Times of Oman - April 7, 2016

THURSDAY

April 7, 2016 29 Jumada Al Thani 1437 AH

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the Graduation of the 2nd group of students from the Sultan Qaboos University, 1991

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ The march of knowledge is advancing year by year, on a road enlightened by your sincere determination to elevate Oman to the highest level of genuine knowledge.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 39

| 40 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

CABLES

HM greets Saudi King

ACE OMANI RACER AHMAD AL HARTHY WITH ASTON MARTIN VULCAN SUPERCAR

Ahead of the highly anticipated April 8 Red Bull F1 Showrun that will see David Coulthard get behind the wheel and put the car through its paces on the roads around Muscat’s picturesque corniche, the event organisers on Wednesday provided a fantastic opportunity for car lovers in the city to see and take photos of the Aston Martin Vulcan, only 24 of which are available in the world, and the Red Bull F1 Car. — Shabin E/Times of Oman See also Page 4

MUSCAT: Sheikh Sa’ad bin Mohammed Al Mardhouf Al Sa’adi, Minister of Sports Affairs conveyed greetings of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), along with His Majesty’s best wishes to him and the brotherly KSA people continuous progress and prosperity.

This came when the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques received the GCC Sports Ministers, on the sidelines of the GCC Sports Ministers’ 30th meetings, which was concluded in Riyadh on Wednesday. — ONA VIETNAM

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Tran Dai Quang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the occasion of him being elected as a President of the Republic.

In his cable, His Majesty expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of success to President Quang in leading the brotherly people of Vietnam to achieve further progress and prosperity, and the friendship relations between the two countries further progress. — ONA

‘Jailing red light jumpers to make roads more safe’ Safety experts and motorists welcome the move to introduce stiffer penalties for jumping a red light and other offences

MORNING MINUTE

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

REJIMON K & ERIK PRINS

OMAN

reji@timesofoman.com erik@timesofoman.com

Libyan Constitution

MUSCAT: Red light jumpers should be heavily punished and it’s the only one way to make Oman roads safe, said road safety experts and motorists while welcoming Royal Oman Police (ROP) move impose severe punishment on the violators.

On Wednesday, the ROP uploaded a statement on its official twitter handle saying that drivers who fail to stop at a red light risk a jail sentence of up to a year and a fine of up to OMR500, or one of these punishments.

“Jumping a red light is among the most severe of traffic violations, where the offending driver risks a jail sentence of up to a year and a fine of up to OMR500, or one of these punishments,” Major Zaid bin Mohammed Al Hosni, Head of

1

Libyan Constitution Drafting Assembly reached consensus on new Constitution. >A7

WORLD

50m Turks’ data stolen

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Data includes birth date, address and ID numbers of 50 million. >A16

SPORTS

Cricket team wishes

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Sultan Ahmed has wished Cricket team all success under Ajay Lalcheta. >C1

500

Omani rials is the fine for drivers who jump a red light signal or a jail sentence of up to one year

the Violations Administration at the General Directorate of Traffic at the ROP, said in the statement.

“It is well known that accidents occurring at traffic light crossings are often very severe and result either in death or in severe injuries.

Particularly since the one who is running a red light is driving at a high speed while trying to pass the lights just before they turn red.

Such a wrong assessment leads to an accident,” he added.

Al Hosni said that these punishments also include drivers speeding, driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or any type of drugs, crossing in an unsafe place or where it is forbidden to cross, or posing a threat to the lives or possessions of others.

“The punishment will be one to five years in prison when this leads to death or injury of another person, or when the victim is prevented from working for more than 10 days. That includes driving the vehicle without the proper permit, using the vehicle for other purposes than it was allowed to, driving a vehicle which permit or number plate was withdrawn, or driving with an expired driving license,” Al Hosni said.

Al Hosni also said that the fine for driving on the wrong lane at the traffic light is OMR35.

“Changing lanes without abiding by safe traffic behaviour, whether it is on interchanges or on roads, is obstructing other road users and leads to confusion among traffic. Suddenly changing lanes causes traffic accidents, God forbid,” Al Hosni added.

Mark Pudwell, training manager at Competence HR, said that monetary punitive action for driving offences can be an effective deterrent. >A6 See also Page 3

OMANI INVENTION

NEW AIRPORT FEE

Travelling to UAE becomes costlier

Device to save doctors from X-ray exposure

Times News Service

HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

MUSCAT: Travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now be costlier as the Dubai and Sharjah airports have announced plans to levy an airport fee of AED35 (OMR3.6) on passengers leaving the country.

On Tuesday, the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) issued a resolution for the year 2016 on the collection of an AED35 (OMR 3.6) departure fee at the Sharjah International Airport for the use of airport facilities and services, according to according to the Emirates News Agency.

Earlier, a similar move was announced by the Dubai Airport.

Referred to as the airport facilities’ fee, it has to be paid by all passengers who leave the Dubai and Sharjah airports.

In Dubai, officials said airlines will collect the fee while issuing tickets for flights departing after June 30, Collected fees The collected fees will be transferred to Dubai Airports, and subsequently to the Dubai Government’s public treasury.

The resolution aims to improve Dubai’s airport infrastructure and boost its capacity, which is set to reach 100 million passengers by 2023, as well as support expansion projects. >A6

hassan@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: During a biopsy, a medical procedure, doctors get exposed to X-ray radiations, which can lead to different diseases. Now, thanks to the latest Omani invention, doctors can conduct a biopsy while keeping a safe distance from the harmful radiations.

Contract worth OMR77m signed for Duqm port

B1

Exposed to such radiations A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the body in order to examine it more closely using X-rays, and being exposed to such radiations does carry the risk of causing cancer many years

or decades later, but this risk is thought to be very small, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS).

Sultan Qaboos University student Hamed Al Salmi, explained that his “Robotic biopsy” is used instead of the traditional (manual) operation to take a tissue biopsy from the patients. >A6

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

OMAN

CELEBRATING A BOND: The unveiling ceremony of the postal stamp also marked the culmination of

the year-long celebrations to commemorate the 60th anniversary of establishment of India-Oman diplomatic ties. – Supplied photo

Stamp celebrates India-Oman ties This is the first time that Oman Post has issued a commemorative stamp to mark an important milestone in India’s historical relations with Oman

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A special stamp, marking 60 years of ‘India-Oman’ diplomatic relations, which was issued by Oman Post, was jointly unveiled by Indramani Pandey, the ambassador of India to Oman and Abdul Malik Abdul Karim al Balushi, chief executive officer of Oman Post, in a special ceremony held at the Indian embassy auditorium in Muscat yesterday.

This is the first time that Oman Post has issued a commemorative stamp to mark an important milestone in India’s historical relations with Oman. The design of the postage stamp depicts key monuments of the two countries—Oman’s iconic Grand Mosque and India’s Taj Mahal in Agra in subtly fused colours. The first-day cover of the stamp depicts the historical Muscat Gate and Mumbai’s Gateway of India.

60th anniversary The unveiling ceremony of the postal stamp also marked the culmination of the year-long celebrations to commemorate the 60th anniversary of establishment of India-Oman diplomatic ties, which began with the visit of Sushma Swaraj, external affairs minister of India to Oman in February last year. It was her first visit to Oman and provided a new momentum in bilateral relations.

During his speech on the momentous occasion, Ambassador Pandey spoke about different events, which were held last year, to commemorate relations between the two countries, which have been ongoing since 1955.

An Indian Film Festival was

held in April 2015, in association with City Cinema and Yash Raj Films. After this, a lecture on “India-Oman Relations in a Historical and Contemporary Perspective” was also delivered by Talmiz Ahmed in May. Besides these, in September last year, four Indian Naval Ships from the Western Fleet visited the Muscat port, which was followed by a joint voyage undertaken by INS Tarangini, an Indian Naval Sailing Ship, and ‘Shabab Oman,’ the sailing ship of the Royal Navy of Oman, both of which sailed from Muscat to Kochi from November 24 to December 3, 2015, tracing the ancient trading route between India and Oman.

Also present at the major event was Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Isa’eei, undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, and also the guest of honour at the event. Senior officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Oman Post, ambassadors of other countries, members of the diplomatic corps, prominent members of the Indian community, Indian academicians from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and stamp collectors also attended.

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OMAN

94% appreciate ROP’s steps to curb accidents Eighty-nine per cent of citizens and 97 per cent of expatriates are satisfied with the Traffic Department’s efforts to reduce road accidents

FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Ninety-four per cent of the residents of the Sultanate are happy with the efforts made to ensure traffic safety a tweet by the Royal Oman Police ROP in the official account of the Directorate General of Traffic.

The tweet also revealed that nine people out of every 10 are happy with the services provided and

Al Dhahira shared the view.

In Al Sharqiyah North, 81 per cent of the surveyed people were satisfied with the traffic safety effort made by ROP, while the figure for Dhofar was 78 per cent, Al Batinah South, 76 per cent in Al Batinah North and 75 per cent in Al Sharqiyah South.

Royal Oman Police has run a number of separate campaigns to spread awareness among citizens and residents on traffic safety.

“This is all to educate the public on traffic safety. The ROP has made many efforts to reduce the risk of due to some practices and behaviour which might lead to accidents that could even be fatal,” said Said Al H’sani, a teacher based in Muscat. He added that LIFE SAVING LINK: Nine people out of every 10 are happy with the services provided and the strategies made by the ROP to reduce ac- the controls introduced by the ROP and the strategies adopted cidents and maintain traffic safety in the Sultanate. – File photo have helped in reaching a better traffic management in the SulThe post also categorised the tanate recent years. “The numthe strategies made by the ROP to reduce accidents and maintain number of surveyed according to ber of accident and death were their area. Eighty-seven per cent reduced and this is a clear sign traffic safety in the Sultanate.

According to the post, 89 per of those surveyed in Al Buraimi for the success of the efforts made cent of citizens and 97 per cent of and Al Wusta said there are happy by ROP and it also shows the inexpatriates are satisfied with the while 83 per cent of those sur- crease of the public awareness on veyed in Muscat, Musandam and traffic safety,” said Said.

Traffic Department’s efforts.

M A J A N H E A LT H S E R V I C E S

AGENDA 2030

Omani firm participates in UK training programme Times News Service MUSCAT: Majan Health Services (MHS), a company incubated at the National Business Centre (NBC), recently participated in an accredited training for occupational medicine with RSPH, which was approved by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) in the United Kingdom.

The training and workshop was followed by a site visit to major London city industries and site work environment. Distinguished speakers covered a range of topics on occupational medicine and health specialties.

Dr. Aisha Ali, managing director of MHS visited the AngloOmani Society in the United Kingdom and had a positive meeting with the Manager, Ben Wright. Formed in January 1976,

the Anglo-Omani Society is a charitable organisation working with the objective of preserving the longstanding friendship between Britain and Oman.

Ali shared information about MHS as an SME (small and medium enterprise) and the important challenges in improving the quality of the medical and health care project, developing occupational health and the opportunity of exchanging and collaboration with recognised medical organisations in the United Kingdom.

She also attended the 11th Annual Lecture at the Royal College of Surgeons in London where an presentation was given by Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of WHO (World Health Organisation), as she delivered her lecture on “From healthcare products to trust and reliance: the expanded

role of regulatory authorities in an era of global health perils.”

NBC is an initiative launched

by PEIE at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) that offers promising Omani entrepreneurs a platform for developing their business ideas and advancing them into growing ventures.

The centre offers a premier platform for Omani entrepreneurs by providing business development support and guidance, training and mentoring, access to markets and industry experts, and state-of-the-art and fully equipped office space, meeting rooms and presentation facilities.

The objectives of NBC comprise facilitating and supporting the growth of investable ideas into successful businesses; building entrepreneurial skills through dedicated and focused training.

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Oman takes part in Arab conference CAIRO: Oman took part in the deliberations of the Ministerial Conference on Implementation of Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 in the Arab countries, which was held at the headquarters of the Arab League today.

The Sultanate’s delegation was led by Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Sultanate’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt and its Permanent Representative to the Arab League. -ONA

W E AT H E R

Rain expected for 3 days from today Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Rain is expected in Oman from Thursday evening for three days, according to Oman meteorology department’s latest advisory.

Caution advised “An upper air trough over the Sultanate will result in rain, thundershowers, fresh wind and hail,” the meteorology department said in its statement.

Meanwhile, the public authority for civil aviation (PACA) has advised people to remain cautious

during rain and avoid crossing wadis and low-lying areas.

Fishermen and sea goers have also been advised to follow updates from meteorology department before venturing into sea.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

OMAN MEGA EVENT

AHMAD AL HARTHY WITH ASTON MARTIN VULCAN SUPERCAR

Ministry of Tourism, Red Bull jointly organise Formula One Showrun Times News Service

Photos by Shabin E/TIMES OF OMAN

PLAINSPEAK

Showrun driver David Coulthard reveals thoughts HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

Two special

MUSCAT: Racing legend David Coulthard will strut his stuff in Muttrah Corniche for the 90-minute event. In an exclusive interview with Times of Oman he revealed views.

events will unveil

David Coulthard

Tell us about your feelings prior to making your debut in the Omani capital, Muscat “I’m really excited to go to Muscat.

I have spoken to a number of people here in the Middle East and they all speak very highly of Oman.

This will be my first time so I’m really looking forward to it.”

capabilities but also soak up the local atmosphere. We are usually well looked after, given good recommendations of restaurants and places to see. One of the greatest pleasures of being a Grand Prix driver is being able to travel the world and meet the locals.”

I assume you are familiar with the hot and humid weather of the Middle East, will our sun cause you any trouble? And how do you keep yourself hydrated during the show?

“Driving in warm temperatures really effects the drivers because the cockpit temperature goes up and that puts extra strain on your decision making capabilities. I have always thought that F1 not only stands for the fastest cars but in a sporting context pushing yourself physically and mentally to the limit, so from that point of view I enjoy the extra challenge.”

What do you have to say to F1 fans in Oman?

“This is a great opportunity for all of you to see a Formula 1 car up close and personnel. Red Bull Show car program has gone all over the world and it always impresses. It connects with young children, males and females, and all age groups. It is a once in a lifetime experience.”

Apart from the show run, are you planning to go out and about in Oman? Any particular destination?

“I always enjoy the opportunity to not only demonstrate Formula 1’s

The main event will take place in Muttrah on April 8 at 2 pm.

The race will be led by the former British racing legend David Coulthard, who will hit the streets with his team’s car and perform in front of Omani fans

event will be no different.”

The event will start at 2 pm on Friday at Muttrah Corniche and is open to the general public.

A special racing route has been organised for racing cars in order ease traffic congestion.

Transportation Also, transportation has been arranged to take the audience to the venue from three locations—the public parking near the Sultan Qaboos port, the State Council of Oman external parking and Riyam Park parking—where the public can park their vehicles.

Red Bull Racing team set to host ‘Fire Ups’

hassan@timesofoman.com

You have stunned thousands of fans in Asia, including Dubai and India, how excited are you about Oman?

“I’m very excited to get to Oman, I’ve heard the people there are really nice so it will be good to meet them.”

MUSCAT: Under the patronage of Sayyid Taymoor bin Assad Al Said, the Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with the Red Bull Formula One Racing team to organise the Formula 1 Showrun in different locations in the Sultanate.

In the recent years, the Ministry of Tourism has taken a conscious decision to host and sponsor such events in the Sultanate and bring the attention of the international media to Oman.

Through these events, the Ministry of Tourism aims to promote the country as an ideal destination for hosting sporting and entertainment events.

“It is part of our tourism strategy to promote and host such sporting events in the country.

We are glad to have partnered with Red Bull in bringing the Austrian racing team to Oman.

The public will certainly be thrilled to see their favourite team in action,” said Salim bin Adi Al Mamaari, directorate general of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Tourism.

He added, “This is not the first time we are working with Red Bull. In the past, we have collaborated during the Red Bull Cliff Diving event, which was held in Wadi Shab, Sur. The event elicited a wonderful response from the public and the media alike and went a long way in promoting the destination.

We are confident that this

on Thursday at 2pm at Omantel Headquarters and

If you could pick just one track to race on, what would it be?

“My favourite circuit is Spa in Belgium but thankfully I was also able to race, and win at the classic tracks like Monte Carlo, Monza and Silverstone. I’m a big fan of the history of our sport but I also think It’s important to continue to reach new territories, that’s what part of bringing an F1 car to Oman is all about and for me it’s a pleasure to be part of it.”

What is your favorite / worst memory of your time in F1?

“My favorite memory from F1is meeting people from all around the world and finding that irrespective of backgrounds, cultural differences, religion or any of those things at the end of the day cars are fascinating and bring people together, that’s been my greatest pleasure of being involved in F1.”

Who is the best driver on the grid in your opinion?

“I think there are certain tiers.

Guys like Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel are unquestionably in that top tier. Then a knocking on the door just behind them, and I’m talking half a tenth you’ve got Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button and various other drivers. Then the next group are trying to show their skills to be in that top tier.

You judge people on results based on the opportunity they have had so far, they are all there on merit and are good drivers but F1 is about finding the exceptional.”

later in the day at the Oman Automobile Association at 5pm

Times News Service MUSCAT: Racing fans in Oman will get their first chance to see, hear and feel the roar of a Formula 1 car on home soil when the Red Bull Racing championship winning car takes to the streets of Muscat as part of a weekend of full-throttle action. The action gets underwaytoday at two special ‘Fire Up’ events where the car will be available for members of the public to see and hear close up.

The car will be unveiled at Omantel Headquarters at 2pm and again later on Thursday at the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) from 5PM. Fans will have the chance to get up close with the car and hear the roar of its engine – the same car that claimed the 2012 Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors Championship.

Suleiman Al Rawahi, Oman Automobile Association Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to be organising this event and to be bringing such a truly unique experience to Oman. This event came as results of working together with Red Bull Oman and part of OAA motorsport development in Oman. Motorsports in Oman has grown rapidly in the past three years and continues to do so.”

Talking about the popularity of motorsports, Al Rawahisaid: “It’s in their blood; Omanis adore all kind of motorsports disciplines.

We are looking forward to the hosting a Fire Up at the Oman Automobile Association as a teaser to get people ready for what we have in store for them tomorrow.”

Al Rawahi added: “After this

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED: On Friday the Red Bull F1 Showrun will see David Coulthard gets behind the

wheel and put the car through its paces on the roads around Muscat’s Corniche. — Supplied photos

event we will start working on the next big event that is coming to Oman which is the Red Bull Car Park Drift Regional Final.”

Visitors will be able to feel the power up close of the Formula 1 car - a machine that competes in the most strategic and technologically advanced motorsport in the world as it tears around the corners of the world’s most famous racetracks. On Friday the highly anticipated Red Bull F1 Showrun will see David Coulthard gets behind the wheel and put the car

through its paces on the roads around Muscat’s picturesque Corniche.

The Showrun Team has been to every inhabited continent on the planet. Travelling the world, the car has raced on cobbled city streets in Europe and across baking deserts in the Americas, it has conquered the highest road in the Himalayas, skated on frozen rivers in Canada and drifting across golden Caribbean beaches. And now it’s Oman’s turn to experience the power of Red Bull Rac-

ing. The Showrun will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Taimur Bin Assad Al-Said and organised by the Oman Automobile Association and Royal Oman Police with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. The event is being held in partnership with Omantel, KhimjiRamdas, HiFM, Hala FM, Times of Oman, Shabiba, Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb and City Vago. For more information on exact event location, timings and shuttle service visit www.redbull.com/f1oman.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

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OMAN Waste dump bothers Al Amerat residents

EVENT

We have received dozens of complaints from residents, said DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS: Yusuf bin Alawi, Minister Responsible

for Foreign Affairs and Mohammed bin Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp and Chairman of the National Bank of Oman (NBO) keynote speeches. Marc J. Sievers, the US Ambassador to Oman also delivered a welcome note. – OK Mohammaed Ali

Ali Al Maashari Municipal Council member representing

350 Harvard almuni part in association’s conference in Oman DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Harvard Arab Alumni Association (HAAA) held its 11th annual Harvard Arab World Conference at the Shangri La Barr Al Jissah resort and spa in Muscat during the weekend, and brought together nearly 350 participants representing a diverse community of Harvard alumni, all sharing an interest for the renewal and development of the Arab world.

Titled “Innovation: Inspiring a New Arab World”, the conference explored a multitude of innovative initiatives emerging out of the Arab World and not only tackled topics of technology and the economic sphere, but discussed opportunities in the areas of education, arts, religion and policy. It also featured the first ever HAAAsponsored startup pitch competition in the Arab World.

This year’s agenda featured a large number of distinguished speakers, including opening keynote addresses by Yusuf bin Alawi, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman and Mohammed bin Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp and Chairman of the National Bank of Oman (NBO). Marc J. Sievers, the Ambassador of the United States to Oman also delivered a welcome note.

Focused panels Besides the welcome remarks, the event included five focused panels on ‘innovative Politics: Finding Common Grounds in Regional Conflicts’, ‘Building the Innovation

Economy’, ‘Innovation in Arab Schools’, ‘Innovation in the Art and Culture’, ‘Intellectual Innovation: A New Islamic Narrative’, ‘Innovation & Entrepreneurship’.

These session were presented by expert panelists of related fields, over 25 speakers from across the Arab world and globally, including- H.E. Mr. Haidar Al Attas, Former Prime Minister of Yemen, Haya Al Ghanim, Director of Innovation, Qatar Science & Technology Park, Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni, CEO, Oman Airports Management Company, Maysa Jalbout, CEO of the Abdullah Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, Sheikh Mohammed Said Al Mamari, Advisor to the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Oman.

Next generation thinkers Ahmed T. el-Gaili (’03), President of the HAAA and Conference CoChair also added that “the HAWC is an opportunity to convene the next generation of thinkers in the region alongside accomplished leaders from a variety of fields.

Through such events we hope to foster a constructive conversation around critical issues facing the Arab world.”

A day prior to the conference, an Admissions Information Session for students interested in applying to Harvard was conducted. In addition, the Khimji Ramdas Group signed a letter of intent with Harvard University announcing plans to set up a $250,000 scholarship fund for students from Oman who have enrolled in various graduate programmes at Harvard.

Al Amerat

ERIK PRINS

erik@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Muscat Municipal Council has received complaints from residents in Al Amerat about air pollution caused by a waste dump near Al Mahaj, Ali Al Maashari, a member of the Municipal Council representing Al Amerat, said.

“We have received dozens of complaints from residents reporting a suffocating smell in their area,” he said.

Al Maashari said the number of complaints, which have repeatedly surfaced for years, have increased after the recent rains, since the pollution becomes worse in the area after rain, as the water washes away material from the dump site. But people are affected despite the rain.

“Humidity in combination with the sun causes gases to emerge from the dump site,” he said.

gases removed from the site and the site to be redeveloped into a park or industrial area to meet the needs of the area,” he said.

Qais Al Kashri, director of Health Affairs at the Muscat Municipality, acknowledged that waste dumped at the site for years had resulted in methane gas to arise from the site in the summer, occasionally causing small fires.

“Our staff members at the site are doing everything they can to counter it,” he said.

Shared concerns “We share the concerns of the residents of Al Mahaj about pollution caused by vapours arising from the site. It disturbs the daily lives of the residents. The smell has a negative effect on the health of society,” he said.

Al Maashari further said the Muscat Municipality had tried to extract gases from the site, but they were still emerging from the area. The Times of Oman visited the site, tucked away in the hills on the fringes of Al Amerat, and experienced the stench, even as trucks were seen dumping their waste, which included mainly construction waste.

“We call upon the Muscat Municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs to find a solution for this worrying issue. We propose to have the

Construction waste He added that eight years ago, general waste had been transferred to the Al Multaqa landfill in Al Amerat and that since then, the site had only been used to dump construction waste.

TOO, however, witnessed old tires being dumped at the site.

In response to the residents’ concerns, Al Kashri said the site would be rehabilitated by Oman Environmental Services Company “Be’ah,” which is responsible for waste management in Oman.

“It was agreed that Be’ah would rehabilitate the site,” he said.

A senior official from Be’ah said the dump site in Al Amerat would be closed and rehabilitated once it took over the waste sector from the Muscat Municipality in 2017.

“Existing dumpsites, including the site in Al Amerat, will

CONCERN: An official from Be’ah said they are working towards implementing modern waste management aimed at reducing the amount of waste going into the engineered landfills. – Erik Prins

be closed and rehabilitated. An environmental assessment programme will be conducted for each dumpsite, helping Be’ah decide on the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to remediate the dumpsite,” the official said.

Engineered landfills He added that to control the damage done, Be’ah had embarked on an “aggressive” plan to close all existing dumpsites and replace them with engineered landfills and transfer stations across the country.

“Uncontrolled dumpsites existed for many years in Oman and all sorts of mixed waste streams, hazardous and nonhazardous, are dumped in unprotected trenches or dumping sites. It is estimated that there are more than 300 dumpsites scattered across the country that are polluting soil, water, and air causing fires, unpleasant odours and they contribute to gas emissions,” he said.

Steps being taken He added that as the infrastructure is being laid out, experienced companies are planning to provide municipal waste management services that include pre-collection, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal.

“One of our main objectives is to control environmental damage in-

curred during decades of traditional waste dumping processes,” he stated. Al Maashari said recycling is also needed to avoid pollution.

“We stress the need for quickly starting recycling waste and limit dumping of waste in the Governorate of Muscat and other governorates of the country, in order to protect the environment and health and safety of society,” he said.

The official from Be’ah said they are working towards implementing modern waste management aimed at reducing the amount of waste going into the engineered landfills. “It would be expected for the waste to be segregated at the source into two bins, dry and wet and then transferred to the material recovery facilities.

These facilities would segregate the recyclables and wet waste and transfer them to either recycling, compost or waste-to-energy-towater facilities. The rejects from these facilities would then be diverted to the engineered landfills,” he said.

He also said the waste-to-energy-to-water facility is a national project, whereby waste is thermally treated to generate steam and energy, which is then fed into a desalination plant to produce sweet water. It is expected that this project will generate roughly 30 per cent of Oman’s desalinated water requirement.

ENVOY SPEAK

‘South Africa attractive tourist, investment destination for Omanis’ Times News Service MUSCAT: South Africa is growing as an investment and tourism destination for Omanis, the South African Ambassador in Muscat, Major-General Lungile Chris Pepani said.

“We continue, as a country, to enjoy cordial relations with Oman.

A vibrant interface between the business communities of our two nations is increasing, and so are the tourist levels. We expect fruitful results from these interactions and visits in the form of even more business opportunities for a win-

win situation for both countries,” he said.

Pepani said South Africa continues to make its mark in the global world of tourism. “South Africa’s beaches, hotels, restaurants, nature reserves, fashion lines and routes are putting our country constantly on the world stage,” he stated.

The South African Embassy said in a statement that South Africa’s unique tourism attractions and innovative operators continue to garner global recognition.

The Garden Route was recently named as one of the 10 best walking routes in the world by The Tel-

egraph, an influential newspaper in the United Kingdom. The Telegraph said the trails of the Garden Route tour covered some of the best coastal trails, forests and gorges in South Africa. The 16-day trip starts from Table Mountain and includes the Alexandria Trail and the Addo Elephant National Park.

The inclusion of the Garden Route in the top 10 list puts it at par with well-known walking routes in Italy, France and Costa Rica.

The luxurious boutique hotel Ellerman House, overlooking Bantry Bay in Cape Town, has joined 49 illustrious other hotels around the

world in the latest “50 Greatest Hotels” named by The Telegraph.

Children in the Wilderness (CITW), a non-profit organisation that arranges bush and wildlife experiences for young people to inspire Africa’s future environmental leaders, was a runner-up in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) awards for sustainable tourism in Madrid recently. The UNWTO awards are flagship awards for the global tourism sector. The award for sustainable tourism honours people and organisations, who work for the benefit of host communities and

protect their country’s environmental and cultural heritage for future generations.

Pepani said South Africa is open to doing business with Oman. He added that the Oman-South Africa Friendship Association (OSAFA) is now a legal entity in Oman, having had its constitution approved by the government of Oman. OSAFA events and meetings provide South African and Omani companies a platform to explore opportunities for business tie-ups and investments in both countries.

“As an Embassy, we support the association and, with two business-

networking functions under the belt already this year, and a promising work programme for the year, OSAFA seems raring to go.

“South Africa remains an attractive investment destination.

The recent introduction of code share operations between SAA and JetBlue Airways on the Washington D.C. and Accra route, ensuring seamless travel for business and leisure, and the huge budget set aside for the building of new port facilities across the country, are testimony to enhanced efforts to attract investment into the country,” he said.

A6

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 Jumping red light is a serious life-saving rules violation and it not only put the driver and his occupant life in danger but also risking other road users’ life.

Neelesh Sogani, road safety expert

OMAN OMAN PRIDE

< FROM

A1

NEW AIRPORT FEE

‘New device will allow for higher accuracy’

“By using the robot, doctors will be able to take a biopsy outside a CT scan room, which is used to take pictures in very fine slices through the body via X-rays,” Al Salmi said, adding, “Therefore, this project will reduce time, effort and radiation exposure while maintaining high accuracy in obtaining tissue biopsy.”

According to the engineering student, the traditional operation for a biopsy is done by using an Xray scanner specifically computed tomography (X-ray CT) to take photos of the targeted organs and tissues of patient.

“A doctor starts conducting a biopsy using a long needle depending on his memory recall from photos and past experience about the targeted position,” he added, while explaining that the

main problems facing any doctor are the absence of accuracy and radiation exposure.

Overcomes challenges “Moreover, the old methods of operation takes a long time and involves huge effort from both doctors and patients, and the brand new invention overcomes those challenges,” he added.

“In order to take a biopsy, the targeted tissue should be drugged by using a drug needle after that the biopsy needle is injected, which should have the same path of the drug needle.

However, this procedure is difficult to do since the needles are blindly injected into the tissue.

Therefore, doctors need a number of trials to correctly inject the needle,” Al Salmi stated, adding

ROAD SAFETY MEASURES

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‘New penalties will help to curb fatal incidents’

And in the case of causing injury or death, imprisonment may be added to the punishment, he said.

“Red-light offences are often discussed and mentioned on social media and with good reason however the single biggest road safety issue in Oman is the use of mobile phones whilst driving.

It has become and remains one of the biggest single causes of road traffic incidents and can no longer be ignored. Punitive action for this socially unacceptable practice needs to be aligned to the laws for red-light offences,” Pudwell added.

Quoting a study, ROP official Al Hosni, said that 72 per cent of drivers admitted that they text and drive and 80 per cent had admitted that they lose focus while typing.

Neelesh Sogani, another road safety expert in Muscat, said that it is a good move towards curtailing serious fatal incidents “Jumping red light is a serious life-saving rules violation and it not only put the driver and his occupant life in danger but also risking other road users’ life. I also insists that ROP shall start negative scoring for such violations and multiple violator’s licenses shall be seized,” the road safety expert said.

“It is always good to use sticks of penalties and other tough decisions if individuals are not caring for own life and putting others into danger. All life-saving rule violator’s shall be treated in

Quoting a study, ROP official Al Hosni, said that 72 per cent of drivers admitted that they text and drive and 80 per cent had admitted that they lose focus while typing

that the new device would allow for higher accuracy while injecting both needles in the same path.

“Our device costs around OMR400 and will reduce the time of the operation by decreasing the number of trials,” Al Salmi said.

Asked if he and his team have plans to introduce the technology at a local hospital, Al Salmi agreed, pointing out that this will only be done after experimenting with the device and testing its applicability.

It is worth mentioning that the team participated in the 7th Engineering Students Gathering at the SQU, which started on Sunday, and was held under the patronage of Salim bin Nassir Al Oufi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, and Dr. Ali Al Bemani, vice chancellor of SQU.

Travelling

A1 to UAE to

get costlier

USE OF ROBOT: By using the robot, doctors will be able to take a

biopsy outside a CT scan room, which is used to take pictures in very fine slices through the body via X-rays. — Supplied picture

Adopting Cisco solutions to help Oman’s IT firms lows network administrators to manage network services through the concept of higher-level functionality.

This was the first time Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure solution was

harsh way,” the road safety expert added. Mohammed Faisal, a taxi driver in Ruwi, also voiced the same opinion of experts. “Reckless driving of a few on the road pose threat to everyone. Rules are set to follow. It not only helps them but others too. Violators should be punished hard,” the taxi driver added.

However, many expressed their surprise on social networking sites towards the new move by the ROP. While a few welcomed the move, majority expressed their surprise even saying that such punishments will scare the drivers and lead to more chaos on the roads.

After the story was uploaded in Times of Oman website, in two hours, it received 4,000 hits and the same shared on Times of Oman’s official Facebook page reached to 113,524 people and it was shared 1,111 readers.

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presented in the Sultanate of Oman

Ahmed Chehime.

— Picture by Shabin E/Times of Oman

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Cisco, along with the International Information Technology Co. (IITC), made a presentation on the adoption of Cisco’s Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) for IT officials at leading companies of the Sultanate on Tuesday.

The benefits, as well as how ACI can influence cost effectiveness and help converge emerging technologies to facilitate the growth of the firm or the business were also discussed. This was the first time Cisco’s ACI solution was presented in the Sultanate.

ACI reduces total cost of ownership (TCO), automates IT

tasks, and accelerates data centre application deployments.

It achieves this by using a business-relevant software defined networking (SDN) policy model across networks, servers, storage, security, and services. Ahmed Chehime, strategic product sales specialist at Cisco led the presentation for the IT officials of the companies in the Sultanate.

In the networking field “Software Defined Networking (SDN) is coming out much faster than the other transition in the networking field,” he stated.

According to networking experts, SDN is an approach to computer networking that al-

Decoupling the system This is done by decoupling the system that makes decisions about where traffic is sent (the control plane) from the underlying systems that forward traffic to the selected destination, that is the data plane. According to many of the attendees the session was an informative one.

“It was a good event and helped us know more about the changing trends in the networking,” an attendee told the Times of Oman.

“We were planning to change our data centre and this evening helped us to know more on that and how to adopt latest technologies,” another official of a leading company in Oman said. Cisco Systems is an American multinational technology company headquartered in San Jose, California, that designs, manufactures and sells networking equipment. It is considered to be the biggest networking company in the world.

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‘ G C C O N E R E G I O N O N E TA R I F F ’

Ooredoo introduces unified roaming rates for all of GCC Times News Service MUSCAT: Enhancing communication between the countries of the GCC, and complying with the Oman Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) requirement for a common regional roaming price structure, Ooredoo has unified its tariffs for customers travelling to GCC countries with the introduction of their ‘GCC One Region One Tariff’.

A permanent adjustment effective from 1 April, the new roaming programmes offers all Ooredoo Shahry and Mousbak customers the same standard rate for local roaming calls, data and SMS in any GCC country they travel to, and regardless of the operator they use. Always looking to deliver the best value possible, Ooredoo has not only simplified its roaming structure, but reduced the cost of local calls, calls back to Oman, as well as data and SMS messages within the GCC. “Developed in the spirit of mutual cooperation with our neighbours, ‘One Region One Tariff’ is a great option for travellers to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“It is now easier and cheaper than ever to keep in touch with the office via email, family on the phone, or friends on social me-

‘One Region One Tariff’ is a great option for travellers to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

LANGUAGE EXAM A1

The group of GUtech students along with Andrea Cornelissen, DAAD Representative and German lecturer at GUtech. — Supplied picture

10 students of GUtech clear German exam Times News Service MUSCAT: Recently, a group of 10 GUtech students from the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) passed the Language Exam A1 of the Goethe Institut, the German Language and Culture Centre.

Studying German is part of the curricula at the university. “The certificate helps the students study at a German university,” said Andrea Cornelissen, representative of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and German lecturer at GUtech.

The Head of the Goethe Institut in Muscat, Sabine BrachmannBosse, conducted the exams at GUtech. The exam was held for 90 minutes and is similar to IELTS English tests covering writing, reading, speaking and listening.

In order to motivate students to improve their German language and cultural skills, GUtech is planning to conduct the German exam on a regular basis.

At the university, students studied German for three semesters; however the language of tuition at GUtech is English.

GUtech fosters exchange between Germany and Oman, especially through its German partner-university RWTH Aachen University.

T W O - D AY E V E N T

InterContinental Muscat to host ‘Wedding Fair’

Feras Al Shaikh

Director of Consumer Sales

dia,” said Feras Al Shaikh, Director of Consumer Sales.

When using ‘GCC One Region One Tariff’, Ooredoo customers will now be able to make local calls during their travels at a cost of 100 Baizas a minute and SMS will be charged at just 31 Baizas.

Travellers to the GCC will also be able to access data at the reduced rate of 500 Baizas per MB. Additionally, receiving calls from home will cost just 135 Baizas per minute. Ooredoo customers do not need to worry about opting in to the ‘One Region One Tariff’, as charges will be applied automatically.

These include the state-of-the-art Concourse D at the Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2 and the renovation of Terminal 1, according to the Emirates News Agency.

However, passengers under the age of two and aircraft crew on duty will be exempted from paying the fee. “The United Arab Emirates is looking to boost its diversification strategy as low oil prices continue to weigh on revenues. So they are announcing several plans to spruce up their revenue,” said Satish M, who regularly travels to the UAE. Indian expat, M Adhikari, however, said he doesn’t mind paying this money. “I don’t mind paying the money as I think this will go towards enhancing airport services, which are world class.”

Businessman Mohammed Al Kindi, however, said blue collar workers will feel the heat. “It will not make much difference to executives, but the blue collar workers will feel the pressure as every rial counts for them.”

Of course, for travellers who prefer to purchase a bundle for travel, Ooredoo has the Musafir UAE and Musafir GCC plans, which provide data allowances and reinforces Ooredoo’s strategy of providing outstanding value wherever its customers are.

However, for those who prefer to roam without opting into a bundle, there will be significant benefits from the new ‘One Region One Tariff’ rates.

For more information, visit any of Ooredoo’s 40 stores located across Oman or go to www. ooredoo.om.

MUSCAT: InterContinental Muscat will be hosting a fabulous two-day Wedding Fair on 8th and 9th April 2016 from 4:00pm to 11:00pm at the Concert Area, with guest of Honor Her Highness Sayyidah Hujeija bint Jeiffar ibn Seif Al Said.

A fashion show will also be held by reputable designers from all over GCC. The InterContinental Muscat has always been a favourite venue for weddings and special events and it has spectacular settings both indoors as well as outdoors.

The hotel has always maintained its reputation for being the number one venue of choice for special events, meetings, concerts and weddings.

For more information, contact our wedding planners on 24680632. 99054006 and 97076464.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

A7

OMAN Consensus on new Libyan statute The Sultanate hosted the deliberations of consultative meeting of the Libyan CDA, which lasted over three weeks under the aegis of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of approximating viewpoints to reach a final consensus draft constitution that meets ambitions and aspirations of all Libyans

SALALAH: Consultative meeting of the Libyan Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) was concluded on Wednesday evening in Salalah by reaching a consensus on the new Libyan Constitution, which is the culmination of extensive UNsponsored consultations with the support of the Sultanate of Oman.

The Sultanate hosted the deliberations of consultative meeting of the Libyan CDA, which lasted over three weeks under the aegis of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of approximating viewpoints to

reach a final consensus draft constitution that meets ambitions and aspirations of all Libyans.

Draft declaration Dr. Qasem bin Mohammed Al Salhi, Sultanate’s ambassador to Libya delivered a speech expressing the joy for declaring the draft Libyan constitution from Oman.

He added that the consensus reached during the dialogue sessions is a model for how to solve differences among brothers.

Dr. Al Jilani Abdul Salam al-

MODEL PROCEDURE: The consensus reached during the dialogue sessions is a model for how to solve differences among brothers, Dr. Qasem bin Mohammed Al Salhi, Sultanate’s ambassador to Libya. – ONA

Jamal, Acting Chairman of the Libyan Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) delivered a speech thanking the Sultanate for hosting the meetings and providing the conducive milieu for dialogue and consultations.

He added that the consensus

AGREEMENT

reached was done with free will without any pressures.

Thanked the Sultanate Dr. Mohammed Al Ghannam, Constitution Advisor at United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) delivered a speech on

behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission, UNSMIL, Martin Kobler during which he thanked the Sultanate for the support it has provided and for its endeavors to integrate agreement and understanding, as well

as to provide every possible mean for success.

He hailed the efforts made by members of the Libyan Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) to come out with a constitution that meets the higher interests of the Libyans. -ONA

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Majlis media committee hosts Information Ministry official MUSCAT: Media and Culture Committee at Majlis A’Shura on Wednesday hosted Ali bin Khalfan Al Jabri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information.

Al Jabri affirmed that the Sultanate is one of the most tolerant and open countries in the field of media and accepting others’ views.

He added that the Sultanate’ provides good space for freedom of expression through social networks, the official and private media means as well.

He highlighted the efforts made E D UC AT I O N

FRAMEWORK OF COOPERATION: The MoU comes within the framework of cooperation between the ministries of defence of the two countries. The session of talks was attended by Lt.Gen Ahmed bin Harith al-Nabhani, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), the Qatari ambassador to the Sultanate and the delegation accompanying the guest. -ONA

Pact on Omani military personnel in Qatar signed MUSCAT: An official session of talks was held in Mu’askar Bait Al Falaj at the Ministry of Defence today between Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs and Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Minister of State for Defence Affairs in the sisterly State of Qatar, who is currently visiting the Sultanate.

The two sides reviewed fields of the existing military cooperation and exchanged viewpoints on issues of common concern to serve the joint interests of the two

brotherly countries. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of the Sultanate, represented by the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Defence on service conditions for the Omani military officers and personnel dispatched to Qatar.

The MoU comes within the framework of cooperation between the ministries of defence of the two countries. The session of talks was attended by Lt.Gen Ahmed bin Harith Al Nabhani,

Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), the Qatari ambassador to the Sultanate and the delegation accompanying the guest.

The Qatari Minister of State for Defence Affairs arrived here today. He was received at A’Seeb Air Base by Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Harib Al-Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs, Lt.Gen Ahmed bin Harith Al -Nabhani, Sultan’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, the Qatari ambassador to the Sultanate and SAF senior officers. -ONA

HUMAN RESOURCE SYSTEM

Ithraa receives accreditation from United Kingdom body MUSCAT: Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development ‘ Ithraa ‘ received the golden accreditation at the ‘ Investors in Human Resource’ System as per the results of the assessment conducted by Investment In Human Resource Establishment in U.K, to become the first Omani public organization and the second Arab organization to make this achievement.

The assessment found that ‘Ithraa’ meets international standards which aim at improving the job performance by applying the best international practices.

Badriyah bint Saud al- Abdaliyah, Director of Human Resources at ‘Ithraa’ said that the system aims at improving the

quality of service, improving customer satisfaction, enhance the performance of the Authority and improve it through better management and development of individuals. It also enhances employee’s involvement in the different initiatives which in turn develop their personality and enhance their achievement. This will be a contributor to sustainable management of change in any organisation.

Good for growth On her part, Su Taipen, international advisor and specialists for Investors in Human Resources said that the implementation of ‘ Investors in Human Resource’ system in the Sultanate encour-

age the growth of the Omani economy. It should be also an incentive for other organizations to benefit from the outcomes of its implementation. She added that ‘ we can not ignore the fact that success of any private or public organization depends on the efficiency of its staff.

“Supporting and developing Omani human resources will surely enhance the economic environment in the Sultanate’’.

It should be noted that ‘ Investment in Human Resource ‘ System has three stages starting from developing a philosophy to support employees, identifying the operations for improving production and finally developing principles for good practices. -ONA

Five Omani students win medals at maths Olympiad MEDINA: Five students from the Sultanate won five medals; three silver medals and two bronze medals in the Gulf Mathematics Olympiad, which was concluded on Wednesday in Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Said bin Nasser Al Mazahmi from the Directorate General of Education in the Governorate of Al Dhahirah won a silver medal, Basant bint Said Al Hina’eyah from the Directorate General of Education in the Governorate of South Al Batinah won silver medal, Ibrahim bin Jalal Al Abri from the Directorate General of Education in the Governorate of Al Dakhliyah won silver medal, Sheikha bint Abdullah Al Hashimiyah from the Directorate General of Education in the Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah won bronze medal and Jawahir bint Hamad Al Kalbaniyah from the Directorate General of Education in the Governorate of Al Dhahirah won bronze medal.

Mathematics Olympiad is a periodic competition for students of member states of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States.

It is organised and supervised by the office and hosted by one of the member states. The importance of the Olympiad represented in creating the right environment to raise the scientific competition among the students of the member states in different competition areas and contribute to the enrichment of the curriculum and the development of education.

Mathematics Olympiad aims to contribute to the upgrading of science level among students and teachers in mathematics. and activating the role of the institutions involved in the teaching it. -ONA

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by the Ministry of Information to provide accurate information from their reliable sources, as well as the right of the journalist to get true information from its source.

He affirmed that the Ministry is making continuous efforts to prepare advanced training programmes for employees at the public organisations that deal with media means. Al Jabri pointed out that the Ministry of Information has repeatedly called upon organisations to ensure transparency, avail information quickly and facilitate access

of journalists to such information.

He said that some ministries have strong media departments that are provided with specialised media men who can answer the queries of journalists.

Hamoudah bin Mohammed Al Harsosi, Head of Media and Culture Committee at Majlis Al Shura stressed the importance of having official spokesperson for several sectors due to the change in perceptions and the importance of raising public awareness on how to search for accurate information. -ONA

A8

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

REGION TO REDUCE SMUGGLING

ROBOCUP IRAN 2016 OPENS

Iranians from Iran’s Qazvin Islamic Azad University, check robots prior to a football match with Germay’s Nao-Team HTWK of Leipzig United University during the RoboCup Iran Open 2016, in Tehran, on Wednesday. — AFP

Egypt bans domestic trading of imported wheat: Minister CAIRO: Egypt has banned the trading of imported wheat inside the country, Supply Minister Khaled Hanafi said on Wednesday, a move which could reduce smuggling of the grain that cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars last year.

Egypt, the world’s largest wheat importer, annually fixes a local procurement price for Egyptian wheat that is above global prices in an attempt to encourage farmers to grow the crop.

As Reuters detailed in a special report in March, the higher local price led to record smuggling last year of cheap foreign wheat passed off as local crop. The wide scale fraud cost Egypt nearly 2 billion Egyptian pounds in public funds ($225 million).

Those caught trading imported wheat domestically will be subject to a jail sentence of six months to one year and a fine of 500 to 1,000 Egyptian pounds ($56-$113), the statement said. Egypt’s wheat harvest begins in April and runs through July. Last year the government said it procured a record 5.3 million tonnes of the grain.

Industry sources say that roughly 2 million tonnes of last year’s procurement actually came from abroad. — Reuters

U N L I B YA E N V O Y

Kobler urges handover of power to unity government TUNIS: The UN envoy to Libya has urged a rapid, complete handover of power to a unity government that arrived in Tripoli a week ago, warning that a fragile peace in the city may not hold if the new government is unable to deliver.

Martin Kobler also called on Libya’s internationally recognised eastern parliament on Wednesday to hold a long-sought vote on whether to approve the UNbacked Government of National Accord (GNA), telling Reuters in an interview that the chamber risked being sidelined if it failed to do so.

Shortly after he spoke a statement appeared on the website of Tripoli’s self-declared National Salvation government, carrying the name of its prime minister and calling on ministers to stay in place. That appeared to contradict a statement on a ministry website on Tuesday saying the National Salvation government was stepping down.

Kobler, who visited Tripoli on Tuesday, said a handover of power at the foreign ministry was yet to be replicated in other ministries.

“We know of ministers who are willing to hand over,” he said. “But the ministers have to change, they have to peacefully hand over their power and give the new administration to the Government of National Accord.”

The GNA needed to be able to quickly improve economic conditions and failing health services, Kobler said. “It can change tomorrow, but now it’s quiet. If the government doesn’t deliver, it will not stay quiet.” — Reuters

Iraq puts Mosul offensive against IS group on hold Iraqi forces waiting for the arrival of federal police units and additional local tribal fighters to hold territory after it is retaken

ARBIL/BAGHDAD: An Iraqi army offensive touted as the first phase of a campaign to recapture the northern city of Mosul from IS militant group has been paused until more forces arrive to hold ground, the commander in charge said on Wednesday.

Almost three weeks into the operation, Iraqi forces have retaken just three villages from IS in the Makhmour area, which is set to be a key staging ground for a future assault on Mosul, around 60 km (40 miles) further north.

Faltering start The faltering start has cast renewed doubt on the capabilities of the Iraqi army, which partially collapsed when IS militants took around a third of the country in 2014. Major General Najm Abdullah Al Jubbouri, who is in charge of the offensive, said that Iraqi forces were now waiting for the arrival of federal police units and additional local tribal fighters to

TAKING POSITION: Iraqi fighters from the Popular Mobilisation units gather in position during clashes in the village of Al Bashir, still controlled by the IS militants group, on Tuesday. – AFP

hold territory after it is retaken.

That would free up his forces to go on the offensive against the insurgents, Jubbouri said in a statement, dismissing what he described as efforts to disparage the army. “We do not want to use all our units to hold territory,” he said. The initial target of the latest

offensive was Qayara -- an IS hub on the western bank of the Tigris river -- but Iraqi forces have so far failed to recapture the hilltop village of Nasr on the eastern side.

In the statement, Jubbouri said the militants had dug a network of tunnels beneath Nasr and prepared suicide bombers and a

fleet of vehicles rigged with explosives, some of which contain weaponised chlorine, a chemical weapon IS has used before in northern Iraq.

US Army Major Jon-Paul Depreo, operations officer for the international coalition fighting IS in Iraq and neighbouring Syria,

said at the weekend the insurgents were determined not to lose Nasr because of its strategic position on high ground.

Depreo also said difficult terrain meant it was not possible to deploy a large number of forces there against the militants, who are more familiar with the area.

“These (Iraqi army) forces aren’t from that area necessarily, so they’re learning the area,” Depreo told reporters in Baghdad.

The coalition, led by the United States, has trained thousands of Iraqi police and soldiers in preparation for the operation to retake Mosul -- by far the largest city in IS’s self-proclaimed caliphate.

Depreo said the fighting was only one part of the challenge.

“There’s going to be a lot of fighting but there’s also going to be a lot of logistical infrastructure that needs to follow and be established.”

Militias and Kurdish peshmerga have played a major role in the fight against the ultra-hardline militants elsewhere in Iraq, but with Mosul the plan is for the army to take the lead to avoid inflaming ethnic and sectarian sensitivities in the city.

The army won its first major victory over the insurgents last December in Ramadi and aims to retake Mosul this year, but Iraqi officials privately question whether that is possible.

“It’s a tough fight,” Depreo said of the offensive in Makhmour, describing it as a “shaping operation” for the bigger battle ahead, adding: “We have a lot of work to do before we take control of Mosul again.” — Reuters

B I G G E S T G OV E R N M E N T O P E R AT I O N

Syrian army, allies attack insurgents south of Aleppo BEIRUT: The Syrian army and its allies launched a major attack on insurgents south of Aleppo, described as the fiercest government assault in the area since an agreement to ease the fighting came into effect in February.

Fighting south of Aleppo in recent days has put further strain on the already widely violated ceasefire deal brokered by the United States and Russia with the aim of launching a diplomatic process towards ending the five-year-long war. The indirect talks organised by the United Nations are struggling with no sign of compromise over the main issue dividing the sides: the future of President Bashar Al Assad. A second round of talks is due to begin on Monday in Geneva.

Rebels described intense air

strikes in the southern Aleppo area where the Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front shot down a Syrian warplane on Tuesday and captured its pilot.

Nusra Front, which along with IS is not part of the ceasefire, last week attacked and captured a town in the area, killing dozens of Syrian soldiers and their allies.

Nusra Front confirmed on Wednesday that their spokesman and veteran fighter Abu Firas Al Suri was killed in a US air strike in Syria.

In an online statement, Nusra Front said Abu Firas died in an attack on Sunday. A statement from the Syrian army and its allies said they were targeting armed groups in areas south of Aleppo, supported by “heavy and concentrated air strikes”, the website of the Al Ma-

nar reported. The statement said the attack was a response to insurgent violations of the cessation of hostilities agreement. “This fire will continue until all the militants surrender”, it said.

Accusations Each side accuses the other of seeking to wreck the cessation of hostilities agreement that has slowed the war across many of the major frontlines of western Syria but not stopped it entirely. Though Nusra is not part of the deal, its fighters are deployed near rebel groups that are.

Syria’s crisis erupted five years ago with protests against Assad which were put down with force.

It descended into a civil war which has killed more than 250,000, drawn in global military powers

and helped IS establish its selfdeclared caliphate. Nearly five million refugees have been driven abroad. Russia’s six-month-old intervention in Syria has helped to swing military momentum in Assad’s favour, reversing last summer’s gains by insurgents including Western-backed rebels and helping government forces to drive IS out of the ancient city of Palmyra. The recapture of Palmyra and its military airport, in the central Syrian desert, opened up the road further east to the Islamic State bastions of Deir Al Zor province and Raqqa. Any offensive on Deir Al Zor or Raqqa, however, would probably need significantly more firepower than the Palmyra assault. A rebel said the government attack south of Aleppo was the heaviest in that area since the

truce agreement came into effect.

Hany Al Khaled of the Sham Revolutionary Brigades group, an affiliate of the Levant Front, said his group had taken part in repelling the attack, and militias fighting with the government had suffered heavy losses.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based organisation that tracks the war, said air strikes, artillery and rockets were being used in an attack aimed at recovering Telat Al Eis, the town seized in the Nusra Front-led assault. The statement reported by Al Manar accused insurgents of breaching the truce “in execution of foreign orders”.

Opposition official Asaad Al Zoubi, meanwhile, told Reuters the truce was “in danger of ending” due to government violations.

In addition to the 11 militia fighters killed, 43 Syrian soldiers died in last week’s Nusra attack, sources familiar with the details said. “Overall there is an escalation of military operations across Syria,” said Rami Abdulrahman, Observatory director.

In an apparent response to setbacks including the loss of Palmyra to government forces last month, IS launched attacks on government-held areas some 50km (30 miles) northeast of Damascus overnight.

The militant group said in a statement it had attacked the Tishrin power station 50km (30 miles) northeast of the capital and a Syrian military source acknowledged the group had staged assaults, but said all those who took part had been killed. — Reuters

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A9

INDIA

Modi government’s Pakistan policy in a shambles: Singh

CARDIAC ARREST

Former prime minister Manmohan

Kamla Advani

Singh said the recent

L. K. Advani’s wife Kamla passes away

attack on Pathankot airbase is the most recent evidence of our vulnerability. On the economic front, agriculture in the last two years has been stagnant bringing large scale distress to Indian farmers

GUWAHATI: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the Narendra Modi government’s Pakistan policy is “in shambles” and accused it of “failing miserably to honour its solemn promise to the people of the country.”

“The (Modi) government’s policy towards Pakistan is in shambles. Terrorists from Pakistan continue to operate freely not only in Indian-administeredKashmir but also in Punjab and other neighbouring states,” Singh, who represented Assam in Rajya Sabha for 10 years, told a Congress poll rally here.

“The recent attack on Pathankot airbase is the most recent evidence of our vulnerability. On the economic front, agriculture in the last two years has been stagnant bringing large scale distress to Indian farmers”, he said. Continuing to hit out at Modi, Singh said his foreign trips have been projected as great achievements “though everybody knows that these have yielded nothing yet.”

Black money Raking up Modi’s promise before the Lok Sabha polls to bring back black money kept by Indians in

WOOING VOTERS: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi during an election rally at Chand-

mari in Guwahati on Wednesday. - PTI

foreign banks, Singh said ironically the government “failed miserably to honour its solemn promise to the people of India.”

“This is what the dream-merchant is selling all the time” and his (Modi’s) list of promises is “endless”, he said.

“All he (Modi) achieved in these two years is that he has forced crores of people to open bank accounts. But people are asking what will they do with bank accounts when they have nothing to keep in the bank.

“There is a saying in English that action speaks louder than words. However, it seems Modiji forgot this basic tenet of public life,”. There is now a deliberate attempt to befool the people by bringing “non-issues as issues of great importance,” he asserted.

Referring to the country’s economic scenario under the BJP government at the Centre, Singh said industrial production has been stagnant and as a result there is no sign of growth of employ-

ment, while exports have continued to decline month after month in the last 15 months.

Urging people of Assam to give a “strong mandate” to Congress, he said this would take the development of the state to a new high.

“Whenever the reins of the state was given to a non-Congress party, the state suffered enormously,” he added.

Singh said the incidents in Hyderabad Central University and Jawaharlal Nehru University are indicative of the central government’s “attempt to curb freedom of expression and to polarise Indian polity along communal lines.”

“The imposition of President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand exposes the Modi government’s desire to hurt democracy and promote centralization of power in violation of constitutional norms,” the former prime minister said.

Alleging that BJP has been trying to divide the society of Assam, he said, “I firmly believe that such a

conspiracy would never be allowed to succeed by its people who nurture a long tradition of syncretism, unity, harmony and tolerance. This land of Assam has always stood united in times of crisis.”

Recounting the language movement in Assam in the 1960s and 1970s, the turbulent days of the 1980s and the period of insurgency, he said many in Congress had to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the party’s ideals.

Singh claimed that the state machinery had become completely dysfunctional before Tarun Gogoi government came to power in 2001 and said that he was confident that people would not want to return to those conditions.

The former prime minister said the Modi Government has very little interest in the development of Assam and other North Eastern states and has abolished the special category status given to the state by his erstwhile United Progressive Alliance government.

“The UPA government had

P O TA C O U R T

Mumbai multiple blasts case: Three get life; Nachan awarded 10 years in prison MUMBAI: A special Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) court on Wednesday sentenced to life three of the ten convicted in the multiple blasts that rocked the metropolis between December 2002 and March 2003, killing 13 people while key accused Saquib Nachan was handed out a 10-year jail term.

Special POTA Judge P. R. Deshmukh said that convict Muzammil Ansari (who had planted the bombs) will undergo imprisonment till the end of his life.

“I am of the view that to award capital punishment to Ansari in present case just falls short of the rarest of the rare case. Therefore I am not inclined to endorse the punishment of death sentence to Ansari,” Deshmukh observed.

The judge if a person is hanged then within a fraction of a second, his life comes to an end, and he does not realise or feel the mental, emotional and physical agony which victims of the crime or dependents of deceased suffered or suffering for their whole life, undergo. Two other convicts who were granted life are Farhaan Khot and Wahid Ansari.

Six others were awarded various jail terms ranging from 2-10 years. The court ordered that 75 per cent of the fine amount (Rs 9.45 lakhs) recovered (from the convicts) will go to District Legal Services Authority while rest will go to the Indian Railways as compensation towards damages caused to Railway on account of Mulund (blast) incident.

Compensation “As far as compensation to be paid to victims or dependents in the case of death (is concerned), there is no sufficient material on record, though some injured witnesses

ACCUSED: Combo: Haseeb Mulla, Wahid Ansari, Ateef Mulla, Muzammil Ansari, Gulam Khotal,

Farhaan Khot and other accuse of Mumbai serial bomb blast case 2002-03 being produced in a session court in Mumbai on Wednesday. - PTI

admitted about receipt of compensation from Railway department. Hence there is difficulty in awarding compensation to the victims of incidents and dependents,” the court said.

However, it directed DLSA, Mumbai to decide the quantum of compensation to be awarded to the victims and dependents and accordingly pay it.

On Tuesday, the court had reserved its verdict on the quantum of sentence to ten persons convicted for their role in the multiple blasts, till today.

Earlier, on March 29, the court had convicted key accused Saquib Nachan, Ateef Mulla, Hasib Mulla, Ghulam Kotal, Mohammed Kamil, Noor Malik, Anwar Ali

Khan, Farhaan Khot, Wahid Ansari and Muzammil Ansari in the case. Twelve people were killed in Mulund train blasts on March 13, 2003. Prior to that, on December 6, 2002, several persons were injured in a blast at McDonald’s at Mumbai Central station, while a person had died in a blast in a market in Vile Parle (East) on January 27, 2003.

According to prosecution, Muzammil Ansari, who holds an engineering degree, planted all the bombs. He planted the bombs along with Tahir Janab Ansari who is a bomb expert and was active in placing crude bombs in trains in different parts of the country in 1993.

Wahid, according to prosecu-

tion, allowed his clinic to be used for assembling bombs.

The forensic reports confirmed that the traces from the clinic matched with the traces in explosion site.

As for Khot, police recovered live hand grenades, 250 bomb casings and bomb chemicals from a well in Padga (in Thane) after he led the cops to that spot.

While Nachan was the key conspirator. During the course of arguments on the sentencing, Special Public Prosecutor Rohini Salian had demanded capital punishment for Muzammil Ansari.

She had also sought life imprisonment for Saquib Nachan, Gulam Khotal, Farhaan Khot and Wahid Ansari. - PTI

worked hand in hand with Assam government to accelerate the pace of development in the state...

The progress made by Assam in the last 15 years under the leadership of Tarun Gogoi is visible all round.”

Insurgency Insurgency has almost been wiped out by a two-pronged Congress government strategy which invested heavily in massive infrastructure development and gave political stability in the state.

It also brought various insurgent groups to the table for negotiations and the peace process was initiated and an environment was created for the peaceful settlement of political issues besides bringing in the much needed stability and development, he said.

“But we have a large unfinished agenda to make Assam one of the front-ranking states of India,” Singh said appealing for votes for Congress “to convert this dream into reality.” - PTI

NEW DELHI: Kamla Advani, wife of veteran BJP leader L. K. Advani, who remained out of politics but was often seen with him in public during his long political journey, died here on Wednesday following cardiac arrest.

Kamla, 83, who leaves a son and a daughter besides Advani, complained of uneasiness and breathlessness in the evening and was rushed to the AIIMS where doctors tried to revive her but in vain.

She was suffering from age-related problems for some time and was on wheelchair for the last few months, family sources said, adding she was also suffering from memory loss. Advani, who was besides her when she breathed her last, often found support from her during the ups and down of his long political career.

An AIIMS statement said, “Kamla Advani, wife of L. K.Advani, was brought to the main casualty, AIIMS at 5.10pm in a very serious unconscious and unresponsive condition. Immediate evaluation revealed the patient to be in cardiopulmonary arrest.”

It said immediate resuscitation measures were provided by a team of doctors. “However, despite 60 minutes of intensive efforts she could not be revived and was declared dead at 6.10pm,” the statement said.

AIIMS Director M. C.Mishra said, “she was pulseless, her blood pressure was not recordable and she was unresponsive. Resuscitative measures were put in place and after about an hour she was declared dead.” The body was brought home late in the night and political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made their visit to pay their last respects.

The cremation is likely to take place on Thursday. - PTI

A10

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

110,000

INDIA

people had signed a petition against the changes, which have been branded as “discriminatory” by the ‘Stop35K’ campaign group

TIER 2 VISA

UK claims visa changes will not impact majority of Indians LONDON: Allaying concerns of Indians over the new visa rules change, the UK government on Wednesday said a new £35,000 salary threshold requirement for Tier 2 work visas which has come into effect will not impact a “vast majority” of Indian professionals.

Thousands of Indians and other nationals from outside the European Union (EU) living and working in Britain on a Tier 2 visa may have to leave or be deported if they earn less than £35,000 a year once the terms of the visa expire.

“This rules change will not impact the vast majority of Indian professionals who work or are looking to work in the UK as last year 89 per cent of all work visas issued to Indian nationals were for routes which are not impacted by the £35k (35,000 pounds) income threshold,” UK immigration minister James Brokenshire said.

“The UK government’s reforms to Tier 2 work visas are intended to ensure that businesses are able

to attract the skilled people they need, but also see that they get far better at recruiting and training UK workers first,” he said.

Under the changes to the Tier 2 norms effective from Wednesday, non-EU workers will need to earn at least £35,000 to remain in the UK for longer than six years unless they are working in a PhD-level occupation or a job which is on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List, including nurses.

New rules The new rules mean professionals who wish to apply for “Indefinite Leave to Remain” (ILR) or settlement in the UK at the end of a fiveyear period of living and working in the UK must now prove they earn over £35,000 per annum.

The threshold was raised from the salary requirement of around £21,000 per annum on advice from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).According to the UK’s Office of National Statistics

(ONS), of the 55,589 Tier 2 sponsored visa applications cleared in 2014-2015, nearly 78 per cent were for Indians (31,058).

However, UK officials indicate that a majority of Indian nationals coming to the UK to work do so via the Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) route, which does not lead to ILR any way and therefore remains unaffected by the changes enforced from Wednesday.

The UK government has also highlighted that employers have been aware of these changes since 2011 when they were announced and affect those who entered on Tier 2 from April 2011. These nonEU professionals can extend their stay for a sixth year, until April 2017, which means it is unlikely there will be any deportations as a result of the changes this year.

Concerned over the move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue with British counterpart David Cameron during a meeting on the sidelines of the Nu-

clear Security Summit in the US last week, saying skilled IT professionals from India should not find it difficult to come to work in the UK. The exact figure of non-EU nationals affected by the changes remains uncertain as some who do not meet the minimum salary threshold may be able to apply under an alternate visa category.

Professions such as teaching, IT and marketing professionals are likely to be the hardest hit.

More than 110,000 people had signed a petition against the changes, which have been branded as “discriminatory” by the ‘Stop35K’ campaign group.

The group marked the visa changes with a “De Party for Skilled Workers” event Wednesday opposite Downing Street as a protest-cum-celebration.

“This is a campaign aiming for a reconsideration of this rule, encouraging research into industryspecific thresholds,” said a Stop 35K statement. - PTI

CONCERNED: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with

Prime Minister of United Kingdom (UK) David Cameron during a bilateral meeting at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington last week. Modi had raised the visa issue with Cameron during the meeting, saying skilled IT professionals from India should not find it difficult to come to work in the UK.- PTI

Niira Radia now surfaces in ‘Panama Papers’ expose Tax information with all G20 nations will be exchanged

In the article, as Part 3 of the expose on Indians having alleged offshore links, Radia is said to have figured prominently as a director in the 232 documents pertaining to the company listed in the

NOT A BENEFICIARY: In response to the report, Niira Radia’s of-

tax haven, Crownmart

fice said the said entity was set up by her late father Iqbal Narain Menon and that she was not a beneficiary. -PTI file photo

NEW DELHI: India is set to exchange tax evasion information with all G20 countries by 2017-18, as a step to address cases like those coming out of “Panama Papers” in which over 500 Indians are said to have invested in foreign accounts, sources in the finance ministry said.

“By 2017-18, India will have automatic exchange of information (AEIO) with all the G20 countries. As many

as 96 countries, including the UK, Germany and France, already have a consensus on AEIO and more countries will join this gradually,” a government official said.

The recently revealed cases like “Panama Papers” would not have occurred, had India had an accord on the common reporting standard (CRS) under automatic exchange of information with other countries, the official said. - IANS

International Group

NEW DELHI: Niira Radia, the founder of Vaishnavi Communications whose taped telephone chats with some prominent people in India around eight years ago, including ministers, journalists and business tycoons became the matter of a probe, has now surfaced in the “Panama Papers” expose.

Her name (appearing as Nira Radia, in the documents investigated, minus the extra ‘i’) is allegedly linked to a company in British Virgin Islands, which her office has denied, The Indian Express reported on Wednesday.

In the article, as Part 3 of the expose on Indians having alleged offshore links, Radia is said to have figured prominently as a director in the 232 documents pertaining to the company listed in the tax haven, Crownmart International Group.

The list published by the newspaper on Wednesday also has the names of a top business tycoon in Bellary, a prominent industrialist and a chartered accountant -each of whom, which The Indian Express says were contacted for their responses, with many also sharing their versions.

Another article seeks to shows how the world’s largest currency note maker De La Rue had con-

tracted a New Delhi businessman to help bag tenders in India, in return for a 15-per cent commission.

The paper identifies the company as Aphra Consultants, linked to Somendra Khosla of New Delhi.

Amid these allegations, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan has said that not every off-shore company opened by an Indian national need be illegitimate, and that this would be the primary task of a probe team in which the central bank has been co-opted. On Radia, the paper said: “An investigation of these papers shows the existence of one offshore entity owned by Radia, an International Business Company registered in the British Virgin Is-

lands by Mossack Fonseka in 1994 named Crownmart International Group Limited.”

In response, her office said the said entity was set up by her late father Iqbal Narain Menon and that she was not a beneficiary.

Also that Radia had disclosed her assets to the authorities in UK and India and that such information was personal and confidential for third parties.

In another article published on Wednesday, the newspaper said the Indian diamond merchants, who were probed earlier for having overseas accounts in Liechtenstein, British Virgin Islands and HSCB, have also surfaced in “Panama Papers”. Prominent

among them are Rosy Blue, one of the largest diamond traders in the world, and Chetan Mehta of the Belgium-based Gembel family.

The paper also reported that Harshad Ramniklal Mehta of Rosy Blue did not respond to its calls or queries, while Chetan Mehta said he has been a non-resident Indian living in Belgium and that the companies were shut longtime ago. A part of the list, Hyderabadbased Moturi Srinivas Prasad said the off-shore entities were started as one dollar companies with the hope of doing business, but were closed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already ordered a multi-agency probe team on the expose. -IANS

D E L H I P O L I C E WA R N I N G

Punjab put on high alert after terror input CHANDIGARH: Punjab which had witnessed two terror attacks in less than six months, was on Wednesday put on high alert following an input from Delhi Police warning about entry of three heavily armed Pakistani terrorists who might be suicide bombers.

The terrorists are travelling from Indian-administered-Kashmir in a grey Swift Dzire car along with a local resident and are expected to cross the Banihal tunnel later tonight, the alert says, adding their target could be in Delhi, Goa and Mumbai.

“An alert has been issued in the state (Punjab) after we received an input from the special cell of Delhi police,” a senior official in Punjab police said on Wednesday.

The alert issued by Punjab’s Director General of Police (Law and Order) to all the Commissionerates and SSPs in the state, states the car “bearing registration number JK-01 AB-2654 is carrying three Pakistani militants and a local. The Pakistani militants have sufficient arms, ammunition and possibly suicide belt.”

Police officers have been asked to focus on strict checking of vehicles, security of vital installations including police buildings and defence establishments, religious places, markets, malls, railway stations and tracks, and educational institutions.

In January this year, terrorists had attacked an air force base in Pathankot, killing seven military personnel. They had car-jacked two vehicles — one belonging to a Punjab Police SP and another to a taxi driver — to travel to the base near the Pakistan border. - PTI

MAKE PIRACY REDUNDANT

Bollywood studios eye profits at last as India goes smartphone mad MUMBAI: India’s all-singing, alldancing movie hits capture the attention of hundreds of millions of fans — but they generate precious little in box office profits for the world’s largest cinema industry. Now, with smartphone sales booming and India preparing for nationwide 4G Internet access, India’s film and TV industry hopes the ease of tapping your phone for the latest release will generate profits at last, overcoming the problems of woefully few cinemas and rampant piracy.

India has about 10,000 cinema screens across a country of 1.3 billion — eight for every million people, compared with 120 in the United States and 30 in China, according to digital film distribution network UFO Moviez.

Low density That low density means that for most Indians, pirated content is the only way to see movies, costing the industry some 30 per cent of potential annual gross collections.

“Even if we can manage to get a small fraction of the people to pay on their phones, you are looking at a market that can potentially become bigger than the box office,” said Girish Johar, head of revenue at Essel Vision Production, part of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, one of India’s largest media groups.

ENGROSSED: Commuters watch videos on their mobile phones as they travel in a suburban train in Mumbai, India, April 2, 2016. With smartphone sales booming and India preparing for nationwide 4G Internet access, India’s film and TV industry hopes the ease of tapping your phone for the latest release will generate profits at last, overcoming the problems of woefully few cinemas and rampant piracy. - Reuters/Shailesh Andrade

The profit boost for studios will in large part be driven by the rush for local-language content from platforms like Netflix Inc, which launched in India this year and is aggressively adding to its Hindilanguage catalogue.

Homegrown rivals, though keen

to forge partnerships with online streaming companies, are introducing their own platforms, a new revenue stream for production firms that earn little from either cinemas or DVD sales. And the numbers add up.

Seven out of 10 Indians watch at

least one online video a month, and in the next three years nearly 90 per cent of all Internet data in India is expected to be used towards streaming movies and television.

Key to the boom is cheap, fast, mobile broadband nationwide, which this year promises to bring

millions online, even outside big cities. That means better viewing — and easier payment. India’s cash-rich Reliance Industries is expected to roll out one of the world’s largest 4G networks this year when it launches its Jio mobile network.

To keep up, incumbent players Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular are cutting Internet charges and building out their own high-speed data networks. The results are good already for providers like YouTube, which says Indian usage has soared, outpacing global peers, thanks to mobile traffic which more than doubled last year.

“Traditional film and TV content still continues to drive massive watch time while studio-made songs, movies and clips continue to be some of the most popular content nationwide,” said Gautam Anand, YouTube’s Asia Pacific director of operations.

The hope is that cheap, convenient content, perhaps Rs25 (37 US cents) for a movie streamed to your phone, will make piracy redundant. Of course, getting cash out of the consumer remains a challenge, and subscription is an untested model.

“In the US, everybody has been paying for content but in India people don’t pay as easily,” said

Gaurav Gandhi, chief operating officer of Viacom18, a venture between US group Viacom and Reliance.

Indians feel they pay for data, so the content should be free, he says.

But the growing use of phones as credit cards, to pay for small purchases, will help. So too, say industry insiders, will unique content.

“We have to come up with our own model and a large part of that would rest in creating unique content for online,” said Radhika Kapoor, head of content Fox Star studios India that runs the Hotstar streaming platform.

Others argue the secret will be ad-driven content, that can be provided free. Indeed, getting users to stay loyal to one platform to leverage subscription revenue might be challenging, but getting advertisers interested is not. Global advertising spends on digital media is likely to grow to 36 per cent by 2020 compared with 21 per cent in 2010, and consultancy Deloitte’s Hemant Joshi says India will lead the trend with digital ad spending likely to grow more than 400 per cent to Rs354 billion ($5.3 billion) in the next five years. “We have seen that advertisers get better reach through mobiles in India simply because there are more phones than TV screens,” Joshi says. “That will only multiply.” - Reuters

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

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PAKISTAN

23 missing in Kohistan landslide Number of people killed by unusually heavy rain in the northern mountains rose to 92.

Most of the deaths and destruction took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani rescue workers searched on Wednesday for 23 people buried in a landslide in northern mountains as the number of people killed by unusually heavy rain rose to 92.

Most of the death and destruction from flash floods and landslides took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where 65 people were killed, with 929 homes either damaged or completely destroyed, government official Abdul Latif told Reuters.

In the upper reaches of the Kohistan Valley, about 200 km north of the capital, Islamabad, 23 people were missing after being buried under 40 metes of mud, Latif

said. Two bodies and five injured people had been recovered from the landslide, he said.

The worst of the rain occurred on the weekend and the forecast for Wednesday was for mainly dry weather in the worst-hit areas, the Meteorological Department said.

Roads blocked Roads blocked by landslides would take longer to clear.

“When the road access is cleared, then our teams can go house to house and survey the damage,” Latif said. Twelve people were killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and 15 were killed in Gilgit-Baltistan. — Reuters

TOUGH TASK: A man salvages his belongings from floodwaters in the Sarband area near Peshawar, Pakistan on Wednesday. — Reuters

SEMINAR

SOUTH PUNJAB

Punjab taking concrete steps to overcome energy crisis through Chinese investments LAHORE: The provincial government is encouraging multinationals, primarily the Chinese companies, to cooperate in eliminating the energy crisis in Pakistan, creating jobs in the sector besides enhancing cooperation in other industrial segments, said Punjab Minister for Finance Ayesha Ghaus Pasha.

While addressing a seminar on ‘Pakistan Power Crisis – Industry Specific Solutions – Planning, Management, Financing’, organised by the Pakistan-China Energy Forum and NSR Energies on Tuesday, she said the country’s GDP would increase 2 per cent if the energy crisis is eliminated.

“Punjab government is taking concrete steps to overcome this menace by initiating mega projects in the power sector with the help of Chinese investors,” she added.

“The Punjab government is fully facilitating and encouraging foreign investment in the sector which would also increase jobs in the province.”

Great potential The minister was of the view that Pakistan had great environmental potential for energy creation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would help the country realise this dream.

She appreciated the role and efforts of the Chinese government in overcoming the energy crisis and the huge investment comprising $36 billion in the power sector development programmes.

Meanwhile, Minister for Mines and Minerals Punjab Sher Ali Khan said his ministry had identified 1,000MW wind power po-

DETERMINED: This photograph taken on December 6, 2013 shows a Chinese engineer, left, supervise workers building a bridge over a

river in Ghari Dopatta, some 22 kms from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir. On Tuesday, Punjab’s Minister for Finance Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said the provincial government is is fully facilitating and encouraging foreign investment in the energy sector which would also increase jobs in the province. — AFP file photo

tential in Rajanpur district out of which 250MW project will be commissioned by 2017 while the government is focusing to bring the energy mix at global standards.

“People are criticising us for coal-based power plants at a time when the global community is moving away from it, but that is not true. “The Punjab govern-

ment is simultaneously working on bringing the energy mix at international standards by finishing the 100MW solar power plant, working on the LNG-based power plant and coal-fired and wind farms.

“The power outages have been reduced to eight hours a day from the 12 to 14 hours and would fur-

POLITICS

MQM lawmaker Bilquis joins dissident leader Kamal’s party KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmaker Bilquis Mukhtar joined on Wednesday Mustafa Kamal’s newly-formed Pak Sarzameen Party.

The announcement comes days after a former senator of the MQM, Muhammad Ali Brohi along with 11 members of the party’s Sindh Tanzeemi Committee and zonal heads joined Kamal’s political crusade. Mukhtar was a member of the Standing Committee on Minorities Affairs, Standing Committee on Women Development and Standing Committee on Social Welfare.

ALLIES: Mustafa Kamal and Bilquis Mukhtar. — Express Tribune

Decision “Thousands of people have joined our party,” Kamal said while addressing a press conference in Karachi. Mukhtar on the occasion said she took the decision after much deliberation.

“I have for a month been listening to Kamal’s speeches. After thinking hard I have made my decision and today I have joined the Pak Sarzameen Party,” she said.

“We are not here to breed enmity against any specific person,” she said, adding “I have resigned from the Sindh Assembly.”

Upon returning home from self-imposed exile on March 3, Kamal launched a blistering attack on MQM chief Altaf Hussain and challenged the ‘iron grip’ of the MQM on the city by forming

a new party. Kamal — who won wide support as mayor of Karachi from 2005 to 2010 for his efforts to ease traffic and improve public services — accused Altaf of working for India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), destroying two generations of Mohajirs and issuing threats under the influence of alcohol. — Express Tribune

ther reduce in 2017,” he further added. Also present on the occasion, Western Power China Vice President Li Hong, offered Pakistan’s private sector the financing options like Build-Own-Operate (BOO) and Build-Own-Transfer (BOT) for their independent energy requirements.

“We have opportunities for the

private sector of Pakistan to present their case and get up to 100% financing for their energy needs”, said Hong.

“If a company has 20 per cent capital for setting up an energy generation plant, the remaining 80 per cent might be lent by the Western Power, he added. — Express Tribune

New offensive launched by military after Lahore attack ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army launched on Wednesday the much-awaited targeted operation against militant outfits in Southern Punjab, days after the deadliest attack in the Lahore’s Gulshane-Iqbal park.

The military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has confirmed the launch of coordinated operation in South Punjab.

At least 72 people were killed and more than 233 injured when a suicide bomb ripped through the parking space of a crowded park in Lahore where Christians were celebrating Easter on March 27, 2016.

The operation is being carried out by civil and military law enforcement agencies, including Rangers, police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) against ‘hardened criminal and ferraris’, it has been learnt.

“These terrorists flee from different parts of the country as a result of successful operations Zarbe-Azb and took refuge in remote areas of Rohjan, Kache in district Rahim Yaar Khan,” an ISPR statement said.

Standoff over The confirmation of coordinated operation by civil and military authorities suggested that standoff between the government and army on how to pursue operation in Punjab is now over.

Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan met Army Chief General Raheel Sharif to discuss the Punjab operation. — Express Tribune

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READERS’ FORUM Need to adopt proper lifestyle to prevent diabetes This is with regard to the birthday of World Health Organisation, which is observed as the World Health Day on April 7. As lifestyle is one of the causes of many diseases, this day is a good occasion to review our way of life and eating habits and to make necessary changes for a healthy life. This year WHO has given priority to diabetes as its theme to mark the World Health Day 2016. Despite its nature as a non-communicable disease, diabetes has become a global threat affecting millions of people all over the world. The number of diabetic patients increases every year as Scan this QR code its reach has gone alarmingly high in both to send letters to the developed and underdeveloped countries.

Readers’ Forum, Even though hereditary is one of the causes containing not more than 200 words with for diabetes, sedentary life along with full name, address undisciplined eating habits are generally and telephone considered as main causes of the disease. number, may be sent Extreme dependence on fast food and by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com). lack of exercise have caused this chronic ailment to stay with millions of people in the world. Despite numerous forms of information available, the number of diabetic patients is still going high. Let us pledge to fight and beat diabetes by managing a moderate way of life of restricted eating habits and having adequate exercises — P. A. Jacob, Muscat

NEW INDIA ASSURANCE

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com Every time we remember to say thank you, we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.

SARAH BAN BREATHNACH

Richard J. C. Galustian

T

The proposed visa renewal fee will have exemptions

@Amar_ASPC @WendellGollop @KevinOBrien113 yeah!! Exactly. once they were known to defeat big teams and create upset.but ireland losing to oman was worst

United Nations coup in Libya takes shape

ALBERT R. HUNT

In the final June 7 primaries, 303 delegates are at stake, including 172 in California. Donald Trump will need to capture more than 200 of them to go into the Cleveland convention with close to the number he’ll need to fend off challenges.

It’s widely believed that if Trump doesn’t win on the first ballot he’s not going to win at all

hough this newspaper kindly just published a day ago my piece on Libya, Farcical drama is creating a fluid situation in Libya (April 4)the incredibly fast pace of events requires an immediate update. Am grateful for this newspaper’s acceptance of this update.

The UN backed General National Accord (GNA) arrived in Tripoli in a motor launch one week ago and the current events are looking more like a coup. Astonishing but true to this observer.

The GNA doesn’t in fact exist but the powers that be have stated that it does and that it consists of a 9-strong presidential council led by a technocrat prime minister Fayez Serraj, and with Tripoli airspace closed, they were conveyed last week to their capital city by Italian frigate, transferring at sea to a small rusty Libyan coastal patrol vessel to preserve the illusion that they were not being helped by western powers. But the GNA had fractured even before they were helped aboard the Italian vessel, with two of the 9 abruptly resigning, accusing the leadership of being too cosy with Tripoli militias. Nevertheless, the so called GNA, now reduced to seven, arrived in the capital, choosing to set up office in the naval base, the only part of the capital judged safe from roaming militias. A coup, in which a small number of people take control of a state, can be defined in many ways. On the one hand a coup can be a seizure of power through brute force. On the other, it can be the usurping of power without violence. This past week has seen what amounts to the latter unfold in Libya.

Without an election, or even the agreement of the elected parliament, marooned in the eastern city of Tobruk, Serraj has simply taken power, backed by Western States. Unfortunately, Serraj has no power, beyond the confines of Tripoli naval base, and has instead deferred to the same extremist and Misrata militias of Libya Dawn who captured the city from the elected government two years ago. Reinforcing this coup, seventy three members of the Tripoli parliament, the General National Council (GNC), agreed this week to reform themselves as the State Council, designed by the UN as part of the legislature of the Seraj government. However, most of the 73 were not elected to the GNC, as the UN rules stipulate, but are Libya Dawn acolytes added to the GNC after it captured Tripoli by force.

Compounding the confusion, the State Council then amended the UN rules, declaring they had the

right to self-delcare the new government valid.

In one week, extremist-led Libya Dawn has taken effective control of the UN process, ensuring its militias control the capital and leaving Serraj marooned in the naval base.

The elected House of Representatives parliament in Tobruk, which the UN had insisted must agree the plan, has been discarded. UN officials were angry that the HOR failed to vote yes to the plan in previous months, and indeed failed to even meet to discuss it in recent weeks, even when the European Union sanctioned its president, Agila Saleh, for failing to do what the UN wanted.

The result is that the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) the UN backed in December 17, 2015 has been torn up. Gone also is the LPA’s stipulation that new chiefs must be appointed to the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) and the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) which hold tens of billions of dollars of foreign assets. Instead, the former chiefs, approved by Libya Dawn, have taken control.

The big winners are the Muslim Brotherhood and various factions from Misrata, the twin heads of Libya Dawn, who, despite losing in the 2014 elections, now have international recognition from Western powers, and through this control of Libya’s vast overseas assets.

It is a personal victory for Britain’s Libya envoy Jonathan Powell, who brokered the deal and boasts of his close links to the Brotherhood. In an e-mail, newly released, between Sidney Blumenthal and Hillary Clinton, Powell wrote about his abiity to use his success in negotiating between the IRA and the British government twenty years ago to end terrorist campaigns. Powell further boasted that this model, being used in a number of countries through a “below radar” NGO, is workable given his close contacts, he claims, with British Intelligence. A very doubtful assertion. But the lack of transparency over the Libya process, is coming into sharp focus. Panamagate is erupting, highlighting the lack of transparency over the world’s wealth, and it is just this lack of transparency that Powell is encouraging with Libya. The final irony is that Russia and UAE have sounded alarm bells, reminding the West that the original agreement for Libya’s government required that the elected parliament agree to it. Both powers are standing by the elected HoR parliament, even as the West throws its weight behind the Tripoli militias. The breakup of Libya is imminent, along an east-west faultline, and the irony is that Western powers will have been the orchestrator. - Exclusive to Times of Oman

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES APRIL 2001 Indian Ocean ministerial meet opens on Saturday MUSCAT: A committee meeting of senior government officials of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) began at Al Bustan Palace Hotel here yesterday. The meeting comes ahead of the IORARC ministerial meeting, which will be hosted by the Sultanate on Saturday. At the outset of the meeting, the Sultanate received works of the association’s third session from Mozambique.

Awadh bin Badr Al Shanfari, head of economic and technical cooperation department at the Foreign Ministry and head of the Omani side in the committee, welcomed the participants who then divided into committees which included senior officials’ committee, businessmen, trade and investment and academic committees.

PICTOGRAPH

OMAN’S AGRICULTURE & FISHING PRODUCTS Total end of September (Million rials) 2015 2014

301.1 314

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

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

1914: The British House of Commons passes the Irish Home Rule Bill.

1945: The Japanese battleship Yamato, the world’s largest battleship, is sunk during the Battle for Okinawa.

1963: Yugoslavia proclaims itself a Socialist republic.

1980: The United States breaks relations with Iran.

Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

$5.5m

ASIA

Wong has returned to the Philippines’ antimoney laundering agency and has promised to hand over another $9.7 million

Trail in cyber heist suggests hackers were Chinese: Recto Unidentified hackers infiltrated the computers at Bangladesh Bank in early February and tried to transfer a total of $951 million from its account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York

MANILA: A Philippine senator said on Wednesday that Chinese hackers were likely to have pulled off one of the world’s biggest cyber heists at the Bangladesh central bank, citing the network of Chinese people involved in the routing of the stolen funds through Manila.

Unidentified hackers infiltrated the computers at Bangladesh Bank in early February and tried

HEARING: Chinese casino junket operator Kim Wong gestures as

he answers questions during a money laundering hearing at Senate in Manila, in this file picture taken on Tuesday. - Reuters

to transfer a total of $951 million from its account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

All but one of the 35 attempted transfers were to the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC), confirming the Philippines’ centrality to the heist.

Most transfers were blocked, but a total of $81 million went to four accounts at a single RCBC branch in Manila.

The stolen money was swiftly transferred to a foreign exchange broker and distributed to casinos

and gambling agents in Manila.

“The hacking was done, chances are, by Chinese hackers,” Senator Ralph Recto said in a telephone interview.

Vulnerable “Then they saw that, in the Philippines, RCBC particularly was vulnerable and sent the money over here.” Beijing was quick to denounce the comments by Recto, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and a former head of the Philippines’ economic

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planning agency. The suggestion that Chinese hackers were possibly involved was “complete nonsense” and “really irresponsible,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters.

Recto said he couldn’t prove the hackers were Chinese, but was merely “connecting the dots” after a series of Senate hearings into the scandal. At one hearing, a Chinese casino boss and junket operator called Kim Wong named two high-rolling gamblers from Beijing and Macau who he said had brought the stolen money into the Philippines. He displayed purported copies of their passports, showing they were mainland Chinese and Macau administrative region nationals respectively.

Wong, a native of Hong Kong who holds a Chinese passport, received almost $35 million of the stolen funds through his company and a foreign exchange broker. The two Chinese named by Wong “are the best lead to determine who are the hackers,” said Recto. “Chances are... they must be Chinese.”

The whereabouts of the two high-rollers were unknown, Recto added, saying the Senate inquiry “may” seek help from the Chinese government to find them.

Recto also questioned the role

of casino junket operators in the Philippines, saying many of them have links in Macau, the southern Chinese territory that is the world’s biggest casino hub.

“There are junket operators who are from Macau, so it (the money) may find its way back to Macau,” he said.

A senior executive at a top junket operator in Macau said there was “no reason” to bring funds from the Philippines to Macau.

“This seems more like a political story in the Philippines,” he said, speaking anonymously because he was not authorised to talk to the media. The US State Department said in a report last month that the gaming industry was “a weak link” in the Philippines’ anti-money laundering regime.

Philrem, the foreign exchange agent, said it distributed the stolen $81 million to Bloomberry Resorts Corp, which owns and operates the upmarket Solaire casino in Manila; to Eastern Hawaii Leisure Company, which is owned

by Wong; and to an ethnic Chinese man believed to be a junket operator in Manila. Wong has returned $5.5 million to the Philippines’ anti-money laundering agency and has promised to hand over another $9.7 million. - Reuters

M I L I TA N C Y

Fighting erupts near power lines to Kabul, 13 killed KABUL: Fighting has broken out between Afghan government forces and Taliban militants in an area in the north where battles destroyed power lines early this year, officials said on Wednesday.

The insurgents destroyed power lines in the area in Baghlan province in January, causing nearly a month of power cuts in the capital and adding to concern over Taliban gains in various places since most foreign troops withdrew in late 2014. Taliban forces had captured two government outposts in clashes overnight in the area north of Kabul, not far from the provincial capital of Pul-e-Khumri, said police spokesman Zabiullah Shuja.

Thirteen insurgents were killed, along with one civilian and one policeman, he said.

After the January attacks on the grid bringing electricity from central Asia, it took security forces weeks to secure the area and get technicians in to make repairs.

Taliban insurgents still freely operate in the area, schools are closed, and people are afraid to leave their homes, said one resident, Mohammed Hussain.

Government troops had launched an offensive to blunt the Taliban advance in the area and the situation had stabilized, said Baghlan provincial governor Abdul Satar Barez. - Reuters

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

GLOBAL EYE

INDIANA: A fan wears many mini basketballs on his head dur-

ing the game between the Connecticut Huskies and the Syracuse Orange at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday in Indianapolis, Indiana., US. — Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP

CALIFORNIA: Inflatable white rabbits that are part of the art installation ‘Intrude’ are displayed at Civic Center Plaza in front of San Francisco City Hall on Tuesday in San Francisco, California, US. Intrude, an installation by Australian artist Amanda Parer, features five 23 foot tall inflatable white rabbits that represent the environmental damage caused by introducing non-native species to new habitats. — Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP

JAPAN: Visitors walk under illuminated cherry blossoms in full

bloom along the Chidorigafuchi Moat in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday. — Reuters

IVORY COAST: Commuters drive along a road in the Plateau district of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Tuesday. — Reuters

SUDAN: Sudanese gather to attend a speech by Sudanese President

during his visit to El Daein in Eastern Darfur on Tuesday. — AFP

CHINA: A man rides an escalator in front of high rise buildings in in

CALIFORNIA: A general view of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” attraction during a special preview opening at Universal Studios

Shanghai, China, on Wednesday.

Hollywood in Universal City, California, US, on Tuesday. — Reuters

— AFP

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 Elizabeth “Lizzy” Myers and her parents, from Lexington, Ohio, were given special seats at Francis’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square, where the pope spoke to them briefly.

Iceland seeks new leader to avoid early vote Picking a new prime minister could allow the ruling coalition to remain in power, but the opposition is trying to force a new election with a vote of no confidence in

FURIOUS: People gather to demonstrate in Reykjavik. Icelanders,

the government

already fed up with the financial and political elite after a 2008 banking crisis wrecked the economy, were expected return to the streets. – AP/PTI

REYKJAVIK: Iceland’s government sought to avoid early elections on Wednesday by picking a replacement for the prime minister who stepped aside as the first global politician brought down the “Panama Papers” leaks.

Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson exited on Tuesday after leaked documents from a Panamanian law firm showed his wife owned millions of dollars worth of previously undisclosed shares in a company that held debt from failed Icelandic banks.

Picking a new prime minister could allow the ruling coalition to remain in power, but the opposition is trying to force a new election with a vote of no confidence in the government, which could lead to a radical political shift.

Icelanders, already fed up with the financial and political elite after a 2008 banking crisis wrecked the economy, were expected return to the streets.

Thousands pelted parliament with yoghurt and eggs at protests earlier this week.

“I feel like I am watching a live show of House of Cards,” said Erla Gisladottir, a 32-year-old mother on parental leave.

Polls show the anti-establishment Pirate Party in the lead if a new election is called in the country of 330,000 people, a result with potentially wider impact across Europe where mainstream political parties are fending off populists. The Panama documents revealed that Gunnlaugsson’s wife owned a previously undisclosed firm with what the government says is $4.1 million in claims on the island’s collapsed banks. His opponents say that represents a

conflict of interest, because the government is involved in negotiating the value of such claims.

Iceland has struggled to recover from the 2008 collapse of its highly indebted banks, which led to popular protests, the fall of a government and the jailing of many bankers. The ruling Progressive Party’s deputy leader, Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, said on Tuesday his party had proposed to its junior coalition partner, the Independence Party, that he become the new prime minister. That requires a formal decision by the government, which was expected to meet later.

However, there were signs a transition would not be smooth.

A statement emailed on Tuesday night by government spokesman Sigurdur Jonsson said Gunnlaugsson had suggested that Johannsson take over as prime minister “for an unspecified amount of time”. “The prime minister has not resigned and will continue to serve as chairman of the Progressive Party,” it said.

Opposition politicians are standing their ground, calling for a vote of no-confidence. While the government has a parliamentary majority, it is not clear whether all its members would now support it. “It is clear our demand for new elections still stands,” Left Green Party leader Katrín Jakobsdottir told Reuters late on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, some experts predicted the government would hang on. “Unless something very unexpected happens, it seems likely to me that this government has survived and will continue and hope that this dies down,” said Stefania Oskarsdottir, as-

sociate professor in political science at Iceland University.

A poll by Icelandic media outlet Visir showed 43 per cent would vote for the Pirate Party if elections were held now, a stunning victory for an anti-establishment group set up by opponents of copyright enforcement rules.

The Pirate Party, which campaigns in favour of transparency and direct democracy, has had a small following in several European countries for a few years but has never before come close to political power. Elections are not scheduled to take place for a year, although many believe one could be called sooner.

Oskar Arni Oskarsson, a 64-year-old writer and librarian, called the turn in Icelandic politics “totally absurd” and wanted a new vote. “I think we have just scratched the surface,” he said. “I think a lot of things will still emerge.”

The leaked documents from a Panamanian law firm that specialises in setting up offshore companies were unveiled this week by news organisations around the world, shining a light on the finances of global politicians and public figures.

Gunnlaugsson and his wife bought a company called Wintris Inc from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in late 2007 through the Luxembourg branch of Landsbanki, one of the three Icelandic banks that collapsed in 2008.

Court records show Wintris had investments in bonds in all three of those banks, according to the International consortium of Investigative Journalists. — Reuters

USHER’S SYNDROME

US girl going blind sees pope as part of parents’ ‘bucket list’ VATICAN CITY: A five-year-old American girl who does not know she is gradually going blind met Pope Francis on Wednesday as part of her parents’ “visual bucket list” to show her people and things while she can still see.

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Myers and her parents, from Lexington, Ohio, were given special seats at Francis’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square, where the pope spoke to them briefly.

He bent down so his head could reach the level of Lizzy’s, softly touched the girl’s eyes with his right hand and blessed her.

“She was awestruck. She just teared up,” her mother Christine Myers, who is Catholic, told reporters afterwards. “To her he’s the big guy in the white hat.”

“He asked us to pray for him and told us he would pray for us,” she said. “I feel an absolute sense of peace. For the first time, I’ve felt peace.”

Lizzy, whose case has received big media coverage in the United States, is not aware that she is suffering from Usher’s Syndrome, which will eventually leave her deaf and blind.

Her parents said they would tell Lizzy, who already wears a hearing aid, about her condition gradually as she asks questions.

She could be blind in about seven years so they have started what they call a “visual bucket list” of sites and people they think she should see

AWESTRUCK: Pope Francis talks with Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Myers, a

5-year-old girl from Ohio, US, at the end of the weekly audience in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Wednesday. – Reuters

while she can. Seeing the pope was among the experiences at the top of the list. She also saw the Colosseum and other monuments in Rome.

“I feel like I have very little time to show her so much,” her father, Steve Myers, said.

After reading of her case, an airline offered them round-trip tickets to anywhere in the world and the family chose Rome.

Lizzy gave the pope a piece of a meteorite she was given when she was a special guest at the Warren Rupp Observatory in Mansfield, Ohio, one of the first places on her parents’ list.

Her mother said she and her husband wanted to make sure that she also saw simple things while she could, “like bonfires and fireflies”. — Reuters

WORLD

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50m Turks’ data leaked by hackers Turkey to work on rule to strip terror supporters of citizenship

Turkey launches probe as data includes birth date, address and ID numbers and details about the president and prime minister

ISTANBUL: Turkey is investigation how hackers have posted online the identity data of some 50 million Turks, including what they said were details about the president and prime minister, after what is believed to be the biggest data breach seen in the country.

While no group has taken credit for uploading the data to a website called the Turkish Citizenship Database, the comments posted suggest Turkey may be a target of political hackers.

The 1.5 gigabyte compressed file contains the national identity number, date of birth and full address for 49.6 million Turks, according to the website, or around two thirds of the population.

The website said it included the ID information of President Tayy-

BIGGEST DATA BREACH: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, on Wednesday. The website called the Turkish Citizenship Database included the ID information of President Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and former president Abdullah Gul and taunted the president. – AFP

ip Erdogan, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and former president Abdullah Gul and taunted the president.

Vulnerable infrastructure “Who would have imagined that backward ideologies, cronyism and rising religious extremism in Turkey would lead to a crumbling and vulnerable technical infrastructure?” the website says. “Do

something about Erdogan! He is destroying your country beyond recognition.”

An official at Ankara’s chief prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday it was investigating the breach, but declined to give further details.

The number of Turkish citizens affected was roughly the same size as the entire electorate, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told reporters. “How and from where this was

leaked needs to be looked into,” he said. “I believe the necessary investigations - both administrative and judicial - have been launched and whatever is necessary will be done.”

Tuncay Besikci, a computer forensics expert at auditing and consultancy firm PwC, confirmed to Reuters the file contained ID numbers and personally identifiable information of at least 46 million citizens.

ISTANBUL: Turkey will work on a new rule to strip citizenship from Turks found to be supporting terrorism, the justice minister said on Wednesday, a day after President Tayyip Erdogan said he wanted such a measure.

Erdogan first floated the idea on Tuesday in a speech to lawyers. Since becoming president, he has transformed the largely ceremonial role into a more executive one, advocating for legislative moves and for the judiciary to take action. Prime Minister

Transport and Communication Minister Binali Yildirim said on Tuesday the breach appeared to date back to at least 2010. It is not clear when the file was first uploaded, although reports of it surfaced in local media this week.

He said the data was from electoral records that the state shares with political parties before elections. However, Besikci, the computer expert, said he believed the

Ahmet Davutoglu hours later said there were no such plans underway, but Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag contradicted him. “Erdogan envisages a new rule (for stripping citizenship),” Bozdag said.

“Of course we will begin work on this.” Erdogan did not specify who he was targeting with the comments. In the past he said that those Turkey accuses of supporting terrorism - whether they are journalists or aid workers - are no different from terrorists themselves. — Reuters

data was taken from the government’s official Population Governance Central Database in or around 2009 and later illegally sold on to firms that dealt in asset foreclosures.

In December, Turkish Internet servers suffered one of the most intense cyberattacks seen in the country, raising fears Ankara may have been a target of political hackers. — Reuters

EU EXECUTIVE

Stronger common asylum system to contain migrants flow proposed BRUSSELS: The European Union’s executive on Wednesday proposed strengthening the bloc’s common asylum rules in response to the chaotic arrival of more than a million migrants and refugees last year that has strained EU cohesion.

The proposal drew swift criticism from the Czech Republic, highlighting deep divisions within the EU about how to amend what is known as the Dublin rules, under which people must claim asylum in the first EU state they enter.

That system has left frontline states Greece and Italy unable and unwilling to offer asylum to all arrivals and seen many migrants trek north, prompting border closures that threaten the EU’s Schengen system of passport-free travel.

A first option presented by the European Commission would add a “corrective fairness mechanism” that would relocate asylum seekers from frontline states to elsewhere in the bloc - a method now being employed on an ad hoc basis. A second is to create a new system that would ignore where people arrived in the EU and send them around the bloc according to a “permanent distribution key”.

“In both cases, asylum-seekers will be automatically redistributed between member states,” the bloc’s Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told a news conference. “We need a fair share of responsibility and more solidarity ingrained in our system.”

Czech Interior Minister Milan Chovanec responded on Twitter: “The proposal for reform of the European migration policy is based again on implementing compulsory quotas. We have repeatedly said NO to that.”

Longer term, the Commission also proposed a more centralised asylum process within EU institutions, rather than basing it on national laws, though this is unlikely to find much support among member states.

Legal proposals The European Commission said it wanted to come up with legal proposals by the summer after EU states and institutions have given their views on the options.

Germany, which took in a million people last year who mostly arrived initially in Greece, wants to stick to the main principle of first point of entry but have a permanent relocation scheme in place for asylum-seekers. Italy has

ASYLUM-SEEKERS: Migrants and refugees stage a protest at a makeshift camp at the GreekMacedonian border near the village of Idomeni, Greece, on Wednesday. – Reuters

pushed for the abolition of the first-country rule. Britain, which will vote in a referendum in June on whether to quit the bloc, does not take part in most EU asylum policies.

The Commission’s proposals appear to rule out maintaining the status quo, despite Prague and some other governments not wishing to see any change in a system under which they now take in very few refugees.

Different asylum rules in EU states have encouraged chaotic flows of refugees within the EU as they moved from frontline countries to Germany, Sweden and other states whose laws, or economic prosperity, offer them the most beneficial conditions.

The Commission floated an idea to introduce legal punishment for irregular movements by non-Europeans between countries in the bloc and proposed a stronger mandate for the European Asylum Support Office. In another plan likely to draw mixed response from EU states, the Commission said the bloc needed a long-term resettlement scheme to bring people into Europe directly from crisis zones as an alternative to the dangerous routes.

EU states on Wednesday agreed a common position on creating a joint European Border and Coast Guard that would help police the bloc’s external borders and will start talks on the proposal with the European Parliament. Brussels hopes to launch the border agency in the second half of the year. Separately, the Commission also rolled out other technical proposals to strengthen the EU’s external borders in an attempt to tackle both the migrant influx and security threats after deadly attacks in Paris and Brussels. — Reuters

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CURRENCY RATES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.26 Pound ........................................... 1.82 Indian Rs ............................. 172.24 Pakistan Rs .........................267.31 Bangla Taka......................200.96

Indian Rs ...................................172.90 Pakistan Rs ............................. 271.50 Sri Lanka Rs .................................. N/A Bangla Taka........................... 203.40 Phil Peso .................................... 119.65

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ....... 15.75

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........$34.94 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$34.74 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ..........$37.71 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$34.09 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$38.39 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........ $36.76

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Oman Air plans to establish ground handling joint venture SALEH AL SHAIBANY

saleh@timesofoman.com

The Sultanate’s national airline is forming a separate ground handling firm to improve its competitive edge in the global market

MUSCAT: Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate, is planning to establish a joint venture to create a new ground handling company that will help improve its competitive edge in the international market, its executive vice president said.

Oman Air has an experience spanning three decades in handling ground services from an average of 23,000 flights and over 3.5 million passengers per year but

ECONOMIC ZONE

SIGNING SESSION: Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, chair-

man of Sezad, and Khalid Salah Farahat, general manager of Gulf United Construction, have signed the agreement. - Supplied picture

OMR77m contract for roads, infrastructure signed for Duqm port Times News Service MUSCAT: Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (Sezad) has signed a OMR77.1 million agreement with Kuwait-based Gulf United Construction to build roads, infrastructure facilities and buildings at Port of Duqm.

The package three includes construction of roads, infrastructure and buildings at the commercial pre-gate, gates and inspection zone, trucks registration building, and other buildings specialised for the commercial zone at Duqm port.

The construction work will be completed within three years, said a release from the port.

Yahyabin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri, chairman of Sezad, signed the agreement on carrying out the third package of Duqm port development package (P3) at his office in Knowledge Oasis Muscat. The agreement was signed by Khalid Salah Farahat, general manager of Gulf United Construction, which started operation more than four decades ago in Kuwait.

The works of Duqm Port’s third package include building 8km road with various cross sections, the building of all internal access roads to the buildings and car parks, paving the car parking places, designing, supplying and fixing traffic signal, and building

two airstrips for helicopters.

The third package of Duqm port includes the infrastructure works related to construction of potable water network, firefighting network, wastewater network, water drainage channels, electrical and communication works, lighting the streets and yards, fencing works, and erecting sub-gates.

Third package As for as buildings are concerned, the third package of Duqm port includes construction of three buildings at the commercial pier area (before the gate, at the gate, and at the inspection and customs area) including exit and access compartments from the gate, a one-stop-shop, pass permits office, and mosque. It will include also specialised buildings for the customs authority, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, electrical services facilities, and firefighting water tanks.

“The agreement on carrying out the third package of Duqm port asserts the government’s commitment to complete the Duqm port project, and the implementation of many infrastructure projects that have been previously approved in the Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm,” said Al Jabri. >B2

SOHAR-DAHIRAH

PAEW floats tender for water project Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman’s Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) has floated a tender for pre-qualifying companies to participate in a tender to build a water transmission system between

Sohar and Dahirah governorate.

The companies can submit their request for qualification bids upto May 16, while the last date for distributing tender document is April 21, according to a tender notice posted by the authority.

the company is facing a growing challenge in the air transportation business. To offset the challenges, Oman Air is now forming a separate ground handling company to go into a joint venture with an international firm.

“Part of Oman Air’s strategy is to focus as an airline as its core business. It means separating some of its businesses to operate independently. This is the reason why we are separating ground handling from the airline to improve efficiency,” Andrew Walsh, executive vice president of ground handling and

Andrew Walsh. – Supplied picture

cargo’s transition office, told Times of Oman in an exclusive interview.

“At the moment, ground handling is running as a business unit with its own profit-loss account.

The ground handling unit does not treat Oman Air differently. It is just another customer and it gets the same attention as other airlines,” Andrew added.

Walsh said that after a series of negotiations with interested companies, the negotiating team has shortlisted two global companies from a list of five. “We are in the process of a series of evaluation

and documentation with two companies. They are global companies with presence in many countries.

The final decision which of the two will be selected to partner us will be based on the shareholding split and how they want to get involved in the joint venture,” Walsh explained.

He said that Oman Air is willing to concede up to 49 per cent shareholding to the international partner to form the ground handling company. However, he could not speculate the total investments of the new company and the breakdown of the equity. >B2

B2

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................5,587.69 ...............5,567.58 ................... 5,574.52 ...................5,569.96....................4.56 ...................0.08 Financial Index .....................................7,083.99 ...............7,023.85 .................... 7,081.79 ................... 7,043.77................. 38.02 ...................0.54 Industrial Index ....................................6,732.75 ............... 6,711.20 ................... 6,729.60 ................... 6,728.45.....................1.15 ...................0.02 Services Index ....................................... 3,121.69 ................3,111.91 ....................3,116.28 ................... 3,118.20.................. -1.92 .................. -0.06 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................846.92 ..................845.52 ...................... 846.05 ...................... 846.10.................. -0.05 .................. -0.01 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 23,572,759 ................. 5,056,034 ..................1,381 .............. 16,564,290,950 ................ 15 ..................... 10 ....................22 .........................47

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 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

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

OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 611,757 .......... 129,436.....................44 ........... 0.200........... 0.214 ...........0.200 .......... 0.212 ............. 0.195.............0.017 ............. 8.718.................0.214..............0.214...................0.000 ..................20,148,480.........0.100

MSM closes in green zone

OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 1,095,858 ......120,969..................... 53 ............0.104 ........... 0.112............0.104............0.110 .............0.103............ 0.007............. 6.796 ................ 0.111 .............. 0.110................... 0.111 ...................13,406,250 .........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 557,651 .......... 271,497......................31 ........... 0.462 ...........0.500 ...........0.462........... 0.486 .............0.456 ........... 0.030............. 6.579 ................0.500..............0.500...................0.000 ................ 308,994,372 .......0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................42,667 .............16,607......................15 ........... 0.380 ...........0.392 ...........0.380........... 0.390 .............0.374 ............0.016 .............4.278 ................0.390..............0.386...................0.390 ..................20,475,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 6,407,456 ...1,372,036...................256 ............0.210 ........... 0.218 ...........0.210........... 0.214 .............0.210 ........... 0.004............. 1.905 ................0.217 ..............0.217...................0.218................... 32,116,050 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 1,332,897 ......242,371.....................60 ............0.179 ........... 0.190 ...........0.179 ........... 0.182 ............. 0.179............ 0.003............. 1.676 ................0.186 .............. 0.185...................0.189...................52,898,486.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 192,850 ............ 47,411......................18 ........... 0.242...........0.248 ...........0.242 .......... 0.246 .............0.242 ........... 0.004............. 1.653 ................0.248..............0.246...................0.249 ..................24,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ...............................................................8,292 ...............2,363........................1 ........... 0.285 ...........0.285 ...........0.285........... 0.285 .............0.281............ 0.004............. 1.423 ................0.285..............0.285...................0.290 ..................15,675,000 .........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 3,699,582 ....1,451,512................... 361 ........... 0.388 ...........0.396 ...........0.386........... 0.392 .............0.388 ........... 0.004..............1.031.................0.388..............0.386...................0.388..................978,530,101 ........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............. 73,675 ................7,736........................9 ............0.105 ........... 0.105 ...........0.105 ........... 0.105 .............0.104 ............0.001 .............0.962 ................0.105 ..............0.105...................0.107....................9,450,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 110,000............ 24,108........................8 ............0.218 ...........0.220 ...........0.218........... 0.219 .............0.218.............0.001 ............. 0.459 ................0.220 .............0.214...................0.220 ................... 7,352,148 ..........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 620,295 .........126,540..................... 34 ........... 0.204...........0.204 ...........0.204 .......... 0.204 .............0.204 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.204 ............ 0.202...................0.205 ................. 40,800,000 ........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 321,198 ............ 20,566......................15 ........... 0.064 ...........0.065 ...........0.064........... 0.064 .............0.064 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.065..............0.064...................0.065................... 13,257,689 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ......................... 88,300 .............12,539..................... 10 ............0.142 ........... 0.142 ...........0.142........... 0.142 .............0.142 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.142..............0.142...................0.143....................17,735,510..........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ..............................................2,830 .................. 747........................1 ........... 0.264 ...........0.264 ...........0.264 .......... 0.264 .............0.264 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.264............. 0.260...................0.264 .................. 16,157,928 .........0.100

The top gainer was Port Services, up 8.72%, while Global Financial Investment was the

OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING ...........................................60 ................... 111........................1 ............1.850 ........... 1.850 ...........1.850 ........... 1.900 .............1.900 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.850 ............. 0.000...................1.865 ..................180,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 100,000 ........... 25,300........................1 ........... 0.253 ...........0.253 ...........0.253........... 0.253 .............0.253 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.253..............0.253...................0.260 .................429,897,954........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 2,597,496 ..... 220,544...................120 ........... 0.085 ...........0.087 ...........0.083........... 0.085 .............0.085 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.084..............0.083...................0.084 ..................24,648,354.........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................ 1,112 .................. 456........................7 ............0.410 ........... 0.410 ...........0.410........... 0.438 .............0.438 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.410 ..............0.410...................0.438...................26,499,000.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER.................................................................... 110 .....................37........................1 ........... 0.334 ...........0.334 ...........0.334........... 0.352 .............0.352 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.334............. 0.000...................0.334 .................. 77,795,520 .........0.100

top loser, down by 9.80%

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 370,000 ........ 264,840......................15 ............0.716 ........... 0.716............0.712 ............0.716 ............. 0.716............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.716 .............. 0.712................... 0.716 ..................466,076,069 .......0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ..................................... 600 ...............2,847........................1 ............4.745 ........... 4.745 ...........4.745 ........... 4.745 .............4.745............ 0.000.............0.000 ................4.745 ............. 0.000...................0.000 ..................46,407,125 .........1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................15,000 ............... 1,095........................2 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.073........... 0.073 .............0.073 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.073..............0.072...................0.073...................12,775,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER..................................................12,464 ...............2,580........................2 ........... 0.207 ...........0.207 ...........0.207........... 0.207 .............0.207 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.207..............0.207...................0.210.................. 139,701,698 ........0.100

MUSCAT: Muscat bourse remained active with ample volumes in large cap stock. The MSM 30 Index closed at 5,574.52 points, up 0.08 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index remained flat at 846.05 points.

Al Anwar Holding was the most active in terms of volume while Bank Muscat led in terms of turnover. The top gainer was Port Services, up 8.72 per cent, while Global Financial Investment continued to be the top loser, down 9.80 per cent.

As many as 1,381 trades were executed on Wednesday, generating turnover of OMR5 million with 23.5 million shares changing hands. Out of 47 traded securities, 15 advanced, 10 declined and 22 remained unchanged. Omani Investors remained net buyers to the tune of OMR521,00 worth of shares, while foreign investors, who were net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR392,000 followed by GCC and Arab investors at OMR129,000.

Financial Index advanced 0.54 per cent to finish at 7,081.79 points. Oman & Emirates Hold-

ing, Ominvest, Al Anwar Holding, Al Izz Bank and Oman United Insurance gained 6.80 per cent, 6.58 per cent, 1.90 per cent, 1.69 per cent and 1.65 per cent respectively. Global Financial Investment, Ahli Bank, Bank Sohar and Gulf Investment Services slid 9.80 per cent, 2.86 per cent, 2.50 per cent and 0.90 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index was little changed at 6,729.60 points, up 0.02 per cent. Al Maha Ceramics, Oman Fisheries and National Aluminium increased 4.28 per cent, 1.72 per cent and 0.46 per cent respectively. Al Hassan Engineering, Gulf International Chemicals, Al Anwar Ceramics and Raysut Cement declined 2.38%, 1.87 per cent, 1.75 per cent and 0.41 per cent respectively.

Services Index retreated 0.06 per cent to close at 3,116.28 points.

Port Services, Renaissance Services, National Gas and Phoenix Power gained 8.72 per cent, 1.68 per cent, 1.42 per cent and 0.67 per cent respectively. Sembcorp Salalah and Omantel declined 2.58 per cent and 0.32 per cent respectively. – United Securities

OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................... 33,768 ................7,091..................... 10 ............0.210 ........... 0.210 ...........0.210........... 0.210 .............0.210 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.210..............0.210................... 0.211 ..................150,025,331 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................40,361 ............62,905......................16 ............1.565 ........... 1.565 ...........1.550 ........... 1.560 ............. 1.565............-0.005 ........... -0.319................1.555 .............. 1.550...................1.555 ................1,170,000,000 ......0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................35,000 ............ 33,880........................5 ........... 0.968 ...........0.968 ...........0.968........... 0.968 .............0.972 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.412 ...............0.968..............0.968...................0.976..................193,600,000 .......0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 290,000........... 32,029......................13 ............0.111 ........... 0.112............0.109............0.110 ............. 0.111 ............-0.001 ........... -0.901 ...............0.109..............0.106...................0.109.................... 6,472,754 ..........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................60,789 ............. 17,021........................5 ........... 0.280...........0.280 ...........0.280 .......... 0.280 .............0.285 ...........-0.005 ............-1.754................0.280............. 0.280...................0.285...................82,939,831 .........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 101,442.............26,691..................... 33 ........... 0.263 ...........0.265 ...........0.263........... 0.263 .............0.268 ...........-0.005 ........... -1.866................0.263..............0.262...................0.263 ...................5,523,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 1,241,518....... 194,035..................... 27 ............0.159 ........... 0.159 ...........0.156 ............0.156 .............0.160 ...........-0.004 ........... -2.500 ...............0.156 .............. 0.156...................0.158..................247,351,104 ........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH............................................... 20,000 ...............5,280........................2 ........... 0.264 ...........0.264 ...........0.264 .......... 0.264 ............. 0.271............-0.007 ........... -2.583 ...............0.264..............0.261...................0.264 ................ 252,006,995 .......0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 215,071 ............ 36,565......................12 ............0.171 ........... 0.171............0.170 ........... 0.170 ............. 0.175............-0.005 ........... -2.857 ...............0.170 ..............0.170...................0.176 ..................242,256,144 .......0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 250,000 ...........34,500........................1 ............0.138 ........... 0.138 ...........0.138 ............0.138 ............. 0.153............-0.015 ........... -9.804 ...............0.138 ............. 0.000...................0.138...................27,600,000.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 20,550,099..... 4,814,244 ..........1,190 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......34........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .......................................................18,200 ................1,071........................5 ........... 0.058 ...........0.059 ...........0.058........... 0.059 .............0.058 ............0.001 ............. 1.724 ................0.059..............0.058...................0.059.................... 7,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK................................................ 57,782 ...............3,467..................... 10 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.060........... 0.060 .............0.059 ............0.001 ............. 1.695 ................0.060..............0.059...................0.060 ..................60,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 1,317,828 ......... 98,827..................... 45 ........... 0.074 ........... 0.075 ...........0.074........... 0.075 .............0.074 ............0.001 ..............1.351.................0.075..............0.075...................0.076..................112,500,000........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 293,320 ........... 44,162..................... 34 ............0.151 ........... 0.151............0.150 ............0.151 .............0.150.............0.001 ............. 0.667 ................0.150 ..............0.149...................0.150................. 220,852,820 .......0.100 OM0000001178 ............MUSCAT GASES ..............................................................2,000 ...............1,600........................1 ........... 0.800...........0.800 ...........0.800 .......... 0.828 .............0.828 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.800............. 0.000...................0.800 ................. 24,840,000 ........0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED .............................................. 1,500 ...................321........................6 ............0.215 ........... 0.215 ...........0.212........... 0.219 .............0.219............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.212..............0.212...................0.220 .................. 17,706,150 .........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 675,395 ........... 22,963........................9 ........... 0.034 ...........0.034 ...........0.034........... 0.034 .............0.034 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.034..............0.033...................0.034 ...................2,890,000..........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE......................................................55,000 ...............6,325........................5 ............0.115 ........... 0.115............ 0.115 ............0.115 ............. 0.115 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.115 ...............0.113................... 0.118 ...................30,672,292.........0.100 OM0000002101 ............OMAN FIBER OPTIC ..................................................... 3,068 .............14,021..................... 10 ........... 4.570 ...........4.570 ...........4.570........... 4.570 .............4.570 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.570............. 4.500...................5.000 ..................32,973,089.........1.000 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 594,528 ............48,651..................... 59 ........... 0.083 ...........0.085 ...........0.077........... 0.082 .............0.084 ...........-0.002 ........... -2.381 ...............0.078..............0.078...................0.080 ................... 6,167,056 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,018,621 ......241,408...................184 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......10........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004628 ...........BANK SOHAR BONDS 4.5 ................................................370 .....................26........................1 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.070........... 0.109 .............0.109 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.070..............0.070...................0.104.................... 7,793,500 ..........0.100 OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 ..............................................1,813 ...................185........................3 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.102........... 0.102 .............0.102 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.102..............0.102...................0.106...................32,603,553 .........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ........................1,856 ...................171........................3 ........... 0.092 ...........0.092 ...........0.092........... 0.092 .............0.092 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.092..............0.092...................0.099...................29,822,868.........0.100 .............................................SUM: ......................................................................................4,039 .................. 382........................7 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 3........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

FOUR CONTRACTS

OMAN AIR

Galfar bags contracts worth OMR22m from PAEW Times News Service MUSCAT: Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company, one of the leading contracting firms in the Sultanate of Oman, has won four major contracts worth OMR21.92 million from the Public Authority for Electricity and

Water (PAEW) for operation and maintenance of its assets in Al Dakhiliyah, South Al Batinah, Al Seeb and Muscat regions.

These contracts are for maintaining and operating water networks, water wells, pumping stations and buildings, the company said in a disclosure statement

posted on Muscat Securities Market (MSM) website.

The first contract was for operating and maintaining PAEW’s assets in Al Dakhiliyah for OMR7.97 million for a five year period, while the second project for OMR6.28 million was for South Al Batinah governorate.

The third contract worth OMR3.15 million was for operation and maintenance of assets of PAEW for Al Seebwilayat and the fourth one was for operation and maintenance of PAEW assets in Muscat governorate for OMR4.15 million, the company statement added.

PORT OF DUQM

B1 Duqm port to support economic diversification < FROM

“Duqm port is one of the most important drivers for the Sezad. It is a multifunctional strategic port that aims to support the economic diversification efforts exerted by the Omani government. The port is distinguished by its strategic geographic location close to the international shipping lines, as well as the African and Asian markets,” Al Jabri “It can also attract various companies due to the quality infrastructure projects it entertains, and the advantages provided by

the Sezad investors at the zone.

These advantages contribute into attracting many international lines to the port, as well as developing many commercial and industrial projects. It also promotes the role played by the Sultanate in the logistics sector,” Al Jabri added.

He explained that the total length of Duqm Port breakwaters reach about 8.7 kilometres, while the depth of the harbour’s basin is 18 metres. He pointed out that the length of the access channel to the port is 19 metres, and this enables

that the port to receive huge container ships. The port has enough space for future expansions, and this enables it to host more than one oil refinery, apart from several heavy industry and petrochemical projects.

Duqm authority has signed an agreement in February for carrying out the fourth package of Duqm port related to the infrastructure of the governmental pier, the first integrated pier to be carried out at the Omani ports for serving the governmental entities.

It is expected that the authority will award the second package of Duqm port project related to the infrastructure of the commercial pier soon. This package is the biggest package related to the port due to the diversity of works and its types on the commercial pier.

The package includes paving the commercial pier for a length of 2.2km, and with a width reaching 350 metres. It also includes providing several other facilities that enable the port to handle the container vessels.

< FROM

B1

Joint venture to bring new technologies and expertise

But Walsh added the main objective of separating ground handling from the airline is to ward off the expected competition.

“Competition is coming as we have seen in November last year when there was an invitation to companies to apply for the licence of the operation of ground handling in Muscat. We will be the second company in the country to do ground handling. This is the reason why we need an international partner to raise our level of competitiveness,” Walsh said.

International market The joint venture will not only make the new ground handling company much more competitive but bring in new technologies, expertise and the training of the staff.

“It will improve the company’s economies of scale and give us access to the international market which at the moment we don’t have access. For example, the joint venture can take part to the acquisition of other companies elsewhere in the world to expand our operations. It will also give

our Omani staff an opportunity to work in airports outside the Sultanate of Oman,” he said.

The joint venture would also expand Oman’s efforts to exapand its scope to attract much needed foreign investments and the creation of employment.

New revenues “The new ground handling company will bring in revenues and new business opportunities.

We will be able to have access of investments from outside the country that at the moment is out of our reach. It will also create jobs. At the moment, 77 per cent of Oman Air’s staff are Omanis,” Walsh said.

Last week, Oman Air has gone into a joint venture to handle its cargo operations with a Singaporean-based company, SATS. The new company will be known as Oman SATS Cargo and will start operation in the summer this year. When the new terminal building is completed, Muscat Airport will have the capacity to handle 200,000 tonnes of cargo.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

B3

MARKET Russia says crude price of $45-$50 ‘acceptable’

CLUTTONS SURVEY

Three UAE cities most attractive for investment

Leading oil Times News Service

producers plan to meet in Doha on April 17 to cement a deal reached between Russia, Venezuela, Qatar and Saudi in February to freeze crude output

MOSCOW: Russia believes an oil price at $45-$50 per barrel is acceptable for the global oil market to balance, as it prepares to meet leading oil producers in Qatar, later this month, sources familiar with Russian plans said on Wednesday.

Leading oil producers plan to meet in Doha on April 17 to cement a preliminary deal reached between Russia, Venezuela, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in February to freeze oil output at levels reached in January, to curb a surplus on the oil market.

“Now there is discussion of how long production will be frozen and ways to monitor the agreement,” one of the sources said.

“The level of $45-50 (per barrel) is acceptable from the point of view of market balance: if prices go higher shale oil production could start to recover.”

Russia and Venezuela Oil producers such as Russia and Venezuela are highly dependent on energy revenues, with their state budgets at risk after global oil prices fell to under $40 per barrel from over $115 in June 2014.

STATE BUDGETS AT RISK: Oil producers such as Russia and Venezuela are highly dependent on

energy revenues, with their state budgets at risk after global oil prices fell below $40 per barrel from over $115 in June 2014. - Reuters

Iran expects oil output to touch 4m barrels ANKARA: Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said the country’s crude output would reach four million barrels per day (bpd) by March 2017, state television reported on Wednesday.

“In the annual budget, the amount of oil export has been predicted around 2,250,000 bpd. This means our production this (Iranian) year will reach four mbpd,” Zanganeh was quoted as saying by state TV. The Iranian new year started on March 20.

Zanganeh said Iran’s oil output has increased after the lift-

Sources said that the deal to freeze oil output is expected to speed up rebalancing of oil supply and demand by around half a year.

Russia was pumping at a 30-year

ing of international sanctions in January under a nuclear deal with six major powers.

Sanctions imposed on Iran in early 2012 by the United States and European Union over its nuclear programme had cut crude exports from a peak of 2.5 million bpd before 2011 to just over 1 million bpd in recent years.

Iran has rejected freezing its output at January levels, which Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) secondary sources have estimated to be 2.93 million barrels per day, and wants

high last month of 10.91 million barrels per day, even higher than its previous record in January.

The sources said Russia would not put new projects on hold as

to return to much higher presanctions production.

“Fortunately Iran’s oil export has increased since the lifting of sanctions ... for 10 months since March 2016, Iran’s average monthly oil export was around 1,350,000 bpd,” Zanganeh said. He said Iran’s oil exports surpassed 2 million bpd in the Iranian months of Esfand and Farvardin, which ends on April 19.

Oil prices rose on Tuesday after Kuwait said it expected major producers to agree later this month to freeze crude production. - Bloomberg News

part of the freeze deal, and may use other methods to regulate its production. They said the agreement in Doha is set to cover production, not exports. - Reuters

MUSCAT: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah — the three emirates of the UAE — have emerged as the region’s most popular investment destinations among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), according to leading real estate consultancy, Cluttons.

Cluttons’ 2016 Middle East Private Capital Survey (in partnership with YouGov) shows that 63 per cent of GCC HNWI plan to invest in their preferred real estate locations during 2016. Of those surveyed, 27 per cent identified Dubai in their top three destinations within the GCC, while 21 per cent chose Abu Dhabi and 8 per cent selected Sharjah.

“For the Gulf states as a whole, the oil price decline has certainly put budgets under pressure and has triggered a number of macro policy amendments including the phasing out of energy subsidies and the introduction of value-added tax (VAT),” said Steven Morgan, senior partner at Cluttons.

Household finance “We expect these measures to put a clear squeeze on household finances but for now the investment sentiment of the region’s High Net Worth Individuals remains positive, particularly towards the UAE which is seen as somewhat of a regional investment safe haven,” Steven added.

According to data from the Dubai Land Department, GCC nationals were the largest investors in Dubai real estate in 2015, with a total of Dh44 billion being committed over the course of the year. The strength of GCC investment into Dubai real estate over 2015 demonstrates the continued desirability of the emirate as an

investment location and the most sought after investment destination in the region.

Dubai also emerged as the most preferred location for real estate investment in the Middle East during 2016, based on the findings of Cluttons’ latest research.

“The variety of investment options available in Dubai range from low-end, high yielding residential units in peripheral schemes such as International City and Discovery Gardens, to more sophisticated investment options in the office market, where yields can range from 6.5 per cent to 9 per cent,” said Faisal Durrani, head of Research at Cluttons.

The Springs, Bur Dubai “We’re also witnessing the emergence of worker accommodation as an increasingly popular asset class, which can offer yields of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent,” Faisal added.

The majority of respondents to Cluttons’ survey indicated that they were unsure of which specific area in Dubai they would target for an investment. However, for those who did name specific locations, for residential investment, The Springs and Bur Dubai were the most mentioned areas, followed

by Deira, Jumeirah Islands and Jumeirah Village. For the office asset class, Deira and Downtown Dubai are most popular, with Bur Dubai and Business Bay coming in joint second.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

FEATURE

I S G L O B A L I S AT IO N W I LT I N G ?

C

hina has just announced that last year, for the first time since it began opening up its economy to the world at the end of the 1970s, exports declined on an annual basis. And that is not all; in value terms, global trade declined in 2015. The obvious question is why. While global trade also fell in 2009, the explanation was obvious: The world was experiencing a sharp contraction in gross domestic product at the time. Last year, however, the world economy grew by a respectable 3 per cent. Moreover, trade barriers have not risen significantly anywhere, and transport costs are falling, owing to the sharp decline in oil prices.

Tellingly, the so-called Baltic Dry Index, which measures the cost of chartering the large ships that carry most long-distance trade, has fallen to an all-time low. This indicates that markets do not expect a recovery, meaning that the data from 2015 could herald a new age of slowing trade. The obvious conclusion is that the once-irresistible forces of globalisation are losing steam.

The situation in China is telling. In recent decades, as it became the world’s leading trading economy, China transformed the global trading system. Now the value of both imports and exports has fallen, though the former has declined more, owing to the collapse of global commodity prices.

In fact, commodity prices are the key to understanding trade trends over the last few decades.

When they were high, they drove increased trade – to the point that the share of trade to GDP rose – fueling hype about the inevitable progress of globalisation. But in 2012, commodity prices began to fall, soon bringing trade down with them.

Assume that one tonne of steel and ten barrels of oil are needed to produce one car. In 2002-2003, that bundle of raw materials was worth around $800, or about 5 per cent of the value of a $16,000 car. This implies that, during the early 2000s, industrial countries had to export five cars for every one hundred bundles of these raw

materials they imported.

By 2012-2013, the value of the raw materials needed for a car increased to about $2,000, about 10 per cent of the cost of the same car (prices of cars had increased by much less). Industrial countries thus had to export double, namely ten cars for the same amount of imports of raw materials.

Clearly, there is a direct link between the trends in trade and commodity prices. This connection affects all manufactured goods that require raw material inputs, it should be no surprise that, as commodity prices have declined, so has global trade.

- Daniel Gros/ Project Syndicate

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Mazda3 now available at unbelievable price Offering the trendiest of Japanese cars, Mazda has brought in a lot of excitement in Oman’s automobile industry with their ‘stylish, spirited and insightful’ branding

MUSCAT: The award winning Mazda3 #GameChanger is now available at an unbelievable starting price of OMR5,333 after a guaranteed cash gift offer from Towell Auto Centre (TAC), the sole distributors of Mazda range of vehicles in Oman.

The ‘Best Hatchback Car of the Year 2015’, the ‘Red Dot Award winner for excellence in product design in 2015’ and the ‘Best small car in Oman in the year 2014’, the all-new Mazda3 has been an achiever throughout. It features the MZD Connect, the company’s new in-vehicle connectivity

concept, and its ground-breaking Skyactiv Technology offers an unbeatable combination of efficiency and driving performance, says a press release.

A senior spokesperson from TAC said: “The all-new Mazda3 offers a winning combination of fuel economy, style and driving enjoyment. Little wonder, it has over 130 international awards to its credit. The Mazda3 is a muchsought after vehicle in Oman and hence we thought of this exciting cash gift offer for our customers.

We hope many more customers will benefit from it.”

The all-new Mazda3 embodies all three elements of Mazda’s DNA: distinctive design, exceptional functionality, responsive handling and driving perfor-

mance. It is available in 1.6 and 2.0 litre four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models. In the all-new Mazda3, the sculpted seats and the extended wheelbase expand its interiors. Its cabin is split into separate driver and passenger zones for stress-free driving and a secure, relaxing passenger experience.

The cabin connects you to the world through the proprietary MZD connect which includes the Commander Control knob with 7-inch full colour touch screen display and the next generation human-machine interface system based on the heads-up cockpit concept ensures that you stay in touch with the road.

The Mazda3 combines active safety technology with its occupant and pedestrian-focused passive

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safety concept. Its safety features are considered the best in its class.

Features include: radar cruise control, rear vehicle monitoring system, distance recognition support system, navigation, smart brake support, among others.

With its Skyactiv technology in 2.0 litre line-up of efficient, lightweight engines and transmissions on a proven body and chassis system, Mazda3 offers a level of performance and driving dynamics mirrored by its looks. Mazda’s engineers have managed to make extreme compression both effective and economical. The new Mazda3 delivers low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, yet lives up to its sporty label.

Offering the trendiest of Japanese cars, Mazda has brought in a lot of excitement in Oman’s automobile industry with their ‘stylish, spirited and insightful’ branding.

These three unique qualities lie at the core of each Mazda you spot on the streets and form the brand’s DNA and TAC makes owning a Mazda extra pleasant with its efficient after sales service and quick response time.

With a network of 13 service outlets and 10 parts outlets spread across Oman, TAC is the only Mazda distributor in the world to win the Mazda Customer Service award five years in a row.

P R O M O T I N G O M A N I S AT I O N

Stomo partners with NTI to train their workforce MUSCAT: Suez-Tractebel Operation and Maintenance Oman (Stomo), the leading provider of operations and maintenance services for power and desalination plants in the Sultanate of Oman, has partnered with National Training Institute (NTI).

This is one of the many steps Stomo has undertaken to bolster Omanisation. Fresh graduates are recruited and trained, and the skills of the existing Omani employees are enhanced on specific required modules of maintenance and operations, says a press release.

NTI, a leading training provider within the Sultanate is a part of Babcock International Group, UK. NTI will provide technical development and upskilling training for a period of 15 months that started in March.

NTI has been a market leader in creating workplace competency for over 30 years by providing

vocational training and employment solutions to various industries in the Sultanate.

Mike Maudsley, GM of Stomo, said, “Stomo being the major producer of power and water in Oman has to be the best in what it is doing and therefore it has to collaborate and work with the best in the industry.

“When it comes to providing training solutions, NTI is by far one of the best.”

NTI also provides technical training to support the national objective initiated by PDO by providing training for employment to Omani candidates.

Lawrence Alva, CEO of NTI, said: “Companies that are looking for quality in training delivery and are serious about the development of their Omani staff are the ones that we encourage and prefer to work with. This helps the process of the Sultanate’s development as a whole.”

U N I QU E C U S T O M I S AT I O N O P T I O N S

Samsung launches twin cooling plus refrigerator in Oman MUSCAT: Samsung Gulf Electronics, in partnership with Sarco, launched its new twin cooling plus refrigerator lineup for consumers in Oman at an event which took place at the InterContinental Hotel recently.

Designed to enhance modern living and deliver a more comfortable home, Samsung is the first manufacturer to bring its unique twin cooling plus technology to the TMF category, says a press release.

Many consumers have dreamt of owning a spacious refrigerator which keeps food fresher for longer, so that their weekly grocery shopping goes a lot further. It is all too common to find that fruit and vegetables have lost their natural moisture after a few days in the refrigerator, even when stored in the vegetable drawer.

The R&D team at Samsung worked hard to overcome this problem. Now consumers can

keep food fresher for much longer, simply by storing them inside the new twin cooling plus refrigerator.

“The new twin cooling plus TMF refrigerators are a milestone for customisable premium home appliances. We listened carefully to our consumers when they said that they want to be able to keep their fruit and vegetables fresher for longer, and use the space in the fridge and freezer compartments more efficiently based on the specific needs of their family. This premium product offers unique customisation options that we are glad to be able to offer to consumers in Oman,” said Vinod Nair, head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Gulf Electronics.

Ajay Ganti, CEO of Sarco, commented: “The conversion options available thanks to the twin cooling plus technology introduces a whole new world of optimisation, and we look forward to hearing

ity level up to 70% is maintained throughout the fridge, so no matter where food is stored it stays fresh.

from our consumers how they make the most of it. Samsung consistently stays ahead of the pack when it comes to product evolution, and we are happy to be introducing this new home appliance innovation in Oman with them.”

When fruit and vegetables lose their natural freshness in low moisture conditions, the surface becomes dry and wrinkled, and

UNIQUE PROGRAMME

obviously no longer fresh. Optimum levels of moisture within the refrigerator are needed to keep freshness and taste locked in. The best, healthiest meals start with the freshest ingredients and the Samsung twin cooling plus ensures freshness and taste are maintained. The independent cooling system ensures that the right temperature and humid-

Turn freezer into a fridge The twin cooling plus refrigerator enables consumers to be flexible with cooling storage depending on their needs with five possible conversion modes. The true independent cooling system allows turning the freezer into a fridge when required. Or just turn off the fridge compartment when leaving home for a long vacation. The five modes are: Freezer-fridge, energy saving, vacation, fridge max, and mini mode.

Great tasting frozen food All food odours can change the taste of frozen foods and affect the flavours of finished dishes.

The twin cooling plus has a truly independent cooling system, with separate airflows in both the fridge

and freezer. This prevents strong smells from foods moving between the fridge and freezer, ensuring the original flavour of ingredients stored in the freezer is perfectly preserved and odourless.

No air movement between the compartments also means the freezer stays completely frost-free, prolonging the shelf life and the flavour of its contents. It also prevents the build-up of ice, removing the need to defrost the freezer.

The twin cooling plus lineup is introduced in up to 18 different models ranging from 850 litres to 390 litres. The RT85K which is one of the biggest TMF in the market at 850 litres delivers a spacious storage capacity enough to easily store a week’s worth of grocery shopping for the whole family.

The fridge can keep all your fruit and vegetables in fresh condition for longer, not only in the bottom drawer but on every shelf.

C O M P L I M E N TA RY S E RV I C E

Volkswagen Oman provides free AC check-up to its customers

MOH launches patient safety initiative at Al Raffah Hospital MUSCAT: The Director-General of Quality Assurance Centre at the Ministry of Health (MOH), along with the WHO (World Health Organisation) and MOH Private Affairs division has together embarked on a public-private partnership for launching Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative (PSFHI) at Aster Al Raffah Hospital, Muscat.

A first of its kind activity in the GCC, the initiative has been triggered by the MOH, in collaboration with WHO to assess and assist hospitals within the country to launch a comprehensive patient safety programme and provide necessary tools for professional associations for benchmarking and self-improvement, says a press release.

“The hospital was selected as one of the private hospitals in the country to launch this project as

they have most of the safety systems and processes already in place,” said Dr Ahmed bin Salim Al Mandhari, director general of Quality Assurance at MoH, after inaugurating the initiative.

He also gave a detailed picture about the aims, objectives and benefits of the same to the hospital, patients and the society as a whole. It will also help to formulate their own quality standards for implementation by the MOH .

Milestone The implementation of the pilot project — The ‘Patient Safety Friendly’ initiative is destined to be a milestone in the quest of the MOH — Quality Assurance Centre to achieve patient safety in healthcare institutions in Oman.

The Ministry of Health of Oman considers patient safety an essential component in delivering quality

healthcare to the community. Implementation of the Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative has raised community awareness of patient safety and increased expectations of patients accessing services.

Aster Al Raffah Hospital formed a committee to plan, organise and monitor the activities of Quality Assurance & Patient Safety Department as part of the mission.

“We are already having many quality parameters in place but what is new and unique in this initiative is the word ‘friendly’,” said Seeniya Biju, the COO and country head of Aster Oman.

“We are highly obliged and consider ourselves very fortunate to be involved in this initiative with the MOH,” quoted Dr Sarfraz Ahmed.

This initiative has already commenced in the government regional hospitals like Nizwa and Rustaq.

MUSCAT: With the hot summer months just around the corner, Volkswagen Oman, represented by Wattayah Motors, has launched a month-long free airconditioning check-up campaign for Volkswagen vehicles in Oman from model year 2007 to 2013.

The ongoing complimentary service campaign will continue till April 23, says a press release.

Commenting on the importance of maintaining the vehicle AC in good working order, Andrew Squires, general manager of Volk-

swagen Oman, said: “At Volkswagen Oman, we place great emphasis on enhancing the ownership experience for our customers. This free AC check-up is but one such complimentary service provided to our customers in order to offer greater value and enhance their overall ownership experience.”

In a country like Oman and with the hot summer months approaching, it is vital to get the AC in your vehicle checked early. The complimentary check-up will include a diagnostics and com-

ponent check of the vehicle’s AC system and will suggest remedial measures, if required, to ensure optimum performance and comfort during the upcoming hot summer months. The repairs can then be conducted immediately or at the owners discretion.

“We will be conducting these free checks at our service centres in Azaiba and Mabelah. In order to get their vehicle checked, owners need to only call and book their vehicle in for the free checkup,” added Andrew Squires.

C O R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

McDonald’s sponsors sports event for children with special needs MUSCAT: McDonald’s Oman recently supported the sports event organised by Al Wafa Centre for Handicapped Children in Bidbid, featuring various activities on motor integration, speech communication, arts and magic show.

The event saw over 150 kids along with specialists in physiotherapy, autistic teachers in special education, sports teachers among others, says a press release.

Al Wafa Centre aims to rehabilitate children on some skills that enable them to become selfreliant as much as possible, and help them discover and develop their own capabilities.

B6

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

ROUND-UP

Patrol Nismo launched in Oman Nissan unveils Patrol Nismo showcasing ultimate essence of its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Innovation that Excitesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; promise

MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA), exclusive importers for Nissan range of vehicles in Oman, launched the famous motorsport and road car performance brand Nismo in Oman amidst media guests, heralding the next step in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Innovation that Excitesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for driving enthusiasts across the region.

In addition to launching the performance marque, Nissan also launched the Patrol Nismo.

Recognising that off-roading and motorsports are the life-blood of local driving enthusiasts, SBA believes the time is right to introduce the Patrol Nismo in Oman, says a press release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nismo is the ultimate essence of Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise to deliver â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Innovation that Excitesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,â&#x20AC;? said Samir Cherfan, managing director of Nissan Middle East. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We could not have launched Nismo in the region without including our most iconic model, the Nissan Patrol, in the range of NISMO vehicles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bringing the high performance brand to the Middle East and launching the Patrol Nismo as a world premiere model is proof of our commitment to making thrilling driving experiences accessible to all our customers.â&#x20AC;?

With the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong heritage in high performance vehicles and Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success in earning a reputation as a trusted motorsport brand, the Japanese auto-maker believes Nismo will resonate strongly in the Oman market. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The dramatically styled Patrol Nismo, created by driving enthusiasts for driving enthusiasts is sure to set a new benchmark in the luxury SUV segment,â&#x20AC;? commented a senior official from SBA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since we came to the region, Nissan has been building a strong

and mature automotive brand, well known for exceptional quality, performance, innovation and reliability. Combined with our long history of success in motorsports and off-roading, we believe that the Nissan brand is in a unique position to offer the ultimate, thrilling experience with our all-new Nismo line-up,â&#x20AC;? continued the official.

While Nismo is already established and well-known in the world of motorsport, it is now being expanded to other markets as Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive performance road car brand.

Firmly rooted in the spirit of pioneering Japanese maverick engineers, where innovative solutions are applied in bold and smart ways to challenge the norm, Nismo cars provide exciting driving experiences with motorsports-inspired

aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling characteristics and unmatched agility.

Nismo is an important part of Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long term product plan.

The addition of Nismo is a key element of Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business expansion strategy based on successful motorsports heritage in the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nismo brand will be developed to a highly valuable, credible and desirable addition to our range and we are honoured to bring the brand in Oman,â&#x20AC;? concluded the SBA spokesperson.

The Patrol Nismo model is designed with the Nismo DNA at its core, with motorsports-inspired aerodynamics and styling, enhanced handling characteristics and unmatched agility. Some of Nismoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature design marks include body kit with red striping and red highlights on door mirrors,

making head-turning Nismo versions immediately recognisable.

Nissan believes the thrill of driving a Nismo model comes from the complete package â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its premium design, enhanced steering and suspension resulting in an exceptional improvement in performance.

Nismo models feature advanced technologies developed and pressure-tested within the demanding motorsport arena. Compared to their respective standard versions, Nismo vehicles add aerodynamic design born in motorsport, superb handling, improved acceleration and sporty driving dynamics for an exciting drive.

Nismo was founded in September 1984 as a specialty company to support all motorsports activities of Nissan Motor Company (Nissan). Nismo is the performance brand for Nissan, and is one of the

and measure customer satisfaction levels at point of sale and vehicle service. This is done through periodic surveys with customers, analysing key consideration factors for improving customer satisfaction and implementing them.

Good reliable customer service has helped SBA to build a loyal following thus ensuring additional revenue streams and enhanced its reputation in Oman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When it comes to providing !)) Ĺ&#x2014;- ,0# Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°,'-Ĺ&#x2014;." .Ĺ&#x2014; , Ĺ&#x2014; & Ĺ&#x2014; companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purveyors of innova- to build strong relationships with tion and excitement. their customers are more likely to maintain a solid core of enthusiasPatrol Nismo tic supporters. Quickly resolving Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x161;#(-*#, Ĺ&#x2014; 0 ,-#)(Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; #-- issues and going beyond customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legendary SUV-Patrol expectations encourages repeat Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014;ÞßÄ&#x201A;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; 2"#& , .#(!Ĺ&#x2014;* , ),- business from patrons, and in many mance cases, we go further than that. High Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; ),+/ Ĺ&#x2014;#'*,)0 ' (.Ĺ&#x2014;Ĺ&#x2014;)0 ,Ĺ&#x2014;Ä ĂşĹ&#x2014; quality customer service helps to per cent rev-range create customer loyalty. CustomÄ&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; #-')Ĺ&#x2014; ßßÄ&#x2018;Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; ),! Ä&#x161; &&)3Ĺ&#x2014; ers today are not only interested in wheels the product they are being offered, Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; #-')Ĺ&#x2014;./( Ĺ&#x2014;-/-* (-#)(Ĺ&#x2014;/-#(!Ĺ&#x2014; but also all the additional eleâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bilsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shock absorbers for im- ments of service that they receive proved handling and ride comfort starting from the greeting when Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; %/'#Ĺ&#x2014;./( Ĺ&#x2014; (!#( they enter a retail outlet,â&#x20AC;? said a Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)'#- Ĺ&#x2014; ) 3Ĺ&#x2014; , #( ), - key SBA spokesperson. ments for precision steering and quick response A decade of promise Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; !' (.Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°,-.Ĺ&#x2014;4 ,)Ä&#x161;&# .Ĺ&#x2014; ,) 3- SBA is largely committed to supnamic body kit porting Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in the Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; #-')Ĺ&#x2014; -#!( ./, Ĺ&#x2014; -#!( Ĺ&#x2014; Sultanate through major emphasis body kit on customer satisfaction and by Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; #-')Ĺ&#x2014; -*),.Ĺ&#x2014; ./( Ĺ&#x2014; *)1 ,Ĺ&#x2014; providing world-class after-sales steering services in Oman. With a national Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; #-')Ĺ&#x2014; -*)% Ĺ&#x2014; -#!( Ĺ&#x2014;#(. ,#),- network of more than 19 showrooms, 22 service centres and 35 Customer service spare parts outlets, SBA has furSuhail Bahwan Automobiles over ther built upon its legacy of trust, the years have institutionalised excellent customer service and robust systems and people pro- providing value for money to each cesses to continuously monitor of its customers.

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Ripu wows customers at Lulu Food Fiesta

I N K S PA C T W I T H TAT I

Master chef Ripu Dhaman Handa was involved in a series of cooking demos as well as being

PDO supports efforts to improve school bus driving standards

the judge in the Al Mudhish Cookery Contest that was held at Lulu Bausher

MUSCAT: Ripu Dhaman Handa, winner of Master Chef India, wowed customers who thronged to hear and interact with him on three consecutive days at Lulu Food Fiesta in Bausher and Darsait.

He was involved in a series of cooking demos as well as being the judge in the Al Mudhish Cookery

Contest that was held at Lulu Bausher recently, says a press release.

The cookery contest has always been the highlight of the Food Fiesta with ambitious chefs, enthusiastic beginners, passionate foodies and anyone with a skill that fits the cookery bill.

The most interesting recipes get a chance to prove their talent in front of a panel of judges headed by the chef himself. Competitions were held in three broad catego-

ries that included salads, vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines.

Raffle draw The latest edition of the Lulu Food Fiesta has been immensely popular over the years and in a short while into this edition has received an overwhelming response.

Along with an array of fun competitions, for every OMR10 spent on food products, shoppers also became eligible for a raffle draw

to win a grand Jaguar XF 2.0 and fabulous Scratch & Win prizes that includes iPhones, Samsung LED TV’s, Philips Air Fryers, Lulu gift vouchers, Al Mudhish, Minara, Nido, Al Noor Basmati Rice and Suntop Juice products.

There are also five Suzuki Swift hatchback cars to be won in a raffle and Scratch & Win prizes of Lulu gift vouchers worth OMR2,000 are also to be won on the purchase of OMR3 worth of Sadia products.

THIRD SHOWROOM IN RUWI

Malabar Gold set to open new outlet MUSCAT: Driven by the increased demand for unique and diverse gold and diamond jewellery, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the leading jewellery retailers, announced the opening of its 146th outlet in Oman at Ruwi, which will be inaugurated by prominent Indian film star Kareena Kapoor Khan on April 14 at 6.30pm.

This elegant showroom conveniently located at Ruwi High Street, opposite to Ruwi Police Station, will be their third showroom in Ruwi, 10th in Oman and 63rd in the Middle East, says a press release.

Like all other Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlets, this showroom will also display a significantly large collection of traditional as well as contemporary jewellery. Malabar Gold & Diamonds has a large collection in gold, certified diamonds, platinum and precious stone jewellery from across the world that can hold you spell-bound with their awe-inspiring beauty.

The group is also planning to expand its presence in Oman by opening two more showrooms in Barka, Lulu and Seeb City Cen-

tre this year. To celebrate this occasion, the group introduced fabulous inaugural offers for its customers.

With every purchase of diamond jewellery worth OMR500, the customers will get a 1gm gold coin absolutely free and the customers can also avail a free gold coin with every purchase of gold jewellery worth OMR300.

These offers are valid at their outlet in Sohar until April 26. In Oman, Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates showrooms at Darsait, Baushar, Ruwi, Salalah and Sohar.

MUSCAT: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has signed an agreement to give defensive driving training to 400 school bus drivers operating in its concession area.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technical & Administrative Training Institute (TATI), drivers covering 45 schools will receive practical and theoretical coaching in the Arabic language, says a press release.

As well as defensive driving training, they will be instructed on the importance of good vehicle maintenance, passenger care and general road safety awareness.

The five-week scheme, which is being run in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, will be rolled out first in the wilayat of Thumrait in the South of PDO’s concession area, and will then extend to the North of Oman.

Muscat-based TATI will offer the training free of charge for drivers during half-day sessions at schools with PDO arranging the planning and logistics.

Abdul Amir Al Ajmi, External Affairs and Value Creation Director - PDO, said: “PDO is committed to road safety across its concession area and beyond, and

that extends to ensuring the welfare of pupils as they travel to and from school.

“This training will coach school bus drivers how to err on the side of caution when they are driving, as well as the importance of ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. It will also entrench a duty-of-care mindset for their young passengers, such as ensuring that seatbelts are made available and worn during journeys and that children are embarked and disembarked safely.

“We thank the Ministry of Education for their support and we are pleased to be able to partner with TATI, which is PDO’s official contractor for our road safety training needs.”

Khaled Asad, the managing director of TATI, said: “On behalf of the chairman of our company, Sheikh Saad bin Suhail Bahwan Al Mukhaini, we are very pleased to be involved in delivering this vital training and feel privileged that PDO has extended its faith in our expertise with this outreach project. We look forward to working with various stakeholders to enhance the safety of children and are proud to be contributing our time and expertise without charge as a gift to the country.”

ENCOURAGING ENGAGEMENT

Zubair SEC organises motivational seminar for entrepreneurs MUSCAT: Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) organised a motivational seminar titled ‘Stop Procrastinating and Be An Entrepreneur’ by Stefano Virgilli, a volunteering specialised adviser at Zubair SEC. At the seminar, Virgilli highlighted strategies that entrepreneurs can focus on to move forward with their businesses. Virgilli, who is a serial entrepreneur with experience in Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa, has been exploring business, communication and innovation for the past 20 years, says a press release.

Advising entrepreneurs to avoid procrastination through willpower, Virgilli also said that it is important for young businessmen and

women to recognise the causes of procrastination and then work on effective plans to deal with it.

Urging attendees at the seminar to take charge of their business success, he offered tips to help new

entrepreneurs better manage their time, pursue clear objectives, and grow with ambition.

He advised start-up owners to define their priorities, cultivate a sense of urgency, and capitalise on

their areas of strength.

The session introduced important points for SME owners to consider to ensure success of their businesses. The seminar also provided guidelines and insight; the

speaker shared international success stories. He also shed light on the important traits that make a successful entrepreneur, regardless of the businesses entrepreneurs undertakes.

Lina Hussein, head of Communications & Social Impact at Zubair SEC, said: “This session comes as part of Zubair SEC’s efforts to encourage engagement between its members and its volunteering specialised advisers, and to bring in knowledge and insight through experienced calibre.

We thank Stefano Virgili for an enriching session and for his generosity in sharing content and enlightening stories in the business entrepreneurship domain.”

She added, “We are proud

to have on board a remarkable group of specialised advisers who have volunteered time and effort to extend support and guidance to members of Zubair SEC. It is through such collaboration between external and internal stakeholders that we always seek to enrich and develop our support ecosystem towards fulfilling and exceeding the expectations of our most important stakeholders our members.”

Audience who were very engaged and tuned during the interactive session felt that the seminar was highly practical and encouraging.

One of the new entrepreneurs who attended the session said: “The seminar took us on a journey from goals to actions to outcomes.”

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‘Caribou Chats’ to feature eminent entrepreneurs MUSCAT: Startup Oman (www. startupoman.om), the Sultanate’s only platform created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and the gateway to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Oman, is bringing another edition of the Caribou Chats, a monthly gathering for startups.

Caribou Chats scheduled for April 13 will feature Najwa Al Kin-

di, director of Intilaaqah, Shell’s social investment initiative and Baida Al Zadjali, founder and managing director of Riyam Muscat, an Omani startup, says a press release.

Every month Omani entrepreneurs and SME ecosystem stakeholders share powerful speeches providing insights on the successes, learning and challenges they

are facing on the journey of building great companies or delivering programmes for entrepreneurs.

“Fashioned after the famous Kauffman Foundation’s 1 Million Cups Programme, Caribou Chats is based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions to their daily challenges, support one another and the network over

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

coffee,” said Ali K. Daud, Startup Oman’s founder and CEO of the Daud Group of Companies.

The platform provides entrepreneurs with a space to gain practical experience in improving their communications and networking skills.

“Our aim was to support Omani SME community with a space that allows peer to peer learning and so-

lutions sharing. That is what makes Caribou Chats unique - our guests pose questions to the audience and vice versa,” said Mahmood Zeyad, MD of Startup Oman.

The event is organised by Startup Oman in partnership with Caribou Coffee. It is scheduled to take place at Caribou Coffee outlet in Bareeq Shatti.

al Mazyona sustains momentum with high value prizes

With attractive weekly, monthly, quarterly, special and year-end prizes totalling OMR10 million, the popular scheme from Bank Muscat offers high-value prizes throughout the year to maximum number of customers in all regions

MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s flagship al Mazyona savings scheme from Bank Muscat has gained momentum with the series of 2016 prize draws guaranteeing bigger and better winning chances for customers across the Sultanate.

With attractive weekly, monthly, quarterly, special and year-end prizes totalling OMR10 million, the popular scheme offers highvalue prizes throughout the year to maximum number of customers in all regions.

Reaching out with a powerful call for savings, al Mazyona offers high value prizes for different segments, including women, children, youth and high saving customers. As on date, al Mazyona savings scheme guaranteeing more for everyone to share is the biggest prize money in Oman and the region with prizes ranging from OMR1,000 a week to OMR10,000 a month and OMR100,000 every quarter, in addition to special and year-end prizes. In the recent weekly draw held at Qurm branch, a customer picked the winners.

The upcoming quarterly prizes include OMR100,000 each for two customers across Oman, OMR250,000 each for two asalah Priority banking customers and OMR50,000 each for two al Jawhar Privilege banking customers.

Adding excitement to festivals and national celebrations,

the 2016 savings scheme also rewards customers with special prizes, besides aspirational prizes of OMR1 million at the end of year. al Mazyona continues to be the only savings scheme to recognise and reward loyalty for customers based on their association with the bank.

A special prize draw offering OMR10,000 each for winners from 14 regions will be held in celebration of Eid Al Fitr in July.

An exclusive draw for Zeinah women customers coinciding with Omani Women’s Day is another highlight in which 10 customers will be rewarded with OMR10,000 each. On the occasion of the National Day, a special draw will be held offering OMR10,000 each for 10 winners.

The eligibility for al Mazyona prize draws is to maintain a minimum balance of OMR100.

This entitles customers to win OMR1,000 every week. By maintaining a minimum balance of OMR1,000, customers are eligible to participate in the OMR10,000 monthly prize, OMR100,000 quarterly prize and the grand prize of OMR500,000 at the end of the year. For every OMR100 balance, customers get 1 chance to win – so with OMR1,000, they get 10 chances to win. The more the saving, the better the chances to win.

Targeted at high savings customers, al Mazyona offers prizes to asalah Priority Banking customers who have chances to win OMR50,000 monthly prizes, OMR250,000 quarterly prizes, and a jackpot OMR500,000 year-end prize. Prizes reserved for al Jawhar Privilege Banking customers include OMR25,000 monthly prizes and OMR50,000 quarterly prizes.

The double-your-salary scheme is another attraction of 2016 al Mazyona savings scheme.

The scheme entitles customers maintaining a salary account with the bank to win a free bonus salary every month.

The prize scheme is open to all customers with a minimum monthly salary of OMR500. For instance, a customer whose salary is OMR500 can win an additional salary prize of OMR500 whereas another customer whose salary is OMR3,000 can win back an equivalent bonus salary of OMR3,000 and so on. In all there will be 30 winners every month who will gain a bonus salary with al Mazyona savings account.

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Sultan takes OC’s decision in his stride, wishes team all success good rapport with all the players.

He will definitely make a good captain. I wish him all success and to the team as well.”

Oman Cricket’s decision to exclude Sultan Ahmed from the probables list for a training camp has come as a shock to many. But the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has taken decision in his stride with the genial captain preferring to wish the team all the success under his successor Ajay Lalcheta

A. SESHAGIRI RAO

raoas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman Cricket’s decision to discard long serving wicketkeeper-batsman Sultan Ahmed ahead of the Sultanate squad’s participation in the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 has come as a shock to many.

But the man himself, unable to openly express his disappointment, has taken the cricket body’s decision in his stride with the genial captain of Oman preferring to wish the team all the success under his successor Ajay Lalcheta.

It should be stressed though that Karachi-born Sultan, who served the Sultanate’s cricket for over a decade with sincerity and dedication, has been dealt with an unkindest cut.

Consider this: Only weeks ago he was good enough to lead the national team at the ICC World T20 in India, where Oman along with Afghanistan struck a blow for the ICC Associate teams with their commendable performances. And Oman’s stellar show included a sensational victory over Ireland.

Rewind to July of 2015 when Oman’s historic journey to World T20 began. It was under Sultan’s captaincy, at the Ireland/Scotland Qualifier, that Oman beat teams like Canada, the Netherlands and Namibia.

And they even beat Afghanistan — in a match that is remembered as much for Sultan’s four catches as it is for Jatinder Singh’s batting (40 runs) and the bowling of Zeeshan Maqsood and Mehran Khan, both of whom claimed four wickets each — before clinching one of the six available berths in World T20.

And remember as captain Sultan also had to lead a team that had as many as six players making their T20 debut during that Qualifier.

Fast forward to November 2015 when Oman achieved another milestone — with Sultan at the helm, the team played their first ever T20

bilateral series against Hong Kong during their tour of neighbouring United Arab Emirates.

The result: A 2-1 series triumph beginning with a thrilling victory in which the skipper contributed a valuable unbeaten 37 and also took two catches. In the series-clinching second match too, Sultan stood out with his good work behind stumps taking two catches.

Then came the subcontinent sojourn — first to Bangladesh for the Asia Cup group stage matches and to north Indian hill station of Dharamsala for World T20 preliminary rounds.

Though they could not make it to Asia Cup proper, Oman did start their campaign with a deserving victory over Hong Kong with skipper Sultan effecting two brilliant stumpings and taking a crucial catch.

In the World T20 preliminary round too Sultan’s Oman made a good beginning with a win over Ireland. But then the rain ruined their chances against the Netherlands before they came up against formidable Bangladesh.

To recall Oman’s historic journey had actually began back in January 2015 when they emerged champions at the ACC T20 Cup in the UAE. There is no denying the fact that Sultan contributed immensely to that title triumph both as captain and as a player, from behind the stumps and with the bat, scoring valuable runs. That victory paved the way for Oman’s qualification for the World T20 Qualifier and culminating in their participation in the World T20 in India.

So it definitely came as a rude shock when Oman Cricket released a list of 18 probables for the training camp ahead of the team’s participation in the World Cricket League Division 5 competition to be organised in Jersey in May. The selection committee found the 39-year-old captain not suitable even to be included among the probables. Probably the selectors had taken that very factor — age —

Sultan made immense contribution to Oman Cricket both as a player and a captain. He has been instrumental in Oman’s success, especially in the last one and a half years. I wish he continues with his contributions to Oman Cricket. There’s a lot in store for Oman Cricket and I sincerely hope he will be part of us in future as well Pankaj Khmji

IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION: Sultan Ahmed

into the account while taking such a drastic step.

Other than that it is difficult to understand what the real reasons were behind Sultan’s omission.

Even coach Duleep Mendis, who is also the Chief Development Officer of Oman Cricket, was not forthcoming when Times Sport queried the Sri Lankan great on the issue.

“We had a talk with Sultan and we have conveyed our message to him,” he said before echoing the sentiment expressed in an earlier

press statement issued by Oman Cricket, ‘extremely grateful to Sultan Ahmed who captained the team over the last few years and oversaw the team to new heights’.

Sultan, on his part, stopped short of expressing his shock while also refusing to criticise or question the selectors’ decision.

All he preferred to say was: “I have served Oman cricket for long, with dedication and commitment. And I would like to thank both Oman Cricket and my team Raha CT for the opportunities

Oman Cricket board member

they gave over the years.”

“I have been performing to the best of my abilities, both as the captain and as a player, for the country as well as Raha,” he added.

Certainly very restrained comments from a player who represented Oman in 13 T20 Internationals besides playing 27 T20 matches. At the same time, showing animosity towards none, Sultan also wished Ajay Lalcheta and team all success in the future events.

“Ajay Lalcheta is a very experienced player and he also has a

No one like him Meanwhile, Oman Cricket’s General Secretary Madhu Jesrani paid rich tributes to Sultan Ahmed saying it is difficult to replace a wicketkeeper of his calibre and the eligibility criteria to play for Oman.

“First of all Oman Cricket would like to thank Sultan for his great contribution for the Sultanate’s cricket. He took us to the (ICC T20) World Cup which is by no means an easy task,” he said.

“But now we are entering a new stage and so we needed to make changes keeping in mind the challenges that are ahead of the team. We also need to build and prepare the team for the future,” Madhu added.

Former captain Hemal Mehta also spoke highly of the player.

“With age unfortunately not on his side, Oman Cricket probably would have thought it’s time to move on,” he said.

“But for me Sultan has been a good role model — a good batsman and good wicketkeeper and he has always worked hard to maintain his fitness. To top it all he has been a very aggressive player and very aggressive captain, which is a plus for any team,” he added.

Heaping praise But its Pankaj Khimji’s words which will not only provide succour to the disappointed Sultan but also encourage him to continue with his contribution to the Sultanate’s game.

The Oman Cricket board member simply heaped praise on Sultan describing him as a ‘great captain’, who has been the ‘leader of the team during the renaissance of Oman cricket.’

On a lighter vein, Pankaj said: “I wish we had the magic potion to keep him young and keep him going.” But quickly turned serious to say: “There comes a time when every player has to hang his shoes.

And in his case, at 39, it is time for him to hang his gloves.”

“He made immense contribution to Oman Cricket both as a player and a captain. He has been instrumental in Oman’s success, especially in the last one and a half years. He led the team at the (T20) World Cup. It’s time for him to sit back and enjoy the laurels he won for the country and himself.”

“But I wish he continues with his contributions to Oman Cricket. There’s a lot in store for Oman Cricket now and I sincerely hope he will be part of us in future as well,” he added.

CRICKET HONOUR

St. Lucia renames Beausejour Stadium after Sammy CASTRIES: The West Indies T20 cricket captain Darren Sammy has expressed delight at the decision of the St. Lucia government to re-name the Beausejour Cricket Ground after him following the exploits of the team in the just concluded World T20 in India.

Sammy, along with fellow St. Lucian Johnson Charles, returned a hero’s welcome at the Hewanorra International Airport on Tuesday where they were greeted by Prime Minister Kenny Anthony and other St. Lucians, reports CMC. “Big time reception, home coming,” Charles said in a video posted on Facebook on Tuesday, while Sammy said Anthony had announced that the island’s premier cricketing ground had will now be known as the Darren Sammy National Cricket stadium.

Sammy said: “I am truly honoured, I am humbled and bless.

Thank you, we always know St. Lucians love their own and the love and respect and admiration I have just received at the airport, oh my Almighty, thank you very much”.

One of the stands at the stadium will be named in honour of Charles.

The West Indies Women team and a few players from the men’s champions side arrived to a he-

“I don’t think people really understand the hard work you put in to get to where you are and the hard work you put in to get to the end.”

On Sunday, the West Indies Women chased down the highest ever total in a T20 World Cup final to upset three-time defending champions Australia by eight wickets and claim their first ever title.

In the second final, the West Indies Men became the first team to win a World T20 twice when they defeated England by four wickets in a dramatic match.

SWEET MOMENTS: West Indies’s captain Darren Sammy poses for a photograph with the World T20

cricket tournament trophy. – AFP

roes’ welcome in Barbados as the country celebrated their clean sweep of the World T20 titles.

Welcome party The players touched down at the Grantley Adams International Airport here on Tuesday and were met on arrival by Sports Minister Stephen Lashley and Tourism Minister Richard Sealy along with the Barbados Cricket Asso-

ciation president and legendary former fast bowler Joel Garner, reports CMC. A large number of fans, family and well-wishers were also on hand at the airport to greet the players.

They were feted during a brief function before starting out on a motorcade which took them along the south coast, into the city before winding back to the Accra Beach located on the south coast.

Garner, a member of the World Cup winning squad in 1979, said both teams had brought immense joy to the Caribbean with their achievements.

“We are eternally grateful for the joy and happiness you’ve brought to us and like everything else there has been a lot of hard work and sacrifice put in to your success,” Garner said during the ceremony on Tuesday.

Team spirit Lashley hailed the achievement of both teams, noting it was apparent team spirit had played a key role in their success.

“This evening I had the pleasure of greeting all of the members of both the women’s teams and of course the men’s team who came back to Barbados and I was really touched by, not only the excitement, but the team spirit they still carried with them on their shoulders,” Lashley said.

“I believe that team spirit was instrumental in achieving success in the just concluded World series.

I believe I speak on behalf of the

entire Caribbean family when I say we salute you. We were there at the crease, on the pitch, on the boundary, everywhere literally, as you so carefully crafted that victory.”

Women’s captain Stafanie Taylor said she was overwhelmed by the reception for the team.

“The welcome was good, it was quite surprising. When they told us we had to stay back in the plane, we were wondering what was going on and then coming out to see everybody there it was an overwhelming feeling,” Taylor said.

“We hope that we continue doing great things so we can get these feelings again. I’ve never had a motorcade before, so it’s the first experience so I’m looking forward to it.”

The full women’s team returned while of the men’s side, only Barbadians Sulieman Benn and Ashley Nurse, along with Grenadian Andre Fletcher and Trinidadian Samuel Badree, touched down here.

Several other players flew to their respective home territories from London while the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder and Lendl Simmons remained in India for Saturday’s start of the new Indian Premier League season. - IANS

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It depends on my bandwidth, says Dravid on coaching job With Ravi Shastri’s contract as Team

I am quite young in this kind of space. There were a lot of things I didn’t think as a player.

As a captain, I had to think about strategy and things like that but not to the depth of what you need to do as a coach. Your mind and energy are diverted to other things

Director coming to an end after the completion of ICC World T20, Dravid’s name has been doing rounds for the job but he did not give any conclusive reply

NEW DELHI: Former captain Rahul Dravid on Wednesday made it clear that any decision on taking up coach’s role with the senior Indian team will depend on whether he has the time and “bandwidth” for the high-profile job.

With Ravi Shastri’s contract as Team Director coming to an end after the completion of ICC World T20, Dravid’s name has been doing rounds for the job but he did not give any conclusive reply.

“Any decision that I make at this stage of my life would depend on whether I have the bandwidth to do all of these things,” Dravid said during an interaction when asked specifically whether he is ready to take up the chief coach’s role in the senior India team.

The 43-year-old is currently India A and U-19 coach apart from being a ‘Mentor’ with Delhi Daredevils. “It takes time. You can never really say that now you are ready and now you are not. That’s

Rahul Dravid

India U-19 coach

an experience, a learning. You have to do it to only know. Everyday you do it and you want to learn.”

He did say that any decision he takes will be after a lot of consideration. “Anything that comes back to you needs to be weighed with lot of consideration, not only in terms of whether you feel you want to do it but also time that is involved in doing lot of these things --- what does it entail and what does it require, can you devote time and energy, anything that you would want to do, you want to ensure you

are completely 100 percent focussed on it.”

“It’s not important whether results come or not but can you give that level of commitment and level of time for doing anything like that (coaching India). Just like in cricket, I mean if I wanted to be really good batsman, I recognised that time, sacrifices and devotion whatever required to get it done and what sacrifices I had to make for it.

Coaching to him is a process where one learns something new everyday.

“I am quite young in this kind of space. There were a lot of things I didn’t think as a player. As a captain, I had to think about strategy and things like that but not to the depth of what you need to do as a coach.

Your mind and energy are diverted to other things, so you think a lot about things that I didn’t think as a player. You make mistakes and then I realise how I could have things differently,” said ‘The Wall’.

Dravid, in fact, pointed out about his learnings as a coach from U-19 team’s defeat against West

Indies in the junior World Cup. “Forget about the result but I was thinking what we could have done differently. We got beaten by a team that bowled 46 overs of fast bowling. Since it was in the sub-continent, we prepared as we thought there could be lot of spin bowling.

“We prepared on how do you play spin and a team came from the left-field (blind side) and beat you with 46 overs of medium pace.

It started at 9 am and ball seamed all around,” said Dravid. - PTI

BONANZA

Australia’s women cricketers get bumper pay rise SYDNEY: Australia’s elite women cricketers will be able to earn in excess of A$100,000 ($75,590) a year for the first time in the 2016-17 season after Cricket Australia announced significant pay increases

for top players on Wednesday.

The increases for the players who make up the world number one ranked Southern Stars team are part of a strategy to make cricket “the sport of choice for women in Aus-

tralia”, CA Chief Executive James Sutherland said in a statement.

“Cricket is a sport for all Australians and Cricket Australia will continue to invest heavily in the women’s game in the coming

years,” he added. Top women players will now be able to earn a retainer of $65,000 a year for representing their country and $15,000 from Women’s Big Bash League teams which, when combined

with match and tour fees, would take their earnings into six figures.

Cricket Australia said its spending on elite women’s cricket would increase from A$2.36 million to A$4.23 million. - Reuters

HOCKEY

Uninspiring India beat Japan 2-1 in Azlan Shah opener IPOH: Asian Games champions India came from a goal down to clinch an unimpressive 2-1 victory over hard-working Japan on the opening day of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, here on Wednesday.

Squandering a series of scoring chances created by defencesplitting crosses that sailed across the goalmouth, India managed to earn full points against the lowly-ranked rivals through goals from young dragflciker Harmanpreet Singh (24th minute) and captain Sardar Singh (32nd) after Kenji Kitazato (17th) gave Japan the lead.

Earlier, Pakistan banked on two goals from Muhammad Arslan Qadir to open their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Canada in extremely humid conditions at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium here.

In their opening match later in the day, India struggled to find a leeway through the hardworking Japanese outfit, nine of whose 18-member squad at this tournament are making their international debut.

After an early foray into the Japanese circle, the Indian strikers were not allowed break into the scoring zone by the rivals, who also managed to assert some pressure on the Indian defenders. SV Sunil’s deflection on a diagonal cross from Ramandeep Singh went over the cross-bar before Japan stunned the Indian defence in the 17th minute.

Kitazato converted Japan’s first penalty corner by placing a fine flick to the left of Indian goalkeeper Harjot Singh.

Taken aback by the reversal, the Indians began exerting some pressure and were rewarded with their first penalty corner that Harmanpreet converted through a drag-flick into the right corner in the 24th minute.

Skipper Sardar then capitalised on a short diagonal pass from Jasjit Singh Kular on the right wing to beat Japanese goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa with a reverse shot that went into the far corner of the goal two minute into the second half. — PTI

B R AV O S P E A K S O U T

‘WICB most unprofessional’ BRIDGETOWN: Star allrounder Dwayne Bravo has joined his captain Darren Sammy in the attack on West Indies Cricket Board calling it the “most unprofessional” in the world and expressed doubts about a resolution being reached between the players and WICB on their pay dispute in the near future.

Bravo, who has had several runins with the WICB in the past, made the comments following the West Indies triumph in the World T20 in India.

“Too many times people come down on the players. They questioned our commitment, they questioned whether we were really committed to West Indies cricket or is it just the money. A lot of people don’t understand the things we go through as players dealing with our board. It is the most unprofessional board in the world to me,” Bravo was quoted as saying during a Skype interview with CNC3, a television network based out of Trinidad & Tobago.

As Darren Sammy gave vent to his frustration in the aftermath of

POPULAR MAN: Dwayne Bravo dance with fans after launching the Ultimate Sports Coaching Camp at a function in Chennai. – PTI

their triumph, WICB president Cameron slammed the skipper’s comments as “inappropriate”.

Bravo said: “I’m not surprised by the president’s tweet, to be honest, because it is expected of him.

He is someone very immature.

Two years ago when we had the problems on the India tour, (Kieron) Pollard and myself had been blatantly victimised for whatever reason. That is their way of dealing with situations. They are very small-minded people, especially

the president as I said before. There is nothing much he can do again.”

Regarding the West Indies’ T20 captain, Bravo said, “Sammy spoke from his heart. There is nothing wrong with Sammy’s speech and I support Darren Sammy 100 per cent.”

Bravo was pessimistic about a resolution being reached between the players and the WICB in the near future. “It is tough times and I could only see (things) getting worse.” - PTI

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

C3

SPORTS FIFA chief Infantino ‘dismayed’ after name mentioned in Panama Papers While offshore accounts are not in themselves illegal, the documents have caused public outrage over how the world’s rich and powerful are able to move money around and avoid taxes.

The reports from multiple news organisations, citing leaked documents,

I am dismayed and will not accept that my integrity is being doubted, especially given that UEFA has already disclosed in detail all facts

said Gianni Infantino had signed off on a contract with two Argentine businessman, Hugo and Mariano Jinkis, who were later indicted in the United States

BERNE: Recently-elected FIFA president Gianni Infantino was “dismayed that his integrity was being doubted” in media reports about a contract he signed several years ago, the global soccer body said in a statement on Tuesday.

The reports from multiple news organisations, citing leaked documents, said Infantino had signed off on a contract with two Argentine businessman, Hugo and Mariano Jinkis, who were later indicted in the United States.

Reuters could not determine if the contract Infantino signed was related to the conduct underlying the indictments.

The reports said Infantino, at the time an official with European OMAN CRICKET

Al Turki beatSinha by 69 runs

AL TURKI STARS: Twinkle Bhandari and Karsan Devsi.

MUSCAT: Al Turki defeated Sinha by 69 runs in a Muscat Pharmacy and Stores-sponsored Premier Division match at the Ministry of Sports Affairs ground.

Batting first, Al Turki put on 151 for five in 20 overs. Twinkle Bhandari top scored with 67. Niluka Dilshan was the most effective bowler for Sinha claiming two wickets.

In reply, Sinha were restricted to 82 for nine wickets in 20 overs. K. Devsi claimed two wickets for Al Turki.

Brief scores: Al Turki 151/5 in 20 overs (Twinkle Bhandari 67; Niluka Dilshan 2/18) bt Sinha 82/9 in 20 overs (K. Devsi 5/20). Points: Al Turki – 3, Sinha – 0.

soccer body UEFA, signed a contract with the pair for the broadcast rights to Europe’s elite Champions League club competition in South America.

The pair, who owned an Argentine company called Cross Trading, then allegedly sold the rights for a price almost three times higher to Teleamazonas, a broadcaster in Ecuador, the reports said.

Reuters, which has not seen the documents, was unable to confirm this. Both are among several dozen soccer officials indicted in the United States as part of a huge graft scandal which has swept the game and thrown FIFA into turmoil.

“I am dismayed and will not accept that my integrity is being

Gianni Infantino FIFA president

doubted by certain areas of the media, especially given that UEFA has already disclosed in detail all facts regarding these contracts,” Infantino said in a FIFA statement.

“I would like to state for the record that neither UEFA nor I have ever been contacted by any authorities in relation to these particular

contracts,” he added. “Moreover, as media themselves report, there is no indication whatsoever for any wrongdoings from neither UEFA nor myself in this matter.”

Public outrage Infantino was elected as head of FIFA in February, vowing to lead

FOOTBALL

Swiss police raid UEFA office to examine Infantino contract NYON: Swiss police raided the headquarters of the European soccer body UEFA in Nyon on Wednesday to gather information about a contract signed by Gianni Infantino, now head of the global soccer body FIFA, that was reported in the Panama Papers.

The Swiss attorney-general’s (OAG) office said the search was part of “ongoing criminal proceedings” and had been launched because of “suspicion of criminal mismanagement and ... misappropriation.”

“The OAG’s criminal proceedings are in connection with the acquisition of television rights and are at present directed against persons unknown, meaning that for the time being, no specific individual is being targeted by these proceedings,” it added.

Denies any wrongdoing Media reports on Tuesday said UEFA sold broadcast rights for 2006-09 Champions League matches to Argentine businessmen Hugo and Mariano Jinkis, owners of Cross Trading. These reports alleged that the pair resold the rights to Ecuadorean broadcaster Teleamazonas for three times as much, though UEFA said it had no knowledge of such a deal.

UEFA has confirmed that Infantino, who was working for UEFA at the time, was one of

two of its officials who signed the contract. UEFA has denied any wrongdoing by itself or Infantino.

Relevant documents “UEFA can confirm that today we received a visit from the office of the Swiss Federal Police acting under a warrant and requesting sight of the contracts between UEFA and Cross Trading/Teleamazonas,” UEFA said in a statement.

“Naturally, UEFA is providing the Federal Police with all relevant documents in our possession and will cooperate fully.”

Hugo and Mariano Jinkis are among several dozen football officials who were last year indicted in the United States as part of a huge corruption scandal which has swept the game and thrown FIFA into turmoil.

Infantino was elected as FIFA president in February to try and lead the federation into a new, scandal-free era.

The document was part of the 11 million that were leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in what have become known as the Panama Papers.

In a separate statement, UEFA said the rights were sold to Teleamazonas after an “open, competitive, tender process” conducted

by TEAM, its exclusive agent.”

“We can also add that the offer made by Teleamazonas was very

A DAY OF DRAWS IN HM’S CUP SEMIFINALS

The first matches of the two-leg semifinals of His Majesty’s Cup Football Championship played on Wednesday ended in goalless draws. In the first match played at the Sohar Sports Complex, four-time champions Al Nasr failed to score a goal and shared the spoils with Saham. In the second match too, both Salalah and Al Khabourah failed to find the net at the Salalah Sports Complex. The second leg matches are scheduled to be played on April 17. — Times of Oman file photo

much the “going rate” for this category of rights in comparable markets in Latin and Central America,” the European soccer body said in a statement.

UEFA said there had been a tender, competing offers and it would have been “unusual” if it had not accepted the Teleamazonas offer which it said was the best one.

UEFA added that Cross Trading had the exclusive mandate to buy sports TV rights in Europe on behalf of Teleamazonas and said that, at the time, there was no reason to believe there was anything suspicious about it.

No knowledge Referring to the alleged resale by Cross Trading, UEFA said it has “no knowledge of any bilateral or private financial arrangements between Cross Trading and Teleamazonas. Neither UEFA nor TEAM have ever seen any contract or agreement between Cross Trading and Teleamazonas.

It added that anything suspicious about any agreement between the two companies should be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

“There is, we repeat, absolutely nothing in this story which could in any possible way serve to undermine the integrity of either UEFA or Gianni Infantino,” UEFA said. - Reuters

the soccer body out of years of corruption and scandal which saw his predecessor Sepp Blatter banned for six years.

The documents were part of the 11 million that were leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in what have become known as the Panama Papers.

Slur on Infantino Mossack Fonseca, which specialises in setting up offshore companies, denies any wrongdoing. Reuters has not seen the documents and cannot verify the media reports.

UEFA was also dismayed at the media reports, which it said were a slur on Infantino.

“There was never any suggestion that anything improper took place,” it said, adding that the media had “misrepresented” the facts without elaborating.

“This attempted slur on (Infantino)’s character and on the reputation of UEFA, based on absolutely no evidence whatsoever, is not only a sad day for football but also a sad day for journalism.”

It added that the broadcast rights in question “were awarded after an open tender conducted by TEAM Marketing (UEFA’s broadcasting and marketing partner), acting on behalf of UEFA.” “The rights were awarded to Teleamazonas/Cross Trading because they made the highest offer on the market.” - Reuters

C4

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

SPORTS The team that outfoxed the big guns to rule English football Leicester City, the team from the Midlands region of England, is on target to scoop the greatest prize in football as champions of the league

LONDON: They are known as the Foxes, and true to their name they’ve out-foxed the biggest names in English football.

The Premiership is one of the world’s greatest leagues with teams such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool household names on every continent, reports Xinhua.

The big question being asked today among global fans is, Leicester? Where’s Leicester?

Leicester City, the team from the Midlands region of England, is on target to scoop the greatest prize in football as champions of the league.

A year ago the Foxes were at the bottom of the table, stirring relegation in the face.

They survived to start the current season under Italian Claudio Ranieri, sacked months earlier after just four months in charge of the Greek national team.

Under the 64-year-old Roman, the team is like an unstoppable runaway train, heading the table seven points ahead of its nearest rival Tottenham Hotspur, and leaving big-shot clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs trailing way behind.

Leicester are eyeing a place in the European Champions League, in what is being described as the biggest shock in footballing history.

The fame and riches success at the 32,200-Seater King Power Stadium will bring to the city of Leicester could even exceed Leicester’s latest claim to fame as the burial place of England’s fa-

DREAM RUN: Under the 64-year-old Roman Claudio Ranieri, the team is like an unstoppable runaway train, heading the table seven points ahead of its nearest rival Totten-

ham Hotspur. – File photo

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri says aim was to avoid relegation LONDON: Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri’s primary objective this season was to avoid relegation after their narrow escape last year, he has said in an interview as his team stand seven points clear atop the Premier League.

The 64-year-old Italian, who has taken Leicester to within four wins of their first top-flight league title in his first season at the club, told U.S. website The Players Tribune (www.theplayerstribune.com) he could not have imagined what they have achieved. He has also praised

mous monarch, King Richard III. City government officials recently announced that an extra $28 million was earned for Leicester’s tourism economy last year, thanks to the ill-fated king, slain in a battle written about by William Shakespeare.

Leicester’s Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, told Xinhua on Monday: “It’s fair to say the global media coverage given to the Foxes this

his players, calling top scorer Jamie Vardy “a fantastic horse” while saying French midfielder N’Golo Kante was a player who appeared to have his own battery pack hidden in his shorts.

Ranieiri said when he met the Midlands club’s chairman for the first time last year they agreed 40 points and survival was the aim for the season.

“Forty points. That was the goal. That was the total we needed to give our fans another season of Premier League football.

“Back then, I did not dream

season has raised the city’s profile around the world.

“Leicester is already enjoying the boost triggered by the discovery of the remains of King Richard III. Since his reinterment in Leicester Cathedral last year, there has been a steady growth in visitor numbers to the city, with more than 250,000 people visiting the tomb in the cathedral, at least 10 percent of these visitors

that I would open the paper on April 4 and see Leicester City at the top of the table with 69 points. Last year on this same day, the club was at the bottom of the table. Unbelievable.”

Leicester were stranded seven points from the safety zone a year ago but, having beaten Southampton 1-0 on Sunday after second-placed Tottenham Hotspur drew at Liverpool on Saturday, Leicester moved seven points clear with six matches to play.

They will win the title for the first time with four wins

from their remaining games and Ranieiri is amazed at what they have achieved already, but realised when he arrived at the club that he had a much better squad than many thought.

“Perhaps you have heard their names now. Players who were considered too small or too slow for other big clubs. N’Golo Kante. Jamie Vardy. Wes Morgan. Danny Drinkwater. Riyad Mahrez.

“When I arrived my first day of training and I saw the quality of these players, I knew how good they could be.

coming from overseas.

“While King Richard III was a massive story for Leicester, the success of Leicester City Football Club is proving to be an equally huge story, and it’s a story that’s uniting the whole city behind our football team.” The mayor is a big fan of the Foxes.

Leicester, with a population of 330,000, is one of the oldest cities in England, with a history

going back 2,000 years.

It still retains links to the days when Roman conquerors had a military outpost in the city with ancient Roman pavements and a Roman baths.

Leicester City’s success has also brought riches to a number of punters who placed bets at the start of the season at outside odds, with little expectation the gamble would pay off.

“I knew we had a chance to survive in the Premier League.

“This player Kante, he was running so hard that I thought he must have a pack full of batteries hidden in his shorts. He never stopped running in training.”

Ranieiri also had special praise for Vardy, their top scorer with 19 Premier League goals this season who scored in a record 11 successive league matches between August and November. “This is not a footballer. This is a fantastic horse,” he said. — Reuters

This week one man picked up $57,000 for a stake of just $28, at odds of 2,000-1.

Another waged $57 at odds of 5000-1 which will earn a bonanza of over $280,000.

Betting organisations say they stand to lose over $14 million the minute Leicester City are declared the new kings of English football.

The miracle of Leicester has put the city on the world map. - IANS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Benfica treat Bayern defeat as moral victory LISBON: From the rapturous reception they received on their return home to the comments from their players and coach, it was clear that Benfica regarded their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich as a moral victory.

Bayern had scored 18 goals in their four previous home European games and when Arturo Vidal gave them a second-minute lead in Tuesday’s quarter-final first leg at the Allianz Arena, the Portuguese champions appeared destined for a long night.

Instead, the defensive pairing of Victor Lindelof and Jardel succeeded in doing what few others have this season by keeping Robert Lewandowski off the scoresheet, while full backs Andre Almeida and Eliseu nullified Franck Ribery and Douglas Costa.

Regarded as the rank outsiders among the eight quarterfinalists, Benfica now believe they have at least a chance of pulling off a memorable win when they host the German champions in next week’s second leg.

“Bayern certainly wanted to win 5-0 but we played superbly,”

Barcelona match-winner Suarez riles Atletico BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Luis Suarez was at his ruthless best and also again caught up in controversy as he scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League quarterfinal, first leg on Tuesday.

The Uruguayan kicked out at defender Juanfran in the first half in an off-the-ball incident and, after equalising just past the hour mark, got a yellow card for striking Filipe Luis in the face moments

midfielder Nicolas Gaitan told reporters. “We’ll be much stronger in our own stadium, with the backing of our supporters.”

Several dozen fans waited at Lisbon airport to welcome the team home in the small hours of

before heading the winner in the 74th minute. An unhappy Filipe Luis said he thought Uruguay international Suarez was lucky to stay on the pitch.

“It was an aggression, a red card,” he told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.

Fernando Torres had given Atletico the lead after 25 minutes but was sent off in the 35th for two fouls in quick succession and Filipe Luis also criticised German referee Felix Brych’s decision.

Wednesday morning and more were camped at the Stadium of Light. “The team played to a really high standard, they played with conviction and determination,” coach Rui Vitoria said. “I’m a proud coach after seeing the team

“The sending off is totally unjust and changed the game.

Barcelona are protected. When you play against them you realise that they are a very powerful club,” he said. “You realise the fear when Barcelona could get knocked out. It would hurt UEFA a lot. I don’t know what they have to do for someone to send one of them off.”

Suarez now has eight goals in the Champions League this season and 45 in all competitions. — Reuters

play with such personality.

“Anyone who has seen the happiness of the Benfica supporters and the way the team has played has to believe it is possible, but we are also keeping our feet on the ground.” - Reuters

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

Culture WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

SHELL ART

ALMA DE VILLE CREATES EXQUISITE PIECES OF ART USING LIFELESS SHELLS

Story T.A. Ameerudheen Photography Shabin E

A

lma De Ville loves to trudge the beaches during weekends. At the end of the long walk, she heads home with bags full of lifeless shells, fish teeth, used baits and wooden pieces with beautiful patterns that are washed ashore.

She will be busy for the next couple of days, as she cleans, dries, segregates and packs the exotic collection in huge boxes.

When creative surge pushes her, Alma quietly moves to her studio and spends hours, creating unique pieces of art that adorn the living room of her apartment in Azaiba.

“My love affair with sea shells began quite accidentally,” recounts Alma. It was in August 2010 that she first visited a beach in Muscat. When she found two nearly circle-shaped disks, it sparked her imagination. “I thought something could be made out of it. So I continued collecting more discs for the next six months.”

Slowly she learnt about the creatures in the sea bed, and where to find maximum number of sea shells through research and observation. “I collect shells that are washed ashore, or remnants that I can assemble into something,” she says.

Alma makes beautiful floral patterns from sea urchins, its teeth, broken parts and other shells collected from the beaches. One may think that she decides on the patterns well in advance, but she doesn’t work according to a plan. “I work without any plans. I just put the shells on a white canvas. A pattern evolves in due course and I just follow it. It is a spiritual process.”

“Look at those circles,” Alma points to a canvas on the wall. “They are made of tusk shells. When I began to work, two shells got stuck into each other and it naturally formed a circle.

Then I decided to follow the pattern.”

Sometimes, she spends days and weeks working on a single piece. “I always play my favourite music during the creative process. It gives me the inspiration. Once I finish, I stand up and try to realise the pattern I just created,” she reveals.

Born in Bosnia and lived in London for many years, Alma had worked as an interior designer before moving to Muscat five years ago, along with her husband. “I never tried shell art before. I found it interesting after coming here, and I am enjoying it.”

Alma’s quest to collect shells has driven her to beaches in Muscat, Barka, Masirah Island, Bar Al Hikman, Dibab, Al Ashkara, Sifah, and Quriyat.

She even brought about 400 big sea urchins while returning from a holiday in Zanzibar. “I took great pains to bring them to Muscat without minimal damage,” she says.

Keeping the fragile shells intact is a tedious task. “I spend hours collecting, cleaning and drying the shells. So I don’t want to waste even a single piece. If a shell breaks, I use it to create beautiful petals.”

She believes that cleaning too is a tedious process. “Different shells have to be treated differently. I use water, and peroxide to remove the organic materials from the shell.” Now, she wishes to exhibit her works at an art gallery in Muscat. “Like any artist, I love to showcase my works,” she says and adds: “these are ideal décor pieces for seafood restaurants”.

— ameerudheen@timesofoman.com Contact Alma De Ville +968 9538 0225

C6

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

@ MGM

@ SHATTI

@ SUR

SUR Mr. Right (Action | Comedy | Romance) (15+) 3:15, 5:30, 11:30 PM The Dead Room (Horror | Thriller) (TBC) Cast: Jed Brophy, Jeffrey Thomas, 5:00, 10:00 PM The Squad (Anti Gang) (Action) (TBC) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir 3:45, 6:30 PM Darvinte Parinamam (Action) (PG12) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran 7:15 PM Sardaar Gabbar Singh (Telugu) (TBC) 11:00 PM Batman Vs Superman 3D (Action) (PG12) 8:15 PM

Beeba Boys – 2D (15+) Crime | Thriller Cast: Randeep Hooda, Ali Momen, Sarah Allen 9:30, 11:30 PM, Gold Class– 3:45 PM

Shaket Daboos (Arabic| Mystery) PG12 Cast: Khaled Selim, Mai Selim, Nesreen Amin 5:00 & 7:45PM

The Squad (Anti Gang) (Action) (TBC) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir 3:45, 6:30 PM

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell 7:30 PM The Squad-2D (Action, Drama) (15+) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir 3:45, 7:00, 11:15 PM The Dead Room-2D (Horror, Thriller) (TBC) Cast: Jed Brophy, Jeffrey Thomas 11:30 PM

Sardar Gabbar Singh (2D) (Comedy|Action) (PG12) Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Kajal Agarwal 6:00, 8:55 PM

SOHAR Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice– 3D (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) (PG12) 3:30, 8:30, 11:30PM Mr. Right- 2D (Action, Comedy) (15+) Cast: Anna Kendrick, Tim Roth, Sam Rockwell 3:00, 6:50, 11:45 PM The Dead Room - 2D (Horror, Thriller) (15+) 5:45, 11:45 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 - 3D (Animation)(PG) 5:00PM The Boss- 2D (Comedy) (18+) Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, 3:15, 7:00PM Beeba Boys-2D (Crime, Drama, Thriller) (15+) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Ali Momen, Sarah Allen 3:45, 6:30, 11:55PM Darvinte Parinamam - 2D (Action, Comedy) (PG12) 8:45PM The Squad - 2D (Fantasy,Thriller) (15+) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir, 5:15, 10:00PM Ki & Ka- 2D (Romance, Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan 7:30PM

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Mr. Right (Action Comedy| Romance) 15+ Cast: Anna Kendrick, Tim Rothl 3:00, 7:15, 9:45 & 11:45PM Before I Wake (Horror| Thriller) 15+ Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Thomas Jane 11:30PM The Boss (Comedy) 18+ Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell 3:30 & 9:30PM Beeba Boys (Crime |Drama | Thriller) 15+ Cast: Randeep Hooda, Ali Momen, Sarah Allen 3:45 & 9:30PM Shaket Daboos (Arabic| Mystery) PG12 Cast: Khaled Selim, Mai Selim, Nesreen Amin 5:00 & 7:45PM Eddie the Eagle (Biography| Drama) PG Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman 5:45PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 3D (Action) PG12 6:45 & 11:15PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (Animation) PG 5:30PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Mr. Right – 2D (15+) Action|Comedy Cast: Anna Kendrick, Tim Roth, Sam Rockwell 2:00, 11:45 PM Gold Class – 6:15, 11:15 PM Beeba Boys – 2D (15+) Crime | Thriller Cast: Randeep Hooda, Ali Momen, Sarah Allen 9:30, 11:30 PM, Gold Class– 3:45 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice – 3D (PG12) (Action, Adventure, Fantasy) 3:55, 6:30, 8:45 PM Gold Class – 8:15 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 – 3D (PG) Animation 12:00, 2:15, 6:45 PM The Boy and the Beast – 2D (PG) Animation Voice Overs: Bryn Apprill, Kumiko Asô

4:15 PM PANORAMA MALL Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12) 3:30, 6:15, 9:00, 11:45 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice3D (Action, Adventure) (PG12)-VIP LOUNGE 6:45 PM Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action, Adventure) (MX4D) (PG12) 5:45, 8:30, 11:15 PM Kung Fu Panda 3-3D (Animation) (PG) 3:15, 5:45 PM Eddie the Eagle-2D (Biography) (PG) Cast: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman 5:00 PM Ki & Ka-2D (Romance, Comedy) (15+) Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan 8:45 PM MR. Right-2D (Action, Comedy)(15+) Cast: Anna Kendrick, Tim Roth, Sam Rockwell 3:45, 9:30 PM MR. Right-2D (Action) (15+)-VIP LOUNGE Cast: Anna Kendrick, Tim Roth, Sam Rockwell 3:45, 9:30,11:30 PM The Boss-2D (Comedy) (18+)

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

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

20:50

Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Sur Sur

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

Fahud Yibal

Daily Daily

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

Marmul

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

06:00 14:30

Ruwi Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

07:00

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

15:00

Salalah

07:00

Daily

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Sardaar Gabbar Singh (Telugu) (Action) Cast: Pawan Kalyan & Kajal Aggarwal 10:00 PM Cinema Main From Friday: 3:00, 6:30 & 10:00 PM Cinema Main Darvinte Parinamam (Mal) (Comedy) Cast: Prithviraj & Chandini Sreedharan 3:00 & 6:30 PM Cinema Main\ 9:30 PM Cinema 2 From Friday: 3:30, 6:30& 9-30 PM Cinema -2 Thozha (Tamil) (Comedy \ Drama) Cast: Karthi, Nagarjuna & Tamanna 3:30 6:30 PM Cinema-2 From Friday: 6:45 PM Cinem -4 Action Hero Biju (Mal) (Act\ Comedy) 3:45, 6:45& 9:45 PM Cinema - 3 Maheshinte Prathikaram (Mal) (Comedy) 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema-4 From Friday: 3:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -4 Next Change: Thire (Tamil) Fan (Hindi) Programmes are subject to change

WITH LOVE

0

JOSEPH PAUL April 8, 2005

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

60-25%

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 17 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 lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

06:00 06:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100)

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) 12:00 18:45

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Minimum

STAR CINEMA

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

07:00

SALALAH Batman Vs Superman (3D) (PG12) (Action) Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams 6:25, 11:45PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) (PG) (Animation) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 1:00, 4:35PM Anti-Squad (2D) (15+) (Action | Drama) Cast: Jean Reno, Alban Lenoir 12:30, 4:35, 10:00PM Mr. Right (2D) (15+) (Action| Comed) Cast: Anna Kendrick, Tim Roth, Sam Rockwell 11:15AM, 3:00, 6:30, 11:55PM Before I Wake (2D) (15+) (Horror| Thriller) Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Thomas Jane 2:45PM Beeba Boys (2D) (15+) (Crime |Drama) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Ali Momen, Sarah Allen 2:35, 11:15PM The Boss (2D) (18+) (Comedy) Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell 12:30, 4:50PM Ki & Ka (2D) (PG12) (Romance | Comedy) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor 9:15PM Sardaar Gabbar Singh (2D) (PG12) (Telugu) Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Kajal Agarwal 7:00PM Darvinte Parinamam (2D) (PG12) (Mal) Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran 8:25PM

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

33 24

Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com Mr. Right (Action / Comedy / Romance) Cast: Anna Kendrick, Sam Rockwell, Tim Roth 2.00, 3.45 & 8.00 PM. CP No : 1094 (15+) Before I Wake (Horror / Thriller) Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Thomas Jane, 5.30, 10.00 & 11.55 PM. CP No: 1096 (15+) Beeba Boys (Crime / Drama / Thriller) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Ali Momen, Sarah Allen 10.00 & 11.55 PM CP No: 1093 (15+) The Boss: (Comedy) 2.00 & 6.00 PM CP No: 1095 (15+) The Boy and the Beast (Animation / Action) Cast: Bryn Apprill, Kumiko Aso, Morgan Berry 4.00 PM CP No : 1097 (PG) Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Action / Adventure / Fantasy) 7.15 PM. CP No: 375 (PG12)

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

BURAIMI Kung Fu Panda 3 (Animation |Action|) (PG) Voice Overs: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston 5:15PM Mr. Right -2D (Action, Comedy) (15+) Cast: Anna Kendric, Tim Roth, Sam Rockwell 3:45, 7:00, 11:30PM

BAHJA CINEMA

The Squad Aka (ANTI GANG) -2D (Action) TBC Cast: JeanReno, AlbanLenoir, Caterina Murino.

3:30, 7:15, 11:45PM The Dead Room-2D (Horror, Thriller) TBC Cast: Jed Brophy, Jeffref Thomas 5:30, 10:15PM Beeba Boys -2D (Crime, Drama) (15+) Cast: Randeep Hooda,Ali Momen,Sarh Allen.

9.00, 3.30, 5.30PM Darvinte Parinamam-2D (Mal) (PG12) Cast: : Prithviraj Sukumaran 7:30PM Ki &Ka -2D (Romance, Drama) (PG12) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor 11:00PM Sardaar Gabbar Singh-2D (Telgu)TBC Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Kajal Agarwal) 8:45PM

WEATHER

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

RUWI Screen 1 Ki & Ka (Drama/ Comedy/ Romance) –PG12 Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan 2.30, 8.30, 11.30 PM Kapoor & Sons (Drama / Family) –PG12 5.30 PM Screen 2 Kapoor & Sons (Drama / Family) –PG12 Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt 3.30, 9.00 PM Rocky Handsome (Action/ Thriller) –12+ Cast: John Abraham, Shruti Haasan 6.15, 11.45 PM Screen 3 Rocky Handsome (Action/ Thriller) –12+ 3.30, 11.45 PM Sardaar Gabbar Singh – Telgu (Action) PG12 Cast: Pawan Kalyan, KajalAgarwal 6.15, 9.00 PM

AZAIBA Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (3D) (Action |Adventure | Fantasy) (PG12) 3:15, 8:45, 11:30 PM Kung Fu Panda 3 (3D) (Animation) (PG) 3:00, 5:00 PM Beeba Boys (2D) (Crime) (15+) Cast: Randeep Hooda, Ali Momen, Sarah Allen 6:45, 11:45 PM Rocky Handsome (2D) (Action | Thriller) (12+) 3:30, 11:30 PM Ki & Ka (2D) (Romance | Comedy) (TBC) Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabha Bacchan 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, 10:15 PM Darvinte Parinamam (2D) (Action|Comedy) (PG12) , 6:00, 8:45 PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Destination

12.14pm 3.42pm 6.30pm 7.41pm 4.37am

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

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

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

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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 Apollo 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 Lifeline Hospital Salalah 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 International Hospital, Al Ghubra 22004000, 94267068/97049520 Al Hayat Clinic, Al Hail 22009455

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, APRIL 7, 2016

C7

LIFESTYLE

T I CAN INSPIRE

YOUNG WOMEN — RIHANNA

he 28-year-old Work singer received the Rock Star Award at the BET’s Black Girls Rock! ceremony in New Jersey recently and she used her acceptance speech to encourage her fans to love themselves.

“Thank you so much for celebrating us in a world that doesn’t celebrate us enough. The minute you learn to love yourself, you will not want to be anybody else,” she said.

“Role model is not the title they like to give me...But I think I can inspire a lot of young women to be themselves and that is half the battle. Hopefully one day I’ll be raising my own little black girl who rocks,” the singer added.

Founder and chief executive officer of Beverly Bond created Black Girls Rock! to highlight the achievements of black female pioneers in art, music, philanthropy, and community service.

“I believe God put us all here for a

Out to Make a Quick Buck SALEH AL SHAIBANY

SO TO SPEAK

W

e all agree that Oman has come a long way in terms of development.

Thousands of accolades have been showered on the country, but it is time we stopped in our tracks to look deeper.

Thin cracks begin to show on the gold bowl we live in. Moral issues are no longer important. Almost everybody is looking for an easy way, perhaps to make a quick buck or even break all the ethical codes to get things done. From individuals to big businesses, when the opportunity prevails, only few saintly souls can walk away from the temptations of filling their pockets from unmerited cash. But the rest walk on crooked paths strewn with greed, and they sink deeper on every step they take. There is

hard evidence everywhere.

Just the other day, a butcher at a leading regional supermarket was busy shoving meat through the grinder. It looked good as the minced meat dropped on the platter, until I took a closer look. What he was stuffing down the chopper was shocking. All the parts of the cow you would normally throw away if you cut up the beef in your own kitchen. He put a protective hand over the top to prevent me from seeing the rest. It was impossible for me to keep my mouth shut. I complained about it, but he shrugged his shoulders and said nothing. The beef was nicely packed in a presentable fashion and labelled ‘lean mince’. The unsuspecting customer would have no idea that he was buying junk meat.

In a food stall, a supermarket

would return everything in the freezer, defrost them the second day and sell them as ‘fresh.’ The same story with the thawed out fish or chicken. All this calls for independent regulatory bodies to monitor the retail trade. There are none here in Oman. You can buy microwave ovens or bathroom heaters that would explode on your face because nobody bothers to check the authenticity of the parts used to build them. Believe it or not, some of these electric appliances are assembled right here in the country.

These incidents happen all the time, and the people responsible get away with it because they are not reported. Or perhaps, we feel that if we report them, little action would be taken against the offenders.

You can overlook occasional tinned food that stays on the

shelves beyond their expiry dates.

These are genuine mistakes, and they are easily detected by observant eyes. What you cannot spot with a casual look is when they take you for an expensive ride that you cannot afford.

What amazes me is that it never worries their conscience. The lure of easy money overcomes their sense of right and wrong. It will continue to be so for a long time unless the authorities set up watchdogs to monitor business ethics. It should not be an eyewash when it happens. Regulatory bodies must have enough power to force changes.

If development has got rid of little corner shops or butchers that guaranteed fresh food, then it should make sure bigger chains operating in Oman abide by international norms.

In Europe or in the US, they cannot afford to be careless with their products. But here, they know the media is largely toothless when it comes to scrutiny of trade standards. Such incidents only travel by word of mouth. Large franchise chains receive a hundred thousand shoppers a week, according to their own released records. Wordof-mouth warnings are not fast enough to cover graft of this magnitude. That’s why we will continue to have occasional diarrhoea after some meals or buy an electric item that won’t work properly.

Role model is not the title they like to give me...But I think I can inspire a lot of young women to be themselves and that is half the battle.

Hopefully one day I’ll be raising my own little black girl who rocks

reason and we all have our purpose and we are here to fulfil our purpose individually,” Rihanna said. “I think the thing that’s kept me sane, the thing that’s kept me humble, the thing that’s kept me successful is being myself. I only know how to do that. This world is so big and it can be so confusing at times that you tend to forget and you tend to be so indented or tainted by society and the only thing that’s kept me going is being myself. And the minute you learn to love yourself you would not want to be anybody else.”

Earlier, Rihanna paid tribute to late Princess Diana in a rather unusual fashion choice. She was spotted over the weekend in a baggy black T-shirt with Diana emblazoned on the front and the title “Princess of Wales”, reported mirror.co.uk.

She matched the top, which included the royal’s birth and death years, 1961-1997, with a large leather jacket draped over her shoulders and thigh-high jean boots. — IANS

C8

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

LIFESTYLE

OF PLACE AND PLACES Omani-Indian artist Radhika Khimji’s solo show at Gallery Sarah brings together her photographic collages and sculptural works.

F

or Radhika Khimji, the notion of place brings to mind the image of a compass. A place acts as the stationary centre, around which the needle of the compass moves, circulating several places as they turn. One can belong to a place and many places simultaneously, roots can multiply and we as individuals are composed of many parts. To be of both place and places is to be a kaleidoscope, a jigsaw, a mosaic, a broken mirror.

One of the aspects of Radhika Khimji’s artistic practice is the search for landscape as a site for her sculptures to belong within.

Yet, there is a jarring impossibility of the two ever meeting here, as the collages remain on the gallery walls while her sculptures live in space: both are different and

therefore negotiate space differently. Sculptures perform different gestures and are tied together by wool incorporating wooden backgrounds as supports.

This particular body of sculptural work brings to attention gesture and how the body performs in space. The photo collages form the beginning of a new series entitled Across the Tropic of Cancer, based on research into the Kutchi communities of Oman, the place in India where the artist’s ancestors come from, their heritage and how they first arrived to Oman. In ‘Of Place and Places’ Radhika has used images of abandoned houses in Kutch as well as street scenes in Muscat in order to explore resonances and similarities between the two places. There is a sense of lacking, of absence, in both sites, and an emptiness that is in direct

contrast to the sculptures present in such close proximity within the same space.

Radhika graduated from the Royal Academy of Art in 2005.

Previous solo exhibitions include B-Sides at Nature Morte Gallery in India (2009), Safe Landings at Barka Castle in Oman (2010), Found Gesture at the Katara Art Centre in Qatar (2012). Her work was also part of the Jogja Biennale (2013), Fragments 2 at Gallery Sarah (2014), the 4th Ghetto Biennale, Port –Au- Prince, Haiti (2015) and more recently 6th Marrakesh Biennale, Marrakesh, Morocco (2016) and Art Dubai (2016).

Of Place and Places will be on display till April 20 from 9.30am till 6pm, Saturday till Thursday at Gallery Sarah at Bait Al Zubair.

Visit: gallerysarah.com Call: +968 2208 4747

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

VACANCY

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COMEX 2016 VISIT US AT STALL

N.O: 1629 Printers, Laptops & PC’s, CD’s, DVD’s & Flash Drives & Cartridges

All HP, Epson, Canon, Lexmark, Samsung Cartridges also available.

Ruwi: 24 792 792 Sohar: 2684 2420

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

Available on very GOOD prices

GOOD PRICE!!!

GOOD PRICE!!!

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RENT

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 6

SECTION

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CARGO

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T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

Top Finish New- Res-5 apartments- 2 bhk/maid room 550/450, 3 bhk- 550, 1 BHK-350 2. Al Kuwair New 3 bhk, posh. Kit.fur,s.pool-700, 3 bhk +maid,ind.villa-650/3. Wadi Kabir 1/2 bhk-250/300/350 4. Al Kodh Villa 5 Bhk- Compounded 550/5. Qurum(Comm) Sama Center-Brand New 114/122/129 sq.mt 6. Azaiba (Comm) 'h dĞĐŚ ďůĚŶŐͲ ͘ ͬ͘ŇŽŽƌŝŶŐͬĐĞŝůŝŶŐ

FOR RENT

1. Qurum

Tel: 24571962/63 Mob: 94289050/ 95495281 Email: samain009@yahoo.com

DĂĚŝŶĂƚ ^ƵůƚĂŶ YĂƐ ͗^ŚŽǁƌŽŽŵͬKĸĐĞ Ăƚ 'ƌŽƵŶĚ &ůŽŽƌ͕ ϯϰϬ ^Ƌ Mtr. Facing main Road HAR Complex MSQ : 2,3-BHK Flats and 2 & 3 BHK villas with

ͬ ͕ĐĂƌ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ͕ ^ǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ WŽŽů ;'ĂƚĞĚ ŽŵƉůĞdžͿ Qurum : 6 BHK villa with garden, split Acs, shaded car parks, servant rooms DĂďĞůůĂ ͗ Ϯ ,< &ůĂƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ;ďƌĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐͿ Darsait : 1 & 2-BHK Flats with AC & Shop Ruwi : 2-BHK & 3-BHK Flats and shops Al Amerat : 2 & 3-BHK Flat , 3 & 4-BHK Villa with A/C

For viewing please call 99466729, 99316410, 92841690, 91313271, 24694088 or email us on :hartc@omantel.net.om

FOR RENT Store space in Al Wattayah.

Contact 99382489 / 99263443

*Tourist visa arranged

OFFICES FOR RENT AT AZAIBA Prime location on service road (previously occupied by A'Saffa Foods) near Al Turky and Mazda showroom.

3 Rooms, 2 Toilets Flat for Rent. 18 November Street. Near Mars Hypermarket and The Chedi. Ghobrah -Good for Commercial or Residential use.

OMR 295/- month. Call 94477222 Office & 2B/R with 3 toilets directly from owner, near Dolphin Complex Bausher. Contact 92158031 Flat in Wadi Al Kabir 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 family hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms. Contact: 99277787 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabeer near India Primary School 2B & 1K. Contact: 92222922 150 Sq mtr available GF + MEZ Office + showroom + store location Honda road Ruwi. Contact: 99345044 / 91480682 Villa at Azaiba 7 rooms attach bath at 18th November road. Contact: 9224748 / 99332297 1BHK at Hamriya near Muscat Pharmacy & 2 BHK at Mawaleh near Mosque Sadiq Al Amin. Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Full furnished four apartment for rent in Sohar Falaj area, for Executives three room two bathroom, & kitchen contact 94150267 Warehouse for rent at Ghala Ind. Area. 800 & 2500 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways.

Contact : 94583320

Semi furnished 2 & 3 BHK flats at Bausher near Atlas hospital. #99348493 / 93200424 / 24502254 Studio flat for rent in Al Khoud R.O 150/- PM inc , W/E. #92815139 Flats in Darsait. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

- 2 BHK flat available directly from the owner, at Azaiba.

Contact: 99229263, 93221054, 95215289 Flat in Mumtaz 1 bedroom, hall, kitchen, toilet Way No. 3352 building no 3447 / 3668. Contact : 98003444 / 91979580

Flats in Wadi Kabir. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

2 bed rooms for family with split units with car parking shaded at Al Hail North. Contact: 92676707

Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35). #94051789 / 97201688

Luxury flat of 3 BHK in Al Watayah. RO 500/-#91776665

Flats in Muttrah. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

2BHK Wadi Kabir R.O 300/-. Contact: 92144045

Offices in Ghala. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346

Brand new villas in Al Ansab. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Mutrah.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Duplex villa in QURUM 29. Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud.

Contact 94051789 / 97201688 Flat for Rent 2 bed room Near ISM muscat Indian Scoole Dar sate Tel : 00 968 95158570 2Bedroom centrally air conditioned flat in CBD prime location.

Contact: 24714625 / 91173997 New flat for rent in Al Amerat, 2 bedroom, 1 dining room & 1 kitchen. Contact: 91141097

Sharing room available for single bachelor in Ghala. #91109790 Room for rent,1 bed room with separate toilet (in flat) for small family Qurum Mars hypermarket building. #95711449 or 96570147 1BHK near Medical Darsait R.O 175/-. Contact: 95076261 1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in Al Khuwair. #95154331 2 BR, 2 bath, a kitchen, a yard , with AC, separate enterance, AlKhuwair near Ibis hotel. PDC. RO 250 .. Call 97056443

3 Room with kitchen & Bathroom in Alkhuwair, short terms. #99792181

Room in Al Khuwair R.O 110/-.

Contact: 97799175

Readymade office space for rent (240sm) in Bank Melli Iran Building, MBD area, Ruwi, opposite Center point. Contact: 99011352

Flats in Qurum. Contact 94051789 / 97201688

Flat in Al Khuwair, bedroom, hall.

Contact : 91979580 / 98003444

Amazing flat of 2 BHK in Remal Building. RO 550/- #91776665

2 Bhk Flat in Alkhuwair. #99792181

Flat of 3 BHK in Al Ghobra South opposite Royal Hospital. RO 380/-.

Contact – 91776665 Clean flat of 2 BHK in Al Khuwair 33. RO 330/- Contact – 91776665 1 BHK flat with 1split and 1 window AC, next to Indian School Ghubra for rent at RO 270/-. Contact: 98867658 / between 4pm - 10pm Shops / flats available in Honda Road, Ruwi & Mabellah Industrial area. Contact 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569

Two bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman Oil of 18 November Street.

OMR 330 Monthly.#99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955.

Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580

1 Bed room, sharing K& T, R.O 100, 2 bedrooms , sharing K& T R.O 200/- in AL Khuwair. #95154331

2,200 sq mtr factory area & 800 sq mtr store with 8 accommodation rooms and 10 office cabins available for rent in Barka industrial area. Contact 91398381 / 80 / 78, email - agsan2005@gmail.com

Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair 33 RO.650/- contact 91776665

New flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports, Mumtaz area the flats includes, 1 living room, 2 bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets, every rooms with split A/C high quality finishing rent per flat is R.O 340/- . Interested candidates please#00968 92225523

Flat for rent 2 BHK 2 split A/C, 2 toilets, Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Masjid. #97007934 / 92629232

For rent and investment Land industrial shops in Rusayl.

Contact: 99323957 / 95490842

Flats, shops and basement in MBD area and Honda road.

Contact: 92433127/96291778/ 92589235/97293708

Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278

Four bedroom two floors luxurious and spacious residential villa in Al Hail North, near to the sea and Oman oil. Each room has its own bathroom. It has splits A/C’s and shaded car park. OMR 750 monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

2 BHK & 1 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house S/ AC. Contact: 97007934 / 92629232

3BHK in Qurum P.D.O high 350/Monthly. Contact: 99342661

02 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 /99795241

Dental chair and mobile dental X Ray for sale. Contact: 92737149

2 BR flats with 2Baths Kitchen Al Amerat Aster Hospital #99366142

New building Wattayah main road, showroom & office space. #94300909

Commercial flats of 3 & 2 BHK in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street RO.650/- & 450/- #91776665

Flat for rent, 3 bedrooms, kitchen & bathroom in wadi kabir for 260 RO. Contact : 97771444 New commercial Exhibition possible divided to shops in Sohar market close Bank Muscat.# 93305643 / 94734801

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE

LABOR CAMP FOR RENT With a capacity of 30-35 labors/staffs at Ansab near MOD. 6 Rooms, 1 Kitchen, Bus Parking, Storage Area, Toilets A/C's are fixed. RO. 550/Monthly

FOR RENT 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. Contact: 99342661 600 M2 showroom or office in Bousher in front of Dolphin complex. RO.3.5 per m2. Contact 91776665 Brand new 4 BHK villa in Al Fai compound Al Khoud. RO.475/-#– 91776665

Contact: 99887057/24125600 FOR SALE

Villa of 3 BHK and sitting area in Al Ghobra North. RO.525/- #91776665

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Mabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 165 Thousand.

CONTACT 99333479 or 95215360 or 97509955

Luxury and brand new semi furnished 2 BHK flat in Remalbowsher.

RO.550/- #91776665

A well running pharmacy for sale at prime location. Contact99627621, 93240949

Spacious 1 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with all split A/C’s and parking. RO.300/Contact – 91776665

Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430

2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Mus-

Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

cat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

Flat for rent 3 bedrooms + hall with split units air conditioning at Al Amerat near Aledl Mosque Ibn Sina road Al Mahaj house No. 105. #99312628 / 95098277 1BHK new bldg with A/C, Curtains near Khimji Mart MBD. Contact: 99061409 / 99024039

Urgent sale of steel scrap only serious buyers kindly #+968 96725423 for viewing the items.

HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

FOR SALE ACC. AVAILABLE Coffee shop for sale in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact: 92994415 Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808 / 97201688 Luxury Apartments in Boucher (35).

Contact 95056808 / 97201688 For Sale sophisticated office furniture used for 1 year. Contact: 90946764 Excavators 3nos (Hitachi 240/350, 2008/2013 model), Tipper 1 no. (Astra 2013 model). All are good condition, sell on the maximum offer.#98999503 / 99782930 / 98981112 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair.#92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 A well-established computer sales and service outlet is available for immediate release with or without stock and fittings, usable for same or different business. Locations: Ghubrah- busy street. Contact: 24499404/ 99368761/ 99491761 Furniture and other treatment items for Ayurvedic clinic. Contact: 97986525 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale # 99273774/ 99202278 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter. Photos can be sent 95865457

Room available semi furnished room with air conditioner cupboard and bed available for bachelor in good flat in Al Khuwair near Radisson Blue. #96930219 Fully furnished bachelor sharing at Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99325387 Available sharing accommodation, opposite Al Maya Wadi Kabir in 2 bedroom flat. #95470129 Furnished room with separate bathroom for Indian family or Executive bachelor, near Honda Road (Walja). Contact 99016546 OMR-130.for family/ladies in Darsait room w/AC, toilet & S/ kichen.95323562 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90. #96524717 2 room for rent bachelor Al Khuwair with A/C water & electricity, RO 115/95. Contact: 94843712 Furnished bedroom with attached bathroom available for working ladies or small family at Mabela near Nesto.

Contact: 92214060 Small old house for rent in Al Ghoubra. Contact : 97165972

ACC. AVAILABLE Room for rent available in a flat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba behind Al Meera Hypermarket with attached bath with cot & A/C , rent inclusive of water & electricity.

Contact 96404166 / 97433992 Sharing for Executive females at Mumtaz area. Contact: 97094797 2 bedrooms flat near Kuwait Masjid Wadi Kabir. #97608564 / 98498823 Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail. #96234708 Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen. Near Carrefour al-mawalah. #99336776 Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir. #97167857 Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan village.#93687466 Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. CONTACT 96202458/96761960 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir Contact 93049849 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested pleasecontact 92680041 Mr. Altaf

FOR HIRE Hiab truck, payload 10 ton, unloading boom 2 ton, available on monthly rent. Contact Mb. 94052819, Email: mmanjani8@ gmail.com Grader, roller, bobcat, JCB 3CX, JCB 4CX with breaker & water tanker for rent.#93218705 / 24478450

DRIVING

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman. com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steambath, obesity, spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact:24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

GOOD NEWS 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

MATRIMONIAL Kerala Christian Marthoma boy from Adoor, working in Oman MBA graduate seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 99852167 Mumbai settled Hindu Ezhava parents invite proposals for their son MBA 29 years 5.9 Star Bharani working with a reputed company in Muscat Contact 91235911.

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

MATRIMONIAL Nair boy 31 /175 cms working in Muscat Pooram star wants suitable bride. Contact : 95501263 Malankara Catholic Male Nurse (28) from Thiruvalla working in Nizwa Private Co. Alliance invites parents/nurses working in Oman. #968 98267338, 0091 9287215726 Indian male Roman Catholic 40yrs divorcee working in Muscat.

Seeks suitable alliance from widow/ divorcee/ single. contact 96059801.

D4

T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR OMAN For a reputed construction company - CIVIL ENGINEER:-1 (8 YEAR EXP)

- ACCOUNTANT:- 1

- ELECTRICIAN:- 4

- PLUMBER:- 3

- TOWER CRANE OPERATOR:-1

- MASSON:- 3

- SHUTTERING CARPENTER:-5

- STEEL FITTER:- 5

- HELPER:-20 Interested candidates please apply online by sending your cv to E-mail:-inam.con.co@gmail.com Contact no:-24566986 ..fax :-24566754

DRIVER WANTED Urgently required

Indian Muslim driver for an Omani family.

Contact – 98283633 24707088

URGENTLY REQUIRED For a reputed Food Stuff whole seller and Catering Supplier.

1. SALES EXECUTIVE- 01 NO 2. ACCOUNTANT- 01 NO Minimum 3 years experience in same field. Salary negotiable, good communication skills, driving license is must for Sales Executive.

Interested candidates may please forward their CV’s to:

nft49@yahoo.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

MEDICAL

Looking for a young dynamic Accountant with knowledge of AX Package for a multinational shipping company. Email your CV to: shippingseas@yahoo.com

Lab Technician, Omani Female PRO cum Receptionist, Male Receptionist cum Insurance Coordinator, Specialist Doctor Radiologist, General Practitioners, Cont.95220350, bmdcsg@yahoo.com

BEAUTICIAN Very urgently required a Gulf experienced professional Hair dresser cum beautician (lady) for a reputed beauty salon. Immediate appointment visa available.

Contact: 99816262 /98557585 Fax: 24796211 Email: skin.hair. makeup@gmail.com Required Pedicurist, Manicurist lady urgently, experience should not be less than two years. Salary: RO 170 + commission, location Muscat Grand Mall, Nationality : Filipina, Tickets : every 2 years, medical Transport & accommodation company provided. Applicant must be in Oman & can join immediately. Contact: 00968 99475599 / 00968 96447037

DOMESTIC HELP HOUSEMAID for Indian family of 4 only. Visa and all other benefits will be provided as per the law.

Contact 92725141.

Wanted house boy for an Indian doctor family. Interested may contact 94765020.

DRIVER Wanted driver. Contact :91025698

ENGINEER/MECHANIC. Site Supervisor with knowledge (Civil/Elect Diploma) in reading Site Drawing for excavation. Call 91396893 Email CV excavation330@ gmail.com Required urgently for Mechanical Engineer, B.E / Diploma having good experience in Automobile & Engineering workshop. #98919238 Email: nnoel1977@gmail.com A well reputed building material & contracting Company in Oman is looking for staff: Project Manager (more than 10 yrs experience), Engineer (more than 5 years of experience), Purchase Manager (more than 10 yrs of experience). Contact: 99808868 Email: amtcbarka@gmail. com Decoration Company looking for Interior Design Engineer with experience in 3D and Supervision. Send your CV with the design which you have done and after the implementation. Email: alrih16@hotmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently required MOH licensed Lab technician, Dietitian and Nurse for a reputed center at Azaiba. Please contact: 92724345 / 91960401 Urgently required Pharmacist & MOH licensed female Dentist for a reputed polyclinic. Send CV : manageribnalhaitham@yahoo.com or contact 96721709.

Wanted a dentist in Seeb. Contact: 99722457/ 92306398 Required Gynecologist, Lab technician, X Ray technician. #99030773 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Nurse required for a dental clinic in Al Khuwair. Contact 95114616

Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.#95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com

JOB VACANCY An ISO 9001 certified & ASME accredited Oil & Gas Equipment Manufacturing Company in Muscat requires the following personnel ¾Manager- Business Development / Sales & Marketing: Result orientated preferably engineering graduate with minimum 10 years of work experience in the Oil & Gas (Upstream & Downstream) sector in Oman or the Middle East region. Candidate should have desirable experience in the sales of process equipment and skid mounted packages for the oil & gas industries.

Interested candidate may forward the CV within 7 days to E-mail: hromienfab@gmail.com / FAX No: 00968-24446179

SKILLED LABOUR Reputed contracting company requires following: Q.S swimming pool (auto cad exp), pool technician and pool cleaners. Minimum 5 years Gulf experience preferred. Contact: asdekamuscat@gmail.com Required A/C Technicians, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Painters, General Helpers. Contact 94147874 / 24504281. Email : globalaccessunited@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available. CONTACT 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement. #90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, Graduated with specialization in Accounting 2 years experienced C.A.CPT completed. #94628086 / 97315091

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934

Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact 97712084

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian female 25 looking for Accountant / Admin job having 5 years experience in Audit, Accounts and Admin departments presently on family visit visa. Contact : 95656455

Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers. Candidates with Omani driving license preferred. #99273774/99202278

SALES / MARKETING A Leading company selling printing consumables looking for Sales Executive. Preferred candidate with experience in selling digital wide format printing consumables & offset printing consumables and with Omani driving license. Send CV to hrgmuscat@gmail.com Urgently required Sales Executives, Operations Executive import & export, for a reputed freight forwarding company in Muscat candidates with Oman D/L and minimum 2 yrs experience in similar field preferred. Interested candidates may send C.V to recruitment.oman@yahoo.com Wanted Restaurant Supervisor with a flair for marketing with driving license. #95485151 A reputed organization requires an experienced expatriate lady Marketing Manager with valid Oman D/L for marketing luxury products.

Contact: 24212307 or send CV with a current passport size photo to Email: awadiest@omantel.net.om Note: Only candidates who have NOC can apply.

Required Sales Executive : 2-3 years of outdoor sales experience in spare part., Indian, Male 25 to 35 year age. Diploma holder in any discipline “ mechanical engineer preferred”. Email: mohammad.jwabreh@bearingcitysc .com Tel: 24509477 Fax: 24509312 Urgently Required a Self motivated sales person for a leading Printing & advertisement Co. Minimum 5 Yrs exp with valid Omani/GCC Driving License. contact 99412020, 95728453, Email: Baharalsuwaihara@gmail.com Required Sales and Marketing Manager must possess excellent communication skills. Fluent English speaking, Arabic speaking is preferred. Minimum of 2 years of professional experience.

Candidates are requested to send their CVS to polyplas@omantel. net.om

SKILLED LABOUR UPVC windows & doors factory operator with Gulf exp. Contact: 99010141 Email: mazin@alsahib.net

Indian male well experience in accounts, Admin & ERP Tally 9 looking for a suitable vacancy NOC available.

Contact: 92650835` Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts, project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job. contact 93953613 , Email allen.mathew83@ gmail.com Indian male 34 years MBA finance & marketing 7 years experience in Indian accounts / Administration currently in Muscat on family visa. Contact: 98104991 Email: sureshkr01@ gmail.com Omani college girl looking for Accountant work in Muscat, no experience. Contact: 98298722 Part time Accountant up to finalization. Contact: 91126314 Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience ready to join immediately. Contact: 98263394 Male CA finalist B.Com having 5 years experience with big four audit firms looking for suitable job on visit. Contact: 92230543 Email: m.naveednaseer@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT.WANTED

A young dynamic post graduate with 2 years work experience in business operations looking for suitable placement. Contact 98564880 or maccmuscat@gmail. com

Jordanian Senior Accountant 15 yrs experience in Oman finance & accounts. Contact : 92881223 CA finalist Indian with 7 years experience having D/L & NOC looking for Senior Accountant / Chief Accountant position. #98097009 Email: rameesnm@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs B.Com, TallyERP9 with one year exp seeking for suitable placement. Now on visit visa.Contact:94469269 SAP, Tally and Peach tree experienced male/25 with 5 years experience in Audit and accounts. Available in Oman for suitable placement.

Contact 97190575 Indian female, MBA Finance, HR having 2 years experience as an Administrative Officer with Computer skills, now on visit visa, looking for suitable job. #93235507 / 90649533 Indian male, 22 years of experience in finance dept is looking for a suitable placement, valid Oman D/L & release available , ready to join in short period. Contact : 99641119 Indian, Executive with 5+ years experience in HSBC etc, done with MBA, M.Com, DMM, M. Phil seeks a suitable position. Contact: 90369540 Email: abilashraji@gmail.com Indian female 32, MBA Finance, 7 yrs of experience in one of the leading bank in India in Treasury(in FX, derivatives and money market), Risk and Asset Liability Management , with valid Oman D/L seeking suitable placement contact 92206513 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement. contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Indian Female recently pass out BBA+MBA (Dual degree) International Business and Finance, looking for suitable opportunities, presently in Muscat on family Visa. #+968-95907828.

Email : stuti28sinha@gmail.com Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately. contact 98263394 10 yrs of Oman experience capable of handling large accounts, looking for suitable placement in senior sales / business development position. Contact : 98987654

ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. #99284193

M.B.A male looking for immediate Placement in Accounts,Valid GCC Driving License Mob.94625495 Indian male B.Com having 14 years experience seeking for suitable position in accounts handling, stores, sales logistics, banking sectors.

Contact: 96417641 Email: nileshsuares@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT.WANTED

Indian male M.Com with 3 yrs Oman exp with valid D/L and NOC on visit visa looking for suitable jobs in Accounts and sales. Contact: 94744575

BBA finance experience 2 years Assistant accountant 24 years, 2 years stay visa. Contact: 93150918

Chief Accountant well experienced with reputed group available for immediate joining. Contact : 98803439 / 97413784.

Contact : 93392630 Send CV on muslimatservices@gmail.com

ADMIN

BBA finance 2 years experience Accountant looking for jobs accountant 2 years stay visa. Contact: 90291297

M. Com Accountant 3 years experience, 3 Star hotel Tamil Nadu Indian immediately available. Contact : 92831400 / 96051737

- For Hotel Staff, Construction Staff, Medical, Gas & Oil Staff.

- Free recruitment - free tickets, accommodation, work visa, contract for 2 (two) years.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Fresher 24, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with Oman driving license. contact - 92430152 Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com

Indian male: B.Com. with 4 years experience in Tally ERP Accounts, Ready to join immediately for Accounts, Store & Sales. Contact: 94813962, Email:rajeshkumawat166@gmail.com

CANADIAN CO.- FREE CONSULTANCY FOR LEGAL JOB

Indian male 32, looking for Admin Assistant, Sales job having 9 years of Sales / Admin experience in Muscat. NOC available. #95116586 MBA HR & logistics Indian male currently on 2 months visit having experience on Admin / HR activities looking for Admin / Management / Non – Management / HR related jobs. Contact: 90653264

Indian, 20 years experience in Oman as personal assistant / office manager / administrator seeks change of job with release 99168054, mbkishore@hotmail.com Omani National looking for a suitable placement in Sales or Administration. Contact: 94700691

Revit autocad d/man , diploma cert attsd. exp salary 200-acco. ph: 9227 9784

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please contact 96489798, (+974) 66653780.

2D autocad Drafting (free lancer / part time) arch, MEP, Shopdrawing.

Contact : 97103168

Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784

Indian male, 31 yrs, 8 yrs experience in Oman as Admin Officer in a contracting firm with valid D/L seeks suitable placement. #97841805

Available camp boss visa transfer rable with Oman driving licen 15 years exp. Contact: 98335796 /99328223

MBA Graduate with 2 years experience in HR and general Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 98820248 Email: sm24blue@gmail.com

Bangladeshi male light driver exp 16 years need job. Contact: 99165961

Indian male 30 yrs, 6 yrs experience in Office Oman work at MBA (H.R & organizational behavior), BSc Food technology (food science & Quality control). Contact: 97632020 Teacher female 27 yrs, MCA 5 yrs experience in teaching in India currently on visit visa seeking for a suitable placement. Contact: 96709509 Email: viyannifd@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817 Indian male 26 yrs MCA, 2 yrs experienced in System Admin & data base controller. Contact: 92835125 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position. Contact: 90196235

DRIVER

Driver 3/6 years experience, I have 2 years experience out door sales man in led light, Pakistani, Oman experience 6 years. Contact: 94565993 / 92627855 Available L.M.V driver with 2 years exp. Contact: 94603496 / 96573622 Light Duty Driver with 2 yrs exp. in Muscat seeks placement. Contact: 91659265 Driver Indian 15 yrs Oman experience light vehicle. contact 98023050 Driver having experience in Embassy seeks suitable placement in Sales or driving, NOC available.

Contact: 92191698 Light Duty Driver, exp 1.5 years, Language knowing English, Arabic & Urdu seeks placement Contact: 96011572 / 94484181 Family driver available. contact 92943094

Young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O, CLERK Helper Supervisor Admin Supervisor, H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license, looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 B.Com 3 years business process outsourcing. Contact: 94657273 Indian male, MBA with 3 years GCC experience seeks job in Muscat. Posses Valid Oman D/L. Currently under visit visa and can join immediately.

E mail : tssavad@gmail.com contact: 00968 98896847

DOMESTIC HELP Indian female 34 yrs single, 12 yrs exp in Oman presently working in Nursery baby sitter (Nany) in Muscat, looking a job visa + ACC, NOC available. Contact: 96516743 / 98802081

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN

Indian male 3 years experience in IT as Linux Administrator at Wipro Technologies with handson experience in Amazon EC2 & Oracle Virtualization looking for a suitable placement. #92889678 Email: amalpathikal@gmail.com

Autocad, revit (arch) 3d, dip civil engg (cert attested) exp salary :250 OMR. Contact : 9227 9784

Indian male, 25, 4+ years of experience as an Office Administrator looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92600859

ADMIN Indian male with 26 yrs exp 1.5 yrs in Oman in HR / Office / Administration/ Sales/ seeking for suitable placement. #93112346, Email: sibyambadan70@gmail.com

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN

3D & Multimedia Designer looking for job, currently using family visa. Contact : 95844940 Email: chrisrimas@yahoo.com

Seeking job 17 years Oman experienced MEP draftsman. Contact: 91110270

Pakistani male light vehicle driver with 5 years experience looking for job. Contact: 92171166 Looking for light driver. contact 99753474

ARCHITECT Architect exp.7 years, 4 years in GCC Architectural design interior sites 3D Max AutoCAD, Photoshop.

Contact: 93238813 Email: mohammedbardab@gmail.com INDIAN male Architectural technician diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

EDUCATION/TRAINING Experienced teacher looking for job M.Com B.Ed. Contact 97948330 nubinafaizal@gmail.com Teaching or companies or training centers. chemical laboratory analysis acquired knowledge of laboratory and chemical safety Sudan university of science and technology. #90644755. rehammrwan04@gmail.com

Electrical Draughtsman (Diploma), Indian Male having more than 8 years’ experience (4 years in Oman). NOC available.

Contact 93957480, 96903942.

Email : dennydavid007@gmail.com

Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact : 99739415 / 92091528

CAD Technician Looking for Job Diploma holder. experience: 5.5,Oman,Total12 years.

Mob:96534071 tayyab341@ gmail.com

Indian male 38 years B.Ed (English) MBA (HR), 8 years experience as English, Business Studies Teacher, currently in Oman on visit visa, #96982726, shiljujohn@gmail.com

Math Teacher 30 years experience IGCSE, A& AS IB Bilingual. Contact: 98016336

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Sales & Marketing specialist with 16 yrs experience in Oman in MNC retails telecom lubes construction related industry handled various projects, holding valid Oman driving license, release available.

Contact 96960991 EDUCATION/TRAINING Indian female 29 yrs MSc, MED science on family visa 2 yrs experience in teaching field looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 93717403 Email: sharipanidcer08@ gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer, 6 yrs experience with Omani driving license, local release available. Contact: 91693008 An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available.

Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Civil Engineer 11 yrs exp in construction field having Oman driving license & NOC. Contact – 94194399 / shiblyrock@gmail.com

Indian male, MCA

Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available. #96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa. # 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+Diploma Safety+NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement, Mob:97061817, Email:jayanammu1977@gmail.com Indian female Quantity Surveyor Civil 11 years experience, local release available NOC.#95719108 Email: jishashibunair@gmail.com Graduate civil Engineer having 19 years Gulf experience seeks immediate employment in reputed firms in Muscat, NOC available. Contact: 99446786 / 93251306 NDT / QA / QC Supervisor / Radiographer DAE Mechanical piping- vessel LPG Bozer Storage tank inspection experience 10 years. #96954202 Email: nasirarain86@yahoo.com BE Mechanical Engineer, 6 years experience in piping & structural work release available. Contact: 96115463 Email: jijoraju085@yahoo.com Civil Engineer 6 years experience.

Contact: 90183630 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, on visit visa looking for job, who has done certification courses in quality control, basic pipeline engineering, ASNT NDT Level II, also good knowledge in HVAC. Contact:94743373 Email:akasharavind1@gmail.com

An experienced Chartered Accountant

Contact 92319677, Email : ismabsc@gmail.com

Contact - 92789995

Contact-93361624, Email-

Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

dheerachpadikkala@gmail.com

96491030

MEDICAL

SALES / MARKETING

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male with 5 yrs experience in CCTV (AV Technician) & 4 years experience as Supervisor / Billing section on visit visa now. #93570126 Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.#94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com DAE Civil engineering profession surveyor experience 3 years, 2 years in Pakistan, 1 year in Oman road experience. Contact: 94791214 DAE Civil engineering profession surveyor experience 5 years, 2 years in Oman 3 years in Pakistan road and building experience. #90334894

visit visa looking for job, who has done certification courses in quality control, basic pipeline engineering, ASNT NDT level II, also good knowledge in HVAC. Contact:94743373 email:akasharavind1@gmail.com Electrical Engineer having 5 years experience in the field of managing , supervising , testing & commissioning of Electrical distribution & substation projects. Contact: 92322906/90377916 Email: mshameerbm@gmail.com Senior Civil Engineer with NOC 20 years experience in infrastructure , utilites, Roads and buildings seeking job preferably in consultants or senior level in contracting available on immediate basis. Contact 92141592 Diploma in civil M/ 32 Indian keralite 2 years experience as site Engineer at Muscat with D/L Seeking civil job. Contact: 97914623 B.E Mechanical with Automotive & Industrial Maintenance specialization -11 yrs exp in Oman with Driving license. Seeks suitable job on release in Oman. Contact 92880593 Civil Engineer (B. Sc) Iraqi looking for job with 2 years experience in the practical field & design, professional use engineering programs fluent in English valid driving license.

Contact : 90187915 Email: alhasan. kh@live.com Diploma in Civil Engineering 13 yrs exp with valid Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact : 99612163 Indian female, 25 yrs M.Tech Structural Engineer 3 yrs experienced in Analysis design & RCC structures seeking for suitable placement.contact 97163040 / 96357196 Indian female Project Engineer 15 yrs experience in Project Management Quality database management data analytics marketing business development haying Omani driving license seeks suitable placement presently on family visa having Omani experience. Contact : 95783792 Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 ph : 9227 9784 Indian female 23 years Mechanical Engineer with 1.5 year’s experience looking for suitable jobs. Also interested in Sales & Marketing. Contact: 94743992 Email: selveena054@ gmail.com Electrical Engineer 6 years experience in Oman experience in MEDC / MZEC Projects. Contact: 91249329

Electronic Security System Tech C.C.T.V telephone presently working in Oman with NOC. Contact: 99803912 Email: bijumonjk1@gmail. com

Male QC inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L , release available. # 91001104

B. Tech mechanical Engineer having 8+ years exp having Omani driving license seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97841963

Indian male 23 Mechanical Engineer (B.E) residing in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 98530806 / 99362006

In Oman since 2010 March, building site supervisor with Oman D/L looking for suitable placement. Contact: 91507828

Indian female 24 yrs B.Tech (CSE) having 1 year experience in PHP Programming seeking suitable jobs.

Also interested in teaching, available on family visa. contact 98676713

B. Sc Civil Engineer 27 yrs, Oman experience as Project Manager, Structural Engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC / local transfer available. Contact : 99349578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com

Indian History graduate with diploma in Safety with valid Oman Driving licence seeks suitable placement.

seeking suitable placement anywhere in Oman, now on visit visa.

(Post Graduate) fresher

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, on Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation and utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres), holding valid Oman D/L.

Indian female (M. Tech, Power system) having Gulf experience seeking suitable placement in Oman currently in family visa. Contact: 94306164 / 91001194

Syrian Civil Engineer Graduate 2012 with Oman experience with license. Contact : 92967785 An Electrical engineer with 4+ yrs of experience in Electrical network (MT, LT) with professional computer skills seeking for work.

Contact: 99841736 / 93955381/ +149922698343 Email: e.kmmh@hotmail.com Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 2 years experience, fire fighting HVAC on visiting visa. Contact : 95630047 Indian male (23), completed B.E Electrical and Electronics Engineering have no experience and studied MEP, E-CAD AutoCAD P6 now on family visa looking for a desirable job. Contact: 98209070 Email: panivinlal@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer holding bachelor with 2 years of experience in Oman have valid driving license and residency with NOC looking for job. Contact: 94393880 Male QC Inspector Mechanical, NDT 20 years experience valid Oman D/L, NOC available. contact 91001104 Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. contact:98921022 Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com Electrical & electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit. PH:93837973 Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. #96570891 Network Engineer CCNA-MCSA exp computer science with NOC. Contact : 92346191

IT INDIAN FEMALE, 23 years, BSCCS Diploma in IAD graphics, well knowledge in computer applications 6 months experience presently in Sohar seeking suitable placement. Contact: 96670907.

Email: ammuch.4@gmail.com IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India. #94672759 Female 24 yrs, 3 years in IT programmer now in Oman looking for suitable job. Contact: 96350234 24 years Indian male B.SC (computes science) with 2 years of networking and IT help desk support experience with Cisco certification seeking a suitable placement. Contact 96910605 Email: shaikzube@ gmail.com Indian male B.Com Graduate seeks suitable position in Computer networking & IT support with 4 years of experience. Contact: 91282879 Email: ryazrh@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs B.Sc Computers Science, 3 yrs work experience in Computer hardware & networking & CCTV, telephone system looking for job (NOC) available. #93243372 Sudanese Network Engineer holding IT Bachelor with 1 year experience CCNA, CCNP, MCSA certified have valid driving license. #92394485 INDIAN FEMALE COMPLETED M.C.A seeking for suitable jobs. Contact: 91409481 / 97308719

PROJECTS HSE OFFICER having more than 10 yrs experience with D/L. NOC available. GSM:97881216/97131913.

Email:dipubenny@gmail.com

Indian female dentist specialized Endodontist looking for a suitable placement, prometric completed.

Contact: 96410448 Indian female (MSC – Microbiologist) seeking suitable job. #96791162 / 90618567 Indian lady Dentist with MOH License and Gulf experience looking for a job. Contact: 96698073.

Male job Nurse MOH license PDO familiarization8 yrs experience in Oman, release letter. #99385197 Email: waqar1010@gmail.com Indian Bsc Female Nurse with 6.5 years exp, 4 years in KSA. Passed Oman Pro Metric with 69%, completed data flow. Presently in Muscat in visit visa looking for a suitable placement. #94744900, 94742834, jincyalphonese@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin, Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Holding Oman Driving license. Looking for suitable placement. #99709336 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment. Call: 95244761

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED LABOUR S.T.P Operator 20 years experience in Oman. Contact: 93089468

with over 25 years in varied industries, presently working with a reputed group in Muscat, looking out for a suitable change.

Indian male: 24 years, diploma in computer science and B.E(CSE) having experience in hardware and networking seeking for the suitable job. Contact: 91170912, Email id: sales2@witoman.com

M.B.A (MARKETING) with 1 year of FMCG Sales Experience in Oman looking for immediate joining in the same industry, Salary Negotiable Mob.94625495

Filipino Male, 24 Years Old.. looking for job, have experience in Cargo & Logistics/ Rent a Car/ Real Estate/ Finance & Accounts/ customer service and as Travel Agent. Hard working and with good computer and communication skills having Omani driving license. GSM: 95370052

Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Contact No 95792820 Indian male 40 yrs SSLC, PDC knows MS Office & Tally 1 year Oman experience in Accounts & 2 yrs marketing experience valid Oman D.L. NOC available seeks suitable placements in marketing. contact 92409891 Email: danomon@yahoo.co.in

General/Divisional Manager MEP & Civil, MBA Operation, BE Electrical, 10 years experience in Oman & 10 years in India. Valid DL, release available. GSM. 92447102 Purchase/Planning & Logistics Manager MBA (Finance), 14yrs. Oman Exp. with D/L, NOC available, looking for suitable position.#93826090, jskanchan01@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 40 yrs degree &

diploma in logistics 16 yrs experience (6 yrs GCC ) in storekeeping and inventory control with computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement NOC available. Contact 98966849 / 96186573

SALES / MARKETING Indian male, 5 yrs exp in marketing & trading (Oman), dealt with International companies & product also having good knowledge in logistic and Admin with D/L & car, NOC available.

Contact 93639385 Email: faizenqidwai@gmail.com Indian male, completed bachelor of business management with 2 years of work experience, currently on visiting visa in Oman and seeking suitable placement for immediate joining. #94647421 35 years male, Lebanese holding British passport, 10 years of experience in procurement, Omani Government tenders, setup marketing plans & strategies, importing, Organizing events, management, have car, NOC available. Contact: 94123939 Email: 002015r@gmail.com Sales Executive seeking suitable placement Oman driving license.

Contact 93533786 Sudanese looking for a suitable job holds the safety and health of OSHA certificate and computer exp. in Sales & safety and health (HSE). Contact: 91318822

Indian male auto cad draughtsman (civil) 8 years experience, seeking for part time job. mobile no: 0096899070584. email: remluvp@gmail.com Civil Engineer (roads and structures) Education B. Tech Civil Engineering with honours experience more than six years.

Contact no 91431483 ,Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com

HOSPITALITY Indian male B.H.M graduate 12 years exp in hospitality industry G.C.C license release available looking for suitable post in hospitality or F.M.C.G. Contact: 94525463

TOURS & TRAVEL Filipina lady having exp in ticketing and preservation, call center, secretarial and real estate is now looking for job please call.94054080

MISCELLANEOUS

Egyptian male 36 years Warehouse Manager, 7 years in Sultanate of Oman, 1 year in UAE, and 3 years in Egypt. Contact: +968 97200468 Email: ayman_mano1979@yahoo.com

PROCUREMENT OFFICER, Indian-Male 34yrs,M.Com with 14 yrs work Exp. (8 yrs in Oman) working in Construction Co LLC( for ROAD,CIVIL,ELECTROMECHANICAL & Others Projects ) and having valid LT D/L, NOC available & ready to join within a monthM:94064650,Email: nagauae@gmail. com

Young Indian male 24 yrs having 4 yrs marketing & sales experience in Oman looking for suitable placement holding valid driving license. Contac: 96913806 Email: shuhaibrajesh@gmail.com

MANAGER Male Manager Resource planning Oman experience 11 years in Purchase Accounts, HR local release available. Contact: 98895039 Email: binulukechacko@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 ,5 year experience in HR .Contact : +968 91467576.

NOC available, Indian Male - MBA (HR) and B.E (E.I.E) with total 9 years of experience in HR & Admin and Business Development (3 yrs of Gulf exp.) can join immediately - 91240251 / kvaradhan@hotmail. com M. Sc Computer Science – 2 year Experience – in India, looking suitable Placement. Email:-elvisgt6@ gmail.com, Mob:-+91 9497482305 (INDIA), Oman:-98291626.

Indian, 30 years, B. Com with 2 years Oman experience in Tally ERP-9 available in Muscat seeking suitable positions. # on 95186652 Indian male B.Tceh (ECE) MBA (HR) 2 years experience CCNA, CCNP, MCSE looking for suitable job , presently on employment visa release available. #95584814 Email: syedllizarat7@gmail.com Indian civil Engineer BE, with 16 years of Industry experience in design , Quantity surveying , billing looking for suitable job. #90302823 Email: prince.n@engineer.com ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN Indian/male/24Yrs,Bsc.Electronics & Comm, 1.7 Years experience as Service Engineer in India, On visit Visa, looking for a suitable placement. Contact : 92794176, Email:prathyushkp9@gmail.com B-tech Civil with honours, Civil Engineer (structures) Experience more than six years. #91431483. Email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger NEBOSH, IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE. CONTACT-krish.569@ gmail.com #+91 9867016808 Indian male Network cabling technician ( 19-years gulf experience) seeking for suitable placement.

Contact : 0091-8089909265 (India), Email: mohithavp@gmail.com Indian Pediatric consultant, md with 20 years experience and wife gynecologist md with 15 years plus experience seeking opportunities with reputed hospitals in Muscat. deemaild@gmail.com 14 years experienced light driver with valid Oman license looking for suitable job. Contact 99442481

Indian male 6 years exp in different field, with valid Oman driving license. Languages known Hindi, English, looking for any job(Driver for executives). Contact 98696795 HSE Engineer,Indian male, 4 Plus years Experience in Oil & Gas .Working in Shclumberger.

NEBOSH,IOSH, & NDT Certified, M Tech in HSE, #krish.569@gmail. com Mobile- +91 9867016808 Indian male B.A degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 years experience as restaurant & catering manager in Oman & Saudi with V/L Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact : 92100141 MBA Graduate (Indian male 26 years) having 2 years experience in Qatar as admin assistant looking for suitable placement. Contact 93041141 Email: mahinmehboob@ gmail.com Indian female, MBA with 9 yrs of experience in finance & procurement currently on family visa looking for suitable position in finance & supply chain. Contact 95622568 Draughtsman, 15 years’ experience, Indian male currently in Oman looking for suitable position.

Gsm – 95358115, 96977289, Email : pillairp41@gmail.com Chief Accountant 25 years experienced looking for part/ full time accountant job. Contact: 95598477 / 98803439 Indian Female living in Ghubra Muscat near Emirates Shopping Center. 20 years of experience in Teaching. Able to handle all subjects till grade 6. Need suitable job.

Contact- 94406552 PART TIME ACCOUNTANT available, well experienced in accounting up to finalization. knowledge in tally also. contact. 92643875 MBA Marketing, 10 years in marketing, consulting strategy, corporate communications, content management, UX , Product launch, digital marketing. Indian female on visit. Contact : 95431357 Indian 32 years passed M.A. English , M.Sc Psychology and B.Ed in English having 4 years experience in teaching searching suitable job.

Contact: 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Indian male,16 years Oil & Gas experience ( Down Hole Tools ), 3 years in Oman, Dip. Mechanical Engineer, Having D/L and NOC. Email – jajisuni@yahoo.com, Mob : 965 956 18.

Bangladeshi Male, University MA, Working as Store In-charge cum Logistic Manager in Muscat; searching better job.

Phone:91997605. email: mohamednazrulislam2@gmail. com 8 plus years of experience in Events /Marketing Communication /conferences / Trainings / Media representation. Having UAE D/L. seeking Suitable Placement: Contact: 95792820. suheal.ma@ outlook.com

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T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi earn in two months

tion guaranteed

Tel: 95244310 Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Kĸ ĐĞ ďŽLJƐ͕ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͕ 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ĞƚĐ͘ ů DƵĚĂŬŚŝƌ EĂƟ ŽŶĂů Ɛƚ͘ >> ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ͗ ϵϰϮϳϳϬϮϬ

SITUATION WANTED SIT.WANTED

NRI

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Male,Kerala,B.COM & B.PE having 13Years of Physical Education Teacher experience. Currently on visit visa Looking for a suitable job. Contact:- 968 94106834. email:-akhilrajkj@gmail.com.

Sudanese male, 5 years experience in warehouse management and logistics services#90644186 14 years experience in 5 star hotel as sales manager in UAE & INDIA on tourist visa looking for suitable opportunity please contact mobile # 91305978 Admin Assistant. Having 5 years experience in admin department in reputed companies, presently working in Muscat (NOC Available). GSM. 00968-98404122, Email - panduru.jeevankumar@ gmail.com BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com Indian Female on a visit visa having master degree seeking suitable placement in any field, 1 and half year experience in HR .Contact : +968 91467576 .

Experienced B.Com graduate + IATA Diploma holder looking for Accounts/Admin/Travels related job. Mob. 91142997. NOC available.

Indian Female, 24 MA Eng. Litr with 2 yrs experience in teaching & 14 months in Administration cum Secretary, Currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92613704/99260702, Email:rohinis2010@gmail.com 2 years experienced male seeking job related to safety. M. Tech in HSE, MSc in Environmental Science and IOSH certified. #94653264

Sri Lankan Male 34 BSc. (Physics) 5 years experience as a site manager and administration supervisor in Oman with valid D/L looking for a suitable position. #99153061 or v.chandramohan@yahoo.co.uk Female Junior Architect Graduated from School of Planning & Architecture, Vijayawada. Excellence in Autocad, Sketching & Modelling. Internship - KHAM Designs, Bangalore. Presently with Atulya Architects & Associates. Email saatvika.frozenmusic@gmail.com # 00968-94057427.

Indian male 37 YEARS, BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE having More than 8yrs of experience with well exposure in PDO, DALEEL & OXY as IT SUPPORT / DESKTOP SUPPORT ENGINEER. Seeking suitable placement.

Contact rangaraj_vck@yahoo. co.in / 968-99758320 Indian Female Electronics System Eng. UK Graduate. Programmer Micro Controller Robot, Eng. Analysis, Instrumentation & Control, Eng. Projects, Integrated Circuit Eng., Electrical and Fluid Drives, Analogue Electronics, Wireless Systems. Seeking suitable post. Contact: 97848075, s.dinesh1508@gmail.com 6 YEARS EXPERIENCE HR/ Finance Indian female[29Years] MBA. On family visa, Seeking suitable placement-93908191, email:aswathi.wnd@gmail.com Indian/male (25)/ MBA/2 years experience in channel sales and distribution management. on visit visa. available for immediate joining. Contact: 96914068, E mail: mailanasap@gmail.com

We do industrial catering service canteen / mess , 3 times packed meals and all types of catering events. Contact: 92188777/99249899 Cleaning Services, Sofa, carpet shampoo old house or new house.

Contact: 92179395

Land sale in Kerala 1.65 acre land for sale at Ramapuram price 82 lakhs negotiable.# 91 9446822251 2.45 acre of land near 1 Km from MES College Erattupetta good for housing.

Price 2.45CR negotiable. Contact: 91 9446212255 / 91 9995000609 1 B/R - 890 S.FT fully furnished flat at Best Western Quepem. #97094797 Flats villas land for sale in Pune Contact: 95272138/918139098275

CHANGE OF NAME Line Liwa for Trad & Cont joint company which is recorded under the commercial register number 1040612 is going to change its legally shape from joint company ASSO to company And in accordance with Article 13 of the Commercial Companies Law No. 4/74 . This is to inform any body who concerns about that to 2 months from the date publishing this advertising.

Makarem Sohar Modren for Trad ASTD company which is recorded under the commercial register number 1040612 is going to change its legally shape from ASTD company L.L.C to company And in accordance with Article 13 of the Commercial Companies Law No. 4/74 . This is to inform any body who concerns about that to 2 months from the date publishing this advertising

Split & window A/c installation & maintenance specialist package & ducted units. Contact 98667326 Engineering Drawing preparation Service for Civil Building, Interiors, Steel Structure, Steel Equipment etc at Genuine Rate.

Contact Mb. 94052819, Email: mmanjani8@gmail.com Workshop in Muscat, Expertise in Aluminum Automatic Gates, Manual/Swing Gates, Security Grills, Louvers, Handrails, Contact Mb. 94052819, Email: mmanjani8@gmail.com Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC contact 99344723

NRI PLOT IN ‘CHENNAI’ FOR SALE 6000 Square feet plot for sale (Injambakkam, Chennai) adj to world famous ISKCON Temple Asking price INR.2.5 Crores (negotiable) Serious NRI buyers only will be entertained.

For details contact: Ameen 99620375

WĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů Θ BƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ăůů ŬŝŶĚƐ ŽĨ ƉĞƐƚ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ͘ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ Ɵ ůĞƐ ͬ MĂƌďůĞ ƉŽůŝƐŚŝŶŐ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJͬ YĞĂƌůLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗ ϵϴϴϭϰϳϯϯ ͬϵϴϴϭϰϳϰϬ ů ,ƵƐŶ ůĞĂŶŝŶŐ >͘>͘ House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC contact 99344723 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. contact 24793614/ 99314807 House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644 / 98518013 House shifting. contact 99708138 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing. Ocean center LLC.contact 99344723 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064 Split A/C servicing R.O 10 only.

Contact: 94217681 / 99210141 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476 Split & widow unit A.C servicing & maintenance.contact 93769089 / 95323517 Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. contact 93769089 / 95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing. contact 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

All MEP & Civil shop drawings. Contact : 93070771 Email : designjob2014@gmail.com

A/C Technician, cold store, freezer, chiller all kinds of A/C & refrigeration installation & service.

Contact: 92279370 / 92459357

CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

T H U R S DAY, A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 6

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

TOURS

TOURS

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTED BUSINESS Investment Required Minimum OMR 500,000 to transfer 5 Excavators big + 5 Tippers 2015 Astra, working on good profitable Excavation projects. Assured income 36 %.

98867530 / 99120532 engrfaheem@hotmail.com

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver. #99839898

MV SALE Honda CRV SUV 2008 model automatic, first registered in April 2009. Single owner, expat lady driven. 72.000 kms. agency maintained. Free service contract valid till October 2016. RO.4000/- negotiable. Serious buyers #92737854.

Rav4 Indian lady Doctor owned Pearl white May 2011 No. 2, 34,000 km under Toyota Service Contract till 2017, 4 nos. brand new tyres R.O 8000/- negotiable. #91001129

BUYING Bobcat available for rent. #97623299

ACC WANTED Looking for a villa in Amerat area.

Contact : 95405033

Buying cars for cash.#90202090

TRANSPORTATION Pick and Drop Al Khuwair to Rusayl# 96733572 / 91287470

MANPOWER

Peugeot 206, 2006 model for sale Reserve Price RO 400. #94052819, Email: mmanjani8@gmail.com Volkswagen Tiguan 2012 White 70,000Kms Expat Driven Insurance: Oct 2016 Price: Rial 7500 Contact: 95121146

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. contact 92015894

Picking and dropping any time.

Contact: 97403088 Transportation.#99508282

Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909

RENT A CAR Best Rates for Saloon Contact: 97869042 / 95730550 sales@modernreem.com

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T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 7, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS