Times of Oman - October 5, 2016

WEDNESDAY October 5, 2016 3 Muharram 1438 AH

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 4th National Day, 1974

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ Our attitude towards every country is decided on the basis of the attitude of such a country towards our national causes, and its respect of our sovereignty.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 186 | 36 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

‘THANK YOU OMAN, THANK YOU SULTAN QABOOS’

FLIGHT TO FREEDOM: Canadian citizen Homa Hoodfar, the Montreal University professor, left, and French citizen Nourane Houas after their arrival in Muscat. – Supplied picture/ONA

Trudeau calls Fahd, thanks HM

The women thanked Oman and its people for their kindness, generosity and warmth

REJIMON K DEEBA HASSAN

reji@timesofoman.com deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Two females freed from Iran and Yemen after the intervention of Oman have thanked His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Homa Hoodfar, the Montreal University professor who was

detained in Iran for 114 days, and Nourane Houas, the Red Cross worker freed after 307 days in captivity in Yemen, have publicly thanked the Sultanate for ensuring their release.

Houas was abducted by gunmen in Yemen on December 1, 2015.

“I want to extend my sincerest thanks to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the Omani government for their generous

hospitality,” Homa Hoodfar, the Montreal University professor who had been detained in Iran since June 6, 2016 and released after 114 days,said.

“They gave me the warmest welcome and allowed me to rest and recuperate in Oman for several days before embarking on the long

journey home. I will always cherish Oman and hope to return again soon,” Hoodfar added.

The 65-year-old professor was released on September 26.

Nourane Houas said: “I am thankful to Oman and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for facilitating my release from Yemen.” >A6

great effect on the Canadian people.

He affirmed that the good efforts exerted by the Sultanate in all domains have been appreciated by everyone. He expressed his country’s desire to cement the bilateral relations between the two countries. Sayyid Fahd expressed the Sultanate’s keenness to boost friendship with Canada to serve the interests of people of two countries. -ONA

I TA C A M PA I G N

G R O W T H PAT H

Big jump in cyber blackmail cases

Financial state stable: Council of Ministers MUSCAT: Oman’s financial and economic condition from the beginning of 2016 until date was reviewed by the Council of Ministers at its session yesterday.

A presentation was made by the relevant organisations on the efforts made to address the global economic situation.

It was clear from the presentation that the Sultanate’s financial and economic condition in general is stable. It was thus affirmed to go ahead with the steps made to address the developments as they happen. It was also affirmed that the Sultanate will continue its development programmes to

MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers received a phone call from Justin Pierre James Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.

The Canadian premier expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the Sultanate for the efforts made to release Canadian Homa Hoodfar that has a

maintain economic stability taking into consideration the social dimension, creating an investor and investment-friendly environment, enhancing partnership with the private sector and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Council of Ministers thanked the efforts made by the competent organisations to address the changes taking place in the international arena. The Council of Ministers affirms to continue its follow up of the Sultanate’s growth pathways in response to the Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. -ONA

HASSAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com

World’s largest residential yacht to visit Oman TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Alert for expat missing with OMR300,000

W O R L D T R AV E L AWA R D S

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Police officials have made necessary arrangements to prevent the escape of an alleged fraud investor. >A3

INDIA

IS threat to Kerala judges, politicians event. -ONA

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Oman Air, local hotels shine at travel awards

MARKET

DOUBLE DELIGHT: Oman Air bagged two awards at the Dubai

Intelligence agencies in Kerala have alerted the government about threat from IS-linked module. >A8

Muscat bourse set to cut brokerage fee

Times News Service MUSCAT: National carrier of Oman and hotels based in Oman were proud winners at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2016.

Oman Air was named ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline, Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline, Economy Class’ at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2016.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Gregorowitsch, said: “Oman Air is delighted to accept these prestigious awards, in recognition of the high quality of our Business Class and Economy Class services.” >A6

3

The MSM has decided to cut brokerage fee or cost of transaction of ‘day traders’ on the bourse. >B1

MORNING MINUTE

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MUSCAT: Oman is taking a stand against online blackmailing as the number of reported cases spiked by 100 per cent in 2016 from last year.

With four to five blackmailing cases reported per week in the Sultanate, can victims see a ray of hope and overcome this dilemma of the 21st century?

The Information Technology Authority (ITA) is calling victims of online blackmailing to fight back and report scammers while “ensuring full privacy.”

Targeting cyber victims of all ages, a two-week campaign commenced on Tuesday with the title, “Report, and your secret will be kept in a well” to encourage them to approach authorities through the hotline 24166828 or by emailing ocert999@ita.gov.om >A6

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

OMAN

We will also be able to track the bus and monitor the movement of the passengers on board. If there are too many passengers on a particular route then we can put more buses on that route Ahmad bin Ali Al Bulushi, CEO Mwasalat

TRANSPORT

Mwasalat plans intelligent fleet management system RAHUL DAS

rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Mwasalat is planning to introduce an “Intelligent Transport System (ITS)” to improve public transport in Oman, a senior official said.

The new ITS technology will enable gathering of data or intelligence and then provide timely feedback to traffic managers and road users. “We will also be able to track the bus and monitor the movement of the passengers on board. If there are too many passengers on a particular route

then we can put more buses on that route,” Ahmad bin Ali Al Bulushi, chief executive officer of Mwasalat, said.

Besides this, Mwasalat is also planning to start an automatic fare collection system to improve the transportation system in Oman.

“These will be installed within 12 months after the tenders are issued,” he said.

He also said Spanish company Ineco is developing a 25-year master plan for Mwasalat. “Ineco will develop a comprehensive master plan over the 2016 to 2040

CONSUMER PROTECTION

ROP ROUNDUP

Gang used petrol to make fake incense

3 arrested for facilitating exit Times News Service MUSCAT: Three Asian nationals were arrested in Musandam for allegedly helping some expatriates to leave the country illegally, Royal Oman Police (ROP) said on Tuesday.

One of the accused took advantage of his job at Khasab port to help them escape the others helped transport them. The three confessed to committing the crime and said they did it for money, according to ROP.

Times News Service MUSCAT: A number of expatriates were arrested in a Muttrah house for making counterfeit bukhoor (incense), the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) said on Tuesday.

They were found using sawdust and petroleum materials to make the bukhoor, which according to the PACP can risk the health and safety of consumers.

The PACP said the products had misleading information stickers and the house lacked basic health requirements.

Around 134 buckets of sawdust, more than 721 packets of incense and 13 gallons of petroleum products were seized at the location, according to Isa Al Nabhani, assistant director of the department of monitor markets.

He added that more than 120 bottles of cheap perfume were used in manufacturing the bukhoor in addition to some empty bottles that had not yet been filled.

A number of stickers that were

period that will help transform Mwasalat into a world-class public bus transport operator.”

During the next three years, Mwasalat plans to introduce 350 public transport buses, which will be run all over the country. Right now, the company has around 600 buses, including school and university buses.

Mwasalat has already floated a tender for the supply of 350 buses of various types, including a large number of double-decker buses this year. These buses will have better on board security and entertainment systems.

ILLEGAL ACTIVITY: Around 134 buckets of sawdust, more than 721 packets of incense and 13 gallons of petroleum products were seized.

brought from outside the Sultanate with forged validity information were also found by the PACP officials.

Al Nabhani noted that the manufacturing had been operating for a long time and the labourers used to import the materials from places inside and outside Oman.

Held over drug charges An Omani was arrested in Musandam on charges of trafficking and possessing drugs, Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported.

“The accused was found with 15 kilogrammes of Hashish and more than 34 tablets of narcotics,” ROP said.

33 deported Police deported 33 illegal immigrants of different Asian nationalities, Royal Oman Police reported on Tuesday. They were deported as per legal procedures.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

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CRIME

Alert for ‘investor’ who went missing with OMR300,000 REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Police officials have made necessary arrangements to prevent an alleged fraud investor, who has gone missing with OMR300,000, from leaving Oman, victims said.

Six complaints have now been filed with the Royal Oman Police

(ROP) over the missing man as investors want him caught or their money returned.

“As his passport is with the sponsor, police believe he has not left Oman. So they have informed authorities at borders and airports to keep a tab on him,” a victim, who has lost OMR50,000, told the Times of Oman.

The fugitive, called SK, is

from the south Indian state of Kerala, and has been reportedly missing after he failed to repay OMR300,000 to at least half a dozen businessmen since the last week of August. According to the duped victims, the three mobile phone numbers of SK are not reachable and he is missing from his home in Muscat.

The investor had taken money

Ministry to seek optimum tag for Muscat airport Categorisation as ‘Optimum Airport’ will play a huge role in being able to handle 12 to 20 million passengers per year without changing the terminal’s infrastructure

TARIQ ZIAD AL HAREMI

tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport and Communications wants the new airport in Muscat to be an “optimum” airport, in line with IATA standards.

“Categorising the Muscat International Airport will play a huge role in being able to handle 12 to 20 million passengers per year without changing the terminal’s infrastructure,” said MOTC in a tweet.

According to IATA, terminal facilities operating at an optimum level of service (OPTIMUM LoS) provide sufficient space to accommodate necessary funds in a comfortable environment, provide stable passenger flows with acceptable processing and waiting times, denote overall good service (comfort level) for passengers and balance economic terminal dimensions with pas-

senger expectations.

The World Airlines Award 2016 ranked the best to worst 100 airports, based on a customer satisfaction survey. The Hamad International Airport, Doha, was ranked 10th globally and the first in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates came second in the GCC and 27th globally, followed by the Bahrain International Airport, which was ranked 47th. However, further down the list, Oman secured the 94th position after dropping down from 77th in 2015. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s airports were not listed.

The ministry is seeking to increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through better activation of the airport’s infrastructure. “We hope that Oman’s airports will be able to raise the capital in the civil aviation sector and achieve an increase in local production by way of growing passenger movement and cargo,” said MOTC. “The benefits of being ranked as an optimum airport in the governorate is the high standard of service, as well as provid-

ing enough space for the highest comfort possible for passengers,” it added. The airport is designed according to IATA’s high standards regarding passenger service, the ministry added.

“There are many airports with a strong reputation that are also categorised as an ideal or optimum airport and they receive customer satisfaction prizes annually,” said the MOTC, which has been striving to improve the new airport’s ranking.

Ambitious goal With the ambitious goal to make the new Muscat International Airport among the top 20 airports in the world, earlier this year, MOTC said the airport was 91 per cent complete.

The 580,000-square meter airport has the Level of Service A, according to IATA standards, which means it can accommodate 12 million passengers and up to a maximum of 18 million without any expansion and provide the optimum level of comfort for passengers using the airport. It can also accommodate the Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft in the world.

from victims by handing over cheques and other bonds to start a joint business in Oman.

However, after investing their money, the victims found that nothing was progressing on the business front. When they produced the cheques in the bank, they found them to be fake, forcing the victims to file a case with the police in August.

According to a legal advisor, who is handling the duped businessmens’ cases, there are six complaints lodged against SK with the police in Muscat.

“Day by day, the number of people approaching us for assistance to lodge complaint is growing. It seems the amount will go up further,” the legal advisor added.

Another businessman said

when he launched an individual investigation after losing money, he had found many others who had also loaned SK huge sums.

The investor was staying with his family and had sent them back a few months ago.

In June, another Indian company official went missing, leaving two Omani businessmen liable for OMR200,000.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

OMAN Get set to see ‘The World’ in Oman The 165 private homes on board the yacht are owned by 142 families from 19 countries around the world, but mostly from the United States, Europe, Japan, South Africa and Australia, and a small percentage come up for resale every year

RAHUL DAS

rahuldas@timesofoman.com

LAP OF LUXURY: The private community at sea offers a combination of luxurious and enriching travel with world-class amenities and facilities, including six restaurants, golf facilities with onboard putting greens, a full-size tennis court at sea, swimming pools, a spa, a fitness centre, a library, cinema and much more. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: It’s the largest residential yacht in the world, and it is coming to Oman.

“The World,” where residents travel the globe without ever leaving home will visit the Muscat and other Gulf countries in the next few days.

“We prefer not to provide exact dates for each visit due to security reasons. Moreover, this is private residential ship and not a cruise

ship,” a spokesperson for “The World” told the Times of Oman.

The 165 private homes on board are owned by 142 families from 19 countries around the world, but mostly from the United States, Europe, Japan, South Africa and Australia, and a small percentage come up for resale every year.

When asked if there are any homeowners on the ship from

PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

Oman, the spokesperson said: “I cannot be certain if any of our current owners are from Oman, however we have certainly had Middle Eastern owners in the past.”

The ship will have about 150 to 250 residents and guests and 260 crew members when it visits Oman. Regarding the places they will visit in Oman, the spokesperson said: “We cannot provide

exact information of where residents will visit, it doesn’t operate like a cruise ship so there are no set tours.

“Here, residents can travel for as long as they desire, spending an average of three to four months on board every year.”

The private community at sea offers a combination of luxurious and enriching travel with world-

class amenities and facilities, including six restaurants, golf facilities with onboard putting greens, a full-size tennis court at sea, swimming pools, a spa, a fitness centre complete with personal trainers, a library, cinema, hobby and games rooms, non-denominational houses of worship and more.

After the Middle East, “The World” will visit Sri Lanka, In-

E D UC AT I O N

donesia and Malaysia before embarking on a two-week expedition to Borneo in Asia then onto Australia for a five-week exploration, ending the year in Sydney.

Construction of the vessel began in May 2000 in Rissa, Norway and the community at sea first set sail in 2002 and has so far visited more than 900 ports in more than 140 countries around the world.

K U WA I T A I RWAY S

Oman to host 8th Modern College to have Euro MENA talks sports science course from October 25

Daily non-stop flights to Kuwait from October 30 Times News Service

GAUTAM VISWANATHAN

Gautam@timesofoman.com Times News Service MUSCAT: The Euro MENA (Europe, Middle East and North Africa region) dialogues on Public Management will be launched on October 25 in Oman under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, the representative of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The conference is a joint initiative of the Aix Marseille University (AMU), the European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) and Middle East and North Africa Public Administration Research (MENAPAR), and is co-organised by AMU, the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), the Sultanate of Oman, and BIPA, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Main topic The main topic of the Euro MENA conference this year is “Modernisation of Human Resources Management and Performance of Public Organisations.”

The conference will discuss training issues, human resources strategic vision, human resources and team management tools and performance of government originations towards a new model of human resources management.

It will also aim to enhance research capacities of the youth by creating opportunities for regional professional relationships.

It will also strive to improve the

mechanisms of cooperation for projects aimed at improving the efficiencies of public administration in the Arab region.

Commenting on Oman’s role as host for the Euro MENA Conference, IPA Chief Executive Officer Sayyid Zaki Bin Hilal Al Busaidi, said: “The topics of the conference form the main points that meet with the general perspectives that IPA works on in Oman in order to enhance the performance of public administration and to develop and maximise the potential of its human resources.”

The event will be attended by high-level delegations from the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

The Euro MENA dialogue on public administration is currently in its seventh round, and is a continuation of the EuropeanArab dialogue on public administration that was held between 2008 and 2014.

Significance The significance of the event stems from the need to expand thinking in public administration among countries in the Mediterranean and the Arab world.

The European group for public management and MENAPAR had previously signed a strategic agreement to organise the Euro MENA every two years, alternately, between the Arab and the European regions.

MUSCAT: Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) plans to introduce the Sultanate’s first sports science course. The course is expected to commence in January, at the start of the college’s Spring semester.

This year-long diploma in sports science is seen as an instrument to aid Oman’s industrial diversification plans and generate employment for residents.

Speaking exclusively to Times of Oman, Dr. Aleksandar Djordjevic, the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Studies (CGPS), said, “It is supposed to equip young people who will undergo the course to apply the global sense to sport, so that they can work not just in Oman, but internationally.”

Given the interest for football in the region, Dr. Djordjevic said the initial pilot programme would focus on that sport, before branching out to include other sports in subsequent years.

“Sports are not usually seen in this region to have a commercial benefit,” he explained. There is a better approach to it than just playing it.

“There is the science of data about sport, about past experiences in sports. We can learn much more about it in a classroom environment than just on the field.”

In keeping with this approach, the course at MBCS will provide a blend of theoretical and practical

Dr. Aleksandar Djordjevic, the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

knowledge about sport.“The theoretical foundation will include a lot of knowledge such as case studies, strategy and governance can be studied at the desk, but outdoors, the students will learn about things such as drills and tactics,” said Dr. Djordjevic.

“We feel this is an innovative model and something that will bring value to both the nation and the applicants themselves.”

Setting the foundations To acquire skilled academics to teach the course, MCBS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kick Worldwide, a UK-based organisation that aims to build a football infrastructure in nations via grassroots devel-

The course at Modern College of Business and Science will provide a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge about sport

opment of the sport, and assisting in the training and education of home-grown talent to ensure long-term sustainability.

“They are bringing the knowhow to help us establish the facility,” Dr. Djordjevic explained.

“They will bring lecturers and we are also importing their programme to some extent that we will shape for the local culture.

We had the idea, but they gave it the shape.

“Some of those who are put through our programme will also be given the chance to be on the other side, as lecturers.” Academics will also be provided by the MCBS’ partner institutions in the US, the University of Missouri and Franklin University.

MUSCAT: Kuwait Airways will start daily non-stop services to Kuwait from Muscat from October 30.

Currently, Kuwait Airways is operating five flights a week.

“Now we will be adding flights on Monday and Wednesday,” Rajan Jayaraman, district sales manager, Oman, Kuwait Airways said.

The introduction of the new flights will cater to growing demand for traffic between Kuwait and Muscat. “These daily non-stop flights will be connected to various destinations in India and the subcontinent, Middle East, far East and Europe,” he said, adding that earlier two flights from Muscat used to operate via Abu Dhabi.

With effect February 20, 2017, Kuwait Airways is also planned to add two more flights on Monday and Wednesday thus the number of flights between Kuwait-Muscat-Kuwait will be increased to nine flights a week.

New aircraft Kuwait Airways has acquired seven new aircraft from airbus recently and these new aircraft will be used on Kuwait-Muscat route.

The new A320 fleet is equipped with Airbus’s innovate Runway overrun Prevention system (ROPS) technology. This on-board cockpit technology, which Airbus has pioneered independently over several years, increases pilot’s situational awareness during landing, reduces exposures to runway excursion risk, and if necessary, provides active protection.

ART EXHIBITION

Reflection of the other in Stal Gallery inaugural Times News Service MUSCAT: Nine Omani artists’ works went on display yesterday at Stal Gallery’s inaugural exhibition for the 2016-2017 season entitled, “Reflection of the Other.”

The group includes Hassan Meer, Budoor Al Riyami, Ahmed Al Mullahi, Ruqaiya Al Balushi, Rawan Al Mahrouqi, Sarah Al Balushi, Muzna Al Musafer, Safa Al Balushi and Raiya Al Rawahi.

The art show will continue until the end of the month, according to a press release by Stal Gallery.

The exhibition will immerse the audience in the world of the Circle of Experimental Art collective, giving them privileged ac-

cess to the existing connections between the artists and the way they view, consider and regard each other. Whether it is an installation, performance or soundscape, each artist will reflect on their distinct style a visualisation or expression of the other.

Seven emerging and two prominent artists are participating in the exhibition.

At the forefront is Hassan Meer, renowned artist and artistic director of the Stal Gallery. His works reflect spiritual musings, abstract representations of Omani history and culture, as well as family heritage. The exhibition opened yesterday at 7:30 pm at the Stal Gallery and Studio located in Madinat Sultan Qaboos.

ARTISIT’S VISION: The exhibition opened yesterday at 7:30 pm

at the Stal Gallery and Studio located in Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat. – Supplied photo

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

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OMAN RNO

MINISTERIAL DECISION

Directive to health staff for an extra hour’s work Fahad Al Ghadani MUSCAT: Medical staff at government health institutions could soon face an extra hour of work according to the ministerial decision issued by the Ministry of Health (MoH).

According to the Ministerial Decision 199/2016, regarding

working hours of medical employees and medical assistants in government institutions (civilian and military), Article 1 states that those who are working in government health institutions (civilian and military) will work for eight hours per day and a minimum of 56 hours per week.

The decision is based on a Royal

directive issued by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 2013.

Health establishments “The rule is applicable to all government health establishments, such as hospitals, clinics and other health institutes,” said a source from MoH. “The decision has been taken

Integrated central market planned The Dhofar Municipality will present the project for bidding, enabling the private sector to invest in it

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: An integrated central market project for fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and livestock is currently being considered for Salalah, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said.

The appropriate location for the project has already been determined and all the required environmental approvals have been sought. The Dhofar Municipality will present the project for bidding, enabling the private sector to invest in the project.

This was discussed at the sec-

ond meeting held by the Ministerial Committee of Food Safety last Thursday, which was headed by Dr. Ali bin Masoud bin Ali Al Sunaidi, minister of Commerce and Industry and the chairman of the Committee in the presence the members of the committee at the Ministry’s main building.

The committee also discussed three alternatives for the establishment of the central market for livestock and its slaughterhouse. The suggested location in Al Suwaiq was adopted after completing discussions and environmental approvals and it will be presented for bidding by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources.

The project is expected to forge a connection between the market and the Al Suwaiq port for the entry of livestock in the future.

In the framework of raising local self-sufficiency for red meats, white meats, eggs, fodder, milk, crops of fruits and vegetables, the committee also reviewed the developments of six projects of Oman Food Investment Holding Co. (SAOC), which are the Mazoon Dairy Company in the Al Buraimi Governorate, the Al Namaa Poultry Company that has allocated a location for the project in Ad Dhahira, the Al Basha’ar Company for the production of red meats in Al Najed in Dhofar governorate and the project of assembling and manufacturing dairy in Dhofar governorate, which was discussed with the Dhofar Cattle Feed Company to use its available energy for the trail production.

A farm marketing project, the establishment of dates’ factories, a veterinary medicines project, a soy production project, which is in the stages of economic feasibility and evaluation studies between the company and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries were also discussed.

IFSC LLC

CMA cancels licence of company MUSCAT: Oman’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) issued an administrative decision cancelling the licence of International Financial Services Company WORKSHOP

Social ministry unveils current year plans MUSCAT: Details of ministry’s projects, including social action strategy of the ministry during the current month was revealed

by Sheikh Mohammed bin Sa’ayed Al Kalbani, Minister of Social Development. This came during the opening ceremony of the workshop on the use of the guide for participation-based development of the existing social protection policies in Muscat.

The four-day workshop is being organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Omani Women Association in Muscat, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) with the participation of more than 25 participants from GCC countries.

Strategy The strategy contains a range of foundations, including social protection, which means the creation of social security for community members and another side for children focusing on pre and post study child care, in addition to Omani family, including women and their rights in society, as well as the elderly, the needy and the disabled by taking care of them, empowering them and integrating them into society.

New buildings He affirmed that several buildings of the Omani Women Association, ordered by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, will be launched and opened.

The minister added that the department managed in the last period to complete a set of women associations, five of them will opened in October while other buildings will be opened next year in various wilayats. -ONA

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(IFSC) LLC to operate in stocks as the company failed to carry out its obligations and did not comply with the terms and requirements for the licence during the

stipulated period. The company’s name was thus removed from the list of the companies operating in securities. The decision comes with the regulatory mandates. -ONA

following the Royal directive, which was issued in 2013. The Minister of Health and representatives from the police, military and the university will meet to discuss the appropriate working time according to the second article,” said the source.

The source added that they will unanimously decide on the ap-

propriate time to begin and finish work according to work conditions and issue a final decision upon agreement. “The date for the meeting has not yet been set, but it will be in the near future,” assured the source.

The decision will not affect the work hours of the ministry’s employees or the public health sector.

Naval drill ends MUSCAT: Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) concluded naval drill ‘Asad Al Bahr 2’ in the Sea of Oman with the support of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) aircraft.

Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Ra’eesi, RNO Commander attended the naval manoeuvres, which fired rockets with high precision. The participating vessels returned to the Said bin Sultan Naval Base. -ONA

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

OMAN CYBER BLACKMAIL

R E L E A S E O F H O S TA G E

< FROM

A1 90% of victims are males The slogan of the campaign is: “Silence will only increase your suffering.”

According to an official at ITA, sexual and financial blackmailing make up for 45 per cent of the total 355 cybercrimes reported to the authority in 2016. Interestingly, 90 per cent of the victims were males.

“These figures don’t reflect the real percentage of female victims as women are more likely to be hesitant while approaching authorities due to fear of stigma,” the official said.

He further said that around 269 blackmailing cases have been reported in Oman since 2011.

But interestingly, only two cases were reported in 2011 and 2012, five in 2013 and a total of 17 in

2014. However, last year, 84 cases were reported, which nearly doubled to 161 in 2016.

But actual figures can be higher as some complaints were reported to private firms or voluntary groups to help victims of online blackmailing, according to the ITA official.

When you type ‘online blackmail’ on Google, the first suggestion to popup will be ‘online blackmail where to report it to.’

Global trend “Online blackmailing is now a global trend, but despite the increase, Oman is ranked third in the Global Cybersecurity Index and Cyberwellness Profiles 2015, according to the International Tel-

ecommunication Union,” he said.

“Scammers from outside the country are difficult to reach while here, some can be caught in less than 24 hours,” the ITA official explained.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) is also taking part in this campaign.

In a tweet, ROP said a person, who uses the internet or technology to threaten or blackmail another to force him/her to do or not to do something, will be punished.

“Offenders will be jailed for a minimum of three years and maximum 10 years plus a fine of between OMR3,000 and OMR10,000 (will be imposed) if the threat is to commit a crime or an indecent act,” the police tweeted.

A1 Hollande thanks His Majesty < FROM

Hoodfar’s niece Amanda Ghahremani, who had the privilege of greeting her aunt off the plane in Oman, said that they were both so impressed and touched by the kindness, generosity, and warm welcome they received in Oman.

“The Omani authorities understood what an emotional time it had been for me and did absolutely everything to put me at ease. They even brought the most beautiful flowers for me to present to my aunt once she arrived. “I am forever grateful to Oman for the support they gave me and will always hold this beautiful country in my heart,” she said, adding that they will both cherish Oman, the Omani government and the Omani people in their hearts forever because of Oman’s

instrumental role in Homa’s liberation.

Hoodfar, the 65-year-old Iranian-Canadian anthropology professor, was arrested while on a visit to Iran. “Homa is now back home in Canada, recuperating,” her niece added.

Nourane Houas, the Red Cross worker freed from Yemen, told Times of Oman that she is thankful to Oman and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.

The French national with the International Committee for Red Cross, was released due to the efforts of the Oman government on a special request from its diplomats in Paris. French President Francois Hollande, in an official statement, expressed his grati-

tude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and all those who enabled the successful release of Nourane. He expressed his esteem for the work of Peter Maurer and members of the ICRC and praised “Nourane Houas’ courage during her long detention,” adding that he “shares in her family’s joy” over her release in a tweet on his official twitter handle.

Nourane had appeared in a video in May asking the French president to save her life.

Hoodfar’s friends and her colleagues had created a ‘FREEHOMA’ website and social networking platforms to introduce Homa, who she is, and what has happened to her to an international audience.

Pact to set up centre for heavy oil recovery today The pact aims at establishing the first research and development centre in the field of enhanced oil recovery outside US

MUSCAT: Innovation Park Muscat (IPM) of the Research Council will sign today the first agreement to establish a research and development (RD) centre in the field of heavy oil recovery with Enhanced Oil Recover Company.

Dr. Abdul Baqi bin Ali Al Kha-

bouri, Director of Scientific Precincts at the Research Council said that the agreement will be signed by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Chairman of the Research Council. The agreement to be signed during the 3rd Annual Research Forum at Grand Millennium Muscat, aims at establishing the first research and development centre in the field of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) outside USA. The proposed centre, which will be set up at the scientific park at IMP, will stretch on 3,000 square metres and will be provided with state-of-the-art technologies to meet needs of oil and gas sector and find solutions for the challenges faced by this sector in the Sultanate in particular and the region in general.

These challenges include recovery of heavy oil and reduce the water associated with oil production. Researchers will try to find

alternative ideas that ensure optimum utilisation of the resources and make the best use of modern technologies in developing and implementing the suitable solutions that promote the sector and contribute to the growth of the national economy.

Dr. Al Khabouri added that energy and renewable energy especially in oil and gas sector is one of the four focus areas by IPM, which include as well water and environment, food, biotechnology and health. It is also one of the main pillars for enhancing the Sultanate’s economy.

He also pointed out that IPM aims at creating an integrated system for research and development in the focus areas to make the oil and gas sector more sustainable and competitive on the regional and international levels. The centre will promote innovation in the field and will avail different futuristic technologies.

It will also provide training and employment opportunities for Omanis with prestigious scientific qualifications. The agreement that will be signed mirrors the efforts made to ensure the success of IPM and attract local and foreign companies to set up research and development centres that promote and encourage innovation.

He hoped that another agreement will be signed with an international energy company before the end of this year.

He noted that the first stage of IPM started last year and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. IPM marketing campaign will seek to attract local and foreign companies to invest in RD sector prioritised by the society.

Abdullah Al Manthri, Chairman of Enhanced Oil Recover Company said that RD has always been one of the strategic priorities of the company. -ONA RESEARCH COUNCIL

DUBAI

Bustan A1 Al Palace < FROM

receives award “This is the fourth consecutive year that Oman Air has been named as ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline, Business Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline, Economy Class’ at the World Travel Awards Middle East.

Such consistent acclaim demonstrates that Oman Air’s commitment to offering customers the very best in 21st century air travel remains absolute,” he said.

From Oman, the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, bagged the award for Oman’s Leading Hotel and Oman’s Leading Hotel Suite at a ceremony, which was held in Dubai.

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Katrin Herz, general manager, Al Bustan Palace, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded this year again with such a prestigious award, from among other leading hotels in Oman.

We continue to deliver the best Omani hospitality combined with Ritz-Carlton services to our valued guests, and showcase the true Omani art of hospitality at our beachfront resort.”

The other hotels from Oman which won awards included the Salalah Rotana Resort as Oman’s Leading Beach Resort, Millennium Executive Apartments Muscat as Oman’s Leading Hotel Residences, Beit Musandam, the Private Reserve, Six Senses Zighy Bay as Oman’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa, Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah as Oman’s Leading Resort and Kingdom Travel and Tourism as Oman’s Leading Travel Agency.

Winners from Oman: Middle East’s Leading Airline Business Class - Oman Air; Middle East’s Leading Airline Economy Class-Oman Air; Oman’s Leading Beach Resort - Salalah Rotana Resort; Oman’s Leading Hotel - Al Bustan Palace, a RitzCarlton Hotel; Oman’s Leading Hotel Residences - Millennium Executive Apartments Muscat; Oman’s Leading Hotel Suite - Presidential Suite, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel; Oman’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa - Beit Musandam, the Private Reserve, Six Senses Zighy Bay; Oman’s Leading Resort - Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah; Oman’s Leading Spa Resort - Six Senses Zighy Bay; Oman’s Leading Travel Agency - Kingdom Travel & Tourism.

RAIN FALLS IN PARTS OF OMAN Rain fell in North Batinah, Buraimi and Dhahirah in the afternoon and it may extend towards the rest of Al Hajar mountains, Musandam and coastal areas, Oman meteorology department said. In an advisory, the Meteorology Department has said that Buraimi, Rustaq, Samail, Bahla, Ibri, Nizwa, Sunaynah, Saiq, Madha, Yanqul, Jabal_Shams, Al Hamra and Izki will be hit by thunderstorms. Meanwhile, Bader Ali Al Baddaei, an administrator of www.rthmc.net, a local web-based forum that discusses weather in Oman, said that wadis were overflowing in Madha and Liwa. -www.rthmc.net

Falling walls lab contest organised MUSCAT: Falling Walls Lab Competition was organised by The Research Council (TRC) yesterday the at Grand Millennium Hotel - Al Khuwair.

The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Taimour bin Asa’ad bin Tariq Al Said, TRC Assistant Secretary General for Communication.

The ARF, this year, is accompanied with the Falling Walls Lab Competition, that is organized for the first time in the Sultanate.

The competition, which is sponsored by the National Bank of Oman, aims at selecting a winner to represent the Sultanate at the Falling Walls Lab Conference, that is an annual international conference held in Berlin every year on November 9.

Seventeen participants took part in the contest.

The conference aims at building and strengthening linkages between academics, innovators and entrepreneurs in all areas.-ONA

H U M A N I TA R I A N A I D

Sultanate takes part in Arab League meeting on Aleppo CAIRO: The Sultanate took part in the Arab League Council meeting organised at the request of Kuwait to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian situations in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Permanent delegate Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Issa’ee, Sultanate’s Ambassador to Egypt, and its Permanent Delegate to the Arab League, represented the country during the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by the Tunisian Republic.

The extraordinary meeting of the Arab League Council at the level of the permanent delegates was organised at the headquarters of the Arab League yesterday.

The meeting discussed dete-

MEETING: Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Issa’ee, Sultanate’s Ambassador to Egypt and its Permanent Delegate to the Arab League, represented the Sultanate in the meeting. – ONA

riorating situations in the Syrian city of Aleppo as a result of the aerial bombardment, explosion of bombs and the siege of civilians by the warring factions.

The participants appealed to the international community and humanitarian organisations to provide help to the people of Aleppo. -ONA

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

A7

REGION WA R W I T H I N NAT I O N

Rebels repel Syrian army assault as warplanes pound Aleppo AMMAN/BRUSSELS: Syrian rebels said on Tuesday they had repelled an army offensive in southern Aleppo as Russian and Syrian warplanes pounded residential areas, while nations spoke of rebuilding a peace process the United States broke off this week.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, who announced on Monday that Washington was suspending talks with Moscow due to Russia’s role in the offensive, said peace efforts must carry on.

Turkey said it planned to make a proposal to Washington and Moscow to resurrect a ceasefire that collapsed last month.

But on the ground there was no sign of peace with potentially the biggest and most decisive battle of the five-and-a-half year war unfolding as pro-government forces sought to drive anti-Assad rebels from their last major urban stronghold.

Assad’s government, with Russian air support and allied ground forces, launched the assault on Aleppo last month, a week into a ceasefire agreed by Washington and Moscow. The United States and other Western countries say Moscow and Damascus are guilty of war crimes for deliberately targeting civilians, hospitals and aid deliveries to crush the will of more than 250,000 people trapped under siege in Aleppo. The Syrian and Russian governments say they target only militants.

RAID

Egypt says Brotherhood leader killed in shootout CAIRO: Egypt’s interior ministry said on Tuesday its forces had killed a senior Muslim Brotherhood leader, whom it described as responsible for the group’s “armed wing”, as well as his aide in a shootout overnight.

Mohamed Kamal, 61, a member of the group’s top leadership council, and Yasser Shehata, were killed when security forces raided an apartment in Cairo’s southern Bassateen district, the ministry said. The Muslim Brotherhood said on its social media accounts that Kamal had disappeared on Monday afternoon, hours before the interior ministry announced his death. Amr Darrag, a senior Brotherhood official exiled in Turkey, told Reuters that Kamal had not been involved in the dayto-day running of the organisation for months.

He disputed the interior ministry’s account that Kamal died in an exchange of fire, saying he was arrested and then killed.

The interior ministry said it had raided an apartment in Cairo on Monday night after learning that it was being used as a Brotherhood base and was met by gunfire from inside. It said its forces fired back, killing the two men inside.

Kamal was one of the most prominent leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood to remain at large and had been a member of the group’s top-level Guidance Bureau.

He had been in charge of the Supreme Administrative Committee, known as the youth committee, until May, when he resigned over differences with other leaders of the group. — Reuters

DESTROYED: People inspect a damaged site after air strikes in the rebel held Karam Houmid neighbourhood in Aleppo, Syria, on Tuesday. – Reuters

Rebels said they inflicted losses on pro-government fighters after hours of clashes on the fringe of Sheikh Saed district, at the southern edge of the rebel-held eastern half of Aleppo city.

“We repelled their attempt to advance in Sheikh Saed and killed 10 regime fighters and destroyed several vehicles,” said a fighter from the Failaq Al Sham rebel group who gave his name as Abdullah Al Halabi.

Pro-government media said the Syrian army was pressing ahead

in a major campaign supported by militias and Russian air power to take full control of Syria’s largest city, divided between rebel and government zones since 2012.

In the 15 days since the collapse of the ceasefire, war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had documented the deaths of 293 civilians in besieged east Aleppo as a result of air strikes and shelling, including 20 on Tuesday. It has documented 25 deaths in government-held west Aleppo from rebel shelling during the 15 days.

Opposition sources give higher death tolls in the besieged rebelheld sector, under attack from bombing described as unprecedented in its ferocity. Many hundreds of wounded people have been brought to a handful of functioning hospitals, which are short of supplies and have themselves come under attack.

The collapse of the ceasefire last month left US policy on Syria in tatters and was a personal blow for Kerry, who negotiated the truce over months of intense diplomacy

with Moscow despite scepticism in Washington, including from other senior figures in the Barack Obama administration.

Last month Republican Senator John McCain called Kerry “intrepid but deluded” for relying on Moscow. Kerry suspended talks with Russia on Monday, accusing Moscow of failing to live up to its commitments to halt fighting and assure aid reached besieged communities. “We are not giving up on the Syrian people and we are not abandoning the pursuit of peace,” Kerry said on Tuesday in a speech in Brussels.

He accused Moscow of turning a blind eye to Syria’s use of poison gas and “barrel bombs” - oil drums packed with explosives - to kill civilians.“Where they make a desert, they call it peace,” Kerry said, quoting the Roman historian Tacitus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted by Russian news agencies saying Moscow would make efforts to resolve the crisis despite the US suspension of talks.

Moscow said it had deployed the advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Syria for the first time to protect its base at Tartous, Russia’s only sea base on the Mediterranean.

A spokesman for the Turkish president said Tayyip Erdogan could speak by telephone to Obama and President Vladimir Putin about a proposal to revive the Syr-

ian ceasefire. The spokesman did not give details of the proposal.

A German official said US, British, French, German and Italian officials would meet in Berlin on Wednesday to discuss next steps.

The UN high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, said attacks on civilians in Aleppo could amount to crimes against humanity. He suggested countries with a veto at the UN Security Council, such as Russia, should be stripped of the power to prevent such serious cases being reported to the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

The rebels are putting up a bitter fight for districts of Aleppo where they have had years to fortify their positions. They also control other territory and have launched advances of their own.

A rebel commander from the Nour Al Din Al Zinki group said the army had opened several fronts simultaneously since the launch of a ground assault in order to stretch rebel forces, and had dropped leaflets from helicopters calling for surrender.

Government forces have pressed southwards since securing Handarat, a camp for Palestinians on the northern edge of Aleppo last Thursday following what rebels called carpet bombing. “They levelled the ground and our people had no choice but to retreat under the bombing of the Russians,” the Zinki commander said. — Reuters

Houthis set conditions for possible Yemen peace talks President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi must go and an agreement must be reached on the presidency, demanded Houthis

SANAA: Yemen’s Houthis toughened demands for the resumption of talks to end the 19-month-old civil war, saying President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi must go and an agreement must be reached on the presidency.

The comments from the forces are likely to complicate United Nations efforts to bring the parties back to talks based on proposals made by US Secretary of State John Kerry in August.

Hadi’s internationally-recognised government is battling the Houthis who took over the capital Sanaa in September 2014.

“Any talks or negotiations by Yemeni delegates must be on the condition that the United Nations offers a written and comprehensive peace plan,” delegates from the Houthis and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh said in a statement on Saba news agency. “If the proposal does not include an agreement on the new presidential institution, then it [the UN peace plan] becomes merely a partial and incomplete vision, which

APPEAL FOR COOPERATION: United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien speaks to reporters before his departure from Sanaa airport, Yemen, on Tuesday, O’Brien said the organisation needed the rapid cooperation of Yemen’s various authorities to fight malnutrition that is afflicting millions. – Reuters

cannot be a foundation for discussion,” the statement said.

A shaky ceasefire between the government and the Houthis took effect in April and brought some respite from the war, which started when the rebels pushed the government into exile in March 2015. Peace talks broke down in August, though, and Saudi-led air strikes on the Houthis have resumed.

US Secretary of State John

Kerry said on August 25 he had agreed in talks with Arab states and the United Nations on a plan to restart peace talks with a goal of forming a unity government.

The final agreement would also include the withdrawal of forces from Sanaa and other areas and the transfer of heavy weapons the Houthis and forces allied to them to a third party, Kerry said at the time.

In another development, the

United Nations’ aid chief said the organisation needed the rapid cooperation of Yemen’s various authorities to fight malnutrition that is afflicting millions.

Shipments UN emergency relief coordinator Stephen O’Brien, in a Reuters interview on a visit to Yemen, also said that damage to infrastructure, including cranes at the main Hodeidah port, had affected ship-

ments of food, fuel and medicine to Yemen. “Of course we need to do so much more, what we are doing we know to be insufficient,” he said. “The authorities, whoever they are, need to able to give us great and quick facilitation, not put administrative burdens in our way, not to distrust us.”

Yemen relies almost solely on imports, but the war has slowed shipments to a trickle. Out of 28 million Yemenis 21 million need some form of humanitarian aid and at least half the population suffer from malnutrition, the UN has said.

Speaking after visiting aid efforts, O’Brien said it was “absolutely terrifying” to see thin, malnourished babies in the paediatric and feeding wards of a hospital.

“These things are avoidable. And that’s why we need to get not only food but medical items in, because the other thing that is almost obliterated is the health service.

O’Brien urged Yemeni authorities to facilitate UN work by issuing visas to staff and removing administrative obstacles.

He said that a verification and inspection mechanism set up by the United Nations had helped ease transport of vital food and medical supplies to Yemen but damage to Hodeidah port and its facilities was slowing down the process.

“Of course its terrible to see the smashed cranes which limit the capacity to be able to unload the ships along side the berths to bring in the food supplies and the fuel that is so necessary,” O’Brien said. — Reuters

F I V E - M O N T H - O L D C A M PA I G N

IS losing grip on Sirte as Libyan forces make advance SIRTE (LIBYA): IS militant group controls a residential strip less than 1km long in their former stronghold in Libya’s Sirte, where pro-government forces backed by US air strikes are advancing building by building to finish a fivemonth-old campaign.

Over the past two days, forces led by brigades from Misrata have pressed further into Sirte’s neighbourhood Number Three as an intensified aerial bombardment and a barrage of tank fire slowly dislodged militant sniper positions.

Militants were clinging to an area called Manara, a sub-district that if ceded, Misrata commanders said, would leave them exposed to defeat in what was once the group’s main base outside territory controlled in Iraq and Syria. “This is the end for them,” said Mohamed Al Ghasri,

a spokesman for Misrata forces.

“They have no other solutions, so that’s why they are fighting fiercely to stay in Manara.”

Losing control of Sirte is a major blow for IS, depriving it of the only city it held in North Africa. The militant group is also on the defensive against US-backed campaigns in Iraq and Syria. Victory for the Misrata-led forces would also provide a boost for a UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) that nominally commands them from Tripoli.

The GNA has so far struggled to exert its authority and recently saw a rival eastern commander, Kahlifa Haftar, seize some of Libya’s major oil ports, one of which is less than 200km from Sirte.

The campaign in Sirte has been costly and longer than many in

PRESSING FURTHER: Libyan forces gather outside destroyed buildings captured from IS militants in Sirte, Libya, on Monday. – Reuters

Misrata expected. But with IS militants pinned back to a few residential blocks, their capacity to use heavy weapons and suicide bombings has been reduced.

On Monday, Misrata-led forces found a vehicle packed with explosives that IS had been unable to use. That was a day after the US intensified its air attacks on Sirte,

carrying out 20 strikes against multiple fighting positions, according to US Africa Command.

The US has launched just over 200 strikes since the start of its air campaign on August 1.

Many of the buildings in areas where recent fighting has taken place are ruined or reduced to rubble. Misrata-led forces are still vulnerable to snipers, who they say are highly skilled and have adapted to air strikes by seeking better cover. On Sunday, a sniper claimed the life of a Dutch photographer - the second journalist to be killed in the campaign. Forces have also had to deal with attacks from behind the front lines, including car bombings, which have fuelled fears of a continuing insurgent threat in the area after Sirte’s capture.

On Sunday, the forces fended off

a major ambush on their eastern flank. Rida Issa, a second spokesman for the Misrata-led operation, said as many as 55 bodies of slain IS militants had been counted after the attack, with another 25 counted around Manara.

“It is highest number of Daesh (IS) bodies spotted since the beginning of battle against them in Sirte,” Issa said.

“According to the observations of our front line commanders, the bodies found were those of Libyans, Tunisians and sub-Saharan Africans.”

A further six had been killed as fleeing militants were pursued into the desert, Issa said. At least 11 of the government-backed fighters were killed in the past two days of fighting, with dozens more wounded. — Reuters

A8

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

INDIA

The NIA on Sunday arrested six persons from Kerala for allegedly plotting terror attacks in the country during the agency’s ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 21 people from the state who are believed to have joined the IS

REPORT

RAO COMMANDER MEETS TOP INDIAN DEFENCE OFFICIALS Major General Mattar bin Salim Al Balushi, Commander of the Royal Army of Oman (RAO) met General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Staff of the Indian Army, within the framework of his official visit to the Republic of India, which comes as per an official invitation from the Indian Chief of Staff of Army. The two sides exchanged cordial conversations and viewpoints on fields of the existing military cooperation between them. The RAO Commander also met Manohar Parrikar, Minister of Defence in the Republic of India, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy and Air Marshal Jasjit Singh Kler, Commandant of the National Defence Academy (NDA). - ONA

Intelligence agencies warn of IS threat to two Kerala judges, politicians THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Intelligence agencies in Kerala have alerted the state government about threat from IS-linked module to two high court judges and some politicians, close on the heels of NIA arresting six persons of the terror module from the state.

A report in this regard has been submitted by Additional Director General of Police Intelligence to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also holds the Home portfolio, police sources said.

The sources, however, declined to divulge further details.

The National Investigating Agency on Sunday arrested six persons from Kerala for allegedly plotting terror attacks in the country during the agency’s ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 21 people from the state who are believed to have joined the IS. NIA teams along with Kerala Police, Delhi police and Telangana police had launched surveillance on the movements of the accused

FROM 2017

CBSE to do away with re-evaluation of answer sheets NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education has decided to discontinue the provision of re-evaluation of answer sheets from 2017.

However, officials said some system will still be in place for redress of genuine cases.

Senior CBSE officials told mediapersons here that since 2014, re-evaluation of answer sheets was done in around 10 subjects for class XII examinations.

However, the actual number of students who applied for re-evaluation was only around 1.8 per cent and the number of beneficiaries even less, a senior official said.

“Keeping these in mind, the CBSE has decided to do away with the system of re-evaluation,” the official said. CBSE chairperson R. K. Chaturvedi said the Governing Body of the board has given its assent to the decision of doing away with re-evaluation. Chaturvedi also said the CBSE has formed two committees — one to look at existing by-laws and another to look at the system of examinations. He said there are often reports of violation against schools and there is a view that CBSE needs more teeth to enforce the by-laws. - PTI

involved in the conspiracy and during searches, the six were arrested from Kozhikode and Kannur districts.

Case registered Five of them were arrested while they were conducting a meeting at Kanakamala hilltop in Kannur and another person was arrested from Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode, a NIA release had stated.

The NIA has already registered a case in connection with the 21 missing youths from Kerala who are believed to have joined IS terror group in Afghanistan and later moved to Syria and some other countries.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police Loknath Behara said state police has strengthened its vigil in the backdrop of the arrests of six persons by NIA from the state.

The state police will be monitoring the situation in cooperation with Central agencies, he told reporters here. - PTI

India, Singapore to step up anti-terror, economic ties main of cyber security.”

He also noted that as two maritime nations, keeping the sea lanes of communication open and respect for international legal order of seas and oceans was a shared priority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has embarked on a path of strong economic growth and transformation and in this journey, it regards Singapore as a key partner

NEW DELHI: India and Singapore on Tuesday decided to strengthen cooperation in countering threats of rising terrorism with Prime Minister Narendra Modi terming cross-border terrorism and increasing radicalisation as “grave challenges” that endanger the very fabric of the two societies.

Modi, who held comprehensive

MAKING A POINT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at a joint press statement at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on Tuesday. - PTI

talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors including trade and investment, said defence and security cooperation is a key pillar of strategic partnership between India and Singapore.

Addressing a joint press meet, Lee condemned terrorism and offered condolences to the families of the soldiers who were killed in the Uri attack.

Asserting that “rising tide of terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism, and the rise of radicalisation are grave challenges to our security”, Modi said, “they threaten the very fabric of our societies.

“It is my firm belief that those who believe in peace and humanity need to stand and act together against this menace.

“Today, we have agreed to enhance our cooperation to counter these threats, including in the do-

Inked three pacts The two countries also inked three pacts including the one dealing with Intellectual Property rights to facilitate greater business to business exchanges and collaborations.

Describing trade and investment as bedrock of bilateral relationship, Modi said India has embarked on a path of strong economic growth and transformation and in this journey, it regards Singapore as a key partner.

Agreeing to expedite the second review of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, the two leaders also welcomed the issuance of corporate Rupee bonds in Singapore which was a step forward in mobilising capital for India’s large infrastructure development needs.

“I have been informed that Singapore is leading the world in putting driverless cars on the road.

But, I rest assured, we all rest assured, that one of India’s strongest well-wishers Prime Minister Lee is in the driving seat for Singapore and for our bilateral relationship.

Excellency Lee, you are a friend of India,” Modi said.

Lee said they also discussed furthering Singapore and India’s strong economic ties, for instance, by setting up a Finance Dialogue between the finance ministries of both the countries.

On the Singapore side, Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be appointed for the task and India will appoint Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to find “win-win outcomes” for both countries, Lee added.

Noting that Singapore’s National Anthem was “Majulah Singapura”- “Onward, Singapore”, Modi said it is no surprise, therefore, that if there is one country that seems to act in the present, but is alive to the needs of the future, it is Singapore.

“Whether it is manufacturing, environment, innovation, technology, or delivery of public services, Singapore does today what the rest of the world would do tomorrow,” he added. - PTI

PROBE ON

3 injured as Jhelum Express derails, movement of over 100 trains hit CHANDIGARH/LUDHIANA: Three passengers were injured as 10 coaches of the Jammu TawiPune Jhelum Express derailed near Satluj river in Jalandhar district early Tuesday, affecting the movement of over 100 trains.

The Pune-bound train derailed at 3:10am between Phillaur and Ladhowal stations of the Jalandhar-Ludhiana section of Ferozepur division of the Northern Railway.

“Ten coaches of Jhelum Express derailed between Phillaur and Ladhowal,” Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Ferozepur, Anuj Prakash said.

A major tragedy was averted as the train was running slow just after moving out of Phillaur railway station. “We were very lucky that the train did not reach the rail bridge (over Satluj river). It could have been worse,” a railway official said.

Ten coaches that derailed included a pantry car, a three-Tier AC compartment and eight Sleeper Class bogies, the official said.

Three passengers were injured and rushed to a nearby hospital in Ludhiana. About 25 trains including Shatabdi Express, Shane-Punjab Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Amritsar-Chandigarh Intercity Express on the busy Amritsar-Delhi route were cancelled. Railways was making efforts to restore services.

Thirty eight trains were divert-

SABOTAGE RULED OUT: The coaches of the Jhelum Express, which derailed in Ludhiana, on Tuesday. - PTI

ed and more than 40 were either short-terminated, short-originated or rescheduled, railway officials said.

The rail traffic on the Ludhiana-Jalandhar section of the Delhi-Jalandhar route, which also connects Amritsar and Jammu, was disrupted. Railway officials said an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the mishap, but they ruled out any possibility of sabotage.

They said the front portion of the Jhelum Express, which is the engine and eight coaches, have been moved to the next station

after accommodating all the passengers for arranging their onward journey.

The rear six unaffected coaches have been moved to Phillaur, they said, adding that buses were being arranged for passengers willing to continue their journey by bus.

The Divisional Railway Manager, Ferozepur, General Manager Northern Railway A. K. Puthia and a team of senior officials inspected the site of the mishap.

Helpline numbers have been set up by railways in Jammu, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Delhi, Amritsar and Pathankot. - PTI

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PAKISTAN

Inflation rises 3.9% on back of increase in food prices Inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which captures prices of 481 commodities in urban centres, rose 3.9 per cent in September compared to the same month of previous year

BUREAU OF STATISTICS REPORT: A man inspects grain at a wholesale market in Karachi. Core inflation goes up 4.8 per cent, the highest level in one and a half year. - AFP file photo

ISLAMABAD: Inflation rose 3.9 per cent in September on the back of continuous spike in food prices as underlying inflationary pressures kept building up.

Inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which captures prices of 481 commodities in urban centres, rose 3.9 per cent in September compared to the same month of previous year,

reported Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday.

The national data collecting agency has not yet devised a mechanism to capture price trends in rural areas, where majority of the population lives.

A moderate acceleration in prices continues that has built up inflationary pressures.

This is also evident from a per-

sistent increase in non-food and non-energy inflation.

The non-food non-energy category, known as core inflation, rose 4.8 per cent in September – the highest level in one and a half year.

Last time, the core inflation had risen 4.9 per cent in May 2015.

The national statistics agency released the inflation bulletin days after the State Bank of Paki-

A9

stan (SBP) kept its key policy rate — at which it lends to commercial banks — unchanged at 5.75 per cent in the monetary policy for the next two months.

The central bank has so far been following the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s advice to adopt a “prudent monetary policy”. In its policy announcement, the central bank noted that

an expected pickup in domestic demand would largely determine the inflation path in the remaining months of fiscal year 2016-17.

It said uncertain global oil prices continued to remain a major determining risk. Analysts expect a moderate increase in the international crude prices after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) — a cartel comprising countries that produce 40 per cent of world’s oil – proposed production curbs in its September 28 meeting.

The SBP said while the global growth outlook for 2016 was subdued, trend in international oil prices remained uncertain.

Anticipation of the impact of interest rate hike by the US Fed, slowdown in Chinese economy and aftermath of Brexit on international financial and commodity markets was building up on the prevalent uncertainty, it said.

For 2016-17, the government has set the inflation target at 6 per cent while the IMF and SBP projections are below that level.

Average inflation for July-September stood at 3.86 per cent, according to the PBS. The capital market has already started expecting an increase in interest rates, resulting in a slight rise in government’s borrowing costs. - Express Tribune

END BLACK MARKETING

Railways re-launches e-tickets for online booking LAHORE: After a gap of almost nine years, the Pakistan Railways (PR) launched once again the eticketing system on Monday in an effort to facilitate passengers in booking their seats from anywhere in the country.

“Initially, the online system has been introduced for the railways flagship train ‘Green Line Express’, besides five rail cars,” announced Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique at a news conference.

“The e-ticketing facility will be introduced for all passenger trains in the next eight months,” Rafique said, adding the online booking system would not only end black marketing of tickets but would also improve PR’s accounting system.

Earlier, the Pakistan Railways had undertaken the e-ticketing initiative in October 2007 in collaboration with Citibank.

However, the project lasted only till January 2008 due to disagreement with the bank over a couple of clauses of the contract signed with it. Soon afterwards, MCB Bank showed interest in becoming a partner in the e-ticketing initiative and it was asked to submit its proposal. However, by the year 2014, no development could be made on the matter primarily due to poor performance of the railways. - Express Tribune

STREET ART COMPETITION

Lifeless Gilgit walls at Kashrote turned into canvases GILGIT: The sombre and grey Airport Road in Gilgit has been brought back to life by a series of colourful scenes painted on bare walls at Kashrote turning the street into an impromptu art gallery.

The artwork, depicting local culture, historical sites and a map of the region, were painted by scores of young students from Lahore and

Gilgit as part of a street art competition by the Gilgit-Baltistan government. The competition aimed to promote culture in the region.

Around 30 students from educational institutions in Lahore and over 150 students from Gilgit painted historic buildings, including scenes from the Lahore and Skardu forts, rivers and scenic valleys

of the region portraying traditions.

Students from Lahore painted historic buildings architecture while students from G-B focused on the culture and breathtaking views of their region. Locals have appreciated the colourful and artistic change in their scenery.

“This (artwork) was amazing, exclaimed one Kashrote resident.

The wall that had always been blank has now been turned into art gallery,” he said Zaman Haider, a resident of Rondu area of Skardu had led the initiative, said that this was the first such activity of its kind in G-B. “Apart from students from the Karakoram University, students from over 10 schools and colleges of G-B participated in the

exercise,” he said. He added that painting the walls in this way was a healthy exercise for students.

Haider hoped to involve more people when the project ultimately expands to other parts of the region.

He thanked G-B chief minister and Gilgit’s deputy commissioner for their support for the project. — Express Tribune

GRAFFITTI: A wall painted by

students as part of street art competition. - Express Tribune

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

WORLD SOUTH CHINA SEA

GOLDEN WEEK HOLIDAYS Visitors walk on a path at Wuyi mountain in Nanping, Fujian Province, China on Monday. The national golden week holidays, which started on Saturday, offers an important snapshot of Chinese holidaymakers and their changing tastes and habits as economic growth at home stutters. — Reuters

Indonesia air force holds its largest military drill JAKARTA: Indonesia’s air force is holding its largest military exercise this week, near some of its islands in the South China Sea, in a show of sovereignty over the gas-rich area on the fringe of territory claimed by China, officials said on Tuesday.

President Joko Widodo in June launched an unprecedented campaign to bolster fishing, oil exploration and defence facilities around the Natuna island chain after a series of face-offs between the Indonesian navy and Chinese fishing boats.

China, while not disputing Indonesia’s clams to the Natuna islands, has raised Indonesian anger by saying the two countries had “over-lapping claims” to waters near them, an area Indonesia calls the Natuna Sea. “We want to show our existence in the area. We have a good enough air force to act as a deterrent,” said Jemi Trisonjaya, spokesman for Indonesia’s air force.

More than 2,000 air force personnel were taking part in the two-week long exercise, which includes the deployment of Indonesia’s fleet of Russian Sukhoi and F-16 fighter jets, he said.

Other branches of the Indonesian armed forces are not taking part in exercise, which ends on Thursday. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where about $5 trillion worth of trade passes every year. — Reuters

GENERAL ELECTION

Thai lawmakers plan party to keep junta chief as premier BANGKOK: Pro-establishment lawmakers in Thailand said they plan to ensure junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha stays on as prime minister by fielding a proxy political party backed by the military in a general election planned for next year.

Thailand voted overwhelmingly in August to accept a junta-backed constitution, paving the way for an election - but one that will require future elected governments to rule on the military’s terms.

Paiboon Nititawan, a former senator appointed by the military to its reform council and its constitution drafting committee, said he would set up a party to nominate Prayuth as the next prime minister. “We have retired generals and soldiers that are interested in joining our party,” Paiboon told Reuters. “We need a good person to ensure the reforms put in place by the junta get carried out. For me, that person is General Prayuth.”

Politicians from main political parties said the military had been lobbying people to join Paiboon’s party. For its part, the junta says it does not support the formation of a political party and it is not interested in staying in power beyond 2017.

Suranand Vejjajiva, a former minister in the Yingluck Shinawatra government that was overthrown in May 2014, said a party that supports Prayuth as premier could gain enough seats to ensure military rule. — Reuters

Afghan troops clear Taliban from Kunduz amid clashes troops had been abandoned.

Afghan officials are still investigating how the Taliban managed to once again penetrate the city’s defences, despite months of military operations aimed at preventing a repeat of last year’s debacle, Ministry of Interior spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told reporters in Kabul. “Right now we are focusing on clearing the city,” he said.

Backed by US special forces and air support as well as warplanes of their own, Afghan soldiers sought to clear the city overnight, said Kunduz police chief Qasim Jangalbagh.

Taliban fighters after their 2001 ouster remained in several areas of Kunduz but Afghan forces had made progress, he said.

Taliban militants slipped past government defences early on Monday and occupied or attacked central areas of Kunduz

KABUL: Afghan forces regained control of most of the northern city of Kunduz city on Tuesday amid sporadic fighting, officials said, a day after Taliban militants appeared to encounter little resistance as they pushed to the city centre.

But social media accounts linked to the Taliban, which had taunted Afghan forces and their Western backers throughout Monday’s attack, said the group’s fighters were still inside Kunduz city on Tuesday with “clashes ongoing” and government troops “on the run”.

Taliban militants slipped past government defences early on Monday and occupied or attacked central areas of Kunduz, almost exactly a year after they briefly

TIGHT SECURITY: Afghan security forces keep watch in front of their armoured vehicle in Kunduz city, Afghanistan on Tuesday. Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters the Taliban attack was more of a “Western-movie style shoot-them-up” raid than a concerted military offensive. – Reuters

captured the city in one of their biggest successes of the 15-year war. The attack in Kunduz, as well as Taliban gains in areas of Helmand and Uruzgan where they also threaten provincial capitals, has underlined the insurgents’ growing strength and exposed weaknesses in the government, which is meeting international

donors in Brussels this week to try to secure billions of dollars in additional aid.

Questions dogged the Afghan security forces, with the US military reporting it saw little evidence of significant fighting as the Taliban moved in, and some witnesses saying many police had simply abandoned their check-

points without firing a shot.

In Washington on Monday, Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters the Taliban attack was more of a “Western-movie style shoot-them-up” raid than a concerted military offensive.

Afghan Defence Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said no checkpoints manned by army

Reinforcement “We have received reinforcement and have air support,” Jangalbagh said. “More then 25 enemies are killed so far and we have retaken several places. We are committed to clear the city.”

Five members of the government security forces had been killed, with another 13 wounded, Waziri reported.

Overnight, a US helicopter conducted an air strike “to defend friendly forces”, the US military command in Kabul said, and a “robust” force of American special forces as well as aircraft were positioned near the city to provide support if needed. — Reuters

PHILIPPINES

It’s the economy not Duterte main cause of market selloff SINGAPORE: Philippine markets have been heavily sold down since July, primarily for economic reasons, not the festering row between new President Rodrigo Duterte and traditional ally the United States over his war on drugs, money managers say.

A slowdown in remittances from Filipinos working overseas, which have historically been a big driver of growth in the Southeast Asian nation, is a cause of concern.

For bond investors, a bigger concern is the heavy correlation between Philippine bonds and US Treasuries, and the potential for Philippine bond prices to drop as market participants prepare for the Federal Reserve to raise its near-zero rates.

“Everybody’s pointing to Duterte,” said Erwin Balita, a fund manager at BPI Asset Manage-

ment in Manila. “But for me, it’s really the fundamentals of the country. The drop in remittances is a big game changer,” he said. BPI manages around 700 billion pesos ($14.5 billion) in the Philippines.

The stock market, one of Asia’s outperformers in 2015, has fallen 4 per cent since late July. In the same period, MSCI’s Asia ex-Japan index has risen 5.3 per cent.

The peso has borne the brunt of the exodus of foreign investment and is down 5 per cent against the dollar since July. It is down 2.4 per cent this year, making it the worst performing currency in the region after the yuan.

Yields on 15-year dollar bonds issued by the Philippine government, one of the most liquid on the market, have risen 17 basis points since July. The Philippines is one of Asia’s most active issuers of US

Rodrigo Duterte. – Reuters

dollar-denominated bonds. With Asia’s second-highest growth rate, it has been a haven for yield-hunting foreign investors over the past couple of years.

Yet, those bonds have been volatile in recent weeks.

“People think that Treasury

rates are going to go up and that is the reason why the role of Philippine bonds being a Treasury proxy is negatively affected,” said Arthur Lau, a fixed income portfolio manager at PineBridge Investments.

PineBridge, which has $42 billion of Asian assets under management, has been neutral to underweight on Philippine assets across its funds this year. The low yields and already tight spreads on Philippine bonds would leave holders vulnerable to a rise in dollar yields, and the selling showed investors were protecting themselves against a possible Fed rate rise, Lau said.

Duterte’s rhetoric was an additional factor, he said. “People are somewhat concerned about the near-term political environment,” Lau said, adding the market was reacting defensively for

both fundamental and technical reasons. “That is why we see the underperformance.”

Duterte took power on June 30 and his focus on building new infrastructure won him plaudits from business leaders. Even his war on drugs and crime was seen as a positive at the time.

But over 3,400 people have been killed by police and suspected vigilantes since then and Duterte has insulted US President Barack Obama, the United Nations and the European Union for questioning his campaign. For now, US officials say they are doing their best to ignore Duterte’s hostile rhetoric and taking comfort in the fact that he has yet to translate his words into less military cooperation.

Prashant Singh, a Singaporebased senior portfolio manager at fund manager Neuberger Berman,

said the peso’s decline was due to a sharp fall in the Philippines current account surplus in the past few months and the possibility that Duterte’s proposals on improving investment and infrastructure could lead to more imports. But he added: “The geopolitics is not helping the peso at the margin,” referring to the Duterte administration. Neuberger Berman switched to being underweight on the peso two months ago.

Meanwhile, one fallout of Duterte’s erratic behaviour is likely to be the Philippines’ sovereign ratings. Standard & Poor’s rating agency has warned that the unpredictability over his policies could undermine the chances of an upgrade for the Philippines and might even lead to a downgrade of the country’s BBB/A-2 investment grade rating. — Reuters

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WORLD

Turkey suspends thousands of police officers, closes TV station More than 2,500 police chiefs among those suspended, 33 air force officers detained as Turkey widens clampdown against perceived enemies in the wake of July’s failed coup

ANKARA/ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities suspended nearly 13,000 police officers, detained dozens of air force officers and shut down a TV station on Tuesday, widening a state-ordered clampdown against perceived enemies in the wake of July’s failed coup.

The police headquarters said 12,801 officers, including 2,523 chiefs, had been suspended because of their suspected links to US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating the attempt to overthrow the government.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, denies any link to the putsch which has shaken the country and led to the deaths of more than 240 people.

The suspensions came hours after deputy prime minister NuS PA N I S H T R I A L

Ex-IMF chief Rato denies misuse of credit cards MADRID: Former International Monetary Fund chief Rodrigo Rato rejected at a trial on Tuesday claims he had misused a corporate credit card during his time at lender Bankia, saying the expenses he accrued were legal and part of his salary.

Rato and 64 other executives and former board members of Bankia and its founding savings bank Caja Madrid are accused of illegally charging millions of euros in personal expenses on company cards in a case that has incensed Spaniards.

Rato, who chaired Bankia for two years until just before its state bailout in 2012, has since repaid the almost 100,000 euros ($111,680) bill he racked up.

But, he told a court on Tuesday the card was legal, denying allegations that this spending was done below the radar and not declared within company accounts. He said any spending on the card was part of his salary. — Reuters

SHUT DOWN: Turkish police officers are seen in the offices and studios of the IMC TV station during a raid on Tuesday in Istanbul.– AFP

man Kurtulmus announced that the cabinet had approved a 90-day extension to a state of emergency, renewing President Tayyip Erdogan’s powers to govern by decree at least until January.

The emergency measures, if approved by parliament, mean Erdogan can take decisions without oversight of the Constitutional Court, Turkey’s highest legal body.

As well as suspending around 5 per cent of the entire police force, the authorities detained 33 air force officers in raids across the country, the private Dogan news

agency reported, and the transmission of TV station IMC was cut following accusations of spreading “terrorist propaganda”.

State-run Anadolu Agency said 37 people working in the Interior Ministry’s headquarters had also been removed from their posts, although no explanation was given.

Since July 15, Erdogan has taken unprecedented steps to rid state institutions of staff deemed disloyal or potential enemies. About 100,000 people in the military, civil service, police, judiciary and universities have been sacked or

suspended from their jobs, and 32,000 have been arrested.

The government says its aim is to rid institutions of links to Gulen, whose organisation it calls a terrorist network. Gulen, a former ally of Erdogan, denies any involvement in the coup attempt.

One of the police officers suspended on Tuesday, a 26-year-old man, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head in a park in the Mediterranean city of Mersin, Dogan reported.

The relentless crackdown has caused consternation among Tur-

key’s Western allies and human rights groups, who fear Erdogan is using the unsuccessful coup as a pretext to curtail any dissent, while at the same time intensifying his moves against suspected Kurdish militant sympathisers.

In August, Turkish forces launched an offensive into northern Syria in support of rebels fighting against IS, creating a security corridor along the Turkey-Syria border that also appears designed to push Kurdish militia away.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim warned on Tuesday that the YPG

Kurdish militia, which is backed by the United States, was filling a vacuum left by IS and said Turkish forces were prepared to go after Kurdish fighters in the same way.

“We know how to cleanse the PYD/YPG, just as we cleansed Daesh (IS) from Jarablus,” he said.

Ankara fears Kurdish militants fighting for greater autonomy in Turkey could benefit from turmoil in the region.

In a further sign of the government’s desire to move rapidly to quell domestic opposition, Yildirim said the country’s judicial process needed to be speeded up, especially when it came to prosecuting those accused of backing the coup.

“One of the main goals is shortening the time it takes to prosecute people,” he said at an economic conference. “We are starting this with the July 15 coup plotters. We are doing this quickly.”

While Turkey cracks down at home and expands its footprint in Syria, it also wants the United States to extradite Gulen so he can be prosecuted on charges that he masterminded the failed insurrection. On Sunday, Turkish counterterrorism police detained Gulen’s brother in Izmir, where he was staying at a relative’s house. Several of Gulen’s relatives, including a nephew, niece and cousins, have been arrested since July 15.

While Erdogan’s security clampdown may be bolstering his own authority, it has had economic repercussions, with credit ratings agencies downgrading the country’s debt to “junk” and the lira weakening against the dollar. — Reuters

N E W A N T I - C O R RU P T I O N L AW

South Korea’s new wedding crashers are graft-busters SEOUL: A pair of aspiring paparazzi staked out two weddings in Seoul’s high-end Gangnam district recently, but they weren’t looking for celebrities. Their target: officials receiving gifts that might violate South Korea’s tough new anti-corruption law.

About 4 million people are estimated to be directly covered by the law - civil servants, employees at state-owned enterprises, teachers, journalists - which limits the value of meals and gifts that can be accepted.

With rewards worth up to 200 million won ($181,691), it is also fuelling a cottage industry of camera-wielding, receipt-scavenging vigilantes targeting expensive restaurants and fancy weddings in a country with a deep tradition of entertaining and gift-giving.

Training Some of them come for training in the art of espionage at a school that calls itself the Headquarters of Reporting for Public Good, including the two that went to the weddings. “You can get rich and become a patriot at the same time,” school president Moon Seoungok told students participating in a

SPYCAM: Moon Seoung-ok, president of the Headquarters of Reporting for Public Good, demonstrates a glasses shaped spycam during a class in Seoul, South Korea. – Reuters

recent class that included tips on using hidden cameras.

“You can pick up credit card receipts from garbage at restaurants,” Moon told his students at his classroom housed in an office near a Seoul courthouse, where he hands out booklets about the anti-graft law. “You need to obtain evidence.”

South Korea ranked 27th among 34 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Develop-

ment (OECD) countries in the 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International. Since the law took effect on September 28, golf course reservations have plunged and fewer guests are attending weddings, while hospitals have posted warnings against thank-you gifts, media have reported.

Some groups of diners are splitting bills - a practice once almostunheard of in the country.

Consumer and entertainment companies could lose up to 11.6 trillion won ($10.43 billion) under the law, the Korea Economic Research Institute said in June.

The law limits the value of meals that can be accepted by public servants and others to 30,000 won. Gifts are capped at 50,000 won in value, while cash gifts that are traditionally handed over in envelopes at weddings and funerals are limited to 100,000 won, under prohibitions now known as the “3-5-10” rule.

Violators can expect fines, but would face criminal prosecution for more serious infringements, such as receiving a gift of more than 1 million won, or for receiving a total of over 3 million won worth of gifts in a year.

Businesses are scrambling to adjust. The lobby group for the Korean conglomerates known as chaebol, the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), held a seminar on September 8 attended by about 400 people on how corporate officials should comply with the law.

In South Korea, the term “paparazzi” applies not only to photographers chasing celebrities but to individuals who can win

cash in other “report and reward” schemes that cover offences such as running traffic lights or dropping cigarette butts on the street.

The Kim Young-ran anti-bribery law, named after the former Supreme Court justice who proposed it, has spawned the term “ran-parazzi”.

Moon tells his students to find their way into weddings and funerals. “You have to look into who you are targeting,” Moon said in an interview. “Check obituaries in newspapers to find out who’s holding a funeral among the upper class.”

While Moon’s school does not charge tuition for the “ran-parazzi” in training, it offers to sell students gadgets, including pens and spectacles with hidden cameras.

A recent classroom session was attended by 10 students.

One of them, Otgoutugs Ochir, a 46-year-old housewife originally from Mongolia, said she hopes to earn enough money to buy an apartment. But she also professes patriotism as a motive.

“If the number of those who make money illegally declines, my kids can live in a better environment,” she said. — Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

WORLD FORECASTS

IMF says global growth to stay weak, warns of populist fallout WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund maintained its forecast for weak global growth on Tuesday and warned that further stagnation will fuel more populist sentiment against trade and immigration that would stifle activity, productivity and innovation.

In the latest update of its World Economic Outlook, the IMF said that a drop in US growth for 2016 due to a weak first-half performance would be offset by strengthening in Japan, Germany, Russia, India and some other emerging markets.

The fund kept its overall global growth forecasts unchanged at 3.1 per cent for 2016 and 3.4 per cent for 2017 after cutting its outlook for five straight quarters.

E X O T I C M ATT E R

Britons win 2016 Nobel physics prize STOCKHOLM/LONDON: Three British-born scientists won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics on Tuesday for revealing unusual states of matter, leading to advances in electronics and potentially helping work on future quantum computers.

David Thouless, Duncan Haldane and Michael Kosterlitz, who all now work at US universities, share the prize for their discoveries on abrupt changes in the properties, or phases, of ultra-thin materials. Their research centres on topology, a branch of mathematics involving step-wise changes like making a series of holes in an object. The difficult-to-grasp concept was illustrated by Nobel Committee member Thors Hans Hansson at a news conference using a cinnamon bun, a bagel and a pretzel.

Phases are obvious when matter goes from solid to liquid to gas, but materials can also undergo topological step changes that affect their electrical properties. One example is a superconductor, which at low temperatures conducts electricity without resistance. “Thanks to their pioneering work, the hunt is now on for new and exotic phases of matter,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said in awarding the 8 million Swedish crown ($937,000) prize.

“Many people are hopeful of future applications in both materials science and electronics.”

Thouless was awarded half the prize, with the other half divided between Haldane and Kosterlitz. “Suddenly, people are realising that the topological effects in quantum mechanics are just a tremendously rich subject,” said Haldane, speaking via a phone link to reporters in Stockholm. — Reuters

“Taken as a whole, the world economy has moved sideways,” IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld said in a statement.

“Without determined policy action to support economic activity over the short and longer terms, sub-par growth at recent levels risks perpetuating itself.”

Meetings The new forecasts were released as global policymakers begin gathering in Washington for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings this week.

The IMF said advanced economies as a whole will see a weakening of growth in 2016, down 0.2 percentage point from July to 1.6 per cent, while emerging market

and developing economies will see a 0.1 percentage point gain in growth to 4.2 per cent. The IMF said its 2017 forecast for both groups was unchanged, with advanced economies forecast to

grow 1.8 per cent and emerging markets growing 4.6 per cent.

The United States accounts for much of the decline in advanced economies, with a reduction to 1.6 per cent growth from 2.2 per cent

2016 forecast by 0.1 percentage point as retail spending has held up better than expected after the June vote to leave the European Union.

But it lowered its 2017 forecast by 0.2 percentage points to 1.1 per cent on anticipation that uncertainty over separation from Europe will take a bigger toll on investment in the country.

Growth forecasts for China remained unchanged at 6.6 per cent for 2016 and 6.2 per cent for 2017 as strong policy support and credit growth were fueling domestic consumption.

India’s growth will improve slightly to 7.6 per cent in both years, while Russia will benefit from a rebound in energy prices. — Reuters

WikiLeaks plans to release documents before US poll WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said material would focus on war, weapons, oil, mass surveillance, the technology giant Google and the US election

BERLIN: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Tuesday the group would publish about one million documents related to the US election and three governments in coming weeks, but denied the release was aimed at damaging Hillary Clinton.

Assange, speaking via a video link, said the documents would be released before the end of the year, starting with an initial batch in the coming week.

Assange, 45, who remains at the Ecuadoran embassy in London where he sought refuge in 2012 to avoid possible extradition to Sweden, said the election material was “significant” and would come out before the November 8 US presidential election.

He criticised Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate, for demonising his WikiLeaks group’s work after a spate of releases related to the Democratic

OUTBURST

VOWING TO RELEASE MORE LEAKS: Julian Assange, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WikiLeaks via video link and Sarah Harrison, a WikiLeaks journalist attend a press conference on the occasion of the 10 year anniversary celebration of WikiLeaks in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday. – Reuters

is going to publish before the end of the year is of... a very significant moment in different directions, affecting three powerful organisations in three different states as well as... the US election process,” he said via a video link at an event marking the group’s 10th anniversary.

He said the material would focus on war, weapons, oil, mass surveillance, the technology giant Google and the US election, but

National Committee before the Democratic political convention this summer.

Assange said her campaign had falsely suggested that accessing WikiLeaks data would expose users to malicious software.

But he denied the release of documents relating to the US election was specifically aimed at damaging Clinton, saying he had been misquoted.

“The material that WikiLeaks

declined to give any details.

“There has been a misquoting of me and Wikileaks publications... (suggesting) we intend to harm Hillary Clinton or I intend to harm Hillary Clinton or that I don’t like Hillary Clinton. All those are false,” he said.

Assange had told Fox News in an interview conducted by satellite in August that the group would release significant information related to Clinton’s campaign.

Assange also signalled changes in the way WikiLeaks is organised and funded, saying the group would soon open itself to membership. He said the group was looking to expand its media ties beyond the 100 outlets it already works with.

He told journalists gathered at a Berlin theatre that the group’s work would continue, even if he had to resign in the future, and he appealed to supporters to fund its work. He also held up copies of several forthcoming books.

Assange and his attorney said Britain’s vote to leave the European Union could complicate his situation by limiting his ability to appeal to the European Court of Justice or the Council of Europe, a European human rights body.

Asked how he felt after four years in the embassy, he said “pale” and joked he would be a good candidate for medical study since he was otherwise healthy but had not seen the sun in over four years.

Assange is wanted in Sweden for questioning about allegations that he committed rape in 2010.

He denies the charges, and says he fears subsequent extradition to the United States, where a criminal investigation into the activities of WikiLeaks is underway.

In 2010, WikiLeaks released more than 90,000 secret documents on the US-led military campaign in Afghanistan, followed by almost 400,000 US military reports detailing operations in Iraq. Those disclosures were followed by the release of millions of diplomatic cables dating back to 1973. — Reuters

STRONGEST CARIBBEAN STORM

Duterte slams Obama in his latest tirade MANILA: Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday told US President Barack Obama to “go to hell” and said the United States had refused to sell some weapons to his country but he did not care because Russia and China were willing suppliers.

In his latest salvo, Duterte said he was realigning his foreign policy because the United States had failed the Philippines and added that at some point, “I will break up with America”. It was not clear what he meant by “break up”.

During three tangential and fiercely worded speeches in Manila, Duterte said the United States did not want to sell missiles and other weapons, but Russia and China had told him they could provide them easily. “Although it may sound **** to you, it is my sacred duty to keep the integrity of this republic and the people healthy,” Duterte said.

“If you don’t want to sell arms, I’ll go to Russia. I sent the generals to Russia and Russia said ‘do not worry, we have everything you need, we’ll give it to you’. “And as for China, they said ‘just come over and sign and everything will be delivered’.” His comments were the latest in a near-daily barrage of hostility towards the United States, during which Duterte has started to contrast the former colonial power with its geopolitical rivals Russia and China.

When asked about Duterte’s

In the latest update of its World Economic Outlook, the IMF said that a drop in US growth for 2016 due to a weak first-half performance would be offset by strengthening in Japan, Germany, Russia, India and some other emerging markets

forecast in July, due to a disappointing first-half performance caused by weak business investment and a draw-down of goods inventories.

The drag from a stronger dollar and lower energy prices should fade by next year.

The fund also argued for a gradual approach to Federal Reserve interest rate hikes “tied to clear signs that wages and prices are firming durably.”

Its growth forecast for Japan improved slightly due to government spending, a delay in a consumption tax increase and expansionary monetary policy, but only to a weak 0.5 per cent in 2016 and 0.6 per cent in 2017.

For Britain, the IMF lifted its

comments, US State Department spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday, “Frankly, it seems at odds with the warm relationship that exists between the Filipino and American people and the record of important cooperation between our two governments, cooperation that has continued under the Duterte government.”

On Sunday, Duterte said he had received support from Russia and China when he complained to them about the United States.

He also said he would review a US-Philippines Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement.

The deal, signed in 2014, grants US troops some access to Philippine bases, and allows them to set up storage facilities for maritime security and humanitarian and disaster response operations.

He said the United States should have supported the Philippines in tackling its chronic drugs problems but instead criticised him for the high death toll, as did the European Union. “Instead of helping us, the first to hit was the State Department. So you can go to hell, Mr Obama, you can go to hell,” he said.

“EU, better choose purgatory.

Hell is full already. Why should I be afraid of you?”

At a later speech he said he was emotional because the United States had not been a friend of the Philippines since his election in May. — Reuters

Hurricane Matthew hammers Haiti LES CAYES (HAITI): The fiercest Caribbean storm in almost a decade ripped into Haiti’s southwestern peninsula early on Tuesday with 145 mile-per-hour (230 kph) winds and storm surges, killing at least one person and damaging homes.

The eye of the violent and slowmoving Category 4 storm was hovering over the western tip of Haiti, the US National Hurricane Center said, pounding coastal villages with strong gusts.

One man died as the storm crashed through his home in the beach town of Port Salut, Haiti’s civil protection service said.

He had been too sick to leave for a shelter, officials said.

One fisherman was killed in heavy seas over the weekend as the storm approached, and another was missing. Overnight, Haitians living in vulnerable coastal shacks on the Tiburon Peninsula frantically sought shelter as Matthew closed in, bringing heavy rain and gusts and driving the ocean into seaside towns. Several districts in southern Haiti were flooded, with crops inundated with ocean and rain water.

About 3 feet (1 metre) of rain is forecast to fall over hills that are largely deforested and so more prone to flash floods and mudslides, threatening villages as well as shanty towns in the capital Port-au-Prince, where heavy rain fell overnight. More than 9,000 people were huddled in shelters across Haiti, authorities said.

HEAVY RAIN: A woman protects herself from the rain with plastic after hurricane Matthew, in Port-au-Prince, on Tuesday. – AFP

Life-threatening flash floods and mudslides were likely in southern and northwestern Haiti, the hurricane center said. It expected Matthew to remain a powerful hurricane through at least Wednesday night.

The outer bands of the storm had already reached the area late on Monday, flooding dozens of houses in Les Anglais when the ocean rose, the mayor said. In the town of Les Cayes on the southern coast, the wind bent trees and the power went out.

“We have gusts of wind hitting the whole area and the people have fled to a shelter,” Les Anglais mayor Jean-Claude Despierre said.

In the nearby town of Tiburon, the mayor said people who had been reluctant to leave their homes

also ran for cover when the sea rose.

“Everyone is trying to find a safe place to protect themselves, the situation is very difficult,” Mayor Remiza Denize said, describing large waves hitting the town.

People in Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, are often reluctant to leave home in the face of storms, fearing their few belongings will be stolen.

Civil protection authorities said 130 children were evacuated by bus to a high school in the capital from an orphanage in the shoreside Cite Soleil slum, which is made up of tin shacks and open sewers and is known as Haiti’s largest shanty town. Authorities moved around 1,000 inmates from at least four prisons to safer locations outside the storm’s path, of-

ficials said. The hurricane comes at a time when tens of thousands of people are still living in tents in Haiti after a 2010 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people.

Cases of cholera, a deadly disease inadvertently brought to the Caribbean country by UN peacekeepers in 2010, had been expected anyway to rise in the October rainy season.

The country is due to hold a long-delayed presidential election on October 9. The office of Interim President Jocelerme Privert said there was no change to the election date. Crawling north at about 9mph (15 kph), the strongest Caribbean storm since Hurricane Felix in 2009 threatens to linger long enough for its winds and rain to cause great damage in Haiti, where it will spend much of the day before hitting Cuba and the Bahamas later on Tuesday.

It could reach Florida by Thursday as a major hurricane, although weaker than at present, the hurricane center said. Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for Florida on Monday, designating resources for evacuations and shelters and putting the National Guard on standby.

In Les Cayes about 150 people huddled without electricity or food in the town’s largest shelter, a school. “Since yesterday we’ve had nothing... We must sleep on the floor... Everyone is hungry,” said Erick Cange, 69 years old, a resident of the La Savanne neighbourhood surrounding the school. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

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TIMESOFOMAN.COM/TIMESTV Kenneth Rogoff The Monster Employment Index showed that the e-recruitment activity in Oman rose by 8 per cent in August compared to the same period last year.

About 7 million American men of prime working age (25 through 54) are not in the labour force, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. That means they don’t have a paid job and haven’t been actively looking for one.

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READERS’ FORUM Palliative care: An issue well raised This refers to the news about “palliative care” pubished in Times of Oman. The move to raise awareness about palliative care in Oman is welcome. Palliative care or end of life care is a specialised care for persons suffering due to aging or long time and incurable illnesses by reinforcing them mentally and physically with personal care.

Why do we need it? The reason is very simple. If such people feel they have been isolated, even costly treatment does not make their life any better.

Therefore, it is quite evident that they are in need of caring caring and caring...

Scan this QR code Apparently, no one can escape death, but to send letters to the everybody wishes to depart painlessly, Readers’ Forum, peacefully. Unfortunately not many get containing not more than 200 words with it. All of us know aging is inevitable. We full name, address are quite familiar about certain problems and telephone of aged people, especially memory loss number, may be sent (dementia), cognitive impairment, los of by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com). the ability to move. Obviously, they depend on others to fulfil their basic needs. In addition, those who suffer from debilitating health conditions require tremendous support from others. In such stages, they need pshycological and physical assistance. Extend your helping hands to embrace them.

— Dr Sharaa, Muscat

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Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.

MARK TWAIN

Is the Federal Reserve playing politics?

JOSCHKA FISCHER

This year and next, voters in leading Western democracies will make decisions that could fundamentally change the West – and the world – as we have known it for decades. In fact, some of these decisions have already been made, the main example being the United Kingdom’s vote in June to leave the European Union

I

n his recent debate with his opponent Hillary Clinton, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pressed his claim that US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen is politically motivated. The Fed, Trump claims, is applying overdoses of monetary stimulus to hypnotize voters into believing that economic recovery is underway.

It’s not a completely crazy idea, but I just don’t see it. If Yellen is so determined to keep interest rates in a deep freeze, why has she been trying in recent months to talk up longer-term rates by insisting that the Fed is likely to hike rates faster than the market currently believes? Central bankers have of course been known to help incumbents before elections, by allowing inflation to drift up and keep employment booming. During US President Richard Nixon’s 1972 re-election campaign, he sternly lectured Fed chair Arthur Burns on the need for pump-priming the economy to help him defeat his Democratic challenger, George McGovern. Nixon won resoundingly, but Burns’ policies helped set off the worldwide inflation of the 1970s and brought forward the breakup of the post-war system of fixed exchange rates. The long-term effects were catastrophic.

Will Yellen launch a rerun of the bad old 1970s, when US inflation hit double digits? I doubt it. Although it is not hard to imagine that Yellen privately holds Trump in the same low regard he holds her, most observers see no signs that inflation is just around the corner. True, some people still insist that if the Fed doesn’t urgently raise interest rates and rein in the money supply, the US economy will go the way of Zimbabwe (where inflation far exceeded 25,000 per cent in late 2008). But the argument that Fed balance-sheet expansion will translate into high inflation has been colossally wrong for the past six years. Inflation in the US has been consistently below target and, even today, bond yields reflect deep skepticism about whether the Fed has the will or the capacity to sustain price growth at the official 2 per cent target on a consistent basis. Indeed, those central banks that have tried raising interest rates prematurely, including the European Central Bank and the Swedish National Bank, have been forced to reverse course, and the Fed wants to avoid that fate.

The US economy is performing far better these days, and the moment for raising rates further is likely near. But to infer that an immediate start to further hikes is a no-brainer is ludicrous. In fact, there is still

a worldwide downward draft on interest rates, with the ECB and the Bank of Japan still very much in easing mode, as are many smaller central banks. The Fed is already allowing some tightening simply by not playing along, and letting the US dollar appreciate.

To be fair, central banks are not immune to manipulation, and fighting off political pressures is an endless battle. During the financial crisis, the monetary authorities were called on to assume temporary emergency powers, including massive purchases of government and private-sector bonds. For most, including the Fed, there is still no clean exit in sight, and this has made the problem of political insulation more difficult, with or without an election.

Some believe the only salvation is a return to the gold standard era of the late 1800s, when governments fixed the price of their currency in gold, leaving little scope for political interference. Unfortunately, gold bugs seem surprisingly – or perhaps willfully – ignorant of the chronic financial crises and deep recessions of that era. Ultimately, the gold standard collapsed, after governments were forced to abandon it during World War I and thereafter were never able fully to re-establish public trust.

More forward-looking thinkers point to private cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as the future of money, arguing that they take politics out of the equation entirely. But this, too, is very naive. Governments already can block cryptocurrencies from circulating in the legal economy by restricting bank access, imposing tax laws, and by also impeding retail stores’ ability to accept it. (And, as I explain in my new book The Curse of Cash, Bitcoin can hardly be considered a long-term substitute for large-denomination bills.)

Yes, blockchain technology is very exciting and will likely have many applications in banking, finance, and across the economy. But it is no guarantee against political influence on inflation. In the long history of currency, from coinage to the advent of paper money, the private sector may innovate, but ultimately the public sector appropriates. At the end of the day, the government will always be able to control the rules. Ironically, the best way to insulate central banks from political pressure would be to expand their toolkit to allow for effective negative-interestrate policy, though this will take time (as I also discuss in my book). In the meantime, the Fed and other central banks will have to keep walking a tightrope that leaves them especially vulnerable to outside pressure. Fortunately, the Fed has a chair right now who is able and willing to stand up to it. - Project Syndicate

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES OCTOBER 2001 Grand Mufti gives lecture at Bahla BAHLA: Sheikh Ahmad bin Hamad Al Khalili, grand mufti of the Sultanate, gave lecture on scholar Ibn Baraka, who lived in Hijra fourth century at Sultan Qaboos Mosque here yesterday. The lecture was attended by sheikhs, dignitaries and citizens of Dakhliya region.

PICTOGRAPH

GDP SERVICE ACTIVITIES FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION (in million Omani Rials) Total end of December 2014 2015

1,595.1

1,511.7

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

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

1915: UK and France commit troops to operation in Salonika.

1919: Enzo Ferrari makes his debut as a race car driver.

1963: South Vietnamese generals plan coup .

1964: President Johnson under fire from his own party.

0

2011: Apple founder Steve Jobs dies.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

A14

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

LIFESTYLE LEISURE

O

man, in the eyes of any tourist, is all about the golden sands, the pristine beaches, and the majestic forts and castles. But that’s not all.

There are plenty of other hidden treasures of this land and one such is prized possession lies ensconced in a mountain near Al Hamra at the foothills of Al Hajar Mountains. Some 250km away from Muscat are the spectacular Al Hoota Caves amidst plateaus and rugged mountain peaks. Known for its natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites, Al Hoota Caves offer a fascinating insight into the cave that is more than 2 million years old. The cave that recently reopened after a long hiatus (it was initially opened in 2006 but was closed for

renovation in 2012) is one of the top most attractions of the country. Interspersed with several remarkable natural formations along with intriguing chambers, this cave was formed by the dissolution of limestone and the 4.5km long stretch is a sight to behold.

Drive from Muscat to Nizwa to reach Al Hoota; it takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to reach there. It’s a pleasant drive and is also properly sign-posted hence you would not lose your way. For the tour you can do the bookings once you reach there but it is always better to do the reservation in advance to avoid disappointment. Owing to its delicate ecosystem, a maximum of only 750 people are allowed to visit the caves on a day and so it is ideal to do prior booking.

The tour starts from the Visitor’s Centre with a short ride in electric train that carries up to 48 passengers up to the cave entrance.

From there you need to walk inside.

Once inside the cave, it’s a feast for the eyes as you walk on the pathway and witness some stunning stalactites and stalagmites formation. Don’t miss the popular lion’s head, the cat, the old man and countless other intriguing shapes. Watch some rare fish in the central lake and get a close look at the bats hovering above. These tours are guided and are available both in English and Arabic which is approximately for 45 minutes. Remember photography is not allowed inside the cave but don’t be disheartened as there is a photo service where you can take your picture with the

cave backdrop. Also it is important to carry drinking water along keeping in mind the humidity inside. The walkway and the steps are wet and slippery so ensure that you wear comfortable footwear. And once you finish your tour do not forget to visit the geological exhibition that offers an interesting insight into the geology of Oman and an in-depth study on how these caves were formed. For those looking for a bit more leisure walk into the gift shop for those little mementoes or visit the nearby restaurant. Serving mainly Arabian cuisine, Midyaf Restaurant is worth a visit as they serve food made out of the local produce of Al Hamra. Visit the amazing natural sculptures, it’s certainly a different kind of experience. —swati@timesofoman.com

VISITING HOURS Tuesday to Sunday 9am-6pm Friday 9am – 12pm & 2pm – 6pm Closed on Mondays Call: +968 2542 2197 alhootacave.com ENTRY FEES Omani Nationals Adult: OMR3.500, Children (6-12): OMR1 Children below six go free Other Nationalities Adult: OMR6.500, Children (6-12): OMR3 Children below six go free Educational Groups Higher Education: OMR2, School: OMR1

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

WEATHER

TEMPERATURE

HUMIDITY

37 - 28 60-36% 0

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.00pm 3.23pm 5.56pm 7.06pm 4.45am

A15

LIFESTYLE

Hobbyist Mahija Suresh

Hobby Painting

Why do you love painting?

Painting brings out a better version of me. It makes me look at the world in a different perspective. The moment I get involved in my work, my thoughts change, my emotions change, and my universe changes too. Art can explain feelings that words may not be able to.

How can one get into it?

Painting is a medium by which many people find that their emotions and thoughts shine through. No previous experience is needed. And I personally feel there is a painter deep inside all of us, so we should let them out.

How did you get into it?

Painting was just a hobby that grew and became a part of my life. It brings a feeling similar to what a child feels when he stares at the sky to see the stars. That feeling kept me going. Painting not only brings colours on the canvas but it also brings colours to my life.

Jack London had once said, “You cannot wait for inspiration, you need to go after it with a club.” Similarly every composition is just a perfect positioning of shapes, colours, and tones. So observe the world around you, grab your necessities, and begin.

What’s your pro-tip on painting?

—mobinmathew@timesofoman.com

T R AV E L L I N G A L O N E

TRAVEL TIPS TO HELP INTROVERTS ENJOY EVERY JOURNEY If you’re an introvert, travelling can be a challenge. Being introverted can increase the anxiety you feel when engaging in already-stressful business travel, and undermine your enjoyment of a leisure trip. Being forced to sit next to and even socialise with numerous other people, many of them strangers, can be torture for introverts.

“Introverts aren’t necessarily loners or even shy,” says Jim Menge, president of Rovia, an award-winning travel services provider. “They’re just more bothered by travel hassles like crowds, intense together time, and interacting with strangers. It’s important for introverted travellers and their travelling companions to plan an itinerary that will make the trip as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for everyone.”

Reserved, not shy About 50 per cent of the population are introverts, according to Psychology Today.

And while stereotypes may portray introverts as shy, socially phobic loners, that’s not at all who they are. “Introverts are drained by social encounters and energised by solitary, often creative pursuits,” the online journal explains.

“Many introverts socialise easily; they just strongly prefer not to.”

Yet with the right itinerary, introverted travellers can find the perfect balance of alone-time and group activities, whether they’re travelling for business or pleasure.

Travel tips Menge offers these tips for introverted travellers and the travelling companions who love them: • Talk about your plans with your travel companions, especially if you’ll be touring with extroverts. It’s important everyone discusses what they can do to make the trip as en-

joyable as possible for everyone.

• Consider how comfortable you are with stretching your limits. “Each person is unique and has their own level of comfort with pushing themselves to try new experiences,” Menge says.

• Many introverts are energised by creative and meaningful pursuits. If that describes you, voluntourism may be a great group travel option. Voluntourism is vacation travel with a volunteering component, and it allows you to have meaningful interaction with both locals and fellow travellers that goes beyond the small talk you may dread.

• Allow yourself adequate free time to get away from the group by yourself (if safe to do so) or with a handful of close loved ones. That away time will allow you to recharge so you're more relaxed when you rejoin the larger group.

• Look for accommodations that won’t

force you into social situations. For example, a B&B, where dining is communal, might be an uncomfortable environment for an introverted traveller, while a larger hotel may allow for more anonymity and independence.

• Choose activities that allow you to enjoy “me-time,” even if you're with others. For example, a hike on a scenic and moderate to strenuous trail will allow for more quiet time — even in a larger group.

• Use technology to give yourself alone time when you can't physically get away from others. Wearing headphones or using an e-reader can silently alert your travel companions that you need some time to yourself.

“You’re not being rude, you’re just doing what you need to do to recharge,” Menge says. “It’s perfectly OK to do what you need to do in order to maximise your enjoyment of your trip.”

—BPT

A16

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Grandeur of Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre

L

ocated near the new Muscat International Airport, the newly built Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is an iconic landmark in Muscat that is all set to host regional and national conventions, exhibitions, and business events.

Amongst its notable features the tiered auditorium has seating capacity of 3,200 people, 22,000 square metres of exhibition space, and 14 meeting rooms with a capacity of 70 to 360 seating.

The state-of-the-art theatre has three levels with advanced projection and riggings, orches-

tra pit and acoustic systems especially designed for world-class entertainers and performers.

The Ballrooms are also majestic and while the Grand Ballroom offers a number of seating options which includes theatre-style, classroom-style, and banquet setting, the Junior Ballroom too meets the specific needs of the people. The Exhibition Halls can be divided into five separate halls and if combined the halls can seat up to 10,000 delegates in theatre style. For other details visit omanconvention.com or call +968 2413 0700.

—lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Photos: Jun Estrada

T R AV E L N O T E

Top Three Benefits of Flying Through Business Class

WHEN IT COMES to flying through business class everyone would love to do that. Nowadays, business class flights are getting immense popularity because of the luxuries offered to the passengers. These flights are best for long haul destinations. With the assistance of various online travel portals you will get the chance to get best packages and deals at discounted prices and don’t forget the comfort you will get while flying in business class flight. Here we are outlining few benefits of business class.

• Luxurious services: Availability of all modern amenities is one of the most popular features of business class. Offering luxurious experience to the passengers is the only motive of this class and that’s the only reason why these days you’ll get fully packed business class segment.

• Comfort comes first: Yes its

true, every passenger wishes to have a comfortable journey especially on a long trip and this thing is well-known to aviation industry. That’s why in business class you’ll find comfortable bedding, spacious seats, and much more to offer you comfortable experience while flying. And don’t forget fully flat seats that can be turned into flat sleeping surface as add on to your comfort.

• Don’t stop working: A major problem of people who can’t ignore their work for a second while flying is they have to stop their work till they land. But in business class you can carry your work forward with utmost ease and calm. Business class lounges, extra desk space, inseat power supplies, USB ports and many other facilities help you to be connected with your business anytime you want.

—Artipot

B GOOGLE’S NEW PHONE Alphabet’s Google was scheduled to unveil new smartphones at an event on Tuesday, the company’s latest effort to sell consumers on a Google-branded device .- Reuters

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM W EDN ES DAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

MARKE

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AV I AT I O N

Oman’s budget airline Salam Air appoints CEO Times News Service

Francois Bouteiller. – Supplied picture

STOCK MARKET

MSM drops 1 per cent to touch five-month low Times News Service MUSCAT: Share values on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) plunged to a fivemonth low, mainly due to risk aversion by investor community amid weak sentiment in the regional markets.

The MSM 30 index, the barometer of the market movement, touched a five-month low of 5,613.26 points, sliding by 1.08 per cent or 61.44 points on Tuesday alone. However, the general index has an yearto-date gain of 3.83 per cent or 207.04 points.

“Broadly, the market condition is not positive. When there was a severe fall in GCC bourses last week, the decline in Muscat bourse was not that steep,” said Suresh Kumar, head of research at Al Maha Financial Services.

However, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi markets rose on Tuesday, while Oman declined the most. In fact, investors have taken a back seat and are following a ‘wait and watch’ policy.

Suresh Kumar said that the traded volumes were relatively high on the Muscat bourse on Tuesday, as volumes touched 18.9 million shares, with a turnover of OMR5.7 million.

The major gainers were Galfar Engineering and Contracting, Bank Muscat and Gulf International Chemicals, while the major losers included Renaissance Services, Bank Sohar, Ooredoo Oman, BankDhofar, Ahli Bank and Oman Cables Industry.

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

India cuts key interest rates MUMBAI: India’s new monetary policy committee of the central bank unanimously lowered interest rates at its first review, taking advantage of easing inflation to boost growth.

The benchmark was lowered to 6.25 per cent from 6.50 per cent to a six-year low, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a statement in Mumbai on Tuesday. That’s the lowest since January 2011. The move was predicted by 16 of 39 economists in a survey, with one seeing a cut to 6 per cent and the rest forecasting no change.

The decision gives a first glimpse into the thinking of the recently established six-member committee. - Bloomberg News

MUSCAT: Francois Bouteiller has been appointed as the chief executive officer of Salam Air, Oman’s first budget airline, its board of directors said.

An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, François will take the lead in guiding the new carrier to its highly anticipated launch in the fourth quarter of 2016, managing its operational and business strategies to cater to the Sultanate’s traffic demand which is expected to grow

40 per cent by 2019.

Prior to this appointment, François was the CEO of Flynas, a low cost carrier in Saudi Arabia, where his management know-how successfully brought the company to success carrying almost 4 million passengers a year.

Francois also co-founded and led FlyBaboo, a regional airline in Europe, after service at Swiss International Airlines in Geneva. His long list of achievements also includes being named ‘Best Chief Executive Officer of the Aviation Sector’ in 2013 by the

Arabian Business News.

Operational efficiency “It is a pleasure to welcome François Bouteiller on board. His wealth of knowledge in operational efficiency and experience in managing commercial and budget airlines makes him a most qualified person for this position at this critical stage of the airline’s journey,” said Eng. Khalid bin Hilal Al Yahmadi, chief executive officer of parent company ASAAS and chairman of Salam Air. “Salam Air is history in the mak-

ing, and I am very proud to be part of it,” said François Bouteiller.

“Given the proximity to 80 per cent of the world’s population, the Middle East is one of the fastest growing regions in the aviation industry, with Oman well positioned for growth. I look forward to harnessing the Sultanate’s full potential as a premier and affordable destination at the crossroads of continents,” he added.

The recently formed Salam Air board of directors held its first meeting at the end of September after securing private Omani in-

vestors to partner with ASAAS and TANMIA, both of which are owned by the State General Reserve Fund, Pension Funds and Muscat Municipality.

Salam Air is rapidly moving ahead with plans for its launch later this year, with the company leasing three Airbus A320s.

With a vision to boost business and tourism in Oman, SalamAir is well placed to offer an economical and efficient means of transport for the country and further advance the aviation sector in the Sultanate of Oman.

Muscat bourse set to slash brokerage fee on ‘day trading’ nies is 0.35 per cent. This include brokerage firm’s fee of 0.1 paid to the bourse for share trading.

Oman’s stock market, in a move to improve liquidity and trading volumes, will cut cost of transaction of ‘day traders’ by 50 per cent

A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: In a move to improve liquidity and trading volumes, the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) has decided to cut brokerage fee or cost of transaction of ‘day traders’ on the bourse by half. Day trading on the bourse is buying and selling of stocks within the same day or on

the same trading session.

“The idea is to enhance liquidity in the market. With a reduction in brokerage fee, day traders can easily enter the market. The cost of transaction will be brought down as much as we can,” Ahmed Saleh Al Marhoon, director-general of the Muscat Securities Market, told the Times of Oman.

He explained that the plan is to

cut both fee paid by brokerage firms to the bourse as well as the fee paid by investors/clients to their brokerage firms by 50 per cent in the case of day trading activity.

The brokers pay a fee of 0.1 per cent to the MSM for normal trading, while the fee paid by investors/clients to brokerage compa-

Low liquidity, turnover Muscat Securities Market has been facing low liquidity with the average daily traded volumes hovering around OMR2 million last month. However, the average daily turnover was around OMR4 million since the beginning of the year. “We hope that the reduction in brokerage fee or transaction cost is an encouragement for day traders to become more active on the bourse,” added Al Marhoon.

The new decision will be implemented at any time between November 1 and 15. “Things are progressing faster than we expected.

Our plan is to introduce the new

brokerage fee for day traders by mid-November. However, it could be even introduced by November 1. Brokerage firms have to make some adjustments in their computer systems to implement a cut in brokerage fee for day traders,” explained Al Marhoon.

Al Marhoon added that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations as a whole are facing low traded volumes on the market due to prevailing slackness in crude oil prices, which is affecting public spending and the corporate sector.

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

B2

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

MARKET Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

New occupational standards in oil and gas sector discussed The Oman Society for Petroleum Services has organised workshops, which were conducted by experts from oil and gas firms to develop new occupational standards

Times News Service MUSCAT: The Oman Society for Petroleum Services, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Manpower (Occupational Standards and Skills Testing Centre), has organised several technical workshops, conducted by experts from oil and gas firms to develop new occupational standards.

This follows the completion of occupational standards for the welding skill set in which a team of experts from different organisations in the oil and gas sector, together with experts from the Center for Standards and Professional Testing at the Ministry of Manpower met for the first time to set Oman occupational standards facilitated by the Omani Society for Petroleum Services.

As an extension of this trend towards the development of occupational standards, specialists from relevant companies and representatives from the Directorate

General of Vocational Training and the General Directorate of Technical Education, Ministry of Manpower, attended workshops on September 26 and 27 to develop national occupational standards for health and safety professionals.

Initial draft At the end of the second day of the workshop, an initial draft of the standards was completed. This will follow additional workshops to prepare professional standards for professions in the field of logistics services.

On his part, Saeed Hadhrami, a consultant on occupational standards from the professional testing center at the Ministry of Manpower said the centre works closely with the private sector to develop new packages of professional occupational standards and commended efforts of the Omani Society for Petroleum Services in facilitating this interactive sessions to bring

experts from diverse companies that operate in oil and gas sector to accomplish this national project to create unified professional occupational standards that will help develop practitioners of different professions that meet the requirement of these companies.

Vocational training He also explained that the occupational standards developed with the full cooperation of the industry will have a direct impact in the development of vocational training programms to cover actual needs of the industry these programmes are developed for.

Abdullah Al Busaidi, OPAL training and development manager, said that the development of these standards comes in the context of efforts of the ICV Committee of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, in response to the needs of the sector and the importance of maintaining professional standards of the training and education programs for the oil and gas sector.

The project is being facilitated by international professional consultants to ensure its success and to meet international standards.

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ABU DHABI

Al Hassan firm wins $3.66m contract in UAE Times News Service MUSCAT: Al Hassan Engineering Abu Dhabi (which is controlled by Al Hassan Engineering owning 49 per cent of its share capital) has received an award notification from Abu Dhabi Gas Industries (Gasco) for Dh13.4 million ($3.66 million) for EPC – Ruwais installation of ESD valves in train 1 and 2 tanks.

The project duration is two years from October 2016, according to a disclosure statement posted on MSM website.

INVESTMENT

Iran to sign landmark oil contract TEHRAN: Iran, fresh from an Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) meeting where it won significant concessions from regional rival Saudi Arabia, will start the process of rejuvenating its sanctions-ravaged energy industry when the state oil company signs a new-model oil investment contract.

National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) will complete a $2.5 billion deal with a group of local companies, according to an Oil Ministry official. The new type of contract, designed to better reward investment in oil and natural gas production, is seen

by Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh as crucial in increasing the country’s long-term export potential.

Although it may take years for the deal to bear fruit, the signing will cap a good few days for Zanganeh, who returned from last week’s Opec meeting in Algiers having secured Iran’s right to pump more oil even as Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies agreed to curb output. President Hassan Rouhani’s government has argued that it should be allowed to return production to levels achieved before international sanctions curbed shipments.

The prospect of higher oil — benchmark prices in London traded at a three-month high above $50 a barrel. - Bloomberg News

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

B3

MARKET British pound at 31-year low

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,675.56 ...............5,613.26 ....................5,613.26 ................... 5,674.70................-61.44 .................. -1.08 Financial Index .....................................7,303.02 ...............7,234.16 ....................7,236.91 ...................7,302.49................-65.58 .................. -0.90 Industrial Index ....................................7,430.00 ...............7,405.35 ................... 7,405.42 ....................7,425.51................-20.09 .................. -0.27 Services Index .......................................3,086.01 .............. 3,063.09 ................... 3,063.12 ................... 3,086.01............... -22.89 .................. -0.74 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................871.29 ..................865.08 .......................865.08 ...................... 873.30..................-8.22 .................. -0.94 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 18,930,175 .................. 5,742,022 .....................945 ............... 17,227,922,367 .................. 4 ......................19 .................... 21 .........................44

Pound had already shed over 1% on Sunday. It extended its fall on Tuesday. That left it down 15% since Britain’s EU exit referendum in June

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 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

LONDON: Sterling slid to its weakest level in more than three decades against a dollar that was trading stronger across the board on Tuesday, hit by fears over the impact of Britain’s departure from the European Union.

The greenback reached a 13day high against a basket of major currencies, helped by gains against the yen and by an upbeat survey of the United States manufacturing sector that drove investors to increase their bets on a rise in US interest rates by the end of the year.

The pound had already shed more than 1 per cent the previous day on the back of British Prime Minister Theresa May’s announcement on Sunday that the formal process that will take Britain out of the EU will start by the end of March.

It extended those falls on Tuesday, slipping more than half a per cent to $1.2757, its weakest since June 1985. That left it down 15 per cent since Britain’s June 23 referendum on EU membership.

Many in the market worry that the government’s stance points to a “hard Brexit”, in which Britain quits the single market in favour of retaining control over migration and which could drive an exodus of banks from London.

“The headlines we’ve been seeing in the last few days...have been focusing the market’s attention on the big structural challenges that the UK is facing, particularly if it’s going to be ‘hard’ rather than a ‘soft’ Brexit,” said HSBC FX strategist Dominic Bunning, highlighting a report suggesting post-Brexit Britain would not be

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

supportive of the financial sector.

Bunning said investors were worried that if Britain’s huge financial services industry takes a big hit from Brexit, that could help widen an already gaping current account deficit.

While the turmoil in the days and weeks following the EU referendum spurred demand for safe-havens like the yen, analysts pointed out that the latest slide in the pound had yet to trigger similar reaction.

The dollar climbed 0.8 per cent to hit a 13-day high of 102.495 yen on Tuesday.

“Right now the reaction to Prime Minister May setting a departure deadline is mostly limited to the pound. A greater negative impact on the British economy will have be witnessed first for Brexit woes to cause broader risk aversion,” said Masafumi Yamamoto, chief currency strategist at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo.

Some analysts said the dollar had also been boosted against Japanese yen. - Reuters

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OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 4,952,557.. 2,020,797...................206 ........... 0.406 ........... 0.410 ...........0.406........... 0.408 .............0.406 ........... 0.002............. 0.493 ................0.406..............0.406...................0.410................ 1,018,470,105 ......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 154,504 ............35,652......................13 ........... 0.230 ...........0.232 ...........0.230............0.231 ............. 0.231............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.232...................0.236..................340,674,475........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 114,743 ............22,260........................5 ............0.194 ........... 0.194 ...........0.194........... 0.194 .............0.194 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.194..............0.194...................0.196...................38,800,000.........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .........................................................................6,738 ...............3,585........................2 ........... 0.532 ...........0.532 ...........0.532........... 0.532 .............0.532 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.532.............. 0.516...................0.532..................338,240,752........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .......................................4,000 ..................240........................1 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.060........... 0.059 .............0.059 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.060..............0.059...................0.060 ..................12,221,932 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ............................. 3,255 .................. 374........................1 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............ 0.115 ............0.115 ............. 0.115 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.115 ...............0.115................... 0.119 .................... 6,766,970 ..........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.................................................5,000 .................. 350........................2 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.070........... 0.070 .............0.070 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.070..............0.070...................0.071...................12,250,000.........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 200,000........... 97,600..................... 23 ........... 0.488 ...........0.488 ...........0.488........... 0.488 .............0.488 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.488..............0.484...................0.488...................25,620,000.........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 353,151 .............50,571..................... 48 ............0.143 ........... 0.145 ...........0.142........... 0.143 ............. 0.143............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.145 ..............0.144...................0.145..................209,152,009........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ...................................................... 448,030.........669,648......................41 ............1.500 ........... 1.500 ...........1.490............1.495 .............1.500 ...........-0.005 ........... -0.333 ...............1.490 .............. 1.485...................1.500................. 299,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................43,399 ............... 8,681........................2 ........... 0.200........... 0.201 ...........0.200 .......... 0.200 .............0.201 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.498 ...............0.201..............0.198...................0.201...................12,240,855 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 153,328............ 30,359..................... 23 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.198 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.199............-0.001 ........... -0.503 ...............0.198 .............. 0.195...................0.197...................133,627,711 ........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING................................................. 75,010 .............13,887......................16 ............0.186 ........... 0.186 ...........0.185 ............0.185 ............. 0.186............-0.001 ........... -0.538 ...............0.186 ..............0.186...................0.187...................32,375,455 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 130,000 ........... 36,460........................4 ........... 0.282 ...........0.282 ...........0.280 .......... 0.280 .............0.282 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.709 ...............0.280..............0.272...................0.280 ..................28,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION .........................23,635 ...............5,596........................8 ........... 0.239 ...........0.239 ...........0.235........... 0.237 .............0.239 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.837 ...............0.235..............0.233...................0.237...................22,524,480.........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................59,600 .............11,939........................5 ........... 0.202...........0.202 ...........0.200 .......... 0.200 .............0.202 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.990 ...............0.200 ............. 0.196...................0.210...................59,242,736 .........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 142,835 ..........217,893..................... 43 ............1.540 ........... 1.540 ........... 1.515 ............1.525 ............. 1.545............-0.020 ........... -1.294 ...............1.520 .............. 1.510...................1.525 ................ 1,143,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 788,208 ......... 346,778......................13 ........... 0.450 ...........0.450 ...........0.436........... 0.440 .............0.450 ...........-0.010 ........... -2.222 ...............0.436..............0.436...................0.446 .................145,583,992........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY......................................10,000 ............ 16,800........................1 ............1.680 ........... 1.680 ...........1.680 ........... 1.680 ............. 1.720............-0.040 ........... -2.326 ...............1.680 ..............1.600...................1.680..................150,696,000........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 840,361 .........562,378...................100 ........... 0.680 ...........0.680 ...........0.664........... 0.668 .............0.688 ...........-0.020 ........... -2.907 ...............0.664..............0.664...................0.668..................434,830,746........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 2,580,054...... 413,724..................... 95 ............0.164 ........... 0.164 ...........0.158 ........... 0.160 ............. 0.167............-0.007 ........... -4.192 ...............0.158 .............. 0.158...................0.160..................256,719,895 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 206,554 ........... 45,462........................5 ........... 0.225 ...........0.225 ...........0.220 .......... 0.220 .............0.230 ...........-0.010 ........... -4.348 ...............0.220 .............0.210...................0.220 .................. 65,731,089 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 11,294,962......4,611,033 ..............657 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......22........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 2,711,998...... 290,294...................103 ............0.104 ........... 0.109 ...........0.104........... 0.107 .............0.104 ........... 0.003............. 2.885 ................0.107 ..............0.107...................0.108...................31,027,928 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............. 50,000 .............13,500........................2 ........... 0.270 ...........0.270 ...........0.270........... 0.270 .............0.269 ............0.001 ............. 0.372 ................0.270..............0.265...................0.270 ...................5,670,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ...............35,265 ...............7,229........................3 ........... 0.205 ...........0.205 ...........0.205........... 0.205 .............0.205 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.205..............0.205...................0.210.................... 6,882,147 ..........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ............................................... 251,911 .......... 160,653..................... 30 ........... 0.636 ........... 0.652 ...........0.636........... 0.636 .............0.636 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.652..............0.574...................0.652..................100,170,000........0.100 OM0000001475 ............SWEETS OF OMAN ...................................................... 14,167 .............18,984........................2 ............1.340 ........... 1.340 ...........1.340........... 1.340 .............1.340 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.340............. 0.000...................1.340....................9,380,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 637,829 ............64,621........................8 ............0.101 ........... 0.102 ...........0.101 ............0.101 ............. 0.101............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.102.............. 0.101...................0.103..................202,031,592 .......0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 551,065............ 34,194.....................22 ........... 0.063 ...........0.063 ...........0.062........... 0.062 .............0.062 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.062..............0.062...................0.063.................... 7,750,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............93,100 .............12,567........................3 ............0.133 ........... 0.135 ...........0.133 ............0.135 ............. 0.135............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.135 ..............0.130...................0.135 ................... 16,453,125 .........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING .....................................3,203 ...............6,086........................1 ........... 1.900 ........... 1.900 ...........1.900........... 1.900 .............1.900 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.900..............1.900...................0.000 .................180,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...........................1,967 ...................169........................2 ........... 0.086 ...........0.086 ...........0.086........... 0.088 .............0.088 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.086..............0.086...................0.088....................2,640,000..........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 143,463............. 17,754......................15 ............0.123 ........... 0.126 ...........0.123 ........... 0.124 .............0.124 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.124..............0.124...................0.125................... 11,160,000 .........0.100 OM0000002648 ...........NATIONAL FINANCE .......................................................100 .....................13........................1 ............0.128 ........... 0.128 ...........0.128............0.131 ............. 0.131 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.128 ..............0.120...................0.000 .................. 35,517,423 .........0.100 OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA .....................................................335 ..................230........................1 ........... 0.688 ........... 0.688 ...........0.688........... 0.708 .............0.708 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.688..............0.688...................0.700..................113,280,000........0.100 OM0000003265 ...........NATIONAL DETERGENT ...........................................5,000 ...............3,520........................1 ........... 0.704 ........... 0.704 ...........0.704........... 0.704 .............0.704 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.704..............0.680...................0.720................... 11,976,800 .........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 523,933 ........... 40,865......................12 ........... 0.078 ........... 0.078 ...........0.077........... 0.078 .............0.078 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.078..............0.078...................0.079..................117,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 156,824 ............30,738..................... 25 ............0.196 ........... 0.196 ...........0.196 ............0.196 ............. 0.199............-0.003 ........... -1.508 ...............0.196 ..............0.190...................0.197..................140,023,643........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK...............................................127,710 ...............8,032........................9 ............0.061 ...........0.063 ...........0.061 ........... 0.063 .............0.064 ...........-0.001 ............-1.563................0.063..............0.063...................0.064 ..................63,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ................................................. 440,800........... 48,560........................9 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.112............-0.002 ............-1.786................0.110 ..............0.108...................0.110 ...................27,894,900.........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 237,066 ........... 44,814........................6 ............0.190 ........... 0.190 ...........0.188 ........... 0.189 .............0.194 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.577 ...............0.189 ..............0.189...................0.190..................269,331,831 ........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 1,474,590 ...... 316,036......................17 ............0.218 ........... 0.218 ...........0.214........... 0.214 .............0.220 ...........-0.006 ........... -2.727 ...............0.214..............0.210...................0.214..................406,429,100 .......0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,460,326 ....1,118,859...................272 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ..... 20........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

UNDER MONITORING MARKET ..................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 167,000............. 11,373......................14 ........... 0.069 ...........0.069 ...........0.068........... 0.068 .............0.069 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.449 ...............0.068..............0.068...................0.069.....................5,114,144 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 167,000............. 11,373......................14 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ........................7,887 .................. 757........................2 ........... 0.096 ...........0.096 ...........0.096........... 0.096 .............0.095 ............0.001 ............. 1.053 ................0.096..............0.096...................0.000 ...................31,119,515..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .......................................................................................7,887 .................. 757........................2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN MARKETS

HYDROCARBON

Oman’s natural gas production grows by 5% ural gas in the Sultanate of Oman include power producers, smallscale industries and liquefied natural gas plants.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s natural gas production and imports grew by 4.9 per cent to 27,569 million cubic metres (MNCM) for the first eight months of 2016, compared to 26,269 MNCM for the same period of last year.

Of this, while non-associated gas showed a growth of 5.5 per cent at 22,867 million cubic metres, associated gas production edged up by 2.3 per cent to 4,702 MNCM, according to the latest statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

A sizeable portion of the natural gas in Oman is used by various mega industrial projects, which

INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS: A sizeable portion of the natural gas in Oman is used by various mega industrial projects, which stood at 15,525 million cubic metres for January-August period of 2016, against 14,536 million cubic metres for the same period last year. – File picture

stood at 15,525 million cubic metres for January-August period of 2016, against 14,536 million cubic metres for the same period last year. Natural gas is also used

in oilfields either as fuel or for re-injection.

For instance, in the first eight months ending August this year, as much as 6,073 million cubic

metres of natural gas was used in oil fields, against 5,643 million cubic metres units consumed for the same period in 2015.

Other major consumers of nat-

Local demand Oman produced and supplied around 39,806 million cubic metres of natural gas in 2015, which included imports from the United Arab Emirates.

While the national demand for gas will rise sharply over the coming five years, the rate of increase is by no means evenly distributed, with requirements set to spike in some regions. In fact, the Ministry of Oil and Gas is responsible for supplying gas to various consumers and the obligations are set out in within the agreements.

Sensex rises; rupee climbs MUMBAI: Markets continued its upward march for the third day on Tuesday as the S&P BSE benchmark Sensex moved up further by 91 points to close at 28,334.55 and NSE Nifty by 31 points to 8,769.15.

The Sensex resumed higher at 28,377.64 and hovered in a range of 28,404.70 and 28,242.25 before ending at 28,334.55, showing a gain of 91.26 points or 0.32 per cent. The NSE 50-share Nifty rose by 31.05 points.

Rupee appreciates The rupee continued its sprinted performance against the US dollar for the third-straight day and ended at 66.46 after the RBI unexpectedly cut key interest rates. - PTI

B4

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

FEATURE

The drop in crude prices has squeezed both the state and private companies in Saudi Arabia, where more than 70 per cent of government revenue comes from oil and companies rely heavily on public spending.

S

audi Arabia’s currency peg is forcing the central bank to look beyond rate cuts to spur growth, as a slowdown driven by lower oil prices has consumers watching their wallets and contractors facing payment delays.

With a key benchmark for pricing loans at an almost eight-year high, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, as the central bank is known, said it is injecting about 20 billion riyals ($5.3 billion) in the banking sector in the form of deposits “on behalf of government entities.”

The move, which preceded a surprise agreement to cut oil output, aims to boost liquidity by making up for the drop in government deposits over the past two years.

of a bind” from the combination of slow growth at home and a trend toward higher interest rates in the US, said William Jackson, senior emerging markets economist at Capital Economics in London.

The drop in crude prices has squeezed both the state and private companies in Saudi Arabia, where more than 70 percent of government revenue comes from oil and companies rely heavily on public spending. Economic growth is expected to slow to 1.1 per cent this year, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists, the worst since 2009.

“They cannot lower rates, so what’s the best option?” said John Sfakianakis, director of economic research at the Gulf Research Centre.“They need to pump liquidity into the system.”

Slowdown With the riyal-dollar peg forcing the central bank to move in lockstep with the US Federal Reserve, the Kingdom is “in a bit

Withdrawals In addition to drawing down its deposits in the banking system, the government has been selling bonds to local lenders

each month to help plug its budget deficit. Bank claims on the public sector have doubled over the past year.

The central bank offered lenders 15 billion riyals in short-term loans in an earlier injection in June to help ease liquidity constraints, five people familiar with the matter said at the time. The regulator has repeatedly said it is committed to the currency peg, and this week it also introduced seven-day and 28-day repurchase agreements as part of a “supportive monetary policy.”

Expensive loans The liquidity crunch has driven the three-month Saudi Interbank Offered Rate, a benchmark used to price loans, to its highest level since 2009.

“Public spending is being cut and public borrowing is rising sharply; it’s inevitable thatit puts upward pressure on rates,” said Simon Williams, HSBC Holdings Plc’s chief economist for central

and eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Impact The bank is likely to continue to inject money into the banking system, spread over several months, said Sfakianakis at the Gulf Research Centre Foundation.

Fahad Alturki, chief economist at Riyadh’s Jadwa Investment, said that while the liquidity squeeze is not yet alarming, the measures "will help a lot in alleviating any pressure." The Kingdom’s first international bond issue, said to be planned for early October, will also help to ease pressure on the cost of private sector borrowing, he said.

While this week’s central bank steps will help, lending will remain subdued, said Williams at HSBC. “Rates are going to stay elevated, and growth is going to be weak and that is going to mean borrowers and lenders alike remain cautious," he said. – Bloomberg News

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B5

ROUND-UP

Irresistible GMC package is back At a starting price of OMR11,995 for an Acadia SLE, the spacious 8-seater model comes with Intellink Bluetooth, rear view camera, parking sensors, remote start and cooling as well as cruise control as standard features

MUSCAT: Big, bold and irresistible – the GMC vehicles on the road are difficult to miss and come with equally irresistible packages that will be ongoing until October 24.

Competitive prices and attractive value added gifts make for a tempting package.

Depending on the model a customer purchases, they could be eligible for cash gift ranging from OMR3000 to OMR5000, complimentary 30,000 km service on

limited models, free gift vouchers on limited models up to the value of OMR100, 500 litres petrol or equivalent of OMR77, free registration and five years extended warranty unlimited mileage.

“The GMC line-up in an innovative range that is all about precision – right from the exterior to the comfortable interiors, the technology and the premium material used in every vehicle along with the unwavering focus on safety.

This in itself is reason enough to invest in a GMC. However, we have also incorporated some incredible benefits and gifts that make the deal all the more irresistible,” stated Virendra Aggarwal, CEO – Moosa Abdul Rahman and Co. At a starting price of OMR11,995 for an Acadia SLE, the spacious 8-seater model comes with Intellink Bluetooth, rear view camera, parking sensors, remote start and cooling as well as cruise control as standard features.

The high end Denali is equipped with unrivalled safety feature which includes the industry’s first front centre air bag, part of a 360-degree safety system, that helps protect the driver and front passenger in a side impact collision. It is also equipped with a Side Blind Zone alert and rear cross traffic alert systems that use radar to watch blind spots and provides visible and audible warnings to avoid possible collisions. Standard features include head curtain side airbags with rollover protection

and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology.

The customer will also be able to avail of cash gift up to OMR4000 (with the exception of Acadia SLE 2WD), free 30,000 km service, OMR100 gift vouchers, 500 litres petrol or equivalent of RO77, free registration and five years extended warranty with unlimited mileage. Yet another power-packed performer, the Terrain, starts at OMR8995 for 2.4L SLE. The popular five-seater offers a combination of safety, comfort and convenience along with features that have proven to be immensely popular with the customers.

These include keyless entry, rear view camera, power mirrors, cruise control, Intellink audio system that includes Bluetooth for phone and music, personal cell phone connectivity to vehi-

WORLD RECORD

cle audio system, music navigator and steaming audio in addition to stability control system and traction control. Purchase of a Terrain will also entitle a customer to cash gift up to OMR3000, OMR100 gift vouchers and complimentary 30,000 km service. However, this will not be valid on Terrain SLE 1 2WD. Other benefits include 500 litres petrol or equivalent of OMR77, free registration and five years extended warranty with unlimited mileage.

Among the most recognisable SUVs on the road to date are the iconic Yukon and Yukon XL from RO 16,995 onwards. The 2016 GMC Yukon highlights bold, refined exterior design, full LED turn signals and daytime running lamps featuring GMC’s graphic light signature along with the option of 18and 20- inch brushed aluminium wheels. Keyless entry and push

button start are standard on SLT models along with adaptive cruise control. The innovative safety alert seat available in the Yukon vibrates to alert the driver to potential hazards depending on the direction of the hazard. The builtin protective features include the industry's first front centre airbag to protect driver and passenger, seat-mounted side impact airbags and a reinforced steel safety cage among others. Purchase of a Yukon will come with a cash gift up to OMR5000 (with the exception of Yukon SLE 2WD), free 30,000 km service, OMR100 gift vouchers, 500 litres petrol or equivalent of OMR77, free registration and five years extended warranty with unlimited mileage.

The Sierra line-up is led by the light duty Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Work Truck 4.3L starting at an attractive price from RO11,995.

Complementing the line-up is the Sierra 1500 Regular Cab 5.3L at RO13,995. Available in Double Cab, Crew Cab and Denali variants, the pickup offers the longest list of standard features ever seen in a full-size pickup. The updated engine offers increased power and torque with the best fuel economy of any V-8 pickup. Available IntelliLink connectivity incorporates an eight-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth phone features and navigation with 3-D map displays.

Safety features include Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning along with Driver Alert Seat that generates vibrating pulse patterns to alert the driver of an unsignalled lane change or approaching another vehicle too quickly. Drivers have the option of selecting either audible or vibrating alerts. Purchase of a Sierra will also entitle a customer to cash gift up to OMR5000 and OMR100 gift vouchers.

However, this will not be extended to Sierra Reg Cab 4.3L and 5.3L 18”W. Other benefits include complimentary 30,000 km service (not extended to Sierra Reg Cab 4.3L), 500 litres petrol or equivalent of OMR77, free registration and five years extended warranty with unlimited mileage.

Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan & Co is the exclusive distributor of GMC vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman with branches and a service network that covers all major locations across Oman.

H A RV E S T F E S T I VA L

Geepas Tower project gets into Onam celebrated with traditional Guinness World Record book fervour, gaiety at Indian School MUSCAT: Geepas Tower, owned

by Western International Group, accomplished a stellar milestone in the history of the UAE’s construction sector. In a milestone achievement, Geepas Tower completed the largest continuous concrete pour ever undertaken in the world, underlining their strong competencies and achieving Guinness World Record.

The Geepas Tower project is located in Arjan, Al Barsha. More than 19,793 cubic meters of concrete was poured over a continuous period of 42 hours with 600 plus workers working in multiple shifts round-the-clock. The concrete was delivered by engaging more than 300 transit mixers making more than 2500 trips from more than three plants to deliver the concrete required for the project.

The concrete pouring was carried out by massive installations of 14 concrete pumps on site with an additional 5 pumps on standby. More than 3000 tonnes of steel has been used and 150,000 man hours have been put into constructing the raft of the building, says a press release.

K.P Basheer, chairman of Western International Group, and owner of Geepas Tower, said: “We are extremely proud of this historic accomplishment that adds to the

pride of Geepas Tower, the first mega project till date in our real estate venture. This successful milestone achievement has set the brand on to the books of Guinness World Records and it is an overwhelming feeling of victory. We are confident of delivering a truly high-quality residential development that will add to the quality of life of our residents in the country.

I would like to congratulate the entire team that has toiled day and night for this project to make it possible.’’

Nizar T.N, executive director, Western International Group, said: “We are immensely happy with this spectacular achievement by Geepas Tower for achieving the Guinness World Record.

We have acquired more than 18 lands in UAE and are looking forward to bigger challenges.

The massive Geepas Tower pro-

ject world record achievement, and with the support of UAE government, has given us the confidence and strength to develop and deliver bigger planned projects as fast as possible.’’

The event was efficiently coordinated by the officials of Western International Group, project was undertaken by Gulf Asia Contracting, project consultant Chawla Architectural and Consulting Engineers, and the concrete supplier Unibeton Ready Mix. Geepas Tower will have 684 residential units, a fully equipped gymnasium, health club, swimming pool and 730 space car park.

With two levels of basement parking, ground floor with a welcome lobby, 40,000 sq.ft of retail space, and 19 floors of residences, Geepas Tower has been designed to the highest standards of aesthetics and will complete in March 2018.

MUSCAT: Indian School Al Seeb celebrated Onam with a lot of vigour and enthusiasm to mark the welcoming of harvest season. The school seemed immersed in the Onam fever as the whole assembly ground was beautifully decorated marking the festivity. There was a special assembly conducted by the students of Classes IX and X in the morning. The afternoon session was earmarked for the staff Onam celebration, along with the students.

The programme began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the president of the School Management Committee, Ravi Jayanthy along with the esteemed SMC members and the principal. The whole area had an ethnic feel with the customary Pookkalam drawn by the students to welcome the arrival of king Mahabali, says a press release.

The festive mood set in when the ISAS Mahabali was welcomed to the stage amidst a loud cheer by gathering, emulating the traditional culture and traditions of Kerala. The main attraction was the graceful dance performance, the traditional Kaikotikali by the students and teachers, showcasing the rich culture of Kerala which enthralled the audience very much. The teachers also carried the crowd back to Kerala with

their Onam song. The male staff added colour to the programme with their Nadan paattu.”

Ravi Jayanthi, the president of the School Management Committee wished a happy and prosperous Onam along with a wonderful Eid to each and every one.

He appreciated the efforts of the teachers and students in making the programme a highly successful one. He shared his happiness about the fast growth of the school and that he was proud to be a part of a united Seeb family.

The principal, Nagesh Kelkar in his motivational speech highlighted the fact that celebration of Onam and Eid actually was a

platform to celebrate the spirit of secularism. He lauded the SMC to create conducive environment for the staff and parents to achieve greater heights. He appreciated their sense of accountability to the community and the efforts they had made to run the school successfully despite all the constraints.

He reminded the staff on the Onam day that their goal should be to bring a smile and contentment on every child’s face.

The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Sheeja Nair, one of the staff members.

The day culminated with a sumptuous Onam Sadya enjoyed by all.

B6

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

ROUND-UP New Discovery debuts on Lego Tower Bridge The fifth-generation model benefits from Land Rover’s strong, safe and light fullsize SUV architecture, delivering comfort and adaptability like no other

MUSCAT: Land Rover has revealed the all-new Discovery seven-seat SUV by breaking a Guinness World Record for the largest Lego structure ever built.

Long-term Land Rover Discovery owners Bear Grylls, Sir Ben Ainslie and Zara Phillips took part in the dynamic live reveal of Land Rover’s most versatile model around a13-metre high Lego version of London’s Tower Bridge.

The all-new Discovery embodies Land Rover’s drive to go Above and Beyond, combining British desirability with an unstoppable spirit of adventure. It is highly desirable with unrivalled capability and technology like no other, says a press release.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s chief design officer, said, “All-New Discovery redefines the large SUV. Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have revolutionised the

Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV.” Everyday ingenuity has been at the heart of the Discovery for the last 27 years, with more than 1.2 million customers to date. The all-new Discovery is for the digital age. Ingenious technology keeps your family safe, connected and confident on all surfaces, all terrains and in all weathers to ensure your destination is reached.

The fifth-generation model benefits from Land Rover’s strong, safe and light full-size SUV architecture, delivering comfort and adaptability like no other. The reveal set was made from 5,805,846 individual Lego bricks, breaking the previous Guinness World Record by 470,646 pieces. Laid end to end, the bricks would stretch for almost 200 miles, or from Tower Bridge in London to Paris.

Led by the UK’s only Lego certified professional, Duncan Titmarsh, it took five months for expert Lego master builders in the UK to construct the incredible Tower Bridge structure. It was erected in the grounds of Packington Hall, Warwickshire, UK – close to Land Rover’s Solihull plant, where all-new Discovery will be produced.

As part of the dramatic reveal sequence, British adventurer Bear Grylls appeared in typically exciting fashion by abseiling from the top of the huge Tower Bridge installation, through the open drawbridge and onto the stage beside the all-new Discovery.

The finale was Land Rover BAR team principal Sir Ben Ainslie driving his sailing team through 900mm-deep water under the bridge – demonstrating the unrivalled capability and versatility

PROMOTION

of Land Rover’s new SUV. Sir Ben towed a Lego replica of the Land Rover BAR boat, a 186,500-brick meticulous model of the boat that will challenge for next year’s America’s Cup. The model of Tower Bridge was flanked by two Lego ‘Discovery Zones’ celebrating 27 years of Land Rover Discovery heritage.

An Equestrian Zone, hosted by accomplished rider Zara Phillips, featured a typically British picnic scene made entirely from Lego bricks.

The Bear Grylls adventure zone included a Lego fire and boulders to represent a scene from a typical mountain exploration.

Bear Grylls said, “I have developed a powerful bond with Land Rover vehicles over the years and to me they embody that spirit of adventure coupled with a rugged reliability that also serves the needs of a young family. The Land Rover Discovery is invaluable on expeditions, whether filming in deserts, jungles or mountains, yet it is still the perfect vehicle for the family’s everyday use. It’s a proud moment to be here with Land Rover revealing the All-New Discovery to the world.”

Emma Owen, Lego UK and Ireland Spokeswoman, said, “We are thrilled that Jaguar Land Rover has used Lego bricks to add some Guinness World Record-breaking creativity to the launch of the latest Discovery. This is an epic, outstanding build that absolutely captures the imagination in a way we haven’t seen before. With LEGO bricks and some imagination you really can build anything!”

H E A LT H Y E AT I N G H A B I T S

A’Saffa Foods’ tips on healthy cooking MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods does everything it can to ensure that its products reach consumers in the healthiest, freshest and tastiest manner. With the brand’s recently launched ‘Healthy Eating, Healthy Living’ initiative live across its social media channels, A’Saffa Foods aims to help patrons maintain healthy practices at every stage of the A’Saffa products experience.

Some of the tips surrounding the brand’s ‘cook chicken the healthy way’ theme under the ‘Healthy Eating, Healthy Living’ initiative that has gone viral on the brand’s Facebook and Instagram pages include - cooking chicken with skin for a juicier taste. The post also highlights that chicken parts such as legs and thighs are heavier cuts and best suited for cooking dishes such as biryani and mandi, whereas chicken breasts are leaner cuts, and can be used for making everyday meals, says a press release.

That is not all, the info-graphic encourages home-cooks to ‘say no to butter and oil’ and suggest-

ed better ways to cook chicken to keep it lean such as - Stir-frying, braising and poaching. Stirfrying involves rapidly cooking in a small amount of oil, in a wok or large skillet, over high heat.

Braising chicken entails pansearing, which is followed by simmering it in liquid. Poaching on the other hand, involves simmering the chicken in water or broth until cooked through.

Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing and Sales, at A’Saffa Foods averred, “Consumer awareness and education is the most important solution to eating and living healthy. We hope our posts on social media sites will make a difference in the lives of our consumers and be useful in helping them cook their food in the healthiest manner possible.”

A’Saffa Foods is one of the leading food producers across the region, and has been growing its business year on year based on the success of its chicken and diversified products that use the best quality ingredients that are natural, healthy, nutritious, pure, safe and 100 percent halal.

FESTIVE MOOD

Smile Hypermarket rewards two FJ Cruisers in Salalah outlet draw MUSCAT: Smile Hypermarket, the fastest growing retail chain in the GCC region, recently organised a ‘Shop and Smile’ lucky draw at its Salalah outlet.

The promotion received an overwhelming response. Sharooq Issa and Amar Mohammed Ali were winners of an FJ Cruiser each. Other winners received a gold coin and several other prizes too. All customers who shopped for OMR5 and above were eligible to enter the draw, says a press release.

Smile Hypermarket showcases a wide choice of reputed brands at fair prices all under one roof, offering customers a wholesome shopping experience. Smile’s goal is to meet the needs of all communities in Oman and be a destination where shopping brings happiness.

Ismail Chakarath, managing director of Smile Hypermarket, says, “We are planning to launch many more similar promotions in the near future. Smile Hypermarket will continue to offer lowest prices

ISC Salalah celebrated Eid, Onam and Diwali festivals in religious harmony RAFFLE DRAW: (Left to right) Mohammed Baith Said (Ministry of Commerce), Ismail Chakarath (managing director), Shaikh Bakheet Qatan (owner of Salalah Gallery), Sharooq Issa (winner of a FJ Cruiser), Amar Mohammed Ali (winner of a FJ Cruiser), Saleh Othman Saleh Al Siyabi (chief guest), Jasim Kuniyil (vice chairman) and Ameer Chakarath (regional director, Smile Hypermarket), at the raffle draw. — Supplied picture

and best services to our customers.

They can trust Smile Hypermarket while shopping for best value and best services.”

Smile Hypermarket has another outlet in Saham, besides the Smile

Supermarket at Al Khuwair. As part of their expansion plans, they are planning many more outlets across Oman soon. Smile Hypermarket is the place where shopping brings happiness.

MUSCAT: Taking the opportunity of Indramani Pandey, ambassador of India to Oman, visiting Salalah, the Indian Social Club organised a get together to celebrate Eid Al Adha, Onam and Diwali festivities at His Majesty Sultan Qaboos multipurpose hall of the club.

Students of class 10 and 12 who excelled in the CBSC exams were felicitated during the get-together. The chairman Manpreet Singh welcomed Indramani Pandey

with a bouquet and a memento and expressed his delight to have the Indian ambassador as the chief guest of the programme. He congratulated the toppers who scored CGPA 10 in their class 10 exams and those excelled in class 12 exams. Haridya Menon, lady coordinator of the club, presented a bouquet to Shushma, wife of the ambassador.

The ambassador appreciated the efforts being made by the chairman and the managing

committee to bring all the communities together to celebrate the festivals. He also commended the students for their excellent performance in their academics.

During this occasion Lawyer Mohammed Al Barami was honoured with memento by the Indian ambassador. The awarding ceremony was followed by musical concert by local singers from Salalah to the accompaniment of the music rendered by Friends of Salalah’s Voice of Arabia band.

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B7

ROUND-UP

Toyota Avalon with Festival of Joy benefits Now that Toyota’s Festival of Joy is on, customers can avail a very attractive cash gift on the stylish Avalon

MUSCAT: The Toyota Avalon invites one to ‘Take a drive on the style side’…Meticulously reimagined, the Avalon exudes a sophisticated confidence others only aspire to. One reviewer goes on to say, “The Avalon’s sculpted and swanky styling, luxuriously modern interior, and surprising agility give even pricier rivals a run for their money…For cruising in style and comfort, the Avalon is hard to beat—and its dashing looks will charm more…” The Avalon’s sculpted lines and curves create a stunning profile. While the redesigned bumper and stylish HID headlamps make it more striking than ever.

Now that Toyota’s Festival of Joy is on, customers can avail a very attractive cash gift on Avalon.

This cash gift is available on the 2016YM models of Avalon valid until October 20 for all purchases except those made by government organisations and ministries. Further details can be had by visiting the nearest Toyota showroom.

The offer makes the Avalon even more tempting to own. Indeed, there is a lot to love in the refined masterpiece by Toyota; about which it is quoted that, “The Avalon is one of Toyota’s best offerings, with truly attractive styling, a high-quality interior, plenty of room and an immensely enjoyable

driving experience.”

Avalon’s exterior lighting complements the design lines. The industry-first Quadrabeam headlight cluster utilises a sleek and compact double-eye PES headlight design with two square glass condenser lenses that have been adapted for the low beams and offer outstanding lighting performance. A stronger, more expressive front-fascia design with larger grille opening creates an aggressive appearance.

The Avalon’s interior elaborates on the exterior’s elegant, refined

theme to create a premium interior experience that combines high technology and craftsmanship with an artistic level of sculpted surfaces. The driver is engaged by an Optitron-type combination meter, which produces a sharp, high quality display and 3.5-inch Thin-film Transistor (TFT) color multi-information display. Furthermore, the Avalon’s interior surfaces are finished in premium materials such as soft-touch materials for the dash panel, unique smoke chrome trim surrounding the center panel, and high-quality

REVIEW MEETING

John Chang, general manager chief retail banking officer at NBO, said, “NBO’s strategic aspiration is to be the ‘Bank of Choice’ and this requires us to continuously

RECRUIT QUOTES When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.

— Napoleon Hill

We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change.

— Sheryl Sandberg

The home is the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose, and that is to support the ultimate career.

— C.S. Lewis

Hide not your talents, they for use were made; what’s a sundial in the shade?

— Benjamin Franklin

matic transmission that has been optimised for improved fuel economy and performance. Steeringwheel-mounted paddle shifters help activate fast and responsive shifts while keeping both hands on the wheel. The Avalon offers three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.

The Avalon offers a long list of convenient, user-friendly technologies as one would expect with the Toyota’s flagship sedan. The Avalon features a 7-inch Navigation system with a DVD player and 11 JBL speakers, Bluetooth compatibility, customizable vehicle settings, available rear camera display and operation of iPod and USB devices.

Toyota Avalon is equipped standard with a smart key system that locks and unlocks the front doors and enables opening of the doors when the key is within a short distance of the door handle.

In Oman, Toyota’s outstanding product quality is supported by the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive.

AU S P I C I O U S D AY

NBO branch managers meet to focus on strategy for final quarter of year MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO) recently concluded a meeting of all its branch managers to reinforce the bank’s strategy ahead of a renewed push for excellence in the final quarter of the year.

The managers of NBO’s 61 branches in the Sultanate and two in the UAE convened at the Millennium Hotel Al Khuwair for a two-day meeting focused on the continued delivery of the bank’s strategy in the last quarter of 2016, says a press release.

glossy panel trim around the shifter. All of this attention to detail to touch surfaces and subtle enhancements to texture and visual appeal are aimed at elevating the overall interior experience for driver and passengers.

The Avalon’s seats are available as 10-way power adjustable for the driver’s seat, and 8-way adjustment for the front passenger seat.

The driver’s seat incorporates a seat-cushion length extender; a four-way lumbar support is built into the driver’s seat and a twoway lumbar support for the passenger. An electric seat heater and seat ventilation system have been adopted to help enhance driver and passenger seat comfort.

The Avalon utilises a 3.5-litre, six cylinder V6 engine that features Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) to help offer superior power and efficiency by optimizing the intake and exhaust valve timings to increase engine performance across the entire range.

The Avalon features an auto-

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

improve the way we serve our customers and the products we bring to them. We reinforce our aspiration by regularly bringing together our outstanding team of branch

managers to renew their pledge to deliver consistently superior experience in branches and across all our customer touch-points.

During this meeting, we launched many new initiatives to make sure that our customers continue to enjoy the best products and services available anywhere.”

The branch managers’ meeting also included team building exercises aligned with the objective of enhancing customer service, as well as awards to recognise particularly exceptional performance.

Kalabhavan set to conduct ‘Vidyarambham’ on Oct. 11 MUSCAT: Kalabhavan School of Music & Arts will be conducting Vidyarambham ceremony on October 11 from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

As a special gesture, the institution will be waiving the registration fee for those taking admission for any course on the day.

Vidyarambham is a Hindu tradition observed on Vijayadasami day mainly especially in South India under different names and with regional variations, as the victory of good over evil, says a press release.

On Vijayadasami day, people make an auspicious beginning of

art and learning.

People who also want to pursue the learning of any art forms commence their studies on Vijayadasami.

Kalabhavan has three branches in Oman.

The institution provides training in vocal carnatic music, Indian classical dance, cinematic dance, Tabla, Mridangam, Congo, drums, electronic keyboard, guitar, drawing, karate and yoga.

The institution is also organising an opening drawing competition titled ‘Little Fingers 2016’ for children aged 5 to 13.

B8

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

ROUND-UP

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Omantel’s Baqati plan loaded with value offers There are over 50 different smartphone and tablet models in this special promotion, including the latest Apple iPhones, the Samsung S and Note series, as well as the very latest HTC and Huawei models

MUSCAT: Omantel, the Sultanate’s first telecoms operator, has launched a special offer under the Baqati postpaid plan. New subscribers can take home the very latest mobile device with an affordable upfront deposit starting from as low as OMR0, plus free weekend mobile Internet up to 10GB every month when they sign a 12 or 18 month Baqati postpaid contract, says a press release.

Highlighting the unique benefits

of the Baqati promotion, Mohammed Al Hakmani, manager of Core Consumer Services said, “There are over 50 different smartphone and tablet models in this special promotion, including the latest Apple iPhones, the Samsung S and Note series, as well as the very latest HTC and Huawei models.

There is definitely something for

everyone with this Baqati promotion. And as an extra bonus, Omantel’s existing Baqati L Plan, Mobile Internet 10GB Plan and XL Plan customers do not miss out on this great offer, as they can also choose the latest mobile devices with a discounted upfront deposit and easy monthly payments.”

“Omantel’s new Baqati postpaid

plans are designed with flexibility in mind. Communicating with family and friends has never been easier, with free national calls, free national SMS, free mobile internet and special international call discounts connecting customers with their loved ones back home.

This special offer is just one way in which we aim to enrich the lives of our valued customers,” added Mohammed Al Hakmani.

Tailored to fit the individual needs of the mobile customer, Baqati allows individual customers to choose exactly what they want from their postpaid plan starting with a low monthly fee of OMR 3 for Baqati basic, up to OMR 39 for the Baqati XL, the most comprehensive smart bundle in the line-up.

Investing in the future of the nation, Omantel connects even the most remote communities of the Sultanate to each other and the rest of the world. Omantel is the Sultanate’s first and leading integrated telecommunications services provider, enabling the digital society to flourish, allowing new ways of doing business and delivering a world of information, news and entertainment. Today, Omantel boldly innovates to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, the broadest and most reliable nationwide network while investing for Oman’s future development.

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

Bank Muscat supports first Oman international photography contest MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, in line with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in promoting Omani talents, extended support to the first Oman International Photography Circuit (OPIC) inaugurated under the auspices of H.H Dr. Faris bin Turki Al Said at the headquarters of Oman Photographic Society.

The first-of-its kind open international competition in Oman evoked strong response with participation by photographers from 60 countries. The competition was organised under the umbrella of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), Global

Photographic Union (GPU) and International Association of Architectural Photographers (IAAP) and supported by Oman Photography Society of Sultan Qaboos Centre for Culture and Science, says a press release.

Promoting Oman Highlighting the Sultanate’s rich heritage and culture as well as its potential as a tourist destination and cultural hub for photography lovers, the competition is expected to position Oman among international photography competitions and circuits. The competition is also aimed at creating a com-

petitive environment for Omani photographers and provide them with the opportunity to share experiences with counterparts from across the world. The competition also highlights the Sultanate’s organisational capabilities to host such global events.

Bank Muscat’s Shababi is the first youth banking in Oman, aimed at engaging the youth beyond banking, offering varied opportunities like sports, games, arts and entertainment to support their lifestyle activities. Targeted at youth in the age group of 18 to 25 years who are pursuing higher education in university / colleges,

Shababi fulfills the long-felt need of specialised banking services for this segment.

A dedicated web portal (www. bankmuscat.com/shababi) is available for Shababi customers to keep themselves updated on events, activities and promotions available with partner establishments, including sports shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Notably, Shababi encourages the youth from an early age to develop a savings habit.

The bank reckons that a strong savings culture inculcated among the youth would have a positive socio-economic impact on Oman.

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E D U C AT I O N FA I R

Quality UK higher education to build skillful workforce MUSCAT: United Kingdom attracts more than 200,000 students from worldwide every year.

Sultanate of Oman has seen a growth in the number of students opting to study in the UK every year. UK Universities have enriched and extended knowledge and understanding of graduating Omani students and with the improvements in the quality standards of higher education in the UK, Oman’s economy will only boom with such a knowledgeable and skillful workforce in the future. Hence, the Ministry of Higher Education in Oman is working towards this objective and is supporting the EduTraC Oman 2016 exhibition which will be taking place from October 18 to 20 at the new Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, says a press release.

In its third edition, EduTraC Oman 2016 is one of the leading higher education exhibitions in the region to create a platform for UK Universities and English language schools to share their course information to Omani students and parents to pursue their higher education in the UK. Students visiting the exhibition will be able to communicate and avail course information and other information regarding scholarships, visa procedures, accommodation, etc. from admission officers of the universities participating. The Scottish Qualifications Authority which is Scotland’s national awarding and accreditation body is the Visitor Badge Sponsor at EduTraC Oman. Alistair Shaw, head of International Awarding at SQA stated: “SQA qualifications enable candidates to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and understanding they have acquired, in school, in college, and in the workplace. They allow people to take the next steps on the path to their chosen career.”

Jon Wilks, British ambassador to Oman, said: “The UK Depart-

ment for International Trade alongside the British Council are delighted to support the EduTraC Oman exhibition. EduTraC Oman will assist in developing long-term partnerships between Omani students and UK educational institutions. Educational ties between UK and the Sultanate of Oman have strengthened over the past few years. There are more Omani students opting to study in the UK than any other country. This highlights that the relationship between our countries is not just historic but also focused on the future through developing the talents of young Omanis and building personal relationships that will be valuable for many years to come.”

Zainab Al Barwani, project manager at British Council stated, “The rising number of Omani students is a huge milestone for both countries and with the cooperation of both countries Oman surely will have a strong workforce which will help the economy to grow. ” Kate Clarke, managing director and education advisor at Al Ahlam Higher Education Services, stated: “We are delighted to participate as the UK Counselling Partner at EduTraC Oman for the third time in a row. Most schools, colleges and universities have an international society to help international students settle in and make friends, while many, such as Sheffield University, now have an Omani society.

I would be glad to share detailed information with students and parents on October 19, from 6:30 pm onwards in the seminar area at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.”

EduTraC Oman 2016 is organised by Al Nimr Expo under the patronage of Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Education – National Career Guidance Center and is supported by the British Council Oman.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

R E A L E S TAT E S H O W

Major milestone for Z-Corp SEED initiative

Al Mouj Muscat receives positive response at Cityscape Global expo MUSCAT: Al Mouj Muscat, showcased under the Majid Al Futtaim stand, received an enthusiastic response at the Cityscape Global 2016, the region’s top real estate event held at the Dubai World Trade Centre recently.

Expressing happiness over the huge response to Al Mouj Muscat’s stand, Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani, acting CEO, said: “We are extremely pleased with the great response that we received over the three days of exhibition.

We got a lot of enquiries from investors, customers, developers, and real estate professionals. Being a world-class lifestyle destination, Al Mouj Muscat showcased its unique value proposition and commitment to excellence.”

Stating that Al Mouj Muscat’s participation at the Cityscape Global 2016 served positive purposes, Al Sheibani said: “Our participation in the exhibition played an important role in highlighting Oman’s position as an attractive tourism and investment destination. It was a great opportunity to meet clients and invite them to visit and invest in Oman.”

Al Mouj Muscat is optimistic about the long-term prospects of the real estate industry and is

assured that the development’s diverse offering will continue to resonate with local, regional and global investors to deliver them sustained value over the long-term.

Al Mouj Muscat is supported by a strong partnership between the government of Oman and Majid Al Futtaim. Offering a unique style of living and incredible leisure experience, Al Mouj Muscat has already brought together a diverse community of more than 4,000 people of 70 nationalities providing a truly global environment.

As a full-fledged, thriving community, Al Mouj Muscat has integrated elements essential to serve their residents and preserve their appeal by creating lifestyle hubs such as The Walk, a unique shopping and leisure destination, Al Mouj Marina, Oman’s largest private yachting hub and Al Mouj Golf, Oman’s first championship course designed by Greg Norman.

Al Mouj Muscat has also revised its master plan as per the market demands and the maturity of the country’s infrastructure. Future focused, Al Mouj Muscat will explore new assets, amenities and facilities to ensure an optimum experience for investors and buyers.

MUSCAT: With an intention to accelerate the careers of high calibre Omani employees, The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) successfully achieved another milestone through its SEED initiative by conducting the Executive Leadership Development programme (ELDP) at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa recently in the presence of Rashad Mohammed Al Zubair, chairman of the Zubair Corporation.

As part of the SEED initiative, ELDP was organised with an aim to develop the future layer of top management for the group.

Through a programme that is only common among the best corporations in the world, Z-Corp is pioneering a new standard for corporate leadership development programs in the Sultanate, says a press release.

The programme was launched by the Z-Corp as envisioned by Hani M Al Zubair, board member and chairman of the HR Committee.

The ELDP, the first of its kind in Oman, was held particularly in line with government strategy and intention to promote Omanis to higher management position in private sector organisations. The main aim of the programme was to elevate the capability of existing resources and prepare them for future leadership positions.

The faculty had invited experts in the filed of leadership and competence development for lead professionals of an organization.

They were backed by extensive experience in moulding and developing leaders of tomorrow.

Emphasising the importance of investing in talent as the only way to ensure a sustainable future for the group, Hani Mohammed Al Zubair said, “As a member of the

private sector, Z-Corp is proud to expose our employees to ELDP which is one of world’s leading leadership development programme. In line with the Omani government strategy, Z-Corp has always supported the national agenda to develop human capital. As we go forward we need to help Omani employees develop a broader perspective of their leadership capacity. We believe that programmes such as the ELDP will hasten their learning experience and put them on the fasttrack to leadership.”

Stressing that Z-Corp is resolutely dedicated to evolving a strong human capital foundation by adopting effective HR practices, Hani Al Zubar said, “such programmes will advance their decision-making skills and help them understand how to lead novel initiatives especially in the context of fluctuating global markets.”

Explaining that through this programme Z-Corp seeks to contribute to the national effort to develop talent, a senior Corporate HR official said “We have noticed that those who attend these programmes go through a positive personal and professional transformation. They become equipped to figure out in the company’s succession planning and at the same time strengthen its competitive position.”

The agenda started with a lecture by Professor Jeroen De Flander, one of the world’s most influential thinkers on “Strategy Execution” and a highly regarded keynote speaker, author of Amazon best sellers “The Strategy Execution Heroes” ,“The Execution Shortcut” and Chairman of the Institute for Strategy Execution.

“It is amazing to see this kind of quality programmes here in Oman” said De Flander about its resemblance to other programs designed by some of the most prestigious business schools and corporations in the world.

The ELDP is an initiative designed in-house by the Z-Corp team and delivered in partnership with ShiftIN Partners; an internationally recognised consulting and training firm specialised in strategy execution and innovation, with strong focus on capability building.

“This programme is an example of the commitment of Oman’s private sector to develop its most important asset: its people” said Carlos Guevara – a Founding Partner of ShiftIN Partners.

The ELDP consists of nine modules, delivered over a period of two years, covering a broad aspect of leadership subjects including, strategy, innovation, leadership, risk management

and corporate social responsibility. The Module 1 of the ELDP was also launched on the same day providing the talents with a comprehensive view on strategy formulation, strategy execution and how to use smart objectives to drive the organisation.

In each of the modules, the participants attend a masterclass delivered by an international expert in the subject who then assigns them a project that they must complete over a period of about six weeks. After each course, the talents are coached throughout the period by expert consultants, so they produce tangible deliverables before they are awarded with the corresponding certificate endorsed by an international body.

The ELDP builds on top of internationally recognized capability development programme, such as the leadership challenge developed by Wiley- and the Innovation Management Certificate -developed by the Global Innovation Management Institute.

At the end of the programme, the participants are expected to develop a totally new business concept, applying all the learnings acquired through the programme that will be presented to the Board of Z-Corp. If successful, the new venture will be funded and will become part of Z-Corp business portfolio.

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OMAN BOW OUT OF ICC U-19 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER WITH WIN

SPOR YOUR GAME

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SHARAPOVA CAN PLAY AFTER BAN REDUCED Maria Sharapova has been cleared to return to tennis next April after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the former world number one’s two-year drugs ban by nine months on Tuesday. >C4

Asia deserves and will get more slots if World Cup is expanded: AFC chief Sheikh Salman stressed the need for the Asian teams to raise their level to be on par with others. On the issue of including Gulf Cup in FIFA Calendar, he said ‘it’s an old subject but you have to see the feasibility of such an idea, especially when there are several such regional tournaments’

A. SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: The chief of Asian football is confident of the continent getting more qualifying berths if the proposal for expansion of FIFA World Cup is approved by the world soccer body in the future.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of Asian Football Confederation (AFC), who arrived here on Monday night to congratulate and hold a meeting with the newly elected members of the Oman Football Association (OFA), spoke to the local media in the presence of Sultanate football’s new chief Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi at the OFA Headquarters on Tuesday.

The Bahraini boss of the Asian soccer touched upon several issues concerning the development of Asian football as well as the continental body’s relations with the member associations, especially the Omani association, and the latest hot topic in football, the proposal to expand the number of teams at the FIFA World Cup. Speaking just hours after FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned a 48-team World Cup, larger than a 40-team event he proposed as part of his election campaign, Sheikh Salman said: “The proposal was to expand the World Cup to 40 teams. But now we read that there is a new proposal (from FIFA chief ) for an even bigger World Cup with 48 teams.”

“Whatever be the number, an expanded World Cup will be good for Asia. The continent deserves and will get more qualifying berths if the tournament is expanded,” he said.

“Of course, there won’t be any

ONE ASIA: AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, left, speaks as Oman Football Association chief Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi looks on during a press conference at OFA Headquarters on Tuesday. – ISMAIL AL FARSI/Times of Oman

OFA new board members hold first meeting

MUSCAT: The newly-elected board members of the Oman Football Association (OFA) held their first meeting under the chairmanship of association chief Sheikh Salim bin Said Al Wahaibi at the OFA Headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.

changes in the number of teams and the format of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups (in Russia and Qatar respectively). The expansion plans may come in future tournaments, in which case the AFC will surely work to get the number of slots the continent deserves.”

In the current 32-team format, Asia get 4.5 slots, which many believe may go up to six if the World

During the meeting, the members elected the Mohsin bin Hamad Al Masroori as the first vice-chairman and Dr. Jassim Mohammed Al Shekaili as the second vice-chairman.

The members then discussed the plans for formation

Cup is expanded to a 40-team event and two additional places if it becomes a 48-team affair.

Qatar 2022 will be wonderful Asked about the 2022 World Cup and if the AFC chief prefers a winter World Cup in Qatar, Sheikh Salman said: “It has already been decided that the 2022 World Cup be in the winter months of Novem-

of the OFA Executive Office and other permanent committees. They also discussed several issues concerning the professionals league.

Earlier in the day, the visiting Asian Football Confederation boss Sheikh Salman bin Ebra-

ber and December. And I expect it to be a wonderful World Cup.” “I think it is going to be a very successful World Cup. Because it will be during the break for most of the leagues, and most importantly the players will be in their peak form, which is great for the event,” he added.

“I am sure it is going to be a very wonderful World Cup.”

him Al Khalifa met OFA chief Sheikh Salim and other board members at the association headquarters. During the meeting, the AFC chief congratulated the new board members and wished them all success in their endeavours.

Support to Oman The AFC chief, while congratulating the newly elected OFA chairman Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi and his fellow board members, said the Asian body will be looking to further enhance the existing relations with the Oman association.

“My congratulations to Sheikh Salim and the new board members.

Oman has already left an imprint

on Asian football through their participation in and contribution to various AFC competitions and activities,” he said. “We will be providing all the technical and administrative support that Oman needs for future development.”

The AFC chief also stressed the need to be united.

“We also need to sit together in unity and show solidarity. We have to show Asia is united as we did in the recent AFC Congress,” Sheikh Salman said referring to last week’s Extraordinary Congress held in the western Indian city of Goa. During the Congress, the members in a 42-1 majority vote rejected the agenda to elect three members to the new FIFA Council in protest against the world body’s decision to bar Saoud Al Mohannadi, vice-president of the Qatar Football Association, from the election after FIFA Ethics Committee recommendation to ban the official for two and a half years ban for refusing to cooperate with a corruption investigation.

Though pleased with the unity shown by the AFC members, Sheikh Salman said: “We are very pleased with the unity of our members. They have expressed themselves well in a democratic way.

They have shown Asia is united.

But that doesn’t mean we are against the FIFA. We have been working hand in hand with FIFA and we will continue to do that.”

Asia needs to raise the level Asked about the major challenge facing the Asian football, he said: “The major challenge is to raise the level of our football... what we do on the pitch. We have to raise the bar on the performance front... to be on par with those in Europe, South America and Africa.”

“To achieve that goal we need to focus on grassroots and coaches development. Though I should say our Asian referees are doing quite well, take for example work done

by Iranian referee in Rio Olympics football final,” he said referring to the match between hosts Brazil and Germany, which was officiated by Alireza Faghani and his compatriots Reza Sokhandan and Mohammadreza Mansouri.

“But what we need is improvement by the national teams and their performances on the pitch.”

Queried about the Gulf countries attempts to get Gulf Cup included on the FIFA Calendar, Sheikh Salman said: “It’s an old subject that has been going on for more than ten years. You have to see the feasibility of such an idea, especially when there are several such regional tournaments.

“It’s definitely very difficult for FIFA to add all these tournaments to the calendar. And there are other issues like release of players for such events.”

SAILING

Oman Air hope to shine at penultimate act in Lisbon MUSCAT: Top of the table Team Oman Air are savouring the prospect of added competition and extra breeze as the penultimate Extreme Sailing Series event of 2016 gets underway in Lisbon, Portugal, later this week.

After two events this year in St Petersburg and Madeira where light winds cut short the race programme, the Omani team are looking forward to recapturing their trademark consistency in a venue that once again is brand new to the Extreme Sailing Series circuit.

Their overall season lead was cut by two points in Madeira and with just two events remaining in 2016, they are eager to return to winning ways in Lisbon with the addition to the line-up of Groupama Team France’s NORAUTO giving Oman Air added impetus, said Pete Greenhalgh, tactician and mainsail trimmer.

“We are really looking forward to Lisbon and competing against NORAUTO as well as Alinghi, especially if there is decent breeze.

If there is good wind, we will get good racing,” he said.

PICTURE FROM THE PAST: File picture of the Extreme Sailing Series 2016 Act 6 held in Madeira.

Portugal last month. – Supplied photos

“We really want to win this one after missing out in Madeira. We need to regain some of the consistency we had earlier in the series.

“The light airs require a certain skill set and Alinghi have been

fractionally better in the light stuff but we will raise our game, look at our set up, improve our speeds and sail a bit smarter. We know we can do it.”

Oman Air finished in third place

in Madeira, 16 points behind Swiss rivals Alinghi after six races and three behind Red Bull Sailing Team who took vital points in the final double pointer race to take second.

It left them with a three-point lead over Alinghi on the overall season leaderboard and keen to move onto Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city where four days of racing are planned, mixing up a longer coastal race with the Series’ signature Stadium Racing format.

Racing in the estuary of the port of Lisbon, which will be tidal, will be a challenge irrespective of the wind which could be either quite strong or quite light, said Oman Air bowman Nasser Al Mashari.

“We have never been to Lisbon before so we are excited to be sailing in a new venue,” he said.

“We are confident that after a day or so of training there, we will be ready to go so we just have to do what we do best and make things happen,” he said.

Racing begins on Thursday (October 6) and continues through to Sunday October 9 with live on line coverage at www.extremesailingseries.com.

On Saturday and Sunday, there will be live video streaming in addition to twitter updates and the dynamic SAP Sailing Analytics.

We have never been to Lisbon before so we are excited to be sailing in a new venue. We are confident that after a day or so of training there, we will be ready to go so we just have to do what we do best and make things happen Nasser Al Mashari Oman Air bowman

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

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Reputation of Surgical strikes BCCI ruined, at Eden Gardens says Thakur S C O M M E N TA RY

However, former justice RM Lodha, who head the panel clarified that there was no question of cancellation of any game or series after BCCI Chief Anurag Thakur said the current New Zealand series is in doubt

MUMBAI: The reputation of the Indian cricket board (BCCI) has been ruined by the freezing of its bank accounts, its president Anurag Thakur said on Tuesday, after a Supreme Court-appointed panel blocked it from making two payments to its state units.

The panel asked two banks to halt the disbursements after the board ignored some of the panel recommendations for reforming the world’s richest cricket board, which has been criticised for a perceived lack of transparency.

Thakur said the board would take a decision on the fate of the ongoing home series against New Zealand, which still has a Test and five One-dayers left.

“Without the funds how do we play? How can we function, how can we make payments to the players and the various stakeholders?” Thakur told Reuters on Tuesday.

“We don’t even take money from the government and it’s our own funds. Our accounts have

been frozen without even communicating with us.

“Is this how you treat the world’s richest cricket body which has run the sport so efficiently?

It has completely destroyed our hard-earned reputation.”

Sources in the Bank of Maharashtra and Yes Bank, who operate the BCCI accounts, confirmed the accounts were frozen on Monday night as they waited for more clarity from the panel which was formed last year to assess BCCI operations.

The banks have now lifted the ban on the accounts after former chief justice RM Lodha, the head of the panel, clarified the BCCI is otherwise free to use its funds for routine expenditure.

“There is no question of cancellation of any game or series,” Lodha told Reuters TV. “The directive, which we issued to BCCI yesterday in our email, is confined to disbursement of large funds to the state associations.” — Reuters CRICKET

Business as usual, say NZ WELLINGTON: New Zealand are preparing for the third Test against India as scheduled despite a local media report that the remainder of the tour has been cancelled by the Indian cricket board due to financial problems.

The Indian Express newspaper quoted an unnamed official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as saying the board’s bank accounts had been frozen after a recommendation by the Lodha Committee, a court-appointed panel set up to look into its operations.

A New Zealand Cricket spokesman said they had heard nothing from the BCCI. “It’s the first time we’ve heard of it,” the spokesman told local media. “At the moment we are preparing to play the third Test at Indore.”

The BCCI has had a long-running battle with India’s Supreme Court, which has demanded a raft of administrative and governance reforms for the world’s richest cricket board. - Reuters

pectacular moments destined to flavour the mood were the order of the day when India claimed 10 wickets on a pitch that wasn’t laid out without a spot of bother to favour the home team spinners and climbed to the top of the ICC Test rankings, but if there had to be one that stood out and summed up the spirit as well as defined and spiced up the ultimate merriment when it eventually happened, it was when Mohammed Shami sent the off stump of Bradley-John Walting dancing in the air.

The uprooted piece of wood took a bounce, floated in the air for a split second and flipped a few times, like a gymnast doing a breathtaking display of grace, balance and symmetry, before losing the momentum all of a sudden to hit the grass lifeless, like a ferocious wild predator brought down by a clever hunter with just one sharp, fatal shot right in its head.

Coming as it did in the 61st over when New Zealand were reduced to 156 runs for the loss of six wickets on the fourth day of the second Test on Monday, that wasn’t any game-changing moment, but one that announced and decked up the approaching big occasion played out a little later and after a bit of impatient wait.

And that was when Trent Boult tried to hit Shami out of the ground and, in the process, ended up in the hands of Murali Vijay, inspiring Virat Kohli to sprint towards Vijay raising his index finger in the air to emphatically tell the world where they were at that moment—No. 1—and passionately hugging Vijay and other members of his team that made the moment possible before walking off the field with a trophy stump in hand.

“Surgical strikes” with sporting flavours.

A series win against New Zealand in home matches is not a big deal, but when it happened at Eden Gardens, it redefined a few areas that weren’t very impressive in the past even at home.

Normally, visiting teams were made to struggle on Indian pitches prepared to suit the slow bowlers, but things were quite different at Kanpur and Kolkata.

While the pitch in the first Test offered a fair chance to both teams to bat and bowl, the one at Kolkata offered room for the spinners, the fast bowlers as well as the batsmen who were ready to focus their mind on nothing but the next ball. Except for

the hot and humid weather conditions, over which the hosts had no design, there was no unabashed use of home advantage, so the series victory and the top ranking come without the usual cry of foul play.

The strategy of using just four bowlers came good in both Tests, but there were anxious moments even when the conditions were largely in favour of India as New Zealand began their chase for 376 runs in the second innings. It was an impossible target, but there were apprehensions as Martin Guptill and Tom Latham put on 55 runs for the first wicket.

A long way to go, and what mattered was just a wicket, either that of the struggling Guptill or the in-form Latham, but even when that happened, and as Latham went on to display his excellent adjustments against Ravichandran Ashiwn and Ravindra Jadeja and piled up runs through sweep shots in the company of Henry Nicholls, the heat was on the home team. With the second wicket partnership crossing the 100-mark, Kohli had to think about ways to stop leaking runs. Of course, the concern was shortlived, as Nicholls and Ross Taylor were sent back to the dressing room quickly, and Latham a little later, to put the equation out of the visitors’ reach at 141 for four.

At Kolkata, Kohli could post Ashwin near the boundary towards the final phase of the game and toss up the ball to other three guys, but in a home season packed with 11 more Tests and quite a number of ODIs and T20 matches, the four-bowler policy could negatively impact the key guys. A fifth bowler, either a regular spinner or a fast guy, depending on the nature of the pitch, could help reduce the workload on the top guns and keep the blokes on the bench match-fit.

Ashwin, Jadeja and Shami remain the key bowlers in the plot and they need to be fit and available for all the matches.

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016

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SPORTS Oman bow out of U-19 World Cup Qualifier with victory over Qatar OCT Al Amerat proud of Omani representation at ICC tourney

As in their first match against Thailand, Wasim Ali led from the front with an all-round display and ensured Oman returned home with some respectability

MUSCAT: Oman ended their ICC U-19 World Cup Asian Qualifier Division 2 competition with an 88run victory over Qatar in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

The end was as impressive as their promising start, when they launched their campaign with a big victory over Thailand. But in between the Sultanate squad lost three consecutive matches — to Kuwait, the UAE and Hong Kong respectively. And all they achieved with Tuesday’s result was a sev-

SCOREBOARD

OMAN U-19 P. Sivakumar c H. Baig b K. Siddiqui 36 I.J. Manjila c H. Khan b F. Hakim 8 P.H. Bhatt c J. Khan b K. Siddiqui 22 M.K. Badiyani b A. Mushtaq 0 W. Ali c O. Hassan b K. Siddiqui 71 V.S. Iyer c K. Siddiqui b A. Mushtaq 20 M. Salman c O. Hassan b K. Siddiqui 36 I.U. Palihawadana c H. Baig b O. Sayeed 0 U. Ullah run out (D’Souza) 0 S. Al Balushi b O. Sayeed 0 H.M. Ganatra (not out) 0 Extras (lb-1, w-16, nb-1) 18 Total (all out; 49.3 overs) 211

enth place finish in the 10-team competition, from which only top two teams make it to the Division 1 competition. And as in their opening match victory over Thais, in

Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-75, 3-76, 4-78, 5-142, 6-200, 7-207, 8-208, 9-208, 10-211 Bowling: O. Sayeed 5-1-14-2 (5w); M. Bhuva 4-2-6-0 (1w); .Hakim 5-0-39-1 (6w); H. Baig 8-0-29-0; DA Patel 6-0-26-0 (1w); A. Mushtaq 10-1-35-2 (1w); K. Siddiqui 9.3-0-38-4 (1w); O. Hassan 1-0-15-0 (1nb); J. Khan 1-0-8-0 (1w).

QATAR U-19 D.A. D’Souza c & b Wasim Ali 19 H. Khan b U. Palihawadana 22 A. Mushtaq c K. Badiyani b Wasim Ali 4 J. Khan lbw b Wasim Ali 21 K. Siddiqui b K. Badiyani 2 F. Hakim c & b Wasim Ali 37

Qatar tie too it was captain Wasim Ali who played a stellar role with a fine all-round performance.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Wasim led from the

H. Baig c U. Palihawadana b K. Badiyani 11 D.A. Patel c U. Ullah b H. Bhatt 0 O. Sayeed c S. Iyer b H. Bhatt 0 M. Bhuva c M. Ganatra b K. Badiyani 2 O. Hassan (not out) 2 Extras (b-2, w-1) 3 Total (all out; 35.5 overs) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-47, 3-62, 4-71, 5-71, 6-93, 7-94, 8-96, 9-99, 10-123 Bowling: H.M. Ganatra 5-0-21-0; Ubaid Ullah 3-0-12-0 (1w); I. Udara Palihawadana 5-1-21-1; P. Hiteshkumar Bhatt 7-1-17-2; Wasim Ali 7.5-2-18-4; M. Kanaiyalal Badiyani 8-0-32-3.

front scoring 71 runs with nine fours as Oman put up a competitive total of 211 all out in 49.3 overs.

For Oman, other major contributions came from Praythyosh

FOOTBALL

Allardyce sacking not our issue: Rooney LONDON: Captain Wayne Rooney wearily flat-batted questions about the dismissal of Sam Allardyce and seemed equally unconcerned about the arrival of stand-in boss Gareth Southgate on Tuesday as he discussed England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“It’s not something we can be concerned about,” Rooney told reporters when asked about Allardyce’s sacking last week after one game in charge following a newspaper sting.

“As a group we need to stick together and concentrate on the football and I am sure there will be no problem doing that.

The other side is not our issue,” Rooney added.

“I’m sure it’s been a tough couple of weeks for the FA but the players have concentrated on club football and we have to focus on the games and training,” Rooney said.

When pressed for his thoughts on Allardyce, Rooney said: “It’s a shame. I think everyone could see how excited Sam was for the job and he showed that to the players.

“I am sure he deeply regrets it but that was a decision for the FA to take.” - Reuters

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

MUSCAT: OCT Al Amerat have expressed their pride at seeing young Omani talents representing the Sultanate at the ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2 competition.

In a statement, the allOmani team representative Said Haider Al Balushi said: “We (Al Amerat team) are proud of our Omani players — Muhannad Said Al Balushi and Suhail Hakim Al Balushi.

Sivakumar (36) and Mohammed Salman (36). Khalid Siddiqui took four wickets for Qatar.

In reply, Qatar were bowled out for 123 in 35.5 overs with Wasim

“We are delighted to see these Omani players being selected to represent the country in the ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2 competition.”

“We would like to thank them for their efforts and for making the country proud.

We wish Muhannad Said and Suhail Hakim and the other team members all success in their future endeavours.”

Ali claiming four wickets with his left-arm orthodox spin bowling. Mohit Kanaiyalal took three wickets and vice-captain Partish Hitech bagged two.

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SPORTS FOOTBALL

New-look Spain in strong position to take revenge on Italy TURIN: Spain and Italy have undergone managerial changes since Antonio Conte handed Vicente del Bosque a tactical masterclass at Euro 2016, but Spain go into Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Turin in better shape than their Group G rivals.

Veteran Serie A coach Giampiero Ventura took over from Conte in July while Del Bosque, who resigned after the 2-0 defeat by Italy in the European Championship last 16, was succeeded by former Spain Under-21 coach Julen Lopetegui.

He led the side to an impressive 2-0 friendly win in Belgium and an 8-0 mauling of Liechtenstein in Spain’s first World Cup qualifier.

The dominant victory in Brussels bore many hallmarks of the Spain teams who won successive European Championships and the World Cup between 2008 and 2012.

Even taking into account the limited qualities of the opposition, Spain’s rampant display against Liechtenstein also revealed a renewed hunger in a team that had started to look stale under Del Bosque.

One of the most striking moments in the game was David Silva’s reaction to having an 89th-minute goal harshly ruled out for offside when Spain were seven goals ahead. — Reuters

Sharapova can play again in April after ban reduced Maria Sharapova, who will now be clear

In so many ways, I feel like something I love was taken away from me and it will feel really good to have it back

to return from April 26 and can play in three of the year’s four grand slams, said she could not wait to get back on court

GENEVA: Maria Sharapova has been cleared to return to tennis next April after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the former world number one’s two-year drugs ban by nine months on Tuesday.

Sharapova, who will now be clear to return from April 26 and can play in three of the year’s four grand slams, said she could not wait to get back on court. The 29-yearold Russian, whose case polarised opinion and lost her sponsorship, was handed the original ban - backdated to start on Jan. 26, 2016 - by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) following a positive test for the drug meldonium.

Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of banned substances at the start of the year after mounting evidence that it boosted

Maria Sharapova blood flow and enhanced athletic performance.

The arbitration panel reduced the ban to 15 months and found that she “bore some degree of fault” through relying on her agent Max Eisenbud to check the prohibited list for changes and failing to ensure he had done so.

In a statement hailing one of the happiest days of her career, and criticising the ITF at the same time, Sharapova said she had learned a lesson and hoped the authorities had too.

“In so many ways, I feel like something I love was taken away from me and it will feel really good to have it back,” the five-times Grand Slam champion wrote on her facebook page.

“Tennis is my passion and I have missed it. I am counting the days until I can return to the court.”

Sharapova, who earned $29.7 million last year as the world’s highest paid female athlete, had called the ITF’s original ruling “unfairly harsh” as an independent tribunal had found that she had

not intentionally violated antidoping rules.

The player admitted taking meldonium during the season’s opening grand slam in Melbourne but said she had been unaware that it had been banned by WADA. ‘Under the bus’ “I have learned from this, and I hope the ITF has as well,” said Sharapova, adding that she had always taken responsibility for not knowing the over-the-counter supplement she had taken for 10

years was no longer allowed.

She said other federations had been much better at notifying their athletes of the rule change, especially in Eastern Europe where meldonium, or mildronate, was taken by millions of people.

“Now that this process is over, I hope the ITF and other relevant tennis anti-doping authorities will study what these other Federations did, so that no other tennis player will have to go through what I went through,” she added.

American Pam Shriver, a former grand slam doubles champion, said on Twitter that Sharapova’s statement “throws the ITF under the bus”.

Steve Simon, chief executive of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) said; “The TADP (tennis anti-doping programme) has a comprehensive and fair process in place and we support the final result.

“We are pleased that the process is now at completion and we can look forward to seeing Maria back on court in 2017.”

Shamil Tarpishev, president of the Russian tennis federation, welcomed the reduced ban.

“It’s good, they reduced the ban”, he told Russia’s TASS news agency. “We want her to play for the national team and win the next Olympics for us.”

Sponsor Head, who stuck with Sharapova when other sponsors either terminated or suspended their agreements, said justice had been served and that it was “wholly unfair” that the ban had been imposed in the first place. - Reuters

CRICKET

Suraj’s ton goes vain as PTI notch big win over Al Turki

H DIVISION: Ras Al Hamra Club after their victory over NBO Munz.

MUSCAT: Passage to India notched a huge victory against Al Turki NMC in the Muscat Pharmacy sponsored Premier Division match played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground.

Put into bat, Passage to India (PTI) scored 272 for 8 wkts in 50 overs with Jaymin Tailor (76: 85 balls) top scoring. Mohammed Saeed added quick fire 48 runs in 47 deliveries. Rohit Malik of Al Turki claimed 4 wickets for 64 runs.

Chasing the big total, Al Turki managed 170 for 9 in 50 overs after Bilal Khan and Al Turki (3 wickets each) ripped the top order to have them reeling at 67 for 9. It neededed a fine century by Suraj Kumar (103 not out) to win Al Turki some respectability in the run chase.

Brief scores: PTI 272 for 8 in 50 overs (Jaymin Taylor 76 n.o., Mohammed Saeed 48, Rohit Maik 4 for 64) beat Al Turki 170 for 9 in 50 overs (Suraj Kumar 103 not out, Bilal Khan3 for 30, Rana Naeem 3 for 21). Points: PTI 5(with bonus); Al Turki 0

Bahihi win In a E Division match, Bahihi defeated Al Fairuz by 126 runs at the Municipality Ground. Batting first, Bahihi scored 208 for 8 in 20 overs with Suraj Rao (46) top scoring.

Later Kishore Krishnan (5 for

F DIVISION: Players of Mecamac Royals celebrate win over MCCC.

G DIVISION: QBG players jubilate after beating Ramesh Khimji Group.

MSE beat Majees In another H Divison, Majees lost to Mustafa Sultan Enterprise by four wickets.

Brief scores: Majees 128 for 9 in 20 overs (Manu Magolandan 37, Vishnu 4 for 20, Shuaib Gani 3 for 21) lost to Mustafa Sultan Enterprise 131 for 6 in 16.5 overs (Shuhaib Gani 36, Gopalakrishna 31). Points: MSE 2; Majees 0

J DIVISION: Design Group, who beat BOC.

10) helped Bahihi bowl out Al Fairuz for a paltry 82.

Brief scores: Bahihi 208 for 8 in 20 overs (Suraj Rao 46) beat Al Fairuz 82 all out in 14.5 overs (Kishore Krishnan 5 for 10). Points: Bahihi 3 (WB); Al Fairuz 0.

MCCC lose Mecamac Royals defeated MCCC by 5 wickets in a F Division match.

Put into bat, MCCC scored 132 for 8 in 20 overs with the help of 67 runs by Rajan Berry. Mohammed Riaz claimed four wickets.

Mecamac Royals chased the score in 15.2 overs losing five wickets.

Sajeev (44) top scored.

Brief scores: MCCC 132 for 8 in 20 overs (Rajan Berry 67), Mohammed

Riaz 4 for 18 lost to Mecamac Royals 133 for 5 in 15.2 overs (Sajeev 44, Sami33). Points: Mecamac Royals 3 (with bonus); MCCC 0.

Multi Pump win Multi Pump Engineering edged past OCT Mabella winning the G Division match just by 6 runs.

Put into batc, Multi Pump Engineering scored 159 runs for 9 in 20 overs. Akhtar Ashraf scored a quick 68 runs in 49 balls and was helped by Asjad Shah, who scored 32 in just 18 balls. Asad Mohammed (4 for 30) and Shareef Pindok (3 for 21) were the best bowlers for the Mabella team, who fell short of target by 6 runs.

PERFOMERS: OCT Al Hail B stars Younus Rahim Al Balushi and Anaya A Al Balushi. – Supplied photos

Brief scores: Multi Pump Engineering 159 for 9 in 20 overs (Akthar Ashraf 68, Asjad Shah 32, Asaad Mohammed 4 for 30, Shareef Pindook 4 for 21) beat OCT Mabelah 153 for 8 in 20 overs (Shabir Ahmed 29, Salim Ismail 27). Points: Multi Pump 2; OCT Mabelah 0

QBG beat RKG In another G Division match Ramesh Khimji Group (RKG) lost to QBG. Batting first RKG scored 118 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs. Abhishek Kalla top scored with 40 runs.. In Reply QBG chased the target in just 13.5 overs with four wickets.

Brief scores: Ramesh Khimji

Group 118 for 9 in 20 overs (Abhisehek Kalla 40, Ali 4 for 24) lost to QBG 119 for 6 in 13.5 overs (Sarath 30 not out). Points: Ramesh Khimji 0; QBG 3(with bonus)

Victory for RAHRC In a H Divison match, RAHRC defeated NBO Munz to gain bonus point. Nandkumar Jadhav (54) and Sujith Ramesh (88) batted well for the winners.

Brief scores: RAHRC 199 for 9 in 20 overs (Sujith Ramesh 88, Nandkumar Jadhav 54, Imran Kasmi 3 for 2) beat NBO Munz 139 for 6 in 20 overs (Umamaheswara Rao 61, Saket Mistry 40). Points: RAHRAC 3 (with bonus); NBO Munz 0

Win for Al Hail B OCT Al Hail B defeated Shanfari Group by 3 wickets in a I Division match played at the SQU ground. Stars for Al Hail B were Younus Rahim Al Balushi and Anaya Allah Al Balushi.

Brief scores: Shanfari Group 145 for 9 in 20 overs (Nadeem Qureshi 35, Kamal Haider 29) lose to OCT Al Hail ‘B’ 146 for 7 in 18.4 overs (Younus Rahim 64, Anaya Allah 26, Mehmood 4-031-3). Points OCT Al Hail ‘B’ 2; Shanfari Group 0

BOC defeated BOC lost to Design Group by 7 wickets in a J Division match played at the SQU ground.

Brief scores: BOC 122 all out in 19.5 overs (Saif Shamsuddin 53, Sanjit R 35, Yashwantha 3 for 18) lost to Design Group 123 for 3 in 12.3 overs (Vinoth 44, Hari Venkataraman 41 not out). Points: Design Group 3 (with bonus); BOC 0.

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 5, 2 0 1 6

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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QUALITY APARTMENTS FOR RENT • Brand new 1BR flat at Azaiba with Split a/c’s @ R.O. 300/-.

• Brand new 1BR flat at Mabellah with Split a/c’s @ R.O. 175/-.

• Brand new 2BR flats at Bowsher, near Al Ameen Mosque @ R.O. 380/-.

• 2BR flat at Ghobra, near Indian School Ghobra, @ R.O. 350/-.

• 2BR flats at Al Khuwair, behind Philips Showroom @ R.O. 350/-.

• 2BR flats with Split a/c’s at Al Khuwair, behind Centre Point @ R.O. 410/- .

• 2BR flats at Ghobra with ducted Split a/c’s, next to Oman Arab Bank @ R.O. 520/-.

• 2BR flats at Qurum with Split a/c’s, near E&Y building @ R.O. 430/-.

• 2BR flats at Mawaleh, with Split a/c’s near Holiday Inn Hotel @ R.O. 360/-.

• 2BR flats at Al Hail - South, near Caledonian College @ R.O. 300/-.

Please call : 24 702 666 to view the property Email: manju@alhabib.om

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W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 5, 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

*Tourist visa arranged

FOR SALE * 6BR Villa in Al Ghobra Facing the beach for sale. * Commercial & Residential Land in Al khuwair for sale. * warehouse in Wadi Al kabir for sale.

FOR RENT Showroom & Labour camp in wadi Al kabir for rent. brand new building 1BHK/Basement/ Showroom & offices in Ruwi for rent

Contact: 91155779 hrm_gh@live.com

Deluxe flat for rent in Al Mawaleh South 3 BD, 3W.C, hall, kitchen, store & balcony with spilt unit AC. Contact: 98575157 Furnished rooms for rent for family 200 RO per month include water & electricity, Al Khuwair.

Contact: 99251975 Villa for rent in South Mabellah, 3 bedrooms, sitting room, family Lounge, kitchen, three Toilets Contact 92212212 between 10 AM to 5 PM A brand new villa for rent in Azaiba near Al Meerah Hypermarket. 6 bedrooms, 8 toilets, sitting room, double kitchen, family hall, automatic gate, rent is RO.900/- pm. call 997 66 920 House for rent in Al Amerat near sultan center, 3 bedrooms, 3 toilets, sitting room and kitchen. rent is RO.250/- PM. CALL 997 66 920 5 warehouse on Misfah, Bausher opposite to Oman cement factory, 2 ware house 845 sqm each, 3 ware house 425 sqm each.

Contact: 96041560 / 99322321 Mr. Prasanna 2 BHK Mumtaz R.O 275/-. Contact: 92144045 2 BHK AL Khuwair R.O 300/-.

Contact: 92144045 House in Darsait, 3 rooms, kitchen, 1 bathroom with A/C, 180/- R.O. Contact: 95522405 Villa for rent next to Indian School Darsait 5 rooms, Majlis, 2 sitting rooms, 4 toilets.

Contact: 95158570

3 Storey Villas for rent at Al Amerath – Contact – 99104418 with 6 Bedrooms attached, Living room, Kitchen, Dinning, Store room & Pantry R.O. 500/-. and 5 Bedrooms attached, 2 living rooms, Kitchen, Dinning, pantry & Servant quarter R.O 550/-.

2BHK Darsait R.O 300/-. Contact; 92144045 2 bedroom flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair, 1 bedroom flat – luxury fully furnished at Al Khuwair for short or long term contract. Contact Atlas Real Estate & Rent a Car LLC. Contact 99436312 / 92888376 / 94617563, tel : 24833848 / 24833848 Office space for rent (240sq. mtr, with partition) for rent in Bank in Melli Iran Building, MBD area, near Center point. Contact: 99011352 Two villas at Hay Assim near China mall R.O 200/-, P.M. Contact: 99348943

At Ghubra North : 2 bedroom apartment, 1 single room with kitchen/ Bathroom on Ground floor.

Contact : 99359755

Office space for rent available in Ruwi Wattayah area main road.

For more information contact at 24571469

3BHK Flat, Ghubra, Close to ISG, Indian Family, 99319880

1 BHK in Ghubrah with AC & Water R.O 220/-. Contact : 92811110

5 bedroom villa at Wattayyah behind United Finance with compound wall and car park.

Contact 99860259

Office for rent for commercial use.

Two bedroom apartment and the council at Bowshar highway.

Contact: 24812000 / 92125648

2 BR apartments available for rent, close to Muscat Grand Mall, next to Diwan’s Office, South Ghubra.

Contact: 2456256 / 99833747 Room in Azaiba. Contact: 99555843

New deluxe flat at Azaiba near Al Sahwa tower, 2 BHK with balcony and basement parking.

Contact: 98294753

Apartment at Ghubra South 3 rooms, Majlis, F. hall RO 410/- , second floor. Contact: 79039815

3 bedroom flats in Wadi Kabeer, 2 bed room villa in Sidab.

Contact : 95735953 / 95555162

3 bedroom ground floor house for rent in South Al Hail behind Al Hail Hypermarket. Contact: 95047657

1 and 2 BHK flat for rent at MBD, Hallat Sad, opp. Al Nahda Hospital, Al Khoudh and Mabella. Shop at Al Khoudh . Contact: 93994401 / 24834644

Flat for rent in Al Ghubrah, 2 rooms & hall. Contact: 91153933

30 New Deluxe Flats & Shops in Al Khoud. Contact 99738881

Furnished apartment for rent in Bowsher, 1 bedroom & living room.

Contact: 91153933

Villa for rent in Al Khoud , 6 rooms & hall. Contact: 91153933

6 Bedroom villas available for rent at North Al Hail, near Wave, complex with swimming pool and Gym. Contact: 99833747

Single studio room with kitchen for small family or Executive bachelor in Azaiba. Contact: 98048207

Villa for Rent behind mazoon mousqe 7 bedroom, living room, dining room . Contact 95150809 for 750 R.O nogotiable

Ware house 200 Sqm Majan hyper market near Bridgestone tyre Ghala. Contact: 95928800 / 98014921

For rent villa in Bowsher 5 rooms & hall. Contact : 91153933

Flat in Al-Khoudh, Flats and shops in Fanja near the main road.

Mobile: 99058646 One room with bathroom in Bowsher for rent. Contact: 91153933 Flat for rent 2BHK split A/c near Kuwaiti Mosque in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

Flats in Wadi Kabeer, MBD, Darsait, Hamriya, Al Khuwair, Al Ghubrah, Azaiba, bowshar highway, Al Hail Amerat.

Contact: 24182000 / 95250300 / 92125648 Arabian style house located in North Al Hail in the second line behind the commercial buildings of the SQ main street 1003 m2 land size and there’s permitted well & palm trees suitable to use for storage facility & accommodation for company workers, 2 streets across the house from front and back side.

Contact: 93366421 1 bedroom attached kitchen, toilet for family in Al Khuwair RO 130/-.

Contact: 95154331 3bed room flat, Majlis, TV hall, kitchen , 4 toilets, 2 master bedrooms, 6AC split units, 2car park in Azaiba R.O 380/-.

Contact: 99316944 Flat for rent 2BHK with split A/c near Oman house in Muttrah .

Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 2 BHK Darsait. Contact: 95311488

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

BEAUTY PARLOUR for sale in prime location in Mabela. Contact: 95769528 / 97816165

Industrial land in Rusail. 4000 sqm.

Contact 99323957 / 95490842.

SHOP FOR SALE at Honda Road, Hamriya. Contact 24705105 / 91974643 Cycle Shop in Alkhoud. Contact 94464786 Beauty parlour for sale in Ruwi.

Contact: 92430239 Training Office License (Approved

by Ministry of Manpower) for Sales or Rent with Classroom/ Furnishings at Ruwi. 91396893 School for sale: Primary school license & furniture with or without building for immediate sale.

Contact: 99272523 Juices, Ice cream parlour in Ruwi.

Ideal location. Contact: 92150455 Coffee shop for sale with Roti Tandoor and six visas available in Ghubra R.O 8500. Serious buyers Contact: 94156484 Good Condition Sanyo washing machine, semi automatic, RO 40 for sale in MBD Contact; 99737812 Land for sale in the village of Bimmah on the coastal road Qurayat/Sur with a space of 604 square meters for an attractive price. Contact 92905222 BUILDING MATERIAL SHOP FOR SALEWell-furnished running building material-electrical shop (4 shutter / 200sqm) in Al- Khoudh- 6, for immediate sale- shop with stock or stock only. Serious buyers may please Contact: 94320909

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

WANTED Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778

BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

MV SALE Dihatsu Terrios Trend 4WD, 2012 Registration, dealer service registration up to August 2017.

Contact No: 92812144

W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 5, 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE

Company for SALE at Wadi Al Kabir Manufacturing of Steel & Stainless Steel, & cast Aluminium products. Running company for sale. with all the machines and equipments also with 15 nos. of skilled workers.

Serious buyers can contact at 93132208 / 79065540

ACC. AVAILABLE Accommodation available in a villa for South Indian family, 1 bedroom, hall, kitchen at North Ghobrah.

Contact : 99209160 Furnished room for Indian bachelor near Al Falaj hotel Ruwi and lady in Wadi Kabir. Contact 96202458.

Excellent room, kitchen available for small family/bachelor at Ruwi near ONTC bus station. Contact: 99709477 Room near Hamriya R/A for Executive bachelor. Contact: 93590332 / 97443614 ROOM for RENT for Filipino, spacious, new building in Al Khuwair near City Seasons. Water, Electric Included. Call 97728418 Furnished single / sharing for EXE. Bachelor at Rex Road.

Contact: 92873832 / 99096608 Furnished rooms available at Ruwi. Contact: 91214897

TRANSPORTATION Transportation 24 Hrs service, VIP only. Contact: 92108447 / 96781899 No need to wait for Taxi please call from anywhere in Muscat.

Contact: 96009655 Transportation. #92015894

SITUATION WANTANNOUNCEMENT OF

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

CAPITAL REDUCTION In accordance with the provisions of article 150 of commercial companies law. The company Ahamed Sultan Ubaidani Trd Asso , which is registered with the commercial registration No. 1211304, hereby announces that it is going to reduce its capital from Omani Rials 55,000.000 to 25,000.000.

Whosoever has any objection to the foregoing shall present the reasons for such objection to the Secretariat of Commercial Registry at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry within 30 days from the date hereof.

Rooms for rent in Ghubra North.

Contact 96420432 Furnished room in ruwi and azaiba for rent for executive bachelors. Gsm 99058344 Fully furnished 2BHK sharing flat for Indian Executive near Sheraton CBD. Contact 99219337 Single room with A/C and attached bathroom, sharing kitchen for executive bachelor/couple near Saud Bahwan Hill view Tower wadikabir and Opp: Shell filling station. Contact 99024362, 93166353

NRI Semi furnished beautiful 2 bedroom flats at aluva for sale @ 25 lakhs.

Tel 9747700117 2 BHK Flat: 1178 SqFt. for sale, prime location at cochin. ajil_icai@rediffmail.com/ 9914 7922 Two houses first line from the beach Kibqeni Zanzibar with concrete boundary wall. Contact: 99348943 Price R.O 78000/-

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact: 90558627 Transportation. Contact 94510847

CHANGE OF NAME AND RELIGION SITUATION WANTI Rajani Kannukadavil Damodaran (holder of Indian passport No. K 7428841) Daughter of Damodaran having permanent residence in Abdul Majeed K.H Lakshemveed Elangamangalam(H) Enath Pathanapuram (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Sur, Muscat, Oman (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Rajani Kannukadavil (old name) to Muneera Nestle (new name) for all practical purpose. I have changed my religion from Hindu to Muslim. 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

MATRIMONIAL

MATRIMONIAL Kerala Christian RCSC parents invite proposal for daughter divorcee with no issues, 32/156, Lecturer, Govt. College, Oman, from Kerala Christian RCSC Graduate / Post Graduate well employed boys between 33-37 years with no issues. Contact: 25410417 / 98897286 Indian male roman catholic divorcee 41yrs.looking for a smart ,independent working girl in Muscat. Contact :9861 5622

Ezhavaboy age 28 height 174cm Star anizhamBTech working in Oman Seeks suitable alliance.

Contact 99430227

SITUATION LOSTWANTArham Kamran has lost Pakistani Passport No. DK 4224041. Finder please handover to ROP Aisha Kamran has lost Pakistani Passport No. CJ 4226921. Finder please handover to ROP

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

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W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 5, 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT A Multi-Divisional Engineering-Manufacuturing Company in Oman require :

Asst. General Manager - Production & Marketing Qualification:B.E with M.B.A

Senior Manager - Production Qualification:B.E

Senior Manager - Sales & Marketing Qualification:B.E/M.B.A Experience: For Asst. General Manager 20-25 years & others 15-20 years in the relevent field (NOC Required).

Email CV to positionfz@gmail.com

VACANT POSITION

GENERAL MANAGER Required for an Excellent grade construction company in Oman The candidate must possess the following qualifications : • Candidate must have technical background in the construction industry, past or current experience in Oman is an added advantage .

• Good leadership, with ability to overcome various problems.

• Minimum 10 years experience in the relevant field.

• Good communication skills, English & Arabic.

kevin@nibras.om / Email:issa@nibras.om ACCOUNTS

Chartered Accountant with experience (minimum 10 years) in Audit, Consulting and Finance to set up an Audit and Consultancy office in Muscat. The promoter is part of a large business group.

Please contact 95493494 after 4pm Accountant 2-3 years experience. Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must.

Email: mohammad.jwabreh@ bearingcitysc.com. Fax: 24509312

BEAUTY Urgently required a Gulf experienced Beautician (Lady) Contact: 99619409

CATERING Cook wanted (freelance basis) for luxury camping site in the desert.

Schedule about 10 days per month.

Transport provided call: 71190864

DESIGNER Carpentry workshop located at Muscat looking for Interior designer with AutoCAD and GCC driving license & NOC. Send CV to kwk585@gmail.com

DRIVER A fast food restaurant in Muscat required experience Motor Cycle Drivers with license. Contact 94772576. Forward CV :fastfoodoman2014@gmail.com Wanted Driver. Contact: 97165972 Wanted Driver for heavy (sewage vehicle) and light vehicle with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Required water proof applicator for a reputed company. Contact: 93204100 / 99447002 Urgent required : Store labors.

Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must.

Email: mohammad.jwabreh @bearingcitysc.com.

Fax: 24509312

MEDICAL Required for Al Murazza medical company Salalah Oman, laboratory technician, at least 3 years experience. Contact: 00968 -99098735 Send derails to Email: memeisso@ hotmail.com

Looking for full time Arabic speaking professional Nanny (lady), Arabic as first language.

Contact: 98500010

ENG./TECHNICIAN Required Civil Engineer not less than 10 years experience.

Contact 95054916 Req. urgent exp Site Engineer with driving license to look for Haya & PAEW works. Send CV to sadiq@pctoman.com Required Electrical Engineer bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. Should have 5- 10 years in Oman experience in primary substations. Interested candidates send resume to hr@aljood-oman.com Plant Engineer and Lifting Supervisor. Minimum 5 years experience in Oil Field. Email C.V : hrmedia123@gmail.com

with Omani driving license

SALES SUPERVISOR/SALES CO ORDINATOR with Omani driving license HELPERS Experience 3 to5 years

Contact - 90372638 SALES / MARKETING Wanted Sales man (tyres - wholesale) having 3 years experience & driving license. Contact: 92891888 Oil & Gas Marketing Specialist.

Minimum 5 years experience in Oman. For immediate joining.

Email C.V : hrmedia123@gmail.com

Wanted Nurse for a dental centre, Al Mawale South. Interested candidate may contact 99759279 or send mail : drasyanaseem@gmail. com

Required sales and marketing executive for a 4-star hotel in muscat. candidate with excellent communication skills and having 3+ years experience need apply. driving license will be an advantage. email: hoteljobsmuscat@gmail.com

Fusion Medicare Polyclinic, Muscat wants GP, staff Nurse holding MOH license & Receptionist (Omani) Contact 97698004 email: medicare@fusionlogicoman.com

Sales Executive required for a logistics company based in Muscat. Must be self-motivated and result driven. Candidates with a GCC driving license are preferred.

Contact: telljobs@gmail.com

Urgently require experienced Dentists: 2 Nos. Candidates may send their resume at infosqmtr@gmail.com or Contact: 92314305.

Urgent Required : Indoor sales 2-3 years of experience. Candidate should be Indian, English speakers. NOC is a must. Fax: 24509312 Email: mohammad.jwabreh@ bearingcitysc.com.

Urgently need MBBS DOCTOR with OMAN MOH or Oman PROMETRIC passed for a Clinic in Mudhaibi Region. Contact 95395070 Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 97700963, medicoport@gmail.com Nurse staff required having NOC for well known clinic in Bidbid.

Contact 96746460 Urgently required Internist, General Practitioner, male Nurse, Orthodontist for a reputed medical center in Salalah.

Email: hrmdimc2010@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELP House maid wanted for cooking / cleaning, male / female timing morning 5.45 AM to 7.45 AM. Contact: 95857302

Reputed mineral water company required the following HEAVY/LIGHT DUTY DRIVERS VAN SALESMAN

Wanted female & Male Nurse with or without license (good salary, food & accommodation with other benefits. Contact 92989109, medicoport@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL / OFFICE Required Office Assistant with driving license present in Oman, 175+ food + acco.

Contact: 99454425 Wanted Office clerk having two years experience.

Contact: 92891888

A reputed shipping company looking for Sales executives for C& F. Send your resume to astallc@omantel.net.om Contact: 94777349 Looking for sales / marketing person with printing press experience, having valid Oman driving license. Mail CV: info@alsahib.net Urgently required experienced Aluminium fabricator for a shop as Incharge at Rustaq.

Contact: +968 95057475 Email: ahmedalqarni86@gmail.com Marketing Manager required for a tourism based company. Send CV seaoman@omantel.net.om Carpentry workshop located at Muscat looking for Marketing Executive with GCC driving license & NOC. Send C.V to: kwk585@gmail.com Indian Salesman indoor, knowledge in English & Arabic.

Contact: 93326636 Urgently required a GCC experienced electrical or building material marketing executive with valid driving license. Candidates may send their resume at ho@ddtoman.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED SKILLED LABOR ACCOUNTS Wanted Safety Officer, Sheet metal fitter, Sheet metal fabricator, forklift operator, Scaffolders and technical office Assistant all with relevant experience. Send CV to jobsf2016@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Building material salesman, electrician cum plumber with D.L, C.C.V.T Camera technician. Contact: 99383044

Financial controller chartered/ cost accountant 10 years experience in Oman manufacturing service and trading company total 25 years experience Mobile : 97812511 Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS Indian, MBA Finance & Marketing with 4 years of experience in Finance & Accounts. With valid Oman D/L. Contact: +968 96321890 Accountant : MBA & BCIT more than 10yrs experience & 4yrs in Oman, accounting, purchase of building material & Transportation, immediate available with NOC, 93084105, jamil.suhial@gmail.com Chartered Accountant with 18 years experience in Finance, Accounts, Costing, Budgeting, Banking operations - NOC Available + Oman Driving License Contact : 96072990 Email-krishnaravichandran@gmail. com Indian male B.com, looking for Assistant Accountant job having 3 yrs. experience in India, Presently in visit visa, Contact: 98328684, sanjith1992@gmail.com Accountant 13 years experience looking for suitable job full time/ part time. Contact: 95571165 CPA 13 years experience (10 years in Oman) as Finance Manager, Chief Accountant, Senior Accountant, Cost Accountant & Internal Auditor, local transfer available.

Contact: 97220505 Indian male,25 years, born and brought up in Oman,B. COM(Finance),MBA(Pursuing),with valid Omani driving License, presently on visit visa. Contact 92141645,arosh1991@gmail.com

Finance Manager 22 years experienced Chartered Accountant and cost & management accountant looking for a suitable change.

Contact: 99884291 / 99741875 / 24601935 Indian male, B.Com, MBA in Finance, 4 yrs in Larsen & Tourbo, 26 yrs in Oman, English/ Arabic speaking with driving license. NOC available. Contact 95588565 Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Sir Lankan Chartered Accountant (female) Graduate in B.Com (Sp) having 2 years visa. Work experience in accounting & banking sectors, looking for an suitable position in Muscat.

Contact: 96356974 / 97488363 Email: hansikamail@yahoo.com Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job.

Contact 93953613, Emailallen.mathew83@gmail.com Accountant Indian female, 2 years experience up to finalization in tally, B.Com Graduate, having valid D/L. Contact: 95373751 Indian ( M) MBA (f) more than 6 years of experience in accounts, proficiency in various A/C Software SAP (F1/CO) seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 95920740 Email: abdulhameed1527@gmail.com Indian (F) B.Ed completed MA, doing six month experience as a Teacher in social science experience at various accounting softwares like MS- Office tally, Peachtree & QuickBook, language English, Tamil, Malayalam in Oman Ruwi. Contact: 93836076 8 yrs exp. in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman), MBA, exp. in Tally ERP 9, Indian (F) seeks placement.

Contact 97243806 MBA Finance 20 yrs of MNC (MEP) experience thorough knowledge in preparation of financials, budgeting, fore casting, audit, trade finances, cash flows, guarantees, income tax, project (cost control) & ERP implementation with NOC seeks suitable placement. Contact 96280551 Email: ramu2581@hotmail.com Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394

Indian male 33 yrs (B.Com) having 8 years accounts experience in Oman seeking for suitable local release , NOC Oman D/L available.

Contact: 97494322 Email: manusodharan83@gmail.com 8 yrs exp. in Admin & Accounts (3 yrs in Oman), MBA, exp. in Tally ERP 9, Indian (F) seeks placement.

Contact 97243806 Chartered Accountant, MBA (Finance), Indian Male having more than Seven years of experience, currently working in Oman and looking for a change.

NOC available.

Mobile: +968-91094013, Email: jibzv@yahoo.co.in Indian male M.Com seeking part time or full time job in accounts, 2 yrs experience & valid Oman license. Contact: 93167136 Indian Accountant having M.Com with 7 years of experience up to finalization experience in tally, Peachtree, focus, SAP, MS Office.

Contact: 91651695 Email: danishpa2005@gmail.com

ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact: 99284193 21, Indian female B.com graduate on family visa looking for immediate and suitable placement. Holds valid Omani Driver’s license. Contact: 97208869 Finance Manager 16 years experienced chartered accountant (Sri Lankan) looking for a suitable post. NOC available. #92194926 Email: manomuscat@gmail.com Certified Public Accountant (Filipino, Male, 27-yrs-old) with four years experience, seeking suitable placement in accounting/ audit, currently on visit.

Contact; 94959606, email: czesar.42@gmail.com Indian (M), 31 yrs, M Com 9 yrs experience in Oman, looking for Manager or Executive position in Fin & Accounts, NOC Available.

Contact 968 96166178/ +919768537435: mohammednajeem@yahoo.com

CPA (UK), MBA Acct & Finance (PAK), CA Inter (PAK), CFA, (PAK) , 9 years Gulf experience valid Omani D/L looking for accounts, finance, Audit job, NOC Available.

Contact: 96437154

7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact 90191628 / 96175780

Finance Executive M.Com 4 years experience seeking suitable position presently employed in Trivandrum, India.

Contact: 0091- 8907212253 Oman Contact: 92817797

ADMIN

Accountant Executive - MBA (Finance) 2 years experience, seeking suitable position. Presently employed in Trivandrum, India.

Contact: 0091- 9447709196 Oman Contact: 92817797 Finance Audit professional 20 yrs experience can work independent, looking for opening.

Contact: 92168401 Indian male 28 years B.COM, PGDM (Banking & Insurance) with 3 years experience in banking as Assistant Manager on visit visa looking for suitable jobs. Contact: 93418265 Email: arjunnair19@yahoo.in Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact :94743790 Indian female 23 yrs MBA, finance and HR, currently on visit looking for suitable job. Contact: 93305002 / 99048224 Email: manjusharavindren@gmail.com Accountant 8 Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084 12 Yrs Exp Accountant worked in Construction, Cont & Trad Cos. with Valid D/L – (NOC/Release available).

Contact 92194086 Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible. Contact 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.Contact: 96976240 Indian female 26 yrs, MBA finance 2 yrs exp with MNC. Email: rilooozmali@gmail.com.

Contact : 90551366.

Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615, Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Accountant B.com Indian male 12 yrs exp seeks suitable job.NOC available . Contact : 91212471 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com

Indian (F) MBA HR & Finance 3yrs Exp. in HR/Admin/Purchase, NOC available for immediate placement.

M: 99791008 / 93888576 30 yrs lady Expat looking for full time job with visa. Interested fields are Admin, teaching, HR, back office.

Contact: 91739424 Email: jinsijobs@gmail.com Indian male B.Sc 15 years experience (Oman 4 yrs) in the field Administration / HR valid Oman driving license & NOC, good knowledge MS Office & payroll / various projects seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 90622264 Email: prasanthrn0@gmail.com 7 year Experience young Omani male, PRO, HR Manager, Admin, Operation Seek suitable placement; Call # 9553 6343 A young dynamic with NOC & 12 years experience of purchase sourcing logistics & IT Admin looking urgent placement with D/L Oman.

Contact: 91432512 Email: ikroyal@yahoo.com Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have vocational M.B.A diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time.

Contact: 95933288 Omani male fluent in English looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 94700691 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position. Contact 90196235 B.Com Graduate Keralite looking for a suitable job in Muscat having 1 year experience in both Admin & operations.Contact (968) 90931930 Email: shijin.p450@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 Egyptian woman resident, considerable experience in the Administration and Secretarial Executive for company. Contact : 97221126

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC. British Citizen Senior Architect, Managing Director, Chief Architect 14 years experience, V Ray 3D, AutoCAD BOQ, master degree on architectural design.

Contact: 92480035 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com Interior Architect, 2 years experience AutoCAD, 3D, Photoshop, shop drawing. Contact: 98245746

W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 5, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

Male -FMCG DISTRIBUTION PROFESSIONAL ,MBA MARKETING ,10 years Managerial experience in GCC /OMAN looking for Divisional Manager position. NOC /DL available.

Contact -92405181

An experienced Chartered Accountant

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WITH NOC HR & ADMINISTRATION PROFESSIONAL

with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

With 14 years of Oman experience in Omanization, well familiar with Oman labor laws, employee relations / welfare, Liasion & Coordination, Strategic HR Planning, performance Appraisal & General Administration.

96491030

Contact - 96501189 Quantity Surveyor, Sri

PROJECT MANAGER,

Lankan male, 25 yrs, B.Tech HND QS (Civil & MEP), AutoCAD with 5 yrs experience, looking for suitable placement.

B.Tech, MBA, PRINCE-2, British Citizen now available with NOC in OMAN. 25 yrs. exp in EPC Project Management of Oil & Gas, Pipelines, Refineries & Power Plants. Seeking job immediately/

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

Contact 92032632, haseebmursaleen@gmail.com

Contact- 00968-94731728/ josececy25@gmail.com

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa. Contact: 92157694.

E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Civil Engineer experience 4 years in Oman, Omani driving license.

Contact: 96319928

Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 6 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact : 91360147.

9 year experienced industrial painter and sand blaster with Oman driving licence. NOC available. Seeks suitable placement.

Contact ZakeerHussain 96681934.

HOSPITALITY

Indian male Artist water colour, oil painting enamel painting looking for job. Contact: 96924476

SITUATION WANTED Indian male, MBA Finance, B.Com & Computer Diploma looking for a suitable position Current position: Financial controller Experience : 15 years +

CONTACT: 90189412 BE (Electronics & Telecommunication), MBA (Marketing), Indian male, 30 yrs, 7 yrs experience in Oman in Sales, Marketing & Projects, looking for suitable placement, valid Oman D/L,

NOC AVAILABLE Contact - 98518776

DRIVER Female Driving Teacher training professionally in both Khuwair Ghubrah and Azaiba, mawalih and Alkhawd. With good English Language for connect No.95133981 Light duty Driver, Oman driving license, Language English, Arabic.

Contact: 97365719 Looking for job light driver.

Contact: 92245856 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 96187146 Light duty driver, 5 years exp in Oman. Contact: 93904217 Driver with car available.

Contact: 98522914 L.T.V Driver exp 4 years knows English, Arabic and Hindi.

Contact: 94928736 Light duty driver, experience 4 years. Contact: 92458526 Light duty driver, Bangladeshi, 2 yrs experience looking for job.

Contact 90531832 Looking job L/ Driving.

Contact: 98726383 Indian male (25) looking for driver job with Oman driving license & 5 years experience in Oman.

Contact: 94524433 / 94691933 Light driver looking for job, 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 94208089 Light driver exp 4 years knows English, Arabic and Hindi.

Education B.A. Contact: 98522914 Looking for job exp having driving license. Contact: 97363138 Driver available for job.

Contact: 96381406 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 95892363

DOMESTIC HELP Office boy with driving license, 4 years driving exp.

Contact: 94178094

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN Indian male 21 years, born and brought up in oman, 2 yrs experience in autocad rivet and 3dsmax, now on family visa looking for suitable position.

Contact: 79086481 email: adarshajayan@outlook.Com Free lance / part time autocad works / make boq 2d /3d arch , structural, shop drawings interior drawings. Contact 97103168 Architectural Draughtsman (4 years experience) seeking job.

Contact: 91141879 Web designer, developer, Graphic designer, 3 yrs Indian female D/L. Contact: 92725547 Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR. PH : 92279784

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Freelance - Part-Time Quantity Surveying, Estimation & Costing, Technical & Commercial Bid Document Preparation, Method Statements Tender Submittals etc yamservom@gmail.com, Contact :91237926 Electrical Engineer 2 years in construction & distribution seeking job available on visit. Contact : 98361217 / 94110178 Email: shariqsiddiqui09@gmail.com Civil Engineer Project Manager 14 yrs, Oman experience PMP, fidc contract management independently handling projects looking for Senior level position can join immediately. Contact: 98826815 An IT Engineer with 1.5 yrs experience Graduate from Bangalore having skills in PHP, HTML CSS, jQuery, C#, networking on visit visa. Contact: 91213391 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release.

Contact 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrs exp seeks suitable position in a reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com B. Tech Mechanical HVAC site Engineer 4 years experience, currently on visit.

Contact – 92837696 / mdabdulather@gmail.com Indian male 26 years Mechanical Engineer with 2 yrs exp in Oman.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 91328079 An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com Indian male, 30 Yrs, BE (Electronics & Telecom Engineer), MBA, 7 yrs exp in Oman in Sales, Marketing & projects, looking for suitable placement with valid Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact: 98518776 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 0096898052942 Email: azamjeelani78@ gmail.com

Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 yrs Exp in building construction & consulting field with auto cad & D/L. Contact : 93060770 25 years, male from India with 3 years experience present in Oman and with release seeks job in HR, ADMIN or PURCHASE any of it.

Contact +968 94574596.

Indian male Software Engineer (BE). Contact: 92326607 Mechanical Eng, 9 years experience MEP, 4 yrs in Oman. Contact: 99487902 Mechanical Engineer 14 years experience, 7 in Oman in water factories. Contact : 94488290 Mechanical Engineer, Indian, 5 years of experience as a Quality Controller, on visit visa looking for suitable placement, Contact -93042025 B.E. Mech Eng with12yrs exp (6yrs in Gulf) in Oil & Gas including Piping, MEP, HVAC having D/L & NOC, GSM:92730137 Civil Engineer 6 years experience building Ministry Projects Site Supervision AutoCAD, MS, EXEL good computer knowledge, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 93946867 Graduate Civil Engineer 20 yrs GCC experience with Omani D/L, seeking job NOC available.

Contact: 98621645 Email: imtiazcv@gmail.com B.E Electronics & Communication 4 years experience in installation commissioning testing networking Administration, project coordination site experience maintenance.

Contact: 92924555 Email: rahulchittoor@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 5 yrs experience in P.L.C operated factories and ready mix plants looking for better placement.

Contact 968 97450769 Civil Engineer with NOC, 7 years experience. Professional at site management, technical office, structure design work. Contact 97983610 Mechanical Engineer 2 yrs experience in printing press.

Contact: 99315229 Automotive Service Advisor with 1.5 years experience from Toyota India immediately available in Oman completed BE Automobile in 2014, with valid Oman driving license NOC Available.

Contact: +968 97061650

Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283 7+years PMP, RMP Certified Civil Engineer looking for suitable position. Contact: 93651835 Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male, 30yrs. Experienced in Steam turbines and Thermal Power house seek employment.

Contact - +91 8130553668 or mohamedshah7@gmail.com Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891 Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available. Contact: 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Sudanese) with 7 years of experience in Oman (residential, commercial & gov. buildings). Contact : 97370324 Electrical Engineer, 24 yrs, Indian Male, Fresher, Training Undertaken in Electrical Draughtsman, Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting and Industrial Automation. Contact: 94989767, Email: Junaiz987@gmail.com Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022 Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat. Contact - 91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com Mechanical/ Piping Engineer (B.Tech.) on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 94703350 mail: nadeembcoolboy@gmail.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING

7+ years GCC experience, Civil Engineer looking for suitable position. Contact: 79095572

33 yrs Indian certified coach of Special Olympics Physical Education Instructor 12 yrs experience in teaching sports & fitness for special needs children. Has Saudi D/L, seeking immediate job.

Contact: 93362587 Email: rahmanyousuf3633@gmail.com

Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784

Indian, Keralite female M.A Economics, B.Ed, PGDCA, 2 yrs exp seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97302167

Indian male 25 yrs (B.Tech) Mechanical Engg, 5 yrs of experience in erection, testing, commissioning and maintenance of rotating and static Equipments in power, petrochemical and Pharmaceutical industry in Oman on visit visa.

Contact: 90807760 Email: ramizshk@gmail.com

Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact 99739415 / 92091528

Sudanese Civil Engineer with 3 years experience looking for job.

Contact: 95634888

Indian female B. Ed English teacher, 3 yrs exp , TTC, (Primary Teacher) seeking suitable placement. Contact : 79065415

Indian male, 24 yrs, bachelor of hotel Administration having India experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement in hospitality industry.

Contact: 93347605 / 91314540 Indian male 31 yrs, with hotel management degree, 03 yrs experience in F&B services at 5 star hotel Dubai, 05 yrs in American 06 star cruiseliner has butler. Has Oman driving license.

Contact 99859150.

Indian male 27 yrs, MTA (Master in Tourism Administration) 4 years experience in Hospitality Industry (Admin reservation and front office management, looking for suitable placement on visiting visa. Contact: 90432286 Email: dikhildiv@gmail.com Immediately available with NOC Indian male with 29 years of experience in hospitality industry.

Contact : 92459737 Email: edrich31@gmail.com

IT Oracle DBA / EBS Developer, 9+ exp in IT banking & finance domain, currently in Muscat NOC Available. Can join immediately.

Contact: 91945716 Email: sandeep.partab@gmail.com Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available.

Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Young Indian Post Graduate (MBA) with experience of 12 years in IT Administration & Management seeking a suitable opportunity. Contact: 0091 9847496029 / 99322484 CFA level 1 cleared (pursuing level 2) MBA operations research, female, 5 yrs experience as Analyst, have a valid Oman driving license, looking for related openings.

Contact 95818892 IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact 94672759 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact 98660672 Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement.

Contact 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com

LOGISTICS 29 years MBA 7 years experience in Oman in logistics seeks immediate placement. NOC from current employer is available.

Contact: 93891668

MISCELLANEOUS Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge.

Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill. GSM: 97761075

MISCELLANEOUS

BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com B.Com,IICL Certified Container Inspector(No.150850),Visit Visa, Six months experience, need placement. Phone 90880935,99023279, Email solexyesudas@gmail.com.

Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact: 92066 523 Filipino Graphic Designer / I.T. looking for a suitable job with 10 years experience. Very good in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Photography, Knowledge in CCTV & Access Controls.

Call 79042628.

Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation.

Contact: 92956848

MEDICAL Keralite Male lab Technician with M.O.H license & release seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 94744706 Email: georgemathewsiby@gmail.com Iraqi Dentist female, MOH license seeks suitable job in clinic in Muscat. Contact 97891219 Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96906534 /99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com Filipino male Medical / Sales representative with 3 yrs experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 92610394 Indian female Dentist looking for suitable placement, dataflow completed. Contact: 96410448 / 99606013

MANAGER / SUPERVISOR Operation Head Finance background Experience in General management Projects Sales Finance and Administration 15 years experience in Oman NOC M :97812511

SALES / MARKETING Male, looking for sales & marketing job, Oman license holder.

Contact: 95642740, Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com 29 years Indian male MBA having 5 years in Gulf - sales & marketing & having GCC driving license, on visit seeks placement.

Contact: 98845719 Indian male MBA marketing & HR, 2 years experience in marketing, automobile sale job seeking full time, sales / HR job. Oman visa valid till 13.10.16.

Email: uv30060@gmail.com Indian male, 8 years experience in sales, Marketing operations procurement, seeking suitable job, having valid Oman license, NOC available.

Contact: 99837447 Email: rhlboss86@gmail.com

D6

W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING Indian male, D/L 18+ years (Oman) work experience in HR, Sales & General Office Admin areas (MA. Public Admin, MBA (CR), PGDSCM (logistics & supply chain management) seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 91391540 Email: marsvenkat2012@gmail.com Indian male 26 yrs, Graduate, 3 years experience with Air India seeking suitable opportunity with reputed firms. Contact: 98847095 10+ Years Exp , 8 years In UAE , in Logistics ,Warehouse & Inventory looking for Job. Contact Number -00968 98096086 Indian 15 yrs Sales experience travelled all Oman with visa D/L. Contact: 97192779 Pakistani male 6 years including 1 year Oman experience in multistory building & Water supply line projects, NOC available looking for a job. Contact: 94973660 Email: chwaqasvirk100@gmail.com Indian male 30, 5 yrs experience in FMGC Van sales looking for suitable placements NOC available.

Contact: 97315348 Indian male with 6 years experience in sales in oman. NOC available, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95364128 Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact 96143430 / 99875919 Immediately available (Indian male) Sales Executive with 7 years experience valid Oman driving license, release / NOC available, presently working in bullding material firm# 99253159 / 92903099, shinethomas1230@gmail.com Indian male, 18 years Oman experience in purchase, sales & stores with valid D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 95273552 FMCG Professional with 18 yrs Oman experience in heading the business looking for opening.

Contact: 92787747 Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position.Conatct 95792820 Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.: -+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Contact: 96001877 Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity. contact 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact: 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com BBA Bachelor of business administration exp in custom clearance procedure, also done international logistics management & Nimb National Institute business management (US) certification all documentation work related logistics. contact – 91949050 / akram.chaush001@gmail.com Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments.

Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 /95774854 Indian male age 24, B.Com. having 2 year experience and currently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement in Sales, Marketing & finance. Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com Indian male 9 yrs exp in FMGC as Sales Executive looking for suitable placement, NOC available.

Contact: 94636470 Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95337665

BBA male 6 years Sales Executive in KSA, D/L looking suitable placement. Contact: 90916261 Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car.

Contact 94123939.

Email: 002015r@gmail.com

Indian Female, 22 BBA Graduate, Looking for suitable jobs in Accounting/ Admin/ Purchase/ Secretarial with good Communication skill and computer knowledge, Settled in Oman. Contact 92511657,97334325,93626288 , Email:Sumiap1421@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE

Indian, male, BE in mechani cal engineering(fresher) and diploma in HVAC designing and drafting. Looking for a job in the field of mechanical and HVAC. Contact 96890834846, abdulquddusruknuddin@gmail.com

Indian male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Purchase Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and sales with good computer skills. Holding Oman Driving license, looking for suitable placement.Contact 99709336

Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures.

Contact 00974 66772193, Email : snu057@gmail.com

Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Contact 95244761

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female 25 yrs, Bachelor in Travel & Tourism and 2 year exp in Oman as Travel consultant .GDS-Sabre, Amdeus. NOC Available.

Contact- 95883404

MISCELLANEOUS B.A Graduate, 28 yrs, with Good English communication skills, 5.5 years Experience in hospitality and hotel industry is looking for a suitable job in Muscat.(In Visiting visa) Contact 93271163 CIVIL DIPLOMA HOLDER. Indian male. 8 years experience in building construction field, Valid oman driving license holder, Seeking suitable jobs. N.O.C available. Contact :95306762, Email: sandeeep88joseph@gmail.com Pakistani male having 7 years experience valid Omani driving license working as a crusher Incharge (Sales, Purchase) looking for a suitable position. Salary is negotiable. Contact +96894248615 / 95133167, Email : mumar1714@gmail.com Indian male, 15 years experience in furniture sales with Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact: 98838485 Female B.Ed English & Maths teacher, 6 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98002428 Available Mechanical Engineer B.Tech with driving license, currently on visit visa. Contact: 97792809 / 99417584 Indian female PhD, M.Phil, M.A in English, B.Ed, Diploma TESOL,16 years teaching experience seeks suitable teaching, editing or relevant job. Contact: 92245591, 95221665 Indian Male 26years MBA (HR & Marketing) having 4 years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement. Contact :95583165.Email: vinoth.kvk1991@gmail.com Indian, Male, 5+ years of experience in Accounts, Finance; Banking and Audit across GCC and India; Looking for suitable permanent placement; NOC, Release Available. Contact:+974-31216010, +91-9972363772; Email: ismail.04071990@gmail.com IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3+yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 91496939.

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact number# 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com Indian Male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int. Standards, B tech in Mech engg. Contact- rahulkunnath23@ gmail.com, Mob-00917350860889

Indian male 21 bachelor’s of commerce (B.com) having 1 year experience as a salesmen in denhillz international and looking for job as a salesman or in new field in Oman.Contact: 94562777, Email: hammadakrami61@gmail.com Graduate in commerce with Total 20+ Years of experience in IT Industry having13 Years of experience in ATM switch Administration and operations &. 5 years of Bank experience in System Support, IT Administration and operation. NOC from sponsor available.

Contact – 98483443, email: cars2099@gmail.com Finance controller MBA finance (NOC Available) 23 yrs exp D/L. Contact: 95043106 HEAD OF PROJECTS: Having more than 20 years of experience in construction industry. Having more than 1 .5 years of experience in working in Oman. Available immediately with NOC from the employer. BE civil engineering.

Contact: 99893644 Mathematics Lecturer Indian Female, M. Phil. in Mathematics with 5 years of experience in school and colleges. Now in Oman on Visit Visa. Contact- 92119428 Indian Male 29 years MSM, B.Com having 8 years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement. Contact :97914340.

Email: kvraj30@gmail.com MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact arn9895@gmail.com, Mob 00919895233155 Indian male, 29 YRS, Having 11 years of experience in Hospitality Industry with 3 yrs of Diploma in Hotel Management & MBA in Hr/ Hospitality. Looking for suitable job in Hospitality sector. Contact: +968 91426497,93993874.

Whatsapp: +91 9871750906. email: rohitnig1@gmail.com Indian female, MBA - HR, diploma in aviation & hospitality IATA, 5 yrs exp. looking for job in teaching, administration, HR & airport, now on family visa, seeking for suitable position. Contact: 99104529, e-mail- sivavedha@gmail.com Instrumentation Engg. with 10+ yrs exp. Qatar. OilField Instrumentation, Process Plant Instrumentation, Project Management, Installation & Commissioning, Troubleshooting & Repairs, Inspections & Maintenance, Instrument Calibration, PLC Programming, SCADA System, Job Assessment.

Contact: 97433692455, k_khopkar@yahoo.co.in Indian male, 23 yrs, B.E. in mechanical engineering looking for suitable job. Contact : 91504101, mail: nickfaiz93@gmail.com

IT professional, B.E. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3+yrs exp. in IT, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/Network/Server support. Contact 91496939.

Petrochemicals /Oil & Gas / automobile /construction / plastic polymer/package material procurement Specialist, MBA &18 YEARS seeking suitable job, NOC available. Contact: vved76@gmail. com and cell: 97813849 BSC Female Nurse having 9 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf).

Prometric passed - 86%. Currently in Oman. Contact : 95117123 Indian Female 32, PhD & M.Phil in Economics ILTES score 7.5, 10 years in teaching and software industries in Oman & India. Looking for job in Colleges and Universities as lecturer/ Professor/ English accent trainer.Contact:97746369.

E mail : najaf_1980@yahoo.com 28,male,ACCA finalist, BSc Honours, have 4 years of professional experience in Accounts and Audit Department of different companies using Tally, Focus, Epicor & oracle software, ,NOC available, seeking for permanent replacement , GSM-97654769,email idabdullah.nooralam@yahoo.com Female, 25 with 8 yrs experience looking for admin/ HR job release & license available.

Email: neslinmoras@gmail.com 10 years financial controller seeks suitable job exp in banking, finance & accounting.

Contact: 97812511 Email: sgupta1093@gmail.com Purchase / store 8 years experience in construction company Indian male (46) Kerala, looking for immediate placement with Oman driving license release, NOC available. Contact: 93996983

B.E Mechanical Engineer, 22 years old, Indian, currently on Family Visit. Knowledge of auto cad 2D & 3D, solid works. Looking for job in Manufacturing, Production, oil & gas etc.

Contact: 92113987/ 94034731

Indian male Accountant.

Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Email: jovin8910@gmail. com, Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437

Indian male diploma electrician (EEE) and fire and safety officer course. six months good experience searching for suitable job.

Email:benatvinith@gmail.com, # 8098221471 / 7639675548

Indian male, 23 yrs. looking for suitable job my qualification is Diploma in Electronics, having 3 years of experience in the hardware and networking field.

Contact : - +96897017866.

Indian male network cabling technician (19 years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement mobile no: 0091-8089909265 (India), email: mohithavp@gmail.com

Indian male looking for job with driving license any field as driver also. Contact :90559292

Indian male BBA Graduate, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 97691779 B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job. Available to join respective firm. Contact 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact : 0096899070584, email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian male 27 MBA Graduate with experience looking for job in finance, Logistics or new field in Oman. Contact: 90884252, Email: tamjeedruk@gmail.com Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Experience: 8 years (Road) with Oman driving license.

Contact: 91134675, Email: sohailzafar8@gmail.com Indian male 2 years experience Hardware technician. Computer , Laptop & Net working seeks suitable placement. #99883019

23 yrs, Indian Mechanical engineer, Looking a job in HVAC designing and drafting and any other related job as a mechanical engineer. +96890834846, abdulquddusruknuddin@gmail.com

Indian Male Wood Designer & Wood works 7 Years good working experience searching for suitable job. Contact Cell : +919698637279 / GSM : +96890649462, Mail: msahayaanish@gmail.com

Looking for part time accounting, reconciliation, internal audit, capable of handling any accounts work up to finalization in most of the software independently, 4 yrs experience. Contact: 97654769 / 91324962

B.S.C in electrical, Experience:6 years in factory installation and maintenance and road lighting design and installation. #99817032, Email:engmmg24@yahoo.com

B.Tech (ECE), MCSE, CCNA, 25 Male, Indian, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job Mob No: 97438490. Email: akhil.anuraj.1991@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs, looking for Sales job in Salalah, preferring electronics, Home appliances, Furniture. GSM 99492925 / 98871742 or ,kmfiroz6@gmail.com.

HACCP certified Food & Agricultural engineer, M Tech, Indian lady (24), seeking for suitable placement. Contact 92290733, praveena1692@gmail.com Female, M.Sc and B.Ed in Chemistry, Indian, having two years teaching experience, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96300240, Email: nselvin@gmail.com Indian male 22 years B.Com, holding a valid Oman driving license.

Contact 98112738 CIVIL DIPLOMA HOLDER. India male. 8 years experience in building construction field, Valid oman driving license holder, seeking suitable jobs. N.O.C available.

Contact 95306762, Email: sandeeep88joseph@gmail.com Indian male 23 years completed BE in electrical engineering Looking for suitable placement. alamalsuhail@gmail.com, Contact +968 9968 2689

Indian Female, Mathematics Lecturer M.Sc., M.Phil. in Mathematics with 5 years of teaching experience. Now in Oman on Visit Visa.

Contact- 92119428, Email Id- subi.paulson@gmail.com

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact contact 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com

Indian female, P G, 7 yrs exp in a leading financial institution With Office coordination, administration, Audit, Training, Secretarial, Document control, Business dev, Customer service, Training, Team Management skills. # 94065112.

Indian male 22 years B. Com, holding a valid Oman driving license. Contact 96799287.

Bangladeshi Electrical Engineer searching job in Oman.

Contact 91997605, e-mail: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail.com

B.Com, 2 yrs experience in Oman, Indian Male, 25 yrs with Driving License. Handling day today accounts activities upto finalization.

Proficient in Tally. Looking for suitable placement. Ph. 91470665 Indian Male, Over 9 years of experience in IT support and Accounting with Gulf experience. Now in Oman on visit visa.

Contact 92097096.

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm. #94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com 7 years experience in banking sector in leasing department, having NOC, can work in leasing, HR, Admin , Accounts, storekeeper, logistic, operations. contact 4971640,nawab khan from Pakistan Indian Male Cook, have more than 10 years experience in Bakery and hotel field searching for suitable job. Gsm : +968 91894487, Phone : +919894424197 , contactanand31@gmail.com Diploma(Electrical Engineering) From Government polytechnic.

27years, 6 years Experience in Maintenance, troubleshooting and managing and Technical in substation as a Electrical Engineer seek suitable placement.#92995899, a.abbas31@gmail.com 10 years’ experience Lady Secretary, Worked in Oman leading companies seeks immediate employment. Call: 93095425 or 24791145

Indian male AutoCAD Draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience seeking for part time job.

Contact no: 0096899070584, email: remluvp@gmail.com India, education is bachelor of commerce, experience in India & Oman as Sales & management. looking for a good position any kind of field. languages English, Arabic, Hindi. #968 98718428 26 yrs old, male, Filipino, single, bachelor of science in information technology, looking for a job in any position around Muscat.

Contact 90672737 / 95721841.

Email : cianchay@yahoo.com 7 yrs hotel experience in customer service and sales. 2 years in call center customer service and sales looking out for job in retail for counter sales. Contact 71121806, e-mail:- joe.pet17@gmail.com Indian male Network Cabling technician (19-years Gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement. Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India),mail: mohithavp@gmail.com 33 years, Indian Male MSC, MBAHR having 8 yrs exp. (HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968- 99322978 Electronic Systems Engineer (UK Graduate) with skills in Robotics, Programming Languages, IC, PCB Design seeking suitable position, Indian female on Visit Visa.

Contact: 97848075 s.dinesh1508@gmail.com Indian male, MBA Finance & Marketing 28 yrs,6+ Exp, with oman D/L & NOC, Hospital ,Pharma, Herbal ,FMCG, F&B Marketing ,construction A/c & sales.

Contact 93379044 Looking for part time accounting, reconciliation, internal audit, capable of handling any accounts work up to finalization in most of the software independently, 4 yrs experience, Contact:97654769 Indian male 26, Having 4 years of experience in Store Supervision & Store In charge looking for a suitable placement having N.O.C ready to join immediately.

Contact : 96671102, E-mail : parvez.mohammed16@gmail.com Indian male 23 undergraduate having experience in restaurant field and having computer and internet skills searching for suitable position in sales, data entry operator etc. Contact:90801420 Gmail:anwaar223969@gmail.com Indian male, 28years, B.techmechanical engineering with 6 years experience as project executive. holds valid UAE driving license. GSM: 93952127 Indian Male, 23 yrs, looking for any professional job vacancy my qualification is Diploma in Electronics an i am having 3 years of experience in the hardware and networking field an you can contact me on : - 97017866.

Mechanical Engineering, Indian Male, 23, 6 months experience, done piping engineering course, on visit visa, seeks suitable job. Contact: 95427632, email:kausthubnarayan@gmail.com

33 years, Indian Male MSC, MBAHR having 8 yrs exp. (HR / Payroll / Admin) with Oman valid DL seeking suitable opening in Human Resource, Payroll & Admin/ backend jobs. Contact:00968- 99322978

Indian male Accountant. Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Email: jovin8910@gmail. com, Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437

Indian male 23 undergraduate having experience in restaurant field and having computer and internet skills searching for suitable position in sales, data entry operator etc. Contact: 90801420 Gmail:anwaar223969@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer (DEE), Having 17 year Experience (14 year in Gulf), Experts in Estimation, Design, Planning and construction activities of MEP work, seek Similar Placement with D/L & NOC Available. Contact: 97007489

W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

SITUATION WANTED Indian, bachelor of Commerce, experience in India & Oman as Sales & Management looking for a good position any kind of field. languages English, Arabic & Hindi.

Contact 98718428 Indian male 21 bachelor’s of commerce (B.com) having 1 year experience as a salesmen in denhillz international and looking for job as a salesman in Oman.

Contact: 94562777 Email: hammadakrami61@gmail.com Bangladeshi male 22 years, education: Pre - sea marine Engineer searching job in Oman.

Cell: +8801715600971, e-mail:saifur6264@gmail.com Experience in managing and supervising a restaurant having computer, commercial, and marketing Skills looking for job in Oman. Contact :90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com Indian male 23 years completed BE in electrical engineering, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: alamalsuhail@gmail.com, Contact:+968 9968 2689 Egyptian dentist search about job 13years experience MOH No:10957.

Contact 91146961 Male, 23 years with M.Sc degree looking for office job.

Contact 99757425 Indian male 33 yrs, MBA-HR with 10.6 yrs.exp. in Recruitment, Training, PMS, OD, Sites-HR and Omani nationals development,seeking a job, NOC avl. Contact 94179499 Email: saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Indian male, age 23, B.E in Mechanical Engineering looking for suitable job. Contact : 91504101 mail: nickfaiz93@gmail.com Looking for a job as Sales man or any suitable job. Contact 94401228 Indian male 21 (B.Com 2Years) having experience in Sales looking for suitable entry-level position.

Contact: 94562777, E-mail: hammadakrami61@gmail.com An Indian senior mechanical engineer capable to start business or enhance existing business locally and internationally is interested to associate. Contact financially sound and decision makers only : 00968 9109 6940. kpopragmatic@gmail.com Indian male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures, Aware of int. Standards, B tech in Mech engg. Contact-0091 7350860889 rahulkunnath23@gmail.com,

RENT A CAR

Indian male, 23 yrs, BE in Mechanical Engineering looking for suitable job. Contact : 91504101 mail: nickfaiz93@gmail.com Electronics Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement. GSM99105043 Mechanical/Production Engineer, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified.

Contact 0091 9895233155, arn9895@gmail.com Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. exp. in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures. Contact 00974 66772193 Mail;snu057@gmail.com.

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com BS in Civil Engineering, experience: 8 Year (Road Projects), Omani license: 9 Years.

Contact: 97427701, Email: hassanrvc1989@gmail.com Indian male looking for part time job. Preferred time from 8 am to 12.30 pm. Contact: 79062787 Indian male 23 undergraduate having experience in restaurant field and having computer and internet skills searching for suitable position in same field.

Contact:90801420 Gmail:anwaar223969@gmail.com 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact arn9895@gmail. com. Mob 00919895233155 Indian Male,26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int. Stds,B tech in Mech engg.

Contact-Mob-00917350860889 rahulkunnath23@gmail.com Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E (CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com Indian female 10 years as cook in Muscat, Oman . South Indian, Gujarati special food ,Looking for part time. Contact 95795971

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Indian Male, Accountant, 10 years Oman experienced having release letter presently in oman seeking for a suitable placement.

Contact : 99334770/ 99743709 Fire & Safety Officer, 22 Years old, Indian expatriate seeking for a suitable placement. 2 years of experience. Ready for immediate joining. Contact : +968-97682273, Email: maniavbah555@gmail.com Economics Specialist: Female , MA & M.Phil/PhD_ in ECONOMICS .

10 years experience Banking/Lecturer/Customer Service/Trainer currently Looking for job contact cell:97457248 MECHANICAL ENGINEER ( B.E.,)- Indian male, 7 Years of experience in thermal power plant, Pump station and utilities piping Erection & commissioning. Contact: madhavansakthi@gmail.com, Cell No: +968 98208500 Indian male B.Tech, DCE Civil Engineer 14 years Gulf experience.

Contact 97045409 Indian male BBA Graduate, looking for any suitable post.

Contact: 97691779 6 years experience in Admin, Accounts & Marketing B.com Qualification NOC & D.L is available. 98895739 Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also. looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122 Internal Auditor/Accountant : BCOM /CA INTER having 7 years experience under Chartered Accountant in India and 10 years as internal auditor/ Accounts manager in Oman , well versed with Tally and MS office , seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 93214484/91358384 Mechanical Engineer (B.E), Indian, 21 yrs, Fresher, Looking for suitable job in the field, contact 92291955 / vishusav@hotmail. com 4 years experience in IT Executive .i come on a visit visa seeking placement contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com whatapp 00923142195074

25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Pakistani male looking for House boy and cleaning work.

GSM:96710189 Indian/male (26) / MBA/2 years experience in Procurement, Coordination and distribution management, with valid Oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 email:suhailbs@gmail.com Indian male diploma electrician (EEE) and fire and safety officer course. six months good experience searching for suitable job.

Gmail:benatvinith@gmail.com, number:8098221471 / 7639675548 1.5 years experienced, 6 months in Oman, electrical engineer/project engineer, experience in substation, MV, LV systems. power and oil & gas projects. NOC available.

Contact : 94669679 mail:prsabarish@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Electrical Engineer (DEE), Having 17 year Experience (14 year in Gulf), Experts in Estimation, Design, Planning and construction activities of MEP work seek Similar Placement with D/L & NOC Available.

Contact: 97007489

MANPOWER

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W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED TOURS

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS LOOKING FOR SUB CONTRACTING JOBS An SME’S excellent grade construction company is looking for civil subcontracting jobs.

We are specialized in interlocking, block work, plaster work etc.

Contact 91433508, Email : business@aljammaza.com

We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

SITUATION WANTSERVICES House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Pest Control treatments. Ocean center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Affordable rates all types of curtain blind. Contact 99539521/ 95615642

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

SITUATION WANTGOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatments & massage – Ayurvedic Clinic Al Khuwair.

Contact 97263637 / 93309131

WE SERVE OMAN

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, Spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Ghubra. Contact: 99639695 /97397320 Ayurvedic massage, backache, joint, neck pain etc.

Contact: 98254909

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning tiles / Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

Plumbing, painting, electro works contact Midawa Trading & Cont. EST. Contact: 98937266 Window unit & split unit A.C servicing & repairing - Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact: 99557080 Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact: 96236476 Split unit & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance Barka, Mabela, Ruwi area. Contact: 95323517

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact: 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Car care, care for your car stop worrying about your car. Enjoy your vacation peacefully. Here is a solution for safe parking and cleaning your car when your car when you are away on vacation.

Taking very good care of your car, trust us. Contact: 96964767

We undertake new construction & maintenance & gypsum works.

Contact 92711506, ammarayyub@gmail.com MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. # 24793614/ 99314807

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723

Marble polishing & crystallization, building cleaning floor, floor polishing, carpet, sofa shampooing, pest control, anti termite, shifting maintenance.#99504275 Al Farzdaq Al Fedhi Trad all maintenance electric plumbing, CCTV camera, painting tiles, A/C servicing. Contact Jahural Islam : 96524904

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED BE Electronic & Telecom Eng. 2yrs Exp in telecom copper and fibre cables, able to do project sales & support. Project installation & Commissioning, Exp in telecom related civil job. #97423932, mail: mzeeshanshaikh89@gmail.com Indian Female, 28 Yrs, M.Sc Comp Science having 3 years experience as a Lecturer/Teacher/IT Support with excellent computer skills, on family visa looking for suitable position. Pls Contact 92857417.

Indian male 23 diploma in automobile engineering have experience in handling accounts and good marketing skill searching for new suitable job. #90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com B.Com Pakistani, 6 years experience of marketing NOC and D.L is available 0096898895739 Petrochemicals specialist , MBA 18 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN OIL FIELDS COM/plastics /Automobile/construction/Polymer/Packaging, e-procurement /COMMERCIAL/ PURCHASE / LOGISTICS / SCM NOC available .Contact: 97813849 vved76@gmail.com B.Com Graduate, Keralite with 4 years Gulf experience in Basic accounts and Office Administration is looking for a suitable job in Stores / Office Administration / Indoor Sales or as Accounts Asst. Presently working as Office Administratorcum-Accounts Asst. in Oman. NOC available. Contact: 97375439.

Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing,Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampoo. Ocean center LLC. Contact: 99344723

For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

SITUATION WANTFOR LADIES

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

We do building maintenance all kind of works.

Contact 99247663

INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

Senior sales/marketing executive. Experience in trading industries and thorough knowledge of Oman market. Driving license and NOC available, seeks senior position. Contact: 98487311

Indian male 25, Graduate in Civil Engineering (B.E) having 3 years of experience in Site Execution & Quantity Surveyor looking for a suitable placement having Visa Release & Valid Driving License Contact : 96240153 / 97490311, E-mail : mdmosin33@gmail.com

B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504,Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com

4 years experience in IT Executive and also ticketing staff, seeking placement Contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com

Indian male Post graduate Dentist with 18 plus years experience with MOH Oman. Fluent in Arabic too. #96689064/ amal_sam48@hotmail.com