Times of Oman - August 5, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, August 5, 2015 / 19 Shawwal 1436 AH

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Omani in India jail for ‘trying to marry a minor’ Omani consulate official said the accused was not carrying any document of approval of Oman’s Ministry of Interior which grants the permission to marry a non-Omani

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: With yet another Omani national being arrested in India on the charges of allegedly attempting to marry a minor, authorities have called on citizens to understand the laws of the countries they visit.

Confirming the arrest of the Omani citizen from Barka, an official at the Omani consulate in New Delhi said the person arrested was not carrying any document of approval of the Sultanate’s Ministry of Interior which grants him permission to marry a non-Omani.

According to the Omani law, a citizen must have the approval of the ministry to marry a foreigner.

The applicant should meet the requirements set by the ministry before it approves the application. The 37-year-old man was arrested in the Indian city of Hyderabad on Monday.

As per the Indian law, the marriageable age of a girl is 18 years.

The official added that investigations by the Indian police revealed that the man allegedly offered a huge sum of money to her parents to marry the minor.

An Oman embassy official said, “This is not the first time that we have faced such issues. We have been calling on citizens to have their legal papers if they travel to India, especially to get married.”

“Those violating Omani rules and regulations will be punished in the Sultanate too,” said the source. He said the Omani embassy has sent the details of the case to Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oman and the ministry will decide on assigning a lawyer.

He added that four other Omanis were trapped under similar circumstances last week.

“The four managed to complete the formalities and travel back home,” said the source.

The source urged Omanis to contact the embassies in case of an emergency.

He also said that the Sultanate’s embassy in India is still following up on the earlier cases of the Omani who allegedly married two minors in India. >A6

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TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

New country manager

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Oman Air has announced the appointment of Jamal bin Saif Al Azki as Country Manager for Oman. >A2

OMAN

Omani wins top prize

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Omani photographer Ahmed Al Toqi won third place at National Geographic photo contest. >A4

MARKET

Maldives — a coastal kaleidoscope CAPSIZE

Individual ferry service banned until probe over

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US top importer

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Top importer of Oman’s non-oil exports is the United States, which is followed by Saudi Arabia. >B1

PROBE ON

Close shave for passengers as ferry to Masirah capsizes FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: In the wake of the sinking of ‘Althuraya’ ferry owned by Masirah Gulf Fisheries Company during its journey from Shinnah to Masirah, the Ministry of Transport and Communications has banned all ferries owned by individuals from transporting passengers to and from Masirah until the investigations are complete.

The Ministry clarified that the ban would not include vehicle and goods boats.

The Ministry has initiated investigations through the Marine Investigation Committee led by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, with members from other concerned departments, to find out the circumstances and causes of the accident.

The National Ferries Company will increase the frequency of ships to and from Masirah to meet passengers’ needs. -ONA

MUSCAT: Around 35 passengers and five crew aboard a ferry, which was travelling from Shinnah to Masirah, were rescued before it started to sink on Tuesday afternoon.

“All passengers have been rescued and no injuries were reported,” said a source at the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

The ferry was carrying trucks, cars and passengers from Shinnah to Masirah and started sinking within 30 minutes after it had set sail, said the source.

“The ferry was owned by one of the locals. Half an hour after it set sail, it started to sink. All the passengers were immediately evacuated by another ferry that was passing by,” said the ROP source.

The police will begin investigations, he added.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications affirmed that the initial reasons for the sink-

TRAGEDY: The ferry was carrying trucks, cars and passengers from Shinnah to Masirah and started sinking within 30 minutes after setting sail. - Photo: ROP

ing of the ferry were excess load and failure to distribute the heavy loads properly.

The ferry was carrying nine trucks having tar, seven light vehicles in addition to 35 passengers and five crew members, added the ministry. The statement added that most part of the ferry has sunk and efforts are on

to salvage the wreckage.

Another citizen, who did not wish to be named, said the ferry likely did not meet the basic safety standards to transfer people and heavy vehicles from Shinnah to Masirah. The passengers were lucky as another ferry was sailing beside them and managed to rescue them, he added. >A6

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

OMAN

The new bus system will ensure the safety of children with features such as IVMS, seat belts, emergency doors etc Indian School Darsait management

C I V I L AV I AT I O N

Oman Air gets new country manager Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air has announced the appointment of Jamal Al Azki as the country manager for Oman (Centre).

His new role is based in the capital Muscat. Al Azki, who took up his new position on July 1, previously held the position of country manager, United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland, for Oman Air. Following Al Azki’s appointment, Abdulrahaman Al Busaidy, Oman Air’s chief operating officer said, “We are delighted to confirm Jamal Al Azki’s appointment to the position of country manager for Oman (Centre). He will be a great asset to this station, having previously headed our operations in UK and Ireland.”

NEW ROLE: Jamal Al Azki.

Al Azki has worked for Oman Air since 2009. His career in aviation began with the Royal Oman Air Force, where he worked in air traffic controller before moving on to sales and airport services roles at Qatar Airways. After a number

of positions within the publishing and oil sectors in Oman, Jamal was appointed as district sales manager for Oman Air, based in Muscat. After fulfilling roles as acting country manager in Oman and assistant country manager in the UK, he was appointed country manager for the UK and Ireland in 2013. Jamal Al Azki said, “I am delighted to have been appointed country manager for the Sultanate.

As a proud Omani, it is an honour to take up this role at the heart of our national airline, especially as Oman Air continues its exciting programme of expansion. I look forward to building on the strong relationship that Oman Air enjoys with the travel industry in Oman, and with our many thousands of loyal and valued customers.”

School-managed bus transport a big safety boost

SAFETY STEPS: The drivers have undergone safe driving training and the number of children in each bus will be strictly limited to the seating capacity, as per Royal Oman Police (ROP) and Ministry of Education guidelines. – Supplied photo

The buses at Indian School Darsait are equipped with all safety measures and will have assistants for monitoring and helping drivers Times News Service MUSCAT: In a bid to promote and improve safety of the school transport system, Indian School Darsait (ISD) on Tuesday introduced the school-managed transport system.

Fitted with numerous safety features, 12 buses will ply across the length and breadth of the capital with utmost responsibility, said a Press release issued by the school.

The buses will carry the name of Indian School Darsait.

“The buses are equipped with safety measures as outlined by the transport governing body of the school, and they are either new or less than five-years-old. It will have bus helpers/assistants monitoring and helping drivers in picking up and dropping children off, while ensuring their safety.

The system will ensure the safety of children with features such as IVMS, seat belts, emergency doors etc,” said the release.

The release added that the drivers have undergone safe driving training. The number of children in each bus will be strictly limited to the seating capacity, as per Royal Oman Police (ROP) and Ministry of Education guidelines.

The system will be continuously monitored by the governing body to ensure that the guidelines are met with regard to safety and security.

“The primary objective of this system is the safety and comfort of the children. The transport system will pick up and drop as many 621 students at their doorstep. It will, hopefully, reduce the traffic congestion and ensure free flow of vehicles in Darsait. It is hoped that more parents will opt for this transport system for the safety of their children,” said the school.

The implementation of this transport system is being done through Sahban United LLC, a private operator. The operator was chosen through a tendering process by the school management. The operator has 25 years of experience in the field of transportation and has 73 vehicles in its fleet.

“This will reduce the number of cars transporting children. In the ongoing discussions with government officials, it has been hinted that cars could be restricted from transporting children. Therefore, using school approved buses could become a mandatory re-

quirement in due course of time.

The new measures have been undertaken due to the stringent law being introduced by authorities for the safety of children,” said the release.

The transport system is an unprecedented initiative taken by the School Managing Committee (SMC) under the guidance of Wilson George, chairman, Abdul Rahim Kassim, president of the SMC, and Harish Sidhartha, head of the transport committee and member, SMC. It was a dream come true for the school when the new transport system was launched on the first day after the summer vacations. In the coming days the system will operate more efficiently to the satisfaction of students and parents, the release added.

A warm welcome was accorded to children by the school fraternity under the guidance of SMC members Harish Sidhartha, Ajayan Poyyara, Nikhila Anil Kumar and Jaikish Pavithran, along with members of the transport governing body, Sridevi P Thashnath, principal, vice principals and other staff members of both primary and senior schools.

D H O FA R U N I V E R S I T Y

Seminar highlights family unity SALALAH: Various issues concerning family protection were the focus of a seminar here with the participation of more than 300 people.

Deliberations at the family cohesion seminar titled ‘Protecting the Family from Abuse’, began at Dhofar University on Tuesday. The two-day seminar is being organised by the Ministry of Social Development in cooperation with the Executive Office of the GCC Social Affairs Ministers’ Council and Dhofar University.

The opening ceremony of the seminar was held under the patronage of Dr Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, Minister of Education.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion were Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, Dr Yahya bin Badr Al Ma’awali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development and a number of senior officials. –ONA

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

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Tourism plan to boost hotels The new strategy is to increase the sector’s contribution to Oman’s GDP TARIQ AL HAREMI tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: As the strategy for the tourism sector reaches its final stages, the Ministry of Tourism plans to launch 1,500 hotel rooms by the end of this year, said Maitha

bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary in the Ministry of Tourism.

She said the strategy is expected to be implemented during the Ninth Five-Year Plan meeting to be held soon.

The tourism industry is considered one of the key sectors in Oman’s economic growth, where the objective of the strategy is to increase the sector’s contribution to the Sultanate’s GDP. She expected that the contribution of the tourism sector to the Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi GDP will be between 2.6%-2.8%.

Al Mahrouqi said, “There is wide acceptance of both local and eration Council.”

“Oman has developed a series international investments in the tourism sector because there is a of initiatives, and with the basic worldwide drive to invest in tour- infrastructure already prevalent ism, especially in the Gulf Coop- it will be more attractive to inves-

tors,” she added.

Al Mahrouqi revealed that a company named ‘Turathuna’ or ‘Our Culture’ was created solely to take responsibility of cultural landmarks and locations. It is affiliated to Omran, Oman’s tourism development company.

Cultural management of some sites, such as old districts and forts, have been transferred to ‘Turathuna’ and will begin operations soon in co-ordination with Omran, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Heritage and Culture.

When asked about hotel prices, Al Mahrouqi said, “Hotel prices depend on supply and demand and changes depend on these conditions. This is known globally.”

She also added, “The Minister of

SALALAH TOURISM

Traveller Oasis, a boon for tourists Times News Service

BIG ATTRACTION: The Traveller Oasis, located at Hamrer in Salalah, is open for the whole Khareef season.–Talib Al Wahaibi/ TIMES OF OMAN

SALALAH: There has been a tremendous response to Traveller Oasis, an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism, which offers a full range of tourist services for long-distance travellers arriving in Salalah during the Khareef season.

Salalah Rotana Resort, the Sultanate’s largest free-standing, five-star hotel is also participating in it.

The Traveller Oasis, located at Hamrer in Salalah, is open daily for the whole Khareef season. It is also a temporary rest area comprising a number of luxury tents providing useful tourist information and facilities that include, accommodation support, restaurants, a convenience store, and a children’s playground, in addition to a medical centre and a mosque.

Hossam Kamal, general manager of Salalah Rotana Resort, said “We are very proud to be a part of Traveller Oasis and as a partner with the Ministry of Tourism to welcome the increasing number

O M A N ’ S PA S T

Tourism Ministry reopens Sunaysilah Fort to visitors

HISTORICAL HERITAGE: The fort was constructed during the reign of the late Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al Yarubi in 1648 AD on a hill overlooking Sunaysilah village. It is surrounded by a huge fence that dates back more than 300 years. – Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: Sunaysilah Fort has been thrown open to visitors after renovation that included expansion of the open air theatre and protection for areas adjacent to the fort using flat natural stones.

Renovation of this fort in the wilayat of Sur in Sharqiyah South Governorate, has been completed by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT. The ministry has also repaired the internal street leading to the tour guide office and the theatre, along with revamping the car parks, landscaping and beautification of the site.

Facilities for visitors In addition, the Ministry has built a small reception hall, toilets for visitors and disabled persons, and the tour guide’s office along with its annexe. It has also carried out the electrical work and improved the lighting at the fort.

The fort opened its doors to visitors after the reconstruc-

tion and development work was completed. The tourists can now visit the historical landmark distinguished by its unique architectural features. The visitors can now also enjoy watching the thrilling landscape of the wilayat where the sea is in harmony with the land.

Saif bin Khamis Al Rawahi, director of the Historical Sites Development Department at the Ministry of Tourism said, “This fort is one of the most ancient and historical buildings that has played a pivotal role in the bright history of Oman whether it was used for defensive or civil purposes.

The historical buildings are considered to be educational centres and meeting destinations for the Omanis who draw knowledge from them. The fort also serves as an embarking point of various social activities for the persons residing around it.”

The project of qualifying and developing the service facilities

at Sunaysilah Fort was financed

by Oman LNG Company as part of its corporate social responsibility towards the local community.

It also complements the rehabilitation and development conducted by the MoT for various citadels and forts it manages, to serve various segments of visitors and tourists coming from inside and outside the Sultanate.

Historical connection The fort was constructed during the reign of the late Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al Yarubi in 1648 AD on a hill overlooking Sunaysilah village. It is surrounded by a huge fence that dates back more than 300 years.

The fort, which is 35 metres long and 30 metres wide, enjoys an important strategic location as it overlooks the coast and the road leading to the mainland.

The Ministry of Heritage and Culture (MHC) renovated the fort in 1989.

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of travellers to the region.”

Salalah Rotana Resort operates a welcome desk daily where guests can book rooms at the resort or ask for more information about the resort’s facilities and local attractions within Salalah.

In preparation for the Khareef season, Salalah Rotana Resort has published a special ‘Discover Khareef Travel Guide’ on its website to give potential visitors an idea of what the destination offers.

Named ‘Oman’s Leading Beach Resort’ by the World Travel Awards 2015, Salalah Rotana Resort’s hospitality offering is designed to accommodate every type of traveller.

The 400-room resort features four food and beverage venues, a ‘Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club’, ‘Zen the spa at Rotana’ and ‘Flipper’s Kids Club’.

In addition, guests can enjoy the resort’s private beaches, three temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, two tennis courts and a 250-seat private outdoor amphitheatre.

Tourism announced the launch of 1,500 hotel rooms a few days ago, and that will contribute to price regulation.”

She stressed that the ministry has invested heavily in the sector.

While there are some challenges, it is not on a national scale, but in areas with major tourist attractions such as the Khareef Salalah.

According to statistics from the National Centre of Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total revenue for hotels in the 3 to 5 star category last May logged a 1.5 per cent decline to reach OMR87,308,0004.

Furthermore, the occupancy rate recorded a 7.3 per cent decrease as it reached 62.7 per cent compared to 67.7 per cent during the same period of 2014.

SUEZ CANAL CEREMONY

Shibab to lead team for Egypt MUSCAT: Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said will head on Wednesday to the Arab Republic of Egypt to attend the opening ceremony of the new Suez Canal, scheduled to be held on Thursday.

The delegation accompanying Sayyid Shihab will comprise Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, Dr. Abdul Monem bin Mansour Al Hasani, Minister of Information and Sheikh Khalifa Al Harthy, Oman’s envoy to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League.–ONA

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

OMAN

You can find the colours in the architecture. You can find the colours in the textiles.

You can find the colours in the people’s dress. You find the colours in the nature, green, blue skies and sea. The colours reflect happiness, reflect life actually.

Saif Nasser Al Hinai, Founding Member, Omani Photography Society

Omani wins 3rd prize in National Geographic photography contest

The object of the picture is considered one of the most dangerous photos to ever take in Oman. I had to be very close to them Ahmed Al Toqi

National Geographic Traveler photo contest 2015 third prize winner FREEZE FRAME: National Geographic has its own reputation and some say that whoever gets there is considered to be up there with the best. – Supplied photo

Al Toqi’s photograph, titled ‘Camel Ardah’, was selected from nearly 18,000 entries to the contest

SARAH MACDONALD/ TARIQ AL HAREMI

sarah@timesofoman.com tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: An action-packed photograph by Omani photographer Ahmed Al Toqi of a spray of sand through which two racing camels, each mounted by a rugged Bedouin, can be seen, has won third place in the prestigious National Geographic Traveler photo contest for 2015.

Al Toqi’s photograph, titled “Camel Ardah,” was selected from nearly 18,000 entries to the con-

test. Photographers could choose from four different categories: Travel Portraits, Outdoor Scenes, Sense of Place and Spontaneous Moments. The three best photographs were chosen, along with seven “Merit Prize” winners.

“National Geographic has its own reputation and some say that whoever gets there is considered to be up there with the best. I went in there not expecting much, but the fact that my photo made it to the final list, published on the website and is exposed on their TV channel is considered an achievement to me,” Al Toqi told

Times of Oman.

Al Toqi, who is from Ibra, shot the photograph in Bidiyah, Al Sharqiyah. It showcases the rich culture and history of the region, in which camels play such an integral part of life.

“It’s true that this picture (camels) is reoccurring, but the timing and composition of the picture is different than any others. The dust within the picture gives it a stronger statement and the way the picture was taken makes it unique itself,” Al Toqi said.

Camel Ardah His caption for the photo reads: “Camel Ardah, as it is called in Oman, is one of the traditional styles of camel racing … between two camels controlled by expert men. The faster camel is the loser … so they must be running [at] the same speed level in the same track.

The main purpose of Ardah is to show the beauty and strength of the Arabian camels and the riders’

skills. Ardah [is] considered one of the most risky situations, since always the camels reactions are unpredictable [and] it may get wild and jump [toward the] audience.”

He was less than a meter away when he took the photograph with the camera placed at a low angle.

He also said that he fell and almost injured himself in the process that day while taking a compilation of pictures but the risk produced the best out of them all.

“The object of the picture is considered one of the most dangerous photos to ever take in Oman. I had to be very close to them (camel racers) but very cautious. It was an adventure,” he added.

The National Geographic Traveler photo contest, now in its 27th year, invites readers from all over the world to submit their photos. Contestants can be amateur or professional photographs and use professional cameras or mobile phones. The photographs document life on earth in all its forms:

landscapes and skies, obscure cultures, tender human moments, animals, and surprising encounters with nature.

Al Toqi admitted that he hadn’t planned on entering the contest but he was encouraged to do so by friends who insisted this image was unique. He submitted the photo without expected to win anything.

The six judges from National Geographic had a huge task narrowing down the entrants to the top 10, but ultimately chose creative and different images, including Al Toqi’s, that live up to the magazine’s mission.

Blown away “National Geographic Travel celebrates and illuminates destinations around the globe, and it was exciting to see that same theme captured in the contest entries. I was blown away by the creativity of the photographers,” said Maggie Zackowitz, editor-in-chief of Na-

tional Geographic Traveler magazine.

First prize winner Anuar Patjane Floriuk from Mexico, told CBS News that his photograph of a humpback whale and her calf surrounded by scuba divers was a strong image. It shows the size of the whale in relation to the humans and other fish.

“I knew there was a power in that image,” he said.

Second prize was awarded to Faisal Azim of Chittagong, Bangladesh, for his photograph of three gravel workers with their faces pressed against a dirty window.

Al Toqi’s third-place prize is a six-day cruise for two from Schooner American Eagle and Heritage.

National Geographic Traveler is the most widely read travel magazine in the world, so Al Toqi’s photograph will be seen by millions.

It’s already been shared on numerous websites, too, bringing him, and Oman, wonderful publicity.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographs invite Omanis to colourful Tunisia

TUNISIA CALLING: The exhibition, ‘Colours of Tunisia’, featured photographs by Saif Nasser Al Hinai,

one of the founding members of the Omani Photography Society. -OK Mohammad Ali/Times of Oman

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: An exhibition of photographs that capture the colours and culture of Tunisia opened at the Omani Society for Fine Arts on Monday evening.

The exhibition, “Colours of Tunisia,” featured photographs by Saif Nasser Al Hinai, one of the founding members of the Omani Photography Society. The exhibition was inaugurated by guests of

honour HH Sayyid Mohammed Salim Al Said, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Tarek Ladeb, Ambassador of Tunisia to Oman.

Al Hinai’s images feature street scenes, coasts and harbours, painted doors and window grates, textiles and rugs, and occasionally portraits of people. Though white dominates the images, as most of the buildings are painted white, each photograph also has a splash of colour, which was what inspired the artist. “You

can find the colours in the architecture. You can find the colours in the textiles. You can find the colours in the people’s dress. You find the colours in the nature, green, blue skies and sea. The colours reflect happiness, reflect life actually,” Al Hinai told Times of Oman.

Al Hinai visited Tunisia five separate times, after finding himself so warmly welcomed by the Tunisian people, whom he described as humble and kind.

After his first trip he looked

through his images and decided to return to complete his series of photographs. He was also invited to have an exhibition of his work there.

Al Hinai said he found many similarities between Tunisia and Oman thanks to their Arab and Islamic cultures, and added that both countries have beautiful, diverse landscapes.

He said Omanis should definitely consider visiting Tunisia and he hoped his photographs would be

like an invitation for them to discover the country for themselves.

Ambassador Ladeb said he was impressed by the images and happy to have his country highlighted by an Omani.

“It’s very beautiful and interesting exhibition that reflects the talent of the photographer because he knew to represent the colours that symbolise Tunisia- the blue, the white, the green,” Ladeb said.

He said such exhibitions and travels by artists were a wonder-

ful way to consolidate the cultural relationship between Omanis and Tunisians, which may be geographically distant but are culturally similar. Ladeb also hoped Al Hinai’s photographs would encourage people in Oman to visit his homeland.

Despite the recent unrest and terrorist attack on a hotel in June, the county is secure and the situation is under control again, he added.

“I hope viewers will see the beauty of Tunisia, and that they visit Tunisia in great numbers,” he said.

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R O P O P E R AT I O N S

Team conducts field tests for Drug smuggler arrested in Shinas Salalah mobile connectivity Times News Service

Times News Service MUSCAT: Field tests are being conducted by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) during this year’s Khareef season to assess the performance of mobile networks in Salalah and other tourist attractions in the Dhofar Governorate.

A number of specialists and technicians from the TRA will conduct technical and drive tests on the performance of mobile networks belonging to Omantel and Ooredoo.

In these tests the Advanced Automated Quality Measurement System (AAQMS) will be used for the first time. This is considered a standard tool used worldwide to measure QoS indicators for mobile services. They will also collect data on signal strength and network coverage of mobile networks that use 2G, 3G or 4G. It is expected that the field ‘ M A A R I FA’

Students set for four-day competition MIUSCAT: Second stage of the scientific and cultural competition ‘Maarifa’, organised by the Ministry of Information, will be launched on Saturday at the Ministry of Education’s auditorium in Al Wattiyah.

Fourty-eight competitors comprising 16 teams from different parts of the Sultanate will take part in the competition, which is part of the summer seminars and cultural events that have been approved by the Council of Ministers.

The competition would include questions from the Omani encyclopedia.

The four-day competition, in which universities, colleges, institutes and schools’ students above 16 years can take part, aims at encouraging participants to enhance their scientific and cultural skills.

It also aims at promoting cultural awareness and enhancing knowledge about Oman.–ONA

It is expected that the field tests will show the network coverage range, the quality of voice transmissions and Internet speed tests will show the network coverage range, the quality of voice transmissions and Internet speed.

The drive tests will involve locations in the city centre, surrounding villages, tourist attractions and the main streets in Dhofar.

The objective of the campaign is to ensure the quality of the performance of the networks during

the Khareef season, when a large number of people visit Salalah, and to assess the readiness of the networks in peak season.

The TRA periodically runs field tests on transmission stations belonging to operators in different governorates, and issues reports on them if it finds their performance not measuring up to international quality standards.

MUSCAT: A citizen was arrested by the Directorate of Narcotics Control on Monday for possession, trafficking and use of narcotics, an official source from North Al Batinah Royal Oman Police said.

The source added that the directorate’s officers were informed about the suspect receiving a con-

signment of narcotics from members of an international gang.

Police officers monitored the suspect and raided his home in the Wilayat of Shinas. Following search operations, the ROP team seized 24 kilograms of hashish, one kilogram of heroin and 70 methadol capsules, in addition to 630 tramadol capsules which are illegal unless it is prescribed by a doctor.

59 infiltrators arrested A Royal Oman Police official said that during last week, with cooperation of military and security forces, they were able to arrest 59 people belonging to different nationalities, for entering the Sultanate illegally.

The official also stated that 167 were deported after coordinating with their embassies and completing legal procedures.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

OMAN IN THE DOCK

‘Know rules while A1 travelling abroad’ < FROM

Meanwhile, a Majlis Al Shura member said, “It is important for every citizen who travels to another country to know the rules of that country. There is no point in complaining once you are caught flouting rules. It looks like this man did not follow Omani rules either.”

In the present case, Indian police registered cases under the Nirbhaya Act, and Sections 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) of the IPC and Section 9, 10, and 11 of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006.

An Indian newspaper reported that the accused allegedly got in touch with a negotiator and visited the house of the victim, proposing marriage.

The accused had allegedly also

given Rs30,000 towards wedding expenses.

The father of the victim had also collected a copy of the passport and visa of the bridegroom.

The accused had supposedly given Rs15,000 to the victim’s father towards house rent to stay with his daughter for a period of two months until the victim received her passport and visa.

The parents of the minor girl were also willing to perform the marriage, as the mediator had assured that the alliance would ensure a better life for their daughter, the newspaper reported.

Though the police were able to arrest the accused, the negotiator escaped from the spot and is absconding.

The response to this third recruitment drive has been impressive, not just in terms of the interest it has generated and the number of applicants it has produced Trevor McCartney, general manager, OCEC

Convention centre job drive gets big response cussed students. They understand the invaluable professional experience they will gain by becoming a part of the OCEC team and recognise the opportunities the Centre will provide for a varied, satisfying and rewarding career, one in which they can take pride as they not only build their professional portfolio but also contribute to the development of the nation.”

Over the next 15 years, the OCEC and its surrounding precincts will be responsible for the creation of up to 24,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing up to OMR240 million to the national economy.

Over the next 15 years, the OCEC and its surrounding precincts will be responsible for the creation of up to 24,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing up to

TRAGEDY

OMR240 million to

Narrow escape for A1 ferry passengers

the national economy

ries Company said that it had given instructions to the operations team to dedicate all available resources to increase the number of journeys on the Shinnah-Masirah route to facilitate the movement of passengers when the need arises.

The statement issued by the company said that its two ferry boats (Shinnah and Jawharat Masirah) applied the highest international safety and security regulations in marine transport and that it considered safety and security a top priority for the company. -With

MUSCAT: Following its third and final international recruitment drive for the year 2015, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has received more than 3,400 applications, its largest response to date.

The aim of the drive is to fill almost 50 vacancies in various fields such as events, operations and food and beverage, as the Centre prepares to launch a new and exciting era for Oman’s business events industry.

< FROM

The passengers were lucky as another ferry was sailing beside them and managed to rescue them, he added.

“The government should consider this issue and explore the idea of a bridge connecting Masirah to the land at the earliest,” said the source. The bridge will ensure easy travel and transfer from Shinnah to Masirah.

The ferry was travelling from Niyabat in Shinnah in Al Wusta Governorate to Masirah Island in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.

Meanwhile, the National Fer-

FLOODED WITH APPLICATIONS: The employment campaign was

promoted in the domestic and international media, as well as across several online platforms. – Supplied photo

Times News Service

“The response to this third recruitment drive has been impressive, not just in terms of the interest it has generated and the number of applicants it has produced, but also in terms of the quality of the applications we have received,” said Trevor McCartney, general manager, OCEC. Qualified Omanis He went on to explain that in the first instance, the OCEC would appoint suitably qualified and experienced Omanis.

“While job creation for Oma-

ni nationals is a priority for the OCEC, all appointments will be made on individual merit and successful applicants will have the satisfaction of knowing they have earned their position in the face of tough international competition,” added McCartney.

Congratulating the OCEC on the success of the recruitment campaign, Robert McLean, principal of the National Hospitality Institute remarked, “The OCEC recruitment drive was received enthusiastically by our hardworking, ambitious and career-fo-

Spur growth It is also expected that the OCEC will spur the creation and growth of SMEs with design and print, transportation, food and beverage, event management, security and IT services directed towards Omani businesses.

The employment campaign was promoted in the domestic and international media, as well as across several online platforms including OCEC’s social media channels such as Mujeed, Oman’s biggest recruitment portal, leading international job site Naukri and at the Sultan Qaboos University, in addition to the National Hospitality Institute and the Oman Tourism College.

The campaign attracted more than 7,000 views on the OCEC website, omanconvention.com, over 30,000 on Mujeed, and in excess of 20,000 on Naukri.

inputs from ONA

RAINBOW OF COLOURS

US embassy invites guests to join its Color Run at Salalah Festival People of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to join the fun and they can even walk if they prefer.

Participants are encouraged to wear light coloured clothing (preferably white) and comfortable shoes that they want transformed into a rainbow of colours, although the colours will wash out most fabrics.

Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of its participation in the Salalah Festival for the sixth year, the US Embassy will host the Salalah festival’s first ever Color Run and guests are encouraged to join this function.

“As the only embassy within the Sultanate to participate in the Salalah festival, we wanted to do something extra special this year,” said Christy Watkins, public affairs officer at the Ameican embassy.

Color Run “The Color Run is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, to join a fun event full of colour and laughter while promoting health and physical fitness,” she said.

Each evening on August 6, 7,

FUN EVENT: Color Run first gained popularity as an event to

promote happiness and health while bringing the community together. -Supplied picture

and 8, there will be one run/walk per night. Look out for the large balloon arch outside the embassy pavilion on the Salalah Festival grounds. The first run on August

6 will start at 8:30pm. These runs are all about having the time of your life running through clouds of colourful chalk with your friends and family.

I TA I N I T I AT I V E

Popular Color Run first gained popularity as an event to promote happiness and health while bringing the community together. These fun runs have grown exponentially around the world to attract people from all walks of life.

“The embassy looks forward to fun and eventful evenings with everyone,” said Watkins.

NCSI

67% of visitors to Salalah are nationals Times News Service

NEW SKILLS: Through these programmes, the ITA aims to improve community skills in computer

basics and encourage people to use information and communications technology.

More than 900 Omanis to learn computer skills at Salalah event Times News Service MUSCAT: Along with its participation in the Salalah Tourism Festival 2015, the Information Technology Authority (ITA) is organising a number of training programmes in various ICT areas under the umbrella of the Digital Society Development Division at ITA. During the whole participation, three training programmes will be conducted. The first targets 800 Omani trainees in basic computer skills and will be held

in Salalah, Mirbat, Thumrait, and Mazyona, in addition to Taqah, Tawi Atair and Sadah.

The second programme aims at training 150 people in the basics of a graphic design programme called (Jimp) in Salalah, Mirbat and Taqa.

The third programme targets eight trainers in the graphic design programme (Jimp), who will subsequently lead the training programme in Dhofar later on. Through these programmes the ITA aims to improve community skills in computer ba-

sics and encourage people to use information and communications technology. These courses seek to reach the largest possible number of citizens in areas which are away from the available community knowledge centres in Salalah and Thumrait.

The ITA is collaborating with some private institutions to conduct these training programmes such as the Alfikr Institute for Computer Science and Training, Management Development Institute and Mirbat Institute for Computer Science.

MUSCAT: More than a quarter of a million people have visited Salalah to enjoy the Khareef season from June 21 to August 1, according to statistics compiled by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Of the 238,675 visitors, there were 160,219 Omanis constituting about 67 per cent of the total.

As many as 14 per cent or 33,889 visitors arrived in Salalah through the airport. The NCSI figures also revealed that Emiratis made up the second largest group of visitors after the Omanis. There were 26,570 Emiratis, who were followed by 10,201 visitors from Saudi Arabia, and 1,488 Bahraini visitors.

Tourists from Kuwait numbered 1,187, while there were 1,399 Qataris. There were also 5,430 visitors from other Arab countries who visited Salalah. There were 31,832 tourists from other countries. The statistics indicated that 99 per cent of the visitors came from the GCC including Oman.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

A7

REGION

The Yemeni loyalists swiftly pushed on from Al Anad on Tuesday, attacking the rebel-held Labouza army camp 10 kilometres further north. Pro-government sources said that the rebels lost 70 dead and 10 captured in the fighting for Al Anad. The loyalists suffered 24 dead and 23 wounded.

POST NUCLEAR DEAL

Italian foreign minister, seeking better ties, arrives in Tehran

BOOSTING RELATIONS: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, left, and Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni. – Reuters/Timaa

DUBAI: Italy’s foreign minister arrived in Tehran on Tuesday, the latest in a series of European officials seeking closer economic and political ties with Iran after its nuclear agreement with world powers.

Senior government ministers from France, Germany and Serbia have been among visitors to Iran since the July 14 accord which

raised the prospect of banking and trade sanctions on Iran being lifted, perhaps around the end of this year.

Opportunity Before his visit to Iran, Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni was quoted by the Iranian Mehr news agency as saying: “Italy’s economic ties with Iran have definitely

Yemeni forces retake airbase from Houthis Hailing victory in the battle for Al Anad airbase, the defence ministry vowed there would be no let-up in the war against the Houthi rebels

ADEN: Pro-government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition retook Yemen’s biggest airbase from Houthi rebels on Tuesday in a significant new gain after their recapture of second city Aden last month.

Their seizure of the Al Anad base in a 24-hour assault using heavy armour supplied by the coalition came after hundreds of Gulf Arab troops landed in Aden to bolster the loyalist fightback.

Hailing victory in the battle for Al Anad, the defence ministry vowed there would be no let-up in the war against the Houthi rebels and their allies until the authority of exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi was restored over the whole country. The Al Anad base, 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Aden, is strategically located on the main road north towards both the battleground third city of Taez and the rebelheld capital Sanaa.

The vast 15 square kilometre

BATTLE-READY: Tanks and armoured vehicles were deployed on the outskirts of the Yemeni port city of Aden during a military operation against Houthi rebels and their allies. – AFP

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(six square mile) complex housed US troops overseeing a drone war against Al Qaeda in Yemen until shortly before the rebels overran it in March. Its loss is a major blow for the rebels, whose leader Abdulmalik Al Houthi claimed just on Sunday that their ouster from Aden after four months of ferocious fighting was just a “short-term” setback that would be reversed.

The loyalists swiftly pushed on from Al Anad on Tuesday, attacking the rebel-held Labouza army camp 10 kilometres (six miles) further north, military sources said. Pro-government sources said that the rebels lost 70 dead and 10 captured in the fighting for Al Anad. The loyalists suffered 24 dead and 23 wounded.

Officers who took part in the

assault said that the rebels had put up “stiff resistance” but that Saudi-led air strikes had helped destroy their armour.

An AFP correspondent saw huge columns of tanks and artillery supplied by the coalition pounding the base’s defences.

They were accompanied by large numbers of southern militiamen who formed the core of the resistance to the rebels before the deployment of reinforcements trained and equipped in Saudi Arabia. The formerly independent south has a large secessionist movement whose supporters have made common cause with the exiled government out of shared hostility to the rebels from the north. Some of the militiamen flew its flag.

The recapture of Al Anad is a major boost for the defence of Aden and paves the way for a possible return by the exiled government to the southern port which was its last refuge before it fled into exile in neighbouring Saudi

NAT I O N AT WA R

Al Qaeda ally abducts five US-backed Syrian rebels BEIRUT/DAMASCUS: Syria’s Al Qaeda affiliate Nusra Front abducted five more rebels believed to have been trained by the United States after raiding areas along the Turkish border in the past 24 hours, a war monitoring group said on Tuesday.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the militant group was now holding a total of 13 men from “Division 30”, a Syrian rebel unit that includes some fighters recently trained by the US military.

Detained It was not immediately clear whether the five men abducted overnight had been on the new US military training programme or on an existing, separate CIAled programme. On Friday, Nusra Front said in a statement it had detained a number of Syrian rebels trained by the United States and warned any others they should abandon the programme.

KEEPING VIGIL: Nusra Front fighters rest with their weapons behind sandbags in the Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria on Monday. – Reuters

But the Pentagon said at the time that no members of an initial group of around 60 US-trained rebels had been abducted.

The US military launched a programme in May to train up to 5,400 fighters a year in what was seen as a test of Obama’s strategy of getting local partners to combat the hardline IS group in Syria.

The training programme has been challenged from the start, with many candidates being declared ineligible and some even dropping out.

On Monday, US officials said one member of this new Syrian force was believed to have been killed in clashes last week with Nusra Front. — Reuters

Arabia in March. On Sunday, hundreds of Gulf Arab troops from the coalition entered Aden with tanks and other armour “to help secure” it, a military source told AFP. The Saudi-owned Al Hayat newspaper said 1,500 troops, most of them from the United Arab Emirates, had deployed to the city. Aden has been devastated by four months of coalition air strikes and fighting on the ground.

Unexploded ordnance and booby-traps planted by the retreating rebels still pose a daily threat to civilians.

Medics said on Tuesday that at least 18 had been killed and dozens wounded in the previous 24 hours alone. Most died in northern neighbourhoods of the city where the rebels made their last stand before pulling out in mid-July. The United Nations says the war has killed nearly 4,000 people, half of them civilians, while 80 percent of the 21 million population needs aid and protection. — AFP

suffered during the sanctions era, but the recent nuclear agreement will serve as an opportunity for a gradual improvement in the two countries’ relations”.

Gentiloni was accompanied by Italian Economic Development Minister Federica Guidi and an economic delegation. Both countries hope to expand cooperation in energy, transportation and

agriculture. The nuclear accord provided for an easing of sanctions in return for restrictions and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear programme.

Western powers have suspected Iran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons while Tehran says its programme was geared purely to peaceful purposes such as power generation. — Reuters

A8

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

INDIA

Second, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were imparted training near Thatta, Sindh, and launched by sea from there. The training camp was identified and secured by the investigators Tariq Khosa, Director General of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency

Sonia, Rahul lead protest against suspension of party lawmakers “I am not asking for their resignation, the Congress is not asking for their resignation but the people of India are asking for their resignation.

“I am only trying to explain to the PM the voice of the people of the country.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, the Congress leader took a swipe at him, saying though he made his voice heard

murdered,” said Sonia, as she, in a rare occurrence, raised slogans along with top party leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad, A K Antony and Anand Sharma against the Speaker’s decision. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also present.

Not listening The Prime Minister has the habit of making his voice heard (Mann ki Baat), let him listen to the voice of the country,” he said.

“Down with Narendra Modi!

We want justice! Shame on you dictator!” chanted the agitated Congress MPs as they sat near the Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, wearing black arm bands as a mark of protest.

Leaders of other opposition parties like Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) too joined them in the protest.

Unrelenting “We will not budge from our stand and there will be no let up in our pressure (on government) as far as issues of corruption, Sushma Swaraj and Vyapam are concerned,” Rahul told reporters, making clear the party’s intent to carry on with its belligerent posture on the issue of resignations of top BJP leaders accused of wrongdoing.

“Vyapam scam has destroyed

‘Unlawful’ The decision by Lok Sabha Speaker is “unlawful”, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said, as he asked her to reconsider it.

In a rare show of unity, besides the Congress, MPs of the Trinamool Congress and Nationalist Ccongress Party boycotted Lok Sabha proceedings and those of the Left, Samajwadi Party and RJD walked out soon after the House met. -PTI

through his radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, he was not prepared to listen to the ‘voice of the country’

NEW DELHI: Bolstered by support from most opposition parties, Congress on Tuesday took to the streets to mount a frontal attack on the Narendra Modi government over the suspension of its 25 MPs, terming it as “murder of democracy” and demanding that Prime Minister hear the “voice of the country”.

Leading the assault from the front, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul Gandhi, sat on a dharna in the Parliament House complex, shouted slogans and declared that the campaign for resignation of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders will continue even if all its members are “thrown out of Parliament”.

“Suspension of our MPs is antidemocratic. Democracy is being

ON THE OFFENSIVE: Congress President Sonia Gandhi, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi and leader

of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad walk with other party members wearing black bands during a protest against suspension of 25 party members, at Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. -PTI

future of thousands in MP. There is clear evidence that Sushmaji has broken the law.

Clear evidence that Rajasthan CM (Vasundhara Raje) directly

involved financially with Lalit Modi,” he said.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, the Congress leader took a swipe at

TA R I Q K H O S A D I S C L O S U R E S

T E R R O R AT TA C K

India says its stand vindicated on Pakistan role in 26/11 attacks NEW DELHI: India feels that its stand is vindicated in the disclosures made by the Pakistani chief investigator of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that the carnage was planned and launched from his country and the operation was directed from an ops room in Karachi.

“We have always insisted that the 2008 terror attack were planned, financed and carried out by people from Pakistan. Also, it is our view that 99 per cent of the evidence in the Mumbai case is in Pakistan,” government sources said.

Pakistani prosecutors had enough evidence to nail perpetrators of the deadly attacks and if they had revealed it, the outcome of the Mumbai trial case would have been different, sources said, adding all those responsible for it including Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi would not have been roaming free in that case.

Sharp reaction The sharp reaction came in wake of revelations made by Tariq Khosa, chief investigator of the 26/11 attacks, that the mayhem was planned and launched from his country and that the operation was directed from an ops room in Karachi.

Khosa, a top police officer who was made Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) weeks after the 2008 Mumbai attack that left 166 people dead, has written a revealing article in Dawn newspaper giving graphic details of the plot and its investi-

him, saying though he made his voice heard through his radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, he was not prepared to listen to the “voice of the country”.

India seeks US help in Gurdaspur case NEW DELHI: India has approached the US to help identify the Night Vision Device (NVD) used by the three terrorists who carried out the Gurdaspur attack even as investigators did not rule out the possibility of a reconnaissance of target areas being carried out.

Besides the NVD, a request has also been routed through Union Home Ministry seeking details of Global Positioning System (GPS), used by terrorists in reaching the police station at Dina Nagar where they were engaged by Punjab Police. The manufacturer of the device is based in the US, official sources said on Tuesday.

DEADLY ATTACK: Tariq Khosa, chief investigator of the 26/11 attacks and a top police officer who was made Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) weeks after the 2008 Mumbai attack that left 166 people dead, has written a revealing article in Dawn newspaper giving graphic details of the plot and its investigation, thereby confirming what India has been saying for long. -File photo

gation, thereby confirming what India has been saying for long.

Laying down the facts of the Mumbai attacks trial in the article, Khosa writes, “First, Ajmal Kasab was a Pakistani national, whose place of residence and initial schooling as well as his joining a banned militant organisation was established by the investigators.

“Second, the Lashkar-e-Taiba

(LeT) terrorists were imparted training near Thatta, Sindh, and launched by sea from there. The training camp was identified and secured by the investigators,” he writes.

He also demanded that Pakistan’s state security apparatus should ensure that the perpetrators and masterminds of the “ghastly terror attacks” are

brought to justice. Noting that the case has lingered on for far too long, Khosa said dilatory tactics by the defendants, frequent change of trial judges and assassination of the case prosecutor as well as retracting from original testimony by some key witnesses have been serious setbacks for the prosecutors. -PTI

US government marking The NVD bearing a marking that it belongs to the US government was recovered from the terrorists, the sources said, adding it was used as a telescope with the assault rifle to help them in identifying the target in dead of the night. Informally, the FBI has assured Indian investigators that all assistance will be provided in this regard and even indicated that the NVD could have been snatched from allied troops fighting war in Afghanistan, the sources said.

For a closer cooperation on terror-related matters, India and the US have appointed personnel from their respective security agencies as part of the diplomatic staff at each other’s Embassies.

The Indian investigators also sought details about the coordinates of GPS that was seized from

the terrorists. It could help the probe agency to find out where the GPS was used initially or the country to where it was exported.

General use The GPS is generally used by travellers on trekking or army personnel in unfamiliar terrain. It connects a customer to a satellite and helps the traveller know the way to the destination. Three terrorists, believed to be of Lashker-eTaiba terror group, had sneaked in from Ravi river at the Punjab border on intervening night of July 26 and 27 and attacked a police station in Dina Nagar. Seven people including a Superintendent of Police were killed by the terrorists before they were neutralised by Punjab Police.

In the meantime, security agencies were looking into a possibility that the terrorists had been briefed in advance about the targets and someone could have possibly infiltrated and carried out a reconnaissance, the sources said.

Posh target The ‘way points’ marked in the GPS also showed Gurdaspur Civil Lines area as one of the targets of terrorists as it is a posh area with many senior officials staying there besides housing an office unit of the Army. This could be possible only because of pre-fed information from someone who may have been tasked to do so, the sources said and did not rule out the possibility of the flourishing drug mafia being involved in the process. -PTI

D I L A P I D AT E D S T RUC T U R E

Building collapse near Mumbai kills 12 MUMBAI: A dilapidated building killed 12 people when it collapsed outside Mumbai on Tuesday, a rescue official said, the second such accident around the Indian financial capital in a week.

Rescuers pulled seven people out of the rubble alive after the three-storey structure crumbled overnight while families were sleeping inside, the official said.

“Rescue operations stopped at 10:20 am with 12 bodies being recovered in total,” National Disaster Response Force official Alok Avasthy told AFP. The building, which crumbled around 2:00 am, was situated in the Naupada area of Thane city near Mumbai.

“It was a 50-year-old structure that was in a dilapidated state and had been declared unsafe

REDUCED TO RUBBLE: Rescue workers use an excavator to clear debris in the search for survivors at the site of a residential building collapse in Thane on Tuesday. – AFP

by the government two years back but people still lived there,” Avasthy said.

A family of five were rescued with the help of a sniffer dog, according to the official, who said

relief efforts ended after everybody was accounted for.

The accident is the latest in a long line of deadly building collapses recently, some of which have highlighted poor construc-

tion standards. It comes just a week after nine people were killed when another old threestorey building collapsed under heavy monsoon rain in the Mumbai suburb of Thakurli.

Millions in India live in dilapidated buildings, many of which cave in during the annual monsoon season.

An 11-storey apartment tower being built in the southern state of Tamil Nadu came crashing down in July last year following heavy rain -- killing 61 people, mostly labourers.

A booming economy and rising real estate prices have also often caused unauthorised multi-storey structures to mushroom on the outskirts of cities and towns, some of which have collapsed. -AFP

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

INDIA

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A9

ACTIVISM

Indian rapper goes viral with toxic waste gibes at Unilever MUMBAI: An Indian rapper has gone viral with a music video calling on consumer products giant Unilever to clean up alleged toxic waste from a forested southern hill station.

Sofia Ashraf’s video, posted online by a nongovernmental organisation called Jhatkaa, or “shock” in Hindi, has had more than a million views on YouTube, drawing attention to accusations against a thermometer factory in the town of Kodaikanal that closed down 14 years ago.

Hindustan Unilever, the Indian subsidiary of the consumer goods company, has denied wrongdoing.

It disputes claims of former workers who say their health has been damaged by exposure to mercury.

The company said it shut down the factory in 2001 when environmental activists including Greenpeace “brought to Hindustan Unilever’s attention the fact that glass scrap containing mercury” had been sold to a scrap dealer about three kilometres from the factory.

“We have been rigorous in establishing the facts and several independent expert studies have concluded that there were no adverse impacts on the health of our people at Kodaikanal. We have

also taken action to ensure the clean-up of soil within the factory premises,” a Hindustan Unilever spokesperson said in an email.

“There is still work to do here which we are committed to fulfilling - as soon as we have received final consent from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to start the soil remediation.”

Set to the beat of Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda”, and retweeted by Minaj herself, Ashraf also asks Unilever to compensate workers. (http://bit.ly/1fNuNMx) “Kodaikanal won’t step down, until you make amends now,” she raps. -Reuters

Floods claim 180 lives, displace a million people Most of those 180 died from drowning, while at least four people have been killed in a landslide that buried a remote village in Manipur bordering Myanmar, where heavy monsoon rains have also wreaked havoc

KOLKATA: Floods from days of torrential rain have now claimed at least 180 lives in India with one million people sheltering in relief camps after fleeing surging waters, officials said on Tuesday.

Rivers have burst their banks, hitting thousands of villages in parts of West Bengal as well as northeastern Manipur state, where roads and bridges have been cut and communications were patchy.

Most of those 180 died from drowning, while at least four people have been killed in a landslide that buried a remote village in Manipur bordering Myanmar, where heavy monsoon rains have also wreaked havoc.

The death toll jumped from around 120 on Monday, after the discovery of more bodies in West Bengal and the western state of Gujarat where water levels have receded, allowing families to return home.

“The death toll due to flooding in West Bengal rose to 70, with roads and farms in 13,200 villages remaining under water,” disaster management minister Javed Ahmad Khan told AFP. Relief camps “Nearly 1.2 million people are now staying in around 1,600 relief camps opened in schools and government offices,” he said.

The release of water from brimming dams has exacerbated the flooding in West Bengal after Cyclone Komen struck the east coast on Friday, Khan said. “Rivers in 13 districts are flowing over their danger marks. The situation is grim.”

Another five people have died in Orissa and 35 in northern Rajasthan state, officials there said.

“The worst is over. Now we are focusing on relief and rehabilitation of affected people,” Rajasthan’s disaster minister, Gulab Singh Kataria, told AFP. In Manipur, television footage showed villagers erecting a bamboo bridge over a muddy river after flood waters left them stranded, and a child trying to cross by floating in a rubber tyre.

Search on Rescuers were still searching for villagers feared buried in a landslide that struck their hamlet on Saturday, with four bodies found, Jason Shimray, an official over-

DELUGE: Foreign tourists wade through a water logged road after

high tide at Kalighat area in Kolkata on Tuesday. -PTI

seeing the rescue operation, said.

Shimray said 10 people feared killed in the landslide have been found alive, although details were sketchy.

In the western state of Gujarat, flooding has eased in recent days, but the death toll has reached 72 after the discovery of more bodies, director of relief operations Bipin Bhatt told AFP. 12 districts flood-hit Meanwhile, West Bengal declared 12 districts in the as flood-hit and demanded adequate funds from the Centre for post-flood work.

The chief minister held the Damodar Valley Corporation responsible for ‘abnormal’ release of water from their barrages, claiming this resulted in the present situation causing a huge loss of property and loss of lives, a charge denied by the DVC. After reviewing the flood situation at a high-level meeting with senior officials and holding a video conference with the district magistrates of all the affected districts, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday told reporters that she had already requested the DVC authority to stop further release of water.

Banerjee said she has sought appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her visit in Delhi on August 11 and 12

to discuss the situation and place her demands for flood damages from the National Disaster Relief Fund.

“I also want to raise the issue of release of water by the DVC,” Banerjee said.

She said that she had lodged a complaint with Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal over DVC’s ‘abnormal’ release of water.

“Earlier too I had written to the DVC to undertake dredging and to increase the capacity of their reservoirs, but sadly it had done nothing of the sort.

We always cooperate with the DVC, but it doesn’t cooperate,” she alleged.

Not the reason The DVC, however, on Tuesday countered the charge of excess discharge from its barrages, saying the release of water from the DVC system was not the reason for the flooding in the downstream areas.

“The flooding over the past few days is mainly due to the high tidal effects and Komen depressionrelated rainfall.

The combined release on August 3 was 95,000 cusecs which is lower than the safe downstream channel carrying capacity of the Damodar river which is 1,10,000 cusecs,” DVC said in a release.-Agencies

MUSIC FOR A CAUSE: Sofia Ashraf’s video, posted online by a nongovernmental organisation called Jhatkaa, or ‘shock’ in Hindi, has had more than a million views on YouTube. -Video grab

FIGHTING

3 die as India, Pakistan trade fire in Kashmir SRINAGAR: Three civilians were killed Tuesday in heavy exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops along their border in the south of the disputed territory of Kashmir, officials from the rival sides said.

“One young man died during the shelling. We are asking residents in the area to remain confined to their homes,” Danesh Rana, inspector general of police in the Indian-controlled part of the region, told AFP. The man was hit when a mortar bomb fired from the Pakistani side of the border landed near his house in the Pargwal sector, 340 kilometres (210 miles) south of Indian-administered Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar, Rana said.

The Pakistan foreign ministry accused Indian troops of “unprovoked firing” and targeting villages across the border that killed two civilians aged 14 and 22 and injured seven.

“The Government of Pakistan lodged protest with the Government of India on the latest unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian security forces,” the ministry said in a statement.

An Indian Border Security Force official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the exchange started in the morning when guards noticed “suspicious movement” in the bushes near the border and fired.

“It was an attempt at infiltration. The Pakistan side soon fired heavy weapons which is being retaliated (by Indian troops),” the official said.

A ceasefire agreement signed by the South Asian rivals in 2003 has largely held but each regularly accuses the other of violating it.

Indian officials reported nearly 200 violations in July.

DAMAGED: A man shows splinter-marks on his roof after fir-

ing from the Pakistan side of border in the Abdullian village in Jammu on Tuesday. -PTI

India’s defence minister told parliament recently that Pakistan had violated the ceasefire over 1,000 times since the agreement, while Pakistan regularly registers complaints of violations by India to a UN mission which monitors the border.

In July at least five civilians and two soldiers died on both sides during cross-border firing.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan, but claimed in

full by both, since the two countries gained independence from Britain in 1947. They have fought two wars over the disputed region, where resentment at Indian rule runs deep.

Since 1989 several rebel groups have been fighting hundreds of thousands of Indian forces deployed in the region, seeking independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan. The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead. -AFP

A10

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

PAKISTAN FLOOD-HIT

A boy carries a pot on his head as he moves through floodwaters at Camp Koruna Akbar in the Pura area of Nowshera District, northwestern Pakistan, on Tuesday. Flash flooding caused by torrential monsoon rains affected hundreds of thousands of people, according to aid agencies. — Reuters

Ignoring mercy calls, ‘teen’ convict Hussain is hanged The case prompted grave international concern, drawing protests from the United Nations, as his lawyers and family said he was only 15 at the time of the killing and was tortured into making a false confession

KARACHI: Pakistan on Tuesday executed a man convicted of murdering a child, brushing aside a storm of protests from rights groups that his confession had been extracted by torture and he was a minor at the time of the crime.

Shafqat Hussain was hanged shortly before dawn at a jail in Karachi for killing a seven-year-old boy in the city in 2004, his brother and a prison official told AFP. The case prompted grave international concern, drawing protests from the United Nations, as his lawyers and family said he was only 15 at the time of the killing and was tortured into making a false confession.

In Muzaffarabad, the main town of the Pakistani-administered Kashmir, his family was distraught.

“Why did they hang my innocent brother, only because we were poor?” said his sister Sumaira Bibi, beating her chest and weeping.

His mother Makhni Begum, looked glassy-eyed, stunned by the news of the execution after seeing her son reprieved from the gallows four times since January.

“My son was innocent, only Allah will prove his innocence in his court,” she told AFP. “We can’t do anything but they (executioners) will face Allah on the day of judgement.”

United Nations rights experts said Hussain’s trial “fell short of international standards” and

STUNNED: Makhni Begum, left, mother of convicted murderer Shafqat Hussain, reacts with her daughters after Hussain’s execution in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir on Tuesday. — AFP

urged Pakistan not to hang him without investigating the torture claims, as well as his age.

Hussain’s brother Gul Zaman said that in their last meeting, just a few hours before he faced the scaffold, he continued to protest his innocence.

Zaman told AFP his brother’s last words to him were: “I never even touched the boy -- I want to let the world know this as I lay down my life.”

After receiving the body, another of Hussain’s brothers claimed the hanging had not been carried out properly.

The regional government made a last-minute plea to President Mamnoon Hussain late on Monday to postpone the execution, but to no avail.

“Shafqat Hussain was hanged 10 to 12 minutes before dawn prayers today,” a prison official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

An official probe into his age ruled he was an adult at the time of his conviction -- though the results have not been published officially.

LEADERSHIP STRUGGLE

Shafqat Hussain was originally due to face the gallows in January but won four stays of execution as his lawyers fought to prove he was under 18 at the time of the offence and could therefore not be executed under Pakistani law

British anti-death penalty campaign group Reprieve said the hanging represented “all that is wrong with Pakistan’s race to the gallows”, while Amnesty International accused the government of “callous indifference” to human life.

Pakistan has hanged around 180 convicts since ending a sixyear moratorium on executions in December after Taliban militants massacred more than 150 people at a school, most of them children.

Alarming pace The European Union last week

voiced serious concerns about the “alarming pace” of executions, warning that a prized trade status granted to Pakistan could be threatened if it breached international conventions on fair trials, child rights and preventing torture.

Hussain, the youngest of seven children from a remote village in Kashmir, was working as a watchman in Karachi in 2004 when a seven-year-old boy named Umair went missing from the neighbourhood.

A few days later Umair’s family received calls from Hussain’s mo-

bile demanding a ransom of half a million rupees ($8,500 at the time), according to legal papers.

Hussain was arrested and admitted kidnapping and killing him, but later withdrew his confession, saying he had made it under duress.

His true age has proved difficult to ascertain -- exact birth records are not always kept in Pakistan, particularly for people from poor families like Hussain’s.

A birth certificate circulated in the media several months ago, but it appeared to have been issued only in December and the government said there was no proof of its authenticity.

Amnesty International estimates that Pakistan has more than 8,000 prisoners on death row, most of whom have exhausted the appeals process.

Supporters argue that the death penalty is the only effective way to deal with the scourge of militancy in the country.

But critics say the legal system is unjust, with rampant police torture, poor representation for victims, and unfair trials. — AFP

I M PAC T O F T R A D E D E A L S

Pakistan losing Chinese market deals ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is losing its margin of preference in the wake of free trade deals signed by China with different countries, especially the member states of Asean grouping, after a similar agreement with Pakistan.

The concern was raised on Monday at the start of the fifth round of negotiations for the second phase of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement held to define accepted standards for trade between the two countries.

The talks are aimed at assessing the performance of economies of the two sides under the trade agreement, signed in 2006, and proposing necessary changes for mutual benefit.

Pakistan’s delegation for the three-day talks was headed by Ministry of Commerce Additional Secretary Robina Ather and comprised officials of the Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Textile Industry and Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

The Chinese team was led by Yao Wenliang, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Commerce.

Other delegates included officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and departments of customs and quality supervision.

Low tariffs An official of the commerce ministry said China had negotiated low tariffs with the nations it had inked FTAs after Pakistan and the ministry was now also seeking to revise the previous deal with Beijing with further tariff cuts.

On the first day, the two sides discussed diverse issues such as tariff reduction modalities, trade in services and enhancing cooperation for investment in different fields.

Technical barriers They also talked about sanitary and phytosanitary rules and technical barriers to trade, electronic data sharing and customs-related matters. Other obstacles to trade also came up for review.

Pakistan underlined the need of boosting exports to China by encouraging all sectors that fell within the purview of FTA and sought to enhance facilities and concessions on high value-added products. — Express Tribune

CORNERED

Setback for Taliban Poll results show MQM’s supporters as top leader quits want Altaf to continue as party boss PESHAWAR: A top Taliban official announced his resignation on Tuesday amid a growing leadership struggle in the Afghan insurgent movement after the news of the death of leader Mullah Omar last week.

The swift announcement that Omar’s longtime deputy, Akhtar Mansour, would be the new leader has riled many senior figures angry about the implication that Mansour covered up Omar’s death for more than two years.

The infighting could split the Taliban and threatens tentative peace talks with the Kabul government to end 13 years of war that began with a US-led campaign after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Since Mansour’s appointment was announced by the Taliban leadership council based in Quetta, Pakistan, it has been de-

nounced by several top members of the group.

On Tuesday, Taliban official Syed Mohammad Tayab Agha announced he was stepping down as director of the Political Office in the Qatari capital Doha, originally set up to enable the Taliban to negotiate in any peace process.

Agha said he considered the decision to conceal Omar’s death - generally attributed to Mansour - a “historic mistake by the individuals concerned”.

“Now, as the leader is appointed outside the country and from the people who are residing outside the country is also considered as a great historical mistake,” he said in a statement.

He said previous leaders appointed outside the country going back to the Soviet invasion, and the government set up after the Taliban were ousted, had “very bad repercussions”. — Reuters

KARACHI: Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) supporters voted against MQM supremo Altaf Hussain stepping down as party chief, a day after he posed the question in a poll on the party’s official website.

Earlier on Monday, MQM chief had asked his followers to vote on the party’s website on whether he should step down as the party leader or not.

According to poll results released by the party’s International Secretariat in London on Tuesday, 72 per cent voted against the MQM chief resigning.

On the party’s official website, www.mqm.org, Altaf posed this question to the ‘Haq Parast awam’: “To save the party and the people, should I step down from the movement?”

Along with the question, the options of Yes (haan), Never (har giz

POPULAR: Pakistani supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) political party celebrate the news of MQM leader Altaf Hussain being released on bail following his arrest, during a protest in Karachi on June 7, 2014. — AFP

nahin), and Don’t Know (maloom nahin) have been given.

Altaf claimed that after his address at the party’s convention in the US, the army and the gov-

ernment decided that channels would not air his speeches.

“They have also threatened the MQM and stated if Altaf Hussain resigns from party leadership,

they would stop the operation against the Muhajirs,” he said.

The MQM chief and his party have been of late under scrutiny both within and outside Pakistan.

While the money laundering cases against Altaf are being pursued

by Scotland Yard, authorities in the country are cooperating with the British police in the murder of former MQM stalwart Imran Farooq.

The party claimed that it also received calls, emails and faxes from MQM supporters, requesting MQM not to step down from the party. — Express Tribune

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Surf Snowdonia could further rewrite the north Wales story, by helping propel surfing — already shortlisted for the Tokyo Games in 2020 — into the Olympics.

World’s first-of-its-kind surf lagoon

MAKING AN IMPACT: In this file picture taken on July 30, a 300m long and 110m wide artificial lagoon known as Surf Snowdonia is pictured during a photocall in the village of Dolgarrog in north Wales. – AFP

A different kind of wave is making an impact in the tiny Welsh village of Dolgarrog in the United Kingdom, with the opening of a first-of-its-kind inland surfing lagoon that promises the longest man-made breakers in the world ADVENTURE TOURISM: A surfer in action and right, a lifeguard watching surfers. Below: Surfers experience surfing on the lagoon. – AFP

DOLGARROG (UNITED KINGDOM): The last giant wave to rock the tiny Welsh village of Dolgarrog struck in 1925 when two overflowing dams gave way, sending a wall of boulder-strewn water down the hillside and killing 16 people.

Now it is a different kind of wave making an impact, with the opening of a first-of-its-kind inland surfing lagoon that promises the longest man-made breakers in the world. The £12-million ($18.7-million, 17-million-euro) surf park is set to revolutionise the sport, using a Spanish-designed plough and pulley system that runs underwater along a central mesh-encased pier to create a wave a minute crashing back and forth at up to two metres (6.6 feet) high.

It is also one of the growing number of unusual activities around Snowdonia National Park in north Wales harnessing the landscape to revitalise a region hit hard by the decline in mining and industry. “A giant wave destroyed this place, and a giant wave is going to make us,” said local potter Owen Philip.

The one-road village, with a little over 300 residents and just three shops, is an unlikely surfers’ paradise — not least because Snowdonia receives the most rainfall of any part of Britain.

Craziness But Steve Davies, a former army colonel and managing director of the Surf Snowdonia centre, said it was in part the “craziness” of the project that attracted him. The lagoon itself was built on an aluminium works that closed in 2007 with the loss of 200 jobs, after 100 years of operation. Davies said clean-

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ing up the contaminated land cost nearly £2 million. The surf centre employs 110 people, including 34 from the valley area, with 13 from the village itself. But the surfing instructors and lifeguards come from as far afield as Australia, Germany and Spain. “It helps to internationalise it, to emphasise that this is a major destination for UK plc,” said Davies, who hopes to attract 75,000 visitors a year.

Outdoor activity tourism is worth about £481 million a year to Wales, creating more than 8,200 jobs, according to a report compiled for the Welsh government, which is promoting 2016 as the Welsh “Year of Adventure”.

As well as hiking, climbing and mountain biking, Snowdonia is also home to Zip World, which offers the longest and fastest zipline in Europe and a surreal network of underground trampolines built in an old slate mine. “There is real momentum in north Wales for adventure tourism,” said the businessman responsible, former Royal Marine Sean Taylor, who is expecting a £9-10 million turnover this year, with a £4.5 million net profit.

Town councillor Mandy Williams-Davies emphasised how important it was that the money should stay in the community.

The mine closures had caused a “loss of identity and direction”, she said, but new enterprises were re-

claiming the landscape and giving young people a renewed sense of pride. “Coming from an area that is constantly being described as deprived is really a heavy weight for young people to carry, but now if they explain where they come from they can say it proudly, they have a story to tell,” she said.

Surf Snowdonia could further rewrite the north Wales story, by helping propel surfing — already

shortlisted for the Tokyo Games in 2020 — into the Olympics.

Casper Steinfath, 21, a two-time stand up paddle surfing world champion and International Surfing Association vice president, said the guaranteed and consistent waves meant competitors would have a “level playing field”.

An hour-long session on the advanced two-metre wave costs up to £45 and critics have suggested the

lagoon could add to the commercialisation of the sport, undermining surfing’s free spirit.

But sitting in the waterside restaurant with a window on the barrelling waves, Steinfath disagreed.

“It will share the stoke,” he said, referring to the buzz of surfing. “We all get this vibration from surfing that’s magical, whether it’s out in the ocean or here at the lagoon, it’s the same sensation.”

Many locals also appear “stoked”, by the prospect of new business in town — and the chance to ride a wave themselves. “I’m going to have a go, I was a dinghy sailor when I was a lad,” said the 68-year-old Philip, who stopped on his bicycle to watch the surfers alongside other curious locals.

“And there will be 75,000 tourists waiting on my doorstep. I’m going to make a bloody fortune.” — AFP

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A Snowden in Germany would probably go free

Location: Muttrah /Photo: Sharukh Zalam

MUHAMMAD HAMID ZAMAN

T

wo men from the Netzpolitik.org blog have given the world an opportunity to find out what could have happened to Julian Assange and Edward Snowden had they been German citizens. Perhaps surprisingly, they might have fared better, thanks to strong sentiment in whistleblowers’ favour in German society.

On July 30, Markus Beckedahl and Andre Meister received a letter from the German prosecutor general’s office, informing them they were suspected of high treason in connection with two posts that appeared on the blog in February and April.

The posts dealt with plans by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution to launch a secret social-network surveillance project and to expand “surveillance of Internet- based personal communications” in general. These posts were based on leaked documents, and the prosecutor’s office letter listed Beckedahl and Meister as accomplices to the unknown person or persons who had given them the information.

The journalists at The Guardian, The Washington Post and other publications that based articles on data from WikiLeaks or the documents Snowden lifted from the U.S. National Security Agency, have done exactly the same. Yet while the whistleblowers themselves have faced the threat of prosecution and elected to hide out -- Assange of WikiLeaks in the Ecuadorean embassy in London, Snowden in Hong Kong and then in Moscow -- the journalists weren’t threatened with jail time.

German law describes the perpetrator of treason as someone who either communicates a state secret to a foreign power or “otherwise allows a state secret to come to the attention of an unauthorised person or to become known to the public in order to prejudice the Federal Republic of Germany or benefit a foreign power and thereby creates a danger of serious prejudice to the external security of the Federal Republic of Germany.” The punishment is no less than one year in prison; there is no upper limit.

It’s been more than 50 years since treason charges have been brought against German journalists. The last case, from 1962, came to be known as the Spiegel Affair: The eminent weekly’s two editors-in-chief and publisher were charged

and arrested along with the author of a report that said West Germany was unprepared to defend itself against a Warsaw Pact attack. The Defense Ministry, targeted in the piece, said the magazine had revealed 41 state secrets. Though Spiegel employees spent several months in jail, the affair ended in the resignation of Defense Minister Franz-Josef Strauss and no conviction for the journalists.

Prosecutor General Harald Range may not have felt the weight of that precedent upon his shoulders because Beckedahl and Meister are mere bloggers, not professional journalists employed by a venerable publication such as Der Spiegel. “When something is classified as confidential, that concerns journalists as well as wannabes,” Jens Koeppen, a senior legislator from Chancellor Angela Merkel’s CDU party, tweeted on Friday.

The German press, however, treated the two men as colleagues, regarding the prosecutors’ actions as an attack on press freedom. The Sueddeutsche Zeitung likened the charges against Netzpolitik.org to Chancellor Otto von Bismarck’s 127- year-old attempt to accuse journalists of treason for the publication of the German crown prince’s war diaries.

The investigative site Corrective.org republished the leaked documents and called on the prosecutor’s office to investigate it, too.

Legislators from opposition parties have pointed out that, rather than harass the bloggers, the authorities should investigate NSA spying on German soil.

Polls consistently show that even Merkel’s relatively conservative voters consider Snowden a hero rather than a criminal. Germans, fiercely protective of their privacy, believe the public interest is served when information about surveillance is disclosed, not concealed.

That doesn’t mean German whistleblowers will have an easy time of it: The attempt to charge Beckedahl and Meister shows the government won’t hesitate to act against them. But if the press and public opinion can be mobilised, they can fight back effectively. That’s more encouraging than the situation in the US, where almost two-thirds of Americans familiar with the Snowden case have a negative opinion of him. So prosecutors who go after future whistleblowers can be assured of public support. —Bloomberg View

READERS’ FORUM Indian government should rename Wheeler Island as ‘Kalam Island’ to honour the former president This refers to the news story, Call for Kalam Island (August 2). I fully support the move to rename the Wheeler Island as ‘Kalam Island’. It was there that former Indian president, late A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, tested scores of missiles and converted his dreams into reality. His close associates say that he himself described this island as the theatre of action. This quiet sea washed surroundings and also gave him inspiration to write many poems for his book, My Journey. It is high time that the Indian government takes a quick decision in this matter. In fact, the island was actually spotted by Kalam and built from scratch. It will certainly be a great tribute and a token of appreciation from all Indians for a man, who made India and all Indians proud and dreamt of a time when India would become a superpower.

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Juba closes key paper promoting peace

PICTURESQUE

An airplane flies past a rainbow at dusk in Beijing, China, on Monday. — Reuters

JUBA: South Sudan security forces have shut down a key newspaper and radio station after they promoted a proposed peace agreement aimed to end 19-months of civil war, journalists said Tuesday.

Nhial Bol, editor of The Citizen newspaper, said security officers closed the paper on Monday.

He said no direct reason was given, but he was later told it was because officials were angry at criticism of the government and the paper’s backing of peace efforts.

“They are blaming us for having run a news item which is supporting the proposed agreement,” Bol said.

“The government is telling us that we should not campaign for the peace agreement to take place.”

On Tuesday, security officers shut the offices of Free Voice South Sudan -- a US-backed radio station promoting peace building efforts.

Radio station Voice of America (VOA), which has offices in the same building, was also affected, journalists said.

Security officials could not be immediately reached for comment. South Sudan’s civil war began in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. — AFP

3 Turkey soldiers die in new Kurd attacks Kurdish militants detonated a remotecontrolled mine as a military convoy passed by in the Arakoy region of Sirnak province bordering Iraq and Syria, the army said

DIYARBAKIR (TURKEY): Three soldiers were killed in southeastern Turkey on Tuesday in the latest attacks on security forces blamed on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the army and security sources said.

Kurdish militants detonated a remote-controlled mine as a military convoy passed by in the Arakoy region of Sirnak province bordering Iraq and Syria, the military said.

The explosion triggered clashes between Turkish soldiers and PKK rebels, it added.

The army said two soldiers had died, and one soldier and one village guard were wounded in the attack by the “separatist terror organisation”, its customary phrase for the PKK. Later on Tuesday one more

CONFLICT: A picture shows two burnt trucks reportedly set on fire by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)

militants in Tunceli, eastern Turkey, on Sunday. — AFP/Stringer

soldier was killed and another injured when Kurdish militants attacked with missiles an armoured brigade in the Silopi district of Sirnak, security sources said.

The militants on motorbikes also attacked a police headquarters with rocket launchers in Hakkari province without causing any casualties, the Anatolia news agency said.

The PKK has stepped up its strikes on the security forces in the last two weeks, as Turkish warplanes bomb its positions in northern Iraq.

Turkish F-16s bombed PKK

targets around the district of Daglica in southeastern Turkey -- long seen as a PKK stronghold -- as a reprisal for a mortar attack earlier in the region that lightly wounded a six-year-old girl, the Dogan news agency said.

The spiral of violence sparked by the killing of 32 pro-Kurdish activists last month in a town on the Syrian border by suspected IS militants has left a 2013 ceasefire between Ankara and the PKK in tatters.

According to an AFP toll, 20 members of the Turkish security forces have been killed in attacks

blamed on the PKK since the current crisis began.

The PKK, blacklisted as a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies, took up arms for self-rule in 1984 in an armed struggle which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Meanwhile, an explosion hit a natural gas pipeline transporting gas from Azerbaijan to Turkey in the eastern province of Kars, the Anatolia news agency said.

There was no immediate claim but the PKK has repeatedly targeted energy infrastructure in Turkey in the past. — AFP

REPORT

Mediterranean migrant deaths in 2015 cross 2,000 GENEVA: More than 2,000 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe this year, data showed Tuesday, bearing testimony to migrants’ increasingly desperate attempts to reach the continent.

“Unfortunately, we have now reached a milestone whereby over 2,000 migrants and refugees have died as of this past weekend,” International Organisation for Migration spokesman Itayi Virri told reporters in Geneva.

The organisation said around 188,000 people had been rescued so far this year trying to cross the Mediterranean, and warned the 200,000-mark could be crossed by the end of the week.

IOM said the latest toll confirms “this route as the deadliest for migrants in search of a better life,” and warned the situation was worsening.

Up until the end of July last year, more than 1,600 migrants perished trying to make the journey, with 3,279 dying throughout the whole of 2014.

Human traffickers Nearly all of the people crossing the Mediterranean so far this year, often in rickety boats and at the mercy of human traffickers, have landed either in Italy (97,000) or Greece (90,500), the IOM said.

Virri said the so-called central Mediterranean route had proved by far the deadliest, with just over 1,930 people dying trying to cross from Libya to Italy so far this year, while only about 60 had died trying to reach Greece.

The eastern route is shorter and

IOM said that traffickers taking people to Italy tended to use more unseaworthy vessels, leading to the higher death toll.

Nineteen people lost their lives in the Channel of Sicily last week alone, with the bodies of 14 migrants brought to the Sicilian port of Messina on July 29. They had been travelling with 456 others who were rescued.

And on Monday, 550 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean over the weekend arrived in Sicily aboard a ship operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which also carried the bodies of five people who died at sea.

The victims, four women and one man, were found dead on a boat that was rescued on Saturday with 112 people on board, and appeared to have died of dehydration.

While lamenting the tragic milestone of more than 2,000 deaths, Virri pointed out that increased European Union efforts since April to rescue migrants at sea meant “a lot of people have been saved who otherwise would have lost their lives.”

Many of those risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean travel on to other European countries, with a number of them setting their sights on Britain, which along with France is grappling with a migrant crisis of its own.

The migrant crisis in the northern French port of Calais has hit the headlines in the past week, with hundreds of people desperate to reach Britain making attempt after attempt to breach Eurotunnel defences, some paying for it with their lives. — AFP

SUICIDE BOMBING IN JUNE

Kuwait mosque attack suspect admits to IS connection KUWAIT CITY: The main suspect in a deadly attack on a Kuwaiti mosque in June confessed in court on Tuesday to being in the extremist IS group.

Abdulrahman Sabah Saud told the first hearing of the trial of 22 men and seven women that he joined IS just a day before the June 26 suicide bombing that killed 26 people and wounded hundreds.

It was the worst ever attack in the emirate.

Although the public prosecution has not released the official charge sheets, a number of defendants are charged with being in a proscribed group and taking part in the bombing.

Most are also accused of assisting those behind the attack.

Saud, who drove Saudi bomber

Fahad Al Qaba’a to the mosque in Kuwait City, was arrested two days after the blast in a hideout owned by two other suspects.

Saud also confessed to transporting an icebox containing the explosives belt used in the attack from near the border with Saudi Arabia.

The icebox was delivered by two Saudi brothers who are now in custody in Saudi Arabia along with a third brother who was arrested in Kuwait.

Saud said he met the bomber late on the Thursday night, a day before the attack, at the airport and took him to a five-star hotel.

At 2:30 the next morning, he took him to a restaurant for a prefasting meal and then returned him to the hotel.

Later on Friday morning, Saud said he brought the bomber to his home in Sulaibiya, 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Kuwait City where he shaved off his long beard and put on the explosives belt.

At around 11:00, they left for the mosque and arrived about 90 minutes later, Saud said. He dropped the bomber there and drove off.

Tuesday’s hearing was held under tight security, with everyone checked before being allowed into the courtroom.

Five defendants are still at large and being tried in absentia.

The seven women present were allowed to sit with female police guarding them while the male defendants were placed in a metal cage.

Only Saud admitted being in IS: all of the others denied involvement in the bombing or with the extremist group.

Charity meals Thamer Al Jadaei, the lawyer for Jarrah Nimer, owner of the car used in the attack, said his client gave the vehicle to Saud to transport charity meals for breaking the fast during Ramadan.

Jadaei also told the court that all members of Nimer’s family were members of the minority sect.

The women defendants include the wives of both Saud and Nimer.

Those charged are seven Kuwaitis, five Saudis, three Pakistanis, 13 stateless people known as bidoons and another person at large whose identity is unknown. — AFP

TERROR TRIAL: A Kuwaiti special forces vehicle is parked outside

the Palace of Justice in Kuwait City on August 4, 2015. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

A1 5

WORLD

California is in the throes of a record-breaking drought, with much of the state completely parched and residents asked to make major cutbacks in water use.

Myanmar’s flood misery spreads Flash floods and landslides have claimed at least 46 lives and affected some 215,000 people

victims on the military helicopter in Sittwe airport in Rakhine state, Myanmar on Tuesday. – Reuters

government spokesman Ye Htut.

Suspicion of officialdom lingers after Myanmar’s previous junta government was accused of callous indifference in its sluggish response to Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, which left nearly 140,000 people dead or missing.

sion from the government which is particularly concerned about its image just months ahead of a general election in November.

“The government’s weak response to the disaster led to misunderstandings about evacuation efforts,” state-backed Englishlanguage newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar reported, citing

Relentless downpours Relentless seasonal downpours have lashed much of South and Southeast Asia in recent weeks.

The annual monsoon is a lifeline for farmers across Asia but heavy rains and powerful cyclones can also prove deadly. Scores have also died in Vietnam and Nepal.

Myanmar has designated four states and regions -- Rakhine,

in the country RESCUE MISSION: Soldiers and rescue workers load food for storm

SITTWE (MYANMAR): Myanmar’s government on Tuesday admitted its “weak” response to massive floods had hampered evacuation efforts, as rain-battered Asian nation counted the rising cost of this year’s monsoon.

Flash floods and landslides in Myanmar have claimed at least 46 lives and affected some 215,000 people, swallowing huge tracts of land in what the United Nations has described as a “major natural disaster”.

Tens of thousands of people remain cut off as officials warned that swollen rivers are now threatening to inundate low-lying southern areas of the country.

The quasi-civilian government has come under mounting criticism on social media, accused of underplaying the scale of the disaster. It prompted a rare conces-

FOREST FIRE

SPREADING AT BREAK-NECK SPEED: A firefighter uses a drip torch to start a backfire as he battles the Rocky Fire on Monday near Clearlake, California. – AFP

More than 9,000 firefighters battle California blazes LOS ANGELES: More than 9,000 firefighters are battling to contain nearly two dozen wildfires in California that have forced thousands to flee their homes and burned large swathes of land.

The crews are working to dampen 21 blazes, according to an update from California’s forest fire department late Monday night, with new outbreaks reported since Monday.

The biggest fire, the Rocky Fire, prompted evacuations as it swept through Colusa, Lake and Yolo counties north of Sacramento, the state’s capital.

More than 13,000 people have been forced to flee homes threatened by Rocky, CALFIRE spokeswoman Alisha Herring said.

Only 12 per cent under control, Rocky has burned through more than 62,000 acres (25,000 hectares), destroying 50 structures, about half of them homes.

Fast-moving “It’s the Rocky Fire that continues to really be a fast-moving fire that definitely continues to challenge us today,” CALFIRE spokesman Daniel Berlant said on CNN. He said the fire ripped through the forests at break-neck speed, with firefighters struggling to keep apace. “Over the weekend, 20,000 acres burned in just about a five-hour period. That’s an unprecedented historical rate of spread,” he said.

In an update Monday night, CALFIRE said the threat of new fires being ignited by lightning from passing thunderstorms remains high.

High risk “Storms will be on the dry side so a high risk has been issued for dry lightning through tonight,” the department said.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for northern California, cautioning that “extreme fire conditions are occurring or imminent.”

A total of some 142,000 acres of land have burned so far, according to figures provided by the state. Weather in the droughtstricken state was the main culprit, with several thousand dry lightning strikes reported over the weekend. “The drought is

DOUSING INFERNO: A Chinook helicopter drops water during the Rocky Fire near Clearlake, California on Monday. – Reuters

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playing a huge role. With four years of dry conditions, our vegetation, the trees, the brush, are tinder dry,” Berlant said. California is in the throes of a recordbreaking drought, with much of the state completely parched and residents asked to make major cutbacks in water use.

Worst-hit The northern part of the state is the worst-hit by fires, where forests were completely engulfed by the infernos, and several stretches of highway were forced closed.

In areas where fires had been put out, charred cars were all that was left behind on some roads, and trees were left smoldering on the blackened earth.

But Berlant said firefighters were making headway on some fronts, with at least three fires extinguished since the weekend and others almost under control.

“We are making progress on several fronts. In fact several of the fires are near containment or almost completely contained,” he said on CNN. A state of emergency was issued Friday, and the California National Guard has been called in, underlining the scale of the threat facing the western state.

A firefighter from South Dakota, Dave Ruhl, 38, was killed Thursday while fighting the Frog Fire in the Modoc National Forest outside Alturas. — AFP

Chin, Sagaing and Magway -- as “natural disaster” areas, warning that flooding is spreading southwards. But the nationwide picture remains patchy.

Roads are damaged or inundated, phone lines are down and electricity has been cut to large areas, raising fears that tens of thousands of people -- many of whom already live in abject poverty -- are in dire need of help. Soldiers loaded aid into helicopters in the Rakhine state capital Sittwe early Tuesday, an AFP reporter at the scene said, as rescuers battled to reach isolated villages. Flooding has started to recede in many areas around the city, but thousands of homes and farms have been destroyed, while

many communities in the rugged and impoverished state remain virtually cut off.

A Sittwe police officer requesting anonymity told AFP that by Sunday 37 people had died from floods in the state, indicating the final national toll could surge, while seven were missing.

Flood waters reached rooftop level in many parts of Myanmar, forcing people into canoes or makeshift rafts to reach safety.

Warning the toll was likely to rise, UN Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Eamonn Murphy said relief resources will soon be stretched across the vast country.

“It is quite clear that we have a major natural disaster,” he said, adding Myanmar’s government had been “much more prepared” this year compared to previous disasters.

But speaking later to AFP, Information Minister Ye Htut said the government was struggling to deliver aid to the worst-hit areas such as mountainous Chin state bordering India. — AFP

A16

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Tensions flare at ASEAN meet over South China Sea Malaysia’s foreign minister said the South China Sea disputes were ‘discussed extensively’ during the day’s meetings KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asian diplomats said on Tuesday that China’s controversial islandbuilding drive is raising regional tensions, with the Philippines slamming its “unilateral and aggressive activities”.

The US and some Southeast Asian states have watched with growing alarm as Beijing expands tiny reefs in the South China Sea, topping some with military posts to reinforce its disputed claims over the strategic waters and fanning fears of future conflict.

Flashpoint issue The flashpoint issue has taken centre stage at the annual security forum hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that began on Tuesday. But China has insisted it will not discuss the dispute during the meetings. That prompted a sharp rebuke from the Philippines, which along with Vietnam has

ANNUAL SUMMIT: Left to right: Philippines’ Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, Singapore’s

Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Chee Wee Kiong, Brunei’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Bolkiah, Laos’ Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak, Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn, Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary General Le Luong Minh pose for a photograph at the 48th ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday. – Reuters

been involved in the most direct territorial confrontations with China. “As we speak, we see no letup on the unilateral and aggressive activities of our northern neighbour in the South China Sea,” Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told fellow ASEAN foreign ministers at an afternoon meeting, according to a transcript of his remarks obtained by AFP. He also hit out at what he described as “massive reclamation activities” and construction by Beijing in the disputed sea which

had “undermined peace, security and stability”.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that such gatherings are not “the appropriate place for discussing specific bilateral disputes”, and that doing so would “heighten confrontation”. He reiterated China’s position that it would not bow to pressure on its land reclamation.

But despite Beijing’s protestations, Malaysia’s foreign minister said the South China Sea disputes were “discussed extensively” dur-

ing the day’s meetings. “We also discussed ways to address erosion of trust and confidence amongst parties following recent developments in the South China Sea, including land reclamation, as well as escalation of tension on the ground,” Anifah Aman told reporters. Beijing claims control over nearly all of the South China Sea, a key shipping route thought to hold rich oil and gas reserves.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei — all ASEAN members — also have various

claims, as does Taiwan, many of which overlap. Beijing insists disputes must be handled on a bilateral basis between rival claimants.

Diplomats and analysts say this stance is aimed at preventing ASEAN from presenting a more united front. But delegates say China will not be able to escape the issue in Kuala Lumpur this week. “This is not Cambodia or Laos,” one diplomat attending the talks told AFP, referring to a 2012 foreign ministers’ meeting in which host Cambodia -- China’s ally -- was accused of preventing discussion of it.

Adding to the tensions, a Washington-based think tank said this week Beijing could be preparing to build a second airstrip on an artificial island. China is already building a 3,000-metre (10,000foot) runway on Fiery Cross reef, which could ultimately be used for combat operations, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Wang rejected calls by some rival claimants and the United States to suspend the land reclamation. “The freeze proposal may seem even-handed on the surface but it is actually unrealistic and will not work in practice,” he said.

The talks will expand over the coming two days into the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), attended

by US Secretary of State John Kerry, China’s Wang and envoys from the wider region including Japan, the Koreas, Russia and elsewhere. Kerry, who landed in Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon after a brief stopover in Singapore, is to meet Wang on Wednesday morning on the sidelines. — AFP

SOUTH AFRICA

Court throws out fraud case against Malema JOHANNESBURG: A judge threw out corruption charges against South African opposition firebrand Julius Malema on Tuesday, a ruling hailed as a major victory by the vocal critic of President Jacob Zuma.

Malema had been accused of money laundering, racketeering and fraud relating to government contracts. But Judge George Mothle said he had waited too long for his trial after a string of postponements, telling him: “You are free to go.”

Malema, once a leading figure in the ruling African National Congress (ANC), had regularly dismissed the charges as an government attempt to silence him.

“I stand in front of you, an innocent man, without a dark cloud hanging over my head,” Malema told journalists and supporters outside the Polokwane High Court in his northern home province of Limpopo.

Malema was expelled from the ANC in 2012 for ill-discipline, in one of the biggest fractures in the party that dominates South African politics.

He now heads the ultra-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the second largest opposition group, regularly accuses the government of corruption and presents himself as a champion for impoverished blacks whose lives have changed little since apartheid ended in 1994. The judge told him the case had been thrown out, but he had not been formally acquitted, so prosecutors could still charge him again. — Reuters

S TA S H O F S M U G G L E G O O D S

Swiss customs seize large ivory haul in transit to China

INTERCEPTED: Ivory confiscated by Zurich airport customs is seen

at Zurich airport, Switzerland, on Tuesday. – Reuters

GENEVA: A large haul of ivory, worth more than $400,000 on the black market, was seized at Zurich airport last month on its way from Tanzania to China, Swiss authorities said on Tuesday.

The 262 kilos (577 pounds) of ivory had been chopped up and stashed in eight suitcases, along with around a kilo of lion teeth and claws, Swiss customs authorities said in a statement.

The suitcases, registered to

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three Chinese citizens, were intercepted at Zurich airport on July 6 during a routine control of tourists arriving from Dar es Salaam, it said.

The stash of ivory was estimated

to be worth around 400,000 Swiss francs ($413,500, 377,000 euros) on the black market, the statement said. “In light of the offences committed by the three men against customs law and species conservation efforts, they can expect to receive steep fines,” it said.

The United Nations last week voted to work harder to combat the poaching of endangered species, and expressed concern over what it called a steady rise in the level

of rhino poaching and alarmingly high levels of killings of elephants in Africa. There are now an estimated 470,000 African elephants living in the wild, compared to 550,000 in 2006, said the NGO Elephants Without Borders.

China meanwhile accounts for 70 percent of world demand for ivory, NGOs say. They say Chinese hunger for ivory is responsible for the death of 30,000 African elephants each year. — AFP

B

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Muscat 6,466.89 - 31.66 - 0.49%

Dubai 4,084.99 - 35.06 - 0.85%

Abu Dhabi 4,811.71 - 9.56 - 0.20%

Saudi Arabia

8,768.79 - 51.86 - 0.59%

Kuwait 6,224.09 + 11.21 + 0.18%

Bahrain 1,332.57 + 3.18 + 0.24%

Qatar 11,811.56 + 61.27 + 0.52%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.34 Pound ........................................... 1.65 Indian Rs .............................165.86 Pak Rs ....................................260.01 Bangla Taka.......................199.56

Indian Rs .................................. 165.42 Pakistan Rs ............................ 263.60 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 346.60 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .................................... 118.40

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......13.95

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$48.35 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$48.30 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$50.16 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$48.23 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$50.05

* Rates are as of August 4 Source: Bank Muscat

West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$45.66

* Rates as of August 4 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.45 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............ 131.00 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 124.75 * Rates as of August 4 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

US emerges as top importer of Sultanate’s ‘non-oil products’ The United States imported non-oil commodities worth OMR206.4 million, out of the Sultanate’s total non-oil exports of OMR1,007.9 million in the first four months of 2015, latest NCSI data reveals

A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Top importer of Oman’s non-oil exports is the United States, which is followed

by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China and India.

According to the latest statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), US imported non-oil commodities worth OMR206.4 million, out of the Sultanate’s total non-oil exports of OMR1,007.9 million in the first four months of 2015.

However, the Sultanate’s non-oil exports during the fourmonth period plunged by 20 per cent to OMR1,007.8 million from

OMR1,260 million. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China imported Oman’s non-oil commodities to the tune of OMR136.2 million, OMR93.7 million and OMR80.6 million, respectively.

Saudi Arabia’s imports Saudi Arabia’s imports from Oman during the period fell by 18 per cent, while the UAE and China showed 10.6 per cent and 105.6 per cent growth in non-oil products’ imports from the Sultanate during the four-month period, noted the NCSI monthly report.

Oman’s total exports for the first four months of 2015 declined by 32.9 per cent to OMR4.53 billion from OMR6.76 billion for the same

SPECTRUM ACQUISITION

Times News Service

Modernisation programme It also provides an enhancement to Ooredoo’s extensive network modernisation programme, which has been underway for the last three years. “As part of this acquisition, Ooredoo has worked closely with TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) to design a solution that brings national benefits though the planned expansion of our network into new locations, with a focus on providing coverage to more remote areas of the Sultanate,” Ooredoo said. These investments will deliver social benefit to all regions of Oman.

Commenting on the acquisition, chief executive officer of Ooredoo, Greg Young, said, “One of our aims is to provide innovative and best-in-industry technology and services to our customers. This new spectrum will significantly boost indoor 4G coverage and enable its cost ef-

period last year. The fall in export revenue was mainly on account of a plunge in oil and gas prices in international markets and re-exports. The average price of Oman Crude dipped by 43.7 per cent to $59.3 per barrel for the first half of this year from $105.38 a barrel for the same period of 2014.

The United Arab Emirates retained the position of top imECONOMY

Ooredoo acquires additional LTE 4G spectrum to boost its network MUSCAT: Ooredoo has acquired additional LTE (4G) spectrum, at a cost of OMR9.6 million, which will significantly boost their 4G network capabilities.

The 800/2600 MHz spectrum acquisition is funded out of the company’s operating cash flow and will bring better indoor coverage to customers as well as significantly faster download speeds for those wanting to access movies, games, music and much more. This spectrum addition fits well with Ooredoo’s network modernisation strategy, which has paved the way for this new frequency and capacity to be added seamlessly. Bringing state-of-the-art service quality, this latest boost will bring unparalleled benefits to customers and significantly enhance Ooredoo’s customer experience.

NON-OIL COMMODITIES: Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China imported Oman’s non-oil commodities to the tune of OMR136.2 million, OMR93.7 million and OMR80.6 million, respectively. — Times file picture

Greg Young, chief executive officer of Ooredoo. — Supplied picture

fective and faster expansion outside of city areas. Our customers will be able to use 4G in many more areas and benefit from higher data speeds. With this, we will be providing a whole new online experience.”

“We have also driven the expansion of services into remote communities and played a leading role in expanding telecommunication services into rural areas. We look forward to continuing to change the telecommunication landscape in these regions,” he added.

Ooredoo have already been showcasing their 4.5G technology at the Salalah Festival this year, where speeds of up to 200 Mbps have been demonstrated.

Young also added, “This additional investment future-proofs our network investment with the necessary spectrum to underpin cost effective capacity increases to keep pace with accelerating 4G demand, and the introduction of 4.5G will deliver an even faster user experience.”

India’s central bank leaves interest rates unchanged MUMBAI: India’s central bank kept its key interest rate on hold on Tuesday as analysts had expected, resisting government pressure for a fourth cut of the year. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the benchmark repo rate — the level at which it lends to commercial banks — would remain at 7.25 per cent.

“It is prudent to keep the policy rate unchanged at the current juncture while maintaining the accommodative stance of monetary policy,” RBI governor Raghuram Rajan said in a statement following the bank’s monetary policy review meeting in Mumbai.

Rajan had already snipped rates three times this year to aid India’s economy, which at 7.5 per cent growth outperformed China’s for the first three months of 2015.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s business-friendly government was keen for a further cut as it seeks to quicken the pace of growth in Asia’s thirdlargest economy.

Inflationary effect But Raghuram Rajan has insisted that any further reduction would have to wait until the inflationary effect of annual monsoon rains is known in a couple of months time. Heavy monsoon rains are vital for crops and a dry season can reduce farm output, raising food prices which can be crippling for India’s tens of millions of poor.

“Significant uncertainty will be resolved in the coming months, including the likely persistence of recent inflationary pressures, the full monsoon outturn, as well as possible Federal Reserve actions,” Rajan further added. The bank left room for a cut at its next meeting on September 29. A survey of 42 economists by Bloomberg had overwhelmingly predicted Rajan would hold rates on inflationary concerns. — AFP

porter of re-exports from the Sultanate, which was followed

by Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea and Pakistan. Re-exports also showed a drastic fall of 32.8 per cent to OMR694.4 million from OMR1,034.1 million during the four-month period under view.

Oman’s export development agency Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export

Development (popularly known as Ithraa) is taking several initiatives to enhance non-oil exports, especially to its target markets.

These programmes among others include visits of trade delegation, participation in international exhibitions, business-to-business meetings and market studies in potential export markets.

As far as the country’s imports

are concerned, the UAE remained the top exporter of goods and services to the Sultanate, which was followed by Japan, India, China and Saudi Arabia.

Total imports of the Sultanate in the first four months of 2015 showed a fall of three per cent to OMR3,605.2 million from OMR3,715 million for the same period last year.

B2

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

MARKET Iran looking for $29b foreign investment in steel, mining Iran, home to the world’s biggest

Sanctions imposed on Iran did certainly hurt the Iranian people and also certainly slowed development in steel and other fields.

Investment in Iran when sanctions are lifted will be win-win situation

natural gas reserves, plans projects ranging from steel to aluminum production, gold mining and copper TEHRAN: Iran has $29 billion of mining investments attracting interest of companies from Europe to Asia, with plans to more than double steel production by 2025 and boost exports once international sanctions are lifted.

Iran, home to the world’s biggest natural gas reserves, plans projects ranging from steel to aluminum production, gold mining and copper, Mehdi Karbasian, deputy minister of Iran’s Ministry of Industries, Mines & Trade, said in an interview in Tehran.

German, French and Dutch delegations visited Iran in the past few weeks, and a two-day seminar on steel opportunities is tentatively set for September on Kish Island in the Gulf, he said. Companies looking to invest don’t want to be identified until sanctions are removed, he said.

Iran has more than 3,000 active

OPPORTUNITIES: German, French and Dutch delegations visited Iran in the past few weeks, and a two-day seminar on steel opportunities is tentatively set for September on Kish Island in the Gulf, Iran said. – Bloomberg News

mines, mostly privately owned, with 9 percent of the world’s gypsum production and 2 percent of molybdenum and nitrogen output, according to a 2010 report by the U.S. Geological Survey. Oil producers such as BP Plc and Royal Dutch Shell Plc have expressed interest in developing Iran’s crude reserves, the world’s fourth-biggest.

“Sanctions imposed on Iran did certainly hurt the Iranian people and also certainly slowed development in steel and other fields,” Karbasian said Sunday at the headquarters of the Iranian Mines & Mining Industries Development & Renovation Organisation, where he also serves as chairman. “Invest-

ment in Iran when sanctions are lifted will be win-win situation.”

Iron ore Iran has 2.7 billion pounds of iron ore, used to make steel, according to Karbasian. Steel production is set to jump to 55 million metric tonnes by 2025 from 22 million tonnes this year, pending new investment and the end of international sanctions following the nuclear accord with world powers last month, he said.

“The projected capacity will help us to raise our steel exports by around 12 million tonnes a year,” he said. Last year, Iran exported 2.5 million tonnes of steel products to Italy, the United Arab

Emirates, Iraq, Thailand, Spain and Britain, he said.

German, French and Dutch delegations visited Iran in recent weeks, he said.

“We have held extensive negotiations with them in regard to investments in the steel and mining industries,” Karbasian said.

“We have also had negotiations with representatives of British and Austrian companies.”

Negotiations are underway with unidentified Japanese companies for them to invest in the Makran steel plant, which has capacity to produce 3 million tonnes of steel, in Iran’s free trade zone of Chabahar on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, he said.

Mehdi Karbasian

Deputy minister, Iran’s Ministry of Industries, Mines & Trade

Chabahar has rail links to bring in iron ore from Iran, along with Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, he said. Steel companies from India and South Korea are also considering investments in Chabahar, he said. - Bloomberg News

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BRIEFS

Al Hassan Engineering incurs loss in first half

MUSCAT: Al Hassan Engineering said that the company has incurred a net loss of OMR1.34 million for the first six months of 2015, against a loss of OMR1.8 million for the same period last year. The company’s contract income surged ahead by 74.1 per cent to OMR51.8 million for the first half of 2015 from OMR29.75 million for the same period last year, according to a stock market filing. The cost also moved up substantially by 68.1 per cent to OMR52.79 million from OMR31.40 million.

Oman and Emirates appoints chairman, board member

MUSCAT: Marwan bin Turki Al Saeed has been appointed chairman of Oman and Emirates Invetment Holding, whereas Mubarak bin Mohammed bin Mubarak Aldohani has been appointed as its director in place of Hilal Hamad Abdullah Al Hassani, who ceased to be the chairman and director of the company. They have been nominated by the Ministry of Finance, representing the Government of Oman.

Qatar Airways to upgrade fleet

DOHA: Qatar Airways said it would upgrade all German services to Airbus Group SE A350s as more jets are delivered, capitalising on a near two-year lead over Deutsche Lufthansa AG in receiving the industry’s newest wide-body model. Qatar Air currently has four A350s.

- Times News Service/Agency

INVESTMENT

‘New Suez Canal’ to boost Egypt’s economic recovery CAIRO: Egypt on Thursday will inaugurate a ‘new Suez Canal’ waterway touted as an achievement rivalling the digging of the original, as it seeks to boost both its economy and international standing.

The ceremony, to be attended by foreign dignitaries including French President Francois Hollande, comes just over two years after President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, former military chief, overthrew his Islamist predecessor.

Sisi broke ground on the project last August after winning a presidential election on promises of strengthening security and reviving the ailing economy. The new 72-kilometre (45-mile) waterway, built in less than a year at a cost of $9 billion (€7.9 billion), runs part of the way alongside the existing canal connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

It will cut the waiting period for vessels from 18 hours to 11. By 2023 the number of ships using

the canal will increase to 97 per day from the current 49, the Suez Canal Authority website said. “It sends a message to the public and foreign investors that the government is capable of accomplishing something in a set calendar,” Amr Adly of the Carnegie Middle East Center said.

“Since (former president Mohamed) Morsi’s ouster the new regime is engaged in a political conflict to prove its legitimacy inside and outside Egypt.”

“The ability to accomplish such an economic project is part of cementing this legitimacy.”

Ambitious target Sisi set an ambitious target of digging the waterway in just a year despite an initial estimate it would take up to three years. Officials say the entire funding for the project was raised in six days by selling investment certificates to domestic investors.

It involved 37 kilometres of

dry digging and 35 kilometres of expansion and deepening of the existing canal. Preparations for Thursday’s lavish opening are in full swing in the port city of Ismailiya. Some 10,000 policemen will stand guard across six provinces as Sisi opens the ceremony by joining a naval parade, state media said.

Newly bought French Rafale warplanes and US F-16s delivered

by Washington last week will also be on display. Banners saying “New Suez Canal: From Egypt to the World” have been put up at Cairo airport, and hundreds of Egyptian flags grace the capital’s streets.

The opening comes amid a rapprochement between the West and Sisi’s regime, although Washington remains critical of the country’s human rights situation.

Rebels have killed scores of policemen and soldiers, mostly in the Sinai Peninsula that lies between Israel, the Gaza Strip and the Suez Canal. - AFP

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

B3

MARKET Oil recovers after falling below $50 Brent futures gained 1.7%, paring a 5.2% fall on Monday. US oil prices have slumped close to levels that will curb supply growth LONDON: Oil climbed amid speculation the drop below $50 a barrel in London for the first time since January was excessive.

Brent futures gained 1.7 per cent, paring a 5.2 per cent fall on Monday. United States oil prices have slumped close to levels that will curb supply growth, according to consultant Petromatrix. The na-

tion’s crude inventories probably declined for a second week, according to a survey before government data due on Wednesday.

“It’s a recovery from massively oversold levels,” Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at consultants Energy Aspects said. “Supplies will react — it is just that these responses tend to work with a time lag.”

Oil is trading in a bear market as expanding supplies and signs of slower economic growth in China fuel a rout in commodities from gold to copper. US crude stockpiles remain about 95 million barrels above the five-year seasonal average. US refineries, which turned a record amount of crude into gasoline during July, typically slow down from August through October for maintenance.

Brent for September settlement rose 84 cents to $50.36 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

The contract dropped $2.69 to $49.52 on Monday, the lowest close since January 29. The European benchmark crude traded at a premium of $4.45 to West Texas Inter-

ANNUAL REPORT

Oman’s electricity regulator spends OMR3.2 for every power consumer BUSINESS REPORTER

MUSCAT: Total cost of electricityand related water sector regulation last year was around OMR3.2 per customer account, according to an electricity regulator, which says there were 927,184 registered electricity customer accounts in 2014.

“The cost of electricity and related water sector regulation in 2014 was around OMR 3.2 per customer account, around one tenth of one baisa per kWh supplied and less than 0.25 per cent of total electricity and related water sector turnover,” according to the annual report of the Authority for Electricity Regulation for 2014.

The authority says it believes that metrics compare favourably to international benchmarks of regulatory costs. The authority recovers all of its costs through licence fees that apportion the authority’s costs on the basis ofthe time expected to be spent regulating each activity.

The report also stated that the electricity sector benefited from OMR287.1 million of support from the Ministry of Finance in 2014, namely OMR214.1 million of MIS (Main Interconnected System) subsidy, OMR44.5 million of Rural Areas Electricity Company (RAEC) subsidy and OMR28.5 million Dhofar Power System subsidy.

Fatal incidents The authority reported a number of fatal accidents in the electricity sector last year. “The high number of deaths is an obvious concern for the authority, for people working in the electricity sector and those who come into contact with utility assets,” it said.

The fatal incident investigations for last year show that a contractor fell from a tower under construction in Mudhaibi in January and a contractor was electrocuted while undertaking repairs to an underground cable in Sayh Al Dhabi in April.

In August, a worker was electro-

cuted in Muscat when a crane arm came into contact with an overhead 11 kV line on the boundary of his company yard. In addition, a linesman died in Bidiya Mazoon in September and a contractor died in Musandam in November.

The authority says it is continuing its efforts to increase awareness of the importance of health and safety to both licencees and contractors in order to minimise the number of accidents that occur, and to reduce the seriousness of any accident that does occur.

Professional development The authority is also committed to the professional development of Omani staff. In 2014, two staff members of the authority commenced Masters programmes in various disciplines.

In September 2014, the authority participated in a delegation including senior government officials representing the steering committee tasked with restructuring the water sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The delegation aimed to visit a number of jurisdictions that have unbundled and restructured their water sectors to learn from their experiences and understand best practices.

“The authority is keen to establish a regulatory framework that best addresses the objectives of the government for the water sector and will work closely to ensure the fundamental building blocks for best-practice regulation are established to facilitate the restructuring process,” the annual report said.

The authority’s Forward Work Programme for 2014 identified

the delivery of road shows designed to raise customers’ and stakeholders’ awareness of what they have a right to expect from licensed suppliers, as a key priority.

Three road shows were delivered during the year, in Sur, Salalah and Muscat, which generated lively debate and have provided a platform to increase liaison between stakeholder groups and the authority, as well as ensuring that stakeholders better understand the role of the local distribution and supply licencees and their meter reading, billing and collection contractors (OIFC and ONEIC).

New booklet In order to support the overall awareness raising programme,the authority also prepared a new booklet describing in customer friendly terms the precedent determinations made by the authority since 2005. “This will be published during 2015 and provide a basis for both customers and licensees to understand the issues considered by the authority when issuing determinations,” the report said.

New procedures Additionally, the authority has introduced new procedures to assess the reasonableness of applications for electricity supply submitted by new commercial and industrial customers whose requirements are in excess of 20 MW. In line with new policy requirements, all new electricity supply applications submitted by commercial and industrial customers whose requirements are in excess of 20 MW will be discussed with the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), the Ministry of oil and gas, to confirm, subject to securing MOCI consent, that sufficient gas will be allocated to the electricity sector to meet the project’s electricity requirements, and relevant gas pricing arrangements.

mediate, the US marker grade.

Shale oil WTI for September delivery rose 71 cents to $45.88 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It declined $1.95 to $45.17 on Monday, the lowest close since March 19. Total volume was about 2 per cent below the 100-day average. Prices have decreased more than 20 per cent from this year’s high in June, meeting a common definition of a bear market.

“There’s a price range of $45 to $65 for WTI crude that’s needed to make US shale oil profitable,” said Olivier Jakob, managing director at Petromatrix in Zug, Switzerland. “Prices inevitably rebound as

soon as we get near the edge of that range because the market knows any further losses will kill off US supply growth.”

US inventories In the US, the biggest oil consumer globally, crude inventories probably shrank by 1.63 million barrels through July 31, according to the median estimate in a survey of eight analysts before an Energy Information Administration report Wednesday. Supplies dropped to 459.7 million in the prior week, the Energy Department’s statistical arm said.

Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday that foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreed Iran’s ac-

cord with world powers, curbing its nuclear program in return for easing sanctions, will contribute to regional security.

Iran can boost oil production by 500,000 barrels a day within a week of international curbs being lifted, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported, citing Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh. It pumped 2.85 million a day last month, compared with 3.6 million at the end of 2011, data showed. - Bloomberg News

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B4

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

MARKET MSM index ends lower

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 6,498.22 .............. 6,466.89 ................... 6,466.89 ...................6,498.55................ -31.66 .................. -0.49 Financial Index .....................................7,945.80 ............... 7,888.13 ....................7,888.13 ................... 7,948.75................-60.62 .................. -0.76 Industrial Index ................................... 8,262.43 .............. 8,249.55 ................... 8,249.77 .................. 8,264.84................ -15.07 .................. -0.18 Services Index ...................................... 3,498.66 ...............3,494.78 ................... 3,495.83 ................... 3,494.76.................... 1.07 ...................0.03 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 988.41 .................. 986.71 ....................... 986.71 ...................... 988.36...................-1.65 .................. -0.17 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 13,387,576 .................. 3,793,882 ..................... 741 ............... 14,981,173,946 .................. 2 ......................18 .................... 13 .........................33

As many as 741 trades were executed on Tuesday's trading session generating a

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 4

turnover of OMR3.7 million 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: Continued selling pressure on large companies accelerated downward pressure on the MSM30 Index which ended at 6,466.89 points, down by 0.49 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index declined by 0.17 per cent to close at 986.71 points. Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Al Batinah Power, up by 0.89 per cent, was Tuesday’s top gainer, while the top loser was Dhofar Cattlefeed, down by 5.47 per cent.

As many as 741 trades were executed during Tuesday’s trading session generating turnover of OMR3.7 million with more than 13.3 million shares changing hands. Out of 33 traded securities, two advanced, 18 declined and 13 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers for OMR113,000 followed by foreign investors for OMR23,000 while GCC and Arab investors were net sellers for OMR137,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index continued its downtrend to close at 7,888.13 points, down by 0.76 per cent. Al Sharqia Investments, Al Madina Takaful, Bank Muscat, Batinah Investment and Development and Ahli Bank declined by 3.68 per cent, 2.22 per cent, 2.19 per cent, 1.67 per cent and 1.38 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Sector Index declined by 0.18 per cent and closed at 8,249.77 points. Dhofar Cattlefeed, Oman Cables, Galfar Engineering and Gulf International Chemicals declined by 5.47 per cent, 0.87 per cent, 0.84 per cent

and 0.37 per cent, respectively.

Services Sector Index remained stable at 3,495.83 points, up by 0.03 per cent. Al Batinah Power and Oman Telecommunications Company gained by 0.89 per cent and 0.29 per cent, respectively. Phoenix Power, National Gas and Ooredoo declined by 1.28 per cent, 1.12 per cent, and 0.51 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 120,335 ............ 27,317........................4 ........... 0.228 ...........0.228 ...........0.227........... 0.227 .............0.225 ........... 0.002............. 0.889 ................0.227..............0.227...................0.230 .................153,199,447 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 264,837 .........463,233..................... 39 ............1.750 ............1.755............1.740 ............1.750 ............. 1.745 ............ 0.005............. 0.287 ................1.740 ...............1.735...................1.740 ................1,312,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ............................................................160 .................... 20........................1 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.125 ........... 0.132 .............0.132............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.125 ..............0.126...................0.132................. 264,041,288 .......0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 1,161,205.......460,419.....................42 ........... 0.400...........0.400 ...........0.396........... 0.396 .............0.396 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.400..............0.396...................0.400 ................. 117,300,618 ........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...................................30,955 .............61,910........................9 ........... 2.000...........2.000 ...........2.000 .......... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.000 ............ 2.000...................0.000 ................ 190,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002614............ONIC. HOLDING .......................................................... 260,000.........124,800......................11 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.480..............0.476...................0.480 ..................83,243,160 .........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ......................................298 ............... 1,192........................1 ........... 4.000...........4.000 ...........4.000 .......... 4.000 .............4.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ............... 4.000 .............3.650...................4.000 ..................39,120,864 .........1.000 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................. 1,303 ............... 3,192........................1 ........... 2.450 ...........2.450 ...........2.450........... 2.450 .............2.450 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.450..............2.450...................2.575..................233,870,128........1.000 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 238,950 ........... 54,952......................13 ........... 0.228 ...........0.230 ...........0.227........... 0.230 .............0.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.227............. 0.224...................0.227 .................164,313,458 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ...................................................19,134 .............10,743......................14 ........... 0.562 ...........0.562 ...........0.560........... 0.562 .............0.562 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.560..............0.550...................0.560 ..................29,505,000.........0.100

Saudi bourse plunges The Saudi stock market is showing its mettle in the face of the latest oil rout that drove Brent into a bear market in July.

The kingdom’s Tadawul All Share Index has retreated 4.2 per cent since the end of June, compared with declines of 15 per cent in Brazil in dollar terms, 11 per cent in Russia and almost 10 per cent in Nigeria.

The resilience shows how the world’s biggest crude producer is riding out the slump thanks to the confidence of locals who account for almost all the $525 billion market’s investors and the government’s determination to press ahead with infrastructure spending. That may give comfort to foreigners considering buying Saudi stocks after the nation opened the market to overseas investors for the first time on June 15.

Saudi Arabia issued sovereign bonds for the first time since 2007 to plug its budget deficit, which could reach 20 per cent of economic output this year, according to International Monetary Fund estimates.

OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............. 30,000 ...............8,022........................5 ........... 0.269 ...........0.269 ...........0.264 .......... 0.267 .............0.268 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.373 ...............0.264............. 0.260...................0.264 ................... 5,607,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 621,960 .........489,972..................... 36 ............0.792 ........... 0.792 ...........0.784........... 0.788 .............0.792............-0.004 ........... -0.505 ...............0.784..............0.768...................0.784..................512,944,053........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ...................................50,222 ............. 17,477........................1 ........... 0.348 ...........0.348 ...........0.348........... 0.348 .............0.350 ...........-0.002 ............-0.571................0.348..............0.336...................0.346 .................466,567,167 ........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ...................................................10,000 ...............1,450........................1 ............0.145 ........... 0.145 ...........0.145 ............0.145 .............0.146............-0.001 ........... -0.685 ...............0.145 ..............0.143...................0.145...................36,770,550 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 877,300 ......... 116,205..................... 33 ............0.132 ........... 0.134 ...........0.131 ........... 0.132 ............. 0.133............-0.001 ........... -0.752 ...............0.132 ...............0.131...................0.132.....................7,767,305 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 483,733 ........... 56,945..................... 35 ............0.118 ........... 0.118............ 0.117 ............0.118 ............. 0.119............-0.001 ........... -0.840 ...............0.117 ...............0.117................... 0.118 ................... 34,217,715 .........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................78,580 .......... 178,462........................8 ........... 2.280...........2.280 ...........2.250........... 2.270 .............2.290 ...........-0.020 ........... -0.873 ...............2.250..............2.100...................2.250 .................203,619,000........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,099,342 ......242,457..................... 70 ........... 0.222...........0.222 ...........0.216 ........... 0.221 .............0.223 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.897 ...............0.216 ..............0.217...................0.218................... 33,166,575 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 256,000 ........... 28,160......................14 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.111 ............-0.001 ........... -0.901 ...............0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.112 ...................13,406,250 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 520,880 ......... 104,134........................3 ........... 0.200...........0.200 ...........0.198 ........... 0.200 .............0.202 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.990 ...............0.198 ..............0.198...................0.200 ................ 288,288,000 .......0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ..............................................................15,101 ............... 5,314........................8 ........... 0.352 ...........0.354 ...........0.350........... 0.352 .............0.356 ...........-0.004 ............-1.124................0.350..............0.342...................0.354...................17,600,000 .........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 200,125 ........... 43,027........................7 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.215 ............0.215 .............0.218............-0.003 ............-1.376................0.215 ............. 0.200...................0.215..................306,382,771........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................12,250 ...............1,443........................6 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ........... 0.117 ............0.118 .............0.120 ...........-0.002 ............-1.667................0.117 .............. 0.116................... 0.118 ....................3,540,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 705,650 ......... 377,947..................... 39 ........... 0.540 ...........0.540 ...........0.532........... 0.536 .............0.548 ...........-0.012 ........... -2.190 ...............0.534..............0.532...................0.534................ 1,228,416,912 ......0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................96,310 ...............8,482........................8 ........... 0.089 ...........0.089 ...........0.088........... 0.088 .............0.090 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.222 ...............0.088..............0.088...................0.090 ..................15,400,000.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING .............80,438 .............10,524........................7 ............0.139 ........... 0.139 ...........0.130............0.131 ............. 0.136............-0.005 ........... -3.676 ...............0.130 .............. 0.125...................0.130................... 11,790,000 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,235,068 ...2,897,798...................416 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......26........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ...................................................... 20,500 ...............1,066......................11 ........... 0.052 ...........0.052 ...........0.052........... 0.052 .............0.052 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.052.............. 0.051...................0.053....................6,500,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,097,021......... 80,648..................... 29 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.074 ...........0.072........... 0.074 .............0.074 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.072..............0.072...................0.074..................111,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE .............................. 23,215 .............. 2,600........................2 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.115 ...................11,200,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 3,949,822...... 609,981...................246 ............0.156 ........... 0.156 ...........0.152 ........... 0.154 ............. 0.156............-0.002 ........... -1.282 ...............0.153 .............. 0.152...................0.153 ................. 225,240,625 .......0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .......................................... 1,061,800 ...... 201,774..................... 35 ............0.196 ........... 0.196 ...........0.190........... 0.190 .............0.201 ...........-0.011 ........... -5.473 ...............0.190.............. 0.181...................0.190...................14,630,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 6,152,358 ......896,069...................323 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 5........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

— United Securities/Bloomberg News

CYBER CRIME

Hackers force carmakers to boost security for driverless era NEW YORK: The morning after Laura Capehorn parked her Saab 9-3 estate, all she could find of it was a car-shaped hole in the snow.

The interior designer had left the vehicle outside her motherin-law’s house in Shepherd’s Bush, London, one evening in January 2014. By the morning it was gone, presumed stolen.

Police immediately asked to see the car’s key, and weren’t surprised to find out it was an electronic fob.

They had seen an increase in tech-savvy criminals using a keycloning system to gain entry to high-value vehicles. Once in, the thieves drive away within seconds.

“It’s shocking how easy it is to steal a car in this way,” Capehorn says. "Especially given that nearly all new cars use these sorts of keys,” she added.

Burgeoning business Automotive cyber-crime is a burgeoning business. Some 6,000 cars and vans were stolen using this keyless entry hack last year in London alone — that’s 42 per cent of all vehicle thefts, according to the city’s Metropolitan Police.

As cars become increasingly hitech, with Internet connectivity and automated parking, braking and obstacle detection, they become more vulnerable to cyberattack — whether by people looking to steal the vehicle, harm an individual, or carry out activism.

‘Anything connected to the In-

In theory their modern keys make the cars very secure; the car can’t be started unless it receives a unique signal from the fob.

RISING RISKS: As cars become increasingly hi-tech, with Internet connectivity and automated parking, braking and obstacle detection, they become more vulnerable to cyber-attack. Many models are at risk, including BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover and Saab. — Bloomberg file picture

ternet can be hacked — including cars’. A recent Jeep Cherokee cyber-attack saw hackers remotely take control of a car’s steering and brakes while it was on a motorway.

That put cyber-security at the top of car-makers’ agendas.

It was a controlled experiment carried out by two “white hat” hackers, and not a malicious attack. However, the potential risks were clear to see, and Jeep manufacturer Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.4

million vehicles to fix the security flaw. As more and more automobiles come online — with Japanese electronics giant Hitachi predicting that 90 per cent of all vehicles will be connected to the Internet by 2020 — it’s critical to consider some of the vulnerabilities already at play. “Anything connected to the Internet can be hacked — including cars. What hackers can do depends on how much the Internet connection interacts with

different aspects of the vehicle,” says Stuart Hyde, a former chief constable of Cumbria Police, a regional force in England.Cloning Electronic Keys For less than £20 ($31), wouldbe criminals can buy a device online that allows them to drive off with a prize worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Many models are at risk, including BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover and Saab.

Unregulated sale However, the unregulated sale of key-programming equipment means that criminals can easily create copies.

Typically a thief will plug a device into the car’s diagnostic port in the passenger footwell — following instructions on one of many YouTube tutorials.

The information gleaned from the car can then be used to reprogram a blank fob and start the car.

To get into the car, thieves can either smash a window or use a second device to block the signal from the fob at the point when the owner is locking their car, so it’s unwittingly left open.

‘Terrorist groups might want to direct a person’s car to the point of ambush or kidnapping’ To fix this gaping vulnerability, car manufacturers are adding additional layers of security to the key to make it more difficult to copy the signal, while also tightening control over how the handling of key credentials and information between the factory and the customer. Police have a less hitech recommendation: installing a mechanical steering wheel lock.

Hacking the infotainment system The Jeep hack involved targeting the Internet-connected enter-

tainment and navigation system via a mobile phone network.

The problem lies in “truly stupid wide-open doors” in the car’s on-board ‘telematics’ computer (used for navigation and diagnostics), according to Jens Hinrichsen, general manager of Interface Products at NXP, which makes microchips for connected vehicles.

Internet-connected add-ons now make cars much more vulnerable to cyber-attack from afar, he says.

Experts say cars need better security architecture to keep entertainment systems, telematics and critical functions separated by firewalls and with encrypted communication between them.

“Typically cars’ networks are like a house where you can walk freely from one room to another.

Carmakers need to build in security so that there’s a lock on each room and special locks for special rooms. There might even be a safe in the bedroom with the most precious stuff inside,” Hinrichsen adds.GPS spoofing As we move towards driverless vehicles, having reliable GPS systems will be increasingly important.

GPS signals — which power smartphone mapping apps and other location-based services — usually come from satellites orbiting the Earth.

That signal can be spoofed to deliver fake or altered maps to the car’s navigation system to send the vehicle off course. — Bloomberg News

CDS

Central bank mobilises OMR100m MUSCAT: A tender for certificates of deposit was held at the Central Bank of Oman this week.

The total amount allotted for issue was worth OMR100 million.

A bulletin issued by the Central Bank of Oman stated that the average interest rate of these certificates was 0.10 per cent whilst the maximum accepted interest rate was 0.10 per cent.

The tenor of these certificates is 28 days, so their maturity date is on September 2, 2015.

The certificates of deposit issued to licenced banks by the CBO as a monetary policy instrument aimed at absorbing excess liquidity at the banking sector in particular and maintaining stability of the interest rate and the money market in general.

Treasury bills A tender of government treasury bills, issue number 549, was held at the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) this week. The results of

issue are as follows: The total value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to OMR10 million, for a maturity period of 364 days, from August 5, 2015 until August 3, 2016. The average accepted price reached 99.355 for every OMR100, while the minimum accepted price arrived at 99.250 per OMR100. Whereas the average discount rate and the average yield reached 0.64727 per cent and 0.65150 per cent, respectively. — ONA

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ROUND-UP

Stylish new Chevrolet Traverse: Ultimate in safety and comfort With class-leading interior space, Traverse provides a comfortable ride with flexible seating for seven or eight adults

MUSCAT: Finding a car that ticks all the right boxes when it comes to family driving is no easy feat.

When you have a family — and especially young children — there are a slew of pros and cons to consider before purchasing a new vehicle. You have to keep a whole set of priorities in mind.

And, more importantly, you need to ask yourself ‘Is this car safe enough for your loved ones?’ ‘Can it accommodate everyone?’ ‘Is it secure enough to protect them from harm?’. The 2015 Traverse can do all of that and much more, says a press release.

Child-friendly feature With class-leading interior space, Traverse provides a comfortable ride with flexible seating for seven or eight adults.

Its second-row seat comes with a pair of captain’s chairs or a threepassenger bench. Each configuration implements Traverse’s childfriendly, second-row SmartSlide feature that allows unobstructed access to the third-row bench seat with one hand, which makes it easy for children to operate.

The third-row seat can comfortably accommodate three adult passengers. Traverse’s 24.4 cu. ft.

(691 litres) of cargo room behind its third row is larger than that of many sport utility vehicles. Other

All customers of the 2015 Traverse will receive a new level of customer experience, courtesy of Chevrolet Care, which ensures hassle-free service and the lowest maintenance cost. Chevrolet Care provides competitive service pricing and cost transparency; service-booking with same-day delivery; quality service by certified technicians; regional 24x7 roadside assistance and a regional 3-year/100,000-km warranty

features for the family include the most storage in the segment; safety belts that are simple to operate; up to 12 cup holders; an available rear-seat entertainment system;

and easy-to-clean leather seats.

The 2015 Traverse is also designed to protect occupants and offers advanced safety features including forward collision alert

W E E K LY S E RV I C E

and lane departure warning features — crash-avoidance technologies that use a camera and sensors to help determine when the driver is getting too close to a vehicle up ahead, or when the vehicle enters another lane without the use of a turn signal. They alert the driver with visual cues on the dashboard, as well as audible signals.

Safety componenet Another Traverse safety component is the industry’s first front centre side air bag, which is available as standard on select trims. It is engineered to provide additional restraint to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle. If a severe impact occurs, the air bag deploys in milliseconds from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and inflates between the driver and front passen-

ger, providing added protection to both the front occupants.

All customers of the 2015 Traverse will receive a new level of customer experience, courtesy of Chevrolet Care, which ensures hassle-free service and the lowest maintenance cost. Chevrolet Care provides competitive service pricing and cost transparency; servicebooking with same-day delivery; quality service by certified technicians; regional 24x7 roadside assistance and a regional 3-year/ 100,000-km warranty. Chevrolet’s thorough scheduled maintenance interval is once every 10,000km versus once every 5,000km for most of its competitors, meaning that Chevrolet drivers spend more time enjoying the car and less time thinking about maintenance.

Strong heritage Chevrolet, one of the world’s largest automotive brands, has

a strong heritage in the Middle East,stretching back around eight decades and has been a trusted partner in the region.

Today Chevrolet brings the most comprehensive range of value and performance-oriented vehicles to customers in the small, compact, mid-size and large sedan and SUV segments, offering superlative excitement, strong personality, value for money, safety and security.

Chevrolet range of passenger vehicles in Oman includes: Spark, Aveo, Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Impala sedans, Camaro and Corvette performance sedans, Captiva, Traverse, Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado SUVs. OTE Group is the exclusive dealer for Chevrolet in Oman with 12 showrooms spread across the Sultanate and offering excellent after-sales service support at par with global standards, with a nationwide service network.

S A L A L A H T O U R I S M F E S T I VA L

Hanjin launches new shipping omanoil ready to accommodate service from Sohar to Far East influx of tourists during Khareef SOHAR: Hanjin Shipping is starting weekly service to and from Sohar to China, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. Named Fareast Middle East Express (FMX) the service comprises seven vessels ranging from 6,500 TEU to 8,600 TEU capacity. The new route should boost cargo carried in and out of the port by Sohar, says a press release.

Hanjin Shipping is Korea’s largest and one of the world’s top 10

container carriers that operates some 60 liner and tramper services around the globe transporting over 100 million tonnes of cargo annually. Its fleet consists of some 170 containerships and bulk carriers.

With 4 regional headquarters in the US, Europe, Asia and South East and West Asia, approximately 5,800 global staffs as well as 12 container terminals in world’s major ports contribute to Hanjin

Shipping’s world-class logistics network around the world.

In Oman Hanjin is represented

by Modern Shipping Services, part of Seven Seas group, and was established in 1994.

According to Rajesh Raj, general manager, Modern Shipping Services, the new service will definitely benefit the local trade. They are expecting to offer a competitive rate, better transit time and dedicated service to the customers.

‘ S U P E R - S P E C I A L I T Y ’ H O S P I TA L

VPS healthcare expands global footprint into UK LONDON: VPS Healthcare, an integrated healthcare services provider, announced its international expansion into the UK health sector with a new ‘superspeciality’ hospital focused on cancer treatment.

The new hospital will be the first private facility in the UK to offer Proton Beam Therapy - a type of radiotherapy that uses sub-atomic particles to attack cancer cells with less damage to surrounding tissues than conventional radiotherapy, says a press release.

The new centre, based in West London, will open in 2017 with a bed capacity of 150 and will be supported by around 1,000 staff in jobs ranging from administration, support and service roles to leading specialist healthcare professionals.

The investment has been welcomed by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson who last year launched MedCity, an initiative to drive forward life sciences research and development, entrepreneurship and commercialisation in England’s greater south east.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “This is a tremendous vote of confidence in London’s thriving life sciences sector as well as the skills and talent of our amazing healthcare profes-

SALALAH: Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) is fully prepared to accommodate the large influx of tourists expected to attend the 2015 Salalah Tourism Festival. In line with its efforts to support the country’s burgeoning tourism sector, omanoil will aim to provide seamless and efficient services to the 1.8 million visitors expected to travel to Salalah this Khareef, says a press release.

The company’s reserves at all its 17 fuelling stations in Dhofar as well as those located in route to and from the southernmost governorate are being constantly monitored and continuously replenished to avert any possibility of supply shortage. In addition, all ahlain stores have been fully stocked with a wide array of products and goods for the convenience of its shoppers.

Eng. Faisal Al Shanfari, Oman Oil Marketing Company’s general manager of Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, Procurement and Health, Safety, Security and Environment, said: “Our extensive retail network has been fully prepared to meet the challenges

posed by the huge volume of tourists. In fact, officials have already recorded a 77.3% rise in the number of visitors to Salalah compared to the same period last year.

It was therefore essential for us to develop an approach that would ensure all customers continue to enjoy the quick and convenient experience the omanoil brand is renowned for 24 hours a day.”

He added “As the nation’s fuel provider of choice, omanoil is also more than ready to meet the needs of our aviation clients. All our efforts will ensure that we consistently deliver the best cus-

tomer service, safety, and environmental standards all the while maintaining our commitment to this nation which goes beyond fuelling, driving progress for both Oman and omanoil.”

Launched under the slogan ‘Oman: Love and Peace’, this year’s Salalah Tourism Festival is set to be one of the region’s major events. Every year, the festival attracts thousands of families from across the Sultanate and the GCC and this year looking to be the biggest yet with official statistics recording more than 88,405 tourists arriving by land and air to date.

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

20 MEC students participate in scholarship programme in Korea sionals. London is a world leader in medical sciences and through MedCity we are working to generate the jobs and growth that will propel this important sector to even greater things.”

Commenting on the announcement, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and managing director of VPS, said: “At a time when the Middle East’s healthcare sector is undergoing a phase of rapid growth, the entry of VPS into the UK market is testament to the world-class technological innovation and healthcare expertise stemming from the region.

"VPS has been encouraged by the UK government’s ongoing policy to support health and pharmaceutical companies, and we believe that our investment in this dynamic sector will not only ensure that we play a key role in supporting this initiative, but will also help to grow and develop the next generation of medical breakthroughs.”

The launch is being marked by a special event on Monday July 27, being attended by VPS management and dignitaries, at the legendary London Hotel, The Dorchester.

MUSCAT: The Middle East College (MEC) delegation which consisted of 20 students returned after a visit to Hanyang University, Korea as part of its international student exchange programme, recently.

The delegation attended a scholarship programme that lasted for 25 days which started from July 5 to July 30 with 700 participants from different nationalities during a summer school programme organised by the university. The programme included various courses, trips to different places in Korea and a visit to the Omani Embassy in Korea, says a press release.

Duaa Al Sabtiah, supervisor of the MEC delegation, said: “The international exchange programme to South Korea was a beneficial experience to exchange knowledge between students from different nationalities and it worked on developing the essence, independency and responsibility. Hanyang Univer-

sity provides various summer programmes in different areas like technology, sport, culture, languages and others. Moreover, there were some tourist and recreational trips in every weekend which gives the students a chance to get to know the Korean culture and the tourist places.”

Sayyid Laith Al Busaid, one of the student delegates, said: “It was a great chance to attend in this programme where we could get to know the Korean culture, habits and traditions. In addition, we got the chance to represent the Sultanate and transfer the Omani culture to various people from different cultures.”

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

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RECRUI JOB POSTINGS

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.

— Robert Collier

CAREER COACH

Career success is within your reach ARE you waiting for career success? Do you believe that if you wait long enough sooner or later your dreams of success will come true? When it comes to success, you are better off spending your time working toward being successful than losing precious moments waiting for it to happen.

What are the traits of successful people? They have drive and a belief in themselves. They are confident. They seem to have the Midas touch. But instead of trying to emulate the qualities that made them successful, we sometimes assume that “they must know someone.” Or, “they were lucky.”

We forget that they worked hard to get where they are today. We didn’t see their struggles. We just

see the end result, and we want what they have, Now. Career success is not just for the lucky. It’s for those who want it and work hard to get it. There’s no mystery to the process. Follow certain steps and you will be successful. So how do you grab career success? Follow these steps: 1. Believe that you will succeed. Self-belief is such a crucial and sometimes overlooked element. You have to believe that success is within your reach. If you do not believe it, who will?

2. Get the facts. Once you are a believer, back up your beliefs with facts. Find out specifically what steps you need to take to make your picture real. This way you will be comfortable taking action.

3. Commit to your success.

Successful people say “I will” versus “I’ll try” or “I may someday.” There is something powerful about making a commitment.

First of all, the decision to be successful is made, and the back and forth is done. Second, you have focus and direction that transforms your outlook and gives you purpose. Commitment gives you something greater. A reason to get out of bed every day.

4. Put a plan in place. Once you are committed, map out how you will succeed. Use the facts you gathered in step two to guide you.

Break down your success plan into smaller pieces. Put these smaller pieces into your calendar. Make to-do lists. Manage your priorities

and say yes only to those things that will bring you closer to success. Delegate and eliminate those tasks that take up your time. And if you get sidetracked or distracted, use your plan to get back on track.

5. Keep moving no matter what. There may be days when you do not want to do the work or you do not believe the effort you are putting in will be worthwhile.

It’s normal to feel this way. Your journey will be filled with ups and downs. Success comes to those who keep moving. It’s OK to have doubts. Keep taking action anyway. Take small steps every day, no matter what. Small steps today lead to big dreams achieved tomorrow. — Deborah Brown-Volkman/www. quintcareers.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

RECRUIT

QUOTES The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.

— Vince Lombardi Encouragement is a necessary part of supervision.

— Thomas J. Watson

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Extended Toyota Service schedule means major savings for customers According to a Toyota Service spokesperson, there is a new service pattern that can be followed, the owners of petrol engine driven Toyotas can get them serviced at intervals of 10,000km/ one year (whichever comes first) under normal operating conditions

MUSCAT: Who has not gone through the anxiety of a sudden realisation that his car service may be overdue! Even businessmen have to schedule their activities around a regular and essential service plan. However, this has now changed, says a press release.

According to a Toyota Service spokesperson, there is a new service pattern that can be followed, “The owners of petrol engine driven Toyotas can get them serviced at intervals of 10,000km/ one year (whichever comes first) under normal operating conditions.

For Toyota vehicles operating under special operating conditions, a service interval of 5,000km/ six months is recommended.”

“Thanks to the improved operating environmental conditions in Oman, better driving conditions and usage of superior grade of engine oil by Toyota service, owners can enjoy a newer, easier service pattern for their Toyota,” elaborates the spokesperson.

“Now our patrons will naturally ask – what are these ‘special operating conditions’. Well, these are conditions in which the vehicle is operating on dusty roads, towing trailers, using a camper or car top carrier, repeated short trips, extensive idling and / or low speed driving for long distance, etc.

“These conditions typically are experienced by customers who use their cars as taxi, for door-to-door

calling and delivery etc,” adds the spokesperson, “However, the customers of Toyota 86 may contact their nearest Toyota dealer to know about the service interval recommendations as it is slightly different from other Toyota models.”

Elated customer Upon hearing of the new schedule, a long-time Toyota owner remarked,” Yes, I have heard that Toyota Service has introduced a 10,000km / 1 year (whichever comes first) service interval for Toyota (petrol) vehicles. This is great news for me and has come as a Eid gift. It means that I will

PROMOTION

spend less on my Toyota’s maintenance and more on my celebrations. Yes, I have to visit only once in a year for service now onwards (or 10,000km whichever comes first) and that means less anxiety for me and I will have more money in my pocket.”

Responding to a question, the spokesperson added, “The diesel models of Toyota will have a service interval of 5,000km/ six months (whichever comes first).

Further elaborating the spokesperson said, “The new 10,000km service interval is applicable not only for the new vehicle owners but all existing Toyota owners can also

switch over to the new service routine of 10,000km service interval.”

However, it is recommended to switch over to new (10,000km) service routine when the odometer of your vehicle reaches a multiple of 10,000km. You can contact your nearest Toyota Service branch for more details.

The extended service interval is achieved through more rigorous service inspections and use of superior grade of engine oil.

10,000km service routine makes use of superior grade synthetic engine oil whereas 5,000km service routine makes use of normal mineral engine oil. Individual private

vehicle owners can buy a service contract (maximum up to a period of five years) that will further protect them against any possible spare parts price increase.

Extended service schedule is yet another offering from the customer oriented Toyota Service and Parts. Internationally recognised and award-winning Toyota Service continues to serve customers all across Oman, creating a rewarding ownership experience with the very best of equipment and experts.

The world-class Toyota Service facility at Wattayah has an integrated service facility extending over 30,000sq. m, 4 level workshops with a hi-tech diagnostic centre, drive through air-conditioned receiving area with 8 express lanes and 24-hour service, round-the-year.

The various offerings of Toyota Service, such as the Advantage Toyota Service Package, have led to highest customer satisfaction levels. The nationwide sales, service and parts network of the Saud Bahwan Group enhances the confidence of Toyota owners.

With expert Toyota Service care; a Toyota continues to run at its best. The smiles on the customers’ faces say it all, “Toyota Service ... The One to Trust.”

L AT E S T T E C H N O L O G Y

Meethaq is all set to upgrade Islamic core banking system

Best of the East festival kicks off in style at Lulu MUSCAT: Lulu Hypermarket has kicked off the Best of the East festival at all its outlets across the Sultanate. The promotion, which is aimed to publicise and promote a range of products from the Far Eastern countries, will run from August 3 to August 10 at all Lulu outlets across the Sultanate.

The festival is another initiative by Lulu to bring together all the diverse tastes and flavours of the Far East. The promotion was formally inaugurated by Ananth A. V., regional director, Lulu Group, Oman in the presence of Nelson Philip, operations manager, Stephen Griffiths, retail operations manager, Nazar A. S., regional manager, at its Baushar store, says a press release.

The Best of the East festival offers customers a chance to indulge in a gastronomic tour to some of the truly exotic places in the world and to explore the original and authentic flavours of the Far Eastern countries. The festival showcases some of the best quality and specially imported

fresh and canned food products from Far East countries such as China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The hypermarket has stocked up its shelves with a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as tinned and dried goods to be showcased during the twoweek promotion.

Culinary expedition Special in-store counters will be put up throughout the promotion, offering customers an opportunity to sample the variety of food products on display. The festival is also a culinary expedition for customers to experience the magic and aroma of Oriental cuisine. The special delicacies combine a variety of Oriental tastes that extend beyond the traditional Chinese and Thai food to exotic Japanese, Vietnamese and Malaysian dishes.

Speaking on the Best of the East promotion, Ananth said: “We are glad to launch this festival to promote the best products from the

far eastern countries to our customers in the Sultanate. Through this festival, we aim to bring all the Oriental products for our customers under one roof. The festival is also a chance to promote the culture and traditions of the Far East.

It is the perfect way to bring the wonderful tastes and traditions of the Far East Asia to our customers in the Sultanate, “ he added.

Lulu Hypermarkets have always been keen to launch promotions and offers to cater to every culture and taste. It has always been at the forefront as a one stop shop for the diverse population of the region with an international assortment of products from several countries.

With goods sourced from countries worldwide including UK, Africa and Far East and with 117 Lulu outlets in the regions, the brand is fully equipped to serve any community in this diverse country. From international brands to local favourites, Lulu makes sure its customers get whatever they need from all over the world at amazing prices.

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, is upgrading its core banking system as part of its continuous endeavour to provide world class services through the latest technology and innovation.

The planned upgrade of the core banking system and channels will result in a host of cutting edge and first-of-its-kind Islamic banking services for Meethaq customers, says a press release.

During the upgrade, Meethaq credit cardholders will continue to have uninterrupted services.

Meethaq ATM/CDM, debit card and mobile banking services, however, will not be available throughout Friday, August 7 until 12 noon on Saturday, August 8.

Meethaq branches will function as normal with the new system from Sunday, 9 August 2015.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, group general manager - Islamic Banking, said: “Meethaq is delighted to upgrade to a state-of-the-art Islamic core banking solution incorporating the latest technology to meet the bank’s requirements of Shari’a compliance, cost-optimisation, improving profitability and serving customers faster and

Meethaq is delighted to upgrade its system. With this upgrade the bank would be able to fulfil numerous new business requirements and customer demands Sulaiman Al Harthy

Group general manager - Islamic Banking

efficiently. With this upgrade the bank would be able to fulfil numerous new business requirements and customer demands.”

“The upgrade stems from Meethaq’s commitment and focus to take the lead role in offering a suite of Shari’a based banking products and services. Meethaq has adopted the best practices in Islamic banking and finance worldwide to combine a robust model which protects customers and complements the Islamic banking industry. The Meethaq

strategy is to attract customers through innovative Shari’a based products and services. We thank our customers for their co-operation during the upgrade,” Al Harthy added.

Bank Muscat has already used iMal Islamic core banking system for its subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Industry consolidation, increasing compliance and competitive advantage are some of the key elements considered by Meethaq to upgrade its core banking system.

VA L U E - A D D E D S E RV I C E

Bank Sohar’s new credit card loyalty programme launched MUSCAT: Adding new exciting features to its renowned Excel Cards service, Bank Sohar has now launched ‘Mukaaf’aat Al Mumayaz’, a new loyalty programme for cardholders. Adding to the already extensive range of benefits, the bank’s cards loyalty programme is aimed at providing added value to its customers’ banking experience by rewarding them for every Omani Rial spent with their credit cards, says a press release.

Commenting on launching the programme, R. Narasimhan, the DGM and Head of Retail Banking at Bank Sohar, said: “This loyalty programme is truly a value-added service and a fitting way to show gratitude to our loyal patrons. The programme further expands on our commitment to offer the best value proposition for our credit card customers as well as showcases our Excel Credit Cards as more than just a secure method of payment. This programme also has the additional benefit of raising the appeal of our Excel Credit Cards for both our current and potential customers by allowing them to obtain better value from every purchase.”

The Cards Loyalty Programme from Bank Sohar will initially be made available through its two premier credit cards — the Excel Platinum Credit Card and Excel Diamond Infinite Credit Card; where card holders of the Excel Platinum Credit Card and Excel Diamond Infinite Credit Card will each accumulate one point for every OMR2 spent on their credit cards. These points can then be redeemed as cash at the rate of OMR1 for every 100 points accumulated. As an introductory benefit, all existing Excel Platinum Credit Card and Excel Diamond Infinite Credit Card holders will receive 2000 and 5000 free loyalty points respectively.

“While we will be initially launching the programme with only our Platinum Credit Card and Infinite Credit Card, we are looking into expanding the program across our entire cards range in the future,” added Narasimhan.

“Furthermore, As we move forward with the program we are also looking towards collaborating with various service providers in order to allow customers to utilise their accumulated points in various other ways other than

direct cash; such redeeming them towards extra mileage on their favourite airline, electronic utility payments, membership fees at various institutions and clubs, and more.”

This card loyalty programme follows in the footsteps of the launch of the bank’s redesigned range of debit and credit cards last year. Following the theme ‘Crafted for Excellence… Designed for Value’ the new cards added a modern look and style to the entire range of cards offered by the bank — right from its Excel Debit Cards to the Excel Platinum Credit Card. More recently, the bank also ran a new promotion for all its Credit Cards holders titled ‘Cash in on your spends’. The promotion, which was launched on May 1 and ran till July 31, saw the bank’s customers get a chance to enter into a monthly draw on every minimum purchase of OMR50, either through Point of Sale (POS) or over the internet.

20 customers at the end of each month won OMR300 in exclusive draws; totalling 60 winners and cash prizes worth OMR18,000 once the final draw of the promotion takes place this month.

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SPOR YOUR GAME

S

Batting opens up road for Black Caps victory

IT’S MAKE OR BREAK FOR ‘LOST’ MICHAEL CLARKE Australia captain Michael Clarke’s Test career could be over if he fails with the bat during the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, Australian media said on Tuesday, saying he looks ‘lost’ and knows the end is near. >C2

CRICKET

SCOREBOARD

Chasing 236 to level the three-match series at Harare Sports Club, openers Guptill finished unbeaten on 116 while Latham was 110 not out as New Zealand achieved the target with almost eight overs to spare

HARARE: Openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham both struck centuries as New Zealand crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the second one-day international on Tuesday to set up a series decider.

Chasing 236 to level the threematch series at Harare Sports Club, Guptill finished unbeaten on 116 while Latham was 110 not out as New Zealand achieved the target with almost eight overs to spare.

The pair set a new record for the highest successful chase in an ODI without losing a wicket, bettering the 231 that Sri Lanka managed in a 10-wicket win over England in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final, as they ensured that New Zealand bounced back from Sunday’s shock seven-wicket defeat, in convincing fashion.

“It’s great to have a performance like this in contrast to the one that we had in the last game. You can see a lot of learning there,” captain Kane Williamson said. Zimbabwe were left to wonder whether they had made the right call at the toss,

TON MAKERS: New Zealand openers Martin Guptill, left, and Tom Latham slammed unbeaten centuries. – AFP

when Elton Chigumbura went against conventional wisdom and elected to bat first.

The decision backfired when the hosts crumbled in the face of some aggressive New Zealand bowling, losing their top five inside the first 18 overs. While Grant Elliott used the swing on offer to dismiss Craig Ervine and Chigumbura, legspinner Ish Sodhi picked up his first wickets in ODI cricket on his way to figures of 3 for 38.

“I thought it was a good wicket to bat on, it’s just that we didn’t execute well,” said Chigumbura.

Zimbabwe were grateful to Sikandar Raza Butt for hauling them to a vaguely respectable score, with his 100 not out rescuing the home side from 68 for five and then 146 for eight.

He rebuilt the innings with a 60-run stand for the sixth wicket with Sean Williams, and an 89-run stand for the ninth wicket with Tinashe Panyangara, who made a career-best 33.

Raza enjoyed some fortune when he was dropped on 67, and reached his third ODI hundred off the penultimate delivery of the innings. Zimbabwe needed early wickets if they were going to challenge, but the seamers lacked control up front and Guptill and Latham were allowed to settle.

The pair were never troubled as they set a new record for an ODI partnership in Zimbabwe, eclipsing the 228 put on by Pakistan’s Imran Farhat and Mohammad Hafeez in 2011. While Guptill’s century was his eighth in ODIs, Latham

ZIMBABWE H. Masakadza c Latham b McClenaghan 0 C. Chibhabha st Ronchi b Sodhi 42 C. Ervine b Elliott 12 R. Chakabva lbw b Sodhi 2 E. Chigumbura c Taylor b Elliott 5 S. Williams run out 26 Sikandar Raza not out 100 G. Cremer c McCullum b Sodhi 5 P. Utseya c Ronchi b McCullum 0 T. Panyangara run out 33 Extras (1-lb, 8-w, 1-nb) 10 Total (9 wkts, 50 overs) 235 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Masakadza), 2-42 (Ervine), 3-49 (Chakabva), 4-54 (Chigumbura), 5-68 (Chibhabha), 6-128 (Williams), 7-137 (Cremer), 8-146 (Utseya), 9-235 (Panyangara).

Did not bat: Chris Mpofu.

Bowling: Henry 8-2-45-0, McCullum 10-0-38-1, McClenaghan 10-1-55-1, Elliott 6-0-27-2, Sodhi 10-0-38-3, Williamson 6-0-31-0.

NEW ZEALAND M. Guptill not out 116 T. Latham not out 110 Extras (1-b, 9-w) 10 Total (no loss, 42.2 overs) 236 Did not bat: Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Nathan McCullum, Matt Henry, Mitchell McClenaghan, Ish Sodhi Bowling: Mpofu 7-1-37-0, Panyangara 6-0-30-0, Williams 5.2-0-36-0, Cremer 100-60-0, Utseya 10-0-46-0, Sikandar Raza 2-0-17-0, Masakadza 2-0-9-0.

Toss: Zimbabwe Umpires: Richard Illingworth (ENG) and Jeremiah Matibiri (ZIM) TV umpire: Langton Rusere (ZIM) Match referee: David Boon (AUS) Result: New Zealand won by 10 wickets.

Series: Three-match series is level at 1-1.

registered his maiden hundred in the format.

“It’s been a long time coming so it’s nice to finally get the monkey off the back,” Latham said.

“We struggled a bit at the start but we managed to get through that period, and once we had, we just tried to knock it off in 10-run blocks.” - AFP

OMAN CRICKET

Registration for new cricket season begins MUSCAT: Oman Cricket (OC) has started registration of teams for the new cricket season on Tuesday. According to information received from the Sultanate’s cricket

governing body, the registration for the 2016-17 season is open to all teams that have participated in Oman Cricket tournaments as well as new teams who wish to

participate in the league tournaments. The interested teams may obtain registration forms from Oman Cricket office. Last date for registration is August 24. The

league season is scheduled to start in September. For further details contact Rex Berhardt or Ajith D’Costa at the Oman Cricket office (Ph: 24787085 or 24787087).

Time for Unmukt to deliver as tri-series begins CHENNAI: Having flattered to deceive on most occasions after his transition from under-19 to senior cricket, Delhi boy Unmukt Chand would like to make amends as he leads India A in the tri-nation A series, which is considered to be a launchpad for getting into the senior team.

While India A will play their first match on Friday, the tournament starts with South Africa A pitted against Australia A in the lung opener on Wednesday.

The tournament will be an acid test for 22-year-old Unmukt, whom the Sandeep Patil chaired selection committee thinks as one for the future.

With India playing a lot of cricket in the next two years, the tri-series will also be a chance for the likes of Manish Pandey and Kedar Jadhav to consolidate their position in the senior team after a fruitful series against Zimbabwe.

But the centre of attention will be Unmukt, who would like to prove his detractors wrong

and assert that he belongs to this level.

An average of shade below 35 and a strike rate of 68 plus in over 55 List A matches is certainly not a true reflection of Unmukt’s capabilities as he can be destructive on his day and singlehandedly win matches for his team.

The weak link of this A team is the pace attack which is filled with military medium trundlers like Sandeep Sharma, Rush Kalaria, Rishi Dhawan and would be spearheaded by Dhawal Kulkarni, who barely touches 135kmph mark.

With the Chepauk wickets playing truant and being on the slower side,the captains too have a bigger role to play in assessing the conditions rightly and then plan their respective strategies as white kookaburra in early morning can be a factor. The Australians have more or less mastered the conditions well which was evident from their victory in unofficial ‘Test’ series. - PTI

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Australian quick Johnson revels in ‘compliment’ of crowd abuse At the age of 33, the left-arm

When the whole crowd is cheering my name at the end of a game — when they (England) have just won — you have to take that as a compliment ... where I did stop in my run-up was deliberate to try and have a bit of fun

paceman regards the barracking as a “compliment” and said the way in which he had stopped his run and then bowled from beside the umpire on Friday were his way of responding to the taunts, rather than a

Mitchell Johnson

sign that spectators

Australia

had got to him

NOTTINGHAM: Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has insisted he is relishing the role of being the man English crowds love to hate. Johnson was subjected to prolonged vocal abuse as England won the third Ashes Test by eight wickets inside three days at Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

While it may not have been quite as vicious as during England’s 2009 series win, when Johnson had to cope with chants about his family as well as a derogatory song which mocks him for bowling left and right, it was certainly sustained and reached something of a crescendo on Friday’s final day at Edgbaston.

Now Johnson is bracing himself for more of the same at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge, where the

fourth Test starts on Thursday.

But at the age of 33, the left-arm paceman regards the barracking as a “compliment” and said the way in which he had stopped his run and then bowled from beside the umpire on Friday were his way of responding to the taunts, rather than a sign that spectators had got to him.

“I get amongst it a bit more now,” Johnson told travelling Australian media in Nottingham on Tuesday.

“When the whole crowd is cheering my name at the end of a game — when they (England) have just won — you have to take that as a compliment ... where I did stop in my run-up was deliberate to try and have a bit of fun with the crowd.” Johnson added: “I definitely feel like I can take the brunt of it and I take the focus away from the other guys and I’ve really embraced that role.

“When you’re walking with your

family in the street, I think it’s a bit overboard. But on the field, I think that’s fair game ... I’m all for it.”

‘Aggression’ Johnson produced arguably the two most dramatic deliveries of the entire series in England’s first innings at Edgbaston when he struck twice in three balls to dismiss Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes with two sharply rising throat balls the England batsmen

could only glove behind to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Yet such hostility was not forthcoming from Johnson in the rest of the match.

“I don’t know. I guess from my point of view I was just trying to really dry up the runs and I probably just lost that bit of aggression,” Johnson said.

“I don’t read into it too much to be honest. But I think because the ball has been swinging over here a lot more, I feel like I’m trying to get the ball up there a lot more often anyway. I feel like I’ve bowled a lot fuller this trip. I’ve been really happy with the way I’ve bowled, generally.”

In the second innings, Australia captain Michael Clarke, despite a reputation for ‘funky’ tactics, opted not to depart from his usual practice of deploying Johnson as first change until England needed only 74 more runs chasing a target of just 121.

“I thought to myself I was really keen to get the new ball, but whatever is best for the team in those situations I’m happy with,” Johnson said.

“I have full trust in those guys, Starcy (Mitchell Starc) and (Josh) Hazlewood, to do the job but I’m always prepared to bowl in any position,” he added.

An England victory at Trent Bridge would see them win a fourth consecutive home Ashes series — something they haven’t managed since Australia recorded their first away series win in 1899.

“Hopefully, we can come out here and win this Test match because, if we don’t, we are in big trouble,” said Johnson. — AFP

AU S S I E M E D I A S AY S

Make or break for ‘lost’ Clarke SYDNEY: Australia captain Michael Clarke’s Test career could be over if he fails with the bat during the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, Australian media said Tuesday, saying he looks ‘lost’ and knows the end is near.

Scores of 10 and three during Australia’s eight-wicket defeat by England in the third Test at Edgbaston left Clarke with a meagre series aggregate of 94 runs in six innings at an average of under 19.

With Australia 2-1 down in the five-Test series, he must step up or face the fact that he should retire, cricket writers said.

“Clarke’s issues extend beyond his batting,” said the Sydney Morning Herald’s chief sports writer Andrew Webster.

“His choices as captain without hardened and experienced heads like Brad Haddin and Shane Watson next to him in the middle are being questioned like never before.

“But it’s with the willow that he desperately needs to turn the beat around.”

Webster added that Clarke’s

FACING THE FACT: Australia captain Michael Clarke during a

training session. – Reuters

face explained his issues more than his meagre run total.

“Maybe I’ve known Clarke and covered his career too long. Maybe it’s obvious,” he said. “But his expression with each cheap dismissal is undeniable: it is a blank expression of utter bewilderment.

He isn’t annoyed but lost.”

Clarke, 34, himself admitted that Australia have been “playing with 10 players” and Peter Lalor,

cricket writer for The Australian, wrote that failure in the fourth Test in Nottingham starting Thursday “spells an almost certain end to his career”.

“It’s on his mind and he know in his heart that the end is near but like all greats he would like to go out on top,” he said.

But he added that “Clarke is a champion and if he pulls out of this form slump, there is a possi-

bility the team can win the series or retain the Ashes with a draw”.

The Sydney Daily Telegraph noted that despite his form slump, selectors would be reluctant to axe Clarke or let him retire with a two-Test tour of Bangladesh following the Ashes series in October.

Clarke is a quality player of spin on what are expected to be dusty pitches in Dhaka and Chittagong, with the newspaper also pointing to a lack of quality players to replace him.

“Those quick to close the curtains on the out-of-form skipper might have failed to realise there’s a two-Test tour of Bangladesh to follow,” wrote Ben Horne.

“Even in Clarke’s form slump, is there anyone else in Australian cricket, with the possible exception of Steve Smith, who plays spin better then the skipper?

“The experience and class of Clarke in Bangladesh will be hard to ignore.”

If Clarke is axed, Usman Khawaja is seen as his most likely replacement. - AFP

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

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SPORTS C O M M E N TA RY

It’s not cricket, maybe, but who wants just cricket?

T

he exact point in time when cricket began its ugly, sinister journey along the ungentlemanly road is difficult to determine. It might have been long before Ian Chappell was heard calling out from the commentary box ‘No, Greg, no, you can’t do that” after Trevor bowled on the order of his brother Greg the final ball of the match underarm to deny New Zealand a chance to score six runs needed to tie the match in the 1981 Benson & Hedges World Series Cup. It might have been even long before the famous Bodyline bowling devised by England captain Douglas Jardine and executed by Harold Larwood and Bill Voce during England’s 1932-’33 Ashes tour of Australia to transform the immortal Don Bradman to temporarily mortal.

If the point at which we got to know for agonisingly sure that the gentleman’s game had become disgustingly ungentlemanly was the year 2000 when Hansie Cronje confessed to his “unfortunate love of money”, it was just a few months ago that we were told, quite matter-of-factly, how being very nice could be disturbingly uncomfortable on a cricket pitch in modern times. Brad Haddin’s justification for the vicious send-offs accorded to New Zealand batsmen in the final of the 2015 ODI World Cup was rooted in a different reality of things held in high esteem in the ancient world. And that’s something, fortunately or otherwise, the new generation would quite readily, happily relate to.

The point of dispute now is not about if cricket has become dangerously ungentlemanly, but about the need for a new bend of mind. In that context, it’s not a bad idea to have a few ungentlemanly guys around, and if their stocks are diminishing, there need to be sustained, coordinated efforts to discover, nurture, preserve and persist with fresh supplies who could be released into the thick of things at the right moment.

That might not exactly be the way ICC Chief Executive Dave Richardson would want things to happen “to grow interest in bilateral series”, a lot of which are losing their relevance, but his idea of getting bigger crowds, more people watching on TV, following the series on their tablets, phones and computers, etc., etc., might be impossible with too many gentlemen crowding the 22 yards trying hard to be too nice and noble.

Big-ticket tours involving India are kicking up profitable levels of interest, of course, but is there any guarantee that the interest could be sustained forever? Or, in other words, what need to be done so the interest could be growing further?

Passion for cricket in India has been whipped up into crazy levels, and the challenge now is about keeping the frenzy alive and always kicking. M.S. Dhoni has already retired from Test cricket and it’s a matter of time, maybe a year, before he bids goodbye

Finding seam bowling all-rounders ‘difficult’ Post Kapil Dev’s retirement, only

Big-ticket tours involving India are kicking up profitable levels of interest, of course, but is there any guarantee that the interest could be sustained forever?

Or, in other words, what need to be done so the interest could be growing further?

to the shorter formats too.

When that happens, India will have just Virat Kohli to carry the burden of expectation of a billion plus—is it something that’s going to be easy for Kohli to do, even with a heavier dose of his nowfamous attitude, arrogance and aggression?

From an Indian fan’s point of view, the team is in an urgent need of at least a couple of not-so-gentle-souls, just as ungentle as the now-exonerated S. Sreesanth, perhaps. I could see quite a few raised eyebrows now, but the Kerala speed merchant seems to be more sinned against than sinning, considering the fact that we got to spot only a tip of the unpleasant iceberg floating menacingly in the Justice Mudgal Committee report that has been submitted to the Supreme Court.

Team India, and every other team serious about playing cricket and paying the players handsomely so they don’t easily fall into the lure of an unfortunate love of money, need a few hands gifted with the art and attitude to spice up the game and rake in more money. It’s not just about winning. That’s not cricket, anymore.

Let’s be honest: isn’t it fun to watch the bowler giving a snarl and the batsman staring back?

It’s, to lots and lots of ladies and gentlemen who flock to the stadiums or couch on the sofas to catch it live. And how about watching the guy hit the next ball for a six, and break into a jig, twirling the bat, a la Sreesanth at Johannesburg in 2006? That’s just not cricket?

Now, tell me, who wants just cricket?

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman

Irfan Pathan showed glimpses of early promise in both departments of the game before fading away due to injuries

NEW DELHI: Legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis feels that conditions in the sub-continent is “not conducive” for producing seam bowling allrounders, something that the Indian cricket team has lacked for some years now.

Post Kapil Dev’s retirement, only Irfan Pathan showed glimpses of early promise in both departments of the game before fading away due to injuries and Mahendra Singh Dhoni has always lamented about not having that balCRICKET

Proteas recall big guns for Kiwi ODIs JOHANNESBURG: Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers have been recalled to South Africa’s one-day international side for the visit of New Zealand later this month, but young wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock has been axed. New Zealand will play three ODI matches against the Proteas between Aug. 1926, after the sides face off in two Twenty20 internationals. Steyn and fellow seamer Vernon Philander return to one-day duty.

ODI squad: Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, AB de Villiers (captain), Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Morne van Wyk, David Wiese T20 squad: Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis (captain), JP Duminy, Eddie Leie, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Morne van Wyk, David Wiese (Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by John O’Brien). - Reuters

ance in the side which a genuine all-rounder provides.

“It is difficult to produce seam bowling all-rounders in Indian conditions. I have toured India enough to have an idea about the conditions over there.

“The pitches there are certainly not seamer-friendly. The heat and humidity is an impediment towards producing a cricketer who can focus equally on both skill sets,” Kallis, one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, said during an interaction.

“For an all-rounder, it is very important to know one’s body and manage himself accordingly. In subcontinental conditions, while putting equal effort on both aspects of the game day in and day out can take a toll on one’s body.

“Then the cricketer has to decide as to which area -- batting or bowling is more important to him,” said the man, who has scored 13,289 runs with 45 hundreds in 166 Tests apart from taking 292 wickets.

When asked to name a standout all-rounder in current world cricket, the 39-year-old Kallis did not pinpoint anyone.

“There are a few but genuine all-rounders are hard to come by these days. Also when one aspires

FRANK VIEW: Jacques Kallis

to be an all-rounder, one should be clear to himself as to what kind of all-rounder he wants to become.

“It can be like, someone wants to focus more on his bowling and

slowly develop his batting. It can also work the other way round. To each his own,” said the man, who mentors Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Indian Premier League but recently had a very decent Caribbean Premier League for Trinidad and Tobago Red Steels (46, 23, 38, 49, 31, 61 not out, are some of his notable scores).

When questioned, how did he hone his skills, Kallis said: “I concentrated on my batting more and slowly added my bowling to it. In the beginning you have to concentrate on one area. That is the reason, whenever I batted well and had runs under my belt, I bowled well too.”

He has played alongside AB de Villiers and no wonder Kallis understands the game of the talismanic Protea, who is arguably the best batsman across all formats today.

“There are a few factors that makes AB the brilliant batsman that he is. He is mentally very strong, he understands his game which is very necessary. Then comes the technique. His basic technique is very sound which makes him excel across all three formats. He has tremendous talent but at the same time he is very focussed,” concluded Kallis. - PTI

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

SPORTS

Torres scores with first touch in Atletico win Torres came on at half-time and scored just seconds after the restart with a neat header from Yannick Carrasco’s looping cross SHANGHAI: Fernando Torres scored with his first touch as Atletico Madrid cruised to a 3-0 exhibition match victory over Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) in China on Tuesday.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker came on at half-time and scored just seconds after the restart with a neat header from Yannick Carrasco’s looping cross.

In an open and attacking game played in very humid conditions at Shanghai Stadium, Atletico had opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Antoine Griezmann latched onto a long forward pass to slot the ball past SIPG keeper Sun Le. Moments before conceding, SIPG playmaker Dario Conca — the third highest paid player in the world when he signed for Guangzhou Evergrande in 2011 — could have scored. But the Argentine’s

MERCURIAL STRIKER : Atletico Madrid’s Fernando Torres, left, attempts a header at goal during their

friendly match against SIPG Shanghai in Shanghai on Tuesday. – Reuters

low drive did not trouble Atletico keeper Jan Oblak.

SIPG, currently leading the 16team Chinese Super League, were without four first team regulars currently on international duty with China at the East Asia Cup in Wuhan. But they did not look out of place against their more illustrious opponents.

However, in the 24th minute Atletico extended their lead when the ball fell to Griezmann on the edge of the box. The Frenchman

scored his second of the night when his tame shot evaded SIPG keeper Sun to make it 2-0 to the Spanish giants.

Atletico’s Lucas Hernandez should have put his side further ahead in the 28th minute when the French defender crashed a header off the bar from close range.

Torres scored the final goal of the match just after half-time, after which the pace of the game dropped considerably.

SIPG’s Ivorian forward Jean

Evrard Kouassi troubled Atletico on the flanks in the second half with some dangerous balls into the box, but Shanghai lacked the firepower to breach the net of the 2014 Spanish League champions.

Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group owns 20 percent of Atletico Madrid and helped arrange its visit to China.

Atletico beat Japanese club Sagan Tosu 4-1 on penalties on Saturday in the first game of their two-match Asian tour. - AFP

AT H L E T I C S

IAAF condemns ‘sensationalist’ accusations of widespread doping LONDON: The world governing body for athletics (IAAF) on Tuesday dismissed media reports of widespread doping in the sport.

The IAAF said the reports by Britain’s Sunday Times newspaper and Germany’s ARD/WDR broadcaster offered no new evidence that any athlete had failed a drugs test and wrongly implied that the governing body had failed to look into the results when they first came out.

“The IAAF takes the allegations published by the Sunday Times and ARD very seriously and has investigated them thoroughly,” the IAAF said in a ninepage statement.

“The published allegations were sensationalist and confusing: the results referred to were not positive tests. In fact, ARD and the Sunday Times both admit that their evaluation of the data did not prove doping.”

The statement included a background summary on how blood testing is carried out and specific responses to some of the accusations, The IAAF condemned the publication of what it said was private and confidential data obtained without their consent.

“There is no space for shortcuts, simplistic approaches or sensationalism when athletes’ careers and reputations are at stake,” said Professor Giuseppe

YOUTH AND JUNIOR EVENTS

d’Onofrio, described as one of the world’s leading haematologists working as an expert in the field of the Athlete Biological Passport.

The sport of track and field, which has plagued by some spectacular doping cases over the past three decades, was thrown into crisis on Sunday after reports a whistleblower had released secret data indicating suspected widespread blood doping in athletics between 2001 and 2012.

The tests were analysed by two Australian scientists who later told Reuters that while more than 800 athletes had recorded one or more “abnormal” results, which is not proof of doping but still suspicious.

In addressing some of the accusations, the IAAF said the results were not secret and had been published by WADA (World AntiDoping Agency) four years ago.

The IAAF also said it investigated all of the results and at least six athletes who were found to have cheated, were suspended.

A large proportion of these blood samples were collected before the implementation of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and could not be used as proof of doping, the IAAF said.

“The IAAF quite rightly operates within an anti-doping framework, provided by WADA, where suspicion alone does not equal proof of doping. - Reuters AMENDMENTS

IOC approves OOC new logo

ALL SET: OBC chief Sheikh Said bin Rashid Al Qatabi speaks during a press conference organised to reveal the details of the GCC Bowling Championships for Youth and

Juniors. Oman youth, centre photo, and junior teams pose for group photos. – Supplied photos

OBC gearing up to host GCC bowling tourney MUSCAT: The Oman Bowling Committee (OBC) is gearing up to host the GCC Bowling Championships for Youth and Juniors even while making adequate arrangements for the national team to be ready for the challenges at the regional tournaments.

According to OBC Chairman Sheikh Said bin Rashid Al Qatabi, the championships will be organised at the Oman Bowling Centre

in Al Khuwair from August 6 to 15.

Revealing the details of the championships during a press conference organised at the Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) Headquarters, the OBC chief also revealed that a total of 38 players from all six GCC nations will arriving in Muscat to participate in the championships.

Speaking in the presence of Oman national teams coach

Nasser Al Hattali and Ibrahim Al Salmi, Manager of Community Communications at Al Zubair Corporation, he said: “All the arrangements are in place to host a successful event.

“The players will be staying at the Ramada Hotel.”

He also said that Oman teams are well prepared for the championships. “Our players have been training since for March this year.

They are all looking forward for the championships,” he said.

The OBC chairman thanked the Ministry of Sports Affairs and the Oman Olympic Committee for all the support extended to the committee and the national teams.

He also thanked all the private sector companies for coming forward to be partners in hosting the GCC tournaments.

The companies supporting the

event are Oman LNG, Al Zubair Corporation, Omantel and Barzman National LLC water company.

Oman youth comprises Hassan Al Kharusi, Minhal Al Lawati, Ammar Al Rawahi, Ali Zakwani, Hassan Al Rawahi and Azour Al Hadidi. The Sultanate’s junior team consists of Isa Al Jahwari, Abdullah Al Masruri, Mahima Al Hadidi, Husam Al Balushi and Mohammed Al Jahwari.

MUSCAT: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the new logo of Oman Olympic Committee ( OOC) which conforms to the Olympic convention and regulations on logo protection.

According to a OOC statement, the approval of the logo comes after the amendments OOC has applied on the logo.

The amendments showcase the basic features of the logo and the Omani identity represented by the national symbol of the Sultanate, the Omani ‘Khanjar’.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

SPORTS

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‘Clean athletes let down by system’ The scale of the accusations came

It’s good that stuff like this is coming out, people need to know. Maybe now the sport will actually do something about it

as no surprise to Australian athlete Jared Tallent, who feels let down by a system that he says needs changing

SYDNEY: If you were ever looking for a victim of the scourge of blood doping in athletics, it would be hard to go past Australian race walker Jared Tallent.

The 30-year-old finished second in the 50 kilometre walking events at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics behind competitors who were subsequently found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs.

Track and field has been plunged into crisis this week following reports from Britain’s Sunday Times newspaper and Germany’s ARD/ WDR broadcaster that they had obtained IAAF data that indicated suspected widespread blood doping in athletics between 2001 and 2012.

The scale of the accusations

Jared Tallent

Australian race walker

came as no surprise to Tallent, who feels let down by a system that he says needs changing.

“I’d have a lot more gold medals without blood doping, I don’t have any at the moment,” Tallent said by telephone from his home in Adelaide on Tuesday.

“It’s good that stuff like this is coming out, people need to know.

Maybe now the sport will actually do something about it.”

At Beijing in 2008, Tallent finished second behind Italian Alex Schwazer. In 2012, just before

the London Olympics, Schwazer tested positive for erythropoietin, more commonly referred to as EPO, a substance which can increase the blood’s oxygenation.

A tearful Schwazer admitted to using EPO just before London but said he been clean in Beijing so was allowed to keep the gold medal he won in China.

The 50km gold medal in London was won by Russia’s Sergei Kirdyapkin, who was found guilty of doping earlier this year.

Kirdyapkin was handed a three-

P I V O TA L R O L E

PROVIDING BOOST: Tanuf Water Managing Director John Pugh making a symbolic tee off at Almouj Golf at The Wave, Muscat. – Supplied photo

Tanuf tee off with National Bank of Oman Golf Classic Grand Final MUSCAT: The NBO Golf Classic Grand Final received another boost when Tanuf Water, an NMWC product, signed up to become an official partner of the event for the second year running.

The prestigious golf tournament, which will take place at the stunning Almouj Golf at The Wave, Muscat from November 4 to November 7, marks the climax of the European Challenge Tour golf season.

The top 45 players on the season-long ‘Road to Oman Rankings’ will compete for the coveted title while the top 15 ranked players at the conclusion of play will be awarded places on next season’s European Tour.

Tanuf Water will play a pivotal role in keeping the players hydrated during each of four days of play with nine dispensing locations around the course.

NMWC will also ensure the VIP

Hospitality tent is fully stocked with Tanuf Water throughout the tournament.

Managing Director John Pugh said: “Water is an integral part of life and plays a pivotal role in sport, particularly in Oman with hot temperatures the athletes must keep hydrated. We focus on supporting sporting initiatives such as the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final and the Oman Football Association.”

FOOTBALL

Zamora returns to Brighton after 12 years LONDON: Striker Bobby Zamora has signed a one-year deal to return to Brighton & Hove Albion after 12 years, the Championship club said.

The 34-year-old former England international, who left

Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season, had scored 83 goals 83 goals in over three seasons between 2000 and 2003 during his first stint at the club.

He subsequently moved to Tottenham Hotspur where he

worked with current Brighton manager Chris Hughton.

“He will also bring a lot in terms of character to the club and to the dressing room,” Hughton said in a statement on the club’s website (www.seagulls.co.uk). - Reuters

year, two-month suspension by Russian anti-doping officials (RUSADA) that was backdated to October 2012, just after the London Olympics ended.

Most of his results from 2009 were annulled but RUSADA left open a window so he could keep his Olympic gold medal.

“It was absolutely ridiculous,” Tallent said. “They proved that he was doping for four years up to London but they allowed him to keep the medal. It was the biggest joke in the world.”

The world governing body for athletics (IAAF) has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the selective disqualification periods the Russians used, but Tallent remains furious at the whole system.

Drug cheats The Australian has become so angry about being beaten by athletes he believes are doping, that he has stopped shaking hands with them at the end of races.

“It does make you happy when you beat these guys, who you know are cheats, you’re just bitterly disappointed when you finish second,” he said. “At the start, I would shake their hands but now I try not to.”

A source of particular ire for Tallent is the Russian athletes under the tutelage of coach Viktor Chegin. Chegin was suspended from his job last month after five of his walkers, including Kirdyapkin, were banned for doping offences.

What he sees as RUSADA’s cherry-picking with Kirdyapkin’s ban has convinced Tallent that the punishments for doping offences need to be taken out of the hands of national bodies.

“There needs to be an independent anti-doping authority that deals with athletics not related to the countries,” he said.

“That way you won’t have countries politically persuaded not to do the right thing.”

Tallent, who has been wag-

ing a campaign on social media with like-minded fellow athletes against the cheats in his sport, feels the IAAF needs to be more aggressive in pursuing offenders.

“I definitely feel let down by the IAAF,” he said. “I contacted them earlier this year about the case of some Russian walkers that were competing while they were banned.

“The IAAF said they were going to investigate it, and clearly they had enough evidence, but nothing was done.”

Tallent wants drug cheats named and shamed, worrying that if they go unpunished, clean competitors could unfairly be tarred with the same brush.

“You might get people thinking that everybody’s doing it but that’s not the case,” he said. “It’s just unfortunate that quite a few of the successful ones are cheating.”

Despite his anger, Tallent still enjoys his sport and is looking forward to taking part in his sixth world championships in Beijing later this month -- particularly as Russia has said their race walkers will almost certainly not compete.

“Thankfully, this year we’ll get to the world championships and there’ll be no Russian walkers from Chegin’s stable. It will make it a lot more of a level playing field, that’s for sure,” he said.

“It will probably be the cleanest race at the world championships for more than 20 years so I’m looking forward to that. - Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

SPORTS

AT H L E T I C S

Japan select Sani Brown for world championships TOKYO: Japan have added 16-year-old sprinter Abdul Hakim Sani Brown to their squad for this month’s World Athletics Championships in Beijing, making him the youngest athlete to represent the country at senior level.

Born in Fukuoka to a Japanese mother and Ghanaian father, Sani Brown, broke championship records on his way to two gold medals at the world youth championships in Colombia last month.

He clocked 10.28 seconds in the 100 metres and 20.34 in the 200, the second bettering the mark set by Usain Bolt in 2003, for the sprint double.

“With the chance I have now, I’d

like to go toe-to-toe with the topclass sprinters across the world,” the youngster was quoted as saying by the Kyodo news agency on Tuesday.

At the age of 16 years and five months, the second-grade student at Josai High School in Tokyo is five months younger than Megumi Sato, who competed in the women’s high jump event at the 1983 championships in Helsinki. “He shows more potential the tougher the opposition gets. He’s different in competitions and always surpasses our expectations,” his school coach Takahiko Yamamura said.

The World Athletics Championships will be held in Beijing from August 22 to 30. - Reuters

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Chelsea trust in continuity as new EPL season dawns But with their title-

Chelsea need a fit Costa, says Redknapp

winning side intact, Jose Mourinho’s men are widely perceived as the team to beat

LONDON: It is a reflection of Chelsea’s dominance last season that although they are yet to strengthen their squad, they remain strong favourites to retain the English Premier League title in 2015-16.

Arsenal, third last season, appear better-equipped for a title tilt, while Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have spent big in the hope of closing the gap on Chelsea, who finished eight points clear of outgoing champions City in May. But with their title-winning side intact, Jose Mourinho’s men are widely perceived as the team to beat.

“Throughout the Premier League there is strength now because a lot of clubs are buying big players, not just the top clubs,” said Mourinho, who hopes to repeat his feat of leading Chelsea to successive titles in 2005 and 2006.

“At the moment, we are champions of the toughest league in the world, so we know how difficult it is going to be to repeat the achievement, but we are ready for the challenge and we will enjoy the challenge.”

With Asmir Begovic having replaced Petr Cech as reserve goalkeeper and Radamel Falcao taking the place of Didier Drogba, Chelsea’s squad is materially the same as it was last season.

However, Diego Costa’s troublesome hamstrings, which caused him to miss Sunday’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal, and some leggy pre-season performances have given their rivals reason for optimism.

That 1-0 Community Shield win, coupled with the arrival of Cech, has encouraged belief at Arsenal, back-to-back FA Cupwinners, that their 12-year wait for a league title may be approaching an end.

With a world-class goalkeeper backing up a settled defence and a midfield that bristles with guile and inventiveness, the only weak spot is up front, where Arsene Wenger must choose between the not particularly prolific trio of Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott

LONDON: Defending champions Chelsea’s season could be in trouble if striker Diego Costa is unavailable for long, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp said.

Spain striker Costa, who injured his hamstring during the pre-season and missed Chelsea’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal, is a doubt for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Swansea City.

“If Costa is injured a lot and is going to be missing, that’s the scary part — can they (Chelsea) get away without him?” Redknapp, who quit as Queens Park Rangers manager in February, said on his official Twitter handle on Tuesday.

“If Costa does pick up injuries, and it seems his hamstring isn’t great at the moment, one of (Loic) Remy and (Radamel) Falcao has got to carry the baton and do the job and whether they can is the question mark.”

The 68-year-old Redknapp resigned from Queens Park

and Danny Welbeck.

Another team brimming with midfielders and short on strikers is United, with Louis van Gaal having added Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay to a department of his squad that already included Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata, Ashley Young and Adnan Januzaj, not to mention the departing Angel di Maria, whose place in the squad could go to Barcelona’s Pedro Rodriguez.

Falcao, Nani and Robin van Persie have also left, but as a Champions League qualifying play-off looms, goalkeeper David de Gea’s future remains up in the air.

Financial behemoth With a new £5.1 billion ($8 billion, 7.3 billion euros) domestic television rights deal kicking in next year, Premier League clubs have not been shy in splashing out.

The biggest transfer to date has been Raheem Sterling’s £49 million switch from Liverpool to City, after a protracted transfer saga that opposition fans are unlikely

DOUBTFUL STARTER: Diego Costa. – AFP

Rangers in February with the club second bottom of the Premier League.

They were relegated at the end of the season.

“Maybe Falcao can do the

to forget in a hurry. Despite falling short in defence of their title, City have kept faith with manager Manuel Pellegrini, but with the club hierarchy continuing to flutter their eyelashes at Pep Guardiola and last season’s Golden Boot-winner Sergio Aguero short of fitness after the Copa America, doubts remain.

Shorn of Sterling and the emblematic Steven Gerrard, Liverpool have brought in seven new players, among them Christian Benteke, James Milner and Roberto Firmino, but ahead of an opening-weekend trip to Stoke City, where they were humiliated 6-1 on last season’s final day, manager Brendan Rodgers is also under pressure.

For all the title contenders’ bigmoney moves, it is the transfers involving England’s mid-ranked clubs that have emphasised the Premier League’s transformation into a financial behemoth and none more so than Yohan Cabaye’s £10 million switch from French champions Paris SaintGermain to Crystal Palace, who finished 10th in 2014-15.

job, Jose’s placed his faith in him. Jose (Mourhino) can lift people and improve people and if he can get the best out of him maybe they’ll be ok,” Redknapp added. - Reuters

With even the smaller teams now boasting budgets that put them on a par with all but the very biggest European clubs, a whole host of sides — among them Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Everton — will have designs on the European places.

Stoke and Swansea City will hope to build on impressive campaigns, while Palace, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland finished last season dreaming of better things after successful managerial changes.

West Ham United, Newcastle United and Leicester City have new managers — respectively, Slaven Bilic, Steve McClaren and Claudio Ranieri — as well as Watford (Quique Sanchez Flores), who were promoted from the Championship alongside Bournemouth and Norwich City.

“It’s not rocket science,” says Bournemouth’s affable 37-yearold manager Eddie Howe.

“Bournemouth are not going to be able to compete with those top clubs, but when you put 11 players on the pitch, it’s not really about money.” - AFP

NO EXCUSES

United manager Van Gaal faces many questions and a ‘massive season’ LONDON: Manchester United’s fourth place in last season’s English Premier League was regarded as a qualified success but more importantly the launch pad to return the club to former glory.

A few weeks later, however, with uncertainty over the future of goalkeeper David de Gea, Angel di Maria’s expected sale to Paris St Germain rumbling on and worries about virtually every area of the pitch, United’s legions of fans still need convincing that things are moving in the right direction.

Manager Louis van Gaal’s first season in charge was greeted with a general thumbs up as the Dutchman returned the team to top four after their stunning fall from grace under David Moyes.

Improving on that will be an

even bigger challenge. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles under Alex Ferguson, says that Van Gaal faces a “massive season” and will have “no excuses” if United fail to challenge for a 21st league title.

“He’s had last season and a whole pre-season to really drill his ideas and philosophy into these players,” Ferdinand told reporters. “He is under pressure to win the league, or at least to improve and finish in second place.”

Chief among Van Gaal’s concerns will be goalkeeper De Gea, who is wanted by Real Madrid. The Spaniard appeared distracted when United lost 2-0 to PSG in a friendly last week and the sooner his situation is cleared up the better.

Then there are concerns about the physical condition of new signing Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich. The German midfielder’s pedigree is beyond question but the £14 million ($21.85 million) United paid for the 31-year-old will only represent a sound investment if they have signed the powerhouse he was at his peak — not the injuryplagued player whose influence was on the wane at Bayern.

Van Gaal showed faith in English defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones last season but neither were convincing.

Sergio Ramos has been mooted as a possible signing, but only as part of a deal that would take De Gea to Madrid.

With Robin van Persie gone,

Van Gaal will hope Memphis Depay, who lit up the Dutch league with PSV Eindhoven, will form a potent strike partnership with talisman Wayne Rooney.

French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin was also signed from Southampton. But there is a feeling of more questions than answers as United go into a crucial opening period which begins at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday and continues with a vital Champions League qualifier the week after.

“Time will tell if (Van Gaal) has bought well,” Ferdinand said. “Schweinsteiger has won all there is to win in the game, but the Premier League is a different beast, Depay hasn’t played here — they still have to prove themselves. - Reuters

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LIFESTYLE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

Leisure WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

A Coastal Kaleidoscope The waters of the Indian Ocean surrounding the archipelago of the Maldives are home to over a thousand species of fish, five species of turtles, and two dozen species of whales and dolphins, making it one of the most spectacular snorkelling and diving destinations in the world.

Well worth the eight-hour journey from Muscat.

Story Scott Armstrong

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LIFESTYLE THE DETAILS Stay Kurumba Resort Vihamanaafushi, Maldives +960 664 2324, kurumba.com While all the rooms are stunning, the two-storey Presidential Pool villas are particularly nice, featuring a private pool and garden with beach access.

Fly The carriers offering the shortest flights are FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, and Sri Lankan Airlines, whose journeys include connections to direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

Don’t Miss ĕǍ The underwater sightseeing. Be sure to plan a day of snorkelling or scuba diving (if you are a certified diver)

I

n the clear turquoise waters of the Maldives, I froze as the Black Tip reef shark swam in to view. I caught my breath, which rattled loudly in my snorkel, as one of the world’s oldest and most graceful predators slid past. I kept my movements to a minimum, not wanting to break the spell. Coming face to face with my first shark was a surprisingly serene experience.

Another appeared, and then another, until eight sharks swam around me, seemingly unconcerned and uninterested in my presence, unaware of the mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, curiously calm — that coursed through me.

This astonishing “house reef ” was just off of the Kurumba resort in the archipelago of the Maldives —1,200 islands surrounded by coral reefs and stunning sea life — a 15 minutes boat trip from the capital of Male.

Only a four-hour flight from the UAE, add on layovers and transfers, and the journey from Muscat to the island is around eight.

But, waiting for you at the end of your trek is the Kurumba resort,

one of the most established resorts in the archipelago.

Opened in 1972, Kurumba boasts five-star accommodations, fine dining, powder white sand, and steady 30 C year-round sunshine, which is spectacular, but in reality, it’s the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean on its doorstep that have been attracting divers and snorkellers for decades.

The shallows along the resort’s coastline are protected by a sea wall, making it ideal for young children, but as you swim out through the channels, maybe just 20 or 30 metres from the beach front, the shallows give way to the depths in which the coral reef, a bewildering kaleidoscope of sea life, begins.

This is where your heart stops.

Floating like an astronaut in orbit above an alien world, the depths plummet down below you. Gently kick your flippers to stay over the crest as you watch a rare Hawksbill turtle, longer than a metre, swim up the slope and towards you, ancient and graceful.

Time slips away as you float there. Dozens of bright blue fish gather and as their shimmering bodies dart back and forth, it

seems this underwater sky is suddenly full of stars. The crackling sound of fish feeding on the coral accompanying the breath in your snorkel provide a sound track to this moment of tranquillity and wonder.

It could take a lifetime to describe all the sea life visible to snorkellers off the shores of the Kurumba resort, not to mention the incredible wonders visible to scuba divers.

In these waters there are around 1,100 species of fish, five species of turtles, and 21 species of whales and dolphins. Whether you’ll see them all is debatable, but in this bountiful reef, you certainly have the best chance to take them all in.

Back on land, the Kurumba resort delivers as well, with tennis courts, water sports of every kind, table tennis, pool, soccer, and beach volley ball tournaments available to help you pass the time.

Come meal time, the resort has one of the widest selections of choices in the Maldives, with eight restaurants including seafood, Japanese, Italian, French, Arabic, Indian, Chinese, and local fare.

Of these options Thila, for me, was the star for its superb seafront location, flawless service, and excellent seafood and local Maldivian specialities at dinnertime. Even breakfast tasted best overlooking the ocean from our breezy table at Thila, as we

lingered over cappuccinos and plates of tropical fruit.

Wandering through the resort, I took note of a kids club for youngsters that provides parents the opportunity to enjoy a few precious child-free hours on the beach or at the Veli spa, where trained massage therapists waited to soothe away any aches and pains from jet-skiing or swimming (such a tough life).

Having visited many spas, I can honestly say the Kurumba Veli spa is one of the best. Yes, like every other facility it was tranquil and comforting, but on top of that, the therapists were pros who really knew what they were doing.

Take it from me, the hot stones used in the “signature” treatment can work away even the tightest of hunched-over-desk shoulder muscle knots.

When it comes to the accommodations, all of the room options impress with huge beds, luxurious indoor-outdoor bathrooms, and both sea view and garden view rooms located a mere stone’s throw away from the shore.

My family and I were lucky enough to stay in one of the spacious, two-floor Presidential Pool villas that featured its own pool and a private garden that led out onto the beach. It was an ideal set up for a family, with my wife and I upstairs and my teenage son down, providing some privacy for all concerned.

ĕǍ

The “signature” hot stone massage at Veli Spa

ĕǍ

Fresh seafood and Maldivian specialities served over the Indian Ocean at Thila restaurant

The master bedroom was outfitted with a television, sofa, massive bed, and an executive-sized bathroom featuring a soaking tub, indoor shower, and outdoor monsoon shower, which proved to be the most refreshing way to start the day.

As Presidential Pool villa dwellers, we enjoyed complimentary breakfasts at my favourite on-site restaurant, Thila, as well as hosted evening happy hours at Kandu where nightly live music was performed.

As travellers, we all put a premium on different things, be it high thread count sheets, gourmet dining, or bespoke spa treatments, but the fact is, we all ultimately travel to have experiences that we couldn’t have back home in our everyday lives; experiences that provide us with memories that we can savour long after our travels have ended.

Off the Maldivian coast I witnessed a show unlike any I’ve ever seen, and as I floated there, I knew that the day I swam with sharks off the Maldivian coast would linger in my memory.

Despite the spectacular grounds, great entertainment, delicious food, super-luxurious rooms, and spectacular staff, from the affable general manager, Jason to the housekeepers, it was my time spent under the sea that continues to return to me, quiet moments that are my most cherished souvenirs.

—scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

LIFESTYLE

THE HOBBYIST Ismael Karim Chess player

THE STRATEGIST

“The most important thing is to be in contact with players who share the same passion for the game.”

Why do you love it?

I love the game of chess because it’s a mix of art, sport, and science. It is an art when you win by a beautiful combination or when you look at the games of the great contemporary and old masters. It is a sport when you compete to win an important game or tournament and you have to sit in front of the board for more than 7 hours. It is a science when you are sitting at home before the game analysing the games of your opponent of the day to find out what his strong points and weaknesses are.

How did you get into it?

I started to play chess at school in the city of Clichy, neighbourhood of Paris. Chess was introduced to the curriculum in 1995 and we had a one-hour class every week. I quickly started to enjoy playing and went to register at the local chess club. I had the chance to be in contact with strong players (Grand Masters and Masters) and that helped me to improve.

How can I get into it?

The most important thing is to be in contact with players that share the same passion for the game. Register at the local chess club and try to play as many games as possible. I still remember, after losing my first game at the chess club, one old man told me what the former world champion Jose Raul Capablanca said: “If you want to become a good player you have to lose at least one hundred games.”

Of course, by that he wanted to say that losing is part of the game and the only way to improve it to analyse your own mistakes so that you won’t repeat them in the next game. Analysing your games with a strong player will help you to reach the top very fast.

What's your pro-tip?

Believe in yourself and your abilities. Never start a game scared or overestimating the skills of your opponent. The great Serbian player, Gligoric, who defeated some of the strongest players used to say: “I play

against pieces and not opponents.”

As far as tips for playing, it is best to view the game in three parts: opening, middlegame, and end-game.

Opening: The goal is to mobilise your army, win as much space as possible and castle to have a safe place for your King.

Try to move each piece only once until you complete the development of all your pieces, without exception.

Middle-game: It is time to direct all your pieces towards your opponent’s King.

End-game: Most of the pieces have been exchanged and it is now time to bring your King to the centre to help the other pieces win the Battle.

Chess in Muscat International Chess Academy of Oman Al Khuwair (Oman Club) and Muttrah Timings: Mondays to Saturdays Email: omanchessacademy@gmail.com Whatsapp: +968 91176766 *To play online, register for free at chess24.com

Y O U R FAV O U R I T E B O O K

The Kite Runner A Novel by Khaled Hosseini There are two reasons that The Kite Runner is currently my favourite book. Firstly, I read it recently and the plot and characters haven’t faded from my memory since I put it down. Secondly, the 2003 novel swept me away with emotions as my heart thumped anxiously and tears filled my eyes so many times that it slowed down my reading. It is rare to encounter a book with such potent and long lasting emotional impact.

The story is about the divide between rich and poor; friendship and family; love and betrayal. Two young boys grow up together in the same house in Afghanistan. Amir, a majority sect Pushtun, is the son of a rich man, and Hassan, a minority sect

member, is the son of the household servant. Both motherless, they learn to crawl together, ride bikes together, and fly kites together, but Amir never thinks of Hassan as a true friend because of his place in the society.

One day Hassan is assaulted, the attack witnessed by Amir, who fails to step in. The guilt he feels over the incident haunts Amir and he shuts Hassan out as a result.

“I made sure our paths crossed as little as possible,” says Amir. “Because when he was around the oxygen seeped out of my room. But even when he wasn't around, he was. He was there in the hand-washed and ironed clothes... in the warm slippers left outside my door…everywhere I

turned I saw signs of his loyalty, his unwavering loyalty.”

Amir escapes to America as the war breaks out in Afghanistan, and he tries to forget his former life.

Years later, Amir returns to Afghanistan, and through a series of unexpected tragedies, he finds himself in a position to finally stand up for Hassan (in the form of Hassan’s son), in a way he never was able to as a boy.

The beauty of the novel lies with its narration. Hosseini tells the story with simplicity and poise, slowly weaving in the complexities and intricacy of the human condition from the beginning through to the dramatic end.

Reviewed by: T.A. Ameerudheen

ARE YOU A PROLIFIC READER? What is your favourite book? Tell us about it.

Send your thoughts in the form of a reader review to: salim@timesofoman.com

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FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

@SHATTI

@RUWI

3:00, 7:20PM The Night Crew – 2D (Action, Thriller) (15+) 3:45, 9:50PM Drishyam– 2D (Drama, Thriller) (TBC) 8:15PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 11.30 pm Acha Din – 2D (Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Mammoothy , Mansi Sharma, Renji 5:30PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan– 2D (Drama, Action) (PG) 5:15, 11:30PM

@AZAIBA

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6pm) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner 9:15 pm Ant Man (3D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 12:15, 7:00, 9:30, 11:45 pm Ant Man (2D)(Action, Adventure) (PG12) 2:30 pm Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Drama)(PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor 6:30, 11:30 pm Terminator: Genisys (Action)(3D)PG12 Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, 11:45 pm Minions (Animation, Comedy)(3D) PG 12:00, 2:30 pm Tooken (Comedy)(18+) Cast: Ethan Suplee, Jenny McCarthy 4:30 pm Ted 2 (Comedy)(12+) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried 2:00, 4:45 pm Paper Towns (Drama,Mystery)(15+) Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne 4:15, 6:15 pm Drishyam (Drama, Mystery)(PG12) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 11:30 am, 8:30 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner 11:45PM How to Make Love Like an Englishman 2D (Comedy, Romance) (12+) Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek 12:45PM

10:30am, 4:15pm TED 2 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast : Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried, Seth MacFarlane

12:15, 7:00, 9:30, 11:45 pm ANT-MAN 3D (Action, Adv) (PG12) Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll

Ted 2 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried 10:30AM, 4:15PM Gold Class : 1:30PM Ant-Man 3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 10:00AM, 9:30, 11:55PM Gold Class: 3:45, 9:00, 11:15PM Ant-Man 2D (Action, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) 2:00PM Drishyam 2D (Drama, Mystery) (PG12) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 8:45PM Gold Class: 6:00PM Paper Towns 2D (Drama, Mystery) (15+) Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne 4:30, 6:40PM Minions (3D) (Animation, Comady) (PG) 12:15, 2:45PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D): (Drama) (PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Harshaali Malthotra 6:30PM

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried 1:00, 5:30, 7:45 PM Paper Towns 2D (Drama, Mystery) (15+) 3:15, 7:00 pm Tooken (Comedy)(18+) 12:40, 10:00 PM Acha Din - 2D (M) (TBC) Drama Cast: P. Balachandran, Jaise Jose 9:10 PM Sakalakala Vallavan Appatakkar - 2D (T) (TBC) Comic Drama Cast: Anjali, Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan 2:15, 11:30 PM Minions (3D) (Animation, Comady) (PG) 12:15, 5:15 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D): (Drama) (PG) 02:15, 11:30 PM Drishyam 2D (Drama, Mystery) (PG12) 5:15 PM Ant-Man 3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 2:45 PM Ant-Man 2D (Action, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) 12:30, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30, 11:45 PM

AZAIBA Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson 8:30, 11:30 PM Ted 2 2D (Comedy) (12+)

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Dept time

Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

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FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

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16:30 18:00 19:30

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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

35 32 Minimum

11.45 13.30 14.00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Baahubali (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubatti, Anshka 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 PM at Cinema Main Sakalakala Vallavan Appattakkar (Tamil) Cast: Jayam Ravi, Trisha & Anjali (Act/Com) 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm at Cinema -2 Drishyam (Hindi) (Drama) Cast: Ajay Devgan, Shriya & Tabu 6:45, 9:45 pm Cinema -3 Bhaubali ( Telugu ) 3-45 Pm At Cinema -3 Acha Din (Mal) (Drama/Act) Cast: Mammootty, Manasi Sharam 3:45, 6:45, 9-45 PM at Cinema 4 Next Change: Idhu Enna Maayam (Tamil) (Programmes are subject to change)

WITH LOVE

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HAMAD August 5, 2013

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RELATIVE HUMIDITY

55-85% Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

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DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:25

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BURAIMI Ant Man - 2D (Horror, Thriller) (PG12) 5:10PM Ant Man - 3D (Horror, Thriller) (PG12) 3:00, 7:45, 9:30, 11:45PM Ted 2 – 2D (Comedy) (12+)

STAR CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

SOHAR Terminator Genisys - 3D (PG12) Action, 6:00, 11:30 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) Drama, Action 3:15, 8:15 PM Minions - 3D (PG); 4:15 PM Baahubali - 2D (Hindi) (12+) Action 9:00 PM

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

SCREEN 3 Baahubali: The Beginning (Action) – 12+ Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty 3.45, 6.45PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG 9.45PM

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller ) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner 9.40, 11.55 pm CP No: 1894 (PG12) Terminator: Genisys (Action / Adventure) Cast: Arnold Schwarznegger, Emily Clarke 1.45 pm; CP No: 1714 (PG 12) Ted 2 (Comedy) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Seth Mc Farlane 4.00 & 7.40 pm; CP No: 1887 (12+) Minions (Animation/ Comedy) 6:00 pm; CP No: 1731 (PG) The Night Crew ( Action/Thriller) Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss 2.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm; CP No: 1886 (15+) Tooken (Comedy) Cast: Ethan Suplee, Jenny Mc Carthy 12.00, 4.00 & 8.00 pm CP No: 1885 (18+) How To Make Love Like An Englishman (Comedy / Romance ) Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Jessica 12.00 & 6.00 pm CP No: 1888 (12+)

SALALAH Ant-Man (2D) (PG12) (Action) 4:00PM Ant-Man (3D)(PG12); 12:00, 9:15, 11:30PM Minions (3D) (PG) (Animation) 10:15AM, 2:15PM Terminator (3D)(PG12) (Action) 2:30PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 9.00, 11:45 pm Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) (PG) (Drama/Action) 6:15, 11:15PM The Night Crew (2D) (15+) (Action/Thriller) 9:30PM Ted 2 (2D)(12+) (Comedy) 10:15AM, 2:30, 6:40PM Paper Towns (2D)(15+) (Drama) 12:30, 4:45PM Drishyam (2D)(PG12)(Hindi) (Drama) 11:30AM Acha Din (2D)(12+)(Malayalam) (Drama) 4:30PM Sakalakala Vallavan Appatakkar (2D) (PG12)(Tamil) (Comic Drama) 6:40PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

SCREEN 2 Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG 3.45PM Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 6.45, 9.45 PM

Ant-Man- 2D (PG12) (Action, Sci-Fi) 2:45 PM Ant-Man- 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi 5:00, 11:50PM The Night Crew - 2D (15+) Action Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss 2:15, 11:55 PM Ted 2- 2D (12+) Comedy 2:00, 7:10 PM Paper Towns - 2D (15+) (Drama, Mystery) 6:15 PM Drishyam- 2D (Hindi) (TBC) (Drama, Thriller) 8:30PM Acha Din - 2D (M) (TBC) Drama Cast: P. Balachandran, Jaise Jose 6:45 PM Sakalakala Vallavan Appatakkar - 2D (T) (TBC) Comic Drama 4:00 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 9.30, 11:15 pm

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

SUR Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 9:00, 11:45 PM Ant Man (2D) (Action | Sci-Fi) (PG12) 6:00 PM Ant Man (3D) (PG12) 9:30 PM Minions (3D) (Animation ) (PG) 4.15 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Hindi) (Action) (PG) 4:30 PM Drishyam (Hindi) (Action) (PG12) 11:30 PM Ted 2 (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, 7:30 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

8:30, 11:30 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson

Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG 6.30 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 9.30 pm

RUWI SCREEN 1 Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 3.30 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

3.30, 6:45, 9.45PM DRISHYAM (Thriller/Drama ) (PG12) Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran

BAHJA CINEMA

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE

Downstream Beauty

Location: Wadi Dayqah Dam, Quriyat, 23°05’04.4”N 58°51’09.6”E Have you been able to capture the beauty of an off-the-beaten -path destination in Oman? Send your pictures with a caption & geo-locator to: salim@timesofoman.com

M O D E R N T R AV E L L E R

Mussoorie MUSSOORIE (UTTARAKHAND): When a team of star hotel chefs started ploughing the land adjacent to their property in Mussoorie, around nine months back in this popular Uttarakhand tourist destination in the Gharwal Himalayas, the villagers were not only baffled but they thought they had gone nuts, said the top chef at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa. “But it finally turned out to be a good business decision as the people who come here are mostly couples celebrating their anniversaries and want an unforgettable experience,” said executive chef Sunil Kumar.

The experience he talked about

is not just dining at the organic farm but also choosing the vegetables grown there to be cooked and served in the scenic setting with no one around except ones’ beloved or the family. “Now we are working on picnic packages called “farminic” or “riverinic” - dining at the farm or by the riverside. We are also planning to start walnut walking trails,” Kumar said. The 115-room Mussoorie hotel is the first resort property in India for the global hospitality chain JW Marriott. Kumar was part of the pre-opening team of the resort and decided to try out something different and was struck with the idea of dining at a farm. The twist is that the farm has to be run by them.

With the management giving the go ahead, Kumar spoke to the landlady and convinced her to allow them to grow vegetables, like tomatoes, brinjal, bitter gourd, pumpkin, Chinese cabbage. Asparagus, strawberries are grown separately in a green house set up by the hotel. “We are planning to grow white bell peppers and lettuce of different colours,” Kumar said.

Clearing the wild growth, the star hotel's chef team, along with the local villages, decided to plough the field in the traditional way tying the plough to two oxen and pressing it down with the palm.

Kumar said a Bollywood actor with his family enjoyed the experience of five-star dining at the farm.

-IANS

A five-star resort offers farm dining experience in Mussoorie

C12

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

LIFESTYLE BRIEF

T R AV E L T I P S

WHAT TO EAT ON LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS What you consume on a long-haul flight can have a major impact on how you feel both inflight and after you land. lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Food to pack Make your own inflight snacks with bags of unsalted or lightly salted mixed nuts, dried fruit, and easy-to-eat fresh fruits like bananas and apples. Be sure to bring an empty water bottle that you can fill up after you get through security.

Drink water Stay hydrated. Drink at least 500ml water every hour on the flight to hydrate your body and skin. Bring a bigger, empty re-usable water bottle, which you can ask the flight attendants to fill up for you. Try to swap water for sugary carbonated drinks and coffee.

Bad bites Avoid foods that can cause dehydration and indigestion, like salty snacks, carbonated drinks, carbohydrates (like croissants and pastries), spicy food, cheese-heavy dishes, and fried items. It’s better to avoid anything artificial, refined or processed.

Good bites To stay hydrated, full, and to avoid bloating, snack on fresh fruit, like apples, berries, and bananas; nuts (but avoid overly salted nuts); dried fruit; and leafy greens. To further combat bloating and travel fatigue, opt for the lighter steamed or boiled items on the inflight menu.

Deluxe offer at Grand Hyatt in celebration of Oman’s 45th National Day MUSCAT: Grand Hyatt Muscat is presenting residents of Oman, neighbouring GCC states and all international travellers an attractive offer in commemoration of Oman’s 45th National Day, applicable to hotel stays booked from now until September 15. The offer features 50 per cent off the Hyatt daily rate for stays between October 1 and December 31, 2015, a discount that is available on all room types, from regular rooms to stylishly appointed suites. Information about Grand Hyatt Muscat’s luxurious rooms and suites are available at bit.ly/1S6bbok.

“Oman celebrating 45 years of prosperity under the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said is a very big achievement and gives us all the more reason to celebrate. The ‘Super Saver’ package is offered to all our guests in honour of this incredible occasion.

There is so much to see and do in Oman, especially for international travellers, and residents of Oman can also benefit from this offer.

Omanis can spend a lavish staycation at Grand Hyatt Muscat, take advantage of cooling down in the hotel’s temperature-controlled pool or indulge in Muscat’s best weekend brunch, known as the ‘Grand Friday Brunch’ at Mokha Café,” said Garry Friend, the hotel’s general manager.

Bookings can be made online through the hotel’s website or by getting in touch with the hotel’s reservations department at +968 1464 1234 or by e-mailing muscat.dining@hyatt.com.

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SECTION

CONNEC t h e d a i ly g u i d e

RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

for rent

We have 2BHK flat in Mabella 7 for family. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2BHK, flats available in Ghala for families, staff & Execution.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2 BHK flats in AL Khuwair near Rawasco, can use as office or for families. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have offices in Ghala new building affordable price. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008 1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557 5 flats single bedroom available including electricity & water 125/- in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99441798 2 flats single bedroom available in Wadi Kabir 150/-, including Electricity & Water. Contact: 99441798 Villa 2 bedrooms + hall + sitting room in Al Hail South R.O 300/Monthly. Contact: 93993354

We have 230 sqm showroom in Ghubra main road, prime location suitable for wholesale business or bank or insurance company.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair can use as commercial or residence villa with large sitting hall , 5 rooms, 6 toilets & kitchen with 2 cars parking. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2 BHK flats in Ghubra 18th November near new Mars hypermarket, flat with 2 rooms, large sitting hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 1bedroom in Al Hail South RO 150/monthly. Contact: 93993354 1BHK R.O 190/- & 2BHK R.O 240/near Medical Darsait. Contact 98748925 Well maintained spacious 2 BHK at Rex Road. Contact: 92227165 2BHK & 1BHK flats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025 For rent new apartment in Al Mawaleh close to Al Bahja Center consisting of 3 bedrooms, 1council, kitchen, hall, 3 bathrooms, 1 computer room, parking for car. Contact: 93214010 / 92602050

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126 We have 1BHK flat in Wadi Kabir good price. Contact 93782735 / 99208033 We have shop for rent in Al Khuwair near Rawasco prime location.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 For rent in South Al Hail 1 bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, kitchen, balcony, car parking 175/- R.O Monthly.

Contact: 92602050 / 93214010 One & two bedroom apartment available for rent, at South Ghubra near Atlas hospital next to Diwan’s Office. Contact: 99833747 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 3BHK , 3 bathrooms, 2 balconies, nr. Al Hassan, W/ Kabir 330/- R.O. Contact: 99384640

We have small building for rent in Bowsher suitable for staff accommodation & store building have 4 flats & 1 shop commercial building.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422

Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area Ruwi opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact: 99366624

Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer behind Muscat club. # 92222922

Room attached, bath room, kitchen in Muscat O.R 65/-.

Contact: 98049086 2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 93193109.

2 & 3 BHK big Flats with Big hall, Kitchen & new split ACs at Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com

2BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686 Flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports. Interested candidates please Contact : 00968-92225523

Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002 1 &2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines 2BHK ground flr in Darsait Near Muscat Municipality, walkable distance from Indian School Muscat, Rent: OMR.275/- Contact : 99451845 2BK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Spacious 2BHK Flat with Split A/c’s behind Sultan Center, Azaiba – RO.425/- p.m. Contact: 99824803 / 99849325

House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. Contact: 95555162 / 95755953

2BHK flat available behind Majan College / Darsait. Contact 24705742

Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953

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Daily guide

for rent

for rent

Motor Vehicle for SALE

550 sqm built up area Deluxe villa 7 BR with 3 sitting halls located at prime commercial location North Al Ghobrah. Contact: Owner 99411607 / 99892238

3BHK with split AC in MSQ, opp.

Al Fair. Contact: 96708000

2 BHK with split /AC in W/K behind Sana fashion. Contact: 96708000

Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034

2BHK, 2 Baths, Split A/C, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School.

Contact 99441193, 93004801

1 Villa & 3 big Flats of 2/3 BHK with hall, Kitchen & ACs Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner.

Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com

2BHK in Al Ghubra near Indian School. Contact : 96708000

Mitsubishi 10 ton, truck 2006 model for sale. Registration valid.

Contact: 99366474

Mazda 3, 2007 KM 1,43000, full automatic R.O 1900/-.

Contact 99781671

Honda Accord 2010, 10,5000 kms, expat lady driven, dealer maintained, new tyres. Contact 99330509

Touareg 2011 Oman cars, 114000 KM, silver, 8500/-R.O. Contact 92857111

250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339

Honda CRV 2008 model, expat driven, 2.4L, 78000 kms, OMR 5200/(Negotiable). Contact: 99867670

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093

Two bedrooms flats in Wadi Kabir near Indian School.

Contact 99313274

Hyundai Tuscon 2.4 Full option (including Moon roof) for sale in Muscat, Model 2013 , Single Owner (University Lecturer) driven, 39,600 kms, in excellent condition, for sale.

Contact 99653760.

1bedroom, kitchen, sharing toilet, parking, family R.O 110/-, 1bedroom sharing K& T family in Al Khuwair R.O 100/-. Contact: 95154331

for sale

Commercial Space 68 SQM, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School. Contact 99441193, 93004802

SELL/Buy

2 bed rooms, kitchen, toilet & car park in Al Khuwair R.O 200/- .

Contact 95154331

2BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi.

Contact: 99269751 Furnished offices for rent in prime location in Ruwi (Mumtaz) with free electricity, water and internet for lease long & short term. # 99331181 1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633 Flat for rent in Darsait near Indian School 1 bedroom, living room, 2 bathrooms & kitchen. Contact: 95806611 / 94694662 Flat for rent in Ruwi, 1 bedroom (Walja) 1 bedroom, living room , 2 bath rooms, kitchen.

Contact: 95464607 / 95464608 2 BHK Flats for rent in Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97009734 / 92629232 Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th.

Contact: 97147240 Deluxe PH 1BHK at North Ghoubra.

Contact: 99242218 2BHK commercial Al Khuwair R.O 400/-. Contact: 97799175 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir with 3 rooms. Contact : 98555580 / 92800007

Shop for rent prime location in Ruwi Mumtaz near Al Burj hotel.

Contact: 99331181 2 rooms in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99330385 Office / shop near Star Cinema & CBD Muttrah. Contact: 99233116 2BHK near CBD & Star Cinema, Muttrah. Contact: 99233116 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99385835 / 99428143 Godown for rent Approx: 4500 sqm area with building materials in Barka for rent with workers accommodation etc. Showrooms also for building materials available. Contact: 99808868 500 sq mtrs office space on mezzanine floor near Royal Hospital.

OMR 6.500 per sq mtr.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 600 sqr mtrs showroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99792181

For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699 2 bedrooms apartments for rent in Al Khuwair and Ghubra. Call Yellow Bird property on 24615375 / 97137989 or visit www.muscat-realty.com 3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953 House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with three room, 5toilets, kitchen and hall 430/-.

Contact: 92747078 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 At Al Hail 2BHK 260/- & 1BHK 180/- , shop or store space RO 240/-.

Contact: 96072686 4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158 Villa with two floors in (Hay Al Arjan) in AL Khoud with 4 bedrooms, hall, Majles, kitchen & one room in ground floor. Contact: 93219597

Land Cruiser 2012. Contact 99336093 Sportage, 2013. Contact:99336093

For hire Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

available

Flats shops for rent in Ruwi MBD area Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 3bed room well maintained flat (villa type only 2 flats in one bldg) in Al Khuwair behind Al Akhtam Restaurant, Villa no 1839, Way No 3922, block No 239.

Contact: 99253125

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Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

Wall papers, grass carpets sale & fixing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 A fully equipped furnished and licensed private polyclinic for sale or rent in excellent location in Sohar - Falaj al Qabail opposite to life line hospital Departments are GP clinic, Dental, Medical lab, X-ray And Working Pharmacy. Contact 95603395 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Running established for sale including industrial licenses for marble & granite, fully furnished kitchen showroom and fully equipped factory. Contact: 99337670 / 92623665 House hold items. Contact: 97094797 Brand new Panasonic 60â&#x20AC;? full HD LED, TV TH60A430M R.O 350/- .

Contact: 99628819 2560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Acc. available Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

for sale Ladies beauty Saloon for sale at Amerat on prime location with two clearances. Contact : 95867900 Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411 New villa at Qurum, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sitting, dining and open sitting on the terrace.

Contact: 99342733 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Furnished single /sharing room for EXE bachelor at Rex Road near Kamat with WIFI. Contact 92873832 Room with A/C, independent toilet & sharing kitchen (4th floor) for Indian Ex. Bachelor near Majestic hotel, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99242984 New rooms available in Seeb for couple / ladies only. # 96996938 Sharing accommodation available for a family near Ruwi Church.

Contact: 92308110 / 92837206 Furnished single room attached bath in Mumtaz area. #95212017 Large room with separate bathroom and sharing available in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 95250161 Room for rent with Electricity, water & A/C kitchen RO 115/- RO, RO 130/Al Khuwair. Contact: 95423391 Acc available single room with attach bathroom, kitchen at Mabella near BP Petrol Pump rent R.O 100/- near Indian School. Contact: 91516775 Contd on Pg 6

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

SITUATION situation WANTED vacant

Accountant

engineer

Sales / Marketing

Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com

Civil Construction company in Muscat looking for SUB Contractors for 3 floor commercial building (4 Nos – 3000 m2 each) project at Mabellah ready to start. For enquiries mail to awahaibitrad@gmai.com

Wanted Marketing Managers and Executives, candidates with minimum 2 years experience in Oman holding valid driving license May only Apply 94151791/ 22050729 or Email: sales@dewdropoman.com

Urgently required male Accountant & Office Admin. Contact: 96339339 Email CV on info@eigllcoman.com Urgently required Jr. Accountant/ Purchasing Manager (preferably Indian) 3-5 yrs Exp. to work with food stuff market. software/hardware knowledge would be an advantage, valid Omani D/L with NOC Contact 99417418 Urgently required cash investors for company’s profitable projects.

Contact: 92950082

beauty Wanted experience Beautician for beauty parlor in Muscat. Contact: 94241385 Urgently required gulf experienced female professional Beauticians and storekeeper for a reputed high end beauty centre in the capital area.

Interested please ensure release letter and send your CV to email: linnujiya@gmail.com or contact 99500330 Wanted experience henna designer for beauty parlor. Contact 93571312 Urgently required beautician with min 3 years. Contact 93231403 Email: rainbowfurnishing156@ gmail.com

Catering Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted.

Contact 95529970

Domestic Helper Urgently required housemaid.

Contact: 96339339 Email CV on info@eigllcoman.com Require qualify caregiver for an orderly mother. Contact 99425200 Indian House Maid with experience required to work in Sohar, visa ready.

Contact 99417418

driver Required heavy duty truck driver holding Omani driving license w/ 5 years experience please contact 92001111 Wanted driver. Contact: 95112461 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

Education Required English Teacher , Hindi teacher, Science Teacher.

Contact: 99705799 Arabic speaking Female Vice Principal/Arabic Teachers / Secretary / Computer Teacher / PRO s wanted for a Bilingual (Arabic – English) school in Azaiba. Knowledge of English preferred. Please apply to email : burj@alhakkim.com Kindergarten in Seeb looking for (female) English Teacher bachelor in English language.

Contact: 99319259 / 93972775 Email: saif123.s171@gmail.com

A leading civil construction company in Muscat requires Project Manager (BE. Civil) with minimum 10 years experience (Gulf experience preferred). Please send C.V to hr.azatllc@gmail.com Service & Parts Manager with 3-5 years GCC experience in heavy Equipment / cranes, good communication skills, Mechanical Engineering background. Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 AC Technician with minimum 5 years experience, should have experience in installation & commissioning of Ductable & split AC units, with knowledge of GI ducting & pre insulated ducting, experience in interior fit out industry is preferred Interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 Heavy Equipment Mechanic (sports) & (classic) (bicycle) 2No. Contact : 99550084 Required Architectural Engineer for consulting company.

Contact: 99077856 Email: rgeorge@omantd.com MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om

it Software developer with experience in asp.net, sql server and crystal reports required for a software development firm. Email CV to hr@ promisworld.com

Miscellaneous Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

medical Wanted lab Technician, Nurse and physiotherapist to work in polyclinic in Muscat 99023006 Wanted female Staff Nurse with MOH license for a dental clinic in sur. Email : dentoman2000@gmail. com Urgently required for MOH license Gynecologist specialist & Staff Nurse clinic at Sumail, Muscat.

Kindly sends C.V to saemomar@gmail.com or GSM: 95498105 Wanted Lab Technician, Staff Nurse, Pharmacist for a polyclinic in Sohar. Contact 99767605 Required Pharmacist for 2 months for a Pharmacy. Contact: 99705799 Staff Nurse for 2 months for a clinic in Muttrah.( LOCUM).

Contact: 99330385 Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician.

Contact: 99310590.

Email : tjmaluke@gmail.com

Sales / Marketing A leading trading group is looking for Sales Executives having experience in building materials / tools with driving license & release / NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net.om or Fax: 24701683 A leading building materials Trading CO. Urgently required (1) Business Development Manager – (minimum 10 years experience in same field in Oman / GCC with driving license (2) Branch Incharges & Salesman, with minimum 3 years experience in building materials sales in Oman / GCC. Contact Fax: 24704921 Email: hilalbm@omantel.net.om Spare parts (Heavy Equipment) Salesman with 3 years experience.

Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 Outdoor Salesman (heavy Equipment) Sales man with 3 -5 years experience. GCC driving license required Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 Sales Executive with valid D/L & 5 year experience, in the field of demountable aluminum & glass partition systems. Interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 Sales Executive with valid D/L & 5 year experience in office furniture and interior fit out projects interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 Required Chinese / Biryani cook / Sales person for restaurant.

Contact : 95395378 / 94053449 Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com Urgently required : Counter Service Assistant (male) for a fast food outlet in a food court in Sohar.

Email: aliyanational@gmail.com

Wanted designer & Salesman for Advertising CO. With Oman D/L. Contact: 96440587 / 94055643 Urgently required out door Sales Executive for furnishing company with Oman D/L and min 3 years experience. Contact : 93231403 / rainbowfurnishing156@gmail.com Building Material Sales man required at Al Amerat shop.

Contact: 99467054 A leading Tissue paper & food stuffs company requires Sales & Marketing person with minimum 5 yrs exp. in Oman with good communication skills & valid Oman D/L. Candidate with interior market knowledge & experience preferable.

Send CV : allub@alhosnigroup.com, fax: 24451430 Wanted male written & spoken Malayalam & Bengali as freelancers to conduct corporate & individual markets surveys on temporary basis, Must be fluent in English with driving license. Contact: 24701242 A leading building materials shop required Marketing Executive (Omani National only) 1No with minimum 2 years experience and driving license. Contact: 99808868 Email: aalfarsi2020@gmail.com Experienced Marketing representative – interlock blocks with light Omani driving license is required.

Contact 99222086 Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co Salesman required for a well established building materials company.

Oman D/L required.

Contact: 93698385 Email: united@omantel.net.om

Skilled / Unskilled Indian Family looking out for the following experienced candidates 1) House maid (Indian) 2) Driver (Indian) Contact : 92800073 / 99247040

SITUATION WANTED Account. & Finance Accountant, Indian male, 10 years experience in Oman, having knowledge of Tally ERP9 & able to do upto finalization and can be joined immediately with NOC. Contact: 94134085 Email: muscatoman95@yahoo.com Well experienced and hard working Restaurant Manager seek immediate placement. Release available.

Contact: 92953199 Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance).

Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com MBA, B.Com CA (finalist) 7 years experience (2 years in Oman) looking for suitable placement in a reputable organization. Expertise in ERP, Tally Quickbooks, peachtree and Excel.

NOC available. Contact: 97736404 Email: adnantahir1990@gmail.com

Indian male Chartered Accountant having 10 years of experience in Process audit, Risk assessment and Internal Audit is urgently looking for a suitable opportunity. Cell: +96897327343 Email: cabalkrishnadubey@gmail.com.

NOC available Indian male,Accountant, B.com, 1 yr experience in auditing and having knowledge in tally. #94733824/95769355 Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/audit in a reputable organization. Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED Account. & Finance Indian female Inter CA, strong in Tally ERP 9, MS Office, 7 years experience in accounts upto finalization looking for suitable position.

Contact 91759501 Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter),M.com.4 out of 7 years experience in Oman in Auditing/ Accounts/ Finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420 , Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com Indian female, B.com with 2 years of work experience, currently on family visa in Oman and seeking suitable placement for immediate joining.

Contact 94647421 Looking for a job in UAE as a Senior Accountant Indian male, 31 yrs, CA Inter 8 yrs exp good in all aspects of accounts. Good command over English valid driving license (Oman) Contact: 94737231 Indian male M.Com holder with one year working experience as an Accountant in Kerala looking for suitable opening now on visiting visa. Contact: 96947500 Email: mohamaedshafikk5@gmail.com Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com MBA finance Indian male (Account & finance), seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97372624 Email: sivaraj.gurukripa@gmail.com Female (Filipina) Accountant / auditor /bookkeeper seeking for job Contact: 96944976 Indian male, 27 years, M. Com, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position. Presently on visit visa. Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com 23 yrs, Indian B.Com, Graduate male ‘Fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Arabic & Malayalam with D/L looking for a suitable job. Now on visit visa valid for 1 more month only. Contact 97660518 Part time accountant services available to handle all accounts related work up to finalization.

Contact: 96247295 Accountant Indian male 31 yrs Accounts up to finalization, 9 yrs experience (7 yrs in Oman) with D/L & NOC seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99582979 An Indian Lady Chartered Accountant with five years experience (including articleship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job.

Please Contact 9621 0347 / 9943 5346, shincycrajan@gmail.com CA , Inter, M.Com Indian 7 years experience in Audit / finance handled independent audit / finance assignments on visit looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91148139 Email: smurug@live.com Accountant having 4 yrs experience looking job. Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com, MBA, having 5 years experience(3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept. Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com

Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp in accounts, finance audit taxation. Contact: 95857199 Indian female Accountant with 5 yrs Gulf exp in accounts, audit, Admin payroll. Contact: 96263157 Indian male Accountant B.Com 8 yrs in Oman exp with N.O.C, valid driving license. Contact: 95052969 Email: chetansmma@yahoo.co.in / chetansmma@gmail.com Seeking for a job completed B.Tech in ECE under Anna University knowledge in hardware troubleshooting ready to work with accounting & software section holding one year experience in India.

Contact: 96142153 Indian National, male, 41 years, CA Inter, persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading, Construction and Firefighting industry. Total 21 Years of Experience seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. Phone no: 98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in Chartered Accountant with ICWA Inter having 5 years experience in Finance, Accounts, Costing, Budgeting, Audit, Insurance, Treasury & Banking operations - NOC Available + OmanDrivingLicense Contact :97881548 Email-financecost2@gmail.com MBA (Finance) with NOC, 6 years accounting and finance experience in Oman, knowledge of Tally ERP9 having Omani driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97205715 Email: ammar_uh@hotmail.com 13 years exp (7.5 years gulf exp) B.Com graduate, looking for Accountant job, GSM No:-92957064 with NOC. Energetic Finance & Audit Manager / Chief Accountant, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15 yrs in GULF , Expert in Banking, Financing, Profit Maximizations, Admin, Biz Developments ,All ERPs Software’s, 15yrs Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 – 94504505 Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 9822253 Indian female 25 yrs B.Com MBA / 3months experience looking for job in Accts /Mktg. Contact: 94657403 / 99355931

admin HSE Admin experience for 10 years in GCC with valid D/L seeking to join a reputed firm. NOC available.

Contact: 99626821 Indian male MBA having 10 years experience as Document Controller and 2+ years experience as Project Assistant/ Executive Secretary in Oman seeks immediate placement.

NOC available. Contact: 95373198 Indian Male 18 years ( 7 years in Oman ) experience in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas , construction fields with Oman D/L seeks suitable position.

Visa Transfer / NOC available.

Call 92854993.

HR.Admin..indian male..2+ Oman exp..joining immediately..#93671437

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Daily guide

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SITUATION WANTED

Looking for job as Electrician, Gulf 7 years exp. Contact: 93015630

admin Keralite 47 years, having 20 years of rich experience in office administration and 6 years of Warehouse Management looking for a suitable opening.

Email: rajeshkorathatt@gmail.com MSW HR female professional with 3+ years work ex, UGC net qualified, looking for a suitable position in Muscat. Contact- 99579874. rubitah@gmail.com Training coordinator Indian male, 17 yrs experience with Training & Consultancy Company. Well knowledge in admin works. Release available and have D/L. Contact: 99573353 Indian male 36 years MBA experience as AS. Manager seeking suitable job in HR/ Marketing in Oman on visit visa. Contact : 98200741, Email: phmnsudheesh857@gmail. com Indian male having 15 years Gulf experience in purchase Admin on visit. Contact : 95435370 Indian male B.Com & Tally with 2.5 years Admin/HR Experience in Oman with 2 years employment Visa seeking placement. Release Available 96796477 14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian female 24 years MBA (HR) having 3 years experience in HR Administration, payroll seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91104352 / 99012861 Indian male looking for company job, 2 years visa light Oman D/ License experience in office works also & driving. Contact: 92233068 5 years experience in store and admin department with Omni driving license looking for suitable job, release available and can join immediately. Contact : 95860170 Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95619537 Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in finance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. # 92955453 / 91213269

driver Sri Lankan driver.

Contact: 97387112 Light duty driver 9 years experience wanted visa.

Contact: 97313542 Light duty driver seeks job.

Contact: 99748264 Indian light driver having 1 year experience in Oman knowing English, Hindi & Arabic, need job.

Contact: 95214332 Looking for light driving job, Indian, 4 years experience & language knowing Arabic, English & Indian.

Contact: 94241385 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744 Looking job for driver, experience 6 years. Contact: 96246794 Driver for job experience 1 year.

Contact: 94071286 Bangladeshi male looking for job in any company or family, speak English, Hindi & Arabic, exp 3 years in Dubai taxi and 3 years in Oman in company.

Contact: 93822195

driver Light duty driver looking for job.

Contact: 96995762 Pakistani Light Duty Driver seeks placement. Contact: 95746203 Looking for driving job light driver. Contact : 96913836 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact :92787245 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact :94648986 Driver with Car. Contact: 99716938 Driver with 2 yrs exp looking for job. Contact: 98487511 Light duty driver ,driving license, Experienced. Ph: 92814816 Driver with car (Fortuner).

Contact: 95365938 Looking for driving for job.

Contact: 98219182 Light driver, 10 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 93060050 Experienced LTV driver available.

Contact: 99514703 / 96943902 Driver with car 3 yrs exp looking for part time job. Contact: 92041902

draughtsman 3D Draughtsman 25 years Indian male having 4 years experience.

Contact: 93746877 Land surveyor: Indian male having two years experience, well handled total station, auto level and Auto cad, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95140761 /99208290 Email: binu.brijiv@gmail.com

Domestic Helper Experienced Indian lady is looking housemaid job looking full time job for European family total experience : 9 years, 2 years exp. with European family 6 years worked with Indian family language English & Hindi.

Contact: 93392788 Housemaid (full time / part time) looking for job. Contact: 95799643

designer Sr Designer, Civil & Structural (oil & gas) / Site Supervisor Indian male, 21 years experience in design field with driving license seeks suitable placement N.O.C available.

Contact: 92684051 Email: babyshibu@yahoo.co.in

Engg. / Technical Indian female (M. Tech – power system) having Gulf experience, currently on family visa seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: 94306164 Indian female 26 yrs, B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics with two years experience in Ministry of Electricity Kerala govt , as Operating Assistant Engineer presently on visit visa seeks placement. # 98657132 / Email: pinks1819@gmail.com Telecommunication Maintenance Engineer Sudanese male 2 years experience in HUAWEI hardware field cabins good communication English & Arabic. Contact :+ 968 96433495 / +968 94756295 Email: muzamilawadalla@gmail.com 2 years experienced Electrical Engineer looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 98480509 Engineer with 4 years Oman experience in telecom operations, having valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable opportunity, interested in Marketing also. Contact 98513495

Indian male 23, Mechanical Engineer, 1 year experience, knowledge in HVAC currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibusman313@gmail.com Male, BE (Mechanical holder) 1 yr exp in Indian & 4 months in Oman NOC available, embassy attested certificate . Contact: 95721521 / 96625245 (Salalah) Email: sajukoippallil@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech (ECE) CCNA 1 yrs exp in broadcast Engg having hands on exp in harris ADC,PPC, Velocity & Invenio, avid inews, vizrt,nexio farad, grass, valley kayak HD 300. also having on practice in PLC (AB,ABB, Siemens) DCS & scada systems. Contact: 00919846990093 / 99235291 Indian job in procurement & contract, have “12” years purchase & contract experience in infrastructure & energy sector. NOC is available. Contact-98009274 Engineer BE (Electrical, Electronics), Indian male 24 years, having 2 plus years of experience, seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 98201244 Indian male 24 years B.E mechanical 2 years exp. or visit visa.

Contact: 99247326 Indian (M) B.Tech (civil) with 2 yrs exp in Structural Designing using Etabs, Staad, Safe, excel looking for suitable position.

Contact: 96698342 / 98768045 Email: qadeertom@gmail.com Civil Diploma Engineer 6 years experience in Oman Indian male with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 93356736 Electrical Engineer, B.Sc. degree/ B.Tech, 4 years experience. Looking for suitable placement. Available in visit visa. Contact: 94739355, Email: mahin.eee@gmail.com Indian male B.E Electronic and Communication Engineering & have 2 years experience in oil & gas sector (maintenance & construction).

Contact: 98848077 5+ years experience BE Electrical Engineer having knowledge in execution & basic knowledge in electrical design looking for suitable post.

Contact: 99704742 / 97469689 Indian male 23 B.E mechanical & AutoCAD 1 year experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 92835957 Email: rafeekmohammed84@gmail.com Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available. Looking for(Store,Coor dination,Admin,Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885 Indian male Electrical Engineer with 7 years experience (electrical, marine, fire fighting) valid Oman driving license seeking suitable placement. Contact 93396338 Email: syamsk2255@gmail.com M Tech Computer Science Engineer, female seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 93035521,96439645 Email : anzilav@yahoo.co.in Indian male 27 years, Mechanical Engineer (B.E) having experience seeks suitable placement holds valid Oman driving license, on visit visa. Contact: 98847638 B.Tech CCNP certified, Network Engineer 1 year experience in Oman & 1.4 years in CMC (Indian) pre – sales, post – sales experience in Oman looking for opportunity.

Contact: 99370911 Email: chatrapal07@gmail.com Indian male 25, BTech (Mechanical), CSWIP 3.1, Welding Inspector, 3 years experience in Oil & Gas (piping and Equipment as QC inspector) now on visit visa seeking suitable opportunities.

Contact: 98228262 Email: megbinvetticattu@gmail.com

Miscellaneous

B.C.A, 7 years Operations Management procurement supply chain team handling lean six sigma certified on visit visa. Contact: 99826634 Email: nairsatheesh1984@gmail. com

Indian material controller / store keeper with 9 years exp , seeking job in Oman NOC/ Release available.

Contact: 91946174

Indian female MCA, 24 years seeking suitable job. Contact 93439467

Engg. / Technical

Mechanical Engr, B. Tech, exp in QA/QC, In Piping Design, Its softwares Ph:96539085

it

Engg. / Technical Electrical Engineer 2 years experience (Indian) construction (building) looking suitable placement.

Contact 00968 9259662 Email: kundara.renjith@gmail.com M. Tech, Applied Electronics Indian female looking for full time or part time job presently on family visit visa. Contact: 92499312 Email: ann.ashhy@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech Mechanical Engineer 1 year experience seeking suitable placement, available immediately. Contact: 93907707 Email: jubinkasim@gmail.com

Indian male MBA (Marketing, IT with CCNA) seeks suitable placement in the field of IT - Networking.

Contact: 92801084 email: arvindpinto90@yahoo.com Male, 28 years IT Engineer from India having good hands on experience in networking, switches and routers. Moreover having certification Redhat, Linux (RHCE) and Oracle DBA (OCP). Contact: 95406864 Email Id: saad.m.ali79@gmail.com IT System Support: Indian Male 2 years exp in Oman & 3 years in India. Contact 91937060 Communications networks, Technician specializing in the main divider and ADSL VDSL system experience of STC. Contact 93398796

Computer Engineer Iraqi Nationality 7 years experience seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94694146

Indian visit visa, Network / System Engineer switches, routers, servers, load balancers 5 yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE), CCNA looking for good opportunity. Contact: 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gmail.com

Indian male diploma Civil Eng with 2 yrs experience on site as QS & AutoCAD seeking on site or - off site position. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com

Manager/ Supervisor

Sudanese male Telecommunication Engineer looking for job.

Contact: 94537607 Electrical Engineer bachelor degree having 6+ years experience of Gulf and professional license available to join. Contact: 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com Indian 24 yrs male, 2 years experience in Site Engineer (Diploma in Civil Engineering), Now on visit visa in Oman. Contact: 94050311 Civil Engineer B.E, 5.5 years experience with Omani D/L. Contact 96785311 Indian Male, Diploma in Civil Engineer working as a Project engineer with 7years of experience looking for suitable job. Contact- 92636569 Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com SAP – SCM.MM Consultant B.Tech.

(Chemical), from NIT, working with oil industry, seeks employment.

Contact: 98049288 Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. # 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

education Filipina ESL Teacher for 13 years BEED major in English knowledge in IB, PYP and independent school curriculum computer literate, IELTS qualified, looking for reputable school. Contact: 98938272 Email: m.ann7875@gmail.com Indian lady M.Com, B.Ed looking for openings in teaching.

Contact: 97668603 Female 24, with 6 yrs of experience in teaching Montessori & kindergarten grade. Currently in Salalah on visit visa, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 97306607 Email Id: amna.ast@gmail.com

hospitality 4 Years experienced (Money exchange services & Hospitality services in Oman & India) - Indian male 27 years, graduate in Hospitality science, fluent in English, Hindi & Arabic seeks suitable placement. #91383167

Indian with license looking job safety officer, camp boss. Supervisor or marketing. Contact: 94003617 Facility / Project Mgmt, 4+ yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE) Indian visit visa looking for suitable opening.

Contact: 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com

Medical Indian male MDS Doctor specialized in Endodontist with 7 years experience prometric passed, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98843139 Email: ppdr2020@gmail.com Indian male Nurse, prometric exam passed, require suitable placement.

Contact 97284508 Female Staff Nurse with 9+ years experience; passed Prometric exam, looking for a suitable job. Previously worked in Dubai and Saudi Defense hospital. Hold valid ACLS and BLS certificates. Please contact at nshrobin@gmail.com or 91960186 Doctor seeking job an experienced female Indian Doctor (DHMS NAET USA), 49 yrs, specialist in Homeopathy and Allergy Elimination Technology seeks suitable placement. Contact: 919447110003 Oman 96439091 Email: anithabaydr@gmail.com Male Staff Nurse looking for job passed Prometric 63% + 3 years experience. Contact: 94035637 / 95068075 BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92955453 /91213269 GP Doctor Yemeni national-male, with 4 years of work experience.

Mobile:00966531598754 Email: alsyaniramzy@gmail.com

Miscellaneous Indian female, having 9 years experience in Logistics and Sales co ordinator. Experience in SAP, MS office, holding Oman driving license. Currently on Visit Visa, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95251911 Indian Female POST GRADUATE . One Year experience seeking suitable Job Contact :97792820 Email: pnjli.1991@gmail.com Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com Seeking for job fire and safety completed 2.5 years experience language known Hindi, English & Tamil seeking suitable job. Contact: 98431032

Sales / Marketing 7 years Purchase experienced total 17 years Oman with driving license looking for suitable position, Indian with N.O.C. Contact: 96574390 Indian male with 14 years of experience in Business development / sales & marketing seeks suitable placement, 6.5 years of work experience in Oman. Contact: 93400177 Sales man, experience in Saudi, Good in Arabic. Ph: 97103168 Indian male B.Com & MBA Graduate 11 years experience airline travel & tourism, Sales & Marketing in Dubai & Oman with driving license NOC available. Contact: 92552612 Email: mazmanu1@gmail.com Indian male 27 years, B.Tech Graduate having good work experience with valid Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening as Sales Engineer.

Contact: 91472953 Email: harees.rasheed.2014@gmail.com Procurement / Purchase Executive 1.6 yrs exp in Oman construction industry Indian male 27 yrs, MBA with valid Oman D/L, available for immediate placement.

Contact: 96300958 / 24796010 Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 Indian male 35 yrs, 10 yrs experience in FMCG Sales & Marketing in UAE with valid GCC license looking for suitable position on visit.

Contact: 93438747 / 93033252 Indian male MBA (Marketing) 26 on visit visa, with experience in stores looking for suitable position in warehouse stores logistics or in sales. Contact: 96915871 Email: ajanadoor@yahoo.com Indian female 35 years MCA, MBA six sigma black belt, 14 years Gulf experience in business analytics, Marketing business development qualities seeks placement. NOC available, Omani driving license available. Contact: 95783792 Indian 44 yrs, 16 yrs Indian Army 5 and Half years in Oman exp ware house, seeks suitable placement in store, ware house or sales having Oman driving license.

Contact: 94050311 Sudanese Business development Manager, long experience International trade in Oman (import /export / marketing) seeking suitable placement full / part time in reputable company. Contact: 91173146

Tours & Travels B.Com IATA MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales Reservation, ticketing English, Hindi, and Malayalam, Marathi NOC is available.

Contact: 92954613

Miscellaneous Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792 ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283 B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366.

Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries. Contact no.

98045482

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461

Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED Miscellaneous BSC Female Nurse having 8 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf). Prometric passed - 57%. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384 Indian male , 14 yrs Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944.

Email:aboosufiyan@gmail.com Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, Email : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. #98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in Indian Female, M.Com & MBA with 1.5 years of experience in Reinsurance Treaty seeking a good job opportunity in Insurance & Reinsurance Accounts or General Accounts. Contact: +968 91920189, Email:neethumano.manohar@gmail. com ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str Supervising Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male.

Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com Female, Indian, 35 Yrs- house maid available for Full/Part time work in Muscat. Please contact- 96754303.

ACCOUNTANT, M.Com holder with 2 year working experience as an accountant in Kerela-India, seeks suitable placement.

GSM NO:96947500,9 9463120, Email:mohamedshafikk5@gmail. com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact : 93790601 CCNA MCITP network support / network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa.

Contact 93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com Indian Male 22 Years, Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com Indian Female B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths), M.C.A residing in Al-Ghubra seeking a teaching position as a Math Teacher GSM.- 94231633 Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience, seeking challenging job opportunity.

Experience in auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc.

GSM +968 95763680 Indian Female Interior Designer, 4.5 yrs experience, seeking immediate mid-senior level position with firm having lady clearance. NOC Available. Contact 93033072 Driver with car seeking suitable post. Contact : 91660291

Sudanese.male 32 years.B.SC mechanical engineer.7years experience.5 years experiance in Gulf.working now in water pipeline projects. fluent Arabic and English.have Omani driving license.looking for good opportunity TEl:91117089 Indian Male 22 years, ACCA Affiliate with B..Sc. Degree in Applied Accounting having three months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / Audit. Holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378607 / 92558734 Indian female Nurse, Prometric passed 64%, 5 years of experience, MOH licensed, presently working in Oman seeking a suitable placement in reputed Hospitals, NOC available.

Contact: 98329941, Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com.

Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Female from India -MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. English seeking for a urgent better placement, Now working in Oman.

Contact:: 93961142, 92184408 Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail.com.

Video Editor 29 years Indian male with 8 years experience on visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 91275969 / leomoorkoth@gmail.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d Draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact : 97449630

FRESH - B.Com Graduate on Family Visa, looking for any suitable Job. Contact : 92567020 / 95322175, Email: shwayanad@gmail.com Admin Executive, Indian Female having 10 years Gulf experience in seeking suitable placement currently working in Muscat.

Email: meenafajar@yahoo.com, Mobile 0096893211402 Having 9+ years exp. in Administration & HR in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. Email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com MOH Indian Dentist 10 years experience in Oman. Can speak Arabic, has driving license.

Contact 98995321 or ventureoman007@gmail.com Omani , female, have diploma in quantity survey, bachelor in Constitution management, seeking situated placement at Sohar.

Tel 94454180, Mail nhlmct@yahoo.com Finance Manager / Chief Accountant / Audit Manager, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15years in GULF , Expert in Banking ,Financing, Profit Maximizations , Admin & Management, Business Developments , ERPs Software’s, Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 or 94504505 Indian male having 4 years of experience in IT Support & networking. Currently on visit visa. seeking suitable opportunities.

Contact: 92013641.

Tunisian shoes designer wuth 40years expereince in designing and manifacturing loocking for a job in a related field contact : 97816917

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience. MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com

Indian male MBA + TALLY , 29 years & 7years experience in Administration and Manager level in Reputed companies, Seeking suitable placement.Contact 96297709 / +91 9066130371, Email: jomonjohnm9@gmail.com

29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts is seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283.

Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Indian male,27, IT/Telecom Engineer, 2 yrs exp in Oman, with valid Oman D/L, NOC Available.

Ph: 9393 8727 ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 MEP Quantity Surveyor-Estimation-Project, 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman). Having NOC & Oman D/L. Looking for suitable job, Contact – 98291626 Indian male Auto cad Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact : 00968 99070584, Email: remluvp@gmail.com

Indian male post graduate.2 years experience in sales. currently in oman on visit visa.seeks suitable placement.Gsm 92388346

ACCOUNTANT, Indian Male, 25 years old, 5 years Experience (2 years in Oman & 3 years in India) Presently working in Oman. Going exit on this week with NOC. Seeking suitable opportunities.

GSM : 97018783

Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman.

Contact: 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com

Civil Engineer, Diploma, Male 25, 3 years experience in site, CAD, 3d, MS Project, Seeking job in Oman.

Contact 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com

Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395

BRANCH-HEAD, MBA-BBA, Indian Male having experience in UAE, India, Oman total 5 years (including MNC), looking for similar or same openings.NOC available.

Contact 92700670, E mail:catanalur131@gmail.com

Male Indian 27, working as finance analyst having two years Oman experience with Driving license looking for suitable position.

Mob: 98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com

Indian male accountants, 12 years experience, tally also. Looking for a part time/ full time job in accounts or purchase. Contact- 98983122

SITUATION WANT- SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED manpower Indian Female 2yrs exp. in Accountant 5 yrs exp. in Electronics, seeking suitable Job. Contact: 97162705,93705090 Indian male, 14 years Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field (Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber). NOC available Contact 95253640 email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com Female Candidate: Having experience (ISRO India) in Administration (seeking suitable opportunities &presently in Oman Mob:97239854, Mail:asherlalitha@yahoo.com Diploma civil Engineer seeking jobs(positions suits me: civil engineer ,site engineer,qa/qc engineer,land surveyor ,total station, auto level,draftsman (autocad, microstation) mob:97239854, Mail:asherlalitha@yahoo.com Indian Female 10 years exp as cook in Oman. South Indian & Gujarati special looking for part-time job Contact 96733187.

Qualified Native speaking male English Teacher with 18 years experience seeks position. Salary Negotiable. Whatsapp on +968 9334 1047 / +968 93952732 or e-mail me on nadgov@gmail.com Indian female, IATA, B. Sc, looking for suitable placement.Contact-95514305, E mail idraveendranmala@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years, 8 years experience. Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with Oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170 Freelance Graphic Designer available to assist in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Corel Draw Projects.

Contact : 95811820 Indian Female Lawyer 36 Yrs having 11 yrs experience presently working in Oman as Legal Advisor seeks placement in Legal/HR/Admin NOC available Contact-94436960 Email: famidakhan123@gmail.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job Mobile 99070584, E mail: remluvp@gmail.com

Acc. available Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Single room with attached toilet & bath in Ruwi for Executive bachelor rent Including with water & electricity. Contact: 99327158

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

23, Male, ACCA Affiliate, 2 years+ experience in Audit and Finance in audit firm, Looking for suitable permanent placement, NOC release Available. Contact: #95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com

MBA - (F), M.Com, B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for part time or full time job. Presently on family visa. Contact :- 91892264.

Email:- yashicapandya@gmail.com

New fully furnished room & attached bathroom, kitchen, Wifi, for bachelor Honda road.

Contact: 98582078 Sharing accommodation available at Wadi Kabir for bachelor.

Contact : 94195690 Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

Furnished room in Ruwi for non cooking Executive bachelor in Ruwi, rent RO 90/- per month.

Contact: 94412557

12 yrs exp FREELANCE 2d, 3d Draughtsman (holding Omani driving license). Contact : 93790601

Room for rent available in CBD near Papa John’s Restaurant.

Contact: 96568110

MBA (F), B.COM. Indian female having knowledge of accounts with Tally looking for full or part time job. presently on family visit visa.

Contact :- 96259171.

Email:- bhumicapandya@gmail.com

Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397

Seeking Teaching Position. Qualified and experienced Native English speaking teacher seeking position in Muscat, I have a Teaching Diploma , two Honours Degrees and a CELTA Certificate. Position at Language school will be suitable. Will e-mail CV. Whatsapp only +96893952732

Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206 Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537

nri

Sudanese male, 31 year, have 3 year Diploma in Electrical Engineer, 6 years experience in construction and electrical plant. #:94549609 Indian male-28 Years, Diploma in Electrical Egg, having gulf experience. Specialization on Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Operation. 7 years experience seeks for suitable placement.:95334580. E-mail -sunilkumar257.sk23@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available, seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854

Please call 99341156 to buy plots near Kims Hospital in Trivandrum, Vytila hub in Cochin, Chertala and Nagercoil.

Please call 99341156 to buy plots.

w e d n e s day, au g u s t 5 , 2 0 1 5

Daily guide

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Tours

SITUATION WANTcargo

SITUATION WANTED cargo

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

Transportation Transport. Contact: 93637289 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact: 91310107 House shifting, transporting.

Contact : 94229277 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Car for rent. Contact: 92516090 Silver Car, car for rent. Contact: 96166155 / 98402662

Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016.

Contact: 97249449

Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Pick & Drop any time. Contact: 97014786

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w e d n e s day, au g u s t 5, 2 0 1 5

Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461

Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED services

COMPUTER

website

change of name I Linu John Abraham (holder of Indian passport No. F 6102540) Son of John Abraham having permanent residence in Kochumadathil House, Kattor P.O, Kozhencherry, Pathanamthitta Dist, Kerala – 689650 (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in P.O Box 792 , P.C 133 Al Khuwair , Oman (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Linu John Abraham (old name) to Linus John (Given name) Abraham (sur name) (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.Box No, 1727 Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

I Ellickal Mammoo (holder of Indian passport No. G 8908369) Son of P.P Abootty having permanent residence in blue heavens mission compound , Nathur Tellicheery -5 , Kannur Dt Kerala, ( complete postal address in India ) and presently residing in House No. 3914 , Lane Way – 1059 , Muttrah,Oman (complete postal in Oman) intend to change my name from Ellicakal Mammoo (old name) to Ellikkal Kunhi Mammoo (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, AL Khuwair, P.Box No, 1727 postal code 112, Ruwi , Sultanate of Oman.

I Bethel Thomas Varghis (holder of Indian passport No. M 2296679) son of Mulanthanathukuzhi Chandy Varghese having permanent residence in Bethel, Vakathanam PO. Kottayam Kerala PIN 686538 (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Sultanate of Oman P.O Box 1222 P.C 121 (complete postal in Oman) intend to change my name from Bethel Thomas Varghis (old name) to Thomas Bethel Varghese (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727, postal code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

driving

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

Driver for Automatic Transmission. Contact: 99040813

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

Matrimonial Roman Catholic girl 31 yrs Indian origin working in U.A.E seeking alliances from Christian family well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 97622011 24 years old, Sunni Muslim girl Bombay origin, BSc, Hons (Accts) with religious values seeking alliance. Email: morning_star9128@gmail.com

General cleaning, cleaning contract, cleaner supply. # 95764290 /95113037 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTBusiness ED

classes

Keralite Roman Catholic girl, 27 yrs, M.Fam seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 99253120

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Marble crystallization restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

Kerala Hindu boy 28 (star – Chitra) Engineer with MBA working in a reputed co. in Oman looking for alliance from good looking, well educated , religious and veg. girl of reputed family. Contact : 99426627

House shifting.

Contact 99708138 Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621

Christen boy 31-170.

Contact: 95131495 Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

good news Rakhees Raksha Bandhan available thousands Designs. Also special offer at Haridas Nensey Ruwi.

Contact 24750784 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Admission open admission started in a private school, Darsait (Mount Zion Group of Institutions CBSE 1) for KG and grade 1 to 4 please register soonest. Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

good news FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

The investor is required for successful Educational project to pay 25,000/- Thousand.

Email: bussiness.om9@gmail.com New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938 General Investors. Gsm-99674870 Serious investor needed for succeeded furniture company for expansion purposes. # 99041337

good news Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131

House shifting packing.

99657644 / 98518013 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722 A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units.

Contact: 98667326 Pest control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants ,Rodents & Termites. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99357908 / 99344723.

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 General cleaning & Shampooing.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 / 99357908 Civil maintenance - plumbing, electrical, painting, and tiling, interior decorations, shop furnishing and all other maintenance works.

Contact: 97897831 / 92112094 (Indian, Keralite)

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