French carrier said it would offer female staff the choice of opting out of the flights.

Under Iranian law, women must cover their hair in public places. Unions had raised concerns over an Air France ruling obliging female crew to wear a headscarf on leaving a plane.

The debate on the wearing of headscarves and other religious symbols in public is particularly heated in France, which attaches importance to the separation of state and religious institutions.

Obligation “This obligation does not apply during the flight and is respected by all international airlines serving the Republic of Iran,” Air France said in a statement on Monday. A spokeswoman for British Airways, part of International Consolidated Airlines Group, which is planning to restart flights to Iran from Heathrow on July 14, said it would make recommenda-

Italian prime minister to visit Iran next week ROME:: Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will visit Iran next week, his office said on Monday, three months after the Iranian president came to Europe to rebuild ties as years of economic sanctions ended.

The two sides signed business deals worth billions of dollars during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit in January, and Renzi said then that they were only the beginning of future cooperation. Europe countries and businesses are eager to establish trade ties with the $400 billion economy, which rejoined the global trading system in January following a deal to lift crippling sanctions in exchange for limit-

tions to its crew nearer the time.

Germany’s Lufthansa, which continued to fly to Tehran throughout the sanctions, said it had not experienced any problems and that crew followed the

Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. – AFP

ing its nuclear ambitions.

Italian companies have all signed deals with various Iranian companies. Fashion house Roberto Cavalli and leather firm Piquadro have opened shops in the capital Tehran. Renzi’s office said he would be in Iran on April 12 and 13. — Reuters

rules to cover up when in public spaces. Nicoley Baublies, head of Lufthansa’s main cabin crew union, said some crew members had raised concerns, but not to the extent seen at Air France. — Reuters

A10

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

INDIA

The government is committed to detecting and preventing the generation of black money. In this context the expose of Panama Papers will further help the government in meeting the objective Finance Ministry

BLACK MONEY TRAIL

Government sets up multi-agency probe team on ‘Panama Papers’ expose NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday ordered a multi-agency probe team on the global expose by International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), dubbed the “Panama Papers”, which found over 500 Indians also had alleged offshore links.

“A multi-agency group is being formed to monitor the black money trail,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here after the expose was published in The Indian Express. “Details of the assets worth Rs6,500 crore (Rs 6.5 billion) has already been found,” he added.

As per a statement issued by his ministry, the probe team will comprise officers from the Central Board of Direct Taxes’ Financial Intelligence Unit, its Tax Research Unit as also officials from the Reserve Bank of India.

Monitor “The group will monitor the flow of information in each one of the case. The government will take all the necessary actions as required to get maximum information from all sources including from foreign

governments to help in the investigation process,” the statement added. The journalists’ consortium had said late on Sunday that its members and more than 100 other news organisations around the globe have found offshore links of some of the planet’s most prominent people.

The list included over 500 Indians. The details of the Indians with such offshore funds were published in The Indian Express.

But whether or not such funds exist, and also if they were illegal is what the probe team ordered by Modi is expected to look into.

“In terms of size, the Panama Papers is likely the biggest leak of inside information in history — more than 11.5 million documents — and it is equally likely to be one of the most explosive in the nature of its revelations,” the consortium said of its investigation published.

In the context of the commitment of the central government to bring out undisclosed money both from abroad and from within the country, information brought out by any investigative journalism was welcome, the finance ministry

credit in the undisclosed foreign accounts of such Indian persons in excess of Rs2,000 crores.”

SPELLING OUT: Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Arun Jaitley briefing the media, in New Delhi on Monday. - PTI

said. The ministry said in the past too, based on the investigations

by ICIJ in 2013 — that showed the links of 700 Indians with business connection with off-shore entities — the agencies of the government were able to identify 434 persons as Indian residents.

It also said 184 persons admitted their relationship with such off-shore entities/transactions.

“Although, in the previous report of ICIJ, information relating to financial transactions/bank accounts was not available, the government authorities have detected

Committed As a consequence, 52 prosecution complaints have been filed against the alleged offenders so far.

“The government is committed to detecting and preventing the generation of black money. In this context the expose of Panama Papers will further help the government in meeting the objective,” the finance ministry added.

The government expressed concern that tax havens were making countries like India suffer tax losses.

“The recent initiative of ‘Base Erosion’ and ‘Profit Shifting’ (BEPS) will help India and other countries in checking the practice of tax-avoidance through such tax havens. India is also fully committed to the BEPS initiative.”

In India, The Indian Express ran several pages of the investigation reports alleging, among other names, Bollywood superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, being directors in companies

Mehbooba sworn in as J&K’s first woman chief minister MLAs while two other independents are supporting the coalition.

Mehbooba took the oath of office and secrecy in Urdu followed by BJP’s Nirmal Singh, who will again be the deputy chief minister in the new PDP-BJP government formed

SWEARING IN CEREMONY: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N. N. Vohra administering oath of office to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti at Raj Bhawan in Jammu on Monday. - PTI

three months after the state was put under Governor’s rule

JAMMU: Indian-administeredKashmir got its first woman chief minister on Monday in Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti who was sworn-in here along with 22 ministers, with an increased strength for BJP in the Cabinet.

Dressed in black, 56-year-old Mehbooba took the oath of office and secrecy in Urdu followed

by BJP’s Nirmal Singh, who will again be the deputy chief minister in the new PDP-BJP government formed three months after the state was put under Governor’s rule following the demise of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Governor N. N. Vohra also administered the oath to 21 other ministers. BJP’s share increased this time in the Cabinet from six to eight berths and three minis-

ters of state (MoS) while PDP has nine cabinet ministers instead of 11 last time.

Mehbooba’s party has got three MoS berths, same as the last time.

In the last government, BJP had a total of 11 ministers — six in cabinet, three MoS and two with independent charge.

Sajjad Gani Lone, son of late separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone, remained in the cabinet in the BJP quota. PDP has dropped Altaf Bukhari and Javed Mustafa from the ministry.

Former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar, Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Jitendra Singh were among the host of VIPs present at the function held at Raj Bhavan.

Boycotted ceremony However, PDP MP Tariq Hamid Karra and Congress boycotted the ceremony. BJP promoted Chering Dorje and Abdul Gani Kohli as cabinet ministers.

They were ministers of state with independent charge in the

Sayeed-led government. The saffron party has Prakash Kumar and Shyam Lal Chowdhury among the new faces in the cabinet.

BJP leader Sukhnandan was dropped from the list of ministers besides minister of state Pawan Gupta, an independent MLA from Udhampur, who has been replaced by Ajay Nanda. Law Minister in the Sayeed’s ministry, Basharat Bukhari of PDP, took oath in Kashmiri again this year.

Mehbooba assuming office as 13th chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir is a landmark event in the history of the state and the country. She is the first woman to head the state and the second Muslim woman to become the chief minister of any state in India.

Syeda Anwara Taimur was the first Muslim woman chief minister in Assam in 1980 and continued to hold the chair till June 30, 1981. The new government has also retained two woman ministers from the earlier coalition — Priya Seth (BJP) and Asiya Nakash (PDP). Apart from Nirmal

Singh, who will lead the BJP flock in the coalition, Chandra Prakash, Bali Bhagat, Lal Singh, Dorje, Abdul Gani Kolhi, Ajay Handa, Sunil Kumar Sharma are also a part of the new government.

From the PDP’s side, Ghulam Nabi Lone, Abdul Rehman Veeri Abdul Haq Khan, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari, Haseeb Drabu, Syed Naeem Akhtar Andrabi and Zahoor Ahmad Mir were sworn in as ministers.

The ceremony had ministers taking oath in different languages.

The two parties came together last year with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed heading the government for 10 months till his death on January 7. Mehbooba, who is presently a member of Lok Sabha, will have to resign from her parliamentary seat and will get six months to secure membership of one of the two houses of the state legislature. The PDP-BJP coalition has 56 MLAs in the 87-member Assembly. The PDP has 27 members while BJP has 25.

Peoples’ Conference has two

Revival The revival of the PDP-BJP coalition government in the state — after three months of stalemate — became possible after several rounds of hectic negotiations between the two parties and apparent intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Following Sayeed’s death, Governor’s Rule was imposed in the state as the PDP and the BJP did not stake fresh claim for government formation in the state.

Initially, the two parties maintained that Mehbooba was not in a position to take over the reins of the state as she was mourning her father’s death.

However, after the mourning period was over, the PDP said it was looking for assurances and confidence building measures from the Centre on implementation of Agenda of Alliance — common minimum programme of the two parties — before forming the new government.

Hopes of ending the deadlock were raised when BJP general secretary Ram Madhav arrived in Srinagar in a chartered plane to meet Mehbooba Mufti late in the evening on February 17 but nothing came out of the hour-long meeting. The next high level contact between the two parties came on March 19 when Mehbooba met BJP president Amit Shah.

Again the two parties failed to resolve the issues, forcing the BJP to publicly admit for the first time that no headway could be made on government formation. However, to everyone’s surprise, the PDP president went to meet the prime minister three days later and decks were cleared for the formation of the government. - PTI

in Panama. The two did not immediately respond despite efforts to contact them.

Aishwarya Rai’s media adviser told the newspaper that the information was false.

The spokesperson for Aishwarya Rai said “no” when IANS asked her if she intended to issue a statement. Among those named in the report were Sameer Gehlaut of India Bulls and K.P. Singh of DLF. Vinod Adani, elder brother of industrialist Gautam Adani, politician Shishir Bajoria from West Bengal and Anurag Kejriwal of Loksatta Party were also alleged to have set up companies in tax havens.

Bajoria told the paper that that “erroneous beneficial owner information” was given by mistake.

The Express said it had carried out the investigations spread over eight months with several global newspapers.

Many of the other persons named in the Express reports responded, some denying while others maintaining that they had worked within the laws of the country. - IANS B I O M E T R I C D ATA

Enrolment of Aadhaar crosses 1b mark: Prasad NEW DELHI: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has generated more than 100 crore (one billion) Aadhaar numbers in a span of five and a half years, Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said here on Monday.

“More than 100 crore residents in India are now registered under Aadhaar identity...It is an instrument for good governance. Aadhaar is a mode to reach the poor and needy without the middlemen,” he said at a press meet.

The first Aadhaar was issued in 2010 and now its coverage is now at 93 per cent among adults, 67 in children in the 5-18 age group and 20 per cent of those aged zero to 5.

In 13 states and union territories, Aadhaar saturation has crossed 90 per cent, while in 13 others, it is between 75-90 per cent.

“Aadhaar crossing the 100-crore mark is indeed a momentous occasion. This along with the recently notified Aadhaar Act will give a boost to the government’s initiative of bringing a systematic change in the way services, subsidies and benefits will be directly delivered to the deserving masses.

“Every day, more than 500,000700,000 people get enrolled for Aadhaar. It is now the largest online digital identity platform in the world,” said Prasad.

Stressing privacy has been given outmost importance while enrolling for Aadhaar, he said: “Aadhaar data is very secured. Privacy is protected in a reasonable, fair and objective manner.”

So far 25.48 crore bank accounts, over 71 per cent cooking gas connections and over 45 per cent ration cards are linked with the identification programme.

The UIDAI authenticates over 4 million transactions per day. - IANS

RANKING

JNU, HCU among top central varsities, IIT-Madras first in tech institutes NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru University and Hyderabad university, which have been at the centre of massive rows recently, top the list of central varsities while IITMadras and IIM-Bangalore lead among technological and management institutions, according to the first ever domestic ranking released on Monday by government.

In the technological institutions category, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai is placed second, followed by IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur.

Manipal College of Pharmacy is ahead of others in the category of Pharmacy education.

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) covering 3,500 different institutes in four different categories was released by Human Resource Development minister Smriti Irani.

In the universities category, the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (which is a deemed University) is rated as the top-

ranked institute followed by Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai.

Controversial event Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, which has been at the centre of a major row over a controversial event and the arrest of its student union President Kanhaiya Kumar, is ahead of all other central universities while Central University of Hyderabad, which has been rocked by protests after the suicide of Rohith Vemula, is placed fourth.

Significantly, perception among students, alumni, parents, employees and public was one of the key parameters on which these institutes were ranked by a committee of experts. Teaching and learning resources, graduation outcomes, research etc being other factors.

Among the management institutes, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore leads the pack followed by IIM Ahmedabad,

IIM Kolkata and IIM Lucknow.

Later speaking to reporters, Irani said the effort is to make this ranking system an annual affair and more categories will be added so that students can know about an institute before taking admission.

In the Universities category, Tezpur University, which recently won President’s award is placed fifth, University of Delhi is sixth, BHU, Varanasi is seventh.

Thiruvanathapuram based Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology is eighth while Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani stands 9th while Aligarh Muslim University stands tenth. In the engineering institutes category, all the ten places are occupied by IITs with IIT, Roorkee placed sixth, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad seventh, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, eighth.

IIT Ropar-Rupnagar is ninth and IIT Patna is placed tenth.

In management category, pre-

dictably IIMs hog top six slots with IIM Bangalore, followed by IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Udaipur and IIM Kozhikode.

IIM, New Delhi, is the highest ranked among other institution at 7 place with Indian Institute of Forest Management ranked 8, Department of Mangement Studies, IIT Kanpur (rank 9) and IIM Indore(rank 10). In the pharmaceutical institutes category, University institute of pharmaceutical sciences, Chandigarh is placed second, Jamia Hamdard, third, Poona College of Pharmacy, Erandwane, fourth, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University fifth while Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai is sixth.

Birla Institute of technology, Ranchi is placed 7th in this category while Amrita School of Pharmacy, Kochi is 8th and JSS college of Pharmacy, Ootacamund is ninth while JSS college of Pharmacy, Mysuru is placed 10th. - PTI

MAKING A POINT: The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) covering 3,500 different institutes in four different categories was released by HRD minister Smriti Irani. - PTI file photo

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

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POLITICAL CRISIS

Uttarakhand HC to hear pleas on imposition of President’s rule on April 6 DEHRADUN/NAINITAL: Congress and BJP are anxiously awaiting the High Court’s decision on two major petitions related to imposition of President’s rule in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand which would be heard on Thursday even as they work to keep their flock together.

A division bench of the high court would resume hearing on the Centre’s petition challenging the single bench’s order asking deposed chief minister Harish Rawat to go for a floor test in the state assembly and the one filed by Rawat against the order allowing disqualified rebel Congress MLAs to vote during the floor test.

The single bench’s order has been put in abeyance pending con-

clusion of hearing on these two petitions.

While the Centre has challenged the single bench order on the plea that a floor test in the state assembly cannot be ordered when the President’s rule is in force, Rawat has sought review of the single bench’s order questioning the constitutionality of disqualified rebel Congress MLAs being allowed to vote during a floor test.

While the Union of India is being represented by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, senior Supreme Court Lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi are arguing it on behalf of Rawat.

These two petitions and another filed by Rawat through Sibal challenging promulgation of an ordi-

nance by the Centre on an appropriation bill on the state’s annual budget are to be heard by the division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice K. M. Joseph and Justice V. K. Bisht.

Allegation of horse-trading Meanwhile, the two main political parties are trying hard to keep the MLAs together amid allegations of horse-trading.

Congress sent at least 19 of its MLAs to a resort in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh and six of its nine rebel legislators, who aligned with the BJP, are in Delhi.

No one in the Congress circles here seems to have a clue about where the rebels are putting up in Delhi as apparently BJP wants to

ensure that they steer clear of any coaxing or cajoling or divisive tactics of the rival camp.

With nine rebel MLAs breaking away, Congress is left with 27 MLAs of its own and is supported by the six-member Progressive Democratic Front which take its number to 33 in the 70-member state assembly.

The BJP on the other hand has 27 MLAs of its own and nine rebels of the Congress who have been disqualified by the Speaker but have gone to court challenging validity of his action on the ground that it came after imposition of President’s rule which puts the assembly under suspended animation.

However, their petition is to be heard by the court on April 11. - PTI

BRIEFING: Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat ad-

dressing press at his house in Dehradun on Monday. — PTI

West Bengal, Assam record high voter trunout in polls Voting in 18 of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal and 65 of the 126 seats in Assam was ‘by and large peaceful’ with no reports of

EXERCISING FRANCHISE: Voters stand in queues to cast their votes at a polling booth during the first phase of West Bengal assembly

election in Bankura district on Monday, right, at Gormur polling booth in Jorhat district in Assam on Monday. - PTI

violence-related death or injury

KOLKATA/GUWAHATI: The first phase of Assembly polls in West Bengal and Assam on Monday passed off peacefully, with a high voter turnout of 81 and 78.06 per cent respectively in the two states.

Voting in 18 of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal and 65 of the 126 seats in Assam was “by and large peaceful” with no reports of violence-related death or injury, Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters in Delhi. Responding to questions, he said a total of 16 complaints related to rigging, denial of vote and late start of polling were received.

Polling in the two states was held amid tight security, including large-scale presence of central para-military forces and aerial surveillance by helicopter-borne personnel in West Bengal.

In West Bengal, where Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress is making a determined bid for a second successive term, heavy voter turnout was recorded with

an estimated 81 per cent of 40.09 lakh electors casting their ballots.

Most of these constituencies are in areas where Maoists held sway before TMC came to power and neutralised them.

In 13 seats of tribal Jangalmahal area earlier affected by Maoist violence, polling concluded at 4pm as scheduled due to security considerations. In the remaining five seats of Purulia, Manbazar, Kashipur, Para and Raghunathpur it went on till 6pm.

Mamata’s TMC, which contested the last Assembly polls in alliance with the Congress, is pitted this time against foe-turnedfriends Congress-Left combine, besides the BJP, which is seeking to make inroads into the politically volatile eastern state.

In Assam, where Congress under Tarun Gogoi is seeking a fourth straight term, an estimated 78.06 per cent of little over 95.11 lakh voters cast their ballots.

There were no reports of violence from any of the 65 of the 126 constituencies where polling was held in the first phase.

Seeking to capitalise on antiincumbency factor and a host of contentious issues, including the divisive debate on “national-

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ism”, BJP has tied up with former chief minister Prafulla Mahanta’s Asom Gana Parishad and Bodo People’s Front in its bid to dislodge the Congress from power in the northeastern state.

Illegal Bangladeshi infiltration is a major electoral and social issue in Assam and the party had sought to exploit it to the hilt during electioneering.

The fate of several prominent Congress candidates, including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi from Titabor and Speaker of the outgoing Assembly Pranab Gogoi from Sibsagar will be decided in the first phase. Among others whose constituencies went to poll on Monday include BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal from Majuli and the party’s Lok Sabha member from Jorhat Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, who is crossing swords with Tarun Gogoi in Titabor.

AIDUF of Dhubri MP Badruddin Ajmal, which has emerged as

a force to reckon with in the state is the last several years, with the backing of Bangladeshi migrants, has also fielded candidates in 27 of the 65 constituencies.

Congress is contesting all 65 seats in the first phase, BJP 54, its alliance partners AGP 11 and BPF three. CPI and CPI-M have put up candidates in 10 seats each and CPI-ML (L) in six.

Ruling parties and the opposition in the two states voiced confidence about their victory in the polls. West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress expressed satisfaction over the huge turnout and said it was indicative of the ‘silent revolution’ that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had ushered in the state through development.

“The huge turnout in the first part of the first phase proves the silent revolution that Mamata Banerjee has brought in through massive developmental work in the junglemahal in the last five years,” state pancahayat minister Subrata Mukherjee said.

The Left front too voiced satisfaction over the voting, saying election was “more or less free and fair”. Leader of Opposition and CPI(M) state secretary Surya Kanta Mishra in a tweet said the

people have given a clear message about ousting the TMC from power. “The people have given a clear message today’s first phase of d Polls - Ousting of d TMC from power is inevitable!!! #PeoplesPower,” Mishra tweeted.

In Guwahati, Gogoi voiced confidence that the people would reelect a Congress government.

“We are 100 per cent confident that people will vote for us.

We brought change, we proved it and people can see it. I also want change. Who wants to remain static? We (Congress) achieved change for the better, while AGP also achieved change but for the worse.

“Everyone knows what was the situation (15 years ago) when AGP was in power when they failed....

There was no development then, no employment,” Gogoi said as voting was in progress.

BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal said in Majuli, his constituency, that people were voting in the Assam Assembly elections for change.

“People want change for a free, clean and efficient government.

They want an administration that protects their culture too,” he said. -PTI

PILIBHIT ENCOUNTER

CBI court awards life sentence to 47 policemen LUCKNOW: A special CBI court on Monday sentenced 47 policemen to life imprisonment for killing 10 Sikh pilgrims in a fake encounter in Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh 25 years ago.

Special judge Lallu Singh had on April 1 held the policemen guilty of a “fake encounter”. On July 12, 1991, the policemen stopped a luxury bus filled with Sikh pilgrims and forced 10 passengers to get off.

A charge sheet said they were divided into groups, taken to different areas in a jungle and killed in “cold blood”. The policemen claimed the next day that 10 Khalistani terrorists had been killed.

They claimed that some of the Sikhs in the bus had criminal cases and were armed. The case dates back to 1991 when the state’s Terai region witnessed a surge in militancy-related incidents.

The CBI investigated the case on the orders of the Supreme Court and said the motive behind the killings was to earn awards and recognition for killing “terrorists”.

According to CBI, the bus was on its way to Pilibhit on July 12, when a police team stopped it at Kachlapul ghat.

Eleven Sikh men were allegedly dragged out of the vehicle.

The other passengers, including women and children, were taken to a gurdwara in Pilibhit while the men were made to sit in another vehicle. Late in the evening, additional force joined the police team and they divided the Sikh men into three groups. On the intervening night of July 12 and 13, the policemen gunned down the Sikh men in three encounters in the thickets falling under three different police station areas — Bilsanda, Niuria and Pooranpur — in Pilibhit.

The police then claimed that these men had criminal cases against them and claimed to have recovered arms and ammunition from their possession. - PTI

SAUDI ARABIA VISIT

‘PM’s inclusive development agenda has found resonance world over’ NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Monday used Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the conferment of its highest civilian honour on him by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to claim the government’s agenda of “inclusive development” has found resonance even in the Muslim world.

“This is a matter of pride for the entire nation. It illustrates that

the guiding principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ has resonated all over the world and is being widely appreciated,” Shah said in a statement, noting that the Saudi King is the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques.

He said Saudi Arabia is a very important nation in the geopolitics of the world and home to the holiest Islamic pilgrim centres.

“The importance of Saudi Arabia in the world’s cultural milieu is immense.”

He termed the honour bestowed on Modi as one more fitting recognition for the “progressive and dynamic foreign policy” of the National Democratic Alliance government under him.

“Modi has always believed that India’s diversity and harmony is its strength and will make India the leading economic superpower of the 21st century,” he said.

He called it a “historic visit with historic outcomes”.

“Comprehensive discussions on

broadening economic and peopleto-people ties will benefit not only India and Saudi Arabia but also the entire world,” he said.

Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia also illustrates the importance he attaches to relations with the West Asia as so many Indians live and work there, he said and referred to his trip to the workers’ residential complex where he shared snacks with them.

“This gesture has been uniformly hailed. He raised the issue of In-

dians serving sentences for minor offences and the Saudi government has agreed to look at these cases sympathetically and constitute a review mechanism with immediate effect,” Shah said.

Hailing the government’s foreign policy, he said it has led to record foreign investment coming to India and enhanced India’s prestige on the world stage.

Relations with existing friends have improved and, at the same time, avenues of cooperation with

other regions and nations have widened, he said.

“India has risen to the occasion and helped every Indian in duress be it in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen to name a few,” he said. - PTI

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READERS’ FORUM Japan needs to employ skilled foreign workers This refers to the report, “Death by overwork on the rise in Japan”, (April 3). This news is indeed sad and shows the miserable conditions in which the Japanese live. These circumstances have been known for a long time, however, to me the scale of the scenario was unknown.

As per my understanding, Japan needs a lot of workforce, however, as it has a poor population growth rate it would be a good idea to employ overseas workforce. On the contrary, for that even a sea of change in the country’s thinking is needed. This state of affairs shows why countries like Japan Scan this QR code and certain European countries need to to send letters to the open their job sectors for skilled expatriate Readers’ Forum, workers like the United States has done. containing not more than 200 words with — Muddasar Patel, Muscat

NOAH FELDMAN

After Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy handily won elections in 2015, speculation arose about how she would handle the ban. It seemed conceivable that she might go for outright defiance, taking it as an opportunity to challenge the former military leaders. But Suu Kyi decided not to go toe-to-toe with the regime’s remaining power brokers

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Fluid situation arises in Libya after drama he fluid, and dangerous situation in Libya needs to be clearly explained to everyone.

Not only are observers confused but so are policymakers. Stakeholders are asking themselves: What exactly is the UN-mandated Government of National Accord (GNA) doing in Tripoli? What is this perilous game unfolding? One must also ask: Why are mainstream newspapers not telling the true story? Because they are neophytes who don’t understand the complexity of the situation. They are spoon fed information and churn out reporting like stenographers that is as useless as can possible be. So far, the GNA has zero authority.

Let’s be clear: The GNA as per agreement is not in Libya: seven out of nine Presidential Council members, including GNA Prime Minister Fayyez Serraj, are in Tripoli trying to gain a foothold of governance. Their arrival, by Italian frigate, followed by a spate of reports about where Serraj and his cronies were exactly, fleeing back to Tunisia or elsewhere, is almost comical except it isn’t: The tragedy unfolding is over frozen money in the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) and the Central Bank of Libya (CBL). These Tripoli based Libya Dawn outfits still hold their own political agenda that has nothing to do with a new Libya.

The December 2015 Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) states that the House of Representatives (HoR) in Tobruk has to agree on the Presidential Council of the 9 UN chosen men which includes the UN selected Serraj. Then, according to the LPA document, Serraj is supposed to select - emphasis on select — the Cabinet of Ministers so to say THEN the GNA would be in place in Libya if all there that is. The confusing explanation process is intentionally provided to mislead and rush through the financial “freedom” of the LIA and the CBL which are headed by two dubious characters, Libyan Oil Company CEO Mustafa Sanallah and Sadiq El Kabir have both taken charge of their institutions as independent fiefdoms without the GNA, (which still doesn’t exist remember) actually saying anything about their moves. Talk about ungovernability! But wait a minute: Libyan UN Ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi says Hassan Bouhadi is the UN recognised head of the LIA. The fight over LIA is now complete and rife with competing interests. It is enough to send any stakeholder to the insane asylum. There’s more: Just with Panamagate hitting the UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron and his minions, it should be noted that

there are rumours that some privileged Brits are betting on the UN imposed GNA for personal reasons. Sanallah has deals with Glencore and Vitol to sell Libyan oil and pay nice commissions. Let’s note the US is potentially implicated too: Glencore is the company created by Marc Rich the man pardoned by the then outgoing president Bill Clinton.

Perhaps the press should be wondering about this unreported angle in this new age of compliance?

This farcical drama is creating a fluid situation in Libya. Factions, cities, militias continue declaring for or against UN-backed government. UN Ambassador to Libya Martin Kobler is saying ridiculously that there are four governments in Libya including IS in Sirte. And speaking of the extremists, Libya Grand Mufti Sadiq Ghariani “advised” Serraj and his representatives to leave the capital or face “grave consequences.” While this scandal unfolds, IS is finding time to hit a few oil facilities in Bayda.

Enter General Khalifa Haftar; the Libyan general who will take none of this rubbish. Libyan Petroleum Forces Guard Brigade 152 has bolted from Ibrahim Jidran to join Haftar. So much for those who ‘bought’ Jidran! To boot, regular armed forces commanders from eastern Libya and a number from the south and west, including Libyan national Army’s Colonel Idris Madi, Brigadier General Abdusssalam Al Hassi, and Zintani military leaders, gathered in Marj yesterday for discussions with Hafter and the army’s high command about the situation in the country since the arrival of the UN-endorsed Presidency Council in Tripoli.

Joining the meeting is Ali Gatrani and Cyrenaican (East Libya) tribal leaders, majors and members of the HoR in Tobruk. This is a critical moment of unity for the East and illustrates the coming push by the East to dominate the West and buck the UN imposed government. Hazardous to say the least! The centrifugal forces unleashed by misguided Western steps in Libya is opening the gates of hell in Libya. It is perhaps time to say goodbye to Libya as a unified state. To be sure, Haftar is meeting with HoR President Ageela Saleh in an aim to rally forces behind the HoR to ensure that commanders and units do not start working with the GNA nor the Presidency Council, nor Serraj until the HoR approves. Hell will likely freeze over before this outcome is likely. Haftar and his allies are seeing that outside interference is dominating the crisis in Tripoli and money isn’t the issue; Libyan pride is at stake and selfishness is tantamount to treason against the spirt of the Libyan peoples. - Exclusive to the Times of Oman

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES APRIL 2001 Seminar on investment opportunities MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will hold a seminar tomorrow on investment opportunities available in the economic sectors in Oman under the auspices of Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy, deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council. The symposium comes within the framework of the Sultanate’s hosting five-day meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) here from today. Several officials and academic in the Sultanate will address the event.

PICTOGRAPH

OMAN’S NON-OIL EXPORTS November - December 2015 (Million rials) November

214

December Total non-oil exports

215.5

Base metals and articles

51.7 57.2

November December Chemical products

38.1 54.4

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

1843: Queen Victoria proclaims Hong Kong a British crown colony.

1908: The Japanese Army reaches Yalu River as Russians retreat.

1919: Eamon de Valera becomes president of Ireland.

1955: Winston Churchill resigns as British prime minister.

Mineral products

31.2 22.9 Plastic and rubber products

29.2 20.6 Others

63.9 60.4 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

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PAKISTAN 55 killed as flash floods wreak havoc More isolated storms were expected in northern Pakistan as Yousuf Zia, a disaster management official in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said nearly 150 homes had been destroyed and tents and blankets were being distributed to the homeless

ISLAMABAD: Flash floods triggered by heavy rain in Pakistan have killed at least 55 people and rescuers were trying on Monday to help thousands of survivors including some cut off by a landslide in a mountain valley, officials said.

The weather system that brought the unusually heavy rain was expected to move northeast, towards northern India, although more isolated storms were expected in northern Pakistan, the Meteorological Department said.

Yousuf Zia, a disaster management official in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said nearly 150 homes had been destroyed and tents and blankets were being distributed to the homeless.

“There are 30 people stranded by a landslide in the Kohistan Valley where we have sent a helicopter to rescue them,” Zia said.

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Forty-seven people were killed and 37 injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zia said, while eight people were killed in Pakistaniadministered Kashmir, officials there said.

Landslides caused widespread damage to roads and communication infrastructure in the Pakistani side of Kashmir, they said.

Swat Valley One of the worst-affected districts was the Swat Valley, northwest of the capital, Islamabad, where 121 mm (4.76 inches) of rain fell on Sunday, the Meteorological Department said. — Reuters

DELUGE: Pakistani residents cross a flooded street following heavy rain on the outskirts of Peshawar on Monday. April 4, 2016. - AFP

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TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

GLOBAL EYE

JAPAN: Visitors row boats in a moat surrounding Edo Castle to admire full-bloom cherry blossoms in Tokyo on Monday. Viewing cherry blossoms is a national pastime and cultural event in Japan, where mil-

lions of people turn out to admire them annually. — AFP

CANADA: Buffy Sainte-Marie performs on stage at the 2016 Juno Awards in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on Sunday. — Reuters

GAZA: A picture taken from the sea on Monday shows the sun rising over Gaza City. — AFP

GERMANY: German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere, centre, watches a pickpocket drill by German federal police officers, front, at Ostbahnhof train station in Berlin, Germany on Monday. — Reuters

TAIWAN: A child holds a Hello Kitty balloon as thousands of people surnamed Yeh attend the annual Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, in Taoyuan, Taiwan on Monday. — Reuters

INDIA: A street vendor blows bubbles to attract customers in a public park in New Delhi, India, on Monday. — Reuters

COLORADO: A student prepares to search a classroom in a middle school for a shooter during an Active Shooter Response course of-

fered by TAC ONE Consulting in Denver, Colorado, US on Saturday. — Reuters

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 Over the next two weeks, the allies will test their commandand-control, communications, logistics and mobility procedures to address humanitarian and maritime security Philippine defence officials

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WORLD

Deal on migrants comes into effect Migrants sent back from Greece arrived in Turkey under EU-Turkey deal as rights groups and some European politicians have challenged the legality of the agreement

DIKILI (TURKEY/LESBOS (GREECE): The first migrants deported from Greek islands under a disputed EU-Turkey deal were shipped back to Turkey on Monday in a drive to shut down the main route by which a million people fleeing war and poverty crossed the Aegean Sea in the last year.

Under the pact criticised by refugee agencies and human rights campaigners, Ankara will take back all migrants and refugees who enter Greece illegally, including Syrians.

In return, the European Union will take in thousands of Syrian refugees directly from Turkey and reward it with more money, early visa-free travel and progress in its EU membership negotiations.

Two Turkish-flagged passenger boats carrying 131 mostly Pakistani migrants arrived from the island of Lesbos in the Turkish town of Dikili early on Monday, accompanied by two Turkish coast guard vessels with a police helicopter buzzing overhead, a Reuters witness said. A third ship carrying 66 people, mainly Afghans, arrived there later from the island of Chios.

Perilous crossings The EU-Turkey deal aims to discourage migrants from perilous crossings, often in small boats and dinghies, and to break the business model of human smugglers who have fuelled Europe’s biggest influx since World War Two. EU authorities said none of those deported on Monday had requested asylum in Greece and all had left voluntarily.

“We didn’t see this morning TENSIONS SIMMER

Philippines, US begin military exercises MANILA: About 8,000 US and Filipino troops began annual military exercises on Monday against a backdrop of tension over China’s greater assertiveness in the South China Sea though a Philippine commander played that down as the reason for the drills.

Over the next two weeks, the allies will test their command-andcontrol, communications, logistics and mobility procedures to address humanitarian and maritime security, Philippine defence officials said. Their troops will also simulate retaking an oil-and-gas platform and practice an amphibious landing on a Philippine beach.

“The Balikatan exercise is designed not to address a particular concern but the whole lump in the spectrum of warfare,” Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, the Philippine military’s exercise director, told a news conference. “China is not part of the idea.”

Ash Carter, will be the first US defence secretary to observe the exercises when he arrives next week, underscoring the significance of the war games for both countries. China’s more assertive pursuit of its claims in the South China Sea over the past year or so has included land reclamation and the construction of air and port facilities on some isles and reefs.

The US has conducted what it calls “freedom of navigation” patrols in the area, sailing near disputed islands controlled by China to underscore its right to navigate the seas. The patrols have drawn sharp rebukes from China but despite that, US officials have made clear the United States would continue to challenge what it considers China’s unfounded maritime claims. — Reuters

ORGANISED OPERATIONS: A woman activist holds a placard as a small Turkish ferry carrying migrants who are deported to Turkey arrives on at the port of Dikili district in

Izmir on Monday. Right: Refugees from Syria arrive at the Friedland shelter near Goettingen, central Germany, after arriving from Turkey at the airport in Hanover. – AFP

unrest or riots. The operation was organised properly with the sufficient Frontex presence and with enough, very well organised security guarantees,” European Commission spokesman Margaritas Schinas told a news briefing in Brussels. He was referring to the EU border management agency Frontex, which has been reinforced by national police and migration experts.

Legal Schinas insisted the first returns were legal although Turkey has not yet changed its regulations to extend protection to rejected asylum seekers being sent back.

The EU said at the time of the deal that both Athens and Ankara would need to change their asylum laws -- Greece to declare Turkey a “safe third country” to which rejected asylum seekers could be sent, and Turkey to give international protection to Syrians who enter from countries other than Syria, and to non-Syrian asylum seekers returned from Greece. Greece has done its part, but Turkey has yet to change its regulations.

A few hours after the first boat of returnees set sail from Lesbos, Greek coast guard vessels rescued at least two dinghies carrying more than 50 migrants and refugees, including children and a woman in a wheelchair, trying to reach the island.

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Altogether, more people arrived on the Greek islands in the 24 hours to Monday morning than were transported to Turkey, Greek authorities said, putting total arrivals at 339, including 173 on Lesbos and 73 on Chios.

“We are just going to try our chance. It is for our destiny. We are dead anyway,” said Firaz, 31, a Syrian Kurd from the province of Hasakah who was travelling with his cousin.

Asked if he was aware that the Greeks were sending people back, he said: “I heard maybe Iranians, Afghans. I didn’t hear they were sending back Syrians to Turkey...

At least I did what I could. I’m alive. That’s it.”

Resettle A group of 47 mainly Pakistani men were also intercepted by the Turkish coast guard on Monday and taken to a holding centre next to Dikili’s port, a Reuters witness said. Under the pact, the EU will resettle thousands of legal Syrian refugees directly from Turkey one for each Syrian returned from the Greek islands.

German police said the first 16 Syrian refugees arrived in Hanover by plane from Istanbul on

Monday under the deal, and as many were due to arrive on a second flight. The European Commission said more resettlement flights were due to Finland on Monday and the Netherlands on Tuesday.

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said on Sunday that the “high point of the migrant crisis is behind us”, but many migration experts say the pressure to reach Europe will continue, possibly via other routes.

A few dozen police and immigration officials waited outside a small white tent on the quayside at Dikili as the returned migrants disembarked one by one, before being photographed and having their fingerprints taken behind security screening.

The returnees from Lesbos were mostly from Pakistan and some from Bangladesh and had not applied for asylum, said Ewa Moncure, a spokeswoman for EU border agency Frontex.

Asked if Syrians would be returned, she said: “At some point, but I don’t know when.”

Turkish EU Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir said there were no Syrians in the first group coming from Greece, but that when they did begin to arrive they would be sent to the southern city of Osmaniye, around 40km (25 miles) from the Syrian border.

For non-Syrians, Turkey would apply to their home countries and send them back systematically,

Bozkir said in an interview with Turkish broadcaster Haberturk.

Rights groups and some European politicians have challenged the legality of the deal, questioning whether Turkey has sufficient safeguards in place to defend refugees’ rights and whether it can be considered safe for them.

Assurances EU spokesman Schinas said Ankara had provided “assurances” and an amendment to its temporary protection regulation was in the works for Syrians returning from abroad. EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos was in Turkey on Monday to discuss outstanding issues, including rights of non-Syrians.

Turkey insists it is meeting its international obligations. The EU was determined to get the programme under way on schedule despite such doubts because of strong political pressure in northern Europe to deter migrants from attempting the journey.

There were small protests as the returns got underway.

On Lesbos, a small group of protesters chanted “Shame on you!” when the migrant boats set sail as the sun rose over the Aegean. Volunteer rescuers aboard a nearby boat hoisted a banner that read: “Ferries for safe passage, not for deportation.”

The governor of Turkey’s Izmir province, Mustafa Toprak, told re-

ENDANGERED SPECIES

WISCONSIN PRIMARY

Donald Trump fights to finish strong MILWAUKEE: Donald Trump is fighting to put a difficult week behind him and finish strong on Tuesday in Wisconsin, a state whose primary contest may prove to be a turning point in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

The Republican front-runner is at risk of losing the Midwestern state to US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, an outcome that would dent the New York billionaire’s aura of inevitability and make it harder for him to win the 1,237 delegates needed for the party’s nomination for the November 8 election. On the Democratic side, US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont is trying protect his lead over front-runner Hillary Clinton in the opinion polls in Wisconsin and eke out another victory over the former secretary of state.

Trailing Cruz in the polls in Wisconsin, Trump on Sunday night told supporters in West Allis, Wisconsin, that Cruz was a liar and a cheater who is weak on immigration and would cut Social Security benefits. “Wisconsin is going to be such a big surprise on Tuesday. We are doing so well,” Trump said.

A loss would add to Trump’s woes after his campaign was rocked last week by the fallout from his suggestion, which he later dialed back, that women be punished for getting abortions if the procedure is banned.

Under fire He also drew fire for comments that he would not rule out using nuclear weapons in Europe and that Japan and South Korea might need nuclear weapons to ease the US financial commitment to their security.

“Was this my best week? I guess not,” Trump told “Fox News Sunday” in an interview

porters that the returned migrants would be taken to Kirklareli near the Bulgarian border, well away from the coast. “We will not build camps on the Aegean,” he said adding that those who wanted to stay in Turkey could apply to do so.

Each migrant was accompanied on Lesbos by a plainclothes Frontex officer. They had been transported in a nighttime operation from the island’s holding centre to the port. Greek riot police squads also boarded the boats.

At the Moria holding centre on Lesbos, where more than 2,600 are being held, a group of men gathered behind the barbed wire fence and shouted to journalists, who are barred from the camp.

One, who said he was from Iran, shouted: “Women just cry. All our children and women are sick (with the) flu epidemic.”

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and rights groups have said the deal between the European Union and Turkey lacks legal safeguards. Amnesty International has called it “a historic blow to human rights”, and was sending monitors to Lesbos and Chios on Monday.

More than 3,300 migrants and refugees are on Lesbos. About 2,600 people are held at the Moria centre, a sprawling complex of prefabricated containers, 600 more than its stated capacity. Of those, 2,000 have made asylum claims, UNHCR said. — Reuters

LOOKING FORWARD: US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in West Allis, Wisconsin, United States, on Sunday. – Reuters

conducted Friday. But, he added: “I think I’m doing OK.” Cruz, speaking to supporters on Sunday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was eager to capitalise on Trump’s potential missteps.

More Republicans are recognising, said Cruz, that “nominating Donald Trump would be a train wreck”.

Cruz faces difficulty in winning the delegates needed to secure the nomination, given that the next states to vote, including New York on April 19, are Trumpfriendly territory.

Clinton is already eyeing New York, holding campaign stops there on Monday even as other candidates make their final pitches in Wisconsin.

“I’m absolutely confident I will be the nominee,” Clinton told ABC in an interview that aired Monday as she and Sanders continued to spar over scheduling more debates.

Sanders adviser Tad Devine

said the Vermont Senator wanted another prime-time debate with Clinton. “If we can continue to win, if he has a good day tomorrow, we’re going to make his case through New York all the way to California,” he told CNN. Republicans Cruz and Ohio Governor John Kasich, third in the race, want to deny Trump enough delegates so that the nominee is determined at the Republican National Convention in July. Over the weekend, Trump complained Kasich was an irritant gobbling up some of the delegates Trump needs.

“The problem is he’s in the way of me, not Cruz,” Trump said.

Kasich, who has vowed to stay in the race, tweeted: “That’s not how our republic works, Donald.

We’ll keep fighting until someone reaches a majority of delegates.”

On Monday, RNC strategist Sean Spicer said the party would “never tell any candidate to get in or out of the race.”

“The party is simply the arbiter, the people who put on the show to ensure that these delegates have a system to vote,” he told CNN. Meanwhile, Clinton and Sanders vowed to nominate Latinos into key cabinet posts in their administrations if elected, according to their answers to a questionnaire organised by the nation’s largest Latino coalition.

The 20-question survey was submitted by the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda to all US presidential candidates on February 25, but received responses only from the two Democratic contenders and none from the Republicans, according to the results reviewed by Reuters.

“From special assistants to cabinet members, Latinos will play a key role in helping to shape my policy priorities and be effectively represented in our agencies,” former US secretary of state Clinton wrote.

US Senator from Vermont Sanders promised to make his administration “reflect the diverse make-up of the country...

I can think of no place more vital for such diversity than in the cabinet and the Senior Executive Service of the President of the United States of America.”

Both have already promised comprehensive immigration reform, appealing to Hispanic voters ahead of presidential nominating contests in minorityheavy states. Leading Republican hopefuls Trump and Cruz of Texas have promised to tighten up the borders and deport undocumented immigrants.

Latinos and African-Americans have emerged as key voting blocs so far this election, helping boost Clinton ahead of the Senator in the race for pledged delegates so far. — Reuters

South Africa mulls rhino horn trade KLERKSDORP (SOUTH AFRICA): South Africa will decide this month whether to push to end a global ban on buying and selling rhino horn, a move that could unlock a $2 billion bonanza and determine the fate of a critically endangered species.

Rhino horn is prized in Asia for use in traditional remedies and surging demand has meant more poaching. A record 1,305 of the animals were illegally killed in Africa last year. Buying and selling rhino horn internationally was banned in 1977.

But opponents of that ban say that, as rhinoceros’ horns grow back if cut from a living animal, a properly monitored legal trade could help save the rhinos, rather than condemn them to extinction.

High stakes The stakes are high. The government has not revealed the size of its rhino horn stockpile - those seized from from smugglers as well as ones cut from animals that died naturally - but the Private Rhino Owners Association estimates its members have around 6 tonnes and reckons the state has close to 25 tonnes.

Rhino horn on the street in Asia sells for around $65,000 per kg, according to off-the-record estimates by conservationists, so 30 tonnes could generate up to around $2 billion.

Supporters of legalising the trade say the money could be used for conservation by the South African government, whose finances are under mounting pressure as it faces possible debt ratings downgrades that could see its borrowing costs balloon.

They also say the ban simply does not work. — Reuters

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TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

WORLD

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‘Panama Papers’ reveal tax havens as world’s elites deny wrongdoing The documents detailed schemes involving an array of figures from friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin to relatives of the prime ministers of Britain, Iceland, Pakistan and president of Ukraine

LONDON/PANAMA CITY: Governments across the world began investigating possible financial wrongdoing by the rich and powerful on Monday following a leak of documents from a Panamanian law firm which allegedly showed how clients avoided tax or laundered money.

The documents detailed schemes involving an array of figures from friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin to relatives of the prime ministers of Britain, Iceland and Pakistan and as well as the president of Ukraine, journalists who received them said.

While the “Panama Papers” detail complex financial arrangements benefitting the world’s elite, they do not necessarily mean the schemes were all illegal.

The Kremlin said the documents contained “nothing concrete and nothing new” while a spokesman for British Prime Minister David Cameron said his late father’s reported links to an offshore company were a “private matter”.

Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson could not

LEAKING DETAILS: View of a sign outside the building where Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm offices are placed in Panama City on April 3, 2016. – AFP

immediately be reached for comment on the naming of his wife in connection with a secretive company in an offshore haven which brought opposition calls for him to resign. Pakistan denied any wrongdoing by the family of Prime Minister Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after his daughter and son were linked to offshore companies.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has not commented on his reported offshore links.

Opponents said Poroshenko should be impeached for allegedly transferring his confectionary business to an offshore company in 2014, amid fierce fighting between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists. A senior official from the General Prosecutor’s office said there was no evidence he had committed a crime.

Australia, New Zealand, India, France and Austria were among countries which said they had begun investigating the allegations, based on more than 11.5 million

documents from law firm Mossack Fonseca, located in the tax haven of Panama. Banks as well as individual clients came under the spotlight. The documents were leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and more than 100 other news organisations. Mossack Fonseca has denied any wrongdoing. “I think the leak will prove to be probably the biggest blow the offshore world has ever taken because of the extent of the documents,” ICJC director Gerard Ryle said.

The material covers a period over almost 40 years, from 1977 until last December, and allegedly show that some companies domiciled in tax havens were being used for suspected money laundering, arms and drug deals, and tax evasion. Britain’s Guardian newspaper said the documents showed a network of secret offshore deals and loans worth $2 billion led to close friends of Putin, including concert cellist Sergie Rolddugin.

Reuters could not confirm those details. Putin’s spokesman dismissed the reports, saying they aimed to discredit him ahead of upcoming elections. “This Putinophobia abroad has reached such a point that it is in fact taboo to say something good about Russia, or about any actions by Russia or any Russian achievements. But it’s a must to say bad things, a lot of bad things, and when there’s nothing to say, it must be concocted. This is evident to us.”

The publications contained “nothing concrete and nothing new” about Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The British government asked for a copy of the leaked data, which could be embarrassing for Prime Minister Cameron, who has spoken out against tax evasion and tax avoidance. His late father, Ian Cameron, is mentioned in the files, alongside some members of his Conservative Party in the upper house of parliament, former Con-

servative lawmakers and party donors, British media said.

Jennie Granger, director general of enforcement and compliance at HM Revenue and Customs, said the government had a great deal of information from a wide range of sources. “We will closely examine this data and will act on it swiftly and appropriately,” she said.

Cameron’s spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the leader’s family had money invested in offshore funds set up by his father, saying it was a “private matter”.

The oppostion Labour Party’s finance spokesman, John McDonnell, tweeted: “Cameron promised and has failed to end tax secrecy and crack down on ‘morally unacceptable’ offshore schemes, real action is now needed.”

Tax authorities in Australia and New Zealand said they were probing local clients of Mossack Fonseca. The Australian Tax Office said it was investigating more than 800 wealthy clients and had linked more than 120 of them to an associate offshore service provider located in Hong Kong, which it did not name.

The head of Mossack Fonseca, Ramon Fonseca, has denied any wrongdoing but said his firm had suffered a successful but “limited” hack on its database. He described the hack and leak as “an international campaign against privacy”.

Fonseca, who was up until March a senior government official in Panama, told Reuters that the firm, which specialises in setting up offshore companies, has formed more than 240,000 such companies, the “vast majority” used for “legitimate purposes”.

The papers also showed the use of off-shore companies by Pakistini Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s family, including his daughter Mariam and son Hussain. Pakistani Information Minister Pervez Rasheed denied any wrongdoing on their part.

“Every man has the right to do what he wants with his assets, to throw them in the sea, to sell them, or to establish a trust for them.

There is no crime in this in Pakistani law or in international law,” Rasheed said.

Media reports also said the leaked data pointed to a link between a member of global soccer body FIFA’s ethics committee and a Uruguayan soccer official who was arrested last year as part of a US probe into corruption in the sport.

FIFA’s ethics committee said Juan Pedro Damiani, a member of the committee’s judgment chamber, was being investigated over a possible business relationship with fellow Uruguayan Eugenio Figueredo, one of the soccer officials arrested in Zurich last year.

Damiani told Reuters in Montevideo he broke off relations with Figueredo when the latter was accused of corruption.

Austria’s financial markets regulator FMA is investigating whether lenders Raiffeisen Bank International and Hypo Landesbank Vorarlberg followed rules against money laundering after they were named in the “Panama Papers”.

Raiffeisen said it had complied but could not comment on specific cases. Hypo Landesbank Vorarlberg had no immediate comment.

The Norwegian government said Norwegian bank DNB DNB. OL must explain its policy of helping clients set up offshore companies in the Seychelles.

“DNB says this should not have happened and that the bank should not have participated,” Trade and Industry Minister Monica Maeland said.

DNB said it regretted assisting about 40 customers in setting up the firms between 2006 and 2010, and that the practice had ended.

Dutch authorities said they would investigate allegations related to the Netherlands. — Reuters

B OMAN CRUDE FALLS

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

Oman Crude (June delivery) declined by $1.39 per barrel to $35.45 a barrel on Monday. The average price of Oman Crude (April delivery) has stabilised at $30.23, registering a growth of $2.83 per barrel compared to March delivery 2016. – ONA

MARKE

Ithraa identifies priority sectors for investment These sectors include education, healthcare, tourism, fisheries, chemical industry, food processing, logistics, minerals and metals, machinery manufacturing and

His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said. – Times file picture

waste management

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s export promotion agency –Ithraa – has identified priority sectors to attract investment in the ninth five-year plan period.

These sectors include education, healthcare, tourism, fisheries, chemical industry, food processing, logistics, minerals and metals, machinery manufacturing and waste management.

These priority sectors are also in line with the government’s ninth five-year plan strategy for attracting investment.

The Sultanate’s ninth plan

focuses on developing tourism, mining, aquaculture, logistics and transport sectors for achieving a faster economic diversification.

The 2016-2020 plan, which is aimed at an annual real gross domestic growth of 3 per cent, will focus on further diversification to develop non-oil sectors and strengthen partnership between the public and private sectors.

Education, training Another major objective of the five-year plan is to create a pool of qualified Omani workforce and encourage entrepreneurship among the youth. The focus will also be on social development, including education, training and

employment.

Speaking at the recently concluded Oman Economic Forum, His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, director general of Marketing and Media at Ithraa, noted that the priority sectors have been identified for promoting investment.

Highlighting the efforts of Ithraa in promoting Omani products in overseas markets, the export promotion agency has appointed 25 agents in various countries, who are responsible for promoting local products and attracting investment.

Sayyid Faisal said competition for attracting investment among countries is severe, with several countries offering tax incentives to make it investor-friendly.

These countries have also created a pool of skilled workers and information technology parks to attract investment from across the world. A study conducted among investors found that the most important factor for attracting investment is availability of the skilled workforce.

Keeping in line with the same policy, Oman is focusing on education, training and infrastructure development for attracting investments.

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

ENERGY MARKET

Oil declines after Saudi Arabia’s condition on crude output freeze RIYADH: Crude oil extended declines after Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince said the Kingdom will freeze output only if Iran follows suit, putting in doubt the success of a proposed deal between major producers.

Futures declined as much as 1.7 per cent in New York after a 4 per cent drop on Friday. Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman signaled in an interview that if any country raises output, his nation will also boost sales.

With producers scheduled to meet this month to discuss a pact on capping supplies, Iran’s oil minister said he’ll attend the gathering if he finds the time.

Russian oil production set a postSoviet high in March.

Oil climbed 14 per cent in March after rebounding from a 12-year low this year amid speculation a global glut will ease as United States output falls. While Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela and Qatar in February first proposed an accord to cap production to reduce the worldwide surplus and boost prices, Iran has

said it plans to increase sales after international sanctions were removed following a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Salman’s comment seems to be a warning to anyone looking to take advantage of an output freeze without having to cut production,” Hong Sung Ki, a commodities analyst at Samsung Futures, said by phone from Seoul.

“Russia’s output boost can be seen as a strategic move as it tries to increase production as much as it can before any potential output freeze kicks in.”

Russian output West Texas Intermediate for May delivery dropped as much as 61 cents to $36.18 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, and traded at $36.35.

The contract fell $1.55 to $36.79 on Friday. Total volume traded was about 2 per cent above the 100-day average.

Brent for June settlement lost as much as 1.3 per cent to $38.18 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The contract fell $1.66, or 4.1 per cent, to $38.67 on Friday.

The global benchmark crude traded at a 57 cent premium to WTI for June delivery.

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

Exports rose 5.1 per cent from a year earlier to 5.59 million barrels a day in March. – Bloomberg News

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SAUDI MEETING

Plan for central regulatory body for GCC stock markets discussed Times News Service MUSCAT: A proposal to create a central body to regulate Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock markets was discussed at the meeting of the Committee of the Presidents of GCC securities commissions in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

The committee also discussed about the integration of GCC markets and the initiatives for facillitating nationals of GCC countries to invest and trade without discrimination and open the markets for new products.

The representatives considered the study prepared on the ownership ratios of juristic persons in GCC public companies and trad-

ing timings in GCC markets.

The meeting also deliberated on the key issues and development in the regional and global markets and the decisions of the Supreme Council in its 36th Session held in Riyadh in December.

The Sultanate’s delegation was chaired by Sheikh Abdullah Salim Al Salmi, executive president of Capital Market Authority and

Muneer Salim Al Hanaei, senior director of the Department of Enforcement at the Capital Market Authority.

The meeting reviewed the efforts of training and qualification team, which included the results of training during the past year and the proposed training programmes in 2016 in addition to the continued professional education.

B2

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

MARKET MSM index ends higher

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 5,582.02 .............. 5,506.88 ................... 5,562.88 ...................5,488.93..................73.95 ................... 1.35 Financial Index ..................................... 7,103.35 .............. 6,946.93 ................... 7,046.20 ...................6,932.62................113.58 ................... 1.64 Industrial Index .................................... 6,749.73 ...............6,739.37 ....................6,741.68 ...................6,704.05..................37.63 ................... 0.56 Services Index ........................................3,117.14 ................3,111.01 ....................3,112.55 ................... 3,109.59....................2.96 ................... 0.10 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................847.90 ................. 844.46 .......................847.03 ...................... 842.17....................4.86 ................... 0.58 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 30,922,015 ................. 5,156,940 ..................1,376 ...............16,540,538,400 ................23 ........................8 .................... 14 .........................45

The top gainer was Bank Sohar, up by 6.90 per cent, while Global Financial Investment

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR MONDAY, APRIL 4

was the top loser, down by 9.63 per cent ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Renewed enthusiasm from local institutions after the end of dividend season led to the MSM 30 Index surging past the 5,000-mark to close at 5,562.88 points, up by 1.35 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index ended at 847.03 points, up 0.58 per cent.

Galfar Engineering was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Sohar led in terms of turnover. The top gainer was Bank Sohar, up 6.90 per cent, while Global Financial Investment was the top loser, down 9.63 per cent.

As many as1,376 trades were executed on Monday, generating turnover of OMR5.1 million with 30.9 million shares changing hands. Out of 45 traded securities, 23 advanced, eight declined and 14 remained unchanged.

Foreign investors switched to net buyers for OMR478,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors for OMR64,000 while Omani investors were net sellers for OMR542,000 worth of shares.

Financial index showed sharp gains of 1.64 per cent to finish at 7,046.20 points. Bank Sohar, BankDhofar, Al Sharqia Investments, Gulf Investment Services and Al Anwar Holding gained by 6.90 per cent, 4.55 per cent, 3.96 per cent, 3.92 per cent and 2.46 per cent, respectively.

Global Financial Investment, Al Madina Investments and Oman United Insurance slid by 9.63 per cent, 1.59 per cent and 0.82 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index advanced 0.56 per cent to close at 6,741.68 points. Al Hassan Engineering, Oman Cement, Al Anwar Ceramics, Oman Flour Mills and Galfar Engineering increased by 3.45 per cent, 2.17 per cent, 1.79 per cent, 1.59 per cent and 1.12 per cent, respectively. Gulf International Chemicals and National Aluminium declined by 1.81 per cent and 0.91 per cent, respectively.

Services Index ended at 3,112.55

points, up by 0.10 per cent. Phoenix Power, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), Port Services, Sembcorp Salalah and OIFC gained by 2.08 per cent, 1.63 per cent, 1.60 per cent, 1.11 per cent and 1.02 per cent, respectively. Renaissance Services, National Gas and Ooredoo Oman declined by 2.72 per cent, 1.39 per cent and 1.10 per cent respectively.

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

OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 6,410,856 ...... 993,231................... 178 ............0.150 ........... 0.159 ...........0.150 ............0.155 ............. 0.145.............0.010 ............. 6.897 ................0.159 .............. 0.159...................0.000 .................245,765,520........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 256,550 ............64,791........................7 ........... 0.246 ...........0.259 ...........0.246........... 0.253 .............0.242 ............0.011 ............. 4.545 ................0.255.............. 0.251...................0.255..................429,897,954........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............ 25,240 ...............2,648........................7 ............0.103 ........... 0.105 ...........0.103........... 0.105 ............. 0.101............ 0.004............. 3.960 ................0.105 ..............0.105...................0.107....................9,450,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 441,342 ............46,772..................... 38 ............0.102 ........... 0.110............0.101 ........... 0.106 .............0.102 ........... 0.004............. 3.922 ................0.110 ..............0.108...................0.110 .................... 6,237,381 ..........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 4,604,710 ...... 957,303...................253 ............0.214 ........... 0.214 ...........0.203........... 0.208 .............0.203 ........... 0.005............. 2.463 ................0.208............. 0.208...................0.210...................31,215,600 .........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 156,950.............73,772........................9 ........... 0.470 ........... 0.472 ...........0.470........... 0.470 .............0.460 ............0.010 ............. 2.174 ................0.470..............0.470...................0.480 ................. 155,510,174 ........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 686,689 ......... 178,567..................... 33 ........... 0.260...........0.262 ...........0.259........... 0.260 .............0.255 ........... 0.005..............1.961.................0.262..............0.262...................0.264 .................383,443,132........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ......................................................................87,000 ............ 39,684......................11 ........... 0.460 ........... 0.472 ...........0.450........... 0.456 .............0.448 ........... 0.008............. 1.786.................0.450..............0.420...................0.470..................289,920,645 .......0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 410,281.......... 116,930......................12 ........... 0.285 ...........0.285 ...........0.285........... 0.285 .............0.280 ........... 0.005............. 1.786.................0.285..............0.285...................0.320 ..................84,420,899.........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 198,739 ..........309,392.....................40 ............1.530 ........... 1.580 ...........1.530 ............1.555 ............. 1.530.............0.025 ............. 1.634 ................1.570 .............. 1.550...................1.570................1,166,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 375,016.............71,289......................15 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.190........... 0.190 ............. 0.187............ 0.003............. 1.604 ................0.190..............0.190...................0.198................... 18,057,600 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 282,498 ........... 20,867..................... 25 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.074 ...........0.073........... 0.074 .............0.073 ............0.001 ............. 1.370 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.074...................12,950,000.........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 7,400,326 ......666,942...................255 ............0.091 ...........0.093 ...........0.088........... 0.090 .............0.089 ............0.001 ............. 1.124 ................0.088..............0.087...................0.088...................26,098,257.........0.100

European stocks up European stocks rose for the first time in three days, on confidence that the strength in the US economy will help global growth.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose 0.9 per cent, with most of its industry groups up. Orange lost 4.6 per cent and Bouygues plunged 15 per cent after a deal between the two collapsed. Peers Altice, Iliad and Numericable-SFR tumbled more than 14 per cent.

“In Europe most companies are doing Ok,” said Benno Galliker, a trader at LuzernerKantonal Bank in Lucerne, Switzerland. “It’s not a perfect world, but business is not as bad as we hear all the time.

The US economy is stronger than many expect and that could help the rest of the world.”

The Stoxx 600 erased losses of as much as 0.6 per cent on Monday as healthcare, consumer and utility companies climbed. Those shares tend to perform better in times of economic uncertainty.

European shares have been particularly volatile lately, and their rebound has stalled after reaching a high on March 14. Investors sceptical of the recovery have withdrawn money from the equity funds, while analysts have slashed profit-growth estimates and are now forecasting declines for 2016. The Stoxx 600’s third weekly decline marked its longest losing streak since January, as the slide in oil prices resumed.

OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.............................................. 1,205,010 ......330,636..................... 59 ........... 0.276 ........... 0.276 ...........0.271 ........... 0.274 ............. 0.271............ 0.003............. 1.107.................0.276..............0.272...................0.276..................261,552,714 ........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 841,553 .........322,739..................... 37 ........... 0.380 ...........0.386 ...........0.380........... 0.384 .............0.380 ........... 0.004............. 1.053 ................0.386..............0.384...................0.386..................958,560,099 .......0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 502,519 ............99,656..................... 26 ............0.197 ...........0.202 ...........0.197 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.196............ 0.002............. 1.020 ................0.200 .............0.201...................0.204 ..................39,600,000.........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............90,859 ...............9,237......................14 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.101 ........... 0.102 ............. 0.101.............0.001 .............0.990 ................0.101 .............. 0.101...................0.103...................12,431,250 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................35,000 ............ 33,420........................8 ........... 0.964 ...........0.964 ...........0.952........... 0.956 .............0.948 ........... 0.008.............0.844 ................0.952..............0.952...................0.980 .................191,200,000........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 200,000............19,600........................1 ........... 0.098 ...........0.098 ...........0.098........... 0.098 .............0.098 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.098..............0.098...................0.100..................196,030,653 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................22,669 .............36,157........................3 ............1.595 ........... 1.595 ...........1.595 ............1.595 ............. 1.595............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.595 ..............1.600...................1.680..................143,071,500 ........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ..........................35,000 ...............4,970........................3 ............0.142 ........... 0.142 ...........0.142........... 0.142 .............0.142 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.142..............0.142...................0.145....................17,735,510..........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ............................................................................326 .....................58........................1 ............0.178 ........... 0.178 ...........0.178 ........... 0.180 .............0.180 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.178 ..............0.170...................0.178 ..................256,506,506 .......0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 116,307 .............30,752........................4 ........... 0.264 ...........0.266 ...........0.264 .......... 0.264 .............0.264 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.264............. 0.260...................0.264 .................. 16,157,928 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 313,972............24,960..................... 25 ........... 0.080 ...........0.080 ...........0.079........... 0.079 .............0.079 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.079..............0.078...................0.079....................2,370,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ......................................................... 1,000 .................. 128........................1 ............0.128 ........... 0.128 ...........0.128 ........... 0.130 .............0.130............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.128 ..............0.129...................0.140................... 42,419,414 .........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ......................................................... 711 .....................93........................2 ............0.128 ........... 0.134 ...........0.128 ........... 0.140 .............0.140 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.134 ..............0.126...................0.134...................35,502,600.........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER....................................................... 240 .....................50........................2 ........... 0.207 ...........0.207 ...........0.207........... 0.207 .............0.207 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.207............. 0.200...................0.207 ................. 139,701,698 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ..........................................................107 .....................22........................1 ........... 0.207 ...........0.207 ...........0.207........... 0.207 .............0.207 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.207............. 0.000...................0.207 ................. 147,882,112 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................... 4,419 ................1,651........................5 ........... 0.370 ........... 0.376 ...........0.370........... 0.368 .............0.368 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.376..............0.374...................0.376...................19,320,000 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE .................................57,900 .............13,966........................8 ........... 0.240...........0.242 ...........0.240 .......... 0.241 .............0.243 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.823 ...............0.242............. 0.240...................0.250 ..................24,100,000.........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .................6,000 ...............1,308........................1 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.218........... 0.218 .............0.220 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.909 ...............0.218 ............. 0.200...................0.218.....................7,318,576 ..........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 110,000............ 79,400........................6 ............0.724 ........... 0.724 ...........0.720........... 0.720 .............0.728............-0.008 ........... -1.099................0.720..............0.720...................0.724..................468,679,846 .......0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................15,000 ...............4,245........................2 ........... 0.283 ...........0.283 ...........0.283........... 0.283 .............0.287 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.394 ...............0.283............. 0.280...................0.286 ..................15,565,000 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 190,334 ............ 11,831......................11 ........... 0.063 ...........0.063 ...........0.062........... 0.062 .............0.063 ...........-0.001 ............-1.587................0.062..............0.062...................0.063...................12,843,386 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 212,980 ............57,966......................41 ........... 0.267 ........... 0.274 ...........0.266........... 0.272 .............0.277 ...........-0.005 ........... -1.805................0.270..............0.269...................0.270 ................... 5,712,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 362,809 ............ 65,011..................... 29 ............0.184 ........... 0.184 ...........0.177 ............0.179 .............0.184 ...........-0.005 ............-2.717................0.178 .............. 0.176...................0.178 ...................52,026,533.........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................. 50,000 ...............8,450........................1 ............0.169 ........... 0.169 ...........0.169 ............0.169 ............. 0.187............-0.018 ........... -9.626 ...............0.169 ............. 0.000...................0.169...................33,800,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 25,710,912..........4,698,492 ....... 1,174 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......37........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 1,323,476 .......119,050..................... 53 ............0.091 ...........0.092 ...........0.088........... 0.090 .............0.087 ........... 0.003............. 3.448 ................0.088..............0.087...................0.088.................... 6,768,720 ..........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 896,041 .........132,049..................... 59 ............0.147 ........... 0.149 ...........0.146 ............0.147 .............0.144 ........... 0.003............. 2.083 ................0.149 .............. 0.147...................0.150..................215,002,415 ........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 483,400 ............29,310......................17 ............0.061 ........... 0.061 ...........0.060........... 0.061 .............0.060 ............0.001 ............. 1.667 ................0.060..............0.060...................0.061...................61,000,000.........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ................................................... 7,000 ...............3,570........................2 ............0.510 ........... 0.510 ...........0.510 ........... 0.510 .............0.502 ........... 0.008............. 1.594 ................0.510 ..............0.510...................0.550...................80,325,000.........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,756,951 ....... 133,293..................... 46 ........... 0.076 ........... 0.076 ...........0.075........... 0.076 .............0.075 ............0.001 ............. 1.333 ................0.075..............0.075...................0.076..................114,000,000........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 117,028 ...............3,979........................5 ........... 0.034 ...........0.034 ...........0.034........... 0.034 .............0.034 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.034..............0.033...................0.034 ...................2,890,000..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 627,200 ............ 37,196......................19 ........... 0.059 ...........0.060 ...........0.058........... 0.059 .............0.059 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.058..............0.058...................0.059.................... 7,375,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 5,211,096 ......458,447...................201 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................................7 ........................1........................1 ............0.091 ........... 0.091 ...........0.091 ........... 0.092 .............0.092 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.091 ..............0.091...................0.099...................29,822,868.........0.100 .............................................SUM: ...............................................................................................7 ........................1........................1 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

ECONOMY

Biggest ever Saudi overhaul targets $100b in new revenue RIYADH: The biggest economic shake-up since the founding of Saudi Arabia would accelerate subsidy cuts and impose more levies, a plan to spread the burden of lower crude prices among a population more accustomed to government largess.

Outlining his vision in a fivehour interview with last week, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the measures would raise at least an extra $100 billion a year by 2020, more than tripling non-oil income and balancing the budget.

“It’s a large package of programmes that aims to restructure some revenue-generating sectors,” the prince said at the royal compound in Riyadh.

Non-oil income rose 35 per cent last year to 163.5 billion riyals ($44 billion), according to preliminary budget data.

It’s a shift for a country built on petrodollars since the first Saudi oil was discovered almost eight decades ago. Prince Mohammed, 30, and his top aides said the administration navigated plunging oil prices last year through a series of ‘quick fixes’. While there are no plans to tax incomes, his policies would bring the kingdom closer to the rest of the world, where governments rely on charges to fund spending.

Saudi Green Cards The Saudi Arabian prince said authorities are weighing measures that include more steps to restructure subsidies, imposing a valueadded tax (VAT) and a levy on energy and sugary drinks as well as luxury items.

Another revenue-raising plan under discussion is a programme similar to the United States Green Card system that targets

The Saudi Prince said authorities are weighing measures that include more steps to restructure subsidies, imposing a value-added tax and a levy on energy and sugary drinks as well as luxury items

expatriates in the Kingdom.

The strategy would complement a plan to sell a stake in Saudi Aramco on the stock exchange and create the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, steps meant to make the Kingdom more reliant on investment income than oil within 20 years.

The Saudi government is also planning to increase its debt in the meantime to help finance spending and test the market with a dollar bond later this year.

The VAT will bring in about $10 billion a year by 2020, while the ‘restructuring of subsidies’ will generate more than $30 billion a year, said Prince Mohammed, who appeared at ease discussing technical details and figures of his various plans.

The Green Card-like programme and a plan to allow employers to hire more foreign workers above their official quo-

tas for a fee could generate $10 billion a year each, he said.

Conservative society Past rulers had avoided such measures to diversify sources of revenue for fears of triggering a backlash from one of the world’s most conservative societies, where government spending, jobs and subsidies typically greased the wheels of the economy.

Youth unemployment is among the highest in the world and economic growth is set to slow to 1.5 per cent this year, the worst since at least 2009, according to a survey of economists.

There are currently no income taxes in Saudi Arabia. The government started raising the prices of fuel and utilities at the end of last year, including a move to raise those for gasoline by a minimum of 50 per cent. That brought the price to the equivalent of 26 US cents a liter at the end of March, the second-cheapest in the world after Kuwait, according to globalpetrolprices.com, which provides data and analysis on transport fuels.

The measures taken by the council last year succeeded in lowering the budget deficit “which could have reached $250 billion to less than $100 billion.”

A decision to delay payments to contractors last year was aimed at “trying to avoid a bigger danger” after discovering that ministries and government bodies could authorise spending of more than $1 trillion based on “decrees over the last few years.”

The government has paid about 70 per cent of all arrears and expects that “that all or 95 to 98 per cent of all arrears will be paid” over the next two weeks.- Bloomberg News

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

B3

MARKET FINANCING

UAE Exchange, Travelex secure up to $965m term loan Times News Service MUSCAT: Majority shareholders of UAE Exchange Centre and Travelex Holdings have announced that they have closed a $890 million term loan financing to support the growth of the two companies.

The majority shareholders in both firms are Centurion Investments, a leading UAE investment firm, and Dr B R Shetty, a wellknown entrepreneur and philanthropist. The shareholders reserve the option to increase the size of the total facilities by $75 million, said a company release.

The proceeds are being used to refinance the bridge loan for the acquisition of Travelex by the share-

holders completed in January 2015 and to finance the integration project to combine and expand the digital and geographic footprint of Travelex and UAE Exchange.

Two brands Travelex and UAE Exchange will continue to operate as two brands, each focused on their specific markets and product offerings, but will extend their reach by offering products through both platforms as well as benefit from the sharing of category expertise.

The shareholders will continue to invest in the growth of both companies by increasing distribution channels, widening product range, entering new markets and building on their scale advantages.

Developing digital products will be a strategic focus for the shareholders, with an opportunity to increase the presence and business in developed markets as well as laying the foundation for the combined group as a formidable digital financial institution.

KhaleefaButti Al Muhairi, chairman of Travelex, commented, “We are pleased to have strong support from the international banking community for this financing, which demonstrates the strength and growth potential of both Travelex and UAE Exchange. This transaction will allow us to accelerate the growth of both businesses as two distinct leading brands, while benefitting from synergies arising due to each

other’s networks, shared expertise and infrastructure.”

Dr B R Shetty, chairman of the UAE Exchange Group and vicechairman of the Travelex Group, said, “This is an exciting time for Travelex, the world’s leading independent retail foreign exchange business, and UAE Exchange, the most widely networked remittance institution globally.

Strong foundation The combination between the two will give us a strong foundation to grow both businesses through sharing of a number of complementary offerings. We would like to thank our existing banking partners, who assisted us in the acquisition of Travelex and our

Oman’s smartest and most energy efficient business hub, which will be constructed in Bausher area, is expected to be ready

Oman, Italy conduct video conference to discuss on trade MUSCAT: Oman, represented by the Public Authority for SMEs Development (Riyada), and Italy conducted a video conference to improve the existing trade ties between the two countries in developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and identifying business and investment opportunities for both countries.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of sharing experiences and facilitating partnerships between small and medium enterprises from the two parties, says a press release.

The Omani side was headed

by Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, minister of commerce and industry and the chairman of Riyada, with attendance of Dr Hamed Said Al Aufi, undersecretary for agriculture and fisheries and Khalifa AlAbri, chief executive officer of Riyada along with Riyada senior managers and 14 representatives of Omani SMEs. While the Italian side was attended by Federica Guidi, min-

ister of economic development, Abdul Ghaffar Al Baloushi, minister counselor from the Omani embassy in Rome, Mario Cospito, diplomatic counselor of the minister at Ministry of Economic Development, and Patrizia Giarratana, director of programmes and projects for consumer goods and services, along with a number of Italian SMEs. Areas for partnership The areas for partnership that have been explored were tourism, chemical industries, food processing, industry, machinery and equipment, mining and building material, renewable energy and cosmetics.

The Public Authority for SMEs Development (Riyada) always seeks to empower entrepreneurs to exchange experiences regionally and internationally for creating windows between the local SMEs and their foreign counterparts in enhancing relationships, sharing experiences and facilitating business partnerships between them.

ISLAMIC FINANCE

CBO’s Sharia Supervisory Authority conducts meeting Times News Service MUSCAT: Central Bank of Oman’s (CBO) high-level Sharia Supervisory Authority convened its first meeting of this year on Monday.

The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Dr Kahlan bin Nabhan

the world’s largest retail network of specialist foreign exchange stores and has developed into a trusted and widely recognised brand in foreign exchange.

UAE Exchange, which has been operating for 35 years, is the most widely networked remittance institution globally, with close to 800 branches spread across 31 countries in five continents.

UAE Exchange handled $27.56 billion worth of transactions in 2015 with much of the remittances to the Asian corridor and has nearly 6 per cent share in the business to developing countries.

The World Bank estimates that in 2014, global remittances were at $583 billion, of which $435 billion was to developing countries.

Smart office tower in Muscat to be unveiled

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

Times News Service

new banking partners, who joined the facilities.”

Goldman Sachs and Qatar National Bank acted as global coordinators, bookrunners and mandated lead arrangers and Doha Bank acted as coordinator, bookrunner and mandated lead arranger. The other bookrunners and mandated lead arrangers were Barclays Bank, Commercial Bank International and National Bank of Fujairah. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and IDBI Bank acted as mandated lead arrangers and Axis Bank as lead arranger.

Travelex is the world’s leading independent retail foreign exchange business, handling $35 billion worth of transactions in 2015.

Over the past 38 years, it has built

Al Kharoosi and attended by all the members.

The authority made detailed deliberations on the issues presented to it, covering various Sharia aspects relating to Islamic banking business in Oman and gave its opinions in the light of discussions.

in early 2018

Mehdi Borhani, chairman of Gulf Muscat United. – Supplied picture

Times News Service

chitectural design and setting new standards for energy efficiency.

Commenting on the upcoming launch, Mehdi Borhani, chairman of Gulf Muscat United noted, “This project was conceptualised to cater to the rapid rise of the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, allowing business owners to enjoy freehold ownership of their own office space, versus the ongoing costs

MUSCAT: Gulf Muscat United, a diversified development and construction group, is set to announce construction of Muscat’s newest office complex, which is poised to be Oman’s smartest and most energy efficient business hub when completed in early 2018, raising the bar for futuristic and iconic ar-

of renting. The availability of quality office space in Muscat is very limited, and the opportunity to enjoy freehold ownership for commercial office space even more so.”

The as-yet unnamed office tower will be located in the Bausher area of Muscat, and in close proximity to Muscat Grand Mall.

The design, which is penned by an Oman based architectural firm, adopts a contemporary architectural design approach and will blend futuristic and Omani influences in a striking manner.

Highlighting the growing demand for modern office space and working environments in the Sultanate, Borhani added, “The modern workplace is evolving, so our environments need to be modern to keep pace with these shifting trends. The increasing rate of urbanisation and connectivity offered by new technologies is driving this trend. This project will transform the nature of the office space offering in Muscat, creating an ultra-modern working environment that caters to the evolving

needs of business managers and office professionals in Oman.”

“We are excited to shortly announce this groundbreaking new project, and we are committed to delivering innovative and sustainable developments that respond to the rising demand for modern office space and quality working environments in the Sultanate,” Borhani added.

Gulf Muscat United is diversified development and construction group based in Muscat.

Specialised business divisions include construction and materials manufacturing, ICT and telecom, oil and gas, tourism and hospitality operations.

The company is currently developing other large scale residential and commercial developments across Oman.

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

F U L L -Y E A R R E S U LT S

Ominvest to pay 25% dividend Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest) will pay 25 per cent dividend, comprising 10 per cent cash dividend and 15 per cent stock dividend for 2015 At its recent annual general meeting, the company’s shareholders have approved the annual financial statement. The shareholders also approved an allocation of OMR100,000 for initiatives related to corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help educational institutions and charitable organisations in the country.

Ominvest reported a group net profit of OMR37.2 million, an increase of 30.8 per cent compared to a profit of OMR28.4 million in 2014.

Total assets at the parent level stood at OMR240.1 million, a whopping rise by 125.4 per cent compared to total assets of OMR106.5 million in 2014.

Similarly, total equity grew to OMR135 million, an increase of 125.4 per cent, compared to OMR59.9 million in 2014. The growth in total assets, total equity and gross revenues was primarily due to Ominvest’s merger with ONIC Holding, resulting in a larger base for the entire business.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Ominvest shareholders also approved an allocation of OMR100,000 for initiatives related to corporate social responsibility to help educational institutions and charitable organisations in the country at its annual general meeting. - Supplied picture

Despite difficult market conditions, Ominvest delivered healthy performance for the year and also undertook new strategic initiatives to position the company for greater success ahead.

Ominvest’s earnings per share at the group level increased to 52 baisas from 39 baisas, a growth of 33 per cent over the same period last year. Since Ominvest issued additional shares to complete the merger with ONIC Holding, the net equity at the Group level

increased to OMR219.9 million from OMR132.7 million at end December 2014.

Following the merger and as at December 2015, Ominvest’s book value per share at the group level increased to 398 baisas from 394 baisas in the previous year.

As the economic and market conditions remain difficult due to prolonged decline in oil prices, Ominvest has been prudent and pro-active in managing its financial and business affairs. As

a result, the company is well positioned to respond to continued challenges in the market and also seize attractive business and investment opportunities.

In view of these developments, the company’s management expressed confidence that a much larger and more efficient Ominvest will play a key role in Oman’s economic growth, create job opportunities for Omani nationals, help businesses grow and attract foreign direct investments to Oman.

B4

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

FEATURE

STARTUPS TOLD TO ESTABLISH E-COMMERCE IN RURAL INDIA BEFORE GOING INTERNATIONAL I

ndian entrepreneurs must do a better job reaching small towns and villages at home before setting their sights on international expansion, speakers on a panel at Bloomberg’s India Economic Forum said. “We haven’t even scratched the surface yet” in India, said Radhika Aggarwal, co-founder and chief business officer of online retail platform Shopclues, citing a very small proportion of Web purchases compared to traditional retail. “We’re very focused on getting into rural India,” and there are multiple things Indian companies can do before they start looking abroad, she said. Within the last decade, India has gone from having barely any mobile-phone coverage to the world’s fastest-growing smartphone market. The government has helped boost e-commerce by launching high-speed broadband connectivity that will eventually cover the country’s rural areas.

Hundreds of startups The combination of more phones and faster access has spurred hundreds of e-commerce startups, peddling services from selling homes online to delivering gourmet Indian meals — making it one of the most fertile entrepreneurial ecosystems in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said connectivity coupled with digital commerce has the potential to propel India from a $2 trillion economy to a $20 trillion economy. Right now there is a lag between urban India and the countryside, but it’s narrowing quickly, Aggarwal said. The next 100 million people who will participate in e-commerce will be from India’s smaller towns, she said. Now that access to e-commerce is there, the next step is to boost spending to be able to compare India with online juggernaut China, said Prashanth Prakash, a partner at Accel Partners. India needs to add another $1 trillion to $2 trillion to the economy to really see the China comparison play out, he said. “The average spending from an ecommerce buyer in India is $250 to $300,” Prakash said. “Eight years ago in China it was $400. So there is a really huge chasm there.”

Hurdles abound Legacy companies in India shouldn’t be written off yet either, said Raghav Bahl, founder of digital media startup Quintillion Media. Unlike in the West, online changes in India are not occurring sequentially to traditional businesses but in parallel, helping e-commerce models evolve in a unique way, he said. “The end point of e-commerce will be very different from elsewhere,” Bahl said. E-commerce entrepreneurs will have to be “cognizant of the customers’ journey” to online shopping and “seamlessly hold the customers’ hand,” Accel’s Prakash said. “There will be some very interesting businesses we’re starting to see and fund where offline and online will nicely coexist in this country — maybe a little bit like what we see in China.” And despite the government’s professed startupfriendly policies, regulatory hurdles abound, the panelists said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said one of the best things the government can do for the startup community is to stay away from the startup community, Aggarwal said. “It is a great starting point.”

Within the last decade, India has gone from having barely any mobilephone coverage to the world’s fastest-growing smartphone market. The government has helped boost e-commerce by launching high-speed broadband connectivity that will eventually cover the country’s rural areas

Open for disruption Bahl lamented the “most complicated structure” for e-commerce business in India, because foreign investors can’t sell directly to consumers. Still, the government’s focus on startups has helped change perceptions on how the industry is viewed, if even a little bit at a time.

“I see a lot more openness for disruption, a lot more tolerance for new ideas,” said Shashank ND, chief executive officer and founder of Practo Technologies, a website for patients to find and book appointments with doctors.

Heavily regulated fields such as healthcare could use more opening up, especially new areas like telemedicine, which could bring access to millions of people across rural India, Shashank said. “But some of the telemedicine startups I am advising are facing massive push back because there is no clarity and regulation.” Some things are getting better.

In 2011, Aggarwal said it took her six months to get permission to do business in India, whereas now there is an app that gives a company the ability to be registered in a day. - Bloomberg News

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

ROUND-UP

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B5

Renault Symbol comes packed with features and unmatched benefits Its modern design and attractive equipment package, combined with its low fuel consumption make the new Renault Symbol the perfect sedan for families looking for value for money along with status and style

MUSCAT: The Renault Symbol is a status-enhancing yet affordable family sedan.

Its modern design and attractive equipment package, combined with its low fuel consumption make the new Renault Symbol the perfect sedan for families looking for value for money along with

status and style. Competitive advantages such as roominess, boot space, modern equipment and engine displacement ensure it has everything required to make it a hit with customers in the region, says a press release.

Offer highlights Customers will be entitled to receive assured cash gift of OMR500 on the Renault Symbol 1.6L and other benefits include free registration, six years unlimited mileage warranty and two years/30,000km free service (whichever is earlier).

Customers will also receive free AAA/road assistance card for the first year only and as supported by AAA Oman. The scheme is applicable for all customers purchasing Renault vehicles for personal use only.

Smart from every angle Symbol is packed with top-notch technology and innovation. It offers an enjoyable ride, significant power while maintaining low levels of fuel consumption. It is fitted with an automatic gearbox and a 1.6L 16V engine; placing it among the highest size of engines available on the B Sedan segment. The compact sedan offers as well spacious interior with seating for five

O NA M C E L E B R AT I O N S

adults, a 510 litres bootspace, and the possibility to increase it up to 1,257 litres with the rear benchseat folded.

The new Renault Symbol also offers plenty of safety features. It is equipped with front driver and passenger airbags, driver seatbelt unlock alarm, ISOFIX attachments for child seats, three points rear seatbelts with three rear headrests in addition to a central locking system and a speed sensitive door lock.

It also boasts as standard front fog lights, daytime running lights, and

most importantly an antilock braking systems (ABS).

To top it all, Renault Symbol will be available in various colours to satisfy all customer preferences and desires. It comes with the new Radio Arkamys 3D Sound CD/ MP3/USB and bluetooth, steering wheel controls, a cruise control and speed limiter.

It is also furnished with an automatic air-conditioning system that was tested to meet the challenges of the region’s harsh climate conditions.

The new Media Nav multimedia system also gives easy access to highly practical features thanks to it 7” touchscreen: GPS, audio streaming music, as well as access to your phonebook and call history thanks to Bluetooth.

This new car in the Renault lineup has been specially designed to meet the needs of customers who want an elegant, spacious, lowmaintenance family car. Modern equipment specification and engine range ensure it has all the ingredients to make it a hit with

customers in the region.

Engine: The 1.6L 16V engine is among the highest size of engines available on the B Sedan category.

Bootspace: The bootspace has a capacity of 510 litres, therefore placing the new Renault Symbol as the best-in-class choice for luggage transport in its category. In addition, the capacity can be increased to 1,257 litres with the rear benchseat folded.

Technology: The new Radio Arkamys 3D Sound CD / MP3 / USB is available with factory fitted Bluetooth and steering wheel control as standard from the first PE equipment level.

The new Media Nav multimedia system offering 7” touchscreen, GPS and audio streaming music comes along with the top of the range LE grade.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Oman’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 80 outlets – showrooms, service centres and parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

I N C R E A S I N G PA S S E N G E R D E M A N D

ISC Malayalam Wing Qatar Airways introduces second daily set to commence art, 787 Dreamliner route to Switzerland music and literary The introduction of the 787 Dreamliner will further contests from April 28 MUSCAT: Indian Social Club Malayalam Wing is all set to commence its prestigious annual competitions in various art forms, music and literary items from April 28.

Hundreds of children and adults are expected to participate to showcase their talents in various categories, says a press release.

The highlights of these competitions are that a 'Kalaratnam' from senior categories and a top scorer from sub-junior, junior and senior categories will be selected, and all

the winners will be honoured during the Onam celebrations scheduled to be held on September 22, 23 and 24 at the Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel.

The competition is open to all Keralites and those who are interested in taking part in the competitions, can enrol online by logging on to www.iscmalayalam.com.

The last date for registration is April 20.

Further details can be had from Sreekumar P., Malayalam Wing’s Cultural Secretary, on 91442035.

DOHA: Qatar Airways has announced a substantial aircraft upgrade on the Doha (DOH) to Geneva (GVA) route from July 1, to become the airline’s second Dreamliner route to Switzerland after Zürich.

The route, which is currently operated by an Airbus A320 with 132 seats, will be served by the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, almost doubling capacity on the direct daily service to 254 seats, says a press release.

The introduction of the 787 Dreamliner will further enhance the onboard experience for passengers between the two cities, in addition to increasing capacity to 80 tonnes of cargo per week carried to and from Geneva.

INTERACTIVE MEETINGS

enhance the onboard experience for passengers between the two cities “Qatar Airways is delighted that the high level of demand for travel to Geneva from our worldwide network warrants a higher-capacity aircraft equipped with our award-winning on board premium product, which will be introduced on the route,” said Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of

Qatar Airways. “The Boeing 787 Dreamliner represents one of the most modern aircraft in the skies and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board.”

Passengers travelling to Geneva from any of Qatar Airways more than 150 destinations benefit from a smooth and efficient transfer at Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International Airport. The airport houses one of the world’s largest and most luxurious Business Class lounges – the Al Mourjan Business Lounge – and offers more than 40,000 square metres of retail space and restaurants that includes a selection of more than 70 retail and 30 food and beverage outlets, in addition to an airside hotel, spa and swimming pool.

The Boeing B787 Dreamliner combines the latest in aeronautic engineering with refined onboard hospitality in a spacious and light environment. Large electronically-dimmable windows create dramatic views and provide natural light, while full-spectrum LED lighting sets the mood and helps passengers to adjust quickly to changing time zones.

A lower cabin pressure, improved air quality and optimal humidity also contribute to a refreshed feeling upon landing.

Since January 2013 the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has operated the daily Doha to Zürich route and Qatar Airways was the first airline to introduce this aircraft type to the Swiss market.

U N I QU E P L AT F O R M

Zubair SEC's ‘Tajribati’ keeps focus on marketing, communication for SMEs

Bank Nizwa welcomes students from University of Washington MUSCAT: A group of 20 students from the University of Washington visited Bank Nizwa head office to learn about the bank’s successful experience in Islamic banking, as well as the industry’s principles, development and unprecedented growth in Oman.

The visit included a series of interactive meetings and discussions with the bank’s experts as the students had the opportunity to learn about both the theoretical and practical aspects of Shariacompliant banking and finance, says a press release.

The delegation, which comprised a mixture of undergraduate and postgraduate students, visited Oman as part of a programme dedicated to learning about the economics of the GCC region. They were handed brochures identify-

ing the bank’s operations and the differences between Islamic banking products and their conventional counterparts, while their questions and inquiries were answered in the expanded discussions.

Great opportunity “The visit of students from the University of Washington, one of the top American universities in economics, accounting and finance, was a great opportunity to touch upon a series of timely topics in the global economy, while focusing on the growth of Islamic Finance globally and in particular in the Omani market,” said Dr Ashraf Nabhan Al Nabhani, general manager, Corporate Support at Bank Nizwa.

He added, “These educational tours are aimed at proactively

sharing best practices, knowledge and expertise with educational institutions in Oman and beyond.

We are confident such initiatives will create new prospects for our industry, while catering to the aspirations of graduates and future professionals.”

Since opening its doors three years ago, Bank Nizwa has been committed to spreading awareness of Islamic finance through dialogue, seminars and roadshows.

The bank has launched the ‘Islamic Finance Knowledge Series’ to educate local communities across the Sultanate on the benefits of Islamic banking and this visit is a continuation to its strategy to grow the industry and understanding of its core principles to audiences in Oman, the region and internationally.

MUSCAT: Zubair Small Enterprises Centre’s (Zubair SEC) recent ‘Tajribati’ discussion session brought together industry practitioners, specialists and entrepreneurs to discuss the vital topic of marketing and communication for SMEs. This ‘Tajribati’ series served as a unique platform to connect marketing experts with SME start-up owners and new entrepreneurs to exchange views, discuss common challenges and share best practices, says a press release.

The session was held with the objective of encouraging young Omani entrepreneurs carefully strategise for marketing and communication to be able to effectively and efficiently execute and attain their business goals.

The discussion attracted the participation of many members of Zubair SEC, as well as non-member SMEs owners and entrepreneurs from different sectors.

The ongoing ‘Tajribati’ discussion series organised by Zubair SEC is aimed at providing entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises a platform for dialogue and discussion with experts on topics concerning the field they are doing business. It also allows space for sharing insightful stories and experiences

by SME owners themselves.

Speakers discussed how SMEs can benefit from cost effective marketing and communication tools available. They shed light on why SMEs need to strategise their marketing and communication efforts and how to go smartly about it, considering the limited resources in most cases.

Stressing the need to adopt efficient marketing and communi-

cation strategies, Lina Hussein, head of Communication & Social Impact at Zubair SEC, said: “Marketing and communication are among the most important areas to strategise for the success of any business. No matter how solid a business model one can have in place, that business certainly needs the marketing and communication direction and tools to achieve the intended objectives.”

She also added: “Although advisers in Zubair SEC continuously provide support and guidance to members on relevant areas and approaches, gathering in this ‘Tajribati’ session to share thoughts and insight from specialists in the field and from SME owners who have implemented such strategies, proves to be of high value for the whole audience.”

Lina explained: “We run those monthly ‘Tajribati’ sessions in friendly environment that allows for discussing diverse points of view, and provide a platform for interaction between owners and stakeholders from different sectors and different sizes of business, which further enriches the debate.”

Underling the importance of marketing competencies, specialist speaker at the session Mohammad Al Farei, managing director of Zeenah Group and an indus-

try expert, said that for SMEs to remain competitive they must have efficient and reliable marketing and communication tools in place. He also gave insights on how successful companies employ good and unique marketing strategies in running their businesses. Providing suggestions to SMEs on how to adopt successful practices, he urged them to embrace and integrate new tools such as digital with the rest of their company’s marketing and communications strategy, and to always be diverse in the tools and channels they use.

Wafa Al Jabri, founding partner of Meshan and a member of Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme for year 2014, shared her experience on how her team scaled up with their marketing efforts.

Wafa said that having been in the field she feels marketing is a strategic activity that greatly makes a difference to the company revenue and its long term survival.

She specifically emphasised the importance of investing good effort and resources at the establishment stage to put in place a solid branding and communication collateral that would be essential for the execution of the marketing strategy as it materialises.

B6

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

ROUND-UP

Ooredoo introduces fantastic new offers Ooredoo is offering free Whatsapp for everyone with more credit recharges and new welcome packs

MUSCAT: Ooredoo has introduced two new fantastic offers with free WhatsApp for everyone.

Mousbak or Shababiah prepaid customers can now benefit from the great value with more credit recharge, which gives up to 25% extra credit, at no extra charge, and up to 25 days free WhatsApp. Newcomers to Ooredoo can also get outstanding value with the new Mousbak Welcome Pack providing an amazing six months free What-

sApp along with OMR2 free credit, says a press release.

“At Ooredoo we are always aiming to inspire, and we listen to what our customers want. They are at the heart of everything we do and their views on our services and offers play a key role in the promotions we provide,” said Feras Al Shaikh, Ooredoo director of Consumer Sales.

“More credit recharges provide

great value and have been very popular since their launch in 2015.

Adding even more, we have now included free WhatsApp to make sure that our customers stay connected with family and friends for longer, whether it is just keeping in touch or sharing those special moments. The same applies to our Mousbak Welcome Pack promotion with a generous free WhatsApp allowance and extra free credit.”

Starting from yesterday and available for the next three months, More Credit Recharge customers who purchase OMR2 will receive OMR2.2 in credit, valid for 10 days, with three days free WhatsApp. Those opting for the OMR5 More Credit Recharge will receive OMR6 credit valid for 20 days, with free WhatsApp for 10 days. For those getting the More Credit Recharge of OMR10, OMR12.5 credit will be given, valid for 25 days along with free WhatsApp for the same period. To

enjoy this great offer, More Credit recharge customers can opt in for free by dialling *141*112#.

New Ooredoo customers can take advantage of the fantastic introductory offer when they buy their Ooredoo Mousbak Welcome pack. After activating the pack they should dial *141*116# to opt in to the free WhatsApp service. In order to keep the free WhatsApp activated for the full six months, credit should be recharged by a minimum of OMR1 every month.

Customers should note that while the free WhatsApp has a generous maximum usage limit of 250MB per recharge, once this quota has been used usual data tariffs will be applied. Additionally, any external link sent through WhatsApp will be charged according to the customer’s active 3G/4G plan or WiFi. The free WhatsApp offer is strictly for use in Oman and customers using WhatsApp while travelling will be charged at normal roaming rates.

REACHING OUT

Milano launches ‘Take Me Home’ campaign DUBAI: Milano brand, exclusively distributed by the Danube Group worldwide, launched the ‘Take Me Home’ campaign across platforms in the UAE. The latest campaign is part of an effort to reach out to a wider set of audiences, following reports of heightened spend on sanitary ware and bathroom accessories, says a press release.

‘Take Me Home’ campaign participants will be the customers, who are looking to renovate their bathrooms, or customers who need alternate bathroom fixtures or customers who want to replicate or maintain a consistent lifestyle in their home country, as people tend to spend a considerable amount on sanitary ware and bathroom accessories while visiting their native places. Over and above all this, customers can save a lot of money as the sanitary and bathroom accessories are 4-5 times more expensive in their home countries.

A well-budgeted renovation makes financial sense and it is well within the limits if the spend on bathroom remodelling is less than or equal to 15 per cent of the house’s value. Recent surveys across geographies reveal that average spend on bathrooms is more than 25 per cent of the total renovation budget of a household, which swells to 30 per cent in the Middle East.

According to a 2014 update, the population of the UAE predomi-

nantly comprises Indians (42%), Pakistanis (21%), Emiratis (11.32), Bangladeshis (7.49) and Filipinos (5.41) and the country has been a home for close to 200 nationalities.

To be successful in such a diverse market, a brand needs to evolve and be impeccable with their designs to sustain the customers interest, and that’s exactly what Milano has been doing through its world class products, innovative technologies along with water saving features and exclusive designs include- faucets, toilets, water heaters, steam rooms, massage bath tubs, shower sets and other bathroom accessories. Moreover the complete product line from Milano is famous for its quality and competitive pricing.

Anis Sajan, managing director, Danube Group, said: “New building legislation and government targets for carbon footprint are setting the scene for energy and water-saving fittings in bathrooms.

“We have put together an inno-

vative product line and would like consumers to make an informed decision about what to buy. Our vision is to be the only platform in the Middle East that will match the consumers’ growing want for quality and design.”

Due to the rising popularity of concept washrooms and coordinated sanitary-ware, fittings and accessories, Milano is offering a one-stop shop solution for all sanitary-ware and fittings requirements. The in-store experience has grown in importance, and the brand has established ‘mock- up’ areas.

With a robust and proven channel network across GCC, backed with pool of highly skilled and qualified technicians, Milano ensures ready availability of its products and lends peace of mind with its high quality.

The complete product range is available at all Danube Home stores and sanitary ware retail stores across Middle East.

GET-TOGETHER

Omani students’ body in New Zealand holds its annual gathering MUSCAT: The Omani Student Association (OSA) of New Zealand recently held its annual gathering in the North Island city of Auckland during the Easter break.

Ninety Omani students from all over New Zealand attended the gathering, says a press release.

The three-day event started off with a celebratory dinner held at the University of Auckland during which students were able to socialise and network while catching up with each other.

The second day started off with a ’Catch The Flag’ game, which involved the attendees being divided into 10 different teams, and each team having to solve riddles in order to find out the location of their rivals teams base enabling them to therefore steal their opponents flags. The primary objective of the game was to allow the attendees to see as many landmarks of Auckland city as possible. The evening of the second day included an opening ceremony with welcome speeches by the student leaders and lots of creative videos filmed and designed by some Auckland students.

The final day kicked off with a kiwi-style burger BBQ and the event concluded with a chartered cruise around Auckland harbour exclusively for Omani students.

Shihab Ali Al Busaidi, president of the Omani Student Association of New Zealand, was quoted saying: “The annual gathering is one of the most highly sought after events by the vast majority of Omani students in New Zealand. I was extremely marvelled and impressed by the accomplishments of the Auckland association this year despite the very limited funding received

The annual gathering is one of the most highly sought after events by the vast majority of Omani students in New Zealand Shihab Ali Al Busaidi

President, OSA of New Zealand

from the Ministry of Higher Education due to the ongoing oil crisis in Oman. We sincerely hope that companies and organisations in Oman will consider supporting us in the future.”

Zainab Mujataba Al Lawati, president of the Omani Student Association of Auckland, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to everyone in her team who took part in making this event a huge success and thanked all attendees for coming.

She further added that the gathering was a brilliant opportunity for all students to showcase their unique talents and was also a wonderful opportunity for all students to gather away from all the stresses of studies.

SPECIAL OFFER

Oman Hotels announces special rates for residents MUSCAT: Oman Hotels and Tourism Co., the leading group of hotels in Oman, announced special rates for ‘Oman residents only’ offer at their premier properties at Desert Nights Camp at Wahiba Sands and Sur Plaza Hotel in Sur. The unique feature is that the hotels are prompting the families to visit by offering one child under 12 years to stay free on half board basis, says a press release.

Picturesque city of Sur is be-

coming one of the most sought after destinations for local holiday makers. The city is famous among tourists for its magnificent beaches, traditional ‘Dhow’ building (wooden ship building) factory, the fishing village and also for the green turtles beach for witnessing one of the nature’s miracles of turtles laying eggs. Apart from turtle watching, one could visit many other attractions in and around Sur. Tiwi beach, Wadi Arbeen,

The unique feature is that the hotels are prompting the families to visit by offering one child under 12 years to stay free on half board basis Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid are some of the natures creations that can be enjoyed within close-radius of the hotel. The hotel comprises 89 standard and 15 deluxe rooms to

enable a comfortable good night’s sleep for a traveller. It expands on to offer varieties of indoor/outdoor dining options to choose from a wide range of traditional Omani/

Arabic, Continental, Chinese/Oriental and Indian cuisines to suit your palate.

Desert Nights Camp, 11km off the Muscat-Sur main road, lies the on the Golden Sands of Wahiba sands. The camp harmoniously blends into its surroundings with the environment.

This rustic beauty is surrounded by peaks of sand dunes, offering a natural protection from the temperamental sun of the Oman de-

sert. The luxurious 26 detached tented suites with air conditioning and en suite bathroom with hot and cold water provide a lavish ‘chance of a lifetime’ experience.

The unique desert experience provided by this architectural marvel in combination with an array of options in dinning and desert activities enables one to capture the wonders of this rustic beauty within its desert dwelling at a special rate only for Oman residents.

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Land Rover Mena wins at World Media Awards The luxury SUV manufacturer was honoured with the award for its innovative communications platform MYLAND (Ardhi in Arabic) which was created exclusively for the Mena region

MUSCAT: Land Rover Mena was selected as the overall winner in the automotive category at the World Media Awards held in London.

The luxury SUV manufacturer was honoured with the award for its innovative communications platform MYLAND (Ardhi in Ara-

bic) which was created exclusively for the Mena region to celebrate the impact the Arab culture has had on today’s modern society, says a press release.

Evokes sense of pride Launched in 2014, the MYLAND

campaign broke new ground for Land Rover as its first regional creative communications campaign.

Built around original creative content and user generated material, MYLAND focuses on inspirational Arabs whose lives are motivated by their culture, land and heritage rather than how famous or wellknown they are. As a result, the overall campaign naturally evokes a sense of pride and inspiration for the Middle East region.

Speaking about the World Media Awards accolade Bruce Robertson, managing director for the Mena region, Jaguar Land Rover said: “Since the launch of the Series I in 1948, Land Rover and the Middle East region have walked hand in hand. By its very definition, Land Rover helps people and places to go above and beyond

their limitations, and has been a constant companion for the Mena region for nearly 70 years. This campaign is about celebrating the Middle East and its people.

It’s about the individuals who are helping to push the region into a future rich in the culture and heritage of its past and we are truly honoured to be recognised for our work on this campaign.”

The World Media Awards benchmark the best in international advertising and communication strategies.

Land Rover beat stiff competition from other luxury automotive contenders with its MYLAND communications campaign acknowledged by the judging panel as a bold and creative strategy which engaged with influential audiences in multiple countries.

IT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

InterTech partners with NEC Enterprise Solutions MUSCAT: InterTech, an ISO certified premier IT solution provider in Oman, hosted a successful kick-off event to officially mark the commencement of their partnership with NEC Enterprise Solutions, a division of the Tokyo based IT mogul NEC Corporation, and introduce NEC’s innovative and high performance IT products and services for the first time in the Omani market.

The event held recently at the Crowne Plaza in Muscat saw a fairly impressive attendance, largely from the ministry, multinational organisations and educational institutions, says a press release.

“This marks a new milestone as we proudly partner with NEC Enterprise Solutions. NEC has been a reliable name in the market for long, and we believe this integration will prove to be extremely valuable, especially for our customers looking for a sustainable solution,” said Baby Sam Samuel, general manager at InterTech.

Kick-starting with a formal welcome from InterTech and NEC, the presentation featured demonstrations on the product line, their functionalities and comparative advantage in the present ecosys-

TA L E N T D E V E L O P M E N T

NBO staff successfully completes leader training programme MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO) announced that 15 of its staff members have successfully completed the ‘NBO Leader’ training programme, which is designed to empower middle management-level employees and provide them with the tools to be proficient leaders.

The NBO Leader programme, hosted by the bank’s training arm NBO Academy of Excellence, involved two modules conducted in February and March of this year, covering a range of topics that support NBO’s strategy of talent development and leadership culture, says a press release.

Designed in-house, the training programme also involved practical work on real life business scenarios requiring the application of knowledge and skills

learnt earlier in the curriculum, while placing emphasis on fostering a better work environment through improved communication, motivation and teamwork.

Nasser Al Hajri, general manager - chief human resources officer and head of Corporate Affairs at NBO, said: “One of the strategic agenda of HR Group in NBO is to build leadership capabilities in the bank.

“The NBO Leader training programme is one such learning initiative which will augment this agenda.

“The programme is of strategic importance as it is a fundamental building block for staff who aspire to become leaders not only in NBO but also contribute to the banking and finance industry in the Sultanate.”

S H O W C A S I N G TA L E N T S

MEC Week kicks off tem. Product portfolio comprised Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Solution (VPCC), Storage Solutions (SAN Storage), Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity System (Express Cluster) and wide ranging server line including the entire NEC Express5800 server family with their most coveted Fault Tolerant (FT) Servers that guarantees 99.999% system uptime with dual modular redundancy design.

Speaking of ‘Smart’ features beyond Fault Tolerant Technology specifically of their server line, Costas Solomou, senior technical

consultant at NEC Enterprises Solutions, highlighted the optimised cooling technology, intelligent fan control and eco-friendly power supplies that not just enhanced power efficiency and reduced cost but also ensured a green and clean planet.

Commenting on their business strategy, Lenia Iacovides, director (SEMEA) at NEC Enterprise Solution, said, “NEC has advanced system, groundbreaking technology, wide-ranging products and competitive price. We spend a lot of money on research and develop-

‘SHOP & WIN’

Geepas promo gets massive response from customers MUSCAT: Geepas, leading consumer electronics brand, has successfully activated its 3-month mega ‘Shop & Win’ car promotion which is running all across Oman.

The promotion is proving to be immensely successful as customers are making purchases from outlets all over Oman to enter the mega raffle draw. Lucky winners will walk home with three Toyota Corollas and brand new Geepas home appliances, says a press release.

Group brand sponsors Royalford and Clarkford teamed up along with Geepas to make an effective run of the promotion and are touching hearts of customers by offering products at incredible discounted prices.

Upon purchasing products from both the brands, customers enter into the promotion to stand chances of winning mega prizes.

All three brands have a vibrant presence in Oman and the promotion is proving to be a fruitful one.

With every spend of OMR10,

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customers get a chance to receive one coupon to enter the ‘Shop & Win’ promotion raffle draw with chances of winning three brand new Toyota Corollas along with top-of-the-line range of Geepas refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, cookers, vacuum cleaners etc.

Promotion till May 31 The promotion is currently running and will end on May 31 and is activated all over Oman including Salalah.

More than 1,200 outlets from all over Oman are participating in the promotion providing exciting offers to customers over its wide range of products. The draw date is set on June 10.

Nizar T. N., director of Operations, Western International Group, parent company of Geepas, Royalford & Clarkford, said: “We are seeing an overwhelming response from our loyal customers for the promotion. Customers have found a

great opportunity to buy their favourite products at great offers while at the same time standing chances to win mega prizes. We are thrilled and excited about the entire promotion, and we are sure that it will have a positive impact on our customers.”

Geepas is a part of Western International Group and has one of the world’s largest electronics product portfolio with over 1,500 products in entertainment products, home appliances, kitchen appliances, lighting devices and personal care gadgets.

Royalford, another brand under Western International Group, offers premium tableware and kitchenware that are made from the finest raw materials.

Clarkford is the brand that deals with fashionable stylish watches for men and women.

Western International Group is a diversified group comprising several verticals and businesses that spread over more than 86 countries.

ment. So our approach is for our customers to feel it, test it and try it. We want to offer a unique alternative – very different from others yet all the more effective.

The NEC server division’s operation in Muscat is to be headed

by Firas Alchahef, Sales manager at InterTech. Discussing on NEC’s entry into Oman’s IT sphere, he opined, “It is the right time to spread awareness regarding NEC servers. Costability is great. With its environment-friendly approach and cutting edge technology, NEC is the future.”

MUSCAT: Middle East College (MEC) commenced its 4th MEC Week on April 3 which will continue till April 7.

The programme aims to provide opportunities for students to improve their knowledge and skills and exhibit their talents through several activities, 70 in all, based on the following major themes: Health, safety, and environment, innovation and digital competence, cultural competence, social engagement, and entrepreneurship, says a press release.

Poetry and short story writing, memory improvement techniques, short films, Islamic Architecture, the basics of Jap-

anese and French, design and fashion, iPhone applications development, in addition to educational and entertaining field trips, to name a few, are being organised throughout the weeklong programme.

“This action-packed week is an opportunity for students to demonstrate and share their knowledge and skills, to engage and shoulder responsibility, and to promote life-long learning.

The majority of the activities are student-centric in nature where students are actively involved in organising and conducting the sessions,” Pooja Krishnan, head of Student Success Centre at MEC said.

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Meethaq supports Zakat funds forum The seminar was addressed by Sharia experts who highlighted the investment opportunities for Zakat funds through innovative Islamic banking products and services

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, extended support and participated in a seminar organised in the wilayat of Al Hamra by the Zakat Forum Committee.

Sheikh Dr Khalifa bin Hamed Al Saadi, Governor of Dakhiliyah, was the guest of honour at the seminar

addressed by Sharia experts who highlighted the investment opportunities for Zakat funds through innovative Islamic banking products and services, says a press release.

The advent of Islamic banking in the Sultanate is contributing to the growth and development of the banking sector and innovative products and services are required to meet evolving needs of the public, including utilisation of Zakat funds, in compliance with Sharia

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laws, the seminar noted.

Issa bin Salim Al Riyami made a presentation highlighting the investment avenues offered by Meethaq Islamic Banking for Zakat funds in a manner consistent with the principles of Sharia law and serving the interests of community and business. The participation and support to the seminar reflects the bank’s commitment to responsible banking aimed at contributing to the

country’s development, he added.

Meethaq is the leading Islamic financial services provider in the Sultanate with many achievements contributing to the growth and development of the Sultanate’s economy. Meethaq extends support to all key economic sectors in the Sultanate. Meethaq strives to fulfil the needs of customers with innovative Sharia based products and is well positioned to provide Islamic financial expertise to diverse segments and thereby promote the good of society as a whole.

Meethaq is focused on developing as a benchmark Islamic financial institution in Oman and the region. Within just three years of operations, Meethaq has attained the leading position in the Islamic banking industry in Oman in terms of financing receivables, branch network, products and services, IT infrastructure and human resources development.

Meethaq not only provides benchmark Islamic financial solutions to support the country’s development but also plays a key role in raising awareness and educating people on important aspects of Islamic banking and finance.

H E A LT H C A R E

Free haemorrhoid camp at Starcare till April 7

MUSCAT: Starcare Hospital is organising a free camp for people, suffering from piles till April 7 at its Seeb centre. Patients with anal/rectal symptoms and any discomforts in passing ‘motions’ can consult senior consultant surgeons for free of cost, says a press release.

“The term ‘piles’, refers to a condition where in the blood vessels present in the anal canal enlarge, get congested and cause bleeding and sometime, pain and mass. It is important not to ignore rectal symptoms. They may be indicative of other diseases like ‘fissures’ or ‘fistulae’.

“Rarely, they may also be the beginning symptoms of serious diseases like cancer. Hence, it is prudent to get a medical checkup if rectal symptoms are present.

Piles (also known as haemorrhoids) and their symptoms are

among the most common afflictions in the region largely attributed to food habits and sitting jobs. Interestingly it is more common among the men but it doesn’t mean that women are safe. True that is a bit embarrassing and very unpleasant but the good news is it can be cured and the advanced techniques very effective and painless,” said Dr Mohammed Naseem, CEO, Starcare Hospital.

The camp is championed by senior consultant (general and laparoscopic surgeon) Dr (Col) K. M. Harikrishnan, who is also the director of Emergency and Surgical Services and ably supported by Dr Omar Adil Al Hafidh, general and laparoscopic surgeon and team.

Special discounts apply for related investigations during the period of promotion.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

BankDhofar approves 15% cash dividend, 10% bonus share issue MUSCAT: The Board of Directors of BankDhofar conducted its annual general meeting at Muscat InterContinental Hotel recently.

The meeting approved the Corporate Governance report and the report of the Board of Directors of the bank for the financial year ended December 31, 2015, as well as the balance sheet, the profit and loss account for the financial year ended December 31, 2015, in addition to the report of Sharia Supervisory Board for ‘Maisarah’ Islamic Banking Services for the same financial year, H E A LT H C A R E S E R V I C E S

says a press release.

The meeting also approved the proposed cash dividend of 15 per cent amounting to OMR23.17 million and a bonus share issue of 10 per cent, aggregating to 154.47 million shares of OMR0.100 each, of the share capital of the bank, subject to regulatory approvals.

In continuation of its capital augmentation plan, the bank raised capital of $300 million (OMR115.5 million) in the form of Tier 1 (including Additional Tier 1 capital) in 2015, the successful debut issuance of Basel III compliant

Tier 1 instrument in the country.

This would be used to support the growth of the bank.

Financial strength As part of the planned funding programme and strengthening the liquidity base, the bank successfully completed a syndicated borrowing of $250 million at competitive rates, with encouraging participation from major banks in the region. This facility demonstrates the confidence of the global markets in the financial strength of BankDhofar.

TILL APRIL 10

Babylon Medical SPAR launches ‘Taste the World’ campaign Centre introduces speedy visa medical services MUSCAT: Babylon Medical Centre, one of the leading healthcare service providers in Oman, recently opened a dedicated unit for visa medical and checkup services introducing speedy medical services concept, first of its kind in Al Amerat.

Facing the continuous hot market demand, it further accelerated its one stop solution theme of providing medical services under one roof, says a press release.

“We are thrilled, excited, committed and passionate as a team to address the community, occupational clients for growing needs of visa medical and checkup and following a legacy of excellence set up by our medical centres across Oman,” said Dr Ammar Al Najhi, chairman - Babylon Medical Centre.

“This new visa medical/checkup clinic underscores the commitment of improving healthcare on existing practices in Sultanate of Oman as there is always room for improvements. We have employed a dedicated facility, an autonomous laboratory and advanced digital radiology ser-

Babylon Medical Centre was established in the Sultanate of Oman in 2003 and its vision has always been to be a world-class provider of quality healthcare for all

MUSCAT: SPAR Oman has launched a campaign to introduce a wide range of exciting food and beverage products to its shoppers sourced from various parts of the world.

Titled ‘Taste the World’, the campaign which began recently will continue till April 10. This initiative was launched by Kanan Kapadia, director, SPAR Oman, says a press release.

“The objective behind the campaign is to offer our shoppers an extensive range of products sourced from across the globe, which are the best in terms of quality, freshness and taste.

“As SPAR Oman establishes a strong presence in the countries retail arena, shoppers can always look forward to a fresh experience, choice, better service and

best quality products,” said Devendra Kumar, head of Retail, SPAR Oman.

The retail chain is already

growing its online presence with a dedicated Facebook page, through which it is now running an online contest for the campaign.

Customers can logon on to Oman SPAR’s Facebook page to participate in the contest and win exciting prizes. During the promotion all SPAR outlets across the country will feature a wide and varied assortment of around 207 products in 27 food categories and sourced from 27 countries including The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Thailand, India, UAE, Oman and many more.

Shoppers can also choose from SPAR’s very own private label of cookies, biscuits, pesto, coffee and olives sourced and manufactured from around the world. There are 100 per cent juices and coconut water from Thailand, a sumptuous array of sweets from India and several other confectionery treats from countries such as Italy, USA and many more.

O M A N I N S U R A N C E A S S O C I AT I O N

OIA elects new Board of Directors vices specialised for the same, strictly adhering with the Ministry of Health and Oman’s prevailing rules and regulations,” said Yousif, the general manager.

Babylon Medical Centre, a unit of Babylon Medical Services, was established in the Sultanate of Oman in 2003 and its vision has always been to be a world-class provider of quality healthcare for all.

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN.

Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

MUSCAT: In line with its commitment to ‘Underwrite Oman’s Progress’, the Oman Insurance Association (OIA) - a trade body consisting of insurance companies, insurance brokers and loss adjusters – has elected a new Board of Directors with eminent members from the insurance industry.

Sayyid Nassir Al Busaidi, Oman United Insurance Company, is the new chairman of OIA and Lloyd East (RSA Middle East) and Rawny Khadr (Dhofar Insurance) are the deputy chairmen. Srinivasan A. R. (Falcon Insurance) is the treasurer and Adil Al Lawati (Al Futtaim) is the secretary of OIA. Other members of the Board include Hasan Al Lawati (Marsh) and P. K. Mohan (RMS), says a press release.

The new board met for the first time on April 3 to decide on its agenda for the insurance sector of Oman for 2016. OIA was established six years ago by Regn No. 142 dated December 18, 2010 issued by the Ministry of Social Development to support the members’ interests and implement the

best trade practices and industry benchmarking in Oman. The OIA has successfully recruited 100% membership amongst insurance companies and also has recruited many of the key brokers in Oman as full members.

Sayyid Nassir Al Busaidi said: “A new 7-member board has been elected and we are finalising the set of objectives that we hope to achieve during our 2-year tenure.

By regular consultations with the Capital Market Authority (CMA), Government and other stakeholders, we aim to improve the quality of insurance services in Oman to benefit consumers, improve professionalism, consistency and raise standards. The importance of insurance in guaranteeing a

country’s progress cannot be undermined, and hence it is very important that correct systems are in place. We want to further strengthen the insurance industry in the country.”

Lloyd said: “Since the formation of the association, we have seen some improvement in the standardisation of the insurance network in Oman. The progress in the field of e-insurance, new regulatory changes, the new unified motor policy etc. is extremely rewarding. We look forward to more years of good work and success. We are also looking at the professionalisation of the association itself by setting up a permanent office and hiring resources to further achieve the goals of the association.”

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Oman preparing to switch format for next month’s WCL Division 5 Oman national cricket team, who won plaudits for their commendable display at the ICC World T20 in India, will soon start preparing for the World Cricket League Division Five, a competition which will be played in 50-over format

A. SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: After making a ‘big impact’ at the ICC World T20 Championship, Oman team are all set to switch formats and start preparing for the World Cricket League Division 5 competition.

Duleep Mendis-coached squad’s exploits at the World T20 preliminary round in India, including a thrilling victory over Ireland, caught the attention of cricket world and won plaudits from the pundits. But now the team are gearing up to get into the 50-over

mode ahead of their participation in the World Cricket League Division 5 with an ultimate aim of climbing back into Division 2 in two years time.

According to Duleep Mendis, the Sultanate squad will start their preparations for the May tournament, to be organised in Jersey, in the right earnest with an internal camp this week.

Speaking to Times Sport, the Sri Lankan great said: “The boys are now very confident after our participation in the ICC World T20.

But now is the time to switch to 50-over format.”

“First I would like to congratulate the team for their wonderful show at the World T20. All credit to the boys. They showed a lot of self belief and performed admirably in Dharamsala,” he said.

Duleep Mendis, who is also the Chief Development Officer of Oman Cricket, also thanked the Sultanate’s cricket body for giving the right support for the team.

“The boys made a very big impact in India. But we need to thank Oman Cricket officials for supporting the team,” he said while specifically mentioning the names of Pankaj Khimji (board member) and Madhu Jesrani (general secretary).

“From the planning stage, during the competition and right up to now, Pankaj and Madhu have always been behind the boys. I would like to stress the word ‘always’.

That kind of support really boosted the confidence of boys and the results are there to see,” he said.

Duleep, however, stressed that ‘now the need is to adjust to 50over format’.

“Now the conditions will be dif-

endurance as well.” “The training will continue for a period of six weeks and after the initial conditioning camp, we will switch to technical aspects,” he added.

We have to adjust to both the format and the conditions. It’s difficult but we have to be ready and the preparations have to begin right away Duleep Mendis National cricket coach

ferent, both climate wise as well as competition wise. So it is very essential for the boys to adjust themselves to the 50-over format,” he said.

English conditions The World Cricket League Division 5 competition will take place in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands between England and France, and Duleep Mendis believes the conditions will be more like in England.

“In Jersey, we will mostly likely be playing in kind of English conditions, very different from subcontinent conditions, in which we have been training and playing in

the past few months. “But we have to adjust to both the format and the conditions. It’s difficult but we have to be ready and the preparations have to begin right away,” he added.

Duleep, meanwhile, expressed delight at the involvement of his wards in the domestic league.

“Fortunately, all our players are now involved in Oman Cricket League and more importantly they are also playing in 50-over matches. That’s a plus,” he said.

Giving details of the preparations for the Jersey competition, he said: “We will start with a training camp, where the focus will be more on physical conditioning and

Pool of talent Asked about the availability of eligible players for the tournament, he said: “We have a good pool of talent, both among the nationals and expatriates, to choose from.”

According to the ICC regulation, unlike the T20 matches, the 50over matches require a player to have spent more than seven years in a country to be eligible to represent that country. In the shortest format, the criterion is four years.

Speaking about Oman’s chances at the six-team competition in Jersey, Duleep refused to make predictions.

“It’s too early to talk about the results and make predictions.

“But none of the teams can be taken lightly.”

Oman’s coach, however, expressed the hope that the team will climb back to the World League Division 2.

“The aim is to reach World League Division 2 in two years time when the current cycle concludes. That definitely is our objective,” he added.

Back in 2007 Oman were in Division 2 and in the competition held in Namibia finished second behind the United Arab Emirates, clinching a berth in the 2009 ICC World Cup Qualifier.

But since then they slipped to Division 5 even though they kept performing well in the Twenty20 format.

This year’s Division 5 Competition, which forms part of

the 2012–18 cycle of the World Cricket League, takes place in Jersey from May 21 to 28 and Oman and hosts Jersey will be competing with teams like Tanzania and Nigeria, third and fourth placed teams from 2014 WCL Division 5, and Guernsey and Vanuatu, second and third placed teams from 2015 WCL Division 6.

Surname who originally qualified as the Division 6 toppers withdrew after the ICC launched an investigation over eligibility of some their players and their place was taken by Vanuatu.

In the tournament to be played in a round robin format followed by a knockout stages, Oman are scheduled to start their campaign on May 21 with a match against hosts Jersey.

On May 22, Oman will clash with Nigeria and that will be followed by matches against Vanuatu on May 24, Tanzania on May 25 and Guernsey on May 27.

The classification matches as well as the final will be played on May 28.

Fixtures: May 21: Jersey vs Oman; Nigeria vs Tanzania; Guernsey vs Vanuatu.

May 22: Jersey vs Vanuatu; Guernsey vs Tanzania; Nigeria vs Oman.

May 24: Jersey vs Tanzania; Guernsey vs Nigeria; Oman vs Vanuatu.

May 25: Oman vs Tanzania; Jersey vs Guernsey; Nigeria vs Vanuatu.

May 27: Tanzania vs Vanuatu; Jersey vs Nigeria; Guernsey vs Oman.

May 28: 5th place playoff, 3rd place playoff and Final.

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Brathwaite provides apt climax to Indian stunner When the 27-yearold Barbadian’s final shot soared into the stands at a raucous Eden Gardens on Sunday, the

BCCI gives us more support than WICB: Bravo KOLKATA: Dashing all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has joined skipper Darren Sammy in criticising the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), saying “even BCCI does more” compared to the WICB. “The country’s cricket is not in right hands,” Bravo said.

“It was basically us against them (WICB). Even the BCCI does more for us,” he added. “But it’s nice that the CARICOM people are coming together. Cricket is a way that unites people in the Caribbean.”

Stokes devastated, ‘will take couple of days to heal’

undeniable attraction

KOLKATA: England captain Eoin Morgan said all-rounder Ben Stokes is devastated after being hit for four sixes by Carlos Brathwaite in the last over.

Asked how is Stokes coping, Morgan said: “It’s quite simple from my point of view. He is going to be devastated. It’ll take its toll in the next couple of days. but we share the pain, we share the success. You could say what you like to him at the moment but he’s probably not hearing it.”

of cricket’s youngest competition was given a thumping seal of approval with a breathtaking closing sequence

KOLKATA: For a format that encourages big hits to maximise entertainment value, it was perhaps fitting that the World Twenty20 final culminated with Carlos Brathwaite blasting four sixes in a row to win it for West Indies.

When the 27-year-old Barbadian’s final shot soared into the stands at a raucous Eden Gardens on Sunday, the undeniable attraction of cricket’s youngest competition was given a thumping seal of approval with a breathtaking closing sequence.

“It was a stunning end to a stunning tournament that showcased the best of the modern game,” former England captain Mike Atherton wrote of his countrymen’s heartbreaking loss in his Times column on Monday.

The success of the tournament will convince many that the brevity and action-packed nature of Twenty20 cricket make it the only feasible format able to break new ground and gatecrash multi-sports events such as the Olympics.

The sixth edition of the fastpaced extravaganza was far from flawless, however.

Delays in issuing tickets and the uncertainty over venues in Delhi, which left it late to get the necessary administrative paperwork in order, and Dharamsala, deemed unsafe by Pakistan, added unwanted tension to preparations.

Doubt over Pakistan’s participation lingered for months before foreign ministries and the organisers managed to cajole the 2009 champions into agreeing to play by shifting the Super 10 contest against India from Dharamsala to Kolkata.

Once they eventually took to the pitch, Pakistan may have wished that negotiations had broken down completely and they had stayed at home for the entire tournament.

They managed to win just one of their four Group 2 matches before beating a hasty retreat with Shahid Afridi subsequently relinquishing

BRIEFS

Samuels takes pot-shots at Stokes, Warne ALL SMILES: West Indies’ cricket captains Stafanie Taylor, left, and

VICTORY CRY: West Indies batsman Carlos Brathwaite exults after

Darren Sammy pose with the World T20 trophies. – AFP

the winning six at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. – PTI

his T20 captaincy in the aftermath of a dismal campaign.

Australia fared little better in a competition that continues to frustrate them, failing to reach the semifinals despite boasting of one of the most explosive batting lineups in world cricket.

Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand peaked early, winning all of their group matches to cruise into the last four, where they surrendered meekly to an unpredictable England side.

A transitional Sri Lanka’s lack of resources ensured their title defence was doomed to fail, while hosts India were dealt a knockout blow by the big-hitting West Indies in the other semi-final, despite the brilliance of a talismanic Virat Kohli. Player-of-the-tournament Kohli and his English counterpart Joe Root proved that it was possible to score freely without completely sacrificing aesthetics, even though brute strength prevailed in the end.

Lasting memories After three weeks of intrigue and excitement, the summit clash pitted Twenty20 pioneers England, who introduced the format to the world in 2003, against its most free-spirited practitioners.

Sunday’s showdown was a classic encounter and after 39.4 overs of plot twists and shifts in momentum, the men from the Caribbean triumphed in a tournament they too, almost boycotted over a rumbling pay dispute with their board.

England’s fearless brand of

It was a stunning end to a stunning tournament that showcased the best of the modern game Mike Atherton

wrote in his Times column

cricket was rewarded by a surprising run to the final, completing a remarkable turnaround in whiteball fortunes after an embarrassing loss to Bangladesh at last year’s 50-overs World Cup led to an early flight home.

There was also a tinge of sadness about South Africa’s habitual ability to grab defeat from the jaws of victory at global competitions that culminated in another group stage exit.

Australia will host the next edition of the tournament in 2020 after it shifts from a two-year cycle to a quadrennial one, meaning the illustrious trio of AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn are likely to never play in a World Twenty20 again.

While it seems like an agonisingly long wait for the next instalment to arrive, lasting memories of the one just finished will remain etched in the minds of those who witnessed them for years to come.

The sight of a hamstrung Angelo

Mathews going above and beyond a captain’s call of duty in a heroic yet futile attempt to rescue Sri Lanka’s cause against England will probably be regarded as one of the tournament’s more defining moments.

Equally as dramatic was India’s group stage victory over Bangladesh, when the hosts took three wickets off the last three balls to record a one-run win as their opponents lost discipline when a historic triumph was within easy reach.

Everything, however, paled in comparison to Brathwaite’s blaze of boundaries in the last four deliveries to ensure West Indies became the first team to win the title twice.

“Anyone who was here witnessed one of the great T20 matches. It was won, it was lost, then won, then lost. No side really deserved to lose it,” former England captain Nasser Hussain wrote in his Daily Mail column.

The Daily Telegraph described Brathwaite’s onslaught as “four balls that stunned the world” with

its correspondent Jonathan Liew writing: “It was one of the most remarkable victories ever known.

“A match that will resound well beyond the boundaries of this stadium, well beyond the boundaries of Twenty20 as a finish for the ages.”

While Brathwaite’s incredible display of power-hitting allowed the Caribbean side to become the first to win the World Twenty20 title twice, there was plenty of sympathy for England bowler Stokes, who was on the receiving end of the late mauling.

England skipper Eoin Morgan said: “Ben is going to be devastated. Cricket can be a cruel game, it will take its toll over the next couple of days but we share the pain, we share the success.”

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, one of the greatest batsmen of recent times, also had sympathy for Stokes saying on ESPN that he was punished by Brathwaite because his deliveries were not quite accurate enough. “But I feel sorry for Ben Stokes — and a lot of the bowlers in this day and age,” he added.

Meanwhile, former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee was full of praise for the victors and their approach towards Twenty20 cricket.

He told ESPN he had written about their batting prowess in his newspaper column before the tournament began and said it was that power that secured victory in the end.

“There has never been another six-hitting team like this one, and that turned out to be the clincher,” he said. - Reuters

KOLKATA: Marlon Samuels was hardly magnanimous in victory and he was also fined 30 percent of his match fee for abusing Stokes, a rivalry that began in a Grenada Test last year. “Well, he does not learn,” Samuels said. “I keep telling him whenever we play against each other ‘do not speak to me because I’m going to perform’. I didn’t even face a ball and he had so much to say.” He also took the opportunity to flay Shane Warne. “Shane Warne has a problem with me. Don’t know what. I’ve never disrespected him.”

Sammy hopes T20 triumph will spur Test success KOLKATA: West Indies captain Darren Sammy hopes their Test team will get inspiration and climb up the rankings in the longest format. “We get lot of stick where we go because of the way we play Test cricket. T20 and Tests are totally different formats and you can’t compare the two. We are very good in T20 cricket.

The fact is that we haven’t been able to play a brand of Test cricket that allows us to win. They (the Test team) could take inspiration from the way we play T20. Hopefully, this win can inspire our Test cricketers to be better.” — Agencies

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

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SPORTS C O M M E N TA RY

Most loved team in India has given an evening to remember

W

hat a way to finish a match.

Only the West Indies could have done it and in doing that they have silenced plenty of pundits who never gave them a chance at the start of the tournament.

While some were very unkind with their words, most others thought that with the issues they had with the West Indies Cricket Board that it would be a team that could implode any time.

They did that against Afghanistan but regrouped quickly to wrest the trophy from what looked like a losing situation.

Ben Stokes is not exactly ‘Mr Popular’ in the West Indies with his verbal sparring with their players last year and to see him holding his head after the Brathwaite onslaught would have given many a West Indian supporter great joy.

After all its talking with the bat and ball that always matters in the game and only the boorish resort to verbals to boost up their own deficiencies.

If anything all the slanderous remarks united the team like nothing else.

As their skipper Darren Sammy said they had multiple issues including the matter of their uniforms when they first landed in India but they overcame it

OGC plans to set up golf course in Sohar After getting a positive feedback, a

all and produced a display that just took ones breath away.

Brathwaite had shown his potential in the limited overs games in Australia when the West Indies were there a few months back and then again in the close encounter with South Africa he smote the pacy Rabada for a huge six over midwicket to win the game.

Stokes was just a spinner compared to Rabada but still it was a tense situation and Brathwaite showed he had nerves of steel.

At the other end Marlon Samuels also had a point or two to prove and he did it in style. He is also a powerful striker of the ball but because of his natural elegance it appears as if he is simply stroking the ball.

The West Indians have always been the most loved team in India and millions would have erupted in joy and danced the ‘Champion’ without quite getting the rhythm that only the calypso boys can get.

But who cares?

The team that every cricket lover feels for had given them an evening to remember forever. - PMG

steering committee was formed, which is entrusted with the task of studying the viability of having a golf course in Sohar

MUSCAT: In an unprecedented development, the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) organised a meeting with over 25 top executive managers from the Sohar Industrial Area, Freezone and Port to discuss a proposal to establish a golf course in Sohar and the benefits of having such a facility in the region.

The meeting, sponsored by Sohar Aluminium, was held at the Crowne Plaza in Sohar.

During the meeting, Sohar Aluminium CEO Said Al Masoudi highlighted the long-term benefits of having such a facility in the area before introducing OGC chief Mundhir Al Barwani to the audience.

Mundhir Al Barwani, in speech, said: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the sponsors for supporting such a brainstorming session.”

After which, the OGC chairman gave a presentation on the overall

AMBITIOUS: Oman Golf Committee chief Mundhir Al Barwani addresses the gathering during a meet-

ing organised at the Crowne Plaza in Sohar. – Supplied photo

golf development in Oman and the boundless opportunities for operating a golf course in Sohar.

The idea was well received by the attendees, who appreciated the long-term vision of this facility.

This was followed by an in depth discussion on to how to build the course, the number of holes it should have, the area it should span, course-management procedures, watering of the greens, whether it will start functioning as a 9-hole course or an 18-hole.

The members favourably agreed to set up a steering committee that will look into the viability of this proposal and its various aspects to maximise its value to the region.

The steering committee comprises OGC Chairman Mundhir Al ANNUAL EVENT

GCC NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES’ CHIEFS AND SPORTS UNDER-SECRETARIES HOLD MEETINGS

The Olympic chiefs of the GCC countries approved a number of decisions to further enhance the sports in the region during their 30th meeting in Riyadh on Monday. At the meeting, the Sultanate was represented by Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Zubair, chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) and the head of the Omani delegation. During the day, the under-secretaries of the GCC Sports and Youth Ministries also held a meeting during which they have decided to put forth their recommendations to the sports ministers of the GCC nations. Oman was represented by Under-secretary Sheikh Rashad Al Hinai. The GCC youth and sports ministers are scheduled to meet in the Saudi Arabia’s capital city on Wednesday.

13th Oman body-building championship all set to begin on Friday MUSCAT: The members of the recently formed Oman Body-building Committee met on Sunday to discuss the preparations for the 13th Oman Body-building Championships to be organised this week.

The meeting was held under chairmanship of Dr Salim bin Said Al Bahri and was attended by committee members Isam Al Balushi, Asad Al Hosni, Nasser Al Maskari and Said Al Rahbi.

The meeting discussed the preparations for the twoday championship which will take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on April 8 and 9.

Dir Salim Al Bahri, in his remarks, said: “The committee is aiming to further develop the technical and administrative aspects of the sport.”

In an earlier meeting, the committee approved hosting of eight categories during the championship. The categories include 60kg, 65kg, 70kg, 75kg, 80kg, 85kg, 90kg and over 90kg.

CRICKET

Waqar quits as Pakistan chief coach LAHORE: Underfire Waqar Younis on Monday resigned as Pakistan’s head coach with “a heavy heart”, saying the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not pay any heed to his recommendations and as a result the team was not “moving forward”.

Shahid Afridi had on Sunday quit T20 team’s captaincy due to their poor performance at the World Twenty20, where they managed just one win at the Group stage.

“I am resigning from my post today with a heavy heart. I have done it because of the failure of the cricket board to take my recommendations seriously after the 2015 World Cup,” Waqar told reporters. - PTI

BOC TEAMS BACK AFTER SRI LANKA SOJOURN

Bosher Olympic Centre (BOC) teams recently returned home after a successful tour of Sri Lanka. During the tour of island nation, the BOC’s Under-12 and Under-15 teams performed extremely well achieving good results in the various matches they played. During the camp that lasted from March 20 to 30, under-12 and under-15 teams played eight matches each. — Supplied photo

Barwani, Port of Sohar CEO Andre Toet, C. Steinweg Oman CEO Arie Koppelaar, Sohar Aluminium Power Plant Manager James McDonough and Majis Industrial Services Planning and Projects Manager Dr. Salim Ali Al Mamari.

After the meeting, OGC chief Al Barwani expressed his satisfaction that the objective of the gathering has been achieved.

He said: “OGC has been planning to kick off this discussion for some time now and I am happy with the positive feedback and outcome of this meeting. In my view we have achieved the objective of the meeting and OGC will endeavour to proceed with the project as agreed.”

“There are a lot people in So-

har who are interested to play golf regularly. At this point, they visit Muscat which provides good facilities. Building a golf course in Sohar, will encourage more people to take up the sport and embed it in the Oman sporting culture.”

Ahmed Al Jhdhamy, the vicechairman of the OGC, said: “We are looking forward to some positive results from this initiative. We are here to develop golf in Oman and we want to spread the game to all corners of the country.

“The Sultanate currently has four established golf courses: Muscat Hills, Almouj Golf, Ghala Golf Club and Ras Al Hamra Golf Club.

With the support of Sohar Industries, I hope we will establish a course in Sohar soon.”

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TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

SPORTS CRICKET

National Youth Development Team emerge A Division champions MUSCAT: The Oman Cricket’s National Youth Development Team (NYDT), a team comprising 14 Omanis and six expatriates, emerged champions of the A Division league.

The NYDT team, which is managed by Omani manager Sher Mohammed, completed their league engagements with a total of 18 points after winning seven of their eight matches.

A delighted Sher Mohammed said he was ‘extremely proud of his boys’. He also promised bigger and

better things in the next season. Last year the NYDT squad comprised of 10 Omanis and 10 expatriates.

Successful season Based on NYDT’s success in the 2014-2015 season, Oman Cricket had decided to continue with the National Youth Development program in 2015-2016 as well, to encourage and develop the game among the Omani youth.

All players and staff were individually contracted and paid by Oman Cricket and sponsored for

all clothing, equipment and travel.

Duleep Mendis, Chief Development Officer of Oman Cricket), said he was very pleased with the progression of the youth development initiative, especially with the emergence of impressive Omani talent.

Oman Cricket’s National Youth Development Program was honoured with the ‘Overall Cricket Development’ award (2014-2015) by the Asian Cricket Council and is also nominated for the International Cricket Council award in the same category.

MORE TO COME: ‘Proud boys’ of National Youth Development Team. – Supplied photo

Almouj Sailing School win ranking race title Coming in second place overall was Sur Sailing School, the newest of the Oman Sail’s sailing schools

MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s most promising sailing talents concluded a two-day ranking race in Al Musannah Sports City last weekend with Almouj Muscat Sailing School emerging victorious as the overall winners.

The motivated 72 children, between the ages of nine and 17, took a chance to gauge their skills and performances in the Optimist class, the Laser 4.7, and the windsurfing Techno 293 class.

Coming in second place overall was Sur Sailing School, the newest of the Oman Sail sailing schools, which brought the biggest team in number and came out in a

promising result. Narrowly behind in third place came Al Musannah Sailing School, with Marina Bander Al Rowdha Sailing School closing in fourth.

In the Optimist class, which saw 49 kids participating, Omantel Youth Programme sailors who have GCC and international experience under their belts led the way after rounds of racing in challenging medium to strong wind conditions and very high waves.

Oman’s promising female sailor, Samiha Al Riyami (Almouj) came out on top in the Optimists for the first time, followed by Al Motasem Al Farsi (Musannah) and Mohammed Al Qasmi (Almouj).

In the upper class, the Laser

4.7, Laith Al Mahrouqi (Almouj) scooped an outright win, after close contention with both Salim Al Alawi and Marwan Al Jabriof Marina Bander Al Rowdha who came second and third respectively.

Seven windsurfers rounded up the two days in fierce competition with Abdul Majeed Al Hadhrami (Musannah) coming as the top winner, Abdullah Al Sarihi (Musannah) coming in second place, and Omar Al Qartoubi (Musannah) in third place.

To motivate the sailors, Oman Sail youth mentors introduced a reward for the best talent who can make a leap in terms of results from the previous ranking race, and this weekend saw Hussain Al

Oaisi (Almouj) claiming the title for his notable performance.

The two days racing concluded with a prize-giving attended by Abdul Hussain Al Ajmi principal of Al Khaleel bin Ahmed Al Farahidi School, and joined by parents and Oman Sail coaches who gathered to celebrate the winners.

The ranking race sailors represented Oman Sail’s four sailing schools and were selected using a set of criteria that included sailing skills and sportsmanship. For most of the sailors, this was a first time experience where they had to deal with intense competition from other schools and within strict racing conditions outside of their sailing centre.

FOOTBALL

Barcelona vow to hit back against Atletico BARCELONA: Barcelona’s 39-match unbeaten run may have ended with Saturday’s home defeat by Real Madrid but the European champions are adamant it was a temporary blip on their road to more glory.

Atletico Madrid will have taken real heart from their neighbours’ 2-1 victory at the Nou Camp as they go to the same venue in Tuesday’s quarter-final, first leg believing they can repeat their triumph over Barca at the same stage in 2014.

Yet, as the shockwaves reverberated through the European game after Barcelona’s late setback against 10-man Real, Barca captain Andres Iniesta told reporters: “This game won’t affect our mentality on Tuesday.

“Everyone is hurting after losing but we have to analyse what we did wrong so we don’t repeat the mistakes.”

Though Barcelona are six points clear of nearest pursuers Atletico at the top of la Liga, the attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez lacked sharpness against Real.

It may have been a consequence of long journeys back from South America after representing their countries in World

Cup qualifiers last week but Iniesta did not use that as an excuse.

Barca defender Gerard Pique, hoping to be part of the first team to achieve a domestic league and Cup and European Cup treble in consecutive years, added: “We have to move on, it’s a defeat but we are still alive in all competitions.

“Now we have to make sure we don’t fall into a slump, because we’re in a unique position.”

Atletico, who gave themselves an ideal send-off for the trip to Barca by thrashing Real Betis 5-1, are in confident mood even if recent history points to a Barca win.

The Catalans’ coach Luis Enrique has a perfect record against his Atletico counterpart Diego Simeone, having won all six of his games against the side from the capital. Yet Barcelona know exactly what a formidable opponent the Argentine Simeone remains as he masterminded their exit two years ago, winning the quarter-final tie 2-1 on aggregate after securing a 1-1 draw in the second leg at the Nou Camp.

Atletico’s Spanish international Juanfran said this time, with his side enjoying the advantage of playing at home in the second leg, the primary aim was to stay in the tie. - Reuters CRICKET

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

Passage to India beat Sinha CT

PTI STAR: Benjamin

MUSCAT: Passage to India (PTI) recorded an eight-wicket victory over Sinha CT in a Muscat Pharmacy and Storessponsored Premier Division match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground.

Batting first, Sinha CT were bowled out for 119 in 40.3 overs.

Prabath Indika top scored with 37. Benjamin was the most effective bowler for PTI, claiming three wickets.

In reply, Passage to India raced to 123 for two in just 18.1 overs with Benjamin top scoring with 48. Nalinda K. claimed two wickets for Sinha CT. Brief scores: Sinha CT 119 in 40.3 overs (Prabath Indika 37; Benjamin 3/15) lost to Passage to India 123/2 in 18.1 overs (Benjamin 48; Nalinda K. 2/32). Points: Sinha CT – 0, Passage to India – 3.

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

Dining WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

An Alfresco Dinner Date in Muscat Story Felicia Campbell

The temperature is rising, but with cool evenings and pleasant ocean breezes, there’s still time to enjoy the unparalleled pleasure

and romance of outdoor dining. Around the city, there are restaurants offering outdoor seating to suit every style, so grab your spouse and go spend some quality time outside before summer hits. –felicia@timesofoman.com

The Ultimate Alfresco Date Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Property Bustan Village You’ve no doubt seen the Valentine’s Day promotions for Beach Pavilion’s dreamy, candle-lit, private beach cabanas at Al Bustan Palace Hotel, but what many are unaware of is the fact that this spectacular setup is available anytime with 24-hours advance notice. Dine directly on the sand under a delicate, softly-lit cabana surrounded by flickering candles at a table set with fresh roses. With the lapping of the waves and the soft sounds of music wafting through the breeze from the main restaurant, it is the most intimate dining experience in the city. The set four-course menu changes seasonally and features a nice mix of vegetable-based dishes, like creamy, chilled celeriac soup, seafood, and luscious main courses like their meltingly tender fillet of beef crusted with roasted pistachios. If there are any dietary restrictions or personal preferences, the menu can be adjusted to suit. Dessert is always a decadent affair, thanks to the property’s expert pastry chef. After dinner, take a nice long stroll around the lovely, quiet property before driving home.

Book a private beachside table: +968 2476 4000, ritzcarlton.com Post-shopping Supper Avenues Mall and Muscat Grand Mall Ghubra Turn a shopping trip into an impromptu date-night with a long, lingering meal in the cool night air. Tucked inside the two massive Ghubra malls, Aveneus and MGM, there are a few unexpected outdoor patios on which to take your supper. In Avenues, you can have an exotic meal of camel burgers at The Majlis, and across the road at Muscat Grand Mall, Semsom restaurant offers modern Lebanese dishes, like their sesame and black olive hummus, fish kibbe, and rosewater cotton candy, served alfresco on small terraces overlooking the city.

The Majlis: no phone Semsom: +968 2439 8718, semsom.com

A Casual Seaside Meal Jawharat Al Shatti and Oasis by the Sea Shatti Al Qurum In this seaside pair of complexes there are several great options for outdoor dining, so enjoy a low key date with a long walk along Shatti Beach, window shopping in the boutiques of Oasis by the Sea and Jawharat Al Shatti, and a casual supper. You can grab a seat at Slider Station for gourmet burgers and fries overlooking the sea, or head a few doors down to the no-frills Arax restaurant for a cheaper, but no less delicious option. Order the best falafel sandwich in town and be sure to ask them to stuff some of their tender roasted cauliflower inside, then sit at one of the simple metal tables outfront and watch the crowd grow as the sun sets. Just across the parking lot, behind the Jawharat Al Shatti complex, the Qurum Beach Resort is home to Moorish Café, whose quiet garden of alfresco tables feels private and serine, even when the place is totally packed. Their fresh-baked stuffed breads are particularly good, and though it is not on their menu, you can ask for a mixed mezze plate for a great late-afternoon meal.

Slider Station: +968 2469 8990, sliderstation.com/oman Arax: +968 2460 0935; Moorish Café: +968 9424 8888

Destination Dining in Muttrah Muttrah Corniche Muttrah It always feels like an adventure visiting the old city of Muttrah, so make an afternoon of it with a stroll down the corniche and treasurehunting through the souq followed by a playful seafood feast. At opposite ends of the Muttrah Corniche are two excellent restaurants. Just past the entrance to the souq going towards Riyam Park sits Kurkum restaurant, one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, owned by a member of the royal family. The service is first-class and the mild, Omani-style Indian fusion dishes are superb, especially the seafood coconut curries and spicy, tandoori cooked hamour. Though the interior is stylish and posh, the scattering of outdoor tables provide the perfect vantage point. At the other end of the waterfront, past the fish roundabout across the street from the fish market is a ramshackle shop called Fishers Grilled. There you can select your fresh catch from the display counter and then enjoy a massive platter at one of the four folding tables set out front for a deliciously messy, fun meal.

Kurkum restaurant: +968 2471 4114, kurkumoman.com Fishers Grilled: +968 9946 3561 (Ashraf )

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TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@ SALALAH

@ AZAIBA

Cast: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr. 4:30, 8:35 PM High Rise (Drama | Sci - Fi | Action) (15+) Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Iron, Sienna Miller 6:55, 11:45 PM Vettah (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Kunchako Boban, Manju Warrier 10:30 PM Ki & Ka (Romance) (TBC) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan 6:20 PM

@ SOHAR

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Eddie the Eagle (Biography | Drama) PG Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman 2:45, 7:00PM 10 Cloverfield Lane (Drama |Horror) 12+ Cast: John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr. 11:45PM High Rise (Drama | Sci- Fic | Action) 15+ Cast: Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons 4:45 & 11:30PM Queen of the Desert (Biography) 12+ Cast: James Franco, Nicole Kidman 6:45 & 9:15PM Ki & Ka (Romance | Comedy) PG12 Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh 9:00PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 3D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) PG12 Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 & 11:30PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (Animation) PG Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 3:00 & 5:00PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Fantasy Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 12:00, 2:50, 5:45, 8:45, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 2:30, 5:20, 8:15, 11:15 PM Ki & Ka – 2D (PG12) Romance | Comedy Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor 9:00, 11:30 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (PG) Animation Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 1:00, 5:00, 7:00 PM Zootropolis – 3D (PG12) Animation | Action| Voice Overs: Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba 2:55 PM

Queen of the Desert (2D) (12+) (Biography) Cast: James Franco, Nicole Kidman 2:15, 7:00PM

PANORAMA MALL Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 3:15, 6:15, 9:00, 11:45 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12)-VIP LOUNGE Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:15, 6:00, 8:45, 11:30 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action, Adventure) (MX4D) (PG12) 3:00, 5:45, 8:30, 11:15 PM Kung Fu Panda 3-3D (Animation) (PG) 2:45, 4:45 PM Misconduct-2D (Drama, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino 5:30, 11:30 PM Eddie the Eagle -2D (Biography) (PG) Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman 3:00, 9:30 PM Queen of Desert-2D (Biography) (12+) Cast: James Franco, Nicole Kidman, Robert Pattinson 7:00, 11:15 PM High Rise -2D (Drama, Sci-Fi) (15+) Cast: Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Tom Hiddleston 6:30 PM

Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action |Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:15, 6:15, 9:00, 11:45 PM

Eddie the Eagle – 2D (Biography) (PG) Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Tom Costello Jr. 2:45, 5:00, 7:15 PM

Ki & Ka-2D (Romance, Comedy)(15+) cast: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Swaroop Sampat 6:30 PM

RUWI Screen 1 Ki & Ka (Drama/ Comedy/ Romance) –PG12 Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Swaroop Sampat 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action/Adventure) –PG12 Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM Screen 3 Rocky Handsome (Action/ Thriller) –12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Nishikant Kamat, Sharad Kelkar 3.45, 9.45 PM Kapoor & Sons (Drama / Family) –PG12 Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor 6.45 PM

AZAIBA Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action |Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 3:15, 6:15, 9:00, 11:45 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, 2:30, 4:30 PM Rocky Handsome (2D) (Action ) (12+) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan, Nishikant Kamat 3:30, 11:15 PM Ki & Ka (2D) (Romance | Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Swaroop Sampat, Amitabh Bachchan 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, 10:15, 11:30 PM Vettah (2D) (Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Manju Warrier, Kunchako Boban 6:00, 9:15 PM Thozha (2D) (Comedy | Drama) (PG12) Cast: Nagarjuna, Tammanah 6:15, 8:15 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Quriyat Sur Jaalan

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

07:00

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

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STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Oopiri (Telugu) (Comedy & Drama) Cast: Nagarjuna, Karthi & Tamanna 3:30 PM Cinema Main; 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema-3 Vettah (Mal) (Thriller) Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Manju Warrier 3:45PM Cinema -3; 6:30 PM Cinema-2; 9:30 PM Cinema Main Thozha (Tamil) (Comedy \ Drama) Cast: Karthi, Nagarjuna & Tamanna 3:30 & 9:30 PM Cinema-2; 6:30 PM Cinema Main Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Act\Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly & Anu Emmanuel 3:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema - 4 Maheshinte Prathikaram (Mal) ( Comedy & Drama) Cast: Fahad Faasil & Anusree 6:45 PM Cinema-4 Next Change: Sardaar Gabbar Singh (Telugu) Programmes are subject to change

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Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

SALALAH Batman Vs Superman (3D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 2:45, 5:35, 8:30, 11:30PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) (PG) (Animation) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 1:00, 4:45PM Eddie the Eagle (2D) (PG) (Biograph) Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman 3:00, 11:45PM 10 Cloverfield Lane (2D) (12+) (Drama) Cast: John Goodman, ohn Gallagher Jr. 5:00PM Queen of the Desert (2D) (12+) (Biography) Cast: James Franco, Nicole Kidman 2:15, 7:00PM Misconduct (2D) (12+) (Drama / Thriller) Cast: Josh Duhamel, Anthony Hopkins 1:00, 6:40PM Ki & Ka (2D) (PG12) (Romance | Comedy) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor 8:45PM Rocky Handsome (2D) (12+) (Action | Thriller) Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Nishikant Kamath 11:15PM Vettah (2D) (PG12) (Mal) (Comedy / Drama) Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Soubin Shahir, Aparna Balamurali 9:25PM

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TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE

A Rendezvous with Raita Story Swati Dasgupta

H

ave it with a plateful of fritters, as an accompaniment with your kebabs and sizzling curries, or even with any rice dish, raita is the ideal refreshing dip which is not only the easiest thing to make but also a great way to use up leftover yoghurt.

This Indian yoghurt dip is known for its versatility and can be made with tomatoes, onion, cucumber, mint, potatoes or even boondi, small balls made from chickpea ďŹ&#x201A;our that can be prepared in two different ďŹ&#x201A;avours, sweet and salty.

And if you can allow your imagination to be a little more innovative you can even have pomegranate, spinach, and mango raita. In short any vegetable or fruit that we eat can be added in a raita. While the variety is endless, the main ingredient is yoghurt that is tempered with roasted cumin, and sometimes with chaat masala. And for those who prefer the sweet version, try making a sweet raita with sliced grapes. Here are a few easy-to-do raita recipes for you.â&#x20AC;&#x201D; swati@timesofoman.com

Spinach Raita

Mixed Fruit Raita

Mixed Vegetable Raita

Ingredients Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014; /'#(Ĺ&#x2014;- -Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂźÄ&#x161;Ă˝Ĺ&#x2014; ,3Ĺ&#x2014;, Ĺ&#x2014; "#&&# -Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;1")& Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;*#( "Ĺ&#x2014; - ) .# Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014;0 ! . & Ĺ&#x2014;)#& Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014;-*#( "Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ")** Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; blanched and squeezed Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ÿúú!Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;3)!"/,.Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;1"#-% Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; &. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ăť.-*Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014; " .Ĺ&#x2014;' - & Ĺ&#x2014;

Ingredients Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ÿúú!Ĺ&#x2014;3)!"/,. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; &.Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;. -. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; /! ,Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;. -. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂźĹ&#x2014; ( ( -Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;-&# Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;*#( **& Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; /.Ĺ&#x2014;#(.)Ĺ&#x2014; / Ä&#x160;ĂťĹ&#x2014; **& Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ")** Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;,#* Ĺ&#x2014;' (!)Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; ")** Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; ")** Ĺ&#x2014; ),# ( ,Ĺ&#x2014;& 0 Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014; /*Ĺ&#x2014;*)' !, ( . Ĺ&#x2014;- Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; & %Ĺ&#x2014;* ** ,Ĺ&#x2014;*)1 ,Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;. -.

Ingredients Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014; / /' ,Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;)(#)(Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;!, (Ĺ&#x2014; "#&&# Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;.)' .)Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;*). .)Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ÿúú!Ĺ&#x2014;3)!"/,. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014;- &.Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014;,) %Ĺ&#x2014;- &. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014; & %Ĺ&#x2014;* ** ,Ĺ&#x2014;*)1 ,Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014;,) -. Ĺ&#x2014; /'#(Ĺ&#x2014; powder Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014;)#& Ĺ&#x2014;Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x17E;ĂźĹ&#x2014;.-*Ĺ&#x2014;'/-. , Ĺ&#x2014;- -Ĺ&#x2014;

Preparation Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; /.ZĹ&#x2014; /'#(Ĺ&#x2014;- -Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;, Ĺ&#x2014; "#&lies, and asafoetida in 1tsp oil for about 5 minutes. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; & ( " Ĺ&#x2014;-*#( "Ĺ&#x2014; to it and cook for another 5 minutes and keep aside. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; .Ĺ&#x2014;3)!"/,.Ĺ&#x2014;1#."Ĺ&#x2014;- &.Ĺ&#x2014;.#&&Ĺ&#x2014; smooth. Add the spinach mixture in it and keep it in the fridge for some time. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; *,#(%& Ĺ&#x2014; " .Ĺ&#x2014;' - & Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; added ďŹ&#x201A;avours.

IN THE NEWS

Jon Favreau Excited for the Indian Version of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; THE KITCHEN of Jon Favreauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chef will soon get a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;desiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; twist with an Indian version of the ďŹ lm already in the making.

The director says he was impressed that the makers didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go ." Ĺ&#x2014; Ä?., #.#)( &Ĺ&#x2014; )&&31)) Ä&#x2018;Ĺ&#x2014; 1 3Ĺ&#x2014; and instead opted for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;more ďŹ lmmaker driven independent -.3& Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; ( # (Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°&'' %#(!Ä&#x2018;Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; the Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ lm remake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was going to be a musical but instead there is a grittier, more ďŹ lmmaker driven, smaller independent style of Indian ďŹ lmmaking that has a tremendous ')/(.Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014; ( ,!3Ä&#x2026;Ä&#x2018;Ĺ&#x2014; 0, /Ĺ&#x2014;.)& Ä&#x201E; â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a very strong visceral ďŹ lmmaking that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel as polished and formal as the traditional )&&31)) Ĺ&#x2014;*,) / .#)(-Ä&#x2026;Ä&#x2018;Ĺ&#x2014;" Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x201E; The original Chef boasts of a supporting cast of actors Robert Downey Jr, SofĂ­a Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson and Dustin Hoffman along with Favreau.

The 2014 ďŹ lm narrates story of a chef, who sets out on a gas-

tronomic adventure across US through a food truck after he loses his restaurant job.

It is reported that Saif Ali Khan will star in the remake as the main protagonist, and Favreau says he was honoured and curious when he was approached with the idea of remake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was curious about how they will go about doing this and why they thought a small American ďŹ lm

would apply to those audiences so I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak with any certainty, but I am deďŹ nitely excited and curious .)Ĺ&#x2014;- Ĺ&#x2014;")1Ĺ&#x2014;#.Ĺ&#x2014;!) -Ä&#x201E;Ä&#x2018; Favreau, known for projects like Iron Man and Cowboys & Aliens, feels mixing up of the booming chef and food culture of India with the Hollywood ďŹ lm will be an interesting concoction.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;So you have a lot of different ďŹ lm industries that exist in India and so to do this ďŹ lm in a more independent way sounded very interesting to me.

And the other thing is that food, music, and family translate very well and the chef culture and the food culture is really emerging in ( # Ä&#x201E;Ä&#x2018;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; For now, Favreau is looking forward to the release of Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Jungle Book with Indian-American Neel Sethi essaying the role of )1!&#Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014; )Ä&#x161;*,) / Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; #-.,# uted by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, the ďŹ lm is set to release in India on April 8. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; IANS

Preparation Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; "#-%Ĺ&#x2014;3)!"/,.Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; . ,Ĺ&#x2014; #(!Ĺ&#x2014; salt and sugar. Add little water if you ďŹ nd the the consistency to be thick. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; % Ĺ&#x2014; &&Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; /.Ĺ&#x2014; ,/#.-Ĺ&#x2014; 2 *.Ĺ&#x2014; pomegranate and add to the yoghurt. Mix well. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; ,(#-"Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;'#2 Ĺ&#x2014; ,/#.Ĺ&#x2014; raita with chopped coriander leaves, pomegranate, and black pepper powder.

Preparation Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; -"Ĺ&#x2014; &&Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;0 ! . & -Ĺ&#x2014; properly. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; ")*Ĺ&#x2014;." 'Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°( &3Ĺ&#x2014; 2 *.Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; potato and keep them aside. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; )#&Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;*). .)Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;)( Ĺ&#x2014; ))&Ĺ&#x2014; cut into small pieces. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; & ( Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;3)!"/,.Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;." (Ĺ&#x2014; add all the chopped vegetables to it. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; &-)Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;- &.Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;,) %Ĺ&#x2014;- &.Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;black pepper powder and roasted cumin powder. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; .Ĺ&#x2014;)#&Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; )1&Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;& .Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; mustard seeds crackle. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;."#-Ĺ&#x2014;. '* ,#(!Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; yoghurt. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014; *Ĺ&#x2014;#.Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; ,# ! Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014;ýúĹ&#x2014; minutes. Serve chilled.

C8

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

LIFESTYLE

ONE INGREDIENT NGREDIENT

FIVE WAYS

Spaghetti Whether it is a meal made in a hurry or one done on a lazed weekend, a plate of sphagetti is always welcome. But do you know that spaghetti can be combined with almost anything to make into one delicious dish? For all the spaghetti lovers, here are some different ways of making it. Find your favourite version.

Soup Take 4 potatoes and one onion, halved, and cook in chicken broth until tender. In a separate wok take ground beef and brown it and add to the potatoes and onion. Add 1 cut tomato and a bunch of spaghetti to the pot. Cook until spaghetti is tender. Mix in a tsp of red pepper and 1tsp of chilli powder. Simmer. Once its done stir in some cheese before serving.

Salad Boil spaghetti and rinse in cold water. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 cucumbers, green pepper, tomatoes, sliced olives, and Italian dressing. Combine all and keep it in the fridge for about half an hour.

Serve chilled.

Curry Take 1 onion and chop it into bite size pieces. SautĂŠ the chopped onion in butter until soft. Add 2tsp curry powder and 3 1/2 cups chicken broth to the pot and bring to boil. Take a bunch of spaghetti and add to the broth and cook till done. Stir in 1 diced green pepper and 2tbsp of sliced green olives. Simmer for about 5 minutes uncovered till the liquid is absorbed. This can be an ideal side dish for any meal.

Pie Cook spaghetti till done and drain the water. Combine it with butter and keep aside. Take 4 eggs in a bowl and beat with 1tsp sugar and 1tsp vanilla. Add the spaghetti and butter mixture. Blend well in the mixer. Pour this mixture into a greased pan and bake at 180 degrees C for around 40 minutes or until lightly browned and crusty on top. Serve at room temperature.

Fritters Coarsely chop half done spaghetti. Take 2 onions and cut into thin slices. In a bowl mix 2 eggs, 1tbsp corn ďŹ&#x201A;our, salt, pepper and 1 cup of water. Stir in the chopped spaghetti, onions until coated. In a large skillet heat oil until very hot. Take a spoonful of the batter and drop in the oil. Fry till they are brown on both the sides. Drain the oil and serve with any dip of your choice.

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QUALITY APARTMENTS FOR RENT ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ

Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ 'ŚŽďƌĂ ;ŶĞĂƌ /ŶĚŝĂŶ ^ĐŚŽŽůͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϲϱͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ 'ŚŽďƌĂ ;KƉƉŽƐŝƚĞ 'D ^ͬƌŽŽŵͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϲϬͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ ;ďĞŚŝŶĚ ĞŶƚƌĞ WŽŝŶƚͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϰϯϬͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ ;ŶĞĂƌ dĞĐŚ͘ ŽůůĞŐĞͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϮϱͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ ;ďĞŚŝŶĚ <& Ϳ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϲϬͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ů <ŚƵǁĂŝƌ ;ďĞŚŝŶĚ ^ĂŐĂƌ WŽůLJ ůŝŶŝĐͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϮϬͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ŽǁƐŚĞƌ ;ŶĞĂƌ ů ŵĞĞŶ DŽƐƋƵĞͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϰϬϬͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ZƵǁŝ ;ŶĞdžƚ ƚŽ ZΘ Ϳ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϲϬͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ tĂƩĂLJĂ ;ŶĞdžƚ ƚŽ ,ŽŶĚĂ ^͘ZŽŽŵͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϮϬͬͲ͘ Ϯ Z &ůĂƚ ŝŶ DĂǁĂůĞŚ ;ďĞŚŝŶĚ ŝƚLJ ĞŶƚƌĞͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϮϬͬͲ

ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ ͻ

ϭ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ,ŽŶĚĂ ZŽĂĚ Λ Z͘K͘ ϮϰϬͬͲ͘ ϭ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ŵĂƌĂƚ Λ Z͘K͘ ϭϵϬͬͲ͘ ϭ Z &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ ŽǁƐŚĞƌ ;ŶĞĂƌ dĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů ŽůůĞŐĞͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϯϬϬͬͲ͘ ϭ ĞĚƌŽŽŵ &ůĂƚƐ ŝŶ DĂǁĂůĞŚ ;ďĞŚŝŶĚ sĞŐĞƚĂďůĞ DĂƌŬĞƚ Ϳ Λ Z͘K͘ ϮϬϬͬͲ͘ ϭ ĞĚƌŽŽŵ &ůĂƚ ŝŶ ů <ŚŽĚŚ ;ŶĞĂƌ ^ƚĂĚŝƵŵͿ Λ Z͘K͘ ϮϬϬͬͲ͘ ;W͘ŶŽƚĞ ͗ dŚĞ ĂďŽǀĞ ŵĞŶƟŽŶĞĚ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƌĞ ͗ ZĞŶƚ ƉĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚͿ͘

For Enquires Please Contact : 24 702 666

Fax: 24-703666. Email: manju@alhabib.om

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T U E S D AY, A P R I L 5 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

Top Finish New- Res-5 apartments- 2 bhk/maid room 550/450, 3 bhk- 550, 1 BHK-350 2. Al Kuwair New 3 bhk, posh. Kit.fur,s.pool-700, 3 bhk +maid,ind.villa-650/3. Wadi Kabir 1/2 bhk-250/300/350 4. Al Kodh Villa 5 Bhk- Compounded 550/5. Qurum(Comm) Sama Center-Brand New 114/122/129 sq.mt 6. Azaiba (Comm) 'h dĞĐŚ ďůĚŶŐͲ ͘ ͬ͘ŇŽŽƌŝŶŐͬĐĞŝůŝŶŐ

FOR RENT

1. Qurum

Tel: 24571962/63 Mob: 94289050/ 95495281 Email: samain009@yahoo.com

DĂĚŝŶĂƚ ^ƵůƚĂŶ YĂƐ ͗^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵͬKĸĐĞ Ăƚ 'ƌŽƵŶĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ ϯϰϬ ^Ƌ Mtr. Facing main Road HAR Complex MSQ : 2,3-BHK Flats and 2 & 3 BHK villas with

ͬ ͕ĐĂƌ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͕ ^ǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ WŽŽů ;'ĂƚĞĚ ŽŵƉůĞdžͿ Qurum : 6 BHK villa with garden, split Acs, shaded car parks, servant rooms DĂďĞůůĂ ͗ Ϯ ,< &ůĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ;ďƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐͿ Darsait : 1 & 2-BHK Flats with AC & Shop Ruwi : 2-BHK & 3-BHK Flats and shops Al Amerat : 2 & 3-BHK Flat , 3 & 4-BHK Villa with A/C

For viewing please call 99466729, 99316410, 92841690, 91313271, 24694088 or email us on :hartc@omantel.net.om

FOR RENT Store space in Al Wattayah.

Contact 99382489 / 99263443

*Tourist visa arranged

OFFICES FOR RENT AT AZAIBA Prime location on service road (previously occupied by A'Saffa Foods) near Al Turky and Mazda showroom.

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent. 18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi. Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use.

OMR 295/- month. Call 94477222 Office & 2B/R with 3 toilets directly from owner, near Dolphin Complex Bausher. Contact 92158031 2 BHK fully furnished flat at Ruwi MBD area. #93211557 / 24814853 Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787 Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570 2Bedroom centrally air conditioned flat in CBD prime location.

Contact: 24714625 / 91173997 New flat for rent in Al Amerat, 2 bedroom, 1 dining room & 1 kitchen. Contact: 91141097 Studio in Darsait RO 125/-. Contact: 92144045 Room in Al Khuwair R.O 110/-.

Contact: 97799175 Spacious deluxe 5 B/R villa at Ghubrah 2/3 BHK fully furnished flat at Shatti Al Qurum, Qurum CCC & Al Khuwair. Contact : 99369081 Flat in Al Khuwair, bedroom, hall.

Contact : 91979580 / 98003444 Flat in Mumtaz 1 bedroom, hall, kitchen, toilet Way No. 3352 building no 3447 / 3668. Contact : 98003444 / 91979580 3 BHK flats and shop in Ruwi near KM Trading rent 350/- pm each.

Contact: 99350946

2 bed rooms for family with split units with car parking shaded at Al Hail North. Contact: 92676707 Apartment for rent at Amerat phase one with A/Cs, 3 bedrooms & bath rooms, big kitchen 220/OMR. Contact: 97782228 Luxury flat of 3 BHK in Al Watayah. RO 500/-#91776665 2BHK Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-. Contact: 92144045 Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346 For rent 3 bedrooms, 2 toilets, living room, kitchen & store in Darsait. Contact: 92328142

- 2 BHK flat available directly from the owner, at Azaiba.

Contact: 99229263, 93221054, 95215289 Sharing room available for single bachelor in Ghala. Contact: 91109790 Room for rent,1 bed room with separate toilet (in flat) for small family Qurum Mars hypermarket building. Contact: 95711449 or 96570147 1BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 175/-. Contact: 95076261 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in Al Khuwair. contact 95154331

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99376454 5 floor building for rent in Al Khuwair near Muscat Dunes hotel each floor, 3 flats each flat with 2 BHK. Contact : 93223324 2,200 sq mtr factory area & 800 sq mtr store with 8 accommodation rooms and 10 office cabins available for rent in Barka industrial area. Contact 91398381 / 80 / 78, email - agsan2005@gmail.com Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569

2 BR, 2 bath, a kitchen, a yard , with AC, separate enterance, AlKhuwair near ibis hotel. PDC. RO 250 .. Call 97056443

Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580

2 bed rooms flat with hall, 2 bathrooms in Darsait near Muscat Municipality. #92584715 / 24700120

Readymade office space for rent (240sm) in Bank Melli Iran Building, MBD area, Ruwi, opposite Center point. Contact: 99011352

Flats, shops and basement in MBD area and Honda road.

Contact: 92433127/96291778/ 92589235/97293708

Flat at Bowshar, 2 bedroom,1 maid room, 4 toilets European kitchen for rent / sale. Contact: 99325263

Flat of 3 BHK in Al Ghobra South opposite Royal Hospital. RO 380/-.

Contact – 91776665

2 BHK flats /office & shops available in a new building at Honda road .Contact: 91165807

Office for rent 880 sqm at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99325263

Clean flat of 2 BHK in Al Khuwair 33. RO 330/- Contact – 91776665

Commercial land in Ghala 2500sqm for rent #93506187 / 97684266

2BHK Al Khuwair R.O 375/-. Contact: 92144045

1 BHK flat with 1split and 1 window AC, next to Indian School Ghubra for rent at RO 270/-. Contact: 98867658 / between 4pm - 10pm

2 BHK & 1 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for warehouse workshop etc. Contact 24700120 / 92584715

2BHK at Ghubra R.O 325/-. Contact: 92144045 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-. Contact: 92144045 1,2,3 BHK Flats. #92144045 1BHK Darsait. Contact: 92144045

Amazing flat of 2 BHK in Remal Building. RO 550/- #91776665

02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241

Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448

Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street.

OMR 330 Monthly.#99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair. #95154331

Commercial flats of 3 & 2 BHK in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street RO.650/- & 450/- #91776665

Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. #97007934 / 92629232

New flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes, 1 living room, 2 bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C high quality finishing rent per flat is R.O 340/- .

Interested candidates please Contact : 00968 92225523

2 BR flats with 2Baths Kitchen Al Amerat Aster Hospital CONTACT 99366142 Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair 33 RO.650/- contact 91776665 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278 3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661 For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842 Dental chair and mobile dental X Ray for sale. Contact: 92737149

Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 New building Wattayah main road, showroom & office space. #94300909 Flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, kitchen & bathroom in wadi kabir for 260 RO. Contact : 97771444 New commercial Exhibition possible divided to shops in Sohar market close Bank Muscat.# 93305643 / 94734801

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE For Sale sophisticated office furniture used for 1 year. Contact: 90946764 Excavators 3nos (Hitachi 240/350, 2008/2013 model), Tipper 1 no. (Astra 2013 model). All are good condition, sell on the maximum offer.#98999503 / 99782930 / 98981112 A well-established computer sales and service outlet is available for immediate release with or without stock and fittings, usable for same or different business. Locations: Ghubrah- busy street. Contact: 24499404/ 99368761/ 99491761 Apartment for sale location Bowshar apartment 105M has one sitting room, Kitchen, Balcony, 2 rooms with cupboards and 3 toilets.

Contact: 99822260 Ice Cream Juice shop prime location Ruwi for sale suitable for beauty parlour. #92150455 Furniture and other treatment items for Ayurvedic clinic. Contact: 97986525 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair.#92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale # 99273774/ 99202278 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand.

CONTACT 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955 A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location. Contact99627621, 93240949 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

STOCK CLEARANCE SALE GSM phones and accessories for bulk sale at Muscat. Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, Sony and Alcatel models.

Contact 99883067 / 92429917

FOR SALE Used Concrete Pump Sany43 Meter,Model 2011 in very good condition @ 100000/-Riyal Omani.

Contact99412020,95728453 Email: younis.alshezawi@live.com

FOR RENT

Brand new 4 BHK villa in Al Fai compound Al Khoud. RO.475/-#– 91776665 Villa of 3 BHK and sitting area in Al Ghobra North. RO.525/- #91776665

Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly contact +968 96725423 for viewing the items.

HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

ACC. AVAILABLE

2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. Contact: 99342661 600 M2 showroom or office in Bousher in front of Dolphin complex. RO.3.5 per m2. Contact 91776665

Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90. Contact: 96524717

FOR RENT 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Mus-

cat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

Luxury and brand new semi furnished 2 BHK flat in Remalbowsher.

RO.550/- #91776665

Flat for rent 3 bedrooms + hall with split units air conditioning at Al Amerat near Aledl Mosque Ibn Sina road Al Mahaj house No. 105. #99312628 / 95098277

Spacious 1 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with all split A/C’s and parking. RO.300/Contact – 91776665

1BHK new bldg with A/C, Curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99061409 / 99024039

2 room for rent bachelor Al Khuwair with A/C water & electricity, RO 115/95. Contact: 94843712 Furnished bedroom with attached bathroom available for working ladies or small family at Mabela near Nesto.

Contact: 92214060 Room for rent available in a flat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba behind Al Meera Hypermarket with attached bath with cot & A/C , rent inclusive of water & electricity.

Contact 96404166 / 97433992

ACC. AVAILABLE

FOR HIRE

Sharing for Executive females at Mumtaz area. Contact: 97094797

Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir. #97167857

Room for rent Single Executive lady near Chedi hotel Azaiba.# 94443037

Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village.#93687466

Furnished Bedroom with attached bath and kitchen separate entrance for Executive bachelor for R.O 150/per month all inclusive in a villa, opp. Star Cinema.contact 99314807

Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960

2 bedrooms flat near Kuwait Masjid Wadi Kabir.# 97608564 / 98498823

Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794

AVAILABLE

Small old house for rent in Al Ghoubra. Contact : 97165972

Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849

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

Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail. contact 96234708 Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen. Near Carrefour al-mawalah. #99336776

Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

Hiab truck, payload 10 ton, unloading boom 2 ton, available on monthly rent. Contact Mb. 94052819, Email: mmanjani8@ gmail.com Grader, roller, bobcat, JCB 3CX, JCB 4CX with breaker & water tanker for rent.contact 93218705 / 24478450

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T U E S D AY, A P R I L 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

CANADIAN CO.- FREE CONSULTANCY FOR LEGAL JOB - For Hotel Staff, Construction Staff, Medical, Gas & Oil Staff.

- Free recruitment - free tickets, accommodation, work visa, contract for 2 (two) years.

Contact : 93392630 Send CV on muslimatservices@gmail.com

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING FIRM WISHES TO RECRUIT HIGHLY QUALIFIED ENGINEERS HOLDING BE DEGREE CERTIFICATES FOR ELECTRICAL PROJECT (400 KV REACTORS) IN SULTANATE OF OMAN: 1) Project Manager (Minimum Exp. 20 years) 2) Grid Station Protection and Commissioning Engineers (Minimum Exp. 15 years) 3) Electrical Engineers (Minimum Exp. 10 years) (Reactor, Grid Station & OHL/UG cable works) 4) Civil Engineer (Minimum Exp. 10 years) 5) SCS & Telecom Engineer (Minimum Exp. 5 years)

An Excellent Grade Contracting Company has the following positions.

REQUIRED URGENTLY

1. Mechanical Draughtsman with MEP 5 yrs min. Exp. 2. Electrical Draughtsman with MEP 5 yrs min. Exp. 3. MEP Site engineer (Electrical) min. 3 – 5 yrs exp.

4. MEP Site engineer (plumbing) min. 3 – 5 yrs exp.

5. HVAC Senior engineer with 5 – 10 yrs exp. in chiller execution.

6. Senior MEP engineer min. 10 yrs exp.

7. HVAC design engineer 5 yrs exp.

8. Senior civil engineer min. 10 yrs exp. in building construction. GCC experience mandatory.

1. Looking for a lady Sales Executive/Office Co-ordinator with valid driving license and good communication skills.

Kindly forward your CV to the email : mep.jobsoman@gmail.com A well reputed MEP Contracting requires 1. Site Engineer (Deg/ Dip in Electrical Engg. with 2-3 years Exp.) -2 Nos. 2. Site Supervisors (Dip. with 2 years) 3. Quantity surveyor (MEP, 2 to 3 years exp. in similar field) – 1No. 4. Drafts man (MEP, 2 to 3 years exp. in similar field) – 1No. 5. Electricians – 10Nos. 6. Plumbers – 3Nos.

2. Required a Sales Executive with MBA in Marketing with Minimum 3 years experience in Oman market with valid driving license & NOC .

Interested candidates please send CV to Email Id: vacancy2oman@gmail.com

JOB VACANCY

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED

An ISO 9001 certified & ASME accredited Oil & Gas Equipment Manufacturing Company in Muscat requires the following personnel

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

¾Manager- Business Development / Sales & Marketing: Result orientated preferably engineering graduate with minimum 10 years of work experience in the Oil & Gas (Upstream & Downstream) sector in Oman or the Middle East region. Candidate should have desirable experience in the sales of process equipment and skid mounted packages for the oil & gas industries.

Send CV to hrprojectscat@gmail.com

Interested candidate may forward the CV within 7 days to E-mail: hromienfab@gmail.com / FAX No: 00968-24446179

SALES / MARKETING

SITUATION WANTED SIT.WANTED

6) HSE Engineer (Minimum Exp. 5 years) The candidates to send their CVs immediately confirming joining date and NOC if in Oman CVs mentioning Oman tel. No. to be submitted to:omanengineco@yahoo.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Looking for a young dynamic Accountant with knowledge of AX Package for a multinational shipping company. Email your CV to: shippingseas@yahoo.com

BEAUTICIAN Required Pedicurist, Manicurist lady urgently, experience should not be less than two years. Salary: RO 170 + commission, location Muscat Grand Mall, Nationality : Filipina, Tickets : every 2 years, medical Transport & accommodation company provided. Applicant must be in Oman & can join immediately. Contact: 00968 99475599 / 00968 96447037

DOMESTIC HELP Wanted housemaid full-time 6am-6pm , six days a week, for Kerala family in darsait , near isd, salary 200/-, contact 98564647 or 99864290 Wanted house boy for an Indian doctor family. Interested may contact 94765020.

DESIGNER Omran Training Institute is looking for a Graphic Designer and Web Master. Send us your CV by Email: admin@omrantraining.com till 11.04.2016 Tel: 24498423

DRIVER Wanted temporary driver with Valid Omani License & good English knowledge. Kindly send your resumes to abcon@omantel.net.om or Fax us at +968-24792175 or call us at 24792173/74.

Wanted driver. Contact :91025698

DRAFTSMAN Required Draftsman for Consultancy office. 3-5 years experience in Architectural Structural Drafting. Email careerssabla@gmail.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Required Bachelor of Civil Engineering for Supervision for Consultancy office. 5 years experience in Supervision PMC duties in Oman preferred.

Email : careerssabla@gmail.com

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Constructions Job’s Engineer’s , Diploma Engineer’s . All Kinds of Constructions staff required. towershr70@gmail.com , Office Tel NO. 24548382 Decoration Company looking for Interior Design Engineer with experience in 3D and Supervision. Send your CV with the design which you have done and after the implementation. Email: alrih16@hotmail.com

A well reputed building material & contracting Company in Oman is looking for staff: Project Manager (more than 10 yrs experience), Engineer (more than 5 years of experience), Purchase Manager (more than 10 yrs of experience). Contact: 99808868 Email: amtcbarka@gmail. com

A Construction Chemicals Manufacturing company is looking for Stores Cum Purchase Assistant for Sharjah factory. Candidates with Min. Bachelor degree with 2 years working experience with tally knowledge can send CVs on: sharjahgic@gmail.com An Interior fit out company is looking for Sales Executive with 5 years experience, diving license & local release. contact 94619086 Proactive Sales & Marketing professionals with Oman D/L, own car required for leading IT & Media Solutions enterprise. Fresh MBAs also can apply: jobs@interacoman.com

MEDICAL Wanted a dentist in Seeb. Contact: 99722457/ 92306398 Required Gynecologist, Lab technician, X Ray technician. contact 99030773 Email: kunoozghala@ gmail.com Nurse required for a dental clinic in Al Khuwair. Contact 95114616 Required following Medical Staff for a clinic in Muscat female GP Doctor male, female Nurse (preference for Philippines). Contact: 24595956 / 95189584 Email: medicare@fusionlogicoman.com Lab Technician, Omani Female PRO cum Receptionist, Male Receptionist cum Insurance Coordinator, Specialist Doctor Radiologist, General Practitioners, Cont.95220350, bmdcsg@yahoo.com Doctor’s, Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Tech, any Nationalities. For Dreams Clinic : Towershr70@ gmail.com , Tel No. 24548382 Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.#95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com

Required Sales Executive : 2-3 years of outdoor sales experience in spare part., Indian, Male 25 to 35 year age.

Diploma holder in any discipline “ mechanical engineer preferred”. Email: mohammad.jwabreh@bearingcitysc .com Tel: 24509477 Fax: 24509312 Urgently Required a Self motivated sales person for a leading Printing & advertisement Co. Minimum 5 Yrs exp with valid Omani/GCC Driving License. #99412020, 95728453, Email: Baharalsuwaihara@gmail.com A reputed organization requires an experienced expatriate lady Sales Executive with valid Oman D/L for marketing luxury products. Contact: 24212307 or send CV with a current passport size photo to Email: awadiest@omantel.net.om Note: Only candidates who have NOC can apply.

Required Salesman, tailor and barber.

Contact: 91114884 Required Sales and Marketing Manager must possess excellent communication skills. Fluent English speaking, Arabic speaking is preferred. Minimum of 2 years of professional experience. Candidates are requested to send their CVS to polyplas@omantel.net.om

IT

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

Required for a software development firm (1) Software Developers - experience in ASP. NET and / or VB. NET (2) Software Support Executive - experience in software / hardware, support knowledge of ASP. Net will be an advantage. Email: CV to softwarejobsman@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

SKILLED LABOUR

Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers. Candidates with Omani driving license preferred. #99273774/99202278

MANAGER Required urgently for Mechanical Engineer, B.E / Diploma having good experience in Automobile & Engineering workshop. #98919238 Email: nnoel1977@gmail.com

Wanted Restaurant Supervisor with a flair for marketing with driving license. #95485151

Required an experienced Store keeper for a leading building material trading & fabrication company in Ghala. Send CV to Email: admin@areenoverseas.net

Required A/C Technicians, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Painters, General Helpers. Contact 94147874 / 24504281. Email : globalaccessunited@gmail.com Electrician cum Plumber, Maintenance Supervisor with D/L, Building Material Salesman, C.C.T.V Technician. #99383044.

E mail: helplinellc123@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. #90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, Graduated with specialization in Accounting 2 years experienced C.A.CPT completed. #94628086 / 97315091 Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 Indian female 25 looking for Accountant / Admin job having 5 years experience in Audit, Accounts and Admin departments presently on family visit visa. Contact : 95656455 Indian male well experience in accounts, Admin & ERP Tally 9 looking for a suitable vacancy NOC available.

Contact: 92650835` Indian male B.Com having 14 years experience seeking for suitable position in accounts handling, stores, sales logistics, banking sectors. Contact: 96417641 Email: nileshsuares@ gmail.com Indian male M.Com with 3 yrs Oman exp with valid D/L and NOC on visit visa looking for suitable jobs in Accounts and sales. Contact: 94744575 Jordanian Senior Accountant 15 yrs experience in Oman finance & accounts. Contact : 92881223 CA finalist Indian with 7 years experience having D/L & NOC looking for Senior Accountant / Chief Accountant position. #98097009 Email: rameesnm@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs B.Com, TallyERP9 with one year exp seeking for suitable placement. Now on visit visa.Contact:94469269 SAP, Tally and Peach tree experienced male/25 with 5 years experience in Audit and accounts. Available in Oman for suitable placement.

Contact 97190575

Wanted a Salesman & Sales lady for a new lifestyle store opening shortly in MGM mall. Send CV : lifestylemct@gmail.com

Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available. CONTACT 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com

Indian male:25 Yrs. MBA HR ,BBA with 6 Months Exp seeking for suitable placement. Now on visit visa Contact 90653362 Indian Female recently pass out BBA+MBA (Dual degree) International Business and Finance, looking for suitable opportunities, presently in Muscat on family Visa. #+968-95907828.

Email : stuti28sinha@gmail.com Male 36 MBA 7 yrs GCC exp. Quickbooks tally ERP, looking for accounts and admin post. Valid driving license. Contact 96763275/ 91992367 fazee1980@gmail.com Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman. Ready to join immediately. #98263394

Teacher female 27 yrs, MCA 5 yrs experience in teaching in India currently on visit visa seeking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96709509 Email: viyannifd@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 Omani National looking for a suitable placement in Sales or Administration. Contact: 94700691 Male BBA 25 administration officer, accounts, purchaser with valid NOC. Contact 91329571

Indian Male – MBA (HR) & Engineering graduation with total 9 years of experience in HR & Admin ( 3 yrs of Oman Exp.) along with hands on experience in technical bid submission for all Government & PDO tenders ready to join immediately with NOC. #@ 91240251/ Email; kvaradhan@hotmail.com

ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance.#99284193

ADMIN Indian male with 26 yrs exp 1.5 yrs in Oman in HR / Office / Administration/ Sales/ seeking for suitable placement. #93112346, Email: sibyambadan70@gmail.com

Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / administrator seeks change of job with release 99168054, mbkishore@hotmail.com

Indian, Executive with 5+ years experience in HSBC etc, done with MBA, M.Com, DMM, M. Phil seeks a suitable position. Contact: 90369540 Email: abilashraji@gmail.com

Indian male 32, looking for Admin Assistant, Sales job having 9 years of Sales / Admin experience in Muscat. NOC available. #95116586

Indian female 32, MBA Finance, 7 yrs of experience in one of the leading bank in India in Treasury(in FX, derivatives and money market), Risk and Asset Liability Management , with valid Oman D/L seeking suitable placement contact 92206513

Indian male 30 yrs, 6 yrs experience in Office Oman work at MBA (H.R & organizational behavior), BSc Food technology (food science & Quality control). Contact: 97632020

Fresher 24, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with Oman driving license. contact - 92430152 Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com

Indian male, 22 years of experience in finance dept is looking for a suitable placement, valid Oman D/L & release available , ready to join in short period. Contact : 99641119

Female ACCA affiliate B.Com fresher with Oman driving license seeks placement in auditing / accounts and finance. contact 92264638 / 93108343 Email: mira.somya@ gmail.com

ADMIN

Indian male 26 yrs MCA, 2 yrs experienced in System Admin & data base controller. Contact: 92835125

Indian female, MBA Finance, HR having 2 years experience as an Administrative Officer with Computer skills, now on visit visa, looking for suitable job. #93235507 / 90649533

Indian male 29 M.Com, MBA, SAP B1, Tally, MS Office, Sage 5 years experience in Oman, India currently working in Oman, NOC available. Contact: 92840519

M.B.A male looking for immediate Placement in Accounts,Valid GCC Driving License Mob.94625495

10 yrs of Oman experience capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable placement in senior sales / business development position. Contact : 98987654

Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator at Wipro Technologies with handson experience in Amazon EC2 & Oracle Virtualization looking for a suitable placement. #92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE SALES / MARKETING

Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com

Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts, project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. Contact 93953613 , Email allen.mathew83@ gmail.com

MBA HR & logistics Indian male currently on 2 months visit having experience on Admin / HR activities looking for Admin / Management / Non – Management / HR related jobs. Contact: 90653264 Indian male, 25, 4+ years of experience as an Office Administrator looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92600859 Indian male, 31 yrs, 8 yrs experience in Oman as Admin Officer in a contracting firm with valid D/L seeks suitable placement. #97841805 MBA Graduate with 2 years experience in HR and general Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98820248 Email: sm24blue@gmail.com

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235 Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 B.Com 3 years business process outsourcing. Contact: 94657273 Indian male, MBA with 3 years GCC experience seeks job in Muscat. Posses Valid Oman D/L. Currently under visit visa and can join immediately.

E mail : tssavad@gmail.com contact: 00968 98896847

DOMESTIC HELP Indian female 34 yrs single, 12 yrs exp in Oman presently working in Nursery baby sitter (Nany) in Muscat, looking a job visa + ACC, NOC available. Contact: 96516743 / 98802081 Office cum shop cleaner available on contract basis. Contact: 94262954

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN 3D & Multimedia Designer looking for job, currently using family visa. Contact : 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@yahoo.com

CAD Technician Looking for Job Diploma holder. experience: 5.5,Oman,Total12 years.

Mob:96534071 tayyab341@gmail. com

T U E S DAY, A P R I L 5 , 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Sales & Marketing specialist with 16 yrs experience in Oman in MNC retails telecom lubes construction related industry handled various projects, holding valid Oman driving license, release available.

Contact 96960991

Indian male, MCA

Contact 92319677, Email : ismabsc@gmail.com

Contact - 92789995

Contact-93361624, Email-

Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

dheerachpadikkala@gmail.com

Civil Engineer 11 yrs exp in construction field having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact – 94194399 / shiblyrock@gmail.com

Revit, Autocad, 3d Max , Diploma Civil Engg, certificate attested, salary exp : 250 OMR. Contact : 92279784 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please contact 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

2D autocad Drafting (free lancer / part time) arch, MEP, Shopdrawing.

Contact : 97103168

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784

DRIVER Available camp boss visa transfer rable with Oman driving licen 15 years exp. Contact: 98335796 /99328223

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available. contact 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Available L.M.V driver with 2 years exp. Contact: 94603496 / 96573622

Light Duty Driver with 2 yrs exp. in Muscat seeks placement. Contact: 91659265

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com

Driver with car. #93346085 Driver Indian 15 yrs Oman experience light vehicle. #98023050 Driver having experience in Embassy seeks suitable placement in Sales or driving, NOC available.

Contact: 92191698 Light Duty Driver, exp 1.5 years, Language knowing English, Arabic & Urdu seeks placement Contact: 96011572 / 94484181 Driver light vehicle from Bangladeshi 5 years experience in Oman, 24 years, Omani driving license looking for job. Contact: 98591812

Family driver available. #92943094 Light duty driver seeks job. Contact: 94182497

HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, 7 years exp, NOC, GCC driving license looking for suitable jobs in MEP services, O & M of high voltage systems, FMS. Contact: 96137008 Electrical Engineer, 8 years experience GCC with driving license, seeking jobs, can join immediately, have knowledge of all kind of MEP projects. Contact 96535204 Indian female Quantity Surveyor Civil 11 years experience, local release available NOC. contact 95719108 Email: jishashibunair@ gmail.com

Pakistani male light vehicle driver with 5 years experience looking for job. Contact: 92171166

Looking for light driver. contact

DAE Civil engineering profession surveyor experience 3 years, 2 years in Pakistan, 1 year in Oman road experience. Contact: 94791214

99753474

Light car driving. contact 99578213

Looking for light driving job 2 years exp. Contact: 91625977 Driver. Contact : 94087276

EDUCATION/TRAINING Experienced teacher looking for job M.Com B.Ed. Contact 97948330 nubinafaizal@gmail.com Teaching or companies or training centers. chemical laboratory analysis acquired knowledge of laboratory and chemical safety Sudan university of science and technology. Contact 90644755. rehammrwan04@gmail. com Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528 Math Teacher 30 years experience IGCSE, A& AS IB Bilingual. Contact: 98016336 Indian male 38 years B.Ed (English) MBA (HR), 8 years experience as English, Business Studies Teacher, currently in Oman on visit visa, #96982726, shiljujohn@gmail.com BA in English, BCA exp. 3 yrs including Oman, having valid Oman driving license. Contact 96330962, uneyism@gmail.com Indian female 29 yrs MSc, MED science on family visa 2 yrs experience in teaching field looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 93717403 Email: sharipanidcer08@ gmail.com

DAE Civil engineering profession surveyor experience 5 years, 2 years in Oman 3 years in Pakistan road and building experience. Contact: 90334894 Electrical Engineer having 5 years experience in the field of managing , supervising , testing & commissioning of Electrical distribution & substation projects. Contact: 92322906/90377916 Email: mshameerbm@gmail.com Senior Civil Engineer with NOC 20 years experience in infrastructure , utilites, Roads and buildings seeking job preferably in consultants or senior level in contracting available on immediate basis. Contact 92141592 Diploma in civil M/ 32 Indian keralite 2 years experience as site Engineer at Muscat with D/L Seeking civil job. Contact: 97914623 B.E Mechanical with Automotive & Industrial Maintenance specialization -11 yrs exp in Oman with Driving license. Seeks suitable job on release in Oman. Contact 92880593 Civil Engineer (B. Sc) Iraqi looking for job with 2 years experience in the practical field & design, professional use engineering programs fluent in English valid driving license. Contact : 90187915 Email: alhasan.kh@live. com Diploma in Civil Engineering 13 yrs exp with valid Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact : 99612163 Indian female, 25 yrs M.Tech Structural Engineer 3 yrs experienced in Analysis design & RCC structures seeking for suitable placement. contact 97163040 / 96357196

Indian female Project Engineer 15 yrs experience in Project Management Quality database management data analytics marketing business development haying Omani driving license seeks suitable placement presently on family visa having Omani experience. Contact : 95783792 Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 ph : 9227 9784 Indian female 23 years Mechanical Engineer with 1.5 year’s experience looking for suitable jobs. Also interested in Sales & Marketing. Contact: 94743992 Email: selveena054@ gmail.com Electrical Engineer 6 years experience in Oman experience in MEDC / MZEC Projects. Contact: 91249329 Male QC inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L , release available. Contact: 91001104 Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer (B.E) residing in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 98530806 / 99362006 Indian female 24 yrs B.Tech (CSE) having 1 year experience in PHP Programming seeking suitable jobs.

Also interested in teaching, available on family visa. Contact: 98676713 Indian female (M. Tech, Power system) having Gulf experience seeking suitable placement in Oman currently in family visa. Contact: 94306164 / 91001194

Electrical & electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit. PH:93837973 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 Network Engineer CCNA-MCSA exp computer science with NOC. Contact : 92346191

IT INDIAN FEMALE, 23 years, BSCCS Diploma in IAD graphics, well knowledge in computer applications 6 months experience presently in Sohar seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96670907.

Email: ammuch.4@gmail.com 24 years Indian male B.SC (computes science) with 2 years of networking and IT help desk support experience with Cisco certification seeking a suitable placement. Contact 96910605 Email: shaikzube@ gmail.com Indian male B.Com Graduate seeks suitable position in Computer networking & IT support with 4 years of experience. Contact: 91282879 Email: ryazrh@gmail.com

Syrian Civil Engineer Graduate 2012 with Oman experience with license. Contact : 92967785

Indian male 25 yrs B.Sc Computers Science, 3 yrs work experience in Computer hardware & networking & CCTV, telephone system looking for job (NOC) available. #93243372

16 years exp Engg document controller, material controller HR related job with D/L#96028635 / 92386043

Sudanese Network Engineer holding IT Bachelor with 1 year experience CCNA, CCNP, MCSA certified have valid driving license. #92394485

An Electrical engineer with 4+ yrs of experience in Electrical network (MT, LT) with professional computer skills seeking for work.

Contact: 99841736 / 93955381/ +149922698343 Email: e.kmmh@hotmail.com

Male, 31 years, M.I.T, CCNA, 9 years exp in Qatar as assistant IT manager, network administrator, server management and knowledge of developing website. Qatar D/L and available in Oman on visit visa. Contact:00968-98179462.

0097477237607, Email: mohsin2022@gmail.com

Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 2 years experience, fire fighting HVAC on visiting visa. Contact : 95630047 Electrical Engineer fresh Graduate NOC available, can speak Arabic & English with driving license. #: 94879092 Mechanical Engineer 7 years experience and 4 years experience in pipeline projects. NOC available.

Contact: 91117089 Electrical Engineer 4.5 years experience sub stations, water projects, oil & gas, fluency in Arabic & English with driving license. contact : 99525856 Indian B.E Civil Engineer, 25 years experience in Gulf looking for a suitable job. N.O.C & driving license available. Contact: 94867039 Indian male (23), completed B.E Electrical and Electronics Engineering have no experience and studied MEP, E-CAD AutoCAD P6 now on family visa looking for a desirable job. Contact: 98209070 Email: panivinlal@gmail.com

INDIAN FEMALE COMPLETED M.C.A seeking for suitable jobs. Contact: 91409481 / 97308719

MEDICAL Indian female (MSC – Microbiologist) seeking suitable job. #96791162 / 90618567 Indian lady Dentist with MOH License and Gulf experience looking for a job. Contact: 96698073.

Male job Nurse MOH license PDO familiarization8 yrs experience in Oman, release letter. #99385197 Email: waqar1010@gmail.com Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement. #94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com

PROJECTS

Sudanese Civil Engineer holding bachelor with 2 years of experience in Oman have valid driving license and residency with NOC looking for job. Contact: 94393880

HSE OFFICER having more than 10 yrs experience with D/L. NOC available. GSM:97881216/97131913.

Email:dipubenny@gmail.com

Civil Engineer male 26 years, experience 3 years. Contact: 96319928

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE

Male QC Inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L, NOC available. contact 91001104 Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. contact:98921022 Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com

An experienced Chartered Accountant

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available. Contact: 91693008

96491030 MANAGER

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Revit autocad d/man , diploma cert attsd. exp salary 200-acco. ph: 9227 9784

Indian History graduate with diploma in Safety with valid Oman Driving licence seeks suitable placement.

seeking suitable placement anywhere in Oman, now on visit visa.

(Post Graduate) fresher

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Autocad, revit (arch) 3d, dip civil engg (cert attested) exp salary :250 OMR. Contact : 9227 9784

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres), holding valid Oman D/L.

Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Holding Oman Driving license. Looking for suitable placement. #99709336 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED LABOUR Electrician with plumber looking for job & building maintenance contract, have driving license.#95600418

Male Manager Resource planning Oman experience 11 years in Purchase Accounts, HR local release available. Contact: 98895039 Email: binulukechacko@gmail.com Egyptian male 36 years Warehouse Manager, 7 years in Sultanate of Oman, 1 year in UAE, and 3 years in Egypt. Contact: +968 97200468 Email: ayman_mano1979@yahoo.com General/Divisional Manager MEP & Civil, MBA Operation, BE Electrical, 10 years experience in Oman & 10 years in India. Valid DL, release available. GSM. 92447102 Indian MBA having 12 years experience looking for job Property Manager with Oman driving license, NOC available. Contact : 93714141 Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager MBA (Finance), 14yrs. Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.#93826090, jskanchan01@gmail.com Operations & Accounts Manager Indian 18 years experience in Oman finance, purchase, sales, HR, Admin looking for Senior position.

Contact : 99044724 Production Manager 9 years experience in Oman manufacture and development factories .GRB. GRC. GRG rubber molds and false ceilings, fiberglass and executive at site emadadly2000@yahoo.com 96149081

SALES / MARKETING

28 years Male with MBA Marketing Sales & Marketing Executive with 4 years of experience in Sales & Marketing with excellent communication skills in English is now available in Muscat on visit visa seeking a best opportunity in Muscat. GSM: 95840153,Mail: asmd4139@ gmail.com Young Indian male, 24 yrs, having 03 yrs marketing experience in Oman, looking for suitable placement. Holding valid D/L. NOC available. Contact: 93172979 Indian male, 5 yrs exp in marketing & trading (Oman), dealt with International companies & product also having good knowledge in logistic and Admin with D/L & car, NOC available.

Contact 93639385 Email: faizenqidwai@gmail.com Indian male, completed bachelor of business management with 2 years of work experience, currently on visiting visa in Oman and seeking suitable placement for immediate joining. Contact 94647421 M.B.A (MARKETING) with 1 year of FMCG Sales Experience in Oman looking for immediate joining in the same industry, Salary Negotiable Mob.94625495 Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Contact No 95792820 Male, 26 yrs, B.Com with Valid GCC D/L, 5 years Experience in Sales, Good(Arabic/English) on Visit Visa 96970027 Indian male 40 yrs SSLC, PDC knows MS Office & Tally 1 year Oman experience in Accounts & 2 yrs marketing experience valid Oman D.L. NOC available seeks suitable placements in marketing. contact 92409891 Email: danomon@yahoo.co.in Indian male MBA having 12 years of Sales experience in Oman seeking suitable position, good in Arabic and having valid D/L. NOC can be obtained (as per new rule). Contact : 98908634

An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available.

Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, on visit visa looking for job, who has done certification courses in quality control, basic pipeline engineering, ASNT NDT level II, also good knowledge in HVAC. Contact:94743373 email:akasharavind1@gmail.com

ARCHITECT Architect exp.7 years, 4 years in GCC Architectural design interior sites 3D Max AutoCAD, Photoshop.

Contact: 93238813 Email: mohammedbardab@gmail.com INDIAN male Architectural technician diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

TOURS & TRAVEL Filipina lady having exp in ticketing and preservation, call center, secretarial and real estate is now looking for job please call.94054080

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .Contact : +968 91467576.

Indian, 30 years, B. Com with 2 years Oman experience in Tally ERP-9 available in Muscat seeking suitable positions. # on 95186652 Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact:94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com Indian male B.Tceh (ECE) MBA (HR) 2 years experience CCNA, CCNP, MCSE looking for suitable job , presently on employment visa release available. #95584814 Email: syedllizarat7@gmail.com Indian civil Engineer BE, with 16 years of Industry experience in design , Quantity surveying , billing looking for suitable job. Contact: 90302823 Email: prince.n@ engineer.com ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm, 1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India, On visit Visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176, Email:prathyushkp9@gmail.com B-tech Civil with honours, Civil Engineer (structures) Experience more than six years. #91431483. Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACT-krish.569@ gmail.com #+91 9867016808 Indian male Network cabling technician ( 19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian Pediatric consultant, md with 20 years experience and wife gynecologist md with 15 years plus experience seeking opportunities with reputed hospitals in Muscat. deemaild@gmail.com 14 years experienced light driver with valid Oman license looking for suitable job. Contact 99442481

HOSPITALITY

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, Indian-Male 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp.(8 yrs in Oman) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTRO-MECHANICAL & Others Projects ) and having valid LT D/L, NOC available & ready to join within a month-M:94064650,Email: nagauae@gmail.com

Indian male B.H.M avaduate 12 years exp in hospitality industry G.C.C license release available looking for suitable post in hospitality or F.M.C.G. Contact: 94525463

Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E(CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com

D6

T U E S D AY, A P R I L 5 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job. mobile no: 0096899070584. email: remluvp@gmail.com Civil Engineer (roads and structures) Education B. Tech Civil Engineering with honours experience more than six years.

Contact no 91431483 ,Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com Indian male 6 years exp in different field, with valid Oman driving license. Languages known Hindi, English, looking for any job(Driver for executives). Contact 98696795 HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger.

NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE, #krish.569@gmail. com Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian male B.A degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 years experience as restaurant & catering manager in Oman & Saudi with V/L Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact : 92100141 MBA Graduate (Indian male 26 years) having 2 years experience in Qatar as admin assistant looking for suitable placement.#93041141 Email: mahinmehboob@gmail.com Indian female, MBA with 9 yrs of experience in finance & procurement currently on family visa looking for suitable position in finance & supply chain. #95622568 Draughtsman, 15 years’ experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 95358115, 96977289, Email : pillairp41@gmail.com Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/full time accountant job. Contact: 95598477 / 98803439 Indian Female living in Ghubra Muscat near Emirates Shopping Center. 20 years of experience in Teaching. Able to handle all subjects till grade 6. Need suitable job.

Contact- 94406552 PART TIME ACCOUNTANT available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875 MBA Marketing, 10 years in marketing, consulting strategy, corporate communications, content management, UX , Product launch, digital marketing. Indian female on visit. Contact : 95431357 Indian 32 years passed M.A. English , M.Sc Psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experience in teaching searching suitable job.

Contact: 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Indian male,16 years Oil & Gas experience ( Down Hole Tools ), 3 years in Oman, Dip. Mechanical Engineer, Having D/L and NOC. Email – jajisuni@yahoo.com, Mob : 965 956 18.

Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com 8 plus years of experience in Events /Marketing Communication /conferences / Trainings / Media representation. Having UAE D/L. seeking Suitable Placement: Contact: 95792820. suheal.ma@ outlook.com Software Engineer Indian, 31 yrs, 8.5 years experience (IBM, Emphasis, cognizant), Oman driving license looking suitable placement.

Contact: 93221395 Indian male, 19 years Oman exp in purchase, Material control in building construction & factory production have good computer skills & D/L & with NOC, looking for suitable placement. contact 99008101 Email: mr.victor2015@ hotmail.com

Sudanese male, 5 years experience in warehouse management and logistics services#90644186 14 year experience in 5 star hotel as sales manager in UAE & INDIA on tourist visa looking for suitable opportunity please contact mobile # 91305978 Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). GSM. 00968-98404122, Email - panduru.jeevankumar@ gmail.com BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

Filipino Male, 24 Years Old.. looking for job, have experience in Cargo & Logistics/ Rent a Car/ Real Estate/ Finance & Accounts/ customer service and as Travel Agent. Hard working and with good computer and communication skills. GSM: 95370052 Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 and half year experience in HR .Contact : +968 91467576 .

Experienced B.Com graduate + IATA Diploma holder looking for Accounts/Admin/Travels related job. Mob. 91142997. NOC available.

Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702, Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com Sri Lankan Male 34 BSc. (Physics) 5 years experience as a site manager and administration supervisor in Oman with valid D/L looking for a suitable position. #99153061 or v.chandramohan@yahoo.co.uk Female Junior Architect Graduated from School of Planning & Architecture, Vijayawada. Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling. Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates.

Email saatvika.frozenmusic@ gmail.com #00968-94057427.

2 years experienced male seeking job related to safety. M. Tech in HSE, MSc in Environmental Science and IOSH certified. #94653264 Indian male 37 YEARS, BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE having More than 8yrs of experience with well exposure in PDO, DALEEL & OXY as IT SUPPORT / DESKTOP SUPPORT ENGINEER. Seeking suitable placement. Contact rangaraj_vck@ yahoo.co.in / 968-99758320 Indian Female Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Programmer Micro Controller Robot, Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation & Control, Eng. Projects, Integrated Circuit Eng., Electrical and Fluid Drives, Analogue Electronics, Wireless Systems. Seeking suitable post. Contact: 97848075, s.dinesh1508@gmail.com 6 YEARS EXPERIENCE HR/Finance Indian female[29Years] MBA. On family visa, Seeking suitable placement-93908191, email:aswathi.wnd@gmail.com 32year Indian Male MSC,MBAHR having 8yrs Exp(HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL. Seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968-99322978 Electrical Engineer Indian male 23 yrs, 2 yrs experience HV/LV Design experience in Oman based projects experience in HV testing (220/110/11kv) presently on visit visa. Contact : 99729860 Email: vivekcet888@gmail.com Indian female B.C.A, B.E.D, IELTS experience in Oman teaching primary & secondary looking for job. Contact : 97384206 Email: rani_sweet786@live.com

Engg/ Tech/ Mech, ME. Mechanical Engineer Indian male, 24 years looking for suitable job, area of interest Unconventional machining process, transmission system used in automobile quality control.

Contact: 90444038 / 96736912, ilango2507@gmail.com

Indian female, having 10 years experience in logistics and sales coordination, exp in SAP, MS Office valid D/L currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 95251911

Indian Male,Kerala,B.COM & B.PE having 13Years of Physical Education Teacher experience. Currently on visit visa Looking for a suitable job. Contact:- 968 94106834. email:-akhilrajkj@gmail.com.

Accountant 31 years Indian male, 6 years experience in Dubai & Bahrain with driving license good computer skills seeking for suitable position. Contact : 92791218 Email: vmp2485@gmail.com

earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

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

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Sr Material controller, having 13 years experience in material controlling in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). contact 00968-92944026, Email charanjeet35@yahoo.co.in Indian/male (25)/ MBA/2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, E mail: mailanasap@gmail.com Physiotherapist on visit visa searching for a job. CONTACT 99767528 / 91317863

Indian male, Kerala B.Com & B.PE, looking for suitable Job in Sales, Accounts, Admin etc. #93301023 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman.

Also have Oman Driving License.

Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi& Malayalam. Looking for Job. Currently in Oman. #+968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com Commercial or Operation Manager 18 yrs in Oman – finance, purchase, sales, HR & Admin exp. contact 99044724.

E mail: srjobsinoman@yahoo.com

Indian, BE Mechanical Engineering with 1 yr exp as service Engineer, looking for suitable positions. Contact-90637918, E mail: aquasharath@gmail.com

Indian male at a Managerial position having 12 yrs exp in sales & marketing, Property Management looking for a suitable position, MBA qualified with Oman driving license. NOC available. #98125226

Senior Accountant, 5 yrs Oman, 10 yrs UAE experience in manufacturing & construction valid D/L immediately available. Email: irfan_syed2000@hotmail.com, call: 95389018

Indian male BE Mechanical Engineer having 6 yrs exp in piping and structural construction work, looking suitable position, release available. #96115463-email: jijoraju085@yahoo.com

MCA, Indian female, experience in IT & Administration. #94133849 Email: abpraveena16@gmail.com

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER, Indian Male, 24 years, B.Tech in computer science.3Years of experience in technical support, software development, troubleshooting and managing, seek suitable placement. Contact GSM- 98184170

Indian male with 1 yr exp looking for job in I.T as Web developer, presently in Muscat on visit visa. #92312978 Indian Male ,MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital ,Pharma ,Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Markeing ,construction A/c & sales , 93379044

Indian Male,B.Com & Diploma Logistics & supply chain management 2years experience looking for job in Accounts/logistics field.

Presently on Visit Visa. Software knows MS office & Tally7.2 .#:93884951-Email:mehreenraiz@ gmail.com

HSE Engineer, Indian male, 4 plus years experience in oil & gas, working in shclumberger Nebosh, ISOH & NDT certified, M. Tech in HSE. contact-krish.569@gmail. com mobile- +91 9867016808

Indian male 31 yrs with over 10 yrs sales & marketing exp seeking suitable placement NOC & Oman D/L available in audition have proficiency in Arabic language. Contact:95760969

BE Mechanical Engineering with one year experience now on visit visa, looking for suitable positions. contact 90637918 / 99335742,email: aquasharath@ gmail.com

B.A. in Accounting, Experience: 5years of Business/Accounts tutoring and 2 years of Accounting License: 70914186. contact 96389047, Email: sharanizareen@ gmail.com

Indian/male (25)/ MBA /2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, email: mailanasap@gmail.com

Export Manager/DM Indian Male 38 Yrs B.Sc /CIPET 13 Yrs Experience in Business Development &Production with Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact : 97221058 / 92058065, E-mail : ckabdulmajeed@gmail.com

Indian male, 8.5 yrs experience, B.Com Graduate with GCC exp & valid driving license looking for better job opening in Muscat. Contact: 92609935 / 94771365 Indian male network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience), seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com

HSE Engineer: 3.8 years experience in Oil & Gas. NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE,B Tech in Mechanical Engg.

CONTACT-krish.569@gmail.com, Mobile- +91 9867016808 Physiotherapist with MOH license looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92617235

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

DRIVING

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

MATRIMONIAL Kerala Christian Marthoma boy from Adoor, working in Oman MBA graduate seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 99852167 Mumbai settled Hindu Ezhava parents invite proposals for their son MBA 29 years 5.9 Star Bharani working with a reputed company in Muscat. Contact 91235911.

KERALA-NAMBIAR BOY28yr/175cm from Kannur. Working as Pharmacist in Muscat, seeks suitable alliance 92042355.

Nair boy 31 /175 cms working in Muscat Pooram star wants suitable bride. Contact : 95501263 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman. #968 98267338, 0091 9287215726

SITUATION SIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS B.Com Graduate with 4 year experience as an Accountant in Oman.

Also have Oman Driving License.

Best fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi & Malayalam, looking for Job. Currently in Oman. Cont: +968 93943448, murshid4u@gmail.com Electronics service Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items.

Looking for suitable placement. #99105043 MBA Indian male 2 years experience in firefighting & security systems sales & marketing. Seeking suitable job. Contact – 90634050 Mechanical Engineering 6 years experience. contact 00968998907110091 - 9841867534 Email: sayed.fortuner88@gmail.con Looking for QHSE – Manager / Asst. Manager job, Indian Male – 39.Yrs, With 17.Yrs Experience & NOC, NEBOSH – UK, MR – ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001, HSE Trainings, Audits, Pls Contact – haree. krishnan9944@gmail.com INDIAN MALE, 26 years, BBA graduate, seeks suitable position in automotive spare parts, Have 3 year experience. Phone no: 96026400, Bineeshpn@gmail.com

Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single.#96059801.

LOST Muhammad Abid has lost Pakistani Passport No. DE 1072562. Finder please handover to ROP Uttam Chandra has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AD 8366541.

Finder please handover to ROP

BUYING Bobcat available for rent. contact 97623299 Buying cars for cash.contact 90202090

TRANSPORTATION Pick and Drop Al Khuwair to Rusayl# 96733572 / 91287470 Picking and dropping any time.

Contact: 97403088 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation. contact 92015894 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

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D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

TOURS

TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS Investment Required Minimum OMR 500,000 to transfer 5 Excavators big + 5 Tippers 2015 Astra, working on good profitable Excavation projects. Assured income 36 %.

98867530 / 99120532 engrfaheem@hotmail.com

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. #99839898

MV SALE Rav4 Indian lady Doctor owned Pearl white May 2011 No. 2, 34,000 km under Toyota Service Contract till 2017, 4 nos. brand new tyres R.O 8000/- negotiable. #91001129 Peugeot 206, 2006 model for sale Reserve Price RO 400. #94052819, Email: mmanjani8@gmail.com Volkswagen Tiguan 2012 White 70,000Kms Expat Driven Insurance: Oct 2016 Price: Rial 7500 Contact: 95121146

NRI Housing in a well developed area for sale in Mangalore 100 meters from Main road at: Malaraya Temple Road, Chilimbi Near Urva stores, Mangalore -Karnataka, India Land: 181.60 Sq.mts, House built in the year 1986 consisting of ground floor and first floor. Total build up area around 2000 Sq.ft with car parking. Separate water and electricity connections. Contact: Anil Kumar: +91 97418 85128 (between 12 noon till 10 pm).

NRI

ACC WANTED Looking for a villa in Amerat area.

Contact : 95405033

MANPOWER

RENT A CAR 1 B/R - 890 S.FT fully furnished flat at Best Western Quepem. Contact: 97094797 Flats villas land for sale in Pune Contact: 95272138/918139098275

Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

D8

T U E S D AY, A P R I L 5 , 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Diploma(Electrical Engineering) From Government polytechnic.

Age 27years, 6 years Experiance in Maintenance, troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer.Seek suitable placement. Contact GSM92995899,(a.abbas31@gmail.com)

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED MISCELLANEOUS

Master’s in Petroleum Geology looking for relevant job ready to join ASAP, valid drivers license. Email : mehdi.poorjahangiri@gmail.com Bangladeshi male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job. #91997605, email: mohamednazrulislam2@ gmail.com 25 years, male B.Com and insurance Graduate with 6 year experience looking for an opening in accounts, finance or operations related only. Driving license and NOC available. contact lilommca@ gmail.com and 95236312.

Admin Assistant, Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). GSM. 00968-98404122, Email - panduru.jeevankumar@ gmail.com IT/Telecom Manager, BE, MBA 13+ Years of experience, Valid Driving License. Available immediately. Phone: +91205211, Email: ghulamqasimali@gmail.com Indian male network cabling technician (19-years gulf experience) Seeking for suitable placement. Contact - 0091-8089909265 (India) email: mohithavp@gmail.com

Indian Engineer, B. Tech (Mech), MBA, MLM (Master of Labour Management), 23 yrs experience, 5 years in Oman in the positions of Operations Manager and Plant Manager with Oman Driving License seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99744612. E-mail: deleepkumarpk@gmail.com Indian Male 47 years MBAOperations Management with total 25 Yrs exp inclusive of 9 yrs in Oil & Gas sector in Oman, having valid Omani D/L & NOC available , seeks challenging position in SCM/ Logistics/ Procurement in any Sector. GSM-94236414. Mail id – jayamurli@gmail.com Structural Engineer Education B-Tech in civil Engineering, Work Experience More than 6 yrs contact no.: +968-91431483 E-mail: mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com Indian Female Accountant, now in Oman on Visit Visa, looking for suitable placement, contact 94250871 Indian Female MBA Finance, 6 years Oman experience as account looking Full time/part time accounting Jobs. Contact99044292

Indian Male B. Tech, 10+ years of extensive work experience in various aspects like Computer Networking, Technical Support, Management and Engineering with good communications, interpersonal and technical skills seeks suitable opportunity. Now in Oman on Visit Visa GSM : 9489 8009, Email : bios4u@gmail.com BBA MBA.Male, Indian Human Resource/ Administration/ Office work1 Year Experience Knowledge in MS-Office, Photoshop Searching for suitable job E-mail: antonyshajan11@gmail.com.

Contact: +91 9655469680 +91 8754086178 Indian male 26 years MBA finance, seeks suitable placement. #92715032 / ajisd@yahoo.com Indian male, 16 years Oil & Gas experience (Down Hole Tools), 3 years in Oman, Dip. Mechanical Engineer, Having D/L and NOC. Email – jajisuni@yahoo.com, Mob: 965 956 18.

Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E (CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeks suitable job. Contact: 91170912 Email: sales2@witoman.com

We do industrial catering service canteen / mess , 3 times packed meals and all types of catering events. Contact: 92188777/99249899 Engineering Drawing preparation Service for Civil Building, Interiors, Steel Structure, Steel Equipment etc at Genuine Rate.

Contact Mb. 94052819, Email: mmanjani8@gmail.com Workshop in Muscat, Expertise in Aluminum Automatic Gates, Manual/Swing Gates, Security Grills, Louvers, Handrails, Contact Mb. 94052819, Email: mmanjani8@gmail.com CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC #99344723

SITUATION SIT. WANTED Sudanese male. Five years diploma in civil engineeringhave five years experience in construction industry. Mobile: 96995670

WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ BƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ MĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰϬ ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘ House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC #99344723

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. #24793614/ 99314807

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.contact 93769089 / 95323517

House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. contact 93769089 / 95323517

House shifting. #99708138 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing.

Ocean center LLC.#99344723 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064 Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 / 99210141 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. #99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 A/C Technician, cold store, freezer, chiller all kinds of A/C & refrigeration installation & service.

Contact: 92279370 / 92459357 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722