Times of Oman - August 6, 2015

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THURSDAY, August 6, 2015 / 20 Shawwal 1436 AH

BOLIVIA, JAMAICA

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Juan Evo Morales of Bolivia on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes to President Morales and the Bolivian people.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has also sent a cable of congratulations to Dr. Patrick Linton Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary.

In his cable, His Majesty expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to Dr. Allen and his country’s people further progress and prosperity. -ONA ALGERIA

HM receives thanks cable MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria in reply to His Majesty’s congratulatory cable on the occasion of his country’s 53rd Independence Anniversary. In his cable, President Bouteflika expressed his utmost thanks for His Majesty’s sincere feelings and best wishes, praying to Allah the Almighty to grant His Majesty continuous health and wellbeing to achieve aspirations of progress and prosperity for the Omani people. -ONA SUEZ CANAL OPENING

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SINKING OF FERRY

Call to strictly regulate private ferry operators FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Private ferry operators should be subject to strict safety regulations, urged residents of Masirah.

“The 40 people were lucky to survive. All safety regulations were ignored on the ferry that sank between Shinnah and Masirah. There were no tow boats, no life jackets, and the boat was in very bad condition,” said Khamis Abdullah, a Masirah resident.

He said once the ban on private ferry operators is lifted, licences should be granted

PACDA staffers risk their lives rescuing people behaving irresponsibly and some staff have even lost their lives

only to those who abide by all the regulations. “Their licence should be renewed on a yearly basis,” he said.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications confirmed that the reasons for sinking of the ferry were overloading and the failure to distribute heavy loads evenly. >A6

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Calls from people trapped in vehicles trying to cross wadis are on the increase, but most of the incidents could have been averted if the public paid attention to flash flood warnings, said the authorities.

“In the past week, our forces have been out nearly every day and night trying to rescue people behaving irresponsibly,” said a Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) official.

While stressing that they were still putting together the number of rescue operations conducted so far, the official reminded, “People should remember that we lost one member of the PACDA staff last year while he was trying to save a person stuck in a vehicle in a wadi. Every day we risk our lives rescuing the public, but behind the scene we have lost some of our finest staffers.”

“In all, we have lost more than

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Bullet-hit Saudi girl is back home three emergency service personnel last year during different missions rescuing people who were trapped,” he said.

Besides, there are many who are injured during these rescue operations.

Paying the price “They had to pay the price for the mistakes of others,” said the officer, and added that most of the people are rescued after hours of intensive efforts.

As it has been reported, people acted irresponsibly and continued to enter areas where flash flood warnings had been issued.

While on Tuesday night sev-

Sayyid Shihab leaves for Egypt MUSCAT: As delegated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said left for Egypt on Wednesday to attend the opening ceremony of the new Suez Canal on Thursday.

Sayyid Shihab is accompanied

by Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, Dr. Abdul Monem bin Mansour Al Hassani, Minister of Information and Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Oman’s envoy to Egypt. -ONA

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eral people were rescued by the PACDA personnel from two trapped cars in Wadi Al Fiad in Al Buraimi governorate, last Friday four persons trapped inside a vehicle in Al Haja Wadi in Dahiar region were rescued. Also, two people lost their lives in Wadi Al Shahoom in Ibri.

The PACDA official said that besides all these incidents, video clips of people crossing wadis were being circulated on social media, which proves that they do not take the PACDA messages seriously. “Our officials try their best to spread awareness among the public but people do not seem to care,” added the officer. >A6

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The father of Zainab Labbad, the Saudi girl who was struck by a stray bullet in Musandam Governorate more than a week ago, has praised the Omani authorities for taking care of his daughter. >A2

INDIA

PAKISTAN

Hostages overpower Wasim Akram fired terrorist after attack at, escapes unhurt

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A suspected Pakistani militant was captured after a deadly attack on a para-military convoy in the India-administered Kashmir region. This follows a recent attack on a police station in Punjab state in which seven people were killed. >A9

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Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram said he was lucky to escape unscathed when a gunman opened fire at his car after a traffic collision. Akram, one of the best left-arm fast bowlers ever to play the game, was on his way to coach at a training camp. >A11

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The ministry took the responsibility of transporting the child and family in a private plane from Musandam to Muscat Mohammad Hussein Labbad, Zaibnab’s father

Bullet-hit Saudi girl is back home Zainab’s father, Mohammad Hussein Labbad, praised Oman’s Ministry of Health for their constant attention towards his child’s health RECOVERING: Representatives of the Public Relations Depart-

Times News Service MUSCAT: The father of Zainab Labbad, the Saudi girl who was struck by a stray bullet in Musandam Governorate more than a week ago, has praised the Omani authorities for taking care of his daughter.

Zainab reached Dammam in Saudi Arabia after undergoing a successful surgery to remove the bullet that was lodged in her left cheek, reported Saudi newspaper Alyoum.

Upon their arrival at King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, the family and Zainab were greeted by airport officials

ment at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) visited the girl at Al Nahdha Hospital.- ONA

and members of the media, along with family and friends.

Zainab’s father, Mohammad Hussein Labbad, praised the Omani Ministry of Health for their constant attention towards his child’s health.

Ministry’s support “The ministry took the responsibility of transporting the child and family in a private plane from Musandam to Muscat. They also had doctors, consultants and nurses monitor the child constantly,” said Labbad.

He also added that Al Nahda

Hospital monitored the child from the time she was admitted till the time she was discharged.

The hospital also granted Zainab’s family open visiting hours and said that they also threw party to celebrate the child’s successful surgery. “She is much better now,” he assured.

The Saudi Arabian embassy is currently co-ordinating with the Sultanate’s authorities on the criminal case against the shooter.

The Royal Oman Police has arrested the accused and is expected to complete legal proceedings soon.

ROP ACTION

Bid to smuggle people in car trunk foiled Times News Service MUSCAT: An attempt to smuggle two people through Al Saara’a border post into the Sultanate, was foiled by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

The two illegal migrants were found in the trunk of a vehicle

driven by a citizen who was helping them to enter the country.

The two were found without legal documents.

Wadi Al Fiad rescue People trapped in two cars in Wadi Al Fiad of the Al Buraimi Governorate were rescued on

Tuesday night, tweeted the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance.

The rescuers and police personnel managed to rescue those on board without any of the victims suffering injuries.

They also managed to pull out the vehicle from the wadi.

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mobile vehicles launched in Salalah will be used as outlets for the sale of fast foods, meals, juices, fruits and craft industries products.>A5

R O P O P E R AT I O N

Asian arrested on murder charge

BLAZE IN GHALA PESTICIDES STORE BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL

A fire, which broke out in a store belonging to the directorate general of gardens and landscaping of Muscat Municipality in Ghala industrial area early this morning, has been brought under control, Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) said. The store contained pesticides, PACDA informed. No injuries were reported. — Photos courtesy PACDA

Times News Service MUSCAT: A man of Asian nationality was arrested by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) on the charge of murdering a fellow national.

A statement from the ROP said that the alleged killer was arrested by the Directorate General for Criminal Investigations within 48 hours of the murder as investigations were launched immediately.

The incident took place in Khabourah.

Lt Col Abdullah Al Zaidi, director general of Criminal Investigations and Inquiry from the ROP, North Al Batinah, said, “Search operations commenced immediately to find the killer, who was of the same nationality as the victim.

Investigations led us to his location in Wilayat Al Suwaiq where he was arrested.”

The suspect confessed to his crime, he added. “The victim was struck on the head with a steel bar which resulted in him collapsing.

IMMEDIATE ACTION: The

alleged killer was arrested within 48 hours of the crime.

The suspect then stabbed him to death,” said the official.

As for the motive, Lt. Col. Al Zaidi said, “He committed the murder because of “personal reasons” and there was no financial dispute or anything else on those lines between him and the victim.”

Meanwhile, during the police operation, a group of labourers were also arrested after they were found violating the labour and residency laws.

Omani scholar breaks new research grounds Fatma’s research is to enable the fabrication of devices that can be used for magnetic field sensing for future data storage technologies Times News Service MUSCAT: An Omani researcher has been involved with a team of scientists from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, which has demonstrated for the first time how to generate magnetism in metals that are not naturally magnetic, which could end our reliance on some rare and toxic elements currently used.

The outcome of the study that has been published in the jour- Fatma Al Ma’Mari nal ‘Nature’, detail a way to alter the quantum interactions of the College of Science at the of matter in order to ‘fiddle Sultan Qaboos University, and is the numbers’ in a mathemati- pursuing her PhD in the School cal equation that determines of Physics and Astronomy at the whether elements are magnetic, University of Leeds.

Commenting on the research, called the Stoner Criterion.

Fatma Al Ma’Mari, the co-lead Al Ma’Mari said, “being able to author of the article, is a lecturer generate magnetism in materials in the Department of Physics that are not naturally magnetic

opens new paths to devices that use abundant and hazardless elements, such as carbon and copper.”

Magnets are used in many industrial and technological applications, including power generation in wind turbines, memory storage in hard disks and in medical imaging. “Future technologies, such as quantum computers, will require a new breed of magnets with additional properties to increase storage and processing capabilities. Our research is a step towards creating such ‘magnetic metamaterials’ that can fulfil this need,” said Al Ma’Mari.

Al Ma’Mari joined the Condensed Matter Physics group at the University of Leeds in October 2012 to do her PhD in conjunction with Sultan Qaboos University.

ART SHOW

Bait Al Zubair exhibits ‘hands on heritage’ at Salalah festival

ARTISTIC TREAT: Titled ‘Moments’, the exhibition consists of a wide variety of landscapes

and seascapes both inside and outside Oman.–Supplied photos

Times News Service MUSCAT: For the second consecutive year, Bait Al Zubair is holding an exhibition at the Salalah Festival from August 5 to August 9 in the Oman Hall at the municipality recreation centre.

Bait Al Zubair will be exhibiting their curated selection of pieces from the unique Omani heritage collection along with a panel exhibition about the museum. The exhibition is complemented by a ‘hands on heritage’ selection where people can hold, feel and examine the historical items. It will also include a selection of photographs taken by Mohammad Al Zubair.

Titled ‘Moments’, the exhibition consists of a wide variety of landscapes and seascapes both inside and outside Oman. Through this exhibition, Mohammad Al Zubair wanted to share with people his experience and enjoyment of the moments recorded by his camera.

In these moments, at different places and times, one sees the combination of the magic of nature, the ability of the creator and what he offered to humanity through arts and technology.

The photographer has chosen to present his scenes and moments in a new form using the latest imaging techniques and printing on aluminium plates. As people see them, they feel as if they were present when it happened.

Fahad Al Hasni, exhibition and collection manager at Bait Al Zubair said, “Our participation at the Salalah Festival is aimed at highlighting the rich Omani heritage and the role of Bait Al Zubair to link people with their heritage through our collection. We hope that through this exhibition people can get a feel of our wonderful collection, and be encouraged to visit and learn, and also be a part of

Oman’s rich heritage and contemporary art.”

The wide range of collections and Omani artefacts displayed at Bait Al Zubair go back a number of centuries and are considered the finest privately owned collections in Oman. Bait Al Zubair consists of five separate buildings. These are Bait Al Bagh, Bait Al Dalaleel, Bait Al Oud, Bait Al Nahdhah and Gallery Sarah, as well as a garden with a number of traditional features, a café and a gift shop.

One of the best heritage sites in the country, Bait Al Zubair in Muscat is open to the public from Saturday to Thursday between 9.30 am and 6.00 pm.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

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Mobile outlets for Salalah tourists

MOBILE FACILITIES: The pact will finance the manufacture of seven mobile vehicles that will be used as outlets for the sale of fast food, meals, juices, fruits and craft industries products.– Supplied photos

The mobile tourism plan will be launched from Salalah to meet the needs of inbound tourists Times News Service MUSCAT: Agreements to launch mobile tourism services at Salalah Port were signed on Wednesday.

Among other elements, the agreement will finance the manufacture of seven mobile vehicles that will be used as outlets for the sale of fast foods, meals, juices, fruits and craft industries products.

Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism, said that this project builds upon the success of the tourism services stations in Jabal Al Akhdar in the governorate of Al Dakhiliyah. The project

will be launched from Salalah Port to meet the needs of inbound tourists and will be rolled over later to the tourist sites in Dhofar Governorate.

The finance agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Ministry of Tourism by Al Mahrouqi, Awadh bin Hassan Al Shanfari, CEO of Salalah Methanol, Tariq bin Suleiman Al Farsi, CEO of Al Raffd Fund and Nassir bin Mubarak Al Alawi, Acting CEO of the Public Authority for SMEs Development ‘Riyada’.

The agreement will allow the private sector to support tourism initiatives and SMEs that will benefit the local community. It is also aimed at providing technical

support and training to owners of SMEs. A team of the respective stakeholders will be formed to supervise the implementation of the project and develop guidelines for financial facilities, their terms, beneficiaries and the criteria that should be met by applicants.

The team will select entrepreneurs as per the preset objective criteria and after coordinating with the respective stakeholders to provide training for entrepreneurs who will work on the project.

The team will submit regular progress reports and will follow up on the performance of the entrepreneurs.

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As the national airline of the Sultanate, Oman Air enjoys a proud history of supporting a range of community-based and educational initiatives Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air

Oman Air, partners to aid special students The national carrier

BOOSTING TIES: The cultural days highlight the Sultanate’s rich

joined hands with

heritage as well as its diverse tourism and cultural potentials.– ONA

Omani heritage, tourism potential showcased in Rio RIO DE JANEIRO: To showcase the Sultanate’s rich culture and heritage, as well as its diverse tourism and cultural potentials, “Omani Cultural Days” was organised in Rio de Janeiro.

Under the patronage of Pedro Spadale, Deputy Minister for International Relations of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the opening ceremony of the Omani Cultural Days was held at France-Brazil House in Rio de Janeiro.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Sheikh Hamad bin Hilal Al Ma’amari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture for Cultural Affairs, Hassan bin Mohammed Al Lawatia, Advisor of Minister of Heritage and Culture, Dr. Khalid bin Said

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Al Jaradi, Sultanate’s Ambassador to Brazil and Dr. Mohammed Al Ma’amari, Scientific Advisor at the office of Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.

Al Jaradi said that organising the Omani cultural days in Brazil coincides with the 450th anniversary of the establishment of Rio de Janeiro city.

On his turn, Deputy Minister for International Relations of the State of Rio de Janeiro said that his country looks forward to expand the relations with Oman to cover the cultural and intellectual areas.

He affirmed that this occasion is a great opportunity for the Brazilian people to get familiarised with the Sultanate’s heritage and civilisation. -ONA

Sinking of ferry

Following the sinking of ferry on Tuesday, Ministry of Transport and Communications has banned all private ferries from operating until the investigations are complete.

Masirah residents have also reiterated the call for the early construction of the bridge connecting

Shinnah and Masirah.

The bridge, which would be around 18 kilometres long, was suggested by the government to ease the movement of people from Masirah to other areas.

“This will promote tourism and economic prospects in Masira Island,” he said.

the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises and the Al Raffad Fund to help empower students with special needs in the Sultanate SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Participants expressed their gratitude for Oman Air’s efforts in creating

Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air is partnering with the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises and the Al Raffad Fund to help empower students with special needs in Oman.

The partnership resulted in a workshop, held in Muscat, which emphasised the importance of providing financial backing for such students to develop their skills and provide them with a vocation. In addition, a presentation was made to the students.

In the course of the presentation, the significance of economic independence, and the steps to create one’s own business were explained.

The availability of practical and financial support provided by the Al Raffad Fund was also outlined.

Participants expressed their gratitude for Oman Air’s efforts in creating opportunities for students with additional support needs.

The event represented a con-

opportunities for students with additional support needs. – Supplied photo

The event represented a continuation of Oman Air’s educational and community engagement in Oman

tinuation of Oman Air’s educational and community engagement in Oman.

It was the latest in a series of educational activities and corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by Oman Air with the aim of promoting self-development, social entrepreneurship, and the creation of sustainable development solutions.

Paul Gregorowitsch, chief executive officer of Oman Air, said, “As

the national airline of the Sultanate, Oman Air enjoys a proud history of supporting a range of community-based and educational initiatives. We are therefore very pleased to be continuing this work by joining with the Public Authority for Small and Medium enterprises and the Al Raffad Fund to run this important workshop.

“The continued economic and industrial success of Oman depends on its young people. Identifying their abilities, supporting their education and training, and empowering them to achieve their full potential are a priority,” he said.

“This workshop has aimed to raise awareness of the importance of meeting the needs of all our students. It has also provided practical guidance and advice about independent living and where further support can be accessed.

And it has highlighted the vital importance of Oman’s SME sector in providing the economic and

social opportunities which will enable today’s students to develop thriving careers. We look forward to seeing all today’ students, including those with special needs, become tomorrow’s employment success stories,” he added.

Dr Khalid bin Abdul Wahab Al Balushi, senior manager, Government Relations and Sustainable Development at Oman Air, who organised the workshop said Capabilities “Oman Air takes every available opportunity to develop the capabilities of young Omanis through training programmes. Wherever possible, this is achieved in collaboration with partners such as government departments, charitable organisations and the private sector. Through these efforts and initiatives, Oman Air is proud to contribute to the enrichment and well-being of all Oman’s students, especially those with special needs.”

WORKSHOP

Inclusive education and motivation are key to better future of children it would help them to interact as much as possible with his or her normal peers.

At this juncture, Dr Debashish added his opinion on a question asked by a teacher. He said that every teacher faces autistic children in his or her class and they should know each child.

Later, Santha conducted a session for parents of children with special needs. After a brief interaction with the parents, she asked them about their feelings of being a parent of a child with special needs.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Focus was on inclusive education at a one-day workshop on the challenges and management in inclusive education.

The workshop was hosted by Indian School Salalah at the school auditorium for teachers handling classes from Kindergarten to Class VIII on August 1.

A press release issued by the school said, inclusive education is concerned with removing all barriers related to learning, with the participation of learners vulnerable to exclusion and marginality.

It addresses to common goals of decreasing or overcoming all exclusion from education.

Indian School Salalah has always been instrumental in facilitating learning, the release added.

The inaugural session was graced by Ram Santhanam, president of the school management committee (SMC), SMC members Dr Debashish Bhattacharya, C Vinay Kumar, and Rajput Dhanraj, Dr Lovely Eugene, occupational therapist at the Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah, T R Brown, principal, Omana Mathews, vice principal, S Srinivasan, assistant vice principal, Dr Aruna Shukla, counsellor, various department heads and in-charges.

Jane D’mello, faculty in Eng-

REMOVING BARRIERS: Speakers stressed the need for taking care of children with special needs. Photo-Supplied

lish, welcomed the gathering and gave a detailed introduction of the resource person Simmi Santha, a behavioural therapist.

Outlining the purpose and importance of the workshop, Santha said that teachers face numerous challenges in implementing inclusive education and urged the audience to think about it from their point of view.

In the first session, points such as intellectual difference, sensory disabilities, communication disabilities, and speech and language difficulties, in addition to physical and health difficulties, behaviour-

al disorders and development disabilities were discussed in detail.

The second session was conducted by Dr Eugene. She began with brain gym exercises and educational kinesiology where the teachers enjoyed doing various exercises. The session was then continued by Santha.

She stressed on the importance of teachers’ attitudes towards special children. She also mentioned that a special child should be placed with normal peers, and special services should be ensured while such children are being enrolled in regular classes, as

Great care She spoke to them about handling the children with great care, love and affection. She also motivated them by giving valuable suggestions and advised them individually to accept their children as they are.

Moreover, a formation of a Special Needs Children’s parental group, who would meet once a month, was suggested.

At the end of the session, while thanking the resource person, Santhanam said, “the workshop on inclusive education is a service.” Santhanam and Brown presented a memento to Santha, while Mythili Narayanan, primary in-charge, proposed a vote of thanks.

RISKING LIVES

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A1 ‘Act like responsible citizens’ “We repeated calls made earlier this week to avoid areas where rains and flash floods have been reported,” he said.

Most wadis in several areas which have been receiving heavy rainfall are overflowing.

Sultan Al Abri, Majlis Al Shura member from Ibri said, “We should not take our officials for granted. They are there to protect us. We should not give them a chance to risk their lives for us.

Instead we have to act like re-

sponsible citizens.” “It has been raining in different places in Oman. People should not enter the wadis well aware that there are in imminent danger. As experts have been telling us vehicles behave differently when driven in water,” said Al Abri.

Mark Pudwell, business development and training manager, Competence HR, said that a weather event many kilometres away can affect wadis and that conditions may change rapidly,

so this requires everyone to be extremely vigilant.

He also believed that failing to heed warnings is not only irresponsible but could cost you your life and potentially that of a would-be rescuer.

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REGION

Outages in the Libyan capital Tripoli lasting up to 18 hours a day have forced the country’s biggest steel company to close as well as dozens of bakeries and petrol stations.

Yemenis stock food and fuel after ships diversion order Yemen’s government in exile decided to divert aid ships from the Houthi rebelheld north to loyalist areas farther south

SANAA/ADEN: Residents in the Yemeni capital Sanaa are stocking up on rare food and fuel supplies after the government in exile decided to divert aid ships from the Houthi rebel-held north to loyalist areas farther south.

Sources in Yemen’s government confirmed the move, though there has been no official announcement, and Yemen’s exiled information minister said on Tuesday that commercial flights would be diverted from the capital to the southern port of Aden.

The decisions come as southern fighters backed by weapons and air strikes by Gulf countries and allies have made rapid gains on southern battlefields against the Houthi rebels.

A Saudi-led alliance has been bombing Yemen’s dominant group since March in support of the country’s exiled leadership, which now seeks to reestablish its base from Aden.

Fears “Gas stations have closed, and there are fears that the coalition will impose a siege on Sanaa and the cities of the north. We’re afraid,” said Ali Saleh, who was searching for ways to fill up his taxi. “Everybody’s afraid of the possibility that fighting will break out in Sanaa, and we ask God to protect us,” he said.

JUBILANT: Fighters loyal to Yemen’s exiled President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi gather on a road in the country’s southern province

of Lahj on Tuesday. – Reuters

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Residents in the capital scrambled to stock up on food from stores as the black market price for 20 litres of petrol jumped to $60 in recent days compared to an official price of $15.

The Arab coalition has enforced a near-blockade on the country to prevent arms shipments, but had for almost four months allowed trade and aid vessels to dock at Houthi-controlled ports to relieve hungry Yemenis in the north.

The Houthi movement seized Sanaa and much of the rest of the country in September in what they have called a revolution.

Southern forces loyal to the exiled government have been on the defensive in four months of fight-

ing and bombing that have killed over 4,000 people, but have made lightning advances northward, seizing Yemen’s biggest military base this week.

Ali Al Ahmadi, a spokesman for the anti-Houthi forces, said the Houthis were ejected from all of the key province of Lahej on Wednesday, bringing the number of southern provinces under antiHouthi control to three.

The militia sources said 13 internally displaced people returning to their homes in the area were killed by landmines planted by the Houthis amid the fighting. Meanwhile, pro-government forces pursued fleeing Houthi rebels in south Yemen, military sources said, as they looked to press recent gains against the rebels, including the retaking of a key airbase.

Soldiers loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi wrested control on Tuesday of

Al Anad airbase in Lahj province -- one of Yemen’s largest military facilities -- from the Houthis, and later advanced to take provincial capital Huta.

Military and medical sources said that at least 39 rebels and 17 loyalist fighters had been killed since Tuesday around Huta, which had been in Houthi hands since March. “(The situation in) Huta is under control after search operations last night and this morning,” a military source said.

Rebel fighters beat a retreat in the Wadi Al Husseini region around the road linking Al Anad and Huta, the source said, adding that Lahj’s provincial governor was expected to visit Huta.

The recapture of Al Anad is a major boost for the defence of second city Aden and paves the way for a possible return by the exiled government to the southern port which was its last refuge before

it fled into exile in neighbouring Saudi Arabia in March. Al Anad, 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Aden, is strategically located on the main road north towards both the battleground third city of Taez and rebel-held capital Sanaa. The vast complex housed US troops overseeing a drone war against Al Qaeda in Yemen until shortly before the rebels overran it.

Its loss is a major blow to the insurgents, whose leader Abdulmalik Al Houthi claimed just Sunday that their ouster from Aden after four months of ferocious fighting was merely a “short-term” setback that would be reversed.

To secure Yemen’s second city, pro-government forces are seeking to retake areas in Lahj and neighbouring Abyan province in a bid to prevent a rebel riposte.

A spokesman for the pro-Hadi forces said on Wednesday however that “the liberation of Zinjibar is now close”. — Agencies

EASING BLACKOUTS

Libya to get electricity from Egypt, Tunisia TRIPOLI: Libya will import electricity from Egypt and Tunisia and rent generators as it struggles with power outages that have plunged its main cities into darkness, the Tripoli-based prime minister said.

Four years of fighting following the ousting of leader Muammar Gaddafi has hobbled Libya’s oil industry and power grid, with damaged plants and foreign firms reluctant to deliver spare parts needed to repair them.

Outages in the capital Tripoli lasting up to 18 hours a day have forced the country’s biggest steel company to close as well as dozens of bakeries and petrol stations.

The blackouts are even worse in the east where the main city of Benghazi has seen only sporadic power in the past few days, shutting down the mobile phone network for much of the day.

Libya will get 250 megawatts (MW) (0.25 gigawatts GW) of electricity from neighbouring Tunisia and 75 MW from Egypt, Khalifa Al Ghwell told a televised news conference on Tuesday.

Al Ghwell said his government had also rented generators with a capacity of 240 MW, adding that the closure of steel firm Lisco would save 100 MW which will be fed into the Tripoli grid.

There are also plans to try to restart the Sarir power plant this week, he said.

Al Ghwell provided no details on delivery of the electricity nor on how the scheme would be funded.

In November, APR Energy Plc, which runs temporary power plants, said it had suspended its Libya operations, citing unfinished paperwork by Libyan authorities regarding renewal of a 450-MW power contract. Al Ghwell is prime minister of the National Salvation government set up in Tripoli after an alliance of armed factions from Misrata and other western regions called Libya Dawn took control of the capital in August 2014. — Reuters

BOOSTING TIES

Italian prime minister invites Iran’s president to visit Rome TEHRAN: Italy on Wednesday invited Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani to Rome for an official visit, as its foreign minister held talks in Tehran following last month’s historic nuclear accord.

Paolo Gentiloni delivered the invitation from Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Rouhani’s website reported, a week after France asked the moderate president to visit Paris in November.

Rouhani said he “hoped to visit Italy, which enjoys an ancient civilisation and culture, at the proper time”.

Several senior diplomats have shuttled in and out of Iran since July 14, when Tehran, after years of negotiations, struck an agreement with six world powers over its nuclear programme.

“We can use the atmosphere after this agreement to the benefit of both sides and the European Union,” Rouhani said in a meeting with Italian ministers and business leaders on Wednesday.

“Today, there are numerous grounds for Iran to attract foreign investments.”

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PARLEYS: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, right, meets Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, left, in Tehran on Wednesday. – Reuters/President.ir/Handout

The nuclear deal, which will see economic sanctions lifted after years of poor relations with the West, has sparked a flurry of interest from countries seeking to deal with Iran.

Iranian Economy Minister Ali Tayebnia said that trade with Italy stood at $7 billion (6.4 billion euros) a year before sanctions were

introduced. “That number had dropped to $1.5 billion due to the restrictions,” he was quoted as saying by Iranian news sites.

“We should try to reach our past historical record” of economic cooperation, he added.

Tayebnia said Italy had agreed to buy Iranian oil once sanctions were lifted.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who led the negotiations with world powers, met Gentiloni on Tuesday. The Italian told his counterpart he hoped the historic nuclear agreement would serve as “a successful example for resolving differences,” the IRNA official news agency reported.

Italy’s economic development

minister Federica Guidi met Wednesday in Tehran with Iranian trade and industry minister Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, it added. Last week, France’s foreign minister, who had pursued a hard line during the nuclear talks, invited Rouhani to visit Paris in November, for what would be the first Iranian state visit to France since 1999.

Moualem meets Zarif Meanwhile, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al Moualem who arrived in Tehran on Tuesday met with officials from Iran and Russia. Moualem on July 24 reiterated his government’s view that Iran’s support for Damascus would continue after the deal. He held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Speaking about Moualem’s visit, Iranian

deputy foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian suggested the chances of a diplomatic resolution of the war were growing.

“Fortunately we see a change in the strategy of regional players in the Syrian crisis. If four years ago they believed war is the only solution, now they prefer to focus on diplomacy,” he was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency.

In an article published in four Arab newspapers on Monday, Zarif suggested a regional dialogue committee be formed to tackle the multiple crises in the Middle East.

“Nowhere in the world needs this mechanism more than the Gulf region, and the Middle East ... No one can fight against extremist groups like the IS in Iraq, while helping them grow in Yemen and Syria,” he said.

Russia has called for wider international cooperation to fight IS. Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Bogdanov and Abdollahian, during a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday, “supported the formation of a wide anti-terrorist front.” — Agencies

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

INDIA

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Hostages overpower terrorist after attack A group of militants attacked a Border Security Force convoy on JammuSrinagar national highway in Udhampur earlier on Wednesday, killing two and wounding 11 CAUGHT: Police with apprehended suspected Pakistani terrorist

SRINAGAR (INDIA): A suspected Pakistani militant was on Wednesday captured after a deadly attack on a para-military convoy in the India-administered Kashmir region, officials said.

This follows a recent attack on an Indian police station in Punjab state in which seven people were killed and intermittent clashes on their disputed border in Kashmir.

A group of militants attacked a Border Security Force (BSF) convoy on Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Udhampur earlier on Wednesday, killing two BSF soldiers and wounding 11.

A resident of Ghulam Mustafabad (Faisalabad) in Pakistan, Mohammed Naved, believed to be in his early 20s, who along with another militant attacked the BSF convoy, was caught alive after he was pinned down by two of the five people he had taken hostage at a school, officials said.

Another terrorist involved in the strike on the BSF convoy was shot dead in retaliatory fire. Naved identified him as Noman alias Momin, who hailed from Bhawalpur in Pakistan.

Last week, gunmen stormed

after an attack on a BSF convoy in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. -PTI

a police station and killed seven people in India’s Punjab state, south of Kashmir. India said the gunmen had come from Pakistan, according to an analysis of a GPS tracking device they carried. Pakistan had rejected the assertion that the gunmen involved in the Punjab attack came from Pakistan, calling it “unsubstantiated and unwarranted”. There was no immediate word from Pakistan on the gunman captured on Wednesday.

Order The Indian government had last week ordered security forces to try to take alive the militants holed up in a police station during the Punjab attack to nail down evidence of their identities. But the men were killed in the day-long operation.

“Taking a man alive is a significant breakthrough. We need to know who these people are,” said A.S. Dulat, former head of India’s external spy agency. The development comes ahead of scheduled talks between the national security advisors of India and Paki-

stan later this month. The daring act of two hostages in overpowering their captor--a suspected Pakistani terrorist --after a tough struggle amid a hail of bullets helped in netting a terror catch that could give valuable leads.

The arrest “He was caught by those whom he took hostage. Two of them, besides some village defence committee (VDC) members, also helped in his arrest during the operation,” Commissioner (DC) Udhampur, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary told PTI. Naved, after the attack in NassuSamroli area, escaped and took five people hostage in a school building in a nearby hamlet.

“As I came out of my house after hearing a gun shot, this militant came and asked me to come with him. He had already taken three-four people along,” Rakesh Kumar, a youth who was taken hostage, said.

Army and Police then cordoned off the area surrounding the school to rescue the hostages. “We were

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taken at gunpoint to the school.

He asked us to show us the route to escape from the area,” another hostage, Vikramjeet said.

The militant threatened them that if they didn’t show him the route, he would kill their family, he said, adding that they also offered him some food.

While the other three, Desraj, Subash Sharma and Jeevan, managed to escape, Vikramjeet and Rakesh fought with the militant and caught him after a tough struggle. “I caught his neck and he (Rakesh) caught hold of the gun. He (the militant) fired a few rounds but we escaped narrowly and caught him,” Vikramjeet said.

Fortunately there were no students in the school in view of the strike for demand for an All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu, the DC said, adding that large quantity of arms and ammunition have been recovered from the captured militant.

This is the first suspected Pakistani terrorist to be captured alive after Ajmal Kasab, who was nabbed during the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008 in which 166 people were killed. Authorities used his testimony to show that the assault was plotted by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) militant group. The gunman was later executed.

Talks on Meanwhile, official sources in New Delhi told Press Trust of India that India will go ahead with the National Security Advisorlevel talks with Pakistan notwithstanding the terror strike.

“We are still awaiting a response from Islamabad to our proposal to hold the talks between the two National Security Advisors on August 23-24 here,” official sources said.

The recent terror attack in Gurdaspur and Wednesday’s incident in Udhampur had triggered speculation that India may call off the upcoming parleys. -Agencies

S TAT E M E N T

No verification needed for reissue of passports now

MUCH-NEEDED STEP: There is no proposal to discontinue Tatkaal system, as it serves the purpose of issuing passports for urgent travel needs, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told Lok Sabha in a written reply. -Times of Oman file photo

NEW DELHI: No police verification is required for reissue of passports, the Indian government said on Wednesday.

“For reissue of passports, police verification is not required, provided the first passport had been issued on the basis of clear police report,” Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told Lok Sabha in a written reply.

The decision will have a significant impact on applicants facing delay due to mandatory police verification for re-issuance of his or her passport.

As per existing provisions, minors, government servants and senior citizens (65 years and above) are exempted from police verification subject to certain conditions, he said.

Singh said there was no proposal under consideration to discontinue ‘Tatkaal’ system for issuing passports for urgent travel needs. “It is a fact that with the overall improvement in delivery of passport services, the incidence of Tatkaal passport is com-

ing down progressively from 11 per cent in 2012-13 to six per cent in 2014-15.

“However, there is no proposal to discontinue Tatkaal system, as it serves the purpose of issuing passports for urgent travel needs,” the minister said.

Online verification Meanwhile, the Home Ministry is working on a country-wide online police verification project for passports that will cut down the time required for issuing the travel document from a month, at present, to just a week.

The project is likely to be launched from Bengaluru in November.

Under the project the head of district police-- SP or DCP -will be given access to databases of National Population Register, Aadhaar and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) to enable online verification of identity, address and criminal record, if any, of the applicant. -PTI

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

INDIA

Mozambique can be a large and a proximate source of natural gas, coal and other minerals that are so important to drive our growth Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

29 die as 2 trains derail on flash flood-hit bridge The twin derailment that occurred at around the same time at about 11:30pm last night involved the Varanasi-bound Kamayani Express from Mumbai and the Mumbai-bound Janata Express coming from opposite directions SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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HARDA (MADHYA PRADESH): Twenty-nine people were killed when two express trains passing each other derailed while crossing a railway bridge struck by flash floods in Harda district of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in the dead of night sending 17 bogies and one engine tumbling into a rain-swollen river, officials said.

The twin derailment that occurred at around the same time at about 11:30 pm last night involved the Varanasi-bound Kamayani Express from Mumbai, which capsized first, and the Mumbaibound Janata Express originating from Patna that was coming from the opposite direction. Officials said that 25 people were injured and over 250 passengers have been rescued. There were conflicting versions on the exact number of casualties in the accident that occurred between Khirkiya and Bhirangi stations on Khandwa-Itarsi sections, 160 km from Bhopal after the 500-metre rail tracks over a small bridge sank in sudden surge of water caused by heavy rains in the area.

DOUBLE TRAGEDY: Rescue work in progress at the site where Kamayani Express and Janata express trains derailed within minutes of each other while crossing a small bridge in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. -PTI

“29 bodies, including those of 13 men, 11 women and five children, have been recovered so far from the mishap site, about 160 km from Bhopal,” MP Government spokesman Anupam Rajan told PTI. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, however, told Parliament that as per available information 12 passengers were killed. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Bhopal, Alok Kumar said that 11 passengers of Janata Express and one from Kamayani Express were found dead.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said 25 passengers were killed in the mishap and 50 others injured. Twelve bodies were found inside the derailed train bogies, he told reporters at the mishap site.

Prabhu said that a flash flood caused the swollen Machak river to overflow and wash out a section of the rail tracks, leading to the derailment of the two trains. “The prima facie cause of the incident is stated to be ‘flash flood due to heavy rains’,” Prabhu told the Rajya Sabha amid the din by sloganshouting opposition members.

Passengers said they were thrown awake by the falling bogies which quickly filled with muddy water. “We felt the jerk instantly.

When we opened the door and checked, there was water everywhere. In no time, the train tilted.

MONEY LAUNDERING

And we all got trapped and were stuck for three hours,” a survivor said. “The water level on the track was almost waist-high,” said another survivor.

A PTI correspondent at the site saw some bogies lay fallen on one side and others leaning in the mud.

Tracks were broken, uprooted and scattered, and a detached train wheel was visible in one section.

Though the MP government said that 21 coaches of the two trains derailed, Alok Kumar said seven bogies of the Janata Express plus engine and 10 of Kamayani Express had derailed.

‘Unprecedented rains’ “Prima facie it appears that the cause behind the mishap was heavy rains that was never witnessed in Harda region in my recent memory. Due to it, base material under the tracks got washed out and the overhead contact of the engine got disconnected because of which the trains got stranded on the tracks over the bridge on Machak river,” Chouhan said.

The Railway Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the twin derailment and announced an enhanced ex-gratia of Rs200,000 each to the next of the kin of deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed distress and pain

over the loss of lives in the twin derailment and said authorities are doing everything possible on the ground.

Railway Spokesperson Anil Saxena said just eight minutes before the accident, two trains had crossed that section and their drivers did not detect any problem.

Commissioner Railway Safety (central zone) will conduct an inquiry into the accidents, he added.

Services of more than 50 trains were affected due to the mishap as many were diverted and shortterminated. The 500-metre rail track which caved in not among the vulnerable sections identified by the Railways during monsoon, a top Railway official said.

Railways undertake pre-monsoon preparation every year on vulnerable section as precautionary measure and the derailment spot was not among those identified sections, Chairman Railway Board (CRB) A K Mital said in Delhi.

Blaming the sudden surge of water as possible cause of the derailment, Mital said, “One cannot rule out natural calamity and the flash flood caused extensive damage to the track which resulted in the derailment. The track was otherwise alright and two trains crossed the track just eight minutes before the incident.” -PTI

PA R L I A M E N T

Government seeks Congress support to end deadlock NEW DELHI: There was no sign of end to the deadlock in the Indian Parliament even as the government on Wednesday made a fresh appeal to Congress to help ensure smooth functioning of the House and allow important legislations to be passed for “the country’s sake”.

“Not for the government or the BJP, please do a favour to the country. Allow legislations to be taken up in both houses. Don’t stall them... Opposition should leave politics aside for the country’s sake and take it forward by allowing Parliament to function,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said.

He said India has great opportunity for growth as its competitors are in bad shape and the climate is conducive for the country to grow faster and move forward. “No obstruction, no suspension. House should proceed smoothly,” Naidu said.

Sources in the government said though the government was keen to ensure that the suspension of 25 Congress MPs from Lok Sabha were revoked, the Congress had not shown any sign of blinking and had not come forward to give an assurance to the Speaker that they would not obstruct the House.

They said though suspensions have taken place only after exhausting all options, the demand of some parties to revoke the suspension can only be discussed after the consent of the suspended members. The government favoured bringing normalcy to the House.

Obstructionists “People are overwhelmingly saying obstructionists are rightly suspended. People want legislative measures to be taken up for their welfare,” a senior functionary in the government said. In view of repeated obstructions by opposition in Rajya Sabha where the ruling coalition is in minority, there are talks that the government could convert some bills into money bills that do not require the assent of the Upper House.

“We cannot convert every bill into money bills. But that option is there. But, there have been precedents,” the top government functionary said. The government has maintained that the country

POLITICS

Non-bailable arrest Nitish, BJP leaders spar over warrant for former prime minister’s ‘DNA’ barb cricket boss Modi MUMBAI: A special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act on Wednesday issued a nonbailable arrest warrant (NBW) against former Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket boss Lalit Modi in connection with a case of money laundering following a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), India’s financial crimes investigating agency.

“Your (ED’s) application is allowed,” said Special Judge P R Bhavake while issuing the NBW. ED had moved the special court last week seeking NBW against Modi after he did not respond to summons sent to him. According to ED sources, this warrant will now be sent to the Ministry of External Affairs which in turn will be sending it to the United Kingdom.

Lalit Modi left the country shortly after the ED began its probe against him in 2009.

However, getting the NBW order did not come easy for the probe agency as the judge first questioned ED’s delay in seeking the NBW and later raised the jurisdictional issue too. The court also wanted to know why the agency was not arresting him and had sought the NBW, and whether a warrant can be issued during the investigation.

A senior ED officer confirmed to AFP via text message that the warrant had been issued by the court, which hears money laundering cases. “Yes, we have received the warrant for Lalit Modi’s arrest,” the official from ED said on condition of anonymity.

Modi was instrumental in found-

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj is under pressure to resign over her role in helping him gain a British passport. -File photo

ing and overseeing the moneyspinning Twenty20 IPL in 2008 before fleeing to London two years later when tax and financial crime authorities raided his premises.

Enforcement Directorate officers want to speak to him in connection with allegations that proceeds from the TV deal were funnelled to unauthorised beneficiaries in Singapore and Mauritius. The Enforcement Directorate is probing if part of this fee was allegedly siphoned off to unknown individuals, at the behest of Modi who was then IPL chairman.

Modi has more recently been embroiled in controversy with Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj who is under pressure to resign over her role in helping him gain a passport in Britain.

Modi was removed as chairman in 2010 and later banned for life from holding any positions in the sport by the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). -PTI/AFP

PATNA/NEW DELHI: Days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second visit to pollbound eastern Indian state of Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday raked up Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘DNA’ barb made against him at a recent rally, saying it was “an insult of people of Bihar” and asked him to withdraw it.

In an open letter to the PM, which was released on social media sites Facebook and Twitter, Kumar said the comment was “unbecoming” of the office he holds. “Your words have been taken as an insult by a large section of the people of the state and beyond. Most of us also feel that coming from you, the comment is rather unbecoming of the of- PLAYING THEIR HANDS: BJP leader Sushil Modi shakes hands fice you hold,” he said. with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during the first day of The Bihar chief minister, Monsoon session of Bihar Assembly in Patna on Monday. -PTI whose running feud with Narendra Modi is no secret, referred to PM’s proposed Gaya visit on that he is Bihar and any protest anger over advertisement in August 9 to drum up support against him meant that it was newspapers highlighting donation given by then Gujarat Chief for the BJP in state election and against the state.”

“Kumar, who is now in the Minister Narendra Modi for resaid he was writing this letter on behalf of those who felt hurt by company of Congress, probably habilitation of Kosi flood victims. is confused that he is Bihar like the statement.

Kumar’s view was shared Congress leader D K Barua who ‘Supreme arrogance’

by Congress, a partner in Bi- had said ‘India is Indira and In- Meanwhile, in New Delhi Union har. Congress leader Renuka dira is India’,” Sushil Modi, who Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Chaudhry said in Delhi, “PM was deputy chief minister during accused Nitish Kumar for equating his “supreme arrogance with should not have said so. He the NDA regime, told reporters.

“Nitish Kumar’s DNA is that the identity of Bihar”. should immediately withdraw The party also kept up its atthe comment as he is no more of betraying friends and allies whereas the DNA of Bihar repre- tack on Congress over the stalla pracharak.”

Though no word has come sents harmony and welcoming a ing of Parliament, saying the opposition party was sending from the PM so far, senior Bihar guest with dignity.

“DNA of Bihar does not teach a wrong message to the people BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi reacted to the JD(U) leader’s anybody to snatch a plate from and asked it to “introspect over charge and clarified that the PM in front of a guest after calling and reconsider its belligerence” meant to refer to “Kumar’s po- him for dinner,” he said referring as they expect the legislature to litical DNA.” Sushil Modi also to Kumar cancelling a dinner for pass pro-reform laws like goods hit out at Kumar for “considering BJP leaders in 2010 to express and services tax (GST). -PTI

badly needs the GST bill, the land bill and also the Real Estate Bill as these bills are directly linked to the growth of the country.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the growth rate can go up by another 1 to 2 per cent once the GST bill is passed. However, the three key legislations are struck in Rajya Sabha pending its approval. The government also criticised the Congress for its comments that it has “derived strength” and have gained by obstructing proceedings, saying the opposition party has a record of hundreds of suspensions in the past when they have been in power. Proceedings in Rajya Sabha continued to be paralysed and it has not transacted any business ever since it met for the Monsoon session on July 21.

Politics of poverty Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav has charged the opposition with playing politics over poverty. Measures like Land Bill and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are pro-poor, but opposition parties are not letting the Indian government usher in these revolutionary measures as they are playing politics over poverty, he said on Wednesday.

He further said that while the government has had to make some changes in the Land Acquisition Bill due to some compulsions, it remains steadfast in its resolve to help the poor. “Today, the kind of laws that we want to bring, whether it the land Bill or GST, they can usher in an economic revolution in the country. But the opposition is making efforts to stop the government in some way or the other,” said Madhav. Stating that every year two crore youths are ready to join the workforce whereas only twenty lakh jobs are created, the senior BJP leader said the Narendra Modi government thought that the situation needs to improve and infrastructure has to be built and, hence, brought in the Land Bill.

“But working against aspirations of the youth, our rivals have not allowed that Bill to come up. It is correct that under compulsion, the government has had to remove several things from that Bill.

These are political compulsions, but our resolve is steadfast as to why we brought it,” he said. -PTI DIPLOMACY

India to ramp up ties with Mozambique NEW DELHI: India and Mozambique on Wednesday decided to ramp up economic engagement, particularly in the energy sector with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the African nation can be a “large source” of coal and natural gas to drive the growth of Indian economy.

During his wide-ranging talks with President Filipe Nyusi, Modi hoped that Mozambique, with its estimated 180 trillion cubic feet of off-shore gas reserves, would provide an “encouraging environment” for Indian investments in various key areas including hydrocarbons, minerals and infrastructure.

Both sides inked an MoU on Cooperation in the field of renewable energy. The two leaders deliberated on a range of issues including cooperation in defence, maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, agriculture and ocean economy.

“Mozambique can be a large and a proximate source of natural gas, coal and other minerals that are so important to drive our growth. It also offers huge opportunities in agriculture sector,” Modi said.

Calling the discussions “fruitful and positive”, Nyusi said it was decided to enhance cooperation in a number of areas including oil and gas. Trade between the two countries has multiplied five times in the last five years. Mozambique hosts nearly 25 per cent of Indian investments in Africa.

“We spoke of our economic synergies and cooperation. I expressed hope that Mozambique would continue to provide an encouraging environment for investments from India, including in the areas of hydrocarbons, minerals and infrastructure,” he said. -PTI

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

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BRAZEN ATTACK: Pakistani policemen inspect the car of former cricket captain Wasim Akram after a gunman opened fire on his car in Karachi on Wednesday. — AFP

Akram escapes unhurt after being shot at A car hit mine, I stopped him and then his guy stepped out and fired at my car. He was definitely an official. I have noted the number of the car and given it to the police, Wasim told Express News KARACHI: Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram said on Wednesday he was lucky to escape unscathed when a gunman opened fire at his car after a traffic collision. Akram, one of the best left-arm fast bowlers ever to play the game, was on his way to coach at a training camp at the city’s National Stadium when the incident happened.

“A car hit mine, I stopped him and then his guy stepped out and fired at my car,” he said on the Express News channel.

“He was definitely an official, I have noted the number of the car and given it to the police.”

Identity revealed Initial reports had said the gunman did not aim at the cricketer.

But Akram later said the man had been about to shoot him when someone revealed who he was.

“He tried to shoot me, his gun was pointing at me, then people told him my identity and he fired at the side of my car,” Akram told reporters.

“Had the people not told him about me, he would have shot me.”

IN SHOCK: Pakistani former cricket captain Wasim Akram, right,

gives his statement to a police officer at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, after a gunman opened fire on his car in the southern port city. — AFP

Karachi is one of Pakistan’s most violent and unpredictable cities, racked on a daily basis by ethnic, political, sectarian and criminal bloodshed.

The 49-year-old Akram, Pakistan’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 414 in 104 matches, is one of the country’s best loved sportsmen.

He retired from playing in 2003

and is currently running a Pakistan Cricket Board fast bowling training camp at the National Stadium.

World Cup title Along with right-arm partner Waqar Younis, he formed one of the most fearsome fast bowling partnerships in cricket history, leading Pakistan to their sole World Cup title in 1992. — AFP

CONTROVERSIAL

SC backs military courts ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Wednesday approved controversial new military courts set up to hear terror cases, rejecting an attempt to have them ruled illegal.

Lawmakers had voted in January to amend the constitution to establish the military courts, as part of a crackdown on militancy following a Taliban massacre at a school which left more than 150 people -- mostly children -- dead.

The move prompted concern from rights activists and in April a group of lawyers challenged the constitutional amendment.

A 17-member bench of the Supreme Court dismissed their petition by 11 votes to six.

In his detailed judgment Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk said the court did not have the power to strike down constitutional amendments made by the elected parliament. But he said the decision to send a case for trial by military court and “any order passed or decision taken or sentence awarded” could be subject to judicial review in a normal court.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif welcomed the ruling, saying the “unusual step” of setting up military courts was necessary to defeat militants.

“This decision will discourage terrorism in the country,” he told parliament.

Kamran Murtaza, a former

President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and a petitioner in the case, told AFP they would consider asking the court to review its decision.

Not in accordance “We stated in our petitions that the matter of military courts is not in accordance with the constitution and it is against human rights,” Murtaza said.

“It affects the basic structure and independence of judiciary itself.”

Parliament has approved the use of the courts for the coming two years, and cases are referred to them by provincial governments. — AFP

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Economics behind Europe’s migrant crisis

WILLIAM PESEK

A

s our Eurostar train zipped from London through the Chunnel to Paris, I couldn’t help thinking about the thousands of migrants languishing on both sides of the Channel. Once again, national and regional political systems are struggling to cope with a mounting human tragedy and its spillover effects involve disruptions to commerce; and all this is stoking a political crisis.

The economics of the Channel migrant crisis are quite clear, being basically about supply, demand and regulatory failures. It also sheds light on the potential solutions, though they will take time to materialise.

The supply of migrants to Europe is fueled by waves of people fleeing the economic and social misery of their home countries -- and, in some case, political oppression, persecution and violence.

They do so in hopes of a better future for themselves and their children. The temptation for some to try and make it all the way to the U.K., often after a perilous sea crossing and a fraught trip through western Europe, is amplified by the attractiveness of an economy with low unemployment, comprehensive social services and a country where many already know the language.

Although the supply of migrants has increased, the demand for migrant labor has gone the other way. Tougher laws have made it harder and more dangerous for employers to hire undocumented workers.

And with a European unemployment rate of more than 10 percent, the demand is further damped.

This imbalance in supply and demand isn’t one that can be sorted out by the markets’ normal equilibrating mechanism.

The market-clearing wage -- that is, the price that would lower the migration incentive while facilitating the absorption of those still inclined to risk life and limb -is well below the minimum wage prevailing in Europe; and any meaningful reduction in the wage would involve significant and unacceptable social disruptions to local

populations in Europe.

The regulatory systems are not of much help either, pressured at multiple stages, from the countries of origin, to the points of transit and entry to Europe, to the final destinations. And where the regulatory system is aided by physical barriers -- such as the English Channel -- there are visible signs for all to see of migrants’ deprivation and desperation. In the process, the road transportation of all sorts of goods is disrupted, causing considerable economic losses. Food rots on trucks waiting to cross the Channel. Vehicles are immobilized, undermining supply chains. Private transportation, including tourism, is subject to long delays on account of congested roads and stepped-up security checks. And, even if the willingness were there, the social safety nets are too weak to cope with the human tragedies that play out every day.

All this is increasing pressures on politicians to resolve the problem. Yet effective solutions continue to evade them, both at the national and regional levels.

This isn’t a problem that will go away anytime soon, and for a simple depressing reason: The economics of this tragic situation call for a comprehensive collaborative solution, but the best the political system is able to come up with is a piecemeal, weakly coordinated approach.

It is an outcome that, at best, can alleviate some of the problems; it will not solve them in a decisive and durable fashion.

In a perfect world, revamped national approaches would be accompanied by meaningful cooperation, not just among European destination countries but also between them and the countries of origin and those through which undocumented migrants travel. But, unfortunately and tragically, this probably is too much to expect in a world in which Europe struggles to solve its internal issues, including the Greece crisis, while the countries from which so many migrants flee are fragile, with some on the verge of becoming failed states -- if they are not there already. —Bloomberg News.

READERS’ FORUM Hopefully, all Indian schools will follow the transport scheme launched by Indian School Darsait

This refers to the news story, School-managed bus transport a big safety boost (August 5). The new transport system launched by Indian School Darsait is a very important move. This, in my opinion, is a great decision for expatriate parents. I hope all other Indian schools in Muscat follow this programme as early as possible.

— Shanmugam Mohan, Seeb

Parents have a big role to make ISD transport plan a success

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

This refers to the news story, Schoolmanaged bus transport a big safety boost (August 5). I congratulate the management of Indian School Darsait for introducing the school-managed transport system fitted with desired safety features. This has been a long awaited demand of the worried parents and it will be a great relief for them if all other Indian schools in Oman follow suit with out wasting any more time. However apart from the school management, the parents too have to play a big role in making this initiative a success.

— Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi

Hotel rooms are too expensive

This refers to the online story, Ministry plans to launch 1,500 hotel rooms (August 4). How many tourists pay OMR50 per day? In a city like Dubai one can live in such a place for just OMR20.

A very small fraction of tourists sponsored by companies can afford these costly rooms. Salalah tourism can increase sharply if the rates of rooms are regulated according to the facilities provided.

— Bilal Fazal, Karachi, Pakistan

If economic ambition were an Olympic event, Asia would be sweeping the medals stand.

But, in economics as in sports, it’s hard work that’s rewarded, not facile hopes for miracles.

Chances are Tokyo and Beijing will soon wish they had followed Boston in abandoning their bids bit.ly/chinajapanolympics

CLIPPINGS

PICTOGRAPH

FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000 Summer fun for children at Horizon MUSCAT: Kids looking out for summer fun need only head to the Horizon Fitness and Beauty Centre, Qurum. A ‘summer fun’ programme for kinds is currently on at the centre and will continue till August 23. The programme is on five days a week, from 9am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday, a spokeswoman from Horizon said. The two-week programme includes swimming/water games, cookery classes, aerobics, reading programmes, field trips, art, face painting, story telling, Taekwando lessons, dancing classes, audio and video visions.

SALALAH AIR TRAFFIC MOVEMENT May 2014

May 2015

International flights

709

652 Landing

709

652 Take-off

1,418

1,304 Total

Passengers

TODAY IN HISTORY

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

1762 Russia, Prussia and Austria sign a treaty agreeing on the partition of Poland.

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

1951: The United Nations suspends armistice talks with the North Koreans when armed troops are spotted in neutral areas.

www.newindiaoman.com

1962: Actress Marilyn Monroe dies mysteriously.

1981: President Ronald Reagan fires 11,500 striking air traffic controllers

45,768

55,858

Arrival

66,695

52,9151 Departure

122,553 98,683 Total

Source: NSCI

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

WORLD

Bangladesh court rejected a petition by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and former prime minister Khaleda Zia to quash the case, which was filed by a military-backed government, and ordered her to surrender to a trial court within two months.

Afghan civilian casualties hit a record high, says UN Total casualties — the combined number of civilians killed and wounded — between January and June increased 1 per cent compared with the same period last year

KABUL: Civilian casualties in Afghanistan hit a record high in the first half of 2015, the UN said on Wednesday, as Afghan forces struggle to contain the spreading conflict six months after the NATO combat mission ended.

In a worrying trend, ground combat is causing more deaths and injuries than improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the UN said, adding that the conflict was taking a particularly heavy toll on women and children.

The growing insecurity as Afghan forces face their first summer fighting season without full NATO support coincides with a faltering peace process, with the Taliban confronted by an increasingly bitter power transition.

Total casualties — the combined number of civilians killed and wounded — between January and June increased 1 per cent compared with the same period last year, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report.

The report said 1,592 civilians were killed, a 6 per cent fall over last year, while the number of injured jumped 4 per cent to 3,329.

SOUTH CHINA SEA

China has stopped reclamation work: Minister KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that Beijing had halted land reclamation in the South China Sea, and called on countries in the region to speed up talks on how claimant states should conduct themselves in the disputed waters.

In June, China said it would soon complete some of its reclamation in the Spratly archipelago of the South China Sea, while adding it would continue to build facilities on the man-made islands.

Defusing tensions Wang’s remarks at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur appeared designed to defuse tensions with other countries that lay claim to parts of the sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year.

Beijing claims most of the waters, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims. — Reuters

FRAGILE SECURITY: An Afghan shepherd herds a flock of sheep at sunrise early in the morning in Kabul on Wednesday. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan touched a record high in the first half of 2015, according to UN figures released, revealing a fragile security situation six months after the NATO combat mission ended. – AFP

The figures represent an average of around nine civilians killed and 18 wounded every day.

Highest level The casualties have reached their highest level since the UN began issuing its authoritative reports in 2009. “The cold statistics of civilian casualties do not adequately capture the horror of violence in Afghanistan, the torn bodies of children, mothers and daughters, sons and fathers,” said UNAMA chief Nicholas Haysom.

“The statistics in this report do not reveal the grieving families and the loss of shocked communities of ordinary Afghans. These are the real consequences of the conflict in Afghanistan.”

UNAMA attributed 70 per cent of civilian casualties to “anti-

government elements” including the Taliban, while highlighting a 60 per cent increase in casualties caused by pro-government forces compared to 2014.

Female casualties soared 23 per cent and child casualties increased by 13 per cent, the report added, as civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire.

The statistics are a grim indicator of rising violence as the Taliban insurgency spreads north from its traditional southern and eastern strongholds, with Afghan forces increasingly battling the militants on their own.

US-led NATO forces ended their combat mission in Afghanistan in December, leaving local forces to battle militants alone, but a 13,000-strong residual force remains for training and

A1 3

counter-terrorism operations.

“When the NATO combat mission was on, the Taliban mostly used guerrilla tactics,” Graeme Smith, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group in Afghanistan, told AFP. “Now they’ve grown bolder as they face Afghan forces directly. That explains why civilian casualties have risen, though not as dramatically as in previous years.”

But the Taliban face growing internal divisions after Mullah Akhtar Mansour was announced as the new head of the insurgent movement on Friday, after they confirmed the death of Mullah Omar who led the militant movement for some 20 years.

An increasingly bitter power struggle has broken out, casting a pall over a fragile peace process

aimed at ending Afghanistan’s long war. The Taliban distanced themselves from the second round of talks that were scheduled for last Friday but were cancelled after the announcement of Omar’s death.

And there has been no let-up in insurgent attacks.

A suicide bomber late last month killed 19 people including women and children in a crowded market in the northern province of Faryab, as insurgents intensify their annual summer offensive launched in late April.

In mid-July 33 people were killed in a suicide attack at a military base in the eastern province of Khost, while a few days later 25 civilians were wounded in a bombing inside a mosque in northern Baghlan province. — AFP

COURT ORDER

Bangladesh ex-premier Zia faces new graft trial DHAKA: Bangladesh’s high court on Wednesday ordered opposition chief Khaleda Zia to stand trial in a graft case dating back to 2007, heaping further pressure on the beleaguered former premier.

The court rejected a petition

by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Zia to quash the case, which was filed by a militarybacked government, and ordered her to surrender to a trial court within two months.

Zia and 12 others stand accused of costing the state $125 million by corruptly awarding contracts to an international firm to handle containers in state-owned depots.

Zia had been trying to get the case thrown out on the grounds that it stemmed from a period of emergency rule and was therefore no longer valid. “The court rejected two separate petitions by Zia challenging the legality of the case,” prosecutor Khurshid Alam Khan told AFP. “The court asked her (Zia) to surrender before the trial court within two months after she receives the order,” he added.

The leader of the country’s largest Islamist party Matiur Rahman Nizami, who is currently on death row after being convicted of war crimes dating back to the 1971 conflict, is among Zia’s co-accused.

Zia, a two-times former prime minister, has argued that the case is politically motivated and aimed at keeping her out of politics at a time when she is trying to force a fresh general election under a caretaker government.

Were she to be convicted, she would almost certainly receive a lengthy prison sentence which would likely end the political career of the 69-year-old.

Zia is already facing four other graft cases and is also being prosecuted for her role in a series of anti-government marches at the start of the year which called for her arch rival Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit. — AFP

F L O O D - H I T NAT I O N

Myanmar rescuers struggle to deliver aid YANGON: Tens of thousands of people huddled on Wednesday in monasteries and other makeshift evacuation centres in remote areas of Myanmar cut off by deadly floods, as rescuers struggled to deliver desperately needed aid.

Heavy seasonal downpours have caused devastation across large parts of South and Southeast Asia in recent weeks, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing millions. In Myanmar, international aid efforts accelerated on Wednesday to meet the widening crisis following an appeal from the government for help.

Tens of thousands of people remain stranded in Myanmar’s rugged and mountainous western border regions after relentless rains caused flash floods and triggered landslides swept away homes, roads and bridges.

The official death toll rose to 69 with more than 260,000 affected, Phyu Lei Lei Tun of the ministry of social welfare said on Wednesday. The floods severed communications across large areas of the country, which is roughly the

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MAROONED: An aerial view of a part of Sittwe city at Sittwe, Rakhine state, on Wednesday. – Reuters

size of France. But information is starting to filter back from remote regions where people are seeking food and shelter in monasteries, schools and mosques.

The hilltop Chin state capital of Hakha, home to about 40,000 people, is still only accessible by helicopter a week after a series of landslides saw walls of saturated

earth collapse onto homes and roads. “The mountainsides collapsed — in some areas the whole hill collapsed in the flood,” Jacob Thang, of the local rescue committee, said by telephone.

About 6,600 people were taking refuge in temporary shelters either too afraid to go home, or with no house to return to, according to

Thang. They have food for the coming days, but illness is striking the overcrowded camps, he said. “Many people are traumatised. There are cracks across about a third of the city’s streets, so there could be more landslides. People are really afraid of more rain,” he added.

In cyclone-battered Rakhine state, where at least 41 people have died, whole communities remain cut off even after floods retreated, with waterways clogged with debris and roads waterlogged.

An AFP photographer travelling Wednesday with one military relief helicopter say scores of residents gathered as food and water was unloaded. Attention is now turning to the country’s low-lying Irrawaddy delta region as deluges from the north drain to the sea through the country’s rivers, with authorities relocating

residents from downstream areas.

State media sounded the alarm for residents near the Irrawaddy river, which was expected to exceed danger levels in parts of Magway region Wednesday. “Elderly people, women and children have begun evacuating from vulnerable areas,” according to a report in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

Myanmar this week made a rare appeal for overseas help, in contrast to Cyclone Nargis in 2008 that left 140,000 dead or missing and saw the generals running the country then refuse outside help for weeks. This time China, Japan, Australia and Norway have already pledged donations, as UN agencies stepped up their response to flooding they have described as a “major natural disaster”.

Speaking on the sidelines of a regional summit in Malaysia, US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed his condolences over the “extraordinary losses of people in the floods”, adding a US relief package would soon be announced. — AFP

RAGING BLAZES

California firefighters ramp up battle against dozen wildfires LOS ANGELES: Crews battling two dozen tenacious wildfires in drought-stricken California rushed in reinforcements on Tuesday, using a window of humidity and cooler temperatures to try quench the blazes ahead of a forecast spell of drier weather.

More than 10,000 firefighters are now tackling the fires that have forced thousands to flee their homes and ravaged large tracts of land in the most populous US state. The biggest blaze in northern California, dubbed the Rocky Fire, has drawn in 3,478 firefighters. Valiant efforts by fellow crews meanwhile had brought two other fires -- one in Shasta County and another in Los Angeles County -under control, CAL FIRE said.

But new fires continued to pop up and quickly spread, abetted by one of the worst droughts in Cali-

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REINFORCED: Inmate firefighters return from setting a fire break

along Highway 20 during the Rocky Fire in Lake County, California on Tuesday. – Reuters

fornia on record. “Tinder dry conditions from the drought continue to allow wildfires to burn at an explosive rate,” said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE.

The state is bringing in extra crews from southern California to the hard-hit north, and making firefighters already on the ground work overtime and cancel days off, CAL FIRE spokesman Daniel Berlant

told MSNBC. Resources from other states, including water-bomber planes from Colorado, were also being scrambled to the rescue, Berlant said. In Washington, President Barack Obama was briefed on the situation in California and other parts of the west, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, praising the bravery of the firefighters. “These are selfless individuals and we owe them a debt of gratitude for putting their lives on the line to fight these fires and protect their fellow Americans,” he said.

Many of the fires are actually made up of dozens of smaller fires

started by lightning, Berlant said.

While temperatures cooled over the weekend, they are expected to rise again Wednesday, followed by more thunderstorms on Thursday, CAL FIRE said. Thunderstorms tend to increase the threat of fires, often bringing lightning but virtually no water. “Right now, definitely conditions are dry. We are continuing to see the effects of the drought as wildfires can more easily spark and then they’re going to spread at these historically fast rates,” Berlant said.

The week-old Rocky Fire has forced more than 13,000 people to evacuate their homes in Colusa, Lake and Yolo counties north of Sacramento, the state’s capital, where it has consumed more than 67,000 acres (27,000 hectares) of land and destroyed around two dozen homes. Only about 20 per

cent of the inferno is under control, CAL FIRE said. State-wide, at least 142,000 acres of land have burned so far. California is in the throes of a severe drought, with much of the state completely parched and residents asked to make major cutbacks in water use. In the northern part of the state some forests were completely engulfed by the infernos, forcing the closure of several stretches of highway.

In areas where fires had been put out, charred cars dotted some roads and trees were left smouldering on the blackened earth.

A state of emergency was issued Friday and the California National Guard has been called in, underlining the scale of the threat facing the Golden State. A firefighter from South Dakota, Dave Ruhl, 38, was killed last week in a forest outside Alturas. — AFP

A 14

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

WORLD TRAGEDY

25 dead as migrant boat sinks off Libya ROME: A boat packed with up to 700 African migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya on Wednesday and many are feared dead, officials and aid agencies said.

Italian Coast Guard spokesman Filippo Marini said first reports indicated there were between 400 and 600 people on board and that 25 bodies had been recovered so far. The operation, which also included Italian and Irish vessels, was continuing, he added.

The humanitarian group Medecins sans Frontieres, whose rescue ship Dignity 1 was in the area, said in a tweet that the boat was believed to have been carrying about 700 people.

“The team on the Dignity 1 can confirm that there have tragically been many deaths but does not have figures at this stage,” one of its tweets said.

In another tweet, the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said about 600 people had been on board and that about 250 had been rescued.

Significant losses Irish Defence Minister Simon Coveney said in a statement he feared that “loss of life is likely to be significant”.

The Mediterranean Sea is the world’s most deadly border area for migrants. More than 2,000 migrants and refugees have died

Turkey ‘ready’ to join US anti-IS offensive Ankara, long criticised for failing

Italian Coast Guard spokesman Filippo Marini said first reports indicated there were between 400 and 600 people on board and that 25 bodies had been recovered so far

to stop the flow of extremists to-andfro across its border with Syria, has so far concentrated an almost twoweek ‘anti-terror’ campaign on the bombing of Kurdish militants

so far this year in attempts to reach Europe by boat, compared with 3,279 deaths during the whole of last year, the International Organization for Migration said on Tuesday.

In April, a fishing boat with up to 800 migrants sank, making it the deadliest shipwreck in the Mediterranean for decades. — Reuters

MISDEMEANOUR

House of Cecil killer vandalised in Florida TAMPA: Vandals spray-painted “lion killer” on a tony Florida vacation home that is owned by an American dentist who killed Zimbabwe’s best-known lion, authorities said on Wednesday.

The damage to the home of Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer, a game hunter who last month killed

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13-year-old Cecil, a rare blackmaned lion, is being investigated as misdemeanour criminal mischief, said Marco Island police Captain David Baer.

It was reported on Tuesday morning, and authorities in southwest Florida have not determined when it occurred, he said. — Reuters

IN AGONY: Relatives mourn during the funeral of 13 fighters of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units

ANKARA: Turkey on Wednesday announced that it was ready to begin a “comprehensive” fight against IS extremists in Syria alongside the United States, after a months of staying on the sidelines of the US-led coalition.

Ankara, long criticised for failing to stop the flow of extremists to-and-fro across its border with Syria, has so far concentrated an almost two-week “anti-terror” campaign on the bombing of Kurdish militants.

But Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu indicated after meeting US Secretary of State John Kerry in Malaysia that Turkey would be stepping up its campaign against IS after it gave permission for US forces to conduct armed missions from its Incirlik air base.

“The US planes have begun arriving and soon we will launch a comprehensive fight against Daesh all together,” he said, using an acronym for IS, quoted by the official Anatolia news agency.

Ankara is waging a two-pronged bombing campaign against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) rebels as well as IS militants, following a wave of violence inside Turkey.

But so far the raids have overwhelmingly targeted the Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq and southeast Turkey, to the dismay of those who want to see Ankara play a fuller role in the US-led coalition against IS. Cavusoglu said at the start of the meeting with Kerry that the operation would be helped by moderate Syrian rebels that the US and Turkey are hoping to jointly train.

(YPG) in Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey after their bodies were repatriated from Iraq on Wednesday. — AFP

Ankara appoints hawkish Akar as army chief Security analysts say Akar is approved of by President Tayyip Erdogan, and that his infantry experience and familiarity with Western allies made him a natural choice for the post.

“Hulusi Akar has a hawkish stance on the struggle against the PKK. He also has a tougher stance on smuggling on the border and terrorism,” said Metin Gurcan, a former soldier and security expert from Bilkent University.

“I think we can expect closer cooperation with the US, first of all on Incirlik. I

ANKARA: Turkey appointed a new military chief of staff on Wednesday as it battles IS in Syria and Kurdish militants at home, promoting the former commander of its land forces, a figure seen as likely to pursue a hawkish line on both fronts.

General Hulusi Akar’s appointment as head of NATO’s second-largest army comes amid a flare-up of attacks on security forces by Kurdish PKK insurgents, and as Turkey takes on a frontline role in the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State.

“Now we are training and equipping the moderate (Syrian) opposition together with the United States, and we will also start our fight against Daesh very effectively soon,” Cavusoglu said.

“Then the ground will be safer for the moderate opposition that are fighting Daesh.”

The two top diplomats met at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of a regional security gathering hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The United States, which desig-

nates the PKK as a terror group, has described Turkish airstrikes against Kurdish militants as self-defence.

Arab League chief Nabil Al Arabi, however, Tuesday condemned the Turkish army’s cross-border campaign, urging Ankara to recognise its neighbour Iraq’s sovereignty, in remarks Turkey labelled “unacceptable.” Turkey summoned the Arab League’s envoy in Ankara to the foreign ministry in a show of protest, the ministry said in a statement.

Qatar, Ankara’s main regional

know that Akar has a clear position that IS is a terrorist organisation.”

Akar replaces Necdet Ozel, who retires after a traumatic period for Turkey’s once politically-influential military.

Akar’s main task will be to sooth simmering resentment, according to Gareth Jenkins, an Istanbul-based author and veteran researcher on Turkish security policy. “One of the big challenges for the new guy is whether he can restore confidence amongst the officer corp in the high command,” he said. — Reuters

ally and member of the Arab League since 1971, however gave Turkey its full support for air strikes.

Washington has long been pushing its historic ally Turkey to step up the fight against IS, something Ankara had until recently been reluctant to do.

Kerry “welcomed Turkey’s recent decision to open its bases to US participation in air operations against (the militants) and its support for Syrian refugees,” a senior State Department official told reporters. — AFP

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

Paint on suspected MH370 plane part being examined TOULOUSE (FRANCE): Experts in France were examining a washed-up plane part Wednesday which likely belonged to the MH370 plane that vanished mysteriously last year, hoping to find clues to one of aviation’s greatest enigmas.

The Malaysia Airlines jet disappeared on March 8 last year, inexplicably veering off course en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board, sparking a colossal but ultimately fruitless multinational hunt for the aircraft.

But last week’s discovery of a two-metre-long wing part called a flaperon on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion raised fresh hopes for relatives desperate for answers.

French and Malaysian experts including Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, the head of the Asian country’s civil aviation watchdog, arrived at a laboratory in the southern French city of Toulouse on Wednesday for the tests.

French, Malaysian and Australian experts, Boeing employees and representatives from China -- the country that lost the most passengers in the disaster -- were all due to be present.

Paris prosecutors dealing with the probe into the wing part said they would hold a press conference at 8pm (1800 GMT).

Jean-Paul Troadec, former

ANGUISH: Relatives of passengers who were onboard the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 are stopped by policemen as they try to enter the building where the Malaysia Airlines office is located, in Beijing on Wednesday. — Reuters

chief of France’s BEA agency that probes air accidents, said the analysis would focus on two issues -- whether the flaperon belongs to MH370 and if so, whether it can shed light on the plane’s final moments.

He said the paint on the piece was one key element of the probe.

“Every airline paints their planes in a certain way,” he said.

“If the paint used is used by Malaysia Airlines... there may be more certainty.”

Pierre Bascary, former director of tests at the French Defence Procurement Agency, where the

analysis will take place, added that the airline may have written maintenance information on the piece such as “Do Not Walk”.

“The phrase used and the way it was written also gives an idea of the origin of the plane,” he said.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, meanwhile, said drift modelling performed by the national science agency confirmed debris could have been carried by wind and currents to La Reunion, some 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles) from the region where MH370 was thought to have gone down. — AFP

B

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Muscat 6,429.83 - 37.06 - 0.57%

Dubai 4,164.69 + 68.06 + 1.66%

Abu Dhabi 4,842.69 + 30.98 + 0.64%

Saudi Arabia

8,790.77 + 21.29 + 0.24%

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CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.36 Pound ...........................................1.66 Indian Rs .............................165.56 Pak Rs ....................................260.01 Bangla Taka.......................199.52

Indian Rs .................................. 165.42 Pakistan Rs ............................ 263.60 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 346.60 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .................................... 118.50

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

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$48.59 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ........$48.54 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$50.40 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $48.47 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$50.52 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$46.20

WAT E R P R O J E C T

Oman floats tender for temporary desalination projects MUSCAT: Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has floated a tender for setting up temporary water desalination plants to meet the growing water demand in the country.

It appears that the selected company would produce water until a couple of major new projects go on stream. There was a shortage in water supply recently as several areas in Muscat region did not get enough water, which prompted authorities to take measures on a war footing to resolve the crisis.

Demand for potable water in Oman’s northern region, which include Muscat governorate, is projected to grow by six per cent per annum in the next five years, from 238 million cubic metres in 2013 to 349 million cubic metres in 2020.

This compares to previous seven-year forecasts in which average annual growth was in the range of three to five per cent, according to a seven-year outlook for power and water demand released by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company. Population growth, new hotels and industries are all driving demand for water in the country.

saw demand

OCCI trade team from Sharqiyah region visits Iran MUSCAT: : Business delegation from the branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah on Wednesday visited the province of Yazd in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During the visit, members of the delegation met the chairman and members of Yazd Chamber of Commerce.

Saud bin Ahmed Al Barawani, Sultanate’s ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran gave a speech during the meeting in which he stressed the importance of trade exchange between the two countries and enhancing the trade and investment relations between the businessmen of both sides.

The delegation also held bilateral meetings. - ONA

Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 124.75 * Rates as of August 5 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

growth and stimulating trade by removing barriers,” he added.

Middle East airlines

BUSINESS TIES

* Rates as of August 5 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............ 131.00

Middle East airlines achieve robust cargo volume growth

Times News Service

Five companies A tender announcement from Oman Power and Water Procurement Company said that five companies — Aflaj Al Khaleej Trading & Contracting Company, Ismoflow, Seven Seas, House of Trading and Services and Advanced Oilfield Technology – have submitted bids for providing temporary water solution services. The project could come up in one or two sites.

Several water desalination projects, including major projects at Barka, Sohar, Quriyyat, Salalah and Duqm, are at different stages of implementation and tendering.

A new desalination plant at Qurayyat with a capacity of 200,000 cubic metres per day will start production in 2017 and another desalination plant in Salalahwith a capacity of up to 20 million imperial gallon per day is expected to start operation in 2019.

* Rates are as of August 5 Source: Bank Muscat

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.50

expanding 15% and capacity rising 19% in June this year, according to IATA

Times News Service MUSCAT: Middle East airlines saw the strongest growth in air freight movement with demand expanding by 15.3 per cent, and capacity rising 19.2 per cent in June this year, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Airlines in the region have pursued a successful hub strategy connecting both long- and shorthaul markets. “Although some major economies in the region have seen slowdowns in non-oil sectors, economic growth remains generally robust, which is also helping

to sustain demand for air freight.

Growth for the year-to-date is running at 14 per cent,” noted a statement from the association.

Regional performance Regional performance varied widely. Asia-Pacific, North American and Latin American carriers reported year-on-year declines of 0.3 per cent, 3.3 per cent and 1.6 per cent, respectively, while European carriers reported that markets were flat. This was offset by the strong performance of Middle Eastern carriers at 15.3 per cent and African airlines at 6.7 per cent to keep growth in positive territory.

The IATA released data for glob-

ECONOMY

Central bank bond issue raises OMR360 million MUSCAT: Competitive bids worth OMR360.39 million were received by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) for its development bond issue of OMR300 million.

The total value of allotted bonds were OMR300 million.

The average yield equivalent per cent to the accepted price was 2.54 per cent at price of OMR100

and 150 baisas while the highest yield equivalent was at 2.980 per cent for OMR100 and 90 baisas and the lowest was at 1.960 per cent for OMR104 and 935 baisas A CBO statement said that the five-year bond will be issued on August 9 and will mature on August 9, 2020, carrying a coupon rate of 3 per cent per annum. – ONA

al air freight markets showing a slowdown in overall growth for air cargo demand in June. Air freight volumes measured in freight tonne kilometers rose just 1.2 per cent compared to a year ago. This is consistent with falling trade activity and weaker than expected global growth.

The general trend of a weaker 2015 compared to 2014 can be seen in the half-year data. Air freight markets expanded by 5.8 per cent in 2014. However year-todate growth for 2015 stands at 3.5 per cent.

“The half-year report for air cargo is not encouraging. With growth of just 1.2 per cent over June last

year, markets are basically stagnating. Some carriers are doing better than others at picking up the business that is out there. But overall it has been a disappointing first half of 2015, especially considering the strong finish to 2014.

The remainder of the year holds mixed signals, said Tony Tyler, IATA director general and CEO. Weak export orders “The general expectation is for an acceleration of economic growth, but business confidence and export orders look weak. Air cargo and the global economy will all benefit if governments can successfully focus on stabilising

Asia-Pacific carriers Asia-Pacific carriers saw a fall in freight tonne kilometers of 0.3 per cent in June compared to June 2014, and capacity expanded 4 per cent. The region has experienced a notable slowdown in imports and exports over recent months, and latest data shows emerging Asia trade activity down 8 per cent.

Growth for the year-to-date was 5.4 per cent. In addition to generally weak trade growth, the region is the most exposed to the China market where government policies are more focused on stimulating domestic markets. European carriers reported flat demand in June, compared to a year ago and capacity rose 2.2 per cent.

Improvements in Eurozone business confidence have not led to increased air freight demand, and consumer confidence has been hit by the Greek crisis.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

B2

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

MARKET MSM index in red zone

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ....................................... 6,466.89 .............. 6,429.83 ................... 6,429.83 ...................6,466.89................ -37.06 .................. -0.57 Financial Index ..................................... 7,888.13 ...............7,835.44 ................... 7,835.44 ....................7,888.13................-52.69 .................. -0.67 Industrial Index ................................... 8,253.29 .............. 8,203.88 ...................8,203.88 ................... 8,249.77................-45.89 .................. -0.56 Services Index .......................................3,494.14 ...............3,485.58 ................... 3,486.96 ...................3,495.83.................. -8.87 .................. -0.25 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................986.70 ..................983.95 .......................983.95 .......................986.71.................. -2.76 .................. -0.28 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 10,182,448 ................. 2,779,000 .....................639 ............... 14,934,130,167 .................. 2 ......................18 .................... 17 .........................37

Al Batinah Power, up by 0.89 per cent, was the top gainer, while the top loser was

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5

DhofarCattlefeed, down by 5.47 per cent ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) declined on lack of support. MSM 30 Index remained in a bearish spiral to shed 0.57 per cent and close at 6,429.83 points. The MSM Sharia Index declined by 0.28 per cent to close at 983.95 points.

Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Al Batinah Power, up by 0.89 per cent, was the top gainer, while the top loser was DhofarCattlefeed, down by 5.47 per cent.

As many as 639 trades were executed during the trading session generating turnover of OMR2.7 million with more than 10.1 million shares changing hands. Out of 37 traded securities, two advanced, 18 declined and 17 remained unchanged.

Omani investors were net buyers for OMR269,000 followed

by GCC and Arab investors for OMR68,000 while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR337,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index edged down by 0.67 per cent to close at 7,835.44 points. Gulf Investment Services, Al Madina Investments, Al Batinah Investment and Development, Oman Orix Leasing and Al

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

OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 495,000 .........196,800........................8 ........... 0.400...........0.400 ...........0.396........... 0.398 .............0.396 ........... 0.002............. 0.505 ................0.396..............0.392...................0.396.................. 117,893,045 ........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER................................................ 105,000 ........... 23,950........................2 ........... 0.230 ...........0.230 ...........0.228........... 0.228 .............0.227 ............0.001 ............. 0.441 ................0.228..............0.225...................0.228 .................153,874,334 ........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ...........................5,000 .................. 950........................2 ............0.190 ........... 0.190 ...........0.190........... 0.190 .............0.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.190.............. 0.185...................0.190................... 18,057,600 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING.............53,000 ...............5,807........................6 ............0.110 ........... 0.110............0.109............0.110 ............. 0.110............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.110 .............. 0.110................... 0.112 ...................13,406,250 .........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY.........................................3,216 ............... 7,140........................2 ........... 2.220...........2.220 ...........2.220 .......... 2.270 .............2.270 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.220 ............ 2.220...................2.270 .................203,619,000........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ................2,000 .................. 524........................1 ........... 0.262 ...........0.262 ...........0.262........... 0.267 .............0.267 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.262..............0.262...................0.265.................... 5,607,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .........................................................................6,471 ...............1,390........................3 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.214............0.215 ............. 0.215............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.214............. 0.200...................0.214..................306,382,771........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE .....................................................8,600 ...............1,247........................1 ............0.145 ........... 0.145 ...........0.145 ............0.145 ............. 0.145............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.145 .............. 0.145...................0.157 ...................36,770,550 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. ....................31,994 ............... 3,767........................7 ............0.116 ........... 0.118............0.116 ............0.118 ............. 0.118 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.118 .............. 0.118................... 0.119 ................... 34,217,715 .........0.100 OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ..............................................3,000 ...............2,184........................3 ............0.728 ........... 0.728 ...........0.728........... 0.728 .............0.728............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.728 ..............0.728...................0.000 .................145,334,717 ........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ......................................250 ...............1,000........................2 ........... 4.000...........4.000 ...........4.000 .......... 4.000 .............4.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ............... 4.000 .............3.650...................0.000 ..................39,120,864 .........1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................68,850 ...............6,059........................9 ........... 0.088 ...........0.088 ...........0.088........... 0.088 .............0.088 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.088..............0.088...................0.090 ..................15,400,000.........0.100

Anwar Holding declined by 5.30 per cent, 2.94 per cent, 2.54 per cent, 2.04 per cent and 1.81 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Sector Index declined by 0.56 per cent and closed at 8,203.88 points. Al Anwar Ceramics gained by 0.51 per cent to close at OMR0.398. Voltamp Energy, Construction Materials, Raysut Cement and Oman Cement declined by 6.38 per cent, 2.50 per cent, 1.34 per cent and 0.39 per cent, respectively.

Services Sector Index ended the day at 3,486.96 points, down by 0.25 per cent. Al Batinah Power, up by 0.44 per cent, was the only gainer in the sub-sector.

Renaissance Services, Phoenix Power, Oman Telecommunications Company and Ooredoo declined by 2.16 per cent, 0.65 per cent, 0.57 per cent, and 0.51 per cent, respectively. - United Securities

OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 155,000 ............35,595......................13 ........... 0.229 ...........0.230 ...........0.229........... 0.230 .............0.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.229............. 0.220...................0.229 .................164,313,458 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ........................................................830 .................. 459........................3 ........... 0.550 ...........0.554 ...........0.550........... 0.562 .............0.562 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.554..............0.554...................0.560 ..................29,505,000.........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 350,505 ..........179,134......................14 ............0.512 ........... 0.514 ...........0.510 ............0.512 ............. 0.514............-0.002 ........... -0.389 ...............0.510 ..............0.502...................0.510..................169,406,828........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 200,363 ..........157,034..................... 28 ............0.784 ........... 0.784 ...........0.780........... 0.784 .............0.788............-0.004 ........... -0.508 ...............0.784..............0.780...................0.784..................510,340,276........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................20,092 ............34,960........................9 ............1.740 ........... 1.740............1.740 ............1.740 ............. 1.750............-0.010 ............-0.571................1.740 .............. 1.740................... 1.750 ................1,305,000,000......0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ................6,135 .................. 801........................6 ............0.131 ........... 0.131............0.130........... 0.130 ............. 0.131 ............-0.001 ........... -0.763................0.130 ..............0.130...................0.137 ...................11,700,000 .........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 374,788.......... 179,898........................9 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.484 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.826 ...............0.480..............0.480...................0.484 .................177,800,304........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 604,420..........119,835......................15 ........... 0.200...........0.200 ...........0.194........... 0.198 .............0.200 ...........-0.002 ........... -1.000 ...............0.198 .............. 0.195...................0.198..................285,405,120........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,143,987 ......605,958....................115 ........... 0.528 ...........0.532 ...........0.528........... 0.530 .............0.536 ...........-0.006 ............-1.119 ................0.530..............0.530...................0.534................ 1,214,665,976 ......0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................43,536 .............64,172......................14 ............1.470 ........... 1.475............1.460............1.475 ............. 1.495............-0.020 ............-1.338................1.475 .............. 1.465...................1.475 ................. 295,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ....................................11,855 ...............4,056........................3 ........... 0.344 ...........0.344 ...........0.342........... 0.342 .............0.348 ...........-0.006 ............-1.724................0.342............. 0.000...................0.342 ................ 458,522,906 .......0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 2,040,797......443,274...................130 ............0.216 ........... 0.219 ...........0.214............0.217 .............0.221 ...........-0.004 ............-1.810................0.214..............0.212...................0.216...................32,566,275 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ...................................... 22,000 ...............5,984........................2 ........... 0.272 ...........0.272 ...........0.272........... 0.272 .............0.278 ...........-0.006 ........... -2.158................0.272..............0.265...................0.272................... 76,729,691 .........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ........................43,700 ...............5,036......................13 ............0.116 ........... 0.116............0.112 ............0.115 ............. 0.118 ............-0.003 ........... -2.542 ...............0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.116 ....................3,450,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 120,000 ..............7,920........................3 ........... 0.066 ...........0.066 ...........0.066........... 0.066 .............0.068 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.941 ...............0.066..............0.065...................0.068................... 13,671,991 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 860,477 ..........107,657..................... 45 ............0.130 ........... 0.130 ...........0.124............0.125 .............0.132............-0.007 ........... -5.303 ...............0.125 .............. 0.125...................0.127.................... 7,355,402 ..........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ......................................................11,569 ...............5,090........................5 ........... 0.440...........0.440 ...........0.440 .......... 0.440 .............0.470 ...........-0.030 ........... -6.383 ...............0.440..............0.440...................0.460 ..................26,620,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 6,792,435 ...2,207,681...................473 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......29........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001046............PACKAGING CO. LTD ................................................ 165,000 ..........115,500........................1 ........... 0.700 ........... 0.700 ...........0.700........... 0.476 .............0.476 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.700............. 0.000...................0.000 ...................1,428,000 ..........1.000 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ...................................................5,000 ...............2,510........................1 ........... 0.502 ...........0.502 ...........0.502........... 0.502 .............0.502 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.502..............0.492...................0.500 ..................79,065,000.........0.100 OM0000001897 ............MAJAN COLLEGE .......................................................... 1,270 .................. 636........................2 ........... 0.502 ...........0.502 ...........0.500........... 0.500 .............0.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.500..............0.500...................0.550...................15,000,000.........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 427,390 ............ 31,415......................16 ............0.071 ........... 0.075 ...........0.071 ........... 0.074 .............0.074 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.073..............0.072...................0.073..................111,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ..............................12,000 ...............1,344........................3 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.114 ...................11,200,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 2,719,353 ...... 415,463................... 139 ............0.153 ........... 0.155 ...........0.152 ............0.153 .............0.154............-0.001 ........... -0.649 ...............0.153 .............. 0.152...................0.153 ..................223,778,023........0.100 OM0000001723 ............OMAN ORIX LEASING .............................................. 20,000 ...............2,890........................2 ............0.145 ........... 0.145 ...........0.144........... 0.144 ............. 0.147............-0.003 ........... -2.041 ...............0.144..............0.143...................0.145...................34,759,302 .........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ................... 40,000 ...............1,560........................2 ........... 0.039 ...........0.039 ...........0.039........... 0.039 .............0.040 ...........-0.001 ........... -2.500 ...............0.039..............0.038...................0.040 ................... 3,315,000 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,390,013 .......571,318................... 166 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 8........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN MARKETS

DEBT CRISIS

Indian stocks rise; rupee steady MUMBAI: After a brief pause, the S&P BSE benchmark Sensex once again continued its upward march by recovering 151 points to close at 28,223.08 on fresh buying following rise in India’s services sector activity last month coupled with higher overseas advices.

Capital inflows Persistent capital inflows from foreign funds also boosted the market sentiment. Services sec-

tor returned to growth in July, after two consecutive months of contraction, as new orders witnessed a surge and hiring gathered pace to hit a two-year high rate, a survey showed.

The Sensex resumed higher at 28,138.04 and firmed up further to a high of 28,315.71 on initial strong buying, but it declined afterwards to 28,135.68 before ending at 28,223.08 , still showing a gain of 151.15 or 0.54 per cent. The CNX

50-share Nifty rose by 51.05 points or 0.60 per cent to 8,567.95.

The Indian rupee recovered from initial against the American currency and ended barely steady at 63.75 per dollar on fresh selling of dollars by banks and exporters in view of sustained foreign capital inflows into equitymarket. The rupee resumed weak at 63.90 per dollar as against previous closing of 63.74 and moved down further to 63.9350 on initial dollar demand. - PTI PROTEST MARCH: Protesters from a trade union, PAME, shouting slogans during an anti-austerity

demonstration outside the Labour Ministry in central Athens, on Wednesday. - Reuters

Greece wants full bailout, not bridge loan, says ruling party ATHENS: The parliamentary spokesman for Greece’s ruling Syriza party urged it on Wednesday to unite behind a new funding agreement, saying the country wanted a full bailout immediately rather than a bridge loan.

Nikos Filis said Greece was seeking a full agreement so that it could receive a first payment of €25 billion. “We are seeking to have a deal,” he said on state television station ERT. “The deal will have tough measures. What is important is that the financing of the Greek economy starts.”

Filis was speaking amid signs of progress in talks between Greece, the International Monetary Fund and European Union institutions on a new bailout worth up to €86 billion ($94.5 billion). A deal must be must be settled by August 20, or a second bridge loan agreed, if Greece is to pay off debt of €3.5 billion to the European Central Bank that matures on that day.

Both sides have said such a deal is possible, although the European Commission described the target as ambitious, suggesting a lot of work remains to be done. Filis said Greece wanted the full deal, not a temporary measure.

“We will not accept new prior actions (reform conditions in place) in order to have a small bridge loan,” Filis said. “We want one final deal to be signed and then we will see what is needed to have a disbursement of €25 billion as the first instalment.”

Country first He also called for members of his party, about a quarter of whom oppose the reforms and austerity linked to the bailout, to put the country first. “Differences should not prevail over the party’s unity and the country’s stability,” Filis said, warning that a split could damage the government.

“The leftist government will

stay in power only if its leftist lawmakers vote in favour (of the bailout).” Talks between Greece and its international creditors will continue.

Early elections Early elections are ‘likely’ in Greece in the fall, a government spokeswoman said on Wednesday as Athens races to hammer out a new bailout deal with its creditors by August 20. “Elections are likely in the autumn,” government spokeswoman Olga Gerovasili told Vima radio. “It mainly depends on how steady this government can be in the coming period,” she added.

The radical government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has seen its support dwindle in parliament after agreeing to a third rescue package containing more austerity cuts on July 13. In two reform votes, 30 lawmakers refused to approve measures. - Agencies

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

B3

MARKET StanChat cuts dividend as profit plummets 44%

STUDY REPORT

Shale gas production leads to pollution and global warming: Study Times News Service

The Asia-focused lender said it would raise capital from investors if needed, as the new CEO outlined his thoughts on reviving a bank hit by slump in profit

LONDON: Standard Chartered halved its dividend and said it would raise capital from investors if needed, as new chief executive Bill Winters outlined his thoughts on reviving a bank hit by a 44 per cent slump in first-half profit.

Shares in the Asia-focused lender rose 4.5 per cent to 994.9 pence on Wednesday as investors welcomed Winters’ move to set a target to double return on equity to a minimum of 10 per cent. Net profit slumped 36.7 per cent in the six months to June compared to the same period in 2014.

That helped offset disappointment over the cut to the dividend for the first half of the year to 14.4 cents a share from 28.8 cents a year ago. The bank said it had “rebased” the payout to reflect its “current earnings expectation and outlook”.

As a result of the cut, Standard

MULTIPLE ISSUES: StanChart has suffered a troubled three years, hurt by problems, including fines

from US regulators for misconduct, strained relations with top shareholders, plunging commodities prices and a weakened trading environment. – Bloomberg News

$1.8b

Is the cost savings the bank is aiming by the end of 2018. Net profit slumped 36.7% in the six months to June compared to the same period in 2014

group, we will raise capital,” he said. The bank said its pretax profit in the first six months of the year fell to $1.82 billion, down 44 per cent from a year ago.

StanChart has suffered a troubled three years, hurt by problems including fines from US regulators for misconduct, strained relations with top shareholders, plunging commodities prices and a weakened trading environment.

Chartered said its common tier 1 equity position, a key measure of capital strength, had risen 80 basis points to 11.5 per cent, six months ahead of target.

Winters, who became CEO in June, did not rule out raising capital in future.

“If we decide we need capital for the long-term benefit of the

Additional capital On his first day in charge, Winters told investors the bank needed to strengthen its finances and simplify operations to increase shareholder returns.

The lender has struggled to shake off concerns it will need to raise additional capital to bolster its balance sheet, especially if Asian economies that have traditionally served as the biggest driv-

EXHIBITION

1,500 food manufacturers to discuss trends at Dubai expo Times News Service MUSCAT: More than 1,500 international food manufacturers, suppliers and industry service providers will participate in this year’s Gulfood Manufacturing, the Middle East’s biggest food manufacturing, ingredients, processing and packaging exhibition.

The high number of participants, who will be attending the event at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 27 to 29, is a strong indication of both market potential and demand.

Gulfood Manufacturing was established only last year but is already regarded as the most influential and largest industry show for its sector throughout the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia region.

In line with global food manufacturing trends, Gulfood Manufacturing 2015 will address issues including food security, sustainability, speed and efficiency of production, and logistics and

PARTICIPANTS Pavilions include representation from over 26 countries, including Germany, Austria, China, Egypt, France, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, India, Italy, the United States and the UK

transport factors involved in ‘time to market’. National pavilions include representation from more than 26 countries including Germany, Austria, China, Egypt, France, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, India, Italy, the United States and the UK. Local, regional and global trade professionals visiting the show are expected to exceed the 26,329 visitors from 156 countries re-

corded last year, while another 1,200 delegates will hear from an extensive line-up of international industry experts providing insights at a series of conferences.

Consumption patterns Globally, food manufacturing and its associated industries continue to play a significant role in the growth of economies, whether developed or emerging. Increasing global populations, rising living standards, changing consumption patterns and continued modernisation of the value chain in many parts of the world continues to drive growth and opportunities.

In the GCC region alone, the population is expected to reach 57.6 million by 2019, with a maintained GDP growth percentage of 3-4 per cent annually translating to higher personal income levels and standards of living.

With the region’s primary agriculture sector restricted because of harsh climatic conditions, limited arable land and water scarcity.

ers for its revenue growth continue to falter. The lender is aiming for cost savings of $1.8 billion by the end of 2018.

Some analysts have said Winters needs to raise at least $5 billion from a rights issue and a dividend cut to strengthen the balance sheet and generate cash to grow lending and kick-start revenue growth.

Winters has already shaken up the bank’s management structure, streamlining its eight geographical regions into four units that will report directly to him.

Winters said the bank faced some “very real challenges”. - Agencies

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

MUSCAT: Production process of shale oil and gas results in high emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that contributes to global warming and pollution of the environment and groundwater, potentially causing underground rock slides, says a study conducted by the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), a regional Arab financial organisation, established

by Arab countries in 1976.

Furrther, given the prevailing conditions in global oil markets, the cost of shale oil and gas production are relatively high at the currently prevailing low crude oil prices, according to the research note on the growing shale oil and gas production and their impact on global oil markets as well as on the world’s production and consumption of crude oil.

The research, propelled by the fact that the global economy has been witnessing a decline in crude oil prices from the beginning of the second half of 2014, shows the impact of water consumption during the extraction process of shale oil and gas on water resources. Thus, shale oil and gas production in countries with limited water resources may not be not feasible.

This has been attributed to several factors, including the fall in global economic growth rate in 2014 and the shale oil boom. The United States has recorded an increase in shale oil production, which affected crude oil markets.

In addition, fossil oil extracted from land is available in large

quantities in the Middle East and Russia, and is considered a global competitor in terms of production and transportation costs compared to shale oil, it says.

Water resources The study conducted by the Arab Monetary Fund mainly covers issues related to the shale oil and gas extraction process from underground sedimentary rocks, elaborating on water resources and chemicals used in the process.

It highlights the environmental impact caused by the extraction process, alongside the US strategy on energy security.

Furthermore, the study addresses the changes in global reserves of fossil oil and shale oil and gas, and the ranking of countries according to global reserves.

It also presents data on global production and consumption of fossil oil, shale oil, and the world and US consumption of energy resources by economic sectors.

The study discusses the cost of shale oil production compared to other types of oils in several countries, the prices of fossil and shale oil and gas, and the factors that contributed to the volatility.

B4

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

FEATURE

By channeling the vast savings of its population into capital investment, and by rapidly absorbing technology from advanced countries, China was able to carry out the most stupendous modernisation in history, moving hundreds of millions of farmers from rural areas to cities et's step back and take a look at global economic development. In the last two or three decades, we have seen a remarkable phenomenon. Since the Industrial Revolution, a few countries in Europe, North America and East Asia raced ahead of the global pack and maintained their lead for much of the 19th and 20th centuries.

That confounded the predictions of basic models of economic growth, which say that national living standards should converge over time. Only since the 1980s has the rest of the world been catching up, and catching up fast.

Global growth has been strong — usually more than 3 per cent, often even higher. And developing countries have grown much faster than developed ones, helping to make global income distribution much more equal. It looks like the old economic models are working after all.

But can it last? The main engine of global growth since 2000 has been the rapid industrialisation of China. By channeling the vast savings of its population into capital investment, and by rapidly absorbing technology from advanced countries, China was able to carry out the most stupendous modernisation in history, moving hundreds of millions of farmers from rural areas to cities. That in turn powered the growth of resource-exporting countries such as Brazil, Russia and many developing nations that sold their oil, metals and other resources to the new workshop of the world.

The problem is that China's recent slowdown from 10 per cent annual growth to about 7 per cent is only the beginning. The recent

drops in housing and stock prices are harbingers of a further economic moderation. That is inevitable, since no country can grow at a breakneck pace forever. And with the slowing of China, Brazil and Russia have been slowing as well — the heyday of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India and China) is over.

But the really worrying question is: What if other nations can't pick up the slack when China slows? What if China is the last country to follow the tried-and-true path of industrialisation?

There is really only one time-tested way for a country to get rich. It moves farmers to factories and imports foreign manufacturing technology. When you move surplus farmers to cities, their productivity soars — this is the socalled dual- sector model of economic development pioneered by economist W. Arthur Lewis.

So far, no country has reached high levels of income by moving farmers to service jobs.

What is manufacturing's special property?

It may be much easier to import foreign technology in manufacturing than in other activities. Harvard economist Dani Rodrik has shown that if you just look at manufacturing, countries' productivity tends to rapidly converge — poor nations are very good at copying manufacturing technologies from rich countries. But in services, productivity does not tend to converge. This may be because manufacturing technologies are embodied in the products themselves and in the machines that are used to make the products, while service businesses get their productivity from organisational models, human capital and other intangibles that are harder for poor countries

to imitate, and harder to grow quickly.

But here's the problem: manufacturing is shrinking. Although the total amount of physical stuff that humans make keeps expanding, the per cent of our economic activity that we put into making physical goods keeps going down.

This is happening all across the globe, even in China. This may partly be because manufacturing has been a victim of its own success — the sector has grown so productive that it's now pretty cheap to make all the stuff we need. That is exactly what happened in agriculture, after all.

If manufacturing becomes a niche activity, the world's poor countries could be in trouble. China might have been the last country to hop on board the industrialisation train. In that case, India, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East might get left behind. This is the unsettling gist of a presentation by the aforementioned Dani Rodrik at the UK's Overseas Development Institute. Rodrik concludes: "As domestic rather than global trends drive growth, significant heterogeneity in long-term performance across developing countries is likely." In other words, the remaining poor countries might not be able to catch up, as China is doing.

So while the leaders of developing countries, such as India's Narendra Modi, should continue their push to improve infrastructure, it may be even more important for them to focus on education. As building things becomes less important and doing things becomes more important to the global economy, human capital will be more crucial than ever.

— Washington Post-Bloomberg News

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ROUND-UP

Right time to buy sporty Maxima With a special offer for grabs, customers can now avail EMI rate starting from OMR171 on the Nissan Maxima MUSCAT: The Nissan Maxima is a great fusion between a sedan and the soul of a sports car. And this combination of sports sedan styling along with ample comfort and luxury that the Maxima provides has made it a favourite among the youngsters in the Sultanate.

With a special offer for grabs, customers can now avail EMI rate starting from OMR171 on the Nissan Maxima, says a press release.

Easy financing options Nissan customers can also avail easy financing option of a loan term up to 8 years with attractive interest rates from Bank Muscat. Flexible EMIs can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from in-house auto finance team.

The mighty Maxima The breakthrough exterior design

of the Maxima imparts a feeling of powerful driving motion which combines an aggressive stance and the powerful 3.5L, V6 engine with 290 HP/64000 RPM Xtronic CVT transmission. The Nissan Maxima delivers quick acceleration and lasting euphoria with paddle shifter, cruise control and Bluetooth technology for a better driving experience. Taking into consideration the driver’s comfort, the vehicles comes with auto A/C with dual zone climate control, stylish sunroof and 19” alloy wheels. The vehicle is enhanced by features like intelligent key push start button, ABS, EBD, BA, vehicle dynamic control (VDC) with traction control system (TCS) and xenon lights. Lastly, it comes with striking front and rear parking sensors and 6 SRS air bags.

Apart from its performance, Nissan Maxima also offers maximum comfort and safety. Maxima provides extremely nimble handling and leaves the driver feeling confident and in control. Braking is strong and the vehicle is relatively quiet as well, thanks to an improved engine-mounting system and more rigid body and six standard airbag system is available to ensure safety of all the passengers.

Maxima’s unmatched comfort levels also feature 8-way power driver seat (which is a standard), 4-way power front passenger seat, a high end Bose sound system and for a premium look and feel it comes with leather appointed

seats and steering with characteristic stitch. The digital compass in rearview mirror makes reversing easy and convenient. The tiltdown of outside mirrors during reversing the vehicle comes with memory function and adds to the classic look of the new model.

The prestigious vehicle has received several accolades including the ALG’s residual value award for best full-size car and the best resale value in its class by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

Quality of power, performance and safety shows in the eyecatching exterior of the Maxima with rear combination lights, a new front grille design, large glass

surfaces and 19-inch aluminiumalloy wheels. Key features include high intensity discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, smoked appearance headlights, a compass in the rearview mirror, a rear spoiler, fog lights, dark satin chrome front grille, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim. And it’s the fine exterior appointments that hint at luxury within the sedan.

A luxury sedan should ease both the body and the mind and keeping this thought central, the Nissan Maxima’s warm and roomy interior provides a quiet space to stretch out and discover the rewards of ergonomic design.

N E W I N N O VAT I O N

All the information which one needs while driving is easily accessible with the rearview monitor and the interactive Nissan hard drive navigation system.

Care has been taken to ensure that all the controls are comfortably within the reach of the automobilist and the wide range of fun youthful features include 2-DIN audio system featuring an AM/ FM radio and seven speakers. Nissan Maxima is engineered, built, tuned and aimed at young drivers who prefer sporty handling and a firmer ride as opposed to the softer, more luxurious rides associated with other cars in this class. To this end, four driver-selectable modes

are available: D-mode or the automatic mode; DS mode which is the drive sport automatic; Shift lever and Paddle shifter which is the manual mode.

The Nissan Maxima’s main USP is undoubtedly its comfort quotient — it provides the comfort of performance, smoothness and power as only a Nissan vehicle can. It also offers the comfort of design that is dedicated to quiet relaxation. And last but not the least, the comfort of knowing that one is safe with the advanced safety features that are available in the all latest Maxima’s.

While at its core, the Nissan Maxima is a family sedan that seats five people, it offers enough performance and handling to please young drivers who really value these two qualities. In addition, the Maxima has abundant amount of standard features and a modernized, comfortable interior, together with the guarantee of customercentric and outstanding services of the Suhail Bahwan Automobiles.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing world-class after-sales services in Oman. With a national network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 spare parts outlets, SBA has further built upon its legacy of trust, excellent customer service and providing value for money to each of its customers.

S O C I A L M E D I A P L AT F O R M

Geepas introduces lightest flashlight DUBAI: Geepas, the flagship brand of Western International Group, introduces the Geepas Moonwalker — the world’s lightest and most powerful range of flashlights. This new innovation has various cutting-edge features to call its own. This new series of flashlights aims to make flashlights more portable and durable, lasting much longer with superior quality and performance, says a press release.

Geepas has lightened up the lives of millions of people around the world and its new Moonwalker series looks forward to creating a new direction in the flashlight industry. The Moonwalker uses a special LIB Technology using Lithium-Ion batteries that provide 3 times longer battery life and due to this the flashlight becomes completely weightless making it only as heavy as one-third of the weight of standard flashlights in the market. Its light-weight strong unbreakable body and heavy-duty power light offers more brightness and makes it the perfect tool for all

users, be it at home or while travelling. Also, a built-in universal charging port makes the Moonwalker highly convenient, reliable and user-friendly.

Geepas is known for its innovative product range and modern

strategies with excellent use of technology, and this new innovation does not fail to impress.

“Geepas is now taking on challenges, and with over 1500 products in our range across multiple categories, we have now decided to offer our customers a taste of something new and unique, while adding higher value to the customer’s use. The ‘Moonwalker’ is our first step in this new direction, and there will soon be many more such innovations,” said Nizar T. N., director of Operations, Western International Group.

Geepas has introduced the Moonwalker series of flashlights in two sizes. Along with strong battery backup and longer life, the flashlight also has battery level indicator that blinks red when in need of charge, and green when fully charged. The strong unbreakable front glass makes the Moonwalker break-free when dropped from heights or hit with force.

Recently crowned as a Superbrand, Geepas is gaining popularity for its reliable and quality

products at cost-effective pricing, and is now one of the most prominent names in the world. Widely revered for their quality and reliability, Geepas Moonwalker is a cutting-edge innovation that is sure to set it a class apart from the rest, and promises to be a best-seller amongst the clutter available in the market today.

Geepas is a part of Western International Group and has one of the world’s largest Electronics product portfolio with over 1500 products in entertainment products, home appliances, kitchen appliances, lighting products and personal care gadgets. Geepas thrives on its phenomenal after sales service, with an extraordinary 3-day service turnaround time period, virtually overshadowing every other brand in the world. Geepas could be one of the few brands in the world which has retained its customers with figures showing up to 74.3% of its customers having purchased more than three or more products from its brand stable.

SPECIALIST

Top Medanta nephrologist set to bring extensive expertise to Hatat Polyclinic MUSCAT: Leading nephrologist Dr Vijay Kher will be available for consultation at Hatat Polyclinic on August 8. Professional dedication, academic excellence and social responsibility are what Dr Kher, an internationally recognised nephrologist at Medanta The Medicity, will bring to Hatat Polyclinic in Oman.

Regular visits to Hatat Polyclinic by Dr Kher, chairman of the Division of Nephrology, Medanta Kidney and Urology Institute, are planned as part of the tie-up between the two top, old-established medical institutions.

An astute clinician, a teacher par excellence and a keen researcher, Dr Kher is all set to visit Hatat Polyclinic on August 8 to offer his knowledge and expertise in kidney transplantation, immunosuppression, progressive renal diseases, acute kidney injury and glomerulonephritis to patients in Oman.

Dr Kher has established academic and clinical departments of Nephrology at Sher-e-Kashmir, Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar, SGPGIMS in Lucknow, Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, Fortis group of hospitals in NCR, Delhi and most recently at Medanta.

He has been awarded fellowships of National Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal College of Physicians Edinburg and Indian Society of Nephrology. He has published more than 150 papers in peer re-

An astute clinician, a teacher par excellence and a keen researcher, Dr Vijay Kher is all set to visit Hatat Polyclinic on August 8 to offer his knowledge and expertise in kidney transplantation, immunosuppression, progressive renal diseases, acute kidney injury and glomerulonephritis to patients in the Sultanate

viewed journals and 24 book chapters and has edited five books.

Multi-speciality institute Dr Kher’s belief in research, combined with his friendly and inclusive demeanour, has long inspired the nephrology fraternity in India and his visits to Hatat Polyclinic will provide a link between the patients in Oman and Medanta The Medicity, one of India’s largest multi-speciality medical institutes, which is based in Gurgaon, Delhi. This will allow the patients to not only benefit from the extensive expertise of visiting doctors such as Dr Kher but also to access the state-of-the-art treatment facilities at Medanta. Medanta Institute of Kidney and Urology is determined to knit together pa-

tient care, research and teaching in a manner to provide the highest standards of care for all patients suffering from various kidney and urinary diseases. The institute provides cutting-edge care in all areas of nephrology with roundthe-clock delivery of care for dialysis, transplant and chronic kidney diseases. Medanta - The Medicity is a unique resource for those with the diseases of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder and prostate gland.

“As the major tertiary and quaternary care centre, our goal is to deliver the highest level patient care, consistent with the Medanta - The Medicity’s philosophy of ‘Patient First’,” said Dr Kher.

According to him, the institute,

which has brought together some of the region’s finest experts covering every major urology and nephrology speciality, is seeking to break down the physical and administrative barriers to interdisciplinary interactions between urologists, nephrologists, medical and radiation oncologists. The Medanta is one of the premier centres in the world using minimally invasive surgical techniques including the modern Da Vinci robotic surgery to correct prostate, bladder and kidney problems.

“Our institute will develop new directions for patient oriented management of cancer and benign urological diseases by integrating and leveraging our combined expertise,” added Dr Kher.

Bank Sohar rewards Ramadan Facebook competition winners MUSCAT: In a recent prize giving ceremony, Bank Sohar presented gift certificates to each of the 10 winners of its Ramadan Facebook Competition totalling OMR1,000.

The competition, which was launched in celebration of the holy month, saw Bank Sohar invite all its customers and fans to participate by answering multiple choice questions posted on Bank Sohar’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/excel.banksohar from June 28 till July 9 revolving around attractive touristic locations within the Sultanate.

The ceremony was recently held at the bank’s head office where the gift certificates worth OMR100 were presented to each of the 10 winners by Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, the AGM & Head of Marketing and Publicity at Bank Sohar, says a press release.

The competition saw Bank Sohar post questions on its Facebook page (www.facebook. com/excel.banksohar) in a multiple choice based format every day from Sunday to Thursday from June 28 till July 9 revolving around the various attractive touristic locations within the Sultanate.

As with its previous Facebook competitions, all participants needed to do was log into their Facebook accounts and visit Bank Sohar’s Facebook page.

Once the page was ‘Followed’, they then needed to look for the question of the day and answer it.

The first correct entry from each user per question was then entered into a computerised draw, where ten lucky winners were picked at random to receive a cash prize of OMR100.

Congratulating each of the winners of the contest, Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi said: “The contest was a grand success. We received a large number of individual entries over the course of two weeks. I would like to thank each and every fan for their participation as well as congratulate each of our 10 winners. These competitions together with the social media platform as a whole

The contest was a grand success. We received a large number of individual entries over the course of two weeks. I would like to thank each and every fan for their participation as well as congratulate each of our 10 winners Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi AGM & Head of Marketing and Publicity, Bank Sohar

have proved to be a great medium through which we can keep our customers and fans excited and engaged with the bank and we look forward to conducting many more similar competitions in the future.”

In the past year, Bank Sohar’s social media identities have witnessed a tremendous growth, in addition to a high level of engagement from fans through questions, comments and responses.

The bank has also conducted two previous highly successful competitions on its social media platforms this year – the #banksohar8 Instagram competition, launched in commemoration of the bank’s eighth anniversary; and, more recently, the Customer Service Competition #here4u on Twitter. Having started the official Twitter account and Facebook page in June 2013, followed

by Instagram page thereafter, Bank Sohar has come a long way in getting closer to its customers and interacting with them.

B6

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

ROUND-UP Deema Oman: Adding a touch of class to Omani jewellery designs Starting a business requires sacriďŹ ces, a clear vision and a comprehensive plan, says Shadya Al Ismailiya, owner of Deema Oman Times News Service MUSCAT: Sultanate of Oman has never been short of home-grown talent and its artisans and entrepreneurs continue to impress in various walks of life.

Shadya Al Ismailiya, Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budding and talented designer and owner of Deema Oman, began her journey in designing jewellery as a hobby back in 2008. She had the opportunity to attend specialised courses in designing and manufacturing jewellery at Birmingham City University, and today she is recognised as an experienced and professional designer in the Sultanate with a lineup of awards and recognitions both locally and internationally.

Late 2014, her daughter Suad Al Riyami joined the journey bringing a wealth of legal experience with her into the business. Incubated at the National Business Centre (NBC) which falls under the umbrella of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), Deema Oman is the ďŹ rst Omani brand for high-end jewellery.

Role of NBC The National Business Centre is playing a pivotal role in offering cutting-edge services and facilities for Deema Oman, said Shadya â&#x20AC;&#x153;The NBC is undertaking major efforts to market and promote Deema Oman especially among decision makers in government entities as well as in semi-government and private bodies. Other than that, we are receiving advisory services which pose a substantial importance for any entrepreneur.

These services focus on major aspects comprising business management and development, and the opportunities available for the projects. All these services play a dynamic role towards the development of human resources, and in identifying methods to tackle administrative, technical and marketing challenges that are faced by the entrepreneurs during the foundation phase,â&#x20AC;? she explained.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, the centre requires innovation department that would be concerned in updating the incubated companies on the latest innovations that are triggered in other countries in the ďŹ eld of SMEs. In addition, the department has to do research or even share the published studies in the ďŹ eld across the region. This will ultimately result in developing the products and services of the incubated companies in one way or another,â&#x20AC;? she added.

When asked about the challenges facing entrepreneurship and SMEs in the Sultanate, Shadya had this to say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The lack of conďŹ dence of the market towards the performance of the SMEs is one of the most vital issues that we are

facing. Therefore, these SMEs will not have the opportunity to prove that they can deliver efficient services to the market. I should not generalise in this matter because there are a few institutions that are offering great support to the SMEs. Moreover, the issue of high rents is another struggle that foils the ability to establish a headquarters for a project. On the other hand, high rents lead to a signiďŹ cant ďŹ nancial burden that would slow down the growth of the project. In addition, the market lacks workshops that are based on global standards of production processes, which makes some entrepreneurs depend on factories based outside the Sultanate. This of course would result in raising production

PROMOTION

cost on the one hand and slowing production process on the other.â&#x20AC;?

Funding initiatives The government has made signiďŹ cant efforts to support entrepreneurs in terms of funding initiatives, Shadya emphasised.

However, she believed that the private sector should have a more active role in this matter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Developing projects should not be carried out solely by the government and a few private institutions. There should be investors to support Omani entrepreneurs which would eventually contribute to the advancement of the national economy. For instance, Al Rafd Fund alone will not be able to achieve the aspirations of

such projects. Deema Oman has deďŹ nitely beneďŹ ted from Al Rafd Fund, yet the funding was not enough to ďŹ nance such a project that relies on expensive raw materials including gold and gemstones,â&#x20AC;? she pointed out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since I worked in both public and private sectors, I must say that achieving oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aspirations in any ďŹ eld is impossible without a clear vision, a proper research and a comprehensive plan. Entrepreneurs should not give up easily. Starting a business requires sacriďŹ ces. If you are not able to ďŹ nd proper ingredients for a successful business, make them. You should never give up as we have to learn from our own mistakes,â&#x20AC;? Shadya added.

Deema Oman is currently planning for expansion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;An e-commerce website will be launched soon to attract more customers locally and globally, and an outlet will be initiated so that we can deal with customers face-to-face and they will be able to view and evaluate the products personally.

There will also be a new production line for the project; more details will be announced soon,â&#x20AC;? she informed.

It should be noted that Deema Oman was offered the role of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ambassador of Innovationâ&#x20AC;? by The Research Council (TRC) in 2014 as it received â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women Award of Excellencyâ&#x20AC;? in 2013. It was also spotlighted on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jawharat Omanâ&#x20AC;?

Book for its outstanding efforts in 2012. Deema Oman was chosen in 2012 to represent designers of the Middle East region in the celebration of 150 years anniversary of life and legacy of Sir Henry Royce. Moreover, it was shortlisted amongst 15 designers selected worldwide to attend 110 years anniversary of manufacturing Rolls Royce cars.

C O M M U N I T Y I N I T I AT I V E

Renaultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ramadan offer ends on August 9 Qatar Airways celebrates MUSCAT: Customers can still beneďŹ t from the exciting package Renault Oman from Suhail Bahwan Group offers as exclusive Ramadan bonanza on their sleek range of vehicles. The offer ends on August 9, 2015.

Renaultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive Ramadan offer comprises a plethora of beneďŹ ts on most of their top selling models as well as their newly launched models in 2015. Renaultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sedan segment comprises a prestigious lineup of cars that include the sleek Renault Fluence, the strikingly good looking Renault Safrane and the newly launched Renault Symbol and Renault Megane. The SUV range comprises the Renault Duster, Renault Koleos and the allnew 2015 Renault Captur.

and free extended warranty period of up to 6 years / unlimited mileage. Further, customers will also receive AAA roadside assistance card for the ďŹ rst year only and as supported by AAA Oman. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; , ( Ĺ&#x2014; Ăš Ĺ&#x2014; , 1 Customers purchasing any of the Renault models during the Ramadan month will also get a " ( Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014; (. ,Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;' ! Ĺ&#x2014;, Ăš Ĺ&#x2014; , 1Ĺ&#x2014; which will be held on August 23.

2015 Ramadan highlights: Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; , . "Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x2039;Ĺ&#x2014; #(Ĺ&#x2014; ÄĄ 1)Ĺ&#x2014; --/, Ĺ&#x2014; The grand prize winner will walk away with a new 2015 Renault gifts) 1. With a unique scratch and win Duster 2L PE. card, customers are eligible to win assured high value gifts from any The alluring Fluence one of the products comprising The Renault Fluence offers more LG 65â&#x20AC;?Ultra High DeďŹ nition LED generous passenger space than Curve TV, Apple I phone 6-16GB, other vehicles in the same class.

Lenovo Laptop-Intel Core i5 or a Interior measurements are highly impressive, with elbow room of LG 42â&#x20AC;? LED TV. 2. Customers will also be eligible 1,480mm in the front and 1,475mm to win an assured service package at the rear. gift up to 5 years/ 100,000 kms periodic maintenance service (with The luxurious Safrane minimum assured service pack- The Renault Safrane 3.5 V6 ďŹ tted age of 2 years/ 30,000km periodic with an automatic six-speed transmission comes equipped with the maintenance service) Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; -"Ĺ&#x2014; # .-Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014; 1#&&Ĺ&#x2014; Carminat TomTom navigation also walk away with assured cash system, a solution as efficient as it gifts up to OMR1000 (minimum is easy to update and use, with the assured of OMR400) on purchas- intuitive joystick. The hands-free card allows you to open and close ing select models from Renault. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ." ,Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.-Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014;1#&&Ĺ&#x2014; the doors as well as start the engine, be entitled to receive free registra- without even leaving your pocket. tion for ďŹ rst year for Oman only Bluetooth technology allows you to

its expansion in Pakistan

make calls in perfect safety.

The soulful Symbol The Renault Symbol is a statusenhancing yet affordable family sedan. Its modern design and attractive equipment package, combined with its low fuel consumption make the new Renault Symbol the perfect sedan for families looking for value for money along with status and style.

The captivating Captur It is a crossover packed with a turbocharged engine for those occasional bursts of controlled fun. The engine producing 120 BHP and 190 Nm of torque is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Made in Spain, the Renault Captur stands out from the crowd by delivering the best of three different worlds: The expressive styling and driving position of an SUV, the cabin space and modular interior of an MPV and the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact saloon car.

The mesmerising Megane The Megane hatch is equipped with dual side-impact sensors, which make it an incredibly efďŹ cient option for any safety-conscious Renault purchaser. With its unique aesthetic that turns heads at its sporty seduction, the 2016

Renault Megane 1.6 is a meeting place of practicality and passion for design.

The impressive Koleos The key highlights are the Renault Koleos reliability, with its power train of 2.5L engine, CVT transmission and 170 horse power issued from the Renault Nissan Alliance; added safety, with its six airbags; hill start assistance and hill slope control; ESP with Anti Slip Regulation; comfort, with its dual zone air-conditioning, leather interior and electric panoramic sunroof; advanced technology, with Bose sound system; digital media connectivity- USB and iPod docks; bluetooth capabilities, Renault key-less smart card; navigation assistance; 4WD differential lock, and roominess, with a segment-topping cabin space.

The amazing Duster The Renault Duster, a strong and reliable SUV with genuine off-road ability is versatile and combines a spacious interior with saloon-car comfort. The Dusterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compact footprint and high ground clearance ensures that it is meant for all kinds of roads.

SBA is largely committed to supporting Renault Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in the Sultanate.

MULTAN: Qatar Airways hosted a signature event at the Ramada Hotel Multan, to celebrate its rapid expansion in Pakistan, with new ďŹ&#x201A;ights launched to Multan, Sialkot and Faisalabad on August 2, July 16 and 17 respectively.

The VIP dinner, which was attended by more than 150 guests from the corporate and travel trade spheres, featured the launch of a community initiative in Pakistan to commemorate the new route launches.

Qatar Airways joined hands with Qatar Charity to support the building of a medical centre, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Al Amalâ&#x20AC;?, located in the Khanewal District in Pakistan.

The evening dinner featured a plaque reveal ceremony of the community initiative followed by live local entertainment.

During the event, Ihab Sorial, Qatar Airways vice president Indian Subcontinent, highlighted the importance of Qatar Airwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; expansion in Pakistan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Multan is the latest gateway to join Qatar Airwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; family of ex-

panding destinations in Pakistan where we are so pleased to have launched three new destinations in a span of just a few weeks. From operating 45 ďŹ&#x201A;ights a week to four cities â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we have now spread our presence to seven key gateways offering a total of 55 ďŹ&#x201A;ights a week,â&#x20AC;? said Sorial. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are proud to highlight that Qatar Airwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commitment to Pakistan will continue as we identify new opportunities to expand our presence to even more cities across the country.

For those passengers who do business in different parts of the world or wish to visit friends and relatives, Qatar Airways is able to offer them an experience of wonderful hospitality,â&#x20AC;? he added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are also humbled to be able to announce the opening of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Al Amalâ&#x20AC;? Medical Centre here in Pakistan. Qatar Airways endeavours to contribute to this community for the beneďŹ t of its people and will always strive to do so.â&#x20AC;?

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ROUND-UP R OA D S A F E T Y C A M PA I G N

Al Mumayaz weekly draw held PDO ‘Tell A Friend’ drive set to participate in Salalah Festival MUSCAT: Bank Sohar’s Al Mumayaz Saving Scheme held its 19th weekly draw at the Saham branch under the auspices of Sheikh Ali Abdullah Al Badi, a member of the Shura Council, and was attended

by Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, the AGM of branches at Bank Sohar, Redha Al Lawatia, the senior chief manager of Liabilities and Sales at Bank Sohar, and Ibrahim Abdullah Al Balushi, branch manager of the Bank Sohar Saham Branch, in addition to other members of the senior staff from Bank Sohar and the bank’s VIP customers.

Continuing to offer more chances, more winners and more prizes for its customers as part of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Saving Scheme, the bank’s draws included the OMR5,000 weekly draw and the specific branch wise draw of OMR1,000. The lucky winner of the latest OMR5,000 draw was J. B. S. of the Salalah branch, while the OMR1,000 prize went to Salim Mohammed of the Saham branch, says a press release.

The event was inaugurated with a welcome speech followed by an

overview of the 2015 Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme by Redha Al Lawatia. Following the presentation, the chief guest announced the names of the two winners. The event concluded with the handover of a token of appreciation to Al Badi on behalf of the bank.

Commenting on the response the bank has received for the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme Draws, R. Narasimhan, DGM and Head of Retail Banking said, “On behalf of Bank Sohar, I would like to congratulate J. B. S. Salim Mohammed on winning our 19th weekly draw.

We at Bank Sohar are committed

to providing excellent services and best banking practices while at the same time finding better ways to encourage the habit of savings in our customers and the community at large. With the Al Mumayaz Savings Scheme 2014, we can do just that. We continually receive positive feedback from our customers with many appreciating the increased number of winners and chances to win at both; our weekly and monthly draws. Many also expressed their appreciation for the new dedicated branch draws that ensures we have winners spread across our branch network.

MUSCAT: The nationwide ‘Tell A Friend’ road safety campaign spearheaded by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is featuring at the Salalah Tourism Festival next week, as part of the ongoing drive to educate people across the Sultanate about the importance of safe driving.

Volunteers are manning a stand from August 10-15 to appeal to visitors who are keen to learn more about staying safe on Oman’s roads, and to spread the message, says a press release.

The programme will include live discussions with visitors, contests, short plays and many other activities to appeal to all age groups. Visitors will also be able to try the seatbelt convincer device which simulates the impact of a slow-speed traffic accident. Moreover, ‘Tell A Friend’ volunteers will give away free child car seats to a number of parents attending the event.

The five-year ‘Tell A Friend’

Ferrari California T: Elegance at its best

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It is a car brimming

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with innovation that will more than meet the expectations of discerning clients for whom fun behind the wheel is a priority, but who also demand a sumptuously comfortable Grand Tourer they can use every day MUSCAT: Alfardan Motors, the official importer of Ferrari in Oman and the country’s exclusive dealer of the innovative and stylish California T; a model that epitomises the sublime elegance, sportiness, versatility and exclusivity that have distinguished every California model since the 1950s.

It is a car brimming with innovation that will more than meet the expectations of discerning clients for whom fun behind the wheel is a priority, but who also demand a sumptuously comfortable Grand Tourer they can use every day, says a press release.

The California T is a brilliant expression of Ferrari’s sporty DNA, while its retractable hard top (RHT) and 2+ configuration, amongst other features, make it supremely versatile. Like all Fer-

raris, the California T boasts cutting-edge technological solutions that make it absolutely unique, most notably the new turbocharged V8 engine.

Turbo technology has an honourable place in Prancing Horse’s engineering tradition, thanks to iconic models of the likes of the GTO of 1984 and the F40 of 1987.

It is now also, of course, back at the heart of our latest F1 singleseater. Maranello’s engineers have managed to design a remarkable power unit that combines classic Ferrari engine qualities, such as razor-sharp responsiveness, blistering performance, superbly powerful acceleration at all speeds and an exhilarating soundtrack, with the advantages turbo technology, such as drastically reduced emissions and fuel consumption, a high specific power output and compact dimensions. A genuinely unprecedented achievement that sets a new benchmark for the industry.

The California T sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds flat and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds. It is also more fuel efficient to the tune of approximately 15 per cent than the previous California despite punching out an extra 70 CV and 49 per cent more torque in 7th gear. Emissions have also been cut to 250 g/km on the combined cycle, the equivalent

of a 20 per cent reduction in the CO2/horsepower ratio (0.44 gr/ cv). As a consequence the car’s range increases by 15 per cent.

All these results were achieved thanks to solutions adopted on the F1 single-seaters, including a low-inertia, flat-plane crankshaft combined with innovative twinscroll turbines to minimise throttle response times.

Meticulous design Certain of the manufacturing phases, mostly regarding castings, also make use of the same plant and production processes employed by the Scuderia. Thanks to meticulous design and sophisticated production techniques adopted for essential components, such as the flat-plane crankshaft and the three-piece cast exhaust manifold and turbo housing, the California T’s engine produces an enthrallingly powerful sound that becomes even more impressive as revs increase.

The new model also boasts true sports car dynamics, thanks to lower steering wheel activity and quicker steering courtesy of a new steering box and new suspension set-up. New springs and latestgeneration Magnaride dampers (now more than 50 per cent faster), combined with body motion accelerometers, reduce roll and pitch to deliver more precise han-

dling whilst still guaranteeing an incredibly comfortable ride.

The car’s electronic systems are also the state-of-the-art in the sector with the latest evolution of the F1-Trac and the ESP 8.0 Premium, both of which help make the car even more responsive, underscoring its nimble sports car dynamics.

The combination of the California T’s uncompromising architecture, dynamic controls and new engine guarantees consistent fun behind the wheel both in challenging and more relaxed driving conditions, in perfect Grand Tourer style.

Meticulous and in-depth design work has retained the dimensions of the previous model yet endowed the California T with a whole new personality. The car’s proportions were penned by the Ferrari Styling Centre in collaboration with Pininfarina, and are very much in line with Ferrari’s front-engined ethos. The California T’s cabin exudes a sense of warmth and craftsmanship, and was designed to be as ergonomic as possible, with luxurious semianiline leather trim.

The space on-board is flexible too, and owners can make the most efficient use of its generous boot capacity even with the top down, thanks to the communication between the luggage compartment and rear seats.

The Human-Machine Interface encompasses the Ferrari steering wheel with integrated controls while the Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) takes pride of place between the two air vents at the centre of dash.

campaign was officially launched

by PDO in Muscat in January 2013 with the aim of lowering the number of road accidents in the Sultanate. It targets important areas of road safety such as responsible driving, speed management, vehicle safety, proper seat belt usage and fatigue and has used a multimedia approach, including television, cinema, radio, newspapers, Facebook and Twitter to get its message across to all generations.

Munira Al Balushi, Campaign Coordinator, said: “The Salalah Festival is a major event and provides a great opportunity for us to

spread the word about safe driving. Every year, hundreds die and thousands are injured on Oman’s roads and PDO, and our partners including the Royal Oman Police, want to do all we can to reduce this terrible casualty toll. The ‘Tell A Friend’ campaign roadshow has travelled all over the country including Ibri, Nizwa, Khasab, Shaleem and Al Jazir and we have had a great response from the public who realise how important it is to make our roads safer.”

The campaign also visited the 2013 Salalah Tourism Festival and attracted about 5,000 visitors.

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BankDhofar receives STP Award from CITI

CITI presents the STP Award annually to banks and financial institutions that showcase exceptional quality and also meet the highest global standards for automatic processing of international payments in US dollar

MUSCAT: In recognition of its outstanding performance in the execution of commercial and financial payments in US dollar, BankDhofar has received the prestigious ‘Straight-Through-Processing (STP) Excellence Award’ from CITI for the bank’s 97%+ treasury payments STP rate.

CITI presents the STP Award annually to banks and financial institutions that showcase exceptional quality and also meet the highest global standards for automatic processing of international payments in US dollar. Earlier this year Bank-

Dhofar was presented another STP Award for automatic processing of international payments in Euroby the Germany-based Commerzbank, says a press release.

The accolade was handed over to Kamal Al Marazza, chief wholesale banking officer by Mohamed Al Hammadi, vice president of Correspondent Banking Group at CITI, at BankDhofar head office in CBD area, and was attended by Bashir Said Al Subhi, BankDhofar AGM, Treasury & International Banking, and Cynthia Oueiss from CITI.

Upon receiving the award, Kamal Al Marazza said: “We are very delighted to receive such a prestigious award, and we are proud to see BankDhofar leading the market in e-channels convenience and security of financial payments in foreign currencies. We at BankDhofar are committed to offer best customers experience, and we work to ensure that our transfers are instant, less costly, and simple. That, for sure, makes banking with us more convenient, faster and easier.”

Aspiring to be the best bank in the Gulf, BankDhofar has directed all its efforts and resources towards these objectives. Today it is considered one of the best banks in the region, catering for customers’ needs and requirements, and setting the standards for the best customers experience within the banking industry in the Sultanate through creative solutions and innovation.

The combination of the thorough vision of the bank’s executive management, the comprehensive operational strategy that revolves around following best internation-

al banking practices and providing best customer experience, as well as commitment to community development and contribution to the growth of the national economy, placed BankDhofar on top of the list of best banks in the region.

In 2015 alone, BankDhofar received a number of prestigious awards from leading international organisations, including ‘STP Award 2014’ by Commerzbank, Germany, ‘Best Mobile E-Commerce Bank 2015’ and ‘Best SME Bank Oman 2015’ by Global Banking & Finance Review, ‘Islamic Bank of the Year – Oman 2015’ by The Banker, ‘Best Mobile Banking Oman 2015’ and ‘Best Islamic Window – Maisarah, Oman 2015’ by International Finance Magazine, ‘SME Bank of the Year – Oman’ and ‘Website of the Year – Oman’ in the ABF Retail Banking Awards 2015, ‘Oman Domestic Project Finance Bank of the Year’ and ‘Oman Domestic Cash Management Bank of the Year’ in the ABF Wholesale Banking Awards 2015, ‘Best Branch Automation Project in Middle East 2015’ by The Asian Banker.

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AUTOMOBILE FINANCE

Bank Muscat extends Sayyarati Ramadan campaign till Aug. 31 MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in view of strong customer response, has extended till August 31 a feature-packed automobile finance campaign launched during the Ramadan season.

The Sayyarati auto finance is available at low interest rates starting from 3.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent on a reducing balance basis which is equivalent to 1.91 per cent to 2.41 per cent on a flat basis. The Sayyarati Ramadan package includes financing up to eight years for new and used vehicles, the lowest monthly payment option, on-the-spot approvals and motor insurance with low premiums, says a press release.

Customers are also not required to furnish post-dated cheques, making Sayyarati the easy, convenient and completely hasslefree way to own a new car. Notably, Sayyarati finance can be obtained from any of the 140 Bank Muscat branches spread across Oman.

This offer comes as a boon for newly recruited employees in government and quasi-government sector who can avail the auto finance if they have been employed for one month and three months in the case of employees of approved private sector companies.

Unique in all aspects with unparalleled benefits, Sayyarati is the preferred auto finance facility in Oman for both citizens and expatriates. The Ramadan offer includes various unique benefits, making it quicker, easier and more affordable to own one’s dream vehicle.

Due to strong partnership with leading auto dealers, Sayyarati significantly enhances the value proposition offered to customers, including motor insurance at low premium through the bancassurance channel of Bank Muscat.

Post-dated cheques are not required and payment instalments

The Sayyarati auto finance is available at low interest rates starting from 3.5% to 4.5% on a reducing balance basis which is equivalent to 1.91% to 2.41% on a flat basis. The Sayyarati Ramadan package includes financing up to eight years for new and used vehicles, the lowest monthly payment option, onthe-spot approvals and motor insurance with low premiums

are automatically debited from customer account on a monthly basis. Customers can visit any auto dealership or Bank Muscat branches to avail Sayyarati auto finance offered to citizens and residents.

Oman is home to the world’s best known auto brands. By encouraging people to buy top quality vehicles, Bank Muscat reiterates its commitment to road safety, thereby spreading safety and happiness in Oman.

PRE-OWNED VEHICLES

Exciting range of vehicles now available at Best Cars

MUSCAT: Best Cars, premium used cars showroom, continues to offer a wide range of quality cars to its valued customers.

“There is an exciting range of vehicles to choose from at Best Cars which include Lexus, Toyota, Kia, Ford and many other models! Large stocks of sedans, 4WDs and premium models are displayed at the showroom. You can also visit ‘www.bestcarsoman.com’ for more details,” says the spokesperson for Best Cars Oman’s trusted hypermarket for quality pre-owned vehicles.

“For those looking for a preowned vehicle, the wish-list usually goes like this, I want a quality pre-owned vehicle from a known local car dealer who will give me a good deal, get me the right car and walk me through the process.

And that is why when the subject of quality pre-owned cars comes up, no conversation is complete without mention of Best Cars, “ the spokesperson adds.

Superior quality Best Cars offers a superior quality of pre-owned cars with a wide range of models under one roof.

Selected vehicles with GCC specs only are available here and Best Cars offers single-window documentation, registration, finance, etc. reducing the hassle of required paperwork, says a press release.

No wonder that a previous customer has gone on record with his thank you note stating, “I must place on record the excellent service rendered by Best Cars sales staff. I was impressed because when I first gave them my requirement and a price range - they called me within a few days when another two cars were available for sale, one of which I ultimately purchased. The salesperson was friendly and explained all the features of the car to me and also helped me through the process of registration. He also took down the contact numbers of a friend of mine who came with me and who showed interest in purchasing a used car. In fact my friend also purchased a Prado from Best Cars and, like me, is happy with the service of Best Cars.”

Indeed, Best Cars receives many kudos from customers. The main showroom is prominently located at the most convenient

place in the heart of the automobile market in Wattayah, Muscat.

Displaying a very large number of models at any given point in time, it is perhaps the biggest such facility in Oman.

In addition to the main showroom in Muscat, Best Cars also has 13 branch operations all over Oman in Seeb Al Mawelah, Sohar, Nizwa, Ibra, Barka, Salalah, Ibri, Sur, Sumail, Suweiq, Bidiyah, B.B. Ali and Sinaw.

Best Cars stocks prominent brands including Lexus, Toyota, Ford, Kia and Daihatsu, to name a few. While daily new arrivals are updated on the user-friendly award-winning website ‘www. bestcarsoman.com’, customers can also register their requirement and be informed as soon as their desired vehicle is available.

Best Cars also provides financing facilities for customers who want to purchase pre-owned vehicles on instalments.

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INDIA HOPE RAINS STAY AWAY IN COLOMBO

Looking for a proper tune-up before the threematch cricket Test series against hosts Sri Lanka gets underway, India would be hoping that rain stays away from their one and only three-day practice game beginning at the R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. >C3

Inconsistent England eye glory Stuart Broad, set to lead England’s attack in the absence of longtime new-ball partner Anderson, is just one wicket away from joining Test cricket’s ‘300 club’ on his Nottinghamshire home ground NOTTINGHAM: England head into the fourth Test against Australia at Trent Bridge starting on Thursday knowing they are just one win away from recapturing the Ashes yet being equally aware they’ve yet to string back-to-back victories together in Tests in 2015.

Since drawing their series opener against the West Indies at Antigua in April, England’s next seven Tests have seen them alternate between winning and losing.

Indeed their eight-wicket win in the third Test at Edgbaston, which put England 2-1 up in the fivematch Ashes series followed a defeat by the huge margin of 405 runs in the second Test at Lord’s.

England will also be without alltime leading wicket-taker James Anderson, who took an Ashesbest six for 47 at Edgbaston but was subsequently ruled out of the fourth Test with a side strain.

It is the first time Anderson has missed a Test in three years and means he won’t be able to add to his exceptional record at Nottinghamshire’s headquarters which has seen him take 53 wickets in eight Tests, including 10 during England’s thrilling 14-run win in the corresponding Ashes clash in Nottingham in 2013.

England would like to recall Durham quick Mark Wood, whose absence through injury paved the way for Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn to take a Test-best six for 79 on his return to the side at Edgbaston.

However, they will have to decide if he Wood is over the ankle trouble that forced him out at Edgbaston, with Liam Plunkett and uncapped Derbyshire left-armer Mark Footitt standing by.

AT TRAINING: From left, England’s Ian Bell, Joe Root, Alastair Cook and coach Trevor Bayliss during a warming-up session. – Reuters

Australia left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson insisted Anderson’s absence would leave a huge hole in England’s attack.

“It’s a massive loss for them,” he said. “Whoever they bring in will have big pressure on them.”

Meanwhile England opener Adam Lyth is set to keep his place despite managing 72 runs in six innings at an average of 12 so far this series.

Stuart Broad, set to lead England’s attack in the absence of longtime new-ball partner Anderson, is just one wicket away from joining Test cricket’s ‘300 club’ on his Nottinghamshire home ground.

But that is not his main concern.

“We are consistently the most inconsistent side,” said Broad.

“There is no point ignoring and pretending it has not happened.

He added: “It is all about breaking it down into the simplest form as players, so focusing in on our individual jobs on Thursday morning and not thinking about the exterior things like 300 wickets.”

Hunger and will For Australia, captain Michael Clarke is desperate to end a mediocre run of form.

Scores of 10 and three at Edgbaston left Clarke with a meagre series aggregate of 94 runs in six innings at an average of under 19.

But a defiant Clarke dismissed suggestions he no longer has the desire to do well in Test cricket.

“People can certainly have a shot at me about my performance, but they can’t have a shot at me about my hunger and my will to play this great game,” he wrote in his Sydney Daily Telegraph column published Tuesday.

It is Adam Voges, averaging 14.60 this series, however, who is in greatest danger of being replaced by reserve batsman Shaun Marsh.

Australia would dearly love more of the aggression from Johnson that saw him produce two rip snorting deliveries that yielded the wickets of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes in the space of three balls during England’s first innings at Edgbaston.

“I’m scratching my head a little bit about not continuing on from that (first over), and that’s something I’ll look at this game,” said Johnson.

Meanwhile Nottinghamshire groundsman Steve Birks is under pressure too after last year’s Test pitch at Trent Bridge was officially classed as “poor” after a run-glut draw between England and India proved heart-breaking for any bowler above medium-pace.

But Broad said overhead conditions often held the key to the outcome of matches at Trent Bridge.

“If it is blue sky, it is good to bat. If it is cloudy it can be good to bowl.”

England (probable): Alastair Cook (capt), Adam Lyth, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wkt), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Steven Finn Australia (probable): David Warner, Chris Rogers, Steven Smith, Michael Clarke (capt), Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wkt), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), S Ravi (IND). TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA). Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI). - AFP

See-saw Ashes baffles skippers

RIVALS: England captain Alastair Cook, left, Australian skipper Michael Clarke. – Reuters

NOTTINGHAM: Australia captain Michael Clarke and England counterpart Alastair Cook have played more than 200 Tests between them but both are perplexed by the toand-fro nature of this season’s Ashes series.

England won the first Test in Cardiff by 169 runs only for Australia to bounce back with a mammoth 405-run victory in the second Test at Lord’s.

Then England responded with an eight-wicket win inside three days in the third Test at Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground last week.

As a result, England take a 2-1 lead into the fourth Test of a five-match series at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge ground starting on Thursday.

“I can’t explain that -- it’s a rollercoaster ride,” Clarke told reporters on Wednesday.

“We played some not so great cricket at Cardiff and Edgbaston and then, at Lord’s, we were outstanding. We have seen that from both teams. I don’t know the reason.”

Cook perhaps got closest to an explanation by observing how a team that had taken an early advantage in a match had retained a strong position until the end of the game.

“When both sides got on top, they’ve been pretty ruthless at staying on top and not allowing the other side to come back,” Cook said.

Cook, whose side will look to break a seven-Test streak of alternating wins and losses by

recording their first back-toback victories of 2015, added: “I’ve seen a shift from one side to the other side taking the lead, but I haven’t seen it shift back and forward in three games like this. Hopefully, that can stop.”

No side since Australia were inspired by batting great Don Bradman back in 1936/37 have come from 2-1 down to win the Ashes, with Bradman’s side 2-0 down at one stage.

But Clarke said his team could record a landmark achievement of their own this Ashes.

“We showed that at Lord’s,” he said. “We can take confidence that we bounced back after Cardiff... we’ve got to have the same attitude now.” - AFP

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There’s life after James Anderson I won’t quit, says defiant Australian skipper

Stuart Broad urged England as a whole to concentrate on their own game saying undue focus on Australia had probably contributed to the hosts’ 405-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s

NOTTINGHAM: Stuart Broad has been backed by captain Alastair Cook to lead the attack in the absence of James Anderson as England try to show they can win a major Test match without their all-time leading wicket-taker.

Anderson has been ruled out of Thursday’s fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge, Broad’s home ground, with a side injury suffered during England’s convincing eight-wicket win over Australia in the third Test at Edgbaston last week that put them 2-1 up in the five-match series.

That match saw Anderson take an Ashes-best six for 47 in Australia’s first innings as he again underlined his worth to England.

Since March 2008, when Anderson and Broad replaced Matthew Hoggard and Stephen Harmison in Wellington, England have played five Tests without Anderson, winning two, losing one and drawing two — with both of those victories coming away to lowly Bangladesh.

No wonder many Australia players have likened Anderson’s injury to the moment Australia pace great Glenn McGrath trod on a stray ball before the start of the 2005 Edgbaston Test and was ruled out with an ankle injury which also sidelined him from the fourth Test of that series, at Trent Bridge.

England won both matches McGrath missed that series as they regained the Ashes 2-1.

Broad, however, is no callow novice, with the 29-year-old having taken 299 wickets in 82 Tests.

“I don’t think there’s been too many cases in history where a guy has 299 wickets and played 80-odd

It will be important the bowling unit talk proactively in this game and that is what I will try and lead Stuart Broad

England

Tests and he’s waiting to lead the attack,” Cook said Wednesday.

“It’s a great moment for him in terms of his homeground and stuff.

“Clearly Jimmy is going to be missed, we can’t sit here and deny that. You don’t play forever and think ‘who is irreplaceable’?

There’s always someone who can come in.”

Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn was the man who stepped up at Edgbaston, marking his first appearance at this level in two years with a Test-best six for 79 in Australia’s second innings after replacing the injured Mark Wood.

Now Durham quick Wood in turn is set to replace Anderson provided he passes a fitness test on a longstanding ankle problem.

As for the comparison between McGrath’s plight a decade ago and Anderson’s situation now, Cook ‘blocked’ that question with all the determination you would expect from an experienced opening batsman.

“I suppose it has its similarities in one sense,” he said. “But we don’t know how the result is going to go.”

Proactive Meanwhile Broad said on Wednesday he did not aim to alter his game too much in Anderson’s absence.

“That (leading the attack) doesn’t change my role particularly,” the Nottinghamshire paceman explained. “It will be important the bowling unit talk proactively in this game and that is what I will try and lead. That is what Jimmy and I do naturally so I will have to be a bit more conscious of that this week.”

Broad urged England as a whole to concentrate on their own game saying undue focus on Australia had probably contributed to the hosts’ 405-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s.

“Cooky has made it quite clear it is all about us this week,” said Broad, the son of Ashes-winning former England opener Chris Broad.

“We had a great week at Cardiff (where England won the first Test by 169 runs) and, looking back, maybe in our minds was the thought that the Aussies would come back hard at us.

“We have to just focus on what we have to do.” - AFP

SYDNEY: Defiant and angry Australian captain Michael Clarke on Wednesday vowed to keep playing after the Ashes series with England, with those suggesting he was finished talking “a complete load of rubbish”.

Pressure has been building on Clarke, who has a meagre Ashes series total of 94 runs in six innings at an average of under 19, with Australian media Tuesday saying he looked “lost” and knew the end was near.

But the 34-year-old, who has scored 28 Test centuries, said he was going nowhere, with the desire to play still burning strongly.

“The criticisms of my game at the moment are deserved and I wouldn’t expect anything different, especially as the captain of the team,” he said in a column for Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.

“But I’ve heard there have been a few articles questioning me for not having that hunger inside me. I think somebody said they could ‘see it in my eyes’ that I was finished after this series.

“That’s a complete load of rubbish.”

The Sydney Morning Herald’s chief sports writer Andrew Webster said on Tuesday Clarke’s expression “with each cheap dismissal is undeniable:

it is a blank expression of utter bewilderment. He isn’t annoyed but lost”.

Peter Lalor, cricket writer for The Australian, added to Clarke’s woes by saying that failure in the fourth Test in Nottingham starting Thursday “spells an almost certain end to his career”.

‘Desire and will’ Clarke said: “People can certainly have a shot at me about my performance, but they can’t have a shot at me about my desire and my will to play this great game.

“To this day, I’m the first to training and the last to leave, so don’t tell me that I don’t have the desire and the hunger,” he said.

“I have no intention to walk away from cricket.

“Chris Rogers waited until 35 years of age to play his second Test. I’m 34 not 37 and I want to keep playing for Australia beyond this series, however I will be judged on performance like everyone else.”

He added: “To question me on my hunger kills me, it absolutely kills me, because I pride myself on trying to get better every single day. After 13 years in this team I still think I can improve.”

Australia are 2-1 down in the five-Test series and while Clarke has admitted that his

poor form meant the team had been “playing with 10 players”, he is confident his touch will soon return.

“Under pressure is how I’ve stood up in the past and that’s the challenge I face now,” he said.

“I feel like the one time I got in this series, I declared in the second innings at Lord’s, and I need to have another innings like that where I get in.

“I just need to find a way through hard work, self-belief and a bit of luck to get to 30 and I think I’ll be in a much different place.”

England captain Alastair Cook knows all about a form slump.

In May, the opener scored his first Test century in two years — a gap between threefigure scores of 35 innings — with 105 against the West Indies in Barbados.

Cook was in no doubt a lack of runs could affect a batting captain’s performance in the field as well.

“It’s one of those things that when you score runs ... naturally your confidence is up a bit more and you’re probably more decisive in your decision making,” Cook told reporters in Nottingham on Wednesday.

“When things go well, you get the praise for it and, when things don’t go quite so well, you’re the fall guy.” - AFP

PRACTICING HARD: Australia skipper Michael Clarke vows to talk with his bat. – Reuters

TRI SERIES

Australia A thrash South Africa A CHENNAI: A superlative allround performance from Australia A helped their side to a ninewicket victory over South Africa A in the triangular one-day series at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Wednesday.

Opting to bat did not turn out well for the Proteas as they were bowled out for 171 in 48.4 overs.

In reply, Australia A made full use of their experience here as they romped home to victory with 114 balls to spare.

Unlike South Africa A, the Australian side has been in India for some time as they had also played two four-day first class matches against India A prior to the 50over tournament. They also beat the hosts in the second game to FINE START: Australia ‘A’ openers Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns take the series 1-0. steal a run during the first unofficial match of Triangular Series Continuing their form here, against South Africa ‘A’ at MAC Stadium in Chennai. – PTI Australia A bowlers did well to take all 10 wickets in the first sesBruyn (17), Khaya Zondo (21) and form to build on. sion of play.

But thereon, South Africa kept Wayne Parnell (10) managed to South Africa A started well with opener Reeza Hendricks (43) and losing wickets at regular inter- reach double digits.

Australia A pacers James Patcaptain Dean Elgar (28) striking vals to lose all 10 wickets in the a 73-run first wicket partnership next 98 runs scored. Apart from tinson (2/41), Nathan Coulterto provide their team a good plat- the openers, only Theunis de Nile (3/31) and Sean Abbot (1/25)

performed their roles perfectly well to not just take wickets at regular intervals but also kept the run rate low.

Tweakers Ashton Agar (2/26) and Cameron Boyce (2/34) also played their part by scalping four wickets together to slow down the South Africa A innings.

In reply, Australia A openers Usman Khawaja (73) and Joe Burns (63 not out) almost completed the job on their own by scoring a 142-run opening wicket stand. After skipper Khawaja got out, Travis Head (27 not out) just needed to guide his team to a comfortable victory.

The next match of the series will see Australia A take on hosts India A on Friday.

Brief scores: South Africa 171 all out in 48.4 overs (Reeza Hendricks 43, Dean Elgar 28, Khaya Zondo 21; Nathan Coulter-Nile 3/31, Ashton Agar 2/26, Cameron Boyce 2/34) lost to Australia A 175/1 in 31 overs (Usman Khawaja 73, Joe Burns 63 not out, Travis Head 27 not out; Hardus Viljoen 1/54). - IANS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

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SPORTS CRICKET

India hope rains stay away in their only warm-up game

Wilfred Paul

India’s first practice session was moved

Oman Cricket appoints marketing specialist

indoors at the National Cricket Club after rain played spoilsport on Tuesday and with thundershowers predicted for Thursday, Virat Kohli’s side will only pray for some play against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI

MUSCAT: Oman Cricket (OC) has appointed an Australian marketing specialist in order to build its brand and promote future projects.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the cricket governing body of the Sultanate said: “Oman Cricket in its endeavor to improve its services have recently employed Wilfred Paul as a Marketing Specialist.”

“Wilfred, of Australian nationality is a Health and Exercise Science, and Marketing Graduate from the Swinburne University in Australia,” it said.

“He will be assisting Oman Cricket with building its brand and promoting its upcoming projects and development,” the statement added.

COLOMBO: Looking for a proper tune-up before the three-match cricket Test series against hosts Sri Lanka gets underway, India would be hoping that rain stays away from their one and only three-day practice game beginning at the R Premadasa Stadium here Thursday.

India’s first practice session was moved indoors at the National Cricket Club after rain played spoilsport on Tuesday and with thundershowers predicted for tomorrow, Virat Kohli’s side will only pray for some play against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI. It is Kohli’s first full-fledged assignment as Test captain after

the rain-affected one-off Test in Bangladesh and the ace bastman is keen to make to it count for himself and the team.

If the batting looks good with Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay doing well at the top then the bowling, especially the spin departmemt, promises results as well.

The experience of Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra has certainly added value to the Indian spin force and they are expected to make full use of Sri Lankan wickets.

Kohli though may be going through a lull in his batting form but the Delhi player has always defied his critics when the chips

TOUR OF SRI LANKA

are down.

The young captain has himself admitted that even though it’s a young Indian Test side, it promises to live up to the expectations of millions of fans.

At the onset though, Kohli and company will face the Board CRICKET

Vijay dispels talks of ‘extra pressure’ on batsmen

COLOMBO: Skipper Virat Kohli’s strategy to field five bowlers would mean that six specialist batsmen can hardly afford to relax but opener Murali Vijay said there won’t be any extra pressure on them when they clash with Sri Lanka in a Test series, starting next week.

Vijay is coming into the series after making a strokeful 150 against Bangladesh in the one-off Test and the opener is eager to cement his place in the side.

“It’s actually not demanding. It is actually our role and if any one of us clicks, it’s going to be good for the team and we are going to be in a much comfortable position on most times. So it is a good challenge,” Vijay told reporters when asked about the pressure on the top-order batsman in the face of Kohli’s five-bowler theory.

“It is a good responsibility to have on your shoulder to go in and bat and these are good things.

If you are looking to dominate in a Test match, you have to perform as a team. You should have the plans and work according to them,” he added.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan also made a blazing 173 in Bangladesh and with Lokesh Rahul also in line for a spot in the playing XI, the competition is intense. Vijay though is not too worried.

“It (the competition in the toporder) is going to add more challenge for everybody to pull up their socks and do their bit for the team. Be as consistent as possible and it’s a good challenge and good thing to have in a team,” he said.

With two fairly young sides up against one another starting Au-

GEARING UP: Indian captain Virat Kohli catches the ball during a practice session in Colombo. – AP/PTI

Test opener Murali Vijay is coming into the series after making a strokeful 150 against Bangladesh in the one-off Test and the opener is eager to cement his place in the side gust 12, Vijay hopes the challenge will be worth everything.

“There are a lot of youngsters, like Angelo Mathews is doing well, there is (Lahiru) Thiramanne, so there is a lot of talent in the team and it is going to be a tough series for us. We are also a young bunch of players and it is going to be a challenging series,” he said.

After Kumar Sangakkara’s retirement post the second Test, Sri Lanka will be without two of their most experience batsmen — Mahela Jayawardene is already retired — and Vijay opines that India will have the upperhand on that count.

“With Mahela retired and Sangakkkara about to (retire), there is a big hole in their batting lineup when these two greats retire.

Overall I have seen Sri Lanka’s series with Pakistan and watched quite a bit of them. They are a talented side. We are looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can pull it off,” he said.

India Test cricket is going

through a transformation period with Kohli at the helm and Vijay has high hopes from the young team.

“We are a close unit now and it has two seasons that we have been playing abroad. The first time for us to play in the sub-continent and the home series coming up, so it’s going to be exciting time as a team and for every individual because it’s going to test our character and will be challenging overall,” he said.

Vijay made a strong comeback with a wonderfully crafted 150 at Fatullah against a rejuvenated Bangladesh pace attack and the opener wishes to take take the momentum forward.

“I think I have always been that way, it just the run quotient had to be a little more consistent and now with more opportunities in the team I am really enjoying my game. I am mentally ready much more than before,” said Vijay on being asked about his new-found fearless way of batting.

“Just enjoy the game and give your best, keep it simple.

I don’t like to go much deep into anything, I like doing my stuff and if it helps the team then I am going to do the same, he added.

India will be playing a lot of their cricket at home after the Sri Lanka tour, but Vijay feels even home series are full of challenges.

“Playing international cricket is itself a challenge, there is no home and away in my personal view. Every aspect has it’s own charm and challenges, so obviously we as a player have to lift our game according to the situation,” he said. - PTI

Aaron, Yadav must bowl ‘fast and accurate’ COLOMBO: Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun is confident that the team’s speed merchants Varun Aaron and Umesh Yadav will take up the challenge to “maintain speed as well as be accurate” in the upcoming threeTest series against Sri Lanka starting August 12 at Galle.

Asked if India’s fast men need to sacrifice a bit of pace in order to be more accurate, Arun said, “Sacrificing pace, I would not definitely want. I believe it is a wrong concept that people who generally bowl fast are erratic.

It’s about efficient action and thought process, you can be fast as well as accurate. So the challenge for these two (Aaron and Umesh) would be to not compromise on speed and be a lot more accurate.”

The former Tamil Nadu seamer also seemed excited about Bhuvneshwar Kumar “rediscovering himself” after a lean patch. Arun also seemed ecstatic about the current bowling group. “There is great potential in our fast bowling unit. We have couple of bowlers, who can clock 145 plus on a consistent basis. We have Ishant (Sharma) who is pretty experienced and can extract the bounce off the wicket. — PTI

President’s XI, which is led by young Sri Lankan batsman Lahiru Thirimanne.

The side boasts of quite a few international names in veteran left-handed batsman Upul Tharanga, batsman Kaushal Silva, wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal

Perera, rookie medium-pacer Lahiru Gamage and all-rounder Sachith Pathirane.

It will also be interesting to see if the Indian think-tank gives it’s young players like Lokesh Rahul and Varun Aaron a go in the playing XI. - PTI

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RIO GAMES — ONE YEAR TO GO Greatest sport festivity in the heart of Brazil

FOCUS ON FUTURE: An aerial view of the Rio 2016 Olympic Park construction site in Rio de Janeiro. – Reuters

While launching one year countdown to Rio Olympics, Brazil are turning to foreign coaches, big investments and focussing on new sports in an attempt to finish in top-10 in the medal table for the first time RIO DE JANEIRO: Foreign coaches, big investment and a focus on new sports are Brazil’s weapons as the 2016 Olympics hosts target a top-10 place in the medal table for the first time at the Rio de Janeiro Games a year from now.

Brazil hopes to win medals in at least 13 different sports with a quantum leap in performance.

The 10th spot on the medals table at the last two summer Games was held by France and Australia, both of whom won medals in more than 10 disciplines.

But finishing in the top 10 is a big challenge for a nation that devotes most of its time and money to football. “It’s a tough challenge but it’s not impossible,” Erika Miranda, a silver medallist at the world judo championships in Rio two years ago, said.

“Judo is one of the sports that must weigh in with medals if we are to finish in the top 10. But when you prepare, you are confident and I am confident we will do well.”

Brazil has historically won gold, silver and bronze medals in fewer than 10 disciplines, with most coming in volleyball, judo, athletics and sailing.

But as it prepares to wow the world and its home fans in 2016, the South American nation has given special attention to individual sports that offer more bang for their buck.

“We can highlight canoeing, handball, water polo, shooting,

A COUNTRY’S DREAM: International Olympic Committee (IOC)

President Thomas Bach talks with journalists on Barra da Tijuca beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday when he met with current and former Brazilian Olympians during the event. Rio de Janeiro marked the one-year countdown to hosting the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Wednesday. – Reuters

amongst others, as sports that have developed during this Olympic cycle and are coming to Rio with excellent performances,” said Marcus Vinicius Freire, the executive director of sports with the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB).

Canoer Isaquias Queiroz was world champion in the 500 metres event in 2013, teenage archer Marcus Vinicius D’Almeida was runner-up in the world championships last year, and the women’s handball team will defend their world title in December.

Other sports such as judo and sailing are events in which Brazil hopes individual competitors will score big. Coaches in rugby from New Zealand, gymnastics from Russia, and wrestling from Cuba are among the dozens of outsiders brought in to share their expertise in sports not traditionally associated with Brazil.

Australia debacle Since Brazil’s Sydney 2000 Olympics debacle, when it failed to win any golds and finished 52nd, performances have improved and the country was 22nd in the medal table at London 2012.

It won 27 medals in world championships in all sports in 2013 and 24 the following year — both record hauls.

The COB said it would spend one billion reais (around $287 million) on high performance athletes in the four years to 2016 and officials are optimistic about the country’s prospects.

“This is the best four-year period in Brazilian Olympic history,” said Freire. “Today the COB is working with around 17 sports (that offer) potential results in 2016 in order to get a podium finish in around 13 of them.”

Brazil has already guaranteed athletes 353 places for their home Olympics and hopes to increase that number to about 400 by the time the Games begin on August 5, 2016.

More than two-thirds of the athletes who went to the Pan American Games in Canada last month were taking part in their first multi-sports event, a statistic that shows how Brazil is bringing through young prospects.

But it also leaves a question mark over whether they will have the maturity to handle fanatical crowds on home soil.

“I don’t feel the pressure, all my best results have been at home,” said Miranda. “But the athletes that feel the pressure, they are working on it. There is a year to go and they have time to work on the nerves and the anxiety.” - Reuters

“We are still one year away from it, but Brazil’s heart is already beating faster. The Brazilian generous heart leaps up when confronted with two of its passions: welcoming people from all over the world and competing with enthusiasm and fair play in a superb sport performance.

We have seen it happening during the FIFA World Cup. It will be like that again, beginning on August 5 in 2016, when we will light with the Olympic flame our passion for sport and will hoist the flag bearing the five interlocking rings at our magnificent Maracanã stadium.

It is not by chance that Brazil was given the honour of being the first South American country to host the Olympic Games.

Brazil is worldwide known for its impressive and diversified landscape. We are also a country with a history of tolerance and respect for diversity which has become an international symbol of sociability.

Indeed, we have welcomed different peoples and cultures with hospitality and happiness.

Our people — our workers, businesspeople, students, scientists and artists — managed to build one of the most open nations in the world, thanks to their creative capacity, friendliness and solidarity. We have built a vigorous culture of peace and work. That set of values guides our hard work to turn these coming Olympics into the best ever world sports festivity.

We have achieved it during the FIFA World Cup and we have everything it takes to repeat it at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. This is a major challenge which we are overcoming day after day, hour after hour, long before the competitions actually start. The preparation process for the Games began with investment in the most important asset of all: our athletes.

It went on with massive investments in sport infrastructure and will reach its peak with the great ongoing urban restructuring of Rio de Janeiro — doubtlessly the most beautiful natural landscape for the Olympic Games since Ancient Greece.

Throughout the last years we made huge public investments to ensure adequate material support to our athletes, their coaches and teams, with such programmes as the “Athlete Scholarship” and the “Brazilian Medals Plan”.

Our outstanding athletes have succeeded in continuously improving their performances with each competition.

They are our great stars and source of inspiration.

The results achieved by Brazil in the last Pan American Games are a concrete example of the drive of our athletes.

These investments in people and infrastructure will bring far reaching results in future years, beyond the time frame of the Olympic Games.

Indeed, we are disseminating sport practice in our country among the young, with investments in sport facilities for a wide range of sport modalities throughout the country. This will be the greatest legacy which we will reap from the Rio 2016 Games. We believe that education and sport are our best allies to ensure social inclusion and integration. Through them we stimulate young people to fight for their goals, to experience the joy of breaking limits,

As Brazil begins one year countdown to 2016 Rio Olympics, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff says ‘we are waiting for you with open arms and hearts’. Here is the text of her message to the world to learn teamwork and respect for their competitors.

Sport inspires in us a culture of cooperation, of honoring, ethic and hard work as means to reach our goals and celebrate our achievements. Combining it to the natural joy and selfesteem of our hospitable and welcoming people will produce the greatest legacy of the Rio 2016 Games. We will also have the monumental legacy of urban modernisation of Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and our national postcard.

Two thirds of the financial resources allocated to the Rio 2016 Games are being invested in urban infrastructure works for the city. A wide range of infrastructure works are under way: a new metro line, a tramway connecting the whole of downtown Rio and express lanes for buses which will interconnect all competition venues. The aim of much of this investment is to improve public transportation and commuting for people during and after the games, in particular people who live in the most remote quarters and need public transportation of high quality.

Urban transformation is not all. The Rio Harbour area, for example, will become a new leisure and culture quarter for local population and for thousands of tourists which we receive each year.

In the future, “Porto Maravilha” will house new office and residential buildings. We are recuperating the brightness of the Marvelous City which has enchanted the world ever since it was the capital of our country.

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games strongly attracted investments from the Brazilian private sector — and not only for sponsoring or for building and modernising the new hotel network.

For example, the Barra Olympic Park, was built to a great extent with private investment, including works on local infrastructure.

The Olympic Village, that will host athletes from all over the world, is also being constructed

by the private sector, which has begun to sell these apartments.

It is possible to state, therefore, that the Rio 2016 Games will receive one of the highest levels of private investment if compared to previous Olympic Games in the last 20 years. The Deodoro Sport Complex, one of the competition venues, located in the middle of a deprived area and having the largest concentration of youngsters of Rio de Janeiro, will become a space for local population to practice radical sports. It will also be a training stage for our best athletes.

The Barra Olympic Park will be the foundation for the future Olympic training center, responsible for preparing the country’s future high level athletes. It will also enhance sport cooperation with other countries, especially with our neighbors from South America.

This effort is being stimulated by investments all over Brazil. In total, there are 12 training centers and 261 sport initiation centers, in addition to the 46 official athletics tracks.

The investment on the sport legacy in Rio and in the country sums up to $1.2 billion.

We are also providing for the cost-efficiency as well as the sustainability of the facilities.

One example is Future Arena, the venue of the handball competitions at the Olympic Park.

The Arena is made with temporary modules, which will be dismantled after the Games and converted into four schools.

Ensuring the smooth operation of this great project has required constant attention and a joint effort by the local, state and federal government, as well as the Organising Committee and the Olympic Public Authority. All parties will remain fully committed until the end of the Paralympic Games in September 2016.

An event with such complexity also requires constant attention to details. Rio’s infrastructure and Olympic projects are already being tested with the first events taking place throughout the city. By early 2016, we will have held competitions in 40 sports modalities.

Brazil is fully prepared for the upcoming Games. In cooperation with the event’s organisers, we will proudly show the world the recent accomplishments of a strong and wellfunctioning democracy which is committed to reducing social inequalities through economic development and investment.

This is the collective effort of an entire country.

Our energy to overcome challenges will be demonstrated to all the 15,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the thousands of spectators and the billions of viewers.

Athletes and tourists will be warmly welcomed by the Brazilian society, as it happened in the 2014 World Cup, when the country charmed the world with its festive atmosphere and overall safety and efficiency.

At that time, all those watching our festivities on TV certainly wanted to be here in Brazil. In 2016, do not just long to be in Brazil — come enjoy all the good that the Olympic Games can give you during this one-time event — and all that a country like Brazil can offer you at any time: peace, love, joy, and lots of happiness!

We are waiting for you with open arms and hearts”.

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Oman squad face big challenge at Oman Optimist Championships tion from other squad members looking to impress ahead of the World Optimist Championships in Poland later this month, the IODA Optimist African championships in Algeria in September and the Asian and Oceanian Championships in Doha in October.

The eight members of the squad, fresh from their recent training camp in Greece, will gather for a further week of preparation in Sur before racing starts on August 13, and are expected to be at the peak of their form MUSCAT: Oman’s Optimist National Sailing Squad will have to fend off the challenge from bright new young sailing talent when the 2015 Oman Optimist Championships get underway in Sur next week. The eight members of the squad, fresh from their recent training camp in Greece, will gather for a further week of preparation in Sur before racing starts on August 13, and are expected to be at the peak of their form.

But with more than 40 other youngsters, representing Oman Sail’s four sailing schools, eager to make their mark and putting incumbents under pressure, higher levels of competition and performance are anticipated across the fleet.

“The Optimist squad will be renewed in part this year because some sailors will graduate due to their age and move on to other classes, so there will be at least three places up for grabs,” explained Marina Psichogiou, Manager of Oman Sail’s Omantel Youth Programme which is co-sponsored

by Oman Shipping Company.”

Gaining experience “This is a big incentive for the youngsters who want National Sailing Squad places. We are one year further down the line and the National Optimist Sailing Squad have been all over the world competing in competitions and training camps. They have gone back to

BIG TEST: A file photo of action from 2014 Oman Optimist Championship. – Supplied photo

the sailing centres and shared that knowledge and experience with their peers, so we expect to see a higher levels of performance and skills this year.”

Among squad members looking to impress is Zakariya Al Wahabi, the first Omani youth to be crowned National Optimist Champion at the inaugural event last year, who has

FURTHER FROM TRUTH

FOOTBALL

New doping claims ‘declaration of war’ on athletics, says Coe LONDON: New doping claims against athletics are a “declaration of war” on the sport, British Olympic great and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) presidential candidate Sebastian Coe said on Wednesday.

“The fightback has to start here,” said Coe in a statement after the Sunday Times and German broadcaster ARD published evidence of hundreds of allegedly suspicious blood tests.

“It is a declaration of war on my sport. There is nothing in our history of competence and integrity in drug-testing that warrants this kind of attack.”

Coe, a two-time Olympic gold medallist at 1,500 metres, is vying with former Ukrainian polevaulter Sergey Bubka to succeed Lamine Diack, the head of world governing body the IAAF, in an election on August 19.

Doping practices The doping claims came to light following the leak of an IAAF database. It allegedly shows details of over 12,000 blood tests between 2001 and 2012 that revealed “extraordinary” levels of doping, with over 800 athletes producing suspicious blood tests.

The IAAF dismissed the allegations on Tuesday as “sensationalist and confusing” and said the test results did not constitute concrete proof of doping.

While Coe, currently an IAAF vice-president, has attacked the claims, he accepts that some countries need to address longstanding concerns over doping practices.

“I don’t think anybody should underestimate the anger that is felt in our sport. We have led the way on this,” he told BBC Radio 4.

“To suggest that in some way we sit on our hands at best, and at worst are complicit in a cover-up, is not borne out by anything we have done in the last 15 years.”

The 58-year-old added: “As a

gone on to represent his country at international Optimist competitions around the world.

He will be keen to retain his crown but will have stiff competi-

The fightback has to start here. It is a declaration of war on my sport. There is nothing in our history of competence and integrity in drugtesting that warrants this kind of attack Sebastian Coe sport we have led the way on outof-competition testing, on accredited laboratories; we were the first sport to have arbitration panels.

“Yes, we have countries out there that are causing a problem and an inordinate amount of difficulty across our sport, but to say we are not investigating or turning a blind eye to this could not be further from the truth.”

‘Disingenuous’ Six-time world champion Bubka, 51, has called for athletics to stiffen its resolve against the scourge of doping.

“Athletics is the most fundamental of all sports and the way the world sees athletics influences the way it views all sports,” he said in a statement, without directly addressing the new allegations.

He called for the current antidoping system to be “simplified”, saying it was “too complex and takes too long”.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Times has released a statement questioning the IAAF’s commitment to rooting out drug cheats.

“It is disingenuous of the IAAF to spend just two days conducting what it describes as a ‘thorough’ investigation into the serious issues we raised and then to attempt to dismiss the story as sensationalist,” the newspaper said.

The paper added: “Its refusal to accept any criticism raises serious questions as to whether the IAAF is truly committed to its primary duty of policing its sport and protecting clean athletes.”

The two experts who investigated the data for the Sunday Times, Mi-

chael Ashenden and Robin Parisotto, said they stood by their claims.

“We note the concerns raised by the IAAF with regard to the analyses we undertook of the data. We have rebutted each and every one of their so-called ‘serious reservations’,” they said in a joint-statement.

“We followed the same procedure as IAAF expert panelists when reviewing ABP (athlete biological passport) profiles, classifying results as ‘likely doping’ when we were able to confidently exclude all other potential causes or instead ‘suspicious’ when there was genuine evidence of blood manipulation however further investigation such as target testing would have been required.

“We stand by the evaluations we submitted to Sunday Times and ARD/WDR.” - AFP

Retaining title will be tougher for Chelsea, feels Mourinho LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feels it will be more difficult for his side to retain the Premier League title with the other contenders having made strong additions to their squads.

Chelsea won the title at a canter last season, finishing on 87 points, eight ahead of secondplaced Manchester City.

“A year ago we got immediately Costa and Fabregas which was a quick reaction to the fact that we didn’t win the title,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“This year you can see from the reaction of Liverpool, Arsenal Man City, Man United.

“They’ve bought strong they’ve bought well. They are trying to make an impact because they couldn’t get the title.”

The 52-year-old Mourinho expects a close title race and low scoring season with smaller teams also attracting strong players.

“Maybe I am wrong but I have the idea that less points will win the title this season,” the Portuguese added. “Other teams are investing very well and this is not normal. Smaller teams are getting some of the best players from some countries. Those players usually only leave their counties for the best clubs but now they go to the promoted teams.

“Now it is their competitive nature and their quality that top teams have to play against. It is more difficult.”

Mourinho, currently in his second stint as manager with Chelsea, has won three Premier League titles, two League Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield with the London-based club.

Terry’s desire Meanwhile, Chelsea defender John Terry said he has worked hard on his fitness in the last few years and wants to have a long play-

FOOTBALL

Di Maria ‘delighted’ with move to PSG PARIS: Argentina winger Angel Di Maria said he is “delighted” to be joining French champions Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) in an interview screened on BeIn Sports on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old has yet to officially sign for the Qatari-backed Parisians ahead of a move from Manchester United.

But in an interview with BeIn Sports, who are owned by the same Qatari Sports Investments group that includes PSG in its portfolio, Di Maria spoke of his joy at securing a move to the big-spending outfit.

“I’m delighted to sign for PSG because the club has done every-

Coveted prize Three individual podium places are up for grabs as well as the Under-11 prize which last year was won by Saud Al Abri.

In addition, there is the coveted sailing school prize and The Wave, Muscat has plenty to do in 2015 to prevent Sur, Marina Bandar Al Rowdha and Mussanah from wrestling the schools trophy away from them.

The 2015 Oman Optimist Championships will be held at Oman Sail’s newest sailing school at Sur, which was opened last year and funded by Oman LNG. The competitors will arrive on August 11 with a practice race scheduled the following day.

Racing, which will be managed and officiated entirely by Sur coaches, will start on August 13 and continue through to August 16, culminating in a major prizegiving ceremony.

Argentina winger spoke of his joy at securing a move to the big-spending outfit

thing to bring me here,” Di Maria, who passed a medical in Doha on Tuesday, said.

“I’ll try to do my best, I’ll work hard to give my utmost and if eve-

rything goes well, we’ll win a lot of trophies.”

The former Real Madrid star said his goal was to bring more than just domestic glory to last year’s French treble-winners.

“Paris won all the trophies in France and that’s important for such a big club. My aim is to help Paris get past the Champions League quarterfinals.”

PSG have been knocked out in the Champions League quarterfinals the last three years (twice by Barcelona and once by Chelsea) and their best result in Europe’s premier club competition remains a semifinal appearance in 1995.

Di Maria’s arrival will be PSG’s biggest in the current off-season following those of German goalkeeper Kevin Trapp from Eintracht Frankfurt and French midfielder Benjamin Stambouli from Tottenham. The Argentine spent just one season at Manchester United, who have agreed a £44.3 million (63 million euros; $68.9 million dollars) fee with PSG. Having helped Real win the Champions League in 2014, Di Maria moved to Old Trafford for £59.7 million. Di Maria — who has 65 caps for Argentina — scored four goals in 32 appearances for United. - AFP

WILL DO MY BEST: Angel Di Maria

Mourinho expects a close title race and low scoring season

ing career like former Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs.

Giggs called time on a remarkable 23-year, trophy-laden United career at the age of 40 to take on the role of assistant manager to Louis van Gaal last year.

The 34-year-old Terry played a big role in Chelsea’s title run last season and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

“In the last four or five years I’ve done a lot of extra work, not just at the training ground,” Terry told Sky Sports News.

“Putting the effort in the gym, training ground, off the pitch and eat the right food, I’m hoping to carry on as a long as possible.

“There’s an opportunity you see with players like Giggs of playing until a very big age.”

Terry quit international football in 2012 after the Football Association banned him for four matches when he was accused of making a racist remark to Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand. He was cleared of the allegation in a London court.

The central defender believes quitting international football helped keep his fitness at a level where he was able to play every minute of the London club’s triumphant league season.

Only four players, three of them goalkeepers, had previously featured in every game of a Premier League title-winning campaign before Terry. - Reuters

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

LIFESTYLE

HISTORIC AND ECONOMIC TIES Historical ties between Japan and Oman can be traced back more than 400 years and Oman-Japan diplomatic relations were established in 1972, a year after the Sultanate joined the United Nations. A decade later, in 1983, Japan established an embassy in Muscat. Oman is a key country for Japan’s security, since Oman holds the Strait of Hormuz through which over three quarters of Japan’s oil imports pass, and Japan is one of the largest importers of crude oil and natural gas from Oman.

Japan also imports a large quantity of vegetables and fish products from the Sultanate. Oman imports a large array of consumer products from Japan as well, most notably automobiles and auto parts, machinery, and electronic appliances.

F

JOIN THE JAPAN FAN CLUB Launched by the Japanese Embassy in Oman in 2012, the JFC aims to promote Japanese tradition and culture in the Sultanate. Membership is open to Omani citizens and expatriates who want to learn more about Japan culture.

Membership forms are available at the embassy and registration is free of cost.

Once the registration process is completed, members will receive invitations to special events from the embassy.

Contact: Aya Fujimoto +968 2460 1028, Ext.24 showed great enthusiasm at the Japan Design Exhibition at the Zubair Museum last year,” says Imamura. Imamura feels that Oman and Japan share a rare cultural binding when it comes to preserving the tradition and embracing modernity.

“Japan has a long history of 2000 years. We have a rich tradition and we strive hard to preserve it. However, we never hesitated to adopt the modern trends. Japan is at the forefront of technology innovations and is the home to world’s top automobile brands.

Oman too has a rich cultural tradition, but they embrace modernity like Japan. It is a common binding factor between the two countries.”

The Japan Fan Club currently has 150 members. Upcoming cultural events will include a Manga animation workshop, Japanese film festival, book exhibition and Japan Cultural Day celebrations.- ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

LEARN JAPANESE LANGUAGE The Oman Japan Friendship Association is conducting a three-month Japanese language course starting August 16 at Al Assalah Towers in Ghubrah. The course offers lessons for beginners and intermediate level learners for OMR150.

Contact the Embassy of Japan for details: +968 2460 1028, Ext: 38

Photography courtesy of the Japan Embassy Muscat

an clubs are best known as platforms for celebrity worship. They celebrate individuals who have carved a niche for themselves as movie icons, singing sensations, and soccer stars. But the Japan Fan Club (JFC) is a different sort, as its aim is to promote and share the rich cultural heritage of Japan here in Oman.

The Embassy of Japan in Oman launched JFC in 2012. “Our activities help people know more about Japan, the land of rising Sun, and improves bilateral ties with Oman,” says Mitsuhiro Imamura, Head of the Cultural Section at the Embassy of Japan in Oman.

There are a very few Japanese expatriates in Oman, but plenty of residents adore the country for its multi-faceted culture and technological advancements. So it is of little wonder, then, that JFC has been making its presence felt since its inception. “JFC members actively participate in the events organised by the embassy, including Japan Day celebrations, Origami workshops, Calligraphy workshops, and sushi presentations.

We have seen steady increases in the membership.”

One thing that attracts people to Japan is the way in which the country has adapted to modernity while preserving its traditions, which date back thousands of years. The country strives to maintain its rich cultural heritage, including architecture, gardens, castles, Shinto shrines, pottery, calligraphy, and other folk art crafts. At the same time, Japan embraces and promotes modern cultural phenomenons like Manga animation and J-Pop. “The embassy wants to showcase both faces of Japan through cultural events and we send the invitations to our members. We know the popularity of Sushis, Manga animation and J-pop among youngsters in Oman.”

In 2012 Fan club members had the opportunity to watch Japanese Pop (J-Pop) sensation May Hashimoto, popularly known as May J, perform at the Scientific College of Design in Seeb. “We also joined for the dinner with May J, the Japan Ambassador, and a group of Japanese language students. It was fun night,” wrote Mahmood Al Farsi on the JFC Facebook page. One of the JFC’s biggest events to date was a photography exhibition held in 2014 at the Muscat Grand Mall entitled ‘Hiroshima, the City of Peace’.

“Works of prominent photographers from Hiroshima, a city that bore the brunt of a nuclear bomb dropped during World War II, were on display at the exhibition. It showcased how the city bounced back after the worst-ever disaster in world history.” This year there have already been many events, from a food festival to several art exhibitions.

“Members actively participated in ‘Winter Garden’ art exhibition in March 2015 in which 30 artists showcased their paintings and sculptors at the Omani Society of Fine Arts Hall. And they

C9

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Blame Game: Out of Control Kids SALEH AL-SHAIBANY

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I

was shocked the other day to see a ten-year old boy rolling a cigarette in his mouth. Behind him, two other kids were helping each other light another one. They did not have a care in the world. It shocked me not only because of their tender ages, but also because they did not even bother to conceal their disgusting act.

The group stood in a busy car park, challenging adults who looked their way by blowing smoke in their direction. I am sure this habit was not encouraged by their parents; at least not knowingly. Banning advertisements and forcing cigarette companies to include warnings on packets is not really working. The kids still see smoking on television or perhaps copy teenagers they see smoking in public places. The sad thing is that children find such a bad habit romantic.

I am not attempting to blame parents for not instilling good behaviour in their children. Sometimes, children behave perfectly at home only to run riot once they

are alone outside. Smoking is just one of many bad behaviours. Now that the schools are closed, many get into all kinds of mischief.

Recently I watched a gang of five kids kicking a lamppost, and when they got bored with that, they went on to overturn a rubbish bin on the road. On the next street, kids, include one of my own, broke somebody’s window while playing football. It is no wonder that most of the vandalism is done by kids with nothing better to do. But who do you blame?

One of my neighbours said he had a solution. “Buy them computers and intelligent programmes so they can learn something,” He said. “You can keep them out of mischief that way.”

I immediately thought, you can’t hold them up in their rooms all day; they need some space of their own...but then again, there are risks when they are out unsupervised too. It is not really healthy for them to stay indoors all the time to interact with a phosphorous screen with nobody to talk to. Computers are great

Banning advertisements and forcing cigarette companies to include warnings on packets is not really working but they don’t teach kids to handle physical problems like talking your way out of a fight. It is important that they venture outside the protective walls of their houses.

But you don’t want them to run wild when they are on their own either. Even if they don’t cause problems, they are in danger of falling into bad hands. Young children have become the targets of criminals who don’t think twice to abuse them. They are easily coerced into engaging in the illegal trade of banned substances. Our

Gigi Hadid has been named The World’s Most Connected Supermodel by W Magazine because of her “incredible influence” on social media with five million Instagram followers.

“All the companies I work for want me to guarantee how much I’ll post for them.

But I’m not going to force my career onto the people who follow me. I refuse to do 40 Instagram posts about any campaign,” said Hadid. The model is also adamant she’s more than just a pretty face, reported femalefirst.co.uk.

Bruce Willis to star in Woody Allen’s next film

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Gigi is world’s most connected supermodel

kids are not even safe at school.

Criminals hang around waiting to entice them with promises of making quick money.

How do you prepare your children not to fall in bad ways? It is difficult to raise children the way we were raised. Those days, it was acceptable to slap them, but now it is against the law. We were taught to respect our elders, but children these days are encouraged to challenge them so they can learn something. And modern pressures have us so busy that we sometimes fail to notice problems in our children.

Perhaps it is time to redefine the role of parents. I am not sure how you do that. One thing is for sure, kids need a little more privacy and to be trusted to a certain degree. I don’t know about you, but it is becoming increasingly confusing for me as a parent. Perhaps it is best to follow our instincts and hope you are doing the right thing for your kids. I guess the true measure of how successful we have been as parents will only be revealed many years from now.

Actors Bruce Willis, Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg and Blake Lively have come on board for veteran director Woody Allen’s next film, which will go on the floors later this month. The makers have announced the cast of the film recently, adding that the untitled project will be shot in New York, reported Efe. The film will also star Parker Posey, who was in Allen’s Irrational Man, Jeannie Berlin, Corey Stoll and Ken Stott. The Blue Jasmine director’s new project will reunite Stewart and Eisenberg, who starred together in Adventureland and will also appear in the action comedy American Ultra. However, the plot of the film is not out yet with the storyline shrouded in secrecy.

Bieber granted more time for social service

An ankle injury has led to an extension of the timeframe for singer Justin Bieber to complete the five-day community service and other tasks he was sentenced to in a vandalism case. The 21-year-old singer was sentenced to the community service as well as a hefty fine and an anger management session in July in a vandalism case after he threw eggs at a neighbour’s property.

— IANS

C10

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

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@SHATTI

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CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6pm) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner 11:30am, 1:45, 6:30, 9:00, 11:30 pm EXISTS (Horror)(15+) Cast: Samuel Davis, Dora Madison 5:00, 11:45 pm THE GIFT (Mystery, Thriller)(12+) Cast: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, 3:00, 6:45 pm COP CAR (Thriller)(12+) Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camryn 11:15 am, 2:00, 7:45 pm INSIDE OUT (Animation)(2D) PG Voice Overs: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis 1:00 pm INSIDE OUT (Animation)(3D)PG 3:45, 5:45 pm Ant Man (3D)(Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 4:15, 9:30, 11:45 pm Ant Man (2D)(Action, Adventure) (PG12) 11:30 am BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN (Drama)(PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, 8:45 pm MUSCAT GRAND MALL Inside Out 3D (Animation) (PG) Voice Overs: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis 12:45PM, 5:00PM Gold Class: 2:00PM Inside Out 2D (Animation ) (PG) 10:45AM Cop Car 2D (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camryn 2:15PM Eldonia Ma2looba 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Bassem Samra, Ola Ghanem, Ahmed 7:00PM

12:45 pm, 5:00 pm Gold Class: 2:00 pm INSIDE OUT (Animation)(3D) PG Voice Overs: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis

11:15 am, 2:00, pm, 7:45 pm COP CAR (Thriller)(12+) Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camryn Manheim

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller ) (PG12) Cast : Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 11:45AM, 4:00, 9:30, 11:55PM Gold Class: 11:30AM, 4:00, 8:45, 11:15PM Ant-Man 3D (Action) (PG12) Cast : Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 11:45PM Gold Class: 6:30PM Ant-Man 2D (Action, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) 2:45PM Drishyam 2D (Drama, Mystery) (PG12) Cast : Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 6:30PM Minions (3D) (Animation, Comady) (PG) 10:00AM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) ( Action ) (PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Kereena Kapoor, Harshaali 8:45PM

2:00, 4:00 PM Inside Out – 2D (PG) (Animation, Comedy) 12:00 PM The Gift – 2D (12+) (Mystery, Thriller) Cast - Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel 12:45, 6:45 PM Bangistan – 2D (Comedy) Cast: Jacqueline Fernandez, Rajesh Sharma, Riteish Deshmukh 2:45, 8:45 AM Idhu Enna Maayam (Tam) – 2D (Romantic) Cast: Vikram Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh, Kavya 6:00, 8:55 PM Exists – 2D (15+) Horror Cast: Samuel Davis, Dora Madison, Roger 5:15, 11:45 PM Cop Car – 2D (12+) Thriller Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camryn 2:00, 6:45 PM Ant-Man – 2D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi 11:45 AM Ant-Man – 3D (PG12) ActionSci-Fi 2:45, 11:30 PM

AZAIBA Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation – 2D (PG12) (Action, Adventure, Thriller) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 11:45 AM, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30, 11:55 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) (Drama, Action) 3:45, 08:30, 11:15 PM Inside Out – 3D (PG) (Animation, Adventure)

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Dept time

Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

15:00 15:00 15:00

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

16:30 18:00 19:30

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

08:50 Daily 11:00 Daily 14:30 Daily via Ibri 15:45 Daily 17:40 Daily 18.35 Daily 20:20 Daily

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

08:40 11:00

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

07:00

Daily

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

11.45 13.30 14.00

Baahubali (Tamil) (Action) 3:00 & 10:00 pm Cinema Main (Thurs); 6-30 Pm Cinema -2 (Thurs); 10-00 Pm Cinema Main (Friday) 3-45 & 6-45 Pm Cinema-3 Idhu Enna Maayam (Tamil) (Drama) 6-30 pm Cinema Main (Thurs); 3-30 & 9-30 Pm Cinema -2; 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm Cinema -2 (From Friday) Bhaubali (Telugu) (Thurs); 3-45 Pm Cinema -3 Drishyam (Hindi) (Drama); 6-45 & 9-45 Pm Cinema -3 (Thurs); 6-45 Pm (From Friday) Cinema -4 Srimanthudu (Telugu ) ( Act ) Cast: Mahesh Babu & Shruthi Hassan 3-00 & 6-30 Pm Cinema Main (From Friday ) 9-45 Pm Cinema -3 (From Friday ) Acha Din (Mal) (Drama/Act) 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 Pm Cinema -4 (Thursday) 3-45 & 9-45 Pm Cinema -4 (From Friday) (Programmes are subject to change)

0

ATHARV LAJITH August 6, 2011

NAKUL VINOD August 6, 2009

NATHANIEL BAIJU August 6, 2012

0

P. SHIVA GOWTHAM August 6, 2012

VRINDA AJAYAN August 6, 2008

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

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Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204) Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

Nizwa Ruwi

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

06:00 06:00

STAR CINEMA

WITH LOVE

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

10:25

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi

TO SUR (ROUTE 55)

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

07:00

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 11.30am, 2.00, 4.30, 7.00, 9.30 & 11.55 pm CP No: 1894 (PG12) COP CAR (Thriller) Cast: Kevin Baccon, Shea Whigham, Camryn 11.30 am, 3.15 & 10.15 pm CP No: 1895 ( 12+ ) THE GIFT ( Horror/Thriller) Cast: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel 1.15 & 6.30 p.m.

CP No: 1896 (12+) EXISTS ( Horror ) Cast: Samuel Davis, Dora Madison Burgue 5.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 1897 ( 15+ ) The Night Crew ( Action/Thriller) Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss 8.30 pm; CP No: 1886 (15+)

45-80%

39 32 Minimum

SUR Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation (Action / Adventure / Thriller) (PG12) 4:30, 9:15, 11:45 PM Cop Car (Thriller) (12+) Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camry 2:45, 09:45 PM ANT MAN (3D) (Action / Sci-Fi) (PG12) 7:00 PM Inside Out (3D) (Animation) (PG) 3:00, 5:00 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Hindi) (Action ) (PG) 11:30 PM Drishyam (Hindi) (Action) (PG12) 6:50 PM

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

BURAIMI Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - 2D 3:00,4:45,7:15,9:20,11:45PM (Action) (PG12) Ant Man - 3D (Horror, Thriller) (PG12) 5:00,7:15,11:30PM Inside Out - 3D (Animation, Comedy) (PG) 3:00,5:20PM Cop Car - 2D (Thriller) (12+)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

SOHAR Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) Drama, Action 8:30 PM Baahubali - 2D (Hindi) (12+) Action 4:00 PM Ant-Man- 2D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi 4:15 PM Ant-Man- 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi 7:00 , 11:30 PM

SCREEN 2 Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG 3.15, 9.00 PM Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 6.00 PM Bangistan (Comedy) – TBC 11.45 PM

BAHJA CINEMA

SALALAH Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 11:55AM, 2:00, 9:30, 11:30, 11:55PM (PG12) Ant-Man (2D)(PG12) (Action/ Sci-Fi ) 10:00AM Ant-Man (3D)(PG12) (Action/Sci-Fi ) 4:20/9:15PM Inside Out (3D)(PG) (Animation/Comedy) 12:10/4:50PM Inside Out (2D)(PG) (Animation/Comedy) 10:00AM Cop Car (2D)(12+) (Thriller) 10:15AM/ 8:40 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) (PG) (Drama/Action) 6:30/11:45PM Exists (2D) (15+) (Horror) Cast: Samuel Davis, Dora Madison, Roger 2:45/ 10:15PM Eldonia Ma2looba (2D)(12+)(Arabic) Cast: Bassem Samra, Ola Ghanem, Ahmed 4:15PM Bangistan (2D)(TBC) (Comedy) 6:45PM Drishyam (2D)(PG12)(Hindi) (Drama) 11:45AM Wrong No. (2D)(PG)(Urdu) (Romantic) Cast Javed Sheikh, Danish Taimoor, Nadeem 2:15PM Idhu Enna Maayam (2D)(PG)(Tamil) (Romantic/Comedy) Cast: Shruti K. Haasan, Mahesh Babu, Brahmanandam 6:00PM

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

SCREEN 3 Baahubali: The Beginning (Action) 12+ 3.15, 6.00, 9.00 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG 11.45 PM

Drishyam- 2D (Hindi) (PG12) Drama, Thriller 9:00 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 2D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Thriller 2:00, 4:30, 6:00, 9:15, 11:45 PM Inside Out - 3D (PG) Animation, Adventure, 2:15, 4:00 PM Cop Car - 2D (12+) Thriller Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camryn 2:35, 11:55 PM The Gift - 2D (12+) Mystery, Thriller Cast: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel 2:00 ,09:30 , 11:30 PM Bangistan - 2D (TBC) Comedy Cast: Jacqueline Fernandez, Riteish 6:30 PM Idhu Enna Maayam - 2D (TBC) Romantic, Cast : Vikram Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh, Kavya 6:45 PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

11:45am, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30, 11:55pm Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (Action, Adventure, Thriller) – PG 12 Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg 5.30, 11.30 PM

RUWI SCREEN 1 Bangistan (Comedy) – TBC Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Pulkit Samrat 2.30, 8.30 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

6:45 pm Idhu Enna Maayam - 2D (TBC) Romantic, Cast : Vikram Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh, Kavya

3:00, 9:45PM The Gift- 2D (Mystery, Thriller) (12+) 7:00, 11:45PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (Drama, Action) (PG) 9:00PM

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE GHAWI BAZAAR

BUY LOCAL: OMANI MANDOOS These traditional boxes, decorated with beautiful brass or silver designs and glass art work, find pride of place in Omani homes. Known as Mandoos or Sanduk in the traditional market, these Omani chests were used to store valuables in traditional homes with no wardrobes or built-in closets. Most historians believe that the Portuguese introduced these boxes to Oman in the 16th century.

WHAT These ornamental chests are now commonly used to present the Mehr (women’s dowry) and perfumes, clothes and jewellery that are presented to the bride on her wedding day, and thus they have acquired the name, “bridal boxes”. They are popular decoration pieces in Omani homes.

WHO Artisans in Nizwa and Sur produce quality chests made out of teakwood. Their surfaces are inlaid with brass in Arabesque/Islamic geometric designs and are also sometimes decorated with precious stones. The boxes are available in different sizes, the smallest boxes currently available in the market are 12-inches in length while the biggest ones are 60-inches. Cheaper varieties made of plywood and processed wood are also available.

WHERE Chests of different size, colour, and decoration are available in souqs across the Sultanate. Eastern Galaxy shop in Muttrah is a preferred shop where customers can find both the high-quality teak boxes and the cheaper, decorative ply-wood options (Call +968 9350 5092 for directions).

HOW MUCH

MORNING RITUAL

T

his is a familiar early morning scene from the wadi close to the Muscat Securities Market. Bird lovers from different parts of the city visit the place with tiny bags full of grains to feed hundreds of pigeons scattered all over the wadi bed. These lovely birds have been living along the sidewalks, streets and the roofs of buildings waiting for the feeders’ visit. Mohammed Iqbal, a Muscat resident, said: “I come to this place after dawn prayers every day. It gives me great pleasure to feed these lovely birds. I love to look at them, meditate and listen to their sounds.”

Have a favourite Omani product or shop?

Tell us about it: ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

Photographs: Shabin E VIKING SCHOOL

Norway starts school for Vikings A NORWEGIAN college is starting a programme for wannabe Vikings where students will learn essential Viking crafts, such as sword forging, jewellery making, and roof thatching.

Vikings were seafaring marauders. They were scattered over Scandinavia and across northern and central Europe.

They spoke the old Norse language. During the course at Seljord Folkehogskule, 150km west of capital Oslo, students — many inspired by famous television series Game of Thrones — will celebrate Norse rituals of the year, going so far as to make animal sacrifices during the winter feast, The Local news portal reported.

“We see a large number of applicants who have applied for different reasons,” the school’s principal, Arve Husby, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

“Some have become interested through TV series and others want to learn handicraft.”

The school’s leading Viking teacher is Jeppe Nordmann Garly, a Dane who describes himself as a “recreational Viking”.

Students at the school will also have the opportunity to row Viking ships, learn ceramics and woodworks. -IANS

PHOTOS: O.K. MOHAMMED ALI

Artisans normally take three weeks to manufacture bigger boxes decorated with brass, while they complete smaller boxes in just one week, and prices range from OMR15 to OMR300, according to the quality of the wood and decorative work.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

LIFESTYLE

BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES At over 828 metres and more than 160 stories, Burj Khalifa holds plenty of records as the tallest building and tallest free-standing structure in the world. It boasts the highest number of stories and highest outdoor occupation floors in the world as well as staking claim to the elevator with longest travel distance in the world.

Major attractions: The iconic structure gives you access to the highest outdoor observatory in the world, spread across levels 148 and 125. The world’s highest outdoor observation deck is at level 148 and at level 125, you can get a stunning 360-degree view of Dubai.

SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE, MUSCAT, OMAN It is awe-inspiring to see the solid arches crowned by a strip of Quranic verses rising over the sunlight filled corridors upon entering the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman.

Major attractions: Pay special attention to the decorative marble and the contrast between the colour of the stone and the blue-stained glass of the windows in the main hall. The Mihrab (the prayer niche of the Imam, one of the most sacred parts of the mosque) is decorated with tiles bearing flower patterns, taking a cue from the Persian style of ornamentation. A 14-metre high chandelier contains 1,122 lamps and the Persian prayer carpet has unique design with 28 colours.

FERRARI WORLD, ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The world’s largest indoor theme park offers plenty of thrills and inspiration for kids and adults alike thanks to a variety of rides and exhibits based around the famous Italian car.

Major attractions: For families: Speed of Magic, Made in Maranello, Galleria Ferrari, Driving with the Champion, Fast Lane, Tyre Twist, Viaggio in Italia, Bell’Italia, Driving Experience.

For kids: Junior GT, Junior Grand Prix, Khalil’s Car Wash, Junior Training Camp. For thrills: Formula Rossa, Scuderia Challlenge, Fiorano GT Challenge, Karting Academy.

The rapidly developing countries of the Arabian Gulf are architectural playgrounds, launching all kinds of iconic structures from theme parks to mosques. In a region where creative plans are churned out on a daily basis, these five WORLD TRADE CENTRE, BAHRAIN The state-of-the-art structure that overlooks the Manama waterfront is the world’s first skyscraper to incorporate wind turbines into its design, which generate the building’s electricity using the wind.

Major attraction: The 44-storey sail-shaped office towers that double as wind turbines.

buildings stand out from the rest for their beauty, unique concepts, and eco-friendliness.

KING ABDULLAH PETROLEUM STUDIES AND RESEARCH CENTRE, RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA From a distance, the structure looks like a sketch of a Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster. Award-winning Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid designed the building so that the grey, cellular outer shell emerges as a crystalline form in the middle of the desert. The fluid design also makes the building expandable.

Major attractions: The building is composed of a network of three-dimensional, six-sided cells with many junctions and bonds.

Its design is based on the concept of connection. The modular, adaptive Research and Office Complex (ROC) is made up of a series of shaded outdoor spaces, courtyards, entrances, meeting areas, indoor gardens, corridors, underground tunnels and roof terraces.

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RENT

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VACANCY

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CARGO

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

for rent

We have 2BHK flat in Mabella 7 for family. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2BHK, flats available in Ghala for families, staff & Execution.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2 BHK flats in AL Khuwair near Rawasco, can use as office or for families. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have offices in Ghala new building affordable price. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008 1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557 3 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99792181 1 BHK Flat in Honda Road (Ruwi).

Contact 99792181 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181 4 & 5 BHK villa for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

We have 230 sqm showroom in Ghubra main road, prime location suitable for wholesale business or bank or insurance company.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair can use as commercial or residence villa with large sitting hall , 5 rooms, 6 toilets & kitchen with 2 cars parking. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2 BHK flats in Ghubra 18th November near new Mars hypermarket, flat with 2 rooms, large sitting hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 840 sqr mtrs Store & Staff accommodation for Rent in Misfah.

Contact 99792181 Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 Flats, shops & store for rent in rent MBD Honda road. Contact: 97293708 / 92433127

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126 We have 1BHK flat in Wadi Kabir good price. Contact 93782735 / 99208033 We have shop for rent in Al Khuwair near Rawasco prime location.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 1bedroom in Al Hail South RO 150/monthly. Contact: 93993354 1BHK R.O 190/- & 2BHK R.O 240/near Medical Darsait. Contact 98748925 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact 99792181

2BHK with Split AC. AL-KHUWAIR Near MARS HYPERMARKET – 92880107

Well maintained spacious 2 BHK at Rex Road. Contact: 92227165

Villa 2 bedrooms + hall + sitting room in Al Hail South R.O 300/Monthly. Contact: 93993354

2BHK & 1BHK flats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025

We have small building for rent in Bowsher suitable for staff accommodation & store building have 4 flats & 1 shop commercial building.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 For rent new apartment in Al Mawaleh close to Al Bahja Center consisting of 3 bedrooms, 1council, kitchen, hall, 3 bathrooms, 1 computer room, parking for car. Contact: 93214010 / 92602050 For rent in South Al Hail 1 bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, kitchen, balcony, car parking 175/- R.O Monthly.

Contact: 92602050 / 93214010 Room attached, bath room, kitchen in Muscat O.R 65/-. Contact: 98049086 One & two bedroom apartment available for rent, at South Ghubra near Atlas hospital next to Diwan’s Office. Contact: 99833747 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422

Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area Ruwi opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer behind Muscat club. # 92222922

3BHK , 3 bathrooms, 2 balconies, nr. Al Hassan, W/ Kabir 330/- R.O. Contact: 99384640 Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque. Contact: 99366624 2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 93193109.

2 & 3 BHK big Flats with Big hall, Kitchen & new split ACs at Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com

2 BHK Flats for rent in Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97009734 / 92629232 2BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686 Flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports. Interested candidates please Contact : 00968-92225523 Spacious 2BHK Flat with Split A/c’s behind Sultan Center, Azaiba – RO.425/- p.m. Contact: 99824803 / 99849325 2BHK flat available behind Majan College / Darsait. Contact 24705742

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for rent

for sale

Motor Vehicle for SALE

1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633 Flat for rent in Darsait near Indian School 1 bedroom, living room, 2 bathrooms & kitchen. Contact: 95806611 / 94694662 Flat for rent in Ruwi, 1 bedroom (Walja) 1 bedroom, living room , 2 bath rooms, kitchen.

Contact: 95464607 / 95464608 Furnished offices for rent in prime location in Ruwi (Mumtaz) with free electricity, water and internet for lease long & short term. # 99331181 Shop for rent prime location in Ruwi Mumtaz near Al Burj hotel.

Contact: 99331181 Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002 1 &2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines 2BHK ground flr in Darsait Near Muscat Municipality, walkable distance from Indian School Muscat, Rent: OMR.275/- Contact : 99451845

3bed room well maintained flat (villa type only 2 flats in one bldg) in Al Khuwair behind Al Akhtam Restaurant, Villa no 1839, Way No 3922, block No 239.

Contact: 99253125 2BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi.

Contact: 99269751 550 sqm built up area Deluxe villa 7 BR with 3 sitting halls located at prime commercial location North Al Ghobrah. Contact: Owner 99411607 / 99892238 2BHK, 2 Baths, Split A/C, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School.

Contact 99441193, 93004801 Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699 3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir with 3 rooms. Contact : 98555580 / 92800007 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99385835 / 99428143 600 sqr mtrs showroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99792181

2BK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339

500 sq mtrs office space on mezzanine floor near Royal Hospital.

OMR 6.500 per sq mtr.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Two bedrooms flats in Wadi Kabir near Indian School.

Contact 99313274

Godown for rent Approx: 4500 sqm area with building materials in Barka for rent with workers accommodation etc. Showrooms also for building materials available. Contact: 99808868 House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. Contact: 95555162 / 95755953 Flats shops for rent in Ruwi MBD area Mumtaz area.

Contact: 97293708 / 92433127 Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953 Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th.

Contact: 97147240

Commercial Space 68 SQM, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School. Contact 99441193, 93004802 For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with three room, 5toilets, kitchen and hall 430/-.

Contact: 92747078

Running Polyclinic, 20 yrs, with VISAMEDICAL, available for SALE/LEASE. Contact.94596677 / 99343280 Workshop sale / rent Full fledge workshop for / sale at prominent location at Misfa near Cement factory around 900 sq meter along with tools, equipments and manpower.

Also 5 Nos Volvo / Mercedes / Man /Putsmiester concrete pump 2004/2005 model for sale. Contact: 93681107 / 96051565 / 98541936 Ice Cream & Juices shop Ruwi good location for sale suitable for beauty parlor also. Contact: 92150455 Wall papers, grass carpets sale & fixing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Ladies beauty Saloon for sale at Amerat on prime location with two clearances. Contact : 95867900 400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

for rent Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 At Al Hail 2BHK 260/- & 1BHK 180/- , shop or store space RO 240/-.

Contact: 96072686 4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158 Villa with two floors in (Hay Al Arjan) in AL Khoud with 4 bedrooms, hall, Majles, kitchen & one room in ground floor. Contact: 93219597 Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034 1 Villa & 3 big Flats of 2/3 BHK with hall, Kitchen & ACs Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner.

Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com

A fully equipped furnished and licensed private polyclinic for sale or rent in excellent location in Sohar - Falaj al Qabail opposite to life line hospital Departments are GP clinic, Dental, Medical lab, X-ray And Working Pharmacy. Contact 95603395 Running established for sale including industrial licenses for marble & granite, fully furnished kitchen showroom and fully equipped factory. Contact: 99337670 / 92623665 House hold items. Contact: 97094797 Brand new Panasonic 60â&#x20AC;? full HD LED, TV TH60A430M R.O 350/- .

Contact: 99628819 2560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Mitsubishi 10 ton, truck 2006 model for sale. Registration valid.

Contact: 99366474 Honda Accord 2010, 10,5000 kms, expat lady driven, dealer maintained, new tyres. Contact 99330509 Honda CRV 2008 model, expat driven, 2.4L, 78000 kms, OMR 5200/(Negotiable). Contact: 99867670 Touareg 2011 Oman cars, 114000 KM, silver, 8500/-R.O. Contact 92857111

SELL/Buy

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

Land Cruiser 2012. Contact 99336093 Sportage, 2013. Contact:99336093

Sharing accommodation available with Kerala family, nr. Wadi Kabir Indian School. Contact 95882866 / 96575016

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

available

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093

Furnished room for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya).

Contact 96761960

New villa at Qurum, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sitting, dining and open sitting on the terrace.

Contact: 99342733

23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Mazda 3, 2007 KM 1,43000, full automatic R.O 1900/-.

Contact 99781671

Acc. available

Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411

5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Hyundai Tuscon 2.4 Full option (including Moon roof) for sale in Muscat, Model 2013 , Single Owner (University Lecturer) driven, 39,600 kms, in excellent condition, for sale.

Contact 99653760.

Furnished single /sharing room for EXE bachelor at Rex Road near Kamat with WIFI. Contact 92873832 Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

For hire Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

Acc. available Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Room for rent available in CBD near Papa Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant. # 96568110 Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397 Large room with separate bathroom and sharing available in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 95250161

Room with A/C, independent toilet & sharing kitchen (4th floor) for Indian Ex. Bachelor near Majestic hotel, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99242984 New rooms available in Seeb for couple / ladies only. # 96996938 Sharing accommodation available for a family near Ruwi Church.

Contact: 92308110 / 92837206 Furnished single room attached bath in Mumtaz area. #95212017 Acc available single room with attach bathroom, kitchen at Mabella near BP Petrol Pump rent R.O 100/- near Indian School. Contact: 91516775 Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

SITUATION situation WANTED vacant

Sales / Marketing

Accountant

Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com Urgently required male Accountant & Office Admin. Contact: 96339339 Email CV on info@eigllcoman.com Urgently required Jr. Accountant/ Purchasing Manager (preferably Indian) 3-5 yrs Exp. to work with food stuff market. software/hardware knowledge would be an advantage, valid Omani D/L with NOC Contact 99417418 Urgently required cash investors for company’s profitable projects.

Contact: 92950082

beauty Wanted experience Beautician for beauty parlor in Muscat. Contact: 94241385 Urgently required gulf experienced female professional Beauticians and storekeeper for a reputed high end beauty centre in the capital area.

Interested please ensure release letter and send your CV to email: linnujiya@gmail.com or contact 99500330 Wanted experience henna designer for beauty parlor. Contact 93571312 Urgently required beautician with min 3 years. Contact 93231403 Email: rainbowfurnishing156@ gmail.com

Catering Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted.

Contact 95529970

Domestic Helper Urgently required housemaid.

Contact: 96339339 Email CV on info@eigllcoman.com Require qualify caregiver for an orderly mother. Contact 99425200

engineer Civil Construction company in Muscat looking for SUB Contractors for 3 floor commercial building (4 Nos – 3000 m2 each) project at Mabellah ready to start. For enquiries mail to awahaibitrad@gmai.com

Service & Parts Manager with 3-5 years GCC experience in heavy Equipment / cranes, good communication skills, Mechanical Engineering background. Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 AC Technician with minimum 5 years experience, should have experience in installation & commissioning of Ductable & split AC units, with knowledge of GI ducting & pre insulated ducting, experience in interior fit out industry is preferred Interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 Heavy Equipment Mechanic (sports) & (classic) (bicycle) 2No. Contact : 99550084 Required Architectural Engineer for consulting company.

Contact: 99077856 Email: rgeorge@omantd.com MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om

it

Indian House Maid with experience required to work in Sohar, visa ready.

Contact 99417418

driver

Miscellaneous

Wanted driver. Contact: 95112461 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

Education Required English Teacher , Hindi teacher, Science Teacher.

Contact: 99705799 Arabic speaking Female Vice Principal/Arabic Teachers / Secretary / Computer Teacher / PRO s wanted for a Bilingual (Arabic – English) school in Azaiba. Knowledge of English preferred. Please apply to email : burj@alhakkim.com Kindergarten in Seeb looking for (female) English Teacher bachelor in English language.

Contact: 99319259 / 93972775 Email: saif123.s171@gmail.com

Skilled / Unskilled Indian Family looking out for the following experienced candidates 1) House maid (Indian) 2) Driver (Indian) Contact : 92800073 / 99247040

A leading civil construction company in Muscat requires Project Manager (BE. Civil) with minimum 10 years experience (Gulf experience preferred). Please send C.V to hr.azatllc@gmail.com

Software developer with experience in asp.net, sql server and crystal reports required for a software development firm. Email CV to hr@ promisworld.com

Required heavy duty truck driver holding Omani driving license w/ 5 years experience please contact 92001111

Salesman required for a well established building materials company.

Oman D/L required.

Contact: 93698385 Email: united@omantel.net.om

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED Account. & Finance

medical

Sales / Marketing

Need urgently MBBS Doctor with or without MOH license. #95395070

Sales Executive with valid D/L & 5 year experience, in the field of demountable aluminum & glass partition systems. Interested candidates can apply by Fax: 24818818 mail: info@smartvisionoman.com

Required MBBS Doctor with or without MOH license. # 95395070 Wanted female Staff Nurse with MOH license for a dental clinic in sur. Email : dentoman2000@gmail. com Urgently required for MOH license Gynecologist specialist & Staff Nurse clinic at Sumail, Muscat.

Kindly sends C.V to saemomar@gmail.com or GSM: 95498105 Wanted Lab Technician, Staff Nurse, Pharmacist for a polyclinic in Sohar. Contact 99767605 Required Pharmacist for 2 months for a Pharmacy. Contact: 99705799 Staff Nurse for 2 months for a clinic in Muttrah.( LOCUM). # 99330385 Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician. #99310590.

Email : tjmaluke@gmail.com

Sales / Marketing

Urgently required house maid for Malayalam family in Rustaq.

Contact: 99810765

A leading trading group is looking for Sales Executives having experience in building materials / tools with driving license & release / NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net.om or Fax: 24701683

Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the property. Applicant must be Graduate, possess Omani or GCC driving license. Having oman market experience. Apply with NOC. Attractive salary +commission.

Send your CV: property@ labdmarkmuscat.com

A leading building materials Trading CO. Urgently required (1) Business Development Manager – (minimum 10 years experience in same field in Oman / GCC with driving license (2) Branch Incharges & Salesman, with minimum 3 years experience in building materials sales in Oman / GCC. Contact Fax: 24704921 Email: hilalbm@omantel.net.om

Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

Spare parts (Heavy Equipment) Salesman with 3 years experience.

Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938

medical Urgently required Pharmacist (B. Pharm) with MOH license for a reputed organization in Oman. Email Id: goodpharma2015@gmail.com Wanted laboratory Technician with MOH License to work in medical center in capital Area Contact 99340135

Outdoor Salesman (heavy Equipment) Sales man with 3 -5 years experience. GCC driving license required Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 Sales Executive with valid D/L & 5 year experience in office furniture and interior fit out projects interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818

Required Chinese / Biryani cook / Sales person for restaurant.

Contact : 95395378 / 94053449 Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com Urgently required : Counter Service Assistant (male) for a fast food outlet in a food court in Sohar.

Email: aliyanational@gmail.com Wanted Marketing Managers and Executives, candidates with minimum 2 years experience in Oman holding valid driving license May only Apply 94151791/ 22050729 or Email: sales@dewdropoman.com Wanted designer & Salesman for Advertising CO. With Oman D/L. Contact: 96440587 / 94055643 Urgently required out door Sales Executive for furnishing company with Oman D/L and min 3 years experience. Contact : 93231403 / rainbowfurnishing156@gmail.com Building Material Sales man required at Al Amerat shop.

Contact: 99467054 A leading Tissue paper & food stuffs company requires Sales & Marketing person with minimum 5 yrs exp. in Oman with good communication skills & valid Oman D/L. Candidate with interior market knowledge & experience preferable.

Send CV : allub@alhosnigroup.com, fax: 24451430 Wanted male written & spoken Malayalam & Bengali as freelancers to conduct corporate & individual markets surveys on temporary basis, Must be fluent in English with driving license. Contact: 24701242 A leading building materials shop required Marketing Executive (Omani National only) 1No with minimum 2 years experience and driving license. Contact: 99808868 Email: aalfarsi2020@gmail.com Experienced Marketing representative – interlock blocks with light Omani driving license is required.

Contact 99222086

Filipino Male 26 years old, Certified Public Accountant, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 yrs of experience now on visit visa, Looking for suitable opening. Contact: +968 91278583 Email: kennethalcedo07@gmail.com Accountant Indian male B.Com with 2 years of experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 94649272 Email ID: sherin.am01@gmail.com Indian female Inter CA, strong in Tally ERP 9, MS Office, 7 years experience in accounts upto finalization looking for suitable position.

Contact 91759501 Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter),M.com.4 out of 7 years experience in Oman in Auditing/ Accounts/ Finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420 , Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com Indian female, B.com with 2 years of work experience, currently on family visa in Oman and seeking suitable placement for immediate joining.

Contact 94647421 Looking for a job in UAE as a Senior Accountant Indian male, 31 yrs, CA Inter 8 yrs exp good in all aspects of accounts. Good command over English valid driving license (Oman) Contact: 94737231 Indian male M.Com holder with one year working experience as an Accountant in Kerala looking for suitable opening now on visiting visa. Contact: 96947500 Email: mohamaedshafikk5@gmail.com Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com MBA finance Indian male (Account & finance), seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97372624 Email: sivaraj.gurukripa@gmail.com Female (Filipina) Accountant / auditor /bookkeeper seeking for job Contact: 96944976 Indian male, 27 years, M. Com, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position. Presently on visit visa. Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com 23 yrs, Indian B.Com, Graduate male ‘Fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Arabic & Malayalam with D/L looking for a suitable job. Now on visit visa valid for 1 more month only. Contact 97660518

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED Account. & Finance Part time accountant services available to handle all accounts related work up to finalization.

Contact: 96247295 Accountant Indian male 31 yrs Accounts up to finalization, 9 yrs experience (7 yrs in Oman) with D/L & NOC seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99582979 An Indian Lady Chartered Accountant with five years experience (including articleship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job.

Please Contact 9621 0347 / 9943 5346, shincycrajan@gmail.com CA , Inter, M.Com Indian 7 years experience in Audit / finance handled independent audit / finance assignments on visit looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91148139 Email: smurug@live.com Accountant having 4 yrs experience looking job. Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com, MBA, having 5 years experience(3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept. Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp in accounts, finance audit taxation. Contact: 95857199 Indian female Accountant with 5 yrs Gulf exp in accounts, audit, Admin payroll. Contact: 96263157 Indian male Accountant B.Com 8 yrs in Oman exp with N.O.C, valid driving license. Contact: 95052969 Email: chetansmma@yahoo.co.in / chetansmma@gmail.com Seeking for a job completed B.Tech in ECE under Anna University knowledge in hardware troubleshooting ready to work with accounting & software section holding one year experience in India.

Contact: 96142153 Indian National, male, 41 years, CA Inter, persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading, Construction and Firefighting industry. Total 21 Years of Experience seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. Phone no: 98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in MBA (Finance) with NOC, 6 years accounting and finance experience in Oman, knowledge of Tally ERP9 having Omani driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97205715 Email: ammar_uh@hotmail.com 13 years exp (7.5 years gulf exp) B.Com graduate, looking for Accountant job, GSM No:-92957064 with NOC. Energetic Finance & Audit Manager / Chief Accountant, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15 yrs in GULF , Expert in Banking, Financing, Profit Maximizations, Admin, Biz Developments ,All ERPs Software’s, 15yrs Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 – 94504505 Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 9822253 Indian female 25 yrs B.Com MBA / 3months experience looking for job in Accts /Mktg. Contact: 94657403 / 99355931

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SITUATION WANTED

admin

Account. & Finance Accountant, Indian male, 10 years experience in Oman, having knowledge of Tally ERP9 & able to do upto finalization and can be joined immediately with NOC. Contact: 94134085 Email: muscatoman95@yahoo.com Well experienced and hard working Restaurant Manager seek immediate placement. Release available.

Contact: 92953199 Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance). Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com MBA, B.Com CA (finalist) 7 years experience (2 years in Oman) looking for suitable placement in a reputable organization. Expertise in ERP, Tally Quickbooks, peachtree and Excel.

NOC available. Contact: 97736404 Email: adnantahir1990@gmail.com Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/audit in a reputable organization. Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com

admin HSE Admin experience for 10 years in GCC with valid D/L seeking to join a reputed firm. NOC available.

Contact: 99626821 Indian male MBA having 10 years experience as Document Controller and 2+ years experience as Project Assistant/ Executive Secretary in Oman seeks immediate placement.

NOC available. Contact: 95373198 Indian Male 18 years ( 7 years in Oman ) experience in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas , construction fields with Oman D/L seeks suitable position.

Visa Transfer / NOC available.

Call 92854993.

Keralite 47 years, having 20 years of rich experience in office administration and 6 years of Warehouse Management looking for a suitable opening.

Email: rajeshkorathatt@gmail.com MSW HR female professional with 3+ years work ex, UGC net qualified, looking for a suitable position in Muscat. Contact- 99579874. rubitah@gmail.com Training coordinator Indian male, 17 yrs experience with Training & Consultancy Company. Well knowledge in admin works. Release available and have D/L. Contact: 99573353 Indian male 36 years MBA experience as AS. Manager seeking suitable job in HR/ Marketing in Oman on visit visa. Contact : 98200741, Email: phmnsudheesh857@gmail. com Indian male having 15 years Gulf experience in purchase Admin on visit. Contact : 95435370 Indian male B.Com & Tally with 2.5 years Admin/HR Experience in Oman with 2 years employment Visa seeking placement. Release Available 96796477 14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian female 24 years MBA (HR) having 3 years experience in HR Administration, payroll seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91104352 / 99012861 Indian male looking for company job, 2 years visa light Oman D/ License experience in office works also & driving. Contact: 92233068

Engg. / Technical

5 years experience in store and admin department with Omni driving license looking for suitable job, release available and can join immediately. Contact : 95860170

Indian female (M. Tech – power system) having Gulf experience, currently on family visa seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: 94306164

Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95619537

Indian female 26 yrs, B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics with two years experience in Ministry of Electricity Kerala govt , as Operating Assistant Engineer presently on visit visa seeks placement. # 98657132 / Email: pinks1819@gmail.com

Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in finance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. # 92955453 / 91213269

driver Driver available with car. Contact: 96652352 Sri Lankan driver. # 97387112 Light duty driver 9 years experience wanted visa. #97313542 Light duty driver seeks job.

Contact: 99748264 Indian light driver having 1 year experience in Oman knowing English, Hindi & Arabic, need job.

Contact: 95214332 Looking for light driving job, Indian, 4 years experience & language knowing Arabic, English & Indian.

Contact: 94241385 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744 Looking job for driver, experience 6 years. Contact: 96246794 Driver for job experience 1 year.

Contact: 94071286 Bangladeshi male looking for job in any company or family, speak English, Hindi & Arabic, exp 3 years in Dubai taxi and 3 years in Oman in company. Contact: 93822195 Light duty driver looking for job.

Contact: 96995762 Pakistani Light Duty Driver seeks placement. Contact: 95746203 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact : 96913836 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact :92787245 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact :94648986 Driver with Car. Contact: 99716938 Driver with 2 yrs exp looking for job. Contact: 98487511 Light duty driver ,driving license, Experienced. Ph: 92814816 Driver with car (Fortuner).

Contact: 95365938 Looking for driving for job.

Contact: 98219182 Light driver, 10 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 93060050 Experienced LTV driver available.

Contact: 99514703 / 96943902 Driver with car 3 yrs exp looking for part time job. Contact: 92041902

draughtsman 3D Draughtsman 25 years Indian male having 4 years experience.

Contact: 93746877 Land surveyor: Indian male having two years experience, well handled total station, auto level and Auto cad, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95140761 /99208290 Email: binu.brijiv@gmail.com

Domestic Helper Experienced Indian lady is looking housemaid job looking full time job for European family total experience : 9 years, 2 years exp. with European family 6 years worked with Indian family language English & Hindi.

Contact: 93392788 Housemaid (full time / part time) looking for job. Contact: 95799643

Civil Project Engineer exp 10 yrs.

Contact: 92673432 Email: arifjamalkhan8@gmail.com Telecommunication Maintenance Engineer Sudanese male 2 years experience in HUAWEI hardware field cabins good communication English & Arabic. Contact :+ 968 96433495 / +968 94756295 Email: muzamilawadalla@gmail.com 2 years experienced Electrical Engineer looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 98480509 Engineer with 4 years Oman experience in telecom operations, having valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable opportunity, interested in Marketing also. Contact 98513495 Looking for job as Electrician, Gulf 7 years exp. Contact: 93015630 Mechanical Engr, B. Tech, exp in QA/QC, In Piping Design, Its softwares Ph:96539085 Indian male 23, Mechanical Engineer, 1 year experience, knowledge in HVAC currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibusman313@gmail.com Male, BE (Mechanical holder) 1 yr exp in Indian & 4 months in Oman NOC available, embassy attested certificate . Contact: 95721521 / 96625245 (Salalah) Email: sajukoippallil@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech (ECE) CCNA 1 yrs exp in broadcast Engg having hands on exp in harris ADC,PPC, Velocity & Invenio, avid inews, vizrt,nexio farad, grass, valley kayak HD 300. also having on practice in PLC (AB,ABB, Siemens) DCS & scada systems. Contact: 00919846990093 / 99235291 Indian job in procurement & contract, have “12” years purchase & contract experience in infrastructure & energy sector. NOC is available. Contact-98009274 Engineer BE (Electrical, Electronics), Indian male 24 years, having 2 plus years of experience, seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 98201244 Indian male 24 years B.E mechanical 2 years exp. or visit visa.

Contact: 99247326 Indian (M) B.Tech (civil) with 2 yrs exp in Structural Designing using Etabs, Staad, Safe, excel looking for suitable position.

Contact: 96698342 / 98768045 Email: qadeertom@gmail.com Civil Diploma Engineer 6 years experience in Oman Indian male with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 93356736 Electrical Engineer, B.Sc. degree/ B.Tech, 4 years experience. Looking for suitable placement. Available in visit visa. Contact: 94739355, Email: mahin.eee@gmail.com Indian male B.E Electronic and Communication Engineering & have 2 years experience in oil & gas sector (maintenance & construction).

Contact: 98848077 5+ years experience BE Electrical Engineer having knowledge in execution & basic knowledge in electrical design looking for suitable post.

Contact: 99704742 / 97469689 M Tech Computer Science Engineer, female seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 93035521,96439645 Email : anzilav@yahoo.co.in Indian male 27 years, Mechanical Engineer (B.E) having experience seeks suitable placement holds valid Oman driving license, on visit visa. Contact: 98847638

designer

Medical

Sr Designer, Civil & Structural (oil & gas) / Site Supervisor Indian male, 21 years experience in design field with driving license seeks suitable placement N.O.C available.

Contact: 92684051 Email: babyshibu@yahoo.co.in

A Pakistani lady, having M.A Islamiyat at B.ED Degree, 7 years Teaching experience. All documents are ready, looking for job in school or private firm. Contact: 96534115 Email: alex_ali1@yahoo.com

education

Engg. / Technical Indian male 23 B.E mechanical & AutoCAD 1 year experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 92835957 Email: rafeekmohammed84@gmail.com Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin ,Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885 Indian male Electrical Engineer with 7 years experience (electrical, marine, fire fighting) valid Oman driving license seeking suitable placement. Contact 93396338 Email: syamsk2255@gmail.com B.Tech CCNP certified, Network Engineer 1 year experience in Oman & 1.4 years in CMC (Indian) pre – sales, post – sales experience in Oman looking for opportunity. # 99370911 Email: chatrapal07@gmail.com Indian male 25, BTech (Mechanical), CSWIP 3.1, Welding Inspector, 3 years experience in Oil & Gas (piping and Equipment as QC inspector) now on visit visa seeking suitable opportunities. Contact: 98228262 Email: megbinvetticattu@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 2 years experience (Indian) construction (building) looking suitable placement.

Contact 00968 9259662 Email: kundara.renjith@gmail.com M. Tech, Applied Electronics Indian female looking for full time or part time job presently on family visit visa. Contact: 92499312 Email: ann.ashhy@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech Mechanical Engineer 1 year experience seeking suitable placement, available immediately. Contact: 93907707 Email: jubinkasim@gmail.com Computer Engineer Iraqi Nationality 7 years experience seeking suitable placement. #94694146

Filipina ESL Teacher for 13 years BEED major in English knowledge in IB, PYP and independent school curriculum computer literate, IELTS qualified, looking for reputable school. Contact: 98938272 Email: m.ann7875@gmail.com Indian lady M.Com, B.Ed looking for openings in teaching. #97668603 Female 24, with 6 yrs of experience in teaching Montessori & kindergarten grade. Currently in Salalah on visit visa, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 97306607 Email Id: amna.ast@gmail.com

it B.C.A, 7 years Operations Management procurement supply chain team handling lean six sigma certified on visit visa. Contact: 99826634 Email: nairsatheesh1984@gmail.com Indian female MCA, 24 years seeking suitable job. Contact 93439467 Indian male MBA (Marketing, IT with CCNA) seeks suitable placement in the field of IT - Networking.

Contact: 92801084 email: arvindpinto90@yahoo.com Male, 28 years IT Engineer from India having good hands on experience in networking, switches and routers. Moreover having certification Redhat, Linux (RHCE) and Oracle DBA (OCP). Contact: 95406864 Email Id: saad.m.ali79@gmail.com

Indian visit visa, Network / System Engineer switches, routers, servers, load balancers 5 yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE), CCNA looking for good opportunity. Contact: 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gmail.com

Manager/ Supervisor

Medical Medical - Staff Nurse (male) with NOC and license, experience 6+ yrs.

Contact: 98680299 Email: georgevaikom@gmail.com

Civil Engineer B.E, 5.5 years experience with Omani D/L. # 96785311

Female Nurse- Indian, Total 14 yrs. experience,6 yrs. in KSA, Prometric passed, ready to join immediately.

Contact 95525004 & 98146565

Indian Male, Diploma in Civil Engineer working as a Project engineer with 7years of experience looking for suitable job. Contact- 92636569

Looking for job as office boy + driver going to visit within this month Oman Muscat working experience 10 years. Contact: 968 97859837

Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Indian male MDS Doctor specialized in Endodontist with 7 years experience prometric passed, seeking suitable placement. #98843139 Email: ppdr2020@gmail.com

Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. # 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

Seeking for job fire and safety completed 2.5 years experience language known Hindi, English & Tamil seeking suitable job. Contact: 98431032 Indian material controller / store keeper with 9 years exp , seeking job in Oman NOC/ Release available.

Contact: 91946174

Sales / Marketing 7 years Purchase experienced total 17 years Oman with driving license looking for suitable position, Indian with N.O.C. Contact: 96574390

Sales man, experience in Saudi, Good in Arabic. Ph: 97103168

Facility / Project Mgmt, 4+ yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE) Indian visit visa looking for suitable opening.

Contact: 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com

Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com

Communications networks, Technician specializing in the main divider and ADSL VDSL system experience of STC. Contact 93398796

Sudanese male Telecommunication Engineer looking for job.

Contact: 94537607

SAP – SCM.MM Consultant B.Tech.

(Chemical), from NIT, working with oil industry, seeks employment.

Contact: 98049288

Indian Female POST GRADUATE . One Year experience seeking suitable Job Contact :97792820 Email: pnjli.1991@gmail.com

Indian male with 14 years of experience in Business development / sales & marketing seeks suitable placement, 6.5 years of work experience in Oman. Contact: 93400177

Indian with license looking job safety officer, camp boss. Supervisor or marketing. Contact: 94003617

Indian 24 yrs male, 2 years experience in Site Engineer (Diploma in Civil Engineering), Now on visit visa in Oman. Contact: 94050311

Indian female, having 9 years experience in Logistics and Sales co ordinator. Experience in SAP, MS office, holding Oman driving license.

Currently on Visit Visa, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95251911

IT System Support: Indian Male 2 years exp in Oman & 3 years in India. Contact 91937060

Indian male diploma Civil Eng with 2 yrs experience on site as QS & AutoCAD seeking on site or - off site position. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer bachelor degree having 6+ years experience of Gulf and professional license available to join. Contact: 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com

Miscellaneous

Indian male Nurse, prometric exam passed, require suitable placement.

Contact 97284508 Doctor seeking job an experienced female Indian Doctor (DHMS NAET USA), 49 yrs, specialist in Homeopathy and Allergy Elimination Technology seeks suitable placement. Contact: 919447110003 Oman 96439091 Email: anithabaydr@gmail.com Male Staff Nurse looking for job passed Prometric 63% + 3 years experience. Contact: 94035637 / 95068075 BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. #: 92955453 /91213269 GP Doctor Yemeni national-male, with 4 years of work experience.

Mobile:00966531598754 Email: alsyaniramzy@gmail.com

Indian male B.Com & MBA Graduate 11 years experience airline travel & tourism, Sales & Marketing in Dubai & Oman with driving license NOC available. Contact: 92552612 Email: mazmanu1@gmail.com Indian male 27 years, B.Tech Graduate having good work experience with valid Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening as Sales Engineer.

Contact: 91472953 Email: harees.rasheed.2014@gmail.com Procurement / Purchase Executive 1.6 yrs exp in Oman construction industry Indian male 27 yrs, MBA with valid Oman D/L, available for immediate placement.

Contact: 96300958 / 24796010 Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 Indian male 35 yrs, 10 yrs experience in FMCG Sales & Marketing in UAE with valid GCC license looking for suitable position on visit.

Contact: 93438747 / 93033252 Indian male MBA (Marketing) 26 on visit visa, with experience in stores looking for suitable position in warehouse stores logistics or in sales. Contact: 96915871 Email: ajanadoor@yahoo.com Indian female 35 years MCA, MBA six sigma black belt, 14 years Gulf experience in business analytics, Marketing business development qualities seeks placement. NOC available, Omani driving license available. Contact: 95783792 Indian 44 yrs, 16 yrs Indian Army 5 and Half years in Oman exp ware house, seeks suitable placement in store, ware house or sales having Oman driving license. #94050311 Sudanese Business development Manager, long experience International trade in Oman (import /export / marketing) seeking suitable placement full / part time in reputable company. Contact: 91173146

Tours & Travels B.Com IATA MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales Reservation, ticketing English, Hindi, and Malayalam, Marathi NOC is available.

Contact: 92954613

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Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461

Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED services

COMPUTER

Acc. available

driving

Room for rent with Electricity, water & A/C kitchen RO 115/- RO, RO 130/Al Khuwair. Contact: 95423391 Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206 Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537

SITUATION WANTmanpower

Driver for Automatic Transmission. Contact: 99040813

Matrimonial

website

Roman Catholic girl 31 yrs Indian origin working in U.A.E seeking alliances from Christian family well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 97622011

nri

24 years old, Sunni Muslim girl Bombay origin, BSc, Hons (Accts) with religious values seeking alliance. Email: morning_star9128@gmail.com Keralite Roman Catholic girl, 27 yrs, M.Fam seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 99253120 Kerala Hindu boy 28 (star â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chitra) Engineer with MBA working in a reputed co. in Oman looking for alliance from good looking, well educated , religious and veg. girl of reputed family. Contact : 99426627

Please call 99341156 to buy plots near Kims Hospital in Trivandrum, Vytila hub in Cochin, Chertala and Nagercoil.

Please call 99341156 to buy plots.

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792 ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283 B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366.

Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries. #98045482 Indian male , 14 yrs Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944.

Email:aboosufiyan@gmail.com Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. #98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in

Christen boy 31-170.

Contact: 95131495 Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

good news Rakhees Raksha Bandhan available thousands Designs. Also special offer at Haridas Nensey Ruwi.

Contact 24750784 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

classes

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

SITUATION WANTBusiness ED

Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131

change of name I Azeem Abdul Rawoob (holder of Indian passport No. J 1341176) son of Azeem having permanent residence in 55 Anai Katti Maidanam Beema Nagar Trichy DT Tamil Nadu (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in P.O Box. No 390 P.C 118 Sultanate of Oman (complete postal address in Oman) intend to change my name from Azeem Abdul Rawoob (old name) to Azim Abdul Rauf (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517

General cleaning, cleaning contract, cleaner supply. Contact: 95764290 /95113037

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units. # 98667326

Marble crystallization restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 House shifting. Contact 99708138

Admission started in a private school, Darsait (Mount Zion Group of Institutions CBSE 1) for KG and grade 1 to 4 please register soonest.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

lost

Seeking financial investor / partner for short term Governmental construction projects of 1.5 million R.O. Contact: 99881303 The investor is required for successful Educational project to pay 25,000/- Thousand.

Email: bussiness.om9@gmail.com

Mohammed Khaliur Rahman has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. E 1503468. Finder please handover to ROP.

New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938

Shjee Wzheeshaa has lost Indian Passport No. J 3826771. Finder please handover to ROP

Serious investor needed for succeeded furniture company for expansion purposes. #99041337

General Investors. Gsm-99674870

Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621 House shifting packing.

99657644 / 98518013 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Pest control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants ,Rodents & Termites. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99357908 / 99344723.

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 General cleaning & Shampooing.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 / 99357908 Civil maintenance - plumbing, electrical, painting, and tiling, interior decorations, shop furnishing and all other maintenance works.

Contact: 97897831 / 92112094 (Indian, Keralite) A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

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Tours

SITUATION WANTcargo

SITUATION WANTED cargo

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

Transportation Transport. Contact: 93637289 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact: 91310107 House shifting, transporting.

Contact : 94229277 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Car for rent. Contact: 92516090 Silver Car, car for rent. Contact: 96166155 / 98402662

Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016.

Contact: 97249449

Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Pick & Drop any time. Contact: 97014786

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t h u r s d ay, au g u s t 6, 2 0 1 5

Daily guide

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461

Fax: 24812624